Untamed Shifter Love Page 8

  Joslyn’s teeth rattled, and she shook, but she wasn’t cold. “I don’t want to die.” The shock was wearing off and what she’d seen focused clearer in her mind. Real monsters killed Mom and Dad. “Please, don’t let them get me.”

  “If you keep our secret safe, we’ll protect you with our lives. Are you willing to join our family? This town is full of werewolves. Michael and I are werewolves. We only kill to protect ourselves. We’d never hurt you if you’re no threat to us.”

  Joslyn nodded. “Mom and Dad are all the family I have.” She sniffled, and the magnitude of her aloneness was a lump in her stomach.

  “Now you have a pack.” Barbara gave Joslyn a firm nod before looking up at Michael. “Take her upstairs and put her in the room next to Kane’s—the blue room.” The adults exchanged a look Joslyn couldn’t quite define. They gave the impression of wordless communication. Then Barbara’s face relaxed a bit. “She’s ours now—pack. We keep her safe.”

  Chapter 1

  Joslyn spotted Walter, the Wolfe family driver, across the airport terminal. She rushed toward him with her carry-on slung over her shoulder, and she wheeled her heavy suitcase behind her in an awkward struggle. Today would be the last time Walter made the trip to pick her up; she’d finished college. What do I do with the rest of my life?

  She waved at the elderly driver. His big grin warmed her heart, but his deep wrinkles seemed more pronounced. He’d apparently lost weight.

  “Let me help you with that, Miss Joslyn.” Walter tried to take the handle of her suitcase.

  “I’m okay, but thank you.” She pulled away. “I have my whole dorm in here, and my luggage weighs more than you do.”

  “I’m an old man, little missy, but I’m still strong.” He winked. “You of all people should know I’m tougher than I look.”

  Walter had been with the family for a very long time, longer than she had, and yet he was formal with everyone but her. He was like the grandfather she’d never had, and she loved him for it.

  She grinned. “I need the exercise. It’s been a long flight.”

  Walter shrugged, conceding, and Joslyn followed him to the parking ramp. The sleek, black, nondescript car with tinted windows stood out among the sea of vans and station wagons. He opened the trunk and with his help she managed to secure her baggage. As usual, Walter opened the passenger side door. She didn’t sit in the back, but next to him. She was the only one in the family who made a habit of riding up front.

  They didn’t speak until Walter navigated them away from the airport and onto the highway. Joslyn watched the city give way to farms and fields. In a few hours, they’d be back to Wild Rose Valley. Home.

  Walter cleared his throat. “Penny for your thoughts, missy?”

  A slow grin curved Joslyn’s lips. “I’ve missed you—all of you. What’s new in town?”

  Walter turned his attention away from the road for a second, glancing at her. She noticed he was visibly pale. “When you get home it’s best you stick close to the manor.”

  “Why?” Joslyn’s heart raced.

  “Wait to talk to Mayor Wolfe.”

  Something in his tone sent a chill down her spine. “What are you protecting me from? I’m an adult now. I know I’m just a human, but I’m part of the pack.” She pressed her lips together to keep herself from saying more. I’m never really going to be good enough. Zero wolf DNA means I’ll never be more than a human they tolerate.

  Walter clutched the wheel in a white-knuckled grip. He didn’t look at her again. “I know you’re growing up, missy, but when I look at you I’ll always see that sweet little girl. It’s not my place to tell you more than to stay close to home. How was school? We missed you at Christmas.”

  Joslyn sighed. When the old man was done talking about something, he was done. Nothing she said would get him to tell her more. “I wish I’d been able to come home, but my internship with the paper kept me in Chicago.”

  “Mrs. Wolfe is very proud of you. The missus plans for you to run The Gazette. You’d be protecting the family.” He paused, and his gray brow rose. “Is that what you want?” Walter asked the tough question. The lines of his face crinkled as he gave her a sad smile.

  Joslyn studied his noble profile. “You should be the journalist.” She sighed and chuckled softly. “I don’t know.”

  “Being part of the Wolfe household has given you an insight into the worst of what we are, but there is more to being pack than killing. Michael does what he must to retain leadership. Sometimes you have to do bad things so that good can come out if it.”

  “Walter, I’m not a child—”

  “I know that, but you need to think like the pack. You see things as a human does, and being away from home for so long hasn’t helped that. If another wolf takes the pack, the town could be in a lot of danger. When I was young, another wolf killed Michael’s grandfather and became alpha. That wolf sold women to other packs. Michael’s father managed to kill him, but not before his sister was a victim. We never got her back. Mr. Wolfe is a very good man, but he will do anything to see that his pack stays in safe hands.”

  Looking out the window again, Joslyn didn’t know what to say, so she remained silent and rested her forehead against the cool glass. Bluffs came into view as the rural countryside rolled past. They were getting closer to home now. The soft rumble of the engine and subtle vibration of the car soothed her, and her eyes fluttered closed.

  What is waiting at home? She was exhausted, body and soul, and sick of werewolves. Sick of fear. Sick of being just a human. Walter was tense. Something was going on at home. She’d felt the family’s tension as a deep nagging in the back of her mind, so she’d decided to come back a week early. Am I making a mistake? Should I just run and never look back?

  Chapter 2

  A loud howl and the car’s sudden stop jerked Joslyn out of a sound sleep. She snorted awake. “Where are we?” she mumbled. Her cheek was cold from pressing against the window, and her neck was sore from the awkward angle.

  “We’re home, missy. Everything is fine,” Walter assured her. “Just a little trouble that will be dealt with quickly.”

  Joslyn opened her eyes and raised her head. A male struggled as two of Michael’s militia hustled him across the yard and into the mansion. “Doesn’t look like everything’s fine.”

  Joslyn watched the group of men trailing behind. One of them looked at her and sneered. Her humanity didn’t make her as hated as the fact she was Michael Wolfe’s adopted daughter. She turned away.

  Barbara’s voice echoed in her memory. “This doesn’t concern you, Jossy.”

  Joslyn sighed. “It never does.” She hated that she was part of a world she could never belong to.

  “What did you say, missy?” Walter asked.

  “I was talking to myself. Sorry, bad habit.”

  The elderly man chuckled. “At least you know the person you’re talking to understands how you feel.”

  Joslyn grimaced. If only that were true. How does a human in the world of werewolves know who she really is? She didn’t understand anything, except that on the numerous occasions during the decade she’d been part of the pack when she’d been told to stay out of things, Barbara was right, and wolf business wasn’t her business. Whatever was happening in that house didn’t concern her. She’d be gone soon anyway. When she looked down the light caught the diamond on her left hand. She hadn’t said yes, yet, but Travis Archer expected an answer.

  Walter got out and opened her door. She hurried around to the trunk so she could grab her suitcase and spare him the trouble. He shook his head. “You make me feel like an old man.”

  “Nah.” Joslyn grinned. “You’re not old, you’re vintage. I have almost everything I own in here.”

  Walter shrugged. “Suit yourself, missy.”

  The wheel of her suitcase hit a crack in the driveway and got stuck. Joslyn scowled, tugging.

  “Let me.” Kane’s deep voice rumbled close to her ear.

 
Joslyn jumped. “Thanks.”

  Kane reached out and took the handle, and his hand brushed hers. She gasped as the electricity, and his masculinity, hit her right in the pit of her stomach and sent sparks through her core. He smelled like the woods and something dark that reminded her of sandalwood. She could get drunk on him—and that was why she needed to leave. Kane Wolfe was one of the purest blood wolves. There was no way he’d be interested in a human. Also, his parents had adopted her when she was thirteen, so wanting him made her feel at the least disloyal and at the most immoral.

  She heard him inhale next to her ear as they walked along. “How have you been?” His voice rolled through her like warm brandy, and she shivered.

  There’s something so wild and primal about him, but he’s still totally sophisticated. How does he do it? She took a deep, calming breath. “I’m good, and ready to relax. This year has been nothing but studying.”

  “Feels like you have a library in here.”

  “How do you know it’s not full of clothing?”

  “Because I’ve known you a long time, Jossy. Books.”

  Damn it, he’s right. “These are all the recreational books I haven’t had time to enjoy.”

  “Don’t spend your summer in the tree.”

  Joslyn’s face heated, but she still grinned. Her reading tree had been her favorite spot. She’d escape into a book so she didn’t have to miss her family or think about werewolves. “I won’t.”

  “Liar. I’m surprised you came back today on the sacred night. You’ve never cared for the full moon.”

  “I’ve missed Barbara and Michael so much—and you. It was hard not coming home all year.”

  “We’ve missed you too. It’s good you’re home, where you belong.”

  She could hear the pull of the moon in his voice already. The deep cadence rumbled with authority, but also the distortion of transformation. The change in him made her shiver with something akin to desire. Her warm cheeks were on fire now.

  “I’m not questioning your choice,” he said, “but it’s not good to be a lone wolf, even for a human.”

  He’d misread her reaction to him. Thank God. Joslyn cleared her throat. “I—I have a new pack now.”

  They were almost to the house. He stopped, and as he studied her expression, his eyes narrowed. “What do you mean?”

  She held up her left hand. “I’m considering getting married.”

  If looks could kill, she’d have been dead. Kane’s brow furrowed into the most ferocious frown she’d ever seen. He growled softly, and his beautiful blue eyes glowed with a white-hot fire that took her breath away. For a second his face began to change, but he stood straighter and after a moment his humanity returned.

  “Considering? Travis.” Kane’s brow furrowed.

  “Travis. I—I didn’t know how to tell you—the family, I mean.” She died a little inside as pain flickered in his eyes. “At least he’s a hometown boy. I’ve always wondered when he would ask, but I never knew what I’d say.”

  Kane started walking again. “I always thought he was a childhood plaything you’d outgrow.”

  Joslyn couldn’t help her laugh. “What a thing to say! He’s been my boyfriend for seven years. He’s been so patient and honorable. I wish I knew what to tell him.”

  Kane stopped again, and his gaze bored into hers. “No.” He reached out, cupping her cheek. “You tell him no.”

  Joslyn gasped. “Why?”

  “If you haven’t said yes, there’s a reason. He’s not right for you. He’s just a weak human male. You need someone strong.”

  Joslyn raised her eyebrow. She took a step back from him and crossed her arms over her chest. “Are you suggesting I need a wolf?”

  “Not suggesting.” He stepped closer. “Advising. Father has his fair share of enemies, as well you know. What if one of them comes for you? Revenge is an ugly emotion.” Kane’s jaw clenched. “The Archer boy can’t protect you.”

  Joslyn’s mouth fell open. “Werewolves shouldn’t mate humans. Your parents made that very clear.” She shook but didn’t know why. “I’d have a human child who could be bitten and turned, but my baby would never have the same strength as a born. I have no werewolf ancestors, so I can’t even be a bitten. What kind of future is that?”

  Kane scowled, shook his head, and then his expression turned neutral. He stared at her for a moment before his lips curved into a smile. “Are you discriminating against bittens?” Kane chuckled. “You’ve always been such a staunch defender of them. Remember when you broke John Paulsen’s nose?”

  “He deserved it. He burned Samantha with his cigarette to prove bittens heal slower than wolves. She never did anything to that bastard. I just showed him even a human can hurt a wolf, if given the right incentive. But I know that Michael is the only reason he didn’t retaliate.”

  “Father isn’t the only one who would have seen him skinned if he’d hurt you.”

  The way Kane made the statement sent a shiver down her spine. He reached out and put his large hand on her back, pulling her closer. His touch burned her, but the fire was inside. Butterflies burst through her core.

  “I’ve missed you.” His voice was husky.

  She cleared her throat and took a step back. Anyone could see them standing there. A hot flush filled her cheeks, and she turned away from him. “You’ve always looked out for me. Have I ever thanked you for that?”

  Kane made a sound of pure irritation. Anger rumbled from deep in his throat, and he started walking again, dragging her bag behind him. He all but stomped his feet. She hurried to catch up, but when he stopped at the door, he didn’t open it. Instead, he turned to her.

  A lock of brown hair fell into his dark blue eyes. Sadness replaced his frustration. “I have many more years of looking out for you ahead of me, no matter what, so don’t pretend this is your last summer as part of our pack.” There was a hard edge of anger on the last word. “I don’t accept that you can just walk away from me—the family.”

  Her breath caught at his slip of the tongue. I have to walk away. “I’ll never have a safe life if I stay. It’s time I started my human life.”

  “You’ve never stopped living. Even if you leave, you’ll know what’s out there. You can’t forget what you know. Would you even want to? If you marry the right male, you’d never have to be afraid.” A glow flared in his eyes but died immediately.

  She looked away, unable to handle his intensity a moment longer. Did I imagine that look? That fury?

  Kane opened the door and held it for her. After she stepped in he pulled her case inside. Barbara came rushing toward them. Her eyes shined with unshed tears. The magnitude of Joslyn’s homesickness hit her as she looked at the woman who’d given her a home when she needed one.

  Barbara enveloped Joslyn in a hug. “I’ve missed you so much.” When Barbara pulled back, her cheeks were damp. “I wish we had more time before the moon. Tomorrow we’re going shopping, and we’ll have lunch at the new bistro that opened a few months ago. You’ll love it.”

  Joslyn glanced at Kane. His mouth compressed into a tense line and his brow furrowed. “Welcome home,” he muttered before his long strides carried him away from them and toward his father’s office.

  She watched him go, and when he opened the door an agonized male scream echoed in the foyer. Joslyn flinched. Kane turned to look back at her and the predator he was surfaced. The danger in his expression should have frightened her, but it didn’t. She always felt safe with him. Always. But something was wrong. There was a tense energy in the house she didn’t recognize.

  Turning to Barbara, Joslyn pursed her lips. “What’s going on?”

  “Come with me.” Barbara led her to the kitchen. Sissy, the cook, grinned when she saw Joslyn, but after a single look from Barbara, the woman scurried away. Barbara gestured toward a chair. “Sit down.”

  Joslyn obeyed, and her surrogate mother sat opposite her. Barbara picked up a carafe of coffee and set two waiting cups side-b
y-side before pouring them each a drink. Joslyn added cream and sugar.

  Barbara took a sip and regarded her over the rim. “There have been some issues this year. As sad as I was that you couldn’t make it home for the holidays, I was also relieved. Michael has never had a challenge like this before. The trouble is spilling over into human matters too.”

  “How so?” Joslyn took a sip. “Is there a threat to Michael’s leadership of the pack or the town?”

  “Both.” Barbara appeared grim. “People have died, both wolves and humans. An alpha from an eastern pack is working with Tobias Monstre for control of the pack.”

  “Why on earth would another pack help Toby take control? He’s always been a bully.”

  Barbara frowned. “I wish it were more complicated than this, but it boils down to ratios. We’re blessed here in our community, we have plenty of men and women.” She sighed. “There aren’t many towns like ours left. Modern technology makes what we are harder to hide all the time. Many shifters have sought solitude. They’ve had children who’ve mated with humans, and eventually the bloodline is lost as second or third generations don’t know what can be unlocked inside of them.”

  Joslyn nodded. She’d heard Michael’s passion for protecting the blood when he’d railed against humans and wolves mating. She could see how easy it would be for a shifter family to merge into the human population to protect their children.

  “But why would anyone think Toby would make a good leader?” Joslyn asked.

  “The forces working behind him want control. They need an insider. How long do you think he’ll stay in power once Michael is dead?” Barbara said. Joslyn gasped, and Barbara reached out and squeezed her hand. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. I was thoughtless. I know how much losing your birthparents hurt, but I promise Michael and I are harder to kill. This threat isn’t the first, and it won’t be the last. He’s not going to roll over for a new alpha to take our pack, and he’s got Kane by his side.”