Free Luke: Emerson Wolves by Kathi S. Barton

I am, but I’m going to see about staying somewhere that’s not your room.”
    “Good luck with that.” He left her standing there and went into the bathroom. He stared at himself in the mirror, then slammed his fist into his reflection. Turning on the shower, he stepped into the cold water and let it run over him until he was chilled to the bone. His body now matched the condition of his heart. Frozen.

Chapter 5
     
    Jack had no idea where she was, of course, but had a feeling that below her, down the big staircase, was going to be a way out. But what she didn’t expect—and once she thought of it she should have—was to find several people standing in the first room she entered. They stopped talking the moment she walked in, and she knew they were talking about her.
    “I pissed off Luke. I don’t really care, but if this is his house, he might be inclined to toss you all out.” A beautiful woman came forward and handed her a pair of pants. After thanking her, she pulled them on. Jack had no idea why she felt comfortable with these people, but she did. “Where can I find a place to stay? I think you all might know my brother, Allen.”
    “We do. He’s staying here for a few more days too. If you need him, I can find him for you.” She shook her head at the older man. “Up to you, of course, but I know that he’s been worried. I’m Cash Emerson by the way. This is my son and alpha, Hunter. His wife, Slone. This is Jarrett and Graham, my other sons. You’d be Jack Wagner.”
    “I would be. And Christ, you guys are huge, aren’t you?” Cash laughed and she decided that she kind of liked him, despite who his son was. “I really need to have a place I can think. Here? I don’t think I’m going to get to do that the way I want. I need quiet and space.”
    “And what is it you have to think about?” She looked at Slone, who sat down at the large table. “Please have a seat. I’m tired a lot lately, and sitting is so much friendlier.”
    “No offense, lady, but I don’t really want to get too friendly.” The big man, Hunter, she thought his name was, laughed. “You know a good joke? Because I gotta tell you, I could use one about now.”
    “You’ve been very friendly with Luke. In fact, you’ve bonded and mated with him.” He grinned when she felt her face heat up. “Allen said you like it straight. I’m assuming that you still like your information that way.”
    “That guy, Luke? He said that too. Something about biting during sex.” Hunter nodded and Jack felt the need to sit down. “I have no idea what that really means, but I’m assuming that it’s not going to get me out of here any time soon. And I don’t want to offend any of you, but I’m fucking on edge right now.”
    “No, it’s not going to get you out of here. Where you go, I do. I’ve tried to explain that to you twice now.” She turned to see Luke standing there. Christ, he’d been gorgeous naked; with a suit and tie on, he looked like she could have him for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a few snacks in between. When he looked at her, she had a feeling he knew just what she was thinking and lifted her chin. He laughed as he reached for a glass in the cabinet over the sink.
    “I think there’s been a mistake here.” Jack tore her eyes from Luke to look at Cash to speak to him. “I know this was done to me to save me, but I’d really like to see about getting me changed back. Not that I’m ungrateful or anything, but I don’t want a lifestyle that includes changing into a big dog every month.”
    “We’re not really dogs. Canines, yes, but not dogs. We’re wolves. And so are you.” Luke leaned against the counter and he sipped the tea as he continued. “I told you before, you’re not going to be able to get back to just being human. You’re my mate, as I’ve said, and we’re bonded. We’re going to have to talk about this sooner or later, Jack. You’re a wolf. You’re my mate and we’re