Page 23 of Love, A Curvy Girl's Guide

Ian sighed, glancing up at her and finally meeting Haley’s eyes. She was surprised at what she saw there. Sure, the confusion and anger made sense, but the discouragementand exhaustion tugged at her heartstrings. Without a second thought, she slid over and motioned for Ian to join her. He hesitantly moved closer and sat next to Haley.

In a low voice he asked, “Are you scared of me now?”

Haley laced her hand with his. “No, I could tell it was still you in there.”

Ian’s laughter felt forced as he added, “I’m glad you could tell. For a while there I thought I was losing my mind.”

“I’m so sorry, Ian,” Haley replied softly, laying her head against his shoulder. “You shouldn’t have to deal with something like this—nobody should.”

He squeezed her hand. “I should be apologizing to you. Dad had mentioned the family curse before, but nobody really thought it was serious, even him. It was something told over campfires along with the other tall tales that keep kids up at night.”

“What was it like?”

Haley’s whispered question was so soft that she wasn’t sure he heard her until, after a moment of silence, he finally answered. “You smelled so incredible. I mean, you’ve always smelled good to me. But it was something more, something I couldn’t resist. I had to have you. Hell, I couldn’t get close enough. When I was kissing your neck, I don’t know what made me do it. One moment I was kissing you and the next I was biting you.”

“I certainly remember that part,” Haley added wryly.

“There was a part of me that was horrified at what I was doing, but I couldn’t stop. I felt like something or someone else had taken control of my mind. And then a tidal wave of pain washed over me. My bones felt like they were snapping in half, and I half expected there to be blood everywhere. I think I blacked out for part of it because I remember hearing youscream, but when I came back I had carried you into the house and my mom was screaming instead.”

“I suppose I won’t blame you for dragging me naked into your parents’ home for your family to see.”

Ian stifled a laugh. “Yeah, I can see that wasn’t my finest moment. I don’t even remember doing it. I just heard Dad telling me to back away and that everything was going to be okay. But it wasn’t like he was talking to me. There was another presence there that didn’t want to listen.”

“The wolf?” Haley asked and tensed as Ian sighed and nodded. “Do you still feel him now?”

“Yeah,” Ian rasped. “It’s like he’s content to stay in the back of my mind for now, but he also wants me to know that I’m not the only one in charge. It’s scary, Hales. I feel like my body has betrayed me and I’ve woken up in an alternate universe or something. I still expect to wake up and find out this was all a bad dream.”

“As much as I’d like to reassure you,” Haley began, turning her face up to see him, “this is happening. So what do we do about work?”

“Well, according to Dad there is a secret government branch that protects shifters and supernatural creatures. God, I can’t believe I just used that sentence out loud.”

Haley smiled and giggled a little at his expression. “This is all going to be a massive learning curve.”

“Anyway, I guess we just have to fill out some forms on the website and it will look like we were called in for jury duty. Nobody will know where we are and we can’t be fired. All we have to do is go hear them out, Hales. If it’s not what we want to do, I promise I’ll bring you right back.”

Haley was thankful when Ian wrapped his arms around her and drew her against his side. Not only was she engulfed in hisstrong arms, but his comforting scent was helping to keep the fear at bay.

“Okay,” she said at last. “Let’s do it.”

THIRTEEN

The Iron Claw Pack lodge was cozy in a rugged, intimidating kind of way. Massive beams crisscrossed the ceiling, and a roaring fire crackled in the stone hearth at the center of the room. Haley’s boots clicked softly against the wood floors as she followed Ian inside, her heart thudding a little too loudly for comfort.

On the long drive there, Haley had come up with dozens of reasons why they should turn back, but she kept them all to herself. Ian looked as shaken up as she felt, and the last thing she wanted was to make him go face the pack alone. The curious gazes from the pack members only reinforced that they were strangers and didn’t belong. As they had already gathered, their presence felt as heavy as the tension in the air. They were scattered across the space, some leaning casually against furniture, others standing with their arms crossed. Yet their attention snapped to Haley and Ian the moment they entered.

Haley forced herself to stand tall, though her stomach churned. What advice had Frank given? Don’t show fear. Wolves can smell it.

“Relax,” Ian murmured, his voice low. He stood close enough that his arm brushed hers, grounding her. “You’ve got this.”

She arched an eyebrow, trying to ignore the way his quiet reassurance sent a spark of awareness through her. Her retort was snarkier than she’d intended. “Thanks for the pep talk, Coach. Real inspiring.”

A flicker of a smile tugged at Ian’s lips, but it vanished as an older gentleman in excellent shape moved to greet them. The power and authority he radiated made it more than clear that this was the Alpha stepping forward.

“Welcome to the Iron Claw Pack. I am Garrick Thorn, pack Alpha, and I want to be the first to welcome you.” He was tall and broad, with streaks of silver in his hair and an air of authority that made it clear he wasn’t to be trifled with. His gaze first swept over Ian and then Haley.

Haley met his stare. She wasn’t disrespectful, but she didn’t cower either. This man might have been Ian’s new boss or whatever an Alpha was, but he wasn’t hers.

“I’m sure you have a lot of questions,” Garrick continued. “I’ve arranged for you to have Bentley, one of my Betas, to begin training and to help you settle in.”

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