To Save His Mate (3 page)

Ethan just laughed. “I work hard for a living and keep in shape for my work. It’s hardly glamorous.”

“I never said it was, but most of these guys hit the gym, and that’s it. Many of them wouldn’t know a hard day’s work if it bit them on the ass.” Allie adjusted his waistband lower and smiled. “Yes, we want to show off that sexy little V on your lower abdomen. The ladies will go nuts.” She bobbed her brows and gave him a gentle shove towards the tent flap. “Go on.”

Thankful he was mostly covered, Ethan didn’t argue. He did, however, notice the lingering stares—both male and female—he received during his search for Lacy.

“Unbelievable,” he muttered. A moment later, a shrill whistle rent the air, and he whirled to see Lacy approaching.

She was a vision. Short khaki shorts left her long, shapely legs bare while her olive green halter hugged her ample breasts like a second skin. Her long, chestnut hair was pulled into a high ponytail, leaving the classic beauty of her face on display.

“You look amazing,” he blurted, cursing himself when she stilled. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. It’s just that you…” His voice trailed off as he caught the scent of arousal on the breeze. It only took a moment to determine the enticing smell was coming from her.

Ethan watched as Lacy cleared her throat and visibly struggled for composure. It relieved him to see she was just as affected by him. His wolf sat up, a contented rumble echoing in Ethan’s mind as she slowly approached.

“You don’t look bad yourself. I see you managed to evade the wax Nazi,” she replied, her eyes trailing over his chest and abs, down to his low-slung jeans. “I wish I could have done the same.”

“You had to wax your legs?” he asked, confused. “I thought a lot of women did that.”

“Oh, we do, but not all of us are fond of the Brazilian wax.” A full body shudder ran through her slender frame, and Ethan fought to contain his amusement.

“Well, then I’m extremely happy I was able to dodge that bullet.”

“Yeah.” Lacy was no longer looking at him but had focused her attention somewhere over his left shoulder.

Ethan turned and noted several of the other models had gathered near a snack table. The men were mixing powder into water bottles while the women were nibbling on celery and carrots.

Lacy sighed, drawing his attention back to her. “Are you hungry?” he asked, not really sure what to make of the scowl she was directing toward the others.

“Are you kidding me? I’m starving! It’s impossible to eat around models. Those women are making me crazy! They almost had a meltdown because I had a Hershey’s bar in the house.”

Seeing this as the perfect opportunity, Ethan crossed his fingers and went for it. “So after our morning photos, we’re pretty much free for the remainder of the day, right?”

“Yeah, so?” Lacy shrugged.

“How about we hit the diner in town?” he offered. “I could really go for a burger, and they have the best around. You could fill me in on what I should expect with this whole modeling thing.”

“That’s easy. Expect a headache…a big one,” she laughed.

Ethan felt his wolf stir again at the tinkling sound of her laughter. The beast suddenly wanted to rub up against her and leave his scent to warn away any other interested males. “That seems to be fairly obvious, given it’s all I’ve received from Landon over there. He’s like a gnat buzzing in your ear on a hot day. The man has been following me for weeks, trying to get me to do this shoot.”

“Well, our shots today shouldn’t take too long.” Lacy flipped her long dark hair and motioned for Ethan to follow her as she began walking. “Landon wants to get some bikini shots by the creek once the sun is high, but we’ll be safe from that.”

“Good to know.” Even better that he would have most of the day with Lacy. “So have you explored the town yet?”

“Not really.”

“I’ll give you a quick tour on our way to the diner.”

“God, you have really got to stop talking about that. My stomach will be growling if you don’t.” She patted her trim belly and laughed. “You always crave what you shouldn’t have, and these girls would combust if I even mentioned a cheeseburger or fries…or a chocolate shake. Mmm, I’m getting one of those, too,” Lacy vowed.

Ethan chuckled. “Don’t worry. I won’t tell a soul,” he promised.

They followed the trail of extension cords through the trees to the spot Landon had selected for their photos. Ethan thoroughly enjoyed walking behind little Ms. Lacy. The way her delectable rear end swished in those short shorts, just barely concealing those rounded mounds of firm flesh…

Shaking his head, Ethan growled when a familiar—yet irritating—voice cut into his fantasy. “Fabulous,” Landon sang. “Don’t you just love this set? It gives an eerie vibe I’m totally feeling right now.”

The lunatic had placed fog machines all about so that a mist crept over the ground and through the surrounding trees. A fallen tree was nearby with lights stationed all around, so apparently, they would be posing there.

“Relax,” Lacy whispered. “This will be painless.”

“I doubt that. Does he realize there are snakes in this area?”

“
Snakes?
” Lacy quickly dropped her gaze to the ground, trying to survey her immediate surroundings. “Are you serious?”

“Well, yeah. You
are
in the woods,” Ethan pointed out.

“Relax, baby cakes, we checked this spot over really well,” Landon assured her. “Now, I’m loving this manly man thing more and more. I want Lacy at the base of this tree trunk, and I want you,” he jabbed his perfectly manicured finger toward Ethan, who raised a brow, “up at the branch sticking out there. I need you to look predatory. We’re talking the wild jungle man stalking its prey. Can you handle that?”

Ethan smiled. “Oh, I can handle it.” It would just be more like a wolf after a tasty treat.

“Perfect. Now, Lacy, you sit here,” he gestured to the lower portion of the slanting trunk, “and run this water bottle over your upper chest. You’re hot and trying to cool yourself, but you’re unaware you’re being preyed upon.”

“Got it,” Lacy replied.

Ethan gave a smart-ass salute and quickly scaled the trunk to his perch. He turned in time to see a large man spritzing Lacy’s chest, arms and face. He supposed the goal was to have her look a little sweaty, but the water must have been a bit cool.

A low, rumbling growl slipped past his lips when he saw her nipples pucker beneath the tight material of her halter. The sound didn’t escape the big guy’s notice either.

Ethan watched with primitive glee as the big guy backed away, but Landon just clapped his hands.

“Perfect! I love it when a model jumps right into their role.”

If only the little prick knew just how
into the role
Ethan actually was.

His attention back on Lacy, Landon positioned her and instructed her on how to pose. “I want that curvy profile of yours on display, Lacy. You’re exhausted and leaning back against the trunk. Then just run the water bottle across your chest with your head tilted back… Perfect!” he exclaimed as Lacy struck her pose. “Now, Ethan, you just keep looking the part of the dangerous predator. You see her, and you want to devour her.”

Boy, did he ever.

A few shots later and Landon was back. “Ethan can you creep down closer without falling?” At his nod, Landon shifted to Lacy once again. “All right, now, you hear something behind you. I want you to turn and look startled but a sexy startled.”

“You’ve got a few screws loose, you know that, right?” she asked with an arched brow.

“If I had a dollar for every time someone told me that, I’d be on a beach somewhere, sipping a fruity drink and working on a fine case of melanoma,” he sighed. “Now, let’s get back to work before the sun gets too high.”

“All right, all right,” Lacy grumbled.

“Back to your original pose. Good. Now, let me get the camera into position. Perfect. Now, turn and give me that sexy, startled look,” Landon ordered.

Chapter Four

Lacy just barely refrained from rolling her eyes at the ridiculous order. There was no way to look sexy and…

Her mind ground to a halt once her eyes landed on the man crouched above her.

Ethan was all muscle and animal grace as he took her in from his vantage point. His eyes had an eerie silver hue that seemed to reflect the light when he held his head just right. He definitely resembled the wild man Landon wanted him to be.

In fact, the hungry look in his eyes when he raked them over her body startled her a bit. He seemed to be sizing her up, but then he winked and gave her a little grin before nimbly jumping to the ground.

Belatedly, Lacy realized Landon was absolutely gushing. The man was hugging his camera and babbling about perfect chemistry or some such nonsense.

“You okay?” Ethan asked. Startled, Lacy nearly toppled off the trunk but found herself steadied by a pair of large, warm hands. “Whoa.”

“Thank you, I’m fine.”

The look he gave her said loud and clear he wasn’t buying it. In fact, her head was a little fuzzy.

Damn blood sugar!

Lacy refused to show weakness and stood to head over to the refreshment table. Some juice was in order along with anything sweet they may have on hand.

“I’ll be right back,” she mumbled as she focused on making her shaky legs continue their sluggish trek. Even while speaking to Ethan about food, she’d been so preoccupied with his handsome face, and that amazing body, not to mention those eyes… And she was doing it again!

Wow, walking sucks!
she thought as she struggled to push forward.

She couldn’t believe she’d forgotten to eat anything for breakfast.

It had taken most of the morning to find a private moment to call in and report to her superior, and once she’d managed that, it had been time to leave.

Being one of the first models to have pictures done didn’t help either. It meant she was in for hair and makeup first thing.

Needless to say, she regretted having neglected her breakfast. She could feel her mind descending into a thick, cottony haze. Her body felt sluggish, her legs refused to cooperate and she could just make out the green grass as it drew closer and closer.

* * * *

Ethan managed to grab Lacy before she fell, pulling her body against his own. He tilted back her head and took in her pale complexion, glassy eyes and damp brow. Not a good combination and he was no doctor.

“Lacy, talk to me, sweetheart. What’s wrong?” The blank look she gave him was troubling to say the least.

“S-sugar l-l-low,” she stammered.

“Okay, you hold on, and we’ll get something,” he promised.

A quick scan of the area showed him a small table of food not far away. Obviously, Lacy had been aware of her low blood sugar and had been heading there to get something. Unwilling to leave her behind, he scooped her up and carried her over.

Allie, who was standing at the table, turned as they neared with a sassy, “Well, how do I go about getting a ride next?”

“Her sugar dropped,” he explained, and apparently, that’s all Allie needed to hear.

She quickly unzipped the pouch around her waist and dug out a small bottle. “All right honey, put this under your tongue while I get you some juice,” she instructed.

“What is that?” Ethan inquired.

“It’s a glucose tablet. It’ll help raise her sugar quickly. I keep them on me because, let’s face it, models don’t eat well.” She shrugged and made her way over to the refreshment table.

Lacy shifted in his arms a few moments later, and Ethan cautiously eased her to her feet yet maintained his hold. “How are you feeling?”

“Like I need that chocolate shake we talked about earlier.”

Her smile, though small, was a relief. “You got it. Right after you drink the juice Allie went after.”

“Okay.” Lacy quickly downed the glass then turned her lovely violet eyes up to him again. “Thank you, Ethan.”

“Not a problem. I’m just glad you’re all right.”

About twenty minutes and another glass of juice later, and they were on their way to the diner, Lacy having improved considerably.

“So, are you a diabetic?” Ethan figured it would be handy information to have, should this happen again.

“No, my sugar just drops sometimes. It’s the price I pay for having a high metabolism, I guess.” She smiled before turning back to gaze out the window. “It’s really nice here. I like that there’s not any massive buildings to block out the sunshine.”

“Yeah, the area is really beautiful. There’s plenty of wildlife, too. You don’t get much of that in the city.”

“No, you don’t. That’s exactly why I’m looking to relocate. I feel like I’m smothering in the city. There’s so much crime there, and it all just feels too closed in. I guess it was fun when I was younger, but now I’ve been feeling the need to settle down in a quieter place.” Lacy sighed. “You’ve got a wonderful little town here, Ethan. I hope you know that. I haven’t met a single person who didn’t have a smile and a nod to offer.”

“We like the simplicity. Hastings is a small town by choice, not because nobody knows we’re here. My family owns most of this side of the mountains and all of the land surrounding the town.”

“So the shoot is happening…?

“On my property,” Ethan admitted. “I wanted it to be someplace where I knew the area well in case someone wandered off.”

“Good call. I’m sure some of the muscle-heads will end up lost before the end of the week. I guess it’s a good thing we have our very own forest ranger on hand to search for them,” Lacy teased as she tapped the patch on the sleeve of his tan shirt. “So I guess you make a decent living as a ranger?”

“It’s nothing that will lead to a mansion and a limo, but I do just fine. I live alone, so I manage to put a good bit into savings every month.”

“That’s something I would love to do,” Lacy groaned. “My apartment is ridiculous, but it beats living in the crime-ridden end of town. I ended up selling my car because the traffic scares the hell out of me. I let my partner do all of the driving.”