by Jinx Neale
Faith quietly pushed up the sash and dropped the case onto the ground, sliding through the window after it. She rounded the side of the house, where the battered little car she didn’t bother to lock sat beside Zane’s truck. Faith eased the door open and threw her case on the front seat, shutting the door as quietly as possible. She put a hand in her pocket, fumbling for her keys and coming up empty. Where the hell were her keys? Faith searched desperately through her purse. Had she dropped them? Faith bent to check the floor. Suddenly, someone knocked on the car window. Faith reared up, striking her head on the steering wheel. “Damn it.”
Zane stood by the door, her keys dangling from his finger.
She rolled down the window. “Give them to me.”
“No. Get out of the car.”
Faith pressed her lips together. She was done taking orders from this infuriating man. “No.”
“Have it your way, sweetheart.” Zane opened the door and hauled her out of the car.
“What the hell are you doing?”
Zane slung her over his shoulder, grabbed the bag, and slammed the car door shut. “I think it’s time you and I got a few things straight.” He strode back to the house and climbed the steps to the open back door.
What did that even mean? Faith had the sinking sensation she’d bitten off a whole lot more than she was prepared to chew.
* * *
Zane walked across the room and dumped Faith on the couch. She stared at him furiously, her breasts heaving in outrage. He took a moment to admire the view before sitting down beside her. Damn, she was pretty. Faith leaped up, but he caught her arm and pulled her over his knee.
“What the hell are you doing?” she fumed.
“Setting a few ground rules.” Zane gave her a hard smack on her bottom that must have stung despite the cloth barrier between them.
“Get off me!” Faith screeched, trying to struggle off his lap.
“Don’t think so. You need to learn that I’m in charge and I aim to keep you safe.” Zane pressed his hand against the small of her back, holding her in place, and spanked her again, enjoying the firm, round shape of her ass. “Settle down, Faith.”
“No!”
“Have it your way.” Zane pulled down her leggings, exposing a silky thong lodged between two luscious cheeks. He smacked her bottom, watching the firm flesh jiggle beneath his hand.
“Stop it!”
“No,” Zane told her. He spanked one round globe and then the other, admiring the bright pink of her skin as it heated beneath his hand. She would look gorgeous with her ass spanked red, but he’d go easy on her this first time. Faith kicked out in protest.
“Ah, ah. None of that now, you bad little girl.” He tucked both her legs beneath his thigh, angling her body to receive his next stroke. “Quit struggling, Faith. It’ll go easier for you if you don’t fight me.”
“So not going to happen,” Faith flung at him over her shoulder. “Ow! Damn it.” Her complaints kept pouring out as he spanked her steadily. He couldn’t help sliding one finger beneath the thong, tempted by the dark, inviting crease beneath.
“Get the hell off me, you freaking barbarian,” Faith said between her teeth.
Zane chuckled and gave her another five smacks, just to hear her squawk. Then he pulled up her pants and helped Faith to stand, holding her between his thighs. Her face was flushed, her hair falling loose.
“Now, let’s go over this again. You are not safe, alone in this house. I want you to be safe. So, you will come home with me until I have the situation with Lynch sorted. Clear?”
“You are not my keeper,” Faith said resentfully.
“When, clearly, you need one.”
“How dare you?” Her beautiful dark eyes glowed almost black with temper.
Zane shook her gently. “So, what was your great plan? Take off in your car and drive until you run out of money or Lynch finds you?”
“I… damn you!” Faith refused to meet his gaze. “Get out of my house.”
Zane heard the lack of conviction in her last demand. Faith was scared, yet still fighting off any attempt to help her.
“Oh, I plan to, right after you finish packing that bag. It feels a little light.” Zane tugged on a lock of her hair. “You’ll need some warm clothes.”
Faith fumed in silence, her face pink with temper. She was adorable.
“You have fifteen minutes,” he told her sternly.
She gulped, swore, and dashed down the hall to her room, while Zane smothered a laugh. He did love a feisty woman. And the feel of his hand on her bottom… he could hardly wait until she misbehaved again.
Zane heard Faith slamming drawers and then, a muffled screech. “What happened?” he called out.
“I banged my thumb. Your fault for rushing me.”
He strolled down the hall to find Faith hastily packing, her lips compressed with anger. Oh, it would be a pleasure taming her.
“How’s your headache?”
“What?” Faith eyed him resentfully. “Oh, it’s better.”
“Good. That fresh mountain air should help.”
Faith straightened, hands on her hips. She glared at him. “You are the bossiest man I have ever met.”
“You’ll learn to love me.” He grinned at her.
“Doubtful.” But a reluctant smile teased the edge of her lips. Those lush pink lips that promised so much pleasure.
“Faith, I’m just trying to help you out. Once things get straightened out with Lynch, I’ll drive you home myself.”
She bit her lip and he stifled a groan, imaging that plump flesh between his own teeth.
“I promise, Faith.”
She was wavering, he could feel it. “I know you think I’m a pain in the ass and hell, I probably am.” Zane scrubbed a frustrated hand through his hair. “But I can’t leave you alone when you are clearly in trouble. It’s not a reflection on your smarts or your strength. I just have more experience with this kind of thing. You don’t have to do everything on your own.”
“I suppose. It’s just that…”
Zane curbed his impatience. “What, Faith?”
“I’ve always had to do just that. Rely on myself and deal with my own problems.”
“Always?”
“Pretty much. Look, you don’t want to hear my sad stories. I’ll concede that you are better equipped to deal with Alton. So, if you want to take him on, then I’ll accept your help with thanks. But I don’t have to put you out by staying at your home. I have to look for a job. My rent and the other bills are not going to pay for themselves.”
“Granted. But you can stay with me for a couple of days. When I’ve dealt with Lynch, your life continues as before.”
Still, she hesitated. Damn, she was a stubborn woman.
“Please, Faith. If I’ve made your situation worse by challenging Lynch, then at least give me the time to fix it.”
“Fine.”
“Really?”
She rolled her eyes. “Yes, really.” She bent to zip up her bag.
Zane’s fingers tingled. He couldn’t wait to spank her again and God knows she seemed like she would be giving him every opportunity to do so.
“Do you have a problem with authority?”
Faith straightened, eyeing him with suspicion. “Not really. Why?”
“Because you don’t seem to want do what you are told.”
Her color rose again. “You are not the boss of me.”
“Oh, Faith.” He shook his head. “You are so going to owe me for that.”
“What does that mean?” she asked, resentment lending her voice an edge.
“You’ll see,” he told her cheerfully. “Let’s get going.” Zane hoisted her bag and ushered her out of the room. This was going to be interesting.
Chapter Three
Faith leaned against the window as the truck wound its way out of town and into the mountains towering above them. She took a deep breath. The air just felt better, smelled sweeter up here. She glan
ced over at Zane as he drove, his large, tanned hand changing gears with easy competence, and shivered at the memory of how that same hand had felt on her skin. Faith had fussed and fumed at the man, outraged at his easy assumption of authority, concealing how much his touch had aroused her. Her bottom was still a little sore, but it didn’t compare to the fire of desire Zane had kindled in her veins. It had been so long since she was touched—and no one had ever touched her like him. As if he already owned her. As if he truly cared about her. She shuffled in her seat and Zane sent her a grin. He knew what she was feeling and he liked it. Damn him.
“You don’t have to look so pleased with yourself.”
Zane’s brow arched over one ice-blue eye. “I’m pleased because you have allowed me to protect you. I will honor your trust with my life.”
Faith blinked away her sudden tears, hiding the rush of emotions his words evoked. He was too good to be true. “And here I thought you were looking so happy because you smacked my ass.”
Zane’s smile grew broader, his eyes dancing with mischief. “That, too.”
Impossible man. Faith remembered being over his lap, helpless, while his heavy hand scoured her bottom. The whole incident had unleashed a torrent of swirling emotions. Fear, anger, confusion—and desire. Every time his hand had landed, the impact had been devastating, stripping away her guise of independence and strength. Under his hand, she had become the scared little girl she used to be. And his discipline, his care, said that was okay. She could be scared, she could be vulnerable, and, still, he cared enough to punish her for her own good. Was it wrong that his hard hand on her ass felt so right?
The truck took a last sharp curve and turned into a graveled drive. Zane jumped out and took her bag from the back seat, before opening her door. Faith stepped down from the truck and took a deep, appreciative sniff. The cold air was sharp and full of the fragrance of autumn. Zane’s cabin perched high on a ridge overlooking a swiftly running creek, surrounded by maples and pines. The cedar planking had been allowed to weather to a soft pewter, blending into the scenery.
Dropping her bag on the hood, Zane stretched, raising his arms over his head. Faith eyed the play of muscles along his back and arms revealed by his tee shirt. His physical presence was overwhelming. Zane turned his head to find her watching and his gaze heated. She grabbed her bag, ignoring the way her body reacted to him so strongly—beyond his obvious appeal. There was something different about this man, something that stirred her blood.
“Come on, little one, let’s get you safe inside. You’ve had a rough day.” Zane held out his hand, waiting patiently for her to slip her fingers into his. His strong hand engulfed her own, making her feel at once fragile and protected. Her feelings confused her. She was a modern woman, wasn’t she? She didn’t need what Zane was offering. His fingers tightened on hers, as if he knew what she was thinking. He drew her toward the cabin, the wide porch welcoming.
Faith’s eyes were drawn to the climbing roses framing the front door. “It’s beautiful.”
He smiled down at her as they walked up the steps. “Thank you. It was a tricky location to build on, but it turned out all right.”
“You mean you built this?”
“With my dad and brother.”
Faith was quiet, overwhelmed by the presence of this beautiful, talented man. A man like him could never want a girl like her—a former foster child, drifting from town to town, with no job, no goals, no family. Enough self-pity, she scolded herself silently.
Zane nudged her playfully with one shoulder. “Impressed?”
“By you?” Faith shrugged. Zane’s eyes glinted. “But it’s a great house,” she added hastily.
“Sassy,” he whispered in her ear as he led her through the front door. His warm breath stirred her hair and Faith shivered. His hand tightened for a moment before he let her go. A wave of dizziness weakened her knees. She stumbled over the threshold.
“Faith!”
Zane plucked her off her feet and swung her into his strong arms.
“I’m fine, just a little dizzy.”
Zane swore. “I should have made you eat more of your breakfast.” He dumped her on a chair and walked over to the fridge. “Low blood sugar.” He poured her a glass of orange juice and brought it over. “Here, drink this.”
She accepted the glass and sipped the fresh-pressed juice, as Zane hunkered down in front of the fireplace and quickly built a fire. The crackle and warmth of the flames was soothing and Faith slid back in the chair with a sigh of relief.
“Thank you.”
Zane shook his head. “I should have taken better care of you.”
“Zane, stop. I’m fine. I think it might be flu or something. I’ve been having these symptoms since I arrived back in town.”
“What kind of symptoms?”
“Headaches and dizziness. I don’t seem to have much of an appetite.”
Zane frowned. “Have you seen a doctor?”
“Last week. He did some tests. He thought it might be stress over moving back here.” Faith hesitated. “Before I moved to Tilney Mills as a teenager, my experiences in foster homes weren’t the greatest. I spent a lot of time acting out, but my foster mother here, Martha, had a lot of patience. I found that I loved being in the mountains. After I left, I moved around a lot—Rochester, Albany, New York City—but I never felt at home anywhere else. When my foster mom died, I came back for the funeral and realized I actually missed the place.”
“And Lynch?”
“I saw him at the Red Pony two nights ago. He came on hot and heavy just like he used to, and I wasn’t interested. Alton didn’t like that too much.”
Zane snorted. “No kidding. You know, I really hate that guy.”
Faith sighed. “Join the club.”
“Don’t worry about Lynch anymore. Now, let’s get you fed.” He opened the fridge. “How do you feel about waffles?”
“I’m really not that hungry.”
Zane plucked a wooden spoon from a holder on the counter. “Not what I asked. Plain or buttermilk?”
“Is that even a real question?”
Zane pointed the spoon at her. “Buttermilk it is, then.”
Faith relaxed by the fire while he whipped up the best waffles Faith had ever eaten, smothered in maple syrup. Afterward she dozed on the couch, and Zane cleaned up in the kitchen. A soft knock on the door made Faith reluctantly open her eyes.
“How is she?”
A feminine voice. She should stand up and say hello. But sleep pulled her beneath the surface again and her eyes closed.
* * *
“Mom, come in.” Zane ushered his mother into the kitchen. “Faith seems better now. She ate and fell asleep by the fire.”
“Good. From what you told me, it sounds like sleep is the best thing for her.”
Zane picked up the pot. “Coffee?”
“Please.” Janet sat down at the table and folded her hands. “Those symptoms Faith is having—you know what they sound like.”
Zane nodded as he poured out their coffee. “Pre-shift syndrome. But that usually occurs during adolescence.”
Janet added cream to her cup. “For a full-blooded wolf. If your Faith has mixed blood, it would explain the late onset, as well as her scent.”
Zane whistled. “I don’t think she has any idea. Should I tell her?”
“Only if you want her to run screaming into the woods,” Janet said dryly. “Faith needs time to acclimate. Being near the pack should help.”
Zane blew out a breath. “Okay, we’ll play it your way.” He fiddled with a teaspoon, not meeting his mother’s eyes. “I’m worried about her. She’s been through a lot.”
Janet touched his hand lightly. “And you want to take care of her.”
“Mom.”
“There’s nothing wrong with that,” Janet told him gently. “The girl needs help and you want to help her.” She gave her son a shrewd look. “Unless there’s more to it than that.”
“
I need a refill.” Zane rose and walked over to the coffeepot. As if he could hide anything from his mother.
“What’s bothering you?”
Zane turned around and leaned against the counter, hands dug into his pockets. “I’m confused about the way Faith makes me feel.” Desires and emotions that he could never explain to his mother. “What if she’s not a wolf? Then my feelings won’t matter.”
“Feelings always matter, honey. They aren’t wrong or right, they just are. And then you have to deal with them.”
“That’s the problem,” he muttered.
“Men,” Janet said tartly.
“Mom.”
Janet threw up her hands. “Fine, I’m going. I’m headed home.”
Zane glanced over at the sleeping Faith. “I’ll take you.”
“No need. Your father is picking me up in the Jeep.” Janet smiled. “He spoils me.”
“Well, you deserve to be spoiled,” Zane declared.
Janet laughed and kissed him on the cheek before slipping through the back door. Faith hadn’t stirred. Zane walked over to look at her. Her hands were folded under one cheek, like a child. A wave of tenderness shook him. Why did she have this effect on him? She was just a pretty girl, whom he’d rescued from a sticky situation.
So why did he have this overwhelming need to protect her? Faith was no delicate flower, but an independent woman forging her own way in the world. Once he got rid of Alton Lynch permanently, they could go their separate ways. As to her puzzling heritage, it wasn’t his problem. True, wolves of mixed blood didn’t often have happy endings. Neither fully human or fully shifter, they generally led isolated lives, never quite fitting into either world. He didn’t want that for Faith. Whatever her history, whoever her parents were, these things weren’t Faith’s fault.
Zane wanted to help her, but, frankly, he didn’t know how. His father was alpha of their pack and Zane was considered his successor—if he was strong enough to keep that position once it became his. A position that wouldn’t be strengthened by a half-breed mate who couldn’t shift. The pack would never accept her. And, as pack alpha, he would have to abide by their wishes. The survival of the pack would be his priority, no matter what. He would be expected to sacrifice anything to achieve that, including his own happiness.
