One way or another he’d find out whether he was fit to continue as Alpha of his beloved Pack. If what ailed him was something serious, something that there was no cure for, then he’d be forced to think of who he would hand over leadership to. “Fuck!” he cursed as steaming hot water cascaded down over him. The mere thought of relinquishing his power to someone else causing a torrent of emotions to rampage through him. Anger was first, quickly followed with sadness and despair. “Not happening.” He tried to convince himself as he had the fastest shower of his life, eager to get started on his quest for a solution. Once dressed he grabbed whatever was in the fridge, ramming it down his throat to quench the rapidly growing hunger, determined he would not allow it to side track him again. He didn’t even taste what he ate, nothing staying in his mouth long enough. Shade was disgusted with himself as he checked the fridge to find it devoid of food.
Damn. He was certain it had been replenished only the previous day. This was completely out of control. He was completely out of control and it had to stop. Now. Today. If not the consequences would be too much for him to bear. Shade stormed out. He’d get those discs from Lana and he would not stop until he had an answer. If it took him all day, all week, he would sit his ass down at his desk and refuse to move until he found something, anything that would help. As he made his way through the camp, his camp, for once he hated how successful the Pack was, because it meant Lana’s cabin was further than he wished. His feet stomping over the ground as he fought to stay on-track, his beast pawing angrily inside his head as it fought for release. The hunger gnawing inside grew so great Shade’s hand flew to his belly, a soft groan escaping as pain lanced through him. “Shit,” he cursed, his feet swerving and heading straight for the forest. Cutting between cabins and swerving
around anything that stood in his path, he soon found himself at the end of the trees. He was already tearing at his clothes, ripping them from his body as fast as he could. “One kill, that’s all I need,” he muttered to himself.
Shock ran through him as he heard his own words; he sounded like a junkie.
Looking at the ground he gritted his teeth, attempting to force himself to dress and continue to the Healer’s cabin, but his skin started to ripple of its own volition. His control over himself and his beast deserting him in the face of this unnatural hunger that had invaded him, body and soul.
Shade was Alpha so his transformations were always fast, quicker than most, but this time it was almost instantaneous and left him breathless. His beast’s head low as he panted with the disturbingly rapid change. It only took mere moments before pain pierced once more in his guts, sending him on the hunt for something, anything to assuage the hunger that ate them up inside.
Massive paws ran over the ground, the area known to the Wolfso well that he would never fall foul to the many pitfalls. No hole would trip them, no root would slow them down, and no damn thing would stop them as the scent of prey entered his snout. His beast slowed, sniffing the air, and changing trajectory to hone in on the lone deer that had wandered too close to the starving Wolf. The deer was his only focus as he sped through the forest, ducking to avoid low hanging branches, and weaving in and out of the trees, both large and small. His Wolfsped up, knowing the area well enough to expect the large stream that was just ahead, he needed the momentum to propel himself up and over the wide tributary. His paws digging deep for purchase a moment before he launched himself up and over the water, landing softly and taking off again. The scent of his prey was much stronger now. It was close and he couldn’t wait to sink his teeth into the animal and devour as much of it as he could. Maybe then he’d get on his way and get
to the bottom of what was going on with him and this damn hunger. But that was for later. Now all he could focus on was prey, prey, prey. His beast slowed, slinking down to the ground to scent where the deer was located. It was nearby, his senses seeking the beast, nose and ears working overtime to find its exact position. A rustle of leaves underfoot was all that was required, his beast moving with stealth to find the small deer grazing lazily mere feet away through some bushes. His powerful hind legs propelled his Wolf forward . . . and the deer didn’t stand a chance as powerful jaws locked around its throat, crushing it quickly. As blood erupted inside his mouth, covering his face and chest he released the animal and roared with triumph before commencing to feast on his prize. In a haze of blood and gore, the animal didn’t last long, barely anything left when he was finished. Huffing a growl, he padded away, leaving the rest for the critters of the forest to clean up. In
a matter of hours, there would be nothing left of the once beautiful creature that wandered too close to his beast.
Retracing his path, he stopped at the water to clean himself, before returning to find his clothes littered on the ground. “Damn,” he looked around but came up short for his socks, having to pull on his boots without them.
His belly seemed...empty. What the fucking hell?
“Are you all right?”
Shade jerked around, stunned he’d been taken by surprise and finding Ash, his Beta that took care of all things to do with their camp. His blond hair shifting in the wind as his dark green eyes stared at Shade. Ash was a good Beta, no, he was a great Beta with an uncanny ability to read people but Shade didn’t appreciate that particular skill right now as Ash continued to watch him.
“I’m fine,” Shade said smiling. “Just went for a bit of a run, that’s all.”
“Yeah, I saw.”
Shade only now noticed Ash’s shirt unbuttoned, as was his jeans, his boots in his hands. Shit. “What? You tailing your Alpha now? Don’t you have enough to do already?” Ash didn’t respond immediately, bending down to tug on his boots, although his eyes stayed locked on Shade’s. He fastened his jeans, then as he buttoned up his shirt he raised an eyebrow. “You’re not fine, Shade. I know it, Royce knows it, and very soon the entire Pack will know it. So what are we going to do to help you? And by ‘we’ I mean Royce and me, ‘cause something sure as hell needs to be done. You know I love this Pack, and you, so before you go all Alpha on me, just take a breath and think. We need to find a solution to whatever’s ailing you for the good of the Pack as well as you. It pains me to see you suffering like this. I can feel it, in here.” Ash’s fist pumped his chest to emphasize his words, Shade’s head rolling back as he sighed. He and his betas had a special bond, more so than the one he held with the rest of the Pack, so he wasn’t surprised that they’d felt some of what he was going through. Hell, that hurt almost as much as the fucking hunger that plagued him. “Royce mentioned something about you going to check out the discs with our archives on them.” Ash reached over, clasping Shade’s shoulder. “Why don’t you go home, and I’ll go fetch them from Lana and we can start on them together? Royce will be over later, once he’s had some sleep. It was a late night at The Den and he didn’t get in until about an hour ago, but he’ll be by soon as he can. That’s three sets of eyes searching for something that can help.” Shade gave himself a mental shake, his hand covering Ash’s. “Thanks, I’d appreciate all the help I can get right now.” “That’s settled then,” Ash replied, his face still looking worried as he stepped away. “I’ll be back as quickly as I can.” “Hey, Ash.” Shade stopped him. “Can you get someone to restock my kitchen? I kinda emptied it earlier.”
“Everything?” Ash queried, hands in pockets, his body a picture of relaxed and casual, but the inflection in that one word spoke volumes. “Yeah,” Shade admitted. “Everything, and I need some more of my favorite single malt ordered too.” Ash barely nodded. “Sure, I’ll get supplies to get right on that for you.” “Thanks.” Shade turned away to make his way back to his cabin, vowing not to leave again until they had some clue as to what the hell was going on. Ash was right. It wouldn’t belong until the Pack knew there was something wrong with their Alpha and the moment that happened there’d be trouble. Trouble that Shade didn’t want and that the Pack didn’t need. Not when he’d worked so hard to make it such a success after challenging the previous asshole of an Alpha. One who hadn’t cared about the Pack, only himself, and one that Shade knew he had to take down. The challenge fight had been brutal and bloody but Shade never
doubted for a single moment he wouldn’t leave it as the victor. He’d trained with Royce and Ash for months beforehand and knew it was his time to be Alpha. He’d never looked back and neither had the Pack. Not once he’d put his own people in place, ones who had good heads on their shoulders, and brains in said heads instead of just brawn. Now here he was on the brink of losing what he’d built up all because of some goddamn hunger that had infected him and taken over his sanity. He would not allow that to happen. His mind clearer than it had been for days, Shade stormed back to his cabin for a quick shower
before Ash appeared.
opening the door and striding in with a grin. “Hey, I’ve got the discs. Lana says almost everything is on these, only the newer stuff hasn’t been added.” Shade sat in his favorite leather recliner, feet up, laptop on his knees. “Great. I’ve a feeling that what we’ll need will be buried in the old legends. If it were something newer, then we’d surely have heard of it. No?” Ash agreed, settling himself on the sofa, placing his own top-of-the-range notebook on his knees before looking through the discs. “Yes, I agree. I’ve not heard of anything like what’s going on with you. Obviously, I’ve not asked anyone, although I think only the older Wolves would be able to help.
Other than Lana herself, of course.”
“No!” Shade snapped curtly. “I don’t want anyone else knowing. It’s bad enough you and Royce do.” “Don’t.” Ash shook his head. “That’s just naïve to think that we wouldn’t have an idea of what’s going on with you, Shade. So don’t start with Mr. Rip-your-head-off, ‘cause I’m not in the mood for your temper today. We need to work together to figure this out and you acting like . . .” Ash stopped, his face showing every inch of worry inside him. “Look, sorry, but you know what I mean. Come on, let’s just get started.” Shade would never have allowed him to speak to him in such a manner if there were anyone else around. Luckily there wasn’t so he held out a hand. “Throw me one of those discs. Let’s start by date, oldest first and we’ll work our way forward.” “Certainly, master.” Ash bowed his head in mock subservience before flicking through the multiple discs. “Hell, there’s a lot here, Shade.” “The Pack is old with centuries worth of history
so it’s gonna take us a while to go through things.” Shade hoped he could sit still long enough to do what needed to be done. “Right, here you go. You take this one and I’ll take the next.” Ash tossed Shade a disc. “So, what are we looking for exactly?” Shade slid his disc in, waiting for it to load as he pondered his Beta’s question. “Hmm, I guess we can start by looking for anything that mentions a Wolf with an insatiable lust for food? A hunger that just won’t be satisfied, because that sure as hell is what’s going on with me.” “Okay, fine, let’s start with that and see what we can find.” Discs loaded, they settled down to start the search that might just be Shade’s last hope of fixing whatever the heck was wrong with him and his beast.
again, leaving the roadside café she’d stopped at for some much needed caffeine. Her resolve not weakened at her choice to run from her father and her Pack. No. Not when the sick so-and-so was trying to get her to “mate” with their ageing Alpha just to produce the son he so desperately wanted. Wanted. Not needed. The old leech had a mate, and children, three girls and that just didn’t suit the misogynistic fuck who ruled the Pack like males were the be all and end all of all things great and powerful. Not one She-Wolf held a position of power
within the Pack, and it had been like that from the beginning. Trust her to be born into the one Pack that was stuck in the “Caveman Era”. Marissa knew she was her own worst enemy where the Pack was concerned. She wasn’t quiet at voicing her outrage at the way women were treated. Hell, she’d ended up with a broken jaw when she dared to tell her father to go wash his own damn dishes one day. Another time she’d ended up in “The Cell” where the Alpha put anyone who broke his rules, or, just plain annoyed him. The filthy hut, with no windows, heating, and no freaking toilet, was a hellhole straight out of . . . she wasn’t quite sure, but it was definitely hell and not fit for anything but pulling it down or setting fire to it. That thought had crossed her mind several times, yeah, she’d loved to have done that, and almost had ... just before she ran. Then she thought better of her wild idea, after all, it would alert them to her being gone from the camp and she would’ve missed those precious few hours start she managed to wangle. As it was, she was three weeks out, and still running. When money ran out she’d stop and take a job for a day or two, earn just enough for essentials that any girl needs: shampoo, toothpaste, damn deodorant. Food she could do without. Human food anyway. If there were forests nearby she could hunt and save the little she had to spend on other things, even spending some nights in a motel when she could. Admittedly prey had been rare lately, or the area had the scent of other Shifters, so it wasn’t worth the risk of trespassing. So she’d gone hungry more often of late. No matter, she was used to that feeling, and she was sure when she escaped this time she’d manage to find food. Another few days would make no difference to her wellbeing. The only thing that mattered was leaving, now. But here she was, moving on again, with her father and goodness knew who else, right on her tail. Marissa shivered, her body reacting to the mere thought of what would happen if they got their claws into her again. This time it would be do or die, literally. She gave the trucker who’d offered her a lift a strained smile. “Thanks for the lift.” He was medium sized, with a bit of paunch, and a ruddy complexion. His eyes roamed over her, from her long dark hair, over her curves, and down to her toes. Shoot, the perv even licked his lips on the way back up. The stench of his lust surrounded him, cloying her sensitive nose, and she barely repressed the growl that she desperately wanted to snarl in warning to stop his eye invasion. She hoped she didn’t have to put him in his place. He would be a walkover to a strong Wolf like her, but he didn’t know that . . . yet. “It’s all right, darling. I’m always willing to help a gal in distress.” He waved toward a large rig sitting to the side of the café. “I’m over there. We better get on our way, I’ve a schedule to keep.” Marissa nodded, forcing herself to ignore the way he’d undressed her with his eyes. She was tired and cranky, but she needed to get more distance between those hunting her. They were close. Too damn close. She’d felt the tickle in her mind earlier, which alerted her to just how nearby her father was. If she waited any longer he’d be able to establish a link with her and then it was “Game Over”. “Sure, let’s go.” She followed him, his eyes sneaking hungry glances at her as they went. Oh boy, he doesn’t know the trouble he’ll be in if he acts on those thoughts, she smirked to herself while wondering if she could handle a truck as large as the one they were walking to. Could she knock this guy on his ass and just take it? Probably not a good idea with a load of eye witnesses so close by, and she wasn’t even sure she could drive the monstrosity. “Plan number two it is,” she mumbled as the trucker, jeez she’d forgotten his name already, opened the door and helped her up, having a quick feel of her ass as he did. “What was that?” he asked as she settled in her seat and put her pack next to her, at least there was something between the two of them. “Oh, nothing, just thinking aloud.” He gave her a weird look then closed the door, rushing around the front to climb up into the driver seat. His smile was so wide she could take a guess what he’d had for lunch. Heck, she couldn’t miss it because he still had bits of it stuck in his teeth. Did he know that? Marissa turned away, looking out the front windshield, because truth was, if she didn’t she’d either tell him to go brush his dang teeth. Or, she’d puke. Neither of those would get her the ride she needed, so she clamped her lips tightly shut and prayed he’d just get them on their way. It seemed to take forever but finally the disrespectful dude or, in her mind DD, pulled away, his hand reaching over toward her. She jerked but he laughed, pointing to the dash. “Hey, I’m just puttin’ on some music. You like music, dontcha?” Marissa barely nodded, striving to stop herself from allowing her fangs to descend and snarl at the smutty toad. Now they were trapped in the cab his lustful scent was so thick around her that she wasn’t sure she could bear a long journey like this. She cracked open her window and his reaction was immediate. “You don’t get sick do ya? I don’t have time to clean up puke.” “No, I don’t get carsick. I just need some fresh air.” She leaned her head against the cool glass and closed her eyes, hoping he’d get the message and leave her the hell alone. She needed a lift, he offered, but damn she wasn’t going to allow his filthy hands to touch her. No, definitely not happening. If he tried he’d find out just how much of a mess he’d have to clear up. Most of it would be his own blood. DD fell silent, Marissa relaxed as her thoughts wandered to the mess she was in and how the heck she was going to get out of it. Her father was a stubborn son-of-a-bitch and it looked like he wasn’t giving up anytime soon. At this rate, she’d be on the run for the rest of her life, or until her father dropped dead, or worse, caught her. She’d had no choice! She couldn’t allow him to basically sell her for sex just to get a leg up in the Pack, for him of course, not her. No. All she’d be was a plaything for the Alpha who’d hopefully impregnate her and she’d produce a son. Yeah, great life. Not.
The mere thought of her old, stinking, and sexist Alpha touching her had her skin crawling. She couldn’t do it under any circumstances so she guessed she’d just have to up her game and keep on running. Either that or join a Shifter Biker Gang and get them to take out her father and whoever else was with him. Now where would she find one of those and what would she have to do to get them to do what she wanted?
No idea and far too much she concluded just before slipping into an uneasy sleep.
Marissa wasn’t even aware of having fallen asleep until a hand on her thigh tore her from her slumber, springing upright she glared at the hand, swiping it away. “What the fuck?”
She saw they were parked up and it was dark outside, luckily with her enhanced Shifter abilities she could see where they were, and that wasn’t comforting. Nope. They weren’t in a carpark beside a roadside motel, café, or anywhere else she supposed these rigs stopped at. What she saw was trees, trees, and more trees, with no lights visible which meant no humans. Marissa’s lip tugged up at the side. DD probably thought this would scare her, terrify her even, but to her this was good news. It meant she could be herself and it would be the sleazy slime-bag in the cab that would be terrified. That DD had brought her here told her all she needed to know, mainly that he’d done this before. With a truck this size no driver would just go off-grid without knowing exactly where they were going, so this sleazy little shit knew where he was. Fucker. Marissa inhaled a deep breath to try and calm the anger that simmered just under her skin, ready to unleash in a frenzy of fangs and fur. “What’s going on? Why have we stopped and just where the fuck are we?” DD gave her the sleaziest look she’d ever seen,
and living in the Pack she had, that said something. His hand reached over again, trying to touch her but she waggled a finger at him, frowning. “Answer my fucking questions before I lose my temper. Trust me, you don’t want me to do that.” “What? You Dr. Banner or somat?” he laughed, spittle flying from his mouth. “Are you crazy or just nuts? Maybe both? Who the hell is Dr. Banner?” Marissa’s anger rose further at his apparent loss of sanity. “Come on, darlin’, you must know Dr. Banner. Ya know, he says stuff like you just said then turns into that big green monster.” Marissa shook her head to clear it, certain she must still be sleeping and having a weird dream. “Just tell me where we are so I can get on my way.” “No, you don’t want to do that.” He waved his arm around. “We’re surrounded by forest for miles and there’s wild animals out there that’ll hunt you down and rip you apart so quick you won’t know what’s happenin’ ‘til it’s too late. Better to stay here and we can get to know one another and then we’ll carry on.” Marissa couldn’t help but laugh. “You have no idea what you’re talking about. There’s nothing out
there,” she thumped her fist on the window next to her, “that I’m scared of. I just need a heads up of the approximate area of where we are.” What she really needed to know was if she stepped outside if she were encroaching on another Pack’s land. She’d researched for weeks before leaving to locate known Packs and she didn’t want any trouble, or get into the wrong Alpha’s hands, aka one who was friendly with hers. “I told ya, it’s not safe,” he sidled over, his hands reaching for her again. “Now’s the time to say thank you for your ride.” “Hell no,” she growled, no longer able to hold her beast at bay. The sound reverberated around the enclosed cab, loud enough to send him scuttling back to his side with eyes wide as saucers. “What the hell was that?” His head spun to the window, looking outside for the threat he thought was there. “How many girls have you brought here to say thank you? One, five, ten, more? I bet they’re terrified with your stories of wild animals ready to attack.” “Hey, I’m just getting my due. It’s well known you girls have to pay, one way or the other.”
“No, it’s not, and I’m not paying.” Marissa grabbed her backpack. “If you know what’s good for you then you’ll stay right there. I’m leaving.” She opened the door with the hand behind her back, her eyes never leaving DD’s until she’d jumped down and out of the truck. Marissa lifted her nose to the air, sniffing for any nearby Shifters, relief surged through her when she found none. A hard hand grabbed her shoulder, spinning her around to come face to face with a red-faced and angry DD. “What the hell do you think you’re doing? You can’t just leave without . . .” Marissa could stand it no longer, her fingers latching onto his and bending his wrist painfully. She used only a fraction of her strength, but it was enough to force his hand from her body and bend at an awkward angle. His shout of pain brought a smile to her face. “Fuck off and if you try this shit again with anyone else, trust me, I’ll find you. I can track you anywhere and you’ll wish you’d never tried this shit.” She allowed her fangs to descend, her eyes to shine, and her face to ripple pre-shift. He sprang back, terror masked his face as he ran for the truck.
“You’re one of them.”
“I sure am.” She let out a low rumble, growling once more before she turned on her heel and marched into the forest.
eyes feel full of grit. You two found anything yet, because I’ve got zilch.”
“Hey, stop bitchin’, you’ve only been here for a couple of hours,” Ash threw an empty soda can at Royce who was on the floor, his laptop on the coffee table as they trolled through the archives of their Pack, and Shifters in general.
“Sorry, I’m still tired. Last night was busier than usual and I swear it must’ve been a full moon or somat, ‘cause there were plenty of loonies in the club.”
“And Shade was just one of them.” Ash chuckled. “I might be losing my mind to this hunger shit, but I’m not a looney tune just yet,” Shade quipped back, forcing himself to eat from the pile of chicken next to him and not to transform and go hunting for another deer. “Fuuuuuuuuuuck,” Ash sat up straighter, pulling his screen closer, his finger running along it as he read something. “What?” Shade and Royce shouted at the same time. “Wait up,” Ash held up a hand. “Gimme a minute, this is, wait, hold on. Yes! I’ve found it, I’ve found out what’s wrong with you.” “You have?” Shade’s body tensed, every muscle tightened so much it was painful as he held his breath. “Well, tell us, numbnuts!” Royce yelled. “Or I’ll. . .” “Shut up and let me process this into a language that you’ll understand,” Ash ground out around a warning growl, his eyes never leaving his screen. Shade’s heart thudded in his chest so fast he was sure he was on the verge of having a coronary, his beast howling in his head with . . . he wasn’t certain but it felt like anticipation. What the heck? “Okay, are you ready for this?” Ash sat back, his eyes finally leaving the screen to lock with Shade’s. “Tell me. Do I need to start looking for my replacement?” His fear of doing just that coursing through him like scorching hot lava. “You need to stay calm and don’t start shouting at me until I’ve finished.” Ash raised an eyebrow. “Get on with it,” Shade said in a voice cold and calm, and he wondered how he’d managed that when his insides were in a tumult of emotions he never experienced. Ones like apprehension, indecision, and downright fear. “The legends of old, and I’m talking about centuries ago, talk about this great Hunger, and yes, that’s with a capital H. It’s something that can affect a Wolf, usually an Alpha, but any strong leader, even a Beta, but in all cases it takes over them completely. They’re out of control and focus only on the Hunger, trying to stem the increasing need to hunt and feed.” Shade smirked. “Yeah, we’ve got that bit, Ash. Tell me something I don’t know. Something fucking useful, like how I get rid of it and get back to normal.” Ash shook his head, his face as serious as Shade had ever seen it which sent another round of fear lashing through him.
“Sorry, Shade, according to this you’ll never be the same again. There’s only one cure and I doubt you’re gonna like it. If it’s true, then your life will definitely be changed forever,” Ash said cryptically which almost tore Shade from his chair to grab his Beta by the throat to get him to tell him what he needed to know. “What’s wrong with him?” Royce asked, his voice quiet and filled with worry. “Stop mucking around, Ash, just fucking tell us.” Ash’s eyes flicked back to the screen, reading as he spoke, his usual serious tone far more so than normal which amped Shade’s concern to levels he didn’t think he was capable of as he tried to concentrate. “Okay, so it says that this Hunger always, and it reiterates that it is always an indication that the Wolf afflicted by the Hunger, well, that their one true soulmate is nearby and that she may be in trouble. The Wolf has to accept this and once they do the Hunger will disappear and they have to go in search of their mate. It’s the one, and only way to cure the Hunger.” Royce whistled through his teeth as Shade’s body collapsed against his chair, shaking his head. “What? Ash, stop playing games. What does it really say?”
Ash turned to Shade, his face telling him all he needed to know before he uttered one word. “I am, Alpha. I swear that’s what the Archives say. It gets worse. It says if the Wolf affected doesn’t accept this and fights against it, that they’ll go crazy. As in looney tunes nuts. You’ll end up with the Council coming to haul your ass away before you hurt anyone, Shade.” Shade slid his laptop to the floor, rising to pace around his home which suddenly seemed much too small. His Wolf whining in his head pitifully as if in great pain. He ran both his hands through his hair. “Holy fucking shit. This can’t be happening. I don’t fucking want a mate. Can you see me with a mate in tow?” Royce tilted his head to the side, eyeing Shade then nodded. “Sure I can. You’re Alpha, Shade. Let’s be honest, this playboy lifestyle you’ve been living isn’t viable for a good Alpha. You and the Pack need stability, and we all know that comes with having a mate by your side, and with the pups that comes with that.” “Stability?” Shade roared. “I’ve given the Pack that, in fucking spades. I’ve worked my ass off to do that, haven’t I? I’ve got our businesses up and running, made them profitable and provided for the Pack so that everyone benefits. Or am I wrong? Tell me I’m wrong.” Ash held his hands up. “Hey, we’re not saying you haven’t done all that, and more. But you also have to admit that the way you’ve been living has to stop at some time. Doesn’t it?” “Well, yeah, sometime.” Shade acquiesced grudgingly. “Not now. I’m not ready for this shit. A mate is . . . fucking huge.” Ash joined him, clasping his shoulder in one of his huge hands. “I know it is but you have to accept this, Alpha. You can’t ignore this or it will get worse. It says you should ask your Wolf, so why don’t you try that? What’s it doing right now? Is it still fighting to go hunt? Or not?” Shade pulled from Ash’s grip, storming away to pace again. He refused to admit, just yet, that his beast had quietened down the moment his Beta had mentioned a soulmate. That it was, at this very minute, urging him to go find their mate. Hell no. He wasn’t disclosing that knowledge right now. Not
until he’d processed this shit in his human brain, and it was that side that was having a problem with all of this. A mate meant no more partying. No more one night stands. No more spending the nights at The Den with a bevy of girls on his arm. Hell, it meant his life ending as he knew it and he sure as fuck wasn’t ready for that. Was he? No. “Shade Shawcross!” A bellow from outside his cabin had them all turning, Ash and Royce frowning and rushing to the door. The voice did not belong to one of their Pack but Shade knew it. Damn. Royce reached the door first, opening it with such force it swung back to slam against the wall. “Who the fuck . . .” He stopped when he saw who stood waiting for them, Ash at his side as they strode outside, Shade beside them. Ash scowled as he pointed to his sentries who were with the three Shifters. “What the hell are you doing allowing this trash inside our camp?” “They said they had an important appointment with the Alpha.”
“Yeah, we do,” the taller of the three said, smirking. “I’ll deal with you two later. Get back to your posts.” Ash snarled at the guards before turning a growl on the interlopers. Shade stepped down the stairs of the porch, stopping on the bottom one and crossing his arms. “Well, well, if it isn’t the Triple D’s, Dale, Derek and Dennis Evans. Shit, you all look so much alike how does anyone tell you apart? Talk about inbreeding?” All three snarled viciously, Dale, the oldest stepping forward, his blond hair and blue eyes mirroring those of his brothers. “You upset our little sister, treated her like . . .” Shade held up a hand, stopping him. “Are you serious? She told you about that? How fucking degrading that she came to you three dimwits and told you how easy she is. I told her then and I’ll tell you three now, she’s not my mate and never will be. So, guys, on your way before I lose my temper because today is not the day to test my patience.” Derek, the middle of the three, jumped forward, barely a foot separating him and Shade, his eyes glinting with temper as he poked Shade’s chest. “You led her on. Told her you’d make her your mate and Alpha and then forced yourself on her. That’s what you did, Shade Shawcross, and we won’t stand for that. No fucking way.” Derek prodded Shade’s chest again. Shade moved so quickly none of them saw it, grabbing Derek’s finger and bending it back until he heard it snap. Rapidly followed by his yell of pain and indignation. “First, I did not tell her any such thing, and second I have never forced myself on any woman. I understand that if your sister told you that then you’re obviously feeling outraged, but I’m telling you different. So, here’s the situation, boys, you either turn around and leave or I whoop all your asses right here and now.” Derek’s eyes closed to slits, glaring at him as Dale stepped forward, pushing his brother out of the way. “You expect us to believe our baby sister lied to us? No way would she do that.” Dennis didn’t look so convinced, his eyes glancing to his brothers’ then Ash and Royce. “What about them?” “They’re not involved in this,” Shade replied, shrugging. “This is between you three and me, simple. But, I’ll say again, the information you have is wrong and you have one last chance to turn around and walk away.” The three brothers stepped away, looking at each other, and it was obvious they were weighing up their odds. The adrenaline of being amped up with outrage at the perceived slight against their sister possibly dimming. That’s what Shade thought right up to the minute they spun around and flew toward him midshift, all at once, Shit. Shade dropped and rolled to the right, barely managing to miss the tangle of fangs and claws as the trio landed in a heap on his steps. Damn! The trio looked alike even in their Wolf forms. Shade had already instigated his own transformation, quickly changing into his formidable Alpha beast. His wolf was striking, the darkest shade of brown with a silver streak across his chest, his animal growled at his opponents before deciding on his course of attack. As the brothers were still entangled he leaped forward, grabbing a free hind leg and tugging it free furiously. His teeth biting deep, using every ounce of strength in his powerful jaws until he heard the satisfying sound of bones crunching as the Wolf howled in pain. Shade shook his opponent furiously to ensure the wound would not heal quickly. He’s the stupid fuck for coming onto his land to challenge him. He’d be mending that crushed leg for some time and he was definitely out of the fight. Down to two. While he’d incapacitated one, the other two had regrouped, prowling before him with snarls and growls that filled the silence and bringing out a crowd to watch. Shade ignored everything except the threat, determined to get this over and done with quickly so he and his Betas could get back to more important business. Like keeping him sane. His beast took that moment to lift its head to the sky and howl as it snarled in his mind. “Mate, now. Needs us.” Trixie’s brothers slunk forward, one bolder than the other, his paw reaching out to rake across Shade’s side. He jerked sideways, missing the fearsome claws, while jerk number two tried the same from the other side. These in-breds obviously fought together often enough to have a drill: one distracts, the other attacks.
Not happening. Shade spun around, his hind legs kicking out to land a massive blow to one head, stunning the beast, while his jaws and claws went to work on the other. He knew he’d have to work fast, before the stunned Wolf rose to attack his rear. If not he’d be in trouble so he used every ounce of his impressive strength, jaws ripping an ear clean off, his claws finding purchase in the soft underbelly and ripping ferociously. The beast collapsed, a highpitched sound unlike any howl Shade had ever heard tearing from its throat as it lay thrashing on the ground.
His Wolf turned back to the only opponent left, his face dripping with blood, lips drawn back and fangs on show as he snarled a last warning. His meaning clear: back off now or suffer the consequences.
The remaining brother’s beast looked at his two fallen siblings, whining, before transforming and rushing to the one Shade had just finished with. The gaping wound in its belly seeping blood onto the ground to disappear into the hard-packed earth. “He’ll die! You need to help him. Please. He’s gonna
die. That’s a mortal wound.”
Shade’s Wolf shook its fur, a roar of triumph filling the air before he morphed, shaking his head at the man kneeling next to his dying brother. “I gave you the option to leave. And what did you do? The three of you attacked me without warning. You deserved to die. All of you. But I’m not the bastard you seem to think of me so I’ll allow our Healer to try and help him. But I’m warning you now. Do not ever come onto my land again and tell that bitch you call a sister to stay clear of me, my land, and any of our establishments. None of your family is welcome.” Royce jumped down, picking up Shade’s tattered clothing, and ruined boots as Ash led Lana over to the fallen Wolf. “Hell, those were my favorite boots.” Shade shook his head, turning back to Ash. “Ash, get your guards to keep an eye on this lot. Lana, do what you can but be careful, these fuckers are not trustworthy so make sure you have guards with you at all times.” “Certainly, Alpha,” Lana replied, not looking up from her task of attempting to save the beast’s life. Royce followed Shade back into his cabin, muttering, “Damn stupid fucks. What did they expect going up against an Alpha?” produced a child for him. If it was a girl, she doubted the child, or her, would live for more than a few minutes. What was that saying about a rock and a hard place? Yeah, that’s where she was right now. Terror ran through her as she fought to put one foot in front of the other, not sure how long she’d been going, but it must be almost a day. The sun was already lowering and soon darkness would fall and she was still trying to thumb a damn lift. Not one of the cars had stopped when she’d heard them and rushed to stand, hand out, desperate for them to stop and offer her not just a lift but a lifeline. Her only deliverance from the nightmare she found herself in, and it was one of her own making. Then again, the other option had been to stay and be handed over to the Alpha. Her choice had been clear. She didn’t have a decision to make, not really, because she just could not let that mangy mutt put his hands on her, even if he was an Alpha. Her life hadn’t been great up until then, but at least her body in that respect, had been hers. No man had touched her, not just because she
“If they ever come back I won’t be so lenient,” Shade growled. “I’m going to get cleaned up then we’ll get back to that business we were working on.”
“I’ll be here, waiting patiently for you to come to your senses so we can go find . . .”
“Not another word, Royce, not one more,” Shade snarled, disappearing quickly before he did something he’d regret, like punching his friend in the nose.
keeping out of sight of the road. She’d been rushing through the area since leaving that idiot trucker the previous night. She was tired and hungry but knew she couldn’t stop. She couldn’t risk it. Not when she realized he hadn’t gone nearly far enough. After only an hour of making her way the previous night she’d felt the tingle again in her mind, the next hour it grew stronger and stronger. Finally her father’s voice in her head chilling the blood in her veins. “I can feel you, daughter. I’m coming for you and you’ll pay for your desertion.” Shit on a fucking brick. She was in deep trouble and needed to find another way out of the area, fast, or they’d find her and then her life would be over. Or
didn’t want any of the men in her Pack, but her father wouldn’t let anyone near her. He kept her pure so he could bargain her away to the Alpha for his own gain. “I wonder if I’m the only twenty-three year old virgin left?” she muttered, a giggle escaping her. One that was devoid of humor, instead it sounded on the verge of madness to her ears. “Finally losing it, Marissa.” Marissa heard another engine heading her way. Before rushing to the road, she sent out her enhanced senses but found no sign that the vehicles inhabitants were anything other than human, so she jogged up through the bushes and onto the verge. She plastered a smile on her face and held her hand out, thumb up and hoped this time they’d stop. A dark blue car came around the bend, old with scrapes on the bumper and stickers too many to count. They were so overlapped she couldn’t read any properly, even with her eyesight. They just looked like they’d been plastered on to cover damage, some did, some didn’t. Heck, she didn’t care, all she needed was a ride. The car slowed and her heart soared. A young woman was driving, her face pinched, and her bottom lip was being fiercely nibbled between her teeth. Marissa saw the indecision in her eyes and when she saw the baby seat next to the driver, Marissa knew she wouldn’t stop. No mother would and she didn’t blame her. Marissa was on her own, in the middle of goodness knew where, dirty and bedraggled. She probably looked like an escapee from the nearest sanitarium. Hell, yeah, drive on, Momma, don’t stop for the crazy lady in the middle of nowhere. And that’s exactly what happened. The driver faltered for a moment before speeding up, one hand leaving the steering wheel to land on her baby’s sleeping head. Marissa’s heart sank but she forced her feet to move. “One in front of the other, repeat. It’s not rocket science, girl, just do it.” She retraced her steps down to the relative safety of the forest, where she felt more at home anyway, but she also was not freely visible either. On and on she walked, hoping that one of the dang cars would stop already. One measly ride, that’s all she needed right now.
showered and dressed, he felt surprisingly good. “So, did that idiot live? Or do I have to make a call to his Alpha to break the news?” “He’s alive, but Lana says it’s still touch and go. She doesn’t want us moving him for several days.” Ash slumped onto the sofa, shaking his head. “Do you know what the stupid son-of-a-bitch did?” Shade raised an eyebrow. “You mean apart from coming here and challenging me over something that didn’t actually happen?” “Well, yeah, that too, but no.” Ash sat up, nodding to the Royce. “Better get a phone ‘cause that moron attempted to transform while Lana was working on him. So, he’s mainly human, mostly, but it’s the strangest damn thing I’ve ever seen. Anyway, Lana
says he doesn’t have enough strength to do anything else right now, transform fully either way, and because he’s mostly human it’s gonna take longer for him to heal. That’s if he survives the night. Lana was a bit sketchy on that. The other one is on his way back, in Wolf form, to heal with his own Pack, and the third one, is with his brother at Lana’s. He seems genuinely sorry and keeps thanking Lana for helping his brother. I swear, Shade, that little fucking bitch Trixie has a lot to answer for.” Royce cursed and Shade did too, a partial shift was never a good condition to be in, for either human or beast. “Did she knock him out with something? And I suppose I should call their Alpha and fill him in on what’s happening. I think I’ll let him know Trixie’s involvement too, she needs to be held accountable for this. She fired them boys up and pointed them in my direction because I told her I had no intention of mating with her. Yeah, I was an ass, and I apologized for that, but this is just wrong. She must’ve known they wouldn’t have stood a chance against me? They’re not even Betas, for fuck sake.” Royce fished through Shade’s tattered clothing, found his phone, and threw it to him. “Here you go.
After you’ve dealt with that we need to return to our other business.” “Yeah, I know,” Shade replied, resigned to discussing what had been found earlier. For now, he had a difficult call to make. “I’ll be back as soon as I’ve dealt with this shitload of trouble.” He decided to talk to the brothers’ Alpha from his office, in private. At least that way if things got heated his Betas didn’t need to hear, or get hot under the collar as they were sure to do. They were his friends, but they were also his seconds and that meant when he had a problem they took it to heart. He didn’t need their support for this. Shade could deal with this standing on his head blind drunk, but both Ash and Royce were already hyped up. A private call was the way to go. Less than two minutes later it was over and done with and with a better result than Shade had expected. He couldn’t wait to share with his boys. Shade whistled a tune as he joined them in his living room, their heads spinning to stare. “Hey,” he shrugged. “It went better than I’d hoped. Those brothers are in trouble with their own Alpha for taking it upon themselves to come here as they did. Plus, little tricky Trixie is also in hot water for firing them up with lies. He knew I was telling the truth, even though I didn’t even get to that part. His words were along the lines of, ‘That little slut puts it about and then when she doesn’t get what she wants she sends her brothers in after telling them a tall tale. Stupid girl thinks we don’t know, but we do. This is the last straw. She and her brothers are outta here.’ Okay that’s kinda word for word, but he did say he’d allow them to recover first.” Royce nodded his head, a grim look on his face. “Harsh, but if she, and in turn, they have done this before then he’s well within his rights to banish them. They’ll have a hard time finding a Pack to take them in now.” Ash agreed. “Yeah, but it’s of their own doing so I, for one, have no sympathy for any of them. Especially Trixie. She’s a real troublemaker that one.” “She’ll be gone soon enough,” Shade replied. “As far as I’m concerned it’s over and done with.” “Right.” Ash crossed his arms, staring hard at Shade. “Have you and your beast had a talk?” Shade opened his mouth to answer and his Wolf picked that precise moment to howl in his mind. The same phrase over and over, so loud Shade’s hands flew to either side of his head, pain lancing through him. “Shut up!” he roared, bending forward as his beast continued. “Find her. Find her. Find her.” His Betas raced over, grabbing hold of him as he fought with his Wolf. Royce’s worried voice whispering. “Alpha, what’s wrong. Ash, what the fuck’s wrong with him?” “I don’t fucking know! I didn’t read anything that mentioned anything like this. Maybe we need Lana.” Shade managed to raise a hand, gasping. “No, nobody else. Just give me a minute.” He focused on his beast, attempting to calm his Wolf. “I can’t do anything if you don’t stop this.” One last pitiful word tore through his head, “Please.” Followed by silence. “Thank fuck.” “What just happened?” Ash asked as Shade stood, shaking off their hands. “My fucking Wolf just happened.” Shade inhaled, filling his lungs to capacity before blowing it out slowly. “I think we’ve got a job on our hands.” “Yeah?” Royce bounced away, his face lighting
up. “Are we going on a mate hunt? Cool.”
Ash stayed close to Shade, his eyes searching his face. “Your beast is in agreement? That’s very clear in what I read, that you both have to decide to do this.” “I’ve not got a choice, Ash,” Shade admitted. “My Wolf is definitely on board with this insane idea. I’m coming along for the ride to see what happens. Do I believe in old legends and soulmates that need rescuing? No. But I can’t deny what’s going on with me lately, and my beast is pleading with me to do this. So, you two lug-heads, we better get going before I change my mind and decide to just go and get drunk instead.” Ash didn’t respond, merely started to undress and leave his clothes on the nearest chair, Royce joining him. “Oh hell,” Shade mumbled as he tore off his own. “How do I do this? Just let this crazy animal take the lead, or what?” “Yes,” Ash answered simply before walking outside. “Wonderful,” Shade bit out as he followed, wondering why he felt as if he were walking to his
doom.
against a thick tree-trunk. She couldn’t remember sitting down, far less falling asleep, but exhaustion must have finally overtaken her. But if the way she was feeling was anything to go by, she hadn’t slept long. Her eyes stung with weariness as she rubbed them with the back of her hands, stretching her legs to ease her aches she wondered what woke her. Her thoughts a jumbled mess of what must’ve been a dream, visions of a huge dark brown Wolf, with a silver streak on its chest, tumbled through her mind leaving her feeling . . . unsettled and dare she admit. .. aroused. Her beast yipped an alarm in her head at the same moment terror invaded her body, overtaking the feelings she’d experienced on waking. All thoughts of her dream fled as she sprang to her feet, the threat to her safety all encompassing: her father was near. “Damn it!” Marissa started to run then stopped, realizing she may just be running straight toward him in her haste. She tried to calm herself, no mean feat when his presence filled her with dread, and sent out every sense available to her. Even her family link, which caused nausea to roll through her belly and a cold sweat to break out over her entire body, quickly followed by her father’s voice slinking into her brain. “I can feel you. Don’t think you can escape.” “Fuck!” Marissa cursed when she comprehended just how near he was. But now she knew he was south of her position so she turned and took off in the opposite direction, heading deeper into the woods. Her legs pumping as fast as they could, using every part of her speed to race through the unknown land, looking for a hiding place for her belongings and then she’d transform. Hopefully she’d lose her dad, and anyone with him, then be able to return for her meagre possessions. If she survived. The odds of that were low. Marissa wasn’t an idiot. She was aware that if her father caught her then her chances of surviving weren’t good. Not when she was going to fight him tooth and nail because she was not going to allow him to return her to the hands of her Alpha to be nothing more than a sex slave. Not happening. Not while she had a breath left inside her and the will to fight. At least she’d die a free Wolf. Not a slave to her dad or the Pack that treated women as badly as hers did. Marissa saw a large oak tree ahead, her eyes catching sight of a large hollow at the base. The perfect place for her to stash her things, so she veered toward it, already pulling off her jacket. Adrenaline pumped through her system as her blood rushed through her like a tidal wave, the noise almost deafening in her ears as she slid to a stop. She threw her backpack into the hole, struggling with her jacket, almost getting it off but she’d been so focused on escaping her father that she’d failed to search her surroundings for any other Shifters. A large bear of a man appearing from behind the tree and grabbing her around the neck, his arm so tight it cut off her oxygen. Her feet left the ground, kicking futilely as she scratched at his hands. His foul breath washing over her as he snarled at her ear. “Caught you, bitch.” And he wasn’t alone. Two more men appeared, their eyes lingering on her for too long as they raked up and down her body. Oh shit. No. She couldn’t go back. She just damn well couldn’t. Tears filled her eyes, spilling over to run down her cheeks. Despair, anger and fury rampaging through her. Determined to die before returning to a life of hell she made the decision to transform the moment she could. She’d rather go down fighting than go anywhere with these filthy mutts. “Don’t let go of her,” one of the men in front snapped. “She’ll change if you do. Who’s got the silver?” Marissa snarled, her heart sinking further at the mention of silver. Shit, if they managed to get any on her then it was game over. She’d never be able to transform if they subdued her with that poisonous shit. She started to struggle for real, throwing her head back with every ounce of her strength. The resulting crunch and shout of pain from her restrainer gave her a little consolation, especially when his hold relaxed enough for her to draw in some much needed breaths.
“I’m gonna kill you.” He shook her around in his massive hands, his voice nasal, thick and full of menace. “Good,” she snarled back, kicking his shins over and over, hoping he’d carry out his threat. One of the others bent over, laughing. “You can’t even take care of one girl.” “She’s a fucking bitch,” he answered, shaking her again. “Yeah, you’ve said,” the other replied. Marissa realized she should know their names, they were from her Pack, weren’t they? But her mind wasn’t working properly for some reason, and she just couldn’t put a name to any of their faces. Why? Fear? Shock? Adrenaline? She wasn’t sure, all she knew was her brain could only focus on one thing: fight or flight. “Stop choking her, you dimwit, you’re going to kill her. She’ll be no use to me, or the Alpha, if she’s dead.” The voice slid over her like a snake slithering up her body, snaking inside and coiling in her belly. Marissa’s blood turned to ice and for a split-second
she thought she was going to lose control of her bladder. The all-consuming terror of her father’s presence did things to her she was ashamed of, her beast whimpering instead of growling, her fight slowing, ebbing from her as he came into her line of sight. The man who should look after her, take care of her, and be the one she ran to not from stood before her, his smirk evil and cold as he ran a finger down the side of her face. She jerked beneath his touch, cringing away from him, her stomach roiling and ready to puke up her fear. Marissa slammed her eyes shut, her mind playing tricks on her. Maybe if she refused to look at him she could pretend he wasn’t there, because if he was, and he managed to subdue her then her life was well and truly over. Another tear broke free and slid down her cheek, her heart tearing apart in her chest. No. No. And hell no. Marissa shook her head. Refusing to believe this was happening. She couldn’t have gone through this, managing to escape that hellhole only to be dragged back again. Please, no.
was on fire. Royce and Ash right behind him as they ran at full speed. His beast seemed to know where he was going and ran with an urgency that spoke of life or death.
“Alpha, do you know . . .”
Shade cut Ash off before he continued, small talk wasn’t on the agenda. “No, he knows where he’s going so just try and keep up.”
His friends struggled to keep up as his beast’s speed increased. He sped along as if Demons from Hell itself were chasing them, a frenzy rampaging through him like nothing Shade had ever experienced before. It was unsettling but he also felt more alive, his heart pumping furiously as his claws threw up dirt and leaves, finding purchase before leaping high to
clear any obstacles in their path. On and on they ran, the trio ranging to the outer limits of Pack land where his Wolf veered left, heading along the edge of their land but still seemingly on a course to where, or who, Shade had no idea. He could feel his beast’s urgency though, loud and damn well clear. His Wolf knew something he didn’t, his paws scrambling for purchase over a muddy embankment, a snarl escaping as he fought to reach their destination. He tried to communicate with the frantic beast. “What’s wrong?” “Needs us, danger.” Shade couldn’t help but feel the despair running through his Wolf, mixed in with a large dose of fury, but he had one last question. “How do you know all this?” “Goddess.” Was his answer. Well, if that were the case who was he to disagree? Shade no longer argued internally with his Wolf, feeling his delight at that as he raced through, around, and over anything that stood in their way. A flash of a vision sprang into his mind of a woman, young with long dark hair and eyes like pools of dark chocolate, her beauty taking his breath away a moment before her fear slammed into him. She wasn’t just scared. She was filled with absolute terror, and she wasn’t alone. Who was there with her wasn’t clear but whoever it was had this young woman so scared she couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think, and he could feel her pain. It was as if her heart were physically tearing apart inside her chest. The agony of it ripping free a roar from his throat to reverberate around the forest, causing limbs in the trees to tremble and leaves to flutter to the ground. His rage consuming him as he streaked onwards in a desperate bid to reach her before . . . he wasn’t sure. But he knew in his gut she was in deep peril and he was her only redemption. His beast darted around several large trees, a sweet and tangy aroma wafting toward them, but it was marred with the scent of fear. Shade knew, without a shadow of doubt, that his was who they sought. This scent was her, the woman he’d caught glimpses of, the beauty who was terrified. The one they had to save. This scent that assaulted his senses, settling inside him as if it had always been there was unmistakably the one the Archives spoke of. This was no wild goose chase. This was not nonsense, or drivel, or the thousand other words he’d come up with. Fuck, no. This was real, she was his mate, and she was in trouble. She needed him. Now. The feelings coursing through him were . . . outlandishly scary and he couldn’t begin to understand them. He hadn’t even met this girl, didn’t know her fucking name, anything about her. Yet he knew he’d fight to the death for her. How the hell was that even possible? Only hours ago he was dead set against the idea of a soulmate. Yet here he was stampeding towards only the Goddess knew what and ready to battle anything that was a threat to the woman he’d barely had a glimpse of. Hell, he’d tear anything, and anyone, limb from limb for harming a hair on her head, and he didn’t even know her name. “Alpha,” Royce interrupted him, his voice growing urgent. “Alpha! Slow down. I can hear voices ahead.” Damn it. If he’d not been so focused on his internal thinking, he would’ve heard them too. Their voices loud in the silence of the forest, more than one, and the sound of soft whimpering: his mate! Despite Royce insisting he slow down, Shade sped up, crashing through bushes and sliding to a stop when he saw a group of men. One holding the woman he’d seen in his head, her feet dangling off the ground. Her face white with fear but her eyes full of defiance as she spat in the face of an older Wolf standing in front of her. They hadn’t yet noticed his arrival, the man raising a hand to strike the young woman as he snarled. “You’re a bitch and you’re coming back with me and you’ll do as you’re told.” Shade transformed quickly, striding forward, his voice rumbling a threat. “Stop!” All eyes turned to him, five men in total. The oldest, the one who was about to slap the girl, scowled at Shade. “Who the fuck are you to tell me what to do?” Shade didn’t stop, continuing until he reached his mate. He glared into the eyes of the Shifter holding her. “Release her. Now.” “I said . . .” Shade spun around, snarling. “I’m the Alpha whose land you fucking dogs are on.” He turned back, grabbing hold of the man’s hair who still had
his mate in his arms. “I said, release her. Do it now or I’ll break your damn neck.” The man slowly let go, his arms opening to the side and stepping back. “She’s ours. That’s her father and it’s up to him to take her back to our Pack.” Shade looked as his mate rubbed her throat, coughing and drawing in gulps of air, before he turned back to her . . . father. Shit. What kind of parent treated their child in such a manner? “This is my land and it’s my decision who stays and who goes. I say you go and she stays. Leave now before I lose my temper and make you pay for trespassing. Which is my fucking right.” Every cell in his body thrummed with the need to lash out at these interlopers. Not just for being on his land but for their obvious mistreatment of the young woman now standing next to him. She’d shuffled closer to him the moment she was set free, so close he could feel her body shaking next to his. Her fear hadn’t abated. It still rolled off her in waves, her eyes going around the men and then back to Shade. Maybe she doubted his ability to take on five and win, but she didn’t know him. Yet. These idiots were no match for him. Besides, he wasn’t alone, and it
was then that Royce and Ash made an appearance, having circled around and coming in on either side of the group. Their Wolves snarling as they prowled back and forth, their warning clear: leave or die. Her father eyed his Betas before staring hard at his daughter. “You’ll regret this, daughter. I swear you will.” “The only thing I regret is not sticking a knife in your heart before I ran,” she snapped back at him, fire in her eyes before she spat at his feet. Her father turned his eyes to Shade. They were cold, dark, and full of hatred. “I think we’ll meet again, Alpha.” “I hope so,” Shade growled. “Leave. My patience has, as they say, left the goddamn building. Pack up your mutts and get off my land.” If it weren’t for his mate, Shade would not have left it like that. No. He wanted to fight. His Wolf wanted to rip into those that were still an obvious threat to her, but he could sense her weakness. She was barely able to stay upright, for all her grand show of defiance, he knew she was on her last legs. He had to get her home, safe, and get Lana to have a look at her. His mate needed help and he couldn’t waste time
feeding his rage for vengeance. Not now.
Shade stayed alert until they were out of sight. “Royce, follow them and ensure they don’t follow us home.” His Beta’s Wolf spun around and shadowed the men. If they didn’t do exactly as expected, then Shade would soon be alerted. Ash stayed with them, his Wolf still vigilant, his eyes and ears attentive for any threat as Shade turned his attention to the most important person in the universe; his soulmate. “Hi, I’m Shade Shawcross, Alpha of the Silver Lake Pack, and this is my land.” He held out his hand formally, nerves suddenly making an appearance which was a first for the normally suave man. “Thank you for helping, my name’s Marissa Farrar,” she said, leaning down toward the oak they were beside. “Sorry, I hid my stuff here.” She picked out a backpack, swinging it up on her shoulder. “I was going to transform and try and escape in Wolf form. Guess that didn’t go down so well.” “Guess not.” Shade smiled down into those chocolate brown eyes he’d caught a glimpse of earlier in his head. That short vision didn’t do them
justice. They were like dark pools that he was sure he could dive into, they were so . . . wait. . . they were dimming as he stared at her. Marissa’s face turned chalky white, her lips turning a pale blue, and then her legs gave way beneath her.
Shade caught her before she hit the ground, scooping her up into his arms, as he grabbed her pack. “Shit! We need to get her home, Ash. Stay close and guard us in case those cocksuckers try anything.”
Ash’s light brown Wolf nodded its massive head, a low rumble in its chest as he began to lead the way back. The journey far slower on the return and causing Shade to curse time and again as Marissa lay limply against his chest.
took. It seemed like hours as they trudged through the forest, Royce joining them part of the way back. Shade jogged, not wishing to run at full speed for fear of harming his precious cargo. He wasn’t certain what ailed Marissa but he wasn’t taking any unnecessary risks.
He couldn’t help himself glancing down at her every few moments. Taking in the beauty of her features, her small nose, full lips, heart-shaped face, but at the same time he saw the dark circles beneath her eyes and the paleness of her skin. She felt cold and clammy, her dark hair sticking to her face, her heart beating slowly. Too slowly for a Shifter, and that worried him far more than anything else. What had she been through for her body to be in such a state?
This was long-term neglect. Not a few days of going without food, but something far worse. Damn. Now he wished he’d taken the time to rip those men apart because her father would have to be complicit for his daughter to be in this condition. And the way she’d responded to him, well, that spoke fucking volumes. Shade hoped he did see her father again, because next time he would not hold back. Next time her father would feel the full force of his wrath and anyone he brought with him would suffer the same fate. Lowering his head, he inhaled, ingraining her scent deep inside him, body and soul, animal and man. Shade ensured he’d be able to find her again if ever they were separated. Never again would she be able to hide from him, whether of her own volition . . . or forced. He’d easily track her from here to the ends of the earth and nothing would stand in his way. Certainly not her father or those dogs he’d brought with him. He’d keep her safe, no matter from what or who. No matter the price, it didn’t matter. Shade would pay it, for this woman in his arms meant everything to him. “Holy shit,” Shade muttered aloud, his feet faltering as the enormity of it slammed into him. “She’s my soulmate.” Ash’s snout nudged his thigh, whining. Shade chuckled. “Yeah, I know. You told me so. But damn, Ash, this is . . . incredible. It’s, shit, I can’t describe it. It’s out of this fucking world.” Royce’s Wolf let out a soft rumble, which sounded suspiciously like laughter. “All right, Royce, no need to rub it in. Remember, I’m still Alpha, and I can give you the crappiest jobs to do if you piss me off. For now, why don’t you go ahead and get Lana to my cabin. Tell her I have a very important person that needs her help.” Shade saw Royce’s beast rush away with the knowledge that the Healer would be waiting on him and that settled him, slightly. His concern was still high though. Marissa was still out cold with no sign of her coming around. What worried him most was that her beast hadn’t attempted to take over, if it had been him, then his would have transformed him immediately to heal him. Marissa’s skin hadn’t even rippled, telling Shade her Wolf hadn’t done what most would. Was it also too weak? His mate was in bad shape, and it was down to him to ensure not only her safety, but also her wellbeing and that weighed heavily on Shade. More so than his Alpha duties to an entire Pack. He never imagined the enormity of finding a soulmate would have such a profound effect on him. He, Shade Shawcross, the toughest Alpha in the area, and he was being brought to his knees by the pain he felt for the suffering of a woman he’d only just met. Was this what it felt like to have a soulmate? Hell, it hurt. Like nothing he’d ever imagined possible and this was only the beginning. How in blazes did people survive this? How did they function with all these damn feelings running rampant through them? Shade wasn’t sure he had it in him to do this. He wasn’t used to dealing with emotions but the alternative was unthinkable, unbearable, and agonizing to even contemplate. No. He knew he couldn’t survive without Marissa by his side. Come what may Shade would have to man the hell up and deal with the baggage that was part and parcel of finding his soulmate. Emotions and feelings included. Well, damn. He’d have to hide that well. It didn’t fit with his rep he’d worked so hard to build up and he wouldn’t allow anything to take away his Alpha status, or what he’d accomplished for the Pack. Shade didn’t have a clue how he’d do that but he would work it out. He always did. When he emerged from the forest and saw his cabin, the relief that flooded through him took his breath away. His feet speeding up to a slow run to reach his home and the Healer he knew would be waiting. Shade wanted nothing more than to hand over the woman in his arms to someone that knew what to do. His own lack of knowledge as to what ailed her stung his pride more than he cared to admit. He was Alpha and it was a rare occurrence that he wasn’t in control of a situation, but this, this was something he couldn’t fix and it was like a knife being twisted in his guts. It was a physical pain, deep inside, growing by the minute and he needed to know Marissa was going to recover and be at his side. His Wolf hadn’t stopped whining the entire journey home. Although somewhat assuaged that they’d located their mate, its agony that she was sick affected it just as much as it did the man. Shade had given up trying to talk to his beast. It just wouldn’t
listen to him anymore so he’d tried to shut it out, but it had been difficult and added to the stress building inside him. Royce waited for him at the door, dressed and looking like the cat that caught the proverbial canary. “Lana’s waiting in your room.” “Thanks.” Shade rushed through the living room and up the stairs, his long legs reaching his bedroom quickly. Lana’s eyes opening wide when she saw Marissa in his arms but she said nothing as he placed his mate on the bed. “I don’t know what’s wrong with her. She collapsed and she’s not regained consciousness since.” Lana sat beside Marissa, her hands moving Marissa’s dark hair from her face and feeling her forehead before peeling open her eyelids to stare inside. She remained silent as she examined her from top to toe, removing Marissa’s clothing as she went. With each item that fell to the floor, Shade’s heart sped up until it was racing in his chest. Marissa’s skin was pale, with several scars that had his blood boiling and his teeth grinding. Lana glancing over at him several times as he growled in anger. “She’s in bad shape, Alpha.” Lana sat back,
turning to look up at him. “She’s underfed and it’s not recent. It’s been a long-term situation and, I don’t need to point out that she’s been abused. There’s scarring here that’s not been allowed to heal. If she were permitted to transform, then her Wolf would repair any damage so there wouldn’t be any scars. That’s not what happened, but I don’t need to explain that to you.” “No, you don’t.” Shade snapped, fury growing inside him like an inferno. “What’s wrong with her and can you help?” “I think she just reached the end of her endurance, Shade. Quite simply, she couldn’t take anymore. She needs rest, food, and plenty of TLC. She . . .” “Her name is Marissa and she’s my soulmate.” Shade’s eyes bored into Lana’s, conveying the importance of the woman on his bed. “I see.” Lana nodded. “Well, Marissa needs to be taken care of, Alpha. She will heal but I can’t be sure if it will be days or weeks. I can set up a drip, for now, until she regains consciousness. After that she needs plenty of good nutrition and lots of patience and love. She’s going to be scared, Shade. If her body is any indication of the life she’s led, then she’s not
had a happy one. You need to be . . . kind.”
Shade’s eyes lingered on Marissa, his mate lay before him and even though she was skinny as hell, with scars and skin so pale it was almost translucent, she was the most perfect and beautiful being he’d ever seen. “I’ll take care of her myself. With your help, Lana. We need to ensure her recovery. She means . . . everything.”
Lana rose, her hand patting his crossed arm. “I know, Shade. I know. I’m sure we can sort her out. It might just take some time. I don’t think she’s going to trust easily but the mating bond will surely help with that. Now, why don’t you go and organize plenty of supplies for her while I give her a wash and set up the drip?”
“Supplies?” Shade asked.
“Yes,” Lana said, smiling. “I doubt you have items that she’s going to need. Female things like shampoo, conditioner, clothes, underwear, all the things she’s going to want and need to make her stay more comfortable when she wakes. Or, do you want me to do that?”
Shade frowned. “No, I’ll do it. But I’m not sure on sizes.”
Lana cocked her head to the side as she looked down at Marissa again. “I’d go with the smallest you can get. She’s pretty tiny, well, for now anyway. Until we can get some meat on her bones.” “Okay, I’ll deal with that now and then I’ll be back.” Shade reached down, running a hand down Marissa’s cheek before leaving quickly. Everything inside of him screaming to stay but knowing he had to provide for his mate pushing him to go. Ash and Royce anxiously waiting for him at the bottom of the stairs. “How is she?” Ash asked as soon as he saw Shade. “Still out cold. Lana is putting in a drip for now. I’m going to get some supplies for her. Royce, stay here and guard her. Ash, get at least three more around the cabin. I want ‘round the clock duty until I say different. I’ll be back shortly.” Shade didn’t wait for a response, rushing away to get what he required. He wanted to return as quickly as possible, every second he was away from Marissa seemed an eternity and his stomach clenched with anxiety that he wasn’t by her side. He sped through the camp, arriving at their stores warehouse and going inside to bark out a long list of items. The two Shifters on duty moving like lightning to accommodate his rare appearance. Shade rarely went to the store in person. He’d ask for what he wanted and it would appear in his home. The perks of being Alpha. So, for him to arrive was a novelty, and had the workers rushing around to get what he wanted, even though he could see their surprise as everything was obviously for a female. He gave them credit though, not once did they make a query on anything he requested. Even when he’d asked the She-Wolf on duty about the fancy item she had in her long hair to hold it up, she didn’t bat an eye, merely told him what it was. He’d nodded and asked if they had them, and she’d said yes, and ran to get him a selection. With Marissa’s long dark locks, Shade thought she might want something like that. If not he could throw them in the bin, no loss. Soon he was on his way home, arms laden with packages galore and the ache in his belly eased with each step that brought him nearer to his mate. Shade noticed the extra guards in place, easing his concern for Marissa’s safety. Ash and Royce sitting on his porch steps drinking beer when he arrived. “A hand would be good.” Shade interrupted their relaxation. “You have two already,” Royce quipped back, before he rose to help. “Jeez, Shade, what’s all this?” “For Marissa, she needs stuff. Lana sent me to get her some things.” Ash grabbed a few precariously balanced packages. “Looks like you cleaned out the store.” “Don’t be ridiculous,” Shade snapped. “I got the basics, that’s all.” “Hells fire, if this is the basics I wouldn’t like to see you going overboard.” Royce laughed, following him inside. “Just put those on the table and I’ll get them later.” Shade moved to the stairs but Ash stopped him. “Alpha, can we talk? You’re obviously going to be otherwise engaged for a while so we need to discuss running the camp.” “Ash, you and Royce are more than capable of taking care of things for a couple of days.” Shade looked over his shoulder. “If I’m still otherwise engaged then, you can come by and we can talk again. For now, please, just leave me in peace. I’ve a lot to process and none of it is going to be easy for me. You two, of all people, should know that. I just need a couple of days to get my head around all of this and then I’ll be fine. For now, I need to get back to her and make sure she’s okay.” “Sure,” Ash said quietly. “We’ll take care of things but I need to know if it’s all right to let the Pack know about . . . you know?” “Lana knows and I doubt she’ll be able to keep it to herself. I guess it would be better coming from you two, as Betas. Just explain Marissa’s been hurt and that’s why I’m not announcing this myself. I’ll introduce my mate to the Pack just as soon as she’s fit enough, and not a moment sooner.” “I’ll get right on that,” Ash replied formally. “Everyone will be excited but they’ll also understand, Alpha. I’ll make sure I’m here to field the well-wishers that are sure to arrive.” “Thanks.” Shade inclined his head. “Royce, are you all right to take over the full running of The Den for the foreseeable future? I’m not sure when I’ll be able to return. I’ll have my hands full with Marissa for a while, according to Lana anyway.” “I’ll be fine, Shade, don’t worry about it.” “Great, thanks to both of you, for everything. I know I’ve been a pain in the ass but I appreciate your help. To be honest, I’m still in shock about this, but I know she’s mine. There’s no doubt about it, she’s my soulmate and I have to devote my time to ensuring she recovers, and then I guess we’ll see what happens next.” “Pups, lots and lots of pups.” Royce guffawed. “You’ll be knee-deep in them.” “Shut it!” Shade snarled half-heartedly before turning his back on his friends and loping up the stairs, desperate to return to Marissa.
to her as if she were awake, telling his mate about Silver Lake Pack and, more importantly, that she was safe. Lana turned when he walked in, her eyes twinkling when she saw the large number of packages he carried. “Did you leave anything in the stores?” “Yes, of course.” Shade strode to his walk-in wardrobe, depositing Marissa’s supplies on the large dresser in the middle, before returning to the bedroom. “How is she?” he asked, looking down at Marissa, now covered by his comforter. “She’s stable. I’ve attached a drip to keep her going for now. It’ll keep her hydrated and it’s got my special something added to it that should help her. I’ve washed her and as I didn’t have anything to dress her in, I hope you don’t mind, but I put her in one of your t-shirts.” “That’s fine,” Shade replied quietly, sitting on the end of the bed, taking one of Marissa’s hands in his gently. “Alpha, do you want me to unpack her things for you?” “Yeah, if you don’t mind. There’s plenty of room in there, on the right,” Shade said absentmindedly, his thoughts focused on the prone body in his bed. Marissa’s pale face and dark circles gave her an ethereal appearance, her beauty unsurpassed in Shade’s eyes. He’d never seen anything as stunning in his entire life and he longed to see her lids open so he could stare into those dark pools of chocolate. Shade couldn’t wait to connect with his mate, as a Wolf should have very soon after first meeting. Unfortunately, they didn’t get that opportunity, what with her father and his band of merry men there, and then she’d collapsed. Hell, his beast was desperate to meet hers, hunt together, run wild together, and have her submit to his while he marked her as his. Damn, that was what he craved right this minute. Shade could almost feel his fangs piercing her delicate skin, taste her blood as it swam over his taste buds to flow down his throat, and his cock as it . . . no. Don’t go there. Not now. “Fuck!” Shade shook his head, clearing it of the thoughts that clouded his mind. “Are you okay?” Lana’s question causing him to jerk around. He’d forgotten she was still there. “What? Yeah, I’m concerned about Marissa and I’m still getting used to having found her.” “I can understand that.” Lana smiled. “I now know why the discs of the Archives were suddenly so important.” Shade refused to look at her, not wishing to lie, but also not confirming anything either. “I’m glad you found her, Alpha. If I may add something. I think she’s been running on empty for some time, but when you found her she must have sensed she was safe, even if she didn’t have time to recognize what you were to her. She knew inside she could let go and that’s why she finally collapsed. She instinctually knew that you’d protect her, Shade.” Shade tilted his head, looking between his Healer and his mate. “You think?”
“I do. Hey, I’m your Healer and know ‘bout this shit. Anyway, that’s my thoughts on it and it will be good for the Pack to have you mated, and it will be good for you too. A soulmate is something precious and will change you in so many ways that I can’t begin to list them all. I wish you nothing but happiness, Shade.” “Thank you, Lana.” Shade turned his full attention to her now, smiling. “I appreciate that.” “I’ll come back tomorrow morning and see how she is. For now, all you need to do is keep an eye on her. If there’s any change, call me and I’ll be here before you can say lickety split.” Shade raised an eyebrow. “And when in hell have you heard me say that?” “You know what I mean,” Lana replied grinning. “I’ve got to go check on my other patient, he’s not healing well, I’m afraid.” “What? Who?” Shade asked, concerned that he wasn’t aware that a member of the Pack was injured. He hadn’t felt anything through his link to the Pack and was horrified that he’d not picked up on the fact that one of his people was in pain. Had he been so self-obsessed that he’d not felt it?
“The Evans brother, Alpha, he was gravely wounded and with that partial shift palaver, well, let’s just say it’s not been easy for him. I think he’ll be here for a few more days before I’ll feel comfortable moving him.” Relief flooded through him when he realized that he hadn’t neglected one of his Wolves, at the same time as concern at having one of the Evans’ brothers still on his land. “Shit, I’d forgotten about him. Be careful, Lana. I don’t trust any of that lot, especially as their Alpha advised me he’s banishing them because of the trouble they’ve been causing. They’re not going to be overjoyed when they find that snippet of information out. Keep your wits about you and ensure there are guards on him, and any visitors, at all times.” “I will, don’t you worry. He gives off a vibe that’s just wrong. I’ll do my duty as a Healer, I can’t help admitting that I’ll be happy to see him leave.” Lana visibly shivered, rubbing her hands over her arms. “He’s not right, Shade, definitely not right.” “Tell me ‘bout it,” Shade agreed. “I’m sure there’s been inter-breeding in that family. Apart from the fact they all look like clones, their scent is . . . off. I’ll be happier when they’re gone. Remind Ash on your way out that I’m unhappy that the Evans guy is still here and I want guards doubled on him, around your cabin, and to add another one here too. I’m not taking chances with Marissa’s safety.” “As you wish, Alpha, I’ll pass that on.” Lana collected her things and with one last look at Marissa she left him alone with his mate. Shade went to work moving the bedside drawers and pulling his comfy armchair next to the bed. He wanted nothing more than to lie next to her, take her into his arms and hold her safely in his embrace. At the same time, he worried that she’d waken and be terrified. In a strange room, in bed and being held by a stranger. Not the way he wanted to introduce himself to the woman that meant the world to him. However, he did want to be as near to her as possible, so the armchair situated next to her was as close as he could get. His arm able to reach over and touch her, soothing his beast, his heart, and his soul. His eyes never left Marissa’s body, ingraining every detail that he could. Those details were limited with most of her body covered by his comforter, but he could spend a lifetime studying her face alone. The freckles that sprinkled across her nose, the merest hint of a small mole on the underside of her chin, her dark lashes that were so long and curled upward without any need for mascara. Those were only a few of her beauty points, and he hadn’t even started on her long auburn locks that held a dozen different shades. Her hair started with dark chocolate, with golden tints, with unusual hues of red working their way through her long tresses.
Shade couldn’t resist running his fingers through her silky mane, longing for the day he’d grasp it in both hands as passion filled her face. He’d ensure to do that often. Shade wanted to give her everything, pleasure in abundance, love in copious amounts to fill her so full she’d never think again of the scumbag father she’d left behind, and of course he would give her anything her heart desired. No matter what it was, he’d do whatever it took to make it happen. Hell, he’d even take her to Disney if that’s what she wanted.
“Hold up,” he mumbled, chuckling at the obscene lengths his mind was going to. “That’s taking things just a bit too far.”
“What is?” Ash asked.
Shade’s head lifted to find his friend leaning on the doorframe, arms and legs crossed. Shade saw Ash’s lips tugging up at the side. “How long have you been there?” “Long enough to see a miracle happening before my very eyes. It’s wondrous to see you like this, my friend. How is she? Any change?” “No,” Shade admitted sadly. “She’s just the same.” “I’m sure she’ll be all right. Lana’s confident she will be and she’s rarely wrong.” Ash stepped inside. “I just wanted to reassure you that I’ve put extra guards at Lana’s cabin, and here, but I’ve also added a couple extra sentries around the camp too. Just in case. We’ve got a precious person here to keep safe and I take that duty seriously.” Shade gave him a curt nod, emotion thickening his throat. “Thanks, Ash. I know you do. That’s why you’re my Beta and why I gave you the most important job in the Pack. The one of keeping everyone safe, not just me, or now Marissa, but every single person here.” “Hey, don’t go getting all sentimental on me,” Ash blustered, his cheeks flushing with pride at the complements. “I’m just checking to see if you need anything? Royce and I are going to go and get some food from the mess hall and thought you might want something brought back.” “Yeah, sure, anything will do so long as it’s hot and a beer would go down well too.” “Okay, we’ll be about an hour.” Ash glanced at Marissa. “She’s awfully pale.” “I know, but Lana says she’ll be right as rain once she wakes up and we can feed her up.” “As soon as she’s awake I’ll get out hunting for some fresh meat for her. There’s nothing like fresh deer meat roasted on the grill to get an appetite going again.” Shade chuckled. “Ain’t that the truth.” “Sure is, see you in a bit.” Ash nodded then left Shade to his thoughts once again. His hand reaching for one of Marissa’s, his fingers linking with hers gently, he stretched his legs, allowing his head to fall back and closed his eyes. A short nap would do him good while he waited on Ash returning. With his mate’s hand in his he remained connected to her and he finally relaxed, lids drooping, until he fell over into a dreamless sleep.
When he woke, Shade saw it was pitch dark outside, checking his phone he saw it was two in the morning. Damn, Ash had obviously not disturbed him but now he was ravenous but he didn’t want to leave Marissa. He sent a quick text and when his friend replied immediately Shade couldn’t help but smile. “I’m downstairs, be up in min.” Sure enough, Ash appeared shortly with a tray of food, freshly warmed up. “It’s just out of the microwave but I didn’t want to wake you earlier. You needed to rest.” “Thanks,” Shade whispered, taking the tray and devouring the food while Ash sat on the window seat, leaning forward, arms on his knees. “Have you tried contacting her?” Ash asked quietly. Shade stopped chewing the burger in his mouth, frowning then raising an eyebrow in question. Ash shook his head as if Shade should know what he meant. “Your Wolf, you know, in your head via your bond. Have you tried that?” Shade quickly rid himself of the food in his
mouth, almost choking as he swallowed. “What? No, we’re not mated yet. I don’t think that would work until after we’re actually bonded.” “It might,” Ash returned quickly. “We don’t know, that’s the point, Shade. She might respond to your Wolf on a subconscious level or what about actually sealing your bond now? I’ve heard of other Wolves doing that when their mate is injured and they do it to help heal them?” Shade shook his head firmly. “No, Ash. I couldn’t do that. It feels wrong to force that on her. I want this, so fucking bad, but I won’t force it on her. She’s not injured in that way. If she were I’m sure I’d think differently about it, but she’s not.” Ash sighed. “I suppose you’re right, I’m just trying to help because I can feel your turmoil, Shade. Sorry if I overstepped. You can think about trying to contact her beast though, that can’t do any harm, but you can leave that for tomorrow. Let her rest tonight and try in the morning. See what happens, if it works then great. If not, at least you tried.” “I guess it can’t hurt,” Shade conceded. “I agree I should wait though. She needs rest and I won’t disturb her tonight. Thanks for the food, Ash.”
“I’ll be staying until she wakens,” his friend advised firmly. “I won’t leave until I know she’s going to be all right. Your attention will be on your mate, as it should be, but that leaves you both vulnerable and I can’t have that.”
Shade’s throat closed, emotion rolling through him as his friend rose. He managed a nod but no words made it past his lips. Ash stopped at the bedroom door, looking at Marissa then back at Shade. “She’s going to keep you on your toes. Don’t ask how I know that. I just do.”
Shade smirked, his eyes lingering on his prone mate. He’d thought the same thing more than once since he’d found her. Visions of her spunk when she’d faced down her father running like a loop in his head. She was full of fire and strength, that was for sure. When he looked over to answer his friend Ash had already left, leaving Shade alone with his worry once again. Not a condition he was used to and one he wasn’t comfortable with but feelings he’d need to suck up and deal with. At least until Marissa awoke and he knew for certain that she’d be all right.
Only then would Shade’s intense fear for her abate.
T he long hours of night dragged by so slowly that
Shade wondered if time had slowed somehow. He grew jumpy, anxious, and bad-tempered. The first two were new to him, the last not so much, but all he wanted was for morning to arrive so Lana would come by to look Marissa over and advise him that she wasn’t declining. She didn’t look as if she were, not to Shade’s eyes, and he’d spent hours scrutinizing Marissa closely. He was certain her pale skin wasn’t as white, a faint hint of color now staining her cheeks. Or was that just wishful thinking on his part? He’d also felt her fingers twitch once or twice while he held her hand. That definitely wasn’t a figment of his imagination. He’d almost fell out of the chair when it happened the first time, leaning forward eagerly to see if she were about to wake up. Unfortunately, that did not
occur, but it did give him some hope in an otherwise bleak and lonely night. When the sun’s rays finally broke over the trees Shade breathed out a long sigh of relief, now counting the minutes until Lana arrived. His impatience growing as time passed. Ash appearing with breakfast didn’t improve his mood either, until finally he’d asked his friend to summon the Healer. Shade could wait no longer to test Ash’s theory but didn’t want to proceed until Lana had given him the all-clear. He would never do anything to endanger his mate in his own haste for a connection but he was growing desperate for that first tendril of their bond to connect him to Marissa. Shade still held her hand when Lana rushed into the room, her face flushed and concerned as she asked. “What’s wrong?” “Pardon?” Shade looked at the state of her clothing, obviously thrown on in haste. “Ash said I had to come immediately. Has something happened?” Lana put her satchel on the bed before starting to check Marissa. “Shit, sorry. I didn’t mean for that to happen. I just needed you here to check her and so I could ask you something before, well, before I tried something that Ash suggested.” Shade finally released Marissa’s hand, standing to pace back and forth anxiously. Lana stopped her inspection of his mate, turning to stare at Shade, hands on hips. “I see. I don’t actually, I assumed something was wrong and almost had a heart attack in my haste to get here. But I’m glad nothing’s amiss, in fact, on my first short look at her, she looks to have some color back but I’ll check her properly in a minute. Tell me what you’re talking about first.” Shade continued to stomp around his room, his heart thudding hard in his chest. He inhaled deeply before explaining what Ash had said, waiting on his Healer’s response. Lana cocked her head to the side, tapping her chin for several moments as she thought before answering. “I can understand why Ash said what he did, but I agree that forcing a mating would not be a good idea. You’ve seen her scars, Alpha. They testify to a life that’s been harsh and not one of her choosing. Taking away her choice in this isn’t something I’d advocate. Now, the other part, about your Wolf trying to contact hers, that’s another thing entirely. I can’t say for sure if it will work, or not. An
Alpha is stronger than any other Wolf, so possibly your link will be too. I guess it’s worth a try, Shade, but let me check her over first. Okay?” Lana returned to her examination of Marissa, checking her closely for long minutes that seemed to last an eternity. Shade’s nerves were strung so tight he wasn’t aware he’d made a sound until Lana’s head spun around, eyes wide and fearful. The growl in his head must not have only been inside his mind. Shade merely shrugged at the Healer who slowly stepped away from his mate. “Well?” Shade asked, his tone sharper than he’d intended. “She is better than she was yesterday and I think she’s progressing well. If you want to attempt to reach her then you should try that now, while I’m here. If it works and she wakens then I can remove her IV and we can get her some chicken broth to start her off.” Shade’s stomach suddenly felt as if he’d taken a leap off the highest cliff imaginable, doing all kinds of weird somersaults as he returned to the chair beside his bed. Glancing at Lana he had to confirm. “Are you sure I won’t harm her?”
“No, you won’t, of that I’m certain. I just don’t know if it will work, that’s all.”
Shade took hold of Marissa’s hand, linking their fingers once again. He now knew every part of that hand, every line, every joint, every small bump of her joints as if it were his own. It was soft against his rough skin but he noticed it wasn’t as cold as it had been to begin with. Shade closed his eyes, focusing on his inner Wolf asking for its help. If ever he needed his beast it was at this moment and luckily he answered his plea.
In his mind, he saw his dark beast lift his head, howling in search of their mate before taking offin a swift run through a forest he was unfamiliar with. Shade didn’t recognize the landscape as his beast darted around rocks and trees, leaping over a stream to land sure-footed on the far bank to drop his snout to the ground in search of her scent. His Wolf searched back and forth for long minutes before her aroma assaulted his senses and nothing could hold his beast back from there on. He sped onward, following the fragrance of their mate as it grew stronger, leaving the forest behind and heading toward a mountain range.
His beast ran on and on, his large paws eating up the ground until finally it slowed, easing toward a cave opening where the odor of his mate hung in the air. Shade watched as his Wolf walked inside the darkness, his eyes taking in the dark interior of the cave in search of any predators. He sensed nothing, only the presence of his mate further back in the dark cavern. His Wolf carried on fearlessly, intent on reaching his elusive mate, turning a corner to find her lying cowering and backed up in a corner. Her lips curled back in a snarl, warning him off, fear permeating the air surrounding her. His beast lowered his stance, attempting to show the scared beast it was no threat, a soft whine emitting from his throat. Marissa’s Wolf faltered, her head cocking to the side, but still snarling fearfully. Shade decided to intervene, talking to his own animal. “She’s terrified. You have to calm her and tell her she’s now somewhere safe and it’s okay to wake up. Tell her that her father is gone and she’s with a Pack that will protect her.” His beast slowly approached, his body language conveying more than mere words ever could, before finally lying prone before Marissa’s to expose his
belly and throat. Never in a million years did Shade ever expect to see his Wolf do such a thing. The sight causing his heart to tighten in his chest. When his beast slithered forward, licking Marissa’s muzzle, Shade moaned aloud as pure unadulterated emotion flooded through him, body and soul. It took him a moment to hear Lana’s voice calling him, and then he felt Marissa’s fingers tightening their hold on his. Shade opened his eyes, sitting forward so fast his head spun as he gazed down at Marissa. Lana sat on the bed opposite him, her hand on Marissa’s wrist as she spoke nineteen to the dozen. “Hells fire, I’ve no idea what just happened, but she’s coming out of it, Alpha. Her pulse is stronger and just look at her color!” Shade was looking. His mate no longer looked near death, her pale skin no longer white as the sheet she lay on, but now tinged with a slight red hue on her cheeks. His heart soared when her eyelids fluttered, opened, closed, then opened again. A look of fear marring her dark brown orbs as she looked between him and Lana then back to him. Her gaze stayed on his face as he leaned closer, smiling. “Hey
there, glad to see you finally awake.”
“Who are you and where the hell am I?” Lana’s hand rested on Marissa’s shoulder when she tried to sit up, pushing her back to the pillow. “Stay where you are. You’re still weak . . .” Marissa’s head turned around, her skin puckering as she frowned. “I’m not weak, never have been and never will be. Just answer my questions. Where the heck am I?” Lana’s hand shot away, palms outward. “Sorry, didn’t mean to offend you.” Shade fought to keep from chuckling as he gazed at Marissa’s outraged face, he tugged on her hand and her eyes whirled to their joined hands then up to his face. He raised an eyebrow, daring her to pull away but she didn’t attempt to, instead she asked again. “Where am I?” “You’re in my bed, in my home, and in my camp. I’m . . .” “Shade,” she interrupted. “You’re Shade Shawcross, I remember, I think. You saved me from my father. Didn’t you?” “Yes.” Shade nodded, relieved that her memory didn’t appear to be affected from her collapse. “You
passed out and you’ve been here since we brought you back. Lana has been helping me take care of you.” Marissa looked over at Lana. “Sorry, didn’t mean to snap. Well, I sort of did, but that’s ‘cause I didn’t know where I was or who you were. Thank you for looking after me.” “That’s okay, sweetie,” Lana laughed. “I’ve heard a lot worse while taking care of a patient. Here, let me get that IV out and then I’ll go get you something to eat and drink. Then we can discuss your recovery with the Alpha.” Marissa waited until Lana left them alone before saying anything else, and what she did say surprised Shade. Her face flushing as her free hand covered her face. “Shit! You’re an Alpha and I fainted at your feet! How embarrassing! And please don’t tell me your Wolf is dark brown with a silver streak on its chest, because I just had a very weird dream before I woke up, but it wasn’t really a dream. It was telling me I had to wake and that I was safe but it was . . . damn, it was weird. It was a dream, wasn’t it?” Shade couldn’t stop his chuckle this time. She was adorable but wild, just what he needed in a mate. “Sorry but that wasn’t a dream. I used my beast to connect with you. You didn’t look as if you were
going to come out of that sleep anytime soon and I
was worried. My Wolf used our link to find you.” He added the last bit, sat back, and waited.
Marissa intently as his words sank in. Her body reacted first, her muscles stiffening, the hand over her face moving so her fingers opened so she could peek out at him. Her eyes wide as saucers and a blush making its way up her throat and finally covering her cheeks. Marissa’s chest rose and fell quickly as her breathing increased, the palm encased in his suddenly grew moist and she tried to tug it free. Shade refused to relinquish his hold and kept it firmly encased in his as he watched her process everything. Her voice was a high-pitched squeak, when she dropped the hand covering her face, and looked up at him. “Our what?” Shade tilted his head, losing himself in sheer beauty of her eyes. “Our link. You must feel it, Marissa.” He could see that she did but she seemed reluctant to accept it. Why? He was about to ask just that question when Lana arrived back with a tray of chicken broth and fresh baked bread. “I sent one of the guards to mine to pick this up,” Lana said as she nodded to Shade. “Could you help Marissa to sit up and use pillows to support her, please, Alpha?” Marissa struggled to sit up, her face full of indignation as she argued. “I’m fine. Really, I am. I feel better than I have in ages. That sleep did me the world of good.” Shade ignored her, reaching behind her and pulling her up with one of his arms at the same time as stuffing pillows behind her back. Her closeness to him as he held her was intoxicating, her scent billowing around him as she swatted at him to release her. Shade chuckled down at her red-faced indignation, going so far as to place a quick peck on her forehead before laying her against the pillows. “There,” he said, grinning. “Here you go.” Lana handed over the tray,
Marissa grabbing it before Lana had the chance to place it on her lap. “I said I’m fine. Stop fussing.” “You weren’t fine yesterday,” Shade pointed out. “Indeed,” Lana agreed before addressing Shade. “I need to go and check on that other patient. Make sure she eats plenty and she can have a shower, a short one, then back to bed for rest.” “Excuse me,” Marissa broke in. “I’m right here and I’ll decide what I do and when I do it, thank you very much.” Lana merely shook her head before reclaiming her satchel. “You know where I am if you need me, Alpha.” “Thank you.” Shade nodded as she left, turning his full attention back to his mate who studiously ignored him. He’d never seen anyone focus on a bowl of soup so intensely as Marissa was at that moment. She made some appreciative sounds as she gobbled the broth and bread, drinking the fresh juice that Lana had added to the tray in one go. When she’d finished, Marissa continued to play with the spoon, still refusing to look at Shade. He leaned forward, placing a finger under her chin and forcing her to face him. “We should talk.” “I could do with a shower.” “Later, once we’ve discussed some things. Important things, Marissa.” “I. . .” she stopped, uncertainty and a flash of fear crossing her features. “Let me start,” Shade kept his finger in place, refusing her the option of looking away. “First, you are safe here. You’re in my home and we have guards in place. You have no need to be scared.” “Who says I’m scared? I’m not. I just don’t like being,” she waved her arm around, “like this. Stuck in bed and what in hell am I wearing?” Shade smirked, his eyes roaming over her body that was now visible down to her waist, dressed in one of his white tees. “It’s mine.” “You, you, you . . . did this?” she asked, blushing scarlet. “What? No.” Shade sat back, shaking his head. “Lana did. She washed you and changed you while I went to our warehouse to get you some supplies. She sent me for clothes and other items that you’d need. Although I do admit I was a little upset I missed it.” Marissa took a swipe at him, barely missing his face. “Not funny. We don’t even know each other.” “But we do. Our Wolves know each other. Don’t they? And you know what we are to each other. You can’t deny it, Marissa. No Wolf can.” He saw a gamut of emotion roll over her, so many he couldn’t grasp one before another took over. Her heart speeding up and thundering in her chest so loud he could clearly hear it. “I’m a nobody. How can we be mates? You’re a damn Alpha and I’m a runaway from the Pack from hell. I’m no Alpha, Shade. I can’t be.” Fuck! Her voice rose and fell with fear and longing. His name on her lips tearing him up inside. Shade craved her, needed her, wanted her in his arms. Reaching over he removed the tray, placing it on the floor, then gently picking Marissa up to cradle her in his lap. She struggled for a few moments, before settling into his embrace, her fingers grasping tightly to his shirt. He remained silent as he waited on her calming, the turmoil raging inside her was as loud as if she were shouting from the rooftops. Her selfdoubt rolling off her in waves as she snuggled her head into the crook of his neck, inhaling his scent. That was exactly what he wished her to do. She needed to recognize him as her mate and there was no quicker way than smell for their kind to do that. “Oh hell,” she mumbled. “Shade, the Goddess has made a mistake. I’m not an Alpha, really, I’m not.” Shade gave her a squeeze and started to rub a hand up and down her back. “I’m assured the Goddess doesn’t make mistakes, but before we go there, I want you to tell me about yourself. Tell me everything, Marissa. I want to know why you ran, why you have scars, why your father is such an asshole that I wanted to rip his heart out. I don’t want you to leave anything out. After I know everything, then we can return to what the Goddess has done. Okay?” “You won’t like it, any of it,” she whispered against him, sounding like a scared child. “I don’t suppose I will, but I need to hear it.” And he didn’t like it. Not one word. Marissa didn’t hold back when she explained what type of Pack she’d ran from. The horrendous treatment meted out to females causing Shade’s inner Alpha to howl with anger and grief. In his world, women were revered, cherished, but also allowed to hold positions of power and strength. Hell, some of their fiercest sentries were She-Wolves, but not all women wanted that and that was fine too. Nobody was made to feel they needed to fit into any kind of slot, whether that be the homemaker, or the wild and dangerous fighter. Each and every one was valuable to the Pack and each and every one was cherished and loved. But it was when Marissa spoke of her father and the way he treated her that he nearly lost it. He had to use every ounce of his Alpha power to hide his anger and revulsion from her as she told her story, her tears soaking his clothes and dampen his skin. For every tear shed, he swore he’d make her father pay dearly. Just when he thought it could get no worse, no more depraved or cruel, Marissa revealed the final straw that sent her fleeing the Pack: her father’s plan to hand her to the Alpha for the sole purpose of sex to produce a son. A growl rumbled in his chest, unable to hold it inside any longer, Shade released it, tightening his arms around his mate. “I’ll tear his fucking heart out.” Marissa shook her head furiously. “No, he’s dangerous, they’re all dangerous. I don’t want you
going anywhere near that place.”
“He deserves to suffer for what he’s put you through, Mari,” Shade ran a finger down her face. “He’s a monster, a fucking monster.”
“I know he is but I don’t want you going anywhere, Shade, please. I won’t feel safe if you’re not here, and I hate to admit this,” she lowered her eyes briefly, taking in a gulp of air, “but I do feel safe with you. For the first time in my entire life, but if you leave then I won’t, and it won’t make a difference how many guards there are. If you aren’t here, then I’ll be afraid he’ll come for me.”
Shade lowered his lips, gently kissing the tip of her nose. “So we’re back to what the Goddess has done.”
Marissa shrugged. “I guess we are. I still think she’s made a mistake.”
“Damn, Mari, after everything you’ve gone through, what you fought to survive, and you don’t think you’re strong? Don’t think you’re fit to be Alpha? Hell, I’d argue you’re the perfect choice for me and you’re more than capable of being Alpha. All this Alpha stuff is going to be a breeze compared to what you’ve gone through, trust me, you’re gonna handle all this just fine.”
“You really believe that, or are you just trying to get in my pants?” Marissa asked with a tone that told him she wasn’t joking, but there was something else there. Something she hinted at but didn’t come right out and say. Shade was taken aback when a thought struck him. “Marissa, why was your Alpha so eager to bed you? Is it because nobody else has?” As crimson covered her face Shade got his answer. Well, shit. “Hell, you’re a virgin?” Shade asked, already knowing the answer, but she nodded anyway. Although her cheeks were pink, her eyes were defiant as she stared up at him. “I see. I guess I’ll have to rethink the wild and crazy sex that was going on in my head.” “Wild and crazy huh?” she asked as she prodded his chest. “I think we can work up to that, but I hope you won’t be disappointed and I don’t just mean in the sex department. I’m not exactly what most would call a ‘good catch’ in the mate department.” Shade’s temper rose each time she put herself down. In his eyes, she was perfect. “You are for me.
I’ve already told you, the Goddess doesn’t make mistakes. Are you going to argue with a Goddess? And a word of warning, little Mari, if you don’t stop putting yourself down at every turn, I’m going to get angry. You’re gorgeous, you’re brave, and you’ve got more strength inside you than you’ll ever know. And hey, with me by your side you just can’t fail. I’m a kickass Alpha and nobody messes with me, or mine.” “Gorgeous?” she breathed out, her pupils dilating as the vein in her neck throbbed with her heart rate rocketing. “That’s the one word you took out of that little speech?” he joked, lowering his lips to hers in a chaste kiss, savoring the first taste of his mate as her flavor exploded in his mouth as she opened to him. His tongue gently probed inside, tangling with hers, as she moaned into him. Shade forced himself to pull back, his hand cradling her face. “You’re mine, Mari, forever, and I promise I’ll always keep you safe. Do not ever doubt that, not for a second.” Her glassy eyes stared back, a flicker of doubt still remained. “I’m finding all this hard to take in, Shade.
Yesterday I was on the run and today I’m here, with you, and it’s all a bit much. Ya know?” “Sort of,” Shade replied, smirking. “I wasn’t looking for a mate. Hell, when we found what was wrong with me in our Archives, I can tell you I was more than a little shocked and in denial . . .” “Wait, back up there, big guy.” Marissa frowned. “What’re you talking about? What was wrong with you and what were you in denial about?” “I’ve been a little strange lately. I thought I was ill or something, just couldn’t seem to eat enough to fill me up.” Shade paused, not sure how to describe the all-consuming appetite that had taken over him. Marissa sat up on his lap, her eyes sparkling bright. “Are you trying to tell me you had the Hunger? The damn Hunger, Shade?” He cocked his head to the side, seeing the wonder in her face. “You’ve heard about that?” “Sure I have. The women in my Pack spoke about it like it was some kind of fairy-tale, like a Prince Charming sort of thing. But you didn’t answer my question . . . did you have that?” Shade nodded. “Yeah, but I had no idea what was wrong with me. Royce and Ash, my Betas, they helped me. Our Archives were recently transferred to digital, so we pored through them and Ash found a reference to this Hunger and what it meant. It took some convincing, but finally we took off, and my Wolf led me straight to you.” “Holy crap.” Marissa’s hand flew to her throat. “I can’t believe this, it’s ... sorry, I don’t have anything but . . . holy crap.” Shade chuckled at her awe-struck expression as she stared at him. “I assume that’s a good holy crap?” She nodded vigorously. “Yeah, I take it back ‘bout the Goddess.” “Good to know,” Shade grinned. “I think it’s time we got you showered and then back to bed for you.” “No.” Marissa disagreed. “Shower, yes, back to bed, no. I feel much better so I’m not spending my first day here lying around like an invalid. I promise not to overdo things but I’m not going back to bed. We have a lot to discuss, about, well, this whole mating thing and I don’t want to put that off. We both know the normal way things work with this and my skin is itching like crazy for your touch.” Her face flushed as she finished, looking adorably embarrassed to Shade. “I’m well aware of how things
go between mates, Mari. However, just yesterday you were unconscious and I’m not sealing our bond until I’m certain you’re all right. Why? Because when I do, I want to make love to you for hours on end. I want to adore your body from top to toe, and force so many orgasms from you that you’ll not know what damn day it is. I want you to scream my name so fucking loud that the entire Pack knows you’re mine, baby, and that’s not happening until you’re fit enough to take what I’m going to dole out.” Marissa’s body quivered in his arms, moaning softly, her tongue darted out to lick her lips as the scent of her arousal surrounded them. “Wow, I’m not sure what to say, but wow.” “I’ll show you so much pleasure that you’ll not know what way is up, sweet Mari.” Shade tangled his fingers in her hair, holding her head in place as he pressed his lips to hers in a long, lingering kiss that left them both breathless. When he pulled away, her hands clung to him, her eyes popping open with a cheeky twinkle. “You’re a hell of a kisser. Then again, I’ve not got any experience in that department, so you could be really bad and I just don’t know it.” Shade’s head fell back, laughing. “You cheeky minx. I’m a fine kisser and you know it.” “Hey, just saying.” “There’s one thing I do need to do if you’re determined not to stay in bed.” Shade allowed his fangs to descend. “I need to mark you, Mari. Nobody can be in any doubt that you’re mine and are under my protection. Is that all right with you?” Shade waited for her answer, knowing he couldn’t allow her to roam free without doing this. No way in hell could Marissa wander around without his mark. No fucking way. Any Shifter would feel the same. For an Alpha it was doubly so and Shade’s need to mark her was so intense it was a physical ache deep inside his soul. His beast howling with yearning to ensure no other Wolf would mistake their mate for anything other than what she was. Theirs. Marissa nibbled her bottom lip nervously as she finally nodded. “Yes, I think that would be best. We don’t want any . . . misunderstandings. Do we?” Shade’s relief was instant, his grin splitting his face as he chuckled. “Indeed. I’m glad you see it that way too. I’ve already had my share of fights for the week. I don’t relish having too many more and
hopefully, we can bond soon and that will stop any further problems.” “Are you really sure I’m the one?” She looked up at him, doubt still clouding her eyes. Shade could see deep inside her, the damage done to her from years of abuse and degradation. Her selfworth all but gone. Damn, he’d fix that. “I’m sure. More than anything else in my life, Marissa. You’re my soulmate and you know it, deep inside you, you know it as much as I do. You just have to believe it, baby. We’re two halves that when together we’ll be unstoppable. I worked my ass off to build this Pack up, make it profitable and strong, but I know that together we can make it even better. With you by my side, we’ll make this Pack the biggest and best damn Pack in history. Believe, that’s all you have to do, take my hand, my heart, my soul, and believe.” Marissa’s breath hitched, tears filling her eyes, her hand reaching for the one he held out to hers as she whispered, “Shade, I believe.”
side to gain access to the spot where he’d mark her, not a full mating bite, just enough to alert everyone and let them know she was his. As his fangs scraped her soft skin, he was mindful not to hurt her, careful not to sink his teeth too deep, barely piercing the top layer and allowing a small dribble of her blood to caress his tongue. The sweet taste was intoxicating, heady, and arousing. His throbbing manhood twitched in response to her blood dripping down his throat, her hands tugging on his hair, holding him tightly against her. Marissa’s groans as he marked her were full of passion and longing, her ass grinding against his groin, but he forced himself to pull back, licking across the punctures to seal them before kissing her once more. It took all his resolve not to take things
further but he’d meant what he’d said and no matter how hard it was, he would stick to it. Shade broke the kiss, staring at his mark marring her skin. The sight bringing forth a host of emotions he wasn’t familiar with. First and foremost was a sense of peace, but he also felt concern for his mate. “I hope I didn’t hurt you too much.” Marissa shook her head, her lips tugging up. “No, it wasn’t sore. Is it weird I found it hot?” He laughed, again. “Not at all. I did too, hell, everything about you is hot. If we don’t move soon I think I’m going to explode in my jeans and that would be plain embarrassing. Let’s get you showered before you distract me again.” “Where’s my stuff? I’ll need clothes and my toothbrush and . . .” Shade stood with her in his arms. “All taken care of. I got you new things. Everything from a toothbrush to underwear, and a host of other items. You can check them out after you’ve had your shower and if there’s anything that’s not to your liking we can return them and you can pick whatever you want.” “Really? You shopped for me?” She looked at him as if he had two heads or something.
“I didn’t exactly go to a store,” he told her. “We have a large warehouse here that has stock of just about anything we need, from food to clothes, and everything in between. I’ll show you it later if you’re up to it.” “Jeez, yeah, I’d like to see that.” Marissa’s eyes sparkled when she saw his bathroom as he sat her down on the space between his double sinks. “This is just for you? It’s huge.” “What? The bathroom? Of course, it’s just for me. I like my space and I enjoy a nice soak to soothe my muscles, especially if I’ve had a tussle. The shower is for quickness but Irelax in the bath whenever I get the chance.” Shade looked around at the room with fresh eyes. The space was large, the sunken bath big enough for two and with jets to help ease his aching body if he’d been sparring, or had to put a Wolf in their place. His walk-in shower took up the entire back wall, completely enclosed, with a bench seat and doubled as a sauna. He’d spent a fortune on the room, right down to the mosaic tiles on the floor. But for the first time he saw himself in the bath, and the shower, with another person: Marissa. The possibilities endless as his thoughts tumbled around with ways they could enjoy the room for other purposes other than getting clean or easing painful muscles. He left her to turn on the shower, steam quickly filling the room, he showed her the selection of toiletries he’d brought back. “There’s fresh towels in that closet next to the shower. Just shout if you need me.” Shade turned to leave, her hand shooting out to stop him. “Wait.” “What is it? Are you all right?” “Yeah, just don’t go too far, okay?” He saw her shiver, a sliver of fear sliding over her face as her eyes lowered. “I’ll be right outside the door. I won’t go anywhere, promise. I’ll get cleaned up once you’re finished and then we’ll go downstairs and take things from there.” “Okay,” she replied, giving him a shy smile. Goddess, she was so damn beautiful and she didn’t know it. He reached over, running a finger down her face. “I won’t be far.” She nodded, moving her head into his touch before he forced himself to leave as visions of her naked body lathered with soap sprang into his mind. Shoot, he hoped she’d be fighting fit soon or else he’d have blue balls in no time at all. Never before had Shade been forced to wait for pleasure from a She-Wolf. This was a first, and although it pained him physically, he knew he’d do whatever it took to make Marissa happy. If that constituted him having blue balls then so be it, he might just be spending a long time in the shower dealing with his arousal himself for the time being. Another situation he was unfamiliar with but one he was sure he could handle, he was a man after all. As he set about getting his clothes ready, Marissa started to sing a tune in the shower, her soft voice muffled by the water, but his enhanced ears picking up her song. It was catchy, and she sounded happy which pleased him far more than anything else, a huge smile splitting his face as he moved the tray off the bed and remade it. He’d never had a woman singing in his shower before, he’d had one have a very quick wash before leaving “the morning after”, but that was about it. He’d never felt comfortable having anyone in his space before, with Marissa it just felt different, it felt . . . right. As if she belonged there as much as he did. Hell, she did. That was the point. His words from earlier smacked him in the face. She was indeed his other half. Marissa completed him and he hadn’t even known he was only half a person until now. Shade shook his head, amazed at how his life had changed in such a short time, and he couldn’t wait to see what he and his mate could accomplish together. Because hell, he’d done a lot on his own, now they’d be unstoppable. “Are you all right? You look dazed.” Marissa asked, bringing him back from his daydreams. “Yes, I’m more than all right.” Shade turned around to the vision of his mate. A fluffy towel wrapped around her body and another on her head. “I was just thinking how lucky I was to have found you. It’s still sinking in, that’s all.” “Tell me about it,” she quipped. “Yesterday, I was on the run and today I’m living in luxury.” Shade took in the warmth to her color, no longer did she look near death, and his worry for her lessened. “Not exactly luxury but if there’s anything that you’d like just let me know and I’ll make sure you get it. Anything at all, baby, just ask.” Marissa sat on the edge of the bed, looking thoughtful. “I’ve always wanted a pony. Every little girl wants a pony don’t they? Well, actually, what I really wanted was a unicorn, but I don’t think those are real.” “A pony?” Shade lifted an eyebrow, remembering anytime he’d been anywhere near horses they’d shied away from him. “I’m joking!” Marissa laughed. “Not about the unicorn. When I was a kid, I dreamed of a unicorn coming and flying me away from, well, from my shitty father.” Shade’s face grew hard at the implications of her words, forcing himself not to go there he quipped back. “I’m sure unicorns don’t fly, wasn’t that Pegasus?” “Hell if I know, I was a kid, remember? Anyway, where are those clothes you told me about?” Shade showed her his walk-in wardrobe. “In here. Lana unpacked yesterday so just root around. Anything that’s not suitable just put to the side and we can return them.” Marissa followed him inside, walking up and down, her head going from side to side. “Jeez, Shade,
how much space does one person need for clothes?” She fingered the copious amounts of his jeans hanging up. “For goodness sakes, how many of these do you have?” “I’ve no idea. Why? What difference does it make how many pairs I have?” Shade asked, bemused at her reaction to his wardrobe. She walked back and forth, shaking her head. “I’ve just never seen this many clothes in one place before. I was lucky to have three pairs at one time, and even then, it was only through being sneaky that I managed that. I can’t imagine having this many to choose from. I’d end up spending hours deciding what to put on.” “Nope,” Shade shook his head. “I walk in, pick something up, put it on, and hey presto, I’m dressed.” Marissa giggled, then stopped abruptly when she saw her own things, her fingers running over the clothes he’d brought home for her. Her face flushed, eyes wide, and damn it to hell, a tear ran down her cheek. Shade strode forward, wiping the errant liquid from her face and pulled her into his embrace. “What’s wrong? Did I get the wrong kind of stuff? Sorry, I’ve never shopped for a woman before. We
can take it all back and you can choose your own.”
Her hands clung to him, tangling in his shirt, her face hidden against his chest as she quivered against him. Shade couldn’t figure out what was wrong, her emotions so mixed he couldn’t latch onto one, so he merely held her and gave her time to compose herself. It was several long minutes before she lifted her head, her eyes still glinting with unshed tears, but a smile on her face. “I can’t believe you got me all this stuff. I’ve never had this much before, and you got me just the right things, jeans are my favorite things to be in, and you got me underwear. I mean, brand new underwear that’s pretty and lacy, and, shoot, I’ve never had such nice panties before. I’ll feel special, extra special knowing you got them for me.” Shade smirked cheekily. “I can’t wait to take them off you.” Marissa stepped back, punching his arm. “Away you go. I’m going to spend forever deciding what to wear.” “No, you’re not,” Shade replied, reaching over and picking a pair of jeans with sparkles on the back pockets, a plain sleeveless t-shirt with a checked overshirt, then rummaged in the open drawer for underwear. He settled on a pair of lacy black panties and matching bra, then handed the outfit to Marissa. “Here you go, that’s you sorted for today. There’s also brushes and other hair things around here somewhere. I won’t be long.” Marissa fingered the underwear, her face blushing. “These are beautiful, thank you.” “I may, or may not, have been thinking of my pleasure while picking those out.” Shade held his hands out, shrugging. “Hey, shoot me, I’m a redblooded Shifter.” Marissa merely laughed as he retreated, the tinkling sound was one he wished to hear every single day from now until he drew his last breath.
sat on his porch, members of the Pack dropping by to welcome her. She’d been doing great so far, no signs of nervousness, her bright smile winning everyone over, including several Wolves he’d thought might cause a problem. The only person unhappy to see her was Lana. The Healer scowling as she’d approached and basically giving them both a good talking to for disregarding her “orders”. Shade watched in amazement as Marissa stood up, facing Lana with hands on hips. “Excuse me, Lana, but I think you know my life hasn’t exactly been an easy one.” Marissa paused as Lana’s eyes lowered, her head nodding but the Healer didn’t say a word as his mate continued. “Right, so don’t you think I know what hardship is? Don’t you think I know what my body can and can’t take? I’m fine, honestly, I am. I thank you for looking out for me, but don’t presume to know how I feel, or what I can, or can’t do. If, and I say if I feel tired, then I’ve already told Shade I’ll let him know and he’ll take me inside for a nap. For now, I’m fine and I want to meet my new Pack and get settled in my new surroundings. I hope you can understand that.” Lana looked chagrined as she nodded. “Of course, sorry, Alpha.” Shade beamed like an idiot when she used Marissa’s proper title, but Marissa merely inclined her head, sitting back down and asking. “Oh, I meant to ask, do you have any of that chicken broth left? I enjoyed it so much and I think it really helped me earlier.” Boy! Shade could barely keep from chuckling. This girl was good. Lana smiled. “Of course I have, I’ll get one of the boys to bring you some right away.” “Thank you, I appreciate that.” As soon as Lana was out of earshot, he’d pulled
Marissa onto his lap, nibbling her ear. “Well played, Alpha.” Marissa squirmed, trying to escape. “Shade! People will see.” “So? What’s your point?” “My point is . . . people will see!” Her obvious discomfort causing him to pull back. “And what’s wrong with people seeing? You’re my mate and there’s nothing wrong with them seeing us together, Mari.” “Really?” She looked around, her face flushed scarlet. “I . . . really?” “Really,” he reiterated. “Your Pack is obviously very flawed, in so many fucking ways, but love between mates is never something to be ashamed of. It’s to be celebrated. I’m not saying we have sex where everyone can just stop on by and watch, but this, this is more than okay.” She settled, somewhat, onto his lap, just as Melony arrived, her long blonde hair bouncing around her head as she jogged up the steps, bowing her head in greeting. “Marissa, this is Melony Paradise, she works with Royce in The Den, truth is that Royce couldn’t run the place without her. Melony runs the bar with an iron-fist and takes no nonsense from the customers, Shifters or humans. Isn’t that so, Mel?” Melony’s bright blue eyes twinkled as she grinned. “Yeah, that’s right, Alpha. Royce would be cracking heads all night long if it weren’t for me and my charm.” Marissa seemed awed by Melony but recovered quickly, holding out her hand. “Hi, nice to meet you, Melony. That’s a beautiful name, unusual too.” Melony laughed, showing off her sparkling white teeth. “Melony is my given name, Paradise is of my own making. I changed it when I joined Silver Lake. I wanted a completely new start and I decided a new start deserved a nice new name to go with it. When I first saw Silver Lake I thought it was like a paradise, so, I took that as my name.” “That’s beautiful,” Marissa replied honestly. “Is this just a social visit, or can I help you with something?” Shade asked. “Bit of both,” Melony said as she settled back to lean on the railing. “I’m needing some more help in the club, now it’s crazy busy, and I’ve got a few people interested. I just need your go ahead to start
interviews.”
“Shifters?” Shade asked quickly. His rule for his businesses was always to employ Wolves wherever possible. “Of course,” Melony nodded. “Silver Lake Pack first, but there is one from further afield that’s looking to relocate here. If they’re more suitable then I’ll get them to visit with you first to see if you think they’ll fit in here. If not, then I’ll go back to the drawing board.” “That’s fine, just keep me informed.” “Great, I’ll get started on that. Nice to meet you, Alpha. Welcome to the Pack.” Melony bowed her head to Marissa before bounding away again. “Wow, she’s gorgeous.” Marissa watched as Melony rushed away. “She’s a good asset to the Pack, very good business head on her shoulder’s, and her looks help to pull the guys into the club.” Shade saw the sideways glance Marissa gave him, adding quickly. “But she and I have never hooked up if that’s what you were thinking.” “None of my business if you had,” Marissa replied, although she didn’t meet his eyes. “Hey, what happened before I met you is in the past. Everyone else pales into insignificance against you, Mari, you’re my mate, and nobody will ever come close to that.” He hated the way she’d been browbeaten to have such a low opinion of herself, especially when it was such a wrong one. She was freaking gorgeous. Every single thing about her was stunning and he’d make sure that soon she’d know that. They remained outside for another couple of hours, but when he saw her stifle a yawn, Shade picked her up, cradling her against him and carried her inside. Despite her protests. He warmed up the chicken broth that Lana had delivered earlier, then she joined him when he made steak with mushrooms and baked potato. Her constant comments of amazement of his cooking himself a meal making him laugh aloud. “What? You think I have a bevy of women doing everything for me?” “Well, yeah, it’s what happens in my old Pack. The men don’t lift a finger in the kitchen. They don’t wash a dish, or clean up, or anything like that. They hunt, drink beer, and generally act like assholes. This place is like night and day, but so nice and refreshing. I particularly liked Melony and hope she and I can become friends. Do you think she’d help me with girly stuff?” Shade was about to laugh again until he saw her serious face, instead he nodded. “I’m sure she would, but it will have to wait.” Marissa tilted her head, looking delectable as she asked. “Why? Oh, is she too busy with work? I get that, of course. I’ll wait until she has time.” “No,” Shade replied, his voice husky and low, thick with desire. “Because she’ll not get near you again until after we’re mated. Another day, or two tops, I think that’s all my beast will be able to wait, gorgeous.” Marissa’s mouth opened, closed, then opened to form a perfect O, her gaze locked with his as he stalked toward her. His mate’s scent hung in the air, alerting him to her aroused state, which had been slowly simmering all day, right now it was scorching hot. As was his. Yet again he reminded himself, she wasn’t ready, and he reined in his ardor, but couldn’t resist pulling her into his arms to kiss her senseless. He’d never, not in a thousand lifetimes, get enough
of seeing that look in her eyes when his lips left hers. Her eyes hooded with desire, pupils dark and so wide they almost encompassed her entire irises, her lips plump and moist, and that dang aroma of her arousal . . . fuck! He’d never get enough of that. This time when he tugged away, her hand sneaked up, pulling his head back down to nip at his bottom lip with her teeth. Damn! She smirked up at him as she pulled on it, biting softly before releasing it. “Tomorrow night, Shade, because I don’t think I can wait any longer either.” “Tomorrow night.” Shade groaned. “Why does that sound such a long time?” “Because you’re as turned on as I am,” she replied thickly. “Can I have something to drink? Something with a high alcohol content please. I’m gonna need it to get to sleep, otherwise I’m going to have naughty dreams all night long.” “Well, hell! Thanks for that.” Shade scowled. “Now I will, I’ll join you, but just one then we can go to bed and rest.” As he went to get them a drink there was a knock at the door, Marissa shouting through to the kitchen she’d get it. Shade rushing back to find her laughing at one of Royce’s lame jokes which had Shade growling involuntarily. Royce’s hands flying up in front of him and backing up a few steps as Marissa’s eyes flew to Shade’s. “It’s all right, we were just talking.” “Too damn close, Royce. You were too damn close and you should know better.” Shade’s blood boiled in his veins, anger rolling through him even though he knew his Beta was no threat to his mate. His head told him one thing while his beast howled another. Royce took another step away from Marissa, eyes lowering in submission as Shade fought to control the unbridled fury rampaging through him. Marissa rushed toward him, her hand reaching up to stroke his cheek, her touch wielding magical powers to calm both man and beast. Shade covered her hand with his, staring down into her dark and worried eyes. “It’s all right, baby, I’m okay now.” “Are you sure?” she asked, obviously worried. “Yeah, I won’t knock him on his ass... this time.” Shade smirked at her before glowering at Royce. “What were you thinking?” “Looks like I wasn’t?” Royce muttered. “Sorry.” “For the love of all things holy, don’t do anything so stupid again, Royce.” Shade shook his head. “I’m strung tighter than a drum right now. It won’t take much for me to attack and I won’t have much say in the matter. My beast was about to rip your throat out.” Royce nodded before quipping back, “Hey, you don’t want to mess up this new rug. Do you? I’m sure blood red doesn’t match your color scheme, boss.” Marissa giggled, her hand flying to cover her mouth as her cheeks turned scarlet. Shade’s arm circling her shoulder to keep her tight against his side as he scowled at Royce. “Ever the joker.” “My sincere apologies, Alpha. I deeply regret upsetting you,” Royce replied in his most respectful tone. “Accepted, now tell me why you’re here so late.” “I just wanted to let you know that all three Evans’ brothers are here. Their Alpha has thrown them out and they arrived earlier saying they’re waiting until they can take their injured one and get on their way.” “What?” Shade released Marissa, striding toward Royce. “No fucking way. One of them on my land is more than enough. Tell them they’re not welcome
and they have to leave, immediately. Wait, why are you here instead of Ash?” “First, that’s what we thought you’d say. Second, I’m here because Ash and his men are standing guard at Lana’s. He refused to leave those Evans’ guys alone. He doesn’t trust them and sent me to speak to you.” “Right, good thinking.” Shade should’ve known Ash had a reason for not coming himself. His brain was addled with his upcoming mating. Damn. He wasn’t thinking clearly. “I want them gone, Royce. Now. Advise them that they’ll be called when their brother is fit to travel and they can meet our men at the entrance to pick him up. They are not allowed back on our land, under no circumstances. Got it? If they argue then Ash has my permission to use whatever force is necessary.” “Got it,” Royce replied, giving Shade a two-finger salute before bowing to Marissa. “Sorry for interrupting your evening.” When his Beta left, Shade turned to find Marissa’s face white with worry, her hands wringing in front of her, and her voice shaky. “Are you sure everything’s okay?” Shade closed the distance between them in three long strides, gripping her shoulders and staring into her fearful eyes. “Of course it is. Those Evans boys are just a pain in the ass and not too bright. Ash and his men will take care of them easily so don’t worry about them.” “But why are they here? What’s their brother even doing here?” Oh hell. Shade huffed out a long breath. “That’s a short story really. It’s something that happened just before I came looking for you.” “Tell me,” she implored, her eyes full of concern as her head tilted back to look up at him. He could feel her turmoil rolling around inside of her and that hurt him more than he thought possible. Shade sighed, nodding. “Let’s sit down.” He took her hand as they sat on the sofa, her body tense, and her lips a tight line. Shade paused, wondering if he should skim over the facts, but that didn’t sit well with him. He thought the truth was best, even if it was already leaving a sour taste in his mouth. “This isn’t going to sound good, the beginning anyway, and I know I was a complete ass, but I was almost out of my mind with that damn
Hunger. I didn’t know what was going on and my head was all over the place. Marissa, please try and understand that for me that was very . . . fuck, I can’t describe what it was doing to my head.” Marissa’s fingers squeezed his. “I’ve heard it can be pretty intense.” Shade exhaled, running a hand through his hair. “That’s one word for it. I thought I was going insane. Anyway, after a few days of this Hunger, and trying to feed it, with no luck by the way. I went to The Den and decided to try and feed it another way . . . with a woman.” He stopped as her eyes dropped her voice soft as she mumbled, “I see.” “No, you don’t, because I sure as hell didn’t. I wasn’t thinking, not clearly anyway, and there’s this She-Wolf that’s been after me for months, and I knew she’d be there. Hell, she’s always at the club, and I was right. There she was and we, well, we went to my office and had sex.” Marissa inhaled sharply, her eyes lifting to his with a cocked eyebrow. “In your office?” “Yes, cheap and tacky, I know.” Shade shook his head, miserable he was having to tell her this. “But I
knew it was wrong straight away, and it didn’t help the Hunger one damn bit. So I told her to leave and that’s when things got ugly. She scratched my face, called me names that I deserved, and threatened me.” “Wait up, what’s her name?” Shade saw her mind working, connecting the dots. Clever girl. “Her name is Trixie Evans.” “Hell, those are her brothers?” “Yes, they are. She told them a cock-and-bull story of me leading her on, saying I was going to mate her just so I could have sex with her, and then throwing her to the curb. All of which is untrue, of course, but her brothers are more brawn than brain. It’s not the first time she’s done this, and I suspect it won’t be the last. Anyway, Royce, Ash, and I had just found out what the Archives said about the cure for the Hunger, and were leaving here to go look for my mate when all three brothers arrived. They wanted my blood, and attacked en-masse without warning. I had to defend myself and one of them was badly hurt, one ended up with a shattered leg, and the other had no injuries whatsoever. He was the one that seemed to understand the position and backed off. Anyway, Lana had to keep one of them here, or he
would’ve died. Hence the problem we have now.”
“Shoot, I can understand why you don’t want them here.” Marissa dug her nails into his skin. “But yeah, you were an ass. I guess you get a pass because of the Hunger though. Plus, it’s nothing to do with me, it happened before we met. Can’t say I’m overjoyed at your actions, but again, what’s in the past isn’t my business. I just hope they don’t cause us any more problems.” “They won’t, Ash will make sure of that.” “Good,” Marissa replied, stifling a yawn. “I’m tired, can we go to bed?” Shade groaned. “Hell yeah, but please don’t be offended if my feelings for you are evident.” Her eyes twinkled as she glanced away, a rosy blush on her cheeks. “I’m sure I’ll feel much better tomorrow.” “We’ll see,” Shade replied, praying to the Goddess she was right. His restraint was wearing thin with the need to claim his mate burning like lava deep inside. It was almost as painful as the Hunger, not quite, but it was damn close.
restless night. Holding Marissa close was a sweet torture that he could endure no longer, so he decided to go for a quick run, then prepare her breakfast. Hoping a hearty meal to start her day would aid her recovery. That was his plan anyway. What he didn’t expect to find on his return from his run was Trixie fucking Evans screaming like a banshee and banging on his door. Shade sped up, anger simmering as he sprang up his steps to grab her, just as his door flew open and Marissa appeared, looking furious. Shade spun Trixie around roughly. “What the fuck are you doing here and how did you get here? You and the rest of your family are banned from my land.” Before she could answer, Marissa stepped
outside, arms crossed and scowling. “Who are you and why are you acting like a common fishwife?” “Me? Who am I?” Trixie swung back to Marissa, throwing her blonde hair over her shoulders. “More like who the fuck are you? You look like you’re a damn . . .” Shade stepped around Trixie to join his mate. “Shut up. I’m warning you, don’t say another word.” “Answer me.” Marissa snarled. “Who are you and what do you want?” “I’m here to challenge you.” Trixie snarled right back. “Oh, and I’m Trixie, the woman he was fucking right before you arrived. So I have the right to see who my competition is, and I have to say, Shade, she’s no competition at all. Look at her? She’s so . . . dull!” “Trixie?” Marissa glanced at Shade, her eyes glinting angrily. “This is Trixie?” Trixie looked at Shade then Marissa as his mate carried on, smirking. “Oh, hell, Shade. I know what you told me, but for fuck sake. You scraped the bottom of the barrel with this ho. Hey, Trixie, can I ask you something? Just between us girls, do you even bother putting underwear on in the morning? ‘Cause what I’ve heard is that it’s more often than not, down around your ankles. I just wondered why you’d bother.” Trixie’s face grew crimson as anger filled her, rage boiling over. “What did you fucking say? Did you call me a ho? I’ll rip your throat out, you skanky bitch.” “Aww shut your mouth, ho.” Marissa stepped closer, nose to nose with Trixie. “You’re a cheap lay that every Shifter knows about. I’ve heard them talk about you, hell, they trade stories about you like kids trade baseball cards. You have no dignity, no class, and no fucking chance of ever getting your claws anywhere near Shade again. In fact, if you don’t get your cheap ass off my porch right now, I’m going to take you down right here and now. I’ll show you what a real She-Wolf can do.” Trixie’s eyes bulged, a growl erupting from her as her fangs descended. Marissa didn’t seem to blink, or think twice as her hand flew back, fist clenched and punched Trixie hard in the face. The blow was fierce, hurling Trixie up and heaving her off the porch to land on the ground several feet away. Marissa followed, Shade desperate to stop her but knowing he couldn’t interfere, this was the moment his mate showed her worth to his Pack, which was now assembling outside to watch the spectacle. Fuck. Every cell in his body battled to go to her aid. It was the hardest struggle he’d ever fought but he forced his feet to stay planted where they were, watching the scene unfold before him. His arms crossed, eyes cold, face inscrutable, but his insides churned like a stormy sea as he watched his mate stalk toward a sure-fire fight. Marissa arrived at Trixie as she rose, blood pouring from her nose and mouth. “I told you to leave. Or do you want to carry on? If so then let’s do this properly, in Wolf form.” Trixie’s hand shot forward, grabbing hold of Marissa’s hair and tugging her forward. Marissa’s reflexes were lightning fast, snatching hold of Trixie’s thumb and bending it back hard and fast. The sound of it snapping a loud crack in the silence of the morning as the sun crept over the trees, quickly followed by Trixie’s scream. Marissa shook her head. “Really? Hair pulling? What the hell are you? A Wolf or a fucking kid in the school yard? This is your last chance. You turn on that cheap heel of yours and get the hell off my land or I’m giving you fair warning, I’m transforming and I’ll rip your fucking throat out.”
Trixie didn’t say anything, but she also didn’t move. Shade held his breath, his blood pumping so fast he felt light-headed, but his mate merely nodded and shit-on-a-fucking-brick, she transformed right then and there. Her pajamas ripped from her body, which Shade was extremely grateful for, if she’d stopped to undress he was sure he would’ve lost it completely, but she didn’t. Marissa simply morphed into her Wolf and tatters of her nightwear clung to her as she stalked toward Trixie, her fangs bared, tail swishing, growling viciously.
Trixie didn’t seem to know what to do, her head swinging around and only now realizing they had an audience. Her eyes sought Shade but he didn’t even blink, ignoring her as Marissa’s brown beast grew closer. As soon as his mate’s beast was within striking distance, her huge paw swung out, claws raking across Trixie’s thigh, drawing blood and a high-pitched scream that was quickly followed by Trixie backing up.
“Okay, I’m going, I’m going. Stop it. Leave me alone!”
Marissa’s Wolf snarled, growled again, and swiped at Trixie once more, although it was more for show this time, her claws a hairs-breadth from their mark as Trixie stumbled backward, crying. His mate’s beast stayed in place, keeping watch on the retreating Trixie for several more moments before her head rose, an ear-splitting howl renting the air. Shade exhaled, his heart slowly returning to normal as Marissa’s Wolf turned around and padded toward him, a distinct swagger in her gait. He managed to hide his grin as she leaped up the steps and wandered inside. Again, he was thankful she didn’t transform in full view of his Pack. As she disappeared, he swiveled around to follow and that’s when his Pack started to whoop, holler, and whistle. They well and truly accepted Marissa as their Alpha She-Wolf. When he closed the door and turned around, she stood naked, her entire body flushed, eyes bright and excited. “Wow, that was . . . exhilarating.” Shade couldn’t stop his eyes travelling up and down her exquisite body, her delectable beauty calling to his beast as the scent of her Wolf still clung to her and hung in the air between them. His Wolf whining piteously with want as she clapped her hands, dancing from foot to foot, which didn’t help Shade whatsoever. Not when it caused her perky breasts to jiggle around, drawing his eyes to her dark nipples which he dreamed of licking. “Shade, are you listening to me?” Shaking his head, he tried to focus. “Of course I am. You were spectacular. My feisty mate taking on that . . . well, I better not say what I think of her. But boy, you were magnificent, darling.” “I know! It was strange because I’m not normally like that, but something just came over me and . . . wham! I saw red and I was ready to claw her eyes out.” Marissa paused, looking thoughtful for a moment. “Actually no, if I’m honest, I wanted to rip her throat out, like really rip it out. My Wolf felt powerful and strong, and, shit, it was great!” Shade kept his feet where they were, knowing if he moved, even an inch that he’d snatch her up and carry her to his bed. “Yes, you were strong, Marissa. You’ve always been strong, baby, you’ve just never been free to be a proper Wolf.” “Well, it freaking rocks!” Marissa whooped,
running toward him and jumping up into his arms.
Oh damn, he was a goner the moment her naked body wrapped itself around him, her lips latching onto his in a searing hot kiss. Shade’s hands gripped her firmly to him, one on her tight ass, one wrapping around her body so his fingers caressed the side of her breast. Her soft moans as their tongues lashed together lost as they ran down his throat to join his rumbled growl of lust. Marissa’s legs climbing to drape around his waist, her core grinding against his throbbing manhood as Shade fought to pull back. He was at the edge of his control as he tore his lips from hers, his forehead resting on hers as he caught his breath. “Fuck, Mari, you’re driving me insane. If we don’t stop, I’ll . . .” Marissa shushed him by catching his bottom lip between her teeth, nibbling it playfully before looking up into his eyes. “I don’t want to stop, Shade. What I want is for us to seal our bond. Now, right now, because I feel as if I’m about to crawl right out of my skin with . . . shit, I’m not sure what to call it, but damn, whatever it is it needs attention. Your attention.” Shade didn’t respond. The time for wasteful
words was over. Right now was the time for action. He nodded, holding her firmly as he rushed upstairs, striding quickly to his room and kicking the door closed behind him. Goddess help anyone who dared interrupt them now, because he’d tear their head from their shoulders without a moment’s thought. No more thinking, no more stalling, no more putting off what he craved more than his next damn breath. He was going to claim his mate and make her his forever. Marissa’s body quivered at his touch, responding to him in ways that had him desperate to sink deep inside her. Shade placed her gently on the bed, her groan of protest making him chuckle. “Soon,” he told her as he undressed, her eyes raking over his chest when he threw his t-shirt to the floor hastily. He kicked his running shoes off and they landed on the other side of the room with a dull thud as he pulled down his joggers, her eyes widening when his erection popped free. That’s when his desired fogged mind cleared to remind him . . . she was a virgin. Shoot. It had been too many years to count since he’d bedded a virgin. Shade wasn’t used to being gentle or mindful of harming his sexual partners. He inhaled
sharply, conscious of Marissa’s status and the fact that he couldn’t, wouldn’t hurt her in any way. He had to slow this down. Somehow. Goddess knew he had to for Marissa. The scent of her aroused state clogged his nostrils, inflaming his desire and making it difficult for him to concentrate. Shade dug deep, harnessing his inner Alpha strength, calming himself as he joined her on the bed, kneeling between her legs. She reached for him, pleading. “Shade.” “Shush, baby, let me take care of you,” Shade whispered, his hands rough against the soft skin of her inner thighs as he gently pushed them apart. Caressing slowly upward, her head falling back as she moaned, inhaling sharply when his thumb found her nerve center and started to circle it. Shade watched her face, enraptured for a moment before lowering his head to flick his tongue out. Marissa’s body jerked, her back arching off the bed. “Oh god!” He couldn’t stop chuckling briefly before carrying on, dipping one finger inside her wet sheath. Damn, it was tight. So fucking tight he wondered how the hell he’d ever fit inside without tearing her apart.
Shade pushed that thought away, focusing on providing his mate with pleasure, exquisite and insurmountable carnal gratification. A night she’d never forget, that was his sole purpose, and he’d make damn sure he delivered. Marissa’s body squirmed beneath his ministrations, her fingers tangled in his hair, hips bucking beneath his mouth as he licked, sucked, and nibbled on her clit. He pushed his finger in deeper, working it in and out slowly before adding another, pleased when two slid in easily. Her juices allowing his thick digits to slip inside easily without causing her any discomfort. In fact, she thrust her hips toward him, complaining. “More, Shade, more!” Who was he to deny his delectable mate? Shade slung her legs over his shoulders, moving up onto his knees to gain better access to both her core and the rest of her body. His mouth on her sweet nub, one hand tweaking a breast, while the other thrust fingers deep inside her virgin sheath. Marissa squealed, a high-pitched little yelp as her walls tightened around his fingers, her orgasm starting deep inside her. “Oh hell,” she got out before words failed her as she panted, before yelling Shade’s name loudly over
and over. He was certain he’d never heard anything so sweet in his entire life. Shade glided up his mate’s body, gently probing her entrance, his muscles taut and straining as he fought to breach her for the first time as gently as possible. When the tip of his cock entered, her eyes popped open, full of love and unbridled desire. Shade tenderly shifted his hips, his throbbing manhood slipping inside until barely half was now encased in her scorching hot warmth where he stilled, allowing her body to stretch around him. “Shade,” Marissa said his name with such reverence that it tore at his heart. A flame of love igniting deep inside him to burn so bright he was certain the entire camp must see it. “Am I hurting you? Do you want me to stop?” He asked, worry filling him. “No, I need you to fill me, Shade. I need this and I need to mark you. My beast is going nuts.” Every single word was a plea, full of longing, yearning, and love. Shade thought his heart would burst with his own love, so full was it with his own for the beauty lying beneath him. “I don’t want to hurt you, baby. It’s your first time and I’d never
forgive myself if it wasn’t perfect.”
Marissa’s eyes twinkled mischievously, taking the decision out of his hands as she thrust her hips upwards and forcing him all the way inside. “Shoot!” she groaned but he wasn’t certain whetherit was with pain or pleasure. His own craving for her taking over with his cock buried deep inside his mate, Shade pulled out slowly before plunging fully inside again, Marissa’s legs wrapping around his waist and urging him on. Shade’s fangs descended, as did hers, the moment of their claiming imminent, taking them to the brink of ecstasy. “Marissa,” he mumbled, her name coming out garbled around his extended jaw and canines. “I take you as my soulmate, for now and forever. I’ll protect you, love you, cherish you, and die for you. You are bound to me from this moment on and nobody can take you from me. If anyone tries, I’ll tear them apart. I promise you that, my beauty.” Marissa’s eyes filled with tears, her head nodding. “I’ve no words, Shade, just . . . hell, it’s from my favorite movie. Ditto.” Shade cradled her head, lowering his to her neck and bringing hers to his as their movements grew more frenzied. His fangs penetrating her soft skin, sinking deep to seal their bond, her blood filling his mouth to flow down his throat. The first tendrils of their mating already taking root as his orgasm built to a crescendo so exquisite it was nothing short of magical, both of them falling over the precipice at the same moment. Their fangs ripping free as Marissa screamed his name, Shade’s head rearing back as he released a roar so magnificent that the windows shook in their frames, his Pack alerted their Alpha now had his mate. He knew this moment in time was the most perfect in his history. Nothing, absolutely nothing, compared to having his mate in his arms. Her soft sobs tearing him from his thoughts, concern filling his soul as he gazed down at her, caressing her face. “Mari, baby, what’s wrong? Did I hurt you? Was my bite too sore? Was I too rough?” Marissa hiccupped, swiping at the tears running down the side of her face to land on the pillow. “No, no, and no. I’m so happy right now I could burst. But for just a second there, I was terrified it was just all a dream, and I’d wake up back with the Alpha.”
“Aww, that’s never gonna happen. You’re safe here.” “But my friends aren’t, Shade.” Marissa swiped at another errant tear. “I managed to get away, but they’re still there. I feel guilty as hell about that.” Shade continued to soothe her, moving to her side and holding her tightly against him. “I might be able to help. I have a contact in the Council that I could call in a favor with. With everything you’ve told me, I’m sure he’d be more than willing to go in and deal with things.” “Really? That’s allowed? I thought an Alpha could do what he wanted.” “Yes, and no. An Alpha can run their Pack however they want, so long as there’s not any outlandish abuse being carried out. Let’s be honest, Mari, your old Alpha is fucking nuts and definitely abusive. My contact is the type of Enforcer who revels in taking down these kind of assholes, but I need to ask you first, are you sure? Because once I make the call your old Pack will never be the same. The Alpha will most probably be arrested, and an interim will be put in place by the Council. The Council will run the Pack until it’s being run
properly, but that means that other wrongdoers will also be arrested. Are you sure that’s going to sit well with your friends?” Marissa nodded furiously. “Hell yeah. Not one woman there will argue with that. Trust me, Shade, we were all treated like slaves, or worse. The only ones who will be upset are the kids who happen to be boys, but they need to be taught the right way to be a Shifter. Not the warped way they’ve been brought up so far.” “All right, I’ll make the call.” Shade leaned over, kissing her. “But I’m sure it can wait for a day or two. I need you, my mate.” “I need you too, my mate, but . . .” Shade sighed, reaching for his phone. “You want me to make the call now, don’t you?” “Yes, please. Hold on and I’ll write down the details.” Shade held up his hand. “I don’t need those, Mari. I’m calling the Council’s top Enforcer. All I need is your Alpha’s name and Pack, he’ll get any other details from their records.” “Oh, right,” Marissa gave him a smile before giving him the information he needed.
“I’ll do this in private,” Shade rose, going into the