RaleighPointRescueSue
Date: 0101-01-01 00:00:00+00:00

RALEIGH POINT-RESCUE

Victoria Sue

Erotic Paranormal Romance

Secret Cravings Publishing
www.secretcravingspublishing.com

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A Secret Cravings Publishing Book

Erotic Romance

Raleigh Point-Rescue

Copyright © 2014  Victoria Sue

E-book ISBN: 978-1-63105-373-3

First E-book Publication:  November 2014

Cover design by Dawné Dominique

Edited by Larriane Barnard

Proofread by Sarah Biggs

All cover art and logo copyright © 2014 by Secret Cravings Publishing

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All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

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Dedication

Thank you to all my wonderful family, especially my dad, who always bought his little girl big books.

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RALEIGH POINT-RESCUE

Victoria Sue

Copyright © 2014

Chapter One

Mac grinned at his mom as he strode through the playroom to grab his mail. Half-buried in clothes of every size, she quickly sorted them into piles. Although, to be fair, they’d had kids of just about every size come through the doors at Raleigh Point in the last fourteen years.

Familiar pride tugged at him.

His mom smiled back as she disappeared with an armful. The phone rang in the office, and he swiped it up, wondering where his brothers were. “Yeah?”

A laugh came down the line—Brett. “Only you, Mac, only you. Your mom could never get you to answer the phone properly.”

Mac grinned, remembering all the times his mom had scolded him for not saying Raleigh Point like some girly secretary.

“So how’s it going? Thought you two were all loved up on your honeymoon.” He nearly growled, thinking there was too much of all that nonsense around here lately.

Brett laughed. “We are, but I got a call, and I wondered if you could handle it? We can’t get back for at least two days.”

Mac sat down. It had to be an emergency, as originally, they would have been away another month.

“What’s going on?”

“I got a call from Dr. Michaels over in Springfield. He was brought in for a consult on a girl. Well, woman actually. She’s twenty. Schizophrenia.”

Dr. Michaels was a human psychiatrist, but he was mated to a shifter, a panther. They were two of the trusted contacts who kept their eyes open for shifter kids in the system that might need a home.

“Schizophrenia? But that doesn’t make sense.” Mac knew full well human diseases never affected shifters.

“Yeah, we know. Definitely a wolf shifter. Apparently she’s always been in care—no family—judged too unstable to be living in anything but a secure psychiatric facility.” Brett paused. “Thing is Mac, Dr. Michaels’ wife thinks she’s an alpha female.”

Mac gasped. “An alpha female? I didn’t think they still existed. And it’s never been picked up on?” He mentally kicked himself. Of course, it hadn’t.

“No, poor kid’s been on anti-psychotic meds since she was twelve.”

How the hell? Mac shook his head, clenching his fists. Female wolves didn’t shift until they mated, but still. “I thought alpha females were like pack royalty because they’re so rare. How’d this happen?”

“What do you know about alpha females, Mac?”

He groaned. This was turning into his most favorite conversation, not.

“Is this multiple choice, Brett? `Cause—”

“Okay, so not my favorite topic either, but Dr. Michaels told me alpha females need to bond with an alpha male, usually their father, when they first start their menstrual cycle. Obviously, they’re not claimed or mated, but they go seriously insane if not. Rages, like off the charts.”

“What’s she saying? Did he talk to her? Does she—”

“Mac, you know as much as I do. She’s been shuffled around the system since she was a baby.” Mac could hear a rustle of papers. “Yeah, massive mood swings. Very violent.”

Mac wondered if a couple of his ex-girlfriends had been undiscovered alpha females.

“This is serious, Mac.”

Hell. “You adding reading minds to your resume?”

“I don’t need it with you, but I bet Riley’s laughing about now.”

Mac smiled. His brother Riley wasn’t exactly a mind reader, but as a gifted healer and empath, he was as good as one.

“Deemed unsuitable for anything other than a locked psychiatric facility,” Brett read out. “Dr. Michaels was especially concerned about the level of medication, and he’s instructed it to be reduced.”

Mac shook his head, and then realized Brett couldn’t see him. “Human drugs don’t work  the same on shifters. They’d had to have given her big doses.” He glanced at his watch. “You want me to go get her first thing tomorrow?”

“Actually, I want your ass out there now. Dr. Michaels kicked up a storm, and I think he’s worried they may try and move her. Their new place is across state lines. Could be awkward.”

“I’ll be there today.” Mac grimly jotted down brief details and hung up.

His mom walked into the office. Her hair was black like theirs, but he could now count the gray that he and his brothers were no doubt responsible for. Blue-gray eyes were surrounded by laughter lines. He hoped they were responsible for those as well.

“Emergency? Do you need us to stay?”

“Nah, Mom, we’ve got it covered. You go get ready.” Mac smiled at her as she left the room. Their dad had surprised her with a short cruise, and they were leaving that afternoon. First vacation on their own in nearly thirty years, and they were all determined that nothing would spoil it. The three-year-old twin bear shifters they’d had for the last two years had just been successfully placed. Raleigh Point only housed seven-year-old Jamie and eleven-year-old Alex at the moment, and they could handle them.

Just then, the door opened, and his brothers entered. Zack had to duck. They were all huge. Both he and Riley were six feet four inches, but Zack was even bigger. Everyone always thought he and Riley were the twins, not Zack and Riley. Zack looked like their dad. He even had the same crooked nose, but Mac could see his mom in Riley. At twenty-eight, they were older than him by two years.

“Zack, I need a ride.”

Zack’s eyes rose questioningly. “What’s up, Mac, an emergency? Your latest date broke a nail?”

Mac ignored that. Okay, so he dated a lot, and yeah, they were usually high maintenance, but as long as they were as good in bed as they looked out of it, who cared? “Yeah, Brett just called.” He quickly gave them a run down on their new arrival.

Riley interrupted. “How did Dr. Michaels manage to get her released to us, though? I mean, she’s an adult. Twenty’s a bit old for a group home.”

“I don’t know.” Mac shrugged. “To be honest, I don’t care, so long as they did.”

“Well, Cassie’s finished college except for her exams, and Brett’s gonna be back soon. We haven’t much going on since the Western Bank contract was wrapped up.”

Mac nodded. His brothers ran a computer security firm. Riley was the computer geek behind the initial planning, and Zack, a licensed helicopter pilot, flew all over supervising installation work.

Riley looked at his twin. “I’ll run Mom and Dad to the airport.”

Zack nodded. “Come on then.”

Mac checked all his IDs before following Zack out. He briefly fingered his F.B.I. one and sighed. He had a feeling he was going to need it today. He only got asked to track missing people for them sometimes. He wasn’t an actual agent, and he didn’t do any James Bond shit, but whatever, it came in useful. Even if he just wanted to impress girlfriends with broken nails.

* * * *

Mac stared out the window at the toy scenery below. His phone vibrated, and he returned a call he had missed from Brett as they were setting off.

“Zack says we’ll be at Lennox airfield in about thirty minutes.”

“Don’t bother. Zack’s cleared for Springfield itself. He’ll be getting instructions through right about now. There’s a small private airfield there, closer to where you are now probably.”

Zack was talking to someone via his headset, and the helicopter veered slightly.

“There’ll be a car waiting. Dr. Michaels has some pull, and if he didn’t have an emergency patient himself to deal with, he’d be down there shaking things up.”

The short silence that followed was deafening. “Brett, what aren’t you telling me?”

“The place is bad, Mac. Some hangover from a bad Hitchcock movie. Mostly closed down, just a few elderly they are transferring. No idea what our girl’s doing there, and I have no idea what state she’s in. Dr. Michaels only saw her by chance when he was consulting on another patient. Think they were ready to throw away the key on this one.”

“But how, Brett? This isn’t the 1800s.”

“Yeah, I know, but I think she’s just slipped through the cracks. No family to complain, and I wanted to warn you about the bitch in charge. Complete piece of work. We’re only giving them a few minutes’ notice of your arrival and the transfer deliberately, so they can’t do anything.”

“Christ, Brett, what the hell they gonna do?” Mac asked, wondering if Brett wasn’t being a bit too dramatic.

“Just giving you a heads up. Let me know when you land.”

“Anytime now.” The helicopter lowered down almost perfectly next to the black car waiting for them.

“Okay, calling them now. Make sure you get to her pronto, Mac.”

Mac rang off and looked at Zack as he cut the engine. “That was Brett. He’s ringing through our authorization now. He didn’t want to give them prior warning, and apparently, we’ve got to get the girl quick.”

Zack nodded. “Mac, if I hadn’t been there on some of the pick-ups we’ve done, I wouldn’t have believed what some sick people are capable of.”

Mac relayed to him what Brett had told him.

Zack looked around the empty airfield. “Sorry, but I can’t just leave it here. I’m going to have to wait until you get back.”

Mac nodded, wishing he had thought to bring Cassie with him, but he shrugged. Okay then.

After flashing his ID a few times at various gates, he found himself shown into a small office. The mousy guy, who’d told him to wait, hadn’t impressed Mac one bit. He smelled of stale cigarettes and beer, and the surroundings were creeping the shit out of him. Hell, the place looked like it should have been shut down fifty years ago. Peeling, stained walls and floors weren’t agreeing with his shifter sense of smell at all. Disinfectant he expected, and that would have been bad enough, but this place took Hitchcock to a whole other level. He half-expected a film crew to walk by.

A thin, fiftyish woman walked into the office. “Mr. Knight?” she asked, looking at the papers in her hand. “This is most irregular. We’ve only just received the transfer orders for Miss Butler, and she isn’t ready. It would be better if you made an appointment for tomorrow.”

“No, I’m sorry. I have my transport waiting. I’m afraid we have to go immediately.”

“Well, yes,” the woman flushed, frowning.

Mac could smell the unease grow in her and wondered if Brett hadn’t been exaggerating how quickly they needed to get her after all.

“I’m sorry, but I will have to make some phone calls to verify these orders. Miss Butler was due to be transferred today to our new facility.” A brittle smile striving for sympathy cracked the heavily made-up face. “She is a really desperate case, and we feel she needs a higher degree of monitoring.”

Just as Mac opened his mouth to demand he be taken to Miss Butler’s room immediately, a piercing scream rent the air, and every hair on the back of his neck stood up. Cursing himself for not taking Brett’s warning seriously enough, he took off in the direction of the scream.

Heart hammering, his nostrils flared. More powerful than the stench of unwashed bodies and moldy furnishings, he smelled bleach, panic, and worst of all, fear.

Charging through a door, he processed the god-awful scene in two seconds. Two big, fat burly guys—looking more at home in a concentration camp than a hospital—were struggling to hold a female down on the bed—ridiculous given their size. Another woman, either a nurse or a doctor holding a syringe, was fighting with the girl who was trying to avoid the needle. Mac’s nose barely registered the nurse as some type of shifter.

Mac roared in fury. With one powerful swipe, he levelled both guys, and in another second he had a hold of the arm, stopping the woman with the syringe. The girl shot off the bed and curled herself up in the corner of the room.

“How dare you!” spluttered the gray-haired woman, as Mac forcibly curved the needle at ninety degrees and dropped it onto the tray.

Mac didn’t give her time to continue. “This patient is for immediate transport. Dr. Michaels was clear she was to have no more drugs. If you doubt those instructions, I can get Dr. Michaels on the phone.” Mac glared and released her arm. “Lady—and I use that term generously—I can get the fucking F.B.I. on the phone. Now get the hell out.”

The woman shot him a hard look and ran out the door.

Mac breathed a huge sigh. God, he hadn’t been that close to losing his temper for many years, especially around humans. As kids, they’d always been brought up to respect their bear strength, and no human—as big as those two guys were—could go up against all five hundred pounds of Mac’s bear when he was in full shift. Not all humans though, as he remembered the smell of the woman with the syringe. He instantly dismissed the thought as he realized he had more important worries.

Fuck. Mac hunkered down in front of the shaking, curled-up form in the corner. Humanity? Some people didn’t know the meaning of the word.

Mac hesitated as he took her in. He couldn’t smell her as the stench of the place was masking it, and he wished again he had his mom or Cassie with him. He also acknowledged that Brett had it right. They were drugging her to move her, and he’d only just got here in time.

His eyes fastened on the trembling figure in front of him. Short gasps tore out of her throat. Head hunched down, arms tightened around the knees, and clasped against her chest. Hanging on. Filthy sweats, worse than some he’d thrown away. Goose bumps pricking her bare arms. The only bright thing in muddy looking, matted hair, was red. A drop. God, had they hit her? She hid her face, alternated between shivering and rocking, except with no chair. What the hell did they do to you, honey?

Lisa? Yeah, that was what Brett said her name was. Mac cleared his throat. He had to get her out of here, and he didn’t have time to be gentle.

“Lisa? We need to get you out of here.”

He placed one hand on her shaking forearm. He caught the swift arc of her arm trying to connect with his face. Whoa, well, that was definitely an alpha reaction. Taking me on? He’d have laughed if it were funny—at all.

“No one’s gonna hurt you. Don’t you wanna get out of here? Mmm? There ya go.” He shrugged out of his sweatshirt.

Thin arms stiffened but stayed still, and her chest rose at a slower rate when he’d gently pulled the sweatshirt past her eyes. “So, you’re not ready to try and take me out, huh?”

She lifted her face finally.

Oh God, now?

Here?

Of all times and in all places, stuck in some dingy shit excuse for a hospital, with some girl who looked like she needed far more care than he could give. His bear clawed frantically at him to get out, nearly bowling him over in the rush to get to her.

Mate.

Mac growled and hung his head in despair. He hadn’t been able to smell her because of everything else, and it had taken brushing the side of her arm to help her with his sweatshirt as she lifted her face to him to know.

God, what a mess.

Mate.

A soft touch pulled his gaze. Possessiveness whirled around Mac as he struggled not to gather her up and bury her in his arms. Need stabbed him. Confusion chased the gold flecks in her gorgeous eyes, and he wanted it gone. He wanted those incredible eyes clear and focused—on him.

He realized she would feel a connection, but her ignorance and whatever drugs she had in her system masked it. She lifted a shaky hand to touch the side of his face, but still didn’t say one word. Deep purple marks marred her neck. Mac’s body tightened, and a shallow breath managed to escape. He took in her pale face under the bruises and gazed at the chipped stubs of filthy, bitten fingernails as she lowered her hand back to her side.

Mac pulled himself together. “Lisa, we need to get you out of here, okay?” He gently helped her stand. She winced as he looped an arm around her side to steady her.

He took one look around the bare room and didn’t bother to ask if she needed to take anything. Taking one cautious step, she tried, but her knees buckled. Mac caught her before she got anywhere near the floor. Without thinking, he brushed one kiss on her forehead and looked into those big eyes that were fighting to stay open. She blinked at him slowly, easier breaths ghosting his face, and Mac’s arm tightened as her head lowered. Yes.

In that small, cautious, trusting movement, Mac heard his bear roar protectively as his arms tightened around her. No one would ever hurt a hair on her head again. While he still had breath left in his body, she would be safe, she would be cared for, and she would be loved.

Chapter Two

Mac got out of the car carefully when the driver opened the door for him. He said not one word to a startled Zack. With Lisa clutched tightly to him, he bent and ran for the helicopter. He shouted for Zack to lower the rear seat that would take a stretcher and to get the helicopter ready to go.

Mac quickly got her strapped on and made a call to Riley as they took off. He needed Riley’s skills as a healer, and he didn’t mean the soppy, let’s mix a few herbs together kind, but a magical put his hands on and mend this bullet hole kind. He’d grown up watching him set broken bones and mend torn skin, and just hoped he could cope with this.

That’s why Brett hadn’t suggested getting any immediate medical help for Lisa. Brett knew Riley’s skills, and they all needed a breather first. Get her home, get her cared for, and then they’d see.

Mac screwed his eyes shut as he relived the scene with the two apes trying to restrain Lisa. He wondered why they’d never questioned her strength, even drugged. He also knew they would have had to give her very large doses to sedate her, as shifter’s metabolism burned quickly through drugs. He wouldn’t even think about the possibility that those long-term drugs had damaged her. Nah, not going there.

Mac gazed at his mate. After all the ragging he’d always given Riley, it had happened to him. Riley was born to be a mate. He’d always wanted to settle down. Have cubs. Mac leaned his head back slowly. It’s not that he’d never wanted this exactly. Just he wasn’t expecting it anytime in the next decade or so.

Mac gazed at Lisa properly for the first time. Her short brown hair looked like it had been cut with a cleaver, and it was impossible to make out most of her features through the grime and bruising. She wasn’t little though. As they’d taken a step together before she collapsed, she’d nearly reached his jaw and at six feet four, his jaw was a long way up. He looked down at her body encased in the filthy sweats and his sweatshirt. Not what he normally went for. He smiled wryly, thinking of the stick thin models he usually had hanging on his arms. But that was okay. Suddenly the thought of something a bit more to take hold of was looking very appealing.

By the end of the ride, Mac’s mouth was set in a grim line. His eyes had catalogued every bruise, every cut, every nick, and those were just the ones he could see. God knows what the rest of her was like. As they landed in the secure clearing near their cabins, he promised himself when Lisa was well and taken care of, he would make another visit to the zoo he’d just left.

Leaving Zack to sort out the helicopter, Mac gently lifted a barely conscious Lisa into the back of the SUV that Riley had pulled up in.

“Thanks.”

Riley looked once, and his mouth straightened as he saw the state that Lisa was in. He pulled up at the large, fourteen-bedroom home their dad had built with the help of a local contractor who just happened to be a jaguar shifter. Raleigh Point was the center piece for their two hundred-acre community that over the years had expanded to about twelve different families, all shifters, some bears like his family, but wolves also. Their mom and dad tended to attract waifs and strays that weren’t always welcome in a traditional pack, and for whatever reason, it worked out okay.

Mac barely registered the faster heartbeats from his sister as he walked in. He knew her worried glance mirrored his as she met him at the door.

“I’ve got the closest spare room ready. It’s across from yours.”

Mac nodded gratefully as he followed Cassie. He laid Lisa down gently. She’d closed her eyes again.

Cassie’s hands flew to her mouth as she took in the state Lisa was in. “The poor kid.”

Riley stepped forward, a frown of concentration on his face as his hands hovered above her head. Mac knew his brother had zeroed in on the blood visible in her hair and was checking that out first.

“Cassie?” Riley murmured quietly without opening his eyes, “I need you to help undress her.”

Mac growled softly. He couldn’t help it. He knew what Riley was doing, and he would trust his brothers with his life.

Riley’s eyes flew open at the sound. “Really?”

“What?” Cassie asked, her eyes flying back and forth between them.

Mac sat down heavily and gazed at Lisa. “She’s my mate, Cassie.”

“Oh, but that’s wonderful, Mac.” Cassie’s mouth curved in understanding.

Mac was grateful Riley didn’t say anything, and he was completely amazed that Zack hadn’t. There was no way his brother wouldn’t have noticed his behavior on the way home. Mac moved uncomfortably. He wasn’t sure he would have given his brothers the same break.

Riley lowered his arm. “I need to check her side, Mac. There’s a lot of pain coming through from that area.”

Mac nodded, concerned. “I never knew you could sense pain, Riley.”

“No, it’s new.” Riley glanced up and shrugged. “I think some of my senses are more acute recently.”

Cassie gently eased Mac’s sweatshirt off Lisa. Lisa had her eyes closed, head lolling to one side slightly. Mac cupped her face so her neck wouldn’t hurt while Cassie removed her clothes. Cassie looked at the grubby T-shirt and hesitated. Mac nodded, and he and Riley turned away while Cassie pulled it off.

Mac heard a sound and turned back. Cassie had half pulled the T-shirt up and had frozen in horror. Lisa’s side from her ribs to her abdomen was black. Layer upon layer of yellow, black, and purple bruising stood out against the white of her skin.

Mac’s chest heaved on a breath, struggling for control, and he could feel hair sprouting through the skin on his forearms.

His brother’s hand gripped his. “Rein it in, Mac. I can’t afford to expend energy calming you down. Your mate needs all I’ve got, and then she needs you. That’s the human you, not the big badass five-hundred pound, hairy you.”

Mac nodded curtly and forced his bear to recede. “What can I do?”

“To be honest? Not a damn thing yet. Cassie’s going to clean her up best she can. Is she aware of you?”

Mac started to shake his head. He knew Riley was asking if she was aware they were mates, but as he started to deny it, he remembered the soft hand on his face in the hospital.

“Maybe, but she doesn’t even know what she is yet.”

“Then sit quietly and hold her hand. She will be able to take comfort in your touch, even if she doesn’t know why.”

Mac sat. He very gently took a spare washcloth from the supplies Cassie had brought and bathed Lisa’s face and hands as Cassie worked on the rest of her. Cassie quickly cut the grubby T-shirt off and buttoned a loose shirt around Lisa to give her some privacy.

Riley sat, pale and sweaty, as if all the energy had left him, and Cassie squeezed his shoulder.

Riley swiped a tired hand over his eyes. “Okay, so I have no idea what she did to her side. I’ve healed three broken ribs. I’d have said she either had a bad fall or was in a car wreck except they weren’t all broken at the same time.” Riley looked at Mac, concerned. “To be honest, I think she’s been kicked, repeatedly. She has a lot of tissue damage and very extensive bruising.”

Mac wanted to stand. He had to physically choke angry roars back down. Red spots dusted his vision, and it took all his strength to calmly sit and hold Lisa’s hand.

“I know.” Riley nodded quietly in understanding. “She’s lucky.” Riley laughed shortly. “If that’s the right word, as I can’t find any internal organ damage. The blood on her head was nothing.” He paused.

Mac immediately zeroed in on him. “What? What else?” Cold steel fingers clutched his gut.

“I don’t know what crap they’ve given her, but her mind’s like soup.”

Mac lifted horrified eyes to his brother.

“Shifter metabolism, as you know, burns human drugs real quick, but Brett said they’ve been giving her high doses, and for a very long time. Until she wakes up a bit more, I can’t promise there isn’t going to be any long-term damage. I’m sorry.” Riley’s hand rested briefly on his brother’s shoulder.

Mac nodded. He was having difficulty swallowing. He didn’t think, at that moment, he could have forced words out if his life depended on it. “Should, is there?” Shit. “Is there anything else I should do?”

Riley shook his head. “She needs to sleep and get the drugs out of her system.”

Cassie asked, “Do you want me to stay?”

Mac shook his head and cleared his throat. “I’ve got this.”

Riley stood. “We’re here. Anything you want.”

Mac nodded again gratefully.

“I’ll check her again in the morning. Call me as soon as she wakes.”

Mac, realizing it was quite late, looked down again at his mate. He wondered what to do. He quickly went to the bathroom, leaving the door open so he could hear if Lisa needed him. He relieved himself and brushed his teeth. When he came back into the room, Lisa hadn’t moved, and he touched her head. Quite warm. He half-smiled. You’re only doing that `cause Mom always did.

With a soft knock at the door, Cassie poked her head around. “Supplies.” She put a small cooler on the floor. “Some bottles of water, juice, and a few sandwiches. Anything else she needs, you call me.” Cassie looked fierce. “Straight away, Mac.”

Mac blinked. His baby sister suddenly didn’t seem so much of a baby now. He nodded and swallowed—hard.

Cassie smiled and quietly closed the door.

He shrugged out of his jeans, but left his shorts and T-shirt on, and then sat down in the chair next to Lisa. It was going to be a long night.

About an hour later, a sound made him open his eyes. He wasn’t asleep, and his shifter sight didn’t need a light on to see her face. He sat on the bed and caught her hands that were thrashing from side to side. Her face was flushed, and she moaned. Concerned, Mac touched her head. Hell, she was like a furnace. He jumped off the bed to give her some room.

Mac looked up at the soft knock, and Riley peered around the door. Seeing Lisa thrashing about, he came in. Mac knew his brother would have sensed her distress.

“What is it, Riley? She looks like she’s got a fever, infection?” Mac leaned down quickly to catch her arms again, worried she would hurt them on the nightstand.

Riley closed his eyes in concentration, but as soon as Mac touched her they shot open. “Mac, get in with her.”

“Are you mad? She needs to cool down. She’s like a furnace.”

“Trust me.”

Mac blew a breath out at Riley’s level look. Of course, he trusted him, but hell she was burning up. Even he knew first aid, and that meant she needed to cool down fast. Shaking his head slightly, he cautiously climbed into bed. Immediately, Lisa sought him out, and her thrashing calmed.

“What the hell?” Mac lifted an astonished look to his brother.

Riley waved an impatient hand. “She’s an alpha female, remember? She needs this. There’s no sign of infection. This is her mating cycle. If she wasn’t full of drugs, you’d have a lot more on your hands.”

Mac’s jaw fell open, not even wanting to know how Riley knew all that. Lisa chose that moment to rub herself up and down his side. Frowning, he took a harsh breath and clamped his body down. Shit, his dick chose that moment to recognize his mate also. His bear was practically dancing. He wanted to poke it with a stick.

Riley grinned. “I’ll leave you to it, little brother.” Laughing softly, he left the room.

Mac clamped his jaw and tried to catch Lisa’s hands again. He was so not going there. He liked his women fully awake and begging for him.

Who am I kidding?

There would be no women now. His bachelor days were well and truly over, even if he had to become a monk. Mac sighed. Lisa’s breathing eased as she snuggled in closer, and she didn’t feel as hot as before. Okay, so maybe not quite a monk. He could get used to all this cuddling shit and dropped a kiss on her forehead again. Lisa seemed to quiet some more at that, so he feathered one or two more on her face. Yeah, he could do this. Everything was under control.

Her harsh breathing suddenly stopped, and he looked at her face. Those big eyes were open and focused intently on him.

Brushing another soft kiss on her head, he mentally tried counting to five to give him some idea of what to say.

“Lisa, you’re safe. No one’s gonna hurt you here. You can stay here with my family as long as you want.” Forever, but now wasn’t the time to get into that. “My name’s Mac.”

He could feel his bear pacing.

“Lisa, can you hear me?” Mac frowned as the big brown eyes were showing no sign she was taking anything in. His heart stuttered in fear as all his worries about permanent mental damage came flooding back. She steadily relaxed again. He thanked God she wasn’t screaming and running from him. “Do you need some water?” but as Mac glanced down, hearing a soft sigh, her eyes were once again closed.

The next time he opened his eyes, he knew straight away she was awake. She laid still, curled into him, and her breathing was slow. He glanced at those big open eyes.

“How are you feeling?” Mac asked, cautiously, searching her gaze for any sign she knew what was happening. His heart jumped when she answered with a tremulous smile. She licked her dry lips slowly. Instantly kicking himself, Mac grabbed the water bottle from the nightstand and angled the straw, so she didn’t have to sit up.

Mac watched in fascination as two beautiful plump lips fastened around the straw, eyes hooded, and sucked in obvious relief.

Lisa opened her eyes fully again and gazed at him.

“I thought I dreamt you,” she said, her voice soft and hesitant.

Mac didn’t know whether to shout and bang his chest in elation at the sound of her voice or to just wrap her up in his arms and growl at anyone who had dared to lay a finger on her.

“You’re still here.”

Mac’s gut ripped at the bewilderment and surprise. He heard the mistrust and fear of years in those three little words. He tried to reign in his eagerness. Going all King Kong badass on her at the moment wouldn’t win him any prizes.

“I’m not going anywhere, Lisa. I know all this is as confusing as hell, and you’re probably frightened. I know you’ve been hurt, but you don’t have to worry about that anymore. We just want you to heal and relax.”

Lisa’s eyes widened, and her breath hitched. “Doctor Madden?”

“Well, if you mean the bitch that was in charge of that sorry excuse for a hospital they had you in, you don’t have to worry about her ever again.”

Mac hesitated. He could see confused thoughts racing through her brain and knew she was still a long way off from being able to process anything.

“Where am I?”

That was a sensible question at least. “Raleigh Point, just outside of Raleigh Town, about a hundred and thirty miles east of Springfield.”

Mac couldn’t help it; he kissed her forehead again.

* * * *

Lisa lay still. She remembered him doing that yesterday. She couldn’t seem to work out who this man was. He lay next to her, kissing her, like he had all the time in the world. She wasn’t even frightened, and that bewildered her even more. She screwed her eyes up, trying to work through the fog that usually surrounded her brain. To be honest, most of her last few years had been a fog, and she suddenly realized she was thinking clearer.

They’ve forgotten the drugs!

Maybe, maybe if she was quiet and still seemed out of it, they wouldn’t give her anymore for a while. Dr. Madden had been yelling at the orderlies yesterday, saying she was being transferred. She’d tried to fight them as usual, and then it got a bit confusing again. She wasn’t sure where this big guy fit into it at all. She eyed him warily. Thick black hair hung messily over a wrinkled forehead. He was staring at her but smiling. Not like she was some weird exhibit, the way they had all looked at her at the hospital. His eyes were amazing, brilliant blue, like the sky. Well, on television anyway. It was always blue on television. Pain formed around the sudden lump in her throat. She made a noise. It could have been a whine. She hoped it wasn’t a sob. She turned her face away.

A soft finger traced her cheek. All her body quivered. Desperate, needy. She wanted to lean into that touch, but was terrified if she moved, it would be taken away. She’d lost enough. She didn’t want to be dependent on something else. Everything always got taken away. The lump in her throat burned. Her head moved barely. His touch seemed to be magnetic. Warm. Something pulled at her insides. She tried not to turn, but the burning in her throat eased as the gentle finger stroked her face. Carefully, slowly, she leaned in. The finger became a palm. Warm. Strong. Holding her.

“Lisa?”

She shivered and dared another glance. Wide lips curved in half a smile on a strong jaw that needed a shave. Maybe he kept it like that? She wanted to shake her head. She sounded so old. Even in her head. The guys on the TV didn’t shave. Maybe it was the new thing. What did she know? Sudden anger flared. Who cared about the guy? Not her. She willed herself to stay still. Not draw any attention to her being more awake. She slid her eyes reluctantly away. Focus.

Maybe this was her chance to escape. She knew she was strong. Wicked, they had called her. Lisa had to stifle a gasp as the word rang through her head. She was wicked. She knew she was. She remembered a foster mother screaming it at her as she was dragged away from her last place because the woman’s sick bastard of a husband had tried to touch one of the little ones again. Lisa had broken his arm, wrenching it off the little kid.

She knew it was wrong. She didn’t regret breaking his arm, but her temper terrified her. When she got angry, she was so strong. She’d go for weeks with no problem, and then all of a sudden, she’d wake up one day, burning, and God help anyone who got in her way. I’m wicked. Desolate tears wanted to break free, but she couldn’t even summon the energy for crying. There was no point. There was never any point.

The guy raised himself up on one arm to look at her. He could see her face screwed up tight. “Lisa, honey?”

She didn’t know what to say. She tried calling him the guy in her head again, but she knew it was no good. His name was Mac.

“Lisa, look at me.” If she ignored him, maybe he could become just the guy again

“Lisa, I said look at me.”

Lisa’s eyes opened wide at the power in his voice. She should be scared. He was messing with her head, because she wasn’t scared, not really. She trusted his voice.

“Now,” he said getting out of bed, “I know this is confusing as hell, and I know you’ve been in a bad place for a long time. I’m not going to bombard you with a lot of information. Just know you are safe, no one’s gonna hurt you ever again. My brother Riley is going to come in here in a moment. Riley’s a healer, a good one.”

She could nearly hear her pulse speed up. A healer? He looked at her steadily, waiting. She blew a long breath out, and he nodded.

“When Riley has checked to be sure you’re healing okay, my sister Cassie’s gonna help you get comfortable. You can either eat here or downstairs if you’re ready to brave my family.”

Lisa watched, amazed as his face softened on a grin as he mentioned his family, and a spurt of jealousy shot through her.

There was a soft knock on the door, and a woman walked in. She looked about the same age as her, with a smile that crinkled her freckled face surrounded by red curls.

“Hi, Lisa, I’m Cassie. How are you feeling?” The woman asked, but Lisa couldn’t answer her as she was too distracted by the huge man that followed her. Power vibrated off him, and she scrambled up the bed quivering toward Mac.

* * * *

Mac steadied her and put his arm around her, startled by her strong reaction to Riley. God, if she thought he was scary, wait till she saw Zack. He had at least another five inches on the pair of them.

“Riley’s not gonna hurt you.” Mac drew her in protectively, humbled that, in her fear, she had instinctively sought him out.

Riley sat on the edge of the bed below her, trying to assume the most non-threatening position he could and his voice lowered by an octave. “Hi, Lisa, I’m Riley, Mac’s brother. I know your side’s probably still hurting you a lot, and I want to check to see how those broken ribs are healing. I just want to feel your side. I promise I’ll be gentle.” Smiling, he blew on his hands to warm them up.

“Come on, let’s get you comfortable.” Lisa stiffened briefly as Mac pulled her onto his lap. His big arms comfortably surrounded her. She took a shuddering breath, and she leaned back into him. God, he felt like he could take on the world when she did that. Lisa flinched slightly as Riley touched her arm, but she still leaned back. He moved slightly and smiled when she followed.

“Good girl.” Mac kissed her head as she relaxed. In no time, Riley had checked her ribs and nodded a satisfied grin to Mac.

Mac lifted her unprotesting body and stood her next to him, careful not to let go until he knew she had her balance. “I’m going downstairs while you get showered.”

Lisa made a grab for his arm. “I…”

“Cassie’s gonna help you get ready. I’ll just be downstairs.” Mac glanced at Cassie for confirmation. “If you need me, tell Cassie. She’ll shout for me.” Mac brought his cell out of his pocket and left it on the nightstand. “I’ll be with Riley.”

Cassie nodded and smiled. “We’ll be quick. You’ll feel much better.”

Mac stared as the silence lengthened. He’d caught her agonized reaction before she’d turned away. He thought she’d want privacy, and to be honest, he needed some time just to sort his feelings out. He felt like he was just getting off a rollercoaster that he’d been stuck on for about ten hours. He moved uncomfortably and turned to tell Riley he was gonna wait up here until Lisa was ready. Lisa’s stiffened shoulders made him feel like he was abandoning her. He stared at her back, willing her to look. If she turned, he would stay. He sighed silently and followed Riley out of the room.

Lisa turned just as the door closed.

Chapter Three

Mac put out a hand to stop Riley. “I need to borrow your phone.” Riley nodded and handed it over then turned to go. “Riley.” Mac shook his head to get Riley to stay and leaned on the bannister waiting for Brett to answer.

“Riley?”

“It’s Mac. Got a problem.” If that isn’t the understatement of the century. He could imagine Brett grinning.

“I know she’s there okay. Zack called.”

“Yeah, Brett, but it was weird. He told you they were getting ready to move her?”

“That’s what Dr. Michaels—”

Mac interrupted “Brett, one of the nurses was a shifter.”

Riley’s eyebrows shot up in astonishment, and a soft gasp came from Brett.

“What the hell?” Brett started.

“Look, it was weird. There was no way any shifter wouldn’t have known what Lisa was, even if they didn’t know her alpha status. I just can’t believe any shifter would leave her in that place, without at least, I don’t know, a phone call?”

“Mmm… let me make some calls. Mac? It may be a good idea for you to make some.”

Mac nodded and hung up. He knew Brett meant his F.B.I. buddy, Daniel. Daniel was a cat, a huge, four hundred pound tiger.

“You didn’t say,” Riley said.

Mac handed the phone back. “Not exactly time.”

Riley shook his head. “Of course not. I take it Brett’s going to do some digging?”

“Yeah, and he wants me to call Daniel.”

“Mac, do you think we should bring breakfast upstairs to her? A bit quieter up here.”

Mac’s bear bristled. She was his. He wanted to show her around.

“She’s not a bloody prisoner. I want her to feel at home.”

They walked to the kitchen.

* * * *

Cassie headed for the bathroom. “It can be a bit crazy around here, but you get used to it pretty quickly.” She chuckled and turned the shower on, adjusting the temperature. “Now, I’ve put out all the toiletries I think you’ll need. I’m going to grab you some spare clothes, so I’ll leave you to get showered in peace.”

Lisa’s mouth fell open, as Cassie turned to leave. She was stunned. She hadn’t been allowed to shower on her own without an orderly present in as long as she could remember. Embarrassed images came flooding back. It was always supposed to be a woman orderly, but sometimes it hadn’t been. Familiar anger grew, and she had to bite her lip and force her hands down. No, she wouldn’t lose her temper. So far, this had been the best place she had ever been, and she wouldn’t let her anger make them send her away.

Lisa looked in awe around the bathroom. She had never seen such a beautiful room. Sleek, black marble countertops hugged cream shelves. The shower stall was nearly as huge as her room back at the hospital. She undressed quickly, keeping her face averted from the mirror. She stepped in, and years of tension fell from her shoulders under the warm spray. She simply stood, not moving for two full minutes while she relaxed. Warm, safe. Nicest place on earth.

She needed to wash her hair and studied the numerous little bottles on the ledge. She opened a few before choosing one that smelled of flowers and lathered her hair up carefully. When she’d finished and had wrapped herself in a huge fluffy blue towel, there was a soft knock, and Cassie put her head around the door.

“I’ve got a few spare clothes with me. You should be able to choose something from them you like until we can get you your own.”

Lisa’s head lifted sharply. She was going to get her own clothes?

Cassie saw her surprise and frowned. She came into the room to sit on a stool. “I know this is all frightening for you, and there are a lot of things that I will let Mac explain, but try not to worry. Now, I’ll wait outside. You shout when you’re ready, and we’ll go and get breakfast.” Cassie smiled again and headed for the door, clearly not expecting Lisa to answer her.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

Blue-green eyes smiled back. “You’re very welcome. Shout for me when you’re done.”

Lisa sat heavily on the stool after Cassie left, her eyes going to the pile of bright clothes. She shook her head in disbelief. When was it all going to start going wrong? Because it always did. Sure as eggs is eggs. Smiling softly, she could hear the sound of Mrs. McAllister in her head. She’d been a group-home mother. One of the nicer ones. She cautiously lifted up a pink sweater and rubbed it against her face. Warm, soft. Wow, underwear. She picked up a scrap of lace and held it to her cheek. Delicate. Probably wouldn’t fit her. Breathing slowly, she pulled them on. Breath hitched. They fit her fine. Then she scowled. What did it matter? They were all just taking pity on her. Playing dress-up.

She fingered the bras cautiously. She hadn’t worn one for a long time and wasn’t sure how comfy they’d be, so she placed them back on the pile. Embarrassed, she wasn’t even sure she’d know if one did fit her properly.

Cassie knocked and put her head around. “Sorry, I should have asked would you like me to do your hair for you.”

Lisa’s face flamed as she cautiously looked at the girl staring back at her from the mirror. Was that really her? That mass of cuts and bruises and sticking up tangled brown hair despite the conditioner she’d found? Who was she kidding? She knew she was ugly. They sometimes thought she’d been too drugged to hear them the nights when the orderlies had checked on her. But she’d heard them. They’d laughed, said that none of them would ever be that desperate.

Feeling the familiar anger rise in her, she clenched her fists and fought it back down. She mustn’t lose control, ever. Wicked.

Lisa suddenly went rigid. She had been so busy concentrating on forcing her anger back down, she had missed Cassie coming up behind her, and the first touch of the brush on her hair made her gasp. Cassie didn’t seem to notice. With a soft touch of her hand, she urged Lisa to sit while she murmured about what a lovely color her hair was, how they could go for a salon visit next week and get it properly cut, and wouldn’t it be fun to have a girl’s day to themselves? Then Cassie had chuckled and added something about having to convince the guys to let them out of their sight.

Lisa was utterly bewildered. No one had ever spoken to her like this, and she found herself blinking back tears. Cassie didn’t seem to notice as she seemed to think Lisa’s hair was dry enough, and they should go eat before all the guys got everything.

Cassie held out an arm to link with Lisa. “You hungry? I’m starved.”

Lisa, glad that Cassie seemed to realize her legs were still a bit wobbly, clutched her arm and followed her out.

Lisa was concentrating too hard to notice any rooms they walked past as they headed closer to where a loud conversation could be heard. Cassie opened a big door, and Lisa flinched automatically at the noise. Two harsh breaths and she was ready to run. Noise beat down on her. Walls were moving. Shouts echoed inside her like they had in the hospital. She froze.

Then magically, he was there. Mac. Bright blue eyes calmed her, and firm hands steered her to a seat.

“Sorry, I forgot how rowdy they can all be. Just ignore them all.”

Riley, she knew, and he brushed his hand across her arm gently to quiet her the same as it had earlier. She was quite grateful to be sitting between him and Mac. Riley was laughing with another big guy. Oh my God, big guy. He was huge.

The big guy turned, and Lisa gasped. He was holding a baby and started strapping him in a rocker.

“There are six of us altogether. My younger brothers are away at college in Atlanta.” Mac laughed. “Those two over there are the oldest.” He pointed at the giant. “That’s Riley’s twin Zack. Then there’s the baby of the family.” Mac grinned at Cassie. “Mom and Dad stopped after that. I think they were in shock.”

“You mean they finally had me and realized they couldn’t ever improve on perfection.” Cassie grabbed a slice of bacon off Zack’s plate while he was distracted. “Let’s face it; they had to keep trying with you guys.”

Cassie shrieked as Zack lifted her off her feet and grabbed the bacon back. Lisa jumped at the noise, and Mac put his arms around her. She held her breath. No one had noticed. No one was looking at her. Lisa forced her breaths to be steady. There was nothing to be scared of. Mac held her.

Words. Someone was speaking.

“Actually, Lisa, I met you yesterday. I was your taxi driver, but we never got introduced.” Zack smiled softly and nodded to the baby in the rocker. “This is my son, Codie.”

Lisa stared at the baby. He was fast asleep. Gorgeous black curls framed his face, and he looked chubby in all the right places. Something sharp jabbed at her stomach, and she put her hands across her middle protectively. She’d loved hanging out with the little ones when she’d been in the group homes. At least before they’d taken her away. She hadn’t been trusted then.

She remembered a little, dark-haired toddler who had run into her room at the hospital by mistake. He’d tripped as he charged in and had started crying. She’d hurried over to see what the matter was before two orderlies had run in. They’d thought she’d done something to the kid. Her door had always been locked after that whenever visitors were in the building.

She shrank back and ignored the careful look Riley gave her.

Just then the door opened, and two kids walked into the room. Cassie immediately grabbed them for a hug. The little one, a boy who looked to be about six or seven, just smiled quietly, but the older one, possibly a teenager, swaggered into the room and stood patiently through the hug. He had a resigned what are you gonna do look on his face, and Zack chuckled as Alex made a beeline for him. Something stabbed at Lisa again when she saw his eager acceptance of Zack ruffling his hair.

Lisa gulped at the loaded plate Cassie put down in front of her. Eggs, bacon, waffles, mushrooms were all balanced on what looked like two rounds of toast. Lisa couldn’t remember seeing that much food on her plate ever before, and she certainly wasn’t capable of eating it all.

Lisa, uncomfortably aware she hadn’t said one thing, looked up at Cassie. “Thank you.”

Mac squeezed her leg under the table, and she was suddenly very glad he was there.

Lisa nibbled on some bacon and pushed her toast around a bit, her throat closing at the sight of all that food. Hoping no one was looking at her, she raised her eyes and came face to face with the teenager’s dark ones.

Alex, Zack had called him, was staring at her with a puzzled look on his tanned face and then he grinned. “Come on you have to eat—us alpha’s got to stick together. Ow.” Alex whined as he had clearly got a kick under the table from Zack. “What? I’m just saying.”

“That’ll do, Alex,” Mac said emphatically.

Lisa looked at Mac, her chest tightening. His face was closed, tight, hard. Something she’d done had upset him. And what is an alpha?

“I was just trying to be friendly,” Alex said sulkily and glared at Lisa like it was her fault.

Lisa could feel the burning inside her start. No, not here. She couldn’t lose her temper here. She fisted her hands by her sides.

“Well, cool it for now, okay?” Cassie ruffled Alex’s hair.

“Forget it,” shouted Alex and stood and turned.

“Sit down,” barked Zack. “You will treat Cassie with respect.”

Alex angrily shoved the table, and that was it. The tenuous thread on her control broke, and she roared and pushed the table back at Alex. Temper swirled about her, she couldn’t hear anything. She couldn’t feel anything. Flames of red hot anger burned through her. Her vision went red. Just as she grabbed the edge of the table, two powerful arms surrounded her and lifted her back into Mac’s hard chest.

“Stop. Stop right now.” The powerful voice echoed around her and zeroed on her inside. A feeling of peace washed over her, and she urgently needed to comply. Just as her anger had so quickly ignited in her, it was gone. Her strength left as well, and if Mac hadn’t been holding her, she would have been on the floor. She heard an agonized cry and realized it was her. Strong arms lifted her, folding her to him.

She gave one gulp, and her eyes flooded with tears. No, she didn’t cry. Not anymore. With utter and complete despair, she curled into the big arms that were holding her. She’d lost her temper. They would drug her. They would drug her, and they would send her back. Wicked.

* * * *

Mac wanted to cut his own throat. Stupid, stupid, stupid. What on earth had he been thinking, dragging her into breakfast with them all? He tended to forget his large, boisterous family could make even the most outgoing people nervous, let alone some poor kid that had probably only seen the same four walls for a long time.

She was going through her mating cycle, too, which made everything ten times worse. Riley had warned him, but he thought he knew better. Striding out of the kitchen, he took the stairs two at a time. Quickly going into her room, Mac sat down on the bed. Lisa kept crying. She was trying to heave in huge lungs-full of air as if there wasn’t enough oxygen in the room, and she shook all over.

He laid her gently down on the bed and curled her into him tight. Rubbing his hand up and down her back, he feathered little kisses on her face while he waited for her crying to ease. She was mumbling something to him, and he caught a soft sorry.

“Babes, don’t you dare apologize. This is my fault, not yours. I didn’t think. I just wanted my family to see how beautiful you are. I’m so sorry I put you in that situation. Here, water?”

Lisa focused as he held the water bottle out to her, and she took a couple of sips.

“There, that better?” He smiled and tucked her into him again.

Mac breathed slowly. He knew she was feeling the connection between them, and when her fingers innocently brushed his skin, tiny needles pierced him, and his eyes zeroed on those full lips. His whole body tightened in response, and he let out a long breath, willing himself to calm down.

“Mac?” The tremulous voice wobbled. Lisa fixed her eyes on his shirt. “Mac, why am I here?”

Mac paused. He wanted to slap his head. Duh! He’d been so fixed on getting her safe and well, and with the whole mate thing throwing him for a loop, he hadn’t given any thought to answering her questions. He couldn’t exactly blurt out about her being a shifter. She’d probably think they were all ready for locking up.

“Lisa, Raleigh Point is a group home. You’ve been in one of those?”

She nodded hesitantly.

“Well, a doctor friend of ours visited the place you were in and, thankfully, saw you.” He let out another long sigh, and Lisa shivered. He tucked her in closer. “You shouldn’t have been there. You’re obviously too old for a regular group home, but he thought this place would be good for you.” Lame, Mac, so lame.

A soft knock had Riley appearing around the door. Lisa immediately changed and nearly tried to climb inside him.

Mac looked at his brother, bewildered. She knew Riley, and she hadn’t been this frightened of him earlier. What had changed?

“I just got off the phone with Brett.” Riley spoke quietly, but made no move to come toward them. Lisa quieted slightly at the sound of Riley’s voice. Mac knew he wanted to come closer as he needed touch to be able to calm her down.

“Honey, let Riley check on you. I’m not going anywhere.” He continued to rub soothingly on her back, as Riley fully came into the room.

“Hey, Lisa? Don’t mind the kids. They get a bit full of themselves. Especially Alex, huh?” Riley continued to talk nonsense, and Mac brushed a hair out of her eyes. She blinked slowly. Mac studied the long lashes that fanned her cheek for a second before they pulled up again. She would be stunning when the bruises were gone. He lightly traced one finger along her cheekbone, carefully, gently. Her lashes swept up again at his touch, but not all the way. He just caught her pupils widen and her eyes glaze slightly. Her breaths slowed. Riley edged nearer.

All of a sudden, she sighed against Mac and shut her eyes. His bear nudged at his insides, and a wild possessive urge flowed around him. She was his, dammit. Nothing would ever hurt her again. Mac murmured quietly to her as her body shuddered once and then stilled. He wrapped his big arms around her and willed her to feel safe.

“She’s asleep, Mac.” Riley removed his outstretched hand and sat on the chair next to the bed. “I don’t think she’s fallen asleep naturally in a long time.”

“Well, yeah, but didn’t you do that?”

“No, I was just trying to calm her down. It kind of wasn’t necessary.” Riley smiled. “Think you had it all under control. As soon as she relaxed, her body decided it needed the rest.”

Riley moved to the chair. “I wanted to tell you what Brett said.” Riley shook his head at Mac’s look. “Nothing on the nurse yet.” He sighed. “Lisa’s mating cycle is complicating everything. Alpha females are different to even female wolves.”

“And female bears,” Mac put in sardonically.

“Yeah, apparently even Brett had to make some calls as he hasn’t been in a wolf pack for a long time.”

They both knew Brett’s story. Brett was a wolf shifter and had grown up in a very traditional pack. He was in a bad car accident when he was a kid, and because he was trapped for a long time before help got there, unable to shift and heal himself, his leg was permanently damaged. The Alpha had told him, in no uncertain terms, that he wasn’t welcome as he could no longer hunt, and he had ended up at Raleigh Point. He got about okay, but he couldn’t run. It was worse when he shifted. Every year, their mom and dad held a party for shifters who had been brought up at Raleigh Point, and last year Brett met Angie. They mated, but because Brett knew he wouldn’t be accepted into her pack with his injury, Angie had agreed to live with him at Raleigh Point.

Riley grinned at Mac’s startled expression. “What do you know of alpha female mating cycles?”

“Well, up to yesterday, I would have said I didn’t want to know anything.” God, he could feel the blush starting in his neck. How old was he, fifteen?

Riley laughed and stood up. “To give you the shortened version, it lasts up to two weeks, comes every six months or so, and we don’t know when she started. It’s magnified about fifty to one hundred times what other female wolves go through. Apparently once she hit twenty, it would have gotten worse.”

“Why? What’s so special about being twenty?”

“It’s traditionally the age of maturity for female wolves. Female alphas are in a constant state of err… arousal.” Riley blushed. “Apparently it’s quite serious. I mean bad health wise. Err… you’ve seen the other effects.”

Mac glowered.

“Most females take painkillers when they get bad cramps, but that’s the problem here. I don’t want any drugs in her system. Human painkillers aren’t strong enough to have any effect anyway, and she’s still got a lot of crap swirling around in there. We can’t give her anything else.”

“But you can help surely?”

“Actually no, not this time.” Mac watched in surprise as Riley looked at the floor.

“Brett said the only way to help was to relieve her, and I think you would have my balls if I so much as looked at her.”

Mac was dumbstruck. He was so surprised, his bear wasn’t even territorial about the thought of Riley getting anywhere near her.

“Riley, I can’t, not when—”

“I don’t mean full penetration, idiot. Christ, Mac, you have a girl usually on each arm, don’t tell me you can’t be inventive.”

Mate.

Mac’s face heated. He wanted to say so much to Riley, but there was no way he was having this conversation. “I’ll figure something out.” And he nearly growled at Riley’s delighted grin as he strode to the door.

“If it’s any consolation, her mind seemed pretty clear. I don’t think you’ve got that to worry about.”

Riley stopped at the door. “It reduces dramatically once you two mate.”

Well, hell.

Lisa chose that moment to rub herself up and down Mac in her sleep like a little cat, and eased herself closer to him if that were even possible.

Mac’s jaw hardened, and damn if his dick didn’t too.

Shit, it was going to be a long week.

Chapter Four

Mac read throughout the day while Lisa slept. He took a phone call from Miranda, the F.B.I. agent he worked with, giving him an update on a missing kid he’d helped find two weeks ago. He’d shuffled awkwardly at the sound of her flirting with him down the phone during an uncomfortable conversation. The woman was like a jellyfish on a piece of driftwood, all suction and hard corners.

It was his fault though. Miranda had made good arm-candy at first. When he’d realized, belatedly, the candy was an empty shell, he’d tried to distance himself unsuccessfully. He’d even spoken to Daniel about getting a new contact to work with. To be honest, he preferred to work with only Daniel. It was sometimes difficult working with humans. Certain secrets needed to be kept, but Daniel had a whole department to look after and couldn’t always find the time for his smaller cases. At least, the kid was doing great. Mac left a message with Daniel to give him a call.

Cassie came in a couple of times to help Lisa to the bathroom. She just seemed groggy. Her temperature was higher, but Riley wasn’t worried, so Mac wasn’t either. In fact, he was just thinking maybe they’d luck out, and she was nearly through this. All he’d done was hold her tight and make her sip cool water.

Cassie had just been in with food for them both, and Mac had tried to get Lisa to eat something, but Lisa turned her face away. Mac had given it up for now.

He was managing to hold it together just. Lisa kept rubbing herself up and down him. He stripped his T-shirt off as lying next to Lisa was like sleeping beside a furnace. But that had made it harder. She seemed to want to suckle him every time her lips met bare skin. His dick was so hard, he thought it was gonna explode.

When she had calmed slightly, he slid out of bed carefully, and headed for the shower. He couldn’t do what Riley said. What would he say if she woke up and he was doing God knows what? Their relationship would be over before it started. No, she would be fine, she seemed better already, and hell, this was what showers were for, weren’t they?

Mac had an image of those pink lips around the straw on the water bottle. Groaning, he caught his rock hard length in his fist as he thought about those lips fastened on something else. Already leaking pre-cum and wet from the shower, he worked his cock.

All it took was an image of Lisa kneeling in front of him and burning shot down his spine and straight into his balls. Jets of cum hit the shower tiles, and he leaned his head on the cool tile in front of him, panting.

He stepped out and toweled himself quickly. He was just pulling his shorts on, when a crash came from the bedroom. He got in there a split second faster than Riley and bent to the prone figure on the floor.

“I was in the shower.” He gently picked a shaking Lisa up. Smoothing hair from her face, he sat on the bed and held her while Riley skimmed his hand over her arm.

Lisa’s eyes were open but unfocused, and Mac holding her didn’t seem to quiet her shaking as it had done through the day. Each shudder seemed to be getting worse, and her face was screwed up in pain. He could hear her mumbling words. Even with shifter hearing, all he could make out was, “Sorry” and then, “wicked.”

Riley’s eyes shot to his, and he lowered his arm.

Lisa wailed and grabbed for Mac.

“Mac, her temp’s too high, and she’s in a lot of pain. You need to get over yourself and sort this out.”

Mac’s mouth tightened, and he nodded as Riley left the room. Hell, there was nothing his body wanted more than to sort it out as Riley had put it. He was a total ass, getting off in the shower while she was in here burning up.

Lisa gave a low moan, and Mac settled into her and pulled her closer.

“Baby, I’m sorry it hurts. Gonna make it all better.” Mac grazed his hand over her side gently, shocked at the dampness of the T-shirt and shorts she’d had changed into.

“Let’s get these off you and make you comfy.” Mac continued to talk to her in his low easy voice, as he gently stripped the sodden clothing off her flushed skin. Mac stroked her skin up and down near her belly, desperately trying to not let his hand wander lower, but Lisa started thrashing her head and giving little keening cries as she shook. Her hands snatched desperately at him. Hazel eyes opened and fixed intently. One long breath and a small tongue flicked out and disappeared. Teeth tugged at her bottom lip. Mac felt them in his dick.

Stroking her wasn’t enough. Mac threw the sheet back and knelt down between her legs grabbing each ankle gently. Murmuring softly, he brought his hands up and down each leg. He bent his head and followed his hands with little kisses. He found her instep, then her ankle. He kissed the tiny pale freckles that dusted her knees, and pressed cool lips to the soft hot skin on the inside of her thigh.

God, she was beautiful. He almost laughed. Even her stubby fingernails were his. All his. His dick was pushing against his shorts, hard and throbbing. He moved restlessly trying to get some friction.

Lisa was gasping and writhing, frantically pushing her hips into his hands. He caught both her hands in one of his and pinned them over her head. She immediately stilled and fixed a desperate scorching gaze on him.

“Keep them there.” Push. Mac released a little of his alpha power to keep her still. Her pupils blew. He could feel her answering lust pulsing back at him. She needed to be still. He needed her to be still. She was gonna hurt herself. Liar. He could feel the answering heat of her and smell her arousal spike when he restrained her hands. He gazed at a droplet of sweat that rolled down her neck and between her breasts. Without thinking, he bent his head and followed it with his tongue.

“So, so hot.” Lisa whined.

“I know, honey, gonna make it good.” Mac bent and trailed kisses down her neck. He followed the side of her breasts. He ached to taste them, but this was about her today. He quickly lowered himself to where she writhed and pushed her hips. He thrust one finger between hot, slick folds, and Lisa nearly shot off the bed, convulsing. She’d clamped straight down on that finger, her cunt milking it for all she was worth. He parted her folds some more with his other hand and inserted another finger. Mac felt the contractions in his dick, and if he had a free hand, he’d have thumped it, hard. He bent his head, and her whole body stilled. Mac glanced up and was met with two deep pools that seemed to burn right inside him. She licked her lips and moved frantically, her body urging him lower.

“Need, I need—”

“I know what you need.” He bent his head, and she shrieked at his first taste. Fuck, she tasted amazing. His dick was pulsing, but he ignored it and focused on her. Over and over he licked and sucked, as she squirmed and moaned. It seemed like they were both stuck on some precipice. Finally his teeth nibbled on her clit, and they both launched of the cliff together. A huge shudder locked her body down, and he sucked at the gush of cream that followed. Fucking amazing. She tasted fucking amazing.

He barely registered teenage-like embarrassment at the wet patch in his shorts and shook at his body’s own reaction.

Lisa’s body stopped shaking, and a soft sigh eased out of her. With one last gentle kiss on her curls, he eased himself up her body and tucked her into his side. Eyes closed, she looked totally out of it, but her breathing was steady, and her shaking had stilled. Smiling, he lowered her arms and kissed each palm as he brought them down. Satisfied, he pulled a sheet over her as he could feel her skin cooling. Head shaking and guilt pricking him, he ignored his own need to clean up and brushed another satisfied kiss on her head.

Mac lay quietly reveling in the sound of Lisa’s relaxed breathing. He smiled contentedly to himself, his arms full of a soft, pliant woman. Definitely a first. Not that he hadn’t had a satisfied woman fall asleep on him before. Hell, he’d had loads of satisfied dates. But I’ve always slept alone. He’d never been one for more than casual hook-ups. Kept it light. Three dates maximum. He couldn’t exactly introduce a casual date to his family. Way too much of a privacy issue.

The screen on his phone lit up. He’d had it on silent deliberately. Easing out of Lisa’s arms slowly, he almost went straight back when she whimpered. He tucked the pillow he’d been laying on into her, and she quieted.

He looked at the screen. Daniel. Walking to the bathroom, he called him back, keeping his voice down.

“Mac?” Daniel’s voice was always quiet, and he relaxed some.

Mac quickly told him about Lisa and the orderly from the hospital. Daniel agreed to do some digging and call him back. They exchanged a few updates about the latest kid he’d found and satisfied there was nothing urgent, he rang off. Mac would respond if there was an emergency with a missing kid, but for now his mate needed his full attention. He took the fastest shower he’d ever had and went back to Lisa, inordinately pleased when she immediately sought him out. Satisfied, he shut his eyes.

Hours later, he’d been awake for some time, and his arm that she rested on was numb, but there was no way he was gonna move and disturb her. He’d listened to her soft sighs through the night, and could feel the contented rumbling from his bear as he held her close. Her temperature was fine, and she had stopped her shaking a long time ago.

Feeling her stiffen and start to shuffle, he supposed she probably wanted the bathroom. Opening his mouth to reassure her before she freaked out, a soft finger touched his lips, and he glanced down.

“I don’t know you. I don’t know what I’m doing here. I know you’re taking care of me.” She worried her bottom lip, obviously searching for words. “I’ve been in a bad place for a long time, so if this is what you want, then I’m okay with it.”

Mac stared at Lisa, dumbstruck.

His jaw hardened, he wanted to inflict bodily injury on the ass-wipes that had her for so many years. God, where did he start? Mac clamped down on his howling bear.

“Lisa, do you remember any of yesterday?”

Lisa’s eyes clouded, and she ducked her head. “I lost my temper.”

Mac lifted her chin up gently with his finger. “There are a lot of things going on that you don’t understand. You’ve been treated badly for a long time, but that’s over now. I’m gonna take care of you. Never worry about losing your temper. Everyone does sometimes, and I have a feeling your fuse isn’t gonna be as short anymore.” Mac grinned, he could live with his form of anger management.

* * * *

But why? Why do you care? She desperately wanted to ask, but was afraid of the answer. No one had ever cared. There was no way this gorgeous man didn’t have some ulterior motive for helping her. She was a mess. Ugly, stupid hair and an uglier body. Wicked. Tears sprang in her eyes, and she squeezed them shut, so he couldn’t see.

She remembered being scared of the other guy when he’d walked in. She’d had a flashback to the hospital. She always got punished for losing her temper. Sudden images of heavy cruel hands that hurt crowded her brain. They sometimes they even tied her down. That was the worst. At least when they gave her drugs, she wasn’t aware. Some choice. Cautiously, she studied him surreptitiously. His blue eyes, quite startling with his dark hair, watched her steadily, but they weren’t angry.

Taking a breath, she looked at him again. His black hair flopped casually over his face, nearly covering one eye. Without thinking, she lifted her hand to brush it away and stilled as her fingers tingled like when the kids in the home said you were cool if you put your tongue on the end of a battery. Her mouth parted in surprise.

She had to be careful. As soon as she figured out what he wanted or gave him what he wanted, she would be sent back. There was no way she could let that happen again. She would bide her time. Humor him. Let him think she was docile, and then, when she saw her chance, she would go.

He leaned into her, and Lisa couldn’t help tracing his jaw line with her finger. She took a calming breath. His deep blue eyes clouded over at her touch and arms hardened underneath her, but she didn’t think he was angry. Tight muscles were controlled. He leaned closer into her, and she gasped. A very large, hard, mound pressed into her through his shorts, and she knew exactly what he was controlling.

Panicking slightly, she pulled herself out of bed. She needed to visit the bathroom. She stood up, but as her feet hit the floor, her body nearly followed. Both of her knees gave way. Instantly, Mac was there. He’d moved so fast he was a blur. She put a shaking hand to her head, thinking she still had some drugs to work through her system.

“Steady, baby.”

Lisa gasped as Mac swung her up. Suddenly very conscious of being naked and of her generous body, she turned her red face to his neck. “I’m too heavy. I can walk.” Lisa stared, shocked as a soft growl reverberated through him.

“Utter nonsense. You’re a lightweight, and I’m a bear, err—a bear of a man.” Mac kissed her head. “I like carrying you.” His arms tightened around her. Lifting her into the bathroom, he set her onto the toilet. “I’ll be just outside. Don’t move.”

Lisa managed to wash her hands. Mac came back in when she turned the water on and sighed audibly at the death grip Lisa had on the side of the sink. Wrapping a soft towel around her, he gently deposited her on a stool.

“Can I use the shower, please?” she asked.

Mac bent down. “Lisa, this is your home. You don’t have to ask to use anything, but for now I’m gonna run the bath as I don’t like the idea of you standing for too long.”

Mac ran the water and added some soft bubble bath. Lisa tried not to gape as he calmly stripped. Oh God, he was getting in with her. She cringed as Mac straightened up and moved to lift her. He was gorgeous, moving easily and confidently, completely comfortable in his own skin. Lisa closed her eyes in shame. And why wouldn’t he be? He was like some Greek God. Maybe, if she was very lucky, she might drown in the bath. Her jaw dropped as he pulled her close and gently lowered her onto him as he settled in the tub, her back to his chest. Okay then, well maybe not drown exactly.

Lisa swallowed.

Mac swallowed.

Lisa daren’t move. His dick, ramrod straight, was pressing into her. It was like she was having some out of body experience. He picked up the sponge and started drawing lazy circles on her shoulders. Then the sponge moved lower. The circles didn’t seem that lazy anymore. She stiffened.

“Lisa, honey, just relax. Nothing’s gonna happen to you, nothing. I just want to look after you.”

Lisa’s body trembled as she struggled to hold herself away from him. She was fighting leaning back.

“Lisa, do you remember I told you where you are?” She nodded carefully. Her neck ached with the effort of holding herself rigid. Oh God. He’d just found where it hurt, and his hands were smoothing the aches away

“You’re safe here. No one’s going to drug you, hurt you, or force you to do anything.” Her muscles shook a little as she started to relax. “Things are complicated with your body, and it’s gonna be confusing for a while.”

Maybe she could lean back just a little bit. Just so he could reach that bit…Ohh.

Mac was telling her about the home, but she wasn’t really listening. The sound of his deep voice made it hard to keep her eyes open. He told her about the kids they looked after, explained how Dr. Michaels had got her released to them because he knew them and realized she would be safe.

Lisa thought she must be dreaming. But it wasn’t like any dream she’d had before. She didn’t have nice dreams. Lisa only had nightmares. But this one? This one she definitely didn’t want to wake up from.

Chapter Five

While Mac dried her hair, Lisa sat on the stool in the bathroom, trying to process all the things he had told her since yesterday. She sniffed surreptitiously. She could smell honey and wondered if it was one of the shampoos. She understood where she was. It sounded like a group home she had stayed in briefly, in between foster placements as a child. Some of them had been very nice. She’d never known her real parents. They’d died in an accident, and she didn’t have any other family. That’s what they’d told her while growing up in the system.

She remembered the first time she’d lost her temper in one of the group homes. Just started getting breasts and had been proud of her body. She was so excited she’d been able to use her clothing allowance to buy a bra. Lisa scowled at the memory of the boy, Bryan, his name was. He’d followed her all the way down the stairs to the TV room, snapping her bra strap, laughing and asking to see her boobs. It seemed so silly now. Other kids would have just laughed and ignored him. Other kids would have maybe shouted, or maybe told the house mother, but no, not her. She’d snapped and pushed him down the stairs. They moved her to a secure group home then, and things had gone from bad to worse. She’d never worn a bra again.

Mac’s arms rested gently on her shoulders. He totally confused her. He said his family ran the group home, and she remembered him coming for her in the hospital, but she still didn’t understand why.

She took in his powerful body. God, the guy was enormous, all muscles with short black hair. He was like one of the football players some of the orderlies commented on when they watched a game. Weird blue eyes. Like he could see right through you. And he had spent the day with her. God, he had bathed her. He had kissed her and held her like she was his, like she belonged to him. She remembered when she reacted downstairs to Alex, Mac hadn’t hit her or drugged her. He’d just held her and told her to stop, and her body had listened. No one had ever been able to get her to calm down by just talking, ever.

“You about done?” The smiling blue eyes pulled her from her thoughts.

Lisa nodded, still unable to trust her voice after it being silent for so long.

“I’ll just be outside.” He pushed some clothes toward her, smiled, and left her to get dressed.

Lisa smiled again at his thoughtfulness. She hadn’t had any privacy in what seemed to be a very long time.

She opened the bathroom door, dressed in the jeans and blue T-shirt she’d pulled from the pile, liking the snug fit of the denim. She looked shyly at the man who stood by the bed, relaxed with his arms crossed.

“Very nice.” Mac smiled and came closer. “Now, you need food. You have hardly eaten anything since you got here. Everyone’s out except Riley and Cassie, so think you could brave downstairs again?”

Lisa’s breath hitched. Downstairs? Could she?

“We’ve also asked Dr. Michaels to look in on you today.”

“Why?” Lisa’s feet came to a stop, alarm spiking.

“Dr. Michaels has the experience to understand what you’ve gone through. He can give any advice Riley needs to help you. Don’t worry, I’ve got you.” He pulled Lisa into a big warm hug. She stiffened and waited for the slivers of panic to creep in. She didn’t do touching much. No, she did. It was just that no one had touched her without trying to restrain her, forever. Mac tucked her under his chin. Her body relaxed, and she sighed. Safe, safe and warm, warm right down to her toes. Her stomach rumbled.

“Come on, let’s feed you. I’m starving.”

Lisa blushed and thought about her plump body again. At least, he hadn’t commented on that, but she would only eat small bits. She was big enough.

Lisa walked into the kitchen, holding Mac’s hand and smiled at Cassie and Riley. Cassie grinned and put a burger and fries in front of her.

“Thank you,” she murmured shyly, and realizing she was hungry, started tucking in. As usual, by the time she’d gotten less than halfway through, she put the bun down and pushed her plate away. Her stomach wasn’t full, but her head was full of the orderlies’ faces when they’d watch her eat. She was never allowed to eat on her own. Sometimes, she just wasn’t hungry. Too many pills stuffed down her throat. They’d stood over her. Cracking jokes about her going on a diet. Her throat closed, and she couldn’t eat any more, even though when she’d first seen the food, she could have eaten two of them.

She glanced up at Mac, and his hand squeezed her thigh. She stilled. Another guy had come into the room. She hadn’t noticed him before, and she drew into Mac’s side, alarmed.

“This is Dr. Michaels. This is the guy responsible for getting you out of the hospital.”

Mac smiled, but made no move to make Lisa go near the doctor.

The fairly average looking, sandy-haired guy with glasses, had a smile that crinkled as he spoke. “Hi, Lisa, good to see you’re a bit better. Do you mind if we talk some?”

Lisa nodded carefully and kept close to Mac.

“Lisa, I want to apologize. The system hasn’t treated you very well I’m afraid.”

Lisa gaped, amazed. She blurted out, “It wasn’t your fault,” before she could stop herself. Heat crept up her face.

“Well, no, not personally maybe, but really, in this day and age, these things shouldn’t be happening.” He sighed. “I just stopped in to say hi, but I can see you’re doing well. If it’s okay with you, I’m going to stop in regularly over the next few days. Just to talk.”

She was sure they could all hear her heart hammering, trying to escape her chest.

“I’m on my way to see another patient, and I can’t stay today, but I just wanted to say hello.”

Short breaths became longer. He didn’t seem that bad.

“I’ll be going now. Mac, want to walk out with me?”

Mac gazed down at Lisa. “Will you be okay with Riley for a few minutes?”

Lisa nodded. She quite liked Riley, and she needed Mac to stop guarding her so closely. Didn’t she? So she could get away when she needed to.

* * * *

Mac walked to the door where Zack stood, obviously guarding the kitchen door in case Lisa and Dr. Michaels needed privacy. Mac gave him a grateful smile.

“What do you think, Doc?”

“I think it’s remarkable she seems to have come out of this relatively unscathed. According to Riley, her mind is quite clear. At the very least, I would have expected serious side-effects, if not permanent damage. Shifter metabolism is quite remarkable.”

Mac nodded, pleased.

“You’ve still got a long haul with her. Panic attacks certainly. I wouldn’t be surprised at moderate or severe agoraphobia. I’m amazed she isn’t suffering serious withdrawal symptoms. I asked for the drugs to be reduced,” he smiled questioningly, “not completely stopped.”

Mac shrugged. “Riley would know if it were a problem.”

Dr. Michaels let out a heartfelt sigh. “I wish he would consider a career in medicine. I understand you’re her mate?”

Mac nodded.

“Well, I suppose what I’d normally say to spouses won’t apply to you.”

“Which is?”

Dr. Michaels sighed. “She needs someone for the long haul. If you’re not totally committed, I can arrange for a transfer.” He shook his head at Mac’s askance look. “Like I said, if you weren’t a shifter. The other thing is her general health. I’m can’t be entirely sure without getting a full work up on her, which given her reticence, isn’t a good idea at present, but you’ve noticed she’s quite plump?”

Mac growled, feeling his bear rush to defend his mate. Dr. Michaels took a step back.

“Whoa, listen. That isn’t a criticism. It’s something I’ve learned from a colleague I worked with last year, a wolf shifter, and my wife also. She’s seriously undernourished, she’s probably had junk forced on her from that excuse of a hospital, and that, coupled with at least one of the drugs she was on, is a natural appetite suppressant. Thing is, malnutrition doesn’t show itself in shifters the same way as humans. Her body has shut down. If she gets the correct diet, a large percentage of meat, she will slim down pretty quickly. I noticed she hardly ate any of her lunch.”

Mac nodded, and Zack put in, “She pretty much pushed her breakfast around yesterday also.”

Mac frowned. “Hell, she hasn’t eaten anything since she got here.”

“Well, it needs monitoring. As it is, she will get very tired, very quickly. Let me know if her eating doesn’t pick up, and I’ll find out some more info.” Dr. Michaels put his hand out. “Anything you need, call me.”

Mac shook hands, pleased with the doctor, and hurried inside, wondering how soon he could conceivably get Lisa to eat more.

Going back into the kitchen, he suddenly stopped. She was smiling.

Leaning on the kitchen counter, Mac gazed at his mate. Her short stubby brown hair was cute. Hell, she probably hated it. Cassie had mentioned something about a salon visit later in the week, so that was good.

Lisa laughed at something Riley said and looked up at Mac. Her beautiful hazel eyes sparkled with gold flecks. He wanted to make them shine like that all the time. How on earth could he possibly have thought they were just brown? His eyes slid over the bruises yellowing on her neck and the darker ones on her face. They’d be the last ones ever to mar her smooth skin. He’d make damn sure of it.

“I was just telling Lisa about Mom and Dad finally going on that cruise he’s promised her for the last twenty years.” Riley nodded at Mac, showing everything seemed to be okay. “I’ll leave you to it, got some homework to do.”

“Riley and Zack run a security company. Riley does the computer programming for all the systems they install. Care for a tour?” Mac put his hand out.

Lisa eyed his hand cautiously. He knew she could feel the tingling between them when they touched.

“I’m sure you have some questions?” Mac smiled gently, helping her bundle up with a borrowed jacket as they stepped outside.

Lisa raised her face to the sun and closed her eyes. Mac’s breath halted at her child-like expression. He liked that look on her. He wanted it more, like she was suddenly enjoying something for the first time.

He snagged a small warm hand in his and was ridiculously pleased when she held on tight.

“I have so many questions, I’m not sure where to start.” Lisa paused. “Why do you care?”

Mac’s eyebrows lifted, and he shuffled his feet. Oh hell. “Would you like to see the start of the woods over there? It isn’t far, and there’s a clearing where we can rest and talk some more.” He shifted uncomfortably, knowing he was stalling.

Lisa nodded, and Mac kept his strides short and his paces slow. In no time, they had reached the clearing, and he stopped.

“I remember what you did, you know,” she said softly.

Mac glanced at her sharply.

“I know you thought I was out of it, but I know what you did. You took away the anger and the pain. I just don’t understand why you would bother.”

“Why I would bother?” Mac asked bewildered.

“Yes, well you’re you.” She waved an arm at him. “And I’m considerably less.” She added softly, “Or more, depending on which way you look at it.”

Mac’s jaw clamped down on his immediate reaction. He knew he was just about to give an automatic, you’re beautiful, or you’re gorgeous, without really thinking about it. It would be a lot easier if he could explain she was his mate. He was seriously out of his depth—feeling shallow. I’m only used to empty-headed compliments. The sort you gave without thinking. She was worth more than that.

Turning to her and pulling her in, he raised a slow hand to her face, keeping it gentle. Her eyes dilated slightly as he brushed a thumb over her cheek. “Honey, you know when we touch, you feel a connection? Like we were meant to be together?”

Lisa’s lips parted in astonishment. Mac smiled. She clearly thought the attraction was one-sided. Her mouth tilted. “I thought that only happened in movies?” She frowned as if she was trying to find the words for something else.

Hell, he could show her better than this.

Mac’s mouth descended on hers, possessive, urgent, and demanding. He bent her into him, and his bear roared.

Everything slowed. He could almost feel her lips before he touched and tasted them.

He wound his arms around her and tilted her body to fit. Lust slammed into him, hot and hard. Her hands rose up and clutched his arms.

Lisa’s knees wobbled.

Mac swept her closer.

God, how could he ever have thought that a thin body was appealing? He loved her softness. He could bend her curves around him, like she was meant to be there. He could feel her breasts pushing up against him, and knew if his bear had been let out, it would be doing cartwheels.

Suddenly everything stopped.

Mac’s bear rose within, and they both inhaled together. Danger. Wolves.

Mac just had time to curse himself for being too distracted to notice their smell, when three huge wolves stepped into the clearing.

Without thinking of the consequences, his need to protect paramount, Mac gave one hard gaze to Lisa as he lifted her behind him, and heard a ripping noise as he started shifting.

“Lisa, run.”

* * * *

The huge wolves were circling them. “Mac,” cried Lisa. Then her voice caught as she met his eyes, knowing her legs were incapable of obeying the order.

Determination?

Resignation?

Apology?

Brief flickers of emotion chased across Mac’s face as Lisa’s horror-struck eyes watched his body ripple. Terror washed over her, and she froze at the sounds of bones popping and clothes ripping. Three wolves leapt forward, a huge bear rose up and, with one swipe of a massive black paw, levelled the nearest wolf. Where had that come from?

Petrified, Lisa’s legs wouldn’t move. She barely had time to process the huge bear that had risen up in front of her and realized, with a sickening fear, she was cornered. The biggest wolf lunged at the bear, trying for its throat. Swerving her head to see the wolf in front of her—its muscles bunched ready to lunge—she knew she was going to die.

She heaved oxygen into her lungs. The inhale pushed her chest, along with something else. A feeling? A knowledge? A power? She stared at the wolf in front of her.

“Stop.”

Quiet. Hard. Implacable. Like Mac had said to her in the kitchen, and she’d calmed instantly.

Confusion crept into the amber eyes in front of her. One second, two seconds, and then a huge paw swiped the wolf, lifted it up and threw it about ten feet. On its legs barely before it landed, it took off after the big black one that had tried to get Mac’s throat.

Mac’s throat? No, it had been an animal, a bear. Where was Mac? Lisa shook her head trying to chase away the roaring in her ears. Mac stood back in front of her and other voices tried to intrude. She pushed them away. Couldn’t think. Didn’t want to think. Her head hurt. She tried to open her eyes against the blackness dancing in front of her, and then barely had time to realize they weren’t shut. Strong arms lifted her as she fell away. Blackness pulled her in.

Chapter Six

Mac watched Lisa’s face anxiously. They’d got her back home, and Riley insisted she was okay. Her body just responded to shock, he’d said. Well, damn, that was fair enough, but surely she should be waking up now?

Lisa stretched. Mac held his breath and her hand. Cloudy hazel eyes drifted open. Unfocused.

He saw the second her memory returned.

“No, go away!” Lisa nearly screamed, as she scrambled up the bed away from him.

“Lisa, calm down, honey.” Mac put his arm out.

“Get away from me.” Lisa pushed herself off the bed in panic, and then nearly toppled over as her legs hadn’t caught up with her desire to move.

“Stop. Calm down. No one’s gonna hurt you.” Mac sighed. “I’ve got this, guys.” He didn’t think she was aware of Cassie and Riley standing in the corner, and he heard the door close.

Lisa was shaking and struggling, but she was getting weaker.

“Honey, don’t tire yourself out. I just want to talk, but I’m not gonna let you hurt yourself.”

Lisa’s shaking slowed, and Mac gently eased her down on the bed, tucking the comforter around her. He sat facing her.

“You lied to me.”

Lied? Well, maybe by omission, but—

“You promised me no drugs. How could you?”

“Lisa, no one’s given you any drugs since you got here. I promise.”

“Hallucinations don’t happen on their own, you bastard.” Lisa choked a sob down.

Mac sighed. Of course, she would think they’d drugged her. Easier to believe than the reality.

“Honey, we weren’t gonna tell you for a while, but I can see you need to hear this, so just be patient while I get it all out.” Mac put a finger against Lisa’s lips that had opened as he started talking. He half-smiled as she frowned and clamped her lips. Little spitfire.

“Firstly, no one’s given you drugs. At all.” Lisa’s disbelieving eyebrows rose. “My family is fairly unique, and this is where it gets harder to hear.” Mac put his large hand over hers, gratified when she didn’t pull away.

“For centuries, well that we know of, maybe forever, certain people have co-existed with humans in secret.”

God, this was starting to sound like a bad science fiction movie.

“My family and quite a lot of our friends can change into err… animals.”

Lisa’s jaw dropped.

“You saw the wolves?” Not that she could have missed them. “Well, they’re shape-shifters. You saw them in their wolf form. They’re the bad guys. I don’t mean all wolves are. There’s good and bad in us all, exactly like humans.”

God, he was making a mess of this. “We told you Raleigh Point was a group home, yeah?”

Lisa nodded, her eyes dazed.

“Well, it’s not a regular one. We only foster shifter babies. My mom and dad, all of us, we’re bear shifters.”

Lisa gazed up at him, disbelief written all over her face.

“Alex is a wolf. An alpha.”

Mac saw comprehension start to slide over her. She was quick.

“Why am I here?” Lisa ground the words out.

Awe washed over him at her determination. “Honey, you’re a wolf shifter.”

Lisa struggled out of bed. “No, I’m not. You’re lying. This is ridiculous. Whatever you’ve been giving me, you’re on it as well.”

“Lisa, you’re not just a wolf shifter, you’re an alpha female. That’s like queen of the pack for want of a better explanation.”

“You’re insane.” Lisa angrily looked down at the floor.

“Honey, I want you to come to the window.”

“Why?” Lisa clamped her feet.

“Just to look. I knew you wouldn’t believe me, and we weren’t gonna do any demonstrations that would scare you.”

Lisa stalked to the window. “Okay, but then I’m leaving. And I was the one locked up?”

Mac would have smiled at the sarcastic comment if it hadn’t been so heartbreaking. Mac tapped on the window. Lisa gaped. Zack, Riley, and Alex stood outside without a care in the world, completely naked.

Cassie sat on a garden chair bouncing Codie and waved gaily up at the window.

“You’re all completely mad. This is like—some commune or something.”

“Just watch.” He nodded to where Zack and Riley were stood.

Zack and Riley both seemed to suddenly crouch. They both looked tense, waiting to pounce. Mac had seen this so much he’d stopped looking, but it was different with Lisa beside him. He stood nearer her, waiting for her reaction. Within seconds, both his brothers had morphed into something quite astounding. Two huge black bears shook thick fur out and stood taller. Cassie calmly walked to the biggest one still holding the baby.

“Oh my God, the baby.” Lisa’s fingers dug into his arm then her lips parted on an O as Codie giggled.

Mac warmed and risked an arm on her shoulders, gently, to pull her closer. He wondered if she’d realized she was automatically displaying an alpha female protective instinct for cubs. She’d been attacked by wolves, had her whole reality rocked, and her first thought was for Codie. Damn, she was beautiful.

Cassie sat him on the back of the biggest bear, who had crouched on all fours so she could reach. The other bear calmly padded closer and nuzzled Cassie as she balanced the baby. He bounced and shrieked in delight.

Alex grinned at them all, and then squinted at the window, waiting for Mac’s nod. In seconds, he had changed to a beautiful golden wolf and stood next to Cassie, who pulled his ears fondly.

Lisa staggered back from the window. She would have fallen if Mac hadn’t had caught her.

“I’ve got you, honey. We’re not mad.” He sighed. “Okay, well maybe we’re all as sane as each other.”

Lisa’s choked sob nearly ripped him apart.

“I’ve got you.”

Lisa’s wavering gaze fixed on him, and she folded. Mac’s insides hurt as the gasping sobs shook her body. He grimaced as huge gut wrenching cries were wrung from her. Mac held her closer as her hands fisted his T-shirt and torrents of tears slid down his front. Sliding onto the bed, still holding her, his arms tightened on every sob as she shook.

Just as he started to get really worried, Lisa’s cries quieted slightly, then morphed into swollen-sounding hiccups. She finally sighed and snuggled into him closer, as he rubbed her back. The tension eased from her body, and her breathing slowed.

Mac’s bear pushed into him, feelings of protection and love swirling them both. He grazed a kiss on her head and sighed in contentment. She was safe, here and in his arms. Exactly where she’d be spending the rest of their lives.

Mac watched steadily until Lisa stirred and opened her eyes. He gazed down at red-rimmed eyes and puffy lips. Mmm… Totally adorable. He dropped soft kisses on each eyelid to soothe.

Softly breathing kisses over swollen lips, he wanted to offer security and comfort. He wanted to be a great, big, fuzzy blanket that wrapped those big eyes and stopped them from hurting anymore.

Lisa moved slowly on his lap, and Mac quickly shook off the fuzzy blanket.

A cautious pair of swollen lips breathed warm air back at him, just resting at the side of his mouth.

Mac’s bear immediately sat up and took notice.

Lisa’s lips moved very slowly and seemed to pull at his lower lip without even touching.

His head angled down of its own accord, and suddenly, Lisa was at the right height. God, she smelled amazing, soft and warm like fresh cookies.

Mac growled.

Lisa startled at the noise, but she didn’t pull away, and her gaze zeroed in on his mouth.

Well, he didn’t want to disappoint.

Mac carefully kissed and nibbled around her lips, never completely taking her mouth so she could still breathe. He moved lower onto her neck and found a jumping pulse point that sped up as he grazed his lips over it.

Lisa swallowed, and he followed the movement with his tongue.

“Need some water?”

At Lisa’s nod, he held the bottle and watched those lips close over his favorite straw. Mac hardened all over. He waited until Lisa finished drinking. Then he put the bottle back on the nightstand. She watched him with wary hooded eyes.

“I don’t really understand what you said about me being an alpha.”

“Honey, you remember in the woods?” He rubbed her arms as a slight shiver ran through her. “You told the big wolf to stop, and he listened.”

Lisa brought her face up in surprise. “I did?”

“Yeah, you were terrified, about to be attacked by wild animals, and you just said ‘Stop.’” Blue eyes fixed on hers. “And he listened. You will have pushed a little of your alpha power out without realizing”

Lisa’s breath caught as she remembered the confusion in those amber eyes. “Why did they attack anyway?”

Mac pulled her in closer to his length. “Alpha wolves are the heads of each pack. Like a monarchy if you like.”

“Are you an alpha bear then?” interrupted Lisa.

“It doesn’t work the same way. All male bears are alphas. They are usually a lot more solitary than wolves and tend to live in smaller family groups. Raleigh Point is quite unique in that way, but then,” he smiled, “so are my mom and dad.”

“You can make me feel your power. Is that an alpha thing?”

Mac blushed. “Yes, but to be honest, the first time it happened I was so damn turned on, it was a sexual thing. You blow my mind…” Mac grazed his lips along the side of her jaw

Lisa moved. She grazed her hip against his hard mound and swallowed slightly.

“The wolf that attacked us? We think he’s a rogue. That’s wolves that are bad and don’t live in a pack. We will have to be careful around here until he’s caught—especially you.”

“Why? Why me?”

“Because, as I said you’re an alpha female. It’s the one thing guaranteed to establish a pack.” He answered her puzzled look. “Wolf packs are very traditional. Some good, some very bad.”

“But he already had others with him.”

“He did, but the difference is they’re rogues. They have no land. Without that, they’d have to fight another alpha for a pack. Now, that’s not necessarily going to work as the alpha doesn’t have to accept the challenge, and can just have them run off. But—”

“What?”

“Any alpha male mated to an alpha female has to be taken seriously. It’s like a wolf code of conduct thing.”

Lisa tried to answer his wry smile. “But I’m not going to go with him, so no worries there.”

The laughter bled out of Mac’s eyes. “It wouldn’t be consensual, babes.”

“Oh.” Lisa drew nearer.

“Not that I’m not relieved, but you seem to be grasping this quite quickly.” Mac wanted to kick himself. That was an ass-like statement, even for him.

Lisa’s lips quirked. “You mean the whole changing into animals or that most alpha males have a huge ego?”

Mac took the barb. He deserved it.

“You seem to forget I have no problem believing the harsher side of human nature. I didn’t exactly grow up in a fairy tale.” Lisa put her finger on Mac’s open mouth to stop his apology. “I’m sorry. That was unnecessary. Okay, so I understand all that, I think. Dr. Michaels isn’t a shifter though, is he?”

Mac dropped a kiss on her lips. “No, good instincts. How’d you know?”

Lisa flushed. “This is going to sound really weird, but he smells different.”

Completely serious, Mac nodded. “Your sense of hearing, smell, and taste are all amplified.”

Lisa gaped. “Am I going to change then?”

Mac could feel the flush on his neck as Lisa stared.

“Not until after you’re mated.” He looked at her steadily. “Not until after we’ve mated.”

“Mated?”

Mac hooked a finger under her chin. “Lisa, you remember what I tried to explain about the connection we both felt? We are true mates. Unusual because, obviously I’m a bear, and you’re not, but then neither’s Maggie.”

“True mates?” Lisa frowned slightly. “Who’s Maggie?”

“She’s a human, mated to our uncle and very pregnant with twins, due any day. I’ll take you around to visit when things are settled.”

“So what does being mates mean?” Lisa’s voice grew softer.

“It’s like finding the other half of yourself. No others, no divorce. True mating is for life.”

Lisa’s voice dropped to a whisper. “And you’re my mate?”

“And you’re mine.” Mac smiled and firmly returned his lips to the hollow in her throat he’d been exploring earlier.

Mac leaned into her as he kissed her neck. She melted in his arms, like chocolate on a hot day.

* * * *

Cocooned in his warmth, he moved his leg over her hip, and she caught a scent of something delicious, earthy like the most exotic flower she had ever smelled. All spices. The smell invaded her pores, reached into her skin, tugged at something inside her, and it moved.

Lisa gasped, and Mac chuckled, bent his head, and inhaled deeply. “Something’s waking up, I think. Delicious.”

Lisa preened.

Catching his face between her hands, confidence flooded her heart at his words. “So I thought mates would kiss more than this really—”

Lisa’s words were effectively cut off as Mac growled and captured her mouth.

He had kissed her earlier, but this, this was complete possession. Her heart stuttered as she recognized the demand for complete surrender. She reveled in each suck, gasp, and taste as if ownership were being stamped on every single cell of her body. His kiss was so thorough and overpowering, she could feel it to her toes.

Her senses were on complete overload. That heavenly sweetness and honey scent earlier came from him. It wound around her. She lifted her arms, wrapping them around his neck, and clung on. Her clothes were coming off. Mac had effectively been kissing and stripping her without pausing, and she had been too wrapped up in him to notice.

Her jeans were nearly ripped off, and she heard them connect with the wall.

So, in a hurry then.

Something defiant stirred inside her at Mac’s dominance. Like a small door had opened inside her and something else was there, urging her, pushing her.

Lisa rose up on the bed and pushed Mac back. “Lay down.” If Mac was surprised at the command in her voice, he didn’t show it. Lazily he stretched his length on the bed. Blue eyes gazing up at her. Still. Waiting.

Lisa lifted one leg and straddled his hips, deliberately, carefully, nudging his cock with her wet pussy. Mac groaned and closed his eyes.

“No, open them. I want you to see me.”

Heavy lids snapped open, and his eyes burned to black. She snaked a hand out and trailed one finger around his jaw. Lisa scraped one stubby nail along a full bottom lip that parted on a gasp. Good. She wanted to unravel him. The man had too much damn control sometimes. Lisa pushed her finger inside and swiped under his top lip and along sharp teeth.

Mac groaned again, and his hips rocked. So, he liked that, did he? She grazed the nubs of his canines, and they moved, hardened and grew longer. He gasped as much as he could with his mouth open. He made a high pitched noise in the back of his throat, and his cock throbbed in answer under her. Bending down, she kissed the side of his lips. When he moved to turn his head, she stroked the tip of her tongue inside to follow her finger. When she touched the tip of his tooth, he gave a whole body shudder. She pulled away.

“You’re killing me, honey.”

Lisa grinned. She didn’t think she was. But anyway, it was going to be a long, slow, torturous, death. Nibbling kisses along his throat, she was very aware of the scrape of her nipples along the coarse hair of his chest. “Touch them.”

Mac brought both hands up to cradle her breasts. She’d always thought them ugly, too big. Now, in his hands, they seemed a perfect fit. He pinched each one and rolled it between his finger and thumb. Pain and pleasure had her arching her back and in one move, Mac had her spun around and on her back. “Lay back, alpha-mine.”

Lisa heard the power resounding from his voice. Part of her was afraid. She knew he was only giving her control a moment ago, because he could. He could take it away in a heartbeat if he chose to. Could she trust someone to have that sort of power over her?

Mac’s lips demanded her attention. She whimpered as his head bent to her breast, and it was only the strength of his body that kept her on the bed as his lips touched. Her whole body jack-knifed as a charge of electricity zapped between her breast and her pussy. Her insides curled upwards as she strained toward him. He broke off from sucking her breast and trailed his mouth lower. Lisa was burning. Her head thrashed at the first feel of his lips, and she whined pushing her hips toward him. She felt like each touch of his lips brought her hurtling faster toward him, out of control. He bent his head further, and a jolt of electricity seared her skin.

Oh God. There. Just there. Teeth grazed her clit, and a finger brushed her back hole. Low pulsing, heavenly stabs rose around her hips and rushed through her groin. She screwed her eyes shut as stars exploded behind them. Every muscle in her tightened from her jaw to her toes, and a scream tore from her throat. Gasping, floating, soothed by small kisses and warm words.

“You’re beautiful. I love your passion. Love that you come apart for me.”

Lisa opened her eyes at Mac’s words, kissed on her skin.

“You’re mine.” His voice changed, and she shuddered at the calm, hard, statement, as if daring her to disagree.

Confidence rushed through her. Two could play the game of possession. She brought herself up on one elbow and caught the smirk from Mac as he lay back. She trailed her hand along the hard planes of his abdomen, unhurried, like she had all day to devote to this particular task. She let her hand streak lower on each pass and knew from the clamping of his jaw and the tightening of his muscles as she barely traced them, that she was having the same effect on him.

She lowered her hand and wrapped it around his cock. He hissed. Good. She was going to wipe that smirk right off him. She nearly faltered when she realized she couldn’t quite get her fingers all around his straining width and just managed to stop herself from gulping. Should she say something? She followed the large vein underneath with her finger and then squeezed her hand back around and twisted her wrist slightly. Mac gasped and made that funny noise again in the back of his throat. She liked that. She shook away the doubt.

Softly stroking his length, she paused as a tiny glistening drop of fluid appeared on the tip. Tiny shudders passed through her. She caught it with her thumb and swirled the head with her fingers. The top was large and flat, and as she moved her fingers, she found to her delight he was most sensitive just underneath, and trailed her fingers up and down.

Lisa had a sudden urge to explore further. She swallowed nervously. She wanted, needed desperately to know what he tasted like. As she ducked her head, another growl rumbled through his body and into hers. Whether it was a warning or not, she didn’t know and didn’t care. This was her mate. He had said so.

About time she had something of hers.

Lisa’s lips closed on the warm mushroom head. She sighed in contentment. He tasted just like he smelled, gorgeous. She was getting used to the growly sounds that kept coming from him. Still, as they got louder, she backed off for a bit and gentled. Soon soft rumbling noises were coming from him. He fisted a hand in her hair. Not tight, not to hurt, just to hold on.

Lisa wanted to anchor herself as well. Not daring to go down too deep, she clasped her hand around the bottom of his dick.

Mac made a sound like she’d just grabbed his throat.

She eased off with her mouth a little and decided to explore with her tongue. After only two swipes, Mac gently lifted her head.

“Honey, that tongue of yours needs to have a warning label.”

Lisa smiled, it sounded like a compliment.

“My turn.”

Chapter Seven

Mac dropped a pillow halfway down the bed. “Turn over.”

Lisa scooted down and laid her head on the pillow. Mac grinned and lifted her, so her abdomen was on the pillow and her ass raised. “Better access.”

Lisa burned.

He knelt down between her parted legs and nudged them a little more to the sides. Placing both hands on her butt, he smoothed down both cheeks to the sensitive skin at the top of her thighs.

“Beautiful,” he murmured, and Lisa gasped as he followed his fingers with his lips.

Oh God. Hot molten lava trailed her clit to her ass. Lisa dissolved. Too overwhelmed in sensation to be embarrassed, her muscles melted. She sighed raggedly.

Mac chuckled. “Like I said, beautiful and tasty.” Mac smoothed his hands over her ass and needy fingers pushed her open. Lisa jumped.

“Mac.”

“Yes, honey?” He swatted her ass lightly. Again, the smack was painful, but his hand smoothed the hurt into something else, something else entirely. Lisa forgot what she needed to say and sighed from his touch.

Mac followed his kisses and touches with half-playful swats on her butt. But each one drove her pussy into the pillow and sent zings of sensation around her belly to lodge there. She gasped as hot fingers tugged at her insides. Pleasure, hard and hot, wrapped itself around her, and she clamped down everything from her jaw to her toes as ecstasy exploded into her, dragging her down and pushing her up. Intense pleasure pulsed over her, tiny explosions set off in her body. She gasped, cried and moaned as Mac followed every one with a kiss.

“Turn over.” Mac pulled her out of her daze.

“Can’t,” Lisa gasped. That would mean her legs would have to work.

Mac spun her over so fast her stomach got left behind.

Mac settled down at her side and idly played with her breast. “You wanted to ask me something.”

“Mmm.” Lisa couldn’t remember, and he was now doing interesting things with his fingers. He circled the nipple and watched her face. Nothing. He touched around the nipple and when his fingers traced the sensitive underside, her eyes shot open, and the skin puckered.

His cock brushed against her leg, and Lisa swallowed.

“Mac? I remembered.”

“Yes?” Mac heard her strained voice, smiled at her deep blush and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear.

“I never, that is I don’t. Well…”

Lisa, totally mortified, came to a stop, ducked her head to his shoulder, and was immediately comforted by the answering rumble.

“Honey, I know. I’m gonna go real slow.”

“You are?”

“Of course, I’m figuring at least all day.” Mac nuzzled in her neck, and Lisa swallowed heavily. “Maybe longer.” Mac’s head suddenly came up. “You hungry?”

Lisa’s head swam at the change of direction, and she nodded softly.

“Good. I asked Cassie to leave us something. Just go see what she did.” Mac shot out of bed and going to the dresser, pulled out some worn baggy sweatpants and very carefully eased himself into them. He shot out the door whistling.

Lisa jumped out of bed grinning. Okay, while he was foraging, she could make herself useful. After brushing her teeth, she turned the shower on. Picking out some of the shower gel she liked from before that smelled like flowers, she lathered it up over her skin. So engrossed she didn’t hear the shower door open, she screamed when large hands grabbed her from behind.

“Honey, calm down. Who else you think it’s gonna be?” He laughed delightedly, taking the shower gel from her. “Turn around. I’ll do your back.”

Very quickly, Lisa was reduced to a quivering wreck. He so thoroughly cleaned every part of her body. Only the iron grip around her waist had her still standing when he gently moved her around, leaned her back to his chest and his fingers to her pussy.

Lisa moaned.

One finger gently teased her labia apart and smoothed along her hot skin. Burning sensations rushed into her as he moved one, then two fingers, gently into her.

* * * *

Mine.

Mac eased her back alongside him some more. He pushed his thigh in between her legs and felt her shuddering as his cock scraped her buttocks. He kissed the soft side of her neck and explored her shoulder blades with his tongue. His cock was pulsing in time to his heart.

Mac knew he had to go slow. His chest had swelled so much when she’d said he would be her first. He’d nearly panicked. He’d shot out of the bedroom like some scared kid. He wanted her relaxed and ready.

Cautiously, he explored with his fingers some more and found the little nub. He groaned as it became swollen and desperately wanted to suck on it. With one finger, he teased it away from its hood and flicked gently.

Lisa jerked and gasped. Next time he wanted to feel those muscles tighten on him. He needed her in bed, now.

He went to pick her up, but she shimmied away, hazel eyes locked on him, pupils wide. He hitched a breath. One push from her hand and he was against the tiles. She grabbed each of his hands and lifted them, so they were above his head. “Keep them there.”

Mac nearly shot his load there and then.

He leaned his head back against the tiles, hard. Fuck, she was going down on him. Hot breathy, wet kisses feathered his abs, teasing him, promising him. Fingers that only existed to trail his skin, tightened and snaked lower. Mac locked his knees. His cock jumped to meet her. Agonized— didn’t she know he was gonna die?—lips pressed his skin. He was on fire. Mouth seized, harsh pants filled the room, and steam rose.

Christ, a warm, wet, blissful heat enclosed his dick. He dropped his head. He wanted to do something unmanly, like cry. Fucking perfect. Tingles started in his spine, and he knew he wouldn’t last long. Fuck, she’d found… His knees nearly gave way. “Oh God, Oh God, Yessss,” he hissed as her tongue pushed in his slit.

She paused, as if she was going to regroup, and for one awful minute, he thought she was going to stop. Her hand fisted around his base, and she dove at him. Nearly his entire length went down that gorgeous throat. He couldn’t breathe, didn’t know how she was breathing. On and on, pulls and sucks tugged at his inside.

“Gonna, gonna.” He tried for speech, some warning, but she sped up. Mindless pleasure grabbed him. He couldn’t think. Hot, hard, he was gonna burst. Heat bloomed in his spine and shot around to his dick. His balls lifted and tightened, and spurts of cum jetted down her throat. His vision whited out and pleasure so intense rocked every cell in his body. Fuck, fuck, on and on.

He grabbed her face. She eased away and gently kissed the tip, seemingly fascinated at the little after-shocks that bobbed his dick up to meet her. Mac straightened his spine and lifted her up flush to his body, hard. His legs were just catching on with having to hold him up, but damn he wasn’t letting so much as one of her toes hit the floor. She was his, every inch, every fucking perfect inch.

Half-carrying Lisa he turned the water off, wrapped her in a huge towel, and sat her on a stool.

“Two minutes.” He quickly dried himself and turned his attention to her. Glassy-eyed, she stared at him in the mirror, a wide, slow smile making those pretty hazel eyes sparkle. He quickly rubbed her dry and lifted her back into bed. He tucked the comforter around her, and reached for the tray he had brought. Placing a glass of juice in her hands with an order to drink, he turned his attention to the food Cassie had left out.

Clever girl.

Tiny bite size pieces of fruit were wrapped in thin slivers of meat, chicken, turkey, beef and prosciutto. All the things Lisa needed, disguised as something else, and small enough not to overwhelm her.

Lisa looked at the tray.

Mac took the juice. “Every bite gets a kiss.”

“A kiss for you or for me?” She giggled.

God Mac loved hearing her laugh. He took a piece of pineapple wrapped in ham and handed it to Lisa.

“Mmm… this is delicious.”

Mac kissed her. “Prosciutto. My favorite.”

“And that is?”

“Italian.”

Mac picked up some grapes wrapped in beef. “Try this.” She opened her mouth for the food, but he swooped down and kissed her instead. Lisa giggled and ate the food. Mac had a couple of bites, but noticed she’d liked the beef and the chicken, so made sure she ate all those. Stopping before she could get too full, he lingered on one kiss, immensely satisfied he had gotten her to eat something.

Lying by her side, he played again softly with her breast, dropping kisses on her face, neck, stomach. In fact, anywhere he could easily reach. He wanted her nicely relaxed so they could continue playing, and calmly stood up and shrugged off his sweatpants.

Lisa gaped at him again.

“Honey, you better get used to seeing me naked. I intend to spend a lot of my time around you with no clothes on.” God, he was ready for her again. How the hell? Lisa stared, seemingly fascinated at his erection. “You have that effect on me.”

Lisa swallowed.

He wanted to know he was having that effect on her.

Mac pulled the sheet off her despite half-hearted protests, grabbed each ankle, and pulled until she was laid flat. Kneeling at her feet, he lifted each leg up, bent at the knee, and placed her feet flat on the bed. Frowning slightly, he pulled a pillow down and tucked it under her bottom.

Perfect.

Lisa didn’t say anything, but half-closed her eyes, her skin flushed.

He wanted her to enjoy her body as much as he did, and Oh yeah she could enjoy his as well.

Mac leaned down and traced his finger around her clit. Little shakes started in her hips.

God, she was so responsive. He couldn’t believe how lucky he was. Murmuring soft words to relax her, he told her how beautiful she was, what a gorgeous pussy she had. How it flushed at his touch and what a beautiful dark pink it turned.

“Mac,” gasped Lisa, as his finger moved again, slick with her juices.

“Honey, you’re so tight, so beautiful.” Mac lowered his head, and Lisa arched at the touch of his tongue. She trembled so much with need, his hands on her hips were the anchor that kept her on the bed. Lisa gasped and writhed as that long tongue laved her clit. Mac’s finger found her tight back hole, as his lips fastened on her clit.

She exploded. Screams tore out of her, and he held her shuddering body.

“Perfect,” Mac growled. “Hang on, honey.”

Easing his way up the bed, he reached for a foil packet he’d dropped earlier. He took some deep breaths. It was gonna kill him to hurt her.

Mac stilled and kissed her breast. “Sorry, I’ll go slowly, but this is gonna hurt a bit.” He gently eased into position, holding his cock and brushing her entrance.

“A bit?” Lisa cried out and tensed up. “You’re not going to fit.”

Agonizing seconds passed while Mac turned his attention to her breasts. He pulled a small moan from her as that part of her body relaxed into him. Mac pushed in hesitantly, and Lisa cried out at the sharp pain.

Tears threatened in Lisa’s eyes, and he kissed them away. Still holding himself up with one arm, he carefully brought his hand between them and gently touched her clit.

“Oh.” Lisa breathed the word out slowly. He felt her relax.

Mac slowly slid himself partly out, watching Lisa all the time.

Her hips wriggled some.

He pushed back, and her lips parted slightly.

Sliding back out slowly, he felt a gentle canter of her hips toward him as if she didn’t want him to go. Changing position slightly, he watched her face as he pushed back in. Bunching the pillow under her with his fist some more, he repeated the move.

Lisa gasped. Her hands clasped the sheet. A delicious moan echoed from her throat.

Got it.

Using his elbows to take his weight, he pushed in harder, aiming for the same sweet spot, and Lisa moaned. Mac clenched his jaw. His balls tightened, and he was determined to hold back until he knew she had come.

Over and over he hit the spot, until he was convinced he couldn’t hold it back anymore, when she clamped down and screamed. Her whole body jerked. Mac had no choice then. The contractions in his cock were so powerful, his orgasm was wrung from him. Intense pleasure slammed from his balls, and he cried out louder than she did.

Mac collapsed on his side and pulled Lisa with him.

Mac panted like he’d just run some marathon or shit, but he wanted to know how Lisa was doing.

“Lisa?”

“You killed me.”

Mac smiled “That good huh?”

Chapter Eight

Lisa snuggled.

Mac lay quietly, listening to the sound of her breathing. He knew she hadn’t fallen asleep despite her needing the rest. He could practically hear the thoughts ticking around in her brain. She had a lot of stuff to process, but damn, she needed the rest as well.

“Lisa?” Mac moved to face her, and her eyes opened. “What is it? Can I help?”

“I have another question.”

Mac propped himself up on his elbow to see her. “You can ask anything.”

“Well…” Lisa fidgeted.

Mac put two fingers under her chin and raised her face. He snagged her lips for a very satisfying kiss.

Lisa smiled. “Is that so I forget what I need to ask?”

“No.” He wiped his thumb over her lips. “It’s to give you the courage to ask.”

“Do I lose my temper because I’m an alpha?”

Mac grimaced. Where was Cassie when he needed her? “Yes and no. How old were you when this started becoming a problem?”

“Around eleven or twelve I think.” Lisa screwed her nose up thinking.

Mac could feel himself reddening. “And what things normally happen to a girl around that age?”

Lisa looked confused.

“Maybe you should talk to Cassie about this?”

“Cassie, but why?” Lisa stared at Mac. “It doesn’t matter really. I’ll talk to Cassie tomorrow.”

“Oh shit.” Mac sat up, and Lisa looked alarmed.

“It’s okay. It doesn’t matter.” Lisa bit her lip.

Mac felt the biggest idiot that walked the earth. He’d told her to ask him anything, and he’d wussed out at the first question. “I’m not mad at you. I’m embarrassed.” Mac sighed, lay back down, and scooped her up. “Girls start err— changing around that age.” Mac stopped and didn’t know what else to say.

“Oh my God, are you serious?” Lisa’s face was thunderstruck as understanding dawned. “They locked me up for that?”

“Okay, so obviously I don’t know that much, but we’ll find out for you.” He added hurriedly, “We were told that what an alpha female goes through is like off the charts compared to a human woman. It causes violent uncontrolled outbursts. The trouble is because you weren’t brought up in a pack, you wouldn’t have had the male companionship you needed.”

Lisa stiffened.

“No, honey, I don’t mean like that, I mean a father figure. Apparently it can be controlled if you have support. Later when you get older, well…” Mac cringed unable to go any further.

“And that’s what you did.” Lisa stated baldly. “I lost half my life through ignorance and being in the wrong place.” Her head lowered. “I’m sorry you were forced to do that.”

“Forced? What do you mean forced?”

“You don’t have to shout. I’m just saying it put you in a bad position.”

“I wasn’t in a bad position. You’re my mate. Did you not listen to anything I’ve been telling you?” Mac couldn’t believe it. He knew he shouldn’t have started this conversation.

Forcing himself to calm down, he glanced at Lisa’s face. Tight and frowning. Hell. “Lisa honey, calm down.”

“Calm down! I lost half my life! Half my life. How can I ever make up for that? Calm down?” Lisa shook her head and wrapped miserable defensive arms around herself.

Mac put a hand on her arm, and she shook it off. She jumped out of bed and reached for her jeans. “So, tell me, how come you got the call? Since when did twenty-year-olds qualify for foster placement?”

“Well, it wasn’t exactly like that. I mean where…”

Mac swallowed at Lisa’s thunderous expression.

“Where else was I gonna go? That was it, wasn’t it? That’s what you were going to say?” Lisa was shaking so much, she could hardly fasten her jeans.

“Lisa, honey—”

“Don’t call me that. Don’t ever call me that.” She grabbed her sweatshirt.

Mac jumped up, realizing she was going somewhere, and he was naked. “Lisa.” He grabbed for his jeans.

She put a hand on the door and drew a deep breath. “So what was I, Mac? A challenge? Some time off from having to be so good-looking for all your dates?” Tears streamed down her face. “And what was that?” She tossed one careless arm at the bed. “Poor Lisa, never done that before. Let’s give her one good pity fuck, to make up for the hell that’s been my life for twenty years?”

* * * *

Lisa didn’t know how she got the last few words out before her throat completely closed up. She ran, nearly blind, down the stairs and across the hall. She registered Mac behind her, put on a burst of speed she never knew she had and ran out of the door, straight into Alex

“I need to get out of here,” she cried, lungs heaving and eyes streaming.

Alex, with better reflexes, had caught her before she ran into him. He looked startled at Mac trying to catch up, and summed up the situation quickly for a kid. “Wanna go for a walk?”

Mac caught up to them. “Alex.”

“I know he’s been sighted. I’ll be careful, and I can smell him before you. We won’t go near the woods.”

Mac sighed. Lisa still refused to look at him. “Got your phone on you?” He half-smiled as Alex gave him the duh look.

“Come on, Lisa, I’ll show you where all the coats and shoes are. You can grab something there.”

Lisa followed him to a small mud room off the front door.

“They keep it well supplied in here. Spare clothes.” He glanced at Lisa. “Well okay, we need some girl stuff, boots, sneakers, coats.”

Lisa grabbed blindly at some boots and a pair of socks. Mac had walked to the end of the hall and just stood there. She ignored the troubled look on his face. “Why all the clothes?”

Alex grinned. “For when we shift. You saw earlier?” Lisa ducked her head, and Alex shrugged. “No one gets embarrassed around here. We sometimes have to shift in a hurry, so bang goes your stuff. Starting off with nothing on is way better.”

Lisa breathed slower. She had to get out of here, but at that moment was unsure she could put one foot in front of the other. Alex tugged her coat on.

“We’ll just go around the back. There’s some swings and stuff for the younger kids. It’s a nice place to just sit sometimes.” He shuffled anxiously, like he wanted to help.

Lisa smiled and stood. She liked Alex. He reminded her of a boy she’d been in a foster home with. They’d had a good three months together, and then the lady who wasn’t supposed to be able to have kids had gotten herself pregnant. They’d both been shipped off straight away to different homes. She couldn’t even remember his name now.

“Lisa, I’m sorry I yelled at you.”

“I think I did as much yelling.”

“Call it even then?” He grinned and opened the door. They headed to the back of the house and sat on the swings.

“Have you been here long?” Lisa asked.

Alex frowned and sighed. “Not as long as I’d have liked.” He changed up to a grin. “But don’t tell anyone I said that.” He sat quietly for a few beats. “I didn’t grow up in a pack, either.”

Lisa calmly waiting to see if he wanted to share. He toed the ground with his sneakers.

“I left the pack when I was about three or four. Mom took me. I don’t know why. She said it was good for us.” He frowned as if trying to remember.

Lisa looked away toward the same unseeing distance that had Alex enthralled.

“Then she had to go get a job.” Alex poked the ground. “She couldn’t take a kid. I just got dropped off at a home. She said it was only for a few days. I never saw her again.”

Lisa ached. Words that were spoken so quietly, but echoed with injustice and pain. “When did you move here?”

“Two years ago.” Alex shrugged, trying to seem unconcerned. “Kept getting into trouble for fighting.” He seemed determined to dig a hole with his sneakers. “I gave them hell though. I always thought my mom wouldn’t be able to find me if I wasn’t where she’d left me. Stupid, huh?”

An easy silence settled.

“Mine died in a car accident. I never knew them.”

“How come you never got adopted?”

She shrugged. “Had a couple try once. But nothing ever worked out. I never fit right, I guess.”

Alex nodded. “At least, I always knew what I was. I can’t believe how hard it must have been for you.”

Lisa smiled. He really was a nice kid. “I never thought about it.” Lisa stopped, realizing that was wrong. The kids used to get giddy at the homes when prospective parents came. They weren’t supposed to know, but they always did. The girls put their best dresses on. Boys seemed to be better behaved, played football better, and tried harder, like it would make a difference. Make them stand out. She hadn’t. She’d seem to go naturally the other way, defiant and argumentative. She never felt like she fit in. Maybe that was why. Maybe she’d always known she was different.

Lisa grinned at the boy trying so hard to be a man. “Well, like you said, ‘We alphas got to stick together.’”

Lisa followed Alex back to the house and risked linking arms. He didn’t seem to mind. Laughing, they both shrugged off boots and jackets in the mud room and followed the amazing smell coming from the kitchen.

Cassie was trying to fold pasta for lasagna and balance the baby.

“Can I?” Lisa held her arms out.

“Oh, please.” Cassie blew a lock of hair off her face. “I don’t suppose you would mind feeding him, would you? He had some baby rice earlier, but he’s due for a bottle now, and I need to get this lasagna in.”

“I’d love to, although I’ve never done it before.”

“Well, that’s okay because up to six weeks ago, I hadn’t either.”

Lisa looked down at the baby. For only six weeks old, he seemed awfully big, but what did she know?

Cassie laughed at Lisa’s doubtful expression. “Zack only found out about him six weeks ago. His mother was an old girlfriend. Zack didn’t even know she was pregnant. She’d left Zack months ago.” Cassie paused. “It’s not really my story to tell, but we think she was a drug-addict. They found Codie alone in some god-awful basement. A sheriff friend of ours knew he was a shifter.” Cassie smiled at Lisa’s puzzled look. “He could smell him. So, he would have come here anyway, but then the sheriff found some papers saying Zack was his father.”

Wow.

Cassie tested the milk and handed it to Lisa. “There you go.”

Lisa nestled herself in one of the big Adirondack chairs in the corner of the massive kitchen and laughed when Codie latched fiercely onto the bottle. She watched him in awe. No one had ever trusted her with one of the little ones, but she’d desperately wanted to play with them. She remembered a foster family that had a young baby. Lisa had been quite little, but the mom used to plonk her in a big chair like this one, and she got to cuddle the baby. She hadn’t been able to stay there long. She thought the mom got sick, but no one ever told her, and after a while, she stopped asking. It was safer that way. She didn’t need people to tell her she was bad and no one would want her. She already knew.

Just then, the kitchen door opened, and Lisa smelled wolf. Instantly, she was on her feet, clutching Codie.

She jumped around the chair and curled her body over Codie’s protectively.

Zack followed a shorter guy in laughing and carrying a bunch of papers. Mac was right behind them. Lisa flushed. Codie had cried, startled when she’d suddenly jumped up. Embarrassed, Lisa knew Zack would take his baby back. She cringed. Suddenly, she was back to thirteen, and her foster mother was screaming at her for shoving her precious boy against a wall. The foster mother’s perfect baby was taking lunch money off some younger kids, and Lisa had just found one crying. No one trusted her around kids, and her throat closed on the huge lump that lodged itself there. Idiot, why had she left herself open to this again? Wicked.

Zack gave her a level look and smiled. “Good instincts. It’s good to know we have another pair of hands around here we can trust to look after him.” He calmly dropped a kiss on Codie’s forehead, but made no move to take him from her, and sat down. “Something smells good.”

Lisa sat, flustered. The warm place that had started inside her grew. Codie eagerly latched back onto the bottle, and a gentle pair of hands settled on her shoulders. Mac.

She automatically shook the hands off her shoulders.

“Lisa, we’d like you to meet Brett.”

Lisa smiled at the shorter guy. Well, he wasn’t too short, probably normal height. It was just the others that were making him look little.

Light brown hair fell messily over a freckled face and an easy smile.

“Hi, Lisa, good to meet you. Oh wow, is that Codie? He’s huge. What you been feeding him?” Laughing, he lifted the little guy, who promptly burped and smiled back.

Lisa looked at them all, happy and smiling, like families ought to be. She felt a bit like she was looking through a shop window at something she really wanted, but couldn’t have. Her head lowered, she was suddenly tired, probably from the warmth in the kitchen and the walk with Alex.

Mac was back at her side and urging her out of the room. She let him guide her to the stairs, stumbling on the bottom step. Then all the air whooshed out of her as a pair of big strong arms lifted her up.

She struggled half-heartedly. “I’m too heavy.” She wasn’t ready to forgive him yet.

Mac carried her into the bedroom and sat in the chair with her on his lap.

* * * *

“You’re right. You came here because there was nowhere else for you to go.”

Lisa gasped, struggled. Mac just tightened his arms until she relaxed.

“Listen to me.” Blue eyes pinned her. “It started like that. But that isn’t what it is now. I’m not perfect, Lisa. I have a past. I wasn’t ready to mate. I’ve never been one for too much responsibility. Hell, I don’t even do the F.B.I. thing one hundred per cent. I play at that like I play at most things.”

He ran a frustrated hand through his hair and eased her closer to him. “It’s like I just take bits of life that I like. Riley, Zack, hell, they run their own business. Cassie’s doing her nurse training. Even my baby brothers are at college.”

He struggled inside. He’d done college, but more because it was easy, and it put off any more life decisions for another three years. He didn’t know how to say the responsibility was scaring the shit out of him, without making Lisa feel he didn’t want her. Now all of a sudden he was twenty-six, and he still didn’t know what the hell he was doing. Why do things have to be so damn complicated?

“I want to try.” He gazed at Lisa willing her to understand, willing her to meet him halfway. Mac smiled. He brushed a stray brown lock carefully off yellowing bruises. He stood and gently lowered a sleeping Lisa onto the bed. Tight closed eyes. Soft breath. Mate.

Yeah, she needed him, but he had a feeling he needed her even more.

Chapter Nine

Sometime later, Lisa rolled over to a large space where she could still smell Mac. Startled at the empty space, she put her hand on the bed. Still warm, so he had been there.

Was she still angry? No. She’d been in a bad place for most of her life, but that wasn’t his fault. She had to grow up.

Time to pull up your big panties, girl.

Her stomach rumbled, and she remembered the lasagna. Heading to the bathroom, she quickly changed her creased tank top and jeans. Some makeup had appeared in the bathroom, probably Cassie. She experimented with a little bit of mascara. She looked at herself in the mirror and wryly thought she’d either better start getting used to a bra or wear more clothes. Quickly, she changed into a sweatshirt.

Nearly skipping eagerly to the kitchen, Lisa passed a closed door and froze at the sound of her name and an angry sounding Mac. Without pausing, she pushed open the door. Mac, Brett, and Riley were obviously in the middle of a full scale row, and it had something to do with her.

Brett fumed. “Well, I think you should ask her first.”

“Ask me what?”

Mac turned, pulled her forcibly into him, and lowered his head to inhale as if he wanted to reassure himself of something.

“Guys? What is it?”

Brett answered. “Lisa we’ve got an emergency referral.”

Lisa nodded. “Do you need me to help with something?” Please.

“No.”

Mac and Brett both spoke at once. “Yes.”

Lisa swiveled to look at Mac. “You don’t want me to help?” Familiar pain stabbed at her insides, but Zack had trusted her with Codie.

Riley smiled. “It’s not that, Lisa. Mac is just worried, understandably, that it’s asking a bit much of you at the moment.”

“So explain then.” Lisa calmly leaned back into Mac, keeping his arms around her where she knew he would be happy. She could feel the rumbling noises rolling off him as he tightened his hold.

Brett sat. “We’ve just got a call from a shifter over in Atlanta. Apparently, there are a couple of girls, sisters who have been in a regular group home for about two years, following a huge house fire. The home doesn’t want to split them up, but they’ve been with prospective adoptive parents twice so far, and it’s not working out. The younger one, she’s about seven, totally sweet but won’t talk at all. Older one, eleven years old is completely different. She’s very protective and talks for the younger one. She can be very difficult, usually makes life hell for whoever dares take them on. The younger one is a bear shifter, but the older one is human.”

“Is that possible?” Wow.

“Yeah, definitely.” Riley answered. “One of the parents must have been human. With human/shifter relationships the chances are about 70/30 human.”

“Thing is, the powers that be are getting a bit fed up of the older sister. Not only is she screwing up the chances of the younger one finding a family, but they don’t think the little one will start talking while the older one is around doing it for her. They’ll split them up if we can’t help.”

Lisa gasped, “But that’s awful.”

“Yeah,” agreed Brett, nodding.

“So where do I come in?”

Mac growled.

Riley looked at her. “We are really stuck for females. Cassie’s got her end of year nursing exam tomorrow and—”

“That’s important.” Lisa nodded eagerly.

“I left Angie visiting with her pack. I know you’ve only just got here…”

Mac growled again. “Brett she’s been through shit for the past eight years. She probably hasn’t got all that crap they gave her out of her system yet, she’s malnourished, and she needs rest. She can’t go charging around all over the country.”

“Hardly that.” Brett interrupted, but subsided at the look on Mac’s face.

“Hey.” Lisa swiveled and put her hand to the side of Mac’s worried face. “I want to help. Surely, you understand that.”

“I know, but—”

“Can’t you come with us?”

Mac opened his mouth again to protest, but nothing came out. Lisa reached up and snagged his lips before he thought of any words, and the big guy went soft all over.

Well, nearly.

His arms tightened. “Alpha-Mom.”

Lisa grinned. Riley laughed.

Looping an arm around her big guy, Lisa led them all to the kitchen. Alex, Zack, and the younger boy all piled in as well from the mud room. Suddenly, there were a lot of bodies and a lot of noise. Small threads of anxiety wove themselves into her stomach, and she automatically leaned back into the huge soft wall behind her. Lisa smiled and relaxed.

The huge soft wall clearly had her back, and she grinned at the baby noises Alex was unsuccessfully trying to do to a rather startled Codie.

Eating hungrily, Lisa let the raucous noise wash over her. This was what she had wanted for so long, and she fiercely dropped a grateful kiss on Mac’s cheek as he was just extolling some hitter’s talents to an arguing Zack. Lisa fixed him a dazzling smile as he turned. He looked back at Zack and opened his mouth, but nothing came out.

Zack let out a huge guffaw. “Way to go, Lisa. Mac lost for words.” Zack waved his fork. “Many people will be eternally grateful for that small service to mankind.”

Brett snorted. “There’s a few animal kind that won’t mind, either.”

Everybody laughed. The small, happy place grew larger.

Brett cleared his throat. “Actually, everyone, I have some news.” The room quieted. “You know Angie has been missing her old pack? Well, they’ve got a new alpha, very modern. Thing is, we think they might let us live there.”

Riley and Zack grinned and pumped hands with Brett, who was laughing. Cassie squealed and hugged Brett. “I’m so happy for you.”

Mac cleared his throat after clapping Brett on the back. “Not to put a dampener on anything, but with Mom and Dad wanting to retire, what are we going to do around here?”

Brett, Riley, and Zack nearly bust a gut laughing.

“What?” Mac looked bewildered.

Riley grinned. “Mac, haven’t you noticed how Mom and Dad have involved you in every child placement recently?”

Lisa sat quietly, fascinated by the emotions rushing over Mac’s face. Determination? Pride?

“Mac, you have been taking up the slack here for years.” Brett smiled. “I know you take occasional tracking jobs on for the F.B.I…”

Lisa’s mouth hung open a little at that.

“…but haven’t you noticed, it’s usually child runaways? You have a gift, Mac. Everyone knows it except you.”

Lisa watched Mac duck his head in embarrassment. There. That was it, that moment. The moment when she knew he was so important to her. His happiness was important, like chocolate or oxygen. She wanted to hug herself and then she wanted to hug Mac. She must have made a sound because he zeroed in on her.

“What do you think Lisa?”

“Me?” she squeaked. Everyone stared at her, and the kids’ voices seemed a long way away.

“Well.” Lisa searched for the right words. He glanced hesitantly at her. He was nervous. Wow. She warmed again inside. She couldn’t remember anyone ever wanting her opinion as if something she said mattered.

“I just know how you made me feel.” Lisa struggled for the right words. “I knew I could trust you, and that hasn’t happened for a very long time to me. If you can give kids even a small amount of that feeling, then you will be perfect.” You are perfect.

Lazy blue eyes rolled over her, and the room didn’t seem noisy anymore.

“You wanna go upstairs? You still need to rest.”

Was that a blush? “Okay.” Lisa drew a tongue over dry lips.

Brett cleared his throat. “You’ll be ready after breakfast tomorrow, yeah?”

“Sure, Brett.” Mac wasn’t even looking at him.

Brett grinned. “Oh and I forgot.” He dropped his voice, glancing at the kids, but they were wrapped up in games. “I got a call from Sheriff Judson over in Raleigh. Our problem with err… those dogs? Taken care of. Apparently a pack fight didn’t turn out well.”

Zack grunted and looked pleased, and the guys shot each other a satisfied look.

Lisa shyly let Mac lead her from the room. She could feel his gaze on her. Her insides warmed. Such focus, such attention.

“Honey, are you tired?”

Lisa let out a long breath. Maybe. Not so much. “Not really.”

He squeezed her hand in answer. Mac opened the door and pulled her through gently.

“Let me…” Lisa disappeared into the bathroom. Quickly washing her hands, butterflies took residence in her stomach. Was she supposed to get undressed? Nervously, Lisa cleaned her teeth. Oh God. It had seemed easier the other time.

The door opened, and Lisa’s hands shook. Mac was naked. Gloriously, comfortably, lazily naked. Hot. Hot and hers.

“Did you forget where the bed was, honey?”

Lisa desperately wanted to taste the dimple that flashed.

“In fact…” Mac turned to the shower and started it, altering the temperature. “Mmm… let’s see.” Mac pulled her sweatshirt over her head. Embarrassment had her raising her hands, but the immediate flash of desire in Mac’s eyes cautiously lowered them.

“God, I love it when you don’t wear a bra.” Barely finishing the last word, Mac’s lips latched over her right nipple, his hands tugging the rest of her clothes off in seconds.

Immediate heat, desire, and warmth spread straight from her breast to her knees. Growling, but not hesitating in his onslaught, his strong arms swung her up, and he stalked under the shower spray. Gasping, Lisa only had time to put two arms around his neck as he bent to her breast before most thought and corresponding muscle obedience left her.

Mac came up for air, and she balanced her toes on the shower floor. “Wash me.”

Lisa shivered at the low demand and carefully squeezed some foam onto her hands. Her teeth pulled at her bottom lip in concentration as her hands smoothed body-wash over Mac’s shoulders. Confidence trickled through her at the immediate groan, and Mac tilted his head back against the tiles and closed his eyes.

Lisa licked her lips. Both hands traced huge muscles covered in dark hair and small veins. Smoothing her fingers over his arms, she turned her attention to the rise of his chest and flat of his stomach. Muscles quivered and jumped as her fingers fell lower. Steam rose, and the noise of the water fell away to just their harsh breathing. Lisa’s fingers hovered over his abdomen. They moved lower of their own accord. As if they belonged to someone else. Cautiously pulling herself out of Mac’s grasp, she lowered herself to kneel on the mat. Mac’s gaze flew down to her face.

“Honey?” His voice sounded raw.

Lisa smiled and lowered her head. She reveled in his stiffening body and guttural needy cry. He hissed as she licked the velvet skin around his rock hard shaft. Gentle hands cupped her face.

“I don’t have much stamina with you.” He whispered, “I want you in bed.” Strong arms eased Lisa off the floor and pulled her up snug to his body. Hot lips claimed her face and pulled at her lips. Warm hands lifted her from the shower and wrapped her in huge fluffy towels. Mac deposited her carefully on the bath stool and made short work of getting glistening water off his powerful muscles.

Lisa swallowed.

In no time, he had her snug again in his arms and carried her to the bed. Safe, like she was precious, like he’d never let her go—ever.

Warm lips pressed hers, insistent, and she immediately surrendered. A teasing tongue swiped at hers, and a soft moan left her mouth. Mac lifted his lips from her mouth and continued down her throat. Lisa arched into him, to smooth fingers grazing her nipple and a soft chuckle at her response turned his fingers back to the same spot. Lisa’s mouth opened on a gasp as he ran a nail on the underside of her breast and drew her nipple hard between his finger and thumb. Sharp zings of pain shot from her breast and landed in her pussy.

Urgently, like she’d never wanted anything, ever, ever before in her whole life, Lisa drew his face down and rocked her hips. Dimly, she heard him murmuring, hot stupid words that made no sense, and she keened softly into him, needing more. Hands flew over her body, making it his. She didn’t need grounding. She wanted to fly and eased her legs wider as his hand made one pass over her clit.

“Oh, please.” Lisa squirmed, her body feverish, needing.

Strong, insistent fingers had her climbing with him. He rocked and teased, passing her little nub until it throbbed. Her whole body throbbed. One cautious finger slipped in, and Lisa nearly lifted off the bed. Another finger curled into her, and lust slammed into her so hard it seemed like she fell into his hand. Pressure hardened her jaw and clenched her toes. Desperate need snaked around her bottom and dived in her core. She let go and soared. Pure pleasure shot out of her and returned, centering her and easing her down. On and on, strings of heat swirled around and tugged, falling back into Mac’s hands to hold and keep safe.

Someone was panting hard, making little mewling noises. She was.

Blue eyes were still fixed on her, holding her, waiting and she smiled.

“More.” She moved and her hand caught him, desperately to have him inside of her.

She watched his hands shake as he donned a condom.

Breath whooshed out of her as in one move he was encased, and he stilled. “Again.”

“I don’t think—”

“Good, I don’t need you to think.”

She knew her eyes had bled to amber just as his were jet black. Desire answered to desire.

Mac dipped his head again and wrung deep, drugging kisses out of her to center on her insides once more. A soft rhythm started as he pushed gently, and she hummed back. Mac moved slightly, hitting her at different angles, his face intent on hers until she opened her eyes wide. Oh. Mac grunted and pounded on that most sensitive spot, once, twice “Oh, Oh, Mac. There.” Don’t stop. Twisting her head, long deep stabs, almost painful, shot around her side and exploded out of her as she shook. Seconds later, Mac followed her cries with his answering shouts and just managed to fall to her side as he pulled her with him.

Wrapped, safe, love—no, he hadn’t said that, but she could, very, very easily. She snuggled closer and closed her eyes. Did it matter? Was being his mate the same as that or better? Would it be worse if she loved him and he never loved her? Thoughts chased her briefly, intruding, then a strong arm pillowed her on a warm shoulder, and she sighed, giving up.

Chapter Ten

Lisa looked nervous. He knew she was concerned for both the girls and hoped their trip to pick them up went smoothly. Mac fixed a hard stare on Riley, willing him to notice and do his thing. Riley lifted an eyebrow in reply and gazed at Lisa’s twisting hands. Okay, yeah, he got it and quickly covered both of them with his. Lisa flashed a grateful smile and sighed slowly as she cuddled into Mac.

Brett had insisted he was going to leave it to him. “It won’t be long until I’m gone. You might as well do all the assessments from now on.”

Mac was a little surprised. Brett seemed very confident, but he was pleased for him. He knew Brett desperately wanted to belong to a wolf pack. He also wondered if Angie was giving him grief. She hadn’t come back to Raleigh Point since they had returned from their honeymoon. Personally, he thought his pack was better, but he wasn’t a wolf. So what did he know?

Mac spent much of the journey worrying about Lisa and what to tell her about the conversation he’d had with Daniel that morning. They’d gone to investigate the nurse, and she’d disappeared. There didn’t seem to be any records of an employee matching the description Mac had given them. That in itself set off alarm bells. He’d seen and smelled her. The fact that someone had made all traces of her disappear, no one liked. All the employees Daniel had tracked down were definitely human.

Daniel had managed to locate an old group mother of Lisa’s. Retired now, but she remembered Lisa and had told him that when Lisa first started displaying aggression, they were expecting her to just have local treatment, maybe counselling, not to be squirrelled away in some psychiatric facility. She’d told Daniel in no uncertain terms that quite a few of Lisa’s temper tantrums, as she called them, were nothing more than adolescent reaction to some bad situations. She was never sure why such extreme treatment was thought necessary, but there had been nothing she could do.

Daniel was concerned and had promised to keep digging.

Mac didn’t like it at all, and neither did his bear, currently pacing in his head. Not even the comfort of having Lisa close was able to settle the big guy. He would definitely have to go for a run soon.

The van pulled into a fairly busy looking parking lot next to some apartment blocks. Riley nodded over to the one in the corner that had a tall fence around it. Looked a bit creepy, but then the doors exploded open, and kids came out laughing and heading for the benches. A few shot off to the swings in the corner and a couple of older women followed them out, both clutching a mug, sipping and smiling.

* * * *

Lisa gazed over, interested.

“Doesn’t seem bad on the face of things,” Mac murmured. “So usual practice guys. Raleigh Point is a regular long-term group placement, specializes in kids that may not get adopted easily.”

Riley gave both women a hard stare and nodded shortly.

Lisa smiled in agreement. Mac closed the folder he had with him. “Mrs. Kelly is in charge. Girls are called Molly and Erin. Molly’s the seven-year-old.”

Lisa smiled approvingly, the distinction that had come so easily to him was their age, and not that one of them was a shifter. She was ridiculously pleased that he showed no bias.

“Is this how you normally get kids? They’re referred?”

“Not always.” Mac smiled ironically. “Sometimes, we have to get people like Daniel to interfere.”

“Who’s Daniel?”

“He’s a cat shifter,” said Riley with a grin.

Lisa wasn’t sure how to frame the next question. I don’t think they’re talking about something small and furry.

Mac grinned. “I keep forgetting how much you don’t know. Sorry, we shouldn’t tease.”

“He’s a tiger shifter.”

Lisa gasped, looking at Riley to check if he was serious.

Riley continued. “He’s also one of Mac’s F.B.I. contacts. Mom and Dad set up a network when they first thought about Raleigh Point.”

“So, it’s just shifters that know about the home then?”

“No,” put in Mac. “There are humans. Dr. Michaels for example.”

“Well, not just human mates. There are other humans that know about us. We come in very useful sometimes.” Mac drawled and shook his head.

Lisa looked at Mac and waited for him to continue. He gazed out of the window. She filed away the question to ask later. “So, do you take all shifter kids then? Not just wolves and bears?”

Riley nodded and grinned at Mac. “Remember Nate and Ellie?” He turned back to Lisa. “Panther twins. Nate had a hell of a temper. Mom practically needed to get the whole house painted.”

Mac chuckled and put a hand over Lisa’s. “Jamie? He’s an ocelot—very rare.”

“No one knew what he was at first. Found him wondering around the res.” Riley frowned slightly.

Lisa thought how hard it must have been to the guys when they were growing up to deal with this sort of thing on a regular basis. Kids coming and going. She glanced at Riley and smiled. He nodded.

Mac smiled at Riley. “We only found out when he fell on some ice and broke his arm. Little tyke was so shocked he shifted.”

“Didn’t he know?” Lisa was astonished. But, I didn’t know.

Riley sighed. “We only know his first name. He was found about a year ago. We don’t know whether he doesn’t remember where he came from or refuses to tell us. He’s closest to my dad. My dad found him while he was hunting, and it took a long time for him to even talk to him. He wouldn’t leave his side for the first month. Dr. Michaels has spent a lot of time with him, but didn’t get anywhere.”

“Daniel set up a special department of children and family services. The cover story is that sometimes families have originally been in say, witness protection, or something like that. New papers are issued etc. and no one questions why the kids come to us.”

“Wow.” Lisa leaned back.

“It’s not infallible.” Riley glanced at Lisa apologetically.

Lisa smiled as they got out of the car.

After having their IDs approved, they were shown into a small office, and a gray-haired, diminutive lady rose to great them. “Mrs. Kelly?” Mac stuck out his hand and performed introductions, identifying Lisa as a support worker from Raleigh Point.

“Well, goodness, it is nice to meet you. Raleigh Point has such a good reputation. I met Mrs. Knight some years ago.”

“Our mother.” Riley looked interested.

Lisa watched Mac study Mrs. Kelly carefully. She knew she was human. She thought both guys were trying to size up how much she knew.

Mrs. Kelly smiled, and Lisa warmed to her immediately. “Coffee, Tea?”

“No, thank you, we’d like to meet the girls as soon as possible,” Mac put in smoothly.

Mrs. Kelly nodded. “I’m so pleased you’re taking them. They need more help than we are able to give, that is if they are to stay together. I don’t know what it would do to Erin to have Molly taken away. Molly is very, very sensitive to emotions. Least little argument, she hears with the other kids sets her off. Erin is just trying to protect her.”

Lisa cocked her head to one side. “You think they should stay together?”

Mrs. Kelly nodded vigorously. “Absolutely. I know, unfortunately, we haven’t placed them very well with prospective parents, but she’s her younger sister. She’s bound to be protective, losing their parents like that. We really should have taken more care. Did you know Erin was adopted originally?”

Mac glanced down at the paperwork. “There’s no mention of that here.”

“No? It err... must have got left off. I can’t imagine how.”

Mac grinned, as he and Riley shot each other a look. “Could that be because some people might have used that as a further excuse to separate them?” Mac looked carefully at her.

Mrs. Kelly chuckled softly. Lisa decided she really liked her.

“Happens more frequently than you’d think. A couple adopts thinking they can’t have kids, then, bam. Instant family. It was tragic. They were both very much wanted from what I understand.” She smiled again. “Come on. The rest of the children are outside. The girls are in the playroom. They know you are here.”

They all trooped into the playroom, Lisa immediately hanging back and going to sit in the corner. Mac shook his head and nodded for her to follow Riley. Taking one look at the older girl, she immediately understood why Riley was heading over there.

The girl shook. At first, she thought it was in fear, but then seeing her hot angry green eyes blaze at them while she pulled her sister into her defiantly, Lisa knew she was mad and grinned in delighted. Temper, yeah temper she could handle. Tears not so much.

Riley ignored the little girl and put his hand out to Erin. “Pleased to meet you, I’m Riley.”

Lisa understood Riley was trying to touch her to calm her down, and at Erin’s pointed ignoring of Riley’s hand, Lisa just let out a huge guffaw. Not much chance of that. She grinned and flopped down on the sofa next to the girls. There was a huge TV in the room.

“Oh my God, Pony Tales? Haven’t seen that in years.” Lisa looked at both girls. Molly had a thumb firmly glued in her mouth, cute. “You’ve seen the one with the rainbow games? My all-time fave.” Lisa shrugged her jacket off and put her feet up on the table in front of the couch.

Mac bent down so no one could see his lips twitching.

Molly turned her attention straight to the TV, checking the episode, and Erin opened her mouth, only to close it as if she couldn’t think of anything to say.

Mrs. Kelly smiled wryly at Lisa’s feet and turned. “I’ll just leave you to get to know each other a bit.”

Cool green eyes dared Lisa in challenge. “Why?”

“Why what?” Lisa responded casually.

“Why do we need to get to know you? We’re getting shipped off with you anyway. Not like we have a choice, is it?”

Riley opened his mouth, clearly to say something reassuring, but Lisa jumped in.

“No. No, you don’t. So do you want to do the whole how are you speech or shall you just get your stuff?”

Shocked eyes stared back. Lisa smiled to herself. Clearly, Erin wasn’t used to anyone doing anything other than trying to appease her. Yeah, so that obviously worked, not.

Mac stood up as Mrs. Kelly entered the room. “Ma’am, we have quite a drive, so if everything’s ready, we’d really like to get going.”

Mrs. Kelly nodded and went to hug both of the girls. Molly returned the hug fiercely, but Erin held back, and ducked her head.

Tough girl then, thought Lisa, smiling.

Lisa deliberately sat herself next to the girls in the car, and Mac sat up front with Riley, talking quietly.

Molly instantly went to sleep, and Lisa stared bemused at the innocent freckled face and the red curls. She looked a bit like Cassie. Erin’s gaze was firmly fixed out of the window, shoulders hunched and body tilted away from everyone, screaming, don’t touch me. The only movement she made was cautious looks at her little sister every so often.

Lisa decided to bite the bullet. “So how long has it been since Molly spoke?”

Erin looked up shocked, and her mouth tightened to a hard line. “It doesn’t matter. I know what she wants.”

Lisa smiled. Interesting and defensive. She wondered if Erin ever felt inferior, either because she was adopted, or because she wasn’t a shifter, and she wished she had the skills to ask. Maybe that was something she could do? Cassie was in college, maybe she could go.

“She’s lucky to have you. I would have killed for a sister growing up.” Lisa sobered slightly. “Still would.”

Erin eased herself away from the window slightly and gazed at Molly. “She had it hard. She saw things. Heard things. I couldn’t.” Erin added softly, “She was like my dad.”

Understanding flooded Lisa. Erin was checking on how much they knew without giving away any of her sister’s secrets. The fire would have been terrible for any child, but add enhanced smell, sight, and hearing to the mix, it would be mind-numbing. She glanced up at the guys. It also explained why a shifter parent would adopt a human child. Mom had to be human. Riley flicked her a glance in the mirror, and Mac just looked with troubled eyes.

Lisa thought furiously. “Sometimes that extra stuff must have gotten a bit hard for you.”

Erin shrugged and turned to the window again. So done sharing then.

“Why don’t you try and get some rest?” Lisa grinned at the stiffened shake of Erin’s head. Clearly not going to let her guard down easy. So Lisa eased herself back to give the girls more room and waited patiently. It wasn’t long before Erin’s head was nodding. Lisa smiled at Mac, leaned back, and closed her eyes.

A soft hand touched her face, and she breathed in honey. Mac.

“We’re here. Can you help Cassie settle the girls?” Cassie stood on the steps holding Codie, beaming. Jamie and Alex were hanging around, trying not to look interested. Erin came awake, suddenly alarmed and stiffened.

“Hey, we’re here. Do you want to get Molly? I think she’ll appreciate her big sis taking her in.” Lisa nodded casually to the little girl who was starting to wake up.

Erin smiled in agreement, and then wiped her face quickly.

Lisa grinned. Baby steps.

They got out of the minivan, and the guys tugged at the girls’ cases. Erin held Molly’s hand tightly as she defiantly grabbed her case from Riley.

“Here, I can get that.” Alex stepped forward and calmly took the case off Erin. Erin just let him. “I’m Alex.” He nodded over to Jamie. “That’s Jamie. When you’re settled tomorrow, I can show you around.” He calmly walked and held the door open for Erin, Molly, and Lisa.

Lisa and Cassie very quickly got the girls in and upstairs. Alex appeared shortly with a mountain of sandwiches, grinned at Erin, and then quickly left them to it.

Cassie calmly got them unpacked, giving them a brief rundown of everyone who lived here and quite successfully managed to get Erin involved in where their stuff would go. Soon, Erin was darting in and out of the bathroom, smiling as Cassie had brought Codie with them, and he was happily bouncing and laughing in the baby seat with them.

Lisa leaned back on one of the easy chairs in the room and looked around. She hadn’t been down this side of the house where all the kids’ bedrooms were before. The upstairs was like a big V shape. Cassie’s room was at the middle point, next to her mom’s, and the corridor to the left had all the kids’ rooms and a couple of large bathrooms. Erin and Molly’s room had its own bathroom though, and Lisa was glad the girls had that privacy.

She knew bathroom privileges were a strictly controlled area in every group home she’d lived in, and this would be luxury for them.

Lisa stared at the high ceilings. The room was pink. Very pink. Obviously, it had housed girls before, and she noticed the shelf next to the older TV and DVD recorder had Pony Tales. Very good.

Feeling a bit wrung out from the journey, she was happy to leave Cassie and Erin to the unpacking. Lost in her musings, she was surprised when a little, soft hand touched her arm.

Blinking Molly had properly woken up and was staring at Lisa, big green eyes taking everything in and her thumb firmly in her mouth.

“Hi, Molly. Do you want to look out the window?” Lisa put her hand out in encouragement, and her breath caught as a little hand slipped into hers. Gently, Lisa helped her stand on the bench seat that wound the length of the large window so she could see out. Jamie, Alex, and Zack were running around the makeshift court below. Jamie got the ball off Alex, with a bit of help. Zack picked him up under his arms and sat him on his shoulders. At that height, Jamie merely had to push the ball into the basket, and then Zack roared and did a victory lap as Jamie clapped and cheered.

A giggle broke from Molly, and the room suddenly went still. Erin shot over to her, and open-mouthed, stared at Lisa.

Lisa shook her head softly at Erin to try and warn her not to make a fuss. Erin nodded and stood gazing at the guys’ antics. Lisa held on tight to the little hand still in hers. It was all good. For the first time in twenty years, she felt like she was doing something good.

Chapter Eleven

Lisa woke the next morning quite late. She’d been too tired to speak to Mac much last night, before falling into bed herself. By the time the girls were asleep, she was so wrung out, and she’d barely had the energy to brush him a chaste kiss.

By the time she’d taken a quick shower, she was descending the stairs as Alex and Jamie were leaving for school. There were a lot of voices in the kitchen, and she could hear Mac laugh. Her pulse skipped in response and a wave of heat washed over her. Lisa pushed the kitchen door open and came to a forced stop.

What looked like a supermodel was currently trying to drape herself all over Mac, and he didn’t look like he was trying to stop it.

Everyone went a little quiet when she walked in, and Mac jumped up to come to Lisa, to be beaten by the woman. Casual long legs in skinny jeans brought the blonde toward her. Lisa stared at flawless skin and green almond eyes. Red pouty lips were framed by silky blonde hair, and she strutted toward her like she was doing the runway in Milan. Lisa hated her on sight.

The pouty lips broke on a half-smile. “So you’re Mac’s latest rescue. I’m Agent LeClare, Miranda.” She held her hand out and immediately dropped it as if Lisa was contagious. Without waiting for Lisa’s reply, she turned and sat back next to Mac, shaking her head slightly and placing her hand on his arm. “Softy,” she murmured.

Lisa wanted to rip her arm off.

Mac stood up again, when Riley came in with the phone and handed it to Mac. “Possible placement.”

Mac nodded and shooting Lisa an apologetic look, walked out of the kitchen with the phone to his ear. Cassie shooed Erin and Molly out, saying she wanted to go through their wardrobes. Zack laughed and hugged Codie saying he had a diaper to see to. Riley’s phone rang then, and he took himself to the corner of the kitchen to answer it.

Lisa nibbled on some toast that tasted like cardboard and wished to be anywhere but where she was at that moment in time.

“So this must be quite a shock to you.” Miranda waved her hand around the kitchen. Lisa just nodded, not entirely sure whether she meant getting released from the hospital and joining the real world or finding out she was half-animal. She also wasn’t sure how much Miranda knew. Mac hadn’t mentioned her yesterday. “So, what are your long-term plans?” Miranda laughed and it grated. “I mean Raleigh Point is for children.”

Well, yeah, why not make it a bit more obvious, why don’t you?

“Dieting?” Miranda nodded sympathetically to the toast, seemed unconcerned that Lisa hadn’t answered her, and raked pitying eyes over Lisa’s ample curves. “It’ll get easier if you get more disciplined. I do Pilates and have an amazing personal trainer. In fact, Mac introduced us.” She laughed and smoothed one hand down her hip suggestively. “He has very exacting fitness standards.”

Lisa managed to not launch herself at the skinny cow, just. Not only because she had no idea how much this woman knew about Mac’s family, but because she thought attacking an F.B.I. agent might not be a good move.

“So,” she carried on, her voice dripping with sarcasm, “you’re one of Mac’s latest waifs and strays?”

Lisa saw red.

Mac appeared at her side just in time to forcibly grab Lisa’s hands and push her down next to him. Which was just as well. Lisa was ready to go for Miranda’s throat.

Miranda’s eyes opened wide along with her mouth. Mac interrupted forcibly.

“So, are you thinking a new kid’s been taken?”

Miranda looked surprised and zeroed in on Lisa. “I don’t suppose Mac has told you about the work he does for the agency?” She laughed as if the very idea was ridiculous.

Lisa eyed her coolly. Mac released his death grip on her hands. “Finding missing kids?”

Miranda’s eyebrows rose as if Lisa had scored a point. Then she regrouped.

“Yes, Mac is one of our most trusted assets. We’re very lucky to have him.” The unspoken, I’m very lucky to have him, was apparent.

Lisa wasn’t sure she cared at that point. Mac was drawing lazy circles on her hip with his finger. She knew he was trying to distract her from wanting to rip Miranda’s throat out. She smiled and snuggled into him. Distaste registered on Miranda’s face. Lisa tipped her head back on Mac’s chest. Were they sure she was a wolf? At that moment, she felt like a cat. Lazily, she sheathed her claws. She heard the answering rumble in Mac’s chest. He knew what she was doing.

Miranda took it in and turned her gaze to Mac “We really need to get going.”

Mac gazed at Lisa intently. “Miranda works on the team that handles suspected child trafficking. We’ve got information about a recent runaway. We need to go see the foster mom.”

Lisa nodded. “How old?”

“Nine. The bus driver swears he dropped him off at the regular spot yesterday, but he’s not made it home.”

“It’s important. You go do what you need to do.”

“Zack and Riley have to go see a new client for a security contract.” He still hesitated.

Miranda trilled. “I’m sure you don’t need to worry, Mac. Cassie’s going to be baby-sitting your new arrivals.”

Lisa tore her eyes from Mac’s intent gaze. He seemed to be quite oblivious to the hidden insult. It had sounded like Miranda had meant the girls, but Lisa had heard herself being included in Miranda’s derisive tone. She fixed a look back on Mac and inched even closer. “It’s okay.”

Mac still gazed at her. “I know the problem’s been taken care of,” he added, “but I’d be happier if you stayed in the house today.”

She nodded. So Miranda clearly didn’t know that much then. Good.

Lisa felt buzzed she had so much energy, and she looked at Mac longingly. Riley was laughing down the phone, but he paused and glanced at Lisa. Zack came back in and shouted at him to get his ass moving, and he chuckled back and followed Zack out.

Both guys left in a flurry of goodbyes. They’d be gone most of the day.

Mac stood and let go of Lisa’s hands. He grabbed the file he needed and headed to the door.

Miranda was all over him again. Every time he moved to get nearer Lisa, she dropped a comment about the child that had Mac turning to her, or she placed a hand on his arm to get his attention. The familiar gesture tugged at Lisa’s insides and hurt. By the time Mac had his papers and was ready to go, Lisa wanted to scream. She was ready to crawl out of her skin and into his.

Mac snaked a hand around her waist as he stood at the door. She leaned into him immediately and rubbed herself all over him. She wanted her scent on Mac today, not some two hundred dollar perfume belonging to someone else.

Erin clattered down the stairs and disappeared into the kitchen. Mac withdrew, flushing slightly. Lisa nearly scowled, then cursed herself quietly. God what was she doing? Scent? What was she, an animal? Wry humor had her smiling. Get a hold of yourself girl.

“I’ll be fine. We’re going to have a quiet day.”

Mac nodded to Miranda. “You go in your car. I’ll meet you there.” He waited calmly while she pouted and got in her car.

“I’m sorry. I have to do this. I know the rogue is gone, but I’d be happier if Zack or Riley weren’t going out too.” Mac seemed to struggle with himself. “I just want you safe. I know I’m being over-protective, but please, just for me, stay inside today, huh?

“You don’t have to worry.” Lisa looked at him longingly, and tried to school her features into something resembling calm.

They were going to have a boring, quiet day.

* * * *

It was ridiculous. Lisa jumped up to look through the window again. She understood why all the forms had to be filled in for the girls, but Cassie seemed to be taking ages over each and every check mark. Erin was enthralled with Codie, who was gnawing at a baby toy, and Molly was glued to the television.

She tried not to think about Mac. Well, no. She tried not to think about Mac and Miranda. She was beautiful. Lisa caught her bottom lip and sat heavily. Tears pricked. There was no way he wouldn’t be attracted to her. She pulled at her plain T-shirt. It wasn’t even her T-shirt. She was a waif and stray.

God, it was warm in here. Sheesh, didn’t they have any air conditioning in this house? Lisa pulled at her T-shirt again and fanned herself.

Cassie glanced at her. “You can’t possibly be too warm. The thermostats only at seventy.”

Lisa tried to smile, but couldn’t help feeling annoyed. She should know if she was warm. For God’s sake, Cassie was treating her like she was one of the kids now. She went to the window. Erin had left Codie in his baby seat and was looking out longingly. I hear you.

“The guys want us to stay inside today, but maybe we can go exploring when Mac gets back?”

Erin nodded agreement. “Does Alex go to a normal school?”

Lisa tried to not look surprised at the question. She remembered Erin instantly giving up her suitcase to him yesterday.

“I think so.” Lisa knew Jamie went to the reservation one. Cassie had told her they had a mutually beneficial privacy arrangement. That, and the fact Riley sorted out their I.T. “Would you like to?”

Erin looked at the floor. “Molly’s not ready for that. I’ll go wherever she is.”

“Where did Molly used to go?”

“After Mom and Dad died, she was home schooled mostly, depending on where she was.”

“What about you?”

“I go wherever she does.” Erin glared, daring Lisa to challenge.

“I’m sure that’ll be fine. No one’s interested in making things harder for you.”

Erin nodded and looked satisfied.

Lisa fidgeted. She felt uncomfortable when the subject of school was brought up. God, what if Erin had asked her where she went to school? Embarrassment washed over her. No one had mentioned anything, but what would Mac say when he knew she didn’t even graduate high school? She sat on the window seat and thought furiously. She knew she’d had episodes at the hospital where she’d had a tutor. She remembered that, but they were few and far between. God, she was so stupid. She pulled at her T-shirt as another wave of heat hit her. Why her? What on earth did Mac see in her? She was stupid, stupid and fat. She jumped up.

“You’re not to go outside,” Cassie said earnestly.

“Yeah, we know, Mom.” Lisa forced the words out, trying to add a little humor and failing miserably. What was wrong with her?

Cassie’s eyes narrowed, and she picked Codie up who was starting to fuss. “I have to feed him. The bottle’s downstairs.”

“I’ll get it for you.” Lisa jumped up, glad of something to do.

“Why don’t we all go?” Cassie replied brightly.

Whoopee. Now, I’m not allowed to go to the kitchen on my own. She chewed her lip and took a deep breath. Lisa pulled at her T-shirt again. Water was in the kitchen at least. Yeah, water was a good idea.

“Why aren’t we allowed outside?” Erin asked as they all trooped out the bedroom.

Lisa smiled. “Well—”

Cassie interrupted. “Because it’s not a good idea without the guys.”

Oh yeah, great idea. Tell a kid they can’t do something, and they’ll want to all the more. “Cassie, I think—”

“Riley’s orders.”

“Yes, but—”

Cassie rounded on her and whispered. “You know it’s not safe. Why are you encouraging them?”

Lisa opened her mouth, shocked, her voice rising. “I wasn’t. I was just saying—”

“Lisa, you’re supposed to be helping me.”

Lisa’s mouth thinned. If she’d just let her get a word in. “I’m trying to help. You’re not letting me get a word in.”

They both heard a soft sob.

Lisa whirled around. Molly’s eyes were swimming, and her thumb was clamped in. Hell. Molly had heard them arguing. She didn’t even have to be a shifter to hear them. Erin glowered, and shame burned through Lisa. She suddenly remembered Mrs. Kelly, Molly’s really sensitive to emotions, least little thing sets her off. God, could she be more useless if she tried?

“I’ll be upstairs,” Lisa said quietly and turned. The girls would be better off with Cassie. At least, she wouldn’t raise her voice or lose her temper.

Lisa trudged upstairs. Hot waves seemed to roll through her, and she fisted her hands. She was useless. Couldn’t even control herself in front of little kids.

She flung herself on the bed. Doubts crept into her mind again. If she couldn’t control herself here, how could she stay? Would Mac even want her to stay? What if she was too much trouble? Too much trouble and fat? Misery warred with anger, when she heard a cry from downstairs.

Shooting off the bed, taking the steps two at a time, she burst through the kitchen door to see a distressed Cassie trying to balance a crying Codie and punch numbers into her cell phone.

“What is it? Where are the girls? Where are they?”

Cassie sobbed. “I went to the fridge for Codie’s bottle, and when I turned around, they’d disappeared out the door. This is all my fault,” Cassie wailed. “I can’t get hold of anybody.”

“No, Cassie.” Lisa grabbed her hands. “It’s my fault.” Shit. “Ring the guys in turn until someone answers. I’m going after them. They’ll probably just have gone to the court where they were watching Zack earlier.”

“You can’t,” Cassie gasped again.

“He’s dead, Cassie. The guys told us. They were just being over-cautious. Stop worrying. Look, you stick by the phone and take care of Codie. I bet we’ll be back in five minutes.”

Cassie’s hand shot out. “I’m sorry. I never get much responsibility around here. Too much protective testosterone. I was too busy trying to be in charge.” Cassie smiled apologetically. “I shouldn’t have—”

Lisa hugged her quickly and shot to the mud room. She grabbed spare jackets for the girls as well as pulling one on herself. They’d only had sweatshirts on upstairs, and it was freezing outside.

Lisa ran to the yard at the back first. No sign of them. She swallowed and looked toward the trees. Would they? Lisa walked determinedly to the tree line, nerves ramping up with visions of the last time she had come out here with Mac.

She shrugged. Concentrate. The rogues are dead. The worst thing that can happen here is catching a cold. Lisa smiled, squared her shoulders and called for the girls.

Chapter Twelve

Mac sighed as Miranda drove away. He had no idea why she’d turned up at their house. They were supposed to be meeting at the foster mom’s. He’d made the mistake once of calling home for some papers when they were both with Daniel, and she seemed to take that as an open invitation. He was going to have to say something about that to Daniel. Her thinking she could just show up was too risky. He wanted the kids there to feel like they were at home, not worried that someone might see them shift.

He remembered a cat they’d had once, a teenager who used to shift suddenly if he was angry or frightened. The kids needed that sort of release without having to worry about being seen. It was bad enough when they got older and had to cope with the real world.

Miranda had asked him about taking her to a benefit next week that they had attended together last year. He’d tried to tactfully say he wasn’t interested. He shook his head. I hope she gets the damn message. This is where it got complicated talking to humans. He couldn’t explain the whole mating thing.

Mating thing? He’d spent too much time amongst teenagers. Thing? Christ, his whole body burned.

He dropped the file down on the car seat next to him. Cute kid. It had all been a mistake. Kids all over the world were places they shouldn’t be, and he thought Miranda had panicked calling him in. They’d tracked the kid to a new friend’s house. Little tyke had just got carried away with a new video game and hadn’t told the foster mom where he’d be after deciding an impromptu sleep-over was a good idea. The other kid’s parents had been a bit casual about the whole thing though. There’s no way any kid of his would ever be somewhere he didn’t know.

Mac suddenly blew out a sharp breath as an image of a dark-haired little boy with hazel eyes, came running through his head. He smiled to himself. All this responsibility was getting addictive.

He’d loved seeing the foster mom’s face when they’d brought the kid back. It was nice when things went the way they were supposed to. It shouldn’t take too long to get him permanently placed. They already had a beta couple who had expressed an interest, and there was no point yanking him out of his current foster placement where he was happy. He was still too young to be in danger of his first shift.

He waved at Mrs. Grayson as he drove away, and wished they had more foster families like them. It certainly made his job easier.

Mac pulled out of the driveway and smiled, satisfied at the thought of getting home to his mate. A warm feeling settled in him, and he remembered her rubbing up on him this morning. He chuckled. She certainly didn’t seem to have much of an off switch, but they would be happier once everything was settled. He might even take her away. Maybe a cruise? She hadn’t seen anything but four walls for a long time. Yeah, a cruise was a good idea.

Mac unconsciously eased his pants out as he thought about hot sunny beaches and Lisa in a bikini, or maybe even not. He grinned.

His cell phone rang. “Yeah.”

“Daniel.”

Mac’s hackles rose. “What? You have news?”

“You’re not going to like this. Where’s Lisa? Are you with her?”

“She’s at home with Cassie. Shit, Daniel. What’s up?” Mac didn’t like the sound of this. He pulled onto the highway and pointed the car to home.

“We’ve found the nurse.”

“Well, that’s good. What’s she saying?”

“She’s dead.”

Mac pressed down on the gas.

“We’ve done some digging, but haven’t got much.”

Mac heard the frustration. “So speculate.”

“We talked to the nurse’s neighbors. Apparently, they were under the impression she was a foster mother. Different kids coming in and out of the house were seen, but none of the kids were ever placed at the local school. The explanation given was that they were all homeschooled short term, rescued out of abusive situations. Incidentally, the kids that the woman had with her were always girls. My speculation would be child porn, sex ring, and prostitution.” Daniel added dryly, “Unfortunately, the list is endless.”

“Lisa was kept in that place for years. Why would she be different?”

“We think because the nurse knew she was an alpha female. We’re not sure how high up this goes. Obviously, the nurse was some sort of scout, looking for suitable kids. She may have even been placed there deliberately to keep an eye on Lisa.”

Mac blew a harsh breath and eased off the gas slightly. Being pulled over wouldn’t get him home any faster.

“Daniel, I know alpha females are a big thing, but isn’t this a bit extreme?”

“Alpha females are rare, Mac. They are an instant in to anyone wanting to do an alpha challenge. That rogue you told me about? Mating to an alpha female would immediately give him precedence over any small pack. He could literally just walk in and take over. They’re rare enough that the larger packs would take note also. The ruling alpha would be obligated to accept a one-on-one challenge.”

Daniel hesitated. “Put simply. Lisa’s worth a lot of money. Have you two mated?”

Mac shook his head, frustrated. “No, Daniel, we’re not. Not officially. Hell, with what she’s been through? She only found out she was a shifter a couple of days ago.” Mac didn’t like the silence that followed. “At least, the rogue’s been taken care of.”

Every hair on the back of Mac’s neck stood up when he didn’t get an answer.

“That’s the thing, Mac. He was wrongly identified. To be fair, a human pathologist took the first pass and wouldn’t know what he was looking for. We only got a special p.m. done this morning, after we realized he shouldn’t have gone to the regular morgue and got him transferred.”

Mac’s phone bleeped to indicate another call, and when Mac saw it was home, he just cut Daniel off.

“Mac,” a voice wailed.

“Cassie? What’s up? Lisa?” Mac’s hands gripped the wheel tighter.

“The girls ran off. Lisa’s gone to look for them. Mac.” Cassie’s voice rose with every word. “Riley’s not picking up.”

“Calm down, Cassie, I’m twenty minutes away. If Riley’s in a client meeting, he has to turn his phone off. I’ll be there soon. Just keep trying to get hold of them. “

Mac disconnected. He knew he shouldn’t have gone. Opening his phone, he went to dial Brett then stopped himself. Angie’s plane was due to land about now, and Brett would be over an hour’s drive away.

Mac gunned it.

* * * *

Lisa was tiring. She trudged on through the trees, stopped every few feet and called for Erin. She knew she hadn’t got her strength back yet and as hot as she’d felt in the house, she was getting really cold, and alarm started to snake through her. Where the hell were they? She was debating whether to turn around and go check if she had missed them and they were back at the house, when she heard a twig crack.

She whipped her head around. Thank God. “Erin? Molly?”

Oh God.

Heart beating out of her throat, she watched as three huge wolves padded out of the trees. She immediately recognized the badass in the middle, the black one that had attacked Mac. In the split second it had taken her to decide there was no point in running, with ominous bone popping noises, all three morphed into humans.

Bewildered, Lisa gazed at the middle one. “But, you’re dead.”

Badass cracked up. “Yeah, walking corpse, me.” He glanced at his men imperiously, and they dutifully sniggered.

He stalked toward Lisa. She backed up, but not in time to stop the huge arm that twisted hers. Black eyes glinted out of a pockmarked face, and she could smell his unwashed body. Sick horror washed over her, and she really didn’t like that he was naked. Disgust overrode fear, and she straightened her spine as Badass lifted his face at her, chest expanding on a long inhale.

“So little wolf, what you doing hanging around with stupid bears, huh? Not got a proper man? Having to slum it?” Lisa wanted to close her eyes as his fingers bit into her arm, but terror snaked around and held them open. He snickered and grazed a hand down her face curling it around her breast painfully. “Not what I usually go for, but any port in a storm and all that.”

“Let me go.” Push. “Now.” Please.

Badass’s eyes lit up. “Not going to work on me, but nice try bitch.”

Lisa stumbled as his hand connected with her face. Black edges tugged at swimming eyes, and she blinked furiously. God that hurt. She would have fallen over if he wasn’t holding her.

He yanked her closer. Black eyes shadowed as he inhaled. “Well, well, well, alpha mate. Very nice.” He laughed gleefully, and Lisa tried to look dumb.

“What do you mean?”

Cruel hands tightened. “Don’t ask stupid questions, bitch. You know what you are, trying to use your alpha power on me. Now, I know what you are. You just need starving a bit. Get that fat ass down, so I won’t have to close my eyes when I fuck you.”

Lisa’s fist curved to his head, fury making her quick.

He caught her hand and twisted. Pain shot through her arm, and she bit her lip, refusing to cry out.

She caught a movement out of the corner of her eye and glanced at the younger guy who was staring at her. Black hair fell over deep scars on his face. Amber eyes lowered fractionally. I remember you. Pulse beating hopefully, she turned to look back at the badass, so not to draw attention.

“What do you want?” Lisa raised her chin defiantly. Where the hell are the girls?

“We found something and thought it might belong to you.” He nodded to someone unseen in the trees.

Horrified Lisa’s breath hitched. A huge guy stomped out of the trees holding Erin, a hand clamped over her mouth and her legs swinging. Another guy followed holding Molly. She hung limply, dazed green eyes pleading.

Oh God, Molly?

Lisa drew herself up. “Let them go.”

Badass laughed. “Well, we can definitely throw the trash out.” He nodded at Erin and Lisa gasped. He nodded at Molly. “But this one is good breeding stock.”

Lisa thought she was going to vomit. Disgust nearly made her gag. They were babies.

“Of course, if you wanted them…” Badass gleamed.

She thought furiously. She didn’t trust him one bit. If he believed for one second, she cared about either of them, they would be kept as a bargaining chip. But what if she convinced him she didn’t care? It could easily backfire, and he might decide they were too much trouble to keep around.

The guy holding an inert Molly clearly decided he’d had enough and, snickering, shoved her at the one with the scar. He seemed shocked and struggled to take hold. Lisa narrowed her eyes, maybe?

Push. “Let her go!” Lisa sent a huge wave at him with her mind, and startled, he dropped Molly on the ground. Molly fell in a heap of legs and arms. The guy holding Erin dropped her as he lunged for Molly. Three guys all scrambled for her and collided.

Lisa screamed at Molly. “Run!”

Molly, scrambled a few feet, and then hesitated, looking at Erin. Erin dived in front of the legs of the nearest one going after Molly and sent him sprawling. He missed Molly. Badass made for another grab, and somehow Scar-Face got in the way. It all happened in seconds, and that was all that it took for Molly to jump up and run. Erin screamed at her to move as the guy who had been holding her, grabbed an arm and hoisted her up. He clamped a hand over her mouth, effectively shutting Erin up.

Badass took a threatening step toward Erin, and Lisa shouted, “Alpha Mate!”

The silence in the clearing was deafening. He stopped and turned to her, eyes gleaming, canines descended. Lisa wanted to gulp, cry, shake, scream, but she just stood there. She lifted her chin lifted toward him. Her arms dropped to her side, and she tilted her head and bared her neck, in a gesture of submission that instinct dictated. At the same time, she acknowledged any offering of herself to this monster was plain wrong, something in her had her bowing her head, not with shame, but with pride. She was alpha female. It was her duty to protect cubs, all of them.

Something finally clicked inside her. It was as if she’d waited all her life for this, and one by one, all of his men dropped to their knees. The one with Erin dragged her down too.

“Alpha, I am your queen. You want me willingly, let her go.”

His eyes shot up, and he growled low at the wolves who had raised their heads at her words.

“I think not.” He licked his lips. “You may wish for something to amuse you.”

“She’s a human child.” Lisa hardened her heart and tried to make it sound like something disgusting. “I thought you wanted an alpha female? Want me to play nice? Well, that’s the deal.”

Badass didn’t look convinced.

“I don’t need some sniveling kid.” I’m sorry. Erin’s eyes turned bewildered, then angry. Yeah, kid. Fight.

Lisa edged closer to the Alpha trying not to vomit. She rubbed slightly up and down his arm and licked her lips.

Interest flared in black eyes.

Lisa pressed home. “She’s an insignificant human.”

“Alpha?” The younger, scarred guy stepped forward hesitantly. “I can drop her at the edge of the woods. They’re less likely to follow if we give them back both the kids.”

Lisa’s heart leapt and then she cringed as the alpha backhanded the younger one.

“Silence. Your incompetence already cost me a female.”

The younger one hung his head, but didn’t try to scramble away. Lisa was increasingly convinced his innocent stumble that had caused the alpha to miss grabbing Molly hadn’t been an accident.

He nodded and gestured for the huge guy to give over a desperate, struggling Erin.

“Lisa?” Erin nearly sobbed, and Lisa’s heart broke.

Lisa didn’t move a muscle. They had to be convinced. “Shall we go?” Lisa pointedly ignored the hurt glare.

Badass chuckled and raised his fist.

Chapter Thirteen

Mac was crawling out of his skin. His footsteps were threatening to bore a hole in the wooden floor. Zack and Riley were on their way. He’d arrived home a few minutes ago to find a sobbing Molly being held by Cassie, and no one could get anything out of her.

The door banged, and Erin ran in.

“Erin, Erin?” Cassie cried as Erin ran to grab Molly out of Cassie’s arms.

“Erin, what happened?” Stay calm. “Where’s…Did you see Lisa?” Mac tried to keep the agony from his voice.

Mac heard car doors slam and in seconds Zack and Riley raced in. Riley headed for Mac. He couldn’t stop the horror leaching out of his skin. His hand shook as his brother grazed it.

“What the hell?”

“Zack.” Mac shook his head, and Riley put his arm on his brother to check him as he raced toward the girls.

“Erin, did you see Lisa?” Mac tried again.

“Oh, yeah, I saw her.” The little girl’s words were tinged with disgust. Riley gently rubbed her arm, and she calmed visibly.

“Erin?” Mac hunkered down in front of her. “I need to find her.”

Erin blew a shaky breath. “Well, don’t bother, `cause she doesn’t want to live here anymore. Not with stupid humans.”

Mac raised a bewildered gaze to Riley.

Cassie pulled both the girls on her lap. “Now, tell me.”

“She told the wolf she wants to go to live with them.”

In the stunned silence, all Mac could hear were the gentle sniffs coming from Molly.

No. God, no. Pain ripped through Mac’s gut, and he nearly bent over. How could he have been so wrong? His Lisa? He had been so sure.

A hand brushed his, and Mac shrugged Riley off. No, he wanted to be angry.

“Mac, think about this,” Riley pleaded.

Mac turned to Erin, but Cassie stalled him. “Erin, tell us exactly what Lisa said.”

“The big wolf called her an alpha.” Erin shrugged her shoulders as Riley and Mac shared a worried glance. “Lisa said that she was and that if he wanted her to go with them then she was okay with that.”

Mac stiffened, this sounded all wrong. He shook his head to clear the pain. He had to think. Lisa? Lisa wouldn’t do this.

Cassie hugged Erin “And what about you two, how did you get away?”

“Molly got let go straight away. I managed to trip the guy up, so he didn’t get her fast enough.”

Cassie grinned. “Good girl.”

Encouraged, Erin continued. “The black wolf—”

“Black?” Mac ground out.

“Yeah, he was really bad tempered and seemed to be the boss of the others. He shifted like my dad used to, but he was mean looking. He said Lisa might want me to keep her company, but she didn’t want me.” Erin blinked and lowered her head.

Mac swallowed and tried not to jump down her throat. “Erin, so, Lisa said they had to let you go?”

“Yeah, she said she didn’t need humans, and if they let me go, she’d go with them— Oh!”

Mac nodded, pride mixing with fear.

Zack and Cassie helped the girls upstairs while Riley and Mac got on the phone and started making calls. Brett raced in a few moments later. “Angie’s getting Jamie from school. She’ll meet Alex’s bus and stay with them both until we get back.”

Mac nodded, his throat tight. “The Sheriff’s on his way over. He has a couple of guys to help also.” Mac stood impatiently. “We need to get going.”

Brett grabbed the truck keys. “I’ll meet you in Jackson’s clearing. That’s where they were spotted before, right?”

“Mac?” Cassie’s eyes were huge. She’d just come back into the kitchen. “You need to know.” Cassie hesitated. “This is all my fault.” Cassie’s eyes were huge.

“What?” His heart pummeled his ribs painfully.

“I should have realized Lisa seemed out of sorts. I didn’t think.” Troubled eyes looked as she grabbed Riley, and he nodded.

“My fault too.” Riley added apologetically. “I sensed it this morning, but I got distracted.”

“What?” Mac nearly shouted.

Riley stared at him hard. “Cassie says she was on edge this morning. She’s only just put it together. If the rogue realizes Lisa’s still in her mating cycle, it could prove a problem.”

Mac gaped. God, he was so stupid. He remembered her being jittery this morning and how she’d rubbed herself on him. He was too bothered about a little girl seeing him, and being embarrassed instead of concentrating on his mate, helping her. She’d been through hell for eight years and now, because he couldn’t concentrate on her for two fucking days, she was in danger.

Mac hardened his jaw. “I’m going for her now. Molly said they were at Jackson’s clearing?”

“It sounded like that.” Cassie hesitated, “He knocked her out. Erin saw before the other guy got her to the tree line.”

Mac’s hands fisted. “Then we’d better go.”

“One more thing, Mac.” Riley looked anxious. “We don’t know how this will affect her if she doesn’t get relief. Brett mentioned something about it being dangerous, but I didn’t follow it up then. Because you were here, I didn’t think it mattered.”

Mac’s insides fisted. “What do you mean, dangerous?”

Brett spoke up, “To her health. Her body may go into shock. Alpha females are very protected because they are so rare. To have this happen is inconceivable to a pack, so there aren’t many cases of this.”

“What?”

“I’m sure everything will be okay.”

“For fuck’s sake, Brett, just tell me.”

His face hardened. “The only case I could find out about was during a pack war about sixty years ago. The female was kidnapped and held to ransom. She was held for two days before the ransom was paid, but by then it was too late.”

Mac felt the bottom start to leak out of his world.

“The female had gone into shock. Her body had shut down. By the time she was rescued, she was dead.”

* * * *

Oh. Oh. God that hurts. Lisa moved her head from lying on something really painful. It didn’t help. The pain was in her head, and she tried to crack open her eyes, only to wish she hadn’t as memory flooded back in. What the hell was she lying on?

Lisa gingerly raised an eyelid. A cellar? Sitting up slowly, she blinked to see the room. Tiny slits for windows were up high on the stone walls, and the place smelled damp and musty. Yeah, definitely some sort of cellar. Stone steps led up to a closed door, and she could hear muffled noises upstairs. Lisa put her hand to her hair to gently press the lump on her temple. What the hell had he gone and done that for? She’d said she’d go with him. Erin? God, she hoped she’d gotten away.

The door opened. For a few seconds, Lisa wondered if she should pretend to be still unconscious. But the guy was at the bottom of the steps before she could decide.

“What did you hit me for?” Silence made her open her eyes open fully. She gazed at the scrawny looking man that she recognized from before. He had let Erin go. Pale and thin. His clothes were filthy and had definitely seen better days. She half-smiled. Not too long ago, she had worn similar clothes. He had dirty black hair that covered his face when he hung his head. Lisa had a feeling it was deliberate. How old was he? He looked about eighteen, but she’d bet he was older. Lisa studied the puckered scar running from the bottom of his right eye to the corner of his mouth. He shuffled his feet, and he held a bottle of water. Taking a risk, she breathed slowly and held her hand, demanding. A flicker of surprise shadowed his eyes as he lowered his head. In shame? Embarrassment?

“Where am I?”

“I—”

“Don’t talk to her, fool.” Heavy steps clattered on the stone. One of the Alpha’s henchman appeared. “Just give her the damn water. Alpha will be back soon, and he won’t like you looking at his queen.” He glared at them both and disappeared back up the stairs.

Queen? Wow. Someone was really taking this alpha thing too far.

“I’m cold.” She wasn’t really, but wanted to see how far this queen thing was going to get her. Scar-Face immediately shrugged off his jacket. Lisa took the denim. “Thank you.” He nodded and stepped away.

She tried to push slightly. “What’s your name?”

“J…Jesse.” He glanced at the steps anxiously.

“Well, thank you, Jesse. Go on, I don’t want you to get into trouble.” Lisa nodded to the stairs. Surprise flashed into his eyes. Lisa looked at him again. He reminded her a bit of Alex, older definitely, but like he still wanted to please and fit in.

He ducked his head and hurried upstairs.

Lisa walked around the small, musty room and sighed. The only door was at the top of the steps. There was nothing else except a few upturned crates and just the wide stone ledge she was sat on.

What the hell was she going to do?

Mac? Would he realize? Would he know she only said those things to convince the Alpha to let Erin go? Her heart constricted. Would he? What if Erin told them she wanted this, and they didn’t come to rescue her? What if she’d had a few glorious days of freedom, and then done no more than swap one prison for another?

She had to get a grip and start working out how the hell to get out of here. She tossed the jacket down. She certainly didn’t need that. She was roasting. Blowing out a breath, she swiped at her forehead and wiped sweat away.

Oh God. She looked around the empty cellar. It wasn’t warm in here. She sat suddenly as her legs gave way with the shock. She was still in heat. No wonder she’d wanted to bite Cassie’s head off this morning. She tried to unclench her hands and take deep shuddering breaths. She had to stay calm. A shaft of light illuminated the top of the cellar steps. Someone was coming down. Lisa tried to sit casually and pretend her heart wasn’t threatening to jump out of her chest.

Hard, heavy steps thudded. She knew who it was before she looked up.

Badass swept a cold hard look over her, and she tried not to cringe. Years of experience at looking blank while orderlies sniggered and pawed at her kept her expression calm. He was staring at her hard. She stared back. Three of his henchmen had walked in behind him. Waves of anger blasted her when she calmly returned his gaze. Maybe it wasn’t a good idea to antagonize him. He glanced back and growled, long and low. Immediately, all three behind him dropped to their knees and bared their necks.

Well, she certainly wouldn’t be doing that.

“So, where am I?” Lisa feigned boredom. “I have to say that, as an alpha, you show a poor way of treating your queen.”

One of his henchmen looked up and growled at the insult. With a swift growl, Badass backhanded him and sent him sprawling to the floor.

“How dare you look at her,” Badass thundered and stared at the others cowering near the floor.

Lisa gulped. Not really what she was going for.

He glared at her again. “I am Killian, Alpha of this pack. Soon, Alpha of Stone Ridge Pack.” His eyes gleamed.

Jesse came clattering down the stairs, thankfully keeping his head bowed. He was carrying what seemed to be some clothes and a few bottles of water. Lisa nearly licked her lips and resisted wiping her brow. Killian waved an arm at the clothes. “Get changed. The ceremony begins at midnight.”

Before she could ask what ceremony, he turned quickly, and his three henchmen scrambled after him. Jesse stood in the corner, head still bowed. Killian stopped as he reached him, and grabbed his arm, forcing him to kneel. “Keep your eyes down, pup.”

Killian increased the pressure of his fingers until Lisa could see the claws stabbing into Jesse’s arm, but Jesse made not one sound. Without so much as a second glance, he went up the steps, and the door clanged behind him.

Jesse got shakingly to his feet. Lisa hurried over to him. “Are you okay?”

Jesse shrank at her voice and lowered his eyes. Lisa pursed her lips. He clearly expected nothing but cruel treatment. She looked at the thin red trails of blood on his arms, crisscrossed over other scars. “Jesse, I asked if you were all right.” Push

Jesse’s eyes flew up. “Yes, My Queen.”

“That’s better.” Lisa smiled and opened one of the bottles of water. She used the underside of her T-shirt, cleaner than the rest, wet it, and dabbed his arms. “Now, Jesse. Hold still. This may sting.” She dabbed at the cuts. His arms were filthy. “Do you have any cream?” Silly question.

Jesse’s mouth opened. “N-no, My Queen.”

Lisa sat on the wide, stone ledge she had been laying on when she woke and pulled at her T-shirt. So hot. She raised the bottle to her lips and finished it off.

“Jesse, I’m not your queen. My name’s Lisa.”

Jesse looked startled at her again, but Lisa had to try. She needed to get out of here fast. She was dreading whatever ceremony was going to happen at midnight, but had an awful feeling Killian was expecting her to be queen to his king.

“Why does he keep calling me his queen?”

Jesse was trembling in fear, and she felt dreadful about putting him in this situation. She wasn’t going to push again. He’d been bullied enough. Just because she had a good reason, didn’t make it any less wrong.

She tried to smile again. “Jesse, why does he need an alpha female?” Silence. She laid a hand on his shoulder and tried another question. “Jesse, why do you stay with him?”

Gray eyes blinked at her, and his feet shuffled. “Because I have nowhere else to go.”

Lisa inhaled sharply at the dull voice that echoed back at her. “Don’t you have a family?”

“They didn’t want me, My Queen.” He twisted his lips. “I was an abomination to the pack. I ran before I could be put down.”

“Abomination? What?” Lisa looked incredulously at the pale slim young man. He reminded her of a boy she’d met in one of the group homes, always awkward, never one of the boys. Seemed happier with the girls… “Jesse? Jesse, are you gay?”

Gray eyes bled to amber and teared up. He nodded miserably. “Alpha Killian needs an alpha female to get Stone Ridge Pack. He’s been trying to get more numbers as there aren’t enough of us for an all-out war. But if he makes a challenge with an alpha female, the other alpha will have to accept a one-on-one challenge. No one would deny him that right with a queen.”

Lisa blew a harsh breath out. She felt increasingly nauseous, and it wasn’t just because of the heat.

“Jesse, is that what the ceremony is? A mating ceremony?”

Lisa watched fascinated as a dull flush crept up Jesse’s face. “I need to know. Please.”

Looking anywhere but at her, Jesse explained. “The mating is going to be very traditional—in front of the whole pack.” The last words were but a whisper, and Lisa wished she hadn’t heard them. Fumbling for some more water, she sat down heavily. He was going to rape her in front of the whole pack. She had to get out of here.

“Jesse, you can come home with me. I live in a lovely family of shifters. You would be welcome.” She added firmly, “No one would hurt you,”

Jesse’s eyes rose hopefully. “My Queen?”

Lisa smiled. “Okay, so again, I’m not your queen. Call me Lisa.” When Jesse looked confused, she added. “Well, maybe not in front of Badass. Killian,” she added at Jesse’s puzzled look. She swiped a hand over her head again.

“My…Lisa?” Jesse changed it shyly. “Are you okay?” He lowered his head. “Sorry, stupid question,” he mumbled.

Lisa leaned back against the wall. She was a lot less than okay. Sweat poured off her, and her stomach was starting to cramp.

“Jesse, I’m kind of sick.” She smiled gently at his alarmed face. She sure as hell wasn’t going to explain this. “I need to get out of here. You know he’s real bad, don’t you?”

Jesse nodded. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s not your fault, but I have people I need to get back for, so we need to go.”

Jesse looked hopefully at her again.

“You know how to get back to where you found me, right?”

He nodded again. “But My…Lisa, it’s over ninety miles. You were carried. If you’re sick…” He suddenly stood determined. “I can carry you.”

Lisa swallowed the lump in her throat. “Well, let’s hope it doesn’t come to that. Our biggest problem is how to get out of this cellar.”

A slow smile on Jesse’s face amazed her.

“Actually, I may know how to do that.”

Chapter Fourteen

Mac was climbing out of his skin. His bear wanted out, and out now. He’d failed her. She was his, damn it, and now she was gone. He stared at everyone. “We need to get going.” He looked at the sky and clouds heavy with snow. “Snow will make it harder to track her scent.”

They all started to strip. Mac caught a faint scent and tried to zero in on it. It was no use, there were too many of them. “We do this my way, guys.”

The sheriff raised an eyebrow, but didn’t make any comments. Mac’s reputation as a tracker must have got to him. He assigned pairs. Split bears and wolves. Different skills. He gave each pair an area to hunt and set Brett up in the truck, as their central contact point. Brett had all the first aid supplies with him, food, water, and blankets.

Mac sent everyone off to start a sweep. Riley stood by him as he hadn’t assigned him into a pair.

“You’re with me.”

Riley’s eyebrows rose. “But I thought—”

“I’m better at tracking than any wolf.” Mac sighed. “I already caught her scent. Did you notice none of the others did? Too many shifters were mixing it up. I just need them at close points as back up. That way I know where they are if we need them, but they’re not close enough to confuse the scents. I’m gonna shift. I want you to fasten that pack on me before you shift.” Mac nodded to a pack on the ground.

“Mac, I don’t think it’s because you can scent her. The sheriff is an experienced tracker, and he hadn’t a clue. How come you can find the kids when no one else can? Especially when wolves are better than bears at tracking?”

“I don’t know.” It wasn’t something he’d ever questioned.

“I think you find people the same way I can heal. You didn’t smell her. You just know.”

Mac pulled a frustrated hand through his hair. “God, Riley, I hope so.” Within seconds, they had shifted and were running, Riley close on Mac’s heels.

In a little over an hour, Mac brought his bear to a standstill. Riley crept up behind him. He smelled wolf and every instinct he had told him Lisa was here. Bears weren’t exactly silent, and he couldn’t afford to get any nearer. In a few seconds, he had changed and was grabbing for the pack. They both grabbed some clothes and got dressed silently.

“What do we do now?”

Mac glanced at Riley and held his phone up, cursing silently that he couldn’t get a signal. “You have to head back toward the others. As soon as you get a signal, call them.”

“What are you going to do?” Riley looked urgently at his brother.

“I can’t risk leaving Lisa until everyone else gets here. You heard Brett. I have to go in, Riley.”

Riley put a hand on his brother’s arm.

* * * *

Lisa was starting to panic. Jesse had to leave her after giving her more water and the clothes she was expected to change into. She’d glugged the last of the water some time ago, and had to spend a very embarrassing two minutes in the corner with a bucket they’d left for her. Some royalty she was. She bent over as another hard cramp seized her belly and wiped more sweat off her face. With shaking hands, she looked at the white shift he had brought her. It would cover her mostly, and she thought she would die if she didn’t get out of these jeans.

She had barely slipped it over her head when the door opened at the top of the steps. God, she hoped it was Jesse and more water. The sound of heavy feet chilled her insides, and she scooted to the ledge again, schooling her face.

Killian stomped in followed by his guards. Where was Jesse?

“Good.” He nodded at the dress. “The ceremony starts in one hour.” He took two paces toward her, and Lisa tried not to cringe when his hand snaked out. One finger ran down the side of her face. He pulled his hand away and frowned. Black eyes pierced her, and it took all she had not to drop her gaze. He nodded to his men. “Restrain her.” His two henchmen pulled at each of her arms. They both had weapons everywhere, long knives tucked into their belts.

Lisa’s heart sped up. “What?”

The two goons roughly pulled her upright and pinned her arms, so she was immobile. He leaned toward her and unable to cringe away, she suffered his long tongue licking the length of her neck up to her jaw as he inhaled deeply.

Lisa tried not to vomit. She hadn’t realized she was shaking.

A wicked gleam lit his hard face. “This will be a good night, My Queen. You will bear me many alpha pups.” Horrified, Lisa watched him start to undo the buckle of his belt. “I don’t think we need to wait for the ceremony, not now, I know you will be so willing.”

Lisa shook her head helplessly. She didn’t know what to say, what to do. All her hopes had been pinned on Jesse getting them out, and he seemed to have disappeared.

She vaguely heard snarling and a click of heels. Open-mouthed, she gazed at the woman that descended the steps. She was clearly not a captive, and clearly knew exactly what she was doing. Miranda.

Green eyes glared, so cold they could freeze. “Well, well, what did you manage to catch Killian?”

“Miranda?” Lisa stared incredulously.

“You don’t really think you were good enough for Mac do you?” Miranda ignored the low growl that came from Killian. She calmly flicked a speck of imagined dust off her suit “Luckily, as I have fairly expensive tastes, we were able to come to a mutually beneficial agreement.” Miranda stood in front of her. “I know Daniel is getting ready to shake the team up.” She laughed. “He doesn’t like that the F.B.I. are always one step behind, and his suspicion is proving tiresome.”

Lisa was dumbstruck. “How could you possibly put kids through that?”

Miranda’s expression changed. Lisa saw a second of something not defined enough to be regret, but then it was immediately masked by hardness, and the shutters came down again.

“Kids have to toughen up. Being soft in this world will get them nowhere. Once they learn that lesson they can make it work.” She straightened her sleeve casually as if inspecting herself once more and smiled. “I wasn’t always able to afford Prada, you know.”

Lisa gaped at the cool blonde. “How long have you known?”

“About what? Mac’s little zoo?”

Lisa shook her head. Miranda seemed oblivious to the grumbles and snarls around her as the insult registered. She wondered if she could turn it to her advantage. “Yes, about Mac and his family.”

“And Daniel?” Sculptured eyebrows rose disdainfully.

Well, that answered that question.

“I overheard Cassie saying something to Daniel that, shall we say, piqued my interest? It wasn’t too hard to find the rest out. Obviously, I will be a great comfort to Mac when everything falls apart for him.”

Miranda turned impatiently to Killian. “So, are we done? I will expect payment in the usual way.”

Killian made a signal to his guards, and they immediately surrounded Miranda. Her haughty expression changed to fear and then back so quickly, Lisa thought she had imagined it.

“Killian, what is the meaning of this?”

Killian laughed and waved to one of the guards who immediately grabbed Miranda. “Tying up loose ends.”

Miranda struggled as the other guard grabbed her too. “Are you mad? I’m an F.B.I. agent. They won’t ever stop hunting you.”

Killian laughed harder as Miranda was dragged up the stairs, kicking and screaming, alternating threats with promises. “I don’t need you anymore.” He stood in front of Lisa again. His look changed once more to lust, and Lisa wanted to cower, but didn’t. “I have My Queen.”

Lisa desperately tried to avert her face away from the stench of his breath.

“Now, before we were so rudely interrupted.” Killian grabbed her in a punishing hold and mashed his mouth onto hers. His teeth dug into her lip, and she could taste blood. She twisted her head, and he laughed again as he pulled back. Incensed, she couldn’t move as the guards still held her, she spat right in Killian’s face.

So fast, she hardly saw it, he backhanded her. If the guard wasn’t holding her, she would have gone flying. Pain flashed from her cheek straight into her head, and she wanted to gag once more.

Killian snickered again. “I’m going to enjoy taming you, My Queen.” He eyed all his guards, who dutifully laughed. As he laughed, the one at the side of her let her go. Desperation making her quick, and all thought leaving her muddled brain, she lunged for the knife in the guard’s waistband.

She grabbed the handle of the knife in her clammy hands and backed up to the ledge. Killian raised two arms to stop them from grabbing at her.

“I am glad to see you have spirit, My Queen.” Killian smiled cruelly and slowly slid a knife from his own belt. It was huge and gleamed wickedly. “Now, what exactly do you think you are going to do with that?”

Shaking, Lisa looked down at the pathetic little blade. There was nothing she could do, and her heart sped up as he started to undo his belt once more. Oh God. He was going to rape her. Sudden clarity flashed into her mind. She had to buy some time, had to. “Keep away from me!” She screamed and raised the blade to her throat.

Killian’s features changed from amusement to anger. He lifted his arm to stop one of his henchmen who had taken a step toward her, and she pressed the blade closer.

“Go get the prisoner.”

Lisa shook. Oh God, not Jesse. What would they do? She couldn’t let them hurt him anymore. She hoped the threat of losing his queen would buy her some more time to see if Jesse could come up with a way of getting them free.

Harsh grunts and dragging noises came from the steps. Two more guys dragged in another one, bent over double and clearly barely conscious.

Lisa silently screamed. The knife fell from her numb fingers.

Mac.

Killian smiled as one of the guards retrieved the knife from the floor. He gestured to the wall. “Tie him up.”

Lisa was shaking so hard she didn’t know how she was still upright. Confused thoughts all warred, trying to get out.

Killian took the knife from the guard and with one arm, slammed her against the wall. Lisa didn’t even gulp and closed her eyes in defeat. The metal pricked her skin. “You may die one day, My Queen, but it will only be by my hand.”

Giving orders to check Mac’s bindings, they turned and left, the door clanging shut.

Lisa curled up on the floor where she had dropped when Killian let go. Short gasps crowded out of her throat. Hard walls closed in on her. She was trapped—trapped again. Wicked.

Chapter Fifteen

“Lisa?”

“Lisa?” A strong voice pushed at her. No.

“Look at me.”

Walls receded. She heard her gasps and slowed her breathing. Oh God. Mac. “Mac.” The harsh cry was out of her throat, and she flung herself over at him. She pulled at the metal ring he was fastened to. Aghh. Her fingers stung.

“It’s silver. Don’t touch, sweetie, it’ll burn.”

“Oh, Mac.” Lisa wailed, taking his poor face in her palm. “What did they do to you? What are you doing here?” She looked at his closed, puffy eye and cut lips. He had lumps and grazes all over him. Her eyes followed down his bare chest covered by more cuts and marks.

“Never mind me. I’ll heal. Lisa? Are you okay? Did they? Did he?” Mac swallowed, unable to ask.

Lisa shook her head. “But they’re coming for me in less than an hour. Some sort of ceremony. Can’t you just shift?” She eyed his scraped raw wrists encased in silver chains.

“We can’t shift when touching silver. It’s our Achilles heel. All shape-shifters struggle with it. It’s worse for wolves though. It’ll burn your skin. It just means I can’t shift.”

“How did you get caught?” She stumbled and sank to the floor, panting.

“Lisa, listen to me. Do you have any water? You need to cool down fast.” Lisa lifted blurry eyes to him and smiled. The shaking didn’t seem so bad now, and she was getting used to the cramps.

“No water, but I’m okay. It’s not so hot anymore.” Her voice sounded funny, like it belonged to someone else.

“Lisa, this is very important.” He yanked at the chains and lowered his voice. “Look at me.”

Lisa smiled again and rested her head against his chest. “You’re doing your alpha thingy on me. You don’t need to you know.” So safe, almost as if she could sleep.

“Baby, look at me. Lisa?”

“Mmm?” She wanted to sleep for a little while.

“Lisa. Do you love me?”

Her eyes popped open.

“That’s better. Now give me those gorgeous lips.”

He took her mouth ferocious and demanding. All thoughts of sleep were chased away by the onslaught that was Mac. Her insides coiled, and both her hands grabbed for his chest. Panting, aching, she needed, needed him closer.

“That’s it, baby. Now turn around. I need you to listen to me.” Shivers slammed into her pussy as smooth lips brushed the back of her neck. She leaned back into Mac’s chest. Her head lolled back exposing her neck to his fiery touch.

“That’s it. All yours. Touch.” Mac hissed as she moved against him. “Baby.” Mac’s voice was haggard, raw. “I need you to be my hands.”

Lisa faltered slightly.

“You love me. Do this for me.” Hot lips snaked around her neck and with a gasp she opened her mouth. Licking and biting he continued onto her shoulders.

Mac’s voice continued, low, deep, filling her up. “I’m going to tell you what I want to do, what I want you to do. Put those hands on your thighs. No, move them to the inside. That’s right. Just there. Where your skin is so soft, it feels like silk. Now trail your fingers up and down. That’s right. Softly, smoothly, just the tips, a little higher. There, just so you can touch your panties.”

Lisa whimpered. Needy little sounds coming from her mouth followed her fingers. It was like Mac’s fingers were there, touching her, teasing her.

“Now, close your eyes and hook your fingers into those panties. I don’t need them. Pull them down. Yes. Now bring your fingers back. Feel those curls? I’m going to shave those tomorrow down to beautiful smooth skin. Nothing to stop even the tiniest touch.”

Lisa was beyond speech. Arching her hips as if to push herself nearer into his hands.

“Now, baby, just tease those lips open for me. That’s right. Feel how hot you are? Feel how wet? Just for me. Let’s find that little—”

Lisa gasped as she touched her clit and pulled away.

“No, my hands, not yours. I want to touch. Put them back, gently, firmly. One finger, up and down. Feel my fingers? Feel how wet they are? Dripping from you, slick and soft. “Let me taste them.”

Lisa’s breath caught as Mac’s eyes—beautiful eyes, pupils blown, lust blazing out—narrowed on her. She hesitantly brought her hand to his lips and shuddered when his warm mouth closed over her wet fingers. His eyes closed, and he groaned, low and deep. Her insides contracted. His eyes flicked open, and his tongue curled as he sucked.

“Again.”

Lisa imagined Mac’s fingers, sure, gentle, and touching what was his. She had no control. Lightly, firmly, teasing her little nub. Talking, he was still talking.

“Pull that little hood down, babes. Can you feel it swelling, peeking out because it wants my touch? It’s throbbing, isn’t it? Throbbing so hard. In time with your heart. Feel it, listen to it. Now push my fingers in harder, swirl them up and down, nearer that gorgeous hole. I can feel you tighten around me. I want to be in there. You want me to be in there.”

Harsh pants and mewls filled the air as Mac’s fingers pressed down. Nearer, she just needed him nearer. Wet and hot.

“Now push in Lisa. I want my fingers in there. Feel that pussy close around me. Aghh yes, grip me tight. Thrusting, pulling, in and out. You’re so tight. So ready. Feel that pressure building. Now, move your other hand, back to that clit and pull it out. One hand in that gorgeous pussy and the other teasing, pulling. You can feel it building, getting closer.”

Lisa was going to explode. Hot shocks pulsed in her. Pushing in and exploding out.

Something, anything, every part of her burned. So hot. All the time Mac talked. Soft urgent kisses followed by sexy words until the words were swirling around with her fingers, and the fire inside threatened to consume her.

Mac. “I, Mac…” Panting. Whining. Begging.

“Now Lisa, Now.” His voice took over, urgent, demanding, filling her completely. “Come for me now, baby.”

Fireworks lit her up. Hard, firm lips grounded her neck as her body flew. Splinters of pleasure exploded and spots danced in her eyes. Darkness zeroed in, and contentment wrapped her up. Safe, he held her safe. Kisses took her fears, and lips kept her together. Harsh breathing surrounded her, and she didn’t know whether it was his or hers.

“Lisa?”

“Mac, I’m here.”

Soft chuckles surrounded her. Mac moved slightly. “I know that, honey. How are you feeling?”

Wonderful. “I.” Lisa licked dry lips. “I’m cooler.” She could feel Mac nodding against her back. “You. Do you?”

Mac shook his head against the nape of her neck.

She tensed up, anxiety slamming into her. “Mac, what are you doing here? How did you find me?” She turned her face to him. “The girls..?”

He caught her lips in a punishing vice that softened as soon as hers did.

Mac pulled his lips away, and Lisa sighed softly. “You’re awfully good at that you know.” His lips tilted against the nape of her neck.

“Honey, listen to me. We haven’t much time. Erin and Molly are fine. Riley and I followed your scent. We decided I was going to let myself get caught while Riley went back to find the others.”

“But why let yourself be caught, Mac? Look at your face. You could have just waited until I came up there.”

He paused, and Lisa knew there was something he wasn’t telling her.

“Lisa, honey, there’s no time. You’re not to worry. The others are on their way. Scoot over there.” He nodded to the ledge. “We don’t want to anger him further.”

Lisa sighed. “Why did you get caught?”

“I’d never leave you on your own, ever. You’re mine.”

“Mac—”

“Just start thinking about what beach you’d like to go to when all this is done. I’m going to take you somewhere warm and beautiful. I want you happy.”

Lisa smiled. “A beach?”

“Yeah.” Mac nuzzled some more. “Warm, happy and naked. Lots of naked.”

Lisa’s breath caught at the intensity in his words and the determination in his eyes. She was his. She breathed in. Something stirred inside her, something proud. She licked her lips and cupped his face. “And you’re mine.”

Eyes lit up at her declaration and gleamed in answering possession. She grabbed her panties quickly and pulled them on.

Footsteps clanked down the stairs. “Jesse.” Lisa jumped up as he hurried into the room.

“Quickly, the others are getting the ceremony ready.” Jesse skidded to a halt when he saw Mac. They both eyed each other.

“Mac, this is Jesse. He helped get Erin away.”

Mac nodded. “I remember you from the other day.”

Jesse fingered his jaw. “Yeah, same here. Now, Lisa. You have to come now.” He tucked a gun in his waistband, and Lisa tried not to look scared. Of course, Killian’s guards had guns, but at least they had something now. “We’ve only got a few minutes.”

Mac nodded to the steps. “Go on. The others will come get me.”

“No.” Lisa looked at Jesse. “I can’t leave him.”

Mac shook his head furiously. “No, Lisa. You have to go now.”

Jesse gazed at the chains. “I can’t touch them. Let me get you out.” He glanced at them both. “I promise I’ll come back and try.”

“No.” I can’t. Lisa met determined blue eyes.

They heard shouting from the top of the steps. Mac’s stiffened, and she wanted to tell him it was okay because she couldn’t leave him anyway.

Killian and two of his henchman ran down the steps. One of the guards angrily sent Jesse sprawling, pushed him out of the way. Agitated didn’t begin to describe Killian. She could still hear shouts and bangs from upstairs. He yanked her forcibly to his side and froze. Lisa trembled at the anger that was rolling off him.

“You whore,” he spat and slapped her face.

Lisa thought her face was going to explode. Why did he always have to hit her there? She lay on the stone ledge where his blow had sent her reeling. Angry roars were coming from the corner where two guys were trying to restrain Mac.

Hard cold metal pressed against her throat, and she froze.

She opened her eyes to rancid breath knowing that Killian towered over her. With one swipe, he tore her dress down and smelled her neck, Lisa tried not to be sick.

“So at least, you had the foresight not to mate him then.”

Lisa barely registered the words. Mate? But they were mated? What did he mean?

An angry roar came from Mac, followed by a crack, and Mac’s head lolled sideways. Lisa whimpered. Fear for Mac overrode anything Killian would do to her.

Killian dragged her to the stone steps. He nodded to his henchman to bring Mac and totally ignored Jesse, who was cowering in the corner.

“Bring the bear. I want him awake and watching while I claim My Queen.”

“Alpha, the fighting is still ongoing.” One of Killian’s henchmen looked worried.

“It doesn’t matter, fool. Once I have claimed her, we will have the pack. No bunch of misfits can go against Stone Ridge. We will burn them, all of them.”

He’s mad. Lisa gazed horrified at the man while he dragged her to the top of the stairs, to a small room, barely a hut. Blankets piled haphazardly around the floor and empty beer bottles rolled away. Killian marched her to the door and dragged her outside. They were in the middle of a clearing. Trees and undergrowth had been cleared away, and group of logs had been fashioned into a makeshift table.

Fighting was going on all around her and heartbroken, she saw blood and fur as wolves went against bears and wolves fought other wolves.

“I have My Queen.” Killian’s voice thundered out and one by one, all the fighting stopped. He pulled Lisa up in front of him, the moonlight glinting on the knife he held to her throat.

Bears and wolves start to shift back, and she recognized Zack and Riley. Riley stepped forward. “The sheriff is on his way with others. You cannot win this, Killian.”

A muffled noise to her left had her turning her head. Miranda was being pulled along by two guys. One hand over her mouth and one around her neck. She looked terrified. Her legs were being dragged along, and she’d lost her heels some time ago. Lisa almost felt sorry for her.

The arm holding Lisa tightened. “I have what I need. No one else has to die, but I will kill each and every last one of you before any sheriff has chance to get here. And we’ll start with him.” Killian nodded to his guards.

Lisa heart seemed to stop. She came face to face with a pair of battered blue eyes. Two guards were holding Mac up although he barely looked conscious. She gazed into those pain-filled eyes and had a clear memory of cowering in a hospital room, and Mac gently trying to cover her with his sweatshirt.

“Let them go.” Lisa pushed her legs up under her to stand tall.

“Let them go, and I’ll do anything you want.” She heard a muffled protest from Mac before another blow to his jaw silenced him.

“Good decision, My Queen.” Killian’s eyes gleamed. He dragged her over to the logs.

Lisa wanted to fight. She wished for one of her rages to overtake her, to be so out of control, she didn’t know what she was doing. Or rather, as Killian pushed her to lie on the log, to not know what he was doing. Two of his henchman grabbed an arm and a leg each, and pulled, so she was obscenely displayed.

Lisa looked up and immediately regretted it. His black eyes glinted. Saliva dripped from his lips as both of his canines had dropped, ready to bite. In all the years she had been captive in the hospital, she’d thought nothing could ever be worse. I was wrong.

A ripping sound echoed as Killian clawed her front and pushed the pathetic scraps of material away. She wanted to shut her eyes, to escape from the terror, but Killian smacked her face as she tried. “Keep them open, My Queen. See who your alpha is. See who rules Stone Ridge Pack.”

Lisa whimpered once. Cruel hands ripped the rest of her clothes from her body. Snarls and howls sounded around her. Shouts, someone shouted her name. Killian leaned over her gleefully as one hand held her face still. Sharp claws piercing her skin so she couldn’t move. He scrabbled at his jeans to push them down and bent his head to her throat. Saliva dripped on her face, and she wanted to gag from his smell.

Through all the noise came a quiet popping sound. Small, insignificant, except that small sound seemed to drown out everything else. Everything stopped. Killian’s mouth twisted and bewilderment shone briefly in his eyes before they blanked over. Something was dripping on her. Funny, his saliva, so bad before, was suddenly red. She heard someone screaming, and as Killian’s body lunged toward hers as if it had a mind of its own, she saw Jesse standing behind Killian, holding a gun.

Everything seemed to happen at once. Shouts and roars surrounded her. A huge cacophony of noise so bad she thought her eardrums might burst. She finally closed her eyes. A heavy weight was lifted off her. She really didn’t want to think what that was. Maybe she was dead? I don’t care. I don’t care anymore. It seemed like she’d had to fight all her life, and now she was done. Strong arms lifted her, and she smelled something she knew. Half-smiling, she nuzzled into bare skin. She could hear her name being called, feel kisses on her head, nearly taste honey on her tongue. Too much. Lisa let her mind slip away.

Chapter Sixteen

She was warm. Cocooned. She wondered whether the safe space was just in her head or if it would still be there if she opened her eyes. Warm breath dusted her face, and she breathed it in. Something moved inside her, responding unbidden to the sweet smell.

“Honey? Lisa?”

Lisa wanted to laugh. He called her honey, but he smelled and tasted of it. No, she wasn’t ready to wake up yet. She wasn’t ready to find out if her dream wasn’t real. Not quite yet. She could just snuggle down a bit more.

“Lisa? Baby?”

A soft chuckle rippled around her and pulled her up. Soft lips settled on her skin, not moving. If he would just move them a little, she could taste them. See if they were real.

“Wake up. Come back to me.”

The soft lips seemed to be asking her to move. Could she tilt her head, just a little?

Soft rumbling noises started, and strong arms held her. She smiled. No wonder she felt so safe. I can move my head without opening my eyes. As soon as she thought that, she sighed and moved her lips to meet those other ones, the ones that had been waiting for her, her whole life.

Dusting over hers, those warm lips silently clung to her skin, lightly teasing her mouth to open. Teeth nibbled at her lips, and a tongue gently pushed inside. She really ought to open her eyes, she supposed, but her hands worked fine without them. Nails scraped over strong shoulders that hovered over her. She tugged at them, wanting them closer.

Another laugh. “I’ll squash you.”

Her mouth sought out his again.

“Do you love me?”

Her eyes shot open. Not fair.

“That’s better.” She could see the satisfaction rolling off him in waves and loved the low rumbling of soft, quiet noises.

“Honey, you’re safe. No one’s gonna touch a hair on that head.” He dropped kisses as if to make it so. “Well, except me.”

“What happened? Mac?”

“Lisa, he’s dead. Your pal Jesse got him good.” She shivered, and Mac wrapped her up even more if that was possible.

“Miranda?”

“Locked up. Lisa, I—”

She silenced him very satisfactorily. She didn’t need to know.

There was a soft knock at the door, and Riley poked his head around. She suddenly realized she was back at home. Riley grinned and came into the room. “How are you feeling?”

Lisa grimaced back. “I’ve been better.” Bruises throbbed. Scratches stung. Ow. Her head felt like it was beating in time to her heart.

“Let me take care of that.” Riley told Mac. “Daniel’s on the phone downstairs.”

“You’ll be okay?” Lisa nodded and leaned into Mac’s hand cupping her face.

“Okay, Lisa, just relax.” Riley smiled. “Let’s get rid of that headache for you.”

* * * *

Sometime later, Lisa woke to an empty room. There was a warm dent on the bed where she could smell him. So, not gone long, then. She sat up cautiously and felt fine. Riley could put a lot of drug companies out of business.

Determined to join everyone, she had a quick shower and pulled on some jeans and a cream sweater. She looked at herself in the mirror. Clearly Riley had done some work on her face as well. The number of times Killian had hit her, it was a wonder she had any cheek bones left at all. Taking a few minutes, she tried some makeup to dull her bruises a little. Listening carefully, she knew they were all in the kitchen, and her stomach growled. That would be a good place to head for anyway.

Turning the corner into the passage, she put a hand out to push the door open and at the sound of her name, froze.

“No. Not Lisa. No fucking way.” Mac.

“I understand how you feel, but I can’t see—”

Lisa pushed the door open, interested to see who the strange voice belonged to. Immediately, Mac was in front of her with a protective arm around her, guiding her to a chair. “Honey, did we wake you? I’m sorry.”

Cassie pushed a steaming mug toward her, and Lisa answered with a grateful smile.

Mac, Riley, and Zack all stood posturing. A tall, elegant man was studying her carefully. He had black hair with streaks of gray at the temples and kind wrinkly eyes. She inhaled discreetly. Not human, not wolf.

He put his hand out. “Hi, Lisa. My name’s Daniel.”

So this was Mac’s F.B.I. contact. Lisa smiled and shook his hand. She studied him as he sat, and she reached for Mac. “So, what is it you don’t want me to do now?”

Riley grinned; Zack snorted, and Mac just looked, well, defeated. Lisa frowned, “What?”

Daniel cleared his throat. “Lisa?”

Mac came and stood behind her, his jaw working, silently, but the hands he put on her shoulders were gentle, supportive. Of course, they were.

“I’m afraid Killian DeMarco was the tip of the iceberg. We have spent a lot of time and resources identifying a well-oiled kidnap and prostitution ring. Children have disappeared, mostly runaways, who are much harder to identify.”

Lisa shivered, and she tugged Mac down next to her. He wrapped both of her hands up in one of his giant ones. The other arm he looped protectively around her.

“We have been working on this for over a year, but hadn’t put the connection together with female shifters before.”

Cold suddenly blasted into her. “Shifters? Plural?” The thought of others in her position made her sick. Mac tightened his arm, and Riley moved closer. “What do you mean?”

“We think the alpha female slant is relatively new. The murdered nurse may have stumbled onto you and told someone. There must be a pretty powerful alpha up the chain somewhere. No humans obviously would understand the significance.”

“There’s not that many other shifters that would,” Zack commented.

“Actually, it’s not just wolves that are affected by alpha females. Leopards, puma packs definitely, but not tigers so much now.”

Lisa gaped at Daniel.

“Background checks on the nurse found a predilection for online gambling and heavy debt.” He paused, before asking, “How long do you remember her working there?”

Lisa frowned. Most of her memories of that place were still a bit foggy. Thank goodness. “At least a couple of years, I guess.” She had a memory of an older kind woman who had always watched some TV shows with her, but she’d left shortly before they’d started locking her in her room. Her throat tightened, and Lisa ducked her head, blinking furiously.

Mac growled. “That’s enough, Daniel.”

Lisa squeezed his hand and cleared her throat. “I’m okay.”

“We think they found out that alpha females are worth a good bit of money.”

Lisa nodded. Well, good to know she was worth something. A hand squeezed hers again. Okay, so maybe more than one thing. “So what are you going to do now?”

Mac stiffened.

“We need you as bait.”

For a few seconds, the room was so silent it echoed.

Low growls started. Lisa watched open-mouthed as Riley and Zack stiffened. Mac stood, and black hairs sprouting on his skin as his muscles rippled.

Cassie smirked and plonked a full coffee pot on the table. “Going to start getting decaf around here.”

Lisa tugged on Mac’s arm. “Let him finish.”

The tough F.B.I. agent didn’t look fazed. Lisa grinned admiringly. Daniel reached for the pot at the same time Cassie did. They both sprang back as if it burned. Riley’s head shot up, and his eyes narrowed. Cassie blushed slightly and turned to the stove, all while Daniel continued speaking.

“We can’t get to them. Every time we get close, they up and move.” His jaw hardened. “We’re not sure it was just Miranda.”

Mac stared at him incredulously. “Then how in the hell can you sit there and say Lisa will be safe?”

“I’m here, aren’t I? I’ve hand-picked a new team, one that I trust. I’ve removed all agents associated with the case and brought in people from way back that I know.” Daniel leaned back in his chair and casually picked up his cup. “Besides which, you’ll be there.”

Mac huffed. “Fuck, yeah.” Lisa’s mouth twitched. Realization dawned on Mac’s face that he’d been played.

“What do you suggest?” Lisa looked curious.

Daniel started talking about setting up a supposed shopping trip for her, a visit to the local mall. He needed Lisa to be seen to let them think they’d relaxed all protection, now that Killian was dead.

“Mac?”

Mac started.

Riley smirked and nodded to Daniel. “Take it he’s in.”

“There is something else that’s important, vital even.” Daniel looked challengingly at Mac.

Mac’s eyebrows rose.

“Lisa has to say unmated.”

Well, hell, thought Lisa. She thought the room was silent before when Daniel had suggested using as her for bait, but the kitchen had just become cavernous.

“Fuck, No.” Mac was on his feet, inches away from pulling Daniel up by the scruff of his neck.

She stood, wanting to get Mac to sit back down. Riley put a hand on her arm.

She wanted to scream. Someone had to explain why she wasn’t mated for God’s sake, because she felt mated. In the middle of all the shouting and posturing, Lisa’s face burned in embarrassment. She felt very mated.

“She’s mine. Mine.” Muscles rippled under Mac’s skin, and claws lengthened from his fingers.

Daniel never moved.

“I know you want her safe. I understand, really I do, but what about other girls? While she’s still unmated, they’ll think it’s urgent.” Daniel stood then, clearly pissed off. “This is our only chance. We never know if or when such a temptation will come along again. Christ, her scent signatures so strong, I can smell it. What do you think it’s like for an alpha wolf?” He was nearly yelling by this point.

Lisa wanted to curl up and die. Her face was so red, it felt like it was on fire? Scent? Really?

Mac dropped into the seat as if the air had gone out of him.

Daniel pleaded. “It’s our only chance.”

Zack nodded. “He’s right, Mac.”

“And we’ll all be there.” Riley put in.

Mac stood without saying one word. His blue eyes glinted at her like stabbing shards of ice. She couldn’t look away—didn’t want to look away. He bent down and without saying one word, scooped her up in his arms and turned for the kitchen door.

“Mac,” Daniel entreated.

Riley put a hand on his arm. “It’s not what you think. Give him some space.”

Lisa remained pressed close to his thundering heart as she was swiftly carried upstairs and fiercely hugged close. Mac collapsed on the easy chair next to the bed. She pulled his head into her chest as he bent down, whispered soothing words, and ran her fingers through his dark hair.

“Mac?”

Blue eyes gazed at her.

“I don’t understand why everyone thinks we’re not mated.” Lisa forced the words out in a rush to try and cover her embarrassment.

Mac’s mouth hung open. “Of course, you wouldn’t—”

“Wouldn’t what?” Lisa nearly shouted the words.

“Wouldn’t know.”

Lisa stared in fascination as a flush rose on Mac’s neck.

He tucked her in closer. “Mating is much more than making love. I mark you.”

“Mark me?”

“Here.” Mac nibbled on her neck. “It changes our scent, mixes them. Every shifter would know you belong to me. It’s an alpha pride thing. Alpha females are more sought after unmarked.”

Lisa giggled. Mac looked askance. She couldn’t help it. “All this fuss? All this fuss over a giant hickey?”

Lisa stopped laughing. Mac growled low in his throat. “It’s more than that. Alpha females guarantee the birthing of alpha males.” Mac’s quiet statement echoed around the room. His cupped her face. “Wolves are very traditional. Some packs are obsessive even. It’s supposed to be a mark of sexual prowess to have a male heir born first.”

Lisa didn’t know where to look. The words came out before she could filter them. “What about bears?”

Mac leaned in and took her lips carefully, easy on her bruises. “Well, I can’t speak for all bears, but this one’s very partial to the thought of a little girl with cute hazel eyes like her mother.”

Lisa smiled, her eyes burning into his.

“Ask me.”

Silence settled around the room. Lisa murmured, “Ask you what?”

“I always ask if you love me. You’ve never asked me.”

Lisa’s breath hitched. Oh God. She so desperately loved this warm, loving man who had given her his sweatshirt and offered his heart. She scanned filled blue eyes, suddenly knowing the answer before she asked the question. “Do you?” She faltered. “Do you love…?”

The rest of her words were drowned out. Punishing lips encased hers in a kiss so possessive, so stamped with love and ownership, her mind reeled with the force of it. Because she was his mate, and she didn’t need a bite mark to prove it. This mark was indelibly stamped on her heart.

Harsh breathing pulled her away. She tried smiling. “Mac, you have to explain something for me.”

Mac groaned and bent his head again. She giggled and moved hers. “No, I’ve just remembered. You said I won’t change until after we’ve mated? That’s right, isn’t it?”

“Yes, honey.”

Lisa quite liked that idea. Something powerful stirred inside her again. Not something, somebody.

“We need to go down and put Daniel out of his misery.”

Mac groaned again. “And what about putting me out of mine? We could stay here for a little while.”

“I love you.”

Mac pulled her face to his. Teasing lips pulled at hers, and she twisted slightly in his lap. He broke off. “Do that anymore, and we won’t get out of here today. Hell, Daniel will be lucky to see us in a week.”

Lisa smiled. God, she loved him so much. She said the one thing she knew would have an effect. “I’m hungry.”

Mac’s face instantly changed, appalled. “Of course, you are. I’m so sorry.”

Mac swiped her up again, and she laughed. “I can walk.”

He grinned, “I keep telling you, you’re too far away down there.” He proceeded to carry her as far as the kitchen, where he let her gently down. “Ready for battle?”

Lisa pushed the door open, and everyone started talking at once. Daniel had left. The kids were all back, ensconced at the end of the table, tucking into fried chicken. She wondered where they’d been until Cassie said softly, “Brett took them to visit the reservation school.”

Jamie carefully squirted ketchup on Molly’s fries without her asking, and she gave him a huge smile that said more than any words could. Alex was engrossed in the game scores shown on the TV in the corner, and Erin had her face down, pushing her food around her plate and not looking like she was eating any of it.

Lisa let go of Mac’s hand and deliberately sat down next to Erin.

“Hey, so you’ve checked the school out? Do you think Molly will settle in okay?”

A chin wobbled. Her fork was suddenly thrown down, and soft arms clung to Lisa’s neck. “I’m so sorry.”

“Hey, it’s fine. You do know you helped save me, don’t you?”

Puzzled, tear-filled eyes looked up.

“You got Molly away. If everyone here hadn’t got such an early warning that something was wrong, they might not have got to me in time.” Lisa pushed dark curls of Erin’s face.

Alex nodded, catching on straight away. Bless him. “Yeah, only heroes allowed in this family.” He pumped his chest out and flexed his biceps comically. “You’ll fit right in.”

Everybody laughed. Zack bounced Codie on his knee. “Molly, I kind of need help with this one’s bath. Want to come?” He stood with the squirming baby and held his hand out to Molly.

Erin put her fork down obviously expecting to join them, but Alex nodded to the door. “Wanna catch the game with me in the big room? Too noisy in here.”

Erin glanced, astonished, as Molly smiled, put her tiny hand in Zack’s huge one, and walked out the door without a backward glance. Alex, without being prompted, gathered all the kids’ empty plates and loaded them in the dishwasher. He asked at Cassie, “Anything else?”

Riley nodded to the door. “Playroom, but no going outside, okay?” Alex gave him a duh look.

Mac placed a steaming plate down in front of Lisa and one for himself. “Chicken Carbonara. Zack’s specialty.”

“What’s yours?” Lisa asked, grinning as she picked up her fork.

“You.” Eyes gleamed.

Now the kids were all otherwise occupied, Riley told her Jesse had been checked out by the local pack’s doctor. Brett and Angie were taking him back to their pack to live with them. Jesse was anxious to see her before he had to leave, but she hadn’t been awake when Brett came back with the girls, and they’d wanted to go. Mac put in that they could arrange to go see them in a couple of weeks when everything had settled down as it wasn’t too far way.

Riley briefly explained Daniel’s plan. They were just going to shadow her. Tracking devices were installed on all the vehicles, and she was to go about the place normally. She couldn’t be with Molly though. Molly would be too much of a temptation to grab as well. He handed Lisa a cell phone. “It’s got a tracking device and a panic button.

Mac smiled and fished in his pocket. He brought out a key. It’s made to look like the one for your truck. It works fine obviously, but it’s also got a tracking device and a panic button.”

Lisa was stunned. Then a thought occurred to her, “Err, guys, one problem. I haven’t got a truck.” She laughed embarrassed. I can’t even drive. “I can’t…”

Mac cupped her face. “Finished?”

Lisa smiled, amazed at her empty plate.

“Come on then.” He scooped up her key and took her hand. Mac dragged her to the door and put his hands over her eyes. She stiffened. “Do you trust me?”

She relaxed and nodded.

He walked her outside and lowered his hands. A shiny red truck stood gleaming at her. Lisa gaped.

“It’s yours. I had it delivered earlier”

“Oh.” Oh. Lisa squirmed. Mac frowned. “If you don’t like it, we can get something else.”

“I love it.” She grabbed his head firmly and lowered it, wanting to show him just how much. She came up for air. “Mac?”

“Mmm?” Mac was already bending his head, looking for more.

“I can’t drive.”

“Mmm.”

Lisa pulled back, face burning. Stupid. “I can’t drive.”

Mac pulled his head up. “I know, sweetie, but that’s hardly your fault. I’m a good teacher.” He grinned and wiggled his eyebrows. “You just better not distract me.”

Chapter Seventeen

Lisa was jittery. She should be pleased, shouldn’t she? She hadn’t been shopping since she was at least twelve. All the while she was getting ready for her trip to town, the thought that someone was out to kidnap her was in the back of her mind. She heard a soft knock on the door, and she shouted at whoever it was to come in. Brett put his head around and smiled.

Lisa was surprised to see him. “I thought you two had headed out with Jesse?”

Brett nodded and limped into the room shutting the door. “I’ve had a phone call from Daniel. We have another problem, and he asked me to talk to you about it.”

Lisa frowned. “Do you want me to come downstairs? What did Mac say?”

Brett leaned against the door, absently rubbing his hip. “Mac’s in danger. We can’t involve him in this.”

Lisa’s legs gave out, and she sat on the bed. “Danger? Danger from who? Killian’s dead.”

Brett made shushing noises as he came closer. “One of Daniel’s contacts says the people responsible for this have identified Mac as the main target. He is to be removed to make it easier to get to you.” He inhaled briefly, trying to be discreet. “You’re not mated yet?”

Lisa shook her head and frowned. “Brett, Mac isn’t going to let me out of his sight.”

He looked at her carefully and changed his weight to his other foot. “No one’s explained mating compulsion to you, have they?”

“Mating compulsion?” Lisa’s heart raced.

“I’m sorry. Shifter feelings are different to humans, more intense.”

Lisa relaxed. Mac had explained all about mates being that perfect someone that you were meant to be with forever. She’d thought Brett was going to say something awful.

Brett shuffled again. “Lisa, you have to understand that Mac is under a very intense mating compulsion.”

Lisa eyed Brett warily. There he went again, saying it like it was something bad.

“Mating compulsion is like a shifter equivalent of something like heroin. His feelings are governed by his hormones.” Lisa shook her head. Brett made Mac sound like a teenager.

“Lisa, it isn’t love.”

“But…” Bewilderment set in. Why would he say that?

“I’m sorry. I thought you understood. Shifters aren’t capable of love in the same way. I mean, yeah, love can grow in a relationship the same as anyone else, but it’s all about hormones at first.” He laughed. “Poor guy can’t help himself.”

Lisa absently rubbed her chest, wondering why it hurt.

“I mean, Mac was always about the ladies. With his looks, no one was ever surprised.” Brett flushed. “I’m sorry if he’s given you the wrong idea. In his defense, he won’t have meant to.”

But he loves me.

“Of course, he can be very smooth too.” Brett eyed her cautiously. “Oh hell, he hasn’t been telling you he loves you, has he?”

Lisa’s eyes swam up to Brett’s face. He had. “He…” Had he? Cold fingers clutched at her insides. Do you love me? Never, I love you. He’d even got her to ask him, but then he’d just kissed her. He’d never answered.

“I’m sorry. Shifters don’t think clearly under mating compulsion.”

Lisa shook her head. How could she have been so stupid? Of course, he didn’t love her. She was a pathetic, little, fat, nobody that had been locked up most of her life. And Mac? Mac was this gorgeous hunk of fit male with the most beautiful blue eyes that saw right inside of you. When this mating compulsion finished, he would be horrified. God, he would hate her. He’d feel like she trapped him. Then he would go back to his runway types like Miranda, and she would be in a worse prison than any she’d been locked in before.

Brett put his head to one side as if listening for something. “I have a car out back. We need to go now. All the arrangements will stay the same, except Mac will be out of danger. I have two of Daniel’s agents with me.”

Numbly, Lisa nodded.

“Lisa,” Brett hissed. “We have to hurry.”

He was right. She didn’t want anything to happen to Mac, because even though she now understood the reasons he had been so attracted to her, she still loved him, so, so much.

Brett opened the door and beckoned her toward the back stairs. She stumbled, and Brett put his arm out to steady her. She shrugged it off. She could hear Mac and Riley in the kitchen talking about timetables. Riley was offering, but Mac was saying quite forcibly that he had no intention of letting Lisa be anywhere he wasn’t. Why does that hurt so much? Lisa felt a little bit of her heart break off, like she lost a small part of herself. Later, later when this was done, she would go away. She wasn’t going to trap him into mating with her.

“Won’t it seem strange going to the mall without another girl or Cassie?”

Brett shrugged, “One of Daniel’s female agents will meet us at the mall.”

Lisa nodded and climbed into the back of a black SUV idling tucked around the corner near the basketball court. Brett settled next to her and nodded to the two agents sitting up front. Lisa blew her hair out of her eyes. Well, this was going to be fun. The car was really warm, and Lisa fanned her face.

Brett noticed and smiled. “Sorry, the air conditioning is on the blink.” He pulled a bottle of water from a side pocket, unscrewed the cap, and passed it to her. Lisa took it gratefully.

“Will Mac try to come after us?” She cringed at the hopeful tone she tried to squash back down.

“Daniel will clue the others in. They’ll make him see sense. I know it’s hard, but trust me. Mac has always been about the ladies. Riley and Zack are always giving him grief about it.” Brett leaned over and pointed at the water. “You need to drink, Lisa. Everyone will be seriously pissed at me if you get sick.”

I don’t think so. Lisa absently rubbed at the pain in her chest.

He laughed shortly and ran a finger around his collar. She looked at the beads of sweat that had bloomed on his brow. She offered him the bottle. “I think you need it more than me.”

Brett smiled and leaned over to the other pocket. He pulled another bottle of water out. “Cheers.” he said and put it to his lips.

Lisa gripped the bottle with shaky fingers and drank deeply. “What mall are we going to?” Then she suddenly thought. “I don’t have any money.”

“Not a problem.” Brett grinned, visibly relaxing some more. “This is all on the company. With the help you’re giving them, the least they can do is buy you some new clothes. You’re warm,” he added, “drink some more water.”

Lisa nodded and took a few more sips. Brett seemed to be a bit happier. “Is your pack far, Brett?”

He smiled and nodded to the bottle. “You done?”

Lisa frowned down at the bottle of water. Funny, she’d drunk half of it, but it seemed so heavy all of a sudden. Brett eased it from her fingers, and she blinked slowly. She thought he’d said something else, but she’d missed it.

“My new pack’s up in Erie, near the border.”

Lisa shook her head in confusion. “I thought you were going to be local.”

Brett smiled. “It’s a beautiful place. You’ll love it there.”

Lisa struggled to process what he was saying. Why would she love it? “What do you mean?”

Her head lolled back on the seat of its own accord. Like her neck couldn’t support it anymore. Wow, she was sleepy. It must be the heat in the car. Funny though, the car was cooler now, like the air had turned back on.

“You look tired.” Brett eyed her cautiously.

Lisa tried to nod and failed. Her eyes drooped shut, and she had to force them open. Brett had said something else. Lisa struggled to hear him. She lifted one hand. It was really heavy. She tried to sit up. Brett laughed shortly and pushed her back. She wanted to say something, but a buzzing had started in her head.

“Just relax, Lisa. We’ll be there soon.”

* * * *

Sometime later—Lisa wasn’t sure how long—she became aware of voices and the steady hum of a car engine. She could hear Brett and wondered exactly how far away this mall was. She must have dozed off for a few minutes and guessed by the sounds she was still in the car. Lisa was about to sit up when the next words shocked her into holding still.

“She’ll probably be out for hours yet.”

That must be one of the guys in the front as she hadn’t heard the voice before.

“Good job. The trip’s only usually about six hours, but we have to avoid all major roads, so it’s going to be more like ten, maybe more.”

She recognized Brett. What?

“Well, she’s out like a light now.” Someone laughed.

“If she starts waking up, I’ll just give her more water.”

“The Alpha will be pleased by his gift.”

Lisa concentrated on keeping her breathing steady.

“I’ll say,” the other guy chimed in. “Where’d you find her?”

Brett answered shortly. “Just drive, will you?”

She heard a snigger. “She’s his in with the pack, didn’t you know? Alpha let him in, even though his leg’s no good, because he brought him a present.”

Lisa thought she was going to be sick. Not again. Lisa kept still, ignored her dry throat and tried to figure out how she was going to get away.

The car hit a rough patch, and the driver swore. “Fuck. We’ll be out of these woods in about another twenty minutes.”

Brett spoke up. “The Alpha’s going to meet us with a full escort at Huntingdon. It won’t matter if she’s asleep or not then.”

Lisa focused on what the driver had said. Oh God, she had only another twenty minutes to be able to escape. She knew once the pack met them, she would have no chance. She nearly laughed, then wanted to cry. What on earth gave her the idea she had a chance anyway?

She had to do something. She moaned and blinked. Brett shuffled over to her, “Here, have a drink, Lisa.”

Not on your life. Lisa twisted her head and tried to play dumb. “I need the bathroom, please.” She groaned again, “Sorry I fell asleep, guys, but I urgently need to stop.”

Through half-lidded eyes, she watched Brett glance at the guys up front and then out of the window. They were clearly going through some sort of woodland area, and Lisa’s heart sped up. She’d have no chance once they joined the pack escort.

“We’ll be in town in a few minutes and find you a proper restroom at the mall.”

So they were still going with that one, huh. “Guys, I’m sorry, but I really need to stop now.” She laughed hoping she sounded embarrassed. “I’ll just duck behind a tree.”

Brett flushed as she gave him a pleading look and nodded to the guys in front. “Pull over.”

Lisa scrambled to get out of the car once it was still. The driver from the front walked around and solicitously put a hand under her elbow. She was glad of it when she first stood up, then she straightened her backbone. She bit off a sarcastic comment about privacy and walked a few paces until she got her sea legs. “Okay, I can manage,” she added and tried to smile reassuringly.

The guy looked hesitant and glanced at Brett. She pretended not to notice Brett’s imperceptible nod and walked a few steps on her own until ducking behind a tree. The guy was distracted by another car passing and Lisa shouted, “Just give me a minute.”

Lisa watched the guy walk back to the SUV and leaned on it with his arms crossed. He said something to Brett, who was standing by the open passenger door, and they both laughed.

Lisa lost no time. She didn’t think she had a hope in hell of losing the big guy. She could smell a wolf shifter, but she was going to give it her best try. At least, Brett couldn’t run after her. Okay, so that was only two gorillas chasing her then, much better. Lisa shook her head. She seemed to be acquiring quite a talent for sarcasm.

She scooted down a path. Realizing it would be the first place they would look, she ducked left to push through some dense woodland. Fear was making her clumsy, and she seemed to have developed two left feet. Swerving into thicker trees, she scrambled over a couple of logs. She could barely make out some traffic noises and veered toward it. Traffic meant people.

Shouts! Oh God, they’d realized. Her legs pumped harder. Harsh breaths pounded out, and her heart threatened to beat out of her chest. Branches whipped her face and cut her arms. She ducked, trying to avoid tree branches and tripped twice. Sprawling, she pulled herself up and carried on. She could hear them. Her legs were tiring. Her lungs ached. Her arms felt heavy. Mac, Mac.

Shouts sounded awfully close, and she glanced around again to see. At that second, her foot caught in some creepers on the ground, and she cried out at the pain that rocketed up her leg.

Up, up, get up. Lisa tried to scramble up but nearly retched at the pain that shot up her foot. She bowed her head. She wanted to sob, but no tears would drown the desperation that pummeled into her. She heard the huge guy reach her, and felt an iron fist close on her arm.

It was too late, they had caught her. They had caught her, and she would be locked up again. Wicked.

A loud roar rent the trees.

She lifted her head to see the big guy’s look of sick panic and the other guy from the car running toward them. Huge thundering footsteps made the ground shake as three enormous bears pushed through the trees. The guys didn’t even have time to shift as they were swept up by hulking paws and flung into trees. Lisa gaped at the force. The hits caused the trees to bend so much, she thought the roots would lift.

One of the bears strode over to where the guys had been flung like discarded toys. The bear crouched and rippled, and Zack stood grinning.

Hot panting breath scalded her neck, and she whipped her head around. Lisa’s world narrowed once more. Everything grew quiet. It seemed like the birds in the trees overhead were even holding their breath. A huge head and a pair of brilliant blue eyes were calmly staring at her. Large arms, ever so gently, lifted her up, and cradled her. A soft muzzle pushed gently into her chest, and mild rumbling noises vibrated through her. She watched skin ripple, muscles contract, and hair vanish in wonder, all the time she was held, and hot breath bathed her face.

“Mac.” Lisa smiled and breathed in honey.

Chapter Eighteen

Mac had clearly demonstrated to everyone, including Daniel, that he had no intention of surrendering Lisa to anyone, not for a long time, if ever. She would have been thrilled before she had spoken to Brett. Now, she was just numb. She told Mac she was tired and managed to avoid Riley, although that was easy. Mac had refused to put her down.

They had to suffer through an F.B.I. debriefing. Lisa had been discovered gone within seconds of her following Brett. Zack had just arrived home and had seen the black SUV. It had only taken moments for them to pile into a car to give chase. Mac got Daniel on the phone, and he’d pleaded with them to just follow until the F.B.I. could get there. They hadn’t known whether anyone had guns, and stopping the car would have put Lisa in even more danger. They’d been in the car that had overtaken them when Lisa had managed to get Brett to pull over.

Lisa had felt sorry in the end for Brett. He’d risked everything for his chance to belong to a wolf pack. Apparently Angie hadn’t been as happy to live at Raleigh Point as everyone had thought, and when Killian’s attempt had been prevented, it had given him the idea. It looked like Miranda had been on the payroll for a while and explained why the team always seemed one step behind.

“So, that’s it then, Daniel?” Mac had wanted definite assurances.

Lisa caught the slight hesitation from Daniel before he had admitted that apart from Brett’s testimony, they didn’t have any actual evidence yet to associate the Alpha from the pack in Erie with anything other than responding to Brett. Lisa was safe, though. Mac’s arms tightened around her at that.

When they were done, Mac had carefully laid her down in the bedroom and kissed her softly. He kept giving her puzzled looks, but she told him she was tired and had asked him to get her some water. The glass was on the nightstand. She pretended to be asleep when he brought it back. She wasn’t sure if she could have faced him then. She wasn’t sure she could face him now. Lisa sat in her bedroom back at Raleigh Point, alone.

She had been given another chance at living her life. For that she would always be grateful, but she couldn’t stay, not when she knew if he had any other choice, he wouldn’t be interested in her.

Maybe Daniel would help her? Cassie had told her she had up to six months before she had to worry about going into heat again and maybe by that time she could find someone else, someone safe and kind. Not someone with clear blue eyes you could drown in and definitely not a bear. If she ever smelled honey again, she thought she would be sick.

“Lisa?”

She jumped. She’d been so lost in her thoughts, she hadn’t heard the door open. She tried to fix a blank look on her face as Mac walked in. “How are you feeling, honey?”

Don’t call me that. Lisa shrank back as his hand came out to touch her.

Mac pulled his hand back and looked puzzled. “Are you feeling okay? You must be hungry. Riley was gonna have a look at you. I wanted to make sure you were awake.” He laughed. “I’m not sure I’m ready for even Riley to touch you yet.”

Lisa closed her eyes and felt another little piece of her heart break off.

“Lisa? Maybe I should get Riley up here?” Mac put his arm around her and pulled her close. “Talk to me, baby.”

She couldn’t help it. A strangled sob pushed its way out, and she jumped up. He couldn’t touch her. She couldn’t do this if he touched her.

“Lisa?” Mac sounded worried now.

She took a steadying breath and willed her voice to sound normal. “Would you call Daniel for me, please? I need to go.”

Mac shot up. “Go? Go? What the hell?” His arms came around her, and she shrugged them off.

“Don’t touch me.” Her body nearly vibrated with the need to be held by him. She couldn’t hold out if he didn’t let go. Silence descended. Lisa closed her eyes in desperation and took steadying breaths. Mac said not one word. He clearly was working through this mating compulsion and was probably incredibly relieved that he wasn’t going to be saddled with her.

“Lisa, what’s wrong?”

Lisa sighed. “It’s all right, Mac. I know. Brett explained it.”

“Brett? What the hell? What did he say?” Mac pulled her close forcibly. “Why would you believe anything he said? He was mad. I don’t know, obsessed.”

“Because it’s the only thing that makes sense.” Lisa nearly shouted the words. And it was. She screwed her eyes shut as if not being able to see him would make the pain any less. She was a nobody. She’d spent half her life locked up, doing nothing, being nothing. This guy practically went out with models for God’s sake. Lisa pulled at her sweater. She didn’t even own her own clothes.

“What makes sense, honey?”

She shivered and opened her eyes as that calm voice vibrated through her. She glanced at him. Warm blue eyes were fixed on her, as if they saw right through her.

“Mating compulsion,” she whispered.

“Mating what?”

She could feel heat rise in her face. “It’s what you’re feeling. It’ll go away.”

Mac’s whole length pressed at her, warming and protecting. “How long before this feeling of yours goes away?”

“No.” Lisa glanced up confused. “Not my feelings. Your feelings.” She could feel his lips lift in a smile through her hair. He was too close. She tried to step back, but strong arms enveloped her.

Mac’s voice murmured in her hair. “Why my feelings?”

Lisa stammered. She couldn’t think when he was so close. “B-because you’re a shifter.”

“Lisa.” Two warm fingers hooked her chin and brought her face up to his. “So are you.”

Lips met lips in urgent, gentle, possessiveness like he absolutely needed to do this thing right now, but he had all the time in the world. She pulled her face away. “It’ll pass. You’ll be sorry. When it’s finished and you realize—”

“Lisa. So are you.”

A tiny kernel of hope fizzled in her chest.

“Lisa, do you love me?”

No, No! Anything but that. She fisted her hands tight and shook her head. Warm fingers snaked under her chin and tilted her face. “Lisa, open your eyes.” She blinked away the tears that ran down her face. He brushed them away carefully with a gentle sweep of his thumb. “Lisa, do you love me?” More tears ran, and wide arms circled her pulling her close. “You’re not answering me.”

She couldn’t force words of denial past her throat. Strong hands smoothed her hair and soft kisses were dropped on her head.

“If you can’t answer me, you ask the question.” He pushed her away from him slightly and gazed at her face. “Ask me.”

Lisa gazed at him. She saw his eyes shining and marveled at a glint of tears that dared to cloud those beautiful blue pools. So quietly, she didn’t think he could hear her, she asked, “Do you? Do you love me?” Urgently, louder this time. “Mac, do you love me?”

Lisa waited for hours. Her whole life, while those lips that tasted so good, pulled unbidden into a dazzling smile that sought out every corner of her soul.

“I love you more than my life. I love you more than the air that I breathe. I love you more than I could ever say, and I will show you how much, every day, for the rest of our lives.”

Lisa jumped at him, heart and body and soul. Mac growled as she wrapped her legs around him, and she pushed him into the door. Wild hands and clumsy fingers tore off clothing. “Yes, yes.” Had he asked her a question?

God, he smelled amazing, and something inside her moved once more. Mac staggered to the bed, holding onto her like a drowning man. Open-mouthed, hungry, wet kisses pulled at her core and peppered her face. They mauled each other like wild animals. Clothes torn and flew off in all directions.

“Mac, need—”

“Yes, God, yes.” He lay down. “Ride me. Push your sweet pussy over me and take me.” He groaned. “Take me wherever you want to go.”

Lisa slammed down on him. Brief pain was nothing as incredible fullness wrapped her up. She lifted slowly, and then slammed down again, over and over, until he was groaning and trembling as much as her. Sweat streaked her thighs, and the heady smell of sex wove through her. With a roar, Mac rose up and forced her down. He flipped her over, and she screamed as her pussy clenched, frustrated, and empty.

“Soon, baby, soon.”

Lisa stilled as he leaned over the bed and in seconds cold gel trailed over her buttocks.

God, yes, yes. She needed. Lisa jerked as a cold finger pushed at her.

“Push out, honey.”

Burning, shaking, sweating. Like a predator, one arm across her shoulders pinned her down and the other used fingers to tease, open. Something inside her reveled at his speed, wanting, needed dominance. She struggled. Her wolf struggled. Howling inside. She felt a hot burning as he pushed at her. Sharp pain her wolf reveled in, then amazing fullness. So perfect, so right. Gasping, urging him on.

“Take me.” Now. Now.

Mac roared again. “Whose are you? Whose?”

“Yours.” She screamed as stars exploded in her body. On and on a vortex of pleasure and pain surrounded her, dragging her down. She breathed, once, twice, then Mac bent to her neck and sank his teeth in and pure white heat ripped her apart.

She barely heard his answering shout in the haze, and harsh breaths dominated the room. He leaned over and pulled her in. “Mate.”

One word, one satisfied, loving word that Lisa felt to her toes. Now she was branded.

Much later, Lisa stirred in warm arms. Mac smiled against her bare shoulder and leaped to the bathroom. He returned a moment later with a warm cloth and a towel.

“Not too sore?”

She hugged herself. She wanted the soreness. It stamped her as belonging to someone—finally.

“I think we should go for a run.”

Run? She wasn’t sure she could walk. “I, Oh—” Lisa smiled her understanding and acknowledged the urgency unfurling in her. He passed her a robe from the bed. “We’ll go down the back stairs.” He grinned wickedly at her. “I’m not ready to share you yet.” She let him help her with the robe and his hands brushed the bite on her neck. Desire ran through her so suddenly, she gasped.

“Later.” Mac smiled knowingly. “I’ve someone I want to meet first.”

They padded quietly down the stairs, out through the backdoor, past the empty basketball hoops and toward the trees.

He pulled her in close. “So, no more doubts?”

Lisa shook her head shyly.

“Just so we’re clear. Absolutely.”

Lisa stilled. Mac’s intensity doubled with his alpha power.

“You are the strongest person I have ever met. I’ve never faced any challenge like the ones you’ve put up with every day of your life. I am honored, Alpha Mate.” Mac’s alpha power swirled around her, and she sent her own out to meet it. Gloriously. Perfect. He tugged her closer.

“What do I do? Does it hurt?” Lisa was shaking. Nerves or something else?

Mac pulled her robe down. “You don’t need to do anything, someone wants to say hello, just relax.” She took two calming breaths and her body crouched as if she needed to be nearer the ground. Heat and awareness flooded her. Dust motes danced in the air, and the grass smelled so sweet. She wanted to roll. Mac bent down to his gorgeous gold-brown mate.

“You’re beautiful.” He breathed, and she felt the delicious sensation of a smooth hand running through her fur. In seconds, a huge brown bear stood beside her. He bent one massive head and nodded to the woods. Her heart leaped, and her body shook. She took off following him.

She would follow him anywhere.

*The End*

About the Author

Has loved books for as long as she can remember. Books were always what pocket money went on and what usually Father Christmas brought. When she ran out of her kids’ adventure stories, she would go raid her Mom’s. By the age of eight she was devouring classics like Little Women, and fell in love with love stories.

She’s still in love with them. Any size, any shape, any creature – love is love, no matter what it says on the box. In fact if her heroes and heroines don’t always fit neatly into a box, she loves them even more.

Her latest adventure was relocating her husband and three children from England to Florida, and finally after reading all those love stories for so long, she decided to write her own.

Website:     www.victoriasue.com

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