HOTSHOT BROTHERS: Coyote Shifters

by Hunt, Sabrina

  I shook my head, backpedaling before I could get sucked in deeper. “Never mind.” I paused and stood up. A soft, sad smile was crossing my face. “You’re forgetting what you told me that first night.” Stepping down off the steps over a sleeping Nim, I stretched and put my hands on my hips. “I know I’m only on the fringe of your story. And that’s okay, Ray.”

  Glancing back at him, I saw Rayner had stood up and was giving me a strange look. The morning sunlight lit up his hair and made his eyes look as blue as the sky. “I’m not sure I understand,” he responded slowly.

  “You don’t remember? I asked you if I was a part of all this. Your destiny. And you said you didn’t think so.” I paused. “You were trying to be kind and spare my feelings now, weren’t you? That’s okay. At least I’m getting to experience those stories I’ve always dreamed about.”

  I paused, tilting my head to the side. For a second, it looked as though Rayner had gone white. But then he shook his head and walked forward. It must have been a trick of the light.

  “I wouldn’t worry about any of that, okay?” He ran a hand through his hair. “Um, hey, are you about ready to go?”

  “Sure,” I said, a little disappointed with the subject change. “Let me just get my stuff.”

  On the threshold of the house, I turned back and looked at Rayner. His neck curved down towards the ground and his shoulders were slumped. A faint unease stole through me and I almost spoke, but instead, I hurried inside and tried to forget what I’d seen.

  Chapter 9

  Paige was right. It did make things easier if she didn’t ask questions. It subverted any accidental intimacy and allowed the space to linger between us. But still, some unreasonable part of me demanded and desired those questions. Any excuse to get closer to her.

  Walking through these springtime mountains with Paige was exquisite torture. It had been bad yesterday, but today was worse. I couldn’t deny the pleasure I found in her company even though I knew I shouldn’t. It was like staring across an abyss and seeing everything I wanted but could never have.

  Still, I couldn’t stop the smile that pulled on my face when she raced Nim across a field of yellow wildflowers or gasped at the vista of a faraway river. Or how she forgot, in her eagerness, how much she despised me and dragged me over to look at some geological landmark.

  Or the hum of joy, now, standing together and watching the wind race across a small valley. It set every tree and flower dancing. Suddenly, Paige lightly brushed my hand with hers. At that small touch, a spark sang through my veins, lighting my entire body up faster than the wind, and I glanced down at her. My face was hot and I prayed my smile wasn’t as stupid as it felt.

  Adjusting her glasses, Paige gave me a bright smile in return. “You know, Rayner, I do have a few questions. Maybe we could trade off a little bit. That way I can help you better.”

  Resisting the urge to groan, I nodded. So much for keeping my distance. “Okay.” Well, she did have a point. “But I can’t tell you everything,” I hastened to add.

  “Goes without saying,” she responded with a shrug, swinging back around to the trail. “But I also hope if it’s crucial, you won’t hold back. I mean…” She threw a twinkling look over her shoulder. “I already know your biggest secret, don’t I?”

  I forced a laugh. “Sure.”

  “Oh, so I don’t?” Paige turned around and I almost walked into her. There was a daring fire in her eyes and her tone became hard. “Sounds like a hell of a good mystery, then.”

  “There’s no mystery,” I said in a placating tone.

  “Sure,” Paige mimicked and I winced. “I do have to wonder how it could compete with the four-legged-shifter one, though.” Her grin became impish. “Must be embarrassing.”

  Swallowing, I pushed around her. “C’mon, Paige, knock it off and let’s get moving.”

  “Aw, Rayner did I hit a nerve?” she sang out, skipping along behind me. I glanced back, then I felt a tug on my shoe. Nim was staring up at me with a fierce look. “I am good, aren’t–”

  Clapping a hand over Paige’s mouth, I grabbed her and dragged her off the trail in the blink of an eye. Pushing her into the shadow of a large pine, I shielded her body with mine and held her still. Nim curled up at our feet, letting out an occasional whuff of air.

  I was barely paying attention to Paige as I listened.

  There!

  I tensed and pulled us deeper into the shadows. There was a sound of rattling stones being dislodged somewhere in the distance. A murmur on the breeze. And a snapped twig.

  Sweat traced down my temple and I tried to focus harder. I couldn’t tell what it was.

  Nothing more distinct came and soon the sounds faded away. I didn’t move for another minute until I was sure we hadn’t been followed. Then I let out a shaky breath and looked down.

  In that moment, from head to toe, I became aware of how our bodies were pressing together. Every curve and hollow of Paige as she squirmed against me. Mouth dry, I let out another, shakier breath as my brain seemed to slam to a grinding halt.

  Paige was glaring up at me, trying to fight my iron-clad grip, her amber eyes blazing above my hand and her nostrils flared. I had the sense of pinning down a dragon and realizing too late that I was about to be incinerated.

  And with that, another piece of my calm shattered.

  Angry at her and myself, I growled in her ear, “Yell at me later. We need to get out of here. It’s not safe. Be as quiet as possible.”

  When I let her go, she clenched her fists and rubbed at her face. “Ass,” she hissed.

  Another piece went and anger crackled higher. “I’m doing the best I can here. We can’t be seen. It’s bad enough we’re in this mess. Do you know what would happen if it knew we were out here…” I pictured my brothers’ faces and pain lanced through my chest.

  “Rayner.” Paige’s voice was anxious, but I barely noticed it. “Are you okay?”

  “Yeah,” I said brusquely, brushing past her. “Listen, I’m sorry, but we may have to set up in a cave for the night. It’s warm, dry, and comfortable though. And the day after tomorrow we should be in town by nightfall.” I rubbed my forehead. “I was hoping it wouldn’t come to this.”

  The town had not been part of the initial plan, but I knew we now had to take a convoluted route through the woods. The little town was half-forgotten about and hidden, but it also had a steady stream of hikers coming in and out. It was a perfect place to blend in.

  A cold, uncomfortable feeling was settling on my shoulders, too. A sense of being watched that I couldn’t escape. And the inescapable sense of time running out.

  Hemmed in on all sides and with no way out.

  “Rayner, are you having chest pains?” Paige stepped in front of me, her face fierce. “That’s serious. Maybe we should rest.”

  “Huh?” I blinked at her and then realized I’d been gripping my shirt with my other hand and rubbing at my left pec. “No, it’s nothing.”

  We fell into step quietly and I tried to shake those feelings. Tried to shake the fears creeping up on me. Shake the dread of walking straight into another failure.

  “What did you mean by ‘it’?” Paige suddenly asked, her voice soft.

  I went rigid and stopped walking. “I…” No, I thought numbly as I turned around. What have I done?

  Her face was watchful as she regarded me. “The way you spoke.” Her eyes flicked down to the ground and back up. “As though it caused you so much pain and fear. Like you’d lost all hope.”

  “No, nothing like that,” I protested weakly.

  “You keep saying things like that, but I’m not sure if I believe you. I did before, but now I don’t know.” Paige’s lips twisted. “You’re a far better liar when you’re not brooding.”

  Something seemed to shatter in my chest. “Please don’t push this, Paige,” I said through gritted teeth. “Maybe we should go back to you not asking questions.”

  A shadow of anger and hurt went across
her face. “Of course,” she said stiffly.

  The rest of the way to the cave, we were both quiet and the tension tugged sharply between us. I’d failed to mention that this cave was one of many tunnels connecting through the mountains. And that we would be traversing through them.

  Once inside the sacred boundaries of the cave, I let out a sigh of relief. At least tonight we could have a fire. Or even scream as loud as we wanted to.

  I mentioned as much to Paige, who lifted a shoulder as her only acknowledgment. My jaw clenched and my motions became jerky, but I kept my mouth shut.

  Setting up in the cave took a short amount of time. I hesitated before setting a spark to the pile of logs in front of us. Paige still didn’t know about my ability with fire, so I slowly pulled out a flint and some tinder. It took several tries, as I was somewhat rusty, and I imagined Ben giving me a superior look. A smile almost made its way onto my face.

  Then I looked up and saw Paige sitting with her chin on her knees and arms around her legs. Nim was panting by her side, looking happy, sleepy, and fed. Her small bowl of oatmeal was still full.

  “You barely ate,” I said, my voice more accusing than I intended. “Uh.” I tried to soften my tones. “Was it no good?”

  “It was adequate,” Paige said listlessly. “For cave food.”

  After a bad night’s sleep last night, my temper was already short. “Listen, I’m–”

  “Something has become clear to me, Rayner Hess.” Paige began, and I fell silent with a grunt. “You made it seem like it was such a wonderful thing that I was the one you had to turn to. A fortunate thing, like turning up a lucky penny. But it wasn’t.” Her voice was like splinters of ice. “It was the last thing in the world you wanted. And even though you’re trying to make the best of it, you want nothing more than for this to be over and to be as far away from me as possible.”

  I gaped at her. Fury mingled with apprehension as I tried to speak.

  She wasn’t wrong, but it wasn’t for the reasons she was implying.

  Her laugh was bitter. “I’m such a fool. I suppose you should count yourself fortunate that it’s too late now for me to turn back. But don’t worry, I won’t trouble you anymore. I’ll be quiet and stay out of your way. No more questions.”

  Clearing my throat, I tried to say lightly, “Paige, you know better than anyone I’d never try to take you for a fool when you’re the farthest thing from it.”

  “Please. You bought me with me with careful flattery and pleading,” she snorted. “I have to hand it to you, Rayner, it was masterfully done.”

  Anger was rising up and choking me. You have no idea what I’m up against! Of course, I didn’t want to drag you into this – I don’t want anyone I care about involved!

  “You can deny it, but I saw the relief on your face when I didn’t press you or ask you a million questions. You don’t want to let me in, Rayner.” She glanced away. “Don’t pretend otherwise. It will only cheapen this situation more.”

  “Don’t tell me what I want,” I said in a harsh voice that surprised me and I recoiled. Looking away, I stood up and went to the entrance of the cave. I needed air. “And you’re wrong.”

  Paige scrambled up. “At least answer me this, then. Did you want me here? Or did you have no other choice?”

  I gripped a ledge of rock as anger and pain built like a summer thunderstorm. “It wasn’t like that. You don’t understand.”

  “I know you don’t want to answer any questions even though you pretended to. Or you do, but you’re also glad you don’t. So forgive me for being confused.” Paige’s scorn was a delicate and icy-hot whip, cutting straight through me. “I know it’s probably better if I don’t understand.”

  “Just be patient,” I gritted out, sensing her coming up next to me. “I know that’s asking for the impossible, but this once, be patient.”

  “Till what, we get to Aunt Sil’s?” Paige stepped in front of me and the firelight spilled across her. Control was starting to slip as I saw the anger in her eyes. But behind it, I saw a raw pain.

  Did I cause that?

  “Yes,” I said. “Please.”

  “Fine.” Her jaw set and her eyes flicked over me. “I don’t know why I even bother.”

  My hands shot out and gripped her forearms, stopping her. Chest heaving, I stared at her. “Do you honestly think I want this? All these secrets and distance? That I’m enjoying myself right now? I’m being torn to pieces, Paige. And you’re right! Yeah, I didn’t want you here, but it’s not for the reasons you think. In fact, if I had to hazard a guess, it’s the opposite.”

  Her eyes flashed and tried to pull away, but I held on tighter. I wanted her to understand, somehow. I was so tired of all these lies. This wall. This destiny.

  “Prove it,” she said, her voice rising. “Tell me something you weren’t going to. Anything.”

  “Why should I?” I let out a huff. “You won’t believe me. Damn, you’re so infuriating.”

  “You don’t know that,” Paige snapped, ceasing to fight and stepping closer. “And you know that you could stop with all of this posturing at any time.” Her lips twisted. “Even against your better judgment, you trust me, Rayner.” I stared down at her, infuriated and intoxicated. “So…so…” She stumbled over her words. “I don’t know. How about you tell me what you want?”

  I could practically hear the pieces tinkling as they bounced against the ground. Pulling Paige flush to me, my hands knotted completely around her wrists as I captured her lips.

  She went still for a second in shock or anger, but then she was arching against me and kissing me back with unchecked fervor. Desire and relief thundered through me.

  Over and over in my mind, almost gasping in their release, were the words, I want you, Paige. I’ve always wanted you. I want you.

  Hell, I need you.

  Letting go of her wrists, I locked my arms around her back and her hands went into my hair. I was insatiable, dominating her sweet mouth, stroking her tongue and nipping at her swollen lips.

  My hands traced up and down her back, seeking every last contour. Paige gripped me hard as though trying to pull me closer and I responded in kind. Urgent sounds were pushing out of my chest and I heard her making a few in response.

  She was even more delectable than I’d ever imagined. Those early mornings or late nights when I couldn’t stop myself from dreaming about her… Holding her in my dreams, kissing her.

  The reality was so overwhelming, I wondered for a moment if I might shatter, too.

  Chapter 10

  Oh.

  Rayner kissed like a man on the brink of destruction and I was the only thing standing in its way. His grip was so tight, I wondered if he’d be able to let me go. Not that I wanted him to.

  I was a puddle of need in his arms, his mouth ferocious and unrelenting on mine. I could feel his stubble rubbing harshly against my cheeks and I shuddered when his fingers slipped under my shirt and found bare skin.

  More, I thought dazedly. The only thought I could conjure.

  Everything else was heat and sparks.

  Whatever was building between us was threatening to consume us both.

  An inferno.

  In fact, I was hard-pressed to keep up. The intensity of it was making me tremble and I almost lost my footing, but Rayner held me up. A sigh escaped me at the sensation.

  Then I gasped as he traced kisses from the side of my lips across my jaw and to my neck. My eyes flew open and I saw the sunset sky wheeling above. Twilight and starlight, dark purple clouds and hues of sapphire. A laugh escaped me and Rayner pressed a kiss to my lips again.

  When we broke apart, I pressed my palm to the side of his face as I had last night. “Rayner,” I murmured, his name as delicious as a kiss. “Why were we fighting again?”

  As suddenly as he’d kissed me, Rayner stumbled back, almost shoving me away in the process. Face white with horror, he stared at me and put a shaking hand to his forehead. “What the hell is wron
g with me?” he gasped, a bitter laugh escaping him.

  What? The heat that had engulfed me turned icy cold as humiliation crashed through me. I pressed a hand to my swollen lips to muffle the pained gasp and looked down.

  “I’m sorry, Paige,” Rayner was saying. “But now you know how–”

  “It didn’t mean anything,” I blurted out at the same time as I looked up.

  Then I gasped as his words hit me. Oh no. I cringed as I pressed my shaking fingers harder against my mouth. What a terrible thing to say. I didn’t mean that. I panicked! I meant to say.

  But it was too late. I’d said it the moment our eyes met. And in that moment, I’d seen the devastation crossing Rayner’s face, the look of a shattered, broken man. Guilt and agony laid bare.

  His vulnerability was swallowed in a flash of anger and hurt. “Of course not,” he muttered.

  “It’s happened before, don’t worry about it,” I mumbled back before I could stop myself. Digging the hole deeper. Driving the nails into the coffin. Suffocating the fire.

  “What?” Rayner’s voice was as sharp as steel. “Do you mean–?”

  “Oh, no!” I threw up my hands. Rayner looked ready to kill and I shook my head. “I was to blame, too.” For believing people couldn’t possibly be that shallow.

  Neither of us knew what to say now. It was as though a line had been drawn and there was no turning back. We’d both silently agreed to turn down separate crossroads.

  And now pain, white-hot, icy-cold, all matter of blades, needles, and cracks, was fissuring inside me. I’d rushed to assume the worst and now Rayner had pulled away. Forever.

  His mask was already back in place, only now his jaw was set and his eyes were dark gray storm clouds, hiding every last thought and desire.

  The urge to flee choked me and I stumbled into the cave. Filled with dizziness, I went and sat down in a far corner. My fingers worked the woven bracelet at my wrist, seeking comfort.