Falling for the Billionaire Wolf and His Baby (Blood Moon Brotherhood 1)

“What’s the plan?” Anders asked.

“Keep them safe. Rest a few days, before the change. I…I need to stay with them,” Finn said, staring into the fire. His wolf would do whatever was necessary to protect him, he knew that. There had been no sign of the Others, but he had to stay close, he knew that. “Can you run the perimeter?”

Anders and Dante nodded.

“The pack will help,” Hollis offered.

Ever since they were infected, Hollis read everything he could find on wolf habits, packs, and hunting, as well as werewolf lore. So far, their pack shared more of the true wolf’s sensibilities that those of the Hollywood werewolf. Something Finn was thankful for. The only distinguishing difference between his pack and the native timber wolves that populated the refuge was size and strength. His pack was bigger, with longer snouts, pointier ears, larger teeth and claws, and brutal strength. What he was capable of in wolf form was hard to accept. Out of fear or respect, the native wolves welcomed them into the pack when the moon ruled.

“I’m counting on that,” Finn nodded.

“As a point of safety…” Hollis’s tone drew Finn’s attention. “You need to be focused, Finn. You’re the alpha. If you’re distracted, we’re distracted.”

“So, do the deed. Make her one of us.” Anders grinned.

Finn rose, pacing before the fire. “I wouldn’t have wished this on any of you. You expect me to ask her to be part of this clusterfuck?”

“Seems to me she already is,” Dante said. “If you didn’t want her involved, why the hell did you bring her here?”

“To protect her,” Finn snapped.

“Back up.” Dante sighed. “Why hire her in the first place?”

“I needed a nanny. She has life-experience—”

“No, at the company. Before Oscar,” Dante pushed.

“I didn’t. I don’t hire every employee at Dean Industries. Believe me, I wouldn’t have.” But it was a lie, and he knew it. Her scent was all it had taken. If she’d come in for an intervi

ew with him, he would have known then. She was important, someone he needed to keep close—but not too close. Now he couldn’t keep his distance. When she was near, he wanted to touch her, to hold her, to reassure himself that she was there, safe, at his side. His wolf and his heart had already claimed her.

“Right.” Dante stood. “I’m going to bed.”

But after they’d turned in, Finn sat drinking a scotch and staring into the roaring flames of the fire. His wolf put Jessa’s safety in jeopardy. He ran a hand over his face, trying not to remember the feel of her body beneath his hands. He closed his eyes, drawing in the echo of her scent, the sigh she made in her sleep. Until he got a firm rein on his hunger, he’d stay where he was—away from her.

He played a game of pool against himself, threw darts for the better part of an hour, and stared out the window at the falling snow until his eyelids grew heavy. Only then did he knock back the last of his scotch and head to his bedroom.

Oscar was sound asleep in a portable crib. And Jessa slept in the rocker, twisted awkwardly, her long hair spilling over the chair arm to the floor. He hesitated, knowing he should leave her—not touch her—but unable to stop himself. When he lifted her in his arms, she turned into him, her breath warming the cotton of his white undershirt and making his medallion hot. It didn’t matter. The damn thing could burn a circle on his chest and he’d still be yearning for the feel of her curves pressed against him. He lay her on the bed, staring down at her. His wolf was pacing, hoping, and craving. So Finn headed for a long cold shower and ignored the wolf’s temper.

Chapter Nine

He felt Jessa wake on the bed next to him, her body stiffening at the sound of howling. Lots and lots of howling. There was no break—when one ended, another began. The sound filled the room, offering him security, and her fear.

“Easy.” He spoke softly against her ear. “They’re just getting ready for tomorrow.”

She drew in a wavering breath, her body trembling. There’d been no howling the last three nights, and she’d slept easy in his arms while he’d lain awake, wanting her. She’d managed to make herself at home, even with the uneasiness amongst his pack. They all knew she was his mate and were tired of his foul mood and short temper as he refused to admit the same. The pack laughed it off, but Jessa was hurt by his indifference.

Until they went to bed. It was hard to stay indifferent when she was in his arms.

Sleeping with her made everything better—and so much worse. While she’d had sweet dreams, his wolf demanded what he couldn’t take. Her reaction now, shivering from the howl of the wolves, proved his point. But she had every right to be afraid. After what she’d seen, what she’d learned, the world was no longer a safe place.

She pressed closer to him, stirring all the hunger he’d spent hours bottling up. He pressed his eyes shut, knowing what he should do.

Leave the room.

Put distance between them.

Reassure her she was safe—with words, not touch.