Gwen’s heart jumped as she heard him unzipping his fly. Awesome. She was about to shove down her shorts and panties when a chiming sound filled the room. Zander swore against her mouth.

She blinked, dazed, as he backed up and fished his phone out of his pocket. And as the lust fogging her mind completely cleared, she wanted to curse. She was in her kitchen, where anyone could walk in and see her having a fumble against the fridge. Not smart. But, honestly, she probably wouldn’t be regretting it if it wasn’t for the way her throbbing pussy ached to be filled and fucked.

She fastened her fly and, hoping to look dignified, wiped all emotion from her face as she calmly said, “I’ll leave you to take your call.”

Zander watched as she walked past him, the image of nonchalance. “I’m gonna want more, Gwen.” She didn’t even break stride—just headed down the hallway and up the stairs. Cursing, he looked down to see Nick’s name flashing on the screen of his cell. Zander answered, “Yeah?”

“Thought you might want to know that, as you predicted, Rory’s being an asshole.”

Fuck.

The next morning, footsteps along the tiled kitchen floor were quickly followed by a dreamy sigh. “Damn, Devlin has a great butt.”

Returning spices to the revolving spice rack, Gwen flicked Marlon a brief glance. “Mmm-hmm.”

“And those abs are impressive—you can see them right through his shirt. I briefly considered spilling coffee on him to see if he’d whip it off and I could get a good look at what was beneath.”

Gwen widened her eyes. “You might want to lower your volume,” she hissed. “The guy’s a shifter; he could hear you.”

“Over the dishwasher and the range-hood fan? I don’t think so. I do think you should jump him.”

She did a double take. “I’m sorry?”

He shrugged. “In your shoes, I would have. Gwen, the guy likes you.”

Grabbing the broom, she began to sweep the floor as she quietly spoke. “I thought he was gay.”

Marlon looked at her like she’d suggested stripping naked and having a mud fight. “Why would you think that?”

“He barely paid any attention to Julie. That’s not normal.”

Marlon’s expression softened. “Aw, sweetie, not all guys want to use you to get to Julie.”

“I know that. But he didn’t even take a moment to ogle her. What straight male wouldn’t be attracted to Julie?”

“She’s beautiful, sure, but so are you. Julie’s beautiful in an in-your-face way. With you, it’s more understated, but it’s still there. Me and Julie always say we wish we had your eyes. And your skin—it tans easy and looks so smooth.” He gave her a stern look. “I don’t like that you put yourself down.”

“I’m not doing that. I don’t think I’m ugly, but I know I’m not beautiful either. I’m not the kind of girl who’s someone’s type. Zander could have anyone. Until last night, he didn’t show a lick of interest in me.”

His eyes twinkled, and she wanted to slap herself for saying too much. Marlon skidded into her space. “What happened last night?”

“Nothing.”

“Gwen, don’t make me ask Zander. You know I will.”

He so would. “It was just a kiss. No big deal.”

“No big deal? And yet, you’re avoiding him this morning.”

“I am not.” She totally was.

“And you ate junk food for breakfast—you only do that when something’s bugging you. On a side note, you need to find another form of comfort. I’ve told you before, you are what you eat.”

She threw him a dirty look. “That must be why you’re such a dick.”

“Ho, ho, ho, that was bitchy.” He kissed her cheek, laughing. “You’re all prickly because you don’t like how close to the truth I am. Admit it, the kiss was a big deal.”

“It was not.”

“Then go collect whatever empty plates or mugs are left. I’ll finish cleaning up.” It was a dare.

She straightened her shirt and handed him the broom. “Okay. I will.”

“Of course you will, because it was no big deal.” He swept out a hand toward the doorway. Bastard.

Grabbing a tray, she headed into the dining room.

“Rory did what?”

Zander forked his last piece of bacon. “Put firecrackers in one of the large tin barrels around the construction site—the echoes were loud, and the builders thought it was gunshots and dove for cover.” And since the construction site was the pack’s partially built motel, all the Mercury members were exceptionally pissed. Particularly since the sounds could be heard from the main lodge and had terrified the pups.

The pack had done the emergency drill, hiding the weaker members while the others went to deal with the threat . . . only to realize that someone had been fucking with them. Knowing Rory as well as he did, Zander suspected the guy had watched from afar as the pack rallied to fight. He’d no doubt found it hilarious.

Bracken chugged down some coffee. “Nick’s sure it was Rory?”

“Caught him on the security cameras.” The pack had cameras all over their territory. “Jesse watched the footage. The figure was dressed in black, wearing a cap and sunglasses, but he’s pretty sure it was Rory. There’s no other person who’d want to toy with us for their own amusement.” That was what Rory was doing—it was what he always did when he didn’t get his way. He’d keep on doing it until he did get his way.

“Fucker. Has he been detained yet?”

Zander ate his bacon before answering. “Derren, Ally, and Jesse went to his address, but he wasn’t there. His closet and drawers were empty, and the apartment was a mess. It looked like he’d packed up and left in a hurry.”

“He’s probably staying in a hotel somewhere.” Bracken leaned back in his chair. “I doubt he’s still here in Oregon. It makes no sense for him to go back and forth. I doubt he knows you’re still here either, or he’d play his games near the B&B.”

Zander’s gaze sliced to the doorway as Gwen entered. Instantly, the memory of their little encounter leaped to his mind. His cock twitched as he recalled her taste, her raspy moans, how hot her pussy was, and the feel of her body perfectly molded to his.