Trevor

I leaned against the rough, solid timber door jam and eyed the beautiful woman sleeping on the bed. God, what the hell have you done? She looked like an angel. The fear I had seen in her eyes hoursago smoothed over by sleep.

She felt so good wrapped around me and in my arms that I had lost control... for one brief, horrifyingmoment. But that was all it took for her to realize I wasn't normal. I squeezed my eyes shut andsighed as I tried not to think about her expression as it morphed from ecstasy to sheer terror. Thiswasn't how I planned for it to go down. The evening had been so perfect. Amy was exactly what Iwanted and needed in my mate – passionate, intelligent, fun, witty and caring. If I could have onlycontrolled my shift until after I explained what I really was... but no. That didn't happen. To makematters worse, Daniel felt the need to step in and rescue me from myself. Now we were kidnappers. Just god dammed perfect. After my performance last night, I felt I only had a slim chance to repairthe damage with my mate... but now? Would she really forgive being held against her will?

Daniel offered to make her forget about the entire botched-up event, but I wanted her to realize thatshe's my mate, even in the face of my imperfections. Perhaps it was my wolf nature, still longing forthe hunt. A vampire trick would take the sport out of it. Besides, what I did deserved no easy routeto forgiveness.

It would only be a matter of time before she woke and I didn't have a clue what to say to her. Everypotential scenario I played out in my head went horribly wrong. What could I say or do that wouldmake a damned difference? If the shoe was on the other foot and I woke in a strange house afterrealizing the person I had just been intimate with wasn't human... shit. There was no telling how greather anger would be. One thing was clear, I couldn't let her leave until I knew she wouldn't share oursecret... or until she accepted me as her mate.

When Amy stirred, fear gripped my chest. After facing all of the vicious business meetings andthreats from self-important, dick-headed executives with a level head, how could facing one womanbring me so much anxiety? I was damned near petrified.

Stretching an arm above her head, Amy yawned. Slowly, her eyes fluttered open and I held mybreath. She blinked a couple of times and stared at the tongue-and-grove wooden ceiling. Confusioncolored her features as she sat up and looked around the expansive room. When her perplexed lookcame to rest on me, confusion was replaced by fear and anger. I could see the events from last night

play across her beautiful features.

“Where am I?” The frigidity in her voice wavered slightly.

I swallowed, trying to smooth over my anxiety with a calm facade. “My cabin.”

Amy's eyes narrowed. “Why?”

“Because I wanted to talk to you about last night.”

“So you had to bring me here?”

“Yes.”

She backed up to the headboard as her eyes darted around the room, no doubt plotting her escape. “We have nothing to talk about.”

“Amy,” I started, stepping into the room.

“Stop! Don't you dare come near me! I don't know what the hell you are or what your fucking brotherdid to me, but I don't want any part of it!” She trembled like a leaf on the bed and fought to controlthe terrified look in her eyes.

I bowed my head, feeling defeated already. She hated me. She was afraid of me. Guilt gripped mystomach as I knew there was nothing further I could say right then to make a difference. I sighed. That meant we were going to have to hold her against her will. All of the joy and happiness I feltwhen I met her came crashing down to my feet.

“You are my guest, please let me or my staff know if you would like something to eat. You arewelcome to explore the house, and the property for that matter. Cell reception is non-existent out hereand we are in the middle of a five-thousand acre property with no roads. If you take to the forest,please be mindful of the bear and moose.” With that, I turned to leave.

“Wait... I'm not staying here! Someone needs to take me home!”

I stopped at the entrance to the bedroom. “I'm afraid that's impossible.”

“Why?” She demanded.

I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. “Because you know too much.” There, I said it. The catwas out of the bag.

“What? You're... you're holding me here?”

I said nothing more and closed the door behind me. It wasn't locked. And just like that, all of myhopes for a second chance at living were extinguished.

Something shattered against the door... my guess was on the lamp that used to occupy the night stand.

“You bastard!” Amy screamed at me as I trudged slowly to the kitchen. This wasn't how it wassupposed to be, dammit! All those years I wallowed in sorrow, thinking that I'd never have a chanceat love and happiness again. And now I had found a mate, the thought of her hating me was justintolerable. Was it too early for a drink?

I had just reached the kitchen when there was a knock at the back door. My best friend and packcouncilman, Henry Webber, stood looking into the cabin with his hands behind his back. His goldenbrow was pulled into a tight line of concern. What fucking now?

“You gotta second?” he asked as I opened the door. I frowned and nodded.

Following him to the public house, Henry said nothing. I think that worried me more than anything. Ifhe couldn't tell me what was troubling him as we walked, something must seriously be wrong.

A cold breeze blew several orange and red aspen leaves across our path. Despite the beautiful day,the lack of moisture in the air and the north wind was a sure sign of a snow storm soon to come.

“How are we for supplies?” I asked, stuffing my hands into my pockets as we entered the large logbuilding.

“Good. Felt the snow coming this morning. Probably be here just after midnight.”

I simply nodded and followed Henry to the council chambers. I ignored my alpha instincts to giveorders to prep for the coming snow. Suppressing those urges seemed to get easier every day.

The usually happy-go-lucky blond man stopped and leaned up against the front of the main councildesk, crossing his arms over his chest.

“I just got word that the Lunsford pack's alpha is dead.”

“Clarke?”

Henry nodded.

“How?” I crossed my arms and frowned. It usually took a great deal to kill a shifter... and we didn'tdie of 'natural causes'. This meant that there had either been a bad accident or Clarke Lunsford hadbeen killed.

Henry's cell phone rang as he shrugged. “They found him outside of the public house... just dead. Like his body just quit on him,” he said as he answered his phone. “Hello? Yeah, we're here. Hangon.” He walked over to the flat screen on the wall and hit a couple of buttons. The screen turnedwhite for moment and then a dark-haired man appeared. It was Daniel.

“Can you hear me?” Henry asked.

“Yes. Trevor.” Daniel's voice was coarse with sleep.

“You're up early.” Laying on his side in bed, he looked terrible – hair disheveled and dark circlesunder his eyes. Having to avoid the sunlight, Daniel took every advantage of modern technology tostay up on pack events. I guess that's why the pack voted to make him a councilman, despite himbeing a vampire. He was attentive to the pack's needs and always put them first, like they were hisfamily. In a way, I guess they were. When the shaman cursed us, he cursed every employee that wehad at the time. Unfortunately, he had more anger towards Daniel or he would have been a shiftertoo.

“No shit. Did he tell you about Lunsford?” Daniel rubbed his eyes and yawned.

“Yeah. Just.”

“This could mean bad news for us. It's my understanding that they don't have anyone that would stepup to replace Clarke, and with over thirty pack members, that leaves a pretty strong vacuum to suck inan opportunistic alpha.”

As much as I knew Daniel was right, I questioned his motives for telling me this. I wasn't alpha here. We had a council for such matters... and I wasn't even on it. This was obviously some ploy byDaniel, and maybe Henry as well, to get me back into leadership.

“I'm sorry for the Lunsford's loss, really, but why are you guys telling me this?”

Daniel and Henry stared at me for a moment before Daniel's look turned to a scowl.

“Jesus. You need to stop being so defensive and start caring about our pack as much as we do. Weare all in this together, come hell or high water. Now pull your head out of your ass... or Amy's, andbe part of us.”

“Mind your tongue, brother,” I growled. Fire burned in my chest just for the mere mention of mymate's name. Daniel could never understand what the pull was like. Vampires couldn't possiblyunderstand. It was difficult for me to think of anything but claiming her. Everything was about Amy. I ate, drank, breathed, and slept because of that woman.

Henry put a hand on my shoulder. “Look, we all know what you're going through with your mate andwe feel for you. But she's safe in your house... and ignoring you for the time being. We're just askingthat you don't forget about us while all of the mating stuff is going on.”

I continued to glare at Daniel as I considered Henry. Everyone else in the pack pulled their ownweight. They all served a purpose to the greater good of us all... except me. I'd been hiding in myown sad little world, shirking any responsibilities to the pack. Come to think of it, I couldn’t believethey didn't just kick me out. I sighed.

“You guys are right. I'll help with the plans, but I have no desire to be alpha.”

My brother and my best friend exchanged looks and I wanted to roll my eyes. Who knew what wasgoing on in their minds.

“Fine. But when Amy finally decides to be at your side, you may want to reconsider that ,” Danielsaid. At least he said 'when' and not 'if'. “Amy aside, we need to gather the council tonight and havea meeting about this. I have a bad feeling about the happenings with the Lunsford pack.”

I brought my eyes to Daniel. When he voiced his concern, the look on his face made me uneasy. Itwas never a good thing when he had a bad feeling about something. As strange as it was, his vibeswere normally right on target.

“Alright, I'll gather them. We can have a meeting after dinner,” Henry said.

“I'll join you, but I can't promise that I'll be of any assistance,” I added, which caused Daniel's lips toquirk at the corners slightly.

“Good. The more heads the better.” Daniel sat up and yawned. “I'm going back to sleep now. Seeyou guys at dinner.”

As the LCD went blank, I glanced at my watch. Noon. God, what to do with myself until then? Ineeded a run. I sighed. Running in my wolf form through the woods sounded like the best idea I hadall day. I smacked Henry on the shoulder.

“I'm gonna go for a run. Have a little steam I need to blow off.”

“Want some company?”

I glanced at my friend. If it was anyone else, I would have quickly said no. Henry, though, had anuncanny ability to know when to shut the hell up and just be. It was just one of the many reasons whyhe'd been my friend for so long.

“Yeah, come on.”

Moments later, I was a large, grey and white wolf being chased by a blond wolf of similar size as wesprinted through the sparse conifers. Everything about the run was amazing – the way the damp forestfloor gave beneath my padded feet, the burn of the cold air in my lungs and even the smell of mooseand elk on the wind.

'I needed this,' I thought to Henry.

'I know you did. You've been having a rough couple of days.'

Still running, I said nothing more. I was growing tired of feeling sorry for my own ass. If it wasn'tfor Daniel, our business would have suffered from my lack of interest. I could admit to myself that Iprobably needed to see a therapist after my family was murdered, but having none of our own in thepack, I had to deal. In the early days, that usually involved a lot of single malt scotch. A resilientliver was one of the perks of the curse.

We continued on for several miles and then enjoyed a quick nap in the sun next to YellowstoneRiver. I woke feeling lazy and relaxed. I turned on my back, feet in the air and let the sun warm mybelly.

'I'm getting hungry,' Henry thought to me.

'Yeah, me too. What time do you think it's getting to be?'

'Hell if I know. I'm not shifting back just to look at my watch. This feels too good.'

I chuffed softly at him. 'Yeah, it does. We should start heading back soon, though.'

We lay in the sun for another half-hour or so and headed back to the compound. Seeing dinner wasalmost finished when we arrived at the public house, I was glad we came back when we did.

Everyone helped set the table and bring the food out. I looked around and didn't see Amy. Was shestill holed up in my house? God, I hope not! The bedroom door wasn't even locked! I started topanic.

“Did anyone invite Amy out for dinner?”

“I don't know, but I've seen her outside checking things out,” one response came.

“She went back in your house just a few minutes ago,” came another.

I sighed as relief washed over me. At least she'd been outside. I went to the house and walked inquietly, listening for sounds of Amy. When I heard voices coming from the living room, I went toinvestigate. What I saw caused my jaw to clench tightly—sudden jealousy burned in the pit of mystomach. My mate was talking to Scott Douglas. Of all of the pack members, he was my leastfavorite. It didn't help is cause that he was on the council and had made several attempts to gethimself voted as alpha. He failed, but still. That arrogant and smug blond bastard.

For a moment, I was afraid that Scott had told Amy about us... what we really were. But even heknew better. When Daniel and I first arrived with Amy, I made sure that no one mentioned a word toher. If she wanted to know, they were to tell her to ask me.

“- and the thing bucked me right off!” Amy laughed. “I guess that's what I get for thinking I was sooosmart!”

“God, I would have punched that horse!” Even just hearing his voice made me want to growl.

I came to the living room and they both looked up. When I smiled at Amy, she crossed her arms andquickly looked away. Jesus.

“Dinner is ready, if you'd like to join us,” I said to Amy.

“Good, I'm starving.” Scott rose from the sofa and went out the back door. Like I was fuckingtelling him. I looked back to Amy and was surprised to see her green eyes focused on me. Iswallowed. Her gaze was hard and analyzing.

“We're in the public house, if you'd like to come.” I forced myself to turn around and go back to thepack. I really wanted to tell her that I'd like it if she joined us, but I figured saying that would onlycause her to stay here to spite me. Turning my back on her as she looked at me was difficult. All Iwanted to do was make her happy, and she clearly was not.

My thoughts churned as the day took its last breath—the sun slowly set behind the mountains, sendingoff a dazzling display of smoky colors through the evening sky. I felt like I was losing my mind. Ineeded her. I needed Amy to accept me as her mate, but I couldn't force her. Although she didn'tknow it, she was vital to my future happiness.

Everyone was digging into the bounty of food that sat on the table. I smiled. After years and years oftelling the pack they didn't need to wait for me to eat, they finally learned. I guess you can teach anold dog... or old dogs... a new trick. We had two meals in the public house per week. It wassomething I set up a long time ago to ensure that everyone stayed close and knew the pack businessand had become tradition.

I noticed Daniel walk in as I sat down at the long wooden table. He looked better than earlier – hishair was under control and he wore a black sweater and jeans. He looked at me and glanced aroundthe table quickly. I knew he was looking for Amy. When he didn't see her, he turned his eyes back tome. I shrugged and shook my head. I tried to reason that she wouldn't come because she didn't wantto be in front of all of these people, but I knew better.

I took a little food and went through the motions of eating, although it had no taste to me.

'I spoke with your mate today,' a voice said in my head. I looked around the table and saw the lonefemale councilperson, Claire Fulton, looking at me with a grin as her four-year-old son sat in her lap. I smiled. I liked Claire. She was kind, wise, and didn't take shit from anyone – just as a beta shouldbe. I could always count on her to give me her honest opinion, even if it wasn't what I want to hear.

I sighed and looked back to my half-eaten food. 'She's not my mate yet... may never be after whatI've done.'

'She's your mate. Trust in fate, Trevor. Amy is nice. She'll come around.'

I glanced at the brunette woman again and played back her words. Trust in fate. Yeah, 'cause itdealt me such a good hand before. Claire looked away from the group for a moment then back to meand smiled, her eyes sparkling.

'See?'

Amy was standing hesitantly by the door as if she was trying to decide if she wanted to come in or goback to my house. My heart was suddenly pounding away in my throat. She came! This was a goodsign, right?

Claire sat her son on the ground and quickly went to Amy's side. I couldn't hear the conversationbetween the two women, but Amy visibly relaxed around the beta wolf. Thank God.

'I owe you one,' I thought to Claire.

She glanced up for a moment and smirked. 'And don't you forget it!'

With my mate's appearance, my appetite found me again and I was able to finish off the food on myplate. I noticed that Amy made sure to avoid eye contact with me, but that was fine. At least sheseemed to be having a good time... in the same room with me. I'll take what I can get at this point.

“Have a drink with me in the house,” Daniel said quietly next to me, appearing almost from thin air. Ifrowned. Even with my increased hearing, that vampire could move as silently as the night.

“Okay.” I excused myself from the table and while the eyes of my mate bore into my back, Daniel andI went to the house.

“What's up?” I asked as he poured a scotch for me. He remained quiet as the glass filled, onlylooking at me when he passed me the drink. Concern clouded his blue eyes.

He moved quickly to the kitchen to come back with a black plastic cup. I didn't have to ask what wasin it as the coppery scent was a dead give away—blood.

“Before the meeting starts, I wanted to reiterate to you that I have a bad feeling. I don't know why, butit feels like an ominous dark cloud that is only increasing in size and darkness as time moves on.”

“So it's getting worse, then?”

Daniel nodded. The council was also aware of the vampire's strange ability to feel when somethingbad was coming, much like a change in the weather. I often wished that he could see just a glimpse ofwhat it was, but that never happened.

“It's not like... the hunters?”

He eyed me for a moment. Daniel had sensed something terrible before the hunters came and killedmost of the pack and my family. In fact, his bad feeling came on a whole two weeks before themassacre took place. Watching him think, I hoped it wasn't the same.

Daniel shook his head and shrugged. “It's impossible to tell. Right now, no. But who's to say howlong this feeling will continue to worsen?”

“Okay.” The thing that really got me about his hunches was wondering if knowing something was

coming only propelled us to the bad thing. Since we couldn't see into the future, trying to prepare forit was like trying to build a house by eating a sandwich.

I quickly downed the scotch. “I can only hope it has more to do with the Lunsford pack than Amy.”

My vampire twin ran a hand through is hair and frowned. “Either way, something is coming and it isbad for the pack.” Daniel finished off his liquid dinner. “Time for that meeting. With all that hangsin the balance, I would advise that you strongly reconsider your alpha hiatus. The pack needs itsleader.” Here he goes again.

“I was alpha when you got the bad feeling before the hunters came, or did you forget about that? Lookhow well that turned out.”

“For shit's sake,” Daniel muttered. “What happened was unavoidable. You did the best you could,given the circumstances.”

“And my best wasn't good enough,” I said simply, toying with the glass in the tumbler.

“Jesus. Is it the pilot's fault when landing gear fails on the plane he's flying? No! When are yougoing to get it through your thick skull that your actions saved the rest of the pack? With out yourquick thinking, everyone would have died that day.”

“Suzanna, Jacob and many others were butchered...,”

“And many others were not! You saved them!”

“Stop trying to -” I started but Daniel cut me off.

“What? Help you see that you did everything you could? I'm sorry that you lost your family... I lovedthem too, Trevor. But enough is enough! I want my brother back, my REAL brother! Our companyneeds the fearless and authoritative CEO of our company... and the pack needs their alpha. Acting theway you do makes everyone think that you value the people that died over those that are still alive. We are still alive and we need you!” Daniel threw his cup into the sink and headed out the door.

“God dammit!”

I stared after my brother with an open mouth. While several emotions fought for dominance, I wasstunned. Daniel normally kept his cool... in fact, I don't think he'd ever responded like that toanything. I poured another finger of scotch and watched as the ice cubes shrank further in the amberliquid. Did Daniel actually have a point? Was I hiding behind my guilt to avoid feeling anythingelse? I lifted the glass to my lips and drank slowly. Perhaps it was time I turned over a new leaf.

Amy

I couldn't quite figure out what was going on at the... compound. Was this a cult? Did these otherpeople know about Trevor's other self? I picked at the baked rainbow trout and salad I had on myplate, more interested in observing the other eleven people that now worked to clear off the table. They looked normal... if this wasn't a cult compound, why would they all choose to stay here in such aremote location?

The door to the massive building opened and Daniel stepped. His jaw was clenched tight with whatlooked to be anger. Was he upset with Trevor? I had seen them leave together a while ago. Damn,this place is weird and confusing. Despite being kept here, everyone was treating me like Ibelonged. Maybe that was it... they lure captives into a false sense of security and then hook theircultish claws in.

There was a tap on my shoulder and I turned to face Claire Fulton. She smiled.

“We are having a council meeting in a few minutes and we'd like for you to come watch, if you'reinterested.”

Council meeting? “Sure,” I said and followed her to another room with several chairs in rows and along table with a flat screen at the front. Did they think they were some type of tribe or village?

I sat down in one of the chairs and watched as people shuffled in. Most of the people took seatsaround me, except for Claire and Scott, who took seats at the large table at the front. I guessed thatthey were part of some board or the council. My confusion only grew when Daniel and two morepeople took seats at the front. Was Trevor not part of the head-honcho group? Odd... he had thelargest home on the property.

Almost as if on cue, Trevor appeared and went to the front of the room. He leaned over the desk andspoke quietly with the chosen five.

“You can't do this, Trevor. Need I remind you that your poor leadership nearly got us all killed lasttime?” Scott glowered viciously.

The other four people stood quickly, visibly angered at Scott's outburst.

“How dare you...,” Trevor growled in a tone that was frightening. I could only see his back, but hisfists were clenched tightly at his sides while he shook with what I had to guess was rage. Daniellooked like he was about to come over the desk to hold Trevor back, if need be. What the hell isgoing on?

“You want to leave this meeting now,” Claire said to the thin blond man, in a voice almost too lowfor me to hear.

Scott looked at each of the five slowly, his brows knitted together tightly while he frowned. “Yeah, Iguess I do.”

The room was silent as Scott left. The five at the front resumed chatting in hushed tones untileveryone was grinning from ear to ear like they just one the lottery. Claire stepped from around thetable to face the people in the audience. She beamed as she clasped her hands together.

“Everyone, tonight I have good and bad news. First, I'll start with the bad news. The council hasbeen disbanded.”

The crowd remained silent. I looked around at a few people, confused. I expected news like that tobe met with boos, especially if that was the bad news.

“And now for the good news... our leader is back!” She said, motioning to Trevor and everyoneerupted in cheers. What the hell... was he gone?

Trevor stepped forward and made eye contact with me first and smiled. I stared back. I still couldn'tfigure out with the damned weirdo billionaire wanted with me... was he afraid I'd tell someone abouthis glowy eyes? Like anyone would believe me anyway.

“Sorry everyone that it's taken me so long to pull my head out of my ass and I thank you all for beingpatient with the removal process.” The group chuckled.

“We called this meeting tonight because of a possible threat. We are still gathering information rightnow but, as you may have heard, Clarke Lunsford has died and it's looking more and more like he wasmurdered.”

As people muttered among themselves, I felt like I was listening to a lecture in Greek. Everythingseemed just beyond making sense. I relaxed in my chair, crossing my leg over the other. Whateverthis was, it seemed like it would take a while. Best get comfortable.

“There has been talk of someone looking to take his place, and with their members greatly outnumbering ours, we need to be cautious and vigilant. If you hear anything, anything at all, report it tome as soon as possible.” Trevor leaned back against the large table and smiled, looking as handsomeand confident as the day I met him. I hated that he was so attractive. “Other than that, I thank you allfor coming.”

I left with everyone else before anyone had a chance to stop me. Today had been exhausting and I hadmy mind on one thing – well, two rather: a glass or two of the Cabernet I saw inside and a nice soakin the hot tub.

The evening was growing cold and the wind was starting to pick up from the north. I glanced up atthe heavens and saw no stars. Maybe a storm was rolling in. Either way, the hot tub and wine wouldstill be great. I just needed to find something to wear in the water other than my birthday suit... just incase Trevor happened by.

I found a t-shirt and figured that paired with my panties it should be good enough. Wrapping up in afluffy robe that hung on the back of the closet door, I found the Cabernet and ventured outside to thehot tub.

The air had become dramatically cooler during the short time I had been inside. I noted the slightozone smell on the breeze and knew that freezing temperatures weren't far off.

I groaned in near ecstasy as I lowered myself into the hot water. It felt heavenly. I sighed and lookedat the stemless glass that held the red wine. It probably wasn't such a good idea to be in the hot waterand drink but what the hell. It would be relaxing and would help me fall right asleep when I went tobed. I lifted the glass and took a sip. The velvety and smoky wine coated my tongue and sent a shiver

up my spine as it eased a warm trail down my esophagus. I closed my eyes and relaxed against theside.

“Chilly tonight. Storm is on its way,” Trevor said, standing next to the hot tub. His suddenappearance startled me, but I pretended not to notice. I really had nothing to say to the jackass despitehis infuriating attractiveness. In fact, I didn't even open my eyes.

“Are you still not talking to me?” He asked softly in a tone reminiscent of a scared little boy. Myheart would have melted if I wasn't pissed at him.

“Am I still your captive?” I opened my eyes when he didn't respond. He was taking his shirt off.

“What the hell do you think you're doing?” I asked, somewhat alarmed.

“I'm going to enjoy my hot tub on a cold evening,” he said, smiling. That bastard. I had a mind to getout of the water and go to bed... but I knew that the t-shirt would stick to me like saran wrap. The lastthing I wanted was for him to get an eye full as I exited. Dammit. I sipped more of the wine insteadand shut my eyes again, feigning indifference.

I felt the water move and I knew Trevor had gotten in. I ground my teeth, trying not to imagine howclose he was to me.

“Amy.”

“Trevor,” I said smugly.

“Would you let me explain why you're here?”

I looked at him. He was sitting diagonally to me, up to his chest in water. I tried to ignore hismuscular physique, which was now dripping with water. God, how hot is that? I cleared my throatand leaned back, lifting my face to the sky.

“What is there to explain? You're some... creature thing and you want me to join the cult you havegoing on here.”

He chuckled. “Creature thing, yes. Cult, certainly not.”

“Yes to creature thing and no to the cult.” I contemplated what he just said as I drank more wine andfaced him. Oddly enough, creature thing didn't surprise or phase me. I'd had all day to think aboutthose glowing eyes. “Then what's with living so far out in the woods cut off from everything? Icounted at least fifteen homes around here with several other random buildings. Actually, I'm curioushow you got me here?”

“Helicopter.”

My mouth popped open. “Wha... are you serious?”

He nodded, leaned back and spread his arms out to either side, resting them on the side of the spa. Iexpected to see a smile that told me he was joking... but the smile never came. Well, he is abillionaire. Surely he can have a helicopter.

“Wow. Okay,” I said and finished off the half glass of wine.

“Would you like more before I get into my explanation?” He asked, nodding to my glass.

“Something tells me I'll probably need it, huh?”

“Probably.” Trevor smiled and pulled himself out of the water. I tried not to notice how he justoozed sex as his dark hair was matted to his incredible body. He eased the glass from my hand and Inoticed that annoying shock that accompanied our skin touching.

“I'll be right back,” he said with a smile.

I sighed. It was amazing how time could change things. If I would have been in a hot tub with Trevor

yesterday, I would have been all over him. Spring forward one day and I could barely stand him. Itwas too bad he was a weirdo... I really liked him. In fact, I thought we had pretty awesomechemistry. I fought myself when I started remembering his mind blowing kisses.

“Here you go,” Trevor said, appearing out of nowhere again, holding out my wine glass. I jumpedslightly.

“Sorry, didn't mean to startle you,” he said, hiding amusement.

I glared at him and took the glass. “Thanks.”

He climbed back into the water and I eyed him. I couldn't pretend I didn't notice the way my bodyreacted simply by watching the graceful way his powerful form moved as he settled into the frothywarmth. He lowered slowly, the water gradually rising up the sculpted muscles of his stomach. Good God. I blinked. Ignoring the tingles between my thighs, I looked away before he could noticemy staring.

“So, back to my explanation,” Trevor said determinedly.

I met his eyes and nodded. “I'm all ears.” He looked away thoughtfully as I drank from my refreshedglass.

Trevor shrugged and looked back to me. “I'm a wolf shifter.”

“A wolf shifter,” I repeated. “What does that mean?”

“It's similar to a werewolf, except I don't need a full moon to be a wolf, I can change forms anytime Iwant.”

I wanted to laugh. If I had not witnessed his strange eyes last night, I wouldn't have believed him. Imean, really. A person that could change into a wolf and vice versa? It didn't seem possible that themyths were true.

“You can change into a wolf?”

He nodded.

“Your... feral eyes last night... were you... were you shifting?” God, that sounded ridiculous!

Again, he nodded.

I gasped before laughing. “Okay... so I guess you're going to tell me that vampires are real too?”

His gaze focused intently on me and he smiled. “Actually, Daniel is a vampire.”

“...bull shit...”

“Everyone you've seen here are shifters like me, except for Daniel.”

I stared with my mouth open, almost pouring my wine into the water until I noticed the heavy tilt of theglass. It couldn't be possible... vampires were real? Unsure of what to do with that information, Icontinued to stare dumbfounded at Trevor.

He chuckled and ran a hand through his mass of black hair. “I'm sure that's pretty difficult tocomprehend.”

“So... you are seriously saying all of these people are shifters and Daniel is a real, flesh and blood... Imean, not blood or... hell, I don't know. He's a vampire.” Total case of verbal diarrheaoverwhelmed me.

Trevor nodded, looking deeply amused.

I gulped down the rest of my wine.

“Easy there. Remember you're not too good with alcohol.”

I just gave him the stink eye. “What about silver bullets and steaks through the heart... any of that craptrue?” Was I really asking this? Man, my teenage fantasies were coming true!

“Shifters can be shot and killed with regular ammo but it has to be a head or heart shot. We heal tooquickly to be killed by another type of shot. Uh... we are faster, stronger and larger than averagewolves. In our human form we have increased senses, quickness, and strength. Like wolves, wehave packs and they're what you've seen here. This is our pack compound. Also, we have an alphaand the alpha can communicate with the others on an individual telepathic level.”

“And you're the alpha?”

“I am.”

The thought made me tingle. The supreme wolf leader... and he was it. My eyes briefly scanned hisface and chest, admiring the view. How hot is that? Stop it! You don't like him, remember?

“With Daniel,” Trevor continued after taking a deep breath, “garlic and crosses have no effect. Hedoesn't sleep in a coffin, or sparkle. He's strong, fast, heals quickly, drinks blood, and can compelhumans. Sunlight can burn him like a pan right out of a 500 degree oven and a steak can kill him aslong as it's made from petrified wood.”

“Okay, wait. Compel... is that like... making a human do something? Like... make them suddenly goto sleep?” My tone grew edgy as I remembered Daniel telling me to sleep and I did.

Trevor nodded solemnly.

“May I get you more wine?” a man asked next to me. I looked at him and then to Trevor. He smiled. Did he tell this guy to come refill my glass... telepathically?

“Uh, sure,” I muttered. The guy took the glass from me. “Thank you.”

Trevor was sitting quietly, observing our interaction.

“Did you... tell him to come here to wait on me?”

“Maybe.”

I sighed. “Whatever. So how long have you been a shifter?”

“Since 1863. Back when Montana was part of the Idaho Territory.”

Balking at the date, I blinked hard. That was over 151 years ago! “Are... are you serious?”

Trevor ran a hand down his short beard and neck, looking at the sky in thought. “Yeah. I was born in1831.”

The shifter that had taken my glass came back at the right time because I needed a drink! “Wow, and Ithought you were just a couple years older than me... I didn't know you were...,” I said, doing themath in my head. “183 years old?”

The man next to me chuckled as I took the glass from him. “Yeah, he's an old bastard.”

Trevor gave him a sideways grin. “I don't remember inviting you into this conversation, Terry.”

“I have a way of working myself in,” he laughed. “Can I get you anything else, Miss Amy?”

“No, thank you, Terry. I'm sorry you were called over here for this,” I said, holding up the glass andgiving Trevor a smirk. His eyes lit up as he smiled back. Dammit! Don't look at him that way!

You're supposed to hate him!

“Not a problem. Was my pleasure.” Terry said and nodded at Trevor. “Alpha.”

“Terry. Thanks.”

I watched the lanky man walk off into the dark before turning back to Trevor. I gasped. His starewas so intense, it felt as if he was trying to bore holes into me with his eyes. Of course my body hadto respond to his rapacious gaze – warmth spread up my chest and to my cheeks while I got anotherjolt of tingles between my thighs.

“Stop looking at me like that,” I whispered.

“Like what?” His expression didn't change but a small smile quirked his lips. He knew he wasmaking me uncomfortable... and was enjoying it!

“Like you're trying to devour me with your eyes.” I could feel heat rising up my chest to my neck. Ihad to look away or I'd turn as bright red as a tomato.

“Maybe I am.” That did it. He wasn't afraid to hide his intentions... at all! Why should I hide myfrustration with him, the arrogant ass.

“Well stop it. I'm still mad at you for bringing me here against my will.”

He smiled. “But you're not as mad as before, right?”

My eyes narrowed to slits. He thought this was a game... and I still didn't understand everything goingon here. I lifted my nose in the air and had some wine. “I think you still have a lot to tell me,” I saidmatter-of-factly.

“I do and I'll continue... if you'll admit you're not as mad as this morning.”

“Do I look as mad as I was then?”

“No, you don't. That's why I want you to say it.” The nerve! While I might not have been as angrywith him as I had been when I woke, I saw no reason to admit it. My actions spoke loud enough ofmy change in attitude.

“I don't have to say shit,” I retorted, crossing my arms.

“And I don't have to tell you anything more.”

“Are you serious?”

His smug grin changed to an all-out smile. “You're stubborn,” he chuckled.

“So are you!” Okay, he was starting to piss me off again.

“I wouldn't be afraid to tell you how I'm feeling.”

“And?”

He shrugged, continuing to smile. “Just saying.”

“Well, I guess we are done here if you're not going to finish telling me about your wolfish history.” Ireally didn't want to get out of the warm water. First, it had grown increasingly cold since I got in thehot tub. Secondly, I didn't want him checking me out as the wet t-shirt left little to the imagination. Water poured off me as I indignantly stood and grabbed the side.

Trevor roared with laughter, only causing me to get more irritated. “Please, sit down. I'll finishtelling you, you stubborn woman.”

Turning, I looked at him. No, scratch that. I glared at him. All I was doing was trying to have a nice,quiet, relaxing soak in the hot tub before bed... and he was ruining my relaxation, the bastard. Insteadof sleeping, now all I wanted to do was shout at the infuriating alpha.

“Please sit back down?” he coaxed softly. Trevor was no longer laughing and his expression hadgrown serious, if not worried.

“Fine,” I said, plopping my big butt down in the water.

He relaxed visibly and smiled. “Okay, I imagine that you'd like to know exactly how we got to bethis way?”

I nodded, trying to follow his lead and relax as well. “You weren't bitten?” I sighed.

“That's one way for it to happen, but we wouldn't be able to shift with our clothes if that was thecase.”

“Your clothes stay with you when you shift?”

“Well, in that when we shift back from wolf form to human, what we were wearing reappears.”

“Hmph.” That's a new one. I didn't know too much werewolf lore, but the wolves always shiftedback naked from what I saw on Twilight and Underworld. Too bad he didn't too.

“So, I guess I owe you a story on how we came to be like this.”

I nodded, ready for an interesting tale. I'd probably be all good and pruney by the time he was donespeaking.

“Well, it all started right in the middle of the Civil War. Although we weren't involved in that as wewere already here in the Idaho Territory.”

Trevor

1863 – Idaho Territory

“Trevor,” the tall, Blackfoot called to me with his hand held up in greeting as he rode up on a brownand white painted horse.

“Keme Machk,” I said, welcoming him by name. I patted the neck of the roan stallion I was on andadjusted in the saddle. I was just returning from Billings.

As the native approached, I wished I was better at their language of Piegan. Keme Machk had beeninvaluable in helping us establish Collins Oil near Billings. Crude oil was starting to grow inpopularity in other parts of the world and Daniel and I thought we would be well ahead of the curvewith our find. While we didn't sell a great deal of oil then, we had the largest cattle operation in theterritory. We had an understanding with the local Blackfoot tribe. We left their buffalo alone andthey left our cattle alone.

“Hello,” Keme Machk said. Wearing only breeches, a loin cloth and some beadwork, I couldn'tunderstand how he wasn't freezing his backside off. I was wearing pants, shirt and a duster and I stillfelt the chill of the air.

I bent the brim of my hat down to him. “Hello.”

“Mingan son missing. Mingan ask me if you see him.” Mingan was the tribe's wise old shaman.

“No, haven't seen anyone around. When did he go missing?”

“Yesterday.”

I looked at the surrounding landscape. It was a beautiful, but chilly day. Small scrub trees dotted therolling green landscape and the Rocky Mountains loomed in the distance as great, purple monoliths.

“I'll tell Daniel to keep an eye out when he brings in the cattle today. Hopefully, Mingan's son didn'tget taken by a bear.”

Keme Machk nodded at me. He raised his hand slightly and turned the horse away from me. TheBlackfoot got to the point quickly and I found I appreciated it. Truth be known, I'd rather deal withthe Blackfoot than most whites because they were honest and honorable. I'd learned that much sincecoming out here to the middle of nowhere.

I turned my horse and rode off to our house. I had to admire the vastness of our huge cabin on theplains. It stood out like a fortress against the vast nothingness of grasslands. Thanks to the timberhaving to make such a long journey, it had cost Daniel and I plenty of gold to have it built. Danielcomplained like hell at the expense during the building process, but once he saw the imposingcreation he never said another word. It was good to be cattle barons.

I found Daniel near the smokehouse with our cook, Henry Webber as I put the horse in the stable. They had a giant wolf hanging from a hook which Henry was working quickly to skin.

“Holy shit. Where did that big thing come from?”

“Shot it yesterday when I saw it running through the cattle,” Daniel said with his arms crossed,watching Henry work.

“That has to be the largest wolf I've ever seen.” Hanging by its back legs, it front feet reached abouttwo feet further down than any wolf I'd seen previously.

“I know. Damned near saddle it up.”

I watched Henry peel back part of the pelt and move down further to free it from the body. “Did yousee anymore?”

“Nope. Just the one.”

“Hmm.” I knew they usually traveled in groups so I was curious why this one was alone.

“Who is that?” Daniel asked. I looked up to the plains behind the smoke house. An old Indian manstood facing us one or two hundred yards away, his white hair blowing in the wind like smoke. Isquinted.

“Isn't that Mingan?”

Daniel frowned. “What the hell is he doing out there?”

We watched as he walked to us, taking long, deliberate strides. He stopped when he was just ten feetaway. His tired, grey eyes fell to the massive wolf and he bowed his head in defeat. Sadnesswashed over his face.

Daniel elbowed Henry with a smirk. I scowled at them.

“You killed my son,” the shaman said.

I blinked.

“You're... you're kiddin', right? That's just a wolf, you crazy old man,” Daniel said with a chuckle ofdisbelief.

Mingan lifted his face and stared at Daniel. Slowly, he looked from Danny, Henry and me. Heblinked hard, turned and went out to the spot on the plains he had occupied earlier.

“Is he mad?” I asked my companions.

The old man made movements to the sky and to his sides. It somewhat resembled a dance, but Icouldn't be sure.

Henry resumed disrobing the wolf.

We all jumped in shock when lightning struck close to where the old man was. It was a clear day! Where the hell did the lightening come from?

Our attention went back to Mingan as he now stood motionless, staring in our direction. The manvanished with a nod of his head and was replaced by a huge white wolf. We gasped collectively. The beast then turned and ran until we could no longer see it.

“What the fuck...,” Daniel said. I normally would have scowled at his use of profanity but I think allthree of us were thinking the exact same thing.

“He changed into a wolf?”

Henry stepped back and looked at the animal he was skinning. “Could this really be...”

What was going on? Only in some English novels had I read about people who could change intowolves. It was pure fantasy, wasn't it?

“Are y'all getting hot? It feels like its a hundred degrees out here,” Daniel said, unbuttoning his shirt.

Henry and I looked at each other and shrugged. “No.”

“God, my skin is burning!”

We watched as Daniel's skin started turning red. Panic etched his similar face and he sprinted off tothe house, yelling profanities.

“That old man did something, didn't he?” Henry asked me as we looked back out to the empty plains.

“That's what I'm thinking. Can't wait to see what he did to us.”

*****

“And we had to figure out everything on our own. Mingan was roughest on Daniel since he was theone that shot his son. It ensured that Daniel would never be able to hunt during the day. As for therest of us, he wanted us to know what it was like to be a shifter and in constant danger from bothhuman hunters and shifter hunters.”

Amy blinked. “You should try writing all that stuff down one day. That's amazing.”

I shrugged and leaned back against the spa's edges and scratched my jaw. It has been some time sinceI told that story. It felt good to remember.

“Now I get it,” Amy said, snapping her fingers. “All of your vampire and werewolf questions threwme for a loop last night. I thought you had some sort of fanboy addiction to paranormal creatures.”

Shaking my head, I laughed. “No, was just trying to feel you out. I was hoping you'd be open to theconcept and it would give me a good idea of how you would react when I finally told you what Iwas.” My eyes roamed over the voluptuous strawberry-blond for a moment and I smiled. “And Itotally messed that up.”

“Yeah, you did.” Amy smirked and finished off the third glass of wine. As she sat the glass down onthe edge, I watched her for effects of the alcohol. At first, I didn't see them, but I certainly couldsmell it effecting her scent. But as I looked closer, I noticed in the way she blinked, toyed with herhair, and even spoke that she was indeed feeling the wine.

I scooted closer to her, I felt a little like a scoundrel, taking advantage of her state to get back in hergood graces. Our knees came close to touching, but she didn't notice.

“Amy... did you notice anything... interesting when I touched you last night?”

“What do you mean?” She stared.

I eased my finger along the back of her hand underwater. “Do you feel a tingle when I do that?”

Her lips parted slightly as she watched our hands under the water. I knew she could feel it, I couldsee it in her eyes.

Amy quickly looked away. “No,” she lied.

Damn, she is stubborn. I traced my finger along her forearm. “And how about that?”

“Nothing.”

Good lord, what was I going to have to do to make her admit it? I didn't like this game. While Ideeply regretted the actions from last night, I wanted this to be over. She was my mate, dammit. Couldn't she see that? She needed to be in my bed, allowing me to sample her soft, beautiful bodyanytime I pleased.

I sighed. Perhaps I needed to try a different tactic... use her own body against her. While she may notmentally respond in the way a wolf would, I knew her body couldn't resist the mating pull.

Amy

God, he was so close to me and it was intoxicating. I felt the charge he was talking about through tomy bones but I wasn't about to admit that his touch affected me so profoundly. He wasn't my favoriteperson today.

Trevor slowly moved closer and traced his finger along my cheek bone. Thousands of prickles shotthrough my body from my face. What was he doing to me?

“And what do you feel,” he started, running his hand down the slight curve of my neck, “when I dothis?” Trevor's lush lips slanted delicately over mine in a light kiss. It was electrifying. My bodyinstantly responded, as if it was made for him. I sighed and pulled Trevor closer, between my thighs. Was it the wine, the water, his story, just his touch... or all of the above? My thoughts faded out as Iconcentrated on the way his tongue swirled against mine in their intimate, erotic dance.

Trevor's hands smoothed down my sides and gave my hips a squeeze. I whimpered into his mouth asfire shot through my body once again. He deepened the kiss, pressing his lips harder against mine,making my head swim in euphoria. My body was alive and Trevor was playing it like a finely tunedviolin.

His touch moved from my hips to trace down my inner thighs. I shifted slightly in anticipation of whathe'd do next. Despite being surrounded by hot water, I knew I was wet for him. Fingers slowlypulled the thin material of my panties aside and he drew one across my slick folds. He growled intomy mouth and I spread my legs further. I was rewarded with slow penetration by his middle finger. Ibroke from his mouth and moaned softly, letting my head fall back.

“Do you feel that?” he murmured while gently stroking into me and pulling his lips down my throat.

“Yes,” I whispered.

His thumb came to work gentle circles on my swollen bud as he continued driving his finger into mywet sex. I gasped. I could feel the wave building slowly in the pit of my stomach.

“Do you feel the charge radiating from my touch?” His tongue lathed the hollow of my neck.

“Yes.” It barely registered what he was saying as I concentrated on his fingers playing my sensitiveskin. I trembled with anticipation.

“You want to come, baby?” His lips traced my collar bone.

“Yes,” I hissed.

The wave of pleasure was getting close as Trevor eased his index finger in with his middle finger,continuing the slow circles on my clit. The way his fingers opened me made me cry out and I quicklybrought my hand to my mouth to quiet myself.

“No.” Trevor took my hand from my mouth and brought it down to my side. “I want to hear you,” hewhispered coarsely behind my ear.

And suddenly, it hit me. The tidal wave of my orgasm washed me away into a land of sheer bliss. My body was alive and sated, bucking against Trevor with a few last tremors. He certainly knewhow to use his fingers.

He drew his lips back to mine and kissed me hungrily. At that moment, I would have done anythinghe wanted to. I was his, snared by the electricity of his touch.

Trevor stopped suddenly, pulled away and exhaled sharply with his jaw clenched. “What is it,Scott? You couldn't talk to me in my head?”

Holy shit! Scott was standing right there! Had he just witnessed the whole thing? I self-consciouslywrapped my arms around my breasts as crimson washed over me from head to toe. Howembarrassing.

“Oh sorry. That's right, you're alpha again,” Scott said, his words dripping with sarcasm. “Ablizzard is coming. Thought you'd like to know.” And with that, he walked off.

Trevor scowled. “Sorry about that.” He put his hand back on my cheek and I pushed it away,suddenly becoming aware of what I'd let him do to me.

“What's wrong?”

“This,” I said, motioning to both of us. “This shouldn't have happened... I... I had too much wine.”

“Amy,” he said tenderly as he moved to touch me again.

“No, don't! I need to go to bed,” I said, pushing passed him and climbing from the spa. God, I was soannoyed with myself! How did I let this happen! This man brought me to his house against my willand I let him touch me? I wrapped myself in a large towel and twisted my hair to get the water out ofthe ends.

“Amy, please...,” Trevor said as he climbed out of the water behind me.

“Good night,” I said abruptly and hurried inside before he could weaken my resolve. That man waslike a drug to me! Just hearing his voice, seeing his smile and watching him laugh could make myinsides melt. Why was I behaving like some stupid school girl?

Once to my designated bedroom, I changed quickly and got in bed. The last thought on my mind wasof his dancing fingers...

Music playing softly woke me sometime later. It was still dark outside and without a clock on thenight stand, I had no idea what time it was. Thankfully, the effects of the wine had worn of and I wasable to think clearly. I lay in bed for a few moments and listened to the music. It sounded likeacoustic guitar. Feeling a bit parched, I climbed out of bed and into the fluffy robe. As I entered thehallway, the music grew louder until I came to the living room. Trevor was sitting shirtless on thecoffee table playing a guitar with only a faint light falling on his muscular frame from the kitchen. Itwas a beautiful sight that I couldn't force myself to move from the spot where I stood. He'd play afew bars of a haunting melody and then sip from a glass filled with amber liquid. I didn't know whatthe song was but his fingers manipulated the strings of the guitar like a maestro. The taut muscles inhis back contracted and relaxed with each movement he made.

He suddenly stopped and tensed in the middle of a string of notes. I held my breath and waited. Didhe hear me spying on him? He relaxed and lifted the glass from the table.

“Did I wake you?”

Dammit... he knew I was there. “Yes, but its okay. I needed some water.” I padded over to the sofaand rested my hands on the back. “That was a beautiful song. You play very well.”

“Thank you,” he said, standing. He sat the guitar down before he looked at me. His steely-blue eyesanalyzed me for a moment, as if he wanted to say something.

“Were... uh... were you alpha before?” I blurted out the first thing that came to my head to cut throughthe uncomfortable moment.

His shoulders hunched in slightly as he stood there, his eyes bore into mine. Perhaps that wasn't theright question? As he picked up his drink and looked away, his expression became guarded. Iwaited. What was so difficult about a yes or a no? Trevor took a long drink as if bolstering himselfand sighed.

“Yes, I was. I had been since the shaman changed us, up until '64.”

As he continued to stare off, I watched him. I wanted to ask why that year, but I knew deep down thatsomething terrible must have happened. What could it have been? That would have to be somethingfor him to tell me in his own time.

“And what made you decide to accept the reins again?”

“Daniel. He told me that I was hiding in the past.”

“Were you?”

He shrugged and turned back to me. “To some degree.” I found myself looking at a haunted and

tormented man. My heart went out to him. I had stumbled upon the reason he looked so distant anddistraught in the press photos. Curiosity was killing me. Perhaps if I knew what happened, I couldhelp him get over it. Stop it, Amy! Why did I suddenly care so much?

I skirted the sofa and sat down, pulling a pillow into my lap. Trevor followed my lead and sat downnext to me, leaning back into the cushions. His abs contracted, drawing my eyes to his happy trail andI had to look away. God, back to being a silly school girl with her first crush.

“I was married.”

I inhaled sharply. I was right, this was not going to be good.

“We met in 1955. She was the secretary at the Cadillac dealership and the first real shifter I met. Wegot married a month later.” Trevor took another sip from his glass while his eyes remainedunfocused.

They were married a month after he met her? Damn, he moves fast. I remembered he admitted hewas falling for me last night... and it was only our first date.

“We had two daughters, Aubrey and Lisa. They were my world.” His eyes started to water and I hadto look away or I'd start crying.

Trevor cleared his throat. “Anyway, they were taken from me along with half of the members of ourpack when shifter hunters came calling. I resigned as alpha then. I felt my lack of leadership leadto... what happened.”

Oh my God! They were murdered. “Trevor... I'm so sorry. I had no idea.” My hand found hisshoulder out of sympathy and felt that blasted static shock again. Why did that keep happening?

Trevor looked at my hand and then me. “I never thought I'd have happiness again until I saw yougalloping on the plains.”

“Why?” I asked, stunned at the statement.

“I knew almost immediately that you were my second chance at happiness and love.” Trevor took myhand from his shoulder and held it in both of his. “Those tingles you've been feeling when we touch...the ones that you deny... that's because we are mates.”

I blinked. “What?”

“I'm sorry. This is probably scaring you terribly. But you need to know why you are here.” I wasn'tscared, per se, more in a state of disbelief. Was he talking soul mates? That crap wasn't real, was it?

“No, I... how are you so sure that I'm your... mate?” That was as ridiculous to say as it sounded.

“My senses. Every one of them screamed at me when I first encountered you. Even now, there is aconstant electrical current running from your skin to mine. Do you feel it? You have to...”

Oh, I felt it alright. Did I want to admit it? Not really. I stared at our hands, my thoughts swimmingin confusion... and desire.

His thumb stroked over my knuckles and he chuckled. “It's not going to go away either. Any time wetouch, anywhere we touch, that current will be there.”

I wanted to ask why, but if I did, I'd basically be admitting that I felt the charge.

Trevor eased over to me, swept the hair from my neck, and pressed a kiss to my collar bone. I closedmy eyes as his lips continued up my neck and stopped just behind the shell of my ear.

“Let me make love to you,” he whispered, his breath tickling my ear. I shivered. He turned my facewith his thumb and forefinger, and kissed my lips tenderly. He was right, everywhere he touched me,I felt the electric charge flowing between us. I felt the start of a slow burning ache deep in my core asI melted into his touch.

“Let me show you what it is like between mates,” he rumbled as our lips parted momentarily. His

lips captured mine again and I returned his kiss hungrily. Needing no other encouragement, Trevorgathered me in his arms and took me to his bedroom.

He placed me on my feet and kissed me, scorching my insides and turning my core into hot moltenlava. I kissed him back, with everything in me, responding with my own kind of ferocity. Pressingmy body up against his, I felt his erection as it strained against his jeans and my belly. I suddenlyneeded him. I needed his touch. I needed him buried fully in my depths. I ground my pelvis againsthis and he moaned against my mouth, kissing me with a ferocity that betrayed the depth of his need forme.

My breath caught and I traced a finger over his already erect nipple. A wicked thought crossed mymind as his body shuddered under the lightest of touches. I let my right hand drift down between ourbodies and I gently, tentatively stroked up the long expanse of his hardness, still in captivity behindhis fly.

Trevor growled into my mouth and quickly removed my robe, letting it make a fluffy pool on thewooden floor. His large hands went to the bottom of my shirt and I lifted my arms for him. Hecarefully peeled the cotton up and over my head, exposing my breasts to him. Trevor groaned andcupped the left one as his thumb traced over the nipple.

“You're so beautiful,” he breathed and engulfed my sensitive nipple with his hot mouth. I sighed andlet my head fall back as I threaded my fingers through his thick, dark hair. My body was on fire,eager for his pulsing thickness to take what I had to offer. I was thoroughly soaking my panties inanticipation.

He picked me up by my waist, I wrapped my arms around his neck and straddled his hips as he tookthe last three steps to the bed. We hovered there, locked in a passionate kiss as he held me against hishard chest. I reciprocated and grasped the back of his head, pulling him yet closer.

Trevor was so strong, I wasn't even sure he noticed my weight in his arms. His hands gripped my assgently and laid me on the bed, hovering over me. My legs were still wrapped around his waistalthough I’d relaxed somewhat, and I let my eyes languidly take in every inch of the fine specimen hewas.

He hooked a finger in the thin strap of my cotton panties and slowly tugged them down, exposing whatlittle of me that had remained covered. The cool air of the room tickled at my well lubricated sex.

My clit started throbbing as his eyes took in all of me. I was so full of adrenaline, lust, need andsome sort of unrecognizable voracity that I’d never before experienced. Trevor devoured me with hiseyes and unfastened his pants. He took long steady breaths through his nose, as if he was attemptingto keep himself calm.

“God, look at you. So beautiful and you smell incredible.”

He dropped his pants and briefs as one and stood before me as a god, his chest rising and falling withhis deep breaths, his carved abs seeming to strain against his skin as if a caged animal ready to springforth. His tight waist and well defined lats insisted my eyes go lower. As I looked at his now freedmanhood, I couldn’t help but tremble slightly with anticipation and grew even wetter. He was fuckingmagnificent. I had no other words.

Trevor climbed back onto the bed, his muscles rippling as he held himself above me and claimed mymouth with a blazing kiss while his erection pulsed lightly against my thigh. God, I was in heaven. Ilet my hands roam down the tight muscles of his back and adjusted my position so that his waistrested between my thighs – his hardness teasing my slick valley.

He groaned when he felt the wet heat on his cock. Slowly, his lips glided down my neck to mybreasts, taking time to tease and caress each nipple into a hypersensitive peak. We let lust over-runus the first night we were together and missed the slow, teasing, and tension filled passion offoreplay. My God, he was pushing all the right buttons. My entire body hummed in headyanticipation as his mouth moved passed my navel and continued on its southern journey.

Trevor surprised me by running his index finger through my slit. I cried out and he lifted hisslickened digit to his lips and tasted. “Like honey,” he said hoarsely and took his whole finger in hismouth as to not miss one drop. God, just the site of him licking my juices from his finger forced myeyes to close with pleasure.

“More,” he growled, taking the outsides of my thighs in his hands and pulled me to the edge of thebed. He lowered to the floor and held my legs wide. He gazed at my exposed sex and licked hislips. “So beautiful.”

I felt his breath teasing me on the inside of my thighs. I was nearly panting, wanting to squirm lowerso his mouth would contact the place I needed him most, but I resisted. I wanted him to expertly playmy body the way he played his guitar. Soft warmth and hot breath glided up the outside of my wetfolds before his tongue parted my slickness. When he lapped at my opening, I trembled lightly and

moaned. He worked his lips and mouth over every inch of my sensitive flesh, making my bodytremble the closer I came to my release. I was lost when he took my bud in his mouth and suckedgently. Writhing under his firm grasp, I cried out in blissful pleasure. I was rolling in gentle wavesof euphoria as Trevor finished his feast with a couple of slow, languid strokes of his tongue.

As I came down from my high, Trevor helped me move back further into the center of the bed. Covering his body with mine, I welcomed his hips between my thighs. His erection gently nudged mylips and they opened to let him pass. He kissed me as he slid his hardness along my slick folds,coating his length with my wetness.

“Look at me,” he commanded softly.

When I opened my eyes, a sea of blue full of lust and need stared back. “Keep your eyes open.”

I nodded.

Without using his hands, Trevor flexed his hips and slowly entered me. I bit my lip and attempted tokeep my focus on him as I accepted his thick length deeper and deeper. I exhaled with a groan whenhe was finally seated firmly against my body.

“You see how perfectly we fit together? You're body was made for mine.”

It was those words paired with the delicious pressure of being so full that stole my will and anotherorgasm shot through my body. It was one of those instant ones that sneak up and win purely fromshock value. My eyes were clamped shut as I slowly started coming down from the high. Thepressure of him filling the entirety of my body was something I knew I was already, hopelesslyaddicted too.

“That's it, baby.” He groaned softly. He remained still and kissed my neck as I spasmed around hisshaft.

When I opened my eyes finally, he offered me a small smile and kissed me again. Slowly, hewithdrew almost to the head and surged back in, stealing my breath. I moaned with each thrust of hiships as he increased his pace. I entwined my fingers into the hair at the back of his head, I helped himby undulating my torso, matching his rhythm. Time seemed to stand still as we took pleasure from

each other's body. The sensations thrumming through me were so extreme that I thought my visionwas going. There were moments when all I could perceive was his penetrating bright-blue eyes in asea of blackness.

“God! Harder.” I cried out.

Trevor turned pure animal in his need to ravish me. His hands used my hips as a lever as hemercilessly drove himself as deep into my body as he was able. I grabbed his arms tightly, holdingon and bracing against his power, taking all of him. His driving passion brought me over the edge yetagain and I cried out as another climax tore through me, decimating the last of my strength.

He came then, in a last violent thrust of his hips, he buried himself deep into my body. He explodedinside of me. Trevor moaned and made incoherent sounds as he continued to erupt. It felt good tohave so much of him inside of me. I relished in the feeling of his hot seed releasing inside of me.

Breathing hard, we held each other tightly as we basked in the glow of our union.

“Will you admit to the electricity between us now?” He asked softly, kissing my cheek. I could stillfeel him twitching deep inside of me.

“Yes, I feel it.” I sighed, too enraptured to lie anymore.

Trevor growled and captured my lips in a scorching kiss. “You're my mate, Amy, and I'm yours. Forever.”

He made love to me once more before we fell asleep just before dawn.

*****

The sun peeking through the heavy curtains woke me from a very refreshing sleep. The events of thenight replayed through my head and I smiled, moving my hand to find Trevor. He wasn't there. Iscanned the dark room but saw no one. I turned over and stared at the ceiling, tracing a finger overmy lips, remembering how he played my body like that guitar. I could feel it. I was falling in lovewith Trevor Collins, the fucking billionaire wolf shifter. I giggled. I couldn't be sure if what he saidabout the shifter mate thing was true, but I could no longer deny my strong feelings for him.

I got dressed and went to the kitchen to find something to eat. After last night, I was starving. Therewas a mug sitting on top of a note on the granite counter top. I glanced at it and saw my name inflowing handwriting.

Amy,

Good morning, my beautiful mate. I made this coffee for you as well as thebreakfast that is in the fridge. Please relax and enjoy it, I will be back soon. Ihave something I'd like to show you.

Yours forever and always,

Trevor

I smiled. The old me would have been furious at the possessiveness he displayed. The new andmore open-minded me basked in it. I opened the refrigerator and found Greek yogurt, muesli, and afruit concoction that looked absolutely divine. He made this for me? I smiled. My possessive wolfwas going to spoil me.

The breakfast was as delicious as it looked. I ate it standing near the dining room window, taking inthe winter wonderland that had occurred over night. There was a good six inches of snow carpetingthe landscape, giving everything a new and virginal beauty. A few sporadic snowflakes fell as theskies were clearing up. If it had been a blizzard, it ended quickly. Even the air was still.

“Good morning.” Trevor surprised me and pulled me into his arms, kissing my neck. “I see you foundbreakfast. How did you sleep?” He hugged my back tightly to his chest.

“Very good. And this stuff is fantastic,” I said, holding up the little bowl which was void of itsscrumptious contents. “Thank you.”

He took the container from my hands and placed it on the counter before turning me quickly for akiss. When he pulled away, I saw beads of sweat glimmering on his forehead.

“What have you been doing?” I asked, running a finger through the moisture.

Trevor smiled mischievously and took my hand. “Come. I want to show you something.” Hegrabbed a thick jacket from the rack near the front door and wrapped it around my shoulders beforeopening the door.

I was surprised to see Herrod tied to a support beam of the cabin's front porch. “How did you get...,”I started to say and then frowned, shaking my head. “Never mind. I'm sure some way only a superrich guy could.”

Trevor laughed musically, making my spirit soar. He climbed up into the saddle and extended hishand to me. It seemed the sad and tragic man I met before had been replaced by this new, happyversion.

“If it makes you feel any better, I had Amber's help.”

I frowned. My business.

“And not to worry. She's been taking care of everything while you were gone.” Oh, really. I tookhis hand and he helped me up.

“Where are we going?” I asked suspiciously as he seated me in front of him.

“Patience, my mate.”

I shook my head and laughed. “You like calling me that, don't you.”

“I do,” he admitted with a chuckle and kicked Herrod into a gallop. We passed through some treesand then into some rolling plains.

It was a beautiful day. The sky was a cloudless bright blue and the sun danced across the blanket ofwhite, picking up tiny sparkles as it went. Herrod's hot breath came out in great, smoky puffs as hegalloped on through the snow.

Trevor's left arm held me tightly against him while he held the reins with the other. When I felt the

beginnings of his erection, I chuckled.

I turned my head so he could hear me. “I feel that, mister.” I smiled and ground my ass against him.

His mouth came to my ear and he squeezed me tighter. “And I feel that.” I smiled more. He wasturning out to be more fun and playful than I could have imagined. He was certainly sucking me in.

We arrived to a spot beside what I assumed was the Yellowstone River. For whatever reason, it wasfree of snow. The clearing was a little lower than where we had been, maybe that had something todo with it.

Trevor dismounted first and then helped me down, kissing me lightly.

I looked around the beautiful little area and then back to him. “Is this what you wanted to show me? It's very pretty.”

“No, this is.”

Within a blink of an eye, Trevor transformed into this huge, blue-eyed, grey and white wolf. I gaspedand nearly fell down as I took a step back.

The monstrous animal sat back on his haunches and stamped his front paws as if excited. Good God! He had to be just a few inches shorter than a horse! Even though I knew it was Trevor, I walkedcautiously around the animal. Suddenly Trevor was standing back in front of me, laughing.

“It's okay if you touch me in wolf form. I'm not going to hurt you.”

“What? It's just... strange okay?”

“Alright,” he said with a chuckle. And, poof, the wolf was back.

I stared at it as it stared back. Taking a deep breath, I smiled, feeling ridiculous. “I can't believe

that's you in there.”

The wolf stamped its paws again and gave me what I assumed was a wolf grin. He chuffed at me,coming over to where I stood. With his muzzle just inches from my face, it licked it's huge, pinktongue across my cheek.

“Ew!” I squealed and wiped the wolf drool from my face.

Trevor replaced the wolf and pulled me into his arms laughing. “Ew? That's the response I get forkissing you?”

“Oh my God, that's gross!”

“I didn't hear any complaints when I licked you last night,” he said next to my ear, making me shiver. My body started having a mind of its own after the erotic visual of him feasting between my thighscame to mind. I sought out his mouth and kissed him hungrily. He growled softly into my mouth.

Trevor pushed me back to a tree and worked to unfasten my pants.

“What are you doing?” I asked as his lips moved to my neck.

“Having my way with my mate,” He growled. Trevor pulled my jeans and panties down to mid-thigh. Cold air greeted my ass. I was immediately turned on beyond belief as I had never had sexoutside. I was wet and ready for him at any moment.

Trevor unfastened his pants and brought them down low enough that he sprang free. I took his heavyerection in my palm and worked it slowly from root to head, enjoying the warm silkiness of his skin. His breath was labored as he rested his forehead against my shoulder.

“God, baby, I need you.” He turned me and bent me slightly at the waist. I spread my legs a littlefurther, eagerly anticipating penetration.

He worked the head against my wet folds, causing me to ache with the need to be filled. When he

surged forward suddenly, I gasped as he quickly filled me to the core.

“Jesus,” he hissed, and started fucking me deeply. Bracing against the tree, I couldn't believe howprimal and hot this was.

Trevor swept the hair from my neck and wrapped his arms around my waist as he continued his deepthrusting. I wasn't far from my peak when he started kissing and nipping my shoulder. Suddenly,everything became too blindingly intense and I screamed as an orgasm shot through me. I had no ideawhat sent me over the edge so forcefully and I didn't care. Never in my life had I felt something soperfect. My knees buckled and if Trevor hadn't been so wrapped around me, I would have collapsedto the cold ground.

I slowly descended from my bliss to feel Trevor finish pumping his seed into my sated body. Westayed in that position for what seemed like an eternity before he rested his head to my shoulder.

“I'm sorry, I should have asked you first.”

I shook my head. “Oh no, you can take me anytime you want. That was amazing.”

“No... not the sex. I... marked you as mine.”

I frowned. “Okay... so what does that mean?”

Trevor slowly withdrew from my body and we both sighed. I pulled up my pants and turned to facehim as he finished righting his clothes.

“I marked you as my mate. Everyone will know now your mine now.” So possessive.

I smiled. “But we had sex last night... twice, if I recall. That didn't count?”

Despite my joking, Trevor remained serious. “No. No, that's not what I mean. Did you not feel it? Imean, I know you did when you came... but it didn't hurt at all?”

I blinked, thoroughly confused. “Did what hurt?” I asked, shaking my head.

“When I bit you.”

“When you bit...,” I started to repeat and stopped. He bit me? My heart begin to thunder in my chestas I realized what it could mean... “If you bit me... won't that turn me into...” I held my breath, hopingI was wrong.

“A shifter,” he finished with a nod.

I gasped and stared at the handsome billionaire. I was no longer to be human. How could he say it socasually? Anger slowly built up inside of me until it boiled over. “You had no fucking right! Youtook my humanity from me and didn't fucking think to ask if I wanted to be a freak shifter? Goddammit, Trevor!” I stormed over to Herrod.

“Amy, please. I'm sorry I got caught up in the moment.” Trevor grabbed my arm. I tore out of hisgrasp and glared at him.

“Leave me the fuck alone!” I mounted the gelding and took off across the snow covered plain. Iscreamed out my rage as I saw Trevor running beside me as the grey wolf. “I didn't want this! I don'twant any of this! Leave me alone!”

Before I knew what was happening, I was airborne. Things seemed to happen in slow motion as Iflew over the top of Herrod and landed five feet in front of him. The snow did nothing to cushion myfall and I saw stars even though I didn't hit my head.

A yawning snarl in front of me caused me to freeze. That wasn't the sound of a wolf or a man. Islowly lifted my eyes to see I was sitting five feet away from huge grizzly... and he didn't look happyto see me....

****

Special thanks to:

Louise Woods—my fantastic, keen-eyed editor

Lara Smith—my creative cover designer

Part three of Broken Alpha will be out March 14th, 2014.

If you like this series, you might like my Thicker than Blood series. The first part is FREE onAmazon!

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This is a work of fiction. Names, places, businesses, characters and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or areused in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, actual events or locales is purely coincidental.