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my house. There’s
enough room for you.”
    She was well on her way to getting drunk but she wasn’t that
far gone to lose all common sense. She really knew nothing about Kajakti. “I
really don’t know if that would be a good idea.”
    He leaned forward and captured her hand. “You don’t have
anything to fear with me. I would never do you harm. If it makes you feel
better, I don’t live alone. I have nine roommates, three of who are women,
wives to my friends. You’ll be perfectly safe, and it will be a lot better than
the street.”
    “Wow, that’s a lot of people in one house.”
    Jaren paused to think over what Kajakti had said. She had to
face it, she was desperate. Plus, he was the only person who’d offered any kind
of assistance. Even the hotel staff hadn’t been able to do anything for her.
    Finally, she nodded. “Okay, thanks for being so generous and
taking in a stranded Canadian. Is it all right if we have another drink after
we finish these?”
    Kajakti chuckled. “Sure.” He squeezed her hand before he let
it go. “You’ll be okay now, Jaren. I’ll be here for you.”
    Looking into his eyes and seeing how serious he was, Jaren
believed every word Kajakti said. For the first time in hours, she felt as if
she could actually take a deep breath.

Chapter Two
     
    They’d finished their third drink and Kajakti noticed Jaren
wasn’t exactly sober anymore. When she spoke, her words slurred one into the
other. And she didn’t look as sad as she had when he’d first seen her.
    Thinking of the reason why his mate had been feeling that
way had Kajakti ready to hunt down this Matt and make him pay for what he’d
done to Jaren. The only good thing about it all was the fact Kajakti didn’t
have to find the woman meant for him already in a relationship with another.
That would have been almost intolerable.
    He watched Jaren finish the third vanilla vodka he’d ordered
for her. He took a big swallow of his beer. He was on the same number of drinks
as her, but wasn’t affected by the alcohol. As a werewolf, it would take a
great deal more than a few bottles of beer for him to even feel it. He figured
Jaren had had more than enough.
    “How about I call one of my friends to come pick us up and
we can go to my place?” he asked. “After the day you’ve had I’m sure you want
to relax.”
    “You don’t have a car?”
    “I don’t know how to drive.”
    “Really? Most guys wouldn’t own up to that.” Jaren’s words
came out even more slurred.
    “Well, I’m not like most guys.”
    Kajakti took his cell phone out of his front jeans pocket
and sent a text message to Cassidy, asking her to pick him up. A few seconds
later, she replied, saying Carson would be at the front of the hotel shortly.
    He put away his phone and looked at Jaren. “Our ride is on
his way. I’ll finish my beer, then we can wait for him outside.”
    Once he downed the rest of his drink, Kajakti paid their
bill. He stood and picked up Jaren’s suitcase while she none-too-steadily rose
to her feet. She took a few weaving steps before he put his free arm around her
waist to keep her walking in a straight line.
    They made it out to the sidewalk at the front of the hotel
to wait for Carson to arrive. Kajakti hoped his newest wolf brother wouldn’t
take too long. The more time that passed, the more the alcohol Jaren drank
seemed to hit her. She weaved in place as she watched the people who walked by.
    Jaren turned to face Kajakti and gave him a big smile. “You
know, you’re pretty cute.”
    He grinned. “Thanks.”
    “No, really,” she slurred. “You’re way better-looking than
Matt.” Jaren placed a hand on his chest. “How would you like to be my new
boyfriend? You’re my knight in shining armor, rescuing me when I needed help
the most.”
    Kajakti chuckled. “And I think you’re a little too drunk for
me to answer that question. You might not want me like that once you’re sober.”
    She shook her head, then had