Running From The Wolf: A Big Woods Pack Novel Read online

  Running From The Wolf

  A Big Woods Pack Novel: Book Two

  Written by:

  Cara Roman

  Baying Hound’s Dark Side

  USA

  Disclaimers and Copyright

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are a product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or locations is entirely coincidental.

  No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the author

  Running From The Wolf

  A Big Woods Pack Novel: Book Two

  Copyright © 2017 by Cara Roman

  All rights are reserved.

  Published by Baying Hound’s Dark Side

  Table of Contents

  Disclaimers and Copyright

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  About The Author

  Other Books By Cara Roman

  Other Books From Baying Hound Media

  Chapter 1

  T rying to ignore all of the hushed gossip around her, Kayla was struggling to get through her shift. It had been insanely busy at Dusty's Roadhouse ever since the house fire at Gerald and Cathy Wyles' house that killed so many people. It was big news in this sleepy little Michigan town where nothing much ever really happens. Normally most people spent winter evenings tucked into their warm homes, and this was the slow season at work, with it picking up as the weather warmed. Death will do that though, bring everyone out to reminisce, and hear all the juicy details. Of course nobody here knew the real story of what had happened to those people, and listening to how great so and so was, or how sorry everyone was about not getting over to visit them more often was starting to get to Kayla. Every single one of those people had a choice in their fate, and the consequences of that choice was their death. Maybe if they had believed her brother Kian, there wouldn't have been a battle among the pack. Then she wouldn't have had to drag their bodies from Kian's yard, load them into their own cars, and place them throughout the Wyles' home. There wouldn't have been a fire at all.

  The more people droned on about the tragedy the more it just made Kayla angry. Remembering the way Cathy Wyles and her husband Gerald had attempted to kill her brother's mate Emma it was all Kayla could do to stop the growl from rumbling in her throat. She wasn't sorry that she and Emma had killed the older couple. In her world, you either stopped the threat coming for you, or you died. Kayla had stopped it, but damn it, she would like to have clued everyone in here in to exactly how cruel and selfish those 'victims' had been on their final day. They died with snarls in their throat, and blood on their teeth trying to tear Emma apart.

  Shaking her head to rid herself of that image, Kayla hustled from table to table. Refilling drinks, and taking orders. Everyone expected witty banter with an easy smile from her, so she did her best to make sure that is exactly what they got. Counting down the hours until her shift ended, Kayla decided tonight she was going to shift and roam the woods. Kayla might have been on the smaller side for a woman, but her wolf was fierce. Dominant, and always ready for action. Mom used to say that she was going the be a hell raiser when she was little. But that was before Dad died. Kayla just couldn't put her mother through more heart ache after that. So she was always in a battle of wills with the wolf inside of her. Most of the time she was able to calm her wolf down. That was difficult lately. Too much had been happening, and her wolf was on edge.

  At least Emma was able to go back to her nursing job at the clinic. That freed up a lot of time for Kayla, since she had been taking turns guarding her. Now that Kayla had turned Emma, she had the tools to defend herself from danger. They were all being careful though, because her bastard of an uncle was still hiding out there somewhere. Kayla hoped he came sneaking back into Big Woods pack territory, he had a lot to pay for. Vengeance should go to Emma for the murder of her parents, and Kian as the new Alpha, but Kayla wouldn't mind watching it all unfold. While Kayla was envisioning dear, sweet, evil uncle Russ with his throat ripped out Kole and Jase walked in. Settling in at the bar Kole gave her a nod, and Jase smiled. He surprised her when he tossed his fate in with theirs recognizing Kian as his new Alpha. But had he not taken their side things might have worked out differently. The odds still hadn't been in their favor, but that extra fighter definitely helped.

  “It’s busy as all hell in here today boys, hope you got lots of patience if you're wanting food,” Kayla said as she grabbed them each a beer.

  “Sure is. Everyone wants to see what everyone else knows. No one has any different information though. At least you're getting good tips out of the chaos I guess,” Kole said taking a sip of his beer. “I've got plenty of time,” looking over at Jase, who nodded in agreement, “How about some burgers, fries, and a large hot wings to share. Thanks Kay.”

  “You better be leaving me some good tips too.” She narrowed her eyes at them before heading back into the kitchen to put their order in and grab another tray of food. Thankfully, the new girl Wendy was better at her job than her predecessor had been. She was practically running to keep up, but she was getting the right food to each table, and keeping the drinks filled. Which was all anyone could ask of her. That she was a looker, although very married, definitely helped smooth over any mistakes she made along the way. The guys were devouring wings, fingers covered in hot sauce when she checked on them next. Carl the lazy bartender must have gotten their appetizer to them. That meant he was going to want to split the damn tip. Shaking her head she asked them how things were.

  “I wanted to talk to you about helping out in the office now that, well you know. Jase and I are pretty swamped at the job site, and we could use Kian there at least some of the week.” Kole gave her his most charming smile. And boy, was it a doozy of a smile too. Women all over West Michigan fell into bed with him because of that. His dark hair, the steel blue Decker eyes, and shifter muscles certainly didn't hurt either. As his sister though Kayla was immune to his charm, and well versed in his tricks.

  “I don't know, Kole. I live with you, I don't want to work with you and Kian too. I already want to strangle you on a semi-regular basis.” Kian didn't harass her the way Kole always had, but he was forever going to see her as his baby sister with pig tails in her hair. Which wasn't much better in her opinion.

  “Come on Kayla, okay, look, in all seriousness it would be a shame if we fell behind on our deadlines, and tanked the family business. At least until we can hire some more people.”

  “Including a new secretary?” She tilted her head suspiciously.

  “Yeah, absolutely.” Kole nodded at her, his dark hair flopping forward into his eyes.

  “Fine, but you owe me. You're on cleanup at home for a month.” Kayla smiled deviously as she walked away. Getting out of cleaning the house for the next while definitely helped alleviate some of her annoyance. The added money she would be making wouldn't hurt either.

  The crowd dissipated after dinner, leaving only a few tables still occupied. Carl announced that
he needed a break, heading out back to smoke. Ha! Like he was the one running around this place all night. Kayla manned the bar, while Wendy easily handled the floor. She was straightening the bottles of liquor on the mirrored shelves hanging up on the wall behind the bar when Deputy Lex Kolter walked in. She caught his scent even before she heard some diners calling out in greeting. Inhaling deeply, he always smelled like pine trees and sunshine to Kayla. It made her knees go weak, and put her back up in equal measure. Reminding herself there was no use wanting someone that was completely uninterested in you after all. Who cares that he wore that uniform like it was painted on, every muscle on display? Or that his warm brown eyes looked like melted chocolate, and his brown hair shone streaks of gold. It was definitely best to ignore the sexy new scruffy stubble he was sporting lately.

  Taking a deep breath to calm her hormones as he sat down next to Jase at the bar. Arranging her face in carefully neutral lines Kayla walked over with his drink. Cherry coke in a Styrofoam to go cup since he was on duty. “Eating dinner tonight Deputy?”

  He looked at her for a minute, before saying. “No, just the pop, thanks.” Sounding completely worn out. He always did that, stared at her like she was dangerous to him, and he needed to be at the ready to take evasive action.

  “Anything new?” Kole asked quietly. They all knew what he was asking without having to go into more detail than that.

  “Naw, we're good. Just got done on patrol for the night, about to head into the station and finish up some paperwork. Thought I would grab a drink to take back with me. See how things were going.”

  “Our girl here was running around all night it was so damn busy in this place,” Jase said tipping the neck of his beer bottle in her direction. He didn't notice the way Lex's eyes narrowed marginally. “You know how people get. Out gossiping, wanting to see what everyone else has heard about what’s goin' on.”

  “That I do. I've been bombarded with questions everywhere I go lately,” he said taking a pull on his straw, tasting his drink. “Mmm, extra cherries, thanks Kayla. Well, that paperwork isn't going to write itself. Guess I better head on out.” He stood up to go, but paused a moment. “We still on for Kian's house this weekend?”

  “Yeah, he said every Sunday, and Emma mentioned a pot roast. See you there, man,” Kole said as Lex gave him a goodbye slap on the back, and nodded his head before walking out the door.

  “Always wondered why you don't like Lex, Kayla,” Jase asked watching her closely and absentmindedly peeling the blue label from his bottle.

  “He just gets on my nerves is all. Always has,” she answered back wiping down the top of the big wooden bar, darkened with age. It wasn't completely a lie, he did get on her nerves, but she had a lifetime of practice hiding the rest of what she felt. Jase raised an eyebrow at her, but didn't comment any further. Kayla took that as her cue to find busy work avoiding more questions until they left for the night.

  Carl came back from his break just in time to help her cash everyone out. Weeknights they closed up at eleven pm. She was cleaning the place with Wendy when she asked her if she was seeing anyone. Laughingly Kayla shook her head. “Nope, why, you wanna take me out on a date? What would your husband think?”

  “I doubt Brad would mind me putting the moves on you. Hell Kayla, he would probably be game to watch. But sadly you're just not my type. Actually, I was thinking you might want to see a movie with us, kind of a double date, with his friend from work, Sam.” Looking over at Kayla she added, “But If you're not interested it could just be a friend type thing.”

  Thinking it had been way too long since she went on a date of any kind, even a blind date, possibly friend type double date. She could use a distraction, and if it was a bust, then she didn't have to go out with him again, or give him her number. “Yeah, okay, when were you thinking?”

  “Well, its short notice, but this place is closed tomorrow, would that work? I don't know what’s playing yet, but I can look up sometimes and text you?” Wendy said grinning from ear to ear.

  “Okay, text me the details. I don't really have a preference, whatever you wanna see works. I do have some things to take care of early on, so evening definitely works better for me,” Kayla smiled, stacking chairs on tables as Wendy mopped. Today had sure started shitty, but it was ending on a much better note.

  Usually she cranked the music up when she was driving, but tonight she just wasn't in the mood to let the music soothe her. She was tired of pretending things were alright, spent all day at work faking it. Tonight she allowed the anger, and frustration build inside of her. Anger at all that happened, anger at her uncle's betrayal, and anger at having to pretend she wasn't angry in the first place. Noticing Kole had most of the lights out in the house they shared, the one they had grown up in, she pulled her SUV into the garage. The one in his room was on, and the light over the stove had been left on. Probably for her. As shifters they could see well in the dark, but it was still a welcoming sight when someone cared enough to leave a light on for you. Walking inside she tossed her coat over the back of the teal sofa, and set her purse down on the kitchen counter. Her work clothes went into the hamper in the laundry room. Striding through the house completely naked she walked through the back door. Closing it softly behind her she took one deep breath to brace herself for the inevitable pain of the shift, and let her wolf have her.

  After so many years of practice the change happened swiftly. Had anyone been watching it would have looked like the cream-colored wolf had simply burst from Kayla's skin. Of course, it happened muscle by muscle, with each bone reshaping to her new form. Shaking off the residual energy Kayla leaped off the back porch and raced across the yard into the tree line. Her paws sinking into the snow with each step, she weaved around trees jumping the occasional log. The musky smell of deer hit her nostrils and she considered it a moment; the chase would be fun. But it would just have been a waste since she wasn't hungry right then. Instead she ran past everyone's homes. As she passed Kian's place she picked up the sound of their lovemaking with her sensitive ears. Not wanting to intrude on their privacy she pushed herself faster. Jase's house was next, just a cabin in the woods really, all the lights were off, and judging by the soft steady sound of his breathing he was fast asleep.

  Looping back around and slowing her pace she rounded the bend at Lex's. He had a small house, neighboring her own home. They grew up a yard away from each other. But it might as well have been an ocean apart considering the distance between them. The light in his office was on, he was probably hunting down leads on her uncle's whereabouts. He didn't sleep enough lately. The stress was making him push himself too hard in her opinion. Reminding herself that wasn't her business, denying herself the lonesome howl her throat yearned for, she ran off. Towards the acrid smell of smoke. There wasn't much left to the Wyles' house anymore, completely destroyed inside, with large sections of the roof having blown off in the explosion. One back corner still stood, but what the fire hadn't eaten away at the spray the firemen doused it with had taken care of. A satisfying growl rumbled low in her throat. She was happy nothing of the house was salvageable. Her pack would heal better once it was razed to the ground completely.

  Satisfied all was well with her pack tonight, and having drained the anger out of her system Kayla turned towards home. Once on the back porch she stretched as a wolf and tucked her away again until next time. Fur receded, paws turned back into hands and feet, her muzzle shortened into a mouth and nose. Tipping her head toward her shoulder, one side then the other she worked the kinks out before opening the door and heading on up to bed. She would be able to sleep better now.

  Chapter 2

  W alking into Decker Construction bright and early the next morning taking a sip from the steaming paper cup of mocha from the shop in town Kayla sighed. It had been so long since she stepped foot in this place. Back when her Dad was alive she had been in and out of here. But after he died there hadn't been much reason for it. She wasn't going to be joining the
crew swinging a hammer, and it had felt empty without her father’s voice filling the space. The layout was exactly as she remembered it, though the decor had been updated at some point in the last ten years. The small reception area immediately to the right consisted of two chairs and a wooden end table between them stacked with home magazines. There were stunning 'after' pictures showcasing their work in large frames on the wall. Nestled in the corner was a small beverage area, a pod style coffee machine, and a spinning carousel of different flavored brews and teas to choose from. A small basket held sugar packets, and little cups of creamer like the gas station had. The left held a decent sized desk, completely empty of everything except a computer monitor, keyboard and telephone. With a wall of shelves behind filled with binders housing paperwork, and some design books. Next to the desk was a locked filing cabinet. Directly in front of the door across the room was a hallway that had a small bathroom halfway down, and the open door at the end was her brother Kian's new office.

  Kayla headed on back to talk to her brother. Seated behind his desk Kian was running his hands exasperatedly through his hair when she stepped into the office. “Hey Kay, ah, I'm just trying to figure out how I'm going to get everything done on time. What brings you in? Please tell me nothing broke at the house, or you didn't get a wild hair up your ass and want to redo it?” His eyes shining with something close to panic as he said the last part.

  “No, ya big dummy. I'm here to save your bacon, by volunteering my help with whatever office work you might need. I used to work summers and weekends here as a teenager, before, well you know. So I'm sure I can be of use to you. I have plans later this evening, but other than that my day is yours. Tomorrow I will change my availability to evenings only at Dusty's until you can hire someone else here. That should free you up some to go help out the guys on site.” Kayla beamed at him, “You can thank me now.”