Howling for Sara

Night Runner Werewolves 1

Howling for Sara Love-starved Sara Hutchinson dreams of six men who pleasure her with nights filled with raw, wild sex. Unable to resist the pull of her nightly wet dream, she takes off—destination unknown. Yet when she almost runs down sexy Michael Matheson, she finds she may have bitten off more than she can handle. Michael takes her to the pack’s secluded Texas cabin where the men seduce her into staying for good. Yet when Sara sees the six men in their werewolf forms, she runs away, only to find herself trapped in the paws of the killer werebear. The pack must rescue her before she’s eaten alive. But will she stay? If she can open her heart to the pack, she’ll find love…and save her life. Note: Each man in the series will take his own mate. Genre: Ménage a Trois/Quatre, Paranormal, Vampires/Werewolves Length: 28,313 words

HOWLING FOR SARA Night Runner Werewolves 1

Beverly Rae

LOVEXTREME

Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

ABOUT THE E-BOOK YOU HAVE PURCHASED: Your non-refundable purchase of this e-book allows you to only ONE LEGAL copy for your own personal reading on your own personal computer or device. You do not have resell or distribution rights without the prior written permission of both the publisher and the copyright owner of this book. This book cannot be copied in any format, sold, or otherwise transferred from your computer to another through upload to a file sharing peer to peer program, for free or for a fee, or as a prize in any contest. Such action is illegal and in violation of the U.S. Copyright Law. Distribution of this e-book, in whole or in part, online, offline, in print or in any way or any other method currently known or yet to be invented, is forbidden. If you do not want this book anymore, you must delete it from your computer. 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. If you find a Siren-BookStrand e-book being sold or shared illegally, please let us know at [email protected]

A SIREN PUBLISHING BOOK IMPRINT: LoveXtreme

HOWLING FOR SARA Copyright © 2012 by Beverly Rae E-book ISBN: 1-61926-230-4 First E-book Publication: January 2012 Cover design by Jinger Heaston All art and logo copyright © 2012 by Siren Publishing, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission. All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

PUBLISHER Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

Letter to Readers Dear Readers, If you have purchased this copy of Howling for Sara by Beverly Rae from BookStrand.com or its official distributors, thank you. Also, thank you for not sharing your copy of this book.

Regarding E-book Piracy This book is copyrighted intellectual property. No other individual or group has resale rights, auction rights, membership rights, sharing rights, or any kind of rights to sell or to give away a copy of this book. The author and the publisher work very hard to bring our paying readers high-quality reading entertainment. This is Beverly Rae’s livelihood. It’s fair and simple. Please respect Ms. Rae’s right to earn a living from her work. Amanda Hilton, Publisher www.SirenPublishing.com www.BookStrand.com

HOWLING FOR SARA Night Runner Werewolves 1 BEVERLY RAE Copyright © 2012

Chapter One Amber eyes captured her, pinning her to the bed as securely as the ropes tied around her wrists kept her bound to the bedposts. She struggled, realized it was useless, and stopped. The lust within those glittering depths took her breath away. The nude man who stepped closer was beyond a mere man. His body, chiseled as though from marble, would have made the gods weep. Standing with his feet apart, his manhood erect and proud, he exuded the confidence of a leader. A strong face with black hair that caressed the tips of his shoulders called to her. He smiled, his dimples softening the harder features of his handsome appearance. “Don’t worry. We won’t hurt you. You know that.” The voice was deep, commanding respect, and she knew he spoke the truth. But wait. We? Sara broke the invisible bond holding her to those mesmerizing eyes and looked away. For the first time, she saw the five other silhouettes in the darkness of the bedroom and she trembled with a strange combination of fear and excitement. Their eyes, staring at her with hunger, sparkled with flecks of gold. Their bodies, lit from behind by a flickering light in the hall, showed their firm, muscled physiques, and she couldn’t help but sigh.

8

Beverly Rae

The man who’d spoken drew closer and took hold of her. An electric shock sizzled through her, awakening every nerve ending. Bending her leg, he positioned himself near her pussy. “I’ve missed you since last night.” Last night? Yes, she remembered now. They came every night to pleasure her, to feast on her. And every night she crawled into bed to wait for them, then to dream of them. He slid his tongue slowly down the length of her inner thigh, teasing the ticklish skin, to pass over her throbbing clit. She gasped, thrilled by his touch. He sucked her tender bunch of nerves inside his mouth, using his teeth to nibble her. A rush of heat roared outward from her abdomen, making her shudder. Without warning, she climaxed, mewing at the sudden release. How could he give her an orgasm so fast? Yet he had. But he wasn’t finished. Again he latched onto her, adding licks to his nibbles, his fingers separating her wide to thrust his tongue inside her pussy. She jerked, not wanting to get free but wanting to move closer to him. Her pussy clenched with need, and she released again, the orgasm blowing through her stronger than the first. A second man moved to her left side, crawled onto the bed, and sat on his knees next to her. Putting his thick cock inches from her face, he stroked himself, tempting her to do the same. She opened her mouth, craning her neck to receive him. He slipped his shaft into her mouth, deep and hard, pushing to the back of her throat as he cradled her neck. She choked but kept pumping him, her licks matching those of the man stroking her clit. The squeak of the bed frame told her one of the others had joined them on her right side. He cupped her breasts, fondling them as he murmured sexy words to encourage her. Not that she needed encouragement. The lust boiled inside her, surging toward another climax. Sucking harder on the cock, she moaned as the man enjoying her pussy pushed her legs over his shoulders and intensified his

Howling for Sara

9

movements. Biting her, sweeping his tongue over her aching clit, he brought her to even greater heights of passion. Liquid fire erupted within her, flowing over her skin until she was sure she’d burn alive. The third man bent to feather kisses along the swell of her breasts while he thumbed her nipples to send zings of delightful pain into her tits. And still she wanted more. She pulled the cock from her mouth. “Please. Fuck me.” The man between her legs lifted up, then moved to her side as yet a fourth man joined the group. He settled at her pussy as the first man used his thumb to massage her tender nub. The leader murmured something to the others, but his gaze never left her face. Grabbing her legs, the fourth man thrust his shaft into her, driving his huge penis deep inside and bumping her body toward the headboard. She cried out and stroked the second man’s cock harder. A strange aroma, one born of musk and wildness, filled the room and she inhaled. These men were hers and she was theirs. She could feel it in their touch, their looks, even their scent. Her vaginal walls squeezed, instinctively pulling on the shaft to gain its precious seed. She moaned and reached to take a second cock in her hand. The third man growled, bent over to suckle her nipples, then tracked his tongue around her breast. His breath brushed over her and she felt the warm air flowing over her skin. Sara heard the moans of the two men still standing around the bed and felt the tug in her abdomen. When would they join in? She reached out, beckoning them to her, but they stayed where they were. It didn’t matter. She knew they would join her one night. The man’s cock inside her mouth pulsed, and she reached out to cup the soft balls. He groaned, tunneled his fingers through her hair, and told her how beautiful she was. She wrapped her tongue around him, loving the way his vein-lined cock felt against the roof of her mouth. Before long, the man tensed then, with an animal-like roar, released. She drank him in even as the man between her legs

10

Beverly Rae

exploded, sending his seed inside her. He fell to her side, his face turned away from her. Suddenly, she was alone and shivering from the loss of their warmth. Although they were still beside her, they no longer touched her. She moaned, unable to express her raging emotions any other way. “Sara.” She darted her gaze back to the man who’d spoken first. He wasn’t bigger in stature than the others, but again she was struck with his commanding presence. He left no doubt he was their leader. “Sara. Come to us. It’s time. We’re waiting for you.” But where? She shook her head, not understanding, not sure she could understand. Her body tingled in anticipation and ignored the warning alarms blaring in her head. What would happen if she did as he said? Would the nights of pleasure continue? Would the nights turn into days? But what would happen if she refused? Would they leave and never return? She shook her head, denying a future without them, yet unsure how to say yes. “You know what you’re feeling. You know this is your destiny. You must come to us.” She believed him but needed to know more. Tell me why. She wasn’t sure if she’d actually spoken the words or only thought them. “You know why.” No, I don’t. But she no longer cared. She’d felt them from the moment she’d entered puberty, tugging at the fringes of her senses, waiting until she was ready. Only until recently, however, they’d stayed hidden in the darkness, finally coming to her in her dreams. The ache, the emptiness she’d suffered had grown more unbearable each year. Now too many years had passed. It was time. “You do know. Come to us, Sara. Now.”

Howling for Sara

11

The man on her right kissed her breast, then edged off the bed and returned to stand with the others. The second man placed a kiss on the top of her hand and joined the rest. Then, leaning over her, the first man, the leader, kissed her on the lips. The kiss was tender, his lips grazing hers. She reached for him, but he moved away too quickly. She struggled to remember the question she always had the next morning. Then she remembered. She sat up, eager to find an answer. Tell me. Why can’t I remember your faces? He shook his head. “You must find me, find us, with your heart first. Not with your eyes.” He moved off the bed and walked to stand in front of the line of men. One by one the men backed away, leaving their leader to stand alone at the end of her bed. One by one their bodies blurred, lowering until they rested on hands and feet. For a moment, she couldn’t see them. They were five blurs, five dark forms in the shadows. Then, all at once, the men were no longer there, and instead, five wolves appeared. Swishing their tails as if to say good-bye, the wolves spun around and ran into the blackness. The leader’s golden eyes bore into her, pulling her to him. Then, with a curt nod of his head and a flash of his dimples, he pivoted and walked away, following the wolves into nothingness. No! Stay! She reached for them. I want to go with you. I want to run with you. Don’t leave me alone. **** Sara sat up, arms stretched wide, her fingers spread and reaching for him. Her breaths came in harsh pants, her heart pounded in her ears, and sweat stuck her nightgown to her back. Anguish tore at her and she let out a small cry. Lurching to the side, she flipped on her nightstand lamp. She searched the room, knowing she’d find nothing

12

Beverly Rae

but needing to try. Oh, my God. Another dream. Quickly, she did as she had all the previous nights. Closing her eyes, she tried to remember what the men looked like, tried to drag the image of their leader to the forefront. Yet like all the other nights, she couldn’t. She fell back on the bed and stared at the large poster of the moon she’d taped to the ceiling. Why couldn’t she remember them? Yet wasn’t that the way of dreams? Once awake, details were often forgotten. Still, she couldn’t help but wonder about another reason. Did her subconscious not want her to remember? Was her mind shielding her from them? Sara’s heart slowly returned to its normal rate as she tried to make sense of the dream that had come to her nightly for the past four months. But it was no use. Even her therapist couldn’t tell her why she’d started dreaming about six men. Six incredible men who tore at her abdomen, turning normal yearning into desperate need. Or why she could never remember their faces. She could recall their strange golden eyes and she could easily summon her feelings at the intensity of their stares. But what men had amber eyes? Yet one thing was certain. She knew she was destined to find them. If they existed. But what if her dreams were only dreams? What would she do then? Return to her boring life as a lonely sex education teacher? Every day she taught high school students about sex and reproduction even though she knew they had more actual experience than she did. Every day she stood in front of the class and felt like a fraud. And what about love? Could she ever teach them about the emotions surrounding the act? But how could she when she’d never fallen in love? How could she tell them anything when she’d never experienced the joy of having a man pledge himself to her? Sara stayed in bed, her gaze focused on the photograph of the moon above her, until the first light of the morning filtered into her

Howling for Sara

13

bedroom. Throwing off her comforter, she dragged her suitcase from under the bed and started throwing clothes inside it. Only after she’d crammed it full did she stop and question the urge driving her to find them. “Where the hell am I supposed to go?” Her gaze drifted to the mirror over the dresser. Her eyes, round with excitement and worry, stared back at her. Tunneling her fingers through her wild hair, she tried to shake the tension from her limbs. Talking to herself in the mirror helped to make up her mind. “I guess I just get in the car and drive. If these dreams are real”—she shook her head, denying her thoughts to the woman before her—“then I’ll know where to go.” At least it was the middle of the summer and vacation time. Leaving her teaching position during the school year would’ve made her decision difficult. She snorted. Taking a position as a sex education teacher had been her last resort. Until the position had come along, she hadn’t been able to find a teaching job. But teaching sex education? Could that be why she was having the hot dreams? Was she trying to gain experience, albeit imagined, through her dreams? **** “Are you sure she’s coming?” Ranlon Skylark, his friend and fellow Night Runner, edged closer to Michael Matheson. Michael, his arms crossed, stared at the lonely Texas back road and the ditch on the other side of the gravel strip. How many nights had he stood here, imagining her arrival? But now the time had finally come. The night seemed like any other summer night. A light wind blew across the open prairie, and the full moon hung high in the sky. Tumbleweed skirted across the road and hurried into the field behind him. “Michael? I asked you if you’re sure she’s coming.”

14

Beverly Rae

Michael closed his eyes and waited, knowing he would sense her as she drew closer. He could feel her tension, the nerves tightening the muscles in her back. He could almost hear her thoughts and smell her perfume. “I’m sure of it. She’s ready. The dreams have brought her to us, just as we planned.” “Do you think she’ll accept us? Will we have her as we did in the dreams? I’m tired of only dreaming about her. I want to actually touch her. Hell, I need to touch her.” Michael understood Ranlon’s anxiousness. The tumultuous yearning inside him was just as strong. Maybe even stronger. He glanced at his friend, whose dark hair and eyes often made others think they were brothers. Of the four other men in the pack, his cousin Max was the only one related to him. “Are you sure you can stop her? I mean, if she doesn’t brake in time, you’re going to be flatter than a pancake. Besides, we don’t want her harmed. Are you sure you can do this without hurting her?” “Everything involves risk, but as long as the rest of you have placed the logs in the road to slow her down, she’ll be fine. We’ll both be fine.” “Then we’re all set.” Ranlon shifted back and forth on his feet. “She’ll brake and won’t have time to pick up speed before she sees you.” Michael closed his eyes, imagining the dreams he’d sent her. Although he’d never physically touched her, he could remember the softness of her skin against him, the wetness of her pussy on his lips, the sweet sounds she made when she climaxed. He groaned and stared down the road, willing her car to appear. Come, Sara. It’s time. But what if he was wrong? If he was, if she didn’t come tonight, he didn’t know what he would do. A man could only restrain his desire for so long while waiting for the pack’s first alpha-mate. Not to mention what the rest of the Night Runners might do. “I hope you’re right. I don’t know how much longer I can wait.

Howling for Sara

15

Hell, I ache for her and the others feel the same.” “I know.” He ground his teeth together, disliking the edge in his tone. But couldn’t Ranlon shut up? After all, didn’t he have the same need to possess her? To glide his cock inside her mouth? Into her pussy? God, into her ass? The sounds of cattle drifted to him and, for a moment, his mind left the woman to wonder if any other cattle would be sacrificed tonight. How many had been killed already? Seven? Eight? He growled, the animal inside him angry at the predator causing trouble. Every time he went into town for supplies, the townspeople’s angry gazes landed on him, following him until the moment he left. He heard their muttered curses, heard the fear in their tone when they talked about his friends. Keeping to himself, he’d leave as soon as possible, never lingering past dusk. Anxious people meant foolish actions weren’t far behind. The Night Runners of the Matheson Ranch had never been fully accepted in the small community of Lost Hills, and that was all right with Michael. As long as the people kept their distance and kept their mouths closed, he was satisfied. But once the killings had started, the old stories about the Matheson cousins and their friends had come alive, and the live-andlet-live mentality the townspeople had always shown them had grown hostile. Some of the older citizens remembered a time long ago when the Night Runners had walked freely and openly among humans. But that time had long passed. Michael had to wonder. How many of them really believed the stories about werewolves? He hoped not many. God knows he’d done his best to keep the pack’s nightly runs away from the town. The less the humans knew about them, the better. Still, they’d have to do something about the situation soon. Before all hell broke loose. Two men appeared out of nowhere to stand on the other side of the road. Max lifted his hand in greeting then took his place next to

16

Beverly Rae

them. Michael could see their nervousness in the way Nick Rogers paced back and forth, his red hair showing up like a beacon under the moonlight, and the way William Cage, the oldest of the group, chewed on a stick then tossed it away only to replace it with another stick. “Where’s Jimmy?” Michael frowned. Jimmy Lingo was the youngest of the pack, and like all young men, often reckless. “He went to the store for school supplies.” “When?” Michael tried to keep the irritation out of his voice but failed. Jimmy was hell-bent on getting his college degree, even if he had to do his classes online. “Earlier. Yeah, I know what you’re thinking. He should’ve returned home by now.” Anger flashed in Michael. “Damn it. I told him to stay at the ranch. We don’t want any trouble in town.” “Aw, he’ll be fine. It’s not like he’s a kid. He’s twenty-one now, you know. Besides, everyone likes Jimmy.” “They like him as much as they like any of us, but that won’t keep him safe if they find another slaughtered cow. People are beginning to talk and to ask questions about us.” “Are we any closer to finding the animal that’s causing the problem?” “Some. The carcasses look like a bear got hold of them. But this bear’s smart.” Michael dug the heel of his boot into the dry earth. “You think he’s a shifter, don’t you? A werebear?” “I do.” “Damn it. What’s a bear shifter doing in these parts?” “Werebears aren’t like regular bears. They go anywhere they want just like us.” “You’re thinking about tracking him down, aren’t you?” Michael looked away. Of all the pack, Ranlon could read him the best. “We may not have any other choice.” “Yeah. I guess you’re right.”

Howling for Sara

17

They let the silence between them grow, ending the uncomfortable discussion. Michael searched for Sara again and felt her presence growing closer. Ranlon growled. “Shit. Where is she? If she doesn’t show up soon, I’m going to need to run. Hell, I’ll probably have to run all night to shake this itch off.” “Patience, brother. Patience. She’s not far away now.” Although none of the pack were brothers by the same parents, they shared a closer bond. They were blood brothers. Running brothers. The sound of a car turned their attention to the right to search the road. “Finally. You’re up, bro.” Ranlon backed into the darkness. “See you at the house.” Michael stepped into the middle of the road. **** Sara wasn’t sure why she’d chosen to take the back roads. In fact, she was certain using the lonely, deserted roads during the night was a bad idea. But she hadn’t been able to deny the urge. Even when she’d had to slow down to wind her way around several logs strewn across the road, the compulsion to keep going hadn’t lessened. She reached up to punch on the overhead light, picked up the map, and squinted. Yet as much as she studied it, she couldn’t figure out where she was. She tossed the map onto the passenger seat and grabbed her phone as she’d done several times in the past half hour. Still no reception. “Where the hell am I?” She selected the navigation app, but nothing came up. “I don’t get it. Why can’t I get any bars out here? That damn phone company’s going to hear—Oh, shit!” Sara shouted as she swerved to miss the man standing in the middle of the road. Clutching her steering wheel, she gritted her teeth, slammed on her brakes, and turned the wheel to the right. Rocks

18

Beverly Rae

battered the car as the tires slid in the gravel. She held on, gripping as hard as she could, but without enough traction the car continued its slide off the road. The bar ditch loomed before her, giving her no option to do anything but gasp and close her eyes. For a moment, the car was suspended in air, then fell in a sickening descent from its flight. She cried out as the car struck the ground, the impact throwing her body forward first, then backward as the front end buried into the other side of the ditch. Still gripping the wheel, she held her breath and opened her eyes. Her heart pounded and her breaths came in short puffs. Dirt covered the crumpled front end of the car, and a thin line of smoke trailed from under the hood toward the sky. I’m okay. I’m fine. She repeated the mantra, willing herself to calm down. So much for the air bag deploying. She ran her hand over the wheel and held on as her heart slowed down. She looked into the rearview mirror and breathed a sigh of relief. No bleeding. Not even a bump. Who cares if the bag didn’t work? I’m okay. At least, I think I am. She moved her leg, then the other, testing her body, waiting for any telltale signs of injury. “So far, so good.” Listening to herself, she tried to inject a calmness in her tone that she didn’t yet feel. Then she tried moving her arms. “See? Nothing hurts.” Tentatively, she took her shaking hands from the wheel, stared through the cracked windshield at the damage to her car, and let out a small groan. Her used-but-new-to-her Honda Civic, the one that had taken her almost a year to save for, was trashed. Oh, my God. My car’s busted up big time. Still, a wrecked car was a lot better than a wrecked body. She let out another long breath. Better to look on the bright side. “If I hadn’t looked up when I had, I would’ve—” She inhaled, the memory of the man standing in the middle of the road coming back. “No, no, no. Please tell me I didn’t hit him.”

Howling for Sara

19

She reached for the handle and turned it. Her door refused to open, so she shoved against it. Two more pushes and the door still refused to budge. On the fourth push, she leaned toward the passenger side first, then threw her body at the door, ramming against it. “Argh!” The door flew open, propelling her headfirst out of the car. She broke her fall with her hands, her hair cascading over her head. “Are you all right?” Sara froze. Was it the man in the road? Was he all right? “Damn it, you weren’t supposed to be going that fast.” Slowly, hoping she wouldn’t see an injured man hobbling toward her, she turned her head and peered through the strands of her hair. Cowboy boots, well-worn with years of use, led her gaze to jeans that fit the strong legs perfectly. She gathered her nerve and let her gaze slide higher, telling herself she wouldn’t stop at his crotch. Her mouth dried up when she saw the bulge in his jeans and, for a moment, she almost reached out to see if the bulge was larger than her hand. He was big, that was for sure. “I asked if you were hurt.” A calloused hand appeared in front of her face and, after taking a steadying breath, she took it. The sizzle of electricity passing from his skin to hers made her try to yank her hand away, but he held on. He pulled up and she half fell, half stumbled out of the car. Another strong hand took hold of her other arm as he helped her to stand on her feet. Sara whipped the hair out of her face and got her first good look at him. Oh, my God. Heat rushed up her neck and into her cheeks. His hard, muscled chest pressed close to her, so close she could see where someone had resewn a button on the denim shirt just below the place where a spattering of dark hair peeked over the material. She resisted the urge to run her hand over the six-pack she was certain hid under the denim. Desire raced through her, making her knees seem like jelly.

20

Beverly Rae

“Ooh,” she breathed, drawing in the smell of man mixed with something unidentifiable. Something that made her think of wild, untamed nights of erotic lovemaking. Her eyes grew big at the idea. Had the thought come from her dreams? “Look at me.” The voice, as sinful as a pint of her favorite dark-chocolate ice cream, lifted her attention to his face. His lips curved up at the corners, leading her gaze to dimples she ached to touch. His jawline was the stuff of superheroes, covered with an enticing stubble. Sara parted her lips as she studied the sensual mouth. Lips that were both soft and masculine made her want to skim her tongue over her upper lip. If only she could do the same to his! But when she saw his eyes, her heart stopped. Dark eyes studied her, daring her to do…whatever the hell she wanted. And at that moment, she would’ve done anything to keep looking into his eyes. “So we know you understand English. Do you speak English, too? Are you okay?” She shook herself, trying to break free of the spell he’d put on her. “Yes. To everything.” To anything you want. “I’m okay, and I speak English.” The corners of his mouth tipped higher. “Good.” “But what about the man? Was that you? Were you standing in the middle of the road?” “Yeah. I was.” The glint in his eyes zeroed in on her, diving into the depths of her soul. “But why? Why stand in the middle of the street?” She licked her lips again and wished she could glide her tongue all over his body. Damn, girl! You almost ran the man over and now all you can think about is going down on him? She forced herself to look elsewhere, but she couldn’t keep her focus away for long. “What? You’ve never crossed a road before?” He chuckled, bringing out his dimples.

Howling for Sara

21

“Sure. But I didn’t see you.” She couldn’t help it. She had to see if the bulge was as large as it had been earlier. It was. Heat flamed hotter in her cheeks. “I am so sorry. I was looking at my phone and when I looked up, there you were.” “Yeah, you gave me quite a scare. But we’re both okay and that’s what matters.” She almost cried when he turned his enticing, dark eyes away from her and toward her Honda. “Sorry I can’t say the same for your car.” Blinking, she forced her mind away from him. Smoke still filtered out from under the hood. Her stomach twisted in a knot. “This is so not good. I just bought it, too. Plus, my insurance is going to go skyhigh.” She ran her palm over the door in a loving caress. “Cars can be repaired. You can’t.” She found his delicious eyes again and once more felt a surge of lust rush into her. Almost as though he’d hooked a leash around her, she felt the tug in her abdomen and wanted nothing more than to follow him anywhere he wanted to lead her. All at once, an image of the man of her dreams licking her pussy jolted her and she reached for his hand. If only she could remember the dream man’s face. “Hey, there. You seem a little shaky. How about I take you home with me?” Yes! The word was almost out of her mouth before she had time to give it real thought. What was she thinking? Going home with a stranger she’d just met? “I–I don’t know. I think maybe we should call the police. They’ll probably want me to make a report and then they can take me to the nearest hotel.” “Can’t.” She stared at him. “Why not?” “The nearest town doesn’t have a police force. Just a sheriff, and he can’t do anything to help you tonight. I’ll have someone take care of your car tomorrow. And you can forget about finding a hotel close-

22

Beverly Rae

by.” He put his fingers under her chin. She shivered at his touch and wished she could feel his fingers lower on her body. Hell, everywhere on her body. “I can’t go home with a strange man.” Not even one as sexy as this one. She couldn’t do that. Could she? His smile held her locked in an invisible grip. “You don’t have a choice. What else are you going to do? Sleep in your car? Trust me. That’s not a good idea.” “Why not?” Yeah, like I’d ever sleep in my car. Not. “Look around you. You’re in the middle of nowhere. I wouldn’t feel right leaving you to the wolves and the snakes.” “Wolves? Snakes?” She crossed her arms, shivering again but for a different reason. “Okay. I guess I don’t have a choice. I can call a tow truck from your house, right?” He shrugged. “Sorry. I don’t have a phone.” Who doesn’t have a phone? “Not even a land line? Or a cell phone?” “Nope. I don’t like phones and we don’t get any reception out here.” She considered his explanation, remembering how she’d struggled to get bars on her phone. “But tomorrow, you’ll drive me into town, right?” “Sure.” He grinned, his dimples flashing. “If you still want to go.” Without another word, he turned and hopped out of the bar ditch. Bending to her, he offered his hand to help her. Sara tilted her head and enjoyed the way he moved, a combination of grace and strength rarely seen in men. Taking his hand, she trembled at his touch as he easily lifted her onto the road. He nodded as though satisfied with her, then pivoted and walked off. A few paces later, he glanced over his shoulder and motioned for her to follow him. “Come with me.” Was he commanding her to go? She shook off her silly thought and hurried to his side. Besides, why wouldn’t she want to go?

Howling for Sara

23

Chapter Two Michael strode along the road toward the Matheson house and fought the urge to turn around and take Sara into his arms. He longed to press his lips to hers, to kiss her until he had to come up for air. He swallowed, imagining his tongue slipping into her mouth, his hands cupping her sweet ass, holding her against him until she could no longer stand. She was more alluring than she’d been in the dreams. Her auburn hair looked softer, and he ached to let it slip through his fingers like a silken waterfall. Her eyes, a luxurious mocha brown, made him hope to spend the rest of his life staring into their depths. And her body— oh, hell, her body was a ripe fruit perfect for the picking. He’d seen the way her breasts pushed against the material of her T-shirt, seen the outline of her pebbled nipples, and knew she wore no bra. Did she go commando, too? Damn, he hoped so. He gritted his teeth against the yearning brewing in his crotch and kept his attention on the path in front of him. Just get her to the house. You’ve waited this long, you can wait a little while longer. “Uh, hey.” She hurried to keep up with him. “We never introduced ourselves. Which is pretty weird when you consider I almost ran you over.” Her nervous giggle was entrancing. “Can you slow down? Every time I catch up with you, you speed up even more.” She thrust out her hand. Stopping, he took the risk that he would scoop her into his arms and faced her. Her sweet, round face glowed as her doe eyes twinkled in the moonlight. Her hair fell to her shoulders and floated around her

24

Beverly Rae

face as the breeze caressed her skin. Damn breeze. He wanted to be the one doing the caressing. He dropped his gaze and stared at her hand. Could he touch her? Could he do something as simple as taking her hand without losing control? He’d barely managed to hold himself in check before, and with each minute that passed the urge grew stronger. Yet, unable to resist, he engulfed her hand in his larger one. Sizzling desire struck him, blindsiding him. After experiencing the electricity between them when he’d helped her from the car, he should’ve been prepared for another jolt. The wolf inside roared to life, threatening to break free, and the Change started without his acquiescence. He sensed the amber beginning to show in his eyes and felt the tips of his fangs break through his gums. Growling, he yanked his hand away from hers and pushed the beast back inside its cage. Had she seen? Her lips parted, calling for him to kiss her, so he had no choice but to start walking again. Either that or he’d throw her on the ground and ram his cock deep into her firm, round ass. “I’m Michael Matheson.” He hoped she wouldn’t recognize the need in his tone. He could smell the beginning of fear wafting from her and hated himself for scaring her. Take it easy. Don’t make her change her mind. “I’m Sara Hutchinson.” She shot him a strange look. “It’s good to meet you, Michael.” “We’re almost home now.” Yes, she was almost home, and he couldn’t wait for her to see it. “Great. These boots weren’t made for walking, ya know.” He liked her laugh. It reminded him of the wind chimes outside the kitchen window. Glancing down at the four-inch heels, he nodded. “I can see that. I’ll never understand why women wear those things.” She laughed, making the light, airy sound again. “They’re supposed to make women’s legs look longer, but right now, I’d trade

Howling for Sara

25

them for a good pair of running shoes.” “Uh-huh.” Keep moving. If I stop for too long, I might not be able to stop myself. He picked up his pace again, feeling the wolf gnawing at the fringes of his control. He hurried, taking the dirt path that led from the roadway to the house. Even without a full moon, he could have seen the path clearly, but Sara would’ve needed a flashlight. She kept at his side, and he longed to reach out to keep her from falling whenever she stumbled over a rock, but he didn’t dare. The little touch they’d already shared had frayed his willpower too much. After another mile on the path, he could see the lights of the house. He sniffed, picking up the scent of all the Night Runners— except Jimmy. Where the hell was he anyway? “There’s home.” “Thank goodness. I guess you have a different definition of ‘almost home’ than I do.” She laughed again and gave him a brilliant smile. “I was about to give up.” She stumbled again, and this time he did grab her, keeping her on her feet. The sexual surge of power between them sizzled under his skin. She pulled away, looked at her hand, then frowned. So she noticed it, too. She turned toward the two-story dwelling. “This is where you live?” He was pleased at the awe in her tone. He and the pack had built the house with their own hands and he loved their home. The only thing missing was the alpha-female who would help grow the pack. He snuck a peek at Sara and knew they’d chosen well. All that was left was to convince her to become a werewolf and stay with the pack. “We do.” He was up the steps with his hand on the front doorknob before he realized she wasn’t beside him. He cocked his head and sniffed, catching the fear swirling off her. “We?” She stood, feet apart, looking like she was ready to fight— or run. “You mean you and your wife?” “No wife. Just me and some friends of mine.” If he had to carry

26

Beverly Rae

her inside, he would. But he hoped she’d sense she had nothing to fear from him. He opened the door and gestured for her to follow him inside. Striding inside the home, he saw that the other men had cleaned the place. Gone were the beer bottles and newspapers. Gone were the empty pizza boxes and potato chip bags. At least she wasn’t walking into a pigsty. Come on, Sara. Follow me. He crossed over to the kitchen and grabbed a bottle of his favorite wine, uncorked it, and poured two glasses. Wine was one thing he loved almost as much as running with the pack. He took a sip and savored the rich, full flavor. Soon he heard her walk across the creaky wooden floor until she stood in the doorway of the kitchen. Her eyes grew wide as she surveyed the home. “Wow. This is something.” “Thanks. My friends and I built it.” “You’re kidding. With your own hands? Your home is beautiful.” He chuckled, letting her praise wash over him. “Our hands and more than a few power tools.” She ran her palm over the hand-carved kitchen table. “You can tell this is a man’s place. It’s so rustic.” Damn, he should’ve thought about that. He could have softened up the place a little. Added a few curtains, or throw pillows, or whatever it was women liked. Still, once she became theirs, she could change anything she wanted. “We could use a woman’s touch.” She turned to face him and blushed. “Oh, I didn’t mean it as a criticism. I like it.” “Good. I’m glad.” He offered her the drink and she took it, swallowing most of it in one gulp. She wiped the back of her hand over her mouth then blushed. “Sorry, but I needed a good drink. It’s been a long night.” “I understand. Here, have another.” She let him fill her goblet again. “I’m not much of a drinker. At

Howling for Sara

27

least, not usually.” She glanced around then took another drink. “Uh, could I use your phone?” He shot her a quizzical look. “Like I said earlier. I don’t have a phone.” Surprise filtered onto her face along with a renewed dose of fear. “I guess I forgot.” “I know it’s kind of strange not to have one, but we like the seclusion.” He needed to do something to put her at ease, but the only thing he could think of might be pushing her too hard, too fast. Still… “Sure. I get it.” Yet she didn’t look like she did. She drank more wine, her nerves showing. The drink took hold, rocking her on her feet, and she reached out to steady herself. “Uh-oh. The wine’s hitting me pretty fast and hard. Maybe I should go lie down.” She scurried out of the kitchen and into the foyer, turning toward the stairway leading up to the second floor. “Crap. I forgot to bring my suitcase.” “Don’t worry about it. One of my friends will get it for you. Until then, you can use one of my, um, sister’s nightgowns.” He strode over and took her arm. “Let me show you which room is yours.” Simply touching her sent a flood of desire surging through him again and, for a moment, he couldn’t think straight. He gritted his teeth and studied the wall just to keep from looking at her. Could he hold on much longer? Especially once he saw her standing by the bed they’d made for her? The bed that would hold seven people? He led her up the stairway to the first room on his right. The room they’d reserved for the alpha-female. He swung the door wide and escorted her inside. An oversized, four-poster bed covered in a dark-blue comforter dominated the room while two large nightstands flanked either side. The large window let the light from the full moon spill into the room. Michael studied her as she ran her hands over a bedpost. “What’s the matter, Sara?” Her name felt like music on his

28

Beverly Rae

tongue. Sara sat down on the edge of the bed and slid her hand over the comforter. “This bed reminds me of another bed.” She lifted her face to him, a confused expression making frown lines on her forehead. “I’ve never seen a bed this big before.” If she’d actually spoken the words “except in my dreams” he couldn’t have heard them any clearer. “Yeah, it’s huge. But we like big beds.” God, how he wanted to push her back onto the bed, to rip off her clothes and pleasure her as he’d done in the dreams. “Is it for a really large person?” For lots of people. For the Night Runners and their alpha-female. He didn’t bother answering, hoping she’d let the subject go. She’d understand later. She started to say something more then clamped her mouth closed. Instead, she yawned. “I guess I’m more tired than I thought I was.” “Sara.” He dared to sit beside her and felt his heart skip a beat when she didn’t move away. “Look at me.” She did as he told her to, and her brown eyes locked onto him. He inhaled, drawing in her tantalizing fragrance. “That’s my name. Don’t wear it out.” She giggled, then hiccupped. “I think I’m a little tipsy.” “Yeah, you’ve probably had enough.” He tried to take her glass from her, but she resisted. She leaned back, making him slide over her body to reach for it. Managing to get the glass away from her, he put it on the nightstand but didn’t sit back. How could he when she was so close? Her lovely face was inches from his, and he knew he couldn’t wait a moment longer. Crushing his mouth to hers, he rejoiced in the softness of her lips. He slipped his tongue inside her mouth and groaned. She tasted like sugar with a hint of spice, and his body tensed, ready to please her. She didn’t resist, instead moving her tongue around his in a sexual dance. He jerked her body on top of the bed. Perhaps realizing what he

Howling for Sara

29

intended for the first time, she struggled, but her fight didn’t last long. She moaned and slipped her hands under his arms to grip his back. He deepened his kiss, playing his tongue against hers. He cupped her bottom, loving the round firmness, and squeezed. Nibbling on her lip, he was stunned when she pushed against his chest to break their kiss. “No.” He froze, unable to comprehend why she would want to stop. “Why?” He dropped his gaze to her crotch. “I know you want me as much as I want you. I can feel you getting wet already.” He skimmed his hand over her thigh toward the vee between her legs. Heat seared into him, scorching into his hand to surge through the rest of his body. She parted her mouth, whether in surprise or to speak, he didn’t know. And he didn’t care. “Sara, I’ve waited for you for a long time, and I’m not about to back off now.” She shook her head and balled her fists against his chest. But he paid no attention to her pitiful struggle. If she really wanted to stop, to get away, she could. And as much as it would kill him, he’d let her. “This is going to happen. Either my way or your way doesn’t matter. But it is going to happen.” He searched her face. “I know you want this as much as I do. So why put up resistance? Unless you like it that way?” He let her think about his words. “Well? Which way is it going to be?” A myriad of expressions flitted across her face. She batted her eyes, took a deep breath, then answered. “Your way.” She couldn’t have said anything that would have had his cock flying higher. In the next instant, she somehow managed to flip over and was scrambling over the bed. He jumped for her, snagging her by the ankle. She cried out, giggled, and started kicking. Ignoring the blows, he took her under her arms and threw her toward the head of the bed. Straddling her to hold her in place, he

30

Beverly Rae

yanked the case off a pillow. She continued to fight him, thrilling him more, and he saw his excitement reflected in her eyes. He tore the case into shreds and began wrapping the strips around her wrists. Her eyes grew bigger, but she didn’t cry out, didn’t shout at him to stop. Instead, she watched him as though fascinated by each knot he made. Tying her hands to the slats in the headboard, he licked his lips and smiled. “You’re so beautiful.” Michael’s hands shook as he grabbed the top of her T-shirt and tore it away from her. He groaned at the sight of her full, ripe breasts, the taut nipples and the brown areolas surrounding them. She might be the one tied up, but no woman had ever held such power over him. She yanked at her bindings, making her breasts jiggle, and he almost came. She mewed, the sound soon turning into a laugh as she tried kicking her legs to get away. But it was no use. She’d never get free unless he wanted to set her free or she asked him to let her go. But he sensed she wasn’t about to ask. He bent to glide his tongue over her breast. She moaned, the sound of her need pulsing his lust into higher gear. “You take my breath away.” She stopped and gaped at him. “Hasn’t anyone ever told you how sexy you are?” He stared at her, daring to tempt her to remember. “Not even in your dreams?” She inhaled sharply then narrowed her eyes at him. “No,” she whispered. Liar. But her lie didn’t matter. Now was all that mattered. “Good. Then that makes me the first.” He took her breasts in his hands, delighting in the sensation of her hard buds against his palms. He pressed his lips to hers, nibbling, sucking, and held back the urge to lower himself to suck her other lips. She made soft, yearning sounds and her struggles stopped. Moving to her side, he made short work of her boots and jeans, the unveiling showing a lacy, red thong underneath. He growled, the animal inside clawing to have his way with her. Kneeling over her, he

Howling for Sara

31

gripped the lacy material in his teeth and tugged, ripping them away. As far as he was concerned, she’d never wear underwear again. He paused, taking the time to remember her as she looked the first time in her new bed. Her pale skin glowed in the moonlight, and he could imagine the beautiful wolf she would become. But that was for later. Right now, he had to take her as a man. He stripped, shucking his boots and clothes then tossing them to the floor. She watched him, silent, but he sensed no fear. When her gaze slid lower, he waited, wanting to see the approval in her face. She didn’t disappoint him and even favored him with a quick lick of her lips. The hot, spicy scent of lust drifted off her to ease into him and send the whirlwind in his abdomen into a faster spin. He swore under his breath and vowed to make her dreams a reality. He came to her, then slid the back of his fingers along her side and over the soft mound of her stomach. Giving her the reverence she deserved, he slipped his finger between her legs and watched the flame of desire flare in her eyes. He found her pussy, warm and inviting, and rubbed his finger over her clit. She gasped and jerked, tugging at her bonds again even as she opened her legs wider. “You’re so wet.” He stroked her, fighting against his urge to push her legs farther apart and shove his cock inside her. Rubbing her clit, he watched as her breathing quickened, her eyes glazed over, and her mouth opened. She clenched and unclenched her hands, trying to reach him. He rubbed her, circling her clit then taking it prisoner between two fingers. She threw her head to the side, back and forth in an unheard scream. Keeping the rhythm going on her tender nub, he leaned over and sucked her nipple into his mouth. She watched him as he swept his tongue over each nipple, nibbling and sucking until each one glistened with his saliva. He gave her clit another long, slow, torturous circle, and she arched against him. She closed her legs around his hand.

32

Beverly Rae

“What do you want me to do, Sara? Tell me. I want you to have what you need.” She licked her lips in answer then, opening her legs wider than before, gave him her quiet permission. Her pink, swollen folds sparkled with the evidence of her lust, and he knew she was no unwilling victim. He swallowed, already tasting her nectar, and he couldn’t help but smile. Lying between her legs, he drew in her scent, letting the pure smell of woman tingle his senses. She was sweeter than all his dreams of her and he couldn’t wait another second to taste her. He pushed her pussy lips apart and slid his tongue over her clit. She cried out, her body bucking under the slight touch. But he was done being tender. If he didn’t give into his needs soon, he would burst. Wrapping his arm around her leg to hold her to him, he reached up and fondled her breast, then pressed his mouth to her pussy and sucked like a man dying of thirst. She cried out, bucking against him, bucking for him. He swept his tongue around her pussy lips, needing to drink all of her tastes. She was his lifeline now, the one he’d longed to have for so many years, the one the pack needed to thrive. He flattened his tongue against her clit and added a finger to her pussy. Her vaginal walls took hold, tightening around him. He pumped his finger into her, giving her a much smaller preview of what his cock would feel like and what she would feel wrapped around him. He added another finger and she lifted her butt, trying to force him closer. Her wetness flooded over his hand and her body trembled as wave after wave of orgasm swept through her. She was the Night Runners’ mate, the future of their pack. But for now, she was all his. “Michael.” If he didn’t have sensitive hearing, he might have missed her saying his name. “Yes, Sara?” God, how he loved to say her name. If she asked him to stop, he wasn’t certain he could do as she

Howling for Sara

33

wished. The control he’d had earlier now hung by a thread. The only thing left to do was to pray she wouldn’t ask the impossible of him. “Untie me.” **** She shook her head, trying to rid herself of the wine-induced fuzziness so she could feel even more of the myriad of sensations flowing through her. If he didn’t untie her, she’d go insane. She didn’t care if she had to beg or plead with him, or curse him until she turned blue, she had to get free. She yearned to touch him, to taste him, to make him moan as she licked her tongue along his skin. She ached to take his enormous cock and slide her hands from the base along the length, over the curve to the mushroomed end. The tightness in her stomach radiated outward, foreshadowing more climaxes. He took his time to slide over her, putting his hard body inches from hers as he reached up to untie the cords around her wrists. She could feel the heat coming off him, could smell her aroma on his skin, and almost passed out just thinking about what she’d do to him given the chance. She lifted her head and tracked her tongue over his nipple, reliving the way he’d licked hers, and was rewarded with a groan. Only one hand was free when he crushed his mouth to hers, but one hand was enough to take his neck and feel the tickle of his hair on her fingers. Her own juices flooded her mouth, but she wanted more. She needed to taste him, to savor his mouth as he’d done her pussy. Sweeping her tongue around, she delighted in the rush of flavors, male musky tang mixing with an exotic hint of something she’d never tasted before. She moved her hand higher, letting the silky softness of his black hair slip between her fingers. Nibbling his lower lip, she lifted her legs and wrapped them around his waist. Her thirst for him swirled, driving away all thoughts except that of satisfying her need.

34

Beverly Rae

He lowered his hips to meet hers and pushed his cock against her crotch. Closing his eyes, he growled then opened them again. All at once, he tried to pull away from her. “Not yet.” She tightened her legs around him, holding him captive as securely as any bindings ever could. She clutched his hair and glared at him. “Finish untying me first. Now.” The corners of his mouth tilted upward. “You’re a fiery one, aren’t you?” His eyes sparkled. “Michael, untie me.” A mischievous grin erupted. “Or what? You’ll fuck me to death?” His grin grew bigger. “I’d like to see you try.” “Untie me and I’ll do this to your cock.” Taking her time, she peeked her tongue out of her mouth, then trailed it around her hard bud. A flash of hunger brightened his eyes, and he rushed to untie her. Once free, she brought his mouth to her breast and thrust her tongue out to join his. Together they sucked on her nipple, her tongue teasing his, and she arched, urging him to suck harder. He did, tugging her tender bud into his mouth. A tornado spun inside her abdomen, and her clit tightened in response. Licks turned into nibbles, giving her pleasurable zings of pain. She slid her hand between their bodies in an attempt to take hold of his shaft. He broke the kiss, placing his hands on either side of her head. “What were you planning on doing with my cock?” “Move up and I’ll show you.” Flecks of amber flashed in his eyes, and he wasted no time in straddling her. She paused, the breath hitching in her throat. Did she see gold flecks in his eyes? Surely she’d imagined it. He scooted up to place his cock between her breasts. She took it and pushed her breasts against his shaft, covering it. His mouth parted and his gaze locked onto her as she started working her breasts up and down his length, first going in the same direction then moving them in opposite directions. He hung on to the headboard and closed his eyes,

Howling for Sara

35

intense concentration on his face. The muscles in his thighs were like steel rods against her sides, matching the strength of his hard rod between her breasts. She studied him, determined to remember this moment for the rest of her life. She’d never had a man like him, never even thought it possible. He was everything she’d ever hoped for and more. Her heart almost burst from the joy swelling inside it. Sara flicked her tongue over the mushroom cap and watched the muscles in his abdomen flex with the thrusts of his hips. Taking it slowly, she eased a little of him into her mouth. He covered her hands with his and helped to rub her breasts against him. “I don’t know how much longer I can stand this.” His voice was low and husky. Taking one long draw on his cock, she reached up and grabbed his pecs. The longing to have him inside her gripped her, and her pussy throbbed. “Then fuck me.” Quicker than she thought humanly possible, Michael moved from her chest to settle between her legs. She lifted her hips, offering herself to him. Positioning his cock at her pussy, he thrust into her, calling her name as he did. Lust soared to overwhelm her as her tight core met his enlarged shaft. She squeezed her vaginal walls—he’s big, oh-sobig—and hooked her ankles to keep her legs around him. Driving into her time after time, Michael kept his gaze on her face. He cupped a breast, holding on as he thumbed her nipple. Both of them uttered soft uhs with each thrust and she held onto him, the tornado inside her growing into a hurricane threatening to sweep her away. A huge climax hit her, racking through her body in one abrupt shudder after another. He tensed, his tongue soaking up the perspiration on his upper lip. Closing his eyes, he paused. Then, with a sound that reminded her of a wolf’s howl, he poured his seed into her. His body jerked as the release ripped into him, then jerked again,

36

Beverly Rae

until at last he shuddered to a stop. “Sara,” he whispered and fell to her side. He threw a possessive arm over her stomach. She glided her palm along his arm and wondered how so much could have happened in so short a time. She smiled, feeling safe and secure next to him. “Damn, Michael. Why didn’t you invite us to the welcoming party?” Four men moved to the foot of the bed, varying sizes of smirks and grins plastering their faces. Sara gasped and sat up in a frantic hurry to yank the comforter up to her neck. Michael rolled onto his back, shot her a grin, then put an arm behind his head. “Guys, this is Sara Hutchinson. Sara, these are my friends.” Seriously? These rugged, hotter-than-any-man-could-ever-be guys are his friends? Sara gaped at him then forced her mouth closed. “These are your friends? The ones who live here?” She tugged the comforter higher, but she couldn’t deny her body’s instinctive attraction to them. Each was a creation of hard muscles and an amazing face. Each man was as good as the last. And each man looked at her as though she was made of pure gold. Serves me right. The first time I really let go of my inhibitions and I end up putting on a show. “That’s right.” Michael pointed at the man closest to him. “Ranlon’s the one with the black shirt and Nick’s got the ridiculous red hair—” “Hey, my hair’s not ridiculous. You like it, don’t you, Sara?” Nick’s blue eyes zeroed in on her as he rubbed his palm over the spiky hair. A tattoo of a wolf howling at the moon peeked out from under the sleeve of his black T-shirt. She nodded to answer Nick then glanced at Ranlon. He snorted at Nick, his sharp features highlighting the slight bump in his nose.

Howling for Sara

37

Although his face wasn’t what most people would call handsome, she found his appearance intriguing—and incredibly hot. “Max is the one with the paint splotches on his shirt. He’s our resident artist.” A dark-haired man who looked a lot like Michael bobbed his head at her. “Yeah, I’m the sensitive one of the bunch.” Ranlon snorted again. “Sensitive, my ass. He just uses the painter thing to get girls into bed.” Max shrugged. “Hey, whatever works, man.” Like he’d ever need anything but his looks to get a girl into bed. The thought made Sara look away. Sheesh, I just had sex with one of them and already I’m thinking about hopping into bed with one or more of the others. I’ve turned into a sex maniac. Yet she couldn’t squash a grin at the idea. Michael grunted. “Then there’s the oldest of the group, William. He’s the one leaning on the bedpost.” William, who hadn’t said a word, simply nodded his greeting. “So you really do live with four friends?” Four very attractive, very sexy men. Damn, Sara, get a grip. Has your libido come out of the closet and taken away your brain? You could be in trouble. But she couldn’t help herself. She looked the men over, her pussy tightening at their incredible physiques, the way they stood, and their obvious confidence. Then it hit her. She frowned and glanced around the room. Why did everything, including the men, seem familiar? Or did they just seem familiar because she wanted them to be? Was she was imagining things? Was the wine still affecting her? She shook the last vestiges of the alcohol from her brain a second before the idea hiding at the edge of her thoughts burst into her awareness. Oh, shit. The dreams. This is my dream come to life. Although she couldn’t remember their faces, she was certain these men were the men in her dreams. How did I not notice before? Nick moved to sit on the other side of the bed across from

38

Beverly Rae

Michael. “Well, now that we’ve gotten the introductions out of the way, how about we let Sara get to know us better? That’s why she’s here, right?” He skimmed his gaze down her as though he could see through the comforter. “W–what are you talking about?” Yeah, right. Like I wasn’t thinking the same thing a moment ago. She glanced at the other men. William unbuttoned his shirt to reveal a six-pack abdomen and tugged the shirttail out of his jeans. “Are you expecting me to have sex with all of you?” Although a part of her was still rational enough to panic at the idea, another part, the side of her that had loved having sex with Michael ached for them. All of them. What would it be like to have more than one man? Maybe at the same time? Her dating life sucked and she’d gone on very few dates in her entire life. Here, however, was her chance to let go, to experiment, to release her inhibitions and run wild. The only thing she had to do was to reach out and take them. She bit her lip, amazed at where her thoughts had taken her. She looked from one man to the next. If ever there was a time to run wild, this was it. But could she? “That’s the plan, babe.” Nick reached out and tried to tug off her cover. She clutched it to her and fear stiffened her neck, wiping away thoughts of sex with multiple men. She looked to Michael for help, saw the yearning in his eyes, and felt her pussy clench with desire. Think. Listen to your head, not your body. As though he’d heard her thoughts, Michael contradicted her. “Sara, listen to your heart. The dreams brought you here for a reason.” “You know about the dreams?” The dreams are coming true. “We are the reason behind your dreams.” Michael held up a hand, telling the others to be quiet. “I meant to give you more time, but I couldn’t resist you. I had to have you. We’ve waited long enough. Now they want their turn.” Their turn. Wow. Heat flashed through her as an image of the

Howling for Sara

39

dreams hit her, flooding the vee between her legs. Think! Run! She scrambled off the bed, pushing past Michael to dash toward the closest door. Rushing into the bathroom, she slammed the door behind her, turned the lock, and sunk to the floor. “Oh, my God.”

40

Beverly Rae

Chapter Three Sara peered out the small bathroom window. The flat land of the Texas plains spread toward the slope of the hills beyond and, try as she might, she couldn’t locate the path they’d used to come to the ranch. No lights twinkled in the distance and she couldn’t hear any airplanes or cars. She was stuck in the middle of nowhere with five hungry men. Hungry men all wanting her. She shivered. But was her shiver one born of fear or desire? “Sara, please unlock the door. I promise you. Nothing will happen that you don’t want to happen.” She whirled toward the door. Nothing that she didn’t want to happen? Holy hell, after what she’d already done, who knew how far she’d go? Especially after thinking all those wild ideas? But wasn’t this what she’d wanted? Hadn’t she gone in search of the men in the dreams? Still, who knew if the dreams hadn’t led her straight into a dangerous situation? She turned and caught her reflection in the mirror. Was she afraid of what she might do? Was giving into her secret desires scarier than anything they could do? Her big, brown eyes stood out against her pale skin. Wild, sexmussed hair and plumped, kiss-me-again lips finished the picture. She put a finger to her mouth and could still feel the warmth of Michael’s lips on hers. She knew she shouldn’t like what she saw. Should, in fact, be embarrassed by her actions, but she wasn’t. Not in the least. Someone jiggled the locked doorknob. She reached for it, taking hold with both hands for added insurance. “Stay away.” But her mind betrayed her again. Stay. Talk to me. Tell me it’s okay.

Howling for Sara

41

“What are you planning on doing, Sara? Are you going to stay in there all night?” Michael quieted the other men giving their opinions on how to get her to come out. She looked at the window to buy some time. Time needed to sort out rational thought from her wicked impulses. “Yeah, I’m sticking in here. Once it’s morning, I expect to be allowed to leave. Untouched. If not, then…” Then what? She’d yell at them? Call them names? She wasn’t in any position to threaten anyone. The memory of Michael’s mouth on her pussy struck her, making her reach for the bathroom counter to steady herself. Could she leave and never see him again? And if she had sex with the rest of the men, would she feel the same about them? Again she had to ask herself. Wasn’t this what she’d searched for? “You don’t have to hole up in there. We’ll leave you alone. You can stay in the bedroom. I give you my word no one will bother you.” Why did she hear an unspoken “unless you want us to”? Did Michael sound disappointed? Did he regret what he’d done? Did she? A resounding no echoed through her mind. “Sara, I know this is all coming at you fast, but try to understand. We’re here for you. All of us. The dreams aren’t coincidences or tricks. The dreams helped to prepare you for us.” “Yeah. We’d never hurt you.” Max urged the other men to voice their agreement, which they did readily. “In fact, we’ll do anything you ask of us. Anything. Including leaving you alone if that’s what you really want.” Was it? Did she want them to leave her alone? A sharp pain in the middle of her chest came and went. Hadn’t she been alone enough? “But we don’t want to.” She smothered a grin at Nick’s exuberant outburst. She’d spent a lifetime waiting for someone to want her and now there were several men who did. “Sara, understand this, okay?” Michael was back, his tone calm, but earnest. “This isn’t about sex. This thing between you and all of

42

Beverly Rae

us is so much more. We’ve loved you ever since we found you.” They loved her? A flutter in her stomach had her inching toward the door. After years of hoping, of dreaming for love, those simple words meant so much to her. “How can you say you love me? You don’t even know me.” She waited, breath held, for him to prove her wrong. “We do know you. In every way that counts. In our hearts. In our souls.” The quiet from the other side of the door had her reaching for the doorknob again. Had they left? Please, no. “Michael said it better than the rest of us ever could.” Ranlon cleared his throat. “I wish we were more romantic, but we just aren’t.” “Yeah. We’re just country boys who wouldn’t know a rose from a weed.” Nick’s laughter warmed her even as she took her hand off the doorknob. To have one man profess his love to her was amazing. But more than one? She crossed her arms, hugging herself. “Sara, each time we touch you, we’re saying we care for you. That’s the way we show you how much we love and want you.” For men who weren’t romantics, they made her feel more wanted and more cherished than anyone ever had. Yet again, the quiet unnerved her. Should she go to them? Should she throw caution away and rush to find the happiness she’d searched for? She bit her lip, her heart telling her to ignore her mind’s warnings. “Okay, Sara? Is that what you want us to do?” Michael asked. She bit her lip, longing to open the door, but she couldn’t. She was a teacher, a self-respecting lady, someone who didn’t do impulsive things, and she should act like it. Right? “Yes. It is. Go away.” For now. Until I can think this thing through. “Fine. We’ll do as you want. Try and get some rest, and we’ll see you in the morning.” Grumbles of protest and groans greeted Michael’s words, but he shut them down, telling the men to leave the bedroom.

Howling for Sara

43

She waited several minutes and, after hearing nothing, unlocked the door then cracked it open an inch. The bedroom was empty. Peeking around the doorway, she hurried to the bed, pulled on the nightgown she found lying on top of the covers, and jumped under the comforter. She pulled the soft bedspread over her head and closed her eyes. But what the men had told her wouldn’t leave her. Not that she wanted to forget their words. Instead, she held them to her like treasured memories never to be forgotten. **** Michael hovered over her, his smile warming her more than the sunlight coming through the large bedroom window. Sara smiled, stretched, and then realized she was naked. She started to grab for the sheet, but Ranlon covered his hand with hers. “Please don’t hide your beauty. Not from us. Never from us.” She lifted her gaze from his hand to find Michael’s friends, without any clothing, positioned around the bed. Yearning and something akin to worship filled each man’s face. “We won’t hurt you,” Michael promised. The others nodded, murmuring their assurances to keep her safe. She studied them, her mouth drying at the sight of so much masculinity. Their bodies were toned, tanned, and their shafts erect. Despite herself, she fondled her breast and wondered how different each of them would be in bed. As though he’d heard her thoughts, Michael sat on the bed and cupped her other breast. “There’s only one way to find out. Let us give you pleasure.” She nodded, unable to find her voice. Instead, she spread her legs and waited. Max climbed next to her and skimmed his palm along her leg. She inhaled sharply, loving the spark his touch sent along her skin. Michael edged closer, bending to take her nipple in his mouth.

44

Beverly Rae

He lashed her pebbled bud and moaned, sending his hot breath along her flesh. Sara looked to Max, sending him an unspoken message. He licked his lips, placed her leg over his shoulder, and leaned forward until he could put his face close to her pussy. Already the juices flowed from her and Max took advantage by swiping his finger along her pussy lips, then bringing his finger to his mouth. His amber eyes glued to her and he sucked the juices from his finger. Lust, primal and unrestrained, burst within her, coiling inside her abdomen. Nick and William came closer. Nick replaced her hand fondling her breast with his mouth. She opened her mouth in a silent cry and flung her head to the side as Nick and Michael tugged at her taut nipples. Max moved in, feathering the tender inner flesh of her thighs with his tongue, teasing her. He separated her pink lips with his fingers, making way for his mouth to press against her. She clutched Michael’s hair and held on as the desire in her abdomen roared to full strength. “We’ve waited so long for you.” It was as if not one, but all the men had spoken with their hearts instead of their voices. “Be ours, Sara. Give us not only your body, but your heart.” She belonged with them. She could feel it in her bones, see it in their eyes, hear it in their murmurs of love. Here was the life she’d sought. With them, she’d find happiness, meaning, and fulfillment. If she believed nothing else, she believed she was meant to be theirs and they were meant to be hers. Why else would she have dropped everything to find them? Max drew in her clit, torturing it with his tongue then his teeth. She shuddered as the first orgasm broke free. “Oooh. Yes. Yes.” Something pushed against her, irritating her. The faces of the men flickered and she reached for them but couldn’t make contact. One by

Howling for Sara

45

one the men withdrew, sliding off the bed and edging into the darkened room. “No. Don’t leave me.” Michael was the last to leave. Sadness enveloped him, wafting toward her in waves of regret until, at last, he, too, faded into the blackness. **** “Sara, wake up.” Max leaned over her, his attention fixed to her rapturous face. A rosy blush colored her cheeks and her mouth parted just enough for the tip of her tongue to peek out. Her hand clutched her breast, and although she wore the nightgown he’d left on the bed for her—one of those they’d purchased before she’d arrived—he could see her hardened nipples. He shook her again, gently at first, then with more urgency. Her eyelids fluttered open then closed. Brushing his hand off her shoulder, she slid her hand down her stomach, pushing the nightgown out of the way. Max let out a long, slow breath and watched her run her fingers between her folds. “Aw, man.” The ache within him soared higher, and he heard Michael’s groan behind him. He had to have her. But he knew Michael and Nick wouldn’t be happy to be left out. With William searching for Jimmy, who still hadn’t returned home, and Ranlon busy vaccinating livestock, the three men were left to care for Sara. To care for her and to make her feel welcome in more than the usual hospitable way. He watched her as her hand quickened, her movements unmistakable. Nick grabbed his shoulder and Max cringed under his grip. “Take it easy, Nick. We can’t just jump on her all at once.” “You mean like Michael did last night?” Nick half spoke, half growled his words.

46

Beverly Rae

“Hey, bro, I did what I had to do.” Michael grinned. “And I’m hoping I get to do it again.” Max swept his tongue over his upper lip, his focus centered on the rapid movement of her hand. “Damn, she’s driving me crazy.” Taking both shoulders, he shook her. Her eyes flew open and startled, brown eyes stared up at him. The heat of embarrassment flashed up her neck and into her face. “Oh, my God.” She yanked her hand away from her crotch and reached for the covers. Max took her by the wrist and they both froze. His gaze met hers and he knew he had to explain. “Sara, you’re dreaming about us. Don’t you see? This was meant to be. You are ours now just as much as we are yours.” If she’d wanted to say anything, he didn’t give her the chance. Instead, he crushed his mouth to hers and tore the nightgown away. He tugged his shirt off, followed soon after by his jeans and boots. His heart pounded, the beast inside roaring, clawing its way to the surface. The Change hit him, and he barely kept it contained. And yet, she didn’t put up a struggle. Instead, she pushed him back, gave him a look of unbridled desire, then locked her hands behind his head and brought his lips back to hers. She sucked his tongue into her mouth. He moaned, the animal needing its mate. He slid his tongue around, tasting flavors that spoke of hidden delights and promised more. He deepened the kiss, nibbling at her lower lip only to press his mouth hard against hers again. The moment his ancestors had spoken of was here. He and his pack would claim their alpha-female and begin expanding the pack. He moaned, releasing the pent-up tension he’d held locked inside him since he’d first felt her presence. She broke the kiss and pushed him off her, clouding his mind with confusion. Then, seductively, she reached out her hand for Michael. He tore off his clothes, joined them on the massive bed, and moved to her other side.

Howling for Sara

47

Taking them each by the hair, she pulled them to her breasts. Max sucked on the taut bud then mimicked Michael as he dragged his tongue over a nipple. He sensed her urgency matching his, and he slid his hand down to cup her crotch. She would be the one they would all share, the queen bee of their pack, even after they found other women to mate. “Nick.” She only needed to say his name. Nick, already naked and waiting, climbed onto the bed, taking the treasured place between her legs. She opened for him, lifting her head to watch. “Nick.” “Keep saying my name, babe. I love it when you say my name.” Lying between her legs, Nick dove in. She jerked, then raised her hips to bring her pussy closer to Nick. Max nibbled on her tit and watched his friend feed on her. The ache to have her whipped around in his gut and he groaned, longing to take Nick’s place. Sharing would be difficult, but it was a necessity. Only after she’d become the alpha-female of the Night Runners and shared their bed for a year would he and the others be able to seek out other mates. She bucked, mewing soft sounds of pleasure as Nick brought her to a climax. Wiping his mouth, he came to his knees then placed his right leg on the other side of her leg. Draping her other leg over his shoulder, he turned her on her side and positioned his cock at her pussy. He paused and Max knew what he was doing. After all the waiting, Nick was delaying satisfaction. Nick shot him a grin and Max nodded. His friend enjoyed being at the dizzying precipice of his first mating with the alpha-female. Nick rubbed his shaft against her, and Max saw her eyes narrow, her quiet way of telling Nick to hurry. Watching the two of them, Max felt the animal inside him give him more strength, more stamina to please her.

48

Beverly Rae

Nick plunged into her and she cried out, calling Nick’s name, then Michael’s, and finally his. Ramming in and out, Nick closed his eyes and increased his speed. Her pouty lips parted in pleasure, leaving Max speechless. All he could think about was her lips around his cock, pulling, tugging, drinking him in. He sat on his knees, his shaft in his hand, and slowly massaged himself. She took one look at him and reached for his cock. His balls tightened as her hand wrapped around him and drew him inside her mouth. Her warmth mixed with his internal heat, and his gut clenched in expectation. She twirled her tongue around him, then skimmed it over the sensitive mushroomed cap and he almost lost all control. She was more than he’d expected, more than he’d dared hope for. Nick leaned to the side, angling himself to thrust deeper into her pussy and opening her butt cheeks for Michael. “Holy shit, but she’s tight.” His words were breathy, and he panted as he drove into her again, harder, faster. Michael reached for the lube in the nightstand and rubbed the gel around her tight asshole. “I can’t wait any longer, babe.” Sara moaned, then let Max’s cock slide from her mouth to turn toward Michael. “I’ve never had anyone do…that before.” “Shit. If you don’t want to…” Michael looked at him and Max saw the disappointment in his friend’s face. He wasn’t sure if they could stand it if she said no. They’d wanted to claim her from behind from the first moment they’d known of her existence. She shook her head. “No, I want to. Just…” “Don’t worry. I’ll take it as easy as I can.” She quivered as Michael used a finger to prepare her. “Breathe. Relax. Let it happen.” She closed her eyes and nodded. Then, taking Max’s cock again, she cupped his balls and slowly, deliciously pulled his shaft inside her mouth. She rocked, bringing him in and out, pressing her tongue flat against him. He slid his hand under her head to help hold her to him. Max trembled and held on to the edge of the climax. He’d waited

Howling for Sara

49

so long and now she was here. “Ass-fuck her, Michael. I want to see you do it before I lose my wad.” Max caressed her hair, hoping his touch would ease the bluntness of his words. **** Michael rubbed some of the lubricant over his cock then slid two fingers between Sara’s butt cheeks. Her muscles contracted, tightening against the invasion, but he continued. He pumped her, finger-fucking her, getting her ready for him. He’d thought of her last night, his mind centered on her. He’d wondered that she’d accepted his help so easily and given thanks that she’d offered herself to him first. Then he’d dreamed of her, remembering her look of elation when he’d taken her. Was there anything better in life? Only one worry had tried to fight its way into his consciousness, but he’d managed to keep it at bay until this morning. Jimmy still hadn’t returned home, and Michael couldn’t shake the awful feeling that the youngest Night Runner needed help. By then, however, he couldn’t stand the thought of being away from her and had instead sent William in search of Jimmy. To send more than one of them into town would have caused more trouble. He’d had to use every ounce of his willpower to keep from breaking down the bathroom door. Several times, he’d found himself in the hallway leading to her bedroom and more than once, he’d run into one of the others. But he and the others had managed to keep their word. Instead, they’d finally taken out their frustrations, running under the moonlit sky until one by one they fell to the ground, exhausted. Damn, she was tight. Tight and lovely and oh-so sexy. He slapped her butt cheek, thrilling at the sound. She uttered a small cry, compelling him to push another finger inside her. “You’re ready.”

50

Beverly Rae

Taking his cock, he eased it between her cheeks and slid it into her. She clenched her ass again, making herself even tighter, and took a long drag on Max’s cock. The Change washed over Michael, and the world around him became amber colored. Gripping her ass, Michael steadied her, clenching his butt cheeks as he slammed into her deeper, the muscles of her delicious ass tightening around him. He fucked her, harder, then slower, then speeding up again. He closed his eyes and listened to the slap of flesh meeting flesh. “Just relax, baby. You’re doing great.” She was even better than last night, and he sensed his orgasm coming. If only he could stay like this, his cock buried in her bottom, his hand slapping her soft, white flesh. Perspiration wetted Nick’s forehead and Michael could see him tense, readying for his release. Michael thrust against her and he felt the ripple of her butt’s movement against his palms. She matched his rhythm, her breasts bouncing as he pounded into her from behind and Nick plunged into her pussy. Nick grinned at him. “I think I can feel you, man. Oh, hell, yeah!” Nick growled as his climax racked through him. Max, his sex-fogged gaze glued to Sara as she licked and sucked on his cock, closed his eyes. He stiffened and an expression of ecstasy etched his features a second before he groaned and released his seed. She took him in, drinking from him as Michael leaned back to drive deeper into her. Sweat dripped from their bodies onto the bed. He realized he wouldn’t last much longer and hated that he couldn’t stay inside her forever. Tensing, he fought against it, failed, and gave in to the bliss of his orgasm. Exhausted, Michael fell to her side and watched as Nick and Max slumped to the bed around her. She was where she was supposed to be, surrounded by the men of her pack. Wanting to have one more moment of possession, Michael pulled

Howling for Sara

51

her closer, wrapping his arm protectively over her. He cupped her breast and bent forward to give her a kiss. “Are you okay?” She snuggled into him. “Definitely.” Max sent Michael a grin then gestured for him to tell her what needed to be said. “William, Ranlon, and Jimmy are going to want time with you, too.” She let out a breath, then shuddered. “I know.” “And you’re okay with us? I thought since you didn’t leave, since you welcomed us into your bed…” “I’m fine. Just give me time to get used to this. Going from no man in my life to so many is unnerving. But I’ll get there.” “Then why do you tremble? Are you still afraid? If they have to, they can wait. We’ll keep them away from you…somehow.” Keeping werewolves away from their alpha-female wouldn’t be easy, if not impossible. “It’s just that I’ve never done anything like this before. And what about the dreams?” Her eyes widened. “Oh, my God. We didn’t use a condom. What if—” He stopped her, hoping to tamp down her alarm. “It’s okay. And I’m not just saying that like a lot of men do. Nothing, pregnancy or otherwise, can happen until…” He let his words trail off, keeping the remaining words “until you go through the Change” unspoken. She wasn’t ready to handle that yet. “You just have to trust me on this.” She shook her head, worry and confusion mixing with the tiredness in her eyes. “Oh, hell. I don’t even understand enough about what’s happening to ask the right questions.” Michael tucked her hair behind her ear, his palm cupping her face. “I know this is hard to get your head around, but you’re one of us now. You were meant for us.” “You keep saying that, but I don’t know what ‘meant for us’ means. How am I meant for you?”

52

Beverly Rae

He started to tell her more then saw the tiredness in her face. “Don’t worry about it for now. We can talk later when everyone’s here.” She looked at him with trusting eyes and he vowed to do whatever he could to keep her safe and contented. “I don’t understand what you’re saying here”—she pointed to her head—“but I do in here.” She placed her hand over her heart. “It’s strange, and I don’t know why, but I believe you. I’ve never felt so wanted.” He smiled, hoping to show her how happy she’d made him. “You’re the one and only female we want.” For now at least. Maybe he should go ahead and explain the rest to her. She needed to know how the others would bring more females into the pack, but how she would always be the one they favored the most. “Sara, listen—” “Michael! Nick! Max! Get down here!” **** Michael, Max, and Nick hurried from the room. Although Michael ordered her to stay where she was, Sara hopped out of bed and almost stumbled over her suitcase. Just as Michael had said would happen, one of the men had retrieved it from her car and left it in her room. She flipped open the lid and threw a pair of shorts, a white tank top, a thong, and the only other pair of shoes she’d brought—thin flats—onto the bed. Dressing as quickly as she could, she tiptoed down the first flight of steps that led to a landing halfway between the floors. She froze, sensing the men were close and that something wrong had happened. Trying not to make a sound, she peeked around the wall to spy on the group gathered in the foyer. She pressed her back to the wall, told herself she wasn’t prying, then listened in. “Damn it, Jimmy. I told you not to go into town alone.” Michael’s tone was low, ferocious. “I knew there’d be trouble.”

Howling for Sara

53

The young man with blond hair and bright hazel eyes standing in the middle of the group shrugged. Bruises and gashes covered his body, but his injuries didn’t appear to be life threatening. “I needed to get school supplies.” Max lifted Jimmy’s face up and snorted. “Who would’ve thought Tom’s Market was a dangerous place?” “Carlos and his bunch jumped me as I was leaving, dragged me into the alley, and starting kicking the shit out of me. They’re blaming us for the slaughtered cattle. I tried to tell them we had nothing to do with it. I told them it was a bear, but they wouldn’t listen.” He touched a purple-and-black spot on his battered face and winced. “The stories about us are back, and a lot of people believe them.” “It makes the stories easier to believe when they’re true.” Michael paced to the other side of the foyer, then back. “What else?” “They tried to make me change.” Jimmy’s eyes glistened as he thrust out his chin. “But I wouldn’t let them goad me into it. Still, by the time they were finished with me, I couldn’t crawl much less make it back here. So I hid out behind the market until I had the strength to change this morning and run home.” Jimmy yanked away from Max and groaned at the effort. “Still hurts like hell even after shifting to speed up the healing.” William, his eyes flashing, threw his car keys on the table next to him. “I found him about a half mile from home, curled up in a ball, his tail between his legs and shivering like he was sitting on ice. He’s damned lucky they didn’t kill him.” “They might not be so lucky,” snarled Nick. He whirled around, snatching up William’s keys. “I say we give them what they want. I say we let them see what hurting one of the pack gets them.” William grasped his arm, yanking him around to face him. Nick drew back his lips and growled. William reacted, snarling his own defiance. “Stand down, Nick.” His words were garbled, his tone guttural. Sara stared in disbelief. The men sounded like animals. Fear

54

Beverly Rae

gripped her, making her itch to run as fast as she could, uncaring where she went. Was she wrong to have trusted them? Had she walked into a trap? She started to ease away when Michael looked her way. Jerking back just in time, she held her breath. She hoped he couldn’t hear her pounding heart. But what had she seen before she’d fallen back? Had his eyes really changed color? Were his eyes the amber eyes of the man in her dreams? Sara was sure they’d hear her, but she couldn’t turn away. Not until she looked again. She had to be wrong. Although she could believe people could have amber flecks in their eyes, no one’s eyes could turn completely golden. Except those of the men in her dreams and their eyes were a result of her imagination. Michael’s eyes were dark, right? Still, hadn’t Michael told her they’d come into her dreams? Hadn’t Michael said they’d waited for just her just like the men in the dreams had done? Then maybe… Yet in the dreams, the men had always changed, turning into wolves. Could that part of her dreams be real? She edged around the corner and gasped at what she saw. Three black wolves and one red wolf paced the floor next to piles of clothing, their tails swishing, their ears twitching. They were larger than any wolves she’d ever seen and moved with an intelligence far beyond any animal’s. “Before anyone does anything stupid, let’s take a run and clear our heads. We have Sara to think of now. But be careful. Running during the day can be dangerous.” Michael kicked off his boots then added his jeans to pile on top of the shirt he’d already tossed to the floor. “Jimmy, you remain here with Sara, but stay out of sight. I don’t want her seeing you like this.” He got on his hands and knees. Sara squinted. Was she losing her mind? Michael’s body seemed to grow blurry, shortening even as black fur spread over his skin. She

Howling for Sara

55

clamped a hand over her mouth, panic stiffening her body. Michael’s body morphed until he’d changed into a black wolf. Werewolves! Alarm gripped her, and yet another side of her couldn’t help but thrill at the idea. The sexy men who’d given her so much pleasure were shape-shifters. Even now she could remember their unusual, wild scent, so unlike anything she’d ever smelled. She could still feel their hands on her, pushing her to new heights of passion and making the dreams of the past come to life. She glanced down, fought to understand her feelings, then looked back at them. Five wolves padded around Jimmy. Growls and snarls erupted, and their amber eyes blazed as they flashed their fangs at each other. Jimmy walked over to the front door and opened it. “Go.” The wolves darted outside as he stood in the doorway and watched. Soon several howls filled the air.

56

Beverly Rae

Chapter Four Sara eased the back door closed, careful to keep from making a sound. Sneaking downstairs hadn’t been difficult, although she’d hated having to leave her suitcase behind. But she’d travel faster without it. Hearing running water from a shower in one of the bedrooms closest to hers, she knew Jimmy was preoccupied and unaware of her plan to escape. Pausing for a moment, she checked the area around the backyard, took one last look at the house, and dashed toward the field. She still couldn’t believe what she’d seen. The men who had taken her in, the men she’d started to believe she was meant to be with, were werewolves. Their conversation rang through her mind, recalling words they’d used. Change. Tail. Pack. Her harsh pants echoed in her ears as she ran and she hoped she was heading in the right direction back to the road. If she was lucky, she could hitchhike her way to the nearest town. But then what? She couldn’t tell anyone about the werewolves, could she? They’d think she was insane. Still, hadn’t Jimmy said people were telling stories about them? Could the stories be about men changing into wolves? She ran on, the frantic pace making it harder to think. She wasn’t certain how long she ran. She wasn’t even sure if she’d taken a straight path and hadn’t run in circles. At last, however, the stitch in her side grew too painful, and she collapsed. The hard, dry dirt and pebbles dug into her hands and legs. Closing her eyes, she tried to calm down, tried to make sense of

Howling for Sara

57

everything that had happened. Her world had turned upside down, going from the unexciting, safe life of a schoolteacher to a woman who’d spent the night with a pack of werewolves. Sara stretched onto her side. I had sex with a werewolf. Oh, hell. I had sex with more than one werewolf. She trembled, first out of fear, then out of need. Yes, they were animals inside, but the human side of them, the men who’d already found a way into her heart, were there, too. She could see them in her mind and she remembered the way Michael had looked at her. Like she was the only woman he’d ever want. Had she made a mistake in running? Had she let her fear overwhelm her? Should she have stayed and let them explain? A tear coursed down her cheek. Michael, handsome, caring Michael. Could she stand never seeing him again? She hadn’t realized how much he’d already taken of her heart. But was what they shared enough? Could the human side of them be enough for her to forget the beastly side? Remembering the way their hands, their mouths, their tongues had felt shook her. She was sure she’d found happiness. Could she give it up? She drew her knees to her chest, adopting the fetal position, and closed her eyes tight as though she could force them from her memory. But she couldn’t get rid of their faces. First came Michael with his dark, worried eyes, then Nick with his infectious grin. The others floated behind the first two men, Ranlon with his steadfast composure, Max with his wickedly sexy smile, then serious William, and young Jimmy. Would she ever find any man who could make her forget even one of them? All at once their eyes changed, morphing into glowing, amber orbs. She lurched upward, her nerves jangling. “Hey, I didn’t startle you, did I?” Sara gasped, scrambling to her feet as the man approached. His dirty, brown hair was cut in a short military style and his black eyes glinted as though he laughed at a private joke. The black shirt and

58

Beverly Rae

jeans he wore needed cleaning, and she tried not to analyze the slick stains on them. Crossing his trunk-sized arms, he stopped as she started to back away from him. The bemused expression he wore transformed into a concerned one she’d bet wasn’t sincere. “No. Yes. But it’s okay. I’m fine.” He lifted his eyebrows. “Really? You seem lost.” Could she trust him? Although her gut told her to be cautious, she had to take the risk. What other choice did she have? To continue to wander on her own? Maybe he could help her find her car. “I guess I am a little lost. I was hiking and got turned around.” “You don’t look like you’re dressed to go hiking.” He scanned the length of her, staying a moment too long to linger on her breasts. “Especially those flat shoes. I bet you can feel every little pebble in those things.” “I didn’t plan well, I guess.” “I guess not.” “Could you point me in the direction of the road?” He took a step closer. “Which road are you talking about?” He narrowed his eyes at her, making her even more leery. “I’m not sure. Any road leading to the closest town would work.” She had to force herself not to back away again. He took another step toward her, putting him within a few feet of her. “Okay. Sure. I’m heading back to my car now. Just come along with me. Name’s Victor, by the way.” “I’m Sara.” He hadn’t offered his last name, and she wasn’t about to give him hers. “Good to meet you, Sara.” He gave her a grin that lacked warmth, then turned on his heel. When she didn’t follow him, he craned his head around and lifted his brows in question. “Is something wrong?” “No.” Maybe. Sara glanced around, hoping against all odds to see someone else, but all she saw was dry, parched earth, thickets, and tumbleweeds. She trudged to his side.

Howling for Sara

59

At first, neither of them spoke as they traveled over the rough ground. Victor led the way, sometimes warning her of her step. Another time he pointed out a snake and hurried her around it. Yet, even with the concern he showed, she couldn’t shake the impression that danger lurked beneath his smile. Something wasn’t right. Why hadn’t she paid more attention instead of relying on him to lead the way? Were they going in the right direction? She paused to wipe the sweat from her brow. “Uh, Victor, shouldn’t we be heading east? We’ve been walking for a long time. Are we getting close?” He continued the pace and didn’t bother to look at her when he spoke. “One of the roads is east, yeah. But another one is this way. Besides, I’ve got to get some things from my lean-to. You know, camping equipment and the like.” She bit her lip and hurried to stay up with him, wishing she had a hat to keep the hot Texas sun off her face and neck. The sun beat down on her shoulders, searing through the thin cotton tank top. She’d been in too big a hurry to get away to think about taking precautions against the heat. If only she’d taken time to get some water before she’d left. She hadn’t even eaten breakfast, and it was well past noon. “I don’t remember the road being this far away.” She pulled at the sweat-soaked clothes clinging to her skin. But he didn’t answer. They plowed on for what seemed like forever. Her feet hurt and her back burned. She scanned around her, searching for any sign of hope, but saw nothing but wilderness. Should she run from him? But by now, she no longer had a clue where to go and she doubted she could run faster than he could. They kept walking, moving steadily toward the low hills. “Is your lean-to much farther?” She tried not to keep looking toward the east, but the tingle of warning tightening her neck wouldn’t go away. Victor pointed to the left. “It’s right there.” He led her to a jumble of two-by-fours and tarp that looked as though it had been thrown together in haste. Boxes of supplies were piled inside, leaving only a

60

Beverly Rae

small area containing a sleeping bag and a lantern. Victor strode over to the dwelling and swept his hand in front of what passed for a door. “Here you are, m’lady. Our home away from home.” Our home? Another warning bell went off in her head. She tried to smile but wasn’t sure her gesture didn’t look more like a grimace. “Will it take you long to get ready to leave?” She glanced up at the sun and was stunned to see that it had traveled from one side of the sky to the other. Turning, she looked back the way they’d come and suddenly wished she was at the ranch with Michael and the others. He followed her gaze, a smile playing on his lips. “Do you know the Matheson place?” Did he know Michael and his friends? Was he a werewolf, too? Or maybe one of the angry townspeople? “Not really.” “Now there’s an ambiguous answer if I ever heard one.” He shot her another grin, one even creepier than the previous ones he’d given her. “Either you know someone or you don’t.” “I’ve met Michael.” And the rest of his pack. She didn’t want to mention the other men. “What about that strange bunch of guys living with him? Weird bunch, don’t you think? All of them living together like that. Like a pack of some kind.” Was he hinting that he knew about them? Or was he just making conversation? “They seem all right.” Why wasn’t he getting his things together? “Don’t you think we need to keep going? You know, before it gets too late?” He squinted at the sun. “Naw. We’re too far from the road now. I don’t care to travel at night unless you want to risk running into a pack of wolves.” He gave her another lecherous once-over. “And I hate wolves.” Panic threatened to buckle her knees, but she managed to stand her ground. He knows about them. She could see it in his eyes, in his knowing expression. Should she run? Should she shout for help?

Howling for Sara

61

“Uh, I think I’ll take the risk.” Making her decision, she turned, wanting nothing more than to be lying in the bed with Michael, Max, and all the rest of them surrounding her, keeping her safe. “No, you won’t.” She broke into a run as the knot of fear lodged in her throat, cutting off her air. But she didn’t get far as strong arms wrapped around her legs, knocking her off her feet. She fell headfirst to the ground, dirt filling her nostrils and mouth. Victor wrapped his hand around her legs and flipped her onto her back. She tried to kick free, but he was too strong. Screaming, she reached for anything to grab onto and dug her fingernails into the ground. “Now, now. I don’t know why you’re making such a fuss. All I want is some company. You wouldn’t begrudge a lonely man a little companionship, would you?” Picking her up by the arms, he flung her over his shoulder and stalked to the lean-to. She screamed again and struck his back with her fists, terror filling her. “Go ahead and scream. We’re too far out for anyone to hear you. Except maybe the coyotes and they don’t give a damn.” He chuckled and slapped her on the bottom. “I’m going to enjoy having you around.” Tossing her to the ground and knocking the air out of her, he sat on top of her, his back to her, pinning her underneath him. She struck out at him, but he didn’t act as though her assault was any worse than a fly landing on his shoulder. Taking a strip of rope lying next to a tattered sleeping bag, he pulled her legs together and wrapped the rough cord around her ankles. “I’ll have to untie your legs later, of course.” He craned his head around to leer at her. “When I fuck you.” Her throat burned from screaming, but his words robbed her of her voice. He’s going to rape me. If only Michael knew where I was. Spinning around, he sat on her again, pushing her back down.

62

Beverly Rae

Dizzy, she couldn’t find the strength to struggle as he grabbed another piece of rope and tied her wrists together. He threw his hands in the air like a cowboy who’d just hog-tied a calf. “You’d better not hurt me. Michael and the others will tear you apart once they find out.” She steeled her tone, hoping against hope he’d believe her. “Well, then, sweet thang, we just won’t tell them.” Victor cupped her face then traced a finger down her cheek, along her neck, and over her breast. He pushed against her nipple and her body betrayed her, hardening at his touch. “You are one hot little filly, you know that? Or should I call you a bitch?” He sniffed at her and her stomach turned over. “You’ve slept with them, haven’t you? I can smell their stench on you. Damn, girl, don’t you have any pride? But no matter. Once I’ve taken you, you’ll forget all about those dogs rutting you from behind.” She gritted her teeth and refused to be ashamed of sleeping with the men. Wishing her dagger-eyes could kill, she glared at him and spat out the words she realized were true. “I sure as hell did, and I’m glad of it. Each one of them is more man than you’ll ever be.” The slap across her cheek brought flashes of light behind the darkness. When her vision cleared, she snarled back at him. “I can’t wait to see what they do to you.” Victor chuckled, clutched her breast, and squeezed, digging his fingers into her flesh. “They won’t even recognize you once I’m through, bitch.” She gritted her teeth to keep from crying out. No matter what he did to her, she wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of knowing he’d hurt her. “Fuck off, asshole.” The second slap was harder than the first. Yanking her toward the back of the structure, he shoved her against the wall then tied the end of the heavy rope binding her hands to the largest boards of the leanto. “Let’s see how you feel after a night with me.” He cupped her

Howling for Sara

63

crotch, shoving his finger as far between her pussy lips as her shorts would allow. “I’m going to fuck you long and hard. Then you’re going to suck on my dick until I squirt in your face. And maybe, if you’re very good, I might let you have a drink of water and my leftover food.” He tugged on the rope, making sure she was secured. Grabbing a backpack, he pulled out a bottle, opened the lid, and poured the water into his mouth. The water ran down his chin to wet his shirt. “You’d like a drink, wouldn’t you, sweet thang?” She wanted to say yes, to ease her parched throat, but she refused to answer. The rumble of her stomach, however, gave her away. “Aw, you’re hungry, too. Well, I tell you what. I’ve got to take care of a cow or two, and then I’ll be back.” He rubbed his thumb roughly over her lips, then chugged another drink and tossed the bottle away. The precious liquid seeped into the cracked ground. “Once I get back, you and me’s going to have some fun. Yes, ma’am, we sure will.” She thought for a moment he’d changed his mind about leaving as he started to take off his clothes. Then as his body started shimmering, growing fuzzy, she knew she was wrong. She pushed against the wall, trying to get away, as Victor’s body changed, growing larger, wider. Brown fur skimmed along his skin and his eyes changed from brown to amber. He grinned at her, his mouth elongating, then stretching again as his face grew longer and a snout formed. Within seconds, the transformation was complete and an enormous brown bear snorted and pawed the earth. Sara stifled a whimper as the bear sniffed her foot. Would he attack her now that he’d changed? The bear shook his head then, with something resembling a grin, he licked her leg. She cringed at the rough texture against her flesh and fought against kicking him. Fighting against such a brute would be useless. Growling, Victor shook himself, the gesture making the fur dance

64

Beverly Rae

along his back, then whirled and lumbered away from the lean-to. **** “I don’t know where she went.” Jimmy tucked his hands in his armpits. “I wasn’t exactly at my best, man, so I slept most of the day. By the time I got up, she was already gone. Besides, I figured since she’d taken you guys to bed, she was okay with everything. Who knew she’d hightail it out of here the first chance she got?” Michael and the pack had returned home from their run to find Sara gone and Jimmy sitting on the back porch. Michael scowled at the young man, glad to see his wounds had already started healing but mad enough to inflict some injuries of his own. Nonetheless, he tried to keep a cool head. “Yeah, you’re right. I didn’t expect her to leave.” “But now we need to find her.” William scanned the area around the house. “There’s a lot of land between here and civilization.” “Not to mention a killer werebear.” Max growled, grinding his teeth. “Damn his hide. If I ever catch up to the lousy son of a bitch—” “Let’s focus on finding Sara first.” Michael glanced up to the window of Sara’s bedroom. “Hey, Nick. Did you find anything?” Nick stuck his head out the window. “She must’ve left in a hurry, man. Her suitcase is still here. I’m coming down.” Michael swore under his breath and faced the western skyline. Why had he left her with Jimmy? Why hadn’t he stayed with her? He was supposed to keep her safe. “We shouldn’t have taken all day to run. Now we don’t have much time before the sun sets.” Nick slid in behind him. “I tracked her as far as the edge of the yard. Then I figured I’d better wait on you guys to let you know what happened.” Jimmy straightened, throwing his shoulders back. “I’m thinking she probably headed for the road.” “Most likely. But just in case, let’s spread out. Plus, I’m not sure she’d know the way back. It was dark when we arrived.” Michael’s

Howling for Sara

65

gut twisted as he began shucking his clothes. “Howl if you pick up her scent.” Within seconds, the men had transformed into werewolves. Michael whirled around once, snarled, then started the search. Nick and Max fanned out to the right of him while Ranlon and William took the left side. Jimmy followed Michael straight west into the setting sun. The pack ran for almost three miles before one of them picked up Sara’s scent and howled to raise the alarm. Michael never broke his pace as they swung toward the sound of the howl. Ranlon and William, back in human form, stood rigid, their eyes glued to a spot on the ground. Michael slammed to a stop and shifted alongside Jimmy who did the same. “What is it?” But a weight dropped into his stomach as he took in the footprints. Two sets of footprints instead of just one. “She was here.” Ranlon’s dark eyes met his. “Her scent’s faint, so she must’ve been here sometime around midmorning.” Michael saw the same thought reflected in his friends’ faces. If only they hadn’t gone for the run as he’d suggested. If only they’d stayed home and kept her safe. “Michael, do you smell it?” William growled. He frowned, drew in a long breath, and almost gagged. The smell was unmistakable. “Werebear.” Nick and Max padded toward them, still in wolf form. Michael held up his hand to keep them from changing. “The shifter was in human form, so maybe he didn’t hurt her. Did she go with him?” William knelt and examined the footprints. “Looks like she went willingly enough. But who knows how long he’ll stay in his human body. She’d better not be with him when he shifts.” She didn’t know about shifters yet. He hadn’t had time to tell her, much less show her what they were. If he had, he could’ve broken the news to her gently, keeping her from becoming too frightened to understand. But the werebear wouldn’t care. In fact, he’d get off

66

Beverly Rae

scaring the hell out of her. Right before he tore her apart. Bile rose to his mouth, and Michael turned to keep the others from seeing the fear he knew had to be showing on his face. Following the footprints, he shifted back to animal form and started running toward the hills. **** Sara bit down as hard as she could and chewed. She gnawed on the rope for several minutes before stopping to check on her progress. Only a small portion of the heavy braid showed any signs of fraying. At this rate, she’d never get free before Victor returned. Would he return as a bear? Or as Victor the human? Not that it mattered. He was cruel in whatever form he took. She shuddered, remembering the way he’d looked at her before he’d shifted. She’d seen the lust in his eyes, but unlike the desire Michael and the rest had shown her, Victor’s lust was filled with evil glee. He wanted her body, not her mind or her heart. Michael and his friends had wanted to take care of her, to pleasure her, to know her. Victor was a beast whether in human or bear form, but the werewolves retained their humanity even while in their animal bodies. If she ever got another chance with them, she swore she’d welcome the men into her bed and her life. Her body, bruised and scratched, ached with pains she wasn’t sure would ever go away. She toed off her shoes and sucked in a hiss at the blisters scattered over her feet. Sweat and grime covered her body, and her hair tangled around her face. A small cry escaped her and she laid her head against the side of the lean-to. Giving into the fear and pain, she cried, letting her sobs rack her body. She’d never get free. Never see the men of Matheson Ranch again. Never feel their loving touch or their strong arms wrapped around her. She slumped against the boards and closed her eyes, ready to give up. Maybe if she could sleep for a little while, she could think

Howling for Sara

67

clearer. But sleep eluded her. “You were meant for us.” Oh, if only she could hear those words again. If only she’d acted earlier on the dreams. If only she’d recognized what the dreams had meant. She could’ve found the men who wanted and loved her sooner. If she had, she wouldn’t have run away and straight into the arms of a kidnapper. She moaned then opened her eyes to see her face, dirty and tearstained, in a shard of broken glass tucked into the crevice between two boards. She stared at the image, trying to reconcile the woman she saw with the woman she was inside. Stop the pity party and think! Crying about her troubles wouldn’t help. She needed to think clearly if she had any chance of surviving. The men didn’t know where she’d gone and probably assumed she’d headed back to her car. Victor had taken her in an opposite direction and, like a fool, she hadn’t questioned him until it was too late. The sunlight filtering through the slats grew dimmer by the minute. If she could reach the glass, then maybe she’d have a chance. And if she could get free, she’d try her luck in the dark. Any danger out there was better than what she faced when Victor returned. She yanked on her restraints, hoping to gain enough leeway to reach the glass, but she was tied too close to the boards. To reach the glass, she’d have to break free. But to break free, she’d have to reach the glass. A laugh boiled up from her chest into her throat to burst out of her mouth in hard, short coughs. But the laughter soon turned to sobs. No. Don’t lose control again. She wiped her tears away with the back of one hand. Even if she couldn’t use the piece of glass to get free, she’d find another way. She had to. How long would Victor stay gone? His departure hours ago had given her renewed hope, but her chance of escaping was growing smaller by the minute. Closing her eyes, she did the only thing she

68

Beverly Rae

could think to do. She pictured Michael and the others coming for her. But would they really look for her? Or would they decide to forget about her? Some of them had already taken what they’d wanted from her, so did that mean they no longer cared about her? Weariness swept over her, relaxing her body until, at last, she slept. **** “You were meant for us. Sara, tell us where you are.” She frantically checked the surrounding area looking for them. Did she really hear them? Or was she imagining things? I’m here. I’m in the lean-to. She waited, hoping to hear them approaching, but heard nothing. Again, she shouted, then stopped as the alternative struck her mute. What if Victor heard her? Squinting her eyes closed, she concentrated, trying to envision the scene as she hoped it would play out. “We’re coming for you, Sara.” I’m here. In the lean-to. Go west toward the hills. Sara concentrated harder and saw the wolf pack coming toward her, their paws striking the ground, their tongues lolling out of their mouths as they increased their pace. “We’re almost there, Sara. Hang on.” Here. I’m here. Please hurry. Michael rushed toward her, his human arms outstretched and his face a mask of worry, and skidded to a stop. Jimmy, Nick, Ranlon, William, and Max came beside him. All of them looked around, their expressions worried and haggard, but they couldn’t see her. Please don’t give up. Please help me. “Tell us where, Sara.” She reached for them although her hands were still bound and opened her mouth to tell them where to find her. But suddenly her voice was gone as Victor’s hand clamped around her neck. Unable to

Howling for Sara

speak or breathe, she looked to the setting sun and prayed. In the west. Find me in the west close to the hills.

69

70

Beverly Rae

Chapter Five Sara’s eyes flew open to find Victor, his hand clamped around her neck, his furious face an inch from hers. The anger in his yellow eyes flamed at her, and she could taste the stench of death on his breath. Dried blood caked in the corners of his mouth. She inhaled, trying to find air, and failed. Kicking, she fought, struggling against the impossible. “I heard you scream, bitch.” He cursed and let her go. She dragged in a precious breath, the air wheezing in and out. Victor snagged her legs, pinning them beneath his. “I should’ve stuffed a rag down your throat.” His anger lessened, replaced by a sudden gleam in his eyes. “I know what I’ll do. I’ll stuff my cock down your throat instead. See if you can yell for help then.” He narrowed his eyes and sneered. “But you’d probably bite my cock off, wouldn’t you?” She swallowed, wincing at the pain. If her throat hadn’t been so raw, she would’ve told him he was right. Her gaze slid away from the cruel eyes and down his arms. Although his clothes were covered in dirt, blood stained his neck and arms as though he’d dressed after getting splattered. Had he killed the cows he’d searched for? Or was it worse? Had he run into Michael or the pack and won? She dared to seek out his eyes again. Reaching behind him, he grabbed something, then tossed a torn and bloodied flank of a cow beside her. “You should be grateful, honey. Here I was, working hard all day to bring home the bacon and all you did was lie around doing nothing. Well, okay. The beef. But

Howling for Sara

71

it’s the same idea, right?” Flies buzzed around the meat and her stomach rolled over. Did he expect her to eat the meat raw? Or was she supposed to skin and cook it for him? He undid the rope from the boards. Examining her still-bound hands, he studied the teeth marks in the cord. “Looks like you’ve been busy, too. Did you really think you could chew through this? Sweet thang, you have so much to learn.” Cackling, he snagged the rope holding her legs together and tugged her toward the middle of the lean-to. Rocks, sticks, and other debris dug scratches into her back, and her tank top rode up to expose the bottom of her breasts. She groaned as pain ripped into her. He swung one leg over to straddle her. She struck out, fighting even when she knew it was useless. Still, if she could land one solid blow to mark him before she died, she’d count it a victory. “Knock it off, bitch.” He struck her cheek hard enough to make her dizzy. She ground her teeth together, gathered what little saliva she could, and sent a wad of spit into his face. He snarled, slapped her again, and thrust her arms over her head. She fought, twisting her body every way she could, but he still managed to pin her hands above her head. A determination to hurt him as much as he’d hurt her mixed with her fear. She wouldn’t go down easily. Wouldn’t let him have any pleasure killing her. “Why don’t you just calm down? It’s not like you can do anything to stop this. You and me? We’re going to get to know each other real well. And who knows? You’ll learn being with a werebear is a whole lot better than hanging out with a pack of dogs.” He slid his thumb over her lips. “Sure is a shame I can’t trust you to blow me. You have such pretty lips.” She snapped, trying to bite his finger, but he yanked his hand away too fast. “Go fuck yourself.” “Ah, there’s my girl. But why should I when you’re here to do it?”

72

Beverly Rae

He cupped her breasts, squeezing them hard. “You have the best tits I’ve ever seen, you know that? Oh, wait a sec.” He feigned a thoughtful look and pouted. “Nope. Not the best tits. That hooker in Vegas had amazing tits, but hers were fake so I had to cut them off. I guess that means you’ve got the best real tits I’ve ever seen. Does that make you feel any better, honey?” Sara glared at him, keeping her mouth shut as she tried to fight the terror threatening to take over. He could take her body, but he’d never have her mind or soul. If she could survive with those intact, she would continue to fight him until she drew her last breath. Another slap caught her unprepared. “Bitch, when I give you a compliment, you need to say thank you.” He gripped her chin, digging his fingers into her flesh. “Now say thank you.” She refused, instead trying to spit again. His scowl deepened. “Spit on me again and I’ll tie you outside for the night. We’ll see how the varmints like you.” “You’d better let me go before they find you.” He swung off her then took her ankles in his big hands. “The Night Runners aren’t going to find you. At least not until I’m through with you.” Night Runners? He saw her confusion. “You are new to the pack, aren’t you? That’s what they call themselves, you know. Like the word werewolf isn’t good enough for them.” He untied the rope from around her ankles but didn’t turn her loose. Instead, he pushed her legs wide, then settled in between them. She kicked, aiming for his head, but he was faster. He leaned on her inner thighs, keeping her legs spread far apart. Tears sprang to her eyes from the pain. “You try and kick me again and you’ll wish you were dead. Now let’s you and me have some fun.” Again, she tried to get free, and if she couldn’t escape, then she was ready to die. Anything before he could take her.

Howling for Sara

73

“Go on. Fight. I like it when a woman fights.” He licked his lips and ran a hand over her mound. She inhaled but kept the cry of revulsion from her lips. Snaking his hand under her shorts, he skimmed his thumb along her pussy lips and moaned. “Oooh, how tight are you? Or have those dogs worn you out already?” Her gaze slid past him to the open area beyond and she sent out a prayer. Please come for me. I need you. Victor saw where she was looking and jerked around as though he expected the werewolves to be leaping toward him. Relief poured off him and he turned back to her with a wicked grin. “Very funny. You had me going there for a second.” “You’re afraid of them. I can see it in your face. And you should be. When they get here, they’re going to rip—” He plunged a finger inside her, stilling her mouth and her body. “No more yapping and no more tricks. Maybe if you’re good enough, I’ll even let you live.” She closed her eyes, willing herself to ignore him when he thrust another finger inside her. Think of something else. Think about being somewhere else. But her mind couldn’t shut out the cruel invasion. Bile rose to her throat, and she tasted blood as she bit her tongue to keep from screaming. “Look at me, bitch. I want to see it in your eyes when I cram my dick inside you.” She didn’t respond, and more pain seared into her head as he hit her again. She opened her eyes, saw his lustful leer, and turned her head to look behind him. Her breath hitched in her throat and for a minute she wasn’t sure if she was seeing things. “They’re here,” she whispered, not bothering to hide the glee in her tone. He shook his head and snorted. “Don’t try to pull that trick again. Do you really think I’m so stupid?”

74

Beverly Rae

“Yeah, I do.” She gave him her own wicked grin. “But this time it’s not a trick.” Victor whirled around, falling off Sara. “No!” She dug in her heels and pushed herself to a sitting position. Six werewolves stood outside the lean-to, their fangs exposed, their amber eyes glittering. **** Michael growled, his tail low between his legs, his ears laid back. He darted his gaze between the man and Sara. Rage ripped through him as he took in her wide, frightened eyes and the massive, purple bruise on her cheek. His inner beast howled, encouraging him to strike, to tear out the man’s jugular vein. Ranlon, Max, and Jimmy moved to stand beside him, their jaws pulled back in snarls. William and Nick took his other side, but when William stepped forward, Michael moved to block his way. Their gazes met and Michael showed his teeth, telling him to wait. He gave the others a similar look, and although Nick and Max swished their tails angrily to disagree, they did as he ordered. Sara’s captor reached for a metal bar, snatched her by the front of her tank top, and pulled her to his side. She struggled but she was no match for the large man. “Back off, dogs. Take one step closer and I’ll bash her pretty head in.” Michael could barely see as the anger grew stronger, energizing him with power. No way would he let the man escape, but he couldn’t risk Sara’s life. He paced up and down in front of his friends, determined to find a way to get at him. “Victor, let me go.” Sara’s voice trembled, but Michael could see the fire in her eyes. She looked at him then gave him a slight nod. “Shut up, bitch.” Victor shook her but never took his eyes off the werewolves. Michael stopped and readied himself. Sara was about to do

Howling for Sara

75

something, and he had to be ready. “Don’t call me a bitch.” Taking him by the wrist still holding her top, she brought his hand to her mouth and bit down. Victor shouted and yanked away, lowering the metal bar. Michael pounced, hitting Victor and sending them rolling together over the ground. Michael got onto his paws in time to see Sara scramble out of the lean-to toward the safety of his friends. The other werewolves growled and barked their encouragement, then formed a semicircle around her to protect her. Michael leapt at Victor again, scraping his claws down the man’s arm as he flew past him. Victor shouted profanities, stumbled, but managed to stagger away. “Look out!” But Michael didn’t need Sara’s cry of warning. The man changed quickly, his human form vanishing under short, brown fur. Within seconds, Victor had changed into a large brown bear. Roaring, the bear lumbered toward Michael. Michael dodged to the side, narrowly escaping the bear’s deadly swipe. The rest of the werewolves howled and snarled, dancing in front of Sara, egging the bear to confront them, but the bear was intent on coming after Michael. Michael knew a bear, especially a werebear, was stronger than he was. Weaving in and out, he darted in to snap at the bear’s neck. Several times he attacked then jumped away seconds before the bear could react. Victor roared again, frothy spittle flying out of his mouth as he exposed sharp fangs. He whirled around then lifted onto his back legs. Again and again, Michael outmaneuvered the bear, but his attacks on the bear’s back legs wouldn’t prove deadly. “Help him,” cried Sara. Her word was all the pack needed and Michael growled the order to attack. William jumped on the bear’s back, opening the way for the rest of the werewolves. They circled the bear, veering in and out to bite where they could. Victor spun in a circle, trying to defend himself

76

Beverly Rae

from all sides, but it was useless. The werewolves were too quick for him to land a blow. Victor shuffled toward the lean-to, hoping to protect his back. Seeing an advantage, Michael split from the others, letting them draw the bear’s attention. He ran behind the structure and, hoping the ramshackle building would support his weight, jumped onto the roof using it as a springboard to propel him onto the bear. He dug his claws into Victor’s back at the same moment he opened his jaws wide and clamped down on the thick skin of the bear’s neck. Victor squealed in terror and rage and, forgetting the others, ran a few steps before turning to spin. The pack attacked as one, each wolf biting into a leg or the belly. Victor’s bellows grew louder as wolf after wolf tore pieces of flesh from him. Suddenly, the bear roared, the sound muffled by blood streaming from his mouth. He shook his massive body once, then stumbled and fell on his side. Snarling, Michael gripped Victor by the neck and tore out his throat. Blood spurted over Michael and the taste of the animal’s life force filled his mouth. The bear’s body shuddered as it accepted death. At last, with the werewolves forming a circle around him, Victor let out his last breath. His eyes stared lifelessly at Sara. The pack, growling low and circling their fallen prey, paused, then lifted their muzzles in the air and howled. **** Sara pulled the T-shirt over her head, wincing when the soft material slid over the many bruises and scratches covering her body. She peered into the bathroom mirror and gingerly touched her swollen cheek. Her brown eyes looked lackluster and tears welled in her eyes. Even the luxurious bath she’d taken couldn’t wash away the memory of Victor’s hand between her legs.

Howling for Sara

77

She trembled, once again thinking about what would have happened if Michael and the others hadn’t found her in time. She had no doubt that Victor would have raped her. Once he was through with her, he would’ve killed her and left her body to rot under the hot Texas sun. “But he didn’t, so stop with the waterworks.” She glowered at her image. “No one would blame you if you cried.” Sara whirled to find Michael standing in the doorway of the bathroom. “I didn’t give him the satisfaction of seeing me cry.” She pulled her body straighter. “How are you doing?” Michael shrugged. “I’m fine. He never hit me with a good blow.” “And Ranlon? William and the others?” After the fight, she’d collapsed from exhaustion as the terror left her body. Instead, she’d closed her eyes and listened to the comforting rhythm of Michael’s heartbeat as he carried her every step of the way back to the house. If any of them had been injured, she would’ve been devastated. “We’re all fine. Jimmy and William are back from town. They took the sheriff and a few others out to get Vic—to recover the body.” “Was he still a bear?” Would she ever get used to referring to people in their animal forms? Yet, she knew she would have to if she was going to stay. She dragged in a ragged breath. Providing they still wanted her to stay. “If a shifter dies in his animal body, he stays an animal.” “What about the townspeople? How did they treat them?” “Now that we’ve given them the real killer, the animosity’s grown weaker. In time, they’ll put the stories in the past. They’ll never forget, but I think they’ll go back to leaving us alone.” Michael studied her, worry lines forming in his brow. “Are you sure you’re okay? You’ve been out like a light for most of the day.” “I was?” She’d been worn out, mentally as well as physically. “I guess I needed the rest.” She smiled, trying to put him at ease. Michael held out his hand for her. “Sara, we need to talk.”

78

Beverly Rae

She’d sensed he was there to do more than check up on her and had known this time would come. She nodded, still unable to voice the question she needed answered. Did they want her to stay? Pulling her courage around her, she took his hand and let him lead her to sit on the bed. Her stomach churned and her pussy tightened remembering the last time she was in bed with him. And the others? She longed to have all of them in the enormous bed. Michael touched her swollen cheek. “I can’t stand that he did this to you. It’s my fault.” “How can it be your fault? Victor struck me, not you. If anyone else is to blame, it’s me for running off like an idiot. But when I saw you change, saw all of you as werewolves, I couldn’t think straight. I just ran.” He ducked his head and stared at the floor. “Who can blame you? If I’d told you about us from the first, maybe you wouldn’t have taken off like that. You must’ve been scared out of your mind.” She trembled again and he slipped his arm around her, quelling her tremors. She giggled, more out of relief than humor. “Wouldn’t you know it? With all this open land, I’d end up running into a killer.” Michael’s dark eyes twinkled. “Yeah. First you wind up with a pack of werewolves, and then you get snatched by a werebear. Lady, your luck sucks.” She laughed along with him before growing serious. “Actually, I think my luck’s pretty damn good. After all, I’m here with you.” He pressed his lips to hers, gently, caressing her bottom lip with his tongue. She leaned into him, needing to feel his warmth, and covered his crotch with her palm. He pulled away. “Sara, you don’t have to, you know. After what you’ve been through—” She put a finger to his lips. “After what I’ve been through, I need this.” He started to kiss her again but pulled away instead. He groaned

Howling for Sara

79

and stood to pace to the window. He put his back to her as he stared out to the yard below. “I want you, Sara, more than I can tell you.” He faced her, a tortured expression clouding his features. “The rest of them and me, we’re one. And we need you. As shifters, we need an alpha-female to start completing our pack. If you take me to bed, you have to take the rest of them, too. Then, later, the call will come for the others to take their mates. If you approve of each man’s future mate, all the male members will bring her into the pack by joining her in bed. But you’ll always be the first, the most important female, the one we’ll always come back to. Do you understand?” “You’re saying I get to make love to Ranlon, Nick, and the other men? Is that right?” He nodded and tucked his hands in his pockets. “The next time we get in bed together, they’ll be there, too. Can you accept that?” She couldn’t help smiling. “So you’re saying that for as long as I live, I’m mated to not one, but six hot men?” The corners of his mouth lifted. “Yeah. Even after they take an additional mate.” “And what about you, Michael? Will you take an additional mate, too?” She wondered if he knew he was special to her and would always be her first choice. He shook his head, almost sadly. “No. I don’t think I could ever do that.” A soft smile teased his dimples into view. “I think I’m a onemate wolf.” Could she tell him how happy his statement made her? Or would such a declaration be disrespectful to the rest of the pack? She rose to come to him, but he held up his hands, warding her off. “There’s one more thing.” An anxious knot formed in the middle of her chest. “Okay. Tell me.” “You’ll have our children.” Children of her own? Could the dream of motherhood become

80

Beverly Rae

real for her? “I would love to have lots of kids. So what’s the problem?” Why was he frowning at her? “To have our children, you have to become one of us.” His dark gaze bore into her. “Sara, you have to become a werewolf and go through the Change.” She stepped away from him, needing the time to sort through her feelings and thoughts. She would turn into a werewolf? Could she go through what she’d seen them experience? Could she withstand her body morphing, changing, growing fur? And then what? What else did it mean to be a werewolf? Would her children be werewolves? She turned back to him. “What’s it like?” He came to her and took her hands in his. “I’m not going to sugarcoat this. It’s not easy. The Change, especially for the first few times, hurts a lot. Your bones bend and break. Your sight changes, the world loses color until everything takes on a strange golden hue. Your skin feels like it’s burning as fur grows over your flesh.” She swallowed, her nerves taking hold. “Wow. You sure know how to make it sound appealing.” He chuckled and placed his palm on her cheek. “There’s good things, too. Being a werewolf, what we call a Night Runner, is amazing. You can run for hours, alone or in a group. See things you’ve never seen. Hear better than you’ve ever heard. Smell scents you didn’t know existed. You’ll become a Night Runner and spend the night under the moon, its pull driving you to push on until you can run no longer. Then, you’ll howl to celebrate its glory.” “You make it sound so beautiful, mystical even.” “It is. I wouldn’t trade being a Night Runner for the world.” She saw the glint in his eyes, a sparkle she recognized from their time in bed. She wanted to see that gleam when he looked at her, her legs wrapped around his waist. As though he’d heard her thoughts, he added, “And the sex? God, the sex is amazing. We can last longer than humans. Trust me. The rush you’ll experience will send you soaring.”

Howling for Sara

81

“More than before?” Her pussy tightened just thinking about Michael shoving his cock deep inside her. He laughed, and flecks of amber appeared in his eyes. “Believe me. Much more.” “I’m not sure I could stand much more.” “Don’t worry. Once you’re one of us, you will. But the best thing”—Michael smiled, the upturn of his lips finally bringing out the full force of his dimples—“is that you’re part of the pack. No matter what happens, no matter where you go, you’ll always be one of us. You’ll always be a Night Runner.” She took his arm then pressed a kiss against his palm. “Which means you always take care of your pack. Like all of you took care of me.” “We’d do it again. Even if it meant losing one of us.” His words made her decision easy. “So how does a woman become a werewolf?” “A Night Runner. That’s how we think of ourselves. As more than just werewolves.” “Then how do I become a Night Runner?” She felt him tense as though he dreaded what he had to tell her. “Again, it’s not easy. One of us will have to bite you.” “Biting me doesn’t sound too bad.” The idea, however, left her shaky. “Will you have to bite me once? Or lots of times?” “One bite, deep enough, but not deep enough to kill. The pain is awful, but the wound will heal faster than any other type of wound.” He traced his thumb over her bruised cheek. “The bite will help to heal your other injuries as well. I just wish we’d found you sooner. Before he did—” “Nothing that happened was your fault.” She dropped her gaze, touched by the hurt in his expression. Making her decision, she lifted her chin and stared into his dark eyes. “Let’s do this. Make me a Night Runner, Michael.”

82

Beverly Rae

Chapter Six Michael called everyone into her bedroom. The men entered then took a place around the bed. Sara sat in the middle, the sheets pulled over her naked body, and studied them. They seemed as nervous and as excited as she was. “I’ve explained everything to her.” Michael squeezed her hand. “And you’re sure this is what you want?” Max asked. “If you need more time, we can wait.” Jimmy thumped him on the shoulder. “Shut up, will ya? Maybe you can wait, but I can’t. Some of us haven’t had the pleasure of lying between her legs yet.” William clasped the young shifter by the neck and shook him. “He’s not talking about just the sex, you dumb ass. He’s talking about her decision to stay with us. To become a Night Runner. Think with both your heads.” “Oh. Sorry.” Jimmy dropped his gaze to the floor. “I hope you stay with us, Sara. And not just because of the sex.” She giggled. How had so many different men come together? While the older William was serious, a seasoned warrior of life, Jimmy exuded the unbridled enthusiasm of youth. Nick was the wild one, the bad boy of the bunch while Ranlon, Max, and Michael fell somewhere in between the wild and the tamer side of men. She hugged herself, delighting in the idea of having a lifetime to get to know them better. “Are you ready, Sara?” Michael moved to sit on the bed. “Or do you want more time?” She closed her eyes and inhaled, drawing in the intoxicating smell

Howling for Sara

83

of testosterone and musk with an edge of danger. They smelled like no other men she’d ever known. Even now she could sense their lust building, their inner beasts aching to break free. Would she be able to take them all at once? “I’m sure.” She opened her eyes and found Michael staring at her, a hopeful expression on his handsome face. “I’m ready.” Yearning rumbled through her as though saying the words out loud had opened a long-closed door. Her body ached to touch them and to have them touch every part of her. The men glanced at each other then, as if in silent agreement, began disrobing. Sara held her breath as the men took off their shirts, then their boots, and finally their jeans. She bit her lip at the sight of so many rock-hard bodies, all waiting to pleasure her and make her one of them. Their cocks were generous by any man’s standard, many of which were already beginning to grow. Wetness flooded between her legs and the fire in her abdomen erupted into an inferno. She wanted them one, two, or more at a time. “I can smell her.” Nick ran a ragged hand over his face. “Sure we can’t give her pleasure first? She’s hot for us. Can’t you smell her?” “Of course we can.” William’s voice was deep and filled with desire. He shook his head slowly, as though he wasn’t sure. “But now’s not the time for sex. The bite comes first. Then we’ll show her how much we want her.” “How much we need her, too,” added Max. He glanced at Sara. “So who will it be? Who do you want to bring you the Change?” “I’m going to bite her.” Michael waited for her to refuse, but what could she say? She would’ve welcomed any of their bites, but somehow it seemed right for Michael to be the one to bring her into the pack. Michael crawled onto the bed with her, then nodded at Max and Ranlon. They came onto the bed and took her ankles. She searched for reassurance from Michael. “Don’t worry. They’re holding you only as a precaution. We don’t

84

Beverly Rae

want you to move too much when I bite you. If you can stay still, I won’t tear your skin as much and the wound will heal faster and leave less of a scar.” Her stomach clenched and, for a moment, she was unsure of her decision. Yet when she brought her gaze to Michael’s again, her fear dissipated, leaving her calm and ready to face her new future. She nodded, unable to find the right words to express the turmoil of emotions whirling inside her. Michael slid on top of her, straddling her, his shaft pushing against her stomach. Jimmy sat at her side and grabbed her right arm while Nick took the left one. She studied them, her hungry gaze darting from one incredible erect penis to another. Before she’d met them, she’d never have believed she could be so brazen, but now she was different. They were hers to have as much as she wanted and the realization gave her the confidence to forget any lingering inhibitions. She licked her lips, already imagining taking a cock into her mouth, her pussy, and her ass while the others used their tongues to please her. Michael leaned closer and whispered, “One last time. Are you sure?” She turned her head to the side to expose her neck, giving him the answer he needed. Jimmy grinned at her, his shaft flying high, and she couldn’t help but grin back. Michael brushed her hair out of the way then tracked his tongue along the curve of her shoulder and neck. “Try to relax, Sara. The more relaxed you are the easier this will be.” She glanced at him and noted how his eyes glistened with amber. The tips of his fangs slipped over his lower lip. She swallowed and wondered how it would feel to have fangs pushing through her gums. “Michael, would you just shut up and bite me already?” Michael’s mouth drew back, exposing more of his deadly teeth. She looked at Jimmy and let out a long breath. Michael grabbed her head, holding her still, then clamped his jaws down on her. Pain seared through her neck as his fangs broke her skin

Howling for Sara

85

and dug into her. Warm stickiness slid down her neck to tickle the back of her shoulder. She gasped only to let out a scream. The instinct to survive took over as fear raced through her, overwhelming her mind. She screamed again as Michael’s grip tightened and the stabbing agony flared outward along her shoulder and down her arm. She tried to yank her arms away, tried to strike them, but the men held her. She couldn’t think, couldn’t reason. She could only react. Pain tore at her, scorching into every part of her body. Her body shook, denying the assault, but the torture was relentless. She cursed the men even as they murmured words of comfort and encouragement. At last, she had to give up the fight, spent and exhausted as the true battle raged inside her. Her blood boiled and her heart pounded as the Change took her. Clenching her teeth, she stared at Jimmy, worry knitting his brow, and saw him glance at the others. For a moment, she thought he would turn her loose. Instead, he increased the pressure on her arms, his fingers boring into her flesh. God, it hurts. Please make it stop. Michael, let go. An image of Michael hanging onto the bear’s neck flashed into her mind, and terror gripped her. Was he trying to kill her as he’d killed Victor? She cried out, but her cries soon turned to whimpers. The world spun around her in dizzying arrays of light and dark. Sparks of amber dotted her view until, at last, blissful darkness took her. **** Sara gasped and jerked away at the sensation of someone touching her. Her eyes flew open to find Nick smiling down at her. “Hey, take it easy. You’re all right.” He patted a wet cloth to her forehead, applying it with a gentle touch. Taking a glass from Michael, he motioned for her to drink. “Here. Try this. It’ll help

86

Beverly Rae

restore your strength.” “I–I don’t understand. What happened?” Her gaze traveled from Nick’s smiling face to the men—still naked—gathered around her bed. With Nick’s help, she brought it to her lips, sniffed the pungent aroma, then took a tentative slip. “What’s in this stuff?” “Trust me, you don’t want to know. But it’ll help. My family’s used the potion for generations to speed the healing process and give us more energy.” “You passed out is what happened.” Ranlon scooted onto her bed, making the mattress dip toward him. “But you’re going to be fine. You’ve already started healing and, yeah, Nick’s brew will do amazing things for you. Drink up, Sara.” She did as he directed and let the warm, putrid liquid flow into her. A few moments later, she felt renewed and invigorated. She reached up to touch her wound, but Nick stopped her. “No. Leave it alone. We’ll take care of it for you.” Leaning over, he slid his tongue along her skin. Sara steeled herself against any pain, but it never came. Instead, a tingle spread over her flesh as he flattened his tongue against her wound. She inhaled, bringing in his intoxicating scent and luxuriating in the heat wafting off his body. She moaned, wanting him to use his tongue elsewhere. Nick nodded. “Our saliva will help speed up the recovery.” “You’ve been hurt enough.” William sat at the end of the bed. “Is there anything we can get you? Water? Food?” “Us?” Michael’s voice brought her attention to him, and she saw the amber flecks sparkling in his eyes as he took hold of the bedpost. “Not to rush you or anything, but some of us are about to explode.” He gave her a soft smile. “I don’t know which one of us is worse off. Those of us who have lain with you or those who haven’t.” Jimmy laughed. “Yeah, Sara. I think I’m going to die. Damn, you’re so hot, and I’ll bet you taste sweet.”

Howling for Sara

87

“Don’t push her,” warned William. “Remember what she’s endured since meeting us.” “No.” Her word came out louder than she’d wanted. The startled men sat back, clearly thinking the exact opposite of what she’d meant. “I mean, no, you’re not pushing me. I want you.” She glanced around at them, the heat in her rising as she noted their obvious desire. “I want all of you. I’m not sure I have enough energy to do that, but I damn well want to try. Plus, I want to try right now.” Her new life had started, and she was ready to welcome the pack. These were her men, her life, and they were strong and sexy as hell. Just looking at them made her want to fuck all of them. “She doesn’t have to tell me twice.” Jimmy clambered onto the bed. He ran his hand along her thigh, his blond hair hanging across his forehead, highlighting his amber-flecked hazel eyes. “Damn, but you’re soft.” Nick swiped his tongue over her wound. Growling, he covered her breast. He sighed, letting out a long puff of air. “Yeah, I could keep my hand on her forever.” Max wasn’t one to be left out, and he hurried to scoot in between Ranlon and Jimmy. Leaning over her, he licked her wound, too. Max took Nick’s lead and cupped her other breast. He leaned over and flicked his tongue over her nipple. Jimmy continued stroking her leg until, at last, he let his hand slip under her bottom. Lust churned in Sara’s stomach, and she wrapped her hand around Ranlon’s cock. Opening her legs, she hinted to William to lie down and he took the invitation, muttering words of awe as he slid his arms under her legs. She pushed her legs on top of his shoulders and put her hand over Nick’s hand. Michael groaned and joined them, taking his finger to move her pussy lips apart. “William, taste her, man. I want to watch you suck on her.” “With pleasure, man.” William crushed his mouth to her pussy, found her tender clit, and sucked.

88

Beverly Rae

Sara groaned, her hand tightening around Ranlon’s shaft as she pulled him to her mouth. Taking him inside, she sucked, matching William’s rhythm. Sweet pre-cum filled her mouth and she mewed, delighting in the treat. She closed her eyes and let the sensations wash over her. Her pussy clenched, throbbing. Her heart thundered in her ears and her pulse sped up. She breathed in deeply, drawing in each man’s unique aroma to mix into one wild scent. William sucked and licked her clit, using his teeth to nibble. Michael found the crevice between her leg and stomach, and feathered kisses along her skin. She opened her legs wider. The first of many orgasms tore her apart, sending stars behind her eyes. She pumped Ranlon’s dick harder, loving the way his tender skin moved under her palm. Reaching out, she brought Nick to her breast. His tongue lashed her taut nipple as another tongue raked over her other bud. Releasing Ranlon’s cock, she cried out in ecstasy as Jimmy found her bottom. Sliding his finger between her butt cheeks, he worked the tight muscles of her ass, probing, exploring, then moaning his excitement when she constricted her muscles to capture his finger. She sighed, but the sigh was muffled as someone kissed her hard, then turned her loose. She opened her eyes to find Nick staring at her, an expression of love softening his features. “Hey, babe.” She started to respond but lost her ability to speak as Ranlon nibbled on her ear. Nick lowered his mouth to her tit and licked her nipple much the same way Max was doing. She latched onto their hair and held on as William coaxed another orgasm out of her. William rose and wiped his mouth. “You are so worth the wait.” Michael’s finger slid over her mons to stroke her. “Fuck her, William.” “Yeah, William. Take her from the front while I take her ass.” Jimmy pushed on her thigh and she turned onto her side, then felt the

Howling for Sara

89

cool tingle of gel as he prepared her for his entry. She giggled as she came close up with Nick’s shaft. “Take me in, sugar,” Nick urged. She closed her mouth over his mushroomed tip and wrapped her hand around the base of him. Slowly, she inched him inside and heard his slow intake of breath. William positioned his cock at her pussy then shoved in. Her heart raced as another shaft entered her from behind. Jimmy didn’t ease in to her, but after the first brief stab of pain, she no longer cared. She moved back and forth, one man entering her as the other left. Their motions sent an avalanche of desire coursing through her abdomen and ass to join together in her stomach. The musky taste of Nick mixed with the scent of Ranlon’s breath as he continued to whisper endearing words in her ear. Max pinched and teased both her nipples, shooting little zings of delightful pain into her breasts. Her blood rushed to her ears as her heart pounded and her pussy tightened around William. Giving into the pleasure, she closed her eyes and let the feelings take her over. Yet another orgasm, a stronger one than before, broke free and she gripped the bed, clutching the comforter. The scent of them overwhelmed her, filling her head and making her dizzy. The sounds of the men enjoying her sent her libido skyrocketing until she wasn’t sure she could handle any more. She slipped Nick’s shaft out of her mouth and lifted her head in a silent, joyous cry. If she hadn’t known for certain before, she now knew she was exactly where she was supposed to be. These men adored her, showering her with love with each touch, each taste, each sound they made. She was home. William thrust into her time and time again while Jimmy slapped her thigh and pumped his cock past the constricting rings of muscles. Their groans fell into the same pattern as their thrusts. William gripped her leg hard and groaned a second before he released. He

90

Beverly Rae

quivered, holding on to her, until at last, he groaned and fell away from her. Jimmy followed him a moment later, shouting his release then slumping to lie curled at her feet, his arm flung over her leg. Michael laughed and pushed him aside. The bedsprings squeaked as the men changed positions, some grumbling, others telling her how sexy she was and what they wanted to do to her. Another mouth latched onto her clit, raking teeth over her until she bucked and squirmed. She lifted her head to see Max position himself to slide into her. Max moaned, driving into her pussy again and again until, with a roar, he climaxed. He scooted off the bed, getting out of the way so Ranlon could take his place. “Man, you didn’t last long,” joked Nick. But she was in no mood for humor. Instead, she wanted them to concentrate on taking care of her. She lifted her head, her mouth parted, and reached down to part her pussy lips. “Ranlon.” His amber eyes flashed as he grabbed her legs and plunged into her. She cried out as she took Nick’s and Michael’s shafts in her hands. Pumping them, she watched their faces, loving the way they closed their eyes, each adopting a look of concentration as they tried to resist climaxing. Their mouths dropped open, letting out matching moans of pleasure. Each of them took a breast in hand, squeezing and fondling her aching buds. “Sara, you’re more than we hoped for. More than we even dreamed of.” William slid his hand in between her pussy lips to stroke her clit as Ranlon continued to plunge into her. William moaned and began stroking himself. She cried out as another, even stronger orgasm swept her away. Blackness threatened to take her, but she fought against it, unwilling to let anything interfere with her pleasure. She pumped the cocks harder, faster. Sara was surrounded by her men, and she reveled in her new role as their mate, the alpha-female of the pack. Feeling the cocks in her

Howling for Sara

91

hands swell and sensing the men tensing, she readied for their releases. They groaned together, pulling away from her at the same time and reaching for a corner of the bedspread. She laughed, feeling more empowered and—what was the word that fit best?—female than she ever had in her life. “Aw, man, I wanted to come inside her.” But Nick’s happy face belied his words. He cleaned himself off then came back to lie next to her. Fondling her breast, he nibbled on her ear, licked her wound, and whispered his love for her. Michael traced circles around her nipple, and she arched, loving the tender way he treated her. Ranlon closed his eyes, his attention focused on thrusting into her. The tight muscles of his abdomen tempted her to touch him, but she couldn’t reach him. Instead she played her hand over Nick’s equally ripped abs. Ranlon’s pounding increased, growing frantic as he struggled to hang on. William’s eyes fixed on her face as he worked his cock, his other hand massaging her clit, pinching her aching bud between two fingers. Every part of her body hummed, every inhale she took brought another exotic aroma. She could stay in their bed forever, never wanting for anything. Her body tensed as the biggest orgasm of all shot her over the edge. She screamed just as William and Ranlon let go, their cries of passion filling the room. Spent, Ranlon fell against her leg and William slipped off the bed to the floor. No one spoke and their pants of satisfaction echoed around the bedroom. Sara listened to the sounds of her men and tried to coax her heart into slowing down. Her body quivered, and perspiration dotted her brow. She smiled, content and happy. “Sara, look.” Michael lifted one of her arms. At first she wasn’t sure what she was supposed to see. Then it hit her. The bruises that had only hours earlier covered her arm were gone. “They’ve disappeared.” Michael tossed her a big smile that showed off his dimples.

92

Beverly Rae

“You’re healing. Now touch the place where I bit you.” She pressed her fingertips on the spot and found smooth skin. “But so fast?” Ranlon reached over her, his body teasing hers into another flash of warmth, then kissed her on the forehead and moved off the bed. “Just one of the perks of being a Night Runner. Come on, guys. Let’s let her get some rest.” Ranlon and the others moved away, leaving Michael alone with Sara. She hated to see them go, but she didn’t think she should tell them to stay. “Where are they going?” “Don’t worry. They have things to do, chores that need to get done.” She stretched, caught Michael eyeing her breasts, and loved the feeling his hungry look gave her. “So can I expect this kind of treatment every day?” He scooted next to her and took her hand. “However you want, whenever you want, as many of us as you want, we’ll be there.” “Wow. If I’d known it was this good to be a werewolf, I would’ve found you sooner.” “I wish you had, too. But we had to wait until it was the right time.” She nodded, not really understanding, yet knowing she’d have time to learn. “Michael, tell me. Is it hard to learn how to howl?” He laughed, his eyes dancing. “Something tells me you’re a natural.” “I hope so.” She pulled the sheet over her body, then tunneled her fingers through her hair. “I must look like a mess.” “You could never look anything other than beautiful.” Michael gave her a sweet, lingering kiss, his tongue skimming lightly over her lips. “Get some rest. You’re going to need it.” He let his fingers trail along her arm, sending her a delicious preview of pleasures to come. Rising, he walked toward the door. “I am?” She wanted to tell him to stay with her but sensed he had

Howling for Sara

93

to go. “Why? Because we’re going to do this again soon?” “Yeah, we will. But tonight we run.” Shooting her a wink, he opened the door, paused a moment to smile at her, then left. Sara threw off the covers and dashed to the window, uncaring that she was naked. Throwing open the curtains, she looked toward the sun hanging low in the sky. “Hurry up, sun, and let the moon out. I’m running with my pack tonight.”

THE END WWW.BEVERLYRAE.COM

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Beverly Rae’s witty, sexy, action-packed romances give readers the ultimate reading experience. As a multi-published author, Beverly is always working on her next book, taking the “usual” and twisting it into the “unusual.”

Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com