Harvest Moon

by Lisa Kessler

  This should not bother me. Jason was a potential spy for a company who wanted to silence me forever. Not really dating material.

  Plus he was a doctor.

  I shouldn’t have to remind myself of this. I wasn’t attracted to him anyway.

  Not really. But I was still human.

  “So he dates a lot, then?” Why did I ask? I didn’t want to know.

  “I heard he used to. Nurses talk.”

  I nodded. Nurses definitely talked. Maybe that’s why Dr. Ayers no longer dated people at the hospital. Spies needed to lay low. But what did I know? For all I knew Todd could be the spy. He licked the grease off of every finger and grinned at me.

  Definitely not James Bond material.

  “Are you from around here?”

  “No.” My pulse raced. I hadn’t thought of a cover story. “I moved here from New York.” I groaned inwardly. At least it was a giant state. Still pretty vague. I hoped.

  “New York?” His eyebrows almost reached his hairline, like I was an alien instead of an east coaster. “Why’d you move all the way to Reno?”

  Questions like that were why I shouldn’t try to make friends here. I needed to put more thought into my fictional life. “Bad breakup. I needed a fresh start and Reno sounded…fresh.”

  God, even I didn’t buy that story. I held my breath.

  “Was he a doctor?”

  “Who?”

  “The bad breakup.”

  “It’s that obvious, huh?”

  He nodded and grabbed another piece of pizza.

  I hadn’t technically lied. My last relationship breakup was with a doctor. That split was how I landed on Grace’s couch. We ended up finding an apartment together, and I swore off doctors. But technically, it wasn’t my ex-boyfriend who brought me to Reno.

  “Thanks for the company, Todd.” I put my pizza down. “I better head home.”

  “Sorry. I didn’t mean to dredge up bad memories.”

  “Nah, it’s not that.” I stood up and hooked my bag over my shoulder. “Just tired from my shift.”

  “Okay. See you around, then.”

  I got in my car and rested my forehead against the wheel, forcing the painful memories of the night I found Grace back into a mental box. At least the crippling fear weighing me down at the end of my shift receded a little. I started the car and drove to my apartment. A pair of headlights in my rearview mirror followed me all the way, but they zoomed past when I pulled into the parking lot.

  Maybe I was just being paranoid.

  I jogged to my apartment when the vision hit, just a flash of a text message. In front of my door, I dug my cell out of my purse. Nothing yet. Once I was inside, my phone buzzed.

  Beware the Jabberwock – S

  “Shit.” His number was blocked, but the meaning was clear. Time to head to the horse ranch. I didn’t know Sebastian very well, but in spite of being employed by a company that had no qualms about killing, he had a fondness for poetry. Grace loved that about him.

  This line was his code, a warning. The only one I’d get.

  Nero was closing in.

  I hurried around my studio apartment, grabbing all my essentials and electronics. Had they found Nani? If they hurt my grandmother I’d… I couldn’t think about it. She wouldn’t have known where I was anyway. If they were heading to Reno, Dr. Ayers must’ve tipped them off.

  But if he was working for them, why talk to the head nurse and pay for the medication I used for his father? Maybe it was all part of being a good spy. Seem like a nice caring guy and no one ever suspects you’re a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

  Damned doctors. I should’ve picked another line of work. They were pompous, cocky, and always hell-bent on screwing up my life. At least it seemed that way lately.

  Satisfied I had all I needed, I set my bag by the door and made one last walk through to be sure I didn’t leave anything behind they could use to track me. No loose credit card slips, business cards, or junk mail with my alias.

  The place was clean.

  I hurried out, putting the address into my phone. According to my GPS, the ranch was thirty minutes away. Then the fun would really begin. I had no idea who these people were or if they’d really help me, a total stranger, but I didn’t have any other options. After everything that had happened, I wasn’t about to be stupid.

  This wasn’t a game.

  I pulled down the drive toward the barn. The lights were on, and I figured it’d be a better place to hide my car if Nero was already searching for it. I turned off the engine as a man walked toward me. With the lights behind him, his face was hidden by shadows. I couldn’t make out his expression, but I hadn’t gotten a flash that I was in danger. Yet.

  By the time I got out, I could see him better. His brown hair was tied back, revealing a strong chin and determined eyes. Very light blue eyes. “Can I help you?”

  “Hope so. I’m looking for Adam.”

  His shoulders tensed. “Is he expecting you? Little late if you’re here to look at a horse. I’ve already fed them. Maybe tomorrow.”

  “It’s not about a horse.” This isn’t weird. Nope. I sighed. “Look, it’s late, I get it, but I need Adam’s help.”

  His eyes narrowed. “So he’s not expecting you.”

  “Sebastian sent me.”

  He encroached into my personal space, backing me up against my car. Confusion and fear comingled into a sick feeling in my stomach.

  “Get back in your car and tell Sebastian whatever it is, we’re not interested.”

  What the hell had Sebastian been thinking sending me here? I reached for the door handle, but with my butt pressed against the car, the door wouldn’t budge. A wave of inappropriate laughter escaped my lips. The more I tried to hold them in, the worse they became.

  The imposing would-be guard dog grit his teeth, his voice dropping an octave. “What part of this do you find funny?”

  I shook my head, trying to speak coherently through the unwanted laughter. “I can’t get my car door open. You’re pressing me against it.”

  “Is there a problem here, Luke?”

  The enforcer spun around. “I’ve got everything under control.”

  The other guy was a little broader across the chest, maybe a few years older, too. He hooked his thumb in the pocket of his faded jeans and glanced my way. “Who is this?”

  “Sebastian sent her, so I was just showing her out.”

  The other man raised a brow, his hands tensing at his sides, his green eyes locked on my face. “Who are you?”

  And as suddenly as they appeared, the inappropriate giggles were gone. I cleared my throat. “I’m Ki…Kelly. Kelly Jones. I need help.”

  He came up next to the one he called Luke. “And Sebastian sent you to us? Why?”

  “He said you’d help me. I have no idea why he thought going to a horse ranch would keep me safe.” I pushed away from the car. “I’m sorry. This is all a mistake.”

  The older one crossed his arms over his chest. “Sorry, Kelly. I can’t let you go without knowing what Sebastian is planning.”

  “Can’t let me go?” I shifted my gaze between the two handsome yet impassive faces. “What the hell is going on here?”

  My cell phone was safely in my purse inside the car. Shit. My pulse kicked up a notch, while I struggled to remain calm.

  “I’m asking you that same question.”

  I rolled my eyes, hoping I masked the wariness and animalistic urge to run. “I came to Reno to hide from some bad people. Sebastian gave me this address and said if I noticed them getting close, I should come here and ask for Adam, so I did. He said you would be able to protect me from Nero. That’s all I know.”

  The older guy looked at the younger one and tipped his head toward the house. “I’ve got this. Can you tell the others to be alert?”

  Luke nodded. “I’m on it.”

  Once we were alone, he turned my way, his stance relaxing just a little. “I’m Adam.”

  My tong
ue dried up in my mouth. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have come.”

  “If it’s Nero who is after you, then Sebastian was right. We’re the only ones who can protect you.” He paused, his tone darkening. “But my family comes first. If you can’t be straight with me, then I can’t help you.”

  “I’ve told you everything I know.”

  He didn’t look convinced. “Why are they after you?” He took a step closer. “And how about your real name?”

  I gaped a little. “I told you I’m Kelly Jones.”

  “You started to say something else.” He shook his head and backed off. “Never mind. You’re wasting my time. I can’t help you.”

  He walked a few paces toward the house while my mind whirled. Where would I go?

  “Wait.”

  He stopped.

  “My name is Kilani Akamu.”

  Adam turned. I took a slow breath and met his eyes. “My roommate was Sebastian’s girlfriend. Nero killed her a few weeks ago.” Saying the words out loud brought all the memories back. My voice wobbled. “I’m a loose end, and they’re coming to clean it up.”

  “You’re a loose end, how?”

  I blinked hard, forbidding a tear from sliding down my cheek. “I found her body, and I know she was seeing Sebastian. His father owns—”

  He put his hand up, silencing me. “I know who he is.” A muscle in his cheek jumped. “So Nero is back in my territory. Again.”

  “Probably. I noticed a doctor spying on me at lunch, and then tonight I got a text from Sebastian warning me they’re coming. The spy must’ve tipped them off.”

  “A doctor?” He looked less than convinced.

  “I’m a nurse. I work at St. Mary’s Hospital.”

  “If there’s a doctor working for Nero over there, we’ll find him. I have a friend who has a practice in the medical offices. I’ll have him ask around.”

  My tense muscles relaxed slightly. He believed me. “That would be great. His name is Dr. Ayers.”

  Adam frowned. “Jason?” He chuckled, shaking his head. “You think Dr. Jason Ayers is working for Nero?”

  It was my turn to frown. “He was spying on me today, and tonight Sebastian texted me to run. It’s not tough to connect the dots.”

  “If Jason was watching you, it definitely wasn’t for Nero.”

  “How can you be so sure?”

  His features sobered. “Because he hates Nero almost as much as I do.”

  Chapter Five

  JASON

  Adam wouldn’t say why, only that I needed to get my ass over to the ranch. Now. I envisioned one of the twins fell down the stairs or someone got kicked by a horse, the list went on in my head. Either way, I was lucky the highway patrol wasn’t nearby. My foot rode the gas pedal, hard.

  I made the usually twenty-minute drive in just under fifteen minutes. Adam met me outside before I could get to the door with my med kit.

  “What happened?” I tried to keep moving, but Adam blocked my path. “Who’s hurt?”

  “No one.”

  “What the hell?” Something snapped inside of me. “This is bullshit, Adam. I’ve got enough stress in my life right now without a late-night call from my Alpha to get my ass to the ranch. I don’t need this.” I turned to go back to the car, but he grabbed my elbow. I stopped, but I didn’t turn around.

  “Sorry about that.” He let go of my arm. “I should’ve told you it wasn’t a medical emergency, but it’s still urgent and it involves you…and Nero.”

  I huffed out a little frustration and shifted to face him. “I swear; I’ve had no contact with Nero. None. Not since Granger.”

  He nodded. “I’ve got a woman in my house claiming Sebastian told her to come to me for protection, and the one she wants protecting from is you.”

  “What?” He was speaking English, but his words didn’t make any sense.

  “I was just as confused as you, so rather than try to explain it, I thought you should hear it straight from her.”

  “Fine.” I didn’t bother putting my kit back in the car and followed him inside.

  Her scent hit me before we stepped over the threshold. I smelled fresh flowers and the sea. Kilani. The fog of confusion thickened.

  She popped up from her spot on the couch the second I came in. Before she could say anything, I frowned. “What are you doing here? And how do you know Sebastian?”

  “No.” She shook her head, pointing in my direction. “You don’t get to ask the questions first.”

  The determination in her eyes sparked something inside me. She was the smallest person in the room, but her spirit was ready to take us both on. You had to be tough and mentally strong for nursing, and, safe to say, she was probably awesome at her job.

  “Fine.” I shrugged and set my kit on the floor by my feet. “Ladies first.”

  “Why were you spying on me earlier today?”

  Adam shifted his focus, reminding me we weren’t alone.

  “I wasn’t spying.”

  “I was eating lunch and looked up to see you at your window watching me.”

  “Watching, not spying.”

  She rolled her eyes. “I don’t have time to debate semantics, Doctor.” She walked toward Adam. “Hate to break it to you, but this guy you call a friend also called Nero and told them I was in Reno.”

  “You are miles off base.” I turned to Adam. “Will someone please tell me what the hell is going on here?”

  She wheeled around, glaring up at me. “Nero murdered my roommate, and I found her body. I know they did it. Now, because of you, they’re coming to tie up a loose end. Me.”

  Adrenaline shot through my veins like wildfire, hot and furious at the thought of Nero touching her.

  “I tried to tell her she had it wrong, but she didn’t believe me.” Adam glanced from my face to hers and back again. “If Nero really is on the way, then you two better get your heads on straight. I won’t put my…family at risk.”

  I caught the hesitation in Adam’s voice. Whatever Sebastian had told Kilani, Adam didn’t think she knew we were werewolves. In front of guests we weren’t his Pack, we were family. I gave a subtle nod of my head.

  “Work this out.” Adam walked away toward the stairs, leaving me with a very angry Kilani.

  “There’s nothing to discuss. I’ll take care of myself.” She went toward the door and I almost reached out to stop her, but given her current frame of mind, I stopped. If she thought I was a Nero spy, manhandling her wasn’t going to help my cause.

  “I watched you today because you’re beautiful. It had nothing to do with Nero or spying.” She froze and turned slowly. The sudden spurt of honesty rattled me, but she didn’t run out of the house screaming, so I went a little further. “It was a fluke when I saw you leave the building for the parking lot. I thought you’d get in your car and drive away. When you didn’t, I was curious…”

  She came one step closer, staring up at me. Studying me? She had beautiful dark, almond-shaped eyes. Wise. And her sun-kissed skin looked soft, tempting. I closed my hands to keep from reaching out to touch her.

  “If you didn’t call Nero, then who did?” A crease marred her smooth brow. “I’ve been here for almost two months and everything was quiet, then I catch you…watching me, and I get a text from Sebastian that they’re coming. Pretty huge coincidence.”

  I nodded. Her conclusion was logical. Wrong, too, but now I understood why she believed it. “Can we sit down and start over?”

  “No.” She pressed her lips together for a moment. “I bet caring for your father is expensive.”

  The pivot in conversation stunned me for a moment. “What does that have to do with anything?”

  “That was the only missing piece. Spying goes against everything anyone has told me about you, but paying for in-home staff for your father has got to be pricey, even for a doctor. You might need extra cash. Making a phone call about a nurse named Kilani could be a huge payday.”

  “Wow.” I raked my fingers b
ack through my hair. “You think you’ve got this all figured out.” My hands were tied. I couldn’t tell her the real reason my dad wasn’t in a hospital or why we couldn’t risk in-home nursing. I was running out of bullshit. I met her eyes. “It was a doctor from Nero who shot my father up with potassium chloride that day. I discovered he’d been poisoning a friend of mine and he attacked my dad to slow me down while he got away. I had to choose, catch the bastard or save my father. I chose family.”

  She watched me for a second and slowly let out a breath she’d been holding. “That’s why Adam said you hated Nero…”

  “I wasn’t fond of them before they stopped my dad’s heart, but I’m even more anxious to take them down now.” I raised my hands slightly. “Are we good now?”

  She lifted a shoulder. “I might’ve been wrong about you being the spy, but I’m not sure that makes us good…” Her words faded as she came closer to me. I followed her stare to my hands. “Are those bruises?”

  I started to drop them, but she caught one, studying it. Something inside me came unhinged. The wolf howled in my mind, deafening my ears for a second, my pupils dilated, nostrils flared, and my lungs filled with her scent as I struggled for breath.

  “Gobsmacked” didn’t begin to describe the insanity. What the hell was happening to me?

  “Dr. Ayers?” She released my hand and I stumbled backward, blinking hard. Gradually the world came back into focus. She came closer, reaching out to steady me. “Whoa. You should sit down before you fall down. We need to get to the hospital for a CAT scan. You’re probably nursing a concussion. You’ve got all the symptoms, Dr. Ayers.”

  “Jason.” I shook my head. This couldn’t be real. There had to be an explanation. “Call me Jason.”

  “Fine.” She came closer, reaching up to inspect the cut on my brow, her breasts so close to my chest, the heat of her body warmed me right through our clothes. “Jason, we need to get you to a hospital. Your brain could be swelling.”

  Oh, something was swelling for sure, but it was nowhere near my brain.

  “I’m okay.”

  Her gaze shifted from my cut to my eyes. “You’re saying that lack of balance and coordination, coupled with your rapid pupil dilation, was normal?”