“Shit, you need to shift back. The cops are here.” Panic filled his voice which made her nervous. “Imagine yourself...” He stopped. Angie remembered the words from her childhood and focused. Her body shrank, and a shiver ran down her spine from the cold.
She grabbed her jeans and yanked them up. Her bra, underwear and shirt were shredded beyond repair but he had managed to save her coat, well more like a jacket considering she had lived in the south for a while.
Another shiver ran through her as she pulled it on and met Hector’s gaze.
“What?” She rubbed her hands up and down her arms. Her body was a few degrees warmer but being naked in the cold snow with everything damp made it hard to warm up. She loved the temp spike with her new wolf though. Before, she would be shaking like crazy, but now the cold was more manageable.
“You’re amazing.” He leaned forward and his lips met hers. Heat pooled in her body from the short kiss. Angie may have been a virgin, but she had kissed guys before. Yet nothing in her past compared to how her body instantly reacted to him. “Come on, let’s get out of the cold.”
“That sounds wonderful.” She zipped up her coat and kept close to Hector. She couldn’t believe she imprinted and became a wolf all on her birthday. Every moment of this day was seared into her brain.
They climbed up to the main road where a police car, ambulance and tow truck were pulling up. What a relief. She felt much better now that she had a wolf to help heal her. Her head hurt but nowhere near the pain from before. She wondered how Hector felt about the imprint. What if he doesn’t want to complete the bond? We will both lose our wolves if he doesn’t want me. The cold wind whipped at her face yet the fear chilled her more. The deep fear of inadequacy ate away at her resolve.
The officer asked her a few questions before moving on to Hector and a paramedic checked her out. Hector had his phone in his pocket during the crash but Angie realized she didn’t have her bag. She turned to go grab it but flames licked the whole cab of the pickup. Well wolf-fucking-tastic.
“I’m so sorry about your truck.” The flames licked the metal frame.
“Don’t worry about it. I should have known better than to pull off here. My friend Drake is on his way to drive you back to your hotel.” He tapped on his phone some more then looked back up at her. His phone beeped and he glanced down. Angie finally regained enough sense to say something.
“What about you?” Dread filled her body. Only hours had passed since she had met him and minutes since the imprint connected them, but she couldn’t imagine walking away from him. Now her new wolf itched to get even closer to him. She wouldn’t call it love, but the attraction levels were off the damn charts. You’re a fucking mess and he probably wants more. Self-doubt crept deep into her mind.
“I have to stay here with my truck until they pull it out.” He motioned to the pile of metal. “But as soon as it’s out my buddy will come back to get me.”
A new black pickup truck pulled up and Drake climbed out. She'd recognized the name and had chalked it up as coincidence but she had known him as kids. His eyes met hers, and she felt like the little ten-year-old getting into his stuff again. Drake ran over and pulled Angie into a tight hug. Hector’s body stiffened next to her as Drake looked her over.
“You need to call your brother. He’s flipping out.” Drake swooped over her again before kissing her head like an adult kissed their child.
“Did you tell him about the crash?” Angie sighed. She was only a few minutes younger than Aiden, but everyone treated her like she was years younger. The little baby sister attitude always drove Angie up the wall.
“Of course. If my little sister was in an accident and he knew, I’d want the same courtesy.” Drake shook his head and finally turned to Hector. “Are you doing ok?”
“Yea.” His tight voice matched his tense form. Drake finally let go of Angie and patted Hector on the shoulder.
“Angie how about you go call your brother. Either on mine or my mate’s phone. I just put his number in her contacts on the way here.” Drake pointed to the truck where a female waved to them.
“I’ll buy you a new phone when we get a chance.” Hector’s arms were folded over his chest. Damn he is fucking sexy.
“Why don’t we all warm up in the truck?” Angie suggested. She didn’t like how Drake and Hector glared at each other. After a moment, she grabbed Drake’s arm. “Drake, please stop looking at my mate like that?” Within a flash both sets of eyes moved to Angie, while Hector’s eyes were filled with joy, Drake's held a mix of surprise and curiosity.
“Your brother didn’t say anything about you mating with someone.” Drake narrowed his eyes.
“We just imprinted. How on earth would he know, Drake?” Angie shook her head. After he considered it for a moment a smile lit his face.
“Damn, what a small world.” Drake grabbed Hector’s shoulders. “You may be my friend but she’s special. You hurt her, I’ll help her brother hunt you down.”
“How do you know Angie?” Hector focused on her.
“Family friends until...” Drake stopped talking when he glanced back at Angie and then walked toward the pickup.
“I’ll explain later.” Angie pulled Hector toward the truck. The faster they cleaned up this mess, the faster they could be alone to talk. Maybe even complete the bond?
CHAPTER EIGHT
Angie
HECTOR SAT NEXT TO Angie in the back of Drake’s pickup truck. The heaters were on full blast warming them up. Sitting there with an old family friend without a shirt or bra on was uncomfortable to say the least. She pulled the coat tighter around her middle self-consciously. Hector’s arm snaked around her waist and pulled her close to his chest. She enjoyed the warmth and comfort but had no idea if he actually wanted to stay with her.
“So how do you know Drake again?” Hector leaned in close, his hot breath tickling her ear.
“His grandparents lived a few doors down from my old house.” Angie gave him the short version. Maybe later she would tell him the long drawn out story.
A tap on the window made everyone turn, the tow truck guy stood there. “We’re all hooked up. You’re good to go.”
Drake nodded and rolled the window back up. Angie rested her head on Hector’s shoulder while staring at Drake’s phone, her brother’s contact info on the screen.
“What’s wrong?” Hector rubbed her back.
“I don’t know how to tell him everything. And once I do, my mother will know soon after. I just...” She sighed and glanced up to Hector through her thick eyelashes.
“Send him a text saying you’re okay and that you’ll call him once you get your new phone.” Hector’s gaze brightened as though he'd thought of something interesting. Angie took his advice and typed out a quick message before returning the phone to Drake.
“Thank you for the ride, Drake,” Angie said when they pulled up to the hotel.
“Go ahead and grab your stuff, the airports won’t open until tomorrow and you can stay with us,” Drake said. Hector tensed.
“Sweetheart, they just imprinted.” Anne peeked back at Angie then Hector with a smile on her face. “I think they want some time alone.” She raised her eyebrows. Angie was happy for Anne’s attempt at swaying Drake’s position.
“Plus, she’ll be safe at my house anyways.” Hector pitched in. Angie glanced his way and her new wolf wagged her tail. Her wolf wanted to be alone with Hector and her human side wanted him to want her.
“I think that would work better.” Angie smiled. She wanted to know what Hector’s house looked like. Drake seemed displeased but agreed to take them to Hector’s house instead after Angie grabbed her stuff.
“Hurry up, so we can talk.” Hector whispered into her ear making the grin widen. Maybe he does want me.
“I’ll do my best.” She winked, then climbed out of the truck.
“Would you like some help?” Anne pitched in.
“Sure. I’d love to know who can deal with Drak
e.” Angie giggled.
“Yea with baby two on the way, sometimes I wonder that myself.” Anne kissed Drake and climbed out to follow behind Angie into the warmth of the hotel.
Anne pulled off her coat revealing a swollen belly around seven, maybe eight months pregnant.
“Where is your other little one?” Angie interlocked her arm with Anne’s and they moved toward the front desk.
“She’s with grandma tonight. I didn’t just get you a night for yourself but I also gained my own night back.” Anne’s warm smile extended to her blue eyes. She motioned toward the water fountain in their path and they split for a moment.
“Oh, I see how it is.” Angie giggled then walked up to the hotel desk. “I have a small problem.” Acting sweet could get females far in life.
“What is that ma’am?” The male behind the desk smiled.
“You see, I was in an accident and the pickup caught on fire. Sadly my bag with my room key was still inside the vehicle.” Angie adjusted her hair trying to look as helpless as she could. “Would it be possible to get another key?” She had never dealt with a desk guy before today and she had no clue if they might cut her a break or not. Better to be sweet than sorry.
“Is Hector okay?” Concern crossed the male’s face. Anne placed her hands on the counter and grinned.
“Yes, he’s just fine. He's outside in the car, Zac. Angie here wants to stay with him tonight but we need her things.” Anne shifted her weight from side to side and rubbed her lower back.
“Yea, I can. Be good to Hector. He’s a good guy but a dumb ass some days.” Zac shook his head while he typed on the computer.
“I’ll keep it in mind.” Angie bit her lip. Anne leaned into her for a short hug and Zac handed her a card.
“Do you need some help?” Zac offered but Angie shook her head.
“I think we have it. Thanks, Zac.” Angie moved over to the elevator with Anne and headed up to her room.
“So how did you meet Drake?” Angie asked after they gained entrance. She stopped short and then looked around. Her stuff littered the floor around her room. What in the seventh hell?
“What’s wrong?” Anne raised an eyebrow. A familiar scent filled Angie’s nose making her stomach drop. Tea’s odor grew stronger the deeper she inched into the room. Anne closed the door behind them.
In a flash Tea burst out of the bathroom and hit Anne in the back of the head. Anne fell over and Angie barely managed to catch her before she hit the ground.
“What in the seventh hell?” Angie yelled and tried to help Anne but Tea yanked her away making both Anne and Angie hit the floor. Angie fumbled to get over to Anne to help but Tea grabbed her and dragged her out of the room. She fought, but her strength wasn’t close to the more experienced wolf. She struggled to her feet and socked the bastard in the face, making him fumble. Angie fell on her ass and scurried back away from Tea.
“I’m not your mate, Tea. I found my mate.” Angie spat out. His nose scrunched up and he sniffed the air near Angie.
“Yeah and you also found your wolf.” An evil grin spread over his face while his nostrils flared.
“She isn’t yours to control.” Angie put more space between herself and Tea. She didn’t owe Hector for changing her but if Tea had been the one to change her, he would have held it against her for eternity. “Walk away and I’ll forget this ever happened.”
“Not going to happen. You’re coming with me little wolf.” Tea nodded and then something hard hit Angie’s head making her blackout for the second time in a few hours.
CHAPTER NINE
Hector
AN UNEASY SENSATION settled into the pit of Hector’s stomach the longer he waited in the car. Drake grabbed Hector’s phone.
“What are you doing?” Hector asked.
“Putting Aiden’s number in since Angie’s phone is lost.” Drake shrugged.
“Something doesn't feel right.” Hector kept his gaze focused on the front door. Yes, his new mate seemed to like makeup but it shouldn’t have taken so long to pack up her stuff. Drake nodded and turned off the truck. They climbed out and headed for Zac behind the front desk.
“What room is Angie in?” His wolf itched to be closer to his new mate.
“203, I gave her a new card already.” Zac looked confused.
“Thanks." Hector tapped the counter and as quick as he could without running, he headed for the stairs. When they reached the second floor Hector saw her door open. He ran toward the room to find Anne on the floor, blood caked to her head.
“Who did this?” Drake growled while he checked on his mate. Anne’s eyes fluttered open, and she met her mate’s gaze. Hector checked out the room, but no Angie. His wolf howled with anger.
“Someone jumped me. His scent is so awful.” Anne scrunched up her nose while her hand moved up to her head. Hector lifted his nose up catching the lingering spicy aroma of Angie and the stench of the same male he had saved her from earlier. Another male scent wafted into his nose that he didn’t recognize. He leaned down and scanned Anne while the scent of blood wafted into his nose.
“I’m going after her. I’m sorry Anne.” Hector didn’t like how they had injured her. Anne grabbed his hand stopping his retreat. He only had two days to find her before they both lost their wolves.
“Hurry. I heard them talking when they thought I was knocked out. They want to take her to some science place to be tested on.” Anne’s hand shook.
Rage coursed through his body at the thought of his mate being tested on like a fucking lab rat.
“Do you need help getting her into the car?” Hector knew time was precious especially since he had no true leads and only a scent to track. Anne clicked her tongue.
“Even if I was in labor, I’d tell your ass to go. Drake is strong enough to carry my heavy butt.” Anne winked and Drake chuckled.
“You’ll never be heavy to me sweet mate.” Drake kissed her head. “Go. Keep your phone close so I can either send help or come when Anne is better.”
“Deal.” Hector stood and walked down the hall, the scent of two males mixed with Angie’s spicy aroma. Anger fueled his movements to the other end of the hallway to another set of stairs. He took one more glance to see Drake cradling his mate next to the elevator.
After a moment, he pushed the door and followed the trail down two flights of stairs and out a back door to the street, but the scent of a truck took over making it hard to track. He grabbed his phone to call the one person he didn’t want to worry, the one person who would make him feel incompetent as a man and a mate. Angie's needs come first. He ground his teeth together and hit the call button on his phone.
“Hello.” A female voice answered.
“This is Hector, Angie’s mate. I need to talk to Aiden.” Hector looked around, the wind whipped at his body.
“I'm his mate. He just fell asleep, what’s going on?”
“Someone took her and I need some more background information.” Hector stood next to a truck to block out some of the background wind noise. The female cursed over the line. Did she just say witchy balls?
“Angie’s been living with her mother and father. From what I understand they just moved a few months back after some problems with an alpha. I don’t know if it will help you.”
“The guy I met doesn’t act like an alpha, more like a beta or lower.”
“Let me call mommy dearest and I’ll let you know what I find out.” The edge in her voice was clear when she mentioned Angie’s mother.
“Thank you ma’am.” Hector’s wolf growled again.
“Carmen please. And you’re welcome. Bring my sister-in-law home safe,” Carmen said.
“I will.” Hector ended the call and tried his best to follow the scents in the deep snow storm. He had one thing going for him, with low visibility they wouldn’t get far very quickly. Meaning Angie would be close. I’m coming, Angie.
CHAPTER TEN
Angie
HER MOTHER’S WORDS echoed in her hea
d as the metal bars surrounded her. Be careful who you trust, Angie! A burning sensation radiated through her right arm and she tried to pull away but couldn’t move far enough. Her eyes snapped open to find a silver needle in her arm, a clear liquid being pushed into her. The more they injected, the more she wanted to scream. Wolfbane fucking burns. The scent hit her nose bringing back the memory of her brother testing it as a kid. She gritted her teeth, trying her best not to cry out. But her strength had limits, and she reached it as a scream left her lips.
“Good. She’s a werewolf now.” A voice said to her right. Dread filled her stomach as the pain dulled, becoming manageable. Angie rolled her shoulders, part of her wished she could shift but the cage was too small.
“You said she wasn’t a wolf to begin with.” Another male voice spoke to her left.
“She wasn’t but some other guy changed her,” Tea said. The memory of Hector’s bite filled her mind.
“Get him out of here. We have her now,” the first scientist said. Tea fought to stay put but two large security males took him away. Angie waited in limbo for minutes or hours, she couldn’t keep track of time while the bane still lingered in her system. In her small cage, she could sit or huddle on the ground in a ball but not much else.
“Klaus mentioned cuts in funding might be coming our way. The damn Devil Hunter’s leader is a real piece of work.” The first guy whispered and the second guy agreed. Shit, the Devil Hunters are fucking involved. This is so not freaking good.
Instead of panicking, she focused on figuring out the different scents in the lab. Maybe they will let their guard down and I can escape. The thought brought her some comfort. Closing her eyes, she caught the clean scent of the snow falling outside and heard the howls from the strong wind. A deep part of her thanked the goddess above for the snow so they couldn’t fly her out of this mess. She should be relatively close to Hector. I hope!
Angie's New Moon Page 3
