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Copyright© 2022 N.J. Walters

ISBN: 978-0-3695-0627-6

Cover Artist: Jay Aheer

Editor: Jessica Ruth

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, and places are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

DEDICATION

I’ve been on a journey with the Salvation Pack for more than a decade. Each book, each story has been a labor of love. But like every amazing journey, there has to be an end.

Thank you to all my readers who have embraced the original Salvation Pack and continued to ask for more. Your devotion to this series and this pack has touched my heart. It’s what drove me to write the Next Generation series.

The release of any book takes a lot of work. Thank you to my editor, Jessica Ruth, and the incredible team at Evernight Publishing for giving me the opportunity to bring this spin-off series to life.

WOLF IN THE NIGHT

Salvation Pack: The Next Generation, 5

N.J. Walters

Copyright © 2022

Chapter One

“I can’t get no satisfaction.” Emma Matheson drummed her fingers against the steering wheel of her ten-year-old pickup, tapping out the beat as she belted out the old Rolling Stones classic.

“They got that right,” she muttered. Pretty bad when the only action a healthy twenty-five-year-old got was from her battery operated boyfriend.

In her defense, it wasn’t easy to date—let alone indulge in a booty call—not while living at home. Which was the reason she was on the road at—she glanced at the clock in the dash—nearly midnight. She’d volunteered to take the overnight trip to deliver a piece of custom furniture, with every intention of remedying the problem.

She’d checked into her motel and gone to a bar to have dinner and scope out the local action.

After two hours of being hit on by six men and one woman, she’d thrown in the towel.

There hadn’t been one single spark among the bunch.

After all her plotting and planning—all the lobbying she’d done to convince her family she could handle this trip on her own—turned out, she wasn’t a one-night-stand kinda girl. Go figure.

“Time to face the facts,” she announced to the empty truck cab. “I’m going to die a virgin.”

Right on cue, Madonna broke into “Like a Virgin.” Snorting, Emma switched to the next song on her playlist, which happened to be a classical piece.

Her taste in music was eclectic. It ran the gamut of early rock—Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry—all the way to Foo Fighters and Billie Eilish and everything in-between. It was all thanks to her parents’ influence. They’d been older when they’d met and mated. Long past the age where they’d been thinking about children. Surprise!

She had brothers who’d been mated when she’d made her appearance in the world. Hell, she had nephews older than her.

If she’d been human, she’d be visiting her folks in a retirement home.

Fighting a grin, she grabbed her coffee and took a long swallow. Trying to imagine her active mother and big, strong father ever slowing down was impossible.

Thanks to werewolf genetics, they were blessed with the gift of long life—twice that of humans. So while her folks were skimming ninety, they both looked like they were in their late forties.

She made a face at her lukewarm coffee and set it back in the holder. Should have opted for a Coke when she’d stopped to gas up the truck. She rolled her shoulders and cracked the window to allow the cold air to flow in.

“I should have stayed at the motel.” The sound of her voice helped drive back the exhaustion pulling at her. “That would have been the smart thing to do.” She’d been on the road before it was light this morning, eager to get her journey started. Now all she wanted was to fall into her own bed.

A yawn caught her unawares, her mouth opening so wide her jaw made a cracking sound.

“This is stupid.” But once she’d figured out sex wasn’t on the agenda for tonight, she’d wanted to go home. In hindsight, the entire idea seemed tawdry.

“What was I thinking?” That she was horny, for one thing. Her need to be rid of her stupid virginity had overridden her common sense. It was one thing to use a vibrator in the privacy of her bedroom, another to have sex with an actual living, breathing person. “I thought I’d walk into a bar, talk to a guy for a few minutes, and take him back to my motel.”

Not her finest moment.

Glassy eyes flashed on the right-hand side of the road. She eased up on the gas and passed the two deer without incident. If her father had any idea she was driving this time of night, he’d lose his

mind. As it was, she was in for a lecture about safety.

At least the roads were clear. It was late March, the temperature just above freezing.

Excellent conditions.

“Another hour.” She could make it. Maybe she’d get up early and cook breakfast for her folks.

Assuming she could sneak past them tonight, which was nothing more than wishful thinking. No one got by her dad.

Crash!

The impact snapped her head forward. The seatbelt pulled tight, preventing her from catapulting through the windshield. Her phone and coffee flew through the air. Her purse upended on the floor. The tail of her truck spun.

Gripping the wheel, she hung on as she slid off the road. Just before the front end slammed into a tree, she raised her arms to cover her face. The airbag deployed. Metal crunched. Her head struck the side window. The tree trunk snapped and fell partially on the bonnet.

The silence in the aftermath was deafening.

Blinking several times, she lowered her arms and took stock of the situation. What the hell had happened? “You’re okay.” Her voice sounded hollow and distant. Her ears rang. Maybe she wasn’t totally okay, but she was alive and in one piece.

Fingers shaking, it took three tries to unlatch the seat belt. Before she could shove at the door, it was ripped open. A large male filled her vision. She jerked back when he reached for her.

Ignoring her attempt to get away, he leaned closer. “I saw you go off the road. Are you okay?”

“I think so.” She rubbed her temple, not surprised when her fingers came back bloody. Her head had taken a hard whack. The rush of adrenaline had her stomach churning and her limbs trembling. “Did you see what happened?”

He hesitated the briefest of seconds. “No.”

Inside, her wolf began to growl. While she was tired, she’d still been aware. And right now, she’d swear on her life that there hadn’t been anyone behind her. She would have seen the headlights.

Had he been driving toward her?

Shaken, Emma wasn’t thinking straight, but something about this guy didn’t sit right. He was big and tall with brown hair. The way he was invading her personal space was making her uncomfortable.

“You need to take a step back.” Where was her phone? She wanted to look for it but didn’t dare take her eyes off him. Her wolf didn’t like him. Not one bit.

One corner of his mouth edged upward. The expression in his eyes went from concerned to calculating. “Now why would I do that, sweetheart, when I worked so hard to get your attention?”

Acting on instinct, she swiveled, leading with her fist. He howled when it made contact with his nose. Ignoring the sting in her knuckles and sharp pain in her ribs, she turned her entire body and kicked out with both feet. She barely missed his balls, catching him in the thigh. When he stumbled back, she slid out of the truck. Her legs buckled, but she grabbed the doorframe and pushed off, heading for the woods.

Whoever he was, whatever his intentions, she wasn’t about to hang around and find out.

“You bitch.” He gave a long, low whistle. “Don’t make us chase you.”

Us? Oh, God, he wasn’t alone. Her head ached. Probably a slight concussion. Her ribs might be cracked, but that wasn’t serious. Wolves were notoriously hard to kill and healed quickly.

The first howl had the fine hair on the back of her neck standing on end. The second one knotted her stomach. These men weren’t human. They were wolves, like her.

Running would do her no good. They’d chase her down like prey. Probably enjoy every minute of it. Putting her back to the thick trunk of an oak tree, she took a deep breath and tried to calm her ragged breathing. “What do you want?” If she could figure that out, maybe she could brazen her way out of this. If not, maybe she could figure out a way around them. She’d have to steal their vehicle, since hers wasn’t going anywhere without the help of a tow truck.

“What do I want?” The voice came from off to her right. “I figured the answer was pretty clear. I want you.” His eyes flashed as he stepped into view. It was a clear night, the moon bright.

Even without that, her preternatural vision would have allowed her to see him.

“I don’t know you.” Her heart was beating a mile a minute, thumping so hard her chest hurt.

Or maybe that was her ribs trying to mend.

“But we know you.” Three more imposing men, big and silent, appeared behind him.

“You ran me off the road? You could have killed me. Are you out of your damn mind?” Fury was beginning to override caution and fear.

His growl vibrated in the still night. “Watch yourself, girl. He wants you alive, but it’s a long journey home. You’d heal from a beating before we get there.”

A cold shiver raced down her spine. Who were these people?

“Besides, I was careful. I hit the back of your truck. Not the front. We followed you from your motel. We’d planned to take you from there, but you skipped out.”

She didn’t know what would have been worse, having them grab her there or what she was dealing with now. Back at the motel, there would have been people and possible help. Here she was totally alone.

She could fight. Her father had made damn sure she was trained and could defend herself.

Against one wolf, she’d have a chance. If these men were human, she’d lose them in the woods. But four male wolves? She was screwed.

“Passed you when you stopped in at the gas station. Took us a while to find the perfect place to ambush you.”

This wasn’t a whim. This had been planned all the way. “Why? I don’t know you. I’m no one special.” None of this made any sense.

“Oh, that’s where you’re wrong.” The brown-haired male, the one who seemed to be their leader, took a step toward her. “You’re Mikhail Matheson’s daughter.”

“That’s right.” Pride had her chin tilting up. She refused to be cowed by the likes of him.

“Who wants me? Who sent you?”

The smile was cruel. “Gregor Gribkov, his former alpha.”

****

Dmitri Gribkov scanned both sides of the road as he drove. His foot pushed down on the gas pedal. The speedometer inched up to eighty. The powerful truck surged forward. He could go faster but didn’t want to risk missing his target.

“Where the fuck are they?” He’d tracked Ivan Volkov and his crew all the way to the North Carolina border. It had taken almost twenty-four hours for word to reach him that they’d gone on this crazy mission for their alpha. That gave them a full day’s head start, but he’d only been one step behind them the entire way.

His wolf growled, ready to track and hunt. He’d thought he understood the depths of his father’s hatred. Obviously, he’d been mistaken.

This latest stunt was a desperate one. Not to mention dangerous. Before he could continue that line of thought, he caught a glimpse of mangled metal just off the road. Another truck was parked

further up on the shoulder. He pulled in around it. The front fender was damaged. “Fuck!” They’d deliberately forced the other vehicle off the road.

Before his truck had finished rocking to a stop, he was out and running, a sense of urgency propelling him forward. He cleared the distance to the wreck in a single leap. The metallic scent of metal and blood filled his nostrils, along with another he knew well. “Ivan,” he muttered. The chase was over. He’d found them.

A hint of light floral tickled his senses. Not perfume. Not strong enough. Maybe soap. It reminded him of summer. The sight of an upended purse made his stomach clench.

He slipped off his clothes and embraced his wolf. Fur pushed out from beneath his skin as his limbs contracted and reformed. His head flattened. His jaw elongated, teeth becoming sharp fangs. On silent, claw-tipped paws, he loped forward and began to track his prey. It wasn’t difficult. They weren’t trying to hide.

Voices pinpointed the location. Keeping downwind, he eased closer.

A woman stood with her back to a tree. She was about five ten, her build lean. Blood stained her forehead. Her T-shirt had a tear near the neck. It and her jeans were covered in a pale dust, likely from the airbag. Ivan and his crew—Boris, Luka, and Pavel—spread around her, blocking any escape.

He knew who she was, who she had to be—Emmaline Mikhala Matheson. The woman his father, the alpha of the Sitka Pack, was obsessed with.

He clamped his jaw tight to keep from growling. As he’d done his entire life, he channeled his fury, using it to center him.

“What does my father have to do with this?” Her voice washed over him, ruffling his fur like a physical caress. It was husky with the slightest of trembles. His wolf chuffed, interest piqued.

She might be outnumbered, but there was nothing subservient or reticent about this female.

Her green eyes glittered with anger. He raised his nose into the air and caught the stench of sweat and fear on the breeze. She might be afraid, but she wasn’t backing down.

Everything inside stilled. His wolf stretched toward her, yearning to be nearer. He yanked the beast back under control. Usually, they were in total accord when they hunted, the two of them seamlessly working as one deadly killing machine.

This woman was trouble.

It would be easy to walk away. His fate didn’t have to be tied to hers—no matter what his father wanted. Dmitri could lose himself in the wilds of Alaska or slip over the border to Canada. If it came to it, he could go back to the land of his ancestors. Siberia was nice this time of year.

His wolf dug his claws into the ground, his entire body quivering. The message was clear—

walking away was not an option. Not that it ever had been. No way could he leave an innocent woman with Ivan. Not if he wanted to be able to look at himself in the mirror every morning for the rest of his life. People feared Ivan for a reason. He liked to hurt people, to throw his power and weight around against those weaker. He took sadistic pleasure in punishing those who offended him in any way.

“Mikhail Matheson killed the alpha’s brother. He left his pack and family behind without a backward glance.”

Another thing about Ivan—he liked to talk. Or rather, he liked people to listen, to impress upon them his importance. Personally, he thought the man was too fond of the sound of his own voice.

Since this was a story Dmitri had heard a thousand times before, he made a wide circle around the group, coming up behind the male furthest away from the action. Between one breath and

the next, he shifted back to human, slapped his big hand over Luka’s mouth, lifted him off his feet, and faded into the darkness.

His prey stilled. He damn well knew who had him. Was aware how easily Dmitri could kill him. He adjusted his hold, wrapped his thick forearm around the male’s neck, and applied pressure.

Not enough to kill but to incapacitate. Luka didn’t even try to fight. Maybe there was hope for him yet.

He’d grown up with Luka Petrov, had eaten meals at his family’s home. For the sake of that childhood memory, he spared him. Not to mention, the shitstorm it would bring down on him if he started killing members of his own pack.

“They were cowards. They waited until my dad was gone to try to force my aunt to mate. They banished her. She ran and never looked back.”

The way she stood up for her family spoke well of her. And she was right. It had been a cowardly act. He’d come to the same conclusion when he was still a kid. From a young age, he’d had no illusions about the male who’d sired him. His father had wanted the Gribkov family line linked to the Mathesons through mating. Didn’t matter to him if the woman was willing or not. Gregor was single-minded when it came to getting his own way. It rarely occurred to him that others might object.

He was shocked when it happened.

“Rina Matheson’s purpose in life was to mate with the male her father and alpha chose. It wasn’t her brother’s place to interfere.” Ivan gripped her chin, his fingers digging into her skin. It would leave bruises. They’d heal, but in the meantime, they’d hurt.

The other two were so intent on the drama unfolding before them, they hadn’t missed Luka yet.

Dmitri slid up behind Boris. He choked him until he lost consciousness and lowered him to the ground.

“My father loves his sister. Aunt Rina found her mate. One who loves and cherishes her.”

“Weak.” Ivan leaned down until his lips were a hairsbreadth from hers. “A real male takes what he wants, what belongs to him.”

If he kisses her, I’ll have to kill him.

“If you think he’s weak, why don’t you follow me home? I’m sure my father would love to prove otherwise, but you’re afraid of him, aren’t you.”

It wasn’t smart to taunt Ivan. His temper had a hair-trigger. When provoked, violence was swift and bloody. The only thing in her favor was he obviously had orders. If they’d wanted her dead, she’d already be dead. While he admired her courage, it might get her killed before he could find a way to extricate her from the situation.

“Ah, Ivan?” Pavel turned in a circle, finally cluing in they weren’t alone. “Where are Luka and Boris?”

“Shit.” Ivan yanked the woman—Dmitri didn’t want to think about her as Emma, didn’t want to feel anything the least bit personal for her—into his arms and wrapped his forearm around her neck. “Come on out, Dmitri. I know it’s you.”

With the element of surprise gone, he stepped out from behind a tree, a mere foot away from Pavel, and slammed his fist into the male’s face. He went down like a stone.

“Was that necessary?” Ivan asked. When his captive clawed at his arm, he lifted her off her feet. Her weight pulled her downward, making it more difficult for her to breathe. He had to force himself not to look at her and focus on his nemesis.

“It really was. Release her.”

“No. Are the others dead?”

“No.” They eyed each other, aware of the other’s strengths and weaknesses. Wasn’t the first

time they’d locked horns over an issue.

She bit down on her captor’s arm, hard enough to draw blood. “Fucking bitch,” Ivan roared as he shook her. Undeterred, she brought her arm up and back, clawing at his eyes.

Taking advantage of the distraction, Dmitri leaped forward and slammed his fist into Ivan’s face. It didn’t take him down, but it loosened his grip. She hit the ground and scrambled away on her hands and knees.

When Ivan started after her, he stepped into his path. “Let her go.”

“Can’t. Orders. Unlike you, I obey my alpha.” He yanked his shirt over his head and tossed it aside.

“This doesn’t have to happen.” Even as he said the words, he knew them for a lie.

Ivan kicked off his boots, shifted, and attacked.

Dmitri’s wolf, eager for the fight, leaped forward. The two wolves slammed together in a flurry of fur and fangs and claws. He raked his opponent’s sides, drawing first blood before jumping back, making sure to keep himself between Ivan and the woman.

Ivan feinted to the right and then the left. Not taking the bait, he watched his adversary, his wolf alert and ready. His very calmness pushed Ivan over the edge. His back quarters quivered as his hind legs bunched. He leaped into the air. Not at Dmitri, but over his head.

He’s going for Emma.

He went vertical, locking his jaws around his prey’s neck. They slammed to the ground and rolled. Dmitri ended up on top. It would be so easy to kill the other male. He sank his fangs deeper.

Blood spilled from the wound, soaking into the ground.

A whimper made his heart stop. Emma was watching.

He shifted and leaned down to whisper in Ivan’s ear. “I don’t want to kill you.” He stepped back. Ivan struggled to his feet and growled before disappearing into the woods to lick his wounds.

There wasn’t much time. It wouldn’t take long for Ivan to heal and his temper to flare. The others would wake soon.

He strode to Emma. She was real to him now. No longer a name his father tossed out during one of his rants about justice and retribution. Now she was a flesh-and-blood woman, one of courage and heart. One who drew him physically. They hadn’t formally met, but she’d already melted some of the ice that shielded his heart.

He held out his hand. “Come with me if you want to live.”

Chapter Two

Fear had a taste, something she’d never realized until tonight. It was metallic and nasty. Her shirt, damp with sweat, clung to her torso. Some of her hair had escaped her braid and fell into her eyes.

She’d thought she was going to die.

Her throat throbbed. Her ribs ached. And tears filled her eyes.

Not yet. She couldn’t break down until she was safe. She sucked air into her starving lungs, unable to remember ever being so winded. Exhaustion, along with an adrenaline dump, was making it difficult for her body to heal.

It was the first time in her life anyone had intentionally tried to harm her. Growing up with an overprotective father and overprotective siblings, she’d lived a charmed existence, filled with love and acceptance.

None of it had prepared her for this … hatred. Ivan despised her, had enjoyed hurting her.

Now he was gone, driven away by this mountain of a male.

She blinked several times, but he didn’t disappear, wasn’t a figment of her oxygen-deprived brain. The wolves of her pack were the deadliest she’d ever known. This one, the one Ivan had called Dmitri, might be the most dangerous she’d ever met.

Shaggy black hair fell around massive shoulders. The lower half of his face was covered by a thick beard. His eyes were the same color as the dark amber honey she used to sweeten her tea. Every muscle was sculpted and rippled when he moved. There wasn’t a spare ounce of fat on him anywhere.

She tried not to notice he was naked. Really, she did. But that was impossible. He was built to scale … everywhere. Muscular forearms, enormous biceps, six-pack abs that would make any woman drool, and legs as thick as tree trunks.

Not to mention what was between his legs. Talk about impressive. And arousing. And, okay, a bit intimidating. It was rude to be checking out his private parts, but she couldn’t seem to look away.

“Emma.” His sharp tone broke through her reverie.

What had he said to her? She replayed it in her head. “What are you, the werewolf terminator?” When he continued to stare, a blank look on his face, she shook her head. “Like the movie. The Terminator. ‘Come with me if you want to live.’ That’s what Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character says.”

She bit her bottom lip. God, she was babbling. Loopy from exhaustion, the accident, and pure terror of the unknown. His hand never wavered. It was broad, the fingers long.

Emma said a silent prayer she wasn’t making a huge mistake and put her hand in his. Not that she had much choice. As options went, he was currently the best.

His grip was firm as he pulled her to her feet. Her head didn’t even hit his shoulder. He had to have a good foot on her, putting him at about six ten. Until tonight, she’d thought Cole Blanchard, one of the founding members of her pack, the biggest wolf in existence. She’d been wrong.

“We need to go.” He glanced over his shoulder. A low groan reached her ears. Her kidnappers were coming around. They weren’t going to be happy. Not to mention the very scary Ivan.

She’d taken two shaky steps when he scooped her up in his arms and began to run. “I can walk.” Rather than fight or try to push him away, she looped her arms around his neck and held on.

The wind whipped by them, the trees a blur.

“No time.”

He was right about that. The faster they were away from here, the better. She looked over his shoulder. No one was giving chase. Yet.

They got to the road faster than she’d anticipated. It felt as though she’d run forever, but it really hadn’t been all that far. The sight of her truck made her stomach clench. When he hurried past the wreckage, she yelled, “Stop!”

Rather than ask questions, he skidded to a halt. Surprised by his compliance, she patted his chest. “Put me down.”

“Why?” His arms tightened around her.

“I need my purse. My phone.”

“Right.” Ignoring her request, he sprinted to a nearby truck, yanked open the passenger door, and set her on the seat. “Wait here. I’ll get it.” When she opened her mouth to object, he pressed a finger against her lips. “I’ll be faster.”

He wasn’t wrong. She gave him a jerky nod. His lips twitched. Not a smile. More a hint of one. Then he was gone. For a big man, he moved with grace and economy of motion, as if every muscle in his body was under his complete control.

When he leaned into the damaged vehicle, she admired the shape of his ass. His nudity didn’t affect his efficiency, didn’t hinder his ability to get the job done. When he straightened, he had not only her purse but her tote bag, as well.

She sucked in a breath, her heart rate increasing when he headed back toward the woods, but the panic subsided when he stopped beside a tree and scooped up a bundle of clothes.

Purpose in his stride, he came to her side of the truck. “Here.” He thrust her purse and bag into her arms, tossed his boots and shirt on the floor, and tugged on his jeans. She was sad to see his bare skin disappear, but it was probably for the best. This was no time to notice how sexy he was or how much he appealed to her. It was nothing more than her brain’s way of distracting her from the nasty reality of her situation.

Time to face facts—wolves wanted to kidnap her.

When he reached toward her, she flattened her back against the seat and sucked in a breath.

Ignoring her, he grabbed her seat belt, pulled it across her chest, and buckled her in. With a satisfied nod, he shut the door and strode back to the truck behind them.

Curious, she watched in the side and rearview mirrors as he lifted the hood, tinkered with something, and then dropped the hood.

The cab seemed to shrink when he joined her. He took up so much space. Her arms wrapped around her belongings, she ordered her erratic thoughts. “Thank you.” She couldn’t remember if she’d actually thanked him for rescuing her. “I don’t know what would have happened if you hadn’t come along.” Which begged the question, “Why did you come along?”

He cranked the key and the powerful engine roared to life. She hadn’t even realized it was there. She could have taken the truck while he’d been occupied and driven like a bat out of hell to safety.

He didn’t pull back onto the road, but swung around, heading back the way she’d come. “Hey, that’s not the way home.” Maybe he didn’t realize. “Salvation, North Carolina is that way.” She pointed in the opposite direction.

“I know.”

Her stomach knotted. As the saying went, looks like she’d jumped from the frying pan into the fire. Okay, Emma, you can handle this. Since his attention was on the road, she dug into her purse, trying not to be too obvious about it.

“It’s not there.” His voice was so deep, it practically vibrated through her bones.

“What’s not?” She worked up a shaky smile. Best to play dumb.

“Your phone. I didn’t see it in the wreck. Not sure I’d have taken it if I had.”

Well, crap. “Can I borrow yours? I need to call home.”

“No.”

That was blunt enough. She gripped the strap of her seat belt. He’d saved her. He hadn’t hurt her—yet. He’d taken down four wolves with ease. How was she going to get away from him?

She needed the element of surprise.

Watch for your opportunity. It’s better to do something than nothing. Her father’s instructions came to her, as if he was whispering in her ear. If she survived this, he was going to kill her, metaphorically speaking. In truth, he’d never lay a finger on her. Then he’d roll her in bubble wrap and lock her in her room for the next decade or two.

There was a bridge coming up with a few rough road bumps before it. She remembered it from her trip. She’d had to slow down. So would he. If she could get to the river, she might be able to lose him.

Then all she’d have to do was work her way to the nearest town and wait for a business to open so she could call home. As plans went, it wasn’t great, but it was all she had.

She hadn’t escaped one lot of kidnappers to be taken by another.

The bridge was coming up just around the next corner. She slid her hand to the latch of the seat belt. “Where are we going?” she asked loudly, to cover the snick of the latch. It was open, but she was holding it in place. She went over the moves in her head—release the belt, open the door, leap out of the vehicle, and run like hell.

He didn’t answer. Not surprising. He struck her as the strong, silent type. Maybe that was his nature. Maybe he didn’t care enough to answer. Either way, in less than twenty seconds it would no longer be her problem.

Too bad about him. Unlike the other kidnappers, she didn’t find him repulsive. The opposite, in fact. Likely because he’d saved her. Or she’d thought he had.

The truck slowed and rolled over the bump.

Emma released the seat belt, shoved open the door, and jumped.

****

Dmitri slammed on the brake. The passenger door was open. Emma was gone.

She jumped from a moving truck.

Cursing himself for an idiot, he bailed out, careful to take the keys with him. He couldn’t afford to lose his sole means of transportation. Underestimating her would be stupid. She sure as hell shocked him with this move. He’d thought her too scared and tired to try anything.

Should have talked to her.

But talking wasn’t his strong suit. His attention had been on the road behind them. He expected Ivan and his crew to be in pursuit sooner rather than later. Their alpha had given them a mission.

Failure was not an option, not when it came to Gregor Gribkov. Mercy wasn’t in his vocabulary.

He charged down the bank behind her. She wasn’t even trying to be silent. Rocks slid under his bare feet and bit into his skin. “Fuck,” he muttered. This was his own damn fault. He should have taken the time to put on his boots but had wanted to be ready to shift, if necessary. “I shouldn’t have gotten involved.” But he had. There was no backing out now. He’d come too far.

“Emma.”

She glanced over her shoulder. The fear in her eyes almost stopped him cold. She was looking

at him the same way she had Ivan. His stomach turned sour. The last thing he’d ever do was hurt a woman.

She doesn’t know that, you idiot.

All she knew was that he’d “rescued” her and then refused to take her home.

“Emma, wait. I’m not going to hurt you.” Reassurance was better late than never.

Ignoring him, she picked up her pace. She was hurt and exhausted. Where was she finding the energy? The woman was stronger than he’d thought. Good, she’d need it to survive the shitstorm coming her way.

His legs were longer than hers. With each stride, he got closer. She was gasping, sucking air into her lungs, her feet slapping hard against the ground. She began to weave, her movements jerky.

Her right foot slipped on the damp riverbed. Her body pitched forward.

Dmitri dove, grabbing her in midair and rolling. He slammed down onto the rocky ground, taking the brunt of the damage. “Are you okay?”

But she wasn’t listening. Fists battered his shoulders. Sharp teeth sank into his chest. “Fuck!

Let go.” He sat up and deposited her on the wet ground beside him, grateful she hadn’t taken a chunk of flesh out of him.

A trace of his blood was on her lips. Rather than disgust him, he found it … arousing. His wolf liked that she’d marked him. He shook his head. She hadn’t been claiming him. She’d been fighting him. There was nothing sexy about that.

“I’ll answer your questions as soon as we’re safe.” He tilted his head toward the road. “Ivan and the others will be looking. They’d expect us to head to your pack.”

Sitting in the muck, clothes dirty, hair disheveled, dark circles under her eyes, she chewed on her bottom lip. Something inside him shifted. She wasn’t the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen, but dirty and tired, Emma drew him in a way no other woman ever had.

Mine!

He shook his head, trying to dispel the unwanted sensation. No how. No way. He didn’t want a mate. Especially not this woman.

Shoving to his feet, he held out his hand. “I said it before and I’ll say it again, if you want to live, come with me. Your only other option is to wait until Ivan and the others find you.”

“The saying is, ‘Come with me if you want to live.’ And we could call my father. He’d come.

My pack would come. They’d kill Ivan and the others.”

Bloodthirsty. Not that he could blame her. “That would start a war with the Sitka Pack. Is that what you want for your family? Your pack?”

If possible, her face paled even more. She was a walking ghost, a woman pushed to the edge of her physical and emotional limits.

“You don’t know me. You have no reason to trust me, but I’m asking you to. It’s enough for you to know that the alpha of the Sitka Pack and I don’t see eye-to-eye on anything. Whatever I can do to thwart his plans, I will.”

“So the enemy of my enemy is my friend.”

“Something like that.” Standing out in the open was making him antsy. They were sitting ducks here. The truck was too visible, the location too remote. A perfect place for an ambush. “What’s it going to be?”

She lifted her hand and put it in his. “Don’t make me regret this.”

He pressed his lips together to keep from smiling. Even in the face of overwhelming odds, she never gave up. Damned if he didn’t admire her.

“Can you walk?” It would be easier for him to carry her, but right now, he needed to do whatever it took to make her more comfortable around him. A tall order since they were strangers whose lives had intersected through no fault of their own.

“Yeah, I’m good.”

He wanted to swear when she limped slightly, but he kept his thoughts to himself. She gripped his hand hard and leaned heavily on him as they started up the embankment. “Why here?” Better to keep her talking so she wasn’t thinking about other things.

“Why jump here?”

“Yes.” He lifted her over a downed tree, then put her right back on her feet.

“I knew you’d have to slow for the bump before the bridge. Figured it was my best shot.”

“Smart and courageous.”

She gave a snort. “If I was so damn smart, I would have stayed in the motel for the night and wouldn’t have been on the road by myself at midnight.”

“Why were you?” He released her hand and wrapped his arm around her waist, propelling her the final few steps back to the road.

“Long story.” And none of his business. He got it. He didn’t like it, but he got it. “Not that it would have mattered.”

Dmitri couldn’t stand to see her struggling any longer. Independence be damned. He lifted her into the passenger seat and strapped her in again. Hopefully, this time she’d stay here.

There were no signs of lights on the road behind them. How long would Ivan drive in the other direction before realizing they’d gone the opposite way? After fishing his keys out of his pocket, he climbed into the driver’s seat. Once they were back on the road, he picked up the conversation.

“Why wouldn’t it have mattered?”

Emma turned her head toward him. “What?” Her eyes were almost closed, her voice slurred.

“Why wouldn’t it have mattered if you’d stayed at the motel for the night?”

“Oh, that.” She yawned and pressed her hand against her mouth. Her brows lowered and her lips turned down in a frown when she realized it was dirty. “Yuck. I have wet wipes in my purse.”

She didn’t reach for them, just leaned her head against the seat and closed her eyes.

“Emma? The motel?”

“They’d planned to take me from there. That’s what Ivan said. Either way, they would have gotten me.”

She was wrong about that. Her being on the road, making them chase her, had given him time to catch them. If they’d grabbed her before he’d found them, he might have easily missed them, and she’d be on her way to Alaska.

It had been so close. In spite of the cool night, he began to sweat. He’d come so close to not saving her. Too close.

His wolf growled. He clamped his fingers around the wheel. He should have killed all four of his packmates, but he’d been trying to avoid all-out war with his father.

It was time to face the fact the old man was never going to change, never going to release the past, never going to be satisfied with what he had.

It was time to tell her the truth. “Emma,” he began, stopping when he heard a soft snore. She’d fallen asleep. After everything she’d been through, her body had finally given out and demanded rest.

“I’ll protect you,” he vowed. “Or die trying.”

Chapter Three

“Where are we?” Emma rubbed her eyes, appalled she’d fallen asleep in the truck with a complete stranger.

A squat, single-story L-shaped building stood before her. The white paint was peeling in a few spots, but it looked clean. They were parked outside a nondescript motel … somewhere. How long had she been out?

The sun was coming up, but it was barely peeking over the horizon. She could have only been asleep a few hours.

“About four hours in the opposite direction of where we were.” Which told her nothing, not that it really mattered. It just felt, well, odd not knowing where she was. He turned and studied her.

She fought the instinct to fuss with her hair and wipe her face. She was a mess. No way around it.

Sweaty, dirty, and rumpled. “I’m going to get us a room so we can clean up, eat, and get some rest.”

She waited for the outrage to come at his suggestion they share a room. Nope. Nothing. Maybe she was too tired to work up any concern. He had to be even more wiped out than she was. He’d fought four wolves and driven for who knows how long before he’d found her.

“Can I trust you to be here when I get back?”

Her first instinct was to run as soon as his back was turned. Her wolf whined, not liking that idea. There was too much at stake here for her not to understand what was going on. Unfortunately, he was the man with the answers. “Yes.”

His dark amber eyes studied her intently as he weighed her words, trying to decide on the truth of her answer. Finally, he nodded. “I’ll be back as fast as I can. If Ivan or the others show up, run to me. If you can’t, hit the horn.”

Hand against her stomach, she glanced uneasily out the window. Each vehicle that went past was suspect, had the potential to bring danger. Nowhere was safe. Nowhere but home, and she couldn’t go there. Not yet.

“Hey.” He reached across the space and tucked a loose hank of hair behind her ear. “They don’t know what I’m driving. This is a rental. As long as they don’t catch sight of us, we should be okay.” The touch was gentle and light and curled her toes in her boots. “Be right back.”

He was halfway to the office by the time she got her wits back. His stride was fluid and filled with purpose. He was also wearing a shirt and boots. When had he put them on? Last time she remembered, he’d been wearing only jeans. He must have dressed before she’d woken.

Naked or dressed, he looked damn good. As if sensing her watching him, he glanced over his shoulder. Their gazes met. Her temperature spiked.

“This is not good.” The second the door closed behind him, she yanked open her purse and rummaged through it, just in case her phone had, by some miracle, ended up in there. “Nothing.”

Undeterred, she checked the glove box, but that was empty outside of the owner’s manual and some wet wipes. The storage compartment between the seats was also empty.

Damn, if he had a phone, she hadn’t seen it. Who didn’t have a phone? And he’d taken the keys. “So much for trust,” she muttered. Yes, she’d tried to run from him, but that’s what any smart captive did, right?

“What to do? What to do?” She could go to the office and ask to use the phone. Not like he’d make a fuss in front of a human, or would he? It was a hard and fast rule among their kind to never involve humans in their problems. The last thing they needed was people believing werewolves were real. The packs could feud among themselves and fight within their ranks, but none of them would

survive the entire human population hunting them.

“I don’t think he cares much for rules.” Call her crazy, but he struck her as a rebel. Wasn’t he fighting his own packmates?

Closing her eyes, she inhaled deeply, pulling the oxygen into her lungs. Just as slowly, she released it. By the fifth breath, she’d calmed her scattered thoughts. On the sixth, the door of the truck opened.

“You okay?”

She turned her head and nodded. “Yes.”

He studied her a few seconds and gave a curt nod. “We’re in the room on the very end. I’m going to leave the truck parked here. If Ivan and his buddies somehow find us, they’ll expect us to be in one of these rooms.”

And every second would count if they had to either run or defend.

“Sounds good.” By the time she had her seat belt off, he was around to open her door. The ground seemed farther away than it should. Holding onto the doorframe for support, she slid out. “I’ll just get my things.”

“I’ve got them.” He reached around her, their bodies touching. Heat rolled off him in waves.

“We need to get inside.”

Right, no point in standing around making themselves a target.

He should have looked ridiculous with a flowery tote bag and a bright green purse hanging over his arm, but it only served to emphasize his sheer masculinity. Both items seemed tiny against his massive body. A sturdy brown duffel was slung over his shoulder. It was plain and unassuming and functional.

Her bags were functional, but plain and unassuming? Never. She was an outdoors girl, at heart, but embraced her femininity, too. To her mind, there was no reason to pick one or the other. Not when there was so much to enjoy in both aspects of herself.

He used a key card to unlock the room and ushered her inside. With one final scan of the area, he shut the door. The drapes were closed, giving the space a gloomy appearance, but she scented lemon cleaner. Hopefully, that meant it was clean.

He dumped the bags at the end of one of the two beds. She breathed a sigh of relief. They wouldn’t have to share. Ignoring the twinge of disappointment she refused to acknowledge, she sat down in the lone chair by the window, refusing to track dirt any deeper into the room. Bending forward, she tugged at her bootlace and succeeded in knotting it. “Damn it.”

“Let me.” Large hands brushed hers aside. Down on one knee in front of her, he untangled the lace. He removed her boot and set it aside before doing the other. It was a symptom of how tired she was that she let him. Independence be damned. She wanted to be clean. Best to save her energy for a shower.

“Thanks.”

He grunted and stood. “You can get cleaned up first, if you’d like.” After a pause, he added, “I can loan you a shirt if you want to wash out your clothes.”

She rubbed her hand over the back of her neck and rolled her shoulders. She was one giant knot of tension. “Thanks. I have a change of clothes in my bag.” It’s what she’d planned on wearing on the drive home this morning.

God, it seemed like years since she’d left home rather than twenty-four hours. Her parents would be frantic when they didn’t hear from her.

A landline. Most motels had them. She started to look for it and then stopped. Best not to bring

it to his attention. If there was one, she’d use it while he was in the shower.

“What are you thinking?” The mattress sank and the frame creaked when he sat on the edge of the bed.

“I’m too tired to think.” Not true, but that was her business.

He undid his own boots and set them next to hers. She wore a size ten, but hers were tiny next to his. What size did he wear?

“Why don’t I believe that?”

She shrugged, gathered her strength, and pushed to her feet. Now that she was feeling relatively safe, all her aches and pains were making themselves known. A long sleep and some food and her body would finish healing. As it was, the superficial cuts on her palms and the bruises on her arms had disappeared. What she was experiencing now was overall fatigue rather than any injury.

“You don’t really know me, do you?” Something pinged in the back of her brain. “You don’t really know me,” she repeated. “And I don’t know you. Ivan called you Dmitri. What’s your full name? Who are you?”

He went still as a statue, his expression growing even more somber. The corners of his lips tightened. His eyes narrowed.

Shit, this wasn’t going to be good.

Gripping the back of the chair, she used it to steady herself. “Dmitri?”

His big hands fisted against his thighs. He looked directly at her. “My name is Dmitri Gribkov.”

That name was familiar. Then it came to her. “Ivan said the man who sent him, the alpha, is Gregor Gribkov.” She visually measured the distance to the door. “Any relation?” Could be a coincidence, but the way her luck was running, she braced for the next blow.

“My father.”

Emma dove for the exit.

****

Dmitri sprang forward and slammed the door she’d managed to open. Damn, she was quick.

He leaned his big body against hers, pressing her against the wooden panel to keep her from harming herself … or him.

“I won’t hurt you.” His voice was rough, not exactly reassuring, but it was the best he could do. Being this close to her was a vivid reminder that Emma Matheson was a hot-blooded female wolf. He strangled those thoughts in an iron grip. Not easy when the more she struggled, the more her scent teased him. Below the sweat and dirt lay the pure essence of a woman.

He loosened his hold the slightest bit. Her elbow came back fast and hard, slamming into his ribs. “Fuck! Enough, you little she-devil. I’m trying to keep you alive.”

“So you say.” Panting hard, she kicked back, but with her boots gone, it didn’t do any real damage. “For all I know, you want to be the one to hand me over to your alpha.”

“Why the hell would I do that?” Getting her around the waist, he lifted her off her feet, carried her to the bed, and tossed her facedown on the mattress. He followed, using his weight to keep her in place.

“Duh, he’s your father.” Slippery as an eel, she almost squirmed out from beneath him.

“That’s not my fault. It’s an accident of birth.”

She snorted. “Get off me. You’re suffocating me.”

“Obviously not if you can still talk.” He shifted some of his weight to the side. She bucked hard, almost throwing him off. “That wasn’t very nice.” They wrestled until she was on her back, her

eyes shooting daggers at him. He grabbed her hands and slammed them over her head. “Listen to me.”

“Why should I?” Her chest rose and fell rapidly. Her entire body was stiff as a board beneath him. He tried not to notice how their bodies aligned.

“It’s the truth.”

Closing her eyes, she turned her head to one side. Her disbelief cut deep. Cursing himself for an idiot, he rolled off her, making sure to keep himself between her and the door.

The silence grew until she cracked one eye. “Convince me.”

He dragged his fingers through his hair, gripped the ends, and pulled. It was either that or strangle her. She was stubborn as a mule.

If he wanted her to trust him, he had to be totally honest. “If I did what my father wanted, I’d have already mated you.”

She scrambled off the bed and growled. “Try it and I’ll castrate you.”

His laugh was ragged. “I don’t want to get mated any more than you do.”

Her full lips pressed together, and she crossed her arms over her chest. During their altercation, her shirt had been pushed up, exposing a swath of soft skin. It was distracting.

“I thought all male wolves wanted to mate.”

“Why would I want to mate a complete stranger? Look, my old man is a vengeful, mean son of a bitch. I grew up listening to his rants about your father. Quite frankly, I’m sick of it. If I never heard the name Matheson again, I’d be happy.”

Her chin shot up, and she marched toward the door. “I can remedy that.”

He caught her arm before she could get by him. “If I let you go, Ivan and his friends will catch you. If not now, then some other time. My father is patient when it comes to getting revenge. They’ll drag you to Alaska. If your father gets in the way, they’ll kill him.”

Her green eyes practically glowed in the dim light. “If you knew my father, you’d realize how ridiculous that statement is. He’d kill them.”

“Maybe so, but what about the next wolves that get sent after you? What about the more vulnerable members of your pack?” Every pack had them—children and elderly who would be prey to a vicious pack of wolves.

“I just want to go home.” Her shoulders slumped. She looked small and forlorn, completely at odds with the woman who’d fought him every step of the way.

“Me, too.” He tugged, tumbling her onto his lap. Wrapping his arm around her waist, he held her there when she tried to get up. He had to make her listen, make her see reason. “I live on the fringes of pack land. I have as little to do with the rest of them as possible.”

“Why don’t you leave?” She was stiff and unyielding, but she’d stopped fighting. He’d take that for the win.

“Alaska is the only home I’ve ever known.” That wasn’t the full truth. “My mother passed a month ago. She’s the reason I stayed.” The pain and shock of losing her was a fresh wound, one that might never heal. When he’d discovered she’d gone missing, he’d mounted a search. His father had scoffed, told him to leave it be, that she’d gone off on one of her week-long treks into the bush.

Dmitri knew better. She always left word with him if she was going to be away for more than a few hours, understanding how he worried about her. This trip was meant to be two nights and she was overdue.

He’d followed her scent but found only a scattering of remains, which had crumbled to dust in his hand. Werewolf bodies decomposed rapidly after death, thus ensuring there was no evidence for humans to find and examine. It also meant he had no idea how she’d died. He’d searched but found no

clues. The area was one frequently used by pack members. There were too many scents to home in on just one.

No one had paid for her death—another reason he hadn’t left Alaska. He wouldn’t rest until whoever murdered his mother was brought to justice. Because she had been murdered. There was no other explanation.

He’d suspected his father, but his anger and grief had been all too real.

“I’m so sorry.” Emma’s eyes filled with tears. One escaped, trickling down her cheek. He caught the salty droplet with his thumb. His chest ached. No one, other than his mother, had ever cried for him. The tear was worth more than gold.

“Why are you crying? You didn’t know her. For all you know, she might have been a nasty person.”

Emma shook her head, her hair brushing against his beard, several of the strands tangling in it.

The weight of her on his lap, the feel of her in his arms, comforted him in a way nothing else ever had.

“You wouldn’t have stayed if she’d been like your father.”

Sighing, he nodded. “She was the best. She mated because her parents ordered her to. It was an honor to mate with the alpha. Some honor. It wasn’t an easy life, but she made the best of it, finding pleasure in the little things. I always knew she loved me.”

“But not your father?”

He’d never told this to anyone in his life. Emma was surprisingly easy to talk to. Maybe it was because she had no stake in the pack politics that hounded and haunted him. Or maybe it was being away from the pack. With his mother gone, he had nothing else to lose.

“Being Gregor Gribkov’s son comes with expectations. I was never good enough, strong enough, or mean enough. Ivan is more his son than I am.” And that stung. He might be thirty, but a small piece of him wanted the approval of his father. Something he’d never get.

Once he’d found and dealt with his mother’s murderer, he’d leave. Until then, he was stuck.

He owed her that much after all she’d given him.

“I’m sorry.” She melted against him, her head resting on his shoulder. “I really am. But you have to see, our best bet is to go to my pack. They’ll protect me.” She glanced up, chewing on her bottom lip. “Maybe … maybe you could stay with my pack. For a little while.” Her cheeks were a bright shade of pink.

He ran the backs of his knuckles over her cheek. “Thank you for the offer, but your alpha wouldn’t allow you to bring the son of an enemy into your pack.”

“Why is your father doing this?”

That was the biggest question. “Your aunt was promised to Alex Gribkov. She declined and was banished. Alex planned to go after her and drag her back home, but she’d vanished into thin air.

No one could find her. When your father found out what had happened, he challenged my uncle and killed him. Then he turned his back on his parents and the pack and walked away without a backward glance. That takes guts. Gregor has hated your father ever since. Feared him, too. Mikhail Matheson threatened all he held dear. After that shitstorm, he had to defend his title as alpha. That led to the deaths of two other males.” His mother had told him about it when he’d asked years later. He’d only been a kid at the time.

“In his twisted mind, he sees my mating you as a way of righting that wrong. The strong Matheson bloodline is joined with his, and Mikhail will suffer knowing his daughter is part of Gregor’s pack.”

“There’s a basic flaw in that plan.”

He barely swallowed a yawn. Damn, he was tired. Between the flights and the drive, he’d been on the move over a day with no rest and little food. “There’s more than one.”

She nodded, her head brushing his chest and shoulder. “There is, but the biggest is my father would come after me. He’d challenge your father and kill him. Then he’d come after you.”

His spine slowly stiffened. He wasn’t afraid of some old wolf. Mikhail Matheson had to be in his late eighties or early nineties by now. Sure, that was only like being in his late forties, if he was human, but it was still old. Dmitri was in his prime.

“Since we’re not mating, that’s not going to be a problem.” It was pointless to worry about something that was never going to happen.

When she pushed off his lap, he let her go, even though he wanted to hang onto her. His wolf grumbled and growled, unhappy that she was no longer there. “You really don’t want to mate with me?” Her skepticism was valid. She didn’t really know him, didn’t understand he wouldn’t be pushed where he didn’t want to go.

He shook his head. “No.”

Bare foot tapping against the carpet, she put her hands on her hips and glared. “Why the hell not?”

Chapter Four

What in the name of all that was holy was she doing? Why was she objecting to him not wanting to mate with her? It wasn’t like she wanted to mate him. Right?

Even as she told herself to keep her mouth shut and walk away, she blurted, “What’s wrong with me?”

He was staring at her like she was some exotic display in a zoo. No, more like an oddity in one of those carnival sideshows from a hundred years ago.

She threw her hands into the air. “Well?”

He rubbed his hands over the thighs of his jeans. Sitting, he was almost eye-to-eye with her.

“I’m not sure what you want me to say.”

“The truth would be nice.” She began to pace the confines of the room. Every time she moved toward the door, he tensed, but remained seated.

“I’ve told you the truth. You seem nice, but I have no desire for someone else to decide my life for me.”

That brought her up solid. She’d been looking at this entirely from her point of view. Dmitri’s life had been upended by the death of his mother. Her heart ached for him. She couldn’t imagine the pain of losing someone so important. “Of course, you don’t want to mate some unknown female.”

She’d been viewing him with the same lens as Ivan and his crew, while he seemed more like the males of her pack.

No way would her alpha—Jacque LaForge—order any of the females to mate without their consent. If any male tried, he’d be the first to take them down.

“It’s nothing personal.”

She rubbed her hand over her face. “It sure as hell feels personal.” The entire situation was a mess. “What are we going to do?”

The space shrank when he stood. When he reached toward her, she jerked away, but his arm stretched past her. He lifted her bag and purse off the bed and held them out to her.

“You’re going to get a shower. There’s a diner across the road. I’m going to get us some food.

We’ll figure out our next move after we’ve rested. I don’t know about you, but I’m about done.”

He looked as strong and vital as any male she’d ever met, but there was a tightening at the corners of his eyes and dark circles beneath them.

“Sure.” She took her bags and held them against her chest.

He caught her face between his big hands, warmth seeping into her. “Don’t run. You won’t get far on foot. You’re tired and hungry. Let’s call a truce for today.” He rubbed his thumb over her lips.

The bottom fell out of her stomach, in a good way. Butterflies began to flutter in her chest. “You can go back to hating me later.”

“I don’t hate you.” Why was her voice so breathless? She cleared her throat. “You should go.”

“Yeah, I should.” They both stood there, staring into each other’s eyes. His were gorgeous dark amber with little flecks of light. He leaned down, giving her plenty of time to object.

She’d never been attracted to a male with a beard before. Was it as soft as it looked, or would it be scratchy against her skin?

His lips brushed over hers. It was the lightest touch. More like a puff of air. She parted hers and moaned. On a groan, he delved deeper, slipping his tongue into her mouth. He explored slowly, taking his time. His beard was soft. It added another texture, another element to the kiss.

Her bags fell from her nerveless fingers, hitting the floor.

Going up on her toes, she clutched his shoulders and gave herself over to the embrace. It was madness. Neither of them was looking for a relationship. This was nothing more than adrenaline and proximity. They’d been thrown into a dangerous situation. It was only natural they’d be drawn to each other in a sexual way.

That’s what they wrote in all the books she read and movies she watched. It couldn’t be anything more.

But she was no longer sure. The longer the kiss lasted, the more she lost herself to the sensual sweep of his tongue, the glide of his lips, the brush of his beard. There was no rush, no sense this was a prelude to anything else.

Which made it all the more delicious.

When he finally raised his head, she swallowed heavily. What did one say after a kiss that rocked her world from its foundations and left her entire body humming?

“You should shower.”

“You should get food.”

They stood there long seconds until he took a step back. She clung for a moment before releasing him.

“I won’t be long.” He walked backward toward the door, stopping to jam his feet back into his boots. “I’ll lock up behind me.”

“I’ll be in there.” She waved toward the bathroom door, unable to look away.

“I’m not looking for a mate,” he reminded her.

The pain was sharp and swift, but she ignored it. “Neither am I.” It wasn’t a lie. She wanted sex, a chance to spread her wings before she decided to settle down. She wasn’t looking for happily ever after. She was young. There was plenty of time.

Her wolf whined and pawed. She ignored the primal creature. She wasn’t controlled by her instincts alone. Her intellect also guided her. And this male was too dangerous and deadly, had far too much baggage. Not to mention his father wanted to kill hers.

She was no Juliette to his Romeo. Shakespeare’s play was a tragedy, not a romance. She had no intentions of getting her heart broken, or worse.

With one last smoldering look—and he was a natural—he left. The loud click of the lock broke the sensual spell. She shuddered and wrapped her arms around herself.

“What are you doing, Emma? You’re playing with fire, and you’re going to get burned if you’re not careful.” She grabbed her bags and went into the bathroom, depositing both on the floor.

Like the rest of the space, it was clean and serviceable but nothing special. The tiles were chipped in a couple of places, but there were several towels.

When she looked in the mirror, she barely recognized herself. Bracing her hands on the edge of the sink, she leaned forward. Her hair was more out of the braid than in. Her complexion, pale to begin with, was downright pasty. Her lips were swollen and damp. She pressed her fingers against them, the heat from Dmitri’s mouth lingering. The way he’d kissed her, as if he had all the time in the world, had left her breathless. Being the focus of all that intensity was enough to make a girl contemplate stupid things.

“Ohmygod.” The words ran together to make one. “What am I doing?” Mooning over a kiss when she was finally alone. She could call her folks. Let them know she was okay. They’d be worried sick by now. She’d promised to text them before bed last night and again when she got on the road this morning. She’d lost track of the time, but it was well past her check-in.

Scurrying back to the bedroom, she found what she was searching for on the bedside table.

She leaped for the phone. Her hand shook as she made the outside connection. Her finger hovered above the keypad. What the hell was the number? Like most people, she pulled up her contacts list on her phone when she wanted to make a call.

“Think.” It took her a second, but the number came to her. She punched it in. It rang. Once.

Twice.

The door to the room opened. Gasping at the intrusion, she jumped back, her spine hitting the wall.

It wasn’t Ivan in the doorway. No, it was Dmitri. He didn’t look pleased.

“Emma, is that you? Where are you?” Before she could answer her father, Dmitri leaped over the bed, grabbed the cord, and yanked it from the wall.

The line went dead.

****

It was stupid to feel betrayed. She didn’t owe him anything. In her place, he would have done the same thing. Hell, he’d have taken off as soon as the coast was clear.

He held up the end of the phone cord. “I thought we’d agreed you shouldn’t call anyone.”

“I agreed not to go home. Not yet. I never agreed not to call my parents. They’ve got to be worried sick. More so after that stunt.” She raked her fingers through her hair but got them caught in her braid. Growling, she yanked the elastic from the end and unwound the strands.

He swallowed heavily, sweat beading on his forehead. Glints of red were hidden among the brown locks. He curled his fingers inward to keep from doing something stupid—like touching it.

“Better safe and worried than dead.”

On a huff of frustration, she threw the elastic at him. It bounced off his chest and onto the floor.

He raised a brow. “Feel better?”

“No.” She threw herself down on the side of the bed. “I feel like crap. My parents are going to worry themselves sick.” Her eyes pleaded with him. “Let me call them. I’ll keep it short enough that it can’t be traced.”

“They’d do that?”

“In a heartbeat. You have no idea of what my pack will do to find me. You do not want to make an enemy of my father or brothers.”

Ignoring the lump in his gut, he sat alongside her, careful to give her space. He longed to take her into his arms and reassure her that everything would be okay. But that would be a lie. There was no way to predict the outcome. Events had been set into motion. They had to play out. In the end, people would die.

His resolve hardened. It wouldn’t be him or Emma. He’d do whatever he had to in order to see she survived.

Her shoulders slumped, her hair falling forward to hide her face. The pressure in his chest grew until it became a physical ache. Why should he care about her feelings? Keeping her alive was the goal.

“Emma—” He broke off, not sure what to say. He wasn’t good with words at the best of times. Action was more his thing.

She rubbed her bare toe against the faded carpet. Her toenails were painted a shimmery pink.

It was such a feminine detail. He wanted to examine it closer. Maybe nibble on her toes.

His mother had been tough, hiding her gentle heart beneath a gruff exterior. She’d never polished her nails. Some of the women he’d been with had worn makeup, but it had always seemed more like artifice to hide the truth. He’d never liked kissing a woman wearing lipstick. His enhanced

senses allowed him to taste every single chemical. A complete turn-off.

She turned her head, her green eyes luminous with unshed tears. “My parents aren’t young. I was a late-in-life baby. This will kill my mother.”

The knife jammed right into his heart. He might be able to deny her the need to call her father, but her mother? He’d kill to have one more moment, one final conversation with his. The last time he’d seen Ylena Gribkov, she’d brought him fresh salmon. They’d spoken for a couple of minutes about inconsequential things. He’d hugged her and watched her walk away, not realizing it was the last time he’d ever see her.

“Fuck.” He got up and retrieved his duffel and returned to the bed. “I’m going to regret this.”

He dug to the bottom of the bag and withdrew his phone.

“You had a phone all this time?”

“Yeah.”

“Is that why you came back?” Her scowl deepened. He wanted to rub the small line forming between her brows. His grip tightened around the phone.

“No, I came back because I forgot my damn wallet. Need money to pay for food.” He held the phone out to her. “Two minutes.” When she grabbed it, he held on. “Don’t make me regret this.” He released the device. Not that he was overly worried. It was a burner, and he’d destroy it as soon as she was done. No point in tempting fate. He’d stayed alive this long by being smart.

The smile brightened her entire face, as though he’d given her diamonds instead of a cheap phone. “Thank you.”

Unable to stop himself, he rubbed his thumb over her bottom lip. He couldn’t stop thinking about their kiss. He was thirty, not thirteen, damn it, but he was acting like some hormonal boy with his first crush.

Her smile faded. She didn’t blink, her eyes changing from happy to some other emotion he didn’t want to name. They didn’t need sexual attraction muddying the waters.

Too late. He ignored the voice in his head. “Make your call.”

“Right.” She took a deep breath and punched in a number. It only rang once before it was answered.

“Who is this?” The voice was deep and angry. Dmitri slid closer to Emma. It was pure instinct, this need to protect her.

“Daddy?”

“Emma, what the hell is going on? Whose number is this? Where are you?” He fired off one question after another, growing more demanding. Dmitri’s hackles rose, his wolf growing restless inside him. If Mikhail Matheson had been in front of him, he’d be on the verge of attack. Every muscle in his body rippled and flexed. He had to force himself to relax.

Emma’s laugh was forced. She looked and sounded on the verge of tears. “I’m safe.” She glanced at him. Dmitri nodded. Wouldn’t hurt to put her pack on guard.

“I was run off the road.”

Her father swore. “Where are you? I’ll come get you.”

“Ah, it’s complicated.” She rubbed her free hand over her jean-clad thigh. “I was targeted by four males from your former pack.”

The silence was deadly. Every fine hair on Dmitri’s body rose. Mikhail might be an older wolf, but he was a dangerous one.

“You’re sure?”

“Yes, they were to bring me back to Gregor Gribkov.”

“I should have killed that bastard before I left.”

Dmitri growled. His father might be a bastard, but he was still his father.

“Who’s with you?” her father demanded.

“Ah, the male who rescued me.”

They’d already been on the phone for too long. He plucked the phone from her hand. “My name is Dmitri Gribkov.”

The low growl made the phone vibrate. “You hurt my daughter and I’ll hunt you down. Then I’ll go for your father.”

He took the insult and ignored it. Wasn’t the first time someone had painted him with the same brush as his old man and wouldn’t be the last. He’d spent his entire life living in his father’s shadow and trying to live it down. If not for his mother, and sheer stubbornness on his part, he might have given in to the pressure years ago.

And become like Ivan.

The very idea was abhorrent. “Get in line. I have four pack members wanting my blood because I handed them their asses.”

“You didn’t kill them?” How casually Mikhail spoke of killing. It was the easiest solution, but it should be a last resort. Otherwise, he was no different from his father.

His father thought him weak because he’d walk away from a fight, try to mediate a conflict.

What he’d never understood was that Dmitri had been born to kill. His instincts were honed to the sharpest edge. The couple of times he’d had to defend himself or die, killing had come easy. Too easy.

He feared if he took that route too often, he’d lose himself in bloodlust.

Then he’d become the monster.

Emma stroked his arm. Shit, he’d gotten lost in the past. Losing concentration wasn’t something he could afford. “I’m trying to avoid a pack war, not start one.” That was beginning to look more and more like a pipe dream. His hand was going to be forced sooner or later.

“Sometimes it’s unavoidable.”

Dmitri tilted his head to one side. He heard something in Mikhail’s tone. Something he hadn’t expected. “You have regrets?” It was odd to be speaking to the male who’d killed his uncle, the one his father had ranted and raved about for years. He should hate the man, but found himself oddly grateful. Without him, there’d be no Emma.

“Son, when you live as long as I have, you’re bound to have them.” There was weariness now. “Life is never as cut and dry as we’d like it to be. Sometimes all we can do is make the best decisions we can in bad situations.” He paused. “I’m sorry about your uncle Alex.”

His father would never apologize. Not to anyone for any reason. How many times had Dmitri heard “It makes a man weak” from his old man. “I’m sorry about what happened to your sister.” It was despicable what they’d tried to do.

“Emma.” A female voice broke into the conversation. She was breathing heavily, as though she’d been running. A shiver ran down his back. Emma sounded a lot like her mother.

“Mom, I’m okay. Daddy will explain everything.” He was still holding the phone, but she was leaning close enough to talk. Not that she needed to move closer. They all had enhanced hearing. It was more habit than anything. “I can’t talk long.”

“Come home. We can protect you.” There was compulsion in Mikhail’s tone, but Dmitri bowed to no male, not even his own father and alpha.

“Are you willing to start a pack war? Can you protect all your vulnerable from a marauding pack of wolves? That’s what it will come to. My father’s hatred of you is a sickness, one that is

rotting his mind. He’ll sacrifice everyone if it means you suffer. I’ll handle this.” He ended the call abruptly and crushed the phone in his hand.

Emma cried out and made a grab for it. She was too late. There was nothing left but pieces. “I didn’t get to say goodbye.” She slapped at his shoulder. “I didn’t get to say goodbye,” she said again, but louder.

She began to pummel him, her fists striking his chest and arms. He made no move to protect himself. How could he? He deserved whatever punishment she doled out. None of this was her fault.

She was a pawn caught in a web of hatred decades in the making.

She came up on her knees on the bed. Her face was flushed, her eyes wide and wild. Teeth bared, she slapped his face. The loud crack echoed in the room. She froze. Hands covering her face, she burst into tears.

Dmitri drew her into his arms with no resistance. Chin resting on the top of her head, he held her through the storm of her tears, each one a stain against his soul.

Chapter Five

I hit him. Her palm stung from where it had connected with the hard plane of his face.

“Don’t cry, sweetheart.” His chin rubbed the top of her head as he ran his hand up and down her back. It seemed normal to burrow closer to his warmth, which made no sense. He wasn’t the enemy, but he wasn’t on her side either, not totally. There was no anger, no threat. Only comfort.

The tears fell harder. “I’m sorry.” She hadn’t been trying to injure him, not really. Otherwise, she’d have gone for the vulnerable parts—eyes, throat, and groin. It had been more to vent her anger.

She’d never purposely hit someone before. Sparring didn’t count. That was part of the training process.

“I deserved it.”

Why wasn’t he railing at her? It would have been easier. His understanding was making her feel lower than a slug. No, lower than the ground the slug was crawling on.

“I shouldn’t have slapped you.” She rubbed at her eyes and sniffed. Some women looked vulnerable and beautiful when they cried. Her nose got stuffed up and her eyes turned red. She was not a pretty crier.

“The body shots were okay?”

How could he tease her about it? “I was frustrated and angry.”

“I get that. Don’t worry about it. You didn’t get much power behind them.” He frowned. “We need to work on your form.”

“My form is perfect.” Now he was critiquing her attack? “I wasn’t trying to hurt you. Not really.”

He brought the tail of his shirt up and wiped her face. “I know.”

“You’re making your shirt dirty.” How could such a huge man be so gentle? Sure, she’d seen it in her pack with the large males in her family, but they were the exception to the rule when it came to male werewolves.

Or so she’d believed.

His lips twitched and turned up at the corners. It wasn’t a big smile, more a hint of one, but it changed his face completely. “What’s a little snot after everything we’ve been through?”

Emma burst out laughing. Hand pressed against her stomach, she fought for breath. The release was as therapeutic as the tears. “I can’t believe you said that.” As fast as the laughter began, it dried up, and the tears came again. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me. Now I’m whining. I hate whining.” She clamped her lips shut before she said anything she might regret.

He huffed out a breath. “You’re exhausted and hungry and afraid. You’ve been hurt and your body is trying to heal. You want to go home, but you can’t.” His big hand rose and fell steadily against her back, smoothing out her rough edges, as he listed off each item.

Home—her heart ached to be there. She wanted to hug her parents. She wanted to curl up in her bedroom, surrounded by everything that was familiar and safe, and pretend none of this had happened.

The shaft of pain was quick and biting. She didn’t want to forget Dmitri. She wanted to have met him under different circumstances.

Not that it would ever have happened. He lived in Alaska and had his own problems. Her life was in North Carolina. He didn’t want a mate, while she did. Not now, but in a few years, after she had some experience under her belt.

She rubbed her hand over her forehead, ignoring the hollow ache in her belly. God, she

needed to get cleaned up and sleep. Nothing was making sense. When her eyes closed and her head jerked forward, she forced herself to leave the safety and comfort of his arms and stand on her own two feet.

“I need to shower.”

“And I need to get food.” He tucked his wallet in his back pocket and gathered the fragments of the phone. Rather than toss them into the garbage, he kept them in his hand as he went to the door.

“Promise me you won’t leave.”

“I’m too damn tired. I want a shower, food, and rest.” Her gaze fell on the bed where he’d held her in his arms. The top cover would smell like him, would surround her as she slept.

A shiver of arousal ran through her. She was shocked she could stand, let alone feel passion, she was so tired.

He misunderstood her reaction and frowned. “Make sure it’s a hot shower. You’re having trouble regulating your body temperature.” He left quickly, not looking back.

Emma went to the window, tugged the drape to one side, and watched him cross the lot and the busy road. He paused outside the diner long enough to dump the remnants of the phone in one of their trashcans. As if sensing her scrutiny, he turned and looked before pulling open the door to the restaurant and disappearing inside.

She let the drape fall and stumbled to the bathroom. The bed looked damn enticing, but no way was she sleeping in sweat and dirt and God only knew what else. She started the shower and stepped under the spray before the water was fully heated. The chill raised goose bumps on her arms.

He wasn’t wrong. Her body shouldn’t have reacted to the cold. Werewolves stayed at a constant internal temperature unless they were injured or hungry or otherwise stressed. And she ticked all those boxes.

The tiny bar of soap provided was unscented. Rather than dig out her own, she unwrapped it and began to wash. The cuts on her hands and the bruises on her body had faded, but healing had depleted her reserves. She had nothing left. If she got hurt, her injuries would take longer to repair.

That was a problem.

Once her hair was clean and her body scrubbed, she stayed under the hot spray until it began to cool. Only then did she shut it off. The plunk of dripping water sounded overly loud. Very aware of being alone and vulnerable, she grabbed the towel. After she’d dried off, she redressed, including bra and socks, and packed the dirty clothes. If they had to run, she wanted to be ready.

She’d just finished brushing and braiding her hair when she heard someone at the door. Heart pounding, she flattened her back against the wall of the bathroom.

“It’s me,” Dmitri called out. The delicious scent of fried chicken wafted toward her. Drawn by her nose, and her hunger, she tossed her brush into her bag, gathered her belongings, and padded to the other room.

“What did you get?” He hadn’t asked her preferences, and she hadn’t offered them. She wasn’t a picky eater. At this point, she’d pretty much eat the container the food came in. Her stomach growled in agreement.

He unloaded the first of two paper sacks, piling food on the table. “Fried chicken, potato salad, mashed potatoes, gravy, cheeseburgers, fries, onion rings, chicken nuggets, and drinks. I wasn’t sure what you’d like.”

There was a ton of food. More than any two normal people would eat in three days. It might be enough to satisfy them. “I like it all.”

He flashed another lethal grin. Her heart skipped a beat and picked up its pace. If he noticed,

he said nothing. Maybe he was as hungry as she was. Hungry for food. Not for anything else.

Shut up, Emma. After scolding herself, she sidled over to the table.

“Help yourself.” He motioned to the spread. “Take whatever you want. I’m not a fussy eater.

There’s nothing here I won’t eat.”

Taking him at his word, she grabbed two pieces of chicken. With both hands full, she frowned.

How was she going to manage everything?

The deep chuckle caught her off guard. “You look like a kid in a candy store. It’s not going anywhere. You don’t have to take it all at once.”

Heat crept up her cheeks. “I’m hungry,” she mumbled.

His laughter died. He shifted the rest of the fried chicken onto some napkins and held the box out to her. “Fill it with whatever you want.”

How was she supposed to resist him when he was being so kind? Acting like every male she’d grown up with. It was something her father would do for her mother.

“I should have gotten them to throw in some plates or an empty box. I wasn’t thinking. I usually eat alone.”

That sounded lonely and made her sad. She couldn’t imagine eating meals by herself. A quick snack, sure, but her pack was big on eating together. A normal night included at least her parents. It wasn’t unusual to have people over or to head to someone else’s home.

“You’re not alone now.” She motioned to the table. “Pull it over by the bed. You can take the chair.” It was small and wooden and about thirty years old. “On second thought, you take the bed. I’ll take the chair.”

He tugged the table over and sat, not touching any of the food until she was settled. Only after she’d taken her first mouthful did he reach for a burger. He ate it in about four bites and went back for another.

After polishing off four pieces of chicken, a mound of mashed potatoes, and some potato salad, she wiped her hands on a napkin and reached for her drink. The more she consumed, the better she felt. Elbows on the table, she leaned across it. “What’s the plan?”

****

Dmitri tried not to watch her eat. He didn’t want to make her self-conscious. But the way she moaned as she ate the damn chicken and licked her fingers was driving him mad. He wanted to suck on her fingers and have a taste. They would be spicy from the chicken coating. He barely suppressed a shudder. Damn good thing he was sitting and the table was in front of him. He was hard as steel. His jeans were too damn tight and threatened to strangle his dick.

“The plan is to keep you safe.” He’d hoped to hold off this conversation until after they’d both slept. Having devoured the fries and the onion rings Emma hadn’t eaten, he reached for the final burger and stopped, his hand hovering over it. “You want this?”

“Go ahead.” She waved her hand at the burger. “And that’s a pretty vague plan.”

To give himself time to think, he unwrapped the burger, took a big bite, and chewed. She smelled better than the food—clean and fresh. The color was coming back to her face. Exhausted and afraid, she’d drawn him in. Refreshed and on more stable ground, she knocked him off his feet.

He cleared his throat. “It’s the best I’ve got until I figure out a way to get my father and the pack off you while not igniting a war.” No easy task. His father was like a heat-seeking missile when he set his sights on something.

And his sights had been on Mikhail Matheson for a very long time.

Emma reached across the table and covered his hand with hers. “You’re in an impossible

situation. It’s not your job to protect me. That belongs to me, my family, and my pack.”

When she withdrew, he wanted to grab her hand and hang on. He, the man who’d made it his life’s work to not get attached to anyone. Besides his mother, that is. And even there, the relationship had grown more distant the older he’d gotten.

He clenched his jaw to keep from spewing that it was his job. He’d only known her a matter of hours, but Emma had become the center, the focus of his life. Maybe it was the danger swirling around them heightening his senses. Maybe the intense feelings surrounding her would dissipate when it was over.

He didn’t think so.

A bell tolled a death knell in the back of his mind. The death of his life in Alaska. The death of his relationship to his pack and remaining parent. No way would Emma ever leave her family and pack. Why would she when they clearly loved and adored her?

What could he offer her besides a crazy father and a bloodthirsty pack?

He shook his head and shoved the thoughts away. This thinking was as insane as the old man’s. There was no them. They weren’t a couple. They were two people thrown together by circumstance.

His wolf growled, unhappy with his assessment.

“My father and pack are the problem.”

She tilted her head to one side and studied him. Her green eyes saw far more than they should.

“Have you always felt responsible for everyone else?”

Bitterness tinged his laugh. “You’re likely the only one on the planet who thinks that. I keep to myself and don’t involve myself in anyone else’s life.” It was a lonely existence, but a safe one. The games played by his pack didn’t interest him. He didn’t need to prove himself or his worth to anyone.

Except Emma.

He growled and shook his head. “Don’t try to psychoanalyze me. Ask anyone. They’ll tell you I’m a mean bastard. A loner.”

“That’s what you tell yourself. It’s safer that way.”

He stood and gathered the empty wrappers and shoved them back into the bag. “You want more?” He was done talking about this.

“Yes, I want more answers. If you don’t have a plan, I do.”

That would involve him taking her home. Wasn’t going to happen. Not yet, at any rate. I’m being unreasonable. He’d done what he’d set out to do. He’d thwarted the kidnapping attempt. She and her pack had been warned about the threat.

I should go home.

Problem was, it no longer felt like home. Alaska was nothing more than a place he’d lived the last thirty years. His only link to the place had been his mother. With her gone, he didn’t have to go back. Not like he spent much time with his father or the others.

He dumped the remaining food in one container and set it on the table. Everything else went into the bag and then to the garbage basket. Keep moving. Keep putting one foot in front of the other and doing what needs to be done. That’s how he’d survived.

“I’m going to shower.” Making sure he had the keys to the truck, he grabbed his bag and headed to the bathroom. He had to get away from her before he did something stupid like kiss her again. His dick flexed, more than ready to get on board with kissing.

“Thank you.”

Don’t look at her. Ignoring the inner warning, he grabbed the doorframe and glanced over his

shoulder. “For what?”

“For caring enough to step in and prevent the kidnapping. For stopping when I jumped out of the truck. For feeding me. For caring.” Her expression was so earnest and open it made him feel jaded and much older than his years.

“Don’t make me into something I’m not. I’m no fucking hero.” Never had been, never would be.

Her smile was soft and inviting. “I’m not so sure.”

Not bothering to respond to such an absurd statement, he entered the bathroom and shut the door behind him. His scowling face stared back at him from the mirror—angry eyes, lowered brows, and pursed lips. Not exactly anyone’s idea of a hero. Certainly no Prince Charming. He’d fit the role of villain better.

“Fuck it,” he muttered. He stripped off his clothes. He’d been on the go more than twenty-four hours. Once he’d had some sleep, he’d figure out his next move.

A damp towel was hung on one of the rods. It smelled of soap. It smelled of Emma. His fingers were almost touching it before he yanked his hand back.

Swearing under his breath, he cranked the water and stepped beneath the spray. Bad enough to be lusting after her without turning into a complete pervert and smelling her towel.

Leaning his hands against the tiles, he bent his head and let the warm water cascade over him.

He was used to having to adjust because of his height. His cock was erect, demanding attention.

Ignoring it, he grabbed the soap and ran it over his chest and arms. The same bar had touched Emma’s soft skin.

Dragging his fingers through his hair, he gripped the ends and pulled. The cords of his neck stood out as he silently roared. He couldn’t get away from her. Worse, he didn’t want to. She’d gone from being a name and an obligation to a real person, someone he respected and liked and wanted.

Only took him two minutes to get clean. His erection showed no sign of dissipating anytime soon. He worked up a thick lather between his hands and grabbed his dick. If he had any hope of sleeping, he had to deal with this.

He wasn’t gentle as he jerked off. This wasn’t about pleasure. It was about releasing the pressure. His balls were heavy and full and dangled between his legs. He worked his hand up and down his hard length. When he sucked in a breath, he caught a whiff of her scent from the discarded towel.

Gritting his teeth, he threw back his head as he came. It coated his hand and stomach and kept on coming, long after he’d normally have stopped. When he was finally done, his balls didn’t ache as much, but his dick was still hard.

He turned the spray full on cold as he cleaned himself up. Since staying in here all day wasn’t an option, he turned off the water. He dried and dressed quickly and hung his towel next to hers to dry.

He stared at the two thin pieces of white fabric. His chest tightened.

Turning away, he grabbed his bag and left, switching off the light behind him.

Emma was lying on the bed closest to the bathroom. Her eyes were closed. He waited for her to open them, to start asking questions again. Her chest rose and fell in a deep, slow rhythm.

She’d fallen asleep.

He stowed his bag and sat on the bed opposite her. Hands linked, he rested his forearms on his thighs and watched her sleep. Long, dark lashes swept under her eyes. She had a perfect nose. Not too big or small. Her lips were full and inviting and slightly parted.

Feature by feature, she was no different than millions of other women. Yet, she was unique.

She was Emma. After all she’d been through, she wasn’t railing at him or cursing her fate. Instead, she’d offered gratitude and empathy.

Swallowing heavily, he rolled back on the mattress, turning his head so he could watch her across the empty space separating the two beds.

She wasn’t under the covers. The long-sleeved shirt she wore meant he couldn’t see if there were goose bumps on her arms. As a wolf, she shouldn’t be chilled.

He closed his eyes. They popped back open ten seconds later. Sleep was impossible if he was worried about her being cold.

Getting up, he removed the bedspread from his bed and laid it over her. Emma squirmed and snuggled deeper into her pillow, but she didn’t wake.

She’d fallen asleep before he’d come out of the bathroom. Either she was more tired than he’d thought or she trusted him. It was likely the former, but the idea it might be the latter warmed him from head to toe.

She shivered.

Giving in to the inevitable, he lay down behind her and wrapped his arm around her. This was strictly for protection purposes. He ignored the fact that the other bed was closer to the door. He needed sleep. This was the way to get it. It was safe enough. They were both dressed and she was covered, adding another layer between them.

Closing his eyes, he released a deep breath. His entire body sank into the mattress. The tension that had gripped him for days let go. Emma fit against him perfectly, her back curling into his chest. His chin rested on the top of her head. Their legs bent at the same angle so hers were tucked against him.

Home.

The thought was fleeting, but it rocked his world. This was what home felt like.

Chapter Six

Emma was having the most wonderful dream. A cloud brushed against her forehead as she floated, safe and cozy and oh so warm. The most wonderful scent in the world pulled her closer to wakefulness. Her eyes fluttered open.

For a second, she didn’t know where she was. Panicked, she tried to move, but a strong arm was locked around her.

Dmitri.

“It’s okay,” he murmured, his deep voice whispering in her ear. “I’ve got you. You’re safe.”

He sounded half-asleep.

She became very aware of him lying behind her. Her ass was snuggled against his groin—and that wasn’t a lead pipe poking her. She tried to ease away, but his hold didn’t loosen.

She’d never slept with a man before. Odd for a woman of her age, but there’d been no opportunity. Deciding to take advantage of the situation, she made herself relax. She didn’t feel threatened by his presence. It was the exact opposite.

They were both dressed and there was a blanket between them. He must have covered her at some point. Last thing she remembered was trying to stay awake until he came out of the shower.

Failed that one. Even imagining him naked and soapy—and she had one hell of an imagination—

hadn’t been enough to keep her eyes open.

She was toasty warm, almost hot, between the covering and the heat rolling off him. It made her drowsy. She had no idea how long she’d slept but figured it had to be a while. Curling her toes, she went up her body, flexing and releasing muscles. She felt … normal. Whatever injuries she’d sustained, the food and rest had taken care of them.

Her wolf was content. Liked the way he smelled as much as Emma did. It was an earthy, masculine scent mixed with soap.

“You’re not going back to sleep, are you?”

She shook her head. “I don’t mean to keep you awake.” She tried to roll away but met resistance. “If you’ll let me up, you can get some more rest.”

“No, I’m done.” He rubbed his chin against the top of her head. The sound of traffic filtered into the room. Sunshine peeked around the edges of the curtains.

“Any idea what time it is?”

“Probably late afternoon or early evening.”

It was odd to lie in bed when it was light outside, having a conversation with a man she met such a short time ago. Needing to see him, she tried to turn.

“Stop squirming.” He sounded as if he was in pain.

“I want to face you.”

His sigh ruffled her hair, but he eased up enough for her to roll over. It wasn’t easy with the covers tangled around her, but she managed. He groaned again and grabbed her hip.

“What’s wrong?”

“Any closer and you’re going to find out.” The heat in his eyes practically scorched her.

“Oh.” God, what a stupid thing to say. She wasn’t at her sharpest when she woke. Coffee helped but not much.

“Yes, oh.” He tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. It sent a river of arousal flooding through her when his fingers brushed the curve of her throat.

Now she wanted to squirm for a whole other reason. It might not be smart, but she was

attracted to Dmitri. Talk about an understatement. Her panties were damp, her body hot, and her blood pumping.

“You shouldn’t look at me like that,” he warned.

“Like what?” She licked her dry lips, loving the way his eyes followed the motion.

“Like you want me.” His amber eyes positively glowed. His sharp cheekbones and pursed lips gave him an almost feral expression.

Deciding to live dangerously, she walked her fingers up his chest. “Maybe I do.”

He caught her hand and carried it down to his groin. “I want you. I want to strip you naked and taste every inch of your bare skin.”

God, yes. Had she spontaneously combusted? She thought about fanning her face. Sweat beaded on her brow.

He wasn’t nearly done. “Then I want to fuck you until we both can’t see straight. But, sweetheart, I’m not looking for a mate.”

Talk about a bucket of cold water. “I know,” she snapped. “I’m not looking, either.”

“You think you’re not.” He ran his fingers over her cheek and down her throat. She fought the urge to tilt her head back and offer it to him. “But you are. The male who claims you will be one lucky bastard, but it won’t be me.”

“Why? Because I’m your father’s choice?”

“Partly.”

“Isn’t that giving him even more power? Kind of like cutting off your nose to spite your face.”

“Maybe, but it is what it is. I have a target on my back after rescuing you. An entire pack will be after me unless I figure out a way to fix this. No mate of mine would be safe.”

A pang of jealousy made her stomach clench. She didn’t like imagining him with another woman. “I’m already not safe,” she reminded him. “We don’t have to mate.” It was time to be daring and go for what she wanted. She wanted to have sex with a living, breathing male. A vibrator didn’t cut it. This might be her only opportunity. The attraction between them was off the charts. She might not have any experience, but she damn well knew when a man wanted her.

And he wanted her—bad.

“Sex would complicate things.”

Maybe so, but he hadn’t pulled away or gotten up. She took heart. He was as conflicted as she was. “It doesn’t have to.”

He gave a rough laugh. “Sweetheart, you have complicated written all over you.”

The term of endearment made her toes curl. Her breasts ached unbearably. Her core was throbbing. Since she could smell her arousal, he could, too. “I’m willing to take a chance. Are you?”

“I shouldn’t.” He lowered his head, his lips hovering over hers. Deciding not to wait, she kissed him.

It was as good as she remembered. Better. Because this time, she didn’t plan to stop. Screw the kidnappers. Screw the world outside the door. It may only be an hour, but she wanted this time together more than she’d ever wanted anything. After that, she’d worry about her parents and making plans to stay safe.

Growing need drowned the niggling worry. Having sex didn’t have to equal commitment or deep emotions. It didn’t have to, but she feared it did. Dmitri fascinated her. He was larger than life, determined, strong, yet had a gentler side. She wanted to learn everything about him. Did he like books or movies? What did he do for fun? What made him laugh?

She shoved those thoughts away. Sex. This was all about sex.

She pushed her tongue into his mouth, exploring. Their last kiss had been rushed, over before she’d barely begun. Now, she took her time. She loved the way he tasted, the rumble in his chest, the way his hand cupped the back of her neck and pulled her closer.

On a growl, he put his free hand on her ass and dragged her against his body. His erection pulsed against her. The layers of fabric between them were frustrating. She shoved at the covering, getting it low enough to kick aside.

He kissed her like a man possessed, his tongue dipping and diving, retreating and returning.

He slanted his head to one side, changing the angle. His beard rubbed her cheeks and chin, adding another layer of stimulation.

She shoved her hand under his shirt and found hot skin stretched over hard muscle. Oh yes, this was what she wanted. He was a buffet of yummy maleness, and she wanted to feast. She traced the ridges of his abs. Found a flat nipple and tweaked it.

He flipped her onto her back. Jaw clenched, body rigid, he lay on top of her, using his forearms to support the bulk of his weight. His eyes glowed. He shook his head and growled.

“Be very sure this is what you want.”

Even now, he was trying to protect her. She didn’t need protection, not from him. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she urged him closer. “I want you.”

He pressed his groin against hers, letting her feel his swollen cock. Her thighs parted, bringing him closer. Arching up, she rubbed against him. The hardness of him, coupled with the brush of the fabric, ignited an ache that only he could soothe.

“You are so fucking beautiful.”

She was no model, but she’d always been confident in her looks. This was different. For the first time, she experienced her power as a sexual being. Surely he must feel something for her beyond lust. Or maybe that was only wishful thinking.

He reared back, grabbed a handful of his shirt, and yanked it over his head, exposing acres of hard male flesh.

This is really happening.

Nerves and anticipation mingled, creating a cocktail of emotions. It was easier when they were kissing. She could barely remember her own name then, let alone think.

She could do this. Moreover, she wanted to do this.

I will do this.

The last of her doubts silenced, Emma reached out to pull him back down.

A phone rang.

****

What the fuck am I doing?

Thinking with his dick instead of his brain, that’s what. Dmitri cursed whoever had interrupted them. It took everything in him to pull away from her and get off the bed.

Emma scrambled into an upright position. The heat in her eyes gave way to confusion and finally suspicion. “You destroyed your phone.”

“That was a burner.” He dug to the bottom of his duffel and pulled out a phone. He’d meant to leave it at home, but at the last second had tossed it into his bag and forgotten about it. “This is my personal one.”

And one he should have destroyed. It was stupid and potentially dangerous to hang onto it, but there was a recording on it from his mother. Nothing special, just her letting him know she was going off into the wilderness and how long she’d be gone.

It was the last message she’d ever left him. There would be no more. He couldn’t bear to get rid of it, often replayed it just to hear the sound of her voice.

Should have removed the damn battery.

“Don’t answer.” Emma was pale. All signs of sweet and sexy aroused female had been erased.

Rage swept through him. He clamped down on his emotions and accepted the call. “Yeah.”

“You’re causing problems.” The refrain was a familiar one, as was the voice.

“I’m not the one who sent four men to kidnap an innocent woman.” It was dangerous to bait his old man, but angry men often gave up more information than they intended.

“You had no right to interfere.”

“Call off your dogs.” He’d been pushing his father’s buttons most of his life. Unintentionally when he was younger. Now he used it for his benefit.

“They’re loyal enforcers, which is more than I can say for my own son.”

It galled him that Emma was hearing this conversation. He might be a grown man, but his father’s opinion of him stung. Guess he wasn’t the only one pushing buttons. On the positive side, it would certainly convince her that he was telling her the truth.

“More like loyal lapdogs. Starting a war with another pack over something that happened so long ago isn’t exactly smart.”

“I’ve led this pack for decades.”

Dmitri sat on the bed and lowered his head, rubbing the back of his neck. Technically, werewolves didn’t get headaches, but he was coming damn close.

“Mikhail Matheson killed your uncle. His sister abandoned her pack and duty,” his father continued.

“It was a fair fight. It was his right as brother to avenge his sister’s honor.” It was the same argument they’d been having his entire adult life.

“Ivan told me you have the girl.” The change in conversation didn’t surprise him. It was a ploy his father used when he was finished with a subject. As alpha, he believed his opinion was the only one that mattered. “Bring her to me and I’ll forgive you.”

Fed up and done, he replied, “What makes you think I want forgiveness?” He was so tired of the fucking politics of the pack, the jockeying for power. Males he’d grown up with, and had played with as boys, had turned into men he didn’t like and couldn’t respect. They followed orders blindly, not concerned if they were right or wrong. All that mattered was their position in the pack.

“You will do as I say. You’re not alpha.”

“Not yet.” The challenge was issued in a soft, almost gentle tone. While he hated the politics, sometimes there was no choice. While his mother was alive, she’d made him promise not to rock the boat. He’d agreed because he loved her and had spent most of his time away from the community.

With her gone, all bets were off.

It was the perfect solution. If he were alpha, no one would dare harm Emma. It was a way to protect her, even if it meant they’d never be together.

His wolf howled, a long, lonely echo within him, confirming what Dmitri didn’t want to be true. He clenched his jaw, no longer able to deny the truth staring at him. Emma was his mate. The irony wasn’t lost on him.

For humans, it would be too soon, but he was a wolf. Something about her stirred the primal beast within. He fisted his hand, fighting back the urge to shift. Whatever he had to do to protect her was what he’d do. No matter the cost. She’d forget him in time. He’d take a mental picture of her in

his arms to his last breath and beyond.

“You think you can take me, boy?”

“Why don’t we find out, old man?”

“Since you’re so eager to prove yourself, let’s see how you do without my protection.”

Dmitri’s fingers tightened around the phone as his father continued, “I disown you. You’re no longer my son. No longer a member of this pack. I only kept you alive this long because your mother begged me to.”

“Ylena Gribkov never begged anyone for anything.” The old man could say what he damn well wanted about him, but his mother was off limits. “She’d rip out your throat for even suggesting such a thing. And I may no longer be your son, but I am Ylena’s son.”

“You have been sanctioned by the pack. You’ll be looking over your shoulder for the rest of your days.” Rather than scare or worry him, as his father intended, it freed him from years of emotional bondage.

“Afraid to meet me, are you?”

“I fear no one. The girl will be my reward to the wolf who takes care of you.”

Over his fucking dead body. “Send your worst. I’ll kill them all. Then I’m coming for you.”

He ended the call, flipped the phone over, and removed the battery. He tossed both into his bag. “We need to leave. I have no idea if my father has the capability to track my phone or not, but his dogs will be coming after us.”

He didn’t want to face her, didn’t want to see her expression. Disowned by his pack.

Disavowed by his father. Sanctioned by his alpha. There was no worse punishment for a wolf. Would she fear him now after his easy talk of killing? She had to be terrified over his father’s latest threat to her safety.

He grabbed his discarded T-shirt and pulled it on to give himself time to settle. It seemed a lifetime since he’d removed it. Minutes before, he’d been ready to make love with Emma, knowing full well if he did he’d seal his fate.

Should have known better. He’d been fighting for the right to exist his entire life. He’d gotten nothing he hadn’t fought tooth and nail for.

There was no sound behind him, no movement. Taking a breath, he swiveled around.

“Emma?” Her eyes were wide as saucers. She bit her bottom lip. He groaned and fisted his hands to keep from reaching for her. “I won’t hurt you. I won’t let anyone else hurt you.”

She exploded forward and threw herself into his arms. The force almost knocked him off the bed. “I’m so sorry.”

Stunned, all he could do was hold her. “You have nothing to be sorry for. I’m sorry you had to hear that.” He rubbed his thumb over the curve of her cheek.

“How could your father disown you like that? Threaten to send members of your own pack after you? It’s not right.”

“You’re upset because of what he said to me?” He couldn’t wrap his head around her reaction. She was worried about him. Not herself.

“How can you ask me that?”

“Your life is in even bigger danger. He’ll be sending more males.” It was only a matter of time. “Ivan and his buddies are only the beginning.”

“You plan to challenge your father.” It wasn’t a question.

“Yes.”

She rested her head against his shoulder and pressed her hand against his heart. “That’s not

something a son should ever have to do.”

He shrugged. “Maybe not, but it’s the only way to protect you.” He kissed her temple. “Not sure it’s an option any longer. I doubt we’d make it to Alaska. Too many people watching for us.”

That was a concern. His choices were limited. “I’ll take you home.”

“What?” She grabbed his shoulders and swung around so she was sitting on his lap, facing him. “Why now?”

“Your pack will protect you while I go hunting.” His wolf silently paced inside him, eager to get started, to end the threat against her. He gripped the edge of the mattress, not willing to put his hands on her. She was everything that was good and kind. He was about to unleash the killer that lived inside him. Blood would spill. Hell, by the time he was done, it would run like a river. Because his father wouldn’t back down. Couldn’t, since he’d made his actions public. A pack only respected a strong, decisive leader.

She took his face in her hands, forcing him to look at her. “You can’t go out there on your own.”

“It’s the only way.”

Chapter Seven

God save her from stubborn men.

Emma was chilled to her very core. It had nothing to do with the temperature and everything to do with Gregor Gribkov.

He’d disowned his son. Had sanctioned him, which meant he’d send wolves to kill him. What kind of father did that? The crazy kind. Everything Dmitri had told her about him was true. If anything, he’d understated the insanity.

“I won’t leave. You can’t make me.” Okay, so maybe she was being stubborn. Too bad. She wasn’t about to let him go off and get himself killed.

“Emma.” He sounded tired. He was so big, so strong, it would be easy to lean on him, expect him to carry the load. When was the last time someone looked out for him?

“No.” She cupped his face, the soft bristles of his beard tickling her skin. “Take me to Salvation, but talk to my father, my alpha. Explain the situation.”

He wrapped his large hands around her wrists and leaned forward so their foreheads touched.

“Your father and your alpha would kill me on sight. Or try to. That would lead to bloodshed.”

It might in any other pack, but hers was different. “Let me contact them.” She could make this work. She had to. He raised his head, already shaking it. “You can listen in. If you suspect anything is off, you can drop me off at the edge of pack land.”

Her pulse raced. Sweat popped out all over her. The thought of him leaving, of never seeing him again, sent her into a panic.

He lifted her off his lap and stood. “We need to get out of here. We can talk on the way.”

Deciding not to push her luck, she hurried to the bathroom. After checking to make sure everything had been stuffed into her bag, she waited by the door. Dmitri did a final sweep. The rumpled beds, damp towels, and discarded garbage were the only signs they’d been here. Nothing that would identify them—unless wolves found their rooms. No way to dispel their scent. That would take time and fresh sheets and towels.

“Wait here.” He opened the door and peered outside, scanning the parking lot and surrounding area. “I’ll get the truck and come back for you.”

She wished they hadn’t parked so far away from the room, even though it was the smart thing to do. He wasn’t abandoning her. He’d be in sight the entire time.

Her stomach knotted. She grabbed the doorframe to keep from charging after him. Head down, he made a straight line toward the vehicle. When he backed out of the parking spot, she almost bolted but held steady.

When he stopped in front of the room, she walked fast, keeping her eyes on her destination. He had the door open when she got there. She jumped in and dumped her belongings on the floor. “Go.”

He wheeled out of the lot and back onto the road before she’d snapped on her seat belt.

Gripping the strap, she peered out the window. “I don’t see anyone. Do you?”

“No. And it would only be Ivan and company until there’s time for more to arrive from Alaska. By this time tomorrow, there will likely be dozens searching for us.”

“That many.” It was a scary thought. “Will any men in the pack opt to stay home?”

He maneuvered the truck off the secondary road and onto the highway. “The older, mated ones won’t come, but all the younger ones will. Even those that don’t want to will have to show up. To do otherwise would put their families at risk.”

Her jaw dropped. “Your father would harm their families?” There was crazy and there was

batshit crazy. “But they’re his people.” Her alpha would do everything in his power to protect his pack.

“He doesn’t care about anything except what he wants. As far as he’s concerned, they exist to serve his every whim.” His fingers tapped against the wheel. “The only exception was my mother. I think that’s why he wanted to mate with her so badly. He had to threaten her family to finally get it to happen.”

She wrapped her arms around herself. “He threatened her family?” She was repeating his words back to him, but couldn’t stop herself. Trying to understand such a person was impossible.

“It’s the only reason she stayed with him.”

“And she’s the reason you stayed,” she whispered. She understood that kind of sacrificing love and loyalty.

“If she’d taken me and left, he’d have slaughtered my grandparents and her siblings and their children without hesitation. He’s vindictive and cruel.”

And he was Dmitri’s father. “How are you not like him?” Growing up surrounded by such hatred and brutality had to affect a child. He might be a fully-grown werewolf male, but he’d been a young cub at some point.

A muscle in his jaw tightened. “He tried, but my mother was a force of nature. She took me on long forays into the wilderness. We’d stay away for weeks at a time.”

The wistfulness in his tone had her reaching across the seats to lay her hand on his arm. “She sounds like an amazing woman.”

“She was. Tough as nails, she taught me to hunt and fish, to survive in a climate that will kill the unprepared.”

She stared down at the chipped pink polish on her nails. She wasn’t anything like the woman he respected and loved. Emma loved the outdoors as much as the next wolf, but she enjoyed her femininity.

“Are you hungry?” The door was closed on this particular conversation for the time being.

While she understood his withdrawal—talking about his mother had to be painful—it hurt to be shut out. She sat back, clasping her hands in her lap.

“Not really.” Her stomach was too churned up. “Don’t let that stop you.” She should probably let him go. It wasn’t fair to keep him beside her because it made her feel safer. How many others had taken advantage of him in that way? She was probably one in a long line.

Not liking herself very much, she squared her shoulders. “You’re right. You should drop me home and leave. My pack will protect me. You should take off, maybe go to Maine or up into Canada.” Anywhere away from his father’s reach.

His hands tightened on the wheel until his knuckles went white. “Why the sudden change of heart? Don’t think I can take care of you?”

“I’m not your responsibility. It’s not fair you have to fight a battle started when you were a kid and before I was born.”

The atmosphere in the truck cab became so charged her skin began to itch. Her wolf paced and whined inside her.

Dmitri swerved off the road and into the lot of a busy service station. He drove to the far end, away from other people, and parked. Hands still around the wheel, he stared out the windshield at the surrounding woods.

“Fair or not, it’s done. I made my choice.” He slowly turned his head, as if he was fighting himself all the way, straining against it. The grooves at the corners of his eyes and mouth were cut

deeper. His eyes were void of all emotion.

God, she was making a mess of this. He’d given up everything for her. “I don’t want you to go,” she whispered. “But if something happened to you…” She swallowed hard. “I can’t be responsible for that.”

“You’re not.” His features softened. “What a pair we are, each trying to keep the other safe.”

He peeled his fingers away from the wheel one at a time and skimmed them down her cheek. “What you need to accept is there is nowhere safe. Not until all the wolves Gregor sends are dead or he is.”

She slumped in her seat. Closing her eyes, she nodded. “You’re right. I hate it, but you’re right.”

“I’m still planning on leaving you in Salvation.” Her eyes popped open and she sat upright.

He pressed two fingers against her lips before she could object. “I’ll talk with your father and alpha first to make sure they understand the situation.” He removed his fingers, but the imprint of them lingered.

She licked her lips, able to taste the faint hint of salt he’d left there, and nodded. “I don’t want you to go,” she blurted. “That’s selfish.”

“Then I’m selfish, too. I don’t want to go. But,” he added before she could get too excited,

“I’ll do whatever it takes to protect you.”

“That’s not on you. That’s on me and my family.” She might not be as tough as his mother and the females of his pack, but she wasn’t without skills. “Maybe I haven’t shown it, but I know how to defend myself.”

“Sweetheart, your courage isn’t in question. Ivan Volkov is a killer, but that’s not what he and the others plan to do to you. If he can manage it, he’ll kill me and take you. You’ll be forced to mate, with him or whoever strikes the killing blow.”

The pure evilness of the plan sent shivers down her spine.

“I’m not going to let that happen.”

“What are you going to do?” He was only one wolf against many. Even with her pack behind them, she was no longer certain they could hold off the hoard heading their way. Not without casualties. The thought of anyone dying because of her made Emma sick to her stomach.

“Whatever I have to.” The grimness in his voice hurt her heart.

“Dmitri?”

He shook his head. “Wait here. I won’t be long. When I get back, I’ll dig my phone out of my duffel and call your father.” He opened his door and was half out when he swung back around, swore, and yanked her against him.

His mouth slammed down on hers. She fisted her hands in his hair, afraid to let him go.

Desperately, their tongues tangled. As quickly as it began, it was over. Breathing heavily, he closed the door and headed toward the building.

Hand on her heart, she watched him walk away. How would she handle it when he walked away for the final time? She bit her lip to hold in the howl of despair swirling around inside her.

They hadn’t made love, had barely spent any time together in the grand scheme of things. But he owned her heart. Right or wrong, he belonged to her.

Trying to send him away had been a kneejerk reaction and the wrong one. She’d hurt him when all she’d wanted was to protect him, even if that meant losing him.

Emma buried her face in his hands. “He’s my mate.” The irony wasn’t lost on her. His father had sent men after her so she could be forced to mate with his son. He’d refused on principle. Would likely still refuse but to protect her.

There had to be a way for them to be together that didn’t involve bloodshed and death, but damned if she could figure out how.

Raising her head, she noticed the keys dangling from the ignition. He’d left them there intentionally. Dmitri was not the kind of male who made such a mistake. Unless the kiss had knocked him off balance as much as it had her.

That was a heartening thought.

There had to be a line inside the station. Or maybe he was buying snacks. He was taking longer than she’d anticipated.

A truck pulled into the lot, gravel flying beneath its tires. It jerked to a stop in front of their vehicle, blocking an easy exit. The driver looked at her and smiled.

Emma froze for a split second before jumping into action. She rammed her hand down on the horn as she leaped out the driver’s side. Bolting toward the woods, she prayed.

****

Dmitri watched the line at the checkout inch along. A problem with someone’s credit card had held up the works. It was busier here than he’d expected. Time had lost all meaning over the past couple of days, and it was their bad luck they’d gotten here during the evening rush hour. Everyone was in a hurry to grab what they needed and get home.

He was uneasy leaving Emma alone. Ivan was many things—a pain in the ass, a bully, and a killer—but he was also damn good at tracking. That was why Gregor had sent him.

He would no longer call his former alpha his father.

He waited for some pang to hit him—pain, loneliness, regret. Nothing. He was finally free to be whoever he wanted to be.

Whatever that is.

When it was finally his turn, he stepped up to the counter and paid. No way did he want to have to stop again. He was almost to the door when he heard the blast of the horn. Even as he told himself it wouldn’t be Emma, he bolted out the door in time to see her disappear into the woods with four males in pursuit.

“Fuck.” Racing after them, he tossed the bag into the cab of the truck and shoved the door closed as he passed. Last thing they needed was someone to notice it open and investigate.

None of them were going for stealth. This was all about speed. There was no time to strip off his clothes and shift. Every second counted.

They’d come for her again. He’d given them a chance to live. There would be no more.

His keen hearing caught a sound. He ducked, managing to avoid getting a branch slammed into his skull. That was their tactic. One would hunt Emma while the rest lay in wait for him.

Fuckers were stupid. It would make it easier for him to kill them. Better if they’d all come at him at once and then gone after her. They’d pay dearly for their mistake.

This had to be Ivan’s plan. He’d learned from Gregor, and one of his favorite tactics was to use others for a diversion while he claimed the prize. Hell, it was what his father was doing right now, making Ivan and others do his dirty work for him.

Dmitri spun around and grabbed the makeshift club before it hit him in the back. Boris sneered at him. “You’ve been disowned. We don’t have to hold back now.”

“Neither do I.”

Boris frowned, but it was too late. Claws pushed out from the tips of his fingers. Dmitri slammed his free hand into the male’s chest. Bone shattered beneath the force. He fisted his hand around the heart and yanked. There was no sense of horror or triumph, just of doing a job that had to

be done. Boris stared at him in disbelief before crumpling to the ground. He tossed the organ down beside the body.

His boots barely hit the ground as he resumed the chase. One with his surroundings, he cataloged every rustle, every tiny movement. He sprang into the air, feet extended. His size nineteen boots rammed into his attacker’s chest. The wolf flew twenty feet before hitting a tree. The beast rolled to his feet and shook, settling his fur into place.

“Pavel, I’m surprised you’d let Ivan out of your sight. Aren’t you worried he’ll take the prize and cut you out of the picture?” Pavel was easy to goad, had a quick temper.

With a howl, he took several steps and launched himself at Dmitri. Rather than trying to avoid contact, he stepped toward the wolf. Ignoring the claws raking down his arm, he grabbed the beast by the neck and twisted.

Snap!

He dropped the deadweight and began to run. There was no remorse. Pavel had chosen his fate. Every ounce of his being was focused on one purpose—destroying those who would hurt Emma.

Protect! Protect! Protect! The mantra thundered in his brain with each beat of his heart. He and his wolf were in perfect accord.

He barely slowed when he passed another wolf. This one sat off to the side but did nothing to try to stop him. “If I see you again, I’ll kill you.”

Luka might have been his best friend when they were kids, but he’d picked his companions.

Maybe he was having regrets, but it was far too late for that. His only options were to regroup with reinforcements when they were sent or vanish. Dmitri no longer cared. But he meant what he said. If their paths crossed again, Luka was a dead man.

The world around him went silent. There was no wind. The animals hunkered down, sensing the larger predators in their midst. But his senses had always been keener than most. He caught a faint whiff and came to a halt between two oak trees.

“Hiding from me, Ivan? Thought that was beneath you. If you’re waiting for the others, Boris and Pavel are dead.” He held up his hand to display the blood on it. “Luka didn’t even try to stop me.”

“Luka is a coward. I’ll deal with him when I’m done with you.” Ivan stepped out from behind a tree and spit on the ground. “The other two were weak.”

Where the hell was Emma? He knew better than to ask. Ivan would enjoy toying with him.

“Aren’t you going to ask about her?” Ivan tilted his head to one side. “After all your fuss, all the trouble you went through to follow us from Alaska, you don’t seem particularly worried. Wonder what she’ll think of that?”

And there was his opening. Ivan was nothing if not predictable, and he loved to brag. Dmitri shrugged. “She can think what she wants. I’m here to kill you.”

Ivan threw back his head and laughed. “You? Fight? You run away from conflict. You don’t like getting your hands bloody. Always hiding behind your mommy.” He licked his lips and grinned.

“You think you’re so tough. Well, so did she, and I had no trouble taking her out.”

Dmitri’s blood ran cold. A strange buzzing filled his ears. “Impossible,” he whispered. His mother was a force to be reckoned with, could handle this coward on her worst day.

Ivan reached behind his back and drew out a gun he must have had tucked in the waistband of his jeans. It wasn’t a normal one but the kind wildlife officers used when they needed to sedate an animal. “You drugged her?”

He wiggled the weapon back and forth in front of him. “It was so damn easy. Bitch was

always sticking her nose into my business. I’d studied her for months, learned her movements.

Damned if she didn’t catch me following her. Surprised me some, but I think on my feet. I told her Gregor wanted her protected and had sent me to watch over her. You know what she did? She laughed. Said I was the last person she chose for protection.” His face turned red. He was practically foaming at the mouth.

“In the end, I had the last laugh. I darted her. Hadn’t planned to do it then, but she’d forced my hand. Only gave her a partial dose. She had a fighting chance and lost. I gave your girl a dose, too.

Doesn’t last long on our kind, but it won’t take me long to kill you.”

With each detail, blackness cloaked him, muting all emotion, all conscience. Ivan had killed his mother and had drugged Emma.

Dmitri stalked toward his prey. Something in his expression had the color leaching from Ivan’s face. His smile faltered. He raised the gun and fired. Dmitri leaned out of the way. The dart hit a tree with a soft thunk. Ivan backed up and fired again. Whipping his hand out, Dmitri caught the dart midair and flung it back. It slammed into his foe’s neck. Ivan yanked out the dart as he fell to his knees.

Grabbing his mother’s murderer by the throat, he lifted him off the ground and applied pressure. Bones cracked. Claws gouged the flesh on his hand and arm, but Dmitri was beyond pain.

The blood pouring from the deep gashes was the only color in a world turned smoky gray.

Ivan went limp. His breathing stopped. It wasn’t enough. It would never be enough. He tossed his prey to the ground and slammed his fist through his chest. The heart was still warm when he crushed it. Ivan Volkov would never hurt anyone else ever again. His mother had been avenged.

Throwing back his head, he howled.

Chapter Eight

Emma’s tongue was slightly swollen, her mouth dry. What the hell is wrong with me? If she were human, she’d assume she’d been on a drunken bender, but werewolves couldn’t get drunk. Their metabolism ran too fast. And she wasn’t much of a drinker beyond the occasional glass of wine or beer.

Something sharp poked her cheek.

Frowning, she tried to turn her head. It felt like it weighed about two hundred pounds. She was sweating by the time she managed. And she’d found another damn sharp … something.

Where am I?

The world around her was fuzzy. She blinked several times before it came into focus. She was lying on the ground. It was probably a rock or stick or pine cone poking her in the face.

Grunting, she heaved her entire body to one side and landed on her back. The sky was still light. How long had she been out of it? Couldn’t have been too long.

Ivan.

Adrenaline flooded her bloodstream, giving her a boost. He’d shot her. Not with bullets but a dart of some kind. She’d been drugged. No wonder she was sweating. Her body was working to rid her of the toxin.

Where was Dmitri? No way would he have left her. Maybe the four attackers had—

Refusing to believe he was hurt, or worse, she shoved her hands against the ground and pushed. Her head swam when she sat upright, but with each passing second she grew stronger.

She started to call out, then clamped her mouth shut. That would be a huge mistake. No telling who was out there. She winced when she stood and her boots scuffed the ground. Her father would shake his head. He’d taught her better.

Drawing on all the lessons of her youth, she leaned against a hickory tree and listened. The wind whispered through the branches. A bird chirped. Bushes swished as something small scurried past them.

The eerie silence raised all the hairs on her body. Where is everyone? Since standing there wouldn’t give her answers, she took a step forward, watching where she placed her foot. With each step, she became surer. Whatever Ivan had given her was losing strength.

Pausing, she rubbed her forehead with the back of her hand. There was a chemical smell on her skin. It would allow another wolf to easily track her. She inwardly cursed her attacker and wished for a river to roll around in. She’d have to make do and pray she was able to stay downwind of anyone out there.

Raising her nose in the air, she sniffed. Her heart skipped a beat when she caught the metallic scent of blood. Emma wanted to run toward it, but she forced herself to move cautiously. She’d be no help to herself or Dmitri if she got herself caught.

Although, she was beginning to believe there was no one out there. It wasn’t only the silence and normal activity of the birds and animals, but a sense of emptiness.

Another ten paces and she came to a dead stop, as if she’d slammed into a wall. Ivan, or what was left of him, was sprawled on the ground. Eyes wide open, he stared sightless at the sky. His chest had been crushed. His heart lay on the ground beside him.

Emma swallowed, praying she wouldn’t vomit.

The sight of Ivan’s lifeless body was gruesome, but it was Dmitri who scared her. He stood a few feet away, head tilted back and hands clenched by his sides. His pain was palpable.

Instinct had her taking a step toward him. His head shot around and he growled. There was no sign of recognition in his eyes, the honey amber almost feral. He blinked several times, heat replacing the chill of his gaze, and started toward her. He was running by the time he yanked her into his arms.

She breathed a sigh of relief and hugged him back. Whatever demons had gripped him were gone, at least for now. “What happened?”

“Bastard drugged you.” He held her at arm’s length. “How do you feel?”

“Headache is almost gone. My mouth feels like someone stuffed a dirty sweat sock in it.”

A ghost of a smile appeared and was gone seconds later. “Not sure I want to know how you know what a sweat sock tastes like.”

She shrugged and her eyes strayed to the lifeless remains of Ivan. Dmitri stepped in front of her, blocking her view. “You don’t need to see him.” He started to touch her face, then pulled his hand back. It was stained with blood. Her knees quivered and she got a bit woozy, but she stayed upright.

The last thing she wanted was to freak out in front of him. He’d already been through enough.

“What about the others?”

“Boris and Pavel won’t bother you or anyone ever again. Luka didn’t try to stop me. Told him as long as that continues he’ll live.”

She shivered in spite of the heat. Dmitri’s eyes narrowed and his lips firmed. “I have to deal with the bodies.”

“I can help.” She wasn’t some damsel in distress in need of rescuing. Okay, so she had been, but now that she was safe, she could pull her weight.

“You look like you’re ready to fall down.” His tone was harsh, but his hands were gentle as he guided her toward a nearby downed tree.

“Don’t know what that stuff was, but it packed a punch. Stinks, too.” She lifted her arm and sniffed. The scent had lightened up considerably. Had to mean it was almost out of her system.

“Sit.” He pointed to the base of the tree, where there were no low branches.

“I’m not a dog,” she muttered.

He hunkered down in front of her. “No, you’re not. You’re a very stubborn woman. You did well. You got away, warned me with the horn, and gave me time to find you.”

“I got shot in the back.”

His mouth tightened. “Ivan was a coward.” He looked down at his feet. “You weren’t the first one he’d drugged.”

A sick feeling spread from her stomach to her entire body. It had nothing to do with the drug.

She put her hands on his face and lifted it. “Who?”

His throat rippled and his eyes were bleak. “My mother. Everyone thought it had to have been human hunters, but I never believed it. She was too smart, too aware of her surroundings. There was no bullet where I found her remains. Ivan bragged about how he’d shot and then killed her once she wasn’t able to defend herself.”

“I’m so sorry.” There weren’t words to express her deep sorrow. “I don’t understand males like him.”

“I’m no better.”

Stunned, she momentarily lost the power of speech. When he went to straighten, she yanked him back down. “Don’t you ever say anything that stupid again.” Fury pounded through her veins.

“You’re nothing like him.”

He held his hands out in front of him. “I’m a killer.” He met her gaze, hiding nothing of his emotional struggle from her. “It was so damn easy. He accused me of being a coward, of always

avoiding a fight. He was right.”

If Ivan had still been alive, she’d have kicked his ass. “He was wrong.”

Dmitri shook his head, his shaggy hair brushing his shoulders. “I’ve always known it was inside me. I feared if I ever started killing, it would consume me. We’re predators by nature. I’m the killer of predators. You’ll be safer at home with your family. Away from me.”

He honestly believed it. “You’ve got it all wrong.” He stood, but she bounced to her feet and grabbed his hand, the bloodstained one. When he tried to pull away, she held on tight. “I know what you are. I grew up surrounded by males like you.”

“And what am I, if not a killer?”

“A protector.” She placed her free hand on his chest. His heart beat a slow, heavy rhythm.

He shook his head. “You can’t pretty this up, no matter how you spin it.”

Chin tilted upward, she put her hands on her waist and glared. “So you’re saying the males of my pack, including my father, are cold-blooded killers. They’ve killed to protect their women and children. They’ve watched one another’s backs for years, wiping out any and all threats.”

“You don’t understand.”

“You’re the one who doesn’t understand. You’re so worried, you can’t see the truth. Ivan is a cold-blooded killer. He hunted and killed for sport, because it fed some sick need that lived inside him. You could have killed him and his friends the first time around. If they’d walked away, they’d still be alive.” She had to make him see himself the way she did. Otherwise, she’d lose him. “Why did you kill them?”

“They were going to hurt you.”

“Exactly, you did it to protect me.” Going up on her toes, she grabbed his shoulders and pulled him down. “You’re a protector. Live with it.” She brushed her lips against his. It was brief but necessary. This might not be the time or place, but she needed to show him she wasn’t afraid.

“Now.” She rubbed her hands on her jeans. “What can I do to help? I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to get out of here.”

****

Was Emma right?

Dmitri looked over his shoulder, hating to have her out of his sight, but there were bodies to collect and hide. In a couple of days, there’d be nothing left. Skin and bones would decompose swiftly—their fast metabolism working after death to destroy their remains. That quirk of nature helped them survive undetected by humans.

They couldn’t claim werewolves existed if there were no bodies to find and study.

He bypassed Pavel and went back to Boris. Shaking his head at the waste of it all, he hefted the body over his shoulder. On the way back to Emma, he grabbed the second body. As big as he was, it was no trouble for him to carry both dead-weights.

Emma wasn’t where he’d left her. Fear gripped his guts until he realized she was walking out of the woods off to his left. “I found a place.” Turning on her heel, she headed back in the direction she’d come.

He followed without question, trusting her judgment. If she said she’d found a place, then she had.

“What do you think?” It was a shallow crevice. A couple of large boulders were nearby. He could make it work.

He dumped the bodies and went back to the clearing for Ivan.

“Guess it works,” he heard her muttering behind him.

Since the heart was already decomposing, he kicked it beneath a bush and took the body. The three of them filled the pit.

Emma gnawed on her bottom lip. “Maybe it isn’t such a great place. They took up more room than I’d thought.”

“It will work.” He went to the nearest boulder, turned around, and put his back into it.

Muscles bunched and burned. The rock didn’t want to move. Using his legs for leverage, he clenched his jaw and heaved.

Then Emma was beside him, adding her strength. With the two of them working together, the rock gave way against a greater force and rolled into the crevice, covering half of it.

Ignoring the sweat rolling down his temple, he went to a smaller rock and shoved it into the pit. One more and he was done. While he was busy, Emma collected downed branches and dragged them over, arranging them so it looked natural.

She dusted her hands off and nodded. “That will do.”

“It’s more than they deserve.” He’d have preferred to burn their bodies, but smoke might bring someone to investigate. He looked up at the sky. Night had closed in around them, the evenings growing dark early this time of year. Fortunately, they could both see easily. “We need to get going.”

Emma held out her hand. When he hesitated, she waggled her fingers. He bit back a smile. She lightened his mood simply by being herself. She was a light in the world, one he would protect at any cost.

Protect.

There was that word again. He didn’t know what to think, but introspection would have to wait. The clock was ticking. Gregor would have men hunting them even now. Ivan had likely contacted him with this location.

He took her hand and led her through the woods to the parking lot. His truck was still there.

The one that had been blocking it was gone. Luka had run. Whether he’d keep running or not was his choice.

“Glad it’s still here. I didn’t have time to grab the keys when I bailed.” It was the first time she’d spoken on the walk back. He peered around the lot, making sure no one was paying them any attention. Luckily, rush hour was long over and the clientele was sparse.

Once he had her in the truck, he climbed behind the wheel and took a deep breath. She was safe. For now. But the rules had changed. Like it or not, he needed help.

“Buckle up.” He started the engine and pulled back onto the road. “There are snacks in the bag.” It seemed a lifetime ago since he’d purchased them. So much had changed. He’d discovered his mother’s murderer and avenged her. He’d killed three pack members. Emma had been attacked and drugged. His lip curled and a growl slipped out.

She didn’t even bat an eye. “You want one of these?” Without waiting for him to say yes or no, she popped the top on a can of Coke and put it in the holder next to him.

Females he’d grown up with his entire life got out of his way when he was pissed. Emma didn’t seem the least bit perturbed. Her reaction stirred his interest about the members of her pack.

Her father was the only one he knew anything about. Mikhail Matheson had a reputation—tough and dangerous. Many had been glad when he’d left, especially Gregor.

“Granola bars? Really?” She’d opened a drink for herself and was pulling out the rest of the snacks.

“It’s good for you.” And what he was used to buying. Best energy bang for the buck.

“Most of them taste like sawdust. Don’t tell me you really like them?”

“I really do.”

“That might be a relationship breaker,” she teased. “Lucky for you, you bought some with chocolate. Those are mine … since you like the regular ones.”

No one in his adult life had ever teased him. They gave him a wide berth. It was partially his fault for being a loner. It was partly because he was the alpha’s son. Or had been. He hadn’t fit in with his family or his pack. Somehow he fit with Emma.

She cleaned her hands on her jeans and frowned before digging into her purse and coming up with a packet of wet wipes. Taking one, she held out the pack to him, wagging it back and forth until he took one. Then she frowned. “That won’t work. Give it to me.”

Taking the wipe back, she took his right hand off the steering wheel and cleaned it. His left hand tightened around the wheel. She hadn’t hesitated, hadn’t thought twice about dealing with dried blood. Overwhelmed by the simple kindness, he kept the truck moving when all he wanted to do was park and pull her into his arms.

It took three wipes before she examined his hand and gave a nod of satisfaction. “Much better.” She tossed the used wipes into the bag from the store. When she was done cleaning her hands, she unwrapped all eight bars and started to hand him four, but hesitated. “I’ll share the chocolate ones, if you’d like.”

His heart seemed to grow too large for his chest. This woman never ceased to surprise him.

“I’m fine. I wasn’t kidding. I really do like them.”

“Take one of the chocolate ones. They’re good for you.” She handed over the bars before taking a bite out of one of hers. “I’m eating the regular one first. I can wash away the taste with the chocolate.”

“Stubborn.” Took him two bites to finish the first one. They’d both expended a lot of energy.

“My phone and the battery are in my duffel.”

She licked chocolate from her fingers. His cock sprang to attention. He groaned and shifted position in his seat, trying to get comfortable. She could lick him anytime. But time wasn’t on their side.

“Make the call.” He had enough against him without pissing off her family any more than he already had. He needed to know what he was facing. Her pack might not let him stay.

Mine!

He’d never been possessive until he’d met Emma.

She grabbed his bag, dug out the pieces, and quickly assembled them. “Is it safe to use it?”

“It’s no secret where we’re headed, but keep the call short.”

“Got it.” She was nervous. He’d expected her to be excited, not anxious.

“Here goes nothing.” She took a deep breath. She punched in the number. It was answered on the first ring.

“Emma?”

“Hey, Daddy, it’s me.”

“Where are you?”

She glanced at him and Dmitri nodded. “On the way home.”

“Thank God.” A female voice could be heard in the background.

“There’s been a development.” Emma paused and raised her brows in question. He shook his head. This was something to be told in person or not at all.

“Whatever it is, we’ll deal with it.” Mikhail’s gruff certainty satisfied Dmitri.

She licked her lips. “I’m bringing someone with me.”

He barely swallowed a moan and gave his attention to the road. It didn’t help. The cab smelled of Emma. Her presence filled the space. Her touch lingered on his fingers. Her lilting voice skated over his skin. Watching her lick her lips gave him ideas of other places he’d love to see her tongue.

“Dmitri Gribkov?”

“Yes. Daddy, he saved my life. Again.”

“Same attackers?”

“Yes.” Emma tugged at her top.

“If he’d handled it right the first time, there wouldn’t have been a second.”

Hackles up, even though Mikhail wasn’t wrong, Dmitri fired back. “They won’t get a third.”

“Good.”

Her pack seemed to have no problem with killing. That worried him some. He didn’t want to go from one violent pack to another. Or maybe it was the father satisfied to have the threat to his daughter gone for good. That he could understand and get behind.

“I need to talk to Jacque,” Mikhail said. “As alpha, it’s his decision.”

That someone with Mikhail’s reputation deferred to another male gave him pause. There was nothing to stop them from killing him when he returned Emma. If they attacked, it would be a bloody massacre, if he wanted to make it out alive.

“I’ll call him.” Emma sat up straighter, her fingers gripping the phone tighter.

“Let me do it, baby.” His tone softened.

“No, Daddy. This is my request.”

“Fine. You call. I’ll talk to him and put my weight behind it. If that fails, I’ll sic your mama on him.” His voice became brisk again. “How long until you get here?”

“Dmitri?”

He shrugged, wondering why Emma’s mother would have any influence over the alpha.

“You’d know better than me. I’ve never been to Salvation.”

“Two hours, give or take. I’ll call when we’re close. Love you both. See you soon.” She ended the call and stared at the phone.

“I’ll talk to your alpha.” No way was he letting her take any heat for this.

“It’s okay. We’re close.” She dialed and held the phone away from her ear.

“LaForge.” The voice was deep and gruff and impatient.

“Hey, Jacque.”

“Emma. Where the hell have you been? Mama is out of her mind.”

“I’m sorry. I’ve got a bit of a problem.”

“It’s Mikhail’s fault, isn’t it. I should have killed the bastard years ago when he showed up here uninvited.”

Dmitri’s wolf growled at the threat. He might not know the male, but he was Emma’s father.

And any threat to her family was a threat to her. He pulled over onto the shoulder of the road. If this conversation didn’t change tone, he wasn’t taking her anywhere near her alpha.

“Now, Jacque. Mama wouldn’t like it if you killed my daddy.”

Wait. What? Was her mother and the alpha’s mother the same woman? Damn it all to hell, she was the alpha’s half-sister.

“Talk to me, Emma.” The tone had changed. This was the alpha and not the brother talking.

“It’s a long story. One everyone needs to hear. Dad can fill you in on some of the details. I want to bring someone home with me.”

“My name is Dmitri Gribkov, formerly of the Sitka Pack in Alaska.” Time to insert himself into the conversation. “There’s a threat to Emma.”

“Bring her the fuck home. If anything happens to her, there’s nowhere you can hide.”

The threat reassured him that he honestly cared about Emma. “You have my word.”

“Jacque, he’s already saved my life a couple of times.”

“That’s all well and good, but I don’t know him or what he’s capable of. I don’t want your safety in the hands of a stranger.”

His growl filled the truck. “I’ll kill anyone who threatens her.”

“Good to know, but you’re only one male. Get your asses home. Now.” The call ended.

Emma smiled and dropped the phone back into his bag. “Told you it would be no problem.”

Chapter Nine

“It’s up ahead.” Emma pointed at a dirt road that branched off the main one. They’d passed through the town of Salvation on their way. It was late. All the businesses had closed up shop. A scattered light lit one of the homes, but most were dark. The moon was bright in the sky. There was still time to put the gas pedal to the floor and make a run for it with her.

Arms tense, he forced himself to make the turn. This was what was best for Emma.

The road wound around and ended in a large lot filled with vehicles. The back of his neck tingled. “Someone is out there.”

“Probably Cole or Gator or Louis. There’s always someone on patrol.” She was practically bouncing in her seat, her safety belt already off. He’d never been that excited to go home. Except for his mother, it hadn’t been a welcoming place.

It was dark, but solar lights hung from poles, illuminating the area. With his enhanced vision, it might as well have been midday.

A tall, slender woman raced down a path past one of the lights. Strands of gray glinted in the dark brown of her hair. Emma bailed out of the truck and ran toward her, arms outstretched. They came together, hugging, laughing, and crying and talking at the same time.

Dmitri swallowed past the lump in his throat. The reunion was a stark reminder that he’d never again get to hug his mother. Not that she’d been much of a hugger. She’d been more inclined to slap him on the back or hook her arm around his shoulders and squeeze. He’d never doubted her love.

Get over yourself.

This was not the time to get lost in the past. The present required all his focus. Emma was safe here. He couldn’t say the same for himself.

Opening the door, he climbed out of the truck. He didn’t approach the women. It wouldn’t be smart to make any movement that might be interpreted as a threat. He counted at least six males in the vicinity. Make that seven.

A wide-shouldered older male stalked down the path, glaring at him as he eased Emma out of her mother’s arms and into his. The dark brown hair with the reddish glints blended perfectly with hers. This was Mikhail Matheson, her father, the male his father had been obsessed with for as far back as Dmitri could remember.

A wave of power slammed against him, announcing the alpha had arrived. He was several inches over six feet, all of it solid muscle. Several glints of gray ran through his shaggy brown hair.

Ignoring Dmitri, he went to Emma and hugged her. “Glad to have you home.”

“I’m sorry for any trouble I caused.” Concern was etched on her pale face.

Fuck that. He wasn’t letting her take the blame for anything. “None of this is her fault.”

Golden-brown eyes took him in from head-to-toe, and a ghost of a smile appeared on his lips.

“You’re a big one, aren’t you?”

Being sized up was nothing new. Far too many males saw his physical appearance and discounted his brain. Didn’t bother him. Gave him an edge. He met the alpha’s gaze straight on, not blinking.

“Balls of steel, too. I’m Jacque LaForge.” He kissed the top of Emma’s head and handed her back to her mother.

“Dmitri Gribkov.” His heartbeat slowed, all his senses sharpening. Calm settled over him. It was always this way when he was under threat. It was as if time slowed, allowing him to react faster than should be possible, even for a wolf.

Mikhail stepped up beside his alpha, placing themselves between him and the women. It was a reminder he was an outsider. One that was suspect.

Sticking his hands in his pockets, he rocked back on his heels, trying to seem as unthreatening as possible. Yeah, that would never work. Not with these two. They saw him for the predator he was.

“Might as well bring out the others to join the party.” He canted his head toward the woods.

“Not like I don’t know they’re there.” He was too good a hunter to miss them.

“They’re making sure you weren’t followed.” Implying the alpha figured he could handle Dmitri if it came down to a fight.

He was nobody’s omega—the wolf at the bottom of pack hierarchy. His alpha had tried to put him there. All that had done was to make him more determined to be stronger and faster and better than the rest.

“We weren’t, but they’ll come here looking for us. Gregor has kept tabs on Mikhail and knows where he lives.”

“Gregor Gribkov is your father.” Jacque made it a statement, but he obviously wanted answers. Might as well start with the big one. If he was going to be booted off pack land or attacked, it would be now.

“Not any longer. He disowned me and banished me for not getting in line with his plans.” It shamed him to come from such a pack.

Emma pulled away from her mother and ran to his side. Her father tried to grab her around the waist as she passed him, but she slipped past him. “Emma, get back with your mother.”

Shaking her head, she stood in front of Dmitri. God, she was magnificent, even if her actions were misguided. From all he’d witnessed, the men wouldn’t attack while the women were present.

The danger would come only when they were sent away.

“It’s my fault he’s banished.” She held her hands out in front of her, trying to placate the males.

He doubted anything she could say would do that. Like it or not, he shared the same blood as the mastermind of this nasty plot.

“He’s killed three members of his pack to protect me,” she continued. It wasn’t necessary.

They were already well aware, as she’d told them that over the phone. “He could have easily taken me back to Alaska. It would have been too late for any of you to save me.”

Mikhail shook his head. “Never too late, baby. I’d have followed and killed Gregor, and anyone else who got in my way.” He looked straight at Dmitri when he added the last part.

Threat received.

“That’s enough.” Shock rippled through him when Emma’s mother came forward, her hand outstretched. “I’m Elise Matheson. I’m Emma’s mother. Thank you for protecting my daughter.”

Both Jacque and Mikhail took a step forward. Pure menace vibrated around them. Four large males and two wolves stepped out from the tree line. One false move and they’d tear him to bits.

Hands on Emma’s waist, he eased her behind him and took her mother’s hand, releasing it almost as soon as he touched it. “In spite of the dire circumstances, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs.

Matheson.”

When she smiled, it was Emma’s smile. Emma had her father’s coloring, but her delicate features and smile came from her mother. “Please call me Elise.” She glanced over her shoulder at the men. “We should take this to the house.” Without waiting for a reply, she turned back to him and Emma. “You two must be hungry and exhausted. It’s almost midnight.”

Mikhail’s frown would have made a human piss his pants and sent any other wolf scrambling for cover. Jacque tipped back his head, looked up at the sky, and sighed. “Mama,” he began, verifying

Dmitri’s assumption that Jacque was Emma’s half-brother.

“Jacque, he’s not going to hurt anyone. Are you?” she asked.

“No, ma’am.”

Jacque raked his hand through his hair. “I don’t know why I even pretend to be alpha of this pack.”

Totally thrown off kilter, Dmitri wasn’t sure how to react. Jacque LaForge was the undeniable alpha. Too much power surrounded him for it to be otherwise. He was a big wolf, a dangerous one who understood what he was capable of. And he was acquiescing to what his mother wanted.

Dmitri could relate. He’d been the same way with his mother.

“We might as well eat.” The male who spoke had short black hair and tattoos running down both arms. He was smiling, but it had a lethal edge. “I’ve been cooking most of the evening.” This guy had badass written all over him, not Martha Stewart.

Emma waved. “Hey, Gator.”

Piercing blue eyes softened. “It is good you are home.” There was a slight accent, one Dmitri couldn’t quite place.

It was shocking how others spoke up, interrupting his conversation with the alpha. His father would have bloodied them. Jacque didn’t seem the least bit perturbed.

“Might as well.” Jacque waved Emma forward. “You and ma mère go ahead. We will catch up.”

This was it. This was where things got real. When she hesitated, he leaned down and kissed her forehead, lingering long enough for her father to growl a warning. “Go with your mother,” Dmitri told her. The alpha hadn’t lost his temper yet, but there was no need to push their luck. He’d given her a direct order. His wolf whined, not liking the idea of her being out of sight.

She no longer seemed quite as certain, her gaze darting from him to the others, but she nodded.

Elise slipped her arm around her daughter’s waist and led her down a path. No one spoke or moved until the women were out of sight.

Hands by his sides, he addressed Jacque. “What’s it going to be?”

****

Emma glanced over her shoulder for the dozenth time, dragging her feet on the way to Gator’s house. “Maybe I should go back.”

Her mother tightened her grip. “We’ve already tried Jacque’s patience enough. Your young man will be fine.”

She wasn’t as sure as her mother. The atmosphere had changed, become more charged. Or maybe she’d started paying attention. Her excitement at being home had overshadowed everything else.

Her forehead was still warm where Dmitri had kissed her. She’d wanted a real kiss, on the lips, but figured her father wasn’t ready for that yet. Neither was Jacque, for that matter. They all treated her like she was a kid instead of a grown woman.

As much as she wanted to run back to Dmitri, she had to trust he could hold his own. Her mother was acting like everything was fine, but her arm was trembling.

I’m an idiot. So caught up in her own drama, she hadn’t stopped to consider how her parents must be feeling. Talk about selfish … and childish. If she wanted to be treated like an adult, she needed to act like one.

Stopping, she took her mother’s hand. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to worry you.”

Elise nodded, but her smile was forced and her eyes filled with tears. The bottom dropped out

of Emma’s stomach. Her mother was the strongest woman she knew. Her life hadn’t been an easy one, but she’d survived the hard times and was loved by them all. Feeling far older than when she’d left only days ago, she embraced her mother.

“I don’t mean to interrupt, but you should come inside.” A pretty blonde woman held the door open for them.

“Gwen.” Emma bolted up the stairs and into the open arms of her sister-in-law, Jacque’s mate.

“Hey, kid. Good to have you home.”

The kitchen was warm and welcoming. The only other woman there was Sylvie, Gator’s mate.

After giving Emma a hug, she bustled off to pour coffee. “Where are the men?” she asked as she filled mugs.

Elise sighed and sank into a chair. “Growling and posturing, of course.”

“It’s more than that.” Emma bit her lip and peered toward the yard.

Her mother patted her hand. “I know, but neither your father nor brother will do anything to harm Dmitri, unless provoked.”

“That’s what I’m afraid of.” He’d shown patience with her when she’d run from him and frustrated him at every turn, but that was different. He was facing a group of alpha males on his own.

He’s used to standing alone. It hurt her heart, but from everything he’d told her, it was the truth.

Sylvie put steaming mugs in front of them. “Gator will make sure no one loses their tempers.”

All three of them stared at her. “He doesn’t have a temper. Mostly.”

“Unless he thinks someone he loves is going to be harmed.” Emma loved Gator without reservation, but he hid his intensity and protectiveness beneath the humor he projected to the world.

When they all looked at Gwen, she shrugged. “I trust Jacque.”

“I trust Mikhail,” her mother echoed. “And Jacque.”

She wanted to trust them, truly she did. “They don’t know him like I do.”

“How well do you know him, baby?”

Her cheeks warmed at her mother’s question. “Not as well as I’d like.”

Gwen gave a low whistle. “The son of your father’s enemy. It’s like something out of one of the novels I write.” It amused everyone in the pack that Gwen was a well-known writer, specializing in paranormal romance. Specifically werewolf romance.

Emma looked toward the door, willing him to walk through it. Her toe tapped against the hardwood floor. Her fingers clenched the mug, not feeling the heat.

Where were they?

****

Control was a trait he’d cultivated from a very young age. It had been a matter of survival. As a child, he’d been smaller than most, a target for taunting or worse. That had changed once he’d hit a growth spurt. As an adult, the taunting had happened behind his back, none of them willing to say anything to his face.

His hands were relaxed by his sides, but every cell in his body was screaming at him to run after Emma. Every second she was out of his sight was pure torture.

“You killed three pack members?” Mikhail took the lead on the questioning, once again surprising him.

“Boris Federov, Pavel Orlov, and Ivan Volkov.” Saying their names evoked no emotion. They might as well have been strangers instead of men he’d known his entire life.

Mikhail frowned. “Volkov? Alexander’s son?”

“Yes. And he was even meaner than his old man ever was. When Alexander was killed, his son took his place as Gregor’s enforcer.”

Jacque stirred, drawing all eyes to him. “Why not you?”

Dmitri’s mouth turned up in a mocking smile. “He didn’t trust me. Nor did he think me strong enough.”

The alpha nodded at Mikhail. “Your former alpha hasn’t gotten any smarter since you left.”

Wait. Dmitri frowned. Was that a backhanded compliment?

“Gregor was always blinded by his ambition. It’s not enough for him to lead. He wants to control everyone and everything around him. No offense?” he added.

“None taken. I’ve been disowned, remember.” His entire being strained in the direction Emma had disappeared. As hard as he tried, he couldn’t hear her. His heart began to race. Fear, not for himself but for her, gripped him. “Either fight me or take me to her.” Tossing a challenge out wasn’t the smartest idea, but he was going to bolt in another thirty seconds. His legendary control was about to snap.

Mikhail growled. “Think you can take me, boy?”

“I’m not a boy. And, yes, I can take you. It would be a bloody mess, and I’d rather avoid pissing Emma off by hurting her father.” Green eyes met amber, neither of them giving an inch. It wasn’t in him to back down.

The air thickened with menace. Mikhail growled, but Dmitri remained silent, aware of the location of every other male surrounding him. He didn’t sweat. Didn’t blink. Locked on target, he was ready for anything.

Jacque’s deep chuckle broke the deadly standoff. Mikhail swore and glared at the alpha.

“What?”

“Don’t you see? He’s just like you, only bigger and younger.” Not sure how to take that, Dmitri hung on to his composure. “Come on.” Jacque slapped Mikhail on the back. “The women are waiting. I’m surprised Mama or Gwen haven’t come down here to drag us to the house.” All humor fled. “We prize our mates here.”

The warning had been issued earlier, but it wasn’t necessary. “I’d chop off my arm before harming Emma or any other woman. But,” he continued, needing them to understand where he stood.

“Anyone who threatens her is my enemy. I gave up my home and pack for her. I’ve killed for her. And I’ll do it again.”

“Fair enough.” Jacque stepped back and waved him toward a path. “After you.”

The hairs on the back of his neck rose. His wolf rippled beneath his skin. It went against everything in him to put his back to any potential foe, especially a powerful one. Let alone the group behind him. Screw them. They had no idea what he was capable of.

His entire life, he’d feared the darkness inside him, the part of him that was the ultimate hunter. Now, he embraced it. Emma was his priority. Heaven help anyone who tried to take her.

His wolf whined. There was no soothing the beast. He had no idea how much blood would flow, how many bodies would pile up before this war ended. Because that’s what it was—war. His father had set a plan in motion, and it had gotten away from him. Like a runaway train, it was out of control. All any of them could do was hang on and fight to survive.

Ignoring the muttering behind him, he picked up his pace, easily following Emma’s scent. He took the porch steps of the house in a single leap and yanked the door open. Every cell inside him exhaled when he found her sitting at a table, gripping a mug, lines of worry etched between her brows. She was chewing her bottom lip again.

On seeing him, she jumped up from the table and flew into his arms. His world righted itself as he held her. Emma’s mother sighed and rubbed her forehead. The other two females stared at the two of them.

Jacque, Mikhail, and Gator went to stand beside their mates. The other wolves remained outside, only a howl away.

Chapter Ten

Emma’s heart thundered. They hadn’t sent him away—which had been a major concern. She pulled back long enough to study him. No sign of bruises. She sniffed. No blood, either.

“For God’s sake, we didn’t beat him.” Jacque waved at an empty chair. “Sit down and let’s figure this out. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I wouldn’t mind getting an hour or two of sleep before the sun rises.”

Dmitri remained standing and nodded at the two women he hadn’t met yet. “I’m Dmitri Gribkov.”

“This is Gwen LaForge, Jacque’s mate.” Emma jumped in to take over introductions, something she should have thought to do. Exhaustion and stress had obviously affected her manners.

“And that’s Sylvie Rollins, Gator’s mate.”

“Now that we all know one another, park it.” Jacque rubbed the back of his neck. “Time is short. We’re gonna have a whole lot of trouble coming at us and soon.” Emma opened her mouth, but her brother scowled at her. “It’s not your fault, so don’t even start.” She mimed zipping her lips and got a smile. “Brat.”

Gator opened the refrigerator and pulled out two large platters of sandwiches. When Sylvie went to help him, he dropped a kiss on her cheek. “I’ve got this.” He placed both on the table and went back for a plate of oatmeal raisin cookies. Emma’s favorite.

Food was present at every pack meeting or celebration. She was grateful for the short time to calm her racing heart. Everyone had to be hearing it, but no one commented.

Giving in to the inevitable, Jacque waited until everyone had coffee in front of them. “Talk to me.” He addressed Dmitri directly. To keep from interrupting, she grabbed a cookie and stuffed it in her mouth.

In short, concise sentences, Dmitri went through everything—from discovering what his father had done, to his race to find her before Ivan and the others did. She gave an involuntary shiver when he got to the part about them running her off the road. The jolt of the crash, the fear for her safety, would haunt her for a long time. He slung his arm around her shoulders without missing a beat.

“Your truck, where is it?” Jacque asked her.

“About an hour away.” She gave the location as best as she could remember. “It was late, but I hadn’t reached Asheville.”

He pulled out his phone and began to text. “I’m sending someone for it.”

“Why the hell did it take you so long to get here if you were so close?” her father demanded.

Dmitri squeezed her upper arm and answered. “I took her in the opposite direction. Figured Ivan would assume we’d run here for shelter.”

“Smart.” Jacque nodded in approval as he tucked his phone away.

“I disagreed at the time. In my defense, I had no idea if Dmitri was a good guy or one of the bad ones.” They shared a brief smile.

“What’s so damn funny?” Her father’s brows lowered, his voice little more than a growl.

Deciding honesty was best, she went for it. “When he slowed at a bridge, I bailed out of the truck.”

“Emma.” Hand against her mouth, her mother’s eyes widened in shock. “You jumped out of a moving vehicle?”

“I’m fine. Honestly. It wasn’t going that fast. You have to understand, I feared he might be another kidnapper. I figured it was better to have a few bumps and bruises than to let him take me to

another location.”

Her father grunted his approval.

“Anyway,” she continued. “Dmitri bolted after me. Convinced me it would be smarter to lay low and let him protect me while we regrouped.”

“Then what?” Jacque prompted.

Dmitri picked up the story, giving every detail. Well, maybe not all of them. He conveniently skipped over the parts where they’d kissed. He certainly hadn’t mentioned what had happened on that motel bed. Not the sleeping together—the actual sleeping—or what happened after they woke.

“That’s it,” he finished. “After I hid the bodies, I got Emma in the truck and drove straight here.”

“Before anything gets decided, I want to say something.” She pushed back from her chair and stood. Dmitri rose beside her. She waited until Jacque nodded before continuing. “I don’t want to endanger this pack. Be honest with me. Do you think you’d be safer if I left?”

Dmitri never said a word, but she sensed his disapproval. Not that she blamed him. After the fuss she’d made about coming home, now she was thinking about leaving. But this was no longer about her and what made her feel safe. This was about protecting her family.

Her father looked toward Jacque and back to her before shaking his head. “Doubtful. Not if Gregor hasn’t changed. You’d know better than I would.” He addressed the last to Dmitri.

“He hasn’t. If anything, he is worse. His obsession with you is a kind of sickness. It was always there, but my mother’s presence kept him stable.”

“What happened to Ylena?” It was odd to hear her father speaking of these people. They were nothing more than names to her. Her father had lived an entire life before he’d moved to Salvation and found her mother.

“She died a month ago. There was barely anything left when I found her.” A muscle in his jaw flexed. “A few more hours and even that small sign would have vanished, taken by the wind and snow. The consensus was she’d fallen prey to human hunters.” He took a deep breath, the only outward sign he was the slightest bit agitated. She knew better. Sensed the bone-deep pain that came from talking about it. “Ivan confessed to her murder while we were fighting.”

The women gasped. The men’s faces all went stony.

“You sure he wasn’t baiting you to throw you off?” Her father leaned forward, his forearms pressed against the tabletop. “Ylena was always a force to be reckoned with. Tough as nails.”

He shook his head. “There were too many details.” He clamped his lips together and looked down at his lap. Emma pressed her hand against the small of his back, hoping the touch gave him some comfort.

Elise rose and came around the table. Wrapping her arms around Dmitri, she hugged him. “I’m so sorry for your loss.”

In spite of the gravity of the moment, the panic in his eyes made her want to smile. He’d have to get used to being hugged if he was around here for long. The females of the pack were huggers.

Stiff as a board, he held his arms out by his sides. He kept his attention on her father even as he addressed her mother. “Thank you.” It would have been humorous if the situation hadn’t been so unbearably tragic.

“Did Gregor have anything to do with her death?” her father asked. His fingers had curled into fists. Had he and Ylena been friends? It seemed likely.

“No. Ivan got rid of her because she kept warning Gregor not to trust him.”

Mikhail nodded. “Yeah, she’d see right through someone like young Volkov.” When Dmitri

remained still as a statue with his arms out, her father sighed. “Let the boy go, Elise. You’re making him uncomfortable.”

She pulled back, patted Dmitri’s chest, and retook her seat. “You’ve had such hardships—

losing your mother, being disowned, losing your pack—and, still, you protected my daughter. There’s nothing I can say or do to repay you.”

Emma swallowed hard when her mother dabbed at her eyes.

“You already have.” His deep sincerity permeated Emma’s entire body. He honestly meant it.

He didn’t want anything in return for all he’d done. She doubted he had any idea how special he was.

Having him beside her gave her confidence. Not that it had been lacking before, but this was different. She’d had ups and downs in her life, little bumps along the way. Nothing she hadn’t been able to handle. What had happened in the past couple of days was on another level. The experience had changed her.

If Dmitri hadn’t intervened, she’d either be on her way to Alaska or dead. That was humbling.

As smart and strong as she was, her chances of escaping and evading a group of male wolves were slim. She’d have done anything and everything in her power to get away—no matter how extreme—

and Ivan hadn’t been the patient sort. He’d likely have killed her long before they’d made it back to his alpha.

Sweat broke out all over her body. She’d come so close to losing everything—pack, family, her very life. Her muscles locked as she fought the urge to run.

I’m having a panic attack.

Why now when she was home safe? Her answer was in the question. It was safe to break down now, surrounded by loved ones. She leaned against Dmitri for support. His arm banded around her waist, his strength keeping her upright. She’d done it without conscious thought, her body naturally seeking his.

Praying no one realized how close she was to losing it, she took one slow breath after another.

As the conversation flowed around her, she concentrated on the tone and texture of Dmitri’s voice, letting it soothe her.

One thing that had come out of her ordeal—she understood the intrinsic link between mates much better. Having someone special to walk beside you through life’s ups and downs, knowing they’d be there when you needed them, made the hard times easier and the good times better.

She wanted that with Dmitri.

He’s not mating you, remember? He’d said it when they’d met. Couldn’t have made his position any plainer. But had he changed his mind? He was protective of her. He wanted her. He’d made that plain, too.

He took his responsibilities seriously, and that’s what she was to him. Male wolves had a healthy sex drive. He’d probably have come on to any available single female.

Talk about depressing.

“Emma?”

Crap, while she’d been lost in thought, the conversation had wound down. At least she was no longer in danger of passing out or bolting. “I apologize. I wasn’t paying attention. I’m tired.” Not the whole truth but not a lie.

“You should try to eat something besides a cookie.” Her mother pushed one of the sandwich platters toward her.

The scent of chicken would normally be mouth-watering. She placed a hand on her stomach.

The idea of trying to swallow anything made her stomach churn. “Maybe later.”

“Emma needs to rest.” Her father stood, effectively ending the meeting.

As grateful as she was, she looked to Jacque. He might be her brother, but he was also the alpha.

Jacque sighed and nodded. “We’ll talk more later in case there’s anything else you remember.

What about sleeping arrangements?”

Dmitri’s arm tightened around her. “I’m not leaving Emma.”

****

He bit back a curse when Emma swayed. What the hell had happened? She’d been talking, seemingly fine. Then she’d gone silent. Her heart rate had increased. She’d begun to sweat. She’d been trembling when she’d leaned against him.

No one else had noticed her distress.

It didn’t make any sense. She was home, surrounded by her family. But the body didn’t lie, and hers was in full panic mode. Alpha or father be damned, he wasn’t leaving her side. Not without a fight. Emma needed him.

Seeking allies, he went to the best source. “Elise, I offer my services to guard your daughter.”

“That’s not all you’re offering,” Mikhail muttered.

Elise frowned. “Emma is pale.”

Everyone turned their attention to her.

She waved off their concern. “It’s nothing to worry about. Like I said, I’m tired. I know I need to eat, but I can’t stomach anything. Not now.” The more she did her best to reassure them, the more worried her mother looked.

Dmitri didn’t blame her. He was more than a little concerned. The biggest challenge was getting her out of here before anyone realized the extent of her distress. She’d hidden it from them for a reason. But not from me. She’d trusted him with her weakness, knowing he’d support her without question.

“Take her home.” Jacque pulled her out of Dmitri’s arms and hugged her. It took everything in him not to attack the male. He’s her brother, he reminded himself. Then the alpha kissed her forehead before smirking at Dmitri, like he was reading his mind. “And best take that one with you. Something tells me if we put him somewhere else, he’ll end up howling outside your house.”

He could joke all he wanted, but it was no laughing matter to Dmitri. His wolf was pacing inside him, eager to take on any and all challengers.

Emma looked at her father, her green eyes wide and imploring. “Please?”

Mikhail dragged his fingers through his hair. “Fine.” He scowled at Dmitri. “I’m watching you.”

He refrained from shrugging, not wanting to incite the male to violence. He could watch all he wanted. The only thing that mattered was what Emma wanted. She wanted him to stay away, he’d keep his distance, but he’d watch over her. She wanted him with her? That’s where he was going to be.

Mine.

The single word pulsed in his brain and locked into place. His heart had always been a cold, barren wasteland. The only warm spot had been his mother. That tiny sliver had turned to solid ice after her death. Emma hadn’t chipped away at the barrier. She’d thawed it, like a spring breeze after a long, frigid winter. It was so subtle he hadn’t realized it was happening until it was too late.

His wolf, starved for connection and affection, had locked onto her and would never willingly let her go. The human part of him had buried any hint of longing—for a mate and real home—but her

presence had unearthed it.

She could break his heart. For a male who’d survived by his physical and mental strength, it was scary as hell. He’d rather face an entire pack of enraged males than risk losing her.

It was the lack of control that was most daunting. Whatever he did, it was ultimately her choice. Loving another person sucked, but he wouldn’t change it. His life had been nothing more than bleak survival. Emma brought sunshine and happiness simply by being herself. If all he got was a few days or weeks of it, he’d count himself blessed.

“Let’s go.” Mikhail led the way with Elise beside him.

Dmitri nodded at the alpha couple and Gator and his mate before following. He kept his arm around Emma’s waist. She made it out the door and down the steps before she stumbled.

“This is ridiculous.” Fed up pretending she was fine, he scooped her into his arms. Emma sighed, closed her eyes, and rested her head against his shoulder. His chest expanded about a mile wide. He met her parents’ gaze. “I have her.” And he wasn’t letting her go.

Ready for a battle, it was a surprise when Mikhail did no more than glare before leading the way. He was going to see Emma’s home, the room she’d grown up in. In spite of his worry, he was curious. There was no detail too small. He wanted to know everything about her.

They passed several other homes tucked away off the path. The wolves that had followed from the parking lot kept pace with them. He only caught sight of one, but they were all there.

Like the others, her family home was constructed out of thick logs and had a covered porch. A single light burned inside, giving a welcoming glow. The entrance opened into the kitchen and dining area. It wasn’t overly large, but it was modern and updated. A good-sized living area lay just beyond.

“I can walk,” Emma mumbled.

He brushed his lips over her forehead before he remembered her parents were watching.

Mikhail was behind him, so he couldn’t see his reaction. Elise’s smile was gentle.

“Bring her this way.”

The hallway was short, with a bedroom on either side. He followed her through the door on the left. Emma’s scent surrounded him. He swallowed heavily as her mother turned down the covers on the bed. His arms tightened around her before he forced himself to place her on the mattress.

She snuffled against the pillow and rolled onto her side. If her parents hadn’t been watching, he’d have crawled in beside her. Forcing himself to action, he removed one boot and then the other, placing them alongside her bed. He pulled a bright turquoise comforter over her.

“I’ll take it from here.” Elise patted his arm. It was a dismissal, pure and simple. And what right did he have to stay? He wasn’t her mate.

Cursing the circumstances, he backed away. His eyes strayed to the partially open closet and another door. That had to be the bathroom. Sliding doors opened out onto a deck. A floor-to-ceiling bookshelf dominated one wall, filled with pictures and books and other treasures.

“She’ll want her bags.” There wasn’t much he could do, but that was something.

“Louis dropped them off earlier.” Mikhail pointed to the floor near the head of the bed. Sure enough, her purse and bag were there. “Let’s talk.” With a jerk of his head, he indicated Dmitri should follow.

“If you need anything, call,” he couldn’t stop himself from adding as he left.

Mikhail was waiting in the kitchen. Opening the fridge, he dragged out two beers. He slid one across the top of the island. Dmitri settled on one of the stools. Keeping one ear trained on the bedroom, he gave the rest of his attention to the male across from him.

“What did you leave out? I damn well know you didn’t tell us everything.”

Rather than bristle at the insult—because it was true—he rolled the can of beer back and forth between his hands. “That’s between Emma and me.”

“Fuck!” He slammed the can down on the counter, ignoring the beer that foamed up and sloshed over the edge of the opening. “I knew it. You took advantage of her, you son of a bitch.”

“Maybe.” He shoved the drink aside and raked his fingers through his hair. “If I did, it was unintentional.” He didn’t explain himself to anyone, not even Gregor. Not that the man had ever asked.

But this was Emma’s father. If he wanted any kind of a relationship with her, he had to be on decent footing with her parents. They didn’t have to like him, but they could put a roadblock between them if they objected to him. Unlike him, Emma was close to her folks.

His mother had loved him, had included him when possible, but they’d lived very separate lives. He’d moved out at seventeen, building a small shack for himself. Hell, his mother had helped, understanding he’d had to be away from his father … from Gregor.

“Just how close did you get?” Hands on his hips, Mikhail radiated pure menace. His eyes flashed, his wolf close to the surface. This was the dangerous male who worried Gregor Gribkov.

He’d be one hell of a foe. Best to make him an ally, if possible.

“Not nearly as close as I’d like.”

Growling, he slammed his hands down on the counter. “Damn it, you could have just said ‘not that close’ and left it at that.”

He met the older male’s gaze, unwilling to back down. “That would be a lie.”

“I’m torn between beating the shit out of you and admiring your ‘fuck you’ attitude.”

Rather than push his luck, Dmitri went silent. The male had a right to be angry. Hell, if Emma was his daughter, he’d have already beaten the shit out of … well, him. It was convoluted thinking, but the gist was the same—they both wanted to protect Emma.

“You tired?”

He was, but he’d never admit it. Never show weakness was the mantra he lived by. “What do you have in mind?” Probably killing and burying him somewhere on their land.

“Let’s patrol. Let’s see what you’re made of.”

He looked toward the hall. Elise hadn’t come out of her daughter’s room.

“They’re safe.” He canted his head toward the door. “Louis is out there. That’s Elise’s other son.” When Dmitri hesitated, Mikhail smiled, and there was nothing friendly about it. “It wasn’t a suggestion.”

Chapter Eleven

When Dmitri walked out onto the deck, a tall male stepped forward. He looked enough like Jacque that it had to be his brother, Louis LaForge.

“How is she?” he asked Mikhail.

“Exhausted but well.”

He gave a curt nod. “I’ll keep a watch over them.” He finally turned his gaze toward Dmitri.

Like every other male he’d encountered in this pack, he was tough and dangerous. “Watch yourself, wolf.”

Another male might have bristled at the warning, but he was used to being tested at every turn.

“Don’t you worry about me,” he drawled. The implication being it was them who should be concerned. His kind often said a lot without actually saying anything.

Rather than get angry, Louis grinned. “We’ll see, wolf. We’ll see.” He faded back into the shadows.

“Come on.” Mikhail stripped off his shirt and tossed it over the railing. He had to be pushing ninety, but you’d never say it by looking at him. He was in prime condition. Werewolf genetics really were impressive. “Let’s see what you’ve got.”

Taking up the challenge, he yanked his T-shirt off and dropped it on the porch. They weren’t alone. There were at least three others watching. Fuck them. They wanted a show, he’d give them one.

He discarded boots and socks and shucked his jeans. Eager to run, his wolf surged forward.

There was none of the slow morphing of limbs and face. He went from human to wolf in a heartbeat.

He’d always been faster and stronger than those around him.

Hands on his hips, Mikhail nodded his approval. “I wondered if your wolf would be bigger.

Size doesn’t always translate.” He embraced the change, head flattening and jaw elongating. He fell forward, hands and feet becoming paws. Wasn’t as fast as Dmitri, but it wasn’t slow, either. The wolf in front of him was big, his coat mostly brown with reddish tones. Intelligent green eyes watched him.

With one last look over his shoulder, Mikhail bounded toward the woods. Heart pumping, senses on alert, Dmitri followed. The crisp March air was invigorating, the breeze light as they headed away from the house. There was a tug in his chest the farther away from Emma he went.

She’s safe. There were wolves surrounding her. If he wanted her pack to respect him, to allow him to stay, this was necessary. It chafed to have to prove himself to anyone at his age, but Mikhail wasn’t just anybody. He was Emma’s father.

Easily keeping pace, he wasn’t surprised when another wolf joined them. Big bastard, too.

Almost as big as Dmitri. The fur was a mixture of brown and blond, unusual for a wolf.

His other side was flanked by a smaller wolf with fur as black as midnight. He caught the scent—Gator.

This wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision by Mikhail. Somehow he’d planned this. They wanted to see what he was made of? He’d damn well show them.

Lengthening his stride, he released his wolf. The huge beast, glorying in the freedom, took off.

Leg muscles bunched and flexed. The air ruffled his fur. He jumped over massive boulders and skirted huge trees. The gentle ripple of a stream caught his attention and he swerved, aiming straight for it. The others were behind him but keeping pace.

He splashed through the water, letting it cool him. A few patches of snow remained in sheltered areas, but the ground was mostly clear. The sun was rising higher in the sky with the promise of a warm spring day.

He bolted into a clearing. It was barren now, but in summer it would be filled with wildflowers. Maybe he’d bring Emma here—assuming he was still here by then.

Once again, the yearning welled up inside him. Emma. He had to get back to her.

Skidding to a stop, he shifted and held his arms out by his sides. “You’ve got me away from the women. I’ve jumped through your hoops. What do you want from me?” Offense was always better than defense. And speaking of which, “I know another two wolves have joined us.” If they thought they could sneak up and flank him, they were mistaken.

Two men joined them, one in wolf form, one in human. As he watched, the wolf shifted to his human form. Both were brown-haired and blue-eyed. They weren’t similar, but a matched set. Twins?

It wasn’t unheard of, but it was rare.

Mikhail shifted. He tilted his head to one side, appearing more thoughtful than angry. “That’s Sage and Reece Gallagher.”

Dmitri nodded at the newcomers.

“You’re impressive.”

The male’s opinion meant nothing to him. He knew who he was. He needed no one’s approval. Maybe Emma’s, a small voice inside whispered.

“You’re more like your mother than your father.”

That was a compliment he’d take. His shoulders straightened. “She taught me everything I know.” If he’d waited for Gregor to show interest, he’d never have learned anything.

Mikhail shook his head. “It’s more than that. You were born to be an enforcer.”

A low growl radiated out from him. “I’m not Gregor’s enforcer.” He’d worked his entire life to be the complete opposite of his sire.

“Never said you were. Doesn’t negate your natural gifts. You’re big, no doubt, but that doesn’t always translate to skill. You’re damn fast. You’ve got excellent instincts.”

His own father had never said anything half as complimentary. Dmitri wasn’t sure what to feel.

“Some wolves are born with something extra. Like I said, you’re a born enforcer. I should know. Did you know Gregor wanted me to be his enforcer?”

“No.” It wasn’t surprising, given Mikhail’s skills. He’d taken out Dmitri’s uncle with little problem, a fact that drove Gregor crazy and threatened him.

“Like you, I chose to walk away. I chose a woman—my sister. That led me here, where I found the love of my life. Elise and I were older when we had Emma. I don’t want her hurt.”

“Neither do I.”

A laugh came from the left. Gator had shifted and was leaning against a tree. “You two are so much alike, it’s scary.”

Were they? Both had made difficult decisions to leave their pack for the greater good. Both had been prompted by a need to protect. Like him, Mikhail had a code of honor he lived by. He was no blind follower but a born leader.

“Are we done?” He’d been gone longer than he’d planned. His wolf had needed to stretch his legs and test himself against the males around him. Assured he could handle them, he was now eager to get back to Emma.

“If I were human, this is where I’d ask your intentions toward my daughter. Since I’m not, I’ll make you a promise. Hurt her, betray her, and I’ll hunt you down.”

“If I hurt her, it won’t be intentional. I’ll never betray her.” He was in this now, for good or bad, until the end. “As for my intentions, I plan to mate her, if she’ll have me.”

Shifting, he took off, leaving the others scrambling after him. He reached the house first, took human form, and eased back the patio door that led to Emma’s room. She was curled under the blankets, her hair spread over the pillow.

Her mother stirred from where she was sitting in a comfortable chair by the door.

Dmitri grabbed a discarded T-shirt that hung on the handle of the closet and held it in front of him. Heat crept up his cheeks. He wasn’t embarrassed, damn it. Being naked was natural for wolves.

Being naked in Emma’s bedroom with her mother standing a few feet away was … disconcerting.

Elise blinked several times and then smiled. “She hasn’t stirred since you left.” She leaned over her daughter and brushed a lock of hair off her forehead. “She’s special. You know that, don’t you?” She nibbled her bottom lip, the gesture a familiar one. Emma did the same when she was worried.

“Emma is the most special female I’ve ever met.” That was the pure truth.

Elise nodded and straightened. “You’ll watch over her, won’t you?”

Placing his hand over his heart, he gave a short bow. Something about this woman was regal, demanding of respect. “You have my solemn oath.”

“That’s all I can ask.” She went to the door, pausing before she opened it. “Pink looks good on you.” The teasing smile caught him off guard. “Now I better go placate Emma’s father before he bursts in here.” Sliding through the opening, she closed the door behind her.

Dmitri glanced down and chuckled. The shirt covering his dick was bright pink.

****

Emma inhaled the delicious scent surrounding her. It was earthy with a hint of fresh air and soap. Beneath it was pure male goodness. She rubbed her nose against firm skin, snuggling closer to the warmth radiating from his big form.

She’d woken like this once before, so she knew it was Dmitri beside her. Honestly, she couldn’t think of a better way to start the day. The only thing missing was coffee.

Levering herself up on one arm, she studied the male sleeping beside her. Most women would kill for his lashes. They were thick and full and dark. Everything else about his face was purely masculine, from his chiseled cheekbones and high forehead to his full beard.

The covers had fallen back, giving her a perfect view of his chest. She hummed as she examined the broad expanse. He was all smooth skin and rippling muscles. Even at rest, his pecs and abs were defined.

The blanket covering his lower half twitched.

Her gaze flew to his and found honey-colored eyes staring back. “You’re awake.”

“I am now.” Not the least bit embarrassed by his obvious erection, he stretched his arms over his head. Huge biceps bunched and flexed. He absently scratched his chest, his lips slowly turning up.

“You’re looking better.” His gaze lowered to her chest.

At some point, someone, likely her mother from the scent, had dressed her in pajama bottoms and a short-sleeved shirt. As a wolf, she didn’t need the clothes to keep warm. It was more about feeling cozy. Right now, her nipples were erect and visible beneath the thin cotton fabric.

He traced the outline of one with the tip of his index finger. She moaned and leaned into his touch. He started to withdraw, but she grabbed his hand, keeping it there.

“Your parents,” he protested.

She’d forgotten all about them. “The room is soundproof. So is theirs. I love them, but I don’t need to hear what goes on in their bedroom.”

He teased her other nipple, making slow circles around the edge. “Doesn’t mean they won’t

check on you.”

She shook her head. “Not if you’re in here. They know you’re here, right?”

“Your mother does.”

Emma tamped down her embarrassment. She was an adult, not a child. But she’d never had a man in her room before, and both her parents were aware of it. The fact her father wasn’t banging on the door and dragging Dmitri out was the equivalent of giving his approval.

A heavy weight fell from her shoulders, freeing her to explore what she wanted and make her own choices. She’d never loved her parents more than she did in this moment. None of this was easy on them. As always, they pushed past their reservations and worries to allow her to find her own path.

“Pink looks good on you,” he said. Then he smiled, not a hint of one or a grin, but a full-on smile that made her heart sing. There was a teasing note she didn’t understand. As if he knew something she didn’t.

“I like pink.” Did he think it too girly?

“I know. I shifted and went for a run with your father and a few pack members. When I got back, your mother was in here with you. I was naked. I grabbed the shirt off the door. Didn’t hide much, but it did the job.”

Wait! What? “You went running with my father?” What else had happened while she’d been out?

“Yes.” He slipped his hand beneath the hem of her shirt and pushed upward. Finding her bare breast, he cupped it. Her toes curled. Arousal surged from her breast to her core. She had a million questions but couldn’t think of a single one. Not with his hand on her.

“Standing in front of your mother naked, except for a small pink shirt, was much worse.”

The image that popped into her head was so ridiculous it cooled some of the heat surging through her. She started to smile. “What did Mama say?”

“She told me pink looked good on me.”

Throwing back her head, Emma laughed. Her mother had a prim and proper exterior. Beneath it was a very earthy and fun-loving woman. She could only imagine Dmitri standing there with nothing but her shirt to cover his business.

“Think that’s funny, do you?” Growling, he nibbled her neck.

The slight hint of teeth had her eyes rolling back in her head. “Yes.” Passion and humor vied for dominance.

He skated his hand down to her waist and tickled. She thumped her feet against the mattress.

“Stop.”

She squirmed, trying to escape, but he rolled her onto her back, shoved the covers off the bed, and grazed his teeth over her stomach. “Never.”

Humor died, replaced by molten heat. “Dmitri?” He was no longer talking about tickling.

“Let me taste you.” He pushed her top up. The sound he made was that of a man in pain. The expression on his face was one of ecstasy. “Let me touch you.” He lowered his head and drew his tongue over one taut nipple. Her back arched. Her fingers tangled in his hair.

“Yes. Don’t stop.”

The hair on his face was soft against her skin. He rubbed it over her breast before capturing the tip once again. Her breasts were ultrasensitive. The heat from his breath, the roughness of his tongue, the caress of his beard, left her panting.

She ran her hands over his shoulders and back, eager to touch every inch of him. His cock

pulsed against her thigh, hot and hard. “Dmitri.” She didn’t know what she was asking for, but he did.

He kissed a path down her torso until he reached the waistband of her pajama pants. Taking one of the drawstrings between his teeth, he pulled.

Her breath caught in her throat. Mesmerized, she watched as he nuzzled the fabric lower, dipping his tongue into her belly button before nipping at her hipbones.

God, she was hot enough to melt the sheets. Tired of waiting, she shoved at her pants, pushing them down her legs.

With a growl that made the entire bed vibrate, he dragged the pants away. Kneeling between her legs, he licked his lips.

The combination of passion and embarrassment made her cheeks hot. No man had ever looked at her in such an intimate way. Prickles raced over her skin. Butterflies battered at her stomach.

Dmitri could have been a statue of an ancient god. Thick muscles and smooth skin were stretched over heavy bones. His abs and biceps were carved from steel. His cock speared up from between his legs.

She reached out to stroke his hard length, but he caught her hand. “I’m too close. Let me pleasure you.” To punctuate his request, his free hand delved between her thighs, stroking the soft, damp folds.

Ripples of pleasure made her shudder. She nodded—all she was capable of doing. She’d pleasured herself many times, but it was nothing compared to what he was making her feel. Her skin was too tight, every inch of her body sensitized. Every caress, every puff of breath was magnified a thousand times.

He sprawled between her legs. Without warning, he buried his face against her sex. A low keening sound was dragged from her. He licked and sucked her folds before zeroing in on her clit.

Her entire lower body surged off the bed when he captured the bundle of nerves between his lips and teased it with his tongue.

A bead of sweat rolled down her temple. Fingers gripped the sheets. Her jaw clenched to keep from screaming. Her inner muscles rippled, a telltale sign she was close.

Then he pushed a thick finger inside her.

Panting, she wrapped her legs around him. She dug her fingers into his shoulders, holding on for dear life.

A second finger joined the first. He worked them in and out, stretching her, rasping against the walls of her core.

“So close,” she gasped. Her heart was pounding so hard she feared it would burst from her chest.

He sucked her clit hard as he drove his fingers deep. Then he growled.

The vibration exploded inside her.

Her lips parted on a silent scream. The pleasure, so deep it bordered on pain, rocketed to every part of her. She bit her bottom lip and tightened her legs around him, riding out wave after wave. When it was finally done, she collapsed, arms and legs sprawled, lungs heaving as she sucked in air.

Dmitri raised his head and licked his lips. A shudder racked her entire body. The erotic gesture sent another ping of pleasure through her.

Coming up on his hands and knees, he began to crawl over her. The veins in his cock were dark, the thick head almost purple in color. She opened her arms. She wanted this, wanted him.

A heavy fist banged on the door. “You’ve got fifteen minutes.” It was muffled, but there was

no mistaking her father’s voice.

Emma curled into a ball so fast, Dmitri barely avoided being kneed in the groin. Groaning, he buried his face in a pillow. “I’m going to kill him.”

Chapter Twelve

A cold shower hadn’t helped. Dmitri was still semi-aroused, his jeans tighter than they should have been when he followed Emma into the kitchen. They’d left the patio door cracked open to allow the room to air out. It smelled like sex.

Don’t think about sex.

Both he and Emma had cleaned up and dressed. They’d showered separately. His control was strained to the max. His wolf was snarly. He wasn’t much better.

Mikhail looked far too satisfied with himself, seated at the head of the table. Smug bastard.

He had to realize what he’d done—given Dmitri’s obvious discomfort. His only compensation? The sultry, sleepy expression in Emma’s eyes and the blush on her face were evidence at least one of them had gotten lucky.

“I didn’t know how long you’d sleep or what you’d want. It’s lunchtime, so there are both turkey and beef sandwiches and potato chips. I made pies, too—apple, lemon, cherry, and blueberry. I can make something else.”

“Mama.” Emma went to her mother and wrapped her arms around her. “Thank you. For everything. Why don’t you sit? I can take care of serving lunch.” Rather than wait, she guided Elise to the table. “Have you eaten? Daddy?”

“I have, but I wouldn’t mind some pie. I’m partial to your mama’s pie.”

After dropping a kiss on her mother’s forehead, Emma went to the counter and began to pull plates down from the cupboard. He went to her. “Let me help.” It was better than sitting at the table with her folks.

“Thanks. What kind of pie would you like?” she asked her parents.

“Lemon for me,” her father replied.

“I’ll have the same,” her mother added.

It was all so mundane, so ordinary, it was disconcerting. He handed out plates and cutlery. He ferried the mugs of coffee Emma poured to the table. Finally, there was nothing left to do but sit.

Picking up the platter, he held it out to Emma. “Help yourself.” His stomach growled. He was running on fumes. His body needed a lot of calories to run at peak strength. The slices of beef were thick. They weren’t from any deli but sliced straight from a roast. Ignoring the pangs of hunger, he waited until she’d taken what she wanted. Then he held the plate out to her folks.

“We’re good with pie.” Mikhail had cut several pieces, serving his mate first. He indicated the platter with a tilt of his head. “I’d say you can handle all that and more.”

Rather than pretend otherwise, Dmitri placed it in front of him and dug in. “Any contact yet?”

Gregor wouldn’t be sitting on his hands waiting. He’d be mobilizing his men.

“Not yet. Jacque would have called.”

He finished off a sandwich and wiped his mouth with a paper napkin. It was delicious. Or maybe he was just hungry. Either way, it worked. “About that. I’ve been giving the situation some thought. I should call him.”

Mikhail steepled his fingers together and rested his elbows on the table. “Funny, I had the same idea. Only I should be the one to call.”

It went against every instinct he had to allow another male to take charge when it came to Emma’s safety. He glanced at her, found her watching him. The turkey sandwiches were only half gone.

“You need to eat,” he reminded her.

“Why are we contacting Gregor? He knows where we are, right?” She looked to her father and then at Dmitri. “What purpose does it serve?”

“Your father is a threat. Has been since he killed my uncle. It’s not a bad thing to remind him what he’s up against.”

Elise had been quiet up until now, taking it all in. “Jacque needs to weigh in on this. He’s not only Emma’s brother, he’s also alpha.”

The constraints were a noose around his neck. He was used to taking action without having to consider anyone else’s position.

“You get used to it.” Mikhail sipped his coffee, the pie long gone.

“Get used to what?” He took another bite of sandwich and chewed.

“Being part of a real pack. This is not like Sitka.”

“No shit. Sorry about the language.” He sent the apology to Elise. See, something else he had to worry about.

Her lips twitched. “I’ve heard worse.”

He’d bet she had. “No time like the present.” He wanted to get this over with. The faster Gregor went down, the safer Emma would be.

She was too quiet. Her plate was empty, but she was toying with her mug, spinning it slowly on the table. “What are you thinking?” She was a part of this. She had a say in what happened. “You have another idea?”

Her green eyes were clouded, and her brow was furrowed. “I’m worried. I don’t want anyone to get hurt.”

“That’s on Gregor.” No way would he let her take any of the blame. Of all of them involved, she was the most innocent. He hadn’t asked for the shitstorm that was raining down on them, but Gregor was his father. It soured the food in his belly, but it was the truth. He could deny it all he wanted, but his sire was out of control, a danger to himself and everyone around him.

He hooked his hand behind her neck and pulled her closer, resting his forehead against hers.

The contact eased some of the restlessness churning inside him. “He won’t touch you.”

“He already has.”

The truth was a knife to Dmitri’s heart. He started to pull away, but she grabbed his hand and held it to her chest.

“He’s touched all of us—my father, Aunt Rina, you, and everyone in my pack. It’s time to end this. Whatever you decide, I’ll back you.” Her chin tilted up. “I trust you.”

Pride burst through him. He inhaled sharply, his chest expanding.

“I trust this pack.”

Some of his pleasure bled out of him, but he held on to her belief in him. “I won’t let you down.”

“I know you won’t.” He clasped those simple words to his heart. He would not fail.

Mikhail was putting his phone down. “I texted Jacque. He’s on the way.”

He barely had the words out when the back door opened. The alpha’s gaze went first to his mother, his expression softening. Say what you want about the male, but he had his priorities straight.

Something Gregor never had.

Gregor thrived on fear, at pitting people against one another so none of them gained the power to overthrow him. He’d coerced Dmitri’s mother into marrying him, using the people she cared about as leverage to control her. As strong as she was, Gregor was alpha. In a battle, she’d lose. Then everyone she loved would suffer. Knowing that, she’d lived her life with grace and dignity, keeping

herself apart from her mate as much as possible.

Jacque dropped a kiss on his mother’s head and rubbed Emma’s shoulder. “How you feeling, kid?”

She dropped her head back, leaning against her brother. “Better. Dmitri and Daddy have a plan.”

He dropped into an empty chair. “Let’s hear it.”

“We should contact Gregor.” Maybe he should have allowed Mikhail to lay it out, but he was his mother’s son. Taking charge was in his DNA.

“Why?”

Emma slid out of her seat, went to the counter, and poured another coffee. She placed it in front of her brother. He nodded his thanks, but his gaze never wavered from Dmitri.

“He needs to be reminded what’s at stake. Mikhail could have taken the pack years ago, but he chose to leave. Hell, I could have taken the pack, but I don’t want it.”

“You promised your mother, didn’t you?” Rather than retake her seat, she came to stand beside him.

If anyone else had asked, he would have told them it was none of their fucking business, but this was his mate—even if it wasn’t official yet. He’d have no secrets from her. She needed to see the truth of him—good and bad.

“Yes.” The other males might see him as weak. After all, wolf society worked on hierarchy.

Might was right. Only her father had walked away.

“He’s your father.” She rubbed her hand over his shoulder. He took it and brought it to his lips. Her father’s eyes narrowed, but he didn’t comment.

“Do it.” Jacque nodded at Mikhail. “You talk to him. And before you get your shorts in a knot,” he said before Dmitri could object, “you can jump in if and when the situation calls for it. It can’t hurt and might give us some insights.” Surprisingly, he didn’t see pity in the alpha’s eyes. It was more like understanding. “I don’t think this will end until Gregor Gribkov is dead.”

He unflinchingly met the alpha’s gaze. In his heart, he’d known this was coming from the second he’d left Alaska in pursuit of his father’s men. “That’s my job.”

****

Tears filled Emma’s eyes, threatening to spill over. She swallowed and blinked, not allowing them to fall. No son should ever have to make such a choice. To protect her, to protect her family and pack, he’d have to kill his father. From all he’d said, from all she’d heard over the years from her father, it was the only way this would end.

Dmitri was stuck in a no-win situation. Whatever he did, he lost. There was no going home for him. Not ever.

I can be his home.

They hadn’t talked about the growing attraction between them. There’d been no time. Life had been a rollercoaster, pitching them up and down since they’d met. Right now, she was his priority. He took his responsibilities seriously. Would that change when the threat was gone?

Her stomach sank and her heart ached. She hoped not, but she wouldn’t use his sense of responsibility to hold him. She deserved the kind of love her parents shared. The same devotion all the mated pairs of the pack had. And she wanted it with Dmitri. He was more in need of loving than any other male she’d ever met.

Her mother was watching her. There was a depth of understanding there, an unwavering bedrock of love that settled her. Whatever happened, she’d survive. She was too strong not to.

“Make the call.” Jacque leaned back in his chair. To anyone who didn’t know him, it would appear as though he didn’t have a care in the world. The tightening of his mouth and the slight flex in his arms told another story.

Dmitri might as well have been carved from stone. He was so still—with them, yet somehow apart. For the first time in her life, she truly hated someone. Gregor didn’t deserve his son. Had hurt him endlessly. He hadn’t told her much, but this episode was the final one in a string of them that likely went back as far as he could remember.

She started to step away, to give him space. He grabbed her hand. “Stay.” He didn’t look at her, his eyes locked on the phone in her father’s hand. She started to bristle at the command and his tone. Then she felt the slightest trembling, saw the flex of muscles in his arm.

“All right.” She started to drag a chair closer, but he pulled her onto his lap. That he’d reached out to her for comfort was huge, especially in front of her parents and Jacque. Was it wrong to be quietly thrilled by his show of possession? Not very modern of her, but wolves lived by a different code. She wanted to nuzzle his neck and rub the tension from his shoulders.

She’d been around alpha males her entire life. Dmitri fit right in. Most of the males in this pack could be alphas but chose to add their strength to what they’d built here. Did he see that? Was it something he might consider?

The phone rang. It wasn’t necessary—everyone in the room had werewolf hearing—but her father put the call on speaker and pushed the phone to the center of the table. It rang several times and went to voicemail.

It was a letdown after the build-up. She hated waiting.

“He won’t answer if he doesn’t recognize the number.” Shifting her slightly, Dmitri reached into his pocket and drew out his phone. He’d retrieved it from his bag earlier. “He disowned me, but he won’t be able to resist.” He pulled up his contacts, hit the right button, and set the phone down in front of him.

“Ready to crawl back with your tail between your legs.” The voice was deep and gruff. This was his father, and there wasn’t even a hello. No sign of remorse, either.

“That’s your style, old man, not mine.”

“You ungrateful bastard. I should have smothered you at birth.”

“You need new material. You’ve said it all before. I have an old friend who’d like a word with you.” He nodded at her father.

“Gregor, it’s been a long time. Personally, I could have gone the rest of my days without hearing your name again, but we don’t always get what we want.”

“You’ve gone soft. Kowtowing to another alpha. Following orders like a good dog. If that’s all you wanted out of life, you could have done that here.”

Emma barely kept from snorting. The idea of her powerful father being submissive to anyone was ludicrous. Nor did Jacque expect it.

“I have more in my life than you could imagine.” Mikhail took his mate’s hand and brought it to his lips. “I’m sorry about Ylena.” The regret was heartfelt. She’d always respected her father, but it grew in that moment. After all Gregor had done to his family, her father was being a bigger man.

Silence on the other end.

“This can end now—”

“That’s your game.” Gregor interrupted her father. “You’re weak. You don’t even have a son.

You have a pathetic daughter.”

Who was he calling pathetic? She opened her mouth, but a huge hand covered it. Dmitri gave

her a squeeze. Shit, she’d almost let her temper get the better of her.

“I have an amazing daughter. You must think so since you sent your men after her.”

“She’s nothing but an instrument for my revenge. Nothing more than a bitch—”

Dmitri’s fist slammed down so hard, the thick wooden table cracked right down the center.

Dishes and phones crashed to the floor as Jacque jumped to his feet and her father pulled her mother away. “You watch how you speak about my mate.”

Emma went hot and then cold. Pure fury vibrated from him, but other than the one outward show, Dmitri was calm and controlled, almost icy.

Gregor’s laughter echoed around the room. “My plan worked. My blood will mingle with yours, Mikhail. Your daughter belongs to my pack now, by law.”

“I’ve been disowned, remember. I have no pack. And when I kill you, my bloodline becomes my own.” He lifted his huge boot to stomp on his phone but reined in his temper. It was his last link to his mother. Her final voice message. Picking up the device, he ended the call and shoved it in his pocket.

Jacque sighed and raked his fingers through his hair. “Anything you want to tell me?”

Dmitri stood and set her on her feet. Her knees shook as she tried to process the declaration he’d made to his father. “You were taunting him, right?” Surely he hadn’t meant it about mating. Last she’d heard on the subject, he’d been adamant about not mating her. “That was your father’s plan. Not yours,” she reminded him.

Sighing, he cupped her face in his hands. “I didn’t mean for it to come out like that. I already told your father my intentions.”

Okay, that was a little old-fashioned, even for her. “You talked to my father, but not to me.”

Her tone had him frowning.

“He asked when we went for a run earlier. You were sleeping.” The others were avidly listening, but he was ignoring them, his entire attention on her. “There hasn’t been any time.”

That was true, yet it wasn’t. “We had a long drive here. We were alone the entire time. We were together when we woke earlier.” Why was she being so bitchy? He’d declared himself. Wasn’t that what she wanted?

No. She wanted a declaration of love. She still had no idea how he felt about her, other than being sexually attracted on an explosive level.

“I didn’t want to pressure you. There’s enough upheaval in your life.” He released her, and she stumbled back a step before righting herself. “I plan to mate Emma, if she’ll have me.” He addressed her mother and brother. Her father was already aware.

This was not the proposal she’d dreamed of when she was a girl. She opened her mouth and closed it, uncertain how to answer. A part of her wanted to scream her acceptance, convinced he’d fall madly in love with her. She was already there. It had to be love for her to even be considering his offer. Another part feared being nothing but a responsibility, a reminder of all he’d lost. Over time, he could eventually come to resent her. And mating was for life—unless one partner died.

“We’ll talk about this when the rest is settled,” Elise declared, deciding the matter, for now.

She’d had never loved her mother more as she wrapped her arm around Emma and guided her toward the bedroom. “We’ll leave you to dispose of what’s left of the table.”

When the door to her bedroom closed, she slumped on the bed. “What am I going to do?”

Elise sat beside her and tucked a strand of hair behind Emma’s ear, the gesture comforting and familiar. “Do you love him?”

“God help me, I do.” Emma burst into tears.

Chapter Thirteen

Fuck! Talk about making a colossal mess of everything. He’d lost his temper, something he never did around Gregor. The old man pounced on anything he perceived as weakness. But hearing him speak of Emma that way flipped a switch inside him.

“I’ll replace the table.” It had been a beautifully crafted piece. Now it was in two pieces.

Great way to make an impression on the most important people in her life.

“Don’t worry about it.” Mikhail hefted one of the massive wooden slabs. “We’ll reuse the wood for another project. I’ll make her a new one.”

Dmitri grabbed the remaining half of the table and followed Mikhail outside. They leaned the wood against the porch.

Jacque joined them. “Quite the temper you have there.”

Crossing his arms over his chest, he leaned against the railing. “Anyone in my pack would be quick to tell you the opposite. Cold and unemotional are the two words used most often to describe me.”

The alpha raised a questioning brow.

“Apparently, I have a trigger.”

“Emma.” Jacque nodded, as if satisfied by his answer.

“Emma,” he agreed. She was a weakness, someone that could be used against him. Funny how he’d never worried about his mother in that way. In his mind, she’d been unbeatable, strong and confident.

She was also dead due to trickery, because of one man’s obsession with power.

There was only one way to protect Emma. “If something happens to me—”

“Nothing is going to happen.” Mikhail stood, legs spread, hands fisted. “I’ve had enough of Gregor.”

“It’s not your job.” For better or worse, it was his. When Mikhail started to object, Dmitri shook his head. “My blood. My problem.”

“If he comes onto pack land, he’s my problem.” Jacque’s eyes narrowed as he stared out toward the woods. “Not the first time we’ve dealt with someone wanting to kill us.” He shook his head and sighed. “If they’d put half the effort into building as they do destroying, they wouldn’t covet what others have.”

He was right. When Gregor was motivated, nothing was too much trouble. Problem was with what motivated him—jealousy, anger, greed.

Dmitri looked toward the house. He wished he knew what Emma was thinking. Or maybe he was better off not knowing. Maybe she was trying to figure out a way to let him down easy. She was innately kind and wouldn’t want to hurt him.

His wolf growled and power welled up inside him. Whatever happened, she would be safe, even if it took every last drop of blood in his body to achieve it. “I’m going to patrol.” He dared Jacque to object.

“Figured you’d want to stick around and talk to Emma.”

“Your mother was right. Time enough to talk when the threat is gone.”

Respect gleamed in the alpha’s eyes when he inclined his head. “You can go with Cole Blanchard.”

A huge wolf stepped out from behind the house. The same big bastard who’d been part of the group when he’d gone out with Mikhail. He was unusual, not only for his size, but also for his brown-

and-blond fur. Intelligent green eyes took his measure.

They were sending him out with the biggest wolf in the pack. Not surprising. They didn’t quite trust him. Why would they? His former alpha and sire was the one behind the attack on one of theirs.

If he’d been in charge, he wasn’t sure he’d be nearly as trusting as Jacque.

Or maybe it wasn’t Dmitri he trusted, but his packmates.

Ready to run, he stripped off his shirt and removed his boots. “If Emma asks, tell her where I’ve gone.”

Mikhail nodded. “I’ve been taking care of her since before she was born. Nothing will harm her.”

He believed the older wolf. He wasn’t bragging but stating fact. This was a male who’d been tested, who understood what was important in life.

His jeans barely hit the ground when he shifted. In the blink of an eye, he went from human to wolf.

Mikhail picked up his jeans and tossed them alongside his shirt. “Like I said, you’re an enforcer to your bones. Go do what you were born to do.”

Yes, this was exactly what he’d been born to do—protect Emma and those who were important to her. Throwing back his head, he howled a warning. The deep, low sound spread over the land. The forest animals went quiet.

Cole turned and trotted toward the trees. His heart and soul yearned to be with Emma.

Intellectually, he understood it wasn’t possible for them to be together until the threat was eliminated.

With one backward glance toward the house, he followed.

****

“What do you think?”

Mikhail took his time and gathered Dmitri’s boots and set them on the porch. “I think that boy’s had a hell of a life.”

“How do you feel about him and Emma being together?” Jacque sat on the top step, forearms on his thighs, hands linked together.

“Damned if I know.” He sat down next to him. “I understand you better now.”

Jacque shot him a grin. “Not so fun when some strange wolf wants to mate a woman you love, is it?”

Both Elise’s sons hadn’t taken kindly to him wanting to be with their mother. Not at first. But they hadn’t stopped him. And they could have. Would have been easy for them to send him packing.

He’d like to believe Elise would have left her family for him, but he hadn’t wanted to test it. His daughter, on the other hand…

“If we try to stop them, Emma will leave with him. She’s stubborn like her mother.”

Jacque snorted. “And you’re not?”

“Poor Emma got a double dose. We taught her to stand on her own feet and find her way in life.” He buried his face in his hands. “How the hell did she grow up so fast? It was only yesterday she was toddling alongside me, looking at me like I could solve every problem in the world. And when she was young, I could. I hate that I can’t protect her from this. I believe he wants to mate her.

I’m unsure of his motivation.”

“He wants her.”

“I don’t want to think about it.” No father wanted to imagine his little girl in a romantic relationship.

Jacque slapped him on the back and stood. “Whatever happens, she’s not alone. Neither are

you.”

After all these years, that acceptance and support wasn’t something Mikhail took for granted.

His chest tightened. He raised his head and nodded. “Does this mean you’re going to start calling me Daddy?”

“Not in your wildest dreams.” Giving him a one-finger salute, Jacque sauntered off. “Tell Mama I’ll see her later. Take care of your girls.”

“You can come out now.” He’d sensed Emma listening from the kitchen. No way would Jacque have missed it. It was likely why he left—to give father and daughter some privacy. He’d never admit it aloud—the man had enough confidence for five wolves without adding to it—but Jacque LaForge was the best male he knew and one hell of an alpha.

Emma sat alongside him and leaned against him. He sighed and put his arm around her shoulders. They were slender, in comparison to his, but he’d never underestimate her. She was too much like her mother—all heart and courage.

“Where’s Dmitri?”

Her eyes were red. Damn it, she’d been crying. “He went on patrol with Cole.” He brushed her hair out of her face. It was thick and had always been a touch unruly. “Do I need to find him and beat his ass?”

“Daddy.” She shook her head. “You shouldn’t joke about something like that.”

“Who said I’m joking?” He could hear Elise puttering in the kitchen, sweeping up the broken dishes. Damn, he’d meant to do that. Too late now. Then she’d likely make more pies. It was what she did when she was upset or needed to work things out in her head. They both knew she could hear them talking. Neither of them minded. “How do you feel about Dmitri?”

“I love him.”

Those three words stopped his heart for a second before it began to race. “I see.” He wished Elise was beside them. She was always better at these types of conversations.

“Do you? I’m not sure I do.” She rubbed her hands over her face. “It’s all so confusing. I thought it would be easier. I’d find someone compatible, bring them home to meet all of you, maybe date for a while, and see where things went.”

“Life rarely does what we want it to. And that’s not a bad thing. I never planned on finding your mother. Knocked me on my ass first time I laid eyes on her.”

“Liar.” Elise’s voice drifted out through the open door.

“Not literally, but inside I was flattened. I was resigned to be a bachelor.”

“And I’d vowed to never marry again.” She walked through the door with a blanket and wrapped it around Emma. “You’re chilled, my baby. Why don’t you come inside? Your young man will be a while yet.”

“Is he mine or does he feel responsible for me?”

Her question almost broke his heart. “Only time will tell.” Dmitri Gribkov was a hard one to read. He wanted Emma. He was determined to protect her at any cost. But did he love her? Mikhail couldn’t say. He stood and held out his hand. “Come inside and have some of your mother’s pie.

That’s the cure for anything.”

He ushered his family inside and took one last look around the yard before closing the door.

****

As they covered miles of pack land, Cole was tireless. Dmitri didn’t think he was being tested. If anything, the older wolf was showing him respect, expecting him to be able to keep up.

He raised his muzzle into the air, sifting through the scents. He caught faint traces of other

wolves, but none he recognized. He wasn’t familiar with everyone in the pack, but Cole didn’t seem troubled.

When they reached the edge of a plateau, they stopped. Mountains rose in the distance. Below them, the valley spread out. The only green came from the pine and fir trees. The others were barren of leaves but would bloom soon, making the land lush and beautiful. It was late March, but there was only a trace of snow left, the weather milder than he was used to for this time of year.

Cole shifted and he got his first look at the man. He was almost as tall as Dmitri and powerfully built. Like his wolf form, his hair was dark blond and his eyes were green. His expression was stern. This was a male who didn’t smile easily or often.

Dmitri shifted, figuring he had something he wanted to say. Neither of them spoke. The minutes dragged out. He didn’t fidget or get impatient. A born tracker and hunter, he recognized another of his kind. They were both still as statues for so long, the wildlife began to come back. A squirrel chittered as it scampered up a tree and a fox trotted by.

The corner of the man’s mouth twitched. “Mikhail was right. You are an enforcer.”

The designation had always had negative connotation. His hackles rose whenever someone used it to describe him. Here, he was beginning to view it as something positive, something to be proud of.

“I prefer protector.” That’s what he was at his core. And the person he was bound to protect was Emma.

“Like you, I left my pack years ago. I followed Jacque. There were five of us—Jacque, Louis, Armand, Gator, and myself. Our alpha was a mean son of a bitch. Jacque didn’t kill him because of his mother.” He met Dmitri’s gaze. “Members of this pack understand making hard decisions and living with the consequences.”

His throat tightened at the omission. These hard, tough males were offering him something his own pack had never given him—acceptance. He was on probation and they were watching his every move, but damned if it didn’t feel good. Oh, he understood it had nothing to do with him personally and everything to do with his connection to Emma.

“I’m going back to the house.” He’d been away long enough. He needed to see her, to touch her, more than he needed to breathe.

“You know the way.” It wasn’t a question but an assessment of his skill.

Not bothering to answer, he shifted and headed toward the woods. It was natural for him to chart the land around him. It was as though he had an internal GPS system which constantly mapped and plotted until every path and landmark he passed was imprinted.

In a hurry, he chose the shortest route. Even then, it took time. The sun was sinking below the horizon by the time he trotted across the yard. He’d slowed before he’d left the cover of the woods, not wanting to seem too eager if anyone was looking.

His clothing was on the porch. Grateful, he shifted and pulled it on. The door opened before he reached it. “You’re back.” Emma was backlit by the kitchen light, giving her an ethereal glow.

She’d changed and was wearing a V-neck shirt that clung to her breasts. It was dark red and had a stylized wolf on the front, head back in a howl. The wolf was outlined in sparkling silver. Her feet were bare, her toenails painted the same deep red as her shirt.

It was perfectly Emma.

“Where are your parents?” He didn’t hear them. “And who’s the wolf?” He could sense him, but couldn’t scent him because of the wind direction.

“They went over to see Jacque. That’s my brother Louis.” She leaned around him and waved.

“I’m fine now. You can go on home.” She moved aside and motioned him inside.

He hadn’t expected to be alone with her. While grateful, he was surprisingly nervous. This was the first time they’d been by themselves since he’d made his grand declaration. “So?” he began.

“So.” She shut the door and strolled into the kitchen. There were no questions or accusations.

Cool and calm, she took down some plates and pulled a pie out of the refrigerator.

He was in deep shit.

“Emma, about earlier.”

“Do you want a big slice or a little one?” She cut a large slab and lifted it onto a plate. “I want a big one.”

“Emma.” He went around the counter and gently removed the knife from her hand and set it on the stone countertop. He didn’t think she’d stab him, but better safe than sorry.

“What?” Leaning her hands against the counter, she looked down. Come to think of it, she hadn’t looked directly at him since he’d returned. Not even when she’d opened the door.

His stomach knotted and sweat broke out all over his body. She was going to turn him down and was trying to find a way to do it. His heart sank.

Fuck this! He wasn’t giving up without a fight.

Standing behind her, he leaned down and placed his hands beside her. She hunched her shoulders. Her breathing increased, but she didn’t ask him to step away. Words would come later.

Action was required now.

His lips brushed her nape. She smelled like lemons and a hint of vanilla. His two new favorite scents. Goose bumps rose on her skin. Pleased by the reaction, he nibbled his way up her neck to her ear.

“What are you doing?” Her breathy voice had his balls clenching hard.

“If you have to ask, I’m doing it wrong.” He caught her lobe between his teeth and gently bit.

A low moan slipped from between her lips. “I know what you’re doing, but why?”

He straightened and turned her so she faced him. “Because I want you. Because not having you is killing me.” He lifted her hand and placed it on his chest. “This belongs to you.” It was as close to a declaration of love as he’d ever come. He didn’t want to say the words until he was sure where she stood.

Pride and self-protectiveness didn’t vanish overnight.

When she bit her bottom lip, he rubbed his thumb over it. She was so damn soft. Everything about her drew him. If he’d set out to create the perfect woman, it would have been Emma.

He was no prize. Had nothing to offer but himself, some money in a bank account, and a promise. He was young and strong and not afraid to work. If she gave him a chance, he’d give her the world—or at least a home and a future, maybe children.

He swallowed heavily. “Will you give yourself to me?”

He stared into her eyes. His life balanced on her decision. The lack of control made him want to bolt, but he held steady and was rewarded with a tiny nod.

His heart leaped. This was only an agreement to sleep with him. He wasn’t an idiot. He had a long road ahead of him to get her to mate him. This was a chance.

Don’t screw this up.

Scooping her up into his arms, he carried her down the short hallway to her bedroom and kicked the door closed. Unless Emma’s life was in danger, he wasn’t stopping for anyone or anything.

Not this time. Her father could bang on the door all he wanted. Dmitri was going to make love to Emma or die trying.

Chapter Fourteen

What am I doing?

She’d been all set to talk about his earlier proposal. If he could be calm and rational about it, so could she. They’d discuss it like two adults.

Then she’d opened the door.

Like every other time she laid eyes on him, she was struck by how alone he seemed. A solitary aura clung to him like a second skin. It hurt her heart. He’d been alone for far too long.

Maybe she was projecting, seeing something that wasn’t there, but she didn’t think so. She trusted her instincts.

He set her down at the foot of the bed, looking no worse the wear for his patrol. “You left.”

The “me” was left unsaid.

“I needed to clear my head.”

“Regrets?” She wished she could see what was going on in his mind. It was exhausting having to batter down his defenses and get him to open up. The bruises were emotional but all too real.

“Is that what you think?” No expression. Nothing.

Emma threw her hands up into the air. “What am I supposed to think? You tell everyone but me you want to mate me. Then you take off without a word.”

“You’d gone off with your mother. Your father knew where I was.”

Sick at heart, she dropped down on the bed and stared at the rug, rubbing her big toe over the pattern. She’d painted her toenails to keep busy, unable to relax. It boosted her confidence, too, and looked pretty. Apparently, she’d been worried sick for no reason. “I’m tired.”

“This will be over soon. Gregor isn’t patient enough to wait.” He dropped to his knees in front of her and took her hands in his. “They’re cold.” Frowning, he folded them in his larger ones.

“I’m having difficulty regulating my body temperature.” One second she was sweating, the next freezing. It all depended on where her thoughts wandered. Imagining Dmitri naked spiked her body heat. Imagining him gone sent shivers through her.

He brought their clasped hands to his mouth and gently blew.

“Talk to me.” If he couldn’t open up, there could be no future for them.

“Let me warm you first. Afterward, we can talk all you want.”

Already she was getting hotter. This might be her one and only chance to have sex with him.

The future was up in the air. Her entire reason for being on the road, for going on her overnight road trip, had been to experience sex.

God, she’d been so naive, thinking any male would do as long as she was attracted to them.

Reality check—only one male would do, and he was on his knees in front of her, ready and willing to make love.

“You’re right.” She pulled her hands away, grabbed his shirt, and yanked it over his head. He raised his hands to make it easier for her to remove. His skin smelled outdoorsy, like fresh air and pine trees. It mingled with his underlying male scent. “Talking is overrated.”

She ran her hands over his broad shoulders, down his massive biceps to his thick forearms and wrists. His muscles twitched beneath her palms. Kneeling in front of her made him the perfect height for her to explore the breadth of his chest. She grazed her thumb over a flat nipple before sifting through the light dusting of hair in the center of his torso. She’d seen him naked, but this was different. For the next … however long it took, he belonged to her.

“You’re so strong.” She trailed a finger down the middle of his chest, then lower, cupping the

large bulge in his jeans.

Groaning, he grabbed her hand and pulled it away.

“You never let me have any fun.” She wanted to touch and explore and taste.

“I don’t want to come in my jeans.”

Her core clenched and her panties dampened. His nostrils flared and his eyes darkened as the scent of her arousal reached him. “Then take them off.”

Eyes locked on her, he stood and kicked off his boots before peeling down his pants. Oh yes!

Since he was naked beneath them, his cock eagerly fell into her waiting hand. Ignoring his groan, she traced the veins that ran up and down the thick length, rubbed her thumb over the slick head.

“Emma?” He sounded like a man in pain, and she loved it. His hunger for her rivaled hers for him. In this, they were equals.

Closing the distance between them, she ran her tongue around the rim of his cock, teasing the slit at the tip. He tasted salty and warm.

“Fuck!” He fisted her hair. Rather than pull her away, he eased her closer.

Wrapping her hand around the base of his shaft, she gave an experimental squeeze. She’d never done this before, but she’d read articles and had an excellent imagination.

Opening her mouth, she took him in. Not deep. She didn’t want to choke. That would kill the mood. Using her teeth and tongue, she learned the shape of him, listening to the sounds he made, discovering what he liked.

Her hand stayed busy, moving up and down his shaft. He was so hard and hot. Her underwear moved from damp to downright uncomfortable. Her breasts ached. The fabric of her bra was too confining. She knew what it was like to have his mouth and hands on her and wanted that …

eventually.

The hair at his groin was springier than that on his head. It brushed against her hand with each downward stroke. More comfortable, she began to take more of him inside her mouth. His shaft rippled.

Groaning, he pulled away. Hands resting on his thighs, he gasped, his lungs pumping in and out. The head of his cock was darker, the veins more prominent.

“Let me finish.”

“Not this time.” His honey-amber eyes burned with an inner fire. “I want to come inside you the first time.”

Her core clenched, drawing a moan. She was so close to coming, she’d be embarrassed—if she cared. “Great idea.” Yanking her shirt—her favorite one—over her head, she tossed it aside.

Even that slight pressure on her nipples had her swallowing back another moan. When she reached for her bra, he stayed her hands and made a sound of pure pleasure.

“Let me.”

The fabric was lacy and matched her shirt and toenails. She had a weakness for pretty lingerie. It made her feel sexy. She’d never admit it aloud, but she’d worn it in case things got heated between them. So sue her. A girl had to pull out all the stops with a stubborn male. Men were more physically focused than women. Maybe he loved her and didn’t realize it.

Maybe she was grasping at straws.

He ran his forefingers over the lace at the top of each cup. She no longer cared why they were here, only that they were. Whatever happened between them, there were no doubts the sex would be explosive.

Her breasts moved up and down with each panting breath. He barely grazed her nipples with

his thumbs. She threw her head back and groaned.

“Hurry.” She was going to explode any second.

Reaching around her back, he undid the hooks and drew the garment away. She hissed when the slightly cooler air hit her. Her nipples puckered even tighter.

Her breasts disappeared beneath his large hands. The heat from his palms sent a burst of pleasure spearing down between her legs. She pressed her thighs together.

“Perfect,” he muttered.

She almost cried when he removed his hands. The only thing keeping her even relatively sane was he pulled her to her feet and went to work on her jeans. She tried to help, but her hands were trembling too badly. When he peeled them, and her underwear, down, she kicked them away.

“Mine.”

She might have objected at his choice of word—or maybe not—but he lifted her off her feet and laid her in the center of the bed. She’d always thought her queen-sized bed large until he sprawled out beside her. His erection pressed against her thigh, pulsing hard. Her core clenched.

“I can smell your arousal.” He took a deep breath and licked his lips. “I can’t wait to taste you again.”

Like the last time, he kissed a path down her stomach, making a space for himself between her legs. Knowing what was coming, she spread them wide. His breath fanned over her sex, sending her senses soaring.

“Yes. Hurry.” The clock was ticking. She didn’t want any interruptions. This time, they’d finish.

He buried his face against her core, licking the folds before capturing her clit between his lips. One finger pushed deep inside, followed by a second.

Wanting it, eager for it, she embraced the sensations battering her. Her skin was slick. Her head tossed from side to side. Her hips pumped up and down.

“Yes. Yes.” The heat built inside her, the inner muscles contracting around his fingers. He found some magic spot inside her. The world exploded.

Stars burst behind her eyes. A low keening sound was ripped from her throat. The release was powerful, beautiful. He worked her with his fingers, drawing out her orgasm until she couldn’t bear it. She brought her thighs together, trying to close her legs, and ended up squashing his head.

On a muffled laugh, he withdrew. His beard glistened from her juices. Like last time, he licked his lips, then his fingers. Boneless, she lay there, enjoying the naked splendor of him.

Growling, he placed his hands on the mattress by her shoulders and levered his body over her.

His erection brushed against her core.

Pausing, he looked down at her. “Now I’m going to fuck you.”

****

Her scent was intoxicating. Her taste was addictive. He’d never get enough. She had a hold over him that would never break. And he didn’t want it to.

He was rough by nature. Whatever smooth edges he had, her climax had carved away. The animal side of him surged forward.

Mate! Claim!

He shook his head, grabbing for the remnants of civility. “If that’s not what you want, tell me now.” His wolf howled and clawed, but he yanked it under control.

She slid her hands up his arms and gripped his biceps. “Fuck me.” Hearing the crude language from her excited him. He wanted to take his time, to savor this first time together, but feared that

wouldn’t happen. He was on a hair-trigger.

Her lips were red and slightly puffy where she’d bitten them. They parted eagerly when he pressed his against them. He explored her mouth, loving when she growled and her tongue tangled with his—a female wolf exerting dominance. Sexy as hell.

Without breaking the kiss, he reached between his legs and guided the head of his cock to her slick opening. He eased forward, pushing past the initial resistance, stretching her to accommodate him.

She stilled, like a doe faced with a wolf.

He broke the kiss, his hands fisted in the sheets. “Emma.”

“Don’t stop.”

Damn, she was tight. Sweat beaded on his skin. He painstakingly pushed inward, alert to every ripple of her core, pausing when she winced.

“I’m okay. I’m good.” He wasn’t sure if she was trying to reassure him or herself.

“Plenty of time.” Now he was lying to them both. The base of his spine tingled. His balls were close to crawling inside him. Pressure built. He clenched his butt and pushed another inch.

A bead of sweat rolled down his spine.

Making a sound of frustration, she wrapped her legs around him and pushed upward, driving him another couple of inches. “Oh, God.” Her nails dug into his skin.

“Almost there, sweetheart.” Heart thundering, he eased back and drove forward. He did it again and again, slowly working inward until he was balls deep.

Head hanging, he sucked in air, afraid to move. Her core clenched and released around his cock. It was a tight fit. It was absolute bliss. He looked down between their bodies to where they were joined. His shaft flexed.

She hissed and undulated against him.

Eyes rolling back in his head, he began to move. He, who was always aware of his surroundings, couldn’t hear past the white noise in his ears, was blinded by lust. He pounded into her welcoming body, pushing harder, going deeper with each stroke.

And she was there with him, clawing at his shoulders, pumping her hips. On each inward thrust, he ground his pelvis against hers, stroking her clit. Her entire body went rigid. Her core squeezed his dick, her release washing over him.

Dmitri threw back his head and howled in triumph as he emptied himself into her. The cells of his body exploded. When they reformed, they were different. He was different. She’d changed him.

His release went on and on. When it was finally done, he collapsed on top of her. When he tried to shift his weight off her, she clung to him. The base of his shaft swelled, locking them together.

He rolled them to their sides so she could breathe, kissed the top of her head, and inhaled the heady scent of sex. His heart eventually slowed, but his shaft was still hard.

“You’re mine now.” Satisfaction rolled through him. Emma wouldn’t have slept with him if she didn’t care.

“About that.” She ran her fingers over his chest.

“You gave yourself to me,” he reminded her, fighting off the stab of fear rearing its ugly head.

“Did you give yourself to me?” Some emotion he couldn’t define clouded her pretty eyes.

“Yes.”

Sighing, she ran her fingers over his beard. “I honestly don’t know if I’m a responsibility, a convenience, or something more.” She put her hands on his chest and began to push away.

Fearing she’d run, he rolled them so she was on the bottom with him on top. His shaft slipped

deeper. They both gasped at the exquisite sensation.

“That’s not fair.” She turned her head, looking at the wall instead of at him.

He’d been so concerned about protecting his feelings, he hadn’t considered hers. This relationship stuff was all new to him, but he was a fast learner.

He flexed his hips, setting a slow, easy rhythm. In and out. In and out. It was easier this time.

“Look at me,” he ordered.

She shook her head, her gaze stubbornly glued to the wall.

“Emma.” He bent one of her legs upward, slightly changing the angle of penetration.

“What?” Chin tilted, she looked at him.

“You’re everything to me. I’ve never cared about a woman this much in my life. I want to live with you, protect you.” He kept up the pace, not increasing or decreasing it, rocking their bodies together. “I want to wake up with you every morning and go to bed with you every night.”

“Oh, Dmitri.”

“I was determined to not get involved with you, not be a part of my father’s plans.”

“I know.” Her hands circled his back and clutched at his ass. His balls tightened to the point of pain.

He stilled and looked straight into her eyes. “Then I met you and everything changed.” He began again, the same steady pace. It was getting more difficult to talk and fuck, but he was determined. “Mate with me.”

When she hesitated, he threw caution, pride, and self-preservation to the wind, instinctually understanding if he didn’t give her what she needed, he’d lose her. “I love you.”

Tears filled her eyes and overflowed. Not quite the response he’d hoped for.

“Oh, Dmitri, I love you, too. It’s crazy. There are a hundred reasons why I shouldn’t, why our relationship won’t work, but I don’t care. I love you.”

His mouth slammed down on hers. She was his. She’d said she loved him. To a woman like Emma, that was everything. Arms caging her in, he thrust his tongue into her mouth and his cock into her sheath, claiming her in every way but one—mating.

His fangs erupted from his gums. He yanked his head back before he nicked her and made her bleed. His eyes had to be glowing. She didn’t jerk back or try to push him away. Not his Emma. She twined her arms around his neck and held on as he rode her to the edge and over.

She called his name as she came. He buried his face in the curve of her neck. The urge to bite, to claim, was primal. He dragged his tongue over the sensitive spot, almost losing it when she shuddered beneath him.

The tip of one fang broke the skin. A single bead of blood landed on his tongue before the tiny wound healed.

It was like swallowing dynamite. Another climax shot from his balls and out his dick. Panting, he fucked her over and over until he ran out of strength. He lost track of how many times they both came.

“Fuck. Emma.” When he was able, he eased out of her, appalled by how rough he’d been at the end.

“You already did.” Her voice was slurred, her eyes closed. She was pale, but she was smiling.

He rolled out of bed and went to the bathroom. After dampening a cloth, he went back and cleaned her up. “I can do it,” she protested, but she made no move to take the cloth from him. After a second, she dragged a pillow over her face.

The bed was wrecked, the fitted sheet peeled off one end, the blankets mostly on the floor.

There might have been a rip or two in them. After fixing them the best he could, he climbed in beside her. She was lying on her side with her eyes closed. He looped his arm around her, pulling her back into the curve of his body. All the better to protect her.

Her slow, even breathing told him she was asleep. He’d worn her out. The scratches on his shoulders and back had faded. Too bad. He’d hoped they’d stay longer.

Tomorrow, everything would come to a head. He didn’t question his instincts. There was something in the air—expectation, anticipation. Whatever came, he needed to be ready.

For the first time in his life, he had something to lose, someone depending on him. He would not fail, could not fail.

Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath and let go, trusting his wolf to alert him to danger.

Chapter Fifteen

Dmitri’s eyes snapped open. Easing Emma out of his arms, he rolled out of bed, scanning with all his senses. This was one time soundproofing was a detriment rather than a benefit. The dawn was close.

The perfect time to attack when everyone’s guard was down.

“What is it?” she whispered from the bed.

“Get your father.” Easing the sliding door to the patio open, he listened. It was too quiet.

Trusting her to rouse her parents, he slipped outside, shifted, and raised his nose, testing the air. A familiar scent reached him.

The bastards were here.

Where were the sentries? Didn’t they have patrols?

He’d no sooner had the thought when a large brown-and-blond wolf ghosted out of the woods long enough for him to see it before disappearing again. Cole Blanchard was on the move. Dmitri suspected he wasn’t the only one.

Following his instincts, he headed off to the left. Mikhail would stay and protect the women. It was his job to eliminate the threat, once and for all.

In full hunting mode, his emotions turned to ice, all his senses heightened. They could have stayed in Alaska. By coming after him, after Emma, they’d declared war.

If it was a fight they wanted, he’d give it to them.

Without seeing him, he sensed Gator sliding in on his right. These males were stealthy, maybe the best he’d ever come across. They’d need to be, depending on how many Gregor had sent after them. The Sitka Pack was large with many younger males filled with too much testosterone and not enough sense. They were always ready to fight, always in search of mates.

Embracing his wolf, he allowed the beast to lead. Without hesitation, he veered farther left, down a path to the … parking lot? This wasn’t right.

Luka was leaning against a truck, arms crossed over his chest. He might look relaxed, but a bead of sweat rolled down his temple. It was time to make good on his promise. His former friend held his hands up in front of him. “I’m not here to fight. I’m here to warn you.”

Gator was behind him. Trusting the older male to watch his back, Dmitri shifted back to human. “I told you what I’d do if our paths ever crossed again.”

“Let’s hold off on the killing for a minute. I’m not a threat.”

“I’ll be the judge of that.”

“You always were a stubborn and cold bastard.”

“And I always thought you were a decent guy. I haven’t changed. You haven’t been wise with your choice of friends.”

Luka dragged his fingers through his hair. “Everything got out of control.” He straightened away from the truck. “That’s no excuse. I got to thinking after I left you. Called my father and some of the others.” He took a deep breath. “We want you as alpha of the pack and are willing to back you.”

Like a percussive shockwave after a blast, the declaration knocked him back a step. Doubt and disbelief followed. “Let me get this straight. After all of you treating me like an outsider for years, you want me to be alpha? I’m not buying it.” At best, he’d been ignored—at worst, taunted and tormented. When he’d been a kid, it had hurt. Then it had turned to anger before solidifying into determination. He didn’t need any of them.

“That was weakness on our part. Your father made life difficult for anyone who was friendly

with you. My father told me to steer clear of you after my mother was threatened by Ivan’s father. He was enforcer in those days.”

None of this made any sense. “Why? Gregor rarely bothered with me unless it was to criticize.”

“You really don’t get it.” He shook his head, his brown eyes filled with wonder and then sympathy. “He’s afraid of you. Always has been. Everyone knows you’re stronger than he is.”

At one point in his life, he would have reveled in such validation, such belief. It was far too little, too late. “I’m not coming back to Alaska. I’m done with Gregor, with all of you.”

Pain flashed in his eyes. “I understand. For what it’s worth, I’m sorry for the part I played in hurting you. I’m heading home. I’ll stand by my father and the others who refused to come. Whatever happens, we’ll rebuild.” With a shrug of his shoulders, he opened the door to his truck. “I’m dead anyway, right? I’d rather die protecting my family than living under the threat of a tyrant any longer.”

Images flashed through his head—sitting around Luka’s table with his folks sharing a meal, Luka’s mother ruffling his hair, his father’s laughter. Then he remembered Luka’s mother being afraid to meet Dmitri’s gaze. His father’s laughter gone.

Gregor had done that. Luka and he had been kids, locked in a world not of their making. He’d been no different than Dmitri, trying to make the best of a horrible situation. In the end, he’d done what was right.

He stalked over to the truck and yanked the door out of Luka’s hand.

“Is this where it ends? I won’t fight you.” Luka held his hands out by his sides. “I’ve already hurt you enough.”

Stomach churning, chest aching, he grabbed the other male by the shoulders and yanked him into his arms.

“I’m so damn sorry, man,” Luka whispered. “You were my best friend.”

Dmitri swallowed and nodded, unable to talk past the lump in his throat. He released him and stepped back.

“If we both come out of this alive, don’t be a stranger. I know you’re not coming back to Alaska, but there are phones and we can meet on neutral ground. I’ve missed you.” Having said his piece, Luka climbed into the vehicle and left.

“You think he’s on the level?” Gator asked from behind him.

Dmitri watched the truck until it disappeared from sight. “I told him if I ever laid eyes on him again, I’d kill him. He risked it anyway.”

“That’s quite the offer—a pack of your own.”

He turned and faced the male. Gator might not be as big as some of the other males, but intelligence burned in the depths of his eyes, along with determination. He’d be a relentless enemy and a fair alpha. “Why don’t you have a pack of your own? It’s not because you’re not strong enough.

Hell, any number of you could be alpha.”

A smile played along the edges of his mouth. “Too much paperwork.”

Dmitri snorted, his mood lightening in spite of the seriousness of the situation. His wolf alerted inside him. A familiar sensation washed over him. “He’s here.” Without waiting to explain, he shifted and ran. The trees around him blurred. His stride lengthened.

Had Luka been a distraction? Had everything he’d said been a lie?

Dmitri rejected that. There’d been no indication of fear or deception. Every emotion had a smell. Most wolves could scent fear and arousal and anger—the big, obvious ones. But his wolf could detect those that were murkier—lies and evasions. There were layers and layers to peel back.

All his experience confirmed Luka had been truthful.

Gregor probably had someone watching those he suspected of rebelling. This fiasco was going to cost him his pack. Even if he managed to survive, he’d be fighting off challengers back home.

If he won, his pack would be severely diminished.

So much waste. And for what? A grudge decades old. An unquenchable thirst for power.

He wasn’t tracking a scent, but a sensation. All power carried an energy signal. It allowed him to lock onto his target. The hunter inside him stalked his prey. They’d brought the fight to him.

They could damn well live with the consequences.

The large black-and-brown wolf sensed him at the last second. It was too late. Dmitri slammed into his old man, driving him back about ten feet. He crashed into a tree but rolled back to his feet. Say what you want about him, but Gregor was a tough bastard.

Dmitri shifted to human. “Leave now or I’ll kill you and take your pack.” He meant the first threat. The latter was an empty one. The Sitka Pack could rot for all he cared. They’d allowed this monster to go unchecked and become what he was. As much as it pained him to admit, his mother had been complicit. And he’d been no better, giving in to his mother’s wishes to maintain peace. That was fine when he’d been a kid, but he hadn’t been one in a long time. He could have ended his father once his full powers kicked in at around twenty.

Time to rectify his mistake.

Gregor shifted and laughed. “You think you can take me? You, who always ran from a fight?”

“I never ran because I was afraid of you. I ran because I was afraid of me.” It was a difficult admission to make, but one that he had to acknowledge. He held his hands out in front of him. “I’m a natural hunter. Killing is easy. Too easy. It’s not something I take pride in.”

Gregor threw back his head and laughed. “You’ve never been tested. Trust me, boy, you don’t have a killer’s instincts.”

“And you do?”

“I take what’s mine.”

“You’re a long way from home. You’re declaring a war on another pack because of your hurt pride and nothing more.”

His sire’s face turned a deep mottled red. “You’re no different from Mikhail Matheson.” He paused and spit on the ground. “He acted like a big man. Mysterious. A loner. Just like you.”

“You feared him. And you’re afraid of me.” Luka had been right about that. Why had he never seen it?

Because he’s my father. Gregor had always been a larger-than-life figure in his life—a cold, exacting parent, an all-powerful alpha. He’d never changed his childhood perception. Until now.

The male standing before him was weak, using anger and violence to bolster his courage.

“Afraid of you?” He laughed, but it sounded forced. “I could have killed you at any point in your life. Probably should have. I blame your mother. She was attached to you.”

“Ivan killed her.” He tossed the information out there to see how Gregor would react.

His eyes darkened with shock. “Liar.”

“You didn’t know.” That was one sin he wouldn’t have to lay at the male’s feet. “He admitted it before I avenged her.”

Gregor shook his head, his hair brushing against his shoulders. “You’re lying. You always were jealous of him.” He raised his arm and yelled, “Attack!”

Silence echoed around them. Dmitri tilted his head to one side. “That’s your big plan? Have your men lie in wait to attack? You think the members of this pack are home in bed? While we’ve

been chatting, they’ve been hunting.” It was shocking to him that Gregor hadn’t noticed. He’d detected several scuffles, although all had been handled quickly and quietly.

His respect for Emma’s family grew in leaps and bounds. These were males who didn’t posture or brag, but simply went about the job of taking care of the business of protecting their families.

“I don’t need them.” He was calm, too calm for an alpha that had lost several fighters. “I can kill you on my own. I can wait for Mikhail. He’s not going anywhere.”

“No time like the present.” Mikhail sauntered out of the woods, barefoot, wearing only a pair of jeans.

Dmitri’s attention splintered. If he was here, who the hell was with Emma?

****

Emma was about to crawl out of her skin. Events had unfolded rapidly after Dmitri had taken off. She’d been tempted to go after him, but had done what he’d asked. Her father had already been awake before she got to him, alerted by a text.

Security protocols had kicked into place. Just because they’d been at peace for years didn’t mean they’d gotten lax. Everyone had an assignment. Since she was the one under threat, her mama was with her. The other women had congregated at the alpha’s home with the younger and more vulnerable members of the pack. Several of the males would remain on guard there. The rest were hunting down the threat.

Dmitri’s father had really brought his pack here to kill his son, her father, and do God only knows what to her. Even after everything he’d done, she truly hadn’t believed he’d be stupid enough to attack another pack on their home turf.

She’d underestimated his insanity. Dmitri hadn’t.

Whatever he’d heard or sensed had been beyond her. Another indicator of how attuned he was to his environment, how developed his senses were.

The cold air seeped into her bare feet, snuck up the hem of the jeans she’d pulled on and through her top. She didn’t care. Anger generated heat. So did worry. She was both.

People she loved were out there, risking their lives to protect her. Were they hurt? Was there any fighting? She couldn’t hear anything and not for lack of trying.

Tipping her head back, she listened intently. Sniffing the air only brought familiar scents. No unknown wolves. Nothing out of place.

Waiting sucked. She rubbed her hands up and down her arms and resumed pacing back and forth across the deck that ran around two sides of the house. Her father had taken off a few minutes ago, directing her to stay here with her mother.

Catching sight of Etienne, Gator’s son, she jumped off the deck. “What’s going on?” They’d grown up together. He was only a few years older than her, but was protective and tended to treat her as if she was still a kid.

She didn’t have to stay anywhere. Her man was out there, facing who knows what.

What if I get in the way and do more harm than good? That was her biggest concern. If she did something that got him injured, she’d never forgive herself.

She didn’t want to be one of those heroines she sometimes came across in the romance books she loved to read. They annoyed her, making her roll her eyes and sometimes scream in frustration.

No one would be stupid enough to walk into a dangerous situation when they were safe where they were. Like going into a creepy cellar when there was a serial killer on the loose. Or maybe run into the woods filled with unknown and dangerous werewolves. Right?

Only she got it now. When the man you loved was in trouble, you had to do something. Staying here and doing nothing was cowardly. If she was going to mate him, she had to be his partner in good times and bad, and this was about as bad as it got.

Etienne, in wolf form, simply shook his head.

To hell with this. “I’m going to find them. You’re welcome to tag along.”

When she stepped off the porch, he placed his big furry body between her and the forest. She shoved at his back flank, but he didn’t budge. “What if it was Amy? Would you sit on your ass and do nothing?” Amy was his mate and Emma’s friend. “I’ll tell them it was my idea.”

She moved to one side, but he got in front of her again. He was stubborn and single-minded. It would be impossible to sway him. She’d have to get sneaky. Maybe go inside and slip out another way. Maybe through the bathroom window.

“Let her go.” Her mama stood on the front porch, long hair blowing in the breeze. “Her father wants to protect her, but it’s her right to stand by her mate.”

Emma rubbed her bare neck.

“It might not be official, but I know you, baby. You love him.”

“I do. Thank you.” She’d never loved her mama more.

Elise slipped off the dress she’d pulled on when Emma had woken her parents. “No need to thank me. I’m going with you. You’re my little girl.” She shifted, her arms and legs shortening, skull flattening, jaw elongating. She fell forward. By the time her hands hit the ground, they’d morphed into paws. Soft fur in various shades of brown covered her entire body.

Her mama might be smaller than the males, but Emma had heard stories from her older brothers. Elise Matheson was a force to be reckoned with. Especially when it came to protecting her kids.

She hesitated, not wanting to put her mother at risk. It all came down to respect and trust. Her mother believed in her. How could she do any less in return?

Bolting in the direction her father had taken, Emma ran with Etienne on one side of her and her mama on the other. They hadn’t gone far when her keen hearing picked up voices. They were far too close to the house for comfort.

She carefully moved over the uneven ground, watching where she placed her feet. Growing up here, she knew every inch of the area, had been drilled tirelessly by her father, and every other male of the pack, until she’d wanted to scream. Now, she said a prayer of thanks for every grueling hour she’d endured.

A whiff of blood sent her heart tripping into overdrive. Then she caught the scent of a wolf.

Not one of them.

Her relief was short-lived when an unfamiliar voice said, “I can kill you on my own. I can wait for Mikhail. He’s not going anywhere.” Her father’s reply was lost as she hurried forward. That had to be Dmitri’s father, which meant Dmitri was the wolf he was threatening to kill.

Over my dead body. It won’t come to that. At least that’s what she told herself as she hurried forward. No need to be silent. She’d caught the scents of several other wolves, including Jacque. He wouldn’t be here if the area wasn’t secure.

Legs spread and his arms loose by his sides, Dmitri faced his father, the man who’d disowned him, who’d kicked him out of the pack he’d been born into. His face was calm. He wasn’t even sweating. Naked, he appeared even more powerful than he did dressed. Muscles rippled in his arms and legs. His abs were rock hard, his hips lean.

She swallowed hard. He might be strong, but anyone could be killed.

Forcing her gaze away, she got her first look at Gregor Gribkov. He was shorter than his son by about half a foot and stockier. There were some similarities, but they were superficial. It was difficult to tell about their jawline because of Dmitri’s beard. The shape of their eyes was similar.

The expressions in them were polar opposites. Dmitri looked almost bored. Fury snapped in Gregor’s eyes.

“Stay out of this, Mikhail.” Dmitri’s order snapped her attention back to him. “He’s mine.”

“He tried to force my sister to mate,” her father reminded him.

“He tried to kidnap my future mate.”

Gregor laughed, the threats not bothering him in the slightest. Either he was truly crazy or he knew something they didn’t. “If you’d followed my plan, you’d already be mated to the bitch.”

A low growl actually vibrated through the ground beneath her feet. Shit, that was Dmitri. Her father and Jacque glanced at each other and took a step back. The sign of respect made her proud, in spite of her worry.

“I intended to do everything in my power to thwart your plan. I told Emma I’d never mate her.”

Ouch! She rubbed her hand over her chest. Her mother nudged her, offering silent comfort.

“I’d planned to protect her, to make sure she was safe, return her to her family, and disappear.” A small smile played at his lips. “Then I met her. She’s truly exceptional.”

“Weak, like her father.”

“You’re the weak one. You’re obsessed with people who haven’t given you a second thought in decades. Without even trying, they’ve controlled your life, and you’ve allowed it. You had everything but were never content.”

While she was happy no one was fighting or trying to kill one another, something wasn’t right.

Raising her head, she looked up. She couldn’t remember who’d taught her to always search overhead.

Everyone looked down and around them. Few looked up.

A glint of metal high in the trees.

“Rifle! Get down!”

Chapter Sixteen

Emma’s scream about stopped his heart. Then her words sank in. He hit the dirt. Felt the whistle of the projectile as it skimmed by his head, narrowly missing. Thwack! The needle of the dart sank deep into the trunk of a tree.

“Dart gun,” he roared.

His bastard of a father had been distracting all of them. Everyone, that is, but Emma. Because of their earlier encounter with Ivan, she’d seen what the others had missed. That was Gregor’s plan—

disable them and then kill them at his leisure. He’d likely done it before. Hell, it was probably where Ivan had gotten the idea of using one on Dmitri’s mother.

Unintentional or not, his father had laid the foundation for his mate’s death.

Jumping to his feet, he raced toward the threat. His breathing deepened. His heart rate slowed.

Another dart came at him. Tracking it, he smacked it away with the flat of his hand. Then he went airborne.

“Holy fuck!” He didn’t know who uttered it, but Dmitri didn’t care. He flew through the air, hit the trunk about fifteen feet up, and covered the remaining distance before the shooter could reload.

Yanking the rifle away, he slammed the butt of it into the male’s face. Bones cracked. Blood spurted. With a shove, he sent the shooter plummeting to the ground. His scream cut short.

Dmitri jumped down, landing in a crouch beside the attacker, a male he’d known his entire life. His neck was bent at an awkward angle. He’d landed wrong and broken it.

Another death to attribute to Gregor.

He met his father’s gaze, saw the malicious intent. Everyone was watching Dmitri. Emma was too far away from her family. An easy target. As long as his father drew breath, she would never be safe.

Gregor launched himself at her.

Emma’s eyes were on him. They widened as Dmitri leaped, shifting in midair. Too far away.

As if he’d yelled a warning, she hit the ground and rolled away. It had been instinctual, something that only came from years of training. He’d forever owe a debt of gratitude to her father and the others for giving her the skills to survive.

His paws hit the ground, and he made one final leap. The old man was ready for the attack, his eyes filled with rage. Saliva dripped from his fangs. He was practically frothing at the mouth.

Dmitri had done nothing in his life to deserve such hatred—other than be born, and that hadn’t been up to him.

They slammed together and tumbled to the ground in a tangled mass of fangs and fur. Gregor was desperate, slashing and biting at whatever body part he could reach. Dmitri smelled blood, felt it running down his flanks. Pain didn’t register, blocked by his laser focus.

Unlike his opponent, he wasn’t desperate or out of control. Homing in on his opponent’s vulnerable neck, Dmitri punched out with his paw, driving his claws deep into Gregor’s throat. He pushed off with his back paws, managing to disengage. Not allowing him time to heal or regroup, or worse, run, Dmitri shifted to human form while managing to retain his claws. It was something only a rare few could do.

Don’t think about it.

He grabbed the beast, slammed him onto the ground, and punched, putting the power of his entire body behind the blow. Crack! Razor-sharp claws pierced fur and flesh. Blood spurted. Claws raked his sides. Ignoring it all, he wrapped his fingers around his father’s heart. Their gazes met.

There was no remorse, no sorrow for what might have been, what he’d lost. There was only madness.

Dmitri yanked.

Gregor growled and flashed his fangs, even as the last breath left his body and he bled out.

Turning his hand upside down, he dropped the heart beside the lifeless form.

I’m an orphan.

He had been since his mother had passed, but now he was one in truth. No parents, no family, no pack.

“Dmitri.” Emma ran toward him, calling his name. He scanned the area, assessing the danger but finding none. It was finally over. There was no sense of triumph. How could there be when there was so much loss? He was tired—of fighting others and himself.

Jacque and the others circled him, their gazes solemn. And why not? They’d watched him rip his father’s heart out. Not exactly the kind of male a father wanted for his sister, or daughter for that matter. Mikhail looked pissed.

He held his hands out at his sides, not wanting to touch her, to taint her. “I’m bloody.”

“I don’t care.” She started to throw herself at him but pulled up at the last second. “You’re injured.”

He shook his head and took a step back. “It’s nothing. I’m already healing.” The deep wounds were already sealing, his body repairing itself from the inside out. Werewolves were excellent healers. He took it to an entirely different level.

Which meant he was dangerous—to both the alpha and her father.

Emma hovered beside him, shifting weight from one foot to the other. Her bare feet. “Where are your shoes?”

Her jaw dropped, and she threw her hands in the air. “That’s what you’re worried about? Not that you were injured. Not that you’re covered in blood. You’re worried about my footwear?”

He frowned, not understanding the problem. “You’ve had trouble regulating your body temperature lately.”

“I’m perfectly fine. You, on the other hand, are not.” She took his left hand, which wasn’t as bloody as the right, but some of it still transferred to her. He hated seeing it on her skin and started to pull away, but she clamped down tight. “You’re coming with me.”

The silence was deafening. She’d been so busy examining him, she hadn’t noticed. “No.” He tried to be gentle, but she flinched and released him.

“I see.” She took a step back. Her smile was forced and unnatural. He didn’t like it. “Guess things have changed. With Gregor dead, you have a pack again.”

“What are you talking about?”

“You killed the alpha in challenge. That means you’re the alpha.”

“I don’t care about that.”

“Then what’s the problem?” Confusion warred with hurt in her pretty eyes. “Don’t you want to come home with me?”

“More than anything. It’s not me that needs convincing.”

Frowning, she looked toward her father, her eyes widening when she caught sight of him and the others surrounding them. A female wolf hovered off to the side. “Go to your mother,” he told her.

Elise would protect her daughter. Not that she was in any physical danger, but she might not like what came next.

“No.” Chin jutting up, she grabbed his hand and laced their fingers together. “What’s going on?”

Sighing, he tried to shake loose, but she held on like a barnacle on the hull of a ship. Giving up, he squared his shoulders and faced Jacque. As alpha, his word was law. His judgment final.

Rather than speak, he waited. Long minutes passed. Emma shifted her weight from one leg to the other but didn’t budge from his side. He wanted to scoop her up and take her away, but they’d never let him. Not without bloodshed, and there’d been far too much of that already.

“Tough bastard, aren’t you?” Jacque broke the standoff and rubbed his hand over his jaw.

“See, we have a problem. I have a bunch of dead wolves on my land. The Sitka Pack needs an alpha.”

“No,” Emma whispered beside him. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

“I have no plans to be alpha.”

Jacque shrugged. “You’re young. You may change your mind.”

Dmitri tilted his head to one side, studying the older male. What was he trying to get at? He wasn’t angry. There was no scent of fear. “I have what I want.”

“Not yet, you don’t.”

Tension locked the muscles in his shoulders and arms. He and Emma weren’t mated. Her alpha and father could forbid it, forcing her to choose between him and her family.

“That’s enough,” Emma interrupted. “I’m not sure what this is all about, but Dmitri is injured.

He needs care.”

Jacque’s lips twitched. Or maybe it was a grimace. She might be his sister, but he was alpha.

“Do you need care?”

What was his game? Whatever it was, he wasn’t playing. “I’m fine. Let’s get this over with now. Am I staying or going?”

“What are you talking about?” Emma demanded.

Keeping one eye on the men surrounding him, he brought her hand to his lips and kissed it.

“I’m dangerous, Emma, and they know it. Jacque is wondering if I’m going to be a threat at some point down the road. Your father is worried about you being with a male like me. One who can kill easily and without remorse.”

“That’s bullshit. You’d no more challenge Jacque than I would. And you kill to protect, not because you get some kind of cheap thrill from it.” She placed her free hand against his chest. His heart picked up its pace at her touch.

“How can you be so sure?” Jacque asked her.

“How can you question him?” she countered.

Damn, he loved this woman. She was brave and smart, her faith warming every cold crevice inside him.

“And I’ll tell you why I’m sure,” she continued. “It’s the same reason why Louis wouldn’t challenge you. Nor would Daddy or Cole or Gator or any of the others. Respect and love.” She tossed her brother a teasing smile. “Plus, the women wouldn’t like it.”

“There is that. Are we good?” Jacque asked him.

Hope welled up inside him. Keeping it tamped down, he gave a curt nod. “All I want is to be with Emma. Whatever makes her happy.”

“Good answer.” Jacque gave a jerk of his head. Cole moved in and lifted Gregor’s lifeless body, carrying it away. “We’ll take care of cleanup. You have bigger problems.” He sent a salute to Mikhail, who stood unmoving. Elise, still in wolf form, leaned against him.

“We’ll talk about this back at the house.” Turning on his heel, Mikhail stomped off.

Emma sighed and rubbed her forehead. “Daddy’s angry.”

Talk about an understatement. Mikhail was pissed. Tough, he’d have to get over it. Dmitri

wasn’t leaving. Not without Emma.

She gave him a nervous glance and looked back at where her parents had disappeared. “Guess we shouldn’t keep them waiting.”

****

Why was everyone upset with Dmitri? Not like he had any other choice. He hadn’t brought this on them. This went back to her father’s generation, had probably begun before Dmitri was born.

Anger and jealousy like that didn’t spawn overnight. It took a long time to fester and grow.

A fine trembling began in her arms and went through her entire body. Dmitri frowned. Nothing slipped past his notice. “Adrenaline dump,” she whispered. It was perfectly normal.

Who was she kidding? Nothing about today was normal. The members of her pack were tough males, dangerous and deadly. Dmitri was something else totally. He was larger, moved faster. The way he’d practically flown up to the shooter in the tree, taking him down faster than she’d thought possible, had been astonishing. She hadn’t been the only one taken off guard. For the briefest second, all eyes had been on him, including hers. It was then Gregor had attacked.

The way Dmitri had leaped toward her, the fear in his eyes, had been warning enough. She’d dropped and rolled, felt the slight brush of claws against her back.

If he hadn’t reacted. If she hadn’t. Best not to think about it.

It was really over. There was no one left alive who would come after them. They should be

… not celebrating. Death was nothing to celebrate. But at least breathing easier. Instead, the tension had ratcheted up even higher. Uncertainty, added to the adrenaline, made her stomach queasy. Or maybe it was the scent of the blood covering Dmitri.

How much was his and how much belonged to others?

She sucked in a deep breath and kept going. She would not lose it now.

The silence was oppressive. The morning had dawned. The sun was shining, but the mood was gloomy. She wanted to shower and then run free over the land, shaking off the gruesome tragedy.

What happened today wouldn’t taint their home … unless they allowed it.

Her parents were already inside. Dmitri held the door for her. His face could have been carved from stone. There wasn’t a flicker of emotion in his eyes. He’d braced himself for the worst, already emotionally separating himself from her.

Shivering, she went straight to the kitchen and started a pot of coffee, ignoring her father, who was leaning against the counter with a scowl on his face. “Why don’t you get cleaned up?” she told Dmitri.

Frowning, he started toward her, glanced down at his hands, and grimaced. He looked at her father and shook his head. Stubborn males.

Her mother appeared, dressed in leggings and a hip-length sweater. She handed Dmitri a pair of jeans and then headed toward Emma and hugged her. “How are you feeling, baby?”

She almost said she was fine, then decided to hell with it. “I’m tired. My stomach is in knots.

I’m confused, and my heart hurts.” She rubbed her chest, but the ache only grew. “Dmitri needs a shower and his wounds checked, but he won’t until whatever is bothering Dad is straightened out.”

He’d pulled on the jeans, but his chest and arms were covered in dried blood and healing wounds and bruises.

Emma loved her parents, but Dmitri was her mate. Her place was beside him. She kissed her mother on the cheek and went to stand beside her stubborn male.

Her father’s lips flattened into a thin line and his brows lowered. Her mama went to him, rubbing her hand over his back. To calm him?

“Why are you angry with Dmitri?” Best to address the elephant in the room head-on.

“I should have been the one to deal with Gregor. If I’d taken care of the problem years ago, none of this would have happened. You, your mother, and the pack would never have been in danger.”

He wasn’t angry at Dmitri. No, her father was furious with himself. She started to breathe a bit easier.

“He was my problem,” Dmitri interjected.

And cue the tension. Honestly, males were difficult. Good thing they were worth it. “Let me get this straight.” She pointed at her father. “You’re pissed because you wanted to kill Gregor.” She aimed her finger at Dmitri. “And you’re angry—” She broke off and frowned. “Why are you angry?

Stupid question, Emma,” she muttered. He’d had to kill his father and pack members. That was enough to make anyone angry.

“I’m not angry.” The fierce scowl said otherwise. “I’m afraid.”

Not what she’d expected. She placed her hand over his heart. “Of what?”

“Being sent away.” His gaze flicked to her father and back to her. “Of you having to choose between your family and me.”

“That’s not going to happen.” Total silence. “Right?” She looked to her parents. For the first time in her life, uncertainty of their acceptance and support crept in.

“No son should have to kill their parent.” Mikhail raked his fingers through his hair. “You should have let me handle it.”

Dmitri shook his head, chin tilting up and the cords of his neck tightening. “He was my problem. Emma is my mate. He’d threatened her. Would have killed her given the opportunity.”

A chill sent a shiver through her. It was odd to be the object of such hatred for someone she’d never laid eyes on until today.

“Emma?” Her father held out his hand. Dmitri, stoic as ever, crossed his arms over his chest.

She was being pulled between the two of them, her nerves about to snap.

“No.” She shook her head so emphatically her hair fell into her eyes. She shoved it out of the way. “I love you, Daddy. I’m the luckiest girl in the world to have you both as my parents.” Heart pounding, she made her decision and prayed they’d accept it. “Dmitri is my mate.”

His hand slowly lowered. The pain in his eyes cut her to the core. “You’re not marked.”

She rubbed her neck. “Maybe not, but I am here.” She placed her hand over her heart.

“You’re going with him.” It wasn’t a question.

Confused, she looked to her mother for clarification. Elise shook her head, offering nothing.

“Why would we go anywhere?” Dmitri hadn’t moved a muscle, but tension bled from his pores. “You don’t want to go to Alaska, do you?” That was so far from home. She swallowed hard and strengthened her resolve. “We can always come home for a visit, right?”

Dmitri slowly lowered his head and looked at her. With his bushy beard and hair and size, he looked like a wild man. “You’d do that for me?” The wonder in his question almost brought her to tears.

“We’re mates, right?” In her heart, she knew he wanted her, but he might turn her away if he thought it was better for her.

“Is that what you want?”

“Is that what you want?” she countered. Her stomach was about to revolt. She was sweating.

Her future hung in the balance.

Ignoring her family, he sank to one knee and took her hand. “Marked or not, you’re mine.

You’re my heart. I won’t take you from your family, but sweetheart, I don’t think they’re going to let

me stay. Alaska is out, but I could build you a home nearby. I have money.” He rubbed his thumb over the back of her hand.

A tear rolled down her cheek. “You’re my heart. My home is with you.” She looked to her parents. Her mother was crying but smiling. Her father appeared resigned.

“There’s land about a quarter mile from here.” Mikhail’s voice was gruff. “I’d always planned it to be Emma’s.”

As an offering, it was a huge one. She wanted to jump up and down and squeal but tamped down her excitement. Nothing was decided. “What do you think?”

He got to his feet and faced her father. “That’s a generous offer, but what about Jacque?”

“Son, if Jacque had any lingering questions about you, we’d be burying your body alongside the others.”

“Daddy,” she wailed. Did he have to put it like that?

A smile cracked her father’s face. Dmitri began to chuckle. Emma tossed her hands into the air. “And men say women are confusing.”

Dmitri’s chuckle grew into a full-blown laugh. He snatched her off her feet and spun her in circles until she was dizzy. She grabbed his shoulders for support, staggering slightly when he finally put her back down.

“Does that mean you’re happy to stay?” Mentally crossing her fingers, she tried not to sound too eager.

“I’m happy to be wherever you are, and you’ll be happiest here. So here we stay. I’ll talk to Jacque,” he told her. “I’ll do whatever it takes to make it right with him.”

It didn’t matter to her that blood stained his hands and chest, didn’t matter that they’d been brought together by the schemes of a madman. Somehow, they’d beaten the odds and overcome their own personal views to find something rare and special.

“You said you never planned to mate,” she reminded him.

“I was an idiot.” That got a snort from her father. “You only wanted sex.”

Her face heated, but she couldn’t stop smiling. “I got that, didn’t I?”

Her mother laughed. Her father growled.

“You turned my world upside down. Made me understand that everything I’d endured in my life was so I could find and protect you.” A tear rolled down her cheek. He caught it on his thumb.

“Mate with me,” she blurted. She was a modern wolf. She’d do her own asking.

“I think Gator is probably cooking breakfast by now. Or is it brunch? No matter. We should go.” Elise grabbed her mate’s hand and pulled him toward the door. He dragged his feet but went, pausing before exiting.

“Hurt her and I’ll kill you.”

“Congratulations, baby,” her mother called. “We’ll celebrate later.”

The door slammed, leaving her and Dmitri alone.

Chapter Seventeen

Dmitri began to shake. Everything he’d ever wanted was within his grasp. All he’d had to do was kill his father to get it.

Don’t taint the moment.

Emma was pure and kind and good. She was the light in the darkness. And she was his.

“Well?”

“Well what?” His brain was furiously working, formulating plans. Wouldn’t take long to put up a small house since they already had a plot of land. He wasn’t kidding when he’d said he had money. He’d worked his entire life. Guiding rich humans into the Alaskan wilderness paid well. He’d also inherited his mother’s money when she’d passed. Neither of them lived extravagantly. She’d also taught him to invest.

“I asked you a question.” Uncertainty clouded her eyes. “Should I not have asked?” She tugged on the hem of her top and rubbed her foot over the hardwood floor.

God, he was an idiot. She’d given him his heart’s desire and what had he done? Nothing. Too busy making plans. He gripped her hips and pulled her snugly against him. “Emma Matheson, it would be my greatest honor to be your mate.”

The smile that lit her face was brighter than the sun. She should always be smiling. Lowering his head, he kissed her. It was a light, barely there caress. She tasted sweet and warm. Groaning, he thrust his tongue inward.

He could have lost her.

Lifting her off her feet, he cupped the back of her head with one hand and held her as he lost himself in her. She twined her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck.

When she rubbed her pelvis against his stomach, he almost lost it.

Groaning, he managed to pull away. “How long will your folks be gone?”

She shook her head, her eyes slightly glazed over. “Mama will do her best to keep Daddy away.”

Not as much time as he’d like. Best not to waste it.

He carried her down the hallway and into her room, securing the door behind them. The covers on the bed were rumpled from last night. Their scents mingled in the space.

Satisfaction flooded him. She belonged to him now and forever.

Not yet, a voice in the back of his head reminded him. Jacque wasn’t wrong. Until she was marked, she wasn’t officially his. It was primal and not exactly forward-thinking, but they were wolves, not humans. It was how it worked in their world. Neither of them would feel secure until the mark was there.

He set her down beside the bed and reached for her shirt, grimacing when he caught sight of his hands. “I need to shower.” When she started to object, he shook his head. “I won’t mate you covered in his blood.”

“You’re right.” She yanked her top over her head and tossed it to the floor. She hadn’t bothered with a bra. He lasered in on her bare breasts. Her nipples were taut buds, the mounds soft, her skin pale as cream.

Groaning, he took a step back before he forgot his good intentions. “I won’t be long.” It would be the fastest shower in history.

“Now that would be a shame.” She sauntered toward the bathroom, her hips swaying back and forth. “Since I plan on joining you.”

His breath caught. His balls were so full and tight they were about to burst.

She paused in the doorway and crooked her finger at him. Like he was on an invisible line, he happily followed. Whatever his fate, he was more than ready to greet it.

He almost swallowed his tongue. Emma was bent over, hands on the taps, adjusting the water.

The well-worn denim cupped her heart-shaped ass to perfection. Sensing his heated gaze, she glanced over her shoulder, tossing her hair. “Like what you see?”

“Oh, yeah.” The jeans he wore were strangling his dick. He unbuttoned them and carefully eased the zipper down, breathing a sigh of relief when his cock sprang out of the confinement. The relief was short-lived when she licked her lips.

He’d seen Emma in many moods—pensive, sad, playful, and sexy—but he’d never seen her in full seduction mode. It was enthralling. She oozed confidence as she hooked her finger in a belt loop of his jeans and pulled him forward. The head of his shaft brushed her stomach.

He groaned, the pleasure shooting straight to his balls.

“It’s a big shower.” Her lips curved, her smile mysterious and feminine, as she stated the obvious. The stall was filling with steam, the water pouring down on the tiles.

“It is.” Curious and completely aroused, he put himself in her capable hands.

“Plenty of room for two.” She stroked her hand down his hard length and then back up again, circling the broad head with her forefinger.

“Unless you want wet jeans, get naked.” His control was hanging by a thread. He shoved his pants down and kicked them away. Emma watched him instead of dealing with her remaining clothing.

“Too late.” Picking her up, he carried her into the shower.

She squealed and then laughed, throwing her head back so the water flowed over her. Sexy woodland nymph. She’d be right at home running around the woods stark naked. And speaking of naked. He dealt with the fasteners and shoved the wet fabric down. It clung to her skin, not wanting to move.

Undaunted, he went down on one knee and worked the waterlogged material down. She braced her hands on his shoulders, using them for support as she stepped out. He tossed the garment to the end of the shower, remaining on his knee.

“Dmitri.”

His big body shuddered when she said his name. No one else had ever said it in quite the same way, a mixture of love and longing. He’d done nothing to deserve a gift as great as Emma, but he damn well was going to take it. He pressed his lips against the slight curve of her stomach and offered a silent prayer of thanks. His big body began to shake. The nightmare of Gregor leaping at her would haunt him for a long, long time.

“You’re really okay?” Her voice trembled. Guess he wasn’t the only one haunted by what might have been.

“I’ve never been better,” he promised. He inhaled and the spicy scent of her arousal surrounded him, smothering the remnants of fear.

The past was done. Time to embrace the future.

“Spread your legs.” His voice was so rough and low, it was barely recognizable. It was all he could do not to drag her down onto the tiled floor of the shower and fuck her senseless.

She widened her stance.

He should wash first. The water had removed a lot of the blood, but it clung in some places.

He’d always have blood on his hands, even if it wasn’t visible.

When he raised his head, arousal and concern were etched on her face. Whatever he’d done to

earn her love, he’d spend the rest of his life making damn sure he deserved it. He understood the value of the gift she was giving him.

“What’s wrong?” He shook his head, not wanting to talk about it. Not here and not now.

“Whatever it is,” she continued, “you can tell me.” She gripped handfuls of his hair and lightly tugged.

“We belong together.”

His wolf howled inside him. Love flooded him. It was complicated and dark and deep, squeezing his heart in an iron grip. She could break him, if she ever changed her mind. She had that kind of power. But she never would. That was what love was all about—trusting your heart to another.

“I’m going to mate you now?” To hell with the bed. To hell with doing it outside, as some wolves preferred. He was done waiting. “Last chance.”

“I’m not going anywhere.”

Her vow snapped something inside him. Leaning forward, he buried his face between her legs and dragged his tongue over her slick folds. Her hips bucked against his mouth.

“I love your beard.” Her deep groan proved her words.

Grinning in spite of the painful throbbing in his dick, he flicked his tongue against her clit, drawing another moan.

“Don’t wait.” She gave his hair another tug. He loved that her eagerness matched his.

He pressed one finger inside her, testing her readiness. Her core rippled around him. She was hot and slick.

Surging to his feet, he spun her around so she faced the shower wall. She pressed both hands against the tiles and leaned forward. He curved his body around hers, his shaft spearing through her spread legs, rubbing her clit.

She wiggled her ass. “Do it!”

Lining his shaft up with her opening, he pressed inward. He gritted his teeth, but it was too much. He slammed home, coming hard and fast. “Fuck!” Determined she join him, he reached around her and rubbed his finger over her clit. Her sex clenched around him. Her breath caught and her limbs began to tremble.

“Yes!” Her inner muscles squeezed his shaft, sending another spasm through him. The base of his cock was swollen, locked inside her. Placing his hands on top of hers, he nuzzled her neck. She turned her head, offering him her shoulder.

His fangs dropped and sank deep, piercing tender flesh. Moaning, she came again, bathing his dick with her heat. He lifted his head and lapped at the wound. No one knew why the mating mark didn’t heal. Like much about their kind, it was a mystery. But she was forever marked. Any males who came in contact with her would see that she was mated, smell his scent.

His chest swelled and his cock jerked. Unlike humans, male wolves recovered quickly, able to come several times in a row. He’d never been so grateful.

“You’re mine now.” When his lips grazed the mark, she shivered. He worked his way up her neck to her ear. “I love you, Emma.”

Her entire body shuddered. “I love you.”

The water turned cold, but it took several minutes before he could withdraw without causing her discomfort. He grabbed the soap and quickly washed her from head to toe. She stood there, eyes closed, body swaying. If not for the smile on her lips, he’d worry she’d fallen asleep standing up.

He leaned her against the wall and cleaned himself before shutting off the water. Picking her up, he set her on the vanity and grabbed a towel. He couldn’t stop looking at the mating mark as he

dried her from head to toe.

“I want to see it,” she murmured, her eyes fluttering open. Her fingers stroked her newly marked skin.

He lifted her, cradling her in his arms and positioning her so she could see it in the mirror.

“It’s really there.” Laying her head against his shoulder, she sighed and closed her eyes.

Swallowing back the emotion that threatened to choke him, he carried her into bed and tucked her in, returning to the bathroom long enough to towel off. Tossing the wet towels in the shower with Emma’s jeans, he joined her.

She was sound asleep, the stress of the morning catching up with her. He kissed her temple and pulled her into his arms. It felt strange not to be worried about what latest stunt his father might pull. There was no more looking over his shoulder, wondering if another wolf was going to try to take him out simply because of who he was. Ivan and his friends were gone. His father and his enforcers were dead.

Not only was Dmitri alive, he’d found his mate, the one woman who fit him perfectly.

Closing his eyes, he slept.

****

Emma came awake slowly with a sense of feeling good, really good. She reached out and found … cold sheets. Pushing herself upright, she shoved her hair out of her eyes. Dmitri was nowhere to be seen.

Don’t panic. He wouldn’t have gone far. Her hand strayed to her shoulder, the tips of her fingers tracing the mark.

I’m mated.

It wasn’t anything like she’d imagined. Getting mated in a shower hadn’t made her top five possibilities. Her top ten, for that matter. Yet somehow, it worked. It had been right for them.

She raised her arms over her head and stretched. Lucky thing she was a werewolf. They’d made love so many times, she’d be sore otherwise. He’d kept waking her with mind-drugging kisses, stroking and licking her from her toes all the way up. There wasn’t any part of her he hadn’t touched.

She’d returned the favor, exploring every hard inch of his big body.

She fell back against the pillows, a huge smile on her face. She was rested and felt better than she had in a long time. Her stomach growled. “What time is it?” Rolling over, she peered out the patio door. Her phone was … in her mangled truck. It had been towed back to the parking area, but she hadn’t bothered to look for it. It hadn’t been a priority.

The sun was still up but not shining into her room, which meant it was late afternoon. She yanked her pillow out from behind her head and slammed it over her face. Her parents were likely waiting to see her. She was surprised one of them hadn’t come knocking by now.

Where was Dmitri? He should be beside her. What could be so important he’d leave? Before she could work up any real worry, a shadow crossed the patio door. It opened and her mate walked in.

He looked good enough to eat. He’d pulled his shaggy hair back into a short tail. Had he trimmed his beard? She couldn’t say with certainty, but it was neat. Faded denim clung to his lower half, and his torso and shoulders stretched the seams of a black T-shirt.

He looked good enough to eat.

“You’re awake.” He sat on the edge of the bed, leaned down so his palms were braced on either side of her, and kissed her.

“Mmm.” He tasted like coffee. “Oh, crap.” She yanked her mouth away.

He frowned. “What’s wrong?”

“Morning breath. Or afternoon breath. Whatever it is, I haven’t brushed my teeth in far too long.”

The grin he flashed showed off his pearly whites. “I don’t mind.”

“I do.” Scooting out from under him, she padded to the bathroom. “What’s going on?” Leaving the door open, she squirted toothpaste onto her brush.

His smile widened as his gaze ran over her from head to toe. “There could be a lot going on.”

Laughing, she held up her index finger. “Hold that thought.” She began to brush her teeth, ignoring the rat’s nest that was her hair.

“I’d hoped to be back before you woke.” He leaned against the doorjamb and crossed his arms over his chest. His massive biceps bulged.

She spit into the sink and rinsed her mouth. “What happened?” Their talking together like this was all so intimate, so mated. She loved it. He snagged a facecloth and handed it to her. She used it to wipe her mouth.

“Happy now?” He indicated the toothbrush that was back in the holder.

“Yes.” Going up on her toes, she linked her arms around his neck and tugged until he was close enough for her to kiss. Her feet left the ground when he straightened, taking her with him, his arms locked around her waist. Before things could get out of hand, he lowered her back to the ground.

“Your parents are waiting.”

“Right.” She looked longingly at the shower. “First, tell me where you were.”

“I had business with your alpha.”

“Jacque? Why did you want to see him? I should have been there.” Annoyed that he’d gone without her, she grabbed her robe off the back of the bathroom door, slipped it on, and belted it.

“I liked the view.”

“Too bad.” She stabbed his chest with her finger. “Talk to me. We’re a couple now. I should have been with you.”

“Not this time.”

Tamping down her growing irritation, she counted to ten. Then she did it again.

“What are you doing?” His head was tilted, his gaze quizzical.

“Counting. It’s better than resorting to violence.”

He huffed out a breath. “I didn’t mean to exclude you, but you were sleeping soundly. I didn’t want to wake you. And this is something I needed to do alone. Jacque is your alpha and your brother. I needed him to know I’m not some deadbeat. I have money to build you a house and support us until I figure out what to do next. I told him to add me to the security patrols.”

“That’s a lot.” Slipping her arms around his waist, she leaned against him. It had never occurred to her to go to Jacque about those things, but it made sense, even if this pack did run differently from most. “What did he say?”

A rumble of laughter made his chest vibrate. “That he’s glad I’m not a deadbeat. He assumed I’d find some way to make money. That I’m welcome to join in the pack furniture-making business.

And I’m up tonight for a patrol.”

“Tonight?” She leaned back. “We just got mated.”

“That’s why?” His smile was forced but accepting.

“I’ll kill him. He’s being unreasonable.”

“No, he’s being an older brother.” He paused. “And a new brother-in-law.”

Family dynamics were odd. It was going to take both of them time to figure things out. “Let me

know if he gives you too much of a hard time.”

Tension shimmered through. “You won’t confront him about it.”

“He’s my brother, not a tyrant. And, no, I won’t confront him.” Giving him a smug smile, she buffed her nails on her robe. “I’ll tell Mama.”

He shook his head, the corners of his lips twitching. “You’re a handful.”

She shrugged, uncertainty tugging at her. They didn’t know each other that well. “Does that bother you?”

“Never.” He swept her off her feet and swung her in a circle. “I love your sassy side.”

She patted his shoulder. “Better put me down. I expect my father is wearing out the hardwood floor in the living room.” They both looked longingly at the bed, but he set her back down. “I’ll go on patrol with you tonight.”

His slow grin made her toes curl. “Bet your brother never considered that.”

“He shouldn’t expect you to support me. I have money. Not a lot, but I’m close to having enough to pay for my own home. I wanted to be able to finish it once I started.”

“What do you do?”

That simple question hit her like a ton of bricks. “There’s so much we don’t know about each other.”

He cupped the side of her face. “We know the important things.”

“You’re right.” They’d been through more in the few days they’d known each other than most couples navigated over the course of a lifetime. Plus, they were creatures of instinct, their wolves guiding them.

“Well?” he asked, following her back into the bathroom.

“Well, what? Oh, right?” She took off her robe and got in the shower. Her eyes glazed over when she stared at the wall where he’d taken her. She’d never see the space in the same way again.

“Emma?” His voice was strained. So was the front of his jeans.

“I make custom quilts.” She turned on the spray and grabbed the soap. “I also make cakes and cookies, specialty designs. I do a lot of business by word of mouth. The ladies of the pack do the farmer’s markets. We get a lot of bus tours and tourists in the summer and fall. I get some orders that way.” She ducked under the water and rinsed. No time to bother with her hair or linger. Cranking the taps, she stepped out, taking the towel he handed her.

His gaze was on her breasts. Heat rushed through her, pooling between her thighs. A bead of water rolled down the slope of her breast and caught on the tip of her nipple. Groaning, he bent over and sucked it off. Pleasure zinged straight to her core.

He released her and backed away. “Your parents.”

She grabbed the edge of the vanity and took a deep breath. “Why don’t you get me some clothes while I finish in here. Jeans and a shirt work.” Because if he didn’t leave, she was going to jump him.

“Right.” He turned on his heel and began rummaging through her dresser and closet. She was going to have to make space for his stuff.

They definitely needed their own place. Sooner rather than later.

By the time she’d tamed her hair, he was handing her a pile of clothes. “You never said what you think about my choice of careers.” She wasn’t changing the world, nor pulling down huge money.

She’d never really thought about it before. It was always what she’d done. She’d started sewing as soon as she was old enough to sit at a machine, wanting to be with her mother and the other women.

She’d sold her first quilt at twelve and never looked back. By then, she’d already launched a custom

cookie business.

He’d chosen jeans and a black T-shirt. She studied herself in the mirror and caught his reflection. They were dressed alike. I’m a mini Dmitri.

“Does it make you happy?”

“I never went to college. Never wanted to. I’m a homebody. I can get lost in a project, spending hours at it. It’s not rocket science or Wall Street.”

He brushed an unruly lock of hair off her forehead. “That’s not what I asked.”

“Yes, it makes me happy.”

“That’s all that’s important.” He held out his hand. “You’ll need a studio in our new house. I’d like to see some of your work, if you don’t mind.”

His easy acceptance unraveled a knot in her stomach. “I’d love to show you.” She took his hand and squeezed. “I have photos of pretty much every project I’ve ever done.”

“I can’t wait, but I’ll have to. Let’s go see your folks.”

Chapter Eighteen

It was odd to feel so close and in tune with a person and still be learning the basics about them. Emma was a woman of many talents. He had no doubt that whatever she did she was damn good at it. She’d take too much pride in her work for it to be otherwise.

It had been even odder to walk to the alpha’s home earlier. He’d done it for Emma and because it was the right thing to do. He wanted to build his life here with her.

Jacque had been sitting on the back deck. Surprisingly, he’d made it easier than he could have.

Had listened patiently as Dmitri had laid out his assets and plans. He’d grunted several times, said his piece, and sent him on his way.

Mikhail was sitting at the kitchen island, a mug of coffee in front of him. “About damn time,”

he muttered as they entered the room.

Elise was pulling a pie out of the oven. She placed it on the counter and smiled. “There she is.” Tossing aside the potholder, she beat Mikhail to Emma, giving her a quick hug before handing her off to her father. He stood behind Emma and was surprised when Elise hugged him. “Congratulations to you both.”

“Thank you.”

“Don’t expect me to hug you.” Mikhail went to the counter and poured them all coffee. He shoved one of the mugs at Dmitri—his version of a hug.

“You made pies.” Emma took a deep breath. “Cherry and apple.”

“There’s lemon in the fridge. They’re for the celebration tonight. For your mating.”

Emma deserved to have all the trappings of a mating. He’d rushed things by claiming her in the shower, but that had been as much her idea as his. His pleasure dimmed when her eyes filled with tears. “What’s wrong? You don’t have to go if you don’t want to.” Alpha and pack be damned.

“I’m just so happy,” she wailed.

Dmitri looked to Mikhail. The older male shook his head, but he was smiling. “You’re happy about the celebration, right?” he asked as he brushed away several tears.

“Of course. It means they all accept you and our mating. Didn’t your pack do anything like that?”

He shrugged. “Maybe. If they did, I wasn’t invited.” He’d kept to himself once he’d made his first shift and his childhood friends abandoned him.

Her tears dried up and anger flared, deepening the beautiful green of her eyes. “That’s terrible. Everyone is always invited here. We’re a pack. Family.”

“You’ll get used to it,” Mikhail told him.

“I want to build a house.” The quicker, the better. It didn’t suit him to live under another male’s roof. “I have money for whatever we need to order.”

“We have blueprints for several floor plans. If you like one of them, you can start right away.

We have beams in a storage shed.” Elise cut a lemon pie into quarters and moved them onto plates.

“How many bedrooms are you thinking?” she asked as she deposited one of the plates in front of him.

“Emma?” He hadn’t really thought about it beyond getting his mate alone.

“At least three.” She took a mouthful of pie and made a sound of delight similar to one she did when they made love. He shifted his weight on the stool and dug into his pie. “Master bedroom, a sewing studio, and at least one more.” Her cheeks flushed a pretty pink. “We haven’t talked about children.”

He set his fork carefully on the edge of his plate. Being a father was something he’d never

contemplated. Much like mating. The idea of a little girl with green eyes and reddish-brown hair was appealing. So was a dark-haired, brown-eyed boy. “I’d love children.” His voice came out hoarse.

He grabbed his mug and chugged coffee.

“That’s settled, then.” Elise beamed at him. “We should talk to Anny. She’s Armand’s mate.

He’s my nephew and Emma’s cousin. She’s a whiz when it comes to sourcing things online and keeping a project organized.”

Emma and her mother talked excitedly about the project. All he cared about was that his mate was genuinely happy. Sitting in the sunny kitchen, sharing pie and coffee, he was more relaxed than he’d been in a long time. Whatever came, he’d deal with it. As long as Emma was by his side.

His phone vibrated. He pulled it out of his pocket, surprised by the caller ID.

“Who is it?” Mikhail sounded more curious than suspicious. Okay, maybe a tad suspicious.

Dmitri couldn’t blame him since he was, too.

“Luka Petrov.”

“Why would he be calling?” Fear crept back into Emma’s eyes. He hated that her joy had been stolen away.

“Let’s find out. What?” he demanded.

“Charming as ever.”

“Don’t make me regret not killing you.” He’d thought he was done with his former pack.

A deep sigh. “We all heard what happened. Your father left a man with the vehicles. He called for help. Everyone is back home. A new alpha has been chosen.”

“I don’t care.” His only link to that life had been his mother. Without her, there was nothing to ever pull him back there.

“Yeah, I get that. Some of the pack wanted to reach out to you, to offer you the position of alpha.”

“Never gonna happen.”

“I told them that. The reason I’m calling is to let you know your things are packed. We’re shipping them to you. Is there anything of your mom’s that you wanted? Consider it my way of saying thanks for not killing me.”

He’d assumed he’d forfeited his belongings. Figured all of it had already been confiscated or destroyed. Not that he had much beyond his clothes. His personal possessions were sparse, but he’d collected some art over the years he was partial to. Then there were pictures, mostly of him and his mom, and a few special items that had belonged to her. The gesture was surprising and appreciated.

“I took what I wanted when she passed. I don’t need the furniture or dishes or household stuff. Do whatever you want with that. But I’d appreciate the rest. Thanks.”

“It’s the least we can do. For what it’s worth, we’re all sorry for what you went through living here.”

It was too little too late. “Text me shipping details.”

“Just give me an address and I’ll get on it.”

“Will do.”

“Dmitri.”

“Yeah.”

“Be happy, man.” The line went dead.

Emma leaned against him, rubbing his back. Elise pulled a plate of cold fried chicken out of the fridge and set it in front of him. Mikhail held his hand out for the phone. “I’ll text him the address where he can ship your stuff.”

Dmitri handed over the phone. His chest tightened. It was a fitting ending to his old life and a welcome into his new one. He pushed the plate toward Emma. “Chicken.”

She kissed his cheek. “Don’t mind if I do.” She selected a drumstick. “Save room for tonight.

Gator will put on a feast.”

“Gator? Dark hair, tattoos, badass. That Gator?” Surely there weren’t two Gators.

“The man is a wizard in the kitchen. The women all bring side dishes and desserts. Anny will bake bread and rolls. It will be awesome.”

He took a thigh and bit into it. “I can’t wait.” Surprisingly enough, it was the truth.

****

He couldn’t wait for this night to be over. The food had been better than any he’d ever tasted.

The company might have had something to do with that. Downside? Emma had hardly been by his side all evening. Everyone wanted to talk to her. Personally, he thought the males were keeping her away from him on purpose. He’d seen the sly smiles and grins. They weren’t malicious but playful, which was the only reason he hadn’t lost his cool.

The women of the pack had clustered around him, offering food while trying to pry details out of him. Talk about scary. That had almost made him bolt. Thankfully, his amazing new mother-in-law had shooed them all away. She had a quiet authority about her that people responded to. Emma took after her in that way.

He’d retired to a seat at the far end of a line of picnic tables put end to end, content to watch everyone and learn the dynamics. It wasn’t easy. They hadn’t been seated by any kind of ranking.

People had come and gone, plopping down in any available seat.

He’d met her nephews—Jacque’s sons, who were both older than her—and their families.

Then there were the other members of the pack, including Mikhail’s sister, Rina, and her mate, Sage Gallagher, one of the twin wolves. It would take time for him to find his place here, but it would come in time. He had a secret weapon—Emma. Without exception, they all genuinely loved her.

He couldn’t help wondering what his mother would think of his mate. Ylena was tough, but so was his Emma. She’d approve, he decided. A sense of peace settled over him.

An arm looped around his neck from behind. He smiled for the first time in a couple of hours.

“Having a good time?”

“Yes.” Emma leaned down and kissed his cheek. “You ready to leave?”

“God, yes.”

Rather than be insulted by his eagerness, she laughed. “You lasted longer than I thought you would. I got word from Amy that there’s a betting pool about how long you’d stick it out tonight. If we leave now, she’ll win and is willing to split her winnings with us.”

“Sneaky. I admire that.” Then there was the pleasure of making all the males pay for purposely keeping Emma away from him tonight. Dmitri jumped up and grabbed her hand. “Let’s go.”

“Bye,” she called over her shoulder, as he pulled her toward a path.

A blonde female pumped her fisted hand in the air. “Yes!” It was followed by a chorus of male groans. Hard to believe the outgoing woman was the daughter of Cole Blanchard. The man grunted more than he spoke. Not that Dmitri was in any position to criticize. He wasn’t much of a talker, either. Except with Emma.

The sounds of the party drifted away, replaced by the rustling of the trees, the hoot of an owl, the flapping of wings.

Emma swung their clasped hands back and forth, practically bouncing out of her shoes. “It was such a great evening. Everyone is really happy for us.”

“And you?” He tugged her to a stop. “Are you happy?”

She brushed her fingers over his beard. “I am.” Her finger trailed down the center of his chest.

“I could be happier.” Taking a step back, she skimmed her shirt over her head, folded it, and placed it beneath a tree. “Want to go for a run?”

His dick was solid rock, but he wasn’t about to disappoint her. Plus, he was supposed to start patrolling in an hour anyway. He shucked his shirt and dropped it on top of hers.

Laughing, she tugged at the zipper of her jeans. “Race you.”

“You’re on.” He wasn’t used to playing, hadn’t since he was a small child, but Emma brought out this side of him. Competitive by nature, he hurried. He barely managed to get out of his socks while she was dragging her panties off.

“No fair. You’re not wearing underwear. Less clothes to remove.”

He held his hands out by his sides and took a bow. “You’re the one who wanted to race.”

“So I did.” She began to shift. Rich brown fur with reddish tints pushed out from beneath her skin. Her forehead flattened. Her jaw elongated. She fell forward, her hands and feet now large paws.

This amazing wolf was his mate.

She went down in a play bow, her head lowered and her butt in the air. She jumped from side to side. Then she bolted into the trees.

Taking the challenge, he shifted as he ran, catching up to her in three steps. She sniffed, raised her nose in the air, and veered to the left. He let her lead, following as she led him over miles of pack land.

They ended up in a small clearing by the edge of a narrow stream. Moonlight reflected on the water. The air was crisp and cool, reminding him of home, but it was different here. He was alert but relaxed.

Emma shifted back to human form and crouched by the stream, scooping up a handful of water.

“It’s icy now, but summertime I love to pack a picnic lunch and spend the afternoon here.”

She fit perfectly here, as natural as the moon and water. Shifting, he walked to her and held out his hand. “We’re finally alone.” There was no one around for miles. The forest would alert him if anyone ventured close. Shit, what was he thinking? It was barely spring. “Forget it. It’s cold.” His libido could damn well wait.

She rose to her feet and ran her hands up his chest. “I’m a wolf. I can regulate my body temperature.”

“There’s no bed.” No clothes, either. If he’d stayed dressed, he could at least spread his shirt on the ground.

She led him toward the center of the clearing. A flat rock stood two feet off the ground. It was about eight feet long. “I use this rock to sunbathe in the summer.”

Now, that was a sight he really had to see.

“I pack a lunch. Take a dip in the stream after.” She flicked her fingertips over his flat nipples.

His cock bobbed toward her, brushing her stomach. “I like to sunbathe naked.”

He almost swallowed his tongue, able to picture her skin gleaming with sweat and sunscreen.

She might be a wolf, but her skin was fair. He hated to think of her getting sunburned and being uncomfortable for even a second.

Dropping his hand, she put her hands on the rock and hopped up. “The night we met, I was running through the woods, afraid of Ivan and his buddies.”

He put his hands on the rock and leaned toward her. “I’m sorry you had to go through that.”

She linked her arms around his neck. “Then you came out of the darkness, big and bold and

scary.”

He lowered his head so their foreheads touched. “I fucking hate that I scared you.”

“No.” She pressed her fingers against his lips. “I was never afraid. Not of you. I knew you’d protect me from the real monsters.” She looked around. “Seems only fitting that we’re here, in the dark of the night. This is my special place. Now it’s ours.”

Groaning, he took her mouth, feasting on her full lips, tasting the sweetness. Kneeling on the rock, he eased them both upward until he was lying flat with her on top of him. She might be a wolf, but he still didn’t want her lying on a hard, cold stone surface.

“You’re my wolf, my wolf in the night.” She worked her way down his body, nipping at his shoulder, licking his collarbone, teasing his nipples, before going lower.

He was more alive than he’d ever been in any moment in time. “I’ll be your wolf in the night forever.”

****

The sweetness of the moment brought tears to her eyes. This big, strong male was more in need of love and tender care than anyone she’d ever known. No doubt because of his size, and the circumstances of his upbringing, people had feared him, not understanding he wanted to protect, to belong. He was fierce about taking care of those he loved. It was up to her to make sure he didn’t do all the giving.

Perched on his legs, she gripped his shaft and slowly pumped her hand up and down. His chest expanded. He was big everywhere, especially his heart.

“I love you.” His eyes glowed at her words. She lowered her head and took the tip of his shaft into her mouth. His hands fisted by his sides. His groan vibrated through her. When she dragged her tongue over the slit at the top, his hips bucked.

Her nipples were like diamond tips. The chill in the air was such a contrast to the heat they were generating. She almost expected steam to start rising from their skin. Her core ached for him to fill it. She fondled the heavy sac between his legs. It was tight and heavy.

“Emma.” He grabbed her hips and dragged her forward. “I need to be inside you.”

Planting her hands on his chest, she bathed the top of his shaft in her heat, rubbing back and forth, torturing them both.

Growling, he angled her until the head of his cock nudged her opening. He looked straight into her eyes, holding her captive with his heated gaze as he lowered her. Her inner muscles stretched, making thousands of nerve endings quiver in delight.

Dmitri might be her one and only lover, but there was no way anyone could ever be better.

This was perfection. They fit together like two pieces of a puzzle.

Fully seated, she took a deep breath. His cock flexed and throbbed, the pulse strong and steady, like his heartbeat.

He skimmed his hands over her hips, dipping in at her waist before continuing upward to cup her breasts. Moaning, she leaned forward, loving the way her nipples brushed his palms.

“Ride me.” His voice was strained, every muscle in his body taut.

Raising herself up a few inches, she licked her lips at the delicious sensation. Then she slammed back down. She did it again and again, until they were both gasping and sweating, reaching for completion.

He slid one hand between their bodies and rubbed his thumb over her clit.

Fireworks exploded in her brain. The stars and moon flashed brighter. Her sex clenched and released around his hard length. He bucked beneath her. His head tipped back, a groan ripped from

him. Heat flooded her. The base of his shaft swelled, locking them together.

Falling forward, she rested on top of him as she fought to catch her breath. His heart hammered against her cheek. His chest rose and fell, rocking her as he sucked in air.

Strong arms closed around her, protecting and loving. She tilted her head back—lifting it took too much energy. “I love you, mate.”

“I love you, too.” He kissed her brow, and the two of them settled back and let the night enfold them. The moon spread its glow over them in a silent blessing with the stars standing witness. A small animal rushed past nearby bushes, shaking the leaves. The tinkle of the stream serenaded them with music.

“We need to get back. I’m supposed to be on patrol.” He sat up, taking her with him.

“About that. I might have asked Nicholas to switch with you. You met Jacque’s oldest son, right? I told him I wanted to bring you out here and seduce you. I wanted this time together. It’s our mating day.” Why wasn’t he saying anything? “Maybe I overstepped.” Especially since he was doing his best to try to fit in. “You’re not mad, are you?”

He sifted his fingers through her hair and brought their faces closer. “How could I be mad?

I’m sorry your mating wasn’t as special as it should have been.”

“It was perfect. This is more of a continuation. What we might have done if we hadn’t had other commitments. Think of it as a honeymoon.”

Growling, he nipped at her shoulder, right on the mating mark. “The honeymoon will never be over. I’ll always want you as much as I do right now.”

Her heart sighed. He’d deny it, but he was a romantic.

He lifted her off him and got down off the rock. “Let’s run back. That way I can tuck you into bed before I have to switch out with Nicholas. I owe him.”

“No, you don’t. That’s not how it works.” Taking his hand, she allowed him to help her off the rock. “He understood and was happy to do it. You’ll get used to it.”

He brushed his lips over hers. “Race you home.” He shifted and took off, leaving her sputtering in feigned outrage and inward delight at his show of playfulness.

She shifted and hurried after him but didn’t have to go far. He was waiting for her at the edge of the tree line. She glanced back at the rock. They’d come here in every season for many years to come. This was only the beginning.

Side by side, they raced home.

Epilogue

Jacque LaForge sat in the Adirondack chair on the deck of his home, waiting for the sun to rise. It was a view he’d taken in many, many times over the decades. It never got old.

His brother was the first to arrive. Louis trotted around the side of the house, still in wolf form. Anticipating that, he’d left a pair of jeans hung over the railing. He jerked his head toward them. Louis shifted and pulled them on. “You expecting the others?” he asked, taking the seat beside Jacque.

Before he could answer, Cole Blanchard and Gator Rollins strolled down the path. They were different in so many ways, but united in a friendship that would last a lifetime. His cousin, Armand, was the last to arrive. Gator perched on the railing. Cole leaned against a post. Armand sat on a step.

The five of them had started this pack a long time ago, taking a risk that had paid them back a hundred fold. They’d fought long and hard to keep what they had. It was worth every battle, every sleepless night.

“Emma is the last of them.” It was odd to think of his little sister as an adult, mated and settled. “All of our kids are mated.”

“We still have Nicolas’s brother-in-law and the three kids he adopted with his mate,” Louis reminded him. None of them were kids, not really. That wouldn’t stop him or the others from watching over them.

“We did good.” He met the gazes of each male in turn. “Thank you for sharing my vision for a pack, for lending your strength to the purpose, and for all your support and advice. Wanted and unwanted,” he added, making them all chuckle.

“This is not a retirement speech, is it?” Gator asked. “I need time before handling another celebration.”

That was a huge lie. He could whip up a gourmet meal in less time than most people could manage to grill a steak.

“No, no plans. Not yet. But none of us are getting any younger.”

“Speak for yourself,” Armand fired back. “I’m still young.”

“Maybe at heart,” Gator quipped. That got a slight grin from Cole.

None of them looked their ages. That didn’t mean time wasn’t creeping forward. The day would come when he’d pass the mantle of alpha on. Of course, he’d hang around, offering whoever it was all sorts of unwanted advice. So would the rest of them. It’s what they did. They shared the burdens and the triumphs.

He didn’t assume it would be his son. Could easily be Gator’s son. Or maybe even Emma’s new mate. That was a male who’d been born to protect. He couldn’t have asked for a better mate for her.

“I’m going back to bed.” Jacque pushed out of the chair.

“Tired, old man?” Louis ducked when he took a swing.

“I plan to wake my wife.” His smile left them no doubts how he intended to do that.

“Excellent idea.” Armand jumped to his feet and waved. “Think I’ll do the same. I’ll catch you all later.”

Cole and Gator followed, leaving him alone with his brother. He hooked his arm around Louis’s neck and gave him a hug. Louis pounded him on the back. “There’s always grandchildren.”

“I’d like that.” He’d never thought he’d live long enough to have kids, let alone grandkids.

Time marched on. Even aging as slowly as they did, it was catching up to all of them.

But not yet. By the time any grandchildren were old enough to be worried about mating, it would be their parents’ problem. He’d be a doting grandfather.

The image made him chuckle as he waved Louis off and went back inside. Who was he kidding? He’d be taking care of all of them until the day he drew his last breath. It was who he was, who he’d been born to be.

He shucked his jeans and slid into bed next to his mate. Gwen stirred. “You’re chilly. Were you outside?”

He rolled her onto her back. “I was. Now I’m back to get warm.”

Laughing, she slipped her arms around his neck. “I’m sure I can manage something.”

He was as blessed as a male could get. So were all the members of his pack, as well as the next generation. This pack, these people were his legacy. He couldn’t ask for anything more.

The End

www.njwalters.com

Find more books by N.J. Walters:

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Orchid’s Heart by Rose Wulf

Unwanted Mate by Sam Crescent

The Wrong Mate by Jade Marshall

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BONUS SAMPLE CHAPTER

RESCUING RORY

Marks Mercenaries, 1

N.J. Walters

Copyright © 2019

Sample Chapter

“This is going to be a major clusterfuck. There’s no quiet way to do this.”

Even though his brother’s thoughts echoed his own, Kal Marks didn’t spare Garth so much as a glance. No, his gaze locked solidly on the woman currently dancing in one of the gilded cages that hung from the ceiling here in the largest club on the pleasure ship Exos. The flashing blue spotlight made her smooth white skin look the same color, giving her an exotic appearance.

Her long, blonde hair hung down her chest, covering her breasts, much to the dismay of the customers around her, and the skimpy thong barely covered her mound as she dipped and swayed to the pounding music. If anything, the tiny strip of cloth accentuated her nakedness, which was no doubt its purpose. She didn’t look at any of the patrons, keeping her eyes trained on the far wall.

“Are you listening to me?” Garth asked, practically yelling to be heard over the noise.

Impatience tinged his voice.

Kal forced himself to turn away and focus on his brother. “I hear you, but we don’t have a choice.” They had to talk to the woman, the dancing vision.

“You sure the information is good?”

Now that was a question, wasn’t it? Digger wasn’t exactly known for his honesty, but he traded in information, and he knew the Marks brothers were always buying when it came to intel on the whereabouts of their missing sister. He also knew better than to lie to them.

“Digger is too scared of Flynn to risk feeding us bad info,” Kal pointed out. Flynn was the oldest of the four brothers, massively tall and mean as a snake. It was well known throughout the Alliance galaxies that the only people Flynn cared about were his brothers.

Cross one of the Marks brothers and you crossed them all.

“I still don’t like it,” Garth muttered.

“Noted.” Kal let his gaze drift over the room, observing the positions of all the guards. There were quite a few of them, as things could get rowdy on the Exos. In fact, Kal was counting on just that.

The music pumping through the sound system was low and rhythmic. That, combined with the mostly naked women dancing around them, was designed to get men in the mood so they’d pay the money to visit the back rooms where women waited to service them. This far out in space the floating

pleasure ship contained the only women many of these men would see for months.

Kal looked at his brother and noted his scowl. Garth’s thoughts mirrored his own. What if their sister were aboard a ship like this? Most of the women weren’t here by choice. Usually the brothers would never set foot on a ship like the Exos, but when it came to intel about their sister, they’d go straight into the bowels of hell itself.

“She’s got the tattoo Digger told us about.” Garth studied the dancer now, his gaze tracing the long length of her legs. Kal was filled with the sudden urge to punch his brother in the face.

He rolled his shoulders and forced himself to lean back in his chair and act as if he were enjoying the show. And it wasn’t much of an act. The woman wasn’t really dancing, more sensually undulating to a rhythm far different from the music filling the room. He caught his breath when her hair slid to the side, exposing one perfectly shaped plump breast for a split second before her hair covered it again.

Kal’s dick sprang to life, and he shifted to get more comfortable. No doubt about it, she was beautiful. There was something almost … innocent about her. Yeah, that was it. Impossible considering where she was. No one aboard this floating pleasure barge was innocent. Even if they started out that way, it didn’t last for long.

He fought to bring his body under control, feeling like a jerk for getting aroused. He knew a good percentage of the women here had been bought from slavers. His fingers tightened into fists.

There was nothing he hated more than slavers. Those low-life bastards all deserved to be shot out into deep space without a protective suit.

If he could, he’d rescue all the women here. That just wasn’t possible, but he could rescue one. He let his eyes drift over her right arm. The tattoo on the woman was an unusual one, a stylized pattern of flowers that covered her left shoulder and ran all the way down her arm to her hand. There was no missing it. At the very bottom, a thorny vine wrapped around her wrist. Exactly as Digger had described.

“So how are we doing this?” Garth asked.

Kal rubbed a hand across his scruffy chin. He hadn’t bothered shaving in a few days, and it added to his disreputable appearance. The jagged scar on his left cheek didn’t hurt either. Both he and his brother were wearing the drab shirt and pants that labeled them as laborers from the planet below.

But beneath them, both of them wore battlesuits, body armor that was practically indestructible while being totally lightweight. That kind of protection didn’t come cheap, but all the brothers owned a suit.

“You create a diversion, and I’ll get the girl. As soon as I’ve got her, we make a run for the ship.” It wasn’t much of a plan, but Kal and his brother had worked with worse.

Garth stood and hitched up his pants. At six-one, he was the shortest of the brothers, but he was the widest, and not because there was an ounce of fat on him anywhere. No, Garth was built like a bull, thick and muscular, and always ready for a fight.

“One diversion coming up.” He swiped up his drink and weaved his way toward a table filled with miners. They were a rough and rowdy lot and were known not to tolerate outsiders.

Kal shook his head. His brother was crazy. But then again, the same could be said about all of them. Garth pretended to be drunk when Kal knew he hadn’t so much as taken a sip of his drink.

Neither of them had. No telling what was in the rotgut they served aboard this ship.

Garth was almost on top of the men now. “Harcon, old buddy. Haven’t seen you for a while.”

He held his arms wide open as if he were going to hug one of them men.

“Piss off,” the man growled. “You got the wrong guy.”

Kal stood and slowly began to meander toward the cage containing the woman they needed to

talk with. He didn’t hear the next thing the miner said to his brother, but he heard Garth’s reply.

“No need to be so unfriendly.” Garth waved his arms wide and spilled his drink over two of the other men seated at the table. “Whoops. Sorry about that.”

Kal bit his bottom lip to keep from smiling. Garth was enjoying himself just a little too much.

Kal was right next to the cage when one of the miners slammed his fist into Garth’s jaw. Kal winced and not for his brother. It was well known that Garth’s jaw was as hard as granite. The blow didn’t even knock his brother back an inch. Instead Garth shook his head, roared his displeasure, and rammed his fist into the miner’s gut. The man dropped like a stone, and the fight was on.

The guards hurried toward the combatants before things got too out of hand. Kal turned his attention to the woman in the cage. Like the rest of the crowd, she was watching the fight.

He reached into his pocket, withdrew a thin metal box, and attached it to the lock. The device ran through the sequence of possible combinations faster than the speed of light. In ten seconds flat, he had the door to the gilded cage open.

The woman gasped and jerked away from him when his hand touched her calf. Her amazing blue eyes widened when she realized the door to her prison was open.

“If you want to get away from here, come with me.” Kal gave a quick look over his shoulder, wincing when Garth picked up a man and launched him at another table. The table didn’t survive. Kal wasn’t sure the man would either, not without extensive medical attention.

This was quickly getting ugly. “Make up your mind. We’ve got to go. Now.”

Not that he was going to give her any choice in the matter, but it would be easier if she came of her own free will.

****

Aurora Banks had seen just about everything in her twenty-two years of living, and most of it wasn’t pretty. But this was the last thing she’d expected to happen when she was shoved into the dancing cage a few hours ago.

The man standing before her with his hand out was tall and broad and downright intimidating.

His eyes were a piercing green, and his silky black hair fell around his shoulders. A thick scar ran from just below his eye by his nose all the way out to his ear.

If she were totally honest, he was handsome in a rough-looking way. Not that it mattered. He was a way out of this nightmare. Rory only hoped she wasn’t jumping from one bad situation to an even worse one.

Trusting her instincts, she reached out and took his hand. It was warm and strong as it closed around hers and pulled her to the edge of the cage. He lifted her down from her gilded prison, wrapped one strong arm around her, and hustled her toward the wide red door that blocked their path to freedom.

“The guards.” She had to yell to be heard above the din of the yelling and fighting. They called themselves bouncers, but they were here to do more than keep the peace. Their main job was to make sure they didn’t lose any of the merchandise or the money. And all the women on board were considered prime merchandise.

“You let me worry about them.” Her liberator reached inside his shirt and drew out a compact-sized blaster.

Something crashed behind her, and she automatically began to look toward it. He caught her chin and turned her face away. “Look forward, not back.”

That was good advice. She ignored the noise and the fighting and hurried to keep up.

One man, a Crebian by the looks of his greenish-blue skin, tried to stop them. The man beside

her didn’t even pause. He simply raised his hand and shot the blaster. The Crebian fell to the floor, and the men around him stepped back, giving them a wide berth.

Rory didn’t know how her rescuer had managed to get the weapon on board the Exos, as there were stringent controls in place to keep such a thing from happening. She should know as she’d spent the past month trying to find a weak spot in their security system so she could plan her escape.

They pushed their way through the door. The man beside her tightened his grip on her wrist.

His urgency became hers. “Run,” he told her. Giving no thought to the mistake she could be making, Rory ran, her bare feet slapping against the metal floor as she was practically dragged behind him.

“We’re coming in hot.”

At first, she thought he was talking to her. It took her a moment to realize he was speaking into a communication device strapped to his wrist. And it wasn’t just any communication device. This one was top-of-the-line and went for at least one-thousand Alliance credits, maybe more.

Who was this guy? Laborers and miners didn’t waste their hard-earned money on fancy communication devices. They tended to splurge on booze and women when they had a few extra credits.

“Roger that,” a deep voice replied. “Hurry the fuck up.”

Rory shivered. Whoever the voice belonged to, he did not sound happy.

“Just fire up the engines and be ready for anything.” He picked up his pace. “Not much farther,” he told her. “We’re docked at J portal.”

Rory glanced at the sign on the wall. They’d just passed the H portal. She did her best to keep up with the pace he set, but it wasn’t easy. She wasn’t used to having to run for her life.

He stopped suddenly, slammed her body against the wall, and threw himself on top of her. She heard the sound of a blaster, and then his big body jerked against hers.

Rory screamed. Her rescuer had been shot. She wasn’t going back to the cage. She wasn’t.

She scrambled for the blaster in his hand even as the pounding of boots got closer. But when she lunged for the weapon, it was already out of reach.

Her liberator whirled around and returned the guard’s fire, the blaster steady in his hand. She peeked around his shoulder in time to see the two burly guards drop to the deck. “Come on.” He tugged her behind him, practically dragging her. She tripped but managed to stay on her feet.

The J deck came into view. Instead of relaxing, she grew even tenser. She knew better than to think this was over. No woman had ever been taken off the Exos. The captain wouldn’t allow it to happen. His reputation was on the line. If one woman was taken, then many would see all of them as fair game. The Exos would be constantly under attack. Pleasure ships stayed in business by being utterly ruthless to any who broke their rules and by having impenetrable defenses.

The panel whooshed open, and he practically threw her through it. “Get on the ship. Now.”

A fairly large deep-space-class trader was docked on the other side of the portal. The door to the vessel slid open, and a man stood there in full body armor, holding a massive blaster cradled in his arms.

Rory moved closer to her rescuer and clutched the hem of his shirt. He didn’t pay her any attention as he was too busy peering around the panel. “Come on. Come on,” he muttered under his breath. It occurred to her that he must have had an accomplice, someone who had aided him in her escape.

The man with the massive weapon beckoned her forward, but she wasn’t going anywhere. Not without the man beside her. She may not know his name, but she trusted him more than the unknown man waving her toward the ship. He’d protected her from the guard’s blasters. She’d be dead if he

hadn’t.

Boots pounded against the metal floor. “Move it,” yet another unknown man yelled as he ran toward them, head down and legs pumping.

The man beside her startled as if surprised to find her still beside him, grabbed her hand, and yanked her through the portal and on to the waiting ship. Honestly, she was getting a little tired of being dragged around as though she were space garbage and he a salvager.

They passed the sentry as they boarded. He didn’t even glance at them. All his attention was on the portal. The other man burst onto the deck, raced through the portal, and launched himself onto the ship. The door slid closed and locked behind him. The man with the huge blaster hit the communication pad next to the door. “Go. Go. Go.”

The ship banked sharply and dropped as the captain released from the docking station and took off hard and fast. Rory flew toward the wall, but before her body could smash against it, strong arms snatched her out of midair, anchoring her. “I’ve got you.”

She shivered at the sound of his voice. He certainly did have her. His arms were like hot manacles wrapped around her midsection. He slid down the wall, braced himself against it, and dug his boots into the floor. The scratchy material of his shirt was rough against her arms and back, making her very aware of her lack of clothing.

With the intensity of their flight, and her need to escape, she’d forgotten she was wearing nothing but a scrap of what couldn’t really be called underwear.

The ship suddenly banked again, and she gripped his arm tight. The two other men grabbed the bulkhead above them and rode out the wild ride with seeming ease. She envied them their strength.

“They’ll send fighters after you,” she felt compelled to point out. The Exos had six fighters in her fleet along with several shuttles for ferrying customers from the surface of whatever planet they were currently orbiting.

The man who’d race on board behind them grinned at her. “They’ve got to catch us first, babe.”

Then the deep voice came over the intercom once again. “Hitting boosters in three, two, one.”

Rory knew what that meant and wrapped her arms around the man holding her. The ship shimmied and then was whipped forward at a massive rate of speed. This was obviously no ordinary trader ship. Boosters cost huge money and came with an element of danger as well. Flying at such incredible speeds meant it was tough to avoid another ship or a meteor if one crossed your path.

Just who were these men? And what did they want with her?

The longer they sat there, the more comfortable she got, which made her uneasy and confused the hell out of her. She was practically naked and sitting on a man’s lap, a man she didn’t know.

Something hard dug into her side, and she knew it wasn’t his blaster—the weapon was much too small to be the foreign object pressing against her. Considering she was sitting on his lap, that left only one possibility. Her rescuer was aroused.

She swallowed hard. Had they brought her on board to service the crew? She began to shiver, fear adding to the chill of the loading bay airlock. She’d fight if she had to. There had to be a safety shuttle somewhere on board. All she had to do was find it.

He pulled her closer and ran his big hand up and down her back, his touch rough but gentle.

“We’ll get you some clothes just as soon as we’re out of booster mode.”

That gave Rory pause. It certainly didn’t sound as if he were getting ready to rape her as soon as they leveled out. That had to be a good sign. Right?

She nodded because there really wasn’t anything else she could do or say at the moment. She

could feel the other two other men watching her and made sure her hair covered her breasts. She didn’t want to give them an eyeful, or at least any more than she already had. Who knew how much of her they’d already seen?

Rory didn’t know how much time had passed before the ship slowed, coming out of booster mode and into regular flight. She had no idea where she was. Not that it mattered. The only home she’d ever know was gone, stolen by a devious man, someone she’d trusted.

“Let’s get you up and find you something to wear,” her liberator, or captor—at this point she wasn’t quite sure what to call him—said. It was getting tiresome not knowing his name.

“Who are you?” She had to know.

He held out his hand to one of the other men and was dragged to an upright position. He kept one arm around her, taking her with him, and settled her on her feet beside him. “I’m Kal Marks.” He raised an eyebrow when she didn’t say anything. “And you are?”

Shock hit her square between the eyes. “You don’t know who I am?”

He shook his head, causing a lock of hair to fall across his forehead. She fought the urge to brush it away. Honestly, she was losing her mind. “Then why did you kidnap me?”

“Rescue you,” he amended.

She’d give him that. At least until she knew more about her situation. “Okay, why did you rescue me?”

He released her wrist. It was the first time since he’d offered her his hand that some part of him wasn’t touching her. She missed it more than she should. She felt bereft, set adrift. Which really didn’t make any sense. She might have a name for him, but he was still a stranger.

“Because of this.” Kal reached out and rubbed a finger over the base of her tattoo, tracing the thorny vines before stroking upward over the trail of colorful flowers covering her arm. He started at her forearm, moved up to her elbow and then all the way to her shoulder.

“You took me because of my tattoo?” Had she heard him right?

He nodded. “What’s your name?”

“Aurora Banks. Call me Rory.” Only her father had called her Aurora, and only when he was angry with her. Everyone else had called her Rory for as far back as she could remember.

Kal nodded. “Well, Rory. Welcome aboard the Abigail. These are my brothers Garth and Amos. You might recognize Garth from the Exos. The one with the big gun is Amos.”

Now that she was really looking at them, the family resemblance was obvious. They were all big men, although Garth was more heavily built than the other two. And they all had black hair with a shock of white in the front. She looked from one to the other. She hadn’t noticed the lock of white in Kal’s hair during their dramatic escape. No wonder. It had taken everything out of her just to run and stay on her feet.

Amos was missing the pinky finger on his left hand. No doubt these were tough men who’d lived a rough and deadly life. She had no idea what they did for a living and wasn’t sure she wanted to know. Since their ship was a trader she wondered if they were legit or mercenaries. They could well be smugglers, men who’d run anything if the price was right.

Both of the men nodded at her. They were studying her as if waiting for her to say something.

She didn’t exactly know what to say, so she nodded back.

Heavy footsteps came toward them, vibrating through the floor. A red light on the wall flashed to green and the door to the loading bay airlock opened. It had been secured from the other side.

Rory might have wondered more about that, but she couldn’t take her eyes off the giant of a man standing in the doorway. He was taller than the rest, his black hair buzzed off close to his skull.

But she could see the short strands of white and knew he was another brother. A black patch covered his right eye, and his right hand wasn’t skin and bone but robotic.

“What the fuck are you standing around for? What does she know?”

End of sample chapter

www.evernightpublishing.com/rescuing-rory-by-n-j-walters

Document Outline

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen