by Aliyah Burke
Casimir placed a water in each cup holder. She glanced at it then met his gaze.
“Thanks.” They got back on the road.
That was it. Even his future wife, Jetje, would have expected him to bring her more. Not this woman. In fact, it had appeared she hadn’t wished to accept anything from him.
He uncapped his and took a long drink, utilizing the time to try and figure her out. There weren’t fluffy animals in her car. Nothing hung from the rear view. The interior smelled like her. Womanly and subtly arousing.
“Anything you want to know?”
She glanced briefly at him. “You being a shifter supposed to be a secret? Or did you not tell me because we’re divorcing?” She shook her head. “Not that I still don’t think you’re crazy about claiming we’re married,” she muttered.
He scowled and faced her. “You didn’t know me but you know I’m a shifter?”
“No, I didn’t. Markus did. He informed me. I think he was hoping I would change my mind about accompanying you.” She smiled at her statement.
Casimir didn’t like the way her smile made him feel. She wasn’t the woman for him. Those types of emotions—lust included—had no place between them.
He grunted and scrubbed a hand down his face. “I’m a shifter. Wolf.”
“Congratulations.” He looked at her and she shrugged a shoulder. “What, you said it like it was a big deal.”
Well, it kinda was. “You know shifters?”
αβ
Dyana mulled over his question as the landscape whizzed by. Know? Depends on how well he meant that by.
“I’ve met a few during my travels.”
“Your travels?”
Okay, so she wasn’t a football player, or pitching ace. Hell, she wasn’t some amazing striker either, but she was well known. A bitter knot grew in her gut. He must really not give a damn at all about me. Couldn’t even look me up a little bit.
She didn’t understand why it bothered her so much. Flicking her gaze to the rearview, she spied the SUV that had been back there for the duration of the trip. Hadn’t gone all that far but, given what she’d been through, color her suspicious.
“Yes, my travels,” she said, depressing the accelerator a bit more. The powerful Hemi responded smoothly.
“Do you like them?”
“They were nice enough.” She reached for the bottle of water he’d put in the holder only to discover his hand below hers. Withdrawing immediately, she grabbed the wheel. “Sorry.”
Casimir didn’t respond. She heard the cracking of the seal then he offered it to her without the cap. With a nod of thanks, she accepted it and quenched her thirst. When she finished, he took the half empty bottle from her, capped it, and returned it to the cup holder.
“What type of shifters were they?”
She pursed her lips as she recalled. “Keane and his friend are leopard shifters. Shira is an eagle.”
“You met an eagle shifter?”
“Yes. Why? Don’t y’all hang out together?”
“No we tend to keep to our own. Eagles are rare. What was her last name?”
She shook her head. “Nope. If they’re rare, I’m keeping that bit of info to myself.”
“How far are we going today?” She looked at him but was unable to read any expression. “I could use some food.”
She checked the rearview and side mirrors before cutting across all lanes and zipping up the exit ramp.
“What do you want?”
His penetrating light bold blue eyes seared her and at her body’s reaction—her sexual one—she cursed herself. I don’t need to be attracted to him.
She could say it as often as she wished, it would make no difference.
No way he’s attracted to me.
“Doesn’t matter.” His voice, deeper than it had been, rolled over her and reminded her yet again, how long it had been since she’d had her itch scratched.
“Fine.”
She pulled into the first fast food place they came to and parked her car, leaving the engine on. He looked at her and she bit back her irritation.
“Go get your food.”
“What about you?”
She gazed at the sign and sneered. “Nope, not eating there.”
“Then why did you come here?”
“You were whining about being hungry. So I stopped. Hurry it up, would you? I ain’t waiting all day.”
“You need to eat.”
She clenched her hands around the wheel. “And you need to get going if you want food.”
“I will eat when you do. And I don’t whine.”
Dyana rolled her eyes. “Whatever.” She left the lot and put them back on the road once more.
Darkness had fallen when she left the interstate and parked before a motel. She was exhausted. Pushing so hard when all she wanted to do was curl up in a ball and cry had come to an end. She needed to sleep.
Casimir got out and followed her into the office. He silenced her inevitable protest with nothing more than a look as he made their arrangements.
Same room.
Her heart pounded and her palms grew damp. This was probably a very stupid idea. Despite what her ovaries thought.
Keys and directions they headed for the room, parking the car before the door. She watched him swipe his bag from the backseat as she went to the trunk. Fighting tears, she hefted the case and bag back there.
He opened the room door as she set the alarm on the car. The two beds had her breathing a bit easier. Only a bit.
“Do you have a preference?” she asked.
“One closer to the door is mine.” No room for negotiation in his tone.
“Suit yourself, hoss.” She hefted her items on the other bed.
“I’m going for food.” He glared at her until she arched brow.
“Need me to hold your hand?”
The light glinted off his eyes and she knew he wasn’t amused. The wildness and danger swirled like an unrelenting storm.
“Stay put.”
He whirled around and stormed from the room, the door reverberated behind him.
“Sure thing, hoss,” she drawled, rolling her eyes.
Taking advantage of his absence, she showered and dressed in the other set of clothing she always carried in the trunk of her car. She’d rubbed her leg and was reading a book when he returned.
Damn, he looks as happy as when he left.
Casimir placed a bag in front of her. “Eat.”
She opened the bag and withdrew the Styrofoam container from within. Popping the top, she stared at the chicken enchilada and rice there, steaming. Surprisingly, she felt the stirrings of hunger.
“Thank you.” I can be nice.
He grunted and sat on the edge of his bed before moving to the headboard. Silence ranged between them as they ate. Dyana ate half then put her fork down, and wiped her mouth.
“What do you look like as a wolf?” she questioned.
He tipped his head to the side and stared at her through strands of his dirty blond hair. He blinked his insanely thick lashes. “Black.” He ate a bite of his food. “Why? Intrigued?”
“Curious.”
“Want to see?”
You naked? Oh hell yes. “Are you housebroken?” He narrowed his gaze and a low, dangerous rumbled filled the room. She bit back her mirth. “What? I don’t know and I have no wish to pay damages here because you,” she blinked, “or your wolf feels like marking your territory.”
“You think I would…” he trailed off, shaking his head. “That’s insulting.”
She shrugged as she took a bite. “Just a question.” Dyana wanted to laugh at his expression but figured it wasn’t the smartest thing to do. She didn’t say anything else just finished her meal.
Once he finished he went to the bathroom where he paused and stared at her. “Stay.” Then he walked in.
She crossed her arms and leaned back. “Think you’re mistaking which one of us is the canine, hoss,” she muttered.
Casimir stiffened and she realized he may have well heard her. He didn’t turn back nor did he shut the door entirely. She closed her eyes and tried to figure out what was going on. Why did they have to die?
Answer—they didn’t. They were dead purely because of her. Because they had worried about this guy. The one I’m currently travelling with.
Sourness filled her gut and she curled up on her side. What kind of person am I to be with this man? Why would I believe his words?
Dyana couldn’t explain what reason she had to trust—little though it was—him. She just did. Her heart ached for the loss of her friends. Her family.
The shower cutting off had her opening her eyes. She could see directly in the steam filled direction. Her breath caught when he stepped into view, clad in a pair of black pants.
That was it. There was no denying the ripple of muscles on the board expanse of his back. Wide shoulders tapered to a lean waist.
Hot damn!
He walked out, blue eyes on her making her body react in ways she had no intention of pursuing. His front as impressive—more so actually—than his back. Defined abs and impressive pectorals. His arms were cut and powerful.
She nearly rubbed against the bed but held still, refusing to give in to her base urges. His gaze darkened a bit as their gazes melded. Deep within her something stirred. A different feeling. Unique. Sensual. Powerful.
The door flew open and she turned to see two men burst in. Dyana screamed and rolled off the bed. When she rose, it was over. The men lay dead and black wolf stood over them.
Nausea churned and she rested her head on the mattress. Deep breaths. It’s all my imagination.
The hand on her shoulder scared her and she reacted, whirling and striking with her fist. Millimeters from connection Casimir captured her hand.
“I’d really prefer you not hit me. Especially there.”
She tore her gaze from his crotch, slid it over the blended hues of their skin, and up to his face. His jaw was set and flickers of fury lay in his arctic gaze.
“Are you okay?”
Dyana nodded and tried to free herself from his grip. A faultless endeavor for he refused to release her wrist. Pushing to her feet, she did her best to ignore the warm—perhaps hot—body of the half-naked shifter behind her and rotated to see the two bodies of the dead men lying there. The door had been closed, keeping the destruction private.
“Are you okay?” he repeated his question, tone gentle as she stared at the harsh view before her.
“Sure,” she whispered. “What’s not to be okay about? It’s common for me to see a man blur shape into a wolf and kill two men who’ve busted down the door.” Her stomach rebelled. “Excuse me.”
Dyana tried to get away. His grip never loosened and she turned to him with every intention of demanding he release her. She opened her mouth and lost the contents of her stomach. All over him.
His rumble filled the room and she put the back of her hand over her mouth, tears streaming from the corners of her eyes.
“Sorry,” she mumbled, seconds before doing it again.
Chapter Four
She’d puked on him. Twice. Casimir set her away from him and walked to the bathroom, stepping into the shower he’d left moments prior.
Pants and all, he stood beneath the spray. As remnants of her dinner washed from him, he thought about the two men lying out there. They had put his wife in danger.
When her scream of pure unadulterated fear filled the air, he’d had but one thing in mind. Defend what was his. Defend Dyana. Defend his wife.
Why am I standing in here and leaving her out there with the dead men?
Shower off, he stepped out and stripped off the wet pants. After wringing them out, he hung them on a bar and wrapped a towel around his waist.
He opened the door and saw her on her hands and knees, cleaning up her mess best she could. She gazed up at him, eyes widening as she took in his dress. Or lack of it. She still appeared pale and he waved her up, determined not to acknowledge the lust in her eyes.
“Go lay down,” he said gruffly. “I’ll finish.”
For a moment, he thought she’d agree. Then she shook her head. “No. I’ll clean it.”
As she continued to do so, he dressed in another pair of jeans then left the towel on the bed. “I’m going to check around. Be back in a few.”
She waved a hand without looking at him.
He went out and found their vehicle. The same SUV that had been following them earlier. Using the key he’d taken from one of them, he sat in the passenger seat and rooted through the glove box. Nothing. It was a rental and Casimir would bet his property John Smith wasn’t a real name. Not one of theirs, anyway.
Two trips and the men were lying in the surrounding woods. They would be found eventually. Casimir withdrew his cell and placed a call.
“Yes?”
“I need—”
“I hear you’re bringing your wife here. Won’t that make the girlfriend, or should I call her the affianced, most displeased?”
“Kraven,” he growled.
“So the rumors aren’t true?”
He punched the nearest tree trunk, wishing his second in command was in front of him so he could punch him instead. “I killed two tonight who kicked in my hotel door.”
“Who?” All elements of joviality vanished like a puff of smoke.
“Don’t know, but this is the second attempt since I’ve met her.”
“Meaning?”
“Her house blew up.” Kraven gave a low whistle. “She lost her two best friends.”
“You want me to send protection? I told you, you shouldn’t go without any. I should have been with you.”
“No. I want you to make sure you keep this contained. I want no one to know. But since we’re coming there, be prepared.”
“You got it. Are you okay?”
He stared at the room door and approached. “I will be once this entire fiasco is over.” Casimir opened the door. “I’ll keep you posted.” He hung up and stared at the busted door. This was an older place and they used actual keys. Casimir backed away and approached her vehicle, before checking with his heightened senses for explosives. Nothing.
Back at the room, he entered and paused. It was all clean and he could barely pick up on the scent of blood, it had been replaced by soap. Dyana hummed from the bathroom before she left. She fell silent when she saw him.
He stared at her until she dropped her gaze. Without a word she went to her bed and sat. Casimir noticed how her attention continued to drift to the door.
“You can sleep.” Her skeptical gaze found him. “I’ll stay awake.”
She licked her lips before slipping beneath the blanket and putting her back to him. He settled on his bed, turned off the light, and got ready for a long night.
He watched her until morning as the first rays of sun penetrated the curtains and subsequently the room. She lay on her side, as innocent as she’d appeared at her house the night he slumbered beneath her window.
She didn’t slowly come awake, it happened suddenly. Between heartbeats.
“Morning,” he said from where he sat in the chair across from her.
“So much for that being a nightmare.” She rolled off the bed and disappeared into the bathroom, limping. When she emerged five minutes later, her face was set and he couldn’t read her. “Let’s go.”
He rose as she hefted that large bag with ease and went to her car. Her bag went in the back before she slid behind the wheel.
“Would you like to eat?”
“Sure.” Her voice had no emotion.
She stopped at the office and he returned the key.
Dyana left immediately. At a gas station, she got some coffee but no food. He frowned.
“Sleep,” she said. “You were up all night.”
Casimir reclined the seat back. He was tired, he’d spent the night trying to make sense of who wanted her dead. And why. He didn’t ask her ho
w she knew, merely closed his eyes as music filled the interior. Casimir dozed but came to when her phone rang.
Ranger calling. That’s what the car said.
“Hey, Ranger,” Dyana greeted him.
“Hey, beautiful. I heard about Regina and Shyla. Arrow, I’m sorry.”
Casimir watched her, turning his head for ease of viewing.
“Thanks. It’s been hard.” She touched a finger to the corner of her eye. “How are you?”
“Missing you.”
The smile on her face didn’t sit well with him. She made a noncommittal sound. “Miss you too.”
“I’m coming to see you in California.”
Her smile was brilliant. “Wonderful. I can’t wait to see you. It will be good to be surrounded by those I care about.”
“That goes double for me, babe.”
Casimir sat up at the familiar rumble of a male leopard in his prime. Sexual desire laced the man’s tone and he responded. The leopard fell quiet.
“Babe?”
“Yes, Ranger.” She didn’t seem to have heard them.
“You alone?”
“Nope. Travelling to Washington with a Casimir Lars to take care of some paperwork.”
“Casimir Lars?”
“Yes. Apparently my grandparents did some things which I have to undo and whatnot. Nothing important.”
Casimir sat up full and tapped his fingers on one thigh. Who was this Ranger? Did he have feelings toward his wife? Not important? Seriously?
“Be careful, babe. I’ll see you in California.” A warning rumble reached him and it took everything in him not to respond in kind. He was an alpha and didn’t respond well to threats.
“I will be and yes, see you there.” Their call disconnected.
“Who is he to you?” Casimir demanded.
“None ya.”
He angled his head to the side. “None ya?”
“None ya damn business.”
“Tell me.” His words fell on a low thread of command. The tone he used and received instant obedience from his pack.
“No.”
“No?” What is it about her that makes her have little to no regard for my orders?
“I get it. You’re used to this instant compliance”—she whipped around a large RV who had a child’s face pressed up against a window—“from your pack. But you came to me—got that order—you came to me for a divorce. I’m not pack.”
