Sanctuary (A Hunted Novel Book 1) by Bethany Shaw Read Free Book Online Page A

years before my twenty fifth birthday.”
    Tess frowned. What difference did it make when the full moon was? Or how old they were? She was about to ask when a loud melodic tone sounded. Nate stood up and dug a sleek black phone from his back pocket.
    “Hello,” he answered as he walked away from the table. Nate stopped by the corner, his broad back facing her.
    Tess focused on her food, realizing she couldn’t hear Nate’s conversation over the commotion in the cafeteria. The two wolves at her table grew louder and more obnoxious. She gritted her teeth as one of them made a gesture toward her. Ignore their immature antics. They are trying to get a rise from you. It wouldn’t work. Food was more important than two juvenile wolves.
    She took a bite of the savory meat and suppressed a moan as the tender beef fell apart in her mouth. They could cook here too. She was famished. Another trip up to the buffet might be needed, she mused eyeing Nate’s plate. Judging by the three steaks on his plate, there was no food shortage. Last night had been the first proper meal she’d had in days, and she hadn’t eaten since then.
    “Xander, can you stay with Tess for a few?” Nate asked as he approached the table.
    Tess snapped her head up. He was going to leave her with him? No way, was she going to stay with a man who clearly hated her existence.
    “Me?” Xander croaked, taking a large sip of water.
    “I have to run into town,” Nate said, starting toward the door.
    “Eden?” Xander gulped. “I’m coming with you,” he called, standing up from the table. He grasped Tess’ arm as he passed her and hauled her up from the table.
    Anger surged over her. What did he think he was doing? She fisted her hand and punched, connecting with his jaw.
    Xander sputtered as his head snapped back. He released his grip as he cursed under his breath. Xander put his hand on his lip and growled when it came away bloody. His hand jutted out to grab her, but she ducked out of the way.
    “That’s enough,” Nate snarled, stepping in between them.
    “She punched me,” Xander snapped, moving to rush her.
    Nate pushed Xander back. “Stop.” He turned to her, eyebrow raised. “I need to check on Eden. I don’t have time for an argument. Come on.”
    Tess pursed her lips and crossed her arms over her chest. She wasn’t about to take orders like some subordinate. The cafeteria quieted to a few muted whispers as all eyes fell on their scuffle. Undeterred by the attention, Tess glared at Nate.
    Nate sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “Please. Eden’s in trouble,” he explained his voice softening. “I need to go. Since you are my charge and Xander insists on coming, I would prefer you came willingly as well.”
    Tess tensed at the mention of the human’s name. The creeper. Was he back? Eden had helped her. It would be nice to repay the favor.
    “Fine. But he better not touch me again,” she warned. Next time she’d knock him out.

Chapter Five
    N ate clasped the steering wheel tightly. Eden hadn’t sounded panicked on the phone, but she had requested his assistance. Once a month or so, Eden called about some drunk who was getting out of hand. A lot of people passed through town. Some of the jerks thought they could get grabby with the waitresses at Gordy’s. He didn’t mind handling it. Eden was his baby sister and he would always protect her.
    “Did she say what was going on?” Xander asked anxiously drumming his fingers on the dashboard.
    “No. It’s just some guy,” Nate replied.
    “I wonder if it’s the same guy from last night?” Tess wondered aloud.
    Nate flicked his gaze to the back seat. The werecat sat with her arms crossed over her chest, and her gaze fixated out the window.
    “What guy?” Xander twisted in his seat so he could stare at Tess.
    Tess shrugged. “A creep that was there last night. She told me he was passing through. I think he was harmless, but he kept flirting and making catcalls. At the end