Milly opened her mouth, then seemed to give it more consideration. “Are you guys—” It was obvious she didn’t want to speak out of turn with Christy there. “I mean, if that’s how you feel, then I guess that would be all right.”
The invisible tug of war between Milly and the men left her stuck in the middle again. “Um, I don’t want to put anyone out. Obviously Milly isn’t too keen on the idea of my staying at her place. Maybe there’s a hotel nearby.”
“Nope.” Duncan’s grin was getting bigger. Lance draped his arm around him, nodding his agreement. “And before you say anything, Milly, Jackson’s rentals are too isolated for her to be safe.”
“Safe?” Something was definitely going on. Weird she could handle, but dangerous? That was another thing altogether. “Is it dangerous around here?”
“Not usually,” answered Milly.
Not usually? “Look, everyone, I need to know what you’re talking about.”
“Milly can fill you in after we get you moved into her apartment behind the diner.”
Grant took her hand and she startled at the wild zip of energy that seared between them. If the floor had been carpeted, she would’ve thought he’d shocked her with a major bolt of static electricity.
“Okay, fine. I can see when I’m beat.” Milly sighed, resignation pouring off her. “Lance, you know where the key is.”
“Seriously, people, I feel like I’m causing a lot of trouble. Is there a bus I could catch? I could go to the first town with a hotel then come back once Brig gets my car going again.”
“The only bus line is over in Shatland. And it’s not coming through anytime soon.”
Milly skimmed a hand along Christy’s arm. The same kind of shock she’d gotten from Grant never came.
“Hon, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you feel bad. You’re welcome to my place. After all, it’s vacant anyway. Please, make yourself at home. I’ll let the guys show you in.” She narrowed her eyes at them. “But I’ll be up as soon as I get a free minute to bring her some food.”
“Good. Then it’s settled.” Grant still hadn’t turned her hand loose and she hadn’t tried to take it away, either. He tightened his hold and tugged her toward the back of the diner.
“Wait. I don’t know about this.”
Lance came up behind them, urging Grant and her along like a shepherd running his flock. “There’s nothing to know, Christy. You need a place to stay and Milly’s old apartment fits the bill.”
Duncan headed the other way, out the front door. “Go on. I’ll fetch your things out of the car.”
“But—”
Milly flicked out the rag, shooing her along. “Honey, don’t bother trying to argue. Once these boys make a decision, it’s like stopping an avalanche to change them.”
Christy turned to follow Grant and Lance, but paused when Milly grabbed Duncan’s arm. Her expression was intent as she leaned close to him. “You boys keep your paws off her.”
Christy wasn’t sure whether to be angry at Milly for warning them to leave her alone or touched that she cared. She didn’t doubt that the young diner owner had her best interest at heart. Still, the thought of them keeping “their paws off her” left a strange hole in her stomach.
It’s only attraction. Better to keep my paws off them, too. I’ll be out of here soon, anyway.
The swirl of desire, however, mixed together with the multitude of sexy ideas, gave birth to images of the men touching her and running their hands along her skin. For a moment, she rocked back and forth as the vision overwhelmed her, swaying her on her feet. The sensation grew stronger, whipping through her in bullwhip-like fashion. Her breathing quickened and her skin tingled as though electrified.
Oh, mamma.
Chapter Three
Grant wouldn’t let her get away. Finding their intended mate was the last thing he thought would ever happen, but from the first moment he’d laid his eyes on her, he’d known. And once he’d touched her, it was game over. If that wasn’t the connection he’d heard about all his life, then he didn’t know shit.
He’d never bothered to fantasize about his mate. What good would it have done? Whoever she was, they’d share the connection that brought all werewolves together. Her looks, her personality, her everything would be secondary to the invisible bond. What was meant to be, would be. Those intended to mate, would mate. At least as long as they found each other. But to hope for her to possess beauty, intelligence, and courage was a fool’s errand.