Read Online Rae, Beverly - Chasing Cally [Night Runner Werewolves 2] (Siren Publishing LoveXtreme Special Edition) by Beverly Rae - Free Book Online Page A

be.” He pulled her close, and she didn’t resist. “If you take the long way around town, past Sadie’s, and a few miles out into the plains.”
    Damn, but she loved how he skimmed his hand along her arm. One touch and she was a human torch. “So you’re showing up to save the day again wasn’t a coincidence, was it?”
    He darted his gaze away from hers, sighed, then came back with a serious expression. “Okay, I’ll confess. I followed you home from Sadie’s.”
    She leaned away from him, surprised but not upset. “You’re stalking me?” Why that didn’t bother her and, in fact, thrilled her, she didn’t know.
    He grimaced then cupped her face, his thumbs caressing her cheeks. “Damn, I was worried you’d think so. But no. Well, I mean yes, I did follow you, but I’m not a stalker.”
    “Your actions say otherwise.” She wanted to tease him, not just verbally, but physically, too. She arched an eyebrow. “I think maybe you need to tell me what’s on your mind. Am I right?”
    His grin was back to melt her knees again. “You are.”
    Again, his grin died too soon. He changes emotions faster than a magician can pull a rabbit out of his hat. “Then get on with it.”
    “I wanted to apologize to you.”
    “You mean for the way you acted at the bar?” Not that it mattered any longer. After all, who could stay mad at a hero?
    “Yeah. I was”—he shifted on his feet—“jealous.”
    She’d assumed as much, but decided to drag it out of him. “You were jealous? Of what?”
    He brushed her hair back, his expression open, even vulnerable. “I was jealous of you going out with another guy.”
    “I never said I had a date.”
    He jerked back, intent on studying her as though he wasn’t sure what she’d said. “But you said you had to leave. You said you had a commitment that you wouldn’t break to be with me.”
    “Uh-huh. So?”
    “Are you telling me you didn’t have a date?”
    She laughed, then shook her head. “No. I didn’t. You assumed that’s what I meant.”
    “Then what gives? What commitment did you have that you couldn’t break?”
    She pushed away, a blush flaring heat to her face. “Oh, my God. How could I forget?” Whirling around, she dashed through the kitchen to the closed door on the other side of the tiny room with Max on her heels.
    “Cally, what’s wrong?”
    She didn’t bother to answer, instead knocking on the door. “ Lena ? Lena , it’s okay. Carl’s gone. You can come out now.”
    As the door opened, she spun on her heel and made a face at him. “I can’t believe I forgot they were in here.”
    He slid his gaze between her and the door, a knowing expression filling his face. “So this is why I couldn’t come here. You were protecting someone. Shit, Cally, I wish you’d told me. I could’ve helped.”
    “You did.”
    A timid Lena and teary-eyed Brittany peeked into the kitchen then stopped as they spotted him.
    “No, no. It’s okay.” Cally took Lena ’s hand and urged her to come out. “This is Max. He won’t hurt you, and Carl is gone.”
    Lena moaned, letting go of her child and slumping forward. Max caught her seconds before she would’ve hit the floor. Brittany clung to Cally and they followed him as he carried Lena to the sofa in the living room. Gently, he laid Lena down then moved aside to let Cally sit next to her. Lena ’s eyes fluttered opened and she gasped then sat up.
    “Take it easy. You’re safe.” Cally smoothed back her hair. “I told you. I won’t let Carl hurt you again.”
    “Neither will I.”
    Cally shot Max a look of gratitude before reaching out to him. “In case I didn’t make myself clear, I’m glad you were around to help us.”
    “Don’t mention it.” Max took a seat in the armchair next to them and rested his elbows on his knees. Surprising everyone, Brittany eased onto his lap and leaned her head against his chest.
    Cally’s throat tightened. If ever a man deserved to be a father, Max was it. The