The Ranger- A Dark Werewolf Romance The Broken Immortals Series (Book 6)

By Jessica White

She’s hoping for the vacation of a lifetime.

He lives a life of peace and quiet in the woods.

When their secrets are revealed, they’ll have their hands full...of each other.

Soon after moving in next door to the Forest Ranger, Hazel Parker discovers that her neighbor is unbelievably handsome and mysterious. But as a woman of mystery herself, she’s not one to judge.

Unfortunately, he’s not interested in her. Now, that is something she could blame him for until a not-so-chance encounter changes everything she thought she knew about him.

As it turns out, he is very interested. So interested that she wakes up in his bed as his captive, and he has no intention of letting her go. Ever.

Believe it or not, she's alright with that. Because Hazel’s not your typical damsel in distress, and she has a very dark secret waiting to reveal itself.

But then again, so does the Ranger.

The Ranger is book six of The Broken Immortals Series...a collection of dark paranormal romantic fantasy stories.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jessica White
• Release date: Mar 28, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005624323

Jessica White

Author Jessica White - Unveiling Dark Fantasies and Steamy Romance in Small Towns? Welcome to the enchanting world of Jessica White, where the world comes alive with dark immortals, small-town secrets, and sizzling romance. As a passionate storyteller, Jessica weaves tales that transport you to realms unknown, blending dark fantasy, steamy romance, and heart-pounding suspense.? Series Highlights:•The Broken Immortals: Journey into a realm where immortality comes with a price, and forbidden desires ignite a war between light and darkness.•Stories from the Realm: Explore mystical landscapes and unearth the secrets that bind magical beings in this captivating series.•Love Stories from a Small Town: Immerse yourself in the charm of small-town romance, where love blossoms amidst close-knit communities.?‍? About the Author: Jessica, a former Registered Nurse turned masterful storyteller, hails from the breathtaking landscapes of West Virginia. Her graduate degree in Business Administration adds a strategic touch to her narrative prowess. Beyond crafting tales, Jessica is captivated by metaphysical wonders, the beauty of nature, irresistible buttercream icing, and the magic of Harry Potter (still waiting for that letter!).? Stay Updated: Curious about Jessica's upcoming releases? Explore Jessica's world beyond the pages. Follow her journey on https://linktr.ee/authorjwhite and sign up for exclusive email alerts. Be the first to dive into new worlds and discover fresh tales of love, mystery, and fantasy.? Connect with Jessica: Have questions or just want to share your thoughts? Reach out to Jessica at [e-mail].

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Love at First Sight

Like a wave on the ocean she still hadn’t seen yet, fingers decorated with pale pink nail polish bent up and down in the choppy wind outside the passenger window.

The blinker lever fell under Haldir’s palm, and he pulled off his brown driving glasses as he veered off the side of the road. Freckled fingertips came together to turn down the oldies station, and he twisted against the seatback to stretch. I reckon we better stop for fuel here. Not too many places to rest along this piece of country.

A pair of white sunglasses slid back into her honey blonde hair as she turned to face him on the tan leather seat. Sounds good to me. I would love a break from all this sitting. The pearl-colored coupe came to a halt beside the single gas pump he was sure must have been the original.

After Haldir gave the worn-out machine a second glance, he jerked the keys from the ignition. This thing is as old as I am, so we’ll have to go inside to pay.

An elbow draped in her favorite pink sweater dug into the door as Hazel pulled at the wooden latch. Lovely. I’m just about starving, anyway.

Old-fashioned, yes, but being escorted everywhere was customary for young unmarried women in the lands she hailed from. All her fingers slid under his arm for him to lead her over the dusty parking lot with stray gray pebbles thrown about. How much longer until we arrive?

The metal handle disappeared in his palm, and the scent of freshly brewed coffee and spent motor oil covered them as he pulled the door aside for her to pass through. About an hour and a half still.

A reddish-blonde beard in need of trimming lifted in the cashier’s direction while Haldir tucked his shades into the pocket of his blue t-shirt. Excuse me, sir. Do you mind if I use the head?

Over his thick, black-framed glasses, a tuft of long, gray hair spilled over as the man at the cash register flipped his head to the side and popped his chewing gum. Right behind the refrigerator case.

A hand came to Hazel’s back as she studied the ice cream display by the counter, and Haldir leaned into her ear. Have a gander. I’ll be right back.

More than a tad annoyed at how closely he monitored her since she arrived, two fingers came to her shoulder to wave him off. Go on, I’m fine.

The sound of his leather loafers scuffing the dirty tile floor got lighter until they disappeared while Earth’s newest visitor moved sideways along the store’s offerings.

Once she found the ball of glass on a red pedestal, she gave the globe a shake and giggled at the sparkles spinning around the miniature black bear inside. Adorable. Whispers, as soft as butterfly wings flapping against the breeze, tickled the little bony lump behind her ear. The tips of her fingers rubbed at the spot as she answered them under her breath so the cashier wouldn’t think she was crazy. Alright. I’m listening.

Pale green eyes flicked to the familiar voices of home in her head who called out to her, and she set the trinket on the white metal shelf as a jitter overcame her fingers. The tip of her tongue moved over her lip as she slid her foot across the floor, and with every step closer she got, the beat of her heart quickened.

On the wall at the end of the aisle sat a corkboard, full of listings of junk people wanted to rid themselves of and community dinners at the local church. When a blue flyer flipped over at the bottom to wave her over, the sorceress understood it was no coincidence at all and she was being summoned toward her destiny. What do we have here?

The toes of her brown leather sandals pressed into the tile as she came to her tiptoes to read the tiny typing. House for sale, as is. Scenic lakefront property. Perfect for the buyer looking for privacy. Bring your best offer.

A black pin shimmied free from the paper, and she motioned to Haldir when his footsteps sneaked up behind her. I want to buy this house.

Hardly more than a shack, the little cabin from the photo made Haldir curl his lips. Each day of Hazel’s life so far had been spent having her every ridiculous wish brought to reality. Still, he gave her a squinty eye as he scratched at his forehead. Place seems like a dump, if you ask me, kiddo.

An elbow swatted at his arm while her eyes narrowed at him. No, as a matter of fact, I was not asking you. Always a bit of a spoiled brat, she stomped her foot a little when she turned up her nose at him. This is love at first sight, and I simply must go find out why.

To have her way as she did every other day of her life, she rolled out her bottom lip and swayed back and forth while she tugged at his hand. Please, Uncle Haldir. You said we would do whatever my heart desired on this trip, and this place wants me to live there. It speaks to me.

A gentle shake of his head was followed by a defeated sigh as he flipped his wrist to check the time. The problem is, this is a Sunday afternoon. While his thumb beat against his phone, he squinted at the numbers on the listing. Most humans like to have the day off from work on Sundays.

A quick nod and wrinkle of his nose came as he clicked end call and shoved the phone in his pocket. This time of day, we’ll not likely find anyone to show us around. The palm of his hand spread out on her back to lead her to the front of the shop. If you have your heart set on this rattrap, let’s find a place to stay tonight, and I’ll make some phone calls to pull something together for the morning.

The edges of the paper bent under her fingers as Hazel folded them, and when she tucked the blue bundle into her jeans pocket, she gave him a smile and a nod. I just know I’m going to love this house.

Prone to premonitions for centuries now, Haldir’s shoulders twitched when the man in black boots and camouflage stepped up into the store. A cold rush passed through his nerves, and he tugged at Hazel’s arm to draw her closer to him when the local’s gaze lingered on his young ward a little too long. That’s what I’m afraid of.

CHAPTER TWO

The Beast

To pierce the silence of the cool, still night, a noise like a speeding train in the distance rumbled the fog-covered dirt and rock floor of the forest.

Plumes of steamy breath and scared childlike whimpers chugged out into the atmosphere while one man navigated the downed trees and thickets crossing his way. Goddammit. Where are you?

As fast as his out-of-shape, limp knees would carry him, the hunter chased the bright white moon overhead as he ran for his life from the beast closing in on him.

Through the sharp, thorny branches he hurdled over and dodged, an eerie alarm chased him no matter which way he turned. A rival he couldn’t escape. One who could not be hidden from.

The haunting wail of the master wolf charged past him to warn all living creatures ahead to take shelter from the human who came to kill them.

In the tall grass by the lake, the last crickets of the season beat their legs together to poke fun at the man whose black boots slapped against the ground while he sprinted toward them.

Under the full moon’s light, the gunmetal black military-style firearm shimmered as the stock stabbed into the hunter’s back each time it bounced.

If he was half the man he thought he was when he flapped his gums to his buddies at the tavern about how he was going to bag himself the kill of the century, he’d stand firm and fight whatever came for him now.

Like every other good old boy around these parts with more mouth than brains who ran this same path every time the moon was at its fullest, though, he wasn’t any kind of man at all.

When the big-mouthed hunter came toe to toe with the beast of local mountain folklore, at last, all his drunken bravado left him in a stream of hot yellow fluid down his pants leg.

With soggy socks and an oversized beer belly jiggling with every step, the breathless coward rushed through the woods until they thinned into an opening.

A glimmer of light fell across his glossy black pickup truck to show him the path to safety as he reached the park’s boundary, and relief washed over him like the sun coming over the mountainside.

But as the pitter-patter of paws moving closer sent a fresh dose of fear through his bloodstream, he dove for his vehicle with every ounce of strength he had.

Just as his fingers wrapped around the old push-button-style door handle, a bright flash consumed his vision. The world passed in slow motion, and a sense of weightlessness surrounded his body as he flew through the air.

Like a stone skimming over the water, his chubby back skipped across the gravel road until he slid to a hard stop against the yellow metal entrance gate.

All the wind knocked from his lungs, the camouflage-clad man struggled with the ground to right himself to his hands and knees. Like the hammer of God, though, one fur-covered giant foot with long, thick claws like talons squished the rocks by his head to keep him in place.

Even in the bright light of the last full moon of Summer hovering low in the sky above them, the creature’s dark form was obscured from the man pleading with his eyes for mercy. However, when the night caught the monster’s golden orbs, every horrifying curve of the wolfman’s face was illuminated.

Pointed ears sat at the sides of his head, and sharp fangs lunged over his lips. Tufts of coarse black hair lined his whole body, and dark nails curled past the ends of his fingers.

A cool breeze swept through the valley, and one giant gasp brought life to the human’s lungs once again. From somewhere deep inside the pit of his robust tummy, a roar like a lion sprung from his mouth and echoed between the mountains surrounding them. Help me. Please, God, help me.

The gravel dug into the bloodied elbows of his field jacket as he crawled backward, away from the beast who loomed over him with