Athena's Hunger

The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author's rights is appreciated. This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. Athena’s Hunger – Shifting Passions, the sequel. Copyright © 2009 Gabriella Bradley & Bonnie Rose Leigh ISBN: 978-1-55487-369-2 Cover art by Martine Jardin All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher. Published by eXtasy Books Look for us online at: www.extasybooks.com

Athena’s Hunger

By

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh

To our readers…

Prologue

S

he wandered deeper into the forest where she spotted some beautiful toadstools. Dropping her leaf treasure that she’d been gathering with her sister and friends, she called out to a little girl she’d been playing with. “Come and look at the pretty toadstool. It’s red with white spots, just like in the story that momma reads us.” Swiveling around to look for the other kids, she saw no one. Suddenly, the dark shadows of the woods frightened her and she ran to find her playmates, but instead, the tree trunks were closer together and it got very dark. She cried out as loud as she could and softly started to cry. The toadstools now forgotten, she started to run, still crying out for her parents, only to stop short when screams rent the silence of the woods. More screams, grunts and growls. She crouched near the bottom of a tree, sitting as close to the trunk as she could, hugged her knees and rocked back and forth, but the horrible screams continued and so did the scary sounds. 1

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh She shut her eyes tightly, covered her ears with her hands, but the horrible growls and screams penetrated her fingers. She got up and started to run, where to she didn’t know, when hands suddenly grabbed her from behind and her captor ran farther into the deepest shadows of the woods with her. She screamed, kicked, cried out for her momma and daddy, but to no avail. The hands that had scooped her up from the ground held her tightly. Her cries became soft sobs and she dared to open her eyes. She saw shadows, many of them. Some of them looked like huge monsters. They had to be the forest spirits her parents warned her about. Now scared out of her wits that she’d been taken by a forest spirit, she started to kick and scream again, fear gnawing at her stomach. She wet her panties and felt the warm liquid run down her legs. Shame flooded her now. “I couldn’t help it, Momma,” she cried. “I couldn’t help it. Daddy, where are you? Daddy…” Athena woke up bathed in perspiration and sat up with a start. The dream again, the same dream that haunted her night after night. Tears still ran down her cheeks and she wiped them away angrily. If only she could remember the whole dream, but as always, it evaded her memory and only wisps of it remained. Dream? It was a nightmare, the same nightmare she’d had since 2

Athena’s Hunger childhood. What did it mean? Throwing her legs over the side of the bed, she tried to put it out of her mind. But as always, it gnawed at her, the deep woods, the shadows, eerie creatures and a little blonde girl running as fast as she could…

3

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh

Chapter One

S

pring’s fruit blossoms had turned her parents’ orchard into a sea of pastel. Athena Williams leaned over the balcony railing and gazed at the bloom-laden trees, determined to go and pick some of the smaller branches and blossoms for a flower arrangement. Her attention wandered to the meadow beyond. Lambs darted playfully among buttercups, wild daisies and fiery red poppies, the field adding to the picturesque landscape. She inhaled deeply, filling her lungs with the fresh morning air. It was all so calm, so serene. If only it would stay this way, she thought. If only life were as serene and picturesque as this meadow. Before long, she knew the blossoms would drop off the trees to make place for the fruits they would bear, changing, evolving, becoming something more and different. Just like I’m changing… She loved spring. It was her favorite season. She 4

Athena’s Hunger grinned at the antics of two lambs, twins that were born just a few weeks ago, darting and batting at each other, tumbling through the meadow without a care in the world. The mother ewe grazed nearby, every now and then looking back at her offspring, allowing them the freedom to play and explore. Freedom she herself had long ago lost. Athena’s thoughts darkened once again. She didn’t belong here. She’d felt that for a long time, but where did she belong if not here? She knew that she truly didn’t fit in this picture—this world. She never would and never had. Glancing behind her to see if anyone stood watching her, Athena sighed, then walked softly down the steps, making sure not to make a sound before darting to the meadow. The lambs scattered as she danced among the flowers, twirling, absorbing the serenity around her. Crouching on hands and knees, she stalked one of the lambs, being very careful not to make a sound. It didn’t work. The ewe bleated and warned her offspring, causing it to dart away. Giving up, she dropped to the ground, nestling among the tall grass and flowers and inhaled the myriad of scents that drifted on the balmy spring breeze. One of the lambs grew bold enough to investigate the human. She lay very still, allowing it to inhale her scent. Unfortunately, she sneezed, 5

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh scaring the poor baby away before she could reach out and pet it. She hopped up from where she lay sprawled amongst the flowers, aware of the passing time, and started to pick bluebells, daisies, and poppies. After she’d gathered a nice bunch of wildflowers, she headed back to the porch, the sight of the house once again clouding her mind with turbulence. Her hands tightened on the stems of the flowers she’d gathered. Her thoughts turned toward her real parents, her roots. Who was she, really? Where had her parents—her adoptive parents—found her? Her confinement—that’s what it was, no matter what her family might say—stifled her. A prisoner in her own home, her parents or adoptive brothers chaperoned her every moment she spent outside. If only she could get her mother or brothers to talk. What was the big secret? Why were they keeping her a virtual prisoner here high up on the mountain, not even allowed to visit town anymore? Was there something wrong with her they didn’t want her to know about, or was it something more dangerous—to them? How often had she wondered if she’d been kidnapped, rather than simply found, as her adoptive family had always insisted? Lately, she could almost sense the evil in the air, and she often found herself looking over her 6

Athena’s Hunger shoulder, waiting for the attack that never came, especially when her parents and younger brothers were alone with her. I need to escape. I want to find myself—need to find myself, to discover who I really am. Maybe I can solve the mystery that surrounds me on my own. Athena looked up into the afternoon sky, shielding her eyes from the bright sun. Hell, running away—escaping here—it’s the only way I’ll ever have a chance at finding the answers to my questions. Besides, I’m running out of time before something truly evil happens—I can feel it. She’d tried many times to run away, and always they’d discovered her plans before they could even take fruit. Oh, she sort of cared for the people who had raised her, loved her adopted brothers—at least the three eldest—but there was that yearning, that hunger building within her that needed to be satisfied. She didn’t care who her real parents were, what they were, or if there was something wrong with them or even herself. All she needed was answers to end all the mystery surrounding her—that and to be free. She desperately needed her freedom and would do almost anything to gain it. Their home was quite a distance from the small town of Drummond. Her parents had chosen this location because of its beauty and peacefulness— or so she’d always been told. Now, she had to wonder. Yet even as she thought of what her 7

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh parents had told her, it served to remind her of the times where peace on her mountain seemed like nothing but a dream. How often had she woken up to find some of their sheep slaughtered, lambs missing, and from the gossip she’d heard at church before she’d become so confined, even people went missing all the time. Something wasn’t right in Drummond. She’d felt it as a child, and now as an adult, the feelings were even stronger. Her gut urged her to pack up her few meager belongings and flee the only home she’d known her whole life, the home that had become her prison the last couple of seasons. She’d be twenty-five that year, or so her parents told her, and still her family treated her like a child, one who needed constant supervision. No, something wasn’t right on her mountain and it was time to go. Thinking about it…how did her family know her birthday and how old she was if they’d just found her as they insisted? Yet another mystery, another question that had no answer. She could remember the few times last winter when she’d known ahead of time that danger swirled around her, surrounded the people of her town. It would start with the prickling of her skin, the urge to protect, the need to search out and destroy the threat. She could feel it on the wings of the wind, and always, the next day, her older brothers would tell her of another killing, either 8

Athena’s Hunger human or animal, another person gone missing, their home or family seemingly abandoned. Why? She’d never dared talk to her parents or her brothers about her ability to predict. She knew somehow. To tell them of her ability would be to put her own life in danger. I am different. But why? I know the answers are out there, just out of my reach. Am I some kind of human government experiment and that’s why they protect me so fiercely, or is it something more sinister? Do they keep me prisoner to harness whatever is growing inside me rather than to protect me? I can’t live without these answers much longer, because whatever it is inside me is growing stronger. It’s becoming increasingly harder to resist its call every day. Before long, I’m afraid it will escape, and then what? Will I hurt someone I’ve called family? Even now she knew they were watching her, hovering somewhere in the background, probably looking at her from the living room window. She felt it, sensed it. It hadn’t always been that way. She could remember going to school like everyone else until around seventh grade, until she started puberty. Then her parents had yanked her out of school and started to tutor her at home. No reason had ever been given other than they weren’t satisfied with what the school taught its students, and yet, she’d watch with a heavy heart as her brothers continued to get on the bus every day—all but one. One always stayed home with her—her five 9

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh adoptive brothers taking turns missing a day of school each week to help her with her home schooling, though it wasn’t often that Richard and Marcus stayed. Normally it seemed the three eldest volunteered more than the others. Why? Why hadn’t she ever questioned the way her family raised her? Why now, when her teens were long behind her and her middle twenties were about to stare her in the face did she finally feel strong enough to ask the questions that had always plagued her? Even now, her parents locked her bedroom door at night, keeping her in—or something out. Her window had strong metal bars on it. It felt like a jail—it was a jail. Why had it taken so many damn years to realize it? Thank goodness they let her out of her room in the mornings, but one of the brothers always remained nearby. When she questioned her parents why her door was always locked at night, her mother told her it was to keep her safe. Safe from what? Athena shook her head and made her way over to the porch swing, setting it to a gentle sway as her mind whirled with questions. Then there were the whispers at night, the strange sounds. The howling of wolves, which had petrified her as a child, that even as an adult sometimes comforted her and yet at others sent terror winging its way 10

Athena’s Hunger into her soul. Sometimes the wolves—the noises echoing outside her bedroom door—sounded so close, almost as if a wild animal paced inside the walls of the cabin, stalking her. Now she was used to the noises, the howling, and the low growls that seemed both hungry and lonely. Or was it all in her imagination? Were they really protecting her from herself, from some form of mental disease? Did her parents and siblings fear she’d harm herself? Is that why they watched her so closely? The questions that roiled through her mind drove her crazy and the dreams no less. Always there was the creek in her dreams and the faint whisper of a female voice. A voice she felt she should recognize, yet never could. Whose voice was it? Her real mother? Another relative? Someone who had once cared for her? She just didn’t know and sometimes that bothered her more than being a prisoner inside her mountain cabin. Getting up from the swing, she put the flowers in the vase on the picnic table and walked slowly down the front steps again, allowing her gaze to wander to the far forest and the creek she knew ran beyond that. If she ran fast enough, would her brother be able to catch her? She started to sprint, her long golden locks flying wildly around her face. A balmy breeze urged her on as if to say, run faster child! Just a bit faster! But that voice didn’t 11

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh last long before her brother’s voice shattered the silence around her. “Stop! Athena, come back!” Jake’s voice wasn’t far behind her. Her shoulders drooped, but still her legs and arms pumped as she continued to run. She never got far before someone called her back, but something inside her wouldn’t allow her to stop trying to break free, from becoming who she was meant to become, and she knew deep in her soul she couldn’t do that here on this mountain. The flock of peaceful sheep and lambs scattered in a dozen different directions as she cut through them. If she could only reach what lay on the other side of those woods, she’d find her answers. She just knew it. But she never had a chance. Jake tackled her from behind, wrapping his arms around her waist so that she landed nestled in his arms instead of flat on her face. His legs crossed over hers, the weight of his thighs pinning her down. “Let me go!” “No. You know you’re not allowed to cross the meadow.” “Why, Jake? Why? No one ever gives me answers. Why?” she asked, even as she tried to shove his legs off hers to regain her footing. “You’ll find out soon enough.” “They can’t keep me cocooned like this. It’s too 12

Athena’s Hunger crazy for words.” For a moment, she enjoyed the feel of Jake’s arms around her. Usually she listened if they called her back and she’d return to the house. This was the first time in a very long time that one of the older brothers touched her. His body caused turmoil within her, a turmoil she didn’t want to admit to, a need that she thought wasn’t right. His face was close to her own, his lips just an inch away from hers. Oh, she ached to touch his mouth, his lips, yearned to kiss him. But what would he think of her if she suddenly lifted her head and planted her mouth firmly on his? What would he think if he could read her thoughts right now? Her pussy ached with a longing she normally only felt at night. For a moment, Jake’s gaze rested on her eyes, a small frown on his forehead. Obviously thinking she wasn’t up for another chase, Jake lifted his body from hers before turning his head up toward the sky as if searching for answers himself. “It’s for your own safety.” Free from Jake’s hold, Athena thought she saw a shadow of regret flit over his handsome face. She sat up and picked a poppy. Stroking its fragile petals, she said, “You all treat me like this flower, fragile, easily broken. And I’m not!” “You wouldn’t understand, goldilocks.” “Try me. I’m not as stupid as you all make me out to be.” 13

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh “Sorry, Athena, can’t do. I’ll go for a walk with you if you like.” “No, my mood is spoiled. I’m going to paint for a while.” Still carrying the poppy, she walked slowly back to the house, Jake following close behind her. Once in her room, she fetched her latest project. Holding the canvas, she gazed at the unfinished painting. Did she want to work on that one again? As always, some of her paintings displayed the creek, the forest, and ghostly apparitions, apparitions she could never give form or faces to for some odd reason. She set her easel up on the porch and placed the canvas on it. After mixing her paints on the palette, she added the first stroke to the painting. Trying to recall her dream of the night before, she went to work. Slowly, with each stroke, the ghostly shapes took form. They were wolves. Once she knew what they were, she painted more eagerly, enthusiastic that her dreams were apparently coming to life on the canvas. After a few hours, she stepped back to look at the work from a distance, her back aching from standing in one position so long. “Did I paint myself in that forest? Surrounded by wolves? What does it mean?” she said softly as she gazed at the form of a little girl running through the forest, her blonde hair flowing behind her. 14

Athena’s Hunger “What the hell are you painting?” Jake said behind her. She was startled, having forgotten that he’d been watching her as she worked, lost in the art as she’d been. “I don’t know. I just paint what the muse tells me.” The shocked expression on Jake’s face told her there was something about the painting that disturbed him deeply. “You need to start something new.” “No. I like this one. For some reason, this painting speaks to me, stirs something in my soul. I’m going to keep it.” Athena gazed at it. The dark woods she’d painted were those from her nightmares, her dreams. The little blonde girl as well, but the wolves? The painting brought emotions forth within her heart that she couldn’t describe. “Mother won’t let you keep it.” “Why, Jake? Why wouldn’t Mother let me keep it? It’s wild and free and it’s a damn fine job. Mother encourages me to paint.” She stomped her foot in protest. Jake shook his head and shoved his hands deep into the pockets of his jeans. “She won’t let you keep that one. I guarantee it.” “You know, first chance I get, I’m out of here. If I can’t even keep my own creations, it’s getting more than ridiculous. I’m a prisoner. I want to experience the real world.” 15

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh “The real world is cruel to people like us, Athena.” “What the hell do you mean, people like us?” “Never mind. Now paint over that one and start something fresh before Mother sees it. Paint the unicorns you’re so fond of.” She pretended to give in, refusing to destroy one of the best pieces of work she’d ever created, just because he told her to. And besides, she only painted the damn unicorns because it’s what her mother liked her to paint. By painting her mother’s desires, it ensured she could keep on painting—one of the few things allowed to her these days as any type of freedom. If she had to pretend she enjoyed painting unicorns to keep her precious art supplies, she’d continue to do so, just as she’d been doing for the last seven years. Athena sighed as though annoyed, not angered, then turned her back on her precious painting. “Okay, fine. Just leave me alone. I hate it if anyone hovers behind me when I’m in my artistic mode. Maybe you can make me some fresh lemonade while I white-wash over this?” Jake left her to make the lemonade, but she didn’t paint over her creation. Quickly, she ran up to her room, hid her masterpiece, and looked for another unfinished work. By the time he returned, she was busy painting a lovely white unicorn with a golden horn. 16

Athena’s Hunger

Chapter Two Six months later…

A

thena listened to the silence in the house, almost positive that everyone had finally fallen asleep. She had to make sure that no one still lay awake before she made her escape attempt. She knew if she didn’t leave tonight— now—she may never get the chance again. The last six months had been the strangest of her life—even stranger than being a prisoner in her own home. Changes were taking place inside her. Her hearing had increased to incredible levels. In fact, she could hear the heartbeats of every being currently in the cabin, even the mice that lived in the walls. Her strength had also increased. She’d accidentally crushed her doorknob while opening it in her rush to escape her room once she’d heard the lock unclick on the other side. 17

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh At times, she swore she could feel her skin rippling, like something moved just beneath the surface. And all that didn’t compare to the feelings she would sense from time to time. They weren’t hers. She could perceive the feelings in some of her brothers—when they were upset, or frustrated or angry, and lately even when they were sexually aroused. She never sensed her parents’ feelings, or those of the other two brothers. Jake, Mav and Gage were closest to her, always had been—but now that closeness was changing into something else, something that disturbed her on many levels. Rather than be embarrassed whenever she felt their sexual arousal, her own body grew hot and needy, too. More than once she found herself waking with her hands between her thighs, her fingers inside her pussy, thrusting inside herself, hungering for one or more of her adopted brothers, hungering for Jake and Mav, hungering for Gage, or all three at once. Why did she sense her three brothers’ sexuality? Their desires? Their needs? Why did those feelings then become her own? At times, she’d imagine them naked, wondering what they looked like without their clothes now that they were mature, their bodies pressed against hers, taking her, making her theirs. She may never have had a lover, but it didn’t mean she couldn’t imagine what it would be like to take them as her 18

Athena’s Hunger lovers, one, two, or even all three. Not being able to talk about her sexuality to anyone, the flood of emotions that plagued her, she often wondered if her desires were wicked. Was it normal to desire three men? Men she had grown up with? Sure, she’d secretly bought electronic books with the prepaid for Mastercard Jake had bought for her in town, and read them on her computer, but those were merely tales. Surely it wasn’t normal to desire multiple men? Especially one’s brothers? Gage was the eldest, older than her by five years. Jake was four years older and Mav two. She’d never heard them talk about girlfriends, sexual prowess, yet she felt their sexual needs, their cravings and she wondered why they’d never pursued females. Even the thought of that sent waves of jealousy raging through her. They were hers. The thought of another woman in their arms almost drove her crazy. She had no idea what was happening inside her body, inside her mind, but she knew the answers lay on the other side of the valley. It was another thing she just knew, yet had no explanation for. She’d heard her parents whispering in their room the other night while she lay in bed trying to sleep—they were whispering of time running out, that soon they must do what should have been done long ago. Their tone sounded ominous and for the first time in her life, she feared going to 19

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh sleep, feared what her parents had planned for her. Feared for her life. Yes, it was time to flee— long past actually, and tonight was the night she’d do it. Minutes passed, then another hour before she felt confident enough that only she remained awake in the sprawling two-story house. Over the last months while doing the laundry, she’d raided her brother’s pockets, even their wallets, pulling out a five here and there, nothing too much, nothing that would shout out that they had money missing. She now had a healthy sum, nearly a grand tucked away to help in her escape. Not a lot in today’s standards, but enough to get her across the valley and perhaps into a motel or bed and breakfast until she could change her looks and try to find a job that paid cash. Using some of her stash, she’d even managed to get a fake ID made from a source she’d found online and sent to her in the mail, hidden in some fabric. That had been the scariest and riskiest thing she’d had to do so far, but she’d been ensured that this particular source went out of their way to help battered and abused women escape into obscurity with ID’s and social security cards that would pass any employment check. It even included a resume with skills she’d provided them so that when she went to use it, only the jobs themselves on the resume were false, not the skills she 20

Athena’s Hunger claimed to have. It still shocked her that she’d gotten away with it when she’d barely been able to step off her porch in months. Having ordered her fabrics online to make her own clothing for years now, using her supposed saved up pocket money that she had no ability to spend anyway, no one had been suspicious of the package when it arrived and had handed it right over once it came in the mail and even paid for the COD. So now, she could even get a job somewhere where she’d have to fill out forms and not worry about the paperwork—she’d knock on wood if she didn’t fear one of her adopted siblings or parents would hear it. She just hoped that once she found her answers, she’d have enough time to actually get as far away from this part of the country as possible because her family would be right on her trail, looking for her. Once free, she didn’t know how she could handle becoming a prisoner again if she was dragged right back up to her mountaintop home. Though in the back of her mind, she worried she wouldn’t be able to handle the outside world, not with as little exposure to it as she’d had growing up. But that fear wouldn’t hold her prisoner a moment longer. She shouldered on the backpack she’d raided from the attic a few days earlier. It 21

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh held only a couple changes of clothes, her pilfered money, and fake identification and resume. After throwing a regretful look at the paintings she had to leave behind and her art supplies, Athena eased open her bedroom door, thankful that it didn’t screech in protest. She’d made sure to oil it just the other day while all her kin sat outside on the porch after dinner. She knew now that in a pinch baby oil would in fact silence squeaking hinges. She hadn’t been sure it would work until she’d tested it the day after applying the oil and the door opened silently. Now several days later, the still silent door would hopefully help her flee the only home she’d ever known. She also thanked the stars for the internet, which had taught her how to pick her own bedroom lock so she’d be able to escape. She’d practiced for weeks so she had it down to a few seconds. Thank the goddess her family didn’t padlock her in, only had the doorknob facing the opposite direction so the push lock was on the outside. Now she could unlock her door with ease, but she’d kept her doors locked at night long after she’d learned how to open them to keep her family from growing suspicious. Tonight, her advanced planning seemed to be paying off. So far. Dressed all in black and wearing the heaviest dark sweatshirt she could find to ward off the fall 22

Athena’s Hunger chill, Athena slipped completely out of her room and slowly closed and relocked the bedroom door behind her. She didn’t want anyone to know she was missing until they called her down for breakfast, giving her the next few hours to escape, to run as far as she could before anyone rose for the day and checked on her. Leaning against the door for a moment, holding her breath, she listened for any sounds. Nothing. No one had heard her. As quietly as she could, she crept down the hall, past her brothers’ rooms, then the master bedroom. She tiptoed down the stairs, avoiding the one step she knew that creaked, her feet barely making a sound on the floor—another skill she’d suddenly developed over the last few months, to move with such stealth that no one would hear her approach, quite often startling her mother. The alarm was no longer a problem. She wasn’t allowed to know the code, but she’d watched carefully and her sharp eyes had seen which numbers they pushed. After disengaging the alarm, she opened the door, reengaged it for a thirty second delay then closed the door behind her, stepping out into the dark, moonless night, for the first time in her life knowing she stood completely alone. It both invigorated and terrified her. Taking a gulp of cool mountain air, Athena 23

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh stepped off the porch, avoiding the creaking steps, and started to run, sprinting across the meadow to the forest, heading toward the stream that separated her mountain from the valley below. Athena smiled as she ran, despite the chill, confident that she’d left the house undetected, happier to be free than she could ever remember being, despite the sense of loss nagging at her for leaving. Not the house—no she wouldn’t miss the house, or the parents. But she would miss the three eldest brothers. Over the last six months, her feelings toward Gage, Jake and Maverick had changed so much, grown, shifted from brotherly love to something more, something heated. It was a good thing she’d left now because if she continued to stay in the same home as the brothers, she may have eventually given up her dream of freedom to stay near them and that she couldn’t—wouldn’t—do, no matter the unexpected tearing in her heart at leaving the three men behind. Shaking her head, she pushed those thoughts out of her mind. She had a long way to go before the sun rose and then she’d need to find a place to hide, a place her kin couldn’t find her. She could go to the motel she knew the town below boasted, but that would be the first place they’d look. No, she needed somewhere else to go, but where? She hadn’t planned that far ahead afraid that whoever 24

Athena’s Hunger she’d contact might call her family and inform them. For this part of her plan, she had no choice but to fly by the seat of her pants. Hopefully, before anyone even woke, she’d be somewhere safe, but even if they caught her in the morning, she’d have had these few precious hours of freedom and they could never take that back. Smiling against the wind, Athena picked up her pace. It was good to be free. **** As soon as he heard Athena’s bedroom door open, Gage sat up in bed, tossing off his blankets as he rose. The three of them, he, Mav and Jake had known for days she’d soon run. For months, they’d purposely left their wallets in their pants, money inside so she’d have some cash to run when the time came. None of them agreed with their parents or their other brothers that keeping Athena a prisoner had been the right thing to do, but if they had let on their feelings, even hinted what she was to them, the parents would have moved on their plan sooner than they planned. Gage shuddered, just thinking about what monstrosities his parents had in store for Athena—for his mate. None of her mates would stand by while she was handed from 25

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh family to family and forced to service all the wolf males once she hit sexual maturity this year—and just because she was feline and not wolf—their natural enemy or so they’d been told since childhood. If felines were enemies to the wolves as they were taught from when they were young, then he and his brothers could not possibly be mates to Athena and yet they each knew it in their heart that she was their one. They’d been waiting for months for her to make her move. They could sense her cat clawing to get out, to shift and become whole. She had only hours left now until her twenty-fifth birthday, a very short time to find her answers, to discover exactly who her family had been before their parents had kidnapped her so long ago, and a very short time to tell her who they were to her and to convince her to take the three of them as mates. Sure, wolves couldn’t mate with felines according to their parents, the teachers, the council—not in their animal forms. Yet she was their mate. But they were more than wolves, they were human, too. Their human halves loved her with an intensity that told them Athena was meant for them. Though they may never mate with her while on a run, there was no doubt that they could mate as humans and run together as feline and wolf—band together to fight the enemy. And as 26

Athena’s Hunger humans, Athena could bear them offspring— children with the ability to shift into either wolf or feline. Maverick’s position as the pack doctor had allowed them to research their mating and this wouldn’t be the first time wolves and felines mated, so the precedent had already been set. They would just have to confine loving her to their human body, as that was perfectly fine with all of them. There wasn’t a lot of time, especially when she’d blame them for keeping her prisoner for years. And how could they fault her for that? Fully dressed, Gage headed toward his bedroom door, but before he could even turn the knob, Jake, followed closely by Maverick, pushed open the door and slipped inside. Though their parents were drugged, thanks to a little something Maverick had slipped into their evening coffee for the last months ever since they sensed Athena’s intent to escape, they still needed to be cautious. Maverick pointed toward the bed as if to take a seat, so Gage shrugged and sat on the edge. Jake quickly followed suit while Maverick leaned against the foot of the bed. “How long of a head start do we give her?” Mav asked, his voice just barely above a whisper. Jake shook his head. “I don’t know if it would be better to give her an hour and track her scent or follow straight behind her to protect her should 27

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh someone be out that means to carry out the parents’ plan. Until we get Athena somewhere safe and hidden, we can’t come back here and clean this mess up. We can’t protect her until we find her family and get their promise to keep her safe for us while we take out the garbage here amongst our own pack.” Gage couldn’t believe that they sat here calmly talking about murdering their own parents and half the pack. Yes, their parents were evil, but there had to be some form of authority for shifters when something this evil happened. If it came right down to it, hell yes, he’d kill anyone who attempted to harm his mate, including his whole family, but like his brothers, he didn’t know much outside his own pack. Though not kept locked down in the house like Athena, they had very little free time of their own to investigate other avenues of keeping their mate safe and none of them wanted to leave her alone with the others. They didn’t stay with her to keep her locked in, as she thought, but to protect her from anyone their parents might send her way. “I think we need to make sure she gets to her people at least. We’ll follow her scent and when she stops in the morning, plead our case, tell her to go to her people’s authorities, be they the pride Alphas or even her pride’s security force. We at least do know that much information.” 28

Athena’s Hunger Maverick straightened away from the bed, dropping his arms by his sides. “I don’t know whether she’d trust us even if we told her what we know of her people, of what we know about the changes she’s going through. How do we keep her from running without putting her in the same position she was in here, a prisoner?” Gage didn’t have the answer to that either, having the same worry. “I guess we just have to play it by ear and pray that when she sees us, or senses us—her cat is getting pretty damn strong— that she doesn’t run and she’ll hear us out. It’s all we can do at this point.” Gage glanced down at his watch and noted the time. “She’s been gone thirty minutes now. I say let’s go. We have our packs already packed and hidden in the woods heading toward the river. We can retrieve them along the way.” Maverick and Jake nodded and as silently as Athena left their home, so did the brothers. The autumn breeze helped them quickly pick up their mate’s scent and they set out to follow her. They’d let nothing harm her—not ever again. Tomorrow—whether she believed them or not— they’d inform her of that. They had enough money saved between them to set up a home somewhere where she felt safe, somewhere far enough away from Drummond and the mountain she’d been kept prisoner on. 29

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh Gage never wanted to see fear in his mate’s eyes again, never wanted to feel it beat in his soul as he picked up her feelings, as only mates could do. After tomorrow, somehow she’d know they’d protect her with their lives and that her happiness and wellbeing was their ultimate goal. Somehow.

30

Athena’s Hunger

Chapter Three

A

thena ran through the forest, ignoring the shadows, the creepy sounds. At times, she swore she heard the snapping of branches a distance behind her, as if someone followed her, causing her to run faster, push harder. It was good that she knew the forest so well, having played there often with her brothers during her childhood—even if it had been more years than she wanted to remember. It was inky dark, the tree trunks huge and ominous, but her sharp eyesight let her see everything clearly despite the darkness. The forest seemed to be bigger than what she remembered, but then it had been so long since she’d freely ran through it. A loud growl sounded not far away from her. She stopped dead in her tracks and held her breath. Pulling all her senses forward, she inhaled, taking in all the scents around her. A wolf. Somehow she knew a wolf was stalking her. Fear 31

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh clutched low in her belly. Her heart pounded in her chest. She had nothing to defend herself with, no weapon to use against a wild animal. Why hadn’t she thought of that while preparing for her escape? Too late to think about it now. She scanned the ground as she ran, looking for a branch sturdy enough that would do some damage if the wolf attacked. Hopefully, she’d clear the forest and find a place of safety soon. As she continued to run, a new group of growls joined the first, followed by pain-filled yelps and the obvious sounds of struggle amidst the fallen leaves and dead branches. A fight between two sets of wolves…it had to be. While they were busy killing each other, her chance had come to continue her flight, to keep going and escape not only the animals stalking her, but her adopted kin, too. Her skin prickled, hurt, felt as though something was trying to break through. Something was wrong inside her, happening to her, but she needed to ignore it, to just keep going. She ran like the wind, dodging trees and bushes, practically gliding over the dead and dying leaves and branches on the ground, until she finally cleared the forest and faced the stream. Skipping from rock to rock to cross the babbling stream, she heaved a sigh of relief when she’d reached the other side. Stopping for only one 32

Athena’s Hunger moment to catch her breath, she turned around and scanned the edge of the dark forest, but saw nothing. Quickly scooping some water into her mouth, she stood and turned to run across the valley toward the forest at the bottom of the other mountain, toward the land that called to her. But once there, what new dangers would she face? **** “Just like I thought,” Jake growled, keeping his voice low. “Our parents have their minions everywhere just in case Athena took off.” Mav nodded, then reached out to his two brothers, using their mental bond rather than chance being overheard. I see him. I sense a few more not far away, but this one is ready to attack our mate. Time to change, brothers. Quick as a flash, they stripped off their clothing, threw their heads back and embraced the change. Their veins bulged, hair pushed through their skin and quickly covered their bodies, hands turned into paws with vicious claws, and as they dropped to all fours, their faces turned to muzzles with fierce fangs meant to rend and tear. Within seconds, they’d completed the change, ready to defend their mate against all attackers. No one would harm Athena, not if they could prevent it. They headed toward the one wolf closest to 33

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh Athena. It’s David, Mav informed his brothers. Gage bumped against Mav’s shoulders as they ran toward the wolves they could smell up ahead. I never trusted him. Sneaky bastard. I can scent Hank, Shawn and Bill, Jake added. But they aren’t exactly going in the same direction anymore. I think they’re about to split up…or already have. Figures, those four always run as a pack. Either way, they have to be working together, have to have some plan they’re carrying out. Mav could hear the anger in Gage’s voice and couldn’t agree more. The four wolves in question were bullies, alpha wolf wannabes that attacked ruthlessly and without reason the weaker wolves in the pack. Even so, they were no doubt hired by our parents to stalk Athena. To bring her in if she ran. Worse than that, Jake growled, I’m picking up David’s heat for her. The three wolves crept along the forest floor on their bellies. The large grey wolf, David, stalking Athena, suddenly lifted his head and sniffed. He no doubt sensed Mav and his brothers. Gage stood and growled. He towered over the grey wolf, but that didn’t deter David from attacking, going for his throat in an attempt to kill him quickly. Within seconds, the two were on the ground. 34

Athena’s Hunger Mav and Jake watched, stood guard, listening for David’s buddies, but they seemed to be stalking something else and were too busy. Mav’s heart sped up because it was obvious just who they were stalking. Should they leave Gage to fight this battle alone and go after the other wolves or stand by Gage’s side in case he needed help? Before he could even make the difficult decision, it seemed the fight ended almost as soon as it began. Gage’s strength was far superior to David’s. He pinned David to the ground, belly up, and with one paw, viciously clawed open his stomach before leaning down and tearing his throat out. For a moment, Gage stood over the dead wolf, until the change happened and David returned to human form. Gage, his muscles quivering with an overload of adrenaline, stepped away from the dead man. Where are the other three? Gage asked, his voice shaking with obvious anxiety. Busy stalking something. I thought they were after Athena, but I can now sense her in a different direction. I think Athena is safe for now, Mav added, though he couldn’t help but wonder where the other three were heading if not after Athena. They covered the dead man with some leaves, then followed Athena’s scent toward the river, and Mav 35

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh mentally gave a nod of approval. Not only was she heading toward her people, but they had some clothes stashed not too far away that they could change into, theirs having been left behind when they’d shifted earlier. Once the men reached the hollow tree where they had hidden a pack with several sets of clothes and more supplies several months earlier, they changed back to human form, quickly dressed, and combined the supplies into one backpack each, then continued to track their mate’s scent. She had more than a head start on them now, so they sped up their pace. Within minutes, her scent grew thick and heavy in the air and seconds later, they spotted her on the open meadow heading for the river. “If we cross the meadow now, she could spot us.” Mav nodded. “Well, we’ll just have to strip out of our clothes, stuff them in the packs and put them back on before we shift. The packs should stay on if we keep the arms loose enough.” “Mav, you’re definitely the brains for this venture.” Gage smiled though his gaze stayed locked on their mate in the distance. “Smart thinking, Mav. The tall grass should hide us. As long as she doesn’t scent us, or sense our presence,” Jake added. They could move much faster as wolves and 36

Athena’s Hunger could much easier defend their mate in their wolf forms. It was still dark enough outside that they shouldn’t be spotted by any humans that might be in the area. It was a risk, but one they’d have to take if they were to protect their mate to the best of their ability. Though all three were big wolves, the grass and shrubs were taller and hid them easily from Athena. Once they got to the river, the riverbank had a lot of shrubbery and trees to hide behind, natural camouflage. The silvery grey shade of their fur should protect them from detection—that is unless she could sense them this close to her. The three brothers waited while Athena stood beside the river, gazing at it. The water has to be freezing. It’s almost winter for God’s sake, Mav said, only slightly surprised she intended to get away any way she could. Tell me about it. But I bet you she’ll swim across, Jake added. Gage shook his head. I won’t take that bet. They were right. Athena stripped, stuffed her clothes into her backpack, and very carefully started to wade into the cold rippling water. She let out a small squeal as the water surrounded her. My God, look at that, Mav whispered, awestruck at the beauty their mate had grown into. Yes, brother, she’s grown into a woman, remember? Gage joked, though Mav could hear the hunger 37

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh and desire in his brother’s voice. And what a woman, Mav thought to himself. Her body had certainly filled out in the last few years. He’d had no idea her breasts had grown so plump and full, her nipples pebbled into hard little nubs, thanks to the cool air and water. Her hips weren’t narrow and she wasn’t stick-skinny like most women these days, something he could certainly approve of. He’d be able to fuck her with all the passion of the man and the wolf and not worry about breaking her while doing so. She looks like a goddess right now, Jake added. Mav nodded. She’s our goddess. Their lust raged as they watched their naked mate walk slowly into the water until only her head and one raised arm holding the backpack remained over the water, then her head and face briefly disappeared as she began to slowly swim toward the other side of the river with one arm, doing her best to keep the backpack dry. Soon her head surfaced and the men watched in turmoil as she finally found her footing on the other side of the river and, with teeth chattering, she stood and walked on shore. The brothers watched in awe, caught between rising lust at seeing her mate in all her naked glory and pride and admiration at her strength of will to get where she needed to despite the harsh elements. The swift current must have taxed her 38

Athena’s Hunger body, her muscles, having never had the freedom to run wild through the woods and swim in this swiftly running river. Love for her surged through Mav and his brothers. They could have no better mate than the one they’d been gifted with. She was perfect for them. Absolutely perfect and he and the others couldn’t wait to claim her. **** Athena shivered when she stepped out of the icy water. Her teeth were chattering and as she glanced down at her body, she noticed her skin had a pale blue sheen to it. She needed to dress despite the fact she hadn’t packed a towel in her backpack. She shrugged. Better to dress while wet than stand out in the cold and air dry before dressing, Besides, she could sense Gage, Mav and Jake nearby. She needed to get moving. Her time had apparently already run out and if she wanted to escape the mountain, she needed to leave now before they caught up to her completely and took her back. I’ve made it this far. Now to reach Wolverine Creek. Though she’d never been there to her knowledge, she’d overheard her family speak of it and the name alone sent feelings of familiarity flowing through her. For some reason I know that’s where I need to begin my search for the truth to find out who I 39

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh really am. Fully dressed again, she shook her head like a wet puppy, and turned to face the other side of the river, using the motion as a distraction while she searched the trees and bushes looking for the brothers. She saw nothing, but she sensed them there, the three of them, Mav, Gage and Jake, somehow watching her. Why didn’t they just come after her? Why let her keep running when they probably could have caught her long ago because she’d swear on a Bible, she’d been sensing their presence, their closeness, since shortly after she left the house. Obviously, her escape hadn’t gone unnoticed, but where were they? Why did they just watch and do nothing to stop her escape? Should she call them out or keep going, keep running on her own? Would it be wiser to continue her escape and pretend that she didn’t know they were there or would it be better to yell out for them to join her? She bit her lip in indecision. The plain truth was she knew they were out there, following her, but doing nothing to stop her. As she saw it, she had a couple options. She could keep going, keep running and chance being caught by something she couldn’t fight off and still be recaptured by the brothers later. Or, she could have them join her, find out why they were following her, but doing nothing to apprehend her and perchance have a little bit of 40

Athena’s Hunger protection on the journey, at least more protection than she could provide herself. Those were her choices, and honestly more than anything, she wished she had someone she truly trusted, someone she called friend that she could rely on in situations like this, a sister or someone close to her she could ask for advice. Her heart, her instincts even, said to call out to them, that they’d help her discover her roots and protect her along the way, but her mind recalled all the times they’d helped to keep her prisoner in her own home. Still indecisive, her eyes widened when she watched three wolves walk out of the trees and stand by the riverside, watching her from across the distance. Three wolves stared at her like she was dinner. Three wolves wearing backpacks? What in the hell?

41

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh

Chapter Four

J

ake watched their mate scan the area where he and his brothers were hidden, surprised that she apparently not only sensed them, but could even pinpoint where they seemed to be crouched. Why isn’t she running? he asked his brothers, curious now despite the lust still raging through his body. If she senses us, as it appears, shouldn’t she be running away and toward her people as fast as she can? Before anyone answered him, Gage began to slide on his belly and out of the shrubbery where they were hidden before standing in full view of their mate. When Mav followed suit, he gave a mental shrug, joined his brothers on the shoreline, just inches from the river, and watched Athena look at them. At first, she looked startled, almost scared, her eyes growing big and wide in her face, then when she scanned their huge wolf bodies and saw the backpacks that still rode their backs, her jaw dropped in what looked like shock. 42

Athena’s Hunger Apparently, the backpacks riding their shoulders surprised her more than seeing three wolves approach her. What did that mean? Had she somehow sensed they were more than what they seemed or was she just stunned to see a supposed wild animal wearing a backpack? Either could be possible and until they actually approached her and shifted in front of her, they wouldn’t know what she did or did not know or suspect about them. When Jake and his brothers entered the water and started to swim across to the other side, toward their mate, she snapped her mouth shut and took two steps in retreat before stopping and waiting for their approach. Pride surged through Jake. Even though he could smell her fear and see her fists clenched at her sides, she didn’t run. She stood tall, waiting for whatever might come. He couldn’t have been more proud of their mate’s courage than he was at that moment. To stand there, knowing that the wolves were heading toward her, well it still awed him that she wasn’t running away, screaming in terror. As the three brothers neared the opposite shore where Athena waited, Jake reached out to his brothers. She hasn’t run yet. I think the smartest thing we could do at this point is shift right in front of her. It would answer a great many of her questions, questions that have probably haunted her for quite a while. 43

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh He could feel an alien stirring in his mind, telling him that someone, not in their mate bond they’d share with Athena, was attempting to break into his thoughts. Quickly he threw up a mental wall. The others have noticed us missing, we must get Athena out of here, he warned. Now. Swimming harder, pushing against the current, he waited for his brothers’ agreement. It didn’t take long in coming. Dammit, Mav hissed, I thought we’d have more time, at least until after dawn broke. Gage’s voice, filled with fury, broke through the mental wall he was doing his best to reinforce. But Gage was the oldest, the one strongest in building mental shields, even the strongest when it came to fighting skills. They must have sensed the emotions we were all feeling and knew from the rising excitement and lust between us that the time had come to make Athena ours. Though we’ve practiced the shielding from others for many years, there are many in the pack that have taken to using black magick to enhance their skills. Mother and Father have been using such methods for years. They’ll try to stop the mating. Be prepared for anything, brothers, Gage warned. Jake nodded. He never made light of a warning from Gage. When he spoke of future possibilities, they more often than not, came true. From here on out, they’d have a fight on their hands to keep their mate safe. They’d expected that though, had 44

Athena’s Hunger planned for that eventuality long ago. Jake could still remember the day the three brothers realized that Athena was their mate, despite all the talk that wolves and tigers couldn’t mate with each other. They’d been together with Athena, having all three been given guard duty while their parents and his two younger brothers attended a meeting in town. When she’d woken that morning and came down the stairs, sleep tousled, her scent punched all three of them in the gut. Immediately, their cocks had gotten rock hard, and they could easily read her emotions. Later that day, when their parents returned, they smelled the fact that Athena had entered her puberty and their parents yanked her out of school the next day, keeping her under guard at all times. When their younger brothers didn’t seem to have any physical reaction to Athena, it took only moments to realize why. As their mate, Athena would only affect the ones she would belong to so completely. From that day forward, Gage, Mav and Jake made sure they were the ones to guard her as much as possible—not to keep her prisoner, but to be there should she need them, to get to know her, what made her the person she was, what gave her joy and what saddened her. By the time they took her to mate, they’d wanted to know Athena’s every like and dislike. Jake and his 45

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh brothers wanted to shower her with love and devotion. But then things changed almost immediately once their parents recognized the signs of her slow maturation, the change in her scent, though not in the same way as the three eldest brothers, that’s for sure. They learned quickly to block their thoughts and desires from the parents and younger brothers. If discovered, Athena would be in deep trouble and they no less. Jake didn’t like the way their parents looked at Athena, the way they kept her locked in her bedroom, having guards at all times, even if she only stood on the porch, as though they were protecting a commodity. When Athena’s back faced his parents, their eyes would lose the look of adoration they always wore in front of her and would glaze over with hate and greed. Jake and his elder brothers had seen it more and more often of late. They’d seen the evil intent in their parent’s eyes even when she was a young girl of fourteen, barely more than a child, an innocent in need of protection. That look had only grown worse, if possible, over the years. Even the younger brothers shared that look now, and Jake, Mav and Gage knew if Athena hadn’t finally found the nerve to run, they would have had to take her away that night. The mountain was no longer safe for her—if it ever had been. Shaking off his thoughts, Jake and the others 46

Athena’s Hunger reached the shore and stood, waiting to see what Athena would do. Would she recognize them, even in this form? Could she sense the men within the beasts facing her? Slowly, ever so slowly, Athena approached, then hesitantly moved to her knees and looked at them, her gaze moving from Gage to Mav, then finally settling on him. Jake’s wolf quivered with excitement. It wanted to rush over her and swipe his tongue across the bridge of her nose, wanted to nuzzle her cheek so his scent layered on top of her own. Once Athena settled onto her knees, she sat back, planting her bottom on her feet and still her gaze didn’t leave them. Jake could sense her curiosity, could even feel her amusement as she looked at each of their backpacks, ones she must recognize as she’d stitched their names onto them herself just last winter as Christmas gifts. He could see her putting the puzzling pieces together in her mind and instead of fear, he felt an overwhelming sense of wonder emanate from her. She knows, Gage murmured into their minds. Jake gave a mental nod, sensing the same thing. So when Gage ordered them to shift, Jake didn’t question his older brother’s orders, just tilted his head back and once again called forth the change. Whether it was magic or just something Mother Nature had created in her infinite wisdom that 47

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh allowed them to shift into wolves, Jake really didn’t know, but he imagined that would be one of the first questions their mate asked. For some wolves, he’d heard the transformation from wolf to man could be painful, yet others seemed to have no problems at all as though it was just a different skin they wore at times. Jake was one of the latter. Just a mild tingling across his skin, slight shifting along his spine and he stood in front of her—a man—sporting nothing but a backpack and a very healthy erection despite the danger approaching. Even now, he could feel his younger brothers moving in, his parents and several other groups. He could sense them all on their way, and if he could sense them, then no doubt Gage and Mav could as well. Opening his eyes, his gaze met Athena’s. She didn’t look startled, or even scared of what they were. He just sensed wariness when he expected alarm or even fear. Did she know that they’d never harm her, never allow anyone to harm her? He could see the questions building in her eyes, see the confusion, the fear, even sensed her wonder. And when her gaze dropped to his erection, then immediately looked toward his brother’s cocks, he almost chuckled when her cheeks turned fire engine red and her head snapped up to look at Gage. But when seconds passed before she finally spoke, what came out of 48

Athena’s Hunger her mouth was the one question none of them thought she’d ask. Not right away anyway. “Am I like you?” she whispered. “Is that what I’ve felt over the last years? The changes happening in my body? The tingling of my skin? Can I change into a wolf?” **** Her first instinct had been to run for her life. To swivel around, head for the forest that would lead her to Wolverine Creek, and never look back. Something stopped her. Athena had no idea why she sensed no danger, why she didn’t run. From the moment she laid eyes on the wolves and saw the backpacks on their backs, she knew these wolves were different. First of all, who had ever heard of wolves wearing backpacks? That oddity alone would have stopped anyone in their tracks. So she waited, wary but curious, and watched them swim across. As they got closer, she recognized the backpacks as belonging to Jake, Gage and Mav. She knew them, had lovingly stitched their names on those packs just last winter as Christmas gifts. If the wolves were tame and belonged to her brothers, then where were the men? She scanned the opposite side of the river, but saw nothing save the shrubbery and the forest line, no movement of any kind, except the breeze 49

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh swaying the tall grasses. Were the wolves tame? Had her brothers sent them to protect her? Why the backpacks? More supplies for her? Sinking down, sitting on her knees, her backside on her thighs, she waited for them to walk out of the water. The wolves shook themselves, sending splatters of water in all directions, before they approached her. They stopped about ten feet away from her and gazed at her for a moment. Then suddenly, they changed. Her breath caught in her throat as she watched the transformation from wolf to man. Gage, Mav and Jake stood before her, still wearing the backpacks now somewhat dangling loose, in their naked glory. Her gaze wandered from one to the other, resting on each beloved handsome face. Jake, so dark and swarthy, the only one who resembled his mother, his black eyes watching, waiting, brooding. The other boys all resembled their father. Mav, his blue eyes upon her, filled with anticipation at her reaction, his usually neatly brushed brown hair now mussed and wet, plastered to his head. The moon peeked from behind a cloud for a moment picking up the auburn highlights. And Gage, boyish, his blue eyes very serious. She could tell he was also nervously awaiting her reaction by the way he kept stroking his buzz cut blond hair. Wonder filled her, curiosity, as she scanned 50

Athena’s Hunger their muscular bodies from head to toe. All three sported a magnificent cock, fully erect. It caused her heart to speed to a staccato rhythm, her loins to ache in sudden need, suddenly wanting them, aching to touch them, to kneel before them and relieve them. To take each of those cocks into her mouth and taste their seed. She finally found her voice again. “You’re shapeshifters. I’ve read about such things in books, but never believed it to be real. This was the big secret? This is why I was kept prisoner all this time?” “Not quite,” Mav answered. “What do you mean, not quite?” “You’re not like us, Athena.” “But I’m not normal. I can feel changes within, a yearning to let go, to come out. If I’m not wolf, what am I?” “It’s not up to us to tell you.” “Dammit, I need answers. Are you here to take me back?” “You know we’re not or you would have run instead of waiting calmly.” “Then why are you here?” “To protect you,” Jake said. “We have to get going. They’ve discovered your and our escape and are after us. Not just the parents and brothers, but several other packs are hunting us down. We’re wasting precious time standing here when 51

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh we should be running. We need to get to Graton. Once we’re safely there, we’ll help you get the answers you need.” “Graton?” “It’s the town at the base of the twin mountain opposite ours. To get there we have to pass through Wolverine Creek,” Mav told her. “Why is it called Wolverine Creek?” “That’s where the packs hunt quite often. They weren’t always hunting game there. Sometimes they hunted others, viciously, slaughtering them just for the sheer joy of it—shifters and humans alike. They’d even hunt their own kind at times— those weaker and unable to defend themselves. It was because of those wolf attacks that this creek’s name unofficially changed to Wolverine Creek. Officially, according to geographical maps, it’s called Graton Creek, after the nearby town.” While they talked, the brothers quickly opened their packs and dressed. Mav turned to look at the far shore. “They’re not far away. We need to go. Come on, Athena.” “Are you sure they won’t follow us there?” “They won’t. We’ll be safe there,” Gage said. “Have any of you been there before?” “No.” “Then how do you know we’ll be safe there?” “We will. Trust us,” Mav took her hand and squeezed it. “We need to go now.” 52

Athena’s Hunger She nodded, suddenly sensing the approaching danger. No time left to ask her questions or to wonder at the newly awakening desires surging through her body. They needed to run. Fast. Even she, someone completely unaware of who and what she truly was, knew their time had run out. Though Athena was much shorter than the three brothers, she discovered just how fast she’d grown over the last few months and kept up with them easily. Once they got to the thick forest, they had to slow down somewhat. This was strange territory, not only for her, but for Jake, Mav and Gage as well. Panting, they stopped for a moment to catch their breath. “Unlike the other packs, we don’t hunt and kill for the sake of killing,” Mav said. Startled to hear an answer to the one question she’d wondered about, but not spoken aloud, she turned toward Maverick. “That’s why there were always so many murders, missing people. I always speculated about that and thought that’s why I was kept prisoner.” “They’re gaining on us. We need to move faster,” Gage shouted. “I know. But we can’t change because Athena…” “Yes. I know. Jake, you keep running with Athena and Mav and I will change,” Gage said. “Maybe we can hold them off, throw off the 53

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh scent.” “No!” Athena shouted. “What if they catch up to you, hurt you for helping me escape?” “Don’t worry, honey, we’ve been down this road before,” Mav told her and gave her a reassuring smile. “We’ll catch up to you. That’s a promise.” Athena hated the idea of the group going in separate directions, but realized if they didn’t do it and divert the packs, they’d possibly not make it through the night. Following her instincts, she stepped in front of Mav and threw her arms around him, squeezing his waist, in reassurance, in comfort, she really didn’t know. She just knew that she couldn’t let him leave without having some contact with him. “Be careful.” Then she did the same to Gage, who surprised her when he bent down and kissed her fleetingly on the lips before setting her away from him. “We’ll see you soon,” Mav said. “Now go.” Before she could protest their leaving again, or think of anything else to say to them, Jake grabbed her hand and pulled her along. They ran like wildfire, weaving through the trees, dodging fallen limbs, jumping over rocks and bushes. It seemed to take forever before they finally entered a clearing. A narrow creek cut the clearing in two, in the center a small lake. It didn’t look all that deep, possibly allowing her to walk across it if she 54

Athena’s Hunger had to. “This is Wolverine Creek,” Jake told her and stopped. “It’s very serene,” Athena said, admiring the still water, the moon reflected on its glassy surface. Before long, the sun would rise and then they’d be easy to spot by anyone—friend or foe. “Yes, for now, but it has a bloody history.” With those words, a memory flitted through her mind. Vague, almost so flimsy she could hardly grasp onto it. A blonde girl calling to her, asking her to play, a girl not much older than a toddler herself. As fast as the picture entered her mind, it left again. What was that? A memory of her own childhood maybe? Why couldn’t she place the girl? Was she related to her in some way? A sister or perhaps even a playmate from before? Following Jake, she walked to the edge of the water. A feeling of familiarity once again settled inside her as she stared into the dark water. “I’ve been here before, Jake.” “We were hoping you’d have memory flashes once you made it here. Yes, you were here before. This is the place where you were kidnapped.” “I saw a little blonde girl in my mind. She looks a bit like me. Could I have a sister?” “It’s possible. We weren’t here the day they captured you, so we know very little about your 55

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh actual family. We’ll help you find all the answers you need to discover who you are, but we can’t rest here any longer, sweetheart. I don’t know if Mav and Gage were able to distract the packs or not. I’ve lost all communication with them, which could be one of three things. They’re too far away to reach, or they’ve purposely closed their minds to mine, or they’ve been captured, but I don’t think it’s the latter. I’d know it. We need to keep moving and reach the town your people have settled in and around.” Athena’s thoughts went to Gage and Mav. Though lately she’d been able to pick up on their moods, even she could feel only emptiness where there was once a faint connection forged between the four of them. “I hope they’re okay.” A pang of fear clutched at her empty stomach. What if they were in danger, or worse, hurt? What would the packs do to them if they caught them? She didn’t know what she’d do if they were hurt trying to help her. “Don’t worry. They’ll join us in Graton—one way or another.” “You seem very sure of that.” “I know my brothers,” Jake said, grinning at her. “Come here, you’re shivering.” “I’m a little chilled, but I’m not sure why I’m shivering. We’ve been running for what feels like hours. I should have worked up a good sweat, not 56

Athena’s Hunger still be shivering.” When he took her in his arms and held her close to his warm body, all wayward thoughts stopped. Her blood heated and her awakening instincts shouted out that she should go down to her hands and knees and beg him to make love to her, that he needed to make her his in every way. This was neither the time nor place, she realized that, but even with the danger she could sense closing in, the danger Mav and Gage even now tried to draw away from her, her body seemed to have a mind of its own. Instead, she had to be satisfied when his head lowered. When his lips pressed against hers and his tongue playfully lapped at her lips, her heart felt like it would beat right out of her chest, and when he traced her lower lip with his tongue, she had no choice but to let him in. She needed to taste him, needed to feel his body pressed against her, but for now, she’d settle for a kiss. His arms tightened around her waist as he drew her closer against his body. Fire raced down her spine as their tongues met, dueled, tangling together in an act of possession just as powerful as any act of lovemaking could have been. Her swollen nipples tightened into hard nubs and rasped against the material of her bra, as she stood pressed against Jake’s chest. Her clit ached, as if tiny electric currents ran straight from where their lips met to her fiercely aching pussy. The kiss 57

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh seared her, more electrifying and stimulating than she ever could have imagined, but it ended entirely too soon. He drew away from her and took her hand. “Time enough later,” he whispered, his voice raspy and sounding just as needy as she felt. “We need to go.” Athena nodded, knowing Jake was right, but hating that this moment had to end. After inhaling his scent one last time and taking it deep into her lungs, she stepped away, out of his arms. Immediately a sense of loss washed over her. How could things have changed so much in just a few hours? Yesterday they were her jailors. Today, today she didn’t know what they were, but she couldn’t wait to find out. She cleared her throat then took a few seconds to gather her thoughts, her body still screaming at her, the need to be with Jake. To have him kiss her again, make love to her. Shaking her head, she ignored that little voice that said she should follow up on what her instincts were trying to tell her. There would be time to discover answers to all her questions later, when no one was trying to capture her or the three brothers. “Is there a motel in Graton? Some place we can hold up while we wait for Maverick and Gage to return?” “Yes, there is. I did my research.”

58

Athena’s Hunger

Chapter Five

Tthere, a window glowed, showing its occupant hey entered Graton just after dawn. Here and

had already risen for the day, but mostly the town still slept. Athena noticed Jake’s uneasiness as they walked down the main street. “I thought we’d be safe here? I sense fear in you.” “Honey, if the folks here pick up my scent, there could be trouble. They don’t know that my brothers and I are the good kind. They might shoot first before asking questions. Our hope is they’ll pick up your scent and realize you’re one of them, forcing them to think before just attacking.” “Shoot? My scent? I have no idea what you’re talking about.” “Answers will come later. Here is the motel I told you about.” “Shivering Pines. Interesting name. It looks small. Isn’t this going to be the obvious place for your people—your family, even—to search?” 59

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh Jake shook his head, but didn’t give any explanations… again. She was starting to get sick of the we’ll-tell-you-later line. “I doubt they get many visitors. The vacancy sign is lit up. I need you to go and get us a room, honey,” Jake stated, his voice confident as though they hadn’t just entered a town that supposedly had every right to hate him and his kind. Athena ran her hand through her hair, grimacing as it got stuck in the tangles. What she wouldn’t give for a shower. That was reason enough to do as he asked, despite the million questions pinging around in her head—that and somehow she sensed they needed to be inside before the rest of the town woke and discovered them. “Okay. I have money in my pack,” she answered, removing her backpack so she could dig inside for the cash she had stored in the zipper compartment. “I know,” Jake said, grinning from ear to ear. “We made sure there’d always be money in our wallets for you to steal.” “I’m sorry. But then you knew all along I planned to escape, didn’t you?” “No need to be sorry, and yes we did. If you hadn’t left tonight, we would have talked to you about what really happened when you came to live with us, how you came to live with us. That would have forced you to flee. If that wouldn’t 60

Athena’s Hunger have worked, we would have simply drugged you and stolen you away in the middle of the night. Now, quick, go get us a room. I could stand a warm shower right now.” Grimacing, Athena pocketed the cash, then shouldered her backpack back on. “Me, too.” She quickly ran to the little office, stepped inside, and rang the bell sitting off to one corner of the counter, pushing the button twice more before someone finally entered the office. A sleepy older woman, her head in curlers and wearing a robe came to the window. “Yes?” “I’d like a room please.” The woman looked at her with a piercing gaze, causing Athena to shiver under the scrutiny. “I’ve never seen you before, and yet…” “I’ve never been here. I’m from—” She stopped herself just in time. “From where?” “Actually my husband and I traveled from Ohio,” she lied quickly. “Ah, you have relatives here I presume.” “Yes. We came to visit them. We’ve been traveling for days, so can we have a room on the backside of the motel, away from traffic or street noise?” That was as good excuse as any to remain unseen by others, and by claiming Jake as her husband, no one would be surprised to see a male enter her room. Hopefully, Mav and Gage would 61

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh show up soon, before the day really started here in town and someone noticed them slipping around the back of the motel. She looked at her watch and almost winced. It was almost five in the morning already. “Sure, honey. We’re practically empty here so you can have your pick of the rooms. How long are you staying?” “We’re not sure yet. I’ll pay for two nights up front.” Athena signed the register, paid for two nights, including a hefty deposit with cash in case of damages rather than securing the room with a credit card. Once she completed all the necessary paperwork registering under her false identity of Lisa Simmons and paying double occupancy for her husband, the night clerk gave her the key. “There’s an ice box just outside the office to the left and a pop machine. We offer breakfast for a small charge if you’re interested.” “Sounds good. What do you serve and how much does it cost?” “Ten bucks. Two eggs, scrambled or over hard, hash browns and toast, with your choice of sausage or bacon.” Wincing at the cost, Athena nodded. At this rate, she’d be out of cash much sooner than she’d planned. She should get enough for all four of them because Gage and Mav would probably be starving by the time they returned, but that would 62

Athena’s Hunger look suspicious. Instead, she reached into her pocket and pulled out another twenty dollars. “I’ll take two bacon platters please with scrambled eggs.” She’d just have to make sure to leave most of her meal for the men to eat. After drawing the trackers away from her, they’d be exhausted and in need of the calories by the time they hit town. “Breakfast will be brought to your room around nine or so.” Athena nodded, then turned toward the door. “Thanks. That will allow my husband and me a couple hours of sleep before breakfast arrives.” “Looks like you got caught in a storm. I haven’t seen any rain here for days.” “Yes, when we reached the last bus stop as soon as we got off the bus, it started to rain. Thank goodness it ended up only being a brief shower, but I can’t wait to stand under your hot water and warm myself up. It’s quite a long hike from the last stop to your town. Why doesn’t the bus stop here?” Thanks to the internet, she been able to research just where the bus route that ran from Ohio where her identity stated she lived and knew where its last stop closest to the town was located. A hike of nearly fifteen miles separated the two. If she supposedly hadn’t gotten off there, the bus wouldn’t have stopped until it passed Graton by more than one hundred miles to the north. “No visitors ever come here. Why need a bus 63

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh stop? Have a good rest.” Athena hurried back to Jake who waited impatiently just out of sight of the office. “We’re in room twelve, on the backside of the motel.” Once inside the room, she quickly drew the curtains and turned on the light. “We’d best keep the curtains closed,” she mumbled. Just in case the motel owner could see her room and noticed more than just the two of them later in the morning. It took a little while before Jake came into the room, muttering something about Graton under his breath. Meanwhile, she’d already peeled off her jacket, jeans, top and bra, and wore naught but her panties and small motel towel wrapped around her, ready to hit the shower when Jake came in. “What took you so long?” “I sensed the woman hovering around just outside the office, so I waited till all was clear so she couldn’t scent me. Then I made sure no one else seemed to be watching our room before making my way inside. Besides, I left a message for Gage and Mav, telling them which room to come to.” Athena raised her brows, surprised. “How did you do that?” Jake smiled, but as his gaze traveled down the length of her body it grew heated. His voice had grown raspy with hunger when he murmured, “Trade secret,” before he stepped toward her, stopping just a foot away from her. 64

Athena’s Hunger Having never been with a male, she felt incredibly shy standing there nearly naked in front of him. The air in the tiny motel room grew thick with pheromones, his and hers. Her panties grew moist, proof of her arousal coating her inner thighs and soaking her pussy. His nostrils flared. Athena could feel her cheeks heat. No doubt he could smell just how much her body wanted him. She felt torn. Yes, Jake and his brothers helped her escape, but they had also helped to keep her prisoner. Perhaps if she had the answer to that one question, her mind would ease enough that she didn’t feel shame for wanting Jake and his brothers. “Why did you help to keep me prisoner all those years?” “Because if we let you go before you were strong enough to transform on your own, they would have hunted you down and killed you. We needed to wait until you were as close to your twenty-fifth birthday as possible when you reach complete maturity before we could get you out of there.” Athena shook her head. “I don’t understand.” Gods, her body burned, making thinking nearly impossible, but she needed answers, at least some answers before she could give in to what her instincts demanded. Jake lowered his head and shook it as if clearing his thoughts. At least she wasn’t the only one 65

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh apparently having trouble thinking clearly. “The closer you get to complete sexual maturity, the stronger your body will become. On your twenty-fifth birthday, not only will you become sexually mature, but your beast should make herself known, allowing you to shift into your other self. We’ve been celebrating your birthday nearly two weeks later than it actually is every year at our parents’ insistence in case you came to realize what that birthday signified. That would have given them two extra weeks to put their plans into action if you hadn’t escaped tonight.” Athena’s eyes widened. “That means…” Nodding, Jake ran his hand down the length of her hair and tucked a long curl behind her ear. “That’s right, sweetheart. Tomorrow, or tonight at midnight if you will, you’ll turn twenty-five. That’s why they had the place guarded so closely, had others watching for your escape. Our parents just never planned on Mav drugging them and our younger brothers. Whether you’d planned to go or not, we would have gotten you out last night, with or without your cooperation. As far as we know, no one had a clue we’d help you escape. Or, hell, that we’d escape with you. That’s why we acted as though we were merely your guards, because a single misstep on our parts could have cost us the only chance of getting out with you 66

Athena’s Hunger alive. And that’s something we simply couldn’t risk.” Licking her lips to ease the sudden dryness, she tried to think, but the more answers she received, the harder it became to deny her body’s needs. She knew there was something very important she needed to ask, but focusing on the conversation had become beyond difficult so she asked the one thing that had been on her mind since they showed up at the river. “So why did you help me? I still don’t understand why you all have assisted me in my escape, even providing the means by leaving money for me to steal.” “Don’t you, sweetheart?” he asked, the tone of his voice turning rougher, almost like a low, rumbling growl. She shook her head no. He took a single step, pulled her into his arms, and cradled her against his body. “Because you’re our mate, Athena. The one woman the Fates created just for the three of us and we weren’t about to let you go without us.” Before she could answer, could even think of a response for his amazing statement, his lips sought hers, devouring her as if he were starving and she his last meal. Heat and fire raged through her at his touch. Beyond thinking now, she tore at his jacket, fumbling with the zipper, almost ripping it off him in her hurry to touch bare skin. 67

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh When his jacket lay on the motel room floor, she reached for his sweatshirt, breaking the kiss only long enough that she could yank it over his head and toss atop the jacket. Again, their lips met, ravenous hunger for Jake pushing aside all thoughts of stopping what they were doing. Finally, her hands slid over the solid muscles of his chest, down his torso and over rippling abs. When her fingers met the waistband of his jeans, she let out a frustrated growl. They, too, had to go. His damp jeans were hard to peel off his body, but she wasn’t about to let that deter her. She wanted him naked and she wanted it now. Again, she broke the kiss, but this time she dropped to her knees, pulling Jake’s jeans down to his thighs as she lowered herself to the floor. His erection brushed against her cheek as she lowered his jeans to his ankles. After kicking his pants off, Jake pulled her up from the floor, once again wrapping his arms around her waist and holding her against his chest. With his arms around her and her head pressed against his chest, she could hear his racing heartbeat, smell the lust pouring from his skin. She ached for him—for all of them. She couldn’t choose between them. Even now, with just Jake, she felt that the others should be here, that being alone with Jake in this way was a betrayal of some kind. 68

Athena’s Hunger “They’ll understand, and no matter what we do here, no one will take you vaginally until we’re all together. That’s a pact that we forged long ago when making our plans to get you out of there. If we ever had to separate, the one who took you to safety wouldn’t enter you there until we were all together again. We wanted no one to associate a sense of guilt or betrayal to making love to you, especially you. Do you understand?” Athena wanted to be pissed that they’d talked about her, made decisions about her body without her input, but in the end, she felt relieved, knowing that Jake wouldn’t take her that way eased some of the guilt she did indeed feel. Once she nodded that yes, she understood. Jake walked backward with her still in his arms until his knees hit the back of the king size bed. With a small turn and a gentle lift, he had her placed in the center of the large bed, her towel still wrapped around her. That didn’t last long though before he was pulling at the material where she’d tucked the towel between her breasts, spreading the towel wide and opening her up to his gaze like he had opened a present. Only her panties covered her now. Jake sucked in a breath and his eyes dilated as he looked at her. His cock, already huge and heavily veined, grew even larger as he stared down at her body. “You have the body of a goddess, sweetheart,” 69

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh Jake whispered. His husky voice sent ripples of need down her body, making her ache even more. How could his voice alone make the need worse, the ache deeper? She didn’t understand this intense need. It had never been this bad before, even when she’d woken up from an erotic dream, her fingers buried inside her vagina, it had never been this powerful. “You’re entering into your heat, Athena. With sexual maturity at twenty-five comes the ability to reproduce. If you’d lived with your people your whole life, you still wouldn’t have gone into heat until you met us, your mates. That’s why the need is so much more desperate today. In hours, you’ll be able to bear your mates’ children—our children. Your body is preparing for that and sending out so many pheromones we’ll be hard pressed not to fuck you once that happens, no matter what’s going on around us.” Embarrassed that Jake could read her mind, that he now knew that she masturbated in her sleep, she tried to concentrate on what he was saying instead of what she’d been thinking. She knew he’d just told her some important truths. Finally, she understood just what he’d said. “So you mean…all three of you, at once. And I could get pregnant?” she could hear her voice quavering and knew that Jake could feel her nervousness through the bond she could feel forging between 70

Athena’s Hunger them. She had no idea whether it was the thought of taking on all three men at once that had her anxious or whether it was carrying their children. “That doesn’t mean that we will get you pregnant, just that reproductively after midnight tonight, you’ll be able to.” Athena tipped her head and really looked at Jake, tried to think about what she wanted, having never thought of children or a future with Jake, Maverick and Gage before now. The most she’d hoped to gain after her escape had been freedom. But this was so much more. More than she ever dared hope for and she didn’t know whether to grab on to it or shy away, for fear it was nothing but a cruel joke. Athena licked her lips and looked into Jake’s hazel eyes, watched the hunger and desire build in them. “Don’t you all want children?” Jake’s lips curled up in a smile as he leaned down over her until his face was just an inch or so above hers, his legs straddling her waist, his erection prodding her stomach, his arms caging in her head. “We—me—all of us would love for you to have our children, but not until you are ready. Only when you are ready will we take that step.” Sighing out her relief, she then licked her lips, arousal once again taking the place of the anxiety and nervousness of before. Jake’s eyes dilated further, his nostrils flared, as liquid slid down to 71

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh coat her thighs. A low rumbling growl erupted from his chest. Her eyes widened when he gripped her panties in his fist and ripped them at the seams, stripping her completely within seconds. Before she could react, he took the weight of her breasts in his hands, ran his thumbs over her hard nipples. Her back arched and she gasped as pure electricity shot from her nipples straight to her clit. He lowered his head, flicked his tongue over her nipples. She groaned, sank her fingers in his black hair, and held him to her chest. Never had anything she’d done to herself felt this good. Had she known that lovemaking with another could be like this, maybe she would have tried harder to evade her guards to take a lover. A low menacing growl rumbled from Jake, vibrating against her chest. Obviously, he didn’t like the idea of her taking other lovers. He answered her and it made her wonder about the psychic connection they had. “No, you’ll never take another lover, besides the three of us. We may share you amongst ourselves, but never will another outside our mate bond have the privilege of seeing you as I am now.” Athena nodded. She didn’t know how she’d handle the three mates she apparently had, why would she want any other? “That’s not something 72

Athena’s Hunger you need to worry about. Handling the three of you is more than I know how to handle as it is.” Chuckling, Jake went back to placing nibbling kisses down her torso. “Don’t worry, Athena. You’ll learn to handle us just fine. You have more power over us than you know. You always have.” Apparently, time for talking had ended, because he nuzzled her belly, pressing his face against her lower abdomen. The stubble of his five o’clock shadow sent shivers of delight racing over her body and gooseflesh rose atop her skin. With his face still pressed against her belly, Jake ran his fingers up and down her moist slit, his thumb brushing against her clit in sweeping waves. Tearing his lips away, he rained small kisses down her neck, her chest, then sucked a nipple into his mouth. She gasped, her entire body arching toward his touch. “Jake, I need…” “I know, sweetheart. I’ll take care of you. Don’t worry. I—we—will never leave you wanting for anything.” Athena reached out, tried to wrap her hand around his shaft that lay pressed against her leg, pre-cum leaking from its tip. Her hand barely fit around his massive erection. She gulped, fear now stealing some of her desire. How would it ever fit inside her? Hesitantly, she started to explore the length of his cock, stroking his shaft in slow pulls. It pulsed in her hand, and when she gave her 73

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh wrist a twist on the upstroke and Jake groaned, she started to pull her hand away, afraid that she’d hurt him in her innocence. He stopped her, wrapped his hand around hers. “Squeeze harder.” “I’m not hurting you?” “Nothing you could do while making love could hurt me, and if somehow it did, you’d know it. Please, don’t stop.” Smiling, Athena went back to her explorations, learning what made him groan and what made him shudder. After several minutes, he pulled her hand away. “Any more of that and it will be over for me far too soon.” Sliding away from her, Jake reached for his backpack and after digging around for a few moments, returned with something clutched in his hands. Curious despite the hunger and arousal surging through her, Athena nodded toward Jake’s closed hand. “What’s that?” Opening up his fist, he showed her the object he’d been hiding, a bottle of lubrication. “This was one of the essentials we packed, because we knew you’d go into heat while on the run and none of us would be able to stay away from you. And you, my Athena, you will not be satisfied until you’ve had all of us, in every way a woman can take a man, filling you in every place we can.” 74

Athena’s Hunger She swallowed down past the lump that seemed lodged permanently in her throat. When he lifted the top open and squirted some lube on his fingers, that angsty worry tried to make itself heard again. Jake smiled gently though she could see the heat still burning in his eyes. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. I’d never do anything to hurt you. If you don’t like anything we ever do, all you have to do is say so, and we’ll stop immediately.” Placing her legs over his shoulders, he crouched between her legs, gripped her bottom, and pulled her closer. Using one lubed finger at first, he rubbed the star of her rear entrance, teasing the tight bud for a few seconds before slowly entering her. She automatically stiffened, but with Jake’s gentle thrusts and retreats, found herself quickly relaxing beneath his touch. Soon, she found herself meeting his thrusts, arching up into him as he slid a second well-lubed finger into her bottom. Bending down, his face delved between her legs, his tongue lapped at her pussy, circled and flicked at her clit all the while his fingers continued to fuck her ass. Athena’s entire body felt alive, sensitized. Gooseflesh pebbled across her entire body. She tossed her head back, thrashing back and forth on the pillow as he ate ravenously at her pussy and added a third finger to her bottom. In the back of 75

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh her mind, she knew what he planned. He was preparing her ass for his cock and though she remained nervous about the fit, he’d made her so hungry for him, she’d let him take her any way that he wanted. She needed him desperately and only prayed that soon he’d tip her over the edge. She could feel it hovering, just out of reach. He must have read her mind again, because he lifted his mouth from her pussy, his gaze meeting hers. “I want you to roll over onto your hands and knees, sweetheart.” Athena nodded, knowing that the time had come. Swallowing hard, she rolled over just as Jake removed his fingers from her bottom. On hands and knees, her whole body quivered, in anticipation and in voracious need. She could hear the lube top open and shut behind her, knew that even as the seconds passed he was coating his massive cock with the lubrication. She shuddered, the wait for what came next ramping up her anxiety. Athena turned her head to look over her shoulder to see what Jake was doing. With one hand, he caressed her back with long, soothing strokes and with the other, he stroked his erection, making sure the entire length was slick with lubrication. Her eyes widened, and she gulped. My God, has that thing grown? How in the hell will it ever fit? Don’t worry, Sweetheart. It will fit, little love. 76

Athena’s Hunger Again, shock ran through her. Did he just talk to her? Inside her head? Before she could ask Jake what had just happened, he lined up his cock with the tiny rosette of her ass. “Take a deep breath, pull your legs up, then exhale and push out once I enter you. It will make it easier to take me.” Nodding, she turned her head back toward the headboard, determined to follow his instructions to the letter. When his fingers entered her vagina just as his cockhead started to enter her bottom, she did exactly as he suggested, exhaled, and pushed out. The pain she expected didn’t come, instead just an incredible pressure. She bit her bottom lip, closed her eyes, and just let herself feel. Feel the pressure, feel his cock, sliding inch by inch with help of the lubrication into her snug back passage as his fingers began to slowly slide in and out of her pussy in time with his slow thrusts into her ass. Surprisingly, she found herself once again climbing toward climax despite—or because of— the almost too full feel of him inside her. When his fingers curved upward and swept across her gspot, her entire body quivered. She’d never been able to find that magical spot every woman’s supposed to have before, so when he stroked over that spot and it felt like she’d been zapped, her body reacted, arching into his touch, allowing Jake 77

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh to fully seat himself in her anus in one smooth thrust. He stayed there a moment, letting her get used the feel of being so full with at least two fingers in her pussy and his cock completely filling her ass. With his balls resting against her pussy lips and his hands caressing her back in slow, lazy strokes, Athena’s body felt completely tuned to his touch. She knew that after tonight, she’d never be the same. Even now, just taking Jake to her bed, already she felt different inside, both stronger and more in tune with her body—and that didn’t make a lick of sense to her. How could having sex do anything like that? It must be all in her head. Before her thoughts could follow down that dark route, Jake eased back, slowing withdrawing his cock until only the head remained lodged inside her bottom. Once he started forging back into her ass, he slowly withdrew his fingers until they barely remained inside. “This is what it’s going to feel like when two of us take you together,” he whispered into her ear. “One will be on the bottom, fucking your pussy, while another will be behind you, taking your ass.” It was so hard to concentrate on what he was telling her with what he was doing to her body. She could feel her orgasm just out of reach and knew that when she finally came it would be the strongest one of her life—far out distancing any 78

Athena’s Hunger she’d given herself over the years. When his movements seemed to slow, Athena grunted and began moving in time with Jake, encouraging him in her own way for him to move faster, thrust deeper and harder. She needed something more, something else. She shook her head, trying to think. “What will the third be doing?” she asked, curious now despite how aroused her body had become. Jake chuckled. “The third will be fucking your beautiful mouth, or watching while waiting for his turn.” Athena groaned, more turned on by the idea than she dared admit aloud. “Do you like that, little love?” She nodded, knowing it would do no good to lie when he could read her every thought. “Good, because in a few hours, that’s just what’s going to happen.” With that proclamation, Jake pounded into her bottom, while his fingers pinched and pulled at her clit. And when one loud smack, then another landed on her bottom, it was just what she needed to send her over the edge. Her pussy clamped down on his fingers, while her ass did the same on the thick length of his cock. She could feel it pulsing, his come jetting into her bottom. Her entire body quaked and shook. Her legs felt weak, almost too weak to hold up her weight even with 79

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh her arms doing half the work. He slowly withdrew from her, pulling her down onto her side and held her pressed with her back to his front, his arms wrapped tightly around her. “I love you, my Athena, my goddess. I’ve always loved you.” “And I love you, Jake. As much as I love Gage and Mav. I’ve so longed for the three of you, for years, but felt wrong for doing so—for so many reasons.” Jake squeezed her waist, then scooted off the bed, lifting her into her arms. “You’ll never have to feel guilty or wrong about your feelings toward us again. The three of us—we’ll never leave you. You’re ours. Forever.” With a smile on her lips, Athena rested her head against his shoulder as he carried her into the bath and set her down on the toilet. After filling the tub, he gathered her into his arms again, and with great care, washed her completely, making sure to be extra gentle around her pussy and her bottom, before lifting her out of the tub and carrying her back to bed, still wrapped in the towel. “Try to get some sleep, sweetheart. I’m going to take a quick shower. I can feel Mav and Gage heading this way. Then we’ll all get some sleep before starting our search for your answers. Besides, you’ll need your rest for tonight.” With a 80

Athena’s Hunger wink, he headed for the bathroom. Before she heard the water turn on, her eyes were already closing. She’d been up all night and this morning’s lovemaking had taken all of her reserves. Quirking her lips up in a smile, she drifted off to sleep, thinking about Jake, Mav, and Gage and what tonight and the future might bring.

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Chapter Six

G

age could hear their pursuers drawing closer. Though he and Mav had evaded all the others over the past couple hours, they’d known all along it would be only a matter of time until these two locked on to them. Richard and Marcus had an advantage over the others—they were blood kin and could use that to track them. But he and Mav had known that, had purposely used that to lead their brothers here—an area the three of them had prepared long ago for this exact occasion should it ever arise. Are you ready, Maverick? More than. There’s something twisted about our younger brothers, just as there is in our parents. Just like most of the pack. Deep within his mind, Gage’s wolf growled its agreement. It, too, sensed Richard and Marcus closing in, knew what a threat they truly were. There was something about them—about most of the pack—that felt unnatural just as Mav had said. 82

Athena’s Hunger As Pack Historian, Gage knew that their pack had changed drastically just over fifty years ago. They went from peaceful, even being at peace with other shifter breeds, including the white tigers in Graton, to murderous and psychotic practically overnight—right around the time the new Alpha of their pack had mated with a human woman who practiced death magic and routinely made sacrifices to her Gods. Within a year of the mating, most of the mated pairs had either mysteriously disappeared or changed from being tolerant of others and peaceseeking to being barely understanding of even their own kin and aggressive in their pursuit of power. The pack had linked itself with something dark and evil—something that fed off the slaughter of innocents. It gifted those pack members that killed in its name with more power, both physical and mental, in exchange. But because they linked their destiny with that of death, the younger wolves who received their power from the dark arts could no longer have children, thus they stole females—the younger, the better—to give birth to the next generation of killer wolves. But that’s not why the parents wanted Athena. They wanted Athena to play with, to share, to sexually abuse, and to experiment on, to see if a wolf could actually mate with a cat, if she could produce offspring as a 83

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh human. Now, all shifters did their best to avoid Drummond and its wolves. Gage couldn’t blame them. Someone needed to dig out the evil infesting their pack and destroy it—destroy all the tainted pack members, but that was for another time. For now, he and Mav would begin by destroying two of the most deviant and evil of them—their own brothers. Be ready, Mav. It’s time to shift. You remember where we hid all the traps, right? Mav snorted in his mind even as they began to remove their backpack and clothes. Of course I do. I was right alongside you and Jake as we dug all those pits and set all those traps. Just remember to keep you mind sealed shut. Our brothers are powerful and if they work together, they may learn not only our plans, but where Athena is. That we can’t allow. Nodding, Mav stepped out of his jeans, gathered all his clothing and shoved it back into his backpack, then hid it inside one of the nearby shrubs. Gage quickly followed suit. Almost simultaneously, the pair embraced the magick of the change, allowing their wolves to emerge from slumber. Tonight, Gage barely felt the transformation, his wolf pumped full of adrenaline, knowing just what was at stake if they failed. 84

Athena’s Hunger They would not fail. No sooner had they dropped to all fours, their wolves fully emerged, when they heard the approaching siblings. In their canine forms, their hearing and sense of smell increased exponentially. It would be mere moments before Richard and Marcus entered the clearing where they’d led them. Just moments before the battle would begin. Gage shoved all thoughts of what lie ahead out of his mind. If he worried about all the things that could go wrong, they inevitably would. They’d planned too long for this day and he and Mav would do nothing to screw things up now. As the stench of the approaching wolves grew thicker, the fur on Gage’s back bristled. Even knowing that he’d do his best to kill his own brothers, Gage couldn’t find it in himself to feel the slightest bit of remorse. Richard and Marcus had more kills between them than nearly all the other pack members put together. They had to die. Marcus had drawn Athena away from her family at the creek while they were slaughtered, but Richard had chosen Athena to use to bear the pack’s young once she became sexually mature, and he’d only been a child himself at the time. While Marcus had taken Athena away from her family, Richard had killed her mother and father. At least that’s what they’d boasted over the 85

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh years. Despite Richard only being no more than a child himself, it’s possible he could have done the deed, though more likely he helped his parents take them down instead. Gage did know that those were Richard’s first kills, according to the family, so he may have just delivered the final killing blow to each of them. Gage, Maverick, and Jake were all away at their grandfather’s ranch for the summer and didn’t know that his family had taken Athena until their return several months later. That’s when they’d learned how truly depraved their family had become under the leadership of the Alpha pair. Before his thoughts could continue to travel down that route, his brothers appeared in the clearing. Using the mate bond that tied him to Mav telepathically, he sent out a warning. Stay alert, little brother. You, too. Athena won’t be complete without all three of us at her side, so watch your ass, big brother, Mav warned back. Richard and Marcus had approached the clearing from two separate directions, forcing Gage and Mav’s wolves to fight back to back as the enemy wolves approached. With a low growl, Gage faced Richard while Mav readied himself to take on Marcus. Both were formidable and it would take every bit of their strength and cunning 86

Athena’s Hunger to take the pair down. Backing away from Mav so he’d have room to maneuver, Gage retreated a few steps. Taking that as a sign of weakness, Richard attacked, going for his throat. Gage quickly sidestepped, pounced backward out of reach. Again and again, they repeated the same movements. Richard would lunge, and Gage would quickly pounce away, sometimes heading in one direction, sometimes another. He wanted to check in on Mav, see how he was doing with Marcus, but he needed to keep all his attention on Richard, and where they were in the field. So far, Richard had only managed a few small gouges into his side, but one small step and things could end up so much worse than the scratches his brother had managed to land. Besides, those would be gone before they even reached Athena. Almost, he thought to himself. Growling low in his throat, Gage lowered his body as though getting ready to go on the offensive. Richard did exactly as he’d hoped, met the threat by once again lunging through the air in an attempt to go for his throat, but instead of pouncing backward, he dropped to the ground and rolled to the left. Richard landed straight on one of the covered pits he and his brothers had dug months earlier, dropping through the cover and piercing his brother on iron spikes they had cemented into the 87

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh bottom of the pit. Richard yelped. His amber eyes glowed bright red for a moment before slowly growing glassy and sightless. Gage shifted, then looked across the field toward where Mav stood looking down into his own pit. Marcus was nowhere in sight. Gage loped over toward where Mav waited. Before he even reached his side, Mav shifted and looked into Gage’s eyes. “It’s done. Now let’s go join our mate while Jake goes to speak with the Sheriff and the Alpha of Athena’s pride.” Embracing the magic, Gage shifted back into his human form and let a slow smile spread across his face. “That sounds like a damn fine plan. Then tonight, the three of us will take Athena as our mate.” With that, Gage headed toward where he’d hidden his pack, then dressed. He had a mate to seduce. **** Athena stretched, opened her eyes and for a moment, had no idea where she was. She shot up like a catapult and wildly looked around the room before she remembered. A glow stole over her body, her pussy suddenly tingling as she thought about earlier that night. She glanced at the dent in the pillow next to her. “Right, the motel. Jake, where are you?” 88

Athena’s Hunger No answer. Swinging her legs over the side, she grimaced for a moment. Her backside and pussy felt somewhat sore, and no wonder. Jake’s cock was massive, not just long, but so thick her hand didn’t fit around it. She thought about Mav and Gage. What would theirs be like when fully engorged? This thought brought the heat back to her body in full force. Where was Jake? In the bathroom? But she didn’t hear the shower and when she glanced at the floor, his clothing was gone. Though she’d bathed just a few hours before, she needed to shower to wash the sleep from her body, to wake up and be fully alert. Jake had probably gone to investigate the area. Glancing at her watch, she saw she had twenty minutes before breakfast would arrive. While she let the warm water caress her body, she concentrated on Mav and Gage. When would they get there? Had everything gone as planned? A pang of fear shot through her that either one of them could have been killed. No, I’d feel it if something had happened to them. After toweling her body, she wrapped the towel around her hair and walked out of the bathroom naked. Only to be confronted by Mav and Gage who had apparently just entered the room. Their gaze was hot on her body, raking her from head to toe and back again. They looked fine, 89

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh undamaged, though somewhat tired. She felt the blood rush to her face, a warm flush settle over her entire body as their lust-filled eyes drank in the sight of her. “You two reek. You need to shower,” she said awkwardly. “How did it go?” “Fine, as you can see, princess,” Gage said while taking a step toward her. She smelled blood, the strong scent of evil emanating from them. They were covered with it. “Yes, we need to wash our enemies scent from our bodies. Don’t go away.” Mav sent her a wide grin, his gaze resting on her pussy. There was a knock on the door. “Quick, get in the bathroom,” she told them. “I ordered breakfast.” “Just a moment,” she called out, while hastily pulling on her jeans and a sweatshirt before opening the door. The heady aroma of fresh, fried bacon and eggs entered her nostrils and suddenly her stomach growled in answer. She took the tray, thanked the young woman who had delivered it, and closed the door. She heard the tub filling and the shower running. Setting the tray on the small coffee table, she was tempted to dig in, but decided to sit on the side of the bed and wait for the brothers to join her. They didn’t take long. When the bathroom door opened and she looked, Mav came out first, still toweling his hair dry. He was naked and followed by a very naked Gage. She couldn’t help 90

Athena’s Hunger but look at the objects she’d wondered about earlier and saw they were both half-erect. “You’re dressed,” Mav said while he flopped down in one of the two chairs. “I could hardly accept breakfast in the nude now, could I?” She giggled at the thought of the girl’s face if she’d done exactly that. “Where is Jake?” “I don’t know. When I woke up, he was gone.” “He’s probably gone to sniff out the officials we need to approach.” “I still don’t understand it all, though Jake has explained some things.” “You will, princess, tonight at the stroke of midnight, you’ll understand everything,” Gage told her while wolfing down a piece of toast. “Be sure to leave some for Jake. I couldn’t order four plates. That would have made them suspicious,” Athena said. “And what about you?” Mav asked. “You haven’t eaten anything.” “I don’t need much, as you know. I’ll just nibble on a piece of toast.” “There’s plenty for all of us.” Gage cut some of the egg and placed it on a piece of toast with some bacon on top. “Here, eat this. You’re going to need your strength today, and especially tonight.” Athena had to agree there was plenty for all of them. The platters were loaded with four pieces of 91

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh toast each, a lot of bacon, hash browns and three eggs a piece. She couldn’t have eaten all of the food on one platter if she tried. The breakfast was well worth the twenty dollars. The men wolfed down a good portion of the food in no time, leaving sufficient for Jake. Athena had just finished the last bite of her toast when they stood and walked to the bed to join her. They lay on their backs, their cocks now fully engorged. Athena half-turned to admire their bodies. Could she ever have imagined the day before that she’d be here, in this room, with the two most beautiful men on Earth? Two? Three. Jake would return soon, and the thought of what had happened in the early hours of the morning set her on fire. Gage reached out and pulled her down. He tugged at her sweatshirt. “How about joining us, baby,” he murmured as he pulled the shirt over her head, then undid the zipper of her jeans and stripped them off. “That’s better,” Mav said, his tone husky, deep, and he grabbed her other hand and pulled her between them. Gage leaned over her and traced the outline of her lips with his tongue, while Mav’s hands were on her breasts, softly kneading, tweaking her nipples until they felt ready to burst. Gage’s hand stole between her legs, parting them wide, opening her slit up to his ready fingers. Her juices 92

Athena’s Hunger were already flowing. He rubbed them between the folds, between her ass cheeks, until she felt slick and wet. His thumb pressed down on her clit. She moaned and writhed under their hands. Mav sucked her nipples, going from one to the other, pulling them into his mouth so hard that he had a good mouthful of breast as well. Gage forged her lips open with his tongue and flicked in and out of her mouth until she pushed her face hard against his and forced him to kiss her. She felt him suck in his breath as her tongue entered his mouth to explore. His fingers entered her slick vagina, his arm tightened around her shoulders. She bucked her hips to meet the gentle thrusts of one finger, two fingers, then three. At the same time, while he pulled a nipple and breast deep into his mouth, Mav thrust a finger into her back entrance. Oh, to have the two of them make love to her like this. What will it be like with the three of them? She writhed, moaned and twisted under their hands, their mouths, their tongues, until Mav rolled her on her stomach and made her sit on hands and knees. Gage, his legs spread wide, sat before her, his cockhead hovering near her mouth, his hands on her breasts. Vaguely, she felt the lubrication squirted into her anal passage. Gage pushed his cock carefully into her mouth. He squeezed her breasts hard, then rolled her nipples between forefinger and thumb. 93

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh Mav’s cock sat at the entrance. She’d noticed before that the head was very bulbous, much larger than Jake’s and she stiffened for a moment as he started to enter. She also felt more lubrication drip down her ass cheeks. Carefully, he eased the head into her. Once it was firmly seated, he started to edge the rest of his cock in until he was completely inside her. He stopped for a moment. Gage pushed his cock deeper into her mouth and started to move back and forth. She sucked automatically, ran her tongue over and around the tip, played with the hole, until he pushed in so deep, she almost choked. “Relax, baby, relax your throat,” he whispered. His voice seemed to come from far away and she gave in to the fire within, allowed it to consume her, to rule her actions. Mav started to move inside her anal passage with long steady strokes. He squeezed her buttocks with one hand while his other hand was underneath his cock, playing with her clit and rubbing the folds that were still tender from Jake’s ministrations. His fingers entered her, his thumb pressing down hard on her clit, and she thought she’d burst for sure. The movement of his cock and his fingers was so excruciatingly arousing, that if they didn’t do something more, she’d burst into flames for sure. She came, time and again. They brought her to 94

Athena’s Hunger a peak so many times, surely there was no come left inside her. And then they changed places. For a moment, she felt empty while they switched, but it didn’t take very long. Vaguely she noticed Mav remove a condom from his cock. She hadn’t even noticed him put one on. They sure had come prepared. Mav’s bulbous head almost filled her mouth completely. Her lips barely fitted around it. She flicked her tongue around the head, tasting the minty aftertaste of the condom. Gage’s cock, thick and longer than Jake’s, entered her prepared back entrance. Both men breathed heavy, the air around them thick with their scent, their lust, their love. She felt it, breathed it, could feel it enter her heart, her soul. It consumed her. Gage slammed into her. No careful entry this time, the suddenness of his entry made her gasp for a moment, but then she arched her buttocks to meet his thrusts. She sucked hard on Mav’s cock as he moved back and forth within her mouth, tightened her lips around it, wishing she could touch it, but she’d lose her balance. A grunt came from behind her, fingers wildly sought her vagina and entered. She felt Gage’s body start to shudder, Mav’s followed suit. Just as Gage thrust one final time and shot his seed into her, Mav’s come shot into the back of her throat. She almost gagged, but then allowed it to trickle down her throat, to savor the taste. Both stayed quietly within her mouth 95

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh and her back entrance for a minute before pulling out. They lay on either side of her, Gage’s arm around her shoulders, Mav’s head resting on her chest while his hand played with her breast. “I love you,” she whispered, the taste of Mav’s come still on her lips. “I love you both. I love the three of you.” “I adore you,” Gage said, his face close to hers. “And I no less,” Mav whispered as he looked down at her and placed a tender kiss on her lips. “Tonight is the night, my love,” Gage said. They rolled closer to her and sandwiched her between their bodies. She’d never felt so safe and secure, and protected, in her entire life. “I see you’ve made yourselves at home,” Jake said as he walked into the room. They hadn’t heard the door. A little startled, Athena looked up into Jake’s grinning face. Another jolt of desire shot through her body. Now she could have all three of them. “No time for that, my princess. Today, we have work to do. We need to find out about your roots, meet with the Pride Alpha of Graton and their security force. Perhaps find out if you have any family here. After tonight will be our night of final mating, of coming together as a family,” Jake said. “We are meeting with them at noon.” “Were they suspicious of you at all?” Mav 96

Athena’s Hunger asked. “At first. In no time, I had a shotgun pointed at me. Thankfully, they asked questions first, before pulling the trigger.” “Then we’d better get ready, although I think another quickie bath is in order,” Gage said, and slapped Athena playfully on her buttocks.

97

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Chapter Seven

TAthena brushed her hair, then braided it. She

hankful for the hair dryer in the motel room,

gazed at the reflection in the mirror. The young woman staring back at her looked completely different from the Athena she’d been a day before. The Athena in the mirror was someone else. Her eyes were alive, sparkling, filled with life and laughter. A rosy glow covered that young woman’s face. “Come on, princess. You’re beautiful,” Jake called out to her from the door. “We’ll leave first. Mav and Gage will sneak out after us. We need to keep the motel owner occupied so she doesn’t know there were three men in here. We don’t need the whole town alerted and a posse after us before we have a chance to talk to the council.” “We’ll go and ask directions,” Athena suggested. “Good thought. Let’s go then,” Jake said. 98

Athena’s Hunger They hurried to the little office. The woman still had her head in rollers and looked like she’d just rolled out of bed. She was sitting in a recliner near the back of the office when they walked in. “Did you sleep well?” she asked as she approached the desk. “Yes, thank you.” “Breakfast good?” “Fantastic. We’d like to ask you for some directions if you have a moment?” Athena asked. Though she looked somewhat simple, the woman had very sharp grey eyes and a gaze that bore right through them. Was it her imagination, or did Athena see the woman sniff a few times. Was there a suspicious expression in those eyes? Suddenly, she herself scented something. It was familiar, a scent she should know, yet she couldn’t place it. “Directions to what?” “The council chambers,” Jake answered. “What business do you have there?” “Eh, that’s kind of private. We have an appointment with someone there.” “I see. Well, it’s not hard to find. This is such a small town, all the stores, church and council building are on the main drag.” “Your motel is very comfortable,” Athena told the woman. “I’m glad you like it. I still feel I know you from 99

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh somewhere,” the woman said. “My name is Grace Verdoren. Does that ring a bell at all?” “No, I’m sorry,” Athena said. “I don’t think we’ve ever met.” Once again, the woman eyed Jake and her suspiciously and Athena felt a strange probing of her mind, something she’d never experienced outside of the brothers entering her mind just recently. She blocked her thoughts, or tried to. “Well, we’ll get going then. Have a nice day.” Hand in hand, they started their walk to the township of Graton. It wasn’t far and as Grace had told them, the main street was maybe a fiveminute walk from beginning to end. The council building was a brick building right between a grocery store and a bookstore. Athena glanced behind her to see if Mav and Gage were on their way, but there was no sign of them yet. “Did you warn whoever you spoke to that Mav and Gage are with us?” “Yes, I did, but the people of this town are on the alert for wolves all the time so I guess they’re being very careful. I think the motel owner may have sniffed me out. I hope she doesn’t send out a full-blown alarm before the Pride Alpha has a chance to warn people that we’re okay. Maybe there’s another way to get to town and Mav and Gage found it.” “I hope they get here soon. We need to be 100

Athena’s Hunger together when we face the elders.” “They will. Don’t worry.” They had entered the lobby of the building. A gray-haired man, the concierge, sat behind an oak desk. “Can I help you?” he asked, also eyeing them suspiciously, and once again, Athena was sure she saw his nostrils move as he sniffed. “We have an appointment with Dalton Sanders,” Jake told him. “I met with Mr. Sanders earlier and he asked us to be here at noon. My two brothers will join us shortly.” Just as he’d spoken, a voice sounded behind them. “We’re here,” Gage said. Suddenly the concierge stiffened and stood. His nostrils now flared as he sniffed openly. He reached beneath the desk in a flash and produced a shotgun. “You’re lying!” Pointing the gun, he aimed it directly at Jake’s head, finger ready to pull the trigger. “John, it’s okay. Put that gun away!” A stately older man came hurrying into the lobby. “Lord, I just got here in time. I’m sorry, I should have warned John. It’s my fault. John, they’re wolves, but they’re okay. Don’t worry.” John was still a little hesitant, the gun now loosely held, but still in his hands. “Put that gun away, for Christ sake before you hurt someone!” Reluctantly, John hid the gun somewhere 101

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh beneath the desk and sat. Still eyeing them with suspicion, his face a mask of hatred, he scowled. “Whatever you say, boss.” “See what I mean,” Jake whispered to Athena. “Yes. How will they ever accept the three of you?” “They will.” “Please follow me to my office,” Dalton said. “The council members await us there.” Dalton seemed like a kindly man. He had twinkling blue eyes that had scrutinized Athena for a moment and seemed to pierce right through her, but she felt nothing except peace emanate from this man and didn’t mind his probing. They followed him into a large chamber. A huge oval table sat in the middle of it. The aroma of coffee greeted them as they approached the table and Athena saw two coffee pots at either end of the table and cups before each member already seated. There were quite a few empty chairs. Gage pulled one out for her. He sat on one side of her and Mav and Jake on the other side. They faced ten council members plus Dalton who introduced himself as the Pride Alpha. Four of them were women. Athena studied each face and found no animosity in any of their expressions or eyes. Apparently, Dalton had prepared them. “Please introduce yourselves,” Dalton told 102

Athena’s Hunger them, “and tell my council members what you told me this morning.” They introduced themselves and waited while each council member did their introduction. Then Jake stood and told them why they had come to Graton. “So Athena was originally kidnapped from Wolverine Creek?” Dalton asked. “Yes. She was. We feel she originates from this town, that she may have family here.” “It’s possible. She reminds me very strongly of a young woman who lives here. Her name is Serena. She lost her parents during a town picnic when a wolf pack invaded our territory and killed many, including her parents. Serena was adopted by one of our prominent town members.” One of the female council members spoke. “And you want to settle in Graton and help us fight the evil among us and among your kind?” “We’re hoping you’ll allow it,” Mav said. “The inhabitants of Drummond are extremely corrupted by black magick and we’re just three against many. At the same time, we hope to find Athena’s roots, where she came from.” One of the much older women said, “I don’t recall a child by the name of Athena who went missing during the wolf raid. I was there. It was horrifying and recall it as if it happened yesterday. Many of our young ones went missing. But you’re 103

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh right, Dalton, she does have a striking resemblance to Serena. Serena did have a younger sister who was missing after the raid. Is it possible that Athena—” “That I’m that little sister? Oh, to have a sister, someone that close…I can’t even begin to imagine what that would be like,” Athena interrupted her. “I’ve always known I was adopted. A foundling. I never felt the love I so longed for during my years with the Williams family, except from my three brothers here. Well, not really my brothers, but we all grew up together.” “My two younger brothers are tainted. My parents are tainted and evil,” Gage told the council. “They embraced the black magick. They’re hot on our trail. We’ve brought danger to your community.” “A danger we can handle if warned in time, and I thank you for that. We can prepare a strategy.” “Athena will experience her first change tonight at midnight,” Jake said. “We also need to tell you that we are her mates. She has accepted us and we’ll never leave her side.” All focused on Athena who shifted uncomfortably in her chair. Dalton finally spoke. “Do you know?” “I know that I’m different, that there is a huge change going on within my body. No, I don’t 104

Athena’s Hunger know everything. I haven’t been told.” “She needs to be told before the change,” Dalton spoke sternly to Jake. “Yes, but we hoped you could help us with that, or a family member if she has one. She’s seen us change.” “You told me I’m not like you,” Athena said accusingly. “And you’re not, young lady. You’re one of us,” Dalton told her. “If you’re not wolves, what are you?” “First, I think we need to find out if you are indeed related to Serena. If so, it’s her duty to tell you about yourself.” Serena…somehow, the name had a familiar ring to it. “Where can I find her? Where does she live?” “We’ll give you directions. One of your mates can escort you there while the rest of us discuss a strategy to ward off the imminent pack attack.” “It’s unheard of, one of us with three wolves as mates?” one of the older women said. “They might be good wolves, as they told us, but remember, the wolf who claimed to be our friend and business associate for years and years? How he betrayed us all?” “I haven’t forgotten. None of us have. But Jake told me this morning his brothers destroyed their two younger brothers because of their evil 105

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh intentions against Athena, and that he would also destroy his own parents if need be. I think that’s evidence enough that these are truly good wolves,” Dalton answered. “Henry, can you give Athena directions to the Turner mansion?”

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Chapter Eight

I

t was Jake who went with her to the house on the hill. Athena’s heart thudded hard against her ribs as they climbed the path, and not from exertion, but from anticipation and hope that she’d find family, a sister. The little blonde girl who had appeared fleetingly in her mind, was that Serena? Would she know when they met? Was anyone even at home? Surely they all worked? Dalton probably knew what he was doing, she decided. “It’s beautiful.” She stopped and gasped at the sprawling mansion that loomed before them. “It is. It also has secured gates,” Jake said as he pushed a button beneath an intercom. The female voice that answered didn’t cause any sensations within Athena. “We were told to come here by Dalton,” Jake said into the intercom. “We’re here to see Serena Turner. My name is Jake Williams.” 107

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh “Come in please.” The gates opened automatically. Athena glanced around the grounds, noticed the high brick wall that surrounded the property with barbed wire and glass on top. She wouldn’t be surprised if the wire was electrically charged as well to keep out unsavory characters. A cold shiver ran down her spine. She didn’t know if it was from the chilly air or from nerves and anticipation. “Don’t hope too much, my love. If she’s not related, the let down will be easier on you.” “I know, but I can’t help it. I feel such a weird sense of homecoming, as if I belong here in this town, as if I’ve always belonged here.” Several dogs came running from around the corner of the mansion, barking, one of them growled at Jake. A female voice called from the top of the steps, “Buster, settle down. They’re friends.” The voice was familiar. It was almost as if Athena herself had spoken. Athena looked up and froze in shock. It was like looking at an older version of herself. The young woman who came down the steps toward them had the same coloring, the same blue eyes and long blonde hair that cascaded in waves down her back and covered her shoulders. Athena saw the resemblance immediately and knew why Grace at the motel had thought they’d met before. Her skin 108

Athena’s Hunger prickled, blood surged through her veins like a churning river. She sensed it before either of them spoke. This was Serena. This was her sister. She knew it and Serena knew it. Athena could tell by looking into her sister’s eyes. Serena moved first, one step, two steps, hesitantly toward Athena. “Jolie,” she whispered, her lips barely moving. “Jolene…” The name sounded familiar to Athena, somewhere deep in the inner recesses of her mind, that name had stuck and it now resurfaced. Serena then ran to her and embraced her, tears soaking her cheeks. “My baby sister, you’re alive. It’s really you,” she said brokenly, almost hugging Athena to death. Athena couldn’t talk. She was too choked up. The feelings that coursed through her were so strong, so intense, they overwhelmed everything. She pulled away a little, then lifted her arms and placed both hands on either side of Serena’s face. “You-you-you’re my sis-sister,” she managed to get out. “I r-r-remember…” Serena hugged her again and held on to Athena as if she’d never let go. Through tear-filled eyes, she looked at Jake over Athena’s shoulder. “Thank you. There are no words to tell you what I feel right now or how to express my gratitude. Thank you for bringing her to me. But how…I thought… After I remembered her and we could find no 109

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh trace of her, I thought she had perished on that awful day.” “There is a lot to tell. My brothers will join us shortly when they’re finished discussing strategy with the council members.” “You’re wolves.” “Yes, we are. But we’re on your side. Notwithstanding the fact that your sister is our mate.” Athena broke loose from Serena’s embrace and turned to face Jake. “It’s true, sister. They are my mates.” “Impossible,” Serena said. “Wolves and cats can’t mate.” “Not in our shifter form, but as humans we can,” Jake told her. “It’s unheard of.” “In Drummond, quite a few wolves have mated with cats. Not by their choice, mind you.” Athena let out a small gasp. “A cat? I can shift into a cat?” “And a beautiful one at that, little sister. Come inside and I’ll explain everything to you. We have a lot to talk about, a ton of catching up to do.” “Serena, we haven’t got a whole lot of time. Lengthy talk and explanations will have to come later. It won’t be long and the pack will attack Graton and its inhabitants. They’re after Athena and they won’t let anything or anyone stand in 110

Athena’s Hunger their way.” “So that’s what your brothers are discussing with the council.” “Yes, they’re conjuring up a plan of defense as we speak.” Serena hooked her arm through her sister’s and led them into the house. Athena gasped at the beautiful entrance hall, the chandeliers that sparkled, the gorgeous paintings on the walls, porcelain vases at least four feet tall, obviously imported from China, with tall willow branches in them, stood scattered here and there. The soothing ticking of a tall grandfather clock resounded through the hall. A wide staircase was at the end of the hall and several ornately carved oak doors stood ajar. Serena opened one of them and led them into a cozy room, a room that looked lived in with its deep comfortable velvety armchairs and a large sofa. The fireplace had a cozy fire going in it, its flames sending warmth toward them, the logs crackled a welcoming sound. On a large oak coffee table lay some books and several balls of wool, baby wool. “You knit?” Athena asked her sister who had pulled her down on the couch and sat very close to her. “Yes. I’m knitting a baby sweater.” Athena saw the delightful blush color her 111

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh sister’s cheeks. “You’re expecting? Boy, I haven’t only acquired a sister, but I’m going to be an aunt as well!” She hugged Serena again. “I can’t wait. When?” “Seven months. But now I need to tell you who you are.” “Serena, our parents?” “Perished that awful day, along with many others.” “Did we have any other siblings?” “From what the townsfolk have told me, no. There were just the two of us. There’s much I can’t remember yet. Bits and pieces have come back to me. I finally remembered you and we tried to find you, but came up blank everywhere. I’d almost given up hope that you were alive. When I shifted for the first time is when some of my memory returned and I started to remember you. We were so little when it all happened.” Athena moved over a little so she could face Serena. “I’ve gathered by now that I’m a shifter, a cat shifter like you. What kind of cat?” “A beautiful white tiger. It’s your birthday tomorrow. Midnight tonight, you’ll shift for the first time, just like I did on my twenty-fifth birthday.” “Will it hurt?” “It’ll be uncomfortable the first few times, but after that you get used to it and it’ll become 112

Athena’s Hunger completely natural to you.” A buzzer sounded. “That’ll probably be your brothers,” she told Jake. “The butler will let them in. I’ve already sent him a message they’re to be trusted. What are their names?” “Maverick, Mav for short, and Gage.” “The servants are also shifters? You can communicate with them telepathically?” Athena asked. “Yes, it comes in very handy. You’ll be able to as well by tomorrow. Jake, I’ve been quite rude, but please understand. I’m so overwhelmed at Athena’s return that—” “It’s okay. I understand.” “Tell me how you know Athena and knew she belonged here?” “I was adopted when I was small, Serena, by Jake and his brothers’ parents.” Jake stopped her from saying more. “Adopted? She was abducted. My parents were part of the raid at Wolverine Creek that fateful day. My brothers and I found out about it much later and we’ve protected Athena ever since. Once she hit puberty, we sensed the cat in her and we knew she’d try and escape. We also knew we had to get her away to safety and to her own kind before her twenty-fifth birthday. Somehow we knew that Graton was where she’d find her answers.” The door opened by an older man and Mav and 113

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh Gage entered. The door closed softly behind them. Athena stood and ran to hug them. “Serena, meet Mav and Gage, my other two mates.” A servant brought them coffee and a platter of delicious pastries, but Athena could hardly eat. Her emotions were in turmoil. There was so much to absorb, to talk about. She and Serena kept interrupting one another with the brothers every now and then putting in their bit, until Mav finally spoke up. “I hate to interrupt this reunion, but we need to go and meet with the others. I can sense the pack very close to Graton. We have to be ready for them.” The door burst open and the three Turner brothers almost tumbled into the room. “Serena, the council summoned us and told us about your sister, but the two of you are in grave danger. We already met Mav and Gage and they sensed that the pack knew of Serena’s existence all along and are after you as well now. You need to go down to the safe room right now. We need to go meet the others immediately.” Serena jumped up. “I want to go, too. I’m just as strong as you three!” “Like hell you will. Remember what you’re carrying under your heart. No fucking way will you endanger the little one. Wolves love to tear out a woman’s womb and unborn infant. And they’ll sense it. Now you and your sister get 114

Athena’s Hunger yourselves downstairs immediately. We can’t be in this fight with the knowledge that you two are unprotected.” Serena pouted, but didn’t protest. “Come on, Athena, we can talk more down there. These men are my three mates. Proper introductions can come later.” Athena hugged each of the Williams brothers and kissed them. “Please be safe? Don’t take any unnecessary risks?” “They won’t be alone, little sister. When tiger and wolf band together, they make a mighty powerful force.” Serena in turn hugged and kissed her mates. “Come. We don’t need the pack to pick up our scent and we’re on the edge of town, so the closer they get, the more dangerous it’ll become.” “They can’t pick up our scent downstairs?” “Not in the safe room,” Serena said, opening a door and leading Athena down a cement stairwell. She turned on a dim light, illuminating a cellar stuffed with furniture and other storage items. At the far end of the cellar was a brick wall. In its center, a steel door. Serena opened the door and flicked a switch to turn on the light, then turned around, closed the door, and turned a wheel, almost like the wheel on a bank’s safe. The room wasn’t big, perhaps eight by ten feet or so. There were a few chairs, a couch and a table with some magazines on it. “Make yourself comfortable. 115

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh We’ll be here for a few hours,” Serena said as she sank down into the soft cushions of the couch. “I can’t sense my mates anymore,” Athena said wistfully. “Or hear their thoughts.” “No. This room was built especially to stop that. The ceiling, floor and walls are all made from solid steel and about a foot thick. Nothing can penetrate it. The pack can ransack the house and never find us.” “If they see the steel door—” “They won’t. When I turned the wheel, a brick panel automatically slid into place to match the rest of the brick wall.” “Wow!” “The Turner brothers are quite ingenious,” Serena said proudly. “And now we sit here and worry that they’ll come back to us in one piece, your Turner brothers and my Williams brothers.” “Yes, that’s always a worry when there is an attack. But so far, my men have come out unscathed. They’re young and strong. The cats in them are very strong and powerful.” “As are the wolves in my men. I’ve heard them in action. They defeated their two evil brothers who almost caught me when I escaped.”

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Chapter Nine

“H

ow many do you think?” Damen asked as the six men approached the edge of the forest to meet up with the others. “I sense at least fifty or so, give or take a few,” Mav answered. “Wow. I hope the council was able to gather enough Gratons.” “All cats?” “I don’t know. The few humans who live here have helped us in the past, but they’re all getting on in years. There are only a few wolves left in Graton.” “I hear them,” Jake said. “Blank your minds.” “I hear them, too. They’re not far,” his brothers both said. “How many people live in Drummond?” Mav asked. “About seventeen hundred. They’re all wolf.” “And how many of them are tainted?” 117

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh “More than half the population.” “So this won’t be the end of it,” Brady muttered. “It’d be nice if we could all live in peace once and for all.” “Yes, to live without the fear of attack would be a welcome change,” Asher, who had been very quiet, said. “How many any other wolves are in Graton?” Gage asked. “Some, but not many. I don’t know if they’ll join us in this fight,” Damen answered. They came to the spot where the others already awaited them. The group didn’t seem that big. “This is it? Is everyone who volunteered accounted for?” Ash asked. “Yes. We total forty-two.” Dalton stepped forward. “According to Mav, they’re at least fifty strong, if not more.” “We’ll be fine. No humans to worry about and the wolves didn’t answer our call. Even though they’re on our side, I think they’re afraid they’ll kill family members. Most of our strongest cats stepped forward. We all want to end this stupid war.” “As long as there is evil in Drummond, it won’t end,” Mav told him. “Unless we attack the town and then how do we know which wolf is tainted and which one is not. Many of them don’t even 118

Athena’s Hunger realize it themselves, or don’t realize that some of their family is tainted.” The thought of killing half of the Drummond population turned Jake’s stomach. “He’s right. The only way to fight them is to wait for attacks. I grew up in Drummond and I don’t know who’s good and who’s tainted. We sensed it in some, but after all, seventeen hundred people doesn’t sound like a lot, but we didn’t know or had contact with everyone. In an all out attack on the town, we wouldn’t have time to stop and sense good or evil.” “Lower your voices. Make sure, brothers, your minds are blank. I’m sensing them very close now,” Gage said. “Take your positions,” Dalton said softly, “and pass it down to the others. One by one, they took off their clothes, bundled them and placed them at the bottom of tree trunks. They started to shift. Within a short time, white tigers and silver grey wolves stealthily entered the woods. Mav, behind you! Mav swung around too quickly scoot sideways as a large grey wolf, lips drawn back in an evil snarl, leapt at him. There was no time to think. The fight had begun. Tiger against wolf, wolf against wolf. Howls met snarls as the combatants engaged. Entrails flew, blood stained the mossy 119

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh ground. Animal screams rent the air as the psychic plane was torn apart with the waves of hate and fury that emanated from both sides. Once, one of the tigers nudged a big white tiger away from Mav. In the turmoil of the fight, the tigers had difficulty sensing good from bad, distinguishing the three Williams brothers from the attackers. The Williams brothers made sure after that to stay near the scent of the Turners, the few tigers who would recognize them. The melee raged, meeting, separating and then surging again. The brothers stood panting as a tiger ripped open a wolf’s throat, then stepped back. Suddenly it was quiet. The only sounds were the heavy breathing of the ones left behind, the survivors. Jake, his tongue protruding, breathing heavy, stared at the carnage. He smelled death, the sickly stench of blood. He waited, they all waited, but they had won. Slowly, the slain wolves changed back to their human form. When the death shifting ceased and the living met each other’s gazes, they sighed in exhaustion and set about righting themselves. Dalton changed first. Naked, he waited until they had all changed, then faced the Graton group. “We’ve won this battle. How many did we lose?” 120

Athena’s Hunger “None,” Ash said. “Good. Would you three check the bodies and see who they all were and how many?” Dalton asked the Williams men. Jake nodded. C’mon brothers. Not a pretty task, but we’d best do it. We may not know all of them though. The three walked among the bodies. Jake’s stomach churned. Though they were strong wolves, they weren’t born killers and many of the males were young men he’d gone to school with, they’d all gone to school with. He recognized some of the older men and a few women, one of them his mother. He couldn’t help but feel pain. She had given birth to them, raised them. She was the only mother they ever had and would have, no matter how evil his parents were. He was sure he’d find their father among the dead as well. Maybe now that our parents are gone the killing will stop, Mav said. I doubt it, Gage answered. And here is our father, Jake said. They stood for a moment to look at the tall man, his guts torn out, his throat mangled. This was the man who had raised them. They could never get to the truth now, how the three of them were good and their two younger brothers were tainted. I suspect they accepted the black magick after we were born, Gage said. This here is but the remains of 121

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh our father, an empty shell of someone who was once a good man. When he turned from his family and embraced darkness, it was his choice. I feel nothing for what lies here before us, just like I felt nothing when I gazed upon the empty shell of the woman who called herself our mother. I mourned their death long ago. Mav and Jake nodded in agreement, though their memory of their parents during those early years was limited. They turned away from the body, then joined Dalton and the others who had already dressed. Quickly, the Williams men put their clothes back on. “Did you recognize any of them?” Dalton asked. “Yes. Our parents were among them and we knew many of the others. There were females as well,” Jake told him. “I don’t sense that any escaped this massacre. We did a headcount of fifty-three. This might not be the last of the attacks, but at least the main instigators are gone who were after Athena.” Dalton nodded. “We have work to do. Men, go and get the shovels.” It was hard brutal work, but no trace of today’s events should be left above ground. It would summon the forces that had tainted the town to this quiet grove. After the last body was buried, Dalton thanked Mav, Gage and Jake for helping them. “I hope 122

Athena’s Hunger you’ll make your home here now,” he said. “We welcome any wolf who fights by our side to rid these towns of evil.” “It’s up to Athena. I suspect she’ll want to be near her sister,” Mav said. “Yes. Wherever Athena goes. We’ll follow her to the end of the Earth,” Jake added. Gage was busy strapping on his watch. “Talking about Athena, we need to get back. It’s forty minutes to midnight.” Mav shook Dalton’s hand. “I’m sorry we brought this upon Graton.” “Today’s events were set in motion the day of the massacre. Athena is one of us. It would have happened if you’d not been involved. Now go. Tonight is important for Athena.”

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Chapter Ten

A

thena shifted restlessly on the couch. She looked at her watch. “It’s getting close to midnight. I’m worried.” Serena put an arm around her sister’s shoulders. “Not to worry. They’ll come home soon. They have to bury the dead first.” A buzzer rang. Serena jumped up and ran to the door to turn the wheel. “They can’t come in here unless we open the door from the inside,” she explained to Athena who had jumped up as well and waited eagerly to see who came through the now open door. All six men trooped in, their clothes stained with dirt and blood. Athena threw herself into the arms of Mav who stood the closest, then reached out to Jake and Gage and drew them near. “Are you okay? There’s blood all over your clothes. Are you hurt?” “Honey, we’re fine. Dragging bloody bodies 124

Athena’s Hunger around does stain one’s clothing,” Jake said as he kissed her on the cheek. “We need to get cleaned up.” “You can borrow some of our clothing,” Damen offered. “Come, I’ll show you where the bathrooms are.” “We need to hurry. At midnight—” “Yes, we know. Athena’s first change. So get going!” The men left the safe room. Serena turned to Athena. “We’ll go upstairs as well to wait for them. I’ll open a bottle of wine in celebration of the victory. Of course mine will be grape juice.” She grinned as she closed the steel door. “You won’t believe how relieved I am that they’re home in one piece,” Athena said as they settled on the sofa, she with a glass of ruby red wine and Serena with a glass of grape juice. “And me.” “You seemed so calm while we were waiting, Serena.” “Outwardly. We did get to talk a lot though. I’m so happy you’re back, little sister.” “And me.” “Will you come and live with us? I haven’t talked to my men about it yet, but this mansion is huge and I want to spend every free minute I have with you.” Serena said, looking expectantly at 125

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh Athena. “I’d love to, but like you, I’d have to talk to my mates. You know, the name Jolene is something I’d have to get used to. I’ve been Athena for so long now, think I can keep it?” Serena smiled. “I like the name. Why not?” “Why not what?” Gage asked as the men entered the room. “Athena. I’d like to keep using that name, rather than Jolene.” “Fine with me. We’ve always known you as Athena. It would be hard to get used to a different name.” Brady poured a glass of wine for all of them and held his glass up. “Here’s a toast to our victory. May there be many more in the future.” “Ash, Brady, Damen, what would you think about the Williams men and Athena coming to live with us here? The house is way too big for us anyway, and—” “You’ve read our thoughts, my darling. Yes, we agree,” Brady said and Damen nodded his agreement. Athena looked at each of the Williams men who all nodded. “If that’s what Athena wants, it’s fine with us,” Mav said. “It’s three minutes to midnight,” Serena pointed out while placing her wine glass on the table. “We’d best go outside to do this. 126

Athena’s Hunger “I’m nervous. I’ve got no idea what to expect.” “We’ll all change as well. Don’t worry, we’re with you every step of the way,” Mav told her with a reassuring nod. Once they were outside on the lawns of the huge front gardens, Serena said, “Athena, honey, you need to take your clothes off.” “Here? In front of everyone?” “Don’t worry. We will as well.” Serena promptly stripped. The moon peeked from behind a cloud, illuminating the six men and the two women. Mav, Gage and Jake were now naked as well. Athena couldn’t help but admire their strong bodies and her eyes were drawn to their cocks, half-erect in anticipation of the coming change. Something stirred within her as she took her own clothes off and straightened. She felt Mav’s, Gage’s and Jake’s eyes on her naked body as she waited. Serena held her hand, which comforted her somewhat. Her skin prickled. The fine hair on her arms stood straight as if static electricity ran over her body. She felt her skin pucker, bump, stretch. It hurt, but it was bearable. White silky hair started to cover her arms, her chest. Her muscles stretched and that hurt like hell. Her body itched as the tiger hair grew. She pulled her hand loose from Serena’s and held them up. They were turning 127

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh into claws. She felt her face contort, her body hunched until she stood on all fours. The pain slowly subsided, the itchiness left her and she could let out her breath that she’d been holding. Glancing around, she saw four beautiful white tigers watching her. A final pop, a final grinding, and she was feline, she was a cat, just like them. Her heart somersaulted. She had come home. Brady, Ash, Serena and Damen started to frolic and within seconds, she was right in the midst of them, playing as if they were mere kittens. Several times a paw smacked her on the side of the head, but it didn’t hurt. She felt exhilarated, released, she felt big and strong and powerful. For a moment, she’d almost forgotten about her mates, but then she remembered and loped toward them. She sauntered over to them and rubbed against their legs. Their hands petted her, stroked her, their fingers scratching behind her feline ears, under her chin. She licked their fingers. Until they too, stripped off their clothing and stood naked. Their cocks jutted out from their bodies. This whole scene had obviously turned them on like nothing before. They changed for her into the beautiful silver wolves they were and joined the four tigers in their play. Then all eight ran out of the gates that magically opened for them and toward the forest. Athena had never felt so free. This was life. This 128

Athena’s Hunger was her destiny. This was their destiny. The only regret that briefly clouded her mind was that she could never mate with her mates in this form. They played and frolicked till almost dawn. Amidst the play, Athena watched as Serena mated with her three lovers, each taking their turn, and a pang of jealousy went through her. What would it be like to have sex as a tiger? She’d never know. To ward off the jealous attack, she played with her wolves, nibbled at them, bit them playfully, then discovered that she could do something for them. She licked their wolf genitals one by one, helping them to come that way, and when the tiger in her was done, they licked her until she came. It was the only way they could ever show any kind of sexual affection while shifted. When the sun started to peek over the horizon, Serena was the first one to head back to the house. They all followed and once back in the safety net of the front gardens, changed back, one by one. Athena had a few problems changing back, until Serena told her to concentrate hard on her human body. The change back hurt as well, but she recalled Serena told her that it wouldn’t take long and she wouldn’t feel the pain anymore and it would all come naturally. The first rays of the wintery morning sun stroked her naked body. She felt like stretching out, reaching to the sky, shouting out her joy at 129

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh her newfound happiness, the new life she was about to begin, a life surrounded by love and laughter. But she still felt shy, especially in the company of Serena’s three men, so she hurriedly dressed. Once dressed, she joined her mates. “That was awesome. I’ve never felt so free in my whole life.” “And you’ll experience it often from now on,” Serena told her. “We often shift to just go and frolick or run free.” And have sex… she thought. “That, too. I’m sorry you couldn’t experience it, but if the Williams men are willing, perhaps they’ll share you.” Athena felt a little shocked. “I don’t know. I mean, I…I’m still a virgin.” “You won’t be after today,” Jake said, chuckling. “As for the sharing when Athena is a cat, not sure about that. But she has a right to a feline mating, just like we have a right to a canine mating when it calls to us. Right now, all I want, and my brothers, is to get this beautiful lady into bed, into our arms where she belongs.”

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Chapter Eleven

Ta big king size four-poster water bed. It had an he room Serena had given them was huge with

adjoining bathroom with a sunken whirlpool tub. Athena didn’t know what she wanted most, to sink into the swirling, bubbling water, or to dive into bed with her three men. She chose the latter. Her libido was working overtime. It was almost as if her first shifting had heightened all senses and she felt like she was breaking out of her skin in her eagerness to have their hands on her, their lips, to experience all three of them at once. “Control the urge, sweet one. We can’t mate with you if you change,” Jake said, a crooked grin twisting his lips and his eyes twinkling. “Now that you know how, you have to learn to curb it. Libido will heighten the urge to shift into your cat.” “Really? How do I control it?” “Hop into bed with us and you’ll soon squash 131

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh the urge naturally,” Mav said while climbing onto the bed. He lay on his back, his erection prominent, throbbing against his abdomen. Athena didn’t need to be told again. She quickly joined Mav and took his cock between her lips eagerly. While she was sucking the precum from the tip, she felt one of them behind her, parting her legs, opening her up to his gaze. She raised her bottom a bit, ready for his assault, but all she got was his fingers. It was Gage. Jake now lay beside Mav, a little lower, so he could reach her breasts. He kneaded them, tweaked her nipples until they were rock hard and aching for someone’s lips. Gage continued to stroke her slit while he spurted lubricant onto her anus, then used his other hand to enter her there. She gasped as his fingers pushed in deep, simultaneously with the fingers of his left hand entering her vagina. He rotated them fast, two fingers, three fingers. They were preparing her and she felt ready to burst. Her heart pounded against her ribcage, resounded in her ears, her head. Her blood coursed through her body. Oh, she wanted them, wanted more, wanted to become totally one with them. Mav moved from beneath her, his cock slipping from her mouth. Swiftly, Jake pulled her and rolled her onto her back. He seated himself on the pillow above her head, then knelt and bent 132

Athena’s Hunger forward until his cock touched her lips. Leaning on both hands, he bent down to take her nipple between his lips and sucked so hard, half her breast disappeared into his hungry mouth. Mav and Gage took their position. Mav twisted her body so that from the waist down she lay sideways, then he pushed her legs up with the left leg much higher than the right, so that her bottom faced them. She felt her vagina stretch open, inviting them in. Her clit throbbed, her vagina pulsed and ached in longing. Again, one of them squirted lubricant into her anal passage and then into her vagina. She could hardly think anymore as the hot carnal desire threatened to overwhelm her. Vaguely, she felt a cock enter her anal canal, then she felt the tip of a cock enter her vagina. They started to move inside her, slowly, carefully. Jake pushed his cock deeper into her mouth and started to move, his teeth nibbling her nipples, sucking alternately, and nibbling again. His cock slid deeper, touched the back of her throat. She sucked hard, drew him in a little more, relaxed her throat and felt him slide down farther and farther. She didn’t know whose cock was inside her vagina, but suddenly he stopped and so did the other. She tried to squirm a little to urge them to keep going and vaguely realized they were ready to break the hymen, but it didn’t really 133

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh sink in. Not until with one deep thrust and he broke through. A moment of sharp pain, all three men held still now, very still, although Jake continued to suck her nipples. Then their cocks started to glide carefully, the lubrication softening this initiation into full-blown sex. Jake moved in and out of her mouth. She was ready to burst, ready to come. She felt Jake’s shudder, heard his low growl and knew he was ready to be milked. Sucking as hard as she could, he pushed down one final time and shot his come into her throat. She swallowed automatically, feeling his cock go flaccid in her mouth. Licking the head clean, she let go. Jake moved to the side of her, then and covered her lips with his own, his tongue seeking, exploring. She had to come, she couldn’t hold it any longer. Tearing her lips away from Jake’s, she screamed, “I’m ready! I’m coming! Oh my God! Oh my God!” In answer, with a loud howl, Gage came. She felt him pull his cock out of her and only Mav was left inside her now. Gage and Jake each held a leg, pulled them as wide apart as they could and then pulled her legs toward her shoulders. It opened her up so wide for Mav that she felt she’d split, but at the same time it allowed him to drive deeper into her. She could feel his cock swell inside her, felt his body shudder, then unbelievably, she needed to come again, to come 134

Athena’s Hunger with him, as one. “Yes, oh yes. Please, again…” He pulled out one last time and as he slammed into her, she felt his semen squirt inside her to mix with her own juices. Never before had she imagined it to be like this, not in her most vivid imagination, not in any of the stories she’d read in secret. So this was what it was like to be deflowered and ravished, but to be so ravished by someone she loved with all her heart, and to be deflowered in every secret place all on one day, it was almost unimaginable. Mav stayed inside her just for a little while, then pulled out and somehow they all untangled and lay breathing hard on the bed, their hearts beating as one, their souls united. After a few minutes of getting their breath back, the men moved closer to her. Jake kissed her softly on the cheek while Gage stroked her breasts and nipples. Mav lay his head on her belly and stroked the now very tender cleft. “Are you okay?” Jake asked. “I’m more than okay. I’m just warming up for more of the same,” she said and giggled. “Do you know how much I love you?” Gage murmured against her lips. Mav turned his head around briefly. “How much we all love you?” “Not as much as I love the three of you, I’m sure.” It came out almost in a whisper. 135

Gabriella Bradley and Bonnie Rose Leigh Jake leaned on his elbow and gazed into her eyes. “This is a love that will surpass time and space, into eternity.” **** Seven months later… Athena sat beside the bed holding Serena’s hand. The time for delivery had come. She felt helpless. All she could do was place cool washcloths on Serena’s forehead and let her squeeze her hand. At the far end of the room the Turner brothers paced. Damen wrung his hands constantly, while Brady kept punching one hand into the other. Serena let out a scream and the three rushed to her side. “If you men don’t step away from the bed and behave, I’m going to have to ask you to leave the room,” the doctor told them. “I’m sure glad most of my patients only choose one mate.” Serena had asked the Williams brothers to be present at the birth, too. They snorted at the Turner brothers’ behavior. “You cats sure don’t have much self-control in a situation like this. No wolf would lose their cool while their mate is delivering,” Jake said. “Yeah? And you’re talking from how much experience?” Serena screamed again. 136

Athena’s Hunger “That’s it, Serena. Time to push. I can see the head. Come on, girl, give it your all,” the doctor told her. “And you three, don’t you dare come any closer!” “Look at them, they’re falling apart at the seams,” Gage quipped. Athena couldn’t hold herself in any longer. “Just wait, Williams brothers. Your turn will come in seven months. Let’s see then how you three keep it all together when I deliver!” Three equally astonished faces paled as their knees buckled and they hit the floor. Athena spared a smirk as the happiness bloomed on their faces just as her niece made her squalling appearance.

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About the Authors Gabriella Bradley lives in beautiful British Columbia, Canada, amidst rugged mountains. She more than often has a grizzly in her backyard searching for food. Other critters that visit on a regular basis are cougars, coyotes, squirrels, raccoons. She has been a writer all of her life, though only ventured into erotic works in 2003. Her hobbies include hiking, gardening, swimming, sewing, embroidery. Favorite movies are old timers like Gone with the Wind, Spartacus etc. Favorite music is Abba. Gabriella can be reached at this email: [email protected] Gabriella’s website is located at: http://www.gabriellabradley.com/ Bonnie Rose Leigh has been enthralled with the written word since childhood. When she ran out of things to read, she created her own stories. Now, she is a multi-published author and lives in a small town in Upstate, New York. She spends most of her time on the computer either writing or visiting with friends. When not busy on the computer, her free time is consumed with reading. It doesn't matter what genre the book is either, though she is partial to romance novels. Her favorite after-hours hobby is sprawling in a chair with a book clutched in her hands and a cup of cocoa sitting nearby. Bonnie would love to hear from each and every one of you. Make sure you subscribe to her monthly newsletter or check out her blog as it will be updated regularly with release dates, excerpts and online appearances. And, as always, feel free to drop her email if you have any questions, concerns or just want to chat, and she'll get back to you as soon as she can. Bonnie's website address is located at: www.mybonnierose.com She can now also be found on MySpace at: www.myspace.com/bonnieroseleigh