Page 14

14

WARNER

Roderick has a bloody rabbit in his mouth.

“Show-off,” I think at him.

He huffs out a laugh around his catch, lying down in the damp leaves to feast.

My brother can’t actually read my mind in wolf form. At least, that’s what he claims. But as pack leader, one of the extra enhancements is to get impressions from pack members. He might not hear exact words, but he can pick up intent.

While he eats, I take another few minutes to sprint through the underbrush, stretching muscles that will shift into different shapes when I change back.

Tonight, despite it still being weeks from the full moon, I’m overflowing with energy.

Likely leftover from the afternoon spent watching football with Zoey. Days might have passed since she lounged on my couch, cheering for touchdowns and chugging Dr. Peppers, but I can still smell hints of her in my apartment.

That’s made for some erotic dreams.

My wolf impulses keep pushing me to make a move, but my human brain knows I can’t just walk up to her and say, Be mine.

I need to woo her.

And in order to do that without appearing obsessed, I need to work off my excessive energy and lust.

Luckily, Roderick was available and willing to go on a run with me tonight. When I circle back to him, we head for our bikes.

Pulling on the thread in my mind that ties me to my human self, shadows shift around me as my bones flex and reform. Joints crack, muscles stretch, and I shake off the small aches and pains of the change.

When I stand as a man again, I feel more centered. My thoughts are clearer, and I’m able to plot how to approach my crocheting temptress as I pull my clothes on.

Heading back to town, Roderick and I rev our engines and let our choppers devour the blacktop. My mind is so focused on how to pursue Zoey that I almost miss the familiar truck parked in a gravel lot on the side of the highway. If it had been any darker, I might have ridden straight past without giving it a second thought. But the faded rust color and particular-shaped dent in the bumper catch my attention.

Zoey is out in the middle of nowhere, and the sun is about to set.

Roderick is ahead of me, taking point, like he always does. Doesn’t matter if it’s the whole club riding or just the two of us, like tonight. We haven’t gotten to ride together, just us brothers, for a while. I hate to cut it short. Still, there’s no way I can head back to town with this rising curiosity threatening to drown out all other thoughts.

I accelerate, coming level with my brother and catching his eye. Using hand signals, I let him know what I intend to do before slowing to pull a U-turn and heading back to the truck. A lot of people would probably be surprised to discover a biker gang where every member has a basic knowledge of American Sign Language. But that’s just another one of Roderick’s protective instincts showing. Or his paranoia. He doesn’t want to rely on radios while we’re riding, and so he insisted everyone learn.

Worked out in our favor though, seeing as how we were able to add a werewolf to our pack who had struggled in other places because he’d lost his hearing before aging into his powers. We’re deaf-friendly, and it got us a tech genius.

When I shut my engine off, Roderick is just pulling in beside me. I wait for him to cut his too. The silence of the night is shocking without the roar of our bikes. It’s only after the ringing in my ears fades that the chorus of the forest filters in and the surroundings don’t seem so quiet.

“You can keep going. That’s Zoey Gunner’s truck. I want to see why she’s out here.”

Roderick has his stoic-statue face on. “Why?”

I climb off my bike. “She’s a city girl. Want to make sure she hasn’t gotten lost in the woods.”

Plus, I’ve been craving the sight of her since the moment she left my apartment. I didn’t know who to thank for my luck when she asked to stay and watch the game with me. During commercial breaks, I got her talking, picking up small facts about her life. Now, I know she works remotely as a website designer, which means she can stick around Pine Falls as long as she has internet access. I paid close attention to every fact she let drop about her brothers. When I meet her family, I want them to like me, so the more I know, the better.

Yeah, that’s presumptuous. But my wolf and I are in full agreement. Zoey Gunner is something special, and missing out on a chance with her would haunt me.

Unfortunately, she only stayed until the end of the game. The past couple of days have been longer than usual at work, meaning I couldn’t figure out a way to casually run into her around town.

But this? It’s more than just trying to set up an accidental meeting. I’m legitimately worried about Zoey getting turned around in the unfamiliar area.

Pine Falls is different from Denver. Wilder.

I would know. I’m one of the monsters that lurks in these woods.

Roderick continues to study me, and I let him. Suddenly, his head tilts, his nose to the wind, and he breathes in deep. I follow his lead, scenting the air. Almost immediately, I catch the familiar hint of sweet earthiness.

But there’s another scent. Another person. Someone who smells like paper and lemons.

Could she be out here with a man?

The thought has my wolf growling, but I stifle the urge before it reaches my throat.

“Juliet is here,” Roderick says, climbing off of his bike.

“Juliet?” The name sounds kind of familiar, but it takes me a second of going through my mental tally of Pine Falls residents to remember. “The librarian?”

A silent nod from Roderick as he stares at the woods.

Interesting.

My first instinct is to tease Roderick about his first-name-basis situation with the cute woman who is also a recent transplant to our small town. But I keep my big mouth shut with some effort, wary of him ordering me to get back on my bike and continue on to Pine Falls.

Being pack leader is more than a title. There’s magic in the designation. I’d have a hard time circumventing his direct order.

Instead, I track the maple trail into the woods and stifle a smile at the sound of my brother following me. He wants to come, but doesn’t want to take point?

Even more interesting.

The trail would be hard for a human to see, but my eyes easily pick out the slim dirt path that winds through the trees. I really hope Zoey came this way during daylight. There are a lot of roots looking to twist unaware ankles.

Having grown up in Pine Falls and having spent at least one night a month running wild in these woods, I know exactly where this trail leads. Yellow Pine Lake.

Soon, the humid scent of water intertwines with Zoey’s trail.

When I break through the trees, my feet crunch on the rocky shore. There’s a calming slap of waves against stone and the squeak of bats feasting on nighttime bugs. Down the way, I spot the glow of a fire. Feminine laughter drifts toward us, traveling easily over the calm water.

“Guess they’re not in trouble,” I say, glancing over my shoulder, expecting Roderick to be just a few feet away.

He’s not. But he hasn’t left either. Instead, I make out his shadowy form, back in the woods. He stands still, looming like a ghostly presence.

“You’re being fucking weird.”

He doesn’t respond, which only proves my point.

I choose to ignore him, making my way down along the beach toward the sound of laughter. When I’m maybe twenty feet away, a warning bark cuts off whatever conversation was happening. Then, a massive body trots toward me.

“Hey, buddy. Just me,” I murmur, holding out my hand for Bruce to sniff. He does, offering a brief tail wag, then lumbers back to the warm glow of the fire, where two women stand, clutching beers and squinting into the darkness.

“Who’s there? Show your face!” Zoey shoves up from her seat and steps away from the campfire, approaching the edge of the light. As if I’m enticing her into the darkness.

Not liking that thought, I move forward instead. “Just Warner Jameson. Your friendly neighborhood biker.” I put on my most charming smile as I step into the glow of their fire.

Neither woman seems particularly bothered by my sudden appearance. That might have some relation to the unmistakable scent of alcohol.

The redheaded woman, Juliet, lets out a snort at my description. “Friendly. Sure.”

“I mean, he’s kinda friendly,” Zoey offers, facing her companion. There’s a thickness to her words, the hint of a slur, that makes me think these two women have been drinking for a little while.

And I’m suddenly fascinated to discover exactly what a drunk Zoey means.

“Oh, really?” Juliet leans back in her camping chair, giving me a thorough once-over. “How’s he been friendly?”

Zoey holds up her hand, ticking favors off on fingers. “He gave me a ride. Fixed my car. Helped carry some shopping bags. Invited me to lunch. Lent me a saw.” She wiggles her five digits.

“Is he trying to get in your pants?” Juliet’s words come out clearer than Zoey’s. She throws her can into a paper bag that clanks with the sound of multiple empties before diving into a large cooler and coming out with another.

Either the librarian holds her booze better than Zoey or she’s just a more articulate drunk.

“Can you come here?” Zoey waves her hand in an overly vigorous motion, enticing me forward.

The closer I get, the more of her beautiful, flushed cheeks I see. Her eyes shine in the firelight as they trace over my face, seemingly unable to stay still.

“Are you trying to get in my pants?”

Zoey is wearing a pair of jeans and hiking boots with a large fleece that falls halfway down her thighs. A crocheted hat covers her head, and she grips her beer with gloved hands. She’s dressed for warmth, and I’m tempted to tell her just how I could heat her up.

Hell yeah, I want to get in her pants.

But not in the way Juliet is implying. Not some quick, impersonal bang.

And right now, with Juliet and my brother nearby, I can honestly say, “Not at this moment.”

“Nonanswer!” Juliet proclaims.

Before the librarian can call me out again, I change the subject. “You two having a party?”

“We’re celebrating our new friendship. With beer!” Zoey goes to take a sip from her can, but comes away frowning, apparently finding it empty.

“Aren’t you worried about animals?”

Yellow Pine Lake is a common campsite, but it’s still wild.

Zoey juts her jaw out, as if she’s trying to make her face look heavier, like a Neanderthal. The effect is emphasized and made all the more hilarious when she speaks in a deep voice. “Women make fire.” She waves at said fire. “Fire scare animals.”

“Plus, we’ve got this big guy.” Juliet heaves out of her chair to crouch beside Bruce, patting the giant dog on his belly.

“And Juliet gave me bear mace!” Zoey shouts like it’s the best gift she’s ever received.

Probably not an item I’d offer up to someone when they’re drunk.

“How late were you three planning on celebrating?” Damn, I sound like an overprotective parent.

The women seem to agree, sharing a look between them before breaking into laughter. The sound has me grinning. Zoey looks so carefree, clutching her stomach as she leans back, letting her chuckles drift up into the starry night sky.

When she catches her breath, I’m treated to a beautiful grin. “We’re camping! Look.” She points past the edge of the firelight, and I spot a small tent. “Juliet is teaching me some outdoorsy stuff.”

“We are strong, independent women!” the librarian declares before taking a deep swallow of her beer.

“Damn right we are!” Zoey faces the lake as she shouts her words. As they tumble into the night, she lets out a happy sigh.

“Why are you lurking, Roderick?” Juliet calls to the shadows behind me. “You’re being creepy!”

She doesn’t get an answer, but Zoey whirls around, clearly searching for Roderick in the darkness. Roots creep over the beach, and she loses her footing. My arms are out to catch her a second before she regains her balance on her own.

“Nailed it!” she crows before glancing back at me and noticing my reach, still there if she becomes unsteady again.

A delighted smile cracks across Zoey’s face.

“Trust fall!” And then she’s toppling over once more, this time on purpose, and I lunge forward to make sure she ends up in my arms rather than sprawled on the ground. She lands with a gasp, then chuckles. “Guess I have to trust you now, Biker Boy.”

She’s soft against me and smells like every delicious dessert I’ve ever consumed. I want to curl my arms around her. Hold her to my chest.

Instead, I make a joke.

“Can’t I at least be Biker Man ?”

“Aww.” She reaches up to pat my cheek. “Not when you’re so cute.”

“Careful, Zoey.” Juliet takes another swig from her can before continuing in a mock whisper. “All that cutesy talk might scare these big, tough Dark Moon Riders. Roderick won’t even come out of the woods!” She snorts out a giggle.

Zoey trains her curious gaze on me. “Who’s Roderick?”

I affect a rueful grimace. “My older brother. He’s a little antisocial.”

“That’s okay. I am too.” Zoey gives me a sweet smile. Then, she boops me on my nose with her forefinger.

“Not tonight!” Juliet climbs up on top of a large rock, holding her beer up to the sky, as if toasting the world. “Tonight, we christen our friendship! Two outsiders, taking over Pine Falls. To hell with the bikers! This town will be run by women!”

“You’re right!” In the way that drunk people do, Zoey’s response to me flips on a switch. She springs from my arms, shoving at my chest. “This is a friend date! No boys allowed! No boys allowed!”

Juliet joins in the chant, and soon, the trees are ringing with the sound, each exclamation point emphasized with another push.

Another guy might be annoyed by the manhandling, but I’m having trouble stifling my laughter. She’s so fucking adorable with her cheeks ruddy from the alcohol. The heat spills down to her neck and supercharges her scent.

I wish I could bury my nose there, breathe in the sweet earthiness. Then lick her.

Instead, I stumble backward as if I don’t have the strength to battle her assault.

“All right! No boys allowed. I’ll leave you to your camping. And your conquering.”

“To conquering!” Zoey climbs up on her own rock, arms held high.

“To conquering!” Juliet thrusts her beer up, then chugs the whole of it down in an impressive display.

I let the shadows of the trees envelop me, shaking my head and chuckling all the while.

“They’re ridiculous.” It’s the first thing Roderick says since we followed the women’s trail.

“They’re drunk.” I shrug.

“It’s not safe,” he mutters.

“Well, yeah. That’s why I’m not actually leaving.”

Roderick raises one eyebrow at me, but then lets me lead the way again. I move deeper into the woods. When the sound of the girls’ laughter has almost faded, I pause by a tree with low, thick limbs. There, I strip off my clothes, folding them neatly before setting them up in the tree. I hope no curious critters decide to claim them. I’d have a hard time explaining to highway patrol why I’m riding my bike home naked.

Make for a good story though.

Once I’m completely bare, I coax my wolf forward, letting the form envelop my body. The change is slower. If my wolf sensed danger or responded to the call of the full moon, then I’d be able to switch to four legs in a matter of seconds. But pulling the change out without the aid of adrenaline or lunar magic means I’m struggling for a minute or two, grimacing at the pain of my bones snapping and reshaping.

Eventually, I’m in my wolf form, panting and shaking off the last lingering bit of discomfort. When I turn back toward the campsite, I see Roderick’s wolf sitting calmly, waiting for me.

Another perk of being the pack leader: more magic means a faster change.

I huff at him as I pass by.

Soon, I’m staring out at the crackling fire and cackling women, my gray coat camouflaging me. Roderick settles at my side, his black coat just as good for spying.

Protecting , I correct myself.

“I think it’s time,” Zoey announces.

Time for what? I wonder.

“I knew it. That fourth beer was the turning point, huh?” Juliet says.

Roderick shifts beside me, probably also wondering what this is a preamble to.

“It was. Okay. I’m ready. This is happening.” Zoey strolls toward the woods, and my protective nature stirs.

“Good luck,” the librarian offers.

Zoey raises a fist in the air before declaring, “I’m going to pee outside! This is a special event!”

“Yeah, I’ll mark it down in the history books,” Juliet calls after her, chuckling as she sinks back into her camping chair.

Zoey passes by our hiding spot, not even ten feet separating us. But we’re hunters. We know how to hide well.

“I’m going to pee. Pee on a tree,” Zoey sings to herself.

Even in wolf form, Roderick knows how to roll his eyes, which he does now as I stand to trot after her. I, on the other hand, have my jaws open in a wolfish grin.

Zoey keeps up her funny chant until she’s a decent distance from her little campsite. Coming to a stop, she turns in a circle, her movements hinting at a lack of balance.

“Now, which one of you naughty boys is looking for a golden shower?”

If I were in human form, there’s no way I’d be able to stifle my laughter. But I keep my jaws clenched shut and turn my back to give her privacy.

And I start making plans for how to convince this odd woman to be mine.