Bonds of Fire: The Bellum Sisters 2 (paranormal erotic romance) by T. A. Grey Page B

“I see you over there!” Draven turned around to see the guard’s watching the house laughing.
    The roar of a truck pulling into a drive had butterflies spinning in Willow’s stomach.
    “I’ll leave you two alone. Remember, just say my name.” Willow nodded but her eyes were on the Alpha in the truck. After a small fight last night where he threatened to chain her again if she didn’t sleep in the same bed, Willow had finally given up and slept next to him.
    Of course, the man couldn’t sleep like any normal person but had to friggen’ spoon next to her and wrap his whole body around her. But he hadn’t pressed her for sex for which she was relieved. Then this morning, he was gone before she’d even woken up. A frown tugged at her lips.
    What the hell was she supposed to do anymore? He wanted to keep her; she wanted to go. If she left, he’d hunt her down and drag her back. That much she knew. If she did manage to escape and evade him—for the rest of her life—then he’d never be able to be with another woman. Would never have kids or a wife because of her. Willow curled her hand into a fist and thumped it against the wall. Why her? She didn’t want this task.
    Lyonis stepped out of his truck with a grim look on his face. Willow was walking to him before she knew it.
    “What’s wrong?” She’d never seen him look like this—so distraught. He was always smiling or grinning, happy and free.
    “One of the pack members has gone missing.” Willow’s mind raced through all the members she’d met the other day.
    “Oh my God, who was it?”
    “Stephanie McLannahan.” Willow froze. His eyes narrowed on hers. “You met her? Ah, damn,” he muttered and pulled her close.
    Willow didn’t fight it, couldn’t as her mind tried to process his words. Stephanie was the girl she talked to while her cursed Chihuahua humped her leg.
    “What happened?”
    “Her parents say she went out for a wolf run last night but never came back. I have a search party out there right now. We’ll find her.” Willow heard the promise in his voice and knew he’d stop at nothing until his pack was whole again.
    She pulled away, rubbing at her cold arms. “I need to go see them. I need to go talk to them.” Lyonis hid his surprise—barely.
    “You can take my truck if you want.” Her eyes jerked to his, astonished.
    “You’d trust me not to leave?” He couldn’t stop from grinning.
    “Not at all but the guards are on high alert today and we have a special guard tracking just you. This could be a great sign of trust,” he said and wrapped his hand around the back of her neck, pulling her close.
    Her eyes dropped to his mouth and whether she realized it or not, she thrust her chest against him in a tempting way. She may not like him and what he stood for, but she wanted him. It would be enough for now, but Lyonis never accepted half of what he could have. He’d have her heart and her body, and he’d never let it go.
    Sweeping down, he pressed a kiss to her soft lips then stepped away quickly.
    “Go, they need you.”
    Her head bobbed and then she jumped into his truck and pulled away. Lyonis’ heart felt lighter for the first time all day. Willow didn’t know it, but she’d just taken the first big step into becoming his mate.
     

 
    Chapter 13
     
    Willow awoke with a clammy sweat covering her skin. Groaning, she pushed the Alpha’s heavy arm off her. She sat up and the room spun around her. Dammit. When was the last time she’d fed?
    Yesterday had been a sad day around the pack and Lyonis hadn’t pursued her. Everyone in the pack had been morose since Stephanie went missing.
    Last night when Lyonis returned from helping the search party, they still hadn’t found her. Not even a clue as to what happened to her or where she was.
    Willow pushed the sad thoughts aside. She was on the second day and was starting to feel the effects from not feeding. Willow glanced over at the Alpha sleeping quietly next to her.