Elena shivered.
Layla couldn’t blame her.
Hunter grabbed Layla’s hand again, clasping it on top of the table. She instantly calmed, feeling his warmth spread through her, seemingly changing the air around them.
She stared at the connection, realizing every time he touched her, he took over her emotions. What if Grandma Mabel was right and shifters did in fact lure strangers into their lives and keep them?
Hunter cleared his throat. “There’s a lot we aren’t telling you. Caleb is right. It’s complicated. Please know that we mean you no harm. In our world, we sometimes feel an instant connection to another person when we meet them. It’s kind of unusual that we both felt that today for the two of you, but it happened. It’s the reason we were eager to officially meet you and get to know you.”
“A connection…” Part of Layla wanted to jerk her hand out of his, just to break that connection. He obviously wasn’t kidding. She lifted her face. “Our grandmother told us a lot a crazy shit as we were growing up. She was furious with her sister for coming to Canyon Springs and never leaving. Why do I get the feeling Grandma Mabel wasn’t wrong?”
Hunter nodded. “Most of what she said was probably accurate, but through a very skewed viewpoint. Our world isn’t as horrifying as she must have conveyed. It’s just different.”
Caleb grabbed Elena’s hand. “Your Aunt Marge had free will. She could have left any time. She fell in love with Josiah, and they had a wonderful happy life. I hate that her twin never got to see that. It makes me sad. But trust me when I say she was happy here. You can ask anyone in town.”
Layla listened intently before turning her attention back to Hunter. “It’s a lot to process.”
“I know. And I’m not asking you for more than a chance to get to know you. I won’t pressure you. Caleb won’t pressure Elena either. We’re drawn to you. We feel a connection you can also sense. It’s just how we’re wired.” He pointed at the food. “Let’s eat. Take a step back. Enjoy the evening.”
Layla nodded. There was no harm in sharing food with two hot guys, was there?
Chapter 7
“There it is.” Layla pointed out the window of the rental car when she spotted Larosa and Tanner Law Offices. “Looks like there are a few spots out front.”
Elena pulled into one and turned off the engine. She sighed and rubbed her temples.
Layla glanced at her sister. “You look tired.”
“Didn’t sleep well.”
“I didn’t either.” Layla rolled her head back against the headrest. “I couldn’t get Hunter out of my mind. It was like he infiltrated my system.”
“Exactly. I felt the same. And it pissed me off. I feel stupid saying this, but I can’t stop thinking there’s some truth to Grandma’s complaints about shifters.”
Layla scrunched up her face. At least they were on the same page. “I agree. It’s weird. I mean he was just a guy. A very sexy guy, but still. There are men all over the place. Why would that particular one get under my skin and cause me to lose sleep? I didn’t even have sex with him.”
Elena giggled. “I noticed that. I was kind of surprised when you suggested we leave the bar last night. It’s so not like you.”
Layla rolled her eyes. “I’m not always a slut. I can be choosy.”
Elena shook her head. “This had nothing to do with being choosy. You were just as freaked out as me.”
“Yeah.” Layla blew out a breath. “I was. I kept thinking if I slept with him it would get worse, ya know?”
“I thought the same thing.” Elena sat up straighter. “And damn them for being so polite and gentlemanly. It would have been easier if they had tried to pressure us. Then I would have gotten pissed and easily told them to fuck off.”
Layla laughed. “As if you would tell someone to fuck off.”
“Hey. I can stand up for myself when I need to.”
“Yeah? Well, then let’s see if we can stick up for ourselves with these lawyers. After last night, I just want to get this estate taken care of and get out of town. The weird temptation coming from hot-shifter guy, Hunter, needs to get purged from my system before he lures me all the way in and I end up in his wolf den somewhere in the woods barefoot and pregnant.” Layla was kidding. Sort of. Or not. She shuddered.
“What if the lawyers are equally hot, and we end up lured into their lair too?”
Layla groaned. “Let’s hope they’re in their seventies.” She opened the car door and stepped into the perfect day. Winters in this part of Colorado could be brutal, but the summers were amazing. The temperature today was perfect. Sunshine. Slight breeze. Beautiful green mountains all around them.
Layla led the way to the law office. When she opened the door and stepped inside, the hairs on the back of her neck stood on end. She couldn’t put her finger on it, but she knew there was a vibe in the air that was similar to last night’s.
Two seconds later, the breath left her lungs when Hunter emerged from one of the offices, Caleb next to him.
“Holy shit,” Layla muttered under her breath while Elena made a similar comment.
Hunter extended a hand, his smirk firmly in place. “Hunter Larosa.”
Layla let him take her hand, but she couldn’t find a way to actually grip his fingers. Last night, he’d been smokin’ hot in worn boots, fuck-me jeans, and a beige henley. Today he soaked her panties in two seconds flat by wearing a suit.
Okay, he didn’t have the jacket on at the moment, but he had on pressed gray slacks, a white button down, and a blue and red striped tie.
Her mouth watered as she stared at him. His smile widened. “Welcome to Larosa and Tanner Law Offices. We’re your aunt’s attorneys.”
This could not be happening. Layla couldn’t even blink. She was afraid she might faint if she didn’t sit down soon. There was no denying this man had some sort of power over her.
There was also no denying it would only be a matter of time before she let him into her bed.
But right now, she was too busy feeling duped.
Chapter 8
November 12, 1975
Dear Mabel,
Oh my goodness! I’m so excited for you! Mom says you are pregnant and due in June! That’s the best news I’ve ever heard! Eleven years. Wow.
Now you’re making me wonder if I shouldn’t give up hope. After this many years of trying, I stopped even thinking about it. Josiah and I are very happy. We resigned ourselves to being childless a long time ago. Josiah has several nieces and nephews who visit often. I love when they come to stay with Aunt Marge. They call me Auntie M. Isn’t that funny!?
Anyway, I’ll be thinking about you and wondering how big you are as the months go by. Take care of yourself and that baby.
Love, Marge
Hunter drew in a long deep breath as he stepped around the side of Marge’s house, looking for Layla. Not only was she exactly where he’d expected, but she was bent over at the waist, pulling weeds from Marge’s flowerbed, her fucking hot ass in the air.