Page 47 of The Finder

“Do you want a bite?” she asked.

He smiled. “I’m good, thanks.”

Emma slowly ate the cake, savoring each bite. She only got about halfway through it before she couldn’t eat any more. “I am so full; you’re going to have to roll me out of here,” she said. He smiled at that.

He stood up. “Come on. Let’s go look at the fountains.” He put his hand out to her and she placed hers in his much larger hand. He closed his hand around hers and led her out on the balcony. They stepped up to the railing, side by side. Emma shivered. She’d left her coat at the table. Garrett dropped her hand and moved close behind her. “Cold?” he asked, close to her ear. Emma shivered again but for an entirely different reason this time. He eased out of his suit coat and slipped it over her shoulders. Then he moved closer behind her and put his hands on the railing on either side of her, effectively closing her in.

Emma was very aware of him close behind her. She fought the desire to lean against his strong chest. She focused on keeping her breathing even and staring out at the fountains. “Are you still cold?” he asked in a deep voice next to her ear.

“I’m better now,” she said, breathlessly. She felt him move even closer. Neither of them said anything more as they gazed out at the beauty surrounding them. Emma took a deep breath. All she smelled was Garrett all around her. It was a heady sensation. They stayed out there a few more minutes before Garrett led her back inside. Emma was reluctant to go back inside, not wanting the moment to end. She gave him back his coat when they got back inside. He paid the bill, then stood and offered his hand. Emma put her hand in his and allowed him to pull her to her feet. He helped her put her coat on, then led her through the restaurant and out front.

“Are you up for a short walk?” he asked.

“Sure,” Emma responded. She tightened her coat around her. He led her to a sidewalk that ran behind the restaurant and down near the fountains. They walked along the fountains. “This is beautiful,” she said softly.

Garrett didn’t say anything beside her. “I want to show you one more thing; then we’ll head back to the car.” He led her onto a path towards the trees behind the restaurant. Emma stumbled in her heels once, and Garrett put his hand on her elbow, steadying her. He led her towards the trees.

“Uh, this isn’t where you take me into the woods and get rid of me, right?” Emma asked nervously.

Garrett laughed quietly. “No, I just want to show you something.” He led her to a small opening in the trees. Emma was surprised to see the path continued. They walked on the path for just a few moments before it opened into a cleared area.

“Oh, wow,” Emma said, looking all around. There was a small pond in the middle of the clearing that was lit up just like the other fountains. Several benches lined the circular area, and a large wooden trellis hung over the area with white lights hanging from the beams. There were beautiful plants hanging from the trellis. She recognized some; others looked exotic. She walked under the trellis, looking up at the amazing beauty of the place. She turned back to Garrett. “This is so incredible,” she said in awe.

Garrett leaned against a post. “I thought you might like it. This right here is what the restaurant is known for,” he said gesturing around them.

“I can see why,” she said still taking everything in. She turned around to ask Garrett about the plants when she saw him sniff the air and suddenly stiffen.

Almost immediately, he was in front of her, pushing her behind him. She stumbled for a moment before grabbing the back of his jacket to steady herself. He placed one hand on her back, holding her against him. “Don’t move,” he ordered. Emma stiffened in fear. The easy-going man she had just eaten dinner with was long gone. She was just about to ask him what was wrong when she heard it—a low growling noise.

Chapter 27

Every part of her froze. She had heard that sound before, right before she was attacked in the woods. Fear shot up her spine and she stepped impossibly closer to Garrett. “Emma, you will do exactly what I say,” he ordered in a low voice.

“I’m not leaving you,” Emma said, breathless with fear.

“I’ll be fine. Do as I say,” he snapped.

“No,” she snapped right back at him. He didn’t respond, he just started backing them up slowly, holding her firm against his back so she didn’t trip. “Wh-where are we going?” Emma asked, hating that her voice shook.

“Shh,” he commanded her.

He moved quickly, taking off his suit coat. He turned and held it out to her. Emma took it, looking up at him confused. He then unbuttoned his shirt quickly. A moment later, he had it off and handed it to her. Emma took it without thinking. “Wh-what are you doing?” she asked, taking a step back from him. She stared at the huge broad expanse of chest in front of her. Her eyes skimmed the tattoos that ran along his shoulder and down his chest and arm. Her thoughts stalled out. He took off his shoes and socks next. Emma just stared at him. “Why are you taking your clothes off?” she asked, her voice trembling. She had never been scared of Garrett before, but he was starting to terrify her. She backed away slowly from him and he froze.

“Emma, look at me,” he ordered. Emma’s eyes snapped to his. “I’m just doing this as a precaution in case I have to fight.”

“Okay,” Emma said lamely.I mean that kind of makes sense, right? He just wants to be free to fight,she told herself trying to convince herself.But why no shoes? Maybe it’s one of those martial arts things where they fight barefoot? At least he still has his pants on.Her inner dialogue stopped a moment later when she heard growling coming from in front of them and behind them. She squeaked and launched herself at Garrett. She didn’t care that he wasn’t fully dressed.

Garrett spun around, pinning her behind him once again. “Do you trust me?” he asked over his shoulder. Emma nodded, unable to speak.

“I’m going to have to fight. Listen to me very carefully. When I say, go behind that big tree,” he said, nodding his head towards the huge tree to their left. “Stay there until I tell you to come out. Can you do that?” Emma didn’t respond. She was too terrified. “Emma,” he said harshly.

“Y-yes, behind the tree, okay,” she said, breathless with fear.

The guys are on their way,” he said. “Liam will get you out of here as soon as he gets here,” he said.

Emma clung to his back, confused and terrified. How were the guys on their way? Had he called them and she hadn’t heard. She didn’t have a chance to think anymore. She heard sounds all around them, terrifying growls.

“I’m sorry for this,” Garrett said. Just then, three wolves appeared in front of them. Emma screamed. Two of them leaped straight for them. Emma screamed again and fell backwards. Garrett launched forward and then the unthinkable happened. He turned into a wolf, midair. Emma crawled backwards, another scream on her lips.

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