Page 7 of Hunter

“I’m good. It’s fine, really.” I can’t shift. Not fine at all. Fake it.

“Are you in pain?” Hunter’s smile disappeared, his eyes locked on hers.

“No. I mean, I’ll feel better when I can shift but right now…”

“Hunter,” a female voice called from behind him.

Willa gave Hunter an awkward smile. She knew she was an outsider. One who needed to leave as soon as possible.

Hunter took her hand and pulled her toward him, lowering his voice as he spoke. “I want you to stay.”

Willa’s smile broadened. The warmth in his eyes drew her in, and for a few seconds, she became lost in his gaze. She released a breath, and forced her eyes away from his, taking in her surroundings.

The large cathedral ceiling gave way to a wide-open family room area. Black furniture blended with the dark cherry floor. A grand piano sat in a corner and she wondered if he played. The entire back of the home was made of glass. The sun set in the distance, sinking into the mountains.

A touch to her hand brought her attention back to the commanding Alpha. Her pulse raced as his fingers wrapped around hers.

“You need something to eat. It’ll help.”

“I…” Her wide brown eyes met his.

Willa froze as he leaned into her ear, his warm breath teasing over her skin as he spoke. The sudden closeness caused her to be aware of his masculinity. Her cheeks heated as his chest brushed hers.

“I haven’t told them anything. It’s okay.”

Just as quickly as he’d touched her, he released her hand. She brought her palms together, his energy tingling through her fingertips.

“This here is Janet. She’s my assistant.”

Willa gave a hesitant smile and nodded at her. The blonde she-wolf’s closed smile spoke volumes as to her discontent. Girlfriend? All the more reason to be on her way. Packs were instinctively territorial. Willa surmised that a remote pack such as Hunter’s would be even more so.

“This is the she-wolf? She looks unwell.” The imposing stranger inspected her from a distance. “Why didn’t she shift?”

Willa remained silent and crossed her arms, self-conscious of the bites. Yet she kept her eyes trained on the female, staring her down. Her royal instincts demanded respect.

“She’s not feeling well. She just needs something to eat,” Hunter responded, not missing a beat.

The brooding male approached and glared at Willa. “What was she doing in Hell?”

“Easy, Remus. Willa, this is my beta. That dude over there. Rafe.” Hunter turned to his wolves. “Let me be clear y’all. Willa is my guest. So, play nice.”

“You sure you don’t need help with the female?” he asked.

“Yes, I can bring her something to wear if you…” Janet said, her lips still tight in a frown.

“I’m good,” Hunter said, tension lacing his words.

“Nice to meet you,” Willa managed. Her eyes darted up to the Alpha’s.

“Hey guys, I’ve gotta get some food rustled up so if you wouldn’t mind.” He nodded toward the door. “I’ll be out in a few and we can go for a run.”

As the strangers reluctantly walked out the front door without saying goodbye, Willa relaxed. She wasn’t in the mood, but if attacked, she’d fight to the death. The female had been less than welcoming, and she sensed they viewed her as a threat.

“I’m sorry I don’t have much of a variety. I’m defrosting a few steaks and I’ve got some potatoes boiling. I haven’t had a chance to order in food since I’ve been away. And unfortunately, I’ve been away from my house for a good long while.” The Alpha crossed the room to a bar that extended into the living area. The curved wood had been intricately designed. Smooth curved planes of mahogany swirled on its surface.

He reached for a bottle on an overhead rack and retrieved it. “I may not have a lot of food right now. But what I do have is a shit ton of red wine. So, we’re good on that.”

“Works for me.” Willa’s instant response surprised even her. Something about Hunter seemed familiar. More than safe, his mere presence both excited and calmed her, but she resisted her attraction to him.