Chapter Eight
Trent woke up with Melissa in his arms for the second time in twenty-four hours. He remained still, enjoying the weight of her body against his. Melissa rested her cheek on his shoulder with one leg thrown between his. For the first time in years, he settled.
He felt as though a boulder had been removed from on top of his chest. Trent could breathe. He was awake. Since the night he’d walked away from Melissa and his life back in LA, he’d been lost in a fog. It was hard to admit he’d been wrong and made some terrible mistakes. Trent had trained himself to stop caring about anything other than the people he considered family. Melissa showing up proved to Trent that he wasn’t the man he’d thought he was. He was an even bigger asshole. He had a second chance, though. If Melissa could forgive him, they might be able to salvage what they’d once felt for each other.
Hell, Trent just hoped for a chance. He could be the man Melissa needed. He knew he could. Or at least he hoped. In the last five years, he’d changed. But so had she. Melissa was more open, and if she meant what she’d said, she was willing to work things out. Waking with her was the first step in getting her to agree to give him another chance. At least he was in his own bed and didn’t have to worry about any more unexpected visitors. Here at the bar he’d ensure her safety. Even his hyena was settled, having her in his territory. She belonged with him. The animal inside knew it.
He peered down at the sleeping human. After he’d sated them both, he’d gotten Melissa comfortable on the bed to sleep in his embrace. He never wanted to move, unless it was a repeat of the activity they’d shared earlier that morning.
Damn, he’d never felt as good as when he was buried inside her.
He hadn’t been lying. He’d claimed her.
Although there was a tingle of regret he tried to push aside. She’d been shot, almost killed for a second time, then he’d lost control and taken her too roughly. Oh, she hadn’t complained, but a real mate would have put her needs before his own.
She moaned in her sleep before rubbing her cheek against his chest. Trent hummed with approval. That was a very shifter thing to do. She was human and didn’t understand she was marking him with her scent, but Trent knew and that was enough. He ran his hand down her bare back, trying to comfort her. The clock on the bed side table showed it was after twelve. They’d have to get up soon, but he wanted to let her sleep for as long as possible. Melissa at least deserved that.
They’d agreed to call the sheriff as soon as they were up and moving around. The town was on high alert. All the shifters knew there was a threat to their kind and any humans were suspicious. Except for Melissa. Not that he was going to let Melissa out of his sight any time soon. She’d probably want to work on the investigation, but they had all the resources needed right there. Guess it’s time to let her in on the town secret. To show her what I do now.
“You are thinking awfully hard for it being so early,” she whispered against his chest.
He chuckled. “Depends on how you want to look at things. It’s after twelve, so it’s not too early.”
She groaned. “It feels like we just went to sleep.”
“You can rest some more.” Trent didn’t want her to leave his arms quite yet. “How are you feeling?”
She didn’t answer for several long minutes. Not until she’d flexed, stretched and yawned. “Okay, arm’s still sore. My body is pleasantly worn out, as well.” Melissa grinned up at him. “Thank you for that.”
He chuckled. “Welcome?”
Melissa rolled until she was on her stomach, gazing up at him. “I’m sorry you got drawn into my mess. I know you wanted to be left alone. Now, you’ve gotten involved in an investigation.”
“It’s okay,” he told her. Trent meant it, too. When she’d first arrived, he’d been afraid he’d get his heart broken again. Now, the only thing he feared was not being able to protect her.
“No, it’s not,” she said. “I wanted to keep my promise. To not make you regret me being here. But how could you not? I killed someone last night.”
“You saved both of us, remember?”
“Still.” She shrugged. “You don’t want to be a cop and I—”
Trent laughed. “Stop,” he said. “I think I know where you’re going with this and there is something you should know.”
“What’s that?”
“This isn’t your normal kind of bar,” he told her.
“I kind of figured that out.” Melissa grinned at him. “Are you going to tell me what’s really going on around here?”
He nodded. Trent needed Mac’s permission, but he didn’t think Mac was going to have a problem with Melissa joining the group. Hell, every other member of the sheriff’s department helped out on occasion. “But first I need to tell you something that’s more important.” Trent was not going to chicken out. He would put himself on the line and pray Melissa felt the same way.
“Is it bad?” she asked. “Because I don’t think I can handle much more bad news right now. I mean, if you think this is a mistake—” She waved her hand between them. “I guess I can understand that, but I don’t think it is. I know I screwed up before, but I’m not the same person I once was. I’ve changed. I’ll support you. I want to see you in your animal form. I won’t—”
“Shh.” He covered her lips with his fingers. “You’re stealing my thunder here.”
“What?” Her words were muffled behind his fingers.
“I know we can’t forget the past. I don’t actually want to because that would mean forgetting Adam, and that’s wrong. But I’m the one who failed you. Not the other way around.”
“I…”
“No,” he said firmly. “I found the threats. You’d been dealing with more than I ever knew.” Trent removed his hand. “I didn’t think about what my coming out as a shifter would do to you.”
“I should have told you,” she said. “I thought I could handle it. Until Adam was killed, then I knew he wasn’t the only one who was going to get hurt.”
“I understand now. I shouldn’t have put that on you,” he said. “I’m in awe of everything you tried to do after I left.”
“I wish I could have done more,” she told him. Melissa pushed up onto her elbows. “I tried, I really did. The LAPD is a big organization.”
“You made changes happen,” he pointed out. “You mattered.”
“So you forgive me?”
“There’s nothing to forgive. Do you forgive me? For leaving you behind? Letting you deal with what should have been my mess?”
“I never blamed you for leaving,” she said. “I would have probably have done the same thing. I didn’t have as much to lose as you did.”
He shook his head. Trent didn’t think Melissa would have run, but it was too late to go back and change things. He could only hope that meant they had a future. “I’m glad you ended up here. I know now I would have spent the rest of my life being alone because you weren’t by my side.”
She stiffened. Trent couldn’t look at her, though. It had to be easier to say the words if he didn’t have to see her eyes.
“What are you saying, Trent?”
“Even though I don’t deserve you, I can’t let you go now I’ve had you again.”
“I don’t want you to,” she said. Melissa tucked her knees under her then climbed up and straddled his waist. He placed his hands on her hips to hold her steady.
“I’m still in love with you,” he confessed.
She gasped.
Finally, he raised his gaze to meet hers.
“I never stopped loving you,” she told him.
He yanked her forward and took her lips in a passionate, almost desperate, kiss. Complete elation filled him. Not only did Melissa still have feelings for him, she was willing to forgive him. It didn’t matter if it took the rest of his life, he was going to make up for his behavior.
Trent couldn’t help the need to touch her. He ran his hands up and down her back as she leaned against him. Her breasts pressed against his chest while she wiggled around.
“I want you again,” she whispered against his lips.
He cupped her ass. “I was rough last night. Your body is still healing.” If there was a way he could change her into a shifter so she’d benefit from their special DNA, he would. Sadly, there wasn’t a way to change humans into shifters. Only being born a shifter was possible.
“Please, Trent,” she said. “I’m fine and I need you.”
“I need you, too,” he confessed. He might be a bastard, but he couldn’t resist her.
She reached around to grasp his cock. He pushed up through her hand. “I’m going to ride you this time,” she said.
He groaned. That sounded good to him. Trent nodded before laying his head back on the pillow. This was her show, and he was going to enjoy.
Melissa beamed at him before stroking his cock again. It was hard to keep from thrusting, but he managed. She laughed before releasing him then arched her back, which pushed her chest out. Melissa cupped her full breasts while getting onto her knees. As she thumbed her nipples, Trent realized it was going to be a lot harder to allow Melissa to have her way and not touch. She raised an eyebrow, a clear challenge, and he was certain she knew he was struggling.
“You’re teasing me?”
She nodded. “I finally have you right where I want you,” she said. “So you’re going to lie back and let me be in control.”
Trent squeezed his eyes closed, calling on his control before he nodded. If she wanted to torture him, Trent would have to push her to give him what he wanted. He reopened his eyes and smiled. “I’m ready.”
Melissa pressed her lips together, showing her suspicion before leaning down to kiss him. She used her tongue and teeth, nibbling and biting. He had to clench his fists to stop himself from grabbing at the back of her neck. Instead, he allowed himself to melt. Her arousal was sweet and made his cock grow even harder. He lifted her hips so his erection was brushing against her.
She broke the kiss then leaned back. “Something you want?”
“You know what I need,” he responded.
“I do.” She bent over him, this time placing her nipple next to his mouth.
Trent kissed then sucked on the hard nub, enjoying the way she clutched at his shoulders. She always loved his mouth. Once it was time for him to be in control, he’d worship her with his tongue for hours.
She gasped and pulled away to peer down at him. “You play dirty.”
“I’ll show you dirty.” Fuck, he wanted to flip her onto her back and bury his cock deep.
Melissa laughed. “I hope you do.” She reached back and grasped his shaft again. “But first, I’m going to use you like I’ve been dreaming about for years.”
Trent clenched his teeth as Melissa positioned herself. She gazed at him while lowering down, taking his cock inside her tight pussy.
“Jesus Christ!” he shouted. Trent shook with the need to thrust up. She was torturing him with her slow pace.
Melissa dug her nails into his pecs. She threw her head back as she moaned in pleasure.
She was so beautiful. Trent watched her, refusing to take his gaze off her. She was like a goddess lost in the passion of their bodies coming together. Finally, she took him all the way in.
“Touch me,” she whispered.
Thank God. Trent leaned up so he could kiss along her collarbone to her soft neck. As he used his lips, he also ran his palms over her ass and lifted her. Trent pulled out slightly before pushing back up.
Melissa sighed, the soft sound barely leaving her lips.
He repeated the action, allowing her to enjoy the rocking movement. He kept his pace slow, enjoying the way her inner muscles tried to keep his cock buried.
“More,” she demanded. Melissa pushed on his chest until he was flat against the mattress again. She dug her knees into the bed and raised herself to ride him, hard and fast.
Trent’s body tingled like he’d been electrocuted. He grunted as his slick palms slid against her hips. Melissa’s pace sped up more. It wasn’t going to take long for him to completely lose it.
“Yes!” she cried out.
“Yes,” he repeated. Trent grabbed her thighs and began to plunge up. He met each stroke with an enthusiastic thrust.
They raced toward their own climaxes, urging each other on with words and sounds. The end was coming too fast. She bit at his shoulder just as she convulsed. Her pussy clamped down so hard he shouted as he continued to drive into her.
He held Melissa against his chest, chasing his own orgasm. He thrust, withdrew, striving to claim her.
Melissa turned her head, kissing him deeply.
Trent sucked on her tongue while he started to come. He filled her pussy. He knew even after she showered, she’d still smell like him.
The primal animal part of him wanted to howl.
He threw his head back and yelled as the final bursts of his seed claimed her. Trent let his hips fall back to the mattress and closed his eyes. He was tired again. But this time, it was a sated and happy, body exhausted and heart full, kind of tired.
“Wow,” she whispered.
He chuckled. “We could stay here forever.”
“We’ll need to eat eventually.”
Trent grunted. At the moment, he didn’t care about anything but her. Melissa pulled up and his half-hard cock slipped from her body. Trent reached over and tugged her against his side.
She rested her head on his shoulder, just the way she’d lain when they’d woken up. He pressed a kiss to her forehead before he ran his fingers though her hair.
They needed to shower and get some food. Then find the others and call the sheriff. There was a full day ahead of them.
Someone pounded on his door.
Melissa started to laugh. “At least they waited until we finished.”
He groaned. These were shifters and could hear pretty much through the whole building, even with them taking extra steps and putting in soundproofing.
The pounding came again.
“What do you want, Calvin?” Trent yelled. He could smell the panther though the door.
“You have about twenty minutes before the sheriff and his deputies will be here. They need to talk to you both,” Calvin hollered.
Melissa stiffened. “Do you think something else happened?”
It had to have. After what he and Melissa had gone though that morning, the sheriff wouldn’t bother them unless it was something important.
“We’ll be out in a minute,” Trent shouted. He turned to Melissa. “We should hurry.”
“Something’s wrong, isn’t it?”
“I think so,” Trent admitted. He rolled off the mattress before offering her his hand. “If we shower together, we’ll save time.”
She snorted. “Really?”
“Okay,” Trent said. “I want to touch you again. This might be my last chance for a while.”
She frowned. “I hate this. These people have no reason to attack us.”
“Humans don’t need a reason.” He regretted the words as soon as he spoke.
Melissa jerked back.
“Shit!” He grabbed her hand. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean that.”
She blew out a breath. “You did. But I can’t really argue with you. I haven’t seen the best of human nature lately.”
He’d fucked up. “I have.” Trent pulled her close. “You.”
“Me?” She laughed.
“You came here to help people you don’t even know,” he said. “You’ve proven you’ll stand for the shifters of this town. You showed me there are still humans out there who care.”
“I’ll always be human,” she said, her words quiet. “Will the people in this town ever accept me? How about you? In five years, are you still going to be okay with the fact that I’m human?”
“I have to be,” he told her. “I meant it when I said I was still in love with you. Whatever it takes, we’ll work this out. I’m going to screw up.” Trent chuckled. “Probably a lot, actually. But I trust you to call me on my bullshit.”
Melissa grinned. “I can guarantee it.”
“Good.” He kissed her cheek. “Let’s shower. We don’t want Annabelle coming to get us. She’d probably try to climb in the shower with us.”
* * * *
Melissa’s stomach was in knots as Trent led her into what he called the family dining room. This back part of the bar was newer and homier than where she’d previously been. Melissa had been picturing a rough version of an old house. Instead the wood floors gleamed, the décor was modern and classy and the entire place felt secure.
This was Trent’s home, so she should have known better. Still, she was surprised.
Trent held her hand as they stepped into the room where everyone else had already gathered. Even Magnus had arrived.
“Hey!” Annabelle was the first one to spot them. She jumped up and rushed over to Melissa’s side. “How are you feeling?”
“I’m okay,” Melissa was quick to assure her.
Annabelle narrowed her eyes. “Really?”
She nodded. “My arm’s a little sore, but it isn’t too bad.” Melissa looked over at Trent. “Trent’s been taking good care of me.”
Annabelle beamed. “I knew as soon as he got his head out of his ass he’d do the right thing.”
“Hey,” Trent complained. He released Melissa so he could push Annabelle toward Logan. “What did I tell you about her needing a leash?”
Logan tried to smile, but it was obvious it took effort.
Trent must have noticed, as well. “So, what’s going on?”
Mac gestured for them to sit at the table.
Trent ran his hand over her shoulder before placing his palm against her lower back, urging her forward. She sat next to Annabelle, leaving Trent to take the seat on her right.
Annabelle was pouring them cups of coffee as everyone else settled back down. “You need to eat,” Annabelle said. She motioned to another woman to bring over plates.
Melissa wanted to protest. The knowledge that something was wrong took her appetite.
“Don’t argue,” Annabelle warned. “You’re going to need your strength. We all are.” She sounded upset. It was Logan who reached for her, though.
“What?” Trent barked.
“About an hour ago, I stopped by Deputy Garcia’s house. I tried calling him and he’d not been answering. I decided to check on him. He was on call last night at the office, so he knew what was going on. I hoped he was merely sleeping after the long night shift,” Magnus said. His hands shook as badly as his voice.
“He wasn’t asleep,” Trent guessed.
“It appears he was ambushed as he walked in his front door. I smelt four humans,” Magnus said. “He never stood a chance.”
Melissa swallowed hard and put her hand over her mouth.
She might have been new to the town, but she’d worked with James Garcia. He’d told her on her first day he liked working the night shift because nothing ever happened and he could sit at the station by himself and play solitaire on his computer. He’d been the oldest of them, including Magnus. He’d also been out of shape with a beer gut and receding hairline. He’d liked apples and sunflower seeds.
Tears filled her eyes.
He’d told old stupid jokes and never smiled. Melissa had really liked him.
Annabelle gasped out a sob before Logan pulled her against his chest.
Trent wrapped his arm around Melissa’s shoulder as everyone else sat in silence.
“They killed a deputy,” Mac said. “There is no turning back now. All their previous attempts had been unorganized and sloppy. But the attacks on Melissa and James were coordinated.”
“I’ve issued a curfew for the town. No one is to be out after dark. I’d prefer if everyone stayed inside during the day, as well. If they can’t leave town, they’re to check in with us,” Magnus announced.
“I have Fredrick downstairs working with Carter to track all our residents. I want to know everyone is safe,” Mac added.
Melissa looked up. Mac watched her.
“I already decided to tell her,” Trent said. “I just need your permission.”
“You have it,” Mac replied. “Get Melissa up to speed on what we can do here. I want to know everything there is to know about Garth Stevenson and anyone else who might be involved.”
Logan cleared his throat. “I called in a favor.”
Melissa peered over at him. He was stroking the back of Annabelle’s head as she still had her face buried into his chest. Anger shone in his eyes, making them practically glow gold.
“There is a group of guys who owe me one,” Logan said. “They were the first Coalition agents after we came out. These are some badass guys. They’ll be here in a couple of hours.”
“Coalition agents?” Trent asked.
“We need them,” Logan said. “We don’t have any idea how many people are behind this. Enough to attack you and Melissa while setting up to kill James. Right now, they’re targeting law enforcement. Trying to get rid of anyone who can stop them. The bar will be next. They’ve already targeted this place before.”
“What do you think they want?” There had to be a reason for Grant to attack the town.
“I believe they want to wipe out all the shifters here,” Logan stated.
“But…” Melissa didn’t know how to respond. It couldn’t even be possible. “Someone would notice.”
“Eventually,” Magnus said. “Having Logan and the other Coalition agents here complicates their plan. Someone is going to notice if Logan, Fabian and Fredrick go missing. But without them, we’re pretty much on our own. We don’t have much contact with other people.”
“Delivery drivers,” Trent said. “We get supplies for all the stores up here.”
Magnus shook his head. “You’re right. It doesn’t make sense to us, but this has to have been in the works for a long time. There are too many people involved for them not to have thought this through.”
“Think about it,” Annabelle said, lifting her head. “If they got rid of the shifters, they’d take over the town. Move in and carry on like nothing is wrong. The land is valuable, being so close to the state park. We’ve gotten offers for a decade, trying to buy up pieces of the town. We don’t sell because we want to keep it for shifters.”
“Christ,” Trent exclaimed. “There’s no telling who is really behind this. Grant could be working for someone else.”
“What was the name of the developer who came around a couple of years ago?” Mac asked.
Melissa didn’t know who they were talking about, but she could put the pieces together. If a developer wanted the land so much, he might have hired Grant to try to chase them away. Shooting at the shifters when they were out running would have the shifters feeling unsafe. But would they have moved on to murder if the first plan hadn’t worked?
“Damn it.” Trent pounded his fist on the table. “I can’t remember the asshole’s name.”
“Me, neither,” Mac admitted.
“I think I threw his card away,” Magnus added.
“Carter will be able to find it,” Annabelle said. “He did a complete background check as soon as that man arrived.”
“That’s right,” Trent agreed.
“Okay,” Mac said. “We need to set up a plan.”
Magnus cleared his throat. “This is still a sheriff’s department operation.”
Mac grinned. It made the huge biker look years younger. Melissa didn’t think Mac did a whole lot of smiling. “Of course, Sheriff.”
Magnus rolled his eyes. “I mean it.”
“So, tell us what you want to do,” Trent responded.
“Have Carter find the file on the developer. In the meantime, the rest of us need to go out and help the residents. If they can leave, great, help them load up and get on the road. Anyone who stays needs to keep a phone with them. Have them report any suspicious activity or problems to Carter,” Magnus said.
“What about the station?” Melissa asked. It was normal for them to transfer the phones to the deputy on call. But that still left the station vulnerable.
“Fabian and Carl took the prisoner to the Coalition office. They’ll about be back in town. They don’t know about James yet.”
“Shit,” Trent spat. “Carl is going to take this hard.”
“So will everyone else in town,” Magnus said. “I’m keeping it quiet, but eventually someone is going to figure it out. I had doc take his body to the hospital.”
“Carter and Fredrick will monitor the residents and us. Trent and Melissa, go north and make sure all the residents know the plan and leave or stay inside. Logan and Annabelle, take the south. I sent Calvin and Duffy east already to check the entrance to town. That leaves the west for me,” Mac said.
“And me,” Magnus put in.
“You need to be seen around town,” Mac told him. “Kelly will stay and keep the bar locked down here. With Carter and Fredrick downstairs, she’ll be safe enough.”
“We’ll only have a few hours to get everything locked down tight,” Trent said.
“Meet back here by four, no matter what,” Magnus ordered. “Logan’s friends should be here by then and we’ll come up with a plan of attack. We’re not going to play defense. When they come, we’ll be ready.”
“The zombie plan,” Trent laughed. “Are you fucking kidding me?”
“What?” Melissa asked.
Annabelle giggled. “Carter got us all into playing an online zombie game. He made an exit plan for if the zombies ever came. It’s quite brilliant.”
“If we can survive the zombie apocalypse, then a couple of humans won’t be that hard,” Mac agreed. He glanced up at Melissa. “Sorry.”
She waved off the apology. Melissa was going to have to get used to the way this group threw around the word human. She knew she was more than the label. Trent didn’t see her as the enemy any longer and, deep down, the others didn’t either. She might not have been able to transform into an animal, but she was one of them.
“I can’t believe we’re going to use Carter’s zombie plan,” Trent complained. “He’s never going to let us live this down.”
That drew a chuckle from the group.
“I have one question,” Melissa spoke up.
“What?” Magnus leaned forward. He was listening to her and that made her feel appreciated.
“You’re assuming they’ll wait until dark to attack. What’s to stop them from hitting us when we separate?”
“Nothing,” Mac replied. “But, for some reason, that’s what they’re doing. They’re human and using human logic. They don’t realize some of us are better hunters at night.”
Trent chuckled. “They haven’t done their homework.”
“Okay.” Melissa shrugged. “So, they’re going to attack us tonight.”
“That’s my guess,” Mac said. “Although they might be watching us today to see what we’re doing.”
“How is this safe, then?” Annabelle questioned.
“Our first priority is taking care of this town,” Mac said.
Melissa hadn’t been giving the shifters enough credit. They did set out to take care of everyone. This might have been a small town, but it took a lot of work to ensure the safety of all the residents. Even now when they knew the attack was directed at them, they were still making sure that the townsfolk were okay first.
“Anything else?” Magnus asked.
No one said anything.
“Let’s get started,” Magnus ordered.
Trent stood, pulling Melissa to his side.
“I’ll get with Carter before I leave,” Magnus said. “Call me if anyone comes across trouble.”
“You didn’t eat,” Annabelle complained.
Melissa looked down at her full plate. She wasn’t hungry.
“I’ll get her something on the drive,” Trent said. “I promise.”
Annabelle huffed then turned on her heel. “I’ll at least make you coffees to go.”
“Thank you,” Melissa murmured.
Trent kissed the side of her head before he motioned toward Mac. “Let me talk to Mac for a second.”
“Sure.” Melissa shoved her hands into the pockets of her hoodie. Everyone had cleared out of the dining room pretty quickly. She wandered down the hall toward the open bar area.
It was crazy—the first time she’d walked into the place, her entire life had changed. She could still remember looking up and seeing Trent after five years. The lights were off in the main area, but there was enough sun coming through the windows that she could see clearly.
What if she hadn’t seen the post of a job opening in Brookside? It had been such a fluke she’d responded to the opening and Magnus had wanted to hire a human. It would have made much more sense to just have shifters, but fate or something had brought her back to Trent.
She wasn’t going to let anyone take her second chance away.
“Hey.”
Melissa jumped as Trent slid his arm around her from behind. “You scared me.”
“I’m sorry.” He pressed his lips to the back of her neck. “What were you thinking so hard about?”
“How lucky we are. What if I hadn’t seen Magnus’ ad for a deputy? Or he hadn’t hired me?” Melissa spoke quietly, almost afraid to voice her thoughts.
“I have to think that, some way or another, we would have found each other again,” he said.
“What if we hadn’t?”
“But we did. That’s what we need to concentrate on.”
Melissa whirled to face him before throwing her arms around his waist. He was right, of course. What could have happened wasn’t as important as the fact he was right there in front of her.
Trent cupped her cheek then lowered his lips to hers.
She pushed up, closing the distance and pressing harder.
“I brought you—”
They broke apart and turned to Annabelle.
“Coffee.” She held up two travel mugs. “Sorry.”
“It’s okay,” Melissa assured her.
“We need to get on the road,” Trent said. He took the cups from Annabelle. “We’ll go out of the front.”
“Everyone came in from the back,” Annabelle told him. “You have your key?”
“Yep.” He turned to Melissa. “Ready?”
“Yes,” she replied. Melissa headed toward the front door. They’d parked in the lot when they’d gotten there so this would save them from having to walk around the building.
“Hold these.” He handed the mugs to her.
“Sure.”
Trent pulled out his keys and unlocked the door. He yanked it open and motioned her to go ahead of him.
Melissa stepped out and almost slipped. Trent caught her elbow, keeping her on her feet. “What?” She looked down. There was blood—she knew what it was even as she stared in horror.
“Fuck!” Trent wrenched her back. The cups went flying out of her hands as she was propelled inside the bar.
“What’s wrong?” Annabelle ran to them.
“Stay there,” he ordered. “No, go get the others.”
Annabelle frowned before taking off down the hall.
“Trent?” Melissa managed. She still couldn’t process what she’d seen.
“It’s okay,” he said. “Just stay in here.” He was peeking around the edge of the door frame. Then he cursed quietly.
“What?” Melissa was afraid to ask.
“Son of a bitch,” he muttered.
“Trent? You okay?” Mac ran in.
“Keep the girls inside,” Trent ordered. “Where’s Carter? Why was no one watching the fucking cameras?”
“What are you talking about?” Mac demanded.
“Someone left us a present right on our fucking doorstep.” Trent whirled around. “And no one saw?”
Mac shouldered past Trent. There came a string of curses before he stomped back inside. He slammed the door behind him.
Logan, Magnus and Annabelle joined them.
“Trent, take Logan out of the back door and come around to the front. Make sure you watch where you’re stepping,” Mac ordered. He pulled out his phone. “Carter, come to the front. Bring the portable camera monitor.”
“What is going on?” Annabelle cried.
“It was a deer,” Melissa said, still in shock.
“Shh,” Trent soothed. “It’s okay.”
Melissa shuddered. Someone had gutted a deer and dropped it by the front door. She’d been sleeping when some asshole had played a sick joke on them. Melissa’s anger started to cover the shock. She looked over at Annabelle to see Logan whispering in her ear.
“Go with Annabelle,” Trent told her. “I’ll be right back.”
Melissa watched him go. These creeps were even sicker than she had thought. She didn’t know if this was a warning or what. Melissa straightened her shoulders. They wouldn’t hurt anyone else.