Midnight run, p.1
Midnight Run, page 1
Midnight Run
Wayward Wolves, Volume 4
Bethany Shaw
Published by Bethany Shaw, 2015.
This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.
MIDNIGHT RUN
First edition. August 15, 2015.
Copyright © 2015 Bethany Shaw.
ISBN: 978-1516327478
Written by Bethany Shaw.
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright Page
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Also By Bethany Shaw
About the Author
Chapter One
Rhea jogged along the beach, letting the sand squish between her toes. The white sand stretched into the ocean and was swallowed by cascading cerulean waves. The moon shone down on the water, making the view all that more breathtaking. She breathed in the salty air and smiled inwardly. It was perfect here.
Cancun was her new home. Hopefully, her family would be able to stay for a while as well. She was thoroughly enjoying it. After darting from town to town, they finally had a chance to settle down. They’d be safe here—she hoped.
Footsteps thudded behind her and she peered over her shoulder. In the few weeks she’d been here, she’d never encountered another person on her midnight runs.
A man jogged a few hundred yards behind her. He wore a ball cap that shrouded his face in darkness. The black tee and black pants he adorned further adding to her discomfort. Chills zipped down her spine. Even though she was a werewolf capable of defending herself, she was still a woman alone at night.
Why was he wearing all black? I thought you were supposed to wear bright clothes at night. Or is that just to keep you from getting hit by a car? She glanced up to the road that ran alongside the beach. Empty. Not a car or soul in sight. Perfect.
Rhea licked her dry lips and pushed her legs to move a little faster. Too bad she wasn’t in her wolf form; she could outrun the man in a heartbeat. As a human she was fast, but not as quick as she’d like. Maybe he’ll go away. I’m sure he doesn’t want any trouble.
She peeked back over her shoulder. Crap. He’s gaining on me. What if he’s a werewolf, too? Oh God. What if the pack found me?
Her calves burned as she pushed herself to run impossibly faster. She gritted her teeth together. I’m not going back. The beach house she stayed in was about a mile away, but if the pack had found her, she couldn’t lead them there. She wouldn’t put everyone else in danger.
She inhaled a sharp breath, trying to place the man’s scent. If he wasn’t a wolf then she need not worry too much. A human would be easy to dispatch. She shuddered at the thought. She wasn’t a killer, or a fighter, even if it was self-defense. The air was crisp and the sea salt infiltrated her senses, but she couldn’t make heads or tails of her pursuer. Great.
“Hey!” the man called loudly.
Rhea’s heart fluttered and she closed her eyes. What does he want?
“Hey!” the man hollered again. “Can you stop please?”
His voice was breathless and he didn’t sound like a crazy rapist or psycho. Yeah, because you can tell that by the way someone talks. She contemplated her options before coming to a halt. Her heart pattered against her ribs, both from her run and out of fear. What if this is a trap?
“Gosh, you run fast,” the guy said as he stopped a few feet away from her. He bent down, clasping his knees as he drew in deep breaths.
He doesn’t smell like a wolf, thank God. That doesn’t mean he’s not dangerous. Bray and Declan would kill me if they knew what I was doing. At times she thought her brothers were too overprotective, but nights like tonight, she’d give anything to have them with her.
“You’re the new waitress at Garcia’s, right?” he asked as he stood back up.
“Yeah,” she said taking a step back, studying him. Muscles rippled beneath his form-fitting black tee, but she still couldn’t get a good look at his face. How does he know where I work? She backpedaled further. He probably had a good hundred pounds on her. If she wasn’t terrified for her wellbeing, she’d be turned on by his physique. I wonder if his face matches his body. Seriously, Rhea. He could be a creep.
“Sorry. I’m not some crazy person.” He took his ball cap off and ran his forearm over his sweat soaked brow. “I work security there.” He pointed to the Garcia’s logo on his shirt and showed her his hat.
“Okay.” That didn’t really prove anything. She didn’t remember seeing him tonight—or any other night. And she would have remembered him. His face was breathtaking—cognac brown eyes and russet spiky hair that made him sexy as all hell. To top it off, a tiny dimple popped out on his left cheek.
He reached into his pocket and pulled something out. “I think you dropped this,” he opened his palm so she could see.
Sterling silver glinted in the moonlight and she gasped as her hand flew to her neck. My necklace. “Oh my gosh. Thank you so much,” she blurted as she rushed forward and scooped the jewelry into her palm. Her fingers grazed against his and heat rushed through her at the simple touch. Her eyes met his and her breath caught in her throat.
“I figured it was important,” he said with a small smile. “I saw you out on the beach jogging after I got off and wanted to make sure you got it back.”
“Thank you,” she repeated. The heart charm was the only picture she had of her parents. It had been a gift from her brothers the first Christmas after they had passed. She never went anywhere without it. Maybe it was sentimental, but she liked to think that by wearing it she carried them with her always. “How did you find it?”
“It looked important. I noticed you wearing it while you were waiting tables and then saw it on the floor as the place cleared out. I didn’t want it to end up in the lost and found or worse, the trash. Then by chance I saw you jogging behind Garcia’s right as I got off,” he explained.
“I don’t remember seeing you at Garcia’s.” He was way too hot to go unnoticed. Doubt clouded her again and she watched him carefully.
“No. You wouldn’t have seen me. Tonight was my first night. I was working the security office tonight watching the cameras,” he told her. “Like I said, I promise I’m not some crazy person.” He glanced around the abandoned beach. “But you probably shouldn’t be out on the beach alone. There are some nut jobs and drunks around.”
“I can take care of myself,” Rhea said as she ran her fingers over the locket. I can’t believe I almost lost this.
“Okay,” he said, taking a step back. “I’m happy to give you a ride home anytime you need it.”
If he gives me a ride home I’d get to spend more time with him, but I’d miss out on my late night runs. I could always go back out after he drops me off.
“Sure,” she said, realizing he was waiting for her to respond. “I work Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.” She hoped she’d get more hours soon, but would take what she could get. Being in her house at night was torturous. There was nothing worse than living with three horny wolf couples. She’d rather be working than listening to that.
“Great. I’ll see you tomorrow night then...” he trailed off expectantly.
“Rhea,” she supplied.
“I’m Mason. Mason Green. I’ll see you tomorrow.” He waved at her. “Have a nice night. Be careful on your run.”
“Bye.” She lifted her hand. Mason smiled as he backed up and turned to head down the beach.
She let out a long breath. Cancun was definitely a great place to be.
Chapter Two
“Hey gorgeous.” Smack! A hand landed on Rhea’s butt, squeezing her cheek tightly.
Rhea grimaced and wiggled away from the drunken creep. Her job had its perks and downfalls. “Is there something I can help you with?”
“Yeah. Why don’t you have a seat here?” He tapped his thigh. “And I’ll tell you all about it.”
Rhea rolled her eyes, spun on her heel and walked away.
The man reached out and grabbed her wrist, yanking her back to him.
“I wasn’t done yet, sweet cheeks,” he said, caressing her hand with his thumb.
“Is there a problem here?” a deep voice asked.
Rhea turned and gasped as Mason appeared behind her. She hadn’t realized how tall he was last night; he had to be over six feet.
The man dropped her hand. “No problem at all.”
Rhea took a step back and wiped her palm on her jeans. Yuck, it’s all sweaty!
Mason placed a hand on her shoulder and guided her away from the table. “You okay, Rhea?” he asked.
“Yeah. He’s just an overzealous tourist having too much to drink on his vacation,” she replied. She tucked a stray blonde lock behind her ear and met Mason’s eyes. Gosh, he’s gorgeous.
“Doesn’t give him a right to be grabby. I’ll keep an eye on him. My shift just started. I’m working the floor tonight.” He pointed to the right corner. “I’ll be over there if you need me.”
Rhea grinned. “Thanks.”
“Hey,” he started. “If you’d like, I’ll give you a ride home tonight.”
“That’d be nice,” she said with a smile on her face. Her heart fluttered in her chest. I get to spend time with him again. I wonder if he likes me? What if he’s just being nice? Red tinged her cheeks a
Oh my. What have I got myself into? She nibbled her lip. I don’t know anything about guys. About humans. About any of this. My brothers don’t even know I leave the house at night.
Don’t do this to yourself, Rhea. You left the pack for a reason. Live your life. You can figure this out.
***
Mason pressed the lock on his keyless entry and sped ahead to open the door for Rhea. She gave him a small smile as she slipped into his blue pickup. She was stunning. Her sky blue eyes were mesmerizing and her blonde hair was soft and wavy. The attraction to her was so instantaneous, he couldn’t describe it. He’d met a lot of beautiful women, but there was something about Rhea.
He hopped into his truck and started the ignition. Rhea stared out the windshield, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. Say something. Don’t let her be uncomfortable. “So what brings you to Cancun?”
“Oh, uh.” She fidgeted in her seat and let out a long breath as her eyes darted around the cabin. “My family moved here for a change of scenery. You?”
“A personal task.” How much should he say? The less, the better. He glanced over at Rhea. She reminded him of his sister in a way. She had an innocence about her. “So you moved down here with your family?”
“Family has a way of making you do crazy things,” she said quietly as she played with her locket.
“I couldn’t agree more,” he replied, casting a glance at her. They were both here because of family, but he imagined her family was here for a very different reason.
“My brothers and I have been traveling a lot. I like it here. It’d be nice to stay,” Rhea said with a small smile.
He had no intentions of staying in this country and longer than he was required to. “You like it here?”
Rhea laughed. Her eyes lit up as the smile spread across her face. “What’s not to like? The beach is beautiful. It’s so quiet at night and there are so many fun things to do.”
He could think of a few dozen reasons why he hated this place. “I suppose you have a point.” Maybe he’d enjoy Cancun if he were here for pleasure. “Do you swim or surf?”
“No.” Rhea giggled. “I don’t know how to swim.”
“Really?” Who doesn’t know how to swim?
“Yeah. It’d be nice to learn, but I’d feel silly signing up for swim lessons at my age,” she admitted quietly.
“I could teach you,” he offered without thinking. Yeah, because you have time for that. Don’t forget why you’re here. Just because she’s pretty and is innocent like Amy doesn’t mean you should spend too much time with her.
“Oh, um,” she stuttered. “That would be nice.”
He did a mental check of his schedule. Tomorrow was Sunday. There was some free time tomorrow and Tuesday. Besides, blending in was important. “What are you doing tomorrow?”
“Nothing really,” she answered.
“Maybe we could get together? What time works for you?” he asked eager at the opportunity to see her again so soon.
“Tomorrow afternoon is good. I could meet you somewhere,” Rhea offered.
“It’s okay. I can come pick you up,” he offered.
“Turn right here.” Rhea pointed to a street.
He turned down the road and his eyes widened as they entered a gated beach community. Wow. If she has the money to live here, what is she doing working in a bar like Garcia’s? He pulled to a stop at the gate and rolled down his window. “What’s the code?” he asked.
Rhea waved her hand. “It’s fine. You can let me out here.”
“I can drive you to your door.” The community looked safe, but immense. Roads wound throughout; depending on where she lived, it could be a bit of a hike for her.
“No. It’s fine.” She bit her lip and met his gaze. “I live with my brothers. Bray and Declan are great, but they can be a bit overprotective. Besides, I don’t mind walking.”
“Uh, okay. If you’re sure,” he replied. As an overprotective big brother himself, he could understand Rhea’s concern. He’d kill a guy for bringing his little sister home this late. “Do you want to meet behind Garcia’s tomorrow afternoon around one?”
He turned and caught her gaze. Her bottom lip was tucked between her teeth and her mesmerizing eyes glistened in the moonlight. His body inched forward of its own volition—her plump lips called to him. I want to kiss her.
Rhea’s eyes widened and she reeled back from him, whacking her head on the window. She winced and covered her face with her hands. “Yeah. Yeah. Sure. Tomorrow at one.” She peeked at him through her fingers. “I’ll see you then,” she blurted.
Rhea gulped, opened her door and hopped out. She waved at him before she let herself in a side gate and then jogged down the sidewalk.
Well, that was interesting. I didn’t mean to frighten her. Hell, I don’t know what I’m doing. I’m supposed to be looking for my kid sister. Instead, I’m picking up cute blondes and taking them out on dates. I cannot look for Amy and spend time with Rhea.
***
Oh my gosh. He almost kissed me. At least I think that’s what he was going to do.
Rhea wrapped her arms around herself as she continued down the sidewalk. Mason was cute and seemed friendly enough, but there was one big problem—he was a human. She knew next to nothing about human men. If human men were like werewolf men, there were two types: the kind, caring, and sweet ones or the brutal and savage ones. Mason didn’t seem like the latter.
She shook her head and whipped out the key to the condo. Maybe she could talk to one of the girls. Her brothers would be no help. They’d lock her up if they thought she was even contemplating meeting a guy.
Rhea jammed the key in the lock and carefully eased the door open. She nibbled her lip and peeked inside. No one knew she had a late night job and she’d like to keep it that way. Bray and Declan would freak out and insist she have an escort if they knew what she was up to.
Footsteps creaked on the stairs and she cringed as the living room light flicked on. White light glazed over her and she blinked at the offensive brightness. She let out a relieved sigh. It was Catalina, not one of her brothers.
“Hey,” Catalina greeted with a smile.
“Hi,” Rhea said, shutting the door and locking it. “Please don’t tell Bray,” she pleaded.
Catalina regarded her for a moment as she made her way down the rest of the stairs. “What were you doing?”
Rhea sighed. “I got a job at night. I can’t handle all the...” she trailed off and waved her hand at the ceiling, hoping Catalina would get the message. Catalina had become a quick friend, but she didn’t really feel up to discussing sex with her brother’s mate.
“Ah.” Red tinged the wolf’s cheeks and she looked away as she made her way into the kitchen. “Your secret is safe with me. But I think you should tell him. It could’ve just as easily been him coming down for a snack.”
Catalina had a point. “I will. I just, you’ve seen how protective Bray and Declan can be.”
Catalina giggled as she took out a bottle of water. “I’ve noticed. It’s kind of cute.”
“Maybe to you,” Rhea mumbled.
“You should be thrilled you have two brothers who would do anything for you,” she argued.
“I am.” Rhea huffed. “It’s just, there is a guy who works with me...”
Catalina leaned against the counter. “So this is about a guy?”
“He’s human,” Rhea whispered as if she was divulging a huge secret, which, she kind of was.
Catalina’s brow quirked up. “And?”
“They aren’t suppose to know about us,” Rhea moaned as she sagged into a chair. “Then there is the whole infertility thing.” Although she’d survived cancer as a child, it had taken its toll on her body. Children weren’t in the cards for her and she accepted her fate, but what if he wanted them? She couldn’t deprive him of children and as a werewolf, adoption was out of the question.
Catalina walked around the counter and took the seat opposite of her. “Look, just because he’s into you, doesn’t mean it’s going to get serious. If it does, then you can cross that bridge.”
Rhea’s heart skipped a beat. Things might not get serious with Mason. Tons of people dated and then broke up. Her mood sank at the realization. This is why Declan and Bray are so overprotective. I go into everything with my whole heart. I don’t even know this guy.
