Storm Watch (Woodland Creek) by Hope Welsh, Woodland Creek

your place, apparently.” She turned to Rickman, who now stood by her door. “Is that okay?”
    Rickman nodded and grinned. “Sure. I’ll follow you—just to be sure you don’t get lost on the way.”
    Storm rolled her eyes, then raised the window and turned on the Jeep. It had gotten cold fast.
    Within what seemed like only a few minutes, they were once more back at Luke’s house. She parked the Jeep near the door and walked around to open the door for Luke, just as Rickman pulled in behind her.
    Luke jumped down and went into the house, apparently sure that his friend wouldn’t let her drive off again. She heard the bedroom door slam and winced. “I think he’s a little irritated,” she said as they walked in behind him.
    “Yes, I’d imagine so, young lady. Where did you think you were going? Isn’t there a killer after you?” TJ asked.
    Storm sighed and ran her hand through her hair. “Yes. But, I thought if I was in a different vehicle, he wouldn’t know it.”
    TJ frowned. “Did you have your keys?”
    “Um, no,” she admitted. “They’re missing.”
    “Then it’s safe to assume that that man is around here somewhere. Don’t you imagine he would know what Luke is driving, since he hired him and all?”
    She hadn’t even thought of that! What if he was in town? “Can you get me away from here?”
    Rickman shook his head. “Only as far as town. And what would you do there? If you’re afraid, I could put you in protective custody.”
    Luke walked into the room—in human form. “Good idea. After all, she did try to steal my Jeep. Maybe in a cell, she’d at least be safe.”
    Storm paled and glared at him. “You’re going to press charges? ”
    “Why shouldn’t I? This is the second time I’ve had to run you down. You’re obviously not going to listen to a word I say,” he snapped.
    Rickman stood off to the side, his hands on his waist, just listening. Storm looked to him for help. “Are you going to let him do that?”
    Rickman nodded. “He’s within his rights to press charges. The fact that you didn’t get far doesn’t negate the auto theft,” he said calmly.
    Storm backed up. “Luke! You can’t put me in jail!” Her heart was racing. If Raymond found her there, she’d be a sitting duck. She didn’t really think he’d keep the charges, but she wasn’t all too sure that he wouldn’t put her in the cell if he thought it was for the best. Her appreciation of his Alpha tendencies was waning fast.
    He just glared at her. “Can’t I? I can’t keep you safe if you don’t cooperate, Storm. I’ve told you that over and over again. Just an hour ago, you gave me your word you’d do as you were told until this mess is over. Now, I know that you’re not the only one to be concerned with! You have a baby to think about, too! What the fuck were you thinking to take off like that?”
    Storm was suddenly dizzy. Her ears were buzzing and it was getting difficult to hear—right before the world went black.
     
     
     

 
     
    L uke cursed himself for seven kinds of fool as he raced to catch Storm before she hit the floor. “Son of a bitch,” he swore.
    “What’s wrong with her?” TJ asked sharply.
    “Hell, I don’t think anything is wrong other than fear. Damn it, I shouldn’t have said that, but Lord, this woman can bring out the worst in me,” he muttered as he laid her on the couch. He touched her cheek. “I never thought a woman would make me feel like this.”
    “Like what?” TJ asked.
    “I’m in love with her, TJ. I’ve known her for what? Two days? But, I’m in love with her,” he said, frustration clear in his tone. “And all she can think to do is run.”
    “W—what happened?” Storm asked.
    “You fainted,” Luke said softly. “Guess the idea of jail didn’t sit well with you.”
    “Are you…?”
    He shook his head and kissed her gently. “No. But I should. At least I’d know you’d be safe. You can’t keep doing this, sweetheart.”
    “I