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“We’re not a large pack. Less than a dozen can shift which puts us at a disadvantage,” he stated matter of factly. “The Hanleys have focused on increasing the number of shifters in their pack for years. Basically by breeding any female they can get their hands on, willing or not.”

“Like me.”

“Exactly. My sister – ” he cleared his throat, but didn’t finish the thought. “Now they need more land, and the easiest way to do that is to take our territory. Add in the fact that we’ve never gotten along,” he stopped and I finished the sentence.

“And it means war.”

“Yes, in a nutshell.”

“But not everyone agrees.”

“No, and I understand why they are resisting, but what I don’t think they get is we won’t have a choice.”

“You could leave,” I said, my voice small as a sharp pang went through me at the thought.

“No,” he denied. “I can’t. I left for college, got my degree and came right back here. This is my home and I can’t walk away from it without a fight.” He glanced down at me in sympathy. “You would need to leave as well. In fact, leaving may be the safest thing for you.”

I kept my mouth shut, knowing he would be insistent I leave if he knew it was a possibility. Intellectually, I knew it would be the smartest decision. Not only was I a prize to be fought over here, this place would soon be a war zone between two packs of wolves. I should want to leave as soon as possible and drag my dad with me. But, I didn’t want to leave. Which just went to prove my point that caring about people was the fastest way to get hurt.

The motel came in sight and instead of leaving me; Dominic continued to walk beside me. I fiddled with the strap on my backpack and remembered the gun tucked into my waistband. I reached behind me to pull it out and Dominic eyed me.

“Would you have used it?”

“If necessary,” I replied quietly, determination echoing through my words.

“I admire your courage even as I curse your foolishness,” Dominic murmured as we reached the apartment door.

“Would you like to come in?” I asked, unlocking the door, relieved Dad wasn’t there. I wasn’t sure how I would explain Dominic’s presence. At least, I had remembered to send him a text saying I’d found a ride home.

“Foolish,” he grumbled, low enough I was sure he thought I didn’t hear him, as he followed me inside anyway.

Chapter Fourteen

“Welcome to our humble abode. The tour will be quick since we’re standing in the living room, dining room, and kitchen,” I said brightly, setting down my backpack more gently than normal since I’d shoved the gun back into one of the pockets. “There’s a bedroom and bath over there and my bedroom….is over there.” I waved vaguely to the other side of the apartment, suddenly feeling very foolish indeed. It was one thing for him to walk me home, but for me to invite him in as well? After everything he’d admitted and the brief kiss I’d given him. My face flushed as I wondered if he thought I was a tease.

He stared at me in amusement and my cheeks heated even more.

“I’d love to know what’s going through that head of yours right now,” he admitted and my tongue darted out to moisten my suddenly dry lips. He dragged in a deep breath and then cursed. “This was a bad idea,” he muttered under his breath and I gave him a questioning glance. “Your scent is everywhere. It saturates the air.”

“Oh,” I uttered as he moved toward the door. However, a quick glance out the window revealed my dad’s SUV pulling up in front of the apartment.

“No!” I grabbed him before he could open the door and started tugging him toward my room. He didn’t really move and I finally said in exasperation, “My dad just showed up.”

He followed me after that, letting me lead him into my room where I slammed the door shut behind us.

“Is there a reason you brought me here?” He said, his nostrils flared and I realized if my scent was strong in the living room it must be torture in here.

“I didn’t want my dad to see you here.”

“Why?”

“Because then I’d have to explain why a teacher was standing in the living room…a gorgeous teacher who owns a Jeep that comes to pick me up every day,” I finished, glancing at my door like it was going to fly open any second.

“Gorgeous?”

“That’s what you took from that?” I questioned him in disbelief right as I heard the front door slam open.

“BUNNY!” Dad shouted his voice livid. My forehead wrinkled as I wondered what had upset him.

“Bunny?” Dominic mouthed, his eyes wide as he fought to hold in a laugh. I glared at him, but a second later Dad pounded on my door.