The strangest thing of all was she didn’t believe it came from his dog.
Tension seemed to grow, and she waited, sure that he’d been the one to growl at her like that. Why wasn’t she afraid?
With Liam, she knew she was safe.
“You know you’re good looking.” She changed the subject. “So, you’ve lived here all your life?”
“Yes.”
“Do the rumors bother you?”
“Rumors?”
“You know, about the wolves.” She’d heard the local gossip and myths about a pack of wolves that lived out in the forest. She loved wolves so much, not that she’d ever seen one herself.
“What about them?” Liam asked.
“You’ve lived here. You know, the rumor that men can change into them, or that they eat humans, or steal women to take to their lair.”
“Wow, they’re still talking about that shit?”
Again, his speech seemed to completely confuse her. “Still? How old are you?” she asked.
“I mean, my dad talked about them, you know. That’s what I meant.”
“I’m thirty years old, just so you know,” she said.
“I’m around the same age.”
He didn’t sound so sure, but she decided to let it go. As far as dates went, this one was going a little strangely, and she didn’t know if that was because of her, or if she just wasn’t used to going on dates all that much.
Being a busy recluse didn’t exactly leave much time in the way of a social life. They finished their sandwiches and drinks. All the time she couldn’t stop laughing as Alphie kept jumping up against the table.
After their food was gone, and silence fell between them, Rebecca didn’t want the moment to end.
“So, I was thinking, if it’s not too forward, would you like to show me around sometime? I know this place has a lot of rich history, with settlers dating back a couple of hundred years ago. I’d love to know more, if you’d be willing?”
“I would love to. If you want, I can take you to a few places tonight. The night is still young.”
Part of her wanted to jump at the chance. Another was nervous about getting home. She didn’t want to be out too late.
Live dangerously.
Liam was a hot, sexy man, and she wanted to spend time with him.
“I’d love to.”
“We’ll have to take my car.”
“Of course.”
He whistled to Alphie, and she followed him as he walked toward a jeep. He opened the passenger door, and she burst out laughing as Alphie nudged her out of the way.
“I guess he wants to be in first.”
“He’s adorable. You’ve got a keeper there.”
“I think I’ll keep him. He’s good company.”
He held his hand out, and she took it, climbing into his jeep.
Tonight, she would live a little recklessly. She’d never done anything like this before in her life. Putting her bag on the floor, she sat back as he pulled out of the parking spot. He spun the jeep around, and they were heading back out of the town.
“Where are you taking me?” she asked.
“It’s a secluded spot, one of my favorites. It’s near a lake. A lot of high school kids are there now as it’s a make-out spot.”
She’d never been to a make-out spot before. Alphie butted his head on her knee, and she stroked behind his ears. She couldn’t resist glancing toward the man in the driver’s seat. His strong arms caught her attention. They were thick, strong, and corded with muscle. No wonder the men who’d attacked her didn’t stand a chance against him.
He was the strongest man she’d ever seen before in her life, tall as well. She’d always been a sucker for big men.
“Did that waitress leave you her phone number?” she asked.
“I tossed it in the trash. I wasn’t there to pick up that woman, Rebecca. I answered your call. No one else’s.”
She thought she’d seen the woman’s number on a napkin, and she’d been gutted. Now of course, she liked Liam. He was truly different.
There’s no way Rebecca could have met him on a dating site. She’d attempted them a few years back and hadn’t found any luck with them. A couple of the men had even been married and only used the sites to have affairs.
Liam pulled up into a parking space. “We’re here.”
The area was deserted, and she didn’t see any signpost to say where they were.
He was at her door as she opened it, helping her out. “You can leave your bag. No one will touch my jeep.”
Listening to him, she felt that electric thrill rush through her body as he kept hold of her hand, leading her down a dirt path. The bushes and trees were overgrown, but the path was clear from many years of use.
If kids truly made out here, she understood it. The air felt so calm, so peaceful. This had to be the single craziest thing she’d ever done.
Liam was a stranger to her.
She didn’t know him at all.
He’d protected her, and rather than fight it, she embraced everything. Pushing all of her negative thoughts to one side, she focused on Liam and the path he was leading her down.
This felt right.
Liam stopped at the clearing, and she gasped. There was light from the crescent moon and stars reflected off the surface of the lake.
It truly was breathtaking, beautiful, and as Liam pulled her into his arms, everything felt exactly as it should be.
Chapter Three
Everything had been going better than he expected—until he sensed one of his rivals nearby. He’d recognize their stench anywhere. The lake was neutral ground, so neither of them were trespassing on the other’s territory. But his alpha wolf didn’t want a rival pack member near his mate.
“I could stay here all night,” she said, oblivious to the potential danger. Rebecca was mesmerized by the moon and stars. The water was nearly as still as glass tonight, the air comfortably warm. Although he’d never had a serious relationship, he knew how human females liked to be treated by a man. They wanted romance and attention, and he’d give her more than she could handle.
“Anytime you want to come, just let me know. People hike around here in the day, but I like it best at night.”
“You’re right. I’ve never seen anything like this.”
“There are a lot of other beautiful spots around the town. I’ll show them all to you.” He dared to tuck her hair behind her ear. She didn’t flinch away, which was a good sign. Liam felt a strand between his fingers for a few moments. “I’ve never seen this color before.”
“I’m cursed. It must be my Irish roots.”
“It’s stunning, Rebecca. Reminds me of the harvest moon.”
Her mouth parted slightly, and she looked up at him with those big green eyes. She was shy with men, maybe uncomfortable with compliments, but right now he could feel her desire.
A wolf bayed in the distance, and she pressed her body against his, her forearms on his chest. He could barely contain his low growl of satisfaction. She’d sought him for comfort, and his little human had no idea how far he’d go to protect her.
He owned the night.
Liam was alpha to one of the most lethal wolf shifter packs in the state. Everyone in his world knew not to mess with the Grey Valley Pack. The human world saw a reclusive group of men who lived off the grid. They had no idea what Liam was capable of.