Long Road Home (4 page)

He made sure not to cross the yellow tape as he explored, though. The investigation, as small as it might be, deserved to be respected. Instead of focusing on the spot where the shots had been fired, he hiked up the steep embankment and down to the valley below. He didn’t find any tracks, but broken branches on saplings and disturbed rocks led the way. When he followed the obscure path to the road he found a set of muddy tire tracks waiting for him.

After pulling his phone out of his pocket, he took a couple of quick photos. He needed to make a quick call and he’d be able to return to his truck.

“This is Detective Lee.”

He stared at the tracks as he held the phone to his ear. “This is Hank. We met at the hospital earlier.”

“The McKay shooting, right?”

“Yeah. I’m out at the McKay farm and noticed some suspicious tire tracks a quarter mile from the farm off the main road. Wanted to let you know in case they might have something to do with the case.”

The detective was silent for a moment. “You aren’t actively investigating the shooting, are you?”

“Nope.” The lie slipped easily through his lips. He’d practiced the art of deceit his entire life. “I only noticed them on my way out and stopped to take a look. Thought you might be interested.”

“Okay. I’ll have someone come out and take a cast of them in case they are related to the case.”

“Thank you. They’re a quarter mile north of the farm. Can’t miss them.”

“I appreciate you keeping an eye out, but I want to impress upon you the danger of civilians investigating active cases. Especially when it’s an attempted murder.” The detective sighed over the phone. “You would be putting yourself into real danger. Or you might jeopardize the crime scene. We don’t want this guy to walk because evidence was corrupted or compromised.”

He rolled his eyes. Hank didn’t need the court for justice. If the police or DA screwed up the case and the assailant went free, he would track him down and tear his throat out. He didn’t plan on sharing the solution with the detective. “I understand. I promise, I discovered the tracks by accident. I didn’t go looking for evidence or anything.”

“Okay. Thank you for calling me.”

“Happy to help.” He disconnected and then had Thom’s men help him load the crops into his rig. He had a job to do. The pack needed food.

The two-hour trek back to Los Lobos went by quickly. As he drove into the tiny settlement, a ball of nervous energy formed in the pit of his stomach. Earlier, he’d driven into the town because Drew wanted to talk to him. He’d been a stranger visiting. He assumed he’d be on the road before anyone knew he’d come back. This time, he was officially working for the pack.

He parked his truck in front of Gee’s Place and took a deep breath. Walking into the bar would start tongues wagging. Small communities love gossip. He hated being talked about, but being the center of the chatter was unavoidable.

The door to the truck swung open easily with a gentle pull of the handle and a nudge from his shoulder. His feet moved sluggishly toward the building, but they did move. One tug on the old door and nostalgia washed over him. He’d come home.

Fear warred with longing in his chest. Everything he ever wanted yet had to forsake surrounded him. He cleared the emotion out of his throat and made his way to the bar. Gee stood behind it watching him cross the floor. The substantial man’s face resembled tanned leather, his long black hair had been tied back into a braid, and the aroma of bear surrounded him as it always did. Even over the scent of grease hovering in the air, he had no problem placing the scent. He’d always liked Gee. The bear shifter had been fair.

“I’ve seen a lot of homecomings since Drew came to power. Have to admit, didn’t expect to see yours.”

Hank sat down and threw a twenty on the bar. “Yeah. I’ve heard Satan moved to Florida. Something about his domain freezing over.”

Gee laughed and pulled a glass out from under the bar. “What can I get you?”

“Burger, fried pickles, and a beer.” The order had been his standard before he left.

Gee nodded before heading over to a tap. “You here to stay or passing through?”

“Jury’s still out. I’m not hating it here.”

He handed the order ticket to the man in the kitchen before saying, “I think you’d like it here. If you decide to give it a chance.”

“I’m keeping an open mind. Drew asked me to do a couple of supply runs for the pack.” He took a drink and sighed with relief. “Spent most of the day over at McKay’s place. I have a load of fresh produce in the back of my rig. I would appreciate it if you’d have a couple men unload it.” At the mention of the man’s name, his face heated and his stomach clenched with desire. He shouldn’t have touched Thom as long as he had at the hospital. The memory had been burned into his brain.

“Drew told me to expect a shipment. Thought it would be coming earlier in the day, though. Give me a second to round up some men with strong backs.” Gee put his dish towel down and went into the kitchen. When he came back, he said, “We should have it unloaded in an hour.”

“Thanks. Sorry about the delay.” He took a drink of his beer. “Didn’t mean to inconvenience anybody.”

“No problem. I heard there was some excitement up at the McKay farm today.”

He drained he beer in one final gulp. “I’m sorry, what?” Had Gee seen the heat in his cheeks? Was his blush how he knew to call him on the attraction?

“Police and ambulance were called.”

He relaxed as he realized Gee hadn’t been talking about his feelings toward the human farmer. “Oh. I don’t know if I’d call the experience exciting. Someone shot up my rig and then tried to kill McKay. Crazy, huh? He’s a good guy. Not sure why anyone would want to hurt him.”

“Never did understand humans,” Gee said with a shake of his head. He ducked back into the kitchen and grabbed Hank’s food before coming back to the bar. “They think shifters are monstrous beasts of movies and legends, but when we kill, we have a good reason.”

“I’ve been gone too long to know much about McKay or his farm.” He shoved a good portion of the burger into his mouth after he spoke. It wasn’t exactly five-star dining, but it filled an empty stomach. “Can you think of any reason somebody might attack him?”

Silence hung between them for a second or two. “He’s a pretty good kid. Drew thinks he’s an honest businessman. I can’t imagine he’s pissed anybody off.”

“Heard any rumors about the land going up in value around here?”

“This far out in the middle of nowhere?” Gee shook his head. “Naw. Investors can’t put a neighborhood out here. Nobody would make the commute. The only person who’d want McKay’s land is another farmer.”

“Figured as much.”

A large Wolf walked in from the kitchen and nodded. “The rig is unloaded.” He moved to leave, but then stopped. “Thanks.”

The word of gratitude made him lighthearted, but he pushed the sensation away. “I’m only doing my job.” Hank finished the rest of his food in record time and then slid off the stool. “Thanks for the grub, old man.”

“Are we going to be seeing more of you?” Gee took the empty plate and glass and put them in a large plastic tub.

“I’ll be in town while Thom is in the hospital, but then I’m going to be staying over at McKay’s until he’s healed. Got to protect the food source,” he added quickly. “After he’s out of danger, who knows?”

“If you don’t have anyplace lined up, you can have one of the rooms upstairs.”

“Are you sure?”

“It’d be nice to have you around again. Growing up here was rough for you. Things have changed, though.”

“I’ll take you up on the offer, then.” He wanted to come back. He respected Drew as an Alpha. Not knowing if they wanted him—the real him, had started to sting. The offer of the room, however, had given him some hope. Maybe he could make Los Lobos his home.

***

Three days later, Thom sat in silence as Hank drove him to his farm. He’d never been so helpless before in his life and he hated every second of it. “You’re semi is still here,” he said as they pulled up the drive. He wanted to kick himself when he said the words. He hadn’t said two words this whole trip, and those were the ones he’d decided to start with? “Sorry. I can imagine you’ve been busy over the last couple of days, but it sounded like Drew wanted the delivery rushed.”

“Which is why I already took the delivery to Los Lobos.” He pulled to a stop next to the rig. “I wanted to have my schedule cleared for your release so I could spend my time looking after more important things.”

Thom, for example, might be one of those more important things. The realization made a thrill of excitement race through his body. “Back at the hospital, when you offered to help out until I’d healed, I didn’t respond well. I’m sorry.”

“You’d been shot and on pain meds.”

“No. I hated admitting I need help, but I do. Thank you.”

He put his hand on Thom’s uninjured leg. “You don’t need to thank me for something any decent person would do.” Their gazes caught and for one brief moment he thought Hank swayed toward him, but before he knew for certain the other man moved away and opened his door. “Give me a sec and I’ll be right around to help you out.”

If he hadn’t apologized a second ago for being a dick about accepting help, he would’ve refused. Since he had, however, he grimaced but sat patiently. His reward for his good behavior came when Hank wrapped an arm around his waist to help him steady himself. The scent of soap and cloves surrounded him. The aroma made an intoxicating combination.

“Lean on me. I’ve got you.” Hank squeezed his waist as he said the words.

“They gave me crutches.”

Hank started to guide him toward the small farmhouse. “Which is fine after the meds have completely worn off, you’re on a nice level ground, or after you’ve healed a bit more. I don’t want to have to take you back to the hospital because you tripped over a root or didn’t see a stone.”

“I’m not complaining.” The words rushed out and jumbled mix of nerves and medication. “I didn’t want you to feel obligated.”

The warm, rich laughter breaking from Hank made Thom buzz. “Don’t worry. No feelings of obligation here. Lots of other crazy-ass emotions, but not obligation.” If his ear hadn’t been so close to Hank’s mouth, he wouldn’t have heard his mutter.

“Still, I do appreciate it.” He looked at the semi. “Doesn’t your girl get lonely while you’re on the road?” His stomach cramped at the obvious question. Saying,
Hey, do you go for girls or guys,
would’ve been more subtle.

“Nope.”

He bit his lip to keep from groaning in disappointment. He’d have to dig a little deeper or drop it altogether. “Cool. I’ve got friends who have clinging girlfriends. Makes everything more difficult.”

“Yep.” He laughed as he helped Thom up the porch stairs.

Damn it
. “You should probably give her a call once you get settled. Let her know where you’re going to be for the next couple of days.”

“I must say, I’ve never met anyone so concerned for my girlfriend’s feelings.”

His heart shuddered at the admission. Hank did have a girlfriend. All this chemistry he’d been picking up on had only been in his head.

“Which is kind of a waste of energy, seeing as I don’t have one.”

“Oh.” Numb confusion filled him. He went to gay bars and met men on dating sites to avoid the awkward sexual orientation conversation. He thought Hank would be worth the discomfort, though. “There are a couple bars, but they’re in town. The drive is a bit bumpy here or there, but I’m sure you would be able make the trip on the weekends.”

“I’m not looking for one, either.” He held out his hand as they approached the door but Thom only stared at it in confusion. “Keys?”

“Oh. It’s unlocked.”

All amusement vanished from his features. “What? Why?”

“I live in the middle of nowhere. Why would I need to lock my doors?”

“Somebody shot at you. It seems like locking the doors might be a good idea under the circumstances.”

His face grew warm at the truth. “I didn’t know somebody would try to kill me four days ago, and I’ve been kind of busy recovering in a hospital bed since then.” He’d lock the doors from now on, but he’d be dammed if he took shit for not realizing his life might be in danger.

“Stay here. I’ll check out the house.”

Hank disappeared through the door before he could stop him. Standing out on the porch, propped up by a wall gave him time to think. He couldn’t very well go chasing after the man. His crutches were still in the truck.

What am I doing?
He hadn’t been so twisted up by a guy since high school. When he’d been younger, the behavior had been acceptable. He hadn’t come out. Hell, he hadn’t even admitted the truth to himself. He wasn’t a nervous and naive boy any longer.

When he reappeared, Thom said, “I’m attracted to you. I should’ve told you before you offered to stay and help me, but everything happened so fast. The timing never seemed right. Then I wanted you to stay, but not to help me. Which wasn’t fair to you. So I’m telling you. I’m attracted to you.”

Hank stared at him for a second. The shock of the declaration was written on his crinkled brow and his agape mouth. Then he blinked and shook his head. He wrapped his arms around Thom’s waist before he leaned forward and kissed him.

The stubble on Hank’s face brushed against his cheek and his lips were firm and demanding. He moaned under the sensual onslaught. When Hank took advantage of the sound to deepen the kiss, Thom’s cock swelled and his heart raced.

“Inside. Now.” The rough words couldn’t be mistaken for anything other than a command. One Thom complied with instantly.

They bumped against walls and furniture as Thom guided him to the bedroom. Each time they collided with something, his injury sent a dull streak of pain through him but it also made Hank’s body brushed against his. He’d gladly endure the pain if it brought the pleasure of touching him. The rigid length of his cock rubbing against muscular thighs through the denim made him impatient.

Breaking the kiss, he tugged at his shirt until Hank took over and stripped him of the garment. “Damn.” Hank’s gaze swept down his body making him heady with desire yet self-conscious at the same time.