Laney and Hunter

Laney wiped the table clean in the small diner, offered a smile to an old man who was a regular customer and refilled a middle-aged gentleman’s coffee cup before walking back into the kitchen. She clocked herself out, said goodbye to the other waitresses and the cook and then walked out into the sunset.

She yawned as she walked out to her car and climbed in. She started the engine and drove down the darkening roads, turning up the long drive to her families home. She saw the log mansion come into view and smiled.

She loved this house. She had been born in the house and had lived here all twenty-six years of her life so far. Times had changed in the last twenty years or so… Her family no longer had to hide or conceal what they were from the mortal world.

The existence of immortals was now out in the open and once they had gotten over their fascination most mortals had just accepted them as a part of normal everyday life and moved on.

Laney parked her car in front of the garage and was walking up to the door when it flew open and her uncle Lane came running out.

“Where are you going in such a hurry?” she asked with a smile. Lane held up a piece of paper.

“Your dad, Kent, grandpa, Evan and Greg gave me a list of all the things the baby is going to need.. I’ve gotta get started on buying it all.” he replied. Laney shook her head.

“Uncle Lane, Aunt Joey is only three months pregnant. She’s barely even showing.. You have plenty of time.” she assured him. He patted her on the head like she was a tiny child and kissed her cheek.

“Can’t ever be too prepared.” he said and then took off toward the garage. Laney watched as he backed his old camaro out of the garage and drove away in a hurry. She laughed to herself.

Lane had always been her favorite uncle. She was named for him after all and he had spoiled her beyond belief growing up. She guessed it was because he had never been much more mature than she was. But ever since he had found out that his mate Joey was going to have a baby he had been trying very hard to act like a grown up for the first time even though he was 136 years old. And her dad, other uncles and her grandpa had been having fun torturing him and making him a nervous wreck.

Laney walked in the living room and found her uncles, dad and grandpa sitting on the couch.

“You guys should be ashamed of yourselves.” she scolded as she took off her apron and hung it by the door.

“We didn’t tell the man he had to go get it all tonight.” Kent replied without looking away from the ball game they were watching.

“You know how he’s been. We just couldn’t help ourselves.” Evan added while wiping at the spit up stain on his shoulder. The newborn in his arms started screaming and he looked up at Laney helplessly. She laughed and walked over taking her youngest cousin into her arms. She kissed the babies red hair and she quieted instantly.

“How was work sweetheart?” her grandpa Charles asked. She shrugged.

“Okay I guess. It gives me something to do with myself.”

“You could have gone into the military like Kaylee and Kayleb. Hell I never get to see either one of them anymore.” Evan said matter-of-factly. Jake smacked him on the back of the head.

“Don’t give my daughter any damn ideas!” he said. “She’s got enough of her mother and I in her that she just might listen.” Laney smiled and kissed her dads strong, stubbly cheek.

“Don’t worry daddy. I got enough of uncle Lane in me to make me phobic of responsibility.” she said. Jake chuckled and looked back at the TV. Laney knew that the conversations were over as the men all became focused on the television. She walked into the kitchen and found her mom, grandma, aunt Raquel and aunt Jordan.

“Where’s everybody else?” Laney asked as she sat down with Gwen still held against her chest.

“Joey is sleeping. She said she is going to shove a stake through the doctors heart who named it ‘morning sickness’ because he lied and Bethany is upstairs taking a bath with Kaitlyn.” Jordan replied. “And my not so little, little boy called today and said he’s going to stay out in LA a little longer.” she added.

“It’s a good thing Bethany had a little girl. She wouldn’t know what to do if she couldn’t paint nails and style hair.” Raquel said. Laney smiled. Her cousin Kaitlyn was ten years old and the spitting image of her mom Bethany. She was already tall for her age, had long golden hair, tan skin and Laney knew that once she went through puberty she would probably have the knock out body to match.

Her aunt Jordan and uncle Kent’s son Alex was twenty and living out in LA trying to make it with his punk rock band. Laney smiled when she remembered how her grandpa Charles had nearly had a heart attack when Alex had come home a few months ago covered with tattoos and peircings. His hair had been cut in a Mohawk and dyed purple….

“It’s normal nowadays for men to paint their nails and style their hair so if Bethany had a boy he’d be fine.” Laney said.

“There is nothing normal about a man painting his nails.” Angela disagreed with her daughter. Laney shook her head.

“Mom, just because you are mated to a cave man who has more testosterone then ten men doesn’t mean all men are that way.” she teased. Angela smiled. Laney and Angela looked enough alike to pass off as twins. The only differences between them was that Laney had golden eyes and Angela’s were brown and Laney was more slender than her mom.

“That man is something….” Angela said and Laney could tell by the look in her eyes that she was daydreaming. Laney shook her head and looked down at Gwen asleep in her arms. She was used to the way her mom and dad were with each other. All of her family members loved their mates but her dad and her grandpa were both very intense men and so the relationships they had with their mates matched that intensity. She had never seen a single day go by when her parents and grandparents had not kissed at least a dozen times and they were always sneaking off to be alone.

“Did work go well?” her grandma asked setting a plate of leftover steak and potatoes from dinner down in front of Laney. Laney handed Gwen to Raquel so she could eat.

“I’ll just take her upstairs and feed her some dinner as well.” Raquel said and left the room.

“Work went good I guess. I thought the new girl was going to have a heart attack when I slipped and my arm landed on the griddle. She started yelling that we needed to call 911 and then went into a state of shock when my arm healed right there in front of her eyes.” Laney laughed lightly when she remembered the look on the girls face. “Apparently she’d never seen an immortal heal before.”

“You need to start being more careful.” Angela said looking at her daughters arm. The skin was red but fine. Laney rolled her eyes.

“I know.” she said knowing that it was just her moms nature to worry about others. Her mom, grandma and aunt Jordan went back to talking and Laney just listened as she finished her dinner. She stood up once she was done.

“Well I’m going to go up and get a shower then I’ll probably go to sleep.” she said. Angela hugged her daughter goodnight and Laney went up the stairs to the third floor and her room.

She had had the same bedroom since birth and she loved it because it was adjoined to a bathroom. She took a shower, changed into a silk gown and then curled up in the bed with a romance novel about a cowboy who swoops in and saves a lonely young girl from the rich banker who wants to marry her for her dead parents property..

Laney was lonely. And the worst part was that there was no way for her to know when, where or if she would ever find her mate. She was not a werewolf and therefore would not be able to sense her mates presence.

She was only half a werewolf and while she had the immortality and strength of her fathers kind, that was as far as her werewolf abilities went. She knew that when she met her mate he would know that she was his mate and she just had to wait until then. Unless her mate was mortal and then she would never know and he would grow old and die and she would be alone forever.

She had tried dating but it always seemed rather pointless to her. She didn’t want to fall in love with a man that in the long run she would end up losing. Mortals just didn’t live forever like she would.

She turned her attention back to her book and read until she heard the rest of the house finally fall silent. She knew her family was asleep and she should do the same. She laid her book down, turned off the light and crawled under the covers to try to get some rest.

888

Hunter gripped the steering wheel of his beat up ford escort as he entered the small town. He pulled up to the family motel and parked the car. He walked up to the desk and a short, plump, older woman gave him the key to room twenty-one. He grabbed his suitcase from his car and walked around to room twenty-one.

He walked in the room shutting and dead bolting the door behind him. He dropped his suitcase and then fell down exhausted into the bed.

Hunter was the forty year old son of a murdered vampire father and a mortal mother who had died three months before from cancer. He ran his tongue over his slightly larger than average fang teeth and closed his gray eyes.

He had tracked down the slayer who had killed his father years ago but had not come to find her because his mortal mother had been very ill. For ten years she had fought against the cancer inside of her but in the end death had won as it does every time with mortals.

Hunter didn’t know why he wanted to meet the female slayer who had killed his vampire father thirty-six years before. He knew that his father had been an evil man who had deserved his death. He knew that his father had murdered that poor girls family and would have killed her too if she hadn’t shoved that stake through his heart… He supposed he wanted to apologize to her. Apologize for his fathers actions that night.

Hunter was immortal thanks to his father and he craved blood as well, however he kept himself satisfied off the blood of wild animals. He had vampire sight and smell but thanks to his mother what he didn’t have was a vampire’s normal sensitivity to sunlight. Sunlight could not harm him.

Hunter looked at the clock. .It was late. Nearly one in the morning. He stood, pulled off his cowboy boots and blue jeans and stretched out on the bed to get some sleep.

Chapter Two

Laney stretched her arms above her head. She smiled as she remembered her dreams. She had dreamed of a tall, tan, gray eyed cowboy who had fallen desperately in love with her at first sight. She looked over the book she’d been reading before she fell asleep and smiled….

Laney stood up and pulled on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt before walking down to the kitchen. She found her grandma and grandpa sitting at the table. Her grandma was drinking the tea that her grandpa made for her every morning.

“Good morning.” They both said when she walked in. She smiled.

“Good morning.” She realized the house was unusually quiet this morning.

“Where is everybody?” she asked.

“Your dad whisked your mom away this morning on a trip to Spain. You know how he is about spoiling her. Lane and Joey are gone to Abbington to try to pick out a crib that they like for the baby. Raquel, Evan and Gwen went to Evan’s families house for the day. Jordan and Kent went to LA to visit Alex and Bethany, Greg and Kaitlyn had to go to New York for a fashion show.” Rebecca replied. Charles shook his head as he wrapped his arm around his mate.

“I think Bethany is happier than anyone about not having to hide her immortality any more. She loves being a model.” he said taking a sip of coffee.

“So what are you going to do today?” Rebecca asked her granddaughter. Laney shrugged.

“I have no idea.” she replied. “I guess I might go to town and do a little shopping. I want to go visit the homeless shelter over in Mason Coutny next week but I want to make sure I take some clothes and toys for all the kids there when I go.” Charles smiled proudly at his granddaughter.

“You are a lot like your mom. Always helping others out like that. You and your mom have the two best spirits of anyone I know.” Laney kissed her grandpa’s cheek. She knew that he had been a bad man for a long time and that she had played a big part in softening his heart and bringing him back to his family.

“Thank you grandpa.” she said. She grabbed her purse off the kitchen counter.

“I guess I’ll head. You all need anything while I’m out?” she asked. Rebecca shook her head and Laney could tell by the look in their eyes as they gazed at each other that they were very happy about having the house to themselves for a few hours.

She smiled, shook her head and walked out.

She was driving her uncle Lane’s camaro down the winding road with her radio blasting. She knew she was going too fast. Her dad was always jumping her ass for having a lead foot but she just couldn’t help herself. She loved rolling the windows down and feeling the wind blow her long black hair. She supposed that it was the tiny bit of werewolf in her that craved that feeling of freedom.

She came around a curve too fast and went into the wrong lane. A car came around at the same time and Laney screamed as she jerked the steering wheel. The camaro’s tires slid on the damp pavement and she went straight into the ditch.

The camaro had no airbags and her head bounced sharply off the steering wheel. She moaned and raised her hand to her forehead and felt the blood. Then she realized that she had wrecked her uncle Lane’s most prized possession and she felt panic grip her. The driver door suddenly opened.

“Ma’am, are you ok?” she heard a deep voice with a Texan accent ask. She looked beside her and felt her heart catch in her throat. The man looking at her had dark gray eyes, tan skin, light stubble covered his strong chin and his chiseled cheekbones. He was wearing a black cowboy hat but she could see dark blond hair sticking out from underneath it. He was the sexiest man she had ever seen and the sight of him scared her to death because she had just dreamt about him the night before and many other nights before that.

“Ma’am, are you ok?” he asked again. She managed a smile and a nod. He took her hand and helped pull her from the car. She forced herself to look away from him and down at Lane’s camaro and groaned.

The front end was completely smashed. Her uncle Lane was going to kill her. The only thing he loved more than this car was her aunt Joey.

Hunter looked at the woman standing beside him. She was pretty. Long curly black hair, she was slender but not thin and her skin was as light as snow. He had noticed when she had been staring up at him that her eyes were a deep golden color that he had never seen before..

He caught her scent on the light breeze and felt his knees nearly buckle. No it wasn’t possible. He knew that every immortal had a mate but his mother had told him he never would because he was only half immortal. But the vampire in him was coming to life at the sight and scent of her…

His brain was telling him to run from her but he knew that he could not. Not only was she hurt but his damn heart had his feet glued to the road.

“Oh shit!” she exclaimed. “He is going to kill me…This car was his baby!” He could hear the panic in her voice. He tested her scent again this time trying to see past the flashing neon sign in his brain that just said ‘MATE’.

She was definitely immortal.. Not only could he smell it but he could also see the gash on her head already starting to heal. But what was she? He could smell werewolf but there was more

“Is there anything I can do to help, ma’am?” Hunter asked. Laney shook her head. She walked over to the busted front end and grabbed onto the crumpled bumper. She pulled with all her might and the metal came a little of the way back into place.

She stopped pulling to catch her breath. There was no way she was going to be able to fix this mess of metal. There was only one thing to do…

(Mom.) Laney said telepathically.

(What’s the matter?) Angela’s voice came back full of worry.

(I need help… I wrecked uncle Lane’s camaro.)

(Are you ok?) Angela exclaimed.

(Yes..) Laney said wiping blood off her face. (But the car isn’t.)

(Uh-oh.)

(Help me.) Laney said desperately.

(How Laney? I don’t exactly have an extra ’69 Camaro in my purse.) Laney rolled her eyes and closed the connection with her mother. She would just try her dad.

(Dad.) she said.

(This is not my problem Laney. Your mother already told me. I have warned you one hundred times about that lead foot. You’ll just have to tell your uncle.)

(But daddy he’ll kill me! You need to be here to keep me safe.) she heard her dad chuckle.

(You’ll be fine.) he assured her.

(Thanks a lot.) she said sarcastically and closed the link. She looked over at Hunter who was standing in the middle of the road.

He hadn’t meant to listen to her conversation but she hadn’t blocked him from hearing.. Probably because she didn’t realize he was immortal or that he had always been good at hearing other people’s telepathic conversations.

“Wish me luck.” she said to him. Hunter cocked his head to the side.

“Good luck.” he replied.

(Aunt Joey.) she said. Hunter snapped to attention. The woman he was looking for was named Joey.

(What?) Joey snapped. Laney cringed.

(Are you guys ok?) she asked.

(Just fabulous.) Joey replied. (I am throwing up all over the place and I feel like I haven’t slept in years and your damn uncle is driving me crazy. What were you needing?)

(Um… Well…. I kind of wanted you to tell uncle Lane that I kind of… well.. I wrecked his Camaro.) Silence followed this statement. Laney waited for some kind of reply but none came.

(Where the hell is my car!) Lane demanded after several long moments. Laney cringed at the anger she heard in his voice.

(About two miles from the house…. Just before you get to the old cemetery.) she replied. Within seconds the air was shimmering and Lane and Joey appeared.

Hunter looked at the newcomers. He knew he should leave but his damn feet just wouldn’t listen. Laney was scared and for some reason he didn’t understand he could not leave her like that.

The man who he figured must be her uncle Lane threw his hands up in the air and let out a yell at the sight of his camaro. Her aunt Joey was short and tiny. He could tell she was pregnant by her scent. He could also tell that she had been born mortal but was now an immortal mate. Maybe this was the woman he was looking for after all. She had a head full of bright red curls and big glasses.

“What the hell happened Laney?” Lane demanded. “Why were you even driving the damn thing?” Laney shifted her feet and wrung her hands nervously.

“I’m so sorry uncle Lane… I didn’t mean to…” she said with tears in her eyes.

“I loved this damn car.” Lane pouted.

“I know.. I’ll pay to have it fixed I promise.” she promised.

“What the hell were you thinking?” Lane asked running his hands over the crumpled metal like it was a lost love.

“I didn’t mean to…” Laney said again. She wiped her face with her hands trying to clean off the rest of the blood.

“Well I sure hope you didn’t wake up this morning and say to yourself ’ self, today I am going to ruin the one thing that my uncle Lane really cares about..’ “ Lane said matter-of-factly.

“Oh my god! The only think you really care about!” Joey demanded angrily laying her hand over her still flat but pregnant belly. Laney took a step back.

“Oh come on Joey I didn’t mean it like that.” Lane said without taking his eyes off his car. “You just take everything wrong because you’re hormonal and grouchy.”

“Hormonal and grouchy!” she demanded. “Hormonal and grouchy!” Lane seemed to snap out of the daze that his destroyed car had him in and realized just how badly he’d screwed up by saying what he’d said to his pregnant mate.

She was a pissed off red haired hurricane coming toward him.

“How dare you say something like that to me! Do you know why I’m hormonal and grouchy? Because I’m pregnant with your damn baby that’s why! And apparently I’m wasting my time because you don’t care about us anyway!”

“Joey, you know I love you. But my car….”

“Let me show you what I think about your car.” she shouted. She pulled a silver knife from her shoe and before Lane could stop her she stuck it deep into the tire and ripped it sideways tearing a foot long gash in the rubber.. The air whooshed out blowing her red curls away from her face.

“You’re still just as fucking crazy as you’ve always been aren’t you?” he demanded. “Why in the hell did you do that to my car? My car never did anything to you.”

“Would you rather I stuck the damn knife in you since you’re the one I’m pissed off at?” she asked turning toward him and twirling the knife in her hand. Lane shook his head and held his hands up.

“I’m sorry, Joey. I should have thought before I said what I said. You know I’ve never been good at that.” Joey put the knife away and just like that her bad mood was gone. She walked over to Lane and wrapped her arms around him comfortingly.

“Your car will be fine.” she assured him. “We’ll get it fixed up good as new. Now take a deep breath, calm down and we’ll go to the house and get a truck to tow it home with.”

Lane took a deep breath and then his head snapped up and he glared up at the cowboy. He smelled Vampire and he hated vampires. But no this man couldn’t be a vamp because he was standing up in the road in the middle of the sunshine. Lane looked around but the scent of blood sucking tick was definitely coming from the cowboy in the road.

“Who the hell are you?” Lane asked shoving Joey behind him. Hunter shrugged.

“I’m nobody.” he replied.

“Well hello there nobody. Can I ask what you’re doing standing around and smelling so tickish?”

“I almost ran him off the road when I wrecked and he stopped to check on me.” Laney said then she cocked her head to the side and looked at her uncle. “What do you mean tickish?”

“He’s a vamp.” Lane said matter-of-factly. Laney laughed.

“He’s got a pretty good tan going on for a vamp.” she said looking up at the man. He was just standing there looking like he wasn’t quite sure why he was still there.

God he was sexy… Tall and lean in his tight wranglers and cowboy boots. His flannel shirt was tight over his broad shoulders and on his lean waist. The sleeves were rolled up revealing his muscular forearms that were folded over his chest.

She still felt that feeling of déjà vu as she looked at him. She didn’t know how it was possible but this was the man who had been in her dreams for as long as she could remember.

“Are you forgetting that your favorite uncle is a werewolf? I know a damn blood sucker when I smell one.”

“That’s funny because most blood suckers I know are allergic to sunshine.” she replied motioning to the sun that was streaming through the trees and falling directly on the cowboy. Lane shrugged.

“All I know is he stinks.” he said matter-of-factly.

Hunter’s nostrils widened as Laney walked over to him. He tried to tell his feet to run but it was like he’d filled his damn boots with concrete that morning and no matter how hard he tried he couldn’t lift them. Hunter had spent his whole life keeping distance between himself and everyone else in the world. So why the hell was he having such a hard time walking away from her?

“What is your name?” Laney asked. Hunter looked down into her heart shaped face. She was still covered in blood but the gash had healed.

“Hunter.” he replied.

“My name is Laney.” she said holding out her hand. Hunter saw Lane starting toward them but he reached out and took Laney’s hand anyway. He could see awareness dawn in her eyes as their skin touched. He felt his own desire and quickly pulled his hand away.

“Laney, get away from him.” Lane said sternly. Then he saw the defiance on her face and knew he had just said the wrong thing.. Telling his niece not to do something always had the opposite effect and by telling her to get away from this Hunter he may as well have thrown her into his arms.

“Laney, you know what vamps are like….” Joey said still standing down in the ditch where Lane had left her. Laney caught Hunter by surprise when she gripped onto his shirt collar and yanked him down so his face was even with hers.

“Are you a vamp?” she asked looking into his gray eyes. Hunter nodded.

“Half actually.” he replied. He made his voice as cold as he could though his blood was on fire in his veins from being this close to her. He hoped that if he scared her she would leave him since he couldn’t seem to leave her. She looked into his eyes for several long moments and then let go of his shirt and walked over to his beat up ford Escort.

“What are you doing?” Lane demanded.

“I’m going to let Hunter take me out to breakfast.” she replied. Hunter looked from Lane to Laney and swallowed hard. He did not need a fight with a pissed off werewolf.

Hunter nearly choked on his disbelief when Laney opened the passenger door of his car and got in. Lane growled as he stormed toward the car.

“God, uncle Lane I thought you were cool.. You are acting just like my father.” Laney said. This stopped Lane in his tracks. The last person he wanted to be told he acted like was his over protective grouchy ass of an older brother.

“You better bring her home in one piece. And with all her blood still right where it’s supposed to be.” Lane said as he glared at Hunter. Hunter tested a foot and was relieved to know that they were again under his control. He tipped his hat to Lane and Joey and then walked up to his car.

He looked through the windshield at Laney who was sitting in the passenger seat throwing a very nasty glance in her uncle’s direction. Then she looked through the windshield and their eyes met again… They were locked in each others gaze for several long seconds before finally Laney raised her hand and motioned for him to get in the car.

Hunter was surprised to find himself obeying her quickly and without thought. He jumped in the car and Laney rolled her window down.

“I’ll be fine uncle Lane!” she promised. She was determined to spend some time with Hunter and find out just why he had been in her dreams her whole life. Lane shook his head.

“You better make sure that guy knows who your dad and grandpa are! And your mom! She’s just as bad ass as they are! He better understand that hurting you would be a good way for him to die.” Laney rolled her eyes and laughed. Hunter felt his heart speed up at the sound of her laughter and then he cursed himself. He was a loner. He didn’t need to be enjoying the sound of this crazy woman’s laughter. She would have to be a crazy woman to climbed in the car with someone that was half cold, evil vampire.

“Let’s go, Hunter.” Laney said blowing a kiss to her uncle as Hunter pulled away.

“What are you thinking letting her go with him?” Joey demanded softly as she walked up to Lane and let him wrap his arms tight around her. He kissed her red curls and ran a finger over the silver wolf charm on the necklace he had given her all those years ago.

“As bad as I hate to say it I could smell something other than giant flea on him… I think he might just be Laney’s mate….”

“Oh my god…” Joey said watching the small car go around a curve and disappear down the road. “Poor Laney. Vampires aren’t capable of love.”

“Jake and Angela are going to shit a brick if she’s not back by the time they get back tonight. Sometimes fate can be a bitch.”

“She was good to you.” Joey reminded him. Lane grinned his charming grin and kissed her lips.

“Yeah, she gave me a crazy ass slayer mate who tried to kill me three times, or was it four? Hell I can’t remember anymore.” Joey slapped his arm lightly and then looked down at the camaro in the ditch.

“Fate sure didn’t like your camaro.” she replied matter-of-factly.

“I loved that car.” Lane said and Joey rolled her eyes at the tears she could hear in his voice.

Chapter Three

Hunter looked over at Laney sitting beside him. Her face was covered in dry blood and it was matted in her hair but there was no denying that she was beautiful. Or that she seemed to be insane. She had his radio cranked up louder than it had ever been and was singing along at the top of her lungs while she practically hung her head out the passenger window letting the wind blow her dark curls.

Hunter kept telling his brain to shut the hell up. It was screaming at him that this woman was his mate. He didn’t want to have a mate.. He was half vampire and that made him evil. Vampires were drawn to their mates but their hearts were cold and lifeless. They were incapable of love and affection which made Hunter wonder why his heart seemed to speed up every time he looked over at the woman beside him.

His mother had been his father’s mate. His father had never fully mated to the woman because vampires never did. Vampires were cold and selfish creatures and a life bond with someone else was the last thing they wanted.

The only affection his father had ever shown to his mother was in the fact that he had not killed her once he had used her body. Since he had not killed her, nine months later she had given birth to Hunter. As far as Hunter knew his father had never known about him because he had never again come to check on his ‘mate’.

They drove into town and Hunter turned the radio down and cleared his throat.

“Where am I taking you, ma’am?” he asked. Laney looked at herself in the rear view mirror and gasped at the blood still covering her face and hair. “I am staying at the motel here in town. If you want you can go use my bathroom and clean yourself up.” Hunter told her.

“I think I probably should.” Laney replied. “I might cause quite a stir if I show up at the diner looking like this.” Hunter didn’t reply. He pulled into the parking lot of the motel and parked in front of his room. He climbed out and was walking around the car to open Laney’s door but she was out before he got there.

Hunter led her into the room and shut the door behind them. Laney felt her heart speeding up from a mixture of excitement and fear. She looked over at Hunter and prayed that she hadn’t made a mistake by coming with him. She was not a fighter like her mom and dad. She didn’t know a thing about defending herself against an attacking vampire and didn’t carry a single weapon with her.

She snapped out of her thoughts when Hunter handed her a flannel shirt out of his suitcase. She looked at him questioningly. He reached his hand out and traced the blood stained shoulder of her t-shirt with one scarred up knuckle.

“I figured you could use a clean one.” he said quietly. He couldn’t seem to pull his hand away from her. She was the one who finally pulled away.

“Thank you.” she said. He cleared his throat and pointed to the bathroom door and Laney offered him a smile and then walked into the bathroom closing the door behind her. She couldn’t believe how hot her shoulder was right now from his touch…. It had been like electricity shooting through her when his knuckle had rubbed against her.

She started the hot water in the shower, pulled her clothes off and quickly jumped inside letting the hot droplets wash away the blood. She still couldn’t quite believe that she had jumped in Hunter’s car like that…. Sure she had always been a bit of a dare devil and she had always rebelled when someone tried to tell her what to do but Hunter was half vamp for goodness sakes! What if he came in the bathroom while she was busy showering, climbed in here with her, sunk his fangs in her neck and drained her dry?

Of course thinking about him coming into the shower had her imagining what he would look like naked and she quickly turned the hot water off and the cold water on to cool off her heated body. This was insane. Never in her life had she had such a strong reaction to a man.. It was like he was in her blood and she had climbed in his car because she couldn’t stand the thought of him driving away without her.

She turned off the water and stepped out of the shower drying herself quickly with the cheap motel towel. She pulled her bra, panties and blue jeans back on and then looked at the shirt he had given her. She wondered if he realized he had given her one that hadn’t been washed since he’d last worn it.

She put it to her nose and breathed in deep. It smelled like horses, hay and sweat. She couldn’t explain why but that scent comforted her. She pulled the shirt on and then laughed when she realized it hung nearly to her knees. She walked out into the room and found Hunter standing by the window looking outside.

He looked her way when she walked out and shook his head. She held out her arms and hands though neither were visible because the shirt sleeves were a good six inches longer than her arms.

“It’s kind of big.” she said matter-of-factly. Hunter smiled and then quickly cleared his throat and walked toward her. As far as he knew he had never smiled before in his life. He was half vampire after all and vampires didn’t feel happy emotions.

Laney stood rooted to the ground as he walked toward her. She had seen his fangs when he had smiled but instead of being scared of them she had found them to be just as sexy as the rest of him. When he had smiled she had realized that he had dimples in his cheeks and his gray eyes had lit up but the smile had disappeared just as quickly as it had appeared and he now wore the same serious expression he’d had all morning.

Neither spoke as he rolled the sleeves up to her wrists. Both felt the sparks of heat when his fingers brushed against her soft hands and pale wrists. Finally he stepped away from her. He couldn’t seem to take his eyes off her hair. It was wet and the curls had disappeared. Without all the curl it hung down nearly to her hips.

“I’m hungry.” she said breaking the silence. Hunter turned away from her without a word and walked back outside. She followed him.

“You don’t talk much do you?” Laney asked as they climbed back in his car. Hunter shook his head.

“No I guess not.” he replied.

“Are you taking me to breakfast?” Laney asked as they pulled out. Hunter nodded.

“Yes ma’am.” Laney smiled and didn’t say anything else until they were at the diner and waiting on the waitress on duty to come take their order.

Laney smiled when she saw that Tiffany was their waitress today. Tiffany and Laney had graduated high school together and had both been working at the diner since. Tiffany was tall, blond and gorgeous. She had bright green eyes and girl next door good looks. All men seemed to be able to do nothing but stare when they saw her.

Laney felt a moment of jealousy at the thought of Hunter staring at Tiffany but when she looked over at him he was staring at her.. He quickly looked down at the menu when her eyes met his.

“Hey Laney! You like this place so much you even come on your day off huh?” Tiffany asked in her bubbly voice. Laney nodded.

“I just can’t seem to stay away.” she agreed. Tiffany motioned over at Hunter and winked at Laney.

“Who’s your friend.” she asked. She mouthed the words ’ he’s hot’ and Laney nodded in agreement.

“His name is Hunter… I kind of drove my car into the ditch on my way to town and he stopped to check on me.”

“Are you ok?” Tiffany asked looking Laney over as if checking for injuries. Laney laughed.

“I’m immortal remember? I just wish I could say the same for my uncle Lane’s camaro.” Tiffany groaned.

“Well hey at least you’re his favorite….”

“Yea that’s probably all the kept him from killing me.”

“That and the fact that your dad is who he is.” Tiffany added. Hunter looked up.

“And who is he exactly?” he asked. Tiffany’s eyes widened.

“You honestly don’t know?” she asked. Laney closed her eyes and sighed while Hunter shook his head. So much for the dream of being romanced by the cowboy… Finding out who her father was, was sure to scare him away.

“Oh my god he is only the biggest, baddest immortal werewolf around. He is six feet five inches of solid killing machine! Hot solid killing machine.” Tiffany ammended.

“What’s his name?” Hunter asked.

“Jake Collins.” Tiffany replied. Hunter’s eyes widened and Laney let out a long sad sigh.

“The rogue hunter Jake is your father?” Hunter asked. Laney nodded and looked down at her menu.

“Tiffany are you going to do your job or just stand here and talk to us all day?” she asked her voice full of irritation. Tiffany smiled apologetically.

“What do you want?” she asked Laney.

“Western omelet and a cappuccino.” Laney replied. Tiffany looked at Hunter.

“I’ll have the same but I want coffee with mine. Black.” he said. Tiffany nodded and picked up their menus.

“I’ll be right back.” she said and then turned and walked away her long blond ponytail bouncing.

“So you’ve heard of my dad huh?” Laney asked looking out the window at the quiet street.

“Yeah.” Hunter said looking down at his own hands folded on the table.

“So Hunter.. Obviously you are not from around here so what brings you this way?” Laney asked eager to get the topic away from her father. Hunter shrugged.

“I got some business I need to take care of.” he replied.

“That’s pretty vague.” Laney said with a grin. “Do you have something to hide?”

“Nope.” he replied. “What about you? Your dad is a werewolf but I can tell that you aren’t fully werewolf so who is your mom?”

“My mom’s name is Angela. My dad and her met about 27 years ago. She was mortal and became an immortal once they mated. So I’m only half a werewolf. Kinda like you being half a vampire.” Hunter nodded but disagreed. They weren’t alike at all.

Jake was a good man. Everyone knew that. He had hunted rogue immortals who killed, tortured or mutilated mortals. Immortals like the one who had sired Hunter. Laney was sure to have her fathers goodness in her while Hunter was sure his fathers evilness was lurking somewhere inside of him…

Hunter had always been a good person. He helped anyone who asked him for help. He had taken care of his mother everyday while she’d battled her illness. He had never done anything to harm anyone. His mother had raised him with good morals and beliefs and to anyone looking at him he would seem like a great guy. But Hunter knew what his father had been and it scared him to think that that same evil might lurk somewhere in his own heart….

He couldn’t’ allow himself to be close to anyone because of the what ifs… What if he snapped one day and turned into his fathers son? He couldn’t take that chance. He shouldn’t be here with Laney. He shouldn’t be feeling the things he was feeling for her. But the pull of his mate was just too strong and he couldn’t seem to walk away.

Just then Tiffany came back with a coffee and a cappuccino. She sat both down on the table.

“Can I get you anything else right now?” she asked. Laney and Hunter both shook their heads. “Oh Laney, Karen told me about you burning yourself on the griddle yesterday. Are you ok?” Laney raised her arm and the too big flannel shirt sleeve fell down her arm revealing the smooth clear skin of her forearm.

Hunter felt his mouth go dry at the sight. He wanted to put his mouth against that pale skin and taste it. Sink in his teeth and sample the sweetness of hit mates blood. He cleared his throat and took a drink of his coffee.

“Duh.” Tiffany said slapping herself on the forehead. “I keep forgetting about the whole super quick healing thing. Well I gotta get to work..” She walked away leaving them alone again.

“You’re the first vampire I’ve ever met that has a tan.” Laney said abruptly as she looked over at Hunter.

“You can thank my moms blood for that. Apparently the only vampire trait I didn’t get was the allergy to sunlight.” he said remembering that that is what she had called it earlier. She smiled.

“That’s not the only trait.” she disagreed. He tilted his head.

“What do you mean?” Laney blushed but being shy had never been in her nature. She reached over and laid her hand on his chest. She saw him stiffen at her touch and she could see doubt, uncertainty and fear in his gray eyes. There was something else there too and she felt her own heart speed up when she realized it was desire.

“You have a heart beat. I noticed when I grabbed your shirt earlier and asked you if you were a vampire. Vampires don’t normaly have heartbeats.” Hunter didn’t know what to say. His mother had always told him that he would never be like his father was because he had a living, beating heart instead of just a cold dead one.

Hunter swallowed hard and hoped that Laney wouldn’t feel how his heartbeat was currently racing beneath her hand. She moved her hand away and leaned back in the booth.

“Yeah I have a heartbeat.” Hunter said. He took off his hat and laid it on the table. He ran his hand through his thick head of messy dark blond hair.

“So you are half vampire and half mortal. Are you immortal or mortal?” Laney asked taking a sip of her cappuccino.

“Immortal as far as I know.” he replied.

“How old are you?”

“You ask a lot of questions.” Hunter said. Laney laughed lightly.

“I’ve always been nosy. I get that from my mom I think. We don’t care what comes out of our mouths.. It’s like our filter is broken.” she said. Hunter just nodded and took another sip of coffee.

“I’m forty.” he replied.

“You’re definitely immortal then because you don’t look forty.” she said matter-of-factly. He wanted to ask how old she was but his mother had always taught him to never ask a woman’s age.

“There is actually something I want to ask you but I’m afraid you’ll take off screaming.” Laney said finally. Before Hunter could ask what, Tiffany came back with their breakfast.

“Sorry I just keep interrupting you two.” she said. Laney looked up at her friend.

“If you know you’re interrupting then why don’t you just walk away?” she asked. Tiffany shrugged.

“Leaving.” she replied and quickly walked away.

“You can ask me whatever you want, ma’am.” Hunter said turning back to Laney. “I ain’t much of a screamer.” Laney laughed and Hunter felt another smile trying to curve his lips. He didn’t understand what it was about her that made him want to be happy.

“Why have you been in my dreams for as long as I can remember?” she asked deciding that it was best to just come right out and say it. Hunter’s eyes widened as he looked over at her.

“You’ve dreamt about me?” he asked. She nodded.

“Yep and you look exactly the same… even your boots.” she added. He shook his head.

“Couldn’t have been these boots you dreamt about. I just bought these.” he replied.

“Did you just make a joke?” Laney asked feigning shock. Hunter didn’t have to feign it because he truly was feeling shock.

“Yeah, I think I did.” he replied.

“Do you have any idea why I’ve dreamt about you?” she asked again. Hunter raised a brow as he looked over at her.

“You can’t tell?” he asked. He had just assumed that she could feel that he was her mate the same as he could.

“Tell what?” she asked.

“I thought you knew. I thought that’s why you jumped in my car and I know that’s why your uncle let you come with me.. He could tell.”

“Whatever vampire/werewolf superhuman senses you all have, I don’t have. What did I miss?” she asked though maybe she already knew. She had never had as strong a reaction to any man as she was having to Hunter. Could he be hers? Could he be her mate?

“I don’t really know how to say it.” Hunter said looking down at his plate. Laney blew out an impatient breath.

“Take a page from my book and just blurt it on out there.” she replied.

“Laney, I’m your mate.” he said after several silent seconds. Laney’s eyes widened.

“You’re my mate….?” she asked finding that she was the closest to speechless that she’d ever been in her life.

“Sorry.” he replied honestly. He knew that it wasn’t fair for her. He didn’t know much about her but he could tell that she was fun loving and kind. She liked to smile and laugh and it was not fair that she had gotten stuck with a guy like him.

“I just didn’t think you’d be so…..” Hunter cut her off.

“Evil? Cruel? Heartless? Cold? Vampirey?” he asked. She shook her head.

“Handsome.” she replied. Then she frowned. “Is vampirey a word or did you just make that up?” she asked. He shrugged. He had expected her to run away screaming about how unfair life was. He had not expected her to call him handsome or tease him over his vocabulary.

“Do you really think you’re evil, cold, cruel and heartless?” Laney asked looking at him sadly. He shifted uncomfortably in the booth and stuck a bite of food in his mouth.

“I don’t think I am. I know I am. I’m half vampire.” he replied. He didn’t know what made him say that. He never had been the type to share his thoughts or feelings but there was just something about this woman. It seemed like more than just the pull of a mate that had him opening up to her.

“But you’re not heartless. You have a heartbeat.” Laney said matter-of-factly before taking a bite of her omelet. When Hunter didn’t respond she shook her head.

“Men.” she said. “You’re all the same. You get an idea of what kind of person you are stuck in your heads and hang onto it with all your might.”

“It’s a fact about me Laney. I am half vampire.”

“Not all vampires are evil. My cousin is in a punk rock band. The drummer is a vampire and guess what? He is not evil!.”

“My father was. His blood is half of me.” Laney looked out the window for a moment.

She had not expected any of this to happen when she had woke up that morning. She had not expected to wreck her uncle’s car or have this handsome half vampire cowboy show up to check on her. She hadn’t expected the pull and the passion that she felt toward him.. She hadn’t expected to jump in his car, or sit down and eat breakfast with him and she had definitely not expected for him to admit to her that he was her mate. Now here he was telling her that he was evil and cold.

No, nothing about this day was turning out how she had expected but she had always been the kind of person who was good at going with the flow and if a serious conversation with a half vampire who had some major self worth issues and just happened to be her mate was what fate had in store for her today, then she would roll with it.

“Well you’re not cold… You’re sweating.” she said and Hunter shook his head.

“You knew what I met.” he said. Laney nodded.

“So you’re evil huh?” she asked scrunching up her nose and making a face. He nodded. She looked at him for several long seconds and then without warning she reached across the table and slapped him hard across the face.

The few other diners in the restaurant fell silent and stared over at the two of them. Hunter covered his cheek with his hand surprised by how bad it stung.

Laney fought back her laughter as he stared at her like she was the craziest person he’d ever seen in his life.

“Can I ask why you slapped me?” he asked calmly.

“Aren’t you going to be evil? Go all vampirey on me and leap across the table hissing? Bare your fangs and sink them deep into my throat and drain me dry because I hit you?” she asked. Hunter couldn’t stop himself from laughing and the sound shocked him more than her slap had. He had worked so hard in his life to never be happy because he didn’t want to know what he was missing once his father’s evilness inside of him took over.

“So you hit me to prove your point?” he asked. Laney smiled before taking a bite of her omelet.

“Something like that.” she replied. They finished their meal in silence and Hunter couldn’t help but wonder what was going on in that confusing little mind of hers as he looked at her.

Tiffany brought their bill over to the table and automatically started to hand it to Laney. Laney reached her hand out to take the bill but Hunter’s hand reached out and snatched it so quickly it was like a blur.

“Ok so like what are you?” Tiffany asked after seeing his superhuman display of speed. Laney grinned up at her.

“Oh he’s half mortal and half evil, nasty vampire.” she replied. Tiffany nodded and looked at them both like they were crazy.

“Ok. I’ll see you later.” she said and walked away.

“Give me that, Hunter. I’ll pay for breakfast.. After all I made you bring me.” Laney said reaching across the table. He shook his head. “Well at least let me pay half of it.” she insisted. Hunter shook his head again.

“A man never lets a lady pay for a meal.” he said matter-of-factly. Laney rolled her eyes.

“Oh how very evil and heartless of you.” she said. Hunter put his hat back on his head and stood. He held out his hand to help her up. She took it and gave a little pout when he let go of her hand and turned his back to her quickly once she was standing.

He laid a couple dollars on the table for a tip and then walked up to the counter to pay their bill. After he paid he opened the door and led Laney back outside.

“Where do you get that from?” he asked. Laney tilted her head to the side.

“Get what from?” He looked down at her.

“Always having some kind of quick witty thing to say.” he replied.

“Oh my charm?” she asked smiling brightly. “My uncle Lane. Or I guess maybe my aunt Bethany but her charm is more of an obvious in your face sexpot kind of thing.” Hunter shook his head at this. This woman didn’t seem to care what came out of her mouth…

“So am I taking you home now?” he asked. She shook her head.

“Nope. You have to keep me safe and if I go home right now uncle Lane still might not be quite calmed down enough and he just might attack me.”

“Why do I have to keep you safe? You wrecked that car on your own.” Hunter replied. Laney smiled.

“Because you are my mate and isn’t that what mates do? Keep each other safe?” Hunter looked down at her. He wanted to keep her safe. He wanted to take this crazy woman into his arms and love her. She was his mate after all. She was the one other soul in the world that was made just for him and it was his right to be able to love her. But he couldn’t.

He couldn’t trust himself not to hurt her… Not with the blood he had running through his veins.

“Laney, I can’t be with you.” he said matter-of-factly. Laney just smiled and patted him on the arm and then got back into the passenger side of his car. He shook his head and got in the drivers seat.

“I’ll take you home.” he said quietly.

“No I don’t want to go home yet. See how cloudy it’s getting.. It’s going to storm for sure. I want to go for a walk in the park before the weather turns.” she said. Hunter looked over at her and raised a brow.

“A walk in the park?” he asked. She nodded and then turned the radio up. Hunter sighed in defeat. Truth be told he wasn’t ready to say goodbye to her anyway. They drove down to the park and it was full of kids laughing and playing while their parents sat and talked and watched them.

Laney got out of the car and started walking on the path that went around the park. Hunter found himself jogging to catch up with her. He fell into step beside her.

“So why can’t we be together?” she asked softly looking down at her feet. Laney had never been the type to let sadness darken her mood but the thought of finally finding her mate, of finding the man that would love her and that she could love for eternity and then having him walk away caused a sadness that she just couldn’t seem to fight off.

“I can’t be trusted.” he answered just as quietly.

“Why?”

“My father was evil, Laney. He tortured and killed just for the fun of it. His blood runs through my veins.” Hunter said though Laney wasn’t sure if he was trying to convince her of the evilness inside him or himself. She decided to change the subject.

“So I thought cowboys drove trucks?” she said. Hunter was surprised by the sudden change in topic but nodded.

“I loved my truck. But I had to sell it to help cover my moms doctor bills.” he said. Laney looked up at him while they walked down the wooded path.

“Oh.. Is your mom sick?”

“Not anymore. She passed away a few months ago. But she was real sick for a long time. Cancer.” Laney could hear the sadness in his voice.

“I’m sorry.”

“Mortals die. That’s what happens.” he replied.

“You must have been a good son to her if you sold your truck to pay for her care.” Laney said picking a leaf off a bush as she walked by.

“She was sick for ten years. I stayed right there with her all that time. It was hard, you know. Watching her waste away.” Hunter was quiet for a moment and Laney didn’t say anything. “I ended up selling everything hoping that the next treatment would be a miracle treatment. I sold my house, my cars, my horses, my land, everything I could. But in the end it was for nothing.”

“So what made you come here?” Laney asked. “Didn’t you have other family to go stay with?” He shook his head and Laney felt truly sorry for him. True her family drove her crazy most days. They were loud, overprotective and more than a little immature but she always knew she had them to fall back on. She could not imagine being completely alone.

“You must have been lonely the last few months.” she said. He shrugged.

“I’m used to being alone.” he replied. Laney threw the leaf she’s been tearing apart on the ground and stopped walking. He stopped too and looked at her questioningly.

“You aren’t alone anymore.” she said. “Or at least you don’t have to be.”

“Laney, I already told you that we can’t be together.” he said sternly.

“Why not? Don’t try to tell me that you’re not attracted to me because I know you are. And I’m attracted to you. You are supposed to be with me I can feel it.”

“Laney I can’t be trusted…” he said, reaching out and running a finger down her cheek. She trembled beneath his touch and he quickly pulled his hand away. What the hell was wrong with him? Damn this whole mate business. He couldn’t risk this beautiful woman’s safety just to satisfy his own urges.

“Why, because you are under some kind of delusion that you’re evil?” she asked wishing he would put his finger back on her face. He nodded.

“Oh yes, you big evil vampire that stopped to make sure I was ok. Big evil vampire who took me back to your place, let me take a shower and borrow your shirt without once trying to take advantage of me. Big evil vampire who took me out to breakfast and insisted on paying for it. Big evil vampire who keeps calling me ma’am and opening doors for me. Big evil vampire who took care of his dying mother for ten years and sold off everything he owned to try to save her life.. How do you live with yourself when you are just so damn evil?”

Hunter closed his eyes and sighed. He knew that he was a good guy. He knew the kind of man he was and the kind of morals and beliefs his mother had passed down to him. But how could he explain to her the fear that he had that one day his heart would turn cold like his fathers had been?

“Men can be so stupid.” Laney said with exasperation. She started walking again and again Hunter matched her pace. “So what did bring you here?”

Hunter looked over at her. He wished he had never known who his father had been and then he wouldn’t know the danger that lurked in him. Laney was the kind of woman he had always dreamed about when he had allowed himself to dream of things like that. She was funny and had a great laugh. Her smile was so bright that if he’d been full vampire it would have turned him to ash just like the sun.

She was smart and witty. Beautiful. He could see her being his best friend as well as his lover. Life could be so unfair. Here was his perfect woman and he couldn’t’ trust himself enough to claim her.

“I don’t know if I can tell you.” he said. Laney looked up at him with hurt in her eyes but quickly hid the hurt and smiled teasingly.

“I’m your mate. If you can’t tell me than who can you tell?” she asked.

“I think that your aunt Joey is the woman who killed my father. She would have been ten at the time.” he replied. Laney crossed her arms over her chest as she walked. She knew all about what had happened to her aunt Joey when she’d been ten years old and the vampire had killed her family.

“I guess I should warn you then that if you are here for some kind of revenge I know of at least four people in my family that could kill you without batting an eye.”

“Who is that?” Hunter asked out of curiosity.

“My dad, grandpa, mom and my aunt Joey herself. They have all killed vamps before.” she said. “Is that why you are here?” Laney asked. She didn’t really think it was but she had to ask to make sure.

“No ma’am.” he replied. She rolled her eyes. He was back to calling her ma’am again. She had been enjoying hearing her name on his lips. “My father deserved what he got a million times over. I guess I just wanted to come here and apologize for what my father did to her and her family.”

“Evil, cold, cruel, heartless vampire my ass. But you can go ahead and think what you want about yourself.” Hunter couldn’t help but smile and Laney looked up in time to see his dimples before he quickly replaced the smile with his usual frown.

They walked in silence and they were just getting back to the main park when the sky opened up and the rain began to pour. All the kids screamed and they and their parents took off for the protection of their vehicles. Hunter started jogging back to the car but turned and saw that Laney was still standing where he’d left her. She had her face turned up to the rain and her arms spread wide.

She had her eyes closed but was smiling happily. Hunter couldn’t help but smile when she starting spinning around in a circle. This woman was a constant surprise.

“What are you doing?” he asked walking back to her. “We need to get out of the rain.”

“Why?” Laney asked putting her arms down and looking at him. “You won’t melt . Only the wicked witch had that problem.”

“Well you go ahead and enjoy the rain, I’m going to go back to the car.” he said matter-of-factly. He turned from her but she grabbed his hand and he stopped dead in his tracks.

It was like she was shooting electricity down his arm and throughout his body when she touched him.

“Dance with me,” she said. He could see the darkness in her golden eyes and knew that she was feeling the same desire for him that he was for her.

“Dance with you?” he asked. “In the rain?”

“Yes.” she said happily. “I’ve always wanted to dance in the rain with my mate.”

“Laney…..”

“Please.” she said squeezing his hand a little tighter. He couldn’t say no to her. The harder he tried to convince himself to walk away from her the more his feet refused to listen.

“We don’t have any music.” he said matter of factly. She pushed a wet strand of hair from her face and shrugged.

“Use your imagination cowboy.” she teased. He couldn’t stop himself from holding her. His arms ached to be around her and he didn’t have the strength to fight them. He wrapped his arms tight around her waist and she wrapped hers around his neck. She laid her head against his chest listening to the steady beat of his heart while he spun her in slow circles in the pouring rain.

Neither of them knew exactly how long they held each other. They were both soaked to the skin but so lost in the others embrace that neither cared. Only when a clap of thunder nearly deafened them did they break apart.

Hunter cursed under his breath.. What was he doing? This was wrong. He couldn’t lead her on this way. Heaven knew he wanted her. He wanted her forever. She was his soul mate of this he had no doubt. He was even pretty sure that he was already in love with her. He just prayed that she hadn’t let herself fall in love with him. .He was a broken man. Damaged goods.. He could not be with her.. His father had been a cold blooded murderer and Hunter knew that half his blood belonged to that evil man.. He would never forgive himself if he hurt Laney.

“I think you need to go home now.” he said matter-of-factly as he looked down at the ground. “Do you need a ride or can you dash?”

Laney felt her heart break just a little… He was pushing her away.

“No I can’t dash.” she replied. Hunter nodded and without a word walked back to his car. He stopped and motioned for her to follow him. She stood where she was.

“That’s ok. I’ll find a way back.” Hunter shook his head.

“No I’ll take you. It’s not safe to be out here by yourself.” he replied.

“I wouldn’t be by myself if you would stay with me.” she said softly. Hunter blew out a long breath and laid his hands on the top of his car.

“I can’t, Laney. I know you don’t understand but there is evil in me and I’m scared to death that one day it’s going to come out… I don’t want anyone around me when it does.”

“That doesn’t make any sense, Hunter. You seem like a good man to me. And the fact that you are walking away from me in hopes of keeping me safe from something that probably will never happen just shows what a good man you are..”

“I’m sorry, Laney. Please at least let me drive you home.” Laney shook her head.

“Not today. I’ll get my grandma or somebody to come get me.” she said. He nodded.

“That’s probably for the best. I’ll stay here until they get here.” Laney bit the inside of her cheek to keep from crying and called out for her grandma and grandpa telepathically.

(Grandma.. Grandpa…)

(Your grandma is resting Laney. What’s wrong?) her grandpa Charles answered.

(Nothings wrong.) she replied quickly.

(Don’t’ lie to your grandfather.. I’m over four hundred years old so it’s hard to pull one over on me. You’re upset.) he said matter-of-factly. Hunter cursed his ability to overhear her conversation because he too could hear her sadness. She was good at hiding things in normal conversation but in her mind it was all clear.

(I need you to come to the park to get me.) she said.

(I thought you were out with someone.) Charles said. (That’s what Joey told us.)

(I was but I’m afraid he doesn’t want to be around me anymore today.)

(He left you stranded?) Charles demanded. Laney looked over at Hunter who was staring at her intensely.

(No he offered to give me a ride but I refused.)

(I’m coming.) Charles said. Laney felt him close the link and then moments later the rain filled air shimmered next to her and her grandfather appeared.

Charles smelled the smell of the half-vamp immediately and his eyes flew to Hunter who was already climbing into his car now that he knew Laney was safe.

Charles could also tell that his half vamp was his granddaughters mate. He shook his head.

“Well your aunt and uncle left out a few important pieces of information when they told me about your friend..”

“Can we just go home? It’s wet out here.” Laney said with a bittersweet smile. Charles nodded.

“Of course.” he replied. He wrapped his arms tight around her and dashed her back to the dry kitchen in their home.

“Is everyone else still gone?” Laney asked. Charles nodded.

“All except for Lane and Joey. Lane is out in the garage with his car. Joey is upstairs taking a nap.” Laney just nodded and then started out of the kitchen.

“I’m gonna go change my clothes.” she said sadly and walked away. Charles watched his granddaughter until she turned up the stairs. He wished he could comfort her but he was no good at that sort of thing.

Chapter Four

Two days had passed since Hunter had last seen Laney and he was more miserable than he could ever remember being in his life. He couldn’t close his eyes without seeing her beautiful smile or hearing her gentle laugh. Fate was a cruel thing. He had come here to try to make peace with a part of his father’s past and had instead met a woman who had him so tied up in knots he couldn’t even think straight.

He was glad that she had not contacted him since that day at the park. He didn’t know if he would have the strength to stay away from her if she came after him.

He was laying on the bed with the curtains drawn to keep the morning sun off his face when the phone beside his bed rang. He sat up quickly and looked at it warily.

Answering that phone was like playing Russian roulette. Sure it could be a wrong number. Some complete stranger who had dialed his number on accident but there was one person who knew he was here. And if it was her on the other end of that line that would be like a bullet straight through the last of his defenses.

It rang ten times before whoever was calling hung up. Hunter cursed himself for being a coward and laid back down. His head no sooner hit the pillow and the shrill ring of the phone filled the room again.

He stood up, grabbed his hat of the dresser and walked out the door letting it slam behind him.

888

Laney hung up the phone and fought the tears that were threatening to pour from her eyes. She had always seen tears as a waste of time and energy. They never solved anything and yet for the last two days she had done little else.

She heard a knock on her bedroom door and ran her hand through her dark curls.

“Come in.” she said. The door opened and she smiled when her grandpa walked in carrying two cups of cappuccino. He walked over to the bed and handed her one before sitting down next to her.

Laney knew he was going to talk to her about Hunter. Over the last two days it seemed like everyone in her family had tried to offer advice or sympathy. Her father had even asked her if she wanted him to kill Hunter and she had hugged him tighter than she had in years…. Coming from her father those were words of love.

“How are you, Laney?” Charles asked. Laney offered him a smile. She could tell he was unsure of what to say or how to act but she loved him for trying.

“I’ll be ok.” she replied. He nodded.

“I don’t doubt that. You are a tough girl.” he said. She took a drink of her cappuccino and he picked at the comforter on her bed.

“So what is going on with this Hunter guy?” he asked. She sighed and gripped her cup with both hands.

“He wants me. He might even love me but he says that he can’t be with me.” she said.

“Well why the hell not?” Charles asked. Laney knew that he had probably already heard the story several times but she was blessed with a grandpa who cared enough about her to want to talk to her.

“I don’t really understand it myself. Something about he is a good man now but his father was an evil vampire and he’s afraid that one day he’ll turn into what his father was.” she replied. Charles nodded.

“And being your mother’s daughter you are determined to save him from himself.” he said.

“Mom helped you a lot didn’t she? Back when you were lost.” Charles smiled.

“Yes she did. She likes to tell me that she didn’t do much. She says she just cut through my bullshit. And I guess that really is what she did. She made me open my eyes.”

“Well I tried to open his eyes but apparently he sealed them shut with superglue.” Laney replied before taking another drink. Charles chuckled. His granddaughter had her mothers kind, generous soul, her uncle Lane’s goofy spirit, her aunt Bethany’s impatience and her fathers temper when she was mad.. He wondered if that vamp realized just how lucky he was to have her for a mate.

“You’re just going to have to have patience Laney.” Charles replied matter-of-factly. Laney made a face.

“Patience are overrated.” she said.

“Actually sweetheart I think it goes, patience is a virtue.” he said taking a drink from his cup.

“Maybe I should just let dad beat the crap out of him. Maybe that will knock some sense into him.”

“He would be glad to do it…..” Charles replied.

“I know. I know that no one is happy about Hunter being half vamp. I know that this family has had some bad run ins with vampires.” Charles was quiet for a minute before replying.

“Laney, if this man is your mate and he is good to you and makes you happy then this family will except him” Laney knew it was the truth. Though she was worried about her aunt Joey and her uncle Lane the most. Uncle Lane’s hatred of what he called blood sucking ticks ran deep and she wondered how aunt Joey would respond when she found out that Hunter’s father had killed her family.

“If the man can’t see how lucky he is to have you then he is a damn fool. Sometimes men get caught up in the demons of their past and they have a hard time seeing ahead to the future. He’ll come around, Laney. He wont’ be able to stay away from you forever.” Charles said after a long moment of silence.

“And I guess if he doesn’t come around I could always just take dad up on his offer to kill him.” she replied with a smile. Charles chuckled and patted her back before standing up.

“Yes you could always do that.” he agreed. He walked to the door. “Your grandmother has breakfast ready downstairs. You should come eat before you leave for work.” Laney nodded and Charles left the room.

Laney walked downstairs a short time later dressed for work. She went to the kitchen and found her family sitting around the table.

“Good morning beautiful.” Rebecca said as Laney sat down next to Jordan and Bethany.

“More like good morning destroyer of dreams. Crusher of first loves.” Lane pouted from across the table.

“Would you shut up about that damn car? The body shop said you could come pick the damn thing up tomorrow and it’ll be good as new.” Jake growled stuffing a huge bite of eggs into his mouth. Angela looked at his heaping plate of food and shook her head.

“I still to this day don’t understand it.” she said. “If I ate like that I wouldn’t be able to fit through the door.”

“Yea well being a constant pain in the ass burns a lot of calories.” Lane said. Laney couldn’t help but laugh and Jake looked over at her.

“Glad you think it’s funny that I’m a pain in the ass because I’m about to be real funny right now. Every dime you make for the next two years is going to be going toward the bill to fix his damn car.” he said. Laney took a bite of toast off the plate her grandma had set in front of her and nodded.

“I know.” she said. Jake looked over at Angela who shrugged. Laney rarely just agreed with something that someone said without offering her own two cents about the situation.

Gwen cried out from her bassinett in the corner and Laney quickly jumped up and ran over. She pulled the screaming red head up into her arms and the baby quieted almost instantly.

“How is my favorite girl this morning?” Laney asked. Kaitlyn let out a sigh over at the table.

“I’m ok I guess.” she replied. Bethany shook her head at her daughter.

“She wasn’t talking to you.” she said. Laney nodded.

“Sure I was.” she said walking back to the table and sitting down. Laney sat quietly and ate her breakfast while listening to the chaos that was always around whenever the entire family was in a room together. The only people missing were Kaylee and Kayleb who were in the navy and currently somewhere on the pacific ocean and Alex who was probably somewhere rocking out as they ate breakfast.

Laney stood up after a while and handed Gwen to Raquel.

“I’ve gotta get to work.” she said. She said her goodbyes to everyone and walked into the living room to grab her purse and apron when someone knocked on the living room door.

Laney opened the door and screamed when two strong arms reached out and grabbed her, picking her up into the air and spinning her around until she was sure she would lose the breakfast she had just eaten.

“Laney! I missed you!” Alex exclaimed as he sat her back on her feet. She clung to his arms knowing that if she let go she would quickly hit the floor.

“Hi Alex.” she said hoping that the room would stop spinning soon. Her cousin Alex was easily as tall as her father Jake and super skinny. It was funny to think that this tall man had come from Jordan and Kent who were both very short. As the spinning in Laney’s head began to slow she really looked at her cousin.

He hadn’t been home in months but hadn’t changed much in that time. He still had the Mohawk but had changed it from purple to green.

“I like your hair.” she said. He smiled happily. Alex was always smiling. He was one of the goofiest people she knew. Of course people always said the same thing about her so she guessed it ran in the family.

“Thanks. I thought about piercing my nose just to freak grandpa out a little more but I’ve heard that it hurts.” he said. Laney shrugged.

“I’ll pierce it for you later.” she said. “You’ve got such a big ass nose though I’ll have to go down to the basement and get one of my dads metal spikes.” Alex growled and put her in a headlock.

“Don’t make me kick your butt cousin!” he warned. Just then a throat cleared in the doorway behind Alex. Alex turned quickly but didn’t release Laney’s throat and yanked her around. She barely managed to keep her feet underneath her as she was slung around.

She looked up to see who was there and felt her heart skip a beat when she saw Hunter. Then she almost had a heart attack when she saw just how angry he looked. His lips were pulled back in a snarl revealing his fangs and his gray eyes were darkened to almost jet black. She could see his muscles bunching and tightening beneath his tight flannel shirt.

“What the hell is going on?” he asked his voice low and threatening. Alex quickly let go of Laney who was squirming in his arms and took a step away from the newcomer with his hands held up.

“I didn’t mean anything by it dude.” he said. He had heard from his mom the day before about Laney’s half-vampire mate and figured this guy was him…

“You’re such a chicken shit.” Laney said to her cousin as he retreated yet another step. She tightened the scrunchie she had in her hair and smoothed out her shirt.

“You ok?” Hunter asked.

“Of course. He’s nothing but a giant string bean. I could have taken him.” she replied. Before Hunter or Alex could respond to this Jordan, Joey, Lane and Angela came into the living room.

“My baby!” Jordan squealed standing on her tip toes so she could throw her arms around Alex’s neck. “You should have told me you were coming.” Alex shrugged.

“I wanted to surprise you.” he said. Then everyone’s attention turned to Hunter.

“Hi.” Angela said stepping forward with her hand held out. “You must be Hunter.” Hunter tipped his hat and shook her hand. He could tell by her scent that she was Laney’s mother.

“Hello ma’am.” he replied.

“Just like a tick. Smooth talking sons of bitches.” Lane grumbled as he walked over and sat down on the couch. Joey shook her head and sat down beside him.

“Forgive Lane. He doesn’t like vampires very much..” Angela said throwing Lane a look that told him to either be nice or she would kick his ass later. Jordan grabbed Alex by the hand and pulled him toward the kitchen.

“Come say hi to everyone else.” she said as they walked away.

“Come on in and sit down Hunter.” Angela said motioning toward the loveseat. Hunter took off his hat and nodded.

“Thank you, ma’am.” he said. Hunter could feel Laney’s eyes on him as he walked over to the loveseat and sat down. When he had walked up to the open door and seen her being attacked he had nearly jumped into the house and torn the green haired man’s head off.

His reaction had shocked him because he was not high tempered or protective by nature.

Now being in the same room as her, with her sweet scent filling his nostrils, his entire body seemed to be on fire. He had hoped that she wouldn’t be home when he got here. He had hoped that he could come, speak with Joey and then leave town without ever having to see her again…

“I have to go.” Laney said walking to the door. Hunter fought to keep his eyes trained on his boots on the floor. He did not want to look at her. If he looked at her, then he would go to her and if he went to her then he would hold her and if he held her then he would never be able to let her go.

Angela looked from Hunter to Laney. She could tell that Laney wanted Hunter to look at her but she could tell that Hunter was determined not to. She wondered what was going on in this mans head.

“Can’t you stay a little longer, Laney?” Angela asked. Laney shook her head.

“I don’t want to be late.” she replied. She looked at Hunter again to see if he was going to acknowledge her but he was stubbornly looking at his boots. She rolled her eyes and walked out the door shutting it behind her.

Angela sat down in the recliner chair and looked over at Hunter who was now staring hard at Joey. Angela looked at Lane to see if he noticed and saw that he did and that he didn’t look to damn happy about it.

“What are you doing here, vamp?” Lane demanded wrapping his arm tight around Joey.

“I’m looking for a woman named Josephine Fuller.” Hunter replied. Joey’s eyes narrowed as she looked over at him.

“That’s my name.” she replied. “But everyone just calls me Joey.” Lane chuckled.

“That’s because it’s not right for you to have a name that’s bigger than you are.” he said pulling her tiny body into his lap. Then he looked over at Hunter.

“Why are you looking for my mate?” he asked. Angela could tell how dangerous this situation was. Lane was the ultimate jokester most of the time. He rarely took anything seriously. As a matter of fact he had only fought and turned deadly a couple times in his life and that was when either Joey or Angela’s lives had been in danger. Lane would kill Hunter, or at least try to, if he made a wrong move.

Angela had made Jake go out with the rest of the guys for a run when he had smelled Hunter in the living room. Jake was an intimidating sight in the most relaxed of situations and he could scare people shitless when he wanted to.. She didn’t want to put Hunter through that just yet.

“Joey, ma’am, when you were ten there was a vampire that attacked your family…..” Hunter started but Lane cut him off.

“Yea and she shish cabobbed his ass…. I think she’s still got some of those skewers if you want to see how she did it.”

(Lane, this is Laney’s mate so be nice. Let him say whatever it is he wants to say,) Angela scolded so only Lane could hear. Lane glared at her but nodded.

“No sir, that won’t be necessary.” Hunter replied. He knew that Angela had not intended for him to hear her scolding Lane but he had because she had not blocked him.. Sometimes he wished he wore a flashing sign that told people he could hear their thought conversations if they didn’t make a conscious effort to block them from him.

“Yes my family was killed by a vampire back when I was a girl and yes I killed him.” Joey said in her quiet voice. Hunter let out a long breath…

“That vampire was my father.” he said. Three sets of eyes widened as they stared at him. “Now before anyone tries to shove a stake through my heart I’m not here for revenge.” Hunter added quickly.

“Why would you think any of us would shove a stake through your heart?” Angela asked even though she could tell by the look on Lane’s face that he thought it was a good idea.

“Well, ma’am, your daughter warned me.. I told her about my father and she made it clear that there were four members of this family that could kill me without blinking.. I think that’s how she put it anyway.”

“What four?” Lane asked. Hunter was caught off guard by the question.

“Excuse me?’ he asked.

“What four of us?” Lane repeated.

“Her dad of course. Her grandpa. Joey and you, ma’am.” Hunter replied looking over at Angela.

“Why that little brat… What about me?” Lane demanded. Angela shook her head and rested her cheek against her palm.

“She didn’t mention you, sir.” Hunter replied honestly. Lane was about to say something but Joey covered his mouth with her small hand.

“Can this wait, egomaniac?” she asked gently. Lane’s blue eyes softened as he looked down into her dark green ones and he nodded. She pulled her hand away from his mouth and looked back at Hunter.

“If you didn’t come for revenge then what are you here for?” she asked. Hunter gripped his hat tight in his hands and leaned forward.

“My father was evil and what he did to your family was terrible. I know that me apologizing for his actions probably doesn’t mean a whole lot to you and can’t bring back what he took from you but that’s what I’m here to do.. I’m sorry for what my father took from you.” Hunter said. The living room was silent for several long moments. No one had expected him to say anything like this.

Lane was wondering why it seemed like he was always being made to feel like a giants horses ass…. Since when did vampires say things like ‘I’m sorry’? Then again this guy was only half a vamp. Maybe that meant that Lane should give him half a chance.

“I don’t know what to say.” Joey said finally.

“I’ll just leave then, ma’am. I didn’t mean to waste any of your time…” Hunter said. He put his hat on and started to stand but Angela reached out and laid her hand on his shoulder. He looked over at her questioningly and she nodded over at Joey.

Hunter looked at Joey and saw that she had stood up and was walking over to him. She sat next to him on the loveseat. Hunter glanced over at Lane and could clearly see the threat in the werewolf’s eyes.

“Hunter, I don’t blame you for what your father did.” Joey said matter-of-factly. Hunter looked down at the floor.

“That’s awful generous of you ma’am but the same blood flows through my veins that flowed through his. Since he can’t apologize for what he did…”

“Because I killed him.” Joey reminded him. He nodded but continued like she hadn’t spoken.

“I’ve always believed that the sins of the father are the sins of the son…”

“Are you saying that since he was evil and did bad things you are responsible for them now that he’s dead because you are his son?” Angela asked. Lane stood up off the couch. He no longer thought that Hunter was a threat to Joey or Angela. Even if the half-vamp tried anything he knew that between the two of them they would make short work of him. And this conversation was getting way too deep for him….

“I’m gonna go to the kitchen. I’m thirsty.” he said and quickly left the room. Hunter looked at the two women next to him and suddenly wished that he could dash.. But that was one trait he had not gotten from his father.

Angela reminded Hunter of his own mother. He could tell she had a sweet, gentle, caring soul like his mother had had. But Laney had seemed certain that her mother was dangerous so Hunter knew there was more to her then what his first impression was.

Joey seemed quiet and withdrawn but Hunter had seen the evidence of her temper the other day when she had turned into a red-haired tire slashing machine. Hunter had never been comfortable sharing feelings but he had a feeling of his own that he was not getting out of this living room without bearing his soul.

“Hunter, is that what you are saying?” Angela asked again. Hunter nodded.

“That is ridiculous.” Joey said matter-of-factly. Angela nodded in agreement.

“My mother was a drug addicted alcoholic who worked with my ex-fiance’ to have me captured and tortured just to make a few bucks… Am I responsible for her sins because one of the men she was working for killed her?” Hunter shook his head.

“No of course not.” he said.

“Am I evil because my mother was?” Hunter saw where she was going with this and he sighed.

“That’s different.” he said.

“No it’s not.” Joey disagreed.

“My mother did bad things.. Terrible things.. According to your way of thinking that makes me evil. If I’m evil then that means Laney’s evil… Poor Laney has a double whammy of evil because Jake has done questionable things in his own past.. Are you trying to sit here and tell me that you think my daughter is evil?” Angela asked her voice rising as she faked anger. She wanted to get a reaction out of him.. He was sitting here so still and calm. Almost like he was a robot on autopilot. She wanted to see him react and saying that about Laney did the trick.

“Hell no!” he shouted. “Of course not, ma’am.” he added more calmly.

“You can’t have it both ways, Hunter. You say you’re evil because of who your father was but yet at the same time you say that Laney is not evil and she has had bad people in her family as well. What one is it Hunter? Are you, Laney and I all automatically evil because of who our parents are or what they may have done in the past or do we get to be judged by what’s in our own hearts?” Angela asked. Hunter didn’t’ respond. Angela could tell he wasn’t going to. She stood up and Joey followed her.

“You’re welcome to stay as long as you want to.” Angela said and then the two women walked away to the kitchen. Hunter sat there for a long time thinking about what Angela had said to him. Laney hadn’t been joking when she’d said that she got being outspoken from her mom.. Angela hadn’t known Hunter for more then five minutes and she had said things to him that not even his own mother ever had.

888

Charles came into the living room and found Hunter sitting on the couch. He had not gone out running with the other men. He had been sitting in the kitchen with his daughters and had heard every word of the conversation in the living room.

He sat down on the couch across from Hunter and Hunter looked up startled.

“Hello sir. Sorry I didn’t realize how long I’d been sitting here….” he said looking embarrassed.

“She’s good at making you think isn’t she?” Charles asked. Hunter tilted his head.

“Who sir?” he asked.

“Angela. She’s good at making you look inside yourself and see just what kind of fool you’ve been.” Hunter shook his head.

“She is definitely a lot like her daughter. Neither of them care what they say.” he replied. Charles shook his head.

“Nope they sure don’t.” he replied. “They are good at cutting through your bullshit.” Hunter stood up and held out his hand but Charles stayed where he was and didn’t offer to shake it. Hunter dropped his arm back down to his side.

“I’m gonna go.” he said and started for the door. Charles cleared his throat and Hunter stopped with his hand on the doorknob. He kept his back to Charles as Charles spoke.

“I’m sure that you know who Laney’s father and I are and what we’re capable of. I’m getting awfully tired of hearing my beautiful fun loving granddaughter cry herself to sleep at night over you. I wasted a lot of years with my mate and my family because I was lost in anger and hatred and fear… Don’t make my mistakes son. I’m gonna warn you not to come back to this house again unless you’re here to take your place next to Laney.

“I’m not gonna lie.. I don’t like the idea of having a vamp be with my precious granddaughter and Jake’s not too crazy about the idea either but we won’t stand in the way whenever you come to your senses. But until the day you come to your senses stay the hell away from that girl.”

Hunter didn’t reply as he walked out the door, letting it shut slowly behind him.

888

Laney walked into the diner long enough to tell the head waitress that she would not be able to work today and then had gotten back in her Saturn and driven to the motel. She was not going to let Hunter do this to her. He was not going to ignore her and treat her like she didn’t exist. She was far too stubborn to let that happen.

She walked down to room twenty one but of course it was locked. She used her werewolf strength and broke the doorknob, letting herself in. She looked around the messy room and shook her head. Men were slobs…

Laney grabbed the remote off the dresser and turned on the television. She sat down on the unmade bed to wait for Hunter. She found a show on the TV featuring grown men launching pumpkins out of homemade cannons. She laughed and leaned back against the wall to watch.

Laney picked a pillow up to put behind her back and couldn’t believe her eyes when she saw her blood stained t-shirt from the other day laying in the bed. If she hadn’t known she was in love with him before then she knew it now.

The man had been sleeping with her shirt just to be close to her scent. It made her even more confused that he wouldn’t just accept her and be with her the way a mate was supposed to. She smiled when she thought about how she had slept curled up to his flannel shirt the last few nights since meeting him.

She grabbed her purse off the floor next to the bed and pulled a small photo album out that she kept inside. There was one picture of her in it. Of course she was standing next to Alex but she just ripped the picture in half and put him back in her purse. She laid her picture on the table next to the bed and went back to watching TV.

Hunter pulled in front of his motel room and got out of the car. He had gone hunting after leaving from Laney’s house to burn off some steam, clear his head and satisfy the vampire inside of him.

He walked up to the door of his room and realized the door knob had been broken. He was ready for a fight when he opened the door and was surprised to see Laney laying in his bed.

A million different images of what he’d like to do to her in that bed flashed through his mind. He closed the door behind him and that’s when she noticed him and looked his way.

“Hi Hunter.” she said happily. He tipped his hat and then looked at the TV.The crazy woman was watching a show about pumpkin chunking.. Nothing about her was ever what he expected. She was incredible.

“What are you doing here” Hunter asked looking back over at her. She moved over to the edge of the bed.

“That’s no way to speak to your mate.” she scolded teasingly. Hunter shook his head.

“Ma’am, we’ve talked about this.” Hunter replied. Laney shook her head and twirled her long ponytail in her hand.

“No you talked. I just pretended to listen.” she said. Hunter smiled but this time the smile didn’t surprise him. He was becoming accustomed to the fact that it was impossible for him not to smile when he was around Laney. But she should not be here…

“Laney….” he said with exasperation.

“I love hearing that.” Hunter tilted his head.

“What?” he asked.

“You saying my name instead of calling me ma’am all the time.” she replied. Hunter sighed and sat down in the chair next to the door. He wondered if Laney realized just how hard it was for him to control himself when she was this close. His body was screaming at him to wrap his arms around her. Kiss her soft lips. Taste her pale skin.

Hunter pulled his hat off and sat it in his lap before crossing his long arms over his chest.

“What are you doing here Laney? I thought you were going to work.” he said. She shrugged.

“Changed my mind. I wanted to come here and let you know that you have plans for tomorrow.”

“What plans?” Laney smiled.

“You are taking me over to the homeless shelter in Mason County. It’s about a two hour drive. I like to go down there once a week or so and help serve meals and give toys to the kids.”

“Laney, I don’t know….” Hunter said. He’d done a lot of thinking in the time since both Angela and Charles had given him their opinions on his beliefs. He wanted them to be right. He wanted to believe that he was not destined to be what his father had been but forty years of convincing himself that he was evil was not going to just disappear overnight.

He still wasn’t sure he could trust himself enough to be with Laney. He had no doubt in his mind that she would be the best thing that had ever happened to him but would he be the best thing for her?

“Aw come on cowboy loosen up.” Laney said teasingly. “I’m just asking for a ride.” Hunter nodded in defeat. One thing was for sure. Telling her no didn’t seem like something he could do.

“Great!” Laney exclaimed. She practically skipped to the door her black ponytail bouncing. “So you’ll pick me up around nine tomorrow morning then?” Hunter stood up putting his hat back on his head and reaching out to open the door for her.

“Yes ma’am.” he replied. She rolled her eyes at being called ma’am and his lips curved slightly. They were standing close. Less than a foot separated their bodies and both could feel the sparks and the pull between them.

Laney looked up into his eyes and wished that he would just take her into his arms and love her in the way that no other man ever had. She had never been with a man. She had wanted to save herself for her mate and now here was her mate and he was determined to refuse her.

If her aunt Bethany was here she would tell Laney to forget about letting the man make the first move and just kiss him herself but Laney wouldn’t. She had dreamed her whole life about the day her mate would come to her and even if she had to wait forever she was going to make him make the first move.

“I’ll see you tomorrow then.” Laney said. Hunter’s mouth was so dry he couldn’t reply. He simply nodded and opened the door. Laney gave him one last smile and then walked out. Hunter watched her get into her tiny black Saturn and drive away before going into his room and closing the door.

He walked over to the bed where she had been sitting and breathed in her scent which was strong now on his sheets. He could tell by the way that his body heated up at that smell that there was no way he was going to get any sleep tonight.

His eyes moved to the small table beside the bed and he smiled at the picture she had left there. He picked it up and ran his finger over her bright smiling face. He closed his eyes and for the first time in his life allowed himself to imagine a life where he was happy. A life where he got to wake up to Laney’s beautiful face and golden eyes every morning. And fall asleep in her arms every night.

Chapter Five

Hunter’s palms were sweating as he pulled up in front of the log mansion the next morning. He cursed at the nerves dancing around in his stomach. He was relieved when Laney came running out onto the porch when he pulled his car to a stop. He had not been looking forward to another run in with her grandpa since he wasn’t sure he could tell the man what he wanted to hear.

Hunter stepped from the car and as Laney approached him he felt that same stirring of desire. That same increase in his pulse. That same delicious temptation. Only this time it didn’t surprise him.. What did surprise him was the fact that he was starting to welcome the feelings she was stirring within him.

“I didn’t know if you’d show up.” Laney said as she leaned against the bumper of his car. Hunter shrugged.

“I told you I would.” he replied. Laney nodded.

“Yes you did.” she said. She really had not expected him to come. Just then Alex and Kaitlyn came out of the house. They walked over to where Hunter and Laney were standing. Kaitlyn looked up at Hunter and then tugged on Alex’s hand. Alex knelt down next to her so he was on her level.

“What is it?” he asked.

“Is he a real cowboy? Does he know how to ride a horse?” she asked. Alex shrugged and looked up at Hunter.

“Do you?” he asked. Hunter nodded.

“Yea I can ride a horse.” he replied. Alex stood up and held out his hand.

“I don’t’ think we were probably introduced yesterday. My name’s Alex. Not string bean as my loving cousin so rudely called me.” Hunter shook his hand.

“Hunter.” he said simply. Alex chuckled.

“Strong, silent type I guess.” he said. Hunter just shrugged. “That’s good. Laney talks enough for two people….” Alex added. Laney reached over and punched him in the arm. He laughed and rubbed it painfully.

“You two ready to go?” Jordan asked Alex and Kaitlyn as she walked out onto the porch. Hunter remembered this woman from yesterday. She looked just like what he imagined a pixie would.

“Where you going?” Laney asked.

“Shopping….” Alex replied saying the word like it was a death sentence.

“Alex stop acting so happy to spend time with your mother.” Jordan scolded. “Your dad is at work and I haven’t seen you in months. It won’t kill you to come spend the day with me.” Alex made a face but nodded. Hunter thought of his own mother and felt the pain that was still fairly fresh in his heart.

“Well I’m ready.” A new woman said walking out to join them. Hunter’s eyes widened when he saw her. She was tall and tan and had the longest legs he had ever seen. Her tiny white dress left nothing to the imagination as it hugged her more then ample chest and stopped only halfway down her lean thighs.

“Wipe your mouth cowboy. You’re drooling a little.” Laney said. Hunter could hear something in her voice and when he looked over at her he was surprised to see that she looked jealous.

Before he could stop himself he stepped closer to Laney. Close enough that her shoulder was rubbing up against his arm. Both Laney and Hunter were shocked by the heat just that simple touch was causing in them.

“Hunter, this is my aunt Jordan.” Laney said pointing at the pixie like woman. “And this is my aunt Bethany.” she said pointing to the blond in the white dress. “And this is Kaitlyn. She’s Bethany’s daughter.” she pointed to the little girl who was currently staring at Hunter’s boots. “Everyone, this is Hunter.”

“Nice to meet y’all.” he said with a nod. Bethany laughed.

“So cowboy have you ever ridden a bull?” she asked. Hunter tilted his head at the odd question but nodded.

“Yes ma’am.” he replied. She raised her eyebrow suggestively.

“Can you stay on the full eight seconds?” she asked. Hunter knew what she was implying and he looked over at Laney who was blushing and looking at her aunt like she was a crazy person.

“Yes ma’am.” Hunter replied. “Longer most times.” Bethany laughed again and patted Hunter’s arm.

“For a half vamp you’re alright. I think you’ll fit in around here just fine.” she said and then walked away to a hummer sitting next to the garage.

“Well let’s go.” Jordan said and then she, Alex and Kaitlyn all followed Bethany. Hunter heard Kaitlyn talking to Bethany as she got in the car.

“Mommy I want some boots like that… I would be so cool at school this fall.”

Laney looked at Hunter after her aunts and cousins had driven away.

“Sorry about Bethany.” she said. “She can’t help but act that way with every man she sees. But it really is all an act. She loves my uncle Greg.” Hunter nodded.

“Why didn’t you tell her that you don’t plan on staying around here long enough to fit in?” she asked. Hunter cleared his throat and kicked at a rock with the toe of his boot.

“I don’t’ know.” he replied honestly. Laney pointed back up to the porch and Hunter saw several big garbage bags.

“Toys and clothes for the people at the shelter.” she said. Hunter nodded and without waiting to be told he walked over and picked up all four bags at once and carried them over to the black car that Laney also pointed to. Laney opened the back door of the car and he shoved them inside.

Jake and Angela were watching from the living room window and Jake growled when he saw Hunter steal a glimpse at Laney’s rear before walking back around the car and getting in.

“What is it?” Angela asked.

“He looked at my daughters butt.” Jake said matter of factly.

“You look at my butt all the time.” Angela reminded him. Jake crossed his arms over his chest.

“That’s different.” he said. Angela shook her head and smiled. She laid her hand on his strong stubble covered cheek.

“She’s a woman now, my love. He is her mate. He is allowed to look at her butt.” she said. Jake shook his head.

“Not where I can see him.”

“Well then get away from the window and quit spying on the poor girl.” Raquel scolded walking into the room with Gwen in her arms.

“This is my damn house I’ll look out whatever window I want.” Jake replied. He turned away from the window even as he said it since Hunters’ car had pulled away out of view.

“How’s the baby this morning?” Angela asked sitting down on the couch next to Raquel.

“She’s cranky… Colic is a killer.” Raquel replied. Angela looked at Raquel and saw the dark circles and bags around her eyes. Her hair was greasy and messy and she was still wearing her spit up stained clothes from the day before.

“I’ll watch her for a few hours.” Angela said. “You go get a hot bath and a nap.”

“Thank you so much, Angela! The twins were nowhere near as hard to take care of as Gwen is.” Raquel said with tears in her eyes. Angela took the baby and Raquel stood up and quickly went upstairs.

“I forgot how good you look with a baby in your arms.” Jake said looking at his beautiful mate cooing at his niece in her arms. Angela looked up at him and smiled brightly.

“I miss having a baby to hold.” she said. Jake sat down next to her and kissed her nose.

“I might be able to help with that.” he said with a wink. Angela couldn’t believe that even after twenty seven years he still made her tremble every time he looked into her eyes the way he was right now.

888

“So have you really rode a bull?” Laney asked as she and Hunter rode down the open highway. Hunter nodded.

“I’ve ridden a few.” he replied.

“I talked to my grandpa about us.” Hunter was finding it a little easier to keep up with her instant changes of topic the more time he spent around her.

“What about us?” he asked.

“Aren’t you going to say there is no us.” she asked looking out the window. Hunter shook his head.

“No ma’am I wasn’t.” he replied.

“Laney.” she said rolling her eyes.

“No Laney I wasn’t.” he replied. Laney felt her heart skip a beat.. Him admitting there was a ‘them’ was a big step in the right direction. She wished he could be a normal immortal man and just accept the fact that they were mates and therefore meant to be together. Every second he fought it was just another second they would never get back.

“Well I asked him whether or not he’d ever heard of a half-vamp and a half-werewolf being mates before and he told me no but he had heard of full vamps and full werewolves mating. He said it’s rare of course but that he had seen it happen.”

“Full vamps don’t ever fully mate. They are cold hearted monsters.” Hunter argued. Laney shook her head.

“You sound like my uncle Lane. Not all vampires are cold hearted monsters.There are just as many evil were creatures as there are evil vampires! Sub demons are the only things that are always evil.”

“How many vampires do you know?” he asked.

“Enough.” she replied. “What makes you so sure that just because you are half vampire there is something evil inside of you?”

“My mother taught me that all vampires are evil. She told me I would have to always make an effort to keep that side of me under control.” he replied honestly.

“Well no offense to your mother because I’m sure that she was a wonderful person but she was a mortal. How many vampires did you all know?”

“None.” Hunter admitted.

“So the only vampire that she had to judge the rest of them by then was your father?” Laney asked with a frown. “Not exactly the shining star of your species.” Hunter didn’t’ respond. He had never looked at the situation in that way before. Maybe his mother had been wrong. Then again maybe it was just wishful thinking.

“I’ve always wanted to ride a horse.” Laney said changing the subject. This time it took Hunters brain a moment to catch up with hers.

“Have ya?” Hunter asked. Laney nodded. She laid her head back on the headrest of her seat and closed her eyes.

“I’ve always loved anything that makes me feel free. I guess it’s the wolf in me that can’t ever come out. I love going fast. .That’s why I’m always getting in trouble with cars.”

“That wasn’t your first time?” Hunter asked. Laney laughed.

“Not exactly. But usually I just get tickets. They’ve got my picture on the wall at the DMV.” Hunter laughed and realized that every time he got around Laney he laughed. No one else had ever made him feel so relaxed.

“Glad I’m driving then.” he said. Laney looked at him and smiled.

“I drive good. I just drive fast.” she said. Hunter shook his head.

“Not in this hunk of junk you wouldn’t. I don’t think you could get it up to fifty miles an hour if you dropped it out of a plane.” Laney laughed.

“You just made another joke! I’m impressed. But don’t insult my car anymore.” Hunter shook his head and smiled and Laney couldn’t stop herself from reaching out and laying her hand over his dimpled cheek.

The smile left his face instantly and he swallowed hard. His eyes flew to hers and locked there. Both could see the desire and the love in the other’s eyes. Both could feel their hearts beating faster and their blood flowing hotter.

Suddenly the sound of a horn blaring brought them both back to reality and Hunter turned in time to see that he had drifted to the other lane and was headed for a head on collision with an eighteen wheeler. He cursed and jerked the car back into the right lane.

Once they were safely on their way again Laney let out a nervous chuckle. The near crash was not what had her nervous. What had her nervous was the depth of emotions she had seen in Hunter’s eyes. He had looked at her the way her dad had always looked at her mom. Laney had dreamed her whole life for that….

She shook her head and wiped her sweaty palms on her pants.

“Do you need me to drive cowboy?” she asked. Hunter shook his head but didn’t look at her.

“No I got it.” he replied his voice free of any emotion. Laney wished he would just stop fighting nature and let himself love her. Let her love him. Laney sighed, turned the radio up loud and rolled her window down. For the rest of the trip the only sound in the car was Laney singing along and giving him directions when he needed them.

Laney was out of the car before Hunter even had it in park once they arrived at the shelter. A group of young kids were sitting on the steps and they jumped up, yelling happily when they saw her. They ran to her and she dropped to her knees and opened her arms wide letting them all hug her at once.

Hunter got out of the car and couldn’t help but smile. These kids were dirty and unkempt. Their clothes were tattered rags and their hair was tangled messes but Laney didn’t seem to care.

“How have you all been?” she asked.

“Good.” One small girl replied.

“You haven’t been here in two whole weeks! We missed you!” another little boy exclaimed.

“Did you bring us anything?” Another boy asked which earned him a punch in the arm from a girl beside him.

“That doesn’t matter!” she scolded. He rubbed his arm and looked at Laney apologetically.

“Sorry.” he mumbled. Laney smiled and laid her hand on his cheek.

“Of course I brought you all something.” she replied. “And my friend Hunter is going to help me carry it in so I can give it to you.”

The kids all looked over at Hunter.

“Is he a real cowboy?” one of the boys asked. Laney nodded.

“He even knows how to ride a bull.” she replied. All of the eyes looking at him turned awestruck and Hunter shifted his feet uncomfortably.

“He’s hot.” one of the girls whispered to Laney. Laney nodded.

“Yes he is.” she agreed. Hunter felt himself blushing as he opened the back door of the car and pulled all the bags out.

“Wow he’s strong.” one of the boys said. Laney laughed and stood up.

“He’s part vampire just like I’m part werewolf.” Laney said matter-of-factly. The kids all smiled with different levels of excitement. They loved vampires. Laney stood up.

“Be careful around him though… He’s evil.” she said putting an eery tone in her voice. The kids eyes widened and they looked up at her. She made a scary face and hissed at them and they all screamed with delight and took off running back into the shelter.

“Are you going to give me hell about that forever?” Hunter asked walking up beside of her. Laney grinned up at him.

“Are you saying you’re going to stay around forever?” she asked. Hunter looked into her eyes for several long seconds and then sighed.

“Where am I taking these?” he asked. Laney laughed and led him inside. The shelter looked more like a house on the inside then it did a shelter. Hunter was led into a huge family room that had several large couches and loveseats. There were tables set up and people sitting around talking, resting and several old men playing checkers.

Everyone seemed to know Laney as they stopped what they were doing and greeted her with smiles and hugs. Laney introduced everyone in the room to Hunter and then led him into the dining hall. This room looked like a cafeteria in a school. Long tables lined with benches and a buffet styled serving area.

Laney motioned for Hunter to lay the bags down next to one of the tables and as he did an older heavyset man wearing an apron and a chefs hat came out of the kitchen.

“Laney! We missed you last week!’ he exclaimed a broad smile underneath his thick white mustache.

“I missed you all too!” Laney said hugging him tight. Hunter smelled vampire and turned to see a small pale girl with hair such a light blond it was nearly silver looking at him with wide dark eyes from the corner. He tapped Laney’s shoulder to get her attention and she followed his gaze.

“Hello Kimberly.” she said softly as she walked over to the tiny vampire. Hunter felt himself tense. It was hard to imagine this tiny little girl who was nothing more than skin and bones could be dangerous but she was a vampire and if she made one move to harm his mate then he would put a stop to it.

“Hi Laney.” Kimberly said in a voice just as tiny as she was. “I made you something but it’s up in my room.”

“Well why don’t you go get it for me and I’ll find your present that I brought for you?” Laney asked. The girl smiled happily and ran off keeping herself in the shadows.

“She’s a vampire you know.” Hunter said after she was gone. The old man nodded.

“We know.” he replied. Laney walked over to the garbage bags and started setting their contents on the tables.

“You always do too much, Laney!” the old man said as he looked at the stacks of shirts, pants, shoes and toys she was laying out.

“I wish I could do more.” she replied. “I guess I should introduce the two of you. Hunter this is Gustov. This is actually his home and he turned it into a shelter to help out the people around here. Gustov this is Hunter. He is half vampire and half mortal and thoroughly evil.” she said with a wink. Gustov smiled and held out his hand to Hunter who shook it.

“I wish you’d quit telling everyone I’m evil.” Hunter said to Laney. Laney shrugged.

“But you said you are evil. It’s only fair that I warn everyone.” Hunter shook his head and started emptying out another bag. Gustov excused himself and walked back to the kitchen.

“What is a vampire girl doing here?” Hunter asked once he and Laney were alone.

“Her name is Kimberly. She’s seven. Her parents are gone so Gustov gave her a place to live.” she replied.

“What did they do abandon her?” Laney rolled her eyes.

“No. Her parents were very loving and cared about her very much. They were fully mated and one night her father was walking home from the store. He had gone out to buy a present for Kimberly’s fifth birthday.. Not all mortals like immortals. Some just think we’re evil beasts who all need to be destroyed and her father was killed by one of those mortals. A wooden stake shoved through his heart before he could defend himself.

“Kimberly was at home in the kitchen watching her mother bake a cake when it happened. Her mother turned to ash right in front of her eyes the second the stake went through her fathers heart.”

“Poor kid.” Hunter said. Laney found the doll she had bought especially for Kimberly and smiled.

“She’s ok now. Gustov found her wandering the streets. She had been living off of rat blood for days. He brought her back here and took her in. There is another vampire living here. An old vampire. Nearly six hundred. His mate was killed by a slayer hundreds of years ago before they fully mated leaving him alone. From what I’ve heard he walked around in a state of permanent depression until Kimberly came here. The way he acts you would think that Kimberly is his own flesh and blood daughter.”

Hunter didn’t reply. He had been raised to believe that all vampires were cold evil creatures including the vampire in him. But here was his mate telling him what he believed just wasn’t true and there seemed to be proof that she was telling the truth… Was it possible that there was nothing dark and evil lurking in him?

Kimberly came running back into the room and Laney walked over to the shadowed corner. The girl kept her hands behind her back and a happy smile on her face.

“I got you a doll.” Laney said holding it out. Kimberly’s eyes widened.

“Thank you! Frances helped me make your present. He said it’s the first and only time that he’s going to help me because it stained his hands rainbow colors.” Kimberly said holding out a tie-dyed t-shirt. Laney took the shirt and held it against her.

“Thank you Kimberly, it’s beautiful. And I bet Frances’s hands look just as beautiful.” Kimberly giggled.

“He doesn’t think so.” she said. Laney looked over at Hunter.

“Frances is the vampire that takes care of our Kimberly.” she said. Hunter nodded. “Kimberly this is Hunter.”

“You’re part vampire.” Kimberly said. Hunter nodded. Kimberly saw the rays of sunlight coming through the window onto Hunter’s face.

“I wish I could feel the sunlight like you can.” she said. Hunter didn’t know what to say to the girl. He had never imagined a vampire child before. She certainly didn’t look like the monster that his mother had made vampires out to be.

“Where is Frances?” Laney asked. Kimberly hugged her doll tight to her chest.

“He’s resting. He was out last night hunting.”

“Why don’t you go on back to your room and show him your new dolly?” Laney asked. She was always nervous about Kimberly being in the main house during sunny days.. She was always scared the girl would walk past a window without thinking and burn herself in the sun.

“Do you really like your shirt?” Kimberly asked. Laney smiled happily and pulled the t-shirt on over her tank top.

“Of course I do.” she said. “I think I’ll even wear it today so everyone else can see how pretty it is.”

“Doesn’t she look pretty?” Kimberly exclaimed looking over at Hunter. Hunter nodded.

“She’s very pretty.” he agreed. Laney blushed and ran her hand through her long black curls.

“Get on up to your room Kimberly. It’s getting too bright down here.” she said. Kimberly gave Laney a hug and then ran back out of the dining hall.

“You really think I’m pretty?” Laney asked walking back over to the table. Hunter nodded. “Thanks cowboy. You’re not too bad yourself.” Hunter couldn’t help but smile.

They were just putting the last of the things from the bags on the table when the dining hall started filling up with people. Laney happily gave each person a gift and a new outfit. Hunter was impressed that she had not forgotten a single person. Every man, woman and child had something for them.

After the gifts had been given out Laney led Hunter to the kitchen where they helped Gustov finish preparing the lunch meal. When lunch was prepared they carried it all out to the buffet, got a plate for themselves and sat down to eat.

“You come out here every week?” Hunter asked. Laney nodded.

“Most of the time.” Laney replied taking a bite of her soup.

“What will you do after lunch?” Hunter asked. Laney shrugged.

“I hang out with the kids some and there’s an old man here named Felix. We play a game of checkers every time I come. I never have managed to beat him yet but I tell him all the time that one of these days I will.”

“I could help you.” Hunter said. Laney smiled.

“Don’t tell me you’re a checker champ back home in Texas.” Hunter shook his head.

“No not a champion but I am good.” he replied. Laney laughed.

“If you do say so yourself?” Hunter grinned.

“I do say so myself.”

“Aren’t you turning into a regular comedian today?” Laney teased. “That’s not very vampirey of you.”

“I’m just being me today.” he replied. She smiled.

“I like it when you’re being you. You are pretty cool.. Not like that brooding, depressed serious guy I met the other day.”

“I bet you’ve never been brooding, depressed or serious a day in your life.” Hunter said matter-of-factly. Laney shrugged.

“Everyone has their days.” she replied thinking back to the last few days when brooding, depressed and serious had been all she’d been at home.

“That shirt is really… uh.. Bright.” Hunter said as the sunlight hit the bright pink, green and yellow swirls.

“It’s so funny when I think about Frances helping her make this. He is the complete opposite of bright and cheery. But he loves that little girl with a passion.”

“Kimberly, said he was hunting last night. What does he hunt?” Hunter asked. Laney rolled her eyes.

“Virgin sacrifices.” she replied. Hunter nearly choked on the soup he’d just put in his mouth and his laugh turned into a cough.

“I’m serious.” he said once he was sure he wasn’t going to need the Heimlich maneuver.

“Do you need blood to live?” Laney asked him. He nodded. “Well so do they. Never human blood though because Frances told me that is what turns a vamp evil. They get the bloodlust and then they cannot think about anything else. Usually he goes outside of town and hunts for animals out in the woods. He drinks from them and then brings her blood back in a little flask…. He used to carry the flask for himself but now he has it painted pink with little flowers and butterflies on it just for her.”

“Sounds like a real tough guy.” Hunter said. Laney laughed. They finished the meal and then helped clean the dining hall before going back out into the large living area.

Laney led Hunter over to a small table where an old man who looked to be near ninety years old was sitting alone smoking a cigar.

“Hi Felix.” Laney said speaking loudly. He turned and gave her a big toothless smile his eyes brightening beneath his thick bifocals.

“Hello Laney.” he said. His voice was crackly like the sound of dry leaves. “Come to try to beat me again?”

“I sure did.” she replied. “I’ve been practicing.” Felix looked up at Hunter.

“Who’s John Wayne?” he asked and Hunter realized that the man sounded jealous. He wondered if maybe he had a crush on Laney.

“Be nice Felix. This is my friend Hunter. He says he’s pretty good at checkers and I brought him along to help me out.”

“You think you can beat me kid?” Felix asked Hunter. Hunter shrugged.

“Guess we’ll find out.” he said. Felix smiled.

“Yea we will. But you listen to me good young fella. Don’t go letting me win because I’m old and you feel sorry for me. I’ve been playing checkers since before your momma was born.” Hunter nodded.

“Understood sir. I always play to win.” Hunter fought back the smile that was threatening to appear on his face. Obviously Felix took his checker games very seriously.

“Good. Both of ya have a seat.” Felix said motioning at the chairs across the table from him. Laney and Hunter both sat down and Felix made the first move on the checkerboard. Laney quickly realized that Hunter was better at the game than she was. When she would go to make a move he would clear his throat and shake his head and then show her the move she should make.

Felix seemed impressed and for the first time since Laney had been playing against him he actually acted worried. The game was almost over and Laney and Hunter had it won. Laney thought she knew the move to make and put her hand on a checker. Hunter quickly reached out and grabbed her hand to keep her from moving the piece and Laney had never had a jolt of awareness shoot through her the way it shot through her at his touch.

She had never known that a man touching her hand could cause such feelings to stir in every other part of her body.

Hunter found himself unable to remember the move he was going to make now that his hand was touching Laney’s. He removed his hand from hers quickly and she pulled her hand up against her chest.

“You gonna make a move Wyatt Earp?” Felix asked. Hunter cleared his throat and tried to get his mind back on the game. He took several deep breaths to slow his heart down and try to calm the other parts of him that were responding to touching Laney.

“Yea I’m gonna make a move old man.” Hunter replied gruffly. Felix smiled knowingly. He had seen the look in both the young ones eyes when their hands had touched.

It only took two more moves by Hunter and the game was won. Laney laughed happily.

“Finally!” she said. Felix grinned and slapped his knee.

“Well I’ll be! You had to bring ya a friend but you beat me finally.” he said.

“Rematch?” Hunter asked. Felix nodded.

“I’ll set em up.” he replied. Laney stood up. Hunter stood when she did and looked at her questioningly.

“Go ahead and play Hunter. I’m just going to go play with the kids a while.” she said. He nodded and sat back down. Laney let her hand brush across his back as she walked past him and felt him stiffen. She grinned and walked down the hall to the kids playroom.

When Laney walked back into the living area almost two hours later Hunter and Felix were still playing checkers and a small audience had gathered around them. Laney made her way through the small crowd to stand behind Hunter. She was watching the game when suddenly a fight broke out on the other side of the room between two men Laney didn’t recognize.. They were fighting over a flannel shirt that Laney had brought to the shelter that morning.

Laney walked over to break the fight up before it turned into more than a tug of war match. She reached the two men just as one swung out to punch the other. Laney grabbed the attackers arm and stopped him.

“What’s going on?” she demanded. The man she’d stopped grabbed onto her shirt roughly and began yelling at her. Laney could smell the alcohol on his breath.

“That is my damn shirt he’s got and I want it back!” he yelled. Laney knew that she had not given this shirt to either one of these men.

“Why don’t’ I see if I can find you another one?” she asked gently. The man shook his head.

“No! I want that one!” he said angrily. Laney pulled his hand off of her shirt and shook her head.

“Let’s just find another one.” she said again. She turned to walk toward the dining area to talk to Gustov but the man grabbed her arm and yanked her back. She lost her balance and fell on her back on the ground. Her head hit the tile floor hard and her vision went momentarily blurry.

She heard yelling and then before she even had time to realize what was happening there was a tall shadow standing over her hissing at the man that had been fighting with her. She sat up rubbing her head and saw that the tall shadow was Hunter and he looked even more threatening and angry then he had the day before when he’d thought Alex was attacking her. His fangs were bared and sharpening as he glared at the man.

“I just want a damn shirt!” the drunk man said. Laney realized he was too drunk to realize that he should just shut up and walk away.

Hunter realized that Laney was standing up behind him and felt himself relaxing. She was ok. He felt his fangs go back to normal and his muscles relax. He nodded at the drunk man and unbuttoned his own shirt.

He knew that fighting with this man over a shirt was not going to solve anything. The man was too drunk to listen to reason. He pulled his own flannel shirt off and held it out to the drunk.

“Take mine.” he said. The drunk man looked up at him with surprise in his eyes.

“Really?” he asked. Hunter nodded and pushed the shirt into his arms.

“Thank you sir. God bless you.” the drunk said taking the shirt and walking out of the shelter. The crowd around them went back to doing what they had been doing before coming to watch the checker game.

“You ok there Laney?” Felix asked shuffling over on his ancient legs. Laney nodded but couldn’t’ seem to form words. Her mouth had gone completely dry and refused to open as she looked over at Hunter.

She had known he was built good but she had had no idea it was this good… He was standing there in his tight wranglers and a tight black muscle tank. His arms were covered in lean muscles and thick sandy blond hair.

That same colored hair peeked out the top of his tank top and his tight abs were visible beneath the thin fabric of the shirt. She could see his belt pulled tight around his lean hips and the big belt buckle drew attention to another part of him that seemed to be very well built. She tore her eyes away from that particular part of his anatomy and back up to his face.

“Are you really ok?” he asked walking around her and laying a hand on the back of the head as if checking for injuries where it had hit the floor. She cleared her throat and nodded.

“Of course I am. I’m tougher than I look.” she said. Then she turned and looked up at him. “Who won the game?”

It took Hunter a second to realize she was talking about checkers. He shrugged.

“We were playing the tie breaker when that drunk guy attacked you.” he replied. She shook her head.

“He didn’t attack me. He just wanted a shirt.”

“He’s lucky he didn’t get a broken neck.” Hunter said. Laney smiled.

“I’m impressed by how well you managed your temper. If that had been someone that knocked my mother down he wouldn’t have had time to even realize what he’d done before my father would have given his body a permanent vacation from his head.”

“I worked as a bartender for a while back in Texas. You learn quick that most of the time it’s better to just give a drunk what they want and send them on their way than it is to get violent. They don’t usually even realize what they’re doing.”

“I’m glad you gave him your shirt…. I had no idea you looked that good underneath it.” Laney replied matter-of-factly. She smiled when she saw him blush and scratch at his shoulder uncomfortably. Felix cleared his throat.

“Well these old bones gotta be going.” he said. Laney turned her attention to the old man.

“Aren’t you staying here?” she asked. He shook his head.

“Naw. I just come here to get me some coffee and play a few games of checkers.” he replied. Laney nodded and hugged him gently.

“Take care of yourself Felix.” she said. He nodded and gave her a toothless smile.

“Always do.” he promised. Then he looked up at Hunter.

“You got you a good one there John Wayne. Take care of her.” he said and then he shuffled away. Laney noticed he was limping worse then he had been the last time she’d seen him.

“Remind me to bring a cane for him next week.” she said. Then she shrugged and started toward the dining hall. “That is if you’re still around.” she added. Hunter followed her but said nothing… Two days ago he had been sure that Laney was better of without him and that he was evil and that he needed to just leave her behind and keep distance between them… But after talking to Angela the day before and after being around Laney so much today and meeting the gentle vampire girl, Hunter couldn’t imagine leaving Laney behind.

Chapter Six

Laney and Hunter helped Gustov prepare dinner and get it all laid out on the buffet. As the dining area filled up with people heaping their plates with their final warm meal of the day Hunter eyes were drawn to a tall, thin pale man with black hair and dark eyes walking hand in hand with the vampire girl, Kimberly, that he’d met that morning. This man was a vampire and Hunter asked Laney if he was Frances.

“Yes that’s him.” she said. The sun was setting outside and the bright rays no longer came through the windows making it easier for the vampires to move around the room.

“Frances, Kimberly, come sit with us!” Laney called. Frances nodded and allowed Kimberly to lead him to the bench next to Hunter and Laney.

“Kimberly tells me you are half vampire.” Frances said looking over at Hunter. His voice was very aristocratic and haughty but his eyes were friendly enough. Hunter nodded.

“I’ve only met a handful like you in my life and never any lucky enough to be able to go out in the sunlight.” Frances said. Hunter shrugged and took a bite of his steak.

“So Frances, I hear that you helped make my shirt.” Laney said. Frances nodded.

“Yes and that is the first and last time I will ever do the thing called tie-dye.” he replied. Kimberly giggled.

“Make him show you his hands.” she said. Laney looked over at Frances and saw that he was wearing black gloves. She raised her brow.

“Really now.. I don’t’ think you need to see my hands.” Frances said. Laney smiled.

“No, I don’t need to but I want to.” she replied. Frances sighed in defeat and removed the gloves. Laney didn’t even try to hold back her laughter and even Hunter found himself smiling. The vampires hands looked like he’d been dying them instead of the shirt.

Frances quickly put his gloves back on.

“I’m glad that you all had a good laugh at my expense.” he said. Kimberly laid her head over on his arm.

“Thank you for helping me make that for Laney.” she said. “Next time you’ll just have to wear some rubber gloves.” He looked at her lovingly.

“Yes next time I will.” he replied. Hunter removed his hat and scratched his head. The man in front of him was fully vamp. There was no denying that ,and yet here he was being what looked like a doting father to a girl who was not even his blood.

Hunter didn’t take part in the conversation over dinner unless a question was directed directly at him. Once the meal was over most of the people in the shelter left to go back to wherever it was they called home. Laney and Hunter helped Gustav clean up the mess.

They were nearly done and Hunter was helping Gustov carry the big buckets of leftovers into the large freezer. Laney picked up several bags of garbage and started toward the backdoor that led to an alley.

“Why don’t you wait until I’m done here and I’ll help you?” Hunter said looking back at her. She shook her head.

“I’ll be fine. I don’t believe in the boogeyman.” she said opening the door and stepping out into the dark alley. She heard the door close behind her as she walked over to the large dumpster. A light on a pole next to the shelter kept dimming and flickering.

Laney felt a chill run down her spine as she threw the garbage bags in the dumpster. She heard movement behind her and turned in time to see ten sub demons walk into the alley. Laney looked behind her but the alley was a dead end with a ten foot tall wooden fence. She looked over at the closed door to the shelter and one of the sub demons clicked his tongue and shook his head.

“Don’t even try it.” he said walking over to stand in front of the door.

“What do you want?” Laney demanded. She hated sub demons. She had always been terrified of them. Their rotting skin and gravely voices frightened her worse than anything else in the world.

“You.” Another of the demons said stepping toward her. Laney took a step back.

“What do you want with me?” she asked her voice shaking. Her legs were trembling and she was fighting just to keep her balance.

“Our boss told us she wants you dead.” he replied. He smiled and Laney nearly gagged when she saw the hole in the rotting flesh of his cheek.

“Who is your boss?” she asked. She hoped that if she kept them talking long enough she could figure out some way to escape.

“Your father will learn that messing with Vladimir had it’s consequences. Vladimir’s mate is none too happy now that he’s gone.”

“Vladimir?” Laney asked. She remembered her parents talking about Vladimir. He had helped Draco hold her father prisoner for weeks before her father had finally killed him.

“Shut-up you idiot.” The first sub snapped at the second. “Let’s just kill the girl and get this over with.” All ten subs came at her at once. Laney kicked and punched for all she was worth but she was no match for them.

“HUNTER!” she screamed as pain exploded in her head when one of the subs punched her hard.

“Hunter they’re going to kill me!” This was the last thing she was able to scream because a sub covered her mouth with his hand. Another sub pulled out a long silver knife. Laney knew that silver would make her body even weaker and any injuries that knife caused would have trouble healing quickly.

She tried to fight out of the subs arms who was holding her but he was too strong. She felt the long silver knife stick deep into her side and let out one more painful scream from beneath the subs hand before another sub punched her hard across the face and the world went black.

Hunter was just shutting the freezer door when he heard Laney scream that someone was going to kill her. He felt his blood freeze in his veins. He had never felt fear in his life like he felt at that moment.

He didn’t have time to think about what he was doing. He ran through the kitchen grabbing a butcher knife off the counter on his way and ran straight out through the door into the back alley.

He felt his fangs sharpening as he jumped onto a sub demons back and sank them deep into his neck ripping and twisting. The sub fell in a lifeless heap on the ground. Hunter didn’t even hesitate before jumping onto the next sub and repeating the process. They were so consumed in their attack on Laney that they didn’t seem to notice him.

Hunter saw the silver knife covered in blood raise into the air. He used his vampire speed and grabbed the subs arm that was holding the knife and ripped it from the subs body. The sub screamed in pain and turned to Hunter. Hunter caught a glimpse of Laney’s body… She was lying on the ground not moving. Hunter felt a rage fill him and began to rip, bite and stab his way through the subs.

Finally only one sub stood between him and Laney. Hunter was breathing hard and covered in cuts and bruises but ignored the pain. He wanted to leave this sub alive so that he could figure out what exactly ten subs were doing in an alley attacking his mate.

Hunter knew he didn’t have time to question the sub now though. Laney was still lying unconscious on the ground and she was bleeding freely from several stab wounds that were not healing quickly enough. She was going to die if he didn’t’ do something soon.

The sub took off running trying to escape but he was no match for Hunter’s vampiric speed. Hunter grabbed him by the back of his shirt and threw him to the ground. Then Hunter took his booted foot and stomped on each of the subs kneecaps shattering them.

The sub demon howled in pain and Hunter left him lying in a moaning, groaning heap on the concrete ground and ran to Laney. He fell to his knees beside her and pulled off his ripped bloodstained tank top and held it against the worst of the stab wounds in her side. She had two wounds on her side and one on her chest. She was bleeding freely from all of them.

Hunter felt completely helpless as he looked down at her face that was growing more pale by the second.

“Laney, wake up.” he said gently. She moaned but her eyes didn’t open. “God Laney, please don’t die on me… I need you honey.. Wake up.” Hunter felt tears in his eyes and was shocked by them. He had not cried even when his mother had died. Of course he’d had ten years to prepare for that. This was his soul mate lying here and dying on the dirty concrete ground….

“My mom…” her voice was like music to his ears. Her eyes were still closed but she was speaking. “Heal me…my mom.” she gasped.

“Call for her Laney.. I can’t dash. I can’t get you there.” he said. Laney used every bit of energy she had left to call out telepathically to her father.

(Dad.. I’m hurt… Need mom… Shelter.) She hoped he would understand her broken words. She opened her eyes just in time to see the air shimmer and her parents appear.

Angela cried out in shock at the sight of her daughter lying in the alley.

“Save her.. Please.” Hunter begged not even bothering to wipe the tears from his face. Angela fell to her knees beside her daughter and laid her hands on her not even sure where to start. She just willed all her energy into her daughters body. Jake grabbed Hunter’s arm and pulled him away.

“Give her some space.” he said. “What happened?”

“I don’t know.. She came out here to throw some garbage away and the next thing I know she was screaming that someone was going to kill her. I came out here but they had already done that….” he said pointing at her. “I did the best I could..” Jake looked around the body covered alley. Dead subs were everywhere. He counted nine dead all together. Most had their throats ripped out and several body parts missing.

Jake looked back at Hunter and saw that he was indeed covered in blood. Several deep cuts and gashes covered his arms and chest but they were healing. Hunter turned his head and spit out a mouthful of blood and fought back a gag.

“Taste bad don’t they?” Jake asked. He looked over at Angela and Laney and saw that already Laney looked better. Color was coming back to her skin and her bleeding appeared to have stopped. Angela on the other hand looked ready to collapse. She stood and staggered a few steps nearly stepping on the sub demon that was lying on the ground with shattered knees.

The sub seized the opportunity and grabbed hold of her ankle digging his sharp nails into her tender skin. Angela was too weak to fight back but it didn’t matter. Before anyone had time to blink Jake was there. He grabbed the sub by the hair, gave one small tug and threw the subs head down the alleyway while his body slumped to the ground.

“Let’s go home.” he said simply. Hunter nodded and scooped Laney up into his arms. She was unconscious but still wrapped her arms around his neck and buried her face against his bare chest. Hunter felt his heart constrict in his chest. How could he have ever been foolish enough to think he could leave this woman?

Hunter walked over to Jake who was holding a sleeping Angela in his arms.

“Is she ok?” Hunter asked nodding at her. Jake kissed his mates forehead and nodded.

“It takes a lot out of her.” he replied. Jake reached out a hand and grabbed Hunter by the arm and dashed them back to the log mansion.

Hunter carried Laney over to the bed against the wall and laid her down. Jake looked at Hunter.

“I’m going to take her to bed.” he said motioning to Angela. Hunter nodded but said nothing as Jake left the room. He looked around this room and knew that it must be Laney’s bedroom. It was painted bright purple while the curtains and bed spreads were lime green. There were pictures on a plaque on the wall all of Laney and her family and friends. Hunter recognized Tiffany from the café and her green haired cousin Alex. Of course he seemed to change his hair color often because in some of these pictures it was purple, orange and blue.

Hunter walked back over to the large bed and looked down at Laney lying there asleep. She was filthy and covered in blood. He sat down on the edge of the bed and smoothed some of her long black hair from her face.

Just then the door opened and two auburn haired women walked in. One was tall and slender. The other was shorter and more plump.

“Hi, you must be Hunter.” the shorter woman said. “My name is Rebecca, I’m Laney’s grandmother. This is Raquel, Laney’s aunt.” Hunter gave a nod to each of them.

“Hunter.” he said simply. He wondered just how big Laney’s family was. It had always just been he and his mother at home. The two women walked over to the bed.

“Hunter, I’m going to get Laney cleaned up if you want Raquel to show you to the bathroom down the hall so you can get cleaned up.” Rebecca said. Both women could see how badly Hunter was torn at leaving Laney. But he ran his hand through his messy blond hair and nodded. He stood up and walked out the door.

Raquel followed him out and he allowed her to lead him to a door down the hall.

“There’s the bathroom.” she said. “You’ll need some clothes.” she added looking at his blood covered jeans and bare chest.

“You and Evan look to be about the same size I’ll get you some of his clothes.” She walked away and Hunter waited until she returned with some clean clothes for him.

“Thank you very much, ma’am.” he said.

“You’re welcome. It’s been a long time since anyone called me ma’am.. I didn’t think there were any men that talked like that anymore.” Hunter gave a small smile and shrugged.

“My mama taught me to always call a lady ma’am.” he replied. Raquel smiled and patted him on the shoulder. Hunter was surprised at the mother like quality of her touch.

“There are some extra toothbrushes in the drawer by the sink.” she said and walked away. Hunter walked into the bathroom and shut the door behind him. He walked over to the sink, bared his teeth in the mirror and realized why Raquel had told him about the toothbrushes. He had bits of rotting sub demon flesh stuck in his fangs.

He opened the drawer by the sink and found a toothbrush still in a package. He opened it, covered the bristles with as much toothpaste as they could hold and scrubbed at his teeth for ten minutes straight hoping to get rid of the wretched taste.

Once he was satisfied that his teeth were clean he put the toothbrush down and turned the shower on. He pulled off his boots, socks, jeans and briefs and then stepped into the hot water. He let it beat against him and felt it working out the soreness in his muscles. He had had no idea until tonight that he even knew how to handle himself in a fight…. He was pretty impressed with himself actually.

He turned the shower off once he was clean and stepped out drying himself with a towel. He picked up the clothes that Raquel had brought for him. The jeans were baggier than what he normally wore. They were carpenter style jeans instead of the tight wranglers he preferred but they fit good around his waist when he pulled them on.

He pulled on the gray t-shirt she had also brought for him and cursed at the fact that he’d lost his hat in the alley while he’d been fighting. He picked his dirty clothes up and his boots and walked barefoot back to Laney’s room. The door was still closed. He knocked.

“I need just a few more minutes.” Rebecca replied. Hunter sighed and leaned against the wall. Just then Jake walked back up the stairs.

“You look better.” he said to Hunter who nodded.

“Feel better.” he replied.

“Thank you for saving my daughter.” Jake said. Hunter shrugged.

“I would die for your daughter sir.” he said simply. Jake nodded and crossed his arms over his chest. He wasn’t happy that his daughter had a mate now.. He was like any normal dad who wanted to see his baby stay a baby forever. But it made it easier to accept that she was growing up now that he knew her mate could take care of her. And he could tell by Hunter’s simple words that he was in love with his daughter.

“What happened back there?” Jake asked after several moments of silence. Hunter shrugged.

“I told you all I know. Maybe once Laney gets some rest she’ll be able to tell us more.”

“You should have left one of those rotting bastards alive and we could have questioned him.” Jake growled.

“I did.” Hunter replied. “You ripped his head off.” Jake gave a sheepish grin.

“Oh yeah.” he said. Just then Rebecca opened the door.

“You can go in now.” she said. Hunter walked into the room followed by Jake while Rebecca walked away down the stairs to go join Charles back in bed. Laney appeared to still be sleeping. Her face was clean and Hunter was relieved to see that all of her color had returned. Rebecca had pulled the covers up to Laney’s chin and she looked like a peaceful angel.

Hunter walked over to a chair across the room and sat down while Jake walked over to the bed and bent down to kiss his daughters forehead. Laney’s eyes fluttered open.

“What would people think if they knew that the great Jake Collins was nothing but a big old softy?” she asked sleepily. Jake smiled.

“They might think a lot of things.” he replied. “But I don’t think any of them would actually be dumb enough to say anything.”

“Where did Hunter go?” Laney asked trying to sit up. Jake could see the pain in her eyes and held her down with his hand.

“He’s right over there in the chair.” Jake said moving to the side so Laney could see Hunter. Hunter nodded in greeting at her and she smiled.

“My strong silent cowboy.” she said.

“Laney, I need to know what those subs were doing in that alley waiting on you.” Jake said. Laney was so tired she could barely keep her eyes open. She looked at her father and shrugged.

“I don’t remember….” she said as she started to drift back off to sleep. Jake gave her a light shake.

“Dammit Laney, this is important! Did they say anything?” he asked impatiently. Laney’s eyes didn’t open. Jake was about to shake her again when he heard Hunter’s throat clear behind him.

“It can wait until morning.” Hunter said. Jake turned to face him and saw that Hunter had stood up.

“I need to know why they were attacking my daughter.” Jake growled. Hunter had no idea what made him think he could go toe to toe with Jake but he crossed his arms over his chest and stared at him hard.

“And I need to know why they were attacking my mate but she needs rest and it can wait until morning.” Jake stared hard at Hunter for several tense moments. He’d like to reach out and knock the boys teeth down his throat but the boy had a point. Laney clearly needed rest and Jake knew that questioning her could wait until morning.

He finally nodded in defeat and walked to the door.

“I’ll show you to the spare room.” he said. Hunter shook his head. There was no way he was leaving Laney’s side. He didn’t want to ever leave her side again.

“I’ll stay here.” he said. Jake growled low in his throat and glared at Hunter.

“Spare room is just down the hall.” he replied.

“If it was Angela laying in this bed twenty-seven years ago would you have left her?” Hunter asked. Jake thought back to twenty-seven years ago when he had gone so far as to pretend he was a dog and let Angela call him puppy just to be close to her. He shook his head.

“Fine.” he replied and walked out the door closing it behind him. Hunter turned the bedroom light off and walked back over to the chair. He sat down stretching his long legs out in front of him and crossing his arms over his chest. He closed his eyes and tried to get some sleep.

Hunter did know how long he’d been sleeping when Laney’s panicked scream woke him. He was out of the chair and at her side in less than a second. He relaxed when he saw that she was fine.. Just having a nightmare.

He smoothed her hair from her face and made quiet soothing sounds. Her eyes fluttered open and she smiled when she saw him.

“You’re still here.” she said. He nodded. “I dreamed about them…. I’ve always been terrified of sub demons..” She admitted.

“They’re pretty gross.” Hunter agreed remembering the taste of them in his mouth.

“Could I ask you for a favor?” Laney asked and Hunter could tell that sleep was about to claim her again. The silver knife had taken a lot out of her.

“Anything.” he replied simply.

“Hold me.” she said. “Maybe if you hold me I won’t think of them.” Hunter nodded. He climbed under the covers behind her and laid his long body against hers. He wrapped his arm around her protectively and heard her sigh as she drifted off to sleep.

Hunter cursed when he felt himself growing hard where he was pressed against her rear. He pushed some of the blanket between them hoping that she would feel his arousal. He supposed that maybe if he wasn’t a forty year old virgin he’d be able to hide his need for her more easily… Hunter had never had time for chasing women. He’d always been too busy keeping the farm up and running and taking care of his mother. And he had not wanted to risk falling in love with a woman and then having his soul turn black.

He was no longer so sure that there was anything evil in him. He didn’t feel evil right now holding his sleeping mate in his arms. Aroused as hell, yeah, but not evil. He laid his cheek on her silky black hair and tried to fall back to sleep.

Chapter Seven

Hunter woke up the next morning to the sound of arguing from somewhere else in the house.

“I don’t want to wake up to the smell of tick every morning!” Hunter recognized Lane’s voice.

“Well that’s just too damn bad.” Angela replied. “Hunter is Laney’s mate and he can stay here if he wants too.”

“Jake, can you please talk some sense into your mate?” Lane said with frustration.

“You know how stupid of a question that was? Nobody in the free world can talk sense into Angela once her mind is made up.” Jake replied. “Besides, I’m not too thrilled about my baby girl growing up and finding her mate, especially since that mate is half a vampire, but the boy seems to care about her. And he saved her life last night.”

“Guess I could always buy nose plugs for the stench.” Lane stated with defeat.

“Or find your own house.” Hunter recognized Bethany’s voice.

“Shut up you pain in the ass. Nobody asked you.” Lane snapped.

“I thought Joey was the pregnant one with the mood swings. Apparently her hormones are rubbing off on you.” Bethany said. Hunter smiled into Laney’s hair and felt her stir in his arms.

“Mmmm…. This is nice,” she said snuggling herself up closer to him. Hunter felt his body stirring in response and hoped she wouldn’t feel it too.

“What is?” he asked.

“Waking up in your arms.” she replied. “You saved my life last night.”

“No I didn’t. You would have died if not for your mother.” Hunter replied. He didn’t have to see Laney’s face to know that she rolled her eyes.

“I wouldn’t have still been alive for her to heal if you hadn’t killed all those subs.” she said matter-of-factly.

“Do you remember anything else from before they attacked you last night? Did they say anything?” Hunter asked.

Before Laney could reply the bedroom door opened and Jake, Angela, Lane and Joey walked into the room. Hunter jumped from the bed quickly at the murderous looks on both Lane and Jake’s faces when they saw him in the bed. Laney rolled her eyes and sat up dangling her legs over the edge of the bed.

She was wearing only a small cotton gown and Hunter felt his mouth go dry. He turned his eyes away from her and looked instead at her family.

“Have you guys ever heard of knocking?” Laney demanded impatiently. Angela walked over and sat down next to her daughter on the bed.

“How are you feeling this morning baby girl?” she asked smoothing Laney’s hair from her face.

“I’m ok. Just a little sore.” Laney replied. “How are you?” She asked seeing how tired and pale her mom looked this morning. Angela smiled reassuringly.

“I’m fine.” she replied. “You were in rough shape last night when we found you.”

“Mom, you shouldn’t have done so much! You look like you almost killed yourself! You could have just stopped the bleeding and the rest would have healed itself.”

“Have you ever known your mother to think of herself before everybody else? You know her, she’d walk through the fires of hell to keep a complete stranger from harm. You think she’d have left you half healed?” Lane asked. Hunter could sense the love that Lane had for Angela and when Angela smiled up at Lane he could sense the love that she felt for him in return.

He wondered what Jake and Joey thought about that but when he looked at them they didn’t seem to pay it any attention.

“Laney, I know you’re probably still tired but I really need to talk to you about last night.” Jake said stepping forward. Laney nodded.

“I know. Hunter was just asking me about that when you all barged in here.” she replied.

“Well do you remember anything? Did they say anything to you before they attacked you?” Joey asked gently.

“Other then ’ We kill you!’ “ Laney asked doing a very good impression of a sub demons voice. Hunter saw the anger flash in Jakes’ eyes. There was no denying that he was the most powerful immortal Hunter had ever met. He hadn’t met many but figured Jake just might be the most powerful one there was period.

“Anything else?” Lane asked. “I know all eight hundred times I’ve had my ass kicked by them they haven’t been real chatty but maybe you got a talkative bunch.”

“One of them talked enough that it pissed another one off. He said that his boss wanted me dead.”

“Who’s his boss?” Lane asked.

“And why the hell does he want you dead?” Jake demanded.

“Yea it’s not like you have enemies.” Angela added. Hunter just sat down in the chair across the room and crossed his arms over his chest deciding that it was better to simply listen than try to include himself in their family discussion.

“Not my enemy. Your enemy.” she said looking at her mom and then her dad and then her uncle.

“Who?” they all asked at once.

“Do you remember Vladimir?” Laney asked.

“Couldn’t be Vladimir. I left that arrogant blood sucking son of a bitch as nothing more than a pile of ash in that damn basement.” Jake argued.

“I hope you raised your leg and pissed on him for good measure.” Lane said. Jake grinned but said nothing and Hunter had the feeling that maybe Jake had.

“Vladimir had a mate. Not a fully mated mate obviously because she is the one that sent those subs after me.”

“Mother fucking vampires!” Lane said.

“We don’t know she’s a vampire.” Angela scolded sparing a quick glance in Hunter’s direction. But his face was blank. He was definitely a hard one to read.

“Of course she’s a damn bitch vampire! If she’d been a were creature she would have already come after us years ago! Only a damn vamp is cold and calculating enough to wait this long!” Lane argued.

“Honey, are you forgetting about Silas’s sons Matthew and Joseph? They were werewolves and plotted for years before coming after you all.” Joey said quietly. Lane mumbled something under his breath and glared over at Hunter.

“Did you have any idea that Vladimir had a mate?” Angela asked Jake. Jake shook his head.

“Vladimir never mentioned her. He never left that damn basement for two weeks while I was in that cage.”

“What are we going to do?” Angela asked him. He blew out a long breath and rubbed the back of his neck with his palm.

“I have no idea.” he answered honestly. “I don’t have a clue who she is. Where she is…..I’ll go talk to my dad about it. See what he says.”

“I’m going to go with him.” Angela said kissing Laney’s forehead. Laney felt her mother’s energy coming into her and pulled away.

“What are doing mom?! You are running on empty as it is, don’t try healing my soreness too! I’ll be fine.” she scolded. Jake growled and grabbed Angela’s arm pulling her up off the bed and wrapping his arms tight around her.

“What am I going to do with you? You are the most stubborn hard headed woman I’ve ever known.” he said looking down into her eyes. She smiled up at him.

“Stop complaining.. You know that’s one of the things you love most about me.” she said. He kissed her nose then cleared his throat and looked up.

“Let’s go figure out what we’re going to do.” he said. He walked out of the room his arms still wrapped tight around Angela. Lane and Joey followed him out.

“I gotta get going too.” Hunter said standing up. Laney looked over at him her eyes questioning.

“Where are you going?” she asked feeling fear growing inside of her. When she had woken up in his arms she had just assumed that he was here to stay.. What if she had assumed wrong and he was leaving her after all.

“I have to go back to the shelter and get your car and find my damn hat.” he replied.

“You can’t drive two cars. I’ll come with you to drive mine back.” she said. He shook his head.

“No you won’t. You’re gonna stay here with your family where it’s safe. I’ll find somebody to come with me.” he replied.

“Are you coming back?” she asked not meeting his gaze.

“Yes Laney. I’m coming back.” he said. She looked up into his eyes then.

“Here? To me?” she asked. Hunter raised his hand and laid it against her cheek. She loved the feeling of the roughness of his skin against the softness of her own.

“Yeah. To you.” he replied. Laney turned her face and pressed her lips against the inside of his wrist and Hunter lost all control.

He dropped to his knees in front of her and put his other hand on her other cheek. He pulled her face to his and pressed his lips gently to hers.

Laney felt her heart swell so full she was sure it would burst. His lips were gentle on her own and Laney had never felt a kiss more true. More pure. More full of love than this kiss. He pulled his face from hers but kept his hands on her cheeks.

“I thought you were evil and determined to keep your distance?” Laney asked once she had her breath back. He shook his head and smiled and she couldn’t help but smile back. He was a different man kneeling before her now than he had been just a few short days ago when they had spent the day together and danced in the rain.

“I seem to have lost control of my own feet since meeting you. I tell them to run and they just seem to stay rooted to the ground beside you.” Hunter said. “You’ve made me look at things differently Laney. I’m not so sure I’ve been right about myself all these years.”

“Are you admitting you were wrong?” Laney teased.

“I’m admitting I might have been.” he replied. She rolled her eyes.

“I guess that’ll have to be good enough.” she said. “I’ll have you know I’ve used more patience with you in the last few days than I’ve ever shown in my life.”

“If that was you using a lot of patience then eternity should prove to be very interesting.” he said. Laney felt her heart skip a beat.

“Are you saying you’re going to be with me for eternity?” she asked. Hunter simply smiled and stood up removing his hand from her cheek.

“I have to go. I’ll be back in a few hours.” he said.

“I’ll miss you cowboy.” she said softly. He grabbed his boots off the floor and walked toward the door.

“I’ll miss you too beautiful.” he said and then he walked out. Laney let herself fall back on the bed with a laugh. She could not believe how happy she was at this moment. Sure there was a crazy woman out to get her and her family but it wasn’t the first time… And this time she had Hunter to stand beside her. And from the way it sounded he was going to be standing beside her forever.

888

Hunter stopped out in the hall and pulled on his boots. Once again when he tried to move his feet away from her room it was like he’d filled his boots with concrete and they didn’t want to budge.

“Come on boots, we gotta go find my hat.” Hunter said aloud to himself. He heard a laugh come from the stairs and walked over to find a man he’d not met before standing there. This man was about the same height and build as Hunter was. He had shoulder length blond hair and Hunter could tell by his scent that he was Raquel’s mate.

“Having a hard time?” Evan asked. Hunter cleared his throat and nodded. “My name’s Evan.”

“Hunter.” Hunter replied.

“Yea I’ve heard everybody talking about you.” Evan said. “Might as well come on down and get ya some breakfast.” Hunter nodded and followed Evan to the kitchen.

Hunter recognized Bethany, Rebecca, Kaitlyn, Alex and Jordan sitting at the table but there were two other men sitting there that he hadn’t met.

“Hi Hunter.” Rebecca said. “You look better this morning.”

“I feel better, ma’am.” Hunter replied.

“I love how he says ma’am all the time” Raquel said.

“Hi Hunter.” One of the men said standing up and holding out his hand. Hunter was surprised when he had to look up to see the man’s face. The man was skinny as a rail and kind of.. Well pretty. “My name’s Greg.”

“He’s my daddy.” Kaitlyn said. Then she held her feet up in the air showing Hunter her pink cowgirl boots. “I got these yesterday. Do you like them? They’re just like yours.” Hunter nodded.

“Yea those are nice.” he said. “But they’re pink. Mine are black.” he said raising his own foot up. She waved her hand.

“Mine are nicer. Black is last season.. Pink is in right now.” she said. Hunter was lost but nodded.

“Alrighty then.” he said. “I was hoping one of ya could dash me to the shelter in mason county so I could pick up Laney’s car and try to find my hat. I guess I lost it last night.”

“Yea I’d say. Sounds like you went all Jake on those subs asses last night.” Bethany said taking a sip of coffee. Hunter tilted his head.

“I killed them if that’s what you mean.” he said. She waved her hand the same was her daughter just had moments before.

“Yeah that’s what I meant.” she said. Alex stuffed the last of his jam covered toast in his mouth.

“I’ll take ya. I’m the only other one that’s been there other than Jake and Angela and they’re busy right now.” he said. Hunter nodded and followed Alex out to the living room. Alex grabbed onto Hunter’s arm.

“Hold on to your ass Fred.” he said with a grin and then Hunter felt that tug in his gut and closed his eyes. When he opened them they were standing inside the dining area of the shelter.

Gustov yelled in fright and nearly fell before Alex grabbed onto his arm.

“Calm down there Gustov buddy.” he said.

“Alex, you gave me a scare and a half. After the mess I found in the alley last night….” Gustov’s eyes fell on Hunter.

“How is Laney?” he asked.

“She’s fine.” Hunter assured him. “Sorry about the mess I left ya.”

“That’s ok. I got Frances to help me clean it up before any of the other mortals saw it. I was awful worried about you and Laney but Frances assured me that he could tell you both were alive when you left.”

“Sorry we worried you. Wasn’t a whole lotta time to think about anything.” Hunter replied. Alex grabbed a meatball off of the buffet and stuffed it in his mouth.

“Well if that’s all ya needed then Hunter I’ll be getting home. My dad and I are gonna spend some time together today before I go back out to LA.”

“No go ahead. Thanks for bringing me here.” Hunter replied. Alex nodded.

“Our family sticks together and helps each other out.. I guess you’re part of the family now right? I mean you’re gonna stay with Laney aren’t you?” Alex asked. Hunter nodded.

“Yea I’m staying with Laney.” he said. Alex smiled.

“Welcome to the family then cousin. Good luck with her. Horrible temper, kinda wacky, and no patience but she’s got a good heart.”

“Yea I noticed….” Hunter replied. “All of it.” he added. Alex laughed and then the air shimmered and he was gone. Hunter turned back to Gustov.

“Well Gustov I gotta get going too. I just wanted to come pick up Laney’s car.” he said. Gustov nodded.

“Tell Laney I’m sorry that happened to her here. This is supposed to be a safe place.” Gustov said.

“I’ll tell her.” Hunter replied. “Oh yea.. You didn’t happen to find my hat last night did you?” Gustov held up his hand and walked back into the kitchen. He came back out a moment later with Hunter’s black stetson hat.

“I cleaned it off the best I could.” he said. Hunter took the hat and put it on his head.

“Much appreciated.” he said. “I’ll be seeing you around.” he added and then walked out the back door into the alley where Laney had been attacked the night before. He wanted to look around and see if maybe there was some clue as to who this mystery vampire was that was after Laney.

The alley looked different in the light of day. Hunter could still smell the death and blood from the night before but all other evidence of what had happened was gone.

He could tell there was nothing he was going to figure out by looking around and the sky was darkening fast with an incoming storm. He walked back around to the front of the shelter and found Laney’s car sitting right where he’d parked the day before. They keys were still in the ignition. He climbed in and started it up eager to be back by Laney’s side.

888

Hunter was about halfway back to the house when he could no longer ignore his growling stomach. It was nearly noon and he hadn’t had anything to eat since dinner the day before. He pulled off in a small town and parked in front of a tiny diner. He walked inside and sat down in a small corner booth.

His waitress was a mortal woman who appeared to be in her twenties.. She was pretty enough but Hunter’s mind was full of images of Laney sitting on that bed in her small cotton gown.

The waitress kept smiling and twirling her hair around her finger as she took his order and told him she hated rain. Hunter looked out at the large drops falling from the sky and heard thunder rumbling in the distance.

“I don’t mind the rain.” he replied. “But I sure do miss the sunshine.” He didn’t tell her that Laney was the sunshine he was taking about. Hunter had never had a feeling like this before. It was like he was obsessed and she was all he could think about. He liked this feeling and wondered if it was how drug addicts felt.

The waitress seemed to realize that his mind was not on her and quickly walked away leaving him alone with his pop and his thoughts while waiting on his food.

Suddenly the scent of a vampire reached his nose. It was a female vamp. An old vamp. He looked around the small diner and saw her sitting alone at a small table at the other side of the room. She was dressed in a red business suit jacket and skirt. Her hair was black as coal and pulled back high on her head in bun. Her skin was pale but her cheeks and lips were painted red with make-up.

Her eyes were a light icy blue and they were staring directly at him. Her voice came into his head.

(Hello Hunter) she said.

(How do you know who I am?) Hunter replied his gray eyes narrowing.

(How is poor Laney this morning? Shame what happened to her in that alley.) The vamps voice was just as cold as her eyes. Hunter somehow knew this was Vladimir’s mate.

(You stay the hell away from Laney.) he snarled. He saw a small smile appear on her lips.

(Temper. Temper. Your father would be proud of that at least. Even though he’d be ashamed by the rest of you.) Hunter knew she was just trying to get a rise out of him so he smiled back at her.

(You heard me. Stay away from Laney.) he said.

(I’m going to kill her you halfbreed. She is going to beg for her life by the time I am done. And then I’m going to move to her mother. Of course I’ll have to leave her clinging to life so that I can have plenty of time to enjoy her father.)

(You’ll have to kill me first before I’ll ever let you near Laney or her family.) Hunter said forcing his voice to be just as cold and emotion free as hers was.

(Gladly.) she replied. Without warning she hissed and launched herself across the diner. The mortals screamed and ran for their lives and Hunter met her in mid-air.

She was stronger than Hunter had anticipated and she knocked him across the diner. He hit the wall with such force that he broke right through it and landed on his back in the gravel outside. He barely had time to realize what had happened before she was on him.

She slashed him across the face with her claw like fingernails and Hunter felt searing pain. He knocked his fist hard across her jaw and she was thrown sideways. He jumped to his feet and did a quick back flip when she came running at him.

She jumped through the air and the pointy heels of her high-heeled shoes sunk deep into his stomach and he was thrown back to the ground. Hunter yelled in pain as she pulled herself from him and then was on him again with her claws.

They cut him deep across the face and neck. He felt blood pouring from his stomach. He grabbed her by the hair trying to hold her back as her fangs sharpened and she tried to sink them into his neck.

Hunter managed to throw her off of him and then he lunged at her. He grabbed her by the neck but she twisted and sank her fangs deep into his arm. Hunter yanked his arm and jumped away from her leaving a chunk of his flesh in her mouth. She turned to face him with a smile on her face. She spit the mouthful of flesh on the ground as his blood ran down her chin.

Hunter knew he was in trouble now. The poison from her bite was now flowing into his blood weakening him and preventing him from healing. His arm was bleeding freely as were the holes in his stomach from her shoes and the claw marks covering his neck and face.

The bitch vamp lunged at him again and he twisted out of her way grabbing her by her suit jacket and throwing her to the ground. He jumped at her to straddle her but she caught him again with her heel sinking one deep into his chest and shoving him back. He stumbled and lost his balance in his weakened state. He fell to the ground.

He was no match for her. He was going to die. He filled his mind with images of Laney to try to fight the pain and the fire that was burning through his body. He felt the vampire straddle him where he lay on the ground and he could feel her lowering her face to his neck. He knew she was going to kill him. She was going to drain him dry and Laney would never know what had happened. She would never know how much Hunter loved her.

Just then the weight of the vamp on his chest was gone and Hunter felt the sun shining on his face. He opened his eyes and saw that the storm had moved on, the sky was blue and the sun was shining brightly. He was not covered in ash so the bitch must have dashed before the sun had burnt her.

He was in the worst pain he’d ever been in in his life. He was going to die. The venom from that bitches bite was poisoning his body and keeping him from healing and he knew he was going to bleed to death. But he had to get to Laney first. He could not die until he had told her that he loved her.

He pulled himself up onto his feet and stumbled around the diner. A crowd was beginning to gather and the waitress from earlier ran up to Hunter.

“Oh my God! You’re hurt! Let me get you to the hospital!” she exclaimed. Hunter shoved her away from him.

“Don’t’ have time.” he said. “Gotta get home.” He opened the door and fell into the car. He barely had the strength to pull the door closed behind him. He started the engine and headed back toward the highway.

888

“He should be back by now.” Laney said pacing in the backyard while Kaitlyn played on her jungle gym, Gwen slept in her stroller and Alex played his guitar quietly. The other women were all sitting on the porch talking and the men were out in the garage with their heads buried under the hood of her moms old Chevy truck.

“Maybe he’s not coming.” Kaitlyn said as she hung upside down from the jungle gym. Alex looked up from his guitar.

“He’s coming. Laney stop worrying! He probably just stopped in town to get his stuff or something.”

“What if he decided he doesn’t want to be with me after all?” Laney asked. Alex rolled his eyes.

“Then he’s a damn fool and your cousin is going to kick his ass. If there’s any of it left to kick after uncle Jake and grandpa have a turn. And aunt Angela. And uncle Lane… Nevermind I won’t kick his ass.”

“Ugh.. I’m going in the house. This waiting around thing kills me!” Laney exclaimed. She walked past the women and went inside. She walked to the living room and out that door to sit on the front porch alone.

Her mind had been racing all day with replays of that kiss they had shared. Replays of their dance they’d shared in the rain. She could not believe how much she loved him already! She could only imagine what it would feel like in a couple of decades.

Laney was bored out of her head and had begun counting the number of boards that made up the porch when she saw her Saturn coming up the drive. She swore her heart started dancing in her chest. He had come back to her!

Her happiness faded when the Saturn came to a stop and Hunter climbed out. He stood for several seconds before falling to the ground. Laney screamed out for help and ran to him.. He was crawling, trying to reach her. She fell to her knees next to him. He laid on his back resting his head in her lap as he looked up at her.

She felt tears pouring down her cheeks. He was covered from head to toe in blood. Long gashes and cuts lined his face and neck. He had deep wounds in his stomach and chest and his arm had what looked like a chunk bitten out of it.. His arm had turned black and even she could smell the rotting flesh.

“What happened to you?” she demanded. “Why aren’t you healing?” Before he could answer the men made it to them from the garage. Jake recognized what was wrong instantly.

“Who bit you Hunter?” he asked.

“She did.. Vladimirs mate.” Hunter said though his voice was weak and raspy.

“Mom! Mom get out here!” Laney screamed. Hunter looked over at Jake.

“She is after Laney. And she wants Angela, Lane and you too.” he said. Jake nodded. “I tried to kill her. Guess she’s tougher than she looked.” Hunter added.

“Yea it looks that way.” Lane replied. A coughing fit hit Hunter and he felt the pain intensify. Laney laid a gentle hand on his cheek and he swore the pain disappeared.

“I need to talk to you Laney.” he said. She shook her head.

“Save your strength Hunter. My mom will be out here soon.. She’ll make you better and you can talk to me then.” Hunter shook his head.

“I’m dying Laney.” he said.

“You’re always so damn dramatic.” she scolded. “You’re going to be fine. I know you will and you can…”

“Woman can you just shut up and listen for once?” Hunter asked. His words were harsh but his tone was gentle. Laney smiled a sad little smile through her tears and nodded.

“This would be easier if I didn’t have an audience… I’m not much for sharing my feelings in public.”

“We’re not public. We’re family.” Lane said shocking everyone around. Hunter winced as a new blast of pain shot through his arm.

“I better do this quick before I run out of time.” he said. It was then that Angela came out onto the porch. She ran to him but he held his hand out to stop her.

“I need to tell Laney something.” he said.

“But let me…” Jake wrapped his arms tight around Angela’s waist.

“Let him say what he wants to say love.” he said. Jake wasn’t sure that even Angela could save the boy now and he didn’t want Hunter to die without saying what he wanted to say to Laney.

Hunter looked up at Laney. His gray eyes were full of pain and her gold ones were full of sadness.

“I love you Laney.” he said simply. “You are my soul mate and the love of my life….” Hunter stopped talking as another coughing fit hit him and Laney laid a gentle kiss to his bloody forehead and waited on him to continue.

“I was lost before I met you. I kept everyone in my life at arms length because I had myself convinced that I was evil because of what I was….. But then there you were. And you wouldn’t stay at arms length. You saw something in me that I couldn’t…” Hunter took a moment to catch his breath. His eyes were having trouble focusing on her face but he just kept them locked in the gold of her eyes.

“You are the most stubborn person I’ve ever met and would not take no for an answer. And god help me I tried to walk away from you but it was like I’d poured my damn boots full of concrete and they just wouldn’t listen to me….” he stopped again and moaned in pain. Laney opened her mouth to speak but he shook his head and shushed her.

“You brought out a side of me I didn’t know was there. I could smile with you. I could laugh with you.. Hell you even got me to dance in the rain.. You are the craziest woman I’ve ever met and I was lucky to have you for the short time that I did. I love you Laney.”

“I love you too.” Laney said finding that for the first time in her life she didn’t know what to say. She saw his eyes start to close. “No you damn cowboy! Don’t you dare die on me!” she exclaimed shaking him. He managed one last smile before he lost consciousness. Laney broke down into meaningless sobs. Charles scooped her up into his arms and she clung to him desperately while Lane lifted Hunter into his arms and looked at Angela.

“He’s breathing.. Where do you want him?” Angela ran into the house and Lane ran after her. Lane followed her to a spare room and laid Hunter down on the bed.

“Go take care of Laney.” she said and Lane kissed her forehead and left the room. Angela looked at Hunter with determination. She didn’t have time to worry about not being able to save him. That wasn’t an option. She had to save him. Her daughter would never be the same if Hunter didn’t make it.

Chapter Eight

Laney was sitting at the kitchen table surrounded by her family but still she felt completely alone. She wondered if Hunter was still alive or if her mother had not been able to save him. They’d been up there for over an hour.

Everyone was trying their best to stay upbeat but Laney couldn’t hear them through her own sadness. Suddenly a glass was pushed under her nose and the smell of alcohol teased her nostrils.

“What the hell are you giving her, Lane?” Jake demanded.

“I’m introducing her to my friend Jack.” Lane replied. “He really helps me out in stressful situations.”

Laney took the glass and downed it in one quick swig then held it out for Lane to refill it. Lane did.

“Why does it seem like that’s not the first time she’s met Jack?” Charles asked. Lane shrugged.

“I may have introduced them before.” he replied. Bethany flipped her long blond hair over her shoulder and shook her head when Jake growled.

“That’s what you and Angela get for naming her after Lane. He’s not exactly the best role model you could have given the girl.”

“Laney…” Laney heard her mothers voice call from upstairs. Laney was out of the kitchen in a heartbeat and took the stairs three at a time. She could hear her father behind her. She walked into the spare room and found her mother looking more pale and tired than she’d ever seen her. There were dark shadows around her eyes and she was covered in a thin layer of sweat.

Jake went to her and took her into to his arms. Angela leaned on him grateful for the support for her weak legs.

“He’s going to be fine Laney… I couldn’t heal all his wounds I’m sorry. The poison was strong in his blood.. It took everything I had.” Angela said her voice weak and strained. Laney hugged her mom tight and kissed her wet hair.

“Thank you mom.. Thank you so much.” she said.

“Jake, will you carry Hunter up to Laney’s room?” Angela asked. “I’m going to get to the kitchen and get something to drink.” Jake nodded and kissed Angela’s lips gently.

“Can you make it on your own?” he asked. Lane walked in the room then.

“She won’t have too, I’ll help her.” he said. Jake nodded and handed Angela over to Lane who wrapped his arm around her shoulders and led her out of the room. Laney watched her dad pick Hunter up as if he weighed no more then a feather and carry him gently out of the room. She followed behind and hugged her father tight after he had laid Hunter down in Laney’s bed.

“You know I hate the thought of you being a grown woman.” Jake said. Laney nodded as she stood wrapped in the comfort of her father’s strong arms. “That boy loves you and I think he’ll be good to you but if he ever screws up, even once, even just a little bit, he’s going to have to deal with me.”

“I love you, daddy.” Laney said feeling very much like a little girl again. Jake pulled away from her and kissed her forehead.

“I love you too.” he replied. “I’ll have your grandma bring you up some supper when it’s ready.” Then he turned and walked out of the room closing the door behind him.

Laney was so happy. In his own way her father had just given her his blessing to be a woman and be with her mate. She knew it hadn’t been easy for him but he had done it anyway because he loved her so much.

Laney turned and looked at Hunter and felt new tears come to her eyes. But these were tears of happiness and relief instead of tears of sorrow.

Her mother had taken the time after healing him to clean him up and change him into some of her fathers plaid pajama pants and a gray tank top.

Hunters face was still pale but not the sickly gray color it had been earlier. She looked at his arm and was relieved to see that it was no longer black and rotting from the vampire venom. Her mother had healed it completely. All that was left was a pale raised scar where that bitch had taken out a chunk of his arm.

Laney raised his shirt and saw two bandages on his stomach and another on his chest. She saw that her mother had at least managed to stop the bleeding from these and now it was just up to his weakened body to heal them. She couldn’t stop herself from running her finger across the hard muscles of his abs and she nearly screamed when he reached out and grabbed her hand.

“That tickles.” he said. She looked up at his face and saw that his eyes were open and looking at her. She smiled happily.

“How do you feel?” she asked. He shrugged the best he could while laying down.

“Like I got the hell beat out of me.” he replied. Laney nodded.

“You kinda did.” she replied.

“Yea but you should have seen the other guy.” he said wincing at the soreness in his arm.

“Left your mark on her huh?” Hunter shook his head.

“Not a scratch.” Laney laughed and Hunter smiled his dimples showing through the stubble on his cheeks.

“You need a shave.” Laney said matter-of-factly. Hunter nodded and then yawned loudly.

“I need a nap.” he replied feeling fatigue and weariness setting in. Laney grabbed the comforter and pulled it over him.

“Rest.” she said. He grabbed her hand when she stood up and even in his weakened state was able to pull her back down to him. He laid his hand on her smooth cheek and pulled her face down to his.

He kissed her lips just as he had that morning but this time it was not so gentle.. It was more desperate and full of more passion. Laney found herself becoming lost in this kiss. He pushed her lips open and began to hungrily explore her mouth with his tongue.

Laney felt her head spinning. She had kissed boys before when she’d been a younger girl but this was no boy kissing her now. This was a man. A hungry man full of desire. He moaned her name and she managed to pull herself away from him.

“You need rest, cowboy.” she said. He pouted at her and she smiled.

“Get in this bed with me.” He said. Laney raised her eyebrow and put her hands on her hips. Hunter sighed.

“I’ll be good I promise. I just want to hold you while I sleep. The way I did last night.”

Laney could not have told him no even if she’d wanted to and she didn’t want to. Laney climbed under the covers and laid on her side up against him. She wrapped her arm around his waist careful not to touch where the bandages were on his stomach. She laid her head against his chest and heard the steady, comforting sound of his heartbeat.

“I love you.” he said. She could hear in his voice that sleep was about to claim him.

“I know you do.” she replied. “I’ve known you loved me since we shared that dance in the rain.”

“I’ve known I loved you since I opened the door to that Camaro and saw your beautiful blood covered face.” Laney smiled and he felt it against his chest.

“I have you beat.” she said. He chuckled.

“How’s that?” he asked.

“I knew I loved you before I even met you. I think maybe I dreamed you to life.” she said. Hunter had no response to this. He sent up a thousand silent thank-yous for this beautiful woman and kissed her hair.

He yawned again and Laney laughed lightly.

“Get you some sleep cowboy, I’ll be right here when you wake up.” she promised. She felt him smile into her hair and after just a few short minutes he was snoring lightly.

Laney pulled herself out of his sleeping arms when there was a light knock on the door.

“Come in.” she whispered quietly as she climbed out of bed. Rebecca walked in carrying two big bowls of homemade chili.

“That smells delicious.” Laney said taking one of the bowls from her and breathing deep. Rebecca smiled.

“It tastes pretty delicious too. This is your grandpa’s specialty.”

“Grandpa made this?” Laney asked with disbelief. Rebecca nodded. She laid the second bowl on the dresser as she looked over at Hunter.

“How is he?” she asked. Laney took a bite of the chili and made a face of pure bliss before answering.

“He’s better. Just tired.” she replied. “I still don’t understand what kept him from healing.”

“Vampire poison.” Rebecca replied. “When she bit him she put her poison in his blood and it was rotting him from the inside out. Your mother said she could sense that nearly his whole body was black on the inside by the time he got to you.”

“My poor cowboy.” Laney said looking at him sleeping soundly.

“Your grandpa and your dad are both very impressed by how tough he is. Being bitten by a vampire is a lot like being bitten by a snake. Eventually your body will build up a tolerance to their venom if you are bitten enough and live through it.”

“What kind of crazy person gets bitten by a vampire enough to become immune?” Laney asked.

“Your dad and your grandpa.” Rebecca replied. “Your dad was only nine when he had his first bite. I’ll never forget how close he came to death. We didn’t have any healers on hand to help him so he had to pull himself back out of it.”

“My dad is kick ass.” Laney said before taking another bite of her steaming chili.

“Yes he is. Don’t worry about any of this, Laney. Your father killed Vladimir. He’ll kill his bitch too.”

“Grandma, you cursed!” Laney said with wide eyes. “I’m impressed.” Rebecca rolled her shoulders and clenched her fists.

“I’m not helpless my dear. Your grandpa has taught me a thing or two over the last three-hundred and thirty years or so!” she said matter-of-factly.

“I love you, grandma.” Laney said hugging her with her free arm.

“I love you too. Your uncle Evan is making Kaylee and Kayleb come home since we don’t’ know who or where that vamp is or what she has planned. Your dad wants the whole family together.”

“Good! I’ve missed them!” Laney replied. Rebecca smiled and walked toward the door.

“I’m glad that you found him, sweetheart.” she said looking over at Hunter on the bed.

“It kinda scares me how much I need him. I’ve never felt like that before. Needing someone is new to me.” Laney admitted quietly.

“Even the strongest people need someone eventually dear. Look at your mom and dad. Your dad was a loner. A tough guy. There was no one in his life that he really needed or was afraid of losing. Then he met your mom.” Laney was silent as she just stared at Hunter and Rebecca smiled knowingly and walked out of the room closing the door behind her.

Laney walked over to Hunter and ran her hand through his messy blond hair. She ran one finger down his cheek, his neck, his shoulder. She traced the hard muscles of his upper arm and stopped when she reached the scar on his forearm.

She felt a jealousy that surprised her. She was supposed to be the one to bite him and leave her mark. Her eyes fell on the tender part of his upper shoulder beside his neck. That spot was hers. She felt the tiny bit of werewolf inside of her yearning to bite him and she shook her head and moved away from the bed.

It wasn’t very often that she felt the instincts of the werewolf side of her but they were too strong when it came to her mate for her to ignore. She would kill that vampire bitch herself if she ever made another move toward Hunter.

Laney sat what was left of her chili on the dresser, grabbed a book off the bookshelf and curled up in the chair.

She didn’t know how long she sat there reading when suddenly Hunter woke up and sat straight up in the bed his muscles tightening and his teeth bared. His eyes fell on her in the chair and she saw his muscles relax. She wondered if he’d been having a bad dream.

“Are you ok?” Laney asked. He nodded and ran a hand through his messy hair.

“Better now.” he replied. She noticed him licking his lips and working his mouth like it was dry and bothering him.

“Are you thirsty?” she asked. Hunter cleared his throat and shook his head as if trying to clear it.

“Yea.” he replied gruffly. Laney wondered what in the world was wrong with him.

“I’ll go get you some water or a pop.” Laney said standing up and walking toward the door. Hunter shook his head.

“No… I don’t want water or pop.” he said matter-of-factly. Laney tilted her head.

“What do you….” Recognition dawned in her eyes.

“Oh… You want blood.” she said as if it was a perfectly normal request. He had been afraid to tell her what he needed for fear that it would make her uncomfortable.

“I don’t think we have any of that bottled up in the fridge.” she said with a teasing smile. Hunter wanted to smile but his body was weak and the vampire in him felt like it was going to die of thirst if he didn’t get blood soon.

Laney walked over to him and held her pale wrist up against his lips. She knew that his bite would not poison her. She was his mate. It was his right to drink from her for eternity.

“Just consider me your own personal buffet, cowboy.” she said trying to force a smile but her body was too much on fire for her to smile. She could feel his lips against her wrist and her heart seemed to pump faster. Her blood flowing hotter. She wondered if he could sense the increase in her pulse. Or the depth of her desire. She wanted him to bite her.

Hunter could sense her pulse all right. He opened his mouth against her wrist laying his fangs against her pale tender skin. He had never wanted anything the way he wanted to drink from her now. He could feel her pulse against his fangs. He could smell the sweet deliciousness of her warm blood.

His gray eyes locked with her golden ones. Sparks seemed to fly between them. Hunter knew that if he bit her now he would not be satisfied until he’d had her in every way that he was meant to have his mate. He would have to have her in this bed. He would not be able to stop himself from making love to her…..

And since he could hear and smell Lane walking toward their room he figured that would not be a good idea.

He grabbed her arm and moved her wrist away from his mouth. He could see the disappointment and confusion in her eyes.

“We have company.” He managed to say though his voice was deep and tense with his unfulfilled thirst and passion. The knock on the door forced Laney to come out of her passion induced trance. She quickly turned and ran her hands over her hair.

“Come in.” she said. Lane opened the door and knew instantly that he’d interrupted something. He felt a surge of protectiveness toward his niece but quickly reminded himself that she was a grown woman and Hunter was her mate and at some point or another they were going to, well, do grown up things together.

He could see the flush in Laney’s cheeks and when he looked at Hunter he could see the darkness in his eyes. Yes it looked like Lane had shown up just in time to stop some very grown up things from happening between them.

“Is there ever going to be a day when I have privacy in this house?” Laney demanded. “I don’t see everybody barging into mom and dad’s room!”

“That’s because your dad is an overreacting, violent son of a bitch that would knock said bargers head clean off their shoulders.” Lane replied and Laney couldn’t help but laugh. “Besides, I didn’t barge.. I knocked first.”

“What do you want, uncle Lane?” Laney asked though her voice was much friendlier now. Lane looked over at Hunter who looked weaker and more pale than he had a moment ago.

“You look thirsty vamp.” Lane said. Hunter nodded.

“A little.” he replied. Lane handed him a large thermos and Hunter nearly started to drool when he smelled the blood inside.

“I milked you a couple of squirrels.” Lane said in answer to Hunter’s questioning look. “Not exactly the highest moment in my life but sadly not the lowest either.”

Hunter opened the thermos and drank deeply from it. He didn’t stop until he had the bottle held straight up in the air and the last tiny droplets of blood were rolling down his tongue.

“Thank you.” He said as he handed the thermos back to Lane. Laney saw that Hunters color was back and he no longer looked tired. He reached under his shirt and pulled off the three bandages since they were now covering healthy skin.

Laney hugged her uncle tight.

“Thank you.” she said knowing that he had done it more for her than for Hunter. He had wanted Laney to see that he accepted Hunter as part of the family.

“Even a blood sucking tick has to eat right?” Lane asked feeling awkward with the display of affection. Laney moved away from him. “Besides your father refused to help the poor guy. He said in his most arrogant voice, ‘That boy just needs to toughen up. I can take on thirty subs and a vampire and then come home and make wild passionate love to my woman.. He gets his ass kicked by one vamp and is out for hours? Let him milk his own damn squirrels .’” Lane said doing a very good impression of her dads deep confident voice.

Laney shook her head and put her hands on her hips.

“He did not say that. There is no way my father would ever say the words ‘milk his own damn squirrels’” She said matter of factly. Lane shrugged.

“You’re right. He didn’t say it but I’m sure he was thinking it so I just took it upon myself to get the tick something to eat.”

“So Jake would say the other stuff about subs and vampires and making love to his woman?” Hunter asked ignoring the fact that Lane kept calling him a tick and standing up and stretching his arms above his head. Laney felt her jaw drop when the tank lifted and she could see the waistband of the flannel pants hanging low on his hips… She could see the v of his muscles and the trail of blond hair leading down. If only those pants could be a couple of inches lower.. She’d be able to see it all.

“Yeah, Jake would say that for sure.” Lane replied. Lane was about to excuse himself and leave the two of them alone to get back to their ‘grown up’ business when they heard a loud growl from downstairs.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing!” Jake’s voice carried up to them from downstairs. Hunter looked at Lane.

“What’s going on?” he asked stepping closer to Laney, ready to protect her. Lane took a deep breath and then a wide grin split his face.

“Kaylee and Kayleb are here.” he said. Laney laughed excitedly.

“Those are my older cousins. They are twins, Raquel and Evans.” she told Hunter who nodded.

“And why is your dad yelling?” he asked. Lane chuckled.

“Probably because Kayleb laid a sneak attack on his ass.” he said. When Hunter looked confused Laney rolled her eyes.

“Kayleb worships my dad but the last few years whenever he comes around he seems determined to prove that he’s tougher than he is.. I guess he’s trying to make him proud or something.”

“And is he…. Tougher I mean?” Hunter asked finding that hard to believe. Both Laney and Lane laughed.

“Maybe in the boys wildest fantasy dream. Sometimes Jake will take it easy on him and make the fight last longer but once he’s tired of it he just swats Kayleb away like he’s no more than an annoying little fly. It drives Kayleb crazy.” Lane replied.

“Come on Hunter, let’s go downstairs and I’ll introduce you.” Laney said taking Hunter’s big rough calloused hand in her small, smooth soft one and leading him out of the room with Lane following behind them.

Chapter Nine

They could hear the chaos going on in the living room before they walked in.

“STOP IT!” Rebecca yelled. “Take it outside! One of you is bleeding on my carpet!”

The three of them walked into the living room and Hunter stepped in front of Laney protectively.

A giant black wolf was locked in battle with a smaller but still muscular auburn colored wolf.

“My dad and Kayleb.” Laney said to Hunter. Hunter didn’t have to ask who was who. Jake was an intimidating sight as a man but as a wolf he would cause the toughest redneck biker in the world to piss his pants.

The entire family was in the living room and Hunter looked over at Evan who was cheering his son on to Raquel who was shaking her head and looked scared to death while holding a tiny baby in her arms. Angela was sitting in the recliner chair looking tired while Joey had quickly run to Lane’s side when he had walked into the room.

Jordan and her mate whose name Hunter still didn’t’ know were standing in the hall next to the stairs that Laney and he had just come down. Bethany had her long tan arms crossed over her chest looking bored as she leaned against Greg and watched the fight. Kaitlyn was sitting next to Alex on the couch and was playing a video game ignoring the fight all together. Charles was standing behind Rebecca and trying to yank her out of the way of the ripping claws and snarling teeth. There was another auburn haired woman that Hunter didn’t recognize but he guessed was Kaylee. She was standing there with her hands on her hips in her blue Navy uniform.

Hunter looked back at the wolves. He could tell that Jake was taking it easy on Kayleb… He kept letting Kayleb get the upper hand and then would simply swat him back to the ground with one massive paw.

“I SAID STOP!” Rebecca yelled again. Kayleb lunged at Jake who dodged him and Kayleb ran head first into the wall shattering the drywall.

“ENOUGH!” Rebecca screamed and Hunter was shocked when she reached out and yanked on Jake’s tail. Jake let out a yelp and turned to look at her. Kayleb took advantage of his distraction and lunged at his head. Jake snarled loudly and before Hunter had time to blink Jake had turned back into a man.

A six foot five inch, blood covered, butt ass naked man. Kayleb jumped at him still not ready to be done and Jake reached out with one hand, grabbed him by the scruff of the neck and threw him down to the ground… Kayleb was struggling to get away but Jake held all two hundred pounds of him down on the ground with one hand as if he was nothing more than a tiny pup.

“Give it up, kid.” Jake said with a grin. Kayleb stilled beneath him and turned back to a man though his transformation took several seconds longer than Jake’s had. Jake stood up and took Kayleb’s hand helping him to his feet.

“Get dressed.” Jordan said tossing both of them a pair of sweatpants. Both men were laughing as they pulled them on.

“I almost had you for a minute there uncle Jake.” Kayleb said. Jake shook his head.

“Not quite, tough guy. Maybe next time.” Jake replied. Then his eyes turned serious and he walked over to Angela and dropped to his knees in front of her.

Hunter made a point to not listen in on what he was saying to her… By the look on Angela’s face he figured it was something Jake wouldn’t appreciate him overhearing.

“Uncle Jake, did I make you bleed?” Kayleb asked excitedly seeing the blood covering Jake’s bare back. Jake growled impatiently, clearly not happy to be interrupted while talking his mate and turned to Kayleb.

“Nope, it’s all yours.” Jake replied. Kayleb looked down at the cuts all over his arms and chest and shrugged.

“You wait til next time…”

“There’s not going to be a next time! Your mothers’ heart can’t take it.” Raquel scolded. “Jake you should be ashamed of yourself for making him bleed! He’s a kid!”

“He’s not a kid! He’s damn near forty years old and he attacked me, little sister. Not the other way around.” Jake said. Jordan and her mate walked away to the kitchen followed by Bethany and Greg.

“Get your behinds busy fixing that wall.” Rebecca said looking at the hole that Kayleb’s head had made. She mumbled something under her breath about getting some Clorox for the blood stained carpet as she walked out of the room with Charles on her heels.

Jake had turned back to Angela and Hunter wondered why she had tears in her eyes. He didn’t have time to ask before Kayleb walked over and held out his hand.

“My name’s Kayleb. You must be Hunter.” he said. Hunter shook his hand and nodded. Kayleb had his red hair cut in a military style. Freckles covered his face and his teeth were a little too big.. He was shorter than Hunter’s six feet though not by much and he was very stocky and muscular.

“You ok?” Hunter asked pointing to the bite mark on his arm that was still bleeding. Most of the other wounds had already healed.

“Oh that?” Kayleb asked with a shrug. “Yeah. Uncle Jake knows a trick to give people wounds that don’t heal quite as quick as others. Not even grandpa Charles seems to know what it is and Jake refuses to tell. He says he has to keep some mystery about him.”

“Is there a reason that after all these years of getting your butt kicked by my dad you still start with him every time you come home?” Laney asked. Kayleb grinned broadly.

“Cuz it’s fun! And one of these times I’ll get him.. He’s getting too old to stay sharp.. His reflexes will start slowing down soon.”

“I wouldn’t count on it.” Kaylee said walking over. She held out her hand to Hunter and he shook it as well.

“Hello ma’am.” he said. She smiled at him and then looked at Laney with disbelief.

“Oh my god he’s gorgeous!” she said. “It’s not fair! I’m almost ten years older than you! I’m supposed to find my mate first!” Hunter felt himself blush at being called gorgeous and cleared his throat.

“Come into the kitchen and eat some supper with us.” Raquel said walking over to her children. Kaylee quickly took her little sister from her mother’s arms.

“We ate just before we left.” she said matter-of-factly.

“Well then eat again. Your mother said to get to the kitchen.” Evan said with a no nonsense tone to his voice. Kayleb and Kaylee both rolled their eyes but followed their parents to the kitchen and Kaitlyn and Alex went with them as well leaving Lane, Joey, Angela, Jake, Hunter and Laney alone in the living room.

“I lost my damn hat again.” Hunter said running his hand through his hair. “And all my clothes are at the motel.” Laney rolled her eyes.

“Well you’re not going back to where that bitch attacked you just to find your hat. We’ll buy you a new one.” she said.

“You can’t buy a hat like that around here.” he argued. “I got that in Texas. It was a Texan hat.” Lane laughed behind them.

“Look, cowboy, once the crazy bitch is dead then I promise we’ll go to Texas and get you a new Texan hat.” Laney promised.

“What am I supposed to wear on my head till then?” Hunter asked. She rolled her eyes.

“Your hair.” she said. “And there are plenty of extra clothes here for you to wear.”

“It won’t take me no more than forty-five minutes to go into town and get my stuff from the motel, they can keep the car, and then I’ll be back.” Hunter replied.

“I’ll come with you.” Laney said.

“No.” he said sternly. Laney pouted her lip, crossed her arms over her chest and stomped her foot angrily.

“Don’t you tell me what to do.”

“Uh-oh.. Here we go. The first battle of wills. Ten bucks says he’ll lose.” Lane said to Joey, Jake and Angela who were watching Laney and Hunter’s conversation with interest. Jake nodded in agreement.

“You are staying here, ma’am. It’s not safe out there.” Hunter said matter-of-factly. Laney stamped her foot again, moved one hand to her hip and raised the other one pointing a finger at his face.

“Don’t you ma’am me! If you insist on going then I am going with you.” Hunter looked down at her and saw that arguing was pointless. But there was no way he was letting the woman come with him. Without a word he picked her up and threw her over his shoulder. He carried her over to Lane and sat her down next to him.

She was going off on a rant as he pulled off his tank top and motioned for Lane’s arm. Lane was finding all this thoroughly entertaining and held out his arm. Hunter grabbed Laney’s arm as well and with a practiced ease from years of roping and tying steers he knotted their arms together.

“She stays with you.” Hunter said to Lane.

“You have some nerve!” Laney yelled angrily as she tried to pull her arm away. She tried untying the knot with her free hand but found it impossible.

“You ain’t gonna get it untied Laney. I’ve been roping and tying steers for a long time and I’ve never had one break free of one of my knots.”

“Are you calling me a cow?” She asked looking for any reason to fight with him now that he had embarrassed her. Hunter smiled and laid a gentle hand on her cheek.

“Of course not, ma’am. Now quit pouting and I’ll be back in less than an hour. Right after I find some clothes.”

“I’ll go get you some.” Joey said and left the room.

“You can’t go alone Hunter! She already almost killed you once…” Laney said and he could hear the fear and desperation in her voice. He had never been one for public displays of affection but knew that she needed one now. He bent down and kissed her gently.

“That’s exactly why you are not going.” he said softly. “I don’t want you out there where she can get to you.”

“I’ll go with him, Laney. I won’t let anything happen to him.” Jake said stepping forward. Angela grabbed his arm.

“Then I’m coming too.” she said. He shook his head.

“No you’re not.” he said. She put her hands on her hips and glared up at him.

“You better remember who you’re talking to, Jake. You don’t tell me what I can or can’t do.” she said. Jake’s golden eyes flashed.

“Dammit Angela, I love you and if something happened to you or to that baby you’re carrying I would… Well I don’t know what I would do. Please just do what I say. You know I don’t tell you what to do very often and when I do I always have good reason.”

“Baby?” Laney asked. Lane took a deep breath.

“Well I’ll be damned! I’m gonna be an uncle again! A new bambino to grow up with my little rug rat!” he said. Hunter offered a congratulations and knew that that is the conversation he had tuned out earlier. Jake had been telling Angela that she was pregnant.

“You better be careful.” Angela said looking up at her mate. He wrapped his arms tight around her and kissed her passionately. Hunter looked away uncomfortably but Lane and Laney didn’t seem bothered by it. He figured it was something they saw a lot.

“I’m gonna go to the basement. I’ll be back in a minute. Hunter don’t leave without me.” Jake said and walked away with Angela still wrapped in his arms.

“Can you untie me please?” Laney asked. Hunter raised his brow.

“Will you promise to stay here?” he asked. When she refused to answer he shook his head.

“Then you’re staying tied to your uncle.” Joey came back then with a pair of jeans, a t-shirt and Hunter’s boots.

“Thank you ma’am.” he said taking them from her. He pulled on the t-shirt and then motioned for everyone to turn around so he could take his flannel pants off and pull on the jeans. Everyone turned back around while he was pulling his boots on.

Jake and Angela came back in the room and Hunter looked at Jake wide-eyed.

“Expecting trouble?” he asked. Jake had changed into jeans and a t-shirt and was wearing a leather jacket full of pockets. The pockets were full of wooden stakes and knives. He had a pistol on his side and what looked like a crossbow with an ammunition chamber attached that was full of wooden arrows, in his hands.

“I’m hoping for it. That way I can kill that bitch and be done with this.” Jake replied laying the crossbow on his shoulder.

“You better come back to me, Jake.” Angela said as he and Hunter walked toward the door.

“I always do, my love.” Jake replied. Hunter looked over at Laney but she was refusing to meet his eyes and he could see the tears she was trying not to let fall.

“Bye Laney.” he said and then looked at Lane. “She better still be with you when I get back.” Lane didn’t have time to reply before Hunter was out the door with Jake.

“Did the tick just threaten me?” Lane demanded. Angela, Joey and Laney all nodded.

“Sounded that way.” Angela replied.

“Who the hell does he think he is?” Lane demanded. Joey patted his arm comfortingly.

“Looks like there is one more person in this family who can kick your ass, honey.” she said. Lane shook his head.

“Doesn’t that fucking figure.”

888

“Here take one.” Jake said tossing a wooden stake to Hunter once they were alone outside. Hunter stuck it in the waistband of his jeans.

“We’ll just dash to the motel that way we can pick up your car.” Jake said. Hunter nodded. Jake grabbed onto his arm and dashed them to the parking lot of the family motel in town. The sun was beginning to set and town was empty.

Jake and Hunter both gave each other a look of warning when the scent of vampire reached their noses.

“That’s her scent.” Hunter whispered. Jake nodded.

“I guess we’re not getting your car.” he said. Hunter followed his gaze and saw his old beat up escort sitting there with shattered windows and slashed tires.

“I didn’t like it anyhow.” Hunter replied. Jake took a deep breath.

“I can smell her in your room.. I don’t know if she’s still in there but someone is.” he said. Hunter walked behind Jake to the door to the room. They could hear movement inside. Jake counted to three and then threw the door open holding the crossbow out in front of him.

An old woman who had been making the bed screamed and threw her hands in the air. Jake quickly lowered the crossbow and looked around the room while Hunter stepped toward the woman.

“Sorry ma’am. We didn’t mean to scare you.” he said politely. Jake shoved Hunter out of the way and glared at the woman. Hunter thought for sure she was going to have a heart attack as Jake stood over her threateningly.

“Did you see anybody here?” Jake demanded. The woman shook her head but didn’t seem able to speak she just looked up at him stuttering. Jake growled angrily and turned and walked away from the woman. He punched the wall sending his fist through it.

“Hurry up and pack your shit, Hunter. That bitch is too damn close to my family!” Hunter gave an apologetic look to the old woman and grabbed his suitcase off of the floor and the picture of Laney off the dresser. Then he pointed over at the wall near the bathroom where his black Stetson hat was hanging.

This just brought another growl from Jake and Hunter walked over and grabbed the hat off the hook it was hanging on. He sat it on his head.

“I guess I’ll have to thank her before I drive the stake through her heart.” he said. Jake nodded and then walked out the door. Hunter gave one last small smile to the old lady who looked to be in shock.

“I really am sorry, ma’am.” Hunter said. Then he pointed to the hole that Jake had put in the wall. “He’ll pay to have that fixed… I think.”

Hunter met Jake outside and Jake grabbed his arm and quickly dashed them back to the living room at the house.

“That didn’t’ take long.” Joey said.

“Where did you find your hat?” Laney asked Hunter.

“She’s been there…. I wish the coward would just come out and fight me!” Jake growled with frustration. Angela wrapped her arm around his waist and laid her head on his arm.

“Can you untie me now?” Laney asked looking down at her and Lane’s arms still tied together. Hunter nodded and gave the knot a small tug and the tank top fell to the floor.

“How did you do that?” Lane demanded. “I’ve been trying to untie her the whole time you’ve been gone since she seemed hell bent on breaking my ribs with her bony ass elbow.”

“It’s a tick thing I guess.. You probably wouldn’t understand, fido.” Hunter replied. Lane laughed.

“Holy crap! The tick has a pretty good sense of humor.” Everyone else came into the living room then.

“What’s going on?” Charles asked. Jake filled them in and Charles shook his head.

“I just don’t know what to do.” he said.

“What about Lucas?” Angela asked suddenly. Everyone looked at her.

“What about him?” Jordan replied.

“Hunter said that she is after everybody that helped us when you killed Vladimir. Does she know about Lucas?”

“She didn’t mention a Lucas, ma’am. She just told me in detail what she had planned for y’all.” Hunter replied his eyes narrowing.

“Lane, try to contact Lucas. You’re the only one in this family that he likes.” Jake said matter-of-factly.

(Lucas.) Lane called out telepathically to his cousin so that everyone in the room could hear him. Lucas didn’t’ answer.

(Lucas.) Lane said again.

(Lane, I’m busy right now. I have a guest.) Lucas said.

(What kind of guest?) Lane asked.

(The female kind.) Lucas said. (The sexy kind that you used to enjoy before you met that crazy ass woman of yours.)

(Watch your mouth) Joey snapped. (Crazy woman is listening.)

(Oh. Hi Joey.) Lucas said sheepishly. (Seriously though Lane, what do you want because I’m about to get lucky here man.)

(Just wanted to give you a heads up.) Lane replied. (You remember that time you helped me and Angela find Jake when that crazy ass vampire and were tiger were holding him prisoner?)

(Of course I remember but that was a long time ago. Why are you bugging me about it now.)

(Apparently the vamp Vladimir had a mate and she is out for revenge on everyone that helped kill her mate. I don’t know if she knows about you but I thought you should be warned.)

(Old female vamp?) Lucas asked and now everyone could a little uncertainty in his voice.

(Yea.) Lane said.

(What does she look like?) Lucas asked. Lane looked at Hunter.

“What does she look like?” he asked him.

“Pale of course. Dark long hair. It was in a bun when I saw her. Icy blue eyes. She wears too much damn red make-up on her cheeks and lips.” Hunter said aloud to Lane since Lucas wouldn’t be able to hear his thought speak since he was not yet fully mated to Laney.

Lane gave the message to Lucas and they all heard the panic clear in his voice when he replied.

(Oh shit… I gotta go.) Lucas said.

(What is it? Is she there?) Jake demanded.

(Oh shit..shit…SHIT!) Then Lucas was gone. Jake tried to feel for him but he was completely gone.

“He’s dead.” Jake said matter-of-factly.

“Oh my god….” Rebecca said covering her mouth with her hand.

“Do you think she got him?” Evan asked wrapping his arms tight around Raquel.

“That’s exactly what I plan on finding out.” Jake said and before anyone could react the air shimmered and he was gone.

Chapter Ten

Jake couldn’t get into Lucas’s house by dashing. He had devices set up to keep unwelcome visitors out. Jake stood outside of the house knowing that the immortal police would be there soon. He had just dashed into Jamaica which was against their rules here.

Jake tried to open the door but it was locked and reinforced with silver. Lucas had a lot of enemies thanks to his many dirty casino scams and his house was built like a fortress. Jake didn’t have time for this shit though. He walked over to the brick wall, counted to three and then threw himself against it sending shattered brinks flying.

He nearly fell as he stumbled through the wall. He walked over the crumbled bricks and down a long dark hallway. He took a deep breath. The bitch was still here, he could smell her. He cursed when he realized he’d dropped the crossbow at home. Oh well he’d just kill her the hard way. He pulled a wooden stake from his pocket and walked along the wall.

He came to Lucas’s bedroom. Her scent was strong. She was in this room. Jake kicked the door open and jumped into the room. He scanned the room quickly his senses on high alert. He saw Lucas’s dead naked body lying next to his bed with his throat ripped out but he couldn’t see the vampire.

He sensed her above him and his eyes flew to the high ceiling where she was clinging naked to the chandelier, her black hair hanging loose.

“Well hello there, Jake. I was wondering when we would meet.” she said in a cold silky voice.

“Why don’t you come down here and talk to me.” Jake asked. She laughed but even it was a cold hollow sound.

“And let you kill me? No I don’t think I’ll let you do that just yet.” she replied. “I still have too much fun to have with your young son-in-law and your pretty little daughter. Then of course there is your mate… How is Angela doing these days?”

“Better than you’re going to be doing as soon as I get my hands on you.” Jake said his voice low and dangerous.

“Vladimir told me about your temper.” she said.

“Did he tell you about how I ripped his fucking arrogant head right off his body? Oh yea that’s right… He can’t tell you because he’s dead.” The vamp hissed at him and Jake smiled.

“What’s your name? I always like to know a vamps name before I turn them to dust.”

“My name is Saraphine. I was born in the year 1200 ad. I have killed much tougher wolves than you, I can assure you.” she said.

“Come down here and kill me then.” Jake said.

“No you are too well armed.” she replied. Jake dropped the stake he was holding and removed his jacket and every other weapon he had on him.

“Come on bitch. Let’s settle this right now. You and me. There is no reason to include my family.”

“There’s always a reason to cause pain when it is revenge and vengeance that you seek. I want to cause you pain before I cause you death, Jake.”

“I’ll kill you.” he growled.

“Maybe. But not before I kill them.” she replied. Then she jumped from the ceiling and ran quickly out of the room and down the hall. Jake grabbed his pistol off the ground and fired several shots. He heard her scream in pain and know that he’d hit her but he also knew that it wouldn’t be enough to stop her. He ran after her. She had gone outside through the hole he’d made in the wall.

Jake looked out in time to see the air shimmer as she vanished. He tried to use his skills as a hunter to trace where she’d gone but she was too smart for that and had covered her trail well. Jake walked back into the house. He pulled his jacket back on and then walked over to Lucas’s liquor cabinet in the corner of his bedroom.

Lucas had always said he never wanted to be buried under the ground and if the mortals found his body that’s just what they’d do… Lucas had always wanted to go out with a bang so that’s what Jake would do for him.

He pulled out the bottles shattering them across the room one by one. He picked up the last bottle and took a big swig before walking over to his cousin’s body. He dug around in Lucas’s pocket and found the lighter he’d always kept for lighting those disgusting cigars he had enjoyed smoking.

Jake took one last swig of whiskey and then poured the rest of the bottle on Lucas. He flipped the lighter open and threw it down. Flames sparked quickly in the liquor and Jake walked out of the house. The flames were consuming the inside and blasting out the windows as Jake dashed back home.

Jake didn’t even have time to open his eyes once arriving back in the living room before he felt fists hitting him hard in the face.

“How dare you do that to me you son of a bitch!” Angela screamed as she continued to punch him. “You scared me to death!” Jake allowed her to punch him for several more seconds while she yelled and then grabbed her arms and pulled her tight against him. He breathed in her comforting scent and held her close feeling her relax.

“What happened?” Charles demanded of his son now that Angela had quieted. Jake sighed.

“I saw her. Had an interesting conversation. Her name is Saraphine and she is over eight hundred years old. She killed Lucas.”

“Poor Lucas… Always looking for a new piece of ass and look what it got him.” Lane said. Jake scanned the room but saw that the only people in it were Hunter, Laney, Charles, Rebecca, Lane, Joey and Angela.

“Where is everyone else?” Jake asked.

“Bed.” Rebecca replied. Jake nodded.

“She got away from you?” Laney asked her father. He nodded and Hunter could tell he was beating himself up about it.

“Yea she got away. I shot her a couple times but she still got away.” he replied.

“That’s alright son. She’ll have to show up sometime and when she does we’ll be ready.” Charles assured him.

“Everybody go get some rest.” Jake said. “I’ll stay up and keep watch.” No one argued with Jake. They knew it would be pointless.

Chapter Eleven

Laney walked up the stairs and Hunter followed her up to the bedroom. Laney grabbed some pajamas and went into the bathroom the adjoined her bedroom. She shut the door behind her feeling one hundred different emotions at once.

She was scared and worried about her family and this crazy woman that was after them. Meanwhile she was nervous and excited about spending the night with Hunter. She took time in the shower letting the water beat against her.

She hooked her blow dryer up and dried her thick curls and then pulled on the silky gown she had brought into the bathroom with her. It was cut low on her chest and high on her thigh. It was light pink with white lace along both the top and bottom hems and the spaghetti straps holding it up kept sliding down her arms.

She blew out a long breath trying to build her nerve up to walk into the bedroom. She counted to three and opened the door. Hunter had his back to her. He was sitting on the bed looking out the window as if on high alert. She could see that he was holding a wooden stake in his hands.

Suddenly she felt foolish for thinking they would make love tonight. Of course he wouldn’t want to. She shouldn’t want to. There was a woman hell bent on killing them all. They had to keep a look out for her. She tried to sneak over to her dresser to pull out some sweat pants and a t-shirt but Hunter caught the movement from the corner of his eye and turned to look at her.

His mouth went suddenly dry and he stood up and removed his hat and tossed it on the floor.

“That’s a pretty gown, Laney.” he said feeling awkward. He had no idea how he was supposed to act. He might be forty but when it came to dealing with beautiful, half dressed women he was no better than an inexperienced teenage boy.

He saw the blush that seemed to cover every inch of her visible pale skin.

“Thank you.” she said pushing her hair behind her ear. She took a deep breath.. She might not have any experience with men but she had read plenty of romance novels in in her life. She just needed to take a few moves out of those.

Laney started walking toward him slowly. He tried to swallow but couldn’t around the lump in his throat. Damn, but if he didn’t know any better he’d say the woman was trying to seduce him. Lord knows he was already hotter than a damn summer day in the desert so obviously she didn’t need to try real hard.

She moved her hips slowly as she walked toward him and he watched them sway back and forth. She reached out her small soft hands and though her face looked confident he could see her hands were shaking and it made him feel a little better about his own nervousness.

She grabbed the bottom hem of his shirt and he bent his knees and lifted his arms allowing her to pull his shirt off. Laney just stared at every inch of hard muscle and couldn’t’ believe that it was all really hers.

Hunter took her in his arms then and pressed his lips to hers. She couldn’t seem to catch her breath as he hungrily explored her mouth with his tongue. It was as if with this kiss alone he was claiming her.. Branding her..

Hunter grabbed her arms and pushed the above her head. She left them up while he grabbed the bottom hem of her gown and pulled it over her head. The gown fell to the floor as Hunters eyes roamed across every inch of her perfect bare body.

He laid her down on the bed and removed his boots, pants and briefs. Laney stared at him in wonder. He was perfect in every single way as he stood over her. He laid down next to her and wrapped his arm tight around her while pressing his lips against hers again.

He moved his lips to her neck and felt his fangs sharpen as her pulse sped up beneath them. She ran her hands down his long muscular back and smiled when she felt him shiver.

They lay there just like that kissing and exploring each other’s bodies for a long time. Neither had ever been this way with another and both wanted to make it last as long as they could.

Finally Laney pushed him onto his back. She straddled him and Hunter moaned her name and gripped her hips hard when he felt himself slide into her.

“I want more, Hunter. I want to be bonded to you for life.” she said as she sat there perfectly still on top of him. Hunter could barely think and he took several deep breaths to clear his head as he looked up at her perfect body over him.

“Let this be enough for tonight, Laney. I promise you we will fully mate once she is gone.” he said. Laney shook her head.

“No, I love you. I want more.” she said again. He groaned and tried to move his hips beneath her.

“Damn it woman, you’re killing me. Please just let this be enough for tonight. I need you now, Laney.” she could hear the tension in his voice.. She knew he was on the edge of losing control.

“No, I don’t want to wait. What if something happens to you? I don’t want to live without you.” Hunter closed his eyes and when he opened them he found his face inches from his as she bent down. Her long black curls surrounding him completely.

“Laney, you are too full of life to every say you wouldn’t want to live without someone else.” he replied. Laney kissed him gently.

“I wouldn’t want to live without you, Hunter. That is all I know, all I understand right now.” she said. He was going to argue more but she laid her finger against his lips to silence him. She parted his lips with her thumb and then ran her finger along his sharpened fang.

She hissed with pain when it sliced her tender skin and pulled her finger from his mouth. She let the droplets gather on the end of her finger while Hunter watched in silence. Every vampire instinct in him was on fire right now at the sight and smell of her blood. He wanted to taste her.

Laney could see the war that was raging in his mind behind his gray eyes. She knew the power that her blood held over him. She ran her finger over his lips spreading the droplets and shivered with delight when his tongue followed her finger tasting the blood she’d left there.

Hunter couldn’t stop himself. He grabbed her finger gently between his lips and sucked letting her warm blood wash over his tongue and down his throat. He felt like he was on fire as it flowed into him.

Laney felt a pressure growing low in her and couldn’t believe the amount of passion that his mouth on her finger was stirring in her. He moaned when she pulled her finger away from him.

She looked deep into his eyes and he knew what she was going to say before she said it.

“I Laney, 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.” Hunter did not hesitate before responding.

“I Hunter, 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.”

Laney felt the wolf in her taking over and as she sank her teeth into his flesh where his neck met his shoulder she felt a delicious pleasure fill her as his fangs sank into her neck.

---

Jake and Angela sat out in the moonlight on the front porch. Angela laid her head against his chest listening to his heart beat and letting it calm her nervousness.

“What happened to Lucas is my fault.” Jake said. “I should have thought about him sooner. I could have saved him.” Angela kissed his neck gently.

“You can’t blame yourself for every bad thing that happens, Jake. You are a good man and you did what you could. You don’t know that you could have saved him.. You may have died with him if you’d been there.”

“No. She wouldn’t’ have killed me.. She said she doesn’t want me dead just yet.”

“She told you that?” Angela asked. Jake nodded and kissed her hair.

“She said she has more of my family to get through before she gets to me.” he said.

“We’ll all be fine, Jake. We’ll stay here together. She doesn’t stand a chance against all of us at once.”

“I’ve got to keep you safe.” Jake said. “If something happens to you I wont’ have any reason to live anymore.” Angela laid her hand on his cheek.

“I have faith in you, Jake. I know you’ll keep me safe.” she said. Her faith gave him hope that maybe he could get them through this.

“You need to go get some rest.” Jake said petting her dark hair. She yawned but shook her head.

“No I’m staying up with you.” she said. He laid his hand over her stomach.

“The baby needs rest.” he said.

“The baby wants to stay up with you too. He told me so.” she said. She felt him smile into her hair. He started rubbing on her neck and she moaned.

“That feels good.” she said.

Jake knew Angela needed rest.. She hadn’t had much since Laney had been attacked and she’d been using a lot of energy healing both Laney and Hunter. And now with a baby growing inside of her he knew it was important that she sleep.. He also knew how stubborn she was once she had her mind made up and that her mind was made up that she was going to stay awake and keep watch with him.

He hoped that she would forgive him when she woke up well rested from what he was about to do.

“I love you.” he said. She snuggled closer to him.

“I love you too.” she replied. Jake found the spot on her neck he was looking for. He pressed his fingers against it and within seconds Angela was asleep against him. Jake picked her up and carried her up to their room. He pulled off her shoes and wrapped her up tight in the covers before walking back down to his post to keep watch.

Hunter walked out and joined Jake on the porch several hours later. Jake was sitting so still he looked like a statue as he kept guard over his family. Hunter had to step over the weapons covering the porch. Jake was definitely prepared. Hunter sat down in the chair across from Jake on the porch swing.

“Where’s Laney?” Jake asked.

“Asleep.” Hunter replied adjusting his hat on his head. “Where’s Angela?”

“Asleep.” Jake replied staring out into the darkness.

“Last I heard she was determined not to leave your side tonight. What did you do, knock her out?” When Jake didn’t answer Hunter’s eyes widened.

“Did you really knock her out?” he asked. Jake shook his head.

“I didn’t hit her if that’s what you mean. I just know a certain pressure point that makes stubborn ass women fall asleep when they need to.” Hunter nodded and made a mental note to have Jake show him that spot later. It might come in handy down the road.

Jake took a deep breath and looked over at Hunter with his eyes narrowed. He could smell Laney’s scent tangled with his and he could also smell that their blood had mixed…

“So I guess I should welcome you officially to the family.” Jake said. Hunter cleared his throat and kicked at a wooden stake next to his boot.

“Yes sir. I tried to tell her to wait until all this passed over but it’s kinda hard to tell her anything once she’s made her mind up.”

“You’re not telling me anything I don’t’ know. I raised the girl remember? You should have seen her as a teenager.” Hunter didn’t reply. The two men sat in silence for a long time.

“Sir, why don’t you go get some rest. I don’t think she’s coming tonight anyway because she knows we’re expecting her.” Hunter said. Jake nodded. He didn’t think she was coming tonight either.

“You sure?” he asked. Hunter nodded while he looked out into the darkness.

“She caught me off guard last time. She won’t find it so easy next time around.” Jake stood up.

“If you even think she might be around….”

“I’ll let you know.” Hunter said. Jake grabbed several of the stakes and stuck them in the waistband of his pants and walked into the house.

Hunter picked up the crossbow and leaned back in the chair with all of his senses on high alert. He was a cowboy and a cowboy didn’t back down from anything. He had faced one ton fighting mad bulls, grabbed them by the horns and thrown them to the ground without blinking… He would make short work of that pale bitch if she had the nerve to come around and try to get near his Laney.

Chapter Twelve

Dawn was approaching when Charles came out on the porch and found Hunter still sitting in the place where Jake had left him. He was still staring hard into the woods with the crossbow in his hands.

“Long night?” Charles asked handing him a cup of coffee. Hunter nodded and took a sip.

“I hope black is okay. That’s how Laney said you like it.” Hunter looked up at him.

“Is she up?” he asked. Charles nodded and sat down on the porch swing.

“Yeah everybodies awake already. I think Kaitlyn is helping her with her make-up. Why don’t you go on in there and say good morning. Stretch your legs. Once the sun comes out we’ll all be able to relax a little.” Hunter nodded.

“Thank you sir.” he said and then walked into the house. He found Laney and Kaitlyn in the living room on the couch. He smiled when he saw the thick pink blush and dark red lipstick that Kaitlyn had smeared on Laney.

“What do you think?” Kaitlyn asked. Hunter took off his hat and laid it on the back of the couch. He ran his hand through his hair.

“I think she looks mighty pretty.” he replied. Laney stood up and walked over to him.

“Like a movie star?” she asked batting her eyes. Hunter grinned and she felt her heart skip at the sight of his dimples. Her body was still humming from making love with him for hours the evening before.

“I was gonna say princess.” he said.

“More like circus clown.” Lane said walking into the living room. He looked at Hunter. “You look like a cowboy again..” he said. Hunter looked down at his tight wranglers and flannel shirt.

“I reckon I look like me.” he said matter-of-factly.

“Breakfast is ready.” Rebecca called from the kitchen. Hunter wrapped his arm tight around Laney and led her into the kitchen.

“Well good morning, rainbow bright.” Jordan’s mate said with a grin when they walked in. Laney stuck her tongue out at him.

“Shut-up, uncle Kent.. I’m beautiful.” she said. Laney was surprised when Hunter reached around her and pulled her chair out before she could. Laney sat down and Hunter pushed her chair up to the table.

“How come you never help me with my chair?” Bethany asked Greg.

“Wait until they’ve been together one hundred years like we have and then we’ll see if he still pushes her chair in.” Greg replied.

“He will and do you know why?” Bethany asked flipping her hair back and batting her eyelashes at her mate. “Because unlike you, he is a real gentleman.”

“Gentleman in the streets and a freak in the bed.” Alex said before taking a bite of eggs. Hunter choked on the coffee he’d just sipped and Laney threw a piece of toast at Alex’s head.

“Shut-up string bean!” she exclaimed.

The room became suddenly quiet when Charles walked in and sat down.

“The sun is out now.” he said. Everyone nodded but said nothing. They all understood that the worry of an attack on the house was gone until dusk. Rebecca had already gone through the house and removed every curtain from every window to allow the sunlight to stream through the house. Laney wondered where her mom and dad were since they were the only ones not in the kitchen but then she heard her father’s voice coming down the stairs.

“If you weren’t so hard headed, woman, I wouldn’t have had to do that.” he said calmly.

“So you think it’s perfectly okay to knock me unconscious in order to get me to do what you want?” Angela demanded. They walked into the kitchen then and Jake was shaking his head. He pulled out Angela’s chair but she stood there with her hands on her hips refusing to sit.

“I don’t want you to help me with my chair. I am perfectly capable of doing it on my own.” she snapped. Jake blew out a long breath.

“She can act however she wants with him. She is the one person that he never loses his temper with.. Everybody else is fair game though so watch yourself this morning. He may be grouchy.” Jordan whispered to Hunter as she leaned over to him. He nodded and took a bite of eggs.

“Angela, sit down, love. I only did what I thought was best for you and the baby last night.” Jake said gently. Hunter saw Angela’s dark eyes soften but she still kept her hands on her hips.

“I know better than you do what’s best for me. Push my chair back in, I want to pull it out myself.”

“It’s like watching clash of the titans.” Evan said.

“No more like David and Goliath..” Raquel replied. Jake glared over at them.

“Would you all shut the hell up and stay out of it!” he demanded. Jordan leaned back over to Hunter.

“Told you so… He’s a grump.” she said in her high-pitched voice. Hunter kept his face straight but he was smiling on the inside. Jake turned back to Angela.

“I already pulled this chair out. I’m not pushing it back in. I’ll just use it for myself.” he said plopping his long frame down into the chair. Hunter could tell that Angela was fighting back a smile but she still seemed determined to act mad.

“That’s my chair, Jake. I sit there everyday.” she said. Jake grinned up at her and patted his leg.

“You are welcome to have a seat.” he said. Angela smiled then unable to hold it back any longer. She sat down on his lap and he wrapped his arms tight around her and kissed her cheek.

“So Angela, how did you sleep?” Lane asked. Jake growled and glared over at him.

“Dammit Lane! Keep your mouth shut!” he said. Lane’s eyes widened and he threw his fork down.

“I was only asking because this is the first morning in a while that she doesn’t look like hell!”

“Excuse me?” Angela asked raising her brow and smiling behind the coffee cup Rebecca had handed her.

“I just mean you look well rested.” Lane said back peddling and trying to diffuse the situation before both Jake and Angela kicked his ass.

“Maybe that’s because your brother decided to do some kind of ancient pressure point hold on me and make me fall asleep last night.” Angela said. Jake shook his head and buried his face in her hair.

“You did what!” Rebecca demanded.

“I would kick your ass if I was her!” Raquel scolded.

“Dad, how could you do that?” Laney asked.

“Really?” Joey said in quiet disbelief.

“No man would ever try that with me.” Kaylee said matter-of-factly.

“Men.. You all are so full of yourselves and think you can just snap your fingers and we should obey!” Bethany added while slapping Greg on the back of the head. Greg rubbed his head and glared at her.

“What did I do?” he demanded. Bethany just shrugged. Hunter realized that Jordan was the only woman who hadn’t commented and he looked over at her. She smiled at him.

“Do you see how big he is?” she asked pointing at Jake. Hunter nodded. “Do you see how small Kent is?” she asked. Hunter tried to hide his smile as he nodded again.

“Yea well I’m under strict instructions to never start anything with Jake that Kent might have to finish because Kent says he doesn’t want his ass kicked.” she finished. Hunter nodded and sipped his coffee.

“Well his methods might have been questionable but you do look a hell of a lot better this morning.” Lane said. Jake growled.

“Don’t you worry about what she looks like.” he said. Jake was always a grouchy ass but Lane could tell that the stress of the last few days was making Jake worse than normal.

“Is it a crime in this family for me to talk now?” Lane asked.

“Yes.” Joey replied patting his hand. “You just need to sit there and look pretty.” she added.

“That’s Greg, honey. A man as manly as me can’t look pretty.” Greg shook his head.

“I haven’t done a damn thing to anybody this morning so why the hell is everybody ganging up on me?” Everyone ignored him. Hunter just watched and listened to the chaos of the meal while he sat next to Laney and ate his breakfast.

He had always eaten his meals with just his mom at home. That was until the cancer had started making her sick and then he had eaten completely alone in silence. This was a whole new experience. There was always more than one person talking at once. Arguments and I love you’s…. He liked this. It was a nice change from the lonely life he’d been living before Laney.

Laney. His very reason for living. His very reason for breathing. Strange how very vital she had become to him in just the short time they’d known one another. She was sitting next to him with her leg pressed against his while she was talking to Kaylee. Hunter reached down and laid his hand on her leg just to convince himself that she was really there.

Laney didn’t look at him but laid her hand on top of his and gave his fingers a little squeeze. Hunter knew he would do whatever it took to keep this woman safe.

The day went quickly. Too quickly for everyone in the house. Dusk would be coming in just a few short hours and the laughing and good natured mood that had been in the house all day was quickly being replaced by tension and quiet.

“Laney, I’ll only be gone a few minutes.” Hunter said as they stood together in the living room. Everyone else was outside in the backyard enjoying the last few hours of sunlight. Hunter needed blood and while Laney had offered him hers he knew that he couldn’t take all that he needed out of her without hurting her.

“You better be careful.” Laney said. Hunter nodded and tipped his hat.

“Yes ma’am.” he said. She smiled and stood on her toes to kiss him. He wrapped his arms tight around her and pulled her tighter against him. He had never known that another person could have this much of a hold on him.

Laney pulled away and handed him an empty gallon jug.

“Fill it up, cowboy.That way you don’t have to wander off on your own for a few days.” she said. Hunter nodded. “Oh and maybe you could find the time to pick me a wildflower or two? The orange ones are my favorite.” Hunter smiled.

“Yes ma’am.” he said and then walked out the door. Laney blew out a long breath and prayed that the sun would keep Saraphine from coming near Hunter while he was out.

Despite Laney’s fears Hunter returned safe and sound less than an hour later. He walked into the backyard where everyone was still gathered around the porch except for Rebecca who was in the house cooking dinner. He had the gallon jug full of blood in one hand and a bunch of orange wildflowers in the other.

“What part of we stay together didn’t you understand?” Jake demanded as Hunter walked up. Hunter handed the jug to Charles who took it into the house.

“Sorry sir. I had some things I had to take care of.” Hunter replied. Jake crossed his arms over his chest.

“Next time you take me with you.” Jake said.

“He sounds like a tough guy but he really was worried about you. I told him not to worry and that a tough tick like you would be alright but you can’t tell that grouchy stubborn ass anything.” Lane said looking up from the picture he was coloring with Kaitlyn.

“Hey Crayola wonder, shut the hell up.” Jake said. Laney hugged Hunter tight, glad that he was back and in one piece. He handed her the flowers and felt his chest swell with pride at the smile they put on her face.

“Time to be heading in.” Jake said standing up and looking at the shadows starting to gather. No one argued with him.. Not even Lane had anything smart to say. Everyone just followed Jake into the house.

“Dinner is ready!” Rebecca called from the kitchen and everyone made there way into the room and sat down around the table. Rebecca had already placed steaming hot bowls of spaghetti down for everyone.

Hunter was starving. Hunting always satisfied the vampire in him but left the man in him feeling like he hadn’t eaten in days. He stuck three quick bites into his mouth not even taking the time to chew them before swallowing. Angela shook her head from across the table.

“There’s another one.. Eats like a fricking horse but has rock hard abs. It’s not fair at all.” she said. Hunter was going to reply when suddenly his mouth felt like it was fire. His stomach was burning as if it was full of flames. Laney saw the pain on his face and laid her hand on his arm.

“What’s wrong?” she asked. Hunter couldn’t talk. He just started coughing and clutching at his throat. He figured at any moment he would start spitting flames and suddenly knew what a dragon must feel like.

Jake sniffed at the spaghetti sauce on his own spoon and looked over at Rebecca.

“Mom, exactly how much garlic did you put in this stuff?” he asked. Rebecca looked confused for a moment and then realization dawned in her eyes and they filled with tears.

“Oh my god! I’m so sorry, Hunter! I’m not used to having a vampire in the family!” she exclaimed. Hunter was still coughing uncontrollably. He stood up and held up his hand.

“It’s okay, ma’am.” he said though his voice was little more than a whisper. Laney saw his face turn green as he clutched his stomach and ran from the room.

“Damn mom! You are bad ass after all…. You don’t stake ticks or throw them outside on the first day of summer.. No. You just fill their spaghetti sauce with garlic and hand it to them with a smile.” Lane said and this brought laughs from everyone except Angela, Laney and Rebecca.

Rebecca grabbed onto Charles’s arm and look at him with panic in her eyes.

“Oh I didn’t’ kill him did I?” she asked. “He’s going to be okay, isn’t’ he?” Charles chuckled and kissed her forehead.

“Yes, Beccs, he’ll be fine.” Charles replied.

“He’s gonna need a couple thousand antacids though…” Kent added. Rebecca sat down hard in her chair and buried her face in her hands while Charles rubbed her back.

Laney stood and left the room. She walked to the bathroom where she could hear Hunter losing the garlic loaded spaghetti into the toilet. She opened the door and walked in wrinkling her nose at the smell and rubbing his back.

“Are you okay?” she asked.

“Yea.” he replied without looking up.

“Can I do anything to help?” she asked. He shook his head.

“No.”

“She didn’t mean to.” Laney assured him. “She feels horrible.” Hunter nodded and then felt the fiery heat spreading up into his throat again just before losing more of his dinner.

“I’m gonna go back to the kitchen. I’ll find you something garlic free to eat.” Hunter nodded and Laney quickly left the room happy to get away.

When she walked in the kitchen Rebecca was at the stove. She turned and looked at Laney.

“Is he ok?” she asked. Laney nodded.

“Yea.. He’s bulimic he always does that. It’s a disorder.” she replied teasingly. Lane laughed but Rebecca shook her head.

“I feel horrible.” she said. “I made him some new sauce. There is no garlic in this batch.” Rebecca said motioning at the pot she was stirring.

“Thank you grandma.” Laney said.

“Is he mad at me? Did he say anything?” Rebecca asked. Laney shrugged as she got a clean bowl and filled it with some noodles and some of the new sauce.

“He didn’t say much, other than BLAGH.” she replied. Laughter filled the kitchen but Rebecca didn’t seem entertained. She slapped Laney’s arm sharply.

“That was terrible! You aren’t any better than your uncle Lane!” she scolded. Laney walked back over to the table and sat down.

A few minutes later Hunter walked in. Before anyone could say anything to him Rebecca threw herself into his arms sobbing.

“I’m so sorry! I never gave a thought to you being a vampire.” Hunter patted her back awkwardly and gave Laney a look that clearly said ‘help me’ . Laney just shrugged and gave him a helpless look in return.

“It’s ok, ma’am. No harm done.” Hunter replied though his voice was still scratchy. Rebecca pulled away and looked up at him while wiping her face. His lips were red and swollen where the garlic had burnt him but other then that he did appear to be fine.

“I made you some new sauce.. Laney made you a bowl.” Rebecca said.

“Thank-you, ma’am.” Hunter replied and made his way to the table. By the time everyone had finished eating, darkness had fallen outside.

“Well I guess it’s time to get on up to bed.” Rebecca said as she loaded the last of the dishes into the dishwasher.

“I’ll take first watch.” Charles said. Jake nodded.

“Thanks dad.” he said. Everyone said their goodnights and wandered off to their separate rooms.

Chapter Thirteen

“This is driving me crazy, Angela.” Jake said as he shut the door to their bedroom behind them. Angela laid her hands on his chest and offered him a comforting smile.

“I know it is love.” she said gently. He growled and moved away from her pacing the room like a caged animal.

“I’m no damn good at waiting around! If she would just fight me like she claims to want to, I have no doubt I could kill her. Why is it always the fucking cowards who decide they want revenge?”

Angela leaned against the dresser and crossed her arms over her chest.

It killed her to see Jake so upset. He was without a doubt the most powerful immortal alive but right now all that strength and power was building up inside him and turning to rage. She worried about Jake. Never before had she seen him this stressed and on edge. Angela wished there was something that she could do to comfort her mate but couldn’t think of anything.

“It will be ok, Jake.” she said. Jake shook his head.

“The damn bitch won’t fight me! I’m the one that killed Vladimir. I’m the one that she really wants but she won’t just get it over with! Not even when I saw her at Lucas’s and threw down every weapon I had and offered myself to her so that she’d leave you alone…” Angela cut him off.

“You did what?” she demanded striding toward him angrily. He looked into her eyes.

“You heard me. I would do anything to keep you safe, Angela. You are my air. My breath. My life. I would gladly sacrifice my own life if it meant saving yours.”

Angela felt her anger melt away. She looked up into his golden eyes that were still just as intense and full of love as they had always been as they looked down into hers.

“I don’t know whether to hit your for being so foolish or make love to you for being so strong and protective.” Jake ran his finger down her cheek.

“Can I tell you what one I’d rather have you do?” he asked. She smiled and nodded.

He growled low in his throat as he took her into his arms and carried her to the bed.

888

Laney laid her head on Hunter’s still damp chest and listened to his thundering heart. She smiled.

“You gonna be ok there, cowboy?” she asked. He ran his knuckle down her bare leg that was thrown over his legs and smiled.

“You may just be the death of me yet.” he replied.

“Dance with me.” she said suddenly. Hunter looked down into her gold eyes and frowned.

“We’re naked.” he said matter-of-factly.

“And that is a problem why? I happen to like you when you’re naked.” she replied running her finger down his chest to his stomach and lower.. He grabbed her hand to stop the path it was on and brought it to his lips.

“Can we at least have some music this time?” Hunter asked. Laney stood up and walked over to a cd player sitting on a shelf. Hunter was thoroughly enjoying his view of her naked body while she searched through a case full of cd’s before finally picking one and putting it in.

Hunter stood and walked to her as music filled the room. He smiled. It was a country love song.

Hunter wrapped his arms around her waist and she put hers around his neck. She laid her head on his chest as they spun in a slow circle. Laney felt tears fill her eyes when Hunter starting singing the song aloud to her.

“It’s not fair.” Laney said after the song had ended and they were still spinning slowly, lost in each others arms.

“What isn’t?” Hunter asked kissing her hair.

“After years of dreaming about a tall handsome cowboy with gray eyes who would one day come along, I finally found you and already there is somebody wanting to end us.” Hunter grabbed her hand and placed it over his heart.

“I will keep you safe, Laney. And remember no matter what happens we will never end…. Whether in life or in death we’ll be together forever.”

“You surprised me when you started singing… You’re actually pretty good. I didn’t know you could sing.” she said. Hunter grinned at her ability to jump from topic to topic without missing a beat. Even though the music had stopped neither of them had stopped spinning.. Neither wanted the moment to end.

“All cowboy’s can sing. But that’s the first time I’ve ever done it somewhere other than in my shower.” Hunter replied. Laney didn’t have to look up at his face to know he was smiling.

“There’s a sight I’d like to see someday.” she said matter-of-factly.

“Anytime for you. Only you, Laney. Seems like since I met you I have no shame.” he said. “Dancing in the rain, checker matches with ancient old men, letting your cousin tattoo me… Anything to make you smile.” Laney looked at the fake princess tattoos that Kaitlyn had put on Hunter’s shoulder earlier in the day and smiled.

“You know she picked the princess one’s on purpose right? She had some manly skulls and flames in that box too.”

“Yea I know. I’ve been thinking that the girl really needs a hat to go with them boots she’s got. When this is over I’d like to take her to Texas and get her a real Texan cowgirl hat.”

“I’m scared, Hunter.” Laney admitted and he knew they were no longer talking about Kaitlyn or hats. He held her a little tighter. Truthfully he was scared too but he wasn’t going to tell her that.

“I’m here to protect you, Laney. I know she kicked my ass once but it won’t happen again.”

“I have faith in you, Hunter. After all you are the one that whooped major sub demon ass that night in the alley.”

“For you.” he admitted.

“Well then next time you see her kill her for me.” Laney said. Hunter smiled into her hair.

“Yes ma’am.” he said.

“I’m worried about my mom and dad.” Laney said.

“I don’t think your mom is really in any danger, Laney. Jake could snap that vampire woman like a toothpick.”

“It’s not that. You have to understand my dad. Finding out my mom was pregnant took a lot of weight off his shoulders. He’s not going to be worried about keeping himself safe now that their lives aren’t bonded together. He’ll sacrifice his own life as long as it keeps my mom safe.”

“Of course he would. Any man would for the woman he loves.” Hunter replied.

“And any woman would for the man she loves. But my mom won’t make it if something happens to my dad. Don’t get me wrong my mom is tough. She’s been through some really intense stuff and she’s killed her fair share of vamps and were creatures alike but without him she wouldn’t ever get back up again.”

Hunter wished there was something he could say that would take away all her worries but he knew that there wasn’t. He stopped moving and put his finger under her chin lifting her face up toward his. He kissed her as softly and as gently as he could hoping that she would feel every ounce of his love.

“Everything will be fine. No one is going to die except for Saraphine. I promise.” he said hoping that he wasn’t lying. Laney laid her head back on his chest and prayed that he was right.

888

The house was silent. Everyone, except for Charles and Rebecca who were keeping guard, was asleep.

“Do you think she knows what this waiting around is doing to Jake?” Rebecca asked leaning into Charles’ arms on the porch swing.

“Of course she does. I’m sure this is part of her revenge.” Charles said. Rebecca noticed the sudden tenseness in his body and she looked up at him questioningly.

(I smell a vampire.) Charles said to her telepathically. Rebecca took a deep breath.

(A man and a child.) Rebecca replied. Charles nodded. He picked up the crossbow full of wooden arrows and stood up.

“Show yourselves.” he said aloud looking out into the darkness. The vampires seemed to materialize out of the shadows as they stepped up to the porch.

Without warning Jake jumped from his bedroom window on the second story and landed with a growl on the ground behind them.

Jake stood up and his body language became relaxed when he recognized Frances and Kimberly.

“What are you doing here?” he asked. Before Frances could reply Lane was coming out the door with a wooden stake and a bowl full of the garlicky spaghetti sauce from earlier.

Jake shook his head and made a very impatient sound in the back of his throat.

“Spaghetti sauce? You were going to defend the house with spaghetti sauce?” Charles asked raising his brow at his youngest son. Lane shrugged and sat the bowl down on the chair.

“Hey now, You don’t know that it wouldn’t have worked. You saw what it did to Hunter.” Lane said defensively.

“What are you doing here, Frances?” Jake asked again. Then movement off to the side caught his attention and he saw Hunter walking through the shadows. Hunter nodded in greeting to Kimberly and Frances and stood next to Jake.

Lane noticed just how alike the two of them acted. They were both standing there looking calm and confident. Not arrogant, but sure of themselves. They were wearing matching expressions of curiosity and tension on their faces and both were standing with their legs spread slightly and their muscular arms crossed over their chests. Joey had been right the other day. Looked like there was one more person in this family that could kick his ass.

Frances turned to face Jake.

“I wanted to warn you about Saraphine. But I’m assuming by the armed guards crawling out of every corner of your home, that you already knew about her.”

“Yea we know about her.” Jake replied.

“That wasn’t the only reason for our visit I’m afraid.” Frances said.

“What else brings one really old and one really cute tick out to our house in the middle of nowhere?” Lane asked. Frances looked over at Lane as if he smelled something rotten.

“Nice to see you’re still doing well, Lane.” he said. Lane just forced a smile but didn’t say anything.

“You all can go in the house and relax. She is not coming tonight I can promise.” Frances said.

“How do you know?” Jake asked. Frances looked at Rebecca and then down at Kimberly. Rebecca nodded. She stepped forward and held out her hand for the tiny girl.

“Why don’t you come on in the house with me? Maybe I can find you some cookies.” Kimberly took her hand.

“My names Kimberly.” she said as Rebecca took her inside.

“Hi Kimberly. I’m Rebecca.” Rebecca closed the door behind them leaving the men outside alone.

“Where are your sisters and their mate’s?” Frances asked Jake.

“I have given all of them strict orders to stay out of this. I’m the one that bitch wants and I tried to get all of them to leave and go somewhere else but they refused. They did at least agree to not take part in any fights that might happen. I don’t want any more of my family dying because of her.” Jake replied. Frances nodded.

“Yes my sister is hell bent on revenge.” Frances said. Charles, Lane, Jake and Hunter all stared at him.

“Sister? Holy shit what a family.” Lane said. Frances rolled his eyes every ounce of his ancient nobility showing on his face.

“Does he take anything seriously?” Frances asked Charles. Charles shook his head.

“Not a damn thing.” he replied.

“Where is Laney?” Frances asked looking back at Hunter. Hunter thought about Laney’s soft, naked body in their bed upstairs. He had done everything in his power as a man to help ease her worries and had left her completely spent and sleeping peacefully.

“She’s asleep.” he replied. Frances sighed.

“My sister attacked the shelter tonight. Seems she thought that would be a good way to hurt Laney. And that hurting Laney would be a good way to hurt you, Jake.” Frances said. “Seems she’s even more angry at you than she was before since you shot her several times in Jamaica.”

“No offense, Frances, but if I see your sister again I’m gonna do a hell of a lot worse than shoot her.” Jake replied.

“No offense taken.” Frances said with a small nod.

“What happened at the shelter?” Hunter asked.

“She showed up at dusk and killed everyone. Gustov, the children, that old man Laney loved playing checkers with. I barely managed to get Kimberly out alive.” Hunter closed his eyes and blew out a long breath. This news would destroy Laney.

“How do you know that your sister won’t come out this way now?” Charles asked.

“Let’s just say she’s going to need rest to recover from her run in with me. I am sad to say that I couldn’t bring myself to kill her. We may have traveled down much different roads in our lives but she is still my sister.”

“Just like a cowardly vamp to make up a stupid excuse to try to make himself sound better.” Lane said. Frances hissed and lunged at Lane who quickly picked up the bowl of spaghetti sauce and tossed it at Frances.

Frances dodged away from the sauce and was about to go back after Lane when Hunter grabbed him roughly by the back of the neck and threw him to the ground.

“That’s enough!” he yelled glaring down at Frances who was laying on his back in the dirt. “Frances, I thank you for coming out here and warning us about your sister and telling us about what happened at the shelter but if you ever make another move to hurt one of my family I’ll kill you myself.”

Everyone just stared at Hunter with shock.. He hadn’t seemed like he had much of a temper. He was quiet and didn’t talk much. Jake assumed this is what was met by the saying ‘don’t’ pick a fight with the guy who doesn’t talk much’.

Frances stood up wiping the dirt off his backside and glaring at Hunter. Then his eyes became apologetic.

“I’m sorry. I should not have attacked him. Lane has a way of bringing out that side of me.” Hunter nodded and stepped back crossing his arms over his chest and looking like nothing had happened.

“Thanks tick. I owe you one.” Lane said.

“Don’t mention it, Fido. I still owed you for milking those squirrels.” Hunter replied. Charles, Jake and Frances all looked over at Lane with puzzled expressions.

“Milking squirrels?” they all asked at once. Lane just shrugged and didn’t answer.

“Thank you for letting us know about this, Frances. I guess we can all go on in and try to get some rest.” Jake said and everyone gladly walked in the house. They found Rebecca and Kimberly in the kitchen eating chocolate chip cookies.

“These are yummy, Frances.” Kimberly said as he sat down next to her and wrapped an arm around her tiny shoulders. “You should try one.”

Frances was opening his mouth to say no when she shoved a cookie inside it. He chewed to keep himself from choking.

“Yes. Delicious” he said giving Rebecca a thankful look when she handed him a glass of milk.

“So where will you go now?” Jake asked Frances.

“I was hoping that maybe you would allow us to remain here. At least until Saraphine is dealt with. She is not very happy with me after tonight and I fear for Kimberly’s safety.” Rebecca nodded.

“Of course you can.” she said quickly.

“They can?” Lane asked around a mouthful of cookies.

“They can.” Jake replied.

“You all have free run of the house until dawn. We’re going to try to get some rest. The only place with no sun in the house is the library which is through the living room and down the hall and the basement. Make sure you make it to one of those rooms before dawn.” Charles said.

“Thank you all very much.” Frances said and then everyone went away to their rooms.

Chapter Fourteen

Hunter and Laney didn’t come out of their room until nearly noon the next day. When she had woken up that morning he had made love to her before telling her what Frances had told them the night before about the shelter. She had cried hard and for a long time. He had simply held her in his arms and rubbed her hair and her back.

When she had finally calmed down he had made love to her again. It was the only way he knew to give her comfort and she had clung to him desperately and begged him to never die on her.

He had known that if he promised her that he’d be lying so instead he had just kissed her for all he was worth and held her even tighter. Finally after several hours Laney wiped the last of her tears from her face and stood up.

“Let’s go get something to eat.” she said. Hunter followed her downstairs. The vampire in him was thirsty. When they got to the kitchen Jake was pacing and clearly agitated.

“What’s wrong with dad?” Laney asked Joey who was sitting next to Lane at the table.

“Raquel, Evan, the twins, the baby, Jordan, Kent, Alex Bethany, Greg and Kaitlyn all took off last night. They left a note telling Jake that Saraphine wasn’t after them and they didn’t want Jake worrying over them at the house so they had gone somewhere else to stay for a while. He tried tracing them but Lane said that Bethany learned as a teenager how to hide a trail from Jake.”

“Jake, you need to calm down.” Angela said laying her hand on his arm.

“Why can’t this bitch just come face me! I’m the one that killed that blood sucking son of a bitch and given the chance I’d kill him again! You didn’t do anything.” He said to Angela. “No one else in this room did anything to help kill Vladimir.”

“Are you mad that they left?” Rebecca asked her son. He shook his head.

“Hell no. I’ve been trying to get them to leave.” he replied. “I wish the rest of the you would leave too.. If you hid she’d have no choice but to fight me. None of you need to be fighting or dying because of something I did years ago.”

Lane slammed his fists on the table and stood up his blue eyes flashing with anger. Everyone looked at him in shock. It wasn’t like Lane to really get angry.

“That’s a hell of a thing for you to say to us!” He shouted and even Joey moved away from him a little. “How many times have you risked your damn life and fought to keep all of us safe! How many times have you saved my fucking ass because of things I’ve done? And they weren’t noble things that I had people after me for like you! People were always trying to kill me because I gambled away their money, or had sex with their woman or beat them in a car race!

“You never turned your back on me no matter what. You never backed down from a single fight and I’ll be damned if I’m gonna turn my back on you now!” Lane had his fists clenched at his side and was breathing hard as he glared at Jake.

Jake just looked at his little brother as if seeing him for the first time. He looked around the room and saw that everyone seemed to feel the same way as Lane. Jake nodded.

“Okay then.” he said.

“Laney, go get your tick something to drink he’s looking a little thirsty.” Lane said as he sat back down and went back to eating his sandwich. Joey scooted back over to him and wrapped her arm around his.

Laney walked over to the fridge and pulled out the gallon jug, poured some into a coffee cup and put in the microwave to warm it up. When it was done and she turned back to the table she saw that Lane and Joey were gone. “Where did they go?” Laney asked as she sat down next to Hunter. He shrugged.

“Lane stood up, grabbed her by the arm and literally drug her up the stairs.” he replied taking a long drink from the coffee cup. Laney saw his eyes glaze over momentarily the way they always did when he tasted blood. But she was happy to see he didn’t seem to get nearly as much pleasure from that blood as he did when he drank hers.

“Alrighty then..” Laney said and grabbed what was left of her uncles sandwich.

888

Lane locked the bedroom door behind him and made love to Joey with every bit of passion and desire he had. As they both fell spent against the mattress Joey rolled on her side and curled herself up against him. She raised up on her arm and looked down into his eyes.

Lane laughed when he saw that she was cross-eyed as she tried to focus on him without her glasses. He reached over and grabbed them off the bedside table and put them on her face.

“Better?” he asked. She nodded.

“I’m not complaining, because that was amazing…”

“You’re welcome.” Lane said kissing her freckled shoulder.

“I have to say though that it surprised me… Since when do you grab me in front of the entire family to drag me upstairs and have your way with me?”

“I haven’t done that nearly enough have I?” Lane asked. Joey tilted her head as she looked down at him. Something was wrong with him but she had no idea what.

“You’re a wonderful mate, Lane. I know that you love me.” she assured him.

“Do you know how much I love you?” he asked. “I guess I never really tried to tell you how much because I knew I couldn’t put it into words.” Lane said. Joey laid her head on his chest and ran her fingers over his smooth skin.

“Is something wrong, Lane?” she asked. He shook his head and kissed her thick red curls.

“No honey. Nothing’s wrong.” he said. Lane had been doing nothing but soul searching since the night before. And now seeing how Jake was today he knew what he had to do. Jake had tried his best with this vampire bitch but she wouldn’t come out and fight him. Not until she’d finished off the rest of them.

Lane knew that he was one of the ones that little female leach wanted. He could lure her out and he could kill her. Or die trying. He would not let this bitch torture his brother any more than she already had. Jake had always been there for him. Sure Jake might have bitched, moaned and complained the whole time but he’d been there.

Lane looked down at Joey and realized that she had fallen asleep on his chest. He smiled and felt his heart breaking. There was a good chance that if he followed through with his plan tonight he would die. He was not a fighter like his brother or his father. This might be the last chance he ever had to hold his beautiful mate in his arms.

He ran his finger along her necklace that he had given her so many years ago on the night he had confessed his love for her. He was glad that she was carrying his child.. He would not have to worry about anything happening to her if Saraphine killed him. He knew his family would make sure that Joey and his child were always taken care of.

He laid his hand on Joey’s slightly rounded stomach and prayed that he would live through tonight and that he would be able to hold the little guy in his hands six months from now.

Lane laid there in silence just listening to Joey’s light snoring. He’d never been much for heroics. He had always been too selfish for that. But for his brother, to save his brother from any more pain and guilt, he would do this. He would sneak out tonight after dark and he would go out into the woods alone. He had no doubt that Saraphine would come for him and then he would either shove a stake through her heart or he would die trying.

The family was just sitting down to dinner when Lane and Joey finally wandered back downstairs. Laney could tell there was something going on with her uncle Lane. He had never been one to show his affection toward her aunt Joey but as he led her to the table it was like he could not take his eyes or his hands off of her.

“So what kind of garlicky deliciousness are you serving for dinner tonight?” Lane asked Rebecca.

“Hush.” Rebecca scolded. “We’re having garlic free meatloaf and mashed potatoes.” When Rebecca sat his plate in front of him Lane grabbed her arm and then wrapped his arm around her in a hug.

“I love you, mom.” he said. Rebecca looked over at Charles questioningly. Charles just shrugged and sipped his coffee.

(I never have understood the boy.) he said telepathically to his mate. Hunter wondered if now would be a good time to tell them that he could hear their thought conversations but decided it wasn’t.

“I love you too, son.” Rebecca said patting Lane’s back. Lane released her and then starting eating his dinner.

“You feeling alright today, Lane?” Charles asked. Lane nodded and stuffed a big bite in his mouth.

“Of course.” he replied though everyone could see a tiny bit of sadness in his eyes. Angela picked a pea up off her plate and threw it at him. It bounced off his forehead and he smiled his most charming smile her way.

(Don’t you lie to me.) Angela said telepathically.

(I would never lie to you, Angela. You have been one hell of a miracle for my brother and for my family. I love you, little sister,) he replied. Tears came to Angela’s eyes and she quickly blinked them away and took a bite her dinner.

Jake’s eyes narrowed and he looked over at his little brother.

“What did you say to her?” he demanded. Angela kissed his cheek and he looked over at her.

“He didn’t say anything, love. I’m just a pregnant hormonal mess.” she assured him. He kissed her nose and ran a finger down her cheek.

“You’re my pregnant, hormonal mess.” he said. Angela smiled and laid her head on his shoulder as he turned back to the table but her eyes were locked on Lane’s. There was something wrong with him…

Rebecca sat down next to Charles with her own plate and he wrapped his arm around her waist.

“So how is my namesake? Are you feeling ok?” Lane asked looking over at Laney. Laney managed a smile.

“That’s the good thing about you and I, uncle Lane.. We bounce back quick.”

“Yea I guess.” Lane said his eyes taking on a thoughtful look.

(But you are a better person than I am because of the bits of your mom and dad in you.) he added telepathically. Hunter shifted uncomfortably in his chair. Lane was planning something. It was like he was making peace with everyone and trying to do it as quickly as possible.

(You’re a good guy ,uncle Lane.) Laney said to her uncle.

(I’ve had my moments of greatness.) Lane agreed. (But they’ve been few and far between. I love all my nieces and nephews but you have always had a special place with me, Laney. You take good care of Hunter. I know the tick is going to take good care of you.)

(Uncle Lane, you sound like you’re saying goodbye.) Laney said and Hunter could hear the fear in her voice.

(No of course not. I think maybe I drank a bit too much this afternoon. Got me feeling a little loopy.) Lane replied. Hunter felt the link between them close and he could sense Laney’s confusion. He laid his hand on her leg trying to offer her all the comfort he could.

“It’s terrible what happened at that shelter. She really needs to be stopped.” Joey said quietly. Even as she said it she realized that she shouldn’t have but it was too late to take it back now. Jake growled and slammed his fists on the table, splintering the wood as he stood up.

Without a word to anyone he walked outside into the darkening shadows.

“Come get me, you stupid bitch!” he yelled. “I’m right here! I killed your good for nothing blood sucking mate! Come out and fight me and quit being such a damn coward! My family has done nothing! Do you hear me? Nothing!”

Angela ran out of the house, grabbing a stake off the porch and running to Jake’s side. She wrapped her arms tight around him. She could feel him literally shaking with pent up anger, fury, rage…. She kissed his chest, ran her hands down his tense back.

“Come back inside, Jake. I love you. I need you. Please don’t risk your life like this…. Please come back inside with me.” she said hoping that her words would reach him… She knew that when he got this enraged he rarely heard a thing anyone said.

Jake could hear her though. Her voice had always been his saving grace. He felt her hands on his back and her face against his chest. He breathed deeply taking in her lilac and vanilla scent. He wrapped his arms tight around her and pulled her tighter against him.

Lane was standing with the rest of the family on the porch and at the sight of his older brother looking so vulnerable and weak Lane knew he was doing the right thing by going out tonight.

Jake had always had to be the strong one in the family. No one else, not even their father, had ever made sure to be there for everyone all the time. Sure Jake was an asshole most of the time. He was violent and yelled for no reason some days but he was the one person that everyone always knew they could count on.

Lane had always been the immature one. Nobody ever asked him for anything. Only Jake had ever had enough faith in him to give him a chance at heroics and Lane had made sure to not let his big brother down. He wouldn’t let him down this time either. He would kill Saraphine. He might die in the process but not before he turned her to a pile of ash. Maybe he’d even get the chance to piss on her for good measure.

“Come on son. Get back up here.” Charles called to Jake from the porch. Angela took Jake by the hand and pulled him back toward the porch. He resisted at first but like she always could Angela forced his feet to move and he followed her.

Chapter Fifteen

After dinner was finished, Charles and Rebecca took a post out on the porch to keep watch for trouble. Everyone else was sitting in the living room. Frances and Kimberly still had not come up from the basement. Lane stood up and excused himself saying the he had to use the bathroom and walked away.

“Something is going on with him.” Laney said to Hunter as she cuddled against him on the loveseat. Hunter smoothed her hair and kissed her forehead.

“He’s probably just worried that something bad is going to happen.” Hunter said. “Everybody has a different way of dealing with stress.”

“Yea well his way is usually a couple bottles of whiskey and a game of poker with one of us….” Laney replied.

“Everybody’s going to be okay, Laney.” Hunter said. He looked over at Joey who was sitting alone curled up on the couch with her hand on her slightly rounded stomach. She looked just as confused and nervous about Lane’s behavior as Laney sounded.

Jake and Angela were lost in each others eyes and arms as they sat tangled up on the recliner chair. Laney had been right. It was clear by watching Jake and Angela together that if something happened to one the other would never get back up.

He squeezed Laney a little tighter knowing that his love and need for her was just as intense. Lane came back in the room several minutes later with a bottle of whiskey.

“Anybody thirsty?” he asked as he took a swig. Laney saw her father, who she had never seen take so much as a sip of alcohol nod and reach out for the bottle. Lane smiled and handed it to him. Jake took a long drink and then handed it back to him.

“Damn, big brother. You just about chugged my whole bottle.” Lane said as he sat back down next to Joey and pulled her into his lap.

“I was thirsty.” Jake replied simply.

“What about you cowboy? You want a drink?” Lane asked. Hunter took the bottle and took a big swig. He was reaching it back to Lane when Laney snatched it and downed a drink of her own. She smiled at the look on Hunter’s face and handed the bottle back to her uncle.

“I am named after my uncle after all.” she told Hunter. “I’ve heard it said that there was a time when he had more alcohol flowing in his veins than he did blood.”

“Yep.. Good ol’ days.” Lane replied. They all sat in silence for several long moments.

“Jake.” Lane said finally. Jake looked over at him.

“What?” he growled.

“You are the biggest son of a bitch I’ve ever known.” Lane said. “You’re a violent, grouchy ass and the meanest, nastiest guy alive.” Jake laid his head back on the recliner.

“I’m assuming there’s a point to this…. Or do you just want your ass kicked?’

“You have never given me an ounce of slack. You’ve made me take responsibility and accountability for every stupid thing I’ve ever done.”

“Lane….” Jake warned. Lane smiled. Jake had no patience. He never had and he never would.

“Because of all of that you are the best brother a guy could ask for. Even though I’ve always been a professional screw up you have always been there for me and despite your growling and impatience, you’ve always helped me out when I’ve needed you. I guess I wanted to tell you thanks for being there big brother.” Lane said. Jake blinked several times as he stared over at Lane.

“Just how much of that damn stuff have you had to drink tonight?” he asked. Lane grinned.

“A lot.” he replied. “Speaking of.. I’m gonna go get some more.” Lane stood and walked back to the kitchen.

“I’m feeling thirsty too.” Hunter said and Laney could hear the raspy sound in his voice that always came when he needed blood.

“I’ll go get you something.” she said but Hunter stood before she could.

“No ma’am. I’ll get it myself. Do you want anything?” Laney shook her head and Hunter turned and walked toward the kitchen.

He was walking down the hall when he realized the basement door was open. He stopped next to it and took a breath. What he smelled confused him.

What was Lane doing down in the basement with Frances and Kimberly? Lane had made it clear what he thought about Frances and Hunter didn’t think he’d go down just to chit chat.

(I think that you are insane.) Hunter heard Frances say telepathically.

(I didn’t ask what you thought, leech. The day I want your opinion I’ll shove a silver knife through my own heart.) Lane shot back. Hunter knew he shouldn’t listen in but something was wrong with Lane. The whole family could sense it and maybe if he listened he would learn what exactly it was.

(You have always been an immature little boy.) Frances said. (Hard for me to believe you are from the same family as Charles and Jake.)

(Keep talking vamp… Once I’m done killing your sister I’ll come back for you.)

(You will not succeed in your plan tonight. Jake might be able to beat her one on one. Charles could stand a slight chance.. But for you there is no hope at all.)

(Thanks for your vote of confidence. I just came down here to tell you what I planned on doing so that if I don’t come back you could tell my family what happened.)

(You won’t come back, Lane. Sneaking out alone in the night to lure out my sister so that you can kill her? You must be insane to think that you can accomplish such a task.)

(So I know that you think I’m insane and immature… Care to hear what I think about you?) Lane asked. Hunter heard Frances laugh.

(Nice use of sign language.) he said. (I do wish you luck, Lane. You are going to need a whole lot of it.)

Hunter heard Lane heading back up the stairs and quickly walked into the kitchen. He warmed himself up some blood and as he drank it, he thought about what he had heard.

Hunter didn’t know whether or not Lane stood a chance against Saraphine. As far as Hunter was concerned there was only one man in this house who could take care of her on his own and she was refusing to fight him.

Hunter thought about Joey… His father had taken everything from her when she had been a child. She had a good life here. She had a mate that loved her and was carrying a baby inside of her. Hunter still felt guilt about what his father had done to Joey all those years ago.

He could not let her lose her mate too. Hunter would finally make up for what his father had done by helping Lane and returning him safe and sound to Joey. Hunter would wait for Lane to make his move tonight and he would follow him. He wouldn’t tell anyone else because he didn’t want anyone else to be in harms way.

This would end for some of them tonight either way. Either Saraphine would die and it would all be over or Lane and Hunter would die, Laney would die and Saraphine would be that much closer to dying at Jake’s hands.

Hunter rinsed out the cup in the sink and walked back to the living room. Joey and Lane were gone.

“Where’d they go?” Hunter asked.

“Upstairs.” Laney replied. “Joey was yawning and tired so Lane took her up to bed.” Laney yawned into her own hand.

“Come on sleepy head. I’ll tuck you in.” Hunter said reaching out for her hand. Laney took it and let him lead her up to the bedroom.

888

Hunter held Laney in his arms until she drifted off to sleep. She seemed completely exhausted from all the tears she had cried today. Once he was sure she was sleeping he got up out of bed and pulled his jeans, boots, hat and flannel shirt back on. He kissed her forehead gently and drug his concrete filled boots out of the room.

He found Frances down in the living room. Frances looked at him and smiled.

“I knew you were listening at the top of the basement stairs earlier. I knew that if I said Lane’s plan you would hear.”

“How did you know I could her you?” Hunter asked.

“I’m old and I’m smart.” Frances replied but gave no further explanation. “If you are looking for Lane he just snuck out a few moments ago. You better hurry if you plan on rescuing him.” Frances threw something through the air and Hunter caught it. He stared down at the stake in his hands.

“You better go out through the back door. Jake is sitting guard out front. Make sure you’re extra quiet… Jake is pretty sharp.” Hunter nodded in thanks and quickly left. He would kill Saraphine. If he died then Laney would die and he would not let that happen. He would do like Laney had told him to. Hunter would kill Saraphine for Laney. He could do anything when it was for Laney.

Chapter Sixteen

“Saraphine! Come out, come out wherever you are!” Lane called. He was scared absolutely shitless but he made sure to make his voice sound relaxed. He could sense that she was close. She was probably watching him right now from some dark corner.

“I met Vladimir once. Nasty, stinky vampire. Kinda smelled like old gym socks.” Lane said keeping his hand on the stake in the waistband of his pants.

“Come on now don’t be shy, Saraphine. Every blood sucking, nasty ass, leech likes attention. I’m willing to give you a whole lot of attention if you come out and play with me.” Lane heard movement to his right and turned to see Saraphine walk out of the woods. Hunter had been telling the truth about her wearing too much make-up.. She looked ridiculous.

“Damn, how come nobody told me the circus was in town?” Lane said with a grin. Saraphine tilted her head.

“What are you talking about, Lane?” she asked. Her voice was cold and smooth.

“Oh sorry.. I just assumed by the amount of paint on your face that you were a clown or something.” he replied. She hissed.

“Oh killing you is going to be so much fun.” she said and she lunged at him. Lane dodged out of the way and shoved her hard. She was quick to regain her balance and turned to face him. She hissed again and Lane saw her fangs lengthening and sharpening. He had lived his whole life without a single vampire bite and he sure as hell didn’t want one now.

She jumped through the air landing behind him and before he could turn to face her she kicked him hard in the back. He felt a piercing pain between his ribs as her high heel stuck into him. He stumbled forward and turned to face her again. He could feel blood running down his back beneath his shirt.

“Mean little bitch, aren’t you?” he asked. Saraphine lunged at him again. This time Lane managed to grab her by all that long black hair and he brought her head down hard against his knee before jerking her back up and punching her hard across the jaw.

Her head snapped around at the impact and she spit out a mouthful of her own blood. She pulled out of his grasp leaving handfuls of her hair in his hands.

“Don’t feel bad.” Lane said as he dropped her hair to the ground. “I hear baldness is a common side effect of bitchiness.” Saraphine raised her hand and brought it down across his face leaving long scratches down his cheek.

Lane put his hand on his cheek and he brought it away covered in blood. His eyes widened as he looked at her.

“OW!” he yelled. She smiled a cold smile and Lane pulled the stake from his pants.

“Okay, I’m pissed now. You messed with the face.” He said and lunged at her with a loud growl. They fought for several long minutes. Punching, kicking, stabbing. Lane blocked just as many of her shots as he missed and he landed just as many shots on her as she blocked but he knew she was stronger than he was.

He gave one final lunge with the stake aimed at her heart and she kicked his arm, shattering the bone and sending the stake flying into the darkness. Saraphine did a flip over his head and landed on his back. Lane tried to reach around and pull her off but she clung to him. She wrapped one arm around his neck and grabbed his hair with her other hand.

So this was how it was going to end Lane thought to himself. All the years of doing stupid, idiotic things that should have gotten him killed and living through them, only to die doing one of the few heroic, noble things he’d ever done.

(I love you, Joey.) he called out to his mate and then he closed his eyes prepared to feel his head separate from his body.

Instead he heard something big coming through the air next to him and suddenly Saraphine was screeching loudly and flying off of his back. Lane opened his eyes and turned around to see Hunter and Saraphine locked in a wrestling match.

888

“Jake! Jake! Lane is gone!” Joey yelled coming out on the porch. Jake stood up.

“What do you mean gone?” he demanded.

“He must have snuck out of our room while I was sleeping. I heard him say ‘I love you’ in my head a few moments ago but when I tried to reply he wouldn’t answer.” she said panic in her voice. Angela grabbed Jake’s arm.

“Do you think he would have went after her on his own? Maybe that’s why he was acting different today.” Jake closed his eyes and nodded. His stupid brother was going to get himself killed.

“Hunter is missing too.” Laney said coming out onto the porch with Charles and Rebecca behind her. Jake took a deep breath and caught their scent.

“They went into the woods.” he said and then he ran down the trail he could smell them on with everyone following close behind him.

Frances watched them leave through the kitchen window. He looked over at Kimberly who was coloring a picture.

“Goodbye Saraphine.” he whispered to himself. “You had a long ride old girl but it is finally going to be over.”

888

Lane’s shattered arm bones were healing slowly but he knew he had to help Hunter. He jumped on Saraphine’s back changing into a wolf as he did and sank his jaws deep into her shoulder.

She screamed in pain and grabbed him by the scruff of the neck. She threw him off of her with all her might and he slammed head first into a giant oak tree…

The tree cracked and as if in slow motion it collapsed to the ground. Lane changed back to a man as he lay there. He felt as if a bomb had exploded inside his head. He could feel blood pouring from his ears, nose and mouth… He wondered exactly how many pieces his skull was in and whether or not all the kings men would be able to put humpty dumpty together again.

He realized then that he couldn’t feel anything from the neck down and couldn’t move. He wondered just how long it took a severed spinal cord to heal. He’d had many ass kicking’s in his life but none quite this thorough.

“Lane! Are you okay?” Hunter yelled while blocking Saraphine’s punches and landing one of his own hard across her face. She stumbled backwards.

“Never been better.” Lane said his voice barely more than a whisper. Hunter was distracted momentarily while looking over at Lane and Saraphine kicked him hard in the chest sending him flying backward through the air. He landed hard on his backside.

“My pants…” Lane called out. “My pocket.” Hunter saw Lane’s tattered pants lying on the ground next to him and reached in the pocket as Saraphine stalked toward him slowly with a smile on her face.

“I told you that you would die, Hunter. I am going to kill you and then Laney will be dead. I will kill Lane. All that Jake loves other than his fat, little pregnant mate will be dead and I will kill her too, hopefully right in front of his eyes.”

Hunter ignored her goading and his hands closed around a small plastic bag in Lane’s pocket. He pulled it out and frowned when he saw it was full of Rebecca’s garlic spaghetti sauce.

“What the hell?” he said a loud. Why in the world was Lane carrying around a baggy of spaghetti sauce and what exactly did he think that Hunter was going to do with it.

“It’ll burn the shit out of her.” Lane said from where he was still lying motionless on the ground. Hunter had to think quick. Saraphine was almost to him now and he was not fairing quite as well in this fight as he wanted to be. He was covered in cuts and stab wounds from those damn high heels of hers.

Suddenly an idea came to Hunter. He raised the bag to his mouth and poured the sauce onto his tongue. He could feel the burning pain instantly and fought the urge to cough. He didn’t want to swallow the sauce because all that would earn him would be throwing his guts up on the ground while Saraphine ripped his head from his shoulders.

“Was that your final meal?” Saraphine asked as she stopped at his feet. Hunter shook his head.

(No.) he said telepathically. (You are.) Her eyes widened when he jumped to his feet and leapt upon her with the speed only a vampire had. He lowered his mouth to her shoulder which Lane had already torn open and sunk his fangs in deep.

Saraphine screamed in pain as the garlic and his venom went straight into her blood stream. She threw Hunter off of her and desperately swatted at her arm as if fighting invisible flames.

“Damn! You’re a fucking crazy ass too! I just figured you could throw it at her.” Lane said. Hunter lunged at Saraphine eager to finally end this but she saw him coming and swung her leg up, making a move to stab him once again with that high heeled foot of hers.

Hunter snarled and grabbed her foot in midair before it reached him.

“Ma’am, I’m getting real damn tired of them shoes.” he said and twisted her leg. She nearly fell to the ground when she tried to put her leg down and realized that it just crumpled beneath her weight.

“You broke my leg….” she said with disbelief.

“But he did with manners…. Ma’am.” Lane said. Saraphine screamed in rage and pain, picked the stake up off the ground that Hunter had dropped during the beginning of their fight and launched herself at him.

Jake, Angela, Laney, Rebecca, Charles and Joey came upon the scene just in time to see a bleeding, broken Saraphine sink the stake deep into Hunter’s heart.

“NO!” Laney screamed as she felt her world fall apart. She could feel the pain in her chest as if the stake was in her own heart. She could hear her mother screaming something and Joey crying out. She heard her father’s enraged growl but then everyone stopped at once…..

Laney looked around and everyone was staring at her and at Hunter. They were not dead. Hunter should be dead. There was a wooden stake sticking deep into his heart. Laney should be dead with him. But they were both still alive.

Hunter looked down at the stake in chest then into Saraphine’s icy blue eyes that were full of shock and fear.

“Why are you not dead?” she asked. Hunter smiled and tipped his hat.

“Sorry to disappoint you, ma’am. Now go to hell where you belong” he said and before she had time to react he pulled the stake from his chest with a snarl of pain and sunk it deep into hers .

Chapter Seventeen

Hunter was running to Laney as what was left of Saraphine blew away on the light breeze. He took her in his arms and held her tighter than he’d ever held her before just to convince himself that she was alive and real.

Laney looked at the bloody hole in his chest and couldn’t believe that he was still alive and holding her. She pulled away and looked up at him.

“How…. How are you alive?” she asked. Hunter shrugged.

“I guess I had too much to live for to let her kill me.” he replied. Hunter walked behind her and wrapped his arms tight around her waist burying his face in her hair.

“I told you everything would turn out okay.” he whispered in her ear. “This is finally over.”

“Until the next time.” Laney replied.

“Next time?” Hunter asked.

“There will definitely be a next time. It might take another twenty years but eventually there will be someone else that comes along wanting revenge against my family.” Hunter didn’t reply just kissed her hair.

Joey and Angela walked over with Lane supported between them.

“Are you okay?” Hunter asked him. Lane nodded.

“I can wiggle my toes finally. That’s gotta be a step in the right direction.” Lane replied.

“Did you knock that tree down with your head?” Charles asked looking at the blood that was drying on Lane’s face. Lane nodded.

“Well, Lane, look on the bright side. If all else fails at least you know you could have a career as a lumberjack.” Jake said as he pulled Angela away from Lane and wrapped her in his arms. “No healing Paul Bunyan… You need to start taking it a little easier on my boy inside there.” Jake said laying his hand over her stomach. She smiled and stood on her toes kissing his lips gently.

“Look who’s suddenly in a better mood now that wicked bitch is dead.” Lane said leaning against Joey and burying his bloody face in her red curls.

“I’m just glad that everyone is alive and okay.” Rebecca said matter-of-factly. Jake took off his shirt and threw it at Lane.

“Cover your damn self up little brother.” he said. Lane tied the shirt around his waist.

“Feeling a little jealous over how much hotter I am than you?’ Lane asked. Jake just shook his head and looked over at the ashes that were still floating in the wind.

“What’s wrong?” Angela asked him.

“Nothing.” he replied. “Good job, Hunter. At least she’s dead.”

“Oh my God… Look at him! He’s pouting!” Lane said laughing loudly. Charles and Rebecca just shook their heads and started back toward the house leaving their children and grandchildren to fight amongst themselves.

“I am not pouting, you asshole.” Jake growled. Hunter just looked back and forth between them and kept his mouth shut. He wasn’t about to say something to make his father-in-law pissed off at him.

“Yes you are… What is it, Jake, are you upset because your son-in-law stole some of your thunder?”

“Shut the hell up, Lane.” Jake said turning and starting back toward the house with his arms still wrapped around Angela. Everyone fell into step beside him.

“So tick, I can’t help but wonder… Can you die?” Lane asked. Hunter raised a brow and looked over at Lane.

“What do you mean?” he asked.

“Well I mean you’re a tick but the sun don’t hurt you. In fact you have a rather nice tan. You should have died when the leech bitch bit you the other day but you didn’t. And my mom tried but even she couldn’t kill you with her garlic poisoned spaghetti. Now you’ve had a wooden stake shoved through your heart and politely told ma’am to go to hell as you pulled it out and shoved it back at her.” Lane said.

“He has a point.” Angela said. “Can you die?” Hunter thought for a minute and then shrugged.

“Well, ma’am, I’m not sure.. I’ve never died before. But if I do I’ll let you know how.” he said. Angela smiled and laid her hand on his arm as they walked. He could feel her energy pouring into him and looked down at his chest to see the hole was gone and so were most of his other cuts and bruises.

He looked over at her as she pulled her arm away and put a finger to her lips.

(Don’t tell Jake.) she said so only Hunter could hear. (He’s a little overprotective.)

(No ma’am. I won’t tell him.) Hunter replied. They walked the rest of the way to the house in relative silence. Once there, everyone wandered to their own rooms to get some rest. Hunter walked out of the bathroom after his hot shower and found Laney sitting on the bed wearing nothing but one of his flannel shirts. He felt his newly healed heart beating faster than it had ever beaten before at the sight of her.

Her soft pale legs. Her long black curls. Her golden eyes and beautiful smile as she looked at him.

“Hello ma’am.” Hunter said grinning as he pulled off his shirt.

“Howdy there, cowboy.” Laney replied. She stood up and walked over to him and he smiled when he saw that his shirt hung all the way to her knees. Then without warning she slapped him hard across the face just as she had in the diner the day they met.

Hunter looked at her confused.

“What was that for?” he asked rubbing at his burning cheek.

“If you ever run off and try to play hero again I will make sure that my father beats the crap out of you… A good old fashioned country ass whipping I think you cowboys would call it.”

“I’m sorry I worried you.” Hunter said.

“You could have died, Hunter! What were you thinking? Why didn’t you and Lane get my dad and grandpa to come with you?”

“Well Lane didn’t really know I was coming. I overheard him talking to Frances about how he was going to go after Saraphine himself and I….”

“You decided to be a big hero?” Laney asked. Hunter shook his head.

“No ma’am. I couldn’t let Lane go alone and get killed.. Not with a baby on the way.. I couldn’t’ let Joey lose him. Not after everything my father took from her.”

“Please tell me you don’t’ still believe your evil…” Hunter shook his head.

“No, I’m not evil.” he replied and was surprised that he meant it. He no longer worried about anything dark lurking inside of him. “I knew that Lane had a baby that he needed to live for. You told me yourself that Jake and Angela would not be able to live through losing one another and well I knew that if I tried to go to Charles he would go to Jake.”

“What about me? Why didn’t you ask me to come and help?” Laney asked. Hunter shook his head and gave her a look that said You have to be kidding me.

“And put you in harms way? Not an option.” he said running a gentle finger down her cheek.

“I’m glad you’re okay.” Laney said laying her head against his chest and feeling her heart swell as he wrapped his arms around her.

“I love you, Laney.” he said softly.

“I love you too.” she replied. They just stood there in each other’s arms for several long moments. Finally Laney pulled away.

“So how much does a horse cost?” she asked. Hunter chuckled and rubbed the back of his neck with his hand. This woman’s mind never seemed to hold still.

“Uh just depends.” he replied.

“We have a big backyard here.” she said. He nodded.

“Yea we do.”

“Plenty of trails in the woods.” she added.

“Yeah.”

“I’ve always wanted horses.” Hunter sighed.

“You’re gonna have to give me time, Laney. I gotta find a job and get some money. Horses are expensive to take care of.”

“Screw that.” Laney said waving her hand and looking very much like her aunt Bethany. “My family is loaded… And I happen to be my grandpa’s favorite.”

“Laney…” She cut him off by holding up her hand and walking toward the door.

“Where are you going?” Hunter asked feeling disappointment set in.. He had thought they were going to make love.

“To go bat these irresistible golden eyes at my grandpa and make sure that I have me a barn full of horses by this weekend.” she replied.

“Don’t you think you should put some pants on first…” Hunter said but she was already out the door and gone. He laughed and followed after her. Life with this crazy woman would never be boring.