Jake and Angela

“Fired?” Abigail demanded over her salad.

Angela looked around at the few others in the restaurant who had looked their way at her friend’s outburst.

“Calm down.” she said taking a sip of her diet cola. “They called it a lay off. They sent seven of us home today.”

Both women sat in silence a moment. Finally Angela broke the silence.“What the hell is wrong with me?” she demanded. “How did things turn out this way? I moved to New York seven years ago hoping for a successful career working for a magazine company and instead I’m twenty-six years old, sitting in a fast food restaurant, eating lunch after being fired form a freaking sewing factory.”

“First of all you were laid off not fired, remember?” Abigail reminded her and Angela laughed despite herself. “Second you are far too sweet a person to ever make it in that cut throat career field and third you happen to have an incredibly hot boyfriend who also happens to be very rich.”

“That’s about all he’s got going for him.” Angela mumbled.

Abigail took a sip of her water and raised an eyebrow. “Trouble in paradise?’

“I don’t know… We don’t see each other much now a days.” Angela replied taking a bite of her cheeseburger.

“Why not?” Abigail asked.

“I don’t know. He seems to be avoiding me for some reason.”

“You’ve been with the man for three years and he’s avoiding you?” Abigail demanded. “What you need to do is go down to his office and say hello.”

“No.” Angela said quickly. “I don’t want to seem too clingy.”

“Clingy?” Abigail frowed. “Okay, then take him some coffee to work. That way you’re doting instead of clingy and you can get him to tell you exactly what’s going on.” Abigail looked at her watch. “I gotta get back to the shop. You going to be okay?”

Angela smiled and nodded. “I’ll be fine. I may go up and see Tyler after all.”

Abigail stood and kissed Angela’s cheek. “I’m a phone call away if you need me.” With that Abigail sashayed out the door.

Angela watched her friend and felt a twinge of jealousy. Abigail was tall and slender. In her short skirts and tank tops she had the attention of every man around. Add to that her light blond hair, blue eyes and tanned skin and Abigail was a knockout.

Angela on the other hand was average height, overweight, pale skinned, brown eyed and dark haired. She had never been accused of being beautiful, not even by Tyler.

She sighed and stood gathering up the trash and throwing it away. She walked out the doors and never noticed the dark, golden eyes watching her from the corner.

888

Jake sat breathing deeply and working hard to calm his racing heartbeat. He had never had such a strong pull to any woman before. Just the sight of the dark-haired beauty had him coming undone. He flared his nostrils filling them with her lilac and vanilla scent.

Jake knew he had to get control of himself. The creature within him wanted to run after the woman and claim her as his own. ’ Go to the mate,’ it kept screaming at him. But that was impossible. His mate could not be a mortal.

There weren’t many of his kind but surely his mate had to be one of those. Mortals were so fragile… and a mortal woman could refuse him.

He pushed the creature back down and felt his heart rate slowing. He quickly stood and left the restaurant. The woman’s scent was too strong in the small building, somehow overpowering the scents of frying food and grease.

What Jake needed was to go for a run and clear his head.

He quickly found a back alley and started down it, his boots echoing off the brick walls as they fell on the damp musty pavement. Jake made sure no one could see him and quickly dashed himself to a forest miles away.

He breathed in the smell of trees and animals and felt the creature inside stir again.

This time Jake didn’t fight it. He felt his body begin to change. He fell to all fours as thick black fur covered his muscular frame. His face elongated and his tail sprouted. In less than ten seconds he had become a large jet black wolf. Jake let out a long howl and took off at a run.

He felt the stress of his human mind disappearing. The wolf part of him didn’t need much. Only food, freedom and MATE! It screamed at him. He shook his head at the thought and continued to run.

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Angela couldn’t stop the tears that rolled down her cheeks as she listened to Tyler tell her quite nonchalantly that their relationship was over

“I don’t understand, Tyler.” she said quietly into the phone.

“How can you not understand?” He demanded.

Angela swallowed hard and swiped desperately at her cheeks. “We’ve been together so long. Why would you throw that away?”

Tyler snorted on the other end of the line. “I have told you time and time again that you had to lose the weight. I am an up and coming high profile attorney and I can’t be seen with your fat ass, Angela.”

“Tyler…” Angela gasped, her heart twisting with pain.

“I’ve been seeing someone else and she is a lot more appropriate for me and my lifestyle. Goodbye, Angela. Maybe someday you’ll find someone who will love you even though you’re fat.” And with that Tyler hung up.

Angela curled up on her bed and let the tears fall as her world came crashing down around her.

888

Jake had been running for hours when he saw the cabin. He took a breath and realized he had run closer to town than he’d meant to.

Then he realized that this place smelled just like his mystery woman. She must live here. What had he been thinking coming to her home? Truth was he hadn’t been thinking at all about where he was going and his subconscious had led him here to the woman who had his whole being screaming ‘mate’ .

He was about to turn and force himself to leave when the sound of crying reached his sensitive ears. He knew there was no way he could leave her now. The wolf and the man in him were drawn to her tears.

Jake was preparing to change back into a man but then realized that he would have a hard time getting her to let him in as a six foot five inch, naked man. He just hoped she liked animals.

He sniffed the air again to make sure she was alone and then he walked up to her door. He raised a paw and scratched at the door letting out a high pitched whine.

Jake stood impatiently in the moonlight for several long minutes before he heard her footsteps coming toward the door.

The door opened and the woman let out a little yelp and took a step back with her hand on her chest.

Jake tilted his head and whined again while looking up at her. Her face was wet with tears and her dark eyes were swollen and red. All of her dark hair was pulled back on her head and she was wearing a pair of gray stretch pants and an oversized black t-shirt.

She was the single most beautiful woman Jake had ever seen.

888

Angela looked down into the black dog’s big golden eyes. She had to admit that the dog was very big and looked more like a wolf but as far as she knew there were no wolves in New York.

“Hello there, puppy.” she said nervously.

The dog raised an eyebrow, which Angela thought was odd for an animal, and then it let out another whimper and raised its paw.

“Does your paw hurt?” she asked softly. The dog took a small limp forward and whined again.

Angela knew it was crazy to let this enormous animal into her house but there was just something about those eyes that she was drawn to. She moved aside to make room for him to enter.

“Come on, boy.” she said.

The dog limped his way into the house and Angela would swear he was looking the place over. She followed his gaze. Her cabin was small and cozy. The kitchen was neat and tidy. There was a small sofa and chair in the living room. Books were stacked everywhere and there was a partially done jigsaw puzzle on a table in the corner. A staircase led to a second floor.

“So what do you think, puppy?” Angela asked. The dog sat down and looked up at her. Angela dropped to her knees and looked into his intense golden eyes.

“You’re a very handsome doggie.” she said. “Where did you come from?” Angela laid her hand on the side of the dog’s face and was shocked when he closed his eyes, leaned into her hand and trembled.

“Can I check your paw boy?” she asked nervously, not understanding what she was feeling toward this dog or the way it was acting in return.

He seemed confused for a moment and then shorted and held his paw up. Angela would have sworn the sound that came out fo the dog’s mouth was laughter as she bit her tongue and examined his paw carefully.

“I don’t see anything wrong with it.” she stated with a frown as she released her hold on his paw. “Were you faking?” she asked in a teasing tone. She would have sworn the dog gave her a sheepish grin.

Standing up straight, Angela tugged down her shirt and opened her door. “Well, puppy, since you appear to be fine, I have had a really bad day and I was actually about to take a shower and go to bed.”

“Go on boy! Get out now and go home!” she exclaimed.

Angela felt fairly certain that she had lost her mind when the dog sat down and shook its head in response.She took a deep breath, shook her head and decided to simply go with it. Being alone didn’t sound very appealing anyhow.

“Okay then you can spend the night. I could use the company anyway.” Angela conceded as she shut and locked the door.

The black dog jumped back to all fours and wagged his tail.

“Follow me upstairs, boy.” she said.

He happily followed her up the staircase and when Angela walked into the bathroom the dog stopped just inside the door. Angela turned the hot water on and the shower came alive with a gush.

Angela slid off her stretch pants and was about to pull off her t-shirt when she felt eyes on her. She turned and found those intense golden eyes watching her intently. She laughed self-consciously and felt foolish for feeling so uncomfortable. It was only a dog after all.

“I must warn you, puppy–you should probably turn your head because I’ve been told it is not a pretty sight.”

The dog laid down as a low growl rose from his throat. Angela felt a moment of fear when she heard that growl and thought maybe he was going to attack her. Instead he folded his paws in front of him and lay his head down on top of them.

Angela pulled her shirt off as quickly as she could and jumped into the shower, hiding herself behind the curtain. She couldn’t stand being naked in front of anyone–even a dog. Tyler had often refused to look at her naked saying it was the most disgusting thing he had ever seen.

She felt new tears welling up and let go of them with a shuddering sob. Three years of her life had turned out to be a waste. Tyler had never been good to her but her mother had convinced her that there was no way she’d do better than Tyler. He was handsome and rich and she was plain, fat and came from a poor family in Kentucky.

So Angela had put up with the name calling and the shame for three years and what had it gotten her? Nothing… She was all alone crying in her shower. She had no job, no boyfriend and she had run out of hope.

Angela forced all the negative thoughts from her mind as she finished washing up and turned off the water. She pushed the curtain aside to find the dog was no longer lying at the bathroom door.

“I hope he’s potty trained.” she mumbled.

888

Jake had had to get away from the bathroom. After seeing her body he had been more than tempted to turn back into a man and love her in the way that only a man could.

He had wanted to run his hands all over that smooth, creamy porcelain skin. Run his fingers through that dark wavy hair. She had kept her breasts hidden from him but he had had a clear view of her ample tight rear…. He paced the hall floor and tried breathing more slowly.

He wanted his mate and the wolf in him didn’t understand why he was hesitating to claim her. His mate?! Jake would be a fool to think this mortal woman would agree to be his mate. He had been told on more than one occasion that he was an ass. He had a bad temper and one hell of a violent past. Surely she’d run away from him screaming just as soon as she learned the truth.

“Are you okay, boy?” the woman’s voice floated to his ears and he stopped and looked back at her. She had changed into a knee length white cotton gown that was nearly completely see-through from wear.

’ Oh Lord help me….. ’ Jake groaned. If she were his kind this would be so much simpler. But humans had rules about romance and sex. He couldn’t just change back and have his way with her without very possibly scaring her to death.

He followed her to her bedroom. She opened her closet and pulled out a blanket before making a small bed on the floor. “You can lay here boy.”

Jake slowly slinked over to the blanket and plopped down. He didn’t want to sleep down on the floor but he also didn’t want to give her a reason to kick him out.

“Good boy.” She smiled and patted his head. Then she turned off the lights and crawled into her double bed.

Jake could smell her sadness and then he heard her tears began to fall once again. She was sobbing in the darkness and the sound was like a knife straight through Jake’s own heart. He quickly jumped up into her bed and snuggled up against her, burying his face in her neck. He only wanted to provide her what comfort he could.

She kissed a floppy ear that was in her face and smiled. “Okay, you can sleep in the bed. But only for tonight.”

Jake sighed with contentment as he lay there and listened to his mate pouring her heart out and sharing all her problems with him in the darkness before she finally drifted off to sleep a little before dawn.

Chapter Two

“Thanks for letting me work here.” Angela said three days later as she went about placing the books on the already loaded shelves of Abigail’s book store ’ Abbey’s Corner’

“Of course.” Abigail replied with a wave of her hand. “I’ve been begging you to come work here since I opened the store.”

“I know you have, Abs. I just didn’t want you to feel like I was using you.”

“I should slap you.” Abigail stated from where she was counting change for the day. A growl came from the far corner at the back of the store.

“I was just joking.” Abigail said quickly to the angry canine. “So that dog just showed up at your house?”

“Yeah, Puppy showed up three days ago.” Angela answered, smiling lovingly at her houseguest. “I’ll let him out a couple of times a day but he always comes right back after a few minutes.”

“He looks more like a wolf. Even though I didn’t know that wolves got that big.” Abigail said.

Angela saw those intelligent gold eyes staring intently at Abigail as Puppy raised his head from his paws.

“I know. I think maybe he is a wolf and someone raised him or something.” Angela admitted.

“I’ve never seen eyes like that before.” Abigail added thoughfully. “Wouldn’t it be cool if he was like a werewolf or something?” Puppy’s head whipped around and he glared at Abigail.

“Abigail come on! This is real life not a book! It’s not like he’s a werewolf that is head over heels in love with me and going to sweep me off my feet and declare me as his own!” Angela exclaimed with a laugh.Then she sighed as she met Puppy’s intense gaze across the store. “His eyes are incredible though.”

“I guess I have an overactive imagination.” Abigail replied with a shrug. “I am kind of worried that he might scare the customers though. Do you think maybe he’ll stay in the back room?”

Angela nodded and led Puppy to the door of the stockroom.

“Gotta stay in here, Puppy. Don’t want all the moms thinking you’re going to eat the kiddos.”

Puppy let out what could only be described as a laugh as he trotted into the backroom.

“I think he’s allergic to all that dust back there.” Angela said after she’d closed the door and come back into the main store.

Abigail laughed lightly, though Angela could hear a tenseness in the sound. Something was wrong with her friend today but Abigail wouldn’t tell her what it was. Angela knew that was probably because Abigail was too worried about Angela and didn’t want her friend to have to worry about her problems as well.

Abigail flipped the store sign to open and clicked her tongue.“The mess adds to the ambience of the place.”

888

Jake knew he was pathetic. He had lost every ounce of pride he had once had by letting Angela call him Puppy. Honestly he didn’t look like a puppy. He shook out his long black fur and stretched his thick muscles.

’ Enough of this.’ he thought to himself. It was time to come to her as a man and when the time came for her to know what he really was he hoped she would still accept him.

As badly as Jake hadn’t wanted a mortal woman to be his mate he was seeing more and more that Angela was that and more. Not only did the wolf in him tell him that she was his mate but the man in him was drawn to her just as much. Jake had never truly wanted or needed anyone in his entire life and he wanted and needed Angela.

He walked to the darkest corner of the small dusty room and changed back into a man. He quickly closed his eyes felt the familiar tug in his gut and he dashed to his apartment about seventy miles away in New York City.

Jake showered and dressed quickly, ran his fingers through his unruly black hair and dashed back to the street behind Abby’s Corner Bookstore.

He was about to walk around and go in the store when a familiar voice broke into his mind.

(Brother, I need to talk to you.) Lane’s voice sounded worried. Jake growled and leaned against a light pole.

(What’s wrong, Lane?) he asked, hoping his full irritation showed telepathically.

(We need to talk.) Lane repeated. (Can you come to my house?)

(I was actually in the middle of something.) Jake said. He knew with his brother there was never a time when he didn’t have a problem. Gambling and women had been ruling his life for a long time.

(Please, Jake, I screwed up man.)

(You’re on your own, Lane. I quit bailing you out a long time ago.) Jake cut off the link. His mood thoroughly darkened by his brother, Jake decided to take a walk before going to Angela.

He changed his mind quickly when his sensitive ears picked up the sound of raised voices coming from the store. He ran quickly around the front of the brick building and his eyes fell on the bright red sports car parked on the curb. Jake watched through the window, his mood only growing worse, as he listened to the situation going on inside the store.

888

“I can’t believe this is happening.” Angela sat down hard on the stool behind the register. Her head was swimming and she couldn’t seem to focus her vision.

“What were you thinking, Tyler?” Abigail demanded. “You shouldn’t have come here. I called you this morning and told you she would be here.” Tyler wrapped an arm loosely around Abigail and pulled off his two hundred dollar sunglasses.

“She had to find out sometime, Abs. You are much more suited to my lifestyle than she could ever be.”

“Tyler, she is my friend.” Abigail said.

“Was.” Angela interrupted their conversation. “I was your friend. I think we can safely assume that that’s over.”

“Angela, don’t be that way.” Abigail begged. “Tyler gave you hundreds of chances to lose the weight so he could stay with you and you refused.”

“So you just jumped right in there huh?” Angela asked dryly.

“No, actually I went after her. She refused at first but you know how persistent I can be.” Tyler said and he laid a kiss on Abigail’s cheek.

Just when Angela was about to lose it completely and launch herself over the counter to rip both of their faces off, the bell on the door announced a customer. She looked over that way, fully intending to tell the newcomer to get lost, and her jaw dropped.

Well over six feet of all man had just entered the tiny store. He seemed to fill the whole space with his impressive presence. His skin was dark and tan. Every rippling muscle of his upper half was clearly visible through his tight black shirt. His legs were long and lean in his dark jeans.

Angela looked up at his face and saw that it was just as breathtaking as what was below it. He had wavy jet black hair that hung down his neck. His face was rough, rugged and masculine. He had stubble covering his chiseled chin.

Before anyone could respond to the man’s sudden appearance, he took three long strides and was at Angela’s side.

“What have you all done to my woman?” he growled, glaring at Abigail and Tyler.

“Your woman…” Angela mumbled. She seemed unable to finish a thought with him standing so close to her. His heat was overwhelming.

He turned and placed himself between her and Abigail and Tyler, blocking her view of the lovebirds. He stooped down so that his face was level with Angela’s and his breath washed over her face.

“Just trust me.” he whispered softly.

Angela looked up into his golden eyes and her heart stopped. She was sure those were the same eyes that had been watching her for the last three days. The eyes that had been watching her from the face of her dog. But that was insane–wasn’t it?

She looked at him questioningly and he gave her a smile that she would swear was nervous.

“Will you trust me?” he asked her.

“Just get me out of here and take me home.” she replied quickly, finding that yes she did trust him. At least for now. Right now he was certainly the lesser of the evils she was dealing with.

“Yes, ma’am.” He stood straight and turned to face Abigail and Tyler. Angela stood as well.

“Who the hell are you?” Tyler demanded storming up to Angela’s rescuer. Angela knew that stress was getting the better of her when she couldn’t stop the giggle that escaped her lips at the sight.

Tyler was six feet tall and her rescuer towered over him. Tyler with his sandy blond perfectly styled hair, smooth boyish face and slim build looked very much different in her eyes when compared to this new man.

“You’ll want to get out of my face now,” the man replied in a quiet, barely controlled voice. His voice sounded more like a growl and Angela was certain that Puppy was no longer in the back room and that she had gone completely crazy.

Tyler took a step back but continued to stare hard at the man. “Who the hell are you?” he demanded again.

“My name is Jake and I’m hers.” he replied, tilting his head at Angela.

“Her what?” Abigail exclaimed. “She’s never mentioned you.”

“Did you screw my girlfriend?” Tyler demanded. Without giving Jake time to reply to either of them, Angela let out an angry screech and came around him.

“Don’t you dare accuse me of cheating on you, you worthless son of a bitch! I stuck with you for three long years. Always falling short of being worthy of you because I didn’t fit the part. So I went on every damn diet you picked out….”

“And failed.” Tyler interrupted with a cruel laugh. Jake let out an enraged growl.

“That’s enough.” he snapped. “You two don’t care about Angela so don’t pretend that you do.” Angela didn’t even ask him how he knew her name because she felt that she already knew the answer to that and that made her crazy as a loon anyway.

“Oh and you do care about her?” Abigail said incredulously. “Please you are way out of her league so what are you interested in?”

“Can we go now?” Angela asked. She truly felt as if she was about to pass out. Hearing those cruel words coming from the woman who was supposed to be her best friend was more than she could stand. The room was spinning and she couldn’t seem to get enough air.

She was going to faint and fall on her face in front of everyone. Suddenly, Jake’s long, sculpted arms were wrapping tight around her and he lifted her up, cradling her, bridal style, against his chest.

Angela stared at him wide-eyed. “You’re strong,” she mumbled and then her world went black.

Chapter Three

Angela sat up quickly when she woke some time later. The first thing realized was that she was in her own room. The curtains were open and she could see that the sun was beginning to set. Slowly what had happened at the bookshop came back to her and she listened closely to see if anyone, (namely a dog-man named Jake), was in the house with her.

Angela heard the TV playing downstairs and then the sound of a crashing dish came to her ears.

“Oh my God, he’s destroying my house,” she said to herself. “Whoever he is,” she added. She quickly left her room and was about to run downstairs when she caught a glimpse of herself in the hall mirror.

“Oh God…. I look horrible!” she gasped. She went to the bathroom and assessed herself more thoroughly. There was nothing she could do about the puffy, swollen eyes but she threw on some blush, mascara and lip gloss, smoothed out her floral knee length skirt and black tank top and then continued her walk downstairs.

Angela found Jake in the kitchen sweeping up the remains of one of her best antique china plates. He looked up at her and offered an apologetic smile.

“I’m sorry.” he said. “I’ll replace it.”

Angela reached out and took the dustpan from him before walking over and emptying it in the trash.She turned back around and had to fight to keep jaw from dropping.

Jake was standing now and his large frame seemed to take up her entire kitchen.

“Don’t worry about it.” she responded once she found her voice. “It was one of a kind so it can’t be replaced.”

Jake nodded and looked around the messy kitchen uncomfortably. “I was trying to cook dinner but it’s not going very well,”

He looked toward the sink and Angela followed his gaze. She was fairly certain the charred remains in one of her best pans was supposed to be meatloaf.

“I appreciate the effort.” she offered.

888

Jake could tell that Angela meant what she said and surprisingly he was filled with pride.

He hadn’t been this nervous around a woman since the first girl he had ever courted and that had been over two hundred years ago.

He was so frightened that at any moment she would freak out and demand that he leave and Jake didn’t know if he could survive that; or if he could actually leave if she wanted him to.

Every fiber of him, both man and wolf, were screaming to touch her, hold her, kiss her and spend every moment for the rest of his life with her.

He threw a smile, though it felt strange on his lips. Jake had not smiled much in his very long life. He saw her swallow hard and her legs seemed to shake before she crossed her arms over her chest and licked her full lips.

“I can solve the dinner problem.” Angela said and quickly walked over to a drawer and pulled out several take out menus. “Pick something and go call and order it in the living room while I try to clean this kitchen.” she said handing them all to him.

Jake didn’t argue, simply walked into the living room leaving her alone in the messy kitchen. He quickly ordered something to be delivered and then walked back into the kitchen where Angela was standing in front of the sink full of hot soapy water with her back to him.

“I just ordered some pizza. They said they’d have it here in about a half hour.” he stated.

Angela nodded and continued with the dishes.

“Angela, we need to talk.” Jake urged.

Angela grabbed a dishtowel and dried her hands and then she whirled around toward him and threw her hands in the air. “Talk about what?” she demanded, her big brown eyes full of confusion. “Talk about the fact that just this morning I really think you were my dog? Or how about the fact that despite that I am unexplainably attracted to you? Or we could discuss that for some reason I can’t even begin to understand you seem to be attracted to a woman like me….” Jake couldn’t stop himself. One second he was listening to her rant and the next he had his hands on her cheeks and was pressing his lips to hers.

Angela stiffened at first but then she melted against him. Her body molded to his. Jake wasn’t sure whose lips were hotter. Both of them seemed to be branding the other as their own. Angela tried to open her mouth wider to welcome him in but he growled low in his throat and forced himself away from her.

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Angela looked up into Jake’s eyes and they were glowing and seemed to be made of molten lava. Sparks flew in their golden depths.

She put her fingertips over her kiss swollen lips and stared up at him.

“I’m sorry.” Jake said gruffly. “I need to explain some things to you before this goes any farther.”

“Let’s go to the living room and we can talk.” Angela replied quickly. Somehow her trembling legs managed to carry her to the couch and sat down curling her legs beneath her. Jake turned off the TV and sat down beside her.

“What do you want to know first?’ he asked.

“Were you my dog this morning.” she asked looking down at the floor instead of at him.

“Well yes. But technically I was a wolf not a dog.” he replied, staring down at his big hand as he rested his elbows on his knees.

“Oh ok.” she mumbled quietly.

“I am an immortal. A werewolf.”

“But the moon wasn’t full….” Angela said trying to pretend this was a completely logical conversation.

Jake held up his hand. “Were creatures can turn whenever they want. The moon has no effect on us. You can’t kill us with a silver bullet either.”

“So for the last three days you’ve been in my home with me..” Realization dawned and Angela squeaked with embarrasment as her cheeks flamed red. “You’ve seen me naked and slept in my bed every night…” She buried her face in her hands, horror filling her.

“Well I only saw you naked that first night. I was careful to leave the room after that and you’ll never know how hard that was for me.” Jake admitted, sounding proud of himself. What did the man want? A medal? “And I was going to be good and sleep on the floor but I couldn’t lay there and listen to you cry without trying to comfort you,” he added.

“This conversation is insane.” she said more to herself than to him. She peeked at him through her fingers and saw how nervous and scared he seemed to be. But she could also see something else. Some other kind of emotion in his eyes when he looked at her that no other man had ever looked at her with.

“Why?” she asked, lowering her hands. “What brought you here to me?”

“You’re not going to scream and yell now that you know what I am? You’re not going to call me a crazy freak and make me leave?” he ask with wide-eyed surprise.

“Why would I do that?” Angela asked. “Because of the whole immortal werewolf thing?”

Jake nodded as if the answer to that question should be obvious.

“Well, I mean yeah it’s not something a woman hears every day but I can see myself that you’re telling the truth so I know you’re not crazy.” Angela replied, carefully sorting through the fact and her own thoughts as she spoke. “You’ve been living here for three days doing nothing but comforting me and protecting me so I don’t believe that you’re a danger to me. I definitely don’t think you’re a freak–” Angela looked at his sculpted arms and large masculine hands that were lying nervously on his lap. “–so that leaves us with why are you here with me?” she finished.

Angela supposed most women would be frightened right now but there had always been a part of her that had found the paranormal and unexplainable to be romantic. She loved books about werewolf mates and vampires and true love so it was almost a dream come true to have a sexy werewolf like this in her living room now.

Jake stared at her his gold eyes wide. Angela wondered what he was thinking and wished he would speak.

“That’s kind of hard to explain.” he replied slowly, after a few long moments of quiet. Jake rose from the couch and Angela looked at him questioningly.

“Pizza’s here.” he informed her.

Angela pulled the curtain back and saw the delivery car turning onto the dirt road she lived on.“How did you know?”

Jake pointed to his ear.

“Of course.. Super sensitive hearing” Angela said with a nod. Jake pointed to his nose as well. “Of course. Super sensitive scent .” she added. As he turned away and walked toward the door Angela quickly breathed into her hand to test the smell of her breath.

“Your breath is fine.” he assured her as he opened the door.

Angela didn’t ask how he’d known what she was doing. She had more important things to think about at that moment. She tried desperately to collect her thoughts. Did it bother her that Jake was a werewolf? The answer to that was no.. it was kind of sexy really. That thought scared the hell out of her. She should be scared of him but instead all she wanted to do was take him up to her bed!

She was shocked by her own thoughts. The only man she had ever been with was Tyler and that had always been less than fulfilling. She was not an impulsive person but even though she didn’t even know Jake there was something about him that was drawing her to him.

He came back into the living room with the pizza box and two sodas from the fridge. He quickly grabbed a piece of pizza and stuffed nearly all of it into his mouth at once.

“Hungry?” Angela asked with amusement.

He took a drink and smiled at her. “I’m a big eater.” he replied. “Plus I haven’t had much to eat the last couple of days,”

Angela thought back to the bowls of dog kibble she had put out for who she thought was a dog and she grimaced. “Sorry.” she said. “So now are you going to answer my question?”

“I suppose I don’t really have a choice.” he said. Angela waited for him to continue. “All immortals have a single mate. Once they find their one mate they are bound to them eternally. It’s rare but sometimes an immortal will have a mortal mate…”

“What exactly are you telling me?”

“You are my mate.”

“Mate?” Angela asked slowly. “Like soul mate?”

“Yes. Each immortal has one mate; one other being who was created only for them.”

“It sounds beautiful.” Angela said her head spinning. “But a little intimidating.”

Jake looked at her and managed a small smile. “You think it’s intimidating for you? At least you have a choice in all of this. Mortals get to choose whether they want to except their mate.. I am the one who has something to lose here.”

Angela could not believe what she was hearing. This man, who looked like he had been pulled off of one of the covers of the romance novels she loved to read, was telling her that he was bound to her and wanted to be hers. He even acted scared at the thought of losing her.

“What would happen to you if I refused” Angela asked.

888

Jake felt his heart fall into his stomach. He looked down at the floor as he answered her question. “I would leave,” he said simply. “I wouldn’t want to but I would leave.”

Jake didn’t tell her that he would never be the same again. He didn’t tell her that he would always feel as if a piece of his very soul was missing. He didn’t mention that he needed Angela around him. He needed her scent, her touch, her presence near him every day for the rest of his very long life. He didn’t want her to feel like he was trying to pressure her even though he was a nervous wreck at the thought that she was going to turn him away.

Angela was quiet for a long time as she stared down at the polished wood of the floor. Jake wished he was a mind reader because his nerves were getting the best of him; which was saying something because at one time in his life Jake had possessed nerves of steel. Those were gone now it seemed. They had been done away with by this beautiful mortal woman with gentle eyes and a caring soul.

“You were wrong though, Jake.” she finally whispered and Jake looked at her questioningly as she raised her gaze to meet his. “I don’t have any more of a choice in this than you do… You are my soul mate. I don’t know how I know that because I barely know you. I just feel it right here,” she finished, laying a hand on her chest.

Angela leaned over and pressed her lips to his and he welcomed her eagerly. Jake pushed her gently down onto her back and moved his body over hers. He moved his lips down her neck and across her collarbone. Angela shivered beneath him and he moved his mouth back to hers.

She opened her lips to him and his tongue eagerly explored her mouth. She was the sweetest thing he had ever tasted and she felt so soft beneath him. He kissed her as if her very taste was all the nourishment he would ever need.

Angela sat up enough so that he could slip off her tank top and unfasten her bra. Her breasts fell heavy and free and Jake stared at them hungrily. He was caught up in the waves of passion coursing through him as he took in the beautiful sight of her body. It had been nearly an entire liftimes worth of decades since he had been with a woman and this was his soul mate. He could not have stopped himself from claiming her even if he had wanted to and Jake certainly didn’t want to.

“I want you in a bed.” Jake growled.

Angela nodded and bit her lip, staring into his eyes. Jake needed no further urging than that. He stood and picked her up cradling her in his arms.

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As Jake carried her up the stairs Angela kept waiting for his face to turn red, sweat to start pouring or his breath to get ragged from the weight of her. But none of those things happened and as he lay her down on the bed he seemed turned on and wild, and not the least bit tired.

“You’re strong.” she whispered, the words coming out as a moan since Jake was already laying kisses along her neck. She felt him smile against her neck and she shivered with delight.

Jake moved to slide her skirt and panties down and Angela reached for the blanket to cover herself.

“What is wrong?” he ground out, his cheek carressing her bare breast and stealing her breath.

“Don’t you want to turn the light off?” Angela asked.

Jake rose up and stood at the edge of the bed looking down at her. “Why?”

Angela felt herself turning red with embarrassment under his hungry gaze. This was a mistake. This was too soon. This sexy adonis of a man was going to take one good look at her completely naked and run screaming for his life…..

“I just thought you would like it better that way.” she mumbled.

Jake growled low in his throat, sounding every bit the animal as he jerked the blanket away from her.“Wouldn’t make a difference, I can see in the dark.” he assured her. Jake pulled her skirt and panties the rest of the way off, ignoring her protests. And those protests died on her lips when she saw the hunger and desire flashing in his golden eyes. She coudln’t beleive it. The man wasn’t disgusted at the sight of her.

“You are beautiful, Angela. I want to see all of you and I want you to see all of me.” Jake assured her. He shed his clothes in a rush and then stood there before the bed as if eager to impress her.

And impress her he did. Every inch of his glorious body was tanned, lean muscle. His arms and legs were long and toned and black hair covered his sculpted chest. Her gaze fell lower and her jaw dropped. His was long, full and hard. She realized he was hard for her and felt her confidence rise.

Angela reached her arms out for him, wanting to feel his body against hers, and he came to her. He ran his hand along her leg while kissing her passionately. Angela nibbled his lip and then let out a whimper as Jake took his hand higher and slid his fingers along her inner thigh.

Angela had never had a man take his time wtih her. Never had a man who made sure that she found her own pleasure before he went after his. So it came as a complete, (and rather delicious), shock when Jake’s thick finger slid inside of her as his lips tasted her aching breast.

She was unsure what to do and as wave after wave of pleasure washed over her Angela began to squirm beneath him and tried to pull his hand away, knowing the only way he would feel pleasure was once he was inside of her.

Jake raised his head and looked down at her with a frown. “Are you in a hurry?” he asked, a second finger joining the one already driving her crazy.

“It’s just…well.. I’ve never…” Angela had no idea how to finish what she was trying to say.

Jake growled and captured her lips beneath his in a hot rush before pulling away again and staring intently into her eyes. “ H e

was a selfish fool. I will not be. Lay back and enjoy, Angela. You are my mate, this is my job.“

Angela bit her lip and did as she was told. Jake seemed like a man who was used to being obeyed and who was she to challenge him?

It did not take long before Angela was crying out his name, her nails digging into Jake’s shoulders as she had the first orgasm she had ever experienced in her life.

It took several long minutes for her to come back down to earth and Jake was looking down at her with an emotion in his golden eyes that Angela was afraid to try to name.

““Make love to me, Jake.” she practically purred beneath him and he happily obliged.

He positioned himself over her and Angela let out a cry as he entered her. Jake was still for several long moments and she found herself growing impatient.

She worked her hips beneath him and he began to move.

888

Angela moaned his name over and over and Jake felt his own pleasure building.

The wolf in him longed to bite her… It longed to sink its teeth into her tender skin and mark her permanently as his own. He felt his teeth sharpening but forced himself to fight the urge.Now was not the time for that.

Jake felt her stiffen and then begin to shudder beneath him as she cried out his name once again and he was grateful that she had no close neighbors to be concerned about.

Jake lost all ability to think then as he joined her and went over that pulse pounding edge.

He stayed on top of her and kissed her passionately as they both waited for the earth to begin spinning again.

Jake laid gentle kisses to both her eyelids. “Are you okay?” he asked as she lay there so still and quiet beneath him. “Did I hurt you? You’re so fragile.”

Angela began to laugh. “You are the first person to ever call me fragile.”

“You are.” he replied, wondering why she would be around anyone who treated her as less than perfect. “Are you okay?” he asked again.

“I’m fine.” she assured him. “This is just all so sudden.”

“Actually I’ve been searching for you for over two hundred years…” he said and stopped when he saw her eyes widen. “I know it’s sudden for you, Angela, and I’m sorry. I wish I had had the strength to walk away when I first saw you but the pull was just too strong.”

“I’m not sorry, Jake.” she replied, laying her hand on his cheek and looking up into his eyes. “But what does all of this mean? Are we a couple or….”

“We are mates is what the wolf in me knows. The man in me is sure that he’s meant to be with you too.”

“Mates? But I’m not immortal like you so what happens as time goes on?” Angela asked.

Jake slid a stray lock of her dark hair behind her ear. He had hoped that this question would be asked a little further in the future but there was no dodging it now. “We can live out your life together happily. I will do everything I can to make you happy, Angela.” he replied and he knew it was the truth. It was a new feeling for Jake to care about someone else so intensely. He loved his family but this was different. This was more. He would do anything just to make this woman smile.

Angela, however, didn’t seem satisfied with his answer. “That’s it?” she asked. “What happens to you after I’m gone?”

“Don’t’ worry about that.” he said rolling off of her and laying on his back beside her. She rolled toward him and sat up so she was looking down at his face.

“Don’t tell me what to do, Jake. You said you’d do everything you can to make me happy so answer my question.”

“Nothing will happen to me. I will keep living on.”

“Will you find another mate?” Angela asked.

Jake smiled at the jealousy he could hear in her tone. “No, Angela. You are my one and only. Once a werewolf has been with his mate he can never be with another woman. His wolf won’t allow him to be unfaithful.”

“That doesn’t seem very fair for you.” Angela said laying a gentle hand on his cheek. “Too bad there’s not a way for me to become immortal.”

Jake was tempted to tell her that there was but he didn’t want her to have to make that choice for him. Not yet at least…

“You can still tell me to leave and never come back.” he said, feeling his heart break a little at the thought.

“No I can’t.” Angela replied assuringly. Then her cheeks reddened with embarrassment when her stomach growled loudly.

“You’re starving.” Jake said. He stood and pulled on his jeans. “I’ll go get the pizza and be right back.”

888

Angela watched him leave and pulled the cover over herself. So much had happened today that none of it felt real but her body was still humming from love making so she knew it was all real.

Her boyfriend had left her for her best friend. She had found out that the dog that had been living with her for three days was really an insanely hot werewolf and that werewolf had turned out to be eternally bound to her because she was his soul mate.

It was crazy and it made no sense but she loved him already. How that was even possibly she had no clue. Angela had never felt anything like this feeling. It was like a force of nature and she had no say in the matter. She got lost in her thoughts, her body thoroughly relaxed, and drifted off to sleep.

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Jake was on his way back up to Angela when his brother’s voice yelled inside his head.

(Dammit Jake! I need your help! I screwed up and they’re going to kill me!)

(Who the hell are you talking about?) Jake demanded.

(Lucas and his brother. I needed money and they loaned me some but I can’t pay them back now and they said they’ll kill me if I don’t pay them back.)

(Where are you?) Jake asked knowing he couldn’t turn his back on his brother.

(Jamaica.) Lane replied.

(Jamaica? Are you fucking kidding me? They have laws for us in Jamaica. I can’t just dash there and back again, I have to travel the mortal way! It will take days!) Jake took a breath trying to calm himself. (Can you come to New York and get the money from me?)

(No. They have me locked up. I told them you would help me that’s the only reason I’m still alive. They don’t want to kill their cousin until they have to I guess.)

(How much money?) Jake asked rubbing the ache in his temple and sitting down on the stairs.

(Ten thousand dollars.) Lane said sheepishly.

(What the hell! I might kill you myself if they don’t!)

(Are you coming?)

(Yes. It’ll take me a day or two to get there. And Lane…)

(Yes, big brother?)

(This better be the last time.) Jake closed the link before his pain in the ass younger brother could respond.

(Lucas!) Jake waited several seconds before his cousin replied.

(Why so grumpy, Jake?) Lucas asked. (What can I do for you?)

(Don’t kill my brother. I’m coming with your damn money.)

(You better hurry. He’s getting on my damn nerves.)

(Join the club.) Jake said rubbing his aching temple yet again. (And it’s your own damn fault anyway for lending him money that you knew he wouldn’t pay back.)

(Yes but he has you to do that for him doesn’t he?) Lucas asked with amusement. Jake didn’t respond. He closed the link and stood up.

He walked the rest of the way back up the stairs and into Angela’s bedroom. He found her fast asleep cuddled up to her pillow.

He smiled down at her and felt an ache in his chest at the thought of leaving her. He knew she couldn’t come with him. He didn’t think that Lucas would hurt him or Lane once he had his money but he would not risk her safety.

He listened to her steady breathing and sighed. He couldn’t bring himself to wake her. He found some paper and a pen downstairs and wrote her a letter letting her know that he had to go and that he’d be back in a few days.

It was cowardly not to wake her and say goodbye but he did not think he could refuse her if she asked to come along. He went back upstairs and left the note on the bedside table where he knew she would see it.

He laid a gentle kiss to her temple and with the wolf and the man in him screaming at him to stay with her he walked down the stairs and out of the house.

Chapter Four

Angela awoke with the sun shining on her face. She smiled and looked beside her expecting to see Jake but the bed beside her was empty. She sat up and saw the note on the table.

Angela,

Some unexpected business came up with my family and I had to leave. I didn’t feel safe taking you along and I hope you can forgive me for leaving without saying goodbye. I will be back in a couple of days.

Jake

Angela felt her heart fall to the floor. Why had she let herself believe that he cared about her? Why had she fallen for all of that eternally bound to one another soulmate talk? Then she thought back to the night before and the look in Jake’s eyes when they had made love and she smiled.

He said he would be back in a couple of days and she believed him. She would just have to keep herself busy until then. Angela took a shower, ate a bowl of cereal and then finished cleaning the kitchen. She looked around her house wondering what she could do next and it struck her that she no longer had a job… There weren’t many options in this small town but she had to find something.

She put on a knee length flowy black skirt and a light pink t-shirt pulled her hair up in a clip and walked out the door. She stopped a few different places and was quickly tiring of hearing people tell her that they were not hiring right now. She pulled into Wendy’s to get some lunch and saw their job applications on the wall.

She didn’t want to work fast food but she had to have a job. Deciding that beggars couldn’t be choosers she filled out an application and handed it to the manager who told her to come in the next evening and work until close.

Angela went home and tried to keep herself busy until bedtime and then she curled up in her bed trying to ignore the loneliness and fell asleep.

888

Jake walked out of the airport in Jamaica and looked around. He had no idea where to go to find his brother so he leaned against the wall and tried to contact Lane.

(Lane, where the hell are you at?) he demanded.

(What the hell are you being such an ass for, Jake?) Lane replied. (You can’t honestly be surprised by my behavior. You should be more than used to it by now.)

Jake clenched his fists and then took a deep breath, trying to keep his anger in check. He hated planes. He hated being so cooped up in such small places and being so high above the ground. His entire being was aching to be back at Angela’s side and because of his no good worthless little brother he was forced to be apart from her.

(You’re a fucking idiot, that’s why I’m such an ass.) he replied. (Where are you?)

(Look around. Do you see a big tall, bald, black guy with arms the size of tree trunks?) Lane asked. Jake looked and saw the man his brother was referring to leaning against a sleek black Porsche.

(What about him?) Jake asked.

(He’s going to bring you to where they’ve got me.) Lane answered.

(You are going to owe me.) Jake said and closed the link. He walked up to the man and pulled off his sunglasses.

“I hear you’re the man I need to talk to about my brother.” Jake said. He sniffed the air and realized that this man was indeed an immortal. He was a were creature but not a wolf.

“Did you bring the package?” baldy asked. Jake lifted the briefcase in his hand and nodded. “Get in the car.”

Jake opened the passenger door and climbed inside the tiny car. His tall frame leaving him feeling very cramped. He looked at baldy out of the corner of his eye and barely held back his laughter. Baldy was almost the same height as Jake but he was easily one hundred pounds of solid muscle heavier. He looked like a giant as he tried to squeeze himself into the drivers seat.

They rode in silence for almost an hour before Baldy pulled the car to a stop in front of an empty stretch of beach.

“Where is my brother?” Jake asked. Baldy pointed out the windshield and Jake saw two lounge chairs sitting beside the water and his brother and his cousin Lucas were filling them.

Jake got out of the car slamming the door so hard he heard metal buckle. He stormed down the beach and stopped in front of the two men.

“What the hell is going on Lane? I thought Lucas was holding you prisoner out here.” Lane held up his hands and Jake saw the silver bracelets locked on his wrists. He looked down at his ankles and saw he wore silver bracelets there as well.

Silver couldn’t kill a werecreature but it weakened them greatly, and those silver bracelets were enough to keep Lane from changing and to weaken him to little more than mortal strength.

“Hello, Jake, it’s been a long time.” Lucas said pulling off his wide brimmed straw hat so he could look up at Jake.

“I’m in no mood to chit chat cousin.” Jake replied. “Here is your damn money. Get the bracelets off my brother and let him go.” Jake said throwing the briefcase down at the foot of Lucas’s lounge chair.

“Unfortunately the number your brother gave you was inaccurate.” Jake sent an angry glare Lane’s way and Lane grimaced and looked away from him.

“There is ten thousand dollars there.” Jake stated. Lucas took a long draw off of the cigar in his hand and blew out a billow of smoke directly up at Jake’s face. Jake managed to keep a straight face as the sour smell assaulted his nostrils.

“That’s a good start.” Lucas admitted with a smile. “But sadly your brother owes me twenty thousand. He failed to include his interest when he talked to you.”

Jake’s fists clenched so tightly that his fingernails dug into his palms and he could feel the blood running down his hands. “You want me to go all the way back to America to get the rest of your money before you’ll give me my brother?” he demanded his voice little more than a low growl.

“Of course not. There is a casino right here in town. You go in, place a couple of good bets and you’ll be out of here within a few hours.” Lucas said.

“Or I could just rip your fucking head off right now and be done with it.” Jake replied.

Baldy took a threatening step toward Jake and Lucas stopped him quickly with a sharp look. “Jake, I have no doubt that you could kill me and my friend here without much trouble. However if you do that I have quite a large pack of my own that would come hunting you. Do you really want to cause that kind of tension within the family?”

“I don’t want to fight with you or anyone else, Lucas. I just want to get back home.” Jake admitted with a sigh.

“Then let’s go to the casino, cousin. Shouldn’t take you too long to earn my money back.” Lucas assured good naturedly as he stood, picked up the briefcase and walked toward the Porsche.

Jake grabbed Lane by the arm and jerked him to his feet. “Once I get you out of here safe, I am going to kill you myself.” he growled. Lane swallowed hard and nodded as he followed after Jake with his shoulders slumped.

888

The next three days seemed to drag by for Angela. She laid around her house all day missing Jake and then would go to work in the evening. She would drag herself back home around three in the morning and fall into her bed, thoroughly exhausted.

Every day that went by she became less and less sure that Jake was coming back.

It had been four days since he’d left her and she was three hours into her shift at Wendy’s when two familiar faces walked in.

Angela wanted to run and hide as soon as she saw Abigail and Tyler but sadly that was not an option. They walked up to the counter with smug smiles on their faces.

“Angela, I didn’t expect to see you working here.” Abigail said.

“I bet it saves you a fortune with that employee discount.” Tyler added with a laugh.

Angela put on her best fake smile. “Can I take your order?” she asked. Tyler laughed harder while Abigail ordered them two salads.

“So what happened to Mr. Wonderful that came to your rescue at my bookstore?” Abigail asked.

Angela shrugged. “He had some family business to take care of.” she said.

Abigail raised her eyebrow. “You know your dog disappeared. I went to let him out of the backroom that day you left and he was just gone… poof.”

Angela had never been a good liar but managed to keep a straight face as she answered. “He must have found his way out the back door. You know you never keep it locked.”

Tyler handed Angela the money for the order and shook his head at her. “So your new man left you already did he? I could tell that one wasn’t going to last.”

Angela finished putting their food on their tray and shoved it at them. “Will there be anything else?” she asked.

Tyler was about to say something when the door burst open and Jake walked in. Angela felt her breath catch in her chest. He was all man and his eyes were locked on hers. In five long strides he was pulling her into his arms. He kissed her passionately and breathed deep. Angela knew he was taking in the scent of her.

“God, I missed you, Angela.” he said as he pulled away.

Angela couldn’t seem to form words, she just stared up at him smiling.

Jake glanced over at Tyler and Abigail watching them. Before anyone could say anything Angela’s pimply faced teenage boss walked over.

“I’m going to have to ask you to leave.” he said to Jake. “And you, Miss Walker, know that this is a highly inappropriate time to be having personal time with your boyfriend.”

“I’m more than just her boyfriend and you better–”

The boss held up his hand and Angela had to admire his courage going against Jake who was a good foot taller than him. “I don’t care. Leave or she is fired.”

Jake growled deep in his throat. “She quits.” he said in a stony voice.

Angela grabbed his arm. “What do you mean I quit?” she demanded. “Jake, I have to work. I don’t have any money just lying around.”

“You don’t have to work, love. I have more than enough money to take care of you.”

“But…” He leaned down and whispered so only she could hear.

“Don’t make me carry you out of here. It’s been four days and I’ve really missed you.” Sparks flashed in his golden eyes.

“Let’s go then.” Angela replied and without giving a thought to anyone else they walked out into the moonlight.

“So you found you another rich one to try to latch onto huh?” Tyler asked following them outside.

Abigail grabbed his arm. “Why does it matter, honey?” she asked. “I really don’t think you should pick a fight with him… Let’s just go.”

“It matters to him because the jackass is still hung up on Angela.” Jake said while still walking away.

“Look buddy, if you are slumming it for sex then trust me when I tell you that it isn’t that great.” Tyler said with a sneer.

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Jake froze in his tracks.He had never been accused of being good tempered or having any patience at all and being four days with almost no sleep while putting up with his childish jackass of a younger brother had not helped improve his mood. He was due for a good snap and now was as good a time as any.

He whirled around and stalked toward Tyler.

“If you have any brain at all you will shut your worthless mouth right now.” he growled out. With every slow deliberate step he took toward Tyler, his muscles grew larger, his teeth became sharper and his lips pulled back in a snarl. He knew his eyes would be glowing bright with his rage.

The wolf in him was fighting to come out, fighting to defend his mate and the man in him was dying to reach a hand out and squeeze it around Tyler’s neck until his bones cracked.

Suddenly Jake felt Angela’s hands on his chest. Then he began to hear her voice. He shook his head, trying to clear it, and looked down at her.

“You have to calm down, Jake. He’s not worth it.” she said gently.

He fought to calm himself more and his teeth and muscles went back to normal. He couldn’t believe how close he’d come to changing in public.

He looked past Angela and saw Tyler with his back against the wall of the restaurant looking very pale and scared. Abigail appeared to have left. Jake moved Angela aside and walked the rest of the way to Tyler.

“From now on you better leave my woman alone. If you so much as look or even breath in her direction again I will kill you.”

“Don’t threaten me. I’ll have you know I’m a lawyer.” Tyler stuttered.

Jake smiled but it didn’t effect the fire in his eyes. “Your laws don’t effect me and they sure as hell won’t protect you.” Jake growled low and menacingly and then he stood straight and led Angela to her car.

“What the hell was that about?” Angela demanded gently from the drivers seat as they started back to her cabin.

Jake ran a hand over his face which was in bad need of a shave. “I lost control.” he said quietly. “I just saw red and honestly my only thought was to kill him.”

“I appreciate you looking out for me but you can’t just kill every single person that insults me.”

“What if I just kill one person that insults you.” Jake asked only half joking. Angela rolled her eyes and laid a gentle hand on his knee. “Another immortal would have the good sense not to insult my mate right in front of me.” he added.

“But he’s not an immortal, Jake. He’s just a sad, pathetic excuse of a man.”

“I know, you’re right.” Jake admitted. “I’ve always been short tempered. One of my many flaws. I haven’t had much sleep in the last four days either.”

“What was wrong?” Angela asked and then she bit her lip. “Unless it’s too personal.”

“I would never keep anything from you.” Jake said, squeezing her hand. “My younger brother has several addictions. One of them is gambling. He borrowed some money off our cousin and then couldn’t pay him back because of course Lane is no good at his favorite past time. Our cousin is not the most understanding of people and demanded the money back or he would kill Lane.”

“Nice family.” Angela muttered.

Jake chuckled. “Once I got there with the money Lucas doubled the amount he wanted and I had to stay until I earned his payment back at the casino.” Jake closed his eyes and laid his head back on the seat. “I didn’t know if things would turn violent that is why I didn’t bring you with me.”

“I didn’t know you had family.” Angela said. “As a matter of fact I don’t know anything about you.”

Jake moved her hand to his mouth and kissed it. “You have a life time to learn anything you want to know.” Jake yawned loudly as they pulled into her driveway.

They walked in the house and Angela stood on her tiptoes and pressed a gentle kiss to Jake’s lips. “Go on up and get some rest. I’ll shower and then join you.” Jake was too tired to argue and walked away up the stairs.

888

Angela checked the machine and saw that it was blinking. She pressed play and then sat her purse down on the counter as her mothers voice came out of the speaker.

“Angela, what the world are you thinking letting Tyler get away? You know you don’t stand a chance of finding anyone better than him. He’s rich and handsome.. You need to call me, darling, so we can talk about this.” Angela shook her head and deleted the message.

Her mother would have a heart attack if she knew what kind of man was laying upstairs in her bed right this second. Angela walked upstairs to the bathroom, pulled off her uniform and stepped into the shower letting the hot water pound her face and chest and wash away the scent of grease and frying meat. Her body tingled at the thought of joining Jake in bed.

She turned off the water, dried herself and then slipped into her purple, thigh length silk robe. She walked into her room ready to make love but instead had to stifle a laugh.

Jake was lying in the bed looking like a crash victim. His arms and legs were sprawled in every direction and he was snoring loudly. Angela turned off the light, grabbed the extra comforter off the rocking chair and curled up in the bed against him.

His arm wrapped around her and he mumbled in his sleep. “I love.. you.”

Angela’s heart skipped a beat. ’ He’s asleep’ she told herself. ’ H

e doesn’t’ know what he’s saying .’ She smoothed a strand of hair from his face and laid her head on his chest. She soon fell asleep to the sound of his steady heartbeat.

Angela awoke a short time later to someone nudging her. She sat up and saw Jake standing next to the bed in wolf form.

“What’s going on?” she asked sleepily. She looked at the clock and saw it was two in the morning. Just then a loud knock came form the door downstairs.

“Police! Open up!” a mans voice yelled loudly.

“What is going on?” Angela asked again.

Jake just snorted and led the way downstairs. Angela opened the door to find two officers standing outside.

“Sorry it’s so late, ma’am, but we’re looking for someone.” The older of the two men said.

“Officers, come on in.” she said stepping aside. The younger officer walked right in but the older man eyed Jake warily. “He won’t hurt you.” Angela assured the older man while scratching Jake behind his ear.

“That’s quite a dog you have there.” The younger officer said.

Jake lowered his head and Angela saw him tense. “My name’s, Angela.” she said. “I live alone and got him for protection. Can’t be too careful out here on my own.” The officers walked into the kitchen. Angela walked over to the coffee maker and started a pot brewing.

“Who is it that you are looking for?” she asked sitting down at the table.

The younger officer stood leaned against the counter, his eyes never leaving Jake, while the older officer joined Angela at the table. “Tyler Davenport came to us with a complaint that a man named Jake who was last seen with you threatened his life. We don’t allow that kind of behavior in this town so I need to take him over to the jail and talk some things over with him.”

“I’m afraid he’s not here.” Angela lied. She stood and walked over to pour herself a cup of coffee. “Can I get anyone else a cup?” she asked.

The older officer shook his head but the younger one nodded. “I’d like one ma’am. Black.” Angela poured a second cup and took it to him. Their fingers brushed and Angela felt a chill pass through her.

Jake lowered his head and growled. Angela shot him a look and he walked over to her side. She leaned against the counter.

“You’re both welcome to look around of course but he left a few hours ago.”

“That won’t be necessary, ma’am. Do you have any idea where he went?” The older officer asked.

Angela shook her head. “Sorry. He shows up every now and then but I never know where he is when he is gone.”

The officer stood and walked to the door. “Sorry to have bothered you, ma’am. If you hear from Jake give us a call.” the older officer said. Angela smiled in agreement.

The young officer gave Jake one last hard look, sat the coffee cup on the counter and then both men were gone.

Angela locked the door and watched the police car drive down the road. She heard a noise behind her and turned to see Jake standing there naked and covered in sweat.

“Sorry, Angela. I blew it earlier.” Jake said. Angela tried hard to focus on his mouth and his words instead of the fact that he was naked. She quickly walked over to the living room couch, grabbed a quilt and threw it at him. He couldn’t help but laugh as he wrapped it around his waist.

“Better?” he asked.

She swallowed hard as she looked at the quilt riding low on his hips. Just another inch lower and nothing would be hidden. “Not really.” she replied.

Jake looked her up and down and smiled hungrily. “You’re looking pretty good yourself.” he said. “But it will have to wait.” He suddenly seemed very serious.

“What’s wrong?” Angela asked.

“The young cop that was just here was a werecreature.” Jake replied.

“Was he a wolf like you?”

“No, he was something else. Snake I think. I crossed a major line when I almost changed in front of Tyler. We don’t have leaders or laws or anything like that but there are certain rules we’re expected to follow and two of those are no attacking mortals and no changing in front of mortals.”

“Oops.” Angela said.

Jake nodded. “Yea oops. And now they want me to leave the area.”

“By they you mean the other immortals?” Jake nodded. “How do you know all of this? He never spoke to you.”

“Immortals can communicate telepathically. Relatives can communicate over long distances but if we’re not related we have to be within sight of each other. Trust me he had plenty to say.”

“So what are you going to do?”

“Leave.” he responded quickly. “I’m hoping that you’ll come with me.”

“Of course I will. I have nothing other than you.” she replied honestly and he visibly relaxed. “But Jake, you don’t remind me of the type to do everything he’s told.”

“I didn’t use to be, love.” He laid a gentle hand on her cheek. “But I have a lot more to lose now.”

“So he threatened me?” she asked, suddenly angry. Jake nodded.

“I let him know he’d die before he ever got close.” he assured her.

“Where will we go?” Angela asked.

“Where do you want to go?” Jake replied.

“My mother has been wanting to see me.” she said.

“Let’s go visit mom then.”

Chapter Five

“Listen Jake, dealing with this woman is going to take every ounce of patience you have.” Angela warned him as they walked up the small path to her parents small home. She had been telling him the same thing for the last two days as they’d driven from New York to Kentucky.

“I’ll be on my best behavior.” Jake replied.

Angela rolled her eyes. “That’s what I’m worried about.” she said. “Really she loves me but she doesn’t show it very well….”

Jake chuckled. “I’ve lived through a revolutionary war, civil war, two world wars and Vietnam. I’ll be okay.” he assured her.

Before Angela could respond the door to the house flew open and Georgia Walker came running out. “Oh my darling, Angela! It’s so great to see you.” she said throwing her arms around her daughter.

Jake looked at the woman and wondered if she could really be Angela’s mother. She was about the same height as Angela but that was where the similarities ended. Georgia was very thin with birdlike features. Her hair was blond and frizzy and pulled back into a messy bun. She wore her make-up too thick and Jake’s nose was already burning from the strong smell of her perfume.

Georgia pulled away from her daughter and wrinkled her nose as she pinched her daughter’s side. “I thought you were going to start going to those weight watchers meetings they started offering in town?”

Angela didn’t reply but instead quickly looked in Jake’s direction as if to make sure he wasn’t about to attack her mother. “She would have.” Jake said. “But I’m afraid I’ve been keeping her far too busy.”

Georgia seemed to notice him for the first time and her jaw dropped to the ground. “Who are you?” she demanded. Her accusing eyes flew back ot her daughter. “Does Tyler know you are out with this man?”

“Mom, Tyler and I are over.” Angela told her mother with exasperation in her voice. “This is Jake Collins, my boyfriend.”

“Soul mate.” Jake corrected with a friendly smile as he reached his hand out.

Georgia shook it slowly while looking him up and down. He was wearing a tight gray t-shirt and blue jeans that hugged his long lean legs. “How did you meet Angela?” she asked suspiciously.

“Leave those kids alone, Georgia. At least let them come in out of the dark.” A man’s voice came from the doorway.

Jake looked up and knew immediately that this was Angela’s father. He had the same dark hair, though his was graying at the temples. He had a smile on his face that was almost identical to Angela’s and his eyes were dark and happy like hers as well.

Angela ran quickly to the porch and threw her arms around her father laughing happily. He hugged her tight in return.

“How are you my darlin?” he asked.

“I’ve never been better, dad” Angela answered honestly. “How are you?”

“Ah you know, I’m kicking.” her father said.

Then Max Walker looked at Jake who was still standing in the yard holding two big suitcases in his arms. “Come on up here son and set those suitcases in the house.” he said.

Jake followed everyone else into the small house and sat the suitcases down inside the door.

“My name is Maxwell Walker.” her father said holding out his hand.

Jake had already known the man’s name thanks to Angela preparing him for the meeting, but he shook Max’s offered hand firmly. “Jake Collins, sir.” he said. He couldn’t believe that he was actually feeling nervous. He wanted to make a good impression with Max since Angela was clearly so in love with her father.

“Nice to meet you, young man.” Max said with a smile. Then he looked back at Angela. “We already ate supper but if you two are hungry I’m sure your mother would make up something else.”

“No that’s okay, dad. We ate on the way here.” Angela said glancing at her mother who was standing with her arms crossed and glaring at Jake.

“Come on in and sit down, you two.” Max said leading them all to the living room. Max and his wife sat down on the tattered old couch while Angela and Jake took a seat on the matching love seat.

“So what brings you home, my darling?” Georgia asked while looking down at her fingernails.

“We were looking for a change of scenery for a while.” Angela replied. “And of course I wanted to visit my mom and dad.”

“So what happened between you and Tyler and where exactly did you meet Jake?” Georgia questioned.

Angela was about to answer but Jake put his hand on her knee and cut her off.

“Well, ma’am, I’m not sure what happened between her and Tyler except that he left her and broke her heart. I happened to walk into a little bookstore her friend owns and I saw Angela standing there. She looked like an angel in that dusty little store and I was hooked.” He smiled at her and saw a blush color Angela’s cheeks.

“So what do you do for a living, Jake?” Max asked, seeming pleased as he looked back and forth between Jake and Angela.

Angela nervously tucked her hair behind her ears and Jake wanted to chuckle. They had never talked about what he did to make money. The subject had never come up. Clearly she was nervous about what answer he was going to tell her father.

“Well sir, I got lucky in some investments I made a few years ago. They are still doing well so I haven’t had to worry about money.” Jake replied.

Max nodded and took a drink of the beer he had sitting on the coffee table. “You want one?” Max asked Jake.

Jake shook his head. “No thank you, sir.” Jake replied.

Georgia had perked up when Jake had mentioned that he was into investments and now she was looking at him as if he were an angel. “So Jake, you are financially secure then?” she asked.

Angela rolled her eyes beside him. “Mom, that really isn’t important.” she said.

Georgia snorted and crossed her arms over her chest. “You think it’s not important?” she demanded. “You don’t want to end up living in a rundown house out in the middle of nowhere with absolutely nothing. Trust me!”

Max glared at his wife but said nothing..

“Quite frankly, ma’am, I think your home is charming and I have always loved living in the middle of nowhere.” Jake said, though if this was his home he would be sure to cut down on the air fresheners. Everything in this house was covered in a sickening, cloying false scent that was burning his nose and rendering his sense of smell useless. “But to answer your question I am very much financially secure and I can assure you that Angela will have everything her heart desires for as long as she’ll keep me around.”

“What exactly did you say attracted you to my daughter?” Georgia asked as she shifted in her seat and seemed to weave a little. “You do understand that her extra weight isn’t going anywhere, don’t you?”

Angela closed her eyes and Jake was about to lose the careful hold he was keeping on his temper but Max beat him to it.

“Would you shut-up?” he bellowed at his wife who looked even more shocked than Angela as she sank into the couch. “Angela is a beautiful woman. She is smart, funny, caring and an absolutely wonderful person! Why do you constantly have to comment on her weight?”

“Tyler begged her to lose that weight and she is just too lazy!” Georgia shouted back regaining her composure.

“Tyler!” Max shook his head and stood up. “Tyler Davenport is a lazy, good for nothing, idiot who never appreciated the treasure he had when he had my daughter! He deserves a quick kick in his ass and I’m just glad that he is finally out of Angela’s life.”

Jake saw the tears filling Angela’s eyes as she looked at her father.

Georgia stood up and quickly left the room. “I’m going to bed!” she shouted as she stormed up the stairs.

“Sorry you had to see that.” Max said turning back to Jake and Angela. “She means well she just doesn’t always use the best approach.” Angela yawned and Max smiled. “You two must be exhausted. Why don’t you go on up and get some sleep?”

Angela hugged her father and kissed his cheek. She started up the stairs and Jake followed her until Max grabbed his arm, stopping him in his tracks. Jake turned and looked at him, fighting back his first instinct which was to attack the other man. Jake’s life, up until Angela had stepped into that restaurant such a short time ago, had been one filled with threats, danger and fighting for life. That wasn’t an easy switch to simply turn off.

“Not so fast hot shot. I don’t care how old my little girl is. She sleeps alone when she’s in my home.” Maxwell warned.

“Dad….”

“No he’s right, Angela.” Jake said. He laid a gentle kiss to her forehead. “I’ll see you in the morning.” Max smiled as Angela stomped up the stairs looking very much like the teenage girl she had no doubt once been.

“This’ll be where you’re sleeping.” Max stated, pointing at the couch and Jake nodded. “I’ll take Angela’s suit case up to her. There is a bathroom down here right through that door.” Max said pointing to a door at the end of the hallway.

Jake nodded again. “Good night, sir.” he said and handed Max Angela’s suitcase. Max walked up the stairs leaving Jake alone. Jake took his suitcase to the bathroom. He changed out of his blue jeans and into flannel pants and walked back out to the couch.

He laid down pulling an old frayed afghan over himself and closed his eyes knowing that he wouldn’t get any sleep tonight with Angela just upstairs.

888

Jake was up before sunrise the next morning. Everyone else in the house was still asleep so he walked outside. The small run down house really was out in the middle of nowhere. Jake breathed deeply and smiled at the lack of polluted air and the first bit of fresh air without the scent of air fresheners burning his nostrils.

Then he whipped his head around toward the nearby woods when he smelled an immortal close by. He wrinkled his nose when he realized it was a vampire. Great. From air fresheners to vampires. Jake wasn’t sure which he would rather smell.

The vampire walked out of the tree line and toward Jake who had started his way as well. “I haven’t seen you around before.” the vampire said his violet eyes looking at Jake with disdain.

“I haven’t been around before.” Jake replied. The vampire nodded and looked back at the house full of sleeping mortals.

“What exactly are you doing out here?” he asked.

“Why is that your business?” Jake replied feeling his temper beginning to rise.

“My name is Vladimir.” the vampire said holding out a slender pale hand.

Jake shook it and managed a tight smile. “Jake.” he replied.

“Jake, I have been living around these parts for centuries and over the years many rogue immortals of all kinds have come to this remote area hoping to satisfy their more primal urges.”

Jake understood Vladimir’s meaning and shook his head.

“I am not one of those rogue immortals. I am actually here with my mate. This is her parent’s home.”

“So how did they respond to knowing their mortal daughter is mated to a dog?” Vladimir asked with a haughty smile. Jake was about to respond when he heard the front door of the house close. Vladimir faded into the tree line and Jake turned to see Angela walking toward him in flowy silk pants and a tank top.

“What are you doing out here?” she asked.

Jake took her into his arms and kissed her. “I’ve missed you.” he said, breathing in the vanilla scent of her hair.

“Can I ask why I spent the whole night alone in my room? You’re a werewolf, Jake. Aren’t you guys good at sneaking around?” she demanded with her hands on her hips.

Jake couldn’t help but chuckle. She looked so serious with her mouth in a pout and her eyes glaring. He reached up and poked her on the nose. “I was trying to respect your father.” he said.

Angela’s eyes softened and she laid her head against his chest. “So what are you doing out here so early all alone?” she asked looking around at the darkness.

“He wasn’t alone.” Vladimir said stepping out of the trees. Angela let out a yelp and felt Jake’s arms tighten around her.

Vladimir smiled, revealing his fangs. “Sorry to scare you, love.” he said. “My name is Vladimir and I am a vampire.”

“Of course you are.” Angela replied blankly. “My name is Angela and I’m a Leo.” Jake smiled into her hair.

Vladimir held out his hand and Angela shook it hesitantly.

“My, Angela…” Vladimir sniffed the air as if he were smelling something divine. “You smell… delicious.” Angela jerked her hand away and Jake let loose a menacing growl.

Vladimir appeared amused. “Calm down, doggy. I was just joking with the lady. Remember I’m one of the good guys.” he said. “Now if you two lovebirds will excuse me it is getting a little too bright out here.” Vladimir said and with that he seemed to almost disappear back into the forest.

Jake looked around and saw that indeed the sun was beginning to rise and the sky was turning from black to purple.

“What are you two doing out here?” Max’s voice demanded from the house.

Jake and Angela both turned and saw him standing in the doorway watching them. “What are you doing up so early?” Angela asked.

Max took a drink of coffee from his thermos as he walked toward his old chevy truck. “Some of us have to work boring old day jobs.” he said throwing his orange lunch bucket into the back of the truck.

“I love you, dad.” Angela said standing on her tip toes and kissing his cheek.

“I love you too, Angel.” he replied. “Are you two still going to be around when I get back tonight?”

“I’m not sure. Mom doesn’t seem too thrilled that I’m here.” Angela replied. “Besides I’ve gotta get back to work…” she lied.

“I understand.” Max replied. “Listen, whenever you two get settled wherever it is you’re going why don’t you give me a call and I will come for a visit?”

“It was nice you meeting you, sir.” Jake said holding out his hand to Max.

Max shook his hand firmly. “Nice meeting you too, Jake. Take good care of my daughter. Just in case you screw up I want you to know that I own a wide selection of guns.”

Angela shook her head and Jake laughed. “I won’t screw up, sir.” he said matter-of-factly. “You have my word on that.”

“Good.” Max said. “Goodbye pumpkin.” Max gave his daughter one last hug. He hopped in his truck and rolled down the window as he fired the old engine to life. “I’ll expect to be hearing from you all soon so I can come for that visit.”

Angela and Jake both nodded and Max drove away. Jake looked down at Angela sensing her sadness. He wished there was something he could do to take that pain away.

“We can stay as long as you want, love.” Jake said.

She smiled up at him. “Thanks, Jake, but I don’t want to stay here anymore. I love my father but I am tired of the way my mother treats me. And then to see her being rude to you. Well lets just say that she crossed a major line.”

“Where do you want to go now?” Jake asked.

Angela shrugged.“Anywhere with you.” she replied.

Jake smiled. “Would you like to meet my family?”

Chapter Six

So that was dashing, huh?“ Angela asked as she waited for her head to stop spinning. They had driven the car back to Angela’s house in New York and then Jake had dashed them to his house in Virginia.

“Yeah. You get used to it after a while.” Jake assured her.

Angela decided to just take his word for it as her stomach flipped and flopped. She felt like she’d just gotten off a roller coaster. Slowly, she turned around and her jaw dropped.

“This place is huge!” she gasped. The log cabin mansion was three stories tall. Wrap around porches and terraces were on every floor. Beautiful flower baskets and gardens lined the yard. Wind chimes sounded lightly in the gentle breeze. “This is your house?”

“One of them.” Jake answered. “After my father was killed I let my mother and sisters move in here with their mates. My oldest sister has two kids that live here too.”

Angela nodded nervously. “Big family.” she mumbled. On the days they had spent in the car traveling Jake had told Angela all about his family. He had three sisters in addition to his brother Lane; Raquel, Bethany and Jordan. His mother’s name was Rebecca and his father had been killed twenty years ago by a renegade lone wolf who Jake said hadn’t been seen since.

“Are they going to like me? I mean is your mom going to be disappointed because your mate is just a plain mortal woman?”

“There is nothing plain about you.” Jake said kissing her forehead. “And I can assure you that they already know we’re here, have been watching us through the window and in about three seconds someone will come running out the door to greet us.”

Angela looked at the wide front door, counted to three and then sure enough the doors burst open and two young children ran out.

“Uncle Jake! Uncle Jake!” they yelled in unison.

Angela knew these must be Jakes niece and nephew and she knew they were twins. Jake dropped Angela’s suitcases and picked up a kid in each arm spinning them around and around until they were out of breath with laughter. He sat them down just as a beautiful, slim, tall red head walked out the door.

“What are you doing to my children?” she asked with a charming smile.

“Nothing.” he replied. “They attacked me.”

“Who is this?” she asked smiling at Angela.

“This is Angela.” Jake replied.

The red head looked from Angela to Jake several times and Angela was sure she sniffed the air. Then her face took on a look of pure shock. Without warning she let out a squeal. “Mom! Jordan! Bethany! Get out here now! You’ll never believe who Jake brought with him! It’s a woman!”

Angela didn’t have time to recover from the sudden outburst when suddenly three more women burst from the house.

A tall leggy blond in a barely there black dress, another red head with a plump waist, and a short pixie like woman with tiny features and short black hair.

“Hello my son!” the second red head said hugging Jake tightly. “It’s been so long since you’ve been here.”

“Who’s your lady friend?” the pixie like sister asked in a pixie like voice though judging by the look of shock on her face she had already figured it out.

“Angela, this is my mom Rebecca.” Jake said pointed to the plump red head. “The blond is Bethany, the two little rascals mom is Raquel. The third and final woman is my sister Jordan. The rascal’s names are Kaylee and Kayleb. Family, this is Angela, my mate.”

Four sets of female eyes stared hard at Angela for several long seconds and then they all swarmed toward her with hugs and endless questions.

“Where are the guys?” Jake asked desperate to be away from all the estrogen.

“Out back shooting bows. Why three wolves need to learn how to shoot bows I don’t know but that is what they are doing.” Rebecca answered waving her hand absently.

Jake pulled Angela from the group and smoothed the hair from her face.

“Will you be okay if I walk out back?” he asked. Angela offered her best smile trying to hide her nervousness.

“Of course.” she replied. He smiled back down at her and kissed her. The people around them were forgotten as the kiss deepened. Kaylee’s sing song voice finally broke through to them.

“K-I-S-S-I-N-G! First comes love, second comes marriage, then comes the baby in the baby carriage.” Kaylee and Kayleb broke down into fits of giggles.

Angela felt her face glow red as Jake pulled away from her.

“I’ll be in after a while.” he said. “You’ll be safe I promise.”

“Of course she’ll be safe.” Bethany said grabbing Angela by the arm. “We have to get to know the woman who has tamed our brother.”

888

(You better be nice to her.) Jake growled in Bethany’s head. (This is all new to her and she is still mortal and could still choose to leave me.)

(Are you telling me you haven’t fully mated to her yet?) Bethany asked.

(No I haven’t. I don’t want to scare her away.)

(I never thought I’d see the day where the mighty Jake Collins was afraid of losing someone.) Bethany said thoughfully. (We’ll be on our best behavior, big brother.)

888

Angela looked at brother and sister stare each other down. Jake looked afraid and Bethany looked surprised. Angela wondered what kind of conversation was going on in their minds.

“Let’s go inside. We’ve got lunch cooking.” Rebecca said guiding everyone towards the door.

“We’re going with, Uncle Jake!” Kaylee yelled after them.

“Jake, you better keep a close eye on them! I don’t want any injuries!” Raquel shouted. Jake waved his hand in impatient agreement as he walked away.

Angela was led into the house which was surprisingly light and airy inside. She was led to a large kitchen and took a seat with the rest of the women at a table that looked like it could easily seat thirty people.

“So Angela, how did you and Jake meet?” Jordan asked.

“Actually it was only a few weeks ago and I thought he was a dog for the first three days.” The sisters and their mother stared hard at her for several seconds and then burst out laughing.

“A dog?” Raquel asked.

“Well yeah.. A big dog. He showed up one night as a wolf but I just assumed he was a big black dog. I thought he was hurt so I let him in and he wouldn’t leave after that.”

Rebecca stood and walked over to the counter and poured herself a cup of tea. “Would you like one?” she offered to Angela.

“No thanks.” Angela replied.

“I don’t blame you.” Bethany said. “Mother is convinced that drinking that earthy tea will help her soul get closer to nature or some such nonsense. Personally I think it tastes like dung.”

“Suit yourselves, my dears.” Rebecca said with a smile and she took a long drink.

“So Angela, when did our brother finally come clean with you about what he was?” Raquel asked.

Angela launched into the story about Tyler and Abigail and Jake coming to her rescue. She was shocked by how comfortable she felt here with Jake’s family. She had not ever been this comfortable with her own family.

“Hard to picture Jake as the knight in shining armor.” Jordan said once Angela had finished. “You have obviously had a positive effect on him. He was always the type to care more about himself than others.”

“Don’t get Jordan wrong.” Raquel added quickly. “He’s always been a good guy he just was always a loner. Looked out for himself even if that meant never letting anyone get close.”

“When dad died he just took off. He would come back now and then to check in and then be gone again.” Jordan added.

“You girls just didn’t understand Jake.” Rebecca cut in. “You were always closer to Lane because he would laugh and joke and was always open with his feelings. Jake is rougher around the edges. He doesn’t always know the right things to say so he keeps quiet a lot.”

“I don’t think Jake’s that hard to understand. He has always been very open with his feelings around me.” Angela replied thinking about his long looks, kisses and even his temper.

Jordan looked at her with suddenly serious eyes. “Did you know he was a hunter with our father? He would hunt down rogue immortals of all kinds that were killing mortals and, well, put a stop to them. When dad got killed out on one of their hunts Jake blamed himself and that’s why he took off.”

Bethany slammed her bottle of water down harder than neccesary and shot Jordan a warning glance. Jordan stared right back, a look of concern in her blue eyes.

Rebecca growled low in her throat and took a step toward the table, her eyes clearly telling both women to stop .

Angela could tell they were having a private conversation about her and she wanted to know what they were saying. “I’m not sure I appreciate this whole telepathic thing.” she exclaimed loudly. “I am right here so if you have something to say to me or about me I would appreciate if you would say it so I can hear you!”

The four women looked at each other guiltily.

“We are sorry, Angela.” Rebecca said.

“This is all so new. For Jake to care about someone so completely. I mean he has smiled more in the few minutes I’ve seen him today than I can ever remember.” Jordan paused. “I just want to make sure you know even the darker stuff about him so that if you don’t want to stay you can get out now before this goes any further.”

Angela smiled with understanding and laid her hand on top of Jordan’s on the table. “You’re trying to protect your brother and I understand that. He has already offered me a chance to get out and I’ll tell you the same thing I told him.

“You all seem to think that because I’m mortal I don’t feel the mate bond the way you feel it but I am drawn to Jake in a way I can’t explain. It was instant. Even when I thought he was a dog I was going to keep him forever. I love Jake and there is absolutely nothing you could tell me that would change my mind about him”

The four women were on in her an instant with hugs and exclamations of happiness.

Suddenly Jordan let out a hiss of pain.

“What…” Rebecca didn’t have time to finish the question before a man came bursting into the room.

He was short and stocky but was solid muscle. His dark hair was cut short in military fashion. He was wearing a gray sweat shirt with the sleeves cut off and sweat pants. He looked like the perfect definition of a weight lifter… Except for the arrow sticking out of his backside.

“What the devil happened?” Rebecca demanded.

The man pointed at Angela. “Your man shot me in the ass!” he yelled. Angela felt a moment of panic and fear at the anger on his face as he glared at her. She worried for a moment that he was going to attack her.

“Don’t yell at her about it, Kent. You’re the one who wanted to play Rambo.” Jordan scolded her mate. “But if you ever get hurt and then open our link so I feel it again, I’ll shoot you myself. I don’t appreciate having the pain in my ass.”

“Kent, you’re bleeding on my floor.” Rebecca said trying to shoo him away.

It was then that Jake and two other men came into the kitchen.

“You shot him?” Angela demanded of Jake as he wrapped his arms around her from behind.

“He said shoot.” Jake replied with a sly grin.

“I was joking!” Kent exclaimed. “You have never taken a single thing I’ve said seriously. I thought I could trust you, of all people, holding a bow behind me.”

“For pete’s sake, Kent! Get out of my kitchen!” Rebecca shouted. “Jordan, take him outside and help him get the arrow out of his rear. Don’t come back in until he’s done bleeding.” Jordan took Kent’s hand and dragged him back out the door.

“So, Jake, are you going to introduce us to the woman who has caused you to loosen up and begin shooting your family or are you afraid she’ll like us real men better?” The tallest of the two new men asked.

Angela had to strain her neck to look at his face. He was easily seven feet tall and lean to the point of being skinny. He had features that were prettier than they were handsome and Angela was reminded of a male runway model when she looked at him.

“Angela, this is Greg. He is Bethany’s mate.” Jake said pointing to the tall man. Then he pointed at the other man who had a child holding on to each leg. “This is Evan, he’s Raquel’s mate.”

Evan was only a little shorter than Jake and had wavy blond hair that hung to his shoulders. He had a Californian surfer vibe about him.

“Mommy! Uncle Jake shot Uncle Kent in the ass!” Kayleb shouted joyfully.

“Kayleb, watch your language!” Raquel scolded.

Kayleb’s red curls fell across his forehead as he smiled up at his mom. “Sorry mommy.”

“Why don’t you both go on upstairs and clean up for lunch.” Rebecca urged her grandchildren while lifting two steaming dishes of lasagna from the oven.

Angela soon became overwhelmed by the sudden chaos that ensued in the kitchen. Plates were crashing, silverware was clanging and bodies crowded into the room. She had never been in a situation like this. Meals with her family had always been quiet affairs with only her, her mother and her father.

Somehow Jake seemed to sense her nervousness and he squeezed her hand reassuringly. “You’re doing great.” he whispered in her ear. Angela felt a shiver of pleasure down her spine as his lips brushed her ear and Jake guided her to the table, pushing her chair in as she sat down.

“Thanks a lot, Jake.” Kent grumbled as he walked in and gingerly sat down on a hard chair.

“Anytime.” Jake replied. He spooned some lasagna onto his and Angela’s plates and kissed her temple.

“So Jake, I hear that you pretended to be a dog for three days just to be close to Angela.” Raquel said with a grin.

“That’s not exactly what I said.” Angela cut in quickly. Jake just smiled.

“Aww…. What did you call him?” Evan asked.

“Puppy.” Jake answered him before Angela could. The table erupted in laughter and Angela glanced at Jake but he was still just smiling.

“Oh and what a cute little puppy you are.” Kent teased.

Jake shrugged. “Hey, at least she knew I was a boy.”

“Well that was pretty obvious.” Angela stated with a wink.

The laughter that followed was louder than before. Angela became more comfortable after that and the rest of the meal went by quickly.

“Well I’m going to take Angela upstairs and show her where to put her things.” Jake said after they’d finished eating.

“Sounds like fun. Can I come?” A new voice said from the doorway. Angela turned and saw a man standing in the door that looked a lot like Jake only softer somehow.. Less of the rugged sexiness that Jake had and his eyes were bright blue instead of gold.

Angela was about to introduce herself when she heard the growl low in Jake’s throat.

888

(Back off, Lane.) Jake warned his youngest sibling.

(She’s hot, man, in a big boned kind of way. Can I have her when you’re done?) Jake knew his immature brother had no doubt meant it as a joke but Jake was still pissed over Lane’s antics in Jamaica and Lane was well known for his addiction to women. Jake would be damend before Lane got his hands on Angela.

Angela let out a scream as Jake launched out of his chair. He pounced on Lane changing in mid air. Lane changed as well, into a slightly smaller silver wolf. The two quickly became a blur of fur and teeth, though both of them knew that Lane was no match for Jake.

“Boys that’s enough!” Rebecca shouted but Jake was too angry to care.

She jumped in between her sons and slapped Jake across his face. “Snap out of it!” she yelled. “You’re scaring your mate to death.” Both Lane and Jake froze.

(Mate?) Lane repeated. (Oh man I’m sorry.. I didn’t realize.) Jake ignored him and changed back quickly.

He covered himself with his ripped shirt. “Angela I…” Angela held up her hand to cut him off. Jake was panting, sweaty and bleeding and dread filled him when he saw the fear in Angela’s brown eyes as she looked at him. Fear of him.

“Could I get one of you to show me up to my room?” she asked looking at everyone still at the table.

“Sure I’ll take you.” Bethany replied and the two quickly left the room.

Rebecca walked to the hall closet and returned with a pair of sweatpants. “What the world was that about?” she demanded of Jake after he put on the pants and everyone else had made a hasty retreat from the kitchen.

“She’ll hate me now.” Jake answered sadly.

“I don’t know about that but answer my question.” Rebecca urged.

“Lane disrespected her and he disrespected me and I lost it.”

Rebecca sighed with exasperation. “What did your brother say?”

“He asked if he could have a turn with her once I was done. I know I overreacted but given Lane’s history….”

“I know.” Rebecca said. “Go on out for a walk. Calm yourself down and give Angela a little time.” Jake wanted to go to Angela, not take a walk, but even a tough werewolf such as himself knew when to mind his mother. He ran his hand through his hair and walked out the door and into the sunlight outside.

Chapter Seven

“You’re lucky, Angela. Jake really loves you.” Bethany stated as Angela went about unpacking her suitcase.

“What makes you think he loves me?” she asked, her heart skipping at the thought. Neither Jake nor Angela had said those words to each other yet unless you counted Jake’s sound asleep confession in her bed that one night.

“Oh please” Bethany said sitting down on the bed and stretching out her long tan legs. “First there’s the way he looks at you, kisses you, touches you… He loves you.”

“No. I’m just his mate and he….”

“Don’t even. Greg and I are mates but we don’t love each other. It took Jordan and Kent years before they could even stand to be in the same room together. Of course Raquel and Evan were like you and Jake. Love at first sight hence we have the two little munchkins.”

“You really think he loves me?” Angela asked again losing herself in the memories of his kisses and touches and the way he held her every night

“Yes which makes me curious why he hasn’t completely mated to you yet.” Bethany said without thinking. She quickly realized she had just blabbed too much and stood up shaking out her blond mane of hair. “I’ll just leave you to unpack.” she stated, starting for the door.

Angela stood in her way. “What do you mean hasn’t fully mated to me yet?” she asked. “Trust me we’ve mated.”

Bethany laughed. “I have no doubt that you and my brother have done that .” she said, rolling her eyes. “I shouldn’t really be talking to you about this. Jake would kill me if he knew I’d opened my mouth.”

“Too late now. Answer me or I’ll…..” Angela stopped talking realizing she was trying to threaten a werewolf who could probably pull her head off without even breaking a fingernail.

Bethany seemed to realize it too and crossed her long slender arms over her ample chest and smiled. “You’ll what?” she asked.

Angela chewed on her bottom lip for a moment before responding. “I’ll tell Jake.” she warned. She saw the fear that crossed Bethany’s eyes and knew she had found her weak point.

“In order to fully mate there is a certain phrase that you would both have to say while um…. mating . A few tiny steps immediately follow that and then you are fully mated.”

“What happens then? What’s the difference between being mates and being fully mated?”

“Jake should really be the one telling you about this…” Bethany replied uncertainly.

“I wonder how quick Jake would get here if I screamed….” Angela questioned, moving closer to the open window.

“No don’t…” Bethany pleaded. “You pain in the ass little mortal! No wonder Jake loves you. You’re as mean as he is.”

“Why wouldn’t Jake want to tell me about this?” Angela asked.

“Probably afraid of scaring you away.” Bethany replied. “Once you were fully mated you would become immortal. And your life would be completely bound to his and his life completely bound to yours.”

“Meaning?” Angela inquired.

“Meaning that neither of you could live without the other. Once a couple has fully mated they live together and they die together. Frankly that’s why I’ve never fully mated to Greg. I mean I’m fond of him and the sex is great but I could live without him.”

“How dare he keep that from me.” Angela said, ignoring Bethany’s last comment.

“I’ve never seen Jake afraid, Angela, and he’s afraid of this. He’s afraid of losing you. He probably thinks you’ll run away screaming and he’ll never see you again.”

That’s just stupid.“ Angela mumbled.

“He might be a werewolf but he’s also a man and men are stupid.” Bethany replied with a shrug that was somehow elegant. “Please don’t tell Jake I told you all of this. I don’t know if you know this but he has a terrible temper.” With that Bethany left the room.

Angela finished unpacking and changed into a clean pair of blue jeans and pink t-shirt. She pulled her dark hair back into a ponytail and was about to go find Jake when someone knocked on the door.

She opened it with a smile expecting to see Jake standing there but frowned when she saw the man Jake had fought with in the kitchen instead.

“You’re Lane aren’t you?” she asked.

He shot her a toothy grin that she was sure would have charmed many women however she had seen the same grin on Tyler’s face many times so it had the opposite effect on her.

“And you’re Angela. The only person to ever bring out the softer side of my brother.”

Angela looked at his blackened eye, scratched cheek and the blood stains seeping through his buttoned shirt where Jake had torn open his arm. “Doesn’t look like he was very soft with you.” she stated.

“It’ll all heal in a few hours. Jake was blessed with the brute strength of the family. I got all the charm.”

“I was about to go find Jake so if you’ll excuse me…” Angela tried to push past Lane but he stood fast and she couldn’t budge him.

“I wanted to talk to you about earlier.” he informed her, suddenly seeming very serious.

Angela moved away from him and sat down on the edge of the bed. “What is it that you want to say?”

Lane walked into the room and sat in a rocking chair in the corner. “The kitchen was my fault.” he admitted.

Angela was sure, judging by just how uncomfortable he looked doing so, that he didn’t normally admit his fault in things however that didn’t lessen her irritation with him. “I figured as much.” she snapped.

Lane smiled. “Feisty one, huh?” When Angela simply shrugged, Lane sighed. “A long time ago Jake had a girl that he liked. More like a crush I guess you could say and I guess you could also say that I stole her from him. It wasn’t anything too serious I never could stand to see Jake have something that I couldn’t have.”

Angela glared at him with contempt. “You poor baby.”

Lane grinned at the snarl in her voice. “You’ve been around my brother too much.” he said. “You’re picking up his bad habit of growling every time he gets pissed off.”

“Is there anything else you wanted to say?” Angela asked.

“Yes.” Lane replied. “Down in the kitchen I may have said some inappropriate things to Jake about sharing you.”

“Oh yes I can see that you got the charm.”

“I’m sorry.” Lane mumbled. “ I don’t say that very often. I usually live a no regrets kind of life style. But as you can tell by the current state of my face, you mean a lot to my brother. I’ve seen him mad at me before but he’s never attacked me in such a dramatic fashion.

“I want my brother to be happy. He’s had a hard life and deserves some happiness. You seem to give that to him and I hope I didn’t screw things up. He seems to think that you’ll be scared of him now and leave him. Please don’t leave him just because I’m stupid.”

Angela appreciated Lane’s honesty even if she did think he was a spoiled little jerk. She could tell he didn’t normally apologize and she had to respect him for doing this for his brother. “Thank you for being honest with me, Lane, and for apologizing. I have no intention of leaving Jake. As a matter of fact I was on my way to go talk to him.”

“I’ll take you to him.” Lane said happily as he stood up. He held out his arm and Angela stood and wrapped hers through his. Oddly enough, she found that she liked Lane. Sure he was cocky, spoiled and a complete jerk but at least he was honest about it.

He led her outside and down a path in the forest. Angela heard running water and when they rounded the next bend she saw Jake standing beside a tranquil river. He turned at their approach and eyed them both warily.

Angela removed her arm from Lane’s and distanced herself from him.

888

Jake wasn’t sure what to make of seeing Lane and Angela together. On one hand he wanted to run to Angela and take her in his arms but on the other he knew that it was impossible to say what kind of bull his younger brother had been feeding her. She would probably be scared to death of Jake for sure now if Lane had anything to say about it.

“I brought her to you, brother.” Lane bowed deeply, as if he was some great knight completing a mission and then he turned and began to walk away.

(She’s a feisty one brother. I enjoyed her company.) Lane added telepathically so only Jake could hear him.

Jake growled low in his throat and Angela let out an irritated shriek as she picked up a rock and threw it with all of her might. It bounced off the back of Lane’s head with a loud crack.

“Stop talking about me in your damn heads!” she exclaimed angrily. Lane rubbed his head but laughed until he was out of sight.

“It’s sad really.” Angela said turning back to Jake. “The man seems to think he’s charming.”

Jake managed a smile as he stepped toward her and laid a hand on her cheek. “Are we okay?” he asked.

Angela covered his hand with her own. “Of course we are.” she replied. “But we do need to talk.”

Jake nodded and led her to the river bank. Angela took off her shoes and sat down dangling her feet in the water. Jake sat beside her.

“Lane and I talked about you.” Angela said.

Jake sighed and tossed a stone into the water. “Lane likes to talk.” he replied quietly.

Angela smiled. “Yeah, he finds himself to be quite charming. He says you got the brute strength in the family and I have to agree. He looks like he got hit by a bus and you don’t have a mark on you.”

Jake couldn’t help but smile proudly. “Lane, never was much help in a fight.” he said. “So did you want to talk about Lane or was there something else on that beautiful mind?”

“Now who’s being charming?” she asked with a smile.

“I can’t help myself. I feel different when I’m around you. Better.”

Angela shifted uncomfortably and Jake knew it was because she was still getting used to hearing a man say nice things to her. It only made Jake more certain that he should have killed Tyler.

“Lane explained to me that he has a history of stealing your women.” Angela said quietly as she stared down at the rippling river.

Jake shook his head with a laugh. “That was a long time ago and has nothing to do with what happened. Lane is a spoiled, narcissistic ass who has had everything in life handed to him on a silver platter. He is addicted to gambling, liquor, fast cars and faster women.” he said harshly.

“You were worried that he was going to steal me.”

Jake shoved his hand through his hair and shook his head. “Her name was Sophia. I had a crush on her. She was a werecreature, a tiger. Lane saw her and made it his mission to have her. She must not have been as nice a girl as I thought she was because it worked.”

“Did you love her?” Angela asked and Jake smiled. He could smell her jealousy and he wrapped his arm around her shoulders.

“No, Angela. I did not love her.”

“I also talked to Bethany.” Angela whispered so quickly that it took Jake a moment to realize what she had said.

“About me?” he questioned, shifting uncomfortably. Lane’s mouth was annoying but Bethany’s could be downright dangerous.

“Mostly.” Angela sighed. “That’s what I really wanted to talk to you about.”

“What is it, love?”

“She and Greg are mates but they don’t love each other. Kent and Jordan spent years not being able to stand each other..”

“What do you want to know?” Jake asked smoothing her hair from her face. She looked up at him and her brown eyes full of fear and hope.

“Are we just mates, Jake, or is there something more? I mean I know how I feel but you….”

“How do you feel?” Jake asked feeling his heart begin to race. He prayed that she loved him as much as he loved her.

“I love you, Jake. It scares me because I don’t even know how it happened but you mean everything to me.”

Jake felt like his heart would explode. “I love you too.” he answered honestly. “I never thought this would happen to me. Having a mate doesn’t mean you have love but I love you.” Jake kissed her. He tried to show her all his love in that tender passionate kiss.

Angela moaned and pressed her hands against his hard bare chest. She pulled away from him and stood up. He stood too, eyeing her hungrily.

“Are we alone?” she asked. Jake looked around and then back at her.

“Completely.” he replied

She smiled and quickly pulled off her clothes and tossed them aside. “Let’s go for a swim.” she said and waded down into the river, sinking down and letting the cool water cover her breasts. Jake pulled his pants off and followed after her.

He pulled her into his arms and kissed her hungrily. He grabbed her legs and lifted them so she was floating on her back. He eyed her bright pink nipples greedily as they poked through the surface of the water. He moved his mouth across her skin until she was squirming and moaning beneath him.

Angela stood back on her feet and kissed him eagerly. She ran her hands down his chest and stomach until she found him hard and full and ready for her. He growled deep and pulled her arm away.

“You better stop or this will be over a little too quick.”

Angela smiled wickedly. “Maybe we should get started then.” she said.

He pulled her close and she wrapped her legs around his waist. Both of them gasped as he entered her and buried himself deeply within her. They sat there motionless enjoying the closeness.

“I talked to Bethany about something else..” Angela said, her face hidden in his neck.

Jake was thrown off by her words. “Why are we talking about my sister right now?”

“She told me that we aren’t fully mated and explained to me what that means.”

Jake growled and cursed loudly. “I’ll wring her damn neck.” Angela kissed him hard, no doubt to get his attention back on her. Jake was man enough to admit it worked perfectly.

“What do I have to say?” she asked.

He stared hard at her. “For what?” he asked with confusion.

“To be fully mated to you. Bethany said there was something we both had to say.”

“You know what being fully mated means right? You know what you’d be sacrificing?”

Angela sighed and laid her hand on his cheek. “I know exactly what I would be gaining. A life forever with you instead of just the next 60 years or so.”

He smiled. “Did she tell you about the life bond?”

She nodded. “I don’t want to live without you, Jake. If something ever happened to you I would not want to go on.”

“Are you sure about this?” Jake asked. He felt so much happiness in him he thought for sure he would burst.

“I’m sure.” Angela replied. “Now what do I have to say?”

Jake could barely believe that this moment was truly happening. The mortal woman he loved was becoming his mate in every way. He would make sure that she never regretted her decision. “Repeat after me but change the names around.”

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Angela’s body was on fire but her mind was clear and focused on Jake as he continued to speak. “I, Jake, take this woman as my mate. To be eternally bonded to her and only her mind body and soul. My life is hers and hers is mine.” He said speaking quietly but confidently as his golden eyes looked into hers.

Angela was surprised at the simplicity of the words and the feelings they stirred within her. She took a deep breath and repeated just as confidently, “I Angela, take this man as my mate. To be eternally bonded to him and only him mind body and soul. My life is his and his is mine.”

Jake growled and kissed her passionately as his movements inside of her became faster. She bucked her hips hard against him surprised by the amount of uncontrollable passion coursing through her veins. The way they loved one another was wild and animialistic. Jakes golden eyes were filled with fire as he kissed her neck and brought his lips down to her shoulder. Then his teeth sharpened and without warning he sank them deep into her skin.

Angela cried out with a mixture of pain and surprise but that scream quickly turned to one of pure pleasure. Her body seemed to be soaring and she could not hold back her cries of delight as she shouted his name. …

Suddenly without knowing why she had a strong urge to bite him the way he was biting her. Jake pulled his mouth away from her shoulder and looked in her eyes. He nodded when he saw the unspoken question in her eyes and she lost all control of herself and sank her teeth into his shoulder.

She found release as she felt his power flowing into her along with his blood. Jake called her name and jerked and shuddered against her.

They both stilled and Jake carried her back up the bank. He sat her gently on her feet and they dressed in silence.

“Are you okay?” Jake asked.

Angela looked around trying to understand why she suddenly felt so nervous. Then she looked at Jake who was shifting his feet and plucking at a bush and realized she was feeling his emotions. “Why are you nervous and why can I feel it?”

“You can feel my emotions, my pain and my pleasure now that we are fully mated just as I can feel yours. There is a link between us that can be opened and closed. You’ll learn to control it.” he replied. “And I guess I’m nervous because I’m afraid you are going to regret what just happened.”

Angela thought back to the words they had shared, the feel of his teeth sinking into her skin and then she winced when she remembered sinking her teeth into his shoulder. She could still taste his blood in her mouth and feel the fire in her veins.

A glance at Jake’s shoulder revealed that it was already healed. Only a faint scar remained. Angela reached a hand to her own shoulder and realized only a small scar remained there as well.

“You’re immortal now, love, and you share my blood. That means you’ll heal very quickly.” Jake assured her.

She nodded. “Why did I want to bite you so badly?”

He smoothed her hair and kissed her forehead. “It was your body reacting to the wolf in me biting you. It was part of the mating ritual.” Angela thought back and remembered Bethany telling her that after the words there were a few tiny steps. That must have been the tiny steps she was talking about.

“Hold on! Am I a werewolf now?” she asked feeling almost excited.

Jake smiled. “No. You are immortal but other than that unchanged.” Jake laughed at the disappointment on her face.

“Let’s head back before someone comes looking for us.” Angela said looping her arm through his.

“No regrets?” Jake asked as they started down the trail.

“About what just happened?” Angela asked. She could feel his tension and she laid her head on his arm as they walked. “I love you, Jake. You are my one and my only. I will never regret what just happened.” She could feel his tension melt away. “I thought you were a battle hardened tough guy?” Angela said teasingly. “Are you always so nervous around women?”

Jake laughed loudly. “I love you.” he said. “It’s true I’ve been in hundreds of battles but I’ve only been in love once.”

“How do I do that telepathic speech thing.”

“That was a sudden change in topic.” Jake said with a laugh.

“Sorry.” Angela grinned. “But I can do it right?”

Jake smiled at her enthusiasm. “Yes, my love. You are a part of the family now so you can communicate with anyone in my family across long distances. To communicate with any other immortal, you’ll have to be within sight of them.”

(So I just think about who I want to talk to and then what I want to say?) she said without speaking.

(You’re a natural.) Jake replied. Angela beamed with pride.

They walked the rest of the way to the house in a comfortable silence.

“Jake, have you seen your brothers face?” Rebecca demanded as they walked into the large living room.

“Yes, ma’am.” Jake replied sounding almost sheepish.

“You better not ever do that again! Your father did not teach you how to fight so you could beat up your own family.”

Jake kissed the top of his mothers head and Angela watched her anger melt away instantly. “I’m sorry, mom. I won’t attack him again.”

“Good… “ Rebecca was suddenly very quiet as she looked at the two of them. She glanced at the scar on Jake’s shoulder and looked into Angela’s eyes before letting out a loud cry of happiness and throwing her arms around them both. “Oh Jake I am so happy that you’ve finally really settled down!” She turned her attention to Angela. “Welcome to the family, sweetheart.”

Angela felt her eyes fill with tears as she nodded. “Thank you, Rebecca.”

“Well it’s getting late. Why don’t you guys go on upstairs and get some rest?” Rebecca urged.

Jake and Angela happily went up to the bedroom, though sleeping was the last thing on their minds.

888

A month came and went quickly and Angela learned a lot about her new family in that time.

She learned that they were indeed incredibly wealthy but very down to earth and not the least bit uppity or conceited like Tyler had been with all of his money.

Her new family was also very close and charmingly dysfunctional. Angela spent most of her time with Bethany and Raquel and the twins when she wasn’t with Jake. Most of the family worked though it was more simply to fit in with the mortals since none of them needed the money.

Evan and Kent both worked in the nearby town. Evan as a mechanic and Kent as a carpenter. Jordan also worked in town as a secretary at the school that Kaylee and Kaylob attended. Raquel and Rebecca stayed home and took care of the house and the family. Bethany and Greg were runway models and would leave every few days for runway shows in different countries.

Angela discovered that everyone in the family except for the twins, who were eight, was well over one hundred years old. Jake was the oldest of Rebecca’s children and after a lot of prodding he had finally admitted to Angela that he was 257 years old. Despite their true ages every adult in the family was an eternal twenty something because that was when immortals stopped physically aging.

In one of her late night talks with Rebecca, Angela had discovered that Jake’s father, Charles, had refused to fully mate to Rebecca because he felt the life he led was too dangerous and hadn’t wanted her life tied to his. That was why she continued to live after her mate had died.

It didn’t take long for Angela to fall completely in love with her new family and every member in it.

888

One afternoon while Jake and Angela were in the living room watching the twins coloring pictures he kneeled in front of where she was sitting on the couch so they were eye to eye.

“What is wrong with you, love?” he asked with concern. “I’ve been sensing your sadness all day and for the life of me I can’t figure out why you are sad.”

“I’m sorry, Jake. I guess I’m just missing my dad.” Angela replied.

Jake smiled, happy that the problem was something so easy to fix. “We were under his strict instructions to invite him for a visit.”

Angela smiled happily but then frowned again. “If he comes then my mother will come with him–I can’t in good conscious sic her on your unsuspecting family.”

“We’re a family of dangerous immortal werewolves and you’re worried about siccing your mother on us?” he asked raising an eyebrow.

“You’ve met my mother, Jake.” Angela said seriously.

“It’ll be fine, Angela.” Jake said kissing her cheek. “Go in the kitchen right now and give him a call. Tell him where the house is and give him directions to get here. You need to spend time with your family.”

“Is that okay now that I’m immortal? I mean, isn’t there rules against it?” she asked.

“No.” Jake chuckled. “This isn’t like the witness protection program. Technically it’s frowned upon if we werewolves change in front of or attack mortals but there is no rules saying we can’t hang out with them.”

“Oh, Jake, thank you so much!” Angela said happily. She hugged him tightly and ran from the room toward the kitchen.

Evan dodged out of her way and glanced back at her as he walked into the living room.

“What is she so happy about?” he asked Jake.

“She’s siccing her mommy on us.” Kaylee said from the floor. Evan frowned at Jake who laughed.

“Daddy, what does siccing mean?” Kayleb asked.

“It means that Angela’s parents are going to come visit us for a while.” Jake answered.

“You gonna mate Angela in the mortal way? I mean that’s usually what mortal dads want their daughters to do isn’t it? Get married?” Evan asked.

Jake shrugged. “I hadn’t really thought about it and she hasn’t mentioned it….”

“Trust me.. She’s a woman and I’ve been mated and married to one for fifty years now. She has definitely thought about it. Your sister has never been mortal and even she wanted to get married.” Evan said. Jake frowned and left the room to join Angela in the kitchen.

.

Chapter Eight

A week later Jake and Angela were sitting together on the front porch waiting for her parents to pull in. Most of the family was gone to school and work but Rebecca, Raquel, Bethany and Greg were home . Lane had been gone for weeks, but when Angela had seemed concerned, Jake had ensured her that that was perfectly normal for his younger brother, and that Lane was probably off at some casino losing all his money and getting into trouble.

Everyone that was at home had agreed to stay in the house until Angela was ready to introduce them all but Angela was still shaking all over and dreading this moment as much as she was looking forward to it. She was so nervous that her mother was going to insult someone and, although Jake’s family members had much better tempers than he did, they were still wolves and prone to protective and defensive behavior. Unfortunately her mother had a way of pulling that nature out of everyone she met.

“I hear them coming.” Jake said, interrupting the silence, and after a few moments Angela could hear them too. The broken exhaust on her father’s beat up truck was signaling their approach.

Angela rushed off the porch to greet her father as the truck came to a stop in front of the house.

Max got out of the truck and hugged his daughter warmly. “Hello, my Angel.”

“Hi daddy.” she replied. Georgia had yet to get out of the truck. She was staring in slack jawed amazement at the three story log mansion.

Jake walked over and opened her door. “Allow me to help you, Mrs. Walker.” he said holding out his hand. She took it and stepped out of the truck.

“Is this your home?” she asked.

Jake nodded. “One of them.” he replied.

She blinked several times as if trying to comprehend what he was saying. “How many do you have, dear?” she asked putting her hand to her chest.

“A few.” Jake answered.Angela was about to step in before her mother could question Jake further but her father beat her to it.

“Georgia, leave the boy alone” Max said walking over and shaking Jakes hand. “You’ll have to excuse my wife, Jake. We’re just poor folk and we’re not used to seeing such extravagance.” He gestured to the large house.

“Well sir we need the space. I don’t live here alone. My mother lives here along with my 3 sisters and their husbands, my niece and nephew and my brother.”

“Big family.” Max said. Jake nodded.

“It’s wonderful, dad.” Angela cut in. “There is never a dull moment with so many people around.”

“Come on in and we’ll introduce you to everyone that’s home.” Jake said. “I’ll come back out and get your suitcases later.” Angela and Jake led them inside and Angela felt certain her mother was going to have a heart attack as she gaped at all the expensive artwork and decorations throughout the house. They led them to the large kitchen where everyone was sitting around the table.

“Mom, dad, this is Raquel, Bethany, Greg, and Jake’s mom Rebecca.” Angela said pointing to everyone in turn.

“Nice to meet you.” Max said shaking everyone’s hands.

Georgia shook their hands as well and then turned to Angela. “You must feel really out of place here.”

Angela looked at her with confusion. “Why is that?”

“I mean being surrounded by all these beautiful people every day.” Georgia replied and pointed at Bethany. “Especially that one.”

Everyone at the table stared in shock at Georgia. Angela felt the sting of her mother’s words deep, though they weren’t anything new. Her mother had been putting down the way she looked her entire life. She felt Jake’s tension and worked hard to close the link between them so he wouldn’t sense just how badly her feelings were hurt. There was only so much her protective werewolf mate would be able to take.

“What can I say.. I’m just the ugly duckling around here.” Angela replied lightly, hoping to make a joke and ease the tense mood that had taken over the supernatural half of her family.

“You’re beautiful.” Max said to his daughter. “I’m sorry everyone you’ll have to excuse my wife. She’s tired and her back has been giving her trouble so she’s on a new pain medication and I’m afraid it makes her say things that she wouldn’t say normally.”

Angela felt shame fill her. Her father was constantly coming to her mother’s defense when she was high on perscription pills and Angela could tell that right now was one of those times. Angela hated knowing that Jake and his family would no doubt be able to smell what was really wrong with her mother. It had been something that Angela had worked hard to hide from everyone in her life for as long as she could remember.

“Come on you two I’ll show you up to your room while Jake and Greg bring your bags in.” Angela said quickly, hoping to usher her parents out before her mother had the chance to embarass her further. On cue Greg stood and followed Jake out to the car while Angela showed her parents upstairs.

“I’ll just keep your mother up here and let her get a nap until dinner time.” Max whispered to his daughter. “She’ll be much more agreeable after she’s rested some.” Angela knew it wasn’t the truth but she loved her father too much to disagree with him.

“Ok daddy. I’m so glad that you could come visit.” Max kissed his daughters forehead and then closed the bedroom door. Angela didn’t need werewolf hearing to hear the argument that started between her parents as soon as the door was closed.

She walked into the kitchen somehow managing to feel more ashamed. She could no longer hear her mother and father but she had no doubt that her family of werewolves would still be able to hear every word.

She sat down feeling very self conscious. “I’m sorry about them.” she mumbled.

Jake and Greg walked back into the kitchen moments later. “We just left their bags in the hall. Seems they were having a little disagreement and we didn’t want to interrupt.” Greg said.

“I’m sorry I didn’t warn you all about my mother. I guess I just hoped she would behave herself here.”

(Why didn’t you trust me enough to tell me about her drug problem?) Jake demanded softly so only Angela could hear. She saw everyone looking at her and felt her eyes filling with tears.

(Because it’s embarrassing. I love my dad or else I wouldn’t even have a thing to do with the woman.) she replied to Jake alone.

“Who the hell is fighting upstairs and why is Angela crying?” Kent asked walking into the kitchen.

“That would be Angela’s mother and father.. They arrived a few minutes ago and her mother wasn’t feeling well so they went upstairs to rest.” Rebecca replied quickly.

“And Angela’s not crying she has allergies.” Bethany added, tossing her long golden hair over her shoulder.

Kent nodded slowly, clearly not believing either one of them. “Well I’m gonna go out for a run.” he said. “Who wants to join me?” Greg, Raquel and Bethany all stood up.

Angela could feel Jake’s urge to go but he stayed where he was. “Go Jake. I can tell you want to.”

He shook his head. “I won’t leave you like this.” he stated, wiping away a stray tear as it rolled down her cheek.

“I’m fine.” She assured him, amazed that she shivered with pleasure at the feel of his calloused thumb on her cheek given everything that was going on upstairs.

(I cannot leave you so upset.) he whispered in her head.

“She’ll be fine, Jake. I’m here with her and Jordan and the twins will be home soon from school.” Rebecca urged.

“She’s right.” Angela said drying the last of her tears and wiping her hands on her pants with a brave sniffle. “Besides you know how your temper is, love. You need to go out and burn off some steam before you have to put up with her again at dinner.”

This brought chuckles from everyone in the room except Jake who continued to stare at her with those golden eyes that could see straight into her soul. She knew no matter how brave a face she tried to put on he could feel the things that she was feeling and would always know the truth.

(Besides, I know all I have to do is call for you and you will be at my side in a heart beat.) she added silently. Jake kissed her then, obviously not caring that the room was full of onlookers.

Kent laughed loudly. “Oh my god! I didn’t think we’d have to live through all this touchy feely lovey dovey crap again after Raquel and Evan finally settled down but here it is! And from Jake of all people!”

Jake growled and glared at Kent as he stood up. He could still hear Angela’s parents arguing upstairs but it seemed to be winding down. He looked at his mom. “Take care of her.” he ordered. Rebecca nodded and Jake followed everyone else out of the house.

“Come on, Angela.” Rebecca said standing up. “Let’s get some supper ready for this mob.”

888

Supper that night went much more smoothly. Angela noticed that her mom seemed to be on her best behavior and made it through all the new introductions and the meal without offending anymore.

The next day was Saturday and the day dawned with bright sunlight. Angela jumped out of the bed with a scream when a loud gunshot boomed in the backyard.

“What the hell?” Jake growled as he too jumped out of bed and looked out the window.

“What’s going on?” Angela asked.

“It’s Kent, Evan, Greg and your dad. Apparently Kent, Greg and Evan are showing off my gun collection.”

Angela smiled. Her father loved guns. The two of them dressed and walked outside. The whole family was out there and everyone except the men were sitting on the back porch.

“Good morning.” Rebecca said as Angela and Jake walked outside. “Your mother was just telling us stories about you as a little girl.” She added to Angela.

(She seems to be happier this morning.) Raquel added to Angela alone.

(It’s still early.) Angela replied sitting down next to Bethany on a large chaise lounge.

“Jake, my boy!” Max said walking up to the porch with a rifle that even Angela could tell was an antique. “The boys have been showing me your gun collection.. It’s pretty impressive.”

Jake bent and kissed the top of Angela’s head then walked off the porch. “I’ve been collecting for a long time.” Jake replied proudly.

“Not as long as I have and I don’t have near this kind of collection.” Max replied. Jake smiled. “I’m real impressed with this one.” Max said holding the rifle out to Jake who took it and looked it over.

“Yeah it’s a nice one.” Jake replied.

“That’s a M1 Garand.” Max said in awe. “And it looks like it’s been used.” Jake’s eyes took on a faraway look and Angela knew he was seeing visions of the wars he had fought in.

“Yeah, it’s been used.” he said. The men wandered off further into the yard where Angela could see they had set up targets.

“So mom are you still feeling good this morning?” Angela asked .

Georgia smiled at her daughter but it didn’t reach her eyes. “Yes. I needed to talk to you actually. Your father told me not to bring it up but I feel you should know.”

Angela knew her mother was about to start some kind of trouble. She sighed. “Maybe if it’s something bad we should go inside to talk about it.”

“Don’t be ridiculous.” Bethany said running a hand over Angela’s long dark hair. “We’re all family here.”

“Okay.” Angela said. “What is it you want to tell me mom?”

“Abigail has been calling me non stop for the last month worried sick about you.” Georgia said.

Angela shook her head. “Why is that important?”

“She is your best friend, Angela. It isn’t right for you to have just taken off on her like that.” Georgia scolded.

“Didn’t she steal Angela’s boyfriend?” Jordan piped up in her pixie voice.

Georgia barely spared her a glance. “They are not together anymore.” Georgia assured them with a sniff. “Abigail realized that she had made a mistake and so did Tyler. He really loves you, Angela.”

Everyone on the porch looked at Georgia in complete shock. The twins looked at Georgia and then back at Angela. “But uncle Jake loves Angela. He tells her so all the time. I guess he hasn’t heard about cooties.” Kaylee said sweetly, before going back to braiding her doll’s hair. Kayleb nodded in agreement and went back to painting his model car.

“Perhaps we should leave the two of you alone to talk about this.” Rebecca said standing up. “We’ll just go down and watch the men.” And with that Angela and Georgia were alone on the porch.

“Mom, what are you doing? I love Jake and I love this family and you need to understand that.” Angela warned.

Georgia gave a wave of her hand. She reached into her purse and pulled out a prescription bottle and popped several pills into her mouth taking a sip of water to wash them down.

“I thought you were feeling better.” Angela said looking at everyone in the backyard and hoping they hadn’t seen her mother drugging herself.

“My back bothers me, Angela. I have to have medicine for it.” Georgia said defensively. “Now back to Abigail and Tyler–I spoke to Tyler and he has found you a job. You know how he is friends with all the biggest stars in Hollywood? Well he knows that you wanted to work in the magazine industry and he got you a job with a magazine as an interviewer! You would be interviewing all the biggest stars!” Georgia said unable to hide her excitement.

Angela just sat there looking at her mother and shaking her head in disbelief. Had it really only been a few months ago when she had had those kind of dreams? It seemed a lifetime ago now. She was perfectly content right where she was.

“I’m not interested.” she said. Georgia gave her daughter a look of complete disgust.

“Come now, Angela! How long do you really think that this Jake character will be satisfied with you? You are a sweet girl, but you are not a prize in the looks department, and Tyler has even said he is willing to pay for you to have weight loss surgery since none of the diets seemed to work for you.”

Angela couldn’t hold back her laughter. She laughed until tears were flowing from her eyes and her mother sat there staring at her as if she’d lost her mind.

“He loves you, Angela, please take him back.” Georgia pleaded trying to be heard over Angela’s laughter. Angela simply laughed harder.

“What did he do mom? Tell you that if you managed to get me to take him back he would buy you a house or a car or something?” Angela hiccupped and this just made her laugh harder still. Her sides were aching but she couldn’t seem to stop. She finally managed to calm herself and wiped her face.

“Mom, I want you to listen to me very carefully, okay?” Angela said moving closer to Georgia and looking into her eyes.

Georgia glared at her but nodded.

“Tyler is an immature, egotistical prick who never did treat me like I was worth a damn…”

“He just wanted you to lose weight…”

“Shut-up, you’re not listening.” Angela snapped. She was growing angry now, though she wasn’t sure if all the anger was hers or if Jake had been listening to the conversation and she was feeling his temper. Georgia’s mouth snapped shut.

“I don’t understand why you are not happy for me. The only reason I stayed with Tyler as long as I did was because you convinced me I could never do any better. Well guess what, mom, I found better. Jake is an amazing man and he loves me just the way I am.. I don’t have to change for him.

“I figured you would be jumping for joy knowing what a gold digging conniving pain in the ass you are that Jake is rich. He has more money than Tyler could ever dream of having! And I finally have a family. I love daddy but he will always pick you over me no matter what kinds of hell you put me through. But here I have a family. I have sisters and brothers and you know what? I even have a mother who doesn’t drown herself in pills and vodka. Who doesn’t tell me that the only way I’ll ever amount to anything is if I lose weight and get a nose job! I have a great niece and nephew that I love almost as if they were my own kids.” Angela took a breath then.

She had never seen her mother look more confused, shocked or angry in her entire life. “I am your mother, little girl.” Georgia hissed quietly. Angela shook her head.

“Then start acting like it. Be happy for me.” Angela said.

“I can’t! Not when I know you are making a mistake. Abigail told me what a freak Jake is. She told me what happened to Tyler that night.” Georgia hissed. “Abigail said these people are monsters. That they are not human.”

It was Angela’s turn to look shocked. She glanced down into the yard but if anyone had heard her mother they gave no indication. “And why would Abigail think that?”

“She said Jake started to change right in front of her. I’m not sure I believe in werewolves or vampires or whatever she said he is but I have no doubt that he’s dangerous. He scared poor Tyler and Abigail to death.”

Angela saw that her mothers eyes were starting to glaze over and she was starting to weave back and forth in her seat. She knew the drugs were starting to fog her mind and she would pass out soon. That must be why Georgia was speaking so freely about Jake being unhuman.

“That’s crazy talk, mom. Tyler said some rude things to me and Jake overreacted but no one started to change into anything. Let me help you up to bed so you can rest.”

“I’m fine.” Georgia said. She tried to stand but her legs wobbled and she would have fallen back down if two strong arms hadn’t suddenly grabbed her. Angela managed a small smile at Jake who had caught her mother.

“Don’t touch me, freak.” Georgia mumbled through her drugged haze.

Jake carried her into the house and up to the room that she and Max had been using. Angela followed close behind. He laid her down in the bed and then left the room while Angela covered her mother up. Georgia was already asleep when Angela joined Jake back outside on the porch.

“You okay?” he asked wrapping his arms around her.

Angela nodded leaning into his chest and taking comfort in his strength and warmth. “She was high, Jake. She won’t remember a single word of that conversation when she wakes up.” Angela said.

Jake kissed the top of her head as he held her close. “I know. That’s why I held my temper.” he said. “What I really wanted to do was throw the bitch off my property and out onto her ass.”

“You held your temper? That must be a first for you.” Angela teased, pulling away and looking up at him.

He smiled back down at her. “I know how much your father means to you, love. I would never do anything to come between the two of you.” he said. “Do you really think Tyler and Abigail are split up and he is begging for you back?”

“No.” Angela replied. “But I don’t think he wants me to be happy with you either. He would tell any story he had to, to get me to leave you and then he’d laugh once I was alone and lonely again.”

(You will never be alone and lonely again.) Bethany’s voice came to her.

(Nope you’ve got us now.) Jordan added.

(Welcome to the peanut gallery.) Kent added.

Angela smiled happily. (Thanks you guys. I love all of you so much,)

“Hey Angela!” Kent yelled from down in the yard.

“What?” she yelled back.

“Your dad here keeps telling us what a crack shot you are but I don’t buy it!” Angela and Jake walked down into the yard to join everyone.

“Where is your mother?” Max asked.

“She wasn’t feeling well so she went to lay down.” Angela replied.

“Aunt Angela, can you really shoot as good as Mr. Walker says you can?” Kayleb asked in a voice full of doubt.

“I’m not sure.” she answered crouching down to his level. “How good did he say I am?”

“Really good.” Kayleb said.

“Can you really shoot a gun?” Jake asked looking just as doubtful as Kayleb had sounded.

Angela put her hands on her hips and smiled innocently. “Daddy, hand me that damn gun.” she said. Max chuckled and handed the gun to his daughter. She grabbed it and put it to her shoulder.

“Jake’s got other guns, Angela.. Ones that don’t kick quite so hard.” Evan said.

Angela ignored him and took aim at the targets. They had lined up cans on the old wooden fence about forty yards away. Angela grinned and emptied the gun so quickly that everyone barely had time to realize she was shooting.

“Well I’ll be damned.” Kent said. Every can had been knocked off the fence. Not a single shot had missed.

“I didn’t think you could get any sexier….” Jake said staring at Angela who was holding the gun in one hand and looking very proud with her other hand on her hip. “I was wrong.”

Max cleared his throat and Jake looked over at him.“I’m sorry sir.” he said quickly.

Max smiled. “That’s’ alright son.” he said slapping Jake on the back.

“Wow.” Kayleb said seeming awestruck. “You are good.”

“Thank you.” Angela said handing the gun back to her dad.

“Angela, Jake has invited me to go out four wheeling today.” Max said taking his daughter aside. “The boy has guns, fourwheelers and he even knows all about military history.”

Angela laughed at her father’s enthusiasm knowing how big of a history buff he was. “Are you going with him?” she asked.

“Of course I am.. And let me tell you Angel you better marry that boy soon or I’ll marry him myself! He’s a dream come true.” Angela laughed and hugged him tightly.

888

Jake smiled as he watched his mate bonding with her father and then Evan’s voice was in his head. ( I told you so.

They all want marriage.)

(I’ve already got that planned out.) Jake replied.

“Well come on then, Mr. Walker. Let’s head out on a ride.” Jake said.

Max nodded. “Anybody else want to come?” he asked. Before anyone could say yes Jake cut in.

“No!” he exclaimed then looked around at everyone uncomfortably. “Everybody already has plans for the day.”

(What are you up to?) Angela demanded.

(Don’t worry about it.) Jake snapped.

(You’ve never lost your temper with me before.) she said softly and walked off toward the house. Jake didn’t have a chance to follow her because Max had already put his arm around him in a fatherly way and was leading him toward the large garage.

(Angela’s pissed at me.) Jake said to his mom. (Please remind her that I love her.) Rebecca nodded but didn’t reply and then followed Angela into the house.

888

Angela didn’t know what wrong with Jake but he hadn’t spoken to her since returning from the ride with her father. Max kept whistling happily and would smile any time his eyes met Angela’s.

Georgia still hadn’t come out of her room and Angela was glad for that at least. She and Rebecca had been hard at work cooking a feast for dinner. They were just setting the roasted turkey on the table when Jake came into the kitchen.

“Dinner is ready!” Angela shouted out, ignoring his presence.

Jake wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tight. “I love you.” he said.

“You’ve had a funny way of showing it all day.” Angela replied but she could feel her anger melting away at his touch. Their conversation ended as everyone else came crowding into the kitchen.

“Should someone go get Mrs. Walker?” Greg asked as everyone began piling food onto their plates.

“Let her rest.” Max replied.

The meal was just as loud as every other meal was in the mansion. Everyone talking all at once. Silverware and dishes clanging and banging. Everyone was finishing up when Jake stood and tapped his spoon against his glass several times. Everyone became silent and looked at him.

He turned and looked at Angela. She looked in his golden eyes and saw love, happiness but also nerves. She wondered what he could possibly be nervous about. Then he dropped to one knee beside her and she felt her heart pause for several long beats.

“Angela Walker, you are the most amazing woman that I have ever known. I have been all over the world and I have seen a lot of beautiful things but never anything that compares to you,” He paused here and pulled a small velvet box from his pocket.

“I want to spend every second for the rest of my life making you as happy as you’ve made me these past few months. I love, Angela. Will you marry me?” He opened the box and Angela nearly fell out of her chair. The ring was gorgeous. The white gold band had beautiful diamonds inlayed all around it and the center stone was a huge yellow diamond that was so dark it was golden and nearly matched the color of Jakes’ eyes perfectly.

“Of course I will Jake” Angela said with a happy laugh. Jake slid the ring onto her finger and pulled her up into his arms and hugged her tight. He leaned down and kissed her softly as everyone at the table clapped and congratulated them.

“Oh my God my baby girl is getting married!” Georgia declared coming into the kitchen. Angela moaned and turned to look at her. “So when is the wedding going to be?”

“As soon as your daughter wants it to be.” Jake replied. Georgia smiled happily at him and Angela knew then that she had no memory of their earlier conversation.

“I knew you’d snag you a rich one in the end! Let me see that ring!” Angela held her hand out as Georgia came around the table.

“I would marry Jake even without the ring. I happen to be very much in love with him.”

“Of course you are, sweetie. But a beautiful ring never hurts!” Angela just sighed and kissed Jake happily.

Chapter Nine

“So when is this wedding going to be?” Georgia asked the next morning.

“Whenever Angela wants it to be.” Jake replied without looking out from under the hood of the truck.

It was raining and most everyone was in the house but Evan, Jake and Max were in the garage working on Max’s old chevy truck that was refusing to start. Kayleb was handing them tools when they asked for them and feeling very much like one of the men and Angela and Georgia were sitting in lounge chairs watching them work and reading magazines.

“Kayleb get me a 5/8ths wrench.” Jake said. Kayleb ran to the tool box and after a second of digging around and biting his tongue in concentration he grabbed a wrench and ran over putting it in Jake’s greasy outstretched hand.

“Well your father won’t have any vacation time available for a while.” Georgia stated.

“Don’t worry about that, dear. I will make time for my only daughters wedding.” Max said, looking up from the truck.

“Why don’t you try to start it again, Mr. Walker.” Jake urged coming out from under the hood. Max walked around and turned the key but despite sputtering several times the engine refused to come to life.

“I think all that’s left to do is get a new truck.” Evan said slamming the hood down.

“I think you’re right, daddy.” Kayleb said putting his hands on his hips.

Max chuckled. “I’ve had old Betsy here for over 40 years. I’ll get her running again.”

“When do you guys have to head back?” Jake asked Max.

“Day after tomorrow I’m afraid. I wish I could stay longer but I gotta get back to work.”

“Tomorrow works for me.” Jake said. He walked around the truck and stood in front of Angela. “Does tomorrow work for you?”

Angela looked up from her magazine and her mouth suddenly went very dry. Jake was sweaty and greasy and oh so delicious looking. His face was smeared with black. His dark hair was an unruly mess. His sweaty shirt clung to every rock solid muscle of his chest and stomach..His toned arms were tight and gleaming beneath the grease and sweat that covered them.

Angela felt as if her heart was going to blow up in her chest if she didn’t get her pulse to calm down. She wanted him and she wanted him now. Jake seemed to pick up on her thoughts and his eyes turned into molten lava as he looked at her.

“What.. Uh.. What did you say?” she managed to ask.

Jake grinned mischeviously at her. “Does tomorrow work for you?”

“For what?” Angela asked forcing her eyes to look just above his shoulder at the wall behind him.

“Our wedding”

“So soon!” Georgia demanded. She had seemed happy about the couples engagement moments ago but suddenly she looked frightened and worried and not at all happy.

“You said yourself that Mr. Walker won’t have any vacation time left and I know that Angela is going to want him to walk her down the aisle. I don’t see any reason to wait.” Jake reasoned with her.

“Oh my! I’m not feeling very well. I think I need to go lie down” Georgia exclaimed. She ran out into the rain and to the house. Angela watched her and then turned back to look at her father. He shrugged and raised the hood of the truck.

“What do you say?” Jake asked.

(I say you look entirely too sexy right now for me to think clearly.)

He grinned and reached his finger out laying a streak of grease across her cheek. (There now we match.) He winked at her and she smiled. Max looked at Evan

“I swear sometimes it’s like they are talking to each other without ever saying a word.” he said. Evan shrugged and buried his head back under the hood of the truck.

888

Georgia locked the bedroom door and pulled out her cell phone. Tyler was not going to be happy about this. He had told Georgia that she was to get Angela to leave Jake and come back to him. But how on earth was she supposed to do that? Her daughter would have to be crazy to leave such a rich, attractive man who obviously loved her.

She remembered Abigail and Tyler telling her that Jake was not human. That he was some kind of monster of the night that needed to be destroyed but she thought that was complete nonsense. She didn’t even believe that Jake was dangerous anymore. He seemed to genuinely care about Angela even though Georgia had no idea why he would.

She dialed Tyler’s number and waited nervously for him to answer.

“Hello, Georgia, darling! Calling with good news I hope.” Tyler’s voice came over the phone.

Georgia sighed. “I’m afraid not. Tyler they are getting married tomorrow. She seems to really love him and he seems to really love her.”

“You do remember me telling you about what he is don’t you Georgia? Do you think Angela would still love him if she knew the truth?”

“You know I think that story you told me was made up.” Georgia said as she opened her pill bottle and put several bright colored pills into her hand. She popped them in her mouth and swallowed them dry.

“Did you tell Angela what I told you to tell her?” Tyler asked.

“Of course I did but like I said before she really seems to be in love with him.”

“If you are incapable of getting her to leave him for me then find a way to get her out in the woods without him with her tonight and I will take care of everything.”

“You won’t hurt her will you?” Georgia asked.

“I’m not paying you half a million dollars to hear you ask me foolish questions like that. Now get her there.”

Georgia buried her face in her hands as she flipped her phone closed. She had to think of a plan and quick or else she would lose out on half a million dollars.

She didn’t really give much thought to breaking her daughter’s heart. Angela was a tough girl and would be fine. Besides she would have Tyler to take care of her.

888

“Dammit!” Tyler yelled as he threw his phone across the room. It shattered against the far wall. “It looks like we’re going to have to do this the hard way.”

He looked around at the dark basement full of sub demons and smiled. “Seems Angela really does love that dog. I had hoped she’d leave him and come back to me and then when he followed her I’d be able to pay him back for his threats but seems I’m going to have to force her to come back.”

“You’re a monster.” Abigail said from the corner where she was currently chained to the wall.

“No, my love, if I was a monster you would already be dead.” Tyler said

After Abigail had told him her suspicions about Jake, Tyler had used his connections to get in touch with a rogue vampire named Devon who had been more than happy to tell Tyler everything he needed to know about werewolves. Their strengths and their weaknesses. Tyler looked over at Devon who was sitting in the shadows.

Tyler had gathered his own small group of sub demons who were loyal to him thanks to the large sums of money he paid them.

He would have his revenge on Jake for all the insults and the threats, and for making him look like a fool! And he would have his revenge on that bitch Angela for choosing a dog over him!

A groan came from the silver cage in the darkest corner of the basement.

“Hello there, my little puppy friend.” Tyler said walking over to the cage.

The werewolf glared up at him from inside. “What do you….want from..me?” The wolf’s voice was weak. He had been in this cage for weeks. No food, little water and being trapped in this silver cage had taken it’s toll on him. Tyler loved how easily wolves were controlled. Surround them with silver and they were helpless. They couldn’t use their minds to communicate with their families and beg for help.

“I always wanted a pet.” Tyler replied sitting down in a chair next to the cage.

“Leave me alone and go fuck yourself.” the wolf said, turning his back on Tyler. Tyler reached his hand through the bars and grabbed him by the back of his neck. He squeezed until the wolf yelped in pain.

“I want to cause your brother and Angela the most pain I can, Lane. That’s why I’ve kept you and Abigail alive all this time. I want them to see me kill you both. I want Angela to see how foolish it was to choose your flea ridden brother over me and I want your brother to see how stupid he was to threaten me.”

“You’re not only a monster, you’re crazy.” Abigail spat from the other corner. Tyler strode quickly across the room and slapped her hard across the face. Lane growled and threw himself against the bars of the tiny cage.

“Don’t you like it when I hit her pup?” Tyler asked, grabbing Abigail by her hair and pulling her to her feet.

Tyler laughed as Lane roared with rage, clearly wanting to change but unable to do so in that cage. Tyler shook his head and tossed Abigail back down to the ground.

He turned his attention to the vampire standing in the corner, watching the scene with boredom in his eyes. “Devon, take three subs with you and go get my woman.”

888

Jake’s sisters and Rebecca had been thrilled when Angela had told them that the wedding was going to be the next evening. They had kidnapped Angela and were currently picking her brain and making lists of all the things they were going to need.

“It can just be simple.” Angela said feeling overwhelmed by all the talk of flowers, food, cake, dresses. Her head felt like it was spinning.

“Nonsense.” Rebecca said.

“You tamed our brother. Settled him down. There is nothing simple about that.” Raquel added as she tapped her pen against her lip.

“What kind of flowers do you like?” Bethany asked.

Angela shrugged. “I really had never thought about wedding details…”

“Every little girl dreams about their wedding.” Rebecca cut in.

“Angela was never a little girl.” Georgia said with a chuckle. Six sets of eyes glared at her and she shifted uncomfortably in her chair.

“Angela, there are beautiful wildflowers all over in these woods. Why don’t you and I go out and find some for your bouquet.” Georgia asked.

“Are you sure you want to go out picking flowers?” Angela asked raising an eyebrow. “That doesn’t seem like your kind of thing.”

“How many times is my only daughter going to get married?” she asked her eyes wide and innocent. “I want to do this with you.” Angela sighed.

“Alright mom.” she said. Kaylee stood up jumping up and down.

“I want to come too!” she said excitedly.

“No!” Georgia snapped then she forced a smile when she saw how everyone glared at her. “I mean I was hoping to spend some quality time with just my daughter.”

“You can come, Kaylee. I know how good you are at finding the prettiest flowers.” Angela said running a hand through Kaylee’s red curls.

(Will you be okay out there?) Rebecca asked privately.

(Of course. She’s a pain in the butt for sure but she’s not dangerous.) Angela replied, smiling comfortingly at her overprotective werewolf mother.

“Alright. You guys go and have fun. We’ll take care of everything else we can and then tomorrow morning we’ll go dress shopping!” Bethany said happily. Angela forced a smile even though dress shopping sounded like her idea of hell.

888

“Look how pretty this one is!” Kaylee said running up to Angela, her red curls bouncing with every step.

“Yes it is beautiful baby girl!” Angela said taking the flower and watching Kaylee run off to find more.

“You’re awfully quiet.” Angela said looking over at her mother.

Georgia kept glancing around the woods nervously.“Sorry darling. I’m just excited for tomorrow is all.”

Angela was about to reply when she suddenly felt eyes watching her. She turned and saw a man walking through the forest toward her. He stayed in the shadows and his skin was pale as snow. Angela knew right away he was a vampire.

“Who are you and what do you want?” she demanded trying to keep the fear out of her voice. Her eyes darted around the forest looking for Kaylee but she didn’t see her.

(Kaylee hide! Do not come back to me until I tell you it’s safe!) she warned the girl silently. The vampire didn’t respond to Angela’s question. He stood there staring at her. Angela looked over at her mother.

“Mom stay calm. I will figure out what he wants.”

“She already knows what I want.” the vampire said in a low soothing voice.

“Who are you?” Angela demanded.

“Tyler sent me.” he replied with a smile. Angela shivered at the evil she saw in his face. She looked at her mom again and saw that she was standing with her head lowered.

“Mom, what is going on?” Angela demanded. She still didn’t see Kaylee anywhere and she prayed the girl had listened to her.

“We have been sent by a Tyler Davenport to bring you back to him.” the vampire spoke up when Georgia remained silent.

“We?” Angela asked. Three more men seemed to materialize out of thin air on each side of Angela. She was so frightened she couldn’t even manage a scream. These men looked like walking corpses. They were covered in sores and wounds. Their hair was stringy and long and they smiled at her with rotten teeth.

They grabbed onto Angela roughly and held her in place. Angela kicked and clawed but if she hurt any of them they didn’t show it.

“What the hell is going on?” Georgia demanded with genuine fear in her voice. “Tyler told me he would be here! What the hell are you people?”

Devon pulled a syringe full of clear liquid from his pocket and strode toward Angela.

(Jake! Jake help me! Tyler…..) Angela couldn’t finish because Devon stuck the syringe deep into her throat and she fell quickly into unconsciousness.

888

Devon turned on Georgia and began to stalk toward her.

“What are you doing?” she gasped stepping back. She tripped on a root and fell down hard on her back. Devon was atop her then. He lowered his head to her neck.

“No! What are you doing!?” she screamed.

“Killing you, my dear.” Devon replied and sank his fangs deep.

888

(Jake! Jake help me! Tyler….)

Jake raised up so quickly at the sound of Angela’s screams in his mind that he nearly took the hood off of the truck with his head. Blood began pouring from the gash he’d opened but he didn’t notice.

“What the hell.. Boy you’re hurt!” Max exclaimed. Jake didn’t say anything, just took off at a run to the house. He ran into the living room where his sisters and mother were still list making. Angela was not there.

“Where is Angela?” he demanded as Max and Evan came into the room behind him.

“What happened to you?” Rebecca asked, standing and trying to touch the wound on his head. He knew he must look horrible covered in sweat, grease and blood but he didn’t care.

“Where is Angela?” he growled as he swatted her hand away.

“She went flower picking in the woods with Georgia and Kaylee.” Raquel answered as she went to Evan’s side.

“Something is wrong. She screamed at me for help.. I have to find her.” Jake said.

“I didn’t hear anyone scream.” Max said. “What is going on?”

Jake growled and turned on him. “I have a feeling your wife would know!” he said his gold eyes flashing with fire. Max took a step back, his eyes widening with fear. Clearly he had finally realized that Jake was not entirely human and that his daughter’s fiance’ was dangerous.

Jake didn’t waste time talking anymore he ran from the house and into the woods. (Angela, where are you?) he shouted desperately. She didn’t answer him. He couldn’t pick up on her emotions. Where was she?

(I’m coming with you!) Evan said as he ran out of the house and joined Jake.“ My daughter was with her.“ he added aloud. Jake nodded and they both changed quickly and started the search. They could both smell the death in the air as they came into a small clearing. Jake walked over to the body and saw that it was Georgia. Her mouth was open in a silent scream as her eyes stared at him seeing nothing.

(Georgia’s dead but I don’t sense Angela anywhere.) Jake said.

(Kaylee! Kaylee, it’s daddy honey where are you?) Evan said and Jake could hear the panic in his voice. A whimper came from a nearby tree and Evan quickly ran to it changing back to a man as he went.

He pulled his daughter out of the hollow tree and scooped her into is arms cradling her crying body against his chest.

“What happened, baby girl?” Evan asked sensing Jake’s fear and frustration.

“That vampire killed Miss Georgia.” Kaylee whispered against his chest.

“I know, baby….” he said looking at Jake.

Jake changed back and walked over to them. “Where is Angela?” He growled.

“Calm down, Jake. She’s just a kid.”

“Dammit I know that but I need to know where Angela is! She won’t answer me when I try to contact her.”

“Tyler Davenport.” Kaylee said. “The vampire said something about Tyler Davenport. I’m sorry I didn’t help Aunt Angela but she told me to hide and not come out”

“Who all was here? I smell more than a vamp.” Evan stated as Jake began to pace angrily.

Kaylee wrinkled her nose. “Nasty looking men. They were stinky.”

“Subs.” Jake and Evan said in unison.

The rest of the familiy came running into the clearing.

“Why are you all naked and what the hell is going on?” Max managed to gasp as he put his hand on his knees and tried to catch his breath. Then he caught sight of his wife on the ground.

“Georgia!” he yelled. He ran to her and fell to his knees next to her. His eyes went to the two tiny marks on her neck and looked up at Jake with tears in his eyes.

“What happened to my wife?” he asked his voice breaking. Jordan threw a pair of sweatpants to Evan and Jake who quickly put them on. Raquel took Kaylee into her arms.

“I have to find Angela.” Jake said. He closed his eyes and tried to focus on the vamp. He had learned how to track from his father and though it had been years since he’d done it. It came back to him easily. His mind followed the vamps energy back to a warehouse in the small town where he had met Angela.

“I know where she is.” Jake said opening his eyes.

“Let us help you.” Kent said ready for a fight.

“No.” Jake growled. “This is my mate and my fight. I will kill that son of a bitch for thinking he could take her from me.” Without another word Jake vanished.

Chapter Ten

Angela hurt all over. She didn’t open her eyes but knew she was lying on a damp, dirty concrete floor. She was naked. The room was dark. She couldn’t seem to concentrate her mind enough to call out for Jake. Whatever sedative the vamp had given her had been strong.

She opened her eyes slowly, blinking several times. She was going to try again to contact Jake but then she heard her name whispered from the corner.

She tried to move but realized her arms were chained together and her feet were locked in chains that were anchored to the solid concrete floor.

“Who’s there?” she whispered. Her eyes began adjusting to the darkness and she could see a cage in the corner. Blue eyes looked back at her.

“It’s your charming brother-in-law of course.” Lane managed weakly. Angela gasped. Lane looked horrible. He was naked, pale and dirty.. His face was covered in a beard and he was horribly thin.

“Lane what is going on?” she asked. She tried to hold her arms in front of herself to hide her nakedness.. It was cold in this basement and she was already shivering.

“You have a crazy ex boyfriend who has decided to come back at you and my big brother for revenge.”

“Tyler. But how did he get you?”

“Seems he has a vamp helping him. I was gambling one night and the vamp attacked me. I was a little drunk or else I’m sure I could have fought him off. Anyway, he knocked me out with something in a needle and when I woke up I was here. That was a few weeks ago I guess.”

“Weeks? But how did they know who you are?”

“I brag about having Jake Collins as a brother. It helps with the ladies.”

“Angela, is that you?”

“Abigail?” Angela looked over to another corner and saw Abigail. She was chained to the wall and her red dress she was wearing was covered in dirt and grime. Her long blond hair was a giant rats nest atop her head.

“Are you okay? Tyler has gone crazy. I tried to leave I wanted to warn you but he chained me up.”

(Angela. Angela, love can you hear me?) Angela nearly cried out with joy when she heard Jake’s deep voice in her head.

(Jake! Oh my god, Jake, it’s Tyler. He’s gone crazy.)

(It’s going to be okay ,sweetheart. I won’t let him hurt you.) Jake assured her wishing suddenly that he was a better liar because he was sure she would hear the uncertainty in his tone. (I know where you are and I’m coming for you.)

(It’s not just me. He has Lane and Abigail trapped in here too.)

(Lane! Why is Lane there?)

(Something about Tyler wanting to get back at you. Tyler has a vampire working for him and some other kind of people. I don’t know how many.)

(Why won’t Lane answer me when I try to contact him?) Angela looked over at Lane and it was then that she noticed the cage was not made of steel but of silver.

(Silver cage.) she replied. (And he’s been here for weeks, Jake. He doesn’t look very good.)

(Just hang in there, love. I’m going to get you out of there. Tell Lane I’ll save his worthless ass too. I love you, Angela.) Jake cut off the link finding it was the hardest thing he had ever done.

“Jake is coming.” Angela said to Lane. “He said he’ll save your worthless ass too.” Lane smiled and Angela could see some of the old charm.

“I’m so glad to hear that you pup is coming.” Tyler said walking through the door. He was followed by five of those nasty men.

“He’ll kill you, Tyler.” Angela spat. “You messed with the wrong puppy.” Tyler threw his head back and laughed.

“I have some of the best protection money can buy.” he said. Then he held up a gun. “And I have this. I know that regular silver bullets won’t kill a werewolf but do you think that these tiny capsules full of melted silver will weaken him so much that he can’t defend himself? Once that silver enters his blood stream, well he’ll be as helpless as a newborn pup.”

Angela felt her blood run cold. She stood and spit at Tyler as he walked to her.

“You’ve learned bad manners living with those freaks.” he said. “ I love you, Angela, why can’t you just come back to me?“

“Jake is my mate you son of a bitch.” she said her voice full of fire as she threw her hair back and glared at him. He looked away from her face and at her shoulder and the pale scar that still shown there. His eyes turned cold with rage.

“What the hell is that?” he demanded grabbing her arm and yanking her toward him. One of the subs walked forward.

“They are fully mated. That means…..” Tyler raised his hand for silence.

“I know what that means. That means that once I kill his flea ridden ass you will die too.. Too bad. I was really hoping we could have a future together.”

“We have no future Tyler.. But it’s not because I’m going to die.. Its’ going to be you that ends up begging for his life before this is over.”

“You have fire now. You’re not that whining, crying pain in the ass you used to be.” Tyler said. Then his voice took on a feminine quality as he mocked her.

“ Tyler, don’t leave me. I promise I can lose weight. Oh Tyler, why don’t you want to make love to me? Tyler please. Please Tyler. You were always so pathetic..“

“I won’t beg you for anything.” Angela said fighting back the tears of pain at his harassment.

“You will though, Angela.. You will beg before this is over.”

Tyler walked over to Abigail who was cowering on the floor. He yanked her up by her hair.

“You must still have some love for your best friend.” he said as he unlocked the chains holding her and dragged her over to stand just out of Angela’s reach.

Angela felt her heart constrict at the sight of her friend. She realized that she did still love Abigail. She didn’t even care that Abigail had betrayed her now. It seemed like such an insignificant event after all that had happened to her in the last few months.

“You don’t have to hurt her.” Angela said. “Hurt me, Tyler. That’s what you want.” Abigail’s eyes widened in surprise at her words.

“Oh but hurting her will hurt you.” he said and without warning he punched Abigail hard. Abigail fell to the ground in a sobbing heap. Angela pulled against the chains holding her feet but it was no use. She glanced over at Lane but he had his back to them.

Angela watched helplessly as Tyler kicked and punched Abigail again and again. Finally he yanked her back to her feet by her long blond hair. Angela saw that Abigail was barely conscious. Her face was a mess of bruises, welts and blood.

“Abigail, I’m so sorry.” Angela said no longer holding back her tears. “Tyler, stop hurting her. She has nothing to do with this.”

“Do you hear that, Abigail? Angela the fat ass slut doesn’t want me to hurt you anymore.” Tyler said. “As she wishes.” Without blinking an eye Tyler wrapped his arms around Abigails neck and head and twisted. Angela heard her neck snap and let out a scream as Abigail’s lifeless body fell to the floor at her feet.

“You stupid son of a bitch! What the hell is wrong with you! You don’t even love me! Why are you doing this?” Angela demanded.

“I will not let that freak have you. You chose a dog over me! He humiliated me and threatened me. I am a powerful man, Angela. You and your pup need to learn that.” Tyler reached a finger out and ran it down Angela’s cheek. Angela heard a low growl come from the cage in the corner and saw Lane looking at Tyler murderously but she knew he was helpless to come to her rescue.

She narrowed her eyes and turned her head suddenly biting down hard on Tyler’s finger. She tasted blood and smiled as he yanked his hand away from her, cursing loudly.

“You stupid bitch!” he said and slapped her hard. She held back any sound of pain and just turned back to smile at him again.

“Enjoy your power while you can, Tyler. Because as soon as my mate gets here all hell is going to break loose and it’s going to come raining down on your head.” Tyler glared at her and then turned and walked quickly out of the room his men followed him.

Angela fell to her knees and stared into Abigails lifeless eyes. She sobbed silently and prayed that Jake would get there in time.

“Lane, how many men does Tyler have working for him?” she asked finally.

“Around 30 sub demons and that Vampire. His name is Devon.. He’s fairly young as far as vamps go.” Angela tried not to let her fear show in her voice.

“Can Jake…” she couldn’t even finish the question but Lane knew what she wanted to hear.

“Jake is the most powerful were creature alive.” He said knowing it was the truth. “He knows how to handle himself in a fight.” Also the truth. “And we’re all going to get out of this fine.” He prayed he was right about that last part.

888

Jake crept silently along the outside wall of the warehouse. He could sense Angela inside and he could sense Lane. He could also sense quite a few subs, the vamp from the clearing and Tyler.

He had stopped in his house before coming here. He had gone to his and his fathers old office and armed himself. He had changed into jeans, a t-shirt and leather jacket. The jacket had lots of hidden pockets on the inside and he had placed a throwing knife in each one. He also had a pistol in the waistband of his pants and a large hunting knife hooked to his belt.

He knew the subs would be fairly easy to kill.. Not much harder than killing a mortal. The vamp would be more difficult but it was a young vamp and he had killed plenty in his life.

He looked around the corner and saw the two subs standing guard. He pulled out his hunting knife and stalked quietly in the shadows until he was right behind them. He grabbed one and slit his throat and before the second could yell a warning he slit his throat as well.

He entered the warehouse and yells of alarm went up immediately.

“It’s him!” Tyler shouted as he ran for the door to the basement. “Capture him and bring him to me!” Tyler, the vamp and several subs ran through the door. Jake looked at all the remaining subs and smiled.

It had been a long time since he’d killed and he had plenty of anger he was ready to unleash.

“This is going to be fun.” he said and dove headfirst into the throng of demons.

888

Angela stood when Tyler, the vamp and five sub demons ran into the basement. “What…” she gasped and then she heard the gunshots.

“Jake’s here.” Lane said with a smile. “You guys are screwed.” Tyler waited and listened. It became silent upstairs. Tyler waited for his subs to come through the door carrying Jake but instead it was Jake that burst the door open.

Angela sank to her knees with relief when she saw him alive. Jake scanned the scene quickly.

Angela had a bruise on her cheek but it was healing. He would make Tyler pay for that. She was dirty, naked and shivering from cold. Abigail lay dead in front of her. Lane was in a cage in the corner. Tyler was standing in the middle of the room holding a gun. Five sub demons stood in front of him and the Vamp was watching from the other side of the room.

Angela looked at Jake and despite the seriousness of the situation she felt her blood heating up at the sight of him. He was six feet five inches of solid sweating muscle. He was covered in dirt and blood and grease and his eyes looked as if they were made of fire. He was panting but it looked like it was more form adrenaline than exertion.

“Hello Tyler.” he said.

“You’re stronger than I gave you credit for.” Tyler said. “Are they all dead then?”

“Every last stinking rotting one of them.” Jake replied throwing the empty pistol aside. Tyler stepped toward Angela and Jake growled in warning.

“Don’t’ lay a finger on her” he said. His tone was low deadly and dangerous and if Tyler had recognized that he may have though twice about what he did next. He grabbed Angela by her hair and pulled her head up pressing his lips to hers roughly.

Angela bit his lip hard and he pulled away cursing and wiping blood. He punched her and she went down hard. Jake felt a rage like he had never experienced in his life. The snarl that came from his mouth made even the Vamp look alarmed.

“Oh shit.. He was having fun before. He’s pissed now.” Lane said from the corner.

“Shut up!” Tyler said angrily. He felt fear like he’d never felt before as he looked at Jake literally shaking with fury. This was not going how Tyler had planned. Jake was supposed to already be chained up and watching his brother and mate suffer…

“Kill him!” Tyler commanded. “One million dollars to whoever kills him!” The subs ran forward. Jake caught one in each hand and snapped their necks without blinking. The third sub jumped onto his back and Jake slammed him against the wall. The sound of bones cracking filled the basement and the sub fell lifeless to the floor. The fourth and fifth subs tried to run away up the stairs but Jake grabbed two throwing knives from his jacket and sent them flying through the air. They stuck in the subs heads and they tumbled to the ground in a lifeless heap.

“Who’s next?” Jake growled.

“That would be me.” Devon said and was on Jake with the speed only a vampire possesses.

“Jake!” Angela screamed in horror as she saw Jake go down. His back was to her and he wasn’t moving. The vamp stood over him smiling.

“I’ve always loved wolf blood.” he said bending down and lowering his mouth to Jakes’ neck. Angela screamed when Jake turned quickly and put his hands on either side of the vamps face.

“Time to die.” he said and yanked. The vamps head separated from his body with a horrible ripping sound and then Devon became nothing more than a pile of dust.

Jake stood and found himself looking at Tyler holding the gun pointed at his chest. Before Jake could react Tyler pulled the trigger and the bullet slammed into Jake’s chest. He had been shot before and was expecting the pain but the burning sensation that swept through him was worse than any pain he’d ever experienced.

He felt himself becoming weak. He was too weak to stand.. He fell to his knees. He glared at Tyler as the liquid silver filled his blood stream. He fell down to his back. The silver could not kill him but it made him so weak he could not even lift his hand.

“Jake!” Angela screamed as tears ran down her face. Lane snarled and fought against the bars of his cage but it was useless. Tyler stood over the helpless Jake and laughed.

“Now I get to have fun.” he said. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a key. He unchained Angela’s hands and feet. She started punching and kicking him but he laughed and threw her down to the ground beside Jake.

“What are you doing to her!” Lane yelled.

“I’m going to make love to her of course. Just like she used to beg me to. Disgusting fat bitch that she is I really don’t want to but what better way to torture her pup?” Tyler unfastened his pants and lowered himself over her.

Angela screamed and fought him with everything she had but he was too strong. He put the gun to her temple.

“I will shoot you, Angela.”

“You don’t have to shoot me, Tyler. God you are sexy.” She purred at him. He stopped and hovered over her. He looked at her with disbelief.

“Sexy?”

“How could I ever have chosen that freak over you?” Angela kissed him hungrily and he took the gun away from her temple.

“What are you doing?” he asked. Lane tried to hide the smile on his face. Angela was playing Tyler.

“I love a dangerous man, Tyler, and you are dangerous. Look at you. You just took out the most powerful immortal alive. It makes me want you so bad.” Tyler laid the pistol on the ground and stood up.

“Are you serious?” he asked.

“I’ve never been more serious.” she said running her hands over her breasts. Tyler closed his eyes, threw his head back and laughed. He was better than that dog. He had won Angela back from him.

“Hey sexy.” Angela said from the ground. Tyler opened his eyes and nearly fell as he staggered backwards. She was holding his gun. She had it aimed at him..

“What are you doing? I thought you said you wanted me…” Tyler demanded. “You stupid bitch you tricked me!” Tyler started for her certain she would not actually pull the trigger.

But she did. She emptied the clip into his chest. Tyler stumbled backwards.. He fell as his blood pooled on the ground. He took one last shuddering breath and died.

Angela quickly moved to Jakes side. She looked at him and saw that he was conscious and looking at her.

“Oh my god, Jake, are you okay?” she asked,

“Don’t… Ever…. Kiss… Another…. Man…. Again.” he managed to say before coughing fit hit him. She kissed his cheek and felt her tears flowing again.

“Don’t you die on me, Jake! You promised me eternity.” she said but Jake’s eyes closed as he lost consciousness.

“He’ll be okay, Angela. Get the key from Tyler’s pocket and get me out of this cage.. I’ll get us all home..” Lane told her. She stood and ran to Tyler’s lifeless corpse. She dug through his pockets and found the key and then ran to Lane’s cage and unlocked it. Lane stood on shaking, weak legs and hugged her tightly.

“You are one hell of a woman.” he said. “Too bad my brother found you first.”

“You look awfully weak.. Are you sure you can get us home?”

“My brother defeats thirty subs and a vamp all on his own and you don’t think I can even manage to dash us to Virginia. You need to have some faith, little sister.” Lane said. Angela could tell she really had hurt his pride but at the moment didn’t care. They walked over to Jake.

“You hold tight to Jake and I’ll hold tight to you. Whatever you do, do not let go of him.”

“Never.” Angela replied.

Chapter Eleven

Rebecca was pacing the living room just as she had been for the last few hours waiting to hear from Jake. The rest of the family had gone off to their bedrooms, all except Max who was sitting on the couch watching her.

“Sit down, Rebecca. You are making me nervous.” he said. She looked at him and saw that his legs were bouncing and shaking and he was puffing his cigar for all it was worth. She forced herself to sit down next to him.

They had been forced to burn Georgia’s body to keep anyone from finding it and the bite marks on her neck. Max had not shed any more tears for the woman. It was her fault his daughter was now missing and very possibly dead. If she had lived he would have killed her himself.

“Can you talk to them yet?” Max asked.

(Jake… Angela.. Can either of you hear me?) Rebecca waited but there was no reply. She looked at Max sadly and shook her head.

Suddenly the air in the living room seemed to ripple and Lane, Angela, and Jake appeared in a heap on the floor.

“OH my god!” Rebecca and Max said in unison jumping to their feet. Lane and Angela were both naked and dirty. Jake was lying motionless and he was covered in dirt and blood with a wound in his chest. Angela and Lane stood up and Max quickly grabbed a blanket off the couch and wrapped it around his daughter before hugging her tight against him.

“Oh my, Angel, I’m so glad that you’re ok.” he said. Angela let herself get lost in his arms for a moment. The familiar warmth of her father and the smell of his cologne and cigars comforting her.

“What happened to Jake?” Rebecca asked as he knelt over her fallen son. Angela pulled away from Max and looked at Lane who looked nearly dead on his feet. She grabbed another afghan off the couch and tossed it to him. He wrapped it around himself and smiled at her.

“You know you were enjoying the view.”

“Lane, you’re charm is just too much.” Angela said dryly. Then she laid her hand on Rebecca’s shoulder.

“Tyler shot him… Some kind of silver filled round.”

(Evan, Kent Greg get down here down and help me. Bethany bring Lane and Angela some clothes.)

“He’s going to be ok.” Rebecca said as she looked him over. “He just needs to rest.” Kent, Greg, Evan and Bethany were in the living room in a heartbeat. Angela grabbed Evan’s arm.

“Kaylee…?” she said. He smiled at her.

“She’s safe. She said her Aunt Angela told her to hide…Thank you, Angela.” Angela sagged with relief. Bethany held Angela’s blanket up as Angela pulled on her clothes. Kent did the same for Lane.

Once they were both dressed Angela walked over to Lane and stood beside him wrapping her arm around his waist. She could see how weak he was and didn’t want him to fall over.

(Thank you) he said.

(You’re welcome.) she replied.

Angela sat by Jake’s bed for hours. Kent, Evan and Greg had carried him up to the bed. Angela and Rebecca had stripped his clothes off and cleaned his wounds. Rebecca had left the room then saying that Jake just needed rest and he would be fine.

There was a knock on the door and Angela told them to come in. Max walked into the room.

Angela stood up and hugged her father. He had been crying and Angela didn’t know what to say.. She had never seen him cry.

“Mom….?”

“She didn’t make it.” he replied. Angela waited for the pain of her loss to hit her heart but it didn’t.

“Daddy I’m so sorry your hurting for her.” she said. Max shook his head.

“I’m not crying because of her.. If she had lived I would have killed her myself. I’m crying because she almost made me lose you, Angel.” Angela hugged him again and finally let herself cry into his chest for several long minutes.

She pulled away and dried her face with her hands.

“So did Rebecca tell you about the family?” she asked nervously. Max nodded looking over at Jake lying in the bed.

“She did. I didn’t really have a choice but to believe and accept it.” he said. “That boy nearly died saving your life.. That tells me all I need to know.”

“You hear that big brother?” Lane said coming into the room. The few hours since Angela had seen him last has left him looking just like his old self. His body had filled back out and he had showered and shaved his face.

“Glad to see you looking better.” she said. He offered his charming smile and then walked over to his brother.

“Come on, big brother. You kicked some major ass.. You saved the girl. Everyone is happier than hell that you’re alive but worried to death because you won’t wake up. It isn’t like you to be so damn dramatic and drag something on this long.” Lane scolded.

“Why don’t you shut the hell up.” Jake replied a smile pulling on the corners of his mouth. Angela shouted happily and ran to him as he opened his eyes.

“Jake! I’m so happy you’re awake.” she said. He smiled at her and she felt her heart skip a beat.

“I am proud of you.” he said.

“You should have seen her.” Lane said. “That jackass kept trying to scare her before you showed up and she is one tough broad. She spit in his face and nearly bit his finger off! Haha! It was like watching you only with boobs and really long hair.”

“I always knew my Angel was tough. She was just always too sweet to stand up for herself.” Max said proudly.

“She’s a great actress too.” Lane said. “The way she was coming on to Tyler. I would have believed it if I wasn’t such a professional liar myself.” Max shook his head.

“I still can’t believe she did that.” Max said. Lane had already treated the whole family to the gory details of their time in the basement.

“That reminds me.” Jake said. Angela looked down at him laying a gentle hand on her cheek.

“What love?” she asked. He put his hands on her cheeks and pulled her face down so their noses were touching.

“Don’t… Ever.. Kiss… Another… Man… Again” he said making sure he announced each word slowly. Angela smiled.

“Never.” He kissed her passionately and when they separated they realized they were alone in the room.

“So now that you’ve seen me in all my deadly glory are you still going to marry me?”

“We’re soul mates, Jake. I’m not going anywhere.” she replied and kissed him again.

888

Jake walked downstairs the next morning and his sisters all jumped on him with hugs and kisses.

“Don’t you ever scare us like that again! Why in the world would you charge into something like that on your own? We are family dammit! You should have asked for help.” Jordan yelled in her soft pixie like voice. Jake hid his smile by running his hand over his face.

“Now Kent, Greg and Evan are going to be gone almost all day cleaning up your damn mess to keep you out of trouble!” she added her voice raising to yet another even higher pitch.

“You’ve done it now big brother.” Lane said from the couch where he was flipping through channels on the TV. “You’ve pissed off Tinkerbell.” Jordan grabbed a throw pillow off the couch and hit Lane upside the head.

“How are you feeling this morning?” Raquel asked laying her hand on Jake’s chest checking for any signs of his wound through his shirt. Jake patted her hand.

“I’m fine.”

“Where is Angela?” Rebecca asked walking into the living room. “Her father wanted to talk to her.” Jake thought back to the night he had spent with her. They had made love until they were both completely spent and weak and had collapsed in each others arms.

“She’s still sleeping.” he said hoping his sisters and mother hadn’t seen the gleam in his eyes.

“I need to get up to New York.. I need to get the mess cleaned up before any mortals stumble across it.” Jake said.

(Evan, Kent, Greg.) Rebecca said. Within minutes each of them was in the living room. Evan had a twin wrapped around each leg.

“Why aren’t you guys in school?” Jake asked as Kaylee and Kayleb both ran into his outstretched arms.

“Daddy told us that we could play hookey! Aunt Jordan even played hookey with us.” Kayleb answered with a sly grin.

“The three of you need to go with Jake and take care of some business in New York.” Rebecca said.

“What about me?” Lane asked glancing over his shoulder at all of them.

“You mister have just spent the last few weeks locked in a cage in a basement while being tormented by some crazy person. You are staying right here and resting.” Rebecca said matter-of-factly. Lane sighed and turned back to the TV.

“It’ll probably take us a few hours. Don’t tell Angela where I am. Just tell her I went out for a run or something.” Jake stated.

“The lies start already.” Lane said. Jake growled and slapped him on the back of the head.

“Don’t push me little brother. Angela told me that you were drunk off your ass in some casino and that’s how that damn vamp grabbed you in the first place.”

“Lane, I thought we talked about your drinking!” Rebecca declared angrily as she stormed around the couch and stuck her finger in Lanes face. Lane looked back at Jake.

“Thanks a lot.” Jake was smiling.

“Anytime.” he said and then walked outside. Evan kissed Raquel goodbye and then he, Greg and Kent followed after Jake.

888

“Wake up Aunt Angela! Wake up! Half the day is gone already.” Kaylee yelled as she jumped into Angela’s bed. Angela opened her eyes slowly, cursing the sunlight coming through her window.

Though parts of her were tingling and deliciously sore from lovemaking the other parts of her were still sore and beaten from her time in the basement.

“I thought immortals healed quickly?” Angela mumbled as she sat up and rubbed her hands over her face.

“You are all healed up. I don’t see any boo boos.” Kaylee said. Angela stood up and walked over to the mirror and saw that Kaylee was right. Her cuts and bruises were healed.

“It takes a little longer for the soreness.” Bethany said walking in the room. Angela smoothed out her tank top and silk flowly pants and pulled her hair back in a pony tail.

“Where is Jake at this morning?” she asked.

“Morning? Honey it’s almost one in the afternoon.” Angela threw herself back down in the bed and Kaylee snuggled up in her arm.

“Aunt Angela why are you sad?” she asked looking up at her with her wide brown eyes.

“I lost a friend yesterday.” Angela replied.

“Did she die?” Kaylee asked. Angela sent a questioning glace to Bethany who nodded.

“Yes honey she did.. A really bad man killed her.”

“But Uncle Jake saved you.” Angela smiled.

“Yes baby he did.”

“From what I hear your Aunt Angela helped save them all.” Angela wished she could just forget the night before. Abigail’s beaten and broken body and lifeless eyes kept creeping into her mind. The sight of Jake lying helpless on the ground and the shock in Tyler’s eyes as she emptied his own gun into his chest. Angela shivered and kissed Kaylee’s forehead.

“So where is Jake?” she asked Bethany again.

“He and the guys went for a run.” she said. Angela nodded wishing that he had stayed home with her. She really needed his arms around her. She sighed and sat up.

“Kaylee you want to go shopping with me today? I need to go into town and pick some stuff up.”

(What do you need?) Bethany asked.

(I need some tampons.) Angela answered. (I should be starting any time.)

(No you don’t need those anymore… Best part about being immortal)

(Then how do immortals have kids?) Angela asked tilting her head at Kaylee who was counting the flowers on the comforter.

(Don’t know exactly.. It doesn’t happen very often.. I mean mom and dad were together for over three hundred years and only had five of us… And Raquel and Evan have been together for fifty and only have the twins.)

“I do want to go shopping Aunt Angela! Maybe I could get a new toy.”

“Sure let’s go…” Angela said and the little girl jumped from the bed hopping up and down in her excitement.

(I don’t have enough money for toys.) Angela said to Bethany with a bit of panic in her voice.

“Guess what, Kaylee? We can all go! We can have a girls day out. Go tell your grandma and your mom and Aunt Jordan.” Kaylee ran from the room.

“Of course you have money.” Bethany said walking over to the dresser and pulling out Jake’s wallet. She opened it, pulled out a credit card and handed it to Angela.

“Are you sure he wouldn’t mind?” Angela said uncertainly.

“Oh my god… Hold on we’ll find out.” Bethany said with irritation.

(Hey big brother.) Bethany said so that Angela and Jake could both hear.

(Is Angela ok?) Jake demanded. Bethany rolled her eyes.

(She’s fine. She’s an idiot but she’s fine.) Jake growled.

(Don’t call my mate an idiot. Now what the hell do you want?)

(You might want to change your tone big bro since Angela is listening to our conversation.) Bethany warned him.

(I didn’t know.) he said. (What is it that you need?) he asked trying to sound like he was in a better mood. He was currently knee deep in dead rotting sub demons and not in a mood for talking to his sister.

(Well we’re getting ready to go for a girls day out.) Bethany replied.

(Get to the point Bethany. I’m kind of busy right now.)

(Well she says she has no money so I gave her your credit card. She says she can’t use it.)

(Angela, you can use the card. Please go and have fun. Buy yourself whatever you want the card has no limit.)

(Are you sure?) Angela asked. She had never had anyone hand them their card before and say go at ’em.

(I’m sure. I love you. You need to have some fun… My sisters are always saying that retail therapy is the best thing for a woman.)

(Thank you Jake. I love you too.) Angela said. Bethany crossed her arms and smiled at Angela.

“See sister? Stick with me. I would never steer you wrong.” Angela smiled at hearing Bethany call her sister. “Now get dressed and meet us downstairs.

Chapter Twelve

“I think we should head back.” Raquel said as they walked out of the bookstore. Bethany ran her hands down her long slender arms as if cleaning them off.

“I can’t believe you, Angela. You barely bought anything at the boutique. Nothing at the jewelry store.. No new purses or shoes, but you walk into that dirty dusty book store and you come out with bag fulls.” Angela shrugged and was silently wishing that she had werewolf strength as the two bags of books seemed to be growing heavier by the second.

“Mommy, I’m getting sleepy.” Kaylee said with a yawn.

“Well let’s head home then, munchkin.” Rebecca said wrapping her arms around her granddaughter. Everyone except Bethany and Angela piled into Rebecca’s explorer. Angela and Bethany had taken Jake’s midnight blue Silverado.

“We’ll stop by and get some pizzas before we come home. I’m sure the guys will be hungry.” Angela said. Rebecca nodded.

“Sounds good girls.” she said and drove away. Angela and Bethany drove down the road to the pizza shack.

“Go in and order for us, Angela. I’m going to look at some of these books you bought and see what the big deal is.” Bethany said. Angela smiled and walked in the restaurant.

It was a bright restaurant with lots of games for kids. There was a stage where someone in a giant dog costume was currently singing and dancing for a group of kids. Angela walked up to the counter and a middle-aged man with a bushy mustache was waiting to take her order.

“I need ten large pizzas with everything.” she said. He typed in her order.

“You having a party or something.” he asked as he took Jakes’ credit card.

“No, we’ve got a big family with a lot of hungry men.” Angela said smiling when she remembered just how much her werewolf family could eat at one time. The man snorted a laugh and handed Angela the card back.

“It’ll take about 20 minutes.” he said. Angela nodded and walked over to an empty booth and sat down to wait. She was watching the kids laugh and play as the dog bellowed out a horrible rendition of “You aint nothing but a hound dog” when she felt a cold chill pass down her spine.

She turned and saw a man watching her intently. He had icy blue eye and long pale blond hair. His face was sunken in and pale but she knew he couldn’t be a vampire because the late afternoon sun was shining through the window on his face.

She shifted uncomfortably in her seat and wished that the pizza would hurry up and be done. She nearly stood and ran when she saw the man walking over to her.

“Hello miss.” he said his voice just as cold as his eyes. “I haven’t seen you around before.” Angela saw his nostrils widen and realized he was smelling her. He must be a were creature of some sort.

“I haven’t lived around here very long.” she replied.

“What brings a beautiful girl like you to our town?” he asked.

“I should probably let you know I’m taken.” she said as his eyes roamed over her. The way he was looking at her made a shiver run down her spine.

“Really? No ring I see.” he said. Angela cursed silently. She had lost her ring when the subs had attacked her in the woods. Then his eyes went to the pale scar on her shoulder. Angela silently kicked herself for not wearing a t-shirt. “But then this is much more powerful.” He traced the scar with his finger and Angela jerked away.

“Is there something I can do for you?” she asked. He shook his head.

“I didn’t mean to scare you miss. It’s just not very often we get beauties like you around here.” Angela didn’t reply, merely looked at the clock. She still had ten minutes before her order would be ready. She could call for Jake but she didn’t want to worry him over nothing and Bethany would laugh at her for being so uncomfortable with the mans presence.

“Where are you staying while you’re in town?” he asked.

“I’m actually living with Jake Collins.” she said and she could have sworn his eyes narrowed slightly.

“Is he the one that gave you this then” the man asked pointing to her shoulder. Angela nodded.

“He’s very protective of me.” she said hoping the man would pick up on her warning. He smiled but it didn’t reach his eyes.

“Some wolves have all the luck.” he said. “Take care of yourself, miss. Jake has made a lot of enemies in his life.” With that the man turned and left the restaurant. Angela breathed a sigh of relief. She waited a few more minutes and the man at the counter yelled for her and handed her the ten pizzas. She staggered under the weight of them as she pushed the door open and walked outside.

Bethany had her nose buried in a book and didn’t see her standing and waiting on the door to be opened. Angela kicked the truck door and winced when she saw the scratch she’d put there.

“You better hope my brother really loves you or else your ass is grass.” Bethany said as she opened the door and took the pizzas from her. Angela jumped in the drivers seat and fired the truck up.

“He’ll be ok.” she said as she pulled out of the parking lot. Bethany looked at her and saw that her knuckles were nearly white she was gripping the steering wheel so tight and she kept looking around like she was watching for someone.

“Are you ok?” she asked. Angela nodded and forced herself to smile.

“Yea of course. I’m just ready to be home.”

888

“Honey we’re home!” Bethany said as she and Angela walked in. They had their arms full of pizza’s and shopping bags. Greg came running and gladly took the pizzas from her and then took off to the kitchen.

“What about the rest of this you sorry ass!” Bethany demanded. Jake came down the stairs from upstairs and Angela felt her heart stop beating. He was still dripping wet from a recent shower. He wore only a pair of jeans and they were riding so low on his hips she could see the sexy v of muscle between his hip bones. His hair was wet and slicked back where he had run his hands through it to comb it out.

Angela nearly dropped her bags and would have if he hadn’t caught them in his hands. He kissed her and smiled.

“You ok?” he asked. She forced herself to look up from his tight stomach and to his golden eyes.

“Don’t’ you want to put a shirt on?” she asked. Bethany pushed past them.

“Yes please put a shirt on. We would all like to be able to eat.” she said as she sat all her bags down next to the stairs. Jake set Angela’s bags down as well.

“Did you all have fun?” he asked as he put his arm around Angela and they walked to the kitchen.

“Yes. It was so nice to go out shopping with other women. I hadn’t done that in a long time.” Angela said. She gave her father a hug when she walked into the kitchen and saw him standing there.

“Hi daddy! What have you done all day?” she asked as she took a seat next to him at the table.

“I took Kayleb out fishing.” he said. “He’s pretty good. You all will have plenty of fish to fry up and eat tomorrow.”

“What do you mean? Aren’t you going to be here?”

“I have to get back home, Angel. I did talk to Rebecca and Jake though and if it’s ok with you I’d like to retire from the factory and find me a house around town here somewhere.”

“I told him he could stay here but he wouldn’t hear it.” Rebecca told her.

“I tried too but I think he’s stubborn like his daughter.” Jake said while sticking almost an entire piece of pizza into his mouth. Angela looked at Jake with disbelief.

“How do you keep these..” she pointed to his chiseled abs. “When you eat like that?” she asked pointing to his mouth which was so full of pizza he couldn’t even close it completely. He smiled the best he could with his mouth full and shrugged.

(I’m lucky I guess.) he said. Angela shook her head and looked back at her dad.

“I would love it if you would come live in town daddy. I haven’t seen nearly enough of you the last few years.” He smiled happily.

“Good. In the morning I’ll head home. Get my retirement finalized and in a few weeks I should be able to come down here and find a place.”

Angela became lost in the chaos of meals with her Werewolf family. Everyone eating, talking, laughing and arguing all at once. She forgot all about the stranger at the pizza store and the fear he had made her feel.

888

The weeks went by quickly. Angela and Jake were barely apart for even an hour during the day. Lane had hung around for almost two weeks before saying there were places he needed to be and wandering away again. Bethany and Greg had been gone almost constantly on modeling trips. Max still hadn’t moved to town yet but he assured Angela it would be soon.

Jake had been keeping Angela very busy dashing her all over the world.. They visited Paris and shared a passionate kiss on top of the Eiffel Tower, spent a few passion filled nights in a castle in Scotland that Jake said belonged to his mother and he had even taken her snorkeling in the Caribbean.

The days were filled with laughter and fun while the nights were full of heat and passion.

One afternoon Angela was sitting in the living room with Bethany and Raquel reading magazines and watching soap opera’s when Raquel suddenly took a deep breath and dropped the magazine she was reading.

“Are you ok?” Angela asked as she picked the magazine up off the floor and handed it back to her. Raquel set it down on the coffee table and looked at Angela with wide eyes.

“How have you been feeling lately?” Raquel asked her. Bethany looked at her sister questioningly. Then she too leaned over to Angela and took a deep breath.

“Oh my god.” she said. Angela threw her hands up.

“Would you two quit smelling me!” she yelled. “What in the world is going on?”

“You… You’re….” Before Raquel could finished the air in the room rippled and Lane appeared. Angela jumped up and hugged him. She had grown close to Lane over the weeks when he was around. He was immature, a jokester, a flirt and extremely spoiled but he kept Angela laughing and she loved him for that.

“Where have you been?” she asked him as she pulled away.

“You know me, sis. Been running wild, breaking hearts and winning money.” he said giving her his charming toothy grin.

“Oh my god you’re an idiot.” Jordan said walking into the room and flopping her tiny frame down on the recliner.

“So, Angela, has my brother been keeping you…..” Lane stopped and his blue eyes widened as he stared down at her.

“What!” Angela practically screamed.

“Oh shit…. Um….” Lane stuttered. Angela grabbed him by the collar of his blue button up shirt and yanked him toward her.

“Tell me why all you freaking wolves are acting so crazy today!” she demanded. His gave her a lopsided grin and put his hand on her stomach.

“This family is officially screwed. Your temper mixed with Jake’s temper… The house will never stay standing.” Angela looked at him and her eyes widened as what he was saying sunk in.

“I’m pregnant?” Angela mumbled as she sat down hard on the couch.

“What?” Jake’s voice came from the doorway. Everyone turned to stare at him. Angela couldn’t stop the happy smile that formed on her face.

“You’re going to have a bambino.” Lane replied walking over and slapping Jake on the back. Angela waited for Jake to smile but it didn’t happen. He looked at her and she felt her heart fall when he frowned.

“You’re pregnant?” he asked. Angela laid her hand on her stomach and nodded.

“They all seem to think so.” she said looking around the room. The room was suddenly silent. Jake growled and turned and walked away. Angela heard the front door slam and knew that he had left the house.

She couldn’t stop herself from crying. Lane looked at her helplessly.

“Look at that, he’s so excited he’s going to out to celebrate.” he joked lamely. Raquel went to Angela and wrapped her arms around her.

“Lane, do something useful for once.” she snapped. “Go figure out what’s wrong with our brother.” Lane nodded and headed out the door.

He found Jake in the garage slamming things around in a toolbox. He walked up and leaned on the wall.

“What are you looking for?” Lane asked. Jake growled and slammed the toolbox closed.

“I don’t know”

“You’re not going to find Angela in there.” Lane said matter-of-factly. “She’s in the house crying.”

Jake didn’t need his brother to tell him that. He could feel her sadness and it was breaking his heart. He suddenly felt exhausted and he sat down on the tool box. Lane was surprised by his brothers sudden show of weakness. He sat down next to him on the tool box.

“I’m going to take advantage of your moment of weakness…”

“Lane…” Jake said in warning.

“I know that you are smarter than me. You’re stronger than me. You’re more responsible me than me….”

“Lane…” Jake warned again. He knew it was simply not in his brothers nature to be supportive and he was up to something.

“But there is one thing that I am better at than you. And that is women.”

“Lane…”

“Big women. Little women. Old women. Young women. Face it brother I’ve had much more experience with them than you.”

“Lane…”

“You never were very good with the ladies so I feel that I owe it to you to try to help you out…”

“Lane…”

“What happened in the living room… Yea you didn’t handle that well.” Jake shoved Lane who tumbled off the toolbox and onto his back on the floor.

“What was that for?” Lane demanded as he stood up and began wiping off his backside.

“For being such an asshole.” Jake said standing up and storming out of the garage. Lane laughed.

“I was only telling you the truth!”

Jake stormed into the house looking so intense that even Bethany held her tongue as he shoved past all of them and took the stairs four at a time. He burst into his and Angela’s bedroom and then slammed the door behind him. Angela screamed and jumped up off the bed.

“Oh my God Jake you scared me! What in the world is the matter with you?” Jake stood there for several long moments just staring at her. His golden eyes blazing, his jaw tense and his fists clenched.

“Jake…” Jake was across the room and taking her into his arms in three long strides. He kissed her and Angela felt her knees buckle from the amount of passion he poured into that kiss. He pulled away and Angela moaned and sagged against him.

He wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tight and breathed in the scent of vanilla and lilacs. He could smell the proof then. The scent of the life growing inside her. The life that he had helped her make.

“We need to talk, Jake.” Angela said her head against his chest listening to the steady beat of his heart. He led her over to the bed and they both sat.

“You’ve been crying.” Jake said as he dried her face with his hands. She managed a smile.

“You’ve been an asshole.” she replied softly. Jake nodded.

“I know. I’m sorry.”

“Are you happy about this?” Angela asked laying her hand on her stomach. Jake covered her hand with his.

“I have never been happier about anything in my life.” he assured her. “But I’ve also never been so scared.”

“You scared? No way.. Not Mr. tough guy…” Angela teased him gently.

“The rest of the world thinks I’m a tough guy, Angela.. You know the truth about me.” he said pressing his forehead against hers.

“Why are you so scared?”

“What if he’s like me?”

“If she is like you then I think that would be wonderful. She’ll be loyal, strong, passionate….”

“Hot headed, bad tempered, socially awkward.” Jake cut in. Angela slapped his arm.

“You are an amazing man Jake. You will be a great father.” Jake sighed.

“I don’t even know how to be a father. My own dad wasn’t really a father. He looked at me as a partner.. A weapon to be used as he saw fit.. ..”

“I know you told me all about hunting rogues.” Angela said running her fingers through the back of his hair. “Listen to me. You have put that life behind you. You will not be like your father”

Jake looked down into her dark eyes and prayed silently that she was speaking the truth. He prayed that the life he had led for over 200 years was behind him and he could make start fresh with Angela and their baby.

“Make love to me, Jake.” Angela said looking into his golden eyes. She saw sparks fly in them at her words. He growled and happily obeyed.

Chapter Thirteen

“Oh I’m so happy! I’m going to be a grandmother again!” Rebecca said hugging Angela tightly.

“I’m impressed.” Evan said coming up and slapping Jake on the back. “It took me over forty years to knock your sister up. You managed to get Angela in just a few months.” Rebecca slapped her son-in-law on the back of the head.

“Don’t talk like that around me!” she scolded. Then she leaned in and whispered to Angela.

“Is is impressive though.. It took his father almost fifty years.”

“I’m going to call my dad and let him know.” Angela said happily.

“Better yet why don’t we go tell him in person?” Jake asked. Angela nearly hopped up and down with excitement.

“Let’s go!” she said. Jake wrapped his arms around her and dashed her to the woods next to her dads house. Angela took off toward the house but Jake grabbed her arm and pulled her back to him.

“Something isn’t right.” he said. He sniffed the air again and Angela’s hair stood on end as he growled low in his throat.

“There are police at the house.” he said. “I’m going to change and see what I can find out. You stay here.”

“Is my dad ok?” she asked. Jake shrugged.

“I don’t know yet. I’m going to find out.” Angela nodded. Jake pulled his clothes off and handed them to Angela and then he quickly changed into a wolf before walking out of the woods and toward the house.

There was a single cop car in the driveway and a big van with coroner written across the back of it. Jake crept around the back of the house and jumped inside through an open window. He could smell death in the house. He was standing in the kitchen and could hear voices coming from the living room.

“Time of death appears to be around two days ago.” a man said. “Without an autopsy I cannot be sure but I believe heart failure is the cause of death. Foul play is not suspected.” Jake had heard all he needed to hear. The police didn’t suspect foul play but he could smell the scent of an immortal in the house. The scent was a coupld of days old but it was there.

The scent seemed familiar but he could not remember why or from where. He jumped back out the window and crept back to the woods. He found Angela looking pale and scared where he had left her. He changed back and quickly dressed.

“What’s going on?” she demanded. “Is my dad ok?” Jake couldn’t meet her eyes and she knew. She let out a broken sob and fell to her knees.

“Love, I’m so sorry.” he said falling to his knees beside her and holding her close.

“What happened?” she asked. He kissed her hair. He hated to lie to her but he didn’t want to scare her unnecessarily.

“I heard the police and coroner talking. They said it was heart failure.” he replied.

“My poor daddy.” she moaned. Just then Jake began to growl and he stood up quickly standing guard over her as the air shimmered around them. Vladimir appeared in the shadows.

“Calm down, wolf pup.” he said his voice sophisticated and calm. “I need to speak with you.”

“What do you need to say?” Jake asked.

(I think it would be better if your mate did not hear. I can tell her condition is delicate.) Jake looked down at Angela and back at Vladimir and nodded.

(Yea she is carrying our child.)

(Congratulations.) Vladimir said then his violet eyes turned deadly serious. (Two nights ago an immortal was here. He was a were creature. A cat of some sort though I am not sure what exactly. He spoke to Angela’s father just before his heart failed him.)

(I thought it was your life’s mission to protect mortals around here.) Jake demanded.

(Yes it is. And if the werecat had attacked her father I would have stopped him. However they were simply having a conversation. I’m afraid that the stress of that conversation was too much for her fathers heart.)

(What kind of conversation?)

(Eavesdropping is not something a gentleman does.)

(You’re not a gentleman. You’re a leech. What was the conversation?) Vladimir’s eyes narrowed.

(There is no need to be rude, wolf pup.) Jake growled low in his throat. (I like the girl. That is the only reason I am trying to help you. This werecat never said his name but from the conversation it was easy to tell that he has a definite problem with you. He told Max that you had once taken everything from him and that he was going to repay the favor.) Jakes blood seemed to freeze in his veins.

(What else did he say?)

(That he knew all about your mate. He told her father that he had met her once and she seemed like a lovely girl. He said he almost regretted the fact that he was going to have to kill her to show you the pain you caused him.)

“Son of a bitch!” Jake snarled out loud. Angela jumped to her feet.

“What?” she asked.

“Nothing…” Jake said running his hand through his hair. He had to get Angela somewhere safe.

“Vladimir, if he comes back I want you to find a way to let me know.” Jake said. Vladimir nodded.

“Of course. However I doubt that he will come back here. He is only interested in one thing.” Vladimir turned his violet eyes to Angela and she felt a shiver run down her spine.

She grabbed Jake’s arm and tried to yank him around to face her but it was like trying to move a stone pillar. He laid his hand on hers and gripped it tightly.

“Who is after me, Jake, and what did he do to my father? And why are you so scared of him?”

“Let me get you home and then I’ll explain everything.” Jake replied. Without another word he dashed them back to the living room at the house.

(Everyone in the living room now !) he growled harshly. It only took a couple minutes for everyone to crowd into the living room.

“What’s going on?” Lane asked. “I was two seconds away from getting to know a very gorgeous woman.”

“Kids in the room.” Raquel scolded pulling the twins up against her.

“Jake, what is wrong?” Rebecca asked. “Why is Angela crying?”

“I have a problem and I need your help.” Jake replied. Jake remembered where he had smelled that immortal scent from Max’s house now. It had been a long time since he’d smelled it and he had thought that the were tiger who carried it was dead. Rebecca knew the situation must be serious. Jake never asked for help.

“What do you need?” she asked.

“Angela’s father is dead. He died of heart failure after having a visit from a WereTiger named Draco.” Bethany hugged Angela tight.

“I’m so sorry Angela.” she said. Angela didn’t hear her though. She was too busy staring at her mate and trying to figure out what had him so scared.

“I know the name is not familiar to any of you but he is a rogue. He hunts down mortals for sport. Dad and I had a run in with him about 100 years ago. He had a mate at that time and she was just as evil as he was. Dad and I chased them all over the country and finally had them cornered. Draco dashed but his mate Regina was not fast enough. We killed her.”

“But if she’s dead then why isn’t he?” Angela asked trying to make sense of what Jake was saying.

“Oh my god…” Raquel gasped. Angela looked around and everyone wore matching horrified expressions. She looked at Jake and saw that he looked pale and ashen. His eyes were sad and she could feel nausea rolling off of him in waves.

“Can someone fill me in?” she asked feeling irritated at her own ignorance.

“She was pregnant.” Rebecca said quietly. Angela still didn’t understand. Evan explained it to her.

“You already know that when two immortals are fully mated their lives are bonded together but when the woman is pregnant their life bond is temporarily broken in order to protect the unborn baby. Since she was pregnant he kept on living even after her death.” Angela turned back to Jake.

“And now he’s after you for taking his mate and child away from him.” she said. Jake shook his head.

“No he’s not after Jake, little sister.” Lane said. “He’s after you.” Jake growled.

“Don’t worry, Angela, I would never let him hurt you.” Suddenly an image of the man who had frightened her in Pizza Shack flashed through her mind. He had warned her about Jake’s enemies. Jake saw the look on her face.

“What?” he demanded.

“What does this Draco look like?” she asked.

“Long pale blond hair, he’s tall and skinny and almost as pale as a vampire….”

“Oh my god I’ve met him.” Jake grabbed her by the arm and pulled her to him.

“Where?”

“Almost a month ago. I was in Pizza Shack and had left Bethany out in the truck. I was sitting at a table waiting on my order to be ready and that’s when he walked up to me. I thought he was trying to flirt at first with the way he was looking at me so I told him that I was taken. He saw my scar,” Angela said her hand going to her shoulder. “He asked where I was staying and I was so frightened of him that I thought if I mentioned Jake’s name it would scare him away….”

“That usually works.” Lane cut in.

“What did he say when you mentioned my name?” Jake asked.

“Naturally he put two and two together and realized that you were my mate. He warned me then. He told me to be careful because you had made a lot of enemies in your life.”

The air in the room began to shimmer and Angela found herself shoved inside a protective circle of snarling werewolves ready to change at any second. Jake took a deep breath and calmed the creature within him when he saw Vladimir.

“What the hell is a vamp doing in our living room?” Lane asked. Vladimir looked down his nose at Lane.

“Trust me I no more like the smell in this house then you like the look of me being here.” he said and then looked at Jake.

“I hope you don’t mind that I traced you here but your ‘friend’ made an appearance just after you left. Unfortunately your mate’s scent was still very strong.”

“He knows.” Jake said feeling as if there was a hand around his throat that just kept squeezing tighter. Vladimir nodded.

“If you come with me wolf pup I can help you find him.” Jake nodded.

“Let’s go.” Angela said. Jake looked at her as if she’d lost her mind.

“You are staying here.” he said. She shook her head.

“No I’m not.” she argued. Jake growled and turned back to Vladimir.

“Can you give me just a moment.” he asked. Vladimir nodded and sat down in the recliner. Jake picked Angela up into his arms despite her fighting against him and carried her up to their room.

“You are not going with me.” he assured her as he tossed her gently down into the bed.

“What exactly do you plan on doing?” she demanded, scrambling to her feet.

“You know what I plan on doing.”

“Did you know his mate was pregnant when you killed her?” Angela regretted the question the second she asked it. Jakes face turned hard as stone and he looked away from her.

“Is that the kind of man you think I am?” he demanded his voice cold. But Angela could feel his pain and it broke her heart.

“I’m sorry, Jake. It’s just that this is crazy…. My dad is dead and now there is immortal were tiger that wants to kill me and our baby because you killed his mate and child accidentally 100 years ago.It’s just a lot to take in. I know you would never have killed an innocent baby if you had known and I’m so sorry I questioned that.”

Jake took her into his arms and breathed in her scent knowing it would be the last time he would for a while, maybe even forever.

“I love you, Angela. I have to go after him love. I have to protect you and our baby.” Angela hugged him and held back her tears.

“I know. I’m scared for you though.”

“Don’t be scared for me, Angela. This is what I do. For hundreds of years I hunted rogue immortals. I won’t die and I won’t allow him to harm you.”

“What am I supposed to do while you’re gone?”

(Lane!) Jake said. Lane came running into the room seconds later.

“At your service big brother.” Lane said.

“I need your help.” Lane looked surprised.

“What do you need?” he asked.

“Keep Angela safe. I want you to take her somewhere once I’m gone. Do not tell me where you are taking her because I don’t’ know just how powerful Draco has become or who he has working for him.” Lane didn’t know what to say. His brother had never asked him for anything. Had never trusted him enough to depend on him and now he was leaving his mate’s life in his hands.

“Wouldn’t I be safer here?” Angela asked.

“No. Draco is familiar with this house and he has certain talents that most immortals don’t. He can pick up on things that most don’t notice. Lane is better at hiding from people than anyone I know given how often he gets into trouble…..”

“Thanks,” Lane muttered at the backhanded compliment.

“It will be harder for Draco to locate you if it’s just the two of you.”

“How long will we have to hide?” Angela asked. Jake shook his head.

“I don’t know. It shouldn’t take long. Once I kill him I will contact you. Do not… This is very important for both of you… Do not try to contact me. Do not try to feel for me. If I am around Draco he will be able to hear you and feel you and that will tell him where you are…”

“Lane you lied to me!” Angela said turning on Lane. Lane put his hands up defensively.

“About what?” he asked.

“You told me that Jake was the most powerful were creature in the world but this guy….”

“You told her that?” Jake asked. Lane shrugged a small smile playing on his lips.

“Well you know… I was just trying to make her feel better.”

“Angela, please don’t worry. Draco cannot kill me. He is no match for me physically. He has mental abilities that are not common but that’s all. Please just stay with Lane. Do not try to contact me and I will be back as soon as I can.”

Angela kissed him, trying to pour as much passion and love into that kiss as she could.

“You better come back to me, Jake. You promised me eternity.” she said looking deep into his golden eyes.

“I’m coming back, Angela. I always keep my word.” he promised. He pulled away from her quickly and headed for the door. Without looking back he said.

“Lane, I want you to leave with her as soon as I’m gone.”

“Can do.”

“And Lane… Please for once in your life don’t let me down. My mate and my child are in your hands. Please keep them both safe.” With that Jake left shutting the door behind him.

“Is he going to be ok?” she asked Lane. Lane looked into her eyes and realized that for once in his life he didn’t know what to say… He could see the desperation in her eyes. She was counting on him and he didn’t want to let her down.

“Yea, little sister. He’ll be fine. It’s good for him to have a good fight once in a while. Could you imagine how bad that temper would be if he didn’t burn off some steam?” Angela tried to laugh but it came out as more of a choked sob.

“Pack a suitcase Angela. I’ve gotta get you and the bambino out of here.”

888

“Lane is taking care of Angela.” Jake told his family once he was back in the living room.

“Lane… Are you sure?” Greg asked crossing his arms over his chest. “Isn’t he better at getting into trouble than getting out of trouble?”

“Lane and Angela have a bond.” Jake replied. “I don’t understand it but it is there. He will take care of her. Even if I don’t come back he’ll take care of her.”

“Don’t talk that way!” Rebecca scolded.

“You are going to be fine.” Raquel added.

“Yes and I’m going to make sure of that because I’m coming with you.” Rebecca said.

“No mom you are not. I want all of you to go somewhere different. Mom you stay with Raquel and Evan to help them with the kids. Jordan and Kent you go somewhere and Greg and Bethany you go somewhere. I don’t want anyone staying in this house and I don’t want everyone in the same place.”

“Is this really necessary? Is Draco really that dangerous?” Kent asked. Jake simply nodded.

“I am going with you son.” Rebecca said again. Jake grabbed his mother and placed her in Evans strong arms.

“I can’t let you come with me mom. I am better at doing things alone.” he managed a small smile. “Besides if you come along and something happened to you, dad would come back from the dead and kill me himself.”

“Are you ready wolf pup we don’t’ want the trail to get too cold.” Vladimir said standing up from the chair.

“Yea I’m ready.” Jake replied. He looked back at his family. “No one contact me and everyone do what I said.” he warned then he and Vladimir disappeared.

888

“So where are we?” Angela asked holding on the Lane’s arm for support. Her head was swimming. After leaving the house Lane had dashed her to so many different places in a row she had lost count and now they were standing next to what appeared to be a tiny cabin in the middle of the woods.

“Canada.” Lane replied. “Middle of nowhere Canada to be exact.”

“Are we going to be safe here?” Angela asked as she looked the rickety cabin. It was more of a shack than a cabin

“Sure. I hide out here sometimes when…. Well when I need to get away.” Angela raised a brow but didn’t say anything. She suddenly felt too weak to stand. She was emotionally and physically exhausted and felt her knees buckle beneath her. She would fallen had Lane not caught her in his arms. He picked her up and carried her into the cabin.

Angela fell asleep in his arms before he even got her to the bed. He laid her down and covered her up with a tattered quilt. He smiled down at her. When he had first met Angela he had wished that she could have been his mate. She was kind, sweet, beautiful, but feisty and strong at the same time.

Now he was just thankful that she had found Jake and that Jake had found her. She had brought out a side of his brother that even he hadn’t known existed. Sure Jake was a temperamental, hot headed asshole but he had lived a hard life. He had never had a chance to laugh or live for the moment because their father had been grooming him from almost the day he was born to be a rogue killer. A fighter. A drifter.

Then there had been their sisters. Their father had never been close to any of his girls. He didn’t see them as warriors and therefore they were no use to him. Lane had been the last child that Charles and Rebecca had had. Charles had tried to mold Lane the same way he had molded Jake but Lane had rebelled. He liked to laugh and joke and pull pranks on his sisters. Charles had soon given up on his youngest son.

With no direction and no one to drive him Lane had turned to gambling and drinking to kill time. Over the years he’d gotten used to being the family failure. But he would not fail this time. His brother had trusted him with Angela and he would not let him down. No matter what Lane had to do he would keep Angela safe.

Chapter Fourteen

“Are you sure this is where he went?” Jake asked. Vladimir nodded and Jake looked at the small brick home. They were in Georgia on a deserted street. Jake could tell the place they were used to be a fairly rich suburb but now all the homes were empty and falling down.

All except one.

“I’m going in.” Jake said standing up. Vladimir stood as well.

“Perhaps you should wait until the sun is not so bright. Then I could assist you.” Jake shook his head.

“I work alone.” he said. “Thank you for leading me here but I’ll do the rest on my own.” Vladimir simply nodded and faded back into the shadows of the tree line.

Jake crept toward the house. He could smell Draco and no one else. He smiled to himself. That son of a bitch was here alone and Jake was going to end this now. He kept low to the ground. The sun was low in the sky and he stayed in the shadows.

Suddenly he stopped. Something didn’t feel right. Hundreds of years of training and hunting told him something was wrong. He growled and turned just in time to feel the silver arrow slam into his chest. He reached down and yanked it out but within seconds three more silver arrows slammed into him.

Jake felt the weakness overtaking him. He looked and saw Vladimir standing at the tree line the crossbow still in his hands pointed at Jake. The last thing Jake heard was Draco’s laughter in his ears before he collapsed unconscious.

888

“Wake up, wolf pup.” Vladimir’s voice broke through the fog in Jakes mind. He didn’t open his eyes as he used his other senses to take in his surroundings. He could smell Vladimir and Draco but no one else. He was underground judging by the lack of outdoor noise. The floor was cold and metallic and judging by the lethargy and weakness still in his body he figured he was in a silver cage.

“Open your eyes, Jake. I know you’re awake.” Jake opened his eyes and looked through the bars of his cage at the man who he had thought was dead.

“What the hell do you want, Draco?” Jake asked as he forced his weak body to stand. He didn’t even spare Vladimir a glance.

“I’m almost disappointed, Jake. I expected it to be much harder to capture you. Vladimir told me he could earn your trust and get you to me but I doubted him. The Jake I remember trusted no one. Being mated has made you weak and stupid.”

“Why don’t you come in this cage and call me weak and stupid, Draco..” Draco laughed. The sound was cold.

“I’m not a fool, Jake. I know that you could very easily kill me. I am physically weak when compared to you but I know someone who I am stronger than.” Jake noticed that Draco himself was staying far from the silver bars of the cage.

“And who is that?”

“I believe you know her. I met her once in a cute little pizza store. I hear that her condition is even more delicate now. I would hate for anything to happen to that innocent little baby inside her.”

Jake growled so loudly that Vladimir and Draco both jumped backward. He slammed himself against the bars with such force that they bent slightly.

“How does it feel Jake? How does it feel knowing that your mate and your child are going to die?” Draco demanded. Jake reached an arm through the bars his fingers itched to close around Draco’s neck.

“I do believe he is growing angry.” Vladimir said his violet eyes glowing with amusement.

“What do you have to do with this?” Jake demanded looking at the vampire.

“Draco and his mate were old friends of mine.” Vladimir replied. Then he reached out a slender, long nailed hand and grabbed Jake’s wrist. Jake tried to pull his arm away but in his weakened state he found he could not. Draco laid his hand on top of Jakes and closed his eyes.

“Let’s see where that mate of yours is hiding.” he said. Jake could feel a tug in his mind and knew that Draco was searching it for signs of Angela. After several moments Draco let out a feline snarl and pulled away. Vladimir released Jake’s wrist and Jake pulled his arm back through the bars.

“You are smarter than I gave you credit for. You have no idea where she is do you?” Jake smiled.

“No I sure don’t.” he replied. “And neither do you.” Draco was taken aback for a moment by the smile on Jakes’ face. It was not a good natured smile.. It was a heart stopping, blood freezing smile that most immortals and mortals alike would run from…..

“I will.” Draco replied slowly. “It will just take me a little longer than I had planned. Do you really think that idiot brother of yours can keep her safe from me. You will pay for taking my mate and child from me, Jake. I can promise you that.” Jake’s smile became more malicious.

“There’s a difference between the two of us Draco.” he said. Draco raised a brow.

“Enlighten me.” he said.

“I am a hunter. A rogue killer. You are a coward. A deserter. You and your mate thought you could do whatever you wanted and not have to face the consequences. When my father and I came calling and your back was to the wall you ran. You left your mate and your child to their fate” Draco’s face contorted with rage.

“I was going to kill her quickly but for that I will make it slow.” He turned and left the room walking up a set of narrow stairs and out of sight. Vladimir sneered at Jake.

“Draco will find her. You know that as long as she carries that baby inside her she is barely more than mortal. He will kill her easily and you will be left alive.. Living the rest of your life without her. You will know the pain that Draco has been living with after losing his love.”

“Keep talking, you blood sucking leech. Try to convince yourself that the two of your aren’t going to die at the end of this. I am going to drive a stake through your heart myself.” Vladimir laughed and walked up the stairs closing the door behind him. Jake sank to the ground and prayed that he could count on his little brother.

888

“Lane, it’s been almost two weeks.” Angela said as she paced the tiny shack. “Why haven’t we heard from him yet?” Lane could hear the panic in her voice.

“It must just be taking him a while to strategize….”

“Cut the bullshit, Lane.” Angela snapped. “You know as well as I do that Jake doesn’t strategize. He is an act first and think later guy. What if something happened to him?”

“Jake has been doing this for a long time, Angela.. He knows how to handle himself.”

“Not right now he doesn’t. He wasn’t thinking straight when he left and you know it. He is scared and worried about me and the baby.. What if that made him make a mistake?”

Lane thought back to the night Jake had left and the vamp that had come to their home. He hadn’t liked the look of that leech but Jake had seemed to trust him. Jake didn’t trust easily. Surely he hadn’t made a mistake that big.

“Would it make you feel better if I found a way to contact him?” Lane asked. Angela sat down on the bed with her head in her hands.

“We can’t. You heard what Jake said. If anyone contacts him then Draco will know and Draco could know that I’m with you. He would find us.” Lane smiled and sat down next to her wrapping his arm around her shoulders.

“Have faith little sister. I’ll contact our cousin Lucas down in Jamaica and have him contact Jake. Draco wont’ be suspicious.”

“Are you talking about the same cousin who held you prisoner and threatened to kill you if Jake didn’t pay him?” Angela asked looking at him as if he were crazy. Lane grinned sheepishly.

“Jake told ya about that huh?” Angela nodded. “That was different though. That was about money. I don’t think Lucas would have really killed me.” Lane was actually positive that Lucas would have killed him but he didn’t want to tell Angela that. “This is about family and we wolves stick together when one of our own is threatened.”

“Contact him then. Have him check on Jake. I need to know that he is ok.”

(Lucas.) Lane said making sure that Angela would be included in the conversation. He waited for Lucas to reply but no reply came.

(Hey cousin! Answer me I need your help.)

(What kind of help would that be Lane? I am not loaning you any more money Jake nearly killed me last time.)

(I wouldn’t lose it this time. I’ve figured that game out. I could win big this time…) Lane stopped when he saw the way Angela was looking at him. (Right. Anyway this isn’t about money.)

(What then? And who is listening in on us? Do you have a mate now?)

(No no no no no.) Lane exclaimed .(No mate for me I’m a free spirit kind of guy. I like all women. Can’t be tied down to just one.) Angela threw him another look and he stopped. (Her name is Angela.) Lane said. (She is actually Jake’s mate.)

(My condolences. Being mated to that hot headed jackass must be hell.) Lucas said dryly.

(Jake might be in trouble, Lucas. I can’t contact him because then the man he is after will know where to find Angela.. I need you to contact him. He’s going to be pissed but he’s been gone longer then we thought he would be and Angela is going crazy with worry….)

(Give me a minute. I’ll break this link with you and try to contact him.) Lucas replied. He took a long draw of his cigar and thought about his cousin Jake.

(Jake,) he waited but got no reply. Was Jake ignoring him?

(Jake, talk to me. Your mate is worried about you. Just let me know your ok and then I can tell her.) He waited a full minute but got no reply. He used their blood relation to search for his cousin but could only tell that he was in a town in Georgia. He couldn’t tell for sure if he was alive or dead but it felt like the latter.

(Lane.) Lucas called to his other cousin. He purposely left Angela out of the link.

(You don’t’ sound happy cousin. Did Jake rip you a new asshole for bothering him?)

(Lane, he won’t answer me. I even told him his mate was worried and he wouldn’t respond. I felt for him but all I can tell is that he’s in a town in Georgia. It almost feels like he’s dead.) Lane shut the link down and looked over at Angela. She was looking at him with hope.

“Is he ok?” Lane couldn’t seem to form words. He didn’t want to tell her that Jake was dead.

“He uh… Lucas couldn’t contact him. He wouldn’t answer.” Lane said. Angela saw the sadness in Lane’s blue eyes. She felt panic and fear grip her and she grabbed his arm.

“Wouldn’t or couldn’t?” she demanded.

“Couldn’t.” Lane answered swallowing hard. “Lucas said he might be dead.” Angela blanched at the thought. Lane expected her to break down in tears. He expected her to scream and sob. What he didn’t expect was for her to stand and look down at him with the same hard look in her eyes that Jake got before a fight.

“My mate is not dead. I would know if he were. He must be captured. Trapped. When you were in that silver cage no one could contact you either.” She said matter-of-factly. “We have to go save him.”

“No. I promised him I would keep you safe.” Lane said standing up as well. Angela glared at him with her hands on her hips.

“Lane, you know that I love you but if you don’t help me I will kill you myself.”

“You sound just like Jake.” Lane said but Angela could see the smile tugging at his lips.

“Please help me save him. Lane. Don’t you owe that to him?” Lane thought back to all the times that Jake had bailed him out of trouble.. All the times he had saved his life. He looked down at Angela and sighed. Over the last two weeks a bond stronger than any Lane had ever had, had formed between he and Angela.

Lane loved his sisters and his mother but this was different. He loved Angela in a different stronger way. It was nothing romantic. He didn’t fantasize about having his brothers mate that way. It was like they were kindred spirits. Twins separated at birth.. He would do anything for her. Even if it meant his brother would kill him for it later.

“Ok. Let me talk to Lucas and figure out exactly where he is and we’ll go get him.” Lane said. “But when this is over you are responsible for making sure Jake doesn’t kill me.”

Chapter Fifteen

Jake had lost count of how long he’d been in this cage.. He was weak but not as weak as he was leading Vladimir to believe. He hadn’t seen Draco again since the first night but Vladimir had been a near constant sitting by the bars of the cage. At first Vladimir had tried to irritate Jake. To antagonize him, but Jake had been raised with Lane so he had learned to ignore that kind of thing.

Vladimir had grown weary of hearing himself talk and now just sat there day after day watching Jake and waiting on Draco to return. Jake forced himself to keep his head down and maintain his weak posture when the door to the basement opened and Draco walked in.

“How is our prisoner today Vladimir?” he asked his icy blue eyes taking in Jakes weak state with glee.

“He does little more than sit there.” Vladimir replied his voice dull with boredom.

“Perhaps the news that I have will liven him up.” Draco said walking over to the bars of the cage. He reached through and grabbed Jake’s shoulder in a tight grip. Jake wanted to rip his arm straight off and smack him with it but knew he needed to drag out his weakness as long as he could.

“What news?” Jake said making sure his voice sounded as weak as he looked.

“I found your mate.” Draco hissed. Jake felt fear grip his heart. “She screamed your name as I killed her.” Jake waited for the anger to hit him but instead he felt sadness.. A sadness so overwhelming he thought it alone would kill him.

“I could tell you the details but I would rather show you. Let me start by saying that your idiot brother thought he could hide her in Vegas. Then he left her alone in a hotel while he went out and got drunk and gambled.” Jake couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Surely Lane would not have abandoned Angela! If Angela was gone then Jake had nothing left to fight for. He sagged under Draco’s hand.

“Don’t pass out on me yet. We have to watch a movie.” Draco’s grip tightened on Jake’s shoulder. Jake felt the tugging sensation in his mind and then suddenly an image of Angela appeared. She was walking around a hotel room.. Pacing in front of a large window. It was like he was watching a movie in his head.. A movie he didn’t want to see.

“You’ll see her death through my eyes of course.” Draco whispered in his ear.

Jake saw Angela turn her eyes full of fear when they fell upon him.. But it wasn’t him it was Draco. It was like Jake was inside of Draco and so every move Draco made felt like his own.

“Leave me alone!” Angela screamed. “Jake will kill you!”

“Jake can’t save you now.” he replied his voice cold. Angela screamed when she saw the knife in his hand. She tried to run but he grabbed her arm and threw her down on the bed. She kicked and fought for all she was worth but he was much stronger than she could ever hope to be.

He raised the knife and felt her blood on him as he drove the long blade into her stomach again and again… She screamed in pain and horror.

“That took care of the baby.” he hissed. “Now it’s time for you.” He put a blood covered hand on both sides of her face and her scream was silenced instantly as he twisted. Jake could hear the bones of her neck snap as if he was in the room. He looked down at her lifeless body and felt his stomach roll inside him.

His beautiful Angela lay there dead beneath him.. His eyes gazed in disbelief over her bloody body beneath him. He stared at the pale scar on her shoulder and then he smiled.

It wasn’t him smiling as Draco inside this horror film but Jake smiling inside his silver prison.

“What the hell are you smiling for?! I killed her! Can’t you see that?!” Draco demanded letting go of Jake’s shoulder and shoving him. Jake spun around so quickly that Draco barely had time to get his arm out of the cage.

“You made a mistake, Draco.”

“She’s dead, Jake! Dead!” Draco screamed. Jake laughed then. The sound was so full of cold blooded hate and anger that Vladimir found himself taking a step away from the cage.

“You remembered her wrong. I give you credit for a movie well done. It was very believable. But you remembered her wrong.”

“It wasn’t a movie Jake it was my memory. I killed her and I killed that brat inside of her just like you killed my mate and child!”

“I didn’t know your mate was pregnant and you abandoned her, so who is the real murderer?” Jake asked calmly. Draco was in a near blind rage now.

“She is dead, Jake! Angela is dead!”

“Why do you seem so convinced that she isn’t?” Vladimir asked seeing that his friend was too consumed with anger to think straight.

“She is my mate. I know every inch of her body. I know every freckle, every curve. I know how the light looks when it shines off the silkiness of her dark hair. I know how her brown eyes shine with her good spirit and her passion. And I know that in our most passionate moment when I marked her as my own… I bit her other shoulder.”

Draco sat silent for a moment. He thought back to that day at the pizza store when he had met Angela. He thought back to that pale scar he had seen on her shoulder. Her left shoulder..

He roared with rage and flung himself at the bars. Jake stood with his arms crossed and simply watched him.

“Someone’s here.” Vladimir said suddenly. Jake sniffed and his heart froze. He would know that lilac and vanilla scent anywhere. Draco seemed to calm instantly as he sniffed the air.

“It’s her. And your brother…. And someone else. Another were wolf though I’m not familiar with him.” Jake sniffed again. It was Angela, Lane and Lucas… What was his brother doing here with Angela and Lucas?

“I will just go up and say hello.” Draco said changing into a large white tiger and slinking to the door. Jake felt the anger then. An anger, a fear, a rage stronger than any he had felt before. He grabbed two of the silver bars and with a growl that froze Draco in his tracks he moved the bars aside as if they were made of nothing more than clay. Jake jumped out of the cage and landed on the floor a three hundred pound snarling black wolf. His muscles were bunching and coiling as he stared at Draco and Vladimir.

“Kill him, Vladimir. I will take care of our visitors.” Draco said and he raced up the stairs. Jake ran for the door but Vladimir caught him by the scruff of his neck and threw him across the room. Jake struck the wall so hard the cinderblocks cracked. He stood up and shook himself off.

“I’ve heard stories about you, Jake. Let’s just see how tough you really are.” Jake growled low in his throat and lunged.

888

“Someone’s coming.” Lucas said and reached his arm out to stop Angela in her tracks. He and Lane both sniffed.

“It’s Draco!” Lane shouted. He grabbed Angela and hid her behind a large willow tree.

“Stay here.” he said sternly. Angela looked down at the small brick house. It was the only home still standing solid in this apparent ghost town. She nodded and Lane released her and ran back down the small hill to join Lucas.

“Jake’s in there. I can feel him. Whatever was keeping him from coming through before is gone now.” Lucas said matter of factly.

“You can leave, Lucas. There is no reason for you to risk your life for us.” Lane said to his cousin.

“Nonsense. We’re family and family sticks together. Besides if you die then I’ll lose out on all the money I’m going to make off of you in the future.” Before Lane could respond the door of the brick home burst apart and a giant white tiger jumped out.

(Hello Draco.) Lane said. (Where is my brother?)

(He’s down below fighting with my vampire friend. Jake is no match for him. Vladimir is almost a thousand years old.)

(What do you want?) Lane asked. Draco’s eyes locked on something on top of the hill.

(Her.) he replied. Lane looked back and saw the Angela had come out from behind the tree and was standing there looking down at them.

“Dammit.” he said. Draco lunged making a run to the top of the hill. Lucas changed quickly into a medium sized brown wolf. He stood in front of Draco and growled in warning but Draco raised one huge, sharp clawed paw and struck him across his face sending him flying and landing in an unconscious heap a few feet away.

Draco took off up the hill again.

“Dammit!” Lane yelled and he changed quickly and ran after Draco jumping on the large tigers back and sinking his teeth into the back of his neck. Draco let out a roar and twisted trying to bite Lane but Lane jumped off of him and stood in between Draco and Angela.

(Are you really going to try to stop me?) Draco sneered. (You are no match for me)

(Why does everyone think I’m so damn useless?) Lane demanded .( Just because I was always joking during my fathers lessons doesn’t mean I wasn’t paying attention.)

Draco raised his paw to swat Lane aside but Lane ducked beneath it and lunged sinking his teeth into Draco’s neck. Draco ripped at him with his claws and teeth and Angela screamed as they became a blur of white, black and gray. Blood covered the ground and she didn’t know how much of it belonged to Lane.

(Run little sister!) Lane yelled at her. She did as he said and ran down the hill toward the house.. She had to find Jake. She was almost there when she heard a pain filled yelp. She looked back up the hill and saw that Lane was losing. She couldn’t let him die. She looked down on the ground and saw a silver arrow laying in the grass.

She hoped that silver worked against all were creatures and not just wolves. She picked up the arrow and ran up the hill.. Draco didn’t know what hit him as she jumped on his back and sunk the arrow deep into his head. He managed to twist around and snapped his teeth less than an inch from her face before falling on top of her in a lifeless heap.

Jake burst from the house and froze while he quickly took in the scene. Lucas was laying alive but unconscious just a few feet from the house. Lane was laying in a bloody heap on the side of the small hill and Draco was dead where he lay on top of Angela.

Jake changed back to a man and yelled her name as he sprinted up the hill to her. He grabbed Draco’s lifeless body and threw it aside.

“Are you ok?” he asked as he ran his hands along her body checking for any sign of injuries. Angela smiled and threw her arms around his neck.

“We’re fine.” she assured him as he touched a hand to her stomach. He kissed her and was closer to tears than he had ever been in his life.

“What are you doing here?” he asked,

“Lane and I… Oh my god Lane!” Angela jumped up and ran up the hill to where Lane lay. He had changed back to a man but he was just lying there perfectly still and covered in blood. His eyes were closed.

“Lane wake up!” Angela said as she pushed his hair out of his face. “Don’t you dare die on me! This bambina I’m carrying around is going to need her favorite uncle.” Lane smiled even though his eyes were still closed.

“Bambino. And I want him named after me.” Angela nearly screamed with joy as she threw her arms around his neck and hugged him close. Then she pulled away and moved back to Jake’s arms.

Jake’s steady heartbeat against her ear reassured her that everything was ok.

“What about Vladimir?” Lane asked as he sat up gingerly and winced in pain.

“Dead.” Jake replied.

“Vladimir…?” Angela started.

“Was working with Draco.” Jake replied burying his nose in Angela’s hair and breathing in her scent.

“Hey cousin.” Lucas said walking over to them while rubbing the scratches along his jaw. Angela realized that he too was naked and she buried her face in Jake’s rock hard chest.

“What is it?” Jake asked her.

“You’re all naked.” she replied feeling the blush rise on her cheeks.

“I’ve gotta get home cousin.” Lucas said smiling at Jake. “Take care of her.” Jake nodded.

“Thanks for helping them.” he said. “But don’t think this means that you can loan Lane any more money. I’ll still kill you if you do that again.” Lucas nodded and then was gone.

Jake looked at Draco’s dead body lying on the ground. He had turned back into a man in death and the silver arrow was sticking out of his temple. Jake knew they couldn’t leave him out in the open. He forced himself to let go of Angela and threw Draco over his shoulder. He carried him a little ways into the woods and found a large boulder.

“Lane lift that up.” Jake said. Angela was about to protest because of the many wounds covering Lane’s body but Lane threw a look that made her stop.

(Have some faith little sister) . he said. Lane lifted the boulder and Jake laid Draco down on the ground beneath it. Lane let go of the boulder and it fell with a crack on top of Draco’s body. Angela closed her eyes and winced at the sound.

“Alright.” Jake said wrapping his arms back around Angela. “Let’s go home and then you can both explain to me exactly why you were here.”

Chapter Sixteen

Lane, Jake and Angela all agreed that they should clean up and make themselves presentable before they called the family back to the house. Lane went up to his room and Angela and Jake went to theirs.

“I don’t want to let go of you.” Angela said, hugging him tight. Jake understood her completely since he felt the same way. He stood there and held her.

He kissed her and as their lips met Angela felt heat building in her. He ran his hands through her hair and deepened the kiss exploring her mouth with his tongue.

He kissed her and touched her with all the passion he possessed and she matched him. He raised her hands above her head and pulled off her t-shirt and then reached behind her and unfastened her bra. Her breasts fell heavy and full into his waiting hands.

He bent down and sucked her nipples greedily. She moaned with pleasure and buried her fingers in his hair. She looked down at his glorious naked back and ran her hands across it digging her nails in as he sucked harder.

Jake moved his mouth back to hers as he led her to the bed and laid her down. He stood over her and simply looked at her for several long moments. Her lips were red from his kisses. Her cheeks were flushed. Her eyes nearly black with passion. Her nipples were hard and red where his mouth had ravaged them.

He smiled when he realized that she didn’t shy away from his gaze. She didn’t try to cover herself as she had the first time they had made love. Instead her eyes locked with his and she smiled back.

His smile vanished when the images Draco had shown him flashed through his mind. His hand stabbing the knife deep within her again and again. His hands, covered in her blood, grabbing her face and twisting….

He felt her hand on his cheek. She seemed to read his mind though neither had spoken about anything that had happened during their time apart.

“I am here, Jake. Whatever he told you, whatever he led you to believe, I’m right here.” She took his hand and placed it over her heart. He growled softly and crushed her mouth with his as he came down on her.

He slid himself inside her and she called out his name. There was no slow build up to pleasure this time. No slow passion. He rode her hard and fast and she clung to him desperately and moaned his name as she came beneath him and felt him stiffen and shudder inside of her with his release.

He fell down beside her panting and pulled her against him. She rested her head against his chest listening to his heart pound.

“He told me you were dead.” Jake said after a few moments. “He told me that he killed you and I didn’t feel angry. I couldn’t feel anything but sadness. I knew that with you gone I had nothing left worth fighting over. Nothing left worth getting angry over.” Angela raised up and kissed him lightly. She looked down in his golden eyes.

“I am sorry he put you through that.” she said softly.

“Why in the hell were you and Lane even at that house?” Jake demanded suddenly. “And why the hell was Lucas with you?”

“You were gone a long time Jake. I was scared that something had happened to you. Lane contacted Lucas and asked him to contact you since we knew we couldn’t. When he couldn’t find you he told us he thought you were dead. I refused to believe that. I reminded Lane that when he was in the silver cage no one could contact him either and I convinced him to help me find you. Lucas helped us track you to that house.”

“I told Lane to keep you safe….”

“But he did!” Angela said sensing Jake’s anger and rushing to Lane’s defense. “He told me to hide behind that big willow tree. I stepped out and Draco saw me… He charged up the hill at me. Lucas changed and jumped in front of him but Draco slapped him away like it was nothing and kept coming.

“That’s when Lane changed and ran up the hill. He jumped on Draco and Draco threw him off but Lane jumped in front of him then. Lane attacked him so viciously. He yelled at me to run and I did. I was almost to the house but then I heard him yelp in pain.. I knew he was going to die if I didn’t do something. I saw the arrow lying on the ground. I picked it up and ran at them praying that silver took down were tigers the way it did werewolves. I jumped on Draco’s back and before he could react I stuck it as hard as I could into his head. He turned then and nearly got me before he fell over dead.” Angela took a breath and waited for Jake to reply.

“You are one hell of a woman.” he said kissing the top of her head. “Lane took good care of you before that then? He didn’t leave you alone?”

“No. He didn’t leave me alone for a single second.” Angela assured him. “I want you to know that I love your brother” Jake growled low in his throat and Angela was quick to continue.

“Calm down boy.” she said soothingly as she ran her hand down his chest and stomach and even lower before bringing it back to his chest again. “You are my mate and my one and only. I don’t love your brother that way and he doesn’t love me in that way.”

“So how exactly do you love each other?” Jake asked feeling suddenly foolish for being so jealous. It was obvious that this woman was loyal and devoted only to him.

“It’s hard to explain. I almost feel like he’s my twin brother I lost at birth or something.” Angela slapped Jake’s arm as he chuckled.

“Don’t laugh.” she scolded. “I know it sounds silly but I feel like he’s my real brother. I never had a brother. And do you know what he calls me? Little sister.”

“Well he’s never had one of those.” Jake said kissing her head again. Angela yawned against his chest.

“Tired?” he asked.

“Part of being pregnant I’m afraid.” she said. Jake stood up and moved her up onto the pillows and draped the blanket over her.

“Rest. I need to take a shower and talk to Lane. Then I’ll let everyone know we’re back.” Angela nodded and he bent down and kissed her gently before turning and leaving the room.

Jake thought long and hard about what Angela had told him while he showered. He stepped out of the shower, pulled on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt and walked to Lanes room.

“Come on in, big brother.” Lane said before Jake could knock. He walked in and found Lane lying in his bed in a pair of sweatpants. He was covered in bruises and cuts but they were all healing.

“I just wanted to tell you thank you.” Jake said feeling awkward. He was used to yelling at and scolding his brother not thanking him.

“You don’t have to thank me Jake. I would never let anything happen to Angela. During all those long nights in that cabin we got awfully close.” Lane said. Jake felt his temper rise but fought it back. He knew Lane was trying to rile him.

“Yes she told me. She said that she feels like you are her twin brother separated at birth. She said she feels a real bond with you.”

“So much for my reputation.” Lane said sitting up and looking at his brother.“I feel the same way about her though. Are you ok with that?” Jake nodded and smiled knowing that he really was.

“Of course I am. Angela is my soul mate and the love of my life. I am secure enough to know that she feels the same about me.” Jake replied crossing his arms over his chest.

“Good.” Lane replied.

“I should kick your ass for bringing her to that house instead of keeping her hidden like I told you to but I won’t because I know how persuasive she can be when she wants something.”

“She would have made you proud, Jake.. She said this exactly. ’ Lane you know I love you but if you don’t help me then I’ll kill you myself .’” Jake found himself laughing and Lane was surprised by the sound.

“Anyway thanks for taking care of Angela and thank you for keeping Draco away from her.” Lane nodded. “Thank you for not letting down.” Jake added.

“Gosh big brother. You’re gonna make me cry.” Lane said trying to hide the fact that he was indeed beginning to feel emotional. Jake smiled but refused to react to Lane’s goading.

“Now that that’s settled lets call the family back home. I’m sure they are all worried sick about you.” Lane said. Jake nodded and started out of the room. He stopped in the hall and looked back at Lane.

“Oh yea, Lane…” Lane raised his brow.

“What?”

“We’re not naming the baby after you.”