Force of Nature by Kathi S. Barton Read Free Book Online Page A

‘how am I a day walker’ and not that you don’t believe I can exist. My mother is a vampire, father is human. I got just enough of his DNA to allow it. And before you ask, no, CJ doesn’t know. I wasn’t sure at first how to tell her and then…” Phil shrugged. “Then it didn’t seem necessary. Have you told her what you are and what you are to her?”
    “No. I’m not even sure I want her to be my mate yet. I need…her father was Charles Webber and he did—”

    “Yes, I know. But you should also know that he did worse to her. He never liked her. He wanted her dead from the very beginning. Her mom, Rebecca, was a wonderful woman if a little on the whiny side. She should have stood up to him. Instead, she let her health go in the hopes that he’d kill her and she wouldn’t suffer any more. Unfortunately, or in this case, fortunately, CJ
    found out and his true colors were shown.” Phil sat down. “She’s coming now and for your own good, I’d avoid the topic of me.”

    Austin turned to the voice coming down the hall. He never stopped being surprised by her beauty and grace. She was on the phone and only seemed to pause a second before she continued on with her conversation. He sat down at the table with the vamp and waited.
    ~~~
    CJ didn’t want either man here, but didn’t want to kick Phil out on his ear. He had brought her a house warming gift. She just wasn’t sure if she should have him return it yet or if she was going to keep it. Brice Preston came back on the phone.
    “Okay, CJ. I got a run going out…nope, won’t work. They want a driver with our rig. Can’t make that work. I do have…shit, that won’t work either. I tell you, girl, if you’d called me two days ago, I’d a had you all kinds of work.”
    CJ ignored both men as she pulled a pitcher of tea out of the refrigerator. She wasn’t going to be polite and offer either of them one when Austin stood up and got out two more glasses and poured him and Phil a glass. She was so frustrated she felt her teeth grind.
    “What about after the holiday? Maybe I could take a few long distances for you. I have a sleeper cab and my permits are all caught up for crossing over lines.” CJ turned away from Austin’s raised brow. “I could even leave tomorrow if you need something.”
    “Well…let me get back to you on that. I do have some short hops we can let you take out.
    You know how much the others hate them things. I can see if one of the drivers want to give up a few for ya. Can I call you…say on Friday? I’ll have things all firmed up for you then.”
    “Sure, Brice, that’ll be great. I guess stationary life isn’t what I’d thought it would be.” She took out a pen and wrote a maybe next to Brice’s name for runs. “I’ll look forward to hearing from you.”
    When they hung up, she stood with her back to the two men in her kitchen and took a deep breath. When she turned around, she thought she had better control over herself. She was wrong.
    “I don’t suppose you’re making plans to visit an uncle, are you? Because as far as you leaving on a long haul, that’s so not going to happen.” Austin looked over at Phil when he snickered. “What?”
    “I think he’s trying to tell you to shut up.” She picked up both men’s coats and held them out. “I’m very happy you both stopped by, but as you can see, I have everything under control and I no longer need a father figure.”
    They didn’t move. She wanted to stomp her foot and demand that they get out, but she was pretty sure she’d only make herself look foolish. She dropped the coats back on the chair and stalked toward the hall again.
    “Then stay. I don’t give a shit. I’m tired and I’m going to go to bed. When you leave, lock up.” She was nearly to the hall when she felt hands wrap around her waist. “Put me down, you moron. I didn’t invite you here and neither one of you are on my buddy list tonight.”
    Austin sat her in the kitchen chair and