Chapter Four
The setting sun bathed his dashboard in soft colors as Jared left Blackthorn behind. One hand was on the wheel, while the other touched his lips where Miguel had kissed him just an hour ago. The streetlights were already on, spreading a warm glow over the road. But he felt an even brighter glow inside him as he headed home.
“Should’ve stayed,”
he murmured, smiling at the memory of calloused hands on his back and that kitchen disaster. Who knew eggs could become projectiles? Or that chili had a half-life of approximately forever when stuck to tiles?
The radio crackled with static between stations, so he turned it off, preferring the quiet hum of tires against asphalt. Bishop Road stretched before him, long and winding through dense forest before it would eventually connect to Riverside.
Away from Miguel.
His phone buzzed against the cup holder, jolting him from the memory. His mother’s face lit up the screen. With a sigh, he answered on speaker. “Hey, Mom.”
“Wanted to know when you’ll be home.”
The familiar whir of her sewing machine hummed in the background. “Dad’s bringing pizza.”
“Heading back now.”
He adjusted his grip on the steering wheel. “Got caught up with some stuff.”
The machine’s rhythm paused. “What kind of stuff?”
Her tone was curious, not accusatory.
“Just... hanging out.”
With a wolf. In their territory. Making out behind their bar after destroying their kitchen.
“You’ve been out a lot lately,”
she continued, fabric rustling as the sewing machine resumed its steady rhythm. “Meeting someone special?”
His foot eased off the gas, trying to baby the car along. “No one important.”
Liar. Miguel’s face flashed in his mind—scarred and beautiful.
“Well, hurry up. Your father wants to watch that new sci-fi movie with you.”
Jared opened his mouth to respond when the steering wheel suddenly stiffened beneath his grip. A grinding noise emerged from somewhere under the hood as the smell of hot metal and oil drifted through the vents. Not now. Please not now.
“Mom, gotta go. See you soon.”
He hung up before she could ask more questions.
Tension crept up his neck as he eased off the gas pedal. The engine sputtered then seemed to catch itself, only for it to cough like it had swallowed something unpleasant.
The car lurched again, harder this time, then jerked, losing speed despite Jared’s foot pushing the pedal to the floor. Beneath the grinding came a high-pitched whine that made his teeth ache.
Orange lights lit up the dashboard. Jared smacked the steering wheel. “Don’t you dare die on me again.”
Tires bumped over loose rocks as he eased onto the shoulder, then coasted to a stop. The engine made an ominous knocking sound, then fell silent, leaving only the soft tick of cooling metal.
“Come on, come on.”
Jared turned the key again, getting nothing but a sad click in response. “Not here.”
Anywhere but here. He was still too close to Blackthorn, barely fifteen minutes out of town. If Xavier found out...
Beyond the windshield, the sun was on its final descent, shadows lengthening across the empty road. There weren’t any cars in sight, only trees, the fading sunlight, and miles of nothing in every direction.
“Fantastic.”
He dropped his forehead against the wheel. “Now what?”
His phone buzzed again, Miguel’s name appearing on the screen.
“Hello?”
The man’s low chuckle filtered through the speaker. “Miss me yet, solecito ?”
“My car misses working properly.”
Jared went back to leaning his forehead against the steering wheel. “I’m stuck on Bishop Road.”
A pause, then, “Stay put. I’ll come get you.”
“No!”
The word came out louder than intended. “I mean…I can call a tow truck. It’s fine.”
Even though I’m broke and have no way to pay for it.
“Bishop Road’s not safe, especially after dark.”
Miguel’s tone left no room for argument. “I’m already on my way.”
Jared bit his lip, glancing nervously around. His cheetah clawed inside of him anxiously, sensing his growing unease.
The messes I get myself into .
Shadows slowly stretched across the road. Jared shifted in his seat, checking the time. Ten minutes since Miguel’s call. Ten minutes of sitting alone, surrounded by spooky shit, everything growing darker by the second. Memories of his last breakdown on this road rushed back. Hyenas pinning Suero, Kia, and him behind his car.
A twig snapped somewhere in the woods. Jared whipped around, scanning the tree line. Nothing but darkness and his vivid imagination stared back. He couldn’t see anything moving, but his cheetah stirred, hackles raised.
“Probably just an animal.”
Still, he quickly rolled up his window. Just in case.
The interior of his car turned bright when his phone lit up. It was his mom again. Guilt twisted his stomach as he silenced it.
“Miguel, where are you?”
he whispered, glancing at his phone again. The battery had dropped to twelve percent, the screen’s glow the only real light besides the faint stars shining overhead.
Jared drummed his fingers against his thigh, alternating between checking his phone and glancing nervously at the deepening darkness around him, his neck tingling with unease.
He heard another sound. It could’ve been rustling leaves or maybe footsteps. Leaning forward, he peered through the windshield at the tree branches silhouetted against the night sky.
Why was he looking up at the trees? Could hyenas climb them? Probably not, but his mind was running wild, picturing them crouched on branches, ready to pounce.
His gaze darted to the rearview mirror, searching for headlights, movement…anything. Bishop Road was empty in both directions. His cheetah clawed, urging him to flee.
“To where?”
His gaze darted to the rearview mirror again, then back to the branches overhead as he rubbed the goose bumps rising on his arms.
Movement flickered between the trees, something pale, then it was gone. Oh, hell no! Heart thudding like crazy, he locked the doors with a quick jab at the buttons.
A distant rumble broke the silence. Jared froze, straining to pinpoint the sound. The noise grew steadily louder until it became unmistakable. The throaty growl of a motorcycle. His muscles unclenched as a single headlight appeared, bathing the road in a bright glow.
Miguel’s motorcycle roared into view, the chrome shining in the moonlight. He leaned into the road’s curve with ease, completely in control, his leather jacket flapping at the edges.
“Holy hell,”
Jared breathed, suddenly forgetting all about hyenas and creepy forests.
Something inside him uncoiled, tension melting from his shoulders. His cheetah, which had been pacing anxiously, purred at the wolf’s arrival. It wasn’t just attraction, but something deeper. Safety. As if Miguel’s mere presence had drawn a protective circle around Jared.
Miguel pulled alongside the car, killed the engine, and smoothly swung his leg over the bike. His messy dark hair and a half-smile made Jared’s mouth go dry. The leather jacket highlighted those broad shoulders and strong arms that Jared seriously wanted to cuddle into.
“You okay, solecito ?”
Miguel’s voice came through the closed window, concern written across his scarred face.
Jared rammed the door open with his upper arm, then climbed out and stretched his cramped muscles.
“Better now,”
he admitted, then immediately wanted to bite his tongue off. Way to come off as needy. “Thought you might’ve changed your mind.”
He tried to sound casual while his heart did something completely uncool in his chest.
“About you? Never.”
Miguel’s gaze swept over him, as if checking for injuries. Then he nodded toward the front of the car. As he passed, he briefly touched Jared’s shoulder. “Pop it open. Let’s see what we’re dealing with.”
Jared reached inside, yanking the pliers attached to the release cord before hurrying to join the guy.
Metal creaked as Miguel lifted the hood. He pulled a small flashlight from his pocket, sweeping the bright beam across the engine.
Then he went completely still. “What the actual fuck am I looking at?”
Jared glanced at it. Bent coat hangers wrapped around various components. Neon pink duct tape secured hoses that might not have any business being connected. A soda can gleamed dully in the beam of Miguel’s flashlight.
“My dad’s mechanic got creative,”
Jared explained, heat creeping up his neck. “Said parts were too expensive.”
Miguel’s expression darkened. “This isn’t creativity, it’s a coffin on wheels.”
He poked at something. “Is that a shoelace?”
“Hey, don’t insult my baby. She’s sensitive.”
“Your baby needs life support.”
He dropped the hood, the loud sound making Jared wince. “I’m calling Luca to tow this back to town.”
“Then how am I supposed to get home?”
Jared squeaked. This was so messed up. He’d been hoping Miguel could give it a quick fix so Jared could be on his merry way.
Miguel’s jaw tightened. “You can either call someone to meet us at the border, or you’re coming home with me.”
The thought of going home with Miguel nearly made Jared’s brain short circuit. “I can’t call anyone.”
He glanced away. “No one knows I’m here.”
A soft growl resonated in Miguel’s throat. “You snuck to Blackthorn?”
“To see you!”
Even though Miguel still looked pissed, his eyes gentled. “ Solecito . You can’t take those kinds of risks.”
He tucked his fingers under Jared’s chin, making him meet his dark blue eyes. “While I love that you wanted to see me, you know passage has to be cleared between alphas.”
Like Xavier would ever agree. He was still pissed Kia had mated a wolf. There wasn’t a chance in hell he would’ve said yes.
“My uncle would never let me come here,”
Jared admitted, shoulders slumping. “So I didn’t ask.”
Miguel raked his fingers through his hair, moonlight catching on his facial scars. “What’s another threat of war?”
he asked himself dryly. “I’ll just tell Matias I’ve completely lost my mind.”
Jared glanced at his dead car, then back at Miguel’s bike. His parents were expecting him, but the thought of spending more time with Miguel tugged at him like a physical ache.
“I’m going with you,”
he blurted out, surprised by how sure he sounded. “Back to Blackthorn.”
Miguel’s eyebrow raised. “You sure about that, kitten?”
“No.”
Jared snorted. “But I’m doing it anyway.”
Miguel wasn’t the only one who’d lost his mind. “I’ll just text my mom and tell her something came up. I can’t exactly ride back to Riverside on your handlebars.”
“Not a chance.”
Miguel’s mouth quirked up at one corner. “You’re riding behind me, not on my handlebars like some kid’s bicycle.”
“Okay.”
Jared grinned when he pictured himself clinging to the handlebars as Miguel sped down the road. The situation was serious, but that image was funny as hell.
“Let me call Luca about your car first.”
While Miguel made the call, Jared grabbed his wallet from the passenger seat and locked the car. Not that anyone would want to steal it.
He sent a quick text to his mom. Car trouble again. Staying with a friend tonight. His finger hovered over the send button. Another lie. Guilt ate at him. After hitting send, his phone died with perfect dramatic timing.
“Great. Now I’m officially off the grid.”
At least this time he knew Miguel and wouldn’t have a complete meltdown in his truck. Jared quickly pushed the thought aside. Not gonna dwell on that embarrassing moment.
“Luca will be here in twenty.”
Miguel pocketed his phone then gestured toward his bike. “Ever ridden one of these before?”
Memories of his accident with Kia flashed through his mind. “Once. Didn’t end well.”
He angled his head, tone soft. “You gonna trust me, s olecito ?”
“Yes.”
Jared didn’t even hesitate. “Just... don’t go too fast, okay?”
A quiet chuckle slipped out. “Define ‘too fast.’”
“Anything over the speed of my dying car.”
“So, walking pace?”
He brushed his thumb over Jared’s cheek. “Come on, kitty cat. Trust me.”
“I already said I did.”
Miguel swung his leg over the motorcycle, patting the space behind him. “Hop on, mi solecito . I won’t let anything happen to you.”
Heart pounding, he tucked his phone into his back pocket and climbed on, hands hovering awkwardly at Miguel’s sides.
“Not like that.”
He reached back, gently grabbing Jared’s wrists and pulling them around his waist. “Like this. I need to feel you holding on.”
Heat crept across Jared’s chest as he pressed against Miguel’s back, thighs bracketing the wolf's hips. Every point of contact sent electricity racing up his arms, Miguel’s body warm and solid beneath them. The guy smelled like leather with a hint of something spicy.
“Ready?”
“Not even slightly,”
Jared mumbled, tightening his grip as the engine roared to life, vibrating through both their bodies. He tensed as Miguel kicked up the stand and eased them onto the road, picking up speed with each passing second.
He clung to Miguel like his life depended on it—which, frankly, it did. Wind rushed past, carrying the scent of pine and earth as they accelerated down the empty road. The forest blurred into a dark smudge on either side.
Jared’s initial terror melted into exhilaration. Miguel handled the bike with confidence, taking each curve with expert ease.
“You alive back there?”
Miguel called over his shoulder after several minutes.
“Yes!”
Jared shouted back. The vibration beneath him, the wind whipping past, and Miguel’s solid warmth created an intoxicating mix of terror and joy. His fingers splayed against Miguel’s stomach, feeling hard muscle beneath the thin fabric of his shirt. The trip back to Blackthorn passed in a blur of moonlight and adrenaline.
Miguel’s laugh vibrated through his back into Jared’s chest. “Hungry?”
he called over his shoulder.
“Starving,”
he admitted, lips close to Miguel’s ear. “Our culinary masterpiece didn’t exactly pan out and that take-out didn’t fill me up.”
“Got a place in mind, kitten.”
Miguel leaned into a curve, and Jared followed his movement instinctively, their bodies moving as one. The trip back to Blackthorn passed in a blur of moonlight and adrenaline. Blackthorn’s lights appeared on the horizon, growing brighter with each passing minute.
Miguel veered right at the next intersection, away from the route to Sin & Steel, the streets quieter on this side of town. They cruised down Main Street, past the occasional late-night pedestrian and cars that dotted the roadside.
A neon sign flickered ahead—a bright green lizard with a coffee cup in one hand and a burger in the other. The creature winked mechanically every few seconds, its tail curling around the words LIZARD’S DINER in swooping green-blue letters.
Miguel pulled into a small lot beside a single-story building with faded teal trim.
“Seriously?”
Jared asked as Miguel cut the engine. “We’re eating at a place named after a cold-blooded creature?”
He reluctantly unwound his arms from Miguel’s waist, his fingers stiff from holding on so tight. Blood rushed back into his knuckles, making them tingle painfully.
“Best burgers in town.”
After killing the engine, Miguel swung his leg over the bike and offered his hand. “Owner’s name is actually Malcolm, but everyone calls him Lizard. Never asked why.”
Jared took his hand, legs wobbly as he dismounted. Their fingers linked longer than necessary before Miguel steadied him with a hand on his elbow. Amusement danced in his dark blue eyes.
“Are my thighs supposed to feel like jelly?”
“First time’s always rough.”
Miguel’s mouth quirked up at one corner. “You’ll get used to it.”
Heat crept up Jared’s neck. Something about the way he said it—like there would be more rides, more nights, more of them—made Jared’s breath catch. “Are we still talking about the motorcycle?”
Miguel’s laugh rumbled low. “For now.”
He didn’t let go of Jared’s hand as they approached the entrance, fingers tangled together in a way that felt both casual and significant. Only when they reached the door did Miguel release Jared to pull it open.
“Fair warning, place looks like it was decorated by someone’s drunk uncle in 1975. Matias owns half of it, but the décor wasn’t his choice.”
“Your alpha owns a diner?”
“My alpha owns half this town.”
Miguel pocketed his keys.
The bell jangled as they entered, and Jared froze mid-step. Every available surface was covered in lizard paraphernalia—ceramic figurines, paintings, even the salt and pepper shakers were shaped like tiny geckos.
“Holy shit,”
Jared whispered. “It’s like a reptile threw up in here.”
Miguel snorted from behind him. “Told you.”
Lizard’s smelled like bacon grease and maple syrup, with undertones of coffee. Not the off-putting kind, but the comforting scent of food cooked without pretension. Vintage booths lined the windows, their red vinyl cracked but clean. A jukebox hummed in the corner, playing something bluesy and mellow beneath the clatter of silverware and murmured conversations.
A waitress with spiky gray hair and arms covered in colorful tattoos glanced up from refilling ketchup bottles, her weathered face brightening. Her smile revealed a gap between her front teeth.
“Miguel!”
She abandoned her task, wiping her hands on a stained apron. “Haven’t seen you in ages, honey.”
Her gaze shifted to Jared. “And you brought a friend.”
“Been busy, Dot.”
Miguel rested his hand on the small of Jared’s back. “This is Jared.”
Something in his tone made the waitress’s eyebrows lift slightly. “Nice to meet you, honey.”
Dot remined him of a rough-n-tough grandma. “A pleasure, ma’am.”
“Go have a seat, boys. I’ll be over in a sec.”
She shooed them away.
Miguel guided him toward a booth with his hand still resting on his back. Jared slid onto the vinyl seat, wincing as his thighs protested from the ride.
“You okay?”
Miguel frowned as he sat across from him.
“Me? Pfft. Yeah.”
He waved off the guy’s concern, even though his thighs were calling him a liar.
Miguel grinned. “Are you trying to get another massage out of me?”
They were heading to Miguel’s place after this. Jared needed to remember he was supposed to be guarding his heart until he knew where this was going. Unfortunately, he was already falling hard for the wolf. “Nothing a hot bath can’t cure.”
A moment later, Dot approached with two laminated menus and a full carafe. “Coffee?”
“Please,”
Miguel answered, then looked at Jared. “You?”
“Orange juice, please.”
Dot dropped the menus on their table. “Be right back with those drinks, boys.”
“Come here often?”
he asked, as if he was throwing Miguel a cheesy one-liner.
“Whenever I get the chance.”
Miguel rested his arm on the back of the booth. Even relaxed the guy was sexy.
Jared picked up the menu, eyes widening at the extensive breakfast section. “They serve breakfast all day?”
He would have to find something in his nonexistent budget to order. The twenty in his wallet was supposed to be for gas, but since his car was once again down, it looked like he was having breakfast for dinner.