Moonlight Kin 2: Aidan's Mate (Mid-Length Novel) Read online

  The whole thing was odd and slightly unnerving. “What’s up?” she asked.

  “I was wondering.” He bit his lip. “Do you have any plans tonight?”

  Jenna blinked in surprise. Was he asking her out? She thought they’d just been teasing each other and hadn’t taken the bantering seriously. Her gaze sharpened.

  Nic was an attractive man with his sandy brown hair and dark blue eyes. He had the kind of disarming smile that drew people in and made them want to smile back. Any woman would be flattered to catch his attention—even Jenna, if only she hadn’t...

  Hadn’t what? Met Aidan? Seen him naked? Been on the run? The truth sucked.

  Jenna didn’t want to hurt Nic’s feelings. He’d been nothing but nice to her. At the same time, she couldn’t in good conscience lead him on.

  She was about to let him down easy, when a clack, clack, clack of claws scraped the concrete behind her. Jenna swiveled in time to see a huge black wolf come strolling into the garage.

  It was so large that the top of its massive head reached her chest. Its ears were up. Alert. While its amber eyes watched her every move. It took another step, then hesitated.

  A jolt of fear struck. Jenna’s first instinct was to run from the pony-sized beast. The urge was followed by an equally strong impulse to stay put.

  Bernie and Nic didn’t say a word, but their shocked expressions spoke volumes.

  So this wasn’t something that happened every day.

  “Is the wolf tame?” she asked softly. After all, it had walked into the garage filled with humans. Not typical behavior for a wild animal.

  “Hardly!” Nic replied.

  Jenna reached for a wrench, then visually examined the animal’s mouth. She detected no foam or any other sign that would indicate that the wolf was rabid. She dropped the wrench back onto the tray of tools.

  “Slowly come toward my voice.” Nic cupped his hand, beckoning her to move away.

  The hair on the wolf’s back rose and he growled.

  Jenna’s legs locked. “Easy.” Her hand trembled as she held it out and cooed quietly to calm the animal.

  The wolf sniffed the air, then glanced at the men and slowly approached. Jenna continued speaking to it, her cadence low and soothing.

  When her fingers were within an inch of the creature’s massive muzzle, its tongue darted out and licked her hand.

  She gasped in surprise. “Did you see that?”

  “We saw it.” There was an odd tone to Bernie’s voice. One Jenna didn’t recognize.

  Encouraged by the wolf’s response, Jenna inched closer, until she could touch the wolf’s head. The creature flinched, but didn’t shy away. Jenna took that as encouragement and petted the animal. She watched in amazement as his amber eyes closed.

  “Oh my gosh! I can’t believe this. Have you guys ever seen anything like this?” she whispered.

  “No,” they said in unison. “Never.”

  “This is amazing. I never thought in a million years I’d ever get the chance to do anything like this. I wish I could get a picture. He’s beautiful. Truly magnificent.”

  Bernie and Nic didn’t respond.

  “Are you sure he’s not tame?” she asked, unable to tear her gaze away. He sure seemed tame enough to Jenna.

  “Positive,” Nic said. There was tightness to his voice that hadn’t been there before.

  “Do you guys feed the wolves?” she asked.

  “No, they hunt,” Nic said. “If you don’t stop petting him, he might just follow you home.”

  That would be a trick, since she didn’t have a home. Still, Jenna couldn’t hide her delight. “You know that only makes me want to pet him more, right?”

  Nic took a step toward her. The wolf lowered its head, this time baring its teeth. Nic paled and stopped.

  “I don’t think he likes you,” Jenna said.

  Nic’s color drained completely. His gaze dropped to the floor and he slowly backed away.

  “I was only kidding,” she said.

  Without another word, Nic went back to work.

  The wolf allowed Jenna to pet him one more time, then he left the garage, trotting off toward the woods.

  “Pinch me. Seriously. I cannot believe that just happened,” she said. “I’m pretty sure that’s the coolest thing that has ever happened to me.” She squealed like a little girl. “I’ve got to tell Aidan. He’s never going to believe it.”

  Bernie shook his head, then went back to work.

  “Come on you guys. A wild wolf walks into the garage and you have nothing to say. Really?” She threw her arms up in exasperation. “I can’t believe you are so nonchalant about what just happened. You act like this kind of thing happens all the time.”

  “It’s not as unusual as you might think,” Nic muttered.

  “Whatever.” Jenna walked to the door of the garage and paused. “Nic, about tonight...” Her voice trailed off.

  He turned away from the engine, but didn’t meet her gaze. Instead, he focused on the wrench in his hand. “You know what, I completely forgot that I had a meeting tonight. Can I take a rain check?”

  That was odd, but Jenna was grateful for the excuse he gave her. “Sure.” She nodded, then bolted out the door in search of Aidan. No doubt he would appreciate her wolf story.

  Robert LaBeouf cut her off in the driveway before she reached the house. “Shouldn’t you be at work?”

  Jenna slowed, not wanting to get caught up in a conversation right now. “Not until this afternoon.” She tried to move past him, but he stepped into her path. Clearly there was more on his mind than simple chitchat.

  Robert straightened the sleeves on his impeccable suit and picked at invisible lint. “Any luck with the car?”

  Jenna sighed and did her best to hide her impatience. “It’s coming along.” It would be a lot faster if she had the parts.

  “So you’ll be out of here soon?” he asked. “Before the weekend, perhaps?”

  Why was he in such a hurry to get rid of her? “Should be,” she said noncommittally. “Do you happen to know where Aidan is?”

  Robert’s jaw clenched. “Mr. Fortier is a busy man,” he said. “He doesn’t have time for you...” Robert sniffed. “Can I be frank?”

  Like there was any way she could stop him. “By all means.” Jenna grinned to hide her clenched teeth. Anything to speed up this unpleasant conversation.

  “You’re not his ‘type’,” he said.

  She stumbled back. Jenna struggled to come up with an appropriate response, but failed miserably, so she blurted the first thing that came to mind. “What makes you say that?”

  He stared pointedly at the back patio. Several women milled around. A moment later Aidan strolled up the stairs. The women turned as one to greet him, bright smiles on their beautiful faces.

  One woman stepped away from the others to approach Aidan. When she reached his side, she ran her hand down his back. It was an intimate gesture that indicated she had more than a passing familiarity with his body.

  Aidan grinned at the woman and lovingly brushed a kiss across her cheek.

  Jenna swallowed the lump that formed in her throat. How could she possibly compete with women like that? She glanced down at her grease-stained jeans and dirty hands. She couldn’t.

  Aidan’s smile faded, when he caught sight of her in the driveway.

  Pain raked her, but Jenna made sure not to show it. She wouldn’t give either man the satisfaction of knowing that they’d hurt her. She stared at Aidan.

  Was this the same man, who’d offered her assistance last night? The same one who’d stripped naked and stood beneath the moonlight in full view of everyone? The one who’d nearly kissed her? Last night, she’d convinced herself that he’d done all that for her benefit.

  I’m such an idiot, she thought.

  “As you can see, he’s busy.” Robert gestured to the women. “What did you want to tell him? I can relay a message if you like.”

  “That’s okay,�
�� Jenna said, voice tight. “It’s not important. I better go in and get ready for work.”

  Robert’s dark eyes glimmered, then he glanced at his watch. “I thought you said you didn’t have to work until this afternoon?” A shadow of a pleased smile crossed his lips, before his stern expression returned.

  “I forgot that I had errands to run. If you’ll excuse me.” Jenna rushed off, before he could reply.

  * * * * *

  Robert watched her go. He needed to get rid of the human. She was distracting the Alpha from his duties to the pack. It proved once again that Aidan’s blood was weak like his cousin’s.

  His lip curled in disgust.

  How could anyone be attracted to vermin?

  If René had won the Alpha challenge, he wouldn’t have had to worry about the pack’s future. René was easy to control, to lead. Robert thought for sure that the dumb wolf’s size would give him an advantage in the fight. And it had, but not for long.

  He’d underestimated Aidan.

  Robert wouldn’t make that mistake again.

  He watched Jenna walk stiffly to the house, and couldn’t help but smile.

  If Aidan wouldn’t run her off, then he would.

  * * * * *

  Jenna didn’t understand the pain that she was experiencing. There was no logical reason for it. None whatsoever.

  There was nothing going on between her and Aidan. Nothing at all. Better to know that now, than after it was too late.

  She rubbed her chest to ease the ache and hurried toward the house. Jenna paused at the threshold and glanced back.

  Robert LaBeouf still stood in the driveway. This time he was smiling at her. He’d dropped all pretenses.

  She clenched her fists. Jenna had the sudden urge to stomp over there and punch him in the face. Maybe then, he’d lose that smug expression. But she wouldn’t, because he wasn’t worth it. None of them were.

  With one last smirk, Robert strolled off toward the garage.

  Something wet hit her cheek. Jenna violently scrubbed it away. “Knock it off,” she muttered. “You’ve only known him for a few days.”

  She ran to her bedroom and shut the door, resting her back against the wood. Laughter filtered in from the outside. The joyful sound slicing her deep.

  How had she convinced herself that Aidan wasn’t like her ex? Through the curtain sheers, her gaze swept the patio. The women were all flawless like they were auditioning for a photo shoot.

  Aidan’s dark head stood out above the crowd of females, a King holding court, a sheik surrounded by his harem. So there had been an element of truth to that story, too.

  Jenna marched across the bedroom and snapped the thick drapes closed, plunging the room into darkness. It didn’t entirely shut out the sound of the party, but at least she wouldn’t have to watch Aidan take his pick of the women.

  How could she have been so wrong about him?

  She was determined now more than ever to get her interview. The wolf encounter would add a nice spin to the piece. Soon, she’d earn enough money to leave Breakbend. The thought should’ve of filled her with excitement, but it didn’t.

  Aidan’s not going to miss you. Given the bevy of beauties on the patio, he probably won’t notice that you’re gone.

  Jenna wished that she could forget him as easily.

  * * * * *

  CHAPTER NINE

  Aidan had felt Jenna’s gaze on him. Even surrounded by all the female Weres, he could distinguish her from the others. When he’d glanced toward the driveway, he’d seen Robert and Jenna locked in a serious conversation.

  A conversation only interrupted by Robert pointing to him. Jenna’s body had tensed and her lush mouth had thinned. Their eyes met briefly. Long enough for him to see the pain, then it vanished. The connection he’d felt in the garage disappeared with it.

  Jenna had been happy, when he’d left her a few minutes ago. Ecstatic even. Aidan had taken a huge risk showing her his Other form.

  He’d expected her to run away, but had hoped that she wouldn’t. He should’ve known that Jenna would be brave given the courage she’d shown last night.

  Aidan had sensed her fear, but her trepidation hadn’t latest long. Jenna’s curiosity was far stronger. When her fingers had sank into his fur, Aidan had nearly whimpered from the overwhelming wave of pleasure that came from her touch.

  Even now, he could feel her stroking him, hear her cooing softly in his ears. It took every fiber of his being not to rush to her side and confess that he and the wolf were one and the same.

  A suicidal act if there ever was one.

  Jenna had secrets. Secrets that were potentially dangerous to him and the pack. As Alpha, he couldn’t overlook that. Of course, his secrets were even greater. Of that Aidan had no doubt. There was a reason why the Moonlight Kin and humans rarely mixed.

  Of course, none of that explained what Robert was up to. Aidan made a mental note to find out, once his assistant returned from his visit into town.

  * * * * *

  Still angry with herself for getting emotionally attached so quickly, Jenna drove to town. The patio was clear by the time she left. No sign of Aidan or any of the model wannabes.

  Unfortunately, that only made her mood worse. Jealousy scalded her insides, burning like acid. Where was he? Who was he with? What were they doing? And why weren’t they still on the patio?

  Carnal images flooded her mind. Tears threatened to return. “You’re being ridiculous!”

  Jenna pressed a button to roll down the window. Air rushed in, blowing the moisture away.

  You’re not his type. Robert’s seething statement rang in her ears.

  Judging by the appearance of those women, he’d been telling the truth. Jenna glanced in the rearview mirror. Other than the healing cut, she didn’t look too bad.

  A little underweight maybe, but that’s what happened when you couldn’t afford to eat everyday.

  She examined her features carefully. Her green eyes were okay. Better with a little makeup. Her mouth was too wide, her lips a little too full. Nothing could be done about her crooked grin or strong jawline.

  Face it, without plastic surgery you’re never going to be model pretty.

  Her gaze strayed to the road behind her. It was empty.

  She felt the same way inside. Like part of her chest had been carved out and she’d been haphazardly sewn back together.

  It dawned on Jenna that this was the first time she’d checked to see if someone was following her. She’d gone a whole day without looking. That had never happened before she’d met Aidan.

  There was something about the man that made her feel safe and protected.

  Jenna snorted in derision. “Don’t get used to it.” Today proved that wouldn’t be smart.

  Robert had made it clear that he expected her to be gone by the weekend. That didn’t give her much time. Since he was Aidan’s personal assistant, he could very well be speaking for his boss. What if that were the case? What if Aidan really didn’t want her around? Pain returned, shoving the unreasonable jealousy aside.

  Jenna pulled into Breakbend. This time she wasn’t lucky enough to score a parking space in front of the paper. She found a spot in a lot a couple of blocks away. Jenna gathered her purse, then locked the Rover.

  Busy shoppers had Main Street humming with energy. Several men wearing lure-covered fishing hats strolled down the sidewalks.

  Must be some kind of tournament going on, she thought. Either that or the worst fashion show ever!

  Jenna got her first inkling that something wasn’t right, when she passed the coffee shop on the corner. It started with an itch between her shoulder blades. The itch became a crawl that crept down her spine. Carl’s dogged pursuit had taught her never to ignore her instincts.

  He was here.

  It was only a matter of time before he caught up with her.

  Jenna kept her pace even, taking care not to break stride or look around. Her gaze strayed to the windows that li
ned the storefronts. She searched the reflections for sudden movements, anything out of place.

  It had to be Carl.

  Who else could it be?

  Once Carl caught her, he wouldn’t go easy on her, especially after their last encounter. No doubt he didn’t appreciate having his balls shoved into his intestines.

  Somehow Jenna had to evade him for another day or two, until she could secure her interview and get her car repaired. Would be easy enough if she were in a city, but how could she hide in a town this small?

  The paper came into view. Jenna passed the entrance. She saw Molly wave, then frown as she kept walking. She waited for the crowd of people to thicken, then she ducked down and darted into a side street.

  The narrow lane gave her access to Puck Street, which ran parallel to Main, and went by the back of the Gazette building. When she came around the corner, Paul Welling was leaning against the back door, enjoying a long drag on a cigarette.

  “What are you doing? Why didn’t you use the front entrance?” He dropped the butt onto the ground and stubbed it out with his heel.

  “Got turned around in the crowd. Missed the door. Lucky I found you,” she said.

  “Turned around in this town?” Paul scoffed, then his brown eyes narrowed. “How’s the interview coming along?”

  “Good.” Her gaze strayed to the street. She didn’t see Carl, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t there. “I should have it finished by tonight. In the meantime, is there any chance of getting an advance on my first paycheck?” She needed money to run.

  Paul laughed. “After less than a week on the job?”

  Jenna wasn’t surprised by his answer, but it didn’t hurt to ask. She was out of time. It was either get the interview tonight—or never.

  “Let’s go inside.” Before Carl found out where she worked. He wouldn’t hesitate to cause a scene. He’d made that clear, when he’d tried to abduct her. Jenna’s hand touched the cut on her forehead. Never again.

  * * * * *

  CHAPTER TEN