The Hunter’s Protector (Death Hunters Book 3)

by Bryce Evans

  “Oh, Greer, it’s going to be okay. Don’t cry,” Haven said, reaching back to lay a hand on her leg.

  “Trust me on this, little lady. Reed McDaniel wouldn’t ever think badly about you. I think he’s kind of sweet on ya.”

  Greer and Haven both turned and stared at Cosmo. “You think so?” Haven asked.

  “He talks about you a lot when it’s just us, and he wouldn’t offer to build you a treehouse unless he really wanted to do that. He would help out, but he’s taking the reins on this project and going all out. Seems to me that a man who felt sorry for a lady wouldn’t ask other hunters to take his spot at work so he could get your treehouse completed for you. Just saying.”

  Greer grabbed her face. Oh goodness, she felt like big fat pile of crap. Worse than crap. She felt like scum. “I need to apologize to him.”

  “Well, he will be at the store in a few. I had a lot of wood left over from the hot house and I told him he could use it if he wanted,” Cosmo said, smiling. He continued to stare straight ahead giving her a moment to get herself together.

  She wiped the tears from her face and rolled down the window a little, so the cool air could dry her tears. If she was going to eat crow and apologize, she would need to look her best. He really liked her according to Cosmo. But did he?

  “I was wondering, Greer, what do you want to do with your life? Have you ever wanted to go to school or own your own business?” Cosmo asked.

  Greer snorted and shook her head, smiling. “You will laugh if I tell you.”

  “No, we won’t. I promise,” Haven said.

  “I wouldn’t laugh at you. Too afraid you would hex me.”

  Greer couldn’t help but to smile at Cosmo. She knew the beta was joking when Haven also giggled. “Well, to be honest. When I was on the run, I met an old lady who lived on the side of a mountain in North Carolina. She lived deep in the hills, but her home and yard were beautiful. I’ve never seen anything like it. Especially that far up on the mountain. It was magical with all the lights and pots she had outside.

  “The moment she saw me, she invited me to stay with her. I could tell she meant me no harm and I was tired and needed to rest. She had a workshop set up in her barn. At first, I wouldn’t go inside but watched from the door, but she would blow into this pipe and make the most magnificent pieces of glass sculptures. She even put colors in it and I still don’t understand all of it, but I knew right then that this was what I wanted to do. But that’s just a dream.”

  “People pay big money for pieces like you’re describing. I bet we could find someone who would teach the basics and then you could get books and learn from videos found on the internet,” Cosmo said.

  “Really, you think I could do that? People would pay big money for it?” Greer asked. She couldn’t believe it. These people were so kind to her. How would she ever pay them back?

  “I’ll ask Roy Ivey if he knows someone. He goes from town to town.”

  “Oh, yeah.” Haven nodded, looking at Greer. “Roy would surely know someone. Plus, he’s just a good man. I know he would help you.”

  “We’re here,” Cosmo announced, pulling up in front of his nursery.

  Greer got out and watched Reed load a pile of lumber into the back of his truck. She imagined her fingers trailing over his stubble and strong jaw, down his thick neck and over his broad, bare chest. Her pulse jumped, pounding in her ears.

  She wondered how he’d taste, her lips blazing a path over the ridges of his abs. Sweat rolling down his pecs to below his jeans’ waistband. Just thinking of what lay below that line made her knees weaken.

  His arms bulged with each piece of wood tossed into the bed. The tight T-shirt stretched, hugging every muscle as they rolled with his movement. Her own body responded just to the sight of him. She fanned her hot face with her hand.

  He didn’t realize just how graceful he was when he trained. Even now, he had no clue the magnetic pull he had on her. And all he was doing was putting lumber in the back of a truck.

  He smiled and waved at her before he closed the back of the cab. Maybe he wasn’t mad at her. But she knew she couldn’t blame him one tiny bit if he was.

  “I’ve got a lot of wood for your treehouse. The rest will be delivered tomorrow. Roy said he would bring it once he unloaded. But we need to sit down and go over how you want it to look. I’ve got some time tonight if you do,” Reed said, still smiling at her. Did the man ever not smile? Oh, and what a beautiful smile it was too. His beard looked so soft to the touch.

  It was eating her up how she had spoken to him earlier. She turned away from Haven and Cosmo who were watching the interaction. She gestured for him to follow her to the front of his truck. “Reed, uhm...I’m sorry for how I spoke to you earlier. I...I just—”

  He gently placed his hand on her arm. “Greer, I’m not mad. I shouldn’t have said it like that. I know how hard you have had it and I wanted to do this for you. I don’t feel sorry for you in a bad way. Dang it, I’m doing a terrible job at explaining what I meant. I just…”

  “Let’s just forget that it happened, and we can start fresh. If you’re okay with that?” Greer held her breath waiting for him to answer.

  Reed’s eyes widened. “Of course, I am. Never thought anything about it.”

  Her face flushed. She had to look away from his beautiful smile.

  “Oh...” she said, “I meant to tell you this morning, but...well, me and Haven came up with some ideas on the treehouse. We...what did she call it? We watched the show you told me about. The whole season’s worth. What did Haven call what we did last night?” She felt stupid again for not knowing the common lingo.

  “Binge watching,” Reed suggested.

  “Yes, yes that’s it. We watched every episode of the first season, and you were right. I loved it. But we talked about all the things I would like in the treehouse and Haven drew it out. I don’t know if you know this, but she’s an incredible artist and it was like she plucked it from my head. I think she brought it with her. Would you like to see it?”

  “Yeah, that would help a lot. I want you to have exactly what you want in your home. I have to say that this is the coolest thing I’ve ever done. I’ve built a lot of homes, but this will be the first treehouse,” Reed motioned to the bakery. “If you want, we can sit in the bakery and eat something sweet while I look at the sketch.”

  Her arm tingled when he touched her elbow as they walked toward Gooey Goodness Bakery. Oh, and his scent. It smelled like the outdoors. She had never felt like this before and it was dangerous for her to entertain the thought of having any kind of relationship with Reed. She took in a deep breath trying to get the thoughts of Reed touching her out of her head. If she hurt him, she wouldn’t be able to live with herself. She had to protect him even from her.

  “Every time I see the sign to the bakery it makes me laugh. But we come here a lot. Simone makes the best sweets. I have a container in my bedroom stocked full of taffy. Every time she makes a new flavor, she sends out these text messages to let you know. I’m always in line for them. She’s due to have a new flavor soon.” Reed quickly glanced at her then looked away. “I don’t know why I told you all that. I’m sure you couldn’t care less. I’m rambling.”

  Greer stopped and stared at him. “I don’t think anything is wrong with what you said. I like when people tell me stuff. I’ve been alone for so long that it’s nice to have someone to talk to. Even something as basic as candy. Maybe I could taste some of her taffy. I’ve never had any.”

  Stopping, Reed’s eyes widened. “You’ve never had taffy? Ever?”

  Shaking her head, Greer felt like a complete fool now. She hated having a conversation where she did not know what they were talking about. She had missed out on so much in her life.

  “Then we have to introduce you to the flavors of Gooey Goodness Bakery. I’m so excited to see your expression after eating a piece. I hope you love them as much as I do,” Reed said, smiling as he opened the door to the bak
ery.

  She walked behind him as he went up to the counter. “Hey, Reed, back for your weekly stash?” Simone said.

  “No, ma’am, today I want two pieces of every flavor in the box. I want Greer to try them.” Reed moved to the side so Greer could be seen.

  “Hey, Greer.” Simone came around the counter and gave her a big hug. The little lady was shorter than her, but she had strong arms. It still shocked her how affectionate these people were, but she loved every moment of it. “I’m excited for you to try my creations. Now listen, all the flavors are not for everyone. So, if you don’t like it just put it to the side and try another.” Simone winked and ran back around the counter and reached into brown boxes filled with taffy. Greer loved this store. Everyone smiled and seemed happy as they stood in line for their treats.

  She also liked Simone. Always so friendly and she didn’t seem to harbor resentment toward her because of what she did to Jade. Even though the woman’s mate hated her guts. She would understand if she did too.

  “Okay, go sit down and I’ll bring you the taffy and some other treats to try. You will be my taste testers today. I made some new brownies and I used a certain ingredient. I want you to be honest with me about the taste. If it’s crap, please tell me.” Simone returned to pulling taffy out of different boxes.

  “Here, let’s grab the table in the back before it fills up.” Reed followed Greer to the location and held the chair out for her then walked around to sit. Her heart fluttered as he pushed her chair in. She inhaled his scent again as he bent down. He was such a gentleman. Were all shifter men like this? She didn’t remember her father doing it for her mother, but that was such a long time ago.

  “Okay, you two. Here are the brownies I want to test. Let me know what you think, and here is the taffy.” Simone sat with her arm under her chin and watched. Greer smiled and picked up a piece of taffy. “That’s my favorite. It’s called Cotton Candy Taffy. Not original but never have seen anyone make any. And if I do say so myself, it’s delicious.”

  Greer unwrapped the taffy from the wrapper and held it up to her nose then popped it into her mouth. She had never tasted anything like it. Sweet, and the scent of the cotton candy coated her tongue. “It icks oo the roof of your mouf.”

  Reed and Simone both laughed. “Yes, it does, but you will get used to it.”

  “Here, try this one.” Reed handed her another piece. She opened the wrapper and took a sniff. Her eyes closed. The scent of honey and something else drifted up her nose. It was intoxicating. Her bear came forward smelling something she liked too. She slipped it in her mouth and before she could stop herself, she moaned. The taffy actually melted in her mouth. The flavors were so perfectly intertwined. Honey and blueberries. A favorite of most bears and her favorite of all the berries.

  When she glanced up, Reed was frowning as he stared at her. “I’ll get with you later to look at the sketch. I forgot I had something to do.” He jumped up without saying another word and walked/ran out the door.

  Greer and Simone stared after him. “What did I do?”

  Simone snorted and picked up one of the brownies and before she put it to her mouth, she said, “Well, hun, I think you turned the man on so much, he had to leave before he did something stupid.”

  “How? I didn’t do anything.” Greer continued to stare at the door. She had run off Reed.

  “I think we need a girls’ night to explain the birds and bees to you. Trust me, we did it with Jade and she had the best time. I figure we could put Haven in the mix and kill two birds with one stone.”

  Greer’s face flushed. She was so embarrassed. How did she turn him on? This was all so confusing, and he just left. This was her answer. He wasn’t interested in her and probably thought she was hitting on him.

  “Hey, sweetie, listen.” Simone sighed. “I can see you think you did something wrong, but you didn’t, and you kinda moaned when you tasted the taffy, and let’s see...how do I put this without being vulgar. Well, he likes you and when you moaned it turned him on and he had to leave, or he might have taken you right here. Yeah, I can see by the look on your face that I was too vulgar. I’m not good at this. Jade would probably be better or even Quinn. I’m kinda blunt and to the point. But trust me, you didn’t do anything wrong. He just needs to get control of himself and probably his bear. That’s all.”

  “But I can’t have a mate or anyone. I’m...I’m—”

  “You’re what, hun?” Simone asked, pulling the paper off one of the pieces of taffy and sticking it in her mouth. However, the baker never took her eyes off her and it made her nervous.

  Greer leaned over and whispered, “My magic...it’s unpredictable and I can’t take the chance of hurting Reed.”

  “Piddle sticks, girl. Give New Hope some time. Scarlett and Quinn are going to help you. Stop worrying so much about something that hasn’t happened.”

  “You don’t understand, Simone. You saw what I did at Jade’s wedding. I could have killed someone.”

  “But you didn’t. Like I said, give yourself a break. Hey.” Simone put her hands-on top of hers. “We are going to help you with this. Just hang in there and take it one day at a time, okay?”

  Greer nodded and looked at the candy. How did she tell her that it wasn’t as simple as that? All her life, her magic had been too wild. Even her parents said they were worried about her being around others and that included friends. That’s why she didn’t have any. But she really liked Simone and the others. She wanted to believe the woman, but she knew her magic would hurt someone one day and she couldn’t let it be Reed. She just couldn’t.

  “Come on, now, let’s eat the rest of this candy and then test this brownie,” Simone said, pushing the plate closer to her.

  Trying to smile, Greer picked up another piece and did what Simone said; she tried everything.

  Chapter Four

  Greer rode in the back seat on the way home from town. She had a lot to think about. Reed’s truck wasn’t at the nursery when they left. Now she had made a mess of things. She had made a sexual advance at him and he ran out of the bakery.

  At least he wasn’t screaming as he ran. She glanced out the window and wondered if he would tell anyone. Doubtful, but she really didn’t know him. She squinted as the sun shone brightly through the window. It had started out to be such a beautiful day, and now...now, it was ruined.

  “Everything okay back there?” Cosmo asked, looking at her in his rearview mirror.

  Haven glanced over her shoulder, following his gaze. Her eyes narrowed as if she knew something had happened.

  “Where did Reed go?” Haven asked, tilting her head to the side.

  “Are you sure you’re not a bird shifter?” Greer asked.

  “Nah, but I can tell he upset you again. What did he say this time?”

  Greer blew out a deep breath, and thought, why not. She’d already made a fool out of herself. Cosmo was a male and she couldn’t figure the man out.

  “Cosmo, if I ask you a question, will you promise you won’t tell a soul?”

  The beta smiled and said, “Cross my heart and hope to die, if I tell, stick a needle in my eye.”

  Greer stared at him. “What?”

  “Nothing. Of course, I will. You can trust me, Greer.”

  Biting her bottom lip, she had to figure out how to say it without it coming out childish. She didn’t want to be silly. “Today at the bakery, we were testing the taffy. Reed wanted me to taste it since I’ve never had taffy—"

  “You’ve never had taffy before?” Cosmo interrupted her.

  “No. I’ve been running for my life for sixteen years,” Greer muttered, crossing her arms across her chest.

  “I’m sorry, Greer. I forget how bad it’s been for you. Don’t be mad. Go ahead,” Cosmo said, clearing his throat. “Please.”

  Greer snorted and shook her head. “Go ahead, Greer, and finish. He won’t say another word, will you?” She watched as Haven pinched his arm.

  “Ouch. T
hat hurt, baby.”

  Greer put her hand over her mouth, so she wouldn’t laugh. Haven motioned for her to continue. “You see, I was tasting a divine piece of taffy. It was two of my favorite flavors, honey and blueberries, but I must have closed my eyes and moaned. The taffy just melted in my mouth. It was that good, but Reed ran out of the bakery. He made an excuse that he had forgotten to do something. It was his idea that we go in there, but he just ran out.”

  She watched as Cosmo snorted then busted out laughing. Horse laughing would be more like it. Even Haven started laughing. “What? What is it?” Greer asked, leaning up to look at her friends.

  When Cosmo finally stopped laughing, he shook his head. “I don’t know if I’m the right person to ask about this. Maybe you should ask someone else.”

  “But I feel comfortable around you and you’re Haven’s mate and…”

  “Okay, okay,” Cosmo put his hand up, “but if you tell a soul that I said anything—”

  Haven cocked her head to the side. “You’ll do what?”

  “Nothing, sweetheart, nothing.” Cosmo scooted up in his seat then glanced at her in the rearview mirror. “He probably got, you know...turned on. This one right here has had my hormones going haywire since the first time I scented her. I would expect Reed likes you and he got this...well, you know, visual in his head.” When she didn’t say anything, Cosmo continued. “He thought a sexual thought about you.”

  “Oh...Oh my goodness,” Greer whispered, sitting back in her seat.

  “You can say that again,” Cosmo said, which got him pinched a second time.

  “I didn’t mean to make him...well, you know.”

  “It’s okay, Greer. He’s probably already started building your treehouse by now. Trust me…anything to get that thought out of his head.” Cosmo shifted in his seat, uncomfortable. Nothing else was said as they pulled up to the front gate on Death Hunters’ land.

  She had to make this right. Some way, she wanted to stay friends with Reed. Glancing at her arm, she hadn’t realized that she had long, red scratches embedded in her flesh. Her arm immediately started to itch. As she got out of the truck, something felt off inside her. It was the same feeling she had when her magic decided to strike out during Jade and the alpha’s wedding.