The Hunter’s Protector (Death Hunters Book 3)

by Bryce Evans

  “I will leave tonight, if that’s okay? Unless you want me to leave now.” Greer stood, but Jade pulled her down. Her mind screamed no. If they wanted her gone, she’d be heartbroken, but would do as asked. Sadness and fear flooded her at the thought of being alone again.

  Alpha Crenshaw stared at her like he’d asked a question. She met the man once and he made her nervous, but— everybody stared at her, waiting for her to speak?

  “I’m sorry, what did you say?” Greer had no clue now what he said. Was it that bad?

  “Do you not like living here in New Hope?”

  “Yes...I love it here,” Greer answered, sighing with relief. Hope hovered on the cusp of her heart.

  With his brows drawn, Ben asked, “Then why would you want to leave?”

  She glanced at the others and then back at him. “I don’t, Alpha. I just thought after the incident at the ceremony, you would want me to go.”

  Scarlett stepped forward. “Greer, a lot of terrible things have happened to you, and we understand you’ve had no formal training aside from what your aunt taught you before she was killed. But we can help you if you give us a chance.”

  A tear dripped down her face. “I can stay?”

  “Yes. We would like you to stay on the Death Hunters’ land, so you and Jade can train together. I will help you control the magic. Alpha Bartley has agreed to let you remain here until a home can be built for you,” Scarlett added.

  “A home? For me?” Greer’s shaking hand pointed to herself. Her chest tightened from the emotions rushing through her. A home for her. Tears spilled as she covered her face with her hands. Her body leaned forward and released all the tension from waiting. They were letting her stay and giving her a home.

  Arms wrapped around her. “I told you not to worry,” Jade said. “I’ve got to have my other half with me.”

  Greer grabbed ahold and hugged Jade. “Thank you for not hating me. Thank you.”

  “We’re friends. How could I hate you?”

  Lennox said, “You can stay here with us. Haven is here too. She hasn’t set a date yet for her mating ceremony, but we have an extra room.”

  Arden Dixon rose from his chair. “We should let all this soak in with Greer. Oh, and by the way, Greer likes to sleep outside. So, don’t be surprised if you find her in the trees. We’ll see you around, Greer, and welcome to New Hope.” He walked off the porch and disappeared into the woods.

  “We have an Old One who loves the outdoors too. Instead of a cabin, she lives in a treehouse. It’s nice and just like a normal home on the inside. She has glass windows that open up to a deck,” Scarlett said. “I’ll see you two tomorrow for training. I think there has been enough for right now. And, Greer, welcome to New Hope, sweetie. You’ll fit right in.” She walked into the house.

  “I guess that’s my cue,” Ben Crenshaw said, getting up. “I’ve got to take Scarlett back to Arden’s land. She refuses to walk down that path with him and I don’t want a hex put on me either, so I’m taking her.” Before he closed the door, he said over his shoulder, “It will be interesting with you around. Welcome to New Hope.”

  Jade looked at Lennox and they both laughed. “I think that’s the most I’ve heard him talk. I’ve known the man all my life. He must like you, Greer.”

  “I just can’t believe it. Thank you, Alpha. I don’t know how to thank you both enough. I thought...you were going to make me leave after the disaster I caused at your wedding. I still can’t believe it. I’m so sorry. Please forgive me.”

  “Greer, we have forgiven you and we understand the magic has been pent up inside you for a long time and you needed an outlet. So,” Lennox smiled, “we had a big hole dug for you near the river that you can throw magic in. That way, you can release everything without it going off in different directions. Let me get—”

  “I’ll show her, Alpha.” Reed walked around the house, stopping at the steps.

  Lennox and Reed stared at each other before Lennox nodded. Jade squeezed her hand then grabbed her mate by the shirt and hauled him into the house.

  “If you’re ready, I can show you the place I made for you,” Reed said.

  Oh god. Her knees would give out if he kept talking. His voice did wicked things to her insides. Nodding, she got up and started down the steps. Reed held his hand out to help her. She stared at his thick fingers a few seconds before she laid her palm against his. It felt rude not to. At least, that’s what she told herself. She wondered if all males were gentlemen like him.

  “I spoke to Scarlett before I dug it for you. She said it would harness the magic inside and wouldn’t hurt anyone. If it needs to be bigger, just let me know.”

  Wait. What did he say? “You dug it? By yourself?” Greer asked, glancing at him.

  “Yeah. It wasn’t hard. Really. If you don’t like it, we can do something different.”

  Greer had never had anyone do anything for her like this. Who was she kidding; nobody had ever done anything for her except Aunt Jean. Clasping her hands, she scoured her brain for something to say. The man was trying to help her. “Thank you. I’m sure it will be fine. Kinda genius to dig a hole. I never thought of it.”

  “Well, Scarlett told me you needed some way to practice and keep the magic from spreading outward. So, I thought a hole,” Reed said, smiling.

  She smiled back and felt warmth spread across her face. She had no clue how to talk to a man. Should she continue telling him how smart he was? Or...crap, crap, crap.

  They walked in silence the rest of the way. She’d glance at him and catch him watching her, which made her face go up in flames. Do not look at him. Do not look at him. Do not look--”

  She looked at him. This time he stared straight ahead, but the curve of his lips told her he knew she was, of course, looking.

  “Everyone comes to the river. Feel free to change and run down here to fish. Haven loves it. It’s just beyond the river bank. I put it away from the path in case someone strayed. I stuck orange cones around it.”

  Arriving at the pit, Greer stopped and looked into the hole. “Umm, Reed? How deep is this?” A few more feet and China would’ve shown up. Seriously, it was that deep.

  “I’m not quite sure. I needed a long rope to get out. Thankfully, I tied one to the tree beforehand and pulled myself out. I could have been in there for days before anyone came looking for me.”

  When she glanced at him, he had a big smile on his face. “It should be deep enough.” That’s the only thing she knew to say. She was the biggest dork.

  “Good. I’m glad you like it,” Reed said. “I’ve got to go and do my shift in town. If you’re ready I can walk you back.”

  “Shift?” Greer narrowed her eyes. Was he leaving?

  “Yeah, all the packs are taking turns. We want to make sure downtown is secure. You never know. The alphas decided that working together, we could cover more ground and not overwork the guards who are working other jobs. When the Winter coven came looking for you, we regrouped and changed our tactics so we could better protect the citizens of New Hope.”

  “Oh, sure. That’s a smart idea. You’re right, you never know.” Her thoughts bounced back to the covens. She had been on the run for years and knew rogue shifters and witches were out there creating trouble wherever they went. New Hope didn’t need any more trouble.

  Silence reigned as they walked toward the alpha’s house. Her hands twisted together as she thought of something to say. Anything actually.

  “I think living in a treehouse would be pretty cool,” Greer spit out. No, no, no, how stupid. She was the biggest dummy every.

  “I was thinking the same thing. I’ve seen some on TV that were outrageous. They even have a bathroom and kitchen in them.”

  Greer stopped. “Really?”

  “Yeah, they have a TV show on it. There’s a man who goes around the country and builds treehouses for families.”

  “I would love that.”

  “Maybe we could build you a treehouse instead
of a cabin. With all the trees on the property, it shouldn’t be too difficult.”

  Greer swallowed hard. A real-life home in the trees. “Do you think the alpha would mind?”

  “Doubt it. I will talk to him if you want.”

  “Would you? I…” Greer rubbed her hands down her pants. The thought of asking the leader scared her. They had spared her life, but she could see the worry in his eyes. Maybe it would be better for all of them if she was alone in the trees. There was less of a chance of hurting someone.

  “Sure. I’ll talk to him tomorrow. Flip through the TV channels tonight and see if the show is on about the treehouse man,” Reed said, stopping at the bottom of the steps.

  “I will. Thank you, Reed.” She turned. Say something. “Oh, and the hole was very sweet of you to do for me,” Greer said, backing up until she hit the door. When she glanced at him, he smiled and walked off.

  Greer shook her head looking up to the sky. What a big goob, she was. He probably thought something was wrong with her. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She realized how awkward it felt being in her own skin. She had been on the run and in her bear form for so long that she never learned how to talk to people.

  Her bear suddenly stood. She glanced at the woods. What was it? She searched the tree line but didn’t see anything. Her senses bounced all over the place. The hair rose on the back of her neck. Fear grew inside her, but she saw nothing.

  Easing to the door, she opened it and backed inside. She stood at the screen, watching, but still nothing caught her eye. She shook her head. It had to be the nightmares, but the coven was dead. Yes, all of them were dead. Weren’t they?

  Chapter Two

  “Greer, are you awake?”

  Habits of the past kicked in and Greer jumped out of bed, crouching behind the door. Her claws punched through her fingertips ready to strike.

  “It’s me. Haven. Breakfast is ready. I’ll wait on you if you want.” Haven’s voice whispered through the crack of the door. Greer caught her reflection in the mirror. She had partly shifted. Her fangs poked out of her mouth. Her eyes were wild with disheveled hair going in all directions. Her appearance scared her. She saw something she didn’t like.

  Clearing her throat, Greer moved away from the door. “Let me get ready. It shouldn’t take me long.”

  “Okay,” Haven answered. Greer turned away from the door and sat on the edge of the bed. Her face was flushed, and her heart pounded enough to hurt. What was wrong with her?

  She heard Haven standing outside the door, waiting. She hurried to the bathroom to try and do something with her hair. Finishing up, she hurried to the door and smiled before she opened it.

  “Are you okay?” Haven asked after her friend stared at her face. Of course, Haven’s concern made her more paranoid.

  “Why?” Greer touched her face. Maybe something was wrong with her.

  “You’re just flushed like you’ve been out in the sun,” Haven said still staring at her.

  Again, Greer touched the side of her face. “I must look a wreck.”

  “No, no, you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen,” Haven said. “You just have some color to your skin. Your cheeks are rosy red now.”

  “I’m not used to being in my human form for long periods at a time. I’ve been outside a lot lately. Does it look bad?”

  “No, Greer. You look lovely and like I said before, you are very beautiful.”

  “You’re very kind. I think we stayed up too late.”

  Haven smiled and said, “Do you regret it?”

  “Absolutely not. I’ve never had a friend and I think of you as one. I hope that doesn’t sound cliché-ish.”

  Haven stopped and turned to her. “Thank you, Greer. I’ve never had a friend before, either, and now I feel like I have one or two actually. Jade and, well, the girls. Look, let’s experience life together and figure out what normal people do. I’ve never had a normal life.”

  “I think fate put us together,” Greer said, interlinking their arms.

  “Friends forever.”

  “Friends forever.” Greer nodded. “Now, let’s go eat. I’m starving.”

  Reed sat at the table and looked over his schedule. He wasn’t due to leave for the next two weeks to relieve some members on a case, but even now, there was a lot of free time.

  “I know you have a lot on your plate with traveling and, now, patrolling the city, but I need another cabin built for Greer. I was hoping I could get you to lead a crew in getting it built,” Lennox asked.

  “I was wanting to talk to you about that,” he said. “I spoke with Greer yesterday and she mentioned she would love to live in a treehouse on the property. I can do it, Alpha. I’ve always wanted to build one to look just like a little house in the trees. But I will do what you ask me to do, you know that.” Reed made sure he looked away from the alpha who studied him now.

  “Scarlett mentioned something about it. I figured when Arden said she loved being in the outside, that was a way of telling me she would rather have something outdoors. I have no problem with it. I think the trees past the river would be an excellent spot. That way you could get water to it. I hope she wants a bathroom in it.”

  “I would hope so.”

  “What’s your interest in our new tenant?” Lennox asked, propping his feet on his desk. The alpha didn’t miss much. He was watching him like a hawk.

  “I think the woman has had a rough life and deserves someone to be nice to her. I feel sorry for her, to be honest.” Reed and Lennox both looked up hearing a gasp, only to find Haven and Greer standing at his office door.

  Reed jumped up as Greer marched up to him. “I don’t need your pity, Mr. McDaniel. I’m very capable of taking care of myself.” Putting her hands on her hips, she dismissed him and spoke to Lennox. “Alpha, I want every dime and penny counted on how much it costs to build the treehouse. I will find a job and pay you back. I will also pay the workers that build it.”

  “I don’t want your money, Greer. This is our gift to you. You’re part of the Death Hunters now,” Lennox said, looking at Haven for help in calming the witch.

  “She wants to pay her way, brother. I think you should let her,” Haven said with her hands on her hips.

  “Since I will be the one building it, you can mark me off that list. This will be a gift to you, Greer,” Reed said, smiling.

  She was beautiful and pissed off. He didn’t mean for her to hear him. “I’m sorry, Mr. McDaniel, but I want even your salary included. I don’t need any gifts. One way or another, I will pay it all back. I’ve lost my appetite. Haven, can you take me to town. I need to find a job.” Greer didn’t wait for Haven to answer when she flipped her long beautiful hair and marched right out of the room.

  “Way to go, Reed,” Haven spit out before turning and rushing out of the room.

  Reed and the alpha sat, staring at the hallway then the alpha said, “Well, I guess you’re in the doghouse now. Do what she says and document everything. I won’t let her pay, but if it helps you get it done before she puts a spell on you, then we’re good.”

  “You don’t think she would do that...do ya?” Reed asked, looking back toward the hallway.

  “To be honest...I don’t really know. At least her wrath is on you and not me.”

  Chapter Three

  Greer sat in the backseat of the truck on the way to town. Cosmo wouldn’t let the girls travel alone. The incident with the mages was still fresh on everyone’s mind. Greer could see the love Cosmo and Haven had for each other. They were the sweetest couple. They always nuzzled each other, and she loved watching it, but most of all she envied the two.

  “I think you will love what Reed builds for you, Greer. He has a lot of experience with building. Have you seen the sculptures he does out of wood? They’re incredible,” Cosmo said, glancing in his rearview mirror.

  When she didn’t say anything, Cosmo glanced at Haven. He wasn’t in the kitchen when Reed said he felt sorry for her. Th
e nerve of the man. She had thought he was a good guy, a decent one.

  “We kinda walked in on a conversation between Lennox and Reed, and Reed said he felt sorry for Greer. Why would he say that?” Haven asked. “He hurt her feelings and I don’t blame her. Greer...well, Greer is a bad ass and she doesn’t need anyone to feel sorry for her.”

  A few minutes passed when Cosmo answered, “I hope you don’t take this wrong, Greer, but in his defense, I don’t think he meant to hurt you. We all know how tough it has been for you. All your life, you’ve had to survive by yourself. I think Reed meant he wanted to do something nice for you for a change. To be honest, I felt sorry for my baby right here—”

  Haven’s head whipped around as a snarl left her throat. Holding his hands up, he said, “Now hear me out, baby. What I said was I felt sorry for you having to live a life with that coven. The craziness that went on...well, nobody should have to live like that. I felt terrible when I heard both of your stories. Listen, Reed is really a nice guy. He doesn’t talk a lot, but he has a big heart and will do anything to help others.”

  Greer bit her bottom lip. Maybe Cosmo was right. He acted shocked when she yelled at him. “You think so?” Now she felt like crap-a-doodle and she had to get control of her temper before she chased everyone away from her.

  “Yes, ma’am, I do. Like I said, Reed is a very nice guy,” Cosmo said, patting his mate on her leg.

  “Now I feel terrible. I just thought he felt sorry for me. You know in a bad way. I just let my temper get the best of me. He probably won't ever talk to me again and I couldn’t blame him,” Greer said, staring out the window before she started crying. “Maybe I’ve been out in the wild so long…I just don’t know how to act.” Damn these emotions. She had never cried this much. What was going on inside her? “With a man.”

  There she said it, out loud. She felt like the biggest fool.