Terr4tory by Susan Bliler Read Free Book Online Page B

captivated by the action.  “Listen.” He cleared his throat.  “You need protection.  The kids need protection.  I need a place to stay for a while.  It’s a perfect fit.  You let me crash, we’ll come up with a plan together.  I could pretend to be your mate, or simply a member of your pack.  It makes sense, Willa.  And unfortunately, it’s the best option you’ve got.”  His eyes lowered to her throat.  “Besides, you already bear my mark.”
    His fingers caressed the sensitive skin of her neck, just above her collarbone, and her body instantly responded.  A flush crept up her skin and she knew her wolf emitted pheromones.  “Don’t,” she leaned back away from his touch.
    “Don’t what?”  He challenged, his eyes twinkling mischievously, telling her he knew exactly what he was doing to her.  “Just making sure I didn’t injure you.”
    “I’m fine.” She swallowed hard, wanting desperately to back up a step.  Looking at Barron she saw knowledge click, and one side of his mouth curled up as he pulled her closer, his body pressing hard into hers.
    Fucker!  He knew she couldn’t back down and he was using it to his full advantage as he looked at her expectantly.  She shook her head, trying to break his spell.  When her mouth opened, he cut her off again.
    “Think on it, Willa.  Don’t answer now.  Take the day and just think before you decide.  You need to weigh the needs of your pack against your own discomfort.”
    “I’m not uncomfortable,” she snapped.
    Barron smiled.  “No.”  His eyes darkened and his head dipped lower.  “You’re the most comfortable fucking thing in the world.”
    Her heart slammed to a halt when he leaned lower still, his lips a breath from hers.   Then he whispered.  “Consider my proposition.”  Suddenly, she was released and he was calling to the pack.  “I could use some help out here!”
    The kids rushed from the house in eager delight and Willa was left reeling.  Panties soaked, chest heaving, pussy needing, and anger simmering.

Chapter 8
    Willa stood at the kitchen sink doing dishes as the sun finally nestled itself into the horizon.  Dinner had been an epic affair.  The pack had stayed out all day with Barron working on projects and fixing the multitude of things that had fallen into disrepair around the farm.  Unable to coax herself from the house, she’d propped all the doors open and spent the day baking and fuming.  When the pack had finally come in for dinner, it had been to one hell of a spread.  She’d baked two racks of ribs for several hours and complimented the meal with a macaroni salad, her prized cheesy creamed corn, homemade cornbread and chocolate chip cookies for dessert.
    Still, the meal wasn’t the highlight of the night.  Nope, that honor went to Barron Kane… again , who’d--much to her relief and disappointment--come to dinner fully clothed.  The kids couldn’t ask him enough questions and, to her secret enjoyment, he answered all of them in turn.  It helped to learn a little something about him without having to do the dirty work herself.  Info collected:  He had just one brother, Evander, but considered the other three Alphas in his rogue pack his brethren.  He’d made the choice to snub typical pack life because he didn’t want to be forced into fitting some preconceived notion of what a pack was all about.  He learned his carpentry skills and ability to fix just about anything from his father before he’d disappeared into the wild.  Both parents deceased.  He was six years older than her at thirty-two.  And the final topic of discussion, before she’d chased them from the table so she could clean up the empty plates:  The scar on his face.  When Jase asked, she’d tensed and her eyes had shot to Barron.  Afraid he’d take offense and be angered, she’d tried to deflect with a, “That’s not polite, Jase.”
    Barron dismissed her words by smiling and boasting proudly.