by Brenda Trim
His chest tightened, and Zane rubbed the ache. It was imperative they get the senator’s backing before something irrevocable happened. A shifter was killed, and a bomb exploded, destroying Liv’s lab and nearly killing her and her unborn child. What next? His gut told him he was about to find out while he prayed at the same time it was nothing bad.
“Zane, your dedication is admirable. Unfortunately, my decision remains the same. I cannot get involved. I truly am sorry,” Senator Hartwell offered with a solemn expression.
“Thank you for your time, Larry,” Bart replied and walked toward the senator with an outstretched hand.
“Always good to see you, Bart. If I change my mind, you’ll be the first to know,” Larry replied then offered his hand to Zane.
“Pleasure meeting you, sir,” Zane murmured as they said goodbye.
Zane and Bart left the senator’s office and headed toward his truck. “Well, that didn’t go as planned,” Zane commented as they approached his vehicle.
“Honestly, I didn’t expect him to jump on board the first go-round. I’ll give him a few days to absorb the information. I’m not giving up on Larry. He’s a good man, and I think he’ll do the right thing,” Bart replied.
“I hope you’re right,” Zane said as he drove toward Safe Haven. He didn’t know how much longer they had before all hell broke loose.
“No, move it back to where we had it before,” Liv said to Brenlee, Haylee and Hannah as she looked at the long metal table. They had spent the past three hours setting up a temporary lab for Liv, and she couldn’t make a decision to save her life.
“Remind me never to get pregnant,” Brenlee joked as she and Haylee hefted the heavy object.
“No kidding. I think I pulled a muscle,” Haylee grunted with a wink as they carried the table for the sixth time in an hour.
“I’m sorry. I know I’m being difficult. It’s just this space is a fraction of what I had before, and I need to use every inch of this room,” Liv explained as she perused the conference room.
“They’re just messing with you,” Hannah interjected and shot Brenlee and Haylee a dirty look. Hannah was the serious one of the Scott clan, and the exact opposite of her twin Haylee. Haylee had a gentle, caring nature much like their mom. Animals flocked to her side and stuck close where they steered clear of Hannah and her solemn demeanor.
“I spoke with Staci today. My new laptop arrived, and she’s programming it for me. She’s coming out tomorrow to deliver it,” Liv conveyed to no one in particular. “Most of our data was saved in our files. It was mainly equipment and test samples that were destroyed in the explosion. Oh, that reminds me,” she said and turned to Brenlee, “I need to take more of Zane’s blood.”
“Okay, why are you telling me?” Brenlee asked curiously. She wasn’t Zane’s keeper.
“Because we all know that fine specimen has it bad for you,” Haylee countered and licked her lips.
“No, he doesn’t,” Brenlee replied with a roll of her eyes. “We’re just friends.”
“Aw, Bren. He’s so cute,” Hannah gushed and walked over to where Brenlee was standing.
“Seriously, guys. Yes, he’s cute, and sweet and as my slut-puppy sister said, he’s a fine specimen. But we are just friends. I swear,” Brenlee explained with her hands on her hips.
It was frustrating as hell because she agreed with every word they said about Zane. He was cute, and sweet and drop-dead sexy. But he was also funny and interesting, and honorable. She was probably an idiot for not pursuing a relationship with the male. But how could she ignore her hopes and dreams of sharing her life force with a shifter. Didn’t that count just as much?
“If you say so,” Liv replied with a shrug. Brenlee shoved her inner turmoil to the back of her mind. “Anyway, I hope he and Bart made some headway with Senator Hartwell today,” the female added as she slid a razor through a taped box, and pulled out a glass beaker.
“You and me both,” Hannah agreed as she squatted on the floor next to Liv and helped her unpack the latest shipment of supplies.
As Liv and Hannah discussed Bart and Zane’s proposal, Haylee eyed Brenlee with the look that only sisters understand between one another. She knew Brenlee’s head was all over the place. There were times when Brenlee wondered if she and Haylee shared the twin intuition more than Haylee and Hannah.
“What?” Brenlee practically snapped.
“You know what. You can play all coy with them if you want, but I happen to know you and the hot attorney went on a date the other night. I left you alone because you were hung over, but that doesn’t get you off the hook completely. Tell me how it went,” she encouraged and nudged Brenlee’s arm.
“It was fine,” Brenlee replied, keeping details to herself.
“Just fine?” Haylee countered and crossed her arms over her chest.
“Okay, it was great. What do you want me to say? That I had the best time of my life, and he swept me off my feet?” Brenlee huffed as heat suffused her cheeks.
“Only if that’s what happened. Talk to me, Bren. I see a spark in your eye that I’ve never seen before. Now, you can deny it all you want, but I think it’s because of Zane. Tell me I’m wrong,” Haylee challenged.
Brenlee released a breath she didn’t realize she was holding. “I like him. More than just a friend, if I’m being honest. But I told you before. I want to fall in love with a shifter, sis. Just like Mom did with Dad. Does that make me a horrible person?”
“Of course not. I think we all have our definition of perfection. But sometimes we can’t control what our heart wants, and that’s okay too. What’s important is listening when you find something good and not letting it go,” Haylee relayed with a smile then hugged Brenlee.
She held her sister tight, and tears sprang to her eyes. She was more confused than ever. Why couldn’t Haylee tell her to wait for her shining knight with four legs and a howl that singed her soul? Instead, she was practically pleading a case for the dashing attorney that had wormed his way into her heart.
As if summoned by the Gods above, Zane entered the conference room. He walked over and grabbed her hand. “I need you to come with me,” he told her. Their gazes locked, and Brenlee was transfixed by the unspent desire she saw in his green eyes.
How could she possibly say no?
Chapter 11
Zane drove the ATV through the woods and headed toward the workshop. When he reached the barn, he pulled up to the entrance and killed the engine. Once he climbed off the seat, he helped Brenlee. After their less than productive meeting with Senator Hartwell, all he could think about was seeing her pretty face. Being near Brenlee settled his fraught nerves.
“Why did you bring me here?”
“Just come on,” he reassured and led her inside the barn, and upstairs to his loft.
Opening the door, he stepped aside, so she could enter the room first. Her gasp brought a smile to his lips. “When did you do this?”
“Right before I came to the conference room. You hungry?” he asked and walked to the small table with two chairs. Pulling out one of them for Brenlee, he gave her a sexy smile.
“I really can’t stay long. Ashley will need help with dinner,” she replied and took a seat.
“Your shift is covered. Chad and Lori Hall were in the kitchen when I picked up the food, and they offered to fill in for you. You’ve got the night off, Miss Scott,” he informed her and sat in the chair opposite hers.
“Is that so? Well, looks like you’ve thought of everything. Is this a special occasion?” She asked and unfolded her napkin and placed it in her lap.
“Do we need a special occasion? It’s just dinner, babe,” he replied and lifted the silver dome that covered her meal.
Brenlee’s eyes bulged. “How did you know?” She blurted as she eyed the Shrimp Scampi. “Did Ashley tell you this was my favorite?”
“Yes, she did. And, we’re sworn to secrecy because I think the pack is eating spaghetti tonight,” Zane explained wi
th a wink. “Wine?” He offered as he pulled the cork from a bottle of Pinot Grigio.
“Okay, but only one glass. I don’t ever want to feel like I did after our hot spring incident,” she commented with a laugh.
“You were pretty tipsy,” Zane informed her as he filled her glass then his.
“Tipsy? More like wasted,” she said with a snort.
“Possibly, but you’re a cute wasted,” he admitted with a smile.
Brenlee glanced to her left at a nearby telescope. “When did you get that?”
“I picked it up on our way home today. I’m dying to check out the stars tonight,” he admitted as he glanced to the large device. “Another hobby of mine.”
“I see. Well, you’ll have to explain the constellations because I know nothing about them,” she confessed with a smile that set his blood on fire.
“I look forward to it. By the way, do you remember us seeing the bear as we were leaving the cave?” he asked.
Brenlee took the bite of shrimp she’d already raised to her mouth and moaned. “This is soooo delicious. Melt in your mouth goodness,” she said as her eyes rolled back in her head.
Zane swirled the pasta and shrimp onto his fork and tasted the dish. Brenlee was right. It was delicious. But not near as scrumptious as the woman sitting in front of him. “Yes. Succulent,” he replied and stared at her hungrily.
Brenlee blushed and averted her gaze then took a sip of wine. “To answer your question, I remember the bear, but I didn’t get a good look. Why do you ask?”
“I swear it seemed like it understood what I was saying. Is there such a thing as bear shifters?”
“Not that I’m aware. But, if wolf shifters exist, who’s to say others don’t,” Brenlee said as she took another bite of food.
“That’s what I was thinking. I need to tell your brother about it, just so he’s aware. Even if that bear wasn’t a shifter, your pack needs to be careful near the cave. That Grizzly was enormous,” Zane informed her then took a drink of wine.
“How did it go with Senator Hartwell today?”
Shaking his head, Zane gave Brenlee the details of their meeting. His gut twisted all over again when he saw the disappointment on her face as he told her Larry turned down their proposal. Wanting to ensure her this wasn’t the end, he added how he and Bart remained positive and encouraged her to do the same.
They ate and chatted about their day. Brenlee reminded him that Liv needed to take more blood, since his samples were destroyed in the explosion, and Zane promised to visit her the following day.
Brenlee was thrilled when she saw the dessert Ashley made for them. Chocolate cake with chocolate frosting. Another favorite of hers. Zane couldn’t look away from her beautiful face as she moaned and groaned over the sinful decadence. The sight made him ache even more for a taste. Only, he didn’t want the chocolate cake.
“One more glass?” he offered as he held up the bottle of wine.
“Yes, but that’s it. Seriously,” she insisted with a sated expression.
“Yes ma’am,” he replied and emptied the bottle between their two glasses. “To another great night,” he toasted and held up his goblet.
“Cheers,” she answered and clinked her glass with his.
Zane got up and walked to the telescope. He looked through the eyepiece and found what he was searching for then adjusted the focus. “Come here, Bren.”
She joined his side, and Zane moved enough so she could peer into the lens. “Oh, wow. What am I looking at?”
“Venus.”
“It’s so bright. And beautiful,” she murmured.
“Not as beautiful as you,” he professed.
Brenlee’s gaze shifted. When she stared up at him, he couldn’t pretend any longer. Fuck being just friends. He wanted more. A lot more. He set their glasses on the window ledge and pulled her into an embrace.
“Zane, what are you doing?”
“What I’ve wanted to do since we got here,” he replied and brought his mouth to hers.
Their lips meshed together, sending a rush of arousal through his system. Their mouths moved together in harmony, and Zane’s heart raced in his chest. Nothing compared to having Brenlee in his arms. Her lips parted, and he didn’t hesitate to take advantage.
His tongue slid across hers making her moan. Zane’s hands cradled her face, and he deepened the kiss. His body hardened when her sweet peach flavor burst across his taste buds. He sucked her lower lip then moved his mouth to the side and trailed kisses down her neck. When he reached her racing pulse, he nibbled the flesh at the base of her throat.
The need for more of Brenlee had him lifting her off the floor before he carried her to the bed. Once he placed her on the mattress, his mouth claimed hers once more. “You taste so good,” he murmured against her lips. Her answer was a moan which gave him an opening. His tongue immediately plunged inside her mouth and teased hers.
Brenlee’s breaths turned to pants, and she seemed lost to the pleasure. Her hands roamed Zane’s chest then trailed lower, grasping his ass. His cock jerked at the feel of her hot core against his groin.
“I need more, Bren. I want all of you,” Zane demanded and reached for the hem of her shirt.
As soon as he tried to tug it from her body, she froze. Her eyes went from lusty to terrified in the next second. She leapt from the bed as she shoved her top down. “I’m so sorry, Zane. I shouldn’t have allowed this. I shouldn’t have come here at all. I’m sorry,” she sputtered then ran from the room.
“Brenlee, wait!” He yelled and ran after her.
She was fast. Faster than Zane. In fact, Brenlee was down the stairs and out the door before he knew what happened.
“Where are you going?” He hollered toward her retreating back as she disappeared into the woods. The next thing he heard was a low howl, and the sound of leaves being trampled.
“Fuck!” He shouted. Pacing for several minutes he considered going after her. Deciding that would only piss her off more, he went back inside and stormed to the bedroom. What the fuck was he going to do now?
She asked him to be her friend, and he’d tried. But his feelings went much deeper than that, and he couldn’t pretend otherwise. Zane was in love with Brenlee. He wished he wasn’t, but he’d fallen for the beautiful shifter.
Unfortunately, she didn’t feel the same way. Unrequited love doesn’t die. It’s only beaten down to a secret place where it hides, curled and wounded. And still he refused to give up. There was a small kernel of hope that hadn’t yet died.
Brenlee’s wolf pounded the cold hard ground as she raced through the forest. She didn’t bother taking off her clothes as she’d run away from the barn. Instead, they ripped from her body as her inner animal emerged. Once free, her wolf raced toward the woods. She couldn’t stay in the room a second longer with Zane. She was close to giving herself completely to him. She might be questioning her sanity as she fell harder for the sexy guy, but she hadn’t given up entirely on her dream.
She should’ve known where the evening was headed. He had a romantic dinner planned with her favorite meal and dessert, not to mention wine and soft music playing in the background. Why hadn’t she left the moment she’d set foot in his bedroom? Better yet, why did she even go inside the barn?
The answer was simple. Because she was drawn to him beyond reason. Brenlee enjoyed his company and loved the attention he lavished on her. She acknowledged part of her wanted him just as much. But to stay would’ve been wrong. It wouldn’t be fair to Zane. Not when she couldn’t give him everything. The male deserved that and more.
Brenlee’s wolf howled in her mind, and they quickened their pace. She ran as fast as she could, never glancing back. Who was she kidding, thinking they could be just friends? The chemistry between them was combustible. She felt it and so did he.
She lifted her snout and howled again, releasing her pent-up energy. Zane did that to her. He set her body on fire with a mere kiss. She could only imagine what would happen
if she let it go further. She’d probably spiral out of control from her desire for the sexy male.
Again, Brenlee cursed the fact that he wasn’t a shifter. Cursed his ancestors, too, for not accepting their true nature and nurturing it instead of smothering it out of existence. Maybe if they had, Zane would be everything she ever dreamed of.
Her wolf ran faster, until the world was nothing but a blur. She didn’t want to think about anything, especially Zane Walker. After tonight, she would keep her distance. Avoid him at all costs. It was best for her, and him.
An unfamiliar scent tickled her nostrils, and her wolf came to an abrupt halt. She lifted her snout, searching for the source. The scent of water reached her first. It had to be the stream that ran through the property. Then the same smell attacked her senses again. It wasn’t an animal she recognized, but it wasn’t human, either. Could it be one of the shifters from another pack?
Her mind scrambled as she tried to remember the schedule posted in the main dining hall. Lawson created shifts for each pack, so that runs and hunts wouldn’t collide. Wolves didn’t react well to outsiders, and her brother wanted to keep everyone safe. Crap. Was she intruding on another pack?
She sniffed the air again. The scent wasn’t a group, so she dismissed the idea she might be intruding on another pack’s time in the forest. She smelled one being and couldn’t tell what precisely it was. She treaded lightly toward the smell, curious about it. Her hackles rose as she approached the nearby stream. The scent intensified, as well as the sound of rushing water. The ice and snow had melted, leaving the stream at its highest level.
She crouched low as she left the safety of the trees and made her way toward the water’s edge. When an object emerged from the deeper section, her animal took several steps back toward the woods.
It was a black Grizzly. She recalled the bear when she and Zane were leaving the cave. She hadn’t actually seen the animal but was fairly certain this was the same one.
The massive bear trudged toward the shore with a fish in its wide jaws. Brenlee panicked while trying to determine her next move. Fleeing came to mind first? What was her chance of outrunning the creature? She knew bears were fast runners, but so was her wolf. Or, did she stay put, and hope the animal didn’t notice she was there?
