Captive Mate

An Ellora’s Cave Romantica Publication

www.ellorascave.com

Captive Mate ISBN # 1-4199-0705-0 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Captive Mate Copyright© 2006 Blair Valentine Edited by Mary Moran. Cover art by Willo. Electronic book Publication: November 2006 This book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the publisher, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.® 1056 Home Avenue, Akron OH 443103502. This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the authors’ imagination and used fictitiously.

Content Advisory: S – ENSUOUS E – ROTIC X - TREME Ellora’s Cave Publishing offers three levels of Romantica™ reading entertainment: S (S-ensuous), E (Erotic), and X (X-treme). The following material contains graphic sexual content meant for mature readers. This story has been rated E–rotic. S-ensuous love scenes are explicit and leave nothing to the imagination. E-rotic love scenes are explicit, leave nothing to the imagination, and are high in volume per the overall word count. E-rated titles might contain material that some readers find objectionable—in other words, almost anything goes, sexually. E-rated titles are the most graphic titles we carry in terms of both sexual language and descriptiveness in these works of literature. X-treme titles differ from E-rated titles only in plot premise and storyline execution. Stories designated with the letter X tend to contain difficult or controversial subject matter not for the faint of heart.

CAPTIVE MATE Blair Valentine

Trademarks Acknowledgement The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction: Animal Planet: Discovery Communications, Inc. Coors: Coors Brewing Company Desperate Housewives: Disney Enterprises, Inc. eBay: eBay, Inc. Energizer: Eveready Battery Company, Inc. Ford: Ford Motor Company Corporation. L.L. Bean: L.L. Bean, Inc. Lycra: Invista North America S.A.R.L. Corporation Luxembourg IMAC: Apple Computer, Inc. Stetson: John B. Stetson Company Taser: Taser International, Inc. Tiffany: Tiffany and Company Corporation Volkswagon: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft Corporation Fed Rep Germany

Captive Mate

Chapter One Alyssa Ryan sat on the enormous featherbed, every muscle locked in flight, fight or fuck syndrome. No use testing the thick steel door. Locked. One didn’t need wolf hearing to notice the sound thunk of the bolt shutting. It would not open except to admit her future mate. It would close again behind him until he had consummated their union. Alyssa began shredding the pretty eggshell bed sheet with her fingernails. Rip, rip, rip. The bed, big as a football field, dominated the pine-paneled room. Oak dressers stood beside the floor-to-ceiling windows. The room had been set-aside for one express purpose—official consummation of the Alpha pair’s mating. Snarls and yips drifted upstairs. Downstairs in the log cabin lodge high in the mountains of northern New Mexico, male werewolves fought for the exclusive privilege of mating with her and assuming leadership. Alyssa’s father, the former pack leader, had died years ago in the vampire wars. His mother, Alyssa’s grandmother Edwina became regent and held power over the rapidly dwindling pack until Alyssa turned twenty-three and a mate fought for the right to mate with her. The males fighting each other for the privilege of bedding her were the Warriors, the ten strongest males trained in Special Ops to fight vampires. No weak-spined wusses would lead the Ryan pack. New blood was needed. The delivery of Alyssa’s first son would usher in a new breed of stronger, warrior males to lead the pack into the future. Like his forefathers, Alyssa’s son would fight the pack’s strongest males when he came of age and proved himself worthy of being Alpha. What a helluva way to celebrate a wedding night. She had opted to go to the movies, but Granny had other ideas. Alyssa dreaded this mating. She’d submerge fully into the waters of her wild wolf nature. Her chosen mate expected her to endure the traditional, vigorous twenty-fourhour sexual marathon. After which she would emerge dutifully pregnant, her mate smugly flashing a conqueror’s smile. She stopped shredding the sheet. A knowing smile touched her mouth. Dear old Granny had no idea Alyssa had taken birth control to prevent conception. Hugging her knees, she studied her bare feet. Tiny tufts of light blonde hair sprang from her slender toes. Her best werewolf trait. Alyssa always walked barefoot, for her hairy toes loaned her confidence among the pack. She mused over the possible winner. If the right wolf won, she could resist him or better yet, fool him into thinking she was normal. Nicolas? Muscled and powerful, he

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liked the single life too much. Probably allowing himself to be beaten in the second round. Lawrence was fierce but lacked stamina. Marcus. Oh dear. Any male but Marcus. She’d rather have that slimy furball Rex over Marcus. Rex always scratched himself. Alyssa wanted to tell him to either use dandruff shampoo or get a flea collar. Marcus, a muscled werewolf in his early thirties, was dangerous. A highly sexual male in his prime, he never hesitated to take advantage of the eager offerings of widowed pack females. They chased him despite being a lowly Omega. Rumor said what Marcus lacked in social status he more than made up for in bed. And his considerable size. Females nicknamed him the Energizer. He kept going and going and going…and coming and coming and coming. He had prowled the edges of pack life, shunned and teased and ignored by the other males all his life. Marcus had steadfastly ignored the slights, lavishing attention on the cattle ranch his father had left him. When Granny appointed him as Alyssa’s bodyguard he gained a slight social status. She’d known him since childhood when he’d walk her home from school. Marcus would stalk beside her, his tall frame tensed for action, eyes ever searching for vampires to spring out of the woods at dusk. She always liked joking with him, for though his smile was rare, it lit up his entire face. Now that Alyssa could both Change and breed, Marcus had eyed her differently. The raw possessiveness in his eyes scared her. He looked at her as if he saw her naked. His and his alone. She too looked at him differently. The broadness of his shoulders, the powerful muscled body that fought to protect her, took on a new meaning. He would bond with her physically, imprinting his memory on her forever. She could not escape the power of his ruthless sensuality. No matter how far she fled, the memory of Marcus being her first would remain. Alyssa wrapped her arms about herself and shivered. Fear…or something deeper, more primal? She didn’t dare examine it further, lest she find the truth. The slow click of the bolt opening drew her attention to the door. Alyssa ran toward it tensing. The door opened. Marcus stood on the threshold silently regarding her. He stepped inside. His gaze focused on her and did not take in the small piece of brick Alyssa shoved in the jam. A metallic thunk sounded as the door shut behind him. But did not close entirely. Alyssa backed away toward the bed. Her body tightened in anticipation even as her mind rebelled. He was a massive male, standing a good six feet three inches. Broad shoulders stretched as wide as the 6

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doorway. His body was heavily muscled. Steely dark brown eyes locked with hers. His full, sensual mouth was unsmiling. A small bruise darkened one cheek. Assorted other bruises and scrapes dented his thick arms. Her gaze dropped to the faded denim jeans he always wore. They hugged his muscular thighs. Alyssa’s breath caught in her lungs at the massive bulge at the crotch. Ready for her. Moisture pooled between her clenched thighs. Making her ready for him. His nostrils flared. A pulse beat wildly at the base of his throat. Testosterone and adrenaline levels elevated during the fight with the other males had released the primitive male. The aching between her legs intensified. Her nipples tautened. She inched farther away until her legs connected with the bed. Alyssa sat with a small woof! Spurs on his boot heels clinked as he crossed the room over to her. Dimly she thought Granny would frown upon him scarring the oak. Marcus advanced until he stood over her. A hank of damp, dark hair hung over his forehead. Her senses caught the smell of aroused male mingling with fresh soap, clean skin. He had showered before coming to her. Trying for levity, she considered, “You look like you got trapped in a cattle stampede. Really, you should try to play nice with the other boys, Marcus. Give peace a chance.” The corners of his mouth twitched in a ghostlike smile. “I would if they would. But I couldn’t let any of them claim what’s mine. You.” Bristling, she narrowed her eyes. “I’m not yours, Marcus. I’m not anyone’s.” “You’re mine, Lyssa,” he countered softly. “Always have been. I just waited for you to grow up and Change. Do you think after all these years of protecting you, I’d let another male mate with you?” The bed squeaked in protest as he sat. Marcus reached up, fingered a strand of her long blonde hair. “So beautiful,” he murmured, lifting it to his nose and sniffing. “You smell like wildflowers and honey on a warm summer’s day.” She gave his deep chest a small push. “You smell like tacos.” It wasn’t true but his nearness rattled her. She couldn’t mate with Marcus. He was too overwhelming, too intense. Too imprinted on her brain with the erotic thoughts she’d entertained of him recently. His large fingers grasped a gray velvet box. Marcus handed it to her without flourish. “For you.” The traditional mating gift. Taking it meant acceptance of her fate. Alyssa hesitated. His dark brows lifted. “Consider it a gift between friends.” Well, that couldn’t hurt. After all, they were friends. Had been anyway. She opened the box. The slim silver band studded with tiny turquoise stones glinted in the light as

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Alyssa lifted it from its velvet nest. Crying out in delight, she cradled it in her palm. Choosing it took a great deal of thought. “Silver went better with the turquoise than the traditional gold did. And humans think werewolves can be killed with silver. Ha. We sure fooled them with that old myth,” he remarked. Marcus grinned and slipped the band onto her right ring finger. She flashed him a grave smile. “Turquoise is my favorite.” “I know. I wanted to get you a cute little turquoise collar as well but the pet store didn’t have them in your size.” She started to sputter, caught his amused look and gave a good-natured growl instead. “You’re so cute when you growl, Lyssa,” he teased. His expression turned intent once more. Marcus brushed her cheek with a brief kiss, sending a small tingle up her spine. “Get undressed, Lyssa. I can’t wait any longer. If I do, I won’t be able to control myself and it’s your first time. I don’t want to hurt you.” “Well, then I’ll save you the trouble.” SPRONG! The bedsprings squeaked as she jumped up, bolted for the door, fumbling for the latch. Freedom was just outside…so close. Hot breath on her neck—but while Marcus was strong, she was nimble. Alyssa cleared the door, slammed it shut. The lock clicked home. Locking him inside. A relieved sigh escaped her lungs. If she had mated with Marcus… From the other side of the door she heard a low chuckle. And a deep male voice clearly saying, “Ha.” The groan of metal bending snapped her out of her astounded daze. Alyssa stepped back, watching in slack-jawed amazement as he ripped the two-inch thick steel door from its hinges and set it aside. Marcus stood on the threshold, lifting a dark brow in mock amusement. “Bends steel with his bare paws. You always did call me Super Lupus when you were little. Remember, Lyssa?” Pivoting, she turned to run. Two large hands that had torn apart steel caught her with surprising gentleness. Easily he slung her over his shoulder, ignoring her screaming curses and fists hammering at his broad back. Marcus marched to the bed and carefully deposited her onto it. She shrank back as his gaze burned into hers. “Don’t fight me, baby. Don’t fight your nature. Surrender to it,” he said softly. “I don’t want this mating, Marcus. Don’t make me do it.”

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“I won’t force you. When I make you mine, you’ll be begging me for it, Lyssa. You want me as much as I want you. I can smell it on you, baby. You’re wet between your legs. Hot and wet with the wanting. It’s nothing to be ashamed of or fear. It’s nature’s way of preparing you to take me inside you.” Alyssa bit her lip, preparing a retort. Wordlessly, she stared as he yanked off boots and socks. Marcus reached back, tugged his T-shirt over his head. It dropped to the floor. Her heart thudded an erratic tattoo against her chest. Muscles rippled over smooth, bronzed skin as he flexed his biceps. A dark thatch of hair covered his powerful chest, narrowing to a line marching past the waistband of his jeans. He watched her stare. Her tongue darted out, licked dry lips. Thoughts of escape evaporated. Marcus leaned over, bracing his arms on either side of her, trapping her between them. He inhaled deeply, watching her. Then he nuzzled the top of her head, ran his nose down to her temple, gave it a small kiss. The courtship dance. Cupping the back of her head, he leaned forward and kissed her. Alyssa’s eyes fluttered shut at the light, authoritative kiss—his warm mouth moving slowly over hers. Her lips parted. Oh he tasted wonderful, like warm honey. Intrigued, she opened to him. He slipped inside, his tongue exploring, touching, inviting, her into a deeper kiss. Against her better judgment, she accepted, boldly tangling her tongue with him, drinking him in, craving his taste. Marcus broke the kiss as suddenly as it began. A knowing smile touched his mouth. Alyssa swallowed hard as he stepped back, fingers unbuckling his belt, sliding it off. Slowly he unzipped his jeans, slid them past his narrow hips. No underwear. His thick, erect penis jutted out from its nest of thick black hair, swollen and ridged with veins. A drop of moisture glistened at the top of the reddened knob. Alyssa gulped. She knew he was big but this… He wasn’t wolf. He was a stallion. She wanted to howl, half with excitement, half with fear. “Don’t be afraid, baby,” he whispered, leaning over her, nuzzling her neck. “I’ll take good care of you.” Without waiting for her response, he gripped her hands, making her stand. His big fingers gathered the loose fabric of the flowing turquoise dress and tugged it over her head. Next he deftly unhooked her lace demi bra, letting it fall. Desire darkened his eyes as he stared at her breasts, the aching, tight nipples hardened to little pearls. “I’ve dreamed of touching these,” he said hoarsely.

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His big palms cupped her breasts, testing their weight. Expertly he flicked his thumbs across her nipples. Alyssa bit back a moan. Marcus leaned close, nuzzled her breasts, placing a small kiss on each one. Her cunt clenched in agonized need. He hooked fingers around her white lace panties and tugged them down then pushed her gently back onto the bed and slipped her underwear off. Her panties were soaked. Twirling them around on a forefinger, he smiled knowingly. Alyssa inwardly cursed. Damn. Marcus tossed her panties aside, his smile gone, his expression intent. Alyssa leaned back, trying to scramble away, but he caught her hips with two broad hands, sliding her to the bed’s edge. He easily parted her thighs, stepped between them. Marcus bent his head to her breast. His mouth encased an erect nipple. Sizzling heat speared her as his warm tongue flicked over her nipple. Alyssa gave a shocked cry of pleasure. Whimpering, she wanted to push him away but instead her fingers curled around his shoulders. Pulling him nearer. He suckled her as his hand drifted low, fingered the honey gold curls. Marcus teased as he slid a finger across her drenched cleft. Intense pleasure seared her body, thickening the tension riding low in her groin. Alyssa gasped, writhing, her hips jerking up eagerly. She twisted and whimpered, her fingers clutching fistfuls of sheet. Raising his head, he regarded her. “You like that, don’t you, baby?” he asked softly. “Marcus, please, oh please,” she moaned. “I know, I know,” he soothed. Damn him. As always, Marcus was right. Her mind resisted mating but her body wanted him. It was as if her feminine instincts overrode each working brain cell, flooding her body with desire to prepare her for him. Deftly he slipped a finger into her. His thumb stroked her clit. “You’re so tight,” he murmured. The agonized pleasure between her legs exploded as he caressed her. Her body rose off the bed, arching like a bow ready for the arrow. Crying out, Alyssa climaxed hard, her body convulsing. Dazed, she fell back to the bed, panting, drained of energy. “Wow,” he murmured. Approval flared in his eyes. His nostrils flared as his expression darkened. She knew now was the time. Nothing would stop him now, he was in full mating frenzy. Biting her lip, she surrendered to the fevered animal passion gripping her. Alyssa rolled over, rose on all fours, spreading herself wide for him in the traditional first mating position. She braced herself for the full impact of that thick, hard cock, the sucking sting of the traditional bite that would declare her fully mated.

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His heavy body slid over hers. She felt the tip of his cock press against her soaked cleft and waited as he wrapped muscled arms around her waist. Marcus swept her hair aside and gave a long, slow lick to her neck, nuzzling it. He pressed his mouth to her flushed skin. Pleasure rippled through her at the erotic nip of his canines as they descended. He licked and suckled her skin. Then she felt nothing as he lifted off her. Puzzled, she glanced back. “No, not that way,” he said softly. Very gently, he caught her around the waist, flipped her over, settling her on her back. His hands caressed her trembling body, soothing her. Marcus rubbed small circles on her belly. The warm throbbing circulated through her whole body. She felt ready, open for him. He traced a pathway past her bellybutton, through the light curls covering her mound then touched her clit again. Stroking light, expert flicks. Alyssa cried out, pumping her hips upward. Her cunt clenched again, squeezing tight as she climaxed once more. Writhing, she opened her legs in nameless, urgent pleading. “Now you’re ready,” he murmured. Hunger darkened them as his hands spread her thighs wide open. His gaze intent on her, he positioned his thick shaft at her wet entrance and gently thrust. She bit back a cry of pain, staring at him. Very slowly, he pushed farther inside, his cock nudging her open wider. Her wet cunt clenched, protesting the male intruder. Marcus leaned forward, his gaze locked to hers. “Open up, baby. Let me in. It’s okay.” He coaxed her mouth to his, kissing her, probing his tongue inside her mouth. Alyssa felt herself melting, relaxing. At that moment he thrust deeper, stretching her fully, piercing her innocence. Her howl of protest quieted under the penetrating thrust of his tongue, the devouring hunger of his kiss. Alyssa arched up to meet his mouth, accepting him as his hard, thick cock pushed into her. She felt melded to him, invaded fully, and wanted more. Her feminine tissues that initially resisted the aggressive male intruder eased, clung to his cock as he thrust harder and harder. Then Marcus broke the kiss, arched back. Tendons and sinew on his thick biceps tightened. Throat muscles on his neck worked as he threw back his head and howled, his powerful body bucking and shuddering. She felt the warm spurt of his seed pumping deep inside her. Marcus eased his big body down onto hers, his breathing ragged. She relished his heavy weight atop her but he eased halfway off. “I’m crushing you. Sorry,” he murmured. So considerate. Tenderness mingled with a new feeling of feminine power. He was hers, this big, handsome male. All hers. Forced into this mating, but no, it wasn’t force. A blush ignited her cheeks as she remembered how she begged him. He could have forced her easily. He had the right.

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“Marcus?” She toyed with the damp hairs at the nape of his neck. “Why didn’t you take me the traditional way?” He raised his head and nuzzled her neck. “It’s not always pleasant for our females when they’re first mated. I wanted to make yours as pleasurable as possible.” “You did,” she whispered. “I’ll always take good care of you, baby,” he promised. “You have needs as much as I do. Only you’re afraid to accept those needs, acknowledge them.” A frown dented her brow. “I don’t understand…” “You will. You just need to release your inhibitions and embrace that part of yourself you’re denying sexually.” She could not. Not her, the impure one. She must escape the pack, flee before she became too entangled in his sensual snare. Marcus grinned and kissed her. “Later. It’s all so new to you. If you let me be your tutor, I’ll take you to pleasures you can only imagine.” His words sent a sensual shiver through her. Experimenting, she tunneled her fingers through his damp, silky hair, drifted down to the juncture of shoulder and neck, testing the hard muscles there. He was hers. Sorrow filled her. He was not. Not for her, the mongrel, the one who could ruin the pack with her diluted, polluted blood. She tasted tears in the back of her throat. Raising himself up on his elbows, he smiled down at her. Dropped a soft kiss onto her forehead. Slowly, he pulled out of her. She flinched. Gentle as he was, his cock tugged at the sensitive flesh of her sore cunt as he slid out. Marcus slowly stood, reached for his clothes. He tugged the T-shirt over his head. Still drowsy, dazed, Alyssa watched. Shock raced through her as he zipped his jeans. She sat up, wincing at the soreness between her legs. Surely he expected her to endure round two. Then three, four, and so on. “What are you doing?” Regret shadowed his gaze. He sat on the bed, cupped her cheek. “I’m sorry, sweetheart, I have to go. War to fight, vampires to kill.” Astonishment made her jaw drop. “We just…and you’re leaving me?!” The grim set of his jaw warned of his seriousness. “I must. Like my fellow Warriors, I swore a vow to protect our people and keep them safe from vampires. They can’t risk losing me. We’re close to winning this war, Lyssa, and securing peace for our people. Otherwise, this war could drag on for decades. And decades. When my duty to our people is done, I’ll be back to make you pregnant.”

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Vampires and werewolves had fought for years. The bloodthirsty vampires considered weres prey and had killed off all but ten females of prime breeding age in the Ryan pack. The cunning vampires had gained an edge and nearly succeeded in wiping out the Ryan pack until Marcus stepped in. He insisted on changing tactics. Marcus befriended a former Army Ranger and soaked up all his knowledge of Special Forces fighting. Using a combination of pack hunting and military strategy, he perfected the art of hunting down vampires. Edwina chose him to lead a group of Special Ops werewolves. Only the fiercest and best fighters were selected. The Warriors. Without Marcus they would have been doomed. His look softened. “We need to end this war, Lyssa, and create a better world for our children.” His eyes glinted as he studied her flat abdomen. “My child deserves a safe world to live in. Besides, when I return, I’ll make sure you’re off birth control. We’ll fuck in my bed until you conceive, baby.” Her jaw dropped. “I can smell you when you’re in heat, baby,” he explained. Marcus offered a satisfied male grin while she inwardly cursed. She did not dare gestate and taint the pack further. Everyone thought her a purebred, descended from an ancient lineage of noble werewolf blood. Alyssa was not. She was a mongrel. Half wolf, half human. Shortly after her first Change at twenty-three, Alyssa had discovered a yellowed, crinkled love letter hidden in an old box of dog biscuits. The lettering was faint but signed, “Your wild loving wolf, F”. “F” for Frances, her mother. Alyssa, the pack’s Alpha female and heiress consort to the future pack leader, was the product of a love affair between the Alpha female and a human artist named Felix. An artist! Now she knew where she got her secret love of painting from. Art was for humans and the occasional gay werewolf. Half of her nature was inferior. Even her father’s name Felix. Named after a wimpy cat. Sheesh. If her people discovered the secret, they would destroy her. Fall upon her like a pack of, well, wolves. Rip her to shreds. No mixed blood was allowed in the tightly knit pack. It was how they had survived all these years. She had to escape Marcus. Here was the chance she needed. But she needed to pretend anger, lest he suspect her true motive. Angry tears welled up. It wasn’t hard to cry. For she truly did want to sob, knowing what she would lose. “So you’re just fucking me and running. Swell.” She clutched the sheet and sniffled.

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His expression softened as he brushed a tender kiss against her lips. “I’ll be back. I always return for what is mine. Trust me. I’ll be back and loving you before you know it. You need to stay here, where it’s safe.” “So you expect me to wait around for you like a starved case of puppy love? While you run off and save the world from bloodsuckers?” Alyssa pushed him away. She summoned her most menacing glare. “That’s all you wanted, Marcus. Just to mate with me and grab power.” His sensual mouth tightened in a flat smile. “Don’t deny that you wanted to mate. You were drenched, Lyssa. You wanted me equally.” Ouch. “Desire doesn’t mean anything, Marcus. I get wet panties watching Animal Planet. You forced me into fucking you.” Desire darkened his eyes as he ran a thumb along her mouth. “You’re so pretty when you’re angry, baby, but even prettier when you’re on fire for me. Your eyes glitter like emeralds. I can wait to leave. Just a little while, enough to see that look in your eyes again.” Need stroked her body as he pushed his thumb into her mouth, stroking the wet cavern teasingly. Alyssa’s lips closed around his thumb. She suckled on it, moaning. A low chuckle sounded. Her eyes flew open to stare at his amused, knowing expression. What the hell was she doing? Alyssa sprang out of bed and dressed. She ran for the open doorway. I have to get out of here. Umph! Alyssa collided with a dainty, petite woman. Granny. Dressed in a cheery red linen dress embroidered with bluebirds and a starched white apron, her grandmother walked inside. Round glasses sat on the edge of her thin nose. She pushed them up, gave the discarded door a cursory glance. Edwina Ryan marched to the bed and studied the small bloodstain on the sheet. Then she crossed the distance over to her granddaughter and lifted the thick mass of Alyssa’s hair, studying the scarlet love bite on her neck. “Well done, Marcus,” she warbled in her thick Southern accent. Granny gave Marcus an approving nod. “Marcus, do not worry. I’ll take good care of Alyssa while you’re gone. I plan to keep her very busy in the kitchen, making her a nice domesticated mate for you.” Alyssa grit her teeth, looking angry, feeling anguished. How little her beloved Granny suspected. Once she fled, Alyssa would never again set foot in Granny’s kitchen. Or any wolf’s kitchen. Her destiny lay in the human world. Marcus cupped Alyssa’s cheek. “Don’t change her. I like her the way she is, a bit on the wild side.” Heat raged through her as he stroked her skin. Alyssa felt the calling of flesh to flesh. She wanted to sink into him, wrap herself about him like a vine around a large oak. 14

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Instead, she yanked away in horror. She must resist him. A regretful look came over him. “I must leave now, Granny. Take good care of my mate. I’m trusting you to keep her safe.” He flashed Alyssa a wicked smile. “Rest up, baby. When I return, I’m going to keep you busy in my bed a long, long time.” Alyssa grit her teeth. She must drive him away for good. Hurt him so he’d think twice about wanting her. “I’d rather fuck a mangy three-legged coyote with fleas than you again, Marcus. At least he wouldn’t be an Omega.” “Alyssa!” her grandmother said, shocked. Familiar lonely hurt flickered in his eyes. “Funny, Lyssa. You once said my lowly pack status didn’t matter and we’d be friends always despite it.” She winced, aching at his wounded expression. Then his face shuttered. His mouth tightened to a thin slash. “Omega born or not, I’m still your mate and the Alpha male now. Remember that. You can’t fight it. You will do as I say.” “Fine,” she snapped. “But you can’t leash me. See if I’m waiting for you like a loyal dog when you get back from your precious vampire wars.” At the doorway, she turned and growled at her mate, giving him full throttle of her angry hurt. Alyssa stormed out of the bedroom, not looking back. She didn’t look back, not once for the six long years he was gone.

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Chapter Two Six years later

His mate, the future mother of his children, was working as a waitress at the Cluck and Buck restaurant. Had Marcus not heard it from Granny herself, he wouldn’t have believed it. After six years of fighting in the vampire wars, roaming the globe to hunt down bloodsuckers, he finally came home. Ready to settle down with Alyssa, produce an heir, roam his beloved home on the range once more. Only Alyssa wasn’t patiently waiting for him in Chama. She had settled in Santa Fe. Gotten a small adobe house that she rented with a fellow waitress. Alyssa, queen of the most powerful and prestigious werewolf pack, was slinging hash for minimum wage. Simmering with anger, he drove two hours south. Alyssa had no idea of how big the stakes were now that the vampire wars were over. Bad pun, he told himself. But she didn’t know and while ignorance was bliss, now it was lethal. The information he had obtained prior to mating with her was about to leak out. And once it did, Alyssa was in grave danger. Unless he took action. Now. He had other concerns as well. For their marriage to work, Alyssa had to accept his dominating sexual needs and cease fighting her own sensual nature. He would change that—teach her to accept. Taming her would prove a pleasant challenge. But first, he must get her back. She had a strong stubborn streak. In Santa Fe, Marcus hopped out of his truck, boot heels scraping on the pavement. He slapped the black Stetson on his head and strode into the restaurant. A cheerful, round-faced hostess wearing felt elk antlers escorted him to a yellow and brown booth. His fingers rapped out an impatient rhythm atop the dancing cartoon chicken and singing elk tablecloth. He smelled her, even among the frying chicken, before he heard her. Marcus had her scent imprinted on his brain. His cock stirred in memory. Leaning back against the booth, he narrowed his eyes as she rounded the corner of the frosted glass pane separating the workstations from the tables. Felt elk antlers sat atop her blonde head. A bright yellow nylon uniform dress barely covering her ass revealed each delicious curve. Long legs encased in sleek nylons strode with even grace. Marcus wanted to howl. Damn, she looked good enough to eat. Sensible, sturdy black lace shoes encased her feet. Shoes! Primitive. He adored her naked, hairy toes. 16

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Her sweet, round face, high cheekbones and large, expressive eyes had been imbedded into his brain. Those lips, pliant and soft, had haunted him over hill and dale as he flushed vampires from their nests and staked them out. How many times had he thought of her and then the night when he almost bought it? When one of the bloodsuckers raked his razor-sharp claws over him? Warm blood cascading down his chest, pain burning like fire. The cold, vicious laughter of the vampire as it flew off into the night, leaving him to die. Too weak to stanch the blood with his salvia, he had rolled over to face the waning moon, thinking of Alyssa. Aching to touch her one last time. Just wishing he had left her with all the words he felt but couldn’t say. Just wishing he had earned her trust enough to let her know what he really felt. How much it had meant to him all those years she treated him as an equal instead of mocking him for being an Omega. How he’d do anything for her, even die for her. And then loyal Nicolas, his best friend and fellow Warrior, found him, licked his wounds and took him away to heal so he could live to fight another vampire. Yet he could never admit to her how very much she meant to him. Long ago Marcus learned to guard his feelings, never letting himself be seen as any more weak than the pack already thought. Blinking away the past, he studied his mate as she stopped at a table. To his immense joy, the silver and turquoise ring still encircled her finger. After all these years, despite her anger, she still wore it. Surely that meant something. She had changed, just a little. She plumped out in all the places he loved to touch. Her ass stuck out a bit, curved and rounded. Yellow nylon covered her big, soft breasts. Marcus shifted, thinking about holding their heavy weight in his hands, how her nipples hardened under his caresses. The yellow uniform had a small barbecue stain on the chest. He wanted to lick it off then tear off that dress and her bra…did she still wear lace? Then set his hungry mouth upon her breast and suckle her madly, loving those sweet, pleading cries he’d coaxed from her. A severe bun restrained her soft blonde hair. He felt a sudden urge to pull it free and run his fingers through the silky strands. Then bend her over the chicken table and fuck her until she clucked with pleasure. He hadn’t had sex in six years. Her scent grew stronger. Marcus gripped the table’s edge, fighting for control. His cock hardened to stone. Other males in the restaurant whipped their heads around as Alyssa sashayed past their tables. One stared in obvious lust at her legs. A low growl rumbled from Marcus’ deep chest. How dare they stare at his mate? The dress would have to go. And her as well. He would not tolerate this kind of base leering. She’s mine. Marcus roped in his anger. Patience served him well in lying in wait to pounce on vampires. It would serve him equally well waiting to pounce on his mate. He held the laminated menu up to his nose, studying her approach over it. 17

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Alyssa jerked a pencil from her bun, flipped open a pad. She walked to his table, oblivious. Marcus lowered the menu halfway through her speech. “Welcome to Cluck and Buck. Best chicken and elk meat in town. Would you like the cluck or the buck… Oh crap! What the hell are you doing here?” His prepared smile slipped. Marcus gave her a cool look. “Hello to you too, darling. I’ll take the clucking special. Two big breasts.” He set down the menu. “Yours.” Green ice glittered at him. Marcus hid satisfaction at the fire sparkling in her eyes. He loved watching her ignite. All that passion and spark still simmered inside. He just needed to stir the coals a bit. “What, Alyssa? No ‘welcome home, honey, how are you, after six years’?” “Get out, Marcus. You have no right to be here.” “Sit down,” he ordered gently. “You can’t tell me—” “Sit down before I stand up, pick you up under my arm and walk out of here with you as my takeout meal.” Glowering she snapped her pad shut but slid into the booth across from him. He could barely control his feelings as her familiar scent flooded his nostrils. Marcus felt insane, ready to attack the first man who dared come within two feet of her. A male customer in a black baseball cap passed, flashing her a wide grin and a too-friendly greeting, which she returned. Beneath the table, Marcus’ fingers shot immediately to the button fastening his jeans closed. Growling, he began to unzip. Alyssa drew in a shocked breath. “Don’t you dare piss on the carpet to mark your territory,” she hissed. “You’re not in Kansas anymore, Toto.” “Who is he?” Marcus snapped. She rolled her eyes. “It’s just Fred, a regular customer. He helped change my tire last week when I had a flat.” “Which tire?” “Oh good God! What does it matter? The front right one! Will you please zip up before someone sees you?” With every last ounce of effort, he fastened his jeans. Marcus grit his teeth. The very idea of this Fred changing her tire, hell, maybe even more, made him crazy. His fingers curled around the table’s edge. Bolted to the floor, it began lifting under blunt pressure exerted by his fingers. “Marcus, put the table down,” she grated out through clenched teeth. He released his hold. “You’ve forgotten your instincts, Lyssa. Did you really think I’d sit here and let him ogle you without taking action?” A deep sigh fled her lips. “Honestly, Marcus, you’re such an animal.” “Duh,” he said mildly.

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“I like the city. The humans are wonderful. I get along just fine with them.” “Do they know you’re a wolf?” He narrowed his eyes. “Of course not. I shave my legs.” He lifted a questioning brow at that one but let it slide. Alyssa glared at him and gave another passing male customer a warm smile. Marcus clamped down on his temper. Two could play this game. He leaned back, draping an arm over the back of the booth and studied a petite blonde waitress with curly hair. “I see why there are so many males here. Very pretty scenery,” he drawled. Alyssa followed the line of his stare. Her mouth curled in a moue of distaste. “Clare? She’s a dog.” “A cute little poodle,” he agreed. “I’ve always wondered what it would be like to do a poodle.” Marcus bit back a chuckle as Alyssa shot her rival a daggered look. His mate attempted a possessive growl but it sounded more like a clogged engine in severe need of motor oil. His grin slipped. He gave her a long, thoughtful look. He studied the long curve of his mate’s neck, the arch of her silky brows and the full lips he longed to kiss. When she turned back to him, he couldn’t help letting his feelings show. “You look just as beautiful as I remembered. Even more so,” he said softly. Anger fled, replaced by a tremulous smile. She looked younger, wistful, as she studied him. “You look good too, Marcus.” Silence draped between them for a minute. Her lush lower lip wobbled as she lifted her gaze to him. Worry filled her beautiful green eyes as she scanned his upper body. A delicate webbing of pink scars peeked over his collar. Tension tightened his muscles as he steered himself for the reaction that always followed when people saw his injuries. “I heard you got hurt. I’m glad you’re okay, Marcus. I was worried the vampires had killed you.” She wasn’t revolted by his scars as he had feared. He attempted a casual shrug to hide his relief. “They couldn’t kill me. My hide is too tough for their gnarly fangs.” Admiration flashed across her pretty face. “You’re too good of a hunter. You always were.” Marcus smiled, the edge of his lust kicking up a notch. “I’m still a good hunter. Want to play? You be the prey. I’ll catch you. And then as my reward, I’ll eat you. Inch by slow inch.” Alyssa leaned forward, her jaw clenched. “I’m not coming home, Marcus. You can wait until your cows come home before I ever have sex with you again.”

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But a pulse beat madly in her throat and her breathing was ragged. He leaned forward, sniffing the air. Good. He lowered his voice to a husky whisper. “Baby, if I wanted, I wouldn’t wait until we got home. I’d rip off that dress, put my thumbs around your panties, drag them past your pretty little hips and toss them aside and then fuck you right here. I’d push my cock inside you, rub it against that space that makes you wild, feel your pussy get so wet and tight around my cock.” Alyssa swallowed hard. Desire darkened her eyes as her pulse flittered. She folded her hands primly on the table and glared. “I hate that name, Marcus. Pussy. I’m not a cat.” A slow smile quirked his mouth. “Your, shall we say, ‘feminine passage’ by any other name would smell just as sweet and spicy to me. We both know it’s hot and aching for me right now. I can smell your arousal, Lyssa. You can’t stop thinking about my cock, how hard it is right now, how it will feel filling that emptiness inside you. Don’t play games with me. Stop this nonsense, come home with me like a good mate and get into my bed. We’ll pick up where we left off six years ago and lock ourselves in my big bedroom and fuck until you conceive. It’s mating season for you and me, baby. And I’m more than ready.” Her tongue skated around her pink, full lips, moistening them. Alyssa drew in a shaky breath. Marcus watched the effect his words had on her. Good. Now if… “Alyssa! Get back to work and tell Roy Rogers to order! Customers are waiting.” A low growl rumbled from Marcus’ deep chest as he stared at the manager. “Roy Rogers?” Alyssa snapped out of her passion-drenched state. She shot him a pleading look as she stood. “Please, Marcus, don’t cause a scene. He’s a jerk, but he’s my boss.” Despair clouded her emerald eyes. His heart twisted. What the hell had happened to her in the years he’d been gone? His Alyssa had never been defeated. Gently he wrapped his fingers around her wrist. “Come home, Lyssa. This isn’t the life for you. You’re destined for greater things than serving hash at a greasy diner. How can you eat this fried muck?” Her full, rosy mouth puckered in apparent distaste. “This stuff? I don’t eat it. I don’t eat meat, period. I’ve been a vegan for two years now.” Marcus recoiled in sudden shock. “What?” “I can’t see hurting the poor elk. It disgusts me to serve it to customers. But the benefits here are good and I get vacation time.” “You don’t eat meat?” “I eat tofu. It’s protein. Good for you.” She glanced ruefully at her hips. “Well, and chocolate chip cookies. I try not to eat eggs, but I get cravings for junk food.” Every hair on the back of his neck stood up and saluted. Shit. This was much worse than he’d ever anticipated. Worse than even discovering from her grandmother that Alyssa eschewed Animal Planet in favor of Desperate Housewives.

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Leashing his frustration, he grated out, “Elk was your favorite meal.” Her delicate shoulders lifted in a half shrug. “People change.” You’re not people, baby. You’re a fucking WOLF! What the hell had happened in the six years since he’d left? He had to get her out of here and back home where she belonged. Make her lose the human influence. A vegan? Fuck! “Come home, Lyssa. You’ve been gone too long. The pack needs you.” He paused and pushed aside pride. “I need you.” Her mouth rounded in a surprised “O”. Hope filled him. Maybe he had finally gotten through. She looked around the restaurant. “Tell me something, Marcus. I want your honest opinion. About that. Do you like it?” Bewildered, he stared in the direction of her pointed finger. “The wall?” “No, not the wall! What’s hanging on it. The painting.” That painting? His upper lip curled in a disapproving frown. “It’s dull. Lacks life— as if the artist were separated from his subject. Obviously it’s a human who hasn’t been around wolves before. Cheap art.” Dull hurt sprang to Alyssa’s eyes. Bewildered, he reached over, thumbed her hand. “What is it, Lyssa? Why are you upset?” Pad in hand, she turned, her voice low. “Go home, Marcus. Alone. And tell Granny I’m not budging. Ever. My place is here.” He slid out from the booth. Very gently he lassoed his fingers around her wrist. Bringing her hand to his lips, he kissed the palm. Marcus released her hand, satisfied at her startled look mingling with desire. “Remember, Lyssa. You’re mine. I never let go of what’s mine,” he warned softly. Turning, he strode out of the restaurant, ignoring the angry looks of the fussy little manager and the admiring gazes of the other waitresses. Outside, Marcus started for his truck and stopped in mid stride. Near the back of the restaurant, Alyssa’s ancient Volkswagen sat in the parking lot. He walked over to it. Still the same car with the same bumper sticker stating, “Save the Gray Wolves”. Marcus walked around the car to her right front tire. Peering around furtively, he checked to ensure no one could see him. He unzipped and withdrew his now flaccid cock. A splattering ping, ping, ping sounded on her wheel well. He finished, tucked himself back in and zipped up. A satisfied smile quirked the corners of his mouth. “Try changing her tire now, Fred. She’s mine. You’ll never have her.”

*****

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He drove back to Chama cursing. Alyssa probably wanted to be courted, wooed, coaxed, back into his bed. But there was little time. Marcus wanted to howl from frustration. Forced celibacy for six years tended to have that effect. Could her rejection cloak her disgust in having an Omega-born as a mate, even though he’d fought and won his right to become the pack’s Alpha male? Try as he might, he could not push the thought from his mind. Even with all he had achieved, some of the pack couldn’t forget his lowly Omega origins. Only his beating the other pack males and becoming Alpha gained him a grudging respect. No matter. Alyssa remained his prime concern. In the six years since his mate had left the pack, she lost touch with her wolf side. Being separate from the pack changed her. Urgency drove him to consider a plan to lure her back to the fold. She needed to assimilate again before they lost her for good. Two hours later he pulled into the dirt road with a pine sign reading “Timber Wolf Ranch”. Marcus parked the truck by the red barn and drew in a lungful of pine-scented air, surveying his holdings. Brilliant hues of orange and red glimmered in the backdrops of the jagged mountains nearby. The earth sloped downward to acres of grasslands now turning brown under the kiss of autumn’s chill. The ranch in the Chama Valley boasted over three thousand head of cattle now. Marcus had worked hard and long to make his father’s small holdings blossom. About thirty percent of the beef raised fed the pack. Before fighting in the war, many in his pack treated him as Omega. He was an outsider, shunned and scorned. When he began putting his life on the line fighting vampires, he gained grudging acceptance. Being Alyssa’s bodyguard granted him more status. The pack reasoned if Granny accorded him such a high honor, perhaps he wasn’t as lowly as they’d thought. Now he was their Alpha, their leader. And they expected him to dutifully mate with their Alpha female and provide them with an heir. Except his mate didn’t want anything to do with him. The cell phone hooked onto his belt gave a soft beep. Marcus answered it. “Meet me in town. Picnic tables. Half an hour.” The line went dead. Dread pooled in his stomach. Marcus returned to the barn, saddled Durango, his big black stallion, and rode into town. He guided Durango into a parking space along Main. Marcus slid off and gave his stallion a loving pat as he looped the reins around a light pole. Marcus never got within sniffing distance of the herd or his horses just before the full moon. The animals scented his Change and spooked easily. Pushing the Stetson down on his forehead, he paused for a moment to regard the Chama train station nestled below him. They were testing Engine 488 in preparation for what he privately termed the “cattle run” of tourists up to Antonio. A cloudless blue sky contrasted sharply with the golden aspens feathering the mountains ringing the valley. Fresh air filled his lungs as he inhaled deeply. Their pack had blended successfully with the town’s population for years. The pack never attacked cattle or

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sheep and kept the elk population under control. How could Alyssa have given all this up for the city? Wild daisies and dandelions grew on the hillside leading down to the station’s parking lot. Marcus put a boot on one of the picnic tables overlooking the rail yard. Pungent coal smoke overpowered the faint scent of pine trees. Sun warmed the back of his faded blue chambray work shirt. The red brick roundhouse looked old and weathered. A loud clanging split the air as the engineer backed Number 488 toward it. Tourists stopped to take photos or gawk in delight at the authentic steam engine. Marcus ignored the gaggle of humans spilling out of a car with Florida license plates. He crossed the highway and went into the bar across the street to grab a Coors. When he emerged, beer in hand, he headed for a picnic table to watch the train. Wind played with the rim of his black felt Stetson. He sat on the table, staring at his beloved mountains. A dank, fruity scent filled his nostrils even before he heard Aaron’s approach. Without turning around, he spoke. “Still wearing that godawful cologne, Aaron? You smell like a rotten peach. How are you ever going to mate if you don’t change your smell?” “Screw you, Marcus,” his rival muttered. He raised his head and gave Aaron a long, hard look. Aaron drew back, lowering his head. “Sorry,” he said. “Remember your place,” Marcus warned. Aaron took a seat very properly on the bench facing Marcus. “I have it, Marcus. I have the diary. I know the truth.” Gut-punched, he took a long swallow of beer. No way could he display any weakness before this prissy little geek. “You stole it. Hand it over. Now.” Mouth drawing down, Aaron gave him a worn brown leather book. He shook his head so fast his greasy hair flew away from its lubricated nest. “I didn’t steal it! She gave it to me for the library. Well, it was stuck between some books. Must have forgotten it was there.” Marcus gave him another long, hard stare as he set the diary down. Aaron gulped. “Okay, well, I picked the books up and must have picked it up by mistake. I would have returned it but I was too busy—” “Reading it.” Learning secrets never meant to be divulged. Knowledge was power. No way would this geeky wolf gain any power. Not in his pack. Aaron jumped up, bouncing around like someone stuck a Taser on his butt. “But, Marcus! You can’t keep this secret! You’ve got to tell our people! They deserve to know.” “You know what I’ll do if you dare to tell anyone what’s inside, Aaron.” 23

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The werewolf hung his head. “Banishment from the pack.” “No. I’ll take my hands, put them around your neck and rip your head off,” Marcus said pleasantly. Aaron swallowed hard, running a hand around the collar of his stained gray Tshirt. “I could have fought as a Warrior, you know. I’m strong enough,” he muttered, scuffing his sneaker in the dirt. “All the females adore the Warriors.” Taken aback, Marcus stared. “You were needed here at home as support. Your store kept the pack fed and in comfort while we were gone, Aaron. That’s very important, especially to our females.” The werewolf snorted. “Just because I run a convenience store. Who cares about doling out beef jerky and tampons when I could have been a Warrior? Breeding females only have eyes for the heroes, not wolves like me.” Sudden insight struck Marcus. He gave the other male a long, thoughtful look. Perhaps he could buy some time. “Let me give you a little advice, Aaron. You want a mate? I’ll teach you how to attract one. In return, you keep your muzzle shut about all this until I’m ready to announce the news myself.” The long, thin nose lifted as if scenting the air for females. “Really? Really? Oh wow, a real mate of my own? Sex every night?” He gave a dry smile. “First lesson. Never appear too eager.” For the next hour, he talked to Aaron about females, making suggestions and then calling Kathryn, his favorite hair-slash-fur stylist. She immediately scheduled Aaron for a makeover. As Marcus hung up and pocketed his cell phone, Aaron bounced away humming happily, looking ecstatic at the thought of marathon sex with his future mate. A wry smile tugged Marcus’ lips upward then faded. And what of his mate? How the hell was he getting Alyssa back? She had spent far too much time among the humans and lost the bond with her people. She was their Alpha female, yet abandoned them, leaving her grandmother in charge. What happened to running wild and free with the moon each month? There were no rabbits to flush out of bushes and brush in the city. No joyful woofing while moonlight filtered through pine and aspen, spilling on the frosty earth. How could she have sacrificed the best part of the Change? The ultimate freedom of running with the moon, feeling the power sizzle through her, of being one with the moon? Even pissing on trees to mark territory. Marcus took a long pull of beer and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. Well, that was a male trait. He always enjoyed pissing on trees to piss off the other wolves in the pack. For some reason, his scent was much stronger than theirs. Maybe because of the beer he drank. They preferred those sissy imported brews.

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A low hum of the locomotive’s engine charged the air. Marcus frowned and plucked his cell out of his back pocket. Time enough to call this silly game to an end. He was Alyssa’s mate and damn it, she was coming home. He punched in her number, growling low as he did so. A couple of pale-faced tourists, snapping photos of the train, looked startled. Marcus growled again. They vanished like raindrops in the desert, muttering something about weird locals. Alyssa answered on the first ring. “Lyssa? It’s me. Look, let’s talk.” “You pissed all over my car! Fuck you, wolfman.” Click. He stared at the phone in astounded disbelief. Fuck you? Fury boiled in his veins. He felt strong enough to challenge the locomotive and win, pushing it all the way down to Santa Fe itself. He had been patient long enough. When he got his paws on his mate, he’d make her pay. On her back. On her stomach. He’d make her pay with each furious thrust when he got her naked beneath him. And he would. Marcus smiled grimly as he pocketed his cell and finished his beer. His groin throbbed mercilessly. Yes, a week or two alone with her in bed—hell the floor would suffice now—would make her pay just fine. And he knew just the way to lure her in.

***** The next afternoon, the diary tucked into a safe hiding spot in the house he was renovating, Marcus sat in Granny’s cottage staring at the aging former regent. Alyssa’s grandmother regarded him over the tips of her rounded glasses, her serene face wreathed by a nimbus of white, curly hair. “I need your help.” “You need to get her back, Marcus. In your bed. You need an heir.” What irony. He’d gladly hand over his left nut for the opportunity. Unfortunately, his mate would take his right one. Alyssa would probably sell it on eBay. Rare werewolf right nut. Used but in good condition. Shipping included. Marcus doubted he’d be any good without his balls. “Tell me, Marcus. You did not take any other female, wolf or human, as a lover since you’ve been gone?” The oak chair groaned beneath his two-hundred-twenty-pound frame as he shifted. They sat in Edwina’s cheerful kitchen having afternoon tea. Marcus leaned forward and pinned the cherubic woman with a piercing glare. Manners, he reminded himself. She’s your elder. Use her title. “What the fuck kind of question is that, my lady?” “A legitimate one. I must know if you’ve spread your seed about, Marcus. If you’ve left behind any heirs strong enough to win against my yet un-conceived grandson when

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he comes of age and fights the strongest males to prove his right to succeeding you as pack leader.” Many females wanted him. He could have had his pick in the towns and cities he and his Warrior weres had hunted vampires. But he would not violate the pack oath or loyalty to his mate. No matter how bad the burning haunted him at night or how much the moon taunted him each month. He wanted only Alyssa. Marc released a growl low in his throat. Edwina said nothing, but gave a small knowing smile. She had him right where she wanted him. By his throbbing, aching balls. “I knew you couldn’t be unfaithful to her. You’re mated for life and you do not cheat,” she said, regarding him over the brim of her china cup. “I’ve spent six years fighting the vampire wars. I’m home to stay now, Edwina. I have a ranch to run, cattle to raise to feed our people. And though my foreman has taken good care of my business while I was gone, I need to settle down again. I want my mate back. Alyssa’s changed. She’s lost her connection with us. She’s spent too much time among the humans.” He pinned her down with a severe look. “I trusted you to keep her safe. And you let her roam freely about and live in Santa Fe?” Edwina frowned. “Marcus, is this any way to respect your elders? I will not be talked to in this way.” Old insecurities rose up. He slammed them down, keeping eye contact, refusing to drop his gaze. This was too important. Alyssa was too important. “She’s a vegan, Edwina. A fucking vegan. She needs to be brought back right now. You’re going to help me get her back.” To his surprise, Alyssa’s grandmother lowered her eyes. She sighed. “I know. How I’ve tried to coax her back but she’s stubborn. She will not listen to me anymore. She refuses to visit even. I must go to her home.” She peeked upward at him over the tops of her round glasses. “You must bring her back, Marcus. Abduction. Simply capture her, carry her off and lock her in your bedroom until you tame her.” “I will not force her.” “Necessary,” she countered. “Tell me this, Marcus. Do you still want her?” Want the most beautiful creature who ever walked on two legs or four? Not a single day had gone by that he had not thought about her. “More than my whole life,” he replied quietly. “Then you must force her.” “I will not. I tried reason. She won’t come to me,” he grated out, stretching out his long legs. “But she will come after you have her naked beneath you.”

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Marcus choked around a mouthful of tea. She smiled serenely. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “I have a plan. But it won’t work if she truly does not want me.” He hated asking, begging like a dog. But he needed to know before he took the chance. “Does Alyssa…have any feelings for me?” he asked baldly. Edwina studied him. She reached for a slip of paper on the oak table. “I found it in Alyssa’s room when I visited the other day.” Blood drained from his face as he read the words. His body, already sexually frustrated, tightened as he devoured the love fantasy penned by his mate. It described in raw, vivid detail Alyssa’s fantasy of what she wanted Marcus to do to her. “She must be gentled, Marcus. She will not come to you willingly because pride prevents her. You’ve been gone six years. But tell me, how hard did she fight you when you mated with her?” Marcus tucked the note into his jeans pocket carefully, as if securing a precious treasure. “Then here is my plan…” A smile curled her thin lips as he explained. “You are quite ingenious, Marcus. Shall we set your plan in motion the day after tomorrow?” He nodded. Edwina smoothed her dress. “Now if you’ll excuse me, it’s time for my afternoon bridge game. You’re more than welcome to watch, if you like.” He stood politely, grabbed his Stetson from the oak hat rack. “Thank you, my lady, but I’ll decline.” He gave her a silent salute, headed for the front door and left. As he climbed into his Ford truck, Marcus thought Alyssa and he should learn to play bridge.

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Chapter Three Sending her mate away proved the most difficult challenge of Alyssa’s life. When she had seen him, sitting in the booth with the Stetson on his head, dressed in tight, faded blue jeans molded to lean hips and muscular thighs, and a blue chambray shirt, she melted faster than microwaved butter. Always a sucker for a hot cowboy, Alyssa had struggled to hide her feelings from Marcus. He looked so damn sexy, one arm dangling casually over the back of the booth, broad shoulders stretching the shirt tight. How many nights had she dreamt of his big body against hers, wrapped around her like a thick quilt? She longed to run her fingers over the hard pad of muscle on his chest, explore the taut curve of his jaw, feel the rasp of the springy hairs on his muscular thighs as they slid over her smooth ones. Her wolf side itched to touch, taste him. Rub her soft cheek against the slight stubble shadowing his angular face. Bend over like a good girl and let him fuck her. Again. And again. Her human side recoiled in horror. Her? Needing a male? What would her girlfriends at the Association of Suffering Sisterhood think? Only through her sisters had she gained enough strength to resist returning to the pack. Alyssa craved the acceptance found in the supportive A.S.S. meetings. They also didn’t believe in werewolves. Lycanthropy was a fad that died after the Sixties, perpetuated by hippies too lazy to shave, her sisters declared. At that, Alyssa couldn’t help recalling Marcus, who remained clean-shaven each day except for the time of his Change when he sported a most delicious stubble. The feminists at what she fondly referred to as the clitoris club preached womanly independence over needing a man. Female friendship over dating. Vibrators over penises. Their motto was “If it’s fake and shakes, make it your love snake. If it’s long and a dong, it’s all wrong”. Yet, one glance at Marcus and she weakened. The soft spot between her legs ached for his hard, thick cock. She must overcome her sexual craving for her mate. In addition, she had a dream of becoming an artist. Alyssa fiercely clung to hope of success in the art world. For six years, she struggled to paint, create a new life for herself and accomplish her dearest desire of being acknowledged as a real artist. For six long, lonely years, she tried to forget her mate. She learned to act human, dress human. Alyssa eschewed bare feet in favor of turquoise cowboy boots with sassy

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wedge heels. Vegan menus ruled mealtimes and ancient Chinese ethnoscience ruled her new home. Yet when she fell into a restless sleep, her wolf side howled to life. Erotic dreams teased her, dreams of Marcus spreading her trembling thighs open and licking her clit, his tongue slowly lapping. She’d awaken just prior to climaxing, shaking with hot, clenching need. After falling asleep again, the dreams continued, concluding with her mouth encasing his big cock. Sucking on him, running her tongue over the rigid length and the big, rounded knob. Making him groan and fist his calloused hands in her hair. Then he’d pull free and ejaculate all over her feng shui’ed furniture. So real were the dreams, she’d awaken with the damp, salty fragrance of his semen permeating her nostrils. Then she’d dial one of her A.S.S. sisters for support and natter on about shopping and shoes until the ache in her loins faded. Worst were the dreams spurred by her dormant wolf nature. Sexual fantasies of bondage before the entire pack as Marcus forced her to acknowledge her submissive wolf self. One night she’d awakened so aroused that Alyssa had written two pages of her deepest desires about Marcus. Onto paper poured her feelings about him. How she loved him for championing her all those years. How only he understood who she truly was. How she was tied up—literally—by suppressed sexual needs. Alyssa channeled her wildest sexual fantasy onto the lined notebook page. In the fantasy her mate proved his dominance, commanding her to subjugate herself before a crowd. Then he had taken her on all fours before them, plunging in and out of her as she shuddered and screamed in an orgasm that lasted for minutes. After writing, Alyssa had taken to bed with her vibrator but the climax she achieved seemed joyless, empty and hollow. Most nights when she felt frustrated, Alyssa would shake off the vestiges of dream sleep and paint. She poured all of herself into her paintings and finally had enough for a show. But no gallery in Santa Fe would represent her. Alyssa picked up a plate of elk steak and fries and marched out into the dining room. Frustration filled her. Six years spent painting, culling and coaxing the creative spark. It fizzled out, the fire inside extinguished. She stared at the wolf painting Marcus had scorned. Even her wolf art looked dull, lifeless, lacking color. She lost her art when she left her people. Marcus spoke the truth. The artist was separate from her subject matter. Truth hurt. Yet she could not return to her people. They would turn on her viciously if they knew of her human bloodlines. Better to remain here, to continue the struggle to achieve artistic success. She had tried selling her art in the Plaza, setting up a small stand with countless others. All of them competed with the larger, well-known galleries. In six years she sold one painting, to a white-faced tourist who liked the way she painted the sky. And two paintings to the manager of Cluck & Buck. A pity sale. 29

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Serving greasy chicken and elk paid the rent. Her art certainly didn’t.

***** The call came, as most calls of this nature do, in the middle of the night. Alyssa wasn’t home. She had spent the evening with her girlfriends at a cowboy bar. Pure defiance of Marcus, to prove to herself he had no power over her. She wore a frilly white blouse showing a hint of cleavage, a denim skirt and her favorite cowboy boots. Beneath her clothes were skimpy lace panties and a low-cut bra. No stockings. Even in winter, Alyssa’s wolf side couldn’t bear to cover her legs in conforming, tight hose. She felt cute, sexy and ready to party. But the one drink of lime and gin left a sour taste in her mouth and the males who crowded her, sniffing around like hounds, were boring wimps compared to her masculine mate. Marcus invaded her thoughts even here. Hours later, when she finally arrived home, she noticed the red light flashing on her digital answering machine. Marcus again. Even if he wanted to apologize for his earlier actions, she wouldn’t let him. She started to press the delete key without listening to the message, thought better of it and depressed “play” instead. Hearing the message, Alyssa’s heart dropped to her stomach. Racing around the tiny house, she tossed essentials into a small overnight case. As an afterthought, she tossed in her vibrator. Shaped like a bone, it was inconspicuous and looked like a small dog’s toy. Twenty minutes later, she was driving like a madwoman north to Chama. Her heart in her throat, she urged the little Volkswagen faster. The call from Grandma made her drop everything and tell her roommate to inform the Cluck’s manager she’d be gone for at least a week. When Alyssa arrived in Chama, she tore into the small town, turned off Main Street, headed toward her grandmother’s cottage. Gravel spit up beneath her screeching tires as she parked, jumped out, carrying a small overnight case and a small basket. Alyssa hurried past the white trellis and gate, ignoring the cheerful tinkle of the wind chimes and the colorful wind socks twirling in the breeze. Her turquoise cowboy boots thunked heavily on the porch steps. From a distance the train bell clanged. Once she had loved this small town. Now it only served to trap her. She had not been here in six years. Only the sick, pleading voice of her grandmother could force her return. Granny sounded at death’s door. She hoped she wasn’t too late.

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***** Hunkered outside Edwina’s cottage in nearby brush, Nicolas Hoffman watched Alyssa scurry into her grandmother’s cottage. The Warrior werewolf smiled grimly and clicked the transmitter. A soft chirp assured him the fence had successfully powered up. The corners of his mouth turned down. Marcus was lucky. He had his mate, as it should be. All the Warriors knew Marcus and Alyssa were destined for each other. Still, he surprised them all with his ferocity fighting for her hand. Once Nicolas would have done the same for his ladylove. He fervently hoped Alyssa wasn’t turning out to be a cock-tease like Tricia. He had been so certain Tricia would agree to be his mate. One of the ten prime unmated breeding females, she commanded the attention of all unmated pack males. Like the other breeding females, she remained free to choose her own mate until she reached twenty-three, when a mate would be chosen for her. Desire had hit hard and fast when he returned home from the vampire wars and saw her. Redheaded and luscious, Tricia was hot. They courted. She teased. He put his foot down. Mate with him, he’d insisted. She’d allow him to pleasure her, teasing her clit until she climaxed. Watching her come, Nicolas would get all hot he couldn’t stand it. Then she’d order him to go down on her. The heady scent of female arousal flooding his nostrils, combined with the delicious taste of her juices made him harder than stone. He’d make her come at least ten times, his aching balls threatening to burst. When his turn came he’d yank down his jeans, but she’d leave, promising him satisfaction the next time. After four frustrated nights, he called it quits. Until she pulled down his pants, got on her knees and kissed his throbbing cock. Nicolas nearly ejaculated at the light press of her lips. Tricia had hung back, smiling, patting his penis. “Let’s save this big boy for tomorrow night,” she had said, evoking a promise from him to meet her the next night at their meeting place. “I’ll even suck you off,” she had whispered, playing with the small gold hoop in his left ear. Eager and willing, he’d shown up. Waited all night. No Tricia. Nicolas swore he’d never do it again. He held out for four full days until she cornered him at the local market. “Meet me,” she breathed. Then, shielding her actions with her body, Tricia had stroked his thickening cock covertly in the canned-goods aisle. Cans of little Vienna sausages had dropped from his fingers as he leaned back against the shelves, groaning.

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She sashayed off with a smug smile, leaving him with a boner so big he’d been forced to hide it behind a leg of lamb. The following day, she actually did meet him at the abandoned building on a deserted side street. Shit, she’d even allowed him to fuck her. And not in the ass, as some of the coy unmated females did so they wouldn’t lose their virginity and risk becoming pregnant, forced to mate with the male for life. Nicolas closed his eyes, remembering the sweet tightness of her cunt, how she clasped his cock as he rode her to an orgasm that felt like molten fire in his veins. Her excited cries making him wonder if she weren’t a virgin after all, until he pulled out and saw the blood on his swollen member. Filled with possessive tenderness, positive now she’d mate with him, he bent over her to give her the traditional bite. She scampered away, murmuring excuses about needing to return home. Meeting him the next night. The next night, arousal pulsing through his veins, he went to the house. Waited all night. Tricia never showed up. Two nights later, she phoned. She had to wash her hair. Later, she promised. Nicolas had hung up. But she wheedled and coaxed, promising sex again. He surrendered, determined to bite her this time, force her hand into mating despite firm pack law that insisted he obtain Marcus’ approval first. But when he arrived, she pleaded with him. Only in the ass. She couldn’t risk pregnancy until she had his ring on her finger. Nicolas nearly left until she disrobed, dropped to all fours and spread her cheeks with her hands. The very sight had him howl. He capitulated. Again. Tricia’s ass was sweeter than his fist. No longer. He tired of Tricia’s games. Now she’d dumped him for Aaron, promising to return when she got bored. He rubbed a hand over his face, feeling the stab of longing. Would he ever have a mate of his own? A real mate, a companion to snuggle by the fire with, to laugh and share life with, and to fuck his brains out, finally leaving him sated. And little ones. He wanted a real family of his own. Despite the closeness of the pack, he felt lonely. At least Marcus was mated, even though Alyssa danced away from him just like Tricia. But Marcus would remedy that. Nicolas and the other Warriors would do anything to see him happy. How many times had Marcus saved their collective asses fighting vampires? Nicolas feverishly hoped Marcus would succeed in his mission. He adored babies and the pack desperately needed an heir. Brushing leaves and dirt from his jeans, Nicolas stood and saluted the cottage.

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“Good luck getting her pregnant, Marcus, old buddy,” he murmured. “I have a feeling you’re in for a very interesting ride.”

***** Alyssa rushed into the cottage, anxiety nipping her heels. “Grandma,” she called out. “Granny, are you okay? I got your message. Don’t worry, I’m here.” At her age, Granny was liable to expire at a moment’s notice. The croaking, weak voice begging Alyssa to come straight home sounded horribly sick. Maybe it was her heart. She tossed off her red wool cloak, hanging it on the antique coat hook. “Granny,” she called again. No word. The living room with its fireplace, chintz sofa, end tables with lace doilies and Tiffany lamps looked swept clean. Relief touched her. Granny couldn’t be deathly ill with the house looking this clean. Finally a very muffled, weak voice called out, “Back here, dear.” Dropping her bag, she hurried past the dining room, into the kitchen, past the large breakfast nook with its cheerful brown wicker furniture and assortments of cozy quilts, to the guest bedroom. Why was Granny not in her regular bed? She knocked on the closed door. “Granny?” “Come in,” the voice called out feebly. Twisting the knob, she went inside. Faint light shone from a bedside lamp. On the enormous brass bed, Grandma lay covered up to her chin with her wedding ring quilt. A pink lace cap covered her gray locks. The round spectacles sat on a nose that seemed too aquiline, not bulbous like Granny’s. Alyssa stopped short, struck by a sudden horrible suspicion. Couldn’t be… But the body lying beneath the quilt seemed much larger than it should. Unless Granny had been pumping iron and popping steroids, something was very wrong. Her palm grew clammy clutching the woven basket of beef jerky, Grandma’s favorite treat sworn to cure anything. Heart galloping in her chest, she approached the bed. The fingers gripping the quilt’s edge were long, strong and sprinkled with dark hair. Alyssa gulped. “What big…hands you have, Granny.” “The better to hug you with, dear,” came the feeble, raspy reply. She tried again, backing up one step. “What a big body you have, Granny.” “The better to hold against you, my dear.” Huskier, deeper. Alyssa gripped the basket as Granny lifted her head. Oh crap. Granny had a prominent Adam’s apple. Granny smiled suddenly, showing even, white teeth. The full, firm sensual lips parted. 33

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Nearly to the door. “What a big mouth you have, Granny.” And that is my cue to get the hell out of here. “The better to eat you with, my dear. And make you love every moment of it.” Before she could dart out into the kitchen, the covers jerked back. She barely had time to push out a startled squeak when two very strong arms grabbed her from behind, lifted and carried her to the bed. The basket flew out of her hands, scattering beef jerky all over the pristine forest green carpet. Alyssa found herself flat on her back, “Granny” bending his muscular frame over her, pinning her wrists to the mattress. Through the glasses, his eyes darkened with desire. “Shall we begin eating you right now, dear mate?” the husky voice purred. Alyssa struggled. “Damn it, Marcus! Let me go! Where’s Granny?” “Away at a knitting conference. Just you and me now, sweetheart,” he breathed. Drawing his head close, he sniffed her. Anger darkened his gaze as he drew back. “I’m very hungry, baby. Can’t wait to eat you.” She locked her gaze with his. “Dressed like that? You look very pretty, Marcus. Pink is definitely your color.” Her mate drew back, grimacing. Marcus lifted off her, removing the glasses and tossing them on the nightstand. He jerked off lace cap, wig and wriggled out of the nightgown. Beneath it he wore a tight black T-shirt and faded jeans. Glimpsing the bulge in his jeans, she drew in a deep breath. Alyssa put her hands to her temples, feeling a rise of familiar lust. Two velvet brown eyes studied her intently. Electricity sizzled and sparked between them. She felt breathless with desire. Marcus was the worst thing in the world for her. She had to leave. Now. Desperate to escape, she darted past him. Marcus reached around her, slammed the door shut. Trapped, she backed up against until the wall stopped her retreat. He advanced, determination glinting his gaze as he pinned her wrists to the wall. Bending his head, he nuzzled her neck, warm mouth sliding over her chilled skin. She felt the erotic sting of his teeth biting very gently where her neck met shoulder. He drew back suddenly. Wariness filled his eyes as he pressed close. “I smell another man on you.” “I was in a cowboy bar. Dancing,” she protested. “Doesn’t matter. I can still smell him. I’ll have to remedy that. Get into that bed, now,” he commanded softly. “No.” “Fine. I don’t need a bed.” Her mouth wobbled as she stared at her husband. “You can’t keep me here, Marcus. I’ve got a new life. Had to, after you went running off to save the world.” 34

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Towering over her, his imposing height and breadth once overwhelmed her. No longer. She wouldn’t be intimated by the big, bad wolf. “You can’t leave, Alyssa. The minute you walked through that gate, the electronic fence powered up.” “Granny doesn’t have an electronic fence!” Those wide shoulders lifted. “Believe what you want, sweetheart.” His nostrils flared as he sniffed the air, hunger dawning in his gaze. His gaze dropped to her crotch. “But there’s no denying one fact. You really don’t want to leave, do you?” Electronic fences held less power than her own damn hormones. From the moment she entered the bedroom, her body knew what her brain refused to process. Marcus. Already she was hot and wet between her legs. Bending his head, he sniffed her. Smiled. He knew it too. “Lyssa, you’re in heat. Ready to conceive. I can’t resist you, sweetheart. So don’t blame me if I get…a little…forceful. Your scent is driving me wild. Ah…” He inhaled again, locking his gaze to her. “But I won’t force you, baby. Will I?” he asked softly. The hard ridge of his arousal pressed against her soft mound. Alyssa wanted to squeeze the thick bulge. Remembering how it felt to have him thrust inside, fill her so completely. She shivered, her cunt clenching, squeezing. Wanting. Pushing off her, he flexed his shoulders. Showing her his strength, that he was the strongest male and fit for mating with her. Unsmiling, he pushed up her denim skirt past her hips, jerked down her delicate lace panties. Reaching for a pair of shears on a nearby table next to several skeins of yarn, he snipped the panties off, tossed the scissors back. Marcus stepped back, unzipped and yanked down his jeans. His penis sprang out, jutting out and bobbing beneath its heavy weight. His cock was engorged, thicker and harder than she ever remembered. Alyssa gulped, wondering how the hell she could accommodate him. He pinned her to the wall with the intensity of his dark gaze. Stepping closer, he sniffed her then pushed a hank of blonde hair back. Marcus bent his head to her neck. His tongue darted out, gave her earlobe a soft lick. Alyssa bit back a moan as he nuzzled the chilled skin of her throat, kissing and stroking it with his warm tongue. Gaze intent, he dropped a hand between them, tunneled through the damp blonde curls covering her mound. Marcus pushed a big finger up into her damp cunt. She bit back a moan as he stroked, testing her. More. She needed more. Deprived all these years, she craved him like an addict. He forced his finger in and out, watching her reaction. “You’re so tight, like a virgin. It’s been a long, long time.” “I don’t know if I can take you,” she protested, feeling her cunt weep around his thrusting finger. Alyssa wrapped her fingers around his muscled shoulders. 35

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“You will,” he promised darkly. Withdrawing his finger, he stepped even closer, pressing his body between her legs, nudging them open to admit him. His gaze seemed to burn, like lit coals. His jaw clenched. Harsh breaths grated from his lungs as if he fought for control. Marcus grasped her naked ass, hands shaking slightly as he lifted her, squeezing and kneading her soft bottom. Spreading her thighs open wide, he positioned her. Cool air washed over her exposed vulva, caressing it. Erotic heat flooded her at the thought of what he planned. Alyssa bit her lip as he lifted her in a seated position until her wet entrance was level to his jutting penis. Damn, she’d forgotten how strong he was. At five feet seven inches, she wasn’t exactly a lightweight. He hoisted her up as if she weighed no more than a folded blanket. Beneath her curled fingertips she felt the hard muscle and sinew of his shoulders. She needed this. Needed him. All those long, cold lonely years without him. Who had she fooled? One hand on her ass, pressing her against the wall with his weight, he positioned his huge cock at her wet entrance. The thick hardness between her legs seemed to throb with a life of its own. Impatient. Wanting. Marcus pressed the rounded knob of his penis into her. She recoiled in shock, whimpering. God he was too big. Alyssa gulped down deep breaths, fevered desire burning inside her threatening to turn to ash. Two deep brown eyes burned into hers. Marcus held her captive with the penetrating stare of a dominant wolf. Her head lolled back on her neck. She was helpless in his grip. Straining to gain entry, he grunted, pushing his penis harder into her. She was too tight. It had been too long. Her cunt clenched. His penis pressed forward, insisting on entrance. The invading conqueror determined to gain entry. Claim her again, make her his own. Marcus rocked back and forth, each determined, small thrust pushing the rounded knob of his penis farther into her resisting passage. Biting back a gasp, she rolled her hips. Oh he was huge, stretching her fully. Alyssa closed her eyes, wrapping her arms around his muscled neck. She couldn’t take it. Marcus stood still, adjusting his position. He opened her thighs wider, exposing her. She felt vulnerable, helpless in his grip. “Easy now, baby. You can do it. Just relax. Feel it. Don’t resist. Relax,” he crooned. Marcus shifted, dropping his hand between them as he teased her clit. She clutched his shoulders, moaning. The burning became need, became urgency.

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He began moving again, grinding his hips against hers. Each powerful surge pushed his penis deeper and deeper still. Pressure increased as his cock filled her, tiny muscles in her cunt bearing down. Then with a last urgent push, he penetrated her to the root. Impaled on his thick cock, she writhed, stretched fully. The thickness between her legs became nearly unbearable. Alyssa shook her head, moaning. His hand dropped between them again, teased her enlarged clit with soft, circular strokes. Marcus adjusted his position and thrust forward again, his cock rubbing against her clit as he banged her against the wall. Small china figurines on wood shelves clinked and rattled with the violence of his thrusts. His fingers squeezed her naked ass as his muscular body rocked against her. She dug her nails into his shoulders. “That’s a good girl. Come on, baby. Come for me. Come for me. Now. Do it now.” Tossing her head from side to side, she ached, reaching for it. The rough command in his voice and his violent, fevered thrusts tipped her over the edge. Alyssa writhed and shrieked as the pleasure burst. She shuddered, feeling him follow, bucking and thrusting still inside her, head tossed back, a harsh groan rippling from his lips. Breath ripping in harsh, dragging gasps from their lungs, beads of sweat slicking their brows, they remained locked in each other’s arms. After a minute, Marcus let her slide down against the wall. His cock slid out from her, bobbing wetly, slick with her juices and his seed. Dampness trickled down her trembling thighs as semen seeped out of her cunt. Grasping fistfuls of his shirt, Alyssa sagged against his big body, wobbly legs unable to support her. Marcus tucked his cock back into his jeans, zipped. He swept her up into his arms, rock-hard biceps bulging as he cradled her against his chest. “Let’s talk in the living room.” “An after-fuck talk? You don’t want to smoke a cigarette like a civilized person?” “I’m no more civilized than you are, baby,” he warned. Biting back a retort, she lay, too sated and dazed by the violent sex they’d shared. Carefully, as a mother placing a baby into a crib, he eased her softly into the rocker by the fireplace. “We need to talk, Lyssa. Before round two.” Round two? How could she endure him again? She barely had survived round one, the spent passion leaving her boneless and drained. “I need to clean up,” she shot back. Stumbling into the bathroom, Alyssa splashed cold water on her face to restore her senses. She took a pink washcloth from beneath the sink. Ran the hot water, soaped the cloth. Alyssa scrubbed vigorously between her legs, washing away his seed. Her juices. She rubbed the cloth between her cleft, ignoring the growing throbbing there.

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After drying off, she splashed more cold water over her face. Stark confusion reflected back on the face in the mirror. Ever since discovering her true heritage, she had shunned her wolf side, fearing retribution from her people. Fearing Marcus would discover her shame. Yet now, the wolf inside her barked to be released. Run wild and free. Marcus radiated pure Alpha sexuality. She must leave, before Marcus tossed the net of his powerful sensuality over her. Trapping her, keeping her captive for his pleasure until his baby grew big in her belly. Alyssa straightened her skirt, smoothed her blouse. Emerging from the bathroom, she struggled to regain her lost composure. Threads of her unraveled confidence frayed. She wove them back together and greeted her mate with a frosty look. Standing by the fireplace, he leaned an arm on the mantel. More than six feet of powerful male, rock-hard abs and biceps, he could crush his enemies with one squeeze of a bare hand. Yet his hands were gentle upon her skin, tender. Eliciting a sexual response but never hurting her. Denim encased his long, muscular legs. Through the tight black T-shirt, she saw his round nipples stick out. Alyssa fought an urge to rip the shirt from his back, tunnel her hands through the springy, dark chest hairs and kiss each nipple, teasing the coppery circles with her tongue. Then in true wolf fashion, lie submissively on her back and spread her naked thighs for his pleasure. Letting him do as he pleased. “Lyssa,” he said softly, holding out a scarred, rough hand. “Come to me.” No way. Alyssa bolted through the living room and out the door. Behind her, she heard the casual slam of the screen door as her mate followed. “Be careful of the fence, Lyssa,” he called out. Cool air washed over her. Alyssa rubbed her arms, shivering. She forgot how damn cold it was up here. She reached the gate, fumbled with the latch, opened it and started to march through. The hell with Marcus. Zzzzzap! YEOW! A sharp jolt sent her reeling back flat on her fanny. Alyssa stared in a shocked daze. Two strong hands picked her up, set her on her feet. “Told you,” the husky drawl laconically asserted. “Edwina put up an electronic fence. I had my best friend Nicolas power it up when you walked through. You’re stuck here, sweetheart, until we accomplish what I came here for.” Suspicion flowered. “And that is?” His sexy grin widened. “Making a baby.” Stumbling, Alyssa backed away, thrusting out her hands to keep him at a safe distance. “No way. I’m not settling down to become some nice domesticated mate raising a passel of offspring while you go off traipsing about the globe, saving the world

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from vampires or zombies or fairies. Does she really think I’m stupid enough to get fucked by you and watch you walk out the door again?” The grin dropped. He reached up, cupped her cheek. She shivered at the intensity his touch brought. “No more. I’m staying put this time. For good.” “Not with me.” He reached up, swung her easily into his arms. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” she demanded. Marcus marched into the house with her, toward the back bedroom. “Doing what Edwina ordered. Fucking you until you conceive.” He lay her carefully down on the bed. She inched away, eyes wide as he shucked the T-shirt. Bronzed muscles rippled with fluid strength as he tossed it aside. A thick webbing of pink scars crisscrossed his shoulder, snaking over his neck. The vampire. Alyssa felt a stab of pain at the thought. The pack almost lost him. She’d almost lost him. Marcus unzipped and hooked his thumbs around the waistband of his jeans. Time for round two. “Get undressed, Lyssa, before I strip you naked. I’m ready to rip that pretty little blouse off you if you can’t remove it in twenty seconds flat.” Alyssa’s mouth opened. He added silkily, “Close it before I put it to good use.” She closed her mouth, glared instead. Her hands shook as she unbuttoned her blouse, unsnapped and discarded her bra. She didn’t want this. Didn’t want him or his powerful charm weaving over her like a drug. But she wasn’t immune, never had been, to his sensuality. Especially now when her hormones were on overdrive. She also never renewed her birth control prescription. Damn. Double damn. Granny had lousy timing. Or perfect, according to what Granny wanted. As her mate pointed out, she was ovulating. If she didn’t make it out, Marcus would get her pregnant before she could utter, “Woof.” Barely had her skirt been set aside when Marcus pounced. He pushed her gently back onto the bed, pulling off her turquoise cowboy boots and the thick socks. Kneeling at the bed’s edge, he caressed her bare feet, frowning at her naked toes. Shock dawned on his face. “Your toes!” “Electrolysis.” “I adored your hairy toes. They were adorable. Good thing you didn’t try electrolysis on any other body part.” He spread her thighs with his powerful hands. Alyssa wriggled with horrified embarrassment as he stared. “These beautiful curls. How long I’ve dreamed about your sweet, pink cunt, moist and warm, waiting for me.” He pressed his face close and inhaled. “Your scent, Alyssa. It drives me wild. So many nights I’d lie in bed, frustrated and lonely as hell, and I’d 39

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dream of burying my face between these silky thighs, smelling you, tasting you, tasting you…” He drew back, ran a forefinger along her cleft, rubbing lightly. “Ready again for me, sweetheart.” She cursed her body’s eager reaction to him as he laughed lightly. “You can deny me all you want but your sweet cunt knows I’m home, darling. It wants me.” She sat up, indignant. He pushed her back down and lowered his head between her opened thighs. She felt the warm wetness of his tongue dart out and begin to lick her. “Marcus,” she squeaked. “So delicious, oh Lyssa, I love tasting your sweet juices,” he murmured. With his fingers, he spread her lips open. A long, lingering lap of his tongue slid over her wet cleft. Alyssa sat up, gasping. Staring at his dark head buried between her thighs. “Please, please, Marcus,” she begged. “Oh…” Another long, slow lick. Back, forth. Then the slow scrape of his tongue rasped over her clit. She arched, gasping. Her hands fisted in his hair, trying to pull him off. Trying to pull him closer. Marcus ignored her attempts. His strong hands pinned her thighs to the bed, holding her open. Alyssa sobbed, begging him to stop. With each delicious lick, fire lapped her. It was too much, too powerful. Too long since she’d had so much pleasure. Tension built, urging her higher. Alyssa bit her lip. Her hands wanted to roam over the hard body that fought hard to protect her, skim over muscle and sinew, hold his thick cock in her hands. She raised herself up on her elbows, gasping for air, her hips bucking against him. Riding the waves. Trying not to ride them. He lifted his head suddenly. Ran his tongue slowly over his lips. “Delicious,” he purred. Growled. Frustrated, left lingering on the edge of climax, she could only stare helplessly. He joined her on the bed, gathering her against him, pressing her into the mattress. Kissed her. She tasted herself on his lips as he deepened the kiss. Subtle pressure, his mouth moving over hers, coaxing her response. Marcus cupped the back of her head in his hands, holding her steady as his tongue teased and caressed. Her hands rose up, fisted in his hair. She moaned, hot need clutching her. Her aching, wet cunt squeezed. He sucked on her lower lip, releasing it with a slight popping sound. Alyssa squirmed in agonized need. She rubbed herself over Marcus, feeling the heat deep inside her. He lifted off her, staring down at her face.

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“You’ve been gone far too long, Lyssa, living among the humans. I’m going to teach you what you need to know. You will surrender to your innermost sexual needs, baby. They can’t be denied.” Desire darkened his eyes. The knot of anticipation inside her tightened. “I can’t be denied either. We’re going to spend the next two weeks conceiving our child, the next pack leader. No mercy, darling. When you scream and beg me to stop because you don’t think you can take the pleasure anymore, I’ll keep pushing you. Because I know you can. I know you, Lyssa. I know you better than you know yourself. I’m going to keep you captive here. Ravish you, to use an old-fashioned term since I know language is a concern of yours. I’m going to have my way with you until I’m thoroughly satisfied. And you are as well.” He smiled, showing even, white teeth, the smile of a predator wolf. The ache between her legs intensified. Trapped, held captive by a sexually starved werewolf in his prime. More than two hundred pounds of muscle pinning her down. Whoa boy. She was in for it now… Her fingers stroked the hard muscles of his shoulders, traced the rough webbing of scars. She reached up and kissed them tenderly. Licked the old wounds. “Marcus, what they did to you. I could kill them for how they hurt you.” He looked away, but not before she saw the flash of vulnerability deep in his eyes. “Some scars are less visible than others.” In complete union, she totally understood and the understanding frightened her a little, as if she had lost part of herself and merged with him. The scars that hurt most weren’t from the vampire’s razor-sharp claws but the cruel taunts he’d suffered as the lowest of the low in the pack. She wrestled with these feelings, her human self needing to push him away. Her wolf self wanting to pull him closer. Soothe and comfort him. Alyssa kissed the curve of his jaw, capitulating to the wolf side roaring to life. Marcus looked startled, as if he’d expected her to pull away. Resist. He gathered her close to him. Positioned his cock at her aching, wanting cunt. Thrust deep. So deep she arched in shock. Marcus soothed her with a whisper and words she barely heard. The crisp hairs of his chest rasped over her aching, sensitive breasts. Wriggling, she tilted her pelvis upward, taking all of him inside her. They began a dance in communion with each other. Thrust hard and deep. Alyssa, taking him fully, raising her hips to accept. Marcus wrapped his hands around her wrists, pinning them to the bed. Trapping her beneath him. There was no escape. She was his captive, helpless in his sensual embrace. Alyssa writhed and moaned as he penetrated. Marcus growled again, bending his head and biting her gently on the neck then chasing it with a soothing kiss. She

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recognized his possessive mating, his need to reclaim her physically, imprint his flesh on hers, to mark her as his own. To merge them so completely she’d lose herself in him, and bond once more with him. He fucked her hard and fast, making her sob and plead. Then he drew back on his haunches, wrapping her legs around his waist. Marcus leaned over her, pushing into her hard and fast, playing with her clit. The friction of him sliding over her, combined with the light flicks of his skilled fingers, brought the tension to an explosive burst. Alyssa arched and screamed as she climaxed, her body bucking and shaking. Waves of pleasure slammed into her again and again. Then he stiffened over her, giving a loud groan. She felt his hot seed burst into her as he bucked and shuddered. His heavy weight pressed her deep into the mattress as he eased his body onto hers. Perspiration slicked their skin. A cool breeze drifted in from the partly opened window, chilling the sweat. Alyssa felt his cock throb still inside her as Marcus rested his head on the mattress beside her. Oh crap. What the hell had she done? Opened her legs and eagerly welcomed him. Again! No way. She couldn’t do this again. Let Marcus rule over her life, overtake her by forcing her to acknowledge her animal nature and physical needs? Which world did she belong to? The sensual, wild world of the wolf? Or the more sedate, material world of the human? Never had she felt so lost. Never had she wanted to belong so very badly. Yet where did she belong? She writhed beneath his weight, horribly ashamed at having capitulated to sheer animal desire. He raised himself up and stared down at her. Sweat dampened his silky black hair. “You’re mine, Lyssa. When I’m through with you, you’ll know, baby. We were made for each other. Don’t fight it. Just accept. Surrender to your deepest desires.” She made no reply. He rolled off her, lying in silence beside her. A small crack in the ceiling caught her attention. Alyssa concentrated on it. She felt like the crack, widening, growing, threatening, to sunder the very structure holding their lives together. Living among humans, working with them and associating with them each day proved harder than she’d ever imagined. Yet she had adapted. Learned to ignore the cravings of the moon each month and the deeper cravings for her mate each night. I have to find a way out of here, before the full moon, she thought desperately. Marcus turned to her, his big hand stroking her side down to her hip. He nestled closer. She felt the hardness of his cock nudging her. Alyssa’s trembling thighs spilled open, eager to accept him again.

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With considerable effort, she clamped them shut. Marcus mounted her, kneeing them open once more. He pinned her wrists to the mattress as he studied her. He kissed her, nipping at her lower lip then raised himself up as she wriggled beneath him. “Marcus, I can’t do this again,” she wailed. “Yes, you can. There’s no need to be afraid. I’ll be your tutor. It’s my duty as your mate to teach you,” he breathed. “I’ll run. Find a way to escape,” she predicted, suppressing an excited whimper as his tongue rasped over a hardened nipple. Suckling it, he ran his tongue around the bud then darted it with tiny, expert flicks. Alyssa’s legs spilled open as her hips jerked up eagerly. Here comes round three. Marcus raised his head, giving her a knowing smile. “Go ahead, try to escape me. You can run but you can’t hide, sweetheart. And when I find you, I’ll enjoy every moment of making up the time you’ve evaded me.” Moaning, Alyssa squirmed as he cupped a breast possessively, flicking his thumb over her nipple. A thought emerged. “You’re still angry, aren’t you? For me leaving the pack?” Cupping her face, Marcus kissed the tip of her nose. “I was. I’d rather kiss and make up.” She studied him with growing curiosity. “Most males would be furious at their mates wanting to leave them and punish them. You’re not?” “I’m not most males. I can hold my own against you.” A crooked grin touched his mouth. “I believe I would actually enjoy holding my own against you. You’re quite a challenge, baby.” What an extraordinary mate and leader he was. Most other males wouldn’t hesitate to show their mates their place. A lump clogged her throat. They might have had a good life together. No longer. Why did he have to make leaving him so difficult? Yet she must. “Besides, if you get too out of line, I’ll merely mount you in the privacy of our bedroom.” He winked. “Want to get out of line?” “You… Marcus!” The grin dropped. “Enough talk,” he murmured. Lying on his side, he gathered her against him, kissing her. She had forgotten how wonderful his kisses felt. Alyssa drew his tongue into her mouth and sucked on it, flicking her tongue against his. Marcus uttered a deep groan, shifting against her. Oh yes. The big bad wolf had it just as bad as she did.

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Hiding her triumph, she rubbed the sensitive skin behind his ear. He groaned again, his cock twitching against her thigh. His lips trailed fire from her mouth, down her jaw then he licked and nibbled the junction where shoulder meets neck. His calloused fingertips stroked her from breast to hip. Marcus moved over her and then downward, pressing his head between her legs. Caressing her flesh with his stroking tongue, he created fire with each skillful pass. Silky black hair from his head rubbed her opened thighs. Then his mouth encased her clit, biting very gently. He suckled and flicked his tongue. She came undone. Alyssa screamed. And screamed again. He loved her slowly this time, taking his leisure, exploring each inch of her boneless body with tongue and lips. When he finally joined with her, she was breathless with renewed desire, shaken by the shock of six orgasms in less than two hours. When he finally slid off her, Alyssa’s eyes fluttered shut. Make that eight. Dull resignation filled her as he rolled over, taking her with him. Marcus tucked her protectively against him as they snuggled under the covers. Soon she heard deep, even sounds of his breathing. Every minute she remained meant being trapped in this marriage. She had to find a way out. Soon. Before she got pregnant. Or worse. Before Marcus discovered what she really was. She couldn’t bear for him to discover her most shameful secret. She’d rather die.

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Chapter Four Nestled against the mountains, Grandma’s cottage sat on two acres of land off a side street at the town’s edge. A long porch wrapped around the outside. Behind the cottage was a large barn. The street running parallel to the cottage led into the mountains. White wicker furniture sat on the porch next to a log pile. A freshly painted white picket fence enclosed a flowerbed boasting pansies, black-eyed Susans and snapdragons. One corner of the yard featured a wood swing. Various wood signs with cutesy sayings were stuck into the ground like, “I’m filled with sunshine on a rainy day”. “Tiptoe through the tulips.” “Apple Pie stop.” It was typical of Edwina’s cheery, homemade style. Born and raised a Southern werewolf, she never got the South out of her blood. Marcus had added a sign of his own to the garden. Since Halloween approached, he made an effigy of a screaming vampire burning to a crisp and a cute white sign saying, “I love sunshine”. The porch had baskets of geraniums hanging from the gingerbread eaves. The house was on a fairly deserted street. Perfect for taming his mate and keeping her trapped here. If all the cutesy signs, climbing roses and adorable decorations didn’t make him gag first. Marcus sat on a white wicker rocker on the porch, swaying back and forth. On the red walls of the cottage with its white porch railings Edwina had tacked up an old gardening hat, wreaths made from fruit and a wood trellis with little birdhouses. In the rose gray hours of dawn, clouds gathered overhead. Acrid smoke drifting from a distant chimney teased his nostrils. The train whistle howled in the distance, a mournful, eerie sound. Marcus laced his fingers behind his head. Small wonder his people settled here. The train whistle echoing through the valley was a soul mate in steel, a mournful cry like wolf song. He figured Alyssa would feel at home here. Fussy, female claptrap adorned every tiny nook and cramped cranny. White lace curtains at the windows pulled back to reveal little colored-glass figurines lined on the sill. The whole décor made him uncomfortable but if it suited Alyssa, he could live with it. He only needed stability after six hard years of war, on the move constantly, fighting for his people. All he wanted was home, raising his food and running with the moon once a month like any normal were. With his mate by his side and a passel of little ones to rear.

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He preferred the lodge he was renovating up in the woods. Isolated, overlooking the ranch, spacious wood ceilings. Marcus planned to decorate with heavy, rugged pine furniture. But he thought Alyssa would prefer this. Country cuteness. Bleech, he thought, sweeping the porch with a last look before pushing off to the bedroom to slip back into bed. Wearing only her thick fleece robe, Alyssa sat at the kitchen table, sipping coffee and staring out the window. Wind tossed the branches of a towering oak tree. Finches landed on the bird feeder, darting away when a blackbird came squawking. Edwina had quilted adorable little Halloween pumpkin placemats for the table. Her only concessions to modern-day décor were the stainless steel appliances in the kitchen—which did blend nicely with the apple wallpaper and the apple curtains hanging at the window—and the wide-screen television with its satellite dish. Alyssa hated Granny’s cottage. She preferred simple, rugged décors reminding her of the woods denied to her for so long. She heard Marcus enter the house but did not glance up. The sky was leaden, heavy. Gray. Like her mood. She ran a finger along the spotless sill, filled with nostalgia at the blue and red glass bottles lining it. Granny loved her antiques. If only Granny hadn’t loved meddling as much. Marcus lumbered into the kitchen, yawning. Wearing only a pair of gray sweatpants that hugged his lean hips and showed a hint of powerfully muscled legs, he strode toward her. “You’re up early,” he said, blinking. Her hungry gaze swept over him, dropped to the erection tenting the sweat pants. “So are you,” she countered. Totally unabashed, he glanced down. “It’s the effect you have around me, sweetheart. Want to remedy it?” Alyssa shifted in her seat, winced. Sore in several places, she felt the effects of his virile lovemaking down to her bones. Marcus shot her a knowing glance. “I was a little eager last night, baby. I hope I wasn’t too rough.” A blush covered her cheeks as she ducked her head, murmuring something noncommittal. His big frame sucked up all the space. He opened the pine sideboard, grabbed a mug that read “A woman’s place is in the garden” and ambled toward the coffeemaker. Even dressed in Granny’s nightgown, he had radiated pure masculinity. He sipped as he strolled toward the table, murmuring in satisfaction. Marcus eased down into the chair opposite her. Leaning his elbows on the table, he regarded her over the rim of the coffee mug.

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“I hope you’re happy with coffee for breakfast because I’m not cooking,” Alyssa asserted. “What a disappointment,” he drawled. “Not going to don that cute little red apron with green apples? I’d love to see you in that and nothing else, scrambling up a passel of eggs.” A teasing smile curled his lips. She glared, her weary brain trying to think of a sharp retort. “Course what I had to eat last night can’t be beat.” He ran his tongue slowly along his lips, winking. Alyssa pinked at the memory. “That’s all we have between us, Marcus, mated or not. Sex. That’s all. I need more for a marriage. I won’t settle for a relationship based in bed.” “There’s always the floor.” She set her cup down, her mood darkening much as the leaden, overcast skies. Perhaps it was time to hint at the truth. Alyssa considered, weighing her words. “Marcus, we must talk. You want a family. How can you start a family with me when you don’t really know me? We hail from two different worlds. You and I, we’re so different…” Her voice trailed off. His mouth flattened as he set the mug down. “I know. How many times have others said you’re too good for me? Do you realize how hard I had to fight to become your mate? The lowest of the low claiming the pack heiress. Every single moment of my life I’ve been fighting to prove myself, Alyssa.” Unspoken words hung between them. You don’t think I’m good enough for you because I’m Omega. The brief flash of haunting torment in his eyes told her what he did not. The flash of vulnerability in his dark eyes left her stricken. She toyed with the cloth napkin with little dancing pumpkins. “Shut your muzzle about proving yourself, Marcus. I’ve never believed that social status crap. You possess more leadership ability than any other male and now you’re the Alpha. And I never thought you should be treated differently when you were still an Omega.” He leaned back, the wood chair creaking beneath his heavy weight. “I agree. No one should be treated different simply because they are…different.” Uneasy at the shift in conversation, she sipped more coffee. “But we’re getting offtrack, Marcus. You want me because I’m the Alpha and you need me to assume leadership. But how do you know I’m truly the right mate for you?” “I know,” he said softly. Alyssa set her cup down, chewing on her lower lip. Must tread carefully here. “I have needs, Marcus. Needs you haven’t considered.” “If it’s a home you want, Lyssa, don’t worry. I’m already renovating mine. I can make the interior as cutesy,” he tried hard to hide his grimace, failed, and the effect was

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quite adorable, “or as modern as you like. I figured you’d like this place, since you grew up here.” Wind rattled an aspen branch against the window. Alyssa stared at the pane. “I don’t want cutesy. I don’t quilt or make napkin rings or dream about apple pie baking contests or playing bridge. It’s so highly overrated.” He took a red apple napkin ring and spun it between his fingers. “What do you want then, Lyssa? I honestly want to know.” Earnest curiosity layered that question. She sat back, flummoxed. All her life no one asked that question. Granny raised her according to her standards and ideals. Her loyal relatives assumed as heiress to the pack’s leadership, she would follow traditions. No one ever bothered asking what she wanted. Until Marcus. Until now. Six years ago she left to escape the stinging shame of her secret, yet the old ties and pull of the tight-knit wolf community remained. In the years since she’d lived in Santa Fe, loneliness dogged her footsteps. Being apart from the pack meant lonely isolation. Yet how could she risk Marcus discovering the truth? She fiddled with the silver spoon in the blue ceramic sugar bowl. “What do I want? A place to call home. Lots of bathrooms and bedrooms, a glassed shower and a Roman tub in my bathroom, and a bedroom with a small sitting area where I can do whatever I want, a stone fireplace in the living room big enough to keep me warm in the winter, heavy wood furniture, a house where I feel like the outdoors has come inside.” Peering up beneath her lashes at him, she added softly, “And someone at my side to share it with, who totally understands my needs.” “What needs are those?” he probed. “Everything. All my needs.” “Sexual?” She drew in a quivering breath. “Oh yes.” Someone who knows the struggle inside me, who can match this fire flame for flame. Someone who will stoke the flames until they burn ceaselessly and then quench them every time he makes me come, again and again. Someone who won’t condemn me for being a half-breed, but understand my struggle. Marcus gave her a sobering look. “Admit the truth, Lyssa. These past six years we’ve been apart, have you burned as I have?” Her troubled gaze rose to his. Seeing the heat flaring there. Feeling it stroke across her body, remembering his touch so boldly claiming every single inch of her naked skin. She reached across the table, clasped his warm fingers. Stroking them. Feeling him shudder beneath her caresses. Words slipped out in a husky whisper before she could think of the consequences. “What do you think?”

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Desire glinted his gaze. She felt his heated gaze study her body, sweep over her, trailing fire in its wake. He switched seats, taking the chair closest to her. Marcus lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it, his eyes glittering with intent. A jolt of desire rocked her, so intense she felt helpless to fight it. “What do you want from me, Marcus?” she whispered. His look softened. “I want you to be happy. That’s all. Be happy.” “Then why did you trap me here, instead of leaving me in Santa Fe? To my life?” “That wasn’t a life, Lyssa. It was a box caging you in the human world. Were you truly happy without your people? Without the closeness of the pack? Tell me the truth, didn’t you feel isolated and so alone sometimes you felt like there was a boulder sitting on your chest?” Startled, she stared. “How did you know?” “What do you think?” he asked simply. In his dark eyes she saw mirrored her own desperate search for fulfillment. And she knew. Marcus too had hungered. Not merely for her, for his mate and sexual pleasure, but to fill that hollowness in his life, the aching void left by being separate. “We’re social animals, Lyssa. It hurts to be alone.” His bald admission filled her with warmth. She ached to trust him, tell him the truth about her secret carefully hidden from the pack. Why her art was such an integral part of her life. “I’m not really a social animal, Marcus. I’m not what you think.” “I know what you are, Lyssa. I know the struggle inside you, the wolf that fights with your human half.” Cold shock splashed over her, like a bucket of ice water on a sizzling summer day. Immobilized by twin feelings of panic and fear, she groped for a defense. “Human? You mean, associating with humans, Marcus.” “I mean, being fathered by a human, sweetheart,” he said softly. “You’re half human, half wolf.” “I…I am…” She faltered, stared dully at the wall. “How did you know?” He cupped her face in his large hands, forcing her to turn toward him. Marcus kissed the tip of her nose in a gesture filled with tenderness. “I knew before we mated, baby. Your grandmother told me the truth.” “She knows as well?” Alyssa didn’t know what flayed her more, Marcus confronting her with the truth or learning her grandmother knew it all along. “She didn’t want your feelings to be hurt,” he said gently. “But you…why…did you still want me?”

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“I’d want you no matter what, baby.” Marcus kissed her again, this time leaning into her. Alyssa moaned as her mouth parted and he thrust his tongue inside. Marcus deepened the kiss, licking and tasting her. Her loins ached. Releasing her, he ran his knuckles along her kiss-swollen mouth. “But we have a problem, Lyssa. You’ve been exposed too long to the human world and forgot your wolf origins. We need to assimilate you back into the fold, into the social structure of our people. I’ll work with you, make you realize your full potential. You’ve been hiding it all these years, afraid to explore it.” “I don’t know if I can.” “You don’t know until you try,” he observed. Marcus stretched out his massive frame, stood and stalked toward the bookshelf. He retrieved a book covered with a pink quilted cover embroidered “My Family Album”. Alyssa watched as he laid it on the table, drew his chair closer to her and sat. He opened to a page. “We’ll start with these. Photos of a reunion years ago. Look at them. The female is proving her submissiveness to her mate, her master. How do they make you feel?” Alyssa flipped through Granny’s album, staring at photos of the pack surrounding a nude, blindfolded female as naked males rubbed parts of her body. Ropes restrained the female. A werewolf bonding orgy. Arousal arrowed through her. Alyssa felt her cunt flood with moisture as she stared at the photos. “I thought these were myth.” “Very rare but not myth. They can be ordered by the pack leader to assert his authority over the pack males or to train a new mate to become totally submissive. In rare cases, he uses it to bond certain members of the pack together if he senses discord.” “Make love instead of war?” she quipped. Alyssa fought to keep her hands pressed against the book instead of straying over to his crotch and rubbing his cock. “Since the pack leader directs the orgy, everything is under his control. It’s always about who’s in charge.” He leaned forward. “How does it make you feel to look at these, Lyssa?” Her human half roared in protest. “It’s…it’s, I can’t do that!” Marcus placed a palm over her trembling hand. “You think you can’t. You can, Lyssa. We’ll face it together. You’ve spent six years with one side of yourself. Now it’s time to embrace your other half, the wildness inside you.” The sexual side of her longing to be submissive to a strong, dominant male, repulsed her human half. It was so politically incorrect. The modern female was strong, kick-ass. Just like her A.S.S. girlfriends. Not submissive, allowing herself to be used like that! Tied up, obeying the commands of her mate, calling him master. 50

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Her human half recoiled in horror. Her wolf side howled with anticipation. Licking her lips, she studied another photo. “Give in to your wolf self, Lyssa. There’s nothing to fear. Now. Put yourself in the place of the submissive wolf. Does it excite you?” His voice, a husky murmur, made her tremble with desire as she did as he requested. Thought of herself naked, spread out over the body of her mate, his cock filled her aching cunt as male after male mounted and fucked her ass. Begging for pleasure her mate, her master, denied her… Until he rose up, ordering the others away and curled his big body over hers. Fucked her, sliding his cock into her as the others slid their hands over them, urging them to orgasm, to conceive the next pack heir. Fierce heat poured through her, clutching her in its relentless talons. She felt herself raising her ass to the air, ready for penetration… “Let’s see how you really feel, baby,” he murmured. Deftly he parted her robe. His hand slipped up her thigh, caressing, fingers sliding into her cleft. They stroked the wetness there. Closing her eyes, she moaned at the sharp pleasure. Pleasure ceased immediately. “No, Alyssa. You will come from now on only when I will it.” Alyssa’s eyes flew open. She stared at him regarding her, his fingers slick with her juices. Marcus sucked his fingers, licking them slowly. Her cunt squeezed. His intent gaze pinned her to her seat. “Alyssa, if you truly want to become wolf again, I will teach you. Embrace your wild side, the side of you struggling for freedom. It means giving me complete control. Do you agree with this?” Never before had she been faced with such a quandary. Marcus sensed her struggles and wanted her cooperation in training her to become submissive. Her human half struggled with the idea. Alyssa licked dry lips. Pride choked her from wanting it. Desire urged her to accept. He knew her dark secret yet still wanted her. Fought for her! Unbelievable. Yet wasn’t that the Marcus she had remembered from her youth? Seldom eager to dole out his loyalty, but when he did give it, he gave it for life. She closed her eyes, seeing the past, how he risked his life to protect her when she was young, how he listened to her prattlings. One time when she was ten, she had raced outside to engage him in a game of chase. Marcus had stood stoically near the pack’s hunting lodge as other pack members lobbed jeers at him.

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“Omega! Not fit to lick my paws,” taunted one Beta wolf. “You should leave the pack. Slink back to the mud where you belong. Leave the pack!” yelled another. Alyssa’s heart had sunk. If Marcus left the pack, she’d lose her best friend. No one else understood her as he did. She’d already lost her parents. How could she bear to lose him? The males continued jeering. One lobbed a stone at him. The rock, hurled with great speed and werewolf strength, slapped his forehead. Blood poured from the laceration. Hiding behind a tree, Alyssa had gasped. They hurt him! Surely Marcus would rush forward, rip them to pieces. She had seen the strength in those large hands that could tear apart a vampire. But Marcus merely stood, folding his arms across his chest and did not budge. “I will not leave the pack. My place is here, guarding Alyssa. As long as I’m appointed her bodyguard, I’m staying.” They continued calling him names until Alyssa had rushed from behind the tree and yelled for them to stop. She lambasted them for ten full minutes for harassing her bodyguard until the males slunk away in shame. Then Marcus had turned to her with a wry smile. And she hugged him, thanking him for not leaving her. Because she couldn’t bear it. He had quietly assured her he would never leave her side. “I’ll always be there for you,” he promised. Blinking away the past and remembered tears at his firm devotion, Alyssa raised her gaze to his. If she did not trust him, who could she trust? “Marcus, I trust you. Of all the pack members besides Granny, I trust you the most. If you say you can reconcile me to my wolf side, then do it.” Relief shimmered in his gaze. Marcus picked up her hands and kissed them. “Then you must do all I say, Lyssa. But know this, I will never do anything to hurt or harm you.” Promise danced in his eyes. “Only fulfill your deepest sexual fantasies.” Her insides tightened with sweet anticipation as her gaze slid over his muscled form. “Later,” he promised. He shut the album. “When I’m finished with you, baby, you’ll be properly trained to accept your role as my submissive mate.” Pushing back the chair, he stood, stretching his long frame. Alyssa stared at the bronze flesh rippling over hard muscles then at the perfect, taut roundness of his ass when he walked to the refrigerator. Soon he was digging packs of sausage and bacon from the fridge. At her questioning look, he shrugged. “I’m hungry. Expended a lot of energy last night.” He winked. She pinked.

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“But you cook?” “Had to learn, being on my own after Dad died in the vampire wars. And of course, traveling all those years with nothing but males for company. I got tired of eating on the road.” “Road kill isn’t very healthy either,” she quipped. His big, loud laugh rang out through the kitchen. Marcus grabbed a frying pan, set it on the stove and began cooking sausage. He added the rasher of bacon to the skillet. The delicious smells of frying bacon made her salivate. “Want some?” he asked. “I’m not that hungry. And I don’t eat meat.” His big shoulders lifted in a shrug. “Too bad. All we have is meat. Guess you’ll have to go without food.” She stared as he added, “I think your grandmother canned some blueberries. They’re down in the cellar. You can eat those when you get hungry.” Alyssa bit back a moan. The scent of food drove her wild. Eating blueberries seemed as filling as gnawing on grass clippings. Did she really have to cling to her vegan principles? Maybe eating a little bacon couldn’t hurt. “I am a little hungry too,” she admitted. He served breakfast on china plates, giving her the whole rasher of bacon then poured glasses of orange juice for them both. Her stomach growled. She tore through the bacon like a starved lumberjack as he leisurely ate his breakfast. Marcus picked up the blue-tinted glass and drank. Another kind of hunger bit hard as Alyssa watched his throat muscles work. She wanted to curl up to him, lick his neck and nibble her way up to his lips, sucking on them, stabbing her tongue deep into his mouth. A hot blush covered her. Alyssa stabbed her bacon with the fork instead. Her human half howled with indignation. Angry for her entertaining such lusty thoughts. Giving in to that wolf side, the sensual half of her ruled by instinct and hormones. Glancing up, hoping he didn’t catch her staring at him, she went still. He was staring at her. His nostrils flared. Marcus studied her with an intent look. Abandoning the food on his plate. Looking as if he wanted to devour her all over. The big, bad wolf wanted to eat her, inch by inch. Sudden realization struck. Alyssa had thought their mating one-sided, herself vulnerable to the charms of her mate. His sexual interest was merely the expression of a male in his prime denied sex for too long. But she was wrong. He wasn’t any more immune to the hot chemistry between them than she was. “Eat your breakfast. I have plans for you after,” he said softly.

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Alyssa licked her lips. She glanced at the link sausage on his plate. Saw him stab a long piece, bring it to his mouth. His tongue darted out, licked it then his lips encased the meat. Marcus sucked on the sausage. She saw herself on her knees, releasing his slightly swollen cock and then her mouth encasing him. Tasting the salty sweetness, running her tongue along the shaft, feeling it pulse and thicken beneath her quickening strokes. Marcus bit off the sausage with a satisfied sigh. “And what do you plan, Marcus?” she whispered. Tiny lines crinkled at the corners of his eyes as he smiled. “I’m going to teach you to be a good wolf.” “Don’t you mean wife?” “Wolf. I’m taking you hunting, baby. For rabbits.” He laughed at her crestfallen expression.

***** True to his word, they spent most of the day flushing out rabbits from the brush. At first Alyssa balked at even disturbing them. Marcus nudged her on, reassuring her they would spare their lives. “Just the chase, baby. Just the chase. You need to learn the fun of running down prey again, even in human form.” Later in the afternoon, they lounged on the porch. Alyssa stretched and yawned, wincing at the soreness in muscles she hadn’t used in years. From behind his newspaper, Marcus flashed a knowing grin. She scowled. The moon was in two nights. For the first time in six long years, the lure of the Change pulled her. She had spent six years trying to forget about being a wolf. Now, in less than twenty-four hours Marcus was turning her around. But did she truly belong in the wolf world? Alyssa didn’t know where the hell she belonged. Half-breed. And then in the distance, she heard the tinkling melody not heard in six years. Sitting bolt upright in the wicker chair, she squinted at the street. It sounded like an ice cream truck. But no one sold ice cream in October. Unless… “Oh,” she moaned, salivating. Six years of careful training, teaching herself to disdain meat, vanished like rabbits into deep brush. Alyssa sprang to her feet, sniffing. It came nearer. And then she saw it turn the corner, tinkling merrily down the street, past the cottage. A small truck, white as vanilla ice cream. A rack of six-point antlers sprouted from the hood. Big red letters on the side boasted, “Fresh Elk Meat”. Behind it ran a pack of werewolves, waving and hollering for it to stop. 54

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“It’s the elk truck,” she shouted. She bolted for the cottage gate. “Alyssa, no,” Marcus yelled, dropping his paper and sprinting after her. Reaching the gate, she went to jump it. ZZZZZZZT! A shock of current zapped her to the ground. Stunned, she lay there, blinking at the overcast sky. Marcus’ face appeared above her, signaling resignation. “Don’t say it,” she said. “I forgot. But…the elk truck!” “I know,” he sighed. He helped her to her feet. His hands swallowed hers, feeling warm, secure. A cheeky grin quirked the corners of his sensual mouth. “I bet you never ran after the tofu truck like that.” “Only if the driver were cute. But I wouldn’t want you pissing on his tires,” she shot back sedately. A low, possessive growl rumbled from his chest. Alyssa laughed. Marcus gave a mock glare and then joined her. It was a moment of shared camaraderie, making her realize how very much she had missed him. “What’s so funny?” Marcus’ grip tightened as they looked out onto the street. Tricia regarded them, unsmiling. Alyssa swallowed hard. Red-haired with striking features and bright blue eyes, Tricia was the pack temptress. One of the few unmated females of prime breeding age, she had chased Marcus like a dog scenting fresh meat. Judging from the covetous look she gave him, Tricia still wanted him. “A joke my mate made,” he said curtly. Tricia did not smile. “Why don’t you share? I have a sense of humor.” “That’s very funny,” Alyssa shot back. “The funniest thing I’ve heard all day.” “Not half as funny as how you look,” Tricia countered. Anger bubbled up in a volcanic rush. Alyssa narrowed her gaze. She tried to lock the other female in a hard Alpha stare. “Watch your place, Tricia. Before I jump this gate and make you do it.” “Whoa, baby,” Marcus said gently, pulling her back. “Mind the fence.” But Tricia did not drop her gaze nor did she back away. Alyssa did. Tricia growled softly. Alarmed, Alyssa backed off. Startled, she realized the implications of her action. Tricia smiled. Marcus cast Alyssa a worried look then growled deep in his throat at Tricia. Whimpering, the female backed away, lowering her eyes. What the hell just happened? Bewildered, Alyssa slid halfway behind Marcus, feeling safe there. He reached back, gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. “Feeling a little off today, Alyssa? Maybe you should consult a psy…psychia…a head shrink,” Tricia taunted softly. 55

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“Curses, foiled by a dreaded four-syllable word. Impressive. Why don’t you try this on for size, peabrain. Fuck you. One syllable each,” Alyssa retorted, stepping out from behind Marcus. Aaron trotted up, bearing a brown paper packet wrapped in string. Lines of worry wrinkled his high forehead. Despite her wildly raging emotions, Alyssa noted he looked different. Less geeky. More stylish and masculine. “Stop it now, Tricia, or you won’t get any elk meat,” he scolded. Tricia whined in apology. “Here, girl, that’s a good girl, go chase a truck on the freeway,” Alyssa muttered under her breath. Tricia’s pretty mouth flattened to a thin line as she raised her head. Her blue eyes glittered with unspoken challenge. “Very funny. I like jokes. And I bet the best one of all is yet to be revealed. I bet I can find plenty to laugh about when it comes out.” She smiled and somehow the grin seemed wicked. Nasty. “Revealed. Three syllables! You’re improving,” Alyssa shot back. Tricia opened her mouth looking furious but Aaron pulled her away firmly, herding her down the street. Alyssa did not look back as Marcus steered her toward the house. She didn’t like Tricia’s smile any more than she liked her own odd behavior. Not one bit.

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Chapter Five Alyssa was dreaming. She had committed a terrible sin, one the pack could not forgive. Marcus stood before her, both jury and judge. “For this you must pay, Alyssa. You wronged me. You wronged the pack.” His voice rang out in a low growl, a prophecy of death. He turned to Tricia. “You know what to do. Do it and then I will take you for a mate.” Tricia shot Alyssa a triumphant look. “A mate fit for our leader. Not that…trash. Usurper! Imposter!” Then she and the other pack members growled and stepped toward her. She turned and ran but could not outpace them. Soon they fell upon her, tearing at her clothes…tearing her apart… And worst of all, as she fell to the ground, she didn’t even know why Marcus hated her so…

***** Marcus awoke early the next morning to Alyssa yipping. Sleepily he blinked then instantly came awake, on guard. “Lyssa?” he said softly. Her arms and legs were moving as if she were running on all fours. Gently he shook her. “Wake up, baby, you’re dreaming.” Shivering, she sat up, rubbing her eyes. “Oh Marcus, it was horrible.” He pulled her against him, murmuring soothing words until she stopped shaking. Marcus caressed her hair, wishing he could chase away all her deepest fears. He’d do anything, everything, to keep her safe. To keep her by his side. “Want to tell me about it?” He inhaled her musky female scent. “No. I’ll be okay.” Flinging back the covers, she slipped out of bed, pulled on her sweat pants, an oversized navy sweatshirt and slipped into oversize bunny slippers. He watched as she left the room. Patience, he reminded himself. Marcus forced himself to wait a full ten minutes before following her.

*****

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Shivering, she sat outside on the wicker couch. A light rain splattered the porch steps. Alyssa hugged herself. The dream bothered her more than she dared admit. It felt so realistic, so terrifying. Cold air wrapped around her. She welcomed the biting chill. It washed away the last wisps of the dream sleep. Dim sunlight struggled to break through thick clouds in the leaden dawn sky. Something warm and soft fell over her. A quilt. She glanced up to see Marcus wearing only his sweatpants, solemnly regarding her. All wolf, unlike her, he didn’t feel the cold. Her head jerked to the seat beside her in invitation. He eased his big body onto the wicker couch. “I hate the rain and the cold,” she muttered, snuggling into the quilt. He stared out into the garden. “That’s because it has only bad memories for you. That terrible day, when we fled the vampires in England and came here. We all slept in the woods the first night. It was a full moon, and none of us felt safe. It was raining. We tried our best to shelter you from the cold, but it wasn’t enough. You were so damn cold. I made you a shelter with pine needles for bedding and branches but you still shivered. So I lay next to you, trying to keep you warm.” Memories surfaced. An image of herself as a child, huddling against a tree in the darkest night on the mountain. They had just moved, after vampires killed her parents and many of their pack members. Edwina had herded them into the refuge of the cold, uncaring New Mexico mountains. Fear became a way of life, sinking so deep into her bones she doubted she’d ever feel warm again. Then Marcus snuggled his warm body against hers and he made cold go away for a while. “You cried in my arms that night.” He grinned. “My paws, actually.” Now it came back to her. Marcus and the others had Changed. Their thick fur protected them. Like the other children, she was too little and remained in human form. And the other children seemed to tolerate cold better than Alyssa. He stayed with her all night, rain falling on his coat instead of her. Watching over her. Protecting her. Marcus leaned back, lacing his fingers behind his head. “I was always there for you, Alyssa. I swore I would never stop looking after you. I still am.” He held out a hand. “Come with me, sweetheart. Back inside. Back to the warmth of bed, away from the cold rain. Don’t sit out here. I promise I will keep you warm, always.” Hesitating the barest moment, she placed her hand into his. Marcus led her into the bedroom. Alyssa kept shaking, as if the cold had sunk into her bones, chilling her from the inside out. He rubbed her arms. “I have ways to keep you warm.” “How about the wool sweater I brought? It’s in the bottom of my suitcase.”

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Marcus headed for the small overnight bag, fumbled through it. A frown creased his forehead. Horrified, she realized she had forgotten the vibrator. “Don’t!” she cried out. Too late. Her mate fished out the purple bone. Marcus held it aloft, examining the four-inch rubber length. “A dog bone?” He looked bewildered. “Um, uh, yeah, Granny likes playing with toys.” Alyssa fumbled for an excuse. Please don’t let him find the switch… Click. The dog bone purred. It registered an eight point six on the vibrator Richter scale. The knobby ends quivered madly. “Granny likes playing with toys? Or you do, Lyssa?” he asked in an amused tone. “Give me back my…bone!” She tried snatching it away. Easily holding it out of reach, he held it up like a trophy. “Lyssa, tell me. Where did you get this?” Capitulating, she sighed and sat on the bed. “It’s a vibrator,” she muttered. “I bought it from a company that makes vibrators disguised as dog toys. So if you accidentally leave it out, no one knows what it is. They had ducks, raccoons, cats. I loathed the cat vibrator.” “Cats?” He grinned. “No way was I shoving a pussy into my…” “Feminine passage,” he offered helpfully. “I don’t do other species.” “Not into being catty, huh, baby?” Alyssa bit her lip. “I was lonely, Marcus.” His hungry gaze caressed her. “So that’s how you dealt with it, Lyssa? Pleasured yourself while I was gone. Ran your fingers over your clit, rubbing, thinking of me, trying to fill that empty throbbing inside you?” Highly embarrassed, she colored. “It’s all right,” he soothed. “It’s been the same for me, baby. Nights when I missed you so much, all I had was my fist and I’d keep your beautiful, naked body in mind as I did it.” He did? She stared, mentally hearing the tiny snap of another link in the chain binding them together. “I didn’t realize you wanted me that much.” “I always have,” he said soberly. “Perhaps even more than you realize.” Marcus stroked a finger along the vibrator’s length. “I have an idea of what to do with your little companion here.” “Um, donate it to the humane society and hope they don’t find the switch?”

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“You’ll see,” he said. She grew alarmed at the wickedness of his grin. What exactly did he plan? Catching her look of alarm, he smiled softly. “You do want to become a good submissive, right?” “Yes,” she whispered. He stripped off her sweatshirt and sweatpants, gave her a gentle push backward. “It’s time to learn, baby.” “Aren’t you afraid of me making comparisons?” she asked archly. His shoulders lifted in a casual shrug. “I’m secure enough in what my cock can do to pleasure my lady without worrying about comparing myself to a rubber bone.” The way he uttered “my lady” made her melt a little. So formal and sweet, she nearly felt as if he were courting her. Then Marcus grinned and winked. “Why should I worry about a rubber bone when I get a boner much bigger?” Alyssa groaned. He laughed. Cool air caressed her naked bottom. Shivering with cold and anticipation, she lay back. Marcus went to the nightstand by the bed. Fishing in the drawer, he withdrew a tube of lubricant and a small blue velvet box. He opened the box, revealing a small rubber plug about four inches long. Her breath escaped in a long gasp. An anal plug. Traditional for preparation in a werewolf bonding orgy. “Oh my,” she said faintly. “I didn’t think anything like that would be in Granny’s drawers.” “It’s mine. But you’d be surprised at what Granny has in her drawers.” He took the dog bone and leaned forward. Alyssa watched as he coated the short, purple dildo with gel. “Bend your knees and open your legs, Lyssa,” he said softly. Her legs spilled open as he rubbed the toy over her wet cleft. Alyssa bit her knuckle as he slid it across her cleft and her cheeks. “Turn around,” he commanded. Rising on her hands and knees, she presented her backside to him. Marcus ran his hands over her ass, kneading and squeezing. Aroused, she wriggled her bottom. Very lightly, he slapped her ass. The pleasure-pain made her cry out. “Stay still,” he commanded. Spreading her cleft open with his fingers, he inserted the bone skillfully into her vagina. She moaned at the feel of it invading her, the delicious vibrating friction. “For the next four hours, you will keep this inside you. Remember it, Lyssa. No matter how bad the burning for release becomes, you will not remove it. You will not touch yourself to relieve your need until I order you to do so. Is that clear?”

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Next he took the small rubber plug, swabbing it with lubricant until it glistened. Muscles around her bottom clenched as he spread her cheeks wide. “What a pretty, plump ass you have, baby,” he crooned. Stroking his fingers across the puckered opening yet denied to him, he probed gently. Alyssa clenched, muscles resisting as he circled her anus. He made a clucking sound with his tongue. “Don’t resist me, baby.” She arched her bottom into the air as he pressed the plug slightly into her opening. “Come on, baby, relax, just relax, take it, you will take it, that’s right, good girl,” he said softly. Her back arched as he finally gained access, barely inserting the plug. Pressure stretched the resisting muscles. Combined with the delicious fullness in her cunt, the feeling was so intense she wanted to scream. One inch. Two. Penetrating her. “All the way home, baby,” he soothed as he drove in to the hilt. Alyssa fisted her hands in the sheet, moaning in pleasure. Filled fully, she could not bear it. Sexual arousal filled every pore. Marcus helped her sit upright. Her startled gaze locked to his. Oh this was torture. Her fingers drifted down to her clit to relieve the constrained tension. “Tsk, tsk. I said no.” His dark gaze burned into hers. She removed her hand with a cry of disappointment as he helped her put jeans on. “What am I supposed to do now?” she cried out. His grin deepened. “Watch television. I think Animal Planet has a special this morning on mating wolves.” Her howl of frustrated protest followed him out the bedroom door.

***** Hours later, she writhed and squirmed in the big easy chair, unable to ignore the mounting torment. Marcus took pity on her. Pulling her to her feet, he led her by the hand to the bedroom, stripped her naked. He gently removed the plug and vibrator as she lay back, whimpering. Arousal so sharp it was painful tormented her. Relief did not come immediately. Fully clothed, Marcus lay down beside her and kissed her. Moaning, she wrapped herself around him, rubbing, desperate for climax. Flipping her over, he growled softly, covering her with his big body. His fingers caressed her silky bottom. “What a beautiful, sweet ass you have, baby. I’m going to love fucking it. Stay here and keep your eyes closed.”

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She felt his weight lift off her. Heard him fumble with bottles on the dresser. Her nostrils flared, picking up the scent of his own arousal. Then she heard the opening of the microwave door and a minute later a soft ping! Alyssa closed her eyes tightly and waited. The mattress shifted as he sat on the bed. She heard him unscrew a cap. A delicious scent of pine and forest teased her nostrils. Sounds of his palms sliding against each other hinted of what he planned. Delicious tension filled her. She rubbed her mound against the sheets, squirming. He slapped her bottom lightly. Alyssa cried out in pleasure. “Stay still,” he ordered. Two big hands covered in warm oil slid up the small of her back. Her nipples ached as he began massaging the oil into her skin. Loosening the muscles, kneading her skin in light, circular strokes. Marcus teased her, sliding a finger along the crevice of her bottom as she gripped the sheets and moaned. He paid extra attention to her bottom, kneading her tender flesh. Soothing, masculine murmurs relaxed her as he spread her cheeks open and massaging her. Marcus oiled his fingers and probed her anus. Stiffening, she felt him ease a finger inside her. “What a sweet ass you have, baby. Soft and plump with a pretty little rosebud so tight and firm. This will ease you, make you ready for what is to come, sweetheart,” he said softly. Glancing over her shoulder, she saw him reach into the nightstand. Marcus removed a long, curved dildo made of gleaming mahogany. Alyssa blinked. What Granny kept in her drawers was truly amazing. He gave the dildo a generous coat of lubricant. “Get on your hands and knees, Lyssa, and arch your ass toward the ceiling.” Tensing, she obeyed, pillowing her head on her folded arms. Marcus kissed her bottom, positioned the instrument at her opening. He eased it in, stretching her. Alyssa arched in startled shock and bit back a moan of pleasure. Another thrust, deeper now. Arousal bit, sharp as fangs. “Stay with me,” he crooned. “That’s it, take it all.” Her cunt ached and squeezed with each insistent thrust of the dildo. Marcus picked up the rhythm, thrusting it in, deeper and deeper. She felt stretched full, vulnerable. Just as she thought she couldn’t take any more, his hand slipped between her legs. Marcus flicked a finger across her clit as he thrust the dildo in to the root. She arched, muffling a scream, fisting her hands in the bedsheets. But his hand stopped. Frustrated, she wailed. “Not until I say so,” he told her sternly. “Remain there, in that position, Alyssa. Stay still until I order you to move.”

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Biting her lip, she remained motionless. Tormented by the fullness, she hung her head, her long blonde hair curtaining her face. She could do this. She could be wolf again. Time inched by. Then she felt him ease the instrument from her. Alarm filled her as she heard a familiar buzz. “Open your eyes, Alyssa,” he told her. Alyssa eased her eyes open to see him at the side of the bed, holding her purple dog bone vibrator. It wobbled madly. Her cunt clenched. Marcus bent over her, spreading her cleft open. He slid the vibrator into her soaked cunt. She arched, crying out as he worked the vibrator in to the hilt. “Please, Marcus, please let me come!” she howled. “Not until I say so,” he growled. “I will be the only one to make you come, Alyssa.” Turning her head, she watched him with hungry eyes as he stripped. His erection was enormous. “I’m going to mount and fuck you, hard and fast, in your pretty little ass,” he said thickly. “Get ready, baby.” He mounted her, spread her cheeks wide with his hands, pushed his penis inside. Alyssa gasped, wriggling around him. The vibrator in her cunt purred madly. Pleasure built to the bursting point as his cock sank farther into her ass. She felt filled, stretched, penetrated fully. He sank his cock in to the hilt. Then pulled out. Marcus began thrusting, his hands gripping her hips. “What a beautiful ass you have, baby. So tight and sweet,” he crooned. “You’re so eager to come for me. I’ll let you come. Soon. Soon.” Grunting and straining, he rode her. Friction from the quivering vibrator in her cunt threatened to spill her over the edge. Alyssa arched upward, desperate for release. So close, oh-so close. Leaning over her, he wrapped his arms around her waist, keeping her trapped with his weight and strength. “You will not come until I say so,” he commanded. Each delicious thrust threatened to send her pummeling over the edge. Then he pulled back and changed angles. Marcus slid his oiled hand down to her cleft. He flicked her clit. She screamed. He increased his strokes, hammering into her, flesh slapping against flesh as she sobbed, cried for mercy. “Please, Marcus, please!” she begged. “Now, baby. Come for me. Now!” he commanded.

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The agonized tension in her groin pulsed and flowered and then burst. Alyssa climaxed so violently she howled. Her ass squeezed his long shaft, hugging the intruder, caressing him with each violent spasm. He came then, still pumping wildly. Marcus shuddered violently and bucked, grunting and howling. Dragging in deep gulps of air, he gently pulled the vibrator from her spasming cunt, tossing it aside. Their hearts pounded together as he collapsed against her on to the bed. Slowly their heartbeats and breathing returned to normal. Marcus pulled his cock out of her. He rolled to one side, taking her with him. He kissed the tip of her nose. “You did well, baby. I’m so proud of you.” Cuddling against him, Alyssa toyed with the damp curls on his chest, saying nothing. Eventually Marcus slept, holding her against his sweat-dampened body. She couldn’t sleep. Her mate had proved a point. Her wolf side, aching for submission, capitulated to the demands of her sexuality. Being submissive to Marcus was natural. But her earlier behavior toward Tricia was not. Alyssa was Alpha, Tricia Beta. Her human half had taken over and recoiled when Tricia acted aggressive. Would her human half still be present when she Changed tomorrow with the full moon? Making her act submissive before the females she was supposed to dominate? Not good. The waxing moon beckoned to her in a siren song. How could she dare Change with the risk her human self would refuse to dominate the females? The pack would grow suspicious. Every moment she remained with him, she put her mate in danger as well as herself. The pack would not tolerate her when they found out her secret. They would kill her. And perhaps him as well.

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Chapter Six He caught her the next morning outside in hot pink Lycra stretch pants and a formhugging, long-sleeved black shirt. White sneakers covered her feet. In a full lotus position, she sat on her mat in the backyard, face raised to the burning sun. Alyssa centered her concentration as she centered her breathing. True to his nature, Marcus wasted no words. “What the fuck are you doing?” “Yoga.” “May I ask why?” he inquired politely. “It’s my form of relaxation.” He stepped closer, sniffing her. “I’ve got a much more interesting form of relaxation in mind. One that involves handcuffs and a nice soft bed. Want to find out?” Alyssa’s heart thudded a frantic tattoo. Faint stubble covered his lean cheeks though she knew he had shaved but an hour ago. He wore the customary jeans and a black T-shirt. He smelled predatory, clean, fresh and very male. The moon was full tonight. Suddenly she needed to dial 911. Help. Emergency sexual situation here. My hormones are on overdrive and I’ve got a very horny werewolf baying at my door. She sprang to her feet, picked up her mat. A shuttered look came over him as she sidestepped him. “I need to finish this, Marcus. I’ll be in the barn. Saluting the sun.” “No you don’t, Lyssa. The only salute you’ll do is to the moon tonight. Go inside. I’ll be in shortly.” He sighed as if very weary. “You can’t tell me what to do,” she snapped. “Behave, Lyssa,” he said softly. “Or I’ll mount you.” Bright red infused her cheeks. “Yeah, sure.” Marcus made no reply. Instead he stared at her ass. Humiliated, she covered it with her hands. Sheesh, her butt was so large, you could serve it on a platter and feed a starving family of ten. Never wear Lycra, idiot. “I know, my butt is too big in this,” she blurted out. A dark brow arched. “No, it’s not. I was just imagining how soft your naked ass would feel when I pulled down your pants. Smooth, silky. A perfect cushion for me when I mount you.” Her jaw dropped open. He gave a dangerous smile and gave her ass a gentle pat. “Get inside. Now.” 65

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Alyssa fumed silently and slammed the door behind her. She tossed the mat on the laundry room floor in a huff. Asserting his authority as her mate. Her human half resisted. Her wolf half knew Marcus could easily subdue her. She tried to keep the images at bay. Marcus, his splendid muscled physique nude, forcing her to all fours, proving his dominance as he thrust deep inside her… The images shifted. Herself on all fours, covered in soft white fur. She had Changed. Marcus, now a gray wolf, mounted her. Tonight. With each passing hour, the call of the moon pulled insistently at her. Alyssa wrapped her arms about herself, shivering. Even yoga couldn’t calm the burning inside her, the irresistible urge to run with the moon. Here, sequestered with her mate, she didn’t know how she could suppress the instinct to run with the moon. And if she did, there would was no predicting her behavior around the pack.

***** He brought up the subject she dreaded over lunch a few hours later. Hunger gnawed her insides. Marcus refused to allow her anything more than two strips of bacon and all the liquids she wanted. Salivating as she watched him leisurely eat a thick steak, Alyssa stared at the steak, willing part of it on her plate. Her stomach grumbled. Maybe reading would help. She went to the bookcase and selected a woman’s magazine and began to read about the latest crash diet. “The moon is full tonight, Lyssa. Nicolas will shut off the electronic fence so we can run with the moon. If you’re hungry now, you’ll hunt better when you Change, baby. It’s best to remain at my side the whole time we Change.” Sourness curdled her stomach. Alyssa sat back. “I’m not running with you.” Ducking behind her magazine, she held her breath. He wasn’t going to like this. A low, menacing growl filled the air, followed by sound of shredding paper. Alyssa dropped the magazine he was tearing with his elongated fingernails. It fell onto her empty plate. “This is crap,” he snarled. “You’re my mate and you will do as I say. I know what’s best for you in this situation, Alyssa. I will not let you run wild without me. Hunters cover these woods this time of year. You don’t know them as I do. It’s far too dangerous.” Alyssa dropped her shamed gaze to the plate. “I don’t know if I can Change, Marcus. It’s been six years. I’ve been living so long as a human I don’t remember how to be a wolf.” His voice softened. “How different it’s been for you living among the humans, Lyssa. I forgot.”

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“It wasn’t too bad. I didn’t have the pack and since I couldn’t Change, I was able to handle the night shift at the restaurant.” “Are you scared?” Reassured by his concerned tone, she glanced up and nodded. “Marcus, I acted so strangely before Tricia. It must be my human self struggling to avoid confrontation. What if it emerges among the pack when I Change?” He reached across the table, stroked her wrist in small circles. “I already thought of that, baby. The pack expects us to be alone and isolated from them the first two days of the moon so we can mate. You and I will use that time for you to learn Alpha behavior toward the females. After, we’ll join them.” Doubts filled her. “I still don’t know…” His gaze burned into hers. “The moon is full tonight, love. Full and heavy and wanting, as I am. I want you to run with me into the forest, up into the mountains. Run with me Alyssa and we will mate, wild creatures of the night, beneath her pale shadow.” “It’s been too long. I don’t remember how,” she whispered. An ironic grin quirked at his lips. “You’ll remember. Some things stick with you no matter how long it’s been. It’s just like riding a bicycle. You never truly forget.

***** Tension seized her all day. When night fell and the full moon began climbing into the velvet sky they stripped. Alyssa finally removed her mating ring. It had been on so long Marcus had to help her by soaping it and then sliding it off. Together they went outside. Shivering, she wrapped her arms about her naked body. Oh it was so cold. How could she do this? Every human instinct urged her to run back into the cottage, slam the door behind her and curl up to the fire. Pinpricks of icy wind jabbed her naked skin. Gooseflesh broke out along every inch of her nude body. Marcus reached out and squeezed her palm. “You’re thinking like a human. Let go. Just go with her,” he encouraged. “Let yourself relax and flow with the moon. Don’t worry. I’ll be with you.” Worried she would fail, Alyssa felt every muscle in her body contract. She couldn’t do it. She brought to mind thoughts of the past, of running with the pack, of being one with the moon. No use. Frustrated, she squeezed her fists. “You’re trying too hard. You need to center your whole being, your self, your wild side and feel the one. Let go of everything else and be one with her,” he said softly. Center. Yoga helped her center. Breathing helped her concentrate. Alyssa stared at the full moon and centered her concentration on her. Her breathing slowed as she focused. Not forcing the Change. Simply letting go.

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Then the shift happened. Power rippled through her body. Logic and reason fled, replaced with ancient instinct and primitive urges. Alyssa stretched out her arms, embracing the moon. Marcus did the same. Bones shifted, elongated. White fur erupted on her arms, her torso, and before she could blink, she had Changed. Wolf vision sharpened her sight. Smells flooded her nostrils. She heard the scamper of rabbits in underbrush miles away, smelled the distant odor of fear of a night creature scrambling. Awareness of the night and the small creatures hiding in its shadows filled her senses. Beside her, the large gray wolf, bulkier and heavier, raised his head and howled. Recognizing the call of brotherhood, she pointed her nose skyward and echoed his cry. Marcus looked at her with approval. He uttered a short bark, which she understood in complete communication. “Are you ready to run, my love?” Alyssa barked in agreement. Barely had her paws left the grass when he gave her a gentle push with his nose. Meadow grass dewy with moisture flattened beneath their paws. A lone streetlight cast a yellow glow as they ran onto the road leading to the high mountains beyond the cottage. They cut across a field of dead meadow grass, running upward past brush and pine, blue spruce and aspen, into the mountains. Marcus herded her toward a small clearing where a gentle nip on her hindquarters warned her to stop. She halted, looking around curiously. Alyssa lifted her nose and sniffed the delicious smell of prey nearby. Marcus trotted up to her side, uttered a soft growl. “Rabbit. Hiding in the bushes. Do it. You haven’t forgotten.” She smelled it. Fresh meat. She hung back, hesitating. But he urged her forward again. Hunger grumbled in her stomach. Instincts surfaced, the urge to hunt quickening her blood. Fresh rabbit scent hung in her nostrils. She stalked, moving quietly, then as it bolted from the safety of its hiding place, gave chase. Her blood quickened at the thrill of the chase. The rabbit zigged and zagged but Alyssa was on it in a lethal pounce. Its neck broke with a sharp snap of her powerful jaws. The metallic, delicious taste of fresh blood flooded her mouth, the scent hovering in the frosty air. Panting, she dropped the kill, waiting for Marcus. “Excellent,” he barked approvingly. Together they shared the meat. Marcus dug a hole, dispensing of the carcass to hide it from scavengers. Then he nudged her to move to a patch of wood. Beneath the spreading branches of an enormous pine, a pile of deadwood and rocks lay. He nosed her toward it. Alyssa sniffed. Familiar, dead leaves and pine and something else long gone still lingered. She peeked beneath the deadwood. It was a small enclosure of sorts, fashioned from the rocks piled against each other and the rotting, dead logs. A soft bed of pine needles lay there. 68

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Memories surfaced. A warm wolf body cuddled next to hers as she lay shivering in a blanket, terrified of the murdering vampires. Enough room for girl and wolf to squeeze beneath and hide from the thunderstorms roaring overhead, fat raindrops and humans. Recognition dawned. This was where he had taken her long ago and sheltered her with his body to protect her from rain, cold and the murdering vampires who wanted all of them dead. Alyssa trotted up to Marcus and rested her head against his neck, luxuriating in the thick pelt, in the man-wolf who risked bone and blood to keep her safe. Marcus was panting heavily now. Awareness, hot and heavy, blossomed. She felt open, wanting, aroused. In the moonlight she watched Marcus circle her. His balls seemed high and tight. His penis slid from its sheath, red, glistening, ready. He wanted to mate. Her tail lifted. She positioned herself and waited. He mounted her, his heavy weight pressing her down, and thrust deep. As they mated, he lifted his head and howled at the white globe riding low in the sky.

***** For two days they remained Changed, living in the woods, hunting prey, running with the moon and mating. Marcus spent time teaching her Alpha behavior to dominate the females. Staring them down. Making them show her their bellies. “Kick their asses when they get out of line, especially Tricia. She and the other prime breeding females have turned into prima donnas. All of them refuse to mate with any male, preferring to tease and dance around them, especially my Warrior buddies, except Nicolas. Because the males are so eager to mate, they put up with their behavior, hoping one will freely choose them before the females turn twenty-three and I choose a mate for them. I don’t. You shouldn’t as well if they give you attitude,” he warned. On the third day, he deemed her ready. They met up with the rest of the pack. The other wolves howled with delight upon seeing them, nuzzled them with their muzzles. Accepting them as their Alphas. All but a few. Tricia gave grudging acceptance. Alyssa yipped when Tricia’s muzzle rested on her fur and her teeth nipped her. Dread filled Marcus as he watched his mate retreat, tuck her tail between her legs. Not showing aggression and snarling at Tricia as the Alpha female should but acting the opposite. Snapping at Tricia, Marcus tried to divert attention away from the cowering Alyssa. Marcus growled at Tricia, who retreated and lay on her back, showing her submissiveness. But the other males who coveted Tricia as the prime breeding female, looked suspiciously at Alyssa. 69

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A muscular black male wolf tilted his muzzle skyward and sniffed. Fear, thick and cloying, scented the air. Alyssa’s fear. Nicolas, his closest friend, looked warily at Alyssa. Not a good sign. For the rest of the full moon, Marcus kept Alyssa close to him. He urged her to keep her tail high, to stare down the females, even the elderly ones, in an act of dominance. Alyssa tried. Oh she tried, but it wasn’t good enough. Soon others would suspect her secret. She had been living with humans too long, and forgotten how to pretend to be Alpha. The idea left him deeply troubled. At the end of the three days, they made their way back to Granny’s cottage. When they crept inside, a rose pink sunrise stole over the horizon. Fur melted on their bodies, replaced with skin as they shape-shifted. Marcus and Alyssa collapsed onto the bed and fell into a deep sleep, arms curled about each other. When he woke much later, he stared at the face of his life’s mate. Sweet was her soft, flushed skin. Fans of dark lashes feathered her cheeks. Her rosy mouth parted slightly in sleep. Marcus gently brushed away a stray wisp of blonde hair. Secure that Alyssa would remain by his side, he left the electronic fence shut off. He smiled. No need for it now. All her old human habits were gone. Her primitive, wolf side had settled in, yet she did not act Alpha enough. He needed to insure full acceptance of his mate. Once her secret was known, the pack would follow instinct and desire to dispatch her. No weak blood allowed. They had already scented it during the Change. The only method he had of totally avoiding a civil war was to bond her with the strongest, most respected males. His Warrior brothers. Alyssa would perform most splendidly in the wolf-bonding orgy. Once connected intimately with her, the Warriors would do anything to protect her, no matter what her sins were. If the pack turned on her when he wasn’t there to safeguard her, his brothers would install discipline and order. They would command respect for her, as they respected her. He felt confident of it. Nuzzling her neck, he licked her soft skin, relishing the salty female taste of his mate. Marcus bit her very gently. She awoke, turned in his arms with a sleepy smile. He kissed her. Sweet honey. Marcus kissed her with all the fire and passion he felt. She stirred in his arms and rubbed against his aching cock.

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Groaning, he set her away from him. Sex must wait. “What’s wrong?” Alyssa’s clear green eyes searched his. Marcus stroked her cheek, enjoying the silky feel of her skin, watching the flush of desire color her face. “Nothing, love. I need my energy as you will need yours for what is to come. I’m calling a bonding orgy.” Alyssa drew back. Worry knitted her pretty brow. “Marcus, I don’t know if I’m able to do it. Why do you want one?” Drawing a finger across her brow, he sighed. “I need you bonded with my closest brothers, the strongest males who are most respected in the pack. Your behavior, Lyssa, among the pack has drawn suspicion.” “I wasn’t a good Alpha. I tried. I did,” she cried out. “I know,” he said soothingly. “The orgy is for your own good, Lyssa. Do you trust me?” Her gaze locked to his. She drew in a deep breath. “Yes. I’ll do it.” He closed his eyes. “Good. We’ll talk later about what is expected of you. Get some rest, baby. You’re going to need it.” We both will.

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Chapter Seven Midday, the nine other pack males who had fought for Alyssa’s hand and lost gathered in the barn behind Granny’s cottage. Sitting on bales of hay, they regarded their leader with awed respect. “Are you certain, Marcus? A bonding orgy hasn’t been performed since…” “Since humans voted to overturn Prohibition. I know. Do you question my wisdom in this, Rex?” Rex, a Beta who constantly scratched his head, lowered his gaze. Silence draped the room for a minute. Then Nicolas spoke up. “Why, Marcus? We only want a reason.” Nicolas met his gaze head-on. He studied his closest friend. Nicolas had insisted on finding him that awful night when he’d nearly bled to death, too weak to even lick his own wounds. Blue eyes like lasers, his lean, muscled frame always taut for action, Nicolas was restless since returning from the war. He craved constant sexual fulfillment, yet seemed to shun finding a mate. Only Marcus knew the truth. Nicolas wanted only one female. Tricia. She kept dancing out of reach, loving the attention of the other pack males too much to settle down before she turned twenty-three. Now Tricia had set her sights on the newest desirable male. Since his makeover, Aaron had turned over a new pelt. His styled hair, rugged outdoors look straight from L.L. Bean and confidence turned females’ heads. Including hers. Aaron was courting Tricia, the most desirable breeding female. Tricia had dumped Nicolas, promising she’d return when she grew bored with her latest conquest. Nicolas told her to go screw a rabbit. Yet he still secretly burned for her. A lost cause. Marcus had already granted Aaron permission to mate with Tricia at the next full moon. Soon, Tricia would no longer be a virgin. Yet while she still remained unmated, Tricia carried influence among the single pack males, who wanted her to freely chose one of them. If she planted seeds of doubt among them about Alyssa, they might not defend her should Tricia mount an attack with the nine other prime breeding females. Marcus needed the full support of his Warrior brothers if Tricia convinced the females to turn on his mate. Sweeping all of them with his piercing, dominating gaze, he spoke in a low, commanding tone. “I want your full, loyal commitment to my mate who requires this last test to prove her total submission. I need you to bond with her and swear your loyalty to her and to me, no matter what happens.”

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All nine Warriors nodded. They jumped off the bales and stood. Fists raised in the air, they pressed them together in a circle. “Brothers until death,” Nicolas pledged. The others echoed the familiar war cry that had bonded them together during their days of fighting. “Tonight,” Marcus said softly. “Midnight. All of you here will participate in the bonding orgy. You who have fought in the vampire wars with me, will be there to bond with my mate.” His cock stirred in anticipation. Marcus hoped Alyssa would stand up to the physical strains of the orgy. She must, for all their sakes. The meeting dispensed and the males headed home to rest for the ordeal ahead. All but Nicolas. The dark-haired male, blue eyes looking troubled, hung back. “I need to talk, Marcus.” Dread fisted in his gut. Marcus motioned to the hay. Nicolas made a quick gesture of dismissal. “I’d rather stand. It won’t take long. It’s about Tricia and Aaron. I hear you gave him permission to mate with her. He should know something.” The story unraveled. Disbelief then anger filled Marcus as his friend relayed what happened. Though Nicolas usually was excellent at shuttering his emotions, muscles in his jaw twitched as he talked. When he finished, a look of wounded vulnerability flashed across his face then vanished like mist. Marcus growled low in his throat. “Thanks, buddy. I know how much it took for you to admit that.” He stepped forward, squeezed the other male’s shoulder in a gesture of friendship. Nicolas laid his head on his friend’s shoulder, the traditional sign of total trust and acknowledgement of Marcus as the pack’s leader. Startled, Marcus remained still until his friend sniffed. The Warrior lifted his head with a knowing grin. “Damn, Marcus, you’ve been a busy boy. I smell Eau de Alyssa all over you.” Giving a good-natured growl, he punched his friend. “Get lost. Until tonight.” “Later, dude,” Nicolas promised, flashing another cheeky grin as he gave a twofingered salute. After he left, Marcus made a quick call. Then he shut off his cell phone and tucked it back into the stack of hay in the barn where he’d hidden it from his mate. All was well at the ranch. Construction of the house proceeded on schedule. Final touches were being added. He’d paid double to hire extra workers to finish it quickly. Hooking his thumbs into his belt loops, he stepped outside the barn and drew in a deep breath. Crisp autumn wind stung his cheeks. Overhead, sunlight filtered through the long, naked branches of an oak. The razor-sharp blue sky promised no hint of snow, though the forecast called for flurries tomorrow. 73

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Dead leaves crunched beneath his boots as he ambled toward the cottage. The mate he loved would tonight bond with her people, this time in the flesh. Marcus stopped in mid stride. Loved? He considered. A grin spread over his face. No denying it. He loved Alyssa. Hell, he’d loved her since the day Edwina assigned him as her bodyguard. Her fierce spirit and stubborn independent streak so different from the other wolves in the pack. So different. His grin slipped. Hopefully no one else would know. Not until he could secure their future. Pondering this a minute, he stood in the gathering cold. Marcus glanced up at the gathering clouds. Tonight.

***** The long red velvet ropes he held in his hands warned her what was to come. Fear speared Alyssa. Her now dormant human side kicked to life. Submission before the strongest males? How could she do this? Marcus dropped the ropes on the kitchen counter and regarded her as she sat at the table drinking coffee. His jaw tightened. “You’re having doubts. I can see it in your eyes,” he mused. “I don’t know if I can do this, Marcus!” she cried out. “You remember, Lyssa? How I promised if you lost all your sexual inhibitions, you’d find fulfillment? With me? With the pack?” Her breath hitched. “Yes.” Crossing the distance between them, he hunkered on his haunches, meeting her eyes. “I need you to truly accept what you are, what your nature is, so you can accept me. I need you, baby. I need you to acknowledge what I am. I need you to accept the darkest fantasies you’ve had. They only scare you because you’re afraid of the unknown. But if you accept and trust me, you’ll learn to embrace that part of yourself. Only then can you be truly free.” “All right,” she whispered. A muscle jumped in his clenched jaw. But he brushed her cheek in a tender caress. “Since your grandmother is still away at her knitting convention and can’t attend to you, the elder females will be here to make you ready.” Turmoil in his dark velvet eyes nearly broke her. “Will you trust me? I can’t do this without your trust, Alyssa.” Throat muscles worked as he swallowed hard. “You need to do this, baby. We need this. Let’s go beyond the boundaries of what we’ve explored so far. I love you.” Her heart kicked again, a rush of joy filling her. He loved her. He truly did. “I will,” she promised. As he went to leave, she added softly, “And, Marcus.” 74

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He turned, regarding her with those expressive brown eyes. “What, sweetheart?” “I love you too.”

***** They came for her shortly before midnight. Ten of the pack’s elder females, revered for their wisdom and knowledge. They bathed her in the large clawfoot tub in the bathroom, allowed her to dry off by herself and rubbed herbs on her body smelling of pine and woods. Forest smells. Guaranteed to arouse any full-blooded male. When they stretched her upon the bed to massage her skin with the same scented oil to prepare her for the long sexual ordeal, a deep male voice spoke from the doorway. “No, I’ll do it.” Sophia, her grandmother’s bridge partner, looked up, startled. “It’s our duty, Marcus.” “But she’s my mate.” He shot them a stern look. They retreated, murmuring respectfully. Marcus took the warm scented oil, poured some in his palm. He began stroking her body in slow, sure caresses. Rubbed the tension from her shoulders, massaging the stiffened muscles. His big hands, strong and sure, caressed her soft flesh. Lying on her back, Alyssa relaxed. Lightly he caressed her breasts, stroking the oil into her skin. His oiled fingers circled her pearling nipples, flicked over them. She squirmed in pleasure. “Remember, Alyssa, only my touch will give you the fulfillment you crave,” he said softly. Marcus slid his fingers down her belly, rubbing small circles there. He tunneled past the blonde curls of her mound then slid into her cleft. She arched, crying out as he caressed her clit. Rubbed gently, just the way she adored. The ache between her legs intensified. Alyssa tossed her head, moaning, arching off the bed. Just prior to her climax, he stopped. Left perched on the edge of pleasure, she bit back a frustrated moan. “Later, baby,” he promised. Trembling, she collapsed as his hands left her body. Marcus bent over her, brushed her mouth in a tender kiss. “Remember that, Lyssa. The other males will fuck you, bond with you, but only I can give you what you crave. You will achieve orgasm only through me.” Giving her a loving pat, he helped her to her feet. Marcus covered her with a long, red velvet robe and then led her into the living room where the females waited. “She’s ready now. Lead her to the barn.” Nervously she glanced at him but he tossed her a reassuring smile. “I’ll be right behind you,” he murmured. 75

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“Literally,” she murmured back. Alyssa relaxed. She wasn’t afraid of what was to come with Marcus nearby.

***** The barn was heated for the winter. The earthy smell of horses and hay teased her nostrils as the females escorted her into a far corner. An enormous four-poster mahogany bed had been placed there, a soft fleece blanket covering it. Nearby were two wooden pillars, large hooks protruding from them. She swallowed hard as the females slipped the robe from her. Leaving her naked. Exposed. The females looked to Marcus for instructions. “Disrobe,” he ordered. They shed their robes, standing proudly naked before him. Their bodies were trim, slender and had a soft rosy glow, like rubbed velvet. He ignored them, lifting Alyssa into his muscled arms. Placing her very gently on her feet between the pillars, he gestured for the females to stand before his mate. Silently, they gathered around the perimeter, watching respectfully. “Stretch out your arms and legs,” he commanded softly. She did so, trembling. Unsmiling, he looped the ropes around her wrists and ankles. Tied the ropes to the hooks in the pillars, leaving just enough slack for her to move but not enough for her to wriggle free. Sophia, her grandmother’s bridge partner, brought forward a black silk scarf. Alyssa licked her lips nervously as Marcus gave her a questioning look. She nodded. He tied it around her eyes. Warm silk covered her eyelids. Other senses kicked into full throttle. Wolf and human senses combined. Scent increased. Alyssa smelled the freshness of clean bodies, warm skin, the faint fragrance of Sophia’s lavender cologne. Gooseflesh rippled over her naked arms as she caught the excited murmurs of males outside the barn doors. Sexually aroused, waiting males. Marcus called out in a loud, authoritative voice for the males to enter. She heard them enter the barn, the rustle of clothing dropping to the ground as Marcus ordered them to undress. Felt their hungry anticipation as their gazes caressed her naked, waiting body. “She’s beautiful, Marcus,” Nicolas said in his deep voice. The others murmured their approval. “Touch her,” Marcus told them. “Put your hands on my mate and feel how silky her skin is.”

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The ropes jerked as the appreciative males caressed her naked skin. Several pairs of hands slid over her trembling body. Some gently squeezed her breasts. One ran his hands down her open thighs. Arousal flooded her. The empty space between her legs throbbed. Alyssa felt another male spread her cleft open with gentle fingers. Warm lips settled on her clit as he kissed her. Startled pleasure filled her. She jerked back. “No, Alyssa, it’s all right,” Marcus said soothingly. She remembered then how he had told her such action was a privilege granted only to the wolf closest to the Alpha male. Nicolas, his best friend. Alyssa moaned and jerked at the ropes as Nicolas licked her wet cleft. She felt the hardness of his gold earring brush against her trembling thigh as his head bobbed between her spread legs. He suckled her clit. Pleasure speared her. Alyssa cried out, feeling the burning tension threaten to splinter her. Suddenly he withdrew. Left frustrated, aching with arousal, she bit her lip, waiting for what came next. They untied her. She smelled Marcus hot with arousal before her. “On your knees, Lyssa,” Marcus told her gently. The females helped her kneel on the plush cushion he placed on the floor. Alyssa smelled the highly excited males as they gathered nearby. Someone slipped the blindfold from her eyes. Her eyes watered. Alyssa blinked, looking at the male werewolves silently regarding her. Naked, their cocks erect and ready, they stood. All ten males who had fought for the privilege of becoming her mate. Tonight they would get a taste of what they’d been denied. Make her submit to them, the strongest pack males. They would mount her. Alyssa bowed her head and whimpered, to show the males she knew her place. Determined not to shame Marcus, her mate, she remained motionless. She could do this. She would subjugate herself. Marcus approached, lifted her chin. He growled, his dark gaze burning into her. His shaft stood thickly out from his body. “Prove yourself, Alyssa. Taste me.” She took his erect penis in her hand and sank her eager mouth around him. Sucking him, licking her tongue along the long shaft, feeling the veins and the ridge of the head. Her tongue danced across the rounded knob, tasting the delicious drop of pre-cum. Marcus groaned and fisted his hands in her long hair. “Enough,” he snarled, and drew her away. “Pleasure my brothers,” he commanded her as the naked Warriors silently lined up before her. Alyssa did as he ordered, sucking the cocks of the nine other males. When they bucked and groaned, they pushed her away and did not climax in her mouth.

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They too were ready now. The males began lubricating their erect cocks. Marcus prepared her ass, applying a generous amount of gel. His warm palm teased, sent heat coursing through her veins. He went to the bed. Lying down at the bed’s edge with his feet braced on the barn floor, Marcus gestured for her to join him. She obeyed, climbing atop him. He lifted her, poised her over his throbbing penis. “Slide down,” he told her. Bracing her hands on his muscled chest, she did as he ordered. He was huge, stretching her, the friction of his cock sliding against her slick channel nearly unbearable with pleasure. Alyssa bit back a whimper as Marcus pulled her down to his chest. “Raise your bottom up,” he ordered, his deep voice rasping in her ear. She did so, trembling with anticipation, awaiting the first. She turned her head to see Nicolas, his long cock bobbing before him. A look of concentration and lust tightened his face as vanished behind her. “Look at me, Lyssa,” Marcus commanded softly. Alyssa raised her head to regard her mate, brown eyes nearly black with desire. His jaw clenched, breathing heavily, Marcus fought for control. Unmoving, his cock thick inside her. Not thrusting, he lay there. Denying himself pleasure. In total, silent communication, she knew why he did so. Marcus did this out of love for their brothers. Bonding both of them to each one. Denying himself release until the other males had sought their pleasure. Love for her mate filled Alyssa. She rested her head against his deep chest, felt Marcus gently stroke her hair. His cock twitched inside her but he remained motionless. Air stirred behind her. Nicolas. Alyssa felt him grasp her ass, spread her open. The rounded knob of his cock poked her opening. Closing her eyes, she braced herself. He pushed his penis into her. She cried out in shocked pleasure as he gripped her hips and began thrusting. Twin pressure from Marcus’ cock in her cunt and Nicolas fucking her from behind was so pleasurable it became almost painful. She wanted to writhe and started to squirm, desperate for release, to ease the tension between her legs, the hot wanting spreading through her body. Marcus wrapped his powerful arms around her body, holding her still. Nicolas groaned and shuddered against her, spurting deep inside her channel. He silently withdrew. She bit her lip and remained in place, prepared for the next male. Alyssa stole a peek over her shoulder. Rex approached, looking eager, his cock standing straight up. To her relief he looked presentable. He eased his cock into her, placing his hands on her ass. Squeezed as he sank into her. Alyssa whimpered, sign of a submissive wolf. She squeezed her eyes shut. 78

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Rex rode her hard and fast, thrusting in and out like a piston then releasing his seed with a series of loud grunts and yips. When the last male had taken her, she continued hovering in the same position. Felt Marcus lift her off his engorged cock. He laid her down on her back, hovered over her as the others gathered around the bed. Marcus parted her trembling thighs. Alyssa writhed and whimpered as he stroked the silky flesh. “That’s it, my sweet. You like my touch. When I mount you, I’ll make you forget any other male ever existed, wolf or otherwise. And no one, I promise, no one, will ever make you feel the pleasure that only I can give you. Turn over.” She flipped over, rose on all fours. Marcus spread her legs wide. The musky scent of sex and female arousal lingered in the air. She knew the scent would drive him wild, make him determined to mark her with his own scent. His fingers delved between her legs. Stroking her wet cleft. Back and forth his fingers rasped, stroking, slipping inside her cunt. Alyssa screamed with shocked pleasure. He found her clit, teasing lightly. Flick, flick. Behind her, she felt the knob of his cock prodding her cunt. “Will you submit now, Lyssa? Will you acknowledge I am the only male who will ever give you pleasure? Who is your master?” “You are,” she sobbed. She whimpered. The sound he had waited for. Wolf submission to her mate. He bent over her, his big body covering hers, his fingers teasing her clit. Marcus mounted her and thrust deep. She arched and cried out in shock as his thick cock sank into the soft, yielding flesh of her aching cunt. The males murmured approval. The females sighed. One hand clasping her hip, he thrust and withdrew. With his other hand, he stroked small circles on her clit. Making her tense, so hot, relishing the hard thickness inside her. This was Marcus, her mate. Giving her pleasure as no other male could. Nor would he allow any other male to touch her again. “Who is your master?” he snarled, bending over her. She felt the slight prick of his fangs as he nipped her neck. When highly aroused or poised for a fight, a male werewolf could will his canines to erupt. “You are, Marcus!” Alyssa cried out. “And who will you obey from this moment on, for you know he does what is best for you?” “You, Marcus.” “And who do you want to fuck you? Which male do you choose to breed with, to mate with, the only male to fuck you and give you pleasure?”

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“Marcus, only you, oh please!” she cried out, unable to stand the white-hot burning in her loins, the increasing tension of her approaching climax. He plunged into her, growling with satisfaction as his cock slid in and out of her clinging cunt and his thumb stroked her clit. “Now, Alyssa. Come for me. Now!” She screamed and thrust backward into his surging cock. And felt the orgasm explode inside her in a volcanic rush. Alyssa arched, her back taut as a bowstring, and cried out in feminine shock. Marcus grunted, thrusting even deeper. He withdrew suddenly. Trembling and exhausted, she became fully aware of his cock pulling out, leaving her empty and hollow. Alyssa panted and fell to the bed as he released her hips. Marcus did not come. But why? Two large, strong hands very gently turned her around. She stared up at him, towering over her. Sweat dampened his thick black hair, beaded on his forehead. He turned and his deep, clear voice rang out throughout the barn, demanding respect and attention. “Alyssa, my chosen mate, when you take me inside me again, it will be to conceive our child. The pack’s most respected members will help us create our heir. And when your belly grows big with my child inside you, they will remember this day and how you are my true mate. None other.” The nine elder females sat behind her on the wide bed. They propped her at the edge, spreading her legs wide. Sitting behind her, they supported her with their arms. Watching expectantly. They would witness this mating. “Know this. You are all eyewitnesses to this night and my mate’s submission. She is a worthy mate, a worthy leader of our females. Know that tonight you will see the conception of our child, my heir and our future pack heir. There will be no doubt as to the legitimacy of the future pack heir.” Heated anticipation curled deep inside her. The Warriors gathered behind Marcus, expectancy etching their faces. Marcus leaned toward her, his expression tender. “Remember, Lyssa. What I told you about losing your inhibitions, acknowledging your true nature. It will set you free. Submit and lose yourself in your wildest desires,” he said softly, stroking her cheek. She closed her eyes, thinking of what she wanted most. Marcus, making her surrender to her deepest desires, her wildest fantasies. How he loved her and wanted her acceptance of who he really was. Who she was, and how only he could fulfill her needs. Opening her eyes, she nodded. She too was ready for this mating.

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His intent gaze locked on hers, he leaned forward, bracing his arms on either side of her opened thighs. The Warriors pressed their hands on Marcus’ sweating, naked back, bonding them together. Marcus kissed her, licking her lips, plunging his tongue again and again into her mouth. She wrapped her arms around his neck, taking him inside. He tasted wonderful and she trembled as she kneaded the hard flesh of his shoulders beneath her fingertips. So strong and powerful. And hers, all hers. Triumph filled her. Marcus would never stray or take another female. Only her. Tonight was special, created just for them. For the creation of their baby. Pulling away, he locked gazes with her. Marcus cupped her breasts, stroking them, flicking his thumbs over the taut nipples. She gave a little eager moan. He bent his head and took one into his mouth, suckling her. Flick went his tongue, rasping over the aching, tender flesh. Whimpering, she grasped his silky hair, holding him against her. She needed him inside her. He gave her nipple a last, lingering lick. His fingers drifted down to her soaked cleft, rubbing then he thrust a single finger into her. Alyssa arched and moaned, pumping her hips upward. Needing more. “I think you’re ready, sweetheart,” he said in a deep, approving voice. Locking his gaze to hers, he steadied her as he pushed her legs open farther. Alyssa rested against the supporting nest of the older females behind her. Feeling their warmth, their acceptance, hearing their soft, soothing murmurs. He stood at the bed’s edge, ready for her. His cock was so stiff, so aroused, it nearly bobbed under its own weight. Ridged with veins, coated with her juices, it jutted out from the thick nest of black hairs at his groin. Denied orgasm, he was harder and thicker than she’d ever seen him. Fear mingled with anticipation. Could she take all of him inside her? Panting with excitement and anticipation, she tilted her hips upward in acceptance. Alyssa swallowed. Now was the moment. She watched his cock tunnel past the damp blonde curls covering her cleft. Watched its rounded purple knob part her wet lips and the thick, hard length slide into her aching cunt. The others watched as well, murmuring in eager appreciation. The males pressed their hands against Marcus as he penetrated Alyssa. The females cradled her from behind. As if they were helping to conceive the baby. Alyssa tensed, uncertain. Squeezing his cock, the tiny muscles of her drenched cunt resisted the penetration. Two of the females behind her clutched her hands. She squeezed their palms and panted as the delicious friction built. “It’s okay, sweetheart,” he crooned. “Let go. You can take me. All of me. Just relax, shhhh.”

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Her panting slowed and the grip she had on the hands of the older females eased. Alyssa leaned back, feeling the tiny muscles in her cunt loosen, welcoming the hard male intruder instead of resisting him. His powerful, muscled body slowly pushed into hers, joining them together. “That’s it,” he murmured. “Lie back, baby. Lie back and let me love you. Let me bring you to that place only you and I know together.” Reaching between them, he rubbed her clit. Alyssa tightened down on his thrusting cock and moaned, thrashing about. The females behind her held her down, crooning to her. The Warrior weres behind Marcus urged him onward, excitement flaring in their heated gazes as they kept their hands on his body, never losing contact. Marcus bent her legs at the knees as he leaned over and began thrusting hard. His cock hammered into her, pistoning with powerful force. So big and hard, filling her, oh filling her completely. She strained against him, sobbing, aching for release. But he gave her none. Each time the peak nearly came he stopped, watching her. Controlling her with every delicious stroke of his cock, making her reach for it, only to pull away. “Marcus, please,” she begged. “Admit it, Alyssa,” he grunted. “Tell me, who is your master? Who will mount you from now on?” “You are, Marcus!” she sobbed. The pack growled in approval. Marcus leaned forward, gripping her knees open, his penis hammering into her. She cried out, reaching it, needing it… His flesh slapped against hers. He rode her hard and fast. “Now, Lyssa,” he growled. “Now, baby. Surrender to me. Come for me. Let go. Let go and come for me, now!” Her cunt tightened, milking his thick cock as it plunged into her. Alyssa came so hard she saw pinpricks of light explode behind her closed eyes. She arched and screamed as the white-hot pleasure burst within her. Marcus bucked and convulsed, his hot seed spurting inside her. Alyssa collapsed backward into the warm nest of female arms, trembling. Panting heavily, Marcus fell forward, his big body blanketing her, his cock still buried deep inside her. She felt it twitch and throb. Males and females surrounded Alyssa and Marcus, rubbing the sweat sticking to their bodies, murmuring soothing words of approval. They drew away as Marcus nuzzled Alyssa’s neck tenderly. “You did well, baby. I’m so proud of you,” he whispered. Together they lay on the bed, sated and weary, sweat from their bodies slicking them together.

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They cuddled close together, falling asleep to the sounds of happy wolves howling in sheer pleasure.

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Chapter Eight Alyssa woke at midday in the cottage’s master bedroom. Marcus was gone. She rolled over and read the note he’d left. Went to pick up Edwina at the Albuquerque airport. I’ll be back tonight. If you need anything, just howl for my Warrior brothers. They’re staying in the barn to protect you while I’m gone. Love you, baby. Yawning, she stretched. Today was a day for resting. She rose, smiling at her sore muscles as they pulled with each gingered step. Alyssa took a long, hot shower, dressed. She microwaved and then ate a luxurious meal of cooked bacon and elk steak Marcus had thoughtfully left for her in the fridge. After, she put on her sheepskin jacket, took pad and paper outside on the porch. She sketched, relishing the quiet time to practice her art. Wolves sprang to life on paper beneath her fingertips. She took the paper and studied the results. This was real. This was feeling, living art. Marcus was right. The paintings she had done in the human world were flat, lifeless. Shadows in the garden darkened and lengthened. Alyssa set the pad down, watching the sun sink into the jagged length of mountains, caressing the aspens with brilliant hues of copper and gold. So peaceful here. So quiet. “There she is.” So much for quiet. Alyssa grimaced at Tricia’s nasty tone as the werewolf banged open the garden gate. The bitch really grated on her nerves. “Hello, Tricia. Out for your evening walk? Where’s your leash?” she inquired in a pleasant tone. “I’m here to deliver delayed justice. And so are they.” Yawning, Alyssa sat up. Her breath hitched at the sight of nine females following Tricia through the garden gate, marching in grim unison up the pathway. The ten prime breeding females. Mutiny shone on their faces. They resembled a pack of angry bingo players who just learned the winning player cheated. Her heart dropped to her stomach. Alyssa gripped the armrests of the wicker chair. Don’t show fear. Stare them in the eye. Look Alpha. Marcus’ advice when she had Changed came back. But though she did all he’d taught her, the advancing pack did not falter, nor did they drop their gazes. Not a good sign.

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Tricia set one foot on the first step. Her upper lip curled back in a snarl. “I know who you are, Alyssa. You imposter!” she growled. Alyssa sprang to her feet as Tricia cleared the steps, followed by the other females. Low snarls rippled from their throats. “Show us your fangs, if you’re an Alpha,” Mindy, a petite brunette snapped. Their upper lips curled back, showing lengthening canines. Fangs only erupted on their kind at will when the werewolves felt very threatened, aroused or extremely pissed off. Werewolf children were taught at an early age that they could lengthen fangs after their first Change. Alyssa could not. She was only half wolf. Her pulse raced. For the first time, she felt real trepidation. Do not show fear. Let them see you are in charge over the females. Tell them what to do. “Tricia, stop the show. It’s not quite Halloween yet.” Alyssa affected a bored tone, hid her clammy palms in her jacket pockets. “You’re a cheat and a thief, you, you, OMEGA!” Mindy yelled. Shock pummeled through her. Staggering back a step, she gripped the chair’s fan back for support. “What the hell are you talking about?” “This. This!” Tricia stabbed the air with a worn brown leather book. Pages flapped in the air like broken wings. “Edwina’s diary. Detailing everything about you, how you were born to an artist, an artist for cripe’s sake, and the pack Omega! And THEN given to our true pack leader to raise! While poor Marcus, the REAL heir, was raised by the Omegas! You’re tainted with HUMAN blood!” Good Lord, the werewolf was insane. Alyssa dredged up courage. “Have you been bitten by a vampire? You’re batty!” she snapped. “No, Alyssa,” said Katie, a pretty blonde who once played with Alyssa when they were young. “It’s all true. Brock, the male who’s courting me, found it in the house Marcus is renovating when he went to wire the bedroom. It was hidden inside a wall. He gave it to me. All of us read it for ourselves. Marcus was given to the Omega couple to hide his true identity and keep him safe from vampires. You, the real Omega, were passed off as the Alpha heiress.” “Whatever for?” Alyssa felt herself grow faint with dread. “To sacrifice you to the vampires should they find our leaders and wish to kill their child,” Tricia said softly. She growled low in her throat. “And I think the time has come to fulfill your destiny.” Her heart raced madly in terror. Alyssa backed away from the advancing pack. Her human side quivered in fear. She felt her knees go wobbly as her body threatened to slide downward in a swoon. NO!

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Deep inside, the wolf side Marcus had taught her to embrace roared to life. Senses kicked into gear. Smell increased. Night sight sharpened. Alyssa licked her canines, almost feeling them sharpen. From somewhere, she dredged up every ounce of her courage, pushing past the shocking news, letting her wolf emerge. Alyssa stopped, stared Tricia in the face. She snarled, drawing back her lips. Nostrils flared with fury. This one must be put in her place. “Get off my porch,” Alyssa growled. “Or I’ll rip you to shreds, you lowly Betas. Mind your place.” The pack halted. Mindy looked at Katie doubtfully. Both backed off slowly. But Tricia only smiled. “I am minding my place. I’m a Beta. You’re an Omega, you bitch. Lower than dirt. You’re not even fit to lick Marcus’ paws.” Then she added softly, “Let’s get her, girls.” They advanced. Alyssa cursed softly, flexing her muscles, willing herself to take a stand. She ran forward, charging them like a linebacker. Plowing through, she paused long enough to elbow Tricia hard in the solar plexus. Tricia doubled over, howling as the other females were knocked aside in shock. Didn’t think I’d have the guts to do it, huh? She smiled grimly to herself as she ran down the steps. Turning at the garden gate, she flashed a victorious smile she knew they’d spot in the gathering dark. And then Tricia howled in pure anger, dashed down the steps and lobbed a small dark object at her. It struck Alyssa in the leg, made her stagger. Biting back a human impulse to whine, she stoically held her ground. I am wolf. I will not back down. She heard the other females chortle with glee as they started running for her. Several stopped to pick up stones. They began hurling them at her. I am wolf. And I am not stupid. RUN! She turned and fled down the street leading to the mountains, howling for the Warriors. Please Marcus, help me! Snapping, the females followed, hot on her heels.

***** Hair on the nape of his neck prickled as Marcus drove north. His fingers curled tightly around the wheel. Snow began falling in random drifts. He focused all his wolf senses on the road ahead. “Something’s wrong,” he told Edwina, sitting beside him. “I feel it. Alyssa, something happened. Something bad.” Pressing his boot to the gas pedal, he accelerated. Faster he drove, listening to the gnawing feeling in his guts. When he finally pulled up to the cottage, he braked hard,

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barely pausing to shut off the engine. Flurries whirled in the darkness, melting on his face. Marcus jumped out of the truck, trailed by Edwina. He smelled them before he saw or heard them. The Warriors, draped about the porch, waiting for him. Some perched against the pillars, others milled about. Lights blazing inside the cottage silhouetted them in the pitch darkness. He caught Nicolas’ scent before he saw him. Pacing back and forth, his friend stopped short as Marcus ran toward him. Nicolas greeted him grimly. “Alyssa’s run off, Marcus. Tricia and the other prime breeding females attacked her. We’ve searched the whole town and the outskirts and can’t find her.” “Why did she run?” he asked. Nicolas looked him directly in the eyes. “They said she isn’t Alpha but an imposter.” Marcus jammed a hand through his snow-dampened hair. “Shit. I should have known this would happen.” “It’s true then, what that lying bitch Tricia said?” Nicolas asked. Edwina stood, wringing her hands, looking very upset. The nine Warriors looked at him expectantly, their bodies tense, ready for action. He gave Edwina a cursory glance then stared down his brothers. “It’s true,” he snarled. “Alyssa is half human. And Alyssa is my chosen mate. I will have none other.” Murmurs rippled among the powerful males. Nicolas gave him a respectful look then lowered his gaze as the others did. “She is our Alpha female by marriage to you. If you accept her, we will do whatever you need of us, Marcus.” “We will die for her,” growled Rex. Marcus acknowledged their pledges of loyalty with a nod. “I trusted you would. Right now my main concern is my mate. And you, Edwina.” He turned back to Nicolas. “Go home now. There’s nothing more you can do, my friend.” Nodding, Nicolas motioned for the others to follow him. “If you need us, we are there for you.” “Hold on a minute, Nicolas.” Marcus watched the other Warriors depart. He turned to Edwina. “Go inside. I need to talk with him alone for a minute.” Wringing her hands, Edwina went into the house. Nicolas looked at him expectantly. Marcus rubbed his chin. “So you mounted Tricia.” “And Mindy,” his friend added. “To pin them down and keep them from attacking Alyssa.” “And how did that make you feel, Nicolas? How do you feel about Tricia?”

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He had to know. Had to know if Nicolas still harbored the same “fuck me until I die” lust for that bitch. Because if his friend did, the werewolf stood to lose a valued friendship. “Nothing,” Nicolas said flatly. “Outside of wrapping my hands around her neck and squeezing. But she’s our prime breeding female and she turns twenty-three soon, so you’ll be giving permission to a mate for her. Let Aaron have her. I wouldn’t fuck her if she were the last female werewolf on earth. I’d rather become a monk.” Relieved, Marcus clapped his shoulder. “Werewolves make lousy monks, my friend.” “I know. The robes itch on bare legs,” Nicolas joked. He sobered. “Will Alyssa be all right? Do you need my help searching for her?” “I know where she is. I’ll find her.” Marcus gave his friend a searching look, angry at Tricia for the new hardness in Nicolas’ eyes. “Your turn to be mated will come. I’m sure of it, my friend.” Nicolas shrugged. “Maybe outside our pack. Right now my fist is looking more and more attractive than any of our females.” Turning he left. Marcus sighed, jamming a hand again through his hair. Right now he had more pressing matters. He ran into the house, banging the door behind him. Snow flew in all directions as Marcus shook off, flinging the dampness from his denim jacket. Edwina paced the living room, looking frantic. She turned, saw his face and her expression turned anxious. “Marcus, oh dear, there’s something you need to know. I’ve made a dreadful mistake,” she wailed. Aiming a level look at her, he folded his arms across his chest. “By writing down Alyssa’s history in your diary.” Beneath the round glasses, her blue eyes rounded. “How did you—” “I know everything,” he said evenly. “I found your diary, long before Alyssa had her first Change. I found it when you had me over to the cottage to move that heavy armoire out because your friend Sophie wanted it. When I moved it, I noticed one of the floorboards was loose and thought I’d fix it for you.” “Marcus.” Her lips pursed in a severe frown. “You read my diary.” “Wasn’t going to until I saw Alyssa’s name in the first entry and the words, ‘Reading this will come as a shock to you’. As her bodyguard, I figured I had a right to read anything that might hurt her.” He stared at her, the stare of a dominant wolf in his prime. “What was your part in all this, Grandmother? You are my grandmother, right?” Edwina had the grace to look ashamed. “It was long ago, when we all lived in England. Your father Charles hid you from the vampires when you were born by giving

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you to an Omega couple to raise. No vampire would think of looking for the future pack heir among lowly Omegas. Not even the pack knew of your true parentage.” “But time went by and when my mother didn’t get pregnant, the pack began to worry. And the vampires…” Edwina nodded. “They became suspicious. Another had to be produced. Yet Frances refused to let a baby of hers become a possible target, as her firstborn would be. Fosteria, your foster mother’s sister, was a single, lonely Omega. The other males shunned her. She turned to a human artist and became pregnant. Charles seized the opportunity.” He swore softly. “Alyssa. She became a perfect foil. Expendable.” “Yes. Your parents passed her off as their own baby. And with Alyssa as the heir, Frances went on to become pregnant again, this time reassured that the vampires would target the fake heir and not a baby of her own blood.” Marcus felt sickened at his parents’ callous reasoning. The lowest of the low, Alyssa had been raised as the highest of the high for the sole purpose of becoming a possible sacrificial wolf. “Frances gave birth to Lily, your younger sister. And then a rogue band of vampires attacked in an all-out battle to erase every last pack member. The vampire leader Adrian had been trying to stop the war. He flew to the rescue but it was too late. Charles lay dying, Frances already dead. Charles told Adrian if he truly wished peace between their people, to take baby Lily, hidden in a safe place, raise her as a vampire and then mate with her when she turned twenty-one.” Tears filled her eyes. “Lily is your true sister. Only I knew she still lived.” “Why didn’t they kill Alyssa?” he wondered. Edwina’s lips thinned. “I never approved of Charles’ plan for Alyssa. When she was six, I took her to raise to protect her against a vampire attack. She was the sweetest child, so trusting.” “Still is,” he said softly. “I wrote Alyssa’s true parentage in my diary so someday she would know who she really was. I knew you, with your superior strength, would win the right to mate with her. And you’d assume your rightful place but at the same time protect my poor Alyssa.” His expression softened. “We both had the same idea, Grandmother. We both wanted to protect her, keep her safe.” Marcus rubbed the stubble on his jaw. “Aaron found the diary. I knew time was running out. The only way for me to protect Alyssa was to mate with her, make her pregnant with my child. The pack could not reject her then.” A thought struck him. Alyssa had grown up, never knowing her true parents just as he had. But unlike his parents, her mother had also suffered. “Why did Fosteria give up her baby?”

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“You forget she was Omega. Fosteria did whatever the leader ordered.” Edwina sighed. “After she surrendered Alyssa, she became so upset she vanished into the woods.” “I remember,” he said slowly. “I remember how upset mother was about her sister. The pack rumor was Fosteria lost her baby in childbirth and ran away. And then the vampires got to her.” Fisting his hands, he stared at Edwina. A pang of sorrow for his troubled, bereft foster aunt pierced him. He knew the shame of being Omega and had fought it his whole life. Of course, his Alpha nature refused to allow him to slink before others. Alyssa’s true mother knew no other choice. Edwina twisted her hands through her white hair. “What are you to do, Marcus?” “Find Alyssa. I know where she’ll go. But first, there’s a little matter of Tricia to deal with.” His mouth tightened to a hard slash.

***** Marcus wasted no time driving to Aaron’s log cabin outside of town. He gave a cursory knock then broke the door down. Clad in jeans and a thick wine-colored sweater, Aaron was lounging in bed, watching a nature special on gray wolves on the plasma television. Seeing Marcus, he sat up straight, frowning. “Marcus! What’s wrong?” “Where is Tricia?” he demanded softly. “She had to meet some girlfriends. She’s due over here in a few minutes. Why? What the hell is going on?” He told him, watching Aaron for a reaction, sniffing the air for any sign Aaron knew of Tricia’s plans. Aaron’s face twisted in ugly anger. “Damn it! Is Alyssa all right?” “I’m assured she is, otherwise I wouldn’t be here. Aaron, I gave you my permission to mate with Tricia.” “I already asked her. She said yes.” No shit. Tricia said yes to all the males then danced out of reach. Not this time. “Good. You’re going to mate with her tonight.” Surprise flared on the younger male’s face. “But the ring, I still don’t have it.” “Tonight,” Marcus insisted. “And I’m going to witness it to ensure she’s fully mated. Tricia needs to be put in her place, Aaron. She’s out of control and needs a strong male to keep on her at all times. She’s teased the males far too long, especially Nicolas. It’s about time she’s settled down and bred.” The werewolf sighed. “Yes, she should. The other males still sniff around her, probably because she’s still a virgin.” “No, she’s not,” Marcus said softly. 90

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Aaron’s mouth tightened as Marcus told him what had transpired between Tricia and Nicolas. The store owner growled low in his throat. He hated to hurt Aaron, who wasn’t such a bad type, but he needed him jealous, filled with testosterone and ready for Tricia. Hmmm. Judging from the tension in Aaron’s body, the scarlet flushing his cheeks and his ragged breathing, the male was more than ready to mate. Good. Aaron nodded as Marcus gave explicit instructions of what he expected. Suddenly he caught a new scent. The front door opened. Marcus stepped behind the bedroom door, watching. Tricia sashayed into the room, hips swinging, looking smug. He wanted to smack her. Instead, he gritted his teeth and waited until she was fully inside the bedroom. “Well, Aaron,” she inquired, a saucy lilt to her voice. “Are we going out or are you just going to sit there watching television all night?” “I think I have better plans for you, babe,” Aaron said quietly. His gaze flicked to Marcus. Marcus leapt out and pounced, slamming her into the mattress as Aaron sidestepped. In a minute, fully clothed, he mounted Tricia. “You attacked my mate, you slutty cock-tease,” he growled. Tricia wriggled her bottom, rubbing against him. “Oh my, Marcus. You feel good. Are you sure you want to stay mated to that bitch?” “Mind your place,” he snapped. Lifting off her, Marcus gave her rump a sharp swat. She squealed. He flipped her over onto her back and growled, locking gazes with her. Whimpering, she lowered her eyes. “I’m sorry, Marcus!” He went to the bedroom door, closed and leaned against it. “Get undressed,” he said tightly. Tricia stripped off her clothing. Naked, she rose up on all fours, eyeing him hungrily as Aaron silently shucked his clothing. The were was fully erect and looked very pissed. Good. Desire flushed her face. Ignoring the waiting Aaron, Tricia stared at Marcus. Her pupils dilated as she swept her eager gaze over his body. The stink of her female arousal flooded his nostrils. Disgusted, he leashed his temper. “Aren’t we going to make it a threesome?” she asked. “Not quite.” Marcus jerked a thumb at Aaron. “A twosome. You and Aaron. You did agree to mate with him.”

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Before she uttered a single protest, Aaron snarled and mounted her. Tricia issued a startled cry as Aaron’s cock sank into her flesh. The male hooked his arms around her waist and began thrusting. Emotionless, he watched Aaron fuck Tricia. Mingled scents of male and female arousal teased his nostrils, but his body did not respond. Her excited female cries did not stir him, nor did Aaron’s sexually charged growls and grunts as the male pounded into her. The male released her and leaned back, smacking hard into her as he grabbed her hair. Very carefully, Marcus studied Tricia’s face as it screwed up in pleasure. “Oh yes, yes, yes, fuck me, punish me, Aaron, for being such a naughty girl! Be my big bad wolf, baby! Fuck me harder, oh yes, I’m going to come, oh yes,” she screamed. Just as Nicolas predicted, the left side of Tricia’s mouth twitched. “Now, Aaron,” Marcus commanded. Shouting out, Aaron came violently, fists tangled in Tricia’s long red hair, body jerking in reaction. He gasped for air, bending over Tricia, who whimpered with angry frustration. “I didn’t come,” she wailed. “Good,” Marcus said softly. He glanced at the panting Aaron. “You’ll have plenty of chances in the future, Tricia. I’d say over the next twentyfour hours, you’ll have many, many chances. And in nine months, I fully expect the delivery of your firstborn.” “I’m not mated yet,” she snapped. Aaron growled, as he swept back her hair, sank his teeth into her neck. Marcus gave a grim smile. “Now you are.” She shrieked in a long wailing protest. “No, Aaron, I’m not ready to settle down!” “Too late,” Marcus observed. “You turn twenty-three next week Tricia and the decision to choose your mate is gone. Happy birthday.” Aaron finished and drew back, his lips curled back in a savage snarl. He did not rise off Tricia but gripped her hips. “Get ready for round two, sweetheart. I’m going to fuck your brains out. And maybe if you’re a good girl and you apologize to Marcus for being such a nasty bitch to Alyssa and promise to respect her, I’ll let you come.” “I’m sorry, Marcus,” she cried out. “I’m sorry I was a nasty bitch to Alyssa. It will never happen again. Please, please, Aaron! Can I come now?” “Maybe during round eight,” her new mate growled. He withdrew his cock, flipped her over, spread her knees wide open with his hands and mounted her again. “Watch for that tic on the left side of her mouth, that means she’s getting ready to come,” Marcus advised. Aaron nodded as he began thrusting.

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Marcus chuckled at the dazed look dawning in Tricia’s eyes. He saluted Aaron as he walked out the bedroom.

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Chapter Nine Alyssa had run for the hills. Rather, the mountain. Pummeled by the pack of ten angry breeding werewolves, led by a jubilant Tricia, she had fled. Another rock sailed through the air, clubbed her on the temple. Warm blood cascaded down her skin. She had screamed. Suddenly the nine Warrior weres bounded into the clearing. Snarling and flashing fangs, they leapt on her attackers. Pinning them down with savage strength. Nicolas tackled both Mindy and Tricia, easily keeping them subdued. Pausing only long enough to ensure the females were properly submissive, Alyssa turned and ran. Following in her wake were triumphant howls of the breeding females still pinned down by the Warrior males. Those who had honored her all these years now jeered. Jeering. Scowling. Ugly faces. On she had run, ignoring Nicolas as he called after her to return, that it was safe. Nothing would ever be safe again. For even Marcus would never forgive her now. Not her, the usurper, the imposter. She paused long enough to run into the barn and grab a blanket before running to hide in the mountains. Away from her people. How could she blame them for attacking when she herself felt the same? Deceiving her pack to think she, a lowly, scorned Omega descendent, was Alpha? How dare she claim such an honor? Ignorance was no excuse in the pack. How could she trick Marcus this way? She did not deserve him. Surely he must hate her now. Blinking back tears, Alyssa ran and ran. She ran until breath fled her lungs. Climbed the mountain, instinct pummeling her toward safety. When she reached the small den Marcus had fashioned long ago, she crawled inside and pulled the blanket about her. Shadows lengthened over the small clearing as the rose pink of the setting sun streaked the sky. Alyssa pulled the blanket up to her chin and sobbed. Hot tears warmed her icy skin. She wept for all she had lost. Especially Marcus, her mate. Needle-sharp cold bit into her bare arms. Alyssa shivered and tried to sleep. Time inched by. Night sounds erupted about her, the soft whump of a rabbit fleeing into brush, the echo of a night owl hooting. And then another, more familiar sound. In the distance she heard the steady clop of a horse’s hooves. Fear wrapped around her with icy fists. She peered out of the blanket.

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A ghostly pale of moonlight glinted off the shiny black coat of the stallion ascending the steep mountain terrain. Her heart lurched upon recognizing the tall form sitting assuredly in the saddle, hand holding the reins with expert ease. Moonlight raked over the black Stetson on his head. Marcus. Shuddering, she buried herself beneath the blanket. Silly to think she could hide but too late to run now. He’d surely catch her, fast predator that he was. Pine needles crunched beneath his boot heels. Usually Marcus walked noiselessly. He must want her to know he approached. Probably to punish her, drive her away as the others had. Biting back a whimper, she burrowed deeper under the blanket. “Lyssa? Baby, it’s me, Marcus. Come out. It’s okay.” The soothing tenor of his deep voice did not assure her. Nicolas had also promised sanctuary, probably to lure her back for punishment. The cut on her temple still throbbed. Cool air rushed into her tiny shelter. Alyssa whimpered as Marcus pushed inside, lifted the blanket. He squatted down beside her. Wearing a sheepskin jacket over his blue chambray shirt and jeans, his big body towered over her. He looked every inch the dominant Alpha male of the pack. He reached out, gently touched her face. A frown marred his features. “You’re hurt.” Alyssa bowed her head, crouched down in total submission as she crawled backward. Perhaps if she demonstrated no threat to him, the Alpha, he would show mercy and not punish her. “Baby, oh Lyssa, don’t.” A heavy sigh fled his lungs. Marcus came forward, wrapped his arms around her. She tried pulling away but he would not release her. “I hate what she did to you, how I failed to be there for you,” he muttered. “Tricia will know her place from now on.” Numb with cold and despair, she could not reply. Could not even hope. Marcus slipped out of his jacket. Very gently, he wrapped it around her. Heat from his body and the jacket enveloped her. He lifted her into his strong arms. Alyssa struggled feebly but she was too tired, too cold. “What did you think you were doing out here? It’s dropping below freezing tonight.” Her chin lifted in dignity. “I’m a wolf. I know how to survive.” Heat from his lips warmed her as he kissed her cheek. “I know you can. You’re strong, my Lyssa. But now it’s time to return home.” Too weary to protest, she lay in his arms as he carried her outside. She quivered, glanced up at Durango. The huge stallion towered above the ground.

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“Don’t worry, Lyssa. I’ll make sure you don’t fall,” he assured her. She felt herself lifted onto the big stallion who snorted. Durango remained still, as if sensing he carried a special burden. “I couldn’t carry you the whole way home and the trail is too rocky for the truck,” Marcus explained as he slid onto the saddle behind her. He cradled her against him protectively. Home. What a lovely word. Not hers. Loneliness pinched her. Was he bringing her to Granny’s and would formally sit in judgment over her, the pack sitting in attendance? She didn’t want to think about it. Alyssa buried her head against his broad chest, relishing the warmth of his body. Durango climbed down the mountain, his steps steady and sure. After what seemed hours, she stirred. After descending, they appeared to climb another mountain. Lifting her head, Alyssa peeked around, her night vision excellent. Moonlight pooled around the pines and aspen around them. As Durango turned onto a dirt road, she glanced at Marcus. “You’re not going back to Granny’s?” “I’m taking you home. Our home, Lyssa. The one I built for you.” Up the horse climbed until they crested a plateau. In a meadow clearing, sat the house of her dreams. A gasp fled her lips. The cedar house was built in an A-frame to prevent snow buildup. Built overlooking the valley below, the front was fashioned almost entirely from thick glass. A large porch wrapped about the entire house. There was a swing in the front, sturdy redwood Adirondack chairs and a pebbled walk dusted lightly with snow leading to the double doors. It was the house she’d dreamt of sharing with him, the home her heart had longed for. He expertly halted the big horse and cradled her against his chest. Beneath her ear, she heard the reassuring steady beat of his heart. “I remembered what you said, Lyssa,” he said, turning toward her. “I realized what you really wanted all along. A real home, just like me. So you see, we’re not so different.” He dismounted with ease and helped her off the horse. He settled an arm about her waist. Pride filled his voice. “It’s got everything you wanted. Three bathrooms, five bedrooms, a great room, walk-in glassed shower in the master bedroom and a Roman tub overlooking the mountain. Big stone fireplace, lots of heavy wood furniture and a redwood deck. Built the deck myself, had to have the rest contracted to get it ready for you in time.” His warm lips pressed against her forehead. “We need to get you warmed up and welcomed home.” 96

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Marcus carried her inside, setting her gently down on the oversize leather couch. Vaulted ceilings soared seemingly to the sky. Before her was a huge stone fireplace, big enough to roast an elk. The rich scent of pine and wood surrounded them. He placed a sheepskin blanket over her, tucking it in then murmured about seeing Durango bedded down. In minutes he returned. The customary twinkle sparked his eye. “We need to get you warmed up, baby. I have just the thing.” Lifting her into his arms, he carried her to a small solarium. Overhead through the clear glass roof, stars glittered like diamonds tossed on black velvet. Wicker furniture was arranged in a small circle and a hot tub bubbled and frothed in the corner. Dozens of candles set about the room loaned it a rosy glow. A bottle of sparkling cider and two crystal flutes sat on the hot tub’s ledge. She raised her brows in a question, a small curving her lips. He grinned, setting her on her feet. Delighted she undressed and climbed in, sighing with relief as the hot water instantly removed the chill from her bones. Glass walls on all three sides overlooked the mountain. Marcus slid in besides her, hooking an arm about her shoulders. “Watch this.” He depressed a button. The overhead glass ceiling slid back, letting in the fresh night air and its sounds. In the distant night echoed a dog’s lonely howl. He poured cider for them both. They clinked glasses and drank. Marcus set the flutes aside, pulled her snug against his naked body. She turned to regard him. “Marcus, I’m Omega.” A quiver racked her voice. “I knew,” he said quietly. “I read Granny’s journal years ago.” For the second time that night, shock pummeled her. “You knew all this time, that you were the true Alpha? And you still…wanted me?” “That’s why I was so determined to mate and make you pregnant, sweetheart. I reasoned that if you were carrying my child, you’d be safe should anyone else find out.” Alyssa wriggled as he wrapped his strong arms about her waist. Warm lips nuzzled the delicate curve of her neck. Stubble rasped over her sensitive skin. She shivered again, this time with arousal. “But why…didn’t you say anything, Marcus? You’re the Alpha! All those years, being mistreated, kicked around, why would you want me, who had what was rightfully yours? You had the Alpha birthright, not me the Omega!” He gently cupped her face in his hands. Marcus stroked his thumbs across her cheeks. “Because I love you. I always have. I knew you were the only mate for me from the moment you made me laugh, all those years ago. The way you reprimanded the others for mocking me.” “Even though you could take care of yourself.” He flashed her a wry grin. “It showed me how much you cared.” 97

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Marcus nuzzled her neck. “I love you, Lyssa. I want you to be happy here, in our home. I promise I’ll never leave you again.” “I love you too, Marcus,” she whispered, rubbing against him, relishing his strength. A teasing smile flashed across his face. “Mount me, baby. Mount me and ride me. I’ll be your cowboy.” “Save a horse, ride a wolf?” she quipped. Carefully, she climbed atop him, directing his rock-hard erection at her cleft. Alyssa wrapped her arms around his strong neck and sank down. Bobbed down as he gripped her hips, guiding her. They made long, slow love. Afterward, he lifted her out of the tub and dried her off. Marcus took extra care swiping between her legs, giving her a teasing smile. He donned a black velvet robe and fished a smaller version for her off a wooden peg. When she was swallowed in its warmth, her feet encased in fuzzy bunny slippers, he took her hand. “Let me show you a very special room in the house.” Clasping her hand, he led her upstairs, down a long beige carpeted hallway, up another flight of winding stairs to the third floor. At the landing he paused at the closed door and handed her an old-fashioned metal key. “It’s all yours, baby. Your private sanctuary.” Deeply curious, she unlocked the door. Alyssa gasped in awed delight. The pinewood attic room featured skylights and large windows to allow in plenty of natural light. Stars glittered overhead. Scents of forest, leather and oil paint lingered in the air. Pine floors creaked slightly beneath her feet. There was a long leather couch for lounging, a television set, a small wet bar, table and chairs and in the corner. Tears burned her eyes as she studied the long worktable with the newest IMAC computer, another table lined with jars of paint, the artist’s easel and the chair set before it. “Mine?” “All yours,” he said gently. “I want you to be happy, Lyssa. I always have.” “I didn’t think you knew.” “It took me a while to figure it out. That’s why it took me so long to return from the airport in Albuquerque. I made a side trip to the Cluck and Buck and inquired about the painting you had pointed out to me. One of the waitresses told me the manager had bought it from you.” She colored, remembering how ashamed she had been of her art. He cupped her chin, forcing it to meet his tender gaze. “It’s nothing to be ashamed of, Lyssa. I’m proud of you for being different.” “I thought you would forbid me from painting, seeing it’s a human trait. I hid it all these years from everyone.”

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“It’s part of who you are, Lyssa. Never give that up. I only wish you had trusted me enough to share that part of yourself. Will you trust me now to help you accomplish your biggest dream?” Alyssa tossed him a startled look. “My biggest dream?” He gave her a solemn look. “The waitress told me you were trying all these years to have your own show. I think you can find your muse again, baby. It didn’t vanish. It just took a small detour when you lost touch with our people.” She studied the chiseled curve of his jaw, the dark eyes regarding her with such deep love, the firm lips she adored kissing. Alyssa ran her fingers through his hair, relishing the silky feel. Hers. All hers. “No, Marcus. My biggest dream isn’t a show of my own. It’s a life right here with you.” Wrapping his arms around her, he held her close. “You got it. Whatever you want. But I still say you should pursue a show of your own. I saw those sketches you left at Grandmother’s cottage. You really do have talent.” “Okay, then let’s start with a portrait. You. In the nude.” He lifted his brows at that one. “Naked? Are you sure?” “I don’t mind the world seeing your splendid physique.” She rubbed circles on his hard chest. “The only drawback will be whether or not you’ll prove a distraction when I’m painting you. Every time I look at your bare chest, I get horny.” “Horny, huh? We’ll have to remedy that while you’re working.” Alyssa laughed. “Marcus! Oh well. They say great works of art take time. Look at how long it took Michelangelo to paint the Sistine Chapel. Four years! And he was flat on his back!” “As you’ll soon be,” Marcus said, his voice a husky promise. “Oh?” She opened his robe and ran her tongue across one of his nipples. Marcus groaned and caressed her hair. Lifting her head, she winked at him. “Don’t worry. It’s all part of the creative process. The more sex we have while I paint, the better the art.” He grinned. “I have a feeling,” he murmured, “this painting is going to be very, very good, and take a very long, long time.”

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About the Author Blair Valentine is an award-winning, multi-published author with a quirky sense of humor and no known shoe fetishes. She lives in Florida with her husband, two dogs, and a mouthy parrot who is a charm school dropout. Her first EC book, Cinderella’s Rebellion, won second place in the Fantasy, Futuristic & Paranormal RWA chapter On the Far Side contest. Blair loves to hear from readers. You can email her at valentinegal45@aolcom or leave comments on her blog at http://www.blairvalentine.blogspot.com. Blair welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website and email address on her author bio page at www.ellorascave.com.

Also by Blair Valentine Cinderella’s Rebellion Surrender the Night

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