Page 31 of The Reluctant Alpha

"Anytime you need a takedown." He grinned.

It was nice. For once I was hungry, and the game was good. When it finished, Kaylan stood up. “Thanks,” I offered. “Got a sofa if you don’t fancy one of the guest rooms here.”

Kaylan grinned. “I might—” But a sharp rap on the door preceded Phoenix striding in.

We both stood. “What is it?”

“The cops found two bodies in town. Two girls, part of a larger party. They’re thinking it's an animal attack.”

Kaylan swore. “Why?”

Phoenix looked sickened. “Because they had their throats ripped out.” I went to grab my boots, but Phoenix put his hand up. “I need you here.”

“No,” I snarled out, and Phoenix shook his head. “I’ve got Em and Tia upstairs, but Danny’s awake and freaking out because it was town. His mom’s house is protected and we’ve established she’s okay, but I need someone who will keep him here. The packhouse is protected, but I don’t trust Danny not to get some insane idea in his head to follow us if you come with us. Simeon is coming with me, and Matthew is maintaining the guard.”

Kaylan pulled his boots on. “I’m coming.”

“This is ridiculous,” I started. “Danny can’t stop—”

“I need you here,” Phoenix said. He stepped up and put his hand around the back of my neck. “Just this time, please.”

I subsided, then nodded once. I turned the game off and went to the kitchen in the main house just as everyone left. I was gonna need coffee for this.

But then I paused. I smelled him immediately, of course, but Danny was sitting on one of the stools next to the kitchen island and tears were streaming down his face. He looked up and saw me, his breath hitched, and he tried to swallow a sob.

I opened my arms, and he jumped off the stool and ran into them.

Chapter eleven

Danny

I crushed my face against Bayer's chest, his heat engulfing me like an inferno. His powerful arms held me fiercely, one massive hand moving in desperate circles on my back. I should have been mortified by my breakdown, but all I felt was relief—relief that he was here, alive, and not pushing me away despite the venom I'd spewed earlier.

"They're dead," I choked out against his shirt, my voice raw with anguish. "Those girls. Phoenix said they were just college kids."

"I know," he growled, his deep voice resonating through his chest like distant thunder. "I'm sorry."

I pulled back, looking up at his face. The harsh kitchen lights highlighted the deep lines of exhaustion and worry etched into his features, his dark eyes haunted. "This isn't your fault," I insisted, my voice fierce.

"Isn't it?" His voice was a hollow echo. "This thing is after bears. After me."

"Because of your father," I snapped. "Not because of you."

Bayer's jaw clenched, a muscle ticking in his cheek. "It doesn't matter. People are dying."

I reached up, touching his face, needing the connection like I needed air. "It matters to me."

Something primal flashed in his eyes—hunger, need, desperation—before he carefully extracted himself from my arms. "Danny, we can't—"

"Don't," I demanded, grabbing his wrist, preventing his retreat. "Don't push me away again."

"I'm trying to protect you," he said, his voice strained, almost pained.

"I don't want protection," I snarled. "I just want you."

Bayer's expression darkened like a storm rolling in. "You don't know what you're asking for."

"Then show me," I challenged, stepping closer, eliminating the space between us. My heart pounded in my chest, fear and desire creating a volatile cocktail in my veins. "I'm scared, Bayer. People are dying, and I'm terrified that you're going to be next. I don't want to waste time fighting when we could be…not fighting."