Jodi_ByTheLight Read online

  “You’re a wolf too, Ava.”

  “That’s not possible. I have never done what you just did, my friend.” She moved toward the door. She needed to get some air to clear her head or she was going to jump his body right where he stood.

  He grabbed her hand, spun her around, and let the comforter fall to the floor.

  God help her, she couldn’t resist looking. Her gaze dipped down. Her breath caught in the back of her throat. He was big everywhere.

  “You are a wolf, Ava.”

  She closed her eyes and tried to ignore the heat that was building between her legs. “No, I’m not. If I had been bitten by one of you, I would have known. Judging by those teeth you were sporting, the pain would definitely be memorable.”

  He snarled. “You don’t have to be bitten by a wolf in order to shift.”

  “Yeah?” Her eyes popped open. “Then how does one become a werewolf?” Her gaze dipped toward his huge erection then back at the ceiling. Her face heated. She couldn’t continue to hold a conversation if he refused to cover up.

  “You have to be born with the gene.”

  “So my parents were werewolves?” She frowned as she forced herself to look him in the eye.

  “No, just one of them. You father, most likely.”

  “You’re saying there are more werewolves in Little Rock?”

  He grinned. “Our whole base is werewolves.”

  She shook her head. “I thought it was a military town. I mean, you guys always wear camouflage and carry guns. I’ve even seen all those Hummers locked inside the fence behind the Council Hall.”

  “We operate to the human world like military to cover our true identities. If the world knew we existed, it would be a total witch-hunt until we were all eradicated. Having the access to a few rocket launchers comes in handy when it comes to guarding our Pack.”

  “Guarding the Pack from whom?”

  “Other wolf packs that want what we have.” He seared her with his gaze.

  She shifted under his stare. “If I’m a wolf, why haven’t I transformed?”

  “Shifted. Transform is what robots do in the movies.”

  He really needed to put some jeans on. Trying to have a conversation while averting her eyes from his crotch was hard work. “Fine, then why haven’t I shifted?”

  “How old are you?” His eyes drifted down her body like he was analyzing her every curve. She wished it were his hands analyzing her body and not his gaze.

  “How old do you think I am?” She propped one hand on her hip and thrust out her breasts. It was her signature pose that men couldn’t resist. That’s how she gotten through college without having to pay for beer.

  The corners of his mouth curved up in a sexy grin as he leaned in closer. “I don’t ever guess a woman’s age. It might get me in trouble.”

  His scent hit her, curled around her, as she inhaled deep. She gritted her teeth, irritated that he was even having this effect on her in the first place. It did nothing for her ego that he wasn’t even a little attracted to her. He’d done nothing but glare and argue with her since he rescued her.

  She leaned closer, her lips only an inch from his, and inhaled. “Damon, somehow I find it hard to believe you stay out of trouble.”

  ***

  Damon curled his fingers into fists to keep from pulling Ava into his arms and stripping her naked.

  Females usually kept their distance. But no, not Ava. Instead of heeding the danger and staying away, she leaned in and sniffed him.

  His gaze dropped to her parted lips. All he could think about was sinking his teeth into her flesh as he drove himself, balls deep, inside her body until she cried out his name.

  “I’m nothing but trouble.” It came out as a growl, as he leaned closer.

  She blushed as she met his gaze, yet still didn’t move away.

  His gaze drifted down to her breasts. Her hard nipples pressing against the thin material of the T-shirt made his dick swell and ache. Lust fueled his brain until all he could see and smell was her.

  His mind went blank, leaving only animal instinct. If she insisted on playing with fire, then he was going to light the match.

  He wrapped his hand around her waist and tugged her against his chest. His mouth covered hers, dominating and hard, claiming her full attention.

  He thrust his tongue inside her hot, sweet, mouth, kissing her hard and deep. His mind became dizzy with how sexy she tasted. If he kissed her for an eternity, he still wouldn’t quench his thirst.

  He braced himself, expected any minute for her hands to shove against his chest and push him away. How the hell was he going to let her go when all he wanted to do was keep her close?

  Her hands slid up his shoulders. He tensed, waiting for her to stop him.

  Instead, she did the unexpected.

  She dug her fingers into his shoulders, clinging and pulling him closer.

  Stunned, he opened his eyes. Her green gaze was glued on his as she kissed him back, their tongues mating in an intimate dance. His body ached as she ground her pelvis against his rock-hard erection, nothing but the thin T-shirt stopping him from actually pressing between her thighs.

  Her tongue stroked in and out of his mouth as she laced her fingers behind his neck, tightening her hold.

  The wind left his lungs as he stiffened, memories flooding over the gates of his closely locked past. Struggling to breathe, he pulled away.

  “What’s wrong?” she breathed.

  “Don’t touch my neck.”

  “I’m sorry.” She reached for him. “I didn’t know.”

  “This was a mistake.” He grabbed her hand, keeping her at arm’s length. He shouldn’t have touched her, let alone kissed her. This whole damn thing was a bad idea.

  “I thought you liked kissing me.”

  “Kissing is not all I want to do to you, Ava. I think you know that.”

  “Maybe it’s not all I want to do, either.” She ran her free hand up his chest and flicked his nipple with her fingernail.

  He hissed. Her touch was fire racing across his flesh. He needed space. He needed to clear his head and get focused on his duty. The careless words tumbled out anyway. “Baby, your fantasy and mine are completely different.”

  “I doubt that.”

  Why did she have to be so fucking beautiful? And completely out of his reach?

  He shook his head. “It’s different. You want romance and gentleness. I’m neither of those things.”

  “How do you know what I want?” Her hand lingered on his chest.

  “Trust me. I am not what you want.” It would never work. Their destinies were set by their blood and sealed by fate.

  “Really?”

  “Because of your status in the Pack, you will be mated to a male who is your equal. And that’s not me.”

  Her eyes flashed and she jerked out of his grip. “Well, thank you, Einstein, for telling me what I want. It’s amazing you and your ego can fit in the same fucking room.” Heat sparked off her green eyes, and he could have sworn the temperature in the room increased ten degrees.

  She stuck her finger in his face. “Let me tell you something. I have no plans on getting married or mated or anything else that will tie me to some asshole who thinks he is going to control me or my life. Who I let into my bed is nobody’s business but mine.” She turned on her heel and stormed into the bathroom, slamming the door behind her.

  He glanced down. Her tirade had only made him harder.

  What the hell was wrong with him? If he didn’t get his mind back on his job, this whole thing could go to shit. The job always came first. No matter what.

  Shaking his head, he finished getting dressed and grabbed his cell phone. He needed to give Barrett an update.

  ***

  After showering and throwing her clothes on, Ava stepped out of the hotel room. She held up her hand, shielding her eyes from the bright sunlight. Damon stood by his bike, giving her a quick glance before continuing his conversation on his
cell phone.

  Asshole. He couldn’t even spare her a second thought.

  Men were all the same. Wanting to jump your ass one minute and, the second things didn’t go their way, they’d kick you to the old motel curb in the next.

  She shrugged out of the leather jacket under the warm winter sun. Weather in the South was so fickle. Yesterday had been cool, and now it was hot all over again. Maybe she should move to Colorado. She’d bet the weather and the men were more agreeable than what she had here.

  With Damon still ignoring her, she slung the jacket across the seat of his motorcycle and headed toward the motel office.

  “Ava, where are you going?” Damon yelled.

  She ignored him, figuring two could play at his game.

  She opened the door to the office and walked up to the young clerk and smiled.

  His eyes widened. Whatever he’d been doing on the computer was quickly forgotten. He shot to his feet and gave her his complete attention.

  Damon could learn a lesson from this guy.

  “Hi.” She rested her elbows on the counter and leaned in a little. “I’m Ava.”

  “I’m Michael.” Michael’s gaze dropped to her breasts. She resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Men were all the same, whether they were forty or four, they couldn’t stop staring at a pair of boobs.

  “I was wondering if you could help me.”

  “Sure. I can help you with whatever you need.” Michael’s acne-scarred face broke into a wide grin.

  “Well, aren’t you the sweetest thing?”

  Michael blushed and puffed out his thin chest. Yeah, she still had it. Even if Damon was immune to her charms.

  ***

  Damon hurried after Ava as she strode into the motel office. She clearly had no idea that keeping a low profile was of the utmost importance. Yet here she was strutting around like the Queen of Sheba without a care in the world.

  The nerdy desk clerk had obviously found Ava more appealing than that damn computer game he’d been playing last night. Not that he could really blame the guy.

  “I was wondering if you can recommend a place for breakfast,” Ava purred.

  The clerk flashed a grin. “I know just the place. It’s a few miles down the road and it has the best pancakes. It’s called the Apple Dumpling.”

  “Hmm, pancakes sound good. I was kind of thinking something healthier. I don’t know if I need the extra calories.” Ava poked her lips into a sexy pout.

  What the hell was Ava doing, flirting with that kid?

  “I don’t think you have to worry about counting calories. You look amazing.” The desk clerk pushed his glasses up on his nose with one finger.

  “I bet you say that to all the girls.” She grinned. Damon didn’t know if he wanted to beat the shit out of the guy, or throw Ava across his shoulder, take her back to the room, and finish what they’d started.

  “I wouldn’t know. The girls around here don’t talk to me.” The clerk glanced away as his shoulders slumped.

  Damon certainly could empathize with the guy. He remembered feeling scrawny and awkward around females before puberty hit. Still, he didn’t like the way the twerp was looking at Ava.

  “The girls around here probably don’t measure up to Ava.” Damon wrapped his hand around her waist and pulled her close. She glared and elbowed him in the side, but he didn’t let her go.

  “Are you kidding? No one around here looks like Ava.” Michael swallowed.

  “I bet in another year, you’ll have all the girls after you.” Ava smiled.

  Damon’s chest tightened. He had lived most of his life as an outcast. Ava probably never would know what that feeling was like. Yet, here she was her kind words an encouragement to a stranger who would always remember them.

  “Really?” Michael gave her a doubtful look before looking over at Damon for confirmation.

  He shrugged. “Yeah, but you’re going to have to get off the damn computer and get your underage ass to a bar. This is Louisiana. Surely you can score a fake ID.”

  “Damon,” she hissed.

  “What? The first time I got some was in the back room of a bar.”

  “Why am I not surprised?” She gave him a droll look. “Although I’m surprised you waited to have sex until you were old enough to drive.”

  “I wasn’t old enough to drive. I rode my bicycle.”

  “Who was the lucky girl?” Ava arched her eyebrow.

  “I don’t know. Some chick that just got a divorce. She was looking to celebrate, and I didn’t mind being the cake.”

  “I don’t think that’s even legal.” She gave him a horrified look.

  Damon shrugged and looked at his watch. He had more important things to do than help this kid get laid.

  He faced Michael. “The point is, you can either keep playing with your dick or you can get a girl to do it for you. Trust me, its better when a girl is playing with it.” He grabbed Ava’s hand and led her outside.

  She dug in her heels and snatched out of his grip.

  “What?” He sighed.

  “You can’t tell him that kind of thing. Are you crazy?”

  “I was just trying to help.” He shrugged.

  “Yeah, well you didn’t tell him anything about waiting for the right girl, or being in love, or how to be responsible when it comes to sex.”

  “Fine.” He threw his hands up and walked back inside. Wasn’t like he was on a mission or anything. “Hey, kid. Don’t be a fool, always wrap your tool.” He pulled a silver package out of his pocket and tossed it toward the teen. Michael caught the condom in midair.

  “Thanks! Thanks a lot, man.” The clerk grinned and shoved the condom in his wallet like a prized possession.

  “There. He’s been educated.” He glanced at Ava as he headed toward his bike.

  “Where are we headed?” Ava straddled the bike behind him and slipped on her helmet.

  “To eat breakfast, then to meet up with a friend of mine. I’m hoping he’s willing to help us find someplace safe to stay.”

  “Won’t we be putting him in danger?”

  “Trust me, he thrives on danger.”

  ***

  After stuffing themselves with pancakes and bacon, they made the short drive to the Lady Diamond Casino in Shreveport.

  “What does your friend do exactly?” Ava asked.

  “He’s security for the casino.” Damon scanned the nearly filled parking lot for any signs of the rogue wolves before making his way toward the entrance of the casino. The sun hung bright in the pale sky and glinted off the water like diamonds. A few people milled around the front door, smoking cigarettes and talking. There was little activity this time of the morning and he sensed no danger.

  Lady Gaga blared through the speaker system. He grimaced.

  “I take it you’re not a Gaga fan?” She smirked.

  “Not really.”

  “I had you pegged as more of a Slipknot kind of guy.”

  The corners of his lips toyed with a reluctant smile. She knew him better than most.

  “I was right, wasn’t I?” Her smirk turned into a full on smile.

  “Actually, he’s more of a Katy Perry kind of guy.”

  Damon growled and turned. “Jayden. I knew I smelled something rotten.”

  “The rotten smell is our lunch special. I, on the other hand, always smell irresistible.” Jayden gave Ava a charming smile. “Especially to the beautiful ladies.”

  As long as he’d known him, Jayden had never lacked for female company. With his blond hair and blue eyes, he looked more like he belonged in Hollywood than Louisiana.

  “I’m Ava.” She stuck her hand out.

  Jayden’s eyes sparkled and his nostrils flared. He brought her wrist to his nose as inhaled.

  Something inside him snapped. Damon lunged, catching Jayden around his throat and pinning him to the wall. “Don’t fucking touch her.”

  “Damon, let him go.” Ava pulled at his arm.

  “Yeah, Damon. L
et him go.” Jayden wheezed in spite of the hand clamped around his throat.

  Two security guards appeared out of nowhere, one on either side of Damon, attempting to pull him off.

  Damon caught unmistakable fear in Ava’s emerald green eyes and his head cleared. The last thing he wanted was for Ava to be afraid of him.

  He released his grip.

  “Still a hothead, I see.” Jayden winced and rubbed his neck.

  “Come on, buddy, you’re out of here.” One security guard grabbed Damon’s arm.

  Damon growled.

  “No, it’s fine. It’s just a misunderstanding. He’s a friend.” Jayden waved away the guards. With watchful eyes they backed away into the shadows of the casino.

  “I meant no disrespect to your female, man.” Jayden held up his hands.

  “She’s not my female,” Damon snapped.

  “I’m not his female,” Ava answered in unison.

  Jayden snorted.

  “She’s in my care until I can get her safely back home.”

  “And since the bombing you can’t exactly go home, can you?” Jayden frowned as he adjusted his collar and smoothed his shirt.

  “How did you know?” Even though Jayden didn’t belong to a Pack, the word would have still passed to him through other wolves. News traveled like the Internet in the lupine world.

  “I got an email from Barrett after midnight. The whole compound has been moved to the safe house in the northwest part of Arkansas.”

  “Then, that’s where we should head,” Ava said.

  He shook his head. “We can’t. Although that area is considered neutral territory, the wolves that bombed the compound wouldn’t think twice about bombing that as well, especially if I showed up with you. Lives don’t matter to them.”

  Jayden inclined his head toward Ava. “So, the rogue wolves want the female.”

  “The name is Ava,” she corrected.

  “They kidnapped her. I went in and rescued her.”

  Jayden’s smile quickly faded. “Are you fucking with me? Kidnapping a female hasn’t been heard of since the Council set the death penalty for such an act.”

  “Yeah, well those red wolf bastards are willing to risk it.”

  “Red wolves? I thought they were extinct in this area?” Jayden’s frown deepened.

  “Apparently, they are making reappearance,” Damon growled, “with plans to start procreating.”