Shannon stared at Anton, watching him frown as he took inventory of every inch of the destroyed room. He finally faced her, still looking grim.
“A shifter did this.”
Surprise jolted through her. “How do you know that?”
“Smell the bleach? It’s to mask their scent.”
“I just figured they spilled it from the bottle in the kitchen.”
“You were wrong. Have you contacted your father’s people?”
“No.”
“Then mine did this.” He walked through the living room and disappeared into her bedroom.
Shannon hesitated and then followed him, stepping over her broken coffee table. Her room had been tossed, her clothes strewn around, and her bed had been shredded and the dresser drawers pulled out. Anton stood in the middle of her small sleeping space. He turned to meet her gaze.
“Why would a shifter do this?”
Broad, leather-clad shoulders shrugged. “A few of them may be resentful after the beat-down they received for attacking you. They had your purse and access to your address. I guess they didn’t believe me when I warned them that you were under my protection.”
She forced her stunned gaze from his angry one, bent down, and flinched over discovering her favorite jacket sliced up. At first she thought someone had used a knife to do the damage but upon closer inspection, she guessed it could have been done with sharp claws, judging by the spacing of the tears.
“I’m sorry.”
She lifted her chin, seeing sincerity in his eyes. “I’d planned on moving but I need to wait for my next paycheck. I don’t exactly make enough money to keep a savings account so I don’t have anything on hand for an emergency.”
“I’ll pay for this.”
He shocked her again. “Why?”
“My pups, my responsibility, and trust me, they are going to pay me back every dime.” He sighed, glancing around her room. “You can’t stay here.”
“I get paid Monday. I’m sure they won’t come back. They ruined everything so it’s not as if there’s anything left to damage.”
Anton had promised to protect her and he’d failed. He could pick up scents inside the bedroom where the bleach fumes were faint. The smell of males lingered on the clothes he’d sniffed. He could identify three of his pack who had been in Shannon’s apartment. If she’d been there when they’d attacked…
He bit back a growl, furious over even considering what they could have done to her.
The odor of males who were not members of his pack worried him most. He caught the scent of at least two inside her room. Some of his pack obviously had started hanging out with unknown werewolves, came after a female behind his back, and disobeyed his orders. It would be unforgivable if he left and something happened to her.
“Let’s go.”
Her eyes widened and her pouty lips parted. “Go where?”
“My place,” he instantly responded, not sure where else to have her stay. “I’m going to find the ones who did this and make sure they leave you alone before I allow you out of my sight.” Inwardly he cursed, knowing it would lead to trouble. He currently resided in an apartment over a bar inhabited by his pack. “You can have the bed, I’ll take the couch, and it won’t take more than a day or two before you’ll be safe on your own again.” He hoped.
Shannon took a step back, tripped on a torn up pillow from her bed, and he lunged, grabbing her arm to keep her from falling on her ass. She hissed at him, a reminder that she wasn’t completely human or any part wolf. He growled back instinctively and his hold tightened on her when he saw fear flash across her delicate features.
“Calm,” he ordered her, wincing at the tone of his voice but unable to stop it. “Easy, kitten. I’m not going to hurt you and there’s nothing to climb in here. Don’t try to run from me.”
Anger replaced fear as she glared up at him. “Stop calling me that! You just startled me. I’m not going to flee.”
“Good. I’m the only thing standing between you and a bunch of wolves who have decided to play a game of fetch with you. They obviously mean business.”
This can’t be happening, Shannon thought, staring up at the mountain of a man inches from her. She inhaled his masculine scent and forced her racing heart to slow. He’s not going to hurt me. She kept silently repeating that inside her head until her body relaxed. It wasn’t the easiest thing to do. Instincts screamed at her to fight to get away from the big, deadly werewolf.
“I’m not going to stay with you.”
“I’m not leaving you here alone. They will come back.” Anton eased his hold but didn’t release her.
“I haven’t done anything wrong!”
“You are an enemy to werewolves.”
“I’m not a shifter.”
“I’m aware of that, but they don’t seem to care what you are past how you smell and you’re living on the edge of werewolf territory. The nearest pride is a good thirty miles from here. That means you’re easy prey to my kind.”
“Just tell them the truth about me.”
“That won’t help. That would just announce that you can’t fight back. I purposely left out how human you truly are when I ordered the pack to leave you alone.”
“You made a mistake. If you told them―”
“It wouldn’t change a thing,” he grumbled, releasing her and stepping away. “If they won’t listen when I say you’re off-limits, do you really believe they’ll give a shit if you can’t shift? I don’t want to frighten you more but some of the wolves who did this aren’t members of my pack. It means another pack is aware of you, or worse, they could be rogues. That means they answer to no one and don’t live by any rules a pack has established. Do I need to spell out how much danger you’re in?”
“I’ll leave.” Shannon blinked back more tears. “I guess moving a few blocks won’t fix this. My mom lives in Ridley. I could go home to her.” She dreaded doing that. Her mom had remarried to a man she couldn’t stand. He gave her the creeps by leering at her sometimes and she always had to keep very aware of everything she did to avoid giving him any hints that she wasn’t quite normal. “I have no choice.”
“You’re going home with me. No one would dare invade my den to go after you.”
The blood drained from her face. “You literally live in the ground?”
“No.” He shook his head, shot her a frustrated look, and his fingers rose to comb through his hair, pulling some of the thick strands free from the ponytail. “It’s just a saying. It’s an apartment over a bar. It’s nice. Wolves don’t usually live in actual dens. Wild ones prefer caves.”
“That’s good to know.”
He shrugged. “Let’s go, kitten.”
“Stop calling me that.”
He frowned at her again, took a step closer, and his eyes narrowed. “Let’s get something straight right now. I’m in charge. I’m the one who will be protecting you because you need it. Stop arguing with me, it pisses me off, and just do what you’re told. Otherwise, I’ll have someone bring me a duffle bag, toss you in it, and take you out of here the way I would a cat with raised hackles.”
Disbelief held Shannon silent for a few erratic heartbeats. “I didn’t ask for your help and I don’t want it. Leave my apartment.”
He closed the distance between them and Shannon cried out in fear when he grabbed her. Her back hit the wall, bumping it painlessly. He pinned her between it and his big, powerful body. She stared into his angry gaze.
“Do you want me to tell you what those pups would have done to you if you’d been here when they came? You’d have been lucky if they just tore you apart with their teeth and claws while they killed you. They were male and you’re attractive. I smell at least five of them total.”
“No.” Her voice shook, her body trembled, and horror spread through her at what he implied.
“Good.” He blew out air, released her as quickly as he’d grabbed her, and backed up. “I’m going to make sure no one lays a hand, fa
ng, or claw on you. Maybe I’ll stop calling you ‘kitten’ when you stop acting so naive. I’m trying to do what I promised. Work with me.”
“I don’t know you,” she stated honestly. “My instincts tell me not to trust you and I’ve been warned my entire life how dangerous shifters are.”
He hesitated and something in his expression softened. “I always keep my word, and you’re safe with me. I won’t hurt you. I may growl and snarl a bit when I‘m angry but I’ve never killed a woman in my life.”
She swallowed the lump that formed in her throat. “I don’t know what to do.” It made her feel vulnerable to admit that.
His hand lifted slowly until his fingers lightly caressed her cheek. “I understand.” He brushed her hair away from her cheek before he dropped his hand to his side, taking another step back, to put more space between them. “If it helps, I’m determined to keep you safe whether you allow me to or not. You can fight but you won’t win. The decision isn’t yours any longer. I couldn’t look in a mirror again if I just stood by doing nothing while I knew you were in danger. My pups did this, and you’ve become my responsibility now.”
Something clicked in Shannon’s mind. “You’ve called them your pups before.” Her tongue darted out to lick her dry lips. “Are you their alpha?” Please say no, she thought. Alphas were supposed to be the most brutal and ruthless werewolves of any pack.
He shook his head. “No.”
The tension eased from her body and it gave her hope that he just happened to be a nice guy after all, albeit still a werewolf. His next words dashed that feeling as if he’d dumped cold water on her.
“I’m the son of their alpha, and I’m the first in line to take over the pack when he steps down or dies.”
Her knees threatened to collapse but she fought the fear that surged as she locked her legs to remain standing. They watched each other silently for long moments before he glanced around her room.
“Let’s go.”
“My clothes―”
“Are all destroyed.” He stopped at the door. “Stop wasting time. The faster I get you where I know I can leave you safely alone, the quicker I can go handle this mess by tracking them down. I’ve got clothing you can borrow until we’re able to buy you new stuff.”
Shannon hesitated but then moved, stepping over the destroyed pillow in her path. She tried not to flinch as she took in the damage to her living room again. His pups were methodical in their destruction, not leaving anything untouched.
The apartment manager stood talking to the neighbors as they left. She opened her mouth to speak to the man but she never got the chance.
“I’m Anton Harris, a family friend of Shannon’s.” He directed an intimidating scowl at the manager. “I’m taking her to a safe location until they catch these punks. I expect you to have that door fixed immediately and guard her property until they are. I’m holding you personally responsible if anything else happens.”
Her mouth dropped open and she intended to apologize but Anton chose that moment to reach back, grab hold of her limp hand, and gently lead her away from everyone. He walked her to the curb where a big black motorcycle was parked, released her, and climbed on the beast of a bike. He straddled the machine and arched an eyebrow at her.
“I know you can hold on tight.” He leaned over a little, his hand reaching for something on the other side of the bike, and then he held out a helmet. “Close your mouth and climb on behind me.”
Shannon considered refusing to leave with him. She could make a scene, and he wouldn’t dare force her onto his bike with so many witnesses around. He’d flashed his license at the cop, giving away his identity. She stared into his eyes while he held out the helmet—and made a decision. He hadn’t hurt her so far and someone definitely had it out for her, as her poor apartment, full of damaged possessions, could attest.
“Okay, but I’m holding you to your word.”
“Good.” He gave her a tight smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “I’m the only chance you have of staying safe. You’ve got nothing to fear from me.”
She didn’t totally believe that but accepted the protective headgear and carefully put it on. It startled her as Anton reached up to secure the strap under her chin. Their gazes met and held until he finished.
“Ever ridden on a motorcycle before?”
“No.”
Amusement flashed on his handsome, rugged features. “You’ll enjoy it a hell of a lot. Just wrap around me, don’t let go, and trust me.”
Shannon hesitated. “The only person I could ever trust has been my mother.”
He looked away, his gaze flickering anywhere but at her. “Sorry to hear it. Get on, kitten.”
Irritation flashed at his nickname for her. She stepped off the curb and lifted a leg, awkwardly climbing onto the wide, long seat, grateful her loose skirt was easy to tuck firmly around her legs. It felt surprisingly comfortable to straddle the bike. Anton turned his head to peer at her over his shoulder while he lifted a second helmet.
“Stop calling me that.”
“I told you why I do it.”
“What the hell does that mean?”
He hesitated, tightening the strap under his chin, but never looking away from her while he did it. “I’m attracted to you, and I think you’re cute. It would be flat-out stupid if I didn’t remind myself of that every chance I feel my body respond to yours, considering that, by blood, we’re sworn enemies.”
His brutal honestly left her speechless. He winked and turned away. The motorcycle started, the loud engine stopping whatever conversation they could have had. She reached forward, hesitated, and then wrapped her arms around his waist. She had to press her body firmly against his broad back to lock her fingers together. She squeezed her eyes closed tightly and clung when he pulled away from the curb.
Chapter Four
Anton parked the bike inside the secure employee parking lot behind the bar. He killed the engine, grateful none of the staff stood outside the back door smoking. The arms around him loosened and the warmth snuggled against his back jerked away. He refrained from cursing when he realized he didn’t like it one bit when Shannon separated their bodies.
He reached back, offering his hand. “Your legs may be sore so move slowly when you stand.”
Irritation rose when she totally ignored his offer to steady her, avoided touching him, and climbed off the bike, careful not to flash him as she gripped her skirt. She took a few steps and then nearly fell on her ass after her legs buckled a little. He shook his head as he watched her sway before she caught her balance and turned to face him.
“I warned you. You said you’ve never ridden before.”
“Did you have to hit every pothole and speed bump on your way here?” Her eyes flashed with anger.
Guilty, he thought, and hid the grin that threatened to curve his lips. “I have no idea what you’re talking about,” he lied. He’d never admit that he’d enjoyed her lush little body clutching him or how perverted he felt when he’d discovered that her hands lowered precariously close to his erection when he’d had to drive over a speed bump on her residential street. It had taken hitting at least a dozen of them to put her hold where he’d wanted it―over his aching cock. It had been torture feeling her rub against him when the bike jostled them but he’d enjoyed every second of it.
“I swear, you gunned for every single one. I drive a lot and I’ve never had to go over so many of them.”
He looked away before she could see his face, worried she’d guess he’d had ulterior motives. He braced a boot and stood, swung a leg over the seat, and refrained from adjusting his cock when the hard length pressed uncomfortably against his zipper.
“I took back alleys to avoid traffic.” The lame excuse came easy. He held out his hand. “Take it. We’re going inside and you’re going to run into more of my pack.”
Fear etched her delicate features and his protective instincts roared to life. It left Anton alarmed at his swift reactions to
her emotions. He’d been raised to protect females but he admitted something was off. His response to her terror had his beast fighting to come out to defend her.
“Trust me.”
He really wanted that from her, and worse, he needed it. He sensed it as vibrantly as he did the wolf living under his skin. He watched and waited for her to place her smaller hand in his. The tension rose between them until she stepped closer, looking undecided still, but then her palm brushed across his. His fingers wrapped firmly around hers and he tried to ignore how soft he found her skin.
“Do you want me to carry you? The last thing we need is you trying to climb the walls. I’d rather you just hang tight to me.”
“No.” Her chin lifted bravely and determination shone in her beautiful blue eyes. “I can do this.”
He admired her courage but she’d admitted her control over her instincts wasn’t the greatest. His hold on her tightened enough that he knew she couldn’t jerk away from him. He headed toward the back entrance, silently hoping he’d be able to get her into his apartment without coming into contact with anyone.
Shannon tried hard to ignore the clawing terror that had her itching to run. She’d never had to face such strong instincts before and guessed the blame for it rested squarely on the broad shoulders of the sexy shifter who led her into his den. Her blood may have been diluted of shifter genes but fearing dogs, werewolves especially, seemed to be ingrained in her DNA.
The second he touched the handle of the door, she had to fight down pure panic that struck hard enough to make breathing impossible. Her hand tightened in his and he turned his head, giving her a concerned look.
“Are you okay?”
“What’s wrong with me?”
He spun, released her hand, and an instant later she gasped when her feet left the ground and two strong arms came around her. Her back gently bumped the wall next to the door when he turned them, effectively pinning her with his body. He lifted her higher up on his chest until their eyes were level.
“Hold on to me,” he ordered.