The Chosen One Universe Volume Two: An MM Paranormal Fantasy Shifters Series Read online

  Achim frowned. “You’re really expecting trouble?”

  Shaq glanced back toward Drew, and then returned his attention to his packmate. “Something is… different about him.”

  “We’ll take first watch,” Teague replied.

  Shaq gripped Teague’s shoulder and gave it a tight squeeze. He made sure to brush his hand along Teague’s neck to leave additional scent. He repeated the gesture with Achim. “Call me if anything happens.”

  Drew

  Even though he could feel his eyes drooping, Drew tried to force them to stay open. He didn’t want to stop watching the man behind the bar. Shaq. He was talking to some guys at the other end of the bar, and there was something about the way he interacted with them that kept Drew’s attention. Although the fact that Shaq was also one of the most gorgeous men Drew had ever seen might have a small part in it as well.

  Drew normally wasn’t attracted to big guys, but Shaq was definitely an exception. There was something both exotic and comforting about him. It didn’t make sense. Especially for a guy who had to be over six foot five and had muscles for days. Then there was his hair. Pitch black and Drew wanted to touch it. To run his fingers through it. Then there was his shirt. And since when were shirts sexy? Shaq wore a skin-tight black T-shirt which showed off his massive arms, shoulders, and chest. He had just enough facial hair to look fierce. He had leather bracelets on his arms, covering some sort of tattoos around his wrist. Everything about him made Drew sit up and take notice. His voice, deep and soothing. His eyes, dark and kind. His tight, faded jeans that had thin white spots like the worn material was moments away from giving up and tearing.

  He shouldn’t be thinking of anything but how he was going to get out of here. He needed to keep moving. It had been almost forty-eight hours since he’d left. He’d crept out of his apartment at two in the morning with nothing but a backpack and a duffel bag. A quick trip to the ATM and he had three hundred bucks in cash. It hadn’t taken him as far as he’d hoped. He had access to more money but it would take a week or so. He had a small trust fund from his grandpa which he’d been hoping to save to use for a down payment on a house one day. He’d never found a place where he felt able to settle though, and he was constantly restless. Waiting. Searching. Trying to find his place in the world. He was scared enough now to dip into the fund, but requests for the money had to go through a lawyer. He just needed to figure out what to do for a week or so while they got the paperwork done.

  “You okay?”

  Shaq was in front of him again, leaning down and smiling that crooked smile that made Drew’s stomach flutter. A guy his size shouldn’t be able to go from scary one moment to kind the next. He’d leapt over the bar without hesitation and Drew had almost passed out from fear at how fast he’d moved. But then he’d realized what the guy Shaq had pinned to the wall had done and something shifted in his thoughts. He’d been protecting his waitress. And that… that was okay.

  “Yeah,” Drew responded.

  Shaq’s head tilted to the side and Drew realized he’d answered without thinking. He wasn’t okay, and Shaq clearly realized it for the lie it was. He looked into Shaq’s eyes and then shrugged. “Not really.”

  “You will be.” Shaq reached out and placed his hand on Drew’s shoulder, exactly like he’d done to the guys at the end of the bar. “I’ll make sure of it.” Shaq walked away after a moment, pouring more drinks and smiling at the customers sitting around the bar.

  Drew wanted to believe him. A really confused part of him did believe him. But he’d spent the last few weeks scared out of his mind and didn’t completely trust his own judgment, which meant he needed to move on before he did something stupid. He took a deep breath and reached for the pen the guy sitting a few seats down had used to sign his credit card receipt. He then grabbed one of the printed napkins sitting in a neat stack in front of him.

  Thank you for your kindness. I needed it.

  When Shaq was occupied with cashing out other customers, Drew slipped into one of the small groups who were leaving and followed them out the door. He made it to his car and climbed into the back seat. He needed to sleep for a few hours, at least until morning when he could call the lawyer’s office and try to get some cash quickly. He could figure this out and then keep driving. He’d always wanted to take a road trip and this was the perfect excuse. He kept an old blanket in the car for emergencies so he spread it over his legs and laid his head down on his clothes-stuffed duffel bag.

  Just a few hours of sleep and he’d start moving again. That’s all he needed. Just a few hours. Drew settled in and closed his eyes, trying to forget the flashes of fear which had been haunting every waking moment. He did feel safe now, safer at least, and even if he didn’t quite know why, he was able to calm his nerves and drift to sleep.

  Something woke him and it took Drew a second to remember where he was as he jolted awake and his heart began pounding in fear. He remembered as he heard footsteps on the gravel outside of his car and whispered voices.

  They’d found him.

  His breath caught and he fumbled in the floorboard for the mag light he kept under the seat. It wasn’t much of a weapon, but maybe it would be enough to help him get away.

  “Shit, you asshole. You woke him up.”

  “Shaq’s gonna skin me.”

  “Fuck. Just… stay quiet. Shaq’ll be back in a minute and he’ll deal with it.”

  Drew slowly sat up and pressed the power button on his light. It lit up the two guys who’d been talking to Shaq earlier in the night. They were sitting on folding metal chairs in front of his car. Both of them held up their hands to stop the bright light from blinding them.

  “What the hell?” Drew untangled his legs from the blanket as the door to the bar opened and Shaq emerged. He froze and glanced at Drew’s car before turning a glare onto the other guys. Drew watched in confusion as Shaq crossed the dimly lit parking lot and stopped by the chairs.

  “What happened?” Shaq asked.

  The two guys looked guiltily at each other then back to Shaq.

  “I tried to move my chair and it woke him up.”

  Drew then noticed a third, empty chair sitting with the other two. Shaq walked to the guy and shoved his shoulder into him. “Idiot.”

  The other guy snorted out a laugh as Shaq continued walking toward the car.

  “Uh, hey Drew? Would you mind turning the light off?” Shaq asked. “You’re kinda blinding us here.”

  Drew flipped the light off again, but it meant he couldn’t see a thing. There was a light in the parking lot, but it was on the opposite side. He’d chosen the darkest corner for a reason, hoping to remain hidden.

  “What are you doing here?” Drew asked. He’d cracked the back window just enough to let in a bit of fresh air. It was also enough to allow him to hear more clearly in case anyone approached his car. He had no idea how he’d slept through the three of them setting up chairs so close to him. He’d been waking up at the slightest noise lately.

  “Well, see,” Shaq began, “I knew you were worried about something earlier, and when I realized you were sleeping in your car, I thought it would be a good idea to keep an eye out to make sure there wasn’t any trouble. These are my— friends, Achim and Teague. They said they’d hang out with me.”

  “You… you were just going to sit here and watch my car while I slept?”

  Shaq shrugged. “Seemed like it was better than leaving you out here alone, just in case.”

  Drew unlocked his door and slowly pushed it open. He climbed out, his legs protesting the curled up position he’d been in for… he glanced at his watch… less than an hour. “I don’t—”

  “I know it’s weird,” Shaq said. “But really, staying in a bar parking lot by yourself isn’t the best idea, you know? I mean, we’ve never really had any trouble, but I could tell you were worried and I figured…” His voice drifted off and he took a step closer to Drew. “I’m sorry we scared you.”

  Drew looked
up at him, his mind still trying to process exactly what was going on. “Were you really going to sit out here all night?”

  Shaq shrugged. “Would rather do that than have something happen to you because we’d left you out here by yourself. My bar is a safe place. I don’t want that to change.”

  Drew stared into his eyes again then glanced over at the other two guys. “Thanks. That’s… really nice of you.”

  “I told you I’d make sure you were okay,” Shaq said quietly.

  “You don’t know me. Why do you care?”

  “No, I don’t know you. But that doesn’t mean I don’t care. I’ve been in bad places before, Drew. I help when I can, and you seem like you could use some help. Am I right?”

  Drew reluctantly nodded.

  “Look, the way I see it, we have three options here. One, you climb back in the car and go back to sleep. We’ll keep watch while you get some rest, and then you go on your way. Two, you get back in your car and leave now, which you’re free to do. Or three, and this is my personal favorite, you get in the car and follow us back to my place. You can sleep in the car in my driveway if you want, or you can come inside and get some rest in my guest room. At least that way you won’t be on your own in a bar parking lot and maybe you’ll be able to get some rest so you’re safe driving. The choice is yours.”

  Drew couldn’t think of anything to say. Why would he be foolish enough to follow someone home that he didn’t know? He’d seen enough crime shows to know that was stupid. Hell, he’d seen enough the past few weeks to know that was stupid. Then again, in what world did a man he’d never met sit outside his car in the middle of the night just to keep him safe? In what world did it actually work? He shouldn’t feel safer simply standing beside a perfect stranger, no matter how kind his eyes were. His arms were big enough that he could easily overpower Drew, and he’d been overpowered enough lately. But Drew didn’t think he was being tricked. He was less scared even if it didn’t make sense. He should get in the car and get out of here. That was the smart option. But each heartbeat that passed with him looking up at Shaq made him want to stay.

  “I don’t… I don’t know you.”

  Shaq nodded and reached for Drew’s shoulder again. “I know. Hop back in the car and get some sleep. We’ll watch over you until morning.”

  Drew had no idea why the simple touch made him feel better, but it did. He searched Shaq’s face again, looking for… something. He didn’t know what he was thinking. “If… if I park in your driveway, you won’t have to sit outside all night.”

  “I don’t mind. Whatever makes you feel better. The only thing is… I can’t leave you alone here. I don’t feel right about that. We can sit out here and not bother you. Just make sure you’re safe. You need to rest. I can see that much.”

  “I don’t know what to do.”

  Shaq stepped closer and slid his hand around to gently cup the back of Drew’s neck. “I know you’re scared,” Shaq whispered. “But I swear to you, I only want to see you safe. Nothing will happen to you on my watch, Drew.”

  Drew closed his eyes and breathed. “I believe you.”

  Even if it made him absolutely crazy, he did. Maybe what he really needed was a place to hide out where no one could find him for a while. And maybe someone scarier than the guy after him. Someone who could jump over a bar and had friends who looked like they knew how to take care of themselves. Someone who was bigger and stronger and so solid and real.

  “I’ll keep you safe,” Shaq whispered again. The words were a vow. A promise. He gently pulled Drew closer and wrapped his arms around him. “I know you’re tired. I can drive your car to my place. The guys will drive my truck home for me. You can rest and then we’ll figure out what to do next, okay?”

  Drew nodded into Shaq’s chest.

  Shaq breathed and held Drew closer. “You’re safe now.”

  The next few minutes passed in a blur. Shaq asked for his keys then led Drew to the passenger side of the car. He was bundled in and driven for only a few minutes to a small subdivision. There was a local police car parked in one of the driveways only a few houses away from the one Shaq pulled into. Something about that added to his feelings of security. Surely a cop wouldn’t live right next door to a crazy man and not know it? And a cop would notice his car at least?

  “Here we are,” Shaq said as he parked and turned off the car. “Can I show you around?”

  “Yeah.” He was absolutely crazy and should just get in the car and drive until it was out of gas. He shouldn’t follow Shaq inside his house and definitely shouldn’t feel safer than he had in weeks simply because of a stranger’s presence.

  Shaq smiled at him before climbing out of the car. He opened the back and grabbed Drew’s bags in one hand then was at Drew’s side before he’d even gotten out of the car. He must be more tired than he realized.

  “Come on. I’ll get you settled.” Shaq led him inside the house and down a short hall to a bedroom. “You can sleep here.”

  Drew glanced around the room and nodded. “Thank you.”

  “The bathroom is through there.” Shaq gestured to a door on the other side of the hall. “My room is on the other side of the house. Just call out if you need me, okay?”

  Drew nodded again.

  Shaq reached out and gently held the side of his neck. “Get some sleep.”

  Shaq listened to Drew bustle around the guest room. Every noise was a catalog of motion. A zipper being opened, fabric sliding down legs. The blankets being pulled down. The murmur of skin sliding between smooth sheets. And finally, a deep exhalation that settled into the rhythmic breaths of sleep.

  Achim pushed open the front door and tossed Drew’s keys to Shaq. “I filled it up.”

  Drew hadn’t even noticed Achim and Teague following them or the whispered instructions he’d given them. The car had been on fumes, the gas light lit up in warning, so Shaq had sent them out to get it filled up with gas. He didn’t want Drew to feel trapped at all. “Thanks.”

  “Sol sent me a message,” Achim added. “He went out to the truck stop and asked one of his trucker buddies to take the tracker he found on Drew’s car on down the road for a day. He’s going to dump it in the trash at a truck stop some time tomorrow.”

  “That might throw them off a bit.”

  “Should we let Mason know there might be other wolves sniffing around? You know how he gets.”

  Shaq did know. He had a good relationship with the alpha of the local wolves, but he was known to overreact a bit when it came to other wolves in his territory. The polite thing to do would be to inform Mason, but something in him told him to keep the news to himself for a bit longer. “Not yet. Let’s see what happens.”

  Achim’s brows rose in surprise. “Okay. Teague and I are heading back to the bar. I’ll call if we see anything.”

  Shaq nodded and turned his attention back to the gentle noises coming from the other room. He stretched out on the couch and let the soft sounds lull him to sleep.

  Meshaq

  Just when Shaq was beginning to wonder if Drew was ever going to wake up, he heard him stirring in the guest room. Shaq went and started the coffee maker then got out eggs and bacon for breakfast. He had to get to the bar in a couple of hours, but he wanted to make sure to feed Drew before he left.

  Drew shuffled into the kitchen, blinking against the bright afternoon light. He had lines on his face from the pillow and his dirty blond hair was sticking up. He was wearing nothing but a T-shirt and boxers. Shaq had to tear his eyes away because the sight did something to him, something deep and primal, and he really didn’t want to scare Drew.

  “What time is it?” Drew mumbled sleepily.

  He couldn’t resist sneaking another peek at Drew as he yawned and rubbed his eyes. “Almost four,” Shaq replied.

  That news seemed to wake him up. “What? In the afternoon?”

  “Yep. You were tired.”

  “I never sleep that much.”

  “You we
re up late. I have a weird schedule.”

  Drew huffed. “I work nights. I’m used to it.”

  “Yeah?” Shaq said as he began placing bacon in the frying pan. “What do you do?”

  Drew hesitated for a moment before sitting down on one of the bar stools at the kitchen counter. “I was a night auditor at a hotel.”

  Shaq took note of his use of past tense. “Night auditor. What’s that mean?”

  “Well, basically I handled a lot of the back-end stuff at the end of the day. And I ran the front desk at night. Checked in people who were arriving late. Then I did the books and got all the paperwork ready for the general manager for the next morning.”

  “Bet you have some interesting stories to tell.”

  “One or two,” Drew said with a smile. It didn’t reach his eyes, though, and his heartbeat sped up. Whatever had happened, it had happened at his former place of employment.

  “Coffee?” Shaq asked.

  “Yes. Thank you. But you honestly don’t have to go to any trouble for me.”

  “I’m not. Already making some for myself. Cream or sugar?”

  “Both, please.”

  Shaq grinned and handed over a little carton of cream and a plastic container of sugar with a spoon on top. He didn’t sweeten his coffee, but he loved a heavy dollop of cream in it. He poured them both mugs and passed one over to Drew before flipping the bacon while Drew stirred his coffee. Once the bacon was sizzling away, Shaq fixed his own mug just the way he liked it. Once he’d taken that first sip, he sighed and put the mug down.

  “There is nothing like that first drink of coffee of the day.”

  Drew grinned and lifted his mug again. “I never drank coffee until I started working nights.”

  “Everyone comes over to the dark side eventually.”

  Drew laughed and set the mug down. His smile faded after a moment and he sighed. “I don’t know why you’re being so nice to me.”

  Shaq shrugged. “It’s what I do.”