Free Forbidden Hunger (Lee County Wolves Book 1) by Teresa Gabelman Page B

instant.
    “But I am her father,” Jonah added, not sounding too sure, yet he made the effort.
    “And she is my mate,” Garrett countered, daring anyone to say a word otherwise.
    Unfortunately Hunter took the dare. “Poor girl.” He shook his head. “She has a father she has never met and a mate all in the span of a day. Finds out her father is an ex-alpha who’s a drunk and a mate who threw her in a pond.”
    “Hunter.” Marcus warned, eyeing both Jonah and Garrett.
    “No.” Hunter suddenly looked older than his years. “You guys think I’m just a goof, but I see things others don’t. What I see is a scared woman who has no one but us. Yeah, I was hard on her at the beginning, but she kind of grew on me and I won’t stand around and watch her get hurt.”
    Garrett wanted to punch his brother, but he knew he was right. “No one is going to hurt her.”
    “Then we need to figure out what we’re doing,” Jonah added. “They’re coming and soon.”
    Garrett’s wolf reared in protective anger at those words. “Marcus, you and Hunter get everyone together. I’ll meet you at Jonah’s.” He looked at Jonah. “You up for this?”
    “Yes,” Jonah replied, but looked ragged from not having a drink in twelve or so hours. “I want to talk to her.”
    Garrett nodded, looking at all three. “If trouble is coming, we will be ready. I want everyone to know what’s going on. All women and children will be taken to a safe place until this is over.”
    “It’s coming,” Jonah replied, turning to walk away. “I have a strong feeling Jasper has been waiting a long time for this and Janna is going to be his prize in this game of revenge.”
    “Then he’s going to die.” Garrett’s words were spoken strong and true.
    ******
    “Who’s going to die?” Janna had changed quickly and was back outside within minutes. She wanted to talk to Jonah, but she seemed to have walked up on a very serious conversation.
    “Damn, that was fast.” Hunter looked from the house to her. “Didn’t think women could get ready that fast.”
    “Well, I don’t have many clothes to choose from.” She shot Garrett a narrowed look as she wiggled her toes in the grass. “And only one pair of shoes.”
    “Sorry about that.” Garrett’s eyes ran over her face, down her body in dry clothes, and to her bare feet.
    “Yes, you will be,” Janna countered, a warning in her gaze. When no one said anything, Janna looked at all four men. “Who’s going to die and does that have anything to do with me?”
    “Tomorrow is the blood moon,” Jonah answered when no one else did. “Whoever marked you is hunting you as we stand here. This is serious, Janna.”
    “I know it’s serious, Jonah.” She looked at the man who was her father, but such a stranger to her. She didn’t know what to feel for him.
    “I’ve never seen a Reaping, but obviously, they don’t know she’s a shifter, or perhaps they do. Who knows?” Marcus broke in, his eyes going to Janna for an answer.
    “I don’t know.” Janna shrugged, not wanting them to see how nervous she really was. She was trying to be as strong as her mom had been. “But the man who knew Jonah and my mother was more focused on her while his son was carving me up.”
    Garrett growled at her words, his body going tense, yet he didn’t say a word.
    “From what I can remember, I really don’t think he knew I was your daughter, at least I don’t recall him saying that.” Janna frowned. “I wish I paid more attention, but watching my mother die and being…” She didn’t finish, just shook her head while turning away to take a minute to compose.
    Taking her in his arms, Garrett held her tightly to his side, and it felt so right. “We’ve been through this before.” Garrett’s voice was even, offering her comfort.
    “Sure have.” Marcus nodded, his eyes narrowing. “I’ll go talk to the rest and get things set up.”
    Hunter was staring at the ground when he suddenly looked