Chapter Nine

Whoever was in the driveway better have a damn good explanation of why they were there.

As soon as Ian stepped onto the deck, he saw a dark blue SUV coming to a stop. This time he doubted it was someone who'd gotten lost.

The driver's door opened, and Nolan stepped out. What the hell? Ian's hackles rose as he took in the guy's appearance, from the top of his bleach-blond hair down to his shit-kickers. He'd said he was passing by Midnight Falls, but Ian had declined meeting up with him.

"What an amazing house." Nolan smiled but remained where he stood. Even though the music was low, Ian heard hip hop playing inside the SUV.

"How do you know where I live?" Ian reached back and closed the door, sealing Jace inside the house.

"I stopped in your lovely little town and asked." Nolan's smile grew a little wider. "It seems everyone knows who you are."

But only a handful of people knew where Ian lived, and for damn sure they hadn't told a complete stranger where to find him.

Nolan liked playing head games back in the day, and Ian doubted the coyote shifter had changed. The guy wasn't there for a damn visit. He had an ulterior motive. "I thought I told you this wasn't a good time."

"It's never a good time for you." Nolan waved off Ian's statement with a flick of his hand. "I'd have gray hairs sprouting everywhere if I waited on you to invite me to your house."

Ian hoped that, by closing the front door, his mate would know not to come outside. There was a reason Nolan had tracked him down. They'd been frenemies, never buddies, and Ian wanted to know what was up with Nolan's sudden interest in him.

Wearing an open, friendly smile, Ian crossed the yard. Nolan smiled in return, but it didn't reach his green eyes.

When Ian was close enough, he shoved Nolan forcefully against the SUV, causing the driver's door to slam with a loud bang. Ian held his forearm against the bastard's throat. "No one would've told you where I live," he snarled. "Why did you hunt me down? What're you up to?"

There was a lethal calmness in Nolan's eyes as the side of his mouth curved into a cynical smile. "That's no way to treat an old associate, Ian."

"Why did you hunt me down?" Ian repeated slowly and menacingly as fury burned inside of him, forcing his canines to descend. "Either tell me the truth or I swear to fucking god I'll —" His threat quickly died when he heard the front door open.

Jace hadn't stayed inside.

Ian forced himself not to react, not to look over his shoulder. He still had no idea why Nolan was there, and he didn't want the coyote to take an interest in Jace.

Nolan's gaze jerked toward the house. Curiosity filled his eyes, and then he looked back at Ian. "I guess this really is a bad time. You already have a visitor. Sorry to intrude."

Ian refused to let Jace witness the violence he was capable of. Because of the pull, of their connection, it was inevitable that Jace would bond with him. But his mate was still coming to terms with Ian's panther, and witnessing Ian brutally attack Nolan could cause Jace to go into shock again.

Jaw tight, Ian released Nolan then took a step back. "I think it's best you leave."

Even though his gut told him that letting the coyote shifter go was a mistake.

With a stony face, Nolan nodded. "Good seeing you again, Ian."

There was nothing good about seeing Nolan. Ian's panther was still snarling, ready to break free. Not a damn thing felt right about the situation.

Ian's skin prickled with foreboding as Nolan slipped into his SUV. Observing Nolan drive away was like watching water recede from the coast, exposing the ocean floor.

"I shouldn't have come outside," Jace said from behind him.

"Did you get a good look at him?" Ian asked without turning around, his focus still on the driveway even after Nolan's taillights disappeared.

"Why?"

"Did you?" Ian unclenched his jaw. He hadn't meant for those two words to come out so sharply.

"Yes," Jace said stiffly.

"Remember his face," Ian said. "He's not a friend, so be wary if you see him again."

Finally, Ian turned around. His mate stood there with his thin arms wrapped around his stomach. His hazel eyes were darting around but refusing to land on Ian.

It was clear the entire scene had unnerved his mate, but Ian's harsh tone hadn't helped matters.

"I'm pissed at him , not you, kitten. I'm sorry for my gruffness." He walked across the lawn. "His name is Nolan Toolie. He's a coyote shifter, and he's not to be trusted."

"Coyote?" Jace's brows shot up.

"Black panthers aren't the only species of shifters." He wanted to move away from the subject. Right now, it wasn't as important as making sure Jace understood the danger Nolan might represent.

"How do you know him?"

" We used to compete in my snowboarding days. We were never friends. I don't know how he got my number or found out where I live." He touched Jace's back to coax his mate inside the house.

Ian was livid that Nolan had seen Jace. Whatever the guy was up to, he now knew of Jace's existence. Ian honestly hoped Nolan didn't have ill intentions. Aside from competing, and sometimes mingling with the same societal circles, the two of them had rarely interacted.

The only reason Ian knew that Nolan played head games was from the coyote's reputation.

"I think I should go home," Jace said. "My mom texted me while you were outside, asking if I could swing by the bakery."

Was that the truth, or was Jace making up an excuse to leave? Ian wanted to ask, but his mate already looked upset, and offending him wasn't a bright way to help settle his nerves.

"I'll drive you to your car." Ian took a few steps toward the car when he remembered his keys were on the counter. He turned around, and Jace ran right into him.

"Ouch!" His mate bounced backward then rubbed his nose.

"Sorry." Ian gently gripped Jace's upper arms, afraid his solid chest had done some damage. "You okay?"

"I'm fine. I just bonked my nose against you." Jace dropped his hand.

"I forgot my keys." Ian kissed his mate's nose. "All better?"

"I'm not a toddler." He grinned. "You don't have to kiss my boo-boos."

That gorgeous smile loosened the tension in Ian's chest. The easiness between them returned.

"I like kissing your boo-boos." Ian smirked. "Got any more of them on your body that need my attention?"

He loved how Jade blushed at the drop of a hat. "No."

"Consider me your official boo-boo kisser." Ian grabbed his keys, for now, putting Nolan to the back of his mind.