Free Into the Unknown (Werewolf Wars, #2) by Bethany Shaw Page A

let’s get lunch.”
    ***
    G ene finished signing the receipt, paying for lunch as everyone else gathered their belongings.
    “Do you need anything else while we are out?” he asked Natalia as she finished adjusting Adrian in his stroller.
    She opened her mouth to respond a weary look on her face, but he beat her to it. “I know you don’t want to feel indebted to me. I understand that. Let me know if you need anything. As I said earlier, we can work something out.”
    Shoving his wallet into his pocket, Gene made his way over to Devon and Lark. A twinge of jealousy shot through him as he watched Devon throw his arm around Lark. A melodic laughter left Lark’s lips as she leaned into him. To think, only a few months ago, Devon had been single and unwilling to let anyone in. Lark had changed all of that. If she could do that for Dev, perhaps he could do something to help Natalia. At least he hoped he could.
    The sharp ring of his cell phone caused his footsteps to falter. Recognizing the whistles as Preston’s ringtone, Gene dug the phone from his pocket.
    “Hey,” he greeted.
    “Hi, just thought I’d call to check in. We’re in Arkansas with Ernest Dullard,” Preston said.
    “How are things?” Gene questioned, sighing as he watched the women head into the GAP. He leaned against the railing that overlooked the bottom section of the mall, listening carefully to his brother’s reply.
    “Okay. He seems jumpy every time we mention Juarez, though. He offered for us to stay the night, but I kind of get the feeling he’ll kick us to the curb in the morning,” Preston explained.
    “Don’t coerce them to help us. They have to want to on their own. We need reliable allies. I trust you to use your judgment, Preston. If you don’t like something—anything at all—then don’t feel obligated to stay and talk.” Gene scrubbed a hand over his face. “Promise me you’ll be careful. I don’t know what I’d do if something happened to you.” He shivered as he admitted that aloud.
    “Relax, Gene. I have a girl and school to look forward too. I’m coming home,” Preston said. “How are things at the ranch? Ready for your trip?”
    “I think so. I’m just hoping that Natalia is up for it.” His eyes drifted to the store where she was. He caught a glimpse of her as she ran her slender fingers down a red tank top with white flower prints.
    “Hmmm, I think you might have a thing for her,” Preston teased.
    “Maybe.”
    “You’re not even going to deny it?” Preston asked shocked.
    “It’s...I don’t know what it is.”
    “Good for you, Gene. Just watch out for her right hooks,” Preston chuckled.
    “I didn’t tell you about that to get teased,” Gene grumbled under his breath.
    “I got to go, Vincent’s coming back. I’ll talk to you later,” Preston said.
    “Alright, be careful.”
    “You too.”

Chapter Six
    N atalia looked around the room one last time, mentally checking off everything she had packed. They were only going to be gone a week or so, but she wanted to be sure she had everything for Adrian. Letting out a long breath, she buckled Adrian into his car seat. Sweat beaded on her hands as she adjusted the straps.
    She wasn’t sure what scared her more, getting on a plane, or walking into an unknown pack. The trust she was putting in Gene disturbed her. All the wolves she had met had done nothing but hurt her and kill people. Gene seemed different, but she couldn’t be sure. One way or another, Adrian would not be safe with Fernando Juarez alive. She would not let her son become a member of his pack.
    Natalia looked up when someone cleared their throat. Marcus stood in the doorway. He motioned to the bag on the floor, and Natalia nodded, watching as he strode towards the luggage. A friendly smile remained on his face as he bent down to look at Adrian.
    “He’s a cutie. Me and Em hope to have one sometime,” Marcus said.
    Natalia relaxed. Thankful that at least he was acting normal.