“You did what?”

Arianna Klein uncrossed her arms and dropped them to her side. The tips of her fingernails dug deep into her palms as she tried to contain her frustration.

Anthony Klein, Sr. pulled out a ledger from a file cabinet and opened it on the desk in front of him. “You should be ready at five o’ clock on the dot tomorrow evening. We’ll have an escort take us to the residence.”

His sudden lack of eye contact told Arianna that he’d silently dismissed her.

She’d never felt so powerless in her life. What gave him the right to make promises for her? To make plans without her permission that included her?

“Father!” She panted, ready to pitch a fit of rage. “I’ve no intentions of being in the presence of that asshole.”

He glanced up at her with a stern look on his face. “This is not up for discussion.”

She rushed up to his desk and smashed her palms against it, nearly tipping over a vase of calla lilies. “What do you mean, not up for discussion?”

He scribbled on the pad and didn’t utter a word.

She refused to be ignored. “Everyone knows Ivan Zeldano is a crook and a fraud. How could you do business with someone like that?”

That statement caused him to look up and his gaze of indifference nearly burned right through her. “You know I want what’s best for you, what’s best for the family business, and what’s best for our future.”

“By our future, do you really mean your future? It’s no mystery that all you care about is the bottom line on your checkbook.” She threw her hands up in irritation. “I’m sick of it all! I could care less about this family business anymore.”

“How could you say that?” Her father stood. “This business is what has been keeping this family together. Don’t forget how much it cost to send you off to that expensive school. Room, board, books…” He started ticking off the items on his fingers. “…food, transportation, and other incidentals.”

“How many times will you remind me?” she asked between clenched teeth. “I’ll pay you back every red cent, but you can’t expect me to make a living for myself when you beg me to return home every time I get a job.”

“I don’t beg.”

“Yes, you do.” She crossed her arms. “You play sick. Scream bloody murder. Cry wolf. Make me feel sorry for you. Anything to get me to return here so you can dictate my life. It must stop now. You will not hold this debt against me. I’ll pay you back in full just to stop you from trying to manipulate my every move.”

“You will start paying me back tomorrow night by being ready and on time. This meeting is about business, and you will not mess this up.” He plopped back down in his chair. “I mean it.”

Arianna’s lips trembled. “At least I know what you cherish the most over your own daughter.”

“No.” He shook his head. “Because I cherish you, I will do what’s best for you. You’re very important. To me…and to this cause.”

She pointed a finger at her chest. “I will decide what’s best for me.”

Her father lifted an eyebrow in challenge. “Now is not the time, Arianna. You know what’s at stake.”

Her blood was beyond the boiling point. She wanted to tell her father to shove it, but she wouldn’t stoop to that level.

Arianna had tried with all her heart to have a normal life like a normal person. She even believed that obtaining a college degree from Northwestern, graduating at the top of her class, and being recruited by one of the top investment firms in the world would help her father see her worth as an individual and as a career woman. Living up to her father’s expectations had been important to her.

Until now…

“I have a proposal to review,” her father said, jolting her from her thoughts. “Would you mind telling the maid to bring me some coffee?”

Arianna frowned. “I wish mother was still living. She would never—ever—let you do this!”

The pained expression that washed over his face told Arianna that she’d hit a nerve, but she didn’t care. What he suggested was disgraceful and an insult to her intelligence.

Arianna took one last look at her stubborn father, stormed out of his office, and slammed the door behind her.

It was time she lived her own life.

Jayson Truman rode his Kawasaki into the wrought iron gates of the Caedmon Mansion and parked beside a row of a dozen other bikes. He tore off his helmet, pushed his unruly hair back off his face, and took in the scenery before him.

The heavy metal music blasted from every open window of the decades old mansion, and the bass seemed to rock the foundation under it. Lively bodies were everywhere, either standing about in groups or dancing around to the vibrant beat. Most of them were half-clad, showing too much skin and rejoicing as the winter season ended and spring began. The thick and boisterous crowd overflowing outside told him that there was a full house tonight…and rightfully so.

When he’d received the invitation to Dawson Caedmon’s eighteenth birthday party, he had no doubts that there would be a crowd. Many from the Caedmon Pack and anyone connected to it were likely in attendance given Dawson’s rank and reputation.

Jayson slid off his motorcycle, and his boots settled down in the wet dirt. Heavy rains had hit this part of town last night, and the pavement and ground were still soaked with it. The damage was even evident on his bike.

Grinding his teeth in annoyance, he ran his thumb against the side of his ride where mud had splattered against it. He’d washed and waxed her only days ago. Riding around on a dirty bike irked him, so it was back to the shop again tomorrow morning to clean this baby like new again.

Jayson hung his helmet over the handle bar, left his bike, and headed up the gravel path leading toward the entrance.

This used to be Devin’s place before he moved out with his mate and wife, Tamara. But when the Alpha had married her, he’d handed the home down to Dawson. The eighteen-year-old whiz kid was having the time of his life with a dozen servants and cooks at his beck and call twenty-four hours a day. Dude held biweekly, if not weekly, parties. Like this one, most of the gatherings were by invite only. No one held Dawson’s high-life bachelor ways against him. The guy was still a teenager; he had his whole life ahead of him. But when it came to business matters—especially where the pack was concerned—Dawson took care of his responsibilities. His smarts and dedication was precisely why the teen had graduated at the top of his class and would have his Ph.D. in Law before his twenty-first birthday. He was also the youngest member on the Caedmon Council—current and past.

“Jayson. Hi.”

A good-looking chick fell in step beside him. She smelled of fruit, vodka, and cigarette smoke. A faint underlying scent also told her that she was part human.

Jayson wasn’t surprised about this given the fact that Devin had lifted the rule, which prevented anyone who wasn’t a full-bred wolf from identifying with the pack. Reversing the ruling had increased Caedmon resources and tripled their followers. Since then, many half-breeds had come out of the woodwork.

“How do you know my name?” he asked her.

The woman pouted her lips. “You mean you don’t remember me?”

These days, many of the women in the pack were looking for one main thing. A mate. The majority of them weren’t shy in their pursuit. They needed someone to fulfill them on a regular basis. And until they found that someone, their appetite for sex remained out of control. A Caedmon gift to some…and a curse to others.

Jayson examined her face again. She was cute. Bouncy blonde curls. Pretty lips.

His eyes fell to her breasts, which overflowed the top of her dress. They were a nice size. Rounded hips. Long slim legs. Creamy skin. But still…“Should I remember you?”

“We met at Boyd’s costume party a couple months ago. There were five of us in the one room. It involved Jell-o shots and a game of twister.” She winked. “Ring a bell?”

“Not a one.” Sounded like naughty fun, but he couldn’t remember her. He recalled the night of the party and seeing a dozen female faces, but her’s didn’t quite stand out.

She folded her arms under her breasts and huffed. “Men!” She came to a stop directly in front of him, preventing him from moving any further. “I can jog your memory.” She lifted a hand and traced the outline of his chest through his shirt. “We have all night…for a recap.”

Not only were the Caedmon women affected by the inclination to mate, so were the males. Being a full-bred Caedmon himself, it was harder for him to control his urges. However, the wolf inside him could not be denied. If the wolf wasn’t happy, neither was he; they fed off each other’s emotions and desires. Sexual satisfaction in abundance was one way to keep the unmated wolf content for a short period of time. But his wolf was no fool. No amount of sex could make up for the lack of a life-long companion.

He caught the woman’s hand just before it landed on his manhood. “What’s your name?”

She smiled. “Christy.”

“Look, Christy…I just got here. I need to chill, have a round of drinks, and chat with my peeps. If we happen to cross paths again tonight, I might be game.”

Christy’s grin grew wider. “Alright.” She stepped aside.

Once he made it inside, the vibrations from pounding music jolted through him, giving him a much-needed rush of momentum. The large ballroom was flooded with gyrating bodies amid the dense colorful smog added for visual effects. The air was thick with strong wolf pheromones, sweat, alcohol, and sex. When this many wolves came together in celebration, one could bet on that combination.

As Jayson pushed his way past the crowd to find an open seat at the bar, he observed as two males sandwiched a female. Her skirt was hitched up about her waist as the men shoved their hands between her legs, and played with her pussy while they danced. He tore his gaze from the sight before he fed off too much sexual energy.

Taking the first empty seat, he nodded at Charlie, the bartender. They were old high school buddies, went to the same college, and Jayson had even advised him on a couple of matters concerning his investments.

Jayson smiled as Charlie slid a scotch on the rocks across the bar into his hand. He turned the glass up to his lips, and rolled the smooth, crisp whiskey around with his tongue before letting it run down his throat. He slammed the empty glass on the coaster. “Thanks, man. Needed that.”

“No problemo. I was wondering when you would show up,” Charlie said, wiping up some spills in front of him with the bar mop.

“Believe it or not, I had some work to do.”

“Work? Yeah right.” Charlie laughed. “You still living in the city?” He had to raise his voice a bit above the loud music.

“Yeah. I’m renting a condo until I get my shit together. Even though it’s been a good two years since pops passed away, I’m still not on top of things like I used to be. Between finishing up his dealings and keeping current clients happy, it’s been pretty rough.”

“You’re doing the best you can.” Charlie nudged him on the shoulder. “Blow off a little steam. Have fun.”

Jayson grinned. “Which is why I’m here. Quite a turnout, I see.”

“This party jumped off as soon as the sun went down. What was supposed to be a four-hour shift for me has now become a six-hour one. I have another engagement at the strip club across town. It’s damn near midnight and I’m still in this bitch. Dawson owes me for this one.”

“I could cover for you,” he offered. Before working nine to five as an accountant at his father’s firm, like Charlie, he’d earned extra money as a bartender.

“Thanks for the offer, but I’m cool.” Charlie glanced over Jayson’s shoulder. “Besides, there’s more entertainment here than you can get at any strip club in the city. Plus, I needed to catch up on the scoop anyway.” Charlie leaned against the bar counter. “Speaking of the scoop, what’s up with you and Melanie?”

Jayson drew a circle around the coaster. Leave it to Charlie to bring up old news. Very old news. Melanie was long gone from his life, and she was probably on a mission to con some other man out of his money. “I broke it off with her this past summer.”

“Man really?” Charlie looked surprised. “The way it looked to me, she just about had you on lockdown.”

“Looks are deceiving and that’s how the cookie crumbles…and crumble it did. When things aren’t meant to be, you let them go. You know how that is; there’s no fooling the wolf.”

“Yeah.” Charlie nodded. “I know what you mean.”

“Where’s the birthday guy?” Jayson wasn’t here to dabble in his love life or lack thereof.

“There’s no telling.”

Jayson chuckled, and got up from the bar. “I’m off to wish him well…and get in a little trouble of my own.”

CHAPTER TWO

Arianna nudged her way through a hallway full of wolves. Of course, they were all in their human form. Some eyed her spitefully. While others—mostly the males—looked on in lust. Not much time had passed since the law had been enacted permitting all Caedmon whether human, half-bred, or full-bred to unite with the pack. Some still held on to the old customs, thus were less than thrilled about the current leader’s visions.

If her father knew that she was in the Caedmon village now, he’d likely have a fit. But she didn’t care one way or the other. This was her life, not his.

As she exited the ballroom where the bulk of the crowd was dancing, the blasting music followed her. Only moments before, she had been on the dance floor moving to the beat of the eclectic mix of rock, heavy metal, rap, and hip-hop music. One thing she could count on was that the Caedmon parties were always the best.

The walls were lined with couples as they whispered to each other and necked, oblivious and uncaring about indecent PDA. The clusterfuck of bodies made it harder for her to quickly find a bathroom.

A tall guy stepped out in from of her, halting her in the middle of the hallway. “You’re lost.”

“And you’re in my way.” She looked up at him, praying silently that he’d move without giving her any trouble.

Instead, he grinned and cocked one eyebrow. “You’re unaccompanied, human.”

“I didn’t know I needed someone to accompany me to the bathroom,” she said.

“I can, if you want.”

“No, thank you, wolf.”

The feral look in his translucent gaze gave him away. She had to admit; this one was cute. Cocky, but cute. Still, she wasn’t interested. She’d come here to defy her father’s orders, but only to a certain extent. Luring one of the Caedmon wolves would definitely land her into deeper trouble. It was a sure way to make her father mad. Would she even dare…?

“I don’t need an escort. Just show me where the bathroom is around here, will you?”

He stepped out of her path. “At the very end of the hall. Right door or left door. I can’t remember.”

“Thanks.” Arianna excused herself and once again made her way through the frenzy of sex crazed bodies.

She understood the Caedmon hormones. The need to mate. And procreate. Heck, she had the same genes in her blood. But she wished the wolves would be a little more discreet about it. If she passed by another couple fondling each other’s genitals in broad fob lights without regard to anyone around them, she would puke.

As she neared the end of the hall, the feeling of being boxed in faded. Sure enough, as the wolf had advised her there were two doors on either side of the end of the hallway.

She choose the door on the right, knocking first to see if anyone occupied the toilet. When no one answered, she turned the knob and went in.

“Shit!” It wasn’t the bathroom. It was another room. Damn, she needed to go. Maybe she should have left the pineapple daiquiris alone. Before she backed away, a noise caught her attention.

There was a tall shelf near the door obstructing the view, but as she peeked between the trinkets that lined the wooden surfaces, her eyes widened at the image before her.

Three women knelt before a man as he sat in a chair in the center of the room. Arianna immediately realized that it was the groaning sounds that caught her attention.

At first thought, it seemed the women’s heads were resting on his lap. Closer inspection revealed that they were pleasuring him and taking turns sucking him off.

Arianna swallowed, and her head reeled back in shock, but she failed to tear her gaze away from the show. She couldn’t see the man’s face, as it was raised toward the ceiling, and his eyes appeared to be closed.

She focused on the object of interest—his dick. It was standing vertical and at fierce attention. It was big enough and long enough, that all three women pleased him at the same time. One sucking the swollen head. Another dragging her lips along the rigid column. The other teasing his testicles with her tongue.

The man gripped the edge of his seat and the veins in his neck seemed to pulse with the force of his emotions. He moaned once again, and Arianna’s breathing quickened. Her body grew heated and a wicked sensation awakened between her legs.

She could tell he was on the verge of orgasm by the way he thrust his pelvis upward.

“Damn it,” he growled.

Arianna gasped. The sound of his voice stirred something carnal inside of her.

Her hand accidentally hit an object in an attempt to cover her mouth. She caught the trinket just in time, and leveled it before it crashed to the floor.

When she looked up again, her eyes locked with the heated stare of the man.

Jayson.

She knew him. Those smoldering gray eyes were something that she’d never been able to forget. There was a hint of blue around the irises. It reminded her of the sky right before a thunderstorm.

He squinted and focused on her. A wide grin spread across his face.

Her mouth fell open as her heart beat wildly against her chest. Her nipples tightened against her top. The dampness between her legs embarrassed her. Yet, his hypnotic gaze kept her rooted to the floor.

Arianna shook her head and forced herself to back away slowly, but by that time, she knew it was too late. She’d been discovered.

Suddenly, he bit his bottom lip but his intense gaze still bore into her. Her attention dropped to the three women. One of them was now sucking him ferociously. Her pretty blonde curls fell against his thighs like a curtain as she took him deep into the back of her throat while the other two licked his taut sac.

Jayson groaned, flashed fang, and pumped into the woman’s mouth. He never took his eyes from Arianna. Not even when he climaxed. It was as though he was teasing her…taunting her.

And worse of all…feeding off her blatant arousal.

Arianna finally tore her gaze away and ran out of the door. It slammed shut behind her.

Without bothering to knock on the adjacent door, she rushed inside.

Arianna was relieved to find that no one occupied the room. She bolted the locks, pressed her back against the wall, and dropped her face into her palms.

What was wrong with her? Why couldn’t she contain herself? She was stronger than this.

It took a while before her breathing returned to normal, but what did not return to normal was her raging libido.

Dashing toward the sink, she turned on the cold water, and began splashing it against her face. As she stared at her bewildered expression in the mirror, specks of gold flashed around her irises. She closed her eyes, took several shallow breaths, and willed the powerful spirit coursing through her veins to settle down.

The sound of the running water aided in calming her.

She still couldn’t believe her misfortune. After all this time, she’d run into the man she’d been successful in avoiding for almost a year.

Jayson Truman.

She was over him. Well…she was supposed to be over him. So why did it feel like she wanted to be the one between his knees…pleasuring his cock and bringing him to climax as the woman back there had?

Arianna cringed. She would never give into her weaknesses again.

She turned the faucet off, and after relieving herself, she washed her hands and exited the bathroom.

Before Arianna even turned the corner, she knew Jayson waited on her. His scent had been magnified twice as much now that he’d indulged in such a carnal sex act.

He leaned up against the wall with one sole of his boot on it. She tried to fly past him, but it was no use.

Jayson caught her by the wrist, pressed her back to the wall, and molded his body to hers. He grinned, sliding his tongue across his fangs. “Arianna,” he whispered against her face.

He smelled of sandalwood and hot arousal. The combination sent her into panic mode once more. She fought to hide her lack of control over her emotions. Her body shivered as he held her tightly against him.

His six feet five inch frame towered over her.

“Let go.” She struggled against him.

“You smell good. I always preferred you like that…wet with fiery desire. If I can remember correctly, you taste of warm caramel. The kind that melts in my mouth.”

Her pussy clenched with need. “Fuck you.”

He caught her ear between his lips, and teased the earlobe with his tongue before whispering, “Bend your sexy ass over, spread those long legs, and I’ll oblige this request.”

Her face grew hot and she pushed against his chest with her fists. He was such an asshole. What did she ever see in him?

Before she had the chance to utter a string of insults, he said, “I miss you. Badly. It’s been so long since we’ve seen each other.”

“Sure you do,” she replied, flippantly. “I see you have no problem passing the time, either, but it’s pretty clear to me that you never learned how to keep your dick in your trousers.”

“What are you doing at a party like this?”

“I don’t answer to you.” The reason she’d come to this party was to get away from her controlling father. She didn’t need another man trying to tell her what to do.

Jayson pressed his lips along her jawline. “Should I assume you’re up to something naughty?”

“Move out of my way. I didn’t come here to be harassed.”

“Why would a little-miss-rich-riding-hood who gets fed with a silver spoon be here among us poor wolves?”

“Poor?” She gawked. “Oh, don’t act like you’re living in poverty. You go around flaunting yourself and your money, partaking in everything your greedy hands can touch.”

“Look at me, Arianna.”

She tried to avoid eye contact, but it was useless when they were literally on top of each other. Giving in, her gaze swept across his face. First, at the jet-black hair that fell over his forehead as he leaned down toward her. At his broad face and chin. She took in his dreamy blue-gray eyes. And smooth, almost flawless skin. He was too perfect…on the outside. It was easy for any women to be fooled by his exceptional good looks. But, he was just another playboy who couldn’t control his sexual appetite.

“What must I do to earn a place back in your life?” he asked.

Arianna broke the connection.

“No,” he said gently, and lifted her chin so that he could see her face. “Tell me you don’t miss me. Can’t you feel how much I want you?”

“I’m sure that you do want me, but unlike you, these empty emotions don’t control me.”

He narrowed his eyes. “Empty?”

“We’ve had this talk before, Jayson.” She pushed against his chest, and this time he stepped back. “Repeating the past is a waste of time.”

“We don’t need to repeat the past when our future waits for us.”

A future where her choice didn’t matter…

Arianna swallowed and pulled completely from Jayson’s embrace. As he used to do in the past, he did not follow her.

She made her way toward the noisy end of the hallway, this time appreciative of the thick crowd as it swallowed her up.

No matter which way she turned, something or someone tried to dictate her life.

Why should two people be fated to spend the rest of their lives together based on some stupid tradition?

Whatever happened to committing to someone for love?

CHAPTER THREE

“Don’t embarrass me, Arianna,” her father said in a low voice before lifting a finger to ring the doorbell.

The reason why she’d agreed to go anywhere with him was because she didn’t want to shame him in front of his clients. There was always something that caused her to change her mind and give into her father’s requests. Like this one. Ivan Zeldano was extremely well known. Any investor would give an arm and a leg to get their hands on his money. A client like this one could aid her father in getting his business back on the right track.

“I prefer not to be here,” she sneered. “You invited me. Why couldn’t one of your interns come along?”

“Not now,” he warned.

“Whatever…”

The doorknob rattled, some locks banged inside, and a maid opened the door. Her thick brown hair was tied up in a bun on the top of her head. Her reading glasses hung from her neck. She stared at them judiciously, and barely cracked a smile.

“Mr. Klein.” She greeted her father with a nod, and repeated the same gesture for Arianna. “Ms. Klein. Come inside. I am Andrea. La gouvernante. And on duty for tonight. Give me your jackets.” She held out her hand, took their coats, and handed them to another maid behind her. “You are just in time. Please follow me.”

As they were led down a narrow hallway, Arianna took in the surroundings. The monotonous textured wallpaper and framed paintings hanging from the walls reminded her of her grandparent’s home. Even the smell of it had some kind of woodsy, mothball scent. The wooden floor planks seemed to creak as they walked.

From what she understood, the home was older than dirt. Although the owner was as young as she was. Ivan couldn’t have been a day over twenty-eight. Last she checked, after his father had fallen ill, he’d taken over the reins of the Zeldano business. Just like the Klein’s, the Zeldano’s had an intricate family history that dated back hundreds of years.

The maid pushed opened the double doors to a room midway down the long hallway, stepped aside, and let them pass through.

Ivan was waiting for them in the den, sitting in a deep leather chair, with a leather bound book clutched in his fists. He stood to greet them. “Good evening, friends.” His voice was so powerful and authoritative, that even the servants who were in the room stopped what they were doing to pay him attention.

His dirty blond hair was groomed neatly and slicked back from his face. He wore a crisp blue shirt and black slacks. The kind one wore to a more formal meeting. There was no doubt that he was mature for his age. It was the least one could expect from a man who was trained in this business ever since he could form a sentence. He was handsome—there was no mistaking that either. And on top of that, his bank account probably attracted more women than he could handle.

“Mr. Zeldano.” Her father offered his hand, and Ivan shook it.

“I’m grateful for your presence tonight.” Ivan grinned, showing even pearly whites, and turned to acknowledge Arianna. “And am pleased that your daughter was able to make it this time.”

This time? Arianna fixed a questioning glare on her father, who managed to avoid eye contact. Did her father promise Ivan her attendance before tonight?

Ivan offered his hand. “Arianna, you are just as beautiful as I remember.”

She wouldn’t embarrass her father this time, but next time, he wouldn’t be so lucky.

Arianna gave Ivan a handshake, surprised at the firm grip. She returned an even stronger grip, and looked at him with what she thought was a sweet smile, albeit a fake one. “Nice to meet you again, Ivan.”

The last time they met was years ago when her father hosted a Christmas party for all his acquaintances. Even now, Ivan still had a staunched arrogance about him. The man was known for his overbearing nature towards his employees and a competitive drive that earned him his well-known reputation. It was no surprise that he and her father were business partners.

“I hope you don’t mind, Mr. Klein, but my assistant will not be able to join us at dinner tonight,” Ivan said, leading the way into a dining hall. “Something unexpected happened to him.”

Two servants were already on standby there in the room. The oblong marble dinner table was set for three. The row of chandeliers hanging overhead sparkled against the expensive wine glasses and fine china.

“That won’t be a problem, Ivan,” her father said. “This has never stopped us from doing business before.”

Their seats were pulled out for them, and they settled down with Ivan facing directly across the table from Arianna and her father. Without much hesitation, the glasses were filled with champagne by the maids.

She took a few sips only to oblige her father. Maybe after securing this deal, he’d be so preoccupied that he’d leave her alone. When business was booming, she hardly ever heard from or was nagged by her father, but now that the money wasn’t flowing like it used to, things were different.

“I heard that you love lobster, Arianna,” Ivan said, unfolding the cloth napkin and placing it on his lap. “I requested it as our main course of the night just for you.”

“I do.” She forced a smile. “That was thoughtful.”

“Your father tells me that you’ve recently graduated with honors from Northwestern.”

She nodded. “It took countless hours and late nights in the library, but was well worth the efforts.”

“I could imagine. I even hear that you worked for Drake and Murphy. They are long time colleagues of mine from Harvard.”

Getting a job offer at that firm had been a challenge. It had taken her numerous inquiries and a few months living in New York City to even get someone to look at her resume there. “I had the privilege of working at the firm for a short while before I returned home.”

Her father shifted in his seat beside her. “If it wasn’t for my daughter, my recovery wouldn’t have been as speedy.”

Nearly four months into the position, her father’s doctors had him undergo surgery to remove a brain tumor. With no other choice, she’d resigned from her position to care for him after the procedure. Somehow, her father had convinced her to stay in his home long after he’d recovered.

“Well, we’re all glad that you’re okay, Mr. Klein.”

“Okay, yes, but not like I used to be.” He sipped some champagne, before saying, “That’s where progenies like you and Arianna come in. We really root for our offspring to hit the ground running when we hand over the reins.”

“That’s only if said offspring will accept command,” Arianna said. She knew she couldn’t hold her tongue to prevent shaming her father no matter how hard she tried.

“Arianna…” her father replied.

The servants took that moment to bring out appetizers, which were miniature crab cakes with some type of remoulade sauce on the side.

“Elaborate, please,” Ivan said, cutting into his cake with a knife and fork.

“What?” Arianna asked.

“Are you afraid of accepting the reins of your family business?”

Arianna was a bit offended that he would ask her something like this. She shook her head. “Afraid? No. You don’t know me well, Mr. Zeldano, but what you ought to know is that I do pretty much what I want to do with my life. If accepting said reins would be beneficial to the plans that I have for myself, then I might do so without opposition. Otherwise, I like to decide my own future.”

She could almost hear her father’s stomach churn at her declaration.

Ivan stopped chewing and studied her for several moments. “What are your future plans, then? I know many of your relatives quite well…including the women. They’re not accustomed to working outside the home or having the type of ambitious career that you seek.”

A sexist idiot! No wonder she never liked him very much.

“I was not aware that I was the main topic of discussion tonight. The business is between you and my father, is it not?” Arianna waited a few seconds for Ivan to answer, and when he didn’t, she said, “Let’s get down to the real business, shall we?”

Her father and Ivan exchanged glances before both started eating once again. She followed suit, chewing the food slowly, just hoping the night came to an end quickly.

After the main dish was served, her father began conversation about the stock markets and Ivan’s portfolio. She listened intently, only because she was curious in the subject matter.

“Ivan and I have been talking about combining resources,” her father said, finally addressing her.

Now that was something new…and interesting. Klein and Truman, LP had been around for nearly a century. The firm had always been a part of the Klein family.

“Combining resources, how?” she asked.

“As I’m becoming older and closer to my retirement age, I can’t bear to see the business end if I were to step down as a partner. It’s time I chose my successor.”

“Why am I just now hearing about this?” She knew this would come about sooner or later, but why would he bring this topic up now in front of Zeldano.

“I thought now would be a good time to tell you…” He cleared his throat. “I plan to step down and take the role as a silent partner. I’ve searched high and low and I feel that Ivan and his associates would lend a great deal of wealth and knowledge to the firm.”

“Father…” Arianna put down her fork. “The name of the firm is Klein and Truman. Not Klein and Zeldano. Jayson Truman owns forty nine percent of this business.”

“Jayson and I have had several disagreements. We will end the partnership.”

“What?” She sat straight up in her chair.

“It hasn’t been done yet, as details are being ironed out regarding his late father’s estate. Once the legal papers are in order, Klein and Truman will no longer exist. We’ve agreed to dissolve.”

Her breath caught in her throat, as she looked from a grinning Ivan to her father. “You want to start a new partnership?”

“Precisely,” Ivan said.

“Time is of essence. Ivan has an investor willing to put up the initial outlay needed to get the partnership up and running, but there is an expiration date on the contract,” her father said.

Arianna gawked in disbelief. “You’ve already planned this.”

“Because of my fifty one percent ownership in Klein and Truman and details regarding the partnership contract, I cannot legally enter into another agreement.” He turned completely in his chair to face her. “This is where you come in. In order to complete the transaction and create the new firm, we want you to be the initial partner. The new firm will be Klein and Zeldano Investments.”

Had her father gone insane? “I will take no part in this mess,” she said, firmly.

“Mess?” Ivan chimed in. “This is about growing a business. Your father and I have talked about your knowledge in the industry and aspirations to enter this line of work. Plus, here is your chance to have it all—anything you can name. We could do remarkable things. You and I.”

Arianna frowned and shook her head. “Not like this. Stepping over someone else to gain the upper hand is some shady business.”

Her father put his fork down. “Jayson and I have called it quits already. It just isn’t on paper yet…but until it is, I’m not waiting around for my bank account to dry up because of someone else’s procrastination.”

“Is this what this is about?” She stood. “Your bank account?”

“Arianna, sit down.”

“No.” She threw her napkin on the table. “This meeting is over for me. I want no part in this.”

“It’s not over. I’m not ready to leave,” her father said.

“Fine.” She marched passed the servants who all wore bewildered expressions. “I’ll call a cab.”

Arianna managed to exit the dining hall, make her way down the hall, and exit the home, when her father stopped her in the driveway.

“Arianna, you have to listen to what we’re trying to do to understand.”

She swung around and glared. “I knew you were up to something.” Blood rushed through her veins, and she balled her hands into first trying to control her anger. It was impossible. The powerful spirit within her had taken over.

“This is our only chance.”

“Is it about the money?”

He dropped his gaze, and Arianna knew in that instant that her instincts were correct.

Ever since her mother had passed away after attempting to give birth to what would have been her father’s first son, he hadn’t been the same. It almost felt as though he resented her and this life. The money hadn’t been flowing into the business as it had been the prior three years. This was her father’s risky attempt to remain in the green, and stay out of the red.

“We don’t have to do this. If you had told me of your plans before, I could have helped. I’ll take control, and do whatever I need to make the business profitable again, but I can’t accept what you and Ivan have proposed.”

Her father shook his head, and kept his head to the ground. “The deal is already done, Arianna. The time has now come for me to deliver.”

“What do you mean?”

“Luther Zeldano and I made a bargain. You were promised to his son, Ivan. A business union between our families and this one would take us to the top of the hierarchy…but a spiritual union would ensure that we remain there.”

“You’re serious…” She backed away from him. “You can’t do this.”

“Under the old rules of Caedmon, I can. The Zeldano’s uphold those rules.”

“Then you too have denounced the new Caedmon leadership.” It wasn’t a question. All of the signs had been there. It wasn’t until after the death of Jayson’s father and the rise of the new Alpha did he begin to voice his frustrations, and blaming the decline in his business on these events. If her father would only open his eyes to reality, he would have seen by now that the old ways and customs were what led him to a dead end. His stubborn ways and resistance to accept meaningful change were what pushed him to agree to this shady mess.

Arianna turned to leave, but he caught her arm. “Wait. You need time to think. I’ll give you a day, two days for you to realize what good this will do.” He turned a head over his shoulder. “An escort, please. For my daughter.”

She shrugged away from him. “I can walk.”

“No, we’re miles away. It would take you hours to get home.”

“Who told you I was going home?”

A sleek black car pulled up in front of them. The driver jumped out, opening the back door, and waited.

“A union in name only,” her father said.

“I’m almost beginning to think that you lost a piece of your mind as a result of your surgery.” She grimaced. “Scratch that. You’ve lost your whole fucking mind.”

“You’ve asked how you can repay me.”

“Not like that.” She turned.

“Where are you going?”

“Away from you. Don’t call me or beg me to return home until you’ve returned to your senses. How can you sell me like that?” She paused, and took one more look at him. “I love you, father, but I will never do this.”

“You’re smart, Arianna. Smarter than I will ever be. Weigh the advantages, and think about how we’ve been cast away as outsiders for decades.”

It was just like her father to throw something like that out in attempts to justify his actions.

Arianna frowned, and ducked into the car.

As far as she was concerned, this arrangement was not made to her advantage.

CHAPTER FOUR

One thing was for sure, Jayson found that the best place for people watching was the nightclubs. The crowds were dense. The action was throbbing. And when alcohol was a factor, most people forgot about their reservations and gave into their inhibitions.

Jayson sat back in the sofa with a drink in hand, just chilling as the vibrant mood overtook him. On this night, all his worries would be put on the back burner. He’d pay for it tomorrow when he returned to work, but he’d worry about that later.

The couch dipped beside him and he knew someone had joined him. The tantalizing scent of a woman stirred under his nose.

“Hello, stranger. Need some company?”

He opened his eyes and took in her appearance with a slow roving gaze. “Depends.”

She moved closer, crossing her legs toward him. “You looked lonely…and you’re pretty cute. I thought I’d stop by.”

“Your name?” he asked, placing his drink on the table in front of them.

“Carly.” Her breasts fell forward, pushing against her top as she leaned in.

“Carly…are you sure you want my company?”

She raised an eyebrow. “Should I be forewarned?”

He slid his hand behind her head and bent low to draw on her human scent. “Maybe. I can be quite an animal…at times.”

She lifted her neck. “I like it rough.”

Carly was too vulnerable. These were the types he avoided at all costs. No matter how nerve wracking, he actually enjoyed a good chase once in a while. After all, he was wolf.

The full moon tonight did not help his raging appetite for carnal pleasure. She placed her hands on his groin, rubbing him through his jeans.

He growled, lifted her hand, and placed it on her own thigh. “I can see that you’re not very patient.”

“I can’t really help it,” she whispered. “You feel so good.” She rubbed her breasts against his he was about to wrap his hand around her waist to move her in closer, he saw her.

Arianna Klein.

She was seated at the bar talking to a man on the stool next to her.

Jayson’s awareness set in and his hands went lax against the female as his nostrils flared and ears perked up.

“Excuse me,” he said to Carly, and promptly dismissed himself.

He barely heard her protest as he left the security of the warm couch and his drink behind. It took him seconds to cross the distance to reach the bar on the other side of the room.

Arianna didn’t notice him right away because her back was facing him, but the guy who was with her did.

Jayson scowled. Who was this guy? And what was he doing with Arianna?

The guy must have sensed his silent threat because he got up, leaving the seat empty beside her.

Arianna spun around on her stool, and her eyes widened when she saw him.

The music seemed to halt as he took her in. She was dressed to the T in a dark royal blue dress and shining silver jewelry that seemed to sparkle like the disco balls that hung from the ceiling. Her dark brown hair was curled and flowed slightly past her shoulders. Her skin looked flawless and succulent like milk chocolate. What he’d always truly admired about Arianna was that she didn’t have to cover herself in pesky makeup and faux adornments to look as stunning as she did tonight.

Her lips parted. “Jayson.”

The same heavy, but potent underlying scent that told him she was his mate was the same one, which alerted him that her blood was tainted with alcohol.

He looked down at the shot glass between her fingers. “How many vodka shots have you turned up tonight?”

“How many times do I have to tell you that you’re not my father?” was her quick reply.

To illustrate her rebellious nature, she lifted the glass to her lips and swallowed.

Jayson took a seat on the stool next to her. “I would ask you what you were doing here if I was certain you’d give a reply.”

Her eyes pierced him. “Are you following me?”

Arianna was one of the strongest women he knew, so it surprised him to see that her eyes were watery with what looked like tears.

“Have you been crying?”

She broke eye contact. “No. Why would I be crying?”

He could smell a lie. “Who hurt you, Arianna?”

“No one.” She threw some money on the counter next to the empty shot glass and got up.

This time, he did follow her. She made it several feet before he took her in his embrace and pulled her to his chest.

“You like to run from problems, Arianna?”

“Stop chasing me like I’m your prey,” she demanded.

“It would be so much easier on both of us if you admit how much you want this.”

“Unfortunately, some things I want aren’t always good for me.”

He lifted her hand and pressed his lips to the long scar on the inside of her palm. The familiar scar brought back too many fond memories. “I may not be the perfect wolf or man, I agree, but you and I both know that you are my perfect mate.”

She pulled from his grasp and successfully made it to a corner of the room.

“Do you enjoy chasing me?” she asked, when he boxed her against the wall.

Jayson grinned. “Do I really need to answer that?”

“I’m trying to leave, if you would let me.”

“I’m not letting you drive anywhere under the influence.”

“I have a designated driver waiting for me outside.”

“Oh yeah?” He quirked his brow. “It’s unusual seeing you in nightclubs and at parties all of a sudden.”

“I needed a change of scenery.”

“A change from what? What’s been bothering you?”

“I…” Arianna’s gaze shifted from him to something else further in the room. “…you’ve got to be kidding me.”

“What is it?” He attempted to turn, but she caught his shoulder.

“No, don’t look.” She squeezed lightly on his forearm. “One of the escorts…he’s looking at us. I knew they were watching me.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Zeldano’s driver and an escort brought me here. I—”

“Zeldano?” The name rang a bell, but he was too confused to decipher where from.

“He’s coming this way. I’ve got to go.” She snatched away from him. “I don’t want you getting into this.”

Jayson turned and watched as she made a beeline for the exit. It wasn’t until he saw a man in a red shirt trailing after her did his feet really begin to move. The hairs on the back of his neck stood on end as he gained on her.

In that moment, he knew there would be trouble.

“We have orders to return you to the Zeldano Estate,” the man in the black tailored suit said, blocking Arianna’s path.

“Orders?” she gawked.

They were already causing a scene as the late night partygoers stood outside of the establishment staring. But at the moment, Arianna could care less about reputation and integrity.

Was her father insane? What mess had he gotten them into this time?

“Get in the car,” he ordered, opening the door and pointing at the back seat.

“No.” She refused to be sold to the highest bidder. “You can tell both my father and Zeldano to shove it where the sun doesn’t shine.”

“Ms. Klein!”

She didn’t heed his warning, but what she did heed was the sound of a motorcycle racing straight at them. Fast. It seemed that the rider was headed right to her and would run her over if she didn’t move.

Arianna prepare to dodge out of the way at the same time she saw wild black hair wiping in the breeze. The rider held a gloved hand out to the side as he rushed toward her.

It was Jayson. Again.

It was now or never. Accept his help or face the consequences of her father’s actions.

She ignored the calls of Zeldano’s escorts as she thrust out her hand. Her heart pounded vigorously as Jayson gripped her arm. Her body seemed to sail through the air before her butt landed on the seat of the bike behind him. They jolted forward as Jayson twisted the throttle and increased the speed.

She grabbed him around the waist as the breeze rushed against her bare skin and face, preventing her from fully catching her breath.

Jayson lifted a helmet over his shoulder and handed it back to her. Before putting it on her head, she stole a glance backward.

The black Cadillac that had escorted her to the nightclub was hot on their tail.

“Shit, they’re gaining up on us,” she cursed, slipping the helmet over her head.

“I’m trying to lose them. Hold tight.”

Pressing her chest against his back, she gripped his waist once again, this time a little tighter. His entire body was tense and his abs grew taut against her fingers as they reached breakneck speeds.

Just like Arianna, Jayson was a thrill-seeker. It was one of traits that attracted her to him, but never had she been faced with actually being chased after. Ever since she could remember, he was always into bikes and racing. When she’d been old enough to ride with him, they’d cruise on the back of his bike for hours, dozens of miles from home. They’d even taken risks several times by riding out on the open highways at hair-rising speeds.

Suddenly, Jayson took a sharp turn veering off onto another highway. Her body jerked to the right and she clutched at him. She pressed her lips tightly together, trying not to scream.

The Cadillac still loomed behind them, its bright lights illuminating the highway. Unlike the previous road, this one had vehicles coming in the opposite direction. Up ahead, a pick-up truck seemed to be going at a snail’s pace. Jayson swerved into the opposite lane in an attempt to prevent collision. There were several more vehicles up ahead. If she remembered correctly, the speed limit on this highway was fifty. The way her eardrums pulsed, Jayson had to have been going nearly one hundred.

Arianna shut her eyes and braced for the worst. Never would she have thought in a hundred years that she’d die in a motorcycle crash.

“Jayson?” Her panicked voice came out in a rush.

“I’m trying to lose them. I got this. I promise.”

She was surprised he’d even heard her over the roaring engine. Another jolt to the right confirmed that he’d turned down yet another road. Cracking one eye open, she looked up and her heart jumped.

They were coming up on a busy street and intersection in the heart of the city.

What was Jayson thinking?

A high-speed chase down on a busy street was a bad idea.

They swerved in and out between cars and the jerky motions made her feel as though she’d vomit a crab cakes, lobster, vodka medley at any moment. She looked behind her to confirm that Zeldano’s maniacs were still following them closely.

A horn blasted and every blood vessel in her body seemed to freeze.

An eighteen-wheeler propelled toward them in the opposite lane. Fate was not on their side tonight, as another large freight truck came into view.

She swallowed. “Jayson…”

This time, no response came. He ducked low on the bike, and she did the same holding onto him tightly because her life depended on it.

The next move happened when she blinked. She glimpsed a flurry of white on either side of her as they whizzed between the two big rigs as both came to a stop under a red traffic light. Of course, Jayson ignored the signal and sailed right through it.

She cringed when she heard tires scrubbing the pavement and metal crashing into metal.

They came to a screeching halt yards away from the intersection.

Arianna tore the helmet off and panted, taking in the scene behind them. The scent of gas and burnt rubber made it difficult for her to clear her senses and take in fresh air.

It was a pity that the black Cadillac hadn’t stopped in time. She could make out what looked like the front end of the car stuck under the back end of the eighteen-wheeler.

When she turned back around, Jayson slowly met her gaze. She’d known this man since she was a child. The look in his eyes told her that he had questions—and plenty of them.

“Thank you,” was all she managed to whisper before putting her helmet back on.

He gunned the engine and drove them away from the scene of the accident. This time, his speed was well within the city limits.

CHAPTER FIVE

“Wolf in the city?” Arianna asked as Jayson turned the key in the doorknob.

He smirked, opened the door, and let her pass. “I’ve always preferred the metropolitan scenery. You know that.”

She stood in the foyer of his condo and took in the open floor plan. The focal point of the room was the massive white marble fireplace. An abstract art picture made of stained glass was fixed above it. The windows were oversized and stretched from floor to ceiling. She walked to the other end of the condo and pressed her hand to the glass leading out to the private terrace. There was a scenic view of the night sky and high-rise buildings next to them. The ceiling was vaulted, kind of like a dome. He didn’t have much furniture, but then again, from what she could remember he always kept the minimum. Jayson’s place was the epitome of a bachelor’s pad.

He threw his jacket over the coat rack and tossed a set of keys on an end table. “Make yourself at home. Can I get you something to drink?”

“I’ve had enough for one night, thank you.” She took a seat on a brown leather coach and slipped off her heels.

Jayson disappeared around a wall and returned with two chilled bottles of water. “I meant a regular drink,” he said, and handed one to her which she accepted.

She pressed the cool plastic to her forehead and leaned back on his couch. His eyes studied her intently as he chugged his water down in three gulps.

Finally, he sat down next to her. “Do you mind telling me why we were being chased like wild rabbits?”

She shrugged. “I don’t know exactly.”

“Exactly?”

“Zeldano’s escorts drove me to the nightclub after we had dinner at his estate. I—”

Jayson turned to face her. “Are you dating him now?”

“No,” she replied, frowning. “It was a business dinner. For me and my father.”

“What type of business?”

“They’re planning a partnership.” This time she shifted in her seat to give him her undivided attention. “How long have you and my father been planning to dissolve Klein and Truman, LP?”

“For a while. A progression of things led up to our decision. Prior to his death, my father signed all his shares over to me instead of ending their contract. To this day, I wonder why he would do something like this knowing that Mr. Klein and I don’t work well together.”

“How did I not know about these plans to dissolve?”

“Your father has done an extraordinary job of keeping the details out of the public. After all, more than half of his clients are loyal Caedmon followers. He is not.”

“You’re right. He hasn’t announced his withdrawal yet. It’s only a matter of time before he pulls his support from the new Caedmon leadership. According to him, there is an open deal on the table for him and Zeldano.”

“A deal?”

“Yes. A contract that, to my understanding, would precede the dissolution of Klein and Truman.”

“Our current agreement does not allow us to enter into other partnerships. At least, not while this one is currently ongoing.”

“This was where my father brought me into the mix. Since I still carry the Klein name, he wants me to sign as initial partner…that and other stipulations…”

Arianna stood and walked over toward the glass doors leading onto the terrace. She crossed her arms over her chest and looked out against the dark backdrop, city lights, and tall buildings.

How did it all come to this? She should have seen it coming. Her father had been facilitating drastic changes to the business model. Every week, she’d hear about a long-time client ceasing to do business with him. Arianna had enough expertise to know that the majority of businesses reached the decline phase at one point or another. But how far would her father go before everything hit rock bottom. Was he deliberating doing this?

Jayson was directly behind her, his palm on her bare shoulder. “It doesn’t sound like you agree with this contract.”

“It’s my father’s last minute attempt to fix things, I know. When mom died, he fell into a slump and never made it out. He’s acting in desperation.”

“On top of that, he lost what would have been his first son to a stillbirth. I’m sorry you have to go through this.”

She turned, and tilted her head to study Jayson. “Is this something you want? To see the end of the partnership?”

“Like I said, your father and I haven’t worked well together since I started with the firm as a young boy. The answer is yes, I wanted to end the partnership even before my father’s death. For some reason he didn’t think it was a good idea to dissolve at the time. I almost wonder if he knew about Mr. Klein’s side dealings.”

“It’s possible, but maybe he wasn’t sure. It seems my father covered up everything…even from me. What do the clients think of this?”

“I’ve suspected that your father has been breaking agreements with his clients for months. I’ve not lost one client on my end, however.”

She sighed. “It’ almost as if he’s pulling the business down on purpose.”

Jayson’s forehead creased, and he said nothing to this claim.

Arianna clenched her hands into fists thinking about the proposal her father had laid out for her. “I can’t believe he’s doing this.” She was afraid for her father and for his future. As his only living child, she was supposed to support him in his endeavors. But in this…she could not.

Jayson lifted a hand and stroked the side of her face with his thumb.

His touch was warm, and surprisingly comforting. She closed her eyes, as he reached the side of her neck, stroking it with his palm.

“I don’t like seeing you this way. You shouldn’t have to worry about these problems,” he whispered.

The instant she opened her eyes she saw sincerity mixed with concern in his expression.

“In addition to what I’ve learned, my father’s attempts to control my life have gotten out of hand.” She couldn’t stand telling him that she’d been offered to the highest bidder as a result of her father’s dealings. “You remember how it used to be—almost impossible to leave the house to enjoy life.”

“I will help. If you let me.”

“I know you would,” she said, “but these problems are my own.”

“They are very much my problems as well. This business is part of the network that binds two Caedmon branches together. It’s just not official yet.”

“I know.”

“Do you want to see this link end, Arianna?”

“No.”

She had no doubts in her decision. Unlike her father, she was a loyal Caedmon.

Jayson tipped her chin and his lips settled onto hers. He kissed her…and she let him.

Light, sensuous sips to her lips at first. And then firm roving caresses that coaxed her mouth open. He tasted sweet and hot at the same time, and she closed her eyes, relishing in the sinful urges that she hadn’t had in a very long time.

He dragged his hand through her hair, down her spine, and then finally rested on the small of her back. She arched into him, molding her body against him. Something tightened deep in her core. A longing. The need for fulfillment. The weakness she’d subdued to protect herself.

Her back hit the wall and he grabbed her about the waist, molding her pelvis to his. She felt his desire. Hot, hard, and pulsing against her.

Jayson tore his lips away from her and his gaze bore into hers.

She immediately wrapped her fingers around the back of his neck and pulled him back down to her. Persuading him to join her in a deeper kiss, one that ignited the flames between her legs. Their tongues swirled deliriously together. The taste of him was orgasmic. One taste was all it took. She couldn’t get enough of it.

They separated for air, but his lips remained on her. The tip of his tongue sliced across the vein on her neck and he sucked at her flesh. Each delicious stroke of his tongue had her shuddering in wanton longing.

He bared her breasts, pushing the straps of her dress down her shoulders. She hissed when his lips closed in on her nipple. His body held her firm to the wall as he bent to suckle.

“Jayson,” she moaned.

A low growl rumbled in his throat in answer.

He kneaded a globe in his hand and skillfully teased the nipples and aureolas until they were taut. Her pussy clenched in exquisite pleasure as he took a wet tongue to the other breast. He suckled hungrily on her, and she propped her back against the wall. It was the only think she could do to hold herself up, as her legs became weak from Jayson’s licks of torture.

He made her turn around and placed her palms against the glass. She turned to protest, but he kissed her lips. The sound of her zipper being undone joined with the sound of their synchronized heavy breathing. Her dress slipped down her hips and fell to the floor at her feet. His hot roving tongue traced the crook of her neck.

Her eyelids fluttered closed as he found the area where he’d nipped her so long ago. The mark that almost was…

A whimper escaped her lips as he gave the spot his full attention. Over the years, his mark had faded, but from the jolts of pleasure shooting from the area down her back and spine, she could tell there was something still there.

“It pleases me to know that you’re still unclaimed,” he whispered against her shoulder.

“I bet it does.” She pressed her forehead against the cold glass, and her heated breath fogged it.

Jayson traced the edges of her lace panties, slipping under the fabric. His fingers brushed against the lips of her pussy. Heavenly sensations washed through her and she bit her bottom lip to keep from uttering another cry. He parted her, stroking her clit and sending her nerves in a frenzy. All the while, he teased the unfinished mark on her neck.

He pushed two fingers up into her and pumped. The other hand played with her nipples. She pressed her ass against his erection and reminisced on the way he used to fuck her. There had never been another man who could bring her to completion so proficiently.

Before long, he’d worked her so well that she trembled against him, reaching her climax in his embrace.

Arianna turned around, barely able to stand, to find his finger between his lips. The sight of it turned her on. Perhaps it was the alcohol still in her system or maybe she was drunk off her own climax. She reached between them and tore his zipper open. In only seconds, his cock was free of the confines of his jeans and boxer briefs. When she caught a glance of nothing but nine and a half inches of rock hard muscle, she knew she wouldn’t be able to resist him.

Her fingers curled around the hot rigid column of arousal. She forced him back until his legs hit the back of the couch, and bent on her knees to admire him.

He lifted his head to the ceiling and moaned as she took care in caressing every inch of him. She remembered every vivid detail. The way the head plumped like a ripe berry when he was extremely aroused. The way the blood rushed against the veins and pulsed against her fingers. Even down to the taste of his precum. Many nights, this same vivid picture had brought her to climax when she pleasured herself.

She tightened her palm around him, causing a clear drop of semen to escape the tip. Her tongue instinctively ran across her lips before she licked up the sweet drop, dipping inside the delicate slit for more. It would only take minutes, and she could have him on the verge of climax. Or she could draw out his release to drive him crazy. She knew all too well how to send Jayson over the edge.

Arianna dragged her tongue against the vein leading up the bulbous tip and took him inside her. She rolled it around and sucked on the head. Her mouth watered as she thirsted for more of his taste.

He groaned in discontent when she released him.

“Are you teasing me?” Jayson lifted her to her feet, and kissed her firmly on the mouth. “Do you realize how long it’s been since I’ve had you?”

She grinned. “I realize that…yes.”

“Say the words and I can fix that.”

“Why should I have to say them…” she met his gaze “…when you already know?”

Jayson picked her up and was across the room in seconds. He threw her in the center of his bed and her body sunk into the plush comforter. She blushed as he stood over her and undressed. He tore his shirt over his head and tossed it on the floor behind him. His body was just as she’d last seen it. Lean and ripped from spending countless hours working in and running through the forest. And tanned from sitting under the sun too long. He ran his fingers through his wild black hair, confirming for her that he had still not dropped that devilish habit.

How could one man cause any woman to drop to her knees in one heartbeat? Gift, or no gift. Magic. Power. Whatever it was… it should have been a sin to have so much sex appeal. There should have been a punishment for using it on innocent victims.

He was still rock solid from her teasing and she was ready to be taken.

She spread her legs and glanced at him coyly.

He wasted no time as he knelt on the bed in front of her, parting her thighs, and sliding her panties aside. When first his tongue sliced through her, she jerked her hips in surprise on the bed. He darted in and out of the folds of her sex with his tongue, but paid no immediate attention to her aching clit.

Arianna grabbed handfuls of the comforter and bit back her cries. He licked her with leisurely strokes. He pushed her thighs open wide using his shoulders and touched her softly with the pads of his fingers.

“I remember the very first time I saw your pretty pussy,” he said, between licks.

She lifted her hips slightly off the bed, offering herself in total to him.

“You were only seventeen then. Your father and mine were finishing their discussions. It was so boring when you left to retire to bed. I thought I’d come say goodnight…”

He slid his day old stubble against her thighs, and she trembled once more.

“I knocked on your bedroom door but you didn’t answer. I opened it anyway…”

She’d heard the story before and yet every time he brought it up again, the memories brought a hot blush to her face.

“Gods, you were beautiful. The way your legs were spread wide on the bed with your hands between your thighs playing with your pussy. You were glistening wet with honey…” he pushed two fingers inside of her “…just like this. I wanted to taste you. You looked so fucking good.”

Jayson stopped mid-speech to devour her. He sipped at the swollen lips of her pussy and her pleasure build up tightening inside of her.

“It was the sexiest thing I had ever seen. Damn, I needed to fuck you that night. I wanted to give you what you craved.”

He licked at her clit, but not enough to send her over the edge.

“Jayson, please…” He was teasing her and knew she was on the verge of orgasm.

“I went home that night with visions of your sweet pussy on my mind, declaring that one day I would have you for dessert first and then fuck you senseless. Not just imagine it. I would cum in your pussy and not in my hand.”

“Please.”

“Is that what you want now, Arianna?”

“Yes. Now.”

He captured the aching bud, sucking and licking until she was writhing on the bed. His palms cupped her ass and he pulled her closer to his mouth. When he buried his tongue within her, her thighs quaked. She let go, cried out in pleasure and let all her inhibitions go. Her release was more than sexual and all the tension in her body disappeared.

When she was sated, Jayson crawled over her with a sinister grin on his face. She felt a shy smile spreading across her lips as well. She captured his face between her palms and pulled him down for a kiss.

He rolled over so that she was on top, lifted her hips, and positioned his dick at the entrance of her pussy. She slid down, biting her lips as she took him inch by inch. It had been over a year since they’d been together. He fit snugly inside of her. The controlled and blissful expression on his face told her that it was just as good for him as well.

“I’ve waited too long for this,” he said, guiding her hips further down until she had taken all of him.

Arianna began moving on him, pumping her hips slowly at first and adjusting to his size. Her clit still pulsed from her climax earlier.

“Look at me when you’re fucking me, Arianna.”

She did, knowing that she would get lost in his stormy gray eyes. It had always been that way. Whenever they were together like this, nothing else matter. It was easy to forget problems and priorities.

Jayson was dangerous for her. She knew it, but always there was some compassion and desire that made it difficult for her to deny him.

He lifted the top half of his body and took her lips in a kiss. The angle created warm friction between them and just the right amount of pressure to her clit. His mouth clamped over a nipple and he suckled her as she rode him. A delicious sensation rushed through her and her core tightened into what flourished into yet another orgasm.

Without parting them, he repositioned and cradled her until her back hit the bed. He grabbed the outsides of her thighs and pushed into her, burying himself deep. Once he began to move, every cell in her body relinquished itself to the moment. As she’d done many, many times before she let her fingers become tangled in his hair.

He drove into her over and over again with adept accuracy. Her pussy milked him as though it were deprived. He pressed his damp forehead against hers. His thrusts intensified, and she felt him grow tense above her.

“Arianna…”

The way her name rolled off his tongue triggered a gratifying feeling that gripped her, taking her deeper into the moment. She raised her hips to meet his and wound her arms securely around him.

Jayson’s erection seemed to grow thicker inside of her as his body plunged into what was the beginning of a climax. As he pulsated within her throughout his orgasm, he held her tightly to his chest.

Arianna gasped when hot seed seared her insides. The sensation spread throughout her, reaching the surface and sending tremors across her skin. It was as though he were branding her from the inside out. Delivering the serum her body craved. She’d come to learn that this feeling could only be achieved with Jayson.

Just like in the past, she would be satisfied until his essence faded usually within a few hours. And then she’d want him again…and again. Her body would hunger for him because she would never be fulfilled unless she acquiesced completely by taking his bite and accepting him as mate.

He was an addiction. Her weakness. One she’d tried to subdue over the past year—by staying away from him.

Arianna fought to regain normal breathing and reign in her control.

“I missed this,” Jayson whispered, and then he took her in his arms as he lay out beside her.

“Me, too.” She curled up against him and surrendered her body…but this time it was to exhaustion.

CHAPTER SIX

Jayson was on his third double cheeseburger and they were getting more than a few stares from customers seated at the tables nearby. There was no shame in his game as he went to town on the platter of food piled high in front of him.

Arianna sipped her chocolate milkshake and glanced over the glass at him.

It had probably been a bad idea to come out in public with a starving wolf. The way he gobbled down his lunch made it seem as if he hadn’t eaten in days.

“When was the last time you ate?” she asked.

“Yesterday.” He picked up a group of fries, plunged them in some ketchup, and stuffed his mouth.

“When was the last time you fed your wolf?”

He paused, took a few sips of water, and then ran his hand through his hair. “Two weeks ago.”

Although the human branch of the Caedmon’s could not shift, she knew the consequences for depriving the wolf of food and other essentials were detrimental as a whole. His kind was relentless and adamant in their conquests.

“I need a cab back to my father’s,” she said.

“No,” he answered quickly.

Arianna frowned. “What do you mean, no?”

“If you go to him alone, you will be in danger. Which is a sad fact considering that he is your own flesh and blood. Zeldano’s men were chasing you like their lives depended on it. This leads me to believe that there is more at stake here than the contract. What aren’t you telling me?”

Arianna looked down at her cold fries and half-eaten cheeseburger. He was right. Zeldano didn’t just want her agreement in ink. He wanted a different type of union altogether.

“What’s done is done,” she said. “You can get out of this mess, but I can’t.”

Jayson sat back in his chair. “He will always be your father. I know.”

“Either way, I haven’t spoken with him since I found out. I might be able to convince him to withdraw his proposal in the new venture.”

“How?”

“Zeldano isn’t exactly the ideal partner,” she said.

Jayson lifted an eyebrow. “Know something I don’t?”

“I’d only been an employee for a few months at Drake and Murphy until I was bribed to resign. This firm and its owners had vast connections with the wealthy and elite of the world. They knew enough about Zeldano’s dealings to decline his many proposals. His agendas are ruthless.”

Jayson drew his eyes into small slits. “Interesting.”

“Time is running out. I need to do this now.”

“If you can wait a few hours, I’ll go to my office and sign my part of the agreement to end our partnership. We'll dissolve the business and cash out on the shares.”

“Don’t act in haste. Think carefully about what you plan to do. My father would have moved on with his plans one way or the other even without you holding up his shares,” she said.

“I’ve been thinking carefully about it for over a decade. It’s time.”

“He wanted me to sign the initial contract to get the deal on paper before the investors bailed. Now that you plan to free up his shares, I have to convince him that depositing the proceeds into Zeldano’s business is a bad idea.”

Jayson frowned. “You might be able to convince him that his intentions will lead him into more trouble, because I certainly can’t.”

“Why have you been stalling anyway? The actual offer to dissolve has been on the table for months.”

Jayson’s Adam’s apple bobbed in his throat, and he glared directly at her. “I think you know.”

Her shoulders slumped. “You would endure an unhealthy business relationship and possibly lose loyal clients to keep me in your life?”

“I would do anything to keep you in my life,” he said through clenched teeth.

“This isn’t about me anymore.” She pulled her chair back from the table and stood. “I love my father, but no one else should suffer because of his imprudence. It’s time you cut the ties, Jayson.”

He threw enough money on the table to cover the check and tip, and they headed for the door.

As Arianna jumped on the bike behind Jayson, she knew that this one solution wouldn’t solve what had turned out to be an army of problems.

As they drove up to the gates of her father’s mansion, Jayson came to a slow stop.

Custom built in an elite neighborhood more than a decade ago; this was the home that Arianna had spent the majority of her childhood. It was the home where he’d frequented many times with his father and by himself to conduct business with Mr. Klein. It was also the home where he snuck in to visit Arianna many times in the past during their secret relationship. A relationship she’d tried to conceal from her father out of fear that he’d disown her.

A guard came from behind the post and approached them.

Arianna took off her helmet. “It’s me, Roy. Let us through.”

Without further hesitation, the guard pushed the buttons that opened the gates. Jayson pulled his bike up and halted next to the gravel walkway beside the iron horse sculpture.

The three-car garage door was closed, but there was a light shining in a window on the first floor in her father’s office. He knew the exact location.

Jayson got off the bike, lifted her by the waist, and placed her on the ground. Her forehead was creased and her lips were pursed in uneasiness. He hated seeing her that way and preferred her smiling and worry-free. Those days were buried somewhere in their past. He’d dig as deep as he needed to in order to find them again.

“You look troubled,” he said.

“It’s because I am.” Her attention shifted from the home, and she met his gaze.

He grasped her forearm and pulled her in closer. “All this will be straightened out soon. I have the signed paperwork. You have the information on Zeldano that will give your father second thoughts about his plans.”

Arianna sighed. “I fear that even this may not be enough.”

“Don’t worry. There are other ways to fix this, but my priority right now, is you. It always has been…and always will be.”

“Don’t say that.”

“Why do you continue to push me away, Arianna? Even after what we experienced together last night.”

“Not here. I don’t want to talk about this. We had sex because we were both aroused. That’s all there is to it. Nothing more.”

His heart slammed hard against his chest. Her words hurt him, and he almost wondered if she truly meant them.

He didn’t have a chance to protest or plead his case.

Arianna pulled away from his embrace and walked up the steps toward the door. She used her key to enter the home, and turned the lights on in the foyer.

“Father,” she called out as she walked through the door.

Jayson came inside behind her, and closed the front door. He glanced around the main receiving area with its fourteen foot ceiling, walnut flooring, and traditional furnishings. Whenever he visited the Klein’s, it always left him in a damper mood with its drab neutral color scheme. It was grandeur, of course, but his style called for small, cozy, and modern.

Arianna picked up some letters on an end table and thumbed through them. She plucked one out of the bunch and tore it open.

As she read, her eyelashes gracefully brushed her cheeks. Her lips moved slightly as she scanned the letter.

Jayson wanted to kiss her lips again. He remembered the taste of them…like berries and whipped cream. It was a combination that he craved on a daily basis.

Had his wishes been granted? What had he done to deserve this fortune of having her back by his side? If only he could keep it that way. His only regret was coming together once again under these trying circumstances.

“What is he doing?” Arianna walked toward the hallway leading to the office. “Father! I need a word with you.”

“Arianna, I’m on the telephone.” Her father called out. “Come join me in my office.”

Jayson followed closely behind her as she walked down the wide hall to her father’s office. The door was cracked open slightly, and he could hear her father on the phone line. His keen sense of hearing allowed him to identify the caller on the other end as male. They were discussing the stock market.

As soon as he entered the office, Mr. Klein rose quickly from his chair. Jayson could sense a threat as well as intimidation from afar. It didn’t take him long to know that her father’s demeanor exhibited both of these.

Mr. Klein narrowed his eyes. “What is going on here?”

“I think you know,” Arianna said, stepping further into his office. “We end all of this tonight.”

“I will call you back,” Mr. Klein said into the phone and threw it on his desk. “How dare you bring him here into my home?”

Arianna folded her arms across her chest. “That’s not the issue right now.”

“What have you told him?” Her father came out from behind the desk with an enraged expression on his face.

On instinct, Jayson growled and shielded Arianna behind him. “Your temper is rising, Mr. Klein.”

His eyes bulged and his face reddened. “I told you to stay away from my daughter!”

“And I told you a very long time ago that wasn’t going to happen,” Jayson declared, firmly.

“You have some nerve coming here.”

“Father,” Arianna said, returning to Jayson’s side. “I’m here to ask you to reconsider your decision. There’s still time to fix this. I will turn this business around. You know I can.”

“No.” Mr. Klein shook his head. “This is how it has to be. You’re my daughter. You were never meant to work in this manner.”

“Why?” Arianna asked. “Because I’m not the son you’ve always wanted…?”

“I’ll explain everything…” he concentrated his gaze on Jayson “…once he leaves.”

Jayson retrieved the rolled contract from his jacket pocket. “I’ve signed the dissolution forms.” He thrust it out to Mr. Klein. “I’ll contact the bank in the morning when they first open. Your share of the funds will be wired to you.”

Mr. Klein frowned and appeared to bite at the corner of his mouth before accepting the contract. He snatched it. “It took you long enough.”

“Father, you’re making a mistake.” This time Arianna moved to stand directly in front of her father.

“You don’t understand now, Arianna, but you will in time.” Mr. Klein moved to sit back behind his desk.

“I will never understand why you are doing this. Zeldano is a crook. He’s conned hundreds of businessmen out of their hard-earned dollars. You know this much, and you still want to move forward with this.”

“Arianna! Not another word.” Mr. Klein crumbled a piece of paper between his fists.

“He will do the same with you,” she continued.

“What you will do right now is lead Mr. Truman back to the pound where he belongs—”

Jayson growled and threw himself forward. If it wasn’t for Arianna, who blocked him from going any further, he probably would have wrung her father’s thick neck.

This time he bit into his bottom lip and took deep breaths until his blood rage reached a safer lever.

Arianna loosened her grip on him and turned back to her father. “I will have no part in this.”

“This is not a mistake. Everything has been finalized. And it has been that way since the day you were born.”

“What?” she gawked.

“You heard me. The deal was not inked by the pen, but by blood.”

“You’ve known about this…?” Arianna backed away her hands over her mouth.

Mr. Klein gripped the edges of his desk. “This ensures that our family name lives on.”

“No.”

“You deceived my father this whole time.” Jayson’s head spun as reality sunk in. “You’ve been planning this for twenty-seven years?”

“It was not deception,” Mr. Klein snapped. “Sooner or later, the partnership would have ended. I’m surprised that my relationship with your family had lasted this long…all because of a piece of paper signed long ago by your great-grandfather. I made plans—and did what I had to do—for the sake of my family.”

“Undo this! Everything. Now,” Arianna ordered her father.

Her father’s facial expression softened, but only for a moment. “I cannot.”

Arianna stormed out of the room, leaving Jayson standing alone with the man he’d put up with for over a decade. He was gratified to be free of the partnership and employment contract, but there would be no celebration as he’d anticipated.

“You’re doing a grave disservice to your family, as well as your daughter,” Jayson said.

“You’ve been brainwashing Arianna all these years,” Mr. Klein barked back, and his irises clouded over in gold. “I warned you to stay away from her. Sometimes verbal warnings aren’t really enough.”

“Is that a threat?”

“Call it what you will,” Mr. Klein said, firmly.

Jayson turned and left the office.

He didn’t have time to exchange threats. Arianna needed him now more than ever. If he could only convince her that he would be there for her, no matter what. Jayson was concerned with her well-being. Nothing else mattered.

CHAPTER SEVEN

“How long have they been living here, exactly?” Arianna asked, observing the recently built cottage as Jayson parked his motorcycle under a tall oak tree.

The home was one story, but predominantly large and situated in the middle of the clearing in the forest. It was built on the outskirts of the Caedmon village where the houses were spaced further apart. Two columns flanked the front entrance leading up to a covered wrap-around porch. It was a traditional, yet elegant estate. One that you could certainly lounge around in for days—without being bothered.

Jayson helped her off the bike. “About a month after Devin signed the law welcoming the human branch back into the Pack, the home was completed. They wasted no time moving out of the Caedmon mansion.”

If there was only one thing their present leader, Devin Caedmon, was known for, it was his reserved nature. She couldn’t blame him. The town where the Caedmon village resided was small. Although, Arianna was not as high profile as the pack Alpha himself, she cherished privacy as well. It was one of the reasons why she’d decided to leave the town to pursue a higher education once she graduated high school.

“And his wife…she’s human, right?”

He chuckled. “Right. Don’t worry, we won’t bite.”

Arianna had only known Devin Caedmon as a teenager. They were a good eight years apart, and she was too young then to care about the rumors and scandals surrounding the royal family. It wasn’t until later, when Devin was banished from the pack by his own father, did she learn who he really was. Of course, even back then, news was always slow getting over to the human side of the fence. For loyal human Caedmon, like Arianna, that had changed. In the new Alpha’s eyes, they were all equal. Yet, she was still having second thoughts about facing him.

“I don’t know about this anymore,” she said. “I’m in enough trouble as it is.”

He took her hand. “It’s important that Devin knows what’s going on. Zeldano has also been a threat to us for some time now. You know that more than I do.”

“I could be putting the rest of my family in danger. We risk losing the support of the Alpha.”

“No, you won’t lose him,” Jayson said. “Devin’s not like that. You’ll see.”

Arianna looked back at the cozy cottage again. This time, a light had been turned on over the front door. Someone already knew they were there.

She grasped Jayson’s hand as they walked up the steps onto the porch. Moments after they rang the bell, Devin opened the door.

Arianna couldn’t help herself as she stared at the man she hadn’t seen in over a decade. He was just as she expected him to be. Huge, but handsome. His whole body took up the small space of the doorway. His green eyes sparkled as he peered intently at both Jayson and her. There was a regal manner of danger about him. He had the kind of look on his face that warned anyone not to cross him. She’d heard about him and his recent battle with his cousin, Darius. The outcome had earned him more respect and people began to pay more attention to his silent, but deadly reputation.

“Jayson,” Devin said, finally. His eyebrows drew together when he looked at Arianna again. “Miss.”

“Arianna Klein,” she said.

One of Devin’s eyebrows arched sharply in surprise, and he held out his hand. “The daughter of Anthony Klein? Blood relative of the first human Caedmon.”

“Correct.” She took his hand and shook it.

“I felt the spirit within you…sorry I didn’t recognize you earlier.”

Arianna shook her head. “No need to apologize.”

“Come in.” Devin stepped aside. “I can’t begin to imagine what brings you here this late in the evening, Jayson.”

They stepped inside the cozy cottage and Devin took their jackets.

“News,” Jayson said, placing his hand on the small of her back.

“Doesn’t sound like good news,” Devin said.

“There is really no such thing as good news anymore. I’m sorry to bother you but this couldn’t wait.”

Devin led them to a large family room with a massive sectional. He turned on several lamps to lighten up the dark interior.

At that moment, a tall woman entered the room. Her dark brown hair was piled up on top her head in a bun. She wore a men’s flannel shirt and pants. When she saw them, her hands went to her mouth in surprise. “I didn’t know there were guests.”

Jayson stood, and nodded. “Tamara.”

“Jayson, is that you?” The woman smiled. “It’s been so long.” She came out to greet them.

Tamara was beautiful, from head to toe, even in her choice of attire. Compared to Devin, she was as delicate as a fairy.

“It’s me,” Jayson said, holding out his arms to offer Tamara a hug. “I’d like you to—”

In the blink of an eye, Devin had crossed the room. He moved Tamara out of Jayson’s grasp, and growled deeply.

The hairs stood on the back of Arianna’s neck and her palms grew hot in alarm.

Jayson’s body grew tense beside her, and she could literally feel the wolf spirit responding on instinct to Devin’s warning.

“Devin.” Tamara placed a hand on Devin’s chest in an attempt to calm him. “I’m fine. He meant no harm.”

“Excuse me.” Devin’s frown faded. “I shouldn’t have acted that way.”

Jayson took a deep breath in, then whispered, “She’s pregnant.”

Arianna’s eyes widened and her gaze dropped to Tamara’s belly. If Devin’s mate was pregnant, she certainly showed no signs of it. Then again, the oversized shirt she wore could have hidden just about anything.

Devin’s wolf had taken charge and its protective instincts kicked in upon seeing his pregnant mate touched by another. Pheromone levels were high in the room. Why hadn’t she sensed it before? Arianna could now feel it down in her very bones. Devin would remain extremely protective—and dangerous—until Tamara delivered. Keeping his offspring alive and his mate healthy was the Alpha’s main priority right now. Even the slightest threat could push his wolf over the edge.

“We confirmed that she was carrying just last week,” Devin said. “It hasn’t been announced yet.”

“I was wrong. There is good news.” Jayson smiled. “Congratulations.”

“I’m Arianna.” Arianna held out her hand to Devin’s mate.

“Call me Tamara.” She took her hand and squeezed lightly.

Although, Arianna had been out of town on business at the time of Devin and Tamara’s wedding, she heard great things about her. Not only was she mate and wife to their leader, she was also a valued citizen in the Caedmon village. It was rumored that she now volunteered at the village school as a teacher. As a human, she’d earned a coveted position in the community, which said a lot about her character.

“We won’t stay long. Arianna and I have had a long day,” Jayson said as they sat down on the sectional, both couples facing each other.

“I understand.” Devin nodded. “You may spend the night here, if you like. It’s a long way back into town.”

“Thanks for the offer, but we plan to head back to the city.” Jayson ran his fingers nervously through his hair. “I finally did it, Devin. I’ve cashed out. Klein and Truman, LP is no more.”

There was a long silence before Devin spoke. “This outcome has been a long time coming, but you don’t seem happy about it.”

“I had selfish reasons for delaying…” Jayson stole a sideways glance at Arianna. “What I did not expect was that Mr. Klein had selfish reasons for rushing the dissolution of the partnership.”

“There are always selfish reasons where money is concerned,” Devin said.

“Do you remember Zeldano?” Jayson asked.

Devin focused, his eyes forming slits. “Which one? Luther or the son, Ivan?”

“In this case, both.”

Arianna swallowed, as her heart beat rapidly. She was relieved that Jayson was doing all of the talking. Her tongue was tied. She was fearful of what Devin would think of her and her family now.

“Ever since the creation of the Caedmon Council, one Zeldano male had always served on it…until halfway into my father’s reign as Alpha.” Devin laced his fingers together and sat back against the sofa. “I remember it all and how it went down. Luther was my father’s Second-in-Command. There was an issue about the amount of royalties he would receive while on the Council. This was never resolved. My father was too busy with other things to make amends. The entire Zeldano family broke away from our pack on bad terms.” He cleared his throat. “Why do you bring this up?”

“Mr. Klein intends to partner with the Zeldanos,” Jayson stated.

Devin’s full attention shifted to Arianna. All eyes were suddenly on her. Blood rushed to her face from being in the spotlight, and she shifted in her chair.

“Why are you afraid of me?” Devin asked.

“It’s not you who I’m afraid of.”

“Of whom?”

“Of no one,” she professed, meeting his feral gaze. “I’m afraid of what you will do to my father.”

His lips formed a grim line. “Then you understand that it is against Caedmon law to transpire against us while still doing business among us.”

“Yes.” Arianna swallowed and hung her head low.

“And you stand against your father in his plans?” Devin asked.

“I believe my father is ill, and that he’s acted in desperation. I don’t want him to do this.”

“How long have you known about this?” he continued to grill her.

“I just found out.”

“Do you believe that you can stop him?”

“It’s too late,” she whispered.

“From what I know of the Zeldanos, their greed is now tenfold,” Devin offered. “If money is his issue, we can help him settle.”

“No…these plans were made a very long time ago,” she said. “Everything has been in limbo…”

“Explain…” Devin said, calmly.

Arianna licked her lips nervously and glanced at Jayson. He was waiting eagerly for her to answer, too, as if he was hearing all this for the first time. Even to her, this news was still a shock. But there was something that he did not know, and she needed to reveal it now.

“There was an agreement signed in blood when I was born. An agreement that would unite both families.” She took a deep breath, and pressed her eyelids closed. “I was promised to Ivan Zeldano.”

“What!” Jayson's outburst caused her heart to jump.

When she opened her eyes again, Jayson was standing, a puzzled look on his face.

“Promised?” Devin whispered.

“Is it true?” Jayson asked her.

She nodded. “It’s what I meant by it was too late.”

“No.” He clenched his fists, and then looked at Devin. “How can we fix this?”

When a brooding look washed over Devin’s face, she knew the answer already.

“There hasn’t been an agreement of this magnitude in thirty years. It’s happened before for similar reasons, I’m sure.”

Tears welled in Arianna’s eyes, but she refused to let them flow. “Can he do this?”

“Under the current Caedmon laws, yes,” Devin said. “Arranged pairing. Just like yours, most deals are proposed at birth and signed in blood as your father has done.”

“What if he’s lying?” Jayson asked. “He’d have to produce the contract?”

“You’re right, Jayson. They’d have to produce a contract.”

“What if they can’t?” Jayson persisted, pacing in front of the fireplace.

“What if they can?” Devin shot back.

“I don’t understand,” Tamara's soft voice cut through the tension. “Why would your father promise you to this man?”

“The Zeldano family has a strong presence and a dense history. Arianna and her family are from one of the original branches of human Caedmon. Combine wolf and human of this caliber and the result could be momentous. We thought we’d found this union before in Jayson and Arianna, but nothing came of their relationship. I am still puzzled by this…” He looked at both of them suspiciously and Arianna felt ashamed for her actions. “There have been accounts of a union between these two lines before, but none where both families were considered royalty. And for that matter, there have been no accounts where both families weren’t loyal followers. This could mean…”

“…a potential uprising against us,” Jayson finished.

“Is there nothing that can be done to stop this,” Tamara asked, then turned to Arianna. “You don’t want to do this, right?”

“Absolutely not,” she replied. “I value my right to choose.”

“The business has not been doing well, then?” Devin questioned her.

“Clients have been bailing left and right,” she said. “His debts have piled as high as the mountains.”

“Delivering could mean a big payday for him?” Devin concluded. “I suspect that the consequences for not holding up his end of the bargain with the Zeldanos could be detrimental—to more than just his bank account.”

Arianna frowned. “When it comes to business dealings, Zeldano always wins. No matter what the cost.”

“To my knowledge, this is correct,” Devin said.

Jayson charged toward the door, scooped up his keys from the tall table by the door, and grabbed his jacket. By the time Arianna rose, he was already out of the door.

“Jayson.” She rushed out onto the porch behind him. “Where are you going?”

“Stay here!”

“I asked you a question.” She followed him to his motorcycle.

“I’ll be back.” The look in his eyes told her that he was up to something. His eyes were a stormy gray against the night. It wasn’t a good sign. “You are safe here.”

“What are you going to do?”

Jayson snatched off one of his leather gloves and caressed the side of her face with his palm. “You belong to me, Arianna. Always have…always will.”

“People have been trying to make decisions for me all my life, Jayson. I’ve played dodgeball enough for now. This is fate’s way of telling me the game is over.”

Jayson kissed her, firmly and slowly. Her lips parted and she tasted the sweet woodsy, aroma of the man who’d been a friend most of her life. He was also the man who’d declared that she was his mate.

He revved up his motorcycle and tugged his glove back on. “This game has only just begun.”

CHAPTER EIGHT

The wind picked up like a strong typhoon and dirt whipped at Jayson’s face. He dropped his helmet on the ground and knelt in front of the headstone of his father’s grave. The crisp breeze nearly suffocated him as he lifted his face to the black velvet sky. He took deep, raspy breaths in an attempt to return his raging heartbeat to a normal rhythm. After several minutes, he decided it was of no use. There was no way he could simply dismiss what he’d just learned.

He lifted a hand out in front of him and traced the words on his father’s headstone.

Edward Truman.

While alive, his father had been everything to him. True friend. Advisor. Teacher. E. Truman had been the man who’d taught him how to live when life threw curveballs.

You knew, didn’t you?

It all made sense why the partnership was left intact. It was possible that his father had known all along what Mr. Klein planned to do with the proceeds. So, instead of ending it before his death as he should have done, he’d signed over the shares to Jayson. In return, Jayson had inherited a mess. Unbeknownst to him, he’d also inherited the solution to keeping an underhanded union between Klein and Zeldano at bay. Unfortunately, that solution was no longer available—Klein and Truman, LP was no more.

Why let me find out the hard way?

Jayson got no answer. The dead silence only amplified his impatience. His body quaked and his wolf spirit began to rise to the surface. It was too late to reign in the beast now. They shared in the displeasure and angst.

His lungs burned from lack of oxygen. At the same moment he released his breath and fury, the wolf burst free.

He shifted.

Jayson tipped his muzzle to the sky and howled at the moon.

He took off through the forest, rushing between trees and bushes like a wild animal. It had been months since he’d run in wolf form like this. Letting the beast take over and letting all his inhibitions break free. His paws barely touched the ground as he darted across a field. The tendons and muscles burned like he hadn’t exercised them in days. The slight discomfort was nothing compared to the pain he felt in his heart at the knowledge that some other man would have Arianna.

As Jayson neared the Caedmon village he slowed, coming to a trot. He panted uncontrollably and swallowed to moisten his dry throat. There was still nothing he could do about his raging heart.

He came to a stop in front of a small cabin. The lights were on inside, and a figure moved about. Even though he was yards away from the cabin, he could still smell the incense burning from within.

Jayson shifted back into human form and stopped short of knocking on the door. He didn’t have to.

Roman opened the door and his blind eyes looked out behind Jayson at absolutely nothing. The old man’s forehead creased, his nose flared, and the corners of his mouth twitched in uncertainty.

For a wolf well over a hundred years old, he’d aged rather gracefully. The only thing that really gave his age away was the long stark-white hair braided down his back.

“Come closer,” Roman commanded.

Jayson took a few steps forward and the wooden planks creaked under his feet.

Roman lifted his fingers and traced the outline of Jayson face. Forehead, ears, nose, and lips. His eyes moved rapidly behind the lids.

“Jayson Truman.”

It was likely Roman remembered his father, or perhaps his grandfather. Jayson’s resemblance to both of them was not that far off.

“Roman,” Jayson said. “I need your guidance.”

The most respected elder in the village stepped aside and gestured inside the cabin with his cane. “I’ve just brewed some tea.”

The rising morning sun beamed down on Jayson’s back as he turned the corner leading onto Mr. Klein’s street. His body should have shut down hours ago after being awake for nearly eighteen hours without food or rest. He didn’t have time for any of that. The woman he cherished was about to be ripped away from him, all because of a selfish deal her father made.

He would not allow it.

The wolf spirit inside of him was all the fuel he needed to sustain himself. But how long would it be before the wolf started demanding something in return?

The same guy—Roy—guarded the post and entry to the estate. He stopped his motorcycle and took off his helmet.

“Open the gate,” Jayson ordered.

“Do you have business here with Mr. Klein?” the guard asked, clutching a walkie-talkie.

“I don’t have time for small talk. Open the gate, or I’ll do it myself.”

“No, I’m calling the police.” The guard scrambled backward.

Jayson propped the bike on its kickstand. He didn’t have time for this shit.

Before the guard could make it back to the post and phone, he got off the bike, grabbed him in chokehold, and forced him into the control station. He shoved him in front of a device setting on a desk with a row of buttons.

His fangs pulsed from his gums, and his mouth watered in sheer anticipation of the violence he was prepared to commit on this human if needed.

“Open the gate or I’ll rip open your gut, tear out your entrails, and serve them to your master sunny side up for breakfast.”

Roy fumbled with a few buttons and the gate finally creaked open.

Jayson tightened his hold on the guard’s neck until the man grew limp against him. He’d passed out cold. It wouldn’t be long before he came to and called the police as he’d threatened to earlier.

Without time on his side, Jayson grabbed his package and walked through the gate. After he rang the bell, a maid holding a duster and wearing an apron answered the door.

“Mr. Klein, please,” he requested. “I’m Jayson Truman. Don’t you remember me?”

“Why, yes, Mr. Truman, I do. Do you have an appointment?”

“Yes.” It was almost the truth. “Business regarding our partnership.”

The maid paused, reluctantly, but then said, “Right this way, Mr. Truman.”

When they reached the office down the hallway, the maid knocked lightly.

“Who is it?” Mr. Klein grumbled from within.

“Ida,” the maid said. “You have a visitor.”

“Come in.”

As soon as Ida opened the door, Jayson barged inside, causing Mr. Klein to shoot up from his chair once again.

Shock flashed through his eyes. “You? Again? What do you want?”

“I think you know,” Jayson replied.

“Ida! Why have you let this man in?”

“He said he had business. It’s Mr. Truman, Sir,” the maid said from behind him.

“Mr. Truman and I no longer do business.” He slammed his fist on the desk. “Get out!”

The door slammed shut after the maid made her quick escape.

Arianna’s father looked back at him with malice in his expression. “Where is my daughter?”

“Safe from this conspiracy you’ve created.” Jayson was so angry, he could barely speak calmly.

“What you call conspiracy is known as ensuring the Klein legacy lives.”

“No.” Jayson shook his head, slowly. “Being brainwashed by Zeldano’s tactics will ensure the end of your legacy.”

“I need no advice from you,” Klein said between clenched teeth. “What you will do is tell me where the hell you’ve taken my daughter off to.”

“You want to sell her to the wealthiest, is that it?”

Klein frowned. “I don’t have to answer to you.”

“You placed a price tag on her, didn’t you?”

Cognizance washed over the man’s face, but he said nothing.

Jayson continued. “The shares I released to you are worth just over a million dollars. It isn’t enough to buy into Zeldano’s business, isn’t it? You’re pressed for time.”

“Where are you getting this information?”

“I have my resources.”

Klein straightened, and crossed his arms over his chest. “They were my shares, and now it’s my money. I do what I want with it.”

“How much more money would you have needed to buy into Zeldano’s business?”

“That is none of your business,” Klein spat.

“Or perhaps the other half of the deal included the delivery of your only daughter to a crooked investor?”

“Leave,” Klein warned.

Jayson dumped the briefcase he’d been holding on top of Mr. Klein’s desk. The lid popped open revealing bands of cash inside.

“There is enough money inside…another million. This plus the proceeds you received from the dissolution should serve to pay Zeldano off or—if you are foolish enough—invest in his business,” Jayson said. “I’ve also included an additional eighty grand, which is more than enough to take care of Arianna’s unpaid college bills.”

Mr. Klein's mouth had fallen open at some point, but still had not closed as his gaze roamed over the stack of money. “How did you…how did you find out how much was owed?”

“That should be the least of your worries, but if it truly concerns you…I have connections, high and low, outside of our small village. If I told you anything else…I’d have to kill you.”

“Are you admitting to some not-so-squeaky-clean dealings yourself?”

“My admission or denial would not change your circumstances. You see, the difference between you and I, is that you’re in deep debt, and I’m not. I suggest you take this money, pay Ivan Zeldano off, and bid him farewell in his endeavors. For your sake…and your daughter’s.”

Mr. Klein bit his bottom lip, and then said, “And if I don’t agree.”

“I’m not asking for your agreement, Mr. Klein. With or without your blessings, your daughter will be mine.”

CHAPTER NINE

Arianna entered Jayson’s bedroom and placed a bowl of warm water on the nightstand. Only a moment ago, Jayson had been stirring and moaning as though he were about to rise. But now he was lying on his back, body still, and eyes closed as if he were in a peaceful slumber.

She crossed her arms over her chest and observed him. It was nearly evening and he’d slept throughout the day. She didn’t blame him. The events of yesterday could have worn anyone out—human or otherwise.

When Jayson had returned to Devin’s cottage hours after running off, she’d been a little surprised. He’d been so upset about her withholding all the information surrounding her father’s deal with Zeldano that she’d thought he would leave her alone for good. But, no…he’d come back to get her. They’d ridden his motorcycle back to his condo. Too tired to even talk, he’d taken a shower and fallen into the bed beside her.

“How long are you going to stare at me?” Jayson whispered, startling her.

“I didn’t know you were awake,” she said, sitting down on the bed beside him.

He opened his eyes. There was more of a blue tint, instead of gray this time. A sign that he was in a much better mood. “I’m surprised that you’re still here?”

She raised an eyebrow. “Why?”

“I remember how it was.” He smiled. “We’d go out for a night on the town and have the time of our lives. Drinking, dancing…and mayhem. At the end of the night, we’d always end up in each other’s arms, but in the morning you’d be gone—nowhere to be found.”

Arianna blushed. “I was worried about you.”

“No need for worries. Everything will be fine.”

It was easy for him to say. He wasn’t being sold to the highest bidder.

“Do you still have a headache?” she asked.

“It’s no big deal. A little food and aspirin will take care of it.”

She turned, drenched a cloth into the warm water, and then wrung it out. When she placed it on Jayson’s forehead, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath in.

“Smells like lavender.”

“My mom always added it to the water when I had a headache. It’s calming.”

Arianna smoothed the cloth across his face and down his neck. She stopped above the bold, intricate tattoo right above his heart that branded him as a Caedmon Council member.

“Devin and Tamara were really nice to me when you left,” she said.

“They complement each other well.” He lifted his arms, and folded them behind his head. “I told you there wasn’t anything to fear…unless you cross him.”

She smoothed his skin, which was mostly flawless despite the scars marring his chest. As a teen, and even as an adult, he’d gotten into many fights. Both in wolf and human form. “I know, but first impressions always count. Now I will be known as the woman whose father betrayed the Caedmon.”

“Who cares what others think? I know better, and you know better.”

“Where did you go last night?” she asked, tracing the hard ridges of his abs.

“I visited your father to exchange a few words.”

She paused over his chest. “You didn’t.”

He gazed at her, his expression stern. “I can’t lose you, Arianna.”

“Jayson, please, let this be…”

He rose to a sitting position on the bed. “Did you plan to just accept this? I know you very well. This is not like you to give up.”

She met his gaze. “Who said I was giving up? The arrangement is only temporary—one that I plan to get out of.”

“After you’ve acquiesced? You’d go to Zeldano…?”

“To save my father until I can figure out how to fix all of this.”

He cupped both sides of her shoulders. “You don’t have to do this anymore.”

“You don’t want me to do this because it will be inconvenient for you. Just admit it.”

“Arianna…”

“Let’s be real. This curse that turns us into two sex fiends when we’re together is why you want me unattached to some other man. Otherwise, you wouldn’t give a damn. You would leave me to my fate and move on to the next chick on your list. You’ve got an army of them ready to bare all—mind, body, and soul to you.”

“No.”

“Yes.”

“Finding a true mate is not a curse. Not to me.”

“Either way, it’s like I have no say in choosing what I want in my life.”

“What do you want? Tell me and I will move mountains to ensure that whatever it may be that it is yours.”

“I want a choice. That’s all. For once.”

He took her hands in his. “In the beginning, if we’d discovered that I wasn’t your mate…would you have chosen me? Would things have been different?”

“That’s a ridiculous question.” She attempted to turn away, but he pulled her closer. “How am I supposed to answer that now that I know that you are?”

“Arianna, do you honestly want to live your life unfulfilled with another?”

“Living a fulfilled life means having a choice. I had no choice when my father arranged this. I had no say when fate chose my mate.”

“You don’t believe that you could find fulfillment with me?” he asked.

“I find sexual fulfillment with you,” she said. “That’s what we agreed on when we were teenagers.”

He flinched and a sour expression marked his face. “We’re not teenagers anymore. Is that the only fulfillment you find with me now?”

“You told me yourself when I first met you. You’d never get married. You told me you didn’t believe in true mates, and that you would never bind yourself to just one person.”

“I admit it. That’s how I felt, until I fell for you and found out what you were to me.”

“After you found out…do you admit to seeking fulfillment with women other than me?”

He closed his eyes, and shook his head. “I have a mate that doesn’t want me. One that leaves the state just so she wouldn’t have to face me. It has been shameful for me. What did you expect me to do?”

“I wasn’t ready to commit then.”

“And now…?”

“The commitment that you require from me is a lifelong one.”

“Arianna, I love you. What in the world do I have to do to convince you?”

She broke their gaze, and exhaled. “Don’t say that.”

“I won’t say anything, then. I’ll keep showing you.”

He kissed her lightly on the lips. They were butterfly soft kisses. The kind that produced a reassuring feeling in her gut. One taste and she was done. One touch…and she submitted.

Slipping his fingers behind her head, he led her to lie onto the bed and came down on top of her. Their lips meshed together, and then parted. She opened and explored his mouth, pushing any thoughts of resistance aside.

His hands roved up and down her body as his tongue dipped inside her mouth again and again. He reached up under her tank top and cupped her breast. She inhaled sharply when his teeth scraped the column of her neck. He sipped hungrily at the veins on her throat. By the time he made his way to her chest, her body was already hot and ready for him.

She lifted her arms, allowing him to shed her of her top. As he sucked on both nipples, he growled softly into her flesh. His breath was hot and cold on her, all at the same time.

‘Arianna.’ He’d breached her mind, and somehow she’d allowed it.

He sucked hard on her and she screamed out and arched into his mouth. She could feel his thick rod through his pants as he pressed it into her thighs. Letting her fingers tangle into his hair, she moved him from one breast to the other. He obliged her silent request and took turns playing with each nipple until they were taut like round dots.

Reaching down between them, she unbuttoned his jeans and pulled his belt out of the loop. Pushing her hand down inside, she groped his thick cock. He was already wet and slippery at the crown. She licked her lips in remembrance of the sweet and salty taste of him.

Groaning, he slid down her body, kissing every inch of her and removing her shorts and panties in the process. He took his time tasting her skin and making love to her with his mouth for what seemed like too long to bear. He left all her most sensitive areas untouched.

“Jayson…” She writhed on the bed, ready for something more solid to dominate her.

‘I remember how it was. You’d let me taste you for hours, just like this.’

He rubbed her mound lightly with his chin.

“Please.”

‘The foreplay always made listening to you climax much sweeter.’

His mouth was directly above her, and his cool breath fanned her clit. He took her thighs in his hands and spread her. Something wet slid up her thighs and her legs quaked in his grip. He kissed her, only slightly grazing her bare pussy lips.

Her nails dug into the mattress, and her toes curled in untamed impatience. She tried to close her legs, but he pushed her thighs open again with the sides of his face. He took long swipes at her lips, careful not to touch her needy core. She could feel warm liquid pooling inside of her.

He didn’t seem to care that she was in pain and pleasure. He tortured her with the expert strokes of his tongue.

“I’m going to come,” she panted.

He stopped teasing her long enough to push two fingers into her wet pussy. “Damn it, you’re wet.”

Her gaze moved lower, and she was forced to observe him as he pumped into her while watching intently and licking his lips at the same time.

‘I always know when you’re ready for me.’ He rolled the pad of his finger over her clit. ‘When you’re like this…plump, ripe, and ready.’

‘Jayson, take me, please.’ She gave in, responding in the way that only true mates could do.

A low grumble erupted from his throat before he sucked her clit between his lips. Her pussy clenched as he lashed her clit again and again, and dipping lower to dip his tongue into her.

Her body was on fire. Pleasure wrapped around her, holding her on the edge of a precipice. Her lips fell open and she gasped for breath.

Jayson seemed determined to conquer her. It was the way in which he gripped her thighs and pulled her to his mouth to feast on her that told her this.

She cried out as an orgasm ripped through her. He lengthened her climax, holding his lips firm to her clit. Only when she was still and panting for dear life on the bed, did he stop the torture. Her body continued to pulse under him as he came up over her, kissing her damp skin as he rose.

‘How do you want it, Arianna?’

Arianna took one look at his throbbing erection and grinned. The things he was capable of doing to her had her pussy clenching again in anticipation. She rolled over onto her hands and knees. Pushing her hips back, she pressed her ass against the thick length of him.

“Fuck me like this,” she demanded.

He bent over her and pushed in just past her opening.

She moaned, and pressed her eyes closed, bracing herself.

“You make demands, but are you prepared to accept?” He teased her earlobe with the tip of his tongue.

She rotated her hips, wishing that he’d give her more. “I know what I like.”

He speared her, burying himself to the hilt.

She screamed as the pain cut through her body, and clutched at the headboard in front of her.

Jayson wasted no time as he pounded into her with intense determination. He filled her, stretching her to accommodate his throbbing cock. The tempo of his strokes changed from quick and powerful into long and deliberate. He gripped her hips and titled them up for maximum penetration. His testicles tightened and slapped against her. She pushed her hips back meeting him thrust for thrust. Her core tensed and a second climax began to build like a bundle of nerves.

“Jayson,” she called out.

“Let go.”

She came again, arching her back as what felt like fireworks shot through her. Icy hot sensations pulsed through her body throughout her climax. Jayson was relentless, riding her through the peak and deliberately quickening his thrusts to keep her in a state of elation.

Spent, she leaned forward and pressed her face into the pillows. Her clit still throbbed uncontrollably begging for another release. Jayson pulled out, and then placed the crown of his cock at her anus. She bit into her bottom lip, bracing herself once again. He kneaded her ass and kissed the back of her neck. His dampened forehead rested in the middle of her shoulder blades.

Jayson pushed into her, slowly and carefully. The pleasure-pain ripped through her as he buried himself as deep as her tight canal would allow.

“Ah, Arianna, how could I have lived without you and without this?”

He moved within her, in and out, with even unified thrusts. Each drive into her ass sent her closer and closer over the edge. His fingers played with her clit as he worked her toward ecstasy.

His cock plundered her repeatedly. She gripped at the headboards and took him deeper still.

Suddenly, he stiffened and pressed his mouth to her shoulder. He wanted to bite her. His wolf wanted to claim her. He held back, just as he’d done hundreds of times before—just as she’d requested.

His hot seed splashed within her, and a fiery sensation forced itself through her veins and cells, reaching the surface and skating across her skin. Jayson’s serum took her into a third climax, and she joined him at mountain’s peak.

They both collapsed on the bed of rumpled sheets and clothing and stared into each other eyes, as the evening sky folded away making way for nightfall.

CHAPTER TEN

All six members of the Council were present for the emergency meeting called by Devin Caedmon himself. They were seated at the round conference table in the Alpha’s meeting hall waiting as the minutes ticked by on the grandfather clock hanging on the wall.

Jayson had a bad feeling about this. It was not like Devin to call them together just for a group chat.

Aiden, who’d just arrived, took off his vest and hung it on the hook near the door, then carefully placed his firearm on the corner table next to it. He walked over to Devin’s bar and helped himself to a shot of vodka before taking his seat across from Blake.

“I thought you’d laid off the liquor, man,” Blake joked.

“It ain’t so easy with the type of shit I deal with daily,” Aiden responded.

Blake and Aiden were close buddies even before they’d come from another pack to join Caedmon. They were all there for each other when help was needed. And they all had occupations and lives outside of the Council.

Devin Caedmon entered the room, and Jayson looked down at his watch. It was four p.m. on the dot. Devin was a stickler for being on time, and had never once been late to any event. Jayson couldn’t say the same about himself until serving under Devin’s rule. It only took one slip-up and tardy to a Council meeting to make the Alpha mad. Jayson had been set straight, and from there on out, he’d been on time—for everything.

“It was brought to my attention that we have yet another threat against us,” Devin said, as soon as he took his seat.

The man didn’t waste time; that was for sure.

“What kind of threat?” Aiden asked.

“It’s indirect, but the outcome will affect us all,” Devin said, and then turned to his brother, Dawson.

“I was approached by a group of outsiders,” Dawson stated. “Zeldano’s followers.”

Jayson narrowed his eyes, and his ears perked up. “I know where this is going…”

“I was told that a certain member on our Council has something that belongs to him,” Dawson continued.

“This is something I should have addressed with utmost attention earlier,” Devin said. “And for that, Jayson, I apologize. There are other matters…it has not been announced officially yet, but Tamara is pregnant.”

The table grew silent.

“How is she?” Nick, the Alpha’s Second-in-Command, who hadn’t said a word until now asked.

“She has not been doing well. It’s her first trimester, which is to be expected, according to her nurse. I fear that most of her ailment stems from being human and carrying my offspring.”

“Tamara will pull through,” Nick reassured him.

“With bed rest, the nurse assured me that she would,” Devin replied.

“I’m sorry, Devin,” Jayson said. “The time wasn't right.”

“It’s not your fault. You are more than an advisor to me. I treat you as my brother. We’re all in this together. I will do what is necessary to help you,” Devin said.

“What exactly is going on?” Blake asked. “What does Zeldano think we have?”

“Yeah,” Dawson said, sitting back in his chair. “Would you care to elaborate, Jayson?”

Jayson sighed. “We’re receiving threats because of me. As you all know, Arianna Klein is my mate. Everyone in this town knows that she’s refused me for over a decade.”

“Yeah, and?” Blake frowned. “You’re not the first wolf with a mate who likes to be chased?”

Dawson frowned at Blake. “Do you even know who the Klein’s are?”

“Who doesn’t? They’re one of the Caedmon human branches. ” Blake shrugged. “It doesn’t make them any better than we are.”

“When Arianna was born, her father made an agreement for an arranged pairing,” Jayson continued. “The contract would unite two prominent bloodlines and possibly form one of the most lucrative investment firms in the world.”

“What a mess,” Aiden said slowly, and dropped his face in his palm.

“A mess, indeed,” Jayson agreed. “One that I did not see coming.”

“You’re going to sit back and let Zeldano use your mate?” Nick asked.

“Fuck no,” Jayson replied, quickly.

“Why haven’t you claimed her already?” Nick asked, again. “Wouldn’t that have solved the problem? Zeldano can’t take what you’ve already claimed.”

“I told you,” Jayson said between clenched teeth. “Arianna doesn’t want to be mated.”

“It wouldn’t have solved anything.” Devin leaned forward. “Are any of you listening? This arrangement was made when Arianna was born.”

“How can an agreement trump what should be?” Blake asked.

“The agreement was made before Jayson could have ever laid claim to Arianna. With the way the Caedmon laws were written, the arranged pairing would stand.”

Blake threw up his hands. “This is insane! Does Arianna want this?”

“From my understanding, she doesn’t want anything to do with Zeldano,” Jayson answered. “Arianna is loyal to our Pack, despite her father’s dealings. Even she can see the treachery in all of this.”

“Why hasn’t she told Zeldano to shove it?” Blake asked.

“I wish it were that easy.” Jayson thought back to the suitcase full of money, he’d delivered to Mr. Klein. He could only hope it was the solution for getting Arianna out of this mess.

“My intuition tells me it won’t be,” Dawson said. “Zeldano’s men specifically told me that you had something he owned.”

Jayson’s body grew hot and he thought the veins in his neck would literally pop from the steam blasting through them. “Arianna is mine. I may not have claimed her yet, but no other man will while I am still alive.”

“We can’t risk another threat on our community,” Dawson shot back. “After Darius, I don’t know how much more our small town can take.”

“Can’t this deal be broken? What can we do?” Nick asked.

“There is one non-life threatening way in which the agreement can be broken.” Devin rose from the table, walked over to the bar, and filled a glass with ice.

The room remained silent.

“Pay Zeldano off,” he finally announced.

“I’ve already delivered the money to Klein for that purpose,” Jayson replied.

“Then you’re one step ahead of the game.” Devin turned around, with glass of Scotch in hand. “Let us all hope Zeldano accepts.”

“And if he doesn’t?” Dawson chimed in.

“Jayson will have to choose when that time comes.”

Arianna sat back in the sofa next to Tamara’s bed and watched as Nurse Whitney checked her vitals. From the expression on her face, she could tell the Alpha’s mate was a little anxious. Any mother would be worried about the health of her unborn child.

Arianna had only been here a few hours, and within that time frame Tamara had rushed to the bathroom to puke several times. She almost felt sorry for her, but knew all this would eventually pass. From what she’d heard from all her previously pregnant female cousins and relatives, the first trimester was the worst. Carrying a wolf’s offspring couldn’t have been an easy feat.

The nurse slipped an armband on Tamara Caedmon’s wrist, and pumped it with air. “With Selene’s help, I was able to access most of your medical history.”

It was Tamara’s second checkup with the nurse. Devin had been unable to attend because of an emergency Council meeting. Tamara had asked them to join her in the room during the examination.

Tamara’s best friend, Selene, stood at the foot of the bed and wrung her hands together. Her sister-in-law, Elisa, was also in the room sitting on the windowsill with a journal and pen.

Tamara looked worriedly at the nurse. “Did everything look okay?”

“You have a clean medical history. Other than the broken arm you had three years ago, everything looked great.”

“Broken arm?” Selene gaped. “You never told me about that.”

Tamara looked at her friend and frowned. “Not something I want to really remember.”

“Oh,” Selene replied.

Something in Tamara’s past always worried her. Selene seemed to understand, but Arianna didn’t want to intrude.

“Your blood pressure is within normal range.” Nurse Whitney made some notes on her pad. “How is your back?”

Tamara lifted herself into a sitting position with the help of the nurse. “My lower back is killing me. It’s like something is sitting on it.”

“That is to be expected,” Whitney replied.

“I hate being held prisoner in this room.”

Whitney smiled and looked around. “Looks like a sanctuary to me. Sixty inch television. California King bed. Downy pillow and mattress. Room service from the Alpha, himself…I’d trade any day.”

Tamara laughed, and Arianna and Selene joined in.

“In a week or two, you’ll have reached your second trimester. We can gradually add in more activity, like walking,” Whitney assured her.

“When do we get to see everything on the ultrasound?” Elisa moved away from the window and came to join them next to the bed. At ten years old, she resembled a Barbie doll with her bouncy brown curls and rosy lips. She had only the slightest resemblance to her half-brother, Devin.

“In two weeks.” Nurse Whitney smiled. “I’ll be back with the machine…and we can hear the heartbeat better.”

“I can hear loud and clear,” Elsie declared.

“A nurse in the making?”

“I’d love to be a nurse.” Elisa’s smile turned into a frown. “But it’s not in the cards.”

Elisa seemed very mature for her age. Other ten year olds were interested in fashion, music, and hobbies like ballet and jewelry making. From what Arianna had learned about Elisa today, the young girl was more interested in science and the elements.

“No one knows what the future holds,” Whitney replied.

“May I?” Elisa looked at Tamara, and held her small delicate hand over the baby bump.

Tamara took the child’s hand and placed it on her belly. Elisa pressed an ear to her abdomen.

“Sounds like music,” she whispered. “I can’t wait to be the Godmother.”

“Are you ready?” Selene asked. “You’ll have your hands full.”

“Yes, I know.” Elisa grinned.

“Elisa, tell me what you see? Please…” Tamara said.

“Are you sure?” Elisa lifted her head, but left her hand on Tamara’s belly.

“It’s either now or in two weeks,” Tamara pleaded. “I don’t think I can wait two whole weeks.”

“Triplets,” Elisa said. “There are three heartbeats.”

They all gasped in surprise, and a wide grin spread across Tamara’s face.

“Are you sure?” Tamara’s eyes were wide and bright.

“Have I ever been wrong?” Elisa asked.

“You are certainly something else, young lady,” Whitney exclaimed.

“Elisa is special,” Tamara said, squeezing the child’s hand.

Arianna smiled.

Tamara would give her mate something that Arianna would probably never be strong enough to have herself. A legacy would continue because of it. Devin Caedmon’s offspring would be born very soon. The thought of new life being created and such a divine gift given to a special couple warmed her heart.

For a while, it served to take her away from her own crisis, but this moment of enrichment could not erase what would eventually transpire with her.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Jayson didn’t return with Devin until nightfall. The mood of both men had been somber when they walked through the door. Arianna had immediately known that her situation had been the topic of discussion. Instead of returning to his condo, they visited a lake near the Caedmon village to talk.

Jayson left to hunt and to blow off some steam, leaving her in silence to contemplate her choices. Now Arianna sat alone at water’s edge, listening to the sounds of crickets and small mammals scurrying about as she lay back on the grass. The sky was clear with only a hint of clouds scattered about. The stars were in abundance tonight. They were numerous, but her choices were not.

It didn’t surprise her that she feared for her father more than herself. The consequences for breaking a nearly thirty-year-old agreement could be risky. Zeldano was known to retaliate against those who defied him. There was a long list of names on the missing persons list linked to business dealings with Zeldano.

Something jostled the bushes next to Arianna, and she pulled herself up into a sitting position. She lifted her nose to the breeze and caught the scent of sandalwood.

“Come out, Jayson.”

A black wolf emerged, majestic and glorious against the darkness. The very first time she’d seen him in wolf form; it had taken her breath away. Even now, he commanded her complete attention with his uncontainable presence. His eyes were a stormy blue, and he studied her intently.

Jayson prowled toward her and she welcomed him with open arms. His sleek, black fur had always been surprisingly soft. The more she touched him, the more she found herself unable to resist him. Even now, as she pressed her face against it. He purred and growled softly as she stroked his belly.

For what seemed like an eternity, they sat there, woman and wolf, looking out at the gleaning surface of the lake. A sharp breeze flowed across the water, and then rushed over her bare shoulders.

Arianna moved closer to her wolf, and whispered, “I sometimes wish I were born wolf instead of human. I would run free, like the wind, just as you did.”

Jayson came to stand on his hind legs and faced her.

“I feel incomplete with this wolf spirit roaming through my human veins. The same spirit that grants you the ability to shift from wolf to man and then back again at will is the same spirit that controls this drive in me to run wild and free.”

Arianna stroked the wolf’s ear, and then brought her face to settle against his.

“What does it feel like to be free?” she asked. “Free from the confines of the life you were born into? Do you even know?”

The wolf exhaled deeply and his soft nostrils flared against her face.

“I’ve decided that my fate cannot be changed. These things must happen for a reason.” Her shoulders slumped and she pressed her forehead onto his. “I’m sorry. I won’t let everyone suffer because I am selfish. This is the life I was born into. These are the laws of the Caedmon for which I must abide by.”

Jayson shifted gracefully back into human form. “What are you saying?” He pressed his lips to hers.

“You were threatened because of me. I have to fix this. I have to do it myself. Alone.”

“No.”

“Just kiss me, Jayson.”

He kissed her, caressing her lips softly between his. His tongue lingered across the seam of her mouth.

“I always return to you. If we are meant to be, we will eventually be together. Why force it?” She grasped the back of his neck and returned his kisses. “If I break this agreement, everything will end badly. I can feel it…”

“I can’t live with the knowledge of you being bonded to another.”

“It’s an arrangement only. On paper.”

“But he means to have you completely,” Jayson said. “No wolf would propose such an agreement without your exclusivity.”

“Remember what we did when we were young?” she asked. “We made an eternal promise. Don’t you remember it?”

“I do,” he whispered against her forehead. “It was how I found out that you were my true mate. It’s when I began to believe that there was such a thing.”

“We didn’t understand. We were just too young.”

They’d been inseparable back then. Like brother and sister, they did everything together. Caught fireflies, chased rabbits, climbed mountains, and jumped off cliffs. Anything and everything possible under the sun. He’d even grieved with her for months following her mother’s death. One day they declared that they would always be friends, no matter what. Jayson wanted more than an eternal promise. He wanted a blood bond. Both of them still had the raised scar from where they’d slashed through the skin on their palms. The bond seemed to satisfy them for a while, but they still had sexual urges—like most teenagers. Kissing and groping him had done nothing but leave her hot and horny. Masturbating while fantasizing about him didn’t satisfy her in the least bit. It only left her wanting more of his touch. When the attraction became too much to bear, they were left with no choice but to consummate their passion. It was the start of an explosive frenzy that never faded. One taste had never been enough.

“You will always be a part of me,” she said. “No agreement, on paper or otherwise, will change that.”

He lifted her chin and his gray gaze burned into hers. “Do you love me, Arianna? Like I love you?”

“Yes, Jayson. You are my best friend. I love you. Man and wolf.”

He took her lips in a demanding kiss, and then led her to lie down again on the grass right next to the lake. His body shifted against her and he settled on top of her, slipping his thighs between hers. He moved his mouth lower to reach her chin and slid his lips up the column of her jaw. She lifted her neck, giving him full access to explore.

His mouth fell on the unfinished mark on her shoulder and she gripped his back hard as delightful sensations ran through her. Her hips moved against him as he stroked at her skin with his tongue.

“Jayson, one more time, and then I must go…tomorrow.”

“Don’t say that.”

“An agreement on paper only…” When he pushed his hands up her thighs and under her skirt, she parted her legs, lifted her knees, and held him tightly to her.

He stroked at her core through the seat of her panties. “You’re wet already. I can almost taste your desire now.”

She moaned against his ear as he pushed the fabric aside and slid his finger through her slit. He played with her pussy, gliding his digits up and down her opening and over her clit.

Jayson gazed down at her body as he fingered her. “Your skin is so beautiful and flawless under the moonlight.”

She arched into his palm and he played her like an instrument—a guitar. He held her open gently and pumped in and out of her with skillful strokes. Suddenly, he grabbed her panties, lifted her hips, and threw the garment aside.

Jayson lowered himself between her legs and lashed at her clit while fingering her needy pussy. A sharp ripple pushed through her and her hips bucked slightly off the ground.

Arianna was on the edge, ready for release. She felt like a wanton woman with her dress bunched at her hips and her legs spread for his roving tongue and delicate fingers. Her nails pierced the ground as something twisted at her core. He worked her faster, knowing that she was near. A hungry growl erupted in his throat, and that animalistic sound alone sent her spiraling up into ecstasy. Her orgasm overtook her and sent her even higher.

He didn’t waste any time thereafter. Lifting himself to a standing position, he jerked off his shirt and pants, and settled back between her legs. His mouth was lightly parted and his fangs were clearly visible. The once calm look in his eyes was replaced with uncontrollable animal lust. She wasn’t sure who had the upper hand against her now. The man or the wolf.

Jayson cupped her ass and led his rock hard cock into her pulsing pussy. Even now, the length and girth of him shocked her. When his crown hit the back of her, she cried out and bit into his shoulder. He tasted of salt and honey, an addicting combination.

He began moving within her, opening her even further to his thick penetration.

His hand held her backside firmly and up off the ground. Each time he speared her, it took her closer and closer to another climax. She rocked her hips against him, heightening the sensation for the both of them.

Arianna could feel his cold fangs against her neck. Man and wolf struggled with each other. Both of them wanted to claim her, but one of them fought more than the other.

‘When, Arianna?’ he pleaded through telepathy.

‘Not now.’ She pulled his mouth to hers and kissed his lips sweetly. ‘Not like this.’

It was a successful decoy, but she could still feel his wolf protesting just underneath the surface of his skin.

His plunges became hard and relentless. Warm friction intensified between her legs and her clit pulsed eagerly.

This time when she came, he came with her. His seed flooded into her, uniting with her essence to create the potent mixture that sent molten ice sensations shooting throughout her. She quaked under him. He shuddered against her. Their lips touched, but they did not kiss. He pulsed within her and her pussy convulsed around him in the aftermath.

For a long moment, they remained drunk from the sexual high caused by the serum.

CHAPTER TWELVE

Arianna would pay for this. She just knew it.

She could only imagine the annoyed look on Jayson’s face when he learned that she’d taken off on his motorcycle. If she’d told him where she was going, he would have tried to stop her. Tricking him into walking across the street to order their breakfast was the only way to escape without protest. Round after round of hot sex outdoors and then once more back at his condo made for one famished wolf.

As she pulled up, she noticed that Roy wasn’t at the gate this time. There was a new guard on duty. She came to a stop next to him, and tore off her helmet.

“When did you get hired?” she asked irritatingly, as the poor guy looked her up and down in shock. “What happened to the other guard?”

“He got fired.” There was a hint of fangs protruding from his lips. Her father had hired a wolf this time. He was no Caedmon, but a wolf spirit definitely sparked around him.

She looked at him skeptically. “Fired?” Now her father was going around firing people out of the blue?

“Who are you, woman?”

“Who are you, wolf?” she shot back.

He seemed taken aback by her knowledge. “Philip.”

“I’m Arianna. Now open the gates.”

His eyes widened in astonishment, before a shameful expression marred his face. “Excuse me, miss. I didn’t know.” His fangs retreated; he bowed his head, and backed up toward the control switches.

“Well, the next time you see me…you will know.” She revved the motor and rushed forward into the gates.

Parking the motorcycle next to her father’s Rolls Royce, she wasted no time as she made her way through the front door.

Arianna passed a maid dusting in the main room and found her father in the dining hall eating breakfast. When she entered, he looked up from his platter.

She pulled out a chair at the far end of the table and sat down.

Her father put down his fork, regarding her studiously. “Are you ready?”

The nerve of him to ask her that. “No, I actually came to tell you that I’m not doing it.”

“I see.”

“What led you to make such an agreement with the Zeldanos?”

He raised an eyebrow. “You want the real truth?”

She crossed her arms over her chest and sat back in the chair. “Nothing but the truth.”

“The Zeldanos have been a client of mine forever. Our liaison started back with my great-grandfather. They have been silent investors in many of my endeavors…the most recent ones include the purchase three casinos and resorts out west.”

Her father had always been one to invest in land and property, so this was no surprise to her.

“Why would you need the Zeldano’s to invest?”

“More capital, of course,” he said. “I’ve limited resources.”

“It’s because you have been gambling away your liquid capital, and losing. A year ago, you bought into an expansion of a strip mall in California that never came to fruition.”

“I’ve failed, yes…but I also succeed.”

Lately, it had been less of the later.

“You still haven’t answered my question. Why did you promise me in an arranged pairing?”

“It was something that I felt needed to be done at the time. Luther and I wanted to ensure a certain degree of nobility in our offspring. This union ensures it.”

“So you honestly believe that I will bear children with Ivan.”

“When you were little, you told me many times how you wanted to live in the biggest castle and wear the prettiest dresses…”

“Times have changed,” Arianna said. “I am no longer a child and those were only fairy tales.”

“For my daughter, I only want the best. Do you know how much the Zeldano’s are worth?”

Her eyes widened. “I don’t care.”

Her father got up and sauntered over to the corner of the room next to the small bar area. “You don’t care now, because you don’t understand how beneficial this will be.”

“To you, you mean?”

“To both of us. For you the most. When I am dead and buried, who will carry on my name and my legacy?”

“I will do this,” she said.

“You will, but I trust Ivan Zeldano to carry on the business as I have done. Their goals and mine are aligned, you see.”

“No, I don’t see.” She got up and joined him on the other side of the granite-lined counter tops.

“You have to understand that things changed when your mother passed carrying my only son with her.”

Arianna bowed her head and swallowed the rising lump in her throat. “I may not be a son, but I am still your child. Like you, I never wanted to see our family being lowered in the ranks like this, but that is something that fate decided for us in this life and something we must accept.”

The Klein’s had once been one of the most influential families linked to the human branch of Caedmons. As soon as it was known that Mr. Klein had no son and that his wife had died, they fell down the noble ladder giving way to others to take the top spot.

Arianna didn’t care about that. She didn’t care about being on the top. Being on the top never ensured their happiness before. It just meant you had to work harder to stay there.

He poured two ounces of whiskey over several cubes of ice. “I believe we can change fate.”

“If my brother had lived, then what…?”

“These plans were in place before your brother was even conceived. My son is not here to carry on the business as I had imagined, so I agreed to sell my shares into the new venture.”

Her father and the Zeldano’s wanted it all, as far as she could see. “Is that why you banned me from seeing Jayson when I was young?”

He paused, his glass stopping in midair just short of touching his lips. “He threatened everything that I had planned.”

“Do you know why he’s a threat to these plans?”

Her father took a sip, and cringed as he swallowed the strong alcohol. “The Klein and Truman business was his family’s bread and butter. If the business had dissolved earlier as I’d proposed to Jayson’s father, I presume they’d be broke.”

Too bad her father only saw what he wanted to believe. He had to have figured out by now that Jayson was connected to her in ways that he refused to accept.

“Let’s say I’d gone off to college and decided to never come back. What would have happened if I had committed to some other man…?”

“The penalty for reneging was written into the contract.”

She was afraid of this. “What is the penalty?”

He frowned. “Public humiliation, punishment, servitude. Anything deemed appropriate to satisfy the debt owed. I’m even subject to exposure by the U.S. government for other dealings that could land me in a real prison.”

Arianna couldn’t stand the thought of her father being exposed to such treatment or being locked up in jail with hardened criminals, rapists, and murderers.

“You know all of this,” he continued. “Although we are known as outsiders, many of us who’ve broken away from the original Caedmon Pack still uphold ourselves to the same core laws. They haven’t changed.”

“Obviously they haven’t changed for the better, but what father would sell his only daughter anyway?”

“Don’t ridicule me.” His lethal gaze nearly burned her. “This is not the first time this has been done. Many noble daughters accept unions such as this. They live happy lives, and never do they want for anything.”

“I’m not after material things. You know that father. This is about money! Your money!”

“Money makes the world go around. It has also provided you with the extravagant life you’ve come to cherish since you took your first breath. Would you give that up?”

“In a heartbeat. Too bad you aren’t prepared to do the same. We all know this is about you—your name—and not me.” Her voice shook with aggravation. “How much do we owe Zeldano? We can offer to pay them in cash—a settlement to end the agreement.”

“No.” He shook his head. “He declined the cash offer I made yesterday. I knew he would.”

“You tried to get out of the agreement, you mean?”

“That is the other matter I wanted to discuss with you.” Her father set the glass on the counter and looked at her over the rim of his glasses. “Did you convince Jayson Truman to offer up his own cash to get you out of this?”

“What?”

“Jayson countered the agreement I had with Zeldano.”

“I had no idea.” Arianna bit her lip, taking several steps back until she hit the table. She told him that she didn’t want him involved in this. This was her mess—not his!

“I don’t believe you,” he said between clenched teeth. “Now you can tell Jayson that his offer is no match for Zeldano. It’s no match for what we have planned.”Before Arianna could take a seat to settle her anxiety and attempt to put the pieces together, the head maid entered the dining hall.

“Mr. Klein?”

“Yes, Madame Angelina…”

“Zeldano’s escorts are here,” the maid said.

Not three seconds passed and two men rushed into the double doors nearly knocking Angelina down.

They grabbed Arianna before she could move her legs and one of them hoisted her over his shoulder. The escorts were wolves. She could smell the evidence of pure animalistic determination on them.

She grabbed at his shirt and pounded at his back, but he wouldn’t let go. As they carried her out of the door, she looked up and confirmed that her father had not moved from his stance near the bar.

He’d set her up. She hated him for it.

“Where are you taking me?” she screamed.

They didn’t answer as they rushed out of the door with purpose.

She already knew where they were headed—they didn’t have to say a word.

Her bottom landed onto the leather seat, and she looked around at the darkened exterior of the limo. There was soft jazz music flowing through the speakers, but it didn’t match her irate mood.

The door was slammed in her face, and the locks were bolted. A guard opened the door on the other side, and sat down in the seat facing her.

“Calm down, Miss Klein. We are not going to hurt you,” he said. “Zeldano sent for you. I’m Gordon. I am at your service until we reach his estate. What would you like? A cold glass of water…champagne? I can slice you fresh strawberries as well.”

His nonchalant finesse disgusted her.

Her lips tightened in a grim line. “I don’t want anything.”

“Very well, Miss Klein.” He nodded, and the limo began to move. “When you change your mind, I will be ready to serve you.”

Arianna shoulders slumped, the tension left her body, and she accepted her fate. She glanced out of the window as the driver backed out of the driveway, taking one last look at her father as he stood on the steps.

‘Arianna.’ It was the first time since before her mother died that her father had called to her telepathically.

As she stared back at him standing between the door frame, he looked helpless…and resentful.

Her eyes flooded and the image of her father became hazy. For the first time, since all of the mess unfolded, she spilled tears. They ran down her cheeks like a waterfall.

The servant handed her a handkerchief. She snatched it and dabbed at her eyes.

Maybe it was time to accept this future where her choice didn’t matter…

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

“Ivan is on his way. May I refill your wine glass?”

Arianna looked up at the maid who held the bottle of Chateau Petrus and waited for her reply. “No, thank you.”

The maid excused herself and closed the door behind her.

Arianna turned her attention back to the extravagant place settings on the round table. The server had laid out platters of food and arranged them perfectly on place mats set for two people. Tall candles in the center burned brightly in the dimly lit room. She caught a glimpse of her reflection on the silver domes covering the plates. No matter how hard she tried to feign nonchalance, she could not wipe the troubled expression off her face.

Ever since she’d arrived at the Zeldano estate, the maids and servants had been exceptionally kind to her. To them, it was probably ordinary to make guests feel at home. Most of them were wolf breed and understood the laws governing their kind, so her devastating predicament didn’t seem devastating to them at all. She’d made no attempts to resist them. After all, they were only doing their job. It was Ivan who she planned to give a run for his money.

As if on cue, the latch on the door clicked and Ivan Zeldano stepped in. She swallowed, and vowed that she would be firm and adamant about her requests.

As expected, Ivan was all decked out and groomed in only the finest tailored suit. He walked inside slowly, and lifted his gaze to meet hers. His dirty blond hair was slicked back as usual, and he sported a large gold ring with a ruby stone in the center. Standing at six feet six and build like his forefathers, anyone could see that he was attractive. He didn’t need to force her into this. It was likely that he could have any female in his immediate community—and even outside of it.

Ivan came to a stop next to her. “I thought perhaps I’d have to start chasing you myself.” He picked up her hand and kissed the back of it.

The gesture elicited a grimace that she couldn’t have hidden if she wanted to.

He cleared his throat and gestured toward a servant standing in the room. “Why is the wine glass empty?”

“She said she didn’t want anymore, sir.”

“Fill it,” he ordered, calmly.

The servant retrieved a bottle of wine from the bar and refilled Arianna’s glass.

“Now, leave us,” he said.

The servant gathered up some items on a cart and left the room quickly, leaving Arianna to face Ivan alone.

Ivan pulled out his seat, sat down, and unfolded his napkin on his lap. He had ice blue eyes that studied her like a hawk. “I heard you were the talkative type.”

Arianna bit the inside corner of her mouth. She wanted to curse Ivan out and pitch a fit, but tonight she’d keep her calm. If there was one thing that Arianna learned about men like Zeldano, it was that some cooperation was needed to sway them.

Ivan reached across the table and lifted the dome up off her plate. It was steamed lobster as she’d expected earlier. Her nose flared as the savory aroma gripped her. She was hungry, as she hadn’t eaten since last night before leaving Devin’s cottage. Her mouth watered and she swallowed.

He removed his dome, and then picked up his wine glass. “What’s your favorite color?” He took a long sip.

Arianna’s fist tightened on her lap. Favorite colors were the least of her concerns.

“It’s gray, isn’t it?” He arched an eyebrow. “That’s interesting. I called my designer earlier. He will be here in the morning with some selections for your wardrobe.”

Ivan pulled his lobster apart and even more steam floated up from the plate. “I apologize for the impromptu meeting, but I simply cannot let a good deal expire. I scheduled our ceremony for tomorrow, and I wanted to come together with you to clear the air.”

“A ceremony?” she asked, not able to hold her curiosity in any longer.

He smiled. “Yes. I will announce the union of our two families.”

“No. You will not.”

“Word gets around fast. We should announce it soon, rather than receive backlash later. I think you owe it to your people to represent them in this transaction.”

“Transaction?” Hearing it referred to as a transaction repulsed her, but behind closed doors, that was exactly what it was—a transaction. “I don’t owe anyone anything. There will be nothing to announce, because I won’t be following through with this supposed deal.”

He chuckled. “This is precisely why we need to straighten a few things out.” He reached into his coat pocket and retrieved a rolled paper, and handed it to her.

“What’s this?”

“Your proof that the deal is done.”

She took it and opened it with shaky fingers. The first thing she noticed was the date on the top of the contract. It was the date of her birth. November 8th.

Arianna had dealt with and read many contracts in her days. Many times the legalese bored her. She used what knowledge she had to read through the standard language that had gotten her into this mess.

…to seal the deal I give my first born daughter, Arianna…

She cringed when she reached this part, still not understanding how her father or any man for that matter could put a price tag on someone they truly loved.

…the sum of ten million dollars will be held in a private vault by a third party executor and transferred to Anthony Klein, Senior (or his successor) upon a successful union…

…the union shall take place no later than Arianna Klein’s thirtieth birthday…

Her 30th birthday was in less than three years. Why now?

She looked up to question Ivan, who studied her intently. “I’m not thirty yet.”

“The terms of the contract say no later than. At any time after your eighteenth birthday, I could have taken you.”

“Taken me?”

“When you turned eighteen, you left for college. Your father said it was something that you were adamant about. I decided not to intervene. I wasn’t ready to settle down either, and I got accepted into Harvard a year later,” Ivan said. “There was always something that happened, in my life or yours that stalled the union ceremony.”

“But why now?”

“I have an investor lined up, waiting to sign on the dotted line. This type of deal only comes once in a lifetime.”

“Why do we need to live a lie in order for the deal to happen?” she asked.

“I don’t know if anyone has told you this, Arianna, but your father has accumulated debt with my family of over two million dollars. To even begin to pay us back, his only resource is our union. Another ten million dollars in liquid assets earns our investor’s approval. Currently those ten million dollars are in a private vault as stated in the agreement.”

She shook her head. “Once the ten million dollars is released, why agree to start a partnership together. I don’t get it.”

Ivan grinned. “Ah...you’re very thorough in your examination of this transaction.” He took another long sip of his wine, and licked his lips before continuing. “Why not? I get the total package by doing it this way. A business conglomerate linked to one of the original Caedmon families. A female of noble blood. There can be great accomplishments and conquests with this type of union. Our fathers knew that when they made this agreement. And I know it.”

“What do you mean by conquests?”

“It is no secret that I am no longer a follower of the current Caedmon leadership,” he said, matter-of-factly.

“Then it must upset you to know that I am,” she said.

“That can and will be changed…come tomorrow night.”

Arianna gripped at the end of the table. “Has it occurred to you that I don’t want this?”

He nodded, slowly. “I expected your resistance. There will be some getting used to this. And obviously you skipped the part in the contract about breaking the union.”

She snatched the contract up and scanned the paragraphs looking for the verbiage.

“Section eleven. Go back a page,” he instructed.

Arianna flipped the page over.

…if the union remains in effect for four years, Arianna Klein will be granted ten million dollars cash…

“And what if I want out of this sooner than that?”

“A couple paragraphs down states that you and your father would have to relinquish everything to me. This is not in the best interest of either party. After all, backing out of this means insulting us and our family. We won’t let that happen. It would make more logical sense to reap the long-term benefits of our agreement. Together, we will move to the top of the hierarchy.”

“I don’t agree to this,” she said firmly. “I want out now! There must be an out clause.”

“There is, but I did not accept it. I gain more by having you. Trust me, if I had doubts about you, I would have broken the contract long ago. I have more to offer you than just cash. You want freedom…you’ve got it. You want to further your education…granted. You want to work in the real world to feel like a real human…okay, I get that. I’m not demanding or overbearing as you would expect from a regular husband. This will be in name only, but with some benefits.”

“Will I have to stay in this house with you?” she asked.

“Yes.” He licked his lips. “I won’t rush you into sleeping with me. I’ll be patient when it comes to that.”

“Sleeping with you!” She almost chocked. “As if. You’re crazy.”

He chuckled. “This issue will come up again, especially since the agreement prohibitions sexual relationships with others.”

“This is insane!” Her outburst seemed to surprise Ivan. “Do you honestly think you can buy me to do as you wish?”

“I wasn’t the only one who tried to buy you.”

She lifted an eyebrow. Did he know about Jayson’s attempt to pay her way out of the agreement? “What are you talking about?”

“When your father brought me a suitcase of money with the initials JT engraved inside, it became pretty clear where he got the source of funds?”

It still burned her gut just thinking about how both men had attempted to claim her with bankrolls. From Jayson, this was not something she would expect.

“It is no secret that Jayson Truman has been courting you,” he continued.

“Then why would you insist on this union between you and me?”

“By the laws of the Caedmon, courtship means nothing. If he really wanted you exclusively, you would have already been claimed.”

She swallowed, refusing to let those words bother her. “Did it ever occur to you that I prefer to have options?”

“You do have options. According the contract, you belong to me now. We will announce it and make it official tomorrow night. If you renege on the agreement—should you decide to take that risk—you’d be putting everything your father has ever owned on the line.”

“I will find some way out of this,” she warned, “but until I do, be prepared to live your life in utter hell.”

“This is what it is. Remember…I didn’t make this agreement. Our fathers did this when the both of us couldn’t even speak. This is our fate. If I were you,” he said in a low raspy voice, “I’d make the best of this situation.”

Ivan turned his attention back to the lobster in the center of his platter. He rolled up his sleeves and began to eat.

Fate had a way of interrupting her plans and throwing everything totally off the course. One thing was certain. There was no way in hell that she could live in an arranged pairing to a man like Ivan Zeldano.

Arianna picked up her fork and shoveled some salad into her mouth.

Ivan stole a glance at her and a corner of his lip turned up into a quick smile. “My chef made chocolate cake for dessert. Your father tells me that it’s a favorite of yours.”

She wanted to stab him in the face with her fork.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

All Arianna could hope for now was that her father got what he anticipated. Out of debt. Out of the Caedmon hall of shame for his money-drenching business decisions. And a name in their history books for being the father of the daughter who joined one of the most influential Caedmon families in a union that would push them to the top.

As she glanced at her father from her position in the chair at the head table, he appeared calm, as though all of this was a normal thing. But then again, her father had never been one to give into his emotions. Old in traditions, even the guests among them regarded this as common. She wouldn’t be the first to go down in the Caedmon tales of arranged pairings.

Her father spoke with a male cousin that Arianna hadn’t seen in a long time. The number of relatives in attendance this evening surprised her, given the fact that all of this had been impromptu. For her, at least. The ceremony had been planned in advance for this day. Everyone had been told it would be an important event and that their presence was desired, but they had not been told why.

She almost wondered why her father wasn’t sitting at the head table with her, Ivan, and Luther. It was clear to her before and now, which family would come out ahead because of this agreement. Her father still couldn’t see it or refused to acknowledge it, but in the long run, he would suffer for it.

“Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight, Arianna?” Ivan touched the back of her hand, taking her away from her thoughts.

“You have,” she said, putting her hands down into her lap.

“Gray really does suit you.”

She fingered the beaded stones covering the soft tulle fabric of the dress. The gown was long, elegant, and formed to fit her body. The see-through ensemble wasn’t something she would have chosen to wear for Ivan, but the Zeldano designers had brought limited selections.

Ivan’s non-stop flattery and attempts to make her happy had gotten old. It had been going on ever since their dinner last night. She often wondered when his dark side would emerge. The side that others rumored about in the business world. It was evident that he was controlling and good at bending others to suit his needs, but when he didn’t get what he wanted…

She had to keep reminding herself why she was doing this. It would take a little more time than she had anticipated to get herself out of this mess—but she would.

The first round of drinks and heavy hors d’oeuvres had already been served, and the servants were beginning to bring out the second rounds into the courtyard area.

She picked at her food, taking bites here and there, to appease the watchful eyes of guests that had come from near and far to witness the occasion.

The whole ceremony was being held in a private garden at a ranch house in the forest several miles from the Zeldano estate. Half of the attendees were human, and the other half, wolf. There had to be some compromise in the middle. It didn’t matter what side of the fence one was on because with the wolves, they always concluded the night by running wild in the aftermath. What better way to do that than out in the wilderness?

“May I refill your wine glass?” A servant touched her shoulder lightly.

“Please.” Arianna nodded. The wine was the only thing keeping her relaxed at this point.

The maid moved on to refill Luther Zeldano’s glass next. Although his old age and arthritis is what ailed him the most, he still presented himself strongly to his guests. Every so often, relatives from both sides of the family would come up to greet him. She could tell that they still honored him and looked up to him despite his son taking over the reins.

Since she’d been whisked away to the Zeldano’s estate, Luther hadn’t said very much to her. In fact, she always caught him staring at her dubiously. What did he expect? For her to crumble at his son’s feet like many women had done in the hopes of getting their hands on their money?

She wasn’t like that. She would crumble at no man’s feet.Not an hour went by that Arianna did not think of Jayson. She’d wished that she had listened to him and stayed by his side. How could she have known that her own father would have betrayed her? She didn’t blame Jayson for not coming after her. She’d willingly left him just as she’d done those other times. Only this time, she was certain that Jayson’s chasing after her would end. After this ceremony, he definitely wouldn’t want her.

One of Ivan’s advisors stepped up to the table and handed him a note. Arianna watched carefully as he unfolded the paper and scanned it.

A smile spread across his face. “Announcement time.”

Her heart dropped into her belly.

Luther stood and tapped the side of his empty wine glass with the handle of a knife. Silence fell over the courtyard and people scrambled to take their seats.

“I would first like to thank each and every one of you for attending tonight. This occasion marks a significant milestone in our history,” Luther began speaking. “As a token of our appreciation, every one of you will go home with a set of gold plated wine glasses.”

That seemed to please many, and a round of applause followed.

Arianna bit back her indifference, and her eyes shifted to the moon. It was full tonight, and loomed high and domineered the sky. Unfortunately, this would be a night she would never forget.

“It is no surprise that we have a new addition at the head table.” Luther gestured toward her and offered her his palm.

She held her breath and allowed him to help her to her feet.

“To those of you who have yet to meet her, I present to you the lovely Arianna Klein, first and only daughter of Anthony Klein, Sr. Half of you know her as your blood kin, and the other half knows her for the wolf spirit of Caedmon running through her soul.”

A light breeze ran across her skin and her body shuddered in response.

“Anthony Klein and I have had a long standing business relationship, one that began as me becoming his client. As any smart businessmen will do, we made plans for our future.” He paused before turning to glance at Ivan. “My son has since taken over the bulk of the family business and investments.”

Ivan rose from his chair and stood beside her.

“I’ve grown tired and am not able to tackle our dealings with as much gusto as before,” Luther continued. “The agreement we are about to unveil has been kept a secret until we felt it was time. We are now in the height of the new millennia and many of our offspring are the face of our leadership of tomorrow. We must lead them on the right track…”

“I am proud to announce a union between my son and the daughter of Klein that will take us to the next level.”

Luther paused as an uproar of clapping and joyous words resonated around them. Arianna’s gaze met with her father. He was smiling, of course, but when he saw that she wasn’t, his expression turned dismal.

Luther took his seat, and with shaky hands, he picked up his water glass and took a long sip.

Ivan took this as cue, and took over. “Over the next several months, I will be busy building this empire. We’ve been the underdogs for far too long, coming only in second to the current Caedmon leaders who’ve ignored the visions of our great leaders in the past.” He curved his palm around her elbow and squeezed lightly. “One of the main reasons that Arianna and I joined forces was to combine resources vast enough to earn a significant position in the world market today. This is something I believe the current Caedmon leadership will never accomplish.”

Arianna swallowed, shifting slightly to escape from Ivan’s touch and his vindictive words.

“Arianna’s family has had considerable reach in the human markets for quite some time. Likewise, I am proud to be a part of a family—all of you— that has gained shares, no matter how small, in many of the other markets. Together, with this union, we will do remarkable things.”

There was a commotion near the far end of the courtyard. The guards that stood on either corner of the space rushed toward the back. Attention turned from Ivan to the new situation, and their necks craned and most of them stood in an attempt to see what had commenced.

“Intruder,” a male yelled.

A series of gasps erupted.

Suddenly, Luther stood. He clutched the ends of the table and peered out over the rows of guests.

Arianna’s throat tightened as she sensed an air of danger elevating around them.

A high pitched scream rent the air and tables flipped over, sending the seated members scurrying for cover as glasses and fine china crashed onto the pavement.

Arianna heard the fierce growls before she saw what had transpired.

A pack of wolves now surrounded them.

“What the fuck!” Ivan explained.

Two of them were fighting, tackling each other and rolling into tables. The guests were forced to vacate their seats as the two angry wolves became more aggressive. They toppled over, aiming for each other’s throats.

Suddenly, a huge brown and black wolf lunged between the two sparring wolves. Spittle splattered from his mouth as he growled back and forth between the heated fighters. It was obvious that he was trying to stop the skirmish.

“Show yourself.” Luther pounded his fist on the table sending his glass of water crashing to the floor.

Arianna’s breath caught in her throat when the brown and black wolf shifted instantly.

It was Devin Caedmon.

Many others gasped in shock, and Arianna covered her mouth with her palm. The sparring wolves followed their leader, shifting into their respective human forms. She recognized Dawson as one of the fighters and his opponent was one of Zeldano’s followers.

“You trespassed,” Luther growled.

“Of course we did,” Devin declared.

“What is your reason for disrupting our ceremony?” Luther’s whole body shook in anger beside her.

Someone pushed their way through the bodies of men. It was as though they’d been holding this one back, and had no more strength to do so.

“Arianna Klein.” Jayson came to stand before them all—even the Alpha himself. His hair was wild and his eyes were dark. His chest glowed with a fresh sheen of sweat like he’d run for miles without stopping. The jeans he wore were ripped in several places. “She is mine.”

Arianna’s breaths quickened and fogged out in front of her.

‘No. No. You can’t be doing this.’

‘Yes. I will.’

“Yours?” Ivan grumbled. “I have an agreement that says otherwise.”

“Fuck your agreement!” Jayson attempted to rush forward. It took three men to hold him back.

She hated seeing him this way. Beyond control and angry.

“It’s over. Signed and delivered,” Ivan stated.

“This ends tonight. I’m here to claim my mate.”

“You have no right to her. She was promised to me.”

“You’re wrong, Ivan.” Devin came to stand by Jayson side. “There is an agreement on the table, but any of us can challenge you for Arianna at any time.”

“Challenge me?” Ivan laughed. “When you attempted to buy her back, it wasn’t enough. Why do you think you are worthy enough to have her?”

“Arianna is my mate.” Jayson’s eyes widened. “You knew this!”

“A wolf that lets his mate roam unclaimed for decades. A sorry excuse, is it not?” Ivan looked to his crowd of followers for support.

Some of them grumbled in agreement.

“What wolf attempts to buy someone else’s mate? Is that not sorry, or what?”

Ivan growled. “You’re doing Arianna and her father a disgrace. You must not know what they’ve put on the line.”

“I am aware of what’s at stake,” Jayson said between clenched teeth. “It’s why I am here tonight.”

“Then you know reneging means they lose everything.”

“They haven’t reneged, Ivan. As you said, the agreement has been signed. The transaction has been completed. Your union has just been announced as official.”

“Then why are you here?” This time it was Luther who inquired.

“I’m here to challenge you, Ivan. For Arianna.”

Arianna’s breath rushed out of her forcefully. She clutched her chest. “Jayson, don’t.”

“Do you love me, Arianna?” Jayson asked, surprising her.

“Yes, Jayson, I love you.”

“Then let me do this,” he pleaded.

“Ivan.” Arianna turned to face him. “Let me go. Without a fight. I beg you. This would never have been successful. None of it.”

Ivan’s lips trembled, and he seemed to weigh her request.

“Don’t you dare, Ivan,” his father demanded from behind her. “Don’t you dare let her run.”

Arianna turned, her veins nearly bursting with rage. “You! You and my father made this agreement out of greed. You’ve taught your son how to thrive off the weaknesses of others. Step down as you have declared and stop talking for your son!”

“Your father never taught you how to speak to your elders.”

“This has nothing to do with you, elder,” Jayson called out from the ground. “Your son should be man enough to have his own voice…or not. Haven’t you taught him that?”

“I accept.” Ivan’s voice echoed across the courtyard.

Silence fell over the crowd and a rush of wind gush passed them all.

“If I win, consider the contract null and void and without penalty on Arianna or her father,” Jayson said.

“And if I win,” Ivan said, “You relinquish complete rights to Arianna, and you are never to see her again.”

“Agreed.” Jayson’s body faded into a translucent haze and then he shifted into wolf form.

Arianna joined the frenzy of bodies as everyone rushed out into the clearing in the forest. Ivan didn’t shift until he and Jayson were circling each other.

When their bodies collided, her stomach contracted in panic. It was a gut-wrenching thing to watch—her mate fighting with the one she was promised to. They were both considerably close in age and size, and as they fought she could tell that neither really had the upper hand.

Jayson pounced on top of Ivan, slamming him into the ground. Ivan snapped at Jayson’s muzzle and tried to throw him off. They rolled across the forest floor in a ball of wrath. A yelp erupted from one their mouths and they both shot up into the air taking fighter’s stance and circling each other. Their muzzles were held open, baring teeth that glistened with saliva.

Ivan lunged for Jayson’s throat. Jayson bucked out of the way just in time to miss the assault, but Ivan’s teeth caught his shoulder instead. Jayson half-growled and half-barked and lunged at Ivan. He slashed Ivan across the face with his paws and Ivan toppled to the ground.

Taking advantage, Jayson held Ivan down with his paws and snapped aggressively toward his throat. Jayson caught a front paw between his muzzle when Ivan took a swing at him. Ivan howled in pain and scurried a safe distance away.

Jayson followed the limping Ivan, their foggy breaths thick against the night wind as they panted angrily. They circled for what seemed like several minutes before Jayson made the next move.

He pinned Ivan to the spot and buried his teeth into his chest. Ivan choked on his own scream and he struggled against Jayson’s weight. Lunging upward, Ivan kicked Jayson across the ground and then leaped on top of his back. He tore into the meaty flesh between Jayson’s shoulders.

Arianna’s body propelled forward, but someone gripped at her waist. She turned quickly, ready to defend herself. Her fury subsided when she saw that it was another woman. A human Caedmon.

“I know it’s hard, but don’t interfere,” the woman whispered.

Arianna nodded, slowly, and clutched the other woman’s hand for support.

She turned her attention back to the fight and cringed when she spotted the injured Jayson limping just like his opponent. Biting into her lip hard, she fought the need to speak to him telepathically. He needed all of his strength for the fight with no distractions.

They exchanged a series of hits and slashes across the face and abdomen. A couple of the cuts went deep and both of their furs were soiled in blood.

Once more, their bodies collided and they brawled in the center of the circle for what was too long to bear.

Arianna forced herself to look. She needed to know that Jayson was okay.

Ivan caught Jayson’s hind leg between his teeth and held fast, holding him immobilized. Jayson lowered his body to the ground and his lips flared up against his fangs. His forehead creased in pain.

In one instance, Jayson’s body was on the ground with a leg between Ivan’s teeth, and in the next instant he was atop Ivan again with his fangs at his throat. Ivan thrashed under Jayson as Jayson held fast to his throat. It was a death grip, and by the reduction in movement from Ivan, Arianna could tell he was fading fast.

Jayson moved his massive head from side to side, shaking Ivan like a rag doll. Blood splattered on the forest floor and some of it even splashed on the spectators standing close by.

Jayson growled like a wild beast, holding Ivan’s neck in his mouth.

“Stop. Please don’t kill my son.” Luther rushed forward into the circle. “I signed the contract. I can cancel it. Consider the agreement null and void. No penalties.”

Ivan moaned and his hind legs twitched slightly.

Jayson paused and studied Luther with a murderous glare, but he tightened his grip on Ivan’s neck.

“Please!” Luther held up his hand. “I beg you. My son alive is worth more than this contract.”

Arianna’s father came forward out of the crowd. “I agreed to this as well. Consider it null and void.”

Jayson growled and released his hold on Ivan’s throat.

Ivan slumped to the ground and curled up into a bloody fur ball. His body shook uncontrollably, and his father and some of their servants rushed to his side.

Arianna ran to Jayson and threw her arms around his neck, sinking her face into his soft fur. She didn’t care about the dirt and grime. She breathed in his familiar sandalwood scent, never wanting to be apart from him again.

Her tears spilled onto his fur, mixing with his sweat and blood.

‘Don’t ever do that again.’ She hugged him tightly.

‘I feel like saying the same thing to you.’

“Let’s go,” she said aloud this time.

Jayson led the way in wolf form, and the crowd parted as they made their way toward the forest. She grasped the fold of extra skin on the wolf’s back, holding tightly and securely to him.

Her father stepped in front of them and Jayson growled.

“Jayson…” she said, trying to calm him.

“I just wanted to say that I’m sorry,” her father whispered, “to both of you.”

Arianna was at a loss for words. She was still angry with his decisions and could not trust him because of how he’d betrayed her. Although, she loved him, it would take a long time to earn her respect again. So, she regarded his statement with a nod, but did not say a word.

Her father moved out of their path.

As wolf and woman, Arianna and Jayson continued on their way.

Devin’s followers disbanded. Many of them had already made it into the forest from where they’d come. Others followed behind them, while some waited at the edge of the forest for them.

Only when they were surrounded by trees and the other members of the Caedmon Pack, did her heart return to normal.

She was safe, and with them was where she belonged.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

It seemed like forever before they reached the comfort of his late father’s old home—the home which Jayson had inherited upon his passing.

His entire body felt like someone had buried him under rocks and buckets of water. He had wanted to collapse and let his wolf rest several times as they journeyed through the forest toward the Caedmon village.

After the battle he’d just been through, weakness was not an option. Against her protest, he’d carried Arianna on his back half of the way. Other’s had offered to the do the same, but he wanted no one touching her.

When they were within the gates of the Truman home, only then did he shift into human form. His muscles morphed painfully as he lifted himself to stand his full height.

Arianna walked right into his embrace and palmed the back of his head. She felt like heaven against his bare skin, and he closed his eyes as she showered kisses on his face.

“I missed you,” she whispered.

“I missed you.”

When she’d tricked him and took off on his motorcycle, he’d nearly had a mental breakdown. It had hurt him to know that she’d walk away from him to go to another man. It had taken him hours to find out what had become of her through word of mouth and several more hours to process what he needed to do.

“I’m so sorry.”

“You have nothing to apologize for,” he said. “Let’s go inside and rest now, and start our new life together.”

She smiled, and he picked her up and carried her into the home.

“I don’t have full-time servants,” he said, kicking the door closed. “I like my privacy, now and then, but if you would like them—”

Arianna kissed him, stopping him in mid-speech. “I’ve known you since you were eighteen. I know you never liked having maids.”

“It’s not all about me anymore. I want to make sure that you are happy.”

“I’m happy right now. If I had nothing else in this world, but you, I’d still be happy.”

Jayson carried her up the staircase and into his bedroom. When he reached the bathroom, he placed her gently on the floor. Somewhere during the journey, she’d lost her shoes. Her feet looked pretty and delicate against the black and white marble design.

Even now, tattered and torn, she wore the gown with regal grace. She was his queen. His mate. She belonged to him.

He turned her around and unfastened the button at the nape of her neck and peeled the gown away from her. Once the dress moved past the expanse of her hips, the flimsy fabric fell to the floor at their feet.

She stood naked before him. Beautiful and irresistible.

Jayson moved in closer to her, cupped the back of her head, and pressed his mouth to her throat. He lifted her chin and sipped at the delicate curvature of her neck and licked at the blood-throbbing veins. His fangs forced themselves through his gums.

He breathed in her scent like a delicious meal he was about to enjoy before leading her backward toward his shower. Leaning over, he managed to turn on the water without leaving her warm embrace.

She unbuckled his jeans and pulled out the belt. He stepped out of them and kicked them to the side. His cock already responded to her. Not fully erect, but damn near there.

Taking slow steps backward, she entered the shower and placed her body under the flow of the water. Just like the gown, the water clung to her body like a curtain. She lifted her face to it and parted her lips slightly. The water washed away the smudges on her skin, leaving behind glistening pellets and plush skin that he knew was delicate to the touch.

He joined her in the shower, lured in by her essence and the need to have her.

Arianna led him to take a seat on the bench, and then she grabbed a sponge and a bottle of soap. After straddling him, she began to smooth the sponge over his weary skin. He closed his eyes and leaned back on the glass. His wolf spirit delved just below the surface, making himself known.

When her palms touched the deep bruise on his shoulder, he flinched as instant heat shot through him. The skin tightened across the wound has her fingers lingered there. As his true mate, she was the only one who could heal him with just one touch.

Arianna worked the sponge and her fingers across his body until all the evidence of battle was covered in suds. She brought the showerhead over him, and rinsed him clean.

In the process, he had gained a raging erection. It throbbed at full attention as he remained seated on the bench. She bent before him, and took his big cock in her small hands. Biting into his bottom lip, he braced herself as she teased him with the tip of her tongue. Brown eyes stared up at him, luring him to do much naughtier things with his dick. She dragged her tongue up his column, and then slid her mouth back down again. Her fingers teased his taut sac, causing his rod to tightened and lengthen.

She dug into his thighs with the pads of her fingers and took him deep in her mouth. He groaned and lifted his face to the ceiling. The entire shower stall was fogged with hot steam. The water beat against the tiles and heated up the interior. She suctioned him with her lips, luring a bit of his seed right out of him.

Her lips felt heavenly as they drew him inside her warm mouth. Her palms worked wonders as it pumped him. His cock filled with his seed quickly, fueling the need to release or endure the painstaking erection.

Even when he lifted her head and tried to stop her, she continued pleasuring him.

His orgasm pushed through him, sending his body into intense convulsions. She milked him with both hands, taking his seed into her mouth until he was completely spent.

She helped him down from his orgasm by stroking at his swollen rod with her devilish tongue.

Jayson was still erect with fervent need. Satisfied, but still wanting something.

He stood and lifted her to her feet. His lips meshed with hers and he pushed her pliant body back onto the glass. He let his fingers glide down her body and separated the folds of her sex. She was wet and warm. He could smell the sweet, fragrance of her desire as it mingled with the steam.

He bent to suckle her breasts and she moaned. The tone of it sounded like a harmonious note. He wanted nothing more than to please her into oblivion for that was what satisfied him more than anything else.

Jayson turned her around and pressed his body to her back. His cock slid between the tender globes of her ass. His fingers found her center and played with her needy clit. She spread her legs, literally begging to be fucked.

He always preferred her like that.

…wet with fiery desire…

He kissed her shoulder, sliding his tongue against the nape of her neck. She pushed her tight ass back into his pelvis, teasing his rod with her flesh.

“I want to spend an eternity with you and only you.”

“I give myself. Mind, body, soul, and heart. I offer myself to you.”

His fangs dropped to full length and dripped with saliva. He grabbed her about the waist with both hands. She turned until her neck was barred completely to him.

He prepared her for his bite, licking at her neck. The glands of his tongue released the serum that would prime her for his mark.

Jayson took her, biting her at the throat. His fangs pushed through the delicate lining of her skin, marking her inside and out.

Heat folded from within, engulfing him in what he could only explain as his own frenzy. The wolf spirit rippled through him and rejoiced all at the same time. His veins pulsed with icy hot gratification.

She’d accepted him. Finally. She was his forever.

Her legs buckled under her, and he lifted her up, carried her into the bedroom and laid her wet body out on the bed.

When he lowered himself on top of her, a tear spilled from her eye.

‘I will never hurt you again.’ He promised her.

He kissed her tear away and she wrapped his arms around him. As soon as she tilted her hips to accept him, he plunged deeply within her.

Nothing else was said. Only the sounds of flesh hitting flesh were heard. They had joined completely and now their spirits were united as one. The lovemaking was sweeter, and Arianna, he, and the wolf were finally content.

Her muscles tightened around his rod nearly sending him over the edge again. He covered her mouth with his, tasting her urgent desire. Their bodies grew hotter and sweatier as they clung to each other. It felt like new birth. New life. New love.

Arianna’s lashes fluttered against her cheeks and her mouth parted slightly.

“Come for me,” he whispered.

He increased the rhythm and adjusted his angle, plunging into her willing body over and over again. Her pussy pulsed around him, and her fingers dug into his skin. She cried out when her orgasm captured her. The sight of it sent him spiraling up into his own climax.

He drove deeply, beating into her with urgent passion. His seed shot through her, binding her once again. She shuddered against him as he emptied himself—mind, heart, body, and soul—into her.

In the aftermath, he fell on the bed beside her and cradled her against his chest.

“We were young when we met.” Jayson kissed the top of her head. “How could we have not known that a union such as this with a true mate could be so fulfilling?”

“Fate has a way of surprising us.”

“Yes, she does.”

“I loved you, both man and wolf, when we believed there was no such thing as a mate. I love you now,” she whispered, her voice tinged with a hint of fatigue.

“Then you remember how it was, Arianna? When nothing could ever come between us?”

“Yes, Jayson…I remember.”

His arms tightened around his mate, and soon after she’d fallen asleep, he joined her in a deep slumber.