Moonlight Kin 2: Aidan's Mate (Mid-Length Novel) (12 page)

Aidan’s amber gaze assessed her. “You’ve no doubt bumped your head and had an airbag explode in your face. I want to make sure you’re okay.”

Several painful finger probes and a barrage of pointless questions later, Dr. Gabe declared that she didn’t have a concussion. Jenna could’ve told him that.

The doctor gave her a couple of aspirin.

Jenna dry swallowed them.

He removed his latex gloves and tossed them into the trash, then closed his bag. His gaze returned to the healing wound on her forehead. “You should’ve had someone take a look at this right after it happened. It might’ve prevented scarring.”

Scarring had been the least of her concerns. Jenna hadn’t had the money to see a doctor. Nor had there been time when she was running away from Carl. She didn’t have the money now either.

“I don’t have health insurance,” she said. Not an oddity in this day and time.

Dr. Gabe turned to Aidan. “She’ll be fine. It’s just a knock. Let me know if she gets sleepy or her speech slurs.”

Jenna glared at him. “
She
can hear you. She’s standing right here.”

Gabe didn’t spare her a glance as he waited for Aidan’s response. “Stay close.” He glanced at Jenna. “Never know when trouble might arrive.”

* * * * *

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Aidan’s heart continued to race in his chest. When he’d seen Jenna skid off the road into the woods, something inside him had shattered.

The bone deep sense of loss had struck him to the core and he could no longer ignore the growing connection between them or the need to find out where it would lead.

Terror was not a feeling Aidan was used to experiencing or one he cared to repeat. It didn’t sit well with his wolf.

Thank goodness she’d been driving the Rover and not her vehicle or the accident could’ve been a lot worse.

She’d been crying so uncontrollably. Each tear had battered his Lycan soul. In his wolf form, Aidan had had difficulty following her conversation. Though he doubted that it would’ve made sense in his human form either, since she’d had her face buried in his side.

He’d caught enough to know that Jenna intended to betray him, but he still didn’t understand why. The odd part was it didn’t make him angry.

By rights, he should be furious with her. Instead, all he could think about was who had arrived in town?

Just the thought of Jenna around another male brought out some very uncomfortable feelings. On a normal day, it was hard to fight his nature. This close to the full moon made it damn near impossible.

Jenna was in danger. Of that there was no doubt. Aidan had suspected as much, but her disjointed, tear-soaked confession proved it.

Someone was after her. Someone she feared. That same fear drove her now to do things she wouldn’t normally do. His Alpha instincts quickly rose to the surface. The urge to protect what was his burned through his body. Aidan wanted to sink his claws into the threat and eviscerate it.

But he needed more information. He had to be able to identify the threat. Once he did that, Jenna wouldn’t have to worry anymore. Now the question was, how would he ferret out the truth?

Demanding that she tell him everything would only drive Jenna away. She was stubborn to a fault. There was only one way forward. Aidan had to let her go through with her ‘plan’. Whatever it may be. Convince her that he was falling for her ruse, then like any good wolf, he would pounce.

Aidan felt her gaze scroll over him. She’d been doing that ever since she had entered the house. He would’ve been flattered, if he didn’t think there was more behind the look than plain lust.

“What are you looking for?” he asked.

She jumped and her voice squeaked. “What?”

Aidan tilted his head. “You keep looking at me with a funny expression on your face. What is it you’re searching for?”

Jenna hesitated. “It’s ridiculous.”

He brushed a strand of hair away from her face. “Tell me anyway.”

She bit her lip, drawing his gaze to her mouth. “It’s going to sound crazy.”

Aidan smiled. “Promise I won’t laugh.”

She took a deep breath. “For a moment back in the woods, I thought I’d hit
you
.”

Aidan didn’t blink, didn’t show any emotion at all. “Why would you think that?”

Jenna shook her head. “When I looked in the rearview mirror after the accident, I could’ve sworn I saw you lying by the side of the road. Obviously, I didn’t. You’re here. Unhurt. The accident scrambled my mind and somehow I incorporated all those wild stories I heard in town.”

His brows rose.

She rubbed her arms, quelling the gooseflesh. “Told you it was crazy.”

Aidan closed the distance between them. “There are a lot of things that cannot be easily explained away by logic. If you say that you saw me in the woods,” he shrugged, “then maybe you did.”

Jenna’s lips flattened. “Don’t patronize me. I know you weren’t in the woods. I hit a wolf.”

“Was he okay?” he asked.

She nodded. “I checked.”

He waggled his eyebrows. “So you’re saying that I look like a wolf?”

Jenna grinned. “When you look at me like that.” She pointed at his face. “Yeah, you could do a passing impression.”

“I’m flattered.” Aidan held out his hand. Jenna hesitated, then slowly took it. Her fingers were so fragile beneath his. One squeeze would crush every bone in her hand to dust. Aidan closed his fingers around hers and led her out of the room.

“Sorry about the Rover,” she whispered. “I’ll pay for the repairs. In fact, I’ll do the work myself to make sure it’s done right.”

“It’s not important. The vehicle is insured.” Aidan led her down the stairs.

She pulled back. “Please stop being so nice.”

Aidan snorted. “No one has ever accused me of that.”

She rolled her eyes. “Then they don’t know you very well.”

Aidan’s chest filled with warmth. He liked that she thought he was nice. Liked doing nice things for her, if it got him a smile.

“I’m hungry.” And he was, just not for food. The taste of her sweet skin still lingered on Aidan’s tongue, burning its way through his body in a rush. He desperately wanted another taste, a far more intimate taste.

His wolf surfaced. Aidan felt his shaft stir behind his zipper. He waited, but it didn’t go down. If anything, he grew even harder.

Fine!
Aidan growled at his wolf.
You’ll get your way this one time, and one time only.
He was desperate enough to make a deal with the devil, if it meant the end of his ‘affliction’.
Tonight I’ll have sex with her and prove to you once and for all that she’s not the one.

His wolf yipped with excitement.

After we’ve had her, you’ll change your mind. You will see that there’s nothing remarkable about humans, then we can get back to the business of sorting through the Werewomen. Do we have a deal?

In his head, Aidan heard his wolf howl.

He escorted Jenna to her room. “Take a quick shower and we’ll head into town.”

“Town?” Jenna’s eyes widened and she pulled her hand away. “Why would you want to go there?”

“To get something to eat,” he said slowly.

Her scent turned bitter. “Why not eat here?” Panic squeezed her voice, making the pitch higher.

“I eat here most nights. I’m in the mood for something different.” That was the absolute truth. His heated gaze slid over her, then Aidan paused. “You told me that you felt fine. Do I need to call Gabe back?”

* * * * *

“No! I mean. I am fine. Still a little shaken from the accident.” Jenna swallowed hard. The change in Aidan’s behavior toward her had her head spinning. Things were suddenly moving too fast.

Jenna wasn’t oblivious. She’d noticed there was sexual tension between them, albeit muted. There was nothing dampening it now. It was like the accident had removed a barrier. She could now see the full brunt of his desire.

Aidan’s intense focus thrilled her and frightened her. Jenna wasn’t convinced she could handle the heat without being consumed, which was why she found herself trying to bow out.

“Doubt I’d be very good company tonight,” she said.

Aidan was giving her the perfect opportunity to interview him, but the offer came with strings. Strings that threatened to bind her, making escape impossible.

Part of Jenna ached to give in. It had been so long since she’d
touched
another human being, or been held all night in someone’s arms. Her skin prickled. If she concentrated, she could almost feel the warmth of his hands on her body. But there were other things to consider beyond primal needs.

Carl’s pugnacious face flashed in her mind.

The thought of running into him drove the heat from her body, sobering her. She had no idea what Carl would do. Would he start a fight? Try to drag her into his car like the last time?

Jenna didn’t want Aidan in the line of fire. Better to drive a wedge between them now, than to have harm come to him. This wasn’t his fight. It was hers.

“It’s just a casual dinner. I’m not looking to be entertained.” Aidan seemed unnaturally calm. Like accidents, house calls, and strangers disrupting his life were the norm around this place.

She took a different tack. One Jenna was sure would hit its mark. “Wouldn’t you prefer one of your women to go with you? No doubt any one of them would jump at the chance.” The snap in her voice surprised her. All she’d wanted to do was douse the rising flames, but somehow her tone had had the opposite effect.

Aidan’s amber eyes appeared to glow and he looked unduly pleased. He didn’t dispute her claim. How could he? She’d seen the models with her own eyes. He also didn’t gloat, but then again, he didn’t need to. He was well aware of how appealing he was to the opposite sex. The only thing that had changed was now he knew she wasn’t immune to his charm.

“I want you,” Aidan paused, “to join me tonight.”

His words seared her flesh, exposing her vulnerability. She wasn’t clueless. She hadn’t missed the double-entendre. In desperation, Jenna tried one last time to dissuade him.

“If you’re looking to add to your harem, then you’d better look elsewhere.”

A nerve in Aidan’s jaw started to tic. “I do not have nor have I ever had a harem. They’re not culturally relevant for me and the concept is outdated. Don’t you think?” he continued. “What I do have is a lot of responsibility. More responsibility than you could ever imagine.”

Jenna massaged her temple. This wasn’t working like she’d hoped. The barb had hit too close and clearly wounded him. She hadn’t meant to hurt him. She only wanted to prevent him from making a mistake. And perhaps stop herself at the same time.

“I’m sorry,” she said. “I didn’t mean it like that.” She had, but said aloud it sounded mega-bitchy. Not at all like she’d intended. “I have a bit of a headache.”

Aidan’s gaze bored through her. “Perhaps we should dine some other time, when you’re feeling more up to it.” He turned to leave.

“No.” Jenna stopped him.

This was her last chance to get that interview, and the last opportunity to be held in his arms. There wouldn’t be another. She stared at him. Saw the heat. Saw the offer in his eyes. If she wanted more, Aidan made it clear he’d oblige. Did she dare accept?

“I’ll get cleaned up and be out in thirty,” she said.

Aidan arched a brow.

“It won’t take me long.” Jenna planned to pack once she showered. After dinner, Aidan might very well toss her out of his house. She wanted to be ready for every contingency.

And just where do you think you’ll go without a car? You wrecked the one he gave you to drive. It’s not like he’s going to loan you another.

Her shoulders slumped. She’d forgotten all about the Bug. “Maybe I should go check on my car before we leave.” Could she somehow rig it to run? Doubtful. All she had to do was make it to the next town. Jenna supposed she could hitchhike again, but that was a last resort.

Aidan shook his head. “Not necessary. I had your vehicle repaired. I’d planned to surprise you, when you got home from work.”

Jenna’s heart sank. He was killing her with kindness, one act at a time. She didn’t think she’d survive another good deed. Aidan was making it so hard to betray him.

“When did you find the time?” she asked.

“Nic looked it over the night it was towed in. After he met you, he sent Josh into the city for parts.”

“So that’s the errand he was running?” She shook her head.

Aidan nodded. “Don’t be upset. Nic took care of the repairs personally as a favor to me,” he said.

There was something about his tone that gave Jenna pause. Why would Nic owe Aidan a favor? The guy worked for him.

“I should probably go out and thank him,” she said. “Is he still in the garage?”

Aidan caught her arm, his thumb brushing gently over her skin. “There’s no need. He was honored to help.”

“Honored?” She let her incredulity show.

“When you speak to him later, you’ll see. For now, get ready. My hunger is growing by the second. Soon I’ll be ravenous and we might not make it to the restaurant.” Heat poured off his body, causing his wild scent to deepen. The woodsy spice perfumed the air, making her feel giddy.

Thoughts of food deserted her. Despite a slight headache, something inside Jenna flared to life, answering the unspoken question she saw in his eyes. Was she prepared to meet the inferno head on? If not now, when would she get another chance?

“I better hurry.” She hiked her thumb over her shoulder toward her room.

“You do that.” Aidan’s feral grin curled her toes and sent a thrill tripping down her spine. He glanced at his watch, then leaned in next to her ear. His warm breath brushed the skin, then he inhaled. “If you’re not out in twenty-five minutes, I’m coming in after you.” Threat. And a promise.

* * * * *

CHAPTER TWELVE

The drive into town was a strange combination of tension and heightened awareness. The knot in Jenna’s stomach grew the closer they got.