Angela awoke with the sun shining on her face. She smiled and looked beside her expecting to see Jake but the bed beside her was empty. She sat up and saw the note on the table.

Angela,

Some unexpected business came up with my family and I had to leave. I didn't feel safe taking you along and I hope you can forgive me for leaving without saying goodbye. I will be back in a couple of days.

Jake

Angela felt her heart fall to the floor. Why had she let herself believe that he cared about her? Why had she fallen for all of that eternally bound to one another soulmate talk? Then she thought back to the night before and the look in Jake's eyes when they had made love and she smiled.

He said he would be back in a couple of days and she believed him. She would just have to keep herself busy until then. Angela took a shower, ate a bowl of cereal and then finished cleaning the kitchen. She looked around her house wondering what she could do next and it struck her that she no longer had a job... There weren't many options in this small town but she had to find something.

She put on a knee length flowy black skirt and a light pink t-shirt pulled her hair up in a clip and walked out the door. She stopped a few different places and was quickly tiring of hearing people tell her that they were not hiring right now. She pulled into Wendy's to get some lunch and saw their job applications on the wall.

She didn't want to work fast food but she had to have a job. Deciding that beggars couldn't be choosers she filled out an application and handed it to the manager who told her to come in the next evening and work until close.

Angela went home and tried to keep herself busy until bedtime and then she curled up in her bed trying to ignore the loneliness and fell asleep.

888

Jake walked out of the airport in Jamaica and looked around. He had no idea where to go to find his brother so he leaned against the wall and tried to contact Lane.

(Lane, where the hell are you at?) he demanded.

(What the hell are you being such an ass for, Jake?) Lane replied. (You can't honestly be surprised by my behavior. You should be more than used to it by now.)

Jake clenched his fists and then took a deep breath, trying to keep his anger in check. He hated planes. He hated being so cooped up in such small places and being so high above the ground. His entire being was aching to be back at Angela's side and because of his no good worthless little brother he was forced to be apart from her.

(You're a fucking idiot, that's why I'm such an ass.) he replied. (Where are you?)

(Look around. Do you see a big tall, bald, black guy with arms the size of tree trunks?) Lane asked. Jake looked and saw the man his brother was referring to leaning against a sleek black Porsche.

(What about him?) Jake asked.

(He's going to bring you to where they've got me.) Lane answered.

(You are going to owe me.) Jake said and closed the link. He walked up to the man and pulled off his sunglasses.

"I hear you're the man I need to talk to about my brother." Jake said. He sniffed the air and realized that this man was indeed an immortal. He was a were creature but not a wolf.

"Did you bring the package?" baldy asked. Jake lifted the briefcase in his hand and nodded. "Get in the car."

Jake opened the passenger door and climbed inside the tiny car. His tall frame leaving him feeling very cramped. He looked at baldy out of the corner of his eye and barely held back his laughter. Baldy was almost the same height as Jake but he was easily one hundred pounds of solid muscle heavier. He looked like a giant as he tried to squeeze himself into the drivers seat.

They rode in silence for almost an hour before Baldy pulled the car to a stop in front of an empty stretch of beach.

"Where is my brother?" Jake asked. Baldy pointed out the windshield and Jake saw two lounge chairs sitting beside the water and his brother and his cousin Lucas were filling them.

Jake got out of the car slamming the door so hard he heard metal buckle. He stormed down the beach and stopped in front of the two men.

"What the hell is going on Lane? I thought Lucas was holding you prisoner out here." Lane held up his hands and Jake saw the silver bracelets locked on his wrists. He looked down at his ankles and saw he wore silver bracelets there as well.

Silver couldn't kill a werecreature but it weakened them greatly, and those silver bracelets were enough to keep Lane from changing and to weaken him to little more than mortal strength.

"Hello, Jake, it's been a long time." Lucas said pulling off his wide brimmed straw hat so he could look up at Jake.

"I'm in no mood to chit chat cousin." Jake replied. "Here is your damn money. Get the bracelets off my brother and let him go." Jake said throwing the briefcase down at the foot of Lucas's lounge chair.

"Unfortunately the number your brother gave you was inaccurate." Jake sent an angry glare Lane's way and Lane grimaced and looked away from him.

"There is ten thousand dollars there." Jake stated. Lucas took a long draw off of the cigar in his hand and blew out a billow of smoke directly up at Jake's face. Jake managed to keep a straight face as the sour smell assaulted his nostrils.

"That's a good start." Lucas admitted with a smile. "But sadly your brother owes me twenty thousand. He failed to include his interest when he talked to you."

Jake's fists clenched so tightly that his fingernails dug into his palms and he could feel the blood running down his hands. "You want me to go all the way back to America to get the rest of your money before you'll give me my brother?" he demanded his voice little more than a low growl.

"Of course not. There is a casino right here in town. You go in, place a couple of good bets and you'll be out of here within a few hours." Lucas said.

"Or I could just rip your fucking head off right now and be done with it." Jake replied.

Baldy took a threatening step toward Jake and Lucas stopped him quickly with a sharp look. "Jake, I have no doubt that you could kill me and my friend here without much trouble. However if you do that I have quite a large pack of my own that would come hunting you. Do you really want to cause that kind of tension within the family?"

"I don't want to fight with you or anyone else, Lucas. I just want to get back home." Jake admitted with a sigh.

"Then let's go to the casino, cousin. Shouldn't take you too long to earn my money back." Lucas assured good naturedly as he stood, picked up the briefcase and walked toward the Porsche.

Jake grabbed Lane by the arm and jerked him to his feet. "Once I get you out of here safe, I am going to kill you myself." he growled. Lane swallowed hard and nodded as he followed after Jake with his shoulders slumped.

888

The next three days seemed to drag by for Angela. She laid around her house all day missing Jake and then would go to work in the evening. She would drag herself back home around three in the morning and fall into her bed, thoroughly exhausted.

Every day that went by she became less and less sure that Jake was coming back.

It had been four days since he'd left her and she was three hours into her shift at Wendy's when two familiar faces walked in.

Angela wanted to run and hide as soon as she saw Abigail and Tyler but sadly that was not an option. They walked up to the counter with smug smiles on their faces.

"Angela, I didn't expect to see you working here." Abigail said.

"I bet it saves you a fortune with that employee discount." Tyler added with a laugh.

Angela put on her best fake smile. "Can I take your order?" she asked. Tyler laughed harder while Abigail ordered them two salads.

"So what happened to Mr. Wonderful that came to your rescue at my bookstore?" Abigail asked.

Angela shrugged. "He had some family business to take care of." she said.

Abigail raised her eyebrow. "You know your dog disappeared. I went to let him out of the backroom that day you left and he was just gone... poof."

Angela had never been a good liar but managed to keep a straight face as she answered. "He must have found his way out the back door. You know you never keep it locked."

Tyler handed Angela the money for the order and shook his head at her. "So your new man left you already did he? I could tell that one wasn't going to last."

Angela finished putting their food on their tray and shoved it at them. "Will there be anything else?" she asked.

Tyler was about to say something when the door burst open and Jake walked in. Angela felt her breath catch in her chest. He was all man and his eyes were locked on hers. In five long strides he was pulling her into his arms. He kissed her passionately and breathed deep. Angela knew he was taking in the scent of her.

"God, I missed you, Angela." he said as he pulled away.

Angela couldn't seem to form words, she just stared up at him smiling.

Jake glanced over at Tyler and Abigail watching them. Before anyone could say anything Angela's pimply faced teenage boss walked over.

"I'm going to have to ask you to leave." he said to Jake. "And you, Miss Walker, know that this is a highly inappropriate time to be having personal time with your boyfriend."

"I'm more than just her boyfriend and you better--"

The boss held up his hand and Angela had to admire his courage going against Jake who was a good foot taller than him. "I don't care. Leave or she is fired."

Jake growled deep in his throat. "She quits." he said in a stony voice.

Angela grabbed his arm. "What do you mean I quit?" she demanded. "Jake, I have to work. I don't have any money just lying around."

"You don't have to work, love. I have more than enough money to take care of you."

"But..." He leaned down and whispered so only she could hear.

"Don't make me carry you out of here. It's been four days and I've really missed you." Sparks flashed in his golden eyes.

"Let's go then." Angela replied and without giving a thought to anyone else they walked out into the moonlight.

"So you found you another rich one to try to latch onto huh?" Tyler asked following them outside.

Abigail grabbed his arm. "Why does it matter, honey?" she asked. "I really don't think you should pick a fight with him... Let's just go."

"It matters to him because the jackass is still hung up on Angela." Jake said while still walking away.

"Look buddy, if you are slumming it for sex then trust me when I tell you that it isn't that great." Tyler said with a sneer.

888

Jake froze in his tracks.He had never been accused of being good tempered or having any patience at all and being four days with almost no sleep while putting up with his childish jackass of a younger brother had not helped improve his mood. He was due for a good snap and now was as good a time as any.

He whirled around and stalked toward Tyler.

"If you have any brain at all you will shut your worthless mouth right now." he growled out. With every slow deliberate step he took toward Tyler, his muscles grew larger, his teeth became sharper and his lips pulled back in a snarl. He knew his eyes would be glowing bright with his rage.

The wolf in him was fighting to come out, fighting to defend his mate and the man in him was dying to reach a hand out and squeeze it around Tyler's neck until his bones cracked.

Suddenly Jake felt Angela's hands on his chest. Then he began to hear her voice. He shook his head, trying to clear it, and looked down at her.

"You have to calm down, Jake. He's not worth it." she said gently.

He fought to calm himself more and his teeth and muscles went back to normal. He couldn't believe how close he'd come to changing in public.

He looked past Angela and saw Tyler with his back against the wall of the restaurant looking very pale and scared. Abigail appeared to have left. Jake moved Angela aside and walked the rest of the way to Tyler.

"From now on you better leave my woman alone. If you so much as look or even breath in her direction again I will kill you."

"Don't threaten me. I'll have you know I'm a lawyer." Tyler stuttered.

Jake smiled but it didn't effect the fire in his eyes. "Your laws don't effect me and they sure as hell won't protect you." Jake growled low and menacingly and then he stood straight and led Angela to her car.

"What the hell was that about?" Angela demanded gently from the drivers seat as they started back to her cabin.

Jake ran a hand over his face which was in bad need of a shave. "I lost control." he said quietly. "I just saw red and honestly my only thought was to kill him."

"I appreciate you looking out for me but you can't just kill every single person that insults me."

"What if I just kill one person that insults you." Jake asked only half joking. Angela rolled her eyes and laid a gentle hand on his knee. "Another immortal would have the good sense not to insult my mate right in front of me." he added.

"But he's not an immortal, Jake. He's just a sad, pathetic excuse of a man."

"I know, you're right." Jake admitted. "I've always been short tempered. One of my many flaws. I haven't had much sleep in the last four days either."

"What was wrong?" Angela asked and then she bit her lip. "Unless it's too personal."

"I would never keep anything from you." Jake said, squeezing her hand. "My younger brother has several addictions. One of them is gambling. He borrowed some money off our cousin and then couldn't pay him back because of course Lane is no good at his favorite past time. Our cousin is not the most understanding of people and demanded the money back or he would kill Lane."

"Nice family." Angela muttered.

Jake chuckled. "Once I got there with the money Lucas doubled the amount he wanted and I had to stay until I earned his payment back at the casino." Jake closed his eyes and laid his head back on the seat. "I didn't know if things would turn violent that is why I didn't bring you with me."

"I didn't know you had family." Angela said. "As a matter of fact I don't know anything about you."

Jake moved her hand to his mouth and kissed it. "You have a life time to learn anything you want to know." Jake yawned loudly as they pulled into her driveway.

They walked in the house and Angela stood on her tiptoes and pressed a gentle kiss to Jake's lips. "Go on up and get some rest. I'll shower and then join you." Jake was too tired to argue and walked away up the stairs.

888

Angela checked the machine and saw that it was blinking. She pressed play and then sat her purse down on the counter as her mothers voice came out of the speaker.

"Angela, what the world are you thinking letting Tyler get away? You know you don't stand a chance of finding anyone better than him. He's rich and handsome.. You need to call me, darling, so we can talk about this." Angela shook her head and deleted the message.

Her mother would have a heart attack if she knew what kind of man was laying upstairs in her bed right this second. Angela walked upstairs to the bathroom, pulled off her uniform and stepped into the shower letting the hot water pound her face and chest and wash away the scent of grease and frying meat. Her body tingled at the thought of joining Jake in bed.

She turned off the water, dried herself and then slipped into her purple, thigh length silk robe. She walked into her room ready to make love but instead had to stifle a laugh.

Jake was lying in the bed looking like a crash victim. His arms and legs were sprawled in every direction and he was snoring loudly. Angela turned off the light, grabbed the extra comforter off the rocking chair and curled up in the bed against him.

His arm wrapped around her and he mumbled in his sleep. "I love.. you."

Angela's heart skipped a beat. 'He's asleep' she told herself. 'He doesn't' know what he's saying.' She smoothed a strand of hair from his face and laid her head on his chest. She soon fell asleep to the sound of his steady heartbeat.

Angela awoke a short time later to someone nudging her. She sat up and saw Jake standing next to the bed in wolf form.

"What's going on?" she asked sleepily. She looked at the clock and saw it was two in the morning. Just then a loud knock came form the door downstairs.

"Police! Open up!" a mans voice yelled loudly.

"What is going on?" Angela asked again.

Jake just snorted and led the way downstairs. Angela opened the door to find two officers standing outside.

"Sorry it's so late, ma'am, but we're looking for someone." The older of the two men said.

"Officers, come on in." she said stepping aside. The younger officer walked right in but the older man eyed Jake warily. "He won't hurt you." Angela assured the older man while scratching Jake behind his ear.

"That's quite a dog you have there." The younger officer said.

Jake lowered his head and Angela saw him tense. "My name's, Angela." she said. "I live alone and got him for protection. Can't be too careful out here on my own." The officers walked into the kitchen. Angela walked over to the coffee maker and started a pot brewing.

"Who is it that you are looking for?" she asked sitting down at the table.

The younger officer stood leaned against the counter, his eyes never leaving Jake, while the older officer joined Angela at the table. "Tyler Davenport came to us with a complaint that a man named Jake who was last seen with you threatened his life. We don't allow that kind of behavior in this town so I need to take him over to the jail and talk some things over with him."

"I'm afraid he's not here." Angela lied. She stood and walked over to pour herself a cup of coffee. "Can I get anyone else a cup?" she asked.

The older officer shook his head but the younger one nodded. "I'd like one ma'am. Black." Angela poured a second cup and took it to him. Their fingers brushed and Angela felt a chill pass through her.

Jake lowered his head and growled. Angela shot him a look and he walked over to her side. She leaned against the counter.

"You're both welcome to look around of course but he left a few hours ago."

"That won't be necessary, ma'am. Do you have any idea where he went?" The older officer asked.

Angela shook her head. "Sorry. He shows up every now and then but I never know where he is when he is gone."

The officer stood and walked to the door. "Sorry to have bothered you, ma'am. If you hear from Jake give us a call." the older officer said. Angela smiled in agreement.

The young officer gave Jake one last hard look, sat the coffee cup on the counter and then both men were gone.

Angela locked the door and watched the police car drive down the road. She heard a noise behind her and turned to see Jake standing there naked and covered in sweat.

"Sorry, Angela. I blew it earlier." Jake said. Angela tried hard to focus on his mouth and his words instead of the fact that he was naked. She quickly walked over to the living room couch, grabbed a quilt and threw it at him. He couldn't help but laugh as he wrapped it around his waist.

"Better?" he asked.

She swallowed hard as she looked at the quilt riding low on his hips. Just another inch lower and nothing would be hidden. "Not really." she replied.

Jake looked her up and down and smiled hungrily. "You're looking pretty good yourself." he said. "But it will have to wait." He suddenly seemed very serious.

"What's wrong?" Angela asked.

"The young cop that was just here was a werecreature." Jake replied.

"Was he a wolf like you?"

"No, he was something else. Snake I think. I crossed a major line when I almost changed in front of Tyler. We don't have leaders or laws or anything like that but there are certain rules we're expected to follow and two of those are no attacking mortals and no changing in front of mortals."

"Oops." Angela said.

Jake nodded. "Yea oops. And now they want me to leave the area."

"By they you mean the other immortals?" Jake nodded. "How do you know all of this? He never spoke to you."

"Immortals can communicate telepathically. Relatives can communicate over long distances but if we're not related we have to be within sight of each other. Trust me he had plenty to say."

"So what are you going to do?"

"Leave." he responded quickly. "I'm hoping that you'll come with me."

"Of course I will. I have nothing other than you." she replied honestly and he visibly relaxed. "But Jake, you don't remind me of the type to do everything he's told."

"I didn't use to be, love." He laid a gentle hand on her cheek. "But I have a lot more to lose now."

"So he threatened me?" she asked, suddenly angry. Jake nodded.

"I let him know he'd die before he ever got close." he assured her.

"Where will we go?" Angela asked.

"Where do you want to go?" Jake replied.

"My mother has been wanting to see me." she said.

"Let's go visit mom then."