With a shrug, I turned back around, closed my eyes, and conjured the dream again.“I have you,” Jax whispered. “I will protect you and cherish you. Side-by-side, Anna.Together.”It was a shitty dream. One that was never going to happen, and usually, I tried to ignore it, but this time, I immersed myself in it completely.And then I began to fall.“Join us. Join us, witch, or everything you love will burn.”“No,” Irene said sharply and broke contact. I jumped and opened my eyes. She was pale and trembling. “My apologies. That was a vision from my past, and it has nothing to do with you. Please, try again. For me.”She took my hands, and I blew out my breath and closed my eyes. It took a little bit longer to relax, but when it did, I surfaced somewhere else.“You have to be quiet,” I whispered. “I know you’re in pain, but you have to be quiet, because if you don’t, he’ll hear you. If he hears you, he’ll remember you. Please.”A small dark room. There was a rough rug beneath my bare fee
Jax“You haven’t said a word since we left Irene’s,” Anna said finally as we pulled up to the house. When I didn’t turn to look at her, she let out a frustrated sigh. “Look, I don’t know what you saw. Was it through your eyes? Did you feel yourself kill that woman? I can’t change what happened, but at least tell me what’s going through your head.”Climbing out of the vehicle, I closed the door and finally made eye contact as she did the same. “I already knew that you were a killer.”“Knowing what I did and feeling what I did are two different things.”Taking out my keys, I headed to unlock the door. When I stepped through and Anna didn’t immediately follow me, I turned around to glare at her. She wasn’t even looking at me though. She was staring at her hands, and I saw the mistake that I was making.At her most vulnerable, Anna lashed out. She built walls and isolated herself. Now, here she was trying to reach out, and I was shutting her down.But what the hell was I supposed to say?
She prowled around the edge of the room and glanced at me warily. “You’re hard to read,” she said finally as she stopped at the bed.“All you need to know, going forward, is that everything I do is to protect you.” Pulling the sheet back, I gestured for her to climb in. “I need you.”She hesitated. “And when you don’t need me anymore?”“Our original deal still stands. You can leave.” She acted like she had a choice. Our one ace up the sleeve was that whoever was attacking the witches didn’t know that she was a null.Form her vision, she had to know that was probably no longer true. She was safest with me.“You haven’t been the most trustworthy. I don’t know anything about you. I don’t even know how you became an alpha.” Slipping in the sheets, she turned her back to me.The silence grew between us. “Parker didn’t tell you?” I said finally.“I never asked. It didn’t seem important at the time.”Staring at the ceiling, I grimaced. “Parker was supposed to teach you about pack dynamics an
AnnaWith the other alphas arriving tomorrow, The Fanged Smile was the last thing I needed to focus on, but it was the only thing I could think about without panic rising.Not to mention, it provided me with an interesting mystery first thing in the morning. I’d set up an application online through The Fanged Smile website that I’d created years ago. It wasn’t anything fancy, mostly because I didn’t have all that much experience with computers, but it had been easy to learn.I figured no one would apply. To my surprise, there were over a hundred applicants.“If you keep frowning like that, you’re going to get frown lines,” Finn said casually from the doorway. He threw me an easy smile, but it didn’t quite meet his eyes. He’d been on edge all day. Probably because of the other packs arriving, but it was making me on edge. I was getting used to Finn’s calming presence.He was not giving off calming vibes at the moment.“Half of these applicants are still in school,” I muttered with a si
Apparently I did now.“It’s nice to meet you, Kenzi. I’m Anna, although I’ve found that I need no introduction,” I said with an easy smile as I reached out my hand to accept the application. It was a power gesture. We both knew she was never going to work for me. “If you have time, we can talk about the position since you’re here. Just don’t tell everyone. I don’t really have time to do a bunch of interviews while the other packs are coming to visit.”The smile remained frozen on her face as she sat down. “I imagined Jax would have you working to get your restaurant back up while they’re here.”“Part of me would love that. I’m not much for politics, but I’m learning.” I glanced over her application. “Kenzi, this only has your name on it. I’m going to need a fully filled-out application before I can consider you. What position were you interested in?”“Don’t play dumb. We both know why I’m here.”Leaning back in the chair, I tossed her application aside while she leaned over the desk.
AnnaDean Hewitt had his father’s eyes.Not just that comforting deep brown, but also the kindness that was there. Even Finn relaxed a little more once Kenzi had been ushered away. Dean had watched her go with an arched eyebrow, but he didn’t say anything until she was gone.We appraised each other carefully. He was still in the middle of the dining room, and I was hovering in the doorway to the kitchen.There were some other similarities. Same jaw line and widow’s peak. Dean was definitely his father’s son, but he still had a youthful look about him. He didn’t have that hardness in his father that Parker did.“You’re not responsible for my father’s death,” he said quietly. “I came here to say goodbye and to talk to the people who were closest to him. It didn’t take long for your name to come out and the rumors to start swirling around. I thought I needed to come and tell you in person in case you have any doubts. My father was a troubled man. Based on the last few phone calls we had,
Staring at me, Dean smiled softly. “My dad was right about you. You don’t like to delve too deep, do you?”Annoyed, I narrowed my eyes. “What?”“It’s not the bar that Parker wanted me to have, Anna. It was you.”Finn growled, and my wolf was right there with him. Immediately, Dean held up his hands. “No, no. Shit, no, not like that. I’m sorry. I should have been clearer. Not take you as a mate but take you away from here if you needed it. Protect you. That’s what I’m offering you.I’m a strong wolf. If you want to leave, we can change your name, leave this place, and I’ll protect you. That is what my father wanted.”Stunned, I gripped my beer bottle. Parker had asked Dean of this? If Dean had come just a few months ago, right after his father had died, I would have even considered it.Considered, but not gone through with it. Dean might have been Parker’s son, but I didn’t know him. I would have never put my safety in the hands of a strange man.“You’re shocked. Did you not think my f
“A female?”“Kenzi,” Finn said quietly. “She came to drop off an application.”Kenzi? Waiting tables? That was laughable. “I would not leave my mate without protection. Anna, a word? Finn, don’t let him leave.”Even with her back turned to me, I knew Anna was rolling her eyes, but she rose and followed me into the restaurant. “You claimed me, so you’re not going to go all crazy on me just because I was talking to him, are you? I’m not alone, and I’m not even inside.”No. She’d done exactly what she needed to do to make sure I didn’t lose it. I was not proud that she even had to consider that.“Do you feel safe and comfortable around him?”Her face registered surprise at my question. “He’s not threatening me or propositioning me. If you’re asking if I’m ready to pack my bags and leave with him, the answer is no.”“But if he wants to approach you again and speak with you? Do you want me to allow that?”“Allow?” She repeated and sighed. “Normally, I’d tell you that you shouldn’t let anyo
Anna“Release me,” I said in a cold tone as I stared at the witch. “Now.”It was a gamble. I had no idea what the spell was supposed to do. If I’d more time to study the magic wrapping around, I could hazard a guess. I doubted it was meant to do anything too drastic, or Maeve and her witch would be immediately accused.No, it had to be curiosity.Jax snarled, and the magic was gone. Maeve frowned at the witch, but Cam’s face was still calm as she bowed her head. “My apologies,” she murmured. “I feared my magic would be erratic here. Sometimes it acts without me.”Maeve turned to Jax. “I apologize. She did mention her magic was seeping out, but I didn’t think it would attack anyone.”“Not attack,” Cam said quickly. “My magic was just drawn to her.”“Apologize to her,” Jax said, his eyes still glowing gold. “Not me, and do not allow it to happen again.”Turning, Cam bowed again. “I apologize. I did not mean to alarm you. I am anxious.”I could definitely understand her anxiety, but the
AnnaI could barely focus on what Jax was saying as we walked home. An alpha was already here.Emerson, no doubt. Trying to throw Jax off guard. Trying to throw me off guard.I wasn’t going to let him. I was not the same scared little girl that he used to torment, and I was not now nor ever going to be his.“Why did you walk?” I asked suddenly. Too late, I realized that Jax was saying something to me, and I’d interrupted. “Sorry.”The muscle in his jaw ticked while he stared straight ahead. “I walked because I do not need to scramble to rearrange my day simply because someone decided to show up early. We’re still prepping, and that comes first.”“Right. It’s all about appearances,” I echoed hollowly. I was still a little surprised that he wasn’t going to lock me away if appearances mattered so much. “I interrupted you earlier. What were you saying?”“I was asking about Kenzi’s visit. Did it upset you?”“You mean when your little blonde bombshell walked in boasting about how you’ve bee
“A female?”“Kenzi,” Finn said quietly. “She came to drop off an application.”Kenzi? Waiting tables? That was laughable. “I would not leave my mate without protection. Anna, a word? Finn, don’t let him leave.”Even with her back turned to me, I knew Anna was rolling her eyes, but she rose and followed me into the restaurant. “You claimed me, so you’re not going to go all crazy on me just because I was talking to him, are you? I’m not alone, and I’m not even inside.”No. She’d done exactly what she needed to do to make sure I didn’t lose it. I was not proud that she even had to consider that.“Do you feel safe and comfortable around him?”Her face registered surprise at my question. “He’s not threatening me or propositioning me. If you’re asking if I’m ready to pack my bags and leave with him, the answer is no.”“But if he wants to approach you again and speak with you? Do you want me to allow that?”“Allow?” She repeated and sighed. “Normally, I’d tell you that you shouldn’t let anyo
Staring at me, Dean smiled softly. “My dad was right about you. You don’t like to delve too deep, do you?”Annoyed, I narrowed my eyes. “What?”“It’s not the bar that Parker wanted me to have, Anna. It was you.”Finn growled, and my wolf was right there with him. Immediately, Dean held up his hands. “No, no. Shit, no, not like that. I’m sorry. I should have been clearer. Not take you as a mate but take you away from here if you needed it. Protect you. That’s what I’m offering you.I’m a strong wolf. If you want to leave, we can change your name, leave this place, and I’ll protect you. That is what my father wanted.”Stunned, I gripped my beer bottle. Parker had asked Dean of this? If Dean had come just a few months ago, right after his father had died, I would have even considered it.Considered, but not gone through with it. Dean might have been Parker’s son, but I didn’t know him. I would have never put my safety in the hands of a strange man.“You’re shocked. Did you not think my f
AnnaDean Hewitt had his father’s eyes.Not just that comforting deep brown, but also the kindness that was there. Even Finn relaxed a little more once Kenzi had been ushered away. Dean had watched her go with an arched eyebrow, but he didn’t say anything until she was gone.We appraised each other carefully. He was still in the middle of the dining room, and I was hovering in the doorway to the kitchen.There were some other similarities. Same jaw line and widow’s peak. Dean was definitely his father’s son, but he still had a youthful look about him. He didn’t have that hardness in his father that Parker did.“You’re not responsible for my father’s death,” he said quietly. “I came here to say goodbye and to talk to the people who were closest to him. It didn’t take long for your name to come out and the rumors to start swirling around. I thought I needed to come and tell you in person in case you have any doubts. My father was a troubled man. Based on the last few phone calls we had,
Apparently I did now.“It’s nice to meet you, Kenzi. I’m Anna, although I’ve found that I need no introduction,” I said with an easy smile as I reached out my hand to accept the application. It was a power gesture. We both knew she was never going to work for me. “If you have time, we can talk about the position since you’re here. Just don’t tell everyone. I don’t really have time to do a bunch of interviews while the other packs are coming to visit.”The smile remained frozen on her face as she sat down. “I imagined Jax would have you working to get your restaurant back up while they’re here.”“Part of me would love that. I’m not much for politics, but I’m learning.” I glanced over her application. “Kenzi, this only has your name on it. I’m going to need a fully filled-out application before I can consider you. What position were you interested in?”“Don’t play dumb. We both know why I’m here.”Leaning back in the chair, I tossed her application aside while she leaned over the desk.
AnnaWith the other alphas arriving tomorrow, The Fanged Smile was the last thing I needed to focus on, but it was the only thing I could think about without panic rising.Not to mention, it provided me with an interesting mystery first thing in the morning. I’d set up an application online through The Fanged Smile website that I’d created years ago. It wasn’t anything fancy, mostly because I didn’t have all that much experience with computers, but it had been easy to learn.I figured no one would apply. To my surprise, there were over a hundred applicants.“If you keep frowning like that, you’re going to get frown lines,” Finn said casually from the doorway. He threw me an easy smile, but it didn’t quite meet his eyes. He’d been on edge all day. Probably because of the other packs arriving, but it was making me on edge. I was getting used to Finn’s calming presence.He was not giving off calming vibes at the moment.“Half of these applicants are still in school,” I muttered with a si
She prowled around the edge of the room and glanced at me warily. “You’re hard to read,” she said finally as she stopped at the bed.“All you need to know, going forward, is that everything I do is to protect you.” Pulling the sheet back, I gestured for her to climb in. “I need you.”She hesitated. “And when you don’t need me anymore?”“Our original deal still stands. You can leave.” She acted like she had a choice. Our one ace up the sleeve was that whoever was attacking the witches didn’t know that she was a null.Form her vision, she had to know that was probably no longer true. She was safest with me.“You haven’t been the most trustworthy. I don’t know anything about you. I don’t even know how you became an alpha.” Slipping in the sheets, she turned her back to me.The silence grew between us. “Parker didn’t tell you?” I said finally.“I never asked. It didn’t seem important at the time.”Staring at the ceiling, I grimaced. “Parker was supposed to teach you about pack dynamics an
Jax“You haven’t said a word since we left Irene’s,” Anna said finally as we pulled up to the house. When I didn’t turn to look at her, she let out a frustrated sigh. “Look, I don’t know what you saw. Was it through your eyes? Did you feel yourself kill that woman? I can’t change what happened, but at least tell me what’s going through your head.”Climbing out of the vehicle, I closed the door and finally made eye contact as she did the same. “I already knew that you were a killer.”“Knowing what I did and feeling what I did are two different things.”Taking out my keys, I headed to unlock the door. When I stepped through and Anna didn’t immediately follow me, I turned around to glare at her. She wasn’t even looking at me though. She was staring at her hands, and I saw the mistake that I was making.At her most vulnerable, Anna lashed out. She built walls and isolated herself. Now, here she was trying to reach out, and I was shutting her down.But what the hell was I supposed to say?