In her periphery, a red smear glinted on the pavement. Her heart leaped into her throat.

  “Heather?” she whispered, her pulse picking up.

  Blood trailed from the parking lot into the woods.

  She followed it, picking up speed until she was sprinting, but she only had to go a few steps into the trees to find the source.

  Jim’s corpse was on the forest floor, blood pooling around him. Deep claw marks opened his back to the bone, like he’d tried to run before Heather took him down with a few swipes.

  “Heather, are you here?” Winter asked, her voice high.

  Hiss. Hiss. Through the black woods, the waves kept whispering. Not even a bird answered her call.

  Winter cursed and sprinted to her car. She’d failed Liza. She thought she would find Heather and Mel out back—and like an idiot, she’d assumed Liza would leave in the safety of a vehicle.

  Instead, she’d sent Liza into danger.

  Winter started her car and screeched out of the parking lot. Seconds later, her headlights illuminated a figure in the road, stumbling backward with her arms out as if that would protect her.

  A cougar stalked toward her.

  Heather.

  She must have followed Liza the moment she’d left the pub. Her lithe body was ready to pounce, every muscle taut, her tail swishing. Blood from her earlier kill stained her chest and front legs.

  The headlights didn’t distract her.

  Liza spun toward the advancing car, her eyes wide. Her panicked expression made Winter’s heart squeeze.

  Heather will kill me for this. Quite literally, she would claw out Winter’s throat.

  But Winter couldn’t let Liza die.

  Jaw set, she flicked on the high beams, and screeched to a stop in front of the cougar.

  Heather leaped back with a snarl, avoiding the bumper by inches. Her eyes glinted, wide and unseeing in the blinding high beams—hopefully unable to see the car or Winter.

  Please, please don’t recognize me.

  Winter leaned over to push open the passenger door. Liza wrenched it open, scrambled in, and slammed it hard, gasping.

  “Oh my God. Thank you. I almost d—Winter?” She stopped sobbing, apparently too surprised to finish her sentence.

  Outside, Heather crouched and faced the car, her teeth bared.

  Winter pushed Liza against the seat. “Sit back and buckle up.”

  As Liza fumbled for the seatbelt, Winter accelerated so hard that they sucked back against the seats. Heather swiped at the car, her nails scraping, and Liza screamed.

  In under two seconds, they were at high speed, curving with the road and leaving Heather without her kill.

  “Oh my God,” Liza said, putting her face in her hands. “I can’t believe I almost died. Thank you, Winter.”

  “Of course,” Winter said, numb.

  Her heart was in her throat. Never before had she gotten between Heather and a kill. She’d always cared more about saving her own skin, and that meant doing whatever Heather said and staying out of her way.

  I’m so dead. What was I thinking?

  The high beams had worked. Heather almost definitely hadn’t seen her. But could she hear through the closed car doors? Did she hear Winter’s voice, and Liza saying Winter’s name? There was also their scent. Heather might have recognized the smell of the car.

  There was also the fact that Winter was no longer at the pub. Heather would think it was weird that she left without a goodbye.

  Fuck. I have some damage control to do.

  It took a minute for Liza to calm down enough to remember the address to her vacation rental, so Winter slowed their pace and drove aimlessly through the side streets to give her a chance to recover. She turned on Liza’s heated seat and played jazz music, which seemed to help.

  “That was exactly what people warn you about when you go into the woods around here,” Liza said, sounding pained. “I’m such a dumbass.”

  “Don’t be hard on yourself,” Winter said, hating the self-loathing in Liza’s tone. The near-attack wasn’t her fault. Not in the slightest. But how could she explain that without telling the truth?

  After a pause, Liza leaned against the headrest with her eyes closed. “Nice car. God, you’re cool.”

  “Thanks,” Winter said, unable to smile.

  She had to come up with an excuse for why she’d left, and fast.

  This was exactly why Heather killed cougars who met their mates. Winter was risking their secrets, their entire lifestyle, by protecting the woman who’d come to crack it all open.

  By protecting my mate.

  The word came into her mind without conscious thought, sending a jolt of realization through her. She gripped the wheel tighter.

  Could Liza be…?

  No.

  Winter glanced sideways at the woman in the passenger seat.

  True, she’d been attracted to Liza the moment they’d met, and she was risking a lot to protect Liza and keep her alive… but was Liza her fated mate?

  They might be in bigger trouble than she’d thought.

  “You okay?” Liza asked, her brow furrowed.

  Winter’s stomach swooped as she met Liza’s concerned gaze. “I’m fine. I’m happy you’re safe.”

  “Thanks to you. Fuck.”

  Winter’s phone buzzed in her pocket. Her insides twisted with dread. It was definitely Heather.

  Winter had been flawlessly loyal for forty years, ever since Heather took her in as an infant, so maybe there was a chance of being forgiven.

  She parked in front of Liza’s vacation rental, which turned out to be a couple of minutes from the pub, and walked her to the door. Liza was jumpy, every rustling leaf making her flinch. She stayed by Winter’s side, and Winter had to fight the urge to put an arm around her shoulders and hold her close.

  Liza’s hands shook as she punched in the code to unlock the door. Without stepping inside, she reached around and flipped on the light. The room became illuminated, cozy and bright, with clothes strewn across the twin bed.

  Liza let out a small breath and stepped inside. “I’m sorry to inconvenience you like this,” she said, facing Winter with a flush on her cheeks.

  “Inconvenience?”

  “I mean, you probably have somewhere to be, and—”

  Winter stepped in and shut the door behind her. She put a hand on Liza’s arm. “Liza, your life is not an inconvenience.”

  “You’re not annoyed that you had to pick me up?” Liza asked.

  “Of course not.” How could she even say that? She’d been in danger. Had someone in her life led her to believe she wasn’t worth it? The ex Liza had mentioned came to mind, and a hot, twisting sensation rose in Winter’s belly.

  They stared at each other. Liza’s blouse was thin, letting the warmth of her skin seep through to Winter’s palm. A flame seemed to travel between them, snaking down through Winter’s midsection and settling low inside her. Her heart thumped faster as Liza’s lips parted.

  Winter dropped her hand.

  Liza glanced back at the bed. “Sorry it’s already a mess. God, you look out of place here.” She gave a weak laugh. “This suite is so simple and cheap.”

  Winter’s lips quirked at the odd compliment. She’d dressed plainly tonight, but she did take pride in her hair and makeup.

  “Sorry, was that weird?” Liza asked, her flush deepening. “You’re just… I mean you’re so glamorous and… pretty.”

  Winter’s insides danced. She stepped closer. “Stop. You’re apologizing too much.”

  “Sorry.”

  Winter laughed.

  Standing so close, Liza’s sweet scent met her nose. Mango.

  Winter was out of her head to be attracted to her. Liza didn’t belong in this cursed town.

  “What do you do back home?” Winter asked, and the abrupt question seemed to surprise Liza.

  “Um, I’m a university student. Faculty of science.”

  Winter nodded. A student. She had her whole life ahead of her—if she would just go home. “Listen, Liza, this area isn’t very safe. That near-attack… It wasn’t unusual. In the morning, you should probably go—”

  Liza shook her head firmly, her jaw clenched. “Don’t. I can’t. He’s my brother, Winter.”

  Winter swallowed hard. She nodded. Of course Liza wouldn’t go home. Love for her family had brought her here, and that force wouldn’t break. She would stay until she found Brayson.

  That kind of love was one Winter couldn’t understand. Her family was a group of cougars who’d kidnapped her from her real parents. She liked them well enough after a lifetime with them. But love?

  Liza searched Winter’s face, her eyebrows pinched together in confusion.

  “You’re brave for coming here to find him,” Winter said, the words coming out in a rush. “I think most people would be too afraid to dig into a disappearance like that. Some people are even afraid to get what they want in life. Anyway, it’s a good quality. I hope you hold onto it.”

  Liza opened her mouth. No sound came out. She closed it, and nodded.

  Winter cleared her throat and stepped back. Liza glanced at the little window as if expecting a cougar to climb through and maul her.

  The risk was more real than she knew. What if Heather was motivated enough to figure out where Liza was staying? It was a possibility, given how much pull Heather had over this town.

  “If you think of anything that might help me find him,” Liza said, “will you call me?”

  Winter shifted on her feet. Should she go find Heather and explain why she took off? Or should she continue to protect Liza—even help her get Brayson back?

  Her heart thumped faster. She’d wanted to escape this life of servitude. Maybe the moment had come where she had to take the leap. Helping Liza would mean irrevocably betraying her alpha, but in her heart, it was the right thing to do.

  Liza was the reason she’d been waiting for.

  “Actually,” Winter said, her voice wavering, “I might have some information right now.”

  Liza mouthed wordlessly, then said in a strangled tone, “You do?”

  A physical pain seized Winter’s chest. More than anything, more than her obligations to Heather or her own safety, she wanted to do the right thing. And today, she could save lives. She could save the surviving young men and fix the damage Heather had done to Liza’s life.

  Choosing her words carefully, she said, “I saw a couple of strange people in town the day they disappeared. They were staying in one of the mansions up the road, and I heard they invited the guys there. If you want my help, I—well, we could meet up in the morning and come up with a plan, then check the place out together.”

  It felt wrong to lie to Liza, but this was the best Winter could do without telling her about the cougars. She knew where Liza’s brother and the other surviving young men were, and that was the important part. If they could get in, grab the guys, and get out, Liza’s family could be whole again.

  “You think he’s there?” Liza asked in blank surprise.

  Winter hesitated. She couldn’t tell Liza the whole truth, but she could at least assure her that Brayson wasn’t dead.

  She nodded firmly. “Yes. I do.”

  Liza’s eyes welled with tears, and she buried her face in her hands.

  Winter blinked rapidly, guilt enveloping her like a rising tide. She’d been truthful when she told Liza she wasn’t at the pub on the day the cougars got to the hockey team, but did that matter? She’d done things just as awful on Heather’s orders for years, and it easily could have been her. She was a monster like the rest of them.

  Liza wiped the tears streaking her cheeks, smiling. “Thank you.”

  Winter nodded solemnly. She didn’t deserve that smile.

  She stepped toward the door and put a hand on the knob. Time to figure out what to tell Heather.

  She opened the door, and she was almost outside when an irresistible pull made her turn around.

  She couldn’t leave Liza here alone. Not when Heather wanted her dead. Heather might already be checking all of the bed and breakfasts and vacation rentals.

  Heather hadn’t come to Winter’s house in at least a decade, and Winter had never brought home someone they’d planned to kill. It might be the safest option.

  “Hey, do you want to stay at my place tonight?” Winter asked, the words tumbling from her lips.

  Liza’s mouth opened.

  Winter’s heart leaped against her ribs. Say yes. Let me protect you tonight.

  Then Liza broke into a wide grin, as if the invitation came as a relief. “If it’s not a burden. I don’t know how well I would sleep here. Alone. After that.” Her cheeks reddened, and she dropped her gaze.

  “Of course,” Winter said, her head spinning with the gravity of what she was doing. “I have a guest suite you can stay in.”

  Liza’s shoulders relaxed. “Thank you so much. I owe you one. Or two. Or like, my life.” She stepped closer, like she was considering hugging Winter—which would have been welcome—but then she turned and began grabbing her scattered belongings.

  While Liza packed her bag, Winter slipped her phone out of her pocket and checked her messages.

  Heather: You disappeared fast.

  Heart thumping, Winter hovered her thumbs over the keyboard.

  Winter: Sorry hun. I went to check on you, and the girl ran off on me. I’ll fill you in tomorrow. xx

  That gave her until morning to figure out how the hell she was going to convince Heather that Liza was no threat.

  She let out a breath. With this simple promise to help, she’d agreed to something that would change her life. Tomorrow, she was going to betray her alpha, help Liza get her brother back, and get away from Cougar Woods forever.

  CHAPTER 7

  Liza

  Attachments

  “You live here alone?” Liza asked, stunned. It was the biggest house she’d ever been in, more like a lodge she once stayed at in Whistler.

  “I’m… a solitary creature,” Winter said semi-apologetically.

  Her home was somewhere between a log cabin and a mansion, both cozy and upscale. Everything was wood and stone. Through the back window, soft lights illuminated an infinity pool that looked out on the moonlit ocean. The burble of a waterfall carried faintly into the house.

  Liza looked around for signs of a dog bowl or cat box. “Do you have any pets?”

  Winter shook her head. “Completely alone.”

  Liza shifted. Maybe she shouldn’t have come over if Winter preferred solitude. “I don’t have to stay. I was just a little shaken from—”

  “No, stay. I can make an exception for you,” Winter said, her lips curving upward.

  Whatever that look was, it sent a pleasant ripple through Liza.

  Between Winter’s promise to help and the prospect of spending the night in this incredible house with this gorgeous woman, Liza’s spirits were better than they’d been since Brayson’s disappearance. She had a real chance of finding him and bringing him home. She just had to keep her cool until morning, when they could get started on a plan.

  How did she get so lucky as to stumble on this woman right when she needed her?

  “Can I get you a drink or do you want to get to sleep right away?” Winter asked.

  “I think I’m too full of adrenaline to sleep right now,” Liza admitted. “If that’s okay. I don’t want to keep you up.”

  Winter tilted her head. “Do you always spend more time worrying about others’ comforts before your own?”

  Liza opened her mouth, realized that this might possibly be true, and closed it.

  Winter led her to the vast kitchen with its bar-sized liquor cabinet. “What’s your drink? I have everything.”

  “Surprise me. Just no clam juice.”

  “How about a mojito? I have fresh mint that’s begging to be picked.” She motioned to the windowsill, where six pots of herbs grew.

  “Sounds yummy.”

  Liza couldn’t help smiling at the cute potted herbs, which had mint, parsley, and other names written on the sides in chalk. She imagined living in a house of her own one day, plants on the windowsill, a garden out back. Winter had built a comfortable life, and she’d done it solo, which was incredible. Again, curiosity about Winter’s life tugged at Liza. How had she earned the money to buy this place? What did she do for work, and what was her family like?

  Winter grabbed a bottle of white rum from the wall and set it on the kitchen island.

  While she made the drinks, Liza sat at a barstool and leaned on the island. “Is it weird to always put others’ comforts first?”

  Winter looked up with a little smile. “It’s sweet. You’re a thoughtful person, Liza. I just wonder if you lose touch with your own needs.”

  Liza chewed her lip, watching Winter’s hands while she poured shots and plucked mint with smooth movements.

  She had nice hands. Nice fingers.

  Help.

  Liza crossed her legs and looked out the window. “When I was with my ex, I think I valued her opinions and approval more than my own,” she said, the words spilling out like she was in a confessional. “I kind of lost who I was. Couldn’t make decisions anymore.”

  Winter slid a drink across the island. “How did Brayson feel about her?”

  “He hated her. He didn’t say it outright but I could tell. He seemed relieved every time we broke up, and he would say things to try and get my self-esteem up.”

  Winter’s eyebrows pulled down. She looked like she wanted to say something but bit her lip.

  Liza grabbed her drink. The tall glass was cold beneath her fingers, and pretty to look at, with bright mint leaves and a lime wedge poking out of the top.

  Why was she telling Winter all of this? She never talked about this with anyone. Maybe the near-death experience tonight was making her introspective. Or maybe it was Winter’s inviting presence.

  “Did you break up when you made the decision to come here?” Winter asked quietly.

  An uncomfortable sensation filled Liza’s chest. She nodded once. “She didn’t like it. She was worried about me. And I am a bit of a mess. I was always scrambling to fix something I did wrong.”

 

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