by Beverly Rae
She brushed her shoulder against Jimmy, urging him to take the lead in the conversation. The lump in her throat at his friends’ generosity prevented her from speaking. In the short time she’d known them, they’d shown her nothing but kindness, always telling her how beautiful she was and doing kind, even romantic, things for her. She cared for them almost as much as she cared for Jimmy. They were her family more than her father ever had been.
“So it’s agreed? We pay the fifteen thousand and Mandy breaks her engagement.”
“I don’t think it’s going to be that easy.” All eyes turned toward the hallway to find William standing at the entrance to the big room.
“Why not?” Nick handed William a beer.
“Well, first of all, from the get-go Decker didn’t strike me as the type that would let his girl run off with another man.”
Mandy frowned. “I didn’t run off with Jimmy. I just got mixed up inside and couldn’t recognize that my gratitude to Decker wasn’t real love. How could I have? I didn’t know love until I met Jimmy.”
Sara sighed and hugged Michael closer. “I know how you feel. I never thought I’d fall in love. Until I met Michael and these men.”
Not for the first time, Mandy studied the interaction between Sara and the men. Although Sara gravitated toward Michael’s side most of the time, she had a special connection with each of the men that showed in the way they touched her, the way they listened to her every word. A stab of envy swept into Mandy. If given the chance, would her relationship with the men of Matheson Ranch be as strong?
William strode into the room, took a drink, and slipped onto the oversized armchair. “I don’t think Decker’s going to care about your feelings much. His pride’s involved, and you taking up with another man is going to bruise his ego.”
“I can try and make him understand.” Although she’d spoken with confidence, she wasn’t sure. Decker was as hardheaded as anyone, and once he’d made up his mind, getting him to rethink his position was close to impossible.
William took another swig of his drink. “But that’s not the biggest hurdle we face.”
“Spit it out. I could tell you had something else you needed to say.” Jimmy released her hand and edged forward, his body stiffening.
“I didn’t mention this at the time, but when I first laid eyes on Decker I got the impression that I’d seen him before.” He paused, taking time for another sip. “So I did some checking.”
“Yeah. What’d you find out?” Jimmy glanced at her, worry filling his eyes.
“I remember him all right. From a trip I made into Oklahoma City last year. It seems old Decker’s part of an illegal gambling operation. It’s not a big operation, but rumor has it the group running it are real bad. They don’t like people who welch on their bets and they sure don’t like it when others get in their way. The group that showed up the other day at your father’s place was part of that operation.”
“But I don’t understand. Decker helped my father. He ran them off. Why would he do that if he’s part of their group?”
“He’s not just part of their group, Mandy.” William lowered his gaze and shifted in his seat before bringing his eyes up again. “He’s their leader.”
“No. I mean, it would make even less sense if he’s their leader. Wouldn’t he have sent the men in the first place? What would he gain by scaring them off?”
Jimmy bowed his head, then pivoted to face her. “Don’t you see, babe? He set it up. He had those men attack your father so he could come to the rescue.”
She shook her head, still not taking it all in. “Tell me why. What was his reason?”
Jimmy took her hands in his and rubbed his thumbs over the tops of her fingers. “He did it so he could play hero and make you feel even more indebted to him. You said yourself how you confused gratitude with love. He solidified your feelings for him and then made the big move to ask you to marry him.”
“I have to give it to Decker.” Nick lifted his beer bottle in a mock salute. “His plan worked.”
“Until I came along.” Jimmy shot her a soft smile.
“No wonder he didn’t have any trouble finding your father. Hell, he probably already had your father on the hook from the first minute he met you and decided he wanted you as his mate.” William shot Jimmy a pointed look.
“So I was right? He’s one?”
“Yeah, Jimmy. He is. The whole group is.”
He’s one what? A jerk, obviously. How could she not have seen it? Everything Decker had done for her mother, the way he’d integrated himself into their lives, taking control until they relied on him too much. When had it all started? At the same time her father ran up his gambling debts?
Mandy trembled. Anger at Decker collided with fury with herself for not seeing his lies. “I can’t believe what a fool I’ve been.”
Jimmy chucked her under the chin. He searched her, diving into her as though he could see into her soul. “Don’t go dogging on yourself. He’s a slimeball who tricked you, but we’re going to take care of things.”
Michael reached over to place a hand on her knee. The other men and Sara rose and closed ranks around her. “We’re here for you, Mandy. Whatever it takes, we’ll make this right. The only thing you need to think about is you and Jimmy.”
“And your future together here at the ranch.” Sara motioned for the men to back off. “Okay, guys. Let’s give these two some space.”
The men grumbled, but they followed her lead and started for the hallway. William, however, turned back. “Jimmy, it’s time you told her everything.”
Jimmy nodded, his expression growing even more intense. “I know.”
She waited until the others had left, then asked, “What are you not telling me?”
“I’ll tell you, but you have to promise you’ll stay until I’ve finished. No matter what, you have to stay. Can you do that?”
Was Jimmy’s secret even worse than Decker’s? She struggled against the fear tingling up her spine to stiffen her neck. “Okay. I promise. But please don’t tell me you’re in a gang, too. The others and you aren’t into gambling, are you? Or worse?”
His hand on her arm was warm and comforting, but not enough to win the war against her nerves. “No, we’re not. Our businesses are strictly legal. But we do have one thing in common with Decker.”
She wasn’t sure she could face another disappointment. Especially not when it came from Jimmy. Had she found love only to lose it? “You mean other than both of you being good-looking?” She tried to smile, tried to inject humor if only to lighten the weight suddenly resting on her shoulders.
“I hope you think I’m better looking than Decker. And a hell of a lot sexier, too.”
Even Jimmy’s grin couldn’t ease the tension. “Just tell me.”
He paused, obviously taking a moment to find the right words. “Have you noticed anything different about my eye color at times? Or the others’ eyes?”
“You’re talking about the flecks of amber? Yeah, I’ve noticed it, but lots of people’s eyes change color. You know, because of what they’re wearing and how colors change in different types of light.”
“True, but our eyes change because of another reason.”
“Then why?”
He rose and paced away from her then slowly turned toward her. Amber eyes flashed, and she gasped. “Your eyes. They’re not just amber-flecked, they’re totally amber now. But how?”
“Remember your promise, Mandy, and keep listening.”
She nodded and dug her fingers into the couch. “Go on.”
“Do you remember the wolf you saw after the hog attack?”
“Yes.”
“Do you remember seeing his eyes?”
She thought back to the day, remembering the wolf, and saw the answer. “Oh, my God. He had amber eyes, too.”
“Wolves’ eyes aren’t that color.”
“But his was. I know it. I saw him.” Her breathing shortened, her chest tightening.
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br /> “Do you remember the men in your dreams?”
Confused, she tilted her head. “Wait. How do you know about my dreams? And what do my dreams have to do with any of this?”
“Answer the question, Mandy.”
She closed her mind and saw her dream. But still the faces were hidden in the fog of her memory. “I remember them, but I can’t remember their faces.”
“What color were their eyes?”
Realization hit her, and if she hadn’t been sitting she would’ve collapsed to the floor. “They were amber. Like yours are now.”
“Me and the others. We sent you those dreams. And the men, the wolves in the dreams? Those men who turned into wolves are us.”
She couldn’t accept what he said. No one could accept such craziness. “Is this a joke? Because it’s not funny, and I want you to stop.”
He was beside her, faster than any human could move.
“Mandy, this isn’t a joke. You have to believe me. Michael, Sara, Cally, the others, and me? We’re werewolves. We can change into wolves any time we want.”
She ran her gaze the length of him as though she’d see the wolf underneath his flesh. “This is insane.”
“No, not insane. Different from what you know. Nothing more and nothing less. But there’s more.”
She laughed, the sound brittle to her ears. “Oh, sure. Of course there is. The man I love told me that he and his friends are werewolves. But that’s not all, folks. Of course not. Pff. Werewolves are nothing. Come on, Jimmy, tell me the real secret.”
He let out a long sigh. “Decker and his group? They’re werewolves, too.”
She giggled then abruptly stopped. “What next? Is my mother a werewolf, too? My father? Who else in my life are you going to say is a supernatural creature? How about my boss? Although he always reminded me of a troll.”
Jimmy tugged her to him and pressed his lips to hers. Startled, she didn’t respond at first, and then slowly she kissed him back. Closing her eyes, she shoved the wild ideas out of her head and went blank, letting the texture of his lips on hers do her thinking. She moaned but kept her arms to her sides. When he pulled away from her, she almost cried.
“Do you believe me, Mandy?”
She couldn’t answer. Logic told her to run, to get away, but a stronger part of her kept her where she was. “Prove it.”
“Are you sure you really want me to? It’s not an easy thing to see. At least not until you get used to it.”
“I’m sure. Change into a wolf. Right here. Right now.” He won’t change. He can’t.
Jimmy disrobed, dropping his clothes to the floor. She took in the wide shoulders, the strong arms, the flat stomach, and the impressive cock between his legs. He was all male and very human. But was he crazy?
“You don’t look like a wolf.”
“Wait a minute and watch.”
His hair grew shorter, his body changing, growing smaller, shorter. Blond hair disappeared as yellow fur rolled in wave after wave over the tanned flesh. A cracking sound splintered her nerves, more cracks coming with the transformation of each limb. His bones broke and reformed, taking new angles.
Jimmy’s face was no longer that of a handsome man. His eyes were still amber, but now they glowed with an animal-like intelligence that sent chills shuddering through her. Gone were his full lips and firm jawline, replaced by a muzzle and elongated mouth. Dagger-like fangs burst through his gums. Growling, he pulled his lips into a snarl, then fell to the ground on padded feet accented with sharp claws.
The wolf she’d seen in the brush stood in front of her. “Oh, my God.”
The wolf took a step closer, paused as though waiting to see if she’d bolt, then padded toward her and placed his chin on her knee. She held her breath, her hands fisted next to her.
Jimmy is a werewolf.
She repeated the thought several times, trying to make what she’d seen, what she had in front of her real. Timid at first, then emboldened by his gentle touch, she reached out and stroked his muzzle.
“I’m touching a wolf.” She stroked him again, growing bolder each time. “I’m actually touching a werewolf.” Maybe if she said the words enough, her brain would catch up to the reality standing in front of her.
He gave her a whimper then backed away. Seconds later, the wolf was gone with Jimmy kneeling on his hands and knees.
“It’s true. You’re really a werewolf.” Her hands shook but she wasn’t afraid. “I should be scared to death. Why aren’t I?”
He rose and dressed, then took his place by her side. “Because you know in your heart I would never harm you.” He pressed his palm to her chest, covering her heart. “You know this was meant to be. You’re pack even though you’re not a werewolf. You’re one of us and my future mate.”
“Werewolves.” She laughed then stroked his cheek as she’d stroked his fur only moments earlier.
“Yes, we’re werewolves. Shape-shifters. Although we prefer to call our group the Night Runners.”
“Because you run at night?”
He pushed a strand of hair away from her cheek. “Yeah. Because we like to run at night. And to distinguish ourselves from other packs like Decker’s.”
She skimmed her hand along his jawline, amazed not to find even one yellow strand of fur. “And the others are part of your pack?”
“Right. Including Sara. And Cally, who you haven’t met yet.”
She nodded. “I’d like to meet Cally.”
“You will. She’ll be home soon. But I need to tell you more. Do you think you can handle it?”
Could she? “I’m not sure. But I want to hear everything.”
“Yo, Jimmy! You’ve got visitors!”
Mandy bolted to her feet along with Jimmy, but he pushed her back. “No. You stay here.”
He was off and running toward the front door before she could refuse. She took off after him, disregarding his command.
Jimmy skidded to a stop outside the front door. “What the hell?”
Seeing her father, Mandy caught the edge of the door and pulled back to hide behind the wall. Her pulse raced as she pressed as close as she dared to the long, narrow window next to the door. Peeking through the curtain, she willed her pulse to slow down.
Decker and five men stood, feet apart, glaring at Michael and the rest of the Night Runners. Glen Garland stood off to one side and darted his gaze between the two groups.
“Where’s Mandy?” Decker took a step closer to Jimmy.
“She’s safe. She’s inside.”
“Tell her I’m here to take her home.”
“She’s not going anywhere.” Jimmy jerked his thumb at Glen. “Not even with you.”
Decker’s eyes changed, growing from dark to brilliant amber. “If you don’t send her out, Night Runner, then you’re going to have a problem on your hands. A big problem.”
“Good. I’m glad you know who we are. Even a scumbag like you should know who puts him facedown in the dirt.” Jimmy crossed his arms and widened his stance, mimicking the way Decker stood.
“Mandy! Mandy, girl, come out here.” Glen Garland’s voice wavered at Jimmy’s low growl. “She’s my daughter, and I have the right to talk to her.”
“You don’t deserve to be called her father.” Sara threw back her shoulders. “How anyone as nice as Mandy came from crap like you, I’ll never know.”
“We’re wasting time, Decker,” grumbled the man on Decker’s left. A long scar drew a line down the middle of his face, extending from his left forehead to the right part of his chin.
“You must be Scarface. I heard you were the best-looking one of your bunch.”
Jimmy and the rest of the pack chuckled at Nick’s joke. Scarface snarled and jumped forward, but Decker held him back.
“Wait.”
Everyone turned toward Mandy, amber eyes zeroing in on her. She swallowed, wishing she could quench the sudden dryness in her mouth.
“Mandy, honey, tell them you’re coming home with m
e.” Her father reached for her, but she ignored his hand, and he dropped it back to his side.
“You knew Decker, didn’t you? I remember your face when you saw him with me. Tell me. Were you part of his scheme?”
Her father opened his mouth, probably to deny her accusation, then closed it and nodded. Decker growled, sending her father scuttling farther away from the large man. He inched closer to the front porch.
“Decker came to me after I lost the money. He told me he saw you and wanted you for his wife. He promised he’d forgive my debt if I told him where to find you. Then, when you showed up here, he made me play along and let him pretend to save me from his thugs. Once you married him, he’d forget about the money I owe him. But I don’t care no more. Can you forgive me, honey?”
“You lying son of a bitch.”
“I ain’t lying.” Glen yelped at Decker’s advance and slithered behind Ranlon. “After what I seen, I cain’t let you take my little girl.”
Ranlon brushed the coward’s hands off him but allowed him to stay behind him, keeping the small man away from Decker.
“Why now? If you felt this way, why wait until now to tell me?” She wanted to believe her father. Needed to believe he wasn’t all bad.
“Mandy, don’t buy his sorry routine. The plan’s busted and now he’s trying to get on your good side.” Sara’s expression left nothing to doubt.
Disgust filled Mandy, rocking her to her core. “Sara’s right. The scheme worked. At least until today. You sold me to Decker just as sure as if he’d handed money to you.”
“No, honey. Please forgive me.” Her father stretched his bony arms toward her.
“I hope you rot in hell, Father.” Ice dripped from her words as she dug her hands in her jeans pocket.
“As for you, Decker. Take this and shove it up your ass.” Throwing it as hard as she could, she flung the ring box at his head. He caught it and fisted his hand over it.
“I think we’ve heard enough.” Jimmy slid his arm around her waist. “Mandy doesn’t want any part of either of you. Leave now and none of this has to go any further.”
