Page 41 of My Girlfriend is a Werewolf

Athena froze in the act of filling the next bucket with oats and a few apples. “Seems unlikely, as I’ve committed no crime.”

“Never said it was a police bounty. There are people interested in you, and they’re offering a pretty penny.”

She took a second to compose her features before she turned to face him. “Why don’t you spit out what you think you know?”

“I know that we’re supposed to keep your presence a secret. Derek made that very clear.” Said on a sour note.

“Abusive ex,” she stated as a plausible reason.

“Must be a rich one, given what he’s offering to find you. Surprised you’d choose my cousin over someone with money. Or is he just a temporary fling? Trying to make the old flame jealous? Maybe up the price so you and Derek can cash in?”

Athena had enough of Frank’s mouth and attitude. Before he could blink, she had him on his back, a knee pressed to his chest, an arm over his throat. “You really are a piece of work, aren’t you?” she said softly.

“Let me up.”

“I think not. You came here for a reason, and I’m going to guess it’s because you saw an easy payday.”

“Maybe I’m concerned about my family?” he huffed. “I don’t believe it’s an ex-boyfriend looking for you. You’re hiding here because you’re a wanted woman. You can’t deny it. I’ve seen thepicture, and all I’ve got to do to collect the twenty K is tell them where you are.”

Her blood ran cold. They’d upped the ante, meaning Rogers had not given up. She’d just disappeared a little too well, so he sweetened the pot.

“Did you tell them where I was?” she growled.

“That’s going to depend on you,” Frank chirped, suddenly thinking he had the upper hand once more.

“I’m not fucking you,” she stated flatly.

“As if your pussy is worth twenty grand,” he scoffed. “More like giving you a chance to outbid. Make it worth my while and I’ll keep my mouth shut.”

“Or I could shut it for you,” she offered. “I hear a broken jaw takes about six months to heal. How do you feel about slurping shakes for that long?”

“Threatening me? Wait until I tell Grams. She’ll kick your ass off the farm.”

“Go ahead.” She rose from Frank and waved a hand. “Why don’t you go tell Grams and Gramps how you’re blackmailing me? Or better yet, why not tattle to Derek? He’s itching for a reason to knock your teeth out.”

“It’s not blackmail. Just offering you a chance to make a better deal.”

She arched a brow. “I’m not some dummy you can gaslight. You are blackmailing me, and I’m telling you right now, it won’t fly. Not to mention, you’ll have nothing to tell since I won’t be where you say I am.”

“Going to leave my cousin in the lurch?”

Derek. Fuck. She couldn’t flee without talking to him. Then again, he’d insist on joining her. Which might not be bad. Running wouldn’t suck as much with her lover by her side.

“How about you—” She paused midsentence as she heard a vehicle coming up the drive. She glanced at Frank. “Did you already open your fat mouth?”

“Nooo.” A long drawn-out syllable.

She pursed her lips. “Why does it sound like you’re lying?”

“I didn’t tell them where you were,” he whined, but she noticed the perspiration at his temples.

“What did you say? What have you told them?” she hissed.

“Nothing, just asked if there was a bonus if I brought you in myself.”

“As if you could take me,” she muttered, but more worrisome, he’d implied to the person posting the bounty that he knew where to find her. Had that led to them following Frank?

Could be whoever parked out front was unrelated to her situation. Not a chance she could take.

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