Reluctantly Lycan by Jez Strider Page B

angry.”
    Taylor left Brynn with her heart aflutter. He was good at what he did and he could honestly care less if she was eighteen or not.
     
    Mara heard a loud slam in the living room as the front door swung open and hit the wall. Kaden was leaning against the frame with his eyes closed. Slowly, he opened them and forced himself upright.
    “You’re exhausted.” She crossed the room and reached up to touch his cheek gently. His eyes shut briefly once more.
    “I have unlimited endurance.”
    “Yes, you’ve proven that several times. I want you to eat and then get some sleep.” She started to take his hand, but thought better of it. He followed her into the kitchen without the encouragement.
    “I don’t want you to feel obligated to prepare meals.” He didn’t take a seat.
    Marala retrieved the plate she’d finished for him only a few minutes before he’d crashed through the front door. “It’s a couple of sandwiches. Hardly, a feast. Besides, I’m used to it. Working as a waitress and being a mother gave me plenty of practice.”
    Kaden scarfed down the first sandwich in no more than four bites. “I haven’t eaten since I left your house.”
    “That was two days ago.”
    He shrugged, crunching on a handful of chips then starting on the second sandwich. “Finding the boy was more important.”
    She opened a two liter bottle of soda and poured him a large glass full. “Any luck?”
    “Old Finn saw something. We think. He’s a drunk, but what else do we have to go on?”
    “Kaden, you’ll find him.” She placed her hand on top of his and gave a small pat.
    “Yeah.” He didn’t sound convinced.
    “Come on.” This time she did hold his hand and pull him toward the bedroom. “I want you to sleep. I’ll make you a better meal for when you wake up.”
    Apparently, too tired to argue, he let her lead him. “Just for a few hours.” He fell back onto the bed with all his clothing on.
    “That food really did you in.” She turned to leave him alone.
    “Marala?”
    She paused, resting her hand on the doorway with her back to him. “Yes?”
    “Lie with me. Nothing more. I need to hold you.”
    Her eyes clenched tightly and her fingernails dug into the wooden frame. She should say no. Had to say no. But the way he spoke so softly. This was not the wolf speaking. This was a man troubled, regretful, and struggling with the duty he’d been born into. She lowered her hand and turned around. His eyes were closed, his breathing slow. Sleep had found him.
    “Someday, I’ll forgive you.” She said faintly, walking toward the bed. Crawling into it, she pulled a blanket over them both and rested her head against his chest. His arm held her firmly even as he lightly snored, in short little growls.
    Being in his arms equaled being home. They’ d grown up together. He’d been her first friend, her first kiss, her first lover. That was what made the betrayal so painful, especially when she’d been carrying his child. But, despite his hotheaded nature, she knew he was a good guy. Maybe they could find their way back to their destiny.
     
    Kaden shot out of bed when he heard the rallying howl of his pack mates. He’d forgotten about Mara, accustomed to sleeping alone, and she was slung off him to the side, bounced a few times on the mattress and barely missed being knocked to the floor. He stole a glance back, saw that she was on her feet, and darted out the door.
    Jak had come out of his room at the sound of the howls.
    “Stay here. Both of you.” Kaden said as he opened the front door and stepped outside. Not surprisingly, neither listened. Though, they did remain on the porch as he stalked toward the ruckus.
    Nashoba was in wolf form, snapping at the heels of a human as Blake and Luke held the man up by each arm. Levi led the way.
    “You!” Kaden yelled, closing the distance between him and the intruder.
    “You know this guy?” Levi said. “We found him snooping around the property. Had a camera and