“By Horace?”
“I haven’t confirmed who initiated it yet,” Colton answered.
“Horace might be hot-headed, but he’d want to do the kill personally.” There was no way that mutt would be denied being responsible for her death. She’d humiliated him. Horace coming after her made sense. The hit didn’t. She could hold her own against the damn wolf, but that wasn’t the question. The question she was left asking herself was, who else wanted her dead? “This hit is from someone else that I’ve pissed off. We need to figure out who’s behind it so I can deal with it. This complicates things.”
She tossed the computer next to her and stood, walking out the front door and onto the porch. She eased the door shut behind her. “Before I only had myself to worry about.” She glanced at the closed door before stepping off the porch. “Now there are more lives on the line. Maybe I should leave.”
All of her caged animals growled below the surface, each begging to be let free so they could tear the threat apart. She ground her teeth together, thinking about anyone hurting Rhys. She’d never let that happen. She clenched the phone tighter in her grip.
“I want you to stay put until we have more information. I’m meeting with one of my informants tonight. So you’re benched until tomorrow.”
“I can’t wait that long. I haven’t checked on the other women yet.”
“Jennifer Smith has finally been reported as missing.” He told her.
“And the others? Have they been reported yet?”
“Yes, but I want you to stay put until the morning. That’s an order, Elizabeth. Do you understand?” He asked her, his voice unyielding.
Movement along the tree line caught her eye as the wind blew, so she was slow to answer. “Yep. Loud and clear.” She waited longer, scanning the trees to see if she spotted anything or anyone. She inhaled a deep breath. Nothing but the scent of flowers mingled in the wind, their sweet scent coupled with the musky scent of… bear. She clicked the phone off and shoved it into her pocket before turning to find Rhys standing on the porch. His big, strong arms crossed over his chest. His jaw ticked.
“How much of that did you overhear?”
“Leaving, Horace, and that there is a hit out on you,” he growled, and his eyes flashed in anger.
She closed the distance between them and placed a reassuring palm on his arm. “I’m not going to get myself killed.”
“Damn right, you’re not.” He cupped her ass and lifted her to his height. Her legs wrapped around his waist and her arms around his neck. Uncontrollable flames ignited in her core, and her panties dampened in need. She’d done a damn fine job at keeping the bear at arms-length, but when he touched her…her mind battled with her body. It was a fight she was slowly losing.
“Put me down. You’re acting ridiculous.” Her brow rose in challenge.
He carried her back inside, kicking the door shut with his foot before pressing her back against the wood. Her chest rose and fell in anticipation.
His gaze slid over her face and landed on her lips. Need took over. Her beast fought to convince her to take what he offered. She might not be interested in a mate, but she was damn sure interested in a roll in the sack with the man holding her tightly in his arms.
“I’m off the clock for the rest of the night,” she whispered and watched in humor as his gaze swirled from blue to a stormy gray.
He pressed his lips to hers, devouring her with heat. Her humor was replaced with desire as a growl of approval rumbled deep in his chest. She parted her lips, opening and offering him what they both wanted, what they both needed. He took control, giving and taking, sipping and deepening, driving every nerve in her body into a frenzy. He pressed into her, and she felt the huge bulge between his legs, leaving no doubt, that if given the green light, he would take her pressed up against the door, not caring that his brothers might see. She’d never wanted another man more than she wanted Rhys in this very minute. She broke the kiss and nuzzled his neck, leaving both her animals and his bear purring to life. She wasn’t ready for a mate, but damn, she wanted to feel him, have him, and hold him. Like nothing she’d ever wanted before.
Her stomach let out an awkward growl. Heat seared her cheeks, not from her hunger, but because she’d let herself get carried away.
“You need food.”
“Yes, food,” she repeated, thankful that her stomach broke the chemistry. She unlocked her legs and slowly slid down his rock-hard body. His hands stayed on her waist until her feet touched the floor.
“I’ll cook, and you can tell me all about how there’s a contract out on your life.” He slid his fingers through hers and led the way into the empty kitchen. He released her only to pull marinating steaks out of the fridge, along with two beers. He popped the top and handed her one before walking out onto the back deck to ignite the grill. She followed and hopped up on the wood railing, watching him work.
“How about we talk about something else?”
He glanced at her and lit the coals, waiting for the little black squares to turn white. “We’re still having the conversation about the hit, but I’ll bite for now. What do you want to talk about?”
“Who’s the oldest out of you and your brothers?”
“I am. Max is the baby, and Dylan is the middle cub.”
“Are your parents still alive?”
“No,” he answered, gingerly poking at the coals. “I was fifteen when they were slaughtered by hunters. Colton’s mother took us in. That’s why we’re so close to our cousin.”
