Haze of Heat Read Online Free PDF Page A

brothers enjoyed messing with each other. Even into adulthood. “So there is no ghost of Cort Fylin?”
    Another elegant lift of Melinda’s shoulder. “I’m not saying it’s not possible, just that I can’t confirm or deny. And,” her head cocked a fraction, “the likelihood of a ghost floating about isn’t what put the weary concern in your eyes, honey. Why don’t you tell me what’s causing you to lose sleep?”
    Rachel rolled in her lips and ran her tongue over the seam, moistening them in a nervous gesture. “I’m a writer.”
    This time Melinda’s face creased in a wide smile of pleasure and pride. “I know. Historical romance. The wealthy Reed and Evangeline Sterling. A delightfully loving married couple who solve mysterious in their spare time. Sort of a Hart to Hart of the Victorian Age. With extra spice.”
    Rachel felt heat rush to her cheeks. “You’ve read them?”
    “Yes, and enjoyed them. Very much.”
    Despite the happy glow it gave her, that Melinda somehow knew Rachel wrote those stories was worrisome. “How did you know? I write under a different name.” The answer to which might shed some light on how her stalker figured out who she was.
    “Well.” Melinda set an elbow on the arm of her chair and touched the small gold hoop earring in her left lobe. “It’s Rome. My second son. All my boys, and my husband, of course, are protective, but Rome takes it to the next level. Since he’s come home, he’s taken over the security of the Orchards. That includes investigating anyone who stays. It just happened I read your stories before I knew you were the author.”
    Investigated? “He runs background checks on the guests?”
    Melinda recrossed her slender legs. “It’s not common knowledge and probably isn’t legal, but that won’t stop him. He can be a bit overbearing. All my boys can. They get it naturally from their father. But what do you expect from alpha jaguar shifters?”
    She said it with such nonchalance that it took Rachel a second to comprehend the freshly illuminated elephant in the room. “Uh.” Such snappy repertoire. Her editor would be proud.
    “Is that was this was all about?” Melinda leaned forward, arms draped casually over her legs. “Honey, I’ve known Bethany, you, and your grandfather are all shifters since your aunt’s wedding years ago. Andreas told me. Since shifters can scent each other, you would know that my husband and sons are as well. I dislike secrets, which is why everyone at the Orchards knows exactly who and what the Felix men are. However, I also value the ability to maintain a secret, especially when it comes to the safety of my family. For that very reason only those we can trust with our lives continue to work here. Does that help put you at ease?”
    Not if Melinda kicked Rachel out after her petition. “I have a...problem. A stalker. The police suggested I take a vacation while they wait for DNA testing. My grandfather’s pack won’t help unless I mate with the alpha’s son, who’s not even old enough to legally drink. But thankfully Brody felt the same and slipped me a list of packs he thought might provide sanctuary until the coast was clear. Your name was on that list.”
    Melinda’s face was carefully blank. “I see.” A frown slowly broke through. “DNA testing?”
    Rachel shuddered. “He broke into my home when I wasn’t there.”
    “How awful.” Now the other woman’s eyes narrowed. “And you’re sure it’s a stalker and not a random act?”
    “Unfortunately, yes.”
    Melinda touched a comforting hand to Rachel’s knee. “Tell me everything.”
    Oh, joy. However, as Rachel needed to hide away for an undetermined length of time in Melinda’s home, the woman had a right to know. “It started off innocently enough as a letter from a fan who enjoyed my story. My publisher forwarded it on to me with some other documents. Of course I was thrilled to receive it, though I did think it odd that it was from a male. At