Funny. She didn’t know cougars could have blue eyes. Then again, she’d never seen one in person before. And moonlight had a way of making everything seem blue, even if it wasn’t.
After a moment, the cougar turned away from her, its eyes becoming glowing orbs for a split second in that way only cats and other night creatures seemed to, and it sauntered away and into the forest, once again disinterested in anything but strolling. Once it reached another thick patch of grass, it disappeared completely from view like a shadow. And try as she might, Kelly couldn’t catch another glimpse of the incredible creature.
She sat back on her bed, the thrill of the moment passing but her mind still very much awake now.
It was odd to see wildlife and feel unafraid of it for once. Then again, Kelly knew no animal had ever been out to get her, other than the bear that seemed to haunt her like a vengeful ghost.
Perhaps if she was lucky, other wildlife out here would scare away the terrible thing if it did try to show up.
Regardless, the big cat seemed to be more intent on exploring the forest than coming up to her cabin. And hopefully it would stay away.
Still, as she relaxed back into the bed and resumed her book, Kelly couldn’t help but think that the majestic cat was a little bit… beautiful, despite how giant and fierce it looked.
The only thing that stumped her, as she tried to keep reading, was that she’d looked up native wildlife before moving out here, and she could swear that cougars hadn’t been on the list.
Maybe she’d ask Hunter if he’d ever seen any before.
* * *
Hunter leapt down a nearby embankment and passed through some bushes, unable to believe he’d just let his mate see his cougar form.
He’d been passing by, just hoping to catch a glimpse of her, but when she’d looked down right at him, his animal had just frozen, unable to move, wanting to observe every bit of attention. Wanting to appraise her as well.
He’d never had this reaction while in cat form. Usually, his cougar had no interest in anything but marking territory by rubbing its cheek on everything and patrolling the forest for signs of prey.
But not tonight. Tonight he was restless, and even as he prowled through the woods below and above her house, his mind was still thinking of her.
Not just of protecting her, but of dancing with her, living with her, kissing her even.
The cat in him purred once again, and he told himself he needed to get it under control. But his animal had never done it this often, never been drawn to a human before.
Normally, they repelled him in shifter form, and he preferred to stay out of the way. But right now, his cat just wanted to silently sneak up the stairs to the cabin and prowl around the deck, waiting for another sight of Kelly.
What, did he think she was going to give him milk and belly rubs or something? She’d probably run screaming in fear.
She’d been oddly calm when she’d seen his cougar, but that could be because he was far away and then wandered off rather than coming closer. It would have been different if he’d come up on her deck.
Threatening. Frightening, even if he’d never be able to mean her harm.
His cat would only ever protect her. Try to win over her heart. Keep her safe.
All thoughts that tried to distract him as he hunted for the mysterious scent he’d caught on the back deck.
It was odd how quickly it had faded, and he couldn’t track it anywhere at all. Normally, his nose was good for this, though his sense of smell wasn’t as good as Grayson’s since he was a wolf.
But he was sure he wasn’t imagining it when he’d smelled something distinctly bear-like. But not anything like Garrett’s scent or even the scent of a non-shifter bear he’d fought once before.
He shrugged as he padded through the underbrush around the cabin, rolling his eyes at the fact that his cat had still found a way to be closer to Kelly.
The scent here was faintly present, but there was no way to tell which way it had gone. As if it had simply… vanished.
He crept behind the back deck and looked out to the forest, listening for any new sounds. Nothing but the rustling of tress from small animals nesting or the faint hooting of owls.
It was frustrating that he hadn’t made any progress, he thought as he made his way back down to his truck. He curled up on the grass near it, determined to sleep lightly here where he could wake up to the slightest sound of anything around him. He would wake with the sunrise, at which point he could drive home, shower, and get dressed to be back the next morning.
He curled up with his head on his paws, closing his eyes and feeling the tiredness of the day finally hit him. It would probably be a hard couple of days, working at her place and prowling the grounds every night.
But he’d do it easily if it meant catching whatever that weird smell was or making sure the stalker who put that sad fear in her eyes never had a chance to catch up.
Chapter 6
Hunter tightened the last few screws on the little white control panel on Kelly’s wall, going over a checklist in his mind one more time to ensure he’d done everything needed.
Then, with a click of a button, the security system powered on, beginning its setup and connecting with the wide array of sensors, motion detectors, and other detection devices he’d spent the better part of that morning installing in and around her home.
“Looks like it should be up and running in a minute,” Hunter said. Fingers crossed.
Kelly, who had been working in the living room while he’d been working, called out to him. “That’s great!”
Thankfully, both Grayson and Garrett had already installed similar systems for their homes, the very model of overprotective shifters when it came to keeping an eye out for their mates. So there were a lot of spare parts of equipment leftover that Hunter could bum off of them. More than enough to set something thorough up for Kelly’s property. Which, from the way she seemed to be ultra alert to even the slightest sounds, was something very much needed.
Not long afterward, a green light went on, showing an all-clear on the security system, and Hunter strode over to where Kelly was seated, sketching something on her lap, and gave her an exaggerated thumbs-up.
“It works?”
“Yup. Now you’ll be apprised of everything going on around your place at any time.”
She grinned, the stress lines around her eyes still visible but lessening more with each day.
“Now, for lunch, I was thinking we could go see my friends, hang out at their place for a bit. How does that sound?” He hoped it didn’t sound like an awkward invitation, but he was already wanting to bring her into more of his life. Yes, she’d met Garrett and Grayson as contractors, but he wanted her to meet them and their mates as friends.
Even if they weren’t dating or doing anything of the sort right now, he just wanted Kelly to be a part of his life in as many ways as possible.
Just like he wanted to be a part of her life more badly than he wanted anything else right now.
Kelly raised an eyebrow. “I thought they just worked with you?”
“Co-workers, best friends. Potato, po-tah-to. They’d love to get to know you better, though. That and Garrett’s wife makes amazing lemonade.”
She hesitated. “I probably shouldn’t.”
“Come on. You can’t just stay in here all day. Besides, if something is after you, they certainly won’t be expecting you to not be home.”
“But what about when I come back?”
He folded his arms. “Then I’ll look the whole place over. But now that you have a proper alarm system installed, no one should be able to get close without you knowing about it.”
Kelly looked outside at the clear-skied, sunny day, elbows propped on her thighs. Then, with a hint of a smile, she nodded. “Okay, that sounds good.”
“Perfect. First, let me show you how to use this thing,” Hunter said, directing her toward the panel he’d just installed. They took a few minu
tes as he familiarized her with the various functions and allowed her to set a password. Once she was confident she knew what she was doing, Kelly and Hunter headed out to his truck and drove off.
Unbeknownst to Kelly, Hunter had already told Garrett to expect them anyways and that he’d let them know if plans changed. Which, thankfully, they hadn’t.
“So what are Garrett and Grayson like, outside of work?”
“Garrett’s the cuddliest bear you’ve ever met, at least as far as his wife is concerned. But he’s a good guy, quick to give helpful advice or help whenever you need it.” He swerved to miss a raccoon the was taking its time crossing the road, narrowly dodging the little guy. “His mate, Dawn, is an artist like you, though she does online graphic design and stuff like that. You might like her.”
Hunter grimaced inwardly at the use of the word “mate,” reminding himself that normal humans didn’t talk like that. But hopefully Kelly would just think it was Silver Lake vernacular.
“And Grayson?”
“Depends on the day. He hates jokes, hates attention. Pretty much hates everything except April, his wife, who’s basically everything he isn’t. She’s a wildlife researcher and honestly awesome, whereas Grayson is a bit… interesting. But the guy grows on you, for sure.”
The time flew by until they arrived at Garret and Dawn’s place. The quaint little house looked cozy as ever, white walls painted with blue accents as per her preferences. Already, there were a handful of flowers and other plants that were starting to grow that Dawn had made a point of cultivating the past couple of weeks that made the place seem even homier.
“Wow, what a nice place,” Kelly said.
“I helped build it. This was the main reason we three came out to Silver Lake in the first place. Though, I have to admit that Garrett did more than his share by himself.”
Hunter parked in front in the gravel drive, and Kelly followed him up as he came to the front door and knocked. It only took a second before Garrett opened the doorway, practically filling it with his big, burly bear build.
“Honey, our guests are here,” Garrett called over his shoulder.
“Oh, wonderful. Invite them in.” Dawn’s voice called from somewhere inside.
“Were they expecting us?” Kelly muttered.
“Maybe,” Hunter whispered back.
Before Hunter could stop him, Garrett’s arms were pulling him into a big hug, the preferred way of greeting for Garrett. When he’d finally let Hunter down, Garrett looked down at Kelly.
“And, Kelly, a pleasure to see you again,” he said, offering his hand eagerly, which she took.
“Get in here already. You’re late, and we’re hungry.” Grayson’s surly voice interrupted them.
They followed Garrett inside, Hunter noticing that already, Dawn had put a few pictures on the walls. Several of her and Garrett and another of Garrett and Hunter and Grayson from a couple years ago when they’d been working a job a couple states over.
But when they walked into the dining room, now full of people, Hunter could sense Kelly tensing beside him. Garrett already had his arm around his mate, Dawn. And seated at the table, Grayson was teasing a stray strand of April’s hair back, making her giggle. Kelly, on the other hand, moved a little closer to Hunter, perhaps wary of so many people all in one place.
Hopefully this didn’t turn out to be a bad idea after all.
* * *
Kelly was surprised by the tension in her chest as she was greeted by a room full of new and barely familiar faces all at once.
There’d been a time not too long ago when she’d loved every opportunity to meet new people. She was the woman who liked to make new friends, liked to make fresh connections and enjoy the company of other good people.
To her surprise, the curvy little woman nestled into Garrett’s side separated herself from her humongous husband and came up to her, making the first move.
She had soft gray eyes and pale skin, and her delicate features were accented by flaming red hair that was currently tied into a loose bun at the base of her neck. “I’m Dawn. It’s so nice to meet a new face around here.” She extended a hand, which Kelly took.
Such genuine kindness radiated from her that Kelly was taken aback for a moment, forgetting what she should say in response.
Dawn continued somewhat nervously in the wake of Kelly’s silence. “Not that I don’t appreciate the ones I already see, but it’s just nice. You know, small town, not a lot of new people…”
“Right,” Kelly said, taking a deep breath and steeling herself to be less awkward. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Kelly, and your home is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”
Dawn glowed with satisfaction, and Kelly was glad she’d come up with the right remark. “That’s all thanks to my husband.” She looked over at him with obvious admiration. “He built us the perfect little place.” She walked to a chair across from Grayson and his lady and pulled out a chair for Kelly. “Please, make yourself at home.”
Kelly sat down awkwardly, and Hunter helped push her chair in behind her.
“I’m April,” the woman with Grayson said, reaching across the table for Kelly’s hand. She had soft, shiny brown hair that was perfectly straight and deep-green eyes that were striking. Kelly shook her hand as well.
“It’s nice to meet you, too.”
“And I’m Grayson,” Grayson said flatly, giving her a casual wave and trying to look pleasant in a way that utterly failed. She guessed he was the type who took a while to warm up.
“Yes, I remember. From the house.”
He nodded quickly, then turned his eyes to Hunter, narrowing them to slits. “Your date was going to make us starve if he took any longer—”
Hunter interrupted him. “This isn’t a date. We’re just friends. I thought it would be nice to meet other women that live here in town.”
For the first time, Hunter seemed to be struggling for patience as he took off his hat and hung it on a nearby coatrack. As he took a seat next to her, Kelly felt odd warmth at his nearness.
Not even she was certain what was going on between them. She just knew she was grateful to have him around.
Grayson pulled April in closer to him, and she scolded him, muttering, “Be nice,” just loud enough to be audible.
Thankfully, the sound of plates moving around as Garrett and Dawn brought fresh-grilled burgers, buns, and a variety of sides onto the table interrupted the awkward silence. Hunter got up to help, too, bringing glasses and filling them with lemonade before sitting back down.
It all felt so… normal.
Yet something about this was not normal. Like the fact that nobody seemed to be wearing wedding rings. But perhaps they weren’t needed, given the fact that they lived out in the middle of nowhere.
Plus, she doubted anyone would try to hit on these women with Garrett or Grayson around. They were similarly gigantic like Hunter, all three standing out like sore thumbs compared to the wide array of men that Kelly had met and known back home.
“Just ignore him if he’s being a bully,” Dawn whispered into Kelly’s ear, taking the other seat next to her. “Besides, it’s not every day I get to have lunch with a famous artist.”
Kelly laughed inwardly. “Ha, I’m not famous at all. If I was, I wouldn’t have needed to buy a place like the one Hunter’s currently fixing.”
“Hey, it’s got character,” Hunter said.
Grayson scoffed.
“Oh, you know what I mean.” Dawn continued as Garrett started to construct two burgers on his plate beside her, handing one over when he was done. “And on the art front, I think it’s cool that you get your stuff displayed in galleries and such. I’d love to come see it sometime.”
“I’d love that, too.” April chimed in. “I love anything outdoors, especially artwork depicting it.”
Kelly couldn’t remember the last time someone had cared to get to know her. Maybe because all of her friends and family had either run or estranged the
mselves from her in the wake of the deluge of rumors that had surrounded her and the bear stalking her back home.
It was nice to have people treat her like a normal human being again.
“Maybe we can all meet at my place once it’s fixed up,” she offered, and Dawn clapped her hands in excitement, April nodding eagerly in agreement as well.
“Eat up. You were working all morning.” Hunter interrupted, setting a plate down in front of her. Without her even noticing, Hunter had constructed a burger for her as well, with literally every topping possible, the bun piled high. How did such a big man manage to be so sneaky sometimes?
“Thanks,” she said, taking a big bite. Mouthwateringly fresh produce and fluffy bread mixed with thick, juicy burger meat in her mouth. When the bite didn’t go down easily, Hunter handed her a glass of lemonade to wash it down.
As they ate, Kelly inquired further about how Garrett and Dawn met, and Dawn excitedly regaled her of the mysterious contractor she’d hired to build her a home on her grandfather’s land. When they’d met, it had been love at first sight, and the rest was history.
Grayson was more than a little tightlipped about his story, so April filled in the details of their relationship and how he’d been her guide as she’d explored the area, looking for gray wolves. And even though she hadn’t discovered what she was looking for, she’d found the love of her life in the process.
Even Grayson couldn’t hold back a small grin by the end as April cuddled into him, reminding Kelly of the few couples she’d come across that had somehow clicked in spite of their starkly different personalities.
When they were done, the men cleaned up the dishes as April and Dawn asked Kelly about her place and what her plans were. Kelly told what she could but mostly kept out the part about being afraid of needing to leave. The last thing she wanted to do was give them something to worry about.
Afterward, they all headed outside, following Dawn and Garrett and coming to a small pond a stone’s throw away from the house. Near the pond’s edge, several logs and a few camp chairs were set up, and the other two couples arrayed themselves as Dawn handed out ice cream sandwiches from a little cooler they’d brought.
Purrfect for Me Page 5
