Wolf Queen

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WOLF QUEEN

Stormy Glenn

EROTIC ROMANCE

Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

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A SIREN PUBLISHING BOOK IMPRINT: Erotic Romance

WOLF QUEEN Copyright © 2009 by Stormy Glenn E-book ISBN: 1-60601-577-X First E-book Publication: September 2009 Cover design by Jinger Heaston All cover art and logo copyright © 2009 by Siren Publishing, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission. All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

PUBLISHER Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

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DEDICATION To Mad One, always the fighter. I see a lot of Katia in you. I hope you continue to be feisty and stubborn and get everything you want in life.

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WOLF QUEEN STORMY GLENN Copyright © 2009

Chapter 1 It was an obsession. She was an obsession. He had to find her. He had to have her, to posses her, to dominate her. She was his. And no one, not even she, would tell him no. Mikhail Nikolaevich lifted his face into the passing wind, sniffing the frosty air. There was a variance of smells combined in the breeze, but he could easily pick out her personal fragrance. It smelled soft and musty like wild flowers and summer rain. It was a seductive aroma. The mere hint of her scent made his cock harden with each breath that he took. She had quickly become an addiction many months ago, an addiction that he was not unwilling to feed. And feed it he would. Jumping down from his crouched position on top of the cement steps leading down into the city park, Mikhail briskly started walking through the manicured grounds. He had been tormenting himself for two days now. It had taken him three days just to find his prey. He knew he could have taken her that first night when he had first caught her scent. She would be easy prey, walking alone through the park as she was. But he wanted to draw his torture out, to relish in its wicked pleasure. It made the hunt all the more entertaining. He had possessed her once and he would possess her again. It made his wait all the more sweet. Mikhail ran his tongue over his slightly distended teeth. He Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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would not be able to put off claiming her too much longer. He could feel his tense control slowly slipping away. The beast within wanted out. His lips twisted in a cynical smirk as he admitted he would miss the chase. It had been gratifying. She had known almost immediately that someone, or something, had been stalking her. He had felt her fear and her determination to escape him. He chuckled at her efforts to evade him, almost as if she had a choice. He also knew she was aware of him, aware that he had come for her. While joined bondmates were always aware of their consorts, he had been a little surprised that she had picked up on his presence so quickly. That usually did not happen until after the joining. It had just made him all the more certain that she was the one he had been searching for. Mikhail lifted his face into the cold breeze once more, inhaling her scent. She was nearby, here, in the park. He could feel her, her essence, her very heart beating. And it was beating very fast, almost too fast. Mikhail’s smile was one of satisfaction, knowing that she felt his presence, and that he unnerved her. It was not necessarily a bad thing for his bondmate to be a little afraid her Cadre. It would make her obedience more certain. As the Cadre male of his clan, obedience from his bondmate was imperative. It kept him from hurting her during the seeking or the joining, or both. Mikhail quickened his pace down the cement walkway that wound through the park. Tonight was the night. Tonight, she would finally be his. He could feel the beast within him stirring for the hunt. His blood started to heat up in anticipation of the prize he was about to seize. His teeth ached, wanting to sink into her soft flesh. He could feel blood lust coursing through his veins. Soon, very soon, she would be his again. Mikhail’s pace was fast now, his feet barely touching the hard ground below him as he zeroed in on her. He caught a glimpse of her up ahead of him. She was walking as fast as she could without Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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actually running. He could feel her body tighten in anticipation of an attack. She definitely knew he was here. Again, a streak of satisfaction ran through his body at the thought that she was already aware of him, even before their eventual joining. It gratified him that her abilities were so strong. He knew she would make a good bondmate for a Cadre when he had chosen her. The smile on Mikhail’s lips quickly turned into a snarl as he felt her fear turn to total terror. Something was wrong. The fear she felt was way beyond what woman should feel when her bondmate was nearby. Mikhail increased his speed until he was mere feet from his prey. He sensed the pulse on her neck hasten in fright. It was beating fast. Normally, he would be happy he could quicken her blood like this. But he immediately knew he did not cause this. Something, or someone, was after her besides him. They were not alone. Clearing his mind of the lust that filled him, Mikhail sensed the presence of three human males. He could feel the evil emanating from them. They were up to no good. And they were after that which Mikhail considered his. Mikhail felt the beast inside of him seethe with anger as he attempted to hold it in. It wanted blood. **** Katia Spencer was terrified out of her mind. She had known for several days that someone was pursuing her. She had felt a dangerous presence. It was unlike anything she had ever felt before. True, Katia had felt danger before, even what she considered true evil. But nothing like the feeling she had felt over the last several days. Someone, or maybe even something, was after her. She had been walking through the park on her way home from college when she first felt the presence. It hadn’t been sudden. The feeling of danger came on her gradually, almost sneaking in. And then

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she knew someone was out there, watching her, wanting her. She tried to ignore it in the beginning. She had been working a lot of hours at the school, studying, trying to get good grades. Maybe she was just too tired. As for her “gift”, her father called it, she chose not to trust in it too much. She never understood it anyway. It was just emotions, impressions of feelings that someone was having. And she had been wrong before. Hadn’t she? Katia had tried going home different routes, taking the tram, the bus, even a taxi, anything to throw people off. She had even gone to the police station and tried to file a stalking report. They just thought she was crazy. There’s some news. They always thought she was crazy. Everyone did, except her father, maybe. Katia had even gone as far as having someone walk her home from work at night. That had been the plan for tonight until Leroy had been called away on an emergency. Leroy was a good egg, even if he did have a crush on Katia. He meant well. But he was so not her type. Not that she had a type, really. She found one man that she thought was her type. Boy, was she wrong. According to her friend, Karen, if he was breathing, he was Karen’s type. But Katia didn’t feel the same. She wanted a real man, someone who would make her feel like a woman, all soft and feminine, while not making her feel like a subservient slave. She wanted someone that could care for her, accept her, all of her. “Gift” included. She wanted Mikhail. Oh, she had been out on a few dates here and there since leaving Mikhail. She even thought she had a nice guy in Eric. He hadn’t exactly been her boyfriend, as they had only gone out on a few dates, but he thought he was. He thought he owned her after only one date. By the end of third date he was stalking her, harassing her whenever he got near her. That disaster ended as fast as it started.

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In the beginning, her “gift” told her that he was lying to her, that he was having an affair. Katia confronted Eric with his lies, but somehow, he turned it all around on her, making it all her fault. Eventually, she started to believe him. Maybe her gift was a curse. Maybe it hadn’t been telling her the truth. Maybe Eric was right, and she was crazy. Maybe there really wasn’t any danger lurking out there in the shadows. Maybe it was all in her head. And maybe it wasn’t, Katia thought quickly as the shadows suddenly started to take shape. She cried out in terror as the three men dressed in black advanced out of the shadows at her. They were laughing and making crude comments to her. Katia turned to run and hit a very hard wall of flesh. Katia felt a squeak break past her lips when she felt two mighty arms grip her, a powerful body press up against her. Her heart beat so frantically she felt it might jump from her chest. Katia leaned her head back to see who held her. She looked up…and up…and up. Her mouth dropped open in surprise, amazement, and an almost overwhelming panic when she found herself staring into the deep, hungry eyes of Mikhail Nikolaevich. His eyes made the last breath in her body leave in a rush. He had the deepest, darkest blue eyes she had ever looked into, eyes that framed an extremely handsome square face. “Mikhail,” she whispered. His face looked to be bronzed by the wind and sun. His lips were firm and sensual. He was rugged and somber but sensual in a way that Katia had never encountered in anyone but Mikhail. He lowered his head to gaze at Katia’s apprehensive face. An almost gentle grin passed over his lips. “Katia,” he responded in a deep raspy voice. Katia heard a slight Russian accent in his voice. Her fascination with his eyes abruptly ended when she heard the sinister voices behind her begin to jabber again. She cringed when she recognized one of the voices of the three scruffy men. Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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It was Eric, the man who had been making her life hell. And that made the other two men with him just as dangerous. Eric never hung out with anything but the lowest scum he could find. It made him feel superior to have an I.Q. bigger than his shoe size, although Katia would debate that. She personally thought he was one of the stupidest men she ever had the misfortune to cross paths with. “Hey, buddy, mind getting your hands off my girl!” Eric yelled. Katia flinched, closing her eyes. Oh, please make them go away. She felt strong hands squeeze her shoulders gently, reassuring her, before pushing her behind him. He was walking toward Eric and his cohorts with a purpose in his stride. Katia could barely believe it. Mikhail was going to defend her. He was going to get hurt. No matter how big he was, there were three of them and only one of him. Katia turned to stop him. “Oh wait, Mikhail,” she murmured quickly, her small delicate hand extended to stop him, “Please, don’t.” He stopped to look back at Katia, the look on his face clearly said he questioned her reasoning. “He’ll hurt you, Mikhail,” she said, gesturing toward Eric. “Besides,” she said as she raised her voice just a little, “he’s a jerk and isn’t worth your time.” Katia could hear the grumbling behind her. She knew her words pissed Eric and his friends off. She didn’t much care. He was a jerk. Mikhail cocked his head to one side, a look of absolute disbelief on his face. Katia found herself smiling despite her fear. It was almost ridiculous. He was built like a brick house. His shoulders alone could have carried the weight of the world on them. Mikhail reached back to caress her ashen cheek. Katia felt a shiver of dismay pass through her as she realized that his hand was as big as the side of her face. He could crush her with just one blow. But she also felt something more coming from him, the promise that she was completely safe with him. Katia could not equate the two emotions, the one she felt with the one coming from him. She knew Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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she was supposed to be terrified. But she wasn’t, at least not of him. From Eric and his sidekicks, she was terrified. Her eyes widened at the snarl that crossed Mikhail’s lips as he turned to glare across at the men threatening her. “She does not belong to you,” Mikhail said firmly. Eric laughed, “Want to bet?” Mikhail’s snarl became an outright sneer. “She does not belong to you,” Mikhail repeated. “She belongs to me! She has always belonged to me!” Eric laughed again, the sound as evil as it was revolting. “Oh, so you’re the sorry bastard she’s been mooning over. I wondered when you’d show up.” Katia wanted to curl up into a ball when Mikhail turned his face back toward her, his gaze questioning. She shrugged her shoulders, answering the silent question she could see in his eyes. The two pathetic men beside Eric took a step backwards. While they liked intimidating those weaker than them, this man looked like he could take care of himself. Eric just stood there, not knowing the immediate jeopardy he was in. “She does not belong to you,” Mikhail repeated yet again. Eric rolled his eyes. Katia could see that he would soon lose his temper. He always rolled his eyes just before he struck out with his fists. Something she had seen often enough. “Please,” she whispered in warning, “please be careful, Mikhail. He’s very dangerous.” Mikhail acknowledged her words with a small nod of his head. “Not as dangerous as I am.” “Come over here, Katie. There is no reason to involve this man in our little domestic squabbles.” Eric spit out those last words as if they sickened him. Katia hated it when he called her Katie. It made her feel like a child. She wrapped her arms around her trembling body as anger filled her. Eric was angry, he was very angry. And things didn’t go Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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well when Eric was angry. She was angrier. She was tired of Eric’s crap. She didn’t belong to him. She never had. It was about time he knew that. Katia stepped around the towering man before her. She sneaked a look up into Mikhail’s face. A muscle clenched along his jaw as he strove to retain control of the rage she could see in his features. Indecision rioted within her. Here was Mikhail, a dark figure of a man, big and powerful, a man who had given her an unspoken promise of protection. Then there was Eric, a man who had made her life a living hell for more than five weeks, a man that had no qualms hurting those that were smaller, weaker than he was. He was also a man Katia knew would use any means to get what he wanted. And what he wanted was Katia’s complete and total obedience. Katia knew she could not let Mikhail be injured on account of her. No matter what he had done to her, she still loved him. A flicker of apprehension coursed through her before she lowered her eyes and stepped toward Eric. “Katia.” When Mikhail spoke, his voice was tender, almost a murmur. She looked up at him again. “I’ve just about had it with men telling me what to do,” she whispered in a voice that seemed to come from a long way off. “And I’m not about to let this asshole hurt you.” There was a faint tremor in Mikhail’s voice when he replied, as though some emotion had broken through his stern outer shell. “He cannot harm me, Katia, although your concern for my welfare pleases me.” Katia was startled at his choice of words, even a little uneasy. That and the fact that he never once took his eyes off of Eric made Katia wonder if she had mistaken his assurance of protection. There was a trace of laughter in his voice as he instructed Katia to go sit down and watch the show. Katia, not quite believing what she was seeing, slowly walked over to stand beside a group of trees that Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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littered the park pathway. She held her hands to her lips as she watched Mikhail turn all of his attention toward Eric. “As I said before, she does not belong to you,” Mikhail said. “In fact, she never belonged to you.” Katia could almost see the steam coming out of Eric’s ears. “She is mine. She does belong to me,” Eric shouted, his voice filled with bitterness. Mikhail just shook his head. “Are you bonded? Have you completed the joining?” He asked skeptically. Eric looked at him in complete confusion before a sudden knowing smile came over his face. “What the hell are you talking about? You’re just as crazy as she is.” Eric’s face took on a look of gratification as he realized that his words would hurt not only Katia, but the man before him. “She belongs to me, don’t you, Katie?” He said, sparing a glance at Katia’s mortified form. Katia could have gratefully sunk through the ground at that moment. She had never been intimate with Eric, not for lack of trying on his part. It had been all she could do to keep him away. A shadow of pure rage clouded Mikhail’s eyes before he spoke again, the words ground out between his teeth. “You have not been truly joined, you are not her bondmate, thus, you have no claim on her.” He said the words so firmly that Katia almost believed them herself. Mikhail’s voice was heavy with sarcasm as he drew Eric into his tight trap. “You mean nothing to her.” Eric laughed a cold hard laugh. “She’s mine. She belongs to me, and nothing you can do or say will change that. I own her.” For the first time in several minutes Mikhail’s eyes swung to look at Katia. His glare burned through her, almost as if he were disappointed that she had dated this poor example of a man. Katia knew she was seeing that which could not be there. She had not seen Mikhail in weeks, even if she felt that he had been there, watching her for days. He didn’t care what she did. Her lower lip trembled as she returned his glare. Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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Mikhail frowned before turning back to Eric. “’Tis of no consequence,” his voice grated harshly, crossing his muscular arms over his chest. “You cannot keep what you never had.” “What?” Eric asked in dazed exasperation. “Are you nuts? Who the hell are you?” Mikhail chuckled with a dry and cynical sound. “I am her future, her bondmate, her Cadre. I am everything to her. And you, you are nothing.” His words filled Katia with anger. He was saying that she belonged to him, that he would replace Eric as the master of her life. Katia knew she could not let that happen, not again. Mikhail had nearly destroyed her life once before. She was not going to let him do it again. As the two men squared off, their attention on each other and not on her, she slowly began backing away from the scene of destruction that was about to erupt. She needed to get home and run, once again, for her life. It seemed she was constantly running for her life. **** Mikhail could feel the anger emanating from Katia, as well as her desperation to get away. He decided to let Katia run, as he knew he could always find her again. At the present, he needed to deal with the worm before him. He also did not want Katia to witness the carnage that was about to take place. He knew he just needed to goad Eric a bit more before he would attack. Mikhail wanted it to be self-defense in reference to Katia, but he would take him any way that he could. “She is mine now. You will never have her again. She belongs to me.” Mikhail smiled briefly when he saw the rage flow over Eric. His words had had their desired effect. Eric let out a growl of outrage as he flew at Mikhail, his fist drawn to hit him. Mikhail let him come, enjoying the feeling of ruthlessness Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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sweeping through his body. Just as Eric reached him and began to swing, Mikhail ducked, swirled, and came up behind Eric. He wrapped his arms Eric’s body. He pulled his head to one side, baring his neck, and sank his sharp teeth into Eric’s neck. He could feel the strong flow of his life-blood entering his body. It was warm and luscious. Mikhail drank until he could feel the life beginning to leave Eric’s twitching body. He did not want to kill him, just make him pay for the fear he had put into Katia. Pulling his teeth from Eric’s neck, he swiped his tongue along the two small puncture wounds, sealing them up as if nothing had happened. He dropped Eric onto the hard ground. Hopefully, he would not be found for many hours. While his hunger had been mostly sated, he still had a bondmate to acquire. And the hunger of the beast inside him would not be abated until he did. Mikhail pulled his long black leather duster around him more tightly and strode off after Katia.

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Chapter 2 Katia slammed the front door of her small apartment behind her, clicking the lock closed to the world outside. She leaned her tired body up against the door and took several deep breaths. Her fear and anger almost overcame her control. Eric had found her. He had been waiting for her in the park, the path she always used to come home from work. He knew exactly where she was. That terrified Katia. She had to get to safety, although she began to wonder if there was any place that would ever be safe from Eric. A stab of guilt lay buried in her breast as she thought of the man that she had left to deal with Eric’s anger. She was sorry it had to happen that way, sorry she had not had the courage to stand up to Eric. Mikhail could take care of himself. She couldn’t believe Mikhail had found her as well. Not that she was hiding from him, but she didn’t think he cared enough to find her. She should have known he was there. Katia smiled as she thought about the peculiar feelings she had been having that told her that something was wrong. It had saved her on more than one occasion. When Eric was at his worst, she held onto the thin hope that he would not rape her. He usually had only taken his anger out on Katia with his fists. But that last time… Katia didn’t know if she would ever forget her horror when she had woken up and sensed Eric in her apartment. He had been there to harm her, and she knew it. She had escaped out the window but only due to her gift. It had taken days for her to sleep through the night without a baseball bat next to her bed. She didn’t know if the Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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nightmares would ever disappear completely. Somehow, she doubted it. Katia closed her eyes, her heart heavy with pain. She had to pack and get out of there as fast as she could. She moved without haste, but with unhurried purpose. She had done this enough times in the last few weeks while running from Eric to know exactly what to take and what to leave behind. Two hours later, Katia set the last of her packed bags by the front door. She had to be ready to run first thing in the morning. She would have liked to go tonight, but she needed her sleep. She would need it in the days to come. Besides, she couldn’t truly leave until she went to an ATM. She needed to get money. It took a lot of money to run. Checking on the front door once more, she could see that they were locked. Katia quietly walked to her own room. Sitting on the side of her bed, Katia closed her eyes, feeling utterly miserable. She faced a bleak future. A flash of loneliness stabbed at her as she thought once more of Mikhail, who had tried to rescue her in the park. He was a magnificent example of what a man should look like. He looked powerful, his chest broad and muscular, with long sturdy muscular legs. He was tall, handsome, with a beautifully proportioned body for a man of his size. There had been an inherent strength in his face, his profile sharp and confident. His thick raven hair had been tied back from his face. It gleamed in the light of the moon, flowing down his back. And his eyes, they promised forever. They were like summer lightning, raw and unbridled. But they had held a hint of understanding and acceptance. Katia was not sure what that meant, but it had been there, even in his feelings. That didn’t mean that she had not felt the control he had been straining to hold onto. He had been a man of strong emotions, not all of them pleasant.

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He also had an air of authority and the appearance of a man that demanded instant obedience, and probably got it. In the past, Katia had been interested. But this was not the past. She sighed, then gave a resigned shrug. Some things were not meant to be. Katia set her alarm clock for seven in the morning. She needed to get up early, but with just enough time to eat the get out the door to the ATM. Pulling the blankets on her bed back, she pulled her thin cotton summer dress off and draped it over the nearby bedroom chair. She pulled her bra and panties off and dropped them to the floor. Forgoing a nightgown, Katia crawling into the bed. Her muscles were tense and sore. She was tired, very, very tired. Katia closed her eyes as she felt her head sink into her pillow. It would be good to sleep for a few hours. She didn’t even mind that she did not have dinner. Her stomach seemed to have other ideas, though. It was growling. Katia laughed softly as she let sleep overtake her. Maybe she would dream of food. Katia opened her eyes and looked to the alarm clock. It was barely 4:00 o’clock in the morning. She briefly wondered why she had woken before the alarm went off, until she heard the phone ringing. “Katia,” a deep voice growled into the phone when she picked it up. “You’ve had enough time to play. It’s time to come home now.” Katia felt a shiver ripple through her body at the sound of the raspy voice on the phone. Just the sound of Mikhail’s voice was enough to make her feel hot all over. “What, no hello Katia? Are you going to even ask how I am, Mikhail, or if I made it home okay? Or are you just going to give me orders again?” Katia could almost hear Mikhail grind his teeth. She always did have the ability to make him angry. “I need you, Katia. Please, it’s time to come home.” “You have never needed anyone in your life, Mikhail, not even me,” she replied dryly “That is not true, Kat. I do need you,” he whispered softly. Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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Katia felt herself melt inside at Mikhail’s pet name for her. He had only used that name one time, and Katia wanted to forget that little episode. But, because of it, she knew she had to be firm in her decision to stay where she was. It was high time she stood up for herself. Taking a deep voice she uttered the first negative response to Mikhail that she had ever given him. “No, Mikhail, I am not coming home. I’ve made a life for myself here and I’m staying.” “I have had enough of your foolishness,” he growled. “My foolishness?” Katia interrupted, her voice raising several octaves as anger clouded her mind. “Just because I don’t agree with you does not mean I am being foolish. You are not my father, my brother, and we both know you’ll never be my husband. You made that quite clear the last time I was home. I do not have to do what you want!” Katia couldn’t remember ever being so angry with Mikhail. She had been bewildered, confused, even hurt by his words, but never angry, at least, never this angry. “Katia, you will come home!” Mikhail yelled before she interrupted him again. “No, Mikhail. I gave you a chance when I came home for Father’s funeral. I gave you my love, as well as my body, and you didn’t want it. You told me no. Well, now I’m telling you no.” A part of Katia wondered at her bravery. Or, maybe as Mikhail said, her foolishness. No one said the word no to Mikhail Nikolaevich. Katia felt he was spoiled in that way. Mikhail ruled his domain with an iron fist and always got what he wanted. He was a law unto himself. He made the laws and he enforced them, too. Not many men would tell him no, and those that did usually ended up regretting it. Mikhail could be ruthless when he was irritated. However, he was only dangerous when provoked, and that rarely happened because most people had the good sense to walk softly Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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around him—if they dared walk near him at all. Katia felt it was her duty to annoy him. Katia wasn’t certain a woman had ever said no to Mikhail, either. Women usually threw themselves at Mikhail, in droves. Katia had seen it again and again throughout the years she had known Mikhail. And why wouldn’t they? Mikhail was breathtaking, all six and half feet of his huge muscular frame. He emanated everything the words alpha male stood for. He oozed sex appeal in every breath he took. His pure midnight black hair hung a little past shoulder length. He usually pulled it back and tied it with a leather thong. While it was not fashionable now days to wear long hair, on Mikhail, it looked good. Hell, it looked great. Every damn inch of him looked great. Mikhail’s thighs could double as tree trunks and his ass filled out a pair of jeans in a way that made any woman looking at him instantly wet. Mikhail’s face was square cut with a strong jaw and a sprinkle of facial hair that he never seemed to be able to shave away. To Katia, it only enhanced his dark features. It made him seem more dangerous. Basically, he was everything a man should be and then some. Katia often wondered if God truly had Mikhail in mind when he made man in his image, ’cause, damn! “Katia, this is the last time I will tell you. It’s time for you to come home,” Mikhail growled again. “No, Mikhail,” she replied sadly. “There’s nothing there for me anymore. Please don’t contact me again. Goodbye, Mikhail.” She heard Mikhail’s furious roar of her name as she dropped the phone back onto its cradle. Katia knew this would not be the end of things as far as Mikhail was concerned. He did not like for anyone to say no to him, especially Katia. But she had no choice. Well, that was not exactly true. Mikhail had taken her choices away from her the last time she had gone home, three months ago, almost to the day… Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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Katia's father, Mikhail’s personal secretary, had been sick and passed away. She raced home from college to be with him for his last few hours. After her father’s funeral, Katia turned to Mikhail, as she always did, for comfort. He had always been her rock, the protective strength she turned to when she was scared. But, as she sat in his lap in his office, her head tucked under his chin and his strong arms wrapped around her, Katia felt his warmth seep into her body. She felt the hard contours of his body, his muscular thighs, and his strong arms. For the first time, the smell of Mikhail made her want to inhale more of him. She wanted to feel his big hands on her body, to taste his skin, to feel him between her thighs. “Mikhail,” she whispered, as she placed her lips against his. Katia felt his surprise before he crushed her body to his. His hands tightened on her waist before one of them wrapped itself in her hair, pulling her closer to him. The other hand slid down to grasp the curve of her butt cheek. Katia felt, more than heard, the growl that rumbled through Mikhail’s chest. “Katia.” Without breaking contact with her lips, Mikhail pulled Katia’s legs apart and turned her so that she straddled his body, the length of his cock nestling between her thighs. The thin layer of Katia’s short skirt and Mikhail’s slacks did nothing to hide the hard heat of his erection. “Katia,” Mikhail groaned again as both of his hands slid her skirt up and grasped her nearly bare buttocks. Katia felt him inhale deeply as he discovered the tiny bit of cotton that slid between her cheeks. One lone finger softly caressed the small cotton string, following it down between her thighs. Mikhail’s whole body shuddered as he reached the small patch of material that covered her wet folds. Katia wanted to scream with frustration as his fingers slid along the edges of her g-string. If he

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would just move to the left or the right she knew that it would be so much better. “Mikhail, please,” she begged. “Yes?” he asked. “What do you want, little love?” Katia arched her neck as his lips grazed down her cheek. Her hands wrapped in his long hair, unusually unbound. His lips trailed down her neck toward her chest. Katia arched her body back as his lips suckled one of her raised nipples through the ribbed cotton of her baby blue tank top. A soft moan escaped her lips as his teeth gently nipped at the swollen bud. With one hand secured around Mikhail’s neck, she reached down and pulled her shirt up over her breasts, baring her chest to his hungry gaze. Katia was not a vain woman by any means, but the shudder that racked Mikhail’s body upon seeing her large, firm breasts totally bare could have made her one. She was unprepared for the ferocity of Mikhail’s hunger as he crushed her body to his, his lips latching onto her soft, pink nipple. His hands suddenly seemed to be everywhere at the same time. Katia let out a yelp that quickly turned into a moan as Mikhail ripped away the material between her thighs and replaced it with his hand, his fingers sliding between her wet lips before they pushed inside of her. The sensation was almost more than she could take. “Oh hell, you’re so tight,” Mikhail growled as he pushed one, then two fingers into her. “You’re going to feel so good wrapped around my cock.” Katia shuddered at his lewd words. She had never heard Mikhail talk like that. And it turned her on, a lot. “Misha,” she groaned as she bent over and bit Mikhail on the neck, hard enough to draw a drop of blood. Damn, he tasted so good. Katia wrapped her lips around the small wound she had made on Mikhail’s neck and sucked a little harder. Apparently that was all Mikhail needed to throw him over the edge.

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The next thing Katia knew, Mikhail’s slacks were unzipped and his long hard cock wrapped in his hand. Katia’s thighs tightened around his waist each time the hard head brushed against her swollen nub. “Misha,” she groaned again. “Do you like that, Kat?” He asked as he rubbed against her again. He had to know she was nearing orgasm. “Tell me you like that.” Katia’s unfocused gaze turned to Mikhail. His eyes were almost pure black with arousal. “Misha.” “Yes? What do you want, Kat?” She just shook her head back and forth. “Is this what you want?” He asked as he pushed his large cock against her small entrance. “Yes, God, yes!” she screamed. Mikhail pushed the head of his cock into her moist entrance, inch by hard inch. When he was sure that Katia could accept him, he pushed all of his rock hard cock into her, breaking through the thin veil of her innocence as if he couldn’t stop himself. Mikhail grunted as he started to thrust into her. “I can’t stop, Katia. No one has ever made me lose control the way you do. I know this is your first time but I—I’ve wanted you for so very long.” Wrapping her long blond hair around his fist, Mikhail ravaged her lips with his. “You’re mine now,” he said between several lengthy kisses. And when her lips were swollen from his attentions, he repeated his entreaty, lest she forgot it in her pleasure. “I will never let you go.” Katia heard his words, but her ecstasy was so high she didn’t really know what he was saying. Taking her to the edge, Mikhail stopped moving long enough to get her attention. “Kat, look at me.” Katia tried moving up and down on his lap, wanting him to continue the mind numbing pleasure he that gave her. “Kat, look at me,” he demanded as his hands held her hips still. Katia raised her passion filled eyes to Mikhail’s. “Misha,” she begged, “please.” Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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“Say it, Kat, say you are mine,” he demanded roughly. “Misha,” she breathed. “Say it, Kat, and I will give you what you want.” Mikhail pushed hard inside Katia once, twice, just enough to keep her on the edge. “You're mine! Say it!” he demanded, "Who do you belong to?" "You, Misha, I belong to you," she replied. Mikhail grunted his approval. "Yes, Kat, you belong to me. Remember that, even if you forget everything else. You belong to me, and I will never let you go!” Though his voice sounded soft, it radiated pure steel. Katia shuddered at his intensity when he began to piston inside her at what felt like the speed of light. She could only lie in his arms and accept him. "Yes, Mikhail," she sobbed as her orgasm overtook her. "Yes," he agreed as he thrust back into her again and again. “I claim you as mine.” Katia slumped against Mikhail’s chest, her body melting in a burning haze of desire. Each hard thrust of Mikhail’s body pushed him against hers, deeper into her tender flesh. Katia felt like she was burning up inside. Nothing existed except the man that held her in his strong arms. Katia cried out when Mikhail’s teeth sank into the soft skin between her shoulder and neck. She instantly erupted into another orgasm, clamping down on Mikhail’s cock. Her head falling back, Katia felt Mikhail pull his teeth free and roar out his release as his hot seed filled her. Dazed, she dimly felt Mikhail’s cock expand and take hold inside of her, but she was too dazed to acknowledge the strangeness of Mikhail’s claiming. Mikhail fell forward, burying his face in Katia’s sweat dampened hair. She smiled when he shuddered for several moments until his breath evened out. Finally, Mikhail leaned back and grabbed Katia’s face in both of his hands. “You are mine now, yes?” Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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Katia sleepily smiled up at Mikhail. “Yes, Misha, I am yours now.” “Yes!” he nodded as he pulled from her and set her on her feet. He began straightening his clothes. Katia laughed a little as she realized that she barely had to straighten anything. She just had to pull her shirt and skirt down. Her g-string was destroyed. She spotted it beneath the edge of the couch. Just as she began to reach for it, Mikhail grabbed it and shoved it into his pocket. “A trophy,” he grinned as he kissed the tip of her nose. Just as Mikhail began to take her into his arms for another kiss, they were interrupted by a knock at the door. Mikhail placed his finger across her lips, telling her silently to keep quiet. He pushed her out of the line of vision of anyone standing in the doorway before opening it just a bit. “What?” he asked, all playfulness gone from his voice in an instant. Katia knew that it was Sebastian, Mikhail’s brother, from the tone of his voice even if she could not understand what they were saying. Several long moments later, Mikhail forcefully shut the door and leaned his head against it. When he turned back to Katia, there was none of the loving man that had held her in his arms just moments before. His eyes seemed dead. There was no emotion in them, no love and caring, no tenderness. Katia realized that this must be the look that he gave his enemies and understood why so many gave him such a wide berth. It made Katia feel cold inside. “Mikhail?” she whispered wrapping her arms around herself to ward of the chill that seeped into her body. “Go upstairs to my quarters, take a bath, and get into bed. I have a few things to take care before I join you.” Mikhail pulled his hair back, tied it with his leather thong as he walked over to his desk, sat down, and began going over the papers in front of him. Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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Katia stood there for several moments looking at Mikhail’s stiff form, knowing that the lord of the manor had just dismissed her. He looked as if nothing had happened between them. He certainly didn’t look like a man who had been deep within the throws of passion just moments ago. There was no sweat on him, no hair out of place, not even a button done up wrong. He could have been sitting there for hours. “Misha?” Katia asked, trying to hide the need in her voice. Mikhail didn’t even look up from his papers. “Mikhail,” she said again. “I’m busy now, Katia. Go on up to bed like I told you to.” Katia felt a little put out by his easy dismissal. She had just been made love to for the very first time. She didn’t think that needing a little reassurance was out of place. “Mikhail, I—” she began only to be interrupted by Mikhail. “What, Katia?” he demanded as he slammed his papers down on the desk. “I just—I wanted—Misha, I just wanted—” Katia felt tongue tied under the weight of Mikhail’s heavy stare. “Well, we just, uh, we—” she tried again. “Speak clearly, Katia.” Taking a deep breath, Katia stepped beyond her agitation. “Well, we just made love and thought you might, we might—” Mikhail stood up to his full height and walked toward Katia. He grabbed her arm and started walking her toward the door. “Katia, we didn’t make love because you don’t love me and I don’t love you. We had sex. That was it. Sex!” he growled. Katia felt her all of her girlhood fantasies shatter on the floor as Mikhail pushed her toward the door. “But, that’s not true, Mikhail. I do love you.” Mikhail grabbed both of Katia’s arms, jerked her around to face him, and forced her to look up at him, his hands tightening on her arms to the point of bruising. Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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“Listen carefully to me, Katia. Love is for little girls who need to justify having sex. Love is for men too stupid to keep their women where they belong.” He shook her as he forced words past his clinched teeth. “I do not want your love.” Katia felt the tears begin in her eyes. “But, I thought—” “You thought what? That I was going to profess my undying love for you? That we were going to buy a house with a white picket fence and live happily ever after? Grow up, Katia.” He laughed harshly. “This is the real world where men and women have sex all the time without justifying it with fake emotions.” “Love isn’t fake, Mikhail!” Katia stated adamantly. “My love for you isn’t fake.” “Really?” he asked doubtfully. “Then tell me, Katia, in your little world, what happens now? Do we get married? Have lots of little babies?” His words were cruel, but Katia felt that he meant them to be that way. “Yes,” she cried. “Why? Because I was the first man to get into your pants?” She felt the blush rush up her face at the same time her hope began to fade. “You were good, but you weren’t that good.” He just had to hammer that last nail in her coffin. “But, Misha—”she tried again. “My name is Mikhail, not Misha. Mikhail! Say it! Say my name!” He yelled as he shook her again. Katia’s eyes widened at the furious tone in his voice. He had never used that voice on her before, not in all the years they had known each other. “Mikhail,” she whispered, frightened of Mikhail for the first time in her life. If Mikhail had wanted to make his contempt for her love clear, he had just done it, in abundance. What had happened between them was unquestionably not love.

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She was devastated, rocked to her very core. Katia knew she grew up in that instant. Her view of life and love had changed for all time, and not for the better. But this was obviously her reality now. “Now do as I say, Katia.” Katia turned and walked away from the only man she had ever loved, the only man she would ever love, and shut the door quietly behind her. Grabbing her purse off the hallway stand, she began walking. Her steps led her not up the stairs to Mikhail’s bedroom, but out the front door and down the road and away from the heart she left behind. **** Katia didn’t see the tall dark shadow that quietly watched her from the study window, fists clenched to keep from reaching for her yet again. She didn’t see the small trail of blood drip down his chin as he bit his lip to keep from calling her back and begging her forgiveness even when he knew that this was the only thing he could do to keep her safe. She didn’t see the slow, silent fall of tears down a face ravaged by the cruelty it had just dealt out to the one person in the world that meant more to him than his very breath. She never heard the soft whisper leave his lips as he let the only thing that mattered to him walk away. “I will always love you, Kat.” **** Katia stared at the phone as it rang again. She knew it was Mikhail and she knew he was furious with her for hanging up on him. Katia simply picked up the receiver and dropped it back onto its cradle. But not before she heard Mikhail bellow out her name again. It just started ringing again a few moments later.

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It rang so many times that Katia finally pulled the plug out of the wall. Mikhail would just keep calling, and he didn’t have anything to say that Katia wanted to hear. Katia wanted to go about her day as if nothing happened. But it was a futile effort. All she could think about was Mikhail and how much she missed him. She didn’t think she would after all this time. Katia thought she worked out all of her feelings concerning Mikhail long ago. Well, that certainly had been a delusion on her part. Katia was afraid to find out what else she may have deluded herself about.

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Chapter 3 Crawling into the bed of her motel room three days later, Katia wished she could just go to sleep, but she knew she was going to just lie there, tossing and turning, again. And for several hours, that’s exactly what she did. Sometime during the night, her eyes jerked open, knowing she was no longer alone in the room. She lay there for several moments trying to get her bearing. There was definitely a large presence in the room. For one instant, Katia’s heart sped up as she thought it was Mikhail. But in the next moment, she knew it was not. Mikhail didn’t care enough about her to come and get her. Send someone for her, yes, but come and get her himself, no. She wasn’t worth that much of his time. “Katia.” It was Sebastian. Now, why in the hell was he here? Oh yes, she had told Mikhail she wasn’t coming home when he demanded it, and now he had sent someone to get her. “What do you want, Sebastian?” she asked as she sat up and pushed her long blond hair behind her ears. “Did Mikhail send you?” Sebastian’s lips tightened briefly before he spoke. “No, but you need to come home.” “I am home, Sebastian.” Sebastian looked around the sparsely furnished motel room, lifting an eyebrow at Katia as if to say this is home? “What do you want, Sebastian?” He just shook his head. “Mikhail needs you, Katia.” Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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Katia shook her head just as Sebastian had seconds before. “Mikhail never needed me. He wanted me, but he never needed me. He doesn’t need anyone.” Sebastian sat on the side of the bed and took Katia’s hand in his before looking into her eyes. “Katia, I don’t know what happened between the two of you the last time you were home. And I’m sorry if he hurt you, but it doesn’t matter now. You need to come home. Mikhail needs you.” Katia felt the hurt of his words invade her. He was dismissing the whole situation with Mikhail away like it had never happened. Well, it had, and it still hurt. Katia knew that now. She thought she buried it all deep inside, but just the mention of Mikhail’s name brought it all back to the surface like it just happened yesterday. “No, Mikhail doesn’t—” Katia started only to be interrupted by Sebastian next words. “Katia, Mikhail’s dying.” Katia felt her heart stop beating in her chest. “What? No, you’re just saying that to get me home. Mikhail isn’t dying. He can’t die.” Her fingers were gripping Sebastian’s hands nearly hard enough to break them. “No,” she whispered shaking her head. “No, you’re lying. Mikhail’s not dying.” Katia jumped out of bed and began to pace the floor. Suddenly, she stopped and looked up at Sebastian, the anguish clear for all to see on her face. “He’s really dying?” she asked in a whisper of despair. **** Sebastian wanted to hit his brother as the tears began seeping from eyes filled with such grief that it hurt to look at her. Instead, he just nodded his head. He watched helplessly as Katia sank to a heap on the floor, crying as she wrapped her arms around her body, trying to hold her grief Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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inside. Sobs rocked her body so hard he thought she would pass out. Kneeling beside Katia, Sebastian gathered her in his arms and held her until her crying trickled down to a few silent hiccups. “Katia, what happened between the two of you? What did Mikhail do to you?” He knew he shouldn’t ask. He had no right to ask. It was none of his business. But, seeing how deep her sorrow was, he had to know. It was obvious that Katia loved Mikhail very much. And everyone, except maybe Katia, knew how much Mikhail loved Katia. He hadn’t been able to hide it from anyone but Katia. Even her father had known. And he seemed to approve of Mikhail as his future sonin-law. What could have happened between them that could keep them apart like this? Sebastian, along with his brother Andrei, had been quite surprised when Katia had gone away to college. They had been sure Mikhail would stake his claim on her the minute she was old enough. They had all known that she was his bondmate. They both knew something had happened between Mikhail and Katia when she had come home for her father’s funeral, but Mikhail had refused to talk about it. And Katia had been gone before either of them could ask her. Mikhail had changed after that. He had become more intense. On more than one occasion, Sebastian had been on the receiving end of one of Mikhail’s tirades. The smallest thing seemed to set him off. Where as before he had been legendary for his calm temper, now he was becoming a legend for his temper alone. It was almost as if all the happiness in him had left with Katia. Both Sebastian and Andrei had become very worried about the lack of joy in Mikhail’s life. He had become more private, locking himself in his study. He seemed to spend hours in there. Sebastian didn’t know what Mikhail did while in his study, but he was always a little calmer when he came out, for just a little while. “Katia, tell me what happened,” Sebastian said again. Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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Katia sat up and wiped the tears from her eyes. “No,” was all she said. “Let me get a few things and then we can go.” Katia jumped up and began quickly running around the room shoving items into an overnight bag. Grabbing a pair of denim shorts and small white tank top, she ran into the bathroom. In what seemed like mere seconds to Sebastian, she was back, dressed, and her hair pulled back into a braid. Pulling on her shoes, she grabbed her jacket and headed for the door. “Let’s go. Now!” she demanded. Sebastian felt a small smile cross his lips before he quickly covered it with a mask of calm acceptance. Damn, she was fierce when she wanted something. She would make a fine bondmate for his brother. “Of course, lead the way.” **** Katia clasped her trembling hands together as tight as she could to keep anyone from seeing her agitation. The butterflies in her stomach fluttered at full force. To say she felt agitated would have been like saying the sun was going to rise in the west. It was just a certainty of life. She was nervous as hell. Stepping from the vehicle, she gazed up at the family home of the Nikolaevich clan. It had been in the family for generations, now inhabited by Mikhail and his two brothers, Sebastian and Andrei. The castle was huge by almost any comparison. The front looked unlike any other castle. It looked like the sun-bleached stone built castles from every fairytale Katia had ever imagined. A large round tower rose up from each corner. Standing nearly five stories above ground and two more below, it was impressive. The back of the castle was built into a sheer rock cliff that was several hundred feet tall. While the inside of the castle had been modernized and updated, the outside still looked as it must have five

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hundred years ago when Mikhail’s great-great-great grandfather had built it. Katia remembered the first time she had seen the castle. It was also the first time she had ever seen Mikhail and immediately lost her heart to him. She had been fourteen years old to his twenty-four. He had been walking out the front steps with his brothers when Katia and her father had pulled into the courtyard. For one brief instant, their eyes had met across the courtyard. Katia thought they had made a connection but then he looked away. Katia knew he hadn’t even known she was alive. Katia plastered a smile on her lips when she saw a worried Andrei walk out the massive castle doors. “Thank God!” he whispered when he saw Katia. “Honey, I’m so glad you came. Did Sebastian explain to you what—” he asked, casting Sebastian an inquiring look. Sebastian swiftly shook his head. “I told Katia how bad Mikhail was, that he was dying.” Katia could have sworn she saw Andrei blanch, but knew she must have been seeing things when Andrei turned to her and nodded his head. “Yes, yes, that is true.” Katia followed Andrei and Sebastian into the castle, still mystified by the wonder of being in a real castle. They led her toward Mikhail’s study, stopping when they reached the door. Katia waited for them to open the door but they didn’t. They just stood there. She looked over at their grave faces. “What—?” Sebastian gave a quick glance toward Andrei before looking back down to Katia. “Honey, Mikhail, he doesn’t, well, Mikhail is—” Sebastian looked back over to Andrei. Katia started to feel really scared. “Sebastian?” Andrei grabbed Katia’s hands in his large ones. “Katia, Mikhail doesn’t, well, look like he did before.” “What do you mean?”

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“I just want you to be prepared. He’s changed since you’ve been gone.” “What—” Before she could finish her question Andrei turned her toward the door and turned the handle. “Go to him. He needs you.” Before Katia could ask anything more, she was pushed into Mikhail’s study, the door shut and locked behind her. It was dark in the room, the only light coming from a slit in one of the thick curtains. Katia stood there for several moments waiting for her eyes to get used to the darkness. As her vision adjusted, she began to notice that the room was in great disarray. Hell, it looked like a storm had passed through it. Broken pieces of furniture littered the floor, papers were flung everywhere, and not a book remained on the bookshelf. The only thing that seemed to be in once piece was the naked man kneeling in the middle of the rubble. “Mikhail,” she said softly. He didn’t move. Didn’t acknowledge she had spoken or that she was even in the room. “Mikhail,” she said again as she took a few more steps into the room. Still there was nothing. He seemed to be in his own little world. “Misha,” she whispered softly as she laid her hand on his shoulder. Katia screamed as strong hands grabbed her and threw her down to the floor. She was quickly pinned under six and half feet and 245 pounds of pure alpha male. “Kat, my beautiful Kat,” growled a raspy voice that sounded much deeper than Mikhail’s normal voice. Katia felt his large hands stroke through her hair, pulling it from its braid. His hands cupped her face and turned her to look up at him. Katia slowly closed her eyes as his thumbs moved over her eyelids to close them. ****

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Mikhail’s hands trembled as they passed over every inch of her face, memorizing her delicate features. He was gentle as he touched her. While most of him was animal, somewhere deep inside of him, he knew that injuring this beautiful woman beneath him would hurt him more then it would hurt her. She smelled so good. He wanted to taste her, just a small taste. But as his lips slowly passed over her soft arched neck, her scent overwhelmed him and he felt his teeth sink in deep, burying his canines into the area just above her breast where had bitten her before. Her blood tasted like honeyed wine. He wanted to stop when he heard her cry out, but he was unable to make himself stop. He had to have her, all of her. She belonged to him. He had to make her his, to claim her. Licking the bite closed, Mikhail drew back to growl down at her. Lust overrode whatever common sense remained in him. The animal in him had to have her, to taste every last inch of her. Mikhail ripped Katia’s shirt in two, pulling it off her now exposed breasts. Grabbing the edge of her shorts, he pulled them off then threw the material across the room. Katia lay completely naked to his gaze. Mikhail thought he would die from the way his heart hammered in his chest. His cock ached so much to be inside of her, he was sure it would explode. Running his hands down her soft curves, Mikhail lost connection with any part of him that had any humanity, and became pure lust filled animal. He attacked Katia, his touch gentle despite his hazy state of mind. Every inch of skin was licked, touched. Groans turned into cries of ecstasy as Mikhail explored Katia, pushing her from one orgasm to another. When Mikhail’s lust filled body finally claimed Katia, the wolf in Mikhail knew that he was claiming his mate. He roared out his satisfaction as Katia’s body clamped down on his cock in his moment of release. The feeling was exquisite, intense. Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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When his knot extended to take hold in Katia, insuring her acceptance of his fertile seed, Mikhail shuddered; overcome by the knowledge that Katia’s body accepted him. “My Kat,” Mikhail whispered against Katia’s hair as he curled his large furry body around hers. His wolf slowly receded, satisfied with the claiming, and Mikhail shifted back to human. The haze of lust cleared from Mikhail’s mind and he realized what he had done. “My Katia,” he whispered again. “I’m so sorry.” **** “Why did you bring her here? I don’t want her here!” Mikhail yelled. “I don’t want her to be a part of this life. It’s too dangerous. There have already been threats against her life and I haven’t even fully claimed her yet.” “We had to, Mikhail. You were dying.” “Then you should have let me die,” he replied with a deep growl. Katia’s heart seized in her chest hearing Mikhail say that he would rather have died than have her there. Once again, she allowed herself to hope, and once again Mikhail had torn her hope to shreds. When would she ever learn? Too numb for tears, Katia slowly stood and dressed herself. She slipped on Mikhail’s shirt. It was huge on her, but at the moment, she didn’t care. It covered her. Glancing one last time around Mikhail’s study, Katia headed out the double doors that led to the side courtyard. She quietly walked past the rose bushes and strategically placed benches. She walked past the southern gate and into the darkness of the night. She walked for what seemed like forever before she reached the main road leading away from the little hidden valley. Just as she turned onto it, she heard Mikhail’s loud bellow of anguish from the valley below. “Katia!”

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For a brief moment, she considered turning back. She wanted to. She wanted to stay where she could be with Mikhail every second of every day. But she knew she couldn’t. She knew that eventually Mikhail’s inability to love her would bring about a slow death for her. It had already started.

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Chapter 4 Katia knew something was wrong with her. She had known it for a couple of days, but she had no idea what it was. She had been staying in one seedy motel after another trying to hide from Mikhail. He was looking for her, she knew he was. She could smell him every time he got near, causing her to run again. She felt like she had been running forever, but in reality it had only been a week. To add to her problems, she had started feeling weird. At first, she had thought it was just nerves, but after a few days she had begun to notice other things, as well. Her skin was so sensitive that everything, even the slight breeze in the air, felt a hundred times more potent. Earlier, she had tried to take a shower only to jump out nearly screaming. The spray of water felt like a thousand little needles hitting her skin. Then there was the smell thing. It seemed like she could smell everything. The bum down the alleyway, the Chinese food the people in the next room had left uneaten, even the stale liquor the night watchman was drinking. She could smell it all. And she didn’t know why. The weakness was almost the worst. She kept going from feeling stronger than she ever had in her life to feeling like she couldn’t lift her head. Little by little, though, the weakness was starting to rear its head more often than the strength. Her biggest worry was she couldn’t stop thinking about Mikhail. She was almost obsessed with him. She craved the touch of his hands, his lips, his gorgeous body. She wanted him to take her, possess her, make her his. And that scared her more than anything else did. Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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After everything he had done, everything he had said to her, she should hate him. After all, she was running from him. But for some reason, she felt an all-consuming need to be with him, to mate with him. One minute, she was scared out of her mind he would find her, the next, she was scared he wouldn’t. Rolling over in the bed, she knew she wasn’t going to sleep, again. Katia couldn’t remember the last time she had a good night sleep. It seemed like ages ago. And she was so very tired. She needed answers, and she knew that meant going back to Mikhail. He had to know what was going on with her, why she was changing. Grabbing her stuff, she threw it in her duffel bag. She found the lightest cotton shirt she could and a pair of jeans to put on. Pulling on her boots she started out the door to go find Mikhail. It was dark outside, but Katia didn’t care. Pushing the duffel bag over her shoulder she began walking down the street. She had a lot of miles to cover before she got to Mikhail’s little valley. And she could feel the weakness inside of her becoming stronger. By the time she had been walking for a couple of hours, she was exhausted. She felt like she had been walking forever. It wasn’t so much that she hurt physically, just that she was bone weary tired. Deciding she needed a little breather, Katia stopped at the steps to a dilapidated apartment building and sat on the cement steps. She dropped her bag on the steps next to her and leaned her head over to rest against the cement side railing. “Hey, you okay, miss?” Katia raised her head slowly to see a tall blond man standing at the bottom of the steps looking at her. Sitting up a little, she looked around, realizing that it was daylight out. She had fallen asleep. “Oh God, I fell asleep. I’ve got to go.” She grabbed her bag and jumped to her feet to resume her trip, but as soon as she got to her feet her head began to swim. “Oh,” she whimpered as her legs gave out and she started to fall.

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**** The man, seeing Katia began to fall, jumped forward and caught her in his arms. “Whoa there, girl, take it easy.” He slowly lowered Katia back down to the stairs, keeping his arm around her to help steady her shaking body. “When was the last time you ate?” he asked, believing that she was weak from lack of food. He really hoped she wasn’t strung out on drugs. It would be such a waste. When she didn’t answer him, he looked down at her only to find that she was unconscious. “Well, this isn’t good.” He stood up and shifted the girl in his arms to get a better grasp on her. As he did, he got a whiff of an unusual aroma, an aroma that he hadn’t smelled in several years. Tilting her head back, he leaned down and took a big drag of air right over her neck. Oh damn! He knew that smell. There was no mistaking it. He had smelled it more than once when he had been home, but not since leaving. If she was out here alone, it was not a good thing. “Miss? Honey, wake up,” he whispered into her ear. He had to know where she came from, where she was going, who might be looking for her. “Come on, honey, wake up. I need to know who you belong to. Who’s your family?” “Mikhail,” she whispered so softly that he almost didn’t hear her. When he was able to make sense of her garbled words, his back stiffened. “Damn! You would have to belong to the devil himself.” He wanted to leave her right where he found her. It was better for him that way, safer. But he knew he couldn’t. She was Kindred and that meant he was honor bound to help her, not matter the cost to him. But messing with Mikhail Nikolaevich was a little beyond even for him. The man was ruthless. Still, she was an innocent and obviously couldn’t get home on her own.

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Garret Viorel shook his head as he realized what he had to do. “I am so screwed,” he whispered as he leaned down to grab the girl’s duffel bag then carried them both to his truck. Opening the door to the cab, he carefully laid the girl down, covering her with a soft blanket before throwing her duffel bag onto the floor of the cab and climbing in the front. It was a good couple of days to the hidden valley that housed the Nikolaevich Clan. He hoped that the little one in the back seat didn’t get any worse before he got her home. If she did, he knew his life wouldn’t be worth spit. Garret had no idea who this girl was in relation to Mikhail, but she had said she belonged to him. That was good enough for Garret. **** Garret pulled into the long tunnel that led to the Nikolaevich Valley two days later. He had never been here personally, but he had certainly heard about it. It was almost a legend among the Kindred. Deep within the mist shrouded mountains, east of everywhere, lay the Kingdom of Dacia. This beautiful kingdom was a rich and fertile land, filled with rolling fields, forests of trees, and lakes filled to the brim with aquatic life. It was hard to get to the area and it was only accessible by one main road that led into the valley. To get to it, Garret had driven for many miles up into and through the mountains. Then, once he reached the summit, he drove through a long tunnel. On the other side of the tunnel, he started to drive down into the valley. It did not seem like a road usually traveled. Down in the valley, he came to the Village of Karpetes, which was surrounded by snow capped mountains. Even on the edge of the village, some of the buildings were built right into the mountains themselves. Outside of the immediate village lay farms and planted fields. Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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As Garret drove through the village, he was amazed by what he saw. The Village of Karpetes seemed like a small, quaint, old-world village. It still had a medieval feel to the architecture. It was like one of those out of the way small European villages not on the tourist maps. One that seemed to be stuck in the middle-ages except for many of the people were modern. From what he had heard, the people of this valley were rich in culture and heritage. The Nikolaevich Family had ruled them for generations. And Mikhail Nikolaevich was the head of that family. And unfortunately, he was also the man that Garret was looking for. Pulling to a stop in the courtyard of a very old looking castle, Garret took a deep breath. Okay, he was here. The girl was still alive. And no one had killed him, yet. So far, so good. Climbing from the truck he looked around. Yeah, the whole castle thing was a little intimidating. But not nearly as much as the tall dark haired man walking out the front door. Taking a deep breath, Garret tried to remind himself that he was here doing a good thing. They had no reason to challenge him. Stepping from the truck, he slowly walked toward the man on the steps, his posture as non-confrontational as he could make it without crawling. He kept his hands down to his sides, the palms open and facing forward to show that he carried no hidden weapons. Stopping in front of the tall man, he was impressed by the man’s size. Garret was tall at six foot two. This man was much taller. “My name is Garret Viorel, formally of the Viorel Clan of Tennessee. I’d like to speak to Mikhail Nikolaevich,” he stated evenly. “Why?” “I offer no challenge, but what I have to say needs to be said to Mikhail Nikolaevich.” “I have heard of your clan. I am not impressed,” he replied dryly. “Yeah, me neither.” Garret grimaced. He brushed his hand down his face before looking back at the man on the steps. “Look, I can’t stand on ceremony here. I don’t have time. I don’t want to challenge Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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you or your family. But I need to speak with Mikhail Nikolaevich. It’s a matter of life or death. Please, can you get him for me?” “I am Mikhail Nikolaevich. Say what you have to say.” Garret’s head swung up at his words. This was Mikhail Nikolaevich? Before he could answer, another man walked out to stand next to Mikhail. He had to be related. He looked too much like Mikhail not to be. Garret took another deep breath. Okay, time to see if he would live or die. Walking back to his truck, he opened the cab door and lifted the girl out. Holding her carefully in his arms, he pushed the door shut and began walking back toward Mikhail. He stopped at the bottom of the steps and looked up at Mikhail. “This is yours,” he said, hoping he wasn’t about to lose his head. Mikhail cocked his head to one side curiously. He stepped down and pulled back the blanket only to cry out at what he saw. “Katia!” He grabbed her from Garret’s arms and carried her into the house, leaving his brother, Sebastian, to deal with Garret. Garret braced himself. He knew what was coming from the enraged look on Sebastian’s face. Ah, hell, here it comes! He thought as he saw Sebastian charge him. The impact carried his body a few feet into the courtyard, the big man coming to rest on top of him, straddling his body. One large hand was wrapped around his throat. “Who are you and what did you do to Katia?” Sebastian growled as he bared his teeth to Garret. “My name—” Garret cleared his throat and tried again. “My name is Garret Viorel. I didn’t do anything to her. I swear. I don’t even know her name. She never told me. Please, it’s getting hard to breathe,” he croaked as he gestured to the hand circling his throat. Sebastian slowly loosened his hand from around Garret’s throat and pulled him to his feet. Holding him by the back of his neck, Sebastian escorted Garret into the house. He led him down a long hallway to what Garret assumed was a study or den.

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Sebastian pushed Garret into the room and slammed the door behind him. “So talk!” he demanded, standing in front Garret, his arms crossed over his chest. “Do you mind if I sit down? It’s been a long couple of days, and I have been driving straight for the last twelve hours.” Sebastian watched Garret for several moments before nodding his head and sitting down in the chair across from the one Garret sat in. He sat back and crossed one leg over the other, his gaze never leaving Garret. It was unnerving. “My name is Garret Viorel. Two days ago, I was leaving a bar when I saw this young girl slumped over on some steps. I thought at first that she was sleeping or on drugs or something. I figured to get some food into her. Then she just sort of passed out.” Okay, now came the tricky part. “When I went to pick her up I smelled something I haven’t smelled since I left my clan. She was going through the mating heat. I could smell it all over her.” He glanced up briefly to Sebastian to see a look of astonishment cross his face. He seemed surprised. That confused Garret. “What I can’t figure out is why she was out on her own considering her condition. She should have been guarded during this time. Am I wrong? Do you do it differently in your clan?” “No, we don’t,” Sebastian replied quietly. “We always guard our bondmates when they go through the mating heat, just like any other clan.” “Then why was she on her own? She should have been protected, safe. She passed out on the steps of an old rundown apartment building, and not in the better part of town. Why the hell wasn’t she protected?” Garret demanded, getting angry on Katia’s part. The mating heat was a time of celebration for all involved. But it was also dangerous if not monitored correctly. Garret had heard horrible stories of women going through it on their own and dying or killing themselves because of it.

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“It’s real simple. We didn’t know where she was. Mikhail didn’t handle things well with her and she ran.” Sebastian sat forward in his chair to rest his elbows on his knees. “You have to understand, Katia doesn’t know what we are.” “Oh my God, she doesn’t know? How could she not know?” Garret jumped to his feet to pace in front of the fireplace. He couldn’t believe she didn’t know what they were. And for her to be going through the mating heat, not knowing what was happening to her. She must have been scared out of her mind. “How did you know to bring her here?” Sebastian asked, interrupting Garret’s thoughts. “When I asked her who she belonged to, she told me Mikhail. Of course, I’ve heard of him. Who hasn’t? I even had a basic idea of where your little valley was located. I just drove until I knew I was on the right track.” “You told Mikhail that you are formally of the Viorel Clan of Tennessee? Why formally? Do you not belong to your clan anymore?” “I was born into the Viorel Clan. My father was the second lieutenant to the old Cadre. The new Cadre replaced the entire old inner circle when he came into power. When he couldn’t win challenge against my father, he used me to get my father to step down. By agreeing to step down, my father kept the Cadre from killing me. That was his price.” “How were you used to get your father to step down? Did you do something wrong? Break a law or something?” Sebastian asked curiously. Garret couldn’t keep a blush from covering his cheeks. “I have certain, uh, unusual tastes,” he replied quietly. “My new Cadre said he found them offensive. Actually, I don’t think he really cared, but he wanted my father and me out of the way so he used that as an excuse.”

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“Unusual tastes? What the hell does that mean?” Sebastian asked imagining all sorts of bizarre things in his head. But before Garret could answer, the door flew open and Andrei strolled in. **** Andrei started to say something when his nose went up in the air suddenly, sniffing. His eyes followed the heavenly scent he smelled right to the man leaning against the fireplace. He nearly jumped across the room in his haste to get to him, pinning his body against the wall next to the fireplace. Andrei leaned in, his nose close to Garret’s neck, and deeply inhaled. The aroma that filled his nostrils made his cock rock hard. It was the most exotic fragrance he had ever smelled. He rubbed his cheek against Garret’s cheek, growling deep in his throat at the rough feel of his skin. He wanted to roll in the scent of the man he had pinned against the wall. He pushed his body into his, feeling the hard cock in Garret’s jeans press against him. “Who do you belong to?” Andrei growled into Garret’s ear as he nuzzled the side of his neck. His hands running down the sides of Garret’s body, caressing the cloth covered skin he found. “I don’t—I’m not—I don’t belong to anyone,” Garret whispered back, tilting his head back to give Andrei better access to his throat. Andrei couldn’t believe what was happening. He had never felt this aroused, this hard, in all his life. Just one sniff and he was ready to roll over and have his tummy rubbed. “You do now!” Andrei growled. “I claim you as mine.” Andrei’s canine’s extended and he bit into the side of the man’s neck, between his neck and shoulder, drawing blood and drinking it down his throat with a loud snarl. After several deep draws on the wound on Garret’s neck, Andrei licked it until the blood stopped flowing. He looked into Garret’s

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eyes, and whispered softly, "With this blood, I claim you, mind, body and soul." He lifted his wrist and ripped it open with his teeth, pressing it to Garret’s mouth. He watched him intently until, gratefully, Garret began to swallow. While Andrei could start the joining process, only Garret could complete it. This was the one time he had a choice. If he refused to take Andrei’s blood, there was nothing Andrei could do to force him. Andrei knew that there were a couple of more steps to be performed before the joining could be completed, but he had to say the words now, before this beautiful man in his arms got away. Closing his eyes, he rested his forehead against Garret and growled, "With this circle completed, the bond is created. What has been created can not be broken. My love is yours, yours is mine." Andrei leaned in and placed his lips over Garret’s, his tongue dipping in to explore the taste of his new bondmate. He tasted just as good as he smelled. Andrei was in heaven, relishing in the taste, the feel of Garret’s body against his, until he heard a throat clear behind him. Turning to face his brother, a soft flush filling his face, he reached back and grabbed Garret’s hand in his, holding on tight. Sebastian looked past his brother to the dazed man behind him, “Is that the unusual tastes that you have?” he asked as he gestured to his brother. Garret blushed again and ducked his head as he nodded. “Well, hell, I guess congratulations are in order. Welcome to the family, Garret. I guess you just found a clan to belong to.”

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Chapter 5 Mikhail quickly carried Katia upstairs to his room, closing the door behind him with his foot. Walking across the room, he gently laid her down on the coverlet. Sitting beside her, he quickly pulled her clothes from her body, checking for injuries. He heaved a big sigh of relief when none were apparent. She seemed fine. In fact, her body seemed to be almost curling around his. If she were awake right now, she’d be purring. The color had started to return to her skin, as if the mere contact with him filled her with life. Mikhail gently caressed the side of her face as he watched the ashen color begin to leave her skin. “Oh, Kat, I didn’t want this for you,” he murmured quietly. He tried to resist her, to stay away from her. He even tried to make her hate him so she would stay away. He had done everything he could think of to keep her safe, even sending her away. At first, he thought he might be able to keep Katia, that he could protect her. After Sebastian had interrupted that first time to tell him that rogue werewolves had been captured attempting to enter the castle grounds, Mikhail knew Katia would be safer anywhere else. So he had broken her heart, and his, and sent her away. None of that seemed to matter now. Katia was clearly in the midst of the mating heat. If he didn’t complete the joining, she could die. Mikhail felt tears in the corner of his eyes at the regret he felt. There was really no choice for her now. Mikhail quickly pulled off his clothes before climbing back into the bed and lying down next to Katia. “I claim you as mine,” he Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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whispered as he lifted her into his arms. Mikhail’s canine’s extended and he bit into the flesh over her heart, swallowing her blood with a deep moan. She tasted so good, so sweet. Mikhail knew he was going to be addicted to the taste of her forever. After several deep swallows he licked the wound close, softly kissing the bruised flesh when he was done. His gaze was drawn to the injury almost against his will. The animal inside of him was pleased at the sight of his mating mark in Katia’s soft flesh. He couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride, and maybe a hint of relief that she now wore his mark. He had wanted Katia since the first moment he had ever laid eyes on her and now she was his. He would never have to give her up, never have to watch her fall in love with someone else, never have to watch her walk away from him again. The mating mark she now wore would be with her forever. It was a mark she would carry for the rest of her life, a mark of ownership, belonging, claiming. It was a unique bite mark, stating to all the Kindred that she was his. Leaning up, he caressed the side of Katia’s face. “Kat, I need you to wake up, baby.” He shook her shoulders gently, trying to bring her around. As Katia started to stir, Mikhail bit into his wrist until he drew blood. Holding his wrist to her mouth he whispered, “Drink, baby, please.” For several moments, there was no response from Katia. Mikhail began to worry that she was too far gone when Katia suddenly latched onto his wrist and began to draw deep gulps of his blood into her mouth. Mikhail inhaled deeply at the exquisite feel of her lips wrapped around his wrist, of Katia taking in his life’s blood. “With this blood, I claim you, mind, body and soul,” he whispered as he laid his forehead against hers. Mikhail tried to pull his wrist from Katia’s mouth only to have her grab onto his arm with both hands, growling at him as she clamped her mouth more tightly over the open wound. She was awake, but he Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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was not sure she knew what was going on. While her eyes were open, they had an intense feverish look to them. Keeping his wrist in her mouth Mikhail gently laid Katia back onto the bed and crawled over the top of her, coming to rest between her open thighs. Completing the claiming ritual would be no problem. His cock had been rock hard since the moment her lips had latched onto him. Putting his hand between her thighs he felt her flesh to see if she was ready for him. His eyes nearly rolled back in his head at what he found. She was slick, hot, swollen. Grabbing his cock with his free hand he placed it at her entrance and slowly pushed in. His pleasure was nearly unimaginable at the feeling of her tight grasp surrounding his aching cock. He wanted her, craved her, needed her so much. He knew it wouldn’t take much to send him over the edge. With his bleeding wrist still in Katia’s mouth, Mikhail began a slow steady tempo, the heat between them almost combustible. When he felt Katia begin to orgasm, Mikhail slowed his pace and willed himself to transform, pulling a sharp cry of ecstasy from Katia as he become bigger, stronger, more animal than man. His teeth elongated, his skin became covered in fur, and claws grew from his fingertips. The animal inside of him, released from its bonds, roared out its pleasure in a howl that shook the windows as Mikhail’s cock erupted inside of Katia. The knot in his cock extended and clamped into place, holding her womb open for the seed he was filling her with. "With this circle completed, the bond is created. What has been created can not be broken. My love is yours...yours is mine," he growled deeply as he completed the claiming ritual. His body heaved as he tried to breathe through the pleasure coursing through his body. As soon as the knot connecting them withdrew, Mikhail transformed back to what he was before and rolled to his side, taking Katia with him. He pulled his wrist away from her relaxed mouth and Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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buried his head into the nape of Katia’s neck. It was done. She was his, his bondmate, his consort, his for all time. Now he just had to convince her. That wouldn’t be as easy as it seemed. Katia was going to be pissed when she figured out that this was permanent. Once bondmates had been joined, there was no going back. It was very literally a matter of life and death. They couldn’t be separated for long periods of time without going nearly insane for wanting their mate. The pain would become intense the longer they were separated. Mikhail had seen it with mated pairs before. The need to be with their mate, to hear them, to feel them, to mate with them—it became consuming. That was one of the reasons he had tried to spare Katia. The desire for one’s mate could become an obsession. However, that was not the only reason. As the Cadre’s bondmate, Katia would be in more danger than other mates, she would have more responsibilities, more obligations, more required of her, just more. Mikhail had no doubt she could do it. Katia’s strong will was one of the things that drew him to her in the first place. That and legs that seemed to never stop. Damn, she was one gorgeous babe. He lifted his head from her neck and looked down into her slumbering face. He dreaded the time when she woke up. He had a shit load of explaining to do. And he wasn’t so sure of himself that he didn’t understand that Katia might hand him his balls by the time he was done. Kissing her lightly on the head, he climbed from the bed before tucking the blankets around Katia. He watched her sleep for a few moments before regretfully turning to grab his clothes and pull them on. Closing the bedroom door softly behind him, he walked downstairs to the study. Before Katia woke up he wanted to know who the man was that had brought her here and why? Where had she been? Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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Walking into the open study doors Mikhail was slightly surprised to find Sebastian standing by the fireplace while Andrei sat on the couch with the stranger, his arm wrapped tightly around him. Seeing the stranger’s hand lightly caressing Andrei’s leg, he raised an eyebrow at Andrei in question. Andrei dropped his head a little, trying to hide the blush covering his face. A sudden thought occurring to Mikhail, he walked over to the stranger and grabbed him by the hair, pulling his head to one side exposing Andrei’s mating mark. “Ah, hell, Andrei,” Mikhail growled as he released the stranger’s hair and walked over to pour himself a glass of whiskey. He took a long gulp then set the glass down on the table. He ran his hand through his hair before asking, “Do you think this was wise?” “Do you think I planned this? You know as well as I do that we have no choice when we find our bondmate,” Andrei answered angrily. He leaned back against the table and crossed his arms over his chest as he stared at the couple on the couch. He shook his head sadly, “No, I guess not. But you know this is going to cause problems. Are you prepared for that? Are you both prepared for that?” “Mikhail, it’s real simple. I never would have chosen to be mated to Garret, but now that I am, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I feel—complete, like I’ve never felt before, as if I have finally found the other half of my soul.” Mikhail thought over Andrei’s words for several moments as he watched Andrei hold Garret in protectively in his arms. He knew exactly what Andrei meant. It was exactly how he felt about Katia. “I couldn’t have said it better myself,” he said to Andrei before turning his eyes to Garret. “And you, how do you feel about all of this? Are you prepared for the fallout for your choice?” Garret glared up at Mikhail, trying to be respectful, but obviously feeling anger over Mikhail’s treatment of Andrei. Mikhail thought it

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would be interesting to see how he handled the situation. “Is it just me you dislike or people like me?” “Personally, I have no problem with it. Andrei knows that. As your Cadre, however, I can see the issues that might arise from such a joining. Andrei is my enforcer. As his bondmate, that makes you equal in the clan to him. There are going to be people who will not understand that or accept it. Are you ready to deal with that?” “Are you going to accept this joining?” Garret asked as he waved off the hand that Andrei tried to place over his mouth. “Stop it,” he growled loudly to his bondmate, “I’ve been through this before, Andrei. I need to know where he stands, if he is going to support our choice or if we need to start packing your stuff because now that I’ve found you I will not give you up.” Mikhail was impressed by how Garret stood up for his little brother. He was also very pleased that Andrei had found his bondmate, and that he was a man who wouldn’t back down where Andrei was concerned. “Do you know who I am?” Mikhail growled. Just because he respected Garret’s protective nature over his brother didn’t mean he would let Garret get away with being disrespectful. “Do you wish to challenge me?” “I know exactly who you are, and I have no wish to challenge you,” Garret replied even as Andrei groaned. “However, if it means keeping Andrei, I will. I have no desire for your position, your title, or anything that is yours. I just want Andrei.” “Not even Katia?” Mikhail asked cautiously. “Who?” Garret asked looking over at Andrei for answers. “Katia? The girl you brought here?” Mikhail reminded him, suspicious of Garret’s confusion. “That’s her name? Katia?” “You didn’t know?” “No, she passed out minutes after I found her slumped on some steps. The only thing she was able to tell me was that she belonged to Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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you, so I brought her here. I didn’t even know her name,” Garret explained, seeming confused by the whole situation. Mikhail watched Garret for several moments, trying to figure out if he was on the level. He seemed okay. There were no odd smells to him that Mikhail usually got when someone was evil minded or trying to trick him. Still... “If I were to accept your joining, you do realize that you will have to formally join our clan, correct?” Once Garret nodded Mikhail continued. “Andrei is my enforcer, and as his bondmate you will be equal in status to him. What do you see as your role in this clan? I already have a first and second. I will not give you their positions.” Garret glanced over at Andrei briefly. He was no help, he just stared right back at him. Garret glanced back up at Mikhail, looking him straight in the eye as he replied the only way that he could. “I don’t care if you have me shoveling horse shit as long as I get to stay with Andrei.” Mikhail watched Garret intently for several agonizing moments before he let a grin cover his lips. “Good answer,” he smirked as he walked across the room to stand in front of Garret. Placing his hand on Garret’s head, he stated in a very deep official voice, “As Cadre of Clan Nikolaevich, I hereby accept Garret Viorel as bondmate to Andrei Nikolaevich and into Clan Nikolaevich. May your joining be honorable and everlasting.” Garret sat stunned on the couch as Andrei jumped to his feet and hugged his brother. He hadn’t expected Mikhail to accept him so easily, let alone his joining with Andrei. He still sat there with a bewildered expression on his face when Mikhail grabbed his hand and pulled him to his feet. “Welcome to the family, Garret. You’d better make my brother happy, or I’ll feed your balls to you with a spoon.” Mikhail laughed as he patted Garret on the back. “And be careful what you wish for. I have a lot of horses.”

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**** Garret let out a nervous laugh as he felt Andrei’s arms close around him. He still felt a little confused by all that had happened in the last several moments, but he was pretty sure he could stay. Sebastian handed everyone a glass of champagne and toasted the happy couple as they all settled down into their seats to get to know one another. Once everyone settled down, Garret looked over at Mikhail and curious, asked, “Is it true what Sebastian told me earlier, that Katia doesn’t know what we are?” Mikhail nodded regretfully. “Yes, it’s true. Although Katia has been a member of my household for many years, we kept it from her for her own good. You have to understand, there are those out there, those not of my clan, that would like to see me fall, to see me killed. I felt it was best to keep this information from Katia for her own safety. Although, I guess it’s all a moot point now.” “So you’ve completed the ritual, then,” Sebastian asked from his position by the fireplace. “No, the claiming is nearly complete, though. But for all pretense and purposes she is my bondmate and your Dame. That means a lot of changes around here. We will have to improve our security measures, assign Katia a bodyguard, and my most daunting task, to tell Katia about the Kindred.” “Ouch!” Sebastian replied as winced, “That’s not going to be a pleasant conversation.” “Yes, I’m looking forward to it. I have to convince Katia that we are not the horrible creatures depicted in fairytales, that she and I are bound together for all eternity, and that, despite everything to the contrary, I do want her as my bondmate. That is assuming she doesn’t kill me first.” “Do you really think she would harm you? You’re the Cadre,” Garret whispered, astounded. Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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“Oh yes, Katia is a force to be reckoned with when her temper is riled. You do not want to be on the receiving end of her anger,” Sebastian laughed. “Yeah, she’s just as likely to hand you your head than be reasonable,” Andrei laughed. Mikhail glared at Sebastian, giving him his middle finger when the man began laughing harder. “You’re a lot of help!” he growled. “Oh, like you didn’t know Katia was going to be pissed when she found out why you sent her away. Hell, I think the whole Kindred thing is going to be a breeze compared to telling her that you’ve always loved her, but sent her away to protect her.” **** Mikhail grimaced, knowing that Sebastian was probably correct. Katia didn’t take it well when other people made decisions for her or lied to her. And in his attempt to protect her, Mikhail had made some mighty big mistakes. He lied to her, been downright cruel to her, and taken her choices away from her. Oh yeah, she was going to be pissed all right. “And how do you plan to keep Katia from handing you your head, oh mighty Cadre?” Sebastian asked sarcastically. “When she comes around, I will explain her duties to her as my bondmate. She is not foolish by any means. She will realize what is expected of her.” “You think it’s going to be that simple?” “Of course. I am the Cadre,” Mikhail replied matter of fact. “As my bondmate, Katia will, of course, have her own power. But in our relationship I will give the orders and she will obey them. I may be newly joined to Katia, but I even understand that there can only be one master in this relationship. As the Cadre, that is my role. It is the way of things. Once she understands that, things will be fine. She only has to accept it.” Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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“And you think she will just embrace this dictate?” Andrei asked, as if amazed at Mikhail’s domineering attitude. “In time she will. I will be tolerant, of course. As she is newly joined, she deserves some consideration. But I will not have disobedience in my home. Once she understands who is master, she’ll settle in.” “And if she doesn’t? Then what?” Garret asked,. “Will you hurt her? Will you have her killed? What?” He jumped to his feet and began pacing around the room, his fists clenched at his sides. He stopped to stand in front of Mikhail, his head bowed slightly out of respect. “I apologize. I meant no disrespect. But I can’t let you hurt her.” Sebastian started laughing causing everyone in the room to look at him curiously. “I just figured out what Garret’s duty in the clan is going to be.” Mikhail raised his eyebrow at Sebastian in question as Garret and Andrei stared at him. “Okay, okay, go with me here. He has the same status as Andrei, but can not have his position. So what to do with him? Have him shoveling horse shit? While that has a certain— enjoyment for me, it ultimately would not be appropriate. We all know that.” “Get to the damn point, Sebastian!” Mikhail snapped. “Garret seems pretty protective of Katia and since she needs a bodyguard…” Mikhail’s quickly swung over to look at Garret as he considered Sebastian’s words. “That’s not a half-bad idea, Sebastian. Garret certainly seems protective enough of Katia. And with him being the bondmate to Andrei, I won’t have to worry about him making a move on Katia. But before I make a decision, I need to know a few things, Garret, like why you left your clan.” Garret sat back down next to Andrei. “Well, as I told Sebastian, our old Cadre, Nikoli, lost a challenge to his son, Ivan. Once Ivan took power he wanted to replace the old inner circle with his own Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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people, people loyal to him. My father was the clan enforcer. When Ivan couldn’t beat my father in a challenge, he used my preferences to get my father to step down. It was either that or the Cadre was going to have me killed. My father’s one condition was that I be allowed to leave unharmed.” “Where is your father now? Your family?” “My family is still with the Viorel Clan. With the exception of me, Ivan refused to let them leave. Ivan has an interest in my little sister, but because she was not of age at that time, there was nothing he could do about it. There were too many people that disapproved of Ivan’s obsession with her. She was so young then, barely fifteen. So, he kept my family there, waiting until she was old enough to claim.” “When will she be old enough to claim?” Andrei asked. “She turned twenty one last month. I’ve been putting money away for the last several years, since I left really, trying to raise enough to get my family out. I just don’t know if I’m going to be in time.” Mikhail clasped his hands together and rested them against his lips as he watched Garret. After several long tense moments, he lowered his hands to his lap. “I’ll make you a deal, Garret. You guard my bondmate and keep her safe and I will get your family out, accept them into my clan, and use all the resources at my disposal as the Cadre of Clan Nikolaevich to keep them safe.” Garret’s mouth dropped open. “Before you answer, you need to know I am not well liked by my enemies.” Garret looked confused as he glanced from Mikhail to Andrei, then back to Mikhail. “I could be wrong, but isn’t that what makes someone an enemy?” “It’s more than that. I have made it a policy to be as merciless as possible with anyone that takes something from me or mine. It has not made me a lot of friends. But it has kept my clan safe. It has, however, made me a target for a lot of people that either want my Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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clan, my position, or both. If you take on the position as Katia’s bodyguard, you need to be aware that it will not be an easy job. As we are bondmates, harming Katia out right would be the quickest method of harming me.” Garret nodded his head. Mikhail hoped Garret understood exactly what he was saying. Katia’s life would be in constant danger and it would be Garret’s job to keep her safe. But in return, Mikhail would keep his family safe. Garret knelt on the floor at Mikhail’s feet and bowed his head in a submissive gesture. “I will protect your bondmate, my Dame, with my life, Cadre. I swear it.” Andrei looked on with pride as Garret stood to his feet. “So be it, Garret,” Mikhail said as he placed his hand on Garret’s head again, “As Cadre of the Nikolaevich Clan, I accept your position as fourth in my inner circle. Dame Katia’s protection will be your life. May your duty be honorable and everlasting.” **** Garret’s knees felt weak as Mikhail pulled him to his feet. As he tried to steady himself he felt Andrei’s arms wrap around him. Everyone started patting him on the back in congratulations. But Garret still had one last question that needed to be answered. “Cadre, does my protection of Dame Katia include you?” he asked cautiously. Not a sound could be heard in the room after Garret asked his question. They all waited with bated breath for Mikhail’s reaction. No one had ever questioned his honor in quite that way and lived to talk about it. But Mikhail just smiled as he patted a very nervous Garret on the shoulder. “You will make a good bodyguard to my bondmate, Garret. Yes, your duty does indeed include me. It includes anyone and

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anything that might be a danger to her. She is your priority, even above me.” “Above you, Cadre?” “Yes. Sebastian, Andrei, I want you to witness my words so that there is no mistake. As bodyguard to my bondmate, I am giving Garret authority over Katia, even over me.” “But, what does that mean?” Garret asked. He had never heard of such a thing, even when he had lived within his old clan under Nikoli, who had been a good Cadre. “It means that as her bodyguard, if you feel that I am a danger to Katia, you have the authority to protect her, even from me. There will be no repercussions against you or yours for doing your duty to your Dame.” “Are you sure, Cadre?” Garret asked, skeptical that Mikhail was giving him so much power. “Yes, I’m sure. And here at home, when it’s just us, it’s Mikhail, not Cadre. You are part of my inner circle now, Garret. Act like it!” “Yes, Cadre, uh, Mikhail,” Garret replied sheepishly. “Well, I’m going to go and see if my bondmate is awake. Wish me luck,” Mikhail stated. “If you hear screaming, it’s probably me.”

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Chapter 6 Mikhail cautiously opened the bedroom door and looked in. At once he was worried when he saw that the bed was empty. Katia was not where he left her. “Katia,” he called out quietly as he began searching the room. He followed Katia’s sweet fragrance to the balcony where he found her sitting on the floor up against the wall, wrapped in a sheet from the bed. Her knees were drawn up to her chest with her arms wrapped around them. Her face buried in the top of her knees. Mikhail squatted down next to her, watching her intently. “Kat? What are you doing out here? Aren’t you cold?” he asked quietly. “Why don’t you come inside? It’s much warmer in the bedroom.” He began to get worried when Katia didn’t give any indication that she had heard a word he said. He was about to lift her up in his arms and carry her inside when she lifted her tears streaked face to look at him. “What’s going on with me? Why am I here, Mikhail?” she cried. “Oh, baby, it’s going to be okay. Let me take you inside where it’s warm, and I will explain everything to you, all right?” Katia looked at him for several moments before nodding her head. Mikhail reached over and picked her up in his arms and carried her inside. Katia wrapped her arms around Mikhail’s neck and buried her face in his neck. Mikhail nearly jumped out of his skin when Katia let out a small growl and licked the side of his neck. He felt instantly hard and aching. He hadn’t gotten this hard this fast since he had been an untried teenage boy. Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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“Mikhail,” she whispered against his skin as she planted small kisses along the length of his throat. When Mikhail reached the bed, he tried to set Katia down on the mattress only to have her growl at him, her arms tightening around his neck in a near death grip. Mikhail sat down on the bed and lay back with Katia settling down to straddle his thighs. When her hands began pulling at his shirt he quickly reached down and tore the shirt from his body and tossed it on the floor, not caring that the shirt was in shreds. His pants were next. He pushed them down his legs and threw them onto the floor. When he pulled the sheet from around Katia’s body and their skin met, she growled deep in her throat, her hands beginning to stroke his bare chest. Her hands were rough as they scratched at his nipples, pulling at the sprinkling of hair on his chest. “Kat,” he grunted, “baby, do you know what you’re doing?” Mikhail grabbed the sides of Katia’s head and tried to pull her head up to his. He needed to know that she knew what she was doing, what they were doing. She answered him by sinking her teeth into the side of his neck. He groaned loudly when Katia began suckling at the small wound in his throat, licking at the drops of blood coming from him. “Oh, damn, baby, you don’t know—” Mikhail wailed at the delicious feel of Katia taking in his life giving blood. It was the height of erotic love play between bondmates to exchange blood during sex. It increased the bond between them. When Katia began purring and rubbing her lower body over his hard cock, Mikhail couldn’t hold back anymore. He grabbed her hips and lifted her onto him, impaling Katia on his throbbing cock. Holding her hips, Mikhail began to thrust up into Katia, the tightness of her warm grip combined with her bite in his neck brought him quickly to the edge of release. Wanting Katia to feel what he was feeling, he rolled over, pinning her body beneath him as he continued to pump into her. Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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With one hand he reached down to caress her swollen bud. The other hand came up to pull her away from his neck, feeling small drops of blood drip down his neck. “Close it, baby, lick it closed,” he whispered against her hair. As soon as Katia licked the small wound closed, Mikhail leaned down and placed his mouth over the mating mark he had left earlier and sank his teeth into her soft flesh. He groaned deep in his throat when he felt her sweet blood fill his mouth. Almost immediately Katia arched back, her head flailing back and forth as she cried out her release. Her hands curled and raked Mikhail’s back, leaving deep scratches. The pleasure was more than Mikhail could take. He thrust once, twice, three times before his cock throbbed and he came, feeling the knot in his cock extend into place. He roared out Katia’s name as she came again, tightening around him. Mikhail collapsed onto Katia, shuddering as his cock continued pulse, to empty his seed. As soon as he could breathe again, he leaned down and licked the mating mark closed, relishing the last taste of her luscious life's blood. When the knot receded enough for him to pull free of Katia, he rolled to his side, pulling her close to him and wrapping his arms around her. He rubbed his hand up and down her back as he lightly kissed the top of her head. Mikhail had started to doze off, having Katia in his arms making him feel sated and complete, when her moving off his chest woke him up. He watched her sit up and turn to sit on the side of the bed. He could see her shoulders shaking, her head bent. He knew she was confused by all that was occurring, by the turbulence of her emotions. He wanted to give her the time to deal with her feelings, but he also knew that the faster that he explained everything to her, the better. “Kat?” he inquired softly. She half turned her head toward him, giving him a slight view of her profile. He could see the anguish in Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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her eyes, the tears falling silently down her face. As bonded to her as he was, he could feel her distress as if it were his own. He leaned up on his elbow and reached out a hand to Katia only to have her flinch from his touch. He dropped his hand back down to his side and scooted up to lean against the headboard of the bed. Mikhail guessed he deserved her reaction after everything that happened to her, everything he said to her. She had every right to her anger at him. He just had to figure out how to bridge the gap between them. He watched Katia stand up, wrapping the forgotten sheet protectively around her naked body. She searched the room for her clothes, grabbing what she could find and heading to the bathroom. Mikhail climbed out of bed and pulled on his pants, pouring himself a glass of scotch before sitting down in one of the chairs in front of the fireplace. When Katia came out of the bathroom he saw she was dressed in her jeans and shirt again, minus her bra and panties, which he could see just sticking out from under the bed. He stood up when she headed for the bedroom door. “Katia, we need to talk,” he called out when she reached for the door handle. She paused briefly, for just a second, before opening the door to walk out. Katia squeaked as she came to a sudden stop when her exit was blocked by a big hulking man standing in front of the door, his arms crossed over his chest, an eyebrow lifted in query. He briefly glanced past her, nodding respectfully at Mikhail, “Cadre.” “Garret,” Mikhail replied, thankful that Garret was there to stop Katia from running, as he knew she was planning. He could feel the fear building inside of her. Coming up behind Katia, he placed his hands on her shoulders, feeling her flinch again. “Katia, this is Garret. He will be here if you need anything, at any time. Garret, let me introduce you to my bondmate, Katia.”

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“Dame Katia,” he nodded at her, watching her take a step back from him in fear, pushing her body into Mikhail’s naked chest. “Is there anything you require?” Mikhail smirked at the formal tone in Garret’s voice. “Not to worry, Garret. I was just beginning to explain things to Katia. Would you please inform the staff that Katia needs some food, plenty of protein? Oh, and some coffee, too.” Garret nodded before he walked down the hallway. Mikhail reached over Katia and closed the door behind him before leading a dazed Katia over to a chair by the fireplace. He scooted the other chair closer to hers before sitting down and grabbing her cold hands in his. “Katia,” he began slowly as he looked into her anxious eyes, “I know I have a lot to apologize for where you’re concerned, but I am hoping you will listen to me first. What I am going to tell you will sound pretty outlandish, but everything I am telling you is the absolute truth.” Mikhail grimaced sadly when Katia pulled her hands from his. He wasn’t sure she was going to listen to him. He hadn’t given her any reason to trust what he had to say, let alone listen to him. As he ran his hand through his hair he realized it was going to be a long night. **** Katia watched Mikhail intently, waiting for him to tell her once again that he didn’t love her, that her love meant nothing to him, that she was just there to scratch an inch. None of which she wanted to hear. She knew what he thought of her, how he felt about her. He had been clear enough before. She didn’t need him repeating it. His words were burned into her memory, and her heart, for all time. It was all she could do to hold back her tears when she lay in Mikhail’s arms earlier and realized that she had made love with Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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Mikhail again. Oh, wait, it wasn’t making love, it was sex, she reminded herself. She had every intention of leaving before he could say anything to hurt her again, only to be stopped at the door by a big man named Garret. If he hadn’t been there, she knew she would be running down the road right now. Instead, she was sitting in Mikhail’s bedroom waiting for him to tell her once again how stupid she had been. She wrapped her arms around herself, cold despite the warmth in the room. Watching Mikhail, she was surprised to see his hands tremble as he took a drink of his scotch. She was confused by his behavior. What did he have to be upset about? He wasn’t the one that had been so stupid. “Mikhail,” she pleaded softly, “please, just let me go.” She watched as Mikhail briefly closed his eyes before opening them to look at her, sadness filling his eyes and making Katia’s heart beat faster in fear. “Why?” she cried when he shook his head no. “You can’t leave, Katia. It’s no longer safe for you.” “What do you mean it’s no longer safe for me? What are you talking about?” she asked, considering his statement ludicrous. She started to wonder if Mikhail was trying to scare her on purpose to make her stay. Katia jumped to her feet and paced around the room, her agitation clear in her shaking shoulders. She just knew Mikhail was playing with her again. What she couldn’t understand was why. What had she ever done to him to make her treat her like this? Was it because of the things she said, professing her love to him after they had made love? Was it because she refused to come home when he demanded it? Deciding she was not going to stick around for Mikhail to torture she started toward the bedroom door only to be brought up short when Mikhail yelled her name. “Katia!” She grabbed the door handle and tried to turn it only to find that it was locked. She turned it again and again, pulling on it, trying to get Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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the door open. The more she pulled, the more upset she became until she was nearly hysterical. **** Mikhail watched Katia with tears in his eyes as Katia finally sank down to the floor sobbing. He walked across the room and knelt down beside her, wrapping her up in his arms and lifting her onto his lap. “I want to go home, Mikhail. Why won’t you just let me go home?” she asked in an agonized whisper as she laid her head on his chest. She didn’t fight him when he lifted her up and carried her to a chair, sitting down with her in his lap. “You are home, baby,” he whispered against her hair, the tears falling quietly down his face where she could not see them. She had no idea how much pain she was putting him through by asking to leave him. They were bondmates now. It was his duty, and his privilege, to provide for her, whether it was for her safety, her health, or her happiness. Knowing that her desire was to leave him right now nearly broke his heart, especially knowing he had to deny her. “This isn’t my home, Mikhail,” she replied harshly as she sat up and tried to escape from Mikhail’s arms. Mikhail only tightened his arms around her and held her to him, tucking her head under his chin. “This is your home, Katia. It has been your home since you were fourteen years old and you came here with your father. Your father was one of my most trusted advisers and my best friend. I made him a promise many years ago that I would do everything within my power to make sure you were safe.” Mikhail took several deep breaths before he continued. “You see, he knew almost from the beginning of my interest in you. I couldn’t hide it from him, no matter how hard I tried. But he made me promise if I cared anything at all about you, that I would not involve you in my life. That the only way to keep you truly safe was to never let you Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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know who we really are. And I have kept that promise all of these years. But I can’t keep it anymore.” “Oh my God, you’re involved with the mob,” she murmured quietly. Mikhail laughed at her conclusion, “No, baby, there’s no mob here. If that was all it was I would have told you years ago. The mob would never have kept me from having you.” “I don’t understand. If you’re not involved with the mob, then who are you? And what does any of this have to do with me leaving? I swear I haven’t seen anything so I can’t tell on you,” she hurriedly assured Mikhail. “Oh, baby, I’m not worried about that. Besides, no one would believe you if you told them what you saw, anyway, assuming you saw anything at all. As for you leaving, this is your home and always will be. And you can’t leave now. As my bondmate, it is no longer safe for you.” “You keep saying that. Why is it no longer safe for me? What has changed since the last time I was here? And what is this bondmate thing you keep talking about?” Katia asked, starting to get angry at the way Mikhail seemed to be hedging around things. “You are my bondmate, my other half. In simple form, according to the customs of my family, my clan, and others like me, you are now my wife.” Mikhail waited for the explosion to come. He knew Katia wouldn’t take this bit of information lying down. And he was right. Katia jumped to her feet, quickly evading his grasping hands to stalk across the room before turning back to glare at Mikhail. The flush filling her face, added to the hands she placed on her hips, told Mikhail the explosion was just beginning and it was going to be a doozy. “Your wife! Have you lost your ever loving mind?” Katia screamed at Mikhail, making him wince at the sheer volume of her

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voice. He was sure they heard her downstairs. He expected Garret or one of his brothers to come running through the door at any moment. “Now, Katia—” Mikhail began only to be interrupted by her yelling. “Don’t you now me, you son of a bitch. You made it more than clear that you wouldn’t marry me, even after I gave you my innocence. Let’s see if I can remember your words… oh yeah, does this sound familiar?” She laughed bitterly. “We didn’t make love, because you don’t love me, and I don’t love you. We had sex. That was it. Sex.” Mikhail winced as Katia repeated word for word what he said to her the first time that he made love to her. Damn! She would have to have a nearly perfect memory. “Even after I told you that I loved you, you still didn’t want me, or my love. You told me love was for little girls who need to justify having sex. Love was for men too stupid to keep their women where they belong. You told me you didn’t want my love.” Her voice got quieter as she relived the painful memories. “You told me to grow up, to stop having dreams of happily ever after because they did not exist. That in the real world men and women had sex without justifying it with fake emotions like love.” Her voice was nearly a whisper when she sadly said, “You told me I wasn’t good enough for you, and now you’re trying to tell me that we are married? I don’t think so.” She took a step toward Mikhail. Her face radiated the pain she felt. “You wanted me to grow up? Well I did, Mikhail,” she growled. “I grew up real fast. I learned my lesson not once, but twice. You said you would rather be dead than have me here, in your life. Well, I would rather be dead than be your wife.” Katia headed for the door. Finding it still locked she began pounding on it until it was opened so suddenly that she almost fell over. She looked up to see Garret standing there, a slightly

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embarrassed look on his face. She knew he heard everything she had said. “Enjoying yourself?” she clipped briskly. “Do you mind getting the hell out of my way? I need to leave before I kill someone!” she demanded as she looked Garret up and down as if he might be a good candidate. “I do apologize, Dame Katia, but for your own safety, I cannot let you leave.” Mikhail had never been more grateful that Andrei had found his bondmate than he was at that moment. He grabbed Katia by her arms and pulled her back into the bedroom. “It may get a little loud in here, Garret, but it is nothing for you to worry about. My bondmate is a little upset,” Mikhail said as he pushed Katia behind him into the room. He grunted when her fist connected with his back. “I understand, Cadre, however, please remember what we discussed downstairs,” Garret reminded Mikhail of his bodyguard duties toward Katia. “She is in no danger, Garret. I would never hurt her. If anything, I am the one in danger right now,” Mikhail assured him. “There is more than one way to hurt someone, Mikhail. It is obvious to any that heard her that Dame Katia is very hurt by something you have said in the past. Maybe you should try addressing that before you get to the really dicey stuff.” Mikhail wanted to take issue with the way Garret was addressing him, but he knew he was right. Before he could even tell Katia about the Kindred he had to convince her that she was his love. “Thank you for your insight, Garret. You honor your dame with your words.”

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Chapter 7 Mikhail pressed his head against the door, trying to gain some strength as Katia hit him again. If she had been anyone but his bondmate, she would be lying bloody on the floor right now. Hitting the Cadre was as good as a challenge. He turned and grabbed her hands, twisting her arms until he held her hands behind her back. “That is enough, Katia. I have tried to be civil with you and explain to you all that has occurred. If you choose to fight me, there will be nothing I can do but restrain you.” Katia tried to pull her hands from him. When that didn’t work she leaned in and bit Mikhail. “Very well, Katia. You brought this upon yourself,” Mikhail growled as he threw Katia over his shoulder and carried her to the bed. He dropped her into the middle of the bed, and before Katia stopped bouncing, he was straddling her hips. He shredded the sheet into strips and tied her hands to the headboard. When she tried to kick him, he tied her feet down. When she started screaming, he gagged her. Finally, Katia stopped squirming, looking like she was a trussed Christmas turkey. Mikhail could feel her glare before he even looked into her face. Oh, she is so pissed. This isn’t going to be easy. “Are you ready to listen to me now?” he asked quietly. Katia glared at him for several more tense moments before finally nodding her head yes. “I’m going to try to cut through the shit this time so that you will understand what I am trying to explain to you. You are my bondmate. In the customs of my people, that makes you my wife. I’ve wanted you since the first moment I saw you when you were fourteen years Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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old. Your father made me promise that I would wait. As you were too young then, I readily agreed, always believing that some day you would be mine.” Mikhail climbed off of Katia to sit cross-legged at her side. His hand gently caressed her stomach in a soothing gesture. “On his death bed, your father asked me not to involve you in my life. He knew it would be too dangerous for you. He just wanted you safe. Understanding his reasons, even if I still wanted you, I agreed to his request. I stayed away. And then—then you gave yourself to me and I thought—I thought maybe, just maybe, I wouldn’t have to give you up, that you would be mine. And then Sebastian knocked on the door and my world came crashing down around me. Your life was in danger.” Mikhail sighed deeply, “And suddenly I knew I had to let you go. It was the only way to keep you safe. So, I said what I did to make you go. I didn’t mean any of it, Katia, I swear I didn’t. I just had to say the things I did to make you leave and not come back. But then you did.” Mikhail got off the bed and paced beside it. Katia’s eyes were wide as if she couldn’t believe the words he said. “Why did you come back, Kat? If you had stayed away, I would have been able to resist you. I would have been able to let you go. But now… now it’s too late, Katia. It’s too late for either of us.” Mikhail could see Katia’s brow scrunch down at his heavy words. He knew she was confused by them. He continued to pace beside the bed. “So, here we are, Katia. I can’t honestly say I am unhappy with this turn of events. I’ve known from the very beginning you were my bondmate. To have you in my life, in my bed, in my heart, it is my greatest desire.” Mikhail finally glanced back at Katia to see if she was listening to him. He saw her trying to push her gag out of the way and reached over to untie it. He watched her lick her lips several times before speaking. Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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“I don’t understand any of this, Mikhail. Why is it too late? And if you cared for me as you say you did, why would you want to send me away? Were you lying about that?” Mikhail crawled onto the bed to stretch out beside Katia, leaning over her to gently caress the side of her face. “No, baby, I wasn’t lying. You are my bondmate, my heart and soul, the very breath in my body. Life without you, now, is impossible. I just didn’t want this for you. I wanted you safe, where nothing could harm you, where the realities of my life wouldn’t touch you.” “What is so dangerous about your life? I’ve lived here for years, and I have never seen anything that makes me think it is dangerous here. No one has ever been anything but kind to me. How can I be in danger now that I am your wife, as you say? Do you have hordes of jealous women waiting in the wings to take me out or something?” she inquired, confused. “No! There are no other women, not since I first saw you and recognized you as my bondmate,” Mikhail responded sternly. “Are you saying you haven’t been with another woman since I was fourteen years old? That’s nearly ten years, Mikhail,” Katia scoffed at Mikhail. “Of course not! Once you find your bondmate, no other will do. And I would never dishonor you by being with someone else.” “So, you’re saying that if I hadn’t have come back, since you promised my father and all, that you would have spent the rest of your life celibate?” “Yes, and don’t sound so happy about it. It wasn’t easy. As Cadre, I had women throwing themselves at me at every corner, beautiful women. I could have had any one of them just by crooking my finger. But I didn’t!” he reminded her. “More beautiful than me?” Mikhail caressed the side of her face again as he grazed her features with his hungry eyes. “There are no women more beautiful than you, Kat, not in all the world.” Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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**** Katia’s breath caught in her throat at the intense look in Mikhail’s face. He said that as if he meant it. The look in his eyes made her wonder. It was hungry, as if he craved the very touch of her skin against his. Katia trembled when his fingers rubbed over her lips. She lifted her eyes to his, shocked to see tears in his. “Mikhail,” she whispered softly. She had never seen Mikhail cry, not even when her father, his best friend, had died. “I wanted you safe from my world, Kat. I tried so hard to keep you from it. I really did. Please don’t hate me for wanting you too much to fight it. I don’t think I could bare it if you hated me. It would destroy me,” he spoke very softly before burying his face in her neck. Katia felt his sorrow so deeply that she felt like it was her own. She didn’t understand why she was feeling them so strongly, but they nearly overwhelmed her. She wanted to wrap her arms around Mikhail and comfort him, but her hands were still tied to the headboard. “Mikhail, untie my hands, please,” she asked. A moment later she felt him loosen the ties. As soon as she was free, she wrapped her arms around Mikhail, feeling him tremble at her touch. “Talk to me, Mikhail. Tell me what’s going on. Why am I in danger now that I am your—your bondmate?” Mikhail pulled his face from Katia’s neck and sat up. He scooted to the top of the bed and turned to lean against it. He went to pull her into her arms only to stop, dropping his arms back at his side. Katia scooted over to sit beside Mikhail facing him, taking his hand in hers. “Finish it, Mikhail. Tell me the rest of it.” Mikhail rubbed his thumb over her fingers. “There’s so much to tell you I’m not sure where to start. As I said earlier, what I am going to tell you will seem really far-fetched. But I am telling you the truth.” Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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“Okay, I’m willing to listen. But what are you afraid of? You said you’re not involved with the mob. What else could it be? Drugs? Guns? What?” “No, nothing that simple. That would be too easy. I am the Cadre of Clan Nikolaevich as was my father before me, and his father before him, and so on for more than ten generations. A Nikolaevich has been the Cadre of this clan for more years than we have recorded on paper.” “What is a Cadre?” Katia asked confused by the word. “A Cadre is the leader of a clan, sort of like the king of a country. As the Cadre of Clan Nikolaevich, I have absolute power. I make the rules, the dictates, and those of my clan follow them as if they were law. The only time my position is in question is if I am challenged. If someone challenges me, and wins, they become the new Cadre. It is usually a challenge to the death.” “To the death? You mean like in a fight?” She asked horrified at the brutality of what Mikhail was telling her. “Yes, but don’t worry. To be Cadre, you have to be the strongest, the fastest, and most cunning. Not just anyone can gain the position of Cadre. However, there is another way to become the Cadre. When my father retired, he had already groomed me to be the new Cadre. I had to fight off a few challenges from those that wanted the position, but ultimately, I won and became the new Cadre, just as our son hopefully will.” “Our son? You want us to have children? And make them go through some barbaric challenge where they have to fight for their lives? Are you out of your mind?” Katia nearly yelled. “Baby, it’s not as bad as all that. It is the way of life for us. Besides, as the bondmate to the Cadre, that makes you the Dame of Clan Nikolaevich. You are, in essence, our queen. You have nearly as much power as I do.” “Queen?” she squeaked. “What do I know about being a queen? I dress in jeans and tank tops. I wouldn’t know a queenly etiquette from Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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a hole in my ass. Don’t you think you’re getting the short end of the stick here?” “Oh no, in my world, strength and honor are more valued than etiquette and manners, although it isn’t bad to have those qualities, too. You are one of the feistiest women I have ever met. I have no doubt that you will be a perfect queen. You don’t take any shit off of anyone, including me, although, it might be a good idea to keep that part between us. In public, it wouldn’t be acceptable for you to take your anger out on me. Some might misinterpret it as you challenging me for my position.” “You keep saying things like in my world and my reality. What does that mean?” “Ah, I was really hoping we could skip that part,” Mikhail groaned deeply as he dropped his head back onto the headboard. He held tight onto Katia’s hand as he used the other to rub his face. Dropping his hand back down to his lap, he looked at Katia. “I am Kindred. There are only two ways to become Kindred. Either you’re born into it or you are made Kindred when you join with your Kindred mate. I was born to it.” “Okay, so what exactly are the Kindred, and how are they different from any other family? “I’m getting to that. We are stronger, faster, more agile than normal humans. We can change, or transform if you will, into something more. When we change, we grow claws, longer teeth, more hair, stuff like that. But we are not like your human fairytales. We do not need the full moon to transform. We do not hunt down little children during the night and eat them. In fact, I can’t remember a single instance of any Kindred eating a child. But we do drink blood.” Katia’s eyes grew bigger and bigger as Mikhail told her of the Kindred. By the time he was done speaking, they felt as big as saucers. Then, suddenly, she started laughing. “Oh Mikhail, you really had me going there. Growing claws and drinking blood. I don’t think I have ever heard anything so funny in my life.” Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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Mikhail dropped his gaze from Katia’s laughing face. He released Katia’s hand and crawled from the bed. He took a couple of steps away. He unbuckled his pants and dropped them to the floor. Releasing a deep breath, he began to transform. **** Katia stopped laughing when Mikhail crawled from the bed, thinking she had insulted him by laughing at his story. When he dropped his pants to the floor, she started watching him. When he began to transform, she stopped breathing. Katia watched as his body grew until Mikhail stood more than seven feet tall. Hair covered his entire body. His jaw grew longer, more pronounced and his teeth were more ferocious. His ears grew until they were pointed. And claws grew out of his long fingers. Except for that, he nearly looked human, only more, bigger. Then he looked at her and said her name. At first, Katia wanted to scream but she was too afraid to utter a sound. But as she looked at him, she saw his eyes. They were filled with apprehension and fear. The longer she sat there unmoving, the more they filled with dread, until she saw small tears filling them. She knew he thought she was rejecting him because of what he was. That wasn’t it, not exactly. She was just so astonished by what she saw. Mikhail had transformed into…into something. She wasn’t sure what. She watched as he seemed to effortlessly transform back to a normal man. He grabbed his pants and pulled them on, his gaze never lifting to hers. He walked over to the sideboard and poured himself another glass of scotch. He drank most of it down before turning back to Katia. Still not looking her in the face, his voice filled with hopelessness, he said, “I will make arrangements for you to be taken back to your apartment in the morning. I only ask that you let Garret stay with you Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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for your own protection. As my bondmate—” He rubbed a hand over his face as he cleared his throat. “As my bondmate, you will be in danger until the bond is broken. Once that happens, you can send Garret home. I won’t bother you again.” Katia sat on the bed, dazed, as Mikhail walked out of the room, his shoulders slumped in defeat. He quietly closed the door behind him. She just sat there, staring at the closed door for several moments before the enormity of the situation filled her and she curled up on the bed and cried.

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Chapter 8 When the door opened, her tears had trickled down to the occasional sniffle. Thinking it might be Mikhail, she sat up and glanced over. When she saw Garret standing there holding a tray of food, she lay back down and ignored him. Garret set the tray of food he was holding on the table by the fireplace and went to sit down on the bed next to Katia. When she didn’t immediately acknowledge his presence he pushed her hair from her face. “Dame Katia, would you like something to eat? I brought you some food.” “I’m not hungry,” she mumbled. “You have to eat something. You’re not used to the effects of the joining yet. You need to keep your strength up.” “I told you I’m not hungry. Besides, Mikhail said that eventually the bond would be broken, so I don’t need to worry about keeping my strength up,” she replied quietly, startled when Garret swore out loud and jumped to his feet and began rapidly pacing around the room. She sat up and watched him, confused by his agitation. “What’s wrong? Why are you so upset? Did I say something wrong?” Garret stopped pacing immediately when Katia spoke. “I’m not sure, Dame Katia. Can you please tell me exactly what the Cadre said to you to that made you believe the bond between you would be broken? His exact words?” Katia thought through her memories of her conversation with Mikhail until she remembered his exact words. “He said that he would send me home in the morning, but that you needed to stay with Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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me because I was his bondmate and was in danger. Once the bond was broken I would no longer be in danger and I could send you home.” She was surprised at the sudden look of anguish that covered Garret’s face as he closed his eyes and sank down into a chair. “Garret, what’s wrong?” When he didn’t answer her, she crawled to the edge of the bed and stood up. She cautiously walked over to Garret. She looked at him and wondered if he was one of them, one of the Kindred. “Garret, answer a question for me? Honestly?” she asked quietly. Garret opened his eyes and looked up at her, “Yes, Dame Katia, anything,” he replied. “Please, call me Katia. This Dame thing is a little hard to wrap my head around right now. Are you one of them? Are you Kindred?” she asked hesitantly, wondering if he would answer her question honestly and afraid that he would. “Yes, I am Kindred. Why do you ask?” he wondered. “You look normal.” “Normal? As compared to what? A dog?” He asked in a stern voice as if he had been insulted. Katia just crossed her arms over her chest and raised an eyebrow at him. “Don’t be stupid. You know what I mean, Garret.” “Yeah, I guess I do. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to speak to you that way. I guess that sometimes I get a little defensive when someone talks about us like we are animals. We have a longer history than most people, a great history. But all everyone sees is that we turn into werewolves. Do you know how many of my people have been killed simply for being Kindred, men, women, and even children? Just for being a little different.” “A little different?” Katia laughed sharply, waving her hand in the air. “You call transforming into a big hairy man with claws and big teeth, that drinks blood I might add, as a little different?”

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“Okay, physically there is a big difference. I’ll give you that. But in any other way we are not much different. We fall in love, marry, have children, holidays, family squabbles, everything normal people do. We do not, however, look for trouble. We don’t turn into ferocious beasts during the full moon, nor do we eat people.” Katia sank down into the chair across from Garret, staring at him as if trying to see if he was going to transform right before her eyes. She couldn’t explain it, but she wasn’t afraid of Garret. “Why were you so concerned about what Mikhail told me? About the breaking bond and my going home?” she asked after a few moments, causing Garret’s head to swiftly swing up to hers in surprise. “You don’t know? The Cadre didn’t explain it to you?” he asked incredulously. “No.” Katia could see Garret’s reluctance in his face. He really didn’t want to explain this to her, but he was the only one that could at this point. “Being a bondmate is something the Kindred look forward to all of our lives. It is sacred to us. When we are bonded together during the joining, it is more than just a simple human marriage. It is a bonding of all that we are. It joins us together on three basic levels as the mating ritual vows say, I claim you, mind, body and soul.” As Katia listened to Garret talking she vaguely remembered Mikhail speaking such words to her, but at the time she hadn’t known what they meant, nor had she cared. “So what do they mean?” “Well, the actual vows go like this. With this blood, I claim you, mind, body, and soul. With this circle completed, the bond is created. What has been created can not be broken. My love is yours...yours is mine.” Garret paused for a moment, running a hand through his hair. “With the exchange of blood, your bond mate claims you. There are three parts to this. The first part is mind. Some of our bondmates have developed a form of telepathy between themselves, others have empathy and can feel what their mate is feeling.” Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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“Oh yeah, when Mikhail was feeling sad earlier I knew what he was feeling, almost like I was feeling it myself. Is that what you’re talking about?” “Exactly. You are one of the lucky ones. But not all bondmates experience this.” Garret smiled. “I’m happy for you and the Cadre. You are one of the few bondmates to experience this sort of bonding.” “So, what else?” Katia asked, eager to learn more. “Well, the next part of the vows are body. He claims your body. But it’s different than normal sex. He has to transform when he is taking you. It is your way of accepting both of your bondmate’s forms. Then there is soul. Soul is where your lifelines are entwined. Since you are fully human, you normally will not live as long as we do. When your lifelines are entwined, your life extends to that of your bondmate.” “But what if he dies?” Katia asked. “Well, if your joining is completed, you die, too. If not, then just he dies. The same goes for him, if you die, so does he.” “So that’s it, that’s all there is to the mating vows?” “Not completely. There are just a few more things, mostly ritual stuff where he says what has been created can not be broken. My love is yours...yours is mine. This is where he tells you that he loves you and that he will die to protect your honor, etc, etc. That’s about it, though.” “I still don’t understand why you were so worried about what Mikhail said to me about breaking our bond. Do the vows he said to me affect that?” Katia asked, still not quite understanding everything Garret was telling her. “The Kindred tend to do things in threes, as in mind, body, and soul. The same thing goes for completing the joining. You have to perform the joining three times for it to be completed fully. If at any time during the joining, the mating ritual is not completed, eventually, the bond will break, or go away.”

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“That’s it, just by not doing anything the bond will be broken? That seems a little too simple to me. There has to be something more.” Katia watched Garret’s eyes look around the room as if he was evading hers gaze. “What is it, Garret? What aren’t you telling me?” He looked extremely worried when he gazed back up at her. It made Katia very nervous. She knew she wasn’t going to like what he was going to tell her even before he opened his mouth. “When a non-Kindred bondmate exchanges blood with a Kindred, it changes things.” At Katia’s confused look he continued. “We drink blood to survive. We don’t need it all the time and, as a rule, we generally don’t take it from humans. Human blood is too weak for us. But when two people join, even if one of them is human, it creates a very special bond between them. But the sharing of blood between bondmates is very special. It heightens their sexual pleasure together.” He sat back in his chair and watched Katia. “You could say its nature’s way of insuring that the male takes care of his bondmate. He needs her blood fairly regularly to survive. No other blood will do. He craves it, almost like an addiction.” “And if he doesn’t get it? Is that when the bond is broken?” she asked in a whisper. “If he doesn’t get her blood, he will eventually go insane and have to be put down. Then the bond is broken,” he replied sadly, knowing that it was what his Cadre had to look forward to if he couldn’t convince Katia to accept him. “Put down? Like a dog?” she asked in horror. “It’s for his own good, and for all those around him. The pain associated with not having your bondmate is excruciating. By the time he gets put down, he will be begging for it. That’s one of the reasons we are so protective of our bondmates during, and after, the joining. So we don’t lose any of them.” “So he wants me for my blood, like some dairy cow?” she cried. “No, honey, you don’t understand. You are his heart, his soul. He cannot live without you.” Garret raked his hands through his hair in Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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frustration. “Yes, your blood is imperative to his survival, but it wouldn’t be that way if you were not his bondmate. As his bondmate, you own him, mind, body, and soul. When he joined with you, he gave you his heart, his love, everything that he is. Your happiness is his responsibility and we are raised to take that responsibility very seriously. Just by being sad, you can destroy him. It will eat away at his soul until he fixes it.” “So, you're basically telling me that Mikhail won’t survive without me, that he’s just giving up? That in a few months you will have to kill him?” Katia paused for a moment, the enormity of her words overwhelming her. “Why? I don’t understand why.” Garret shrugged his shoulders. “I believe he thinks you can’t accept him. He can’t make you love him or accept what he is. He would rather go through the breaking of your bond than put you through something you can’t accept.” “How do you know this? Did he tell you? What if he changed his mind because he really doesn’t want me?” Katia felt her old insecurities creeping up. He had said once before that she wasn’t good enough. Maybe he thought that. “He didn’t tell me anything except to ask me to protect you. But you have to know that he loves you. Why else would he be walking toward what he knows is certain death just to give you the freedom you seem to desire so much?” “What am I going to do?” she whispered more to herself than to Garret as tears began to slide down her face. “Do you love him? Even after knowing that he is Kindred?” Garret asked quietly. “I’d love him even if he had told me that he came from a race of rats. His being Kindred, while being somewhat surprising, isn’t my problem. Too many times he has used me, told me that he didn’t want me. He even told me that he could never love me. How am I supposed to believe him when he suddenly tells me that he does love me?” Katia replied as she tried to wipe the tears from her eyes. Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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“I guess that’s a leap you’re going to have to make. Either you believe him or you don’t. Do you want him enough to give him the benefit of a doubt? Or has he hurt you too much to give him a chance? Oh, I’m not saying you shouldn’t make him sweat a little bit, but forever? That seems a little harsh to me.” Katia sat in her chair and stared into the fireplace as she thought about all that Garret had told her. Could she just accept Mikhail at his word? Could she accept that this time he was telling her the truth? Then there was the whole Kindred thing to consider. “I’m going to go now and let you get some rest. I’ll be right outside the door if you need anything, okay?” Garret said as he stood to his feet and headed for the door. “Katia, if I can answer any more questions for you, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll answer anything.” Katia nodded her head absently, continuing to stare into the fireplace, trying to wrap her mind around the fact that she was in love with a man that could turn into a werewolf.

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Chapter 9 Katia stood on the balcony and watched the sun rise over the snow capped mountains. She had been awake all night, wrestling with her thoughts. There was so much to consider. So many pros and cons for each argument she could come up with. If she accepted Mikhail, her life would most likely be in constant danger. She would have to be guarded at all times. It would become a natural part of her life to have a bodyguard, although, as bodyguards went, Garret didn’t seem too bad. Then there was the whole Kindred thing to consider. She knew nothing about their secretive culture. Granted, she had lived in this little valley for several years, but no one had given off a hint of what they really were. Katia wondered how many of the people she had met and befriended were actually Kindred and how many were human. Being the queen or Dame of an entire clan of people was certainly scary. What did she know about ruling anyone? She could barely remember to water her houseplants and forget raising anything else. She couldn’t keep a goldfish alive. The edge of violence that the Kindred seemed to live in scared her a lot. Knowing that at any time someone could challenge Mikhail for his position as Cadre, and kill him, was terrifying. That the Kindred accepted it as normal scared her even more. The issue that seemed to play over in her head the most was Mikhail himself. She had loved him for as long as she could remember. Being his bondmate was a dream come true for Katia. That

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was, of course, assuming they were able to work out the problems they had between them. Loving Mikhail wasn’t her issue. Even his being Kindred wasn’t too much of an issue. A little strange, but not something she couldn’t get over. Which really confused her. Why wasn’t she more afraid of the fact the man she loved could turn furry? No, her issue was the lying. Even if it hurt a little, she understood why he had kept the Kindred secret from her. It was for the safety of everyone involved. No, it was the way he had lied to her, the things he had said to her that hurt the most. And it made her wonder if she could trust him. Maybe that was the real issue, trust. Could she trust that Mikhail meant it when he said that he loved her? Could she trust he wouldn’t turn on her in the future? She wanted to believe him. More than anything in the world, she wanted to believe him. But he had hurt her so much, telling her that love wasn’t real, that she wasn’t good enough, that he didn’t want her. Deciding she couldn’t get past that without first talking with Mikhail, Katia ran a hand quickly through her uncombed hair. Determining she wasn’t going to look much better than she did right now, she went to the door and opened it. Garret smiled down at her as he turned toward her. “Dame Katia, is there something I can help you with?” “Morning, Garret. I need to see Mikhail. Can you take me to him?” she asked softly after returning his smile with one of her own. Garret’s smile grew even wider at her request. “Of course, Dame Katia. If you will follow me?” He gestured for her to follow him downstairs, leading her to Mikhail’s private study. Once they were standing in front of the study doors, Garret nodded respectfully to Katia. “I will be right outside if you need anything, Dame Katia. Good luck.”

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“Thank you,” Katia replied before she took a deep breath and opened the study doors. She walked in and closed the doors behind her. The room was gloomy, the sun just starting to come through the slit in the window coverings. The only other light came from the fireplace. Once her eyes adjusted to the dim light in the room, she could see Mikhail sitting in a chair in front of the fireplace. His body slumped back in the chair, a glass of scotch held loosely in his hand as he stared into the flames burning in the fireplace. “Mikhail?” she whispered into the silence of the room. She was reminded of his earlier words about the Kindred being more agile than humans when he jumped up from his seat, the glass of scotch in his hand dropping to the floor. “Katia,” he replied, seemingly shocked by her presence in the room. “What are you doing here? Is everything all right?” His voice was harsh and rough when he spoke, as if it had been ravaged by his emotions. “I need answers to some questions, Mikhail,” she stated hesitantly, afraid that he would deny her request. **** “Of course, anything you want.” Mikhail couldn’t believe she was here, in his study. He had prepared himself to never be near her again and felt unnerved by her presence. Not that he would never see her again because he knew he wouldn’t be able to not see her. He just hadn’t planned on her knowing he was there. Just seeing her from a distance. Now he wondered if that would have been enough for him. He indicated one of the chairs in front of the fireplace. Once she sat down, he took the chair across from her. His hands trembled slightly as he bent over to pick up the glass he had dropped minutes before and set it on the table between the two chairs.

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Mikhail watched Katia as she organized her thoughts, his hungry gaze eating her up. She looked tired. Had she been up all night like he had, wondering where things had gone so wrong? Wishing that it could be different? He knew she had questions, but he was unprepared for her first one. “Do you love me?” she murmured quietly as if she was afraid to ask but needed to know. “Yes,” he answered without hesitation. Mikhail watched her hands fidget with the edge of her shirt. He was bewildered when he realized that she was nervous. He could feel her apprehension. But he didn’t feel fear of him coming from her. That baffled him. “If you love me,” she started as she looked up from her shaky hands to gaze into his wary eyes, “then why are you trying to send me away?” Mikhail didn’t know how to answer her. He was amazed that she had even asked that question. “It’s for the best, don’t you think? Considering all you’ve learned over the last twenty four hours, do you honestly think staying here is the best option?” Katia jumped to her feet in frustration “Mikhail, people who love each other stay together, no matter what. They fight for what they have, hold on to it with their fists if they have to. They do not send it away. The only thing I can conclude is that you don’t really love me like you say you do. You just want a milk cow!” Mikhail narrowed in on one thing that Katia had said that meant the most to him. “You love me?” he asked incredulously. “Of course I love you. Haven’t I been saying that all along? You’re the one who tried to tell me I didn’t love you, that all I wanted was a fancy way to justify having sex with you.” Katia planted her hands on her hips as she glared at Mikhail. “You know, for someone who is supposed to be the great leader of your people, you are a little dense sometimes!”

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Mikhail’s head jerked back and his eyebrows lifted nearly to his hairline at her insult. “People have been in a lot of trouble for saying less to me. Do you think I should take your words so lightly?” “Oh, please, what are you going to do to me? Eat me?” She waved his intimidating manner away with her hand. “I have it on pretty good authority that you don’t eat people.” Mikhail didn’t know whether to laugh at her or be angry at her disrespectful attitude. She was being incredibly insolent. If anyone but Katia had talked to him the way she did, he would have handed him, or her, their head. On Katia, the same attitude made his cock hard. Mikhail took a threatening step toward Katia. “Be careful what you say, little girl. I said we didn’t normally eat people. There are exceptions to every rule,” he growled. Much to Mikhail’s surprise, she took a step toward him until she stood right in front of him. He nearly fell over in shock when she began stabbing him in the chest with her finger. “Bring it on, big boy. I can take anything you can dish out,” she growled right back at him. Mikhail raised his eyebrow at her as if to ask are you sure? He dropped his pants and willed himself to transform, watching Katia intently for her reaction to his new, bigger form. He was surprised when she just took a deep breath while running her eyes over his hairy form. While he felt a small amount of fear coming from her, she was not as terrified as he thought she would be. She even seemed to be a little curious, especially when her gaze landed on the hard cock jutting out from his body. When she finally brought her gaze back up to meet Mikhail’s she smirked, “Is that all you’ve got? I would have thought the Cadre of the Nikolaevich Clan could do better.” Mikhail started laughing. He couldn’t help it when faced with her unimpressed expression. He laughed until tears streamed down his face and his sides ached. When he finally settled down, he

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transformed back to his normal form and pulled his pants back on. He ran a finger through Katia’s hair, pushing it back behind her ear. “It’s nice to know you’re not impressed by me, no matter how disrespectful you are being. Makes me believe that you will always be truthful with me, no matter what the situation might be. But don’t think you can always get away with being disrespectful to me. I may have to put you over my knee and teach you a lesson.” “Right! You and what army?” she scoffed as she pushed Mikhail back until the seat hit him in the back of the knees and he sat down. She climbed onto his lap and wrapped an arm around his neck. “I’m not afraid of you, Mikhail,” she whispered into his ear. Mikhail’s entire body stiffened for several seconds before he let out a long breath of air that had frozen in his chest at her quietly spoken words. His only other reaction to her words was the tightening of his hand on her leg. “Are you sure, Katia?” he asked as he tucked her head under his chin and kissed the top of her head. Katia lifted her head and grabbed Mikhail’s face in her hands forcing him to look at her. She leaned in until her face was inches from his, their noses nearly touching, as she looked into his eyes. “I’m sure, Mikhail. I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.” Mikhail tried to look away from Katia to hide the tears beginning to form in his eyes. When she wouldn’t let him lower his head, he lowered his lashes to hide his wet eyes. He was afraid to let her see how much her answer meant to him. “Do you—do you think you can handle what I am? Can you still love me knowing the monster I become?” Mikhail asked, voicing his greatest fear. “First off, you are not a monster, and I never want to hear that word come out of your mouth again. And if you think you’ve seen me pissed off before, just try me, Mikhail!” she barked out as she shook his head, making him smile at her fierceness. Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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“I don’t know much about the marriage vows of your culture, but in the human world, the marriage vows say for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health. Those are the vows I know about, that I was raised with and they are a part of my culture. That means we accept each other no matter what.” She lowered her hands from his face, wrapping one back around his neck and dropping the other one in her lap. “Now, this whole transforming thing is stretching things a bit far, but it doesn’t stop me from loving you and wanting to be with you. It will take me some time to get used to all of this—oh hell, I don’t even know what this is. But I’m willing to try if you are.” Mikhail was dumbfounded by Katia’s acceptance of him and all that he was. In the beginning he hoped she would accept him, but after last night, he had given up that hope. At Katia’s words, he felt that hope flare to life again, demanding life. Mikhail looked down at Katia to see a yawn cross her face. It reminded him that they had both been up since the day before. “Come on, baby, I think we both could do with a little rest.” He wrapped his arms around her and lifted her up as he stood, carrying her out of the room. Garret met him outside the study door, leaning up against the wall a bored expression on his face. He immediately stood up straight when he saw Mikhail carrying Katia in his arms and stepped toward him. “Cadre, Dame Katia,” he nodded, “is there anything I can do for you?” “Thank you, Garret, no.” Mikhail shook his head. “We’re just going to go upstairs and get some rest. Neither of us got very much sleep last night.” Garret nodded. “Very good, Cadre. I will continue to stand watch so you can rest. If you need anything, just holler,” Garret added as he followed the couple up the stairs and down the hallway to their quarters.

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He quickly hurried ahead of them and opened the door, holding it while Mikhail carried Katia through, before shutting it behind them. Mikhail laid Katia down on the bed and quickly pulled her clothes off before undressing himself and sliding between the soft sheets. He pulled the blankets up over them and then pulled Katia into his arms, her back resting against his stomach. He tucked her head under his chin and kissed the top of her head. “Sleep, baby. I’ll be right here with you to keep the monsters away.” Within moments, both slipped into sleep, content to be held close to the one they loved. **** Katia woke sometime in the night to feel Mikhail’s hands caressing her body, his hard cock pushing against her. “Katia, I want to make love to you,” Mikhail whispered hesitantly in her ear. “Oh God, yes,” she groaned as she turned over and placed her hands on Mikhail’s chest, loving the feel of his soft chest hair in her fingers. Her fingers circled his nipples, drawing a deep groan from Mikhail. Mikhail began an all out assault on her senses. He seized her lips with his, sliding his tongue deeply into Katia’s mouth as he pulled her roughly, almost violently, to him. His lips were hard, searching, sending spirals of ecstasy through her. His hands slid across her silken belly as he kissed his way down her throat, his tongue caressing her sensitive, swollen nipples. Mikhail rolled over on top of Katia, settling between her open thighs, his throbbing cock resting against her, inflaming her. His hands explored the soft lines of her waist. Her hips. Katia ran her hands down Mikhail’s back, caressing him, until she reached his butt. Holding him tight, she pulled him against her, urging

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him to take her, to possess her, make them one. “Mikhail, please,” she begged, “make me yours, Misha.” Katia felt Mikhail shuddered at her hastily spoken words. His heart thundered in his chest. “I love you, Kat,” his breathe hot against her ear as he claimed his bondmate. Katia buried her face against his throat, licking the vulnerable skin at the base of his neck before murmuring, “I claim you as mine.” Mikhail had no warning as she bit into the side of his neck, sipping blood from him. “Oh fuck, Kat, what are you—aha,” Mikhail groaned as Katia licked the wound closed. Her small hand took his face and held it gently as she brought his head down to rest on hers. “With this blood, I claim you, mind, body and soul,” she said clearly as she stared into his panicky eyes. Mikhail was terrified. Katia could see it in his face. He couldn’t hold back anymore. His eyes held regret and fear as he looked down at her and started to transform against his will. He no longer had control, the beast did. Passion pounded the blood through her heart, her chest, and head as she watched Mikhail’s body change, grow bigger, stronger, and hairier. When she felt his cock grow larger, longer, filling her near to bursting, she couldn’t hold back her moan of ecstasy. Knowing that the ritual words had to be completed, she forced herself to speak past the pleasure coursing through her body and making her nearly senseless. She gasped in sweet agony when she felt Mikhail’s sharp teeth bite into the mating mark on her breast. “With this circle completed, the bond is created. What has been created can not be broken. My love is yours, yours is mine,” she cried out, her body arching into Mikhail’s as his thrusts became frenzied, and she was consumed by their passion. Mikhail erupted inside of her with a loud howl, the knot extending into his love, holding her, caressing her, as he filled her with his fertile seed. Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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Katia could feel the heat of his body course down the entire length of hers as he pulsed inside of her. She waited, holding his trembling body to hers. Their heart rates calming slowly as they both lay there, breathing rapidly. She knew their moment of ecstasy had passed as Mikhail’s form resumed its usual shape and he collapsed onto her body, his head buried in her throat. Katia wrapped her arms around him, softly caressing his back until his breathing returned to normal. She could feel the wet tears falling against her neck and feel the combination of outright fear and overwhelming joy emanating from Mikhail. She knew his emotions were chaotic, much as hers were. She hadn’t planned on completing the mating vows when they started making love. It had just happened. She also knew there was no longer any turning back for them. The joining had been completed. They were now truly bondmates. Katia couldn’t say she was sorry they completed the joining. A little scared of the unknown future ahead of her, but not regretful she would now have a future with Mikhail. On the other hand, she still wasn’t sure of his reaction to what she had done. “Mikhail?” she whispered softly as she tried to pull his head out of where it was buried in her neck. His response was to roll over and pull Katia onto his chest, tucking her head under his chin. His hands ran down her sides, over her hips and buttocks, moving up to settle in her hair. Wrapping some of the long strands of strawberry blond hair around his hand he pulled her eyes up to his. “It is done, Kat,” he growled profoundly. “I will never let you go now. Do you understand that? You are mine for all eternity.” Katia could see the trepidation he was trying to hide with his rough demeanor. He was scared, afraid she hadn’t understood what she was doing when she said the mating vows that bound them together.

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“Yes, Misha,” she reassured him. “Garret explained the vows to me, what they meant, how it bound us together. I knew exactly what I was doing when I said the mating vows.” Mikhail closed his eyes briefly, thanking the powers that be that Katia was now his. Opening his eyes he looked at her once again. “I love you, Kat. No matter what, never forget that.” “I’ll make you a deal, Misha. I won’t forget you love me if you don’t forget that I chose to be here. I didn’t have to say the words. I chose to because I love you and want to spend the rest of my life with you. It was my choice, not yours.” “It’s a deal, Katia,” he laughed as he pulled her close to hug her. “That’s Dame Katia to you, buster,” she snapped loudly as she playfully punched him in the arm. Mikhail smiled at her fierceness. She’s gonna make a great Dame for Clan Nikolaevich.

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Chapter 10 The Dame training was not going well. Katia felt like screaming in frustration. For the past week, Mikhail, his brothers, and Garret had all been teaching her the history and customs of the Kindred. Don’t do this, don’t do that. Don’t look at a Cadre like this or like that. There were so many rules governing dealing with Cadres and proper behavior. She couldn’t look any Cadre in the face except for her own, and then only with respect. Oh yeah, that one had gone over well. And then there was the whole any Cadre could tell her what to do and she had to do it, unless it went against what her Cadre said. Even though she was a Dame, the Cadres still had higher ranking than her. Not to mention that any Dame that had been in power longer than her had more ranking than she did. Katia couldn’t understand why they just couldn’t all get along equally. She always figured someone had to earn her respect, not automatically get it. This whole ranking thing was a pain in the ass! A third was outranked by the second, who was out ranked by the first, etc, etc. Everyone was outranked by the Cadres, but certain Cadres outranked others due to their length of duty, holdings, numbers in their clans, etc. It was all very confusing. The only ones that seem to be on any equal footing were the lowest ranking of them all, the Omegas, who were essentially the proverbial punching bags of the entire clan. Garret had informed her the treatment of the Omega was different in every clan. Some were beaten, abused, and others just ignored.

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While in the Nikolaevich Clan no one was allowed to physically harm the Omega, they did have the right to order him or her to do the most menial of tasks. Katia’s only consolation to that was that a person was usually made the Omega as a form of punishment, but never stayed that way long. As Garret read over the list of different Kindred clans for what Katia felt was the hundredth time, she groaned, “Enough already. I didn’t study this hard during finals.” She balanced her elbows on the table and rubbed her temples. “Why do I need to know all of this again?” “Dame Katia,” he began. “Grrr, it’s just Katia. How many times do I have to tell you that? As long as we are alone, it’s just Katia.” “I do apologize, Dame, er, Katia. I’m not used to referring to my dame by her common name. It will take me some time to get used to that.” “Well, I’m not used to being referred to as Dame! Makes me feel like I’m starring in an old Jimmy Cagney movie. Next someone’s going to tell me I have to wear pinstriped stockings with garters.” “Hmmm, wouldn’t be a bad look for you,” drawled a deep voice from the door. “You’ve certainly got the legs for it.” Katia turned her head to see Mikhail leaning against the doorframe. Just the sight of his tall sexy body made her heart rate speed up. The blatant sexual look he gave her didn’t help. She could feel herself turning several shades of red as he practically undressed her right there with his eyes. “Are you giving poor Garret a hard time, my love?” Mikhail asked as he walked across the room to give Katia a kiss on her head. “Me? Giving him a hard time?” she said loudly, outraged. “Have you ever studied with this man? He’s worse than my physics professor.”

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Mikhail picked Katia up and sat down in her chair, placing her on his lap. Katia curled happily into his embrace, loving the feeling of his arms wrapping around her. “Baby, you know Garret’s just trying to help. The Clan Convocation is in just a couple of days. He wants you to be ready, just as I do.” “I guess,” Katia grumbled. “I still don’t understand what’s so important about this convocation thing, anyway. Sounds to me it’s just a board meeting, cocktail party and family reunion all rolled into one. Why is knowing the name of every Kindred Clan so important?” “The Nikolaevich Clan is one of the more important clans in the Kindred. Mikhail doesn’t take any crap from anyone. He has become very powerful. Because of that, his clan and holdings have not only stayed safe, they’ve prospered. Some clans have issues with that and want to take it from him. Other clans tend to suck up to him for whatever scraps he sends their way,” Garret tried to explain to Katia. “And this means what exactly?” she asked. “It means it’s important for you to know who is who, which clans support us and which clans do not so that you can avoid any mistakes.” “Mistakes? What kind of mistakes are we talking here? Choosing red wine over white wine? What?” Katia exclaimed. “No, no, baby. It’s more complicated than that. If you were to say, show improper respect to a clan that supports us, the Cadre of that clan would just bring it to my attention and let me deal with it. If you were to be disrespectful to a Cadre that was not from a supportive clan, say Garret’s old Cadre, Ivan Viorel, he could demand atonement right there and then, and I would have to give it.” “Atonement? What is that?” Katia asked, already knowing she wasn’t going to like the answer. “There are different levels of atonement, depending on the level of the offense. If you were simply disrespectful, I would have to see to

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your punishment in front of everyone. Say, a spanking or something,” Mikhail replied. “A spanking!” Katia yelled as she jumped out of Mikhail’s lap to glare down at him. “There is no way in hell I’m letting you spank me for any reason, especially not in front of a group of people.” “Katia, he could demand that you be whipped. A spanking is a small punishment compared to that,” Garret said quickly. “However, that is why these lessons are so important, so that you know what is expected of you so that you don’t make any mistakes.” “You’re out of your mind! No wonder you try to keep your society a secret. You could be charged with human rights violations.” “Except that we’re not human,” Mikhail reminded her. “I am! And I don’t care what happens, no one is spanking me or whipping me or whatever. Maybe it would just be better if I didn’t attend this function. That way we are all safe. Because I have to tell you, I would not go quietly.” “You have to be there, Dame Katia. You are the Dame of Clan Nikolaevich. To not be there would be a great insult to your Cadre and the Cadres of all the other clans. It might make them think you feel you are too good to be in their company or that you are ashamed of your Cadre. Are you ashamed of Mikhail?” “Never! Mikhail’s wonderful. He’s a great leader. He’s kind, and strong, and loving. Anyone would be proud to be seen at his side. What could possibly make you think that I was—oh, my bad,” she ducked her head to hide her burning cheeks. Garret and Mikhail couldn’t help laughing over Katia’s embarrassment. Mikhail pulled her back down into his lap as he tried to stifle his laughter. It wouldn’t do to make too much fun of her. “So now do you understand, baby? You have to be there. And the best way that I can protect you is for you to learn as much as you can about our customs. I know you won’t be able to learn everything right away. That takes too much time. Hell, I don’t think I even know everything. But you’ll get it eventually.” Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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“Alright,” Katia agreed half heartily. “I’ll try to listen and learn. But you owe me after this and I mean big time. I’m talking serious foot massage time here, Mikhail, with warm girly scented oil and everything.” **** “It’s a deal,” Mikhail chuckled as he kissed his bondmate, grateful that she was giving in so easily. He knew that she could have fought him on this and so many other things where the Kindred were concerned. But, for the most part, she was trying to understand and learn about their culture. Mikhail wasn’t worried that Katia would make a mistake so much as someone else would use her ignorance against her. The Clan Convocation was a gathering of all the Cadres of the Kindred. It was a long three-day event that was held every quarter to discuss new members, report any new information, vote on any changes to clan laws, concerns to their existence, and secrecy from mainstream humans. It was important for his standing in the Kindred community that Katia be there to represent their clan as his bondmate. As a newly joined Cadre, the absence of his bondmate could be conceived as a weakness on his part. That or he was ashamed of her or was too afraid to have her come out in public. Either way, his authority would be questioned. Once his authority was questioned, so could his rule of his clan. Others would see it as an opening to challenge him for control of his clan. He seriously hoped to avoid that if he could manage it. Having Katia there would go a long way toward that end. The other Cadres would see not only had he made a good choice in bondmates, but he was not afraid to have her out and about. Many Cadres hid their bondmates from public eye out of fear that they could

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not protect them. Mikhail would be showing them all he could protect his bondmate and he was in no way ashamed of her. “Okay, baby, I’m going to go and let you study. Be nice to Garret. He’s only a man after all,” Mikhail chuckled as he lifted Katia off his lap and sat her back down in the seat. “Funny,” she replied stiffly. “You’re just a barrel of laughs.” Mikhail was still chuckling as he walked toward the door only to be stopped by Katia. “I love you, Misha.” “I love you, too, bondmate,” he replied happily as he walked from the study, a big smile on his face. Yep, his bondmate was going to be a great Dame for the Nikolaevich Clan, and for him. **** Katia was so nervous she could throw up. Her stomach was full of butterflies…on speed. The Cadres and of all the clans in the Kindred gathered downstairs waiting to meet her, the new Dame of Clan Nikolaevich. Mikhail was no help. He had chosen an outfit for her wear. It was, to say the least, risqué. It was a short black gown that barely covered her from head to mid thigh. It was so skin tight, she wondered if she was going to be able to breathe in it. There weren’t even any sleeves, just small straps that barely held the dress up. There was no way she could even wear a bra with it. It clearly showed off every curve she had. The simple boat shaped neckline was low enough to show off her mating mark, which pleased Mikhail to no end. He practically giggled when he saw the mating mark above the neckline of the dress. To make matters worse, Mikhail had brought along three-inch, black ankle-strap stiletto heels for her to wear with it. Other than a gorgeous pair of diamond earrings, there was nothing else to the ensemble, not even a shawl or shoulder covering. Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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Katia decided to wear her hair up at Mikhail’s request. He wanted all of her long wavy strawberry blond hair pulled up and out of the way. He said that it showed off her beautiful swan-like neck. She thought he was full of crap, but whatever. Katia turned to look at Mikhail as he walked into the room. He looked devastating in his simple black suit. The white shirt he wore beneath his jacket, open the first few buttons, brought out the tan in his skin and showed off a soft curling of hair on his chest. “You’re as giddy as a school boy ready for show and tell.” She rolled her eyes at him as he virtually bounced across the room to her. Mikhail’s gaze was riveted on her face then moved down her body slowly. “Yeah, and all the boys are going to love what I have to show off.” He winked at her as he adjusted the growing bulge in his pants. Katia smirked at Mikhail, “You don’t think I’m a little overdressed?” Mikhail shook his head no. “Underdressed, then?” “No, you look beautiful, baby. I will be the envy of every Cadre in attendance,” he assured her as he bent down to kiss her. “Oh no,” Katia cried out as she slid out from beneath his arms, “You’re not going to mess up my lipstick when I just got it right. You can wait until later for that.” Mikhail laughed as he caught Katia by the arm and swung her back into his arms. “Screw the lipstick.” He leaned down and took her lips with his, giving in to the passion building inside of him. He plundered her willing mouth for several lust filled moments, finally licking the last bit of lipstick off her lips. “Now you look perfect,” he chuckled as he gazed down at her face, flushed with passion. Katia could see the satisfaction in Mikhail’s eyes. Anyone looking at her would know he had just ravished her. Perfect! “Come on, Dame Katia, time to go greet your adoring crowd.” Mikhail held out an arm for Katia. Her hand trembled as she laid it on Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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Mikhail’s arm and walked out of the room with him. Garret met them outside the bedroom door, impressive looking in his black suit. Sebastian and Andrei were right beside him, also dressed in black suits. Katia looked at all three men, impressed at how handsome they looked. “My, my, my. I am a lucky girl tonight. Four gorgeous men to escort me to the party. Stick close tonight, Garret. There are sure to be at least a handful of women out to kill me just for this alone.” Katia laughed as she took her place next to Mikhail, standing straight with her head held proudly. **** Mikhail couldn’t help but smile at her. Inside of the bedroom she had been a shaking leaf. The moment they had stepped out of the room, it was as if another woman stood in her place. She was confident, proud, and charming. In a word, she was magnificent. “Are you ready, my love?” “Not really, but I’d hate to have to take this dress back after you told me how much you like it.” She sashayed past Mikhail, putting a little extra sway in her hips. “Maybe later, if you’re a real good boy, I’ll show you what I’m not wearing under it,” she purred. She looked over her shoulder, laughing at the jaw dropped looks of the four men behind her, and gave them her sexiest wink. “Coming?” Mikhail readjusted the hardness in his pants. “I think I just did!” he growled before joining Katia at the head of the stairs. Damn, his woman was hot! Mikhail patted her hand softly as he wrapped it around his arm. He could feel how nervous she was under her outward calm. “Just be yourself, remember everything you learned, and you’ll be just fine, baby.”

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Sebastian, Andrei and Garret grinned at the tormented way that Mikhail walked. They couldn’t wait to see how the evening progressed. Katia was sure to make an impression on the evening’s festivities. Stepping up behind their alpha pair, the three men wiped the grins from their faces and put on their don’t mess with me faces. Time to greet the masses.

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Chapter 11 Katia had a smile plastered on her face as Mikhail escorted her into the large hall where the meet and greet cocktail party was taking place. She could hear the noisy chatter coming from the room before they reached it. Which all seemed to stop the moment she and Mikhail reached the doorway. She knew she was being assessed, measured as to her fitness as a Dame. Only Mikhail knew of her nervousness by the tightening of her hand on his arm. He covered her hand with his to reassure her as he walked her forward to the first Cadre and introduced her. Then the next and the next. It was like walking down a processional of Cadres, some with Dames, and others going stag. Katia didn’t know if they had bondmates and left them at home or if they were single. Frankly, she didn’t care. She just wanted this to be over with. She felt like she was on display. She tried to remember everything that Garret had taught her as Mikhail introduced her to yet another Cadre. “Cadre Zlotnikov, may I introduce my bondmate, Dame Katia. Katia, this is Cadre Alrik Zlotnikov, of Clan Zlotnikov.” Katia nodded her head respectfully, remembering not to speak to him until he addressed her personally. Apparently, it was another one of those Cadre laws, all of which made Katia see red. She couldn’t speak until spoken to? These people seriously needed to move into the twenty-first century. “Well, Mikhail, it’s nice to know you’ve finally taken the plunge. Now, maybe the rest of us might have a chance to find our own bondmates without every female in existence comparing us to you.” Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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Alrik laughed as he patted Mikhail on the back. “And you, my dear, are you happy with your new bondmate?” Katia just smiled, not sure how to answer him. She curled herself closer around Mikhail. “He has a certain charm, when’s he’s not putting his foot in his mouth.” “Oh, this one is not going to be so easy to tame, Mikhail. You may have your work cut out for you.” He gave Katia a respectful nod. “Although, it is nice to know that not every woman jumps to do your bidding.” “Mikhail, what is this I hear?” interjected another Cadre as he joined them. “Is there actually a woman out there that doesn’t fall all over herself to do whatever you say?” “Bite your tongue, Yuri. Katia hangs on my every word. Isn’t that right, baby?” Katia raised an eyebrow at Mikhail before letting out a light laugh as she patted him on the chest. “You go with that, my love.” Alrik and Yuri couldn’t contain their loud laugh at the annoyed look that crossed Mikhail’s face. “It seems Mikhail’s new bondmate is going to give him quite the run for his money,” Alrik said with amusement. “It’s about damn time.” Yuri grinned over at Katia. “Mikhail has a reputation as a man who has had his choice of women, although I can’t remember his name ever being paired with any one woman.” Yuri winked at Katia. “All the single women seem to be drawn to him, not leaving many left for the rest of us Cadres. It’s nice to know he’s off the market.” As Alrik and Yuri continued talking, Katia couldn’t help feeling better. Although she had been warned there were those Cadres that treated women with less than a respectful manner, these two seemed pretty courteous. They were nice and friendly, not seeming to mind when she interjected her own comments, and even asking for her opinions on a variety of subjects. Katia had just started to feel comfortable when a rather cold voice came from behind her. Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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“So, Mikhail, I see you’ve finally found a bondmate, and a very beautiful one at that.” The new man raked Katia’s body from head to toe with a lecherous grin. He made Katia’s skin crawl. “Cadre Balfor,” Mikhail nodded respectfully. Katia moved closer to Mikhail but kept her mouth shut. This was one of the Cadres that Garret had warned her about. He was not on the good list. There was a lot of tension between the two clans. “Hmmm, silent and beautiful, just the way I like them. Tell me, Mikhail, is she obedient or do you have to punish her often?” The way he said it made Katia believe that he would relish punishing a woman, whether they were obedient or not. “Obedience is not something I require,” Mikhail replied dryly. “Katia is everything I could ever ask for in a bondmate.” “I’ll just bet she is.” He looked over Katia’s body again. His gaze was less than respectful as it lingered over the low neckline of her dress. “Do you plan on showing the customary courtesies for visiting Cadres? I, for one, am in full support of the old custom.” Katia dropped her gaze to the floor so that Cadre Balfor couldn’t see the anger filling her eyes. Mikhail had warned her that one of the old customs of the Kindred was for the hosting Cadre to share his woman with visiting Cadres. Mikhail had also assured her that this would never happen and that it was a very old custom that had not been in practice in over a century. But it still didn’t make Katia feel any better knowing that such a custom even existed. “No, Cadre Balfor, I will not be sharing my bondmate with anyone. My bondmate is just that—mine!” Katia knew Mikhail tried not to growl out his response, but it was hard. She could feel his rage that Cadre Balfor had insinuated he would share her, let alone willingly give permission for another man to touch her. “That custom has not been in practice in more than a century and should have been taken off the books years ago,” Alrik added, sounding angry on behalf of Mikhail and Katia. Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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“Hmm, maybe not in your clan. But, unlike you, my clan follows all of the Kindred dictates. Maybe if your clan did, too, there wouldn’t be so much dissention among your people. We should follow all of the rules laid out for us by our forefathers, not just the ones we choose to follow.” Cadre Balfor had long been known as a Cadre that led his people more as a dictator than a true head of his people. He led by fear and retribution. There had even been rumors of torture, but nothing anyone could prove. “Unlike your clan, Cadre Balfor, there is no dissention in my clan. That is because we do not follow old customs that do not fit into the world of today. That includes sharing my bondmate with anyone.” “Just remember, Cadre Nikolaevich, some traditions should be followed for there to be peace between us all. We forget too easily that our forefathers laid down these customs for the betterment of us all.” “Are you saying you will not be peaceful if I do not share my bondmate with you? Is this a threat, Cadre Balfor? Do you challenge my authority over my bondmate?” Mikhail snarled as he took a step toward the other Cadre. “No, not at all,” he quickly backed down. “I would never presume to undermine your authority where your bondmate is concerned. That, too, is a dictate of our forefathers. However, if you should change your mind and wish to share this beauty, please, let me know. I would not be averse to trying out her obvious charms.” Cadre Balfor saluted the small group and walked away. “I do apologize, Dame Katia. Please do not base your opinion of us on one bad apple. Some of us were absent on the day they taught manners,” Alrik quickly said. “And some of you were just born assholes,” Katia replied saucily. Suddenly realizing what she said and to whom, she quickly covered her mouth as her face turned red with embarrassment. She looked up

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to see what Mikhail’s reaction to her rude comment had been only to find him smiling down at her. Alrik and Yuri laughed at her obvious embarrassment. “Yes, Dame Katia, that is very true.” Katia just wanted to get out of there. The whole evening was playing hard on her nerves. “Mikhail, I’m going to get something to drink. Do you want anything?” “No, my love, you go ahead. I’m going to talk over a few things with Alrik and Yuri, but I’ll join you in a few moments.” Mikhail leaned down to give Katia a quick kiss on her temple before letting her go. Katia walked toward the refreshment table, just wanting to get away from the crush of people. There had to be at least a hundred people in the room. She wondered how many were Cadres and how many were part of their entourages. Spotting Cadre Balfor standing at the refreshment table with another man, she veered off toward the balcony. That was one man she wanted to avoid at all costs. Besides, some fresh air might do her some good. Stepping out onto the balcony, she inhaled the fresh crisp mountain air. She leaned up against the balcony railing and just breathed. After a few moments she felt better, clearer headed. “Nice view,” stated a voice from behind, making Katia jump as she whirled around. Standing behind her was the man she had seen standing with Cadre Balfor. She didn’t like him just because of that. Trying to give him the benefit of a doubt, she smiled as she replied, “Yes, it’s a very nice view. I’ve always appreciated the scenery from here. It’s a wonderful place to live.” “I wasn’t speaking of the valley, but yes, you are correct. That view is nice also,” he replied with a lecherous grin as his eyes gazed over her body much as Cadre Balfor’s had. “I haven’t had the chance to introduce myself. I am Cadre Fedorov. And you must be the new Dame of Clan Nikolaevich.” Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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He held out a hand to Katia. She didn’t want to touch him, but she knew it would be rude not to shake his hand. Reaching to shake his hand, she was surprised hen he grabbed her hand with his and turned it over and brought it to his lips. She shivered when he raked his tongue over her hand and tried to pull it from his grasp. Instead of letting her go, he used her hand to pull her up against his body, the hard swelling in his pants letting her know she aroused him. “Let me go!” she cried out as she tried to evade his lips on her face. She placed her hands on his chest and tried to push him away as he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her ever closer to him. “Stop!” “Didn’t they teach you the dictates of the Cadres? As stated by law, in the absence of your Cadre you have to do what I tell you. And I’m telling you that I will have you. I am invoking Cadre privilege. You do not have the right to tell me no.” “No, Mikhail already said he wouldn’t share me,” she cried out. “Ah, but Mikhail is not here. As a Cadre, I speak in his stead when he is not here, and I say you will give yourself to me.” He grabbed one of the straps on her dress and started pulling it down as Katia fought to be free. Katia pushed him away with all of her might when she felt his lips touch her mating mark. She didn’t care that she was denying a Cadre, she just cared that someone besides Mikhail was touching her. “Get you filthy hands off me!” she yelled as she brought her knee up into his groin as hard as she could and pushed him away. As he started to crumble to the ground she ran past him. She had to find Mikhail. **** “Mikhail, could I speak with you for a moment?” Katia asked as she hurried up to him and interrupted his conversation. Mikhail was Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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talking with a group of men when she came up and made her urgent request. “Katia, I’m really busy right now. Can it wait a minute?” he asked, not even turning his head to look at her. He wanted to help her, but he also needed to finish his conversation with Alrik concerning rumors about a band of rebel werewolves. They could be very dangerous to all of the Kindred, especially to Katia. “I need your help, Mikhail,” she asked again, tugging on his arm. “Katia, is there any reason you can’t handle it yourself?” He wanted to be reasonable. If Katia really needed his help, he’d be there for her. If she could handle it on her own, he needed to continue his conversation. “No, but it would be better if you…” “Katia, you are Dame, if you have an issue, deal with it. I really need to talk with these men.” “Fine!” Katia huffed. She spun around and walked off. Mikhail watched Katia out of the corner of his eye as she walked off in a huff. Damn, she sure was cute when she was pissed. He turned his attention back to the two other Cadres he was talking with until a commotion across the room caught his attention. He knew immediately that it was Katia. He started in that direction only to be brought up short by the crush of people surrounding her and the Cadre of the Fedorov Clan. His breath caught in his throat at what he saw when he pushed his way through the crowd. Katia straddled the Cadre of the Fedorov Clan. She had her hand clenched in his hair and she was slamming his head against the hard marble floor as she yelled at him. It took Mikhail a minute to figure out what was being said, but when he did, he saw red. “Do you know who I am?” the Cadre asked. “I don’t give a fuck who the hell you are. I did not give you permission to put your hands on me,” Katia yelled at him as she slammed his head into the floor again. Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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“You wanted me, you know you did. I saw it when you smiled at me.” “I smiled at everyone. Hell, I’ve smiled so much today my teeth ache. That does not give you permission to touch me. Ever!” The Cadre started to struggle with Katia. When he couldn’t budge her off of his chest, he started to transform, much to the horror of those surrounding them. It was the height of bad manners to transform at a gathering of Cadres unless challenging someone at an official challenge. Katia quickly moved her body until her hand was pressed over the young Cadre’s throat, choking off his airway. She pushed down with just enough pressure to cause him to have a shortness of breath, but not enough to kill him. Her knee pressed into his already bruised groin area. “Transform and lose the family jewels,” she threatened as she pushed down harder on his groin with her knee. He quickly stopped his transformation, turning back to being fully human looking. He glared up at Katia with hatred in his eyes, knowing that she had all the power at that moment. “You never have the right to put your hands on someone unless they give you permission. I did not give you permission.” “Katia!” Mikhail barked loudly as he stepped forward. “Stop! Do you know who he is?” “He touched me, put his hands on me. He does not have the right to touch me without my permission,” she yelled back at Mikhail. “You don’t know what you’re doing, Katia.” “Are you saying I should have just let him touch me, feel me up? What kind of crap is that?” “You should have brought the problem to me.” “I did, Mikhail. You told me to handle it, remember? Well, I’m handling it—my way.”

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“If you had been a little more descriptive concerning the nature of the problem, I could have taken care of it. No one has the right to touch what belongs to another Cadre without his permission.” “It doesn’t matter if I belong to you are not, he still doesn’t have the right to touch me without my permission.” Dead silence met her statement, surprising Katia. “Am I wrong, Mikhail? Do you do things differently here?” Garret stepped forward trying to help his Dame. “Dame Katia, it is a law of the Kindred that no man may touch another Cadre’s possessions without permission of that Cadre.” Mikhail closed his eyes in annoyance. Oh hell, that was going to set Katia off. “Possession? I’m considered a possession? Are you telling me that I do not have the right to say no to any man here, as long as my Cadre says it’s okay? And it’s the law?” she was nearly yelling by the time she was done speaking. “Uh, well—" Garret started only to be interrupted by Mikhail. “Stop while you're ahead, Garret. You’re only digging us a bigger hole,” Mikhail warned him. **** Katia had never been so pissed. She was considered a possession? Just wanting this whole episode to be over with so she could go hide and lick her proverbial wounds in private, she looked down at the man beneath her. “Do you yield?” she asked, wanting to get up and just leave the room and hide away from all the prying eyes. When he didn’t immediately answer her she placed a little more pressure on his throat and groin. “Do you yield?” she asked again until he finally nodded his head yes. “Say it out loud. I want everyone here to hear you!” she

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demanded as she lessened the pressure on his throat just enough for him to speak. “I yield,” he growled roughly. The crowd gasped in shock. The Cadre of the Fedorov Clan had just yielded to Katia. She figured they were stunned he had yielded to a woman, a possession. She had no idea of the can of worms she had just opened up. She started to lift up from the Cadre when Mikhail yelled at her again. In the split second that she lifted her gaze to him in surprise at his tone, the man beneath her attacked. He pulled a small knife out of the hidden sheath in his pants and struck Katia in the side. She barely grunted at the attack before reaching down with her fist and punching him in the throat, crushing his throat. For good measure, she shoved the heel of her hand into his face, pushing his nose into his head, killing him instantly. There was dead silence in the room as Katia climbed off the dead man until Mikhail leaped forward to drop down beside him, checking for signs of life. There weren’t any. The man was clearly dead. Mikhail raised shocked eyes to Katia’s heaving body. “My God, Katia, do you know what you’ve done?” Katia shook her head, afraid to know if the man was dead or not. She hadn’t meant to harm him quite so much, just enough to get away from her. “You killed him, Katia.” “I was defending myself,” she whispered as she pulled the small knife from her side and dropped the bloody thing on top of the man’s dead chest, right in front of Mikhail shocked face. “He tried to kill me.” Mikhail’s hand trembled when he picked up the bloody knife. It had the symbol of the Fedorov Clan carved into the hilt. “It’s made of silver,” he stated softly. The crowd around them gasped in horror at his words.

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“So?” Katia asked confused why that was so shocking to everyone. A knife was a knife no matter what it was made of. It still killed. She was going to be sick. “Katia, silver can kill Kindred,” Mikhail replied, horrified at the thought that anyone, let alone a Cadre, had brought a weapon made of silver into his house. “It hurts like hell, too.” Katia held her side, blood seeping through her fingers. “Katia, you don’t understand what you’ve done.” Katia knew exactly what she had done. She had killed someone. True, she had been defending herself. He had attacked her first. But still, she had killed another human being, Kindred, something. “I defended myself, Mikhail. He tried to kill me. I’m sorry he’s dead, but I’m not just going to sit there while someone tries to kill me, no matter who he is. If that goes against your clan rules, then too damn bad.” Katia was incensed. She couldn’t believe Mikhail was treating her the way he was. He didn’t seem concerned at all that someone tried to kill her, just that she had killed someone else. She turned to walk away only to be stopped by Mikhail’s hand on her arm. “Katia, we aren’t done here.” “I am. I’m going to my room to get some rest. You can deal with this crap. And then you can go sleep in the study.” Katia grabbed onto the arm Garret held out to her and walked out of the room and up the stairs. Each step she took made it harder to breathe. When she had nearly reached the top her steps started to falter. “Just a little farther, Dame Katia. They’re still watching,” Garret whispered for her ears only. Katia took a deep breath and stiffened her back, standing straight, and continued walking down the hall. As soon as they were out of sight of the crowd, he picked her up in his arms and nearly ran to the bedroom, shutting and locking the

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door behind him. He carefully laid Katia down on the bed and pulled her shirt up to access the damage. “You did good, Dame Katia.” Katia grunted. “I killed a man, Garret. That’s not doing good.” “True,” Garret said as he pressed a clean cloth to Katia’s injury. “But you did what you had to do. Cadre Fedorov would have killed you and felt no remorse whatsoever. You on the other hand, are sickened by the idea. It shows the type person you that you care.” Katia sniffled. “I still killed someone.”

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Chapter 12 Katia slowly opened her eyes, squinting at the light coming through the bedroom windows. She started to stretch only to be quickly reminded of the wound in her side as pain flared through her. Strong hands covered her bandaged wound, a deep voice crooning in her ear. “Stay still, baby. Just breathe through it.” Katia took several slow deep breaths before turning her head to look at Mikhail. He lay in the bed next to her. Careful perusal of his body showed that he was just as naked as she was. “I thought I told you to sleep in the study,” she growled, not really angry at him anymore, but wanting to get her point across. “You didn’t mean it. Besides, I’m not sleeping and neither are you,” he replied with a small smirk as he leaned up to rest on his elbow. “How are you feeling, baby? Is the pain manageable? Do you want something for it?” Katia shook her head. “I’ll live. But going to the bathroom would be a good thing. Can you help me up?” Mikhail rolled to the side of the bed, then carefully lifted Katia up and carried her to the bathroom, setting her on her feet. He crossed his arms over his chest and stood there. Katia waited for him to leave. After a few moments she rolled her eyes. “I think I can handle this part by myself, Mikhail.” He simply raised an eyebrow at her then turned and left the bathroom, shutting the door behind him. A few seconds later, she heard a soft thud telling her that he was probably sitting right outside the bathroom door.

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While it was sweet, this protective thing was getting a little weird. She was perfectly capable of going to the bathroom by herself. Even if she did have a stab wound in her side. After using the facilities she looked down at the white bandage covering her side. It was basically a large Band-Aid. Grabbing the side of it she gently pulled it away. What she saw surprised her. The skin was slightly puckered, but pink, and closed as if days old. Katia briefly wondered just how long she had been unconscious. The wound in her side looked as if had been healing for quite some time. She decided to ask Mikhail about it. Opening the bedroom door she walked out, surprised to find the room empty. She looked around confused. She was sure she heard Mikhail in the room, but he seemed to be no where around. She walked to the bedroom door to ask Garret where Mikhail was when the door suddenly started to open very slowly. Something, some instinct deep down inside, told her that this was not Mikhail. Katia quickly stepped behind the door to hide as it opened. Looking quickly around, her she spotted a lamp on the side table. Grabbing it, she held it over her head and waited for the intruder to come in. As the figure stepped into the room, she brought it down on his head with all of her strength. The lamp flew into pieces as it hit the man, dropping him down to one knee. Time stood still briefly then he started to stand back up on slightly wobbly legs. Katia grabbed another lamp and threw it at him. This one hit him in the side of the face, cutting a deep slash in his face. He turned his head and glared ad her, a low growl coming from him as he began to transform. She briefly recognized him as Cadre Balfor before he changed. Oh hell, Katia thought, another damn rat! She started to run to the bathroom. But suddenly he was standing in front her. She screeched to a stop with a small squeak before turning to run the other way.

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Before she could reach the bedroom door, he stood in front of it. He almost moved faster than she could see. There was no way she could run from him. She had to stand and fight him. She had no other choice. But that didn’t mean she had to fight fair. Katia turned to run from him, hearing the deep guttural laugh that came from his throat, “I like this game.” Katia started grabbing anything she could reach and throwing it at him. Vases, lamps, bowls of flowers, books, anything she could reach, she threw at him. None of it slowed him down a bit. As she reached for another vase he lunged, pushing her body to the floor and straddling her. Katia cringed as she felt his hot breath on her neck as he leaned down and ran his tongue over her skin. Katia quickly remembered that she was naked as his hands came up to cup her bare breasts. “Ah, Mikhail has been keeping things from us.” He leered down at Katia, his gaze filled with lust. “I’m going to enjoy bringing him down,” he growled then he licked her again. She turned her head away from him. Seeing the large crystal vase on the floor next to her, she picked it up and brought it down on his head, the sharp shards of broken glass covering her skin with small cuts. He stared at her in shock before his eyes rolled back in his head and he slumped over on top of her. Katia pushed him onto the floor next to her. She quickly crawled away from him, watching him for any sign of movement as she went. She leaned back against the side of the bed, taking several deep breaths as she tried to regain control, never taking her eyes off of Cadre Balfor. She couldn’t believe he had come into her bedroom and attacked her. And where in the hell was Mikhail? And Garret? Weren’t they supposed to be protecting her, keeping her safe? How could anyone have gotten into her private quarters without anyone seeing him?

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Katia climbed to her feet to go and find Mikhail when she saw Cadre Balfor start to twitch. She scrambled to her feet and the closest thing she could find to hit him with. Just as she brought the chair down on him, he turned, an arm sweeping out to catch her by the leg. Katia fell backwards and hit the floor with a loud thud, the air leaving her lungs in a sudden swoosh. Claws dug into her legs as Cadre Balfor dragged her to him, the blood on her legs making them slippery. She began kicking him, screaming as she tried to crawl away. She knew her foot connected with his head at least once as he grunted. He glared over at her and then lunged, jumping on her and pushing her to the floor again. Long claws raked across her body as he tried to pin her body down. Katia’s hands reached up to claw at his face, leaving deep gouges in his cheeks. Cadre Balfor’s hands encircled her throat and began squeezing. Katia struggled for breath, her hand reaching out to grab anything she could get her hands on to stop him. She felt her hand touch something hard. Grabbing it, she brought it up and began stabbing at Cadre Balfor until the hands around her throat began to loosen. When he slumped down beside her, his body still, she scrambled out from under him. Her naked body was covered in blood, both hers and his. Not taking any chances, Katia grabbed the sheet off the bed and wrapped around her body, then ran from the room. Running into the hallway she came to a sudden halt. The hallway was littered with bodies, both in human form and werewolf. “Mikhail,” she screamed as she began running her way through the fallen bodies. She had just reached the top of the stairs when she spotted Mikhail and Garret running up them toward her. As soon as Mikhail reached her she threw herself into his arms.

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**** Mikhail was shocked at the way Katia looked. She was clearly naked under the sheet she had wrapped around her body. What frightened him the most was all the blood she that covered her body. “Oh my God, Kat, what happened? Are you okay?” he cried out at the sight of the blood. He began quickly running his hands over her, checking from injuries. She had a few small cuts and abrasions on her face, some deeper claw marks on her side and legs, and a lot of bruises. “Kat, baby, what happened? Who did this?” He asked desperately. Katia kept her face buried in Mikhail’s chest but waved a hand toward the bedroom. Garret ran ahead as Mikhail picked Katia up in his arms a followed behind. When Mikhail reached the bedroom Garret was bent over a bloody body on the floor. Sebastian and Andrei pushed past Mikhail to kneel by the body. Sebastian rolled it over, gulping when he saw who it was. He looked anxious as he glanced up at Mikhail. “It’s Cadre Balfor, Mikhail. He’s dead.” Mikhail felt Katia tremble in his arms at Sebastian’s words. Realizing that Katia had been fighting for her life while he had been fighting in the hallway, Mikhail pulled her tighter against him. He could have so easily lost her. Mikhail nodded for Sebastian and Garret to get the body out of the room as he took Katia into the bathroom and started the shower. Once the water was warm he dropped the sheet on the floor and carried her into the shower. Letting her feet down, he picked up a wash cloth and began gently washing the blood from her body. Katia stood there not saying anything as Mikhail washed the blood and grime from her body. He was frightened by her silence. Suddenly, Katia grabbed his shirt and started pulling it from his body. “Mikhail,” she begged, “make love to me.”

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“Katia—” Mikhail grunted when Katia shoved him up against the shower wall and she ripped his shirt open. He grabbed her hands when she went for his pants, struggling with her until his pants dropped around his ankles. “Katia,” he began again, “baby, oh fuck, Kat,” he groaned when she fell to her knees and wrapped her lips around his hard cock. He felt his legs shake when her small hand cupped his sack, gently massaging him. Her tongue ran the length of his eager cock before sucking him into her mouth. “Kat, baby, please,” he pleaded as he reluctantly pulled her to her feet. “Baby, you’re hurt. We can’t—” “Yes, we can, Mikhail. Please, I need you. Now!” she demanded. Mikhail looked down at her, seeing the desperation in her eyes. He picked her up in his arms and pushed her against the same wall she had pushed him against. “Wrap your legs around me, baby,” Mikhail directed as he began kissing up the side of her neck. His hands gripped her butt cheeks, lifting her onto his raging cock, impaling her. His lips reached her mouth, his tongue exploring, searching, as he began to thrust rapidly into the tight sheath that was Katia. Katia arched her head back as Mikhail worked his way down from her mouth to her neck. Mikhail could smell the excitement in her. She knew what was coming, anticipated it, needed it. But she still cried out when Mikhail sank his teeth into her neck. Mikhail growled as Katia came apart in his arms. Her hands dug into his shoulders, her taut nipples rubbed against his chest. She was ambrosia itself. Everything he ever hungered for and never knew he needed. He thrust into Katia again as his cock pulsed inside of her, licking the bite closed. He roared as he gave one final thrust and spilled his seed deep within Katia’s welcoming body. Mikhail rested his head against Katia’s as his chest heaved, his breath coming out in sharp pants. Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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“Love you,” he whispered softly against her head. Katia caressed the side of his face as she pulled back to look up at him. Her smile was the sweetest Mikhail had ever seen as she whispered back to him. “Love you, Misha.” Mikhail’s heart filled with joy as her love shone through clear in her eyes. Mikhail turned his head swiftly when he heard a knock at the bathroom door. He set Katia down and pushed her behind him, not calming until he heard Sebastian’s voice coming through the door. “Mikhail, is everything all right in there?” he asked. “Yes, Sebastian, we’re fine. We’ll be out in a few moments.” He looked down regretfully at Katia. “You ready to go, baby?” **** Katia nodded sadly as reality came back to her. She gratefully grabbed the towel Mikhail handed her and dried off, her mind still numb as she tried to start sorting out her chaotic thoughts. Grabbing her robe from the back of the bathroom door, she put it on before turning toward Mikhail. He brought a hand up and gently caressed her face. “It’s going to be okay, baby. Come on,” he said as he grabbed her hand, “Let’s go get you some hot tea. It will make you feel better.” Katia followed Mikhail back into the bedroom, her eyes immediately going to the spot where Cadre Balfor had been lying. His body was gone, as was any sign that there had been a disturbance in the room. “Cadre, I have tea here for Dame Katia,” Garret said as the walked in. He handed Mikhail a pair of clean, dry pants, which Mikhail quickly put on. Mikhail grabbed a button down shirt and pulled it on, leaving it unbuttoned. He walked to the sideboard and went to reach for his crystal decanter of scotch only to find that it was gone. He looked around the room for it, his eyes coming to rest on Katia’s reddened face. Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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She shrugged her shoulders as she winced. “Sorry,” she murmured sheepishly. Mikhail just shook his head as he turned to Garret. “Garret, would you go down to my office and get my scotch. I think this is going to need something stronger than Katia’s tea.” Garret nodded and hurried out of the room, coming back moments later with the crystal decanter from Mikhail’s office. He poured a small glass for Mikhail and handed it to him before pouring one for Sebastian, Andrei, and himself. Handing the glass to Sebastian, he went to sit on the arm of the chair Andrei was sitting in, his arm resting across the back. Andrei smiled at him and rested his arm on Garret’s leg, softly caressing him as he looked over to where Mikhail sat with Katia on his lap. “Katia, can you tell us what happened?” Mikhail asked. Katia buried her face in Mikhail’s neck. She didn’t really want to go over this. She had just killed a man—again. It didn’t matter much to her that both of them had been attacking her or that she was just defending herself. She had actually taken someone’s life. “Where were you, Mikhail? I came out of the bathroom and you were gone. And then—and then he came in. It was horrible, Mikhail,” she cried. “I’m sorry, baby,” Mikhail whispered to her as he cradled her in his arms. “I was waiting for you to come out of the bathroom when Sebastian sounded the alarm. I thought you would be safe in here. I had no idea Balfor would come in here. I didn’t even know he knew where our quarters were. He got lucky.” “He knew,” she protested, “he was here on purpose. He said you were hiding things from him, and he wanted to bring you down.” Everyone was silent for several moments as they digested what Katia told them. “He kept touching me, Mikhail. I am tired of people touching me. Is it something about you Kindred that you think you can touch whoever you want and get away with it? First you, then that man Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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downstairs, now this one? What is it with you people?” Katia argued as she jumped up off of his lap, planting her hands on her hips. **** Mikhail could see that she was beginning to get upset. Katia yelling at him was a lot better than Katia in tears, as far as he was concerned. “You didn’t seem to have a problem with me touching you in the shower. In fact, if I remember correctly, you demanded it.” Katia glared at him. “Oh! You know what I mean, Mikhail Nikolaevich!” she yelled. Mikhail hid his smirk behind his hand, rubbing it over his chin. Katia was always beautiful, but she was breathtaking when she was riled. It also meant his heart didn’t ache. If she cried, he would feel the need to go out and kill something and that just wouldn’t do right now. “Katia,” Mikhail began, only to be interrupted by a knock at the door. His eyes instantly went to the door even as his hands clenched together into fists. He could feel the hair at the nape of his neck stand up in apprehension. He jumped to his feet. “Katia, get behind Garret,” Mikhail ordered, never taking his eyes off of the door Once she was safe, Garret standing in front of her, Mikhail nodded to Sebastian to open the door. The door opened and Mikhail let out the breath he had been holding. It was only Alrik and Yuri. Mikhail motioned for them to walk in, Sebastian shutting the door behind them. “Alrik, Yuri? What can I do for you?” “You got any more of that?” Yuri asked indicating the glass of alcohol in Mikhail’s hand. Mikhail smiled, his first real smile since this had all started. “Sebastian, get Yuri and Alrik a drink.” “Mikhail, man, all hell has broken out,” Alrik began as soon as he had a drink in his hand. “The Cadres are all downstairs demanding to Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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know what happened. The council is in an uproar over your bondmate killing a Cadre.” “Two…uh…Cadres actually,” Mikhail said. “What?” Yuri asked, his eyebrows shooting up in surprise. “Two?” Alrik whispered in astonishment. “Cadre Balfor broke in here and tried to kill Katia during the attack. She defended herself again and killed him.” “She killed Cadre Balfor?” Alrik asked, his astonished face looking past Mikhail’s shoulder to Katia. Mikhail turned just in time to see Katia roll her eyes, her lips pushing together firmly. Yep, his bondmate was still pissed. Mikhail was thrilled. He was also cautious. He knew he had to walk carefully around Katia when she was upset. “Cadre Balfor attacked Katia here in our own quarters. That is an instant death sentence as you well know, Alrik. Just because Katia sped up that process…” Alrik whistled softly. “Mikhail, you sure know how to pick them. You do realize that your bondmate is now Cadre to both the Federov and Balfor clans, right?” “I am aware of that,” Mikhail replied, grimacing. “What?” Katia exclaimed, walking forward to stand next to Mikhail. She stared at Alrik and Yuri in shock. “Are you saying I’m the Cadre of two clans? Are you nuts?” “Dame Katia,” Garret admonished quickly. “Oh please,” Katia spouted as she turned to glare at him. “After everything that’s happened in the last few hours do you really think I’m afraid of offending someone? This is crazy.” She waved her hands in the air, around the room. “You’re all out of your minds.” Mikhail reached out and grabbed one of Katia’s hands, pulling her into the circle of his arms. He rested his head on the top of hers and rubbed his hands down her back trying to calm her.

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“I know this is all very confusing, baby, but we’ll get through it.” Mikhail grasped Katia’s chin in his hand and tilted her face up to his. “Remember, for better or for worse?” “Yeah, but does it all have to be for worse?” Katia griped. “It just seems to me all we’ve had is conflict since the moment you first kissed me. Is your life always like this? I don’t remember it that way.” Mikhail shook his head. “No, it’s not always this chaotic. It just seems to be that last few weeks. I can only hope that things settle down soon. I’d really like some quality time to spend with just my bondmate.” Katia grinned as she pressed her body against Mikhail’s. “That sounds nice.” Mikhail grinned back. He leaned in to kiss Katia, forgetting those standing around them until someone cleared their throat. Mikhail looked up, glaring at Sebastian. Sebastian chuckled. He held up his hands submissively. “I hate to take you away from this touching moment with your bondmate, Mikhail, but we do have a situation to deal with here.” Mikhail nodded his head regretfully. He knew Sebastian was correct in what he said. They did have a situation to deal with, a big one. One that Mikhail didn’t have a clue how to get Katia out of. According to clan law, when a Cadre was killed, the winner, or the one who killed him, became the new Cadre. Usually, that occurred in a challenge. However, Katia had not challenged either Cadre Balfor or Cadre Federov. They had essentially challenged her. As the winner, Katia was now the official Cadre of both clans. Normally, this would be a time of great celebration, however, Katia was not only human, she was female. In recorded history, no female had ever been a Cadre. Just thinking about it, Mikhail began to chuckle. He always knew that his little bondmate was something special. He just had no idea how special.

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“What’s so funny, fur face?” Katia fumed. “I don’t see anything about this situation that is humorous.” “Only you could become the Cadre of two clans within days of being bonded, Katia,” Mikhail replied, dodging the hand that Katia swiped in his direction. He took a few steps back, far enough away to be out of Katia’s reach. “And what exactly is that supposed to mean?” Katia asked. Mikhail’s lips twitched when Katia’s hands landed on her hips and she glared at him. “Nothing, love, I swear. I was just remarking that only you, a female and a human, could become the Cadre of two clans so fast. You’ve done something that no other female has done in our history.” Katia rolled her eyes. “Oh yeah, I’m so special. That must be why everyone keeps putting their hands on me because it certainly isn’t something I asked for!” Katia was shouting by the time she was done. “Now, Kat, honey—” Mikhail began. Katia’s hands clenched against her hips. Her baby blue eyes narrowed down to small slits. Her nostrils flared. Mikhail knew he was in trouble. “Kat? Honey?” Mikhail felt his cock harden at the small growl in Katia’s voice. While he didn’t truly like making Katia angry, he did like getting her flustered. It turned him on faster than almost anything. Her blue eyes practically flared at him. And it was a whole lot better than the gut wrenching feeling he got when she was sad. “I just—” “You just what?” Katia demanded as she advanced on Mikhail. “Kat—” Mikhail began, wanting to placate his bondmate, but enjoying the show. He could hear the men around him chuckling at his situation and knew that they were enjoying the show as well. “Dame Katia,” Garret began, saving Mikhail from having his head handed to him, “I’m sure Cadre Mikhail only meant to say this is an

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unusual situation, one we’ve never encountered before, and it will take us a little while to figure it out.” “What’s to figure out?” Katia asked as she turned toward Garret. “You’ve all lost your minds. End of story.” “Unfortunately, that’s not the end of the story, Katia.” **** Katia turned to look at Mikhail, the hairs on the back of her neck standing up at the low alarming sound in Mikhail’s words. “What do you mean?” “By Kindred law, if a Cadre attacks another Cadre and kills him, either in a challenge or a fight, the winner, whoever that may be, becomes the Cadre of both clans. By defeating and killing Cadre Fedorov and Cadre Balfor, you became the Cadre of their clans.” Katia tilted her head to one side in confusion. “You already said that.” Mikhail nodded, his face going serious. “There’s never been a female Cadre, Katia.” “You said that, too,” Katia said, feeling more and more confused by the minute. “What aren’t you telling me?” “Katia, you are a female and you are human,” Andrei added. “And?” “Baby, you don’t understand. This has never happened before, ever,” Mikhail said. “You’ve already said that,” Katia huffed, ready to jump and down like a two year old. “I understand that I am the Cadre of both of these clans. I get that. I even get it that I am female and that I am human and that something like this has never happened before. What I don’t understand is why this seems to be such a problem for you all.” Six sets of eyes stared at Katia, six jaws dropped open in surprise. Katia started to fidget under their intense stares. “What?”

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“Katia,” Mikhail began, “if you become the Cadre of any clan, not only can anyone challenge you for that position, and possibly kill you, but you will be opening a can of worms unlike any clan has ever seen.” Katia shrugged. “So, you take over as Cadre of the clans.” Sounded simple enough to Katia. She didn’t see why everyone was getting so upset. It wasn’t like she wanted to be Cadre of any clans. “You…Katia, you don’t just give up control of a clan. No one in the clan would respect the new Cadre if the position was just given away. It has to be earned in a challenge,” Mikhail said. “So, challenge me.”

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Chapter 13 Mikhail stared at Katia, his mind floundering as he tried to grasp her words and put meaning to them. What she was saying was technically possible. Mikhail knew he could lead the two other clans as well as his own. However, challenging Katia for the position was something all together different. That meant that they would have to fight, and Mikhail knew he could never harm Katia. It would be easier to cut off his own arm. “Katia, you don’t know what you’re saying,” Mikhail insisted. “Sure I do. You’re already a Cadre. I know you would never kill me. Challenge me, and you can be the Cadre for these two clans. Then everyone will be happy.” “Katia, if I challenge you, I have to fight you.” Katia snickered. “Afraid I might beat you?” Mikhail’s eyebrows shot up. He could hear the muffled chuckles of those around him. He could even hear the laughter in Katia’s voice. He had just been challenged by his bondmate for control of two clans. Suddenly, the absurdity of the situation hit him. Mikhail started to chuckle. It soon turned into an outright laugh. Katia was absolutely correct. He just had to accept Katia’s challenge and he would be in control of the clans, ending the situation they were in. Sure, it made perfect sense. Not! “To use one of your phrases, my love, have you lost your ever loving mind?” Mikhail asked. He was positive that she had. He couldn’t fight Katia. He couldn’t do anything that might harm her.

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“No, not at all,” Katia replied. “You know you’ll win if you challenge me. You pretty much just have to pin me to the floor. So, accept my challenge, win the clans, and let’s get this all over with.” “She does have a point, Mikhail,” Sebastian said. Mikhail turned on him, glaring. He just couldn’t understand why he was the only one that saw the danger of the situation. “No, she doesn’t. What do you think will happen if I challenge her? She could be hurt or killed. We’re not talking about a love tussle here, Sebastian. We’re talking about me fighting my bondmate.” “No, we’re talking about me lying down on the floor and letting you pin me,” Katia said. Mikhail turned to look at Katia in confusion. “What?” “Do I look stupid to you, Mikhail?” Katia asked. “Do you think I would actually fight you? I might tussle with you in the bedroom, but out of it, no way. You could beat me to a pulp without breaking a sweat.” “So, what are you proposing, then?” “Isn’t there some way I can just turn the clans over to you? What if I’m incapable of leading them or something?” Katia asked. Mikhail shook his head. “No, it has to be an actual challenge.” “So, then, like I said, challenge me right downstairs in front of everyone. We can spar just a little, and then I’ll let you win. End of story.” “I have a question,” Andrei said, surprising Mikhail since he hadn’t said anything nearly the entire time. “Yes?” Mikhail asked. “Why can’t you have a draw? Both of you lead all the clans? Be the first Cadre and Dame to have equal power inside of their clans?” Andrei said as he began to walk around the room as if he were forming a plan. “You could challenge each other for position, both of you yield at the same time, and wham, you’d both be clan leaders.”

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“One problem with that, Andrei, Katia could still be challenged for her position,” Mikhail said. The plan had merit, but he wouldn’t do anything that endangered Katia. “Not if you put Sebastian in charge of one clan and Andrei in charge of the other. We can’t be in three places as once. I assume these clans need fulltime leaders?” Katia asked. Mikhail nodded. He felt like a light bulb had gone off over his head as he suddenly understood where Katia was going with her idea. It would be a way for both of his brothers to have their own clans to boot. He turned to look at his brothers. Mikhail could tell from the way his brothers started shaking their heads that the grin on his face gave away his intentions. “I think that’s a great idea, Katia.” “Oh no, you’re not putting me in charge of anything,” Sebastian said as he backed away from Mikhail. “Sebastian,” Mikhail began, “you can’t tell me that you’re happy being my lieutenant. Just because I’m the oldest doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t have a clan of your own. This way, you can have your clan, and we can do it without a challenge.” Mikhail turned to look at Andrei. “And you, you’ve just bonded with Garret. Shouldn’t the two of you have a chance at something better? You have a whole life to build together. Wouldn’t you like to build it somewhere that you can be your own boss?” Andrei didn’t say anything. He just silently watched Mikhail, which surprised him. Andrei was usually the more outspoken between him and Sebastian. Sebastian was the quiet one, the thinking one. “Do I have a say in any of this?” Garret asked. All eyes turned to him. “Yes, of course, Garret. You’re family now. Say what you have to say,” Mikhail said. “Well, it seems to me that the issue here is keeping Dame Katia from being challenged for her position as Cadre of both the Balfor and Fedorov clans, correct?” Garret asked. Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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Mikhail nodded. “Yes, that’s true.” “Do you personally have a problem with Katia being the Cadre to these clans?” “No. Katia has always struck me as being reasonably intelligent. I have no doubt that if she were to lead these clans that she would do so with success,” Mikhail replied. “Reasonably intelligent?” Katia asked as she stepped forward and pressed herself against Mikhail’s side. She gave him a feigned glare. “Thanks for the compliment, fur ball.” Mikhail chuckled. “You’re more than welcome, my love.” He grabbed her arm and wrapped it around his, patting Katia’s hand. He looked back at Garret. “You were saying?” “If you were to challenge Katia for her position and both of you yield at the same time, thus both of you becoming Cadres of all of the clans, wouldn’t you both have to be challenged in order for anyone to assume your positions?” Mikhail had never thought of that, but Garret was absolutely correct. If he and Katia ruled all three clans together, then whoever wanted to challenge them for their positions would have to challenge both of them. Mikhail smiled. “I didn’t know why I didn’t think of that before, but you are absolutely correct, Garret. I’d still want you all to take over those clans even if it’s only as our representatives, but it just might work.” “Mikhail—” Sebastian began. “Just until things get settled with the clans, Sebastian,” Mikhail said quickly to appease his brother. “I need someone there that I can trust.” Mikhail hid his smirk by bowing his head. Sebastian looked like he was about to throw a two year old temper tantrum, but it was all for show. Even if he didn’t like it, Mikhail knew that Sebastian would do whatever was asked of him.

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“Fine, whatever,” Sebastian huffed, crossing his arms over his chest and moving off to lean against the wall. Mikhail looked at Andrei. “And you? How do you feel about all of this?” Andrei shrugged. “I don’t much care, really. As long as Garret gets to go with me, I’ll do whatever you need me to do, even if that means taking over one of your clans until you can find someone better for the job.” Mikhail nodded. “Yeah, he can go with you. I don’t know how long it will take to get things in order, and being away from your bondmate for any length of time would do more harm than good.” “Why?” Katia asked. Mikhail glanced down at Katia. “Why what?” “Why would it be bad for them to be separated for a long period of time?” “Bonded mates have a hard time being away from each other for long periods of time,” Garret supplied. “They need contact with their bondmates. It’s almost like a drug addiction. If they’re separated for long periods, they can go nuts.” “Really?” Katia looked skeptical. Garret nodded. Andrei nodded. Mikhail nodded. Sebastian, Alrik, and Yuri just looked confused. Mikhail knew that they didn’t understand it. He shook his head. “You won’t understand it until you actually experienced the separation from a bondmate, so don’t even try.” “Okay, so, now that we know what we’re going to do, how are we going to do it?” Katia asked. “Are you just going to challenge me, or should I lie down on the floor right now?” Mikhail shook his head. “No, there must be witnesses to the challenge.” Katia looked around the room as if to say Duh! Mikhail chuckled. “No, baby, we need to have real witnesses, not family. It would be best if I challenged you in front of the entire conclave downstairs.” Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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“Downstairs? In front of all of those people?” Katia asked. Mikhail nodded. “In front of the Council of Elders would be even better.” “Oh, now I know you are nuts!” **** Katia’s hands felt clammy as she followed Mikhail downstairs to the grand ballroom. She really hoped that the plan they all worked out would work, but with each step she took, doubts began to fill her. What if no one believed the show they were about to put on? And it would be a show. There was no way she could beat Mikhail in a fight, fair or not. He was bigger, stronger, and a werewolf to boot. Katia knew she might get in a couple of lucky blows. She had to make it look good, or so Garret had assured her. Once she was on the floor, Mikhail would try to pin her and she would try to pin him. The point was for them to wrestle around and then yield to each other. At least, that was the idea. Katia didn’t know if it would work. She could hope, though. Just before they reached the main doors to the ballroom, Katia grabbed Mikhail’s hand and pulled him to a stop. “Mikhail?” “Yeah, honey?” Mikhail asked, turning around to look down at her. Katia stepped up to him, her hand reaching up to caress the side of his face. “You know I love you, right?” Mikhail cocked his head to one side. “Of course I know that.” “I just wanted you to know.” Katia’s breath caught in her throat at the delighted smile that crossed Mikhail’s lips. It was as bright as the sunshine and just as beautiful. It made her feel like no matter what, everything would be okay. Mikhail would make sure of it. “I love you, too, Kat.”

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“Just…” Katia said, “just remember that when we go inside there. I just have a feeling things aren’t going to turn out the way we’re hoping.” “What do you mean?” Katia shook her head. She couldn’t put her finger on it exactly, but her gift was screaming at her things were going to go bad real fast. After everything she had been through Katia wasn’t quite sure she still trusted her gift but the feeling was so strong that she couldn’t ignore it. “Please, just remember what I said and be careful. Something is wrong. I can feel it.” Mikhail stared at Katia so long she thought he might think she had lost her mind, but then he nodded his head. Katia let out a long breath. Mikhail believed her even if she didn’t believe herself. “Okay, Kat, I’ll be careful.” He looked past her to the five men following them. “You heard Katia. I want everyone to keep the eyes and ears open. Look for anything out of the normal at a Clan Convocation.” Katia raised an eyebrow. As far as she was concerned, everything about this whole situation was out of the norm. Things hadn’t really made sense since Mikhail had claimed her. Well, except for the claiming part. That made perfect sense to Katia. It meant Mikhail was hers. “Come on, then, let’s get this over with,” Mikhail said. He wrapped Katia’s hand around his arm and waited for Sebastian to open the large double doors that led to the ballroom. Katia felt a little squeeze on her hand and then they were walking in. The noise level in the room instantly went nearly silent the moment they were spotted. Katia could hear the whispers as people spoke amongst themselves. Katia plastered a smile on her face, hoping that no one figured out how nervous she felt. The whispers grew louder until they nearly roared throughout the room. Katia wanted to cover her ears so she couldn’t hear anything, Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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but she knew that would be showing a weakness. In this crowd of hungry wolves, any hint of weakness could be used against them. “Cadre Nikolaevich, what is the meaning of all of this?” an older man dressed in long flowing red robes asked as he stepped forward. He glanced at Katia, giving her a small frown of disapproval. “Elder Strokonei,” Mikhail said, giving the man a respectful bow. “What seems to be the problem?” “Wha…what seems to be the problem?” Elder Strokonei shouted. “I was just informed that this…this woman has killed two Cadres. Is this true?” He pointed to Katia. Katia saw Mikhail’s lips twitched as he turned to look down at her. “Katia? Is that true? Have you killed two Cadres?” “Technically? Yes.” For their plan to work, Mikhail had to challenge Katia for her clans or vice versa. Katia wasn’t sure it really mattered which one of them challenged the other, just that a challenge was issued. “In that case, Katia, I cha—” Mikhail began. “I challenge you, Dame Nikolaevich, for control of your clans,” a voice from the crowd called out before Mikhail could finish his challenge as planned. Katia’s eyes widened as Mikhail’s teeth clenched. Oh, this was not good. Katia turned to see a tall thin man making his way through the crowd. She eyed him carefully, wondering if she could take him. He was shorter than Mikhail, but just by a couple of inches. However, he didn’t have Mikhail’s body structure, seeming smaller and somehow not as powerful. In a fair fight, Katia might have a chance. “I, Cadre Johoviavich, challenge you for control of your clans,” the man repeated once he stood in front of Katia and Mikhail. “You don’t want to do this, Johoviavich,” Mikhail warned in a low, menacing voice. “Rescind your challenge.”

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The man grinned, his white teeth glinting in the light shining down from the crystal chandeliers hanging in the ceiling. Katia didn’t like it. She didn’t like him. He seemed like an opportunist. “Oh, but I do want to do this.” He turned to look at Katia, his eyes leering at her. It gave Katia the creeps. She could see the man measuring her and finding her wanting, even if there was a hint of lust in his gaze. She was human and female. As far as he was concerned, that made her less than him, and easy prey. Katia had other ideas. She could have cared less about ruling two clans, but she wasn’t going to let some sleazy, flea bitten dog take what she had with Mikhail away from her. She had waited too long for him, and she’d fight anyone and everyone to keep him. Crossing her arms over her chest and giving the man a firm defiant stare, Katia answered his challenge. “Fine, if you think you can take me.” Katia felt like her false bravado paid off when she saw his eyes widen and his face pale just a bit. Being a woman and human, he probably hadn’t expected Katia to accept his challenge. She guessed he thought she would run screaming from the room. No such luck, buddy. “Katia!” Mikhail exclaimed. His eyes narrowed as he glared down at her. Katia could see the warning in his eyes as she glanced up at him. It almost covered the worry, but not quite. Katia reached up and patted the side of his face. “I’ll be fine, Mikhail, don’t you worry. I’ve already killed Cadre Balfor and Cadre Fedorov. And, while that was because they attacked me, I have no doubt that I can take out one more Cadre.” Mikhail’s eyes widened at Katia’s confident voice. She knew only he could see the apprehension in her eyes, feel the small tremble of her hand against his skin. Only her bondmate could feel the terror she felt deep down inside.

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Her bondmate didn’t let her down. “Of that, I have no doubt, my love. I just hate to have our festivities interrupted by such petty stuff. I would much rather be celebrating.” “I’ll be quick.” Katia smiled as she turned to look back over at Cadre Johoviavich. He wasn’t looking so sure of himself now. In fact, he looked a little nervous. Katia walked past him, knowing that showing her back to him made the man even more anxious. It made it seem like she wasn’t afraid of him, which was exactly what she wanted him to think. Katia walked to the center of the room. She took a deep breath before she turned back to face the Cadre. As she studied him, she could see little beads of sweat trickle down his temples. He was apprehensive. She could see it in his eyes. Katia looked past him to where Mikhail stood on the edge of the crowd. “Are there rules to this challenge or can I just kill him?” She saw Mikhail’s lips twitch as he tried to suppress his grin. “No silver is allowed, of course, and you can both decide between you if this is a fight to the death. It can just be a contest of wills, and whoever yields first loses.” Katia glanced back at Cadre Johoviavich. “Which would you prefer? A contest of wills, or fight to the death? Personally, if we’re going to do this, I believe it should be to the death.” Katia had no idea where her bravado came from. She just knew she couldn’t let him know how scared she really felt. Everyone had to believe she was as courageous as she pretended to be, especially the man facing her. “Well, I...” the Cadre stammered, “I wouldn’t want to deprive Cadre Nikolaevich of his bondmate. A contest of wills suits me just fine.” Oh shit! Katia nodded. “Very well, then shall we begin?” Katia watched as the Cadre pulled his suit jacket off and handed it to someone standing behind him. Next he unhooked his diamond cuff

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links, his tie, and his cummerbund. Last, he unbuttoned his white silk shirt and handed it over. Then he turned to look at Katia. She could see his canines over the top of his lips, his fingers turned to claws. He looked as if he were starting to shift into werewolf form. A sudden thought came to her. “Before we start, I do have one last question. Do we fight as human versus human or human versus werewolf? Cadre Fedorov was in human form when I killed him, but Cadre Balfor was in werewolf form, so neither bothers me. I just wondered if there were rules governing that.” There was a sudden hush in the room at Katia’s words. She looked around curiously. Her gaze come to a stop of Mikhail’s shocked face. “What?” she asked. “Katia, are you saying that Cadre Balfor was in werewolf form when he attacked you and you were still able to kill him?” Mikhail asked. Katia nodded. “I thought you knew that. You saw the body.” “Dame Katia,” Garret said quickly, stepping forward, “Kindred turn into their human form when they die. By the time we saw Cadre Balfor, his body was in human form. We just all assumed that he had attacked you in human form.” “No, I mean, when he came into the room he was in human form, but then he shifted into werewolf form and attacked me.” Katia gave Mikhail a quizzical look. “Why? Does that change things?” Mikhail took a couple of steps closer to Katia, not quite reaching her. Katia could see the concern and puzzlement in his eyes. “Katia, no human has ever killed a Cadre in werewolf form in one on one combat without using silver.” “I did hit him with a lamp and your scotch bottle,” Katia supplied. She heard a few small twitters of laughter come from the crowd. Mikhail gave her a small smile. He stepped back to stand next to Garret.

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Mikhail waved his hand as if giving his permission. “Please, continue,” he said. Katia looked back at Cadre Johoviavich. “Shall we begin?” The Cadre looked a little green. Katia was afraid he would puke right there on the spot. His hands shook, sweat poured down his temples. Suddenly, without warning, he turned and ran. He pushed his way through the crowd until he reached the outer doors and slammed through them. Katia watched in astonishment until he was out of sight then turned to look at Mikhail. “What happens now, Mikhail? Do I have to wait to fight him?” Mikhail chuckled, shaking his head. He walked over to stand in front of her, bowing at the waist. “No, Dame Katia, you no longer have to fight Cadre Johoviavich. Since he challenged you and he has left the fight, he has forfeited.” Katia was skeptical. Mikhail seemed overjoyed at Cadre Johoviavich’s departure for there not to be more. She knew the other shoe had yet to drop. “And that means what?” “You, my dear Katia,” Mikhail replied, “have just become Cadre of the Johoviavich Clan.” “Bloody hell!”

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Chapter 14 Mikhail pulled Katia closer to his side as he watched the crowd moving around them. He was waiting for someone else to challenge Katia, to try and take her out and lead the clans that now belonged to her. Instead, all of the Kindred and humans alike seem to give Katia a wide berth. Mikhail knew they really had no idea what to think of her. She didn’t behave as other humans usually did. And for that, Mikhail would be forever grateful. Mikhail had never been prouder of Katia as he had when she faced off against Cadre Johoviavich. He knew she had been scared out of her mind. He felt it. Luckily, no one but Mikhail had known it. Katia had hidden her fear behind a lot of courage. “Cadre Nikolaevich,” Elder Strokonei began as he approached him and Katia, “The Council of Elders must speak with you. It is of the utmost importance.” “Of course, Elder, what may I do for you?” Mikhail answered. The elder looked at Katia. “In private, please.” “I don’t hide things from my bondmate, Elder. Whatever you have to say to me can be said in front of Katia.” Besides, if it wasn’t, he’d just tell her about it later. The elder look at them both intently for a few moments, then slowly nodded his head. “Very well. May we use your study?” “Of course. Please, come this way.” Mikhail moved toward the ballroom doors, gesturing for Garret to follow them. He led Katia down the hallway to his study where they

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could speak in private, noticing that the entire five members of the Council of Elders had joined them. Knowing he was about to face off against the entire council gave Mikhail pause. He knew he and Katia were in a precarious position, but he refused to give Katia up. She was his bondmate, his reason for breathing. He’d give up his clan first. Mikhail hadn’t known his bond with Katia would be so strong she would come to mean more to him than his clan, but he wasn’t surprised, not anymore. Katia was proving to be more than even he had imagined. Opening the door to his study, Mikhail escorted Katia to a chair next to the fireplace. He sat down and pulled her to sit on his leg, then looked up to face the council. Mikhail raised an eyebrow, waiting for them to speak. “Cadre Nikolaevich,” Elder Strokonei began once everyone had found a spot to either sit or stand. “I hope you understand we have no ill feelings toward your bondmate, but we find ourselves in an unusual position.” “A position that we have never been in before,” another elder added. Mikhail knew that the elders were trying to be diplomatic. They didn’t want to piss him off. Most people didn’t. Still, it irked him a bit they talked about Katia as if she wasn’t even in the room. “And what position would that be?” Mikhail asked. He stroked his hand over Katia's arm when he felt her tense. He knew this couldn’t be easy for her. In a matter of days, he turned her entire life upside down. “No woman or human has ever been Cadre to a clan, let alone three clans.” Apparently, Elder Strokonei was going to be the spokesman for the Council. The other elders didn’t say anything more. They just stared at Mikhail and Katia as if they had done something horribly wrong.

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“Four clans, Elders. Don’t forget that she is my bondmate and that makes her the Dame of Clan Nikolaevich as well.” “Dame of a clan is acceptable, Mikhail, but for a woman to be Cadre…” The elder shook his head. Mikhail smiled. He had already had this conversation with Katia. “And why not?” “It’s just not done, Cadre,” the elder reasoned. “How can you expect anyone to follow her, let alone take her seriously? She’s a woman.” “A fact that is very hard to miss,” Mikhail replied. He gave a small chuckle when the elder’s face reddened slightly. “Yes, well, be that as it may…” “Elder, Katia won each of these challenges fair and square, according to Kindred Law. She is the Cadre of these clans. There can be no disputing that, even if she is a woman. Just because it has never happened before doesn’t mean that it’s against our laws.” “Well, it should be,” grumbled one of the other elders. Mikhail glared at him until his head dropped down and he stepped to the back of the small group. He glanced up at Katia when she stood up and walked across the room to the window. When she just looked out, he figured she was trying to hold her temper. Mikhail couldn’t blame her. Hearing that she was thought inferior because she was a female was sure to piss her off. “I have every faith Katia is perfectly capable of leading a clan, or clans in her case, as well as any Cadre,” Mikhail said as he looked back at the elders. “The fact that she is a woman has nothing to do with her abilities, nor does the fact that she is human.” “You have to understand, Cadre Nikolaevich, just because—” “Mikhail?” Katia said, interrupting the elder in mid sentence. Mikhail turned to look at her. Katia still stared out the window, but she had a curious look on her face as if she were trying to figure out a puzzle. “Yes?” Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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“Why would a group of armed Kindred be coming into the compound?” Mikhail cocked his head to one side. “A what?” Katia turned to look at Mikhail. “Didn’t you say that it was against the rules for anyone to have any type of weapons at a Clan Convocation?” she asked. “Well, yes, of course,” Mikhail replied. “It’s in the Kindred Laws. It’s also very rude, Katia, an insult to all of the clans and the hosting Cadre.” He lifted an eyebrow, curious as to why his bondmate would ask such a question. “Why?” “I don’t think they care about being polite, Mikhail.” Before Mikhail could ask who, and what, she was talking about, Katia jumped across the space between her and Elder Strokonei, knocking him to the floor just as the window behind him shattered. “Katia,” Mikhail shouted as he jumped to his feet and raced across the room to her. He crouched down next to her, his hands running over her body as he looked for any sign of injury. Finding none, Mikhail let out the breath he had been holding. “Stay,” he ordered before making his way over to the window, keeping low to the floor. Mikhail peeked over the edge of the window ledge to get a look outside. His eyes widened at the sight that he saw. Kindred and humans alike were running everywhere. Some were armed, some were not. Bodies lay on the ground, some moving, some not. He could hear people shouting, screaming, crying out in pain. The courtyard beyond the window was in chaos. Ducking low to the floor again, Mikhail made his way back over to Katia. He grabbed her by the arm and pulled her after him toward the door of the study. “Follow me and stay low,” Mikhail ordered. He stopped briefly at his desk to pull open the bottom drawer. He pulled out three long daggers, handing two of them to Katia, the last one for him. “Don’t cut me with these. They’re made of silver. If any Kindred comes within a foot of you, cut their heart out.”

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Katia stared at the two blades in her hand for a moment, almost as if she were afraid. But then she nodded her head. She stuck one in her back pocket and held the other in her hand as she crawled on all fours toward the door. As soon as Mikhail saw Katia safely defended by Garret, he began herding the council toward the door, keeping a close watch on the windows that led to the courtyard. As soon as everyone was through the door, he shut it and climbed to his feet. Katia threw herself into Mikhail’s arms the moment he turned. “Mikhail, I’m really starting not to like it here. If this continues, we’re going to have to have a long talk about moving.” Mikhail couldn’t help but smile. His bondmate was so scared yet so fierce. Mikhail took just a moment to hold her close to him, leaning down to bury his face in her soft blond hair, inhaling the sweet scent that was uniquely hers. “I know, baby.” What else could he say? In the time that Katia had been his bondmate she had faced nothing but contempt and danger from everyone around her. He wouldn’t be surprised if she told him to take a long walk off a short pier. He certainly wasn’t giving her any good reason to stick around. “I’m sorry, Kat,” Mikhail whispered against her silky hair. “I wish things were different. I wish you could see how wonderful the Kindred really are. You’ve seen nothing but the bad side of us since the moment I claimed you.” Mikhail was surprised by the small laugh he heard come from Katia as she raised her face up to his. He expected to see fear lacing her eyes when she looked at him. Instead, he saw love, confidence, and courage. “Kat?” “I’ve seen a lot more that the Kindred have to offer than just chaos, Misha. There’s you and Sebastian, Andrei, Garret, even your crazy ass rules. Just because a few bad apples have upset the apple cart doesn’t mean I don’t want to make apple pie.” Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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Mikhail’s brows drew together. Apple pies? “What?” “I love you, Mikhail, and all of the crap that comes with you. If being safe and comfortable means being without you, then it’s not worth it. If being with you, by your side day in and day out means that I have to have a little excitement in my life, I accept it.” Mikhail felt moisture cloud his eyes at Katia’s words. If he were to accept Katia’s statement at face value then she was telling him everything that happened to her since he had claimed her was worth it to her. “Thank you, Katia.” What else could he say to her? Katia was giving him his life, telling him she accepted all that he was, that she would love him no matter what. Mikhail wasn’t sure he ever loved her more than he did at that moment. “Now,” Katia said as she patted Mikhail’s cheek, “don’t we have some Kindred butt to go kick?” **** For some unknown reason, the Kindred, or a group of them, had decided to attack the Clan Convocation. Katia didn’t know if it was just Mikhail’s clan they were attacking or the entire Convocation. Despite what she told Mikhail, Katia’s heart beat with fear. She knew she had to keep that fear hidden deep within. Any sign of fear would be seen as a weakness except by Mikhail and maybe his inner circle. She wasn’t sure she cared. In the last few weeks, she had been witness to more violence than she had in her entire life. That fact alone frightened her. But not enough to give up what she had with Mikhail. In that at least, she had been honest. She was still frightened, even if she tried to show Mikhail she wasn’t. Putting on a brave face to the masses seemed to be the order of the day. Katia began to wonder if that would always be the case.

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“Katia,” Mikhail said, “I want you to go with Garret and the elders. Help Garret keep them safe.” He glared over at the elders. “Despite what they have said, the Council of Elders is very important to our people. If we lose them, we lose part of our history.” Katia nodded. She knew she would have to put any misgivings about the elders aside and help Garret keep them safe even if she thought that they were antiquated and in need of a serious attitude adjustment. “What will you be doing?” Katia asked Mikhail. “Sebastian, Andrei and I need to try and get control of this situation before it gets out of hand.” Mikhail shook his head. He looked decidedly troubled. “I don’t know whose doing this, but they have to be stopped.” “I understand, Mikhail, and I won’t let you down. I promise,” Katia replied, a small smile playing across her lips at the look of concern on Mikhail’s face. “And before you say anything, I will ensure I stay safe.” Katia loved the grin that crossed over Mikhail’s face. “Reading minds now, Kat?” Mikhail asked. “I’m discovering all sorts of new talents, Misha.” Katia winked at Mikhail before turning away and walking toward the elders and Garret. “Maybe when you get back, I’ll show you what other talents I’ve discovered.” Katia could hear Mikhail’s long chuckle even as she followed Garret down the hallway and away from her bondmate. The farther away she got, the more her fingers tightened around the blade in her hand. She had no idea where they were headed. Mikhail hadn’t given her a clue. But she would do everything within her power to keep her promise to Mikhail. He had faith in her, and she wasn’t letting him down. “Hurry, Dame Katia,” Garret encouraged. “We need to get you and the Council of Elders to safety.” Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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Katia tried to pick up the pace, but she could see a couple of the older council members falling behind. She slowed her steps until the first three elders passed her, then the other two. Once they passed, Katia fell in behind them. “Come on, guys, step it up.” One of the elders turned his head to glare at her. “And who are you to tell me what to do?” he demanded. Katia rolled her eyes. “I’m the one that’s going to save your scrawny ass. Now move, damn it!” The man looked outraged for a moment, but he turned and quickened his steps, catching up with the rest of the crowd. Katia took a deep breath and let it out, hoping for patience, and hurried after them. As they came around the corner where the stairs were located, Katia had just enough time to catch a glimpse of dark fur before a large form jumped out at the nearest elder. Before Katia could consider the wisdom of her actions she threw herself forward, stabbing at the werewolf with the blade. She grabbed the werewolf around the neck and held on as she stabbed at him over and over again, the sound of his screaming howls dwindling down until his large body fell to the floor. Katia had just enough time to push herself to her feet before more werewolves attacked. Everything around her seemed to slow down until time barely crawled by. She could see Garret across the hallway defending the elders against three werewolves. Alrik and Yuri came running down the stairs, quickly shifting into werewolf form and jumping into the fray. The elders defended themselves the best they could, but they seemed old and slow in their movements, almost as if they were out of practice. Just as suddenly as time had slowed down, it sped up again. Katia grabbed the second dagger out of her pocket and stabbed at the first werewolf in her path, then another and another. Katia continued to strike at werewolves until someone grabbed her from behind. Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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With a loud yell, she turned, raising her arms in the air to strike out with the blade in her hands until she heard Mikhail yell out her name and realized that it was his arms holding her. Katia let out a small cry and dropped the blades to the floor, wrapping her arms around Mikhail. “Oh, Mikhail,” she whispered into his chest. Strong hands stroked Katia’s back. A voice filled with love, gratitude, and relief whispered in her ear. “I’ve got you, baby.” Katia held onto Mikhail as if he were a buffer between her and the death and destruction she had just witnessed and been a part of. She didn’t have the least bit of desire to leave Mikhail’s arms or see the carnage that she knew was behind her. “Alrik, any sign of the leaders?” Mikhail asked. “No,” Alrik replied. “This has to be that band of rebels we were discussing earlier at the party, right before Katia had her little go around with Cadre Fedorov. There doesn’t seem to be any one leader, but you know someone is pulling their strings. This is too well thought out to be a simple plan from some disgruntled werewolves.” “I agree,” Mikhail said, “which means that they had inside help.” Katia could hear the fury in Mikhail’s voice. He was very angry, and he probably had a right to be. If what he said was true, whoever planned the attack worked from within their ranks. Katia felt pretty sure that if Mikhail ever got his hands on them, they would wish they had died today. “Cadre Nikolaevich?” said a voice from behind Katia. “Yes, Garret?” Mikhail asked. “The elders are all alive and safe, thanks to Dame Katia.” Just peachy! Katia cursed under her breath as she turned in Mikhail’s arms to see the Council of Elders standing behind them staring at her intently. They all had bruises and abrasions over most of their bodies, but none seemed to be seriously injured.

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As much as she didn’t like the council members, she was grateful for that. They seemed to be important to Mikhail and the rest of the Kindred. Katia guessed it made them important to her, too. “Your bon…Dame Katia has proven to be an unexpected asset to the Kindred.” Katia felt like she could have been pushed over with a feather at the elder’s words of praise. Their words before had made her feel like an inferior human. “I have always felt it was so,” Mikhail replied. “We may have misjudged her.” “Yes, you have. Katia being a female and a human gives her an advantage over the Kindred that none of the Cadre have. Besides the fact that she can wield silver, she does not think like Kindred. She thinks as an individual who knows the difference between right and wrong. Katia is not caught up in tradition and ritual like we have become.” “Yes, well,” Elder Strokonei said, looking a bit nervous, “be that as it may, we are still in uncharted waters here. It will take time and patience for her clans, as well as the rest of the Kindred, to accept her.” “I have no doubt Katia is up to the challenge, as it were,” Mikhail replied. Katia was delighted her bondmate had so much confidence in her, especially when she felt like quaking in her boots. If anyone knew how terrified she really was, Katia was sure she would be laughed out of the Cadre club. With that thought in mind, Katia plastered a serene look on her face and turned to look at the elders. She crossed her arms over her chest. “I believe there is a way to alleviate your concerns, elders.” “Oh?” Elder Strokonei said, one eyebrow raised in query. Katia hesitated for a moment, but she didn’t see any hint of disdain in his eyes. He truly looked interested in what she had to say. That was a surprise.

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Katia smiled, winking at the elder before turning to look at her bondmate. “Cadre Nikolaevich? I challenge you for control of your clan.” Katia could hear several gasps come from the people surrounding her. Mikhail, however, just grinned. “I accept your challenge.” “Elders,” Katia asked without turning away from Mikhail, “will you witness my challenge?” “Of course, but are you sure you wish to challenge your bondmate, Dame Katia?” one elder asked. Katia nodded. “I’m positive.” She continued to watch Mikhail, seeing the heat of desire in his eyes. She almost laughed. She couldn’t believe that Mikhail was getting turned on by the idea of fighting her. “Rules?” “Contest of wills,” Mikhail replied. Katia tilted her head in acknowledgement. Mikhail understood what she was doing. Katia moved back a few steps and began circling Mikhail. She could see the calculating glint in Mikhail’s eyes and knew he wasn’t going to make this easy for her. A small smirk on her lips, Katia motioned with her hands for Mikhail to bring it on. With Mikhail grinning at her, Katia was unprepared when he jumped across the space between them and attacked. For a brief moment, Katia was frozen in place as 245 pounds of pure alpha male charged toward her. But no matter what, she knew that Mikhail would never harm her. With that thought in mind, Katia waited until Mikhail had almost reached her then jumped to the side. She grunted as her shoulder landed on the hardwood floor beneath her before quickly rolling onto her hands and knees. Two large arms encircled her waist from behind before Katia could gain her feet. Katia knew she could no more injure Mikhail than he could her, so she had to come up with another plan. She let all of the tension leave her body until she sagged against Mikhail, slipping from his arms to hit the floor once again. Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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Before Mikhail could grab onto her again, Katia pushed herself through his legs to land on the floor behind Mikhail. One good push with both of her feet against the back of his legs, and Mikhail fell to the floor, his arms flailing in the air as he tried to stop his momentum. Katia ignored her initial concern for Mikhail’s safety and quickly crawled over to straddle him before he could get up. She planted her knee in his back and grabbed his hair with her hands, pulling back until his head was up near hers as she leaned over him. “Do you yield?” she asked. Mikhail grunted in response. Katia pulled on his hair again. This time, she reached down and wrapped her arm around his neck. “Do you yield?” she asked again. Katia knew that Mikhail was taking it easy on her, not using his full strength. She had no doubt he could win a contest of wills between them faster than she could blink, which she did when Mikhail quickly rolled over and pinned her to the floor. She blinked at him in surprise. “Do you yield?” Mikhail asked. Katia could feel the press of his hard cock against her abdomen. Her bondmate was incredibly aroused. Katia knew she needed to remember that. Mikhail liked to play. As for as she was concerned, that opened up a lot of possibilities. “Do you yield to me, Dame Katia?” Mikhail asked again. “Do you yield to me, Cadre Mikhail?” Katia countered. Mikhail grinned down at Katia. His dark blue eyes twinkled. Katia grinned back. “Yes, I yield,” they both replied at the same time. Katia heard a lot of whispering and a few gasps as Mikhail leaned down to kiss her, blocking out everything around her until her world narrowed down to just him. She felt Mikhail’s hands move from where they held her wrists down to the floor until his fingers were entwined with hers. Mikhail’s lips moved over Katia’s, his tongue swept across them, asking for acceptance, demanding entrance. Katia gladly gave him Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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everything, opening her mouth and stroking her tongue across Mikhail’s. Katia could feel contour of the body above pressing down against hers. Mikhail’s kiss sang through her veins. Her whole being seemed to be filled with him until she didn’t know where his soul ended and hers began. Despite the show they just put on for those assembled to witness their challenge fight, Katia had no doubts that Mikhail was claiming her, that he would always be the winner between them because she knew he owned her, heart and soul. Finally, Mikhail lifted his head to gaze down into Katia’s eyes. The laughter and enjoyment from before had been replaced with love and reverence. “Love you, Kat,” Mikhail whispered for her ears alone. “Love you, Misha, always.”

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Chapter 15 Katia smiled as Mikhail’s nose twitched. She stroked the feather in her hand over his face again, using the lightest of touches. Mikhail’s nose twitched again. Katia bit her lip to keep from laughing when Mikhail’s hand came up to brush away the object tickling him. They slept for hours. Katia had been awake for the last thirty minutes, content to lie there and watch Mikhail sleep. The tension that was a constant companion in his face for the last week faded somewhere in the middle of the night. The last week had been stressful for everyone. The aftermath of the attack on the Clan Convocation struck everyone hard. No one walked away unscathed. Everyone lost someone in the battle, someone they loved or someone they knew. The Council of Elders still wasn't sure what to do with either Katia or Mikhail. By yielding to each other at the same moment, they had effectively done what they set out to do. Katia and Mikhail were both declared the winners of the challenge, thus they would rule all of their clans side by side. Because something of this sort never happened before in Kindred history, no one knew quite what to expect. Personally, that thrilled Katia to no end. There were more than a few things she wanted to change about how the clans operated. Starting with how woman were treated. Thankfully, Mikhail seemed to support her ideas, helping her devise a plan to implement the new laws for their clans. Alrik and Yuri seemed impressed enough with Katia to listen to her ideas and

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give them real consideration. Katia felt in time, they might even apply some of her ideas in their own clans. Mikhail was still concerned about the rogue werewolves that attacked the Convocation. They hadn’t been able to directly connect any of the dead rogues to a clan, but Mikhail said it was only a matter of time. The attack had been too well planned, too thought out to be just rogue werewolves. And to attack in broad daylight inside of Nikolaevich Valley? Mikahil felt sure there was someone inside that had assisted in the attack, but he didn’t know who, yet. Still, Katia felt a lot safer knowing Mikhail had doubled the guard and kept Sebastian, Andrei, and Garret here for the time being. Once things settled down, they would be moving to the other clans to take charge and bring them into the current century. Until then, they were here to guard Katia and Mikhail and keep everyone safe. Katia stroked the feather over Mikhail’s face once more, giggling when he jerked awake, his hand swiping at the feather. Mikhail looked confused for a moment until he saw Katia’s grinning face. “You’re awake awfully early.” “So are you,” Katia replied as she reached down and squeezed her hand around his hard cock even before Mikhail realized he was hard. “Someone woke me up and wanted to come out and play.” “Oh?” Katia grinned. “And you thought this was a good enough reason to wake me up?” Mikhail asked as he rolled Katia onto her back. His body settled between Katia’s open thighs, his hands holding her wrists down to the mattress on each side of her head. “Reason enough for me,” Katia replied as she wrapped her legs around Mikhail’s waist. She grinned, pushing herself against Mikhail’s hard length.

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Mikhail growled, sending a thrill of excitement down Katia’s body. He grabbed both of her hands in one of his. His other hand wrapped around Katia’s hips, fingers digging into her skin. Katia’s breath hitched in her throat. Mikhail’s eyes glowed. She could see his canines peeking out from his top lip. As he pushed his cock deep into her and began thrusting, Katia knew he was holding onto his humanity by a thread. It was all he could do not to shift and let the wolf take over. “Mikhail, shift. Give it to me, everything,” Katia encouraged. Even though they had made love as often as they could manage in the days following the attack, Mikhail had yet to shift while they had sex. Katia knew he was trying not to remind her of the werewolves that attacked her. He didn’t want to frighten her. Katia also felt Mikhail was a little afraid himself, afraid she would be afraid of him. She wasn’t. “I claim you as mine,” Katia began as she licked the skin on Mikhail’s neck. “With this blood, I claim you, mind, body and soul. With this circle completed, the bond is created. What has been created cannot be broken. My love is yours...yours is mine." With the last of her words, Katia closed her eyes and sank her teeth into Mikhail’s neck. A loud roar sounded above her. Katia took one more sip of Mikhail’s life essence, then licked her tongue across his neck, closing the wound. Katia leaned her head back against the pillow beneath her and opened her eyes to look up at her bondmate. His face was fierce, as if he used every ounce of his strength to control himself. Katia couldn’t have that. Katia titled her head back, baring her throat to him. “Misha,” she whispered, pleaded. Mikhail’s body froze above hers for a brief moment, then long sharp canines sank into the skin over Katia’s mating mark. She cried out from the sheer ecstasy of being connected with Mikhail in this intimate way, her body feeling as if it was half ice and Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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half flame. Katia pulled her hands from Mikhail’s and clutched his black hair. She held him against her body, relishing in the feel of Mikhail drinking her blood. She felt the moment Mikhail lost his battle with his control, shifting into his Kindred form. His body grew larger, stronger, more powerful. His thrusts became frantic, nearly pushing Katia up the bed. His claws dug into her hips. Mikhail licked the bite mark on Katia’s breast closed then moved his lips along her body. He kissed her taut nipples, rousing a melting sweetness within her. Katia moaned as he brought her pink tips to crested peaks before sucking them into his mouth. Passion pounded the blood through Katia’s heart, chest, and head as Mikhail lifted his mouth, his hungry lips capturing hers. Together, they found a tempo that bound their bodies together, connected their souls, and lifted them to heaven as pleasure exploded over both of them. **** Mikhail lifted his head from where it had settled against Katia’s neck to look down at her. To him, she never looked more beautiful. Her rosy lips were slightly parted as her breath rushed in and out of her chest. Her sweat drenched blond hair stuck to the sides of her flushed face. Her baby blue eyes gazed back up at him, filled with love and the promise of forever. He couldn’t ask for anything more. Why would he? Katia gave him everything he needed in this lifetime and the next. She was his bondmate, the other half of his soul, and Mikhail was humbled by the acceptance she gave him of all that he was. “So, this is the reason you woke me up?” Mikhail asked again. “Seemed like a good enough reason to me.” Katia grinned. “Besides, I was feeling lonely. I wanted some loving.” “And do you always get what you want?” Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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“Of course I do,” Katia said. “I’m the Wolf Queen.”

THE END WWW.STORMYGLENN.COM

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Stormy believes the only thing sexier than a man in cowboy boots is two, or three men in cowboy boots. She also believes in love at first sight, soul mates, true love, and happy endings. Stormy live in the great Northwest region of the USA, with her gorgeous husband and soul mate, six very active teenagers, two boxer/collie puppies, two old biddy cats, and three fish. When she’s not being a mother to her six teenagers or cleaning up after her two 70 pound lap puppies, you can usually find her cuddled in bed with a book in her hand and a puppy in her lap, or on her laptop, creating the next sexy man for one of her stories. Stormy welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website at www.stormyglenn.com.

Also by Stormy Glenn Wolf Creek Pack 1: Full Moon Mating Wolf Creek Pack 2: Just A Taste Of Me Wolf Creek Pack 3: Tasty Treats: Volume 3, Man to Man Tri-Omega Mates 1: Secret Desires Tri-Omega Mates 2: Forbidden Desires Tri-Omega Mates 3: Hidden Desires Tri-Omega Mates 4: Stolen Desires Lover's of Alpha Squad 1: Mari’s Men Lover's of Alpha Squad 2: The Doctor’s Patience Lover's of Alpha Squad 3: Julia’s Knight Lover's of Alpha Squad 4: Three of a Kind Love’s Legacy 1: Cowboy Legacy Sweet Treats Mr. Wonderful The Katzman’s Mate My Lupine Lover The Master’s Pet Available at BOOKSTRAND.COM Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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