Hunted

By K.A Jones

On the run with the hope that she can return home to have her babies, Kat finds herself in danger. The question isn't 'who's' after Kat, but 'what?'

A news report catches Kat's attention and she slowly begins to piece together the information. Kat's Nancy Drew skills prove useful when she spots the potential threat standing in the crowds. The only problem is, someone from Jake's past is linked to the threat - she just has to work out how.

Jake calls in a few favours and arranges for them to go to another pack for protection. Can she trust her mate and the men that have sworn to protect her? It seems they have all been living double lives.

Kat has to face her biggest challenges yet, can she do it or will nerves get the better of her?

• Language: English
• Publisher: K.A Jones
• Release date: Jul 15, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301624515

K.A Jones

I like to think of myself as normal, but I’m discovering that not everyone has characters in their heads that like to plot and plan anything from revenge to a loving or lustful moment, when you really should be concentrating on other things. So, I guess the description of myself as normal, isn’t all that accurate.You may spot some of my work under the name of Kat Williams. I am currently writing a childrens series and thought it deserved to be written under another name, so without wanting to upset my husband, I thought it only right to take Kats name from the first series that I wrote.

Book preview

HUNTED

Forest of Dean Wolves

K.A.Jones

Published by Kirstie Jones at Smashwords and Amazon

Copyright 2013. K.A.Jones

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted without prior written permission of the author.

All or the characters are fictitious. The names of places are real but the author has adapted the places to bring the story to life for entertainment purposes only.

Smashwords Edition Licensing Agreement.

Please do not replicate or use any characters in this book without written permission from this author.

Acknowledgements.

Firstly, I would like to thank you, the readers. I have enjoyed receiving your kind comments and the support that you have given me.

Jeanette, Thanks for your continuing support and expressed love of the characters that I create. You are the best proof reader ever!

Thanks to Sarah Buckthought from Sarbucks Design (sarbucksportfolio.co.uk) for the artwork/cover.

And lastly - Thanks to my family, who continue to support my ever growing imagination and a special shout-out to my husband Martin for keeping things real.

https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/Kirstiejones

Chapter One

I gripped the back seat of the car as Jake shouted out a warning for me to hang on tight. Jake swung the car off the main road and onto a minor road. The tyres screeched and the back end of the car glided across the road until Jake gained control once more. He glanced quickly into the rear view mirror, checking the progress of the sleek black car that was pursuing us, before looking at me and saying Are you okay poppet? I gave a quick nod of my head and tugged on the seat belt making sure it clicked into place.

Jake’s phone rang through the speaker system of the car and Jake pressed a button on the dashboard and Uncle George’s voice filled the car. Head towards Abergavenny. Take the A48, then the A449 up to the A40. Meet at Llanover. On my way now. Oh, and Jake, remember that it’s Kat in the car with you, and not us! I saw him glance at me in the mirror before he answered Uncle George. I’ve got one, possibly two trying to follow us. I need to lose them before heading to Llanover. Wish me luck. Luck Jake. See you later. Jake pressed a button and the call ended. Hold on tight again Kat, I’m going to swing around and go back the way we came. What? Was he mad? I closed my eyes and gripped the seat as the car suddenly slowed and I felt like we were skidding on ice. Had I not been pregnant or being chased, I would’ve been whooping with delight at the sensations going through my tummy.

I breathed my way through my fear, willing myself not to freak out completely and tried to reassure my babies that Jake was an excellent driver – and would get us out of this mess. When I dared to open my eyes again, trees whizzed by as Jake took the winding road, handling each bend in the road with ease. Jake cursed out loud and the car spun as he took a turning, then he put his foot down. I heard the squeal of the other cars tyres as it pursued us. I sank down in the seat, unsure of what else I could do. Whoever was driving probably knew that I was sat in the car, but I didn’t want them to actually see me.

I gripped my leg as cramp took hold and I frantically rubbed it. I saw Jake flick a glance at me through the mirror and he cursed some more. Don’t worry about me Jake, just drive. I could survive cramp, but I wasn’t sure that I would survive at these speeds if Jake crashed because I had distracted him!

I felt Jake slam on the brakes and then the car swiftly reversed. I risked a quick look out of the window and saw that Jake had backed up into a sight seeing spot. He parked the car between a van and another car. He left the engine on and was ready to move out once the other cars had driven past. We didn’t have to wait long. He was right, 2 sleek black cars raced past the entrance. Jake pulled forwards and went back the way we came. He kept glancing in the mirror, checking what cars were around him, and his eyes were taking in every detail of the road layout, readying him self for any eventuality.

After a while, Jake said the words I had been longing to hear. I think we have lost them poppet. Let’s make our way to the A48 and see what happens. He touched a panel on the dashboard and a GPS came to life. Jake programmed our destination into the Sat Nav and let ‘miss bossy pants’ direct us.

I cautiously got up and sat more comfortably in the seat, but I think this was so I could continually look out of the rear window, checking to see if we were being followed. Jake turned off the main route, telling me that he would take some minor roads to see if anyone was following. I reached over the front seat and touched his shoulder. I needed a bit of contact with him but didn’t want to distract him. His head tilted to the side, trapping my hand between his jaw and his shoulder. He let out a sigh and said, There’s a little ‘lay by’ up here Kat, do you want me to stop so you can get in the front? I didn’t want to stop so soon after losing the 2 sleek cars; there was no saying if they had turned around after realising that Jake had lost them. No Jake, keep driving. I’m okay. He lifted my hand to his lips and kissed it gently, before returning his concentration to the road and our surroundings.

He swung the car onto another road and slowed down a little. I sat back on the seat and felt a vibration on my hip. I shoved my hand into the pocket and pulled out the phone that Lochlann had given me. I used the screen like he had shown me, and somehow – managed to open a message from him.

Hi Kat.

Just to let you know that everything is okay here. Owain managed to capture one of the men and your Father is questioning him now. Stay safe Kat.

Lochlann

Xx

Jake was watching me in the rear view mirror. I held up the phone and said, Dad is questioning the man that was at the house. He fixed his eyes on the road and said, Did Lochlann give you the phone? I held it up and waved it for him to see in the mirror. Um...Yeah. He gave it me so he could keep in touch and keep me posted about my family. I saw Jake’s hands grip the steering wheel tighter, and noticed that the muscles around his temples clenched and unclenched. Kat, we are not supposed to tell them where we are, any of them, you know that right? I did, and I wasn’t about to tell him that the phone had some kind of tracking device in it. It was comforting to know that I could remain in contact with my family via Lochlann, and that he would know roughly where I was.

I saw Jake take another look in the mirror and I watched him visibly relax. I shoved the phone back into my pocket and glanced at the GPS. We were on the A48 and heading towards Abergavenny. Have we lost them? Yeah, it looks like it poppet. I felt breath rush from my body as relief coursed through it. He rubbed the steering wheel fondly and said, This baby can move and it handles like a dream. He beamed a smile at me. So, what do you fancy, a swanky hotel or a cosy little log cabin? My heart screamed, ‘cosy little log cabin’ but my head screamed, ‘play it safe and stay in a hotel.’

The words Swanky Hotel left my lips before I engaged my brain. Jake grinned from ear to ear and said, You’ve got it Babe. He dialled a number on his phone and made reservations for all of us. Then he called Uncle George. He pressed a button and the ringing tone blasted from the speakers in the car. Uncle George answered straight away. Hey George, put on your best swagger, Kat wants to stay in a hotel tonight. I’ve made reservations I heard Uncle George chuckle. Nothing but the best for your girl eh? Okay, we’ll see you there. Jake ended the call and glanced at me in the mirror. There’s some shops a couple of miles away, we’ll stop off and grab a few bits before we go to the hotel. I nodded my agreement and Jake gave me a concerned look. Are you okay poppet? You’re really quiet. I scrubbed a hand across my eyes and sat forward on the seat. I’m okay Jake, really. It’s just hard, running away like this and leaving everyone behind. The car slowed down and Jake pulled over and climbed out.

When he opened my door, he pulled me out of the car and into his arms. I breathed in his scent and buried my face in his chest. His arms folded around me, and he kissed the top of my head several times before saying, It’s not forever Kat. We will go back soon. I promise. I know. I’m sorry. His fingers tipped my face up so he could see me. Hey poppet, you have nothing to be sorry about. Let’s go and get what we need, and then we can go to the hotel and relax for a while before Deano and Uncle George get there. He gently tugged me to the passenger side and opened the door for me to climb in. Once he was seated and we were on our way to the little village, his hand found its way to mine and his fingers entwined with mine.

We made it to the little old village without further problems, and Jake parked the car. I glanced around at the old fashioned shop fronts and cobbled street. It was like walking onto a film set. People glanced at us and Jake reassured me that it was because I was a stranger in a small village and reminded me that I was to play nice! As if I needed reminding of that!

He caught hold of my arm and strolled down the street looking like he belonged, smiling and saying ‘hello’ to the people that we passed. I hissed, I thought we were supposed to be hiding away from people, not encouraging them to remember us? Jake grinned and said, Deano and Uncle George own a couple of businesses here Kat, and people recognise me. The only reason that they are staring is because I have a beautiful woman on my arm, and she is heavily pregnant. He cupped my face in my hands and gave me a boyish grin, before kissing me thoroughly on the lips. Jake pulled back a little and said, We’d better get some food before I devour you.

He led me into a small grocery shop, and the young pretty shop assistants face lit up when she saw Jake enter. Hey Jake. He went to the counter and casually lent on it. Hi Gwen, how’s things? I felt her looking at me curiously, and her smile had faded somewhat. I breathed in her scent. I was relieved to find out that she was a regular human, but extremely pretty. Feeling a pang of jealousy, I busied myself with looking at the stock and left them chatting.

I wandered up and down the couple of isles, pulled a few items from the shelves and loaded up my arms. I glanced down at all the junk food that I was carrying, and smiled to myself. Pure comfort food, that’s what I needed.

I put the items on the counter, and Gwen held out her hand. Hi, I’m Gwen, and you’re? I smiled sweetly before replying, His better half. I ran my hand up and down his arm before linking my fingers with Jake’s and mentally saying, ‘back off bitch!’ I saw amusement in Jake’s eyes as he lifted my hand to his lips and kissed my fingers. He turned to Gwen and said, This is most definitely my better half. Katherine, Gwen. Gwen runs Deano’s shop. She lives in the flat above the shop. Oh!

Sorry Gwen, don’t mind me, I’m in a grumpy mood today. She eyed my belly and smiled an oh-so-sweet-smile. I don’t think I would be very happy having to carry that around all day. I heard Jake make a low rumble in his chest, he ran a hand over my belly and scowled at Gwen – who flushed bright red immediately, and began scanning my items and shoving them into a bag. Jake pulled out cash from his wallet, paid and we said bye to Gwen – who still looked appalled by her own behaviour. I knew the effects that the males of our species could wield, I had been on the receiving end of it so many times, and all of them could crush you with just one look.

We carried on walking down the cobbled street, I was expecting to go to the car and continue our journey because ‘miss bossy pants sat navigator’ had indicated that Jake had taken a wrong turning and needed to turn around when possible! He pushed open a door to a little boutique. I wondered if this was another one of their businesses but looking at the items that were on display, I knew differently.

I glanced at all the maternity wear and baby items and Jake tried helplessly to hide his pleased expression. I didn’t have any money on me, it was bad enough expecting Jake to pay for my snacks. I felt my cheeks burn and Jake looked hurt. Sorry Kat, I thought you would want to get some new gear. I sighed, Jake, I don’t have my purse with me. His expression hardened. I wasn’t expecting you to pay Kat! He drew in a breath and calmly said, You are with me now Kat, would you be making this kind of fuss if it was Anthony buying you clothes and stuff? I closed my eyes briefly and knew that he was right. I gave a slight shake of my head. Jake stepped forward and caught hold of my hands. Then don’t make it a problem Kat. I want to do this.

The shop assistant chose that moment to speak. Hi, if you see anything you like and you want to try it on, I have a changing area just through there. She pointed to a door and a little corridor that no doubt led to the changing area. Jake smiled and said Thanks, before turning his attention back to me. I knew I had lost this argument. I would’ve accepted anything that Anthony gave me. Sure, I would offer to pay – but more often than not, Ant would pay for everything. Was it so wrong for Jake to want to do the same for me? Thank you Jake. He looked relieved that I had accepted without putting up a fight.

Jake paid particular attention to the underwear section in the shop. I found my cheeks blushing on several occasions as he held up items inspecting them, and then adding them to the growing number of items that I was apparently having. When he was satisfied with our choices he asked, Do you want to try anything on poppet? His fingers trailed over a very skimpy pair of knickers. I blushed once more, and he flashed a wicked smile at me. Jerk!

The shop assistant packed up our purchases, and Jake looked care-free and happy. How could he do this? Only a couple of hours ago we were escaping from a super rich guy, who wants me, and now Jake looks at peace with the world, and for all intents and purposes – a proud father to be.

He held open the door and swung the bags back and forth in one hand, as we exited the shop, he wrapped his other arm around my shoulder – nipping and nuzzling my ear and neck as we walked back to the car. I glanced at Jake and saw that despite his extremely casual and happy appearance; he was looking around, taking in every detail of our surroundings, including who was on the street with us. I drew in a deep breath through my nose and sifted through the various scents.

My tummy let out a rumble as I sifted through the various smells coming from a little bakery. Warm bread, meat pies and cakes assaulted my senses. Jake tugged me towards the bakery and drew in a breath before quickly glancing around. He was on alert again. Was someone following us? I cast my eyes around; unsure what had gotten him worked up. I studied Jake for a moment, willing him to look at me and tell me what was going on, but he refused to look my way.

My fear spiked, he drew in a breath and took pity on me. It’s okay Kat, just someone I would rather not bump into. That’s all. I heard high heels clicking on the floor and they were coming in our direction. I glanced towards the person walking in high heels and wished that I hadn’t. My wolf rose and wanted to snap and snarl at her. I didn’t know who she was or what the connection to Jake was – but he was mine!

Jake tugged me close and said, She’s someone I’ve . . . spent time with Kat. Meaning – someone he’s had sex with!

She walked confidently up to Jake, ignoring me at his side and giggled like a little girl before kissing him on his cheek. Hey Jakey baby, I knew it wouldn’t be long before you were back begging for more. Oh… this was just too much! I stepped away from Jake and took in the woman’s appearance. I don’t know if it was her looks that had my wolf rising under my skin or if it was her sex appeal, she exuded in both! I breathed in her scent, she was definitely human but wore an excess of perfume, and I think she’d sprayed it from head to toe, literally! It was really sweet and made me want to gag.

She had a perfect hour glass figure; perfect straight hair that was different shades of blonde and it looked like she had just stepped out of a hair salon…bitch! Her eyes shone a lovely bright green and she was about my height. She flicked her glance over me, tossing her hair over her shoulder as she dismissed me with a look of disgust, before turning back to Jake with her fake smile, jutting her ample breasts towards him. So, have you missed me honey? You want me to keep your bed warm tonight? Jake just stood there looking between miss slut and me. His mouth opened and closed a couple of times, as if he was going to say something, but no words came out. I made a polite excuse and walked away. I heard Jake call my name and when I turned around, miss slut was pulling him close – her hands running through his hair, pulling his head towards hers.

I turned and walked away as quickly as my legs would carry me. I wasn’t going to witness this. I felt my eyes sting with unshed tears, and felt anger course through my veins. My wolf demanded that I went back and ripped her heart out, but I couldn’t do anything other than leave.

I heard his feet hitting the floor as he ran after me. He shouted for me to wait and I heard his desperate plea as he said my name again. I felt my wolf sigh in relief, mimicking my own action. Would he do that if he didn’t have feelings for me? Was it fair that I expected him to have lived the life of a monk before getting together with me? I was carrying another mans babies, what right did I have to judge?

He dropped the bags near my feet and clung onto my hand. Kat? I turned to face him and felt torn between wanting to rant and rave at him and wanting to pull him close and never let him go. He lifted his hands to my face and gently held it. Kat I’m so sorry. I took his hands from my face and glanced down before plucking up the courage to ask Did you have a proper relationship with her or was it just regular sex? He gave a little shrug. Kat I’m 23 years old, I haven’t been answerable to anyone before. I could do what I pleased, when I pleased and with whom I pleased. I let out a derisive snort and Jake pulled me to his chest and smoothed down my hair. You never asked if I was a saint Kat. Oh, so this was my fault? He brings me to a village where two of the three people I’ve met – have got the hots for him!

I shoved at his chest and said, I want to go home. This was all alien to me, I’d been thrown into a world that I barely knew how to exist in. I needed my Dad and Mum and I needed Ant, Ash and Kyle. I know you do poppet, but we can’t go there right now – so how about we get in the car and go to the hotel? I gave a nod of my head, wiped away an errant tear that slid down my face and walked back to the car. I heard him blow out a slow breath, before he picked up the bags and began walking to