He looked genuinely taken aback, his blue eyes widening as he looked down at her, then at the watch on his hand. “True, but—”
She put a hand over his. “I don’t know what we’re doing here. I don’t know how long I’ll be here. But you’re kind to me, and I think you like me and—”
He caught her hand and squeezed it warmly in his. “I think you’re afraid, and if you want me to stay and protect you, you don’t need to offer me sex.” He grabbed a blanket that was on a nearby chair and slung it over his shoulder as he headed to the stairs. “Come on. Let’s get you tucked in.”
She followed him up the stairs warily, wondering how this was going to work out. “Um, where will you sleep?” She looked around the main bedroom. There wasn’t even a chair he could comfortably curl up in.
“We’ll figure it out,” he said with a shrug. “Probably the floor.”
“What?”
“I like hard surfaces,” he said easily. “Now go change. I want to tuck you in.”
She smiled at his eagerness to do something so… kind. It had been a long time since she’d been taken care of like that. Or at all.
“Okay, be right back.” She grabbed her pajamas, a modest flannel pair that covered her from head to toe, and came back in the room to see him spreading the blanket he’d brought at the foot of the bed.
“You really can sleep on the bed. I trust you.”
“Nah,” he said. “I’ll wait until you trust me even more. ‘Til you don’t look nervous when you invite me in.”
He had her there. As much as she wanted to be, her heart just wasn’t quite ready. She wasn’t sure what she was waiting for. She just knew that no matter how awesome Hunter was, past hurts were holding her back.
He held back the covers so she could crawl into bed and then moved them over her, tucking them under her chin.
“I’m not a kid,” she joked.
“I know,” he said as he walked over to turn out the light and check the lock on the door. “But I like taking care of you. Sue me. No, don’t. I’m not rich.”
She laughed as he disappeared beneath her view, taking up residence on the floor with a plethora of rustling sounds. “Don’t you need a pillow?”
“I stole the chair cushion while you were changing. That okay?”
“Of course.” She was flushing, lying there in the darkness with just the two of them alone in her house in the middle of nowhere.
Somehow the sexual tension from before was still there. She turned over on her side and let out a sigh, thinking how different this felt than the night she’d spent alone here.
Just hearing the quiet sound of his breathing, the way his masculine scent tinged the air, made her feel safe.
“Good night, Hunter. Thanks so much for staying.”
His response was quiet. “You’re welcome. You sleep well, okay?”
“Okay.” She nuzzled into the covers, thinking that, for the first time in a long time, she would probably have peace in her sleep.
And she did, until she woke up a few hours later to the sound of a blaring alarm.
Chapter 8
Kelly sat up abruptly, and though her heart was pounding and her ears were ringing with an unknown sound that seemed to signal panic, her tired brain was still trying to catch up.
It took her a few seconds to realize it was the alarm Hunter had installed. Oh, dear God, why?
She jumped as she saw a huge figure at the foot of the bed and then realized it was Hunter, with a huge sigh of relief.
He looked at her and held a finger to his lips, and she saw there was a gun in his hands already. He racked the slide, loading a round as he crept toward the door.
“Stay here,” he hissed.
She held the blanket up against her and nodded, as adrenaline was making it too hard to think. The alarm going off, did it mean someone had breached the perimeter? Was there someone inside the house? Was it possible it was just broken?
So many questions ran through her mind as she heard Hunter moving to the top of the stairs.
Was it someone on the ground floor? The thought of someone in her house made her feel violated in a very deep way. One part of her was grateful Hunter had been there, because of the capable, efficient way he’d just cocked his gun and headed out in the face of danger.
The other part of her couldn’t stand the thought of something happening to him because he was in her house.
She was attracted to the capable side of him and knew no other man she had dated would ever have been that calm, that steady, that protective.
But that just made her want to be by his side, watching his back.
She got up quietly and walked to her dresser, pulling out the shotgun she’d hidden behind it. She’d gotten the gun after a few months of stalking by the bear, just in case, and she’d spent time getting familiar with it while shooting skeet.
She wasn’t sure a shotgun could even take down a bear, but it could definitely handle an intruder, if she could keep her wits about her.
She crept to the top of the stairs, and it made a small creak that made her wince. Hunter appeared a second later, and frustration flashed in his eyes momentarily when he saw she was no longer in bed.
He gestured for her to go back, and she shook her head, motioning to the shotgun.
He seemed to get what she wanted and nodded slightly, putting a hand to his lips again. She would stay out of sight as much as possible, but he’d be safer with her watching his back.
He slowly moved over to her, until he was blocking sight of her with his body, and then put her hand around his waist.
“Stay close,” he whispered. “And don’t shoot me with that thing.”
“I won’t,” she said. “I’m careful. I’ve practiced.”
He nodded. “One in the chamber?”
“Not yet.”
“Go ahead.”
She cocked the gun so it was ready to fire if needed, and a part of her felt great that he would trust her to come along.
They walked slowly toward the back of the house, moving through shadows until they saw the source of the alarm going off.
The back window was broken, and shattered glass lay all over the rug at the entry from the back deck.
But whatever had broken the window hadn’t made a big enough hole for anyone to get in yet. Whoever it was seemed to have run away, based on the drips of blood littering the deck and going out into the woods.
“I already checked the front, so I figured it had to be back here.” He gestured at the ceiling. “Glass break sensor.”
“Ah. Good thing you were here.”
He smiled at her then, and it felt like she could finally breathe easily. “Yeah. I guess so.” He took a few steps closer to the glass. “I want to go follow the trail, but I won’t if you don’t want me to.”
She shook her head vehemently. “No. Please don’t. Don’t leave me here alone.” She set the gun aside and clutched his arm with shaking hands.
It probably wasn’t the bear, but what if it was? She didn’t want him in the forest alone, overtaken by an apex predator.
If it was just some stupid townsperson or teenager, then Hunter would be fine. Or maybe even a normal animal, if he took her shotgun.
But she couldn’t take the risk of it being her bear.
“Are you sure?” He looked down at her, and she could see how badly he wanted to go track down whatever had tried to come inside.
She nodded. “I can’t… If you’re out there, I’ll go nuts.”
“Okay,” he said, eyeing the window as they both took a step back. He turned to face her, holding her hands in his reassuringly. “Here’s what we’re going to do. We’ll go over to Garrett’s house, and tomorrow, me and my friends will come back and see if we can find any clues.”
She couldn’t help lunging forward to hug him, wrapping both arms tightly around his waist.
She’d never been as scared as she was when he was headed downstairs to face the intruder, but sh
e’d also never felt so protected in her life.
He barely knew her, and he’d been willing to face down monsters. Willing to help with her house. Willing to stay instead of chasing the intruder because she wanted him to.
It all made her want to bury her face in his chest and never let go.
For once, she hadn’t been alone when things got scary. She hadn’t had to watch someone run when things got tough.
Who knew what it would mean in the long run, but it meant a lot to her right now.
She inhaled his clean, masculine fragrance, and couldn’t help remembering their night on the couch and wanting to hold him close.
Was it odd of her to be turned on at a time like this? When they’d both been in danger? Or maybe it was life-affirming, because she just wanted to revel in the fact that they were both safe.
And maybe it was just her attraction to him as someone braver than anyone she’d ever met. Regardless of what it was, she couldn’t resist getting up on her toes and kissing him, hard, right on the mouth.
He froze but then joined her, letting her tongue explore his mouth as he made an odd little purring noise inside.
She pulled back, looking up at him, wondering where that had come from, but he let out a little growl and kissed her this time, pulling her against him again.
His lips were so warm, so soft, and his hands were strong and capable and trustworthy. And, oh God, that body pressed to her, muscles to curves… the contrast delectable.
But he slowly pulled back from her, looking flushed. “We still need to get over to Garrett’s. I need you to be safe.”
She nodded. “We can continue this later.”
He looked slightly dazed by the thought of that but quickly recovered, going over to the stairs and holding out his hand. “Come on. We’ll pack up some things for you and head over right away.”
She nodded, following him up. “And you’re sure Garrett will be okay with this?”
“Of course,” Hunter said. “If you think I’m overprotective, you haven’t met that overbearing bear.”
“Bear?” She couldn’t help shivering slightly.
“Just a figure of speech,” Hunter said quietly. “Sorry.”
“Right, ‘cause of his beard and his size and—”
“Yup.” As they packed up, Hunter was looking more relaxed. “I’ll call them on the way. Let’s head out now.”
She put her hand in his as he slung her bag over his shoulder. As they walked outside and Hunter disabled the alarm and locked the front door behind them, she felt her heart begin to pound again.
Even as they walked to the car, he was guarding her, shielding her with his wide back as he spun, checking every direction around them.
When he was satisfied, he helped her into his truck and then got in on his side.
As he started it and pulled out onto the road, she let out a sigh of contentment, glad it was just them and the truck and the woods.
But as they continued driving and Hunter turned on soothing country music, all she could really think about was that kiss.
And how much she wanted to do it again.
Chapter 9
Hunter was still shaken by the break-in when they arrived at Garrett’s house, and Garrett and his mate Dawn came out to greet them.
“Oh my gosh, that’s so scary,” Dawn said, running out to envelope Kelly in a hug.
Kelly looked only slightly awkward as she hugged Dawn back, smiling at Hunter over her shoulder.
Garrett came in front of the women and folded his arms as he lowered his voice to talk to Hunter. “So… you have any idea what broke the glass?”
Hunter made sure Dawn was still talking to Kelly, because he needed to keep whatever he said from here on quiet. “I think shifter. I’m not sure. There was blood left behind, but it might be gone by morning. Kelly didn’t want me to go out.”
Garrett gave Kelly a look of respect. “She was worried about you?”
“Yeah,” Hunter said, rubbing the back of his neck. “I guess she’s worried about a lot of things. But I’m worried we just lost a chance to figure this guy out.”
Garrett nodded. “I get that, but right now, it’s just important to spend time with your mate.”
Hunter’s jaw dropped. “With my—”
Garrett put a hand on his shoulder with a smile. “You’ll figure it out soon enough. Anyway, let me show you your room. I assume staying together is fine?”
Hunter was still kind of speechless at Garrett’s words but followed him into the house, the women trailing behind.
Garrett walked to the back of the house, the opposite side of where the master bedroom was, and opened a door, flicking on a light.
It was cozy. Warm. A king bed with a homemade quilt and rustic railings. A dresser and two nightstands.
An adjoining bathroom with a bath and a shower.
Hunter stayed with Garrett by the door as the women explored it, Dawn pointing out all the things they could use.
“Perfect for two, right?” Garrett said, slanting a sneaky look at Hunter, amber eyes glowing.
Hunter folded his arms with a little huff. “It’ll be fine.” He softened, realizing he was probably putting his friend out. “We’re really glad you had a place for us.”
Garrett just laughed, then leaned in to whisper in Hunter’s ear, next to his shoulder. “It’s pretty soundproof, too. If you get up to some mating, we won’t be able to hear on the other side of the house.”
Hunter tried not to gasp, his ears flaming. Now he knew how Grayson felt when he teased him about wolves doing doggy style.
Hunter was used to being the one teasing, not the one being teased, and he wasn’t sure he liked it.
Then again, the animal inside him only heard that they would have peace and quiet with their mate. To do whatever they wanted with her.
Oh fuck, she really was his mate, wasn’t she? It explained all of the overprotectiveness, which reached a level that was abnormal even for chivalrous Hunter.
He couldn’t really make himself certain yet. After all, what did having a mate even feel like? Did it happen as fast as this?
It would make sense with how quickly he was getting involved, but perhaps something about her just brought out the worry in him.
Something like her being his mate.
He shook his head, banishing the thought for now because it had no relevance on the topic at hand.
Except, as his neck reddened, he remembered how she’d kissed him, how her hands had grasped at him, and how she’d said she wanted to continue later.
But maybe when all the excitement wore off and tiredness took its place, she’d change her mind.
That would be fine with him, even if his kitty might die of disappointment.
It didn’t even have to be much. Just touching her was heaven.
When Garrett and Dawn had left, Garrett with a wink and Dawn with a friendly wave, there was an odd tension in the room.
Kelly set her bag on the bed and looked over at him coyly, clearly not forgetting where they’d left off.
She was still in her soft flannel pajamas, revealed as she took off her coat and placed it on a nearby chair. They couldn’t have hidden more of her, yet he couldn’t have been more turned on by the thought of slowly revealing her, button by button.
She walked into the bathroom and began to mess with her hair as Hunter cleared his throat, wondering where this was going.
He walked into the bathroom and saw himself in the mirror over her shoulder. He was so much taller than her that he had no trouble seeing both of their faces, even when he was directly behind.
“I… Are you sure you’re okay? That was… not what anyone wants to wake up to.”
“No.” She agreed with a sigh. “But like I said, I’m just glad you were there.”
“Me, too. I’m just mad because you were sleeping so peacefully, and then the dang alarm went off. You can’t catch a break, can you?”
She laughed, and her brown eyes
sparkled, despite the stress lines under them. “You have no idea.”
He walked forward, putting his arms around her and nuzzling his nose into her neck. He couldn’t help it. It didn’t have to lead anywhere…
She put a hand on his arm. “I was so scared. I couldn’t believe you weren’t frightened.”
He laughed into her shoulder, making her flinch. From pleasure or shock? “I was frightened.”
She pulled away from him and walked to the bed, pulling the covers back. As she got in, she gave him a disbelieving glance. “You didn’t look frightened at all. You just cocked your gun and went to take care of business.”
“Well, yeah. I’m not going to let a woman I care about get hurt.”
His words hung in the air between them, and she slowly blushed, averting her gaze.
He looked around for a blanket to spread on the ground again, but without looking up, she tapped the bed beside her, gesturing for him to get on.
He hesitated, cursing himself for doing so. He was still wearing his work jeans. “I’ll get you dirty.”
“That’s the idea,” she said with a smirk. “Just take your jeans off. You’re wearing underwear, right?”
Underwear that would do nothing to hide the state of his feelings for her.
“Yeah.”
She patted the bed again, her eyes twinkling mischievously. “Get in.”
He slowly undid his belt and dropped his jeans, grateful he wore boxers instead of briefs. Then he quickly walked around and got under the covers before she could catch sight of anything untoward.
To his surprise, she cuddled in against him, resting a hand on his chest, her curls splayed on his shoulder.
He raised a hand to stroke it lightly through her hair, loving the feel as each lock bounced around his fingers.
“Tell me why you were frightened.”
He let out a long sigh, thinking back to the moment the alarm had gone off. He’d been watching her sleep. It had been such a content moment. And then the feeling had been destroyed, replaced by fury and then panic as he realized someone was in Kelly’s house.
Or trying to be.
Built Fur Love Box Set Page 36
