Free Forbidden Seduction (Lee County Wolves Series) Book #2 by Teresa Gabelman Page A

was new? Her heart knew nothing else. “But only on the condition you help.”
    “Absolutely!” Leda threw her arms around Emily, hugging her. “You have no idea what this means to us. We’ve never…. Thank you!” Leda sniffed as happy tears filled her eyes.
    “You’re welcome.” Emily hugged her back tightly. From what she had heard, which wasn’t much, these two kids didn’t have it easy before they’d met Janna. “Now let’s go break the good news to Max and Sam.”
    Sam looked up with a big pout on his face. “Come on, Max.” With head hung low, Sam led Max toward the steps.
    “You know, Sam, I have a problem.” Emily sighed and sat on the top step blocking their way.
    Sam’s head snapped up. “What?”
    Emily tried not to smile, but it was hard. The kid was so damn cute, plus with Max sitting, staring up at Sam with her big pink tongue hanging out just waiting to see what Sam was going to do, it made for an adorable picture. “Well, with me working all the time, I really can’t take care of Max the way she needs to be taken care of.” Emily frowned, putting her finger to her chin. “Do you know of anyone who could help me? They’d have to love dogs, though, and they’d need to take Max and give her a good home.”
    Sam stared at her for a second before his eyes popped open wide. “Me!” he shouted, pointing to himself. “I love d-d-do-do—”
    “Slow down, Sam, before you explode.” Leda laughed at his excitement.
    “You promise to take good care of her?” Emily asked with a serious look on her face. She snapped her fingers and Max came to her, which was a first. It was like Max understood what was going on. When Max put both paws on her chest giving her a wet lick to the face, Emily wondered if the puppy did understand. It was as if she were saying good-bye.
    “I pr-promise.” Sam nodded a serious nod and then jumped in the air with a fist pump and a loud whoop.
    Emily grinned before burying her face in Max’s fur. “You be good,” she whispered, laughing as Max gifted her with another lick before pushing off and running toward Sam.
    “What do you say, Sam?” Leda tilted her head at her brother.
    Sam told Max to sit before he walked up the steps to Emily, wrapping his tiny arms around her neck. “Thank you,” he said without a stutter. “She’s my b-best friend.”
    “You’re welcome, Sam.” Emily let go of him and watched Max and Sam take off.
    “Thank you.” Leda also gave her a quick hug before chasing off after them both.
    “You’re welcome,” Emily whispered as she watched them go. Looking away, she stared out into the dark woods, a tinge of regret curling around in her stomach. Max had been her confidante, the only source of love she had. Once again, loneliness enveloped her, as did a wave of sadness. Putting her head down on her knees, she let the tears fall. One more good cry and then she was done with this shit. She hated to cry, but this one was well deserved. She’d let go of the only friend she had. Racking sobs hit her hard and she let them flow this last time.

Chapter 9
    Hunter woke with a start, sitting straight up before realizing he was at his brother’s. They had followed the trail of the bastard and his little gang until it disappeared completely. The sun was just coming up when they made it back in town, and he knew Emily would be asleep. He was too tired to go to his home so he crashed at Garrett and Janna’s, as did Marcus. The rest went their separate ways. He did, however, run to the feed mill to make sure the doors were locked and all was good before even thinking of resting.
    Putting his bare feet on the cold floor, he jumped when something sharp clamped down on his foot. “Son of a bitch.” Looking down, he glared into the eyes of Max, Emily’s puppy. “Damn, you have sharp-ass teeth. What are you doing here?”
    Leda walked in with a grin. “Emily gave her to Sam last night.”
    Hunter’s head snapped up. “What?”
    “Yeah,