Page 2

L ily

I glanced in my rearview mirror. There were no headlights. No one followed me. I wasn’t sure what I’d expected when I left my hometown for parts unknown. The town lights behind me dwindled to pinpricks. I gripped the steering wheel of my trusty van with excitement and attempted to ignore my rising anxiety. The deserted roads stretched ahead, illuminated only by the van’s headlights slicing through the darkness. The dependable hum of the engine cruising along was a testament to its age and the miles it had traveled. The sound was a blend of steady vibrations and the occasional sputter.

The night air was alive with the whispers of unseen creatures, a symphony of nature’s secrets that accompanied my solitary journey. The road was a ribbon of uncertainty, leading me away from the familiar and into the unknown. Emotions intertwined in my chest—hope for the adventures awaiting me, anxiety for the challenges ahead. The open road was my canvas, and as I ventured forth, a new chapter of my life unfurled, a story of dreams pursued and fears confronted in the solitude of the night.

Walnut Ridge, Ohio, boasted a whopping population of just over two thousand. Two grocery stores, one bank, and all of three stoplights. During football season, the entire town could be found at the local high school on Friday night cheering on the Tigers. I hadn’t hated small-town life. My job at the local bank afforded me a two-bedroom apartment in the center of town, which put me within walking distance of all my basic needs. I gassed up my van once every two weeks and splurged on Saturday mornings with a chocolate éclair and a cup of freshly brewed coffee from Daisy’s Café across from my building. I’d enjoyed living in Walnut Ridge.

It had been my mother’s alcohol addiction that had driven me away.

I’d made every attempt to be the good daughter. I’d managed to drag my mom to rehab. Multiple times. Only to be kicked in the teeth when she’d turn around and buy another bottle of vodka. My sister Veronica wasn’t much better. The two of them could often be found getting drunk together. Every Saturday night it was the same routine. And any time I tried to get them to clean up their act, a lecture was my reward.

“Why can’t you be more understanding?” Grace Hall would ask, slurring her words as usual.

Of course, my mother had always coddled Veronica. She’d been the pride and joy. Everything Veronica did was celebrated. If my sister screwed up, then Mom rolled out the excuses. Grace bragged to anyone willing to listen about her gorgeous Veronica. On the other hand, I had only managed to disappoint the woman. I was too plump. “It wouldn’t hurt you to lose a few pounds, dear,” my mother would say. My job at the bank had even garnered criticism. Mom had expected me to go into nursing. Sure, if I’d followed in her footsteps it might’ve gotten me a few points, but even that would’ve eventually disappointed her. The ugly truth was that I would never be smart enough, successful enough, or pretty enough to please Grace Hall. She’d already had her perfect daughter when she’d given birth to Veronica. I had simply been extra baggage.

After another blowup, I had finally had enough. I gave my two weeks’ notice at the bank, then began boxing up my meager belongings. When the day finally arrived, I suffered a bout of anxiety. Was I making a huge mistake? Should I stay and try and repair the broken relationship with my family? It’d been the text from Veronica asking for money—money she would only blow on booze—that had cinched it.

It would never change. I’d always be the doormat for them, unless I did something drastic. I had deleted the text and packed up my old red minivan, then drove out of town. I had no destination, but I’d scrimped and saved for two years in preparation for the day I’d have the nerve to leave my chaotic family behind and start fresh.

My cell phone rang and I checked the caller ID on my console screen display. Mom. I counted to ten, then hit the button on my steering wheel. “Hey,” I mumbled.

“Where the hell are you?”

Oh, goodie, Mom was already plastered. I considered it a sign from the universe that I’d made the right decision to leave and never look back.

“Lily!”

“I left,” I answered, keeping it vague. It wasn’t anyone’s business. I was an adult and didn’t have to get permission to change my life.

My mother cursed. “Left where? Your sister needs you. What the hell is wrong with you?”

I sighed. “Look, I love you, Mom. I’ll call you when I get there.”

“Damn, it—”

I ended the call. It’d been the first time I’d ever hung up on one of my mother’s tirades. “God, that felt good.”

As I made my way down a lonely stretch of road in the middle of nowhere, I turned up my radio, enjoying a sexy tune by Jason Aldean. My heart beating a million miles an hour, I wondered if I’d made a colossal mistake. A woman alone in the big bad world was easy pickings. After all, it was a far cry from my safe and secure apartment. Oh, sure, Walnut Ridge had crime. The occasional teenage shenanigans, stealing candy from the minimart. Or the time my mother had gotten drunk and plowed her sedan into MaryAnn’s Laundromat. That’d been a fun day. But murder, robbery, arson? Nada.

As I contemplated what to do with my newfound freedom, I didn’t see the giant beast leap out in front of me until it was nearly too late. A wolf? Its fur, as dark as the night itself, absorbed the feeble moonlight, rendering it a shadowy silhouette. Powerful muscles rippled beneath its shiny coat as it moved, each leap devouring the distance between us with a blend of elegance and ferocity. Its eyes burned like twin orbs of molten gold in the darkness. As it crossed the road directly in front of my van, our gazes locked, and I felt an inexplicable connection. It stopped, stared. I screamed, then swerved to keep from hitting it. My van plowed into an enormous pine tree. The front airbag deployed, slamming into my face, sending my head bouncing off the headrest.

“Oh, God,” I groaned as I lifted a hand to my cheek. Pain radiated along my face, and I had to work to catch my breath. The airbag had knocked the air from my lungs. After a minute, I glanced around. My vehicle was totaled. The entire front end was bashed in, and my windshield was shattered from a tree branch driving through it on the passenger side. Glass was scattered all over. My purse and cell phone had hit the floor. The animal. What the hell was it? Had to be a wolf, but those weren’t native to Ohio. I didn’t know what it’d been, but I hoped it was okay. I stared out my side window and scanned the area for any sign of it. “I didn’t hit it,” I mumbled to myself. I was certain of that at least. “My poor van is toast, though.”

I loved animals, but the furry beast had picked a terrible night to go for a run. “Now what?” I unbuckled my seatbelt, then bent to retrieve my phone. The screen was destroyed. “This is a test,” I bit out as I tried to figure out my next move.

A knock on the driver’s side window startled me. I jerked my head around, earning a sharp pain in my neck from the swift movement. A man was standing outside my window, frowning at me. His rugged strength and broad shoulders strained against the fabric of a well-worn red flannel shirt, the vibrant hue contrasting against our earthy surroundings. The shirt’s sleeves were rolled up to reveal powerful forearms, each sinewy muscle well-defined. A pair of old, faded jeans clung to his sturdy legs. Messy chocolate-brown hair framed his face. Dark facial hair covered his jawline, and he had a beard that needed to be tamed.

“Are you okay?”

Where had he come from? I scanned the area for any sign of another car but came up empty. Oh, sure, a stranger standing in the darkness on a lonely stretch of road wasn’t at all suspicious. “Yes, thank you.”

He pointed at me. “You don’t look okay.”

I waved my phone in the air. “I’m going to call for help,” I explained, though it was a lie. My phone was, like my van, toast. “Thank you for your concern.”

He tilted his head to the side. “I can’t leave you out here alone. If you like, I can wait until help arrives...”

I started to turn his offer down when my vision blurred. I shook my head, and the pain in my neck intensified. I lifted a hand to my forehead and closed my eyes, waiting for it to lessen. Instead, a blast of white-hot agony shot through me, then everything went black.

****

K ai

“Shit,” I groaned, yanking on the door handle. The little redhead nearly toppled into my arms. I lifted her from the wreckage and held her against my chest. Her round face showed signs of bruising from the airbag. It was the gash just above her forehead that concerned me the most. Blood dripped down the side of her fair cheek. I sniffed the air, couldn’t help myself, taking in the sweet scent of peaches and vanilla. My cock lengthened beneath the fly of my jeans. Fuck, she smelled delicious. The blood on her face tempted me to taste her, but I couldn’t. It was against family law to exchange with a human. As enforcer, it was my job to uphold that law. Still, the longer I stared at the pretty bow of her mouth, the more easily I could imagine breaking that fucking law.

I dipped my head inside the open door. The contents of her purse were scattered all over the floor, but I didn’t have time to retrieve them now. I needed to get off the road and out of sight. I’d just have to send one of my brothers back later to gather her things.

I shifted her in my arms, then took off running toward the tree line. When I found the trail I’d taken hundreds of times over the years, I ran faster. Shifting into my Yucilon form would’ve gotten me home within minutes, but that wasn’t going to happen this time. Not with her in my arms. Two feet instead of four would have to suffice.

My breath quickened as I cradled the small female in my arms, each step deeper into the forest amplifying the wild instincts simmering beneath my skin. The moonlight pierced through the dense canopy, casting a silvery glow on her delicate features. Her scent, a tantalizing blend of peaches and something uniquely her own, overwhelmed my senses, making it hard to think, hard to breathe.

My claws lengthened involuntarily, grazing the fabric of her shirt. I shuddered, a growl rumbling in my chest. The urge to claim her, to mark her as mine, surged through me, drowning out rational thought. I wanted to take her far away, to a place where no one could find us, where I could awaken her properly, without restraint.

She stirred in my arms, her soft moan sending a jolt of electricity through me. My grip tightened, the pads of my fingers trailing against her skin. I fought to control myself, but the Yucilon within me was relentless, urging me to surrender to my desires.

I paused, leaning against a tree, breathing heavily. “I need you to wake up,” I whispered, desperation spreading through my chest.

She stirred again, her eyes fluttering open, meeting mine with a sleepy confusion. “What?” she murmured, her voice barely audible.

“Shh,” I replied, my voice a low growl. I leaned in, my lips caressing her ear. “You’re safe.”

She blinked, as if trying to process my words. Her scent filled my nostrils again, and I felt my control slipping further. My jeans were too damned constricting. Fuck, I wanted to take her right here, under the moonlight, to claim her as my mate. But I couldn’t, not yet.

“Home,” I said, my voice rough with need.

Without waiting for a response, I resumed my journey, my steps quickening. The forest seemed to close in around us, the shadows deepening as we ventured further from the road. The animal inside me howled in anticipation, urging me to hurry, to find a place where we could be alone.

Finally, we reached a clearing, bathed in the ethereal glow of the moon. I gently lowered Lily to a bed of clovers, my eyes never leaving her face. Unconscious. And my fault.

Claws retracted slightly as I fought to regain control, but the hunger in my blood was unmistakable.

I breathed deeply, fighting for control. Soon, a sense of calm washed over me. The creature inside me quieted, soothed by her presence.

I picked her back up and rounded a bend, then spotted home a few hundred feet ahead. Home, right. More of a compound. It’d been built into a hillside, partially hiding it from view. We’d let the vegetation grow up around it to make it difficult for outsiders to find. To make it difficult for others of my kind to find. I stopped and glanced around, then sniffed the air for any sign of threat. The only thing within miles were various forest animals. My small bundle was so still I grew concerned. Shit, at least she was breathing. The fact that she hadn’t been jarred awake by my dash through the woods worried me, though. She was injured worse than I’d first thought. As I approached the door and was about to knock, it was flung open. Wyatt stood on the other side, glaring at me. Fucking terrific.

“What the hell did you do?”

“It was an accident,” I bit out. “She’s injured. Let me in.”

My brother didn’t budge. Instead, he crossed his arms over his chest and ordered, “She’s human, Kai. Get her out of here.”

I wouldn’t release the female. Not even for my alpha. “It’s my fault she’s hurt and I want Creeg looking her over.”

“Take her to a hospital and leave her. She’ll be fine.”

“No,” I ground out, tired of the argument. “We’re wasting time chatting . I won’t risk her life.”

The bastard only shrugged. “Why do you care? She’s not our kind.”

I rolled my eyes. “Does she look like a threat to you?”

Wyatt’s lip curled up at one corner. “Looks can be deceiving.”

Enough was enough. The female was injured because of my reckless bullshit and I would damn well see to her care. “Let me pass!”

I heard a noise coming from behind Wyatt, then Creeg came into view. “What’s going on?”

“She’s injured. I want you to examine her.”

Creeg stared at her, his gaze raking up and down her body before he waved a hand in the air. “Bring her inside,” he ordered.

“I’m trying but big brother is afraid of the tiny human.”

“I’m not afraid of her, damn it.”

I let my facial expression do the talking for me. Wyatt finally relented and stepped out of the way. “She’s your responsibility. When she’s well, send her on her way. That’s an order, Kai.”

I couldn’t give him my agreement. Something about the female called to me. I wanted to know why I was so drawn to her. As I stepped inside, all my brothers descended at once. Like the dumbasses had never seen a female before. Jesus. I was fast getting irritated by their curiosity. “Move,” I ordered the lot of them.

Their attention was centered on the female, all but ignoring me. Miggs moved closer and lifted a hand to touch her, but I quickly stepped backward. “Do not,” I growled, baring my teeth at my younger sibling. He got the hint.

“Why do you have a human and why is she bleeding?” Miggs sniffed the air and licked his lips. “She smells amazing.”

Creeg cleared his throat. “Come on, before there’s a riot,” he muttered as he led the way to the lower level. As we entered the area that my brother used as an onsite emergency room, I brought the female to the cushioned table and placed her on top of the cool surface. She didn’t stir, didn’t so much as flutter her lashes. “She’s too still, Creeg.”

My brother got to work, taking out a stethoscope and undoing the top two pearl buttons of her blouse. He pressed the metal disc to her chest and listened to her heart. “Steady, that’s good.” Next, he lifted one eyelid and shined an ophthalmoscope into her pupil.

I was on edge. Like ready-to-claw-my-brother’s-eyes-out on edge. I didn’t like Creeg so close to the female. I knew my rising anger was uncalled for, but I couldn’t keep the growl out of my voice as I asked, “What are you doing?”

“I’m checking for a concussion.”

“And?”

“I want to do a scan,” he explained, “but first I need some information.”

“Anything,” I replied.

“Was she complaining of any pain?”

“No. I saw the cut on her head. It worried me, but she didn’t seem to notice it. Then she passed out.”

He touched the back of her neck, then her shoulders and arms. He pressed his fingers along her ribcage, then lower along her legs. “I don’t think anything is broken.”

“Why isn’t she waking?”

“It might be a concussion,” he answered as he began to lift her from the table.

I stepped in his way. “I’ll carry her.”

Creeg scowled at me. “What’s wrong with you? Were you hurt as well?”

“No.” I scooped the female into my arms. “She swerved to keep from hitting me and plowed into a tree instead.”

“You feel responsible for her,” Creed surmised, as he headed for the machine that would scan her brain.

I glared at the giant monstrosity. “I hate that thing.”

“Be glad we have it. It will give us answers.”

I placed her on the table and watched as Creeg went to work. It took too long and I was getting restless. When Creeg finally turned toward me and sighed, it worried me. “Well?”

“She will recover, but she has a serious concussion. She needs to be monitored for the next twenty-four hours. Maybe longer.”

Guilt washed over me as I pressed a palm to the female’s forehead. “It’s my fault. I was reckless.”

Creeg went to a cupboard and pulled out a sheet, then moved to cover the female before asking, “Hunting?”

“Yes, but I shouldn’t have run so far.” I pressed a palm against the top of her head. Her hair was such a pretty shade of red. Deep. Nearly crimson. “I’m uncertain why I was on that side of the property.” I’d been drawn in that direction. At first, I’d thought it was prey that had called to me. Now I wasn’t so sure.

“Our Yucilon instincts don’t always listen to reason, Kai.” He nodded toward the female. “She’ll be okay. She just needs rest.”

“And the cut?”

“It’s already stopped bleeding and it’s not serious enough to warrant stitches. I’ll put something on it to prevent infection, then bandage it.”

I let out a heavy breath and made a decision as I watched on. “I’m bringing her to my room.”

Creeg had a tube of ointment in his hand, but my words stopped him from administering it to the unconscious woman. “She should stay here,” he growled. “I need to keep her under observation.”

I knew Creeg would take that stance. I crossed my arms over my chest and glared at my doctorly brother. “Fine, then I’m staying here, too.”

He shook his head and went to work spreading the antibiotic ointment to the cut. “That’s unnecessary.”

I glanced around the room and spotted a padded chair at Creeg’s desk. It wouldn’t be very comfortable, but it didn’t matter. I’d make do. “It’s not up for debate.”

Creeg opened his mouth, no doubt to argue further, but a moan caught our attention. I looked down and saw the female shifting around. She blinked a few times, then her gaze landed on me, then Creeg. I sniffed the air. Fear. She was completely terrified. “You are safe,” I rushed to reassure her. “I brought you to my brother’s clinic.”

Her pretty green eyes darted toward Creeg, then back at him. “Van,” she mumbled.

“It’s still on the side of the road.” Her fear worsened and I reached for her, taking her hand in mine. “My name is Kai. You passed out.”

Creeg stepped closer and smiled. “You have a concussion and a cut on your head. Is there pain anywhere else?”

She bit her lower lip and started to sit up. I placed a hand behind her back and helped her to a seated position. She pressed a palm to her forehead. “Sore.”

I quirked a brow at her. “I imagine so after hitting that tree.”

“There was an animal. I swerved.”

“I’m sure he’s grateful for your quick thinking.” Guilt washed over me. “What’s your name?”

“Lily.” She glanced around the room and frowned. “My purse and phone?”

“Still in the car. I’ll have someone retrieve it for you.”

She shook her head. “Thank you, but I should be on my way.”

Creeg spoke up then. “You suffered a very serious concussion. You shouldn’t be left alone.” He paused then asked, “Is there someone we can call for you?”

Sadness clouded her pretty eyes. “No, not really.”

There was more to that, I could feel it, but I didn’t think she was up to being questioned. “Just rest, Lily,” I urged. “You are in good hands, I promise you.”

She glanced around the room, then her gaze landed on Creeg. “Where am I exactly?”

“A private clinic a few miles from where you went off the road.” Creeg reached for her arm and took her pulse. After a minute he said, “Steady. That’s good, but you do need rest.”

“What’s your name?”

“Creeg.”

Her gaze darted back and forth between them. “Creeg and Kai. Very strange names.”

I winked at her. “We’ve been told.”

Lily sighed. “Well, thank you for helping me. I wouldn’t want to think what could’ve happened if you hadn’t come along when you did.”

“You’re welcome.” Hell, she’d only been injured because of my carelessness, but I kept that bit to myself. “Do you want to rest?”

“I’m thirsty.”

My brother patted Lily’s arm. “I’ll get you a bottle of water.”

I glanced over at Creeg. “And keep everyone out.”

He nodded, then went out the door, closing it behind him, putting me alone in the room with Lily. We watched each other and I could see the apprehension in her eyes. “You are safe, Lily,” I promised her. “No one will hurt you here. You have my word.”

She scooted farther to the right, putting more distance between us. “I’m alone with strange men in a place that I don’t recognize.”

I stepped closer, and the movement didn’t go unnoticed by Lily. When I reached up and touched her cheek with an index finger, she sucked in a breath. “What are you doing?”

“Easy,” I murmured, enjoying the softness of her skin. “Did you think my master plan was to help you, then kill you?”

She tilted her head, gauging my words carefully. “I suppose you have a point.” She crossed her arms over her chest, then asked, “So, Kai, do you have a last name?”

“Ravenbriar,” I answered, inhaling her scent again. That sweet combination of vanilla and peaches was stronger now. I wanted to taste her. All over.

“Well, Kai Ravenbriar, if you do decide to hurt me, just know that I’ve been trained in self-defense. I’ll put up a fight the likes of which you wouldn’t believe.”

My blood heated at hearing her warning. Lily had no idea just how enticing her words were to a Yucilon . If she did, she would run...