Sweet Submission

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

SWEET SUBMISSION By

Desiree Gelsi

1

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

© copyright October 2006, Desiree Gelsi Cover art by Jesse Palon, © copyright October 2006 ISBN 1-58608-983-8 New Concepts Publishing Lake Park, GA 31636 www.newconceptspublishing.com

This is a work of fiction. All characters, events, and places are of the author’s imagination and not to be confused with fact. Any resemblance to living persons or events is merely coincidence.

2

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

3

CHAPTER 1 Sasha crept softly along the freshly fallen snow, padding silently over the thick powder beneath his feet. He knew his territory, every inch of surface, every rock and every tree. This was his domain, and his alone. He trotted along on all fours, staying within the shadows as he slipped through the evening air. He was a werewolf king, and this was his kingdom. To the naked eye he looked like an extraordinarily large wolf. His human features were masked by thick black fur that covered his body. He thrust his long jaw into the air, catching scents in his sensitive nostrils like a filter. He ignored the smell of the earth and the moisture of the snow, sifting through air currents until one in particular caught his attention. It was the scent of an intruder, one that he had been pursuing for a long time now. It was a hunter, a man who, without any known motivation, seemed intent on destroying his entire pack. The hunter had already killed three of his pack mates, his family, tore them to shreds like they were paper. The mere thought of a man hovering over his family as he sliced away at their throats with some gruesomely sharp scalpel made him furious. It was ground for retaliation, as far as Sasha was concerned. He lowered his muzzle and continued to trot along over the earth. His strides were easy and ground covering, effortless as he leapt over fallen logs and ducked under tree branches. The smell came stronger to him now, carrying with it the scent of gun powder and metal. This hunter knew what he was doing. He wasn’t after game. It made Sasha more cautious, knowing that he was dealing with a man who was skilled and sadistically inclined. He never underestimated a rival--that was a good way to get killed. He stopped. Ahead of him, just beyond the cover of the trees was a spacious open meadow. And beyond the meadow, a wide flowing river that cut between the mountains. It was also the end of his territory. He inhaled softly, trying to get a bead on exactly where the hunter was. The man was moving, fast, as if he were already hunting something … or someone. Sasha paced the outskirt of the trees. He couldn’t just attack the hunter outside of his territory. He never killed someone he didn’t know as a rule, because you never knew if the man you killed had allies. He waited, patiently biding his time for the man to appear. What he wanted wasn’t to kill the man, not yet. What he wanted was to observe him, to see what he was looking for, the way he looked for it, and how he hunted. He wanted to see a face, something to give him an idea of who this man was. So far the hunter had been elusive. He always seemed to know when he was being watched and when Sasha was nearby. It was as if the man had a sense of him. He sat on his haunches, listening with keen ears through the darkening shadows of evening. There was a soft click somewhere beyond the river, and when Sasha licked his lips he could taste the sweet tang of silver on them. There was something else though, the strange taste of medicine, of a sedative.

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

4

There was a loud crack somewhere in the distance, the distinct sound of a shot slicing through the air. It slammed into its target with a smack, and Sasha cringed inwardly, expecting to hear the sound of pain immediately thereafter. There was a guttural sigh, air escaping lungs in a soft whoosh, but then there was no sound of any kind. No scrambling to escape, no pained grunts or echoes, just empty silence. Sasha was now thoroughly confused. If the hunter were merely hunting deer or other game he would have no use for tranquilizers, or silver bullets for that matter. No, he had to be hunting something else. He sighed, it was none of his concern what--or who--had been shot. It happened outside of his territory, and his pack mates were not in danger. He had ruled that no one was to leave the house alone after dark, and his rules would be obeyed, because he was the one who had made them. His word was law, and to defy it was to defy him, the Alpha male. No one would have disobeyed, that much he was certain of. He waited, growing impatient. He could feel the hunter coming closer, and it confused him further. The man should be retrieving whatever he had just shot, not proceeding onto his territory. Sasha tensed, feeling an involuntary rumble in his throat. A shudder traveled down his spine, and the hair on his back stood on end. The approaching hunter was so near that he could taste the salty flavor of sweat on his tongue. He was ready to launch an assault on the man should he dare to intrude on his territory, but a part of him knew better. If he wanted to learn more about the man that was so intent on destroying his family he had to be patient and suffer the intrusion. The falling snow was becoming heavier, making it even more difficult to see. He blinked, concentrating hard on the river before him. He was so absorbed in staring at the trees behind the river that he didn’t even notice when a ghostly figure crossed the river into his territory. The shiny glint of metal reached out from the trees as the hunter came into view, holding the weapon as if it were an extension of his self. The man was wearing a black trench coat, black boots, and a black skull cap. If it weren’t for the contrasting ivory snow he would have blended perfectly into the shadows. Sasha stared into the dark of the forest, but he still couldn’t see the hunter’s face. The hunter held his gun out in front of him as he edged forward. Sasha watched him with wonder. The man was aiming to the side of him, and he had a bead on his target. It was clear in the way that he cocked his gun, locking on something in the meadow as he started to walk unflinchingly into the cold river. Sasha followed the gun barrel with his eyes, searching for the target of its wrath. And then he saw where the hunter was aiming. The wolf was as white as the falling snow, blending into it like an ethereal apparition. It stood there on shaky legs, daring the hunter to shoot it through dark blue eyes that pierced through the veil of snow. The way that the other wolf just stood there, defiantly staring at the hunter with deliberate challenge, it made him believe that it must be another Alpha male. He snarled inwardly as resentment sank in his blood. Sasha concentrated harder, seeing the dark red blood that ran down the wolf’s front left foreleg. The leg looked useless, dangling beside the other limply. His eyes slowly drew upward to graze the wolf’s small face, trailing across the gentle curves of its body. He frowned, confusion flashing over him. The white wolf was too feminine, too lightly built and too soft featured to be a male. He froze, torn between his instinct

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

5

to be rid of the trespasser, and a strange desire to know who she was. He shook the curiosity from his mind, forcing himself to harden inside. It didn’t matter who she was. She was a stranger on his territory, an intruder, no more welcome than the hunter. She deserved to be shot for such a blatant indiscretion. Hell, if the hunter didn’t shoot the white wolf, Sasha would kill her himself. Suddenly the glint of metal in moonlight caught his eye, and he returned his sight to the hunter. A snarl rumbled deep within his belly. The hunter was no longer locked onto the white wolf, his aim was now fixated solely on Sasha. Behind the dark metal of the gun, Sasha could see black eyes staring at him. Sasha was livid. How dare the man trespass onto his territory, and then have the audacity to aim a gun at his head? He forgot the white wolf for the moment. His only concern now was ridding his property of this gun-wielding intruder. The hunter seemed to sense his rage, and ever so slowly he returned the barrel of his gun toward the white wolf. There was a sickening click, and a tiny blaze of orange flared from the muzzle of the gun. A dart rocketed from the firearm, piercing into the side of the white wolf. She snapped sideways for a moment, thrown off kilter when the dart struck her ribs. But then she didn’t move--she just kept staring at the hunter with those dark, dangerous blue eyes that dared him to do it again. Sasha bristled irritably. He wanted both of these intruders off of his land. The hunter suddenly returned his sights to Sasha, cocking his gun a second time. Sasha growled. This hunter was trying his luck. Sasha slipped back into the safety of the shadows and the hunter dropped his gun. He had lost Sasha in the trees. He swung his gun back to the white wolf, and Sasha followed his gaze. The hunter dropped his gun again and began to back away. The white wolf was gone, slipped into the shadows with Sasha. The hunter knew better than to pursue his prey. Sasha was already waiting to gut him, and the white wolf would gladly help him do it. He was outnumbered two to one in the forest. He continued backing away until he had disappeared from view. He wasn’t too worried about the white wolf. Sasha would finish her off for him. Alpha males were never very welcoming to intruders, no matter who they were, and if an offender couldn’t outrun them they were as good as dead. The white wolf couldn’t run. Her foreleg had been shot with a poison dart. By now her leg would be numb and useless. She was as good as dead. Sasha watched the man disappear with his glowing golden eyes. He swung his head to the side. The white wolf had disappeared into his territory, and he wanted her gone. A shiver of distrust rocketed through his blood. The white wolf had seemed so fearless in the face of death, as if she wanted to be shot. She was reckless and defiant, something that could be dangerous to the very lives he was sworn to protect. His lips curled unconsciously, exposing rows of gleaming white teeth. He had already lost three pack mates to the hunter, he wasn’t about to let some careless outsider put the rest of his family in even more danger. He stiffened, preparing to hunt down this new adversary. Kita blinked snow from her dark blue eyes. She felt sick to her stomach, a combination of the poison dart that she had been shot with and the knowing that the Alpha male was coming for her. She slumped down onto the ground, blood that spilled from her wounds slid to the earth in a slow pulsing progression, staining the ground

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

6

around her in crimson. She rested her head in the snow, closing her eyes for the briefest of moments. God how she wished she could just sleep, close her eyes forever and let this all be a memory of the life she once lived. Her eyes slowly opened and she saw the big male. He was like a shadow come to life, with liquid black fur and haunting gold eyes that glared at her as he unhurriedly walked towards her. He was massive, one of the largest werewolves that she had ever seen, and she had seen plenty. She watched him as he made his slow, deliberate approach. At least her death would be a quick one. He was powerful, could probably snap her spine with one bite of those horrific jaws. She was glad for it, she was tired of running, and in no mood for games that immature males liked to play. The shadowy Alpha made a slow circle around her. He was bristling. The hair on his back was on end. His teeth were bared to expose a set of deadly canines that were just waiting to sink into her flesh. His eyes were burning into her soul, as fierce and predatory as any as she had ever seen. He meant business, and his interest was to kill her. She waited, and a slow growl of irritation and impatience rumbled out of her throat. Just kill me, already, you arrogant bastard. Don’t make me sit here and wait while you think about how you’re going to do it. She snarled, rising up as he continued to circle her. Her limb dangled ineffectually to the side, and the pain that shot through it was almost unbearable, but she’d be damned if she would let him see that. She didn’t trust males, especially the Alpha’s. They were underhanded and power hungry, they got off on weakness. Sasha walked in a purposeful circle around the white wolf. He had been prepared to rip her throat out, end her suffering with one fast, calculated bite, but he hadn’t been prepared for the way his thoughts would betray him once he reached her. Up close she was far more beautiful than he ever anticipated, and his primal urges shifted from aggression to something much more hidden. Her coat was silky and flowing in soft layers that were as white as the falling snow around her. She looked up at him with haunting eyes of the deepest ocean blue, watching his every move with deliberate suspicion. She stood weakly to her feet, growling at him as he casually went in circles around her. She glowered at him, daring him to do something. The problem was he didn’t know what to do with her. She was hurt, the wounds on her side and leg were still losing blood, but the way in which she snarled at him made it perfectly clear that she wasn’t going willingly with him anywhere. He wasn’t going to kill her, he had decided that much. Kita was growing impatient. Stop wasting my time and kill me already, you goddamn coward. Unless you plan on letting me bleed to death or killing me with boredom you’d better get on with it, because if you don’t I’m going to kill you. Either way, one of us is going to die here. Sasha could feel her anger growing. It emanated from the deep rumble in her soft throat and the subtle shift in her posture. She was tense, ready to fight. He jumped back, barely evading a quick snap from her jaws. Her teeth slammed shut just inches from his throat, and anger burned white hot within him. How dare this injured stranger attempt to attack him on his turf? He growled a warning, but she either didn’t hear it or chose to ignore it, because in the next instant he was busy dodging her treacherous snapping jaws as they sought to clamp down on his forelegs. He snarled, infuriated

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

7

with her repeated attacks. She held her ground, again snapping out at his neck. This time she was successful. Her teeth caught a piece of his throat, and she held on for dear life. Black fur was lost within her mouth as it tore from his neck, and suddenly she felt only immense weight over her shoulder. In an instant she was on the ground, and dark hair mixed with snow to cloud her vision. She snapped blindly upward at him, forcing him to retreat for the moment. The pain in her side was becoming sharp, and she felt tired. She was tired of everything, tired of fighting, tired of living. The big male started to circle her again, warily now. She didn’t have time for this. She snapped at him again, this time her jaws found his chest, and again she was rolled away by his brute strength as he slammed into her. She lunged for his throat, and he dived downward to avoid her snapping jaws. She brought her teeth down on the back of his neck, hard, sinking her teeth into his flesh until she tasted blood. The bite was too high, and in an instant he had upturned his jaw, catching her throat in his mouth. Her neck was small, easily surrounded by his sharp teeth. He rolled her beneath him, his hot breath burning into her throbbing jugular vein. She closed her eyes. She wished she hadn’t had to attack him to get him to do this, but it was the only way. Inside she was smiling. His mouth tightened around her fragile throat, his teeth sinking ever deeper into her flesh. Her breath slipped from her constricted lungs. She was finally able to sleep.

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

8

CHAPTER 2 Kita blinked the sleep from her eyes. She was sore and achy, hardly able to move. She moaned while writhing in pain as her stomach tied itself into a thick knot. A bolt of sheer hurt darted up her left arm, the pain so great that her eyes shot open fully. She caught a fleeting glimpse of her surroundings just before squeezing her eyes shut tight again to drown out the pain. She saw thick wooden walls around her, illuminated by the orange and yellow glow of a fireplace at the far end of the room. Her eyes fluttered open again. There were several men within the room, none of which she had gotten a good look at. The last thing she remembered was the Alpha werewolf in the woods. She had known that she had been on the edge of a werewolf territory for days, but she never thought that she would ever have to face one of them. She wouldn’t have, either, until the hunter had pressed her across the river, like a hound dog treeing a coon, trying to get her cornered. The hunter had underestimated her, though. He hadn’t counted on her being so reckless as to cross into the territory. Her eyes fluttered open again. Great, she thought. She was right back where she started, just with a different “pack.” Absolutely wonderful, she mused. Once they found out who she was she was as good as dead. Why didn’t the Alpha male kill her? She grimaced in pain, blinking in time to see a man turn away from the group and approach her. Her eyelids were fluttering so fast that he looked like a vision from an old film, his movement caught in uneven fragments. He stood over her for a moment, appearing to examine her wounds. He was not the Alpha, she could tell not just by his stature, but in the way that he looked over his shoulder repeatedly. He was constantly aware of a higher member of the group. He set something down on her stomach, and it burned like acid on her skin. She inhaled sharply through clenched teeth. She was going to kill the Alpha male for not doing away with her when he had the chance. Her eyes shot open again and she stared at the man in front of her. Her breath was still and she felt like she didn’t dare breath. His head was shaved clean of hair, his eyes were a warm gold, his skin a light tan, but it was the glimmer below his lips that made her freeze. It was a metal piercing, twin arches that started below his bottom lip and curved under his jaw like blunt hooks. She tried to blink the fear from her eyes. It was just a coincidence, nothing more. She would know for sure when he turned around. As if reading her mind the man suddenly looked over his shoulder, and she saw the light, almost white symbol on the back of his neck. She felt a sickening thud in the pit of her stomach. It was an outline, the faint picture of a howling wolf. Her mind screamed at her. ... He returned his focus on her, again putting something on her stomach that burned like all hell. She gasped in pain, forcibly lashing out at the burning object on her stomach. The little square medicinal pouch flew from her abdomen and landed with a

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

9

thwack against the wall. She glared up at the man, no longer trusting him. For all she knew he was making her worse, not better. “Get your filthy hands off of me, eye-commander,” she demanded. He smirked--an eerie taunting grin aimed at her, and then casually looked over his shoulder, “Sasha, your injured visitor is awake.” He stepped away and Kita’s eyes quickly found the man that had been addressed. He was the Alpha male. There was no doubt about it. Her heart panged in her chest and her throat swelled. He was big, very big, nearly six and a half feet tall. And those shoulders! They were so unbelievably broad. He was wearing a simple white t-shirt and a loose pair of denim jeans that were held up by a leather belt. A sheathed knife was attached to a ring in the belt on his right side, hanging unobtrusively against the outside of his thigh. The t-shirt he might as well have been without. His bronze muscles stretched the fabric, taking up every ounce of space there was to be had inside the garment with their defined rigidity. His head, too, was shaved clean, but his eyes were a much more intense and fierce gold than any she had ever seen. His skin was the same tan, and he wore the same shiny metal tusk-like piercing beneath his lower lip. He was so absolutely male, and full of himself. He was the King here, the lord of his domain, and he knew it. He looked over at her, shifting as he approached her. The other males stepped away, respectfully minding their distance. As he neared she could see the more subtle features on his face. He had a small scar that began in the center of his left eyebrow, racing down over his eye and ending at the top of his cheekbone. Another scar was imbedded from his right temple down to his lip. He had an additional long scar on his collarbone, striping downward beneath his shirt where it joined several other past injuries in marring his exquisite form. Her stomach tensed, this man was not afraid of a fight. Of course not, she thought, she was in werewolf hell. She had walked right into a lair of eye-commanders, the meanest, most notorious breed of werewolf left alive. The only comfort she had was the fact that they were a rare breed, so there wouldn’t be many of them … but then again, one was enough, and there was clearly more than one here. Sasha stopped beside the bed, calmly taking in his subject. She was beautiful, heart stopping, really. She had smooth light, almost white blonde hair that fell in jagged layers over her shoulders and down her back, and soft, pale skin. Just looking at her he could almost feel the tips of his fingers sliding across her silky skin, exploring her smoothness. Her deep blue eyes shot upward to meet his. They were full of fire and defiance. Her thick pink lips pouted to display her opposition and her jaw rose slightly. He smiled and reached out to touch her wounded arm, not at all surprised when she slapped his hand away with her other. Kita glared at the big Alpha. She didn’t care how sexy he was, he wasn’t going to touch her. “Keep your hands off of me,” she hissed with all the venom in her voice that she could muster, “get the hell away from me.” He smiled, unaffected by her hostility, “That’s no way to talk to someone that just saved your life.” “I didn’t ask you to save it,” She reminded him, “I would have preferred it if you

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

10

had killed me.” “Why would a sweet little thing like you wish to die?” He moved to swipe away the stray strands of hair that had fallen before her eyes, and again she lashed out at him. Her right hand came crashing down at his, but he pulled away effortlessly just in time as her palm struck air. In one fluid movement he had grabbed her wrist and gently placed it to her side, pinning her down almost tenderly. “Let go of me.” She demanded. “Not until you answer my questions, my dear.” She glared more fiercely than ever at him, “What do you want?” She snapped. “Why was that man hunting you?” She shrugged, “How the hell should I know.” It was a lie, a straight out and out lie. She knew damn well why he was after her. Sasha studied her for a moment. Her heart was racing, “Why did he shoot you with tranquilizer darts when he had silver bullets on him?” She raised her jaw, and a slow smile parted her lips, “maybe he was going to kill me, but when he saw you he thought I’d be better as live bait.” The smile left her lips and anger flashed in her eyes, “After all, most Alpha males will kill trespassers immediately. They don’t nurse them back to health first.” Sasha’s jaw jerked for a moment, anger rushing through him. He steadied his temper, focusing on her words and the implication behind them. It made sense. The hunter might have thought that Sasha would be more impulsive, and rush out to kill her immediately. Sasha would then be exposed, easily killed. Something about the story didn’t quite make sense, though. He just couldn’t place his finger on it. He shelved it for the time being. He had more questions that needed answering. “Who are you?” He demanded. “Let me go!” She struggled unsuccessfully against his hold. Pain surged through her body as she wrestled against his one armed hold. Tears of agony nipped at the corners of her eyes, and she struggled to keep them from falling and revealing her pain. She stopped fighting just to keep them at bay. Her chest was rising through panting breaths, and she realized with wounded pride that physically she was no match for this man. “Are you finished?” Sasha asked with an amused grin. “Are you?” She snarled. His hand tightened around her arm, squeezing with gentle but significant force, “What is your name, sweetheart?” She took a deep breath and her eyes flew down to see her arm pinned against her side underneath his hold. There was no point in refusing to answer him, she wasn’t going anywhere. Without removing her eyes she responded, “Kita.” “Kita,” He seemed to taste her name on his tongue, savoring it as his grip on her arm let up just slightly, “my name is Sasha.” Sasha, so now she had a name to go with that incredible body and fearsome appearance. Why did that name sound so familiar, though? She moved her eyes, frowning to see her figure. She was half naked, the effect of changing back into her human form after shifting out of her werewolf pelt. From her

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

11

hips down she was covered by blankets, but her midsection was fully exposed. She could see the red puncture wound over her abdomen, just above her belly-button. Her eyes scanned upward, and to her surprise someone had the consideration to cover her chest with a loose bed sheet, maintaining what she had left of her modesty. “Kiser is our pack healer. He’s the one that fixed you up,” Sasha noted when he saw her looking at herself, “he’s a very thoughtful man. I can’t say that I would have been so considerate …” Her eyes slowly found his, and she scowled. She knew what he was referring to. She could see his eyes as they flickered to her concealed chest. “That doesn’t surprise me,” she replied, feigning indifference, “you’re an Alpha, you’re selfish and inconsiderate.” His eyes dug into her, threatening to tear her soul out, and his hand tightened again around her arm. Ouch. Okay, now it was hurting. “Where are you from, sweetheart? How did you end up here, in my neck of the woods, so to speak?” Sasha asked as he eased his grip on her. She didn’t respond. What was she supposed to do, tell him that she was on the run? Tell him that she was a wanted woman? That wasn’t happening. She was desperately scrambling for a way to gain control of this situation. She looked up at him again, regretting it immediately. He was so commanding, so dominant, she was almost afraid of him in this instant. It rattled her to the core, and she took a deep composing breath. No man had ever intimidated her before, and she wasn’t about to let this one. “Why didn’t you kill me?” She was evading his question by throwing one at him. “I didn’t want to. Now tell me what you’re doing out here in the middle of nowhere?” He knew what she was doing, and he wasn’t going to allow it. She frowned, finally finding her voice after what seemed hours of silence, “I was just passing through.” “Where were you headed?” “Nowhere in particular, I--I’m a bit of a loner.” More lies. Sasha raised his eyebrows. He still didn’t really believe her, but what choice did he have? He looked at her, studying her facial features, listening to the rapid beating of her heart. He released his hold on her, completely unprepared for what she did next. Kita felt it the moment that he let go of her good arm, and she swung to the side, ignoring the shooting pain that stabbed into her gut and left arm. She grabbed the knife that was attached to his belt, ridding him of the weapon in the quickest of motions. She clutched it and directed it at him. “Don’t you ever hold me down like that again, or I’ll gut you before you even know we have a problem.” She warned him. Sasha cocked his head with a roguish smile, “Sweetheart, that’s an awful big knife for such a little babe like yourself.” “I mean it, eye-commander. Don’t even think about trying your little power trips with me.” She shoved the knife at him, and he pulled back to escape it. Sasha rubbed the back of his neck, recalling the bite that she had given him in the forest. Now she was trying to wield his knife against him. He groaned inwardly. She was too saucy for her own good. “Sweetheart, you had better give me that back before you hurt yourself.” He reached with an extended palm, gesturing for her to return it.

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

12

“You’re the one whose going to get hurt if you don’t back off.” She drew back, still keeping the knife directed on him. “Dominance doesn’t suit you, pretty baby,” he coaxed. It wasn’t just the words, but the syrupy way that he had said them that nearly made her melt. She had never in her life been called “pretty baby,” but coming from his lips it was the sexiest thing she had ever heard. She looked down at his hand again, reminding herself who he was. It sobered her, and she jabbed with the knife at his expectant palm. He grabbed the blade firmly in his fist, and Kita’s breath escaped her lips in a surprised gasp. She looked down at the knife handle that was still in her hand, looking upward to find the sharp metal cutting edge lost in his palm. If she were to pull back his whole palm would be sliced open. It was a bold move that only an extremely confident man would make, a man who was certain that she wouldn’t dare cut him. Her eyes flashed to meet his. He was staring coolly down at her, challenging her to move. She couldn’t. Her eyes fluttered between the knife and his eyes, and uncertainty rolled in her belly. Sasha reached down with his other hand, seizing her wrist in a tender hold. He squeezed a pressure point in her wrist, and her palm opened, releasing the handle of the knife. He looked down at her and winked, feeling somewhat sorry to have defeated her already. Kita looked away, silently cursing her weakness. She should have reacted sooner. If only she had the use of her left arm. She was no match for this man one handed, and she knew it. She inhaled softly, feeling her tired body aching. She couldn’t hope to contend with this man, not with her body beaten and broken. She closed her eyes, still feeling drugged and weak. The faint smell of timber and musk tickled her nose, and she looked up. Her gaze caught the headman’s. He was so near to her, hovering on the edge of the bed. His eyes were concentrated, a mixture of concern and curiosity. Sasha leaned away from her, seeing the confusion flash ever so faintly in her eyes. He didn’t know who she was, or where she came from, but she was obviously not used to losing battles, even with Alpha males. It obtained his interest, but he would have plenty of time later to get answers out of her. Right now she was tired. He could see it in her eyes. “You should get some rest.” He advised. She watched him with hard observance as he turned and walked away, pausing to speak briefly to Kiser before he left the room.

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

13

CHAPTER 3 Kita sighed slowly. A low comforting voice tickled her ears and soft fingers pried at the wound in her stomach. She recognized the voice as that of the healer’s. Suddenly she felt vulnerable. She knew better than to let her guard down here. Her eyes bolted open and she threw them sideways to see Kiser beside her. He stepped backward defensively, throwing his palms in the air to signal that he meant no harm. “Keep your goddamn hands off of me.” She snapped. “Are you always so hostile, sweetheart?” Kita’s head jerked to the left to see Sasha leaning against the wall. His thick arms were folded over his chest, and he was appraising her with those luscious gold eyes of his. Flecks of appreciation and disquiet darted within them, mixing dangerously as he pushed off from the wall. She raised her jaw, “Stay away from me, eye-commander …” She knew the reputation that these men had, she knew the danger that she could be in. She wanted them as far from her as possible. He ignored her demand and kept coming towards her, looming like a deadly shadow beside the bed before he finally spoke, “We are helping you, not hurting you, pretty baby. Now stop looking at me like I’m the enemy.” She blinked, suddenly realizing that she had been staring at him, and he smiled, “If I were the enemy, believe me, you would know it.” She tried to sit up, struggling against the pain that was throbbing within her. Her left arm still felt useless and it pained her to put even the slightest pressure on it. She grimaced, trying not to move it as she wiggled in the bed. Kiser took a step forward, looking like he was about to help her, but she flashed him a warning glare that made him stop in mid stride. He stepped back and waited patiently as she righted herself. She leaned against the headboard, and even that small struggle exhausted her. The bed sheet that was carefully placed over breasts began to fall down and she desperately clutched it to her one handed, half covered now, half exposed. Her gaze shot back to Sasha. He was smiling, a charming, pleased grin that was echoed in his eyes. She snarled at him, her vulnerability making her even more self-protective, “Go ahead and look all you want, Sasha, but if you so much as think about touching me, I’ll cut your dick off.” He raised his eyebrows, “Sweetheart, I won’t argue that the view was nice, and I’d be lying if I told you that I wasn’t thinking about touching you, but the rest of it …” He leaned down to whisper into her ear, his voice thick and sultry, deep with masculinity, and it made her tremble inside, “... I don’t believe that you are in a position to be making threats, especially about things that are too big for you to handle, let alone cut off.” Her eyes rounded and she laughed, a fake, exaggerated laugh, “Don’t flatter yourself, Sasha. If you were truly as well endowed as you think you are you wouldn’t

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

14

need such a big knife to compensate for it.” He shook his head, acting as if he was hurt by the comment, “Oh, come on now sweetheart, that’s hitting below the belt and that hurts my feelings.” She looked away from him as the smell of medicine wafted into the room. Kiser was just walking in, holding a cup of steaming liquid in his hands. She frowned, she hadn’t even heard him leave, and she forgot that he was even in the room with them after she last looked at Sasha. He reached her and held the cup out to her, urging her to drink. Kita scowled, “What is it?” “It’s an antibiotic. It’ll make you heal faster.” He said. She glanced upward into his eyes, she didn’t trust him. “I don’t want it. How do I know you didn’t drug it?” He nodded thoughtfully, “Actually, the whole thing is a drug … so I guess I did drug it.” “I’m not drinking it.” She announced stubbornly. “Give it to me, Kiser.” Sasha reached over her, shadowing her body with his own as he grabbed the cup. He took a sip from it and looked down at her, “would I have drank that if it weren’t safe, sweetheart?” She eyed him charily, “I’m still not drinking it.” Her gaze dropped down to his waist as he was leaning over her. She could grab his knife if she were quick. She released the bed sheet and lashed out to grab the handle of the blade, gasping with surprise when Sasha swung down, his hand arresting hers just inches from his waist. The tips of her fingers grazed the cold steel hilt of the knife. He casually handed the cup back to Kiser with his other hand, turning his focus entirely on her. He pinned her hand to her side, and without looking away from her he addressed Kiser, “If she won’t drink it voluntarily shoot her with it.” His eyes searched hers. His smile was gone and he almost looked apologetic. “You should have drunk it. The shot will knock you out and make you groggy. You’ll feel helpless.” She gasped, struggling against his solid hold. He was so firm, but gentle, and for some unknown reason she found it incredibly arousing. Heat sank deep into her lower regions, and she squirmed uneasily. He leaned down, letting her swim in his intense eyes, “Don’t be scared, pretty baby, we won’t hurt you. I won’t let anyone hurt you.” His stare … suddenly amidst the gold of his eyes she saw golden leaves, falling down in a forest. She was alone, shivering and weak in the shape of a werewolf. She collapsed on the forest floor. It was like seeing herself die, and her heart skipped frantically. She watched the image of herself as golden autumn leaves danced around her fallen form, alone in the woods. A black wolf approached her prone body, and he sat down beside her, patiently watching, guarding her. He was a silent protector as she slept. She closed her eyes as something sharp bit the skin in her thigh. She gasped slowly, her breath brushing his before her eyes began to close. Her mind fluttered. The last thing she remembered was that now she knew why these men were so appropriately called eye-commanders. A simple look deep in her eyes and he had control of her, of her body, and of her mind. He had planted that image in her mind, that beautiful,

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

15

sweet, wonderful image … When Kita opened her eyes again she felt like she had been asleep for days. She fell in and out of consciousness, always aware that she was never alone. She never saw anyone, but she knew that someone was with her. She could feel them there. But now, for the first time, she felt alone. She blinked, wrestling against the dreamy haze that hung over her eyes yet. A quick scan of the room revealed what she had felt. She was alone. She moved her fingers numbly, fighting the stiffness in her muscles and the aching in her joints. She had to get up, had to move around. She chewed on her lip, focusing her energy on escaping the bed. She made herself sit up, wiggling awkwardly against the headboard as she fought the tenderness and aching within her. Her eyes caught a clump of fabric near her feet, and when she looked closer she found it to be a pair of jeans and a simple white t-shirt. After a struggle to get dressed she stood up from the bed, feeling her legs wobble unsteadily. She steadied herself on the bed, taking a calming breath to gather herself. The jeans were a little big and the t-shirt was a bit snug, but at least she had clothes on. She shifted her weight to one leg to proceed forward, stifling a scream that came out as an alarmed screech. Her legs buckled and she fell forward, bracing her palms out to catch herself on the wall. The wooden planks of the walls in the log home scratched her palms and she sank down to her knees, unable to hold herself up any longer. She sat there pouting for a few minutes, rotating her cut up hands before her as she cussed at her weak legs for being so useless. She inhaled. She had to get up before Sasha found her on the floor. With stubborn determination she rose to her feet, clenching her teeth with effort as she ignored the pain and the numbness within her. When she had finally regained her footing she stumbled into a nearby bathroom, using the walls to keep her balance. She had to keep moving, it was the only way her muscles would come back to life. She leaned into the wall, never straying far from it as she began to walk around the house. Whenever she felt weak she all she had to do was to lean into it and catch her breath. The house was big and beautiful. There was a warm, homey feeling about it, and the aroma of pine that surrounded her made her feel like she had never left the forest. The hard maple floors were blanketed by rich textured animal hides that felt silky smooth on her bare feet. The hallways were lit by intimate candles that burned brightly from candleholders that had been stuck in niches on the wall. The atmosphere was so peaceful, almost romantic. She continued her exploration, relishing in the warmth that surrounded her. There were several burning fireplaces, and combined with the candles they made the home warm and inviting. It was a far cry from the cold marble floors and modern accessories that she had grown accustomed to in the home that she had grown up in. There were many rooms that she passed, but she didn’t take the time to examine them, there were simply too many, and she was beginning to feel weak. Her primary goal now was finding a room with a couch to sit on. She leaned against the wall, looking through into another room. There were several couches and chairs lining the great room, and it was just what she was looking for. She hesitated though. Four women were already in here, and they had stopped talking the moment that

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

16

they saw her. They were watching her keenly, and before Kita decided to join them she decided to assess her surroundings. There was no door on the wide entrance. It was clearly a communal room. Her eyes shifted to the women, all of which were facing her now. One of them slowly stood to her feet. The act seemed almost challenging. She was pretty, a middle aged brunette with deep brown eyes. The woman glared at her, sending Kita’s already tense nerves on alert. Something deep within her stirred and her every sense came alive, preparing for impending conflict. Kita smiled tauntingly. Where she was from fights for dominance were never ending, and if this woman thought that she was dealing with an amateur she would find out the painfully hard way that she thought wrong. Suddenly her heart bombed into her gut as realization hit her. She couldn’t fight with this woman, and it had nothing to do with her injuries or her exhaustion. It had everything to do with Sasha. This woman had to be his mate. No other woman in the pack would dare challenge a newcomer without first learning who she was. As much as she hated to admit it, she was no match for Sasha. If he were truly angry with her there would be no way that she could defend herself against him, and fighting his mate would certainly anger him. Kita watched anxiously as the woman edged towards her, her whole body looking like she was ready to pounce on her and beat the hell out of her at any moment. She couldn’t back down, her pride wouldn’t allow it and neither would her upbringing. She had to find a way to make the woman back down first, before it got physical. She glared back at the woman, daring her to attack while hoping that her confidence would be enough to make the woman think twice before assaulting her. The woman suddenly dropped her eyes and retreated to the couch, sitting back down as if she had been chastised. Huh, that was easier than I thought it would be, Kita thought smugly. With her adrenaline no longer pumping exhaustion swept down on her, nearly dropping her to her knees right then and there. She had to sit down, or at least get back to the safety of the wall so that she could catch her breath. She turned, running right into an immovable wall of power. Her breath left her lips sharply and she looked up. Now she knew why the woman had backed down so unexpectedly. Sasha looked down at her. His eyes were hard and concerned. Kita braced her right hand against his broad chest, unconsciously keeping herself from falling into him. She could smell his subtle cologne, his masculine scent as he hovered beside her. Heat sank into her palm where she touched him, and she drew away from him instantly. She felt dizzy, weak under his influence, and for a moment she began to collapse into his arms. She reached out and braced herself on his chest again, pushing away forcefully this time as she tried to shake her head clear. Sasha grabbed her wrists, pulling her to him as he prevented her from withdrawing from him. He looked at her hands. There were scrapes on her palms, and dried blood lined the little streaks. Kita tried to pull away and pain shot up her left arm. Sasha saw the grimace of pain on her face and he released her left hand immediately to her surprise, but he maintained his grip on her good arm. She glowered up at him. “Release me, Sasha,” She hissed through clenched teeth. “What happened to your hands, sweetheart?” He asked in a sincerely concerned

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

17

tone as he glanced at the scratches. She tilted her chin in confusion, “Keep calling me sweetheart in front of your mate and she’s not going to be happy with you.” It was his turn to be confused, and he looked beyond her at the other women, “I don’t have a mate.” He informed her quickly, maybe a little too quickly. Sasha frowned. He hadn’t meant to sound so defensive about it. After all, she didn’t care if he had a mate or not. He felt foolish. He knew why he had said it. He wanted her to know that he was still available. He absently brushed the pad of his thumb across her palm, reminded of his initial question. “What happened to your hands, sweetheart?’ He asked again. She glanced away, trying to tug away from him before giving in and answering his question, “I fell, and when I went to catch myself I scratched my hands on the wall.” His brow darkened, “Where was Kiser?” She shrugged. She had no idea, and she really didn’t care, either. For the first time she saw real, cold anger flash in the big mans eyes, and his hand tightened painfully around her wrist, “He was supposed to be with you.” She writhed against his hold, resentment coloring her cheeks with irritation, “Let me go, Sasha.” “Why didn’t you wait for me to help you?” He asked almost protectively. She glared into his eyes, furious that he refused to unhand her, “I know how much weakness and surrender turns you Alpha’s on, and I would hate to give you a huge hard-on seeing me on the floor unable to move, big boy.” He smirked playfully, suddenly grabbing her hips and pulling her closer to him as he whispered into her ear, “well sweetheart, if that’s true then you’re about to give me the biggest hard-on you’ve ever laid eyes on.” She frowned in confusion, screeching in alarm as he lifted her off the ground and tossed her over his shoulder, as lightly and as easily as if she were a sack of potatoes. She thrashed at his shoulders and back, punching with tight fists angrily, ignoring the raging pain that surged through her left arm and body. She was so busy thrashing against him that she didn’t even pay attention to where he was taking her, and she didn’t care, either. Right now all she wanted was to be put down, out of the hands of this burly Alpha who now had her weak and defenseless, slung over his shoulder like a hard won prize. After what seemed an eternity he set her flailing body gently back down onto the bed. He winked at her, impervious to all of the thrashing and cursing that she had done to him. Kita was fuming. She had never been so manhandled in all her life. She wasn’t used to this, and the loss of control sent her head reeling. “Don’t you dare do that again, Sasha, or it’ll be the last thing you do.” She warned him. “You know, sweetheart, you really shouldn’t be so hostile, especially to men who can hurt you.” He admonished. His lips curved upward into a sly grin, “I’m a nice guy, so I’ll let you get away with your little antics, but there are others out there that will not be so nice …” She narrowed her eyes, “you call tossing me over your shoulder like a side of beef

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

18

being a nice guy?” She scoffed, absently gazing away before she spoke again. Her voice came softer now, and she looked distant, “and as for men that can hurt me … I’ve already met my share. You don’t have to remind me.” Sasha watched her expression. She changed suddenly, no longer strong willed and hot tempered, but soft and pensive. He saw sorrow in her eyes, her shielding wall let down as memories caved in on her. He didn’t know why, but seeing her beautiful blue eyes looking distant and scared made his stomach tighten possessively. A part of him wanted to grab her and pull her to him, to hold her and tell her that she was safe, that he would protect her. Kita blinked, thinking about her past. She had encountered her share of angry males. They were selfish, taking whatever they wanted, even if it wasn’t given. They were unable to feel compassion, feeling only for their selves. Hell--that was why she was here in the first place. Her own father, an Alpha male, had deceived her. He wanted something, and his daughter was the sacrifice for it. She felt sick in the pit of her stomach. Her eyes found Sasha’s. He was watching her intently, and she could read his eyes. He felt sorry for her. Anger rose inside her, she didn’t need his pity, she didn’t need anything from any Alpha male. She parted her lips, ready to object, but something in Sasha’s eyes left her breathless. Splashes of gold fired around his pupils until a flicker of orange danced within his gaze. She was entranced, motionless as a picture came to life before her. She saw a warm wood-burning fireplace in the center of a room, the light from the flames bouncing off of amber walls. It was so real she could almost smell the ash and the cinder in the air around her. There was a soft deerskin rug on the floor before the fire, and she watched as a blonde woman stepped onto it. Even with her back turned, Kita could see that the woman was beautiful, wearing only a large red flannel shirt that only barely covered her curves. Silky jagged light-colored hair covered her shoulders and her back. A man stepped onto the rug beside her, shirtless with only a pair of loose jeans on. She didn’t see his face, only his body. The woman turned her head for a moment, and Kita felt her heart race when she was looking into her own eyes. A muscular arm reached around, obscuring the view. For a moment all she saw was a tattoo, a black wolf’s paw print etched into the man’s bicep. A strange calm ensued, as the woman in the scene turned to face the man, leaning into his chest for support. Her eyes closed, and so did Kita’s. She felt warm, protected, and safe. Her heartbeat slowed and she began to fall asleep. The image in her mind gradually faded, until the last thing she saw was the fire, the flames flickering out as she drifted to sleep.

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

19

CHAPTER 4 Kita soaked in the darkness around her. She could barely see. The only light came from dead embers in the fireplace. She looked sideways, making out a dark silhouette in the shadows. She could tell by the deep breathing that Kiser was asleep, reclined in a rocking chair to her right. She carefully slipped from the bed, making as little noise as possible. She would have to leave soon, she couldn’t stay here. She had already been here too long, compromising not only herself, but Sasha and his pack as well. She stole through the house quietly so as not to awake anyone and risk giving away her intentions. With a soft click, she turned the handle of the front door and stepped out into the cool night air. She shivered against the cold, watching her breath as it plumed out in front of her. Her foot left the safety of the steps, and she tensed immediately when she came down on biting snow. She cringed. She hated the cold. Her gaze searched the area around the house. The moon was full, casting off of the snow that glittered and sparkled beneath it. The air was cold and empty and it left a bitter sting in her lungs with every breath. She frowned. To the side of the house there were three large animal skins splayed stretched across rustic wooden frames. The skins were big, probably from elk. She licked her dry lips and looked away, dismissing the hides as evidence of the eye-commanders primitive lifestyle. Her eyes swept the white crystalline earth before her. There were footprints on the ground, both human and wolf, too intermingled to tell if any were fresh or not. She sighed, reminding herself that everyone was asleep. There was nothing to worry about. She never even noticed the pile of clothes under the steps … She pulled the t-shirt over her head, exposing her chest to the chill of winter. Her nipples reacted immediately to the frigid cold, tightening painfully as they pulled against her tender skin. The jeans she didn’t even have to unbutton, with a little wiggling they slid right down over her hips onto the earth. She shivered as she folded the clothes into a neat little pile and left them on the steps. Her arms wrapped around her exposed sides, unsuccessfully keeping out the cold. She inhaled, closing her eyes as she let the transformation take place. The sensation could have been akin to being struck by lightening. It happened so quickly that it was hardly felt. There was a surge of energy and power, a moment of pain as her body adjusted, and then she was on the ground, completely transformed from human to wolf. She didn’t waste time, in an instant her body propelled forward, and she rushed through the trees. Pain tore through her injured arm and she slowed, limping slightly as she wound through the trees. Her feet struck the icy earth, but with her body now covered by fur she didn’t even notice the cold. She made a loop of the territory, quickly realizing that the hunter had driven her right into a geographical enclosure. Sasha’s territory was surrounded by mountains, and she had no idea how to safely cross them. This was foreign terrain to her. If she wanted to cross the mountains safely she would need a guide, a guide that she didn’t

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

20

have. The only safe way out was the way that she had gotten in, across the river through a narrow gap between the mountains. She bristled. The man hunting her had counted on one of two things. If he failed to catch her he would send her right into Sasha’s path, where she would be killed. If Sasha didn’t kill her he still had her trapped, and he knew right where to find her. Either way he seemed determined to have her destroyed. She couldn’t really blame him, he was furious with her. She trotted along the edge of the meadow, freezing in her tracks as the cold winter wind sent an aroma to her nostrils. She could smell the hunter, somewhere beyond the river. Why was he still there? She stepped back further into the shadows instinctively. She knew why he was still here. He wanted proof that she was dead, but he couldn’t just come onto Sasha’s territory and look for her dead body. No, if he had been a human he might have been so foolish, but he was not human, and he knew too well the danger of crossing an Alpha male werewolf. A part of her smiled inwardly, he was afraid of Sasha, and it gave her a morbid feeling of pleasure to know that there was still one man in this world that he didn’t dare oppose. She eyed the river in the distance. It looked like a long snake bobbing up and down as it slid along its course. Her heart sank just thinking about the danger that lay waiting for her in the shadows across the river. She knew the hunter well. He was ruthless and heartless. She felt a slow searing tingle run down her spine as she realized something, if the hunter was so afraid of Sasha, she should have been, too. A scent skimmed past her, and she tensed again. It wasn’t the hunter, but it was a familiar scent nonetheless. Her eyes went wide as recognition struck. It was Sasha. Questions ran through her mind. Why was he out this late at night? Did he know that she was out here? What would he do if he found her? She shouldn’t have cared what he would do to her if he found her out here, after all, she was a big girl and she would do as she pleased, but the thought of him asking questions or becoming infuriated with her was enough to make her think twice about getting caught. She spun around, racing silently through the trees back towards the house. She had been out for a while, and her leg was now fortunately numbed by the cold, allowing her to keep the pace without slowing. She burst out of the trees, darting across the moonlight towards the steps. A flash of jet-black exploded from the shadows to her side, and she gulped in a breath as she reached the steps. Her adrenaline was racing, and she spun around just in time to face Sasha. He was furious. She could see it in the bitter glow of his golden eyes. Kita was out of breath, standing on shaky legs as she faced off with the Alpha. He looked like he wanted to rip her throat out. She had to get away from him, get inside where she could at least put a door between them. She stumbled backwards, shifting blindly out of her pelt. Scrambling, she rose on two legs again, jerking her clothes off the steps. She whirled around defensively. Sasha had shifted, too. She gasped, frozen as she involuntarily looked him up and down. He was naked, and he was glorious. Her eyes shot downward, and she couldn’t look away. He hadn’t been exaggerating, he probably was more than she could handle. She blinked away her shock, blushing deep crimson when she looked back up at him. His own surprise was written on his face as he looked at her. She sucked in a deep breath when she remembered that she was just as naked as he was. She clutched

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

21

her clothes urgently to her exposed body, covering her most vulnerable places. He tilted his jaw, resuming his annoyed expression, “what were you doing out there, sweetheart?” She turned away to avoid him, “I’m not your responsibility, Sasha, so don’t get all Alpha on me.” She started to put her jeans on, straightening with a gasp when she felt him come up close behind her. Sasha wrapped a hand possessively around her small waist, leaning down to whisper hotly into her ear, “as long as you’re staying here with my pack you are my responsibility.” Kita swallowed, she could feel his manhood against her bare buttocks and she tried to move forward away from his grip, “I’m leaving tomorrow, so you don’t have to worry about protecting me, Sasha.” She felt his growing arousal against her, and it sent an unexpected rush of warmth and desire between her legs. Sasha relaxed his hold on her waist. He had to. The feel of her supple round bottom brushing against his flesh was making him hard with need, “you’re not going anywhere tomorrow, sweetheart.” He demanded huskily, trying to keep his arousal from reaching his voice. She finished pulling the pants up around her hips and without facing him she replied, “is that a threat? I’m not a member of your pack, Sasha. You have no control over me. If you want to boss someone around go do it to your pack mates.” His jaw jerked in irritation. He reached under the step and quickly threw his own jeans on when he saw her finish pulling her shirt over her head and rush up the steps. He raced after her, still struggling with his clothes as she entered the house. He grabbed her right arm and she spun to face him. “Goddamn it, woman, will you be rational here?” He insisted as he held her, “stop being such a hothead and think about what’s out there! Do you honestly think that hunter is gone? Do you want to get killed?” “Let me go, Sasha,” She warned, “you can’t keep me here--” Suddenly he pulled her in tightly to him, cupping her small jaw in his hands. Her lips quivered with fury, and her blue eyes sparkled with defiance. He didn’t want to hurt her, but she was being too reckless for her own good. He couldn’t understand it, she was right, she wasn’t a member of his pack, and he shouldn’t care what she did. But the thought of her being shot and killed by a werewolf hunter was enough to make him feel sick inside. He would do what he had to do to protect her, at any cost. He looked deep into her eyes, and when he spoke his breath caressed her cheek, warm and tender on her skin, “please forgive me, pretty baby …” She frowned in confusion. Lost in his stare she saw visions come to life, like frames in a movie. She was standing alone in the dark woods in the shape of a wolf. Out of nowhere she was struck from the side, knocked down by the force of the strike. The wind was knocked out of her. She could feel it as much as see it. A black wolf was hovering over her, keeping her pinned beneath him to prove his dominance. She saw lips drawn back to reveal impossibly sharp teeth. She felt only fear in this moment. It was so real, so intense that she felt like she would cry. Another vision flashed before her, she was seeing herself again, still in the shape of a werewolf. She saw herself standing alone in cold darkness. A shot blasted through the air, and her body was jerked backwards. Blood spilled from her side,

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

22

staining her white fur as she collapsed on the ground. It was so violent, so sudden … Sasha leaned forward, his lips inches from hers when he spoke, “stay with me, and none of that will happen. I can protect you if you let me … I can make you forget the pain, the fear of what you just saw …” It took her a moment to grasp that he had said the words to her just now, not in the visions that he had given her. She felt weak, like the floor was giving out beneath her. The horror of what she had seen--it was like seeing her death, and it was too much. Her irises shifted, focusing now as she saw Sasha moving away. He looked regretful, even pained. She watched him walk away, still replaying the images in her head. He had made one thing clear. If she were to leave she would pay for it dearly. She sighed and looked away. She couldn’t stay here, no matter what the consequences were. Sasha just didn’t understand. If he only knew … she winced involuntarily, thinking of his reaction if he were to find out the truth. “He likes you, you know.” Kita whipped her head sideways to the source of the feminine voice. She scowled. It was the same pretty brunette who had so blatantly challenged her the other night. The woman eyed her coolly, seemingly evaluating her. For a moment Kita felt her muscles jump into action, going rigid when she saw the other woman. If she was looking for a fight now that the Alpha had retreated she’d give her one. The woman raised her jaw, “I didn’t think he liked anybody … until you came along.” Kita watched her silently, even as the other woman pushed off of the wall to approach her. “You’re very lucky, you know.” The woman stated as she passed her to walk into the next room, “he’s not a man to be taken lightly.” Kita followed when the woman glanced back at her. She didn’t take Sasha lightly, she was very aware of his ability to be dangerous. She remembered when she was young, hearing stories about an eye-commander who was so fierce that he had killed his own brother. She knew deep down that Sasha was just as dangerous as that man had been, and it sent a chill up her spine. “You should be on the floor, down on your hands and knees right now.” “Excuse me?” Kita asked in shock. “You,” The woman said affirmatively, “you should be on the floor crying your eyes out from the horrible things that Sasha would have shown you.” Kita raised her jaw, sitting on a couch across from the woman when she herself sat down, “maybe those horrible things don’t scare me, did you think of that?” The woman let a sarcastic chuckle escape her lips, “honey, even the devil would be afraid of some of the things Sasha can conjure up.” She sighed and eased into the sofa, “no, I’ll bet he just gave you a slap on the wrist. I’ll bet it wasn’t even enough to make you too scared to follow his orders. I can see it in your eyes. You’ll be trying to leave again soon.” Kita eyed the woman suspiciously, but still didn’t say anything. She watched as the woman reached down into a sliding cabinet within a wooden coffee table, removing a bottle of bourbon and a glass tumbler. She poured herself a glass, and then nodded to Kita. “Would you like some?” Kita shook her head, and the woman sipped from her

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

23

glass, “so tell me something, honey. Why is a pretty little girl like you running from a hunter?” Again there was silence on Kita’s end. She wasn’t about to say anything that might incriminate her later, especially to a woman that she held no trust towards. “The name’s Gina, by the way.” The woman paused, and when Kita failed to give her name in return she asked, “what’s the matter, you don’t want to talk to me? I know you have a voice. I’ve heard you use it on Sasha, hell the whole house heard you yelling at our Alpha.” She took another sip of her drink, “you’re in way over your head little girl. You should go home, where you’re safe.” “What makes you think that home would be safe for me?” Kita questioned, leaning forward slightly. “Oh come on, honey, I know your type.” The woman poured herself some more to drink, “your daddy was the pack Alpha, right? So you don’t have any fear, no respect, because daddy was always there to protect you. And now, when you finally run into a real pack Alpha, you’re all bite, thinking you’re untouchable.” She snorted, “I’ve got news for you, honey, Sasha’s gonna bite back sooner or later. I’d suggest you go home before that happens.” Kita leaned back again, shaking her head softly, “well, you’ve got it all figured out then, haven’t you?” The woman raised her glass triumphantly in the air, “hey, I call them as I see them.” Kita nodded, rising from her seat. She didn’t have to sit here and listen to this. She left the room, listening as the woman chuckled alone behind her.

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

24

CHAPTER 5 Sasha angrily made his way down the hallway. He clenched and unclenched his fists, trying unsuccessfully to calm his nerves. It was still late at night, but he knew that Kita had not yet returned to the guest bedroom for the night. He was halfway down the hallway when he met Kiser, and he impatiently flashed a hand signal commanding the healer to follow him. He led him right back into the bedroom, pointedly directing him at the rocking chair where he had been sleeping before he noticed that Kita was gone. “Tell me how she got past you, Kiser. Tell me why I found her in the woods alone at this time of the night.” Sasha commanded. Kiser shrugged, “I fell asleep, Sash, and she’s very quiet.” “You’re supposed to keep an eye on her. That’s the second time now that you have failed.” Sasha criticized. Kaiser frowned, “she’s almost fully healed, Sasha. She doesn’t need me to watch over her every move anymore.” He informed the leader austerely. “You should have known when she left this room tonight, Kiser!” He snapped, “she should never have been out running around when there is a hunter out there! Three of our pack members are dead, and she was nearly killed. The only reason the poison in the dart didn’t kill her was because the hunter missed. He shot right through her leg with the first try. If both of the shots had gotten into her blood stream she would be dead!” Kiser tilted his head, “why are you being so protective of her? She’s not even in our pack, and yet you’re being very defensive.” He smiled shrewdly, “by all rights, you should have killed her when you found her....” Sasha eyed him crossly for a moment, trying to decide what Kiser was hinting at. He finally calmed, sitting heavily down on the bed, “I should have … but I didn’t. And now I’m being protective … and I don’t know why.” He buried his face in his palms, “I don’t understand it, it’s like I’m losing control. A part of me wants to dominate her, and another part wants to protect her.” Kiser nodded, “women will do that to a man.” “Not to me.” Sasha said firmly, “I can have any woman I want at any time. I don’t have to be chasing a stranger around. So why am I, Kiser?” “Maybe you like this one, Sasha … more than the others.” “I shouldn’t, I hardly know her. I don’t even think she’s telling the truth half the time.” Sasha groaned, rising to his feet as he began to pace the floor. Kiser stretched out in the chair, “what would she be lying about?” “She told me she’s a loner. Look at her. Do you honestly think that any male in his right mind would let her be a loner?” He shook his head, “and the part about the hunter… she’s hiding something, I can feel it. Why would he shoot her with a poison dart when he had silver bullets? It just doesn’t make sense--why kill her with an overdose of toxin that will take hours or more to kill her, when he could have shot her with a silver bullet and she’d have been dead in minutes?”

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

25

“He cut the throats of our three pack mates. He had to get close to do it. How well did we check the bodies before we buried them? Maybe he shot them with the tranquilizers first. Maybe he’s a real nut job that likes his victims to be alive when he’s killing them.” Sasha continued pacing, “but the silver bullets … that part doesn’t make sense. Why would he keep silver bullets on him when he’s not going to use them?” Kiser thought about it for a moment, “maybe the silver bullets are a backup, just in case the darts fail. Everyone has a plan B, even killers, like a panic button if anything goes wrong …” The healer leaned forward, “or, there’s the darker scenario … maybe he was using her for bait, Sasha.” Sasha rubbed his temples, it was all too confusing. Only one man had the answers to his questions, and that was the hunter. It bothered him. If the hunter was truly intent on using Kita as bait that would explain why he hadn’t left yet, Sasha hadn’t played into his hand like he had been hoping. The hunter had missed his opportunity, and now he had to either create a new one or give up and leave. The hunter wasn’t leaving. He was still there tonight. Soft footsteps padded down the hallway, nearing until they were just outside the door. Sasha turned away from Kiser, looking expectantly at the door. Kita walked in, freezing in place when she saw both men in the room. She looked back and forth between them, narrowing her eyes in suspicion. “What do you want?” She finally questioned when the room fell silent. Sasha looked over at Kiser, ignoring her question, “you can go. I’ll stay with her tonight.” Kita set her jaw, irked that she had been disregarded, “excuse me, but I don’t need a babysitter.” She announced. “A babysitter, no, someone to make sure that you stay put, yes.” Sasha said with raised eyebrows as he looked back at her. “I don’t need anyone to make sure that I ‘stay put’ either.” She growled. Kiser climbed to his feet, slipping past them as he disappeared through the doorway, leaving them alone to their argument. Kita and Sasha seemed oblivious to him, as they were both too busy staring heatedly at one another. “Like it or not, I’m not leaving you alone, sweetheart.” Sasha replied calmly. “Get out, Sasha!” Kita demanded as she pointed at the door. He sat down on the bed, unmoved by her insistence, “I wish I could, but I just can’t.” She scowled, chagrin written all over her face, “why the hell not?” “You can’t be trusted, pretty baby. Who’s to say that you won’t go play in the woods again after dark?” “Whatever, I am not going anywhere right now. I’m tired and I just want to sleep, Sasha.” She sighed and pointed to the door again, “now, will you please just get out?” “Why do you want me to get out so badly? You know that makes me trust you even less. It makes me think you’re hiding something.” He informed her. “Oh, honestly, Sasha,” She snapped defensively, “I’m not hiding anything. I just want you gone so that I can change! For your information I sleep nude and I really don’t want you in here when I’m naked! Besides,” she grumbled, “you’ve already seen me naked once tonight, and that’s more than enough.” She blushed with the memory

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

26

and her cheeks burned red hot. He smiled broadly and his golden eyes glittered with excitement, “you sleep in the nude, really?” He nodded as if he’d just made a life-altering decision, “well, now I’m definitely not leaving. In fact, since you’re so precious to me, I’ll even sleep under the blankets with you, you know, just in case you get cold.” She rolled her eyes and a small smile actually slipped over her lips, “the only thing cold in here is going to be you, as in your cold dead body if you don’t get out.” He cocked his head in disbelief, “is that a smile, sweetheart?” He looked at her warmly, drinking her in with his eyes. She was more beautiful than ever when she smiled. “Enjoy it because it’s the only one you’re going to get. Now get out before I physically remove you.” Kita advised him, hoping that he didn’t notice when she flashed her eyes sideways to escape his thirsty stare. She shivered inside. He was watching her with such intensity. It made her warm all over, and it felt as if her body were about to burst into flames. He was so male, so unbelievably in control, and she was so turned on by him at this moment. She shifted in an effort to soothe the burning between her legs, but all she succeeded in doing was make it worse. Sasha leaned back, “well, sweetheart, I’m waiting.” She frowned, returning her gaze to him, “waiting for what?” “You said that you were going to get physical with me. I hope that wasn’t just a tease …” Her eyes rounded, “get out already, Sasha!” He smirked, a playful, mischievous little grin that brought out his casual charm. He held his hand out to her. “Fine, help me up though?” He asked. She stepped towards him, extending her hand, “get up and get out before I hurt you!” He grabbed her palm in his, and recognition twinkled in his eyes. It made her heart skip for a moment, but she didn’t have time to get away. In an instant he had pulled her to him and swung his free arm around her waist. She gasped when he stood to his feet, taking her with him as he turned around. She was lifted from the floor and in the bat of an eye he was over her, holding her down on the bed beneath him. “Is that a promise?” He asked huskily against her cheek. Kita squirmed beneath him, raising her hips as she tried to regain control of the situation. The front of her jeans grazed his, and her breath escaped her lips in a surprised cry. He was hard, pressed tight against his pants with his desire for her. His warm breath burned her cheek and her throat, tempting her to surrender to him. She rocked her head back. God help her but she wanted him now. She wanted everything that he was, everything that he had to give her, every part of him against her, inside of her. She was reeling, spinning out of control as he dominated all other thoughts. Her mind was screaming at her to get away, but her body was begging for more. She felt dampness between her legs, and the feel of Sasha’s firm and unyielding body against hers wasn’t helping. Again she grazed the front of his jeans, only this time it wasn’t an accident.

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

27

“Kita, pretty baby, if you keep doing that I’m going to find it awful hard to behave here,” She looked up into his eyes, and he smiled at her before accusing, “see what you’re doing to me?” “Sasha …” Her voice came out as a barely heard whisper against his lips. He kissed her softly, his lips a tantalizing mix of tenderness and searing heat. He drew away from her, “I’m going to come back in twenty minutes, that’ll give you time to get ready for bed, and you had better be here when I come back.” Kita’s hands twitched, her fingers scratching unconsciously for a piece of him to hang on to. Her body was craving him. Now more than ever the delicate place between her legs was burning. Hot, wet, and unfulfilled it was pure torture for her to watch Sasha pull away. She didn’t move from the bed, but lay there watching him as he retreated to the door, vanishing around the corner before she could beg him to stay with her and put out the fire in her body that he had created. Kita stared up at the ceiling, her head was spinning and her body was aching. Sasha had just punished her more than any vision could have. **** Sasha lay awake in the rocking chair, absently toying with the metal hooks under his jaw. He was stiff and uncomfortable, and he shifted to alleviate the stress on his back. Kita was in bed under the covers when he had returned, but she never fell asleep. Even now, as he sat here watching her, she was wide awake. Her back was turned to him, but he knew that she was awake. He could hear her breathing softly. The covers were draped over her lovely outline, hugging her feminine curves. She moved her arm restlessly and he stood to his feet, pacing silently across the floor. He stopped, catching a glint in the darkness. It was Kita. She had turned over and was watching him with her sparkling blue eyes. “You can’t sleep.” She said. “Can you?” He countered. She smirked, he couldn’t see it, but he could feel it. He tensed for a moment. She was right, he couldn’t sleep, and it was more than just the fact that her tempting naked body was just feet away from him that kept him up. His mind was a flurry of activity. He was thinking about the hunter in the forest, the man that was staying just a hairs breadth away from him, so close and yet out of reach. He had to find out who he was and what he wanted, but he had no idea how. Somehow he had to get a hold of the man. He had questions that needed answering. He sighed and looked over at Kita. “How long was that hunter after you, sweetheart?” She went rigid, and hesitated before answering, “only a few days. He chased me around the mountains for a little bit before I ended up here, in your territory.” She swallowed. She would stick to her story as closely as possible without giving away too much and hope like hell that she didn’t get tripped up in the web of lies. Sasha was quiet, deep in thought. He walked to the edge of the bed and sat down beside her. “Did you ever get a good look at his face?” He asked. Kita felt a deep swell of heat rush over her in being so near to him again, and she was barely able to answer his question. “Oh, umm, no, not really …” He looked back at her, frowning, “what is not really? You either saw his face or

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

28

you didn’t.” She sat up, pulling the bed sheet with her, “I saw him, but it wasn’t terribly clear.” There was an edge in her voice and Sasha noticed it. She was nervous. He could hear her heartbeat accelerate. “What did he look like?” Kita swallowed, “he, ah, he was dark, shadowy. He was always wearing the long black trench coat.” “What color were his eyes, skin … his hair? Come on, Kita, you just stood there in the meadow staring at him. Don’t try to tell me that you don’t know what he looked like.” For a moment she didn’t breathe. She felt like a little kid with her hand caught in the cookie jar. She was glad he couldn’t see her face, or he would have seen her features lose color as uncertainty gripped her. She should have given him more credit. Of course he would have noticed her reaction in the meadow. She cleared her throat, “he was, ah, dark. Dark skin, dark eyes, dark hair …” her tone dropped to a low whisper, “he does well in the shadows.” Sasha stood, pacing once more. She couldn’t tell if he believed her. His eyes were glowing like golden candles in the darkness as he turned back towards her, finally resting with a heavy sigh back into the rocking chair to her right. She saw his silhouette as he brought his palms up to cover his shaved scalp, cradling his head in his arms as he deliberated to himself. Kita felt ill with guilt. She wished that she could have told him the truth.

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

29

CHAPTER 6 “Sasha, wake up …” Sasha blinked the sleep from his eyes, inhaling slowly as he focused on the figure before him. He frowned as panic and alarm struck him like a wrecking ball slamming into his gut. Kiser was standing before him, along with several of the other men from his pack. They all looked sick ... terrified. He jerked his head sideways reflexively, and when he saw the bed empty he demanded, “where’s Kita?” Kiser pointed to the wall, and Sasha followed the direction of his finger. Kita was dressed, leaning against the barrier while she watched the men in the room. She looked unusually nervous, even fearful in their presence. “Sasha, you need to come with us.” Kiser stated once the Alpha had returned his eyes back to him. “What’s going on?” Kiser inhaled slowly, “it’s about Gina …” He looked away and his voice quavered, “she’s dead.” “What, what do you mean?” Sasha sat up. He couldn’t believe what he had just heard, “how can she be dead?” Kiser swallowed uneasily, “she’s dead. Her throat was cut.” “Where was she? No one was supposed to be out alone at night. That was a rule. It was an order!” Sasha stammered. He still couldn’t accept what he was hearing as truth. Kiser indicated a man behind him, the same breed as the Alpha and himself. “Micah found her this morning when he went out for a run. She was near the meadow, lying on the river bank.” “That mother fucking hunter … I’ll fucking tear his throat out!” Sasha snarled with rage. “Sasha,” Kiser said softly, shifting his weight nervously, “she wasn’t touched by a dart or a bullet. She bled to death. The hunter had to get right up close to her. It’s almost as if she went to him.” Sasha took a deep breath, and then he jumped to his feet. He brushed past his subordinates as he headed for the doorway. Suddenly he swung around, staring right at Kita. “Stay put, Kita, don’t even think about leaving this house. If I come back and find you gone, so help me if I don’t track you down and make sure that you never see the light of day again.” She glared at him as he turned through the doorway, disappearing from sight. **** Sasha looked down at the woman’s body. She was still fully clothed but everything around her was bathed in blood. Her throat had three clean gashes sliced into it from where a small trickle of blood continued to escape. He stepped back away

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

30

from the body. He had never been close to the woman, but he knew her, she had been in the pack ever since he could remember. His heart sank. He was out here last night, patrolling the territory and making sure that his home and his family were safe. The only other two people in the forest at that time had been the hunter and Kita. Kita ... she was the only one who would have dared to disobey him … or so he thought. He felt sick suddenly, and his gut rolled with unease. If he hadn’t kept her from getting near the river this could have been her, lying dead on the river bank. Instead it was one of his own, someone he thought certain would never defy his rules. Anger and frustration made his cheeks burn and his teeth clench as he bawled his fists in his palm. It didn’t matter to the hunter if it was Gina or Kita. He was killing the very people that Sasha was supposed to protect. Gina, he hardly knew her, but still it was one more pack mate that he had failed to protect. With every death he was failing as a leader. Sasha looked away from the woman’s body, staring into nothingness as cold air fell from his lips in wispy clouds, “I couldn’t save her …” he whispered to himself. “It’s not your fault, Sasha.” Kiser rested a hand on the Alpha’s shoulder as he stepped beside him, “she disobeyed your rules. She knew better than that. You can’t go blaming yourself for this.” Sasha didn’t respond. He felt accountable. No amount of words would fix that. To lose one pack mate was a misfortune, two was carelessness, but to lose four … that was just plain failure. “Have her buried. Tonight we’ll honor her death with a hunt. Make sure that everyone knows.” Sasha said quietly as he turned away, walking slowly down the river’s edge. He glanced over his shoulder, watching as his subordinates collected the body in a tarp and disappeared through the trees. The hunter wasn’t far. He could still feel him. But before he engaged him, he wanted the rest of his pack mates securely behind the trees. The air around him was calm and quiet. There was a low fog on the ground, and the sky was overcast. When he could no longer hear the footsteps of his pack mates over the earth he finally took the liberty of attempting to contact the hunter. “Come on you coward,” he challenged the hunter stridently, “get over here and fight me instead of hiding like a scared bitch.” He thought he heard a low chuckle somewhere beyond the rush of the river. There wasn’t much that Sasha’s keen ears didn’t pick up. “You like to kill my pack mates, but you don’t have the balls to attack me?” He hissed as he strode across the damp earth, creeping slowly closer to the encroaching water, “get over here and fight me already you goddamn coward!” he snapped impatiently. “Sasha, the great leader and fighter, be patient. Your death will come soon enough,” the hunter replied brazenly. Sasha froze. The words had been whispered. He couldn’t get a bead on the hunter and he knew it. “What is it that you want from me? If you want to kill me just do it, and then leave my family alone.” The Alpha growled.

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

31

“Don’t be in such a rush to die, eye-commander. You still have something of mine, and I want it back. I can’t get it back from you if you’re dead,” the hunter said softly. Sasha could hear the snow crunching underfoot as the hunter moved away and he fought to keep him from leaving, “what is it that you want? I will gladly give it to you if you leave my family alone.” “No you won’t …” The barely heard sentence was followed by a fading chuckle. Sasha knew that the man was gone. He tried to bait him out several more times with questions and threats, but the enemy was silent, having retreated farther back into the forest across the river. **** Kita felt warm tears spilling from her eyes to wet her cheeks as guilt and blame sank into her stomach. She had to get out of here. If she had only left sooner the woman that had been killed would still be alive. She felt sick inside, knowing that she was the reason that Sasha was in agony. He couldn’t sleep, and he had no peace. He was constantly aware that there was a hunter out there just waiting for his next victim. He had now lost four pack members to the stranger, a stranger who Kita knew too well. But for all the pain she felt inside as she kept her secrets hidden, for all the remorse she felt for things that couldn’t be taken back, nothing stung as much as the expression in his eyes whenever he looked at her. There was disquiet in the shadows of his gaze, but more than that there was a sense of protection, protection that she didn’t deserve. If he only knew that she was the cause of this. He would never give her that look again. She sank down against the wall, cradling her head in her hands. Her emotions were spinning wildly in her head as anger, sorrow, and self-pity fought for control of her sanity. She was so lost in the internal battle taking place in her head that she hardly noticed when a shadow had slid into the room with her. Sasha saw Kita sitting on the floor against the wall, looking completely defeated as she tried to shrink into herself. He moved quietly to her, kneeling down as he took her hands in his, removing them from her pale face. She lifted her long dark eyelashes, revealing blue eyes that were glassy with tears. She swallowed and looked away from him, as if trying to hide the fact that she was crying. In that moment his heart ached for her. He wanted to touch her, to dry her eyes and hold her close, make her feel safe in his arms. Gently he wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her in tightly to him as he held her. Kita didn’t even resist when he embraced her. Instead she sank into him, enjoying the security of his hold all the while knowing that it was only temporary. She savored it, clutching her arms around his neck never wanting to let go. She nuzzled into his throat, inhaling his sweet masculine smell. His skin was warm and soft against her cheek. She had never trusted a man, especially an Alpha, but Sasha was different. He made her feel like she could trust him, like he would never betray her or use her for his own benefit. He made her feel safe, sheltered in the warmth of his arms in a way that she had never known. Sasha held her, squeezing her tightly against him and relishing the moment just as much as she was. The feel of her supple body against his, her warm body heat, her soft

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

32

breath as it brushed his throat. He took it all in with hungry greed. He felt her silky blonde tresses sweep over his fingertips, and he yearned to sink his hands into them. He sighed to himself, it was a small comfort when all he could think about was his failure as a protector, as a leader and defender, but at least he had saved someone last night. He felt a hot tear spill over onto his cheek and he whispered against her, “why are you crying, pretty baby?” She didn’t answer. He kissed her temple, “you’re safe here, Kita, I’ll never let anyone hurt you.” She sobbed against him, harder now. She didn’t deserve his compassion, and she certainly didn’t deserve his protection. He kissed her temple again, a sweet, lingering kiss that made her more repentant than ever. “We’re going to have a tribute hunt tonight for the woman who was killed. Come with us.” It came out as more of a request than a demand, but she nodded against him in acceptance. Kita rested against his shoulder. Sasha would be leading the hunt tonight, and he would be too busy to keep an eye on her. It was the perfect opportunity to get away from here. She rubbed her cheek against his shoulder. She would never have this feeling again, she would never know this moment. As soon as she was gone her life was forfeit. The arms of the hunter would be cold and empty, not warm and secure like Sasha’s. The realization made her want to be reckless, reckless with her heart, reckless with her love, reckless with Sasha. She kissed his throat, feeling his steady pulse under her lips. Sasha pulled away from her, staring into her deep blue eyes that were still gleaming with wetness. He saw hurt and vulnerability swimming in them, and it brought out his protective nature in a way that he had never felt before. His every instinct wanted to find the cause of her distress and tear it apart. He wanted to make her secure, hold her against him until there was nothing left for her to fear. He stood up, pulling her with him. He cradled her in his arms, still lost in her beauty as he pressed her against the wall. She looked up at him, completely trusting of him as her eyes found his. He leaned down, gently pressing his lips to hers. She tasted sweet like honey, and he couldn’t help himself when his kiss went deeper. Her thick soft lips parted invitingly, and he slid his tongue into her mouth. She was warm and moist, smooth as hot silk against his tongue. Kita felt a feverish heat sweep through her body, sending shivers of excitement through her entire being until she was visibly trembling against him. Her stomach tightened into a knot as uncertainty and hesitation made her shiver inside, but the more he possessed her mouth the more she relaxed, gradually sinking into him as she returned the kiss. She wrapped her arms around his neck, clinging to him for dear life. She had never been kissed like this. A part of her felt the sting of regret. The hunter would never kiss her like this--no one would. Sasha’s mouth was so commanding and yet so tender at the same time, and her thoughts were immediately brought back to the big man against her. She could feel his hard body pressing against hers in an effort to dominate her, and every fiber of her being reacted to his touch and his demand. Her nipples strained against the thin fabric of her shirt, and hot wetness caressed the insides of her thighs with her growing

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

33

excitement. She moaned softly against his mouth as his tongue wrestled against hers, and the kiss quickly ignited into an uncontrolled passion. She sighed against him, fiercely matching his tongue strokes with her own until she was panting for breath. Sasha lifted Kita effortlessly away from the wall, easing her down onto the bed. He was out of breath and his eyes were dark and gleaming with his hunger for her. He kissed her small jaw, trailing his deep, feverish kisses down to her collarbone. She rocked her head back as a soft cry of ecstasy escaped her lips, and her hips arched eagerly. Sasha was impossibly aroused already, and the small cry that left her lips only made his desire that much more rampant. His hands slipped under her shirt, slowly climbing upward over her ribcage, until he felt the swell of her breasts in the palms of his hands. He cupped her soft flesh, squeezing gently as the tips of his thumbs brushed over her painfully tight nipples. She moaned under his touch and he slipped her shirt over her head, exposing her breasts to his hungry eyes. His lips again found her throat as he tasted her, devouring her with his kisses. He could feel the soft warm rhythm of her pulse under his tongue, and he nipped gently at her skin. She jerked excitedly beneath him, her hips rising to sweep across his erection that was pushing tightly against his jeans. He groaned, trying to keep his arousal from overruling his sensitivity to her. His mouth moved down over her collar as his lips eagerly found the rise of her breast. He licked and sucked on her taught pink buds, gently pulling with his teeth as he moved from one to the other until they were red and swollen from his attention. “Sasha, please …” Kita moaned beneath him. She wanted to tell him to stop, to tell him the truth, but the words never left her lips. Before she could finish saying what she wanted to say his lips fell on hers in a crushing embrace. In that instant of being tied to him she forgot about the world around her, forgot about her past, she forgot about everything but Sasha. He drew away from her and pulled his shirt from his body, still hovering over her like a dominant male preparing to stake his claim. She gasped softly. He was unbelievable, more man than any she had ever seen. It was like staring at a Greek god, his bronze muscles were perfectly carved and gleaming with perspiration. The only marring of his exquisite body were the haphazard scars that decorated it, like proud symbols of his fighting prowess. She impulsively reached up and placed her hand on his chest, trailing the long scar that started at his collarbone before running all the way down to his stomach with a light finger. Sasha grabbed her hand affectionately, tenderly bestowing a kiss on her palm before he braced her hand behind her head on the bed. Using his free hand he helped her to wiggle out of her bottoms. He groaned, his erection was painfully full, and seeing her fully nude before him made him want to abandon his carefulness. Kita writhed excitedly underneath him when he resumed kissing her breasts and her nipples, trailing his tongue downward over her abdomen as his hands went to her breasts where his mouth had left off. He caressed and squeezed her flesh in his palms, all the while descending with his mouth and his sinful kisses. The metal under his lower lip was cool against the heat of her skin, and she squirmed between moans of delight. She was aching for him, burning with her desire. His mouth reached her feminine mound, and when his tongue darted out to taste her she nearly fell apart. She felt the searing heat of his tongue inside of her, licking, teasing,

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

34

and tasting as if he just couldn’t get enough of her. It was driving her wild, and her head was spinning. The walls seemed to close in around her as excitement built between her legs, and her breath came in quick, short gasps. Her hands frantically gripped the blankets around her, desperate for something to cling to before she lost control. She was on the brink of release when he suddenly stopped, pulling up to her. Panic flashed in her heart for a moment. She was afraid that he would stop, leave her soaked in desire and wanting for more. He looked down at her adoringly, melting away her panic. He smiled before kissing her lips softly. She could taste herself on his lips and his tongue. She raised her hips impatiently against him, grazing his rigid shaft in the process. Sasha squeezed his eyes shut. She had to stop doing that or he wouldn’t last. As it was he felt like he was going to explode in his pants. He sat up and Kita impetuously reached down, unbuttoning his jeans and helping him pull his bottoms down to reveal his unabashed arousal. The thick tip of his shaft was wet with sticky drops of his essence. He saw the apprehension in Kita’s eyes when she looked at his erection. He leaned down over her, the tip of his manhood pressed against her feminine opening. “I won’t hurt you, Kita,” He lifted her jaw with his hand, “if you tell me to stop, pretty baby, I’ll stop.” She nodded breathily and he kissed her, slowly, sweetly. He didn’t know how he would stop if she asked him to. He was already beyond control, but for her, he would find a way. He pressed further into her. His eyes shot down to her, sudden confusion and hesitation flashing within them. “Sweetheart, have you ever …?” She bit her lip, and a tear slid over her cheek. She slowly shook her head no, and again the protective nature in him surged forward. He didn’t want her to hurt. He wanted to protect her, to give her everything that he had to give. He wanted to make this perfect for her, make it something she would never forget. He brushed the tear away with his thumb, leaning down to kiss her again. “I’ll be very gentle, pretty baby,” Again his lips brushed hers. Sasha leaned down to her neck, inhaling her delicate scent and kissing her throat as he began to sink into her. He felt her barrier against the head of his shaft, and he sank further into her, pushing until he had broken through her virginity. She gasped sharply and clung to him desperately. She was tense, and it made her already tight inside even tighter. He clenched his teeth, not knowing if he had the self-control to stand this. Kita pressed her body firmly against Sasha’s. He made her feel secure. She was still unbelievably aroused, but now there was a sharp pain that intermingled with her excitement. She clutched at the Alpha, feeling his warm breath on her skin, his body heat colliding with hers, and his lips as they left feathery brushes over her throat. The pain was subsiding. She inhaled, realizing that Sasha was now fully inside of her. He hadn’t moved. She looked sideways at him, wanting to see the reassurance in his eyes. Sasha kissed her full lips, soothing her as he began to pull in and out of her. Slowly at first, he slid into her velvety depths only to draw back out again, all the while questioning his ability to sustain himself. She was deliciously tight, wrapping around him as if she were made just for him. He felt the pull on his loins with every caress,

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

35

and her soft cries of pleasure and pain forced him to fight for every ounce of resolve that he had left. Kita rocked her hips against him, feeling the incredible sensation of stroking within her. Her womb tightened and clenched as excitement climbed inside of her. Sasha was still gentle, but his movement was more desperate, more urgent, and it spurred her own urgency. She ground her hips against him, rolling her head back as he took her. Her muscles tightened, and every part of her trembled as a spasm of complete release shook her internally. She gripped his shoulders, gasping as an unfamiliar wave of sheer bliss and pleasure washed over her, drowning away the lingering pain. Sasha moaned, the instant that he felt her heat wash over his shaft he lost control. He thrust deeply into her, releasing his need into her like an endlessly spurting fountain. He filled her with his pulsing liquid heat until he had given her everything that he had to give. They both lay panting in each others arms, gasping for air. Sasha stayed inside of her, relishing the moment of being tied to her, and not yet ready for it to end. He had never felt a stronger orgasm. Even now he felt that if he were to move the friction against his spent shaft would be too much. After several long minutes of catching his breath he finally rolled over onto his side, taking Kita with him, still not wanting to be free from her. He looked into her blue eyes, so deep and trusting at this moment. He brushed her cheek with his hand. He had never loved a woman before. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to. He had simply never found a woman that could keep him satisfied. He couldn’t even imagine what that would feel like, to have a woman that he wouldn’t just be willing to live for, but be willing to die for--because he loved her, not just because it was his responsibility. It never really bothered him that he didn’t have a mate, as the leader of the pack he could have any woman he wanted. But it bothered him now. He wondered if Kita was a woman that he could fall in love with, a woman that he would die to keep.

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

36

CHAPTER 7 Kita stood outside in the cold, watching as the many members of Sasha’s pack mulled around her. They paced and trembled against the chill of winter, all waiting for their beloved leader to command them. She noticed that several of the men had already removed their shirts, and their icy breath clouded the air in front of them as it left their lips. A few of the women were sobbing, grieving for their fallen comrade, while others stood back as they watched the surroundings sympathetically. Kita inhaled, slowly, heavily. She liked the way that this place felt. Even in the cold of winter there was warmth here, and the way that everyone regarded one another it was like family. She continued to observe the interplay between the members. There seemed to be four groups, groups … that word, she liked it. There were no individuals here, everyone had a shoulder to lean on, and no one was left alone. She casually observed the first group of men. They were the ones that already had their shirts off. They were admired by the others, respected and appreciated. They must have been the hunters, the fighters, and the protectors, she thought. She smiled to herself. Of the six, four of them were eye-commanders--Sasha’s Betas--his loyal secondary in command. Her eyes shifted to the next group, a cluster of younger men and boys. They were unobtrusively watching the Beta’s, imitating their movements while admiring them at a distance. Every now and then a Beta would glance over, and the young boys would beam with pride that they had been noticed. The third and fourth groups were women. The more mature women were in one, as the younger, more inexperienced were in the other. The older women held themselves with quiet confidence despite the sorrow written on their faces. They looked only for the Beta’s, ignoring the subordinate members. The other group of women seemed more insecure, they would huddle into each other, coyly glancing up at the groups of men. If they happened to get a glance from either group they would smile shyly and even giggle quietly. Two of the girls were crying, blatantly displaying their grieving for their fallen pack mate. It was unapproved of, and another member of the group elbowed them each sharply, reminding them to show more dignity. Kita looked away. There were a lot of people here that she would have liked. She swiped a tear away from her cheek. These people were out here because of her. They were hurting because of her. As much as she wanted to stay she had to leave, there was no other choice. If she stayed the hunter would keep killing. He would wait for her. He had paid too much for her to let her go that easily and Sasha and his pack was merely an obstacle between himself and what he thought was his. A hand slid around her waist, gliding over her tenderly. She looked right into Sasha’s eyes. Her eyes were beginning to glisten, and it made him hesitate. She swiped at the wetness with the back of her palm, forcing a smile to hide the pain. He frowned in confusion and she jerked her eyes away from him to escape his caring gaze.

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

37

She didn’t deserve his concern, and she definitely didn’t deserve him. The rest of the members of the pack had turned their attention towards them. She could feel their curious eyes on her as Sasha leaned over and whispered into her ear. His breath tickled her skin, “what’s wrong?” She forced herself to harden, and threw her gaze up at him, “nothing, it’s just so cold out here … I hate the cold.” “I’ll warm you up later.” He promised with a wink, “I’d warm you up right now, but I don’t think you’d let me.” She managed a halfhearted smile, “you’d ruin my reputation, Alpha.” He squeezed her side affectionately and drew away. Even as he passed through the crown of people she could feel that many of the eyes had stayed on her. Her stare though, was solely on Sasha. She would miss him. He removed his shirt, displaying his exquisite chest, the same chest that had pressed to hers only hours ago. She felt heat rush down through her stomach, blending with the sickening feeling of remorse that she would never feel that again. She inhaled. She had to be stronger than this. As of now, Sasha was a memory … this whole place was a memory. She removed her clothing, and in an instant the whole group of people had become a pack of wolves. They rushed forward, following their Alpha as he raced through the trees. The hunt had begun. Kita stayed back, on the heels of the slowest member bringing up the tail of the group. When they looped through the forest she slowed to a near walk, listening as the sounds of panting and running feet over the snow vanished through the evening air. She was alone. She spun around, ignoring the sudden tenderness in her left arm as she raced back to the house. She was out of her pelt and still running when she hit the steps of the house. She had to hurry. Once she was dressed she rushed back through the trees, trying to pretend that the cold under her feet was yielding sand instead of biting snow. She was out of breath by the time she reached the meadow. She stopped, leaning against a tree for support as she took in her surroundings. The hunter was nearby. All she had to do was go to him. It was easier thought than done. She waited, listening to make sure that she was still alone. Finally, when there was nothing left for her to do but walk, she stepped out into the white field. She reached the river, and a voice echoed in her ears. “There’s my little Nicky kitten.” The hunter said happily. “Don’t call me that, ever.” She growled, “my name isn’t Nicky, and I’m no goddamn kitten.” “Of course not,” He apologized, “you’re a bitch, and a big one at that. Do you know how many people I’ve had to kill now because of you?” “You didn’t have to kill anyone because of me, Ramsey!” She snapped as she proceeded to walk barefoot across the icy river. The water was cold, numbing her to the bone. Her breath tightened in her throat as the frigid water lapped up around her waist, driving against her meager clothing with tiny ice fragments that made her feel naked. She finally reached the other side, shivering violently as she clutched herself. Her pants were wet, her feet were wet, and now she was standing in a foot of snow.

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

38

“Oh, my poor little kitten is so cold.” She looked up, rage firing in her eyes. The hunter appeared out of the shadows, sneering proudly. He neared her, and suddenly his dark skin seemed to wash out. His deep brown eyes turned to hard coals, and he clenched his fists so tightly that his knuckles turned red. He lashed out at her, grabbing her painfully behind the head, clutching her hair in his fist. He spoke, spitting angrily into her face. “Why in the hell do you smell like Sasha?” She glared at him, refusing to respond. It infuriated him further, and in an instant she was drug towards the water. He heaved her with a powerful thrust into the river. Kita screamed, disappearing beneath the choppy ripples of water for a heart stopping moment. She resurfaced, shocked by the freezing water as she took in a lung full of empty arctic air. Her lungs burned. “Did you fuck him, Nicky?” He started to climb into the water with her, so enraged that the cold never even fazed him, “you had no right to do that! You are mine, which means that your body belongs to me, not some fucking dog!” Kita gasped in shock. She was so cold, and every part of her was shaking and wet. She frantically climbed out of the river, back into the meadow. It was the only safe ground at this moment. “Your father should have paid me to take you, not the other way around.” He continued to charge through the river, “is this how you repay me? I offer you the chance to share in something great, and you give yourself away to some sadistic eyecommander?” Kita pulled away, scrambling backwards in the slippery snow. “He’s already a rare breed, and I’m about to put him into extinction. And when I’m through with him, I’m going to make sure that you live to regret this. I’m gonna fucking--” He never finished his sentence. Suddenly his eyes went wide, a slim smirk parted his sinister lips, and he retreated across the river. He slipped into the shadows again. Kita felt a hand on her shoulder. She shivered violently and looked up as she clutched herself, trying to seal in what was left of her evaporating warmth. Sasha was beside her. He had a pair of denim jeans on, and nothing more. He looked like he had run back to the house, threw the pants on and come looking for her. “Are you okay? What the hell is going on, Kita?” His voice was strained with panic, “I heard you scream.” She shook, unable to speak. Suddenly a soft click made her jerk backwards. She jumped to her feet, grabbing Sasha by the arm as she ran to the trees. A blast echoed around the forest, and Sasha winced as something grazed his shoulder. A trail of blood rose on the top of his skin in a clean line. The hunter had just missed him, any lower and the silver in the bullet would be in his bloodstream. Kita leaned against the thick trunk of a nearby tree. She was wet and terrified. Her whole body was shaking and her head was throbbing. Any moment now she would be caught between two men that would want her dead. She looked at Sasha. He had his back against a large conifer, and his eyes were searching hers, frantically seeking an explanation.

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

39

“Give me Nicky and I’ll go, Sasha,” the man called from across the river. Sasha was confused, and he looked at Kita, “who is Nicky?” he demanded to know. Kita bit her lip, but didn’t answer. “Come on, kitten. Tell him the truth.” Ramsey encouraged. She scowled, and turned away from the tree in a rush of anger, “My name is not Nicky, and stop calling me kitten you stupid asshole!” He laughed, “Fine, Kita, but I’m telling you, Nicky is a much prettier name.” “How does he know your name, sweetheart?” Sasha’s eyes were narrowed in sudden distrust, and he looked torn between rage and tears. She opened her mouth to reply, but before she could say a word the hunter responded for her. “She’s my fiancée, genius, and don’t ever call her sweetheart again, or I’ll fucking tear your tongue out. As it is I’m going to rip your goddamn dick off,” he hissed from the shadows. “Fiancée ... fiancée?” Sasha repeated as his jaw dropped in shock. He put his hand over his head, “You have got to be fucking kidding me, Kita.” He dropped his hand, “Is that your real name, Kita?” She nodded, but again it was the hunter who responded, “Nikita Yurikov. Have you ever heard of the Yurikov family, Sasha?” Sasha groaned in distress. Yes, he had heard of the Yurikov family. Everyone had. “Are you familiar with Sergey Yurikov, Sasha?” the hunter pressed. Sasha felt sick. He braced himself against the tree just to keep his knees from buckling. “Sergey Yurikov is our little Kita’s daddy … and daddy is not happy, Sasha. I told him that you had his daughter, and you can imagine how pissed that made him.” Sasha looked at Kita, he felt like his world was crashing down around him. Sergey Yurikov was the most powerful werewolf in the country. He was always in human form, never revealing his alternate existence. He was political, constantly brushing shoulders with other big shots, swimming in wealth and power. He was a man of force, he knew how to get what he wanted, and he never lost a battle. Sasha stared at Kita. He didn’t know what to say at this moment. His world had been pulled out from under his feet and he was left hanging. He watched as Kita shifted. There was pain in her eyes. “I’m so sorry, Sasha. I never meant to hurt you …” Kita whispered, dropping her eyes away from him. She shuddered. She was still cold and wet. Her body was becoming numb and her lips were turning blue. Stiffly she started to pull away from the trunk of the tree. She had to get away from Sasha’s incriminating gaze. Ramsey would punish her, he would try to hurt her, but nothing would compare to the hurt of seeing Sasha exposed and wounded. She had taken one step before her back was crushed violently against the tree, and the wind was knocked out of her. She felt like she had just been pounced on. She gasped. Sasha had just pinned her back against the trunk of the tree, and he wasn’t letting her move. Anger and fury were dancing dangerously in the gold of his eyes.

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

40

Sasha was livid, and he threw his voice to the hunter, “if Kita is the one that you wanted then why were you killing my pack mates?” Ramsey sighed, “You know, Sasha, I hated to do that. But the thing is, I wanted information from them, and they proved useless. I have a theory about things that are useless to me … I get rid of them.” Sasha glared at Kita, “Keep that in mind when you marry him.” Kita looked down. She was hurting enough already, Sasha didn’t have to rub salt in the wound like that. “Actually, Sasha, you know it’s funny, this last female of yours, I really hated to kill.” Ramsey informed from his hiding spot across the river, “She really liked you. Gina, she said her name was. She was drunk, though. Did Gina have a drinking problem, Sasha?” The Alpha heard him, but he didn’t respond. He just leaned against Kita, keeping her pinned beneath him as he stared coldly into her eyes. He wanted to see her reaction to her fiancé’s words. He wanted to see the pain that he felt mirrored in her eyes. Ramsey shifted, “Anyway, when I see a woman sitting beside the river bank, drunk, cursing at the water, I get a little curious. All I had to do was approach her and ask if she had seen my little sister, Nikita. Wouldn’t you know she fell right into my hand? Apparently you werewolves lose all sense of rationality when you’re drunk. ... So, long story short, she starts telling me about this horrible little blonde bitch that Sasha found, and how Sasha is completely infatuated with her. He doesn’t even notice when poor Gina is even around anymore.” He sighed uninterestedly, “Anyway, I got tired of hearing her gripe about how Sasha ignores her, and he can’t love anyone, blah, blah, blah … I slit her throat just to shut the bitch up.” There was silence. Sasha still hadn’t eased his hold on Kita, and if anything else it had become tighter. He glared at her, not knowing what to do with her. He couldn’t kill her, but he couldn’t just let her go, either. He had lost too much to just let her leave like that. She had to be punished. Ramsey, meanwhile, was becoming impatient, “Sasha, just give me the bitch and I leave. You can go back to chasing tail, hunting deer, howling at the moon, whatever it is that you do.” Sasha eased his hold slightly, but his eyes never left hers, even when he called out to the hunter, “Fine, you want her, come and get her …” he felt Kita’s breath catch beneath him. “Now Sasha, you know I can’t do that. You’re a werewolf, you never travel alone. That means for all I know you could have your whole pack there with you in the trees.” “It’s just me and Kita.” Sasha tilted his chin, staring deep into her eyes and daring her to move, “be a man, get over here and take the woman you love from me.” The hunter scoffed, “the woman I love? That’s a bit of a stretch. She’s a deal sealer in an agreement between me and her father, and that’s all.” Ramsey chuckled absently, “I’ll tell you what, Sasha, if you think she’s worth fighting for then come on over here and we’ll fight for her. If I win, she leaves with me, if you win, she’s all yours, and you can deal with her and her hot temper.” Sasha grazed Kita’s throat with his thumb. As infuriated as he was with her, he

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

41

still thought she was worth fighting for. It didn’t make sense. A part of him wanted to shake her madly and cause her the same pain that she was causing him, while the other just wanted to claim her for his own and protect her. Her lips were gray, and her face was ashen. She was shaking unconsciously. Whatever he was going to do, he had to do it soon before she collapsed. Sasha released his hold on Kita and stepped back, “deal.” Kita gasped sharply and her hand lashed out to grab his arm, retaining him desperately. He whirled around to face her, inadvertently seeing the panic and fear in her eyes. To see the horrified expression on her lovely features was enough to make him soften. “Sasha, please don’t …” Kita was begging of him through shaky breaths, practically on her knees, “you don’t understand, he’s not what you think he is.” Fury clutched at Sasha’s stomach and he reached down, prying Kita’s hand off of his arm, “The man just referred to you as a ‘deal sealer,’ and you don’t want me to hurt him?” “It’s not him that I’m worried about! He’ll kill you, Sasha!” She cried. “You think I won’t win?” Sasha was hurt by her insinuation, and it showed in his face. He was born and bred to fight, and even the toughest human was an unworthy opponent. “I know you won’t,” she pleaded, “not until you know what you’re dealing with and what he’s capable of.” He glared at her and she trembled inside, feeling the hatred that he held in check so close to her, “he’s a were-cat.” Sasha felt sick. It was as if a bomb had gone off in his gut and his heart had plummeted to his feet. He couldn’t breathe, he couldn’t move, and he couldn’t think. All at once missing pieces of the puzzle fell into place, and realization struck him like a hard blow to the stomach. He knew why his murdered pack mates had been cut apart so cleanly. It was claws, not a knife that had slit their skin. He knew now why the hunter always seemed so aware of him. He was inhuman, just like Sasha. He felt a shiver of dread trickle down his spine. This was a whole new adversary to him. He grabbed Kita by the elbow. “What’s your fiancé’s name?” Kita winced under his bruising grip, and her teeth chattered when she spoke, “His name is Ramsey, but he’s not my fucking fiancé.” “Ramsey!” He yelled across the river, all the while maintaining his grip on Kita, “When you’re ready to come over here and get her from me you know where to find me. Until then, she’s mine.” “Fine, keep her, Sasha. Just remember it’s only a matter of time before I kill you and every single one of your pack mates.” He chuckled distantly, “Oh, and Kita, you might want to start putting up more of a fight over there, kitten. Do you remember when you were younger, and you heard a story about an eye-commander named Sasha Lucian who killed his own brother?” he paused, giving Kita time to digest his words, “Well, kitten, look at the man who’s holding onto you. Now let me introduce you to Sasha Lucien …”

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

42

CHAPTER 8 Kita gasped as Sasha drug her into the house. She was fighting his grip, trying to get him to release her but to no avail. He was hell-bent on keeping her and no amount of rationalizing with him would change that. She felt herself being pulled along the hallway by her arm, and she screeched when he roughly yanked her into a foreign room. He released her and she backed into the wall, trying to catch her breath in the darkness that surrounded her. Her hands molded to the planks against her palms and she looked around anxiously, catching shadows and outlines in the darkness. She had never been in this room before, she was sure of it. A flame flickered in the far wall and a slow trickle of fire and smoke crawled upwards. Her gaze darted around. The light from the fire began to illuminate her surroundings. The room wasn’t all that big and the firelight easily collided off of all four walls. Her eyes did a double take, shooting back to the corner of the room. There was a large oak bed pressed against the wall in the corner. It was covered by heavy blankets and lavish furs. Her gaze dropped downward. Animal hide rugs were stretched over the floor, and she mechanically wiggled her toes, feeling coarse hair beneath her feet. Her gaze drew back up. She saw deer and elk antlers mounted on the walls, offset by a larger, heavier rack from a moose. She continued to search the room, seeing unlit candles against the wall, a large oak dresser that matched the bed, and a bathroom off to the side. The door was open to the bathroom and she could see the shower, as well as a large gleaming white porcelain tub to the side. She scowled. Sasha had the amenities of modern living, but he still preferred a blazing fireplace to a furnace, candlelight to electric lighting, and timber to mortar and concrete. “Take off your clothes and get in the bed.” The voice seemed to echo off of the walls and she snapped her head sideways, seeking the source of the sound. She saw Sasha leaning against the wall across from her, his arms crossed his chest as he watched her expectantly. She couldn’t think. She had completely forgotten that he was here still. It was like her mind was numb. She didn’t know that shock from the cold was finally beginning to settle in. She swayed when Sasha stepped towards her. He impatiently grabbed her and swung her around to stand beside the bed. He reached down to grab her shirt, and the feel of his warm hands on her cold skin caused her mind to suddenly snap back to consciousness. She slapped his hands away from her, “don’t you dare, Sasha! I have to leave and you know it!” His jaw jerked violently and he grabbed her arms, “You aren’t going anywhere right now, Kita. You’re on the verge of hypothermic shock. Now take off your wet clothes and get under the blankets.” Her mind went numb again and she shivered, staring up at him helplessly.

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

43

“Damn it, Kita, why do you have to make this so damn hard on me?” his voice had softened now. Sasha sucked in a breath of air. She was making everything hard on him, she made it hard for him to hate her, hard to keep his hands off of her, and she was just plain making him hard. He grabbed the bottom of her soaked t-shirt, peeling it effortlessly from her body. A groan of pure exasperation left his lips. Her breasts were so rigid, the nipples on them so firm from the cold. He wanted to put his mouth on them, warm them with his tongue and his lips. He stepped away, as if that would keep the temptation of her body at bay. He looked into her eyes. They were fading, and she was looking back at him dully. He thought she even looked like she was swaying. He growled to himself, stepping towards her again as he grabbed the lip of her jeans. He pulled them down her hips easily enough, but when she went to step out of them she collapsed. His breath caught, and he reached out to catch her just before she fell backwards. She feebly tried to clutch at him but her hands were numb and useless. He lifted her smoothly onto the bed, climbing over her as he positioned her. He did his best to ignore her naked body beneath him, but the feral being inside of him refused to. Her breast brushed his chest, and to feel them icy cold against him made him want to envelop her with his own body heat. He felt her stomach. It was the same frigid cold and clammy feeling. He looked away, deliberating to himself. He should just let her freeze, it was what she deserved. If she hadn’t gone to that bastard Ramsey in the first place she wouldn’t have gotten like this. He looked back at her. Her blue eyes were dim and watching him ruefully. His heart jerked. He couldn’t stand to see her like this. He wanted to see that same woman that he had saved back, the one that was fearless, that challenged him when no one else would … the one that turned him on like none other had. He took his jeans off. Blankets would only keep body heat in, body heat that she didn’t have. The only way to get her body heat back up was to give her some of his. “I hate you for this,” he told her as he slipped into the blankets with her, “you owe me, big time.” His arms reached around her frigid body, and he pulled her in tightly to him to make her warm. Her curves fit him so well that it was easy to conform to her and give her his body heat. She trembled in his arms. “Sasha?” She strained a whisper, “what about the hunt?” “Kiser knows what to do, he’s in charge now.” “Oh …” she murmured, “Sasha?” “What?” “Thank you,” she snuggled into his arms. “Get some rest, Kita.” “Sasha?” He growled impatiently, “what, Kita?” “You’re a good man …” He tensed, “No I’m not, I killed my own brother, remember?” She shivered against him, “Sasha?” “Kita, I swear, if you don’t go to sleep I’m going to leave you here to freeze,

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

44

alone.” He exhaled, “What do you want?” “You’re a good man …” He sighed and rested his cheek into her hair. There was no use in fighting with her, even sick she would find a way to be stubborn. Her hair smelled pleasant, like fragranced shampoo, a blend of rose hips and jasmine … **** Sasha opened his eyes. He had never meant to fall asleep. There was something about lying cuddled next to her though that felt so comfortable, so right. He clutched his arms. The bed was empty beside him. Confusion swirled in his mind, just seconds before panic and fury took hold. He flung the blankets from his body, stumbling as he pulled his jeans up over his hips. Still buttoning the pants he left the room in a rush, marching purposefully down the hallway. He heard her voice in another room, she was yelling at someone to let go of her. Sasha turned through a doorway, stopping abruptly when he saw Kiser and Micah. Each had a hold of one of Kita’s arms, and they were struggling to hang onto her. She wasn’t making it easy for them. She kicked and swung with her fists whenever she slipped from their grasp, all the while threatening them with bodily harm as she cursed and swore at them for refusing to release her. A surge of possessiveness raced through his blood. The sight of her being held by any man other than him made his blood boil. He stepped towards them, grabbing Kita away from them as he brought her possessively to his side. He glared at his pack mates, “What the hell is going on?” He barked. Kiser rubbed his sore jaw where Kita had knuckled him, “She said she was leaving. I told her that she had to wait until you had agreed to it.” Micah was rubbing his arm, and when he pulled his hand away Sasha could see that teeth marks lined his bicep. “The bitch is fucking crazy. She bit me, Sasha!” Micah announced loudly. “Hey,” Sasha snapped, “don’t ever call her that again!” “What, bitch or fucking crazy?” Micah was stunned. “Neither!” the Alpha snarled tetchily. “She bit me!” Micah protested stubbornly. Sasha rolled his eyes. He looked down at Kita, who even now looked ready to spring on either man if it weren’t for his hold on her, “Why did you bite him, Kita?” Her eyes narrowed at Micah, “he wouldn’t let me go.” Micah flinched and grabbed his arm reflexively. He threw her a disparaging glance, “you should have listened to us when we told you to wait for Sasha! Crazy woman, tasting me like I’m a goddamn venison flank …” he griped. Sasha sighed, pulling Kita with him as he left the room, “why do you have to be so difficult, Kita?” She tried to refuse his hold, tugging and jerking to no avail, “you’re the one being difficult. Why won’t you just let me leave? You’re being irrational and domineering.” He brought her effortlessly back to his room, impervious to her struggling, and he turned on her when he had shut the door behind them, “for one thing, you can’t just leave. In case you forgot, you betrayed me and you lied to me, and in my pack that begets you punishment. Secondly, you’re the one being irrational. You’re engaged to a

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

45

killer, and you want to go throw yourself right into his arms. And lastly, sweetheart, you haven’t seen anything yet. I plan to dominate you into a submission that will make you beg to run into your precious killer’s arms.” She took a deep, conflict preparing breath, and then she let her words fly, “how dare you! You can’t punish me! In case you forgot, I am not a member of your pack, Sasha. And stop telling me that I’m engaged to a killer! I will not marry that man. Why in the hell do you think that I was running from him?” Her breath was coming rapidly now, she hadn’t meant to tell him that. She inhaled again, stepping closer to him, looking up into his eyes with deliberate challenge, “And by the way, nothing, absolutely nothing that you do to me will make me submit to you or make me want to run to Ramsey’s arms.” Sasha stared down at her, matching her eyes for all he was worth. He stepped closer to her, nearly on top of her, expecting her to back down. She didn’t. Instead she held her own, daring him to trespass on this little piece of the floor that she called her own. He couldn’t help himself. He admired her fight, her refusal to be intimidated, and it turned him on like nothing else. His loins tightened with need, and impulsively he leaned down, wrapping his arms as tightly as he could around her as he pressed his body and lips to hers. She pushed against him, unsuccessfully resisting him. Her hands were pinned against her sides, leaving her defenseless. The vulnerability made her tense with resentment. Sasha slid his tongue along her lips, gliding over the gentle curve of her silky sweet mouth. Her lips tasted sweet, smooth like honey, parting ever so slightly when he caressed them. The tip of his tongue darted between the narrow part of her lips into the welcome heat of her mouth, and she clamped down mulishly with her teeth. He smiled against her. She was determined to take control, and now she had it. She had him firmly against her, his tongue was trapped beneath her teeth and she wasn’t letting go. He pressed his mouth harder against her, and she responded by biting harder. The only way out of this was to appease her, before she bit his tongue clean off. He slowly released her left arm, knowing that it was her weaker one, and whatever punching she chose to do with it would be less effective than the other. She still didn’t release him, and his free hand slid up her side, climbing beneath her t-shirt. He felt the swell of her breasts against his thick finger tips, and he pushed further until he was cupping her full rounded curve in his palm. He squeezed gently, massaging her flesh as he brushed his thumb across the tip of her rigid pink nipple. She whimpered against his tongue, but still refused to free her hold. He alternated sides, caressing and toying with each breast until they were feverish and eager for his touch. She arched her back slightly, thrusting her chest into his willing hands. He felt her breath hot and panting against his tongue. She was near breaking. He released his grip on her, gliding downward with his other hand as he cupped her backside in his palm, still manipulating her breasts with the other. She had a perfect little rear that was small and rounded to fit his hands as if that were what they were made for, and he distinctly remembered it brushing against him the night that she had been caught outside running the woods. Kita gasped, and she rubbed herself against Sasha. She was excited, trying so

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

46

hard to ignore what he was doing to her, and yet so unable to do so. She flung her arms around his neck, releasing her hold on his tongue. Immediately he dove deeper into her mouth, filling her with his consuming passion. She tangled her tongue into his, fiercely matching his kiss as she pressed her mouth against his. Her hands smoothed down over his shoulders, her palm grazing the wound on his shoulder. He had nearly been killed by Ramsey, all because he wanted to protect her. He had heard her scream and he didn’t hesitate to come find her. He could have been killed for caring about her. Even if he had known the risks, he still would have done it, because that was the kind of man he was. He was an Alpha male, the truest she had ever met. He would defend his pack and his territory with his very life if necessary. Heat and desire coursed through her, and she was aching to have him. She would do anything for him in this moment, all he had to do was ask. Sasha maneuvered Kita towards the bed. She was so deep in his kiss that she hardly even noticed him moving her. He knew what he was going to do with her. He was going to make her compensate for her deceit starting now. Her knees reached the edge of the bed, and when he nudged her backwards they buckled. Her lips parted from his and she dropped softly onto the bed, looking up at him with surprise. “Kiss me,” he commanded as he grabbed a fistful of her layered blonde hair close to her scalp, drawing her closer to him. She was puzzled, staring into his intense golden eyes with confusion. She saw his gaze shift suggestively. Her eyes dropped and she looked at the scars that were scored into his rippled stomach. She knew now what he wanted from her. She leaned forward, tentatively kissing a part of a long jagged scar across his abdomen. The salty flavor of sweat lingered on her tongue, and she looked upward at Sasha to see his expression. He was watching her approvingly with a hungry glimmer in his eyes. She smiled with satisfaction, kissing across his stomach with deeper, greedier kisses as she explored his body. Every lick, every nuzzle was done as if she meant to remember it for the rest of her life. She savored his body, loved the feel of his ridges, the rise and fall of his skin beneath her tongue. His grip tightened in her hair. “Lower, pretty baby, kiss me lower.” He rasped. She brought her hands up, resting her fingers on the button of his jeans. She could feel his erection pressing through the denim against the palm of her hand, and she squeezed gently, molding her hand to the length of his shaft. He moaned and rocked his head back, clenching his teeth as he struggled to remain in control of his excitement. She kissed his abdomen again, winding her tongue in tight circles as she started to unfasten his pants. Her hands were trembling slightly as butterflies danced in her stomach. She was nervous. She had never done this before. Sasha reached down, unzipping his pants and liberating his rampant manhood before Kita. He saw the hesitation in her eyes. He stroked her cheek reassuringly with his free hand, she was soft and smooth in his palm. “Kiss me, sweetheart,” he whispered. She swallowed, looking up at the dried blood on his shoulder. After what he had done for her, she would do anything for him. She wanted to please him, to make him forgive her for not telling him the truth. She nervously licked the tip of his shaft, circling the thick head with her tongue as salty drops of his essence rose to meet her. She continued to lick him, sucking on his

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

47

skin as she worked her way down his considerable member. She drew back up, gliding her tongue upward over his erection before diving downward to take him in her mouth. She took everything that she could of him, drawing up as she squeezed her throat around him. What she couldn’t take with her mouth she took with her hands, matching her suction with her stroking palms. Sasha rocked his head back, tightening his hold on her hair as he clutched her fiercely, guiding her head with his hands. She took him greedily, with everything that she had, tasting, savoring, and remembering just as she had when she kissed his abdomen. “Christ, Kita,” He pulled her head back away from him, “stop … stop, stop …” She frowned and he chuckled, a throaty, strained laugh, “if you keep doing that I’m not gonna last …” She smiled devilishly, “Is that such a bad thing?” He cocked his head, “Don’t play coy with me. What the hell would you do with it?” She bit her lip and looked away. She hadn’t thought about that. He licked his lips, “That’s what I thought.” He reached down and grabbed her under the arms, pulling her back on the bed. His mouth immediately set to work on her breasts, lavishing attention on them. She squirmed and moaned underneath him, rising up in anticipation as he drew down her stomach. She was smooth and velvety, and his tongue burned over her navel. He continued to work his way down, effortlessly ridding her of her jeans. His tongue found her sweet wet interior. She was deliciously excited, already on the brink of release. He was very careful, repeatedly bringing her so close, only to pull away and kiss her elsewhere until her heat had cooled. He kissed the inside of her left thigh. She was writhing beneath him, panting and bucking her hips, begging him not to stop. He nipped her skin tenderly with his teeth. This was his way of punishing her. The only problem with his plan was the effect that she had on him. He was barely able to control himself, any longer and he would explode. He grabbed her and pulled her up to him. Her cheeks were red, her lips and breasts were swollen from his kisses, and her skin was burning to the touch. Kita was gasping for breath, never able to get sufficient air into her lungs. The sensitive mound between her legs was tingling with desire, and every movement was torture on her. Sasha was tormenting her, for some unknown reason to her he refused to grant her satisfaction, and she was wild with need. He grabbed her by the hips and swung her around until her back was to him. She gasped sharply as he bent her over the edge of the bed, grabbing her hair in his hand again. She felt his hand slide between her legs, his fingers gently probing her hot, wet interior, and she jerked forward excitedly. With his right hand still tangled in her silky pale blonde hair he pulled her back, keeping her from jumping away from him. He nipped her shoulder, slipping his slick fingers around her left hip. His hand grasped her by the hip bone, and with a quick tug he pulled her backwards. In the same instant he came forward, impaling her upon his manhood. She cried out, pulling away from him in vain. Sasha clenched his teeth. He couldn’t hold his determination any longer. He rammed into her, feeling her soft round backside against him. She brought her hand

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

48

down to massage herself, to ease the burning between her legs, but he pushed her hand away. She cried out in frustration, again bringing her hand to the burning desire between her legs as he continued to climb in and out of her. Kita was near tears, she couldn’t bear this. Her every move was a horrible suffering of pleasure without release. She was aching for fulfillment, but every time that she reached down he shoved her hand away. She was shaking, absolutely trembling as he took her. She wanted to scream, the agony was so cruel. “Please, Sasha,” She begged as he pressed her hips against him. He drew her up to him, tenderly reaching around her to press her shoulder back into him as he whispered hotly into her ear, “Please what?” “Please, please just let me …” she could hardly speak. Her mind was dizzy with want and need. He nipped her ear with his teeth, pulling out of her slowly, “Please let you what?” She cried out, “Please, just, oh, please …” He thrust into her again, feeling her wrap around his fullness like a mold made for him alone, “Tell me that you’ll never lie to me again, and mean it …” “I’ll never lie to you again,” She panted as he rocked against her, “I promise.” “Tell me that you’ll never betray me…” She was aching, wriggling impatiently, “I’ll never ... I’ll never betray you again, Sasha.” He reached down, gently rubbing her eager femininity, “just remember, Kita, every time that you wrong me this will be your punishment.” She nodded, reaching down with her hand again to finish what he had started. He softly pushed her hand away. “Kita, pretty baby, let me be the one to please you …” She cried out as he manipulated her flesh between his fingers, rubbing and probing as he thrust in and out of her from behind. He released her hair, wrapping a strong arm around her shoulders as he pressed her roughly back into him. His teeth tenderly bit down on her shoulder again, instinctively claiming her as he mated her. The sensation was the last little push that she needed to fall over the edge of the peak that they were climbing together. She cried out against his hand in a shudder of release just as she felt his hot essence exploded within her. His shaft pulsed, throbbing against her own excited sex, sending waves of pleasure rushing through her. Kita trembled in his arms, shaking with the power of the climax. She had never felt so safe, so fulfilled, and so absolutely perfect. Sasha released his hold on her, slowly withdrawing his spent member from her. He turned her to face him, kissing her gently. She was limp in his arms, exhausted from struggling with him. He held her close, feeling the softness of her skin against his hard body while inhaling their intermingled scents on her. He drew away from her, still holding her, “I’m sorry I had to do that,” He raised her hands, kissing the back of her knuckles sweetly, “but now you know what will happen if you wrong me again.” She pulled back, and faint amusement flashed in her blue eyes, “you say that as if I’ll have many more opportunities to wrong you.” He smiled, as though he looked forward to it, “you will.” She shook her head sadly, “I won’t. How long do you expect me to stay here

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

49

for?” He pulled her closer, and his sweet breath tickled her ear, “I plan on keeping you for a long time …”

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

50

CHAPTER 9 Kita paced the bedroom. It had been a week now since Sasha had “punished” her. He had made up for it numerous times though, making her body feel more alive and cherished than ever before. She had never known a man to be so gentle, and yet so commanding at the same time. It was maddening, the way that she had no control around him. She had learned early that when it came to werewolf men be they Alpha’s or subordinates, that they were easily pushed away. They hated to be challenged, especially by a woman, and when it came down to it they would rather avoid the offending woman before they would lower themselves to return the challenge. She had gotten good at challenging men, and since it was beneath them to even acknowledge her threat, they avoided her. But Sasha didn’t avoid her, no matter how often she tested him. He faced up to the challenge as if she was his equal, and she respected him for it. Strangely though, knowing that he never backed down made her want to do it more often. She ran a hand absently through her hair. Sasha was different. He was so different from any man that she had ever met. He was still so unchanged, like the werewolves of ancient times. He wasn’t caught up in politics, he didn’t have to worry about the outside world, and his pack mates not only respected him, they loved him. Where she was from an Alpha’s position was never concrete, he was always ready to defend his status from ambitious subordinates willing to kill for it. But here, Sasha was never challenged, he would be the leader until he alone decided that he was no longer worthy of holding the title, and then, he would decide who would succeed him. She sat down on the edge of the bed, looking at the door. He would be back before long. She could leave the room any time that she liked, but she always waited until dark to do it. Whenever she left the room she was being watched. The rest of the pack mates were curious. They wanted to know who she was, where she was from, and what her relationship to their Alpha was. They really didn’t know how to take her. She wasn’t a member here and she had no status here, and it made them all the more interested. On one occasion two of the younger girls had approached her. They fidgeted, shyly asking her who she was. When she told them ‘a friend,’ they had both giddily placed their hands over their mouths and raced off as if she had entrusted them with some forbidden secret. They were a charming group, no doubt. Her heart ached in her chest just then. Sasha had everything that she would ever want here. He had a family that loved him, friends that would stand by him until their deaths … and she was endangering them. Ramsey was too impatient, especially now that he knew that she was alive. And even worse, now that Sasha had refused to surrender her Ramsey would make this battle personal. He wouldn’t be happy just to take her and leave. He wouldn’t stop until he had killed Sasha, and maybe the rest of his pack. She sighed. She had to leave, soon, before Ramsey could get his revenge. She

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

51

couldn’t tell Sasha, he didn’t understand, and in typical Alpha fashion he would fight to keep what he wanted. He had made it clear that he wanted her, but that wasn’t enough. If he was going to die for her he had better love her. He didn’t love her, and lust wasn’t worth dying for. She walked to the door, leaning her ear against the heavy wood frame. Somewhere in the distance she heard Kiser’s voice. As long as he was out there she wasn’t going anywhere. She had to wait. She was almost certain that Sasha had told his Beta’s to keep an eye on her. Whenever she left the room they were always aware of her. They weren’t obvious about it, but through the years she had been followed by her fathers Beta’s enough to know when she was being watched. She listened patiently. Damn it, Kiser, leave before Sasha gets back, she thought anxiously. She didn’t have a lot of time. She glanced at a clock on the wall above the fireplace. It was just past midnight. More time passed. Finally Kiser’s voice trailed away along with his footsteps. Kita silently turned the doorknob, noiselessly slipping into the hallway. Candlelight bounced off of the walls, splaying her shadow as she walked. She watched the black form uneasily, hoping that it wouldn’t give her away. She tiptoed through the house, escaping attention even as she reached the front door. She looked over her shoulder. No one had seen her. She placed her hand on the latch, silently stepping out onto the porch steps. It was a nice night. The last week had been unusually warm and much of the snow had melted, revealing patches of soft earth. She stepped down from the porch, grateful for the unseasonable weather as her bare feet struck the damp ground. She was wearing a borrowed pair of comfortable gray sweatpants and a black tank top. If the weather had been any colder she would have had to shift into her pelt just to keep from freezing. She looked back at the house. Her stomach hurt with remorse. She would miss Sasha. She would never forget him. She almost turned back and went inside. Her heart wanted to, but her head overruled. She had to leave, for Sasha’s sake, for his family’s sake. She didn’t deserve to have a man like Sasha risking everything he had to keep her safe. Her feet crossed the cool earth as she trotted forward. The moon was full tonight, so at least she wouldn’t be in total darkness. She stretched her legs, covering more distance with longer strides. She had to get this over with before she changed her mind. She stopped, partially out of breath. Her stomach still hurt from her previous wound, and she wasn’t as in shape as she should have been. She climbed over a large fallen conifer, moonlight streaming down through the empty hole in the sky to shine on her. The meadow wasn’t too much further, or at least, she didn’t think it was. She dropped from the downed tree onto the ground, and just as she went to step forward her breath caught in her lungs. A black wolf was trotting by in front of her. He stopped suddenly, stiffening as he sniffed at the air. His head jerked sideways in her direction, and she tensed. It wasn’t Sasha. His mouth dropped open as his tongue lolled from his mouth in a smiling fashion. He turned to face her and she slid alongside the tree until the path was clear for her to bolt if necessary. She glared at him. “Go away …”

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

52

He didn’t, instead he hung his head and came closer, inching his way towards her with carefully placed footsteps. He looked like he was stalking her. “I’m warning you,” She threatened, “if you don’t let me go you’re all in very real danger.” He raised his head. She could have sworn he was smirking. His jaw tipped, and a long howl echoed from his mouth. She gasped angrily, “I don’t know which one you are but you had better shut the hell up or I’m going to hurt you!” His howl ceased and he eyed her, daring her to try it. Those eyes, she recognized them. Her gaze flew open in recognition and she stepped towards him. “Micah, do you want me to bite you aga--” A sharp howl pierced the air to answer him before she could finish, and she cursed out loud, “shit!” She stepped away. She could run, but Micah would outrun her. Another dark form trotted up beside him, it still wasn’t Sasha, just another of his Beta followers. Her hand twitched anxiously. She could hear more footsteps in the shadows. Sooner or later one of these wolves would be Sasha, and he would be furious. She could strip and change into her pelt, hope like hell that she could outrun them, but she doubted she’d have the time. She rashly turned on her heel, running back towards the house. She gritted her teeth when several of the dark shapes bolted past her. More howling filled the air around her. They were communicating to one another. She wasn’t too concerned about the Beta’s. They wouldn’t hurt her, that wasn’t their job. All they would do was hang onto her until Sasha got there. She was already mapping out a strategy in her head for when she reached the house. She was agile enough that she should be able to slip away from the Betas. She needed to get back into the room, lock herself in just long enough to let Sasha cool down from how angry he would be with her. The moonlight struck like daylight when she ran out from under the trees. She was out of breath and had to put on the brakes in a hurry if she didn’t want to run right into Sasha’s men. Four of them were waiting for her. They were hanging on the steps, casually dressed in their jeans and looking like they had been waiting for hours. She swallowed breathily, throwing her glare at Micah. He smiled, “what the hell took you so long, slowpoke?” She clenched her teeth, “tattletale,” she snarled. Micah shook his head, “why don’t you just listen to us, Kita? You know you’re not supposed to be out in the woods alone.” She ran her tongue along her teeth, reminding him of the bite she had given him a week ago. He scowled and pointed his finger at her, “stay the hell away from me, you goddamn cannibal.” He rubbed his arm as if the memory alone had caused him to hurt again, “I mean it, no biting!” She gasped as an arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her forward. Her eyes darted upward. Sasha glanced down at her, he was not happy. Her heart lurched. He tugged her past Micah up the stairs and she fought against his hold. Her right arm tore free and she lashed violently out at Micah, squeezing her thumb and index finger together to pinch his exposed chest fiercely.

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

53

“Tattletale,” she hissed at him. “Ouch!” he screeched when she clamped down on him, “Sasha why can’t you do something about her!” Sasha rolled his eyes, desperately trying to get Kita to release her hold on the man, “Kita, stop it!” She pulled back, taking Micah’s skin with her, “you don’t know what you’ve done.” Her voice was strained, and hurt flashed in her eyes. He started to drop to his knees, pain knifing through his flesh. “Kita,” a voice whispered in her ear, it was hot, thick, filled with danger, “let him go or I’m going to shift and bite you …” Immediately she released her hold on Micah. If he bit her as a werewolf there was no turning back. She yelped as he grabbed her through the doorway, pulling her with him until she was drug into the bedroom. He stood in the doorway, staring at her with a mixture of cold confusion and compassion. He shook his head. “Don’t move. I’m going to check on Micah and I’m coming right back.” He glanced back at her before leaving, “and yes, you will be punished for this.” Her blood rushed through her veins in panic. She had to leave. Sasha didn’t understand. She had a horrible feeling in the pit of her stomach, Ramsey wouldn’t wait much longer. He would be plotting, maybe even getting support, ready to start hunting again. She paced anxiously. The minutes ticked by and she impatiently went to the door. She opened it, whirling back around when Sasha was there to meet her. He followed her into the room, angrily slamming the door shut behind him. “What were you doing, Kita?” he insisted, staring at her earnestly. She walked to the bed, “I have to leave here, Sasha, I can’t stay.” She looked back at him. His jaw jerked angrily and his fists tightened. He didn’t respond. He was too angry to speak. Any words that fell from his mouth would be said in anger, and he didn’t want to say something that he would regret. “He’ll kill you, you know.” Kita whispered, “you don’t know how ruthless he can be.” Sasha closed his eyes, trying to diffuse his temper, “He won’t kill me, and I don’t care how ruthless he is.” She glared at him, “You should. You’re putting your whole pack in danger because of me!” His eyes snapped open to look at her. She tensed. She had gone too far, “I’m not worth their lives, Sasha.” She said lowly. She couldn’t read his expression. He just kept staring at her, soaking in her words. Finally he took a deep breath, and he moved away from the door. “Okay, Kita, tell me what you’re worth.” He felt his gut tighten, “you say you’re not worth the lives of my pack mates, but clearly you have a price according to Ramsey. Tell me what that is. Tell me about the deal that your pretty lips have sealed.” She swallowed uneasily, feeling his shadow drop over her as he paced beside the

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

54

fireplace, “my father’s favorite saying is ‘keep your friends close and your enemies closer.’ You know how political he is. He’s always looking for new allies … future enemies. The were-cats are such a rare race, that he never acknowledged them as a threat … or even acknowledged their existence for that matter. But while he’s been overlooking them they’ve been building, growing their empire. Suddenly they were just there, and he couldn’t overlook them.” She sighed, playing absently with the hairs on the blankets, “anyway, being the conspirator he is, he starts thinking to himself, ‘hey, these guys could be really dangerous. They’re all claws and teeth when they shift.’ He wanted them close, you don’t keep someone that dangerous to you out of reach, and he knew it. “He had this master plan, to create an alliance between werewolves and were-cats that would ‘live on through generations and strengthen our place in a society run by humans’. They made a pact, but the Puman King, Dashadow--that’s the were-cat ruler-he still didn’t quite trust my father. He wanted something more to cement the deal, a permanent link to the two shifting species. It just happened that he had an unwed son who was preparing to take over his throne, and how convenient that my father had a daughter.” She tightened her jaw, feeling renewed rage, “Son of a bitch sacrificed his daughter’s happiness for a goddamn treaty, a filthy piece of paper.” Tears moistened her eyes, “I don’t love Ramsey, and he doesn’t love me. I’ll be expected to be the obedient mate, the one on his arm in public, while privately he enjoys his many mistresses, breeding and fornicating with them while I accept it as his privilege. I can’t breed with Ramsey, and I’ll never know what it’s like to be a mother. I’ll never live in a pack, surrounded by friends and family.” She swiped at an errant tear that slid down her cheek and mocked a smile while pretending to be happy for a moment, “at least my father will get some good out of this. Not only does he get the agreement he’s been seeking, but he made Ramsey pay him five hundred grand for me to show honorable intent.” She raised her jaw and looked defiantly at Sasha, as if there were no tears in her eyes, “so there you go, Sasha. I’m worth five hundred grand. I’m worth as much as a nice house, an expensive car, a race horse, if you’re into that sort of thing. I won’t buy you a mansion though, and I won’t buy you a sports team.” She chuckled offhandedly, trying to mask her pain. Sasha saw the glimmer of tears in her eyes, the dampness on her cheeks, and he sat down beside her. Suddenly she seemed so vulnerable, and he wanted to hold her close, to dry her tears and make her safer than she had ever been. “Stay with me and I won’t let any one hurt you, Kita.” he assured her as he stroked her side. Suddenly she swung to face him, annoyance flaming briefly in her gaze, “that’s what infuriates me about you, Sasha. You have everything here that I would ever want. You have a family that loves you, that relies on you. You can mate with whomever you so choose and you’ll be a wonderful father. And yet you endanger it all because of me … a stranger.” Her voice softened, “What you have here is priceless. I’m only worth a piece of paper and five hundred grand.” He leaned over, pulling her in closer to him until his lips were able to press firmly against her throat. She arched her neck, welcoming his affection as he stood to his feet. He pressed her back onto the bed, climbing over her as he continued to let his mouth

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

55

soothe her. “You’re worth more than you know, pretty baby,” he whispered against her skin. She opened her mouth to object, but he covered her lips with his before the words were able to steal out. If he couldn’t tell her how much she meant to him, he would show her. He would make love to her for hours. He would give her pleasure after pleasure until she lay spent in his arms. He would make her never want to leave.

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

56

CHAPTER 10 Kita dreamily opened her eyes. She nestled back into Sasha’s strong arms, thinking to herself that she could lay like this for the rest of her life. She rested her head on his broad chest, feeling the soft rise of a scar beneath her cheek. She sighed. He was so very masculine. He felt strong against her, and it made her feel secure, safe from the outside world. She glanced up at him. He was still sleeping, unconsciously rubbing her arm with the pad of his thumb. She kissed his chest tenderly, inhaling his warm manly scent against her. He smelled like an earthy mixture of pine and smoke, combined with the lingering smell of their lovemaking. She smiled, letting her teeth graze his nipple. He had made love to her all night long, they had only fallen asleep a couple of hours ago. Aching burned in her stomach abruptly. She couldn’t keep doing this. She was putting him and everything that he held sacred in danger. She felt sick. Why did she always let him convince her to stay when she knew she had to leave? She was starting to care about him, and that was dangerous. She would let her guard down around him. She would let her guard down, period. And that would get them both killed by Ramsey. Ramsey, she could just imagine his infuriation growing from across the river. He would be stewing in his resentment, growing more impatient and deadlier with every passing day. She rubbed her temple and rolled away from Sasha. Her head was beginning to throb. She had no choice. No matter how badly she may have wanted to she just couldn’t stay here. Kita climbed over Sasha, dropping softly onto the floor. She moved to grab her clothes, but her right arm was held solid. She glanced over her shoulder. Sasha was watching her intently as he kept a hold of her. “Where do you think you’re going?” he asked inquisitively. She smiled halfheartedly and looked away, “I’m getting dressed,” she sucked in a breath, “and then I’m leaving.” “Excuse me?” He snapped, “where do you plan on going exactly?” She sighed, “come on, Sasha, we both know that I can’t stay here. The longer that I’m here the more chance there is that someone else is going to get hurt.” She tried to pull her arm way, “I don’t want anyone hurt because of me, and neither do you.” His grip on her arm tightened, “if someone gets hurt it’s because of Ramsey, not you.” “You know damn well that I’m the reason Ramsey is here in the first place, Sash,” she groaned and pulled away from him, “now let me go, I mean it.” “I can’t do that, Kita, if I let you walk out that door I’ll never see you again.” He felt sick just to say those words. He finally found a woman that could make him feel more than he ever had before, and yet, he felt as if her hand was always on the door, ready to leave him. Kita’s head was pounding now, “oh for god’s sake, Sash, how long do you really

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

57

think this will last? We--” “We what?” Sasha challenged. She glared at him, forcefully tearing her arm from his grasp, “we had sex, and it was really good, and …” She softened, “and I’ll never forget about you, Sasha. But sex isn’t worth dying for.” He watched her as she started to dress. Sudden anger burned in his belly. “Is that all that was to you?” he questioned incredulously, “it was just sex?” Kita closed her eyes, “no, that’s not all it was to me. But I’m not going to pretend that this will last forever, either.” She rubbed the sides of her pounding head, “Ramsey won’t stop until he has me. He paid too much for me to just let me go like this.” Sasha stood and grabbed his jeans, “he’s going to stop tonight, because I’m going to kill him with my bare hands.” She whirled round to face him, “no, you’re not. Did you forget that Ramsey is a Puman prince, the heir to the were-cat throne? What, do you want a whole mess of cats down here?” She pushed him away belligerently when he stepped towards her, “Not to mention my father. If Ramsey is dead his little agreement is off, and my father doesn’t take kindly to losing what he wants.” Red heat burned beneath Sasha’s skin when she pushed him away from her. His fists clenched. He wanted to grab her shoulders and shake some sense into her. “So what is your plan, Kita? Are you just going to keep running from him?” His jaw jerked as he tried to temper the rage that ran through him at this instant, “or are you going to go to him and marry him, after everything that he’s done?” Kita pulled her bottom lip into her mouth with her teeth to keep it from quivering. She didn’t know what she was going to do. “Kita,” Sasha stepped towards her and there was resentment in his voice, “he killed four of my pack mates. He is my greatest enemy right now. If you marry him you will become my enemy, too.” She glared at him, and her heart began to pound as hard as the thudding in her head, “then I become your enemy. I would rather have you hate me for the rest of your life than know that you died because of me.” “I’m not going to die, Kita.” He reassured her as he pulled her close to him, “I’m always going to be here to protect you. And as for your father, we have something in common.” She looked up at him defiantly, “what’s that, you’re both Alpha males with a need to dominate and control?” He chuckled and wrapped his arms around her, pressing her closer into him as his anger ebbed away, soothed by her nearness, “besides that, sweetheart,” he teased as he kissed her forehead and brought his hands up to gently massage her aching temples, “we both know what we want and we’ll stop at nothing to get it.” She almost melted into him all over again, and had to fight for every last inch of her resolve, “Sasha, why do you have to make this so hard on me?” “It’s only fair. After all, you make everything hard on me.” He smiled puckishly. Kita stifled her amusement, trying to remain serious. She could feel what he was implying through his jeans. He was the most sexually charged man that she had ever met. She shook her head and leaned into his chest. “I should be scared to death of you, you know,” she whispered against him.

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

58

He pulled away, confusion flashing in his eyes. “You killed your own brother … you’re Sasha Lucien, the underworlds most feared and notorious werewolf. I remember hearing stories about you.” She looked away, throwing her eyes at the wall before bringing them back at him, “you know, if I had known who you were before I came here, I never would have crossed into your territory. I would have rather gone with Ramsey than risk running into you.” He frowned, “I’m not that scary.” She bit the edge of her lip, “oh yes you are. You might not know it, but your family is probably better known than mine.” She nodded thoughtfully, “the Lucien brothers, the eye-commanders, everyone fears you. You were born and bred to fight, and your power goes deeper than just muscle and flesh. While the rest of us were becoming domesticated and more human, you were staying wild … barbaric, my father once said.” “The Lucien brothers …” Sasha replied ruefully. She looked down. She didn’t ask why he had killed one of his brothers. It was none of her business, and after she left here this would all be a memory. She looked back up at him. “I heard about you brother, Ivan, and how he supposedly killed a woman that was going to be his mate. Is that true?” “Yes … but he had his reasons.” He smiled warmly at her, “he has a mate now, and her name is Ricky.” Kita watched him as he said the name. He looked like he was off in another world, another place in time as he thought to himself. Unconsciously he pulled her to him, “he loves her more than life itself. He’d live and die for her. She’s pregnant now, too.” His eyes were suddenly back in the moment and focused solely on her, “if you think I’m scary you should see him around her. He gets very protective … a bit possessive, too.” She smirked, “that must be a family trait.” He cocked his head in puzzlement, “what’s that mean?” “Sasha, you’re keeping me here even when you know that I can’t stay. If that’s not being possessive then I don’t know what is.” “I can’t let you leave, Kita,” he was serious and pained, “you don’t understand.” She sighed impatiently, “you’re the one who doesn’t understand.” He opened his mouth to speak, but a distant sound made them both go silent. He scowled, and his eyes shifted across the room uneasily. “Sasha, what was that?” There was a tremor in Kita’s voice. He blinked, “it sounded like a gunshot.” Kita felt ill again. Her heart bombed into her gut like a lead weight, sending a rush of dread up into her throat. She knew where the shot had come from. There was only one place it could have come from. She hit something hard, suddenly realizing that she had unconsciously backed herself into the wall. “Stay here, I’ll be right back.” She watched helplessly as Sasha left the room. Vertigo swept over her and she reeled. Slowly she sank down to her knees against the wall, desperately trying to get her mind straight. Confusion swirled around her like an angry wasp. She closed her eyes, settling her mind as voices rang throughout the house.

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

59

Blindly she shifted over to the door, leaning against it to better hear the words. The first voice she heard was Sasha’s. **** “Oh, shit! Micah, what the hell happened?” Sasha cried when he reached his companion. “He shot me, the motherfucker shot me! That goddamn hunter put a bullet in me!” “What were you doing out there, Micah?” Sasha asked impatiently. “I was patrolling, like I always do in the morning.” Micah groaned weakly. Sasha’s voice came urgent now, “Where is the bullet? We have to get it out now! Kiser get in here!” “I took it out with my bare hands already.” Micah informed them through pained breaths, “it was a silver bullet and I didn’t have the time to wait.” “Goddamn it, Kiser, get in here!” Sasha yelled. “We have to get the bullet fragments out first, and then we have to draw out the silver.” Kiser said as he rushed into the room, “don’t move him, just let him bleed!” “I’m going to kill him. I’m tired of dealing with him. As soon as we get Micah stable that hunter’s ass is mine,” Sasha growled angrily. “I’ll come with you,” another man piped up, followed by several others. “No, this one is mine and mine alone,” Sasha replied crossly. **** Kita blinked. She felt ill with guilt. This was all her fault. She had to get the hell out of here, before Sasha had the chance to go after Ramsey. Ramsey wouldn’t fight fair, he would kill Sasha the moment that he had the chance, and she couldn’t let that happen. Sasha had everything to lose here, and she cared about him too much to let that happen. She looked about herself. The room was dark due to the lack of windows, and the fireplace had died out hours ago. She couldn’t just walk out the door. There were too many people going in and out of rooms in the excitement and someone would see her. Her eyes grazed the fireplace again, and a flicker of hope started to grow inside of her. She crawled on all fours over to the hearth, still too dizzy to stand as she looked up into the vast brick chimney. Carefully she climbed into the ash, feeling lingering warmth on her feet. Kita braced her feet and her back against the brick, taking advantage of the tight space. She carefully pushed herself up, all the while feeling like she would gag on the smell of smoke and cinder that burned her lungs. Slick soot covered her back and tainted her clothes, but it was only a minor irritancy, and nothing that would make her change her mind. She kept climbing, forcing herself upward until she was free of the airless smokestack. She sucked in a deep breath of welcome fresh air, dragging herself from the brick chimney with every ounce of strength that she had left until she was sitting awkwardly on the roof, still clinging to the chimney with her right hand. Her eyes scanned the area around her as she deliberated on her next move. The air was nice. It was still unseasonably warm, and the snow had all but melted away. Her eyes panned away from the forest, focusing on her immediate goal. There was only one thing left to do. She had to jump down from the roof.

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

60

Softly and without making too much noise she edged to the corner of the rooftop, dropping down with agility onto the ground below. The impact shook her knees, and for a moment she wobbled unsteadily. She regained her footing and quickly slipped into the protective shadows of the trees. Time was against her and she knew it. The moment Sasha had the opportunity he would be going after Ramsey, but the were-cat would be ready for him. He would kill Sasha with a lethal bullet before the werewolf could even get within a hundred yards of him. Her heart lurched and she ran faster through the trees, ignoring the soreness in her stomach. Tears were stinging at her eyes by the time she reached the meadow, and she braced herself on the massive trunk of a tree for a moment to clear her vision. She dried her eyes, refusing to let Ramsey see her tears. She raised her jaw and walked quietly across the exposed meadow. She knew that Ramsey wasn’t far. Her feet reached the border of the river and she walked into it, tensing with the cold. Despite the balmy temperatures the river remained like ice. Her eyes dropped down, catching her reflection in the rippling water. Her cheek was smudged with tear streaked black soot, the tips of her blonde hair were coaly, and her clothes were dark and ashy. A soft click made her eyes dart upwards. Black eyes were glaring down a gun barrel at her. “Nicky, what the hell happened to you?” Ramsey asked with an amused grin as he lowered the gun. She glared at him. The mere sound of his taunting voice made her want to spit in his face. “Well, come on, kitten. Get wet.” He suggested the river, motioning for her to wash off. Her glare never left her face, even when she dunked her head into the water. She scrubbed at her body and her cheek, rinsing her hair as best as she could. Finally she climbed out of the water, standing in front of Ramsey. He didn’t offer to help her. He just stood there appraising her happily. “I leave you in Sasha’s care and this is what happens? You return to me all covered in dirt?” He chuckled at her, “I don’t think your father would approve of this, Nicky.” She gritted her teeth and brushed past him, “My name isn’t Nicky ... just take me home, asshole.” He watched her pass him, and he quickly spun to follow her, “What’s the matter? Don’t tell me that you’re sour because I just shot one of Sasha’s Beta’s?” She ignored him, giving him the cold shoulder as she let her anger towards him stew silently in her veins. “You don’t know where you’re going, kitten. Walk with me, instead of in front of me.” He ordered sternly. She looked back at him with narrowed blue eyes, her wet blonde hair sending droplets of water cascading away from her shoulders when she turned, “you’re the man, why don’t you lead the way, chief?” He laughed distantly, seizing her arm roughly as he came up beside her, “And turn my back on you? I don’t think so. You’re a very slippery little bitch, Nicky. The

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

61

last time I turned my back on you, you took off on me and I had to chase you down, right into an eye-commanders territory.” He pulled her along with him as he continued to walk, “you’re going to pay dearly for your treachery, soon to be mate of mine. Every day of your life you’re going to live to regret this, I’ll make sure of it. You’re just lucky you finally came to your senses. Any longer and I would have been infuriated instead of just irritated.” She sneered at him, “I didn’t do this for you, Ramsey, so go ahead and be infuriated …” She tried to tug away from him, but his nails bit deeper into her skin with every trace of resistance. He gritted his teeth in resentment, “don’t tell me that you’re falling for that worthless dog. Christ almighty, Nicky, you were raised to have better judgment than that.” “You don’t know how I was raised!” She spat, “and he’s twice the man that you’ll ever be and you know it.” She lowered her voice as she glared deliberately at him, “I don’t blame you for being afraid of him. You should be!” His nails sunk deeper into her arm, and drops of blood rose to lick the surface, “You know, Nicky, you just don’t know when to shut the fuck up.” He jerked her violently towards him until his hot breath was burning inches from hers, “I’m not afraid of Sasha. I’m not afraid of your father, and I’m not afraid of you. But I am afraid that I’m going to have to kill you pretty soon if you don’t start behaving like a good little bitch.” Her lips slanted into an amused simper, “I don’t think you have the balls … or the time. If you don’t leave this forest soon you’re as good as dead. Sasha’s going to be coming for you after all the trouble you’ve caused and I don’t think he’ll want to talk or bargain.” She leaned into him, so close that that her lips nearly grazed his, “he’s going to kill you.” He lashed out suddenly, gripping her around the neck, “he’s not going to do anything to me!” He hissed, spitting venom onto her cheek, “when I’m done with him there’ll be nothing left but bits and pieces of him.” He squeezed tighter around her throat, and she scratched vainly at his grip. She couldn’t breath. Her lungs were tight, and her chest was pounding. He drew her in close to him, “Don’t worry, Nicky, if you keep it up you’ll be joining him in hell.” He shoved her away, releasing his bruising grip on her throat. Kita gasped, clutching her aching neck as she fell back into a tree. Her eyes became slits and her teeth tightened painfully. Her whole body lit up with rage. She wanted to kill him, to tear his heart from his chest. She pushed off from the tree, thinking only about the gun over his shoulder. His eyes caught hers the moment that she looked up, and awareness registered within them. She flew at him and he stepped back, shoving her sideways brutally. Kita felt the air rush from her lungs as her body rolled into the hard base of a tree. She gripped her ribs as pain surged through them and robbed her of breath. Unmitigated fury coursed through her veins and she unsteadily righted herself. She stepped forward, ready to continue her attack when a large pitch black beast came airborne at her throat. She was slammed with wicked strength against the trunk of a towering conifer. The power of the blow forced the breath from her lungs. Her back and her shoulders

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

62

were alight with pain as bark tore her shirt and ripped at her skin. Her eyes rounded in horror to see a black panther’s face before hers and she gasped sharply. Claws braced her shoulders to the tree base, barring her from escaping. The panther’s eyes were ominous with hostile intent and its short, broad mouth opened wide to reveal long dagger-like canines. A hiss of sheer vehemence poured from its dark mouth and off of the thick pink tongue, sending a shiver racing down Kita’s spine. The beast’s claws bit into her skin on her shoulders and she sank lower to keep them from becoming buried within her flesh. Pain as warm blood crept over her skin. Out of the corner of her eye Kita could see the long black tail twitching irately. Suddenly the panther reared its head back, emitting a deafening scream that echoed throughout the forest. Birds flew from the trees in their alarm, shaking the heavy branches overhead. Kita trembled, squeezing her eyes shut to the outside world. A voice made her eyes snap open. Ramsey was half naked before her, back in his human form. “Don’t ever test me again, Nicky. I can shift faster than any werewolf, I can cut deeper than any knife with my hands, and I can rip your throat out with one bite. Let that be a lesson to you.” She exhaled, realizing that she hadn’t breathed since he had attacked her. Her heart was pounding and she was torn between the rage that still held her and fear. Her anger ruled supreme, and she was unable to keep her tongue in her cheek when he finished dressing. “Don’t you ever do that to me again,” she warned through ragged breaths. She knew that she should stop there, but she didn’t, “you can threaten me all you like, but it doesn’t change anything. You’re still going to die if you don’t hurry. You’re forgetting something, Ramsey. Sasha has teeth and claws, too.” He glared at her, “Not nearly as sharp as mine though, kitten.” She cocked her head perceptively, watching as he took several deep breaths, “you know, Ram, you’re very fast. When you want to attack you do it. And you do it quickly. I think I know why now. You have to be quick, because you can’t last …” With two long strides he was suddenly before her, breathing down her neck while daring her to challenge him. Kita licked her lips and looked away pensively, “wolves aren’t terribly fast, but they have unbelievable endurance. They hunt by wearing down their prey. Did you know that, Ramsey?” He didn’t respond, but she could see his fists tightening into little balls with his ire. “There’s something else, Ramsey. Wolves hunt in packs. It won’t just be Sasha coming for you … it’s going to a group of them. How many bullets do you have in that gun, Ramsey?” His demeanor abruptly changed, and a cruel grin slid across his lips, “All I need is one right now, Kita.” She raised her chin defiantly, “Shoot me then, Ramsey, and get it over with already.” He laughed, but it was empty and sardonic, “You know I can’t do that, Nicky. That’s just too easy and way too good for you.”

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

63

She backed away from him. She had never really been afraid of him, but he was scaring her now. It was his morbid little chuckle, the suggestion that being shot was too good of a death for her. It all made the hairs on the back of her neck prickle with fear. Her heart sank. Already she missed Sasha. Ramsey grabbed Kita’s arm, yanking her with him as he walked through the forest. She squirmed and wrestled against him uselessly, protesting as he tugged her along like a rag doll. He finally stopped in front of a little log cabin and Kita went silent, ceasing her struggling and her cursing for the moment.

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

64

CHAPTER 11 Kita stared at the little cabin in confusion. It was nestled between the mountains, right in the pass that was the only exit to civilization. She remembered it vaguely when she went through the valley. A lone woodsman lived here. He had been chopping wood when she slipped by unnoticed. “What are you doing?” She cried when Ramsey pulled her towards the cottage. She didn’t understand. Surely he didn’t expect this man to help them. “Don’t worry, kitten, it’s only temporary.” “Will you stop calling me that? I’m not your goddamn kitten!” She huffed, jerking free from his grasp, “And as far as I’m concerned you don’t have the time to just stop in and have tea with one of the locals, Ram. Do you really think that Sasha is just going to stop at the edge of his territory and go, ‘huh, I guess he’s gone now, oh well’?” Ramsey watched quietly as she did some little theatrics with her hands, “Sasha wants you dead! You need to get out of here.” He shook his head, “I think you’re trying to scare me, Nicky. You think if you keep reminding me that Sasha is hunting me that I’m going to be in a hurry to leave. Guess what, Nicky?” He leaned in close to her, his hot breath searing her ear, “I want him to find me.” She swallowed and backed away, “why didn’t you just stay at the edge of the river then? He knew right where you were.” He opened the door to the cabin, “I couldn’t keep all of my supplies at the edge of the river, kitten, that’s just not practical.” He reached out to take her hand, but she just looked dumbly at it. Her eyes flicked from his palm to the door. Through the open crack she could see a box of bullets, provisions, and even a vile of clear viscous liquid. There was no sign of the man. “Where is the woodsman that lived here?” She asked, beginning to back away. “There was a man here, I saw him …” “He doesn’t live here anymore,” he replied. “Where is he?” Her pitch wavered slightly as shock and unease drew through her words. Ramsey saw her backing away. She looked like she was going to turn and run at any moment. He could sense it, he could smell her fear, and he could taste her distrust like a thick smoke in the air around him. She whirled away from him and he was ready. He lunged after her, seizing her elbow in his hand before she got away. She screeched as he pulled her through the door of the cabin, bolting the door shut behind him. Kita stared wide-eyed at him. Her skin hurt. She was scraped and bruised from skirmishing with him all through the forest, and now he had her locked up inside of this cramped cottage with him. Staring at him now he could have been the devil. His eyes were dark with something hidden, deep, dangerous, and deadly. His sharp defined

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

65

features hardened his expression, and in the shadows he looked, sinister. He reached out deftly, scraping a match against a hard wooden table before lighting a lantern that sat resting on it, all without tearing his black eyes from hers. The light flickered softly across the small space, ominously splashing across his dark jaw. Kita swallowed, determined to gain control of the situation. “What do you think you’re doing?” She snapped crossly, “Let me go, now, Ramsey. I’m leaving, with or without you … I’m not going to stay here while you play your little stakeout game waiting for Sasha.” “Oh, but you are, Nicky. You’re going to bring Sasha right to me …” “Like hell I am.” She said tersely. Ramsey smiled just to goad her, “I want you here when I kill him. Maybe then you’ll start respecting me like you should.” She shook her head and shifted for the door, “You’re insane, Ramsey, and I’ll never respect you for being a killer.” He grabbed her around the waist, forcibly thrusting her back up against the wall, “That’s rich, coming from a woman who’s falling for a man that killed his own brother.” Kita glowered at him, “why are you doing this, Ramsey? You have what you wanted … why don’t you just take me home and forget about Sasha? He didn’t do anything to you.” “The thing is, Nicky, I’ve made an enemy out of Sasha. I’ve killed some of his pack mates and I have taken the woman that he wants back.” He grabbed her hands, pinning them to her sides, “if I don’t finish this now I’ll always be looking over my shoulder, wondering if he’s there, waiting to kill me.” “You deserve to die.” She snarled bitterly. He shrugged as he grabbed a piece of rope from a nearby table, “You’re probably right.” “I’m not going to let you do this, Ramsey.” “There’s nothing you can do to stop me, Nicky.” She seethed, “don’t count on it, Ram.” Kita saw what he was doing with the rope, and there was no way in hell that she was going to just stand here and let him tie her. She clenched her fist and caught him squarely in the jaw with a right hook before darting away from him. She rushed for the door, frantically working the locks with trembling hands and sore knuckles. Her head jerked backwards as she was thrown to the floor. In an instant Ramsey was over her, trying to pin her down as she thrashed beneath him. She screamed, wildly worming around under his body weight. He was too powerful, too determined though, and she couldn’t shake him. With every muscle in her body quaking, her heart pounding, and her breathing labored she finally succumbed to his power. She was panting beneath him as he held her arms over her head. He glared down at her with his coal black eyes. A sudden grin of satisfaction spread over his lips, “Maybe we should start the honeymoon early, kitten. All this wrestling is turning me on.” “Don’t even think about touching me if you want to keep your dick, Ramsey.” She threatened angrily. He sneered at her, “you aren’t in a position to make threats, Nicky. I own you,

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

66

remember?” She spit at him, “you don’t own shit. Now get the fuck off me or I’m gonna tear you apart.” Anger caused his jaw to jerk, and with a quick movement he had pinned both of her wrists under his left hand, freeing his right. He reached down and grabbed the collar of her t-shirt. He wrenched downward, ripping the shirt from her chest. Kita screeched and fought against his hold. She was now exposed beneath him, still trapped under his weight and unable to fight him off of her. Panic screamed in her veins and she struggled to keep it from reaching her rationality. “I’m going to enjoy this.” Ramsey informed her as he used his free hand to grab her breast. “Get your filthy hands off me!” she demanded as she thrashed on the ground. “Don’t you fucking touch me!” He laughed, excited by the fear and the vulnerability in her eyes. He continued to grope her breasts roughly, bruising her skin with his harsh touch. His eyes darted downward to her jeans. His hand abandoned its attack on her chest, and trailed down her stomach until it had settled on the button of her pants. “Don’t you dare, don’t you fucking dare!” She yelled, thrashing harder against his unrelenting grip. He paid no attention to her threats, and continued to unbutton her pants, sliding the zipper down as he looked at her eyes. She was near tears. He could see sparkling droplets in the corners of her enraged sapphire eyes. “What’s the matter, kitten, you can give yourself to Sasha but not to me?” He pretended to be insulted as a tear rolled from the corner of her eye. She whimpered and fought against him, feeling sick to her stomach as a cold ball of hatred and dread rolled within her gut. “Shhh, the more you fight me the more this is going to hurt, Nicky.” He shushed her as he hovered over her, “stop wiggling, you’re going to make it worse.” Tears began to spill more rapidly from her eyes as Kita begged him, “Please don’t, Ramsey. Please don’t do this …” He laughed morbidly. In his mind she deserved this, and to see her pleading of him through tears made him relish it all the more. Kita bucked underneath him, gasping when she felt him against her skin. She couldn’t get him off of her no matter how hard she tried. A howl suddenly tore through the cabin, echoing off of the walls before ricocheting back into Ramsey’s ears. It had come from nearby, just outside the cabin walls. It was too close for comfort, and it made him freeze in mid-motion. An unexpected shudder rippled down his back along his spine. His arousal withered and his grip on Kita relaxed. Kita let a relieved sigh escape her trembling lips, “Sasha …” more tears streaked her cheeks. Ramsey stood and buttoned his pants, freeing Kita to scurry away from him. **** Sasha was livid. He had been the moment that he found Kita gone. He had tracked her through the forest, allowing the search to absorb most of his anger, but nothing, absolutely nothing had enraged him more than what he heard as he neared the

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

67

cabin. He heard Kita pleading, he could taste the salt of her tears, and he could smell the lust on Ramsey’s skin all in the softest breeze. He wanted to break the door down, tear the cabin apart and Ramsey with it. The smell of silver was the only thing that stopped him. Somewhere in the dark of the cabin Ramsey had a ready gun. Sasha howled to get the other man’s attention and it must have worked. The cabin had gone silent. He paced the trees that circled the cottage. There was blood on the branches of several of the trees. Some of the blood was Kita’s. She had been hurt at some point in the forest. It was on the tree bark and along branches that she had brushed against thereafter. It did little to ease his rage, knowing that Ramsey was the cause of the blood. The rest of the blood was from a human, probably the owner of the cabin. He bristled. Ramsey must have killed the man in cold blood. He continued to circle the lodge slowly, looking at every vantage point, noting his surroundings. Strangely, the cabin had only one window, and it had been boarded up tight, preventing him from seeing the inside. It didn’t really matter, he relied more on his hearing to tell him what was going on, anyway. Sasha made his way around the home, finally stopping in the shadows of the trees just outside of the door. The evening sun was fading, and a full moon was rising into the heavens to take its place. He looked into the open space between the trees and the cabin. The faded green of the grass was beginning to glow white with the moonlight. He sat down patiently. He could wait as long as he had to for Ramsey. **** Ramsey stood quietly behind the door. He turned his head to look over his shoulder at Kita. She was glaring coldly at him. “I hope he kills you, I hope he tears your throat out.” “He won’t even be given the opportunity, Nicky.” She tensed, fury flooding her veins in a hot rush. Her eyes shifted, grazing the opposite wall where his gun remained leaning. Ramsey followed her gaze with his own. Kita shoved off of the wall quickly, reaching for the weapon, but he was ready for her. He intercepted her before she reached the gun, throwing her sideways as she landed into the wall with a thud. Kita grimaced, emitting a guttural cry as her already bruised and bloodied back struck the wood. She clutched at her shirt, holding the separated cloth together to conceal her chest. Tears were burning her eyes. She was losing this battle. Ramsey was interpreting her every move. She felt weak, vulnerable, and exposed. She would give anything for even a hint of security right now. A voice floated through the cracks in the cabin, soft, barely audible to the average ear, but with their enhanced hearing both Kita and Ramsey heard it. “Ramsey,” Sasha’s tone was casual, but hinted with warning, “Instead of picking on Kita, why don’t you come join me outside?” The were-cat smirked devilishly as he calmly loaded bullets into his rifle. He glanced sideways at Kita, watching her nervous expression as he placed the gun at the ready with a click. “My father is going to hear about this, Ramsey. You won’t get away with this.” He sighed, “No he isn’t. Your father is going to hear what I tell him.”

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

68

She stared at him in puzzled distrust, watching as he unlocked the door. He looked back at her. “Come outside with me, Kita. I want you to see what happens when I put a silver bullet into your boyfriend.” He nodded thoughtfully, “you’ll respect me yet, kitten, you’d be stupid not to.” She raised her jaw, “Go by yourself, Ramsey, because I’m not going anywhere with you.” He shook his head, opening the door widely, “Get out there, Kita. Don’t make me shoot you.” Her eyes flew wide in surprise for a moment, but they quickly returned to narrow slits of defiance, “You wouldn’t dare.” “Remember what I told you earlier, Nicky. Don’t test me.” She tilted her chin, and the gesture was enough to set him into motion. He grabbed her arm impatiently and dragged her outside, pressing her against the side of the cabin beside him. “Don’t move,” he demanded. She inhaled softly, searching the shadows for Sasha. She didn’t see him. She couldn’t hear him either. He had disappeared, melted into the darkness. Ramsey cocked his gun with annoyance, “come on, Sasha, where in the hell are you?” He was met with silence and Kita chuckled under her breath. Sasha wasn’t a fool, he was going to wait, bide his time like a strategist. He was an experienced fighter. He hadn’t earned his scars by letting others fight his battles for him. Ramsey was underestimating his rival and she knew it. She pushed away from the wall, there was no use standing in the cold waiting for a ghost. Ramsey slammed her roughly back into the wall, bringing a soft cry from her lips, “Don’t move,” he hissed. “Do that again and I’m going to shove that rifle down your throat.” Ramsey smiled. The threat hadn’t come from Kita. It was a whisper from the forest, a warning from Sasha. “You want her come and get her, Alpha.” Ramsey called into the darkness. “Don’t be stupid, Ramsey,” Kita grumbled while she rubbed her sore arm, “You’ve got a loaded gun, how reckless do you think he is?” His head snapped sideways to look at her. Thought stewed within his black eyes, as if something she had said sparked his recognition. Instinctively Kita began to edge away from him. His eyes were so dark, so full of danger--of madness--that it sent a flash of alarm through her body. Suddenly Ramsey reached out and grabbed her, thrusting her in front of him. He used the muzzle of the rifle to shove her forward, encouraging her to walk ahead of him. She whirled around in confusion, but he jabbed her ribs with the cold metal nose of the gun. “Turn around,” he barked. “Sasha, if you want her you’re going to come and get her.” Kita spun around angrily, “knock it off, Ramsey!” She saw his hand on the trigger, and a sudden twitch of his finger. The barrel of the gun jumped with a bang, and a shot of white light fired outward. Pain tore through

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

69

her left shoulder. She dropped to the ground in agony. Her hand clutched at her wound, as if she could hold the blood in with her palm. Her eyes lifted, and she saw Ramsey step backward. She blinked. Her head drummed, pounding to the rhythm of her heartbeat. Confusion swirled in her brain and she staggered to her feet, staring at Ramsey in disbelief. “You shot me …” she whispered. He looked at her for only a moment. His eyes were cold and uncaring. Suddenly his gaze tore upward and he jerked the gun up to his shoulder, aiming it. Kita couldn’t move. Everything seemed to go into slow motion, like time had stopped in this instant. She gasped. Out of the corner of her eye she saw a black figure launch from the shadows of the trees. Ramsey cocked his firearm, and she heard the snap to her side. The black form didn’t stop. It just kept coming with its long, determined strides, undaunted by the metal gun barrel that was now pointed directly at him. She swallowed, still frozen in place and in a numb trance as time edged by. Her eyes found Ramsey again. He squeezed the trigger, slowly. An arm reached around from behind him, knocking the gun barrel sideways as a loud crack burst from the rifle. Bits of bark shattered as the stray bullet slammed dully into the thick base of a pine tree. Kita blinked, desperately wondering what was going on. There was a brief struggle between Ramsey and an unseen force behind him. The gun fell to the ground. A flash of silver glinted in the moonlight, hovering for a moment in front of Ramsey’s face. It was the blade of a knife, still attached to some hidden being. The knife was pressed up against Ramsey’s throat, and the struggle stopped. The owner of the knife leaned over to whisper into the were-cats ear, and Kita started to swoon. His head was shaved, his eyes were gold, and he wore that same distinct metal piercing. He looked like Sasha, but younger, and more baby faced. If he was one of Sasha’s Beta’s she had never seen him before. Her eyes flicked sideways at Sasha. He was frozen in front of Ramsey, his attack interrupted by the stranger. He looked at the man holding the knife. Bewilderment was bare in his golden eyes. Kita felt herself go light. Her strength ebbed away and she dropped to the forest floor under the glow of the moon. She felt only pain and the pulsing of silver as it began to sink into her bloodstream.

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

70

CHAPTER 12 Sasha stared straight ahead of him. He couldn’t believe his eyes. He shifted onto two legs, back into human form. His jeans were torn, just barely covering his thighs and his waist. He had been in such a hurry to go after Kita when he found her gone that he hadn’t even taken the time to get them off. He was glad that he hadn’t now. “Yuri?” He was barely able to speak. “You look like you could use some help, Sasha.” The man replied, still holding his blade tightly against Ramsey’s throat. He nodded towards Kita, “you might want to get that bullet out of her, brother. I can hang onto this one for a bit while you do that.” Sasha shook his head, in his surprise he had almost forgotten about Kita. He spun to face her, and when he saw her lying on the ground with blood slipping through her fingers he dropped down beside her. He grabbed her shoulders and pulled her to him. “Kita, look at me, sweetheart.” She looked at him through frightened blue eyes, “Kita, I need to take the bullet out. It’s going to hurt, baby.” She nodded. “Look in my eyes, Kita.” He gently stroked her arm, worry and regret swirling in his eyes, “I failed four of my pack mates. I’m not going to fail you.” His voice was like a sweet whisper, his touch the caress of an angel’s wing. Kita blinked, struggling just to remain conscious. Somehow she managed to keep her eyes steady long enough to focus on him. In an instant she was transported somewhere else as the gold in his eyes drew her away. She saw herself, safe in his arms as he held her on the bank of the river. The water was sparkling like a thousand rolling diamonds under an orange sunset … she felt a stinging sensation in her shoulder that made her gasp, but it vanished as the dream in Sasha’s eyes continued. He kissed her, sweeping her up in his embrace as he held her closer. She could feel the heat of his mouth against hers as if it were real. He sheltered her with his presence, protecting in another place and time. She was safe, there was no bullet, no Ramsey here in this dream, only she and Sasha. She felt his hands placing a piece of cloth over her wound, tying it around her shoulder to keep the blood from escaping. He drew away from her and she licked her lips. She could taste him on her tongue, and then it registered. The kiss had been real, more than a mere vision. She sighed weakly, glancing down at the bullet that was now cupped in his palm. “I’m sorry, Sasha …” she whispered as her eyes began to close. He cupped her chin in his free hand, leaning down to kiss her lips tenderly. With effortless strength he lifted her from the ground and placed her against a nearby tree to rest. He then climbed to his feet, walking over to where Yuri had Ramsey in his grasp. “You’re just fucking up left and right, aren’t you, Ramsey?” he asked as he came to stand before him. Ramsey smirked arrogantly, “I’m fucking up? You’d be dead right now, Sasha, if you had chosen to fight like a man.”

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

71

“Fight you like a man?” Sasha repeated, “you’re the one using a gun. You’re a goddamn coward.” “I’m not the coward,” Ramsey scoffed, “you’re the one who was afraid to fight me alone.” Sasha glared at him, “You shot five of my pack mates, killing four of them, and now you just shot Kita …” He bristled, “This is the second time you’ve shot her, not to mention the bruises and the scratches she’s got from you.” Ramsey shrugged, ignoring the fact that he still had a knife against his throat, “Kita deserved it. We were supposed to be mated and she ran away. I had to track her down into gods land just to find her. And then she goes and gives herself to you. The bitch got what she had coming to her.” Sasha smiled, nodding his head as he forced his boiling rage inward, “Yuri, move the knife.” His brother looked puzzled, but he did as he was told. In an instant Sasha had his hand firmly around Ramsey’s throat and he hissed into his face, “don’t you ever call her a bitch or touch her again.” Ramsey was unmoved, “you werewolves get far too attached to your women. Do you honestly think that she’s going to stay with you and be your mate, Sasha?” He smirked, “her father would never allow it.” Sasha leaned into him, and Ramsey’s eyes darted sideways. He knew better than to match the Alpha’s gaze. Sasha was called an eye-commander for a reason, one look in his eyes and he could take control of whoever was caught in his stare. The only ones immune to the effect were other eye-commanders. Sasha tipped his jaw in irritation. Ramsey was looking away and he had a sly, smug smile on his lips. He shifted, hoping to draw Ramsey’s gaze to him, but the man only pulled his eyes in a different direction, refusing the contact. “What’s the matter, you’re afraid to look me in the eye?” Sasha snapped finally. “Oh, come on, Sasha.” Ramsey replied slowly, “Do you honestly think that I would hunt you without knowing what you’re capable of? Please, unlike you, I know what I’m up against. It’s a pity you don’t, or you’d know that you’re outmatched and overpowered.” Sasha flexed his hand, squeezing his fingers ever so slightly around Ramsey’s throat, “don’t threaten me, Ramsey, you’re not in a position to make threats.” Ramsey swallowed against the pressure on his lungs, “I wasn’t threatening. I was informing.” “Thanks for the enlightenment,” Sasha growled sarcastically, “now let me inform you of something, were-cat. You’re going to go home and tell your father that you’ve changed your mind about mating Kita.” Ramsey nodded, “The agreement will be off, then.” He smirked, “And Kita’s daddy will not be happy … and he’ll have you to blame.” Sasha glanced over his shoulder at Kita, “I have a message for Kita’s father, and you’re going to deliver it personally.” He spoke low, whispering his message to Ramsey, and then he drew away, “don’t try anything, either, Ramsey, because if you even think about it, I’ll find you, and I’ll kill you.” A sly grin slipped over the were-cat’s features again, “Are you threatening me?” “No,” the Alpha replied as he released his hold on the man’s throat, “I’m informing you.”

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

72

Ramsey nodded again, and he turned away. Yuri was standing behind him, holding up a bag. He smiled, grabbing up his belongings from Sasha’s brother, and without another word he started walking through the woods. Sasha watched him until he had disappeared from sight. “Are you going to tell me what’s going on?” Yuri asked as he walked over to Kita. Sasha jerked his head around, watching as his brother kneeled down in front of her and took off his shirt. “What in the hell are you doing?” Sasha demanded protectively. Yuri gave him a half cocked grin, “Easy, Alpha, don’t get defensive, I’m just giving her my shirt to wear.” He shook his head as he helped Kita get the shirt on, replacing her torn one. Sasha blushed, he should have known better. “My name is Yuri,” the man introduced himself to Kita, “I’m his brother.” She smiled halfheartedly. “I’m Kita …” her voice was strained and low, and she scowled in confusion, “I thought he killed you …” Yuri chuckled, “Everyone does. Are you Sasha’s mate?” She winced as pain struck her shoulder. “No.” “She’s Nikita Yurikov,” Sasha announced as he came to stand beside his brother, “The man that was here was Ramsey, a were-cat … and her ex-fiancé.” Kita pushed against the base of the tree, rising to her feet weakly while bracing her back against the tree just to keep from sinking back down again. Sasha stepped towards her, “Are you alright?” his voice came out almost frantic with concern and it was echoed in the lines that creased his brow. She nodded, gently pushing him away when he reached to help her, “I’m fine.” “This were-cat, he’s an ex-fiancé because of you?” Yuri questioned his brother shrewdly. Sasha glanced at Kita, “She didn’t want to mate with him. I didn’t have anything to do with it.” “I bet …” Yuri said with a smile, “how’s my pack doing?” “Your pack?” Sasha replied with a cocky grin, “You mean my pack.” “Ha, it was my pack before you killed me, remember brother?” Sasha rolled his eyes, “yeah, it’s a joke to you, but you don’t know the hell I’ve gone through because of it. Do you realize that Ivan refused to talk to me for the longest time? Not to mention the bad reputation you’ve given me. Kita told me that when she was younger she heard stories about me killing you!” Yuri grinned mischievously, “you probably deserved the silent treatment from Ivan. Growing up you gave him hell, and you probably still harass him every chance you get. And as for your bad reputation, you had that before you killed me. That’s why Roman’s father gave me the position of Alpha in the first place. He said you were too bitter and untrusting.” Sasha shook his head, “you’d be bitter too, if you had my memory.” “You can’t be that bitter anymore. You have Sergey Yurikov’s daughter here with you. If there’s a werewolf pack to be untrusting of his is the one.” “Don’t remind me.” Sasha said as he reflexively reached out to Kita. He saw her trembling gently as she leaned against the tree. He had gotten the

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

73

bullet out quickly but she still wasn’t in the clear yet. The slug had already begun to dissolve. He could see the gray smearing in his palm, and even though he hoped that it wasn’t enough to harm her, he could tell from her shaking that he had been wrong. Pain pulsed through Kita’s veins. She could feel traces of silver darting like toxin in her blood. She looked up at Sasha, seeing the worry in his eyes. She didn’t want him to worry, didn’t want him to know how much she was hurting, and she pushed his hand away. “I’m fine.” She insisted. “Can you walk okay?” He questioned skeptically. “Yes, I’m fine,” she replied impatiently as she stepped away from the tree. The moment she left the stability of the tree her head began to swirl dizzily. She staggered forward, momentarily bracing her palm on Sasha’s broad chest to catch her self from falling. Sasha grabbed her palm before she could tear it away and wrapped his other arm around her waist, effectually holding her up beside him. He could feel her labored breathing against him, and her slight trembling as she tried desperately to hide her weakness. Kita didn’t fight him. She couldn’t have even if she wanted to. She simply didn’t have the strength to. “I need to get her home,” Sasha told his brother as he turned with Kita against him, “and you’re coming with us.” Yuri turned to follow him, “I don’t know if that’s such a good idea. Did you forget that I’m supposed to be dead?” He reminded, “If our pack mates see me alive and well your status is null and void.” “That’s why you’re going to go through the back door,” Sasha replied. “You do realize that even going through the back door is risky? Someone could still see me you know.” “No one is going to see you, Yuri.” Yuri groaned, “I could just stay in the cabin for as long as I’m here. I can even set up camp in the mountains. I’ll only be here for a week or so, so it’s no big deal. There’s no reason to be careless and risk someone seeing me, Sasha.” Kita let an amused breath escape her lips as she gingerly stepped through the forest, “your brother is reckless, Yuri, I think he likes taking risks.” Sasha’s arm tightened around her waist, and she glanced up to see him wink at her. “I’m not usually reckless, sweetheart, but I swear, you bring out the worst in me.” He sighed, and his expression became graver, deeper with remorse, “if anyone is reckless it’s you … I keep thinking I’m going to lose you.” **** Kita opened her eyes, blinking dreamily as voices danced faintly around her. She didn’t know how long she had been asleep for but it felt like it must have been days. She rolled her head sideways, closing her eyes briefly in pain. Her shoulder was still aching, but at least she no longer had lethal silver running through her veins. She smiled. Sasha was watching her warmly from the edge of the bed. Yuri was in the room with them, leaning against the wall next to the fireplace as he and Sasha spoke. She turned her eyes to him. He was an attractive man, she though to herself, but nothing compared to Sasha.

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

74

“Are you feeling better?” Sasha asked from beside her. She sat up, leaning against the headboard of the bed, “Much better,” a crooked grin slipped over her lips and she teased him, “it won’t be long and I’ll be well enough to go home.” He shot her a brief glare, breaking out into a relieved grin when he realized that she was just joking, “Yeah, that’s the problem with you, pretty baby. When you’re asleep you’re harmless, but when you’re awake you’re either running from me or causing trouble.” She dropped her eyes and licked her lips thoughtfully before contesting, “that’s not all I do when I’m awake.” He let out a breathy chuckle and came over to her, planting a sweet kiss on her lips before whispering against her, “I’m glad you’re feeling better. No more running from me, okay?” She blushed, looking up into his golden eyes that stole her breath, “No promises …” He kissed her again, “no more running, running will get you punished.” He drew away and left to sit on the edge of the bed again. She smiled bashfully, throwing her eyes back to Yuri as silence ensued. She cocked her chin pensively and eyed him with sincerity. “Yuri, why would you want everyone to think that Sasha killed you,” she shook her head and turned her attention back at Sasha, “And why would you go along with it?” Yuri’s eyes rounded for a surprised moment, and he looked at his brother, “Do you want to answer this one, or do you want me to?” Sasha shrugged, “it was your idea, you can tell her all about your genius plan.” Yuri sighed, “it’s complicated. You’ve noticed that not everyone here is our breed, right?” She nodded. Most of the people here had auburn hair and brown eyes. “Well,” Yuri continued, “that’s because this isn’t our pack, not our original one, anyway. Our family was lost years ago during the wars, and Orion, who was this packs Alpha, was kind enough to take us in and raise us as his own. He was really close to our father …” He broke off, his voice cracking ever so slightly, “Anyway he took care of us through the years. He was getting older though, and he was sick. He knew that it wouldn’t be long before he’d be unable to keep his position, some cheeky young subordinate was going to kill him for the right to be called leader.” Kita frowned, “what do you mean kill him? Hadn’t Orion ever heard of just conceding and leaving with his life?” She looked in panic over at Sasha, “did you--” Sasha laughed to her side, “Sweetheart, we’re fighters, nobody concedes here. If you want to lead you had better be ready to kill for it, and later die for it.” Yuri groaned, “don’t say it like that, Sasha. She won’t stay here if you scare her.” He shook his head in silent disapproval and looked back at Kita, “Orion wasn’t killed, and he didn’t die for his position. It was the sickness that killed him. No, he was going to bestow the position on his son, Roman, but Roman and our brother Ivan left to form a pack all their own. With Roman gone, he chose to pass the honor on to me.” He sighed, “The problem was, I really didn’t want to be the leader. It’s a huge responsibility, you have to protect everyone here, coordinate hunts, patrol the territory,

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

75

be ready to fight for everyone here, even die if necessary. It was too big of a burden for me. I was young, I didn’t want to die for these people, and I wouldn’t fight for them, either. I had other plans. There was a huge world out there, a world that I wanted to see. As an Alpha I couldn’t just leave, I’d be stuck here for the rest of my life.” “Why didn’t you tell him that, you couldn’t politely decline?” Kita asked. Both Sasha and Yuri looked at her as if she had just stepped on something sacred, and she glanced between them, “what?” Sasha scowled, “When an Alpha offers you his position you don’t decline. You accept it as an honor. Orion was a very proud man. If Yuri had refused him it would have been insulting, and it would have hurt more than being killed for his position would have.” Kita nodded in understanding. “Sasha, on the other hand,” Yuri said as he eyed his brother, “is a born and bred leader. He takes what he wants, he defends what’s his, and he refuses to lose. I knew that he would be a great Alpha, ten times the leader that I would have been, and I’m not just saying that because he’s my brother.” Sasha scoffed, and Kita nudged him playfully with her foot, “why couldn’t you just pass on the title to Sasha, just like Orion did for you?” Yuri shook his head, “That still would have been offensive, and it would have told the entire pack that I thought Orion made a mistake by giving me the position. You just don’t do that.” He nodded thoughtfully, “The only way around it was for Sasha to kill me.” “It sounds easy, but it was actually quite painful.” Sasha reflected, “we really did have to fight. We had to time it perfectly, when there were other pack mates around for witnesses.” He laughed, “We were in the meadow, with Kiser, Micah, Aleksey … a few other guys, all waiting to go out on a hunt when I challenged him.” “We were supposed to be pretending, by the way, but you got rough.” Yuri grumbled, “You really hurt me, you know.” “Hey, you started it, and I fought just like we always did in training. It’s not my fault that you have thin skin.” Sasha grinned roguishly, “besides, the river washed away your blood, and I bet it numbed the hell out of you, too.” “Yeah, it was damn cold that day.” Yuri smirked, looking back at Kita, “We were both fighting in our pelts, and he threw me into the river, you know, so I’d drown and the river would carry off my body. No evidence that way.” Sasha frowned, “I really did worry about you. I never knew if you were really hurt, or if you had gotten out okay. For all I knew you were dead. You disappeared and I haven’t seen you until now.” Yuri shrugged, “It’s not like I could come back. I take it Orion wasn’t too concerned that you didn’t have my body to honor.” Sasha shook his head proudly, “The other guys told him what happened, we honored you with a hunt, and I took your throne, brother.” Kita grimaced. She was appalled, “What? Wasn’t Orion furious that you killed your own brother?” Sasha smiled broodingly, “No, in his mind Yuri died an honorable death. He died fighting to keep what was his, and Orion taught us that there’s no better way to die. It was how our parents died, how our family died, and how we should all die.” He tilted

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

76

his jaw and looked into her puzzled blue eyes, “And I won the packs esteem. I fought for something that I thought I deserved, and that was just as admirable as dying for it.” He raised his eyebrows in afterthought, “Of course, Ivan was infuriated.” She shook her head. These men really were unchanged from the days of old. “Is Ivan still angry, or does he know the truth now?” she finally asked. “Two years ago I helped him and Roman when they were having trouble with another pack. I told him the truth, and he’s not angry with me for killing Yuri anymore.” He chuckled, “no, now he’s angry that I didn’t tell him sooner.” “Tell me something, Kita,” Yuri said as he studied her inquisitively, “why does this all surprise you? Hasn’t your father ever been challenged for his position?” She frowned and shook her head, “he’s been the Alpha ever since I can remember … I recall when I was little that occasionally he would be confronted by other males, but they would disappear shortly after. Later, when I was older, he was never challenged. I just don’t think anyone dared after awhile, he’s never lost a fight.” Sasha stood to his feet, “neither have I.” He mumbled under his breath, “But one of us is going to lose for the first time when he comes for you.”

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

77

CHAPTER 13 Kita pulled her shirt over her head, setting it down on the tile floor of the bathroom as she readied herself to climb into the shower. She heard Sasha open the bedroom door, pausing to talk to his brother. “Something has really been bothering me, Yuri. How did you know to come home when you did? I mean, your timing was flawless.” “I have a friend who claims to be very intuitive.” He let out a deep breath, “she insisted that I had to go home, that my brother needed me. I never told her that I had a brother, or a home for that matter, so I listened.” “A friend that happens to be a she … huh,” Sasha mused, “would that make her a girlfriend?” Yuri inhaled, “I wish. She’s beautiful. She saved my life, but she’s having trouble accepting what I am. I think she’s afraid of me.” He looked back at the bathroom, abruptly jumping up from his seat as if he had become uncomfortable all of the sudden, “I’m going to take a run, explore our old stomping grounds while I have the time. I’ll have to leave in a day or so, I don’t dare stay longer. I always worry about her when I’m gone.” Sasha shifted the towels that he had on his arm, he wanted to ask his brother more about this woman, but Yuri was already halfway out the door. “Be careful, and don’t let anybody see you.” He warned before his brother could disappear. Yuri waved, “I’ll be back in a bit.” Sasha grabbed the towels and stepped into the bathroom. Kita was naked, just climbing into the shower as he set the towels on the sink. He stared at her, unable to take his eyes from her as she closed the glass shower door and stepped under the running water. Everything about her captivated him. He was mesmerized as soap suds trailed down her smooth shapely legs, glazing her with lush oil. He could smell the sweet fragrance, lilac and chamomile intermingling as it clung to her skin. She rinsed lather from her pale blonde hair and turned to look at him, smiling demurely and blushing when she saw him staring at her. Her pink cheeks were dotted with water that fell from her long dark eyelashes, and her thick pink lips were glossy and wet. She looked up at him with those piercing blue eyes of hers, and it hit him like a punch in the gut. He was breathless, lost in her eyes. Kita looked away, feeling heat crawl up her spine to see him watching her so raptly. Even with a door between them he was able to make every part of her burn with desire when all he was doing was looking at her. It was as if her body was becoming trained to his appeal, and she felt excitement tingling between her legs. The clear shower door slid open and she gasped in surprise. Sasha had rid himself of his clothes and he climbed in beside her, immediately scooping her up in his arms. She melted into him, welcoming his embrace as his lips fell down on hers, claiming her kiss for his own. His tongue sank into her as his lips took command of her mouth, devouring her feverishly.

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

78

She moaned against him, circling her arms around his neck as he clutched her to him. His open palms trailed down the smooth curve of her back, stopping on her buttocks and cupping them as he pressed her against him, crushing her body into his. She could feel his rigid erection against her stomach, and she cried out against his lips. She draped a leg over his hip, encouraging him further. He left her lips and kissed her collarbone, rasping against her throat, “oh, Kita, what are you doing to me woman?” She rolled her head back, so deep in her need for him that she hardly even heard his words. She felt a burning in her shoulder where she had been shot, but it was drowned out by his passionate kisses that lingered on her skin. He nipped at her throat, grazing her skin with his teeth as she dug her nails into his shoulders. “Sasha,” the words were a whisper on Kita’s panting lips, and they were quickly replaced by moans and cries of pleasure. “Kita, my pretty baby.” He lifted her against the wall and she wrapped her legs around his hips, clinging to him tightly as he continued to kiss her excitedly. Unbearable heat rose to flush her cheeks, and his every touch became a burning fire on her skin. If it hadn’t been for the falling water in the shower she was certain that they would both be in flames right now. Steam rose around them, and she gasped as her lungs tightened with desire. She pushed against him, slowly sinking onto him until she was impaled on his eager manhood as he held her. Sasha gritted his teeth, hardly able to stand the incredible sensations that gripped his loins. Grabbing his shoulders for leverage, Kita began to rise and fall against him, gradually increasing her pace to match her outcries. She was so warm and moist, wrapping around him as if she were made just for him, and he couldn’t keep from rocking against her. He felt feverish, frantic in his need for her. Her panting breath brushed his ear as she ground her hips against him, and it only made his urgency that much more desperate. He filled her completely as he thrust into her, only to withdraw and quickly dive back into her inviting warmth. Kita closed her eyes, feeling his lips graze hers in a tantalizing brush that sent a quiver of temptation to her lungs. She gasped. She could feel everything at this moment, as if her whole body was alive with sensation. She felt his hands as they cupped her bottom, his hot breath falling between thick lips as he rasped against her skin, droplets of water as it ran from her legs to drip from her toes, and even the ripple of scars beneath her nipples as her breast were compressed to his chest. She was aching for him, burning dangerously close to the edge of release as her insides tightened around him. He groaned, and her eyes flickered open. Water was pouring from his shoulders to dive between their bodies. She looked up at him through the steam of the shower. He had pulled away and was watching her with hungry golden eyes. In an instant she was pulled into him, crushed to him as he kissed her. It was the push over the edge that her body was craving, and shudders coursed through her. She continued to rise and fall on his shaft, grinding against him as wave after wave of satisfaction rolled through her. Sasha clutched her fiercely, driving himself into her roughly one last time as his own satisfaction burned forward. Like a never ending stream of heat he poured into her, letting his pleasure collide with hers. He held her trembling body against his own,

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

79

kissing her lips softly. Kita pulled away from him, and he gently let her down until her feet found the slick bottom of the tub. Her knees felt weak, and for a moment she stayed in his grip, leaning against him for support. She shivered involuntarily, and he reflexively pressed her closer to him. He leaned down and kissed her sore shoulder sympathetically, vowing silently to himself. He’d never let anyone hurt her again, and he’d never let her go without a fight. He stepped away from her with a warm smile as he trailed his hand across her cheek. She was so smooth in his palm, so soft, so sweet. Kita watched him as he stepped out of the tub, and she moved forward to turn the water off. Her unsteady feet slipped in the basin, and she started to lose her balance with a squeal of surprise. A strong hand reached out, bracing her before she could fall, and a giggle of sheer embarrassment left her lips. Her blue eyes lifted to meet his, finding a halfcocked smile of amusement on his lips. How was it that he was always there when she needed him? She blushed, feeling awkward and clumsy as she raised her chin and steadied herself. She continued to giggle despite herself. He shook his head as she climbed out of the shower, her blush still coloring her cheeks prettily even as she dried off and finished getting dressed. He smiled, leaning down to kiss her lovingly when they were both clothed. Her lips were warm and succulent, like ripe berries and just as sweet. He felt his loins stretching, craving more of her already. The bedroom door clicked shut, drawing his mind away from the beautiful woman before him. He didn’t have time to turn around or even see who it was. Suddenly Yuri slipped into the bathroom beside them, quietly placing himself behind the door. Sasha stared at him in bewilderment. “Do you mind?” “Nope, not at all,” Yuri smiled merrily, “pretend I’m not even here.” “What the hell are you doing?” “Hiding.” Sasha glowered at him, “what the hell for?” “You’ll see.” Footsteps were rapidly coming down the hall, and Sasha swung his gaze from the door to Yuri again, “what did you do?” His brother grinned mischievously, “you’d think that after having been shot not too long ago that Micah would take a break from patrolling the territory. It’s funny, you’d never even know that he was wounded … he’s still fast as hell.” He looked up thoughtfully. “He’s always been regimented like that, though, and nothing keeps him from his routine.” “Damn it, Yuri! I told you to be careful.” There was a knock on the door. “I swear, if you weren’t so, so--” He stopped, seeing Micah out of the corner of his eye. He was leaning against the door, his jaw slightly dropped in uncertainty. Sasha’s eyes widened and he grabbed Kita by the shoulders. “If you weren’t so damn beautiful, I’d never let you get away with some of the stuff you pull.” He bent down, kissing her fiercely and hoping like hell that Micah had bought the idea that he had been talking to her the whole time.

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

80

Kita licked her lips when he drew away. A provocative smile lined her mouth. She watched as Sasha threw his brother a discreet glare of warning, and then whirled around to face Micah. The Beta was entering the room slowly and Sasha was quick to meet him before he could come in further. “What’s wrong, Micah?” He asked curtly. “There’s an intruder in the woods, another werewolf, I’m sure of it.” He stepped back. “He outran me, but I don’t think he’s left the territory.” Sasha looked back one last time, “Alright, let’s go and look for him, and then …” He shook his head and stepped out the door. Yuri sighed and looked at Kita, “My brother really likes you.” His voice surprised her and she looked at him wide-eyed, she had been so busy watching Sasha leave that she had almost forgotten he was there, “why do you say that?” “It’s the way he looks at you. You can tell.” She shook her head and left the bathroom to sit on the bed, “I’m sure he likes many women.” Yuri watched her walk away from him. She was barefoot, wearing a pair of warm black cotton pants and a form hugging white t-shirt. She sat down on the bed, and her expression looked pained. He left the bathroom, casually leaning against the wall as he spoke, “My brother doesn’t like women. He doesn’t like anyone but his Beta’s.” He smiled softly, “but he likes you. If you don’t believe me ask Kiser, or Micah, anyone here will tell you about my brother’s regard for women.” She raised her brows skeptically, “Why, is he a jerk when I’m not around?” The whole time she had been here she had never once seen Sasha lose his temper with a woman. “No,” Yuri shook his head, “But he’s not friendly, either. He’s just … aloof.” He shrugged his shoulders casually. “The men are the hunters, the providers and the protectors. Women do things around the home like cooking and cleaning. I don’t think Sasha ever thought anything more about them … until you, anyway.” Kita laughed, “I’m a terrible cook, and my cleaning skills leave a lot to be desired.” She frowned suddenly. “My father will come soon, Yuri. He won’t let me stay with Sasha …” He turned his head, watching her pale expression in the light of the fire that was burning to his side, “Sasha won’t just let you leave, and I know my brother, Kita. Once he has something he wants he won’t let it go … and he wants you.” She laughed an empty, troubled chuckle, “he won’t have a choice, and neither will I.” “What’s your father going to do, Kita? He can’t make you leave.” She looked up at him, staring into the golden eyes that looked so similar to his brothers, “You don’t know my father, Yuri. He’ll do whatever it takes to get what he wants, and nothing, absolutely nothing, will stop him.” She felt the warmth leave her face as she went cold, “Sasha’s getting in the way of his plans with the were-cats … my father gets rid of people who get in his way.” Yuri studied her. Seeing the pain written in her face he could almost feel her heart aching.

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

81

“Trust my brother, Kita.” He tilted his chin. “While you were sleeping after you got shot, my brother was telling me a little bit about you. He told me that you weren’t very trusting of Alpha’s.” She looked away for a split second and then looked back, “you can trust my brother, Kita.” She sighed ruefully. If she was ever going to trust an Alpha Sasha would be the one. She felt a cringe in her chest, as if her heart were being pinched. If she was ever going to fall in love with one, that would be Sasha, too. She didn’t know how long she had been just quietly staring at the floor lost in thought when Sasha suddenly returned. She heard the door click, and when she looked up he was standing there wet. “What the hell happened to you?” Yuri blurted out from the chair where he was now sitting. Kita flashed her eyes sideways, when did Yuri sit down? Her gaze shifted back to Sasha. He strode into the bathroom for a towel, speaking as he moved. “It’s starting to snow. I think we’re seeing the end of our mild winter.” Yuri suddenly launched himself from the chair, “do you think it’s going to add up to anything?” Sasha dried off as he casually made his way back to where Kita was sitting. “It looks like it. It’s thick, heavy snow. Might be the big snow storm that we’ve been expecting for awhile now.” He wrapped an arm around Kita’s small waist as he leaned over to kiss her cheek, “it wouldn’t surprise me. We’re due for one.” “I have to go.” Yuri said urgently as he grabbed for the door. “Wait, what? Where are you going, Yuri?” Sasha jumped up and put his palm on the door, slamming it shut before his brother could leave. “If we get heavy snow it’ll block the pass. I won’t be able to leave until it melts. I can’t--” He stammered, tripping over his words, “I can’t be gone that long.” Sasha released his hold. There was desperation in his brother’s voice that even he didn’t dare question. “Fine, Kita and I will go with you to the edge of the territory.” Sasha slowly backed away, “but I really wish that you didn’t have to leave so soon. You just got here.” Yuri’s head snapped back in surprise. “Is that compassion I hear, from you, the unemotional brother that I grew up with?” He grinned playfully at Kita, “what have you done to my brother?” “Knock it off, Yuri,” Sasha scolded with an uncomfortable blush. “Believe it or not I really did worry about you when you were gone. And I’ll worry about you when you leave.” Yuri chuckled, “I think Kita is making you soft.” He grimaced as Sasha’s fist unceremoniously found his shoulder. “Ouch …” Sasha looked back at Kita. Her deep navy eyes were watching him affectionately, and strands of soft light blonde hair fell jaggedly around her small jaw and down her shoulders. Maybe she was making him soft, but she also made him hard as hell.

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

82

CHAPTER 14 Kita blinked snowflakes from her thick lashes, glancing sideways to look at Sasha and Yuri. They were both quiet with their hands in their jean pockets, trudging through the ever thickening snow. Occasionally they would look at one another, and an expression would pass between them, almost as if they were talking to each other, but they never said a word. The snow was falling in a steady blanket of heavy white, making visibility difficult. She shivered, hugging the warm fleece coat that she was wearing closer to her body. She looked down at the warm wool lined boots that she had been given by one of the women. They were handmade, sewn together with practiced precision. In her mind she recalled the woman who had given her the boots. She was young, probably around her own age, with auburn hair and warm brown eyes. Cleo, her name was. She was sweet, with a shy smile, and she blushed when Kita thanked her and complimented her on the beautiful work in making the boots. Cleo had then smiled, telling Kita that she would show her how to make them when she returned. She smiled, thinking to herself. She liked Cleo already. It may have been in her head, but she felt at home here, as if she knew these people already. There was a calm ambiance that surrounded this place. Perhaps it was the mountains, the solitude of being hidden from civilization, but she had a feeling that it was something much more than that. Everyone knew their place, they trusted each other, and they loved each other. They were a family. She felt a shiver travel up her spine, the result of bitter memory. Her family’s pack was anything but. There was a constant struggle for status. No matter where someone was on the ladder they always wanted to be higher. They fought internally, and ties were easily broken. Friendship was a loose term. Growing up she had only had one or two true friends. The rest had befriended her with the false hopes of rising in rank, using her status to aid theirs. It didn’t work, and once they realized it she again became the enemy, the one where they wanted to be. She had been high in rank. Her father and mother were the leaders, followed by the six Beta’s--two of who were her older brothers, and she, being their only daughter, was next on the totem pole of the pack. Jealousy and resentment towards her ran thick through their society and it hadn’t taken her long to learn how to fight. She was certainly given plenty of opportunities whenever her parent’s backs were turned. Unfortunately, her temperament didn’t improve with experience. The older she became the more hostile she became, and she learned to anticipate confrontation. With age also came attention from the opposite sex. Suddenly visiting Alpha’s from neighboring packs became interested in her, and it had nothing to do with her looks or her personality. It had everything to do with the fact that her father was a man of power, and she had ties to that power. Their attention not only brought more jealousy and resentment from other women, but it also allowed her to see first hand how ruled by power and greed the men of her race were. It left a bitter taste in her mouth for

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

83

Alpha’s entirely, and she learned quickly how to use her anger and hostility to keep them away from her. She smiled to herself. Sasha was the first man that she had been unable to drive away with her surly temper. In fact, he even seemed to enjoy the challenge that her defiance brought. There was another shiver up her back, but this time it was one of excitement. The fact that he was so dominant sent her head spinning out of control, and at the same time it turned her on like a hot flame against gasoline. A warm arm wrapped tenderly around her waist, and even over her clothing that simple touch was enough to send heat coursing through her veins while flushing her cheeks. She shifted her eyes demurely, seeing Sasha wink playfully before returning his eyes to the meadow that was now just a few hundred yards away. She wondered how they had gotten so far so soon. Had she been daydreaming for that long? The snow was still falling heavily, blanketing the open meadow until it was nothing but a pristine white sheet. The river was black against the ivory snowfall, unaffected by the cold around it. It just kept rolling, churning through the meadow and between the trees as it always had. Sasha kept his arm firmly around Kita’s waist, leading her with him as he walked with his brother to the edge of the river. The heavy snow underfoot made the short walk seem distant and taxing. They finally stopped at the edge of the river, looking into the black water as it rippled along. There was silence. The snow fell softly, and even the chortle of the water seemed to grow faint. Kita shifted uneasily. The wind blew at her back, throwing her light hair swirling around her face. She flicked it away with her hand, looking up at Sasha. He was still staring at the water, speechless. Yuri finally chuckled, breaking the empty stillness. “I have to go before this snow gets any worse.” He informed his brother, “if the pass gets blocked you’ll be stuck with me for the rest of winter.” Sasha feigned disgust, “Haven’t I had to tolerate you long enough?” He smiled, unable to keep a straight face any longer, “I can’t imagine trying to hide you from everyone for another month or so. Besides, you’ve caused enough trouble … you’re almost as bad as Kita.” Kita scowled, seeing him cast a sly sidelong glance down to her. She smirked, reaching out to pinch his side. She gripped a clump of his black fleece jacket that he was wearing, and when she could feel firm flesh beneath it she squeezed. He jumped in surprise, yelping in pain. He reached down and quickly grabbed her hand in his, pulling her closer to his side. He tangled his fingers into hers, keeping her hands where he could control what they were doing. “Kita,” Yuri chuckled as he leaned towards her with an extended hand, “it was nice to meet you.” She freed her hand from Sasha’s grip just long enough to receive a kiss on the back of her palm. “Keep my brother on his toes, it’s good for him.” She nodded with a smile of appreciation, watching curiously as Yuri bowed lightly to Sasha. Without another word he shoved his hands back into his pockets, spun on his heel and walked down a ways, crossing the river by stepping on several large rocks that were jutting from the icy water. He then turned away, disappearing into the shadow of the trees. “You never even said goodbye …” She whispered sadly, not really expecting

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

84

Sasha to hear her. Sasha squeezed her waist tenderly, “Yes I did.” “No you didn’t,” she challenged, “You hardly said a word to him the whole time.” “We said lots of things, sweetheart.” He sighed, looking down at her, “It just wasn’t words that you could hear.” She rolled her eyes, “That doesn’t make sense.” He smiled, “We’re eye-commanders, pretty baby, remember? We don’t need words to speak to one another.” He saw her become puzzled, a sweet expression of confusion flashing over her brow, and he elaborated, “We can read each other’s minds. We learn to do it at a young age. When you become a wolf you lose the ability to speak, right? It’s a necessary tool for communication.” She frowned. In her pack when someone shifted into their wolf form they didn’t communicate telepathically. They expressed their feelings with snaps and growls. Her gut tightened with a sick feeling. She blanched, “Can you read my mind?” He laughed, “No. You have to be receptive, and I don’t think that you would welcome me into your mind.” She blushed, biting her lip as she looked coyly up at him, “You’d hear all my dirty thoughts about you.” He raised his brows suggestively, “Oh woman, would you hate to hear what I’m thinking about you. You think you’re thinking dirty? You should hear my thoughts …” Kita felt her face go hot with heat, and suddenly the cold air around her seemed to melt away. Her eyes rounded in surprise to Sasha’s words and she giggled demurely. She shook her head and stepped back. He was so unbelievably striking right now. His golden eyes were deep and warm as he looked at her, and his thick pink lips were curved into a charming boyish grin. Butterflies tickled her stomach. He tilted his jaw, and she could hear the soft clink of his metal tusks as they bounced from one another beneath his chin. The scars that decorated his facial features suddenly seemed so perfect on him. They made him look intimidating, and combined with his shaved scalp it made him look tough as hell. A surge of raw aching pitched through her veins. He was such a turn on, everything about him made her want to pounce on him like a wild animal. She flushed, trying to cool the desire in her blood. Casually she reached down into the snow with her hand, nonchalantly rolling the powder until she had a perfectly formed ball of white in her palm. She smiled mischievously, backing away as she held her weapon by her hip. Sasha watched her in wonder. Her blue eyes were as deep as the ocean, and he could almost feel a tidal wave washing through them, ready to crash down on him as she stepped back. She had something at her hip. He could see the way that she held her hand behind her back. “What are you doing?” he finally asked when she had yet to produce her secreted toy. She pursed her lips, “Nothing …” she leaned to the right, pretending to look behind him, and she nearly burst out laughing right then and there when he took the bait. He turned to look, following her gaze, and his moments inattention left him

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

85

vulnerable. Suddenly something hard smacked into his back with a thwack. He spun around. Kita was grinning from ear to ear with self satisfaction. “That,” she informed him haughtily as she dusted the snow from her hands, “was for thinking impure thoughts about me.” He smiled, reaching down into the snow with a shrewd look on his face. She backed away, giggling nervously and shaking her head. “Sasha, don’t you dare.” She warned him. “Unless you want to eat that snow you’d better not ... ah! Sasha!” The snowball thumped into her side just as she swerved to avoid it. It was his turn to dust of his hands as he announced, “that, my sweet, was for thinking impure thoughts about me.” He laughed, “and for taking advantage of my--” He never got to finish his sentence. A snowball was launched into his chest, smacking into him as it shattered into a million white fluffy pieces on his coat. He looked at Kita. She was laughing hysterically, holding her stomach with her convulsions. He smirked, grabbing up another ball of snow. She screeched and ran, prompting him to chase her across the snow covered meadow. She didn’t have a chance to outrun him. She was still too busy laughing and slipping in the snow. He caught her easily, wrapping his strong arms around her as he spun her around to face him. She was gasping for breath, still laughing uncontrollably. She squealed with delight, “Unhand me you, you ... ah!” She slipped in the snow, nearly falling on her backside. Sasha grabbed her, pulling backwards before she could go down. But when he drew back he lost his own footing, slipping into the snow while taking Kita with him. Again she screeched, laughing harder than ever when she landed on top of him. She lay on his chest, straddling his hips as she panted for air and looked down at him. She sucked in a deep breath, “You make a hard pillow …” She had barely gotten the words out of her mouth and she began to giggle once more. Sasha smiled. She was so beautiful. Her eyes twinkled with energy, her hair was wet and messy with fallen snow, and her smile lit everything around him. It could have been dark out and he never would have known. Her cheeks were pink, from laughter or cold he wasn’t sure, and a tear streaked downward over them. Kita sighed, desperately easing her laughter to soft chuckles, “My stomach hurts from laughing.” she gasped breathily. “But you should have seen the look on your face.” “My face,” he echoed with an amused grin, “you should have seen the look on your face.” In an instant he wrapped his arms around her, rolling her beneath him. Kita’s breath caught for a moment, and she resumed her laughter. She wrapped her legs around his hips, and raised her chin defiantly, taming her mirth for all she was worth. “What is it with you Alpha’s always having to be on top?” she joked, feeling the tightness in his jeans as he held her close. He winked down at her, “I’ll let you be on top if you want to be.” She scoffed, stating, “the funny thing is you think you’re the one in control. But the truth is,” She purposely tightened her legs around his hips, emphasizing her hold on him, “It’s me that has you.” His eyes softened, and he brushed the wet hair from her face, “I’m never in

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

86

control around you, Kita. And believe me I know damn well how hard your hold is on me.” He leaned down and kissed her, crushing his lips against hers. Kita closed her eyes, welcoming his kiss and the passion within it. He was warm and wet, deliciously arousing as his tongue slid along the curve of her lips. She moaned into him, wrapping her arms around his shoulders and pulling him down to her with her legs. His tongue tickled hers, tasting her and lingering lovingly inside of her. He drew away, shifting his kisses to her earlobes. He sucked on her lobe, gently tugging as he pulled away to trail down her throat. She whispered against his skin, “Sasha, let’s go home …” “That’s an admission,” he rasped playfully, “my home is now your home.” He continued to kiss her neck, circling her skin with his tongue. It was excruciating to feel his hot breath burning on her flesh, only to be frozen by the cold winter air the moment that he moved his mouth. Biting snowflakes nipped her cheeks and fell in her lashes, all the while a fire was building inside of her. “Sasha.” She implored again, “let’s go home, please.” He pulled up, hovering over her with a roguish smile, “What’s the matter? Is it too cold for you out here?” She pushed on his chest, “Yes, and you know it.” He kissed her again, pausing to tease her, “I’ll keep you warm, Kita.” “You’re warm, but you’re not that warm.” She informed him good-naturedly. He smiled, finally conceding to her, “Alright then, pretty baby, we’ll go home.” He stood and extended his hand out to her, “I can ravish you there just as well as I can here.” She blushed, “You can ravish me anywhere you like, Alpha, as long as it’s not in the cold.” She took his hand and he pulled her up, watching her adoringly when she tried to turn from him. He held her hand, relishing that moment, where her delicate palm was securely locked in his own. He froze. There was a noise somewhere beyond the river, the sound of a twig snapping. It made him tense, and then it hit him, like a sickening wave crashing down on him. Something wasn’t right. “Sasha?” Kita squeezed his palm, “What’s wrong?” She saw him go rigid, and worry flashed in his eyes. He didn’t answer and she looked past him. They were near the tree line now and the meadow was nearly obscured by white. Even the black rolling river was faded in the falling snow. She couldn’t see anything, and she hadn’t heard anything. “Sasha, what’s wrong?” She asked again, this time her voice was soft, worried, “Sasha, you’re scaring me.” He snapped his head back to her, gently brushing her chin with the pad of his thumb. The feel of her soft skin in his touch, it was a sensation that he never wanted to forget. “Kita, my pretty baby,” He stepped away from her, backing into the meadow, “Don’t be scared. I won’t let anyone hurt you.” She frowned in confusion, “What are you talking about?” Suddenly a shot zipped through the air, clean and direct. She saw Sasha grimace in pain as he tilted his jaw in ire. She cried out, seeing the softly feathered end of a

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

87

small arrow imbedded in the side of his neck. Sasha was irritated, and he lashed upward with his right hand, jerking the dart from his throat. He snapped the projectile in two with a simple flex of his fingers, throwing it off to the ground as he glared across the meadow. “Shooting me with poison darts won’t improve my temper any.” He hissed as he stepped back until he was leaning against the firm base of a tree. “No, but it will make you more predictable.” Kita looked up to the sound of the familiar voice. Four shadowy figures had crossed the river and were walking through the snow towards them. She recognized the man in front, and her heart lurched.

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

88

CHAPTER 15 Kita felt a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach as she glared at her father. He was a stern-looking man, with salt and pepper hair, a thin, narrow jaw line, and piercing blue eyes. He casually straightened his long dark gray coat as he proceeded forward. He was an attractive man, tall and lean, but austere in appearance. He was calm and collected. Even in foreign territory, he appeared unflappable. Kita exhaled, realizing that she had been holding her breath ever since she had seen her father. She brought her eyes back to Sasha. A slender trail of blood was slipping from the wound in his neck. Anger and hatred burned within her suddenly, renewing her resentment. “What in the hell is wrong with you?” she snapped at her father. “Why did you do that?” She demanded, despite a hard glower of warning that was now written on his face. He snapped his fingers at a young man to his side, “Markus, grab your sister.” The man smiled affectionately at Kita, shaking his head in silent reprimand. He was tall with lean muscle, blue eyes and thick blonde hair, clearly a younger version of his father. He stepped towards her and she moved back, closer to Sasha. It was enough to make him stop, throwing his eyes at Sasha before he made another move. Sasha stared at him, frozen against the tree, daring him to grab Kita while he was there. “Just grab her already, Markus!” Her father snapped impatiently. The young man glanced back at his father, flicking his eyes to Sasha suggestively. Kita’s father inhaled slowly and a knowing look crossed his features, “You can get your sister, Markus. I’m sure that Mr. Lucien will allow that ...” Sasha didn’t move. He couldn’t because the poison in the dart had numbed his body. From the neck down he was paralyzed. He was helpless although he never let on. He looked at Kita’s father. The headman was aware of his numbed condition, he never voiced it, but the perceptive look in his eyes confirmed it. Kita looked over. Sasha still hadn’t moved. He was still inclined against the tree, watching her brother now with silent interest. “I swear to god, Markus, touch me and your head is gonna roll.” Kita threatened when her brother stepped towards her. “Kita, don’t embarrass me.” Her father growled. She frowned in confusion, and for the first time she stopped to look at the two men who were with him. She had assumed that they were just two more of her fathers Beta’s, but she had been wrong. A lump formed in her throat, and she swallowed hard. She saw Ramsey, and immediate hatred began to churn in her abdomen. She looked to the man beside him. He was dark skinned and dark eyed, much like Ramsey, and of average height, but with a broad barrel shaped chest. He had a look of power and authority that was only matched by the Alpha werewolf to his side. It was

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

89

Ramsey’s father, the Puman King, Dashadow. She swallowed her hatred and her pride, stepping beside her brother as she yielded to her fathers command. It wasn’t her fathers silent threat that made her move, it was the simple fact that Marcus happened to be the farthest from the were-cats at this moment, and she wanted to keep as much distance between herself and Ramsey as was physically possible. Her father nodded his approval and stepped in front of Sasha. “Forgive me for not introducing myself,” he apologized. “My name is Sergey Yurikov. I’m Kita’s father.” Sasha looked coolly at him, “I know who you are. If you had wanted to speak with me you could have just asked. There’s no need to drug me.” Sergey frowned unhappily, “Yes, I’m sorry about that, but I’m afraid you’re reputation precedes you, eye-commander. I wasn’t sure how I would be received when I came to retrieve my daughter, though. As an Alpha, I’m sure you understand my caution when on another mans territory.” Sasha’s gaze grazed Kita. She was throwing knives at Ramsey with her eyes. The were-cat smirked back at her arrogantly, his dark eyes held sinister shadows with promise of things to come. “It’s actually a good thing that you’ve drugged me.” Sasha said in afterthought, “if I could move right now one of your companions would be dead. I’d have ripped his throat from his flesh.” Sergey nodded, “ah yes, Ramsey. He told me what happened. You’re a very bold man, Sasha, attacking a were-cat off of your territory.” He blinked casually, “I understand your anger towards him. He has something that you want, and when he came to take her back you fought for her. That’s admirable … inconsequential, but admirable nonetheless.” Sasha narrowed his eyes, “I assume then that he told you he shot your daughter?” The head man bowed his head slightly, “I know my daughter, and unfortunately she doesn’t always make the right choices. I wish it hadn’t been necessary for him to shoot her with a poison dart, but it was the only way that she would even allow him to get close to her.” “I’m not talking about the poison dart, Sergey,” Sasha bristled internally, “I’m talking about the silver bullet that he put in her left shoulder, the one that nearly killed her.” There was a sudden silence, and Kita’s father went stony. He looked shocked and enraged at the same time. His fist clenched and unclenched indecisively. Ramsey shifted nervously behind him. His eyes darted between Sasha and Kita. Finally he blurted defensively, “I was aiming for Sasha and she got in the way. It was an accident, Sergey.” Kita’s eyes widened in disbelief, “Bullshit!” she screamed, trying to escape her brother’s hold so that she could attack him, rip his head off, anything to cause him pain, “You used me as bait to get Sasha near you, you lying bastard!” “Kita,” her father said, quieting her with his stern voice. “There is nothing to be gained by your being excitable.” She glared at him but was hushed, reluctantly backing down. “To be perfectly honest, Sergey, I have reasons other than your daughter to kill

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

90

that man,” Sasha said calmly, interrupting the chaos that was threatening to explode around him. “He killed four of my pack mates for no reason, and injured another … on my territory.” Again there was a silence on the head man’s part, and something flashed in his eyes that Sasha thought might be anger. He looked over his shoulder, making eye contact with the were-cat. Ramsey shrugged indifferently, not even bothering to deny what he had done. Sergey whispered under his breath, “is that why you have held my daughter captive here--to spite your rival?” “Your daughter has been free the whole time, she was never a captive.” Sasha narrowed his eyes pensively. That wasn’t exactly true. S he hadn’t been a captive, no, but he hadn’t exactly allowed her to just leave either. His conscience nipped at him and he added, “There were times when I suggested that she stay for her own safety, but I never held her against her will.” There was a momentary silence as Kita’s father blinked and shifted uneasily. He suddenly turned, walking over to her. He opened her coat slightly, shifting her shirt to look at her left shoulder. The place where she had been shot was still red, and finely made stitches crossed her delicate skin. A tear ran down Kita’s cheek as she whispered, “Sasha saved my life.” He sighed, refusing to acknowledge her words. He turned away and walked back to Sasha. “Are you willing to fight for my daughter, Sasha?” “I’d die for her, Sergey,” he replied softly. Kita’s father looked back through the falling snow at Ramsey, and then he looked at the Puman King. There was a long silence. Finally he addressed the were-cat ruler, “Dashadow, Sasha wishes to keep my daughter.” “Too bad,” The man growled, “If Ramsey does not mate with her then we have no deal. The agreement is off.” Sergey shifted his shoulders tensely, “Dashadow, your son has killed four innocent werewolves. That cannot be disregarded.” “How are you to be so certain that they were innocent, Sergey?” The broad man disputed. “Your son’s silence provides me with all the certainty that I need. He doesn’t deny what he has done.” Dashadow looked at his son. Ramsey gazed back at him with his coaly eyes, cocking his jaw without a single word. He smirked, as if proud of the blood that he had coldly made spill. There was no remorse in his actions. Chagrined, the were-cat ruler turned his attention back to the werewolf leader, “Fine,” he snapped tersely, “let him try to avenge the death of his pack mates by fighting my son. If he succeeds Ramsey will be dead, and he can keep your daughter as well … but he will not succeed. He will die in vain.” Again there was tenseness on Sergey’s part, and his eyes narrowed with hidden resentment towards the other man’s words, “Death is not necessary. Submission will suffice, when one man acknowledges the other as the superior fighter the battle is done.”

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

91

“Submission may suit you, werewolf, but not me. My son will die before he loses to a wolf.” Sergey seemed surprised by the other mans words, but he regained his composure quickly to glance at Sasha, “for your sake I hope that your reputation as a fighter is all that it is said to be.” He lowered his deep voice to a haunting whisper, “he’ll claw your eyes out. He’ll shred you to ribbons, and he’ll leave you bleeding and dying long before he kills you …” Offhandedly he looked back at the two were-cats, raising his voice to an audible level, “Ramsey, are you willing to fight Sasha, to the death if necessary?” The were-cat scoffed initially, but a harsh look from his father sobered him, and he nodded, “Of course …” Sergey sighed deeply, holding his hand out to catch the falling snow in his palm, “It’s settled then, in the spring we will return. Ramsey and Sasha will fight to the death, and Kita will mate with the winner.” “What?” Kita cried as she pulled against her brother’s grip, frantically trying to get free from his hold, “that’s not fair! Why don’t I have a choice in this?” Her father exhaled, “I’ve made my decision, Kita.” “Exactly,” She protested, “your decision! It should be my decision!” She slipped from Markus’ grasp, rushing to Sasha. He was still leaning against the tree, and even when she shoved her palms against his chest he didn’t move. Tears stained her cheeks, and his heart was breaking to see her cry. He would have given anything to make his arms move at this moment, to hold her and comfort her, make her feel secured. He tried, but his whole body was numb and useless. She pounded her fist on his chest again. “How can you agree to this? It’s barbaric!” She looked into the forest. She wanted to run away again. “Kita,” he whispered, “look at me, sweetheart.” She sniffed, raising her blue eyes to catch his stare. In an instant a vision flooded her mind. She saw herself wrapped in his arms, surrounded by his comfort and strength as he held her. She was safe, protected. “It’s going to be alright, pretty baby, trust me … trust your father.” She shook her head, “how can you say that? Ramsey will kill you, and he knows it!” “Have more faith in me, Kita.” He smiled, and words that he had never spoken before fell from his lips, “I love you, and I’m not going to lose you.” Kita drew away, completely thunderstruck. She stammered, hardly able to speak, “How can you say that when you won’t even touch me right now?” He chuckled, whispering lowly so that only she could hear him, “Do you remember when Ramsey shot you with that poison dart and you couldn’t move your arm?” She nodded, and he continued. “I think that’s what your father just shot me with. I can’t move from my neck down …” She gasped, somewhat relieved as another tear rolled down her cheek, “Oh,” she blushed. She should have known. “Kita, we have to go,” her father advised from behind her. Her throat tightened, “I can’t stay here?” She knew the answer, but she had to ask.

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

92

“No, your mother is worried.” There was sudden warmth in his eyes that Kita couldn’t see with her back turned, but Sasha saw it well, “she wants to see that her runaway daughter is safe and sound. If I return home without you I’ll never hear the end of it.” Kita nodded, swiping at the tears escaping the corners of her eyes. Although she knew that her father wouldn’t let her stay, it didn’t hurt any less to know it. She grabbed Sasha’s limp hand, holding it as she backed away. She smiled halfheartedly, looking into his gold eyes. He winked and gave her that charming boyish grin that made her swoon. Her heart raced, and adrenaline flooded through her. In an instant she had thrown her arms around his neck, pressing her lips to his. She kissed him madly, as if making sure that he wouldn’t forget about her while she was gone. She pulled away and he licked his lips, tasting her kiss on his tongue. Teardrops glimmered in her eyes, “I love you, too, Sash. Don’t let me down.” It was a plea. She turned then, walking with her father through the snow as he led her away. She crossed the river where Yuri had, gracefully moving across the rocks until she was on the other side. She stopped to look back. The snow was still falling heavily, but somehow she could see Sasha through it. He had sunk down against the trunk of the tree. “He’ll be fine,” her father said as he took her elbow gently in his hand. “The toxin will wear off shortly.” She nodded, feeling her heart becoming heavy already. She slowed, thinking to herself. In a few weeks it would be spring. By all reasoning it wasn’t that far away, but she knew that it would feel like a lifetime. She sighed. Sasha could be her mate. She could be a part of this beautiful place. Her stomach did a little flip just thinking about it. She pictured herself sleeping next to Sasha, safe in his arms. She could wake, still in his arms, and not have to worry about running or hiding. She would have a family. She would have a mate that loved her, that would never hurt her. Despite the cold around her a warm feeling swelled within her, like a burst of sunlight in her soul. A voice broke her thoughts, and just like that her ball of sunshine was popped. “When you’re my mate we’ll have to work on your little dominance issues, Nicky, you’ll have to keep that sassiness confined to the bedroom.” She threw her eyes sideways in surprise, quickly narrowing them to a glare. Ramsey had slowed and was walking beside her. “I will never be your mate, Ramsey.” She walked faster, trying to get away from him. “You won’t have a choice, kitten, Sasha will be dead and you’ll be mine.” He sighed absently, “it’ll be a beautiful thing, the beginning of a perfect alliance between were-cats and werewolves. We’ll be indomitable.” She glowered, wishing that she could kill him herself, to hell with waiting for Sasha to do it. She eyed him with disgust. “You talk as if we can actually breed, Ramsey. You know damn well that we’re too different.” She spit words from her mouth with deliberate venom. “If you mate with me you’ll never have children, and all Alpha’s want an heir to their throne. Do yourself a favor, Ramsey. Spare your life and leave me alone. Find yourself a she-cat

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

93

before spring, because if you come back here Sasha will kill you.” A sinister chuckle rumbled from his throat, “Sasha isn’t going to kill me. He isn’t even in my league. And as for breeding, don’t be so pessimistic, kitten. You and I are going to make a great pair. I look forward to what we’ll create together, Nicky.” She pulled away from him, wishing that the trees weren’t so close together. “You’re sick, Ramsey.” “Can you imagine it, Kita? The claws, the teeth, and the stealth of a panther … but the stamina, the adaptability, and the ferocity of a wolf …” His eyes became distant, and they deepened with dark intent, “Together we can create a whole new species of shape-shifter, something greater than either of us.” “Get the hell away from me, Ramsey. You’re out of your fucking mind.” He chuckled again, “Don’t be afraid, kitten, just listen to what I say and I can make you very happy.” The smile slipped from his face. “But if you’re disobedient … I will do just the opposite.” She glared at him. There was darkness in his eyes that made her tremble deep inside. She had seen that darkness before in him, just before he had shot her. Fear, deep and instinctual sent her blood racing, and she pressed herself closer into the dense trees that were suddenly making her feel claustrophobic. In the heavy snow she couldn’t walk fast enough to get away from him. “Ramsey,” Her father suddenly called from ahead of them, “come and walk with us.” “I thought I’d give Kita some company, Mr. Yurikov.” He replied with a sly smirk. Her father tensed, she could see it in his shoulders. “Kita doesn’t need company, Ramsey. Besides, her brother is going to keep her company.” There was a protective quality in his tone, and when Ramsey didn’t respond he added, “in werewolf society the higher ranked members walk ahead of the lesser ones … we lead the way.” Ramsey finally acquiesced, hurrying to catch up with them. She looked at their backs as her brother slowed to match her pace. He walked quietly along beside her as she thought to herself. Why had her father called Ramsey away? Did he know how uncomfortable he was making her? Why had he sounded so protective? She frowned in confusion. No, he wanted Ramsey to do as a good Alpha male would do. He wanted him to lead the way. A shiver trailed up her spine. They walked in silence for a long time, passing through the passage between the mountains, and all the while the snow just kept falling. She felt sick and sore by the time they reached her fathers black Cadillac which was resting in a remote area on the side of the road. The snow had been plowed, but now the car was buried in the heavy white powder. She felt her brother’s hand squeeze her side before he moved to help dig the car out of the snow. “Kita,” He whispered as he passed by her, “Our father is doing what’s best for you, and I wish you’d realize that.” “No he isn’t. He’s doing what’s best for him, and that’s it,” she said angrily. He smiled warmly, “You’re wrong, Kita, you’re wrong …”

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

94

CHAPTER 16 Sasha sank down against the tree. The feeling in his legs had been lost long ago, and sheer determination was the only thing that had kept him standing the whole time. He hadn’t wanted Kita to see him weak and vulnerable, and it had taken every ounce of willpower that he had just to stay on his feet. But she was gone now. Seeing her disappear like a ghost into the snow the same way that she had first appeared made him feel terribly alone. It had been a lifetime since he had felt so forlorn. He swallowed painfully as his throat constricted, trapping air in his lungs until it burned. The last time he had felt like this had been the day that his parents and their pack had been murdered. The sick feeling returned in his stomach, agonizingly burrowing into his gut, reminding him that he still had sensation in his body. A vision swirled in his head, as clear as if it were yesterday. He saw himself, twelve years old, standing in the meadow outside of the home of his youth with his brothers. Ivan and Yuri were unaware that something was wrong, they were younger, and more naïve, but Sasha had known that something wasn’t right. He’d never forget it. The smell of blood was in the air--it was the first time that he had ever smelled the blood of his own kind. For years he would still smell the blood, lingering as if it were attached to him. After that, every time he saw a stranger all he could smell was blood. He remembered that strange numb feeling, standing there, staring at the house while his brothers continued to play behind him. He saw members of a visiting pack leave. The visitors were supposed to be allies, but on that fateful day they became enemies. He watched them go, knowing that something was wrong, but he couldn’t bring himself to get close to the house. A couple of them had even looked at him as they left. There was no compunction in their eyes. Cold, heartless eyes … he had the chance years later to get his revenge, but even in their death, his enemies had cold, heartless eyes. He shivered unconsciously. He had finally got up the courage to go to the house when it was nearly dark. The rustic log home had always been a symbol of warmth and comfort to him, but now it was dark and cold. There had been no chimney smoke, no lights in the windows, no voices calling them inside when the sun began to set. The memory was so clear. It pained him to think of it, but now that the impression had begun it refused to stop. He remembered reaching the front steps and seeing a single bloody footprint on the porch. He should have stopped there, but he didn’t. Nothing could have prepared him for the carnage inside the house. His family, everything that he had known and loved was gone. The visiting pack had slaughtered everyone who had been in their way, even children … it came slamming down on him, that same hurt, the sick twisted feeling of knowing that he was suddenly on his own. Seeing Kita go had brought that awful memory back to haunt him. He was losing that warmth, the comfort of someone he loved. It was if his world had come crashing

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

95

down on him and all he had left was the space around him. The wind echoed softly around him, blowing the snow like a white curtain across his face. He couldn’t feel his legs. All he felt was the tree against his back, and all he saw was the white veil in front of him. He swallowed, struggling to move his body. He was going to get Kita back though. No matter what, he wasn’t going to let her go. He’d fight for her, and he’d die for her. With sheer grit he forced himself up once more, finally forcing the sensation back into his numb limbs. The snow was heavy, blocking his sight. He had traveled these woods for so long though that he didn’t need his eyes to find his way home. It was instinct and habit that allowed him to make his way through the familiar trees. After what felt like hours he finally reached the house. His hands were still numb, and even opening the door was a chore. Stepping inside, he was immediately embraced by the warmth of the house. A shadow was beside him instantly. He could feel the worried stare on his skin as the wet snow that was resting on his clothing melted away. He didn’t need to see who it was. He knew by the worried stare and the patient silence as the man’s eyes examined him just who it was. Without looking he spoke, “what’s wrong, Kiser?” The healer shifted subtly, “where’s Kita? Why are you alone?” He lowered his voice as his keen sense of smell caught something. “You smell like a sedative.” Sasha nodded ruefully, trying to hide the pain that he was feeling inside, “her father came to take her home.” There was a brief pause, “what about the sedative I smell?” Sasha’s lips pursed for a moment in thought, “He was afraid that I might not give her back willingly, so he shot me with some kind of tranquilizer dart.” Kiser raised his brow skeptically. “Would you have?” Sasha sighed, “What? Given her back willingly? Of course not ...” “So what happens now?” Kiser asked as he drew in a deep breath. “What do you mean?” The healer let a soft chuckle slip from his lips, “c’mon, Sash, I’ve known you since we were little. We’ve been friends ever since I can remember. We’ve hunted and fought side by side … I know you better than that.” He cocked his jaw to look at the leader, “you don’t just let something that you want go without a fight.” Sasha let a smile steal across his lips for the moment. “Her father is returning in the spring, along with a man who was supposed to be her mate.” His smile slid away as he studied the healer’s calm face, knowing that his calm demeanor was about to change with his words. “He’s the same man who killed our pack mates and shot Micah.” Kiser’s eyes went wide in a moment of surprise. He had never voiced it, but he knew that there must have been a connection between the two strangers appearing at the same time. He just never thought that would be the connection. He rocked his head casually to the side. He didn’t hold anything against Kita. Like Sasha he knew that it was the hunter who had caused the death of their pack mates, not her. He glanced at Sasha. The leader was waiting for a response from him. “So that’s why he was here.” He shrugged, “ no wonder she was running from him. He’s a killer.”

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

96

Sasha blinked in surprise. He had expected his pack mate to react differently. There was another long moment of silence. Finally he shifted stiffly, grimacing as he moved, “he’s going to pay for what he’s done, though. After killing four innocent people and shooting Micah …” His lips curled in a snarl, and his expression went from one of pain to hatred in an instant. “And he shot Kita … I’ll kill him for that.” Kiser stepped back, minding his distance between himself and the Alpha. He waited, watching as the tension began to leave his leader as pain again resurfaced. Sasha gritted his teeth. The numbness that was finally draining away from his body was now being replaced by an aching in his muscles, and he struggled to tell Kiser about the agreement that he had come to with Kita’s father. Kiser listened quietly while Sasha talked. He could hear the pain in the Alpha’s voice as he spoke, and out of habit he offhandedly busied himself with making a warm compress for him. He nodded solemnly when Sasha was finished. A fight to the death was a serious matter, and he didn’t have to say it for the leader to know that it was cause for uneasiness. No one within the pack had ever had to fight with another shifting species. A were-cat was an alien enemy. Sasha swallowed. In the silence that passed the same thoughts were plaguing him. He had no idea how to fight a were-cat. He didn’t know Ramsey’s weakness, his strength, or his fighting style. He didn’t know anything about him, except that he was ruthless and volatile. He was also a barrier that kept him from Kita. He moved away from the door, finding his strength as he left the entranceway to step into a nearby den. A warm fire was blazing at the far end of the room in a hearth, and its heat warmed his sore muscles as he sat down on a heavy wooden framed couch that was padded by lush animal furs. Kiser followed him. It didn’t surprise him when the healer sat down beside him, but it did raise his concern. It meant that Kiser had more on his mind. There was silence as they sat on the couch side by side. Even when Kiser handed Sasha the heated medicinal wrap that he had prepared for his aching muscles there was utter quiet. Kiser’s thoughts had drifted elsewhere, and he finally broke the silence to voice his concerns, “if you’re killed we won’t have an Alpha. We’ll be vulnerable.” He hesitated, on the verge of words that could get his tongue torn out if he spoke too soon. The healer had to be careful of what he said. He was in no position to question Sasha’s decisions. He knew that Sasha wasn’t just fighting the hunter for revenge, he was fighting for Kita. He wanted to ask if she was worth the risk, but he knew the answer. Sasha wouldn’t fight for her if he didn’t think she was. “What are you talking about, ‘we won’t have an Alpha’?” Sasha questioned incredulously, “If I die you’re next in line. You’ll be the Alpha, Kiser.” Kiser shifted uneasily, “I don’t want the position … so don’t die.” Sasha looked away into the hearth that was burning brightly on the far side of the room. He certainly wasn’t planning on it. **** Spring was slow in reaching the valley, and for awhile Sasha was certain that it would never come. The snowfall had come even heavier in the final months of winter,

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

97

as if making up for the mild weather that they had enjoyed earlier. The heavy snow proved more useful than Sasha had anticipated though. Hunting in the thick white powder made his muscles tough and hard, something that simply sprinting through the forest couldn’t do. He drew in a deep breath as he sat on his haunches, watching as the wolves in front of him snarled and growled, lashing out at one another as they practiced their fighting skills. He eyed them assiduously, never removing his gaze from the fighters. He wasn’t taking any chances, and once the snow had begun to melt he employed his best warriors to aid him in honing his combative skills. They were all accomplished fighters, but it helped to rehearse the moves and sharpen their skills. Sasha’s pack was one of the few that had changed little, and learning to fight wasn’t just a standard precaution for the future, it was a trade skill that they were renowned for. They fought in their pelts as they called it, in the shape of wolves. Even though it was just training, it was taken seriously. He studied the group, watching as his Beta’s continued to practice. To an onlooker it would have looked like serious combat, with all the growling, biting, and scratching, but this was tame compared to what they were capable of. They were deadly fighters, and if an adversary refused to submit, death was what they got. He continued to watch silently. He never told them, but the practice wasn’t just for him. No, he had another reason for wanting them to practice, and it was more than just to keep them from becoming rusty. He knew deep down that the odds were not in his favor in a fight against Ramsey. In fact, the odds were stacked against him. There was a good chance that when he went to fight the were-cat, he wouldn’t be returning. If other packs heard that they had lost their feared leader they were just as Kiser had said, vulnerable. Sasha grimaced inwardly. He alone had made many enemies through his past as a fighter, and those enemies wouldn’t waste any time in coming after his pack if they knew that he was dead. They all wanted revenge. His Beta’s were strong, and Kiser would be a good Alpha, but none of them had the dreaded reputation that he did. Right now his pack was safe. His enemies had too much respect for his ability to be deadly to risk crossing him, but with him gone there would be nothing left to stop them. He watched as Micah dodged an assault from another fighter. He wanted them prepare themselves in case another pack decided to attack them. He stood and the others immediately ceased their practice, turning all eyes respectively towards him. He bowed his head lightly in gesture, excusing himself as he turned and trotted into the trees. He made his way over the hard ground in the forest until he was at the meadow. He sat down, looking across the river that was once swollen with run off from the snow capped mountains. It had taken several months, but the water was now receding away from the meadow back to its trench in the earth. He looked up. The evening sky was beginning to set as the yellow sun slid behind the mountains. It was warm, early June, and spring was nearly at its end as summer approached. Every day it was the same routine. He would come to the meadow and wait, listening for sounds and testing the air for signs that Kita was returning. He missed her, and he was certain that it showed to his pack mates. He was irritable and tetchy, more so than he had ever been before. He just wanted to be left alone. It didn’t help that

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

98

spring was a season of heightened sexual need among his kind. The more he thought of her the more he wanted her, the more he craved the feel of her skin against his, the taste of her lips on his tongue. It made him shudder with need until every part of him was on fire, stretched tight with his desire. His whole body would itch, and the only way to cure his hunger was to shift into his pelt and run. He would race through his territory, sometimes hunting, sometimes just running to run, anything to exhaust him and keep his mind from dwelling on her. It never worked. He would find himself panting hard, nearly out of breath as his lungs burned for air, his legs would tremble with exhaustion, and he would still see her there, smiling, taunting him as she backed away into darkness. He would try to follow her, seeing the vision as clear as day itself, but then her image would fade into the shadows and he’d be left alone again. And then he’d run, start the madness all over again. He felt like he was going crazy, spiraling into insanity. She consumed his thoughts, day and night. She was the last thing he thought of at night, and the first thing he thought of when he woke. Even in dreams she haunted him. He was becoming obsessive, and it scared him. He’d never felt like this before. He paced the tree line. He was starting to wonder if she’d ever come back. His mind played tricks on him. He started wondering if her father had lied to him. What if Sergey had made the agreement with him and never intended to honor it? What if he never saw Kita again? He felt sick. He could picture Kita with Ramsey, miserable in his arms as he threatened her time and time again, making her pay for her treachery towards him. Anger burrowed into his gut. If Ramsey so much as touched her he’d tear his throat out. He continued pacing, his steps came more pronounced, and he felt that restless urge again. God, how he just wanted to hold her again … he saw her standing in front of him. She looked at him, and her deep blue eyes were full of mischief. Her light blonde hair was caught by an unfelt breeze, and it swirled around her face, framing her eyes. She smiled at him. He whirled around, stretching his legs as he rushed through the trees, effortlessly leaping over fallen trees and dodging obstacles. He had to get away from her memory. Desperately he raced through the forest, trying to outrun his thoughts of her. It didn’t work. Her image stayed with him, as if she were running right beside him.

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

99

CHAPTER 17 Kita looked out the car window as her father’s Cadillac slowed to a stop against the side of the road. She wiggled impatiently, feeling like a packed sardine sandwiched between her fathers two hulking bodyguards. The larger of the two stepped from the vehicle and she practically dove out of the seat to escape the car. In her frantic dive to get out of the confined car she stumbled on the hard earth, barely keeping her balance as her stiletto heels became tangled in the thick grass that was growing on the side of the road. She righted herself indignantly, tugging on the little black dress she was wearing to keep it from sliding up any further on her thighs. She growled to herself. It was deplorable what a woman was expected to wear in these conditions. She gathered herself with a deep breath, smoothing out the sleek black material that was stretched across her slender stomach. If it were up to her she’d be barefoot, wearing a pair of jeans and a tank top. She looked down, still toying with the dress. It was form hugging, reaching just past mid thigh with slits on either side that almost reached her hips. She was amazed that the dress was even staying on. It was like a tube top on her chest. There were no straps whatsoever to keep it from falling down over her breasts. God forbid she should fall or raise her arms, because she’d be falling right out of the damn dress. It was appropriate for the occasion, though. She was expected to be dressed to kill when she was about to be mated, and she was. She could still hear her mother’s voice when she had reminded her, “It doesn’t matter whether they’re fighting for pride or fighting for you. What matters is that you’re the survivors reward. Show them the beautiful woman that they’re risking their lives for.” She sighed to herself in thought. She wasn’t worth Sasha’s life. If Ramsey was killed she doubted she’d waste any tears on him, but if Sasha were to die … her stomach clenched painfully and she felt a tear nip at the corner of her eye just thinking about it. She couldn’t bare the thought of it. She turned, casually swiping moisture from her eyes as she pretended to be adjusting the diamond encrusted choker that her mother had given her to wear around her neck. The purr of an engine made her look over her shoulder. Just behind her fathers car another had pulled up. She glared at the black sedan as Ramsey and the Puman King stepped from the vehicle. The were-cat prince saw her, and immediately his face broke out into a pleased grin as he proceeded to walk towards her. She whirled around. She was in no mood to talk to him. An arm grabbed her roughly above her elbow to detain her and she rounded on her captor. It was the larger of her father’s Beta bodyguards. She tugged away from him. “Get your fucking hands off of me, Tyson, unless you want to lose them,” she snarled. “Your father wants you nearby. I have direct orders to keep you close.” “If you want to keep me nearby then I suggest that you keep him the hell away

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

100

from me,” she snapped as Ramsey came up beside them. “I don’t take orders from you, Nikita. Just your father.” She glared at him, glancing down at the tight hold that he maintained on her arm, “It’s not an order it’s a warning.” “I don’t take threats from you, either,” he informed her gruffly. She opened her mouth to retort, but was interrupted before she could utter a sound. “She likes to make threats, the problem is, she can’t back them up, can you Nicky?” She narrowed her eyes and threw them at Ramsey. It took everything she had to refuse the urge to spit at him and crack him in the jaw with her fist. Instead she raised her jaw defiantly and ignored him, turning her head away to look at the mountains in the distance. She hated him. He brought out anger in her that she didn’t even think she was capable of. She had never met anyone who made her feel so violent in all her life. Her eyes grazed those of the Beta bodyguard holding her. His expression was hard and indifferent. If he was concerned about Ramsey’s nearness he wasn’t showing it. She leaned over, removing her shoes. If nothing else she could use the heels to beat Ramsey away from her. A shadow hovered over her shoulder, and a voice brushed into her ear causing her to bolt upright, “you look very nice by the way.” Ramsey’s hand reached up to slip his fingers into her thick blonde hair. His hand slid slowly down her back, and she tensed visibly when his palm continued its retreat towards her backside, “the only thing better than seeing you in that dress will be later tonight ... when you’re without it.” Kita’s free elbow flew backwards into Ramsey’s ribs just as she sent the heel end of one of her shoes deep into his groin. He doubled over with a groan, clutching his stomach with one hand while cupping the other between his legs. She heard him mutter a curse under his breath as he staggered backwards to lean against the car for support, still holding himself painfully. She looked up at the man holding her and waved her shoe in his face, “let me go now, Tyson, unless you want the same thing to happen to you.” “There is a storm in my midst,” Sergey said as he stepped towards Kita and his Beta, motioning for the man to release her. “It comes disguised as my beloved daughter.” Kita drew away from her father’s Beta as he freed her of his grasp. She turned away when her father came to stand beside her. She didn’t feel like speaking to him any more than she did Ramsey. Sergey reached down and took the shoes from her hand, relieving her of the unorthodox weapons as he tossed them carelessly into the grass several feet away. “Don’t be so quick-tempered, Daughter.” He spoke steadily, knowing that even though she had her back turned to him she was listening. “It honors me that two highly respected men wish to have you as their mate. It should honor you, as well.” She bristled, “there was a time when you called Sasha barbaric, and you said he was uncivilized. Now you say he’s respected. Which is it?” She glanced coldly over her shoulder at him. “Or is it whichever suits you best at the time?” He reached up, placing his hand upon her shoulder. It was an uncommon act of affection on his part, and she gritted her teeth in immediate distrust.

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

101

“Sasha is known for his brutality, his past is undeniable.” He squeezed her shoulder sympathetically, “and I respect what he’s capable of.” She blinked, and her voice came out as a low whisper, “Ramsey could kill him.” He sighed, and his tone became softer, “I’m only doing what’s best for you, Kita.” She shook her head, shrugging his hand from her shoulders. She wished she could believe that. Her father looked down. He couldn’t help her misgivings with him. All he could do was hope that he had made the right decision. “It’s going to rain,” Sergey announced as he looked over his shoulder at the others, “we need to get moving.” **** Sasha stood on the doorstep, looking up into the heavens. It was warm out, and heat lightening flashed in the setting sky. He cocked his head slightly. He could hear the distinct sound of padded feet loping quickly through the forest. Micah darted out of the trees in front of him. He was still in his pelt. He jogged to the steps and in an instant he was on two feet, already shifting back to his human form. He grabbed his clothes from beneath the porch steps and threw them on, swinging towards Sasha as he dressed. “Is that all you do anymore,” Sasha asked listlessly, “is patrol the forest?” Micah frowned for a moment but shrugged it off, dismissing it as his leader’s curt temper as of late, “You should be glad I do. I was near the river when I heard voices. I think we’re about to have company.” He didn’t have to elaborate. The whole pack knew that the only company they were expecting was Sergey, his daughter, and the man who Sasha was destined to fight to the death. Sasha threw his eyes at him in surprise. For a moment he didn’t say anything. His heart skipped. Kita, it had to be Kita. He smiled--something he hadn’t done since she had left. “I’ll be back, Micah.” He told his Beta. “Don’t you want us to come with you?” the other man asked before Sasha could leave. Sasha shook his head. “It’s not necessary.” Puzzlement flashed in Micah’s eyes, “what if something goes wrong?” “Like what, if I’m killed you mean?” He watched soberly as Micah nodded, and then he assured him, “I’m not going to be killed, Micah, and if I am, then Kiser becomes the new Alpha.” His words failed to ease the worried lines in his Beta’s brows, and he took a deep acquiescing breath, “if it will make you feel better you’re welcome to join me. Just remember, Micah, no one is allowed to interfere with the fight. If I am killed, you must sit and watch me die … no matter what.” The Beta nodded slowly. As a Beta his every instinct was to protect the leader at any cost, even if that meant sacrificing his own life. He didn’t know if he could just sit and watch as Sasha was slain. He had to though, because if something unexpected were to happen, if it turned out to be a trap or deception, he had to be there to help Sasha. “I’ll get the others,” Micah said softly, “and we won’t interfere.” Sasha smiled and turned into the woods, “good.” He jogged through the trees, letting his heart pound excitedly as he made his way

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

102

through the forest. His strides were long and eager, and it didn’t take long at all to reach the edge of the meadow. He stopped and waited, leaning cautiously against a tree as he listened to the sounds around him. A bird called into the evening air, and the warm wind rustled the meadow grass. Thunder rumbled in the distance like a faraway growl in the fading sky. He looked up as more heat lightening lit the heavens. Thunderclouds were slowly rolling in. He couldn’t hear voices, but footfalls announced that someone was nearing. His heart did a nervous little flip as a faint smell caressed his nose. It was Kita. Her warm feminine scent was teasing him, telling him that she was close to him. But this time it was real, it wasn’t just a figment of his imagination as it had been in all the days before. He watched impatiently as a figure left the trees across the river. It was Sergey. The head man looked behind him, clearly waiting for someone. Sasha’s stomach tightened nervously. Kita stepped from the forest, flanked by two large men, most likely her father’s bodyguards. He swallowed, resisting the urge to run to her and reclaim her for his own. He had to be patient. Somewhere in the darkness Ramsey wasn’t far behind. He could smell the were-cat, and it made fury roll in his gut. He didn’t have to wait long. Ramsey stepped out of the trees behind the werewolves, and his father, the Puman King, was right there with him. Two more bodyguards, the were-cat’s sentry, were the last to step from the shadows. Sasha watched as Sergey eyed the were-cats inconspicuously. He wondered if the Puman King and his son were aware that they were even being watched. Sergey shifted his gaze, slowly studying the meadow across the river. He wouldn’t cross into Sasha’s territory without permission from the Alpha, even if that meant waiting for hours on the river bank. To trespass onto another mans territory to retrieve his daughter was one thing, but to do it under normal circumstance was another. “You’re not going to dart me again, are you, Sergey?” Sasha asked calmly as he stepped away from the tree into the clearing. The headman smiled modestly, “not this time, Mr. Lucien.” Kita looked up at the sound of Sasha’s thick, warm voice, freezing in place when she saw him in the meadow. Her breath caught in her lungs and her heart skipped anxiously. It was funny how she had waited so long to see him again, but now that she saw him she could barely move, as if she had become paralyzed. She felt heat shoot through her body. He seemed stronger than she remembered him. He wasn’t wearing a shirt, only a pair of denim jeans, and his every muscle was outlined with a chiseled firmness that made her tremble just thinking about his body pressed against hers. She quivered involuntarily as he neared. Suddenly she felt as if she were seeing him for the first time, and a surge of unadulterated lust darted through her blood. His gold eyes were glowing with a newfound feral intensity. Even as he walked towards the river, slowly, calmly, he had a look of formidability. He was the master and commander here, and not her father, or Ramsey was going to let him feel weak on his territory. A soft sigh escaped her lips, and she blinked back to awareness. She looked down, seeing her father’s hand extended expectantly towards her. She blushed, embarrassed to be caught staring like a horny school girl. With trembling hands she placed her fingers in her father’s palm, allowing him to guide her to the set of

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

103

protruding flat stones that crossed the river. She stepped up on the first rock, tensing immediately as the cold and wet assaulted her bare feet. Her heart was pounding as she climbed across the stones. She was grateful for the sound of the rushing water in the river. Otherwise, she was certain that everyone around her would have heard it hammering as hard as she felt it. She watched as the water rushed below her, swirling around the rocks as it pushed its way past, determined in its path. On the final stone she looked up, and her breath left her lips. Gold eyes were looking back at her. She flushed as Sasha reached out and took her hand. Like an ignited spark it felt like a flame had arched from his palm straight to hers, firing up her arm and through her body until all she felt was a fever in her blood. He pulled her to the riverbank beside him, and she fell into his arms, sweeping her hands around his neck. He was warm and welcoming, and as she nestled her cheek into his shoulder she could smell his masculine scent, a pleasant combination of the clean forest air and faint cologne. Sasha pulled back, tenderly cupping her jaw in his hands. He wanted to look into those deep blue eyes that had haunted him ever since she left. He placed a kiss on her lips, a slow, soft, lingering touch that made her sink deeper into his arms. Kita blinked as he drew away. She wanted more. She wanted to get lost in his kiss and become tangled in his arms, knowing that she never had to let go. “I’ve missed you,” she whispered as she reached up to him, lightly brushing the scar on his collarbone with her thumb. He leaned down into her ear, speaking lowly as a mischievous smile crossed his lips, “I wish I could say the same, but I haven’t had the chance to miss you, pretty baby.” She frowned and hurt flashed in her eyes. Her heart felt like it was breaking. Sasha’s hand reached around her waist to pull her closer to him, and he whispered once more, “everywhere I look you’re there. I see you when I’m awake, I see you in my dreams. You’re always on my mind … I never had the chance to miss you, because you were always here, taunting me with your beautiful smile.” He kissed her throat, chuckling softy, “you’re the sweetest affliction I’ve ever had. I can’t get you out of my head.” She sighed in relief, trying her best to glare at him as she pushed against his chest to make him step backward, “just for that I take it back, I didn’t miss you at all.” She pouted, looking away for the moment. Her eyes rose demurely to meet his, and try as she might she couldn’t keep from smiling. His eyes glittered and a vision swept over her. She saw herself, wrapped in his arms as he held her, protecting her, loving her. He took her hand from his chest and tenderly kissed the back of it. “After tonight you’ll never have to miss me again.” He stepped away from her, and Kita pulled her hand back to her side. She turned around, seeing Ramsey gritting his teeth as he stood behind her with his arms folded over his chest. Hatred welled deep within his black eyes, and a slow sneer of animosity crept over his features. “You might as well hold him now, kitten,” Ramsey’s voice was sardonic and

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

104

bitter. “Because after tonight you’ll be holding his corpse.” A teardrop welled in the corner of her eye, and she had to fight to keep the tears at bay. Her insides twisted painfully just to think about Sasha dead, and she forced herself to harden just to keep from crying. She wasn’t about to give Ramsey the satisfaction of seeing her tears. She set her jaw angrily. “I would rather hold his corpse than you, any day,” she snarled resentfully. Ramsey’s fists balled and fury flared in his eyes. Sergey stepped forward, quickly interrupting before things became out of hand. “It’s going to storm soon. I suggest we get on with it,” he announced as he grabbed Kita’s arm and pulled her away from the were-cat. The others nodded in agreement, automatically stepping backwards away from the two men who were to fight. Kita jerked free of her fathers hold, glaring at him before she tore her eyes away to look off into the forest. Sergey sighed, discouraged by her lack of trust in him, but accepting it nonetheless. He returned his attention to the matter at hand. “The meadow is the best place for a fair fight. Is that agreed?” Sergey looked between Sasha and Ramsey, waiting until they both nodded in approval before he continued. “It is werewolf custom to fight in ones pelt, however, since we are dealing with two different species, perhaps it would be more reasonable for them to fight as men, where their abilities are more evenly matched.” The Puman King was quick to interject, “if the eye-commander will not fight my son in his pelt, then our deal is off!” Sasha shrugged, “I’ll fight as a wolf, or I’ll fight as a man.” He glanced at Kita, “my shape has no bearing on my abilities … or my desire.” Sergey took a deep breath, “it’s settled then, a fight to the death in your respective forms. The winner shall have my daughter as his mate, and Dashadow shall honor our agreement regardless of the outcome.” He glanced at Sasha, “if Sasha should win he will have Ramsey’s death as the ultimate punishment for murdering his pack mates.” He looked over at Ramsey, “if Ramsey should win he will be forgiven of the murders that he has committed.” There was an eerie calm as several shadowy forms shifted in the forest behind them. Ramsey and the Puman King both looked suspiciously at the werewolves. Again Sergey sought to relieve tensions. “It is common for Beta’s to follow their Alpha into battle, Dashadow,” he assured the nervous were-cat leader as he redirected his attention to Sasha. “They know that if they should interfere in any way that every agreement that has been made today shall be void, right, Sasha? And even if Ramsey kills you, he is no longer accountable for the death of your pack mates?” Sasha looked up as thunder boomed overhead, “they know the terms of the fight … they won’t interfere.” Sergey stepped away, “Good.” He looked up as a deep rumble shook the earth, “Shift into your animal forms, circle three times, and fight to the end …” He placed his hand on Kita’s shoulder. She still had her back turned to him as she looked into the distance. He squeezed her gently and she looked over at him. Her navy eyes were welling up with tears and her lips quivered. “I hate you,” she whimpered. “If Sasha dies, I’ll never forgive you.”

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

105

He sighed, “Kita, my only daughter, have faith in me. Have faith in your lover …” She frowned, drying her tears as her eyes met his. She was confused, but now wasn’t the time to ask questions. Over her shoulder she could see that the fight had begun.

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

106

CHAPTER 18 Sasha circled Ramsey wearily. This was the first time that he had seen the werecat in his animal form. He was surprised. He didn’t know why, but for some reason he had expected Ramsey to be more powerful in appearance, like a lion or tiger, rather than a streamlined jaguar. He studied his opponent, making mental notes of his obvious weapons as they slowly paced around one another. With sharp claws and dagger-like canine teeth Ramsey was a worthy adversary, but along with those weapons he also appeared fast-very fast. He was long and sleek, with a coat as dark as an eclipsed sky. Sasha noticed how the other man was able to get low on the ground as he prowled. He was most likely agile as hell, too. They began to circle the second time. It didn’t matter what Ramsey looked like or what he was capable of, it didn’t change Sasha’s objective. He thought about the mental exchange that he had with Yuri as they walked to the river the day that his brother had left. He had purposely used silent words that day, not wanting Kita to know that he was apprehensive about what Ramsey was capable of. Deep down he knew that the were-cat wasn’t finished with him, and that he’d be back looking for a fight. They proceeded to circle the last time. Their strides were faster now as adrenaline began to pulse through their blood. Ramsey’s tail whipped eagerly behind him, and his dark eyes glowered as a growl rolled from his throat. Sasha bristled in response, baring his teeth into a snarl. What had Yuri told him? Like an echo the words came back to his mind. If you have to fight him, let him do the attacking. Dodge his assaults, survive long enough and he’ll reveal a weakness, only then can you kill him. Suddenly a blur of black flew towards him. Sasha rolled sideways just as something sharp grazed his ribs. He righted himself instantly, whirling around to face Ramsey once more. The man was fast, faster than he was. Something warm and wet trickled over the fur on his side. He glanced back. Blood was spilling from three parallel scratches over his ribs. He threw his eyes back to Ramsey just in time to see the cat leap at him again. He ducked and Ramsey flew over the top of him, landing behind him with an angry screech. Sasha spun on his heel as he felt a claw reach deftly for his leg. He faced Ramsey once more, growling a warning to keep his distance. The were-cat clenched his empty hand, hissing in annoyance while glaring at him, still switching his tail in irritation. He hunkered down, preparing to pounce. Again Ramsey dove at him, catching Sasha’s shoulder with his scalpel-like claws as the werewolf barely escaped him. The were-cat attacked twice more, and twice more Sasha had only just missed his lethal nails. Blood was now trailing down Sasha’s shoulder and his left side, matting his fur to his body. He felt dizzy, in a constant spin to avoid Ramsey’s repeated attacks. He

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

107

didn’t have time to regain his balance though. If he were to stop moving he’d be an easy target for the panther. Sasha paced slowly, letting Ramsey follow him with his eyes. It was as if the cat was desperate to finish him off, launching repeated attacks without a strategy, like cocking a gun and shooting without taking the time to aim. That was hardly a weakness though, merely a fighting style. Of course, it did make it easier to escape his strikes. As if on cue Ramsey threw his body at Sasha yet again. Without warning lightning slammed down on the ground between the two men, just inches in front of Sasha. He flinched instinctively, amazed that the lightening hadn’t struck him as it blazed a line of brilliant white just before his nose. The energy was so great that he could feel it tingling in his skin and smell the burning of scorched earth. Ramsey froze in front of him, staring wide eyed at the sudden burst of energy. The shot of white electricity sizzled on the ground only to retreat a second later and disappear. Sasha didn’t move and Ramsey stepped backwards. They had been so engrossed in each other that they had hardly paid attention to the approaching storm. Thunder bellowed in the sky, shaking the earth. The Alpha werewolf looked to the heavens, a moment’s distraction and Ramsey was on top of him, pinning him down. Sasha felt his opponent’s claws slicing into his shoulders, sinking mercilessly into his flesh. The panthers jaw opened to reveal his long canine teeth as he let out a sinister hiss. Sasha went numb, he could feel Ramsey’s hot breath burning his face, and all he saw was two long ivory teeth guarding the entrance of a dark mouth. A black padded paw flashed before him, slicing into his face in a quick downward motion. Blood spattered into his eyes, clouding his vision. He blinked, regaining time and reason as Ramsey drew back with his jaws. Urgently he snapped blindly upward, catching the cat’s throat in his mouth before he could bite him. Ramsey let out a high pitched scream, angrily trying to bite back but unable to move his neck. His claws tore more frantically, and he began to kick with his back legs, scraping at Sasha’s stomach. One of his hind claws raked into the werewolf’s abdomen, and Sasha heard the skin split as an agonizing sting burned within him. In pain and desperate to get the panther off of him Sasha used every ounce of physical force he had left to throw the other man off of him. He kept his teeth on Ramsey’s throat, feeling the skin tear from flesh as the cat was thrown several yards away. He spit the short black fur from his mouth. It wasn’t enough--it was just a flesh wound. He needed more than that to kill him. He shook the blood from his face and watched as his adversary hit the ground and rolled. At least he was the stronger of the two. Ramsey righted himself indignantly. He was bleeding now. He hissed, displaying his teeth in his irritation. He was infuriated. The fight should not be taking so long. He was supposed to have torn Sasha’s throat out within two strikes, but the wolf refused to fight back. Instead he was avoiding physical contact, diving out of the way before he could get a proper hold of him.

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

108

Sasha waited, watching as Ramsey appeared to plan his next move. The were-cat was faster than he was, but Sasha had the strength. Nevertheless, strength didn’t help against an adversary who could attack and be out of the way in the same second. Thunder boomed again in the heavens, reminding them that it was only a matter of time before the rain came. The werewolf Alpha frowned. Ramsey wasn’t moving. He was just sitting there glaring at him as he switched his tail. It was then that Sasha noticed something. Ramsey was panting. His mouth was hardly open, and with his head hung down it was nearly impossible to see. It hit him then. That was Ramsey’s weakness. He couldn’t keep up. Sasha heard the distinct snap of lightning behind him, and it spurred him forward. Now that he knew Ramsey’s weakness he wanted to keep the bastard moving. He rushed the other man, knowing that Ramsey either had to move or fight back. Ramsey didn’t have the energy yet to fight back. He was tired and out of breath, he was forced to withdraw. He sidled backwards, watching the lightning flash in Sasha’s eyes as the wolf stopped his charge just feet in front of him. He knew that if given the opportunity Sasha was a dangerous opponent. He had wasted too much time, and now Sasha was deadly. He continued to back away. All the while the eyecommander began a slow steady advance. The werewolf was looking for a target, and once he found a place for his teeth it would be over. Sasha saw the panic in Ramsey’s wide eyes. He was vulnerable now, and he knew it. Baring his teeth the Alpha advanced, faster now, forcing Ramsey to fight or flee. Ramsey kept retreating. Something hard against his hind end prevented him from moving any further. He glanced back. He had made a mistake. He had backed himself right into a tree. The sound of growling and eager snapping jaws behind him told of Sasha’s pack mates who were in the shadows of the forest, waiting for him if he dared to flee. Sasha was ready. He could hear Ramsey’s heart pounding in fear, he could smell the panic, could almost taste the blood pulsing frantically through his veins. He expected him to fight. It was all he could do, or so he thought. Suddenly the were-cat pushed off from the tree, moving to rush past him where he could retreat to the safety of the meadow and catch his breath. Sasha wasn’t going to allow that to happen. He had risked too much, and he wasn’t going to lose Kita over a missed opportunity. Just as Ramsey darted past him he rose up on two legs, sending the force of his weight crashing down onto the back of the panther’s neck as his forearm struck the spine. There was a sickening crack as Ramsey’s neck broke. The cat slammed down to the earth, rolling sideways for a minute before stopping. He didn’t move. In that final blow the fight was over. Sasha dropped down, still reeling from the fight. He was wet, covered in the sticky concentrate of blood. Numbly he shifted from his pelt and grabbed his jeans that had been left by the side of the meadow. He unsteadily pulled the pants up around his hips, barely able to button them with his slippery fingers. He saw smeared crimson on the denim of his jeans, and he rotated his hands out to the front of him. His palms were covered in the red fluid. His eyes trailed to look at

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

109

his body, and he felt sick at what he saw. His human skin was still showing the effects of the fight. Blood was spilling from two deep scratches in his shoulder, three that stretched across his stomach and ribs, and a severe cut above his eye. He could feel his warm blood sliding down his face. He stood numbly staring at the fallen body of the were-cat. In his death the werecat had returned to his human state, now merely a dead man on the blowing meadow grass as thunder rumbled overhead. Lightening crackled, piercing through the dark grey clouds again to light the sky, and suddenly a deluge of rain began to fall from the heavens. Blood ran from Sasha’s body as the rainwater rinsed it from him, draining it back to the meadow. Thunder boomed in the sky, and Sasha just kept standing there staring at his fallen opponent. He knew when Ramsey’s father had neared, he felt him like a dark shadow to his side, but he still couldn’t move or take his eyes away from the dead man. The Puman King came to stand over his son, looking shocked and in disbelief. His features had paled and he looked ill. Finally the were-cat ruler raised his hand in the air, and the two sentries that had accompanied him were brought instantly to their master’s side. Dashadow turned, his eyes briefly pausing on Sasha. They were cold and hard, and the deep brown within them became black as he gazed at the man who had killed his son. There was a pang of regret in Sasha’s stomach as the Puman King turned and slowly walked away. He felt bad about killing Ramsey, he truly did. He hated that he had to kill the other man, and he desperately wished that he could have merely given him a severe thrashing instead, but death was the way that the were-cat wanted it. He watched as the two sentries lifted Ramsey’s body from the earth, and with a proud bearing they walked behind their leader, taking his fallen son from this place of wolves. They crossed the river, dissipating into the shadows from whence they came. The rain poured over his eyes, slicking his cheeks in cold wetness. He blinked, feeling wet drops fall from his black lashes. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Sergey casually turn and approached him, coming to stand quietly beside him as he looked into the heavens. Lightning crackled in the sky again and thunder followed. The headman was solemn, even contemplative as he blinked at the clouds overhead, allowing drops of rain to fall into his eyes. Sasha licked rainwater from his lips. He felt an arm wrap around his waist, tightening something on his skin. He glanced down through the rain, seeing Kiser setting to work wrapping a bandage around his abdomen. The healer was so efficient, so skilled at what he had always done that he was already finished securing the soft white cloth by the time the Alpha even noticed him. Kiser stepped back, looking at the gash in Sasha’s shoulder. “It’s fine, leave it,” Sasha demanded quietly when Kiser stretched out another bandage and stepped towards him. Kiser studied him for a moment, as if being certain that the wound wasn’t serious. At last he nodded, glancing at Sergey before he turned and walked away. Sergey drew in a deep breath, tousling the rain from his short salt-and-pepper hair with a quick rub of his hand.

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

110

He kept his eyes to the falling downpour even as he spoke, “you fought with honor, Mr. Lucian and you should have no regrets for what has happened. You have honored your fallen pack mates, and you have honored my daughter.” He looked at Sasha through the rain, meeting his gaze, “it is a privilege for me to grant you my daughter for a mate.” He reached out then with his hand, taking Sasha’s in his own as they exchanged a brief grasp. Sergey turned away. He spoke briefly to Kita, embraced her for a moment, and then walked across the meadow before crossing the river and slipping into the trees, followed closely by his Beta’s. Sasha blinked, still feeling dazed, as if he was watching everything from a distance. He could see what was going on, he could feel and he could hear everything around him, but he wasn’t really there. A warm hand touched his shoulder, sending heat through his blood. It was the jolt he needed to free himself of the stupor he was caught in. He turned slowly, met by Kita’s worried eyes. She was on the brink of tears. He could see the moisture glistening in her gaze. Kita looked at Sasha. At first his gold eyes were dull with fatigue, but the moment he saw her they began to glimmer with renewed life. She opened her mouth to speak, but words never came. Impulsively she threw her arms around his neck, nearly knocking him over as she threw herself into him. Her mouth found his and she pressed her lips against him, never wanting to let go. His arms circled her waist and he pulled her in tightly to him, matching her kiss with an intensity that would deny any pain that he was feeling or any blood that he was losing. His tongue tenderly caressed hers, relishing the warmth of her mouth. He slid his hand up her back, tangling his fingers in her soft tresses as he crushed her to him. God, how he wished he could claim her right here and now and make her his forever. Out of breath, he withdrew from her, smiling as he looked down at her. The tears were still in her eyes and reflexively she clenched his neck harder, preventing him from pulling away any further. He whispered against her, “Kita, my pretty baby, please don’t cry.” She looked up at him, and her lips quivered, “you were almost killed.” She rasped as her throat swelled, “I almost lost you.” He chuckled, stroking her hair lovingly, “I was almost killed … almost--that’s the key word.” He kissed her forehead, “but I’m alive and holding you, alive and kissing you, alive and loving you.” He smiled and rested his forehead against hers, “and you’ll never lose me, Kita … ever.” A tear spilled over her cheek. Sasha pulled her closer to him, pressing his lips firmly against hers. She was warm and sweet in his embrace. His tongue slid along her bottom lip, slowly gliding deeper and deeper until he was inside of her mouth, exploring, tasting, and touching her. He clutched her closer to him. Much had been sacrificed for this woman, the woman he loved, and he was going to keep her at any cost. The mere idea that his thoughts brought with them made him sink deeper into her kiss. He seized her wet hair in his fist, keeping her from pulling away. He wanted her now. He had been without her for so long, had been haunted by her for so many days, that now he needed her

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

111

more than anything. The rain was cold, but with the heat he was feeling in his blood he hardly felt it. He slid his free hand down her waist, slipping it around until he was able to cup her small round bottom in his palm. He squeezed, pressing her tighter against him. She gasped against his mouth, moaning softly as raindrops flecked her flushed cheeks. She could feel his erection in his jeans, pushing against the denim as it grazed the fabric on the front of her dress. Thunder growled from the clouds and she shivered, trembling in his arms as the rain washed over her bare shoulders. Sasha squeezed his arms in tighter around her. She tasted like honey on his tongue, sweet and thick and moist. He felt her shiver against him, and while part of him wanted to pursue the fulfillment of his lust and warm her with his body heat the other part of him, the protector, knew better. He pulled away from her with his mouth but kept his arms securely around her waist. He looked down at her, captivated by her beauty. Drops of water fell from her black lashes like a liquid veil in front of her blue eyes, spilling across her soft pink cheeks and over her red lips. She shook ever so slightly against him as the rain kept falling on her shoulders. He leaned down to kiss a raindrop that had fallen on her collarbone. Her skin was cool against his warm lips. “It’s too cold out here for you, pretty baby,” he said, bringing his palms up to cup her face as he thumbed the tears from her cheeks. “We’ll finish where we started later tonight, after we’re mated.” Her eyes widened, “Later tonight, so soon?” She groaned inwardly, the words came out a bit awkward, maybe even desperate. He chuckled and stepped back, “Yes … I’ve been patient long enough. I’ve chased you, I’ve protected you, and now I’ve fought for you.” He smiled tenderly, “and now I’m going to make you mine, forever.” She shook her head, unable to keep her own smile from parting her lips, “Sasha, you’re such a typical Alpha. You always have to get what you want.” He winked and his eyes shifted to gaze around the meadow. She followed his gaze, gasping softly in surprise. Sasha’s pack mates had encircled them. She recognized many of them, and it was more than just the Beta’s that were here. Even the women had come.

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

112

CHAPTER 19 Kita looked at her image in the mirror, shifting nervously as the auburn haired woman beside her made adjustments. She looked over, biting her lip apprehensively as warm brown eyes twinkled back at her. “This isn’t the only thing I’ll be wearing, right?” she asked nervously as her hands slid across the bare skin on her stomach. She was no longer wearing her black dress, but was now wearing what Sasha’s pack mate, Cleo, had referred to as mating stripes. Cleo stuck her tongue in her cheek to keep from laughing. She smiled, “sorry, honey, that’s it right there.” Kita’s jaw dropped. She couldn’t imagine being seen by the entire pack wearing just her “mating stripes.” She knew why they were called that, too. It looked like stripes … literally. This snaking two inch wide strip of white furred cloth was the only thing covering her femininity. It made her more than a little uncomfortable. The leather strip was tied around her chest, scarcely covering her nipples as it shoved her breast together almost painfully. It was then wrapped around the top of each arm at the shoulder to keep it from falling down. From there it was wound around her back and stomach, leaving slips of skin fully visible between the pieces. At the base, just at her hips, the strap became attached to a scandalously short skirt that she was wearing. The skirt wasn’t so bad. It covered more than a simple strap would, at least. She reached down, smoothing out the soft ivory fur over her bottom just to make sure that her backside was covered. She sighed in relief. At least her bottom half was hidden from view of the rest of the pack. “Don’t be so nervous,” Cleo chirped optimistically. “At least you’ll have the robe on for awhile.” Kita scowled, “but once the mating ceremony begins it’ll come off.” Cleo’s soft chuckling was interrupted by a knock on the door. She left to answer it, peeking into the hallway for the briefest of moments. She ducked back into the room, and her eyes glistened with excitement. “Are you ready?” Kita’s eyes flashed wide for an instant. She drew in a deep breath, “do I have a choice?” Cleo shook her head, “nope.” Kita turned, throwing the long robe on as she followed the other woman through the house. The robe was hot and sticky against her skin, clinging to her as if it were molded to her body. Absently she fanned her face with her hand. She didn’t know if it was the robe or her nerves that were making her so sickly warm. Together she and Cleo stepped out into the cool night air. The smell of rain and the distant growl of thunderclouds from the heavens were ominous of another storm. Kita inhaled a long slow breath. It was dark out, but somewhere in the black sky she could feel the clouds and the rain. Her gaze shifted from the sky to the air around her.

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

113

The darkness was interrupted by a blazing fire that had been built in the yard, commanding attention as it spit streaks of angry orange and red into the sky. The gray of the smoke disappeared into the blackness overhead, vanishing amidst the starless night and the awaiting storm clouds. Kita’s eyes shifted, looking beyond the blaze. Surrounding the fire was the members of Sasha’s pack, all standing silently in a large semi-circle as they had turned their eyes on her. She shifted uneasily. Out of the corner of her eye she saw movement behind the blaze, and she looked towards it. Her heart rate sped up and she swallowed, feeling her throat tighten with excitement. Sasha smiled as he approached her. He stood in front of her, letting her feel the heat of his body before her. He was warm, kissed with the heat of the flames that were now to his back. Kita’s breath slipped from her lips in slow appreciation. He was shirtless, and his bronze skin was glistening with drops of perspiration. She followed a trickle of sweat with her eyes as it slid down his abdomen, rising and falling over the ridges of his defined muscles. The moisture ended at his jeans, and she frowned. “Why do you get to wear jeans and I have to wear these, these, mating stripes?” She whispered almost inaudibly. He licked his lips and smirked mischievously, “Because,” his warm hands brushed her shoulders, his fingertips lighting her skin with an unexpected quiver as he removed the robe from her shoulders. He handed the robe to Cleo, who was standing just behind her, and he stepped back to admire her, “I don’t think I would look anywhere near as good as you do in mating stripes.” She sighed, feeling her heartbeat pump faster as he took her hand in his. She was now exposed without the robe, but as Sasha led her around the fire it was the last thing on her mind. She was nervous, there was no denying it. She was about to be forever tied to this one man, and once he had bitten her there was no going back. She would be his one and only mate for life, and even in death, they would be tied. She swallowed, hard. She had never trusted an Alpha, but Sasha was different. He had fought for her. He had risked everything he had for her. He sat her down on a large log that had been set before the fire, and she looked up at him before he could draw away. In that instant their gazes locked, and she saw an image amidst a swirl of amber and fire. She saw herself, sitting before a large black wolf--Sasha. He licked her skin, softly, tenderly, lovingly. His lips curled upward in a snarl, and his jaw wrapped around her shoulder. Kita’s heart lurched for a split second. She gasped, but then the vision slipped away as warm lips brushed hers in a tender kiss. She blinked, watching numbly as Sasha stepped away from her. She watched as if in a trance, seeing him circling the fire slowly until he disappeared behind the wall of flames. A black shadow emerged, and her blood raced in anticipation. Sasha had transformed into his pelt, a big, beautiful black wolf with haunting golden eyes. He approached her calmly, and a smile of remembrance slipped over her lips. He looked like the day she had first seen him, like a shadow come to life with unmatched confidence and assuredness. Her heart was pounding as he stopped before her, and suddenly he seemed larger than life. He licked her exposed shoulder, tenderly, softly, the same as he had in the dream of his eyes. His mouth opened as his teeth surrounded her flesh. She trembled, feeling her stomach quake as her nerves fluttered with anticipation. She closed her

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

114

eyes. Pain surged through her as his teeth sank into her shoulder, and then, like a jolt of electricity, it was gone. Pain was washed away as warmth sank into her muscles, her nerves, and her heart--every fiber of her being. Everything seemed so full, so complete in this instant. She blinked, feeling dizzy and numb. For a moment everything seemed to spin and the log on which she sat felt like it was rolling away from her. She gasped, clinging to the body against her. Her fingers grazed hot skin and she tried to focus. Sasha held her against him. Kita was reeling, feeling the effects of the bite as her body adjusted to his claim. She leaned into his arms, grateful that he was back in his human form already where he could hold her and make her feel safe. Everything was a blur as Sasha’s thumb brushed her cheek. She saw Kiser approach, the light from the fire casting an orange glow across his body. He bowed slightly to his Alpha, and then turned to bestow a bow in her direction as well before he turned to the rest of the pack. There was motion, too much for her to focus on with her head still spinning. In the next instant a rush of wolves raced past, howling and chorusing into the night air as droplets of water began to fall down softly. For a long while they sat together, listening to the howling as it distanced into the darkness. The rain began to fall gradually harder, darting onto the fire as the blaze hissed and sizzled in protest. Kita looked at her shoulder, feeling her mind becoming clearer now. The werewolf blood that raced through her veins made her a fast healer, and already the blood that Sasha had brought to the surface with his bite had stopped its flow. “The pack will honor us with a hunt that could take hours,” Sasha whispered against her as a slow wicked smile crossed his lips. “That means I have plenty of time alone to enjoy my mate.” Kita licked her lips and looked up at him. His eyes were full of hunger and warmth, desire just for her. She raised her eyebrows and slowly stood to her feet. For a moment she felt like she would fall over as a last trace of dizziness swept over her, but she regained her balance quickly. “If you can catch me, Alpha, I’m all yours.” She giggled as she darted towards the house, knowing that she’d never outrun him. For months she had tried to get away from him, not knowing how much she needed him, but now, if there was one thing she knew, it was that he would never let her get away from him. She screeched as he caught her in the doorway, swinging her towards him as his lips fell on hers. She felt a strong arm reach around her bottom, and in the next instant she was lifted from the ground. She tightened her hold around his neck, still chuckling against his lips as he set her down on a thick fur rug. His golden eyes were deep and wild with his need for her as he spoke, and suppressed laughter clung to his words, “my pretty baby, always running from me …” She smiled playfully and kissed his lips, “I don’t get very far though, do I?” He groaned, sliding his hand up her leg to her thigh, “and you never will. I love you, Kita. No matter where you go, no matter how far you run, I’ll follow, and I’ll catch you.” She arched her hips, feeling his fingers as they brushed the sensitive mound between her legs, “I love you too.” Her breath caught for a moment as he put pressure on the rise of her womanhood, “but you’re such an Alpha, Sash, always have to get what you want.” She blushed, knowing that her words had come out broken and nearly

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

115

moaned as he gently rubbed and massaged her with his kneading fingers. He hovered over her for a moment, grabbing the leather strap that covered her in his hands. “Right now, Kita, all I want is you …” The strap snapped apart in his grasp. Kita opened her mouth to protest, but her words were lost in her lungs as his mouth found her breasts. He kissed each one, licking and sucking as if he meant to remember how every inch of her tasted. He caught her eager nipples in his teeth, gently tugging as he gave them tender love bites that left them swollen and hard with excitement. She moaned and writhed beneath him as his kisses drew lower, covering her abdomen. All the while he never ceased fondling between her legs, pressing his long fingers into her wet welcoming opening as she panted against him. His mouth drew over her, and she could feel the heat of his breath against her as he removed his fingers. She cried out in pleasure as he tongue swept over her womanhood, darting in and out of her until she was clenching the furred rug beneath her for dear life. He tasted her, devouring her greedily as he kissed and pleasured her, tickling her inside with his probing tongue. She rocked her hips, one minute trying to escape his slow torment, the next begging him not to stop. Sasha groaned, finally pulling away from her to draw back up to kiss her lips. His tongue caressed her lips, slowly gliding closer until his mouth was sealed against hers. Kita reached down, sliding her hand down his abdomen until she felt the tip of his shaft against her fingertips. Drops of stickiness met her touch and she grasped the length of his shaft, wrapping her palm around him. Slowly she dropped her hand, rubbing him gently until he was thrusting against her hand. He rasped against her, grabbing a fistful of her hair in his hand. Kita felt the pull behind her head, and her eyes lifted to see Sasha staring down at her. His eyes were feral with need, his lips slightly parted as raspy breaths left them. She swallowed, feeling her own panting breath as her breasts rose and fell in her excitement. She moved her hand from his erection, wrapping her arms around his shoulders as he dove into her, filling her with his size. She felt the air escape her lungs in a sigh of pleasure, and as he began to plunge in and out of her she wrapped her legs around his hips, taking everything he had to give her. Sasha nipped her shoulder. He had waited so long to have her in his arms again, had waited so long to have her in his bed again that he wanted it to be perfect. He was losing his control though. He wanted it to last forever, but as he took her, felt her warmth and wetness milking him, he knew that it wouldn’t. He thrust harder against her, gritting his teeth just to keep what was left of his resolve. Kita cried out beneath him, tensing against his thrusting as wave after wave of pleasure washed over her, gripping her muscles until every part of her was quivering with the ecstasy of relief. Sasha felt her pulsing warmth against his shaft, and it was all it took to tear that last little hold of restraint from his loins. He kissed her throat, diving into her one last time as he released his need into her, filling her with his essence. Together they lay on the floor, panting in each others arms. Sasha kissed Kita’s shoulder, silently apologizing for the wound that he had given her. She rolled her head to look dreamily at him and he kissed her lips. Kita smiled contentedly. “I think I’m going to enjoy having you as a mate, Alpha.” She chuckled absently, “if you keep making love to me like that I’ll never run from you again.”

SWEET SUBMISSION

Desiree Gelsi

116

Sasha raised his brows thoughtfully as he thumbed the metal under his jaw. He smirked mischievously and grabbed her hips, pulling her in tightly to him. He listened to the rain outside, and when rain was all he heard he ran his tongue across his lips and looked suggestively at Kita. He smiled, “in that case, I’m about to make sure that it never even crosses your mind.” He kissed her, and just to feel her body brushing his was enough to make his spent member jerk back to life. Kita felt his growing arousal against her. She smiled and her blue eyes twinkled. The only place she was thinking about running was back in his arms each and every night. THE END