Free Enemies in Love [High-Country Shifters 4] by Melody Snow Monroe Page A

the door. She’d been about to ask what that was about but stopped. She knew. “He’s going for a walk?”
    Jude grinned. “Come here, my little interpreter.” He pulled her onto his lap, and she’d never felt happier.
     
    * * * *
     
    Over the next two days while Kranor’s strength returned, she and Jude had worked in the garden, prepared meals, and made love. It was as if she was in some kind of fantasyland where she got to live in a world where everything was wonderful. She knew full well that both men would have to go about their business once she left, but even getting away from the constant demands put on her by family, friends, and her business made being here nice.
    Loneliness would be an issue, as would living here with Kranor since she wanted both men. Every time Kranor walked into the room, the sexual tension nearly strangled her. On the few occasions she dared to glance at his crotch, she could almost see his cock get hard. However, if she pretended to check his wounds, he put up a wall so tight no one could breach it. She wanted a man like Jude, who was open and easy.
    “You ready?” The icy two words from Kranor convinced her he was good to go.
    “Yes.”
    Kranor picked up her pack and slung it over his shoulder. If she hadn’t seen the wounds herself, no one would have been able to tell that he’d nearly died. Had it not been for the doctor, he might have.
    Jude came in from outside. “It looks good.”
    She didn’t ask what that was about. She knew. Jude wanted to make sure there weren’t any pack wolves nearby waiting to pounce. Jude had said they’d like nothing better than to get back at Kranor by hurting someone he cared about. There was no use trying to tell him that it would be Jude who would be crushed if she was injured, not Kranor.
    Jude had already packed water and some food for the ten-mile hike back into lion territory. While she did have a portable phone, she’d foolishly left it sitting on her dresser at home. They’d have to stop by Taryn and Kellum’s place first anyway if they wanted to go underground. Lara and the baby would be there if her brothers weren’t. She bet Jude would love to see the infant.
    The moment she stepped outside, the warm day greeted her, but her heart turned heavy. Jude, who seemed to know every feeling she had, wrapped an arm around her shoulder, leaned down, and kissed the top of her head. She was going to miss them. They might only live a short distance away, but the dangers that separated them were vast.
    Kranor kept up a fast pace. It was almost like he was trying to either run from the demons coursing through his body, or he couldn’t wait to get rid of her. She didn’t like either scenario. Sure, it was dangerous to be traveling here, but that couldn’t be helped. Going during the daylight made it easier to spot other wolves.
    Hell, wolves showed up even when she was in lion territory. She just wished they all could have gotten along. Surprisingly, the trip back seemed to go by quickly. Maybe it was because she didn’t want her time with them to end.
    When they passed the communal garden, Taryn and Kellum appeared. They both rushed over to them, and each gave Kranor a friendly hug.
    “Knew you were too tough to kill.”
    He laughed, a sound that nearly weakened her knees. It was something she hadn’t heard in days. With her brothers, the chip on his shoulder seemed to disappear. What she wouldn’t give to have him be so free with her again.
    “It’ll take a couple of lions to finish me off.” Kranor puffed out his chest.
    She stepped in between them. “Okay. Enough of the testosterone-laden bragging.” She faced her brothers. “Kranor wants to see Mom and Dad again. Do you think you could act as an escort?”
    Kellum cocked a brow. The silent conversation only lasted seconds. “Sure.”
    Even though she was with two of the most powerful men in lion territory, she feared she’d be stared at. While her men were every bit as