Page 16 of Tender Wild

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.”

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