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  Somehow, he’d made a big mistake, but she still hadn’t told him what was going on. A wave of magic sparked in the air. Angelique gently lay on her stomach on the hardwood floor.

  The big cat stepped to her, placing one paw and then the other on her back.

  Connor got to his feet. The cat had to weigh at least a hundred pounds. No, he wouldn’t stand by and watch it step on her like that. He couldn’t. He moved forward, but another surge of magic pushed him back.

  The panther’s paws melted into Angelique’s skin one at a time, until her back had a large panther protruding from it.

  Soft whimpers of pain came from her, and she pressed her face into the hardwood floor.

  The panther slowly shrunk until it was just a picture on her skin. Albeit a moving picture that stared like it didn’t trust him one bit. He touched the scratch on his arm. It made sense now. Somehow, the big cat had attacked him.

  Angelique lay naked on the floor panting and holding her side. “Shit.”

  He knelt next to her, unsure what to do. “What was that?”

  Her pained eyes turned on him. “I told you I was different.” Averting her gaze, she grabbed the end table, her grip unsteady.

  “I’ll help you up.” He placed his hand on her arm, but she shrugged him off.

  She pulled herself to her feet and stood on shaky legs. A deep, purple bruise sliced across the pale skin of her side. At least it wasn’t bleeding.

  “Do you need someone to look at that?” he asked.

  Angelique narrowed her eyes at him. “And tell them what?” Her accusatory stare lowered to his hands. “What did you do to her? With your hands…?” Her eyes squeezed shut, and her lips thinned in pain as she moved to sit on the couch.

  He balled his hands into fists. His Alpha forbade the Pack to tell others about themselves. While he would take her as a mate, he didn’t feel comfortable explaining to her what he was, yet he had to. Somehow or another, he’d hurt her, and she’d shown him what she was capable of. “I’m a shapeshifter.” Her frown deepened. “A…werewolf.”

  “A werewolf?” Her skin paled, and she licked her lips. His gaze followed that small gesture with longing. Her kisses earlier had brought him to new heights of pleasure. When he met her wide-eyed stare, all thoughts of their lovemaking evaporated. He took a deep breath, and his nose caught the subtle scent of fear. Damn it.

  He finally nodded. From the looks of it, she wasn’t taking this very well. This couldn’t be happening. Not when he’d been so close.

  “I need to go to bed. I’m not feeling too well. It’s best if you leave.” She grabbed a velvet throw blanket from the back of the couch, wrapped it around her, and stood. Instead of the anger he’d seen before, sadness hunched her shoulders forward, and her confused gaze remained low.

  Connor opened his mouth to say something, but no words came out. He couldn’t just leave now and let what they’d shared tonight be for naught. Not with the risk of losing her—again—so high. He strode across the room to her and took her hand. “Don’t push me away. You said a relationship between us wouldn’t work because you’re different. I’m different too. Shouldn’t that make you feel better about us?”

  She stared up at him, a hollow look in her eyes. “I really don’t know. I warned you about my…problem, but you didn’t say anything of the sort. If our relationship had progressed over the years, would you have ever said anything? Ever told me?”

  He grimaced. She had a point. Because really, he wouldn’t have. He couldn’t have. Not with his Alpha breathing down his neck. He shook his head. “I couldn’t have come out with it. Just like you couldn’t have told me. How would I have known how you would react?”

  Sighing, she shook her head. “I’m way too tired to have this discussion right now.”

  He lightly squeezed her arm. “But—” The weariness and pain tightening the corners of her eyes choked the words in his throat. He dropped his hand from her arm, stung that she was pushing him away. She did have her reasons. He’d hurt her, even if it had been unintentional.

  With all she’d been through tonight, he couldn’t risk pushing her too hard right now. If he did, he might lose her forever, and his timeframe for taking her as a mate was quickly slamming shut. He wiped his hands over his face. An evening without her was better than a lifetime.

  “Fine, but don’t plan on moving away or changing your phone number before we can talk. I’ll just find you again.” Turning away to leave, he stopped, glancing back at her. “Don’t tell anyone what you saw, or what I said. Understand?”

  She tugged her lower lip between her teeth and nodded. “Same goes for you.”

  He inclined his head and left.

  * * *

  Angelique sat frozen on the couch staring at the door. This had to be one of the craziest days she’d had in a long time. She took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. Her side was killing her, and it scared her to think that Kira had been injured this badly. She couldn’t lose her familiar. She’d die if that happened.

  Pushing herself to her feet, she leaned against the end table with the blanket firmly wrapped around her. Little by little, she limped to the front door and locked it. With a glance outside, she saw Connor standing next to his car at the curb. Tightness creased the corners of his eyes and his lips. Pretty much how he’d been when he’d first arrived.

  He climbed into his car then slammed the door. His gaze met hers again, then he revved the engine and drove away.

  The fact that he was something she’d only seen in horror flicks scared her. She’d seen the ferocity in his eyes, and it sent a shiver down her spine. That look had been so different from what she’d experienced when they’d been making love. Her body warmed at the sensual memory, and she leaned her forehead against the door.

  No, it wouldn’t be a good idea to get involved with him again, even though she wanted to. His revelation stirred up a strange blend of emotions within her. She wouldn’t be leaving to protect him now. She’d be protecting herself. Weariness weighed on her; she needed to rest before making any conclusions.

  After all, she had her own strengths. If only they would make a difference during a fight. She’d chalked up his amazing muscles and power to an unrelenting workout schedule, but that apparently wasn’t the case. She sighed and pressed her back against the cool door, staring up at the ceiling. Seemed she was praying more with him in her life.

  She’d agreed not to run away again, but right now, it seemed like her only option. She’d plan her next move after she recovered from the deep bruising making each move pure agony.

  A swish of a tail along her back and a soft growl from Kira gave her strength. She’d get through this. Maybe she just needed to listen more to her familiar. Kira had tried to warn her about Connor, but Angelique hadn’t paid her any attention. She’d thought Kira had been irritable, jealous even.

  She wouldn’t make the same mistake twice.

  Chapter Five

  Angelique shuffled into the kitchen, heading for the freezer. Each step jarred her aching ribs against her skin. The idea of dressing for work was seriously out of the question. She opened the freezer door and grabbed an ice pack, then snatched a dishtowel from a nearby drawer.

  Lifting her shirt, she paled at the dark purple bruise that stood out against her otherwise light skin. She should’ve put a cold compress on it last night, but she’d been way too distracted and tired.

  Kira climbed up Angelique’s back groggily and sank onto her shoulder, rumbling a purr.

  “Thanks, Kira,” she said. “It wasn’t entirely your fault. I shouldn’t have let him back into our lives. I take full responsibility for my weaknesses.”

  Connor was definitely her Achilles’ heel.

  Kira rubbed her head over Angelique’s shoulder, the fur tickling the sensitive skin.

  Angelique placed the dishtowel-wrapped ice pack onto her side and crossed the room. She peeked through the blinds out the kitchen window. A man sat in his car across the str
eet reading a newspaper. Glancing around the neighborhood, she saw there was no one else around.

  He looked at her just as she was about to pull away from the window. Their eyes met before he jerked his attention back to the paper. Her heart skipped a beat, and she backed away from the window. Kira growled on her shoulder, and Angelique placed her hand near the familiar, taking strength from her presence. “Quiet now. I need to think.”

  Angelique sat on one of the stools at the kitchen island. Kira settled down and silently swished her tail. Nibbling her lower lip, Angelique rubbed her free hand over her forehead. Uneasiness settled in her stomach when she remembered how he’d looked at her and then jerked his gaze away when she’d caught him. Maybe she needed a better look. She tossed the ice pack on the kitchen island and walked to the door. She slipped into her jacket and slid on a pair of sandals, then flipped open the lock. Before she could step onto her porch, a car engine revved. The man tossed aside the newspaper and drove away.

  How odd. First Connor shows up to her place, then his ex, and now some creepy dude. Maybe she needed to get away from here. Take some time to think. Connor wouldn’t be happy with her, but he could thank last night’s revelations for that. Her hand rested on the lock, about to secure the door again, when another car pulled up to the curb. Through the blinds, she saw the crazy woman from last night, Monica, getting out of her car.

  Kira rose to attention instantly, driven by Angelique’s spike in stress. She didn’t want to deal with this woman right now. Monica had been hell-bent on being with Connor last night. Who knew what she would do. Besides, if Connor was a werewolf, Monica might be too. That would explain her speed and agility.

  Fear shivered down her spine. Wolves had a good sense of smell, and if Monica came to the door, she’d absolutely catch a whiff of Connor’s scent marked all over her body. Crap, she didn’t need this right now.

  With her injured side, Angelique wouldn’t have a chance.

  Angelique headed out to the backdoor, then jogged as quickly and quietly as she could. She turned into a subdivision’s back alley, focusing on gaining distance between her and her home. Monica had taken her time to approach the front door, so maybe Angelique’s getaway would go unnoticed. Please, God, let it be so.

  Kira paced along her back while her tail snapped from side to side like a furry whip. Pain exploded through Angelique’s side, and she bit her lip hard to keep from crying out. “Knock it off.”

  Kira mewled in response, but settled on Angelique’s shoulder.

  She slowed to a fast walk. To her left was the gas station she sometimes visited. Several people were there. A couple of men pulled away as she headed toward the store. The men whistled and catcalled at her as they drove past.

  Kira’s nose touched the nape of Angelique’s neck as they walked past the gas pumps. Something about this place felt like a good idea, aside from it being populated. Just as she had the thought, Kira tensed before sneezing. The air, permeated with gasoline vapors, almost made her gag. Assuming Monica was a werewolf, the smell of gas might throw off her trail.

  The narrow alley behind the gas station caught Angelique’s eye. Kira’s desire to be away from the noxious fumes drove her forward. Circling around the store, she peeked around a corner. Monica was hot on her trail and approached the gas station on foot as well. Her gaze scanned the area as if she were unsure which way to proceed.

  A nudge from Kira refocused Angelique, and she forged ahead. She slipped into the alley, sidestepping dumpsters, trashcans, and smelly debris on the ground. At the end of the narrow backstreet was a restaurant she’d seen the local police frequent. Regardless of whether a police officer was there, she could convince the staff to let her use their phone. Before she could reach the restaurant, the rapid tap of running feet against pavement startled her.

  She twisted around to find Monica barreling toward her, her feet moving in a blur. Grim determination creased Monica’s forehead.

  “He is mine,” Monica yelled.

  Kira knocked into her hard, throwing Angelique off balance and out of Monica’s path. Her body slammed into the side of a dumpster. Sharp pain radiated down her already sore ribs, and she screamed. Her wound had been an awful bruise, but now it felt like she might’ve torn a muscle.

  Monica didn’t hesitate. She held out her hands, which slowly sharpened into claws. Yep, damn it, she was a werewolf. Monica balled her clawed hands into sloppy fists. She landed a quick punch on Angelique’s good side first, leaving Angelique gasping in pain as air exploded from her lungs.

  Seeing her hurt spurred Monica on. She threw her head back and laughed. “Look at you! So weak and pathetic. You don’t deserve to be with Connor.” An animalistic rumble bubbled from her chest.

  Kira growled underneath her skin and slid down Angelique’s arm to her right hand.

  Monica hesitated, stopping another punch in mid-air. Eyes narrowed, Monica lifted her chin, her nose twitching. Her senses sought out the new threat. “That scent again. He’d told me to watch for it. He’ll be very pleased.” Her distraction provided an opening and a chance for them to escape. “We’ll both get what we want.”

  Monica wasn’t making sense. Panic pumped through Angelique’s veins. Her scent? The only one who’d know to be on the lookout for her scent would be a hunter, but that was impossible. There hadn’t been a hunter on her people’s tail in years. The community was out of harm’s reach, having hidden so well from their one nemesis. Still, they kept to themselves and never told people about their familiars.

  Fear seized her throat, making it hard to breathe. She’d shared that part of herself with Connor, and now her life had plunged into hell. Her lower lip trembled. Was that why Connor wanted her?

  Kira directed a thought to her, and before she could process it, Angelique reached forward with her right hand, fingers slightly spread. Nails met with Monica’s face, leaving behind deep scratches on her delicate features. Monica’s horrified screams projected upon the narrow walls to either side of them.

  Angelique stared down at the three-inch, bloody leopard claws protruding from her fingertips in disbelief. Surprise slammed into her gut like a Mack truck. This had never happened before.

  Utter shock and agony gripped Monica’s face as she touched slender human fingers to her torn skin. Blood seeped from the angry red gashes. Whimpering, she ran back toward the station like a cub with its tail between its legs.

  Anger radiated from Kira, and the big cat nudged Angelique to follow Monica. Her familiar’s attention focused on the retreating enemy. No way would she go after Connor’s violent ex. Relief relaxed her shoulders. She’d made it out alive after this round, even if her sides ached something fierce. One for the cats.

  Kira’s claws no longer extended from her hands. Her hands shook from adrenaline and dread. From what she’d learned at the movies, werewolves healed quickly. Angelique needed to get somewhere safe before Monica came back.

  * * *

  With lunchtime upon him, Connor slid into his car. Thoughts of Angelique ran through his head, making it hard to focus on anything else. He’d told his boss he’d work the rest of the day from home, and he would, but part of him wanted to see Angelique and make her talk. Yet he remembered how horribly last night had ended. She needed a little bit of time.

  He was treading on thin ice. While he wanted back into her life, he also didn’t want her to be afraid of him.

  His phone vibrated in his pocket. Looking at caller ID, he saw Dave’s number flashed across the screen. He didn’t feel like talking, but he’d see what his friend wanted, and then he’d make the drive back home.

  He placed the phone to his ear. “Hey, what’s up?”

  Dave chuckled, a mischievous sound warning Connor there would probably be bad news with this call. “You’ll never believe this…”

  Just those words tensed Connor even more. “What?”

  The humor in Dave’s voice died over the other end of the line. “Is everything okay?”

&
nbsp; “Sorry. I’m beat. I had a hard time sleeping last night. Made work hell today.”

  “Does this have something to do with your girlfriend?”

  Dave couldn’t have known that Connor was trying to get back together with Angelique. “My girlfriend?”

  Dave scoffed. “Yeah, Monica. Hot babe, if you ask me.” He paused and then cleared his throat. “Sorry, you know me well enough to know that I wouldn’t invade your territory there.”

  The desire to slam his forehead against the steering wheel never looked so good, but he’d play along. If Monica was causing trouble, he needed to know. “What did she do?”

  “Uh…I…” Dave laughed nervously. “Well—”

  “Come on, Dave. Just tell me. I won’t drive all the way over to the other side of town to bite your head off.” He let out a breath, frowning. “Unless you don’t tell me what’s going on soon.”

  “Well, I know you two had a fight last night at some chick’s place. Monica told Ted, who mentioned you were probably cheating on her with the other woman. Ted said he and Gus were asked to watch the chick to see if you two were meeting up again.” The words tumbled from Dave’s mouth almost faster than Connor could comprehend them. That’s what he got for threatening a more submissive wolf who knew Connor was good on his word.

  Connor slammed his fist into the steering wheel. “Fuck!”

  Silence filled the line, and Connor couldn’t even hear Dave breathe.

  “Did you hear anything else from Ted? Was Monica going to pull something if given the chance?” The threat to his mate angered both Connor and his beast. The wolf lurked just beneath his skin. If he didn’t calm himself, he’d never make it to Angelique’s house.

  “N-no. Ted said Monica instructed them only to watch the girl and see what she was doing. Nothing else. Is…is there something wrong?” he asked.