Page 4 of Shephard

Little did he know he’d basically met the very boogeyman he’d imagined as a kid.

“Cash. Sure, buddy. That’ll be ninety bucks. Your name?”

Ninety bucks for this shithole? The damn room better come with a free mini bar and refrigerator. When I didn’t offer my name right away, he lifted his gaze very slowly.

“Name?” he repeated as if I was hard of hearing.

“Killer Fox.” Yeah, I was in a shit mood. I had every right to be and he was annoying the crap out of me.

It took a full five seconds before the jerk laughed. Nervously. “You’re serious.”

“Yeah, I’m serious. Military,” I offered as a way of explanation. It was true, the moniker chosen for me years before, but the real reason I wasn’t interested in providing my full name was that my family was well known in this area. Anyone putting two and two together at this point wasn’t in my best interest.

Notoriety I didn’t need.

I almost barked like a dog for emphasis. The dude likely would have shit his pants if I had. I was surlier than usual, the meeting the last thing on my agenda.

Ever.

He snuffled and kept his gaze on me for another five seconds. Four seconds too long. “Fine. Killer it is.” He typed it in with heavy fingers, thudding down on the keyboard with anger. A few seconds later, he yanked a key from an old wood panel. “Second floor, all the way down the hall. Don’t want no trouble. Checkout is at noon and if you’re thirsty, go next door.”

There was no card key, no room service, no bellman. Just a place to sleep and shower. That was all I needed.

I headed to the room, noticing the man’s neck had craned as he watched me until he no could no longer catch a glimpse. I only drove further down toward the room due to my cargo. But anyone who tried to break in was an idiot. The security system was tight. Plus, they didn’t want to mess with me.

The room was just as crappy as I’d thought, the drab curtains and bedspread soon to be considered threadbare. With my weapon still in my jacket, I dropped the bag on the bed and headed for the bathroom, yanking open the shower curtain. Surprises I didn’t need. Satisfied I was alone, I returned to the main room, the ugly mirror attached to the wall catching my reflection.

I planted my hands on the chipped dresser, the dim bulb offering the perfect picture of a psycho. A laugh hit my throat. Yeah, I was a killer and nothing more.

Time for a fucking cold beer and a shot of whiskey.

CHAPTER 2

Denise

“You look beautiful,” he whispered as he lifted my veil. “The perfect bride.”

His words were laced with seduction, soft and alluring. My heart swelled from the love we shared. When I finally opened my eyes, I was ready to stare into those of my gorgeous husband. Shock tore through me and I let off a bloodcurdling scream.

There was no handsome man standing in front of me.

Only a monster in a tuxedo.

Woof!

Jerking up, I was forced to slam on the brakes, the backend of my truck swerving from one side of the road to the other. “Shit. Shit. Shit!”

I’d fallen asleep at the wheel, the last two exhausting days taking more of a toll on me than I’d thought. Terrified I was going to crash, I sucked in my breath and threw out my arm across my beautiful pup.

I skidded for a second time, the goddamn mountain getting close. So close. So…

When I came to a jerking halt, the seatbelt drove into me as I was shoved forward. Groaning, I took gasping breaths before throwing my arms across the steering wheel.

Woof. Woof. Woof.

Pepper nuzzled my arm, more anxious than I’d seen her ever before. And she’d had some traumatic experiences in her life.

“I know. I know, girl. I can’t make it. I don’t know what to do.”

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