Selene Moore pulled her Honda into the slump of a gas station. She cringed in distaste as the storefront came into her full view. It looked like one of those rest stops straight out of a stupid C grade horror flick. As she expected, the town was completely deserted with nothing but trees, fields, and barns for miles. Every so often, she would see a stray critter run across the road. Signs of any human life form were vague. Her cell phone barely got reception out here, and the GPS had given up on finding a signal hours ago.

So much for technology when you really needed it…

After slowing down to a complete stop, she leaned over the armrest to peer at the map in the passenger side seat. According to it, she had another fifteen to twenty miles to go before she reached the exact coordinates.

Selene returned her attention to the store. There were people moving around inside.

Finally! Some actual people.

She glimpsed the silhouette of a woman walking around.

There were two cars parked out front and a sign on the door that said: Hot Boiled Peanuts. Another sign hung on the inside facing out that read: Yes, We’re Open.

This gas station wasn’t any better looking than the last one she passed. One thing was for certain, she needed to pee really badly. There was no way she could hold her water for even one more mile. No use waiting any longer. She wasn’t anywhere near her destination, and she certainly didn’t want to reach it in wet undies.

This was what she got for acting on impulse. Couldn’t she leave things as they turned out to be? No, she just had to be Miss “Nice Pants” and try to go out of her way to help people.

This, though, was personal. She could not let Tamara down. She’d promised the woman that she’d personally see to it that she was completely safe. When she’d spoken with Tamara on the phone, there was something in her voice that worried Selene. What would have made her change her mind about the new life and identity offered to her? The plans had all been in place—it was a quick way out of the life Tamara had declared she couldn’t lead anymore. What had led her astray?

Selene only hoped that she didn’t find trouble again. She needed to see for herself that Tamara was alive and well. Her conscious would not let her rest until she did.

She swallowed down all her reservations, opened the door, and got out of the car.

As she walked toward the store, a burly man stepped out from the corner of the building. She hadn’t even noticed him before.

He took a cloth out of his pocket and cleaned his grease-stained hands on them. “Do you need gas, ma’am?” His accent had a hint of southern drawl to it.

“Yes.” She could probably make it on a half a tank of gas, but she didn’t want to risk it. “Yes, please. Can you fill it up?”

Relieved that the man posed no threat, she made her way into the store as he headed toward her car. Upon entrance, the woman looked up over a shelf and the man at the cash register also stared rudely.

“May we help you find something?” The lady finally spoke as she rounded the corner.

“I’m looking for the restrooms.”

“Straight to the back.” She pointed to a door near the back of the store.

Selene hurried toward it anxious to relieve herself. When she got inside, she immediately turned up her nose. It wasn’t as bad as she expected, but there was still a smell of must and dirty mop water lingering in the air. What could she expect from a public restroom at a gas station anyway?

She held her breath and did her business, careful not to touch the toilet seat. After washing her hands, she headed back out into the store. Both the woman and man looked up at her once again. They weren’t even trying to be discrete about staring at her.

Selene cleared her throat and headed toward the snack aisle. She’d been craving something salty the whole ride. There was one bag of her favorite brand of potato chips left on the shelf, and she snatched it up. As she ventured down the aisle, she couldn’t resist picking up a packet of vanilla crème filled cakes. The place was filled with junk food, so she didn’t feel the least bit guilty about it. She hadn’t seen a reasonable place to stop and eat for hours. She damn sure wasn’t going to go hungry out here.

Damn her diet. Desperate situations called for desperate measures.

“Are you finding everything alright?” The lady came up behind her.

“Yes, thank you.” Selene turned around to acknowledge her.

“You’re not from around here.”

The worst thing she could do was admit to a complete stranger that she was alone and had no idea where the heck she was. Much less—where she was going. “Do you have anything hot to eat?” She asked.

“We have hot boiled peanuts.” The lady motioned toward a food station in the back of the store.

She followed, and her mouth watered when she saw the espresso machine. “I was thinking more along the lines of a nice hot drink.”

The lady smiled. “It is rather frigid outside. This is one of the coldest winters I can remember in a long time, but warmer temperatures are on the way.”

Selene grabbed a large cup. “I was born in New York City, so the cold doesn’t really bother me. The air here is rather humid though. Do you get much snow?”

“Oh yeah, we got a bunch of it a couple of weeks ago. Much of it has melted away.”

She filled her cup almost to the brim, inhaling deeply when the rich coffee aroma wafted under her nose.

“Where are you headed?”

“To the mountains,” Selene said, quickly. It was better than telling her that she had no earthly idea. She had a paper map and the coordinates picked up from the tracer report she received from Tamara’s cell phone. It was her only hope for finding the woman.

The lady looked at her as though she smelled something rotten. “This time of year?”

She nodded. “Yeah.”

“It’s a mighty dangerous place to be for such a young woman. Where’s your companion?”

“I’m meeting her,” she lied.

The woman’s nose wrinkled. “Just be careful up there.”

“Thank you.” Selene backed away and headed toward the cash register. She was relieved to be free from the woman’s prying. But she was right. Coming out here may have been a mistake, but she’d already driven too far to turn around. No matter what she told herself, she could not bring herself to go back.

“I’ve got the gas and these here snacks. Will this be all?” The clerk at the register asked when she dropped her items on the counter.

Selene glanced toward the window. The sun was a calm orange and low in the sky. It would get dark soon, and she needed to hurry. She swallowed down those reservations again. She’d come too far to let doubt and trepidation stop her from helping a friend.

She turned back to answer the clerk. “I suppose so.”

Nick Hyatt dropped his backpack to the ground, bent down, and peered inside the cave. The cobwebs on the ceiling and broken tree branches on the floor told him the space had long been abandoned. It was the perfect place to rest for the evening before his big plans tomorrow.

He crawled inside and pulled a lantern and lighter from his pack. Light illuminated the inside of the small cave as the flames engulfed the wick. Resting his back on the rigid stone, he lifted his canteen of water to his lips and guzzled it down.

It had been hours since he left the confines of the village, and the weight of his burdens seemed to have already faded away. A loner since birth, he’d always preferred to chill in the privacy of his own surroundings. Except these weren’t his normal surroundings. Only a few days had passed since he’d made the decision to sell his bachelor pad back in Montana. He was needed here, in Virginia. Back with his pack.

After his friend, Devin, rose to Alpha leader of the Caedmon Pack, he’d then honored Nick by naming him one of his most trusted confidants and advisors. Second-in-Command. Nick had accepted, fully aware that his life would take a sharp turn.

But the direction of the Caedmon Pack had turned sour following the death of its previous leader. Devin, on the other hand, wanted to turn it back around…and for the better.

Nick wanted to help, but he needed refuge from it all before the real grind began. At times like this, he’d talk with Devin about his issues. Now Devin had a mate to love and care for, as well as pressing duties of the pack inherited from the last leader. He doubted the man would have much time for him anymore. Not with a mate…

Mate. He laughed. Was there even such a thing as a mate? He could remember several years ago when even Devin himself swore up and down that finding a true mate was like finding a piece of thread in a haystack. Devin had obviously been wrong. One woman. A human woman, for that matter, had turned his friend’s life around. To their people, a union such as theirs was highly unlikely. Yet the truth was in the details. Devin had found his mate.

Seeing them together affected Nick in a way he couldn’t fathom. It wasn’t jealously. He was happy for Devin. For all the guy had been through, he deserved a life-long companion. It was a different feeling. The desire to feel wanted and needed just like he saw how Tamara wanted and needed Devin. And likewise, how Devin needed and wanted Tamara.

Nick had been successful for years in keeping those feelings from ever resurfacing. He had everything he wanted and needed within himself. Wanting for more only caused disaster and heartbreak in the long run. He’d never let another woman break his heart.

Nick kicked off his boots and slumped deeper against the rocks. He would rest this evening. Tonight, he would hunt. In the morning, he’d do something he hadn’t done in five long years.

Climb a mountain.

CHAPTER TWO

Selene drummed her fingers on the steering wheel and bobbed her head to the hip-hop music blaring from her car speakers. Music was the only thing that really kept her sane on this dismal journey. At least this part of the country looked a bit more habitable. Every so often, she would pass a farmhouse or a group of residences.

She picked up her cell phone on the seat next to her. The reception bars had been going in and out for hours.

“Mierda! What a piece of shit phone,” she mumbled, as she checked the time. It was nearly six o clock. Dusk surrounded her like a blanket. Night was approaching fast and the temperature had dropped considerably, but she wasn’t far from her destination. According to her notes on the map, there should have been a small motel about five miles up ahead where she’d reserved a room for the night.

With eyes still on the road, she grabbed for the map and unfolded it on the steering wheel. She wondered how Tamara could have called her from a cell phone with the crappy reception out here. This place was basically a damn forest. Where was the town? The homes? Why would Tamara come here?

The car swerved and she threw the map down. It slid off the seat onto the floor.

“Shit.” With one hand on the wheel, she leaned to the side and tried to reach it. Her arms weren’t long enough.

When she glanced back up, she spotted a sign up ahead. It was nearly hidden by overgrown trees, and the writing was so small that she had to really focus to read it.

“Caedmon village?”

She hadn’t remembered seeing anything like that on the map. She slowed as she came into full view of the sign. There was an unpaved road alongside it.

It wasn’t where she was going, but it certainly piqued her interest.

Shoving her curiosity aside, she looked back at the road.

A large brown animal stood on the pavement in her path. Its big blue eyes shone brightly against the evening backdrop. Eerie and majestic at the same time.

Her foot slammed on the brake pedal.

It was too late.

As the car slid across the asphalt toward the big critter, she got a better look at it unmoving in the middle of the highway.

It was a wolf. She was sure of it now.

Selene grabbed the steering wheel and jerked it to the left. The car swerved and jolted. All she glimpsed were trees before she squeezed her eyes shut and prepared herself for impact.

“Oh, dear God.”

Her eardrums seemed to explode as blood rushed to it. Fingers gripped the wheel like a vice.

The pad of her shoe was still glued to the brake pedal. Burnt rubber fumes assaulted her senses. The sound of metal crashing into trees alarmed her. Every nerve ending in her body seized in pain.

The impact knocked the breath right out of her, immobilizing her. Her head spun as she shifted her gaze from left to right, but focused on absolutely nothing but a blur.

Her eyelids folded, and she succumbed.

Something tickled Selene’s face and her eyes flew open.

Murky gray irises looked back at her.

Her head pulsed in enormous pain as she struggled to focus on the face. After her vision cleared, she realized there was a man standing over her.

She parted her mouth to scream, but her lips were taped together.

Her breath hitched as she jerked away from him. Something bound her, preventing her from moving.

A wide grin spread across the man’s face. “Hello, doll.”

The tone of his voice matched his sinister grin. He had three long scars on his left cheek as if someone had clawed him across the face. They were raised, ugly imperfections. Scarface.

Everything about him—from the way he stood before her with defiance to his demeaning greeting warned her.

Selene’s heart sped up and her brain worked overtime trying to backtrack. What had happened? Why was she lying here?

Pain gripped the entire left side of her body as she attempted to sit up. Where am I? She tried to speak but it was difficult to talk with the gag.

“If I told you, I’d have to kill you?”

“Mmmm, mmm, oooo,” she muffled again. Who are you?

Scarface laughed. “Shall I repeat myself?”

Her arms were tied together. Her legs were bound too. She thrashed about on the bed. The rough cords cut into her wrists and ankles, adding to the sharp pain radiating through her body.

“I’m going to remove your gag, but when I do…you remain quiet.”

It was a threat, but the consequences if she didn’t cooperate were not made clear. She nodded anyway.

As he reached out, she inspected him. His skin complexion nearly matched hers, and there were black and brown streaks throughout his hair. The trench coat he wore made him seem bigger than he really was. There was some sort of chain worn at the waistband, like a belt. The fabric of his shirt was stretched tight against his chest.

He ripped the tape from her lips, causing a stinging pain on her mouth. She screamed, but more from the shock of it.

He smiled. “I knew you couldn’t remain quiet.”

“Who the fuck are you?” The force of her voice surprised her.

“Ooooo.” He stood back and sized her up. “A feisty one.”

Despite his facial scars, her captor was easy on the eyes, tall, and built, but from the expression on her face and the way she was tied up on the bed, he didn’t seem like the type of man to play nice.

“What am I doing in this place?” Selene looked around at her surroundings. The room was dark and there were no windows. The walls were cinder block and painted with a muted light blue. Upon closer inspection, she realized that what she was sitting on was no more than a cot and a cheap mattress. She frowned. “What is this place?”

“Would you rather be dead in the fucking ditch?”

“M-my car?” Her head rang in pain as she tried with all her energy to remember what happened. The wolf. The car. The cra— “I was in a car crash.”

“What else do you remember?” He asked, slowly.

She tried so hard to recall everything, but couldn’t. She shook her head.

Scarface walked around the other side of the bed. “What were you doing out here…all by your lonesome?”

“Don’t come any closer,” she warned.

“Or what?”

Her captor seemed to think this was a game. She was in an accident, was now in serious pain, and the idiot had tied her up. Did he enjoy this? What if he was a pervert? A rapist? A serial murderer? He could have been feeding off her anger.

She took a deep breath. “Look, Mister…” when Scarface didn’t give a name, she continued “…I don’t know you. I had a very bad accident. I’m in pain, and I don’t understand why I’ve been tied up.”

“Why were you trespassing?”

“Trespassing? I was driving on a damn public highway when I ran off the road.”

He frowned. “That mouth of yours is foul.”

“I didn’t ask to be here.”

Her captor shrugged, a nonchalant expression riddled his face. “You’re right. But do you know what happens to those who trespass on our lands?”

“On your land?” What was this idiot talking about?

“You crashed on our land.”

She huffed. “I was trying to prevent running over a wolf.”

“Too bad. You’re now my prisoner.”

“Prisoner!” She gawked, and then struggled against the ropes again.

Her captor moved swiftly, rushing to stand over her. He grabbed her forearm, and she grimaced.

“Listen to me, human,” he hissed into the side of her head. “You will listen to me, and do as I say. Should you do anything sly, the next time you wake up you just might find yourself six feet under.”

She gasped, and held her breath in. His threats seemed real. This wasn’t a game.

He jostled her. “Do you understand?”

She bit her lip, holding back a protest. “Yes.” What had she gotten herself into?

“My maid will assist you in getting cleaned up. If you cooperate, there will be food.”

Her eyes widened in disbelief, and she searched his expressionless face. “I don’t understand why you’re doing this. You don’t have to do this. I’ll give you anything you want. Money? What is it?”

His gaze darted back and forth over her. “You’re not being held for money.”

The nameless scar-faced man turned to leave.

“Wait.” She swung her bound legs clumsily over the bed. “What is it that you want?”

Her captor continued toward the metal door. “I’ll return tonight.”

He slammed the door shut. She heard keys rattling, and then the sound of a lock being turned.

Her breathing became uneven as the reality of her predicament set in.

It felt like she was in a prison cell. No, this wasn’t a prison cell. This was some kind of dungeon. No windows. Cement floors. A steel door. Metal furniture. An uncomfortable cot for a bed. What had she done to deserve this? This was not the hotel she’d made reservations at.

Selene glanced down at the white silk gown the maid had given her. It was tasteless, and barely covered her breasts. Her legs were bound once again and the ends of the lace reached only the middle of her thighs.

She’d been allowed a shower, but it was granted under the watchful eye of the maid who ignored every one of her questions. This time, her feet had been tied to the bedpost. Her hands were free, but she felt like a creature in a zoo being kept hostage this way. Not only that, she was scared for her life.

Selene cringed as she heard slow footsteps approaching. She pulled the quilt over her shoulders, attempting to cover herself up.

When her captor entered the room, she avoided making eye contact with him. “Why won’t you let me go?”

Scarface pulled up a wooden chair and came to sit at the foot of the bed. Letting his posture slump as he sat, he observed her with a mischievous expression laced across his face.

“Selene Moore. From Tennessee. Never married. No children. A counselor at Domestic Peace Group. You’re practically a nobody,” he said. “What business do you have here?”

Selene’s eyes widened in surprise. The lunatic had searched her belongings. “I’m visiting someone in the area.”

“A relative?”

“Yes,” she whispered, examining the crisscross pattern of the quilt. Anything to avoid his menacing stare.

“Liar!” He bolted upright in the chair.

“You tell me why I’m here—tied to this bed,” she shot back.

“I did you a big favor.” He interlocked his fingers, and rested back in the chair. “Now you will do me one.”

“What favor are talking about?”

“I could have left you to die on the highway in your mangled car.”

She didn’t know how to answer that one. Was dying any worse than being held captive like a slave? “People will come looking for me when I don’t report to work.”

He clucked his tongue and shook his head. “They’d have a hell of a time finding you. Something tells me no one knows you came all this way.”

She swallowed. He was right. She was on a two-week vacation from work. Everyone thought she’d taken a trip to the beach like she’d told them.

He laughed. “I can see that you’re not very good at lying or hiding your emotions.”

“What do you want?”

“I saved your life, now you will give me a life.”

“What do you mean?”

“You’re a young female of breeding age. You will become a surrogate. And produce an offspring for me.”

“Offspring? Are you insane?”

His expression remained serious. “I’ve been asked that many times.”

“What you propose is called harassment. Rape. You will go to prison.”

“I’m not bond to follow the rules of the humans.”

Why did he keep saying humans that way? As if he hated the word. Wasn’t he human? “Are you nuts?”

“You will be compensated.” He paused, as though he were trying to read her expression. “Based on the account balances in your checkbook, it seems you can use some funds.”

“No amount of money will change my mind. You’re a sick freak.”

He rushed at her and grabbed up her wrists. “Then you will do it for free. If you wish to ever be released, you will cooperate. I saved your life, now you will lend me your body.”

Selene jerked, but to no avail. “You want me to have a child?”

“Yes. My mate cannot have any.”

He averted his gaze as if he was ashamed, but she didn’t feel the least bit sorry for the ass.

“That’s your damn problem.” She frowned. “Not mine.”

He jumped up, and snatched a handful of her hair. “Obey or die.”

“I’d rather die,” she hissed, her heart nearly exploding from fear.

He gripped her neck, squeezing tight against her larynx until she couldn’t breathe.

“I could kill you right now. You humans are so fragile.” He smiled. “It would take half a second.”

He sounded like an animal.

She couldn’t speak. Couldn’t stop him for her wrists were bound. Couldn’t kick him for her legs were tied. Her body responded on impulse, producing tears that she’d held for hours. She didn’t want him to know that she was scared. Weak. Helpless.

Right when she thought she would pass out from lack of oxygen, he released her.

She panted rapidly, trying to catch her breath again. “What…What will you do to me?”

“I’m going to fuck you.”

Her eyes widened, and she swallowed. “No.”

Just then, there was a knock at the door.

He jerked away from her, appearing alarmed at the interruption.

The maid that assisted with cleaning her up stepped inside. “Darius. You are needed urgently. There has been a breach.”

Darius. Scarface’s real name.

His gaze whipped away from the maid back to Selene. He produced another rope and tied up her wrists quickly. “Prepare yourself. I will return, and you will take my seed.”

She shivered as a slight breeze blew against her bare skin when he snatched away from her.

Sitting here waiting for someone to come to her rescue wasn’t working. Her captor wasn’t playing nicely. He had no remorse, and had saved her and brought her here for his own motives.

Selene looked about the small clammy room for a weapon. Nothing usable was in her reach. She needed something that would inflict immense pain. She might not escape here alive, but she was not about to let an irrational stranger steal her innocence.

She spotted the glass of water sitting on the table by her bedside. Looking down at the ropes tied around her wrists, she tried to squeeze her hands out.

It was an expert knot. Her captor knew exactly how to impede her escape.

This was a disadvantage, but she promised herself that she wouldn’t make it easy for him.

CHAPTER THREE

Nick struggled against the chains used to bind his hands behind his back. It seemed that resistance encouraged his attackers to pull even tighter. He knew he should have stuck with the first set of mountains, but he just had to climb the highest one. An adventurous escape was what he was looking for when he came out here, but now it had gotten him captured. For what…he did not know.

As they all moved across the rough terrain, he sized each one of them up. Three of them. It had taken three men to subdue him. They’d caught him by surprise as he stopped at a waterfall to fill his canteens. The cowards had jumped him, catching him off guard.

He refused to show any weakness, but when he was free these motherfuckers would pay for tying him up like a bitch. They’d purposely bound him in chains and all in the right places to ensure that if he did try to shift, it would be painful.

Nick threw yet another sideways glance at one of his captors. The wolf returned a sneer and tugged on the chain wrapped around his neck. Nick returned the threat, growling as the metal squeezed at his throat.

He knew them all. They were once loyal members of the Caedmon Pack. Now they were known followers of Darius, the most recently banished member. There was talk that Darius may have still been in the area, but none of them had anticipated any opposition after the fight and verdict on the night of the Blue Moon.

Maybe the coward should have been executed. Clearly, the idiot wasn’t acting in his right state of mind. Greed certainly led people to do some foolish things.

Nick clenched his teeth in an attempt to subdue his irritation, and looked up at the late afternoon sky. By its position, it was nearly four o’ clock. He should have been on the top of the mountain by now waiting for the beautiful sunset, but no—that had been ruined for him.

Their boots crushed frozen leaves and bramble as they walked deeper into the mountains. Occasionally, Nick would trip on a stone stuck in the gravel, but he held his balance.

“Where are you taking me?” Nick barked, not caring about the consequences.

“Isn’t it obvious?” A wolf named Jonathan answered. “I’m sure you’re aware of the punishment for trespassing.”

Nick was well aware. In Caedmon culture, they’d hold anyone as prisoner who trespassed on marked territories without permission. Especially if they were up to no good.

“Last I checked, these lands belonged to Devin Caedmon.”

Jonathan laughed. “Are you sure?”

“It’s a known fact according to the will of his father.”

“Not all forty thousand acres were deeded to the late Daniel Caedmon.”

Nick frowned. It was just like Darius to pull something up—anything—to hold against Devin.

They climbed a hill several yards before reaching the mountains up ahead. Nick was then pulled toward an old dilapidated outhouse.

Jonathan pounded on the door, and someone snatched it open.

They shoved Nick inside and on instinct he landed on his elbows to prevent falling face first into the dirt. He held back a curse as his skin scrapped against the rough ground. Bracing himself on his knees, he came to a standing position once again. When he looked up to face his opponent, he discovered there were several more of them waiting in the interior. Like vultures.

He noticed Darius right away as he approached.

“Look who's come to visit.”

Nick said nothing. One thing was certain; he was pissed as fuck. If he wasn’t so curious about what type of shop Darius had set up here, he’d have put up a fight long ago.

“Good job, boys,” Darius drawled. “You brought me nice bait once again.”

Bait?

“What are you doing around my parts, Nick?” Darius circled him. “Certainly, you’re not here in search of what you lost so many years ago.”

Nick growled. Why couldn’t Darius let that rest? “I was minding my own damn business. Is this what you’re up to these days? Rounding people up like criminals.”

“My territory…my rules.”

“Since when did these become your territories?”

Darius laughed. “I’m claiming my half of the forty K acres. It’s only fair that I bring up my father’s will since Devin has brought up his. He didn’t think he had rights to it all, did he?”

“You’re supposed to be gone. You were banished.”

“I’m not that easy to get rid of. Did you think I would run off like a screaming baby like that brat you call a leader did?” Darius spat on the ground. “Depriving me of something I own, and then covering it up is a shady move. I didn’t know Devin had it in him.”

“I know nothing about what you speak.”

“What a liar! You’re his advisor. How could you not know anything?”

Nick frowned. “If I did, I wouldn’t tell you jack shit.”

Jonathan tugged hard against the chain around Nick’s waist, and he nearly upchucked his lunch.

“We’ll see if Devin cares when you come up missing,” Darius sneered. “Chances are he doesn’t give a shit. All he cares about now is fucking a human whore.”

“You want to play dirty?”

“Dirty? Seems fair to me. I hold you as bait and bastard boy comes running. I’m not sure what you’re worth dead or alive, but I don’t plan to hand over my share of the wealth so that he can lay claim to it all.”

“You want land?” Nick asked.

“My half as deeded to my late father.” Darius smiled. “And the title I was deprived of.”

“And if Devin disagrees?”

“I’ll behead you.”

Nick hoped Devin never agreed. Darius should have been slayed on the night of the Blue Moon.

“What ever happened to a fair fight around here?” Nick challenged.

“Blood thirsty?”

Nick nodded at Jonathan. “I’d like to start with him.”

Jonathan snarled then looked to his leader.

“You don’t call any shots,” Darius snapped.

“Come on now,” Nick taunted. “It’s either now or later. Because when I break loose, I’ll have your punk ass servant bitch boys wishing they had never captured me.”

Nick braced himself as Jonathan lashed out, jerking the chains against him. The blood raged under his skin, and the wolf inside him sought to be unleashed.

“Into the cell.” Darius jerked a finger behind him. “Down below. When you are done locking him in, bring me the key.”

His boys acted quickly, pushing him down toward a door in the floor and down a set of stairs. There was a holding cell off to the side, complete with metal bars and a lock. After stripping the chains off him, they shoved him inside and secured it with deadbolts.

“How could you fall for Darius’s tactics?” He asked them.

Their only answer was a door slammed shut.

“Idiots,” he mumbled.

Selene scrambled into position at the sound of heavy footsteps approaching. Her heart beat wildly, as if it would burst through her breastbone at any minute. A sharp pain shot up from her fist through to her arms and she realized that she clutched at the broken glass too tightly. It was not her blood that she wanted to shed tonight.She drew her legs up toward her body as the door swung open.

Scarface came into view. He shed his trench coat and removed two chains from around his neck and hung both on a hook beside the door.

She held her breath as he came and stood next to the bedside, eying her like an owl. The stare left her feeling sick to the stomach.

“The maid said you refused food.”

“I don’t want any.”

Scarface shrugged. “Fine with me. But you’ll become hungry sooner or later.”

“I’ll die before I eat anything you offer,” she said, forcefully.

“That won’t do, doll.” He fumbled with the chain around his jeans and it fell to the floorboards about his feet. “Not if you plan to deliver what you owe me.”

Selene bit her lip. “Please don’t. Darius…”

He seemed shocked at the mention of his name.

“There are other ways to get a baby. There are clinics in almost every state where women sign up to be surrogates every month.”

His forehead creased in anger. “Are you trying to tell me how to go about my business?”

She swallowed. “I just…I don’t want to do this.”

“If you want to live, you will do this.”

“Why me?”

“I told you already. You’re of good breeding age, and strong enough to do so. You survived a car crash like that; you will survive delivering my pups.”

“Pups?” Who referred to their babies as pups? It proved that this man was a psychopath.

He reached out and slid a stiff finger up her calf, and she cringed.

“I will be quick.” His hand came to rest on her abdomen. “Still not healed completely from the accident, I see.” He tore his shirt over his head, and tossed it over the footboard. His chest was extremely hairy, but underneath all the fuzziness there was no doubt that he was a strong man. And determined to get what he wanted no matter how much it would hurt her or how wrong it was.

Selene tore her gaze away as he unzipped his jeans. She didn’t want to do this. She didn’t want to murder a full-grown man. But she had to do something if she was going to escape this horrible fate alive or dead.

His hands worked the knot of the rope around her ankles and he pulled those off too. “Give me nine months...”

“You’re a sick bastard.” Her voice quivered as she spoke.

“Bastard?” Blood shot red eyes bore into her. He grabbed hold of the front of the gown and ripped it, baring her naked flesh.

Selene shrieked, and brought her legs up toward her chest again. She perspired from fear and her bra and panties clung to her like a second skin. Her blood was heated, but she shivered like a scared school girl.

Scarface reached behind her and snatched the rope off her wrists. It gave way easier than the ones that bound her feet. He took no notice as he climbed on the bed, kneeling over her.

“Lie down.”

There was a nasty grin plastered on his lips as she slid down. She hadn’t noticed it before, but there were long fang-like teeth sticking out on either side of his mouth. Something like an animal would have. They were pointed and curved inward a bit, and looked sharp at the tip.

She squeezed her eyes shut as he reached into his waistband.

“Open your legs. Haven’t you done this before?”

She shook her head, still averting her gaze away from his body.

“Don’t lie to me, you fucking bitch. Spread your legs before I do it for you.”

She forced her legs open slowly. “Don’t make me do this.”

“I like the way you resist me.” He chuckled. “Are all human females like this?”

As he came down over her, she said, “I am so sorry…”

He grabbed at her thighs and took hold of her cotton panties. “Oh? Now you want to apologize. Have you changed your mind, you little slut?”

She felt something heavy against the inside of her thighs. Raising the broken glass over them, she squeezed hard, breaking through her own skin. She took a deep breath and thrust the sharp end of the glass straight into his neck.

Scarface hollered like an animal and scrambled off the bed, clutching his neck. The piece of glass was still lodged in his throat and when he pulled it out, blood spewed everywhere.

“Oh, God.” Her breath rushed out of her.

“I’m going to kill you!” He rushed for her. His penis lay flaccid between his legs.

She screamed at the top her lungs, and ran across the other end of the room.

A maid and another man rushed through the door.

“Sir, what’s happened?” The maid asked.

“She stabbed me!” Scarface pointed in her direction. “Chain her.”

They ran to subdue her, but this time she wasn’t passed out. She was wide awake, and she would not make it easy for them. She kicked and screamed as they tackled her.

“Where do you want her?” The man heaved her over his shoulder.

“Let me go!” She beat at his back. Certainly, someone would hear her and come to help. But she was out in the middle of nowhere…how would anyone hear her?

“In the dungeon.”

The dungeon?

“It’s occupied, sir.”

“I don’t care. Lock that bitch up.” Scarface ran to the opposite end of the room toward the sink and faucet.

“I won’t do it.” Her protests turned into cries. “Kill me now!”

Selene meant it. No way would she allow someone to disrespect her body that way. To bring an innocent baby into this world under these circumstances were out of the question.

“You have two choices…your body or your life.” Scarface turned to glare at her. “You want to act like a rabid bitch…then I’ll lock you up like one.”

As they hauled her away, she tore and pushed at anything she could get her hands on. She grabbed up a lamp and hurled it at the maid, as she was carried toward the door. The maid ducked and the lamp crashed into a hundred pieces on the floor behind her. She clawed at the door frame and clutched at the hook hanging on the wall. Her struggles didn’t seem to faze the man who carried her. He kept taking her away. To where…she had no idea.

Finally, they were outside and the night air blanketed her. Her lungs burned from screaming. She lifted her head, and looked out across fields of absolutely nothing. Was there anybody out there to help her? Her prospects didn’t seem too good.

Her shoulders slumped in defeat, and she let the man carry her like a sack of potatoes across the field.

Selene tried to contain her agony and impatience, but her entire body was consumed with it. Tears fell down her face, and she balled her hands tighter into fists. Her fingers met a solid metal object. Her heart jumped when she glimpsed a small key with a piece of broken chain hanging from it. In her fit of rage, she’d grabbed something.

A key.

CHAPTER FOUR

Nick raised his head in alarm as he heard the doors overhead being slid open. The voices were muffled, but he made them out to be the man who guarded the cell and Jonathan, the man who’d caught him.

He pushed himself off the stone wall and came to stand by the bars as the men moved closer. There was no use in them bringing him any more food. He’d rather rot in this cell than accept something they’d poisoned.

The door to the dungeon flew open and a fresh night breeze flowed inside. He inhaled deeply, savoring what freedom would taste like. Wolves were never meant to be caged. It was a dreadful punishment. The punishment for trespassing.

Jonathan came down the stairs, and Nick immediately flashed fang. When he saw a body over the man’s shoulders, he withdrew them just a bit.

He carried a female.

Nick couldn’t see her face, only long black hair cascading down as she hung her head toward the floor. She wasn’t even moving. Was she dead?

One of the men unlocked the cell door. They brought the woman’s limp body into view.

He should have made an escape for it then, but shock had him frozen to the spot.

They threw her on the floor and slammed the doors shut.

“Lookie there, you’ve got a cell mate.” Jonathan chuckled as he trekked back up the stairs.

The woman whined, but still made no move to get up. Her long thick hair still covered her face. She was half naked with only a matching floral bra and panty set on. There was an undressed wound at her side and a wide scrape down the left side of her arm. She curled into a ball facing away from him and started to cry.

“I should have killed him,” she whimpered. “God, I should have killed him.”

Nick shrunk back. The woman didn’t seem to know that he was in the cell. She was talking to herself.

“Why didn’t I listen to you, Dad? You told me not to go anywhere alone,” the woman continued.

He didn’t know whether to leave her be or answer her. Her scent wafted toward him. It was a delicate blend of nutmeg and brown sugar. An underlying scent also told him that she was human.

“I’m so scared.” She cried some more.

Nick cleared his throat. “Hello?”

The woman jumped up like a leopard, scrambled into a corner of the cell, and screamed. It was a high pitched shrill that should have shattered the glass windows in the room above them.

“I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“You’re one of them!” She shouted. “What kind of people are you?”

He pressed his lips together and ran his tongue across his teeth willing his fangs to disappear. “No, I’m not.”

“You better not come near me!”

He stepped closer. “Sssshh…please. You’ll draw attention.”

“I’ll kill you!”

He tried to hold back his amusement. No woman had ever uttered those three little words to him. “I’m locked up in this cell with you. Do you really think I want to harm you?”

“Just stay right there.” She held up a hand. There was a jagged cut on the palm and her fingers were covered in blood.

From the scent of it, it was her blood and someone else’s. Someone familiar.

He wasn’t taking any chances; he didn’t want his blood added to the equation. “Okay, okay. I’ll stay back.” He took a few steps back.

The woman hugged her body with her arms in an attempt to cover up. She shivered as well. He figured the combination of fear and cold had taken over her.

He pulled his shirt over his head and offered it to her. “Here.”

The woman eyed him like a hawk, her gaze sliding from his face to the shirt he offered. Stepping forward, she snatched it, ran into her corner, turned her back, and pulled it over her. She sat down, bringing her knees to her chest with her bloodied hands balled into fists.

“Don’t be afraid,” he said. Following suit, he moved to the other corner and sat down facing her. He wanted to go over to her and comfort her, but figured that wasn’t the wise thing to do given her threat to kill him.

“I was attacked. How can I not be afraid?”

“Of me, I meant. Don’t be afraid of me.”

She looked up to level her stare at him. “I don’t trust you.”

Her lips were pursed in fury. They were a perfect set of lips. Rosy in color and plump and sexy. Her feral gaze nearly hypnotized him.

He shook his head. “That’s okay. I’m a stranger. I know.” He studied her. Even in her state of distress, she was clearly a very beautiful woman. “My name is Nick.”

“Why are you locked up?”

“I was captured, and brought here for trespassing.”

She returned an ambiguous stare. “Me too. They brought me here and will not let me go.”

“How long have you been here?” He had no idea that Darius kept human servants nowadays.

“I was traveling to visit a friend when I swerved to miss an animal in the road. My car crashed off the main highway. I must have blacked out. Next thing I know, I woke up on a cot with Mr. Mangled Face staring down at me. It’s been a day or two, maybe.”

“Mr. Mangled Face?” His gaze dropped to her bloodied fists. “What happened to your hands?”

“I stabbed Scarface with broken glass.”

“Scarface?” Who were these people she was talking about?

“He attacked me. They called him Darius. He had the ugly, mangled scars on his face.”

Nick ground his teeth. The nerve of him to attack an innocent woman. “Are you alright?”

“No.”

“I can help.”

Her eyes filled with tears, but she managed to shed not one of them. “This was a mistake. I want to go home.”

“I’ll get you out of here,” Nick said.

Hope filled her eyes, replacing the tears. “Hi, Nick. I’m Selene.”

“Selene,” he whispered.

“Yes, but not like the singer. Mine’s spelled with an S.”

He smiled. “Right. Pretty name.”

She shrugged. “It’s alright. My dad named me.”

The casual conversation seemed to calm her, so he carried on, all the while examining her slowly. “What would you rather be called then?”

She raised an eyebrow. “That’s an odd thing to ask someone.”

Her eyes were a deep brown. Bedroom eyes. Eyes you could get lost in for hours on end.

“You have an accent. Northern and maybe Spanish?”

Selene cracked a small smile, and lowered her thick eyelashes. “There’s no disguising this accent. I’ve tried many times, but I always slip and most people figure it out.”

“I like your accent.”

“How long have you been here?”

“Since this afternoon, but it seems like forever.”

She scanned the room outside their cell, really observing their surroundings for the first time with a troublesome expression on her face. What had Darius done to her?

The only light in the room was from the moonbeams that snuck through a tiny barred window. It was dark inside, and if it wasn’t for his wolf eyes, he would not be enjoying how lovely she looked despite her distress.

“Do you have a plan to get out of here?” She asked.

“Yes.”

“How?”

She was relentless.

“The guards are sloppy. I’m just waiting for the right moment.”

“You’re patient, then?”

He nodded. “In order to defeat an enemy, you must know him thoroughly.”

“Makes sense.”

From across the room, Nick heard her stomach grumble. It wasn’t gas. Evidently, she was experiencing hunger pangs. “You haven’t eaten since you’ve been here, have you?”

She didn’t answer.

Nick reached into his pocket and pulled out a piece of jerky wrapped in a plastic. It was the last piece he had. He’d been saving it for tomorrow in case his plans backfired. He handed it to her, arms outstretched.

Surprisingly, she came forward and accepted it. “Thank you.”

He inhaled her scent again as her small fingers opened the package and extracted the jerky. She tore the dried meat in half and handed one to him.

He smiled and accepted his piece, eating it in one bite.

She sat beside him and nibbled hers slowly.

Her toes were painted a bright red, the same color as her nails. His shirt barely covered her and his gaze ran over long shapely calves and plush thighs. She was a light cinnamon complexion, just like her smell. It would be difficult keeping his eyes off of her.

After eating the jerky, she rested her head on the wall of the cell and yawned. “Talk to me some more, so I don’t fall asleep.”

“If you’re tired, why don’t you sleep?”

She glanced at him then, but her eyelids were heavy. “Because I’m scared.”

“Okay, I’ll talk to you, but what about?”

“Anything.” Her speech slurred. “I love the sound of your voice.”

“Okay. I’ll tell you a bit about myself.” Nick swallowed. “I grew up in a very small town in Virginia. Near the mountains. A place where everyone knows everyone. My parents owned the supermarket where I worked until I was old enough to move out of their home. I then attended a nearby technical school and began my career as a welder. It wasn’t my dream profession. I dreamed of something bigger.” He frowned. “Something happened in my small home town. Things weren’t the same. Our close nit community began falling to pieces. I wasn’t the only one who could see that. If it wasn’t for Devin, my closest friend, I probably would have given up on my dreams…”

Nick stole a glance at Selene. He knew before he started that he wouldn’t get to finish is boring life story.

Her head had fallen on his shoulder, and she was fast asleep.

CHAPTER FIVE

Selene was jarred awake by the sound of a door slam. Her hands instantly went to her neck as pain shot through her spine. The tendons had become stiff as she slept on Nick’s shoulder through the night.

Nick’s body tensed beside her, and he turned in the direction of the door. “Patience,” he whispered. “We’ll get out of here soon.”

She hoped he was right.

As he stood over by the bars, she examined him further. He was built and tall. Hard around the edges, but yet he’d been so gentle, ensuring her throughout the night to stay calm. His voice was deep, soft…and eased her fears. If it wasn’t for him, she probably couldn’t remain in the right state of mind. She’d never been locked up in a cell like this and held against her will.

His bronzed muscular back rippled as he gripped the bars. His toffee colored skin complexion reminded her of the candies she had always loved as a child. There were tattoos on either side of his arms. They were symbols of some sort. His head had been shaved, as if with a sharp razor. He was nearly bald.

Two men came down the stairs. They weren’t the same one’s who’d thrown her in the cell last night. One of them carried a tray in his hands. He bent down and slid it under the cell.

Selene thought she heard a growl escape Nick’s lips.

“Do you think we’re stupid? It’s poisoned!” He used his foot to push the tray back under the cell. The blunt force caused it to crash into the opposite wall and the bowls of soup splattered across the walls and onto the guards’ pants.

One of them came to stand outside of the cell, meeting Nick in challenge. “It seems you can’t be contained by cell. Perhaps you’d like to be tied up again like the rabid animal you are?”

“Do with me what you will, but what did she do to deserve being in here?”

“Direct orders from Darius.”

“She’s a woman, for God sakes. Have respect.”

The guards gaze shifted toward her. Selene lowered her gaze to the floor.

“The bathroom. We need to use it,” Nick hissed.

“There’s a drain on the floor behind you.”

“You asshole! You’re no better than that sick crook who leads you.”

“If you really need to piss, that’s where you should go.”

“The woman…you want her to pee on the floor?”

The guard shuffled his feet a bit, as if unsure on what to do. “Alright. One at a time. The human goes first.”

Selene rose on shaky legs from her sitting position. She met eyes with Nick as she walked toward the open end of the cell.

“It’s okay,” he whispered, and then turned his attention to the guard. “If either of you so much as touch her, I’ll rip your throat out.”

The threat seemed real, but the guard leading her to the small bathroom stall never laid a finger on her.

“Quickly,” he ordered, and shut the door behind her.

The first thing she looked for was a way to escape. It was pointless. The windows were barred and someone had hammered a board over it from the outside.

As she hoovered over the toilet, careful not to touch the surface of it, she exhaled, releasing the water she’d been holding in her bladder throughout the night. She would have died from absolute embarrassment if she were made to piss in the drainage on the floor while Nick and the others watched.

The water in the faucet was icy cold, but she washed her hands of the dirt and blood anyway. Then she brought handfuls of water to her mouth, quenching her thirst. The mirror over the sink was old and clouded over with dust. She took the heel of her palm and cleaned off a corner of it. The reflection that stared back revolted her. She looked like one big hot mess. Like a wild woman.

She dipped her head and splashed water over her face and attempted to rub her face clean.

“It’s enough.” The guard rapped on the door. “Your time is up.”

“Okay. Coming.” Using just the water, she ran her fingers through her hair combing it back and out of her face.

Before she exited, she stuffed the metal key down lower into her bra. It was her last hope, but she still hadn’t figured out how she’d get away all by herself once she was free from the confines of the cell.

She was placed back into the open cell, and Nick followed the same man to the bathroom stall.

When Nick was gone, the taller one eyed her intensely, a smug grin on his face. “It’s a shame you won’t eat,” he drawled. “Our alpha has plans for you and you’ll need your energy.”

She shivered, and shook her head to rid her mind of what she’d almost been forced to endure the night before.

“I have no intentions of being part of his plans,” she said, keeping her gaze on the floor.

“Last night was your warning,” he said. “This is your cool down period. I’m not sure why he’d even spare you. I suspect you won’t be so lucky tonight.”

She glanced up. “Tonight?”

“You’ll get another chance…or be served your punishment alongside your cellmate.”

“Punishment?” Her heart seized in panic. “What do you mean?”

“He’s not too happy about you assaulting him before his business meeting.”

This time she laughed. “He’s saying that I assaulted him?” She stood up to face him with only the bars separating them. “He’s a sick bastard who tried to rape me.”

The man reached through the bars and grabbed her by the throat.

Her breath rushed out of her as he squeezed hard.

His teeth were barred, sharp and long. Like canine teeth.

She opened her mouth to speak, but the heel of his hand was pushed against her voice box.

There was commotion to the left of them as Nick emerged from the stall. The moment she blinked, Nick tore away from the one who escorted him and crossed the room.

“I warned you,” Nick growled, shoving her attacker violently, nearly ten feet across the room.

The man’s body slammed against the wall but he scrambled back up with malice etched on his face. This time his fangs dripped with saliva. He growled like a dog.

Selena’s gaze darted from her attacker to Nick. His expression was the same. Furious. With canines, fighter’s stance, clenched fists, and all.

They came together swiftly, flesh hitting flesh.

She screamed aloud, shattering her own eardrums and cowered in the furthest corner of the cell.

They fought like two pro wrestlers, pinning each other to the floor and trading punches to the face and chest.

The man standing off to the side barged forward, trying to separate the two, but he ended up on the ground with a busted lip for his efforts. He got up and retaliated, grabbing what looked like a broken off piece of long metal pipe.

Selene cringed when he swung at the fighting pair. Her heart settled only a bit when he missed, hitting absolutely nothing but thin air.

One would have thought two animals were fighting by the way they tumbled across the floor, oblivious to everything else around them with sharp growls and fervent snarls escaping their mouths.

The taller man caught Nick off guard as he recovered from a blow, held up a clawed hand, and slashed Nick across the abdomen.

Nick howled in pain, and she pressed her own lips together, mentally sensing the agony he must have felt.

The other man helped by taking the opportunity and hitting Nick across the back with the metal pole.

Nick fell to his knees right in front of her and the cell.

At that moment, their gazes met. His eyes were wild and savage. His fangs were barred. Her pulse tripped, and her heart nearly stopped as she stared at the man she did not recognize anymore.

“Nick?” She whispered.

His stare softened, but at the same time the pole was raised over him again by one of his attackers.

“Kill him,” the other encouraged, holding his hand to his bloody throat.

The man swung, delivering another blow.

Nick’s body lunged forward, face first onto the floor.

Her legs moved on their own accord and she rushed to help him. When the man lifted the pole again, she shielded Nick with her body.

“Please. Stop,” she cried.

“Move, you stupid waif, or I’ll swing,” he warned, his eyes bulging in anger.

They were going to kill him. She couldn’t live with the knowledge of someone dying trying to save her.

“I will do whatever you want. Tell your alpha I will do it,” she pleaded.

The stunt man lowered the bar, but only slightly.

Nick didn’t appear to be conscious as she pushed at his shoulder. She turned back to their attackers. “Don’t kill him…please.”

“It’ll be a while before he recovers.” The man lowered the bar. “I’ll tell our leader that you have acquiesced. We’ll be back for you.”

They trekked back up to the stairs. The injured one left a trail of blood behind. Even though they’d been left outside the cell, she heard the locks being bolted shut, barring them inside once again.

Selene shifted her attention back to Nick. Using all her strength, she turned him over in her lap.

His chest moved up and down slightly, but she still put her hand close to his lips to confirm that he still breathed.

“Nick.” She carefully touched the skin surrounding the bloodied gash in his side. The sight of blood had been something she’d never been able to tolerate. Her stomach grew queasy as the red fluid continued to slowly spurt from his side. “Wake up.”

The strong smell of copper wafted under her nose. There was also another underlying scent. A scent that was unique to him.

She shook him again, but his body felt heavy and limp on her lap.

When he didn’t respond, she eased him on to the floor and then rushed back to the bathroom stall. Using the sharp end of a metal shard she found, she tore the bottom end of her shirt and drenched it with water.

Selene dragged Nick across her lap again and gently pressed the cloth around the wound. She wanted to apply pressure to stop the blood flow, but didn’t want to inflict pain. Biting her lower lip, she pushed as firm she could onto his side. She wiped the beads of sweat from his forehead with the other end of the shirt as she kept the pressure applied.

She hadn’t really taken a good look at him before, but she couldn’t help but study his features now. His facial structure and jaw line were well defined giving him a clean edgy look. His lips were well formed—not too full and not too thin. He was far from the average male, and exceptionally handsome. He was nearly twice as big as her, but from what she could see of his arms and chest, most of it was pure muscle.

He wore some type of cologne, or maybe it was just the way he smelled. Almost like pine trees still wet from morning dew.

She smiled, thinking about the holiday season coming up. Spending it with family this time around was important for her. She’d never take family for granted again. They always complained that she never came to visit. Her excuse year after year was that her patients and clients needed her help more.

Selene traced the outline of his thick eyebrows with the tip of her finger. His skin color was similar to hers—a smooth tea-colored complexion. He’d shaved recently, but she still detected a hint of stubble along his jawline.

Suddenly, Nick opened his eyes. “Selene.” A slow grin spread across his face.

Her heart raced anxiously. “You’re awake.”

He groaned. “Awake…and feeling awful.”

“I’m sorry, I tried to stop the blood.” She reduced some of the pressure to his side.

“No.” He placed his palm over her hand. “Keep applying the pressure.”

“I thought you would never wake up.”

Nick lifted his hand, catching her off guard. His palm was surprisingly soft as he stroked the side of her face. “You have dimples.”

“Yes,” she said, shyly. A feature she’d inherited from her mother.

“I like them.” He continued to study her face, while his head was cradled on her lap.

“You didn’t have to do that for me. You could have been killed.”

“I’m a man of my words, Selene. I intend to get you out of here.”

“We’ll be separated soon.” She frowned, as awareness set in. How would she save herself now from that sicko they called Darius. She hadn’t been thinking rationally when she’d agreed. All she wanted was for them to let Nick live. “They said they’d be back for me.”

“I won’t let them take you.” He lifted himself, cringing as he bent at the waist.

She steadied him. “Are you okay?”

“Dizzy, yes, but nothing I can’t recover from.” He removed the bloodied cloth from his side.

Selene braced herself again, not sure she’d be able to take in the gruesome wound again. But when she looked this time, the deep claw marks were closed over with what looked like new skin. She gasped. Blood caked around the scar, but most of it was dry.

“How could you have healed that fast?”

“It was nothing,” he mumbled. “Just some scratches.”

“You didn’t see what I saw.” She shook her head in disbelief. “Only moments ago I could see your flesh. The cut was so deep that I didn’t think I could stop the blood flow.”

“Well, you did. Thank you.” He replied. “Now we have to get you out of here.”

“How can we escape this?” She lifted an arm, pointing toward the door. “Even if we did, how would we get past the guards out there?”

“I’ll worry about that,” he said, carefully. “But this is no place for a woman to be.”

“It’s no place for anyone to be.”

“At least we’re out of the cell.” Nick stood and then held his hand out to help her up. “Come.” He led her to the small window near the opposite side of the room. “I’m going to lift you up and I want you to tell me what you see.”

He lifted her effortlessly using only his bare hands until she was eye level with the window. His hands were strong and firm at her waist

She glanced out across the landscape and at the fields through which the guards had carried her. The sun was high in the sky, allowing her a clearer view of the surroundings outside of the dungeon walls.

At first glance, the backdrop was beautiful. Had she not been confined, a view such as this would have been something she would have sat for hours looking at. Majestic mountaintops were as far as she could see. They were still dusted with the evidence of snow, which had likely fallen the week before her visit. The ground and treetops were covered in frost. What was probably lush greenery was now a field of straw, hay, and crumpled grass.

“What do you see?” He urged.

“Nothing but fields and mountains.”

He lifted her higher and the immediate perimeter of the building they were in came into view. “What about now?”

There were two men working outside the shed adjacent to them. “I can’t see the guards, but there are others close by. It looks like they’re hauling wood.” To the right of them, two wolves lay in the clearing next to the field. “There are wolves.”

“How many wolves?”

“Two.”

When Nick set her down on the ground again, she sighed. “There is no escaping. They’ll know.”

“Have hope. We’ll do it this evening, as soon as the sun grazes the mountain tops.” He grabbed her shoulders. “I should tell you this…there is a long history between Darius and me. I have no doubt that he’s holding me for something other than my trespassing.”

“A long history? What do you mean?” Did he know Darius personally?

“Darius has been very spiteful over the last decade. There are things that I can’t actually tell you, but know that I will get you out of here.”

“You’ve known him a decade?”

“I’ve known him longer than that.”

Nick moved to the bathroom stall and she followed. He splashed some water on his face.

“Then you know these people? They’re not strangers to you?”

He turned to glance at her, but did not speak. He seemed to be weighing his words, as his gaze shifted behind her.

“How can I trust you?” She asked.

“You can trust that I will keep my word.”

He sounded more hopeful than she felt. She needed to get out of here and maybe worry about and consequences and repercussions later.

Selene slipped her fingers down into her bra and took out the key. “I grabbed this somehow.”

Picking up the key, he held it between them as they inspected it. “What happened to you before you came here? Why did Darius attack you?”

She swallowed. It wasn’t something she wanted to think about or rehash. “He tried to rape me.”

Nick’s face hardened in fury, and his lips were drawn taut. “I will kill him.”

“No more stalling around here.” She grasped his wrist. “It’s enough. I just want to go home.”

The creases in his forehead disappeared. He opened her hand, and pressed the key into her palm. “As soon as the sun grazes the mountain tops…”

CHAPTER SIX

“Wait.” Selene gripped Nick’s forearm as he bent to adjust his bootstraps.

She was anxious to be free of this dark and congested space. Anxious to escape the deserted town to be back in the city she hated for being so crowded and unsafe. She would have given anything to turn back time, but now that the moment had come to escape, doubt ran through her like a virus.

Would he see her safely back on the road toward her hometown, or would he discover that she was too much of a hindrance and leave her out in the middle of nowhere?

Nick stood to face her, giving his full attention. “You have reservations?”

“Those men seem dangerous.” She swallowed. “I think we need a weapon.”

Selene thought she saw the corners of his lip upturn into a grin, but if he had done so, the expression was gone in an instant.

“Whatever happens, Selene, you stay close to me.”

“I’m just scared is all.”

“We have a clear shot now. You remember our initial plans…we run until we reach the forest.”

“Right,” she whispered, and handed him the key.

“You’re a strong woman.” He took her hand, and squeezed gently. “You’ve made it this far.”

Selene nodded. It had been a long journey. A journey that she suddenly wished she hadn’t taken alone. It was time to face the consequences. She’d gotten herself into this… “Let’s do it.”

He led the way quietly up the stairs, and slid the key in the lock. It fit perfectly in the slot, but when he pushed up on the overhead door, it didn’t give easily. From the way he applied force to it, she could tell that there was something else preventing the door from opening.

“What’s wrong?”

“They slid something over it.”

Turning back, Nick pushed up again, harder this time. Dirt escaped the cracks as he lifted. The hinges creaked and the object scraped the floor above them as he shoved. Something crashed and shook the stairs where they stood. The door finally gave way and banged into the floor on the second level above them.

Selene took a deep breath as Nick grabbed her hand and helped her up the stairs and out of the dungeon.

“Hey!” A big grisly-looking man emerged from the corner of the room and rushed them. He had a canteen in one hand and held the other hand up to stop them.

Selene’s heart twisted in fear, and her gut feeling told her that they would not escape without some serious effort.

Nick moved to stand in front of her and they backed up toward the door. “Let us go and there will be no problems.”

Grisly threw the canteen to the ground and some of the beverage splashed on the floorboards. The smell of strong liquor wafted under Selene’s nose.

“Oh, we definitely have a problem,” he remarked, and then rushed Nick in response.

It happened so fast she barely had time to focus on the scene before her. Nick captured the man, twisted him around, and snapped his neck. He fell like a limp mummy. She was frozen in place, until Nick took her hand again.

“Let’s go,” he said.

They made a break for it, dashing toward the fields. She could tell that she slowed him down. His long legs ate up the distance before him, while her shorter one’s fought to keep up. Not once did he let go of her hand.

Her lungs burned as though they were on fire. Her throat was dry as though someone had made her swallow dust. As the wind picked up around them, dirt flew in her face and into her open mouth. She pressed her lips together, but that only caused her to lose her breath even quicker.

Selene thought she heard a howl in the distance, behind them, but it could have been that her ears were playing tricks on her. Her thoughts were incoherent.

Just run. Run.

She never wanted to see the scarred face Darius again. As soon as she reached the highway and a pay phone, she was taking the next bus out of here. Damn her old beat up Honda, purse, and luggage. Her life was worth more.

Her shoes connected with something hard on the ground and she toppled over. Her knees hit the earth and her hands came out in front of her to lessen the impact. She cried out more from aggravation than the pain shooting through her kneecaps.

“I….” She panted, fighting to speak on rapid breaths.

“Selene.” Nick knelt down to help her. “I am so sorry. This was too much too fast.”

“I’m slowing you down.”

“No—”

A wolf howl sliced through the atmosphere around them. She didn’t know what it was…maybe intuition. A warning…

They were being chased.

“We have to keep going,” he urged. “We’ll need to make it across the main highway.”

He helped her up and looped her arm across the top of his back. She limped a couple feet, biting into her lips. The pain was unbearable and she couldn’t bring herself to apply pressure to her right leg, which must have taken the brunt of the fall.

“I can’t.” Selene stopped. “Go without me.”

“No,” he said, angrily.

“One of us should go for help.”

“I’m not leaving you.” He bent and scooped her up in arms, and began half-walking half-running.

She pushed against his chest. “There is no way you will escape them while carrying me.”

He ignored her.

“Nick, put me down, and go get help.”

“I won’t do that.”

There was an animal growl and rustling behind them. She turned her head in the direction the sound, but only saw dusk settling in behind them. “Nick…?” She said, slowly.

He must have sensed it too, because he slowed his pacing and turned around. His grip became tighter around her. “Whatever you see tonight, Selene, just know that I will never ever hurt you.”

Why was he telling her that? Selene tightened her hold on him as well. She might have urged him to leave her only moments early, but the sad fact was that she needed him. She didn’t want to be left alone.

A large black wolf came out into the clearing with fangs barred and ears drawn to the back of its head. It circled them slowly, the yellow eyes piercing them like daggers.

Damn it! Not only were they being chased by some small town lunatics, they were also being cornered by a wild wolf.

Another wolf emerged from the shadows. This one’s fur was deep brown, but the eyes were the same—yellow and menacing.

“Nick,” she whispered, her voice shaking in morbid fear.

The black wolf bucked and snarled, spittle dripping from its muzzle on the ground.

Nick’s gripped loosened on her at the moment, and she wound her arm around his neck seeking his protection.

“I won’t let anything bad happen to you. I promise,” he whispered, as he turned her loose and made her stand behind him. “Stand back.”

The two wolves looked hungry and ready to kill. They encircled them like vultures scouting around an injured animal. Injured. Oh, no. She looked down at the blood on her knee. The animals must have been drawn to it.

She fell back slowly, eyes on the threat before her. Fright overcame her more than the pain in her knee.

Nick immediately took a fighter’s stance, prowling like a predator similar to his opponents. It occurred to her that he had not an ounce of terror in him.

The black wolf lunged at Nick, snapping its massive jaws. Nick sprung back, but not before the wolf captured his boot by its fangs.

Her back hit the trunk of a tree, as her eyes shifted on the fight before her.

Nick wrestled the wolf to the ground, taking the oversized head between his hands. Was he insane? What human would wrestle with a rabid wolf and not be fearful of being bitten?

It was clear that the wolf was gaining the upper hand as it took Nick’s arm in its mouth. Her stomach churned at the first site of blood at the corner of the wolf’s mouth.

Nick jumped up , flinging the wolf off his arm and it slid across the dirt until it came within a few centimeters of hitting an adjacent tree. It got back up and charged at Nick, eating up the distance between them rapidly.

A burst of white light erupted where Nick once stood.

Her breath caught in her throat when she glimpsed a wolf in his place. It was as massive as the other two. There was sort of a majestic beauty to its sleek muscular form. The fur was a chocolate brown with hints of white throughout.

She shook her head, and dug her nails into the bark of the tree.

When the two wolves collided, the blow seemed to vibrate the ground where they all stood. Her gaze shifted frantically from left to right as she tried to focus on the fight. From her days of volunteering at an animal shelter, she wasn’t a stranger to two wild animals fighting. But this was pure insanity…

Only moments ago, Nick had not been an animal.

And she was pretty damn sure that his body had flashed into a wolf as if by magic right before her eyes.

What the fuck?

Had they drugged her?

The second brown wolf stood on the other side, growling and barking, as though waiting his turn to join in. She hoped that he stayed on his side of the field. If someone had told her she’d die from being mauled by a wolf, she might have laughed in their face. Now, the possibility wasn’t that far-fetched.

She should have taken off a long time ago, but her feet were planted to the ground.

The black wolf yelped. Her gaze focused in time to see Nick’s wolf as he pinned his opponent and ripped a chunk of flesh from the neck.

Selene doubled over and dry heaved. Whatever sense she did not have earlier, she gained it back at that moment. Her feet began to move.

She walked. Stumbled. Then ran.

She did not want to die. Not tonight. Not like this.

At this point, it didn’t seem to make a difference where she ran. She only wanted to get away from the bloodthirsty wolves. She only prayed that her legs would lead her to a safe place.

Nick flashed back into his human form when he caught scent of Selene again.

He couldn’t believe he’d given himself away like that, but it had to be done. He could never have beaten a Caedmon wolf while in human form. The only options back there were to either reveal himself or be defeated. Being defeating meant allowing Selene to be captured again. He couldn’t let that happen.

He’d have gladly faced Darius again. He yearned to do just that—to defeat him. But Selene needed his help a whole lot more than he wanted to kill that bastard.

Nick scented her sweet fragrance before he heard her. And he heard her muffled cries before he saw her. She was huddled against a tree under thick overhanging branches. Her arms were wrapped around her torso, as though she were consoling herself. He wanted to be the one to comfort her and erase the bad memories that she would undoubtedly gain from this.

“Selene—”

Her scream of shock cut through the atmosphere and lingered on the strong night winds. She stumbled several feet away from him, and held up her palm. “Mantente alejado!”

He didn’t need to be fluent in her native language to know she wanted him to stay away. “I won’t hurt you.”

Her eyes widened. “You’re an animal!”

It was the truth, and she seemed repulsed by it.

His gaze dropped to the ground, and for the second time in his life he was ashamed of what he was. “Yes. Yes I am.”

“How could this be happening? I feel like I’m in some kind of bad dream.”

What he didn’t want to do was frighten her again, so he made no attempts to move any closer. “Even bad dreams come to an end.”

She lifted her gaze to study him. “What are you?”

He swallowed. “I’m wolf…and man.”

“You’re kidding.” She laughed nervously. “Right?”

“I’m afraid not.”

“Then you’re really serious…”

“Selene, we’ve got to move. Others will come looking after what they discover.”

“The other wolf back there…what did you do to it?”

“I think you know.” He did not take threats to his life lightly. “They would have killed both of us.”

“How do you know that?” Her voice rattled with anger.

“Look, Selene, I’ll tell you about all of this—any of this—but right now, we need to leave this area.”

“How do I know you won’t turn on me?”

“You’re not really afraid of me,” he said, and inched forward toward her. “You’re afraid of what you saw. I understand that.”

“Stop right there!”

“They had no plans to let you go. You had already seen too much. Those things had to happen in order to save you.”

“No.” She clenched her fists. “Don’t blame this on me.”

“You misunderstood me,” he whispered, moving a little closer. “I did what I had to save you, but none of this was your fault.”

“It was my fault. All of it. I shouldn’t have come.”

He didn’t understand what she meant, because she spoke in riddles. She regretted coming into this town. That much he knew.

One thing was certain, if they didn’t make a move now their lives would be on the line yet again.

“I made a promise to you.”

“I know.” Selene's expression changed from one of reluctance to one of hope.

“I can’t help who I am…what I am.”

“I don’t really understand what I saw.”

“Do you want to?” He asked.

She nodded.

“Put your hand in mine, Selene.” He held his palm out. “Come with me.”

Her fingers were warm and gentle when they touched his. Her palm was soft against his. The grip she gave in answer was confirmation enough.

He picked her up and draped her over his arms.

His wolf spirit still lingered on the surface as if she’d somehow called out to it. It refused to retreat, no matter how hard he fought to battle it.

As he carried her across the dusty field, their gazes connected on more than one instance. She studied him intimately, a worried but curious expression etching her delicate face. His heart beat nervously in his chest and his blood quickened as his wolf fought to emerge. This side of him had never yearned for so much control before. He could not help but think that it had something to do with the beauty in his arms. She was tempting, yes, but to partake in what was forbidden could cost him everything.

Damn, he wanted her.

But who wanted her more…the man or the wolf?

CHAPTER SEVEN

“What is this place?”

Selene’s voice echoed around her and her gaze scanned the darkened stone walls as Nick set her down gently. With its rigid structure and rocky ground, the place resembled a cave. A consistent dripping noise, probably from a water source, came from near the back.

“We’ll stay here until morning.” Nick walked toward a corner of the cave and came back with a backpack. “We really should keep moving, but not at the expense of your condition.” He pulled out a pair of sweats, a long-sleeve tee, and handed them to her.

She pulled the oversized clothes over her shivering body without hesitation. “What condition?”

Nick pulled a clean t-shirt over his head. “You’re tired and hungry.” He pulled out a few packages of dried food and a couple strips of beef jerky.

“I’m fine really.” She hated to know that she was holding him up and putting them at risk of being captured again.

“We’re safe here for now.”

“Those men back there…the one’s that brought us the poisoned food…were they…you know…”

Nick raised an eyebrow. “...wolves?”

“Yes. Were they?”

“They were.” He took out some supplies and a match, and quickly lit a fire over a small pit filled with wood in the center of the cave.

“I’m starved,” she said, eying the food packs.

Nick tore open a food pack and handed it to her. “I’ve got freeze dried apple pie, if you’d like dessert. I’ll warm that one up.” After filling a metal bowl with water, he placed the pack inside of it over the fire.

“Do you really eat these with you being a wolf and all?” After posing her question, she felt bad for making assumptions. Although, when she looked up, he was grinning.

“I’m a man as well, Selene.” He pulled a sleeping bag from the sack, unrolled it, and laid it out on the ground. “Let’s sit.”

“I’m sorry. That was a rude question.” She pried open the pack and inhaled. “Smells like spaghetti.”

“Bingo.” He handed her a plastic fork.

“This will be my first time eating a freeze dried meal.”

“I have them all the time,” he said, pulling out a canteen and unscrewing the lid.

Selene took a bite and reveled in the taste of savory marinara sauce. It wasn’t a hot meal, but her taste buds seemed satisfied and she didn’t have to hear her grumbling belly anymore.

Nick picked up a long stick and poked at the fire. The flames grew taller, crackled, and cast shadows on the walls.

“What are the tattoos on your arm?”

“They represent my loyalty to my pack and its leader.”

The designs were intricately done. A tattoo that she normally wouldn’t see on a regular individual. And with a career doing social work, she’d seen some pretty interesting characters and strange tattoos. This one had history—a story to tell.

He dumped another small log on the fire. The flames engulfed the pot of water before settling again.

“You must do this a lot?”

“I love camping and being in the wilderness. It’s been years since I’ve climbed a mountain though.”

“I’m afraid of heights.”

“Are you sure it’s heights you’re afraid of or do you fear the unknown?”

She bit her lip. “Both.”

“Sometimes when you confront your fears you surprise yourself in the process.” He smiled. “How’s the spaghetti?”

“It’s quite good actually. I’m sort of used to prepared meals. I’m not exactly a cook.”

He chuckled. “Me, either.”

“So, we have a thing or two in common.” Selene turned the pack to the side and read the ingredients. “Pretty straight forward stuff. I can pronounce them at least.” She ran her fingers over the labeling of the package. “Caedmon Farms.”

Why did that name sound familiar?

“This brand has been around for decades. One of the most well-known freeze dried food producers in the world,” he replied.

“I’ll have to look them up on the internet once I get back home.” She took in another forkful of her meal. “It surprisingly beats that taste of those TV dinners I have in my freezer.”

Nick folded his arms behind his head and leaned back against the wall. “I always preferred the one’s with the compartments, complete with dessert.”

She turned to him in surprise. “Those are my favorites too. Especially after a long night at the center.”

“The center?”

“I work with battered women and children. I support them on their path to peace.”

“Interesting profession,” he said. “And a great way to give back.”

“I love doing it.” Selene stopped chewing and swallowed. “Why aren’t you eating?”

He eyed her with a puzzled expression on his face. “I was waiting on you.”

“For what…?”

“Just waiting until you were done eating.”

“Why would you do that?” Selene felt guilty after scarfing down his food to find out that he hadn’t eaten a bite. “Let’s see.” She grabbed his backpack. “You look like a meat and potatoes guy.” She held out two packs to him. “Beef Stroganoff or Hearty Beef Stew?”

He grinned. “Both.”

She set her own meal pack on the ground and this time she leaned back while he ate. “Is there something in your genes that allows you to change from man to wolf?”

Nick was quiet for a moment as though contemplating his reply. “Something like that.”

“Then what is it exactly?”

“It’s a very long story.”

“Well, it doesn’t look like we’re going anywhere for a while.”

He smiled. “You certainly are pushy.”

“So, I’ve been told…”

“Hundreds of years ago, my kind were known as the Caedmon tribe. A group of settlers who made these mountains their home. They thrived here and quadrupled in population. Things took a turn for the worse when a deadly snowstorm hit the region followed by a deep freeze, threatening Caedmon existence. When they hit absolute rock bottom, they called to the gods for help.”

He paused, and took in several forkfuls of stew.

“Did the gods send help?”

“Markus Caedmon was the leader then. While he was out scouting for food, he came across an injured wolf stuck in one of the rabbit traps they’d set. The tribe was hungry and many tried to convince Markus to kill the wolf for food. It is said that Markus had a generous heart and that he would give his servants the clothes off his back had they asked. He took pride in his tribe, and wanted to please them.”

“Did he kill the wolf?” She urged.

“He brought the wolf back to camp in the hopes that it would live. On the second day, the wolf’s health began fading due to an infection from the wound. Markus committed a selfless act. In front of the entire tribe, he asked the gods to spare the wolf.”

“What happened? Did the gods save the wolf?”

“No.”

“So the wolf died?”

“Yes.”

She sighed. “How sad…”

“The wolf died, but its spirit lived on through our first leader and Alpha, Markus Caedmon.”

“How is this possible?”

“The gods fused the body of a man with the spirit of a wolf.”

“I have not read about this in history books.”

“You will find these stories only in Caedmon history books. We have our own library.” He removed the dessert pack from the fire, and set it on the ground in front of her.

After eating a few bites of the apple pie mix, she asked, “What happened to the tribe after that?”

“They flourished again.” He put his empty packs on the ground. “It is not known whether the wolf came with powers or if it was something the gods gifted to Markus in the process. But most know that wolves can travel great distances and at impressive speeds. With adequate food supply coming in and the ability to scout shelters before a storm, the tribe grew confidant and stronger. There is a ceremony to honor this event as well as the legend of Markus Caedmon once a year during the Wolf Moon. His followers and those that wished to join the tribe would embrace the wolf spirit of Caedmon. Although they weren’t gifted to shift between man and wolf like him, each of them were given more strength, stamina, and some powers. To this day only those born of Caedmon blood can shift.”

“This is amazing.”

“It is.”

“You’re Caedmon, then?”

He nodded. “I’m too far removed from the history tree to be considered Caedmon royalty, but I am Caedmon, nonetheless.”

She drew her knees up against her body, and wrapped her arms around her legs. “It sounds like humans are a part of the tribe.”

“The tribe is now called a pack since we are made up of wolves. Caedmon Pack. Back then, the pack grew stronger by strengthening the bloodlines. This can only be done by bearing children who descend directly from the original Caedmon family.” He poked at the logs in the fire pit again. “As for humans with the pack, each succeeding Alpha had their own agenda. Old rules were replaced with newer ones. Soon the human followers were outnumbered, and they no longer had a voice. One of our past leaders enacted a rule that cast out all humans, forbidding any relations with them.”

“Caedmon existence has been kept a secret.”

“Yes. Over the years, we’ve had groups of wolves branch off to form their own pack, but we Caedmon are still one of the strongest around.”

“I would like to know more. Tell me something else about them.”

“We’re both tired, Selene.” Nick moved closer to her until their bodies were touching. He felt extremely warm as he slid his arms over her shoulders.

He was right. She could barely keep her eyes open, but she was still curious about the Caedmon. “I’ll be gone tomorrow. I want to know more about the powers. Will you have enough time to tell me before I leave?”

“Of course.” He spread out another blanket and laid it across them.

Although Selene was out of her comfort zone and hundreds of miles away from home, she felt safe within this cave and with this man who was also a wolf.

“Thank you, Nick,” she whispered.

“For what?”

“I think you know.”

He’d saved her and encouraged her to escape when all her hope had faded.

“We have each other to thank.”

CHAPTER EIGHT

Nick slowed his pace as they neared the gas station. A feeling of hopelessness consumed him. Selena had to leave. It would only be best for her. The longer she stayed with him the more he grew on her. Ever since the night she was thrown in the cell with him, his wolf seemed to have complete control over him. If he didn’t let her go now, he feared that it would be to late down the road. She’d been thrown into the height of Caedmon Pack rivalry, and suffered at the hands of the man who wanted to see a legacy destroyed. Even though she worked with clients whose very lives were literally on the line on a daily basis, he could tell she’d never experienced this level of danger.

The yellow cab he’d called using the cell in his pack was already parked near the gas pump waiting.

Selene stopped walking. “I…this is the same gas station I came to just before my car accident.”

“It’s the town gas station. The only one for miles.”

She turned to face him. “Nick, I wish we could have talked more. Not just about your Pack, but about you too.”

Despite the urgent circumstances, they’d made the best out of a bad situation. He wanted to learn more about her too, but hated that he would have to bring her into his dysfunctional world to do so. “You have my cell phone number, and I have yours.”

“You promise to call me?”

“You know I will.” He stroked the side of her face, and slid his thumb over her dimple. “When things die down here, I’ll be free to roam. There is too much going on in my world right now.”

“I can only imagine,” she whispered.

Nick slid his backpack off his shoulder and handed it to her. “What’s left of the freeze dried food…to take back. There’s some cash as well in the bottom.”

“Thank you.”

He took her hand and grasped it tighter. Why was this so hard? He’d just met the woman. Barely knew her. Yet, he felt like if he allowed her to ride off into the sunset that his world would come tumbling down around him.

“Selene, you should go now.”

“I know.” She looked at the cab, and then back at him. “You never told me about your powers.”

He smiled. “Well then I know you’ll definitely call me.”

“Not fair,” she teased, and began walking toward the taxi.

Nick followed. “Be careful, Selene.” He nodded to the driver, who was an old family friend, then turned back to Selene. “Call me when you reach the train station. As soon as we find your car…if we find it…we’ll contact you.”

“I’ve had that Honda for seven years. It was time for a new one anyway. The clothes, my laptop, and other belongings, I can replace. But I can’t replace my life. Thank you again, Nick. No matter what you are, you do have a good heart.” Her palm left the side of his face. She turned to open the door and tossed the pack on the backseat. “I’ll have to come up with a story though about how my car came to be wrecked in this town.”

He raised an eyebrow. “You never did tell me the reason you came here.”

She smiled sweetly. “That way I know you’ll definitely call me.”

“See you later, Selene.”

“Bye, Nick.” She slid on the backseat and he shut the door.

He walked up to the driver's door and handed Nash, the driver, his fare and a tip.

Nash didn’t waste any time as he pulled off.

Nick looked after the yellow taxicab as it began to pick up speed and merge onto the main highway. He stood there so long that the dust fanned over his face. He swallowed down the lump in his throat, and walked toward the door of the small station.

The chimes hanging over the doorway rung as he came inside.

“Nick, man. Long time no see, bro. What have you been up to?” Charles greeted from behind the cash register.

“Nothing much, Charles. How’s the mate and pups?”

“They’ve turned me into a slave.”

They both laughed.

“What brings you up here?” Charles asked.

“I planned a mountain climbing trip to seek solitude and get my head together. It was cut short by a band of cowards.” Nick grimaced, thinking about the way Darius’s men had tied him up with the ropes to overpower him.

Charles leaned forward and lowered his voice. “Have you heard the rumors around here?”

“Concerning?”

“Nothing ain’t the same no more, man. You’ve got Darius and his followers threatening a whole bunch of town folk.” Charles frowned. “That wolf has been up to no good.”

“That’s precisely why my retreat was halted.” He grabbed two boxes of beef jerky from a nearby shelf. “I need to get back to the village. I should warn you and any others to stay on this side of the property line until things are handled.”

Charles shook his head. “As soon as we thought we had stopped that bastard…”

The door chime rung again. Nick didn’t think to look up until he got a whiff of a familiar cinnamon fragrance. Selene…

His head jerked up, and he focused to find her standing at the door. Even dressed down in his oversized clothes, she took his breath away. Although it wasn’t merely her beauty that astonished him; her very presence affected him in ways he’d never imagined.

When their eyes met, he knew in that instant why she’d come back. He dropped the jerky on the counter, quickly crossed the distance between them, and embraced her.

“Nick, I couldn’t leave. I don’t know why, but…” her words rushed out of her.

“I know. You don’t have to say anything.”

He slid his palm behind her neck and grasped her about the waist with the other. She had a small frame, but her rounded hips had him thinking about the naughty things he wanted to do to her. Selene would fit perfectly to him. There was no doubt in his mind.

He had to know—just had to find out how she tasted.

As Nick pulled her closer into him, she lifted her chin, and her delicate mouth parted. He bent and took her lips gently at first, testing her. Their lips glided against each other’s effortlessly. The feeling that rushed through him was heavenly. His taste buds seemed to pulse as he basked in the taste of cinnamon and honey.

Selene made no effort to pull away and even placed her palm against his chest, grabbing at the fabric of his shirt. Tilting her head, he deepened the kiss, pressing firmly into her lips. She felt smooth like satin, and gentle like water. Their tongues touched and white-hot passion seared through his chest. Her thighs molded against him when she pushed her body to his. He wanted to take more of her. He wanted to give—needed to give her what she desired.

Nick set a slow, sensuous pace for the kiss, sipping at her plush lips. Her scent, her taste—everything about her—was addicting. Something rippled beneath his skin and his wolf spirit pulsed erratically within his veins. Her body became pliant in his arm, and he held her tightly to him.

Charles cleared his throat behind them, and they jumped apart.

“Um, sorry to interrupt, but if you two need a room, there’s a bed and breakfast about a mile or so up the road in case you’ve forgotten.”

Taking Selene by the hand, he threw some money on the counter, grabbed the jerky, and exited the store. The cab was still waiting, and this time he got inside with her.

“Are we ready this time?” Nash glanced at them in the rearview mirror, impatiently drumming his fingertips on the steering wheel.

“Change of plans,” Nick said. “Take me home.”

He glanced over at Selene. She had the tips of her fingers pressed to her lips, a look of puzzlement on her face.

“Are you okay?” He asked.

“Yes,” she whispered.

Selene stared back at her reflection in the mirror. On the outside, she was the same. On the inside, she felt like a changed woman. She touched her lips again. Every time she thought about how Nick had kissed her, she experienced a tingling sensation there. In all her twenty-eight years, no one had ever held and kissed her like that.

After what had happened to her at the hands of the scar-faced man, she appreciated her life more. She’d certainly learned her lesson. She would never skip town without telling anybody again. Anything could have happened to her. She could have been dead…probably would have been dead if it weren’t for Nick.

She had felt guilty for making the taxi driver turn around, but intuition told her to stay. There was something more than his irresistible laugh that intrigued her. Something about being in his presence calmed her soul and warmed her heart.

Selene exited the bathroom and walked out into the main area of the cabin that Nick called his home away from home. He was a puzzle, and the same curiosity that had got her into trouble a couple of days ago now emerged again, eager to learn more about the man and the wolf.

The layout of the cabin was open with the only closed off section being the bathroom. There was a tall folded divider marking off the sleeping area where a dresser, a nightstand, and large four-poster bed sat. It had an extremely small galley kitchen, but it was complete with stove, counter space, and mini refrigerator. The largest section, of course, was the living area.

Nick was standing in front of the fireplace. His hand was rested on the mantle and he appeared to be glancing down into the flames. He straightened and looked up at her. His gaze lingered on her for what seemed like minutes. “How are you feeling?”

“Much better after the shower.” She came to stand in front of a sofa. Taking a seat, she curled her legs up under her.

“I called a good friend of mine, Devin. He’s invited us to have dinner tomorrow at his home. His mate may have something you can wear in the meantime.”

“I appreciate that.” She looked down at the pair of sweatpants she wore. They were comfy, but it took her a great deal of rolling at the waistband to keep them up on her hips. “When my car is found, I can repay you for it all.”

“There’s no need.” He pushed himself up off the mantle and came to sit next to her. “I wish we’d met under better circumstances.”

“I’m glad we met…when we did.”

He smiled.

“You were saying over dinner that your pack has a new leader and that there is rivalry.”

“Yes. After Devin claimed the title, those who were advocates of his opponent separated themselves from the pack. And if you haven’t figured it out already, the wolf that held us is called Darius.”

“So you were held prisoner for being an enemy?” She asked.

He nodded. “He seems to think he owns the land where they captured me. But the history with Darius and I go way back. Even before he was banished from the pack, we held a serious grudge.”

“A grudge?”

Nick dropped his gaze to the floor. “Over a silly dispute.”

“What did he want from you?”

“He probably wanted to get Devin’s attention more than anything else,” he said. “Did Darius tell you why he held you captive?”

Selene swallowed the lump that suddenly rose in her throat. “He attacked me.”

“Attacked you how?” His seemed to hold in his aggravation, but the sound of his voice was angry and forced.

“Apparently, his wife cannot have children.”

Nick shook his head, his forehead creased in confusion. “Why would he keep you against your will?”

“He tried to rape me and said I would carry his child.”

Nick shot to his feet instantly. “You’re kidding, right?”

She shook her head slowly.

“That snake!” He clenched his fists hard against his sides, and the veins rose on his neck. When he turned to her, his fangs were barred. Upon seeing her state of alarm, he took deep breaths and his irate demeanor subsided. “Did he hurt you?”

“I was thrown in the cell with you for refusing and lashing out. If he was going to do that to me, it wouldn’t have happened willingly or easily.”

“I’m sorry this happened to you,” he said, returning to the seat beside her. “He will pay for this.”

“We’re free from being caged like animals, that’s all that matters.”

He cringed.

Suddenly, she realized what she’d said was uncalled for. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”

“No, I am an animal. There’s no changing that.”

Selene took his hand in hers. “Tell me about the powers of the Caedmon.”

He leaned back in the sofa. “Some of us are stronger than others, depending on how far removed one is from the founding tribe. The ability to shift at will is a given. Heightened agility, strength, endurance...”

“So you shifted at will to save me.”

“I don’t think I could have remained in human form even if I tried. The downside to having a wolf spirit is that sometimes they take charge. Not only did I want to protect you, but so did the wolf.”

She turned his hand over and traced the dark lines on the inside of his palm. “You barely know me. Why not just leave me? You killed two guards to save me. Won’t that cause more of an uproar between Darius and the new leader?”

“It was bound to happen, Selene.” He shook his head. “From what I learned, Darius had plans to cause mayhem before you were captured. Even before I crossed the property line.”

“What were you doing out there anyway?”

“I thought it’d be refreshing to bring back some good memories for a change. I’d climbed the mountain before as a young boy with my father. We’d sit on the mountaintop for hours waiting for sunset and then sunrise. He’d tell stories and I’d listen. I missed him. I missed that kind of company.”

“Watching the sunset and sunrise must be beautiful. Something I’d love to see.”

“It is. I’ll take you one day…whenever you are ready to face your fear of heights.”

She smiled, and brought his palm to her cheek. It didn’t bother her that he was also an animal. There was a wolf inside, but from the very moment they’d met he’d been nothing but gentle with her. Plus there was this urge that she kept having. An urge that had never surfaced before for any man.

“I want you to kiss me again,” she said.

“You do?”

Her face grew warm. What had gotten into her? She’d never demanded a man kiss her before. “I liked it before. I want you to do it again.”

Nick grabbed the small of her waist and drew her closer. “You are addicting, Selene.” His mouth was inches away from hers.

“So are you,” she whispered.

“I don’t want to hurt you.”

She swallowed. “I trust you not to.”

He picked her up and brought her to sit on his lap with her legs straddling his thighs. She grasped the lean biceps on his forearm, letting her fingertips massage the muscles. Her breath came unevenly, and she felt as though she didn’t have enough of it. Perhaps it was the adrenaline rush that surged through her whenever he looked at her. Or maybe it was the way her skin tingled when he touched her. Whatever it was, she craved the feeling. She didn’t want it to end.

As soon as his lips met hers, an icy molten sensation spread up her spine. His hands were at her back, stroking her, and pulling her closer. He took her mouth softly, again and again until she parted her lips. She ran her tongue along the seam of his lips before offering it totally. He tasted of fresh rain, and smelled like pine at the onset of spring. Their tongues danced feverishly, and their breaths came in pants.

Suddenly he pulled away, but his fingers still gripped the back of her neck. He studied her with intensity and desire in his eyes. “Are you trying to seduce me?”

“I…I don’t know.”

Nick tilted her head, and pressed his nose to the vein along her neck. A warm jolt shot through her loins, and her center ached. “It’s working.” He dragged his lips up the column of her neck, leaving a hot trail against her skin. When he reached her chin, he sipped at her jaw gently. “Do you know what I would do to you?”

His tongue sliced across the vein, and she gasped. “No…”

“Can you imagine?”

Selene’s entire body tensed in what could only be described as hot lust. Her fingernails gripped into his arms. “No.”

“Let me give you a hint.” Nick grabbed her hips and pulled her forward.

She bit her lip as her center pressed firmly against his rock hard evidence of desire. Never had she craved something so exotic. “Nick…”

He worked his way up, past her jawline, and crushed his mouth against hers. She kissed him back, relishing the moment. How would she ever be able to forget Nick when it was finally time for her to return home? Maybe she shouldn’t have turned around. How could she have let emotional instincts guide her? No, she didn’t want to forget him. This seal of a kiss would serve to make sure he stayed in her memories.

Suddenly, he pulled away but his erection did not subside. It pressed through the fabric against her mound. She shifted above him. The tension at her core tightened and the ache became unbearable.

He moaned, and then touched his forehead to hers. “Why must you do this to me?”

“Do what?”

“I want you…intimately.”

“Look at me.” She lifted his chin and held his gaze. “And you don’t want to feel this way?”

“I do, yes, but to take you like I want would yield consequences.”

Take. The very thought of him taking her sent warm jolts between her legs. “What do you mean?”

“It’s obvious, Selene.”

She stroked his cheek. “I don’t care that you are part wolf. It was a shock to me at first, but I’m beyond that now.”

“My world is not like your normal human world. I can’t bring you into this.”

“You already have,” she whispered.

“I will drive you myself to the train station before it’s too late.”

“No,” she said, quickly.

“Selene…” he warned.

“Please.” This time she kissed him, pushing him against the back of the chair. She thought she heard a low growl emanating from his throat.

“What exactly do you want from me?” He asked between clenched teeth.

“Your friendship.”

“Friends don’t kiss each other like this.”

“I don’t know why, but I keep having these thoughts about you.”

“What thoughts?”

“Naughty ones.”

He straightened against the chair cushions. “The thoughts you’re having might not be your fault.”

“What are you talking about?”

“The powers I told you about earlier. They include sex appeal. We wolves multiply through mating. In order to attract a female, we need lots of it.”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“My wolf is very much a part of me, but is just as dominate.”

Selene threw him a challenging look from under her lashes. “What are you saying?”

“I’m attracted to you, Selene. Every part of me is attracted to you.”

“And your wolf...?”

He nodded. “Yes…he is.”

“I’m only human. What would your wolf want with me? Why would I have this type of control over you since you’re the one with the powers?”

He swept her face with a calculating stare. “Should I dare find out?”

“We’re both curious.”

Nick kissed her once softly, then again with a lingering caress of his lips. He lifted her from his lap, set her gently on the sofa, and rose to stand. “The last woman who had this type of control over me betrayed me.”

Her heart fell to the pit of her stomach, and a cool chill ran up her spine. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be.” He dropped his chin to his chest. “We learn from our mistakes.”

“Nick—”

“It’s time for me to have a shower. I won’t take long.”

He entered the bathroom before she could say anything else.

CHAPTER NINE

The phone rang six times before her dad, Charlie Moore, picked up. It was just like him. He hated talking on the phone, and even despised having to do anything related to computers or technology.

“Hello?” His voice held a hint of uncertainty.

“Hi, Dad. It’s me.”

“Selene. Sweetie, is something wrong? You’re calling me from an unknown private number. I almost didn’t pick up.”

She stole a glance at Nick who maneuvered his pickup truck off the main highway onto a gravelly road.

“I’m fine. Don’t panic, but remember that trip I took out of town…?”

“Are you alright?” Of course, he would panic.

“Well, my car sort of broke down, and I’m kind of stranded out here.”

“Stranded out where, Sweetie?”

“Virginia. Up near the mountains,” she said, carefully.

“I thought you flew out to Florida on vacation. Honey, what’s going on?”

“Dad, calm down. I’m fine. There was a change of plans. Don’t worry. I’m safe and plan to take the next flight out in a few days.”

“But you have no car. Where are you now?”

“I’m being taken care off.” She picked at a piece of lint on her pants. “Besides I came here sort of on business. One of my clients needed my help.”

“Selene…”

“I know what you’re going to say, but I’m fine.”

“You’re breaking up. Honey, what did you say?”

Sure enough, some static blared through the phone. Selene glanced out of the window. Branches overhung the roadway as they drove through dense trees.

“I’m going to have to call you back. Okay? Dad?”

There was silence. When she looked down at the display on the screen, it flashed brightly with the words, call disconnected.

“Sorry about that.” Nick frowned. “We’ll drive back into town to get a better reception.”

“That’s okay. Dad would have worried about me one way or the other.”

“Any parent would.” He turned right onto another dirt road. “I take it that you’re his only child.”

“Yes. My parents are separated. My mother remarried and now I have three younger siblings. The divorce happened when I was just ten years old. My dad was so overprotective of me that he somehow convinced my mother and the judge to grant him full custody.” She handed the cell back to Nick. “He’s always been that way. It’s the reason why I’m still very much a single woman.” Her face grew warm when she made the slip up. “Oh…now I’m embarrassed. I didn’t mean to sound so pitiful. I do get out and enjoy life, so I’m not a total nun.”

He smiled. “Are you part nun then?”

She laughed.

“Don’t be embarrassed. Your dad sounds like the type of man no one should underestimate.”

“I sometimes wonder if he runs off my male friends on purpose. It doesn’t matter who they are or if I’m even romantically involved with them. I moved out at nineteen, but he’s found a way to keep tabs on me from across hundreds of miles.”

“Didn’t you say you came out here to help one of your clients?”

“Yeah. I’d been working with her for six months when she called me ready to leave her fiancé. The last ping from the phone she called me on was from a location in this town. I hope she’s okay.”

Selene had lost precious time while being held in a cell. Anything could have happened to her friend by now.

“What’s her name?”

She turned slowly, and studied him. “I’m not really allowed to give out that information.” It was a natural thing for her to say.

“Right. I get that.” He nodded.

“It’s nothing personal. Most of the woman I help are in danger of losing their lives or are physically abused. One slip up—even if it’s not intentional—can harm them or stall an escape.”

“Is her name Tamara, by any chance?”

This time she shifted around to face him. “How did you come across that information?”

“You’re closer to finding her than you know.”

Before shifting the gear in the park position, Nick took another look at Selene. Ever since he’d delivered the news that the woman she’d been looking for could very well be Devin’s new fiancé, she’d been sitting on the edge of her seat.

Selene glanced out of the passenger side window at the massive estate that belonged to the new Alpha.

Nick’s attention shifted to the home as well. He’d only been here three times before. As a young boy to deliver a package for his father, and twice recently to discuss pack matters with Devin. Consequently, one of those visits involved appointing him Second-in-Command.

Everything about the mansion screamed royalty. Cast iron gates and stone pillars surrounded the property. A birdbath and rose vine display served as the focal point in the middle of the driveway. Exotic hedges were immaculately trimmed and flawless. It all reminded him of the homes that he and Devin constructed for the rich and famous humans after leaving the pack.

In his five years of partnering with Devin, the man had repeatedly expressed his dislike of oversized homes. But now the Alpha had a mate to please, the Caedmon people to serve, and a family to be bred. Things had changed for Devin at the drop of a dime.

The effects of the changes seemed to trickle down. To anyone linked to Devin. To his immediate followers. And to Nick. What Nick wondered was if his life would be forever filled with danger and chaos or could he expect peace at some point in the form of something he could cherish and protect just like their leader.

“Is she here?” Selene asked, jolting him from his thoughts.

“I believe so. They planned to be here until their home was finished being built.” He turned off the engine, threw the keys in the glove compartment, and walked around the truck to help her out.

“I hope you don’t mind coming. I’ll see to it that you make the next train.”

“I don’t mind. I feel safer with you.”

“Devin has called a meeting with all the Elders and the entire Council. It might not be until tomorrow that everyone arrives. I could be caught up in pack matters for most of it, but you will be safe here.”

“I understand.”

Several servants greeted them, took their bags, and led them to the front door without hesitation.

Nick was surprised when Devin opened the door before they even reached the first step. They nodded in greeting as they always did. The Alpha’s gaze focused on Selene. Both understood that not much could be said until they were together privately.

“How was the drive?” Devin asked instead.

“Rough, as usual.” He followed Selene up the steps. “This is Selene. She’s the reason why I’ve kept my sanity after all this.”

“I can only imagine,” Devin remarked, and then offered his hand to Selene. “I’m Devin, and it’s a pleasure.”

“You’re the leader.”

“Yes.” Devin smiled. “Has Nick told you my life story?”

“No.” Selene shook her head. “Not yet.”

“Not yet?” Devin laughed loudly. “Don’t believe a word he says about me.”

Nick was glad the meeting was going well. His old friend seemed to have no worries about him bringing a guest into the home. “We’re a little early.”

“Yes. Very early.” Devin glanced behind him, as his mate, Tamara, slipped in beside him. He kissed her on the forehead. “I thought you were studying.”

“I was until I heard our guests arrive,” she said.

Nick remembered the first time he met Tamara. She was soft spoken, and had been very generous. Anyone who had met her once she became mated to their Alpha instantly liked her. She seemed to adore children, and volunteered regularly at the local elementary school. Devin and Tamara were perfect together. She brought out the best in his friend.

“This is my fiancé, Tamara,” Devin said. “She’s been helping with preparing the rooms all morning for the rest of the council members, and has been anxious for another woman her age to arrive.”

“I’m the only human in the house, for goodness sakes.” Tamara swatted a hand playfully at Devin’s shoulder. “It will be nice to have someone here like me for a change. Nice to meet you….I didn’t get your name.” She offered a hand to Selene, who had a bewildered expression on her face.

Nick swallowed.

“Your voice.” Selene said. “It’s really you.”

“Excuse me?” Tamara dropped her hand to her side after Selene failed to accept it. Her forehead creased as she studied Selene.

“Tamara? It’s me. Selene Moore. Your counselor.”

Tamara gasped, and suddenly her gaze rolled to the ceiling.

Nick was glad that Devin stood right behind Tamara, because she fainted dead away.

CHAPTER TEN

Nick ran his fingers across the rigid indentions of the leather bound books. There were hundreds of them lining the shelves of the library. Most of the pages were filled with their history tracing back the lineage of every Caedmon to date. Both those who could shift as well as those who were human. Still, a good bit of the books were general literature and fiction. It was said that before the age of thirteen, anyone who was Caedmon royalty would’ve been made to read them all.

Devin entered the library as Nick moved to the next shelf. He didn’t have to turn to know that it was the Alpha. He’d known Devin far too long to not recognize his trusted friend by scent.

He joined Devin, sitting adjacent to him in the brown leather chair. There was a round coffee table separating them where one of the servants had laid out chocolate and cheese on a tray earlier. Although, food was the least of his many worries right now.

“How is she?” Nick asked.

“Selene? She’s in the den on the third floor. Fortunately, she and Tamara are identical in size so we found her some clothes.”

Nick smiled at the mention of Selene. On the drive over here, he’d caught himself stealing glances at her, observing the way she looked so cute, yet comfortable wearing his oversized clothes. “I meant Tamara…with her fainting and all.”

“She’s doing alright. I left them together as it seems they both have some catching up to do. They’ve never met personally, but it is still a very emotional reunion for Tamara. She talks very highly of Selene.”

“It’s quite a strange coincidence the way this all happened, wouldn’t you say?” Nick leaned back in his chair.

“Things happen for a reason,” Devin said. “Is she aware that you’re wolf?”

He nodded. “I shifted, but it wasn’t an accident. It was to save Selene.”

“Understood.”

“I didn’t expect Darius to lash out again so soon. I wish you had executed him.”

Devin frowned. “I think you know why I didn’t.”

Nick returned his challenging stare. “That is in my past now.” He couldn’t believe Devin would attempt to bring such an issue to the surface.

“You know what will happen if I kill him now.”

“Yes, but to save our pack, we must do what is necessary.”

“The messenger you sent said that Darius has been keeping prisoners.”

“More like hostages.”

“Were you aware that Silvia could not bear offspring?” Devin asked.

“No,” he replied, promptly. He didn’t want to think of the despicable act Darius and his mate would commit in order to bear pups carrying the Caedmon name.

“Listen to me, Nick.” Devin moved to the edge of his seat. “You are like a brother to me. I know this must bring about bad memories for you, but I fully expected Darius to retreat once I spared his life and let us move on with ours.”

Nick swallowed. “And he didn’t…”

“No, but you’re right, we must do what’s necessary to protect our people. I will call the meeting as soon as the others arrive. We’ll decide our game plan then. I never attempted to reason with Darius. Nothing was ever settled after our fight…after I ordered him to remove himself from the pack. Maybe we misunderstand each other. I want what’s best for my people and plan to eliminate anything standing against that.”

Nick met the Alpha’s gaze. “Do you still genuinely believe that Darius will give up after coming across the missing will? He has evidence that half of everything belongs to him.”

“I never planned to rob him of what he owns. What he will not do is terrorize this town and any who come to visit it.”

“I’m almost sure that he won’t cooperate or concede without a fight.”

“He was given a chance to fight.” Devin’s lips formed a stern line. “Last I checked, he lost.”

“No one, not even him, expected you to return to claim your title. He thought it’d be easy,” Nick said.

“What’s done is done. If we have to fight to the death this time…then so be it.”

If there was one thing he valued in Devin, it was that he was a man of his words and acted accordingly until his intentions were made reality.

“Dinner was very good,” Selene said, as Nick made his way out of the bathroom. “It must be nice having a full-time cook.”

“Devin’s cook is a retired executive chef. He recently sold his restaurant in the city and decided several months ago to move back into the village.” He picked up a pitcher filled with ice water from the tray on the dresser. After filling the glass, he took a long sip. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he tossed down the drink.

Selene couldn’t help but to ogle him as his white terry cloth robe fell slightly open to reveal a bronze chest. Damn, he was sexy and tempting. Suddenly, she remembered what he said. About his powers. From his declaration, he hadn’t been using them intentionally, but dammit, if she didn’t feel like a depraved nut.

Nick approached her. She averted her eyes and opened up an unread email on the laptop.

He didn’t make her attempts to remain focused on her work easy because he sat down on the sofa right next to her. He exhaled, a rather long lengthy one, as though he were relieved. His arm moved to lie on the back of the headrest. His day must have been hectic with everything going on in the pack.

For most of the afternoon, she and Tamara had walked about the village, mostly through the parks catching up on things. Because of Darius threats, Devin had enforced a curfew on the village, especially for the women and children, so they weren’t allowed outside the boundaries. Over dinner, she came to know Devin a bit better, and understood what Tamara saw in him and what she could gain from a man like Devin. He was gentle with her, and seemed respectful of everything around him, even the servants who served them. Tamara didn’t like to talk about her abuse, but Selene was glad that she’d found some serenity and could tell the healing process had begun.

“Do you have everything you need?” Nick asked.

“Yes, the maid hooked me up with a landline and all. The internet connection is pretty strong. Not the fastest, but I’ve managed thus far.”

“Did you have a chance to review the train and bus schedules?”

“You’re really trying to get rid of me, aren’t you?”

“No. I’m trying to protect you.”

“From what?” She closed the lid on the laptop. “You said it yourself…that I was safe here.”

“You’re safe here, but not with me.”

“You’re not making sense to me.”

He stood, moving to the opposite end of the room to stand in front of the large bay window. “Every time you’re in my presence, I lose control. My train of thought derails. It’s like the wolf inside takes over.”

She wished she understood better what he felt, but she couldn’t even imagine what it must be like to share his very being with the wolf.

Selene put the laptop on the coffee table and joined him at the window. “I still want to understand, Nick.” She touched his arm.

“Selene…” He squeezed his eyelids closed.

“Why don’t you let the wolf take control…for once? It’s a part of you.”

He turned then, and his irises shone brightly and the pupils contracted. The deep-set hazel eyes of the wolf focused on her intently.

Her pulse quickened, and she swallowed the rising apprehension in her throat. She lifted her palm and pressed it against his exposed chest. Letting her hands glide over his skin, she met his warm glare.

“I’m not afraid,” she said.

Her core ignited when he grasped her about the waist and dragged her into him. His lips fell on hers with absolutely no hesitation. Her body replied in what seemed like total surrender as she pressed against him. His tongue slipped past her lips as they both fought to deepen the kiss. Why did she want him so badly? What was it that her body and soul needed so desperately? Her palm cupped the back of his head, crushing her lips to his in an attempt to get a better taste him.

Had she somehow lost control as well? Perhaps they’d both left that ability back in the cell. Why else would she be inclined to lust for such intimate affection?

He broke the kiss and traced her neckline with his lips. “I cannot seem to keep my hands off you.”

“That’s okay.” Selene captured his face between her palms. “Because I seem to want them on me.”

“I desire you in more ways than one,” he rasped into her throat.

“Then show me the way in which you desire me the most.” She brought their lips together again and coaxed him into another kiss.

Her own command surprised her. But, she wanted him just as bad. What was wrong with her? He’d admitted to having the powers of a seducer. Her body didn’t seem to care. Her mind had become useless for all she thought about was how exquisite she felt in his embrace.

His lips fell on her bare shoulders and then left a hot trail across her collarbone. He led her against the wall next to the window. She pushed her hips into his, softly grinding against the hard evidence of his lust. He moaned into her skin and slid his hand under her shirt, smoothing it across her belly and against her bare breasts. His fingers brushed against her nipples and her breath caught in her throat. Arching forward into his palms, she bit her bottom lip to keep from crying out.

Selene slid her hand between them to cup him through his briefs. A groan escaped from his lips as she stroked him. She burned, hot and eager, between her legs. He was large; she could tell as he grew hard and long against the fabric. She fumbled nervously against the opening and slipped her fingers inside.

His cock fell into her hand, and she gasped. Not only was he long, but heavy. The skin felt like soft leather against her sweaty palm.

He growled softly against her shoulder, and it only made her aching pussy clench tightly with need.

She slid the tip of her finger against the silky crown.

Not a second later, he pulled her shirt over her head and captured her wrists above her head. She panted in bewilderment, meeting his wild hazel gaze. His large manhood pressed against her stomach. Hard muscle against soft flesh. The thought of him pushing inside of her sent her into a dizzy spell.

Her breasts were barred to his inspection and his touch, and he took advantage as he brought his free hand up to caress them. The nipples grew taut when he explored the plump flesh.

“Lovely,” he whispered, just before he took one between his lips.

This time, she could not hold back her cry of pleasure. She pushed more of herself into his mouth, but he still held her hands up and firm against the wall. He licked and suckled each breast, with slow excruciating tugs. Her clit pulsed and the sensations carried throughout her entire being.

“Nick, please…”

He paused. “Do you want me to stop?”

“No.” She swallowed. “More.”

He slipped his hand down the waistband of her pajama pants, instantly making contact with her mound. Her face grew hot in embarrassment. It wasn’t like her not to wear undergarments, but it wasn’t something she wanted to borrow either. This gave him an advantage as his fingers slipped down to her folds, dipping into her wet heat.

“Gods,” he hissed.

He teased her. Stroking the lips and circling her clit. Her legs became weakened and she braced herself against the wall.

Nick let go of her wrists then, and assisted her out of her pants. Her whole body was exposed to him. She felt liberated, and yet reserved at the same time. When he stood back to observe her, her gaze fell to the ground.

“You’re beautiful.” His body covered hers again, providing the security and warmth that she’d come to covet. He lifted her chin, and kissed her mouth gently. “Don’t be shy.”

“I’ve never done this.”

“Done what? Offered your body to a wolf?” He nipped at her shoulder. “Don’t worry, i’ll make it easy. I know what you need.”

Before she could speak again, he dropped to his knees and connected his mouth to her belly button. She shivered at the unfamiliar stirring in her belly. Her hands instinctively went to grab the top of his freshly shaved head.

His hands went to either side of her hips and he brought her pussy to his mouth. She nearly swooned when he took her clit between his lips. He kissed her there, like they’d kissed only moments ago. His touch had her aching even more as a sensation so strong began to build inside of her. He held her bare ass to the wall and lifted her thighs onto his shoulders.

She cried out in pleasure when his tongue entered her. Her body shook in excitement and anticipation of her pending climax. Feelings of wanton desire consumed her, ridding her of any shame she felt earlier for wanting him like this. If being with a man intimately felt like this, she wanted more of it. He sipped and lapped at the folds of her sex and then lashed at her clit. He held her open, taking all of her and leaving not a centimeter of her pussy untouched.

She gripped his head tighter as her orgasm ripped through her. He teased her clit until she was spent. As he moaned softly against her pussy, butterflies danced within her belly. He dipped his tongue deep insider her, taking her over the edge once again. It was like one roller coaster ride on top of the other. Her body quaked against him. His tongue stroked at her softly, tasting her, as she came down from the climax.

Selene slid off his shoulders, and pulled him up. Her breathing was uneven, and she couldn’t utter a word. He carried her, and placed her at the foot of the bed.

His dick was still hard and long. He pushed himself back inside his briefs.

“What are you doing?” She was still hot and horny with avid hunger.

“I can’t take you, Selene.”

“Why?” The feeling of pleasurable satisfaction was replaced with hurt. He didn’t want her.

“Please understand.” He turned, and started to walk away.

“I don’t understand,” she said, firmly. “Is it because I’m human?”

He slipped off his bathrobe and draped it over her shoulders. It was the first time she’d seen him nearly naked. His skin was flawless despite the intricate tattoos on either side of his arms. She remembered how gentle his body felt against hers despite hardened muscles. Nick defined perfection, and she wanted him…badly.

“I want you with every fiber of my being.” He bent and kissed her on the forehead. “Trust me on this.”

She grabbed hold of his forearms. “Then tell me what’s wrong, so that I can understand.”

He frowned, shaking his head. “I need time to think.”

He turned this time, but she made no moves to stop him.

“I’ll be back,” he said.

When the door closed behind him, her heart fell to her stomach.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Nick took his place to the right of Devin, who was seated at the head of the long table. The clock struck six thirty, indicating that it was time for them to begin discussions.

He and Devin exchanged nods, and Nick acknowledged some of the other wolves in the room by doing the same. There were six of them on the Council. The number had been set for decades. With each new Alpha, there was likely to be a new set of Council members. Although some members were honored to sit more than once. It just so happened that Devin reappointed everyone that sat on his late brother’s Council. All except for Darius, of course, with Nick taking his place. They were all men leading very different lives. But they’d also chosen to serve the Caedmon people by being the decision makers on all issues regarding the pack.

Nick had no doubt that Devin could and would lead them to greatness, but as Second-in-Command, he strived to live up to that important distinction. Having the ability to build a construction business from the ground up and ensuring that the Caedmon Pack did not fail were two different things. He thought so, at least.

Dawson, Devin’s half-brother, was the next in rank. He always offered his intellect and had come to be known as the brainy one. He was accepted into the early entrance program of an Ivy League school at fifteen and a half years old, and was projected to earn his Doctorate’s in less than two years from now at the rate in which he studied and excelled in college.

Then there was Blake and Aidan who’d officially only joined them a few years ago from other packs, but their loyalty and dedication had earned them great recognition. And there was Jayson, who’d been born and raised within the village. His father had served on the Council under Daniel’s reign. So, it was only natural when he stepped up. His family owned a bank, and Jayson served as an accountant and financial advisor for many in the community.

Jayson…where was he anyway?

As if on cue, Jayson burst through the double doors and took a seat at the other end of the table. He plopped his helmet down and ran his hand through an unruly mess of black hair.

“What time is it, Jayson?” Devin spoke from the other end of the table, straightening in his chair.

Everyone took their respective seats.

“Don’t know.” Jayson shrugged. “Why?”

“Look at your fucking wristwatch and tell everyone what time it is?”

Devin was pissed. Nick could tell that by the way the other wolf gripped the pen in his fist. You could have heard a pin drop in the room, as Jayson lifted his wrist to peer at his watch.

“Six thirty seven,” Jayson said.

“The memo said six thirty, did it not? What prevented you from arriving on time?”

“Nothing. I was a little late, my gods.”

“And the last meeting we called, were you not a little late as well?”

Jayson shifted in his seat.

“Do you wish to serve or do you want to be removed?” Devin asked.

“I’m honored to serve under your reign.” Jayson looked down at the table. “I apologize for my late arrival.”

“From this day forward, you will respect the time of the five others who are on this Council. We don’t have time to waste. When I call meetings like these, the matters at hand are serious. If you’re late again without adequate excuse, you will be removed. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes, Alpha,” Jayson said between clenched teeth.

“When this meeting is over, I need to have a private talk with you about your late father’s estate.”

Jayson nodded. “Yes, Alpha.”

Devin exhaled, and dropped the pen on the table. “Now, let’s begin.”

He may have looked like the laid back and suave leader, but Nick knew Devin better than most anyone else at the table. He wasn’t a wolf anyone should cross.

They had a long night ahead of them.

Selene’s stomach began to growl the very moment the servers brought out platters of food. They came into the large dining hall with trays filled of breakfast items. Bowls of fruits, trays stacked high of pancakes, biscuits, scrambled eggs, dozens of bacon strips and sausage links, and an assortment of other dishes.

She wasn’t surprised. Every meal at the Caedmon mansion over the last couple of days had been considerable. She’d gotten used to it. But the buffet before them that was probably adequate enough to feed twenty humans was intended for a party of only four. One thing she’d learned about both Nick and Devin was that they didn’t leave leftovers. They ate like their next meal wasn’t promised to them.

Selene had no problems digging right in this time. She and Tamara served themselves with the help of the servers as Nick and Devin waited patiently. At previous meals, she found it strange that they waited this way. According to Tamara, they were acting on instinct. It was natural for Caedmon males to wait until the women were served before they indulged. A way to show love and sacrifice for one’s mate, she’d said.

Devin and Tamara were mated. It was no surprise that he’d do something like that for her. It did not explain why Nick had done the same for her when they were imprisoned in a cell, in the hideout near the mountains, and while they’d had other meals alone.

Selene glanced at him, and he smiled.

Since he’d brought her to climax against the bedroom wall, nothing else that intense had transpired between them. That night had been difficult for her to get past. She’d felt used and unwanted at the same time. It wasn’t until last night, that she realized that his refusal didn’t have anything to do with her.

He’d joined her in the bed last night and embraced her until she’d fallen asleep, but she could tell that he made certain not to touch her in any intimate places.

There was something serious on his mind. Something other than the fact that their Pack was in danger. Her persistent nature to solve virtually all problems had not subsided with the car crash that ultimately brought them together. But would her persistent nature lead her into trouble yet again?

“Oh, these pancakes are so good,” Tamara exclaimed, as she stuffed her mouth.

“Not as good as yours.”

She grinned. “You’re just saying that.”

“Oh yeah.” Devin dropped his fork on the plate, turned, and grasped Tamara about the waist. “I’d much rather eat yours.”

Completely ignoring the fact that she and Nick were still seated at the table, they kissed deeply for what seemed like minutes.

Selene’s heart warmed in that instant. It was the feeling she got when she’d learned that one of her clients had found peace. Tamara deserved this life, and she deserved Devin.

Nick cleared his throat.

“So, um…Nick and I have been talking about moving our construction business headquarters into town,” Devin said.

“You have?” Tamara smiled. “That would be great. I know it’s been rough for you trying to handle two things at once from two different locations.”

“Yep, we’ve already been talking to the employees.”

“It will be a good move,” Nick added. “Most of our suppliers are out east anyway.”

“Does that mean you’ll stay in the town permanently too?” Tamara asked Nick.

Nick nodded. “That is my plan.”

“And Selene tells me she’s leaving soon.” Tamara frowned and looked across the table at her. “I really wish you would stay a little longer. Devin swears that it won’t always be this hectic. Things died down a bit after he took the leadership role, and then…well you know.”

“I wish I could, too,” Selene said. “But, I have a life back at home. A career where I have people who really depend on me.”

“I know.” Tamara’s shoulders slumped, and then her face brightened. “Did I tell you that you’re going to be my maid of honor? So there’s no easy out.”

“You’ve set a date?” Selene asked, surprised.

Tamara stole a glance at Devin. “It’s not set in stone because of all the mess that needs handling, but we’ve been talking about it. And yes…we want to exchange vows in a month.”

“Wow, Devin,” Nick said. “When were you going to share the news?”

“We haven’t told anyone else yet,” Devin said.

“I’d love to be in your wedding, Tamara.”

“Elisa has been helping me plan the details and the guest list.” Tamara nearly squealed in excitement. “I can’t wait.”

Selene couldn’t help but to share in the other woman’s excitement. It was a dream come true for her. Her mind suddenly ran on the email she’d received from her supervisor yesterday evening. “I have some other good news, Tamara.”

“What’s that?”

“Brad Thatcher has been sentenced as of three nights ago.” Selene smiled. “The biggest charge was thirty years with the possibility of parole.”

Tamara smiled meekly. “I’m happy that he won’t ever hurt another woman again.”

“That’s not all.” Selene shook her head. “Karma is a bitch.”

“What do you mean?” Tamara asked. “Of course, it is, he’ll spend major time behind bars to think about what he’s done.”

“He’ll spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair. While he was being transported to a prison, the van he was in an accident. They were ambushed by a pack of animals. The injuries left him paralyzed from the waist down. It’s kind of a funny coincidence. The investigators say the attackers were most likely wild wolves.”

“What!” Tamara frowned, and fixed her glare on Devin. “Did you do it?”

“Yes, I did, Tamara,” Devin said. “Everyone will be certain the coward will never raise his hand again to anyone. He’s lucky I let him live.”

Selene gasped. Her mind raced as she put the pieces of the puzzle together.

“That night you left me…and didn’t return...” Tamara’s voice grew louder with anger.

“Yes,” Devin simply said.

“How could you?” Tamara stood. “I told you not to get involved.”

Devin stood too, and scooped Tamara up in his arms. “Excuse us. We have something to discuss. Enjoy the rest of your breakfast.”

He carried Tamara out of the dining hall, kicking and screaming.

“I guess me and my big mouth just ruined breakfast.” Selene put her fork down and glanced at Nick.

“It’s okay,” Nick said. “I’m sure they’ll talk it through.”

“I hope so.”

“Why don’t we go for a walk to catch a breath of fresh air?”

Selene smiled. “I certainly need to work off some carbs after this meal.”

CHAPTER TWELVE

Selene nibbled on her bottom lip as she registered the information on the computer. There was one bus scheduled to leave the town in two days, and not another one for nearly a week.

She regretted that she’d have to leave Nick so soon.

A group of wolves had been sent to retrieve her car. It was found half a mile away from the roadside, which indicated that someone had moved it. Maybe Darius and his followers had done it in an attempt to prevent law enforcement from finding her after they’d kidnapped her. None of her belongings were in the car. No credit card. No identification. Her purse and suitcase were gone. She knew all that stuff could be replaced when she returned home. What she did worry about was what could not be replaced when she did?

“Are you still on the laptop?”

Nick’s voice scared her from behind.

“Yes.” Selene knew her credit card number by heart. What was keeping her from ordering the ticket?

Nick sat next to her, freshly showered. No amount of almond scented body wash could hide the springy, pine smell that was so uniquely his. She’d come to recognize it within seconds whenever he entered a room. She’d even come to crave it.

“You found the Greyhound website.” He leaned over to glance at her screen. “You’re expected back to work in a few days, right? Anything come up on the schedule?”

“There’s one.”

“When does it leave?”

“In two days.”

“Oh.” He almost sounded regretful.

“We’re only just getting to know each other, Nick.”

“Selene. I know, but we want what’s safe for you.”

“I know what will happen,” she said, wringing her hands in her lap. “I’ll return home and never hear from you again. You have no intentions of contacting me after I’m gone, do you?”

He took her hands. “That’s ludicrous. You’ll return in a month for Devin and Tamara’s wedding. Everything will be settled by then.”

She frowned. “You plan to make me wait that long.”

“Of course not. We’ve sent a messenger to Darius and his followers. We want peace in this town once again, and if that means allowing him his part of the property, we’ve voted for it. More than likely, I could visit sooner than you think.”

Selene pulled away. “After everything’s settled…then what?”

“I’ll come for you.”

“Tell me about the woman who betrayed you.”

“She’s not worth bringing up, Selene,” he replied softly.

“Is she the reason why you won’t trust me?” She had to know.

“That’s just it. I trust you. I want you so badly that I would do anything to have you and that scares me to be honest.”

“I want you, too,” she admitted.

“I refuse to bind you to this type of life.”

“What do you mean? Don’t I get a choice?”

“The ways of the wolf are different from those of the humans. We have no choice when it comes to true mates.”

“Tamara told me already. She told me that Caedmon couples are mated and bonded for life. She also said that there can be sex without bonding.”

Selene felt ashamed for admitting that she needed him in that way.

“Tamara is not wolf. She has genuinely accepted the Caedmon spirit, but she doesn’t understand how difficult it is to control an animal who knows his mate by scent.”

“You should know then,” she alleged, sternly. “Am I or am I not your mate?”

“There are signs…”

“…but you’re afraid to find out.”

“You might want this now, but once you return home, things will be different. You will continue your work, and maybe even forget about me. I want what’s best for you and that may not be me. You may very well decide that you want to live a normal human life with a human male.”

“I will never forget about you now that I’ve met you and all that we’ve been through. There is no other man for me.”

“Buy the ticket. If we are true mates, not even distance will keep us apart.”

“You’d rather us prove this the hard way?”

“Maybe…”

“I’ll buy the ticket, but promise me something…” She typed her credit card information into the input box on the website.

“Anything…”

Selene clicked the submit button, and didn’t even wait for the confirmation screen to appear before she closed the laptop. Standing in front of him, she let her bathrobe slip from her shoulders and down her naked body before saying, “Show me again what you desire from me. This time, I don’t want you to stop until you’ve taken me.”

“Selene—”

She straddled his lap and kissed his protest away. Her body set fire in passionate bursts the moment he laid his hands upon her bare skin. The taste and smell of him began to erode her senses. His male pheromones and pine scent were undeniable. He pulled her closer into his chest against his rapid heartbeat. His tongue tangled with hers and set a consistent, demanding pace.

He dragged his lips up and down the column of her neck, and she lifted her chin to give him further access. “Your smell is intoxicating.”

She peeled away his robe to reveal his chest, and then bent her head to kiss him there. His moans encouraged her and she used her fingers to commit every curve to memory, as well as her tongue to remember his taste. Her hand brushed against the top of him, and he seemed to pulse against the confines of his briefs. His palms slid down her back to grab her hips and pull her closer into him. Her pussy throbbed over him.

Nick kissed along her neckline and past her collarbone to find the sensitive mounds of her breasts. He suckled her nipples, taking his time on each.

She couldn’t stand it anymore, and needed the release that only he could give her. Her hips moved in a slow sensuous rhythm above him. He grew harder still against her.

He stood with his hands still gripping her by the ass. She wrapped her legs around his waist as he carried her toward the bed. He laid her down gently and came down over her.

“Once this happens, there is no going back,” he whispered. “You will be mine.”

“I don’t want to go back. Not unless you’re right there with me.” She made her point by pulling him down for a kiss.

He explored her, sliding his hot lips over her body. She shuddered with pleasure as he licked and nipped lightly at her skin. He made a hot trail down the center of her body, stopping just above her pussy. Smoothing a finger across her neatly trimmed mound, he lifted his gaze to make contact with her.

“You want to come again, don’t you?” He asked.

She nodded. It was the truth. She’d been thinking about the last time he brought her to orgasm like a scene of a movie set on replay. Her pussy trembled in need whenever she daydreamed about it.

Nick coaxed her legs apart with roaming kisses against the insides of her thighs. He opened her with slow strokes of his tongue, pressing his mouth into her slick pussy. Her legs fell back even more as he took long laps at her like a cat would relish a fresh bowl of milk. She couldn’t hold back her moans because they came from deep within, much like the heightened sensation warming at her core. Still he refused to pay attention to her much-needed center. The core of her desire.

Instead, he drew circles around her clit and sipped at the soft folds of her sex. With her hips raised off the bed, she tried to lure his tongue where she needed it the most. He used it against her, grabbing her ass tightly and thrust his tongue into her pussy.

She cried out in surprise.

He moaned against her, and then slowly pushed in the out of her. Her pussy fluttered with intense contractions. She grabbed at the bed sheets, and then pressed the fabric to her mouth, biting into it. Anything to keep her screams at bay.

As if she wasn’t already in enough pleasure, he tongued her clit, sending her into ecstasy. The strokes were leisurely and soft at first, but turned into quick and expert lashes against her throbbing pearl.

Her orgasm came in spirals, and she called out his name.

While her body still pulsed in bliss, he slid up against her until they fit together perfectly. He must have removed his briefs in the process, because his hard cock fell against her belly. His thick muscular thighs slipped between her legs.

“I want you completely, Selene.” He slipped a finger between her dampened, aching sex. “Are you prepared to give yourself entirely?”

“Yes…for you. For this.” She lifted her hips and wrapped her legs around him again.

He felt hot and heavy against her sex, and she squeezed her eyes shut bracing herself for the pain. Palming the outside of her left thigh, he lifted her legs even higher to open her wider.

“You’d give yourself to me? Body, mind, soul…heart?”

“Yes.” Her breath caught in her throat when he cupped her sex.

He dipped a finger into her drenched pussy. “Say it.”

“I give myself to you, Nick. Heart, body, mind, and soul.”

“And I give myself completely in return.”

“Nick…” She needed to tell him, but it was too late.

He positioned himself against her opening, sinking inside just enough to breach the surface.

Selene grabbed him about the neck and held his face to hers. She bit into her lip—hard—to keep from crying out. He slid inside gently…slowly. “You are wet, but gods, I will come before I take you. Damn, you’re tight.”

Her pussy spread wider for him, burning like fire. She needed this. Her body strived for this type of intimacy with him.

He pressed further into her until he hit her virgin barrier. “Fuck…”

She squeezed his neck as the pain sprang up her body. “Do it.”

“Why, Selene,” he rasped against her neck. “Damn it, you should have told me.”

Nick began to pull away, but she wouldn’t let him go.

“Take me,” she commanded. “Show me what it feels like to be desired. Please.”

He plunged past the obstruction and buried his cock to the hilt.

“Dios Mío,” she gasped.

It felt as though he’d pierced right through her soul. The pain seized her. Every nerve ending in her body took off like a firecracker. For what seemed like several moments, they lay there in each other’s arms. She held him to her until the ache subsided. Until the pain was replaced by the pleasure of him filling her completely.

Nick began moving gently within her. She ached in more ways than one and whimpered against him.

“Easy,” he whispered against her throat. “Open for me. I’ll be gentle.”

He kept to his words, sliding in and out of her tenderly until his cock was coated in her juices. She swallowed down her apprehension, and lifted her face to meet his stare. She wanted to be strong for him, but had no idea there would be so much to bear.

He smoothed some hairs away from her face and kissed her forehead. “Okay?”

“Yes,” she said. “I’ve faced my fear. I placed my trust in you, and you saved my life.”

His eyes clouded over with submissive grace, but he did not break their gaze as he thrust in and out of her with firm yet careful strokes. Carnal adrenaline took over and she began to move against him. He set a slow and sensuous pace, cupping her ass and bringing her forward to meet his thrusts. She relaxed and let the foreign, yet breathtaking sensations take over her. Her pussy began to spasm and her body ascended to climax once again.

A low groan vibrated in his throat and his strokes sped up. He lifted his face to the ceiling and released himself into her. His essence flooded her, warming her insides like a potion. He shuddered against her as he came. His dick plunged deep, burying the last of seed inside her.

Selene knew it would be good with him, but could have never imagined he would surpass her expectations. If lovemaking felt like this, she wanted him to take her again and again.

Nick slowly pulled out of her, leaving behind stinging pain and satisfying pleasure all at once. He collapsed next to her and pulled her against him. “How could I not have known?”

“Just hold me, Nick.” She wrapped her hands around him. “It was mine to give. My choice to make. And I don’t regret it.”

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Selene glanced across the river beyond the trees as the last of the sun faded away in the distance. The sky was a canvas of burnt orange and dusty red, mixed with the gray of the overhanging clouds. A flock of birds took flight directly above them, their wings taking them toward the mountains.

The stunning image brought serenity to her anxious heart.

“What do we do now?” Selene leaned back against his chest and cradled her head against his shoulders.

Nick reached beside them and pulled a small plastic sack from their picnic basket. “We eat dessert.” He handed her the fresh baked chocolate chunk cookie they’d selected from the village bakery.

“You’re being silly,” Selene said, smiling, and took the cookie anyway to appease her sweet tooth. She broke a piece off and handed it to him. “My bus leaves in less than thirty minutes.”

What was supposed to be her last meal with Nick before she left for the city had turned into an afternoon of wasting time in the park, sitting at the river’s edge, and napping under the sun.

“I’m aware. We’ve been delaying your departure for quite some time. It’s obvious now that I want you to stay.”

“I could lose my job,” she said. “I have lots of vacation time build up, but that will run out.”

“In case you haven’t noticed from touring the town over the past few days, half of our women don’t work. They have important positions within our community if they so choose to give back. There are those who have careers, but it is only by choice. It’s not customary for Caedmon women to have jobs outside of the home. An old custom, but one that has kept our numbers growing, our children well taken care of and educated, and our men supported.”

She frowned. “I love my work. It’s something I won’t give up.”

“I know. You shouldn’t give up what you love,” he said. “Can you continue your charity work if you were to stay with me?”

Selene turned slightly. “Are you asking me to stay?”

“Yes. I need you to stay.”

“I hope to live up to the expectations.”

“What do you mean?” He rested his chin on the top of her head and interlocked his fingers with hers.

“This thing about true mates. Tamara and the other mated women who I spoke to have more to offer to their men than what I can. I want to be strong for you, but I can’t be your everything if I wasn’t intended to be.”

“Don’t say that. You are everything to me now.”

“And when your true mate comes along…?”

Nick chuckled.

“Why are you laughing?” She was annoyed that he’d think this was a joke.

“Don’t take the nights—and mornings and days for that matter—that we’ve shared in my bed…and outside of it lightly. I don’t.”

“Those moments will always be special to me.” Moments she’d never forget. “But I want to offer you more than just sex and conversation.”

“You offer much more than that, Selene. Why do you think I cannot bear to see you leave now?”

“It’s no surprise that we’re both crazy about each other.”

“Crazy is an understatement,” he said. “You gave me what could never be duplicated. You relinquished yourself to me. Your body, mind, soul, and heart. I accepted. More importantly, my wolf accepted. There is no way the animal inside of me will let me rest until our bond is complete.”

“How do you know he’s accepted me?”

“Close your eyes.”

“I’ll miss the last of sunset.” She looked out across the river again as the top of the sun sat just above the treetops. There were only a few moments left, and they’d be in the dark.

“It will be worth it.” He hugged her tighter. “Trust me.”

She did as he directed.

“You must be completely calm.” He pressed his chest against her back. “Most of all, you must believe.”

“Believe what?”

“That I will cherish and love you with all that I have.”

She nodded and focused her attention on his heart beating against her back. Drowning all sounds out, she let her body relax against him.

“You’ve embraced the Caedmon spirit without hesitation and for that it will guide you always.”

She’d always loved the sound of his voice. It was a mesmerizing tone that she could fall asleep to after a hard day’s work.

“Listen, Selene. Tell me what you hear.”

Nothing struck her as unordinary aside from the sound of crickets chirping and night owls scurrying through the trees above them. She shook her head.

“Listen closely,” he said against her face.

“To the breathing on my ear?” She was confused.

“Pretend that it’s just you and I…and nothing else.”

She strengthened her focus, toning out the sounds of nature around him. Listening to his steady breathing. Feeling the rise and fall of his chest at her back. Hearing the sounds of their heartbeats join together in synchronization.

‘Selene.’

She gasped when his voice permeated her head.

‘Don’t lose focus.’

With all of the strength she possessed, she tried not to break her concentration.

‘Only true mates can hear each other like this.’

Her fingers gripped his palm. She wanted speak, but pressed her lips together for fear she’d lose the connection.

‘We’ll have to work on the communication from your end. It’s likely you won’t be able to respond like so until we complete the bond.’

Selene lifted his hand and pressed his palm against her chest across her heart. It raced in excitement and overflowed with desire and love.

‘I love you. My wolf has always known that you are his mate.’

She let her overpowering feelings take over, resulting in the connection being broken. Tears pooled in her eyes making her vision hazy before she turned completely in his embrace.

“Te amo,” she said. “I love you. I was trying to say that I loved you, too.”

He crushed his mouth to hers and pulled her onto his lap. Lifting her arms, she encircled his neck, gave herself willingly, but took what she craved the most. His taste. She felt half-empty inside, and needed him to fill her again. Something was missing and she felt she needed more from him.

Before long, they’d laid out on the picnic blanket side by side. The night sky blanketed them and the crescent moon seemed to shift against the clouds.

Nick sipped at her lips gently. “Let me make love to you under the stars.”

“Now why would I refuse that?” She teased.

He grinned and bent to slide his mouth down the column of her neck. His fingers worked with the buttons of her blouse. He unsnapped the back of her bra and slipped his palm over her breast. His touch was just hot enough against her that the chilly night air did nothing to faze her. The passion building within her was all the warmth she needed.

He quickly helped her out of her pants and underwear, and shed his own in a flash. When his body blanketed hers, she felt secure and shielded from the night air.

His cock was already between her thighs, sliding against the wet folds of her sex. She lifted her hips and he plunged slowly inside of her.

“Yes. Just like that,” he hissed, holding her about the waist. “Offer yourself to me.”

Selene trusted him completely, and this time it was painless. Her raw flesh contracted around him, milking him. He pushed up into her, brushing against her clit. A wave of ecstasy consumed her and her pussy quaked with carnal desire. He moved with ease inside her, rocking his pelvis back and forth.

Nick’s thrusts became faster and more demanding. She gripped at his back, as he pounded into her pussy. Her eyes rolled up to the sky as a wave of euphoria washed over her. She came, panting against his shoulder. Her vision blurred as he continued plundering her with skillful strokes. He rode her through her orgasm, feeding it more energy as he came to his climax. She felt him tense and spasm inside her. A low growl vibrated in his throat, followed by a resounding moan of satisfaction. His hot seed seared her core, and flooded through her like a rupturing volcano.

What had begun as an evening of observing the setting sun had ended as a night of pure passion rising under the moon and stars.

As soon as Nick entered the Caedmon mansion with Selene at his side, he already knew something was amiss. He sensed the angst and an air of uneasiness from the front door. Not stopping at the kitchen to drop off their empty picnic basket, he headed straight for the conference hall.

Devin and two other members were standing around the Council table when he entered.

“What is it?” Nick asked, his eyes moving across their hardened expressions. He felt Selene grow tense beside him, mirroring his own emotions. This was what he’d wanted to prevent her from experiencing. Everything was in upheaval here, and he didn’t want her worrying over it.

“Darius has sent a written reply to our offer,” Devin said.

“With threats.” Jayson added from the other side of the room.

Heat rose up to Nick’s neck. “He’s a lunatic.”

Devin thrust a slip of paper at him. “According to the land records he holds fifty one percent.”

Nick snatched the paper, and his eyes skimmed the note. His attention fell on one statement despite the many accusations in the letter.

It read: Step down or I’ll destroy you.

He didn’t repeat this aloud, but he lifted his gaze to meet that of the Alpha’s.

Nick pressed his lips together to keep from saying something he’d regret, and swallowed down his building rage. “You know what we have to do.”

Devin frowned. “Yes.”

“Selene and I just got here. Give me an hour, and I’ll meet you back here.”

“Hurry,” Devin hissed. “Before I do something I will regret.”

“Patience, brother,” he said. “We need a plan.”

As they approached the staircase leading to their room, Selene paused. “I know what this means.”

“This was precisely what I wanted to protect you from.”

“If something happens to you…” She buried her face against his chest. “I can’t bear to think—”

He held her at the shoulders. “Don’t worry about me.”

“I’ve seen firsthand what Darius and his followers are capable of.”

“Didn’t we escape, Selene? What does that tell you about his capabilities?”

She grew quiet, but her face still donned a worried expression.

“Besides,” he said, keeping a straight face. “You’ve also seen what I’m capable of.”

“Yes. I remember.”

“Then don’t worry…”

Even though he warned her not to worry, Nick knew she’d do the opposite. One thing was for certain, something needed to be done. The Caedmon people shouldn’t have to live in fear. And he certainly would not live his life being held captive in his own village.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Nick followed Selene’s scent to the library. She stood directly in front of a bookshelf reading from a novel. Her black hair was undone and free and cascaded down the middle of her back. Just the sight of her sent warm jolts up his spine. Her body and her scent was like a magnet, and he reacted on impulse every time. He wanted her.

“Find anything interesting?” He stepped inside the room.

She turned around, grinned, and put the book in its place back on the shelf.

“It would take me forever to read all of these,” she said.

“You should get started sooner rather than later.” Nick pushed off the door frame and prowled toward her. When he reached her, he pressed his lips sensuously against hers.

The bottle of wine and box of chocolates he held in his hands prevented them from embracing fully.

“You’ve come bearing treats.”

“I found the chocolates hidden in the cupboard of the main kitchen. Very rare these days given the sweet tooth everyone has around here.”

Nick sat down in a plush leather chair and she straddled his lap. He opened the box of chocolates and offered one to her.

She closed her eyes. “Mmmm, these are better than my favorite candy bar. What kind are they?”

“Homemade. Dark chocolate with almonds. We have a family in the village that makes a living off chocolates. They have mail order through the internet.”

“You have everything here for such a small town,” she said, grabbing another piece of candy and biting into it.

“When you have a chance to read about our history, you will see that our heritage and community is quite diverse. It’s part of what has made our pack so successful.”

“I spoke with my dad earlier. He wants to meet you.”

“I want to meet him too. Wait.” He shot her a crafty look. “He doesn’t have plans to kill me, does he?”

She giggled. “No. He just misses me and all.”

“We’ll take a road trip and go visit him. Soon, of course. I know he must be curious about why you took a leave of absence from your job.”

“I told him lots about you.”

“Like what?”

“That you’re the big bad wolf.”

“You did not…” His lips parted in disbelief.

“Don’t worry. I haven’t told him that part.” Selene slid her hands up under his shirt and smoothed her palm over his chest. She kissed his lips, parting them with her tongue. “You taste good with chocolate.”

“A little aggressive, are we?” He asked.

“You have candy to wet my appetite but this…” She reached down between them and massaged his manhood. “…will satisfy my hunger.”

His dick pulsed uncontrollably and his testicles were already filling with his seed. If she kept pumping him in her hand, he would explode right here and now. Nick drew a line up the column of her neck with the tip of his nose. “I’ve taken you three times today.”

She arched into him. “Excuse me for being so greedy.”

Nick loved that about her. She knew what she wanted, and obviously she was not afraid to demand it. He stood up with her still in his arms. “Let’s see what we can do about that,” he said, carrying her out of the library, down the hall, and up the staircase.

Once they were in the privacy of their room, he set her down in front of the bed. As he began shedding his clothes, she did the same. She teased him, taking her time giving him a show as she rid herself of her own garments.

Unbuckling the back of her bra, she eyed him daringly. The bra slipped from her fingers onto the floor. His cock grew even more, becoming painfully erect.

His eyes dropped to her red silk panties. The thing was so flimsy and scandalous that he could already see her plump pussy lips against the lace. He licked his bottom lip. “Take the panties off.”

She hooked a thumb on either side of her panties, turned, and bent over as she slid them down her legs. Damn it, he wanted to take her there. He could imagine how tight she would feel just as her virgin pussy had felt around him that first night. He bit into his lips to keep from cursing aloud, and warm precum slowly pulsed from the head of his cock.

A low growl resonated from his chest, and when she peeked over her shoulder to look at him, his gaze burned with lust.

He walked up behind her, pressing his chest to her back. And his dick to her ass. After moving her hair away from her shoulder, he nipped at her neck gently, tasting her cinnamon flesh. His cock slid between her globes and he ground his pelvis against her. He embraced her and delicately massaged her breasts and nipples.

Selene moaned and pushed back against him.

His fingers roamed down the front of her to find her aching clit and wet pussy. His desire for her was potent and his need for release grew with every stroke of his fingertips. He could not wait to see her beautiful face and hear her screams when he brought her to orgasm. He dipped in and out of her and roved over her throat with his tongue.

“I want to make you mine, Selene. Completely.”

“I give myself to you, Nick. You know that.”

He removed his fingers. She whimpered.

“Oh, don’t worry.” He grinned. “I plan to satisfy your every need. Position yourself on the bed.”

Selene lay on the bed and looked at him with those innocent brown eyes.

“Let me see how wet you are,” he commanded. “Play with your pussy.”

Heat engulfed him as she leisurely parted her legs. She slipped her fingers down into her slit and stroked herself. He wished it were his tongue delving between her labia, sucking on her clit, and pushing into her sweet pussy. She tasted heavenly there. He could almost taste her now.

He moaned and grabbed his cock, pumping it as he watched her. “Beautiful.”

“Por favor…”

The way she begged in her native tongue turned him on. “Please what?”

“Take me.” Her hands moved to caress her breasts and squeeze her sensitive nipples.

“Did I tell you to stop?” Nick reached for her hand and her fingers disappeared within his lips. He licked her juices off, savoring it. She tasted just the way he thought she would.

“No…”

Cradling the back of her head with his palm, he took her lips once again. Her body arched against him and she pulled him down on top of her.

Nick dipped lower to take her nipples between his lips. He sucked gently and then firmly on the soft flesh, making the buds harden into perfect cylinders. Taking both breasts in his hands, he pressed them closely together, and then moved from one to the other, teasing them, until she cried out his name.

Her belly shivered as he made a trail down the center of it to kiss her hot mound. She whimpered even more and arched off the bed. He sliced a finger between her lips, stroking her from clit to anus until her legs quaked. Not able to resist her anymore, he buried his lips within her pussy enjoying her like a savory treat. Her moans encouraged him. Her orgasm was his priority. He made love to her with his lips, flicking her clit and tonguing her pussy and anus.

He felt her body tightened and she cried out pleasure.

When her orgasm faded, he pulled her ass to the very edge of the bed and she wrapped her legs around his back. He pushed into her with one long stroke, watching as her eyes glazed over in desire.

He fucked her slowly at first, relishing in how she took him so expertly, milking him to ecstasy. When he felt her tight pussy relax, he pounded into her hard, positioning himself so that he struck her clit on the down stroke.

Soon another orgasm took her. Her cries sounded like a melody. He bit into his lip, fighting to contain himself.

“Again, Nick,” she panted. “Fuck me harder and make me come again.”

His fangs dropped. He couldn’t help himself.

He pulled out of her and flipped her on her hands and knees. She raised her backside and pushed it out toward him. Her pussy lips glistened with their sex juices. Her ass looked like a plump cushion ready to be pillaged. He grabbed her globes and kneaded them. Fuck…he wanted to drive his cock deep within her ass.

Nick slammed into her pussy and his sac tightened against his dick. As he pumped into her with wild abandon, his testicles slapped against her pussy. She raised her face to the ceiling and cried out. He grabbed a fistful of velvety black hair and fucked her intensely. The more she threw her ass back, the harder he pounded.

The power of the wolf spirit consumed him. And he knew in that instant that neither Selene, nor he, nor wolf would be satisfied until they were united by bond.

Selene lowered the top half of her body on the mattress and he almost came inside her. Did she know that this was the sign of submission? An offering of her body to do as he pleased. He pulled out of her pussy and placed his cock, still slick with her juices, against the opening of her anus.

His entire body trembled as he grabbed the fleshy part of her ass and smoothed it.

“Nick…” She moaned as he pushed into her, stopping only halfway.

Her canal was tight and held his dick like a vice.

Once he was deep within her, he began pumping into her ass with careful concentration. Her strangled cries echoed against the walls each time he buried himself to the hilt. He reached around and pleasured her clit.

When Selene’s virgin passage had completely adjusted to his size, she lifted herself up on her elbows. She ground her ass back against his pelvis, swallowing him even more, and then she moved her hair from her shoulder and off to the side, offering her neck.

She was tempting his wolf. Was it pure instinct or had she read too many Caedmon history books? It didn’t matter. He wanted her this way. Forever. Completely. Exclusively.

He groaned and his mouth watered. He bent over her to prepare her shoulder for his bite. He licked the area between her neck and shoulder. He tasted his own nectar as it released from the glands on his tongue. It was the same serum used to heal a wound while in wolf form. It would prepare Selene to take his mark.

“You’re mine.”

Nick struck, and his fangs held her immobilized at the shoulder while he plundered her. She convulsed in climax under him, screaming in gratification. The moment he marked her, complete fulfillment washed over him.

He joined her, throwing his head back and groaning. His molten seed blasted into her, sealing their bond.

When the explosive fireworks were over, they collapsed on the bed in each other’s arms. Neither of them said a word. They only gazed deeply at one another.

Selene was his mate. From this day forward, he would exist only for her.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

“So, what are your plans for this place, man?” Jayson Truman asked as Devin slid the bowl of rolls across the table toward him.

Selene was eager to learn the answer too. It was the classiest home she’d ever set foot in to date. It had everything any family would need, and even came complete with servants.

“My cabin is being expanded into a home big enough for me, Tamara, and our family. It won’t be quite as big as this one, and of course it’s not located in the main village,” Devin replied.

“Well, you’ll certainly be the first leader that won’t live in the Caedmon house,” Jayson remarked.

Of all the Council members, the raven-haired handsome wolf had to be one of the youngest. Selene had seen his last name in several of the history books in the library.

“There’s a first time for everything, besides I’ve gifted the home to Dawson. Once he finishes up his studies, he’ll probably have more use for it than I will.”

Some of them were having mid-day lunch before the Council was set to meet. Selene was scheduled to assist Tamara at the elementary school, but getting up at six in the morning after being mated to a wolf and a long night of continuous lovemaking would have been injurious. Only after a hot bath could she bear to walk down the stairs by herself.

Even now, Nick was seated right beside her. His hand was laid out on her thigh, and the other held the fork as he gobbled his meal. She valued his new-found protectiveness over her.

Everyone jerked in alarm when the double doors to the dinner hall slammed open. Nick dropped his fork. Devin jumped to his feet.

Tamara barged inside with a look of bewilderment imprinted on her face. She doubled over and panted, a card crumpled between her fingers. Devin was next to her in seconds.

“What happened?” He scooped her up and sat her in a chair.

A closer inspection revealed that Tamara’s tights were soaked in blood. Was she hurt? It didn’t appear—

“Elisa!” She screamed.

“Where is she?”

“They took her!”

“What are you talking about?”

Tamara shoved the wrinkled card at him. “I went to go check on her in the science classroom. Ms. Price was dead on the floor. Her throat was...it was…” She sobbed in her hand, and her fingers shook. “Elisa is gone!”

Selene’s heart literally flipped, and she ran over to comfort the other women. Tamara’s whole body shook as she wrapped her arms around her.

“What does it say, Devin?” Nick asked from behind her.

“Darius has replied. He wants more than just land.”

A servant ran into the hall. “Sir!” He bowed his head after coming to stand in front of Devin. “There was trouble in the market. It seems another pack breached our borders.”

Devin growled violently, and pounded a fist onto a nearby wall. Pictures crashed to the floor and when he brought his hand away from the wall, there was an indentation on it. “Put a call out for the other Council members. Now!”

“Yes, Alpha.” The servant nodded, and then backed away.

“What does he want?” Jayson asked, taking the card with the message.

“He wants to fight me. Again,” Devin said.

“Fuck a fight,” Nick growled. “I’m ready to battle.”

“We will.” Devin paced the floor like a wild animal. “I apologize in advance, Nick, but I will kill him.”

Tamara gasped and buried her head against Selene’s chest.

“At this point, it is necessary,” Nick replied. “That bastard has Elisa. She’s only a child!”

“Your bond with Silvia…has it receded?” Devin asked him.

Selene did a double take, looking from Nick to Devin, and then back at Nick again. Had Devin said bond…bond with Silvia?

“There was never a bond,” Nick said between clenched teeth. “That witch betrayed me.”

“Even better. Prepare for battle.” Devin turned to pick up Tamara, scooping her away from Selene with one arm. “I must tend to my mate. We head out at midnight.”

Everyone scurried out of the room. Everyone except for her and Nick.

He held out his arms. Before he could touch her, she jumped back.

“No!” She screamed. “I trusted you!”

“Selene?”

“How could you?” She felt so stupid. He’d been hiding it from her the whole time.

“What is it, Selene?”

“You’re bonded to another? Is this what you wanted to protect me from?”

This time he caught her off guard, captured her, and pulled her into his embrace. “It’s not what you think. Everyone misunderstood what happened.”

She struck at his chest in an attempt to pull away from him, but he was stronger. “Why would you do this to me?”

“I didn’t bond with her. Back then, I thought I did. I was young and stupid. Oblivious to what true love felt like. We were intimate and in a relationship over seven years ago.”

She jerked against him, and bile rose to her throat.

“Listen, please…” He pressed his forehead to hers. “Silvia is a witch. A real one. She was a member of another pack when I first met her.”

“What do you mean you thought you bonded with her?”

“She used her powers to trick me into thinking we shared a bond. She was the only one of her sisters left in her father’s home and not mated. According to her, she was a disgrace to her father. I pitied her.”

Selene swallowed, but the pain only resurfaced. “I asked you about this and you refused to tell me.”

Nick exhaled against her hair. “I was ashamed, Selene. I still am embarrassed about it all.”

“You loved her?”

“At twenty seven, I didn’t know what love was.”

“She used you.”

He nodded. “I’m not the complete victim. She was a woman. Willing and ready.”

“Why would she do something like that if she knew that you weren’t her mate?”

“Because she could. She thrives off manipulating others. That is why she and Darius are good for each other.”

“Then she’s the one mated to Darius, that scar-faced bastard. She’s the one who can’t have children.”

“Yes. Darius, her true mate, came along and all the pieces fell together,” he said. “Darius knows what happened. He holds a grudge and still believes that I have some connection with Silvia.”

“Do you?”

“No. And if I did before, it’s now faded. The bond is only legit through intimacy, companionship, and a true mating…like ours.”

Selene shook her head. “I didn’t want to find out like this.”

He pulled her closer. “Please forgive me.”

“I can forgive you, Nick, but how can I trust you? We’re supposed to have this special bond and now I feel worthless.”

“You’re not worthless. You are everything to me. Our love is real. I am so sorry that I withheld this.”

A sorry wasn’t enough. How could her heart be mended after this? Still she ached to hold him against her despite his betrayal. What was wrong with her? She needed to get away from this toxic relationship before it was too late. She peeled away from him. “Be careful, Nick. I will still worry about you.”

“Don’t worry about me. I live for you now, and I will return.” He held her gaze for a long while, a wretched expression marking his face. “Will you be here when I do?”

“No.”

His eyes widened for a split second, and then his face softened. “I understand.”

Before she could change her mind, she turned on her heels and ran upstairs to the bedroom.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Nick and Devin pushed forward through the clearing with the other four Council members close behind them. Dozens of other Caedmon male wolves had their back as well. During any battle or dispute, it was customary for the Council to stand on the frontline.

It was eerily quiet around them. Not a rabbit or owl scurried about in the forest this night. What was once a patch of land that was abundant with night critters was now barren. It didn’t take a mad scientist to figure out that they were not alone.

Nick lifted his muzzle to the air, scenting a threat. At the same time, Devin broke the rank, stepped forward and howled toward the moon. It was a call to the opposing side.

Darius met him in the center in human form while a dozen of his followers circled in wolf form.

A beam of light flashed around Devin’s body as he shifted to human form.

“I see you brought a little army.” Darius grinned.

“And I see you’ve recruited a meager band of followers,” Devin replied.

More of Darius’s followers came out of the woodwork.

“Let’s cut to the chase.” Darius began to circle Devin. “Your rise to alpha was a mistake.”

“The only evidence you have to back your claim is your fifty one percent stake in Caedmon lands,” Devin replied.

“Isn’t that what makes us one of the leading packs…the territory? And the followers?” Darius asked.

“Territory is only the half of what defines us. Our values define us. Our morals define us. The culture and the ability to extend the wealth of our people through trade and manufacturing as we’ve done for decades. That defines us. We’ve built a strong foundation for the Caedmon people, but under my reign we will build an empire.”

This declaration caused the wolves that backed Devin to move forward. Dozens of wolves entered the clearing ready to fight on command.

Nick silently cheered for Devin, and by the determined stance of the others behind him, he knew they were proud to stand by their Alpha as well.

“If you were so concerned with the pack and the well-being of our people, you would not have left five years ago.”

“How did I know you would bring that up against me?” Devin asked. “I was rejected by my own father. It was a mistake he admitted to.”

“He saw flaws in you back then. The fact that he changed his mind on his deathbed sickens me,” Darius scoffed.

“The fact that you would hold your own people captive against their will, attempt to rape a human, and plunder our village killing an innocent woman at a school and an elderly man in the market place sickens me. You even captured a child!” Devin spat. “Have you no shame?”

Darius smirked. “That’s the price to be paid during a time of war.”

“It all ends here.”

Darius stepped forward and for a moment the moon beamed directly on him. The scar he’d earn from the last fight with Devin remained on his face. Something to remind him what one earned for being greedy. “Your untimely death will be such a pity.” He clucked his tongue. “First father. A son. Now a bastard.” He laughed. A deep throaty laugh.

“My brother’s death was no accident. You killed him.”

“He went down like a bitch.”

A series of growls broke out from Devin’s side.

Nick was so enraged that he could hardly contain himself. His nostrils flared and he breathed hard, disturbing the dust on the ground before him.

Devin and Darius began circling each other. The anger and heat between the two of them fueled their followers.

Darius was the first to turn wolf. He did it slowly and with the grace that only descendants of the first line of Caedmon could pull off. It was a reminder that no matter how insane Darius had become, he was still powerful…and capable of anything.

All hell broke loose as the two sides collided in battle.

Nick’s very first assailant lunged for him, almost catching him off guard. They toppled across the rocky forest floor in frenzy, trying to gain the upper hand over the other.

He pounced on top of the wolf and went for the throat without hesitation. Blood and tissue filled his mouth. He spat on the ground and with pristine adrenaline shooting through his veins, he took on another opponent.

Nick faltered many times, making it too easy for his attackers to injure him. There had never been a battle like this. One in which his strength and endurance were tested.

He felt ready to collapse as a wolf jumped on his back and bit into a shoulder blade. He bucked hard, shaking the wolf off with all his might. Impaling the animal, he captured the neck with his muzzle. He shook his head from side to side violently until the life was literally ripped from the wolf who jumped him.

Just before another wolf rushed him, he caught a quick glimpse of the mutiny around him.

Wolves of the same pack fighting like rival enemies. How did it come down to this?

Everything fell silent when a sharp yelp cut through the air.

A chill ran though his bones when he recognized the voice.

Nick glanced toward the other end of the field and sure enough, he saw Devin’s wolf huddled next to a barn with an injury to his side.

Blood seeped through his fur onto the ground.

Darius, now in human form, stood over Devin with an ax held high in the air.

Nick took off running in their direction, ready to die for his leader. His paws barely touched the earth as he sprinted across the field. The images before him faded in and out as he ran. His chest burned as he swallowed dry air.

He was too late.

Devin slowly lifted himself on all fours.

Darius leveled the ax with both hands gripping the handle.

Devin’s lithe wolf body shot up through the air like a rocket and he pounced on Darius’s chest.

Nick felt and heard the thud of the impact. His paws came to a skidding halt on the rough terrain.

Devin ripped out Darius’s stomach, and blood and guts splattered against the ground and barn.

Nick froze in his tracks. His heart pounded like a drum. His mind registered the fatal outcome in front of him.

Darius had turned human to gain the upper hand, but that move had cost him his life.

As Darius bled to death, Devin hovered over him and lifted his head with chunks of human flesh between his fangs.

He howled at the moon.

Nick and those that were left of Devin’s Pack did the same.

Darius managed to crawl from under Devin on his hands and knees into the barn, leaving loose entrails and bowels behind him in the dirt.

Darius’s followers began to retreat, leaving carnage and destruction all over the field.

Devin shifted into human form and other’s followed suit.

“Go retrieve my sister,” Devin commanded one of the wolves, who then nodded and took off toward the main building.

At that moment, a solid white figure emerged from the field where the other’s had retreated. It pushed through the last of Darius’s cowards as they escaped.

A white wolf. Delicate and graceful. Running as fast as the wind.

It was Silvia.

The leaves and bramble stirred up violently behind her as she ran toward her mate. There were two wolves in her path. She ran them over and ripped out their throats, killing them instantly.

The rest of them, including he and Devin, moved out of her way.

She shifted into human form and rushed toward Darius…but he was dead.

A vein-chilling scream tore from her throat. All the windows above the barn shattered. When her breath gave out, she pulled Darius’s face against her chest and rocked him.

“Come back to me,” she whispered to him.

Nick tore his gaze from the sight as his heart quaked in his chest.

“Look what you have done!” She shouted.

Nick had no choice but to look upon her once again. Her eyes had clouded over with silver, the aura of her magic.

“He was toxic, Silvia. You know this,” Devin said. “You didn’t have to live this way…in mayhem. The bond can be reversed…broken. Even now. I know someone who can help.”

“How dare you imply that I would break something I cherish?”

Devin hung his head.

“Silvia.” Nick stepped forward this time. “Let us help. I know you were rejected by your father. I know it led you to use your craft to do Darius’s evil biddings.”

“Shut up!” She shook her head. “You’ve taken everything away from me.”

“No, Silvia. Because of Darius’s greed, we have all paid the price. Look at all the bloodshed around us.” Devin waved his arm over the damage and mutilated wolf bodies on the ground. “It didn’t have to happen this way. I tried many times to reason with Darius. His refusal to control his self-righteousness cost him his life.”

Silvia frowned. “I don’t care what he has done. I live by my mate.” She snatched up a broken piece of window glass and viciously slit both wrists across the vein. “I die by my mate.”

Devin took a step forward. “Silvia—”

An unseen force shoved Devin backward. He caught his balance before tripping over a log.

Bright red blood flowed down Silvia’s palms to her fingertips and onto the ground, blending with the blood of her deceased mate. A once delicate and pretty face was marred in wild hatred. “Leave us!”

A sharp piece of wood rose up off the earth as though by magic, sailed through the air, and struck one of the men observing the spectacle through the heart. He expired on impact and the brute force knocked his lifeless body several feet back.

Silvia had hailed from a long line of witches. With the amount of rage now pent up in her heart, she could have taken every one of them out if she wanted to.

They began to fall back—quickly.

Silvia’s eyes were glassed over. There was no containing her magic now. She was beyond enraged.

The barn started creaking. Dust fell from the ceiling. Floorboards and beams that once held the place up began to crack. The barn suddenly slumped to one side. Wind picked up around them. Sand swooshed up, slapping them against the faces, and stinging their eyes.

They held a victory…

None of them had the heart to celebrate.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Selene sat up from her position on the sill of the large bay windows when a shadow moved below. A light tingle crept up her spine, and she pressed her palm to the cold glass to peer outside. She’d grown tired of waiting for him, and she could hardly keep her eyelids open.

To pass time earlier in the night after the men had left, she and Tamara had sat in the library together talking about absolutely nothing. Skimming the words in those old history books, but not really reading them. It had been evident that both had been on pins and needles worrying about their mates.

Now as she waited here, she wondered if it was in vain. Would Nick even return? She’d told him to his face that she planned to leave. What hope did that give him out there on the battlefield?

The shadow moved again, and this time she came to a kneeling position. Her breath tripped in her throat when she caught sight of a majestic wolf sitting on its hind legs right under the window.

Nick. Selene would have known her mate even with her eyes closed. A feeling of completeness washed over her whenever he was near.

His hazel eyes seemed to sparkle in the dark as he observed her.

‘Don’t just stand down there, Nick. Come up here,’ she surprised herself by speaking telepathically to him.

‘I was hoping you’d say that,’ was his reply.

He shifted then, unfolding to his full height. Completely naked, he stood under the full moon.

At the edge of dawn, its colors burst with a mix of burnt red and orange. It would be morning soon. A fresh start. A peaceful one, maybe…

When her gaze moved back to the spot on the grass, Nick was gone.

She scented him before he turned the doorknob.

Before he could make it inside the room, she slipped off the windowsill and rushed into his arms. She didn’t care about the dirt and grime marring his body or the fact that he was naked. He was back. Safe.

Nick kissed her deeply, wrapping his arms about her waist. He pulled away too soon. “You okay?”

“Yes. I’m glad you’re safe. Elisa? The child. Is she safe?”

“Absolutely. She’s in the care of her aunt now.”

She fell back into his embrace. “Just hold me.”

“I was in the lake, but I’m still dirty.”

“I don’t care.” She smoothed the side of her face with his palm. “I was being silly earlier.”

“I was wrong. I should have told you.”

“I wanted to know, but I understand now that it brought back painful memories for you.”

“It had,” he said. “That’s all behind me now.”

‘I love you.’

‘I love you back.’

“Come here,” she whispered.

Selene walked him into the bathroom that was adjoined to their bedroom. After turning the faucet on and placing the stopper over the drain, she led him into the tub. He sighed and his body relaxed as though a great weight lifted off his shoulders.

“Selene, I killed many wolves tonight.” He squeezed his eyes shut. “It was terrible.”

“We can’t change the past, Nick.” Taking a sponge, she drizzled some of the warm water across the welts on his back. “We can only live for the future. Our future.”

“I’m ready to see what’s in store for us.” He turned to kiss the back of her hand, as she kneaded the sponge over his shoulder.

“So am I.”

“I’ve dreamed many times about a woman who could soothe my scars with her touch,” he whispered.

She applied her bare hands to his back on the injury near the shoulder blades. Pressing her lips to his neck, she whispered, “You’re in good hands. Trust again, Nick. I will never fail you.”

“You are my dream come true.”