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“Yes?”

“My name is Christophe Luna.I’m here to see MasonArkentooth.”

Iturned around slowlyand saw that it really was him, standing right there in my doorway. He was dressed the same as I’d seen him every time before—crisp suit and tie, everything polished and fit perfectly. He caught my eye and smiled, and I felt butterflies in my stomach and even more shockingly, a pulse down between my thighs. I nearly knocked the pan off the stove. What the hell was he doinghere?

Jennifer looked at me,wide eyed. I shook my head.We’re okay,don’tworry.

Ihoped.

“Luna,”Mom repeated. “Oh, Hounds! From the Crescent MoonLunas?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Please, come in,”she said. “Mason, you know thisgentleman?”

“Um, yes,”I said, finding my voice. “We,uh…”

“Met through his work,”Christophe said. “Security. Isn’t that right,Mason?”

“Yeah…”I stammered. How did he know I’d worked insecurity?

“Maybe you’d liketo come in for some breakfast, Mr. Luna?” Momsaid.

“Oh,no, thank you. But if you wouldn’t mind me borrowing Mason for a moment to talk to him about a job we’ddiscussed.”

“Of course,”Mom said, looking delighted. “Mason?”

“Uh,sure. Don’t wait up for me, the food will getcold.”

IfollowedChristophe down the stairs to the street. There was a large black car parked at the sidewalk, and a man opened the rear door for both ofus.

“I’m not getting in there,”I said, worried that maybe Christophe was here to take me to some secret Crescent Moon Clan prison, that maybe I hadn’t actually gotten off the hook. Then again, maybe being locked in his dungeon wouldn’t be such a badthing.

Ikicked myself.No. This wasserious.

“Yes, you are,”he said, and he grabbed my shoulder and pushed me towards the car. He may not have been a very fast runner, but he did have an alpha’s strength. I thought about shouting, but what good would that do? Nobody would help me. I struggled, and he tightened his grip and shoved the small of my back with his other hand. Again, there was that damn jolt of excitement.Don’t get your hands off me, don’t.It was the first time he’d touched me, and I should not have enjoyed it as much as Idid.

Ipressedmy good hand against the door frame. I could at least make it a little difficult for him. He pushed harder, and I resisted. It felt so wrong, but I was actually getting excited from this. What the hell was wrong with me? This was serious, but I was playing withhim…

“Getin,”he grunted, shoving me forward. I felt his crotch push up against my ass.Hounds of Hell!Either Christophe was just that big, or I could’ve sworn I felt a little excitement there too. I fell forward onto the leather seat, my face smacking into the cushion. “We’re not going anywhere. We’re just going totalk.”

He sat downand straightened his suit, and I could see his face was slightlyred.

“What do you want?”Idemanded.

“Isthis any way to treat the man who let you out of jail, recordfree?”

Iglared at him,unable to come up with an answer. “How did you findme?”

“The clan has their own resources,”he said. “Look, I’m here because I want to help you. I want to offer you some work. A chance to redeem yourself. Get your family on theirfeet.”

“You’ve already madeyour point. Your clan is good. Congratulations. I don’t need yourhelp.”

He gave me a silent,incredulous look. I stared back at him as defiantly as I could, and thendeflated.

“Dammit. I feel like a fucking failure.”

He leaned in slightly.“Then let me helpyou.”