Lup Teren (Wolf Land Series Book 1) Read online

  “Bugger off!” Raina hissed, the phrase hitting him like another slap to the face.

  “I’m serious. Don’t make me have to track you down again,” he warned. “I’m here to help sort you out.”

  Eyes darkened with insolence as she snarled, “I don’t need your help.”

  “It’s not safe for you alone,” he informed matter-of-factly.

  “I can take care of myself.”

  “Yes, I know you can. I’ve seen it myself.”

  She stopped then, the unexpected movement causing him to slam against her back. His cock instantly sprang to half-mast. Are you fuck’in kidding me? He silently chastised his errant appendage.

  This was his best friend. The person he’d trusted since he was seven. The girl who gave him a haircut in primary school and he’d had to wear a cap for weeks until his hair grew in.

  “Did you kill those men?” she asked, her expression grim.

  “What?”

  “The ones at the dock, was it you?”

  “Are you mad?” She placed shaking hands on her hips, daring him to lie. He couldn’t lie, not to her. She’d always been able to read him, even when they were kids. His face darkened before saying, “Don’t be daft.” He moved backwards, covering his cock with both hands, in case she decided to kick him. “I didn’t harm those men, but if I knew they were trying to hurt you I would have. In a heartbeat.” Her expression softened slightly. “Your father sent Nicolae and me to protect you.”

  Angrily, she stepped forward and for a brief moment, he thought he saw her glance at his hand-covered groin, swallow, then looked back at his face.

  “My dad knows about you?” He shook his head. Her thick, brunette strands framed a livid, yet gorgeous face.

  Caramba! When did she become so good looking? She’d always been pretty, but the new Raina Jacobs had developed into a voluptuous temptress. All curvy and lush with a body a man could hold onto and lose himself in.

  The new Raina Jacobs had also lost most of the baby-fat she’d sported during her teens, replacing it with toned muscles, ample breasts, lean, tapered waist, beautifully rounded hips, and long, athletic legs that even encased in jeans made his tongue salivate.

  He wanted so badly to reach out and touch her, but he refrained.

  And her eyes. Those hazel orbs sparkled and danced and looked into your soul. Those eyes were what he missed the most during their four years apart. That and her ability to find humor in any situation. Unfortunately, not this one.

  “How is that possible? Why didn’t he tell me you had survived?”

  “You’ll have to ask him. It’s not my place to say.”

  Her eyes narrowed dangerously, making him take another step away. Just in case she wanted to hit him again.

  “I’m asking you.”

  “I’m sorry, Raina, but your father is the only one who can give you details. I’m a pee-on in the hierarchy of things. They don’t tell me much.” That was definitely a lie. He always had his ear to the ground, so to speak. “I only follow orders.”

  “I see.” Fingertips tapped her lower lip, a motion she always did when frustrated. “What about Mr. Euro-GQ at the cabin? Would he know what’s happening? Why I need to be babysat like a toddler?”

  He shrugged his shoulders trying unsuccessfully to feign innocence. “Let’s go back. Nicolae is probably worried,” he stated, trying to change the subject.

  “This conversation isn’t nearly finished,” she added, before looking back at his groin, his twig-and-berries barely contained in both hands. Thank god he was flaccid right now. He didn’t think he could stand it if she knew he had sported wood over seeing her. Damn his heightened canine libido!

  “I look forward to our next chat,” he said sarcastically. A chuckle escaped when she rolled her eyes at him, another patented Raina Jacobs coping mechanism.

  “Lead the way, Mr. Santiago,” she stated, stepping aside to give him pass.

  “No,” he chuckled, turning beet red. “I’m fine bringing up the rear.”

  “Yes,” she giggled, finally letting down her guard. “I see that your rear really is fine.”

  The blush that reddened his face wasn’t nearly as bad as the slow build-up of blood in his member.

  Damn! What was happening to him?

  *****

  Nicolae stood in the open doorway of the logged cabin, casually leaning against the doorjamb, arms folded over an impossibly broad chest. Not even faded jeans and a gray sweatshirt could tamp down his exquisiteness. Raina swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat at the sight of him.

  “Everything worked out between the two of you?”

  “Hardly,” she growled, pushing her way past, going to the compact dining table and plopping down onto a hard, wooden dining chair. Antonio gave her a saucy smirk.

  “Are you hungry?” the brooding Romani inquired avoiding eye contact. “I think I may have some pasta in the pantry.” The raven-haired man started for the kitchen.

  “That can wait.” She nodded for Nicolae to sit in the chair directly in front of her. To her surprise he continued standing, looking at her as if she were a poisonous snake, his forehead furrowed. “Okay, stand if you want to. I need answers and I don’t care if you’re sitting or standing to give them to me. Do what you want.”

  “Ask your questions, Miss Jacobs,” his tone clipped, widening his stance as though readying for an epic battle.

  “Please, call me Raina.” She slumped over the table to examine her right hand when she noticed a splint on two of her fingers. The fingers Barney had broken several hours before. “Did you do this?” Nicolae nodded. “Thank you.” He nodded again, the action annoying the hell out of her for some unknown reason.

  Several tension-filled moments past before he said, “Mr. Jacobs is concerned about your safety due to a threat that was made against your life.”

  “Why would someone threaten me?”

  “I am assuming they want to get to your father, of course.”

  “Of course.” She blew a stray strand of hair that had fallen into her eye. “My father is a powerful man, but he’s never been threatened before.” Nicolae remained silent. “Has he?” Again silence. “I never knew,” she whispered, annoyance flaring inside her once again.

  “There is a group,” he paused, looking around for Antonio, who had disappeared into an adjacent room, then continued, “that believes you are dangerous to their survival.”

  “Me?”

  “Mr. Jacobs will inform you of the situation in its entirety,” Nicolae stated, before sitting in the chair next to her, so close their thighs touched. Raina’s heartbeat accelerated.

  “I’m not used to people controlling me.”

  “Yes, that fact is quite obvious.” A perfect smile replaced his usual scowl of disapproval. Raina couldn’t help smiling back.

  A low, threatening growl came from Antonio’s previous direction near what she guessed was the bedroom.

  He was showered and redressed in worn jeans and a black t-shirt, his feet bare. When she looked at him, she imagined looking at the face of an ancient Nordic god. The actor from Thor immediately came to mind.

  “Nicolae was telling me all of the details of why I’m meant to stay here with the two of you.”

  “Incorrect.”

  “Pardon?”

  “I have told you only what I am allowed to tell you. I have not divulged any secrets. I cannot say anymore. The rest will need to be explained by Mr. Jacobs.”

  Trying to contain her temper, she took a deep steadying breath, then slowly exhaled, letting her blood pressure return to normal. The sexy Romani knew how to push her buttons and she didn’t like it. Not one little bit.

  “Fine,” she said with agitation. “When can I speak with my father?”

  “He will conference call when he reaches his destination,” Nicolae informed.

  “When will that be?”

  “In a couple of days.”

  Suddenly standing, she looked at Nicol
ae then at Antonio, and then back to Nicolae. His scowl had returned. And she could see the wheels in his head assessing the situation.

  “I want to know right now or I’m getting the hell outta here.”

  “You will do as you are told.” Nicolae stood too, his presence somehow more intimidating in his now familiar battle position.

  “Uh huh,” she scoffed, moving toward the cabin exit. “Try to stop me,” she hissed. “I dare you.”

  “Sit down,” he ordered. “Now.”

  “Go to hell,” her words snarled and accompanied by her uninjured middle finger.

  “I will tie you down, Miss Jacobs.” The glare told her he was more than serious.

  Pointedly ignoring him, she glanced around for the keys to the Jeep she had seen in the driveway. “Try it and you’ll pull back a stub.”

  “The pack.” Antonio had come to stand to her left, warm brown eyes looking at her as if she was a pork chop and he was a death row inmate.

  “Enough. It is not your place to say anything.” Nicolae’s face darkened.

  Turning toward her resurrected best friend, she asked, “What is the pack?”

  Antonio knew her interest was piqued. “Sit down and I’ll tell you.”

  Chapter Seven

  Antonio watched her, watching him, curiosity in her gaze. Everything about Raina was perfection: face, body, and mind. Everything. He tried not to stare, but had difficulty.

  Clearing his throat, he began, “What do you think I am?”

  Clearing her throat too, she answered saying, “Werewolf,” her voice shaky.

  “It is funny how you say it with such certainty,” Nicolae interrupted. “If you told anyone outside of this cabin they would believe you to be insane.”

  Antonio shot him an angry stare before continuing, “Is that normal? Werewolves, outside of the cinema, I mean.” His English accent even stronger now.

  “What else can you be?” she sighed. “I saw you turn with my own eyes. I can’t argue with what I’ve witnessed.” Cautiously, she turned to Nicolae. “Are you a werewolf as well?”

  “No,” he answered with a hint of disgust. “I am Romani. A hunter. I am not an animal.”

  Antonio cleared his throat to get her attention. “In actuality,” he mumbled below his breath, “I’m a Lycan.”

  “Lycan,” she rolled the word over her tongue. “What’s the difference?”

  “Lycans traditionally, can change forms at will,” Antonio explained. “Whereas werewolves are ruled by the phases of the Moon.” Shrugging his shoulders he admitted, “I tend to use them interchangeably.”

  For a long moment, no one spoke as he and the hunter stared at each other. The tension in the small cabin growing until only their breathing could be heard. It was uncomfortable to say the least.

  Finally, Raina teased, “Boys, the testosterone level in here is at maximum capacity. If you’re not careful, we’ll exceed our limit for the day. Take a breath and stop comparing cocks.” Nicolae grimaced while he chuckled under his breath. Damn, he’d missed her!

  “Hurry up,” the hunter ordered, looking at him as if he was about to break one of the Ten Commandments. “Tell her what you must to get her cooperation.”

  Needing no further coaxing, Antonio walked to her side, taking her hand in his and leading her back to the dining table. Quickly, he pulled out one of the chairs and motioned for her to sit. She did without a word, looking up at him with concern.

  Taking a seat in Nicolae’s former spot, he moved the chair a few inches away so they weren’t touching. He didn’t want to take the chance of his body reacting to her and becoming too distracted to complete his task. He prayed Raina wouldn’t kill the messenger.

  “Do you remember that night in the park?” he began, still unsure of what to say.

  “I see it every time I close my eyes,” she whispered, her eyes becoming cloudy with unshed tears. For him. For them.

  He forced himself to smile, but it bypassed his eyes.

  “After you ran,” he reminded, glancing down at her hands which were grasped so tightly in her lap the knuckles were white, “the wolf that attacked me, dragged me further into the woods surrounding the park to an underground passage that led to tunnels below the city. There it left me to change.”

  “Jeez,” she whispered, squeezing his hands tighter.

  “For three nights, I hovered between life and death, burning alive with the fever that comes with the change. My body felt as if I was doused with petrol and ignited. For three days, I drifted between the reality of the rancid, garbage-lined, rat-infested tunnels and another place where death waited.”

  Glancing down, she announced, “Your legs were mangled.”

  “They healed within hours of the attack. Werewolves heal quickly, a hundred times faster than humans.”

  With painstaking slowness, she reached up, touched his cheeks with trembling fingertips, while soft hands tried to erase the awful memory. Without thinking, he took her hands again and kissed each palm, enjoying the feel of her skin against his lips.

  “The only thing that kept me sane was the thought of seeing you again,” he freely admitted, uncaring if it sounded unmanly because it was true.

  Raina took his hands once more and held them on her lap. The feel of her denim covered legs making him shift uncomfortably. He imagined dead kittens and a world without X-box trying to keep his lust in check, but his member refused to comply. Thank goodness Nicolae cleared his throat bringing him back to reality.

  “I’m sorry,” she added, her voice soft and child-like. “I never should have left you.”

  “Don’t be daft,” he chastised without heat.

  “Please, keep going. I need to hear what happened next.”

  Clearing his throat, he continued saying, “At the end of the third day, a man came for me, said he would show me a new world that awaited me.”

  “Weird,” she mumbled below her breath.

  “Tell me about it.” He removed his hands from her grasp; emptiness engulfed him immediately without her touch. “He had a small camper van and we drove to Scotland where I was introduced to the Alpha…”

  “Alpha?” she interrupted.

  “Alpha is the title of the male who leads the pack.”

  “Oh.”

  Visibly, he tensed before stating, “For nearly a week, the Alpha asked me questions about you.” Her breath hitched. “About your family,” he added, pausing anxiously. “I didn’t tell them anything. Even when they tortured me,” he said, glancing at Nicolae, who stared defiantly back, his expression never changing. “When they finally believed I wasn’t going to break and I thought they would kill me they took me to see a woman.”

  “I thought you said the Alpha was in charge?”

  “He’s in charge of several packs, not the entire group the pack is joined to, but he is still very powerful and well respected within the organization.”

  “The organization?”

  “Skip that part,” Nicolae’s posture stiffened.

  Antonio gave the other man a warning growl. “The woman who spoke with me is the leader of the organization. She told me I had passed their test.”

  Raina’s spine tensed. “A test?” He nodded. “Why would you need to be tested? I don’t understand.”

  “His loyalty to you had to be unbreakable as well as unquestionable for what he would be required to do.” Nicolae moved behind her, the cocoon they were surrounded with ruined. The delicate spell Antonio wove broken.

  “I still don’t understand,” her words a mere whisper.

  “That is enough information, Antonio,” Nicolae’s tone was final.

  Antonio winked before adding, “Mr. Jacobs will tell you the rest. I promise.”

  And he would. He’d make sure of it. Raina would know every tiny, ugly detail. She deserved to know what her destiny held. And he’d be right there at her side regardless of her decision.

  Chapter Eight

  Forty-eight hours later, she was going s
tir-crazy. The guys watched her night and day in shifts. Four hours on. Four hours off. Like prison guards at Sing Sing.

  “I’m going to lose my mind, if we don’t get out of here soon,” she announced to the room in general. Nicolae ignored her, which he had often done and was now an expert.

  Anxiously, she stood from the cot, walked over to the window, to admire the sunshine and clear, cloudless sky.

  “Where is Antonio?” she wondered aloud, pretending not to hear Nicolae’s chuckle. The tension between the men had grown too, to the point they had almost come to blows several times.

  “What did you say?” the Romani smirked.

  “It’s been two hours,” she reminded. “Getting groceries shouldn’t take that long, should it?”

  “Do you miss your boyfriend?” Nicolae taunted.

  “He’s not my boyfriend,” she clarified.

  “Then why do you seem so anxious for him to return?”

  The truth seemed like the way to go so she said, “At least when Antonio guards me, I have someone fun to talk with, play cards with, have a conversation that doesn’t end with a grunt or a scowl.”

  Nicolae chuckled again. “I am fun.”

  Unable to stop herself, she rolled her eyes. “Yeah, you’re tons of fun. I’ve had root canals that were more fun.”

  “He will be back shortly. He has to make sure no one is following him.”

  “I hope he’s alright,” she said mostly to herself.

  “He is a big wolf,” Nicolae joked. “He can take care of himself.”

  Needing to look into his eyes, she turned to face him, curiosity getting the better of her. “Why don’t you like Antonio?”

  Nicolae visibly tensed and went back to cleaning his weapon. “I have nothing against him per say. I do not trust his kind.”

  “Why?”

  “It is a long story.”

  “We have time. Tell me,” she pleaded, but he went back to ignoring her.

  When she thought he’d never answer he said, “Wolves are unpredictable and dangerous.”

  “That explains nothing,” she sighed loudly. “Antonio didn’t ask to be turned. It was forced on him.”

  “I guess so,” Nicolae replied in a hushed tone, his attention back to the task at hand.