Morning came as it always did and like normal, Layla found herself alone in bed. The warm glow to the sky, in those moments before the sun rose, could be seen through the window. It took her a moment to recognize the creamy white walls filling her vision and royal blue comforter she had tucked in around her. She wasn’t at Donald’s house. The rollercoaster ride of the day before came back to her, making her understand it hadn’t been a dream. It had all happened. She rolled over, searching for the man who’d pulled her from the hell. The space next to her was empty. She was alone.

“Korbin?” Her voice tight with emotion, she called out for him. Please let him still be here.

“Layla?” The voice sounded barely above a whisper. “It’s Sparks.”

“Kor—” Fear cut off her words and tightened her throat.

“Come out here when you’re ready. I’ll put a fresh pot of coffee on. We’ll talk.”

Talk? What was there to talk about? Korbin had gone to face Donald. The possibilities of it all going badly rushed through her thoughts. She knew he wouldn’t listen to reason, or let her go with them, but the idea of him confronting Donald sat like a ball of lead in her stomach. What if Donald arrested him? What would happen to the people here if Korbin ended up in jail?

Needing to do something she hopped out of bed and went to the cedar chest where she’d folded her clothes the night before—only to find a small stack of clean clothes waiting for her with a note folded on top. Without even opening it, she knew it was from Korbin. So thoughtful. She brushed her fingers brushed over the edge of the piece of paper, her gaze clouding with unshed tears.

Don’t worry, baby, I’ll be back soon. While you’re waiting, go see your sister. I had a chat with her this morning. You’ll be surprised. And don’t fight Sparks; he’s only following orders.

Fight Sparks on what? She had no doubt she’d find out in a few minutes. Quickly, she threw on the clothes and dragged her fingers through her hair. She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror hanging above the dresser—surprising that she didn’t look too bad, considering she had been shot twenty-four hours earlier. Her face was still pale but she’d have to wait until she could get some makeup from either Mella or Rachel to fix that. First on the agenda was a cup of coffee and finding out what Sparks knew. Then, she’d go to Mella. The thought of visiting her sister made her feel uneasy and uncertain. Mella had loved Donald, or at least she loved the man she’d thought he was.

Stepping out of the bedroom, she spotted Sparks standing at the end of the hallway, a cup of coffee in hand. As she neared, he held out the mug to her. “Thought you’d need this.”

“Thanks.” She brought it close to her face to breathe in the heavenly scent. It was too early for her and after the late night, he was right—she needed it. “He’s gone, isn’t he?”

“He’ll be back.” He tipped his head toward the living room. “Come sit.”

“I need…” She thought back to the note Korbin had left her but before she was in any mood to speak with her sister or face anyone else she might run into on the way, she needed the caffeine. “Okay.”

“I’ll take you to see your sister whenever you’re done if you’d like.”

“Not before she eats something,” another man called out, coming around the kitchen counter with a small plate in hand. “It’s just toast but if you’re up to something else, I can make it. I make a mean fried egg.”

“What Luca means is a fried egg is all he can cook.” Sparks let out a deep laugh as he dropped onto the sofa.

“This is fine.” She took the plate from his outstretched hand. “Thanks.”

“Ma always said food will help with anything. Though I can’t say I was blessed with her cooking skills.” He pushed his blond locks away from his face and smiled. “Guess I’ll have to find a mate who can keep me fed.”

“You’re welcome at our table anytime. I love to cook.” Sitting in the chair where she had cuddled in Korbin’s lap only hours before, she sat her coffee aside. Inviting Luca to have meals with her and Korbin felt right. These people would be her family. It didn’t matter that they turned into extra-large cats with fangs that could tear through her throat without breaking a sweat.

“He picked a good mate. An Alpha Female who loves to cook is just what we need around here.” Luca grinned.

“Her duties to the clan are going to be more than feeding your furry ass,” Sparks teased. “Ignore him. I swear he’s constantly hungry. He’s a miserable lot when he hasn’t been fed.”

“Aren’t we all?” Enjoying the easy banter between the two, she nibbled on the piece of toast. “So, umm…Korbin?”

“He’s okay.” A now serious Sparks turned toward her. “He’s handling it.”

“He didn’t go alone, did he?” Her stomach churned, making it impossible for her to continue eating.

“He’s taken Ted, Zaz, and a couple of guards with him. Everything will be fine and he’ll be back before you know it. He’ll handle the situation.”

At what cost? Donald thought he owned her. He wasn’t going to let this go. Correction: he’s not going to let me go. The thought chilled her to the bone but nothing she had told Korbin had changed his mind. He’d been determined to face Donald and protect her.

“How about we show you around the compound while we wait?” Luca offered.

“I need to see my sister first. She was pretty pissed off when we left her last night, so I’ve got to try to smooth things over with her. Could take a while. Why don’t you guys go do what you do? I’ll be fine.”

“Not a chance.” Sparks shook his head. “We’re your guards for the day.”

“So that’s what he meant.” She shook her head. “I don’t need guards. What does he think? That I’m going to run off after him?”

“Can you truthfully sit there and say you haven’t considered it?” Sparks raised an eyebrow at her when she opened her mouth to answer. “Remember, shifters know if you’re lying.”

She leaned back against the chair and watched him. The thought had crossed her mind since she’d found out he was gone but she wasn’t going to do it. Showing up while he was dealing with Donald could turn things disastrous and she didn’t want to entice the situation further. It would be like pouring gasoline on a fire. It was best she stayed as far away from Donald as possible.

“That’s what I thought.”

“It’s not like I could sneak off anyways,” she snapped. “This place is locked down. Guards patrolling the perimeter round the clock.”

“To keep the clan safe, not to keep you prisoner,” Sparks explained. “Though if it’s going to keep you here where you’re out of harm’s way, then consider it as you wish. Our Alpha has assigned us as your guards so until he returns, we’re not allowing you out of our sight. If you have an issue with this, you can take it up with him when he returns.”

“I…” She didn’t know what to say to him. Korbin had told her not to fight him, and the man was only following orders. Yet, she wanted to rebel. How was this any better than what she’d escaped from? They were keeping her there, watching her every move. Donald had kept her chained in the house when he couldn’t supervise her every move. The similarities made the hairs on her arms stand up, yet the two situations felt nothing alike. Donald had tried to control her; Korbin was protecting her. The actions might be similar but the reasoning behind them was completely different.

“I should go see Mella.”

“Or she can be escorted here.” Luca came around the coffee table to sit on the opposite end of the sofa from Sparks. “You’ll be safer and more comfortable here.”

“I don’t care where we do it.” She shook her head and reached for her coffee. “Sorry, not enough caffeine and way too much stress.”

“No need to apologize,” Sparks assured her before turning to Luca. “Send Neil a text and tell him to bring her over.”

“Who’s Neil?” she questioned as Luca grabbed his phone from his pocket.

“Another guard. He’s protecting Mella,” Sparks explained. “Can we get you something else to eat? Anything?”

“I’m fine.” She shook her head; all she wanted was her coffee. “A guard for Mella?”

“Korbin wants to make sure you’re both safe. It’s a precaution to give you peace of mind. He likes to make sure all possibilities are covered.”

Maybe being mated to him won’t be bad. He’s considerate, sexy, and damn if he doesn’t stir the fires within me.

* * *

Standing over the man on the sofa, Korbin kept a tight leash on his beast. Every ounce of him wanted to throttle the drunk fucker to within an inch of his life. He’d abused and terrified Layla for months but it all ended today. Even if that meant putting an end also to the sheriff’s life.

“Who the fuck are you?”

“Your worst nightmare.” Korbin growled, grabbing hold of Donald’s collar and dragging him into a sitting position. “You thought you could terrorize her into submission and when she didn’t follow every fucking order you gave her, you shot her.”

“You know where Lay—”

“Don’t you dare say her name.” His fingers tightened around Donald’s throat. “She’s too good for you. A ray of sunshine over your darkened heart. You never deserved her and I’m going to be sure you don’t ever lay a hand on her again.”

“I believed you.” Ted stepped next to Korbin. “For too long—but now I know the truth.”

“What are you talking about?” Donald tried to pull out of Korbin’s grip. “Assault on a police officer. Breaking and entering. Shall we continue to add to your charges?”

“You’re not going to do shit,” Korbin snapped. “I know what you did.”

“Is that bitch spewing lies again?”

Korbin’s growl had Zaz stepping up to his other side. “She’s brought the truth to light and I’m certain you won’t want others to hear it.”

“What are you saying?”

“You were raised by shifters and for that reason, we’re going to offer you a deal. Stay the fuck away from Layla and you live. Otherwise, come near her and we’ll tear your life to shreds. Once you’re ruined, I’ll personally end your miserable life.” Unable to stand the reek of alcohol, Korbin let go of Donald’s collar, forcing him back on the sofa.

“You killed her father.” Ted shook his head. “What the fuck were you thinking? Mr. Cole was a gentle old man who loved his daughters more than anything.”

“That was the problem.” Donald rubbed his throat. “When it came to his daughters, he didn’t know when to keep his mouth shut.”

“Don’t make the same mistake when it comes to her.” Zaz pulled a paper out of his back pocket and dropped it on Donald’s lap. “We have the official ballistics report from her father’s murder.”

“What?” Donald’s eyes widened as he picked up the paper.

“Before you could get things switched around, they ran the bullet. The examiner was able to match it to your weapon due to another incident.” Korbin leaned down to get back in Donald’s face. “Between that, her testimony, and the second witness we located, you’re fucked.”

“Let’s not forget about shooting Layla and the physical abuse you put her through for months.” Ted tipped his head back toward the last person in the room. “Nora.”

“Sheriff, I’ve recovered the bullet from your bedroom wall.” Moving closer, she held out the evidence bag for him to see. “Your service weapon has one missing from the magazine. According to the victim, it’s what you used to shoot her and the bullet matches the caliber.”

“I’ll have your job for this.” He turned from Nora to Ted. “I can’t believe you talked me into hiring her. A fucking shifter on the police force.”

“Like there aren’t others all over this country.” Ted shook his head. “She’s family; that’s why she was called in on this. This is shifter business and if you stay away from Layla, it will be handled as such. We’re not here to ruin your career. No one in this room gives a shit if you’re still the sheriff, but we will be watching you. Stay away from Layla and clean up your act or so help me…”

“What?” Donald snarled.

“You know what we do to a rogue. You might not be a shifter but you’re a fucking dangerous rogue and I won’t have that. I won’t stand by and allow you to torment people. You ever lay a hand on a woman in anger again and you’ll find out what it feels like.” Ted tipped his head toward Korbin. “I’m done with him. Do what you want.”

Korbin stared down at the man for a moment. It was tempting to rip his head off and relieve them of any problems they could have. Rather than give in to his beast and allowing the blood to flow, though, he stepped back. “This is the only warning you’ll get. Think carefully before you make your next move.”

He turned, giving Donald his back, hoping the bastard would be stupid enough to do something. If he pulled his gun, he’d have a rude awakening. Zaz had emptied the bullets before they had woken Donald, eliminating that threat. Still, if he pulled the gun, Korbin would be all too happy to teach him a lesson. Make your move, asshole.