The Hunter's Warrior Read online

  “Okay, we need to get him what he wants and then we wait to meet the buyer. I’m not sending civilians out to do this job. We have to do it,” Raven said. “I have to be the bait.”

  “Absolutely not. You’re not doing it,” Caz said, his jaw muscle twitching so hard, Leo even stopped what he was doing. They both leaned in closer to stare at him. “What are you doing?”

  “Dude, you are twitching,” Leo said, reaching out to touch his face. Without realizing he had done it, his teeth turned into the jaws of his tiger and snapped at his hand. Only missing it by a few inches. “Hey!”

  Raven grabbed his hand and pulled him out of the house. Just touching her made him calm down. She tugged him out the door and into the woods. She finally stopped and pushed him against a tree. Grabbing his face, she crushed her lips against his. All he could do was hold on and enjoy this moment, that unfortunately ended too soon.

  “Now, listen, okay?” Raven stopped and started pacing. “I know you’re worried about me. I’m worried about you too. What if something happens to you during this mission? I don’t know what I would do. But…I’m trying and if this is going to work you have to trust me and…” Raven stopped and narrowed her eyes at him. “You have to believe that I can handle this and together we are going to solve this case. Can you do that? If you can, I will consider being your mate.”

  Caz stood there. He wasn’t expecting that, and he really didn’t know what to say. He just stared at her mouth because it was red and plump and beautiful, and she was safe right here with him.

  Clapping her hands in front of him made him jump. “What!” he said, jerking his head back?

  “Did you not hear one word I said?”

  He leaned forward and touched her bottom lip. “Got preoccupied by this.”

  “I’m being serious here. We have to stop doing this or I’m not going to make it and let’s be honest, neither are you. Okay?”

  Caz blew out a deep breath. “I’ll try, but if you get hurt or killed, I’m going to kill you. Understand?”

  Nodding, Raven smiled and walked closer and kissed him. Now this was what he wanted. Every day of his life.

  Raven watched the alpha carefully, noticing he was watching for Caz’s reaction. It was almost like he knew what Leo was going to suggest. As soon as Leo put her as one of the people Archie took, Lennox leaned in and glared at Caz.

  The only reaction he got was the deep breath her mate took. He didn’t look away but the mention of her name as bait was what Lennox was waiting to see.

  “And all three of you are in agreement with this plan?” Lennox asked, focusing solely on Caz.

  “Yes, Alpha,” all three said together.

  “All right, so Raven will pose as the female bear that Archie will deliver. What else does he need?” Lennox asked.

  Caz walked over to the window, staring out. “A tiger and a silver fox.”

  Lennox turned to stare at Caz. “Well, you are a tiger, and the only wolf I know of that is close to being silver is Quinn Dixon. And I know Arden isn’t going to let her go. So the delivery of the product will be the night of the masquerade ball. Did he give a destination yet?”

  “No,” Raven said, still she watched Caz. She could see how tense he was. His back muscles were bunched together and he actually looked bigger.

  “I will talk to Dixon about Quinn, but it may just be you two. Now, here is the big question. Can you both do your job without worrying about each other to the point that you get distracted? Because if you can’t, then we have a problem. I’m not losing a hunter because you couldn’t focus because of your mate.”

  Caz didn’t speak but Raven nodded and said, “I’m a hunter, Alpha. I worry about my brother all the time, but I know what he can do, and I have that faith in Caz.”

  They watched as Caz turned to stared at her.

  “Can you? Can you do the job with your mate in that much danger and still protect yourself and her and do the job?” Lennox asked.

  The room was silent for a few moments before Caz walked around the desk and sat. “Yes, sir.”

  Lennox nodded and they worked a plan for the night of the ball. Each had a job to do and she was thankful that Caz was finally coming around.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Two days of planning kept Caz and his mate so busy, they didn’t have time to talk. He continued to touch her or stand near her during the meetings. They had gone to Calum’s house and started planning every exit they could use. If a threat happened here, where would it come from?

  “Are you okay?” his sister asked as he stared into the backyard.

  “Sure. Just looking out into your orchard. It’s a beautiful place, Riley. I’m happy for you,” Caz said, but he wasn’t feeling happy about his circumstances.

  Riley pulled on his hand, taking him into the orchard where a bench sat across from some of the trees. “Spill it. I know you and I know when something is bothering you.”

  At first, he stayed silent. All the emotions inside him swirling. He knew he was going to break and go off. “To be honest…I’m worried that I’m going to make a mistake and get Raven or me killed. How can I focus on the job and her safety too? Maybe she was right, and I need to stay here.”

  She studied him as only his sister could through her all-seeing eyes. “Oh…well, maybe you should realize that you have a mate that’s a Death Hunter. She’s been trained to do this, Caz. Just like you. Mistakes will be made, but I know you, and I know your tiger, both will watch out for each other. You will find your rhythm that only you two can have. It will click the moment she stops fighting the mating and you will automatically know what she’s doing before she even does it. The same will be for her. That’s what is so special about a mating.”

  Riley placed her hand on her brother’s face. Immediately, he brushed his head against her hand. Softly purring knowing this was what he needed. His sister always knew what to say. “You are my brother. I had that confidence with you. But nowhere near what I have with Calum. I know right now, he is looking for me and he knows I’m out here with you.”

  They watched as Calum walked through the young trees toward them. The smile on his face told Caz that his sister would always be protected and so would Raven. He loved her, and his mind couldn’t fathom living without her.

  “There you are, my love.” Calum narrowed his eyes at him. “Caz, you look troubled, my brother. What can I do to help you?” Calum asked, sitting beside Riley. His hand automatically wrapped around her and pulled her close, kissing the side of her cheek and smelling her hair.

  “I want that,” Caz said, softly to himself, but he had said it out loud.

  Calum smiled and patted his hand. “You will. I can already see the way she looks at you. It’s just a matter of time.”

  “I don’t know if we have that kind of time. What if something happens tomorrow night? What if I’m not there—”

  “Caz?” Calum said, now holding his hand. “We could do what ifs forever. Nobody knows the future but have faith in her ability and yours. I have no doubt that whatever comes, you will both be able to handle it.”

  Taking in a deep breath, Caz looked at his sister. “Thank you for loving my sister.”

  Calum and Riley both smiled and snuggled against each other. “We will leave you to your thoughts, but remember it will get better, brother.”

  He watched as they went back to the house, leaving him to sit and think about what they said. The sweet scent of plums and apples made him close his eyes and inhale deeply. The smell took him back to the times his parents would take him and Riley to a nearby farm to get as much fruit as they could carry. The farmer was a friend of their dad. Mr. Kasson had a problem with his stomach and his dad came up with a formula with oils and herbs to help. He made it special for him. Mr. Kasson paid him back with as much fruit as they would ever want.

  This orchard was coming into full bloom. The area smelled wonderful. Just like Mr. Kasson’s farm. He loved plums. These weren’t ripe yet, but he
could tell he would be over here raiding their fruit trees very soon. Apple, pears, peaches, and plums. Oh, and the blood oranges were divine.

  The only problem he had was that Raven still hadn’t accepted him as her mate. She loved the attention he was giving her, but she still hadn’t given in. That would definitely be a problem for him. He would be so aware of her that he wouldn’t be able to think. It would throw him off and possibly get them both killed.

  “What are you doing?” Caz opened his eyes and Raven stood in front of him.

  “Just thinking.”

  Throwing her hands up, Raven blew out a deep breath and sat down beside him. “About what? We have a lot to do and go over before tomorrow.”

  Caz turned and faced his mate. “Look, it’s been bothering me all day. I have watched my sister and Calum very closely. They are mates and she said that once we are mated, I will start to know what you’re going to do even before you do it and same for me. But only when we are fully mated. You haven’t decided if that’s what you want.”

  As she opened her mouth to reply, he put his finger over her lips. “Just listen. I’m okay with that, but I’m not okay going with you on this and jeopardizing this mission. I won’t be able to think clearly except about your safety and we can’t do that. We have to be looking out for every angle for any clue what this person or that person will do. I’m messed up right now. I don’t think you know exactly what you want.”

  “What are you saying, Caz?”

  “That I can’t be your partner on this mission.”

  Crossing her arms over her chest, Raven looked away from him. He saw the hurt in her eyes before the hunter came through and wiped it clean. “Okay.” She started to get up and he pulled her back down.

  “Listen, I’m not done.”

  Shaking her head, she pulled her arm out of his grip and stood. “What more is there to say? Leo can fill in.” She turned to leave but crushed him with her next words. “I knew this would happen anyway.” Before he could stop her, Raven was racing back inside. She had to understand this was for her safety. Until she committed to him, they couldn’t work together. It would be too dangerous.

  Fear like she had never felt erupted inside of her. It started in her lungs. She couldn’t breathe. Calling on her animal, Raven took in a deep breath. She hid behind the door to the ballroom trying to regain some control before she spoke to her brother. But what did she expect? She knew this was going to happen. Deep down, she knew it. Brushing her hair back, Raven opened the door in search of her brother.

  She saw him hanging lights on a tree. She waited until he finished, and he looked down at her. “We need to leave now and talk to the alpha. Caz has changed his mind about working with me. And don’t look at me like that. I just got the truth from him. I knew he would realize he was wrong about the mating.”

  Her brother stared at her. “I don’t—”

  He winced when she threw her hand up and missed his face with her claws. “Just stop, Leo. Please just stop. Let’s go. We are done here, anyway. Caz will find his own way back.” When her brother looked like he would object again, she narrowed her eyes and blurted out, “Fine. Choose him over me. Makes no difference to me.” Then turned and left. Shifting in the front yard, she ran into the woods.

  She let her bear take over and run. Pissed wasn’t the word she would use. She hadn’t felt this type of hurt since… She stopped trying to think back and looked around. She was here again at the creek. Why did her bear keep bringing her back here?

  Why did no one want her? Shaking her head, she lay down. She wanted to cry and let it all out. Then she wouldn’t talk about it again. It was over. She felt her body shift. Lying next to the water in her human form, Raven cried.

  Rocking back and forth, she had let herself be taken into this fantasy world that Caz was her mate. But he wasn’t. When he didn’t get what he wanted, he let her go. Just like everyone else in her life.

  “You are too beautiful to be crying.”

  Raven’s head flew up and watched as Wyatt Benjamin stood beside her. She never even heard him approach. She sat there in total fear. What had she done? Did he see her shift? “You are safe here. I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

  He started to pull his shirt over his head and Raven tried to move away. “Here, this is for you to cover up with.” She stopped and stared at the man. He looked like he was ten feet tall and she was a big girl and a bear. She eyed the shirt he held out to her.

  “What are you doing here?”

  She watched as Wyatt kneeled then sat in front of her. “I live here. This is my land. I was taking my walk and heard you. And look who I found. Can’t say I’m sorry because anytime a man finds a beautiful woman on his land, well, he needs to get to know her better. Much better.”

  “I’m sorry. I was running and—”

  Smiling, he said, “You run in the nude? Now that’s my kind of woman.”

  Raven knew her face lit up. She could feel the heat creeping up her neck and face. “I know it looks kinda stupid, but I-I like to be free when I run. I hide my clothes and run then come back and put them on.” It sounded stupid even to her as she made up the most ridiculous lie.

  “Hmm…” was all he said but she watched as he continued to stare down at her chest.

  “I’ll take your shirt now if you don’t mind,” Raven asked, pushing her hand out.

  He smiled but never turned his eyes as she slipped the shirt over her head. The look of hunger on his face made her feel funny.

  “What has you so upset?”

  Raven got up slowly and the shirt came down past her butt cheeks. “Nothing. Just had a lot on my mind and I ran too far, I guess.”

  “Been doing that a lot lately.”

  Narrowing her eyes, she wondered what that meant and didn’t like where this was going. “But anytime you want to run on my land, you go right ahead. I’ve got lunch made and I’d like for you to join me. Everyone needs food after a good run and cry. It makes it all better.”

  Wyatt grabbed her hand and walked down a small path she hadn’t seen before. Taking a deep breath, she followed him. In her mind, she knew this was a chance to get answers, and no matter what, she had to take it. She was a hunter and sometimes that required going beyond the rules. She may not live but it was a chance she was going to take. As the forest started to thin out, the castle came into view.

  This time nobody was wandering in the yard. As they got closer, she could smell the food and see the steam coming off the dishes on the back porch. Still nobody was around.

  “Where is your family?” she muttered, looking around the yard.

  “Here, there, everywhere. Nobody will bother us. Just you and me.”

  With that being said, Raven knew she shouldn’t be here. None of this made sense. “Why?”

  As they reached the table, Wyatt stopped and stared at her. “Why what, sweetheart?”

  “Why me?”

  Wyatt pulled a chair out for her to sit. As soon as she did, he sat beside her. “Because you remind me of someone. I miss her so much.”

  “Your wife?”

  His smile faded as quickly as it came. “Yes. But I won’t hurt you, Raven. I just miss talking to her. We would walk for hours and just talk.”

  “What do you want to talk about?” Raven felt the sorrow as he spoke.

  “Why were you crying?”

  Raven looked off into the trees. “I let myself believe something and it wasn’t true. I should have known better, but I allowed myself to hope.”

  “He broke your heart.”

  Staring at the man, she couldn’t lie to him. Well, she could, but again she had to tell him something that he would believe in order for him to open up more. She continued to tell him things she should have kept to herself. “Yes.” She nodded.

  “Here, let’s eat. A full stomach always gives me a different perspective.” Wyatt held a plate out to her, and like he said, she filled her plate. “I remember when I met my wife and we would argue
like most couples do. She would think that I couldn’t possibly love her. I already had millions and she didn’t think I could possibly care for her when she had nothing to bring to the table.”

  “Money, you mean?”

  “Yes, but it was never about the money. She was scared that she wouldn’t be able to be my wife. That people would only think she was after my money. It took me a while, but I proved to her that our love was much more than money.

  “Like you and Caz Milton. Whatever it is, you can work it out. And just like me and my mate, you will be happy again.” Raven’s head jerked up. Nobody but shifters would use the word mate.

  “Mate?” Raven tried to act nonchalantly. “That’s a funny word.”

  Wyatt put his fork down and turned in his seat and faced her. “I don’t know why, but I’m going to take a chance on you, Raven. Trust isn’t just a word I use lightly. It’s everything to my people. It’s all we have to keep us safe. I’m going to tell you a story that I’m going to trust you with.”

  Raven picked up her glass and listened.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Okay, she could do this. If Caz Milton didn’t want her, well then, she would let him know that someone else did. Walking back through the woods, she passed Dave Regan. He narrowed his eyes as she just smiled and walked past him in Wyatt’s T-shirt.

  She watched as he sniffed the air, then shook his head as she continued on the path to her home. As she passed each guard, they all just shook their head. She could see her alpha, Leo, and Caz. Of course, Caz paced until he smelled the air and his pacing stopped and focused on her. They all turned toward her and watched as she got closer.

  At first, she didn’t get close enough. “Did Caz tell you he did not want to work with me?”

  Lennox stared at her then nodded.

  “The more I think about it, that’s a great idea.” She walked up on the back porch. When she heard the growl, instead of stopping, she continued toward the door and almost made it when she was spun around and held closely to Caz’s chest. He sniffed her body and couldn’t stop. The growling became more scarier and scarier.