“Thank you for trying to help. Are you sure there are no accommodations available in town? It wouldn’t have to be fancy or anything. Just a basic garret under the eaves of some old home would be fine.”
“I was in town on Christmas Eve and everyone was talking about it. Oliver Creek is really growing in popularity and several of the restaurants and other eating places had a whole holiday thing going. The B&B had a waiting list.”
“Then I guess I’m out of luck. No other town nearby? I’ve never had to exit the highway before while traveling through the area.”
“Oh, the work. Right. No, nothing that you could walk to and no rideshare or anything available right now. We’ve had a few, but they haven’t lasted long.” Jude picked up his toolbox and held it in front of him, both hands on the handle.
“I guess I have a real problem, then. I’ve thought of putting a camper on the truck, butit’s more a work than vacation vehicle. Regretting not doing that now. But, I can sleep in the cab.”
“In this weather?” Jude studied me as if I had said I would hang upside down in a local cave. “You’d freeze to death in an hour.”
“I have a blanket in the back and a warm coat. I’ll just layer. Unfortunately, I’m blocking your driveway. If the weather clears tomorrow, I’ll try to think of something else. Really sorry to be a bother.” Glancing around, I noticed I’d managed to take out part of his fence. “And I’ll pay for the repairs, any damage I did.”
“Ripley, why don’t you just stay with me until the repair shop opens? Or until you figure something else out. I don’t mind at all.”
“I can’t…I couldn’t impose.”
“You’d be doing me a favor,” Jude said with grin.
“A favor? How?” Maybe he needed some repairs? I’d gladly do them.
“I won’t get a wink of sleep if you’re out here dying of hypothermia. So it’s really for both our sakes. Come in. The longer we stand out here, the colder we’re getting.”
Chapter Six
Jude
He’s our mate.
That’s what my wolf said for the hundredth time since Ripley barged into my life.
“Are you sure it’s okay? I…you’re an omega. Unbonded.”
My face probably gave me away, as it usually did but, I chalked his comment up to the fact that I probably had no other scent mixed with my own as I would’ve if I was mated. “Are you some kind of axe murder?”
A whisper of a smile tugged at one side of his mouth. Goddess, his lips were so full. So inviting. Even in the cold, they appeared supple and soft. “Not that I know of.”
“Serial killer? Purposefully breaking down in front of omegas’ cabins and slaying them?”
Ripley pursed his lips. “No.”
“Well, if you have any inkling of killing me or robbing me, just leave. Not that I think you will. You don’t smell dangerous.”
His dark gaze roamed the property, the cabin, trees, and fluffy flakes falling down above us. Then he shrugged. “Okay. I guess I’ll have to stay.”
I snorted and a giggle erupted from me. “I mean, don’t let me force you.”
Ripley sighed, scrubbing his hands down his face. There was nothing more I wanted than for him to come into my nest, my den, and share warmth with me. My wolf thought he was my mate and I was sure, at least, that I really, really liked him and his smell. “I’m sorry. My attitude is sour, and you don’t deserve that. I’m just aggravated. Thank you, Jude. I appreciate your offer.”
Nodding, I began to walk toward the house. “Grab your stuff. It’s warm inside, and I have chili and cornbread.”
The way to a good alpha’s heart was through his stomach. Maybe my cooking would melt the icy exterior he was carrying aroundas well. Hearing Ripley open and then slam the truck door, I glanced over my shoulder to see him hefting a small leather duffle over his shoulder.
The man loved to eat, judging by his stature. I should’ve thought of it sooner.
“What did you say?” he asked. “Chili? Damn it’s been a while since I had chili.”
I stopped in my tracks. “It’s winter and you haven’t had chili in a while? Yeah, you broke down in the right place.”
