I’m still drunk off my orgasm when something vibrates, the sound pulling me out of my bliss-induced stupor.
My eyes are barely open, but out of my periphery I see Hunter pull a small glowing phone out of his pocket
“Hello?” There’s a pause but his body says it all. It’s gone ramrod straight and his moonlit face speaks of violence. “Yes. Have you called the men of WRATH?” More silence as Hunter puts out the fire we’d just been enjoying. “Right. We’re on our way.”
Before I’ve even had a chance to ask what’s going on, Hunter is at my side wrapping me up in a blanket like a burrito. “We’re going to the main house.”
“And? You can’t just whisk me away after an ominous phone call like that. I need details.” I’m shoving at his chest but he’s already carrying me through the woods.
“You’re not going to like it.”
“Hunter…” I admonish. “You can’t make these types of decisions on your own. Not when they might involve me. Yes, you might’ve rescued me as a clueless teenager, but I’m no longer her.”
“Oh, trust me.” His eyes briefly meet mine before they’re back on the trail. “I’ve noticed.”
This makes me smile as I remember our tryst under the stars, but it’s quickly quashed by Hunter picking up speed. “What is it? What’s going on.”
“We can’t linger on the path.”
Oh god. That doesn’t sound good.
“Is something out there? Someone?”
“Don’t worry, baby doll. Nothing will touch you. I’d tear them limb from limb before they’d hurt a hair on that pretty head.”
A lump forms in my throat, my swallowing now becoming difficult. I don’t doubt Hunter’s words for a second. This man is fiercely protective, but that doesn’t mean I’m not scared for his sake.
“Please, don’t say that. I can’t stand the thought of something happening to you. Especially not because of me.”
Hunter scoffs. “Don’t you get it, baby doll? I’d slay a million men if it meant you’d be safe. And do you know why?”
“No.” I shake my head.
“Because my world would cease to spin without you in it. You’re the reason my sun rises and moon sets. You’re the best part of this wretched life, and making sure you remain here, with me, is worth each and every sacrifice.”
Speechless. I’m once again left without words.
Who’d have thought that this stoic man would have the power to render me silent? Not me.
“We’re about to hit the clearing and being out in the open isn’t any better.” He adjusts my position on his body, throwing me over his shoulder in a maneuver so smooth I wonder how many times he’s done this before. “On the count of three, we’re sprinting. Hang on, baby doll. It’s going to get bumpy.”
Much like the state of my heart. Just when I’d thought there was no hope for us, this man goes and says things that make me think of forever.
And as we rush toward the main house, I can’t help but send up a silent prayer, wishing with all that I have for this to be it—our very own happily ever after.
“What do you mean they shot Mila?!” I’m screeching, barely able to contain myself from running out the door and in search of my best friend.
“You aren’t going anywhere, baby.” Hunter’s strong hands press down on my shoulders, effectively keeping me on the family room’s couch.
I’d been with Penelope, changing into some borrowed clothing, so this is the first I’ve heard of what’s going on.
“No, you can’t just tell me my best friend has been hurt, or worse, and then tell me I can’t go see her.” I go to get up once more, but Hunter keeps me down, his words only soothing me the slightest bit.
“She’s safe, Melissa. We’ve called the doc and he’ll be running some labs, but there’s no visible point of entry which makes us think it was a dart of some kind.”
“A dart? Where the fuck are we, the Amazon?”
Hunter releases a hand, bringing his fingers to the bridge of his nose and squeezing. “We’re trying to figure out who’s behind it, but I suspect we already know.”
That last part is said under his breath, making me think it wasn’t for me. “Okay… That’s all good and gravy, but I want to see my friend.”
“I know, baby.” Hunter’s eyes land back on me, and I can’t quite place the look on his face. “I promise you, she’s in good hands. Jace is with her, and as soon as the men of WRATH have finished securing the area, I’ll take you for a visit.”
Just then, Mary hands me a hot cup of tea. “Here you go, darlin’. I know coffee is more our speed, but I thought you could use something a little more calming right now.”
“Mmm.” I hum as notes of chamomile and honey dance on my tongue. “Thank you, Mary. This means so much.”
The corner of her eyes crinkle as she smiles down at me. “Of course, sweetheart.”
And if this moment couldn’t be any more overwhelming, Penelope and Anaya arrive with bags in tow, the pregnant brunette being the first to speak up.
“We’ve been down this rodeo before. Thought we’d get you set up for a week at the very least.”
I’m blinking up at them as a mixture of gratitude and fear floods through me. Wait, what did she just say?
“A week?” My head flings back to Hunter who’s on the phone, but nods at the girl’s assessment.
“At the very least.” The blonde, Anaya, chimes in. “God, didn’t you go missing for a whole month before they were able to track you down in Mexico?” She’s looking over at Penelope like she’d just asked when her last hair appointment was, not a damn kidnapping.
My heart is racing as insane thoughts flood me. “Hold on, is someone trying to take out Mila?!”
“Breathe, baby. Everything is going to be okay.” Right then, Hunter comes and sits by me, his open palm rubbing slow circles on my back. “We’ll be going on lockdown. Just ironing out the logistics.”
“Lockdown?” My eyes go wide and the cup in my hand shakes, spilling some of the liquid on my lap and burning the inside of my thigh. “Shit! I’m so sorry.”
Hunter swipes at it, his touch soothing me more than he knows. “Shhh. It’s just a little spill.”
“But the couch, it’s dirty now.”
Hunter raises a brow. “Give us enough time and I promise you, one way or another this couch would be filthy.”
The hidden meaning isn’t lost on our company and while the girls giggle, our new visitor doesn’t.
“Get your fucking hands off my sister.” Eric enters the room with a growl, his eyes laser focused on where Hunter’s hand still lays.
Beside me, Hunter’s chest vibrates, a grunting sound his only response, his hand unmoving.
Choosing to ignore this exchange, I ask the obvious. “Eric? What are you doing here?”
Thankfully, my brother takes the diversion. “I got a call that it was all hands on deck. Besides, I have news…”
At this, Hunter’s body tenses. “Did you get eyes on the perp?”
“No, but we did find tracks. It seems—”
“Oh, God! Here you all are! Where’s my Mila? I can’t find her anywhere, and I was just told we’re in lockdown!” The Wicked Witch is here to steal the show with her dramatics. Typical. “She was so upset at the dinner, I just wanted to check in on her. Make sure she’s okay.”
Hunter’s eyes narrow, his eyes assessing. “She’s with my brothers now. There’s been an incident.”
“An incident?!” Catherine’s hands fling to her chest, her feet stumbling back and making her land against my brother. “What sort of incident?”
“She passed out in the woods earlier,” Eric answers behind her, his words making her features soften a little.
“Oh, heavens. I thought you were going to tell me something worse.” She rights herself, her hands smoothing down her dress. “That girl never eats enough. Always starving herself for men and attention.”
“That’s a fucking lie and you know it!” I’m shouting, the damn teacup spilling over once more in my agitation.
“Here, darlin.’ Let me take that from you.” Mary reaches to take the cup from my hand, but Hunter stops her, his head shaking and eyes knowing. How? How does he know what sets me off? It’s like he’s in tune with what makes my demons come to life, the fuckers dragging me under and taking me into their dark abyss.
“Potato, tomato. That’s neither here nor there, Melissa.” The witch spits out, downplaying her blatant lie. “If that’s all it is, why is there a lockdown?”
“First of all, that’s not how the saying goes,” Eric sneers. “Second of all, there’s more to it but the information is on a need-to-know basis.”
This makes Catherine’s face blanch.
“He’s right,” Hunter agrees beside me. “First thing’s first. We need to figure out the housing situation.”
“But not after I marry the woman of my dreams,” Austin announces as he enters the room, his piercing green eyes landing on his bride-to-be, Anaya.
Turns out there’s going to be a wedding on the family ranch, although I’m not sure if that’s still going forward.
As if in answer to my question, Anaya chimes in. “Please, if it isn’t safe then we can just wait.”
Her fiancé chuckles behind her, his arms wrapping around the blonde’s waist. “Honey, if we waited on the dust to settle, we’d be waiting forever—and that’s not something I’m willing to do. I need to make you mine. Now.”
“Okay, you two. Keep it PG.” Pen snickers, but this only earns her a swat to the ass from the other Crown brother who’s just entered the room.
“You’re one to talk, Princess.” Jack purses his lips at her before he’s turning to look at the engaged couple. “We can secure the property, but the location will need to change and the reception will have to be held elsewhere.”
The couple nods in agreement, but it’s Catherine who speaks up first. “And after that? Are we allowed to leave?”
Jack snorts. “You aren’t a prisoner, lady. All I said was that you needed to wait until we got the all clear.”
Catherine’s face tinges pink. “I was just asking because Hunter had mentioned there being a ‘housing situation.’”
“That only applies to the Crown women.” The dig is obvious, and Catherine doesn’t miss it. She isn’t one of them, but then again, neither am I.
“So, then I can go too?” I turn to look at the man who’s stolen my heart, unsure if I’m ready to leave his side.
Luckily, he answers without hesitation. “Over my dead-fucking-body.”
“Happy to oblige, brother,” Eric retorts without missing a beat, his words earning all eyes on him.
“Whoa. I don’t know what’s happened between you two, but fuck with our brother and you fuck with all of us, you hear?” Jack, the eldest of the Crown men takes a step toward Eric, making his intention crystal clear.
“It’s all good, Jack,” Hunter answers as he rises from the sectional we’d been sharing. “He’s just got his panties in a wad because Mel and I are together.”
My jaw drops as I go into shock. Hunter’s just announced this to the room as if it’s no big deal.
It is a big deal. A big fucking deal. And the stunned silence is a massive indicator that everyone else in the room thinks so too.
“This is news to me.” I glare at Hunter who’s just gone and made this decision for the both of us. Yes, I want him, but not if he’s going to keep lying to me.
“Well, now you know.” Hunter raises a brow before he’s dropping a quick kiss to the top of my head.
“Oh, this conversation isn’t over,” I mutter under my breath just loud enough for him to hear.
And lucky for him, Jack claps his hands, breaking into the tense moment. “Alright then, now that we have that out in the open, let’s talk rooming situations. We’ve got an all-hands meeting with the security team in ten.”
“That’s easy, my sister comes with me.” Eric smirks, his feet taking him closer to Hunter, but stopping just shy of stepping on his shoes. “Your safe homes have both been compromised in the past. That’s just not a risk I’m willing to take with Melissa.”
“And your cabin is safer?” Hunter scoffs.
“Not the cabin you know of, but I’ve another location. A bunker.” My brother raises a brow, his eyes on Hunter, completely missing the look of horror on my face.
“A bunker?! Oh, hell no. There’s no way in hell you’re dragging me down into a bunker.” Just thinking of it now is giving me the creepy-crawlies.
“Stop being a baby, Mel. It’s for your own good.” My brother rolls his eyes but is quickly shut down by Hunter.
“Hey, don’t talk to her like that.” Hunter turns to look at me and I’m not sure I like the apologetic look on his face. “But if it clears inspection, then I think he’s right Mel.”
My jaw drops for what must be the millionth time today. “You have got to be kidding me.”
Hunter turns to face me, his hands resting on either hip. “No, baby. I wish I were.” He presses a kiss to my forehead, the sole act serving to soothe my tattered nerves. “But these men, the ones out there, they’re merciless, and there’s no way I’d risk you getting caught up in the mix.”
I feel it—the sting behind my eyes and the burn in my chest. “You can’t leave me now. I just got you.”
“And you’ll always have me, baby doll.” I’m shaking when Hunter’s arms wrap around me, his towering frame pulling me into a tight embrace. “But right now, we have some loose ends to tie up, and I just can’t risk something happening to you.”
“Listen to your man, sister,” Eric spits from behind Hunter. “He’s finally making some sense.”
Not to me he isn’t. But I have a feeling that no matter how much I fight it, this is one battle I’ll never win. Hunter is a stubborn man, and once he’s made up his mind, there’s no moving that mountain.
