Lycan Mate

Gunnar Eriksson, a two-hundred-year-old werewolf, knows there’s no place in his life for love because everyone close to him is doomed. And then he meets Stella O’Sullivan, the one destined to be his, and battles with his instinctive need to claim her. Stella is instantly attracted to the ruggedly handsome Gunnar Eriksson, but soon discovers he is a man with secrets, a man filled with pain, a man plagued with inner demons. And as her attraction for him mounts, so does her compassion and warmth. She discovers he is grieving for his dead son. As their passion and attraction heightens, a sinister plot unfolds. An evil so malevolent, her life is in danger. And Gunnar must race against time to save Stella.

The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated. This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. Lycan Mate Copyright © 2011 Anastasia Maltezos ISBN: 978-1-55487-936-6 Cover art by Martine Jardin All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher. Published by Devine Destinies An imprint of eXtasy Books Look for us online at: www.devinedestinies.com

Lycan Mate By Anastasia Maltezos

Dedication To Effy.

Chapter One Eriksson parked his car and looked up at Gunnar the bed and breakfast. He drew his gaze around the two-story cottage and saw nothing but fields, a long, winding rural road, and a spatter of homes. It was perfect for a man who wanted anonymity. A man who had dark secrets. He picked up his gun from the seat next to him and leaned forward as he shoved it in the waistband of his jeans. Then, he opened the glove compartment and grabbed the box of silver bullets and shoved it in his coat pocket. His gaze fell on the picture of his two-year-old son taped to his dashboard. He used to think hell was the beast he’d become more than two hundred years ago. It wasn’t. Losing his son two years ago was hell, an eternal hell. A low, deep growl rose from his throat as he balled his hand into a fist. He would have given anything to take that day back. He shut his eyes, inhaling deeply. The beast within him wanted to 1

Anastasia Maltezos be unleashed. “Dammit!” He had to control himself. It was still daylight and someone could see him. Slowly, he managed to bring his racing heart back to normal and swallowed hard. He’d always managed to control his turning, even on a full moon, but since losing Tyler, he couldn’t control the beast raging to escape. Anger, hatred, fury, it was all there, every day because the one person he’d loved in all his existence had been torn from his life. His face grim, he got out of the car and went to the trunk. He pulled out his laptop and duffle bag. Straightening, with a bag in each hand, he strode to the three steps going up the entrance of the B&B. He stiffened violently on the top step as a feminine scent wafted around him, seducing him, arousing him. “What the hell?” He staggered to the porch and inhaled sharply through his nose, unsteady on his feet. The scent was alluring, intoxicating, stirring the wolf within him. Gunnar clenched his jaw, fighting the overpowering hold the female inside the inn had on him. He’d always picked up on feminine scents, but this one was different. It wasn’t just another female. A heat began to course through his veins, stirring his loins, and he swore roughly 2

Lycan Mate under his breath. Only one woman could make him feel this way. He’d found her, he thought coldly. His one was inside. And he was far from pleased. He didn’t need this in his life. He didn’t need her. He was incapable of loving, incapable of feeling, and the lust heating his loins was not enough for him to claim his mate because he knew it would come with a price. Death. Since losing Tyler, he’d lost the desire to feel anything. His heart blackened, his spirit died, and guilt stabbed at his gut every damned day. He could have saved his son that day. Gunnar was a shell of a man, a beast who had an eternity ahead of him filled with nothing but pain and anguish. He didn’t deserve to love. He didn’t deserve to feel. Slowly he turned the doorknob, warring with the wolf within him fighting for escape. He’d fight his baser need to claim her as his own because he knew anyone he truly loved was doomed. **** Stella O’Sullivan tucked a long, red-haired strand behind her ear. “I’m just going to have a little peak,” she murmured. 3

Anastasia Maltezos Slowly she put down her card and stared at it. The Lovers. She scowled at the entwined couple. It was all there for her in the next week, passion, desire, attraction. This was obviously wrong. There was no way she was going to indulge in sexual pleasures any time soon. Her clients were mostly families and couples or students out for a long weekend. She chewed her lower lip and stared at the Tarot card. She’d be lying to herself if she didn’t admit she would have liked to feel the warmth and strength of a man in her life, but she seriously doubted it was going to happen any time soon. How? She never went out. All she did was spend most of her time in her B&B, cooking, cleaning, and catering to her clientele. She was almost tempted to draw another card, but stopped. She hated giving herself readings because disappointment always followed. She remembered the last time she’d drawn the cards for herself and stiffened. Discovering her boyfriend was cheating on her had not been good news. With a resigned sigh, she rose from the kitchen table and tucked her cards in the drawer next to the sink. Love had always been elusive for her. Apparently telling a man you were somewhat of a witch was a turn off. 4

Lycan Mate “Maybe in the next life,” she murmured as she turned away from the sink. She was about to go through her patio door to inspect her vegetable garden in the backyard when she heard the sound of chimes in the hall signalling a new customer. She turned around and stiffened. The man’s aura hit her like a ton of bricks, anger, grief, hate…and…and passion. His lust was thick and heavy, consuming her and she felt weak kneed and lightheaded. She stared at his massive form filling the entrance and willed herself to breathe again. She had never in her life felt this assault by another person’s energy on her senses and she was frightened. Her connection to him was instant, powerful, and mutual because she clearly sensed his own shock at her appearance. She ran a swift gaze over his appearance and her stomach jolted at the masculine energy emanating from his powerful frame. He was well over six feet with massive shoulders and dirty blond hair that fell past his collar. He wore black denims, a gray T-shirt, and a black leather jacket. Her gaze rested on his face and she had to stop herself from parting her lips in awe. Good looking couldn’t even describe him. He looked fierce, rugged, primal. A thread of excitement flickered through her veins as she stared at him. He had a strong jaw, 5

Anastasia Maltezos deep-set blue eyes, and an angular face with a firm cleft chin. He deposited his bags on the floor and straightened. He stared at her and their gazes locked with such force her breath caught. He epitomised masculinity in its most primitive form and she swallowed hard, trying to regain her composure. Her gaze flicked to his mouth. It was strong and firm with a sensual lower lip. “Welcome to The Serenity,” she said, trying hard to hide the nervous pitch from her voice. **** Gunnar’s nostrils flared as her scent reached him. It was powerful in close proximity as it wrapped itself around him like a soft, sensual caress trying to calm a beast. She was beautiful. Medium height, slim in tight denims and a green T-shirt, her hair fell past her shoulder blades like long strands of fire. He stiffened. Fire burned. He sensed her shock. He smelled her fear. He felt her instant attraction to him. Dammit! He knew he should turn around and find another inn, but he couldn’t. Her green gaze held him captive, and he gritted his teeth as he fought the desire assaulting his senses. The animal within took over and all he could think of was how he wanted to taste her, to feel her, to take her. 6

Lycan Mate And the more he wanted her, the angrier he got. There was no place in his life for her. She was human, he was a Lycan. And the memory of Tyler reminded him that anyone who came close to him was doomed to die. **** “I need a room.” His deep voice drew shivers on her skin. “How…how long will you be staying?” “Indefinitely.” “I have four rooms upstairs. Their prices vary— ” “I want the biggest one.” “A lovely choice. It has a—” “I’ll take it.” She stiffened. “It’s a large suite with a private bathroom. You’ll find it very satisfying.” She went to the hall desk and opened a drawer. She pulled out her logbook. “What’s your name?” “Gunnar Eriksson. I’ll be paying cash.” She wrote his name down. “Great.” She smiled up at him. “There’s a Jacuzzi you can use on the back patio and a fully equipped gym in the basement.” She waited for him to respond, but he remained silent. “What brings you to Vermont?” she asked politely, hoping her voice didn’t betray her nerves. 7

Anastasia Maltezos “Work.” He glanced briefly at his watch before he returned his gaze to her. “If you could show me to my room now, I would appreciate it. I have some more bags I need to bring in from my car.” So much for pleasantries, she thought. Upon closer look, she noticed something haunted behind his eyes. It was dark and painful and it touched a remote region of her heart. Suddenly she wished Brenna was here. All her sister had to do was touch people and their thoughts were revealed. “Certainly. If you’ll follow me, please,” she said, leading him upstairs. Once they reached the top, she opened the door to his room, stepped inside, and turned around to face him. “Meals are included in the fee. Breakfast is served between seven and eight, lunch is at noon, and dinner is at seven. If you make arrangements to eat out, please let me know. I’ll make up your room daily and you’ll have fresh towels in the bathroom. The fee for this suite is two hundred an evening.” He stepped inside and barely looked around as he dug his hand into his pocket, pulling out a wad of cash. He handed her twenty crisp one hundred dollar bills. “This is for the next ten days. And I prefer to make up my room. You may leave the clean towels by the door.” She gave him a wary look. “Mr. Eriksson, it will be my pleasure to clean your—” “I don’t think you understand. I require privacy 8

Lycan Mate while I’m here. I want no disturbances of any kind and I need to know you’ll be on the same page as me before I commit to stay here.” Her sixth sense told her this man wasn’t prone to rudeness and if it wasn’t for that haunted look behind his eyes, she would have bristled at his stark manner. “I understand. If you require anything, please feel free to call on me. My name is Stella O’Sullivan.” She extended her hand. He stared at it for a few seconds before taking it. She hadn’t expected anything other than a brief, perfunctory shake and a curt dismissal from him, but the second he touched her, her breath caught. Grief and despair hit her with the force of a tidal wave. She couldn’t breathe as the world around her changed. The sunlight dimmed, the warm air cooled, the colours faded. She was in a dark place with no light at the end of the tunnel. Somewhere in the deep recess of her mind she heard a child sobbing. And then she saw it. It was brief. A flash in her mind, but the image stunned her and she withdrew sharply from his warm, solid grasp. She’d glimpsed an eight foot beast with jowls, protruding forehead, and eyebrows meeting at the bridge. Gunnar frowned. “Are you all right?” She wasn’t. She was as tense as a guitar string. “Er…yes. I’m sorry, I…I just realised I left something on the stove.” 9

Anastasia Maltezos He nodded. Stella turned and fled down the stairs before he could say another word. Her connection to him was overwhelming and she tried to shake the feeling of impending danger from her bones. She kept herself busy with housework the rest of the afternoon and just before dinner, he came downstairs. He offered a curt, “I’ll be dining out this evening,” and left. She watched his retreating back and released a breath she didn’t know she was holding. Throughout the evening, she tried shaking him from her mind, but it was easier said than done. She couldn’t stop thinking about him, and around nine, while she was putting away the dishes in the kitchen, she heard him come in and retire to his room. She tensed with awareness, sensing his presence in his room upstairs. What was wrong with her? Had she been single for so long her inactive libido sprung to life at the first attractive man she saw? She needed to get a life. She went to her bedroom around midnight and turned on the shower in her adjoining bathroom. She stripped off her clothes and slipped under the steamy spray. Stella moaned with pleasure. Slowly, she felt the day’s tension ease and she lingered under the therapeutic spray. A few 10

Lycan Mate minutes later she towel dried herself and slipped on her bathrobe. Her head snapped up at the creaking floorboards of Gunnar’s room directly above hers and she stiffened. He was still up. She crawled into bed naked, expecting to sleep, but every tiny noise from his room made her restless. She glanced at her nightstand clock and drew in a frustrated breath. She had to get some sleep. Two hours later, and no closer to getting any sleep, she heard something. A long, drawn out groan. She frowned, staring at her ceiling. A few seconds later she heard a long, gut wrenching moan filtering down through the floorboards. He sounded like he was in pain. Concerned, she rose from the bed and slipped on her robe, wondering if she should go upstairs and ask him if he was all right. She heard another hoarse moan and stiffened. Something wasn’t right. She left her bedroom and went upstairs. She stood in front of his door. “Gunnar?” she called softly. “Are you all right?” No response except for a muffled, thrashing sound. Her sixth sense rose and she quietly opened the door. His room was cast in shadows and she saw him lying bare-chested on the bed, a white sheet draped over him up to his waist. He 11

Anastasia Maltezos was tossing and turning, a low growl rising from his throat. She gasped. The sound was almost inhuman. Slowly, she walked into his room and stood by his bed. She looked down at his face and her heart swelled with compassion at his anguished, tortured expression. She felt something by her feet and looked down. It was a framed photograph of a blond, little boy smiling for the camera. She picked it up and stared at it, captivated by the sweet, angelic face. The little boy had Gunnar’s eyes, sky blue fringed with sooty lashes. This must be his son, she thought. “Tyler. God, no. Please, no,” Gunnar said hoarsely, his head thrashing from side to side. Carefully, she placed the picture on the nightstand and looked down at him. He was obviously having a terrible nightmare. The corner of his eyes glistened and her heart began to thud at the expression on his face. It was heartrending sadness. His grief consumed her, choked her, and she drew in an unsteady breath. “Gunnar. Wake up,” she whispered, placing a gentle hand on his forehead. “You’re having a bad dream.” He didn’t wake up as he continued to moan and grimace in his sleep. Stella’s heart ached. She had to do something. Taking a deep breath, she carefully ran her hand over the side of his face and let it rest on his cheek 12

Lycan Mate while she slid her other hand over his muscular chest and let it rest over his heart. My God! His skin burned, like he was on fire. She closed her eyes and prayed he wouldn’t suddenly wake up. Healing was second nature to her. She didn’t know how she did it. She didn’t know how she did any of the things she could do. Her gifts had been with her all her life and she just went with them, like breathing or sleeping. And that’s what she did now. She went with it. And the result was immediate. All his emotions exploded on her senses and she gritted her teeth. My God! He was hurting. She resisted his darkness reaching out, trying to weigh her down. She channelled her energy and comforted his pain. She soothed over his fears, eased his agony, and calmed his distress. After a few moments she felt him relax a little beneath her touch and she continued. She inhaled sharply through her nose and fought the rest of his pain. Sweat formed on her upper lip and her head began to pound. God, this was hard. She couldn’t believe how resistant he was, almost as though he wanted to guard his pain. He was afraid to let go. The thought startled her. Who wanted to carry around this devastating form of grief? How could a person live like this? She pressed her hands 13

Anastasia Maltezos further into his warm, solid skin and pushed deeper into his psyche, past his pain and suffering. She went deeper and deeper into his soul. Stella gasped. Something powerful pushed her, stopped her from going further. She opened her eyes and stared down at his face. He was still asleep. She closed her eyes and tried again, but something buried within him would not allow her to go deeper. It seemed animal in nature, a beast warring with her—and winning. She retreated back to his surface grief. What she’d sensed deep within him was too powerful to pierce, an impenetrable wall of defence unlike anything she’d ever come across. “Let go,” she whispered. “Release your pain.” He did. Slowly. His heart began to beat steadily, his breathing relaxed, his coiled tension eased. She withdrew her hands and stared at his handsome face relaxed in deep sleep. A deep sleep she knew he’d awaken from only in the morning. Her healing had seen to that. His chest rose and fell slowly as he released a soft groan. She stared at his face and felt a powerful emotion stir inside of her. Compassion. Without thinking, she bent down and kissed him gently on the forehead, her mouth lingering over his warm skin. Slowly she withdrew and tenderly touched his face. “Sleep well, Gunnar,” she said softly and 14

Lycan Mate quietly left his room. Once in her room downstairs, she sat on the edge of her bed and inhaled shakily. He was grieving for his dead son. **** Slowly Gunnar opened his eyes and stared unseeingly at the ceiling, his thoughts on the woman with the magic touch. His one. He released a ragged breath and ran an unsteady hand over his head. For a split second when she touched him, he’d almost felt human. He’d almost felt that someone in this world cared for him. And she made him feel things he hadn’t felt in years. Comfort. Warmth. They felt damn good. He flung the sheet off him and strode naked to the window. He looked up at the night sky and stared at the nearly full moon, the wolf in him rising to the surface. Fiercely, he pushed it down. When he met her earlier, he’d fought the lust coursing through his body, now he fought a warmth finding its way into his heart. Gunnar was unmanned. He could control his burning desire, but he struggled with these other emotions. Emotions he couldn’t shake. He felt his cold heart thaw.

15

Anastasia Maltezos

Chapter Two

S

tella buried her face in the pillow, trying to ignore the jarring trill of the phone. She yanked the receiver. “Hello,” she said hoarsely. “Stella, I can’t find my car keys and if I don’t leave now, I’m going to lose my nine o’clock appointment!” She pulled the phone away from her ear and rubbed her eyes before she squinted at the bedside clock. Her heart sunk as she stared at the time. It was six o’clock in the morning. God, she was too physically and emotionally drained to deal with her younger sister now. “Brenna, I’m on three hours sleep,” she said huskily. “I’m begging you! This is urgent.” She cleared her throat and dragged her exhausted body out of bed. “You’re always losing things—and at inconvenient times. Can’t you start misplacing things, say, around two in the afternoon?” 16

Lycan Mate Brenna made a noise on the other end of the line. “Very funny. Listen, if I could do what you do, I’d find them myself.” Irritated, Stella sighed. “Relax. You woke me up, remember?” “Sorry about that. The keys are attached to the tiny crystal ball key chain, remember? Can you see them?” “Give me a second.” “Hurry. I have to beat the traffic.” “That’s what you get for moving to New York,” Stella muttered under her breath as she closed her eyes and concentrated on her sister’s keys. Nothing. She frowned and tried again, focusing all her energy on the missing item. There it was. The vision was brief, but she made it out. “Your keys are next to a small, red book.” There was a pause and Stella pictured the delicate frown on Brenna’s face. “My address book is red. As soon as I got home last night, I had to look through it for a number. Hold on. I keep it in my desk drawer. I think I threw my keys in there.” “Okay.” She shot her clock another weary glance. She’d take a shower, a cold one so she could wake up, and start making breakfast for Gunnar. At the mere thought of him, her stomach jolted. “I found them! Thanks, sis. Love you.” 17

Anastasia Maltezos As quickly as Brenna had interrupted Stella’s morning, she was gone. That was Brenna, in and out of your life in a flash, leaving debris and rubble in her wake. Stella rubbed her eyes and went into her private bathroom. God, she missed Elissa. At least with Elissa around they could both shoulder the daily dramas Brenna seemed to attract, but Stella would just have to be patient. Elissa would be back in a couple of days and then everything would be back to normal. Stella grimaced, correcting her thought. Normal? Hardly. Their paranormal gifts were anything but! She learned a long time ago being psychic was not normal. It was a nuisance, a handicap, and one big pain in the neck. Poor Elissa. She had it the worst. Seeing ghosts was not a desired gift. It took a toll on a person’s psyche, and Elissa’s last foray into the realm with the other side had left her feeling spent and depleted of all her energy. Stella hoped Elissa was feeling better on her long, overdue vacation. She made a mental note to call her later and see how she was doing. Stella stepped out of the shower, wrapped herself in a huge white towel, and padded back into her bedroom. Quickly, she slipped on her jeans and white Tshirt and glanced at her watch. Then she took a deep breath and went into the kitchen to make 18

Lycan Mate breakfast for Gunnar. **** “Let’s get the witch now!” The older man dragged in a lung full of smoke and then exhaled slowly, staring at his young partner. “And I told you we have to play this right,” he said. “We can’t just barge into her B&B and abduct her. That bastard Lycan will rip us to shreds before we draw our guns.” “We’ll shift. Paul, we can take him. It will be two against one, and when one of us has him down the other one can shoot him.” “No. Our silver bullets aren’t worth a damn with this one. I heard about him. He’s powerful. Old. He moves like lightning.” Paul’s eyes narrowed on the road before them and stared at the inn. The Serenity. That bitch’s life was going to be anything but serene once they were finished with her. “Dammit, there’s two of us. We’ll ambush him and then take her—” Paul grabbed his young partner by the throat and squeezed. “Shut the hell up! We do this my way.” His young partner whimpered and Paul grimaced with disgust as he released his hold. “You young fledglings have no damn control. That’s why most of you die before your first year 19

Anastasia Maltezos is up after you turn.” The young man sat back in his seat, shooting Paul a dark frown. “Then why the hell did you turn me?” “She knows you. You can get close to her. When the time is right, we’ll get her and hand her over to Marcellus. When he’s done with her, we’ll have all the locations of all the cells. And then we destroy our do-good brethren.” The young man frowned. “Are you sure she’s that good?” “The real deal. In this day and age we call them psychic, but back when I was first turned, one hundred years ago, they were just damned witches.” He started the car. “This bitch can see things. Find things.” He shot his young partner a menacing look. “I told you. We do things my way. In four days when the full moon is out, we’ll hand her over to Marcellus and he’ll claim her. It will be easy for him to steer her to the dark side, and once he does, she’ll tell us everything we want to know. Names, addresses, everything, and one by one every Lycan who’s sworn to protect human life will die by our hands and we’ll rule the night.” He drove onto the road. “Let’s get the hell out of here. I have to call Marcellus and tell him Stella O’Sullivan has a new guest.” **** 20

Lycan Mate

Stella looked at the kitchen clock for the tenth time. It was almost eight and breakfast would be over soon. Where was he? She knew she could always cook him something to eat when he eventually came down, but she had a schedule and her day would be shot. She chewed her lower lip and decided to prepare him a tray. She filled his plate with scrambled eggs and bacon and poured orange juice into glass. His toast popped and she quickly buttered them before slicing two strips of melon. “There, a breakfast for champions,” she murmured, satisfied. Careful, she carried the tray upstairs and balanced it against her hip as she knocked on his door. There was no answer. She’d seen his black Porsche parked outside this morning so she knew he was still in his room. She knocked again, harder this time, and heard a deep, perceptible sound. A swear word. She stiffened. She cleared her throat delicately. “Mr. Eriksson? I’m sorry to disturb you, but I’m here with your breakfast.” There was a pause and then another muttered swear word followed. She braced herself as he jerked the door open. Stella froze. His face was lathered in soap and a 21

Anastasia Maltezos deep gash on his chin was bleeding. He grabbed the towel draped around his shoulder and wiped his face clean of the soap, his expression dark as he ran a heated look over her appearance, pausing briefly on her snug T-shirt. His gaze locked with hers and her stomach fluttered at the look on his face. It was a mixture of frustration, desire, and wariness. “I thought I said I didn’t want to be disturbed,” he said. “Yes, but I…I thought you might like some breakfast. It’s past eight o’clock.” She glanced at his chin and gasped. “Your cut! Where is it?” She looked down at the bloody towel in his hand and then stared at him in confusion. His face was grim. “You may put the tray on the table.” She entered the bedroom. Was she seeing things? She could have sworn she saw the broken skin and blood. She spotted his laptop on the desk by the window and noted the open document. It was all text. Quickly she deposited the tray on the polished surface of the table by the dresser and turned around. She skimmed her gaze over his tall physique clad in pale blue denims and a black Tshirt before she rested it on his face. He was staring at her, his expression guarded. Her gaze wavered under his and she cleared her throat delicately. “I’ll be downstairs if there’s 22

Lycan Mate anything you need.” He ran an agitated hand through his blond mane and tossed an irritated glance at his laptop. “I’ll be up here for a good part of the day. I have a deadline.” She glanced at the open text document and then back at him, her tension easing a bit. “Are you a writer?” “Yes.” She smiled in spite of the charged energy that still hung in the air between them. “I love to read. What do you write?” “Horror novels.” He paused, his mouth thinning slightly. Was it her imagination or did he suddenly appear uncomfortable? “Mostly about werewolves and vampires.” Her smile fell. Ugh! She hated those books, but she wasn’t about to tell him that. “Oh, well I read mostly romance novels, but…but I’m sure if I read one of your books I’d…I’d like it,” she offered politely. “So, you came here to write?” “Yes.” Abruptly, he cleared his throat. “As I said, I have a deadline and should get to work.” Disappointment flared in her veins. So much for small talk, she thought wryly. “Sure.” She glanced at the wastebasket next to the nightstand. “I’ll just take this and clean it out for you.” She reached inside the small, wicker basket and halted 23

Anastasia Maltezos when her gaze fell on his son’s picture. Last night came to mind and her compassion returned. “What a lovely boy.” “That’s my son,” Gunnar said quietly behind her. “He died two years ago.” Slowly, she turned around and looked at him, softening at the flicker of pain that crossed his face. “I’m sorry, Gunnar,” she offered gently. “I lost my grandmother a couple of years ago and I miss her terribly. I…I can’t imagine how it must feel to lose a child.” “It’s hell.” “I’m sorry,” she repeated. “If there’s anything I can do.” “Thank you, but there’s nothing anyone can do.” He handed her his bloody towel. “This is the only towel that needs washing. Sorry about the blood.” She took the towel, staring at the red stain on the cotton. She’d almost forgotten about his cut. She lifted her gaze back up to his chin and frowned. This wasn’t possible. She knew she hadn’t imagined the cut. The blood was proof. Her frown deepened. With a grim face, he went to the door and held it. “Thank you again for the breakfast.” She took his cue and nodded politely. Downstairs, she washed the dishes and thought about the man upstairs whose disturbing, yet 24

Lycan Mate thrilling presence wreaked havoc to her senses. The more she thought of him, the more uneasy she became. Every bone in her body was telling her to beware of him. Gunnar Eriksson had secrets, dark secrets and she feared the next ten days she’d find out what they were. **** Gunnar stared at the door after she left and swore under his breath. It had taken all his strength to stop himself from taking her in his arms. He’d put a silver bullet to his head before he took a woman by force. Dammit. He’d never felt this out of control with a woman before. Even with his ex-wife, he’d never felt this passion, this primitive urge to taste, to mate, to touch. At the thought of his ex-wife, he glanced at Tyler’s picture. Damn Veronica. She’d never given their son a chance to make it to his third birthday. He recalled Stella’s tender expression when she offered him sympathy and the unfamiliar warmth began to invade his chest again. Damnation! She was making him feel human again. Her scent still hung in his bedroom and he strode to the window, pushing it open with a rough jab. Outdoor air filtered in and he waited 25

Anastasia Maltezos grimly for disappear.

her

sweet,

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tantalising

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Lycan Mate

Chapter Three

I

t was late morning by the time Stella had a chance to sit down. She sipped her green tea and spread her Tarot. She was about to look down when Gunnar strode in. He stopped dead in his tracks when he saw her cards. She braced herself. “Was there something I could help you with?” His gaze was still fastened on her cards. “I came down here for some coffee.” She rose. “I can make you a pot. I have fine, dark roast.” “Yes. Please,” he murmured. She glanced over her shoulder while she poured water into the pot. He was still staring at her cards. “They’re the Tarot. I amuse myself with them from time to time,” she explained casually, but inwardly her defensive nature rose. She’d learned a long time ago people didn’t embrace people who professed to being psychic. They were deemed strange, weird, crazy. 27

Anastasia Maltezos He reached down and picked up the Death card. “Most people see that card and think the worst, but sometimes it just means an ending,” she explained. “I know.” Her expression mirrored her surprise. “You read the Tarot?” He dropped the card, his expression grim. “No.” She waited for him to say more, but he didn’t. She turned around and spooned the rest of the coffee grind in the filter. “This should be ready in about five minutes. There’s pound cake in the fridge that will go nicely with it.” “Only the coffee,” he said. She collected her cards from the kitchen table, unable to look at him. She didn’t know what to make of this man and decided she should just stay out of his way. From the corner of her eye, she saw him glance at the newspaper on the table. The front page headlined Another Grizzly Murder. He picked it up and scanned the article, his expression turning grim. “In the past month, residents in these parts have been afraid to leave their homes after dark,” she offered. “The murders are quite horrific, limbs severed, decapitation.” She shuddered. “Who could do something like that?” 28

Lycan Mate “Or what could do something like that?” “Yes. What. A monster, that’s what.” “Is it safe for you to live here all alone?” “I have a very good alarm and keep a gun on the premises for security.” “This is a pretty big place for one woman to handle all alone. Have you owned it very long?” “It’s not that hard to maintain. I have a schedule I maintain and I rarely have more than two clients at a time, except in the winter, ski season. I bought it a little over a year ago. My…my grandmother left me and my sisters a rather large inheritance and we all opened up small businesses.” “Your sisters own B&Bs as well?” “No. Brenna, the middle sister, owns a hair styling salon in New York, and Elissa, the youngest, owns a used bookstore in Boston. I’m the oldest.” He gave her an interested look. “You don’t seem older than twenty. That seems like a young age to have all this responsibility.” She shrugged self-consciously. “Good genes. Yoga. Healthy lifestyle,” she explained. “I’m twenty-five.” His gaze travelled over her appearance and her stomach jolted at the possessive glint in his eyes. Her cheeks grew warm. The coffee stopped brewing just as the front 29

Anastasia Maltezos door chimed. “The sugar and spoons are over here. Help yourself to cream or milk from the fridge.” “Thank you,” he replied deeply and strode to the counter. She went into the hall, hoping it was another customer, anyone to take her mind off the evergrowing thrilling presence of Gunnar. Disappointment washed over her. It was Derek her delivery boy. He was dressed in jeans, his brown hair hidden beneath his Mountaineer’s baseball cap. “I wasn’t expecting you so soon,” she said, trying to sound pleasant as she walked toward him. She glanced down at the bags filled with groceries by her feet. Derek shrugged self-consciously. “You were my second to last drop and I thought I’d pass by now. I didn’t want to keep you waiting.” She smiled up at him. “You’re so sweet. Thanks, Derek.” His face reddened. “It was nothing. Hey, have you thought about Saturday night?” “Oh, Derek, I’m so sorry, but I haven’t changed my mind.” She hated turning him down. “I have so many things to do and the lawn is overdue.” He cleared his throat self-consciously. “Is there any way I could persuade you to take some time off?” 30

Lycan Mate She shook her head. “I really wish I could, but I can’t.” He looked disappointed. “I could pass by and help you. I can mow your lawn,” he suggested, his tone hinting desperation. Stella smiled. He really was sweet and incredibly young. His eighteen years to her twenty-five made her feel like there was a chasm between them. “Perhaps another time, okay?” His disappointment was palpable. “Okay. Another time.” Stella nodded casually. “Have a good day, Derek.” He left just as she heard a low, ominous growl behind her. She gasped and spun around. Gunnar stood there, staring at her, his expression hard. “An admirer?” “My deliver boy.” His mouth tensed. “He has a thing for you.” She pursed her lips. “I know. I hope he gets over it soon.” “I’m not so sure.” “He will. It’s a simple crush.” She bent to pick up the bags. “I got them,” he offered as he walked down the hall and picked up the three bags. “Where do you want them?” “On the kitchen counter, please.” She followed him into the kitchen. “I’ll have lunch ready in an hour,” she said over her shoulder as she emptied 31

Anastasia Maltezos the contents of the bags. “Thank you,” Gunnar replied. By the time she turned around, he was gone. Stella didn’t see much of him later as she went about her housework and prepared his lunch and dinner. He offered her a polite thank you both times he finished his meals and she watched him retire back to his room. She’d be lying to herself if she said she didn’t care, but she would have liked to get to know him better. She hadn’t had a customer for a couple of weeks and she would have liked the companionship. She loved running her inn, but grew lonely at times. Stomping down on the rise of self-pity that threatened to overwhelm her, she shut off all the lights and went to her room. Settling down with a good book always cheered her.

32

Lycan Mate

Chapter Four

A

little after eleven, she got ready for bed and slipped under her sheets. She lay staring at her ceiling. There was silence in the room above hers and she wondered if Gunnar was asleep. Turning on her side, she closed her eyes and sleep followed. In the middle of the night, she woke up with a start. An ominous howl came from her back yard and she tensed, hoping it would stop, but it went on and on, stretching out for the longest time. Damn. The neighbour’s dog was out again, she thought, irritated. She pictured the animal destroying her garden and stiffened. Releasing a frustrated breath, she got out of bed, slipped on her flat sandals and wrapped her robe tightly around her. She’d have to scare it away. And tomorrow she’d have a talk with her neighbours. She didn’t want a repeat of last summer when the animal destroyed her strawberry patch. She went downstairs and took the flashlight out 33

Anastasia Maltezos of the kitchen drawer, testing the on button to make sure it worked. Quickly she slipped outside and stood on her back patio, scanning the beam of light around her lawn. She frowned. Something was definitely out there, past the fence. She trained the light on a spot in the far back and gasped. Whatever it was, it looked too big to be her neighbour’s German Sheppard. She made her way down the steps and walked tentatively toward the back, her light fastened on the spot. As she neared it, the hair at the back of her neck rose. She stopped dead in her tracks and inhaled sharply through her nose. The animal was three times the size of a full grown German Sheppard. Fear darted up her spine as she made her way closer to the fence, trying to keep her hand steady. She knew she should turn back and call the police to let them know a strange animal was on the loose, but her legs had a mind of their own. She stopped dead in her tracks. What if it was this animal that was responsible for the horrific killings? What if it wasn’t even a dog? What if it was a wolf? She narrowed her eyes, trying to get a better view of the large shadow. At about twenty feet away, she sucked in a fearful breath and stared at the large wolf-like dog watching at her through the fence. She kept telling herself to run back inside, but her legs had turned 34

Lycan Mate to lead and she couldn’t move. The animal was huge, its fur a rich golden brown, its eyes glinting under the moon’s glow. She took a small step back and the wolf-dog let out a low growl. She gasped softly. Slowly, it ambled closer to the fence and sat on its haunches, staring at her. She gripped her flashlight tighter. Stella couldn’t move. She was transfixed by the steady gaze of the wolf. “Scat!” she said, waving her light at it. “Go away.” The wolf howled. This time the sound carried a curious thread of melancholy behind it, almost as though the animal was sad. She shook herself out of her ridiculous reverie. Wolves weren’t sad. They were dangerous. She glided the beam of her flashlight quickly around the lawn by her feet, trying to find anything she could to throw at the fence, but found nothing. She swore. Obviously she wasn’t going to find anything because she kept her lawn immaculate. She raised the beam back to the fence and let out a frightened yelp. In those few seconds she had turned her gaze from it, the wolf had managed to vault over the fence and was now on her lawn, staring at her only a few feet away. Her heart raced with fear and she took a couple of shaky steps back. She thought of screaming out for Gunnar who was in his room upstairs, but 35

Anastasia Maltezos couldn’t find her voice. She was in shock. The wolf advanced slowly. Terrified, she hurled her flashlight at its head and ran back to the house. She slammed the door behind her, gasping for air. Shaking uncontrollably, she ran to the hall and sped up the stairs. She’d wake up Gunnar and they’d call the authorities. Without bothering to knock, she opened his door and froze. His bedroom was empty. Frowning, she ran downstairs to the gym and froze. Empty. Where was he? She went into her bedroom and locked her door. With her heart still racing, she sat on the edge of her bed and inhaled deeply. Her sixth sense was in full force and before a crazy notion formed, she shook her head. The next morning she was changing a light bulb in her kitchen ceiling fan. God, she was exhausted. Last night she’d hardly slept a wink. The chair she stood on wobbled and she gritted her teeth, trying to maintain her balance. “Good morning.” Gunnar’s deep voice jostled her from her perch and the chair rocked. She screamed as she flailed her arms. And then everything moved in slow motion. 36

Lycan Mate She heard Gunnar’s swift intake of breath as she toppled sideways, watching him vault toward her. She didn’t even have time to tell him she’d just waxed the floor. Before either of them knew what was happening, Gunnar locked his arms around her waist and fell back as his foot skidded over the polished ceramic tiles. He groaned as he hit the floor, her body landing directly on top of his. Stella was mortified. Slowly, she raised her face to his and stifled the nervous giggle threatening to erupt from her. This wasn’t funny. He could have seriously hurt himself. “Are…are you all right?” “Yes,” he said hoarsely, his gaze flicking to her mouth. “Why is your kitchen floor like an ice rink?” “I…I waxed it this morning.” A nervous giggle escaped her and she cleared her throat to cover the sound. He stared at her with a suspicious look on his face. “You could have warned me,” he said. “Er…I didn’t exactly have time.” She couldn’t tear her gaze away from his face. His arms tightened imperceptibly around her waist as his eyes flickered to her mouth. She froze as a significant development arose, awareness. Startled, she realised for the first time she could feel every contour of his muscular body. 37

Anastasia Maltezos “You may find this funny,” he said, “but from my vantage point, funny is the last word I’d use to describe having a beautiful woman lying on top of me.” She felt a thread of alarm. He felt strong and firm beneath her. And…and, oh my God, was he getting aroused? Her face flamed with embarrassment and she struggled to rise. With a grim look, he slid his hands around her waist and helped her up. Flustered, she slid the chair back to the table and turned around. She saw Gunnar putting in the last turn of the fresh bulb. “Thank you. Would…would you like some breakfast?” she asked, taking the let’s-pretendthis-didn’t-happen approach. With a shaky hand, she placed the morning’s paper next to him. He lifted a sardonic brow. She blushed, realising he’d read her mind. “Breakfast sounds great. Actually, I came down to talk with you about something.” He glanced down at the paper and frowned. “Dammit. Another murder.” “I know. It’s terrible. The young couple had been biking late last night and were viciously attacked. Both of them had their throats slashed.” She shivered. “Actually, last night the neighbour’s dog was in my yard and it gave me a fright. For a moment there, I thought it was a dangerous wolf 38

Lycan Mate on the prowl.” She paused. “I was so scared, I went looking for you, but couldn’t find you anywhere.” His look was guarded. “I was out for a late night stroll. I usually take a walk after writing all day.” She hid a frown. There was no reason for him to lie, but something told her he wasn’t telling her the truth. “Did…did you enjoy your walk?” “Yes,” he said abruptly, shoving the paper away from him as he took his seat. She turned to make a fresh pot of coffee. As it started brewing, she pulled bread and eggs out of the fridge. “French toast okay?” “Perfect.” “So, what was is it you wanted to talk to me about?” she asked. “It’s my book,” he began. “I was hoping to hire you as a consultant.” She gave him a curious look over her shoulder. “How can I help? I don’t know the first thing about writing a book.” “You know the Tarot. And that’s where I’m stuck. My main character is a police detective who’s solving a case of a missing child. He’s exhausted all his leads and as a last ditch effort, turns to a psychic to help him. She’s well respected and has helped the police department with a few of their cases in the past. My problem is 39

Anastasia Maltezos I need to make her sound like a credible, believable psychic, especially when she gives him a reading. I’ve tried over and over again, but the readings I write end up sounding contrived, forced. Hence my writer’s block.” He nodded his thanks as she placed a mug of coffee in front of him. “I would pay you, of course, and I would only need your help for a couple of days.” Stella broke the eggs into a wide, shallow bowl and beat them lightly with a fork before she stirred in the sugar, salt, and milk. Thank God she was keeping herself busy because the thought of spending one-on-one time with him left her breathless. “I would love to help,” she began slowly as she placed two bread slices into the bowl to let them soak up the egg mixture, “but I’m not sure what you want me to do.” “I want you to give me a reading, as my female character would on the missing children. I would take notes, reference the words you use, your actions, everything, to give her a credible air.” She transferred the bread slices onto the heated skillet and turned them over until both sides were golden brown. There was no reason to refuse him. Besides, she enjoyed reading her cards and it wouldn’t be like he was putting her out. “Will you do it?” Stella hadn’t realised he was waiting for her response and she gave him an apologetic look. “Of 40

Lycan Mate course, but I won’t take payment.” “I insist.” She placed his plate of French toast in front of him along with hot butter and syrup on the side. She shook her head. “I can’t accept payment. I enjoy reading my cards.” “Thank you.” He put a forkful of French toast in his mouth. “This is delicious.” She blushed, his compliment warming her. “I love to cook.” She poured herself a coffee. “Do…do you believe in psychics?” she asked casually. He visibly stiffened. “I believe in a lot of things, but psychics are not one of them.” Stella sipped her coffee, avoiding his eyes. “You don’t believe there are gifted people out there?” “No.” His face darkened. “There are people out there with curses, not gifts.” She was too stung by his view that psychics didn’t exist to comment on what he said. She rose, taking her mug to the sink as he finished his breakfast. “Would you mind sitting down with me now?” he asked. “Sure,” she replied over her shoulder as she rinsed her mug. “Thanks. I appreciate your help, Stella.” “My pleasure.” She collected his plate and mug and placed them in the dishwasher. She turned 41

Anastasia Maltezos around and nearly jumped when she saw him standing directly behind her. For a big man, he moved as silently as a mouse. “Thank you,” she said as he handed her the small syrup decanter and butter plate. “I’ll get my mini-tape recorder.” She managed to put everything away before he returned. He strode into the kitchen as she was placing her cards on the table. “So how do you want to do this?” she asked. “I’d like to ask you questions. Maybe you can show me how you spread the cards. How you would go about starting a reading.” “All right.” She shuffled her cards and placed three in a row on the table. “I use a very simple spread. Three cards, the past, present, and future. And as I draw more cards and lay them on top, the past, present, and future is revealed in detail.” He gave her an interested look. “I’ve bought a few how-to books for my research and they all show standard spreads. You don’t use The Ellipse Spread or the Five Card Spread?” “No. There’s actually an infinite number of spreads, the most common one being the Celtic Cross which is a ten card spread, but it really depends on the reader and what spread best suits them. Some psychics use the cards as a tool and let their clairvoyant abilities do the guiding.” She folded her hands neatly in front of her. “Now, 42

Lycan Mate what is the biggest problem you ran into writing your female character?” “The actual reading. Her words, her dialogue sounded forced and phony. She doesn’t sound natural or credible as a psychic.” “Hm. If I give you an actual reading on yourself, would that help?” He lifted a brow. “You can read for me?” She shrugged. “Sure. That’s…that’s if you want me to.” His expression was unreadable. “And you can foretell my future?” “It’s only for entertainment.” How could she tell him she relied on what she saw in her cards? That she based some of her biggest decisions in her life on her readings? He’d think she was either crazy or irresponsible, and neither sounded like good options to her. He leaned back, his expression thoughtful. “All right then. Give me a reading.” She focused on the cards until she began to see images and visions dancing about in her head. “I can see your struggle with your writing, however, you will overcome your writer’s block,” she began slowly. “That’s good to know.” “I see a name. Jack. No, Jackie.” She gave him a careful look. “She’s a good woman and understands your struggles right now. She’s 43

Anastasia Maltezos giving you time and space to heal.” His expression revealed nothing, but she could see his body tense. “Jacqueline Worth. She’s my editor.” Although she knew he was surprised with her information, she could tell he was trying hard not to show it. She drew three more cards and stared at them. “Hm. Interesting. I keep seeing a red pen.” “That’s the name of my publisher. Fountain Pen Publications. Their emblem is red,” he said abruptly. She shot him a weary look and pursed her lips regretfully. His expression said it all. “Do…do you want me to continue?” she asked quietly. “By all means.” She stared at her cards and suddenly everything around her grew dark. The hair on her nape rose as a chill surrounded her. “You wear a mask. You’re not who you appear to be. Something about your past.” A tremor shot up her spine. “Blood. Animals. I keep seeing the…the moon.” She gave him a look that said she didn’t know what that meant, but he remained guarded, his expression revealing nothing. “This could mean your writing. The werewolves and vampires you write about.” “Yes.” She looked back down at the cards and felt a flash of alarm. “This is odd. I see a terrible 44

Lycan Mate injustice done to you. Something valuable was stolen from you.” She shot him a sharp look. “Were you burglarized recently?” He frowned. “No.” “Or perhaps some of your writing was plagiarized?” His frown deepened. “No, at least not that I know of.” “Can you think of anything that’s disappeared recently?” He remained silent for a few moments. “Nothing.” She worried her lower lip and inhaled deeply. “Hm. I have a bad feeling about this. Something’s not right.” He leaned back in his seat and gave her a thoughtful look. “And I’m trying to figure out if this is the entertainment part of the readings you told me about or if there’s truth to what you see.” She was irked. What was the use? He was a sceptic and didn’t believe a word she said. Still, what she’d just seen was weighing heavily on her shoulders and she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong. She drew three more cards. Danger surrounded him and a thread of fear darted up her spine. She focused all her energies on her cards. For a few moments, there was nothing—and then she saw it. A glimpse of something significant. It was an old, rusty pickup 45

Anastasia Maltezos truck, blue, and the man driving it had longish white, stringy hair and wore a cowboy hat. A wave of darkness assaulted her and she jerked back in her seat, gasping for air. In his back seat, she’d glimpsed a long, bloody wooden stake. Gunnar drew forward sharply in his seat. “Are you all right?” She tried to calm down. “I…I’m not sure. It could be one of your characters in a book you’ve written. Someone mentally unbalanced.” “All my antagonists are mentally unbalanced. What did he look like?” “Long, white hair. A cowboy hat. Drove a rundown, blue pickup truck.” She stared at him expectantly. “I can’t say that he sounds familiar. Do you see anything else?” She drew another three cards. “The past, present, and future is curious for you.” “How so?” She gave him a careful look. “It’s like you’re stuck in some kind of limbo where there is no time, an eternity of…of nothing. No movement.” He remained expressionless and Stella focused on what the cards were trying to tell her. “You need to face the past in order to live in the present and build your future. That sounds trite, doesn’t it?” She gave him an apologetic look. She hated it when her readings didn’t even make sense to 46

Lycan Mate herself. His face was grim. “Not really. What part of my past are you referring to?” She didn’t need to be psychic to know he thought she was bringing up the death of his son. Stella stiffened. Gunnar was a sceptic, he had told her so himself, and he assumed she was inventing this reading using the bits and pieces of him she already knew. He was wrong. The cards were very clear. He needed to face his past. “The number two stands out. Two years. Your son’s death.” There she’d said it. Stella braced herself. Gunnar clenched his hand on the table into a fist and remained silent for a long time as he stared at her, his blue gaze darkening. “I faced my past, head on, for the longest time, longer than you can imagine. I couldn’t accept the fact he was gone and I held onto hope he was somehow still alive.” His face tensed. “I even went to a few psychics to help me, but a few thousand dollars later, I realised they were only looking to make a quick buck. None of them could give me any details on my son, his favourite toy, his favourite food. All they told me was what they thought I needed to hear. That he was in a better place. He was happy. He loved me. So you see, when I told you I didn’t believe in psychics, I was talking from 47

Anastasia Maltezos experience.” He gave her a pointed look. Her sympathy for him won over her need to defend herself. “I’m sorry, Gunnar. I’m just telling you what I saw and felt.” She paused, trying to find the right words. “And I see your past is not resolved.” He ran a rough hand at the nape of his neck, his gaze almost furious. “What you saw and felt? Are you telling me you’re psychic?” She bristled under his glare. “You agreed I read for you and that’s what I did.” “You didn’t answer my question. Are you telling me you’re psychic?” “I prefer to use the word gifted. Psychic has a rather unfavourable nuance attached to it.” He leaned back in his chair, expelling a harsh breath. “Unbelievable. Out of all the inns I could have stayed at, I chose yours.” “Why did you choose mine?” she asked in a small voice, but she already knew the answer. She believed in fate, in destiny. It was not a coincidence he chose hers. There was a reason their paths met and Stella was beginning to feel it was her healing powers he needed. What, then, did she need from him? “I chose yours because of its name, The Serenity. I need some peace in my life, some calm, and your name attracted me.” Again, not a coincidence, she thought, but she 48

Lycan Mate couldn’t tell him that. She tore her gaze away from his and looked back down at the cards. “You have a very busy few weeks ahead. Clarity and resolution seem to be surrounding you, a discovery with the help of another. Something very important will resurface in your life and it will change the course of your future.” “Can the cards tell you what it is?” The images were too jumbled and she couldn’t separate them. She saw water, a zebra, and a bowl of cereal. Stella frowned, but the overall message was there. He was going to resolve something vital in his life, but what did a zebra and cereal have to do with it? “No, only that it will bring you joy and release.” She released an exasperated breath. “I guess this reading’s not much help for your book. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to give you any details—and the details I did see made no sense.” She laughed self-consciously. “A zebra and cereal.” She gathered her cards and stilled when his hand shot out and grabbed hers. She gave him a questioning look and stiffened. He was regarding her with disbelief. “What did you say?” he asked in a dangerously soft tone. His voice drew shivers on her back. “I said I’m sorry I couldn’t give you de—” “Not that,” he ground out. “The other thing.” She was flustered. “What? The zebra and 49

Anastasia Maltezos cereal?” He removed his hand from hers and drew back in his seat, his expression a curious mixture of anger and anguish. “Yes. That.” His eyes bore down on hers. “Do you remember when I told you no other psychic could give me details about Tyler? That they couldn’t tell me what his favourite toy was or what his favourite food was? That they only told me what I wanted to hear?” “Yes.” She grew cold. “His favourite toy was a stuffed zebra I bought him he called Stripes and he loved cereal, any cereal. He’d eat it any time of day.” His face turned grim. “My question is where did you get this information?” Fear and anger darted up her spine. Fear because of the dangerous look on his face, and anger because he thought she was lying. “Gunnar, I didn’t read that information anywhere. I saw those images in my mind.” She held his unwavering gaze, refusing to cower under his dark expression. “And I resent your implication.” “You saw it in your mind.” Her shackles rose. “Yes.” She wasn’t surprised. Gunnar was no different from all the other people she gave readings to. No one felt comfortable sitting next to someone who could see things. And then it hit her. Why would Tyler appear in her reading? 50

Lycan Mate “What is it?” “I…I was wondering why…” she began slowly, afraid to tell him what was on her mind. Any other Tarot reader would have assumed Tyler appeared because Gunnar would finally find closure with his pain, but she wasn’t just another Tarot reader. She was a bona fide psychic and the connection was more daunting. Tyler appeared because there was something about his death that wasn’t quite right. That didn’t fit. “Something’s off. There’s information, a discovery, you’ll make about Tyler.” He rubbed the back of his neck with a rough hand. “What discovery? That he suffered when he drowned and the ocean carried his body deep into its depths never to be found again?” He paled, rising unsteadily to his feet. “Thank you for the reading, but I think I’ve had enough. I’m not saying you lied, but I am suggesting somewhere buried in your subconscious you connected my need to heal with his favourite toy and food.” “I’m certain I’ve never read about you and Tyler,” she said quietly. “Doesn’t your sister own a bookstore? The paparazzi had a field day with me for months and printed every little detail about my life. It’s possible your sister mentioned it to you in passing and you buried it in your subconscious.” “No. You have it wrong, Gunnar.” 51

Anastasia Maltezos He grabbed his mini-tape recorder and straightened. “It doesn’t matter now. Your reading shed some light for me and I think I’ll go back upstairs and revise what I wrote,” he said. “If I still need your help and require your assistance for another reading, will you be available?” She showed her surprise. “You still want me to help you?” His expression was dry. “Yes.” “Of course I’ll help.” “Thank you.” He turned on his heel and left.

52

Lycan Mate

Chapter Five

S

he saw him again a couple of hours later when she was straining her pasta. He strode into the kitchen, running an agitated hand at the back of his neck. “Stella, do you know of any stores close by that sell USB keys? I seem to have misplaced mine.” She chewed her lower lip as a flash of green popped into her mind. “Maybe in town, but it’s a good thirty minute drive.” Another vision danced before her. Jeans, specifically a pocket in a pair of jeans. “Er…what colour is your USB key?” “Green. Why do you ask?” “I…I think I saw it near your jeans yesterday. It was lying on top of them.” “Let me see if it’s there.” He left. Stella stirred the tomato sauce and added her special blend of spices. She heard Gunnar return a couple of minutes later. “It wasn’t there. About that store. Can you give me directions?” 53

Anastasia Maltezos Stella knew he hadn’t checked the pockets otherwise he would have found it. She stifled a sigh. “Is it possible you slipped it into the pocket of your jeans? It would be a shame to drive all that way for nothing.” He gave her a strange look and disappeared again. This time he returned holding his green USB key. “You were right.” She laughed lightly. “That’s great. At least you don’t have to drive all the way to town.” “Yes,” he commented. She could tell he was disturbed. “How did you know where my USB key was? The jeans I wore yesterday were in a drawer.” “Lucky guess,” she replied. His face turned grim. “Have you been in my room?” Stella felt cold. “Excuse me?” “I said,” he began slowly, folding his arms across his chest, “have you been in my room?” She bristled. “Are you accusing me of something?” His hard expression didn’t relent. “How else could you have known where it was?” Stella didn’t know if she should feel angry or defensive. Angry because he was accusing her of snooping, or defensive because of what he’d say once she explained she could find things. Common sense won because she didn’t want him to think 54

Lycan Mate the worst of her. She braced herself. “I saw it there.” “When did you see it there?” She saw a muscle working along his jaw. “Just now. When you told me you misplaced it.” He clenched and unclenched his jaw. “I didn’t see you leave. So how could you see it now?” She stiffened, even though she understood how he came up with the notion she’d been snooping. “If you must know,” she began tautly, “I saw it in my head.” She ignored the surprised, then sceptical look on his face. “I…I find things.” “You find things,” he said slowly. She squared her shoulders. “Yes.” “So when I just told you I lost my USB key, you saw where it was in your head.” She swallowed. “Yes.” “All right.” His eyes narrowed. “Where is my passport?” “What?” “Where is my passport?” he asked slowly. She could tell he was still quite angry. “You don’t know where it is?” “I do.” “Then I can’t tell you where it is. I find lost or misplaced things. Things you want to find, things that are hidden.” She cringed inwardly. God, she sounded like a lunatic even to her own ears. “I see.” 55

Anastasia Maltezos She mirrored his stance and crossed her arms across her chest. “I was not snooping. There’s no reason for me to snoop.” Her eyes were smarting and she chewed her lower lip to stop it from quivering, wishing she could erase the last few minutes with him. He stared at her, long and hard, before he ran a hand at the back of his neck. Finally he released a ragged breath and said, “I believe you.” He paused. “I’ve had problems in the past with hotel staff who wanted to sell stories about me to the paparazzi.” Her expression mirrored her surprise and he continued. “I recently went through a very nasty divorce and public tragedy and I’m afraid I’ve been looking over my shoulder the past two years. Being a bestselling novelist has its pitfalls. That’s why I came here instead of a huge, fancy hotel. I wanted anonymity. Privacy.” “I understand,” she replied gently. “My writing is all I have now. It keeps me sane.” He cleared his throat abruptly as though he said too much. “Thank you for helping me find my USB key,” he offered, his tone curiously hoarse. Her kitchen phone rang. Not now, she thought, tossing it an annoying glance. He was finally opening up to her and she didn’t want this moment to end. She gave him an apologetic look. “Excuse me for a minute.” She answered the 56

Lycan Mate phone. “The Serenity. How can I help you?” “Stella, it’s me.” Her spirits lifted despite her annoyance at having their moment interrupted. “Elissa! How are you? I missed you.” “I’m fine. I miss you, too, sis. I should be home by the weekend.” They chatted about Elissa’s vacation and Stella looked up and saw Gunnar had left. “Any customers this week?” Elissa asked. “One. Do you know Gunnar Eriksson, the writer?” Elissa laughed softly. “I own a bookstore, remember? Of course I know him.” Stella chewed the underside of her lower lip. “What…what can you tell me about him?” “No one really knows much about him, except that he’s written a string of bestsellers. Paranormal thrillers. And what I do know I read in the papers. His ex and son died two years ago. Their car went off a cliff into the ocean. Their bodies were never found and after an extensive search, they were pronounced dead a few months later. Gunnar nearly lost his mind over it. He turned into a recluse after his son’s death. I don’t know much more about him except that his ex wasn’t the faithful type and spent more time going out clubbing than spending time home looking after her son. Rumour has it he married her only 57

Anastasia Maltezos because she got pregnant. Not an ideal marriage. I remembered hearing there was no love lost between the two of them.” Elissa made a sympathetic sound on the other end of the line. “Poor man. He hasn’t written a book since and has been hounded by the paparazzi. Is he…er…is he as gorgeous in person as he is on his book jackets?” “More.” A stab of longing coursed through her body and she squeezed her eyes. Her sister would be shocked if Stella told her she was falling for a man she’d just met. She concentrated on what Elissa was saying. After their quick chat, she set the table for lunch, her thoughts straying to Tyler. She lost her grandmother two years ago and still missed her like crazy. She could just imagine how it felt to lose a child. It was a shame Gunnar didn’t believe in psychics because all he had to do was sit down with Elissa and have her channel Tyler’s spirit. As a medium, Elissa was the best. She was genuine and authentic. She could talk to Tyler and—Stella wanted to kick herself! Why hadn’t she thought of that before? She would call Elissa and have her take a peak to the other side and speak to Tyler herself. If Gunnar knew his son was all right and Tyler gave his father some words of comfort, maybe that 58

Lycan Mate would help ease some of his grief and he could heal faster. She grabbed the phone and dialled Elissa’s cell, her heart racing. “Hi. This is an emergency,” Stella said as soon as her younger sister answered the phone. “I need you to go to the other side and speak to Tyler Eriksson.” “Who?” “Tyler Eriksson.” There was a pregnant pause. “Eriksson, as in your customer?” “Yes. Tyler is Gunnar’s son.” She paused, inhaling. “Do you contact little children? He was two when he died. He would have been four years old now.” “The connection is not as long as it is with adults, but I have spoken with children before. It’s hard to explain, but when they’re very young, I connect with them on an emotional level. If they’re an infant, they speak to me through their hearts and minds.” “So they do respond to your questions,” Stella said, trying hard to understand Elissa’s gift. “Oh, yes. All the time.” Stella pursed her lips. “Okay. I need you to find out if he’s okay. Tell him his father loves him and misses him.” “Do you need this right away?” “As soon as possible. Preferably within the next 59

Anastasia Maltezos fifteen minutes.” “That’s more like right away.” “Please. It’s really important.” “You know I’m on vacation to get away from all that stuff.” Stella felt guilty. “I know and I wouldn’t ask you to do this if it wasn’t urgent.” “Okay. I’ll call you right back.” Stella paced the floor for what seemed an eternity before Elissa called her back. She grabbed the phone on the first ring. “What did he say?” Stella asked without bothering to say hello. Elissa’s voice sounded odd. “Uhh…are you sitting down?” “Why?” “Stella, Tyler Eriksson is not on the other side.”

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tella felt her legs grow weak and sat down. “Are you sure?” she whispered. “Yes,” Elissa said quietly. She couldn’t think straight. The implication was too great to ignore. How was she going to tell Gunnar? How did she tell a man the son he thought dead for two years might somehow still be alive? Stella covered her face with a trembling hand. “Elissa, what am I going to do? What do I tell Gunnar?” “You like him, don’t you?” “Yes. A lot.” “Then tell him the truth.” Stella shook her head. “I can’t. Not until I know for sure what happened. I don’t want to give him any false sense of hope. He’s been through so much as it is.” “Okay. Just call me if you need any more help,” Elissa said softly. 61

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**** Gunnar flipped through the pages he’d just printed and leaned back in his chair. He inhaled slowly. The woman downstairs who’d pole-axed him since the first moment he met her had managed to erase his writer’s block in one sitting. He shook his head slowly. Unbelievable. Now he needed to add admiration to his growing list of feelings he had for her. He twisted his mouth wryly at the thought. Feelings. It was hell enough trying to fight his need to claim her as his own, but now these other damn feelings were getting in the way. Dammit. She was slowly finding her way into his heart. Guilt ripped through him as he recalled the look on her face when he’d accused her of going through his room. He’d hurt her and he wished he could take that moment back, but it couldn’t be helped, dammit. She would have found too many things that would have made her raise questions: A gun and a box of silver bullets, a wooden stake. He didn’t want her to know the truth about him. He didn’t want her getting close to him. His gut clenched. And if she spent more time giving him a reading she may have discovered the truth. Damn she was good, a true psychic. With a gift 62

Lycan Mate like that she could have been raking in big dough, opening a psychic line on TV, giving readings to celebrities who doled out big cash, anything that spelled big bucks, but she didn’t. Instead she ran a small bed and breakfast out in the middle of nowhere, living a quiet life. Anonymity. She was a lot like him, hiding from the world. His cold heart thawed. Then reality hit him in the gut. She wasn’t anything like him. He was a beast. She was human. He was a monster. She was a saint. He rose abruptly and went to his nightstand. He picked up his son’s picture and stared at it. Everyone he’d ever loved in his life had died because of him. Gently, he put Tyler’s picture down, shoved his papers in an envelope, and went downstairs. He found her at the front door taking four boxes of chocolates from a young girl in a Girl Scout outfit. She closed the door and turned around with a smile on her face. When she saw him, she pulled a face. “I think I just made her quota for the week,” she said, laughing softly. Her laughter caressed his skin, her bright eyes warmed his gut. She was intoxicating and he realised then and there he discovered a new form of hell. 63

Anastasia Maltezos He glanced at the boxes. “There’s twelve bars in each box.” She shrugged casually. “I’ll just put them in the freezer and hand them out to my clients.” She raised hopeful eyes at him. “Would you like a couple? There’s hazelnut and caramel.” Chocolates were the last thing on his mind as he ran his gaze over her slim form in tight jeans and a snug white T-shirt. “No, thank you.” He paused, knowing what he was going to say next went against everything he vowed not to do. He didn’t want to get close to her, but she was bewitching him more and more every time they spent together. “I’m going to the post office to drop this off. It’s a partial of my manuscript.” “Oh, you don’t just email these days?” “I do, but I always follow up with a hard copy. Old habits die hard,” he ended dryly. And if she knew how long he’d been writing, she’d understand. The first manuscript he wrote was with a quill pen. Her relieved smile pulled him out of his reverie. “Oh, so you’ve managed to make progress.” “Yes, thanks to your help.” He paused. “Would you like to come with me? I didn’t get a chance to thank you for helping me with my book and I’d like to buy you lunch.” She chewed her lower lip and seemed to mull it over. “I just made lunch.” 64

Lycan Mate “Put it in the fridge. I can have that for dinner so you won’t have to cook later.” She walked to the hall table and placed the boxes on it. “I suppose I could do that.” “You can put the closed sign on the door and we’ll be back in a couple of hours.” She laughed softly. “Okay. You convinced me, besides I could use a break. Just give me a second. I have to get my purse.” As she went down the hall into her bedroom, his gaze fastened on her gently swaying backside. And he knew then and there he was in big trouble. **** Stella waited outside the post office for Gunnar, taking in the warm sunny weather and smiled at him when he came out. “Thanks again, Stella. I still can’t believe I fixed that scene in a few short hours.” She was warmed by his compliment. “You’re the writer. I just gave you a reading.” They made their way to the family-style restaurant down the block and she glanced up at him, striding casually by her side. “I hope you like pasta. This place makes the best lasagne.” “Sounds great.” 65

Anastasia Maltezos She pulled a face. “I should warn you that you’re having pasta for dinner, too.” “I don’t mind. I enjoy your cooking.” Something in his tone made her look at him and she saw his handsome profile softened into a hint of a smile. He glanced at her and their gazes locked. Her stomach flipped at the flash of warmth in his eyes. The sound of a baby crying broke their connection. She looked at the harried woman pushing a baby carriage out of a shop. The baby was crying uncontrollably and Stella’s heart melted at the sight of the-red cheeked, tear-stained infant. “Johnny, sweetie,” she cooed as she stopped and lowered herself in front of the carriage. She glanced up at the baby’s mother and smiled ruefully. “Still teething?” The woman looked beside herself. “Yes. It’s been madness. I can’t get anything done.” Stella was already reaching for the baby. “Do you mind, Helen?” “Oh God, no.” Gently, Stella lifted the wailing baby in her arms and rose, offering introductions as she rested her cheek on the baby’s head. “Pleased to meet you, Helen,” Gunnar said politely. The baby had already stopped crying and was sucking his thumb while Stella swayed gently 66

Lycan Mate from side to side, whispering softly, “It’s okay, baby.” Helen smiled for the first time. “You’re a life saviour. He’s been uncontrollable all morning.” She gave Gunnar a relieved look. “Stella has a way with kids. I don’t know how she does it, but every time Johnny goes off on a crying binge, she only has to hold him and he calms down.” Gunnar gave Stella a hooded look. “You don’t say.” “I could hold Johnny all day. He’s adorable.” She looked down at the baby. He was gazing up at her with a clear, unblinking stare, his little mouth opening into a toothless grin. “Yeah, you’re adorable and Auntie Stella loves you,” she said, laughing softly when the baby gurgled with glee. Helen looked at her watch. “Oh, no. I’m running late.” Stella felt a stab of disappointment. She would have loved to hold him a bit longer. Carefully, she placed him back in the carriage and buckled him in. “Now be a good boy for mommy. I love you, angel,” she said softly. The baby’s face puckered and his eyes welled with tears as he stared at Stella. “Don’t cry, sweetie. I’ll see you again real soon.” She placed a gentle kiss on his downy soft head. Stella and Gunnar continued on their way soon after Helen left. She tossed him a quick, sideways 67

Anastasia Maltezos glance, wondering why he seemed so pensive. And then it hit her. He was thinking of Tyler. Her heart swelled with feeling. “Penny for your thoughts,” she said gently, glancing at his hard profile. He gave her a look she couldn’t define. “I was wondering why you haven’t married and started your own family.” His question took her by surprise. “I guess I haven’t found the right guy.” “Do you want children one day?” “Yes.” She felt a stab of regret. She wanted children, but couldn’t imagine finding a man who could embrace her gifts and not feel threatened or frightened by them. She needed someone special, someone who didn’t fear the unknown. They paused in front of the restaurant. Before he reached for the door, he looked down at her. “You would make a fine mother one day.” His comment continued to warm her as they entered the restaurant and followed the hostess to their table. He pulled out her chair and took his seat. She opened the menu and tried to form her next words. “Do you want more children one day, Gunnar?” For some unexplainable reason, she really wanted to know. His expression darkened as his gaze flickered to her mouth. “Tyler was the best thing that ever 68

Lycan Mate happened to me. It wasn’t planned, but when he came into my life it was the biggest gift I ever got.” She was disappointed. “You’re still young. You can start another family.” “I’m older than I look,” he relied dryly. “In any case, the answer is no. I don’t want another family. My life is too…complicated. Besides, no one could ever replace Tyler.” She gasped. “I’m sorry, Gunnar. I didn’t imply—” “I know you didn’t.” He gave her a long look, his expression softening. She couldn’t hold his gaze. There was something intimate in his expression and she felt a rush of nerves. God, she was acting like a teenager. Flustered, she took her napkin and placed it on her lap. When she looked back up at him, he was regarding her with interest. “Do I make you nervous?” His question surprised her. “Sometimes.” “Why?” She shrugged. “I don’t know. I’m not…I haven’t…I don’t go out much. I suppose I’m a little out of practice.” “You don’t date?” “No.” “A beautiful woman like you must have offers all the time.” 69

Anastasia Maltezos He thought she was beautiful. Her stomach jolted. “Actually, I don’t.” “Well, I’m glad you agreed to have lunch with me.” “Me, too.” They both ordered lasagne and as they ate, Stella felt herself relax. They chatted about his book and how he was ready to send out his initial draft and Stella felt another rush of pleasure that she’d helped him. The waitress removed their plates and returned with their coffee. Stella smiled her thanks when she heard a voice behind her and stiffened. Kendra Jones, the town’s infamous divorcee. Infamous because she was clearly in search of husband number three and married men were not off limits for her. “Stella, fancy meeting you here. I haven’t seen you since the town fair last year.” And a year too soon, Stella thought. The strong whiff of Kendra’s perfume nearly made her choke. She looked up at the divorcee’s face and noted wryly she was staring openly and unabashedly at Gunnar, the gleam in her eyes unmistakable. Interest. “Kendra, this is Gunnar Eriksson. He’s staying at the inn. Gunnar, this is Kendra Jones. She owns the nail salon on the corner.” Gunnar rose partway in his seat, offering the 70

Lycan Mate woman a polite, “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Stella flicked a quick gaze over the divorcee’s appearance and noted the abundant cleavage, the tight capris, the shoulder length, honey blonde hair that looked like it just came out of a salon. She resisted the urge to look down at her own appearance in jeans and a T-shirt, hardly the hot, sexy image Kendra portrayed. A wave of jealousy surprised her and Stella swallowed the green-eyed monster. She really, really tried to think the best of everyone, but she couldn’t with Kendra. “I do hope I see your around, Gunnar. Stop by my shop before you leave,” the woman purred. “Oh, and Stella, you really should pop by for a manicure,” she added. “You’re long overdue for one.” She left. Stella pursed her lips. “I think you have an admirer,” she offered, trying to keep her tone casual. “She’s not my type.” “Oh.” She tore her gaze from his and took a sip of her coffee. She was dying to ask him what was his type. Suddenly she realised he was leaving in eight days, and a gloom settled around her. “So, are you enjoying your stay in Vermont?” “From what I’ve seen of it, it’s a nice place. Different from what I’m used to back home. I live 71

Anastasia Maltezos in New York.” She made a mental calculation how far apart they would be after he left and her gloom deepened. “Brenna lives in New York. She loves it.” “That’s your sister who owns the hair styling salon, right? And Elissa owns the bookstore in Boston.” He remembered. The thought pleased her. “Yes.” She smiled. “When we were younger, it was always Brenna getting into one predicament after another. Elissa and I always had to clean up her messes.” She paused. “My sisters are the only family I have left.” “You miss them,” he said quietly. “Very much, but we make it a point to get together as much as possible.” She gave him an interested look. “Do you have any family? Parents, brothers, sisters?” “No one.” His face hardened. “I’ve been alone for a long time.” “I’m sorry.” She couldn’t imagine being alone. Even though she and her sisters lived far apart, she always felt a sense of comfort and security knowing she had family who cared about her. They were only a phone call away and she knew if she needed them, they’d drop what they were doing and come to see her. “It took me a long time to get used to it,” he 72

Lycan Mate said. “You don’t have to be alone anymore.” “I choose to be alone.” Everyone needed someone, she thought. Even if she knew she’d never find Mr. Right, at least she had her sisters. “You’re afraid of loving someone and then losing them,” she said gently, realising with a start she’d spoken out loud. His jaw hardened. “My track record isn’t great. I’ve lost everyone around me. And when I lost Tyler, I decided I didn’t want to go through that hell again.” He regarded her with a deep, intent gaze. “Do your sisters have your gifts?” She stiffened, unprepared for his question. Her gifts were tame compared to what her sisters could do. “As a matter of fact, yes.” She braced herself. “Brenna has the power of touch.” “Touch?” He drew his brows together. Here goes, she thought. He was either going to believe her or think she was crazy. “Yes. If she touches you, she can read your thoughts.” A shutter fell over his face, masking his emotions. “I see. And your other sister?” “She…she’s a medium.” She held her breath. Slowly he leaned back in his seat, his expression hardening. “She speaks to dead people,” he remarked bluntly. Her defensive shackles rose. “She’s an authentic medium. She…she can channel spirits.” 73

Anastasia Maltezos He remained silent for what seemed an eternity until he spoke, his tone curiously hoarse. “Do the ghosts talk back to her?” She knew where this was leading. He was thinking about his son. “Yes,” she whispered. His mouth tensed. “I see.” Stella didn’t know what to do. She knew the second he asked her if Elissa could contact Tyler she would have to tell him the truth. That Elissa already did and discovered his son was not on the other side. “No one knows what really happened to my son,” he began slowly. He had a distant look on his face. Stella knew he was caught in the past. That horrific, painful past when he was told his son had died. “After a couple of days, they’d found the car, but no bodies. Then a six month long search began and nothing turned up.” “Gunnar,” she began softly. “I have something to tell you. It’s about Tyler.” His gaze fastened on hers. “Yes?” “I…I spoke to Elissa yesterday and asked her to contact Tyler.” She recoiled at the expression on his face. Brief flashes of grief, shock, anger. “Why did you do that?” “To help you. I thought if you knew he was okay it would help ease your grief. I’m sorry. I 74

Lycan Mate didn’t mean to intrude.” His face was grim. “What did your sister discover?” Stella swallowed and for a split second, wondered if she should tell him the truth. She stared at his handsome face and released a breath she didn’t realise she’d been holding. Gunnar was the kind of man who faced the truth head on. “She couldn’t find Tyler on the other side.” His face paled as he clenched his fist on the table. “What are you saying?” Impulsively, she reached across the table and placed her hand over his fist. “Please don’t be upset with me. I wanted to help you.” “I know. What did she say?” She stared down at her hand over his. He’d loosened his fist and she curled her fingers around his. Slowly, she raised her gaze and met his. “Gunnar, if Tyler is not on the other side, then where is he?” Their silence was deafening and she fixed her gaze on the muscle clicking maddeningly along his jaw. “Could she be mistaken?” She shook her head. “She was certain your son hasn’t crossed over,” she said gently. His eyes glistened as his gaze held hers captive. “Do you realise what you’re saying? Do you understand what you’re implying?” He 75

Anastasia Maltezos swallowed hard. “I’m sorry if this is a shock, but we can’t ignore the possibility.” He swore roughly under his breath and removed his hand from hers. Pushing back from the table, he staggered to his feet. “No. There is no possibility. Miracles don’t happen to me.” He glanced at his watch. “We’d better get going.” She rose as he placed money on the table and followed him outside. She’d made a mess of things. She should have waited until she’d confirmed the shocking reality that Tyler might still be alive before she told Gunnar. Guilt weighed her heart at the brief flash of hope she’d seen surface in his eyes before a shutter fell and turned his expression to granite. As they reached the car, she spotted Derek across the street. She was about to wave hello at him and stiffened, frowning at his expression. He was staring at Gunnar and his usually pleasant, youthful good looks were twisted into a malevolent glare. A low, deep growl rose from Gunnar and she snapped her gaze at him, gasping. He was staring back at Derek, his eyes steely, his face dangerously grim. Stella was stunned, their emotional moment in the restaurant forgotten. Gunnar opened her door and helped her in his 76

Lycan Mate car as she stole a quick glance at Derek, but he was gone. Seconds later, the car dipped under Gunnar’s weight. His energy pummelled her senses. It was cold, brutal, almost as though he could kill someone.

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he knew she was dreaming and tried desperately to wake up. She saw Tyler in a dark room, sitting on a small bed, sobbing. She wanted to rescue him, but couldn’t. Then her dream changed and she saw Derek, but he wasn’t nice and sweet. He was evil, cruel, as he raised a hand ready to deliver a blow to her face. She screamed and tried to run, but couldn’t move. And then Gunnar appeared, looking dangerous and crazed, a fiercely protective glint in his eyes as he grabbed Derek by the collar and jerked him away from her. Gunnar threw him a few feet away, snarling, “Stay away from my woman.” Then Stella and Gunnar were alone and he was holding her, kissing her, telling her everything was going to be all right, as their clothes melted away and he lowered her over a bed. “You’re mine,” he growled as he entered her, filling her, and she screamed. Stella gasped as she opened her eyes and gazed 78

Lycan Mate up at Gunnar looking down at her with a concerned look on his face. Dazed, she glanced around and saw she had fallen asleep on the couch. “You were having a bad dream. I heard you cry out in your sleep,” he said. She took a moment to catch her breath. The dream was still vivid in her mind as she recalled his strong, warm skin on hers. “What time is it?” “It’s almost midnight.” She shot him a surprised look. “You’ve been working all this time?” After they returned from the restaurant, she’d hardly seen him except when he came downstairs to eat. “Yes.” She wondered if he had stayed away all day because of his writing or because of what she’d told him about Elissa. Guilt flared up again in her chest. “I’m sorry about earlier, Gunnar. I didn’t mean to reawaken your pain—” She stopped as he raised a hand. “I know you meant well. I…” he paused, “I guess I’m having a hard time believing it. If Elissa is wrong…” his voice trailed, leaving her no doubt what he thought. If Elissa was wrong, he’d be reliving Tyler’s death all over again. Her heart ached for him. “I understand,” she said softly. 79

Anastasia Maltezos She began to rise from the couch and moaned at the flash of searing pain on her lower back. “This couch is great for sitting, but not for sleeping. My back is killing me.” She winced. “Ow.” Deep concern darkened his features. “Why don’t you turn over? I’ll give you a back rub.” Her face heated up as her dream reappeared in her mind. “No, that’s all right. Thanks.” Another shaft of pain pierced her back and she gritted her teeth as she struggled to sit up. “So much for my yoga.” “Don’t be so hard on yourself. Even professional athletes pull muscles.” His look deepened. “Seriously. Lie back down. A back rub will help.” “Oh, I’m sure it will.” Her aching muscles were saying yes, but her mind was saying no. Having him massage her left her breathless. “I…no…thanks.” She rose. A spasm speared her lower back and she flinched, grimacing in pain. Gently, he took her by the shoulders and eased her down. “I insist.” She gave him a wary look and found herself nodding. The couch was long enough to fit her length and wide enough for him to sit on the edge by her legs. Shyly, she lay down on her stomach, her arms cradling her head. She closed her eyes, a little self-conscious at having her backside exposed to him even though it was clad in denim. 80

Lycan Mate For a long moment she didn’t feel his hands and wondered if he changed his mind. “Er…maybe I should just take a hot shower,” she said. “Yes, but first let me loosen your muscles.” His voice sounded curiously hoarse and she wondered if he—oh God! His hands were heaven. They started on her lower back, above the band of her low rider jeans and moved up, gliding over her stiff muscles. A soft moan escaped her lips. Slowly, sensually, his hands moved back to her hips and slid her T-shirt up over her back. “Do you mind if I loosen your bra?” he asked, his voice curiously strained. “It will easier for me.” She thanked her lucky stars she was wearing her good bra, the white, lacy one. “Okay.” She held her breath as he unclasped her bra strap and touched her bare skin. Stella melted. Squeezing her eyes, she let herself go and loosened up under his magic touch. His massage went on and on and she wished it wouldn’t end. God, he was great at this. Her back was starting to feel better. “How do you feel?” he asked deeply. “Amazing. You have a healing touch,” she murmured. She felt his hands on her hair, drawing it over her back. He thread through her long mane and she moaned again. “You have beautiful hair,” he murmured 81

Anastasia Maltezos almost as though he was speaking to himself. “Now you’ve found my weak spot,” she said. “Playing with my hair.” “Actually, I’m enjoying it,” he replied, his tone hinting at a smile. “When I was little, my mom had to play with my hair to put me to sleep,” she murmured. “Umm…you better stop, otherwise I’m going to fall asleep and you’ll have to carry me to bed.” His hands stilled, resting on her back. She stiffened. The air was charged with electricity. Slowly, he ran his hands over her back, down her arms and back to her shoulders. Her breath caught. This wasn’t a massage. This was a sensual exploration. A thick, sexual awareness hung between them and she knew she should get up, but couldn’t. He was running his hands down the side of her body, grazing one bare breast and she gasped as heat invaded her limbs. And then his hands were on waist, lifting her gently, turning her around. She lay on her back gazing up at him, her lips parted in awe at the look of desire on his face. “You’re driving me mad,” he said hoarsely. “What are you doing to me?” “The same thing you’re doing to me,” she whispered, afraid to break their moment. He was going to kiss her, she thought. She held her breath as he lowered his head, his gaze holding hers. 82

Lycan Mate The moment his mouth touched hers, she melted and closed her eyes, moaning softly against his lips. His mouth was warm and sensual and she felt his hands travel up to her face as he kissed her slowly, seductively. She heard a low, deep groan at the back of his throat and ran her hands over his back to his head, threading her fingers through his hair. It felt like silk. Then with a deep groan, he pulled back, dragging his mouth from hers and gave her a heated look. “I want to make love to you, but we can’t,” he said, his face tight with passion. Stella inhaled shakily. “Why not?” She cringed inwardly. Oh God, she sounded desperate. “You wouldn’t understand. There are things about me you don’t know. Things I can’t tell you.” She grew cold. “Do…do you have a girlfriend?” “No. There’s no one.” As he withdrew slowly, he gently pulled her T-shirt over her breasts. “I’m sorry. I went too far.” He rose from the couch, staring down at her with an unfathomable look on his face. “I wasn’t exactly protesting.” She tried to sound casual, but her feelings were hurt. She wanted him, badly, but she wasn’t going to beg. She had pride, and right now, she needed to lick her wounds in private. She rose shakily. “Thank you for the massage. It helped. I…I’m 83

Anastasia Maltezos going to take that shower now and go to bed.” She turned and walked away from him, but his hand on her arm stopped her. “I’m sorry, Stella. I wish there was a way I could explain things to you, but I can’t.” “You’re afraid to let people in.” He dropped his hand. “With good reason,” he said abruptly. “Being with me always ends up bad. Family, friends, Tyler.” This time she was the one who reached for his arm. “Gunnar, you have to stop blaming yourself for what happened to Tyler. From what I know, you weren’t even driving that day. Your ex was.” He grimaced. “You don’t know the whole story. She wasn’t supposed to take him to the country that day. I had a deadline and asked her to take him with her. She was going to visit her parents. He wanted to stay with me, but I told him I was too busy. If I hadn’t pawned off Tyler to her, he would still be alive today.” He grabbed her by both her shoulders and his eyes bore down on hers. The expression behind them frightened her. “So, don’t talk to me about guilt. Have you ever made a choice in your life that led to the death of a beloved person?” He shook her, almost violently. “Have you?” “Yes,” she said brokenly, refusing to cower under his fury. He looked shaken as he stared at 84

Lycan Mate her, and slowly she felt his rage melt away. He loosened his hold on her shoulders. “I’m sorry.” He swallowed hard. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. The past was something she never visited. “It’s not your fault. My parents died in a car accident because of me. I was thirteen at the time and my parents had planned a night out alone. They wanted to spend the evening in the city and stay overnight in a nice hotel. My dad would always do things like that for my mom. They had a special love.” She drew in a shaky breath. “Anyway, I was angry with them because they wanted me to cancel my sleepover at a friend’s house to stay home and babysit my sisters. I told them I hated them and that I would never speak to them again. That night there was an ice warning. Everyone was advised not to drive until the roads were salted, but my parents felt so guilty for me they decided to drive back after their dinner and cancel their hotel stay.” She paused to blink away the tears. “The cops came to our house that night to tell my sisters and me what happened. My parents were in a head on collision with another car. That night we went to live with my Grandmother.” She drew in a shaky breath. “So you see, I know exactly how you feel, Gunnar. If I hadn’t been selfish that night and allowed my dad to give my mom a wonderful 85

Anastasia Maltezos night out, they would both be alive today.” She brushed a tear from her cheek. “My dad left me a message on our answering machine right after they ate and told me he and mom loved me and they would be driving back, but I was still so mad at them I didn’t answer the phone and let it go to voice mail. I…I never had the chance to tell them I loved them or that I was sorry.” Her throat felt thick with emotion. Without saying a word, Gunnar drew her into his arms and held her close to his chest. She closed her eyes and sighed deeply as a profound feeling of comfort and security flowed through her veins. “You’re a great hugger,” she murmured against his chest. He kissed the top of her head and ran a hand up her back to her hair, gently playing with the long strands. She sighed again, feeling much calmer than she did a few minutes ago. “Stella, I…” He paused. She waited for him to finish what he was going to say, but he remained silent. Gently, she pulled away from him and looked up into his face. Their gazes met and held, his expression a curious mixture of desire, regret, and something else she couldn’t define. “What were you going to say?” He drew in a ragged breath and slowly withdrew from her. “I was going to say you 86

Lycan Mate should take that hot shower now.” She felt like he’d poured a bucket of cold water on her. Stiffly, she nodded and bade him goodnight. In her bedroom, she collapsed on the edge of the bed and raised a shaky hand to her lips. She inhaled sharply. He was leaving in eight days. And the sooner he left, the sooner she could mend her heart because somewhere along the line she’d grown to care for him. Her stomach jolted. Who was she kidding? She more than cared. She was falling for him. **** The next morning she was in the kitchen buttering toast when she heard the front door chimes. She wiped her hands on the kitchen towel and walked down the hall. She tensed, watching Derek step into the hall. The hateful look on his face yesterday when he stared at Gunnar was still fresh in her mind and she couldn’t find it in herself to be her usual pleasant self. Instead of smiling, she frowned. “I didn’t order anything, Derek.” “I know. I was in the area and thought I’d drop in to see if you’d take me up on my offer to help you with your yard work.” She refrained from mentioning it was seven in 87

Anastasia Maltezos the morning. “Actually, I’m taking care of it later in the afternoon.” She stared at his face. “Derek, are you okay?” His expression darkened. “I’m fine. Why do you ask?” The hair at the back of her neck rose. His face was all red and his brown eyes had a peculiar yellow tint in them. “You…you look feverish.” Was he ill? Was that why he wasn’t himself yesterday? She felt a flash of concern. “Here, let me see if your temperature is up.” She placed her hand on his forehead. His skin was burning. She yelped as his hand shot out and grabbed her wrist in a vice grip. “Derek! Let go of me. What are you doing?” She yanked her arm from him and rubbed her wrist, giving him a look filled with reproach. “What’s wrong with you?” He growled. She felt the first pang of real fear. “Why do you always say no to me?” he asked in a strange voice. “He won’t be pleased and I can’t fail my mission.” Stella gasped. He, mission—what the hell was he talking about? He was obviously delusional. “Derek,” she began, trying to sound calm, “I think you need to go to the doctor. You’re not yourself.” He laughed harshly. “No, I’m not. Haven’t been for a month now.” He reached for her hand, but she stumbled 88

Lycan Mate back. “You have to come with me. I have to bring you to him.” “No!” Her heart raced. “Derek, I think you should leave.” And as soon as he left she was going to call the police and tell them where to pick him up and bring him straight to the hospital. His energy was all off. His mind was in scrambles and the few things she could pick up in him were frightening. Cruelty, immorality, madness. Was he having a mental breakdown? His face twisted into an evil smile. “The master will turn you on the full moon and then you will be one of us.” “Leave by your will or leave by force,” Gunnar growled. Stella gasped and spun around. Gunnar was behind her with a look on his face she could only describe as predatory. She shivered. For the first time, a thread of fear flickered in Derek’s eyes as he looked at Gunnar. “She doesn’t belong to you. I have to bring her to the master.” “Marcellus.” “Yes.” Slowly Gunnar approached him, his fists clenched at his sides, his eyes narrowing. “I will end this now if you don’t leave. And you can tell Marcellus he can send an army and I will fight them all to the death.” 89

Anastasia Maltezos Derek’s eyes darted over Gunnar’s appearance. “I don’t see it.” “It’s close by.” Stella was dizzy at the strange interchange. What was close by? Who the hell was Marcellus? Derek growled. “This isn’t over.” He left. Stella turned on shaky legs to Gunnar. “What was that all about?” “I want you to stay away from him.” “Excuse me?” In three strides, he took her by the shoulders. “Stay away from him,” he ground out. “And from now on, lock your front door. Your customers can ring the bell.” He was serious. “Gunnar, tell me what’s going on,” she repeated fearfully. His grip tightened. “There are things you will never understand. Things I can’t tell you.” Stunned, she pulled herself out of his grasp. “I can’t believe it. I just had my safety threatened and you’re keeping things from me?” He clenched and unclenched his jaw, his blue gaze getting darker as stared at her. Then without another word, he went to the door. “I’ll be back,” he said and left. Stunned, she heard his tires peel as he pulled out of the driveway. Did he just take off after Derek? No. He couldn’t have. 90

Lycan Mate She ran to her window, her heart thumping wildly in her breast, and drew back the curtains. She clearly saw the skid marks in the gravel and the billowing smoke that settled on the drive. “You’ve got to be kidding me,” she whispered. For the next hour, she sat at her kitchen table, getting more fearful by the minute as she pictured Gunnar beating Derek to a pulp. This was insane. And who the hell was Marcellus, she repeated for the hundredth time? When Gunnar returned, she was going to demand answers. The door chimes alerted someone’s presence and she snapped her head toward the hall. It was Gunnar and his look was thunderous. She rose shakily. “What did you do?” “I made sure he stays away from you.” “What did you do?” Oh my God! Poor Derek. Gunnar’s mouth thinned. “What I had to do. I protected you.” A bubble of hysteria rose in her throat. “From Derek? Are you mad? He’s an eighteen-year-old boy!” He inhaled sharply and in two strides, grabbed her by the shoulders and looked down into her eyes. “Listen to me. Derek is not who he appears to be. He’s dangerous.” She grew cold. “Did you…did you hurt him?” A muscle clicked menacingly along his jaw. “No. There were too many people around.” 91

Anastasia Maltezos She sucked in a harsh breath. “What does that mean? You would have hurt him if you were alone?” His gaze was unwavering. “Yes.” “Let go of me.” She struggled out of his arms. With a tight jaw, he released her, his hands balling into fists at his sides. “Stay…stay away from me.” She turned and fled out the patio door. For the rest of the morning, she tried to keep herself busy as fear pummelled her senses. Who was the crazier one? Derek or Gunnar? She left his lunch and then his dinner on the table and went outside both times. She gave him ample time to eat and returned both times to see he’d placed the dishes in the dishwasher. This was insane. She couldn’t avoid him forever. In the evening, she tried settling her unease by stretching out on the love seat in the living room and resuming the novel she was reading. Her ears pricked at the sound of Gunnar coming downstairs. He came into the living room and stared at her. She gave him a guarded look. His expression was unreadable. “You know I don’t want anything to happen to you,” he said. Slowly she nodded. “And you know I would never do anything to hurt you.” She couldn’t speak, so she nodded again. With 92

Lycan Mate an abrupt turn on his heel, he left and she released a long, shaky breath.

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Chapter Eight

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he next afternoon Stella stretched and sighed as perspiration trickled between her breasts. She felt so much better. There was nothing like a good workout to put things in perspective for her and she felt much more in control now than she did yesterday. She still hadn’t spoken to Gunnar and knew she’d have to approach him sooner or later. She rolled up her yoga mat and placed it in the cupboard by the stair master. Her gaze dropped to the carpeting and she pursed her lips. She had to give her gym a good vacuum soon. She jumped when she heard Gunnar’s deep voice behind her. “There you are. I’m going into town and wanted to know if you needed anything.” She spun around and saw him at the doorway, watching her with a grim look on his face. All the calm she felt flowing through her limbs fled, leaving her weak kneed and wobbly. His gaze 94

Lycan Mate meandered down the length of her body draped in revealing black spandex and she resisted the urge to cover herself with a towel. She knew a body suit was not nearly as revealing as a bathing suit, but couldn’t help feeling naked and exposed. Stifling an uncharacteristic surge of self-consciousness, she offered him what she hoped resembled a casual smile. “No, thank you.” His gaze went back to her face and their eyes locked. “I’ll be back within the hour. I know you told me you keep a gun on the premises, but I left you my gun in the hall table. If you need it, use it.” She stiffened. “Gunnar, I don’t think—” “Use it. I’ll lock the door behind me.” She nodded slowly. “I already checked and know Derek is at work right now, so he won’t be back while I’m gone.” “Gunnar, I think you’re overreacting,” she said quietly with a twinge of fear. Something told her Gunnar never overreacted. He was methodical, precise, and left no stone unturned. His gave her a long, hard look. “I’ll be back.” He left. Later that night, as she lay in bed, she heard a strange sound coming from Gunnar’s room. His groan was audible and she rose instantly from her bed. Was he having another nightmare? Quickly, she tied her robe around her and went upstairs to 95

Anastasia Maltezos his door. She pressed her ear against it and heard him moan a long treacherous sound. He was dreaming of Tyler again. Quietly, she opened the door, and as on that first night when she’d healed him from his nightmare, she saw him lying barechested on his bed with only the sheet covering him from the waist down. They’d already shared a kiss and she’d developed some strong feelings for him, so this time the sight was more provoking. He thrashed his head to the side and she caught the look of torture and suffering on his handsome face. Her heart lurched with immediate compassion and she pushed her attraction for him aside. As on that first night, she knew her healing would not awaken him. She stood over him and placed her hand over his chest. His heart was racing. She frowned. Something was off. She didn’t pick up on grief. She picked up on something sensual and hot and passionate. Who was he dreaming about? She knew she should turn around and leave, but couldn’t. Her gaze ran over his sinewy muscles and lower to his waist where a faint line of hair disappeared beneath the sheet. She didn’t know what came over her, but something stronger than her will overpowered her. Without thinking, she bent her head. The moment her mouth touched his, she knew 96

Lycan Mate she made a mistake. She’d only meant to give him a light kiss and leave, but the second her lips met his, he released a deep growl and his arm slid around her waist, drawing her closer to him. She stiffened, trying to pull away, but his mouth moved sensually over hers, parting her lips and her body melted. His other arm slid over her waist and he slowly pulled her down. She inhaled sharply though her nose as she felt her breasts touch his chest, the heat of his skin scorching her through her silk robe. Oh my God. She had to stop this. He didn’t know what he was doing. He probably thought this was part of his dream. She was about to pull away, but his tongue plunged into her mouth and meshed and mingled with hers. All her thoughts disappeared and she kissed him back, whimpering when she felt one of his hands slide between them and clasp her breast. Her nipples hardened beneath his touch. Stella’s limbs went weak and a slow, painful throb grew from the lower region of her body. And then his sensual, slow kiss changed. It became more passionate, rising in urgency and he removed his hand from her breast to shove her robe aside. Stella stifled a scream beneath his mouth as his hand touched her bare breast while his other hand pulled her body over his until she was lying on top of him. 97

Anastasia Maltezos No. This was so wrong. She had to stop this before this went too far. A low, deep growl rose in his throat as he continued to ravish her with the passionate onslaught of his kiss. She felt dizzy with desire, nearly incapable of sensible thought, and moaned with pleasure when both his hands slid to her bottom and pressed her over his thick erection. He slid his hands beneath her robe and trailed a hot, searing path up and down her back. She whimpered beneath his warm, sensual mouth. Stella couldn’t take this anymore. She was almost at the edge of coherent thought. She dragged her mouth away from his, bracing her hands on his shoulders, and looked down at his face. She sucked in a harsh breath. His eyes were open. “You’re awake!” “Evidently,” he replied hoarsely. “You weren’t supposed to wake up. My healing touch should have put you under,” she said huskily. “It didn’t.” A thought struck her. “That…that first night you were awake the whole time I healed you from your nightmare?” His gaze dipped to her breasts. “Yes.” With a low growl, he grabbed her around her waist and lifted her body over his until his mouth clasped 98

Lycan Mate hungrily over a throbbing peak. Stella’s limbs exploded with pleasure as his tongue laved and lavished her breast. And when he moved to the other breast, she almost saw stars. “No! Stop!” she gasped. God, what he must think of her coming to his room in the middle of the night and… “I said stop!” She felt him stiffen, and slowly he withdrew his head, releasing an almost feral sound from his throat. His breathing was laboured, his mouth grim, his expression dangerous. “Leave now before I change my mind,” he growled. A flash of shame heated her face. Remorse and guilt coursed through her veins. “This was my fault. I’m sorry, I—” “I said leave now,” he exploded, “otherwise I will be making love to you and nothing you can do or say will stop me.” Quickly, she slid from on top of him, fastening her robe. She couldn’t look him in the eyes. She was speechless. He must be thinking she was the biggest tease, or worse—slut, he’d ever met. She cringed with shame and left his room. She went down the stairs blindly, raising a trembling hand to her lips. Groaning, she sat on the edge of her bed and waited while the passion he’d flared inside her ebbed and disappeared. 99

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**** The moment she left, he vaulted out of bed and drew in a ragged breath. Hell and damnation that was close, he thought, running a shaky hand through his hair. He staggered to the window and stared out into the night sky. The full moon beckoned him, taunted him to do what his primal instinct urged him to do since he met her, to claim her. He couldn’t. He wouldn’t. He wasn’t going to condemn her to his life of hell. He wasn’t going to turn her into a monster. Grimacing, he raised his head and shifted into his Lycan form. His eight-foot length of sinewy muscle nearly touched the ceiling and he lowered his head. He squeezed his eyes, trying to bring his passion under control. His hearing was more pronounced in this form and he heard her move in the room below his. He had to put some distance between them, especially tonight. With a sharp jab, he opened the window and sprung outside to land on the grass below. He ran to the back of her fence and vaulted over the wire to the forest in the back. He raised his head and howled long and loud at the full moon. **** 100

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Stella couldn’t sleep. It had been an hour already since she left his room and had lain in bed, staring at her ceiling. Frustrated, she flung her sheet aside and rose. After securing her robe tightly around her waist, she left her bedroom. Maybe a little outdoor air would help her. Trying not to make any sound, she went through her back patio door and closed it behind her. She wondered if Gunnar was sleeping or if he was as restless as she was. On her grass, she looked up at his window and saw his light was on. She was torn between going up to him and avoiding him altogether. A flash of shame heated her face and she turned away and walked to her vegetable garden. The full moon cast enough light for her to inspect her garden, and she bent down and plucked a cherry tomato. She popped it into her mouth when she heard a long, ominous howl in the forest past her fence and stiffened. Nervous, she narrowed her gaze past her fence and caught a shadow, a big upright shadow about eight feet high. She gasped, stumbling back. What the hell was that? She heard the sound of twigs and branches being snapped and she screamed. The shadow was approaching her. She spun on her bare feet and started to run back to the inn, but she lost her footing and stumbled onto the grass. 101

Anastasia Maltezos Her heart raced so fast she thought it was going to explode. Hands grabbed her by the shoulders and helped her up as she heard heavy breathing behind her. Almost hysterical now, she stared up at Gunnar and felt relief flood her veins. “Gunnar, thank God! There’s a monster back there! I’ve never seen anything like it.” His breathing was laboured, his expression grim, as his gaze dipped to her cleavage. Stella stiffened. He was naked. She inhaled sharply at the look of desire on his face. “You shouldn’t be here,” he said hoarsely. “Go back inside. Now.” “Gunnar, what’s wrong? Where are your clothes?” “I said go back inside,” he ground out. “Come with me! There’s a huge thing out there. We need to call the police.” “I…you,” he looked down at the rapid rise and fall of her breasts and swallowed hard. Stella couldn’t move as something significant arose between them. Was he what she’d seen in the back and the moon’s glow had played tricks on her? “Gunnar, what’s wrong?” she whispered. She inhaled slowly as his hands moved slowly around her and ran up and down her back. “End my misery,” he said hoarsely. 102

Lycan Mate She could cut the sexual tension between them with a knife and threw caution to the wind. Their gazes locked in a passionate heat, she parted her lips and moved closer to him until their bodies touched. She could feel his heat through her silk robe and everything left her mind. She still wanted him. She knew he would be leaving in a few days, but all she could think about was the here and now. Slowly, she brought her hands to her sash and untied her robe. He sucked in a harsh breath as she dropped it over her shoulders onto the grass. “You are so beautiful,” he said deeply, his gaze running over her body. “Make love to me, Gunnar.” “Your life will never be the same again if I do.” “My sentiments exactly,” she said and wrapped her arms around his shoulders. Naked skin on naked skin made her stomach jolt and she gasped at the sheer pleasure coursing through her veins. Gunnar’s face was grim as he grabbed her face and bent his head. His kiss made the ground beneath her feet move and Stella whimpered under the passionate onslaught of his mouth. Then his hands were everywhere, on her back, on waist, and lower on her bottom, and she moaned against his mouth. Gently he lowered her to the ground and darts of electricity coursed through her limbs. They were going to make love. 103

Anastasia Maltezos He dragged his mouth from hers and looked deeply into her eyes. His expression was grim. “You make me want to lose control, but we can’t,” he rasped. She reached for his face as a melting pool of heat warmed the place between her legs. She wanted all of him. His male sex was hard as it pressed against her thigh. He wanted her, too, and she didn’t want to hear any more talk of we can’t” “Stop talking. Please, just take me,” she said huskily. “Listen to me, dammit. You don’t understand. You’ll change into a—” He sucked in a harsh breath, his expression a mixture of agony and pleasure as she slipped her hand between them and guided his manhood into her opening. “Stop…talking,” she gasped, near mad with desire. He filled her and she exploded with sheer ecstasy. They were one and still she couldn’t get enough of him. Oh my God, she was crazy about this man. She dug her nails into his back as he started to move and she met his movements with matching passion. She felt like she was going to splinter into a million pieces. She was soaring, flying high into the heavens as he drove in and out with rising urgency. Stella gasped and threw her head back in abandon. She was careening over a precipice as her body 104

Lycan Mate exploded into tiny fragments of joy as wave upon wave of ecstasy wracked her body. Gunnar threw his head back and growled his release. They lay still for a few moments until he braced his elbows on the grass beside her head and stared down at her face. He was breathing hard, his gaze running over her face in wonder. “You are the one,” he said hoarsely, almost to himself. “I knew it the moment I saw you.” Stella didn’t understand his cryptic remark, but she did understand the look on his face. His expression mirrored her feelings for him. She reached up and took his handsome face in her hands. She lifted her head and kissed him on his mouth. “I knew from the first moment I met you, too, it would be like this,” she whispered. Her blood ran cold as she stared up at him. She expected him to respond with a me, too, or another kiss, not what she was witnessing. Stella froze. “Gunnar?” His face twisted in pain and she grew frightened. And then she gasped in pain. Oh my God, what was that? A scorching flame coursed through her body, and she winced in agony. She didn’t even have time to register Gunnar’s look of regret as he took her face in his hands and cursed under his breath because her skin and bones felt like they were…expanding. 105

Anastasia Maltezos She threw her head back and groaned as searing pain consumed her. She gasped for air, looking back at Gunnar’s face, and her breath caught. Mortified, she stared at him as his forehead shifted and his jaw morphed. She willed herself to breathe because what she saw defied belief. Right before her eyes, she witnessed Gunnar’s face change. His forehead protruded, jowls appeared, his brows met at the bridge of his nose. “Gunnar, what the—” She stiffened violently. Was that her voice? It sounded low, eerie, like a recording in slow motion. His face, or what was left of his original face, was inches from hers and he threw back his head and howled long and loud. When he stared back down at her, he fell silent and touched her face tenderly. “Brace yourself,” he said in that same deep, eerie voice as her own. Numb with shock, she stared at him. Only it wasn’t him. It was a…a monster. Her heart raced so fast she thought she was going to have a heart attack, and she threw her head back and screamed as she pushed at his chest. Her screams sounded more like a hissing, growling noise and she clawed at his chest, pushing and scratching, as she tried to escape this madness. She stiffened, catching sight of her hands. They 106

Lycan Mate weren’t hands. They were a beast’s claws with long, dangerous talons. She growled up at him. Scared to death, she slashed her hand across his face, her talons making a deep, red gash. “Be still,” he said and grabbed her hands and held them at the side of her face. She couldn’t look into his face. It wasn’t Gunnar. She squeezed her eyes closed and prayed this was all a bad dream, hoping she was going to wake up any second and realise this foray into madness was a nightmare. She tried to calm her racing heart. “It will be over in a moment,” he growled. For the first time, she was conscious of their naked bodies touching from chest to legs. Another rush of panic filled her. He was huge, at least eight feet long and she nearly met his long, muscular, sinewy length. Her throat was parched and she flicked her tongue over her mouth. Her lips and teeth had disappeared and in their place were jowls and fangs. She stared up at Gunnar, her eyes wide with fear. The back of her eyes burned and Gunnar growled deeply in his throat as he placed a gentle hand and wiped an errant tear from her face. Somewhere in the back of her mind she remembered clawing his face and the bloody gash on his cheek, but it was gone. Something primal and instinctive urged her to 107

Anastasia Maltezos look beyond his head, above in the sky, and she stared at the full moon, the glowing orb beckoning her to embrace the truth. Without meaning to, she threw her head back and howled as her body slowly, mercifully returned to normal. She closed her eyes and felt Gunnar’s body shift back to his human form and she released a strangled sigh. “It’s over,” he said in his quiet, deep voice. “Please open your eyes. Don’t be afraid.” She did, slowly, fearfully, and watched him gazing down at her with a look she couldn’t quite define, but it shook her core. Was it love? She wasn’t sure. “What…what the hell just happened?” she said huskily. His face was grim. “The Lycan Legend.” “The what?” Slowly he rose, taking her hand with him, and helped her up. He picked up her silk robe and brushed the grass from its folds. “There’s a night chill. You’ll get cold,” he said. Numb, she watched his grim face as he drew the robe over her shoulders and helped her slip her arms into it. He took the sash and gently tied it around her waist. “Gunnar, tell me what happened,” she whispered. He stood naked before her as the light of the moon behind him cast a glow on his sinewy 108

Lycan Mate shoulders and arms. His shoulder length, blond hair shone and his face was cast in shadows. “The Lycan Legend,” he repeated. “If a werewolf makes love to their soul mate, their soul mate will turn into a werewolf on the next full moon. In our case it was tonight.” His expression was grim. “I’m sorry you didn’t have more time. On any other night, I would have had some time, at least, to prepare you for this.” His words didn’t register. “Oh,” she said numbly. Then her eyes widened slowly as the dawning realisation hit her. She had shifted into a monster, hadn’t she? She swallowed the knot in her throat. “What are you saying, Gunnar?” she whispered huskily. He took her by the shoulders and looked deeply into her eyes. “You are a werewolf now, and we belong together.” His words still didn’t register. She was too busy trying to ignore the ringing in her ears. And then everything turned black and her legs gave way. The last thing she heard was his muffled curse as he swept her into his arms before she hit the ground.

109

Anastasia Maltezos

Chapter Nine

S

he opened her eyes slowly and tried to gather her bearings. She was in the living room, lying on the couch. Gunnar, dressed in jeans and a black T-shirt, was sitting next to her, his expression deeply concerned. She stared at him without saying a word. We belong together he’d said. It was the first thing her mind grasped. She wanted to feel joy hearing those words, but all she felt was panic. Her heart raced at what else he’d told her. She was a werewolf. “Please, don’t look at me like that,” he began. She inhaled sharply. He grimaced, reaching for her. She drew back in horror, pushing away his hands. “Don’t touch me!” Hysteria bubbled in her throat. This wasn’t happening. She was awake in a nightmare. “And to think I was worried how you’d react once you learned about me and my sisters. My God! You turned into a monster!” 110

Lycan Mate He grimaced. “You’re not a monster. Stella, please let me explain.” “Explain what? How can you reason anything that’s just happened to me?” “Werewolves and vampires have walked the earth for centuries. My ex was a vampire and we gave birth to a human child.” She remained silent, her mouth agape. He continued. “Stella, I know this is hard for you to take in and I’m sorry you had to find out so suddenly.” Her face flamed and her gaze wavered under his as she recalled how she’d brazenly grabbed his manhood and…and…she remembered what he’d said about the Lycan Legend. She did this! If they hadn’t made love, she’d be human now. “It’s not your fault,” he said, reading her expression. “I couldn’t control myself with you either.” She took a deep breath. “I don’t want to be a werewolf. I want things to go back to the way they were.” “You can never go back. There is no cure. And if you don’t want to be a werewolf, you don’t have to be.” “What do you mean?” she asked in a small voice. “Werewolves can control their turning, whether it’s a full moon or not. And you can shift into a 111

Anastasia Maltezos wolf form or a Lycan form.” “That…that thing I turned to outside was my Lycan form?” “Yes. You can live your life in your human form without changing. I would, however, discourage that. You need to learn how to shift to protect yourself. Not all werewolves are good.” “And we’re…we’re soul mates,” she stated quietly, her hysteria spent. “Yes. If it hadn’t been a full moon tonight, you would have changed on the next full moon and I would have had some time to explain everything to you. To prepare you.” “I see.” But she didn’t. Her mind was in chaos and she grabbed the first thing she focused on. “Is that why you write paranormal thrillers about werewolves and vampires?” “I wasn’t always a writer. Two hundred years ago, I lived on a farm with my family and then later I was a woodcutter and then a blacksmith. I started writing in the late 1800s and have been doing it ever since.” “Oh.” “Stella, Derek is a werewolf. I believe he was changed last month and he’s responsible for all the killings.” She grew cold. “What?” “Werewolves can sense each other even when they’re not in their Lycan or wolf form. I knew 112

Lycan Mate that first time I saw him when he delivered your groceries he was like me.” “Oh my God.” “And I believe he’s working for Marcellus. He’s one of the oldest werewolves, an evil one who turned to the dark side centuries ago.” “What does he want with me?” “I’m not sure, but of this I am. He wants to turn you and bring you to the dark side.” “Why?” His face was grim. “I’ll know soon enough. I just placed a phone call and now have people working on the inside to get that information.” She felt the blood drain from her face. “How…how can he turn me? You just did that.” “You turn into a Lycan in one of two ways. When you make love to your soul mate who’s a werewolf, or by being bitten by a werewolf on a full moon. Marcellus believes you’re still human.” “So Derek wanted to kidnap and bring me to Marcellus so he can bite me tonight and turn me to the dark side for whatever reason he has.” “Yes. And when Derek shows up, I’ll be ready for him.” She saw his expression darken. Instinctively she knew this man would fight to the death for her and in spite of her own personal horror, she was afraid for him. “We…we need to call the police.” “I did while you were unconscious. They 113

Anastasia Maltezos should be here soon.” He took her hand. “They’re like us, Stella. We have werewolves working in the police force in every major city and we all live under the radar. Normal lives. We can’t let anyone know of our existence.” He gave her a solemn look. “You’ve probably met a few in your lifetime and didn’t know it.” He paused. “Vampires have the power to control your mind. Veronica seduced me with her power four years ago and when I found out she was pregnant, for the first time in two hundred years I had something to live for. My child. We got married and Tyler was born. Veronica was not a maternal woman and after that, I hardly ever saw her, but I didn’t care. I had Tyler.” She was going to be ill. “Oh God, I don’t think I want to hear more.” The something hit her and she frowned. “That first morning here. The cut I saw on your chin?” “Lycans heal instantly. Only a silver bullet can kill us.” “Stop!” she said, bringing her hands back up to her face. “Stella, I was bitten by a werewolf on June 7, 1809.” Gently, he took her hands from her face. “I was the same age as you see me now, thirty-two, and I was tending to a sick calf in the shed.” “That’s over two hundred years ago.” “I’m an immortal.” He paused. “As you are 114

Lycan Mate now.” “And you didn’t believe in psychics?” She felt a bubble of hysteria rising in her throat. “You actually made me try to convince you I can read the Tarot when you can live forever and…and change into a wolf?” She groaned. “My sisters! What am I going to tell them?” “Nothing. They can never know. It’s not safe for them. You must eventually disappear from their lives once they notice you haven’t aged.” “Never!” “You must. And you must stay with me. I will teach you my way of life, how to turn, how to fall under everyone’s radar.” “And you questioned my ability to find things?” “I apologised about that. My track record with psychics after Tyler died wasn’t great.” Her stomach dropped. Tyler. “If you expect me to accept all this wild information,” she began slowly, her gaze fastened on his, “why can’t you accept there is the possibility Tyler is not on the other side.” His expression turned cold and she grabbed his arm. His muscles bunched under her hand. “How can you so easily dismiss what my sister discovered after all the crazy things you just told me?” Abruptly, he rose from the couch and turned around, his hands clenched at his sides. Then he 115

Anastasia Maltezos turned on his heel and their gazes clashed. “I’m afraid,” he ground out. “What if she was wrong?” “What if she wasn’t?” His face was grim. “You should get some rest. I’ll stay here in the living room until sunrise. I never sleep on a full moon.” Her heart plummeted. He didn’t trust her and yet, he expected her to change her entire life for him? She rose to her feet and faced him. “Until you can trust me and believe in me, there’s no hope for us,” she said quietly. He reached for her and took her by the shoulders. “You don’t understand. From this day forward you must stay with me,” his said harshly. “You’re in danger now. Every full moon, the evil of our vampire and werewolf kind go on a rampage, biting as many humans as they can to add to their numbers.” He shook her. “I put you in this danger and I won’t let anything happen to you.” Her face paled. “It’s too late for that, isn’t it? I’m already werewolf.” Stella stared at the clock. It was three o’clock in the morning and the sun wouldn’t rise for another few hours. Gunnar was downstairs and she knew he was standing guard. She felt safe knowing he was here. 116

Lycan Mate She tried closing her eyes and getting some sleep, but was too overcome with worry to relax. She was a werewolf, she kept repeating to herself. A psychic werewolf. She almost wanted to laugh, but there was no humour in her situation. The irony of it all was as a psychic she thought she was an oddity. What she was now was far worse. She heard the door chimes and rose quickly from her bed. “Gunnar!” she whispered urgently. She threw on her jeans and T-shirt and stepped into her slippers. She left her room and saw a man stepping through the door. “I’m sorry. We’re closed,” Gunnar said, blocking his entry into the hall. Derek followed the man in. “You know what we’re here for.” “Shut up, fledgling,” the older man said harshly before he narrowed his gaze on Gunnar. “I know who you are. You’re almost as old as Marcellus. Hand her over and we’ll leave quietly.” Gunnar growled like a demon unleashed. Stella gasped. “No.” In a split second, all three men drew their guns. “Stella, run!” Adrenaline rushed through her veins as she stared at Derek and the older man’s gun trained on Gunnar. “I won’t leave you,” she said. “Dammit, this is no time for heroics, woman. I 117

Anastasia Maltezos said run!” The older man sniffed the air and his face darkened dangerously. “So we’re too late.” He stared at Stella’s neck. “No bite? I see. You have mated with your one. Marcellus isn’t going to like this.” His hand tightened around his gun. “No matter. Marcellus will torture her for what he wants instead.” He smiled evilly. “It would have been better for you, witch, if he’d just turned you. Anyone he turns does his bidding willingly.” “What does he want with her?” Gunnar ground out. “She possesses a gift he finds valuable. She finds things. She will give him all the locations of your cells and one by one we’ll destroy them.” “Gunnar, what’s he talking about?” Stella asked. Gunnar didn’t budge a muscle. He kept his gun pointed at the older man. “There are groups of Lycans all over the world who are sworn to protect the humans. I’m part of one of these groups. Marcellus wants us out of the way so his followers can take over. He wants you to give him our locations. Where we live. Where we hold our secret meetings.” “Let’s kill him, Paul!” Derek yelled. “What are we waiting for?” “Don’t be a fool,” Gunnar said. “You’re a fledgling. I’m a two hundred year old Lycan. I’m 118

Lycan Mate more powerful than you.” “I am invincible!” Derek snarled. “You’re a murderer. It’s been you, hasn’t it, whose been killing all those innocent people?” Derek smiled cruelly. “What of it? They were weak humans, unfit to live.” His face turned a dark shade of red. “You’re like me. So don’t stand there acting holier than thou.” “You and I are not the same, Derek. I live by the code to protect human life. You destroy it.” “Enough!” the older man said. “Derek, shoot him!” Derek clicked his barrel, but Gunnar was quicker and by the time anyone drew a breath, he’d fired his gun. Stella screamed as she watched Derek’s body drop to the ground. “Gunnar, you killed him!” “He was already dead, Stella. There is no return from the dark side. He already sold his soul.” She stared at Derek’s body and gasped as his body slowly disintegrated right before her eyes and all that was left were his clothes. She felt faint. “Gunnar?” she whispered hoarsely. “You are no match for me,” he told the older man. “Drop your gun and leave. A brief flash of fear crossed the older man’s face. “And face the wrath of Marcellus? I would rather die.” “That can be arranged,” Gunnar said. 119

Anastasia Maltezos “No!” And the older man shifted into his Lycan form. Gunnar followed suit. Stella stood staring at two eight-feet-tall beasts. With the speed of light, Gunnar dropped his gun and lunged at the man. Stella screamed as she watched Gunnar’s hulking form bring the older man to ground. “Go back to Marcellus and tell him I’m coming after him. Tell him he can never have Stella. Go! Tell him,” Gunnar growled in a deep, eerie voice. The ground beneath Stella wavered and for the second time in her life, she fainted. **** In his human form, Paul ran naked to his car. He started the engine and peeled away from the inn, reaching onto the seat for his cell. He punched in Marcellus’s number as he sped down the highway. “Is she with you?” “No. And Derek’s dead.” “Imbecile! Both of you! I needed her here tonight. The full moon ends in a couple of hours.” “He already turned her. She’s his one.” There was dead silence on the other end of the phone. “So my plans will have to change. Find her sisters and bring them to me. I will be at the inn in a couple of days and get the witch myself.” 120

Lycan Mate Another pause ensued and Paul heard Marcellus take a long drag from his cigarette. “Oh, and if you fail again, I will kill you.” **** She opened her eyes at the crack of dawn and saw she was sleeping on her bed, still clothed in jeans. She heard the shower running upstairs and knew Gunnar was still up. She rubbed her face and swallowed hard as everything from the night before swam before her eyes. Shakily, she rose and went to the bathroom. Calm down, she kept repeating to herself. She was never prone to panic attacks, but felt one coming on. She washed her face, brushed her teeth, and went into the kitchen. The only thing that always relaxed her was green tea and her Tarot cards. Five minutes later, she was sitting at her kitchen table. The shower upstairs stopped and her heart jolted. She had witnessed Gunnar kill someone. She knew if he hadn’t, he would be the one dead. Her heart raced and she looked down at her cards. Nothing. No images, no visions, no scenes, nothing to take her mind off the past twelve hours. She was immortal, Gunnar had said. Stella squeezed her eyes. If being immortal meant leaving her sisters she didn’t want it. She 121

Anastasia Maltezos would rather die an old age with them than know they would grow old and leave her alone for all eternity. At the thought of death, Tyler popped before her eyes. She stiffened and looked back down at her cards. The images were jumbled and fast, but she made out some of them: An old man holding a stake on the side of a road, a blown tire, the sun peeking through the dark clouds singing someone’s skin. She shivered. Gunnar’s ex was a vampire. Clearing her mind of all thoughts, she focused on what she needed to see. What happened that day two years ago? She lay three more cards down and stared at them. A wave of goose bumps ran up her spine and she took a deep, unsteady breath. She could feel Tyler. She drew three more cards in frustration. She hated getting a few signs at a time. She wished she could play out the entire scene from beginning to end without having to connect the dots. Stella hated puzzles, but this was one puzzle she had to complete. Her senses exploded! She saw a blue pickup truck screeching to a halt on the cliff side. Sand billowed up, creating a dust cloud where the tires skidded. She heard a voice. 122

Lycan Mate “Praise the Lord.” Something was definitely off. The man using the Lord’s name was not a true believer in God. His perspective on life was blurred, distorted. He had hatred in his heart. She drew in a breath and gave her cards another look, wishing Gunnar wouldn’t come downstairs now. Interstate 145. She gasped. The vision was striking. A road sign. A white sign with bold, black lettering. She drew three more cards, feeling an acute sense of panic. She knew she was close. She focused and concentrated all her energies on what the cards were trying to tell her. See saw another sign. Interstate 145, exit Wedderly Road. Feeling faint, she rose unsteadily to get a glass of water. Interstate 145, exit Wedderly Road. She remembered where she kept her road map. She put her glass down and ran to the hall table. Jerking the drawer open, she pushed all the papers, mail, logbook, and massage pamphlets aside. There it was. She took the map and brought it to the table. Breathless, she splayed out the map and tried to locate the interstate and exit. Map reading wasn’t her forte and she knew this was going to take her forever. She glanced nervously at the clock, afraid Gunnar would come down. Hurriedly, she traced her finger along the map and felt a wave of 123

Anastasia Maltezos excitement. She found the interstate! Following the line carefully, pausing diligently at each intersection, she froze when she saw Wedderly Road. She gasped, raising a tremulous hand to her mouth. Oh my God! It existed. The intersection existed! Her heart raced and she tried calming down. She drew a bold X on the intersection. She glanced at the clock. It was six in the morning. The intersection was about a three-hour ride from her B&B. She could drive there this morning and be back by noon. She chewed her lower lip. What if she was wrong? What if she went on a wild goose chase and came up empty handed? Worse, what if she was right, and did nothing, and Tyler remained missing? She marched to her computer. There was one thing she could do to prove to herself she wasn’t reading the signals wrong. She googled Gunnar’s name and selected the entry that was the local paper’s report on the accident. She read it carefully and stiffened when she saw the words, “The car went off the cliff along Interstate 145.” There was no mention of Wedderly Road, but it didn’t matter. It was enough for her she’d seen the right interstate. She shut down her computer and stared at the blank screen, wondering what she 124

Lycan Mate was going to do. She made up her mind. Quickly she scribbled a note for Gunnar and grabbed her purse. A couple of minutes later, she was speeding down the highway. **** Gunnar cursed under his breath as he read the note. She’d wanted to be alone and would be back by noon. Dammit! Marcellus was after her and her life was in danger. His expression darkened as he crumpled the paper and threw it on the table. His gaze caught a folded map next to her cards. Frowning, he opened it and saw the X. “I’ll be damned,” he whispered hoarsely, realising it wasn’t far from where Veronica’s car had gone over a cliff. How did she find it? The papers only published the interstate. He stared at her cards. She’d done a reading. He’d give her a few minutes lead and then follow her. Discreetly. He respected she needed time alone, but she didn’t understand the danger would never be over. He grimaced. He could feel her from here, in the kitchen. She was anxious, scared, confused. A Lycan’s mate was never far. And soon, after her powers were more developed, she would feel the same connection too. No 125

Anastasia Maltezos distance would separate them. He focused again on her feelings and stiffened. Her fear was growing. Something wasn’t right. She wasn’t afraid for herself. She was afraid for someone else. Who? It wasn’t him, he would have sensed that. His heart thudded. She really believed Tyler was still alive. He grew cold. Swearing roughly under his breath, he locked the inn behind him and went to his car. Seconds later, his tires screeched out of the driveway. She was chasing a ghost.

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Chapter Ten

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he turned off Wedderly. It was a small road with a small forest lining it that opened to a clearing where an old house with a dilapidated wraparound veranda stood. She shivered despite the summer heat. The house looked worn, unkempt. She parked her car and got out. She’d made it this far, she wasn’t going to stop now. The screen door creaked and an old man came out. An old man with long stingy white hair and a cowboy hat. She stifled a gasp. The man from her reading. And he was holding a shotgun. He pointed it at her. “Get off my land. You’re trespassing.” “I’m sorry. I…I need to use the phone. My car broke down.” He looked at her car suspiciously. “What’s wrong with it?” “I’m not sure. It’s been stalling the past few miles. I would use my cell phone, but I forgot to charge it this morning.” 127

Anastasia Maltezos “You don’t look like you’re from around these parts.” “I’m not.” “Damn tourists,” he muttered under his breath. “Well, come in. Make your call and then leave.” “Would you mind lowering your rifle?” He spit tobacco on the ground and glared at her. “Actually, I do mind. Can’t be too sure who you are.” She laughed nervously. “I’m not dangerous.” His eyes narrowed. “Maybe not on the outside, but seeing the sun isn’t bothering you, who’s to say you’re not one of the other kind.” She stiffened. “The…the other kind?” “Werewolves!” His face twisted into disgust. “Just as bad as those other vile demons, but harder to detect.” He patted his rifle. “I’m not worried though. I got me some silver bullets in here.” Her face fell. “Oh. Well, that’s good then. Not that…that I’m a werewolf, but if you did come across one, you could protect yourself.” “Precisely.” He spit again. A movement behind him startled her. It was a little boy of about four coming out from the front door. Stella’s heart stopped beating. The picture in Gunnar’s room! It was Tyler. The old man turned around and said harshly, “Go back inside, boy.” “I…I’m hungry.” Tyler’s little face puckered 128

Lycan Mate into a sob. Stella’s heart twisted and turned in her chest. She wanted to scream with joy and run to him, but she stopped herself. “I said go back inside, boy, before I take my whip to you.” She had to get him out of there. Her gaze fell on the old man’s rifle. Silver bullets were the only thing that could kill her. She took a deep breath. “Is…is this your grandson?” The old man laughed coldly. “No.” “Your son?” The old man’s face changed. “You’re asking too many damn questions, lady. Now get inside, make your call and then leave.” She could do that and then return with the authorities, but the old man’s words about taking a whip to Tyler told her there was no time. She looked at Tyler and willed her hammering heart to slow down. He was gazing at her curiously, but she caught the thread of fear on his face. Her eyes burned and she was petrified she was going to burst into tears at any moment. Her thoughts went to Gunnar and how joyful he was going to be at having Tyler back. She gulped and tried to school her features to remain calm. The old man was gazing at her curiously now and she didn’t want to hurt her chances of saving Gunnar’s son. A violent surge of maternal 129

Anastasia Maltezos instinct rushed forth and she had to stop herself from lunging forward and grabbing the little boy. She gritted her teeth, trying to control the strange feeling heating her limbs. It was almost primitive in nature. Wild and animal. She’d never felt this rush of primal energy flowing through her limbs and for a split second was consumed by the sheer force of it. “Well, well,” sneered the old man. “Look at what we got here.” Stella drew a sharp gaze to his face and frowned. Why was he looking at her like a cat that just caught the canary? “You’re changing right before my eyes, little lady.” She gasped and touched her face, drawing back in horror. Fur. She was changing into her wolf form! She glanced at the rifle pointed straight at her. She couldn’t control her change! Slowly, her vision lowered and she stood on four paws, her clothes hung loose about her canine frame. She growled at the old man. Dammit, this was bad. He was going to kill her and Gunnar would never know about Tyler. At the thought of the little boy, she gazed at him and caught him staring at her in awe. “Like daddy,” he said in a small voice. The man pointed his rifle at her. “So your 130

Lycan Mate mother was a vampire and your father is a werewolf,” he said slowly, tossing a quick sideways glance at Tyler. “You’re lucky I saved you when I did, boy.” Tyler’s face crumbled. “I want my daddy. I want my mommy.” “Shut up!” the old man snarled. “You ungrateful little bastard. Your mother was a demon bitch and I sent her straight to hell where she belonged. I took you in to give you a chance at a normal life. Now stop whining and get back inside the house.” He spat more tobacco on the ground, his gaze narrowing malevolently on Stella. “I need to kill this bitch first.” Stella threw her head back and howled. It couldn’t end like this. She bared her incisors and thought if she was going to die, she might as well take the old man out first. She could make the long leap to his throat in a couple of seconds, enough time to kill him before the silver bullet hit her. She growled menacingly. In the distance, she heard the roar of an engine. And then, as the old man drew back the gage, she sprung through the air and went for his throat. His gun went off as the sound of screeching tires came from behind her. She pinioned him to the ground. The rifle dropped at his side and she bared her fangs, growling with ferocity above his face. 131

Anastasia Maltezos He cowered back. The bullet missed her. She turned to Tyler and saw him staring in awe at something behind her. “Daddy?” he said tearfully, his little voice breaking. Gunnar! Holding the old man firmly beneath her paws, she turned her head and saw Gunnar staggering toward Tyler, his handsome face twisted in disbelief and love. And then he broke into a run and gathered Tyler into his arms, muttering incoherent words into his son’s hair. Tyler squealed with joy and wrapped his little arms around his father’s neck. “Daddy, you found me!” “My son, my son,” Gunnar said hoarsely. “I love you, Tyler. Oh my God, I love you so much,” he added, crushing him to his chest. Stella felt her eyes fill with tears and slowly her body began to transform back to her human self. No! Not now! She lay over the old man, almost naked since most of her clothes had been torn from her once she’d transformed into the huge wolf and panicked. He was eyeing her with a malevolent glare. “Gunnar,” she yelled as she struggled to hold the old man down, but he was too strong for her. With a swiftness she found surprising for someone elderly, he reached for his back pocket. Something glistened in the blinding sunlight as he brought 132

Lycan Mate his hand around and plunged it into her side. She groaned as a searing, hot pain exploded on her waist. He’d stabbed her. “Nooo!” Gunnar roared. She slumped to the ground and closed her eyes. Gunnar sprung in the air toward the old man. He knocked him down before he could get to his rifle. Tyler cried in the background as Stella fought the wave of darkness around her. Gunnar roared and smashed the old man in the jaw, knocking him out. He took the rifle and knife and threw them in the bushes. He turned to Stella and her heart jolted at the look on his face. He staggered to her and collapsed on his knees by her side, looking down at her waist, his face tightening with unsuppressed emotion. She offered him a wobbly smile, her eyes filling up with tears at the look on his face. He reached down and gently took her face in his hands. “Don’t you dare die on me,” he said hoarsely, his eyes glistening. “Don’t you dare leave me.” She tried to raise her hand to offer him comfort, but couldn’t summon the strength. She felt his palm press down on her side to stop the flow of blood. “I’m so happy Tyler…” she couldn’t finish as coughs wracked her body. “Don’t talk,” he said roughly. She could see panic in his gaze as he glanced down at her belly. With his free hand, he pulled 133

Anastasia Maltezos out his cell phone and dialled. “It’s Gunnar. I’ve apprehended a vampire killer. And bring paramedics,” he said. He gave the person he was talking to the address and shoved the cell back in his pocket. Tenderly, he brushed the hair back from her face. His throat was working convulsively and he released a ragged breath. “Help will be here very soon.” She nodded. Cold started to numb her limbs and she grew scared. A dry cough shook her shoulders. Could she do it? She’d healed the odd cut in the past for herself or a debilitating migraine, but she’d never healed a stab wound. The cold grew and instinctively she knew she didn’t have much time left. She’d already lost a lot of blood. God, she was weak. She couldn’t even lift her hand. “Put…put my hand…over my…” she said, struggling to get the words out. “Don’t talk. The paramedics—” “Let me heal myself,” she croaked. Their gazes locked and slowly an understanding lit his features. Gunnar glanced sharply at her wound and then back to her eyes, his expression hopeful. Gently, he placed her hand over her wound. Stella prayed she could do this. She closed her eyes and focused every ounce of strength she had left on her wound. She stopped the flow of blood 134

Lycan Mate and then went deep to repair the internal wound. Sweat formed on her upper lip and she knew she was losing consciousness fast. She was almost done, only a little more. Her stab wound tingled and she felt a rush of relief. The tingling was good. Slowly she opened her eyes and gazed up at Gunnar who hadn’t moved from her side. “Gunnar?” His eyes were closed, his mouth a grim line. It almost looked like he was praying. Slowly, he opened his eyes and looked at her with a mixture of fear and hope. A muscle was working furiously along his strong jaw and Stella knew he was overcome with emotion. Her heart expanded and filled with love. “I’m…I’m going to be okay.” She was losing consciousness. “Just tell…the…the…paramedics to stitch me up.” Just before she lost consciousness, she heard Gunnar say, “I love you, Stella.” She opened her eyes and saw Gunnar and Tyler beside her. She was back home, lying in her bed and never felt more happiness at the sight of two people. “Daddy, she’s awake.” “Yes, she is,” Gunnar said, his voice thick. He placed a gentle hand on her forehead and looked relieved. He gave her a dark, passionate, possessive look. 135

Anastasia Maltezos She looked at Tyler and smiled warmly at him. He looked like he’d had a bath and he was wearing one of Gunnar’s T-shirts. Her heart swelled with love for the little boy. “Hi, baby.” Tyler smiled shyly. “Hi.” Tyler looked at his father. “Daddy, she’s like you.” Gunnar placed his hand on his son’s shoulders and drew him close to his side. “No, son. She’s an angel,” he replied, his tone thick with emotion. He was holding his son, but his gaze was on her, dark and intent. His expression made her bones melt. She wanted to tell him so many things, but this wasn’t the time with Tyler looking at both of them curiously. “Did Tyler eat?” Gunnar nodded. “I warmed up the rest of the dinner. He had a heaping plate.” Stella smiled at the little boy. “You’re okay now, honey? You’re not hungry anymore?” Tyler shook his head. “No. And Dad let me have some ice-cream, too.” Stella laughed softly. “You know, I have some children’s DVDs for clients who come here with little kids. You can watch them tomorrow.” His eyes lit up. “Do you have Sponge Bob?” She smiled tenderly at him. “Season One and Two.” Her heart swelled with compassion. “It’s over now, baby. You’re back with your father and he will never let anything happen to you again.” 136

Lycan Mate Gently, she touched his cheek and closed her eyes. “You’re such a brave little boy,” she whispered. She had to see. She had to know he was going to be okay. She went deep into his psyche, looking for any distress or fear or scars that would haunt him in his life, but found none. She inhaled sharply and tried again. She wanted to be sure. A few moments later, she sighed with relief and opened her eyes. She smiled gently at Gunnar. “He’s going to be fine. I went very deep. He’s a very resilient, strong little boy.” Gunnar’s expression told her he understood what she meant, and he nodded with relief and gratitude. He gathered his son in his arms. “Come, little one. It’s time for bed.” Tyler’s face fell. “I wanna stay with Tella.” “She needs to rest now, son. You can play with her tomorrow.” “Okay.” “Good night, honey,” Stella said. Gunnar rose from the side of the bed with Tyler in his arms. He gave Stella a possessive, yet warm look. “I’ll be back.” A dart of heat crossed between them, thrilling her, and she nodded. Once he left, she lifted the covers and saw she was wearing a short nightdress. Carefully she lifted it to her waist and 137

Anastasia Maltezos saw the six neat stitches on her side. All the blood had been washed away. She pulled her nightdress back over her body and lay back, closing her eyes. She knew he returned without even opening her eyes. She sensed his presence. She smelled his scent. She felt his energy in the room. She released a soft breath and opened her eyes. He was standing by her bed, looking down at her with a predatory glint in his eyes. “I…I involuntarily shifted into my wolf form. I couldn’t stop it.” He sat next to her and took her hand. “Something triggered your instinctive urge to change.” “Tyler. I had to save Tyler.” “Yes,” he replied brokenly. “Gunnar, if I wasn’t a werewolf I wouldn’t have been able to save Tyler. If…if I wasn’t like you, he would have never let me leave with Tyler. That man was crazy enough to kill an innocent human.” His face was grim. “He was a vampire killer. From what I learned from Tyler, that day Veronica’s car blew a tire. The day was overcast with thick clouds, but once her tire blew, the sun started to come out and the old man saw her arm getting seared. He went back to car, telling her he’d be back with a tire iron, but returned with a stake instead. He killed her before she knew what 138

Lycan Mate happened. Authorities couldn’t find her body because vampires, like werewolves, disintegrate once they die by stake or silver.” His face turned grim. “The old man was about to kill Tyler, but saw he wasn’t affected by the sun.” “What happened to him?” “He’s locked up. My kind showed up and took him away. He’s not going to hurt anyone else.” He released a strangled breath. “To think how close I came to losing you, Stella.” She placed a hand on his arm. “Like I told Tyler, it’s over now. You have him back in your life.” “Thank you. Thank you so much for finding my son, for making me whole again.” “When you first came here, I used to think it was my healing powers you needed because of your grief. Now I know it was my finding abilities that brought you to me. I had to find Tyler.” “You’re forgetting one thing.” “What?” “For every Lycan there is one true mate. I know in my heart we belong together.” He swallowed hard. “Tell me you’ll stay with Tyler and me. Tell me we’ll be a family and one day you can find it in your heart to love me.” She smiled softly. Didn’t he know? Couldn’t he see she was already falling in love with him? “For a man who’s lived a couple of hundred years, you 139

Anastasia Maltezos still have a lot to learn about women.” She drew herself up from the bed and brought her face close to his. “I’m already falling in love with you, Gunnar.” At his quick intake of breath, she kissed him. Stella woke up the next morning with a dull ache on her side. She turned to her side and saw Gunnar sleeping above her blanket next to her, still dressed in his denim and black T-shirt. His expression looked serene, calm in sleep, and she leaned over to him and placed a gentle kiss on his mouth. He stirred and opened his eyes. “Good morning,” he said, his voice husky from sleep. “Good morning. I’m going to check in on Tyler and then make breakfast.” “I’ll do it.” “No, I’m fine. You’ve hardly slept in two days. I’ll see you in the kitchen.” Jeans would have been uncomfortable with her stitches a couple of inches above her hip so she decided to change into a light summer dress and went into the bathroom before she went upstairs to see if Tyler was up. Gunnar stared at her the whole time she got ready and she smiled at him before she left. Tyler was just waking up when she went to see him. “Hi, baby.” 140

Lycan Mate “Hi.” He smiled from Gunnar’s bed. “Did you sleep well?” she asked as she bent over his head and kissed him on the forehead. “Yes. I like this big bed.” Stella smiled. “Here. Put on your clothes and meet me in the kitchen. I’m going to make you and your daddy a big breakfast. And then we’ll go into town and I’m going to buy you some new clothes, okay?” “And a toy?” Stella laughed softly. “Yes. And a toy.” He smiled and she left his room. Downstairs it only took her fifteen minutes to whip up bacon, eggs, toast, and sliced fruit. She searched her fridge for a tomato as Gunnar strolled in with Tyler in his arms. She smiled up at them. Tyler glanced at the three huge plates of food and his eyes widened. “Too much?” she asked Gunnar. “A bit. He’ll finish what he can,” he replied with warmth in his eyes. She looked back in her fridge. “I just need some cherry tomatoes to top this off.” She smiled up at Gunnar. “I’ll be right back. There’s a few ripe ones in the garden.” He placed Tyler in his seat. “I’ll do it. How many do you want?” “Ten?” she said, giving him a small bowl. “Ten it is.” He smiled and left through the patio 141

Anastasia Maltezos door. She felt like she was floating. She was so happy this morning. “Do you want orange or apple juice, honey?” The doors chimed and she saw Tyler staring down her hallway, his eyes like saucers. An eerie feeling crept up her spine and she went to see who was there. She froze as she stared at a massive Lycan holding a gun. She screamed and ran to stand in front of Tyler. Her heart refused to beat. He was bigger than Gunnar and she knew almost instantly who he was. “Marcellus,” she whispered. The huge Lycan advanced slowly into the kitchen as though he had all the time in the world. “Correct. You’ve been very hard to apprehend, my little witch.” “Gunnar!” Stella screamed, but Marcellus only laughed in a hollow, eerie voice. “Your lover is busy in the back, my dear. Don’t expect him to come to your rescue. I have four of my oldest and most powerful Lycans fighting him. He doesn’t stand a chance.” Stella snapped her gaze to the back window and saw four massive wolves circling Gunnar in his wolf form. My God! They were going to rip him to shreds. “Gunnar!” she yelled. She saw him snap his gaze to the inn and raise his head, releasing a long, 142

Lycan Mate wild, feral howl. And then all hell broke loose in the back as Marcellus’s wolves pounced on Gunnar. Jaws bared down on fur, talons ripped through limbs. Stella tried to make out which one was Gunnar, but all she saw was a furious mass of sharp incisors and deadly paws with four-inch talons ripping each other to shred. Tyler cried out and she snapped her gaze to Marcellus. “Don’t do this.” “Too late. I’m already doing it. My wolves will kill your mate, and I will kill his son.” “No!” “Yes. And when I take you back to my lair, your sisters should already be there and you will do exactly as I say if you don’t want them to die a gruesome death.” Stella nearly collapsed. Her sisters! The growls and whimpers grew louder from the back yard as Gunnar battled the four wolves and she squeezed her eyes shut, willing herself to shift. She couldn’t in either her Lycan or wolf form. Tyler started to cry and she stood firmly in front of him, blocking him from Marcellus’s view. “I won’t let you do this,” she choked out. He laughed. “You can’t stop me. I’m more powerful than Gunnar. Those two imbeciles I sent here the other night were nothing compared to my wolves fighting him now. Take a look, witch. He’s already losing his battle.” 143

Anastasia Maltezos She looked through the window and saw Gunnar surrounded by the four wolves. She saw blood on his fur and with each blow, he struggled to rise and fight back. Her eyes filled with tears. It couldn’t end like this. She squeezed her eyes, knowing what she had to do. When she opened her eyes, she looked at Marcellus. “I’ll come with you willingly if you let them both go.” She had no choice. Gunnar, Tyler, her sisters. Their lives depended on her. “No. They both die. You’re not in any position to bargain with me.” She inched her hand slowly behind her. The sound of a loud, deafening roar in the back startled her. She felt him! She felt Gunnar! His thoughts, his emotions. She was stunned at the fierce love and protection assaulting her senses from him. Gunnar knew what she was going to do. The thrashing, growls, and whimpers grew louder in the back. Stunned, she glanced at the window and saw Gunnar tear a limb from a wolf. The wolf collapsed, whimpering in pain. The three other wolves circled him, and Gunnar lunged for the closest one. Her hand was almost on the knife. She turned to Marcellus. “Let them go. This is your last chance.” The massive Lycan took a menacing step forward. “I’m not sure if I should be astounded by 144

Lycan Mate your courage or appalled by your ignorance. Look around you, witch. Your mate will soon be dead and you’re a mere two day old fledgling. You cannot fight me.” Sadly, she shook her head. “No, but I can do something that will destroy your evil plan.” “And what is that?” She swung the sharp knife to her throat and pursed her lips. “I can kill myself. Without me, you’ll have nothing. You’ll never be able to find the locations of Gunnar’s kind.” The Lycan stiffened. “You bluff.” “Your heart is so black, you forgot what it’s like to love,” she said, pressing the knife onto her skin. She felt a pin prick on her skin, but wasn’t scared. “And love can make you do crazy things.” “You’re forgetting one thing,” he said. She pursed her lips. “No, I’m not. This knife is made of silver.” If they were all going to die, she was going to die with them. At the back of her mind, she realised the battle sounds from the backyard lessened, but she was too focused on what she had to do to pay any attention to it. She felt Gunnar’s love pouring into her heart and she squeezed her eyes. I love you, she whispered in her mind. Noooo! he roared back telepathically. The sounds in the backyard stopped and 145

Anastasia Maltezos Gunnar crashed through the door in his Lycan form, bloodied with gashes on his chest as Stella was about to plunge the knife into her neck. With one taloned hand, he pushed the knife from her hand as he lunged forward toward Marcellus. The gun fired, smashing the door’s windowpane to pieces. Stella screamed and grabbed Tyler, dragging him to the floor. She saw the gashes on Gunnar’s skin disappear as he fought Marcellus. Silver could only kill werewolves, she thought. Then how did he kill the four wolves? A sickening feeling crept up her spine and she looked through the window. Gunnar had literally ripped the four wolves to shreds as she glanced queasily at the limbs scattered on the lawn. Worse, Marcellus’s wolves were still alive, moving slightly, whimpering. She almost threw up. She watched Gunnar and Marcellus smash each other against the walls. Pictures flew off their hinges and furniture splintered into a thousand pieces. They were locked in embrace, biting each other, digging their talons into the other’s skin. Stella saw the gun on the floor. She looked down at Tyler and took his little face in her hands. “Close your eyes, baby. Stay here and don’t move.” He was frightened to death, but she couldn’t do 146

Lycan Mate anything about that now. Quickly, she crawled toward the gun. They were going to dismember each other, she thought wildly. Gunnar fought with the strength of ten men and she knew he would die trying to protect her and Tyler. She grabbed the gun and pointed it at Marcellus. Dammit! They were moving too fast and she was afraid she was going to hit Gunnar. With a ferocious growl, Gunnar grabbed Marcellus by the head and snapped his neck. Marcellus slumped to the ground, making weird gurgling noises at the back of his throat. Stella screamed and watched the evil Lycan return to his human form. He was still alive. Gunnar took the gun from Stella’s trembling hands and pointed it at Marcellus’s heaving chest. “Die, demon bastard. Die for trying to kill my family.” And he shot him. The cops arrived and took care of the bloody mess. Marcellus’s body had already disintegrated and they shot the four wolves in the backyard. And the whole time Tyler was in Gunnar’s room with a female werewolf cop who was consoling him. Stella couldn’t move from the chair she had taken at the kitchen table. She was horrified at the events she’d witnessed the past hour. She saw Gunnar return after he’d left to put on clothes. “Is 147

Anastasia Maltezos it over?” she said. “Yes. Your sisters are on their way. We picked them up and they should be here within a few hours.” “Did your people tell them anything?” “No. I thought it best if you do that when they get here.” “Make sure Brenna doesn’t touch anyone otherwise she’ll know what’s happened.” “I already took care of that.” “Oh, okay,” she replied in a small voice. He grimaced, taking her by the hands. “Come here.” She rose into his arms and he held her close to his chest. His heart beat strong and she felt safe and secure in his arms. “How did you know?” she whispered. “How did we speak with our minds?” “We will always be one, Stella. I will always sense you and you will sense me. That is the way of soul mates.” She tightened her hold on him. “Poor Tyler. What a thing for a child to see.” “Veronica and I never hid our secret from him. One day, when he’s older, he will make his own decision if he wants to be like you and I.” “I’m sorry I couldn’t help you. I’m so sorry I couldn’t shift.” “You will learn it all in time.” She looked up into his handsome face and 148

Lycan Mate smiled brokenly. “My inn is destroyed. I’m going to have to close it for renovations.” His mouth quirked. “You will come and live with me and we’ll return when you want to reopen it.” She’d found her perfect mate. Gunnar was a man who feared nothing, who was brave. A man who loved her. “Gunnar, there’s something I have to tell you,” she said slowly. “Yes, my love?” he said, kissing her forehead. “Since you turned me, I feel things in my body I never felt before. Things I shouldn’t feel. I don’t know how it’s possible because it’s too soon to tell, but I think…I think I’m pregnant.” He smiled at her and gathered her closer. “I know.”

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About the Author Anastasia Maltezos enjoys reading and writing all romance genres, whether it’s a sweet contemporary or a dark paranormal. Her heroes vary from a high-powered corporate mogul falling in love with the girl next door, or a sexy vampire searching for his lost love. Love blooms in all forms.