Shades of Darkness (Redemption Series) by Melynda Price

on it, anxious for them all to get the hell out of here. He didn’t mind, he wasn’t here to socialize with the little half-wit. Once he got what he wanted, he’d be outta here. They ate their breakfast in silence—all eyes watching him watch the female.
    The warrior’s scent had sent his senses on high alert. His predatory instincts zeroed in on the waitress as he visually stalked her, waiting for his opportunity to strike. When the girl walked down a back hallway, ducking out of his sight, he shoved his plate away and leapt up. “I’ll be back in a minute,” he growled, taking off after her.
    “Excuse me,” Haden called, rushing up to her.
    The waitress stopped abruptly and spun around. Looking like a cornered mouse, her eyes darted left then right, no doubt puzzling out an escape plan. “Can I help you?” she asked nervously. The bitter tang of her fear spiked the air. The rapid tick of her pulse fluttered in the little divot of her throat, giving away her rising panic.
    “I certainly hope so. There was a couple that came in here not too long ago. A big guy, I guess women would say was good-looking. He was here with a black-haired beauty—bright green eyes…ring any bells?”
    Aimee frowned, looking as if she was trying really hard to remember. He wasn’t buying it. Hope her memory improved real quick. It wasn’t that he was opposed to getting what he wanted out of the female. Hell, he’d rather enjoy a round of “Cat and Mouse” with her. But she was pregnant, he could sense the second life force inside her, and that was the only thing saving the bitch’s life. He might be a heartless bastard, but killing the unborn was a low not even he would stoop to.
    Especially not after…
    Oh, hell no, he was not going there again. Not now—not ever.
    “I’m not sure who you’re talking about.” The female lied like a pro. “I just got here myself.”
    “Now, Aimee,” Haden drawled, moving a step closer and forcing her to take one back unless she wanted that nameless rack of hers crushed against his chest. “See, I know that you know exactly who I’m talking about, because you’ve been in physical contact with the guy I’m lookin’ for.” He bent to her neck and inhaled deeply, enjoying the startled catch of her breath. “Now, all I want is for you to tell me which direction they went and how long ago they left.”
    “They left about ten minutes ago,” she squeaked, fear constricting her throat. “I… I heard him say something to the woman about stopping at the motel to check out.”
    “And what motel would that be?”
    “The o…only one in town,” she managed. “Just a few blocks up the road. Please,” she begged, “let me go.” She turned to the side, pressing her back against the wall as she tried to slide past him.
    “Certainly,” Haden replied, taking a gallant step back, allowing her to pass. “Hey, Aimee,” he called after her.
    She froze, stumbling to a halt, but didn’t turn back to look at him.
    “You’d better not be lying to me.”
    “Why would I? I don’t even know who they were,” she replied before rushing into the kitchen.
    Haden marched down the hall and found The Three Stooges still sitting at the table. “They headed back to the motel to check out,” he said, kicking the side of Cale’s boot. “Let’s go, time’s a wastin’.”
    Haden was already in the car, not so patiently waiting, when Rowen and the others walked out. He punched the gas a few times, revving the old Buick’s engine, telling them to hurry the hell up. Cale grumbled something to Rowen, and he briefly considered taking off, leaving them all behind. A tempting thought, for sure, but as much as he hated to admit it, he needed those assholes to distract the warrior. The three climbed into the car, and Rowen barely got the door shut before Haden gunned it. The Buick lurched forward, pelting the diner with gravel.
    “You know, you could make a bigger effort not to draw so much attention