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  Vaughn grinned and put a spoonful of sugar in his tea. He stirred it in enough silence to grate on my nerves. “You're a tough little shit. Has Matt seen this side of you?"

  "If he didn't before, he knows about it now."

  "Then I need to know if you're really that tough when it comes to us. Because you're the one who's holding Seth back from inviting you guys to join the pack. You're as wild as cards come, and we don't like wild cards."

  "Well, I'm Suzie Homemaker from here on out. I've got babies on the brain and muffins in the oven, as far as you're concerned.” Of course, I believed that crock like I believed in the Easter Bunny.

  Vaughn sighed. “Matt's already proven his worth. You don't have to, but with everything that's been going on ... I want to know if you're carrying excess baggage. I'm not talking about jealous exes and needy friends. If you have connections to contract killings and don't have a problem with silencing the opposition, then you're a far cry from Martha Stewart and a stone's throw from Lara Croft."

  "I'm more dangerous than that. I'm a woman who loves her husband, and will do anything to protect him. Anything."

  He smirked. “Then you're one scary person. Just make sure you point that drive of yours in the right direction and we'll get along fine. You cause me any problems and we'll see how tough you really are."

  "Can we cut this who's-got-bigger-balls act and talk like normal people? This is getting old.” Turning my back on him, I went to the refrigerator. Most people might think I was nuts, but it proved him that I stood my ground by not letting him cow me.

  "Are you going to cause me grief?” he asked.

  I sighed. Here we go again. “I don't want to drag my problems into your den any more than you want me to. I'll leave the pack before I put any of you in danger."

  "That's all I wanted to hear.” Vaughn finished sipping his tea.

  "I've heard more than enough, too,” a voice said.

  I jerked my head around the refrigerator door and my heart dropped to my feet.

  Matt stood in the doorway holding his briefcase and penetrating me with his dark eyes. I opened my mouth to ask why he was home, but he dropped the briefcase, swooped across the floor, and gathered me in his arms. He rammed his lips into mine, eating me from the inside out with a devouring kiss. His ferocious behavior startled me, but my tension eased long enough to meet him tongue for tongue. He clutched my body so tight that I grunted from the pain in my shoulder.

  Matt pulled away. “I was on my way to the spa when Stephan pulled Vaughn into our conference call. I heard everything and came straight home. And in case I haven't acted like it in the past few days ... I love you too."

  So much for keeping those tears locked away.

  Chapter 22

  Matt and I made up the only way werewolves knew how. We took our apologies to bed in the middle of the afternoon. Multiple times we ravaged each other's bodies, making sure we filled the sheets with wrinkles and perspiration. Somewhere along the way, Matt mumbled something about us leaving Vaughn downstairs. When or if he had a significant other, Vaughn would understand. We had sex until we depleted our reserves and our bodies refused to get into position anymore.

  Matt swaddled me in his arms, being careful not to hurt my bandaged shoulder. I didn't have the heart to tell him how much it throbbed from being pounded into the mattress. His finger glided across my upper arm and our legs lay braided with the sheets.

  "Vaughn found out about the contract,” he confessed. “Seth wanted to send both of us to Florida while they checked it out. But you already had plans to go to North Carolina. Since your name was left out of the bounty, it didn't make sense to worry you any more than necessary."

  I didn't want to go there, but he obviously did. “Is it gone? The contract, I mean."

  "Yeah.” He paused. “Promise me you won't put yourself in danger like that."

  "Matt—"

  "Listen, okay? Just hear me out. I'm a big boy and I can take care of myself. But I can't stand losing you. You're all I've got and you mean more to me than any pack. What was I supposed to think when you came back all beat up? You scared the hell out of me, Lex. Did you forget about that conversation we had the night before I left?"

  "You won't lose me. I promise."

  "Then maybe you can finally tell me about the contract."

  I nestled my head into his sizzling, satiny chest and moaned. How much more indication did he need that I didn't want to talk about this? I had to tell him something or we'd be right back where we started.

  "I got a message that was intended for you.” Man, I hated myself for lying to him. Hated every ounce of my wretched soul. “The one responsible wanted to lure you out of hiding, but he never said why. I had a feeling it had to do with Parry, so I took matters into my own hands. He would expect you to come, but not me."

  Matt sighed. “You and that damn crossbow. Why did your father have to introduce you to archery? And better yet, why did your uncle encourage it?"

  A knock at the door. Matt snatched the comforter from the edge of the bed and covered us with it. When he finished tucking in the sides, he yelled for the person to enter.

  Bryce stuck his head in. He had thick, brown hair that covered his ears and had a slight wave to it. The stubble on his face gave him the beginnings of a beard, but the ragged ends left me wondering if he had neglected it on purpose. Blue eyes sat behind a pair of thin-rimmed glasses and he had a slender physique. The blue scrubs with the Grady Memorial logo stamped on the pocket implied he had either come from or was going to work.

  Moaning, I dropped my head on Matt's chest again. How could I ever forget the night I attacked him in our bedroom? At least he took it in stride. I left him with a first impression he'd never forget.

  "Don't take this the wrong way,” I said, “but why are you here?"

  Bryce approached the end of the bed. “Matt didn't tell you?"

  "Tell me what?” I faced my husband.

  Matt grinned. “I asked him to stop by because you spent every night clutching your arm and tossing in your sleep.” He swiped his finger across my nose. “Yes, sweetheart. I've been checking in on you even though you assumed I didn't care."

  Smiling, I swatted him. “You ragweed, it's just a little tender."

  "Well, I wanted him to look at your shoulder anyway. You won't wear the sling and it's not completely healed yet. What choice did I have? If you were a full-blood I wouldn't worry so much."

  Bryce cleared his throat. “Before you two get into another tiff, Vaughn's downstairs in the kitchen starting dinner. He wanted me to ask where you keep your seasoned salt."

  Seasoned salt? “Why's he in our kitchen? He should have left the moment we hiked it up stairs for a rumble in the...” I stopped. They knew what I meant.

  Matt ran his hand through his soft, black hair. “That's another thing I forgot to tell you. Seth and Isabella are coming over for dinner tonight."

  "Tonight? Are you insane? Hell, they probably think I'm insane. What kind of hoodlum couple gets into a fight when they have company over?"

  "Don't worry. Things are back to normal and we've still got some time before they show up.” Being careful not to expose too much, he slid his nude body out from underneath me, and grabbed his robe off a white rocking chair. “I'll go downstairs and supervise. You let Bryce look at that shoulder.” He leaned in for a kiss. “And whatever you do, don't beat him to a pulp. He's the only doctor the pack has."

  "Jerk.” I swatted him on the butt cheek before he left.

  Bryce took out a pair of scissors and a set of tweezers from his black backpack.

  "What are you going to do with those?” I asked.

  He smiled. “If you two can wallow in the bed and tear up the sheets like that, those stitches should be ready to come out."

  "Damn.” I slumped back into the pillows.

  * * * *

  We invited Bryce to stay for dinner, but he had to work the night shift at the hospital and wake up early to cove
r the patient load at an indigent clinic on Buford Highway. Vaughn stayed to help Matt prepare a meal fit for kings, or, in our case, Alphas. I wanted to help, but he wouldn't have it because Bryce warned him about letting me overdo it. What the heck did that mean? Did he forget that I was half werewolf and healed twice as fast as an average human? It didn't matter. Matt took it to heart and forced me to stay put on the couch.

  Word got back to the den that our rift was over. For days nobody had stopped by, sent an e-mail, or even called the house. Then all of a sudden, I had to field phone calls left and right. The Pack had boycotted our home until we got our act together. If that didn't work ... well ... That was one reason why the Alpha Pair wanted to visit. When everyone found out that we had made up, Matt invited the rest of our small circle over for dinner too. Our simple meal turned into a dinner party. Now if I could keep Kristen away from the front door, perhaps this thing could go off without a hitch.

  The phone rang just as I was about to set the table. Matt yelled from the kitchen that he would get it. About ten seconds later, he walked into the dining room and handed me the phone. Staring at me, his face maintained a hard edge. When he didn't leave, a baneful feeling tugged at my nerves. He crossed his arms and leaned on the table, eyes continuing to penetrate me.

  "Hello?” I said.

  "Why did you leave?” a male voice said. “I wanted to know what you smelled like."

  "Who is this?"

  "It's Decker, baby.” He smacked his lips. “I'll bet anything you smell like sex. Riley said you reminded him of an exotic little sex toy. You want to play with me?"

  I hung up. Someone was not monitoring that idiot's condition if he knew how to reach me. The only person in the Club who had this phone number was Dane and I trusted him enough not to hand it out like candy.

  "Who was that?” Matt asked.

  "Just some crank caller."

  "He asked for you by name."

  Damn. That was the only excuse I could think of. “He's just someone I know who I wish I didn't.” I went back checking the silverware for spots.

  "Does it have to do with North Carolina?"

  "Yes."

  "Will he be calling back?"

  "I hope not."

  "And if he does?"

  "Then I'll have a butcher knife waiting for him."

  Matt remained silent as he reached for my hand and directed me towards a chair. Not letting go, his thumbs massaged the backs of my hands. “You promised me you wouldn't get involved. Whoever this guy is, let me handle it."

  "Would you listen to me?” I cupped his head in my hands and pulled his face close to mine. “We're fine. I pissed on his chauvinist ego and he's a little upset ... nothing will come of it."

  "How can you be so sure?"

  "Because we have a pack looking out for us. Something Stephan reminded of. Lone wolf or one of Parry's minions, he's a fool to start trouble now and he knows it. For him it's a matter of crank calls and childish scare tactics.” The lie came so easily that I gave myself a mental pat on the back. It was time to move this discussion to higher ground. “I'm in enough trouble as it is and I know for a fact that the pack is keeping an eye on me."

  "Don't worry about them. And if that bastard calls again, I want to know about it. This isn't your fight anymore, it's ours.” Matt kissed me and went back to the kitchen.

  Leaving the silverware and the stacked dishes, I started unbuttoning my shirt and making my way toward the staircase. Before rounding the banister, I grabbed my purse off the stand next to the front door. I took the steps a few at a time until I reached the bedroom and closed the door. After digging out my cell, I punched in Dane's number.

  "How are you feeling?” he asked in his cheery voice. “You should have stayed, Angel, and healed up. Compared to Decker, nursing you back to health was a breeze. Any problems with the shoulder?"

  "Forget all that,” I snapped. “Which one of you idiots gave Decker my phone number?"

  "What are you talking about?"

  "He called the house, Dane."

  "Are you sure it was him?"

  "Would I call if I weren't?"

  He paused. “I'll find out. Does your husband know?"

  "He answered the phone! If Decker calls this house again, he comes up on the back of a milk carton."

  "You can't be serious. He's still settling in and exhilarated by his new senses, that's all. If he calls again, let me know and I'll take care of it."

  "If you value his life, you'll take care of it now. Matt doesn't know anything about the Club, so don't give me a reason to tell him. Hell, he even knew about Graham's contract."

  "Does he know it's gone?"

  "He knows I took care of it. I'm one hair short of telling him the truth. Keep your new dog on a leash or all bets are off."

  "When have I not made good on my promises to you? I'm not about to damage my credibility with you or Graham. Decker won't bother you again, I swear."

  I hung up.

  I couldn't shake that feeling that something bad was about to happen. Between Decker calling and Matt knowing that I took care of his contract, heaven only knows when my world would come crashing down ... again.

  Chapter 23

  I spent the rest of the day in the bedroom, pushing back a day beset with problems. Matt came in a few times to check in on me, asking about my aching shoulder and if there was anything he could do to make me more comfortable. A smile perked my lips, but I resisted the urge to have him climb in bed and soothe me in a more sensual way. We had guests for dinner, so we had to be on our best behavior. Besides, I felt a tad bit guilty about leaving Vaughn alone in our kitchen to whip up a meal that should have been shouldered by us. Still, I convinced my husband that a calming nap would refresh me in time for our dinner guests.

  A hand smoothed along my back, forcing a smile to bow my lips. It lured me from the depths of sleep, but my eyes remained closed as a soft heated hand caressed the swell of my back. The space closed in around me. Lips touched my cheek and elicited a moan from my mouth. A smaller hand caressed my shoulder, just as warm as the first. It smoothed my upper arm, fingers staying clear of my injury as they drifted across my shoulder and to the back of my neck. Someone's knuckles caressed my face, a thin set of lips pressed into my cheek.

  Wait a minute. Confusion knitted my eyebrows and I threw my eyelids back. If I had paid attention to the scent, I would have known it wasn't Matt.

  Stephan and Aiyana snuggled close, leaning on their extended arms and gazing at me. He sat in a pair of faded jeans and a white, button-front shirt opened to reveal a white tee underneath. His overgrown bangs shrouded his emerald green eyes. Aiyana wore a pair of beige pants and a matching multicolored sweater. Her long black hair disappeared behind her back and her cinnamon skin turned a shade darker in the dimly lit room.

  Excitement flared from within. I swung my arm back to welcome them with a hug, but my aching muscles bit into my shoulder. I stifled a yell and jerked my appendages back in place. Laughing, Stephan gathered me in his arms and smacked a kiss on my cheek.

  "Are you still mad at me?” he asked.

  A twisted smile pierced my lips. I wanted to be angry with him, but I couldn't. “No. But that doesn't mean you're off the hook. Let's just call a truce since I jammed an arrow in your face."

  "Fine by me.” He delivered another smacking kiss across my jugular.

  Aiyana snaked her arms around the two of us, leaning her face close to mine. “We missed you so much. But I don't forgive you for worrying the hell out of me. I should have gone to North Carolina and dragged your ass back here. What were you thinking?"

  I sighed. “Please, Aiyana. I heard all I want to hear about it from Matt, Vaughn, Bryce, and this lug nut holding me."

  Stephan snickered near my ear.

  "Well,” Aiyana said. “It wasn't enough. Next time you start acting crazy we're locking you away at the den. Here you are, coming back hurt and in stitches."

  I untangled myself from Stephan'
s arms and scooted to the end of the bed. “I need to get ready for dinner."

  "That's why Matt sent us up,” he said. “He was going to come up himself, but we volunteered."

  "If you're here, then that means everyone else is here, right?"

  "Uh-huh."

  "Shoot. Why didn't you guys say anything?” I rushed to the dresser and dug through several drawers looking for something more appropriate than a tee shirt and a pair of shorts.

  Aiyana put her hand on my shoulder. “Relax. Matt's keeping everyone company. He wanted me to help you get dressed, but Stephan tagged along because he wanted to surprise you too.” Turning, she pulled him off the bed and hustled him out of the bedroom. She closed the door and turned to me, smiling and shrugging her shoulders.

  I half smiled. “Thanks, Aiyana. But I don't need someone to stick me in a pair of pants. Everything's fine."

  "I know, but we haven't had any girl time since you've been back and ... Well, I missed you.” She resumed her position by hugging me from behind and pressing her cheek into mine. “I meant every word I said. You go running off again and I'll kill you when you get back."

  "I'm not going anywhere.” My hands rested on top of hers.

  "You better not. You're still a newborn pup to us, trying to learn her way around our world. At the rate you're going, you'll never settle down."

  Oh, I'd settle down all right. When I was six feet under. That would come sooner or later, depending on how long I stayed with the Hunting Club. I wanted to leave them, but I couldn't do it as long as they remained in such a state of unrest. We beat back the enemy this time, but there would always be more to come.

  Yeah, Aiyana. I'll settle down as soon as I feel that the Hunting Club is able to stand on their own two feet. And I pray that'll be before anyone in the Georgia Pack gets a clue.

  After I put on a pair of chocolate corduroy pants and a multicolored turtleneck sweater, Aiyana and I headed downstairs. Before we could reach the last step, Matt rounded the corner with his nose in the air, whiffing out my scent. A smile bowed his sensuous lips. He held his hand out and kissed my cheek.