Howl for Me

Howl for Me Kell Casey All rights reserved.

Copyright ©2007 Kell Casey

Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is

illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary

gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison

and a fine of $250,000.

ISBN: 978-1-59596-750-3

Formats Available:

HTML, Adobe PDF,

MobiPocket, Microsoft Reader

Publisher:

Changeling Press LLC

PO Box 1046

Martinsburg, WV 25402-1046

www.ChangelingPress.com

Editor: Chrissie Henderson

Cover Artist: Sahara Kelly

This e-book file contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language which some may find offensive and which is not appropriate for a young audience. Changeling Press E-Books are for sale to adults, only, as defined by the laws of the country in which you made your purchase. Please store your files wisely, where they cannot be accessed by under-aged readers.

Howl for Me Kell Casey Until now, Bria had no problem reconciling her wolf and human halves, but that was before she came into heat and Darius returned to her life… to win her in battle. Now her body’s demands run contrary to her very human heart. Because how can she trust the sexy werewolf not to leave her… again? Darius never forgot the sexy she-wolf who left him for another, and has never forgiven her for doing so. Now fate and the moon have given him one more chance to win not just her body, but her love.

Chapter One Darius Romano had experienced better days. In the past few weeks, the war in Griffin’s Hills had escalated to borderline chaos. His youngest brother, Derek, had taken on a mate and now served as proud father to seven pups. Then there was the fact he stood in the middle of a dense forest fighting three very angry, very horny, wolves. Life’s a peach. “She’s mine, Romano.” The golden wolf snarled and growled a feral warning. The three alphas circled him, eyeballing Romano as if he were the main dish and they hadn’t eaten since last full moon. Their paws clawed into the freshly dampened earth. How in the hell had he gotten himself into this mess? Following your dick, Romano, following your dick. It was true. Damn it, he hadn’t mated since last season and even that hadn’t been the best piece of tail he’d ever had. This season’s scents were less than promising and his loins ached. Hell, he needed release. But that wasn’t it. The scent of this she-wolf had lured him from miles away. She was intoxicating, sweet but spicy. As much as he yearned for her at this moment, he’d fight to hell and back just to sample. It was a good thing because that looked like exactly what he’d have to do. “You’re awfully confident,” Darius informed him. “Especially for someone needing his entire pack just to get laid.” “I knew you’d be coming.” Dark eyes bit into him with a menacing glare. Now how could Quinlin know that? It wasn’t like Darius ran after every she-wolf in heat. Matter of fact, he was pretty damned picky. But this one… sweet heaven, if she looked half as good as she smelled, one hell of a treat awaited him.

Kell Casey

Howl for Me

-6-

The wind picked up, sending the scent closer, more pungent. Fucking hell! Awareness jolted into him. The urge to sink his cock into her flesh overwhelmed him and he hadn’t even glanced at her face. Like he needed to fight these assholes with a raging hard-on. Growls rent the night air. This better be one superb piece of ass. He’d have to fight three prime specimens of wolf just to get to her. The scent drifted from behind the brush where the female awaited the outcome of battle. Don’t worry, lady. I’ll cure what ails you, he thought wryly. “Quin, good of you to invite me.” “Kill a Romano, get laid. Sounds like a day in heaven to me.” The brown wolf licked an incisor and curved his mouth in a smile. “I hope you brought your balls along with your little playmates, Quinlin. This she-wolf’s mine.” Darius kicked up a smile then snarled his mouth. “Heh,” Quinlin jeered. “Like I said, I knew you’d come.” Darius scoffed at his remark. The bastard thought he was cute. If he thought he was wolf enough to sate the female’s needs, so be it. He’d have to prove it in battle first. In unison, the threesome attacked Darius, each from a different angle. Snarls and yelps packed the air thick with the lust of battle. It was who he was. Hell, it’s who they all were, wolves in their prime doing exactly what they were bred to do -- fight. Pain tore through Darius as the brown wolf bit down hard on his flank. He yelped, countered and recoiled, attacking with vigorous force, sending the golden wolf sprawling into the air. The golden wolf retreated, hopping on three legs, the fourth one wounded from battle, leaving Darius to deal with the remaining two. Curiosity spiraled through him. He’d never had this much trouble before. Maybe it was the female, maybe it wasn’t. The simple fact was this, he could hardly walk, much less fight and he had no clue why. He was a Romano, toughest pack in Griffin’s Hills, legendary in these parts and he was now having trouble warding off two wolves from substandard packs? What the hell was wrong with him?

Kell Casey

Howl for Me

-7-

The second wolf paused before showing fangs, saliva dripping from them. He smiled, ruddy gums shining behind sinister intentions. Then he launched an attack that knocked the breath from Darius and sent him sprawling through the air. Always quick to rebound, Darius landed on all fours. “You’d better beat that, Quinlin, if you want to bed the wolf behind that brush.” Darius indicated the direction of the she-wolf with a nod. “Come ahead. You’ll have to fight to the death for this one.” Did Darius really want to do that? He didn’t know this she-wolf. But if Quinlin was stupid enough to challenge him… Quinlin would get what he deserved. Maybe it was because last year’s mating season wasn’t promising. The she-wolf, what was her name? Betty? Darlene? Anyway, she’d been more than receptive to his touch. That was never a problem. Most she-wolves practically begged him for a screw, but mostly, he was left unsatisfied. “She’s mine,” Darius growled through clenched teeth. “Then come get her.” “I relish it.” Although most shifters in Griffin’s Hills worked hard to keep their wolf at bay, Darius embraced his inner wolf. Take mating season for one; fan-fucking-tastic. It was the one time of year he didn’t dare miss. Hell, he’d even missed Thanksgiving a few times, but not mating season. What good was it being a wolf if you couldn’t mate? And the hypersensitivity of his cock during mating season was all due to being a wolf. Speaking of mating, it was past time to finish this nuisance. Darius launched at Quinlin and his friend, fighting both simultaneously and doing a damned good job of it. He snarled, latched onto the brown wolf’s neck, shredding the left side. The smell of blood lurched into his nostrils and now the kill beckoned. But he wouldn’t kill. Not for a she-wolf. Not for a piece of ass. “And then there were two.” Darius circled Quinlin. Quinlin circled Darius.

Kell Casey

Howl for Me

-8-

And when the last gust of wind sent the she-wolf’s scent into his nostrils once more, Darius knew he would be sinking into her warm flesh within seconds. Quinlin attacked first, Darius on the defense. With the remainder of the Romanos, these three wolves would’ve been toast. But as it was, fighting this alone tore on his nerves. Maybe he was getting old? Nah. Oh, hell no. They tangled for a few more seconds, howls tainting the air with the promise of blood. There would be bloodshed, oh yeah, and it wouldn’t be his. Leaves and twigs snapped under their paws, the cries of the she-wolf, begging for someone to sate her lust, thick in his ears. Darius bit into Quinlin’s warm flesh, the alluring taste of blood coated his tongue. Quinlin faltered, crimson drenching his coat of fur. He was barely capable of holding himself steady. Darius approached him. “Timber.” And then he blew. Of course, Quinlin didn’t fall, but Darius embraced his inner smart ass as much as he did his inner wolf. It pissed most people off in Griffin’s Hills but he didn’t live for them. He lived for himself and pack and the rest could get bent if they didn’t agree with it. “Don’t fuck with a Romano.” He straightened his resolve, pretending the few nips and scratches just below his ribs didn’t burn like hell. Darius lunged, swift and certain, to take down Quinlin. Maybe the bastard deserved to die. Maybe he didn’t. However the fact was twofold: one, he wanted to mate with the she-wolf, and two, Quinlin was in the way. Darius wouldn’t be the lesser wolf. He sank his fangs into Quinlin’s shoulder. The taste of blood flooded his mouth. The kill, slow and sure, tugged at him. Had he ever wanted anything more in his life? In the past, many wolves had killed to mate. Hopefully it wouldn’t come to the kill today. There’d been enough death in Griffin’s Hills to last two lifetimes. Never had he craved victory so. Her cries sang to him and he wouldn’t rest until he was nestled between those scrumptious legs and driving his cock deep within her.

Kell Casey

Howl for Me

-9-

Quinlin yelped at his injury, nursing his wound as he stepped cautiously toward Darius. “This isn’t over, Romano.” “You’re beginning to sound like a parrot.” A calculated smile curved his lips. “You just can’t get over her, can you?” “I’ll be over her all right.” Darius lapped his tongue high over a fang. “In about thirty seconds, I’ll be all over her.” “Have it your way.” And with that, Quinlin left. Why would he give up that soon? But with the scent of blood and sex permeating the air, Darius really didn’t care. Darius straightened his resolve and shifted. Hell, he didn’t even bother redressing. He didn’t need clothes to bed this she-wolf. They’d only waste time. Anxiousness clawed its way up his spine and down again. Oh, this would be sweet and slow. He moved over to the brush to claim his prize. A female lay curled seductively on a blanket. The most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. Their gazes met. “You!”

Chapter Two The scuffling stopped. Bria lay quietly, awaiting the victor, half-worried, half anxious. Damn her body for betraying her and going into heat while out on a walk. It was miserable at times to be a wolf. When she was like this, her body screamed for peace. Worst of all, she was at the mercy of the victor. Of course, she reserved the right to refuse. Considering the ache growing within her, she prayed she wouldn’t have to. You. The word repeated in her mind. The man stood before her, and still she dared not to believe her own eyes. Heat skipped up her torso, down her thighs. Tremors racked her body. “Darius?” It couldn’t be. Maybe her mind played tricks on her… She wanted to reach out, to touch him to see if he was real; instead she stood motionless. “I-I thought you were dead.” Had the words slipped out so easily? Many years ago, she’d cried herself to sleep every night for over a year. And there he stood, much like the ghost haunting her. He furrowed his brows in confusion. “I thought…” He paused, as if he were afraid of words. Was he? Could this be happening? She wanted to reach out to him, to embrace him in her arms. How did he… breathe? She’d been told there was nothing left of Darius. Not even a body to mourn. She thought back to how much she’d wanted to give him a proper burial, to lie over his grave and mourn for him. She was never afforded that pleasure. There was no grave… He wasn’t dead. “How?” She wanted to know, she needed to know. Darius didn’t answer for a moment, just remained stone-still, searching her eyes for emotion. “Don’t play games with me.”

Kell Casey

Howl for Me

- 11 -

It wasn’t the tone of voice she remembered. The Darius she remembered spoke smoothly, like an angel lulling her to sleep. His warning held anger, danger. “I’m not. How did you know it was me?” A muscle pulsed in his jaw. “I didn’t.” She nodded. Okay. If he wanted to play it that way, she would. Bria was so relieved to see him alive, she didn’t care. “I’ve been home for a few months. After my father passed…” She peered down, not able to meet the determination in his eyes. By law, she belonged to him until she was out of season. It was the way of their people. It ensured the strongest litters born and the supremacy of the merged packs. But Darius? “You didn’t answer my question.” She now wrapped the blanket around her. It was a crazy thing to do considering he was standing in front of her, shamelessly, beautifully nude. She allowed her gaze to travel his full six-foot-five-inch frame. Was it her imagination or was he more muscular than before? Many times she’d been held in those arms, but now they seemed more solid. His face had aged some. A few scratches lined his ribs; a thin line of blood trickled down his side. Sweet God, he was beautiful. His hair was shorter, but still a radiant dark brown. His playful eyes, serious and condescending. They’d been so young. Before she realized what she was doing, she was at him, reaching to cup his jaw in her palm. “How can this be?” A tear stung her eye, but she didn’t dare let it fall. She’d cried too many tears for him. “They said you’d died.” He lifted his hand, caught hers. “They were wrong.” Darius held onto her hand longer than he’d meant to, scarcely believing it himself. Why did she think him dead? Was it another game she played? He wanted to believe her, but after she’d left him to mate with another wolf, it was hard to take her word for truth.

Kell Casey

Howl for Me

- 12 -

We knew you’d come for her. All of a sudden, Quinlin’s words made sense. Everyone knew that Darius had loved Bria his entire life. He cursed the day of her betrayal, but he was no longer a child. “I don’t understand.” They were natural enemies, their lineage rivals since the Genisi of their race, a tradition carried on from Italy to their home now in Griffin’s Hills. Both packs yearned for the top seat in government of their people. Bria’s family had lost many members during the last battle that put the Romano Pack in power. He’d been told to leave her alone, he was riff-raff, not good enough to marry Bria. They said she’d run off to mate with a pure-blood, a wolf that would ensure the Barboras Wolf Pack’s rise to power. If she’d mated with a Romano, the packs might actually have to let go of a rivalry that had raged for centuries. What a fucking pity. It wasn’t enough they battled vampires and the government, they had to take out their own kind. It never made much sense to him, but that’d always been the way of it. He wasn’t about to stand by and let someone kill him. If someone wanted to fight, he’d fight. Bria… Darius swallowed against blind pain. He hadn’t seen her since. Until today. “Why isn’t your mate here to take care of… this?” His question seemed ridiculous. She was all alone, so desperately needing to be taken care of. Damn, he wanted to pounce on her. It hurt, hell, it burned clear up his throat at the thought of another wolf touching her, bedding her, sinking into her warm flesh -- especially a mate. She crossed her arms over her body defensively. “Well, that would be the logical choice, wouldn’t it?” Of course it was the logical explanation, but it didn’t answer his question. Where was her mate of high blood? The one chosen especially for her by the pack? They were inches apart now and it took every ounce of restraint he possessed to keep from bedding her immediately. Hell, he had claim to her, but he wouldn’t yet. Old

Kell Casey

Howl for Me

- 13 -

wounds ran deep, and today they’d just been sliced back open. Even though he’d won her fair and square, he wouldn’t bed a mated she-wolf. Even if it was Bria. “How are you alive?” A tic worked its way along his jaw. “Just because your family left me for dead doesn’t mean I didn’t survive.” She stared at him in disbelief. “What did you say?” Darius straightened his stature; he did have pride. “They attacked me, beat the hell out of me and left me for dead. I’m a skilled fighter, but I couldn’t hold an entire pack off by myself.” Her eyes searched his rapidly. Seeking truth? An explanation? He didn’t know. And then she said something that tore through him. “You lie. My family would never do this to you.” It was as if she’d denied him all over again. Always choosing her pack over him and though he hurt like a son of a bitch, he wouldn’t go through this again. He turned, exposed the scars down his flanks. The claw marks were unmistakable. “I’ve never lied to you.” Her silence was telling, her stare heavy on his back. He felt it down to his bones. How she’d respond, he didn’t know. Why would she care now? She wasn’t his. She never had been. “Who did this to you?” “I told you,” he said, turning to face her. In an instant, she was at him, looping her arms around his waist. “I can’t believe it. You’re alive.” “Go home, Bria. Go home to your mate. Hell, I’ll take you to keep any other wolf from hurting you.” It was the right thing to do. Hard, but the right thing. He didn’t want her if he couldn’t have all of her, and her mate held a piece of her he’d never have. If he touched her, she’d never be accepted by her mate again.

Kell Casey

Howl for Me

- 14 -

He couldn’t do that. As bad as he wanted to, he wasn’t an outright prick. As much as she’d hurt him, he didn’t want any part of ruining her life. It would fuel the war and he wouldn’t have it. Not since the vampires had joined the damned lot. She held him tighter. Bria’s arms were like slipping back into a comfortable skin. For a moment, he wanted to forget she’d left him to be with another. The pain cut him as if it’d just happened. A slight breeze brushed past, making Darius realize once again he was completely naked and still aroused. There really was no hiding that fact. Rules were, they had to mate. Weren’t rules made to be broken? He wouldn’t take her, not like this. “Tell me one thing, though,” Darius probed. She loosened her grip as he turned to face her. “What kind of man leaves his mate to be claimed by others?” “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He backed up. “You left me for another.” “They told me you died.” She searched his eyes for reason, in denial, daring him to believe her. Was she the same wolf? Her eyes said yes, but Darius’s mind warned against it. “Where did you go?” She was persistent with the question. How could he tell her he’d given up? He’d been sent away, like bad luggage. Did she expect him to wait around and watch her live her life with another wolf? “Where’s your husband? And what kind of man is he to leave you to be claimed by others?” The thought of her belonging to someone else was as painful as the day he’d first found out. Just as new, a dulling pain. His body was still painfully aroused, but he couldn’t sate their lust. Although the unrelenting tug of her scent was driving him mad. She tilted a defiant chin. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’ve never had a husband.” They were all alone now. Left to face the truth. “What?” “I never married.”

Kell Casey

Howl for Me

- 15 -

“You lie.” He barely spoke. The damnedest part was he didn’t know whether he was relieved or saddened. The wound that had been closed for so long reopened as if it were only yesterday. She was his, for as long as she was in season. Whether he wanted her now or not. “No.” Her gaze met his with determination, the truth bedded deep within them. Darius had won her. He had to claim her. It wasn’t fair to either of them in this situation. Wolf law reigned. And every time he looked at her face, he was torn between pain and lust. If he didn’t claim her now, without a mate, someone else would. The torment of the thought needled his mind. “Darius, I’m aching… please?” Bria’s eyes were heavy lidded with desire, her body bowed as her situation owned her. That’s all he needed to hear. Within an instant, he was there at her. Cupping her chin in his palm. “Bria,” he said, his voice barely audible, “this isn’t a good idea.” Even with all the hurt, still there, the lust was stronger. He wanted to touch her more than anything. “I-I’m glad it was you.” He dipped his head, feathered his lips against hers, and desire flickered through his veins like never before. She was pliant, welcoming to his touch. He was painfully aroused. His cock throbbed to sink into her warm flesh, but he needed to take it slow. He pulled back. “Darius. I-I…” “What?” he asked. “I’m just making sure I’m not dreaming.” Darius felt magnificent in her arms. His corded muscles coasted under her fingertips. Kissing him felt so natural. It’d been so long since they’d been together. Many nights she’d dreamed he’d come back to her. Many nights she’d awakened from a slumber crying out his name. He was never there. But he was here now. The realization that she’d been lied to by her own family sank into her, hard and heavy. How could they betray her like this?

Kell Casey

Howl for Me

- 16 -

Darius’s lips crushed against hers, his body hard, her own body singing to life at the feel of his chest on hers. His cock was hard, burning on her stomach. Her sex was wet, craving him in the deepest part of her. Being in heat hadn’t been a dream. No, it was miserable. All her life she’d heard about it, the change in her she’d only just now experienced, and it was downright earth shattering. And she had Darius. It eased the tension. He pulled her into a crushing embrace. She heard herself whimper. He kissed a trail down her neck, along her exposed body. She should be embarrassed he was seeing her this way. So many nights she’d dreamt it would be him she shared this with. If only for the season… He lifted his desire-filled eyes. “Are you sure?” She thought about it. Maybe mixing emotions with mating wasn’t common to she-wolves. Either they spent eternity mated to someone they didn’t love, someone the pack selected for them, or alone the rest of their lives. She’d heard tales about wolves in Griffin’s Hills going mad with desire if a mate abandoned them for a while. Maybe Darius wasn’t her true mate, but in her heart, he’d always been. It was a thought. She didn’t want to think about it. After all this time, she should be happy he was alive. That was the most important thing. For that, she’d be eternally grateful. “Bria,” he whispered, the word tickling her lips. “Yes?” “You accept me?” “Yes.”

Chapter Three Her nipples jutted up, begging to be captured by his warm mouth. Darius answered her call, bending to move near her. Taking one in his mouth and toying with the other with his thumb and forefinger, he drove her insane. Heat -much akin to lava -- seared the insides of her thighs, stopping at her sex. Bria leaned back. The bark from the tree dug into her back, but she didn’t mind. All she cared about was having Darius Romano as her lover. Of all the fucking luck. Bria took in the feel of it all, reveling in the fact Darius would soothe her longing like no one else would. He pulled back and stared into her eyes. “You’re beautiful.” She felt pink color her cheeks. Darius didn’t hesitate long. He moved quickly to her breast and captured it with his warm mouth. For years Darius had dreamed of the moment when Bria would be his… It was every bit as good as he imagined. She was pliant under his touch. He kissed a trail back up to her lips. Her scent grew stronger, driving him crazy. He had to claim her and fast, otherwise wolves from all over Griffin’s Hills would be there, fighting for a sample for the season. Rare hunger tore through him, hunger that had been hidden for five years. And he’d kill anyone who stood in his way of sating his lust. He pulled away, breathless. “Bria, you know what we risk.” Forces stronger than they realized worked against them. The vampire and werewolf war was one thing. Fighting her family that’d spared no expense to keep them apart was another. Darius wouldn’t go down that road again. He couldn’t. He should just walk away.

***

Kell Casey

Howl for Me

- 18 -

Bria knew that look. He was about to run. It was the same look he had just before the onset of a full moon. Equally the same look when he’d learned of his father’s death. Did the thought of mating with her revolt him so? Funny, it never bothered him before. “You didn’t know it was me, did you?” Her heart sank at the realization. It was a reasonable question. One she didn’t want the answer to, but a reasonable question nonetheless. He let out a ragged sigh. “What difference does it make?” It made a lot of difference to her. Darius had torn through three wolves wanting to mate with her. She’d loved to think it was because he knew she waited on the other side of the brush. But he didn’t. She could tell that just as sure as he stood there. “Oh.” She couldn’t help but let her disappointment show. “Bria, I --” She backed away. What difference did it make? He was here with her now. And the hardness of his body showed he desired her. Pain tore through Darius as Bria’s expression fell. Damn, he never could do right by her. “What we had, it’s gone now.” It was the truth. “We can never go back to that.” She nodded in agreement. “But what we do have is this godforsaken town of war and pain.” Darius cupped her buttocks and within an instant slid his cock into her welcoming flesh and felt a heaven that he’d dreamt about for five long, hard years. Bria could drown in the feeling of Darius inside her. His long cock buried deep inside her. She was warm and wet. She downright ached for his possession. Being in heat was a bitch, she’d thought. Until now. Now it was pure bliss. The wind tickled her nose. The crumple of leaves sounded as he laid her down on the blanket. Once down, he pumped inside her with a fury and she welcomed every thrust. Darius’s muscled abs were a wonder as she slid her hands over perfection. “God, you feel good.” He answered her with a kiss and she reached around his firm buttocks to pull him even deeper inside her flesh.

Kell Casey

Howl for Me

- 19 -

“Harder,” she demanded, very much unlike herself, but she’d never been in heat before and she wanted him so deep within her it hurt. Not just a passing moment, but a long, hard ache -- one that couldn’t be described or cured unless there was a cock inside her. “You are so wet,” he breathed into her ear, arousing her further.

She smiled at that, and reveled in the fact she was about to come.

As Bria screamed his name, Darius could think of two ways he’d like to die. This

was the second. The other was in battle for a cause greater than himself. Her flesh shuddered around him, milking his cock for his own release. “Oh, God, Bria, you’re better than I ever imagined.” And with those words, Darius came, long and hard, spilling his seed deep within her.

Chapter Four “Tell me you didn’t just bone her.” The afterglow was short lived as Dash Romano hovered over them, shaking his head in denial. Dash was dressed in his standard torn jeans, military boots, and a black tee. Darius wondered if he’d ever wear anything different. Glaring at his nosey brother, he realized there wasn’t any possible way Dash could have had worse timing. Nope, not Dash. Dash had no respect for anyone’s personal life or manners for that matter. If it popped into his head, it immediately flew from his lips. No forethought considered. Darius pitched Bria’s clothes to her.

“Hey, Dash.” Bria pulled a shirt over her head and covered herself.

“Bria.” Dash nodded a greeting.

The expression on Bria’s face was unmistakable, her cheeks pink, eyes heavy

with desire. She dressed quickly, and to be honest, even though he loved Dash, a strange feeling welled in him at another man glancing at her nude body. “Damn it, Dash, we’re busy.” Darius stepped into his jeans. After sex, he was weak for a bit and his powers faded for a moment. “I see that, man.” He laughed.

“Why are you here?” Darius fastened his jeans and didn’t bother with a shirt.

“Dude, you’d been gone a long ass time. I was worried.” Dash took everything

too lightly. Why would he start being serious now? “Truth?” Darius eyed him with suspicion. Darius glanced at Bria to make sure she was all right. It’d been an emotional roller coaster tonight and this was the last thing they needed.

Kell Casey

Howl for Me

- 21 -

“I caught her scent. Wondered what in the hell Bria was doing in the middle of the woods in heat.” Darius reacted immediately, a low growl crawling up his throat. “Easy, buddy. You think you’re the only one with claim to a female in heat?” Dash laughed. Darius sprang, gathering Dash’s collar in his hands, and slammed him against a tree. “Relax, man.” Dash held his hands out. “I wasn’t gonna bone her.” Dash didn’t have manners when it came to women. The mere fact he’d called mating “boning” attested to that. “What were you going to do?” Darius released his grip. “Will you two stop it?” Bria came around to face both of them, shaking her head in denial. “What?” they both chimed in unison. “I can’t believe you two are still fighting.” “We aren’t fighting,” Darius defended. “Then what are you doing?” Dash kicked up the left corner of his mouth and nodded. “Exactly.” Darius narrowed his gaze. “What’s that supposed to mean?” “Dude, the thing is, this chick screwed you up so damned bad. Why are you putting yourself through that again?” Darius’s jaw tightened. “It’s time for you to leave.” “Would you two quit talking like this doesn’t affect me?” Bria had a point -- they were discussing her as if she weren’t there -- but so did Dash. Darius had no judgment in Bria’s presence. When he was around her, his mind clouded. He’d thought he was over her, but seeing her again brought it all back. It wouldn’t be easy to break his addiction to her this time. How could everyone in the free world know Bria was in heat but him? Was his nose failing him? No doubt that’s what drew him here, but something about her was different. Had to be.

Kell Casey

Howl for Me

- 22 -

“You seriously need to chill,” Dash informed him. “Not everyone can chill, Dash. We have responsibilities.” Dash was so much like Derek it hurt. He never thought he’d get Derek raised after their father died. Thankfully, Derek had met Leesa and things were going good for the guy. All he had left to worry about was Dash now. The hope that Dash would meet a nice wolf and settle down was slim. He liked to party way too much and basically bum around the woods all day doing whatever it was he did. No one really knew what Dash did all day. “Well, this has been a great family reunion and all. I just wanted to check on Bria.” Dash stepped back two steps. “Just a second.” Dash paused, shrugged his shoulders. “What?” “How did you know that Bria was in the woods?” “I told you, I sniffed her.” “I’m here, guys. You can include me in the conversation.” Bria was still facing both of them. “I don’t believe you.” Darius’s hairs prickled on end. There was something they weren’t telling him. And Dash wasn’t leaving until they did. “All right, man. Bria has been in town for months.” Darius glanced from Bria to Dash. “And?” “And what?” Dash paused as if he stumbled over the words. “This isn’t any of my business. If you two will excuse me, there’s somewhere I have to be.” Bria had heard enough. Why was Darius pretending to care about her anyway? He’d helped her in a time of need and kept her from screwing a wolf she didn’t want to be mated to. That was all. He didn’t care. “See ya, Bria.” Dash turned to leave. “I’ll see you later as well, Dash,” Darius said as a warning. And with that, Dash left. “You two haven’t changed a bit.” “What?”

Kell Casey

Howl for Me

- 23 -

“What? You two still argue like you were twelve!” Bria’s frustration sped through her. “That’s ridiculous.” “Is it?” He thought about it a moment. “I don’t like being left in the dark.” There was pain behind his voice. They’d both been hurt so much. “I have to leave, Darius. I have to go.” It killed her not to stay with him but doing so would just be fooling the both of them. His face was emotionless. “Then go.” She wanted him to beg her to stay with him. The time apart had hardened him. Rightfully so, if he believed she’d left him for another. She moved to him, cupping his face in her hand. “I’m glad you’re not dead.” “Yeah, me too.” He stared into her eyes, his gaze unreadable. What was he thinking? Feeling? But when Darius looked at her with those eyes, she forgot all sense. He was the most beautiful man she’d ever laid eyes on. Even today, he made her knees weak and her stomach turn flip flops, but she could not go through losing him again. It was better to break all ties now before her heart got involved again. “Bye.” Bria dropped her hand from his face and walked away, ignoring the knots in her stomach.

Chapter Five Bria scampered through the woods feeling more alive than she had in years. Darius lived. All those nights she’d spent crying herself to sleep, all those nights she’d spent sleepless, were all a lie. Damn her family for this. Why would they do this to her? To them? She glanced over her shoulder to ensure she wasn’t being followed. When she was certain, she moved through the hills to the cabin she called home. Reaching into her pocket, she clutched the key, inserted it into the lock and opened the door. The place wasn’t much, but it was hers. Something she’d earned on her own, without the help of her family. She stepped inside, flipped on the light. A man stood in the middle of her house. “Oh, my God!” she screamed.

“Calm down.” Dash waved his hands in front of his chest.

“Holy shit, Dash, if you ever do that again, I swear I’ll kill you myself.”

He gave her a defeated look. “Sorry.”

“Damn straight.”

“You should hide your spare key better, girl. Don’t you know the monsters are

waiting out there for you?” She did. More than anyone knew. Dash had been a part of her life for a couple of months now. Ever since she’d moved here really. She’d bumped into him at the marketplace, and since then he’d watched over her like a guardian. Not that she needed one. She didn’t. He’d known she was here and he stopped in to check on her like he was her big brother. “We really need to get you a woman.” He looked offended. “I have plenty of women.”

“One that you’ll see again after the fifteen minutes of sex is up.”

Kell Casey

Howl for Me

- 25 -

He shook his head and moved to sit in the recliner, resting his hands behind his head. “What in the world would I want to do that for? Dude… that shit is not for me.” “Uh-huh.” “Just look at where it got you and Darius.” “Speaking of which, why didn’t you tell me he was alive, Dash?” He shrugged his shoulders. “Why didn’t you tell me you thought he was dead?” Yeah. That might’ve helped. It was like pouring salt on an exposed wound. She didn’t want to bring up Darius’s death any more than she expected Dash wanted to talk about it. “I didn’t want to bring up a painful subject.” “Yeah, but it wouldn’t have been painful. The dude breathes, Bria.” “Don’t you have someplace to go? Some other female to haunt?” She went to the refrigerator and grabbed two sodas and walked over to hand one to him. “Nahh… I’m just fine.” She rolled her eyes. Dash had more responsibility than Darius realized. After they’d accidentally bumped into one another, he’d come by to check on her every day, to make sure she was okay. Just because she’d left her family -- one of the most powerful pack families in Griffin’s Hills -- didn’t mean she was constantly in danger. Although it didn’t help matters.

“Dash, get your butt out of my chair and scoot. I’m fine.”

“Guess you’re right. I didn’t find a sign of an intruder. I’m off. People to see,

places to go.” “Uh huh.” She smiled. Dash toasted her with his soda. “See ya, Bria. If you need anything, just howl.” “Okay, sweetie.” She walked him to the door and reached her arms around his neck. “Thanks for everything.” “Hey, don’t tell anyone, you’ll ruin my reputation.” She laughed. Dash turned to leave and Bria closed the door behind him.

Kell Casey

Howl for Me

- 26 -

Bria had left her pack behind. This was rarely heard of in the Hills and when it did happen, a new pack rarely picked you up. No, Bria was responsible for herself. But she did appreciate Dash coming by to secure the place. It wasn’t that she needed a man to do that for her, but the simple fact was with the war being to the point it was, she’d rather not come home to a house full of vampires that wanted her kind dead. In Dash’s absence, she closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. Darius’s scent clung to the air, spice and man. Why did his arms have to feel so damned good? Heat crept into her cheeks. That’s not the only thing that felt good. Remembering him pumping his cock deep within her made her crave it once more. Fever engulfed her body. Hot disorientation filled her senses. Darius had won her, bedded her, and just as quickly left. She placed her soda bottle down on the counter when a knock sounded on the door. She opened it. “What did you leave, Dash?” “I’m not Dash.” Darius’s voice played over her in warm rivulets. “No, guess not.” He frowned. “I need some answers.” “Yeah, that makes two of us.” “How long has this been going on?” Bria’s brow wrinkled in confusion, which pissed him off further. “Don’t fuck with me. You and Dash. Why didn’t you go to him when your body needed someone?” If someone had ripped out his intestines it couldn’t have hurt any more. Damn it, this chick had fucked him up for far too many years. He expected it of her, but Dash? It was the worst kind of betrayal. Bria shook her head in denial. “Don’t tell me he walked you home to be a gentleman. We both know that’s not Dash.” Anger welled inside. “He’s been checking on me, that’s all.” Darius stood at the front of the cabin. “Oh?”

Kell Casey

Howl for Me

- 27 -

“I don’t owe you an explanation.” No, he guessed she didn’t, but Dash sure as hell did. “Why are you here, Darius?” Yeah, there was that. He followed her for answers, for clues to end the nonsense, but his body was singing for her. The woman caused his cock to harden with a glance, a smile. “We have unfinished business.” He was at her in an instant. His heart pounded in his ears. His body screamed for release. He reached into her soft hair, threaded the strands through his fingers. “What business is that?” “Us.” Bria’s eyes held pain. Her body screamed for him, so why didn’t she succumb? What was she holding back now? “I’m not dead. Far from it, in fact.” He grabbed her hand, moved it to his aching cock to let her feel just how alive he was. The touch of her hand made him rock-hard and dying to sink into her pink flesh. She’d been such a delightful morsel and he’d relish nothing more than to have her over and over, to take out a little bit of pent-up frustration. Bria stroked and touched his cock. He hissed from the pleasure of it. Then she stopped. “I… we can’t. There are things you don’t know.” He dragged a finger down her neck. “Everyone has secrets, love.” “No, stop.” “You don’t want me to stop,” he whispered in her ear, feeling her shudder beneath his words. “You want me to go and go until we both come so hard…” The scent of freshly shampooed hair wafted to his nostrils. Slowly, he inched his lips down her neck, kissing a trail to the nape. Like melting chocolate, she softened in his arms, molding to just the right parts of him. He backed up. Hell, he wanted Bria, but if she told him to stop, he’d respect her. He wanted her to want him. If she didn’t, he wouldn’t push the subject. A knock sounded at the door. They both looked at each other. “I have to get this,” Bria said, walking toward the door. “Why? What could be more important than this?”

Kell Casey

Howl for Me

- 28 -

She put on a fake smile and left him guessing then slid past him and opened the door. “Mommy!” A boy threw himself into Bria’s arms. Darius stood, speechless at the sight of the brown-haired boy embracing her. Talk about a sobering moment. They were a good fit. He had her hair color, exactly her hair color. And when the boy smiled, it was a smile that tugged at his heart a bit. But that still didn’t dampen the shock. “Hey, baby, I missed you. Did you have fun with Nichole and Simon?” “Yeah, but not as much as when Uncle Dash takes us to the park.” The boy glanced over at Darius, familiarity in his eyes even though he’d never seen him before. “Were you a good boy for Ms. Nichole?” “Ah huh.” Darius felt the air seep from his lungs. All the dreams he’d once had of being the father of Bria’s children resurfaced. He was young then, a pup. Damn, he’d been foolish. Bria had a family and he was the intruder. “Who’s here, Mommy?” “An old friend.” Bria gave him a brief smile. Shit, his gut twisted into a million knots. When did the damn walls cave in anyway? “Hi, I’m Daniel.” The little boy had manners for sure. “Hey.” He nodded a greeting. What could he say to him? It was an odd situation. One where he felt terribly out of place. Maybe he should be a little more friendly, but he hadn’t been around pups much and as soon as he had a chance, he was getting the hell out of here as fast as his paws would carry him. Bria smoothed the boy’s tousled hair and allowed her gaze to meet Darius’s. Turning to face the woman at the door, Bria nodded before speaking. “Nichole, do you think Simon could use a friend over another night?” “Sure, we’d love to have him. “Do you want to come home with us again tonight, Daniel?”

Kell Casey

Howl for Me

- 29 -

The little boy smiled. “Yeah! But Mommy, will you be okay staying by yourself another night?” Bria smiled at him. “Sure, buddy. I’ll come and get you first thing in the morning, all right?” “Okay!” Nichole extended her hand, winked at Bria. “Come on, Daniel, Simon will be so excited!” “Bye, Mommy. Bye Mommy’s old friend.” “Bye,” Bria called after the boy. She was obviously a good mother. He’d always known she would be. It was funny how things worked out. Nichole and Daniel left. Darius stood, speechless, emotions welling up. “I didn’t know.” How could he? How could he act as if he had some claim on her? She belonged to another. Maybe not now, but at one time she had. “I’m sorry, Bria. I didn’t mean to… I didn’t know you were a mom.” Why were those words so damned hard to say? If he could crawl under the earth’s surface and stay a few days, he would. He’d never have disrespected her son like this if he’d known. Coming into her home… Darius swallowed the knot hard. It didn’t budge. “You couldn’t have. I told no one.” “Oh.” Bria folded her arms over her chest in a protective manner. “We need to talk.” No. No explanation was needed. “No, we don’t.” He moved to the door and placed a hand on the knob. “I hope you have a good life, Bria.” He turned the knob; why was the son of a bitch so hard to turn? Bria peered up at him, tears welling in her eyes. “Darius, you don’t have to leave. I…” “You what?” His throat was so tight he could scarcely breathe. “Just tell me he’s not my brother’s. I can handle anything but that.” “He’s yours.”

Chapter Six Bria waited for a scream. A protest. Something. Anything, but Darius stood stone-still, with his mouth agape. After what seemed like hours he said, “You’re sure?” She nodded. All of the time they’d been apart, she’d dreamt of what might actually have been if they’d stayed together, but they were together, here, now. Darius sank onto the couch, resting his head in his hands. Shit, he even fought a damned tear forming in the crease of his eye. “What are you thinking? Tell me.” She sat next to him, and placed her hand on his back. It must’ve been shocking to learn he had a son all of these years. “Has he had a good life?” The expression on his face pained her to her core. She let out a breath. “Yes, he has. We’ve been on the move for a while before returning to Griffin’s Hills. He hasn’t had time to make many friends. That’s why I’ve let him play with Simon so much lately.” “You moved, why?” “You have to ask? My family…” It hurt to mention how they’d rejected her son, their son, because of who he was. She feared they’d hurt him, or worse… Darius glared at her with dangerous intent. “Did they touch him?” His nostrils flared at the question. “No. You remember Bastille?” “How could I forget? He gave me over half the scars on my back.” It pained her to know her family had caused him so much pain. “He rejected Daniel. Told the pack if I stayed with your son, he’d kill us both.” A tear slid down her cheek. It hadn’t been easy raising a son on her own, wishing his father was alive to protect him.

Kell Casey

Howl for Me

- 31 -

He lifted his gaze to capture hers and wiped the warm tear from her face. “Bria, I would’ve been there. For you… for him.” She sniffed. “I know.” Within a second, she was in his arms again, resting on the hard planes of his chest, comforted by the strength of his embrace. He lifted her face to his own and dipped his head for a kiss. He was a father. No, he was the father to Bria’s son. Their son. So much had happened in so little time his damned head whirled with it. But kissing Bria felt better than anything he’d ever experienced. It was home. There was so much at risk now. He had to protect them. Keep them from the rage of the pack. Darius didn’t want to think about that now. He wanted to think about this sweet woman he had in his hands. As he cupped her face, Darius pulled her body hard against his own. Her breasts pressed against his chest. He deepened their kiss, claiming her. She reached for his shirt, furiously yanking it over his head and momentarily breaking their kiss. Breathless, he combed his fingers through her soft hair, wiping away the rest of her salty tears, and lifted her shirt as well. Her pale nipples pebbled as the air touched him. He wanted to kiss them, taste them. She was so beautiful. Bria’s body sang to life once more at Darius’s touch. Another wave of heat engulfed her, lit her veins on fire for him. As emotions ebbed, desire grew. “Touch my body, Darius.” He gratified her, kissing a trail down her neck, down to her breast. He laved her nipple with his tongue, torturing her unmercifully with pleasure. Damn, this man melted her with a touch. She was putty in his hands and there wasn’t a damn thing she could do about it. Heat pooled between her legs as her passion took over. He growled low in his throat, his touch a little rougher. “Darius?” Darius peered up at her, his eyes glowing. The wolf in him emerged. He extending his claws and before she knew what had happened, Darius tore her jeans to shreds and they fell from her body. Damn.

Kell Casey

Howl for Me

- 32 -

Darius’s breathing was erratic, but he remained in human form. “You okay?” His voice crawled over her, causing gooseflesh to cover her entire body. “Oh, hell yeah.” She frantically searched for his button and zipper. Once found, she immediately freed his hardness and stroked. He leaned his head back and closed his eyes. Reveling in the fact her touch pleased him, Bria dipped her tongue down to swipe the head of his cock. He hissed and howled as she took him into her mouth. He tasted divine, manly, and she loved the way his cock pumped in and out of her mouth. Darius cupped the back of her head, urged her on. His claws must’ve retracted, because he reached beneath her and teased her clit with a fingertip. It nearly sent her to the brink, but she wanted all of him. Just a part wouldn’t suffice. She leaned back on the textured material of the couch. She found her fingers questing over his chest, careful not to agitate his new wounds. “Darius.” He came up. “Yes?” “Take me.” He did, with a desire and force so intense it rocked her. His hardness pressed into her opening and filled her, satisfying the part that cried out most for him. He fit perfectly, moving inside her where he was meant to be. Even though it was happening, it was hard for Bria to believe he was still here after all those years. But he was, and she wasn’t dreaming. She was in his arms, his cock completing her. They came in unison and fell into each other’s arms. “God, I’ve missed you.” He kissed the tip of her nose. For a moment, it was as though he’d never left, but that moment was brief. Darius rose from her, his body going rigid. “I have to go.” “Where?” Surely he hadn’t planned on leaving her so soon. Not after knowing they had a son together. He put on his clothes and headed for the door. “Sorry. I’ll see you when I can.” Without further explanation, he left.

Kell Casey

Howl for Me

- 33 -

And Bria’s world came crashing down once again.

*** Darius shifted, running through the forest with an urgency he’d never felt before. He was a father. He was the father of Bria’s baby and his life would never be the same. He was going to rip off the head of any bastard that would stand in the way of them being a family now. The wind pushed back his fur the faster he ran -- all four legs moving with fury and determination. He had to find them. He’d kill every damned remaining member of her pack for keeping them apart. Darius’s throat tightened. All the time he’d missed with his son. And it was all their fault. They’d pay, plain and simple. They’d pay.

*** Bria lay stunned, Darius’s seed still warm between her thighs. She lifted herself from the couch and went to shower. As she turned the knobs, Bria almost didn’t want to wash his scent from her skin. Would he return? She couldn’t go years without seeing him again this time. It wasn’t possible. She took a deep breath and stepped into the shower. Warm water flowed over her still-perked nipples in rivulets. She reached for the soap, gathered it and ran it over her body. The shower curtain flew open. “You just can’t stay away, can you?” Bria gasped, covered her body and turned to meet the eyes of her big brother, Bastille.

*** The scent was dying with every gust of wind that passed. Leaves crunched under Darius’s paws as he stepped lightly and sniffed the turf. It reeked of the males in Bria’s pack. Bastille and his asshole buddies would have to have been here sometime. Bastille, he scoffed at the thought of his name. Of all Bria’s family members, Bastille hated him the most. Maybe it was because he didn’t like the thought of Darius bedding his baby sister. Maybe it was because Darius had battled him before and

Kell Casey

Howl for Me

- 34 -

defeated Bastille before Bastille knew of Darius and Bria’s relationship. Or maybe Bastille was just an incomprehensible asshole. The later was a more probable answer than the other two.

The house looked much like it had before. The roof weathered and acid washed, the stone base moss-covered and un-kept. Things had gone downhill since the death of Bria’s father. Not that he didn’t think the bastard deserved to die, he did. He hated for anyone to lose their father. Even though the man had been nothing but cruel to Bria, deep down, Darius understood. He’d wanted better for her. Maybe Darius hadn’t understood that until now -- until he’d learned he had a son. Darius swallowed against the blinding pain. There was more out there for his son than growing up without a father. He’d only been a young pup, but Darius remembered when his father had died. It was as if someone had scooped his heart from his chest and left a void no one could fill -- until Bria. If he had his way, he’d be there for them both. Her family had threatened his life. Anger coursed through his body, sending tiny slivers through his icy veins. Someone would pay for this. Darius sniffed again. That was odd. Darius nosed his way around the back entrance, searching for a sign of the bastard, Bastille. Nothing. “Damn it.” A gust of wind kicked up. On the tail of it was the scent of the pack. Darius blinked back the fear his family might already be in danger. It was from the direction of the cabin.

*** “Bastille! What are you doing here?” Bria lurched, snagging her towel and quickly covering exposed flesh. “We followed you.”

Kell Casey

Howl for Me

- 35 -

Blind hatred tore through her. “We?” She knew exactly who he meant but she didn’t want to admit it. “The we that’s taken care of your stupid ass your entire life. I’ve never seen anyone invite so much trouble on themselves the way you do.” “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she lied, stepping out of the shower onto the fluff of the rug. Bastille’s dark eyes narrowed as he took her by the throat. “Don’t play with me, sis. He’s been here. His fucking stench drenches your house.” The room spun. Bria fought to remain conscious, to speak, but with Bastille’s death-grip on her throat, it was damned near impossible. “M-m…” “Shut up, bitch!” Tears blinded her. She knew he blamed her for their father’s death, but she wasn’t the one who’d taken off, trying to kill an opposing pack. Her father had done that on his own. Gasping for air, Bria attempted to balance on her tiptoes so she could relieve the pressure of his grasp. She thought she heard a faint knock at the door, but it could’ve been the ringing in her ears from the slaps across her face. Reaching deep within her, she called the change in her. But with no air it wasn’t happening. The room spun uncontrollably. A slow burn spread through her cheeks at the repeated slaps. “I told you we’d kill you before you’d ally with a Romano. Our kind doesn’t mix. Don’t you see that, Bria? You can’t have a mixed-blood rule our pack. It’s not allowed.” Bastille’s words sounded as if they needed to convince him more than to convince her. Then they didn’t sound at all. A dull ache worked its way down through her ears, her breath completely cut off. Would her brother really kill her? The answer was a definite yes.

*** He had to make it back to the cabin in time. Somehow, Bastille had scattered his scent around, throwing Darius off his trail. Fear aligned with hope that he wasn’t too

Kell Casey

Howl for Me

- 36 -

late. He knew beyond a shadow of a doubt Bastille was with Bria. The wolf was evil to the core, a bastard with one agenda -- preserving the purity of the pack. Years ago, Bastille had made it crystal clear he hadn’t wanted Darius with her. Darius was younger then, more impressionable. Now, he didn’t give a fuck. If Bastille had harmed one hair on Bria’s head, he was one dead wolf -- Bria’s family or not. Shifting, he tried the door, but it was locked. Kicking with a force from deep within himself, he busted the door open. Hell, he almost ran through it. Darius sniffed the air. Something was wrong. Everything was wrong. Someone was here. Darius paused, scanning the area for the ruthless bastard that had threatened the life of his son -- a son he’d yet to hold in his arms. Bastille was a dead son of a bitch if he’d harmed one hair on her head. His heart thumped in his chest, beating a rhythm like a drum. Breathing was difficult. Hairs prickled along his arms, begging to sprout and allow him the change, but he’d face Bastille as a man. “Bria?” he called, half hoping for an answer. No sign of her, except the water running in the bathroom. He made his way through the house; Bastille’s scent clung to the air like death. With each inhalation his anger grew. Nostrils flared, blood pumped through his veins. God, he’d lost her once, how could he go through this again? No, he wouldn’t. It wouldn’t be the same this time. “Bria,” he called out, panic seeping into his pores. “Are you in there?” Silence left a deaf shrill in his ears. Maybe she couldn’t hear because of the running water. It was a prayer more than a thought. He turned the knob -- locked. Darius lowered his shoulder, and pounded into the door. As easy as breaking a toothpick, the door splintered open. No. No. Bria’s body lay lifeless, her lips a pale shade of blue. His world crumbled around him. Immediately, he was at her, cradling her body in his arms. He couldn’t cry. A tear gathered in the corner of his eye, threatened to spill, but he wouldn’t let it fall. Bastille wouldn’t witness his grief. That bastard wouldn’t have the pleasure.

Kell Casey

Howl for Me

- 37 -

His gaze shot to her chest for a sign of life. Anything. A slow inhalation ballooned in her chest. “Thank God,” he breathed. “Wake up, honey. Come on.” She coughed, her eyelids fluttering open. He gathered her in his arms, held tight. “W-watch…” she tried to say, but it was too late. A blinding pain tore through his head and the warmth of blood spilled down the back of his neck. Carefully, he placed Bria back down, ignoring the blinding torment pulsing down his neck, and turned to meet Bastille. Immediately Darius shifted. “I’ll kill you.” “Stay away from my family, Romano.” Bastille shifted into a solid black wolf, as he had many times before. They circled in predatory movement. “I should say the same for you. She’s mine now.” Darius hoped. He hadn’t asked her yet, but he wanted her to be his wife, to raise their son together. If they made it through this, that is. “Over my dead body.” Bastille lunged, biting into Darius’s flanks and tearing at his flesh. “That will be how it will end. How did you guess?” In unison they tore through the air, man against man, wolf against wolf, and they wouldn’t stop until one of them was dead. It was the way of their people. Bria couldn’t believe her eyes. Her eldest brother and the man she loved were beating each other to a pulp. If she were to have to choose between the two, there wouldn’t even be a choice. Bastille had left her for dead. The ring around her throat ached, banding until air scarcely escaped. How could her own flesh and blood do that to her? Anger lit her veins just as Bastille bit Darius in the flanks. Mustering her strength she changed and joined them, attacking her old family to join her new one. She was Romano now. The mark on her thigh proved it. It’s what set Bastille off to the point of murder. She was Darius’s mate and she’d fight the devil himself if it meant protecting him. Even if Darius didn’t know it yet.

Kell Casey

Howl for Me

- 38 -

Bria pounced on Bastille’s back, attacking with her fangs, her claws, anything she could use in order to give Darius the edge. Darius jumped at the opportunity. “How dare you threaten the life of my son?” Bastille shook Bria off. “That little bastard?” Bastille sneered. “He isn’t worthy of our pack. Tainted with Romano blood.” His words cut deep. “I’ve never expected any more from you,” Bria countered. “All you’ve ever done is mourn a father that didn’t teach us love.” It was no secret Bria took after her mother. All her life she’d wanted to be accepted by her father and brothers. Even after the death of her mother, they’d rejected her. Now she belonged to a new family and she didn’t even know if she’d be accepted into that one. Would Darius accept her as his mate? Hope surged through her. “Love is for pussies. Power…” Bastille lapped his incisor, “now that’s where it’s at.” “Are you all right?” Darius stood over her, gazing down with concern. Did he still care? Dare she hope? Bria nodded to Darius as he shrieked with pain. She glanced up with urgency. Bastille had bit Darius on the back. It was enough. All the years, all their threats and rejection were over. “Bastille, stop! Stop! I’ll leave with you.” Darius bit at Bastille once more, but Bastille paused. “That’s it, sis. I knew you’d see it my way.” His wolf lips almost sneered. Then he shifted into human form. Darius followed. Darius’s gaze immediately went to hers and she could scarcely breathe. Once again, she’d chosen her pack over his. But she’d done it for him. Daniel couldn’t go with her. That much she knew. They’d kill him. If she’d just comply with their wishes, kept the pack pure, everyone around her would be happier. “Bastille, if we cross paths, enemy, let it be known you’ll die,” Darius warned through clenched teeth. She didn’t want to go, but she’d do anything to save the life of her son and Darius. She’d almost lost him once… she couldn’t bear to think he’d died again. And

Kell Casey

Howl for Me

- 39 -

he’d protect Daniel. She knew it. A single tear bled down her cheek. Why were things this way for her people? “Bastille, give us a minute to say goodbye.” “I’ll be just outside the door. Don’t try any funny shit, sis. It’s time you came to your senses. Your new mate waits at the cottage.” And Bastille left the room. Darius knew he was defeated. He hadn’t really pledged his love to her, not this time around. Maybe it was a good thing. All things in life were circular. There he was, saying goodbye to her once more when she’d picked her family and their wishes over him. How could he be such a prick? “I… take care of Daniel for me, won’t you?” Her eyes held sadness, defeat. So why was she doing this? “I don’t know how to be a father.” She cupped his face, but he didn’t want her touch, her betrayal. He took her hand in his and dropped it. Maybe his gesture hurt her. Part of him hoped so. “You’ll be a great father.” Energy seeped from his pores. Would he be? One thing was for certain, he’d protect Daniel to the bitter end. He’d be the pack leader one day. The thought of losing Bria again tugged at him. Although, you couldn’t lose what you never had. Bria wasn’t his then, now, or ever would be. It was the way of things. The warmth of blood oozed down his back from Bastille’s bite. Although he was healing fast, it still ached, but not as much as the void she’d leave. It was hard to be in a closed up space with her nakedness. She must’ve realized it because she was slipping on her robe and that’s when he saw it. Mated. “What in the hell is that?” “What?” He jerked open that portion of her robe, and saw the mark -- Romano. “You’re mine,” he whispered, gaping at the mark of his pack. She was in his arms immediately,

Kell Casey

Howl for Me

- 40 -

kissing him, branding him with her lust. His cock shot to attention. He didn’t give a shit if Bastille was outside the door. This was his mate and no one would take him from her. Ripping the robe to shreds, he pulled her to him, the softness of her body calling him, the scent of her arousal alluring. Within an instant, Darius sank his cock into her flesh, reveling in the way she sheathed him, hot and bothered, loving and gentle all at the same time. Within seconds, he was pounding himself into her, years of frustration melting away. He took her nipple into his mouth, teasing, biting, suckling until she moaned and writhed beneath him. This is where she belonged. This is where she would stay, in his arms, in his bed, with him fucking her until she couldn’t walk. It was no wonder they could barely stay apart. She was his mate. His. Pride welled inside him at the thought that he had a family. After years of torment, he’d come home. Bria nibbled along his neck, her moist kisses trailing down the column as her fingers clawed at his back. She moaned aloud, and he sank farther to the floor, vigorously pumping in and out of her. “No one has ever done this to me,” he said through gritted teeth. “No one ever will again,” she smiled, “except for me, of course.” The expression on her face sent him to the brink. She wriggled beneath him, milking his cock for everything he had. And when he could stand it no longer, she came, her cunt shattering around his length. He came a second later.

*** He’d accepted her. Bria lay completely spent on the coolness of her bathroom floor, Darius’s scent covering her, and reveled in the fact that they were truly mated. It was like a dream come true. How many years had she loved this man? This wolf? And she now had the rest of their lives to love him that much longer. The sound of the door splitting further rent the air. Bastille’s anger knew no bounds. “Still a slut, sister. You shame us much.” Bria met his insulting gaze with defiance. “I’m ashamed to be related to you. I’m no longer a part of your family. I’m Romano.”

Kell Casey

Howl for Me

- 41 -

Shifting to wolf form, Darius turned to face Bastille’s menacing presence just as Bastille launched himself at Darius. They fought, fangs gnashing and claws scraping. A sadness fell over Bria like no other. Why couldn’t her family love her? Maybe it didn’t matter anymore. She had a new family. One that wouldn’t reject her. Before she knew it, Bastille had Darius by the throat. Shifting, Bria lunged, biting Bastille in the back. He rose up, throwing Bria to the hard floor. She lay still, the wind completely knocked from her. She heard yelps, and then the heavy breathing of only one wolf. Blood coated Darius’s tongue. Long ago, he’d relished a kill. Not today. He hadn’t wanted to kill Bastille. Even though the bastard was evil, he was still Bria’s blood. But he’d do anything to protect his family… anything. “You all right?” Bria lay on the floor, half-dazed. She nodded. “I’ll be right back.” He tried to assure her. Hell, she might not want him back after this. Mustering up the strength left over from the fight, Darius dragged Bastille’s body through the living room, out the door and deep into the forest, where he buried it. She didn’t need to see these things. A sense of dread welled deep inside him. What would she think of him now? He had been trying to protect her. That dumb ass Bastille wouldn’t leave. He hurt her. Darius closed his eyes at the thought of Bria being thrown to the floor. No one touched his mate like that. He just hoped she understood. When he returned his heart sank. Bria sat on the couch, leaning over with her head buried in the palms of her hands. How could she forgive him for what he’d done? She wouldn’t. Bastille was a pain in the ass. A total dickhead to her but deep down, even people that don’t want to love their family love their family. Dreading it with everything in him, Darius knelt beside her and rubbed a hand along her back. “I’m sorry, Bria. I --” “You’re sorry?” She raised her eyes, drenched with tears. He reached to swipe a tear with the pad of his thumb and she pulled away.

Kell Casey

Howl for Me

- 42 -

Damn it. He was sorry she’d hate him. Another self-serving emotion. He wasn’t sorry Bastille was dead. He’d kept him from his family long enough. “He shouldn’t have touched you.” Even now, anger radiated from his pores. If something happened to her, he’d never forgive himself. He couldn’t find her just to lose her all over again. Immediately, she was in his arms. “Thank you.”

What? She was thanking him? Her warmth, a blanket around his uncertainty.

“He would’ve killed me.” “I know.” “Bria.” He held her back so he could get a good look at her. “It’s over now.” Still trembling, she moved from his arms. “I know. I knew you couldn’t stay.” “What? No, I mean…” God, he sucked at this. Taking a deep breath, Darius peered down at her. “The family vendetta, it’s over. It ended with Bastille.” She nodded. “I’ll be here for you and my -- our son. I love you, Bria. Always have.” She smiled at him. “Me too.” Curling a finger under her chin, he placed a gentle kiss on her lips. “Let’s go.” “Where to?” “To get Daniel. I have a son I want to get to know.” Bria kissed him again and they left to begin their life together.

Kell Casey Kell Casey makes her home in Montana, despite being allergic to horses, cattle, and sheep. One day she’d love to climb the mountains, just as soon as they put elevators in. She does, however, love to volunteer at the local big-cat sanctuary and hear from her readers. You can contact her at [email protected] and visit her website at kellcasey.com.