CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER TWO

In the shadowed parking lot, Jesse waited impatiently while Zander inspected Harley’s car. None of the humans heading to the club paid them any attention, which showed just how easy it would be for someone to tamper with her car. She should have known better than to park in the shadows; she should be taking better care of herself. But then, Harley had never been as protective of herself as she was of those she cared for. Not because she was reckless, but because she stupidly didn’t see that she was important to anyone.

The sound of humans laughing rubbed on Jesse’s raw nerves. His pacing wolf was just as furious that anyone would target Harley. She was theirs, even if she hadn’t quite accepted it yet.

Eyes narrowed, Bracken said, “Should I ask how you knew where she worked and which car was hers?”

“No.”

Finally, Zander slid out from underneath the vehicle. “There’s a bomb there all right. A pretty simple construct. It was set to explode when the engine turned on.”

Jesse swore. “Can you disable it?”

“Already did, but I left it where it is in case she wants proof that we’re not fucking with her. What reason does she have to trust us after the way our old pack behaved toward her?”

“I personally never thought she introduced Mia to drugs,” claimed Bracken.

“Neither did I,” said Zander. “Her pride was—still is—wild, but Harley was grounded. And, no offense, Jesse, but Mia was no saint.”

Jesse sighed. “I know. I never blamed Harley either.” He tipped his chin toward the club. “We need to find her.”

He had never much liked nightclubs. What was fun about being jostled by shit-faced people while lights flashed in your eyes, couples were dry humping all over the place, glow sticks were being waved in your face, and females were whipping their hair around and sending their sweat flying at you?

No, it just wasn’t Jesse’s thing. Nonetheless, he descended the steps to the underground club, nodding curtly at the human manning the door before walking through the arched doorway. It wasn’t at all what Jesse had expected. No people dancing on tables. No glow sticks. No whistles. No podiums. No people dry humping against the red brick walls. In fact, the place had the look of a jazz bar. It was classy and stylish. But there was also something dark about it—it had a forbidden air that drew a person inside and heated their blood. His wolf liked it.

Jesse slowly scanned his surroundings. There didn’t seem to be any sign of Harley. He arched a questioning brow at Bracken and Zander. They shook their heads.

“Want to split up?” asked Bracken.

Jesse thought about it. “No. Better if we stay together.” Indicating for his fellow enforcers to follow, he stalked the place in search of Harley. The last time he’d seen her had been at Mia’s memorial. No one else had noticed the female leaning against a tree, watching from afar where his old pack wouldn’t sense her. He’d known she’d come—not just because she was the type of person who paid her respects, but because he always knew where she was; he’d monitored her over the years as she drifted from place to place.

After the last blessing was said over the memorial stone, she’d walked away. Knowing she was staying at a local hotel, he’d gone to her. At first, they had simply talked about his sister and exchanged stories. Then, before he knew it, he was kissing Harley like a man possessed. Her taste had burst through his system and ate at his control until he’d just had to have her.

He didn’t know how many times or how many ways he’d fucked her that night, but he could still remember the feel and taste of her. Honestly, he was surprised she’d let him in the hotel room without a struggle. His pack had completely fucked her over. Worse, her pride hadn’t been worth shit, so she hadn’t had their backing.

Part of him had been glad when her aunt took her away from her pride—God knew she’d had a better life in the human world. But another part of him had hated it. He hadn’t liked not knowing where she was and what she was doing. His wolf hadn’t liked being away from her either. And so Jesse had watched over her from afar, interfered in her life more times than he should have.

The day after the memorial, he’d woken up to find her gone. He’d been pissed, but he’d also understood why she’d left. So he’d returned to California just as she’d returned to Manhattan, and he’d continued to watch over her . . . waiting for the right time to step forward and take what was his.

“I don’t see her,” said Zander.

“Me neither.” Bracken walked to the bar and spoke to the barmaid. “I’m looking for Harley Vincent.”

The middle-aged brunette paused in drying a glass. “Yeah? Who’s asking?”

“I’m an old friend.”

The brunette narrowed her eyes. “Old friend, huh. She’ll be out any second now. Want a drink?”

“Um . . .”

“Then move away from my bar.”

“Let’s sit and wait,” said Zander.

No sooner had they settled at a table near the dance floor than the crowd went wild and Bracken said with a smile, “Look.”

Jesse followed Bracken’s gaze . . . and there she was, standing next to the DJ on the stage, electric violin in hand. The beautiful instrument was S-shaped and a striking metallic blue, though nowhere near as striking as her heavy lidded gold eyes—bedroom eyes. She looked fucking edible in a crimson ripped top, faded-blue skinny jeans, and red high heels. Her midnight-black hair had dark-burgundy highlights and hung down her back in a smooth, layered curtain. She had some deliciously sensual curves and a pair of full, high breasts that he knew were a handful. His wolf sat up, intrigued and hungry. No surprise there.

And then she started to play. Standing straight with her feet shoulder width apart and her left foot slightly forward, she kept the electric violin on her left collarbone and the left side of her jaw on the chin rest as she played along with the dance tune. He’d never before heard her play. She was amazing. Captivating. So damn talented and passionate. She had a bewitching, natural grace of movement. All he could do was stare, totally turned on.

One tune flowed into another. The crowd danced, their eyes on her. It was impossible not to look at her. She was so in charge of herself up there, oozing confidence and sensuality, that she commanded and held attention. Possessiveness roared through him fast and furiously.

She drew out the final note, making it long and slow. Then she looked up, mouth curving into a small yet cock-hardening smile. There was clapping and whooping, and she gave a humble bow. She had no need to be modest, but his Harley had never given herself enough credit for anything she did.

Zander blew out a breath. “Wow.”

“Seriously gifted, isn’t she?” said Jesse. He kept his focus on the curtain that led backstage, so he saw the very moment she appeared. She modestly accepted each of the compliments people shouted as she headed to the bar. She moved exactly like a cat—graceful, fluid, and smoothly, with a little haughtiness thrown in.

“Wait here,” he told Bracken and Zander. Pushing out of his chair, he went to the bar, where she was chatting with the barmaid. “Harley?”

She turned with a casual smile . . . and stilled, eyes widening slightly. “Jesse?”

Of course it would have been nice if she had excitedly thrown herself at him and given him her brightest smile, but Jesse knew better than to expect that kind of reception from a female margay shifter. They were not put on the Earth to please and could shred a male’s ego with minimal effort. If you wanted a margay’s affection, you had to win it. If you wanted their attention, you had to be interesting enough to hold it. And if you wanted to claim and keep them, you had to be tenacious and resourceful.

In short, they were a challenge. It was a good thing he was up for one.

His wolf pushed against his skin, wanting out, wanting the pretty kitty. Jesse shoved him back down, but the wolf bucked at the reins; he’d missed Harley. Seeking calm, Jesse inhaled deeply . . . and her sweet yet sultry scent slammed into him and flooded his lungs. Warm apples, vanilla cream, and a promise of long, hot, satisfying sex. His cock throbbed painfully. “Don’t I get a hug?”

She shook off her surprise and said, “Sure.”

As she moved into his open arms, her head tucked beneath his chin, he breathed in more of her scent and let it soothe his wolf. Her scent brought with it so many memories—some good, some bad, and some damn fucking hot. Despite being a shifter, she wasn’t a tactile person, but she’d never shied away from his touch. He couldn’t help but be smug about that.

Reluctantly releasing her, he said, “We need to talk.”

She blinked. “Talk?”

“Somewhere private. You really don’t want anyone hearing this.”

“Why?”

“Trust me, you just don’t.”

Trust me. . .

Well, that was a problem, because Harley didn’t trust anyone. Never had.

She subtly inhaled a steadying breath as she stared up at well over six feet of hard male muscle and untamed masculinity. His presence had knocked her completely off-balance and sent her pulse racing. This was a male she’d adored since she was a teenager, one who had believed her when no one else had. One who had played her body with a confidence and single-minded focus she’d never forget.

As she looked into those familiar brown eyes that were so dark they were almost black, she couldn’t help remembering that night. Those normally vacant eyes had smoldered while he’d kissed her, tasted her, bitten her, and fucked her until neither of them had the strength to do anything but collapse and go to sleep.

Then she’d left him.

She had to fight the urge to squirm under that watchful, predatory stare. It shouldn’t be possible for a person to be scary and captivating at the same time. He was so menacing and imposing with that air of unshakable calm, but he also throbbed with a blatantly raw sexual energy that gave her goose bumps.

She had the sudden urge to skim her fingers over the rough edge of stubble on his jaw—stubble that had once left marks all over her breasts and thighs. She liked that he’d traded his military buzz for a short-back-and-sides haircut; she’d enjoy tugging on the short, dark, ruffled strands during her next X-rated dream.

It was rather sad that he starred in so many of them, but, in her defense, he was achingly hot and possessed a voice that was pure molten sexuality.

Her cat did a long, languid stretch, coming to life at the presence of this dominant, powerful male she recognized well. From minute one, the animal had been curious about him—she was a cat, after all—and drawn to his confidence. Right now, she was curious about why he was there. For that matter, so was Harley. If the dark vibe he was giving off was anything to go by, it wasn’t good.

“Hey, Harley, you played great tonight,” called out one of the regular guests. His friends echoed the sentiment.

She lifted her hand in a brief wave. “Thanks.” She turned back to Jesse and braced herself for whatever had brought him here. “You’re making me super nervous right now. Are you here to break some bad news to me? Has someone been hurt?”

“I won’t answer your questions here,” said Jesse. “Take us somewhere we can talk in private.”

She couldn’t help bristling at his curt, authoritative tone. “Not until you tell me what this is about.” Movement caught her eye, and she tensed. “Is that Bracken and Zander?”

Seeing they had been spotted, the two males came over. She backed up slightly. Not retreating but positioning herself so that she could take in all three males at once. Her cat coiled, ready to strike.

When their greetings only received brief nods, Bracken said, “Look, I know we’re not your favorite people. For what it’s worth, we never once thought you introduced Mia to drugs.”

“We told the adults of our pack that, but they wouldn’t listen,” said Zander.

Jesse stepped closer to her. “But this isn’t about Mia or anyone else. It’s about you. And you need to hear what we have to say. But not here.” Jesse cursed inwardly when she just stared at him defiantly. His wolf liked that she wasn’t easily pushed, despite being annoyed by her lack of cooperation. Jesse was just as frustrated, though most of that frustration was because he was hard as a fucking rock, struggling against an oppressive sexual heat that always struck him around this feline.

At one time, the intensity of that attraction had made him feel guilty, made him feel like he was betraying his true mate, even though she’d died before either of them were old enough to bond. He’d long ago worked past the guilt. “Don’t try to send me away, Harley. I’m not leaving until you talk to me. This relates to your safety.”

Stubborn-assed motherfucker. Harley decided against arguing with him any further. He wasn’t the type of male who could be easily sent away. She exhaled a resigned sigh. “We can use my boss’s office; he’s not here tonight.” She led them backstage and into the small, cluttered office. Folding her arms over her chest, she said, “Well, why are you here?”

Deciding to spare her any preamble, he replied, “I came because I had reason to believe your car was rigged with a bomb.”

Inhaling sharply, Harley opened her mouth . . . but, completely stunned, she had no words. Her cat froze, equally shocked. Finally, Harley said, “Could you repeat that?”

“You heard me, baby.”

Choosing to ignore the way her stomach clenched at the term “baby,” she shook her head. “I don’t understand. Why would you think that?”

“A four-year-old pup in my pack is a Seer. She isn’t able to explain her visions very well yet, but she was clear that your car would ‘go boom.’”

Harley’s brows lifted. “She said my name?”

“No, but she described you right down to having a musical talent.”

“That doesn’t mean it was me. I mean, you have to admit it’s odd that the little girl would have a vision of me, right? I don’t know her. I’m not part of your pack. I’m no one to you.”

“You’re not no one to me,” rumbled Jesse, infuriated that she would ever say that. His wolf backed him up with a growl. “And it was your car in the vision. I know it because Zander checked the vehicle before we came inside.”

She slid her gaze to Zander, who nodded and said, “I disabled the bomb. It’s simple enough for me to remove it without any problem, if that makes you feel any better.”

Um, no it didn’t.

“Who would target you that way?” asked Jesse, prowling toward her. “Has anyone threatened you?”

Harley tensed as he stepped right into her personal space. Not just because it was a very brazen move that could get his eyes scratched out, but because his scent of crushed ripe cranberries, cinnamon bark, and raw sexuality was like a zap to her senses. “Well, sort of.”

“Sort of?”

“I get hate mail from the extremists.”

“Extremists?” echoed Zander. “They’ve been known to use car bombs, so it could very well be them.”

Planting his feet, Jesse folded his arms. “Tell me about the hate mail. How long have you been receiving it?”

“It started recently, when people began speculating if Clive heads The Movement,” she replied. “Before you ask, I don’t know if that’s true or not. Anyway, the extremists have been sending me abusive e-mails.”

“And they threatened you,” Jesse prompted.

“Like I said, sort of. They told me I should have died with my brother, but they never actually threatened to kill me. Although they did threaten to sneak into my hotel room while I was asleep and . . . you know.”

Fury coursed through Jesse, and his wolf’s claws sliced out. “Dammit, Harley, you should have come to me with this.”

Her brow furrowed. “Why would I? I haven’t seen or heard from you in three years.”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“It meant you were hardly going to be my first port of call if I thought I needed help.”

Well, he damn well should have been. “You need to come with me.”

Harley almost gawked. “Huh?”

“My territory is secure, guarded, and extremely difficult to invade without an intruder announcing their presence. I can protect you there. You won’t be safe on your own.” Jesse grit his teeth when she lifted her chin stubbornly, exposing the delicate neck that he’d once wrapped his hand around as he powered into her. His cock jerked at the memory.

Jesse took a deep, calming breath. Harley’s dominance was subtle—probably because she was used to being among humans where she didn’t need to wear it like a cloak. But he knew it was there, knew there was only so far he could push her before she’d shut him out. Besides, the “you need me to keep you safe” routine wouldn’t get him anywhere with a dominant female shifter. They were very proud creatures.

He moved closer, jaw tight. “Sweetheart, these assholes want you dead.”

“I know that.”

“But you don’t know what they look like, do you? They could walk right in here, buy themselves a drink, and settle at a table . . . and you’d never know it was them. They could walk right by you, smile at you, compliment your performance, and you wouldn’t have a clue.”

She clenched her fists. “You think I don’t know that?”

“No, I think you do know. And I think you also know that having my protection would be a very smart thing.”

“I’ll go to the police.”

“Ah, baby, you know the humans are very unlikely to help. You’re half human, but you’re also Clive Vincent’s daughter, and law enforcement doesn’t like him much.”

Harley knew he was right. She hated that he was right. “Why would you want to throw yourself in the middle of this mess? You don’t need to get involved.”

“I already am involved. There’s no way I’m going to ignore that you’re in danger. I know the last thing you feel you can do is depend on shifters for anything, but you know me, Harley. You know I’ll keep you safe.” And he wasn’t leaving without her.

“Taking me with you could lead the extremists to your pack,” she pointed out.

“They’re terrified of Nick; they won’t come there.” Not after what had happened the last time extremists had tangled with their pack. “Even if they did, they wouldn’t get to you. At the hotel, you’re vulnerable. And, quite frankly, I don’t know why you would want that. Don’t make this easy for them, Harley. Be smart.” He ate up the tiny bit of distance between them and said softly, “Come with me.”

She should say no. She should stay away from this male who had the singular ability to tie her in knots, especially since going with him meant staying with his pack. But, really, what other choices did she have? He was right; alone, she was vulnerable and an easy target. Of course she could go and stay with Tess, but she didn’t want to take trouble to her aunt’s door. The Mercury wolves would be able to handle that trouble. And she didn’t believe for even a moment that Jesse would let this go. He would hound her and hound her until she agreed.

She swallowed. “Call your Alphas. If they okay it, I’ll go with you.”