Hunter, Shifter's Mate

4

For the next few days Chase spent most of his time holed up alone in his hotel room. As much as he hated to do so, he had asked Natalia to not to come see him for a while. Kay was right, he needed to make a decision and he wouldn't be able to think clearly about it all with Nat there... goodness knows it was hard enough to think without her. Perhaps I should go for a walk, he thought, get some fresh air.

Opening the door, he nearly ran face first into a hand, raised and poised to knock. "Emily?" He said surprised but quickly regained his composure.

"Hi. May I come in?" Not bothering to wait for a reply, she continued inside.

Closing the door Chase turned to face her. "What are you doing here?"

"Isn't it obvious? I've missed you Chase. And I'm worried about you." Her sultry tone settling uneasily with Chase as she began to sashay towards him. "Whatever it is, you know you can talk to me." She continued as she began to slide her hands up his chest.

Catching her hands with his own Chase instinctively leaned back, repulsed by her advance but she payed no mind. Before he could say a word her mouth covered his, passionately assaulting his lips. Her tongue found entrance, his lips having been slightly parted to speak, and she took it, eagerly exploring his mouth.

Shock gave way to anger and disgust and Chase shoved the woman off of him! Wiping his mouth with his sleeve he again opened is mouth to speak but was silenced by the crashing of the door and a low, ominous growl. He turned, wide eyed, to see the blackening eyes of the shifter before them... his mate.

"So this? Is this why you haven't accepted me? Why you asked me not to come see you here?" She growled.

"What is she talking about? Chase, do you know this bi-" began Em, hotly.

"Don't!" Chase cut her off. "Don't you dare finish that Em!" He warned.

"Nat," he turned earnestly to the red head "it's not what you think!"

"Don't you even try to lie to me mister," she laughed bitterly, "I can smell her all over you."

Click. "No!" Cried Chase, turning back quickly as he heard the familiar sound. Without thinking he leaped at the hunter behind him, but he was too late. Silver flew as she squeezed the trigger. Quickly he disarmed his comrade and pinning her to the floor he looked worriedly back towards the door. There was a splatter of blood on the door post, but Nat was gone.

Pushing aside a thin decorative plate on the top of his ring to reveal a tiny needle, Chase pricked Emily in the neck with his tranqu. "If she dies," he warned as she went limp, "I'll kill you!"

"Nat!" He called, scrambling up and out the door. "Nat?!"

He had to find her, and fast. And although he could not see where she went, he knew exactly which way she'd go.