“Have you decided you can't live without him?” Maxim murmured, staring at her as he settled onto the extra wide arm of Ceara's love seat. He picked up Ceara's free hand and entwined their fingers.
Avery looked away. She knew they meant well. Heck, it’d become a running joke within their circle. Hunter pursued her. Avery kept him at arm’s length. Wash. Rinse. Repeat.
Until today.
“Sorry, no. He's here. He took my yoga class today.”
The look on the wolf's face was puzzled brilliance. Comical. Priceless. His jaw dropped but he quickly snapped his mouth closed. Then he frowned, cocked his head and started again. “My brother? Tall. Dark hair. Green eyes?” he asked, holding his hand above his head. “Took a yoga class?”
The buzzing energy around them shifted and she felt the weight of someone’s stare. She looked up just in time to see Hunter slap Maxim on the shoulder. “And I'm signed up for three more.”
God’s gift to women. That was her exact thought twenty-one months ago when she’d turned to see him approaching on the volleyball court. He’d moved through the sand like every movement in his life was effortless. Six plus feet of beautiful werewolf male. Not pretty, but gorgeous. The kind of gorgeous that came by once in a lifetime…if you were lucky.
His incredible sometimes-green, sometimes-brown eyes locked on her stealing her breath. They were cunning, watchful and kind. But mostly, they undressed her layer by layer until she felt absolutely and completely naked before him.
The handsome wolf smiled at each of them and then settled into the chair across from Avery's. He stretched out his long legs, crossed them at the ankles and rested his hands on his smooth as a pancake stomach. He looked freshly showered and shaved. The casual polo shirt and khaki shorts emphasized all the right parts of him.
Ceara smiled over at Hunter. Oh here it comes. “I didn't know you were coming to Mystic Isle.”
Avery glanced at Hunter and found him watching her. He’d always made her feel like a bombshell; the bombshell she always tried to make everyone believe she was.
Today was no different.
“Last minute decision,” he said smoothly. The heavy Ls in his accent made her toes curl.
But Avery didn't believe his answer. No way. No how. She'd been listed as one of the instructors for yoga week on the website for almost a year. Ever since the poker tournament last autumn. While Hunter wasn't a stalker, he wasn't stupid. If he knew she'd be here, there was a high likelihood that he'd planned his trip to coincide with hers.
Why, she didn't know. She'd made it clear that they couldn't be together. They'd had their few days of fun and they should leave it at that. But Hunter was a werewolf, and werewolves were tenacious.
But he certainly wasn’t his usual chatty self. Had he finally given up on a relationship? Had she ruined their friendship because she wouldn’t let it develop into something more?
“I didn't know you were into yoga,” Ceara commented.
“That's what I said,” Avery added. Though it wouldn't surprise her in the least. Yoga gave you long, lean muscle and a tight core. The kind of long, lean muscles that Hunter showed off to perfection. She could personally vouch for his inner strength and the sheer power of his core. He'd managed sexual positions the Kama Sutra didn't even mention.
The memories caused Avery to salivate.
“You guys wouldn't bat an eyelash if I was a woman,” Hunter said.
“You're not a woman,” Ceara and Maxim said in unison.
Avery could vouch for that too. He was all man.
“My point is, you're being sexist. I like yoga.” Though he kept a straight face, and stared right at her, she felt like there was something she was missing. An inside joke perhaps.
Avery was pretty sure he hadn't liked yoga before he'd met her. What was his end game? If he wasn’t interested in her anymore, why was he taking her class?
“There are better ways to get a woman's attention,” Maxim murmured.
His words seemed to shock everyone. Avery knew her eyebrows were sky high. Ceara's mouth had dropped open. Hunter's lips were set in a thin line as he cut his brother a hard stare. Then he took a deep breath.
“Avery doesn't want my attention. She's made that perfectly clear.” He leveled his gaze on her again. Those intense green-with-flecks-of-brown eyes gave nothing away. Not a trace of hurt or humor. The flickering lamp lights added a hint of mystery to his placid expression.
This wasn’t the first time the brothers had disagreed in her presence. One thing they didn’t agree on was Hunter’s continued interest in Avery, though his words belied that interest now. Was he for real? Or was he simply trying to placate his brother?
Where Maxim was the Alpha, straight-forward and uber intense, Hunter was normally playful and charming. No wonder she’d fallen for him.
Fallen into his bed, rather. She hadn’t fallen-fallen for him. Not like that. Just into his arms, bed, shower… and any other surface that could support their weight.
Who was she kidding? They’d humped like rabbits with no support at all. Just her wrapped around him like cling wrap and him thrusting away.
A distinct shiver spread across her skin like a well-fueled flame. She could feel that incredible again, if only she’d give in. But she couldn’t. She had rules for a reason.
“Then why are you taking her class?” Maxim demanded.
Good question. Point to Maxim.
Hunter stared up at his brother and once again, Avery was struck by how handsome he was. And like every time she saw him, she had the strongest urge to wrap her arms around his broad shoulders, run her fingers through the too-long, dark chocolate locks that felt so soft against her skin. She wanted to curl up in his lap, be held in his arms, and worry about everything else much, much later.
That would be an excellent plan, if Avery wasn't scared to death of forever.
But maybe she didn’t have to worry about forever anymore. Maybe she could update her rules. Maybe they could renegotiate their Mystic Isle agreement and she could get him out of her system once and for all.
The thought made all her girly parts sit up and take notice. It would be just like the Halloween candy she’d eaten until she’d cured her sweet tooth at the age of ten. A brilliant plan, if she did say so.
“Simple,” Hunter drawled. “Avery teaches the beginner class and I'm a beginner.”
Hunter watched Avery across the flickering light of the small fire-pit. They didn’t really need the heat; tropical islands rarely did. But there was something to be said for ambiance. Like Paris, Mystic Isle excelled at ambiance.
Avery looked flustered and unsure. He kind of liked it. Let her stew for a bit.
He’d been thrown by her from the moment they met. It was her turn.
“Want something to drink?” Maxim asked, drawing Hunter’s attention away from the stunning beauty with almond shaped eyes.
“Sure. I’ll come with you.”
Hunter pushed to his feet and saw his brother kiss Ceara’s upturned lips before he stood. He didn’t miss the way that Avery watched the couple, thinly veiled longing in her eyes.
He strode around the corner to the terrace bar just outside of the Tiki room. Some days it was hard to believe that he’d been sitting right over there twenty-one months ago, sipping beer with his brother. Their world had changed so completely that night. Mostly for the better; although, there’d been plenty of pain and anguish after the death of their Alpha.
But Hunter’d always been the type to focus on the bright side. Sometimes he did it just to piss Maxim off. But that was what younger brothers were for.
They met up at the bar and ordered a beer.
“Why are you still pining for her?”
Hunter didn’t look at his brother. It was a question Maxim had asked before. Hunter always shrugged and gave the same answer “I like her.”
It was more than that and they both knew it. But Hunter wasn’t about to admit the truth to his brother and see the pit
y in his eyes. Nor could he let him in on the plan.
“I don’t understand why you like her. She’s made it clear she doesn’t want you.”
The bartender, a guy Hunter hadn’t met before, slid their beers across the bar and Maxim settled the tab.
“Can I get a house cocktail, as well?” Hunter asked. He handed over his key-card so the drink could be charged to his room.
The bartender nodded and stepped away to fix the drink.
“Well?” Maxim prodded.
Hunter thought back to the first night he’d laid eyes on her. The little red bikini had snagged his attention first, but it was her laugh that had held him for the rest of the night. She’d been the rock her team had depended on during the volleyball game. And she’d also been their biggest cheerleader, giving them tips right along with the pep-talks.
“I like her laugh, her smile, the way she pulls her bottom lip between her teeth when she’s lost in thought. I like that she’s still upset about the fact that she was chatting with Izzy’s ex during the poker game last year. I like her competitive spirit and the fact that she tries so hard to be practical and logical even though it actually goes against her nature. I like how fun loving she is and how she tries not to take life too seriously. I like the fact that she’s seen enough hardship in her life to hang on to her friendships. I like that she’s not easy. She doesn’t fall at my feet. She doesn’t want my money. She doesn’t want to increase her position within the pack through me. I like that she thinks she’s the tomboy of the coven when she’s the prettiest girl in any room.”
“Hey!”
“And she looks hella good in a little red, string bikini.”
“So does Ceara.”
“We’re not talking about Ceara. I’m certainly not talking about Ceara. You asked about Avery so I told you.”
“What if she never comes around?”
Hunter asked himself that question at least once a day.
“I have to hold out hope.”
“You’re crazy.”
“You’re telling me that if Ceara hadn’t wanted you that you would have just turned your back on her?” Hunter didn’t believe that for one second. “You would have just given up? That’s not the brother I know. Not the wolf I know.”
Eighteen short months ago Maxim had been ready to give up everything for Ceara. Their pack, everything he’d worked for. Luckily, Ceara was both a full-blooded vamp capable of giving him children and his perfect match, charming and capable of leading a pack of hard-headed werewolves. Maxim’s love had given her power and courage.
Hunter hadn’t thought the baby-vamp had it in her, but love changed people.
“Ah, shit. You bit her, didn’t you?” Maxim said.
The bartender saved Hunter from answering by sliding the cocktail he’d ordered across the bar.
He uttered his thanks, picked up the beer and the goblet and headed back to the courtyard.
“I hope to hell you know what you’re doing,” Maxim said just before they rejoined the girls.
Hunter did too.
Avery watched him approach, mischief in her eyes.
He didn’t like playing games with women. In fact, he’d never had to. But this was one challenge he intended to win, whatever it took.
“I thought you might need a refill,” he said, setting the goblet in front of her.
She looked genuinely surprised. And dare he hope, pleased.
What he couldn’t figure out is why the simple action surprised her. Had men treated her so poorly in the past that a caring gesture was foreign to her? Or was she still leery of his agenda?
“Thank you. That was sweet.” She offered him the first smile he’d seen from her this trip and it melted him like a stick of butter on a hot skillet.
Luckily, his brother picked up the conversation. Talk of the pack and coven were at the top of the list. Although Avery joined in, she was more reserved than usual.
There was a shift in the atmosphere in the courtyard. The low din of conversation grew even softer and the air seemed to still. He glanced over his shoulder toward the water and saw Charles Latham approaching.
“Maxim, Hunter,” the god greeted them with a nod. “Ceara, lovely to see you again.” Latham’s attention shifted to Avery. “I’ve been hearing good things about your yoga class.”
Her gaze flicked over to Hunter and then back up at Latham. “That’s nice to hear.”
“I’m afraid I have a favor to ask. I have a princess visiting the island and she would like to learn yoga. She’s specifically asked for you.”
“Oh. Wow.” Avery looked genuinely surprised. Maybe even a little stunned.
“She’ll be here for three weeks. That’s a long time, I know.”
Avery smiled. “Three weeks in paradise. I’m in.”
Latham nodded and damn if he didn’t look regal. Hunter watched the two of them closely but didn’t note a single undercurrent of desire from Avery or Latham. He didn’t scent arousal either. So Avery thought the god was physically perfect, but she didn’t want him?
“Thank you. My assistant will be in touch with the particulars.”
“Impressionnant. You must be a great teacher,” Ceara said.
“She is,” Hunter told her.
“I still can’t figure out why Latham’s offering yoga at a sex resort,” Maxim uttered, then drained his beer bottle.
“He wants to be all inclusive,” Avery told him, bracing her elbows on her knees. “Valencia comes here for the spa.”
“I’ve never met a princess before,” Ceara inserted, her mind obviously elsewhere and her voice full of awe. “I wonder what she’s like.”
“We’ll find out soon.” Avery set her goblet on the table. “I’m going to head to bed. This schedule is really messing with me.”
When she stood up and wished everyone a good night, Hunter set his beer bottle aside and pushed to his feet.
“I’ll walk you back.” He knew that she normally preferred the exercise over flashing. But her mouth dropped open ever-so-slightly as if she was going to object. “A beautiful woman can never be too safe,” he murmured, when he was at her side.
She worried her lower lip and cast a quick glance at Ceara.
“Thanks.”
Hunter cupped her elbow and followed her down the path toward the cottage she shared with Valencia. He was encouraged by the fact that she didn’t shrug off his touch. In fact, she seemed to lean into him ever so slightly.
“So what’s bothering you tonight?”
“What makes you think anything’s bothering me?” she asked immediately, defensively.
Wrong answer, sweetheart. Wrong answer. She’d totally given herself away.
“You’re not normally so quiet.”
“I have a lot on my mind and not much to say.” Again, her answer was quick. Almost scripted.
“Really?” He pushed a palm frond out of their way. “Do tell.”
From the corner of his eye, he saw her jaw drop. She snapped her lips together, pursed them tightly and gave a tiny little head shake. Admittedly, he loved confusing her because she’d been confusing the hell out of him for almost two years.
He heard the creature before he saw it. A small, dark shape darted out from the underbrush right in front of Avery’s feet. She screamed and launched straight up. Her vampire reflexes sent her a good five feet off the ground and he caught her on the way down.
One arm beneath her knees, the other supporting her upper back, he held her easily. She felt right.
Didn’t she feel it? One glance into her deep blue eyes said, yes, in fact she did feel it. They were wide and a little shocked, and not, he was guessing, because of the rodent.
He couldn’t have planned that better if he’d tried.
“He can’t hurt you,” he murmured and then started forward. “But perhaps I should carry you the rest of the way, just to be safe.”
“Hunter…”
“What? Surely you don’t think you’re going to br
eak my back, sweetheart. You’re light as a feather.” And he was stiff as a board.
He had to keep Avery away from that part of his anatomy or she’d know he wasn’t as unaffected by her as he wanted to appear. He knew her. She’d use his desire against him and then they’d be no better off than they were now. No, he needed to tease her until she was begging him for more.
So he kept her high against his chest and made tracks to the cottage.
“Hunter, I can walk.”
“I know that.”
“So why don’t you put me down?” Her question belied her actions. She’d wrapped her arms around his shoulders and neck and he tried to ignore just how good that felt; her clinging to him, depending on him, holding him.
“Well,” he drawled, “for starters. We don’t know that Mr. Mouse wasn’t the first of an evil army with a taste for delicate vampire flesh. For all we know he could be the Calvary.”
She tipped her head back and laughed. Damn, if the sound didn’t wash through him like a cleansing rain. She’d never been able to hold back when he told jokes and that was just one more thing to appreciate about her. When she let her guard down, she was very easy going. Very go with the flow. And they shared the same sense of humor.
“And second?”
Oh hell. “I’m getting my workout for the day,” he teased.
She playfully smacked his arm and he felt the tension of the last few hours drain away.
“You just said I’m light as a feather.”
He loved her sexy little pout. She reminded him so much of the woman he’d fallen for two solstices ago.
“Yeah, well, that was one hundred feet ago,” he said with a grin.
She smacked him again with a mock-frown. “Put me down.”
“Not a chance, sweetheart.”
“Hunter—” She tried to sound fierce but ended up giggling. Then she bucked in his arms, almost springing free.
He made a tsking sound. “I can’t tell if you want to be mouse food or thrown over my shoulder.”
That quieted her down. Luckily he was saved from an awkward moment. The cottage came into view and he took the two steps onto the wrap-around porch in one stride. “Safely home, my lady,” he murmured, setting her down in front of the door.
Pursued by a Werewolf (Mystic Isle, Book 4) Page 3
