To Tempt the Wolf (Heart of the Wolf #3)

Michael looked from him to Tessa and she quickly said to her brother, “I didn’t show him the paintings.”

He glowered at Hunter. “Don’t you know not to look at an artist’s work that’s not finished?” He ran his hands through his hair and stared gloomily at the table.

“I just came across them, by accident. Beautiful work, by the way. But back to Bethany’s murder, tons of people had been in her house—the three guys who had to do with trying to take off with my sister, and of course the sheriff and his men, the coroner’s office, Tessa, Ashton…”

“The sheriff,” Michael said, emphasizing him over all the rest.

Tessa straightened. “Sure, because he’s investigating a murder.”

Michael shook his head. “He was always cleaning up after Ashton, remember? He’s the one who reported the murder, except because he’s the sheriff, no one considered he might have known who had done the real killing. A sheriff would be above suspicion. Hell, look at how that policeman killed two of his wives and because he was a cop, no one believed there was any foul play. Not until the second one came up missing. But even then, the police force denied he had anything to do with her suspicious disappearance. The family had to have their loved one’s body exhumed so the coroner could determine if there was foul play. And of course, this time, the coroner said yes, she was murdered. So you don’t think a sheriff could cover up his son’s murder and get away with it? Especially when they have me—the perfect patsy for the job?”

“You asked Ashton to watch over me, even knowing what you did about him?” Tessa asked.

Michael took a deep breath. “I figured I kind of deserved it. Sticking with him when I knew he was bad news—getting me into scrapes, causing all that trouble for you. But I also know deep down, the guy’s got some decency in him. Hell, our dad was bad enough with being the town philanderer and drunk. But after Ashton’s mother took off with another man, his dad changed. Ashton kept reaching out, trying to get his dad to pay attention to him, in a negative way. In any way he could. He didn’t have an older sister like you to help him out. And he’s damned good with a rifle. He could protect you if need be.”

“Because you knew there was a stalker. Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I didn’t want to worry you.”

She frowned at her brother. “You could have told me. And you could have warned me that Ashton was going to be gunning down anything that moved out by our house. He shot Hunter!”

Michael quickly looked at Hunter. “Oh, hell, I’m sorry, man.”

“No problem. It was just a graze.”

“What made you realize there was a stalker?” Tessa asked her brother.

“I saw footprints outside your window when I was clipping the hedges. And another time I saw someone peeking in the house when I came up with a load of wood, but I was too far away to catch him.” Michael looked back at Hunter. “Hell, he looked a bit like you. Long dark hair, same approximate height and build.”

“That’s why Ashton said he shot him. But Hunter was with me when the man broke into the house on a couple of separate occasions.”

Michael considered them both and shook his head. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. But I’m glad you’ve got someone who’s combat trained to watch over you. I never thought you’d get married.” He rose abruptly from the chair. “I’ve got to go. Write, will you?”

“I’ll be back. We’ll get you out, Michael. You just take good care of yourself.”

He gave her a warm hug and she broke into tears, despite struggling not to. “You… you just take care of yourself,” she reiterated.

Michael kissed her wet cheek. “I will.” He shook Hunter’s hand. “Don’t let anyone hurt her. Take care of that stalker.”

Hunter bowed his head slightly. “Will do.”

Michael straightened his posture and gave a half smile. “I don’t know what happened, but all of a sudden I began getting some special treatment in here. So don’t worry, little sister. Things are already looking up.”

“Why would Michael be getting special treatment in prison?” Tessa asked, as Hunter helped her into Caruthers’s police car.

She was holding up pretty well, and he was damned proud of her.

“The judge had something to do with it. Maybe Allan and me, too.” Caruthers shrugged. “We don’t usually mess with humans who are incarcerated in the prison system. Most are there because they deserve it. But since you’re one of us, we pulled some strings. Of course, no one in the place really knows why, just that there’s a sneaking suspicion the kid’s innocent, and he’s got some pretty powerful friends in high places.”

Tessa brushed away tears and smiled. “Tell Allan and the judge thanks for me.”

“I’ll do that. While you were inside, that red, Leidolf, came by. He said he’d meet you at The Olive Groves for lunch. He said the rest of your people would be there also. Want me to take you there now?”

“Let’s go,” Hunter said. “We’ll see what Leidolf has to say.”

Tessa looked at him.

He cast her an abbreviated smile. “I promise I won’t tear into him.” Too badly. Then he let out an exasperated sigh. “Why didn’t you tell me you took a picture of a wolf in the wild and that he was shapeshifting at the time?”

“I didn’t say so.”

He snorted. “The look on your face revealed the truth. I told you that you couldn’t play poker with me.”

She’d never get anything past Hunter unless she wore a ski mask, and probably even then her eyes and voice would give her away.

“I’m not sure what it was. I thought it was a wolf. It was really foggy out. And then I saw a man. Or at least I thought so. The photo wasn’t clear and no matter how much I tried to enhance it…” She shrugged.

“The man was naked.”

“He didn’t look like he was wearing any clothes. But it was a long ways off. I just figured my mind was playing tricks.”

“He saw you.”

“I don’t know, Hunter. He was looking in my direction, but I was using a telescopic lens. He couldn’t have seen me as far away as I was.”

“Hell,” Caruthers said. “if he hadn’t wanted you so badly, he would have killed you.”

The thought she had been living a life of danger all this time without his protection stirred Hunter’s blood. “He saw you, Tessa. Believe me. How long before Bethany had been murdered had this taken place?”

“Two days. I showed her the photo and asked her what she could make of it. All Bethany saw was mist. I showed it to Michael also, but preoccupied with his painting, he didn’t pay any attention. Said it looked interesting, but barely glanced at it.”

But had Bethany’s witnessing the photo led to her death?

In Caruthers’s patrol car, Hunter and Tessa soon arrived at the Italian restaurant, although Hunter regretted that Tessa was so tense. She would have to see for herself that the pack would accept her as one of their own.

When they arrived at the restaurant, the hostess tried to seat them, but Caruthers motioned to a group of people, both Leidolf’s reds and the rest of Hunter’s pack, at a large rowdy table. “I’ll sit with them.”

The waiter escorted Tessa and Hunter to a private booth, and Tessa looked back at the table with his pack mates as if she wished they could sit with them and not have the confrontation with Leidolf. So that was what was worrying her.

Hunter gripped her hand tighter. “I promise I won’t kill him for leaving me behind in the jail and going after you.”

The smell of oregano, garlic, Italian sauce, and onions wafted in the air, and Hunter’s stomach grumbled. Dishes and glasses clinked as servers cleared tables and conversation and Italian music drifted overhead. Nice setting for a romantic dinner for two if Hunter and Tessa could have enjoyed the meal without Leidolf chaperoning.

Leidolf leaned back against the burgundy vinyl seat in the booth at the end of the section, looking self-satisfied and smiled at them. “My lawyer was trying to have you released, but he told me you got yourself out by contacting someone who had a lot more clout. Pays to have a judge back you.”

Unable to let go of the irritation, Hunter gave him a dark look.

“I missed you at the hotel last night, but I guess you found a safe place to hole up. Your people are returning with you, and they’re dying to meet your new mate. You’ve got three cops leaving here to watch your backs on the coast, one who wants one of your widowed females, and she’s ecstatic. Sounds like your pack is off to a good recovery. Not bad considering the mess you’ve been in recently.” Leidolf unfolded his napkin and placed it on his lap. “Other packs usually don’t mix it up much, but I’ve grown attached to yours, considering one of your people is joining mine. If you need my help any further, just let me know.”

Hell, he was attached to Hunter’s pack because Tessa still interested him.

“What did you say to the lawyer about me?” Hunter asked.

Leidolf laughed. “He holds a grudge, Tessa. Remember that.” He sipped his water. “I told him just what had happened. You were wielding the knife that killed the guy. That’s why he released me so quickly. I was only a witness to the whole thing. I’d planned to watch over Tessa until you arrived at the hospital. Imagine my surprise to find you had beat me to it.”

Hunter squeezed Tessa’s hand in her lap. “So you’re returning to Portland?”

“I have to. I’ve got problems of my own. A red from Texas is stirring up trouble. Thinks he might have what it takes to run my pack. Can you imagine the nerve of the guy?” He winked at Tessa and turned his attention back to Hunter. “But I mean it. If you need my help, just say. I’ll come to the coast and give you a hand.”