The Beast in Him
Page 23

No.
She leaned over the table and he caught her scent. That scent drove him crazy. She drove him crazy.
Johnny, come on. Please.
It had to be a guy. He knew a few at their school whod give their left nut to be with her. He definitely didnt like the thought of her with another guy. Any guy. But she showed him absolutely no interest, and alienating her now didnt get him any closer. At least this way, if he covered for her, they could remain friends. Important with them living together and all.
He stared into those brown eyes and realized he could deny her nothing, fool that he was.
Nine oclock. At the corner. Youre a minute late and youre screwed.
Kristan squealed and kissed him on the cheek. Thank you!
Spoiled princess. He should hate her. Shed grown up loved and cared for with a Pack that adored her. But he didnt hate her. If anything, he had it for her bad. But the way her father, Danny, watched him, that would never be happening unless Johnny decided living wasnt one of his favorite things to do.
Resigned to a life of sexual frustration until he was old enough to go to college and get away from Kristan Putowsky, Johnny went back to his book and his burger.
Jess, already wearing the headset that went with her office phone, simply hit the answer button without even bothering to look away from the e-mail she was drafting on her computer.
This is Jessica.
So you going to tell me what happened earlier or do I have to guess?
Shocked, Jess stared at the phone display. How the hell did you get my personal number? It wasnt listed and only the Pack had it. Even those in the building couldnt contact her through this particular line, and it wasnt billed under her own name. In fact, more people had her personal cell phone number than her private business line. That was the only reason she answered it at nine oclock at night anyway.
I cant really answer that, Smitty replied.
Well, lose it. And stop calling me.
I cant help you, Jessie Ann, until you tell me whats going on.
Who asked for your help? Im relatively certain I never asked for your help. And I never will.
Besides, as irritated as she was from hearing that slow drawl and sweet-as-molasses voice on her private phone line, she still wouldnt drag Smitty into this, whatever this was. The Smith credo was a simple one. Family first. Pack second. Everyone else dead last. If you were a blood relation to the Smiths, theyd come from all over the States to step in on your behalf. For that reason alone, the other shifters gave the Smiths a wide berth. Just one Smith was dangerous, but a whole swarm of them would be lethal.
For one Smith to goagainst that for an outsider would bring the wrath of Bubba Smith down on Smittys head. She couldnt do that to him. He and his father had a difficult relationship. She wouldnt add to it.
Jess rubbed her eyes. Wait. Why did she give a shit about Smittys relationship with his father? Had she lost her mind? She was getting sucked back in. Back into the insanity known as the Smith Pack.
I appreciate you wanting to help, she said, trying a different tack with him. But theres nothing I need help with. Everything is fine.
The pause that followed was long, and for a moment she thought shed lost the connection.
Until Smitty said, Youre lying to me, Jessie Ann. And Im gonna find out why.
And why is that? Because you clearly need a hobbyand a girlfriend?
No, because thats what friends do for friends. We help each other out. And no matter what you think, were still friends.
What planet are you living on anyway?
I dont know. But its nice. There are fire hydrants everywhereand bunnies!
Jess snorted, fighting hard to keep in her laugh. Damn him! He always could make her laugh. Like when hed found her hiding in an air duct that time after the Friday homecoming bonfire. Shed planned on staying there the whole night until the liquor wore off with Sissys She-bitches. But hed coaxed her out with jokes and the promise of one of those giant Hershey bars. Then he made sure she got home safe.
Years later and he was still trying to protect her. Except now she didnt need it.
Ive gotta go, Bobby Ray. She was glad he couldnt see her face. Her smile would do nothing but prompt his continued efforts. Dont call me again. Dont try and help me. Just get on with your lifeand be happy.
When he didnt say anything, Jess disconnected the call, glanced at her watch, and went right back to work.
Smitty walked back to the surveillance truck, Jessies last words to him playing again and again in his head.
His sister sat on the edge of the truck floor, her back against one of the open doors. They had a job this evening involving some foreign businessmen, but so far all had been calm. The perfect job, really. Low on danger, high on payment.
Break time? he asked.
Sissy sipped coffee and nibbled on coffeecake. Yes, Im not lazing off.
I just asked.
It was the way you asked. Sissy watched him for a moment. Whats the matter with you?
Nothing. Why?
Youve got a weird look on your face.