Xio snarled at him and jumped up from her chair. “Grasshopper? I have a name. It’s Xio.”
“I know all about you, Xio—and your grandparents and parents. Nobody else here does. You want to know your heritage, you’re going to have to work for it. Nothing good is ever handed to you. Isn’t that what got you into trouble in the first place? Instant gratification?”
With a snort, Xio stalked toward the exit.
“You have dishes to wash before you cut on out of here. It’s bike week in Sturgis. It’s been getting busier and busier every year. We’re going to be slammed tonight, grasshopper.”
“Ha, ha. Fine, sensei.” Xio changed course and headed for the kitchen. She did have a job to finish. Quitting after two months was not the impression she wanted to make, not with her new Alpha—or mate. If what Gee said was true, she needed him, or she’d never know about her family. She sprayed the dishes and started the washer, immersing herself in whatever she could to avoid Gee for the rest of the afternoon. It would be better to control her temper than let it control her.
She liked the old bear better when he didn’t talk.
Two hours later, the hair on the back of her neck stood on end. Xio wiped her forehead with her sleeve and turned to look at what had caused her reaction. “Shit.”
Six men entered The Den. The second of them was Diego. She jumped back behind the saloon door, her heart pounding. She slapped her hand over her breast in an attempt to slow the beat. She should have known he’d come to look where he’d first met her. Maybe living in Los Lobos hadn’t been such a great idea. And how the hell had he gotten out? They’d sent him to the supermax in Florence, Colorado. Nobody escaped from there—or so she’d been told. She glanced over at the bar where she’d left her purse, with her cell phone she always shut off before her shift. Gee didn’t want her distracted and had told her to leave it at home or shut it down when she started work. So, if anyone had tried to call to warn her, well…. Should have left it on.
“Need some clean glasses out here,” Gee called.
“One moment,” she replied in Chinese, the only way she could. Diego had never heard her speak it and would recognize her voice if she said it in Spanish or English. Shit, shit, shit. If he used her name, they’d know, since it kind of came out during the trial she wasn’t named Lena. She hoped her use of Chinese made Gee question what was going on.
Gee walked into the kitchen. “You okay?”
Xio shook her head. “I need to get out of here.”
He glanced out into the bar at the customers who’d just entered. “Someone you know?”
“You could say that.”
“Someone you’re hiding from.”
“Oh, you could safely say that.”
“Do I need to call your Alpha?”
“Not sure I want him involved.”
“If anyone in his pack is in danger, he’s already involved.”
“I know, but this is really bad.” Xio turned to Gee. “Please call Marcus. I don’t know how they found me.”
“Not Drew?”
“No, I need to tell Marcus something first.”
Gee walked back out to the bar and picked up the phone, making a quick call before he turned to address the men at the bar. “What can I get for you boys this afternoon?”
Xio peeked around the corner to see Diego plop down in a chair and throw his feet up on the table. She slammed back against the wall and out of sight. How many had he brought here with him?
“I know you’re here. Come out before this gets real messy and I have to hurt some of your new friends, starting with this big fellow.” A revolver cocked. She’d know that sound anywhere. That would be a forty-five. Diego carried it everywhere with him. “I assure you, I’m serious. I asked the fine citizens of this town if they’ve seen you, doll. People say an Asian girl works here. That would be you, the only one in Los Lobos.”
Xio’s heart thumped harder. She peeked out to see several men with weapons pointed at the were-bear, who leaned casually against the bar, his arms crossed over his chest, not looking the least bit intimidated.
What did he know that she didn’t?
“Come out, Lena. Or should I call you Xio? Last warning. I’m going to make a big mess if you don’t. I have fifteen more men outside with automatic weapons and enough lead to shred every building in Los Lobos to pieces. I’m giving you ten seconds. One. Two. Three.”
“Wait.”
“Step into the open. Four. Five.”
That, she could do. Surrender. He’d probably torture her and cut her into pieces while she was alive. It was a special treatment Diego reserved for those who’d betrayed him. She’d seen it once, and knew the price she’d pay when she testified against him, but if it would save Gee and the others from Diego’s vengeance, she’d gladly sacrifice herself. If she didn’t, her ex would kill everyone. She raised her hands and stepped into the doorway.