Table of Contents

Acclaim for Selena Illyria

Look for these titles from Selena Illyria

Copyright Warning

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

~ About the Author ~

~ Also by Selena Illyria ~

More Romance from Etopia Press

Acclaim for Selena Illyria

For Renny's Mate

“With fun and engaging characters, this was a cute short story.”

—Gabrielle of You Gotta Read This

For Seven Sins Inn: Pietro & Callisto

“[A] definite page turner and one I would recommend to anyone looking for an interesting and sizzling tale.”

—Fuchsia of Long and Short Reviews

For Dragons at Midnight

“Right from the start I was immersed into the wonderful world that this author brings to us and I hope that it is not my last.”

—Gabrielle of You Gotta Read This

For Dragons at Samhain

“I loved seeing that connection. The two men knew just what Carissa needed and were not afraid to give it to her.”

—Gabrielle of You Gotta Read This

For Dragon Ugly

“The sparks fly from the moment they meet and grow into an intense love. Not only did I enjoy meeting Brent and Carissa but the rest of the characters endeared themselves to me as well. I really enjoyed my visit to this world and hope to return again soon.”

—Gabrielle, The Romance Studio

Look for these titles from Selena Illyria

Now Available

Dragon New Year

Dragon Ugly

Dragons at Midnight

“Dragons at Samhain” Halloween Heat II

Bachelor Auction

Mate Not Wanted

Goal: A Mate

At Drogan’s Command

Renny’s Mate

Seven Sins Inn: Pietro & Callisto

Fallen Lovers: Roman

Carnevale and Subterfuge

Bewitching the Vampire

Making Demons Purr

In Print

“Dragons at Samhain” Halloween Heat II

Renny’s Mate (Beach Bums Anthology)

Seven Sins Inn: Pietro & Callisto (Demon Heat Anthology)

The Dragon New Year Collection

Goal: A Mate

Bachelor Auction Book Two

Selena Illyria

Copyright Warning

EBooks are not transferable. They cannot be sold, shared, or given away. The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is a crime punishable by law. No part of this book may be scanned, uploaded to or downloaded from file sharing sites, or distributed in any other way via the Internet or any other means, electronic or print, without the publisher’s permission. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000 (http://www.fbi.gov/ipr/).

This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are fictitious or have been used fictitiously, and are not to be construed as real in any way. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locales, or organizations is entirely coincidental.

Published By

Etopia Press

136 S. Illinois Ave. Suite 212

Oak Ridge, TN 37830

http://www.etopiapress.com

Goal: A Mate

Copyright © 2015 by Selena Illyria

ISBN: 978-1-941692-61-5

All Rights Are Reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

First Etopia Press electronic publication: February 2015

Chapter One

Brandon shifted from one foot to the other as he watched the shifter community’s most eligible bachelors go past the red curtain. The roar of the crowd beyond the velvet partitions filled his ears and soothed his fraying nerves. This is just like a game, he told himself. You’ve been in hostile territory before. He rubbed his hands and took in the people who had already gone before him. One of them was Pierce McKinney, owner of the new Paranormal Sports League. They hadn’t gotten to hockey yet, but he had a meeting with the Englishman later on in the month.

“Mr. Scott?” Betsey with the clipboard called out.

He strode forward. “Brandon, please.”

“Uh-huh. You’re up next. Just walk to the end of the runway, slowly please, and then stop at the end. You’ll have to wait until all the bids are counted before you can return to the waiting area.” Betsey headed away toward the next victim on her list.

“Brandon, my man, calm down. It’ll be painless. Promise.” His friend and agent, Ryan Fortunato, gripped his shoulders and kneaded the muscles.

Bursts of fire and pain rushed up and down his arm. Brandon winced and began to move out of Ryan’s hold.

“It wasn’t so bad.” Ryan gave him a big grin.

Brandon couldn’t respond. All his attention narrowed down to his the shoulder. It felt as though demons had slipped into his body and started poking the hell out of the muscle. Each press of Ryan’s fingers sent spikes lancing into his arm and down his right side. Sweat misted his brow, his ears burned, and his wolf whined long and loud in his ears.

“Shoulder,” he growled out. The predator could be heard in that single word, promising hurt and death to anyone he met.

“Shit! Sorry.” Ryan removed his hands. “Forgot. How is it, mate? What’d the doctor say?”

Some of the heat subsided and only a dull throb was left. He wiggled his fingers and found some of the feeling in them had faded. Sensation returned in pinpricks, as if the digits had been asleep.

Ryan’s words returned to him once the ache had subsided. “Doc says I have to do at least two more changes before I’m back to normal. But no more hockey.”

Sadness turned his heart into stone, a weight in his chest that hurt him with each breath he took. He’d had three months to acclimate to the news, but he was beginning to doubt it would ever truly sink in. Being on the ice was second nature to him. He missed the strategy of getting to the goal, the camaraderie in the locker room before and after the game, seeing Kelly in the stands cheering him on. Heat flooded his body, pushing back even more of the pain, until he could rotate his shoulder without wanting to tear someone’s head off.

“Good, good. Look I have to grab something to eat. Want anything?”

Brandon shook his head. If he did put something into his mouth, he’d probably just throw it back up. Butterflies flapped up a tornado in his stomach. Kelly had agreed to bid on him so that he wouldn’t end up with one of those man-hungry society women looking for her next boy toy. But what if she was outbid?

“Suit yourself.” Ryan slipped away to greet one of his other clients.

Brandon shifted from one foot to the other.

“Brandon Scott?” Betsey, guardian of the clipboard, called out.

Brandon’s looked up and spotted Betsey. He moved toward her, dodging around other participants of the auction.

“Stand there and wait until the curtains part before you’re announced.”

Brandon went to his assigned place. Moisture carved a path from his temple to his jaw. He reached up, wiped it away, and glanced down at his sleeve. Golden tan powder marred the perfect charcoal gray pinstripe suit jacket. He winced and glanced around. No one was paying him any mind. He rubbed the makeup on his pants. The smear was gone, but now there was a light spot on one of his legs. “Crap.” With furious motion, he patted the spot away. Why the fuck did they have to put this clown makeup on him?

“Please welcome Brandon Scott to the stages, ladies!” the announcer called through the curtain.

Shit! He did a quick check and found nothing out of place, then parted the panes of velvet and walked out into a sea of flashing lights. He lifted his arm and tried to shield his eyes.

“Oh, look at that. He’s shy! Come on. Scream for him! Show him he’s welcome, ladies!”

Screams and catcalls roared in his ears. A hand took his and jerked him forward. Sweat doused his face as the lights on the runway threatened to sear him.

“Come on. Now, I’m sure Brandon wishes to be on the ice more than in the heat of the spotlight, but he’s here with us now. This sexy hockey player is thirty years old and loves to work with children and do community work. Oh, and ladies? He loves gardening in the nude!”

What the fuck? Who gave her that shit to say? Brandon opened his mouth to rebuke her but was cut off by a woman’s shout. “I bid one thousand dollars!”

Wha—? A thousand smackers? Well, now. Brandon’s blood surged and his confidence perked. He pulled his hand out of the announcer’s grasp and strutted down the walkway.

“You’re a fucking peacock,” his werewolf growled.

He ignored the rebuke and continued on until he reached the end. His gaze swept over the crowd until he found Kelly in the crowd. She looked like a luscious dream in a red, strapless dress. The flawless mocha skin of her arms and shoulders was on display. The neckline dipped a little, giving him only a hint of cleavage.

Brandon’s libido roared to life. A fever wound around his veins, seeping into his body, and his cock thickened and pressed against his pant leg.

“Well, would you look at that? Lil Brandon has made an appearance,” the announcer said.

Brandon groaned but continued to focus on Kelly. Her chest moved up and down in enticing ways. Appreciative murmurs hummed around him.

“Well, we just got a peek of what you could see if you were to check in on him gardening. I see twenty-five hundred dollars from Blanca of the Bitter Almonds pack… And she looks very eager!”

Kelly licked her bottom lip, causing the red gloss to glisten even more. She raised her arm and shouted, “Three thousand dollars!”

“Oh, looks like we could get a pack princess fight,” the announcer purred.

“Four thousand dollars and a night he’ll never forget.” Blanca’s throaty purr could be heard above the rumble of the crowd.

“Tacky as usual! Five thousand dollars!” Kelly snarled.

Brandon’s heart hammered in his chest as he waited for Blanca to respond. He sent up a silent prayer that the gods wouldn’t be so cruel as to subject him to a date with Blanca the Boorish. He didn’t take his gaze off of Kelly as his ears prickled and his wolf strained to hear what the announcer would say next.

“We have five thousand! Any other takers? Blanca?” Pause. “Going once. Twice. Sold to the lady in red!”

Energy shuddered up and down Brandon’s legs and arms, filling his chest as his heart hammered against his rib cage. Kelly had won it. She’d kept her promise. He wanted to do a fist pump or rush down the steps at the end of the walkway to wrap Kelly up in an embrace. Instead, he allowed the announcer to usher him back behind the curtain. Heart pounding, elation filling his veins, he brushed past the throng of athletes, male models, and other bachelors to the refreshments table. People patted him on the back as he went.

It had been relatively painless after all. Moisture coated his face and chest. He wiped it away and unbuttoned his shirt a few notches. The material stuck to him at the armpits and pectoral area. He plucked at his shirtfront, letting puffs of air cool him off. His wolf sat sedate and quiet. Now for that date. He’d been planning the ideal outing with Kelly since he’d been a teenager, alone in his room, wanking off to scenarios he thought could never happen in his lifetime. She was pack royalty, and he was a skinny slip of nothing, obsessed with hockey, comic books, and video games, things he was sure would bore the crap out of her and send her running for the hills. He’d been wrong about most of it. They’d had more in common than he could have hoped for.

A pat on his recovering shoulder jerked out him out of his reverie and landed him straight in the land of discomfort. Anger surged hot and bitter to the forefront of his mind, bathing his vision in red. What kind of motherfucker would dare touch him on so tender a spot?

Alberto, pack prince of the Ivory Claw pack. His former hockey rival who’d left the sport to take up tennis. The asshole patted him on the shoulder again, setting off a shockwave of pain jittering up and down his arm.

“Good job, Scott! And a sexy woman to boot. You never know with these things. Was that Kelly Maxwell, pack princess of the Scythe Moon wolves? Nice and curvy, too.” The man’s brown eyes sparkled with mirth and his bright white teeth glimmered in the overhead lights.

Brandon’s wolf growled. He struggled to ignore the animal and his instinct to beat the shit of the guy. “Yeah. Lucky, I guess,” he gritted out, eyes watering as the ache subsided to a dull throb.

“Like that chip shot you took in that shootout before you hurt your shoulder?” Something passed through Alberto’s eyes, something that Brandon couldn’t name. He would have almost called it admiration, but that wasn’t like Alberto. The asshole wanted something, he was sure of that.

Brandon opened his mouth to tell his fellow werewolf where to go.

Pierce McKinney joined them. “Hey, Brandon, can I talk to you about the meeting later this month? I’ve got a few ideas for the new hockey league.” Pierce nodded his head toward an empty corner of the room and then grabbed Brandon’s wrist.

Brandon allowed the tiger shifter to pull him away.

Once they were far enough away, Pierce released him. “Don’t let him get to you. He knows you’re close to Kelly and he’s been sniffing after her since I’ve been in town.”

Pierce’s pale blue eyes bored into him. Brandon sighed. “You know, don’t you?”

“Your pheromones are a bit pungent. And besides, your face when she won you…?” Pierce’s eyes sparkled with amusement and a hint of sadness. “Got my own woman issues. Just keep calm, OK? Last thing Kelly wants is to bail your stupid arse out. We’ll talk later about the hockey league, yeah?”

Brandon had known that Alberto had been hovering in Kelly’s presence, but the man didn’t seem to be making any romantic overtures as far as he’d heard. He wasn’t sure what Alberto’s plan was, nor did he buy his interest in Kelly, but as long as the other wolf stayed out of his way all would be well. He had no desire to be arrested by Lt. Alistair Marshall-Weiss for beating the shit out of Alberto. Instead he headed for the exit.

No one stopped him, so Brandon kept going until he hit the hallway that led to the entrance of the building. He found Kelly standing with his sister Eireen near a refreshment table. Both held champagne flutes in one hand, their cell phones pressed to their ears.

Just the sight of Kelly caused Brandon’s tension to ebb away until he was on a warm cloud. Alberto didn’t matter. Nothing mattered. He smiled and exhaled as his gaze ate up all five feet four inches of her in her killer red heels. A sexy, intelligent woman with a generous heart. He couldn’t picture his life without her. She was his mate, his soul, his universe. His heart clenched. His wolf rose with a whimper. The shift tried to find traction. His lupine counterpart wanted out to brush up against her, mark her with his scent, fuck her senseless, and most of all, keep her safe.

Brandon’s gaze brushed over her form, admiring her choice of clothing for the night. The tight red dress highlighted every curve of her voluptuous body. The small dip in the neckline gave him a glimpse of cleavage. Her platform pumps with slim heels showed off her toned legs while the hemline kissed the tops of her knees. He wanted to lift the skirt and see what was or wasn’t underneath.

This auction could have ended with him having to go on a date with Blanca or one of her drones. Talking to those women was like trying to converse with a bag of burned hair.

Kelly glanced up in his direction, worry on her face. Brandon frowned and glanced over at his sister. Reenie had been excited about bidding on some “prime pack meat” as she put it, but all her exuberance seemed to have bled out of her. Her bright blue eyes, so like his, were stormy, dark, and angry.

Kelly’s features were scrunched, confused, and worried. She bit her bottom lip and her hand clenched and relaxed as she held her phone.

What could be wrong? Was it her father, Martin, their alpha? Was it his parents? Did something happen to Jazz or her business? Did some shithead ruin the building? Fearing the worst, Brandon moved closer to hear what was going on.

“Well, get them there! We needed those uniforms yesterday,” Eireen barked into her cell. She tugged a lock of hair and pressed her lips together. “What do you mean the truck is stuck in Albuquerque? It was supposed to be here by now. We open in a week.” She clenched her teeth and a muscle ticked in her jaw.

“What—?” Brandon stepped forward. Bile swished around in his stomach and worry fisted his heart.

“Not now, Brandon,” Eireen snapped. Her blue eyes turned golden for a second, as her wolf peeked out in her anger.

“The uniforms for our employees are stuck in New Mexico,” Kelly explained, “and management isn’t in the office. We can’t have our people go into all those mansions and estates in their street clothes. Plus, the alarm is going off at the office, but the police report that there is no prowler and no one is inside. I’ve been put on hold, again. I have to go into the office and see if the elvish tailors are open. Maybe I can convince them to give us a discount on a rush job. A free year of cleaning might do it.”

“I’m coming with,” announced Eireen. “This is a bust anyway. Maybe I can pull some strings from my end with a few stores in some nearby towns. Later little bro.” Eireen followed her boss and best friend toward the front doors.

Brandon went after them, wanting to help. He felt a need to do something to aid his mate and soothe her stress.

Eireen turned on her heel just as Brandon reached them. He crashed straight into her and only her hold on his arms kept him from falling down. Despite their difference in size, she kept him on his feet. “Stay here. We don’t need you puttering around like a lovesick wolf,” she hissed. “Unless you can pull ten uniforms out of her your ass? No? Then stay, Booboo.”

“Booboo? What the fuck?” He shook his head and ignored the insult. “Look, I won’t get in the way. Just let me help you. Maybe I can make a few calls to people I know?” Brandon hated how high and whiney he sounded. He was brought back to my teenage years, begging Reenie to take him along so he could spend more time with Kelly. He ignored those thoughts and turned to the task at hand—finding people who could help. His mind rolled through all the professionals he’d encountered who could do wonders with damaged uniforms.

“I know everyone you know, ’member? You introduced me to them? I have their numbers. Go plan your date, play video games, watch porn or whatever. Just don’t tell me. She’ll be fine.” Eireen ushered him back toward the party. He glanced over his shoulder. The sight of happy couples in evening dress only dampened his enthusiasm for mixing with his fellow athletes.

“Goddess, do you have to be so damn crass? I know Kelly will be fine. I just wanted to help. I’ll head home, but you have to promise”—he paused and pointed at her—“to call if you need anything. Even late-night pizza and coffee runs.”

Eireen let out a huff of air. The scent of strawberries and champagne drifted off her, mingling with the cologne, perfume, and hormones swirling about the room. The stench turned his stomach. He would’ve preferred to have been curled up in a booth somewhere with Kelly, eating a late dinner of burgers and fries, basking in her presence. Call it infatuation or puppy love, it didn’t matter. Kelly was his mate, and if he couldn’t be where she was, he didn’t want to be anywhere at all. Home it was.

“Stop waiting for her,” Eireen said, her tone hard. Her cobalt-blue eyes flashed with an emotion that Brandon couldn’t name.

“Not waiting, biding my time. Don’t you have to help salvage the uniform mess?” He hoped this would spur his sister on.

“Yeah, yeah, I do…I just… I’ll call later.” Eireen swung back around, pushed open the door, and followed Kelly out into the night.

He wondered what in the world was going on with Eireen. Lately she’d been secretive, disappearing when he needed her, always busy. But it had nothing to do with her business, Pack Princess Maid Service, or as she liked to call it, PPMS. Once things with Kelly were settled he’d find out what was going on with his sister.

Through the glass doors, he could see Kelly standing at the curb, waiting for the valet to pull up with her car. Her back was to him. Under the bright, white lights her red dress glittered, and her curves weren’t hidden by the business jackets and sweaters she usually wore. Heat flared low in Brandon’s groin as arousal welled up inside of him. His blood thickened and his cock pressed against the front of his pants. What was one more night without his mate? She’d be his soon enough.

He waited a few minutes before he left the soiree. As he’d told Reenie, there was nothing back there for him. Besides, he needed to do some stretches for his shoulder; otherwise, his physical therapist would give him hell for neglecting his recovery regimen.

Chapter Two

Kelly climbed into bed and snuggled under the covers. Her eyelids were heavy. After several hours of pleading, promises, and negotiations, they had found a tailor who could deal with an emergency order and get it to them ASAP. After that it was a question of calling their other suppliers to make sure things were on track. By the time she got home, it was close to three-thirty in the morning. She’d only had enough energy to drop her bag, kick off her heels, and unzip her dress before heading off to sleepland. She yawned and shut her eyes.

Brandon. His named drifted into her head as the darkness took her.

He’d come to her after midnight, long after the auction had ended, and she’d gotten home exhausted and in need of some wine. She’d changed into a cozy sweater and yoga pants, ready to check out what was on the DVR when the doorbell rang. There he was, top few buttons of his dress shirt undone, black jacket off and black slacks a bit wrinkled. He had the devil in his cobalt-blue eyes. His wavy, chestnut-brown hair was a mess, falling over his brow giving him a bad-boy look. A sexy smile curled his sensual lips.

He held up a bottle of Fireball Whiskey. “I think we both need this.”

He didn’t wait for her to respond. Instead, he brushed past her, body leaving no space between them. The warmth of him sparked off of her. Her nipples tightened, heat poured into her sex, and her clit hardened. All thoughts stalled as she inhaled the spicy, woodsy scent that held a hint of the wolf. That cologne haunted her day and night. She wanted to press herself against him, feel of his heat and strength inside of her, surrounding her. A whimper clawed up her throat trying to slip out past her lips.

But Brandon was off limits. She’d been telling herself that all her life. They were just friends. He was her best friend’s little brother, for gods’ sake!

But she was in the presence of her mate. Her wolf wanted to claim and be claimed by him. In the wolf’s opinion, this farce had gone on for far too long. They were both in their thirties. He was retired, and even though he’d still be on the road, he’d given every indication that he was settling down in Pines Ville. The wolf didn’t want to waste anymore time. Why wait?

When she turned around, he was already on the couch, two shot glasses at the ready filled with amber liquid, his arm draped on the back of the chair with ease, as if he’d been there a thousand times and belonged there. The wolf whimpered. Why indeed?

None of her excuses mattered. He looked so good settled there. More importantly, he made her feel comfortable. There were no nerves, no protests, just a yearning to be near him always.

“Join me?” The two words were spoken in that rough bass tone that sent tingles racing up and down her arms and legs and caused her belly to flip while her pussy clenched and moisture dampened her panties. He raised a thick brow in question. “Problem?”

She shivered and her nipples tightened further. Feeble protests manifested again. This was Reenie’s baby brother. He was younger than she was. They were childhood friends.

Each argument fell apart at the bright smile he gave her. “Feeling shy? Let me help you.”

He rose with the silken grace. Kelly’s breath stalled once more as he strode toward her, each step echoing around the quiet room. Every move reflected her heartbeat. When he’d been playing pro hockey, his away games had always left a hole in her that nothing could fill. Only his phone calls, emails, and Skype sessions made his absence bearable. Now he was here, in front of her. Who knew what could happen?

He held out a hand to her. “Come with me.” His tone brokered no argument.

“Yes!” The word came out high pitched and squeaky. She wasn’t even sure what she was agreeing to, but she knew she’d go anywhere he asked her to go. The sensation of his roughened palm sliding against hers sent an electric charge up her arm and bouncing around her chest before it settled as a warming buzz in her belly. He guided her around furniture until he had her settled down on the couch and handed her a shot glass.

“To a successful auction! Thanks for saving me.” He held up his cup, a heated look in his eye that made her squirm.

They toasted and downed the liquid. It felt like swallowing liquefied cinnamon candies, her favorite kind. The burn from the alcohol helped to warm and relax her. She cuddled into his side, hyperaware of every move she made. Without hesitation, she laid her head on his shoulder. He placed a kiss on her head, playing with her hair, tugging the strands and winding them around his palm until he held the tresses in his firm grip. His lips traced a path from her crown to her forehead and down the bridge of her nose to the sensitive tip.

“Brandon,” she whispered, voice rough and low.

“Kelly,” he murmured. Brandon paused, azure depths darkened to the color of sapphires. His tongue flicked out to trace the seam of her lips. She opened up for him without a single complaint, her own tongue slipping out to meeting his. With a groan, he kissed her, exploring her mouth. The taste of deep, rich whiskey washed over her taste buds, making her yearn for more. It was warm and sweet, with undertones of cinnamon and something more.

He pulled her head back, allowing him to deepen the contact. She moaned and arched her chest. One of his fingers blazed a path along her jaw and down her throat to trace along her neckline.

She wished she was naked, her flesh exposed to his touch. Needing to do more than just sit and let him take what he wanted, she lifted her arms and sunk one hand into his hair, gripping it tight to hold him where he was. With her other hand, she slowly unbuttoned his shirt until she could part the panels and touch him in a way she’d only dreamed about. His skin was feverish. With each flex of his muscles, his chest rippled. Maybe it was him being here, or her exhaustion, but she couldn’t find a single reason not to be kissing him right now. In fact, all thought had evaporated.

The roughened tip of his finger teased her, dipping into the valley of her cleavage and withdrawing, before blazing a path of fire along the bottom edge of her sweater. Each pass made her top feel tighter, her breasts seem fuller, as if the simple wool fabric couldn’t hold back her bounty. He hooked his index finger into the dip and tugged. The threaded hem scraped against her chest, sending a ripple of sensation around her torso. She whimpered and arched her back, urging him on without words to tear, take, cup, squeeze.

He didn’t do any of those things. Brandon’s hand coasted down over her breast in a light tease before slipping down her side and behind her. She felt the cloth pull away from her torso before it was lifted up. With a sigh of relief, she raised her arms over her head. He let go of her ponytail, yanked off her sweater, and dropped it to the floor.

She scooted back, allowing him to look his fill at her bare breasts. Under his scrutiny, her nipples throbbed and goose flesh rose on her arms and across her chest. She watched emotions flit across his face: desire, awe, happiness, acceptance, relief. Each of those sentiments was echoed within her. She wanted to reach out, cup his face, and kiss him. The buzz of the whiskey had faded away to nothing.

“Put your hands behind your back.” His voice was ragged and torn like a voice caught by the storm and distorted. He reached for his belt.

She didn’t ask what he intended to do. All she knew was that she wanted whatever it was he offered her.

“Do you trust me?” He stared at her.

The simple question made her pause in midaction, arms at her sides rather than behind her, chest thrust out.

She stared at him, confused by the query. “Of course.”

There was no other answer. She’d known him her whole life, loved him since she was twenty-six. Her best friend’s baby brother had not only become a man but a handsome, kind, sweet, sexy one. Whatever he wanted she’d give.

“Mate.” The word whispered around her head like a droplet of water tracing the counters of a bowl. Smooth and easy. She’d ignored the declaration from her wolven half for so long, out of respect for their friendship, but there was nothing chummy about being someone’s mate. It meant he was her soul mate, her life companion, her other half, her world. She’d been too young to remember her father and mother’s interactions and love for one another, but she’d heard enough from her dad and their friends to know how much they had lived for one another. Even now, years later, he still hadn’t moved on from her death.

Even witnessing her father’s ache didn’t deter her from this moment with Brandon. He was hers. She slipped her arms behind her back and waited for him to make his move. Her gaze dropped to watch his long, elegant fingers deftly undo his buckle and slip the strap out of the loops. The sound of leather against cotton and the clack of metal against metal slithered down her back, causing her to push out her chest a bit more. The position hurt, but she refused to disobey him.

A part of her wanted this, for him to take control of her. With his strong hands, he could lift her out of her responsibilities and problems and give her what she needed: pleasure and distraction. He rose and moved past her to settle behind her. With gentleness, he took her hands and wrapped the length of cowhide around her wrists. Once done, he brushed her hair out of the way and kissed her, starting at the nape and moving down with flicks of his tongue and gentle scrapes of his teeth. His lengthened canines against her skin caused her sex to clench and liquid desire to dampen her panties.

Her wolf rose in answer and her own teeth elongated, ready to bite and hold down onto his shoulder when he fucked and claimed her. She pressed her thighs together and moaned. Her hips rocked and her nipples ached. Her body felt too tight, too small to hold back the pressure as it increased. He continued to torment her, moving deftly from the center of her back to her shoulders.

“Bite me, bite me, claim me, claim,” she urged without words as she reversed her body to touch his.

“No. Still.” He bit and held the muscle at the place where her neck and shoulder met.

She whimpered but stopped everything she was doing. Her pussy throbbed, her clit pulsed, her panties were soaked, and her breasts ached for his touch.

“Please,” she whispered. Even to her, the word sounded agonized. Never had she pleaded with a lover. Her body was adrift when his hands weren’t on hers and every inch of her needed him right now.

“Please,” she tried again. “Need you. Want to feel you on top of me, inside of me, everywhere.”

He released her skin, and she shuddered. Sensations sung along her nerve endings, ramping up her passion. Brandon licked at the wounded area. Each flick set off a burst of heat in her stomach.

“Not yet,” he murmured. His deep tenor resonated inside of her. Her pussy flexed and relaxed.

“So beautiful and all mine.” He blazed a trail down her arm with his lips muttering the word, “mine,” as he went.

He slipped in front of her. His fingertips trailed over her hands. She tugged on her bonds and found them set firm. She knew she could use her wolf strength to break free, but she didn’t want to end things this soon. She shifted and settled. The tug on her arms wasn’t uncomfortable, but if they went too long she knew it would hurt once freed.

“Mine. Mine. Mine,” he murmured, as he dusted her collarbone with pecks and glides of his lips.

“All yours.” If she had been a cat shifter, she would’ve been purring right now. She pushed out her breasts hoping he’d take the hint. Instead, he took hold of her waist and ran his hands up and down the sides. His lips coasted down into the valley of her cleavage. Butterfly brushes left her burning and seething with passion.

She growled. “Damn it, suck my tits.” She’d never been so vocal with a lover, much less that explicit, but his actions were fraying her nerves.

As if in answer, he lifted his head until his mouth was level with her nipples. He ducked his head for a quick lick, first with one tip and then the other. He moved back and forth, changing up the rhythm and pace, sometimes slow and other times lightening fast. Sparks of heat flared hot, filling her belly with warmth before turning to liquid fire, which seeped into her pussy. Her vaginal walls fluttered and her clit throbbed. Tingles raced up and down her inner thighs. Her toes curled and relaxed. She was so damn close, all she wanted was for him to touch her.

One of his hands slipped over her hip to delve between her thighs, where he cupped her mound. His middle finger sat over the distended bundle of nerves, but there were two layers of clothing between him and it. She tried to rock her hips, but nothing happened.

“No. Stay still.” The wolf flashed in his cobalt-blue eyes, turning them to a molten bronze before they switched back again. His lips quivered as a warning growl slipped out.

She did as ordered, waiting, watching, hopeful he’d give her some relief. The urge to snap back, mate or no, gripped her. She closed her eyes, breathing in and out. Her own lycan counterpart didn’t like how easily she’d given in, but had no say in the matter. With the force of her mind, she held her animal half below the surface.

He tapped his fingers over clit, and she sucked in some air as sensation burst low in her gut. He did it again, this time taking one of her nipples between his teeth. Pleasure edged out the sliver of pain that shot through her. She bucked in his hold and her hands clenched, but she didn’t tell him to stop.

He took the thick nub into his mouth. The moist cavern heated the already fevered peak. His tongue circled and grazed it over and over. Tears blurred Kelly’s vision as it became too much to bear. Before she could tell him to stop, he released her nipple, tapped her clit, and then moved to the other hardened tip.

Her pussy wept. Her panties were already soaked, and she was even closer to coming. And he wasn’t even inside of her.

The pressure built as he repeated his actions. Moisture slid down her cheeks as it all became too much to bear. She came with her legs shaking, toes curled and sensation buzzing up and down her body from the crown of her head down to her feet and back up again. Her fingertips tingled. Pleasure shook her, washing over her in waves until it left her gasping out his name.

He withdrew from her nipple and from between her thighs, moved behind her, and undid the belt. Brandon took care of her, massaging her wrists until there was no pain. He returned to his place in front of her before he took a kiss from her lips and grinned.

“Taste of things to come, Kelly, my mate.” His voice became distorted and his features dimmed.

The room became black around the edges.

Kelly came to with a gasp. Her eyes opened. Understanding dawned her on in increments. She became aware of one of her hands clutching a breast. The other was coated with her juices.

“Fuck,” she muttered as she pushed back the covers. For the umpteenth time she’d masturbated while dreaming of Brandon. It seemed her wolf was using her subconscious to press the issue of claiming Brandon as their mate. Either that or she was losing her mind.

As the tingles and pleasure faded, she got up and headed to the bathroom for another shower. It was too late to go back to sleep and too damn early to go into the office. She just prayed it wouldn’t show. They had a lot to get done and little time to do it.

After a quick shower, she began to brew a pot of coffee. Her vision blurred and a few times her chin sank down to her chest in an attempt to catch a few Zs. She shook her head. She had to find something to focus on. She had to get some work done.

Kelly lifted the top of her laptop and pushed the power button. The screen flickered to life. She entered her password and clicked on her e-mail icon. Scrolling through her personal inbox, she found nothing of value except a message from her father to the entire pack. Maybe it was his idea for the Beltane celebration. She clicked on it and became wide awake. Being splashed with cold water would have been less of a shock.

December 20th

Pack,

As you all know, I will be stepping down this year. We’ve had much success under my leadership in everything from finding plentiful business opportunities to increasing our numbers. But our future belongs to the young and the strong. Though I am of a more modern view than other packs and believe women can rule, my daughter Kelly has shown no interest in taking the reins. We must have a strong leader, and whoever it is must have strong ties with the pack.

As you know, my protégé, Alberto of the Ivory Claw pack, has proposed a merger between our groups. I’m inclined to agree to it, but only if he is my daughter’s husband. Family bonds make for the strongest political unions.

However, this decision is not mine to make alone. I know there are worthy challengers within our own ranks. So here is what I have decided: between now and the Beltane celebration, the leadership of the pack is under contention. Any wolf of my own pack who wishes to become alpha must fight Alberto for my daughter’s hand. If he wins, he will have proven himself worthy of my daughter and the pack leadership. If he loses, the victorious challenger will become alpha.

I leave it to you decide the future of this pack.

Your alpha,

Martin

Chapter Three

One Month Later

Kelly tried to focus on what she was doing. Reenie prattled on across from her, giving her some report on something that she knew was important but couldn’t quite get up the energy to comprehend. Last night was another teaser of a dream. This time they were at Brandon’s cabin in the woods and he’d used some sex toys on her. She’d woken up, grabbed her vibrator, and gotten to work, but after three orgasms she still couldn’t shake the need riding her. The damn wolf was working overtime, dropping snippets of fantasies in her head at the most in inopportune time. Right before this update from Reenie, as a matter of fact. A flare of desire rolled around her gut as moisture dampened her panties once more. With a sigh, she tried to tune into Reenie’s latest rant.

“They’re stealing our flyers right out of shop windows!” Reenie’s blue eyes flashed to gold and back to blue for a second. “Give me an hour and some catnip, and I’ll skin those Persian cat shifters alive. We need to call the printers and have them make up a new batch. We don’t have enough extras. Jazz and Lindsey took some on their trip to Onyx City and used them all. People really like the services we offer. I’ll be damned if I let some pussy cats get the better of me.”

Kelly sighed. It looked as if she was going to have to reschedule her date with Brandon again. Reenie would object, and Brandon wouldn’t like it, but there was no other way. Before she could talk herself out of it, she picked up the phone and hit speed dial. How bad was it that she had him on speed dial?

The phone rang once before he picked up. “Kel?”

“Hi, Bran. I’m so, so sorry to do this again. Can we reschedule? Another incident happened. Yeah. Reenie and I are OK. Jazz is pissed. We’ve spoken with Al. I’ll call you later, promise. Thanks. Bye.”

Kelly hung up. Shame washed over her at the small lie she’d just told him. There was no way she could tell him about the issues with the cats and flyers. He’d volunteer to help, and if he did that, she’d be thinking of getting a hold of his dick. It would be the only way to calm the wolf the fuck down.

“You are so going to hell for that.” Eireen picked up a nail file and began working on an extra-long talon. “I don’t recall needing to call Al or anyone else. They’re only flyers. What? Is PVPD going to do put an APB out for flyer thieves? Are we offering a reward? Would one day of half-price cleaning get our stuff back? Why not tell him the real reason you’ve canceled on him at least ten times, hm?”

Kelly paused to study her best friend. Reenie looked her usual self, dark-brown hair composed in a loose chignon, peaches-and-cream skin colored with a light bit of makeup. Did she know? Her cobalt-blue eyes, the same as Brandon’s, were filled with amusement.

“I just… I can’t think clearly with him around, and then there’s what Daddy did… It’s been a month, and gods, Alberto has been to my house every frickin’ day since that e-mail.” Kelly laid her head down on the desktop to keep from spilling her guts to Reenie.

Kelly couldn’t help but wonder if madness ran in her family. Was her father that desperate for grandchildren? Sure, he mentioned the future of the pack from time to time, but everyone, herself included, had thought that his beta, Dalton, had been a fine choice to take over. And Dalton had no interest in marrying a pack princess.

But now it seemed the future she’d plotted out had a kink in it with the name Alberto. She’d avoided him as much as she could over the last month. It wasn’t just that he and Brandon didn’t get along. Whenever Alberto tried to talk to her, he spoke as if her opinions didn’t matter. He’d already had everything plotted out: where they were going to live, whom they would associate with, how she would run her business.

Kelly had no desire to be a politician’s mate, but she had no choice. She had to do her duty to her pack. If she didn’t, they would be subsumed into Alberto’s pack. It would be a hostile takeover instead of a fair merger, hence her father’s condition on the union. She gritted her teeth at the thought of having to be married that self-centered brute.

There was also the added issue of Alberto’s past with Reenie. Her best friend claimed that there was nothing between them, but Kelly doubted it, not with Reenie grousing every time she saw him with another woman on his arm.

“If only there were someone to swoop in and save you,” Reenie said, with a smirk. “Someone who could challenge Alberto for your hand?”

“You mean Brandon?” Kelly looked up in shock. “Has he taken one too many hits to the head on that hockey rink? I know he hates Alberto, but enough to take him on for alpha status?”

Eireen laughed, raising one well-defined dark brow. “You’ve known him since he was in diapers. He’s the most boring guy we know, even if he was an awesome hockey star with seriously hot hockey friends. But no, he has no designs to be part of pack politics. Still, it might be the only way he gets another date with you…”

Kelly put her head back down on the desk. “We’re friends Reenie, how can I go out with him now?” She didn’t want to put him under unneeded stress. He didn’t deserve that. “And he’s your brother. Don’t you care if things go south and he has to fight Alberto?”

“You’re attracted to him, and he wants you, so I think it’s a win-win. I get you for an actual sister, and he gets to stop mooning. Just as long as neither one of you tells me about your sex life we’re all good. You guys can figure out the alpha thing later. And besides, Alberto isn’t all bad, just really focused. Things will work out.” Reenie reached over and patted Kelly’s hand.

Kelly stared at her best friend. “Are you feeling OK? Brandon has never been interested in me.” This was a slight lie, and she knew it. There was no mistaking the mating musk he gave off when she was around him. He’d been doing that since he was sixteen, she just hadn’t paid it much mind before now.

“Pffft. He’s always been interested in you. You just didn’t notice until he became legal.”

A wicked glint in Reenie’s eyes made Kelly uncomfortable. Heat flared on her face. “No.” As soon as the word left her lips, she knew she was in trouble and glanced up.

It was there in Reenie’s face. Reenie’s blue eyes flashed and narrowed to slits. “I have an excellent sense of smell, and I’ve known you since you were diapers. I’ve never had a problem with you lusting after my kid brother.”

“But…”

With the wave of a hand, Reenie dismissed Kelly’s protest. “Look, I love you both. I just want you to see where it goes so you’ll both stop driving me nuts. He always asks after you when you two don’t talk and you were always so concerned for him whenever he took a hit. It was cute until it got sickening. Besides, both of you in heat and me with no one didn’t help me much…”

“I’m sorry, hon. I didn’t think.” Kelly decided a change in subject was in order. “So are you gonna tell him about Alberto?”

Reenie’s eyes widened until all Kelly could see was blue with a ring of white. “Are you nuts? Bran would punch the guy’s teeth out, or worse. Besides, there is nothing between me and Alberto. He’s a lying piece of shit and a pussy hound. Why would I want a mate like that? He’s your problem, not mine.”

Kelly pressed her lips together. This was the same argument Reenie had used time and again when Kelly brought up Alberto D’Rossi, but Kelly always noticed glances Reenie stole whenever they were around the sexy werewolf pack prince. “So what? You just want to scratch the itch you get whenever you see him with a model? Show him what he’s missing in a full-figured Irish bitch? You can’t hide it Reenie. It’ll come out sometime. You know someone will see you two together and tell Bran. Also, no one said anything about mate.”

It was Reenie’s turn to blush. “It was just a few times and then I ended things. Did you see who won him? Blanca Blanco, queen bitch of the Arsenic pack.” Reenie made gagging noises.

“It’s not called the Arsenic pack.” It was an old argument but one that Reenie loved to have.

“Yeah, I know. I just like calling it that. I mean, there had to be a reason they keep losing pack members. And who the hell would name their pack Bitter Almonds? They’re just asking for the arsenic jokes. Anyway, back to the real issue. What are you gonna wear on your date with my brother?”

“I’ll decide later, when I have time to even think about it—or better yet, when we can actually have a date. We have to get back to work. Did you talk to the shop owners?” Kelly turned her attention to her computer screen and hoped Reenie would get the hint.

“Those feline fucknuts across the street asked to put up their own flyers and ripped ours off the walls. Said it had the wrong info and someone would be by to replace it later in the day. Do you think Al will look the other way if I go wolfy on them?” Reenie batted her eyelashes at Kelly.

Kelly shook her head.

“What? They’re domestic cat shifters,” Reenie pressed. “Fucking fluffy house cats for crying out loud! How bad can they be?”

“Ever been to the vet when the nonshifting cats are getting their nails clipped?”

The bell over the door rang, and Reenie got up. “Well, showtime. I’ll call up the uniform people and let you know what they say about the truck that never delivered. Call Brandon.”

Reenie drifted out of the room leaving a wake of angry pheromones and roses behind. It was easy for Reenie to encourage them to get together. She’d been dreaming of having Kelly for a sister since forever. Brandon was a good, decent man, a real stand-up kind of guy with a side of sexy and then some. Kelly just couldn’t see how it could work after what her father had done. She clicked on the e-mail again, hoping that the words would change upon another reading. They didn’t.

Since her father’s announcement, all manner of wolves had been sniffing around Pack Princess Maid Services. It was a distraction they didn’t need, and Kelly definitely didn’t want the attention. She winced as she heard Reenie’s voice drift through the open door way, fending off yet another suitor. “No, she’s not here. No, I won’t tell you when she gets back. Do you want to book our maids or not? Well, then, fuck you very much too!”

Kelly felt claustrophobic and felt an overwhelming urge to get out of there and do some thinking. She grabbed her purse and left the office. “I’m going to check on Jazz. I’ll be back in a bit, OK?”

Reenie shooed her away with a gesture of her hand as she answered the phone with her free one. “Pack Princess Maid Service, where you get the royal treatment for a howling good price.”

Kelly peeked out of the door and found the coast clear. She slipped out of the entryway and started walking. Everyone from both packs knew the type of vehicle she drove, but on foot she might be able to blend in with the crowds. She left the business district and headed for the residential part of town.

* * *

Kelly hurried toward Susanne Claire’s home, where Jazz would still be hard at work. Susanne was a local car dealer who worked long, hard hours and hated living in a mess. They were giving her a discount in exchange for good deals on new cars when she, Reenie, and their employees were ready to upgrade. As Kelly’s heels clicked on the pavement, she regretted not having changed into sneakers. Every footfall jarred her and a dull ache began in her soles. Rather than turn back and risk meeting someone, she pressed on, vowing to take a seat as soon as she reached Susanne’s house.

The day was brisk and beautiful, with the sun shining and a bite of snow in the air. Kelly’s wolf absorbed all the sights and smells. It yearned to shift so that it could really enjoy being outdoors. The last full moon seemed eons ago, and the upcoming one wasn’t nearly close enough. She couldn’t wait to truly stretch and run and hunt with the pack.

“Kelly! Kelly, slow down.”

Alberto’s shout caused Kelly to stop dead in her tracks. Fear raised goose bumps on her arms and across her chest. No. Not now. She glanced around and her wolf went on high alert. The urge to run and hide vied with the opposite desire to confront her possible mate. Her wolf chose the later as a swift shift took hold. Fur rippled over her flesh as her features changed in a rush of fire and pain. A howl built up in the pit of her stomach and shoved up through her chest to fill her throat, only to be released in a long loud scream.

This was a call to arms from her pack and anyone near enough would join her. Kelly dropped down onto all fours and her clothes split and ripped apart as the wolf grabbed hold. Every inch of her was on fire and in pain. A steady, hot pulse sounded in her ears. Her heartbeat raced, and she shook with banked energy.

Alberto stopped a few feet away from her. A chilly breeze served to cool her overheated body a little. Alberto’s hair ruffled in the breeze. His brown eyes glowed in the bright morning light, but his wolf didn’t respond. Footsteps pounded up behind her. She whirled to meet the possible threat only to be confronted by the scent of cocoa butter. It was Jazz. Kelly was glad for the company. More numbers meant better protection.

The roar of a motorcycle could be heard in the distance. Fear raced across Alberto’s aristocratic features, followed by the acrid smell of the emotion on the air.

“Kelly, you’re safe now. It’s OK.” Jazz dropped down to a knee and ran a hand over Kelly’s head, over her all the way to the tip of her tail in slow strokes. Kelly shook her head and growled. “It’s OK, he won’t harm you.”

Kelly gazed up into her friend’s eyes, unable to explain. In wolf form, she was only able to communicate in huffs of air, whines, and low grumbles. She paced back and forth and whimpered.

Alberto held up his hands. “Kelly, you and I will have to have a talk sooner rather than later. You’ll have to accept that you are my mate, whether you like it or not.” He began to back away. “You will be mine, and I will be alpha. This merger will happen. There is nothing you can do to stop it.”

Jazz wrapped her arms around Kelly’s neck, holding her still. Kelly struggled in her friend’s hold. The wolf wanted to attack.

“Brandon is my mate.” The words rolled through Kelly’s brain as she barked out her message as best she could. She knew it was unintelligible to human ears.

“Kelly, sh,” Jazz murmured. “It’s OK. Let me take you to Susanne’s and you can change there, OK? Let me help you.”

Once Alberto was out of sight, the wolf began to calm down. The threat was gone. She allowed Jazz to guide her to Susanne’s. Nobody they passed look twice at Kelly in wolf form, which was a relief. Humiliation filled her at her loss of control. By the time they got to Susanne’s she was exhausted and ready for a nap.

“You stay here in the dining room. I’ve finished the second floor and half of the first. I’ll go back and get clothes for you.” Jazz entered the kitchen area and brought back some cold cuts on a plate. “Something to help with your strength, stamina, and recovery.” She placed the platter in front of Kelly and left the room.

The wolf’s belly rumbled. Hunger won out over any sense of self-consciousness at eating off the floor of a client’s dining room, and she dug in with gusto. Once she was done, she looked around for something to drink. The idea of getting water from the toilet like dog was repugnant to the wolf. They would have to wait for Jazz to return.

Her ears pricked up at a scratching sound near the back door. She heard the slab of wood swing open. Alberto? Had he followed them? Kelly stilled. She crouched low to the ground and waited for her target to come into sight. She could hear the sound of paws padding very lightly down the hall.

She smelled cat musk and a light sandalwood perfume. Cat? The shifters! Without waiting for Jazz to return Kelly rushed forward ready to protect her client’s territory. A screeching yowl pierced the air as she spotted her prey. A petite woman with dark hair and blue eyes stood before her, dressed in jeans and a jacket. The woman hissed and climbed up onto a counter.

Kelly spared a thought for the extra work that Jazz would have to do, but she needed the cat gone.

“Kelly? Kelly you in here?” Jazz’s voice rang out in the house, causing Kelly to pause.

The intruder took that opportunity to make a dash for it. Kelly let out a howl and leaped toward the cat shifter, managing to catch the edge of her jacket in her teeth.

“Bitch! Let go.” The intruder gave Kelly a few gentle smacks on her had, but Kelly held fast.

“Holy shit, Kelly!” Jazz rushed passed them and slammed the door shut. “Stay where you are. I’m calling Al.”

“Hell no. Let go.” The woman struggled forward, pulling Kelly with her.

Kelly bit down as hard as she could. The kitty wasn’t going anywhere.

“What is going on? Caroline?” Susanne Claire stormed into the room, anger turning to shock as she took in the scene. “What in the world?”

“Hi, Al? It’s Jazz over on Peach Tree Ave. Can you send someone over here? We have an intruder. OK. See you in five.” Jazz hung up. “Al is on his way to deal with this. Kelly, I brought a change of clothes.” She held up a small duffle bag.

Susanne went over to the cat shifter and took her hand, leading her away from the door. “Go change, I’ll watch her.”

Jazz guided Kelly to a powder room. Once they were alone in the small space, Kelly changed back to human form. Bright, white light filled her eyes as pain exploded from her center to consume her body. Tears streamed over her cheeks as black spots danced in her vision. She swayed on her feet. If it weren’t for Jazz, she would’ve crashed to the ground.

“Hey, now, it’s OK. I’ve got you.”

Jazz helped her get dressed, then sat down on a footstool. “Want to tell me what happened? You don’t normally lose control like that. Is it the mating heat?” Worry filled Jazz’s hazel eyes.

“Yeah, along with the business and pack problems.” Shame filled Kelly as tears blurred her vision. “I don’t know what to do. I want to run away. Why did my father do this to me?” She felt so exposed and raw. The postshift emotional dump hit her hard. She wiped away the moisture and drew in a deep breath. “Ugh, I have to make nice with Susanne. I feel horrible about all this. Come on.”

She stood up and let Jazz lead her out into the kitchen. Al was already there, cowboy hat over his chestnut curls. No emotion showed on his face.

“Al?”

The policeman turned toward her, his eyes black. Anger sparked in the dark depths. “Go ahead, tell me what happened.” He turned his attention to Caroline, who squirmed under his gaze.

Kelly let her story pour out. Al started when she mentioned Alberto, but other than that he was well controlled. Once she was done and Jazz and Susanne had told their sides, everyone looked to Caroline. Her lips were a thin line.

“Really Caroline? Nothing to say? OK, I’ll take you down to the station where you can call your lawyers. Ladies, I’m sorry about this. I’ll make a few calls to set up some sort of security detail for your clients.” Al held out his hand.

Caroline ignored it and brushed past him.

Kelly turned to Susanne. She opened her mouth to say something, but Susanne cut her off. “No need to say anything. I heard about all the trouble they’ve been causing. Just finish up and we’ll call it even. I’ll set up another appointment with Reenie tomorrow.” She gave Kelly a sad smile.

Kelly couldn’t find the words to show how grateful she was. “We promise this won’t happen again. I will find a way to stop this.”

“I don’t doubt you. I just can’t understand this behavior at all. Thank you for defending my home, Kelly.” Susanne got up and held out her hand, which Kelly took.

“You OK here?” Kelly asked Jazz.

“Aces, boss. I’ll put in a full report when I get back.” Jazz reached into her apron pocket and pulled out a pair of gloves. Then she got back to work.

“I’ll drive you back to the office. It’s on my way.” Susanne headed for the door with Kelly on her heels.

The ride was a short one. They didn’t speak until Kelly got out of the vehicle. “Thank you, again.”

Susanne smiled. “I understand…well, not what’s going on, but things happen. I’ve had rivals sabotage my business before. Didn’t think a woman could sell cars without showing off cleavage or wearing a short skirt.” Pride shone on her face before turning to sorrow. “I’m just sad about the situation. Caroline used to clean for me. But I needed someone whose attention wasn’t bogged down by school and family stuff.”

Kelly could understand both sides. “I see. We’ll talk later?”

Susanne grinned. “Absolutely. I may even have some clients for you.”

Kelly’s spirits soared. “Thank you. Later!” She headed into the office with a smile on her face. Reenie spotted her and bobbed her head. As soon as she settled back into her office, her thoughts strayed to what Susanne had said. She considered calling Madison Weston to see if she could talk to her fellow feline shifters. Could lions have any power over domestic cat shifters? She didn’t know, but she knew one thing—she already wanted a vacation. Preferably with Brandon, and preferably for a year of more. Or at least until her father forgot all about his declaration.

How could she drag Brandon into her crazy life without him getting hurt? It wasn’t a simple crush on him. Nope, it was full on love and intense lust. They spoke on a near daily basis about everything and nothing. She loved watching him play hockey, even if watching him get bloodied up made her stomach drop. Once the game was over, all she wanted to do was make sure he was OK and take care of him. And once she’d made sure of all that, her intentions would turn in another direction, and she would get the urge to make sure that all his working parts were intact.

Fire flared to life in the pit of her stomach. She could picture him the way he had looked at the auction. Tuxes were dangerous on men, even ones she didn’t know, and on him a well-tailored suit was devastating. It had made her weak kneed and caused a crack to open in her armor.

Kelly hoped Reenie hadn’t told anyone how close she’d come to bludgeoning Blanca when the werewolf tried to bid on her man. He may not officially be her mate, but she’d felt he belonged to her and damn anyone who got in her way. But if she wanted him for real, she had to claim him, and by doing that she’d put him the line of fire. Why the hell had her father issued that ridiculous decree?

A knock on her door drew her attention. Her father stood in the doorway, filling the entryway, dressed in his riding leathers, jeans, and black T-shirt that couldn’t hide his barrel chest. He wore fingerless gloves and held a helmet in one hand. The light bounced off his bald dome. His dark-brown eyes glimmered with pleasure.

“Hey, kid.” He strode into the space, filling it with the scent of his expensive cigars and spicy cologne.

Kelly rose and shuffled around the desk to hug her father. “Hey, Daddy.” She snuggled her face into his chest and inhaled the calming scent of her childhood: sweat, leather, and tobacco.

“Looks like you’re busy.” He dropped a kiss on the top of her head and stepped back. His gaze bounced over her face. “It also looks like you’re not sleeping. What’s up, kiddo?” He took her chin in between his fingers and turned her head this way and that. “Is it Brandon? Did he do something?” A glint of the wolf shifted his eyes from amber back to brown.

Kelly shook her head. “No, Daddy, he’s been great. I’m just exhausted from the business. So much to do. And those Persian cat shifters across the road aren’t helping. There’s Alberto and pack business.” She darted away and sank into her chair.

Her father remained standing. “Do you want me to talk to them? And what has Alberto done wrong? He’s been trying to talk to you and you’ve shut him down.” Martin’s voice dropped to a low rumble, which set off goose bumps on Kelly’s arms. His alpha voice was only used for naughty children and to get his pack members in line.

“No. The Persians are my problem. My fight, my way.” She waited for him to ignore her declaration. He’d always been overprotective of her. She suspected he’d step in no matter what she said. “And as to Alberto, I don’t want him as a mate. I know my duty, but you always said I had a choice. I wouldn’t pick him for a mate.”

“OK, fine. No interfering with the cats.” Martin’s lips contorted into a pout before he broke out into a laugh. “But why not Alberto? He’s strong, dependable, good income status, and has been alpha for his pack for over year. He’s managed to fight off all challengers. He’d be good for us.” He let out a heavy sigh and then dropped into the visitor’s chair.

“Those are all great points,” Kelly said, “but for someone else. I want to pick who I marry…if I get married at all.”

“That would be a good argument if you weren’t a pack princess. You have a duty to your pack. You’re thirty-five years old. You know who you want, but haven’t gone after him. You’ve had your chance, kid. This is no longer about you. This is about the future of the pack, or did you not read my e-mail clearly?” He settled against the backrest and stared at her. He’d used that unsettling, unblinking gaze during her childhood when he’d caught her in a lie and decided to wait her out until she broke down.

“I read it.” Kelly crossed her arms over her chest and gave her father the same look back.

“Then you know what’s at stake. Brandon is a good man. He’s strong. He can take a hit, but can he fend off other suitors? He’s useless as a mate if he can’t protect you, and we’re not on the ice. My wolves, they fight dirty…” He raised a thick, bushy brow.

“I never said—” Kelly began to protest but realized it was no good. It seemed like everyone knew about her feelings for Brandon. “He doesn’t have to fight off any suitors. You could set rules of engagement. You are alpha. Why didn’t you just choose Dalton to succeed you? He was your heir apparent.”

“True. I could hand the pack to Dalton, but I’m not going to. Being alpha ain’t easy, and neither is life. I need a strong pack and you need a strong mate. This isn’t up for negotiation, kid. I’ve seen the way Brandon looks at you. Same way your mother looked at me.” Emotion clouded his eyes.

Kelly reached out to her father, palm up. He took her hand and gave it a squeeze. “Thanks. Not easy loving an alpha. But she was as strong as they come. Sexy too.” He barked out a laugh. “OK, let’s talk about Brandon. Boy’s done well for himself. Stable income. Nice houses. Good to his family. I like him… So what’s the hold up? Why didn’t you make a move when you had the chance? Don’t tell me lil’ Reenie is putting up a fuss?”

“I heard that, and I’m not little!” Reenie called from beyond the door.

“Yes you are. Now hush,” Martin shouted back.

Kelly groaned but couldn’t hold back a smile. Her father wasn’t one to hold back. Reenie never got any work done when there was the possibility of eavesdropping.

“No, she’s not putting up a fuss,” Kelly admitted. “She’s encouraging it, actually. I just… He’s one of my best friends. I don’t want to lose him if things go south.” The fib just rolled off her tongue. She almost believed it herself.

Her father rolled his eyes. “Nope. Not good enough, sweetie.” He shook his head. “Your mother and I were best friends before I made my move. You must not be serious about him.” He got up. “Which means it’s not a good enough reason to change my mind. Either Alberto will step up and you will do your duty or you will be exiled. Understand? Those are the rules of our pack, and I know you don’t want to leave the pack. Think things over. Talk to Alberto. I gotta go. Poker game with the old guys. Love you kid. Never forget that.”

Martin squeezed around the desk, dropped a kiss on Kelly’s cheek, and strolled from the office. When he was gone, Kelly slumped into her chair.

Reenie appeared in the entryway. “What did dad want?”

“As if you don’t know. To check up on me and tell me he’s not changing his mind. Ugh.”

The phone rang. Without a thought, Kelly picked up.

Lynda one of their other maids was on the line. “Boss, we have a problem.”

Kelly pushed back her chair and stood up. “I’m on my way.” She turned to Reenie. “Gotta go handle this. Call Al, please. Hold down the fort until I get back. It will be another late night for us.”

“I’ll order dinner,” Reenie called after her.

Chapter Four

Brandon rolled his neck. Tension clung to his jaw and shoulders. This was his first time on the ice in weeks. Trepidation made him cling to the walls as his blades found purchase. His legs shook, threatening to spill him to the ground.

“Fuck,” he muttered. He wasn’t sure why he was so damn nervous. From the time he discovered skating, his parents hadn’t been able to keep him off the ice. But being away from it unwillingly had caused something in his mind to question if he still had what it takes.

No one was here to see him. In the weeks after his surgery, he’d been eager, longing to get his ass back into the thick of things. Now he was scared of taking a spill and injuring himself all over again. Shifters may be hardy creatures, but they were still human to a point.

Three fucking operations over a span of five years, all for a problem that could only be fixed by him stopping doing what he loved. Now that phase of his career was over. He didn’t have to be here, yet he was.

Pierce McKinney was placing him as head coach of his own team and giving him a position on the board of the new Elemental Hockey League. Unlike other professional outfits, the NHL wasn’t snubbing their nose at shifters participating openly in the sport. It would make transitions easier for pro players who wanted the chance to use their powers and abilities during play.

This was all good, but doubts about his worth as a player and coach had assailed him during his waking hours ever since Pierce had made the offer. The only thing he’d had to look forward to was his date with Kelly. At least he thought he did. Ten canceled dates. Ten. Her excuses sounded sincere, but he’d known her long enough to tell when she was lying. If he didn’t know any better, he would’ve thought she didn’t want anything to do with him. Never in his life had he worked this hard for a woman’s attention. He knew he was good looking and had enough confidence to approach anyone he had his eye on, but Kelly was the only one he gave a damn about.

“Gotta go after what you want,” his old coach from the Claymores had told him. “Can’t hold back your talent just because you want others to shine. You’ll miss your chance.”

Now or never. Brandon pushed off from the wall. His body took over. His legs pumped, his arms swung, his core tightened. He took a few turns around the rink, getting his bearings back. His brain replayed a thousand victories and losses while his muscles flexed and relaxed, filled with the memory of a million movements.

On his fourth round, he grabbed his stick off the top of the goal that the rink staff had set up for him. In the middle of the ice sat a pyramid of black circular punks, all shiny and fresh out of the packs. With the tip of his stick, he knocked one black disc off and began to carry it back and forth, going through the motions, imagining a goalie and defenders at the ready to take away his prize.

With the flick of his wrist, he aimed it where glove side should be. It bounced off the bar and into the net. The red light came on and the word GOAL flashed behind the net.

He let out a whoop and returned to the pile of discs to have another go, trying different maneuvers this time. Some worked and some didn’t. He overshot at least twice and a few hit the crossbar—the bane of a shooters existence. A couple of times he didn’t know what the hell he was truly aiming at, but it sure as shit wasn’t the net.

His shoulder burned and throbbed. Sweat bathed his face. His sweatshirt stuck to his torso. He had worked himself too hard. His body protested every movement he made. Sharp needles of pain seared through the muscle with each flex and lift until he listed, putting all his weight on his left side.

Time to get the fuck off the ice. Maybe Kelly would want to do a late dinner. He doubted it after that phone call he’d gotten, but he had to try. After a long, hot shower, he dressed and got into his SUV to head home and drop off his hockey equipment before heading to Kelly’s office. Each step set off an avalanche of sweet pain, proof he’d had a damn good workout. His doctor would give him shit for working his shoulder beyond what he’d done with the therapist, but he didn’t care.

Brandon was only thirty, but the game had taken at least five years off his healing ability. As a werewolf, he should have been one hundred percent by now. Instead, he’d have to force shift just to hasten the process. He wasn’t looking forward to it.

The roads were clear for once. He turned on the local sports station and listened to the latest news about the leagues until he pulled into his driveway. Brandon had just turned the key and shut down the engine when his phone rang. He answered it without checking the caller ID. “Hello?”

“Get your ass over to Kelly’s and pack a bag for her. You come pick her up at the office and take her to your cabin in the middle of Nowheresville. And do not let her leave until you’ve convinced her that she’s your mate and I figure out a way to deal with the cat shifters without killing them. OK? Good.” Reenie hung up before Brandon could respond.

He hit speed dial. Reenie answered on the first ring. “What?”

“Just come and pick her up? That’s kidnapping.” He didn’t feel comfortable with just taking her to his place without her permission. Even if his wolf gave a woof of approval.

“She’s your mate, not Alberto’s! Kelly is overworked, not getting sleep, horny all the time—she thinks I can’t tell—and obsessed with trying to make this work. She needs a romantic weekend away. And, I admit, I have an ulterior motive. I have a plan for how to handle things with the kitties, but I need her out of the way. And before you ask, yes, it’s legal, and I won’t need bail. Why are you being so stupid? Look, you want her as your mate right?”

Brandon could practically see his sister rolling her eyes, exasperation on her face. “Of course,” he replied. “She is my mate.”

“Then take some initiative. Besides, this could be your last chance. After this who knows what will happen, what with her dad’s stupid proclamation. Grab your chance now. Besides, it’s your birthday. You should make it special.”

Shit! He’d forgotten all about it. A weekend spent with his mate without any interruptions and with an excuse to be romantic? “Fine. I’ll do this, but I’ll give her the option.” He turned the key. “I’m not just going to kidnap her.”

The engine purred back to life. He backed up and drove to Kelly’s rental house. As soon as he pulled up, he spotted trouble. Alberto stood at the door, ringing the bell. He was wearing suit pants and a jacket with a crisp white shirt with no jacket, despite the cold. Annoyance grated Brandon’s nerves as he shut down the vehicle and got out, not bothering to lock the door.

Brandon’s wolf growled. Liquid heat poured into his muscles as his body readied itself for the shift. Some of his earlier pain faded away in the face of a challenger for his woman.

“What the fuck are you doing here?” Brandon made a show of flipping through his key ring to find the extra Kelly had given him just in case. Yeah, she trusts me, he said to himself. Not you.

“I’m here because Kelly is my intended, and with Martin giving the go-ahead for the merger it’s important that she and I have a little talk about our future.” Alberto did that thing where he showed off all his teeth, and Brandon wanted to punch him all over again. “I can give her financial stability so she doesn’t have to work anymore. I can give her comfort and all my time, since I won’t be running hither and yon with the local hockey team. And besides, I’m a purebred werewolf. I’m more than perfect as her mate. You can’t say the same thing. Her father agrees, otherwise he wouldn’t have sent out that e-mail. Can you say the same thing? Hmmm?”

Brandon could smell the sour tang of the fib he couldn’t work out the real reason that Alberto would be at Kelly’s near the end of the work day.

“You know she’s at work right? Did you think you could break into her place and wait it out? Try again asshole.” Brandon found the key he was looking for, unlocked the door, and slipped past Alberto, blocking the entrance so the other shifter’s couldn’t slip in after him. For some reason a faint trace of rose perfume hung between them.

What the fuck? Brandon leaned forward, bringing his nose closer. It was unmistakably Reenie’s scent. He pulled back and eyed Alberto with a new idea that he liked even less than the idea of the bastard sniffing around Kelly, but he held himself back. He would decide what to do about Alberto and Reenie after Kelly was safely bound to him.

“Take all the time you want with Kelly, but in the end she’ll be mine.” Alberto leaned against the door frame, arms crossed, his damning grin fixed firmly in place. “There’s nothing you can do about it.”

“She’s my mate.” Brandon’s wolf peeked out with a growl. “You’ll learn that soon enough. Now get the hell out of here.”

“Going to challenge me, little wolf?” Alberto lifted a thick black eyebrow in question. His gaze darted down to Brandon’s shoulder.

What the fuck could his sister see in this asshat? Brandon’s wolf rose up as he pulled his arm back and swung, decking Alberto on his chin, causing his head to snap to the side. “Leave, asshole. She’s mine. Back the fuck off.” Brandon took a step back and slammed the door closed.

Reenie was right. He needed to stake his claim. He needed Kelly to realize he was more than a friend. Kelly was a neat person, so it wasn’t difficult to gather the items she would need for a weekend away. The last thing he picked up was her baby doll nightgown. As he lifted the filmy, diaphanous garment, he spotted a black velvet case lying beneath it. Remembering his encounter with Alberto, he wondered if the bribery had begun. He reached for it only to stop. No, no, no. He wouldn’t violate her privacy. He turned away.

But the wolf whimpered as he tried to leave the room. The hair on the back of his stood up. The beast tried to surge up and take over. Each step became labored as the animal pushed at him to go back and peek. He gritted his teeth and tried to fight through it. Sweat beaded on his brow and his arms and legs shook. “Argh, fine!”

The wolf released him, and he let out a gasp of air. He wiped away the moisture, turned on his heel, and went to the dresser. He opened the drawer and picked up the case. With a flick of his thumb, the lid opened to reveal a sleek, flesh-colored vibrator. The cock portion was very lifelike—and about his size if he was guessing—with ridges and veins. The flared head was painted red, as if to show the fabricated penis as flushed and filled with blood, ready to go. Next to it sat a few packets of cleaning solution and lubricant. Below that was a silver bullet, which was about the length of his thumb but a bit thicker. A small remote control sat next to it.

Set in the lid of the box was a series of circular items—he had no clue what they were for—along with some clips. He picked up a clip and turned it this way and that. What the fuck? He only had a basic knowledge of sex toys and could identify only the most obvious of items. A few times he and some teammates, on a lark, had gone into adult shops. They hadn’t seen everything, but he’d come away with a few ideas to use in his sex life. He could only imagine what he could use this for with Kelly. This weekend was going to prove a revelation to him—if she went along with it and didn’t try to kill him.

He closed the lid and stowed the box in the satchel. Just as he was about to leave, he spotted her plants. He couldn’t let them die. She would never forgive him for that. It was one of the things he loved about her—that she cared so much about the small bit of greenery scattered around the place. The pots of herbs and flowers weren’t just there for decoration. She used all of them in decorations for the holidays or cooking. Once the plants were well watered, he gave her home a once over, and after satisfying himself that there was nothing else that needed attending to, he set her alarm and locked up.

Alberto was nowhere to be seen as he left, but he did spot a few fellow pack members skulking about. Two of them were his own age and one was about her father’s age. He could only shake his head. It was a good thing that Reenie had called, otherwise who knows what could’ve happened? Werewolves on the prowl for a mate could be dangerous; ones that wanted alpha status as well were unpredictable.

Brandon climbed into the SUV and put the duffle bag in the back before buckling up and turning on the car. As it warmed up, with the heat blasting, he kept watch in his rearview and side mirrors. If the men moved closer, he’d call Martin or a few of his friends to keep watch. Maybe even Reenie to house sit. He wanted no distractions or problems to arise while they were gone. Brandon would be claiming his mate this weekend, edict and alpha hunters be damned. Kelly was his. The time for ignoring that was over.

Chapter Five

Kelly leaned against her car, forehead resting against the window. The day had been too long, yet there were not enough hours in the day. Tomorrow would probably bring in more issues. The cat shifters had backed off as soon as Kelly and Al had shown up, but they wouldn’t be cowed by a show of force and threat of lawsuits.

Kelly couldn’t understand why they were doing this. Reenie had set up a talk between the cats and Madison, but it wouldn’t be until next Friday, so it was a wait-and-see game at this point. Now Kelly wished that she could have gone out on a date with Brandon after all. It would at least have been a distraction.

At the very thought of being alone with Brandon, heat swirled in her stomach and moisture flooded her pussy. Last night’s dream rose up. Maybe a little quality time with her vibrator would take the edge off.

The wolf let out a low grumble, and Kelly smiled. Or maybe she could call him. A large yawn took her off guard. She wasn’t sure whether she wanted to curl up for a nap or curl up in bed with Brandon. The latter sounded much more appealing, but she doubted he’d be home. There was a multitude of things to do before Pierce made the big announcement about the new hockey league.

“Kelly?” Brandon’s rich baritone shivered across her skin, warming her up from the inside out.

She glanced toward where the sound came from. Brandon stood a few feet away. The wind ruffled his wavy hair, giving him a rakish look. The overhead street lamps bathed only half of him in a waxy golden light. His bright blue eyes seemed to glow with an intensity she couldn’t read. He wore a simple pea coat; the parted sections revealed his blue plaid shirt and jeans. Scuffed-up motorcycle boots finished off the casual outfit. Dark-brown scruff covered the bottom half of his face.

She lifted her hand, wanting to feel the rough texture against her fingertips. Kelly swallowed and took a step toward him.

He raised a thick brow but said nothing.

“Brandon?” Her voice shook as she said his name. Something about the way he stood, the silence and stillness, made her nervous.

The wolf flashed in his eyes, a spark of copper, before melting away to color of midnight skies.

She licked her lips. “Bran?” A tremble of fear caused her stomach muscles to flutter. She’d seen that expression on his face during a face-off on the ice, but he’d never turned that look on her.

“You gonna come with me quietly, or do I have to make you?” He crossed his arms over his chest, one finger tapped against his bicep.

She narrowed her eyes until she watched him through a veil of dark lashes. “What the fuck are you talking about?” Despite her words, a damning thrill zipped along her spine. This had to be the moment she had been waiting for. He was here to see what would happen between them before she gave into the needs her pack and let Alberto claim her.

“You’re my mate. Mine.” His voice had become deeper, rougher, and sexier. “I’m not gonna let some fucknuts try and claim what belongs to me. Yet I know that I don’t have what it takes to be alpha, and I don’t want either of us to be exiled from the pack. So the only thing I can give you is myself. For whatever time we have before fate takes you away from me.”

She ruminated over his declaration. This really was the only time they could be together. He didn’t want to be alpha, and neither of them wanted to let the pack down. This merger would increase their size but offer them much-needed income. She couldn’t put it off much longer. But neither could she put off her date with Brandon.

“Fine. Come and get me.” Kelly didn’t do anything as dramatic as drop her purse and get into a fighting stance; she just waited to see what he would do.

Brandon shrugged and walked forward until he was in front of her, mere inches away. He bent down and pressed his lips to hers. One of his hands cupped the back of her head. His fingers delved into her tresses, destroying her bun until it fell loose to her shoulders. She reached up and clutched the sides of his jacket, pulling him closer as his mouth moved over hers. His tongue traced the line of her closed lips before she allowed him entrance. He teased her with each glide and stroke. She could taste the coolness of mint and a hint of lemon as well as something richer, darker. The kiss was so much better than she’d dreamed.

Kelly pressed her body against his, feeling the hard planes of the muscles hidden by fabric, feeling the heat that poured from him into her, driving away the cold. He sucked, scraped, and nibbled at her bottom lip, turning it hot and sensitive with his actions. Brandon grabbed a handful of hair and held her head still as he drank of her lips. She forgot all sense of time and place as she leaned into him until there wasn’t any space between them. The ridge of his erection pressed against her thigh, letting her know he was just as affected as she was. He pulled back, huffs of air drifting up in front of his face like clouds, obscuring him for a few seconds. His lips were parted, reddened by his efforts.

He released her hair and stepped back. Then he crouched down and scooped her up without effort. She didn’t protest. Instead, she clung on, not caring that she was leaving her car behind. All fight had gone out of her. It didn’t mean the wolf had decided to bow to its mate’s desires. Not yet, anyway. First it wanted to get a taste. Then it would make him work for it.

Brandon set her down on her feet and opened the passenger side of his dark-gray Lincoln MKT for her, leaving his hand on the top of the door.

“Don’t think just because I’m going with you that you’ve won.” She stepped up and slipped into her seat, dropped her purse to the floor and buckled up.

He grinned, bent down, and stole a kiss. “Oh, but I have.” He reached up and took her chin between his index finger and thumb. “You are mine for the weekend.”

“Not yet. Gotta mark me first. Make me remember this time together.” She tried to turn her head away, but he held firm.

“No. You’ve always been mine, and I will claim you.” His voice seemed to be come from deep within his chest, coming out as a growl. “For this moment, if nothing else.”

Before she could respond, he stepped back and shut the door, leaving her in a cocoon of warmth that blasted from the heaters. He opened the driver’s side, got in, and buckled up. Then they were away.

Kelly peeked at the side mirror in time to see Alberto’s little red Mustang pull up. A laugh bubbled up inside of her, but she resisted letting it out. That asshole was too late. He’d just missed her.

Maybe a little time with Reenie would make him forget about her, but she doubted it. Her best friend and Alberto were both far too stubborn to change their minds about anything. They really were a good match. She just hoped her friend didn’t end up having angry sex with her on-again-off-again ex in Kelly’s office—or worse, on her desk. “What? You’ve fallen quiet.” Brandon’s voice drew her from her thoughts.

She peeked at him and decided it would be best to change the subject. “Where are we going?”

“Somewhere we won’t be disturbed.” He turned onto a dirt road. The headlights flashed off tall pines bathed in silvery moonlight.

“Bear country? Are you serious?” For a second panic kicked in. Bear shifters hated trespassers on their land. They’d been known to attack without warning. Some of Kelly’s anxiety dimmed as a memory from a few summers rose in her mind. “Wait, your cabin’s out here, right?” She grinned. Despite being bold and brave, she knew their pack members wouldn’t risk enraging the bears by tracking them all the way here. Ingenious.

“Where else could we go? My house in town? We’d be interrupted every five minutes if we were lucky. So the cabin it is. Time to reveal some of things you may have missed about me over the years.”

She studied his face. Only splices of light from the moon illuminated his face. The planes of his features were hard, determined. What had he been hiding from her all these years? This new side of him excited her. In the past, she’d only seen his laser focus applied to hockey, but even then it had been incredibly sexy. Turned on her, it made things all the more interesting. She shifted in her seat.

“Things I missed?” she pressed. “Like?”

He reached over with his free hand and laid it on her thigh. The warmth of his touch seeped through the layers of her cotton skirt and beyond, to her skin. He slid his palm up to her hip before removing the contact to shift gears. She missed it as soon as it was gone.

“Just enjoy the ride. You’ll find out soon enough,” he murmured.

She snorted and settled into her seat. Then she closed her eyes. Each inhale brought his rich, woodsy, spicy cologne into her, lulling her into a state of relaxation and comfort.

Soon enough, his hand returned to her leg, rubbing it up and down the length. He took the hem of her skirt between his fingers and pulled it up just a bit, revealing the tops of her knees. She stilled, waiting for him to do more.

“Do you want this?” His tenor was a low rumble that seemed to come from way down deep inside of him, as if he were giving voice to the animal. “If we start this—”

She grabbed his wrist and moved his hand up. “I know what this means.” Sweat beaded on her brow. Her blouse was too thin and her skirt cumbersome and unnecessary. Arousal poured into her like air from a bellows, stoking gusts of need along her limbs and around her torso. Tingles raced along her inner thighs and danced along her pussy lips. Her nipples tightened to aching points. A buzz started in her head as snippets of past dreams drifted up from her subconscious to fade to black after a second. So many fantasies, so many needs, and so many years of denial.

“Do you? Say it,” he urged.

She glanced over at him. His profile was indecipherable. No readable emotion showed, not even in his eyes, which were directed to the road ahead, or his lips, which were a thin line. His fingers flexed and tapped along the top of her leg. She released him.

“Say it, Kelly.”

The command rippled along her spine. Something inside of her snapped. After all the years of ignoring her attraction to him, now she could finally claim him. The fog that swathed her mind cleared for a moment, and she could see the implications of giving in. It would stop all the other wolves from circling around her. She’d be claiming her man, her mate. There was still the alpha thing to deal with, but they’d both be getting what they wanted.

The dam broke. Desire flooded her body as the wolf released its mating heat all at once. This wasn’t a gradual building leading up to a full moon shift. No, this was what the animal had been holding back since the moment Kelly had recognized Brandon for what he truly was to her.

“Kelly?” The golden beams of the headlights illuminated Brandon’s cabin. She hadn’t been there for years. The last time… Memories rushed over her. She and Reenie had been there to help him paint. He’d been walking around without a shirt due to the exertion and heat. Just watching the muscle and sinew ripple under golden skin, exposed and glistening in sweat, brought to mind images of limbs entwined, flesh marred by bruises and bite marks, his dark hair slicked back, desire blowing his pupils wide, passion tightening every line of his face, hunger and possession in every caress and kiss.

It had been too much for her. She’d sneaked off to get some relief.

Caught up in the haze of that memory, her hips pushed up off the seat. He moved his hand and gripped her hip, pushing her down.

“Say it, Kelly,” Brandon growled.

The musk of pheromones filled the SUV, making it seem smaller. There was nowhere to go and no way to escape. She didn’t want to flee. The fire inside of her peaked, burning away her excuses. She squirmed as her pussy clenched and moisture soaked her panties. The perfume of her need joined his musk.

“I want you.” The words came out in gust. Each syllable soaked in desire, frustration, and long-withheld emotion.

“No. All of it,” he ordered. The click of the lock on the seat belt drew her attention.

She turned to stare at him. He shifted in his seat to face her. So many feelings slipped over his features. She saw the same turmoil that she had gone through over the years reflected back at her. Without hesitation, she reached out and cupped his face. “I want you. You’re my mate. I want this. You. All of it. I can’t deny it anymore. Now kiss me.”

A dark grin curved his lips and heat glinted in his eyes. With shaking hands, she reached down and undid her seat belt. He reached up and turned on the overhead light. Then he pushed back the driver’s seat and grabbed her wrist. With gentle strength, he a pulled her over the console. It took some maneuvering and care, but she managed to straddle his lap with her knees on the seat. He moved his touch from her arms, down to her hips, pulling her forward until she could feel the ridge of his erection pressed against her stomach. There was no fear that he would disapprove of her. From her faded makeup on her face to the rolls that would be exposed once undressed, she felt beautiful. He had always complimented her figure, made her feel accepted and appreciated with a look or a word. He made her feel like a queen, like the most beautiful woman in the world.

She reached up and brushed her fingertips over his cheek. His stubble scratched her fingertips. A month ago it had been just a shadow, but now it was a neatly trimmed beard.

She giggled. “I always wondered what it would be like to kiss you with your hockey-season beard.”

He brought his face closer until his lips were a mere thread’s length away. “Then do it. Take what you want. I’m yours.”

She shivered as goose bumps broke out over her skin at his words. All hers. She placed her hands on his shoulders, felt the thickness of the muscle and dormant strength. Despite his size in comparison to her, he had always been gentle with her. Even his grip on her was firm, but loose enough that she could maneuver if need be.

Her mouth tingled. She yearned to taste him, but first she wanted this moment. She took her time, studying every line, dip, and crevice of him. With her touch, she memorized the tension of his skin. He was so warm, so hot. They probably didn’t even need the heater on. She lifted herself up a bit onto her knees and traced his forehead with her lips before moving down to his temple. The whiskers on his cheeks tickled the sensitive flesh as she continued to trace a path along his jaw, over his chin, and up the other side. Her lips traveled along the bridge of his nose to the top. The transition from surprising softness of his flesh to the prickliness of his beard played to her senses.

He hands glided up and down her sides, and around to her back. The thin silk of her blouse didn’t block the warmth of his touch. Her fingers trailed down his throat to coast over his shoulders, then memorized the planes of his chest. She hated that he still had his jacket and shirt on, deterring her from seeing his skin.

“I wish I could see you,” she said.

She pulled on the tab of his jacket to expose the blue plaid shirt underneath. So close. Only a thin bit of cotton separated her from her desire. She glanced up to study his face. The pupils were blown wide. There were lines of tension bracketing the corners of his eyes and mouth. A muscle worked in his jaw. Tiny tremors racked his body underneath her.

His hold on her hips was tight, but didn’t hurt her. She smiled and gave him a quick peck on his lips, then pressed her mouth to his as her fingers undid the buttons of his shirt, exposing his flesh. She ran her fingers over his lightly furred chest. The hair crinkled against her fingers, abrading her skin with each pass. She found one of his nipples and the smooth, rounded head of one of the barbells that pierced the nub.

He groaned when she took the bar between her fingers, and slid it back and forth through the sensitized flesh. She did the same to the other one. His hips bucked up and ground against her silk-covered pussy lips. She groaned and lowered herself down until their groins made contact. More moisture dampened her panties as she rocked against him. The friction against her clit only amped up her desire.

The kiss turned hungry, needy and filled with possession. Their teeth clashed, their tongues dueled. He held onto her waist and guided her to his fly. Brandon rolled his hips, setting off sparks inside of her as flashes of fire lit up her nerve endings. Energy shivered along her limbs as her orgasm closed in. They weren’t even naked, and she was close. Her breasts ached. Her clothing constricted her.

She released his tips and clawed at her own clothing, ripping open her blouse and dragging down her bra. Kelly pressed herself against him and moaned at the solidity and heat of his skin. She rubbed herself against him, setting off sparks that shot straight to her clit, increasing her need. Her pussy clenched, and moisture soaked her panties even further. He pulled her up to her knees before he released one of her hips to reach up and cup a full globe.

She swore when he tore his mouth from hers, and he dragged his lips down her throat and across her chest to circle her breast before lapping at her nipple. She thrust her chest forward encouraging him to take more from her.

All barriers and past arguments faded to dust as she got what she she’d only ever dreamed about until now. Brandon transferred his attention to her other peak. His other hand slid down to between her thighs to cup her sex, rocking his palm against her clit, bringing her close to the edge.

A frustrated scream built up in Kelly’s throat. She wished he would slip the gusset to the side and finger-fuck her already. Or hell, undo his fly and let his cock out. She was on the pill and only claim-mated werewolves could produce cubs.

He tugged on her nipple with a hard pull, setting off a shot of electricity straight to her womb. She cried out as small orgasm rolled over her. As the last of the tingles faded away, she growled. She didn’t want to come like that without him inside of her.

“Need you now.” She reached down and undid his belt. The fly was between her index and thumb, ready to be pulled down, but he took her wrists and held her still. She glanced up at him, annoyed that he’d stopped her.

“Not like that, honey.” He took her mouth in a branding kiss before pulling back.

She let out a frustrated growl.

He opened up the driver’s side door. Icy cold wind blasted into the vehicle, stealing some of the heat, but doing nothing to cool her down. Her nipples pebbled to painful tips, but her ardor hadn’t faded. If anything, it increased.

“Out of the car. We’ll get our stuff later. I want to taste you.” A flash of wolf peeked out in his eyes, which flashed a burnished bronze.

She refused to make it that easy for him. “Fine.” She scrambled out of the cab, gravel crunching under her heels. “Catch me.”

She kicked off her heels and regretted it the instant her soles made contact with a sharp rock. “Damn it.”

He scooped her up in his arms and strode toward the front porch, keys jangling form his index finger. “Gotcha.”

“I—Ch-ch-cheater.” She stuttered as another chilly wind hit her. It stole her breath but did not dampen the need that strummed her blood.

“You ran, but you’ll still get rewarded.” His voice seemed to come from the back of his throat. A rumble of sound started deep in his chest and came out of his mouth. Again, his eyes flashed to the wolf’s.

She shivered and wriggled in his arms. “Hurry up.”

“As you wish.” He ducked his head and stole a kiss before placing her on her feet to unlock the door.

Chapter Six

Brandon pushed open the door, turned back, and scooped Kelly up into his arms before carrying her over the threshold. She squirmed in his hold. He wanted to give her a swat on the butt to stop her from moving. There was no worry of dropping her; he had a secure grip on her.

“Put me down! Oh my Goddess, Bran that’s such a jinx.” She tried to wriggle out of his hold, but he just increased the pressure of his grip, careful not to hurt her.

“That’s just silly. I’ve never heard that.” He kicked the door closed with the heel of his boot and advanced further into the living room.

“Your aunt told me that! She said if your mate carried you over the threshold before the two of you were bonded to each other, it would jinx the relationship.” She wriggled a bit more.

He snorted. “Aunt Millicent also said if you shift while you have to pee you won’t be able to until you return to human form. She’s a little off her rocker and very superstitious. Focus on us and the here and now.”

Once they were a good distance in with enough space to not trip or crash into anything, he placed her on her feet.

“Now turn around and take off your panties. Nice and slow.” He ignored the strangled tone of his voice. The wolf was clawing to get out. He had to keep pushing down the beast. “I promise we’ll claim her soon enough. Stop!”

The wolf’s fear dampened some of his desire. He could understand why it was afraid. He didn’t want to lose this chance. Just because she wanted sex with him, that wasn’t any indication that she was with him fully. He only had this moment to show her what she would be missing out on.

He shuffled backward until the backs of his thighs hit the armrest of a chair. Once settled on the arm he took in the scene before him. Pale moonlight lit up the room, bathing her skin in an unearthly glow that made her all the more of a goddess to him. Her curls bounced around her shoulders and slipped along the bright white of her blouse. There was something about her removing her panties and leaving on the rest of her clothing that caused his blood to rise. As if they were in such a hurry that they couldn’t be bothered to get naked, they just needed to give in to the passion.

She bent down, and he bit his lip to hold back a deep groan of appreciation, but some of the noise came out anyway. Kelly was curved in all the right places, and he loved it. Her thighs were thick and strong, as proven in the car. He couldn’t wait to feel her legs wrapped round his waist as he drove into her wet heat, deep and hard. The image of her bare breasts rose up in his mind’s eye. He’d almost bitten off his tongue. Just the sight of the plump globes had him close to coming in his pants. When they’d started dry humping, he damn near lost his mind and given in to her desire to rip open his fly to let his cock out. He would’ve taken her right then and there with no condom, safety be damned, but his sensibilities had asserted themselves, and he’d remembered what he truly wanted.

He opened his eyes in time to see her running her hands up and down her legs. They were bare and gorgeous. Next time he’d request to see her in black lace-top stockings, maybe a little garter belt. Hell, he’d buy her some new lingerie just to rip it off. Her skirt was bunched around her waist in a crumple of onyx-colored cotton. She hooked her thumbs into the bit of silk she’d called underwear and, with great care, drew them down. He tracked the progress of the panties until they dropped to the ground, drawing attention to the spiked heels of her black stilettos.

She straightened up and stepped out of her underwear, still facing the wall. Without her eyes on him, he took his time in appreciating the site of her bare, rounded ass.

“I think you deserve a spanking.” He hadn’t meant to say it out loud, but he wanted to gauge her sexual limits. If she said no, he’d be disappointed but wouldn’t push her to do something she didn’t want or enjoy.

“Have I been naughty?” She purred. Kelly pushed her hips back, giving him the perfect view of bottom.

He groaned. Just hearing that rich throaty pitch to her voice made his cock jump.

“Very.” He pushed off from his seat and strode across to where she stood. Once by her side, he ran a hand through her hair, messing up the waves further. She turned her face toward him. He took in her smeared red lipstick, bruised lips, and wide, brown eyes, which were now the color of espresso. Her dark lashes fluttered and her eyelids slipped down until only a narrow strip of color could be seen.

“What have I done? Was it when I tried to come in the car? Or maybe you know all about my fantasies?” She pressed her hands to the wall and spread her legs wide.

Her musky arousal and her mating pheromones drifted up to Brandon’s nose. His desire responded, and he could smell the cologne of his wolf, ready to fuck and claim its mate. He reached out and traced a line down her spine. She shifted under his touch but didn’t protest or demand more.

“Fantasies? You’ll have to tell them to me in graphic detail. Later though. For now…” His finger traced along the crack of her ass. Then he pulled his hand back and smacked one globe, waited a second, and then petted the sting away.

She moaned. “More.”

He repeated the action on the other side, switching from one cheek to the other until he couldn’t take it anymore. The sounds she made, the warmth of her skin, the scent of her need, all drove him to his next move.

“Turn around.” His voice was hoarse. The wolf was howling to be let loose. “Not yet,” he told it. “She has to be driven to that point too.”

She did a half turn, going slow, drawing out each movement before turning to face him.

Standing next to her, blocking the light, he could only see an outline of her body and a few features. “Stay here,” he said.

He flicked on the lamps one by one. Once they were all on, the room was bathed in a warm glow. He only wished that there was a fire in the grate. That would really set the atmosphere. Later.

He returned to her, finding her massaging her breasts until the points stood out. Unable to resist, he bent down and took a hardened nub between his teeth, tugging on the peak and sucking it into his mouth.

She sifted her fingers into his hair, holding him there. He teased and tormented the nub until she whimpered and begged him to fuck her. He released the tip with a pop, showed the other side the same attention, and then kissed his way down her stomach. She wiggled against his mouth, her hand urged him further down, but he resisted the push.

Once on his knees, he paused to take in the sight. A thin strip of neatly trimmed pubic hair was the only thing to adorn her mound. Here, her secret scent was more pungent. He pressed opened mouth kisses over her bare skin and down the front of her thighs before burying his head between her legs. He lapped up her moisture before paying tribute to her sex with slow licks that traced the seam and flicked over her distended clit. She groaned and gripped his hair tighter, rocking her hips against his mouth. He pulled back and gave her vulva a light slap.

She yelped and jumped as moisture trickled out of her pussy. He lapped it up before he went back to work.

“Please, Bran, please. More.” Her pleas came out as breathy whispers that amped up his desire. He wanted to push her closer to the edge.

He used his thumbs to part her thickened petals and traced his tongue around her dripping entrance before dipping inside. Her inner walls tightened around the tip, trying to draw it further in. Brandon only teased her more by circling his tongue around the ring of muscle at the entrance and then retreating. He rounded her thickened button, flicked the sensitive head. With each pass, he changed up the rhythm, going slow on some passes and quick on others, making sure she didn’t get used to anything.

He devoured her sex, memorizing it, taking in every shift of her weight, each movement of her legs, the sound she made as he pushed her to orgasm. Her musk became his air, her body heat his atmosphere, her presence his anchor. His world was her.

When she came too close, he turned his attention to her inner thighs, marking the sensitive flesh with firm bites and nips, making sure that his teeth made indentions that could be both felt and seen later.

When she had calmed down enough, he went back to tormenting her clit. She rode his mouth as his name became a chant, a plea, and a curse on her lips. Her fingers had a death grip on his hair, and he was sure in one lost moment that she’d yank a hank or two out, but he didn’t care. His sole mission was her pleasure. His purpose in life was to give her whatever her heart desired. She was his mate and her happiness was the sole goal of him and his wolf.

“Brandon, dear Goddess, please.”

He gazed up her body to see tears sparkling down her cheeks. With a growl, he slipped one finger into her sopping core. Her vaginal muscles rippled around that one digit, clinging to it as if her very life depended on it. He dragged it out so slowly and then pushed it in again before allowing a second to join the first, then a third, prepping her for his cock.

“Yes, Brandon, Goddess. Yes, please, more,” she begged.

He stilled, letting his fingers do the work for him. When he felt her on the edge, he took her clit between his lips and scraped the head with the edge of his teeth. She broke apart above him.

That did it for him. He released the tender bundle of nerves and got to his feet. His cock throbbed against the tight confines of his jeans, fit to burst. He scooped her up once again and speed-walked to the kitchen where he placed her onto the counter before ripping open his fly with harsh tugs. Once the zipper was open, he dipped into his pants and released his pulsating shaft.

She brushed aside his hand, licked her palm, and stroked him, squeezing just below his head, then stroked him from head to root and back again. He reached behind him and took out his wallet. He slipped out the two condoms he’d placed in there before he’d picked her up from her office. Brandon tore open one packet, rolled the prophylactic over his shaft, threw down the empty envelope, and took hold of his cock to guide it toward her entrance.

Her heat kissed the flared crown as he pushed forward, sinking into her tight sheath. For a moment, he stilled and his eyes fluttered shut to savor this moment. This was a first for them, but this wouldn’t be the last time, he was sure of that. He sunk further into her. Her vaginal walls clutched him tight. Each thrust of his hips and withdrawal pushed him closer to release.

She slipped her hands into his hair once more and brought his head down to hers taking a deep, slow kiss. Their tongues mimicked their lovemaking as she rocked her hips against his, meeting each of his drives with ones of her own.

Their skin slickened as the slow buildup of pressure reached its crest. Her nipples rasped against his chest and her legs wrapped around his waist, pulling him tighter to her body. One of her free hands lifted his jacket and shirt to dance along his bare skin. He felt the wolf’s claws rake his back, marking him as her territory. His cock flexed inside of her as pain melded into blinding pleasure until he couldn’t tell the two apart.

She pulled her head back, and he lowered his forehead to rest against hers.

“Mine,” she growled, as she moved his shirt and coat back to expose his shoulder. Before he could respond, she moved her head and bit down on the muscle, holding onto it as he felt her tightening around his shaft. Her muffled cry reached his ears just as he felt the pressure burst. It started in his balls, going down to his feet and back up to buzz around his head. The wave crested over and over as he shot jets of cum into the barrier.

He moaned her name, too lost in the pleasure to act. The wolf’s howl from within rattled his body, reminding him of his duty as her mate, but the moment was lost. He’d already come, and she wasn’t naked. There was no skin to mark. Next time.

He placed tender kisses on the top of her head. “Mine,” he whispered.

“Yours,” she murmured back.

He pulled back and his spent cock slipped out of her warmth. Brandon didn’t waste the moment, but crouched down and lapped up her release, tasting salty sweetness and the tang of musk. She moaned and squirmed but didn’t ask for another round. He stood up, disposed of the condom, and helped her down to her feet, only to pick her up once more.

“You know I can walk, right? Barely, but I can do it.” She laid her head against his chest as they made their way down the hallway.

“Don’t care. I love feeling you in my arms. Makes this real.” He laid her down on the bed and went about undressing her.

“This is just the beginning. Happy birthday.” She shrugged out of her blouse, unhooked her bra, and handed it to him.

“Thank you, my mate.” He paused to kiss her once more before going into the bathroom to undress himself. After a quick cleanup, he came back and wiped her down with a wet cloth.

She yawned. “Will shower later.” Kelly crawled under the covers, leaving his side open. “Come to bed, lover.”

“I’m not just your lover; I’m your mate. And I’ll be there in a few minutes.” He returned, tossing the towel into the laundry basket before joining her. Once under the covers, he hugged her to him, determined never to let her go.

Chapter Seven

Brandon opened his eyes. Dull sunlight filtered through the curtains of his bedroom. His arms flexed around Kelly, who shifted in his embrace. Her hair spilled over his shoulder, caressing his wounded flesh. The bite mark throbbed and the wounds on his back ached with each minute shift of his body. His shoulder didn’t hurt as much. Maybe more sex would heal him completely. He doubted it, but didn’t dismiss the idea. Instead, he focused on savoring the weight of her against his body, the feel of her curves pressed to his side. All the years of fantasizing and dreaming had come true last night. A surge of arousal took him, filling his gut and gliding along his limbs. His cock thickened, as his body readied itself to take his mate one more time. She’d claimed him, and in all the turmoil of fulfilling their needs, he hadn’t done the same for her. Not yet. He didn’t want to make her his mate in the heat of the moment. There was something he needed to do first.

With a kiss on Kelly’s head, he disentangled himself from her. She shifted in the golden glow, which illuminated the side of her breast, the dip of her waist, the curve of her hip, her rounded stomach, and the length of her leg. It was an enticing sight that made his wolf whimper. Cool air swirled around him. He missed the warmth of her body. The perfume of sex surrounded him, and he could smell her musk on his skin combining with his own. If it hadn’t been winter he would’ve gone out shirtless for all to see. Instead, he slipped out of bed, showered, and dressed in jeans and a sweater, careful of the wool against his wound. He couldn’t bandage it just yet.

When he came out into the bedroom, he found Kelly sitting up against a pile of cushions.

“Where are you going?” She crossed her arms over her chest, which drew his attention to her breasts. The tips were already tight buds. He licked his lips and tried to meet her eye, but continued to stare at the exposed globes.

“Um…” His brain refused to work. The only thing he wanted to do was climb back on the bed and lick the peaks until they were diamond hard and she was begging for him to fuck her again.

“My eyes are up here.” She waved a hand and gestured upward.

He managed to glance away and stare into her dark-brown eyes, which sparkled with amusement. Brandon moved around the mattress to crouch down at her side. “I have to go run into town and do some errands. I’ll pick up some breakfast and serve you in bed. How do crepes with chocolate filling and strawberries sound?” He leaned forward and inhaled, savoring the smell of his scent impressed into her skin. Her pheromones drifted up to meet his nose, telling him that she was still in heat and ready for him.

“Fantastic. But first, how about a little morning loving? Your errand can wait. I can’t.” She slipped a hand down the center of her body, over her mound to slip between her thighs. He watched with rapt attention as she parted her nether lips, showing off her thickened clit, before she shielding it from view again as she played with her pussy.

He groaned. His cock pressed against his jeans, insistent. He hovered between needing to be with her once more and doing his duty.

“Don’t you want this? Need this?” She drew out her words in a slow cadence. “Aren’t you hungry to taste me once more?”

“Fuck,” he groaned.

“Me. Fuck me.” She slipped first one finger into her sheath and then a second and then a third, fucking herself. “Look.” She withdrew them and held them up for inspection. “All wet. Want a taste?”

She lifted her hand up and smeared the evidence of her need on his mouth. He lapped up her juices. With her other hand, she cupped and molded her breast, tugging the nipple between her index finger and thumb.

An idea occurred to Brandon. He scrambled off the bed and headed out to the car, not caring that he didn’t have his jacket on, and opened up the back door. He removed the bag he’d stowed behind the driver’s seat and grabbed her purse from the passenger side. He returned to the bedroom to find Kelly finger fucking herself once again. His name was a chant on her lips.

He unzipped the satchel and withdrew the box before dropping the bag to the floor. “Use this.”

She released her breast and accepted his offering. She used a thumb to flick it open, not missing a beat. With an evil grin, she dumped out the contents and chose the vibrator before tossing the package to the side.

“I’ll use this if you stay and watch me.” She flicked the switch with her thumbnail and dragged the wide head across her distended tips.

He groaned. “Honey, you’ll be the death of me. I have to get out of here or else I won’t do what needs to be done.” He crawled forward and gave her a light kiss on her mouth. “I’ll be back with breakfast, but by all means get yourself ready. I want you dripping wet when I return. I plan on discovering every dip and curve of your beautiful body.”

With reluctance, he left her bed and then the room, grabbing his car keys and his jacket as he went out. He got into his SUV and drove toward town. His destination was Lou’s Diner, where he knew that Kelly’s father took his breakfast before going into the mountains. If he hurried, he might catch the old man before he went up to the mountains for his ice fishing trip with the elder statesmen of the pack.

As Brandon drove toward town on the well-worn trail, he thought of what had happened between him and Kelly the previous night. It had been more than he’d thought possible. The only hitch was that he hadn’t given himself up to the animal soon enough to claim her.

Claiming her might prove that she was his, but that wouldn’t stop others from trying for her. He had to move now, or he would end up fighting off members of his pack for the right to Kelly’s hand. His mind flashed to the smarmy smile on Alberto’s lips when Brandon had caught him at Kelly’s house. The social climber wanted to be alpha just for the prestige, Brandon was sure of it, not for the responsibility that came with the role. Brandon didn’t want the job, but that didn’t mean that he wanted someone like Alberto in the running. He had a plan in mind and hoped Martin would say yes.

The parking lot only had a few cars in it, but it would fill up fast. Brandon found a spot near the door and entered the eating establishment. Martin sat in the back, holding court next to the doors to the kitchens. Lou manned the front counter, talking with a few customers. Brandon nodded toward the owner and made his way over, placing his order before he went to pay his respects to Martin.

Approaching Martin’s table, Brandon dropped down to one knee and bowed his head. “My alpha.”

Martin made a grumbling noise that turned into a laugh. “Get up off the floor, son. You know you don’t have to pay homage to me. You’re family. Bowing is for kiss-asses. Get over here and give me a hug.”

Brandon smiled and rose. He wove around the various bikers and elder werewolves to lean down and give Martin a big bear hug. The familiar smell of tobacco with a hint of leather and sweat soothed some of his nerves.

“Boys, give us a few. Bran’s got some news to give me.” A twinkle in Martin’s eyes said it all.

Brandon slid into the booth across from his leader. “Kelly claimed me last night.”

“About damn time.” Martin threw a napkin onto his empty plate. “But far too late. Why are you here? I know you don’t want to be alpha, so I don’t see the point in this visit.”

Brandon’s stomach dropped, but he wasn’t deterred from telling Martin his idea. “You know I don’t want the title. I’d be a shit leader.” He paused to gauge the older man’s reaction. When Martin nodded, he pressed on. “So I think it would be in the pack’s best interest to offer up a new edict.” Brandon held up a hand to stave off any protestations. “Kelly marked me, but I haven’t returned the favor. I have a plan, and I don’t want some status-hungry asshole interrupting that. She’s mine, but this declaration fucks things up.”

Martin leaned back and folded his arms over his chest. “I know what it’s like to be so caught up in lust to forget to let the animal out. Scared the shit out of me when I forgot to mark Kelly’s mother.” He chuckled. “But that’s not going to get you or her out of this. You two can claim each other all you want, but I have to do what’s best for my family, my pack, and that means merging with Alberto’s pack.

Martin eyed him. Brandon shifted from one foot to the other.

“Either you man up and challenge Alberto for status, or you back off. I know you can make my girl happy. I have no doubts about that, but I have to think of my pack. Before I step down, my family has to be in good hands. Are those hands yours? You say you don’t want to be alpha. Fine. Have this time with her and let her go.

“Lou’s got your order ready. Go back to Kelly, say your goodbyes. Have this moment. Life is precious, son. Every moment matters.” Emotions flitted across the old man’s face and his eyes shone with unshed tears. “Now go. You have my decision. I have to get on the road. Mountains are cold as shit this time of year. Don’t know why I agree to this idiocy, but it’s a yearly thing. Besides, there will be booze, and I can smoke my cigars in peace.” With that, Martin slid out of his booth and signaled for his friends to follow him.

“Lou, my man, we’re heading out. Delicious as always. Brandon’s breakfast is on me.” Martin gave Lou a few bills before he left with his pack members.

Brandon picked up his food and left, feeling as if he’d been punched in the stomach. He’d had to try something to get Martin to change his mind. He could see his alpha’s point, but that didn’t matter to him. By Monday, Kelly would be lost to him. The only thing he could do was mark her and let her go. As Martin had said, every moment mattered. Brandon wouldn’t be wasting his last day with the love of his life.

Chapter Eight

Kelly lay in bed. Her stomach grumbled. Despite the arousal churning throughout her body, the idea of using a vibrator to keep herself primed for Brandon didn’t appeal to her. After last night, she couldn’t see how it would relieve anything. The wolf paced back and forth, frustration ebbing out of the animal and filling her up like a cup. Her hearing was primed for his return—taking in every creak as the house settling, every whistle of wind past the windows and chirping of birds—waiting for the familiar tread of his footsteps. Her skin prickled with energy as her anticipation built.

A heavy pulse echoed in her sex. Moisture coated her pussy lips and thighs. Her arms and legs twitched, ready to get up and rush him as soon as he returned. She was even willing to shift to give her even more of an advantage. She wanted to mark him again, maybe on his thigh, somewhere private where only she would see. An ache pierced her gums as her teeth changed, becoming thicker, longer. Pain shuddered up her fingers and spread through her hands as her claws grew, condensed and honed. Her senses expanded, trying to search for her other half but could only track him to the edge of the property. With a huff, she rolled over onto her side.

The vibrator lay discarded a foot away from her. It looked so innocuous. If he’d just called, they could’ve had phone sex while he drove into town. Then again, male werewolves weren’t known for their ability to multitask when sex was involved. A dull ring gave her a ripple of hope that rolled up her spine. Brandon! She scrambled off of the bed toward her purse and took out her phone.

Without checking the ID, she answered. “Bran? Get your ass back here! I’m horny, wet, and ready for you to fuck me senseless. We’ll use the vibrator later.”

“I’m going to need more than just wine to unhear that.” Clattering and the clinking of glasses could be heard.

“Shit, Reenie. I’m sorry. I thought—” Her face flushed. She made a mental list of all the ways she could bribe her friend to not bring this conversation up ever again. Reenie’s favorite champagne should be a start.

“Yeah, I know what you thought, and I hate to interrupt your cozy weekend, but I have an opportunity for you that we can’t pass up. I managed to snag a chance to talk to Madison Weston.” Reenie’s voice became high pitched. “And she may be able to help us, but we have to meet her at Shadows right now. It’s the only time we can see her. They’re putting together their annual ball. No worries, you won’t have to dress in anything special. It’s not open right now.”

“But I’m not a member.” Kelly had heard all about the private adult club, Shadows, owned the mysterious shifter Sully, but she had never been inside.

“No need to worry about that. Just get dressed.” Reenie hung up before Kelly could respond. The sooner she got this over with the better. She got up, took a quick shower, and put on a sweater, jeans, and boots.

Reenie phoned a few minutes later. “Where are you? I’m at your apartment.”

“The cabin.” Kelly started a pot of coffee just in case Brandon had forgotten to get some.

“Oh, right. I forgot for a second. I’ll be there in a few.” Again, Reenie signed off before Kelly could tell her otherwise.

She slipped her phone into her pocket and went over to the window to watch for her friend. Brandon pulled up and parked the car. He got out, carrying a bag with “Lou’s Diner” stamped on the brown paper in one hand and a plastic grocery bag in the other. A blast of heat brought Kelly to her knees. The contact jarred her, and she groaned. The door banged open, and Brandon came to her side, dropping the sacks in the progress. The wolf shoved forward. Need wound around her tight, stealing her air. Her heart hammered against her rib cage. Desire pinged around her blood as tingles raced along her limbs. Her nipples tightened and her breasts grew heavy. Any pain she’d had was dulled in the return of arousal.

Brandon grabbed her wrists and rose up until they were both on their feet. She swallowed and rearranged her thoughts: crepes, fucking, the cat shifters, desire, Shadows, need, claim. She shook her head and turned to the task at hand: finishing business and then enjoying the rest of her weekend.

“If my crepes get damaged I’m going to use those cock rings on you.” She grunted as he helped her up.

His touch on her elbow sent a wave of fire up her arm and around her torso. She sucked in more air. An icy wind circled around the space as the door opened again, but the cold did nothing to calm down the burning in her veins.

“Back up, brother dear. I’m going to get her out of here.” Reenie breezed into the room.

“What? Why?” Brandon sounded confused.

“Because we have business, and she needs a break before you restart your sex-o-rama. The sooner we get this done the better for everyone.” Reenie shuffled over to Kelly, took her hand, and pulled her out the door. “Come on horny wolf, we have some pussies to calm.”

Reenie guided her to the door. “We won’t be long.” Reenie’s grip on her hand was tight, but it helped to push back some of the mating heat.

“Reenie stop. I can walk.” Kelly tried to yank her hand out of Reenie’s grip, but her friend wouldn’t let go.

“If we don’t go now you won’t leave, and I want to get this shit fixed ASAP. The cats have been active while you’ve been away.” Reenie yanked open the passenger-side door and gestured for Kelly to get in.

“What happened?” Kelly slipped into her seat and buckled up.

Reenie closed the door, rushed around to the driver’s side, and got in. “They’ve been spreading vicious rumors that our maids steal crap. People are starting to believe them. There have been cancellations. Any more and… Well, I don’t want to think about what would happen.”

Reenie put on her seat belt and put the car in gear. “They weren’t the least bit pissed when we started our business, even if we were across the street from them, so what’s their deal?”

“Hopefully Madison can tell us, and then put a stop to it.”

Kelly felt lost. The further they got from the cabin the dimmer her need for Brandon became.

“How’s your heat? You feeling better?” Reenie reached over and adjusted the temperature in the car. “Need some AC?”

“Yeah, a bit. No cold, please. I know how you get, and I don’t want you to start complaining about how it’s freezing in here.” Kelly bit back a smile.

“I just don’t like to be cold. Anyway, he didn’t claim you, did he? Otherwise you’d be more even-keeled by now.”

The ride going into town was much smoother than leaving. Kelly relaxed into her seat. “Maybe. I just know this is the start of something. Brandon isn’t just a good man, he’s a good person. I’m lucky he wants me as his mate.”

“Not want. You are his mate. Always have been. That’s the way it works.” Reenie flipped on the blinker and turned toward home.

Kelly watched the town pass by beyond the window. “Yeah. It’s scary, you know? My dad and mom… Once he lost her he didn’t even try to see if anyone else was out there. But to know that he had that love? I’m happy we didn’t dance around it anymore. Now that I’m with him… I can’t see why we just didn’t get it over with. His age never bothered me, and he’s always treated me well.” Kelly had never felt so relaxed in her life. Despite the soft buzzing of arousal in her body, life was wonderful. The only thing left was for Brandon to claim her as his and for her to have a little talk with her father about this stupid alpha thing he orchestrated. “But Reenie. Where does this leave you?”

“What do you mean?” Reenie turned into the parking lot of Shadows, a large white-and-black structure with the name painted on the side beneath the logo of a prowling cat all in black. Energy danced along Kelly’s arms as she beheld the building she’d spent her adult life avoiding. There were rumors about what went on beyond its doors. She wondered if Brandon had ever been inside.

“Is Alberto…your mate?” Kelly waited for the usual refusals to come up.

“First, he’s not my mate, just a casual fuck. And second, Bran has never been here. Don’t pretend you weren’t wondering. He’s too busy to have that kind of fun. Plus, if he ever did come here, I wouldn’t want to know. Come on.” Reenie parked, and they got out of the car.

Kelly stood behind Reenie as she entered her membership pin number. “This isn’t over, Reenie. You can pretend all you want, but Alberto is…”

“Not my problem. And besides he’s your intended, which I’m OK with, because it’s what’s best for the pack.”

Kelly doubted her best friend really was OK with it, but she couldn’t see an out unless her father went back on his word. And her father was nothing if not honorable. The doors clicked open. They entered the dark corridor, which spilled out into a dining and bar area. Booths sat against the wall to their right and tables to the left.

“Ladies.”

“Hey, Sully,” Reenie greeted the fabled owner, who stood behind the counter with a shaker in his hand.

Kelly studied the man she’d heard so much about but never met. Dark glasses hid his eyes, but Kelly could feel his gaze on her. He wore a bright white sweater that highlighted his tanned skin. Sully slinked out from behind the bar, a glass of amber liquid in hand. He stopped and leaned a hip against a stool. His brown leather pants looked well-worn in places, and his boots were scuffed at the toe. Various necklaces adorned his neck and silver rings covered his fingers.

“Missed both of you at the date night for the couples from the bachelor auction. You here to book a table for a makeup?” His voice was deep and rough, like the first glass of whiskey swallowed too quickly. There was an edge of a purr in there somewhere. A light feline musk floated on the air but gave no indication as to what species he belonged to.

“No, we’re here to see Madison Weston.” Reenie nodded toward a booth. “Mind if we wait?”

He gave them a slow smile, showing off perfect, straight white teeth and sharp canines. “Not at all. Hungry? Got some dark-chocolate-mint pancakes with chocolate chips that the cook whipped up for me. He always makes far too much.” As if on cue a handsome man with sharp angles, only an inch or two taller than Sully, pushed through a set of swinging double doors next to the bar.

“Added vanilla bean to the whipped cream,” he announced. “Let me know what you think and if it’s good enough to add to the menu.” The rich tenor of the chef’s voice set off goose bumps on Kelly’s arms as recognition slammed into her. The pungent odor of reptile cologne added to the feline perfume in the room.

She swallowed and nudged Reenie. Draco Van Buren, she mouthed.

Reenie raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Draco Van Buren had left town long ago, vowing never to return, after he’d been denied his right to choose a mate. Rumor had it he vowed never to come back. From what she’d heard through the gossip mill, he was a world-renowned chef.

The prodigal shifter eyed the women but said nothing. Sully dug into his food with gusto. “Perfecto, Draco. Add it. Oh, see if Madison is ready? I kind of screwed up her morning with my requests for Moulin Rouge Night.” Sully ducked his head, but there was no indication of shame that Kelly could see.

“Yeah, you did, boss man.” Madison strode into the room looking like a queen. Her brown eyes glittered with excitement. “I straightened everything out with Paolo and Eva, and they’ll work that night, but for more than the usual price since this is a rush.”

“Ah, my savior. Thanks. Your appointments have arrived. I’ll send over some of Draco’s grub. It’s really good. I’ll even add strawberries or blackberries. Draco, I have an idea…” Sully wandered off toward the kitchen with Draco trailing behind him.

Madison slid into the booth with liquid grace. Her dark-brown eyes shone, even under the low lights of the bar area. “So, Eireen told me you’ve been having issues with the Persian cat shifters that own the maid service across the street from you.”

Kelly nodded, hoping that the werelioness could shed some light on the issue. “I’ve spoken to Mabel, and she’s explained her side of it. The issue is… Well, you were encroaching on their unofficial territory.”

“What?” Reenie and Kelly turned and blinked at each other before returning focus to Madison.

Madison bobbed her head. “Yeah, you see for years Mabel’s family and a few of the other workers served as maids and household staff for some of the feline shifter families. Mabel’s grandmother and mother worked for the Everetts, one of your new clients. Now the families involved in their…pranks…didn’t have an official contract with them, but Mabel and some of her workers felt slighted that the people they’d toiled for for years would go to werewolves for their needs without asking them first. It got to the point of anger.” Sadness weighed in Madison’s eyes. “I know their actions were wrong, and I’m not excusing them, but I get where they’re coming from.”

Kelly let the words sink in. Everything now made sense. Horror filled her. She knew that if the situations were reversed she’d be pissed too.

“Now keep in mind there was no contract, only years of service over several generations. But Mabel felt those houses were theirs—”

Reenie narrowed her eyes. “Why couldn’t Mabel just tell us all this? Maybe this is a pack of bullshit.”

Madison shook her head. “She’s a proud woman who’s started from the bottom and worked her way up to having her own business. She grew up to accept things in life and keep her tongue. Talking about her problems would be like expecting her to pull out all her hair. Besides that, they are domestic cat shifters, considered the bottom of the totem pole to some of our kind. She wouldn’t risk embarrassment by declaring the houses her turf only to be rebuked. Better to make the opposition look bad than humiliate herself.”

Kelly thought about this. Mabel’s predicament reminded her of a few of the older werewolves in her pack who had come up from humble beginnings and would suffer in silence if a slight was done to them. They wouldn’t dream of talking about their feelings but would act out if the opportunity arose to get their own back.

An idea popped into Kelly’s head. “I don’t want Mabel and her team punished. I want to work with them. Would they be willing to join forces? Our building is big enough to house both and we could share the profits.”

Reenie nudged her. Kelly hadn’t cleared it with Reenie, and she knew what her friend would say, but if they could work out a deal then everyone would win, and they would all get extra profit. She had no desire for a turf war.

Madison’s eyes went wide, but she didn’t rebuke her. “It can be done. Look, I can make some calls, but you should talk to your business partner first. I’ll get some of those pancakes. They do smell good.” She got up and headed across the room and through the swinging doors.

Once alone, Kelly addressed Reenie. “What? It’s a good idea. And if we combine resources we cover more ground.” Kelly eyed Reenie to gauge her friend’s reaction. “We can at least talk to them.”

Reenie folded her arms over her chest. She nibbled her bottom lip as her gaze flickered all over the place. “OK, we’ll start talks. Only talks. Nothing else until we feel we can trust them. In the meantime, what about the houses that they feel are theirs?”

Kelly didn’t need to think about it. “We let them have it, but for a cut of the profits since it’s our contract. And only if the owners agree to it. If not, it’s not our problem.”

Reenie nodded. “I can live with that. Should we bring in someone or…”

Kelly groaned. “A negotiator could be expensive, and we’re already stretched thin on our expenses as is. How about you handle things?”

“And really start a turf war? N.O.” Reenie shook her head, her dark tresses going everywhere.

“Maybe Madison knows someone willing to work for cheap or free.”

“Madison knows who can do what for cheap or free?” A feline shifter they didn’t know stopped at their table, interrupting the conversation. Her tawny hair was pulled up into a messy bun, her delicate features free of makeup. Her green eyes shone even in the low light. A few scars marked her flawless chocolate complexion, but other than that she was gorgeous, model-like even. A tall, handsome man stood beside her. “Because if it involves shoes or champagne I may be in. I’m Lea and this adorkable person next to me is Alec. We’re friends of Madison’s. Oh, you’re Kelly. I recognize you from the bachelor auction. Lucky, I wanted to bid on Brandon but didn’t have enough money.”

Alec snorted beside her. “She was too drunk and overwhelmed by the man-meat on display.”

“Perv! If it was really on display, we’d all be in jail explaining ourselves and you’d have a harem of men ready and willing to please you.”

Alec waved her away with a hand. “As if. If my date didn’t want me, what makes you think some of the other guys would?”

Kelly couldn’t help but smile. They reminded her of how Reenie treated her. “We’re hoping to find someone to act as negotiator with Mabel.” She wasn’t going to get into the details with strangers no matter how much she liked them.

“May? Oh yeah, I heard about all the crap she’s been throwing. Ugh. But I get it. You’d be better dealing with her stepbrother, Alberto. He’s a werewolf, but he can talk her down.”

Kelly wanted to bang her head against the table.

“Alberto?” Fear filled Reenie’s voice.

“Oh yeah. It’s not really a known thing, but they were once siblings-in-law. They consider each other family, even after the divorce.” Lea dug around in her purse and produced a card. “Here, this is his number. Call him and see if he’ll be willing to do it. I don’t see why he wouldn’t.”

“And why do you have his card, Lea? Holding out on me?” Alec nudged Lea, who grunted.

“I’m taking tennis lessons. He’s teaching me.” Red patches appeared on Lea’s cheeks.

Reenie growled next to Kelly, who placed a hand on her friend’s shoulder. “Thanks. We’ll call.”

“Pancakes!” Madison returned, carrying a few trays of breakfast.

“You will talk to Alberto and you will fix this,” Kelly hissed in Reenie’s ear. “And you will find a way to not kill him. He’s your mate.”

“Madi, Lea’s been holding out on us. She’s been taking lessons with Alberto,” Alec called out, as he pulled Lea down into their booth.

“I know. Personally, I don’t think you need to lose weight.” Madison put down the servers and proceeded to set up the table.

“I’ve gained like fifteen pounds. I figure it’s better than slapping on a bathing suit and dealing with the matchmaking piranhas who stalk water aerobics looking for helpless single women victims.” Lea sulked but accepted the food.

“So you’re not hot for the werewolf in tennis whites?” Alec winked at Kelly.

“Do I look like the type who would go panting after Mr. Everyone-Wants-What’s-in-My-Pants?” Lea took a sip of water.

Reenie let out a snort of laughter, and Kelly relaxed.

“Sure, he’s cute and all, but not my type. He needs to be taken down a few pegs. Anyway, let’s eat and you two can tell me all about the available wolfy men who wouldn’t mind a little pussycat action.” Lea used her fork to cut into her stack of pancakes.

“You know, I think we’re going to be friends, Lea.” Reenie held out her hand to Lea.

“Well, of course we are. We’re sitting at your table and you didn’t kick us out. Now dish. I want all the details. I haven’t gotten laid since Clinton was in the White House.” Lea leaned forward.

“Liar!” Alec shouted. His voice echoed off the walls.

“Shut it, Hung Like a Horse. I need cock, and I’m not talking about a rooster.” Lea scooted closer.

Kelly glanced over at Madison who just shook her head. “We’re the only sane and mated ones here.”

Kelly didn’t ask how she knew; she just grinned. It was true. And if tonight went well, Brandon would claim her. After that…

Kelly stopped that train of though. She wanted to cling to the here and now, not worry about the future that awaited her.

Chapter Nine

Brandon lit the last candle. Kelly had called from Shadows to explain and apologize for ducking out on him for breakfast. She reported that she was on her way back. He forgave her, but promised retribution once she returned to the cabin. He waved out the match and tossed it in the trash before giving the scene he’d laid out for her “punishment” a once over. He hadn’t missed her mention of cock rings, and despite his reservations he’d put those with the vibrator and silver bullet. After a quick search, he’d also found some edible cinnamon oil. From experience, he knew that shit burned if left too long, but if used in small quantities it was OK. He knew exactly how he wanted to use it. A quick glance showed the tub of ice he’d made up had only melted a little.

He pulled on the bonds, testing them, and found they would hold even if she did use her werewolf strength to give her an advantage. Now for the woman… He went out and checked the window near the front door. A fire crackled in the hearth and the place felt cozy. He could picture them spending Christmases here surrounded by family and friends. Maybe they’d have a few kids.

Pain shot through Brandon’s heart. It wasn’t meant to be. Their transition from friends to lovers had been quick, but it felt so natural. They’d danced around their attraction to each other for years. Tonight, when the moment came, he knew it would go beyond all the fantasies he’d concocted over the years. He would use this time with her as part of his fantasies well into the future. There was no one else for him.

Reenie’s car pulled up, and Kelly scrambled out, saying something to Reenie before she shut the door and headed toward the cabin. Brandon had the door open before she was even a foot away. A grin on her face, eyes sparkling, happiness rippled off her in waves, boosting Brandon’s mood. He caught her up in a hug, lifting her off her feet, and taking a quick, deep kiss. She tasted like rich, deep chocolate with a hint of sweet. Tart strawberries, cool mint, and French pressed coffee. Delicious. His tongue dipped into her mouth, getting a deeper taste. With reluctance, he pulled away when his head began to pound due to lack of air.

She giggled, panting hard as he pulled his head away. “Hi to you too. Put me down. It’s freezing outside.”

He placed her on her feet and ushered her inside. Patience warred with eagerness to show her what he’d done. She stripped out of her coat, hung it up on the hook bolted to the wall. Then she removed her cell phone and placed it on a side table next to the couch. Finally she went over to hold her hands up to the fire.

“So, what did Reenie want?” Brandon came up behind her and slipped his arms around her waist. Just the press of her ass against his groin brought a moan to his lips. Fire laced his veins as need pooled in his cock, thickening the shaft until his jeans felt tight and uncomfortable. She pushed her hips back, bumping his growing erection.

“She wanted me to meet with Madison Weston, the lioness who’s mated to Pierce. We found out why the cat shifters were after us. It seems they feel we were poaching on their unofficial turf.” She leaned back into him, allowing him to accept her weight.

Brandon snorted. “Doesn’t sound like a good enough response.”

“I can understand it.” She snuggled into him. “Think about if Pierce had gone to an out-of-towner to coach the local team instead of you. Wouldn’t you be pissed? Since you’ve made it a point to promote local talent to all the teams you were on?”

Brandon let her argument sink in as his desire increased. The constant rock and rub of her hips against his didn’t help matters. “Yeah,” he gasped out. “I can imagine being pissed.”

She laughed. “By that ridge I’m feeling, you can imagine more than that. Anyway, there’s a possibility we can nip things in the bud. Why’d you go see my father?”

“What?”

She turned in his arms. Her breasts pressed against his chest. She tilted her head back, exposing her neck to him. “Claim. Bite. Fuck. Mate,” the wolf chanted in his head. He lowered his mouth to nuzzle along her carotid artery. His nose traced the vein as her mating heat and musk rose up. He wanted to find the source, to tear her clothes to ribbons and bury his face in her core until she came all over his chin. With a growl, he nipped his way along her throat.

Kelly moaned and threaded her fingers through his hair, holding him close. He took his time, dragging his lips over her silken flesh until he reached the neckline of her sweater.

“Damn it.” Frustrated over the barrier between himself and her, he grabbed the hem and lifted it up her torso, up her arms, and over her head, dropping it to the floor before going back to what he was doing. She pressed herself against him.

“Brandon,” she murmured. “More.”

He ran his hands up and down her sides and over her back. His fingers touched the panels of her bra. With a low growl, he grabbed the straps and pulled. The silk and elastic broke under the force. He reached around to her back and did the same to the hook and eyelet closure, causing the scrap of fabric to float down to the floor. With bites and nips, he took his time moving down her body, tugging at small patches of flesh, marking her with red spots.

“Mine. All mine.” He cupped one of her breasts, holding the globe and lifting it up to his mouth while he traced the contours until he reached the center. First, he flicked the thick nub with his tongue. Teasing her until he drew tiny whimpers and mewling sounds from her as she wriggled against him. He tugged on the tip, drawing it deeper into his mouth. It wasn’t enough for him. He needed her to be louder, to really let go.

He released her nipple, stooped down, picked her up, and carried her through the house to the bedroom. With care, he deposited her on the mattress and went about securing her arms over her head before tying off her ankles.

She tugged on her bonds, looking from one to the other and then back at him. “What—?”

“I want you screaming, mate. I want you to give in to your passion. So I wanted to try something new.” He stripped out of his shirt, shoes, and socks. The pants would stay as a way to keep him in control. Getting naked would only give the beast an excuse to act out. With each second that passed, he could feel the animal trying to rise further and higher in his body. He flexed his hand, closed his eyes, and focused on his breathing. In and out, slow and steady. His heart pounded against his rib cage and his blood pulsed with arousal. Heat pooled in his groin and seeped into his dick. His balls throbbed.

Pinpricks of fire pinged around his body, bursting here and there and all over. Pain spiraled out of the center of his palms and up and down his arms. His legs shook as he struggled to stay upright. It was as if gravity were pulling him down to the floor. He rolled his shoulders and neck, determined not to lose control. His heartbeat pounded in his ears. His muscles twitched.

“Brandon, breathe. Focus on me, on what you want to do with me.” Kelly’s voice slipped past the tension and reached the center of him, touching his wolf. The animal paused, stopped, and cocked its head.

“I want you to kiss me, Brandon. Come here and kiss me,” she whispered.

He opened his eyes and moved forward, bent over the bed, lowered his head and touched her lips with his. The touch was soft and sweet, at first setting off tendrils of warmth from the point of contact that burned hotter with each second that passed. Her mouth opened and her tongue snaked out; he met it without reservation as it twisted and taunted him for more. He traced the ridges of her teeth, tickled the roof of her mouth. She giggled and pulled her head away.

“Now claim me if you can.” She waggled her eyebrows.

“Oh, you think I can’t? I’ll show you.” He straightened up and grabbed the bottle of cinnamon oil. “Tell me if it gets too much. Just say stop.”

She tugged on her bonds. A shredding sound cracked through the air. He winced. Maybe he should’ve used leather. To distract her, he shook a few drops out onto his index finger and traced a line from her chin, down the center of her throat and across her chest. After a second, she gasped. Her eyes widened and her pupils dilated. She swallowed.

“Brandon!”

“Do you want me to stop?” He had to know now.

“No. Just, act fast.” She wriggled around on the bed. He grabbed an ice cube and let the water drip on her chin and down her neck before touching it to her skin. She sucked in air and her movements slowed down. He followed the trail with kisses and licks, repeating the process, taking care of where he put the oil and using the ice and his mouth to soothe away the warmth. His tongue burned from the heat of the spice. He could only imagine what she was going through. She writhed, begged, and moaned.

“Brandon, more. Please, more.” The sound of her bonds ripping cut through the air. A glance at them showed they were hanging on by a thread.

To stave off a loss of control, he climbed onto the bed and straddled her waist. He slid down her body until he covered her. She lifted her head and met his mouth, but he didn’t stay there long. He moved down her body once more, this time with no oil or ice. He circled her breasts one at a time, pausing to dab oil on the tips before lapping it up. Then he used the cube, following it with more flicks of his tongue. She shuddered under him; whimpers, animalistic sounds, and whispers fell from her lips.

He blazed a path over her stomach to her mound, where he buried his face in her sex, lapping up her juices. Her hips rocked against his mouth. Her legs quivered and the bed shook underneath him. In the distance, he heard the faded sound of the last of the threads being ripped from her bonds.

She grabbed his hair and tugged. He allowed her to pull, trailing kisses up her body until his face was over hers once more. She grabbed his shoulders and rolled him onto his back. There was a wolfish grin on her lips and a glint of amber in her eyes. The wolf was ready and close to breaking out. Her musk swirled in the air along with his.

He groaned as she straddled him and ground her pussy against his groin. “Want this? Need this?”

She raked her newly sharpened nails over his chest. He arched his back and groaned as pleasure and pain flickered back and forth. She held him down with her strength alone. Kelly lowered her head until their lips were a whisper away. He lifted his hips and rubbed his erection against her pussy. She groaned and shut her eyes. Muscles strained against her neck and her body shook over him. He used this moment to grab her hips and roll on top of her, pinning her to the bed.

He grabbed her wrists and raised them over her head, holding them with one hand while he used his other to undo his belt and fly. Finally he reached in and pulled his cock out. He ran the flared crown over her slick nether lips. “Want this? Need this?”

She groaned and pushed her hips up. “Please, I need you. Fuck me. Take me. Mark me.”

Her mouth opened wide, and he saw her teeth had sharpened. She was ready to claim him again. Pleasure zipped along his spine. He groaned and positioned the head of his penis at her entrance. She tried to move down and take him inside of her, but he pulled back.

“Be still,” he snarled.

She bucked against his hold and tried to yank her hands down. He let out a low warning growl. She gave one right back. Her eyes shifted from espresso brown to amber before she tilted her head back and let out a howl.

“Mark me!” Her voice had become low, deep, and graveled. A light pelt of caramel brown fur rippled over her skin. Her nose flattened and her eyes became larger as her ears flattened. She snapped her jaws at him and snarled. “Fuck me and claim me or let me find someone who isn’t so weak.”

The mental chain that held the beast snapped and the wolf surfaced. Lava poured into his body as he went through a partial shift.

“Don’t go too far,” he ordered the animal.

His mouth felt as if he’d been punched over and over again and was being split from the inside out. His ears burned and his face was afire as liquid heat poured into his limbs. He increased his grip on her wrists and pressed them to the bed. She wrapped her legs around his waist and squeezed, stealing some of his air.

“Oh no you don’t,” he grumbled, voice richer, lower in register.

She tightened her hold on him, drawing him closer to her body, bringing his dick close to sinking into her vagina. He took a kiss—biting, sucking, licking, nipping her lips in the process as she drew him closer. His cock sunk into her wet heat, giving in to their mutual desires. With no time to pause or take it back, he pulled out and drove in deeper. The hold her legs had on him loosened, but the heels of her feet dug into the backs of his thighs.

Kelly pulled her head back. “More. Harder. Fuck me, my mate.” She urged him on, voice breathy and husky.

“Mine,” he growled, as he picked up the pace and fucked her harder and faster, pounding her pussy. “Mine.”

He let out a roughened howl, letting the animal fill his mind. On instinct, he lowered his head and nuzzled her shoulder before opening his mouth wide, teeth already sharpened, and bit down. His grip on her wrists tightened. His claws sunk into her skin. With his other hand, he gripped her hip with a firm grasp. A huge wave took form, made of fire and passion. It was filled with the howls of the pack as he claimed his mate. Tingles raced around his balls, up and down his legs, traced a finger up and down her spine, circled his head, and met once more in his groin.

He came with a muffled cry as he poured his seed into her body. Her vaginal walls fluttered and clenched him tight as she followed him into pleasure. Darkness danced in the periphery of his vision. His hips continued to pump.

“Mine.”

The word reverberated throughout out his body as his world settled. It was as if a circle had closed. A fire burned in his heart, one that could never be put out or taken from him. Kelly was claimed. For the rest of the night they would drowse, wake, fuck, and do it all over again until they had no energy left. Somewhere in all of that, they had returned to their human forms, and he hadn’t even gotten to use more of the cinnamon oil. The ice was now a bucket of lukewarm water and the vibrator was forgotten.

It had all been worth it. As he let sleep take him for the fourth time, he pulled her close and kissed the top of her head.

“I love you, Kelly,” he whispered.

“Love you too, wolfy. Now shut up.” She snuggled into his side.

Chapter Ten

Kelly lay in bed. A fire crackled in the hearth across the room. This was the last day of their stay at the cabin, and she didn’t want to go. She didn’t even want to move. Her body ached in places that hadn’t been used in ages, and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Her shoulder was where the pain was most potent. The bite mark had stopped bleeding and her body was accepting the brand well. She felt the pull that had always been between them snap shut and a sense of safety and confidence fill her. He was hers. All hers. She couldn’t stop the smile that curved her lips.

Even after being awake for two hours, she hadn’t been able to stop grinning. Her muscles tensed as she curled up into a ball. A small sound started in her chest and grew in weight and strength with each passing second, until she couldn’t help but let it out. A whoop of happiness came out.

The sound of heavy footsteps rushing to the room pounded toward her, and Brandon came in frying pan in one hand and spatula in the other. “Honey? You OK?”

She sat up, not caring that she was showing off the rolls of her body or her messy hair, and shoved off the covers. She swung her legs over the side and ran up to him at half speed, crashing lightly into him.

“Oomph, honey?” Brandon dropped kisses on the top of her head.

She inhaled the scents of cinnamon, chocolate, and coffee. Behind him drifted the aroma of bacon and eggs. Her stomach rumbled in appreciation.

“It’s OK.” She rose on tiptoes and kissed his mouth, tasting the mint he’d used when he brushed his teeth. “I was just excited over the knowledge that you belong to me. You’re all mine. No one can break us up or take you from me, no matter what.” She’d never thought about it before, but being mated to him removed all her excuses. She had to face all of her feelings for him head on, including some spots of jealousy she’d had over the years when he’d gone on dates with other women.

“I was always yours, honey. I just needed you to come to that conclusion, maybe with a little help.” He grinned back at her.

“Yeah, yeah. Lord it over me. You were right.” She gave him a light smack on the arm. “I’m going to go shower and wash my hair, and then we’ll have breakfast.”

“OK. But we also need to talk.” He gave her another kiss on the top of her head before he turned and walked away.

Boy, did they ever. She headed to the bathroom, turned on the water, and rummaged through her bag to find the clothes and underwear she’d wear that day. Brandon would protest, but she didn’t want to romp around the cabin naked. The place still had cold spots in it. It was a good place for seclusion, but not so much for spending the whole of winter in. She hung up the clothes and put out her panties and bra, then climbed into the shower stall.

Kelly sighed as the hot water poured over her. With a moan she let the warmth seep into her muscles, taking away some of her pain. The wound throbbed on her shoulder and some of the dried blood washed away. With care, she cleaned herself up and washed her hair. Tension ebbed away and relaxation took its place. Everything in her world felt settled. She wanted to wake up with Brandon every day and go to bed with him each night.

Tears blurred her vision as an ache in her chest started. It was more than just being claimed by him. This was about having no more excuses. It wasn’t just wanting this; it was needing it. She couldn’t let her father or Alberto take this away. Not when they’d just found it.

Today was the first day of them being a mated couple, and she refused to let it be the last. She rinsed her hair, squeezed out the excess water, and then turned off the shower. She opened the door to find Brandon standing before her, holding a towel out for her, a smile on his face.

“Hey, beautiful. Here you go. Let me wrap you up.”

She allowed him to help her dry off and towel off her tresses. “Thanks.” She gifted him with a kiss on the cheek. “Let me finish up here and then I’ll join you.”

“Don’t take too long. Breakfast will get cold.” He pressed his lips to hers before departing.

Once he was gone, she noticed a small black velvet gift box on the sink counter. She shook her head and lifted the lid with curiosity. This was supposed to be his birthday weekend, yet she was the one receiving gifts?

A beautiful set of peacock pearl earrings sat on black foam backing. Tears filled her eyes. Her father would give her mother a piece of pearl jewelry for her birthday, one to mark each year they were mated. She’d died before he’d been able to give her the set of earrings that would complete the set. Her mother’s jewelry had passed on to Kelly, but she’d never been able to buy the final piece herself. It had always felt as though she were treading on sacred ground. Brandon was continuing the tradition with her, even if this would be their only time to do this.

She picked up the box and carried it over to her makeup table where she set it down. She went about moisturizing her skin with cocoa butter oil and then drying and styling her hair. It took awhile, but she wanted to look good for him, even if it was for breakfast and they weren’t going anywhere.

Once she was dressed, she finished off her outfit with the earrings. She felt beautiful, adored, and centered. A fire sparked to life in her belly. She wasn’t going to let anyone take this away from her.

When she arrived in the kitchen, the table was set up and a fire was crackling in the hearth in the living room. Brandon pulled out a chair for her, which she slipped into. “Thank you.”

He shrugged and took a seat across from her. “Before I claimed you, you asked me what I was doing with your father. How could you tell I visited him this morning?”

“Some of his tobacco scent clung to you, and I could smell it when you got close to me.” She began cutting up her waffles.

“Ah, OK. Should’ve known. I went to tell him about a possible way out of this, but he put his foot down. He refused to even think about changing things up for us. I can’t lose you, baby, and I won’t. Now that I have you, I will fight to keep you.” Determination created hard lines on Brandon’s face and his eyes flashed to molten copper.

Kelly reached across the table and took his hand. “I feel the same way. I think we should summon the pack to Scythe Moon Rock for a challenge.” As soon as the words left her mouth, she knew she had sealed both of their fates. You didn’t just call the wolves to the summit lightly.

Brandon nodded. “I’ll go make the calls.” He pushed back his chair and headed for his study.

Her wolf paced within her, ready to be let out. They needed to do something drastic to prove that they were serious about being together. What could she bring to the table that would please everybody? She listed all of her resources and found one thing that could trump them all. If her father wanted a merger fine, she would give him a merger.

She found a phone book and flipped through the pages until she found the number she wanted and dialed. As soon as Mabel answered, Kelly pounced: “I have an idea to stop the war between us and raise your status within the shifter community. Interested? Meet me at Scythe Moon Rock.” She didn’t wait for an answer.

After Kelly had hung up, she cleared the table and cleaned everything up before grabbing her coat and purse.

Brandon entered the living room. “The call has been sent out.” He followed her example and pulled on her jacket, then grabbed his keys. “You ready?”

She took his hand. “More than ready.”

She didn’t give herself time to think about what she’d set in motion. All she knew was that something needed to happen. And if it all worked out, she’d kill two problems with one summit.

Silence reigned in the cab as they drove toward the meeting point. Once or twice, she glanced over to Brandon, but his features didn’t give away his thoughts. Her heart clenched. She loved this man—loved him with an energy so heavy it tethered her to the earth and so light it lifted her into the atmosphere. Any life she’d have had with Alberto would have been utterly eclipsed by her feelings for Brandon.

She wanted to do right by the pack that had supported her when her mother died and helped raise her into the woman she was today. There was no way she was going to disappoint them. Her plan was half-cocked, but she wouldn’t be her father’s daughter if she didn’t take risks. She’d stepped away from her legacy as a politician’s daughter and gone out on her own. This time she was going to go a step further. She just hoped her father would understand.

Night painted inky-blue shadows in the woods, forming tall stalks and skeletal fingers against a dark sky. The silver goddess in the sky was hidden by iron-gray cotton balls. Kelly shifted in her seat. Sweat dampened her palms and her heartbeat raced faster and faster as they drew closer to the parking area.

Brandon reached out and placed his hand on her thigh. He said nothing, but he didn’t have to. She could feel his support and love in that simple touch. She grabbed his wrist and held it, allowing his strength and trust seep into her. His energy slipped up her arm and settled in her chest to swell there and fill her body with warmth. He didn’t know her plan, had no clue what she’d set in motion, but she believed he’d back her up no matter what.

They pulled into the parking lot that the pack used during full-moon shifts and summits. Several cars already jammed the small space. Energy jittered along her limbs. The need to move caused her leg to jiggle up and down. She clenched her jaw as her stress level spiked.

No sooner had he parked than she opened the door and jumped out. “I’ll meet you at the top,” she told Brandon.

The cold air slapped her in the face as soon as she was outside the warm cushion of the SUV. Her wolf’s nostrils flared as the scents of the pack permeated the air around her. Her father’s familiar cologne dominated the air. She could feel his presence all around her, his stare on the back of her neck. Kelly shook it off. She couldn’t think about him, or she’d start to second-guess herself.

She let the wolf rise and peek out, scenting the air for her target. There in the trees, near the edge of the space. She took off, dodging pack members and ignoring the people who were calling her name. Her wolf could smell snow in the atmosphere. The summit would have to wrap up fast so they could get home before the blizzard started. No one liked to be stuck out on the road in bear country with Mother Nature about to wreak havoc.

She stopped in front of Mabel, who jumped back. “Jesus, why’d you want to meet me out here? The bears are prowling about and your pack keeps sniffing around me.” Her bright-green, lamplight eyes showed even in the dim overhead lights.

Kelly shoved her hands in her pockets, cursing herself for forgetting her gloves. “Yeah, sorry about that. It was a spur of the moment thing. Look, I want to stop the fighting between us. I need to know if what Madison told me is true. Is this an unofficial turf thing?”

She watched emotions flit across Mabel’s face. The woman’s lips thinned and her eyes narrowed. “Yeah.” She ducked her head. “Years! Our mothers and grandmothers gave years to those families, and now they turn their back on us to go with wolves?” She snorted but thankfully didn’t spit at Kelly’s feet. “Why are you so damn interested in this?”

Kelly chose her words with care. “Because I was brought up to respect fair play. No one in our pack is better than anyone else. Hard work, sacrifice, giving to the pack and the family. That’s what we respect. We all pitch in.” She studied Mabel’s face for any indications of understanding.

Mable nodded.

“I can see you care,” Kelly went on. “You have passion and fire, and you wouldn’t have gone to the lengths you did if you didn’t give a shit. Did you hear about the deal I’m offering you to combine our businesses?”

Mabel glanced away. “Yeah. But I won’t sell to you. I worked my ass off to earn the money I did, to start up my cleaning service. I’m not going to sell out just because you want peace between us. You’re not even giving us terms. For all I know you could try to undercut us.”

Kelly could understand the resistance. “I get that. You guys are the bottom of the totem in the cat shifter community, aren’t you?”

Mabel let out a low grumble, but hung her head. “Yeah,” the word was said in a low voice, as if formed by a combination of gravel, fire, and pure resentment.

That was the emotion that Kelly was hoping for. “How would you like to join our pack? Before you protest, hear me out. The Scythe Moons are the biggest pack in the area and one of the most respected in the surrounded towns. We even have a reputation in the city. You join us. You are equal to any other member in the pack and you get more business opportunities. You keep your business too, and you’ll get a piece of our territory.” She rushed through the rest of her speech. There was limited time to make her pitch. “Has Alberto told you about the merger and the marriage?”

Mable went silent. She turned her face away, but even from the side Kelly could see the pain that flashed across her face. “Yeah.”

“And he’s not offering what I am, is he? I’m not trying to put a wedge between you, but I am trying to offer something he can’t. I bring you into the pack and you can help me stop a forced marriage between me and Alberto, but you also gain status and more for your cleaning business. You have one minute to decide. You let this war continue between us for your damn pride, or you join me and you gain something no else is offering you: status, support, and a future.”

Kelly shifted from one foot to the other, glancing behind her, on the lookout for anyone approaching them.

“Look I don’t have time to wait,” Kelly said. “The summit is about to start. You want to join me meet me at the top of the trail? As a pack princess and member of the Scythe Moon pack, I grant you safe passage. If anyone stops you tell them the password—lupanari. You don’t have long to think about it, so if you don’t show, I’ll know your answer.”

Kelly turned and rushed away. She dodged the other pack members, who yelled out questions and greetings. They wanted to know who put out the bat signal and why the fuck it couldn’t wait until morning. Her friends wanted to grab her and pull her in for a hug, but she pushed passed them without a word. She would have loved to bathe in the affection her pack gave her, but she didn’t have time.

On the trail up, Kelly noticed unfamiliar wolves. Alberto’s pack. He must have called out his own guns. She spotted his beta, Tomas, ahead on the trail. Alberto really did want back up. She expected to see his third somewhere as well.

The run up the path worked her legs. As she moved up, the air thinned until breathing became labored and she had to call the wolf for some help. The way up Scythe Moon Rock trail wasn’t an easy one, even on the coolest or warmest of days. A couple of times, her foot came down on a rock and she almost slipped, but she managed to catch herself each time. The wolf panted along with her until she reached the peak.

Once there, she had the perfect view of the lake below and the forest that stretched as far as the eye could see. Thick, silver clouds drifted across the moon, obscuring her light. Three bonfires painted the area in oranges and gold, throwing off some much-appreciated heat. Smoke and ash, with a hint of sage, drifted on the wind.

Her father and Brandon came into view. They were deep in conversation. Martin glanced up and beckoned her over, but she shook her head. If he wanted her thoughts, he’d have to wait until he commenced the meeting.

Martin shrugged, and Brandon made his way over to her side, pausing to exchange handshakes and hugs with his wolf brethren along the way.

A pinch on Kelly’s ass caught her off guard. “Ow! What the hell?” She whirled around to confront Reenie.

“Why is Mabel coming up the way?” She moved closer until their heads were bent and the fog of their breath swirled in the air.

“Because I just invited her and the other domestic cat shifters in her group to join the pack.” Kelly waited for Reenie to explode.

Reenie’s eyes widened, but to her credit she didn’t shriek out the question in her eyes.

“I have to do something and this is it. Alberto didn’t even offer his former stepsister that much.” Kelly snorted. “And before you point it out, there is no law in our pack saying members have to be wolves. They have to be invited and the pack has to have no objections. So I’m not violating any rules.”

“So.” Reenie’s gaze turned toward the ground. “I don’t have to negotiate with Alberto about Mabel and her cat bitches?”

“I don’t know. We still have to figure out clients and such, if they’re accepted into the pack, but at least they won’t be treated like crap by the other feline shifters. They’ll have us backing them.” Pride filled Kelly as she thought about the implications of this merger. The more she considered it, the more sense it made. Those cats were hard workers. Her father wouldn’t say no to another source of income. The only person who could object was Alberto.

Brandon arrived and wrapped his arm around Kelly. He bent his head and nuzzled her neck, in full view of the pack members. Her heart stuttered and her belly flipped. She couldn’t keep a grin from her face. Alberto peeked in her direction and frowned but didn’t say anything.

“Hey, sis.” Brandon smiled at Reenie. “Who are we backing?” His bright blue eyes glowed in the darkness.

Kelly lifted up on her tiptoes and touched her lips to his a light brush of flesh. “You’ll find out.” She snuggled into his embrace. Reenie flanked her left side while Brandon pressed against her right side.

Mable came into view. “I hope you know what you’re doing,” she muttered as she slipped behind Kelly, Reenie, and Brandon.

Alberto threw perplexed looks her way, confusion on his face. A few times, he started toward them, only to stop and withdraw, rejoining Martin. After a minute of indecision, he set his jaw and came over to them.

“Reenie.” He purred out her name before he addressed Kelly. “Kelly, I see you brought your mutt along.”

Brandon growled but didn’t make a move toward his nemesis. “You want to fight? We can do it right here and now.”

“Brave words from a coward. I fight to win both the alpha crown and the woman.” He turned to Kelly and bowed. “My princess.”

Kelly left him hanging without returning his greeting. “I see you brought in your beta. What about your enforcer?”

“I only need a few witnesses for whatever it is this simpleton has planned.”

Alberto stayed hunched over, but lifted his head and tilted it back to gaze up at her. Amusement sparkled in the depths of his dark-brown eyes.

“Straighten up. And stop insulting Brandon. Or else…” She decided to let the threat hang in the air between them.

His lips thinned as he rose. “If you value his life and membership in this pack, I suggest you take a sweeter tone with me. Threats won’t do when we’re married, and I am alpha.”

She rolled her eyes. “I noticed you haven’t acknowledged your sister.”

“Stepsister. Hello, Bellie.” He gave a genuine smile that lit up his face and eyes. He seemed younger and less arrogant.

“I told you to stop calling me that, Aladdin.” Mabel didn’t move from her place behind the trio.

Commotion from the other side of the summit drew Kelly’s attention away from the scene. “Looks like my father is about to start things. Better rush back to his side.”

Alberto glanced back and forth, then turned and walked away.

Reenie whirled around. “Aladdin?” Glee filled her tone.

“He’s older than me by a few years. When I was sick with the chicken pox, Aladdin had just come out on VHS. He would sit there with me and watch the movie and sing all the songs to make me feel better. When I’m annoyed with him I call him that.”

Kelly peaked over her shoulder at her possible new ally. A smile danced on Mabel’s lips before sadness filled her face. “That was before he was molded into what his mother made him.” A sour expression appeared on her features.

“I take it his mom was the reason you two are no longer siblings?” Reenie asked.

“You can’t be married to a poor architect and climb the shifter ladder. She was nice in the beginning, but things changed when my dad lost his business, and she had to go back to work.” Mabel hugged herself.

“What about your mom?” Brandon’s voice was soft and gentle.

“She died due to cancer when I was little. My grandmother helped raise me.” Her tone was clipped and defensive.

“My mother died when I was little, too.” Kelly gestured around at her family. “This pack raised me.”

Mabel shook her head. “Me and the other girls, we didn’t have that. The feline shifters turned their backs on us when my dad’s architectural firm fell apart. We didn’t have anyone but ourselves.” Mabel lifted her chin and her emerald eyes flashed peridot for a moment.

“We’re not attacking you. I respect what you’ve accomplished.” Kelly hoped her tone conveyed her admiration.

Reenie moved forward, and before anyone could stop her she enveloped Mabel in a hug. Mable struggled to get out of the hold, but Reenie refused to let go. They ended up toppling to the ground with both of them laughing. “Get off of me you crazy wolf.”

“Purr, damn you! Don’t cats purr when they’re happy? You’re one of us now. No escaping us now.” Reenie scrambled up and helped Mable to her feet.

Brandon chuckled. “Reenie doesn’t hug just anyone.”

“She’s weird.” Mable sniffled, but her lip quivered and then she gave them a smile. “You all are just weird. I’m not sure I want to be part of your pack anymore.”

“Too late. We’ve adopted you. But not your snotty brother.” Reenie pulled a face.

“But I thought—”

Whatever Mabel was about to say was cut off as Kelly’s father let out a loud howl. Silence fell on the pack and all gazes turned toward Martin.

“Scythe Moon pack, attend your alpha! We have business to discuss. Our pack member, Brandon Scott, called us forth this night with business he felt we should hear. Brandon, step forward, son, and be recognized.” Martin beckoned toward their group.

Before Brandon could step forward, Kelly spoke up, her voice loud and clear. “I, Kelly, pack princess, challenge Alberto for alpha status.” She felt Brandon stiffen beside her. Reenie and Mabel gasped.

“What?” Alberto’s eyes were so wide she didn’t see the whites at all.

“You heard me. As alpha, I would bring with me Mable of the Persian cat shifters. Their new business and has potential, like mine, to be a great source of income. Their connections to the feline shifter community cannot be ignored.”

“You’re joking! Tell me she’s joking.” Alberto glanced between Martin and Kelly. “She can’t do this!”

Martin stroked his chin. “Anyone can challenge for right of alpha status, so long as they can prove a way to increase the pack’s bounty. Connections to the feline shifter community could be advantageous to us.” Martin moved forward with grace and purpose, coming to a stop in front of the group. “Mabel, tell me, beyond your business, does your father still do architectural work?”

Kelly turned toward her new ally. “It’s OK. My father doesn’t bite.”

“Not often, anyway.” Martin guffawed at his own joke and a few of the elder wolves smiled and shook their heads. “Come on, come on, it’s OK. You have safe passage. My daughter vouches for you.”

Mable swallowed, a deer-in-the-headlights expression on her face. “Um, yes, he still does some.”

“Good, good. We have a few construction projects in mind for the future. Have him call me, OK? So, daughter of mine, you submit Mabel for pack membership along with her cat shifters? You do know it’s a conflict with your business, yes?” He raised a thick eyebrow, but amusement quirked his lips.

“Well, my father and alpha, duh.” She took small pleasure in teasing him in this way.

“Impertinent as always. And no, you can’t challenge Alberto for alpha status.” He held up a hand. “And not because you’re a woman or my daughter. As you know, my daughter and princess, a marked, claimed female who is fertile and has not given birth cannot take part in an alpha challenge. Clause one hundred and five, subclause three as it pertains to the health and numbers of the pack.” Her father grinned at her. “Unless you rescind your right to bear children on the pack’s behalf?” He raised an eyebrow at her.

Crap. Kelly glanced at Brandon. There was no way she could give up breeding rights. She may not have room for children in her life now, but later when they were both established and settled…

“No, my alpha, I do not rescind my breeding rights.” She clenched her jaw. When she was a child, Martin had made her memorize the rules over and over and over again. She felt shame at forgetting something so important to the pack. The rules were there to protect the future of the family, and there were some things that multiple shifts couldn’t fix all at once. If her reproductive system was damaged during the fight, it could take decades to heal.

She crossed her arms and watched the scene unfold before her, hoping against hope that something would happen to save her from having to be paired off with Alberto.

“Moving on, Dalton has come forward to challenge Alberto for alpha status.” Martin nodded behind him. Kelly stared past her father to the tall, silent man with the deeply bronzed skin and rugged features. Dalton nodded toward Kelly.

“Well, fuck. Fine. I challenge Alberto for mating rights to Kelly.” Brandon stepped forward and stood toe-to-toe with Alberto. Anger etched on his face. “And I choose Reenie as my second.”

Reenie screeched. “For fuck’s sake, do I look dressed to beat his smug ass? I’m not ruining my heels just to stomp a mud hole in his conceited mug.” She huffed out a breath that clouded her features.

“I’ll second Brandon,” a deep voice called out.

Kelly glanced around until she spotted the source of the sound. It was a new member who had joined them from another pack within the last year. He was a hockey player, whose name escaped her at the moment.

“Cash. Nice to see you here, and thank you.” Brandon unzipped his coat and peeled off his sweater, handing both articles of clothing to Kelly without looking away from Alberto.

Kelly accepted the garments and watched with interest as he bent down and pulled off his boots. He toed them over to her, then reached for his fly.

A flush of heat burst in Kelly’s gut.

Reenie pinched her butt again. “Down girl.”

“Stop that!” Kelly hissed. “What will our new friend think of us?”

“That we’re weirdoes who like to pinch each other’s asses?” Reenie crouched down and picked up Brandon’s boots.

“I can’t believe you two are talking about ass pinching when Brandon is about to fight my brother.” Mabel moved toward them, but she didn’t do or say anything to stop the impending face-off.

“Are we supposed to sob and throw ourselves on the bonfire to stop it? Because personally I’d like to see this fight. Not that I want to see my brother naked, mind you. Been there, done that. I have the bathtub pictures to prove it. But it’s been awhile since I’ve seen a good werewolf ass whooping.” Reenie accepted her brother’s belt.

Kelly tried not to direct her gaze toward her mate’s groin, but she couldn’t stop zeroing in on the flaccid appendage. Disappointment filled her. A part of her wanted him to be hard and proud, even out here in the cold in front of the whole pack.

Brandon winked at her, as if reading her mind. “No worries, honey. Later you’ll get the response you want.”

“Oh my Goddess, you perv. You wanted him aroused before a fight? And Mabel thinks I’m a sicko?” Reenie snorted.

“Shut up, both of you,” Alberto barked. He was still fully clothed and looking perturbed.

“Well, I never!” Reenie placed a hand on her chest and rolled her eyes.

“Yeah, I never!” Mabel followed Reenie’s lead.

Alberto took a step forward, only to have his path blocked by Brandon. “I’m your opponent. You gonna strip here and now, or am I gonna have to tear your clothes off?”

“Wow, bro. That really sounds like the start of a gay porno.” Reenie smoothed down her jeans. “Not that I watch those things.”

“Reenie,” Brandon growled.

“Sorry, sorry. You know I make jokes when I’m nervous.” Reenie took a step back.

Kelly rushed up to Brandon and kissed him on his shoulder. Her mate mark was exposed for everyone to see. “Come back to me.”

“Don’t I always, honey?” Brandon didn’t turn and kiss her, but he didn’t have to. She could feel his love. Kelly rushed back to Reenie and Mabel, both of whom looked green around the gills. Reenie wrapped an arm around Mabel and dragged Kelly in for a half hug.

Alberto yanked off his clothes in jerks and grabs, until he was nude as well. Kelly’s heart hammered in her chest. Fear clutched her. She felt all the weight that had been hanging over her for the past month come crashing down. She almost stumbled.

She swallowed and clutched Brandon’s clothes to her chest. His scent floated up to her nose, allowing her some semblance of calm and closeness.

Please, Goddess, let him come back to me in once piece.

This had been the prayer she’d uttered every time he’d left town for a game or before he took to the ice. This time, she knew there was a chance he may not return to her alive. Not if the look of hatred on Alberto’s face was any indication.

Chapter Eleven

Brandon studied his opponent. He’d never seen Alberto so angry before. Was this all because of Kelly? Did he really care that much about being mated to her, or was it because he was being challenged on two fronts? Nothing in Alberto’s posture gave Brandon the answer.

Martin gave two short, loud whistles. “We have two challenges this night. So, to honor this and raise the stakes, Dalton shall join the fight. Whoever wins will be able to determine the rewards and punishments of the losers.”

Brandon didn’t take his eyes off of Alberto, but he felt Dalton’s energy pulsing beside him. It didn’t feel like a threat.

“Do you understand?” Martin demanded.

All participants in the challenge nodded, without looking at their leader.

“The rules of the challenge are as I choose. The trial is for third blood. The first wolf to inflict three marks on both of his opponents will be declared the victor. As alpha, by the light of the blessing of the goddess, by the light of the moon, I demand you shift!”

The command reverberated through Brandon’s bones. Only a true alpha could call forth the shift upon his pack members. Even Alberto was affected, and he was an alpha, albeit a young one, in his own right. This just showed the depth of Martin’s true power as head of the Scythe Moon pack.

Brandon’s lycan pushed up and through his body, shoving his more human instincts aside as if it were made of feathers. His surroundings grew brighter as a soft breeze brought with it the scent of deer musk and the lingering odor of bears. His ears picked up at the distant hoot of an owl. Prickles tickled his skin as thick tufts of fur rippled over his superheated flesh. Lava poured into him in a constant torrent, making him feel like a furnace set on high. His jaw, brain, and fingertips throbbed as he dropped to the ground on all fours. Limbs shrunk, tendons and muscles stretched, organs shifted, bones cracked, broke, and reformed.

Throughout it all, he could scent Kelly above all others. The combination of his own aroma and hers created an anchor for him to focus on as the wolf took over. As the haze of the change lifted, he saw Alberto, a large, dark-brown wolf with patches of tan and gray fur over his body and amber eyes. To his right stood Dalton, a medium-size white wolf with black-brown eyes.

Brandon’s body burned. His muscles and tendons popped and pulsed and his heartbeat pounded a rapid tattoo on his tender, reforming rib cage. The challenge resurfaced at the forefront of his brain just as Alberto lowered his head and rushed forward, crashing into Brandon with jaws snapping and spittle flying. Brandon jumped to the side and snapped his jaws shut, catching a tuft of Alberto’s fur between his teeth. With a pull, the thick tuft ripped off, showing bright pink flesh underneath but no blood.

Alberto adjusted his attack and came at Brandon once more. This time sharp teeth sunk into Brandon’s injured shoulder. With a yelp, Brandon tried to pull away but Alberto had a solid hold.

“First draw goes to Alberto,” Martin announced.

Boos could be heard from the crowd around them, the loudest coming from Kelly and Reenie.

Brandon could take little comfort from the support as pain stalled him. Alberto shook his head, tearing up the wound. With a growl, Brandon jerked his head and chomped down on the closest thing he could grab. His canines sunk into Alberto’s neck.

Alberto released his hold on Brandon and tried to pull away, but Brandon pressed down harder. Fire-hot blood seeped into his mouth. The sanguine liquid poured over his lips and dripped down his chin, staining his fur.

“Brandon has drawn!” bellowed Martin.

The crowd wooted. Alberto let out several pitiful yelps and struggled in Brandon’s hold. At that moment, Dalton crashed into Alberto.

“Dalton has drawn!”

The pack around them hooted and hollered. Bear musk permeated the area and awareness that they were not the only shifters out tonight slammed into Brandon. Shit! They needed to finish this, and quick. He released Alberto and moved back. Like a dance, Dalton did the same, and they came at Alberto at the same time. Both of them slashed at their nemesis with sharpened claws.

“Dalton and Brandon have both scored their second blood!” Martin let out a whistle.

Again they both went in, this time with their teeth, until Alberto collapsed under the onslaught. Elation buoyed Brandon, and he was momentarily distracted by the victory over his rival for Kelly’s hand.

A low growl caught his attention. There was no time to celebrate, as Dalton head butted him in his injured shoulder. Pain reverberated from that point, causing his legs to shake and the ground to become unsteady. He dug his claws in and tried to stand his ground, turned and lowered his head, steeling himself for the hit. Dalton’s eyes flashed and an understanding passed between them. As soon as Dalton was within striking distance, Brandon released, lurched forward, and snapped his jaws, clipping Dalton’s nose. Dalton whimpered and dodged to the side, adjusted his course and came at him, biting down on his side.

“Halt!” Martin called out.

Both wolves stilled, panting and shaking on their feet. They glanced at their alpha.

“Stay!” Martin ordered.

Both wolves sat down. Brandon’s limbs protested the movement. He wanted to lie down and sleep, even as adrenaline pumped through his veins. He huffed and puffed clouds of steam, as he waited for his alpha’s ruling. He couldn’t see if the attempt on Dalton’s nose had been successful, but he was sure that there was a wound on his own back left leg. He could feel the sticky fluid leaking onto the fur and dripping down the leg. All told, he was bitten and marked on his side and shoulder.

It could have been worse. Much worse. He’d heard of fights where the alpha didn’t stop the carnage until only one opponent was alive.

“A good effort all round, but the winner and new alpha is Dalton! Shift!” Martin’s command reached deep into Brandon’s mind and pulled forth the human part of him. He didn’t fight it. Disappointment left a bitter tang in his mouth, as he allowed the wolf to recede. Like a tide pulling away from the shore, his animal fell back into the deep, dark well of its flesh cage. He had lost. What that meant he wasn’t sure, but if he had to he’d fight for Kelly once again. She was his soul and heart. To lose her would leave life a colorless monotony that made death look better than going on without her.

The switch back to human was easier than shifting into wolf form. Pain eased as the animal withdrew into him and melded with his natural form. Once on his feet, he swayed. Darkness edged his vision as his focus blurred and cleared. Light and sound made his brain throb. He fell before he could stop himself. Blood slipped down his side and traced the contours of his back.

“Brandon!” Kelly’s familiar, soothing perfume surrounded him. Her warmth seeped into his cold skin and was absorbed by his body.

“Hey…” his throat felt raw, and an odd, dry, metallic taste coated his tongue. His Adam’s apple worked, but he couldn’t get enough saliva together to wet his lips.

“Fuck.” The word came out low and rough.

“Dad?” Kelly’s voice came from a distance. Panic filled her words, souring their sweet sound.

Just the sound of her voice made Brandon feel light. Or was his head messing with him? He wasn’t sure. He began to shake with increasing violence until his teeth chattered. Everything was so cold, and Kelly’s body heat wasn’t helping him.

Brandon couldn’t lift his head. It was like a hundred-pound weight on his neck that only fell back every time he tried to raise it.

“Please…no…I…can…handle…” His words were lost as the world blackened.

Chapter Twelve

Kelly’s heart dropped as she watched Brandon fall to the ground. A roar sounded in her ears. Anger fired her blood as the shift tried to take hold of her.

Defend my mate. Those three words repeated in her head over and over as her fingernails turned to claws and muscles lengthened, pressing against the constriction of her clothing and jacket. Her father turned his gaze to her, stilling her wolf and halting the transition.

“Stop.” The single word was like a feather made of iron, said softly but carrying so much weight. It hit her hard and shoved her wolven counterpart back down. She watched, frozen in place, as her father strode forward.

The old man crouched down, his gaze roaming over Brandon’s features before he glanced over his shoulder and nodded his head. “Dalton. You wanna make a call now?”

Everything went silent. A chill hung in the air. Not even the wind stirred. It felt as if winter and the world around them were holding their breath, waiting to hear what Dalton would say.

Dalton’s thick, blond brow shot up, but he didn’t protest. “Brandon and Kelly may be a mated couple. Any claim Alberto thinks he has is over. I hereby move to dissolve the possible merger between the Scythe Moon pack and the Ivory Claw pack. I recognize the merger of the Scythe Moon pack and Mabel’s Persian cat shifters. Mandates will be discussed before the full moon shift. Pack summit dismissed.” He gave a nod and the pack began to disperse.

Kelly exhaled. Tears burned in her eyes. Clouds of warm air obscured her vision, covering up the tears that slipped over her cheeks. Relief took away any of her tension.

Dalton came over and crouched down. With a nod, he and Martin scooped up Brandon’s prone body. “Come on, let’s get the pup home.”

“What about Alberto?” Reenie asked, as she covered Brandon’s naked body with a coat.

Kelly glanced over to Alberto, who was being helped up by his beta. Mabel hovered just a few feet away. For a moment, she was torn between taking the cat shifter with them and letting her attend to the man she considered her sibling.

Kelly watched as her pack members helped Alberto and his beta get their things together. As Alberto passed them, Kelly could see faded bruises, wounds, and scars. Wolves healed fast, but his gaze seemed unfocused and a few times his beta had to guide him away from the edge of the trail back to the center.

Reenie rushed over to Mabel and led her over to them. When they reached the parking area, Kelly started the SUV and waited for her father and Dalton, her new alpha, to join them. She ignored the congratulatory calls and hollers from her pack members milling around the lot. None of what just happened had sunk in yet. The only thing on her mind was getting Brandon home safe and sound.

“I’ll follow you home and help you get him settled.” Reenie came up to her and tapped her shoulder.

“Thanks for everything,” Mabel said. “We’ll talk later, OK?” With that, she headed into the darkness and disappeared from view.

Kelly bounced from one foot to the other. Finally Dalton and her father came into view, supporting Brandon between them. Kelly yanked open the passenger door of the SUV. What the hell had taken them so long? She gritted her teeth as time stretched out like a rubber band in slow motion. She wanted to urge them on, but didn’t want them to jostle him in any way. Every move they made, each shake of his body, sent shots of energy jittering along her limbs.

After what seemed like an eon, they arrived at Brandon’s car.

“Finally! Put him in the seat. Don’t hit his head or I’ll skin you both alive.” Kelly shuffled back to give them room and watched with interest as they maneuvered him into the vehicle.

Martin stepped back. “There, happy now, kid?” A twinkle of amusement lit up her father’s dark-brown eyes.

“Now now, Martin.” Dalton held up his hand. “He doesn’t look comfortable. Maybe we should throw him into the backseat?”

“Yeah, I see what you mean.”

Both men began to reach for Brandon, only for Kelly to dash in front of them, impeding their process. “Touch him and I’ll tell everyone what you really do on those ice fishing trips.”

“Now, kid—” her father started.

“You promised not to tell. You tryin’ to humiliate your alpha, spawn of Martin?” Dalton’s features hardened, but humor shone in his bright blue eyes.

Kelly snorted. “Baking cupcakes and brownies, making s’mores, and watching reruns of I Love Lucy doesn’t exactly fit your manly image. Maybe I should tell them about the time you let me give you pedi…mrrumph.”

Martin covered her mouth. “Fine, fine, kid. Get out of here. Just let me know when the wedding is.” He gave her a kiss on the forehead and nodded toward his motorcycle. “Dalton, my man, get dressed and let’s go. I have a hankering for some ribs. Later, kid. Call the doc if anything happens, yeah? Love you.”

“Love you too, Daddy.” Kelly turned and checked in on Brandon herself, before shutting the door and climbing into the driver’s seat. She glanced at him every few seconds while trying to focus on the road ahead. Her arms shook, and she gripped the wheel tightly as a fresh set of tears cascaded down her face.

She pulled over to the side of the road as sobs racked her body, and the adrenaline and stress of the challenge bottomed out. Sadness, fear, pain, relief, and joy dumped into her, creating an emotional stew that seemed to be sucking her down a tunnel.

“Honey?” Brandon’s graveled voice pulled her out of her turmoil.

She lifted her head to find him staring at her, cobalt-blue eyes shining. He gave her a tired smile.

“Do you—” he coughed and cleared his throat. “Do you need me to take over? I feel stronger.”

She wiped away the moisture and shook her head. “I can handle it. Promise. How are you feeling?”

She leaned over to check on him, but he shook his head. “Don’t touch me. Not yet. My skin is screaming at me.” He cleared his throat and swallowed. “My body is settling back into its skin and the wolf is calming down. My shoulder is…better.” He licked his lips and let out a slow yawn. “Just need sleep.”

“OK, let’s go home. Once you’re better, I’ll tell you what happened. You just sleep, OK?” She wiped away a few stray trails of moisture and flicked up the turn signal.

“Not under yet. What happened to Alberto?”

She trained her gaze on the street as she recounted Dalton’s ruling.

“So, Dalton is our new alpha. He’s fair.” The leather creaked under Brandon’s shifting weight.

Kelly resisted the urge to ask him if there was anything she could do to make him more comfortable.

“Yeah, he’s accepted our mating and declared us a couple before the pack. We can be together.” She whispered the last part.

“At last. Took us long enough.” He coughed out a laugh. “My mate, my beautiful, intelligent, sexy, mate.”

She smiled. “All yours as you are mine. No one can tear us apart. Ever.”

“So shall it be. Now take us home, honey. I want to spend my last birthday weekend night with you.” The material creaked again.

Kelly risked another peek at him. His eyes were closed and his breathing was slow and even. “Happy birthday, Brandon, my mate. Later, we’ll try those cock rings out.”

“I heard that,” he muttered, voice deep and rough.

“Just checking.” She grinned.

He grunted, but didn’t protest further. She looked forward to helping him recover, using pleasure and comfort to heal him. They had fought for their future together and won. Everything they did from here on out they would do together. They were mates now and forever. No one could tear them apart, just as the vow said.

“I love you, Brandon.” The words came out strong and clear, without wavering.

“I love you too, Kelly.”

Brandon’s hand came over and rested on her thigh, allowing some of his body heat to seep past the denim into her skin. By that simple touch, their words were sealed. No more running or hiding or ignoring their feelings.

They were mates, and Kelly wouldn’t have it any other way.

END

~ About the Author ~

Multi-Published Author, part vampire, part pixie, Selena Illyria was born with a need to write and enable. Her imagination takes her into the paranormal, sci-fi and fantasy genres and all sorts of mischief. When not writing she enjoys catching up on her TBR pile, watching some of her favorite programs and listening to her favorite music as well as teasing people with posts on decadent food and plot bunnies.

Discover more about Selena Illyria here

Website: http://www.selenaillyria.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Selena-Illyria/100175079107?ref=nf

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Selena_Illyria

Yahoo Group:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/selenaillyriasofferings/

~ Also by Selena Illyria ~

Try the first in the exciting Bachelor Auction series!

Mate Not Wanted

Bachelor Auction Book One

Selena Illyria

Letting Madison go unmated? Pierce won’t stand for it…

Lioness shifter Madison doesn’t want to be mated. So when her friends bid and win tiger shifter Pierce McKinney at the Bachelor Auction, she knows she’s screwed. Pierce is the one man who can get under her skin. Especially when she knows that sex with Pierce will burn hotter than the sun…

Pierce McKinney has been trying without luck to wear Madison down. So when her friends win him at a charity auction, he’s determined to win her for his own. He’ll give her what she needs and desires, and he’ll even bring in a friend to play to her fantasies. But Madison belongs to him, and only him. And he intends to show her that he plays for keeps. Even if she’s too stubborn to admit it. Because Pierce is too stubborn to let her walk away…

Buy Mate Not Wanted here

http://www.amazon.com/Mate-Not-Wanted-Bachelor-Auction-ebook/dp/B00HFF7MS6/

Bewitching the Vampire

Flushed and Fevered Book One

Selena Illyria

A stubborn witch vs a vampire king…who will win on Halloween?

Bridget is a witch who has been given a sweet deal—nab a rogue vampire and score a big payday, but she must deliver him within twenty-four hours. She’ll need help from Joe, the local vampire liege, to find the rogue vampire fast. Joe agrees to give her the information...if she agrees to play a few hands of poker with him. For each hand, she must reveal a bit about herself. And for each hand she wins, he'll answer any question she asks. But Bridget isn’t sure she can keep things objective—not when Joe gives her that seductive grin.

Joe has always had an interest in the little witch. She defies his expectations and surprises at every turn. But despite his natural inclination to help her, he decides to make her work for the information she needs in the most delicious ways. With a little bit of seduction and a little bit of bondage, he tests her resolve to play the game…and tests his own self-control to contain the blood beast inside him. The stakes are sky-high, for both of them. But on Halloween, the most powerful night of the year, which one will be the winner?

Buy Bewitching the Vampire here

http://www.amazon.com/Bewitching-Vampire-Flushed-Fevered-Book-ebook/dp/B00NP4JA86/

Making Demons Purr

Flushed and Fevered Book Two

Selena Illyria

They will bind her to them in every way they can.

Seraphena, a black panther shifter and familiar, hasn’t had a night off in months. Between work, dealing with her mother, and issues with her pard, her life is one challenge after the next. So when she finally finds herself with a night to herself, the last thing she expects is spending it with her secret crushes, Carver and Thorn, demons and owners of her favorite café, The Java Demon. Neither does she expect what happens when you play high card strip with a couple of pros. They give her a hot game, a night to remember with a little kink on the side. But Sera knows it can’t last with all the complications in her life. The last thing she needs is having to explain two men at once—and demons at that.

Carver and Thorn have wanted Sera from the moment she first strolled into the Java Demon for that low-fat caramel macchiato. Now that they have her in their life, they refuse to let her go. They will bind her to them in every way they can, fulfill her fantasies, and show her the love and support she needs. Nothing will stand in their way—not work, not her mother, not her pard. But it might be Sera herself who shuts them out if she can’t stand up to those who would dictate their love…

Reader Discretion Advised: Contains ménage, spanking, exhibition, and light BDSM elements

Buy Making Demons Purr here

http://www.amazon.com/Making-Demons-Purr-Flushed-Fevered-ebook/dp/B00O4JSJVA/

Carnevale and Subterfuge

Hades Helmet Crew Book Two

Selena Illyria

If he can’t resist her, he’ll put her in danger...

On leave from her ship, Anarrae Lavender wants to indulge in her desires on Ill Doge. But a night on the town and one case of mistaken identity later, Anarrae finds herself in the arms of a charming and mysterious thief, having the hottest sexual encounter of her life. But who is that masked man with the talented hands who makes all her bondage fantasies come true? And when it’s over, how will she learn the identity of her lovable “Dodger?”

When Diego stops in at a pub for a drink he doesn’t expect to be mistaken for someone else. Intrigued by Ana, he kidnaps her for the evening and indulges her fantasies—and even some of his own. He doesn’t want it to be a one-night-stand, but his mission to protect the Ambassador from an assassin demands his complete anonymity. The assassin’s eyes are everywhere, and if he loses his focus again, he’ll endanger them all...

Buy Carnevale and Subterfuge here

http://www.amazon.com/Carnevale-Subterfuge-Hades-Helmet-Crew-ebook/dp/B00K310H3G/

At Drogan’s Command

Hades Helmet Crew Book One

Selena Illyria

Who knew one little disc could cause so much trouble? Certainly not Rena, until the disc in question—the one in which she lives out every sexual fantasy she’s ever had, including a few inspired by her crush, Captain Drogan Carter—falls into the wrong hands. Drogan’s. Rena is desperate to get it back—she can’t let him know all her darkest, dirtiest secrets…

When Drogan finds the disc and watches the very private contents, his first feeling is guilt. But that guilt soon turns to a raw, sexual need to have the wanton, carefree Rena in his bed. He knows she’ll never come to him willingly, but once he gets her, he’ll have plenty of time to win her over, and to prove to her that reality can be so much better than fantasy. But first he needs a plan, a way to get her right where he wants her: at his command.

Buy At Drogan’s Command here

http://www.amazon.com/Drogans-Command-Hades-Helmet-Crew-ebook/dp/B00FAUT8T4/

Dragons at Midnight

Dragon New Year Book One

Selena Illyria

One dragon is hot enough, but three can make this tiger shifter burn in the most delightful ways.

Tiger shifter Louisa thought she'd ring in the New Year all alone. Little did she know that three younger dragon shifters plan on making sure she celebrates things right. Add a little steam, a few dragon shifters with dirty minds, and some creative use of furniture and New Year's Eve becomes the perfect scorching-hot party for four.

Buy Dragons at Midnight here

http://www.amazon.com/Dragons-at-Midnight-ebook/dp/B006M47PV0/

Dragon Ugly

Dragon New Year Book Two

Selena Illyria

Can a dragon shifter give more than just hot sex?

After Brent’s New Year’s fling with his friends Fletcher and Tor—and Tor’s mate Louisa—Brent is determined to find his own mate. His dragon wants him to find their mate, too, and if Brent doesn’t find a way to locate her soon, his dragon will take matters into his own talons. And that could spell trouble.

Wolf shifter Carissa has no desire to live up to her wild musician mother and artistic father’s vision of free love and sex parties. She’s buried her sexual desires and focused on building up her aromatherapy store, Scentify, no distractions allowed. Until she meets Brent. The sexy dragon shifter makes her burn with suppressed need. The only problem? His dragon wants Carissa, too. And pursuing the dominant dragon would be playing with fire.

Giving in to his dragon saps Brent of his focus and energy. Things are turning ugly—dragon ugly. How can he bond with his mate when his dragon only wants sex?

Buy Dragon Ugly here

http://www.amazon.com/Dragon-Ugly-New-Year-ebook/dp/B00D8DE0AM/

Seven Sins Inn: Pietro and Callisto

Selena Illyria

Pietro doesn’t think he has time for love. Being a demon king and part owner of Seven Sins Inn leaves him little time for women. But when his friends claim that they’ve found the perfect match for him, Peitro is determined to prove that he doesn’t need a set up--he can find his own date, thank you very much. Undeterred, his friends send him to investigate a “problem” at one of the Inn’s guest functions, where Pietro sees the woman of his dreams, right there in the very kissable flesh.

Paranormal negotiator Callisto Monroe went to the Seven Sins Inn for a friend’s wedding, hoping she could scope the place out for work. But she didn’t plan on being swept away by the hot, dark-haired demon, or spending a weekend having the hottest sex of her life. All that’s well and good. But when things get too hot to handle, how is she supposed to protect her heart?

Buy Seven Sins Inn: Pietro and Callisto here

http://www.amazon.com/Seven-Sins-Inn-Pietro-Callisto-ebook/dp/B009PB94LQ/

Roman: Fallen Lovers

Selena Illyria

Can a mere woman heal a fallen angel's wounds?

Author Tristina Deveroux has been dreaming of a man—a tall, dark, sexy man whose nightly visits bring her to a fever pitch. But come morning, she always awakens agitated and unsatisfied—and alone. When her agent suggests a writer's getaway in Scotland, Tristina can’t resist the chance to gain a little distance, hoping a change of scene will help her escape the dreams and get her mind back into her latest book.

But when she receives a passionate letter from a mysterious Scot, she can't resist the urge to meet him. Can love triumph and heal them both from past hurts? Or will the clash of fantasy and reality bring the past back to haunt them?

Buy Roman: Fallen Lovers here

http://www.amazon.com/Roman-Fallen-Lovers-ebook/dp/B004GHN5NW/

Renny’s Mate

Selena Illyria

One Island. One Werewolf. One week of wicked sex in the sun...

When Larissa's given a week at her boss's private island, she jumps at the chance for some sun, sand, and complete relaxation.

Avoiding his family's annual get together, Renny hops a plane for his brother's private island. But once the werewolf in hiding spots Larissa coming out of the surf--wet, nude, and irresistible--hiding is the last thing on his mind. And the last thing he expected was to find his mate. But how can a woman like her trust the black sheep of the family who's never committed to anything in his life?

Buy Renny’s Mate here

http://www.amazon.com/Rennys-Mate-Beach-Bums-ebook/dp/B0074B6IM2/

“Dragons at Samhain”

Selena Illyria

Halloween Heat II

An Anthology of Erotic Paranormal Ménage

Three stories of blazing paranormal ménage. Hot dragons, sexy wolf shifters, and scorching threesomes to make an unforgettable Halloween night.

"Master Me" by Rachel Firasek

"Dragons at Samhain" by Selena Illyria

"Witchvine Seduction" by Dawn Montgomery

Buy Halloween Heat II here

http://www.amazon.com/Halloween-Heat-II-ebook/dp/B009MRN9SW/

More Romance from Etopia Press

Feral Serenity

Kelly Nicolson

A tranquil lake…a feral passion…

Mellissa has everything she needs to enjoy her tranquil, lakeside vacation: peace, quiet, wine, and books. But the serenity doesn’t last long when a big, wild-looking man shoves his way into her cabin, then promptly falls unconscious at her feet. Mellissa never expected hot sex to be on her itinerary, but she can’t refuse the dominating male who sets her body on fire with a simple touch. Her heart, though, is another story.

Dax, a bear shifter, is injured and on the run from the cats who had imprisoned him. Finding refuge in the lakeside cabin, he’s overwhelmed by the luscious female who makes his instincts roar and his body ache with the need to claim her as his own. But the stubborn female doesn’t seem to understand that she’s his. He’ll have to convince her that he’s worth the gamble of her heart, but when the cat shifters come for him, his feral side will do anything to keep her safe…

Buy Feral Serenity here

http://www.amazon.com/Feral-Serenity-Kelly-Nicolson-ebook/dp/B00OL670RA/

Valentines Heat III

Paranormal Romance/Werewolves

Christy Gissendaner

Jayne Ripley

“Rated Ex” by Christy Gissendaner

A blind Valentine’s date mix-up pairs Rebecca with her geeky high school boyfriend. Geek no more, Parker’s now the alpha of his pack, and he’s determined to show Rebecca what the last few years have taught him...

“Crash Me Once...” by Jayne Ripley

Cenn and Redlan are part of the werewolf pack on the space cruiser Wolfstar. But Redlan has never claimed her in front of the pack...and she’s starting to wonder why. When a foraging mission on a remote moon throws an unexpected catastrophe their way, each of them must decide exactly what to risk...and which of them will be the first to yield to their true feelings.

"Crash Me Once..." contains a scene of erotic spanking

Buy Valentines Heat III here

http://www.amazon.com/Valentines-Heat-III-Christy-Gissendaner-ebook/dp/B00T751D50/

Stealing the Wolf Prince

Wylderland Chronicles, Book One

Elle Clouse

What harm could come from impersonating royalty?

After years on the road conning wealthy nobles out of their gold, Kiera is ready to give up her life of crime and return to her childhood home of Cearbhall. She’s got one last job in mind, one that will see her set for life. What harm could come from impersonating a country princess to marry a prince and live wealthily ever after? Except her childhood home is nothing like she remembered. The king has gone senile, his younger sons rule with terror, and the crown prince is missing. The prince she’s to wed is only interested in siring an heir, and her future brother-in-law wants to get into her skirts. Deciding the grifter’s life wasn’t so bad after all, Kiera plots her escape. Before she can steal away, she’s discovered and thrown into the dungeon with a crazed wolfborn to die.

Lachlan never thought that he'd see his childhood sweetheart once his wolfborn affliction set in. Nor did he expect to ever see daylight. Imprisoned in the dungeon since adolescence, his brothers have usurped the throne and trail evil in their wake. When Kiera lands in the dungeon with him, he recovers his will to put things right. Kiera may not remember him, but he remembers her, and Lachlan vows to save her from his brothers and their schemes.

Except Kiera wields a power unlike any other, and she doesn’t need saving. But the people of Cearbhall do. As Kiera and Lachlan fight the evil princes, they uncover a greater magic in the world around them, and a powerful magic between them that can’t be denied...

Buy Stealing the Wolf Prince here

http://www.amazon.com/Stealing-Wolf-Prince-Wylderland-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B00S5EB50W/

Two Wild Wolves

Wild Nights Book Two

Lilly Morgan

All is not right at the Wild Night Ball, the biggest gathering of werewolf packs in North America. As always, there is plenty of lust and politics, power and sex, but this year is different. This year Lucas Chase, the corrupt alpha of the Denver pack, is looking to change everything forever.

Dead in his sights is Ashley MacDonald, the fun-loving, middle-ranking werewolf from the Miami pack, who wants nothing more than to hook up with the sexy cowboy Colton Winter for a night of dancing…and hopefully much, much more. But when Colton races up to the mansion and demands she come with him, her night goes sideways fast. Ashley and other Miami wolves are in danger of being taken hostage in Denver’s power-grab. She’ll have to think fast and move faster if she’s to have any hope of stopping the attack.

Now it’s up to Colton, a lone wolf from Colorado with secrets of his own, to protect her from the pack that once exiled him. But what’s worth more? Getting even with Denver? Preventing their coup? Or keeping Ashley safe when she’s determined to protect her friends?

Buy Two Wild Wolves here

http://www.amazon.com/Two-Wild-Wolves-Nights-Book-ebook/dp/B00MC7QEWM/

In Too Deep

Christy Gissendaner

He’ll risk everything for the love of one human.

Agreeing to be her good friend’s bridesmaid, Emma Anderson jets off to Tybee Island for the wedding. Her dress is perfect and her shoes are adorable, but her friend’s elegant beachside home hides an ancient secret…one that threatens to expose a secret society of werewolves.

Drake Randolph has watched his sister’s friend grow into a ravishing woman, but he’s always kept his distance. As the heir to the Randolph fortune and the alpha of the Secret Society of Savannah Lycanthropes, Drake cannot afford to draw the innocent little brunette into the dangerous lycan world.

Passion between them soon blazes hotter than the Georgia summer. But when the wrong woman is kidnapped to prevent the wedding of a lycan to a mortal, Drake must risk everything to save Emma from the ones who will see the downfall of all he holds dear.

Buy In Too Deep here

http://www.amazon.com/Too-Deep-Christy-Gissendaner-ebook/dp/B00JGCFOTU/

Table of Contents

Acclaim for Selena Illyria

Look for these titles from Selena Illyria

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

~ About the Author ~

~ Also by Selena Illyria ~

More Romance from Etopia Press

Table of Contents

Acclaim for Selena Illyria

Look for these titles from Selena Illyria

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

~ About the Author ~

~ Also by Selena Illyria ~

More Romance from Etopia Press