by Michelle Fox
She narrowed her eyes at the big man, but he pretended not to notice. Maybe was a crap answer, and they both knew it, but she didn’t press the issue. Not yet anyway. She finished her coffee and poured more. My life is going to hell in a very strange hand basket, that’s for sure. With false cheer, she asked, “So, what’s next?”
“I need a ride to my camp.” He gestured to the towel around his waist. “I need clothes.”
“Agreed.” Being close to a half-naked Tao was like staring at a piece of chocolate you weren’t supposed to eat. “I’ll take you.”
“And I’d like to stay close-by to keep an eye on you. I don’t want you running into my brother alone.”
“I don’t want to meet him at all,” she said flatly.
His expression became solemn and his eyes darkened until they almost lost their blue. “We’re past the point of no return on that, Audrey.”
She heaved a sigh. “All right, you can camp out back.” While she had a guest room, she wasn’t quite ready to invite the man to live with her. Not with all his crazy talk.
She didn’t really understand what was happening, but, if Tao wanted to protect her, she wouldn’t say no. Something was going on, that much she knew. Having someone watch her back seemed necessary. If only her protector wasn’t also the guy saying ‘I’m a werewolf and you’re about to join the club.’
***
After breakfast, Audrey and Tao climbed into her truck and she drove him to his campsite located in one of the park system’s public camping grounds. He ducked into his tent and emerged a moment later dressed in a pair of tight jeans and an even tighter t-shirt. Then he packed up his gear, which consisted of a tent and a small duffle bag of clothes, quickly tossing everything into the back of her pick-up. Unlike most campers, he had no cooler full of food or cooking supplies.
“What have you been eating out here?” she asked him, as he settled into the passenger seat of her truck.
He pulled on his seat belt. “Rabbits, mostly.”
Audrey did a double take. “What?”
He gave her a puzzled look. “I’m a wolf. I hunt. Saves me from having to spend money at the grocery store.”
She made a face. “That’s horrible.”
“It’s the nature of things.”
Audrey shook her head and gripped the steering wheel firmly as she backed out of the campsite. “No. Just no.” It was one thing to entertain the idea of becoming a werewolf, another to face the thought of being a werewolf who ate rabbits. Raw and uncooked rabbits. Oh, God.
He arched a skeptical eyebrow. “What? You don’t eat burgers? Steak? Chicken? What’s the difference?”
“I’m a vegetarian,” she said tightly, accelerating down the road a little faster than required. A stop sign came up out of nowhere and she slammed the brakes, throwing them both against their seatbelts.
Tao put out a protective hand to hold her back. “Whoa. Easy, Audrey. You don’t have to eat anything you don’t want to.”
“But you will. I-I can’t watch.” She flushed, thinking she sounded juvenile. People ate meat all the time around her. She’d learned to ignore it, but the thought of having to stand by and watch Tao run down a live, terrified rabbit was too much to bear. Did he rip its throat out? Would the blood spray? Her stomach turned.
“Sh.” He rubbed her shoulder. “It’s okay. One thing at a time. Who knows?” His mouth quirked in a smile. “You might feel differently when you’re a wolf.”
She shuddered and screwed up her face in an expression of disgust. “You mean I won’t be able to control myself?”
He held up a hand. “I didn’t say that. Just don’t be surprised if things are different, that’s all.”
“They won’t be different.” She clenched her teeth and yanked the truck in a right turn onto the main road. They both lurched with her choppy driving.
“If you say so,” he said amicably. Pointing to the clock in her truck, he added, “It’s eleven already. I’m up for an early lunch. You hungry?”
Audrey gave him the stink eye. Seriously? The guy talking about eating raw rabbit meat had segued from that into wanting lunch? All she wanted was to puke and maybe run home, jump into bed and pull the covers over her head so the monsters wouldn’t know she was there. Out loud she said, “Fine. There’s a place in Glen Vine I like. Antonio’s Tavern.”
“Great. I’ll treat now that I have my wallet.” He patted his front jean pocket for emphasis.
“You don’t have to do that,” she protested.
“It’s the least I can do. You saved me last night and you’ve taken some pretty rough news like a champ. Let me be nice to you.”
She smiled at him. He thought she was a champ. That pleased her. “Okay, but you have to eat off the vegetarian menu.”
His eyes widened. “What?”
She huffed. “Well, you’re the one who brought up all the rabbit gore. If you eat meat now, I won’t be able to see anything but raw baby rabbit on your plate.”
“I don’t eat the babies. They’re too small and I’m a werewolf, not a monster.” He sounded defensive.
Audrey shrugged, unimpressed. “Doesn’t matter.” She tapped her temple with one finger. “Seriously, there’s a parade of bloody rabbits dancing through my head, no thanks to you. You’ll ruin my appetite.”
Tao heaved a sigh and drummed his fingers on his knee. Finally, he said, “Okay. I can suck it up for one meal. But--” he raised his hand. “This is a one-time deal.”
She scoffed at him. “No, it’s not. I hate to break it to you, wolf man, but if you’re staying on my property, you’re not eating meat.”
“What am I supposed to eat?” He sounded exasperated and she almost felt sorry for him. Almost, but not quite. She felt sorrier for the rabbits of Northern Michigan. Poor bunnies.
“Tofu. Fruit. Vegetables. Bread. Soy cheese.”
“Tofu?” His voice ratcheted up to a higher octave, one that implied horror.
She slowed to a stop at another stop sign. They were on the cusp of Glen Vine’s city limits now. The scenery changed from beachfront forest to cozy little shops and expensive art galleries. “For your information, I make an awesome tofu taco salad.”
Tao crossed his arms. “I’ll believe it when I see it.”
Audrey glanced at him. Was he pouting? “Deal.”
“Deal? What deal? I didn’t make any deal.” He made a helpless gesture with his hands, knowing he’d already lost the fight.
“I’ll make you tofu taco salad, and if it’s good, you stop eating rabbits. That’s the deal.” There, she’d given him an out. Or at least the illusion of one. No one had ever failed to love her tofu taco salad. Fresh guacamole and salsa were her secret weapons.
“It won’t be good,” he said, glum. Then cheering up, he added, “But if you want to make a bet you can’t win, I’m game.” He held out his hand.
She arched an eyebrow as she took his hand and shook it. Warmth pulsed from his hand to hers, sending a pleasant tingle up her arm. Once again, Audrey became hyper aware of his good looks and the sheer size of his presence. Tao was a hell of a male specimen, even if he did rip the heads off rabbits. She found herself hoping he would like more than her cooking.
“We’ll see. I have confidence in my cooking skills.” She pulled into a parking spot in front of the white-washed black shuttered building that housed Antonio’s Tavern. “We’re here.”
On their way into the restaurant, Audrey bit back a laugh. Tao walked like a man doomed to die. His shoulders slumped and he all but dragged his feet. The mischievous smile on his face told her he was exaggerating for effect. Although the soulful look in his eyes said he was half serious, too. Audrey just shook her head. Tao was probably strong enough to bench press a car. She doubted a few vegetables would bring him low.
With a wide smile, she opened the door. “After you.”
Chapter Six
Inside the tavern, they sat at a table in the middle of the room. The crowd was light, a
s the lunch rush had yet to start. Looking over the menu, Audrey pointed out several vegetarian options she thought the big man sitting across from her would like. “There’s a vegetable and rice soup.”
Tao grimaced. “Probably tastes like grass.”
She gave him a look. “You’re speaking from experience, I take it.”
He nodded.
“Do you have any control over what you do when you’re,” she leaned toward him and lowered her voice, “you know, in your other form?”
“Yeah. I know who I am and what I’m doing. I’m still me, just with stronger instincts.”
That puzzled her. “So you’re saying you choose to eat grass?” This werewolf thing kept getting stranger by the minute. From turning hairy, to eating animals, to eating grass like salad. How anyone could like being a werewolf escaped her understanding.
“Well, yeah. Especially after,” he paused, clearing his throat, “you know, eating things.”
“You mean animals you’ve hunted,” she said sharply."Poor, sweet, innocent animals who never did you wrong." It made her heart hurt just to think of it. Bunnies had such wide-eyed innocence and trusting souls. They didn't deserve to meet their end on the tips of a werewolf's fangs.
Tao suddenly became very interested in the college pennants hanging from the ceiling. Antonio’s Tavern’s decor had a sports theme with a heavy emphasis on college football.
“Tao,” Audrey prompted.
“Uh, yeah. It settles the stomach. If you get fresh grass, it can even be sweet.” Tao made a face. “Although usually we get sour or dried out grass.” Then he grinned at her, eyes twinkling. “Don’t tell me the vegetarian is going to be picky about grass, too?”
She squared her shoulders. “No. I didn’t say that. It’s just unexpected.” Considering the whole rabbit thing, eating grass was the least of her concerns. Although she couldn’t say she was exactly thrilled about it either.
“Well, don’t knock it until you try it.” He pushed back his chair. “Order me the portabella burger, will you?”
“Sure.” She watched as he stood, his tall frame seeming to take forever to reach its full height. “Where are you going?”
“There’s an ATM across the street there.” He pointed out the window. “I’m going to grab some cash while we’re in town. I’ll be right back. Is that okay?”
“Yeah, sure.” She waved him off.
Tao ducked as his head hit a pennant and then sauntered off, leaving her alone. Audrey caught herself watching his firm backside as he went. A flush heated her cheeks as her mind flashed again to what he looked like naked. As long as she lived, she would never forget the moment he’d stepped from the cage in all his naked glory. She could be a hundred-years-old and she would still be thinking about Tao. He was not the kind of man a woman forgot. Ever. In the dementia of her old age, she just knew she would babble about him endlessly.
“Heya, Audrey. How’s it going?” Lori, one of the waitresses, bustled over with a big smile. Heavy makeup highlighted her eyes and lips and her bottle blonde hair had been pulled back in a loose bun. Nodding toward the window, which provided a view of Tao jogging across the street, she asked, “Who’s that hunk of man with you?”
Heat burned Audrey’s cheeks. For the first time, she became aware that she’d attracted attention showing up with Tao. A group of waitresses loitered by the bar, talking amongst themselves and shooting curious looks her way. They were used to her coming into the tavern. She was a regular customer, after all, but usually she came alone or with the other park rangers.
In the small community of Glen Vine, Audrey wasn’t exactly known for hot dates. She also wasn’t the only one who knew the fat girl didn’t get the hot guy. Resisting the urge to duck under the table and hide, she said simply, “A friend.”
Lori gave her a knowing look as she pulled a pencil out of her bun. Whipping out her order pad, she flipped through to a new page. “I’d love a friend like that. Where’d you meet him?”
“Work,” Audrey said and then she quickly changed the subject by giving Lori their order. After that, the waitress mercifully left her alone, although Audrey didn’t miss the fact that she went over to fill in the other girls on what she’d learned.
Audrey pretended not to notice and stared at the menu with fierce concentration. Thanks to a smidgen of Irish blood that hardly seemed like it should count, she knew her neck had become blotchy while her cheeks could probably out red an apple.
“Hello,” came a husky voice somewhere above her.
Audrey startled at the sound and looked up from her menu to see a sandy blond man with bright green eyes standing to the side of the table. He settled in the chair across from her, plucking the menu from her hands and setting it aside.
“Excuse me?”
At her surprised look, he chuckled. “You don’t recognize me, do you?” He tapped the side of his nose. “Why don’t you see if you remember my scent? Go on. Take a deep breath.”
Audrey did as he asked and caught the faint smell of...fur? And...blood? “I-I’m sorry, I don’t know you and you don’t smell like anyone I’ve met before.”
He snapped his teeth at her. “How’s your bite? Tingling much?”
Audrey’s jaw dropped. “You’re Nick?” He was awfully good looking for someone who changed into a wolf and ran around biting innocent women. Now that she thought about it, he did bear a passing resemblance to Tao in terms of body build and facial features. It had been the blond coloring that threw her off; Tao’s was dark as obsidian at midnight.
“I see you know my name. I assume I have my brother to thank for that?” At the mention of Tao, he flushed and his eyes hardened.
Audrey just nodded, not knowing what else to say.
“Where is Tao? I can smell his scent.” Nick scanned the room.
“Across the street,” Audrey said, pointing to where Tao now stood in front of the ATM that sat outside the only convenience store (and pizza joint) in Glen Vine.
That made him smile. “Ah, so we have some time then.” He grabbed her hand and caressed the back of her knuckles with his thumb. “Sorry, but I didn’t catch your name the other day.” He stared intently into her eyes.
“Audrey.” She pulled against his hand, but he held firm. “Why did you bite me?”
“Because you looked good enough to eat, Audrey.” He released her hand and leaned back in his chair. “And you smell good. Real good.”
She glared at him.“So does that mean Bob smelled bad?”
“Bob?” He raised an eyebrow. “I don’t know any Bobs.”
“The guy in the house. You killed him, right?”
Nick cocked his head and regarded her silently for a moment, as if she’d surprised him. Finally, he said, “Oh, his name was Bob? He was a problem. Tracking me all over the place and setting traps. I needed him out of the way.”
“That’s murder,” she said, her voice flat. Audrey struggled to contain the panicked horror she felt at sitting across from a murderer. A man who could kill someone and not even care.
Nick just shrugged, unconcerned.
“I don’t want to be...” She trailed off and looked around the restaurant, worried about being overheard. The waitresses were watching them, openly curious about hunk number two. Ha. If only they knew the truth. Whispering, she said, “Whatever you are and you don’t own me either.”
“You can fight me, Audrey, but you can’t win. Bob fought me and look what happened to him. You’re mine to claim now.” He beckoned her over to him. “Come, give me a kiss.”
She shook her head. “No, absolutely not.”
He went deathly still and stared at her, his green eyes gleaming like cold, polished stone. A compulsion hit Audrey, hard as a stone wall, forcing a grunt from her at the impact. It yanked her out of her chair and forward with a stiff lurch. She fought as hard as she could, her muscles straining until she thought they might snap, but she couldn’t keep herself from going to him.
He’s controlling
me! I can’t stop myself! Sweat beaded on her forehead and her breathing quickened. Excitement gleamed in Nick’s eyes as he watched her try to resist and fail. From the way he smirked, she could tell he was enjoying himself.
I hope I puke on him.
Audibly gagging, she leaned down and pressed her lips on his. His mouth opened and he forced his tongue into hers, one hand going to the back of her head, holding her firmly in place as he explored her mouth.
After a long moment, he released her. “Mmm. You taste as good as I thought you would. I can’t wait to make you mine.”
And just like that, the compulsion evaporated. Audrey staggered back, moving away from him as fast as she could. Collapsing into her chair, she wiped her mouth with a napkin, frantic to remove any traces of Nick on her skin. Revulsion churned in her stomach. I’ve just kissed a cold-blooded murderer. Ew. Ew. Ew.
Nick stood then and moved to stand next to her, his height looming like a dark cloud despite his sunny looks. Bending down to her ear, he whispered, “When your first moon comes, you won’t even be able to protest. Everything I say will be your desire and I will take you as my mate.” He tucked her hair behind her ear, fingers lingering on her neck.
Audrey shivered but remained silent, too horrified to speak.
“Enjoy what little time you have left as a human. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to do my part to make sure you’re not the only new wolf to greet the full moon.”
Audrey’s jaw dropped and her eyes went wide as she processed his words. She wanted to scream, to call the police, to do something to stop this madness, but Nick was gone before she could decide on a course of action.
Sudden anger burned through her. How dare he do that to her? Did he think she was just going to roll over on his say so? She wasn’t his to claim and she sure as hell wasn’t his mate. Jumping from her seat, Audrey ran after the bastard. She wasn’t going to let him get away, but when she burst out of the restaurant, he was nowhere to be found.
Shielding her eyes from the sun, she tried to spot him, but the quaint streets of Glen Vine only held pudgy middle-aged tourists wearing flip-flops and red faces from too much sun. Audrey went to the center of the road, turning in a slow circle, hoping to spot him. She sniffed the air, but smelled nothing.
