Page 59 of Ultimate Freedom

“Glad to meet you.”

“Same here.”

She waved away his money, her manner friendly. “It’s a welcome cup on the house.”

“Thank you, Norrie. See you soon.”

“Bet on it.”

He waved in acknowledgement of her reply and sauntered out to get into his truck. His mind replayed the last few minutes in the store. Feeling good about being accepted by Whit because it mattered a lot that Demi’s man like him, he was lost in thought all the way to the cabin.

Pulling up in the parking area, he stopped, memories of his last visit resurfacing. He looked out of the windows for Nito and decided the path was clear. Of course, as he should have expected, he only took a few steps and the wolf appeared, growling low in his throat, his warning serious.

Wishing Nito would bark to let Demi know she had a visitor and come to the door, he stopped in his tracks, deciding his next move. Calling out the animal’s name brought a slight change to his attitude, but Nito’s aggression still held him at bay.

Well, fuck. I can’t stay here forever.He held out a hand and spoke softly. “Hey Nito, we’ve been down this road before. Come and get a sniff so you remember me.”

Nothing. No change. Just snarls.

“You little bastard, you’re gonna keep me on the hot seat, aren’t you?”

As soon as Nito heard his earlier name, his ears came forward and he stiffly walked up to Tanner, his big body almost to Tanner’s waist.

Then he stopped blocking Tanner’s way to the door and went along with him, by his side. Before Tanner could knock, Nito let out a sharp bark and the door opened to the most beautiful sight Tanner had seen in way too long.

His pregnant woman stood before him with a huge smile… one that slowly wilted. Within seconds, she went from a happy greeting to giving him the impression she’d be searching for her gun.

“What do you want?” Her tone registered with Nito who suddenly stiffened and low growls began again.

If Demi hadn’t come to the rescue, he’d have feared for his life. Moving gently in front of Bella, Demi reached for his hand at the same time as she welcomed him inside.

***

“Tanner. I’m so glad you’re here. Come in. Nito, stop being a brat… go see Pearl. Bella, come away from the door so them won’t get cold.”

Once the door shut behind him, the three stood in silence, no one sure of who should open the discussion.

It might have stayed that way, if Nito hadn’t become suddenly ferocious, barking and running to the door, his jaws bared in fury. This was Nito at his most demanding, and Demi knew at once they were in danger.

“Someone out there is threatening us. Tanner, were you alone?”

“Far as I know.” The man had taken a defensive stand in front of Bella who began slapping him away.

“Tanner. Stop it. I’m fine.” Bella swiveled from behind him and rushed to where she knew Demi kept her weapons. There she retrieved the handgun and swung the rifle toward Tanner. Before she could speak, they heard rapid gunshots.

“What the fuck is going on?” While all three crouched, Demi looked at Tanner. “Are you sure nobody was following you? Why would anyone suddenly decide to shoot at us?”

“Beats me. I landed at the airport a few hours ago, rented the truck and drove out. Nothing happened along the way other than I stopped at the store and met Glen and Whit. Then I came directly here.”

Demi moved towards him, “I’m thrilled you did come, but you have to admit this is weird. I have no idea why anyone would be shooting at us. Bella?”

“Other than Tanner, I have no enemies that I know of.”

“Me!? Honey, I’m no enemy. I came to get you as soon as I got free from the case. We filled in the last of the paperwork yesterday, and I was on the plane right away. Why would you say such a thing?”

“Because you’re a lying cheat.”

Tanner shot backwards so fast, he landed on his ass. “Are you insane? I’ve never cheated on you, and you bloody well know it.”

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