Passion Prey

Passion Prey By Samantha Reynolds

The scanning, uploading and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal, and punishable by law. 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.

Passion Prey Copyright  2004 Samantha Reynolds ISBN: 1-55410-111-5 Cover art and design by Martine Jardin All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher. Published by eXtasy Books, a division of Zumaya Publications, 2004 Look for us online at: www.zumayapublications.com www.Extasybooks.com

Tarot Card: The Moon Astrological sign: Pisces The Moon Card is a card that can mean many things. Dreams or illusion, deceit or lies, or the lack of progress due to deep-rooted fears and anxieties. In most illustrations, the Moon is at the top of the card with it silver rays shining down on a pathway. In front of two pillars, a dog and a wolf howl at the moon. The tame part of us that considers ourselves civilized versus the animal instincts that remain with us today. Don’t we all feel the need at times to howl at the moon? The Moon guides many things, the tides of our oceans, and at times I believe it plays a big part in our emotions. The moon can lead to artistic expression through art, writing or music, which may lead to unexpected opportunities. However, there is a negative side as well. It tells of a lack of conviction to see things through to the end. And at the heart of the Moon card, it warns of

deception. The truth has somehow been obscured. When the card is upright in the suit, it means that either you are deceiving yourself or that someone is deceiving you. Sometimes we care not to look too closely at the truth. Preferring to see what we want to see instead of what it really there. When the card is in reverse, it means that the truth will be revealed whether you are ready for it or not. It is here where my story begins. The story of two people who pretend to be what they are not. But in the end, you can’t keep secrets from the moon.

Samantha Reynolds

Chapter One

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uanne Price sat at the bar. Her work as an agent for the Central Intelligence Agency had her on duty again. If she had ten dollars for every hour of surveillance she had ever pulled, she would be a millionaire at this point. It was her job. Not one of her favorites, but she was paid to protect her country, and that was one the one thing she took seriously. Her target, Ryan Thomas, should have checked in by now. She scanned the hotel lobby once more, letting her gaze drift over the people sitting in oversized salmon covered chairs. They were either here for vacation, or businessmen and women just trying to get through the week. Damn! If Intel had screwed this up, she would wring their bloody necks. A movement caught her attention, and her gaze settled on a man walking into the lobby. She smiled. His short, sun-streaked blond hair matched Ryan’s description. His head was lowered as if he didn’t want to be noticed. He wore a black trench coat over blue jeans and a white T-shirt. When he looked up, she couldn’t mistake that face. 1

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It was him. A surge of adrenalin roared through her system. She had him now. She watched and waited as he walked through the lobby and into the bar, not believing her luck when he took off his coat and sat down beside her. Jesus, he was even more devastating in person than the photographs the agency had given her. They didn’t do him justice. His face had been kissed by the sun, and she wondered for a minute if he was that beautiful golden color all over his body. The smell of him gave her goosebumps, and she had to rein in the instant attraction that washed over her. The man had it in spades. Every female head in the place had turned when he’d walked in. Couple that with those broad shoulders and blond hair...Well, it didn’t bear thinking about. She had a job to do, and she was here to do it. The bartender, a short, balding older man, came to take her order. “What’ll you folks have? The gorgeous man sitting beside her glanced in her direction and then answered. “We’re not together.” She could smell his clean, natural scent from where she sat. Soap and leather. God help her. No clinging aftershave for him! She smiled. “Sorry. Too bad for you, she’s a looker.” The bartender shook his head but his eyes lingered on her just a little too long for her taste. LuAnn sent the bartender a scathing look in return. Hold on to your dick, old man, I’m not here for you. She turned to look at the man she knew to be Ryan 2

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Thomas, and met his stone cold amber gaze. There was no emotion in his eyes, nothing. She turned back to the bartender. “I’ll have a Miller light.” Then looking at her unwilling companion, she asked “and you?” “I’ll have the same.” Ryan’s gaze briefly flickered over her breasts. She’d worn a blue, low cut knit top on purpose. No bra. None needed for what she was after. Licking her lips, she looked back at Ryan. “I’m Luanne.” She held out her hand. He took her hand in his and then quickly looked away. Funny, he almost looked uncomfortable. “Ryan.” His voice was a low baritone and it sent chills of excitement down her spine. “Nice to meet you, Ryan.” She added with a smile. “Same.” “Here on business?” she asked. “Nope.” “Talk much?” “Nope.” He answered her with a feral smile. One that under different circumstances might have frightened a weaker person off. “Well then, I guess we’re going to have a quiet night.” She rolled her eyes for effect and nursed the beer the bartender had set in front of her. She grabbed a paper from the corner of the bar and opened it up. “Damn, the Panthers won again! They might actually make it all the way this year.” Come on, take the bait. I know you’re a fan. “They’ll go all the way.” His tone was bored. He took a swig of his beer, never looking at her. 3

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“Don’t like glasses?” she pointed to the empty frosted glass in front of him. “Don’t need it. Excuse me.” Had she scared him off? At least he had manners. Didn’t talk much, but he had manners. She watched as he disappeared into the men’s room. She let out a sigh of relief, and put her hand in her pocket and palmed the vial of liquid. This was too easy. Way too easy. A chill ran down her spine. The bartender turned his back and she emptied the vial into his beer bottle. That should loosen Mr. Thomas up a bit. Nerves. Get them under control, Luanne. After only a few minutes, Ryan walked back to the bar and sat down. “You have any peanuts?” He called out to the bartender. The bartender answered and she waited. Take a drink, damn you. Finally, he took a long drink. She wouldn’t dare dream of taking him on otherwise. It was too dangerous. Intel didn’t have much information on him. That in and of itself raised a red flag with her, a man who had no history had something to hide. And it was her job to find out if this man—this FBI agent—was selling secrets to their enemies. The bartender returned with the peanuts and set them down. She picked up a few and popped them in her mouth. “So, you in town long?” “No.” Trying to talk to the man was like trying to talk to a brick wall. She laughed. “Okay. I give up. I won’t bother you anymore. I’ll let you drink your beer in 4

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peace.” Ryan turned to look at her. His gaze was hot, lustful and full of promise. She knew instinctively that she had his full attention now. Her nipples grew hard and her stomach muscles clenched in response. What would it be like to fuck a man like Ryan Thomas? Would he be slow and gentle or hard and fast? “Are you always this talkative?” his voice was low, almost a whisper. His dark tone made her think of satin sheets and bare skin. She needed to cool off. Did he realize how potent he was? That he could have any woman in the room? She took a sip of her beer. “No. No, I’m not always this talkative.” Luanne turned and looked deep into his eyes, mentally sending him a message that he couldn’t misunderstand. “Sometimes, you don’t need any words at all.” Her answer was husky and seductive. He leaned over, took a deep breath of her hair. “You smell really, really good.” She smiled at him and moved a little closer, invading his personal space. “So do you.” The sexual tension that emanated from him was playing sweet havoc with her system. She could feel the wetness in her panties. It was apparent that this man could, without touching her body in any way, send her over the proverbial edge. He pulled away from her for a moment and swayed on the barstool. He put one hand to his head. “I don’t think I’m feeling so well. Must be jet lag.” He 5

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picked up his beer and drained the last few drops from the bottle. Jesus, did I give him too much? Michael, her lab tech, had said it would only affect his mood. Make him more apt to talk. It looked like he was losing motor control. She couldn’t afford to let him pass out before she’d gotten what she came for. She watched as he tried to stand up. He was unsteady on his feet, swaying like a pine tree in the wind. “You want me to walk you up to your room?” He gave her a sheepish look. “You know, normally, I would have said no. But right now, I think I may need the help.” He leaned on the bar, looking confused. A small stab of guilt flittered into her brain. He’d been so in control before. Then she reminded herself that this man might be selling secrets to the enemy. She had to find out if their information was correct. And if it was, she would have to take him out of the game. She’d never questioned her orders before, but there was something instinctive about this man that called to her. And something inside of her answered. “Come on, I’ll help you.” She grabbed the coat he’d slung over the chair, and he moved around the bar to stand beside her. He draped one lean arm around her shoulders. To any passerby they looked like an average couple leaving the bar. But he was leaning heavily on her. Very heavily. Ryan turned his head and his lips were at her ear. “You’re pretty strong.” 6

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Luanne rolled her eyes. “Men tell me that all the time.” He chuckled at her comment. Luanne helped him to the elevator. She punched the button and they waited. Finally the bell rang and the metal doors slid open. Being so close to him was driving her crazy. Every breath he took seemed to find its way to her bare skin. Her nipples were straining against the knit material of her top, and there was no way he could miss that. Wanting space, she leaned back against the far wall of the small enclosure. He followed her into the wood-paneled cube to lean against the same wall facing her, staring at her with those unusual amber-colored eyes. It was starting to make her feel a little like dinner. His gaze floated down to her breasts. He took a deep breath and lifted one finger to trace the line of her collarbone. “You know, it’s been a long time since anyone has helped me.” His finger continued to move, only a little lower now. She held her breath, afraid to breathe. A wave of lust crashed over her, she’d never felt this kind of attraction before. It scared her that she wanted this particular man’s hands all over her body. “Has anyone told you that you are incredibly beautiful?” He moved in closer. Then in one sudden spurt of movement he was in front of her, with one hand on either side of her face. “I’m going to kiss you. I can smell your heat and it’s driving me crazy.” His lips descended to hers. 7

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She opened her mouth to protest but found herself captured by those same full, sexy lips she’d been admiring earlier. Oh, Damn. Her body responded and she couldn’t deny the craving she felt for him. She gave in, slipped her arms around his waist and pulled him tight. He felt solid and warm. He groaned and deepened the kiss, slanting his lips to gain better access. His tongue mated with hers, moving in a circular plunging motion that mimicked what she really wanted him to do. She moaned into his mouth. His hand came to her face, his thumb caressing her cheek. She was melting. She was on fire and couldn’t get close enough. Her hands crept up his back and his muscles beneath her palms were lean and tight. Hard. Just like the rest of him. His hips pressed into hers, and one very muscled leg slipped between hers. The exquisite pressure of his thigh against her made her shiver in anticipation. She couldn’t think. Her brain was cloudy with desire. The bell rang, announcing their arrival to his floor. He slowly peeled his body away from her. Luanne wasn’t sure she could force her legs to move. She felt like a limp rag. She gasped for air. “Damn.” She watched as he walked out of the elevator, apparently not nearly as affected by their encounter as she. It pissed her off. Was he going to leave her there? The elevator doors began to close, and just when she thought he was gone, his hand shot 8

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out and stopped the doors from closing. He looked back at her. “Are you coming?” Luanne took a quick breath. Yeah, she was coming. She nodded and slipped through the small opening. Somehow this was a turning point and she knew it. He had given her the opportunity to escape, had given her an out. But it was too late. She was in too deep. She could still smell his intriguing scent on her skin. It wound around her like a trap, an invisible net, one she wasn’t sure she wanted to get out of. He was waiting on her. He didn’t seem to need her help now. “Are you all right?” she asked. “I’m feeling a bit better.” His eyes had changed color. They looked lighter now, more golden in the dim light of the hotel hallway. He looked at her like a starving man. “I’m right down here,” he said pointing the way to his room. “Want to come in for a bit?” Well, this was certainly a change from downstairs. Huh! She knew what was on his mind. The same thing that was on hers. Hot, crazy, fall-to-the-floor sex. It didn’t hurt her feelings. She was a big girl, and it had been a long time since she’d been laid. Way too long. Her body fairly hummed with lust. And she still needed that information, this was her chance and she could kill two birds with one stone. She tossed her hair over her shoulder and gave him her best comehither look. “Yeah, I don’t have anything pressing.” She raised one eyebrow at him. He chuckled. “Let’s go, then.” 9

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Chapter Two

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is room was identical to hers. A quick look showed a king size bed in the middle of the room, brown dingy carpet, a desk, a small refrigerator, and two nightstands. No luggage in the closet. No clothes hung on the rack. The man traveled light. He wasn’t staying long. He’d let her in and followed behind her. She heard the click as the door closed. She was still taking inventory of the room when he grabbed her arm. Ryan whipped her around. Took her face in one hand, to hold her still, and kissed her breathless. A brutal kiss meant to disarm, to throw her off track. Jesus, his lips were firm and wet as he forced her mouth open to explore her with his tongue. She tried to pull back. “Don’t. Don’t do that. Open for me. I need you, it’s been too long.” He practically growled the words. Her heart raced in her chest, she could hear the drum beat in her ears. She was excited. Her panties were wet. She wasn’t afraid of him, but some inner instinct told her she really should be. His desire was like an out of control firestorm. The 10

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burn quickly spread through her body. She decided she wouldn’t be left behind in this. He wouldn’t just take her. She would take as well. If he wanted hard and fast, she would give it to him. He moaned low in his throat as his tongue invaded the warm recess of her mouth. His special scent drifted over her; she couldn’t place it, but it was driving her insane. She found his tongue with her own and started the dance. Mouth to mouth, body to body, they battled for dominion. Ryan Thomas was a potent drug. A drug she couldn’t get enough of as she molded her body to his lean rock hard frame. His lips left her mouth to trail wet kisses to her jaw line. Then he went lower to the smooth column of her neck. She let her head fall back. Her legs had turned to jelly. “Bed. Now.” She ordered. She wouldn’t be able to stand of her own accord for much longer. His lips never left her skin as he maneuvered her to the bed. Luanne felt the bed behind her knees and collapsed onto the mattress. He followed her down. Those long lean hands of his found her breasts, cupped the weight of them in his palms. “Beautiful. You are so damned beautiful,” he whispered. “I can’t get enough of you. I want to lick every inch of you.” He nipped her neck. “How do you like it? Rough or gentle?” She turned to look at him, felt the warmth of his hand on her skin. “Rough and gentle.” She replied. 11

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“Can you handle it?” “Baby, I’ll do whatever you want. But you’ve got way too many clothes on.” She shot him a hot look, and licked her lips. “Then fix it.” He growled again. That sound did something to her, made her brain hazy with lust. He lifted the hem of her top up and she felt the cool air hit her bare stomach. Then with a devilish look in his eyes, he pulled it over her head and threw it to the floor. He shifted his weight to the side. His eyes burned with passion. “You, lady, are one succulent dish—one I intend to savor.” The muscles in her pussy clenched at his words. She didn’t have time to think, only feel. His mouth came down to her breast, his tongue circled her nipple, then moved to taste the darker pink ring surrounding the tight flesh while his other hand teased trailed over her stomach. Her fingers found their way through his silky blond hair, twisting in the threads of his hair. Her hips moved in rhythm with his tongue. She felt hot. Flushed. She couldn’t keep still. He still had his shirt on and she wanted to look at him. Wanted to see this man’s body. Her hands fell to the front of his shirt and began the tedious process of unbuttoning it. Frustrated, she gave the shirt a quick yank and the material parted from the force and sent buttons flying through the air. “Anxious, are we?” he asked. She growled back at him. “You’re not the only one 12

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who can play rough.” Ryan gave her a wicked smile, showing straight white teeth. The skin of his chest was like warm satin beneath her fingers; the taste of his mouth honey sweet. She tweaked his nipples and tried to maneuver her mouth closer. “Not yet. I’m not done here.” He commanded. Luanne had had enough. She wanted to feel him moving inside of her. Now. With an amazing strength she didn’t know she possessed, she pulled his head up. She put her hands against his shoulders and pushed him over onto his side. “My turn now,” she said through clenched teeth. She couldn’t read his shuttered gaze. Playfully, she kissed the tip of his nose. That brought his eyes open and he gave her a questioning look. She returned a naughty smile. Pushing him over onto his back she moved over him. She still had her jeans on. Straddling his waist she let her hands fall to the waistband of her jeans. Very slowly, teasing him, she pushed the button through the hole. Then slowly she unzipped her pants. His breath came in rapid spurts and his gaze focused on her hands. She lifted herself up and away from his body, swung one leg to the side of the bed, and stood up. He rolled over to his side, his shirt gaping open with all that golden skin tempting her. 13

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Her fingers itched to touch him. She hooked her thumbs into the top of her jeans and slid them ever so slowly over her hips. “You’re killing me. If you don’t hurry up, I’m going to rip those things off you!” She smiled. “Anticipation is half the fun.” He moved like lightning, coming up off the bed so fast she gasped in surprise. He yanked the shirt from his body, and it fell to the floor. There was not one ounce of fat on his lean body. He wasn’t bulky with muscle but lean like a cat; a panther in its prime, waiting to pounce. “Fuck anticipation.” He said through clenched teeth and threw her to the bed. He grabbed her legs and yanked her jeans the rest of the way off. “Don’t move.” He removed his pants and she was stunned to realize that he wore nothing underneath them. Well, the question of boxers or briefs was out. He stepped out of his clothes and came to her. His cock was hard, jutting outward away from his body. She licked her lips. His body was perfection; the man had to work out on a regular basis to maintain that physique. His abdominal muscles rippled with his movements. He made her mouth water. He stood and stared at her naked body, then licked his lips. The intense look of hunger on his face pleased her. He was beautiful. Like a tawny cat she had yet to tame. His gaze lingered over her breasts and if possible, her nipples became even more erect. He stood at the side of the bed for a few more moments. It was pure 14

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torture as she waited for his next move. She couldn’t resist touching herself while he watched. Her fingers found her nipples and she tweaked them hard, moaning as the painful pleasure went straight to her pussy. He jumped toward her, his arms reaching out to brace his weight on each side of her body. “Are you trying to kill me?” “No. I’m tired of waiting.” She responded. He raised one eyebrow and shook his head. “Incredible. I haven’t gotten laid in six months, and now you’re rushing me.” He lowered his pelvis and she felt the hard length of his cock rub between her legs. He dropped to his elbows and took her mouth. She wrapped her legs around his waist and pulled him down into her. She reached between them to touch him, wrapped her fingers around the velvet length of him. His skin was soft and she closed her eyes as she ran her fingers up and down stroking him. Then she cupped his balls, softly kneading before returning to palm him again. He made a frustrated sound and his lips thinned with pleasure. He was on the edge and she knew it. She reveled in her power over him. Luanne loved the feel of him. The power of his body and his control. His lips moved to the corner of her mouth and he rained kisses on her face and then moved lower. He licked the arch of her neck, and nibbled on the sensitive flesh with his teeth. 15

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Her pussy was so wet and ready for him. She wanted to be filled, wanted to feel him fall into her. Not able to wait any longer she guided him to her, rubbing the throbbing head of his dick against her. She moaned as she positioned his hard flesh between her wet folds. He knew what she wanted. In one smooth, hard thrust he melted into her. She took every sweet incredible inch of him. He stilled for a moment, allowing her body to stretch and become accustomed to the width of him. Then he began to move within her. Small circular motions created a soft friction, skin against skin. She met each decisive plunge of his body with her own as she stared into those bewitching eyes. Her nails bit into the flesh of his shoulder. She wouldn’t be able to take much more of this. This wasn’t just sex. She could feel a tie to him as if he was claiming her for his own. He scooted to the end of the bed, grabbed her legs and pulled her with him. Once he reached the end of the mattress he stood and positioned her where he wanted her, and began fucking her fast and hard. She wrapped the folds of the sheet in her hands and held on. The pressure of his balls slapping against her ass made her want to scream. Her body was tense, and she could feel the muscles in her abdomen clenching. Her body milked him, taking all of him. His eyes were closed and his head was thrown back as he took control. A fine sheen of perspiration covered his skin. The well-defined musculature of his 16

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arms flexed and contracted with his movements. A look of extreme pleasure graced his features as he moved within her. He reached between them and his fingers applied just enough pressure against her clit to make her scream. The sound ripped from her throat. Pleasure exploded within her and spiraled outward like a whirlwind. Exquisite tremors racked her body and she could feel her kegel muscles contracting around his cock. Wave after wave of sensation rocked her. “God, Baby, I’m right behind you.” His jaw was clenched, his eyes tightly closed as he increased the frantic pace of his thrusts. She watched him in the aftermath of her own climax as his began to break over him. He was stunning, all golden skin and earthy male. The scent of their passion hung between them as with one final stroke he groaned, trembled and lost himself within her. A moment later he came down beside her. She reached for him and cradled him close to her chest. No. She hadn’t expected this. Not at all. The emotions that gripped her felt strange and foreign. She’d never had sex like this. Not in all her twenty-eight years.

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Chapter Three

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e lay there, wrapped in her arms, and let his breathing come back to normal. How was this possible? He’d been looking for this all of his life. Now, at this crucial time, she showed up. He’d never taken a woman with such force, had never lost control. Something was terribly wrong with him. He could feel the beast rising up within him. The initial call to take her and claim her for his own was a powerful urge that was becoming hard to resist. Rising up on one elbow, he looked down at her. Long, inky black hair fanned out around her. Her face was perfection. Almond-shaped eyes the color of warm amber were shuttered by long, straight, black eyelashes. She had a straight little nose, and that stubborn chin had been more than he could refuse. When he’d seen her in the bar as he sat down, he’d thought about walking away. He should have walked away. She didn’t belong in his world, but he hadn’t been able to leave. He’d wanted to do the right thing, but in the end it hadn’t mattered. He hadn’t marked her as he’d longed to do. He would know when she opened her eyes, if what his body told him was true. 18

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As if listening to his thoughts, she opened her eyes. The irises had changed to a light yellow-gold. He moved back away from her. It couldn’t be possible. Was it possible that she and her brother both carried the same strain of DNA? She was like him. Or had he made her like him. He would have to mark her now, because there was no way he’d ever let another touch her body. A fierce protective force took hold of him and he pulled her closer to him once again. Luanne smiled at him, a tentative smile that showed small pearl-white teeth. Teeth that would change at the next full moon. He’d taken her without care or explanation. He would have to call Nicco. This changed everything. He wouldn’t be able to go through with his assignment. They would have to pull in another agent. He only prayed that Nicco would understand. How was he to know that she carried the strain? The problem was, he should have known. He should have felt it. But ever since having that beer in the bar, he’d felt strange. Different. He still felt odd. He lifted a stray lock of hair away from her face. “Are you all right? I didn’t hurt you, did I?” Her eyes went wide, and then she laughed. A deep throated, sexy laugh that shook her whole body. “Something funny?” he asked, irritated with her reaction. She covered her mouth with one hand. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t laughing at you. It’s just that I’m tougher than I look. Promise.” She held up her crossed fingers. 19

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Her laughter faded away as she looked at him. “Don’t go all serious on me now.” Lord in heaven help him. She had no idea and it was his fault. She would go through the pain of the change. He didn’t want to think about it. But according to Pack rules, he was responsible for her safety until the change occurred. The woman was going to kill him. He looked toward the windows that faced the river while keeping her close. The blinds were closed. He had never stayed with a woman all night. He always punished himself by leaving. It was the penance for becoming involved with a woman that had no idea what he was capable of... “I’m very much the serious type. Sorry to disappoint you.” The laughter left her eyes. A flicker of fear replaced it. Why would she now be afraid of him? She propped herself on one elbow so that they were face to face. “So, tell me about yourself?” Ryan inwardly groaned. He couldn’t tell her yet. “What do you want to know?’ “Do you always answer a question with a question?” she laughed. “Sometimes.” “Oh, no. You’re going back to not talking again, aren’t you?” She looked at him from beneath sooty lashes. Did she realize how seductive she looked spread across his bed like dark, silky satin? “No. I have a better idea.” He pushed her onto her back and moved over her. “The first time was a little fast.” 20

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She gasped in response. “Well, now. That works for me.” She said with a sardonic smile and then wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer. Ryan thought she tasted like warm honey. Smooth and sweet. Addictive. Her touch was feather soft against the sensitive skin of his back. He was going to take his time. Nice and slow. He would enjoy every minute. Because once she’d learned what he’d done. She’d never forgive him. He lost himself in the sweetness of her mouth. Let the warmth of her body pour into his. Her breasts crushed into his chest and he could feel the pebble hardness of her nipples against him. He wanted to devour her, taste every inch of that glowing olive skin. Luanne moaned beneath him and moved her hips in a circular motion, grinding into him. Insatiable hunger took over. Instinct warred with reason in his brain, taunting him to move faster. Dominate and conquer, bind her, it became a chant in his head. He kissed the tender flesh of her neck, and then moved lower down to the smooth slope of her shoulder. He bit her, careful not to puncture her flesh. A quick nip was all it would take. Then she would be his and his alone. But there was still time, time to give her a choice. Hopefully. She writhed, her hands skimming over his ass. Her fingernails scraped his skin, then he felt the quick sting as she nipped him. Surprised he raised his head to look into her eyes. 21

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What he saw there amazed him. With laughter in her eyes she answered the question in his eyes. “So you like to nip. So do I. Problem?” She raised one eyebrow daring him to say anything. Then in a burst of strength she pushed off from the bed and rolled him beneath her. “You’re moving too slow.” She sat up on top of him, leaned back and pinched her nipples. His sanity was slipping. All control vanished. The siren above him took his breath away. He watched as she leaned over and rubbed those soft orbs of flesh against him. Like a cat, she rubbed herself over him. He couldn’t take it anymore and grabbed her legs and spread them wide. With an upward thrust he came into her. He closed his eyes, lost in the sensations of her warm sex surrounding him. Enfolding him in the dark mystery of her body. If ever there was a heaven on earth he had just found it. Quickly she followed his rhythm, moving on him, tantalizing him with her body. It was intoxicating and he knew he would never tire of her. He knew deep in his heart that finally he had found his mate. The other half of his soul had been found in this woman. Now he just had to convince her of that. There was one way to be sure that he would not lose her. One way to lock her to his side. If he branded her, bit her, she would remain his. He knew this, but it wasn’t fair to her. But, damn fairness. Life wasn’t fair and he would be damned to hell before he would let her go. She would be his light in the night 22

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sky. The very air he needed to breathe. With a feral cry he came inside of her and then bit into her shoulder. He would die now before he let her go.

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Chapter Four

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uanne rolled over. Instantly awake, she realized he was gone. A quick glance around the room showed his black trench coat still folded over the chair where he had slung it last night. Sitting up in the bed, she heard the sound of running water. He must be in the shower. This was her chance. Moving quickly from the bed, she went to the chair and began going through the pockets of his trench coat. No papers. The left pocket held only a set of car keys. Where would he keep documents? Surely he wouldn’t have left them in a car for anyone to find. Her heart raced. Blood rushed through her veins, making her light headed. Her mouth went dry as she searched. This was insane. She had just had sex with him and now she was going through his things. It didn’t leave a good taste in her mouth. His coat was clean. Nothing. She spotted his jeans on the floor at the foot of the bed. She walked over and picked them up and immediately felt the fat bulge in the back pocket. Bingo! His wallet. Simple black leather, nothing special. She flipped it 24

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open and took a quick glance at his driver’s license. She knew all that all ready. She needed proof that he was a spy. A mole. A person who was indeed selling out to the enemy and so far she hadn’t found anything but thirty-four dollars and a condom. “What are you doing?” Her heart skipped a beat and she dropped his wallet to the floor. She looked up to find Ryan standing in front of her with only a towel wrapped around his waist. Fuck! “I was looking for your address.” The look on his face told her that he didn’t believe her. “Why? Do you want to know if I’m an organ donor?” His voice had dropped an octave and there was an edge to it that hadn’t been there last night when he’d made love to her. His face was cold. Hard. And it scared the shit out of her. He walked forward and bent over to pick up the wallet. “Do you need money? Is that it?” “No. I don’t need money. I was looking for your address in case I never heard from you again. It makes it easier to stalk you.” She shrugged. It was the only thing she could come up with on the spur of the moment. She couldn’t just come out and tell him that she knew he was FBI. Oh, and by the way, are you leaking classified information to Iran? That would get her killed. She knew better, damn it. She cursed herself for getting caught. She had been so busy she hadn’t heard the water stop running. He said nothing for a moment. Just sat there and 25

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stared at her. “So you can stalk me?” He laughed. It was cruel sound. “Luanne, we both know that you’re not the stalker type. So what are you really after? What do you want?” “Another night with you.” He gave her a serious look. His eyes became dark and stormy. “Another night? That’s what you want? I think I can accommodate that.” She wasn’t sure that she liked him in the light of day. His voice had a chill tone to it. Where was the man she had made love with last night? There was a different person standing in front of her. But really, what did she expect? The man had just caught her going through his personal belongings. She would react the same way if the circumstances had been reversed. It was obvious that the drug had worn off. That had to be it. So this was the real Ryan Thomas. The man that most agents were afraid to meet in a dark alley. Now she knew why. He reeked of arrogance and cockiness. It put her at a distinct disadvantage. Her shoulder ached from the love bite he had given her and she felt a little queasy. He still stared at her, as if he was afraid she would escape him. Now who felt like prey? And he was right, she wasn’t the stalker type. But it had been a good line. As soon as he turned his back, she was out of here. He was freaking her out, and she didn’t like the feeling. She turned her back to him. “Mind if I use the shower? I’m going to be late for work.” She looked at 26

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the digital clock. It was six forty-five. Morrison, her boss, would be waiting to hear from her. If she didn’t check in by 0800 he would come looking for her, and that would mean big trouble. The smell of male and soap hit her like a punch to the gut. Her response to him was immediate and potent. She needed distance. Space and a good breakfast would set her back to rights. “I don’t think you’re going to make it to work today.” His voice was a soft velvet command. Not a request. She laughed, throwing off the immediate spear of panic that burned in her stomach. “Yes, I am.” She turned back to him. He advanced on her, one step at a time. “No. Not until you tell me what exactly you did to me last night. Was it a drug? Did you put something in my drink?” His eyebrows rose as he talked. “Did you put something on those peanuts last night? It must have been the beer.” He gave her a look of disgust and turned away, then spun back around, his words slapping at her. “It was when I went to the bathroom, wasn’t it? That’s when you drugged my beer.” Luanne backed away from him. She saw her underwear on the floor and bent to pick it up. Knowing that she had to play this off, and make him think he was delusional. “Are you okay?” She asked trying to shrug off his words. “I mean, are you feeling okay? Why would I have to drug you? Do most women have to drug you 27

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to get laid? Tell me I didn’t just spend the last twelve hours with a weirdo!” She shook her head for effect. She could tell by the way he weighed her words that he still didn’t believe her, but he couldn’t prove anything. She went and sat on the end of the bed and slipped her underwear back on, then reached for her top. “Okay. Let me spell it out to you. I don’t do onenight stands. Or at least not with people who don’t know what I am. Sex is a risky business for my kind. Secondly, you were sitting there waiting on me, weren’t you? It’s all starting to come together now. Aren’t we a clever girl?” He moved in front of her and grabbed her shoulders and shook her. “Damn it. Tell me. You’re going to be stuck with me, and I want to know if I’ve bound myself to a traitor.” Obviously disgusted he stalked away from her, turning so she couldn’t see his expression. Blood rushed to her face. “Traitor? Did you just call me a traitor? A traitor to whom?” The words rushed out between her clenched teeth. She wanted to bite him. Wanted to snarl at him and tell him to back off. He was too close to the truth. He put one hand on his towel clad hip and then turned back to face her. He still looked like a great cat, muscles all bunched up and ready to attack. His jaw twitched. “We have ways of making a spy talk.” “You are one crazy motherfucker. Spies, traitors, 28

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what next? You going to tell me you work for the President?” “Pretty fucking close, sweetheart. Now spill. I can smell the fear on you.” He paused. “You’re going to have to learn to mask that.” Luanne shook her head. This wasn’t going well. Shit, his instincts were better than hers. She hated to admit it, but this man was a master of the game. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. This is a hell of a way to greet someone first thing in the morning. I haven’t even had a cup of coffee yet.” He shrugged and laughed. It was the laugh of a frustrated man. A dangerous man. A chill crept up her spine and the hair on the back of her neck stood on end. Not good. This was not good. “You come clean with me, and I’ll come clean with you. Who do you work for?” He came back to stand in front of her and reached out one finger to tilt her chin up so she met his gaze. “Tell me, Luanne.” He looked deep into her eyes. “You want to tell me, don’t you?” His voice took on a haunting quality. Her brain went fuzzy. She felt compelled to tell him everything, every piece of information she had stored in her brain. Her mouth opened and she tried to stop the words from coming. It didn’t work. “I work for the CIA. They think you are selling state secrets to Iran. I’m supposed to try and find proof.” Her eyes went wide in shock as the words tumbled from her mouth. 29

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“What in the hell did you just do to me?” She sprang at him from the bed. Before she knew what she was doing, she had balled up her fist and drawn back her arm to punch him. He caught her fist in one hand. The sudden stop of force sent a sharp pain lancing through her arm. “You’re an agent.” His steely gaze pinned her in place and his words were like a sharp blade against her skin. He was calm. Too calm. Her arm hurt and he hadn’t let go of her fist. He quickly swung her around and twisted her arm behind her back. He didn’t use enough force to break her arm, but enough that she couldn’t move without hurting herself. Then in an instant, she was free. He pushed her away from him. She turned to face him and watched him run long lean fingers through his wet hair, a look of extreme disgust on his face. He gave a small grunt. “So, I’ve just saddled myself with an agent.” Anger made her brave. “Yeah. Now you’ve got another agent on your hands. What the hell did you do to me? You never answered my question.” She turned around and picked up her top. It had fallen from her lap when she had jumped at him. His full-throated laughter brought her head up. He clapped his hands. “Sweetheart, you have no idea, do you?” “I’m not your sweetheart. I only fucked you to get information.” 30

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He moved in close, only inches from her face. His nose only millimeters away from hers. “You belong to me now. We are bound. That mark on your shoulder is not just a love bite. That bite means that you belong to me. You’re my responsibility. Why don’t you go take a look at yourself in the mirror? Take a good hard look at your eyes.” His gaze taunted her. What in the hell was he talking about? Nothing had changed. She’d done her job. That was it. Yeah, the sex had been incredible but now she understood why they had wanted her to use the drug. Ryan Thomas was dangerous. Dangerous on a primitive level. And he was crazy. She walked to the mirror in front of the bed. “I don’t see anything different.” Light exploded into the room. He’d opened the drapes. “Why don’t you look again?” With a sigh she moved closer. Her mouth dropped open in shock. Her normally dark brown eyes had turned to an amber yellow color. She had the eyes of a wolf. She could see the bite mark on her shoulder; it was red, and there were two distinct puncture marks on her shoulder. What the hell? She whipped back around to face him. “What the hell is this?” She pointed to her shoulder. “That my dear Luanne, is a Lupan bite. You have heard of werewolves, haven’t you?” She stared at him in shock. He really was crazy. Werewolves didn’t exist. “You’re nuts. I’m out of here.” She went back to the bed and put her top on. 31

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Then went in search of her black skirt. Where in the hell was it? “Looking for this?” He held the skirt up with one finger. She advanced on him. “Give it to me.” “I don’t think so. I have to go out and make some phone calls. But I’ll be back. I think I’ll keep this for safe measures.” He looked at her and for the first time she saw emotion and warmth in his eyes. “Don’t run, Luanne. Your scent is imprinted on my brain. I’ll find you no matter where you go. We are connected now, and it would not be safe for you. Do you understand?” Yeah! She understood that as soon as he left, she was gone. Let him try and find her. He turned around and went back into the bathroom with her skirt. She heard the click that meant he’d locked the door. She looked around. No use in putting on shoes that would only slow her down. She pulled her top on, tiptoed past the bathroom and very quietly opened the door. She could hear the water running again and knew she didn’t have long. She stepped into the hallway and closed the door. Then she ran. Down the hallway to the stairs. Her bare feet made little slapping sounds against the concrete. She didn’t care. She had to get away from him, before her body betrayed her again. How could she explain all of this to Morrison? He would never believe her. Ryan Thomas thought he was a werewolf. Jesus. What a crock. Pushing open the stairway door on the first 32

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floor, she looked around. She’d go through the lobby. There would be people, but he would think that she would choose to go through a back door. He’d probably already discovered that she was gone. Deciding that flight was the best method, she took off at a run. Down another hallway, through the lobby and outside into the parking lot. Her car was parked on the first row. She ran to it. Punching in her code she unlocked the door of her Ford Explorer. Halfway there, Luanne. She pulled open the door then bent over to get her keys from beneath the seat. Climbing into the driver’s seat, she jammed the key into the ignition switch and started the car. She threw the car into drive and hit the gas. As she pulled out of the parking lot she looked in her review mirror just in time to see Ryan come running out of the hotel. He stopped as he saw her and smiled. Crazy arrogant jerk. *** Ryan watched as she peeled out of the hotel parking lot. He let her go, for the moment. He had to contact Nicco. Evidently the CIA was in on this, too. Someone had a lot of explaining to do. He walked back into the lobby. The people seated in the ugly pink chairs were whispering and he felt their stares as he walked by. “Lover’s spat.” He murmured. Then they smiled at him in sympathy. He would probably need all the help he could get. For an instant, panic bloomed in his chest. He couldn’t leave Luanne on her own long. Even though 33

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that was what he should do. Irony sucked. He finally found a woman that satisfied his lust and she turned out to be a rival agent accusing him of being a traitor to his country. That knowledge stung. He had shed blood for his country on more than one occasion as a Navy seal before joining the Bureau. Now they thought that he was a traitor? Or did they? It smelled like a setup. A very intricate setup aimed at turning the spotlight from someone else to him. Obviously someone needed a scapegoat and he and Luanne had just been used as pawns. A means to an end. It didn’t sit well with him. The fact that she didn’t find anything on him didn’t matter. It was the fact that she only slept with him because it was part of her job that made him feel cheap and dirty. He couldn’t blame her. If he had been ordered to do the same thing, he would have done it, no questions asked. The fact that they hadn’t used protection meant one of two things. Either she knew he was clean or she had forgotten about protection altogether. He kind of liked the latter option better. But he had to find her soon. He couldn’t let her slip away. She was a walking time bomb. Whether she believed him or not, she had just been turned, and things were going to hit her hard. She wouldn’t know what to do. Finding her was imperative after he talked to Nicco. He’d have to let Nicco know that he was being set up. He would know the best course of action to take. It looked like there was a mole in the CIA operation. Certain people had to be notified. His life and Luanne’s now depended upon it. 34

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*** Ryan sat down on the side of the bed. Her scent permeated the room. Lust flared in his veins. God help him, but he still wanted her. Wanted her naked and writhing beneath him. He wanted to feel her nails digging into his skin as he thrust himself into her. She was an elixir, one he knew he’d never get enough of. But he had to force himself to ignore his gut instincts. The one that told him he needed to find her and fast. Before something really bad happened. He picked up his cell phone and dialed Nicco’s number. His brother’s gruff voice answered. Ryan took a deep breath and spoke. “We’ve got problems.” There was moment of tense silence on the other end of the phone before Nicco spoke. “What kind of problems?” Ryan raked his free hand through his hair. He stood up and paced the room while he tried to come up with a decent answer. “It’s a woman. Her name is Luanne Price. I need to know everything you can find out on her. She’s CIA, Nicco.” “What the hell did you do?” His brother yelled. Ryan held the phone away from his ear, he hated when Nicco yelled. “I didn’t do anything.” “What do you mean you didn’t do anything? Have you lost your mind? What were you doing with a CIA Agent?” 35

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“Apparently I lost a little more than my mind last night. I think she put something in my drink.” “What did you do, Ryan?” The voice on the other end of the phone became low and demanding. Ryan winced. “I marked her.” “I’ll be there in twenty minutes. Don’t leave your fucking room.”

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Chapter Five

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uanne got back to her apartment and ran inside, slamming the door behind her. She locked it then turned around and slumped against the door. She’d made it. Out of breath, she rested there for a minute. None of this made any sense what so ever. What did Morrison know that he wasn’t telling her? Why had he sent one of his best agents to take out someone they knew was clean? Intel had really screwed up. Ryan had never told her he wasn’t leaking classified information, but she knew. Deep inside of her she knew it wasn’t possible. She may not like him, but he wasn’t a traitor. In that moment when he had looked deep into her eyes, and compelled her to tell him the truth, she’d known. There was a bond there. She felt it, like tiny wires connecting them. She pushed away from the door. She couldn’t stay here. He would find her. He probably had access to the data files. He wouldn’t find out much, but he knew her real name. Why had Morrison insisted that she use her real name? Damn! Something was going on and she had to find out what the hell it was. Luanne opened the hall closet and pulled her 37

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suitcase out. It was already packed. She kept it in case of emergencies. Two thousand dollars, enough clothes for a week, and an extra cell phone. The bare necessities for an agent on the run, it would serve her until she could reach a safe house. She thought about going to her parents, but she didn’t want to pull her father into this. He’d left the game a long time ago. Why did she feel so betrayed? Making a split second decision, she decided she would go to Rafe, her older brother. He’d left the agency last year but he would know what to do. He had warned her about strange men. She’d laughed it off. Now she wasn’t so sure. Her stomach growled. She needed food and clothes. Going to the refrigerator she yanked open the door. Meat. She needed protein. Craved it. She eyed the roast she had cooked yesterday. Her mouth watered. Pulling the platter out of the refrigerator, she couldn’t even wait to heat it up. Her fingers dug into the meat and ripped a chunk off, and she shoved it into her mouth. She almost retched. She couldn’t eat it. It was well done, and she wanted rare. Very rare. Luanne dropped the chunk of beef to the floor and stepped carefully away from the counter. She never ate rare meat. She hated it. In fact, she didn’t eat much meat at all. But now her body felt itchy. Out of control. He had done something to her. She rubbed her arms and then went back to the refrigerator. She pulled open the door. A raw steak sat in a plastic 38

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white container. She wanted it. Needed it. Couldn’t resist it. Reaching for the steak, she pulled it out and threw it on the counter as if it would bite her if she got too close. Fear sprang forth from the back of her brain. She felt different, and it scared her to death. Her stomach growled; she couldn’t seem to stop herself as she ripped the cellophane off the steak, picked it up with her bare hands and ripped into the meat. Blood dripped from her hands. Appalled at her actions, she threw the meat down and ran to the sink. She turned on the water and shoved her hands under the cold spray. Her heart raced, and the fear that had begun earlier hit her full force. Words and bits of conversation whirled in her brain. God, had Ryan been telling her the truth? He’d said he’d marked her. Marked her for what? Sooner or later she was going to need an explanation. But she had to check in with Morrison first. Forcing herself to calm down, she dried her hands on a kitchen towel and moved to the phone. She punched in Morrison’s private number, and waited. Morrison answered the phone. “Morrison.” “What did you get me into last night, you sorry son of a bitch.” Luanne could barely contain her rage at the man. “What’s wrong? You sound okay, did you get it?” “Get what? The man’s no traitor. He had nothing on him.” “Are you sure?” 39

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“Yes, I’m fucking sure. There was nothing. Only his driver’s license.” “But you’re all right? He didn’t do anything to you?” Morrison’s voice sounded eager for details. Luanne hesitated and looked at the phone. This was not a typical Morrison response. “Yeah. I’m okay. But he’s clean, and I’ve done my job.” “Sorry, Luanne, I didn’t mean to question you. You’re one of our best agents. There has been some talk that Thomas is different. Did you feel or see anything that would confirm that?” Luanne thought a minute. “No. He seemed pretty normal to me. Look, I’m going out of town for a few days. I’ve got to go, but I’ll be in touch by Sunday.” There was no way she would tell Morrison anything. The feeling that he had set her up, had planned this to get something on Ryan clicked into her brain. She could no longer trust Morrison, of that she was sure. “Don’t hang up, Luanne. I’ve got to talk to you. You need to come in so we can make sure you’re okay.” “Nope, I’m not coming in, and I’m fine. I’ll check in on Sunday.” She hung up the phone. A shiver ran down her spine. The Agency wanted to make sure she was fine? Things were not adding up. She needed to get to Rafe and ask him some questions. He still had friends in high places. Friends that would tell him the truth. Luanne had a sneaking suspicion that Morrison knew Thomas was clean. But why had he sent her on 40

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the assignment? She had to get out of here. Walking to her closet, she grabbed a T-shirt and a pair of jeans and quickly got dressed. Time. She needed time to sort it all out. Grabbing a pair of socks out of a drawer, she walked back over to her closet and picked up her running shoes. She might need them. *** Ryan sat across from his brother. Nicco was impeccably dressed as usual in his Armani suit and Prada shoes. They were total opposites, but when it came right down to it, they were blood. And blood protected blood. But still Nicco was not pleased. The hotel room felt small and closed in, and he needed to be outside. He needed to go after Luanne before she hurt herself. He could sense her panic. “Did she get anything? Was there anything to get?” Nicco asked. “No. She didn’t take anything, not even all her clothes. She ran out of here with only her top and underwear on.” Nicco smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “I’ve spoken to my contacts. She has no real idea why she was sent to you. She was told that you were a traitor leaking secrets. That’s why she was going through your clothes.” Nicco paused. “The thing is, she didn’t have to sleep with you, but she did.” Ryan smirked. “Is it so hard to believe a woman 41

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could find me irresistible?” “Don’t get carried away. You’re still in deep shit with me. You know that it’s forbidden to mark a woman not of our clan.” Nicco took out a cigarette and lit it. “As a matter of fact, you could be in more trouble with the clan than your boss. Good thing I’m your boss and your clan leader, otherwise you’d be dead by now. Chances are, after that bite you gave her, she’s not going to last much longer herself.” Ryan narrowed his eyes. He knew the consequences, but he also knew that Luanne wasn’t just an ordinary woman. She had the gene, because if she hadn’t...well, it didn’t bare thinking about. But he knew he had to tell Nicco the truth. “She’s one of us. Her eyes are as yellow as yours or mine now.” Nicco raised one brow. “Now, you didn’t tell me that earlier.” “I didn’t think it necessary over the phone. Plus it wasn’t a secure line. But yes, she is Lupan. I don’t think she knows it; maybe the gene in her family has been dormant. But she had all the instincts, and the strength.” Nicco gave him a slow, menacing smile. “Then I’m sure she has the beauty as well.” Ryan looked out the window. A low growl formed in his throat. No one would touch his woman. She was his now. His woman, and he would fight anyone, including Nicco, to make sure it stayed that way. But he couldn’t deny his brother's words. It was a 42

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known fact. Lupan females were beautiful. But it wasn’t only the way they looked. It was the attitude that drew the males in. “So what are you going to do now?” His brother asked. “I’m going to find her.” “You’ll have to bring her to me. Use the link, and call me when you find her. I’ll meet you there. Too bad the poor thing just lost her cushy job with the CIA. She’ll have to work for us now.” “She’s not going to like that,” Ryan mused with a cautious smile. Nicco laughed. “Probably not. But it can’t be helped. I’ll have to deal with her superiors.” “You do that.” Nicco stood up and stubbed the cigarette out in the ashtray on the table. He gave Ryan a swift serious look. “Find her. You don’t have much time.” *** Luanne lugged her suitcase down the stairs of her apartment building and struggled the rest of the way to her car. She didn’t remember it being that heavy. Her body felt like lead, and what she really wanted to do was to go back upstairs and crawl into her nice warm bed and sleep the previous night off. But she couldn’t do that. She didn’t have that luxury. Morrison had called and left three messages on her answering machine after their earlier conversation. In the last message he had been downright desperate. Her gut instinct told 43

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her that her that something wasn’t right. This whole thing was out of character for him. Rafe hadn’t been home when she called. He was out of town on business. A phone call to her parents had confirmed it. Good thing she had an extra key to the cabin. She would go and hide out there. No one knew where it was but she and Rafe, and that was how she wanted it to stay.

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Chapter Six

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uanne felt miserable by the time she actually reached the cabin. Every bone in her body ached. The muscles burned like liquid fire flowing through her veins. Miserable. She felt like she had been hit head on by a truck. She leaned her head back and let her eyes drift close for a moment. She had made it. The flight from town had drained her. Her last conversation with Morrison had put her on edge and her senses were on overload. Opening the door of the car, she stepped out into the fresh mountain air. She inhaled the sweet, fresh scent and let it seep into her. Let it calm her frayed nerves. Stretching to work out the kinks, she then took a quick glance around. No one had followed her. There had been no headlights following her on the deserted two lane highway up to the cabin. She was safe, if only for the moment. She grabbed her suitcase from the back seat and made her way to the squat log cabin. It wasn’t a big place. It had never been intended for entertaining, only for getting away from the pressures of the job. Stress played a huge factor in her working life and this was the perfect getaway. 45

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A great weight had been lifted from her shoulders. Home. This place had always felt like home. Not like the house where she had been raised in the city. That had only been a place to live. This place, these woods called to her. She knew that Rafe felt the same call. The same longing for the solitary quiet of the woods. A long walk tonight would do wonders for her system. It would help her think. The snap of a twig had her swinging her head in the direction of the sound. But she quickly realized that it was only a raccoon. God, I’m jumpy. She unlocked the door and stepped into the main room of the cabin. The smell of wood smoke made her smile. Wood smoke and dust, what more could a girl ask for? The cabin was furnished in earth tones of burnt orange with large masculine furniture. Deep cushions and oversize pillows done in rusts and golds enhanced the look. The only thing they lacked was a bearskin rug on the carpet. There was no electricity, only a Coleman stove for cooking and the heat of the fireplace for warmth. Hopefully, Rafe had stocked the pantry before he left. It would save her time tomorrow. She didn’t want to have to leave the cabin if she could help it. The room was cozy if a bit bare and it would warm up as soon as she started a fire. It suited her present mood perfectly. Right now she didn’t want or need frills. She needed answers and the time to digest everything that had happened within the last twenty46

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four hours. Her training had taught her many things. She knew what it felt like when an operation had gone off track. This operation had gone so far off track it created its own road. While she put her things away, she began to think. Nothing had gone right from the very beginning. Including the drug she had given to Ryan. The drug hadn’t knocked him out as they had told her it would. Then there was that whole sexual attraction thing between them. Her entire body had started humming as soon as she saw him. Relationships were not in her makeup. She’d had boyfriends occasionally, but they had never lasted and she never had any problem forgetting about them. But her old tricks weren’t working with Ryan Thomas, and she could no longer distance herself from him, and she couldn’t mentally look at him as a target. Something told her that he was being set up to take a fall. The idea galled her. She’d read his service record. The man had been a Navy SEAL, and that was no small feat. He’d been injured in the Gulf war and had come home to recuperate and then had gone onto become an agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It didn’t make sense for him to sell secrets to their enemies. He’d had ample opportunity to do it during the Gulf war if he had chosen to do so. She still had the op folder in her purse, and as soon as she made herself something to drink she was going to re-evaluate every minute detail. Including what she knew about Ryan Thomas. He was the key to all of 47

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this. But she just couldn’t shake the feeling that something about this whole operation was very, very, wrong. Luanne grabbed the box of matches that sat on the hearth. She pulled one out and lit the fire, watching as the tinder smoked and caught fire. Before long the fire would warm the room and hopefully help her finally relax. “That’s awfully nice of you.” A male voice said from behind her. She knew that voice. Slowly she turned around and found herself gazing into the amber depths of Ryan Thomas’ eyes. “How the hell did you get in here?” Her mouth fell open in shock when he held up a key. “Where did you get that?” Ryan just gave her a feral smile. “I guess Rafe forgot to tell you about me and the fact that he had given me a key, huh?” Luanne flinched. Rafe would never have done that without telling her. “Give me that.” She said reaching for the key. “It doesn’t belong to you! Why are you here? How did you find me?” Her warm feeling of safety vanished, and her body was on high alert. How had he snuck in behind her? She hadn’t heard a thing. Rafe laughed at her reaction and avoided her grasping hand. He dropped the key into the front pocket of his black jeans. “I told you I would find you. But I guess I better explain.” She watched as he walked over to the sofa and sat 48

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down. He acted if he owned the place, which irritated her even more. “Yes, I think an explanation is in order on several accounts. I’ll let you go first, and then I’ll ask my questions, and you’d better have some damn good answers or things are going to get ugly quick.” Ryan let out a sigh and crossed one leg over the other. He didn’t exactly seem worried that she might rip him to shreds. She wasn’t sure what made her more mad, the fact that he had found her or that he had a key to the one place on earth that she felt was hers. He leaned his head back against the sofa and let out a deep sigh, closing his eyes. “I worked for Rafe right before he left the agency. We had gotten into a bit of trouble with our last op and I’d been injured. He knew I needed a place to recoup where I wouldn’t be bothered, so he gave me a key to the cabin. I guess he forgot to tell his baby sister about that.” Ryan opened his eyes and looked at her. “I’m guessing that is one of the main reasons your boss sent you. They probably thought I would open up to you. But we had never met face to face, so their plan backfired.” She dropped back onto the floor and sat down hard. “I don’t understand. You knew the CIA was after you?” “No. Not the CIA, but someone. We’ve known that someone was leaking information out and we needed to find out who it was. They chose me because I’m the best. I hope Rafe doesn’t try to kill me because of all 49

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this.” “Why would Rafe want to kill you?” “You’re his baby sister, and he’s pretty protective of those he loves.” Luanne let his words sink in. Rafe had mentioned that one of his guys had used the cabin, but she hadn’t thought anything about it. She would have done the same thing under the circumstances. But she thought Rafe had gotten the key back. “Why didn’t you return the key when you left?” her voice sounded harsh even to her own ears. She didn’t want to feel sorry for this man. He made her feel things she didn’t want to examine too closely. It didn’t help that her body itched for him. Yearned for him. She knew what those hands could do to her and how his naked skin felt against her own. Worse? He knew it, too! “I did return the key, but Rafe gave it back to me and told me I may need it one day. That day just came a little sooner than either of us expected. We’re in some deep crap here, Luanne. I don’t know how much you know, but we’re going to have to trust each other for a bunch of different reasons. The most important one being that we are bonded now and we’re going to have to make the best of it.” Luanne crossed her arms over her chest in a defensive stance. She didn’t buy all this bonded bullshit or the werewolf-Lupan bullshit. It was a bunch of nonsense. But something was definitely wrong with her, and she needed to figure it out. “Bonded, huh? What is that?” She laughed. “Let 50

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me guess, it’s a marriage proposal for one of your kind right? Like I believe any of this junk anyway.” She scoffed at him. “No, not a marriage proposal. That bite was the wedding ritual. When I marked you, I marked you for life. In the eyes of the clan we’re mated. Which means we belong to one another. Don’t tell me you don’t feel it. It’s taking every ounce of control for me not to come over there and take you in front of that fire. I’m hanging on by a thin string, here, so don’t push my baser nature. If another man comes near you, we may have a blood bath on our hands. Does that make it any clearer?” Luanne laughed. She couldn’t help it. This man truly believed this stuff he was spouting. “You’ve got to be kidding. I’m never getting married. Never. Get it? No way, no how. I’ve got too much going on in my life. Not to mention I don’t even know you.” She couldn’t sit any longer, she had to get up and move. He just looked at her. “You’re in denial.” “I’m not in denial. You’re crazy. Loco. You give me a little love bite and now I’m going to turn into this horrible monster. Is that what you’re trying to tell me? Oh, and let’s not forget that in the eyes of your people, now we’re married. I’m sorry; it’s a bit much to swallow in one sitting.” “I knew I was going to have a hard time with you. If you hadn’t drugged me, we wouldn’t be in this situation right now. But I lost control and for that I’m sorry. But we are stuck together. There has never been a bonding that didn’t take. I’m sorry, but those are the 51

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facts where you and I are concerned. I’ve already called your brother to tell him. He’ll be back in the States in three days and you can talk to him then if you don’t believe me. He carries the same strain of DNA in his bloodstream. In fact, if one of our women takes a liking to him, he could very well be bonded himself.” Luanne held her hands up to her ears to try and stop the sound of his voice from reaching her brain. None of this made any sense. Yesterday her life was normal and now she had a man who was apparently insane sitting in her cabin telling her that she was now married to him? It was incredulous. “So if you’re a Lupan, what exactly does that mean? Are you a werewolf? Do you change into a wolf or something? Cause if you do, I’d really like to see that trick!” Luanne saw a flicker of challenge flare in his eyes and for one instant she wondered if she’d pushed him too far. If he really did think he was a werewolf, then he was unstable and couldn’t be trusted. Would he hurt her? “I guess I have no choice but to show you what you will become.” She quirked one brow at him. This she had to see. “Sure. Go ahead. I’m waiting,” not believing for one minute that he could really turn into a werewolf. See, television really was bad for kids. Poor guy was just mixed up in the head. Ryan moved off the couch and came to stand in front of her. “Don’t be afraid. I would never hurt you in any form, all right?” 52

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“Sure, whatever you say, wolfman.” Luanne wasn’t sure what to expect. He stood before her and closed his eyes. Nothing happened. But he still didn’t open his eyes. But she continued to watch. This guy was nuts. Then she noticed his hands, they were at his sides but they were changing before her very eyes. Her mouth dropped open as his fingers started to turn into claws. No, not claws, but something. Bile rose in her throat. She could see bones popping out of joint, and reforming into what? Paws? Ryan dropped to the floor on his hands and knees. His face and body were changing. The sound of ripping cloth filled the room. She back away from him. This was no joke, the man that had been standing in front of her was slipping away and being transformed into the body of wolf. He opened his eyes and they were light gold. The eyes of a wolf. He smiled at her and she almost fell down as she watched his teeth elongate and form long canines. Holy shit! This could not be happening. In a matter of seconds, Ryan was gone and in his place stood the most beautiful creature she had ever seen. A wolf. No. No, this was not possible. She did not just see that. There couldn’t be a wolf standing there, staring at her with those gold eyes. She backed away slowly, knowing enough not to run. Running might trigger an attack. She backed herself away from the creature toward the door. When she felt the knob hit her in the back, she reached around and opened the door. Shit. 53

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Attack or not she was out of here. She backed out of the door and slammed it shut. Then she turned and ran. She had slept with the fucking wolf man last night. Her heart beat in frantic bursts as she ran away from the cabin. She had to get away. Had to get as far from him as possible. She could hear the wolf following her—was it a him, or an it? Whatever he was, she didn’t want to stick around and find out. This kind of shit was impossible. It couldn’t be happening.

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Samantha Reynolds

Chapter Seven

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ree branches slapped at her bare arms and face. She pushed them out of the way and she went deeper into the woods. She could hear the panting of the wolf behind her. She had to escape! God only knew what would happen if he caught her. Her sides hurt from the run and her legs felt like lead. They were slowing her down. What was wrong with her! She felt strong arms grab her around her waist and pull her down. She was falling and she couldn’t stop it. She wrestled with the man behind her. Could feel his hot breath against her neck. “Stop fighting me, Luanne. There is nothing to be afraid of.” “You are out of your fucking mind. You just turned into a damn wolf.” She couldn’t get enough air into her lungs. She couldn’t catch her breath. “Would you get off me?” “Are you going to run again?” “I don’t know. I might.” “Then I’m not letting go of you.” “Oh, for Pete’s sake, I won’t run.” She jabbed one 55

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elbow into soft flesh and heard him grunt. “Let go!” Ryan eased up on his grip, but he didn’t let her go. She felt like she was in a dream. A really weird dream, where she was the star attraction. “I can’t handle this. What you did was impossible. And I saw it with my own eyes. Am I going crazy?” Ryan pulled her into his arms. He was warm and solid, and not a wolf. At least for the moment. But, insanely enough, she felt safe with him. Something deep inside her told her he wouldn’t hurt her. It was just getting her head to believe it. “You can’t just spring shit on somebody like that.” She nestled into him, not able to fight any longer. “How am I supposed to accept all this?” “It takes a while. I’ve had my entire life to become accustomed to it. You’ve only had twenty-four hours. It takes time. But trust me, Luanne. That’s all I ask for now. Just trust me. Trust what you feel when we’re together. You know its right.” “But I don’t want it to be right. I have my own life. I don’t have time to turn into a werewolf. That shit is going to hurt, isn’t it?” Ryan laughed. “Leave it to you, Luanne, to worry about pain. The first time is uncomfortable. I wouldn’t say it was painful, exactly, but it’s not a fun experience to go through by yourself. But I won’t leave you, I promise. I’ll be right there with you when you change the first time, walking you through it. This is not the end of the world. Actually it’s only the beginning.” Luanne looked up into the shadow of his 56

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handsome face. There was no denying the way he made her feel. No one had ever made her feel so alive. So acutely feminine. She really didn’t want to fall for him. But her heart was making the decision for her. “What about my job? My work? I’ve worked hard to get where I am. I can’t go off once a month and turn into a werewolf. I don’t think my boss would understand.” “Um...well, we’re going to have to talk about that. I don’t think you’ll be working with the CIA any longer. We think your boss Morrison is the leak. But we’re still not sure. But we can discuss all of that later. Right now, I’ve got more important things on my mind.” “More important things? Like what?” “Like what I want to do to you right now. What I want to make you feel.” Luanne couldn’t help but to respond to his words. They were in the middle of the forest, in the middle of the night. “I don’t think this is exactly a comfortable spot. Especially when there’s a nice bed at the cabin.” Ryan chuckled. “You should be a little more adventuresome.” She wished she could see his expression. His hands were roaming all over her body sending little fingers of warmth over her skin. “So you want to do it here?” “Yeah. I do. I’ll make you like it, I promise.” Luanne pulled his head down to her, and pressed her lips to his. He rolled over onto his back and moved her on top 57

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of him. His hands cupped her ass through her jeans, pulling her over his hard body. She laughed. She was crazy. Nuts. Certifiable. Someone should commit her, but she couldn’t resist him. His hands left her ass and came to her blouse. He made quick work of the buttons and then unhooked her bra with one hand. “You think you’re pretty clever, don’t you?” she asked. “Yeah, I guess I do.” Luanne ran her fingers through his hair. “We’re going to have to sort all of this out.” Ryan gave her a heartwarming smile. “We’ve got the rest of our lives to sort it out.”

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About the Author

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amantha Reynolds lives in North Carolina with her husband of 14 years, one precious daughter and her two dogs. She loves romances of any type, but especially sinfully sexual stories. Having written all of her life, this year she decided to take the big plunge and found a home at Extasy Books.