Blood Prince

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BLOOD PRINCE Wolf Creek Pack 4

Stormy Glenn

EROTIC ROMANCE

Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

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A SIREN PUBLISHING BOOK IMPRINT: Erotic Romance

BLOOD PRINCE Copyright © 2009 by Stormy Glenn E-book ISBN: 1-60601-719-5 First E-book Publication: November 2009 Cover design by Jinger Heaston All cover art and logo copyright © 2009 by Siren Publishing, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission. All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

PUBLISHER Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

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DEDICATION To everyone that asked for Devlin’s story, here it is.

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BLOOD PRINCE Wolf Creek Pack 4 STORMY GLENN Copyright © 2009

Chapter 1 “Your highness, there’s a gentleman at the gate asking to see you. He’s come under a flag of truce.” Prince Zacarius Ivinovav looked up from the book he read to see his manservant, Alfred, standing in the doorway of his study. The man looked nervous, which seemed strange for Alfred. He always looked totally controlled and unaffected by everything. “Who is it, Alfred?” he asked, shutting his book and setting it down on the small table next to his chair. Zacarius’s eyes widened when Alfred actually shuddered. “He said his name is Devlin Morgan, sir.” “Fierce bravery, I’m intrigued,” Zacarius murmured. “Excuse me, sir?” “Oh, nothing, Alfred,” Zacarius said as he stood to his feet and waved his hand at Alfred. “I was just commenting on his name. Devlin means fierce bravery in Gaelic. Well, let him in, Alfred.” “Your highness,” Alfred said and shuddered again. “He’s a shifter.” “You don’t say?” Zacarius asked in surprise. “Well, by all means, show him in. And Alfred, make sure everyone knows he’s here as my guest. No aggression. Is that understood?” “But sir, he’s a shifter.” Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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“I’m fully aware of that, Alfred,” Zacarius replied. “But he has come to our gate under a flag of truce, and we must honor that. No one is to make any moves toward him or they will secure my wrath. Is that clearly understood?” “Yes, of course, your highness,” Alfred replied. “I’ll show him in right away.” Zacarius nodded. He chuckled to himself as Alfred hurried from the room. The man was a mystery, two hundred years old if he was a day and never a hair out of place. His butler suits always looked pressed and wrinkle-free. And he never ever seemed ruffled by anything. Having a shifter show up at the front gate, flag of truce or not, seemed to have done just that. Zacarius couldn’t blame Alfred. The long standing animosity between vampires and werewolves went back several centuries. Zacarius, being just over five hundred years old, could remember the war between the two species from his childhood. By the time he grew into his adulthood, werewolves and vampires were already at each other’s throats. It would be interesting to discover why a shifter darkened his doorstep now. He couldn’t remember the last time he actually saw a one in person, maybe fifty or sixty years ago. Zacarius sat in one of the two wing back chairs situated in front of the roaring fire. He slowly sipped hundred year old scotch from a crystal glass and waited for the shifter to be shown to his study. Yes, this would very interesting indeed. “Come,” Zacarius said a few minutes later when a soft knock sounded at his door. He turned to see Alfred open the door and a rather impressive figure walked in. Zacarius found himself immediately intrigued by the man’s roguish good looks. He didn’t remember shifters looking quite so handsome. “Devlin Morgan, your highness,” Alfred said.

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Zacarius rose to his feet and walked a few steps closer to the shifter. “Thank you, Alfred. That will be all.” “Very well, sir,” Alfred replied. Zacarius could see that he wanted to protest, but Alfred would never dream of being anything except efficient and obedient, one of the reasons Zacarius retained the man’s services for the past fifty years. “Just ring me if you require anything, your highness.” Zacarius waited for the door to close then gave into his desire to fully view the man that stood before him. He noted that while he had a self-assured quality about him, small beads of sweat trickled down his temple. He must be nervous. Zacarius leaned forward just a bit and sniffed the air around him. A tingling in the pit of his stomach came over him as deep, earthy masculine musk assailed his senses. Devlin Morgan smelled glorious. He didn’t miss the Devlin’s obvious examination and approval either. A slight seductive grin crossed the man’s lips as his sexy copper eyes slid downward. Zacarius knew the moment his gaze landed on the hardness pressed against his own tight black leather pants. His eyes widened as the thick scent of arousal permeated the room. His eyes moved to Zacarius’s face, his gaze bore into his in silent expectation. Zacarius smirked as he moved over to his liquor cabinet. “Can I get you something to drink, Mr. Morgan?” “Devlin, please,” he replied. “And I’ll take a scotch if you have it.” “Of course,” Zacarius said. “Neat?” “Of course.” Devlin chuckled. Zacarius poured him a drink then topped his own drink off. He handed Devlin his glass then sat down in the chair he occupied before. He gestured for Devlin to join him. “So, what brings you to my gate, Devlin Morgan?” Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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“You do understand that I am here under a flag of truce?” Devlin asked. “I want no trouble, but my alpha ordered me here.” “And why would your alpha want you to come visit me?” Zacarius asked. “I doubt I even know the man.” True enough. Zacarius was positive he didn’t know him. He was, however, very interested in getting to know the man that sat across from him. Devlin Morgan might be a shifter, but a damn goodlooking one. “It concerns your sister, Princess Adrianna.” Well shit! Zacarius frowned. If Adrianna was involved, it couldn’t be good. The girl started making trouble the moment she left the cradle. Zacarius couldn’t even begin to count the messes he dragged her out of. “And what kind of trouble has my dear sister gotten herself into this time?” Devlin looked hesitant. Zacarius detected a change in his scent as if his level of apprehension suddenly increased. Devlin twisted his hands together, dropping his gaze to look down at the fire. Zacarius was surprised enough by the look of regret on Devlin’s face when he glanced back up that he couldn’t hide his reaction when he continued. “I’m afraid your sister has been killed.” “What?” he yelled, jumping to his feet. “What do you mean my sister’s been killed? Who killed her?” He stepped forward and started to reach for him, only stopping when Devlin shrank back in his seat. Zacarius swung around and stormed over to stare down at the roaring fire. He leaned his arm against the white marble mantel and took several deep breaths to calm his anger. It wouldn’t do for a shifter to see him lose control. “How did my sister die, and who did it?” he asked after a few moments. “You need to understand, no one set out to kill her, but she threatened not only my alpha and his mate, but our entire pack. Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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Several members of our pack had already been killed. When she attacked my alpha, he had no choice but to defend himself.” “Your pack?” Zacarius asked, confusion flooding him. He swung around to stare at Devlin. “What do you mean several members were killed? What business did she even have with a wolf pack?” “It might help if you could say that with a little less distain, your highness.” Zacarius lifted an eyebrow. It would seem Devlin Morgan lived up to his name. He needed to be filled with fierce bravery if he had the courage to admonish the prince of a vampire coven. He impressed Zacarius. “My apologies, Devlin,” Zacarius said. “Please continue.” “From what we’ve been able to piece together, your sister made an agreement with several members of our pack to exchange werewolves for territory and money.” “For the purpose of?” “Werewolf blood.” Zacarius nodded. Everyone knew that werewolf blood was an aphrodisiac for vampires. Human blood could sustain them, but drinking werewolf blood was like partaking in a fine wine. It could sustain them for days longer than human blood. “Please, go on,” Zacarius said. “If my sister was involved, I know there has to be more.” “They planned to start a breeding program. They would breed and cull werewolves for their blood. Adrianna needed to mate with the alpha of our pack and create a half werewolf half vampire child then kill the alpha so she could rule the pack.” Zacarius could barely contain his shock behind a façade of neutrality. It looked like his sister finally took a bite out of something that bit back. “And?” “Our alpha is already mated, so your sister decided the alpha mate needed to die.”

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Zacarius took a deep gulp of his scotch. He grimaced. This was old scotch meant to be savored. It wasn’t for gulping. He needed cheap scotch at the moment, something that would numb his nerves. “So, my sister met her end at the hands of your alpha?” “I’m not exactly sure,” Devlin replied. His fingers nervously plucked at the material of his faded jeans. “She did attack my alpha, but she also attacked the alpha mate. Either Reece killed her while shifted or Keeley did when she attacked him with a knife. We’re not quite sure.” “Keeley?” Zacarius asked in surprise. “Your alpha’s mated to a male?” Zacarius wasn’t sure he ever heard of that. Wolf packs seemed to be all about the pack and having cubs to increase that pack. He’d never heard of an alpha mated to a male before. He wondered if Devlin was of the same inclination. “Is that a problem?” “No.” Zacarius chuckled as he settled in his chair once again before looking back at Devlin. “Just a surprise. It’s a little unusual to find an alpha mated to a male.” “We don’t choose our mates, your highness. Fate does.” “Please,” Zacarius said, waving his hand, “call me Zacarius.” Devlin nodded. “So, why come all this way to tell me about my sister?” Zacarius asked. “I doubt I would ever have known if you hadn’t said anything. Adrianna has disappeared for years on end several times. This wouldn’t have been a surprise to us if she went missing.” “My alpha wanted you to know that he doesn’t hold your coven responsible for her actions. He doesn’t want any animosity between our two people and asked me to bring your sister’s body back as a sign of good faith.” Zacarius watched Devlin silently as he thought over the man’s words. Alphas of werewolf packs usually initiated hostilities between

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their two people. From what he knew, werewolves were dirty creatures that became aggressive at the drop of a hat. Devlin’s words contradicted that long-held belief. So did the very striking sight of the messenger of those words. Devlin was probably one of the sexiest men Zacarius ever laid eyes on. And Zacarius wanted him. “Very well, Devlin. I accept your alpha’s show of good faith. Neither I nor my coven will hold Adrianna’s death against you or yours. However, I do have one stipulation.” Devlin’s eyes widened. Zacarius’s lips twisted into a small grin before he quickly masked his features. Oh, the things he could do to the controlled man before him, the things he could teach him. “As you might not be aware, the death ritual for my people takes a week, seven days from beginning to end. It’s especially important when one of the ruling family members dies. As a sign that your alpha truly does not wish to engage in any hostilities between our people, you will stay here for that week as my guest.” Zacarius muffled his smile as Devlin choked on the scotch he sipped. His gaze went from shock, to excitement and then desperation. Zacarius felt pleased. Devlin could prove to be a very enjoyable play toy. **** “You heard me, Reece,” Devlin growled into the phone. “He says I have to stay here as his guest during the death ritual or he’ll consider this an aggressive move on the part of our werewolf pack.” “That’s fucking ridiculous.” “Great, so I can come home?” “No, you should probably stay there if that’s what the prince wants,” Reece replied. “Wolf Creek Pack has taken us in. It wouldn’t be right to bring the wrath of a vampire prince down on their heads.”

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“Well, fuck, Reece,” Devlin griped. “Just serve me up to the bloodsuckers, why don’t you?” “Do you think you’re in danger?” “No,” Devlin grumbled. Not the way you think, Devlin thought to himself. He knew he wasn’t in any danger from the vampire coven. Prince Zacarius decreed him off limits. From the prince himself, however, Devlin was in a shitload of danger. Prince Zacarius stole Devlin’s breath away the second he stepped into the room. He’d been shocked at first at the prince’s pale appearance, and then the man glided across the room in his tight black leather pants and white ruffled shirt. Devlin could barely contain himself from drooling all over him. The prince stood a few inches shorter than Devlin, but he commanded the room for the very beginning. His pale features and long, black hair framing his face only enhanced the deep amethyst of his eyes. Devlin never saw eyes that color before. He felt mesmerized every time he looked into them, unable to look away. Devlin heard rumors that vampires could hypnotize people with a look and wondered if his fascination with the prince stemmed from that. He heard a lot of other rumors about vampires, a few which the prince dispelled within an hour of meeting him. It made Devlin wonder if all of the rumors he heard were based on fact or centuries of animosity. Vampires didn’t seem to be the blood thirsty creatures of his childhood nightmares. They also didn’t sit around with victims bleeding at their feet or piles of bodies everywhere. In fact, the prince seemed rather pleasant, even if he did set Devlin’s hackles on edge. “How upset is he over his sister’s death?” Devlin shrugged even though Reece couldn’t see it. “Not very, actually. I got the impression she’s been in trouble before. He didn’t seem that surprised.” Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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“And he’ll let things go if you stick around for this ritual thing?” “Yeah, apparently it’s like this week long thing. I don’t get it, but whatever. The prince is having someone remove her body from my truck as we speak. I guess they set the body up in some sort of viewing room or something.” “Look, I think you should stick it out as long as you can,” Reece said. “I want this behind us, but if you feel you’re in danger, come home. We’ll figure out another way to handle this.” “No, no, that’s fine,” Devlin said. “I’ll stay around for a few days at least. If nothing else, it will give us a picture into how covens operate. I doubt a shifter has gotten this close to a vampire without a fight in years.” “You’re probably right. Just stay safe. Learning about their operation isn’t as important as your life. If you have any problems, call.” “Yeah, okay,” Devlin said. He made his goodbyes and hung up the phone, worrying his bottom lip between his teeth. He did have a problem, a big one that stood about five foot ten and looked drop dead gorgeous. He just couldn’t tell Reece that. His former alpha would probably laugh him out of the room if he learned that Devlin was intrigued by a vampire, and a vampire prince at that. Devlin just couldn’t stop thinking about the guy. Boy, he was in so much trouble. Devlin glanced up when the study door swung open and the prince walked back in. “Is everything all right?” the prince asked in his smooth, seductive voice. It sent chills down Devlin’s back and made his cock ache. “Yes,” Devlin replied, trying to avoid the prince’s direct gaze. “Reece says to stick around. He wanted me to impress upon you the fact that he does not want any hostilities between your coven and our pack.” “Excellent.” Yeah, right, excellent. Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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“You’ll join me for dinner, of course.” It wasn’t a question. Devlin tried to figure out why he wasn’t bothered by the prince’s demand. Unless his alpha gave the orders Devlin usually told them to go to hell. With Zacarius, he could think of nothing he’d like better. “I’ll have Alfred see you to your room,” Zacarius stated. “Dinner should be in about two hours if you want to freshen up.” “Thank you,” Devlin replied. “That would be greatly appreciated. It was a long drive here.” “You’ve never actually said where you’re from or which pack you belong to.” “That will take a little bit of a story.” Devlin chuckled. Zacarius flashed his white teeth as he smiled. “Please, tell me. I’m intrigued.” Zacarius’s eyes roamed down Devlin’s body. It felt so intense it could have been a caress. “I’m finding that many things about you intrigue me, Devlin Morgan.” Yeah, okay. Damn! Devlin’s heart pounded a little faster. “We used to be the Shasta Pack,” Devlin began, trying to ignore the prince’s suggestive words. It wouldn’t be in his best interests to let the prince know how intrigued he felt. “Used to be?” the prince asked, one dark eyebrow arched. “Most of our pack was decimated by the plot with your sister and others in our pack, as I mentioned before. There aren’t many of us left. The alpha of Wolf Creek Pack invited us to join with his pack as we were already tied to them by family.” “Daniel Nash?” Zacarius whistled low. “Now, I am impressed.” “You know Daniel Nash?” “Not personally, no,” the prince said, shaking his head, “but I’ve certainly heard of him. I don’t know many covens that haven’t. Daniel Nash is a formidable opponent.” Devlin chuckled. “You want to see formidable, you should meet his wife, Mary Ann. She scares the crap out of me.”

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Chapter 2 Zacarius smoothed his ruffled purple shirt down his chest then picked off a few pieces of lint on his shoulder. He wanted to look his absolute best for his dinner date. The handsome shifter might not know it was a date, but that’s exactly what Zacarius planned. The whole werewolf versus vampire thing didn’t bother Zacarius. The way Devlin’s tight jeans stretched across his ass, an ass Zacarius very much wanted a piece of, bothered him a whole lot more. So, a private candle light dinner for two in Zacarius’s quarters, a good bottle of wine to relax the tension, a roaring fire, and Zacarius hoped to get to know his guest better, a whole lot better. “Your highness, if I may speak?” “Certainly, Alfred,” Zacarius replied, still looking at his reflection in the mirror. “Are you sure this is such a good idea?” Alfred asked. “Werewolves are dangerous. They have no restraint. He’s bound to lose control and shift, attacking you or…or worse.” Zacarius chuckled. “Devlin is no threat to me, Alfred, but I do appreciate your concern.” “How can you be sure, your highness?” Alfred whined. “He’s a shifter!” Zacarius heard the horror in Alfred’s voice. He imagined Alfred believed exactly as he spoke. Alfred was too young to remember a time when vampires and werewolves coexisted together. He only knew the time of strife between the two species.

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Alfred didn’t understand that the war started so long ago that most people didn’t even remember why it began. Zacarius was one of the lucky ones. He was old enough to remember. “It will be fine, Alfred.” “Are you sure, your highness?” Alfred asked. “I promise. Devlin means me no harm.” Zacarius said. “I still don’t like it, sir.” Zacarius chuckled. “I’m sure you don’t, Alfred.” “Please, your highness, please just promise me you’ll be careful?” Alfred asked. “I don’t trust this man.” “Alfred, you don’t trust anyone.” Alfred gave Zacarius one of his rare smiles. “That is true, sir.” “Go make sure my dinner is ready, Alfred, before I forget why I hired you and feed you to the werewolf.” “As you wish, your highness.” Zacarius shook his head in amusement as Alfred hurried from the room. Despite what he said, Zacarius would never get rid of Alfred. He kept Zacarius’s life simple and running smoothly. He didn’t know what he’d do without him. Zacarius walked out of his bedroom into the sitting area of his private apartment. He glanced around to insure everything met his satisfaction. Alfred grumbled the entire time he did as Zacarius ordered, but apparently he did it well. A small intimate table for two sat by the windows overlooking the garden below. A bottle of wine chilled in an ice bucket next to the table. A roaring fire burned in the fireplace. The low lights gave the room a sensuous feel. Alfred had outdone himself. Now, time to get his guest. Zacarius walked over to the door connecting his suite to the one next door. Originally planned for the princess’s rooms, they often used as a guest room for his special visitors. He knocked twice then opened the door. He saw no sign of Devlin. For a brief moment, Zacarius felt his heart thunder in his Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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chest as he considered the possibility that Devlin might have fled, until he heard the shower. Curiosity may have killed the cat but it inspired the vampire. Zacarius walked to the bathroom and eased the door open. Steam filled the room. Lust filled Zacarius’s body. Devlin stood under the shower spray, his head thrown back, the corded muscles on his neck strained tight. Zacarius muffled his groan by biting into the heel of his hand. Devlin’s hand was wrapped around his cock as he stroked himself. Zacarius hardened so fast he got dizzy from loss of blood to his brain. It all pooled in his pants. Devlin’s body looked like a work of art, and Zacarius wanted to study him from the top of his head to the bottoms of his perfectly formed feet. Devlin reminded Zacarius of a Greek statue, all hard muscles and lean lines. The trail of hair going down his abdomen from the dark brown hair across his chest lent a hint to the true nature of the beast. The muffled grunt from the shower mirrored Zacarius’s. Devlin’s body stiffened then ropes of pearly seed spurted from his cock. Zacarius would have given his entire kingdom to taste that creamy liquid. He licked his lips, just imaging how sweet and tangy the man must taste. When Devlin finally dropped his hand from his spent cock, his body heaving, Zacarius quickly backed out of the room and closed the door as quietly as he could. He leaned his head against the cool wood, his breathing rapid as he tried to calm his ravenous lust. He wanted Devlin Morgan, and he didn’t care if the man was a werewolf or not. He just needed to figure out how to make it happen. As interested as Zacarius knew Devlin was, he wasn’t sure the shifter could cross the invisible boundary between them. He’d have to dangle the right incentive in front of the man. Himself. Zacarius took a hold of himself and tucked his emotions beneath a neutral façade. Taking a deep cleansing breath, he knocked on the

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bathroom door. “Devlin? Dinner is ready to be served. Please join me in the other room as soon as you’re done.” It took all of Zacarius’s control to turn and walk away knowing Devlin stood naked on the other side of the door. He wanted nothing more than to open the door and let Devlin know how much he desired him. He hated beating around the bush. While he would enjoy the hunt during his seduction of Devlin, Zacarius would rather just take the guy to his bed and fuck him into the headboard. He knew the sexy shifter would be a tasty morsel. Zacarius moved back into his side of the royal suite and settled in one of the chairs by the fireplace. The season had moved just enough into winter to put a slight chill in the air, making the fire practical. Zacarius would never admit it, but it also made the room romantic. He drank his second glass of wine by the time Devlin entered the room. Zacarius crossed one leg over the other to hide the instant arousal he felt at the sight. It would be a painful delight seducing Devlin. “Devlin, so nice of you to join me.” Devlin smirked. “I was under the impression I didn’t have much of a choice.” Zacarius chuckled. “There is always a choice, darling.” Devlin sputtered. “Darling?” Zacarius grinned. He let Devlin see his eyes rake over the fine body displayed in tight jeans and a white dress shirt before him. “Would you prefer gorgeous? Stud?” One eyebrow arched as Zacarius smirked. “Mine?” “You do know that I’m a shifter, right?” Devlin asked, one brown eyebrow raised. “I’m quite aware of that, darling,” Zacarius replied. “I’m just not sure what that has to do with our present situation. I still plan on having you in my bed before the night is through. Your being a shifter has nothing to do with what I want from you.” Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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Devlin stared at him, his mouth hanging open in disbelief. Zacarius knew he shocked him. There didn’t seem to be much point in denying his attraction. As prince, he usually got what he wanted, and he wanted Devlin. Devlin suddenly reached across the space between them and grabbed Zacarius’s wine glass, tossing the remaining contents of the glass down in one swallow. Zacarius almost complained. That was a very good, very old merlot, but the stunned look on Devlin’s face might be worth any price. “You don’t beat around the bush, do you?” Devlin finally asked. His voice sounded strained. His body looked tense. His eyes wouldn’t meet Zacarius’s. The hard swell behind the Devlin’s zipper pretty much said it all. “What would be the point, darling?” Zacarius asked. He liked the flush of Devlin’s skin as the blood rushed to his face. “I want you. I believe you want me. Should we ignore that and pretend the attraction isn’t there?” “Yes!” Devlin exclaimed. “Very well,” Zacarius said. He pointed to the door connecting the two rooms. “The door is right over there. There is a lock on both sides. If I am mistaken in my assumption, then please feel free to use it. I won’t hold it against you.” Devlin stared at him for so long that Zacarius wondered if the intense attraction between them would matter or not. Maybe the whole shifter and vampire thing was a bigger issue than he thought. Zacarius wondered if he made a mistake. Suddenly, Devlin stood and walked over to look out the window. His posture still seemed stiff, but Zacarius didn’t get any vibes of disgust from him. He wasn’t sure if Devlin knew that vampire princes could read people. Everyone gave off vibes of one sort or another. Werewolves could sniff the subtle changes in someone’s scent. Vampires could feel vibes.

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Well, the general population of vampires couldn’t read people. That seemed to be reserved for vampire princes, one of the signs of a vampire prince. “If I have offended you, Devlin,” Zacarius stated, “I do apologize.” Devlin glanced over his shoulder, his brow drawn together as if in confusion. “No, I’m not offended. I just don’t see the merits of becoming involved. You’re a vampire prince. I’m a shifter. Not a good combination.” “Now, that may be true, but in centuries past, vampires and werewolves lived side by side, even mating between the two species. While that has not occurred in many years, it has happened before.” Devlin snorted. “Yeah, like five hundred years ago.” “I was a child when the Great War occurred,” Zacarius said. “I remember watching werewolves walk down the street in our community as an accepted member of our coven.” “Just how old are you?” “I sincerely hope you like older men because I was born in 1496. I am five hundred and thirteen years old.” Devlin gaped. “Damn, you look good for someone that old.” “Thank you.” Zacarius chuckled. “I think.” “You were alive when the Great War started?” Devlin asked as he turned around to stare at Zacarius. “What was it like? Why did it start? I’ve always known about the animosity between our two people, but I’ve never understood why.” Zacarius walked over to the bar to pour some more wine. He held up the bottle. “Would you like some wine? This might be a long conversation.” Devlin shook his head. “No, I’m good, thanks.” Zacarius placed the cork back in the bottle of wine and walked over to stand next to Devlin. He glanced out the window, not quite sure how to explain the biggest mistake he felt one of their kind could have ever made. Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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“I was still a child when the war started, so I saw it from a child’s prospective. It all seemed rather idiotic to me.” “How so?” Devlin asked. When Zacarius glanced up at him, Devlin seemed truly interested. “When any two people come together, there is always a fight for dominance. That’s a given. By the time I was born, that had pretty much been worked out between our people. It was an individual choice between couples, much as it is today with humans.” “I assume that changed?” Zacarius nodded. “Prince Laurent Von Byrne decided werewolves should be soldiers in his personal army rather than free men. He was a very influential person and convinced a lot of people to his way of thinking.” Zacarius sighed. He hated this part of the story. It made vampires look like blood thirsty monsters, and did not put them in a good light. “Covens began banding together in a show of force. If a shifter refused to bend to Prince Laurent’s ideals, they got put to death. It didn’t matter if they were mated to a vampire or not. If a vampire refused, they also got put to death, but only after their mate was murdered in front of them.” “And people just let this happen?” Devlin asked, his voice laced with horror. “No, that’s where the war started. What few vampires were left banded together with the werewolves and fought back, but they were outnumbered. Unlike shifters, vampires are not ruled by the moon’s cycles. We can attack anytime, anywhere.” “Even during the day?” Zacarius chuckled. “Sunlight is an old wives tale. I can go out in the sun as much as the next guy.” “But you’re so pale,” Devlin said. “I thought that came from lack of sunlight.”

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Zacarius shook his head. “No, it’s the virus in our system. The more blood we ingest, the more color we gain. I haven’t eaten today, which explains my pale skin.” “It’s a virus? I thought you were born this way.” “I was. Most of my people are born vampires. However there is a virus in our bloodstream that can transform someone into a vampire, but only if they have the vampire gene.” “Vampire gene?” “Every vampire has it. It’s what makes us vampires. For humans, if they have the gene and are bitten by a vampire, it transforms them into a vampire. If they don’t have the gene it doesn’t affect them.” “And werewolves? Does it work the same for them?” “No, werewolves are immune to a vampire bite,” Zacarius said. “One of the many reasons Prince Laurent wanted to subjugate them. It was the middle ages. Vampires terrified humans. Shifters were not. He needed some way to control them.” “So, he started a war that’s lasted centuries?” Zacarius shrugged. “Why hasn’t anyone tried to put a stop to it? It’s been what, five hundred years? Why hasn’t anyone tried to put things back the way they were?” “Too much time?” Zacarius asked. “You have to understand, darling, not many vampires around during the time of the war are still alive.” “You are,” Devlin stated simply. “True.” Zacarius nodded his head sadly. “But I am a minority. Vampire princes live longer than normal vampires. As we each govern our own covens, there are not that many of us, and there are strict rules about fraternization between covens.” “Seriously?” Zacarius chuckled. He walked back to his chair and sat down, gesturing for Devlin to take the chair opposite him. Once Devlin sat down, he continued. Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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“We are just as territorial as shifters. I imagine it’s been years since I have even seen a vampire from another coven. We don’t socialize well.” “Wow, I never knew. We always assumed that you got together all of the time.” “No, there is a convocation every hundred years,” Zacarius stated. “Other than that, we do not mingle.” “How do you find your mates then?” “Hopefully, within our own coven. If our mate turns out to be human, they can be transformed if they have the vampire gene. If not, and fate smiles upon us, our life threads are entwined. If fate doesn’t bless us in this way, we simply stay with them until they die then go on, hoping to find another mate.” Devlin’s eyebrows scrunched together. “Life threads? I don’t believe I’ve ever heard of that. What exactly is that?” “If you were my mate, hypothetically speaking of course, and assuming fate granted us this blessing, your life thread would intertwine with mine. You would live as long as I do. However, you would also die when I do or vice versa.” “Have you been mated before?” “No, I’ve never been lucky enough to find my mate. I suspect he or she is waiting for me out there somewhere, or maybe they have yet to be born.” Zacarius sighed. “Maybe I am destined to reign without a mate. It has happened before.” He mentally shook his morose thoughts away and looked at Devlin. “What about you, darling, any mates looming on the horizon for you?” Devlin chuckled even as his face flushed a bit. “No, not yet.” “And how do you feel about your alpha having a male mate?” Devlin shrugged. “Keeley’s okay. He really cares about Reece and that’s nice, but I swear, one of these days I’m going to smother the little brat in his sleep.” Zacarius grinned. “Do tell,” He encouraged. Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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“Keeley is a character. He does exactly what Reece wants as long as he thinks it’s a good idea. If he doesn’t, he basically ignores Reece, which drives Reece up a wall. He gets into more trouble than any one I have ever met, and I think he does it on purpose just to keep Reece jumping.” “Sounds like an interesting character.” “Oh, he is,” Devlin said, a smile coming to his lips. “He wears nail polish, a belly button ring, and eye liner. Drives Reece batty. The man has no control where Keeley is concerned. The minute Keeley walks into the room, Reece loses all concentration.” “Sounds wonderful.” Devlin remained silent for a moment then he began to chuckle. “Yeah, it does, doesn’t it?” “Do you look forward to finding your mate, Devlin?” “Of course, who doesn’t?” “Many people don’t,” Zacarius replied. “Once mated, we become very territorial, possessive. We have a burning need to mate frequently, and we cannot drink blood from anyone except our mates.” “You can only drink blood from your mate?” Zacarius saw the small shudder that passed through Devlin’s body. Poor boy. He would learn what a turn on that was by the end of the night if Zacarius had anything to do with it. Zacarius pressed his fingers together as he gazed at Devlin. “Don’t knock it before you try it, darling. The drinking of blood can be a very intimate act between two people, especially when done in the right manner and taken from the right place.” Devlin tried to hide his interest, Zacarius could tell. The man didn’t want him to know the idea intrigued him. The hard bulge growing behind his zipper showed Devlin’s fascination as if he waved a big red flag.

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“Would you like to try, darling?” Zacarius asked, his voice dropping low. “It is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced, I can assure you.” Devlin’s face flushed again and Zacarius knew he had him. The man wouldn’t be able to say no. Despite what might come out of his mouth, he was intrigued. Zacarius suspected Devlin liked a bit of pain with his pleasure. He licked his lips. He couldn’t wait. Deciding they played enough, Zacarius stood to his feet and walked over to stand in front of the sexy shifter. He reached down and drew Devlin to his feet. He trailed his hand up Devlin’s arm to his chest then further down to palm the impressive erection in Devlin’s jeans. As tight as they seemed, there wasn’t much left to the imagination. He squeezed, smiling when Devlin moaned and his head dropped back on his shoulders. He leaned in closer to Devlin, inhaling the heady masculine scent natural to the man. Scent was one of the strongest aphrodisiacs a vampire could experience besides taste, and Devlin had a very potent fragrance. He moved his fingers to softly caress the flesh of Devlin’s thigh just below the apex of his thighs. “The femoral artery is one of the most intimate spots a vampire can draw blood from. So close to your cock, darling,” Zacarius whispered as seductively as he could. “I could rock your world.” Zacarius could feel the Devlin’s cock pulse against his arm. He moved back up to the button and zipper of his jeans. He flicked the button open. Devlin moaned. Zacarius lowered the zipper slowly. Devlin shuddered. “Would you like that, darling?” Zacarius asked softly. “My lips on your beautiful cock, sucking you until just before you come? Then I’d move my lips to your inner thigh, just below your balls. I’d sink my teeth into your sweet skin, taking just enough to send you over the edge. Or maybe I’ll just bite your cock. I’ve been told that is the most intimate bite and very pleasurable.” Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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Zacarius grasped the cock that bounced into his hand. Devlin’s cock throbbed. Zacarius could feel the blood pulsing in the man’s thick length. It exhilarated him to know he aroused Devlin to this point. Zacarius’s little toy was about to explode. “Mmm, I’ll bet you taste so sweet, don’t you, darling?” Zacarius asked. He stroked Devlin slowly from root to tip, his thumb caressing the small slit in the head. “Shall we find out? Do you want me to suck your cock?” Zacarius watched his face, the emotions crossing it fascinating. Devlin wanted to deny what he felt, but the lust that took over his body commanded him. Zacarius could see it. Devlin warred with himself. “Oh fuck!” Devlin cried out. His body trembled. Zacarius hissed as Devlin bit his lip hard enough to draw blood and the intoxicating scent reached his nostrils. Oh, he wanted to taste it so badly. “It could be so good between us, Devlin,” Zacarius whispered. “All you have to do is say yes.” He was surprised at the strength of the hands that gripped his arms. Devlin’s body began to tremble uncontrollably. His cock pulsed, thickened. Zacarius knew he had the big werewolf before he even opened his mouth. “Yes!” Devlin exclaimed as his cock erupted, spurting cream all over Zacarius’s hand. Zacarius couldn’t control himself anymore. Apparently Devlin seduced him as much as he seduced Devlin. Zacarius dropped to his knees and drew Devlin’s cock into his mouth, licking the sweet cream off the pulsing organ. Devlin’s hands clenched in his hair. Small whimpers came from Devlin. Every swipe of his tongue made the shifter shudder until Devlin began fucking his mouth. Zacarius grinned around the dick in his mouth. Devlin hardened again. He was determined that Devlin would experience the ultimate kiss of a vampire. Devlin would be addicted to it, Zacarius didn’t doubt Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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that. Maybe almost as much as Zacarius figured he would be addicted to Devlin’s taste. Zacarius ran his tongue down Devlin’s long length, then back up to capture the head and suck in back into his mouth. He swallowed him all the way down until the head hit the back of his throat then repeated the process. He knew Devlin closed in on another orgasm when the blood pooling in his groin began to pulse again. It was right there, right under the skin, so close Zacarius could practically taste it. Only a thin layer of skin separated them. “Za—Zac,” Devlin groaned. “Gonna…gonna come again.” Zacarius warmed to being called Zac. No one addressed him as anything except Zacarius or Your Highness. It gave a more intimate feel to what happened between them and stripped away the last of Zacarius’s control. Without thought to the consequences, Zacarius sank his long canine teeth into silky skin of Devlin’s rock-hard cock. The sweet taste of the shifter’s blood hit his system a split second before Devlin’s cum erupted in his mouth. The two combined tastes rocked Zacarius’s world as nothing ever did. He never tasted anything so sublime, so delicious. No one ever affected him like Devlin. Overcome, Zacarius pulled his teeth from Devlin’s cock and caught him as he collapsed on the floor. He gazed down into Devlin’s dazed and confused eyes. The very foundation of Zacarius’s life trembled as he realized that, after five hundred years, he held the man destined to be his mate in his arms. And he was a shifter.

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Chapter 3 Little aftershocks still rocked through Devlin’s body as he took another sip of the orange juice Zacarius supplied him. He felt shaky, dazed, and totally unprepared for what happened between him and the vampire prince. It had been the most exquisite sexual experience of his life. When Zacarius promised he would rock his world, Devlin never thought that the told the truth. He thought Zacarius just boasted about his skill. One small blow job and Devlin was more than ready to lie down on the bed and let the prince do anything he wanted. He felt like a slave to his desire to experience everything Zacarius could show him. Devlin felt even more confused by the fact that he couldn’t stop sniffing Zacarius. For some reason he needed to have Zacarius’s scent in his body or he would shrivel up and die. He felt almost obsessive about it. “You are well?” Zacarius asked from across the table. “I didn’t take too much?” Devlin shook his head. He felt a little light headed, but he wasn’t sure if it came from Zacarius drinking his blood or from having two tremendous orgasms back to back. Either could explain his current condition. “No, I’m fine, thank you.” “I did warn you, my darling.” Devlin frowned. Zacarius called him darling almost since their first meeting. Since the blow job and whatever that other thing was, he started calling Devlin my darling. It was exciting, arousing, and just a little freaky. Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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Devlin glanced up to see Zacarius taking another sip of his merlot. The man did like his wines. Devlin couldn’t help but wonder what else he might like. He suddenly shook his head. He needed to stop thinking that way. Zacarius was a vampire prince. He was a shifter. No matter how much he might want it, a relationship between them would never work. “You said you would bite my thigh, not my dick.” Zacarius chuckled. “Yes, well, you were too tempting to ignore.” Oh sure, blame it on the shifter, Devlin thought even as he tried to suppress his grin. The idea that Zacarius lost control because of him thrilled Devlin. He wanted to make him lose control. He wanted to make Zacarius beg. He wanted to make the man see only him for the rest of his life. Whoa! Devlin jumped to his feet and walked to the window to gaze out at nothing. Where in the hell did that thought come from? Why did he suddenly feel obsessed over someone he just met? A man that could never be his? He really needed to get a grip before he did something really stupid, like beg the prince to fuck him into the wall and never let him go. And he was very close to doing just that. It hovered on the tip of his tongue. Deciding distance would be the best thing for him at the moment, Devlin turned to Zacarius to tell him he needed to head back to his room when he caught a look of distress cross the man’s face. “Zacarius?” The distress on Zacarius’s face turned to one of pain as the prince wrapped his arms around his stomach and groaned. Devlin hurried to his side, kneeling down on the floor by his feet. He reached up and pushed the long black hair back from his pale face. He now seemed pastier than usual. “Zacarius? What is it?” Devlin asked, real concern starting to fill him. “Should I get Alfred?”

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Devlin stood to his feet before he even finished speaking, intent on getting help for the prince, but Zacarius grabbed his arm, pulling him back. Devlin knelt back down, unsure of what to do. “No,” Zacarius whispered. “Don’t let—no one can know something is wrong.” “What is wrong?” Devlin asked. “Was it—is it because you drank my blood? Did I do this?” Zacarius shook his head. “No, I think…I think I’ve been poisoned.” Devlin’s heart thundered in his chest. The feelings of confusion and uncertainty of a few moments before were replaced with pure rage and a need to find whoever poisoned Zacarius and rip them into tiny little pieces. A small groan brought Devlin’s attention back to Zacarius. His anger drained away as he realized he needed to care for Zacarius first. He could find the culprit later and then rip him into tiny pieces. “What can I do, Zac?” Devlin whispered softly. Zacarius cupped his cheek, smiling for a small moment. “I like it when you call me Zac, my darling. No one else does.” “Then I shall refer to you as Zac from here on out.” Anything to keep that pain-filled look off Zacarius’s face. “I need to lie down, I think.” Without a word, Devlin stood up and lifted smaller man into his arms then carried him through to the bedroom. He laid him carefully down on the bed and sat down beside him. Zacarius rolled to his side, curling into the fetal position. Devlin’s concern turned to worry and quickly approached out right terror as Zacarius’s body seemed to go through a series of small convulsions. In between fits, Zacarius panted rapidly, sweat dripping down his face. Devlin quickly helped the prince shed his clothing then tucked him under the covers. He went to the bathroom and wet several

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washcloths. Coming back into the bedroom, he laid one on Zacarius’s forehead and wiped his burning body down with the other. A sudden knocking at the suite door made Devlin swing around and growl. He started to get up and answer the door when Zacarius grabbed his arm again. His amethyst eyes looked desperate. “No one can know,” Zacarius whispered desperately. Devlin nodded. He understood. Zacarius was vulnerable right now. Vulnerability could be exploited by anyone, including whoever poisoned him. Devlin needed to make sure no one knew of his condition except him. He could care for Zacarius. “Okay, honey, I want you to just lay here in bed. I’ll take care of everything.” Zacarius gave him a weak nod. “If anyone comes in here, just let them think we’re having hot monkey sex.” Zacarius chuckled faintly then rolled over groaning as he grabbed his stomach again. Devlin smoothed his hair back from his face again. He waited until the spasms passed then got to his feet. Zacarius had a confused but interested gaze as Devlin stripped his shirt over his head and unbuttoned the top button of his jeans. He reached up and messed his hair then winked at Zacarius before heading to the door. Devlin wasn’t surprised to find Alfred standing on the other side of the door. The manservant had just been too upset over the little intimate dinner for two to stay away for long. “Can I help you?” Devlin asked. “Where is Prince Zacarius?” “Sleeping.” “I must speak with the prince,” Alfred asserted, standing at his full height. “I told you, he’s sleeping.” “I don’t believe you,” Alfred snarled. “What have you done to my prince?” Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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Devlin stood back, opening the door wider. “Go check if you don’t believe me.” Alfred swept past Devlin, stepping slightly sideways so that their bodies wouldn’t touch. Devlin chuckled and followed behind him. Zacarius lay in the bed, the covers pulled up to his chest, one leg bent at the knee and hung out from beneath the blanket. “Your highness,” Alfred said. Devlin rolled his eyes and walked right past the manservant to the edge of the bed. He stretched out on the bed and reached over to shake Zacarius’s arm a little. Devlin knew he was awake, just pretending. “Honey, wake up,” Devlin said, playing along. “Alfred’s afraid I tore you limb from limb.” Zacarius groaned and waved at Alfred, dismissing him. “Go away, Alfred. I’m sleeping.” Alfred bristled but turned to leave. Devlin got up to follow but Zacarius’s words stopped him. “Come back to bed, my darling. I’m not done with you yet.” Alfred turned back, his jaw dropping open. Devlin winked at him and proceeded to drop his pants then climb under the covers with Zacarius. He pulled Zacarius into his arms and snuggled him close to his chest. “I do not wish to be disturbed for any reason, Alfred.” “Yes, your highness, as you command.” Devlin waited until he heard the front door close before he jumped out of bed and ran to lock it. As a second thought, he went into his quarters and locked that door. He gathered up his personal belongings and moved them into Zacarius’s quarters before locking the door between the two suites. He wasn’t taking any chances. Back in the bedroom, Devlin debated between climbing back in bed with Zacarius and sleeping in one of the chairs by the fireplace. Zacarius solved that dilemma by flipping back the covers and giving Devlin a pleading look. Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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“Please?” Devlin wasn’t going to make the man ask twice. He crossed the room and climbed under the covers, tucking them around both of them before pulling Zacarius close to his chest again. He liked it last time too much to not want to do it this time. Zacarius seemed to doze on and off, his sleep fitful. When he was awake, he shook from chills if not convulsions. Each time, Devlin held him until his body stilled then wiped him down with a cool cloth. Finally, as dawn approached, Zacarius fell into a deep and hopefully healing sleep. Devlin stayed awake, keeping vigil over the man he was quickly becoming obsessed with. He wasn’t about to let anything happen to Zacarius until he figured out why he felt so infatuated. A soft knock at the door drew Devlin’s attention. He glanced down to see a serene look on Zacarius’s face. Devlin brushed the hair back and caressed Zacarius’s cheek before leaning down and planting a small kiss on the prince’s forehead. “Someone’s at the door, honey,” Devlin whispered against his skin. “I’ll be right back.” Devlin climbed from under the covers and scooted to the edge of the bed. He grabbed his jeans and pulled them up his legs, standing to zip them up before walking to the door in the main room. He took a deep sniff, recognizing Alfred’s scent before opening the door. “Yes?” “Is he still sleeping?” Alfred asked, clearly offended that Devlin answered the door once again. Devlin smirked. “He was a little exhausted by the time we were done.” “It’s imperative that I speak with him.” “I’ll see if he’s awake.” Devlin replied. “Wait here.” Alfred looked like he wanted to argue, but Devlin ignored him and walked back into the bedroom. Knowing that Alfred would most likely be listening, Devlin lowered his voice as he spoke to Zacarius. Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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“Zac, honey,” he said, giving Zacarius a little shake. “Alfred is here. He says he needs to talk to you, that it’s very important.” Zacarius wasn’t responsive at first. Devlin wondered how he would talk his way out of this one when Zacarius groaned then opened his eyes. The paleness of Zacarius’s skin concerned Devlin a great deal. He knew it wasn’t normal. “Hey, honey,” Devlin whispered. “Alfred needs to talk to you.” Zacarius shook his head. “Not like this. He’ll know.” “What do you need, honey?” Devlin asked. He knew by the way Zacarius licked his lips exactly what the vampire prince needed. He could feel his response to that need in the sudden hardening of his cock and the overwhelming desire to bare his neck to the man. Devlin couldn’t suppress his growl. A blaze of lust burned through his body when Zacarius’s leg brushed his. He suddenly didn’t care that someone waited just feet away from them. He didn’t care that he was a shifter and Zacarius was a vampire. He didn’t care about anything except feeling those luscious teeth sink into his flesh, preferably while he sank into Zacarius. He just didn’t know if his prince was up for the task at hand. Devlin groaned. His prince? When did he start thinking of Zacarius Ivinovav as his prince? Zacarius moved against him again, his hard cock brushing against Devlin’s abdomen. Devlin knew he’d lost his mind, but he just didn’t care. “Take it,” Devlin whispered as he tilted his head back and bared his neck to the vampire prince. “Take as much as you need.” He expected Zacarius to just sink his teeth in and start drinking. He didn’t expect arms pulling at him until he settled in between Zacarius’s legs, their hard cocks rubbing against each other. Zacarius pulled Devlin’s head down. He gazed into his eyes for a brief moment. “Take from me as I take from you,” he whispered before leaning in and licking the skin at Devlin’s throat. Devlin quickly reached down and grasped both their cocks in his hand, stroking them. He could feel Zacarius’s breath fan out over his Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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skin. A silky soft and rough tongue licked at him in a way that could only be described as erotic. Each swipe felt like a lick of flames across his skin. Devlin stroked faster. He knew he would orgasm the moment Zacarius sank his teeth in and he wanted the prince as aroused as he felt when it happened. He didn’t want to be the only one to fall apart. “Zac, honey,” Devlin whispered as he drew closer to the edge of orgasm. He shuddered as Zacarius’s teeth raked down his skin. Zacarius’s hands moved all over his body, caressing, stroking, digging into Devlin’s flesh. “Now, my darling,” Zacarius whispered a split second before he sank his teeth into Devlin’s neck. Devlin roared, his hips bucked against Zacarius as he shoved their cocks through his hand. Zacarius’s hands tightened on his shoulders, nails raking down along Devlin’s back. Devlin’s breath fell from his chest. His release pulled from him by the feel of the man sucking the very essence of life from him. He felt Zacarius shudder against him, adding to the wetness splashing between them. Devlin leaned his head against the pillow as Zacarius withdrew is teeth and let his head drop back to rest next to his. Devlin took a couple of deep breaths then raised his head to look down at Zacarius. He felt a little more satisfied by the color in Zacarius’s face. He still looked pale but not pasty white. Devlin would settle for that for now. “Feel better, honey?” Zacarius nodded. “I feel much better, my darling, thanks to you.” Zacarius wrapped an arm around Devlin’s head and pulled him down for a kiss that curled his toes. He had no idea the prince could kiss the way he did. He didn’t know anyone could kiss the way Zacarius did. Devlin winced when one of Zacarius’s canines nicked his lip, but the byproduct felt amazing. Zacarius growled then curled into him, his body becoming one sensuous movement against him. Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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Devlin could feel his cock giving a desperate effort to fill again. He pulled his lips away from Zacarius’s and chuckled, looking down into the man’s violet colored eyes. “You’re going to kill me, you know that don’t you?” Zacarius grinned. “Not possible, my darling,” he whispered. “I can’t live without you now.” Devlin didn’t know if he liked how much those words filled him with joy. It made him feel very nervous and just a little bit afraid of the draw Zacarius began to have on him. The prince would own him if Devlin allowed it. He might anyway. “Come on, honey,” Devlin said to change the subject. “Alfred is waiting for you.” Zacarius frowned again. “Let him wait.” Devlin chuckled. “I don’t think he’s going to, honey. I think he believes I’m holding you hostage or something.” “As if,” Zacarius growled as he rolled over to the side of the bed and reached for his robe, which lay over a nearby chair. He pulled it over his shoulders then stood up and tied the sash around his waist. He walked to the door, glancing over his shoulder to wink at Devlin. God, the man was sexy. “Going to join me, my darling? I’ll have Alfred bring you a nice big, juicy steak.” Devlin jumped out of bed and pulled his jeans on before Zacarius even got through the door. Meat and a sexy man? Could anything be better? Devlin grabbed his shirt, pulling it on as he followed Zacarius out of the bedroom. Alfred glared at him the moment he entered the room. Devlin stuck his tongue out at him. Alfred got a pinched look on his face then looked away, ignoring him. Devlin chuckled. He liked Alfred. He would to have lots of fun with the uptight, starchy man. “What was so important that you needed to disturb me, Alfred?” Zacarius asked. Devlin tried to look casual as he moved over to the dining table that still held their dinner from the night before and began to sniff at Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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the food. He hoped he would be able to sniff out what exactly poisoned his prince. Damn! There were those words again. Devlin really needed to get control of himself. He liked Zacarius, maybe a little too much, but he needed to stop thinking of the prince as his. Zacarius would never be his, and Devlin needed to get used to that fact. “I wouldn’t have disturbed you unless it was of the utmost importance, your highness,” Alfred said quickly. Devlin rolled his eyes. He picked up a roll and sniffed it. It smelled stale but nothing out of the ordinary. Neither did the steaks, the wilted salad, or the baked potatoes. Nothing on the table smelled anything other than stale as if left out over night. Devlin didn’t think that whatever poisoned Zacarius came from their dinner. That meant it came from somewhere else. Devlin looked around the room trying to remember anything else Zacarius ate or drank. His eyes settled on the bottle of merlot. He glanced at Zacarius and Alfred. They weren’t paying him any attention. Well, Alfred wasn’t. Zacarius kept looking over at him, a leering glint in his eyes that went straight to Devlin’s cock. “I am aware of that, Alfred,” Zacarius replied. “Now, why did you disturb me? Devlin smirked when Alfred’s voice dropped to a mere whisper and the manservant leaned closer to the prince. “The rumors, your highness. They’re everywhere.” “What rumors, Alfred?” “The rumors about you and the shifter, sir,” Alfred replied. “What rumors, Alfred?” Zacarius asked again. Devlin could hear the steel cord in the prince’s voice. He wasn’t happy. “Everyone’s talking about it, your highness,” Alfred stated. “About you and the werewolf being up here in your suite, about what you’re doing together.” “And?” Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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“Your highness, it’s just not done,” Alfred said. “He’s a shifter.” “It’s not a dirty word, Alfred.” “Your highness!” Zacarius sighed. “Alfred, you’re too young to remember things before the war. I am not. There is nothing wrong with a vampire and a shifter being together. It’s just not been done in so long that people have forgotten what it is like.” The prince shrugged. “Besides, it’s no one’s business what I do or who I sleep with as long as I do not let it interfere with my abilities to govern this coven.” “But sir, he killed your sister, one of the ruling class,” Alfred said, desperation lacing his voice. “How are people going to understand you sleeping with the enemy?” “Alfred!” Zacarius growled, causing Alfred to take a hasty step back. “He is not the enemy, and he did not kill my sister. While a shifter did kill her, she brought it upon herself. I hold no ill will toward Devlin or his pack for my sister’s death.” Devlin grinned at Zacarius before lifting the wine bottle to his nose and sniffing. He immediately pulled the bottle away, his nose crinkling in distaste. He didn’t know much about wine, but he didn’t think it should be that sour. It smelled horrible, like death. Devlin waited for Zacarius to look at him again before nodding toward the bottle in his hand. Zacarius gave a slight nod then turned his attention back to Alfred. Devlin set the bottle back on the table. “All right, that’s enough, Alfred,” Zacarius said. “I don’t care about the rumors other people are spreading. I’m sleeping with the shifter, and it’s no one’s business but mine. If people don’t like it, too damn bad.” Devlin had to hand it to the manservant. Alfred looked like he wanted to argue but kept his mouth closed. Devlin doubted he would be able to keep his mouth shut under similar circumstances. But then, he wasn’t much for authority figures. “Is there anything else, Alfred?” Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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“No, your highness.” “Very well,” Zacarius said. Devlin chuckled. His prince played the part of royalty very well. This time, the possessive words didn’t surprise him quite so much. Maybe he was getting used to them. “Please have breakfast brought up,” Zacarius directed. “Something light for me and a steak for my guest.” “Very good, your highness.” Alfred turned to glare at Devlin. “How do you want your steak?” Devlin grinned. “Juicy.”

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Chapter 4 “How are you feeling, my prince?” Zacarius arched an eyebrow as he glanced over his shoulder at the man holding him. “My prince?” Devlin rolled his eyes. “Don’t ask.” Zacarius chuckled. “But I want to ask.” He turned in Devlin’s arms, leaning back to look up at the man he had become so fascinated with in such a small amount of time. He didn’t have the nerve to tell Devlin of their mating yet. Maybe he wanted to avoid it. Devlin seemed pretty sure a vampire and a shifter could never have a long term relationship. Zacarius didn’t handle rejection well. “I am a prince, you know,” Zacarius stated haughtily. “I am unused to my every request not being answered instantly.” “I’m a shifter, prince,” Devlin replied. “I’m not used to answering to anyone except my alpha.” “You could consider me your alpha for the time being.” “I don’t think so, Zac.” Devlin chuckled, shaking his head. “I think I’d prefer to keep our relationship on an equal footing.” “So, you do admit that we have a relationship?” Zacarius couldn’t keep the slight tremble out of his voice. He knew that when Devlin frowned. “We have something, your highness,” Devlin replied. “I just haven’t figured out what.” “You’ll let me know when you do?” “You’ll be the first to know,” Devlin murmured as he lowered his head. “Promise.” Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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Zacarius groaned as Devlin’s lips took his. Oh, he could kiss like no one Zacarius ever met before. He didn’t just kiss, he devoured, stealing every last breath from Zacarius’s lungs. Zacarius could live on Devlin’s kisses all day long. When Devlin’s hands moved under his robe to grasp his naked ass, pulling his body against the larger man’s, Zacarius knew he needed to revaluate that idea. Maybe he would like just a little bit more. “This would be so much more fun if you got naked,” Zacarius whispered against Devlin’s lips. Devlin pulled back, grinning as he stepped away from Zacarius. “That’s one order I think I can follow, your highness.” Zacarius’s mouth dropped open as Devlin quickly shed his jeans then stood before him in all his beautiful glory. He’d seen Devlin naked the night before, but hadn’t been in any condition to enjoy it. That wasn’t the case now. Zacarius looked his fill, wanting more. He wanted to touch, to lick, to explore every inch of the magnificent body displayed before him. Zacarius grinned. What the prince wanted, the prince got, and he wanted Devlin. Zacarius began walking backward toward the bedroom, crooking his finger at Devlin. He knew from the very beginning he would have this man in his bed. It was just a matter of time and that time was upon them. “Come with me, my darling.” Devlin smirked. “And you’ll rock my world again?” “I can guarantee it,” Zacarius assured his lover as he dropped his robe to the floor. Devlin flexed his arms muscles and growled. Zacarius squealed, turned and ran to jump on the bed. A large weight landed on him, pushing him into the mattress. Zacarius squirmed as a long wet tongue raked up his neck. He started to turn over, grunting when Devlin pushed him back into the mattress. Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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“No, stay,” Devlin ordered. Zacarius started to argue, to tell Devlin that he gave the orders, he didn’t take them, when he felt the tongue lapping at his neck move down his to his back. Large, strong hands massaged his ass cheeks. He could learn to like orders. “You smell really good, Zac,” Devlin murmured against his skin then swiped again with his tongue. “You taste even better.” Zacarius hoped so. He wanted Devlin to take pleasure in what he did, so much so that he lost all self-control. It probably wasn’t a good thing to wish for considering his lover was a shifter, but Zacarius couldn’t help it. The thought of Devlin shifting and taking him curled Zacarius’s toes. Before Devlin could stop him, Zacarius used his superior speed to turn over and roll the man underneath him. Devlin stared up at him in surprise. “What did you do that for?” Devlin asked. “I was enjoying myself.” “I think you’ll enjoy this more,” Zacarius drawled seductively. He leaned down and ran his tongue from Devlin’s bellybutton up this one nipple. He felt Devlin’s body tense under his as he stroked his tongue over the small nub. He nipped, a small droplet of blood splashing across his tongue as Devlin cried out. Zacarius sucked harder, drawing in the sweet essence of the man before moving to the other nipple and biting that one. He didn’t often indulge in blood play during sex. It felt too intimate for a one night stand or a simple fling, but with his mate, it wasn’t only permissible but encouraged. Each little bite was followed by a droplet of blood, increasing Zacarius’s arousal and fueling Devlin’s. Zacarius didn’t bite too many times, just a bite here and a bite there, never drawing more than a drop of blood, but it was enough. He wanted to increase Devlin’s lust, not incapacitate him. Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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Devlin’s body began to shake, and Zacarius hadn’t even reached his cock yet. Zacarius glanced up to see Devlin’s head pressed back into the pillow, his jaw rigid as he fought for control. It pleased him. But he wanted more. Devlin hadn’t lost control yet. He hung onto it by a thread. Zacarius figured just a little more might send him over the edge. He moved further down Devlin’s body until the man’s hard cock stood straight in front of him. Yum! Zacarius could barely control himself. He wanted to dive onto the cock, swallow it down and suck until Devlin gave his all. He knew that would satisfy them both but not as much as what he planned. “Hand me the little bottle of blue stuff in the drawer, my darling.” Zacarius chuckled as Devlin looked at him in complete confusion. He pointed to the nightstand. “If you expect to get your cock in my ass, Devlin, I need the lube.” Comprehension came to Devlin in a flash and he grinned, reaching over to the nightstand drawer to grab a bottle of lube. Zacarius went to grab it but Devlin held it out of his grasp. “I can do this if you can do that,” Devlin stated, pointing to his cock. Zacarius grinned. He turned around, straddling Devlin’s chest, his ass hanging just inches above the man’s face. Zacarius heard Devlin pop the bottle of lube open and squirt some out on his hand. He waited until he felt the first gentle touches of his lover’s finger press into his ass before lowering his head to Devlin’s cock. He immediately realized he might have made a huge mistake. It would very hard to concentrate on sucking Devlin’s cock when the man fucked him with his thick fingers. It might even be impossible. Zacarius was determined to give it his best shot though. He swallowed Devlin down until the head of his cock hit the back of Zacarius’s throat. Using just the tip of his canines, he came back up. It wasn’t enough to break the skin, just enough to give Devlin a hint of what would come. Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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Devlin shuddered. The finger in Zacarius’s ass paused for just a moment then the thrusting increased in speed and depth. Zacarius grinned as Devlin added a second finger. His lover started to lose control. Maybe just a bit more would be all it would take. Zacarius increased his efforts. He sucked Devlin down then came back up before dropping the organ in his mouth to lick his way down to Devlin’s balls, sucking one deep into his mouth. He almost lost his grip on Devlin when a third finger pushed into his tight hole. If he got this aroused just from having Devlin’s fingers thrusting into him, Zacarius couldn’t wait until he felt the werewolf’s cock. It promised to be mind blowing. “Zac!” Zacarius wiggled his ass. “One more, my darling, add just one more.” Zacarius had seen a werewolf in full shift. Three fingers weren’t going to cut it. He’d need at least four fingers to stretch him enough to accept Devlin in wolf form. Four fingers pushed into him. Zacarius overloaded. It was almost more than he could take. He could feel his own cock leaking pre-cum all over Devlin’s abdomen. He pushed himself up on his knees, his cock hitting Devlin in the chin. He sucked Devlin’s cock back into his mouth hoping the man could read his unspoken signs. Devlin got the hint. A moment later, warm lips covered him and Devlin’s slick tongue licked the droplets on the head of Zacarius’s cock. Devlin’s fingers continued to thrust into him, curving in to stroke against Zacarius’s sweet spot. Zacarius bit down on the cock in his mouth. Hot, sweet blood splashed across Zacarius’s tongue, filling his mouth. His suction created a two-fold effect. It allowed him to swallow the blood filling his mouth and added to Devlin’s pleasure. The sweet taste of Devlin’s life essence, the feel of the man’s four fingers thrusting into his tight grasp, the hot lips wrapped around his cock, all came together in one sensual explosion that made Zacarius

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shout around the cock in his mouth as ropes of pearly seed erupted from him. Zacarius shuddered as Devlin swallowed down everything he gave him. He extracted his teeth and laid his head down on Devlin’s thigh. His body felt languid, melted. He couldn’t catch his breath. He barely felt the powerful hands lifting him up and laying him back against the mattress. He didn’t become aware until Devlin’s clawed hands dug into his hips and a soft growl sounded in his ear. “Zac.” Zacarius didn’t even open his eyes. His hand curled around the back of Devlin’s neck and drew him down for a kiss. He raked the other one down Devlin’s back, his own claws digging in, leaving small red welts in their wake. Devlin growled again, nipping at his lips. Zacarius could feel the Devlin’s canines begin to drop. He opened his eyes to look up at him. Devlin’s face looked like a thing of beauty, making the breath catch in Zacarius’s throat. His mouth was clenched tight, a small tick the only sign of the rigid control he exerted over himself. The normally tanned skin of his face flushed red as he tried to keep the beast at bay. Zacarius grinned, cupping his hand around Devlin’s face. “Let it go, my darling. I promise I can take it. I’m a lot stronger than I look.” Devlin shook his head swiftly, but Zacarius could see the light sparkle in his darkening eyes. He wanted to, he craved it. Zacarius was determined to give it to him. He grabbed a handful of Devlin’s hair and yanked his head back, baring Devlin’s neck. Leaning up, he sank his teeth into the soft flesh of Devlin’s throat. Hot, sweet liquid flooded his mouth again. Devlin roared. Zacarius felt hair brush his body. The arms holding him thickened, became bigger, as did the body above him. Zacarius braced himself as the beast took control. Devlin’s face slightly extended. Ears grew out of the top of his head. Fur covered

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most of his body. Claws grew from the werewolf’s fingers. And the cock lying between Zacarius’s legs grew both in length and width. Zacarius groaned. He doubted he would be able to sit for a week. Devlin grabbed him, flipping him onto his hands and knees. Before Zacarius could even settle down, Devlin drove his cock deep into his ass. He cried out, the pleasure overriding the burn he felt at being so filled. Devlin didn’t give him any time to grow accustomed to his increased size before pounding into his tight grip. Zacarius spread his legs, digging them and his hands into the blankets. Devlin was relentless. He didn’t pause. He didn’t slow down. He didn’t take prisoners. He fucked Zacarius so hard and so fast that Zacarius forgot where he began and Devlin ended. His whole world dwindled down to the man thrusting into him. He felt nothing else. He was so tuned into being fucked he yelped when Devlin suddenly pulled out and flipped him back over onto his back. Devlin instantly came back, thrusting into Zacarius again before he could even protest. His hands were gathered together and held over his head by one of Devlin’s. He couldn’t move away, even if he wanted to, which he didn’t. Devlin pinned him to the bed by the weight of his much larger body and the strength of his hand. “Mine,” Devlin growled down at him, his face fierce. “Yes!” Zacarius grinned, tilting his head back and baring his neck to the werewolf claiming him. Devlin’s beast understood even if the human side did not. Never having been bitten before, Zacarius felt a little shocked at how arousing it felt when Devlin sank his long canines into his neck. “Yes, my darling, yes!” Zacarius shouted as emotions of possessiveness, contentment, and deep satisfaction overwhelmed him. His shout turned to a high pitched cry as his cock erupted and he filled the space between them with his second release.

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When Devlin roared above him, hot lava filling his ass, Zacarius felt like he climaxed for a third time. It felt exhilarating knowing he brought his mate to such heights of pleasure. And then the knot at the end of Devlin’s cock extended, lodging into place against his prostate. Zacarius inhaled swiftly as Devlin continued to move with small thrusts meant to prolong their pleasure. It rocked the knot, stimulating Zacarius to a before unreached level of ecstasy. He whimpered beyond groaning and moaning. His hands clenched, searching for something to hold onto, but Devlin still held them over his head. His body bucked, too sensitive to stay still. When Devlin lifted his head and licked the small bite mark in his neck closed, Zacarius’s body lost its battle with reality. The touch of Devlin’s hand on his over sensitized cock was the last straw. An orgasm of monumental proportions ripped through Zacarius’s body, short circuiting every nerve ending he possessed and ending in his cock. His eyes rolled back in his head and light exploded in his eyes. Then everything went black. **** Zacarius opened his eyes slowly. Both lids felt glued closed. It took all of his effort just to lift them and glance around for his mate. He expected Devlin to be in bed beside him. He wasn’t. A sudden spark of energy hit him as panic set in. Zacarius rolled to the side of the bed. He grabbed the sheet off the mattress and wrapped it around his body before making his way to the outer room. Zacarius sagged against the doorframe when he spotted Devlin leaning against the window, looking out into the night sky. He was fully dressed right down to his shoes, a small bag at his feet, a glass of liquid in his hand. Zacarius assumed it was scotch. Devlin liked scotch. “You could have told me,” Devlin said without even turning his head. Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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“I could have, but would you have believed me?” Zacarius asked. “Maybe, maybe not,” Devlin replied. He shrugged his shoulders before turning to glare at Zacarius. “But it should have been my choice.” Yeah, okay, Devlin might have a point. Zacarius knew he and Devlin were mates before they slept together. He should have mentioned it before he forced Devlin to shift and claim him. He felt guilty, but not enough to let the man off the hook. Devlin claimed Zacarius fair and square, and he wasn’t giving up without a fight. “You’re right,” Zacarius said. “I should have given you the choice. I can’t change that now, though, and I wouldn’t want to. You claimed me. I belong to you.” “And if I don’t want you?” Devlin growled, sending an arrow straight to Zacarius’s heart. “What then, your highness? Are you going to command me to be your mate? Will you send me to the dungeon if I refuse?” “N—no, of course not,” Zacarius stammered, his heart plummeting to his feet. He never considered the possibility that Devlin might not want him. Sure, he knew that his mate had misgivings concerning a relationship between a vampire and a werewolf, but he figured they could work that out. Could he have been wrong? “You’re free to leave whenever you want,” he whispered. He prayed Devlin wouldn’t take that option, but the fierce look of betrayal on his face said he would. Zacarius tried to hide his heartache behind a façade of detachment. Devlin picked up his bag and stalked across the room, heading for the door. He paused next to Zacarius. The look in Devlin’s eyes when he glanced at him made Zacarius’s heart shrivel in his chest. “I knew I never should have trusted a bloodsucker,” Devlin snarled. “They’ll betray you and stab you in the back every chance they get.”

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Zacarius could garner no response. Devlin was right. He lied. It was a lie of omission, but still a lie. Zacarius didn’t have the right to stop Devlin when he stormed out of the room. He still raised his hand to stop him, whimpering in distress when Devlin pulled his arm free and walked away without a backward glance. Zacarius winced as the door slammed behind his mate. Numb, he walked to the phone and dialed Alfred. He came on the line immediately. “Alfred,” Zacarius said, surprised that his voice sounded so steady when the rest of him crumbled to the floor, “Mr. Morgan is on his way down. Please see that he makes it safely to his car.” “Certainly, your highness,” Alfred replied. “Thank you, Alfred. I need some rest. I don’t wish to be disturbed.” “Is everything okay, your highness?” Hell no! He just lost his mate. “Everything is fine, Alfred.”

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Chapter 5 Devlin tossed back another beer. His fifth… no, sixth beer of the evening. If he had his way, it would just be just one of many. He’d do whatever it took to get rid of the amethyst eyes he saw in his head, looking at him, pleading with him. He’d been back in Wolf Creek for nearly two weeks. He never went more than a few minutes without thinking about Zacarius. He bounced between fits of rage at for Zacarius lying to him to wanting him so much his teeth ached. He was pretty much useless to everyone. His mind kept wandering, reliving the stolen moments in his prince’s arms. He couldn’t seem to concentrate on anything worth a damn. Every time he thought he’d licked it, Zacarius would wiggle his way back in. “Want to tell me what happened?” Devlin glanced over at his drinking buddy, Reece, and shook his head. He didn’t want to share his time with Zacarius with anyone. That might make it real. He also felt possessive about Zacarius. No one else needed to know about him. “Why don’t you tell me anyway?” Reece asked. “I’ll find out eventually so you might as well tell me while you’re still sober.” Devlin chuckled. “I’m not sure I can tell you while I’m sober.” “So, have another beer, then tell me.” Devlin stared down at his beer. Could he tell Reece about Zacarius? Reece was his best friend, someone he trusted more than any one. At this point, he trusted Reece more than he trusted his own mate, and that sucked. “I found my mate.” Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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“Wow, cool,” Reece said, slapping him on the back. “Congratulations, my friend. It’s about damn time. Tell me about him.” Reece paused. “It is a him, isn’t it?” “Oh yeah, he’s all male.” “Well, that’s a relief.” Reece chuckled. “I was afraid you would tell me you got mated a girl.” “No,” Devlin said, shaking his head. “That would have been easy.” “Mating a female would have been easy? Have you lost your mind?” Devlin looked at Reece, letting all of his frustration, rage, and grief seep through the tight control he held in since he walked out on Zacarius. “Having a female for a mate would be a hell of a lot easier than a vampire prince.” “Fuck!” Devlin nodded, starting to laugh as the ridiculousness of the situation filled him. Not only did he mate a vampire, he mated a vampire prince. Could his life get any more fucked up? He laughed so hard tears fell from his eyes. “You should see him, Reece,” Devlin said through the tears streaming down his face. “He’s the most gorgeous thing I’ve ever seen. Pale white skin, long black hair, and amethyst eyes that are so deep I swear I can see my soul in them every time I look at the man.” “Have you claimed him?” “Oh yes.” “Then what in the hell are you doing here?” Reece exclaimed. “Why aren’t you with your mate?” Devlin’s laughter dwindled away as he recalled why he sat here in Wolf Creek instead of with his mate. Nothing seemed amusing about that. He wanted to be with Zacarius. He didn’t even care that he was a vampire. He just couldn’t seem to get past the lying. Mates shouldn’t lie to each other even if it is a lie of omission. It felt wrong, a betrayal of all Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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that mates stood for. Zacarius knew before they had sex they were mates. He didn’t say anything, and that said more than any words could. “He lied to me.” “He lied to you?” Reece asked. “How?” “He knew we were mates before we slept together. He never said anything. He didn’t give me a choice.” Reece was quiet long enough to peak Devlin’s curiosity. He glanced at Reece again, who looked a little pale. He stared at his hands, twisting them together in his lap. “Reece?” “I never told Keeley before I claimed him,” Reece said. “I didn’t give him a choice either. Doesn’t that make me just as bad?” Devlin waved his hand at Reece and settled his head back against the chair he sat in. “It’s not the same thing. Keeley knew you were a werewolf before you claimed him.” “You knew your mate was a vampire before you claimed him,” Reece reasoned. “How is it any different?” “It just is,” Devlin insisted. “How? If he knew you were a shifter and you knew he was a vampire, how is it any different?” “He lied to me, Reece!” Devlin exclaimed. “He could have told me that we were mates. He could have given me the choice as to whether I wanted to claim him or not. He didn’t. Instead, he got me so aroused that I shifted and claimed him.” “And?” Devlin growled. Reece just wasn’t getting it. Zacarius betrayed him. What part of this didn’t Reece understand? It made perfect sense to Devlin. “I’m not seeing the problem here, Dev,” Reece said. “He’s your mate. He knew it before you did. So what? Would you have not claimed him if you knew you were mates before he did?”

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“That’s not the point, Reece,” Devlin snapped, slamming his beer down on the table. “It doesn’t matter if we were mates or not or that we knew what species we each were. What he did was wrong.” Devlin shoved his hand through his hair as he tried to figure out how to express his issue to Reece. “If he can lie to me about something as important as our mating, what else will he lie to me about?” “Having a vampire prince isn’t your problem then?” “No,” Devlin said. “While it’s a little unusual, it’s not something I couldn’t get used to.” “So, it’s the lying?” Devlin nodded. “He kept something from me, Reece, and it wasn’t something small either. I know he’s a prince and all, he’s used to getting his own way but you’d think something that important, at least between mates, he wouldn’t lie about.” “Okay, I guess I can see where you’re coming from. As a prince, he might not see anything wrong with withholding information about something like mating or anything else. He certainly didn’t start things off well, but does that mean there’s no chance for you two?” Devlin shrugged. “Honestly, I don’t know.” “Did you try to talk to him, explain your concerns?” Devlin felt his face flush. Not only did he not try to explain things to Zacarius, but he meant his last words to hurt as much as possible. He wanted Zacarius to feel Devlin’s pain. He’d made sure he did. “No.” “I know that look, Dev,” Reece said. “What did you do?” “I left.” “Just like that? Did you leave a number or tell him how to get in touch with you?” Devlin shook his head. “Did you discuss anything with him?” Devlin chuckled. “We didn’t do a whole lot of talking, dude.” “Christ! You really know how to fuck things up, don’t you?” Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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“Hey!” Devlin snapped, outraged. Reece was his friend. He should be on Devlin’s side. “Even if the man wanted to come talk to you, to apologize, how can he if he doesn’t know where you live?” “He knows I live in Wolf Creek, that Daniel is my alpha,” Devlin replied. “He could find me if he really wanted to. Well, it’s been two weeks, guess he’s not looking.” “Did you give him any reason to?” Reece questioned. “Or did you just storm out after throwing a temper tantrum?” “I never—” “Devlin?” Keeley said as he walked into the room, interrupting Devlin’s denial. “There’s a strange little guy at the door looking for you. Someone named Alfred?” Devlin jumped up and out of his chair before Keeley finished speaking. He nearly ran to the front door. Sure enough, Alfred stood on the doorstep. He looked ruffled, mussed, unlike his usual calm and collected self. “Alfred?” “Oh, Mr. Morgan, I am so glad I found you,” Alfred said, uttering words Devlin never thought to hear come out of the man’s mouth. A look of great relief filtered across Alfred’s face. “What’s wrong, Alfred?” Devlin asked, his heart starting to pound in his chest. He remembered that someone poisoned his mate the last time he saw him. Fear filled him. “Has something happened to Zacarius?” Alfred actually grimaced, his hands twisting together nervously. “He’d kill me for sure if he knew I came here, sir, but I didn’t have a choice. I couldn’t think of anything else to do.” Devlin grabbed Alfred by the arms and gave him a little shake. “Alfred, what the hell is going on? Where’s Zacarius?” “He’s in the car,” Alfred said as he glanced over his shoulder to the dark-colored SUV sitting on the street behind him. He looked back at Devlin, his face stricken. “I think he’s dying, sir.” Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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Devlin almost tossed Alfred aside in his haste to get to Zacarius. He ran across yard and ripped the door open only to cry out at the sight before him. Zacarius sat in the back of the car, if Devlin could call the sickly creature in the car his mate. Zacarius’s eyes sank in his head so much that his eyes seemed huge on his face. His face was angled by bones and white skin. He seemed to have lost a good twenty or thirty pounds. His skin practically hung on his body. He looked so fragile, Devlin was almost afraid to pick him up. Instead, he crawled in beside him, cradling Zacarius’s limp form to his. He smoothed dry, bland hair back from his face, saddened at the loss of Zacarius’s luxurious locks. “Zac, honey,” Devlin whispered. He didn’t receive a response, not even a flicker of an eyelid. “Come on, baby, open your eyes for me.” There was still no response. Deciding that he needed to get Zacarius into the house, Devlin picked his mate up in his arms, wincing when he hardly weighed a thing. He scooted to the door where Alfred, Reece, and Keeley hovered and slid out. Devlin hurried into the house, heading straight for his room. He shared the house with Reece and Keeley like he did before they moved to Wolf Creek. His room was located on one side of the house, Reece and Keeley’s on the other. “Keeley, can you pull the covers back?” Devlin asked the moment he stepped into the room. Keeley rushed forward and pulled the blankets back. Devlin stepped forward and laid Zacarius down on the bed. He sat down beside him, his hands exploring, searching out every last inch of Zacarius’s body for injuries. Except for extreme weight loss and white pasty skin, there didn’t seem to be anything wrong with Zacarius. He just wouldn’t wake up. “What happened, Alfred?” Devlin asked, his hands still skimming Zacarius’s body. “Did someone poison him again?” Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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“Again?” Alfred squeaked. “Someone poisoned him before? When?” Devlin looked over at Alfred, flushing. “Yeah, remember those couple of days we stayed in Zacarius’s room? You came in complaining of rumors? Someone poisoned Zacarius’s wine.” “He never told me.” Devlin shook his head. “He didn’t want anyone to know. He said it made him vulnerable.” “He’s right,” Alfred agreed. “At the first sign of weakness, his enemies would attack.” “What enemies?” Devlin growled. “Did someone poison him again?” “I don’t know,” Alfred said. “He’s been disheartened since you left, but about a week ago I noticed he started looking extremely pale. I offered to bring him a blood donor, but he’d have none of it. He got very angry with me when I insisted.” Devlin froze as previous conversations with Zacarius filtered into his brain. He suddenly realized that Zacarius could very well be in his current condition because of him. Zacarius said that once a vampire mated, he couldn’t draw blood from anyone except his mate. Devlin was that mate, and he left. “Everyone, get out,” Devlin grumbled. “I need a few minutes alone with Zacarius.” “Are you sure, Dev?” Keeley asked. “Yeah, Keeley,” Devlin replied. “I’d appreciate it if you would make him some warm soup and tea, though. And Reece? You might want to inform Daniel that two vampires will be staying here for now. He’s sure to want to know.” “And then some.” Devlin grimaced. He was bringing a lot down on Daniel’s head. He hoped the alpha would understand Devlin’s mate was involved, and he didn’t have a choice.

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“Alfred,” Devlin said, using his authoritarian voice, “go with Keeley and prepare some food for your prince. I’m sure he will be hungry when he wakes up.” Alfred nodded and hurried after Keeley. Devlin knew the manservant needed something to do. He seemed beside himself with worry. Devlin was too. He only had an inkling of what might be wrong with Zacarius. He could be wrong, but he didn’t think so. The moment the bedroom door shut, Devlin turned back to Zacarius. He was still out cold. Devlin carefully pulled Zacarius’s clothes off, folding them and setting them on a nearby chair. He walked back to the bed, pulling the covers over his mate. Devlin stroked Zacarius’s face. “Oh, Zac, what are we doing to each other?” Zacarius moved. Devlin’s breath froze in his throat. “Zac? Honey?” Zacarius’s turned in his direction. His eyes fluttered then finally opened. They seemed dazed, unfocused. As they began to clear, a smile worked its way across Zacarius’s face. “Dev, my Dev,” Zacarius whispered, reaching a trembling hand out to Devlin. Devlin froze, unsure if he should take it or not. When he made no move to take it, the hand fell limply back to the bed. A single blood red tear fell down Zacarius’s cheek as he turned his head away. Devlin, suddenly feeling like a fool for his resistance to his mate, moved closer to Zacarius. “Zac, honey,” he said softly, “look at me.” Zacarius didn’t give any sign that he heard Devlin. “Zacarius, this is ridiculous. You obviously need to feed. I’m right here.” Zacarius shook his head. He still wouldn’t look at him. Devlin stuck his arm out and held it under Zacarius’s nose. The only sign Zacarius gave was pressing his lips together and turning his nose up. “Damn it, Zacarius,” Devin snapped. “Stop playing the martyr.”

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When Zacarius wouldn’t take blood from him, Devlin grabbed a knife and sliced a cut in his wrist. He held his wrist over Zacarius’s mouth, watching as his blood dropped onto the man’s lips. Zacarius didn’t react at first, the blood dripping down his chin. Then suddenly he turned and bit into Devlin’s wrist. Devlin cried out at the ferocity of the bite. A feral look came into Zacarius’s eyes as he began sucking the life essence from him. When Devlin began to feel lightheaded, he tried to pull his arm free, but Zacarius wouldn’t let him go. He growled, holding on tighter, sucking harder. Devlin could feel himself start to weaken. He yanked again. “Zac—Zacarius,” Devlin cried in desperation, “honey, you have to let go.” Devlin finally pressed his hand against Zacarius’s head and pushed to get the prince to release him. He jumped up and wrapped his other hand around his still bleeding wrist, cursing silently at himself. He walked to the bathroom to clean and treat his wound. He stuck his hand under a stream of cold water then wiped away the last trickle of blood. As he wrapped gauze around his wrist, he realized he liked the idea of providing for his mate on such a basic level. It made him feel needed in a way that he never did before. Devlin rested his hands on the sides of the pedestal sink as he gazed at himself in the mirror. Could he be honest enough with himself to know that Zacarius’s lying paled in comparison to not having his mate? Could he take that chance? He wasn’t sure, but he needed to try. He couldn’t just leave things the way they were. Someone was still after Zacarius and Devlin couldn’t let anything happen to his mate, even by his own hand. When he walked back into the bedroom, Zacarius leaned back against the pillows. His color remained pale but not deathly white. The hard angles on his face softened just a bit and he had just a little more of a healthy glow to him.

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Devlin sat down on the side of the bed and waited. He was determined to discover why Zacarius had been in such bad condition, why he hadn’t come before now. Devlin might be angry with him, but they were still mates. **** “You should have let me die,” Zacarius murmured without looking in Devlin’s direction. He could feel his mate staring. “Don’t be ridiculous,” Devlin replied. “I’m not going to let you die.” “Why not?” Zacarius snorted. “It would have been kinder.” “Zac—” Zacarius turned to glare at Devlin, his narrowing. “Do you think I want to come to you every few days and beg for the rest of my life? I’d rather be dead.” “You really can’t drink from anyone else now that we’re mated?” Devlin sounded surprised. He probably thought Zacarius lied about that, too. “No!” Zacarius shouted, angered. Devlin wasn’t the only one that felt betrayed. They were supposed to be mates, to take care of each other above everything else. Devlin didn’t seem to care. “Puts you in quite the pickle, doesn’t it?” “Fuck you, Devlin.” Zacarius couldn’t believe that Devlin took his life so lightly, but he guessed that showed him how his mate felt about him. Devlin didn’t care. Zacarius knew he would never have the mate he wanted, the mate he dreamed of for five hundred years. “I’m just saying, Zac, you can either swallow your pride or shrivel up and die.” “I’ll shrivel up and die, thank you very much.” He would never beg for something from his mate that wasn’t freely given. He would rather die. “Do you hate me that much?” Devlin whispered. Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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“No, I don’t hate you,” Zacarius replied softly, suddenly feeling very sad and resigned to the loss of his mate, “quite the opposite in fact. That still doesn’t change the fact that you didn’t choose me to be your mate.” “Of course not. Fate chooses our mates.” Zacarius waved his hand at Devlin. “You know what I mean, Devlin. You didn’t choose me to be your mate. You don’t want me to be your mate.” Zacarius snorted. “You made that more than clear.” “It’s not that I don’t want you to be my mate. It’s just that—you lied to me, Zacarius.” Zacarius stared up at the ceiling. He thought over this again and again in his head. He lied to Devlin any way he looked at it. There wasn’t even any wiggle room to try and pretend he hadn’t. “I know,” he whispered. There wasn’t anything left to say. He lied to his mate and now his mate would never forgive him. He could spend the rest of his life hoping Devlin might forgive him one day, begging for his attention and his life giving blood. Or he could choose not to. The choice seemed rather simple to Zacarius. He knew he couldn’t live without Devlin and not just because he needed his mate’s blood. He needed his mate’s love and affection too, and those seemed forever lost to him. “I’m really tired,” Zacarius whispered, the fight going out of him. “I’d like to sleep now.” “Do you need anything?” Devlin asked. Zacarius wanted to pretend he heard concern in Devlin’s voice, but he knew he’d be lying to himself. And lying got him into this position in the first place. It was better to accept that Devlin was just being kind, as he would be with anyone. “No, I’ll be fine.” Zacarius waited until Devlin left the room and shut the door behind him before reaching for his clothes. As weak as he still felt, it took him more than a few minutes to get dressed. He piled some Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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pillows under the blankets then made his way to the double doors leading outside. He cast one last look over the room he shared with Devlin for such a small amount of time then turned and walked out. He didn’t know where he headed, just as long as it was away from here and the one person he wanted above all else and could never have.

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Chapter 6 “How is he, sir?” Devlin smiled. “He’ll be fine, Alfred. He just needs a little more blood.” “You got him to drink?” Alfred asked, quickly scanning Devlin’s body until his eyes landed on his wrist. He grimaced at the white gauze covering Devlin’s wrist. “It’s okay, Alfred,” Devlin said. “I got him to drink enough that his color is better and he doesn’t look quite so gaunt. He’s going to be fine.” “Do you know what happened to him, sir?” Alfred asked. “Did someone poison him again?” Devlin shook his head. “No, I don’t believe so, Alfred.” “Then why was he so sick?” Devlin frowned, glancing down at his hands. Anyway he stated it, even in his own head he looked like a jackass. Zacarius explained about mating and blood drinking to him. He knew before he left that Zacarius would be in danger. He’d left anyway. Zacarius’s current condition was his fault. No wonder the man wanted nothing to do with him. He wouldn’t if he were in the same position. Lying seemed small in comparison. “Sir?” “He just needed some blood, Alfred.” “But I tried to get him a donor, sir,” Alfred said. “He got so angry with me. Tossed me right out of his suite and refused to open the door for anyone.”

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“Yeah, about that,” Devlin hedged. He dipped his head for a moment then looked up at Alfred, feeling incredibly uncomfortable. “I’m the only one that can give him blood now.” “But that means…” Alfred blanched. His eyes widened. Then he seemed to regain control of his shocked emotions. He bent his head, bowing slightly. “Your highness.” “Oh hell, Alfred,” Devlin said, “I’m still a shifter.” “That may be so. However, as the mate to Prince Zacarius, you are now his consort, and as such you must be addressed properly.” Devlin rolled his eyes. This just got better and better. He needed a title like he needed a hole in the head. He wouldn’t know the first thing about being royalty. He felt far more comfortable at a backyard BBQ. “Of course we’ll need to plan a commitment ceremony and introduce you to the coven,” Alfred continued. Devlin could see the wheels turning in Alfred’s head. Smoke practically came out of his ears. “Maybe a cocktail party.” “Alfred, stop,” Devlin said quickly. “No parties. Zacarius isn’t in any condition to party with anyone.” “But your highness, we have to have the commitment ceremony.” Alfred looked like he would fall over. “It’s just how things are done.” Devlin sighed. “All right, tell you what. You can plan a commitment ceremony, but that’s it. Understand?” Alfred nodded quickly. “Zacarius needs rest right now,” Devlin continued. “You plan it, and I’ll let you know when Zacarius can attend. Will that work for you?” “Oh yes, your highness,” Alfred beamed. “You’re very understanding, sir.” Keeley broke into peals of laughter, leaning on the counter as if he needed to or he would fall to the floor. “He’s very understanding? Wait until you’ve lived with him for awhile. That opinion will change.” Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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It wasn’t until Keeley said the words that Devlin realized as the mate of a vampire prince, he would be leaving his wolf pack to go live in a coven of bloodsuckers. Devlin shuddered. That would be interesting. “Dev?” Keeley said, resting his hands on Devlin’s arm, looking down at him in concern. “I didn’t mean anything by that.” Devlin smiled, patting Keeley’s hand. “I know, squirt. It wasn’t that. I just realized that I’ll have to leave Wolf Creek. I guess when I discovered Zacarius was my mate I never even considered that.” “Oh.” Keeley looked thoughtful for a moment. “There’s no way you can continue to live here? Maybe Zacarius would agree to live here with us?” “No, honey, he’s the prince of his coven,” Devlin said. “It’s only right that he be there with them. And I…I need to…” “And you’re his mate,” Keeley finished for him. “You need to be there with him.” Devlin nodded. “Yeah, that sounds just about right.” “So, what are you going to do?” Devlin shrugged. “Pack?” “Don’t you think you should get your mate back on his feet before you start making plans to move in with him?” Keeley asked, one pale blond eyebrow arched in query. Devlin laughed sharply. “That would probably be a good idea.” “How bad is he?” Devlin shook his head. “I have no idea. Until Zacarius, I’ve never been around a vampire before. I have no idea what they need or how much blood he has to consume to be normal, whatever normal is. He’s usually so pale, it’s hard to tell.” “If I may, sir?” Alfred asked. Devlin glanced over at him, nodding. “If the prince is consuming werewolf blood, just a few infusions should have him back to normal. Depending, of course, how much he consumes in one bite, your highness.” Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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“Of course.” “If you’ve already fed him once, sir, he should be well on his way back to normal,” Alfred said. “Werewolf blood is much more potent than human blood.” Keeley gasped. “So I’ve heard.” Devlin grimaced. Alfred looked back and forth between Devlin and Keeley. “Did I say something wrong, sir?” “No, not exactly, Alfred,” Devlin replied. “Zacarius’s sister made a pact with members of our old pack to sell werewolves for blood. She attacked Reece, our alpha, before we moved here, and Keeley. She tried to kill them to get them out of the way because they objected to her plan. That’s how she died.” “Bad rubbish if you ask me,” Alfred replied. “Princess Adrianna was nothing more than a headache to Prince Zacarius. She was always getting into one mess or another. I’m just surprised that someone didn’t kill her before now.” “Oh?” “I don’t like to speak ill of the dead, mind you, but that woman was bad news,” Alfred said. “She always felt that her status made her better than everyone else, that the laws which govern our people didn’t apply to her.” Alfred shook his head, his lips pursed. “She never understood that the royals are there to guide people, to care for us. Prince Zacarius understands this. He knows it’s his duty to teach us the difference from right and wrong.” “Do you think that could be why he was poisoned?” Devlin asked. “Could someone have wanted him out of the way so that they could lead the coven as they saw fit?” “If Princess Adrianna was still alive, I would say she would be the perfect candidate for that. She never liked the idea that Prince Zacarius ruled the coven and not her.” “Because she’s a girl?” Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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“No, because she was born second,” Alfred said. “First born always governs. It doesn’t matter if the firstborn is male or female. It just matters who came first.” “So, if the princess killed her brother off?” Devlin asked. “Would she been next to rule?” Alfred nodded. “The coven must be governed by a royal. If Prince Zacarius died, Adrianna would have inherited the coven.” “If Adrianna is dead and then Zacarius is killed, who stands to inherit then?” Alfred frowned. “I’m not sure. They are the only children born of their father and linage is always passed down from the royal who reigned before them. He governed for more than two hundred years before he passed.” “What about their mother?” “Wait!” Keeley shouted. “You’re telling me that you people die of old age? I thought you were like, immortal or something.” “Only in Hollywood movies,” Alfred replied, smiling slightly before clearing the grin off his face. “No, we do tend to live longer, but we can die just like everyone else. Royals do tend to live longer than normal members of our coven though. Prince Zacarius’s father lived to be seven hundred and forty three.” “How did he die?” Keeley asked. “He was attacked and killed by the prince of another coven.” Alfred shrugged. “It happens.” “A lot?” Devlin asked. “Could that be why someone poisoned Zacarius?” “Our coven is a much sought after coven. Zacarius has a lot of territory and even more influence,” Alfred replied, paling just a bit. “I suppose anything is possible.” “Christ on a crutch!” Devlin swore. He looked at Alfred, certain that someone wanted to take Zacarius out of the picture. Bringing the prince to Wolf Creek just might have saved Zacarius’s life.

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“They poisoned his wine, Alfred,” Devlin said. “I smelled it with my own nose. Who could have done it? Is there anyone in the coven that has a grudge against Zacarius or thinks that they have a right to his reign?” Alfred’s forehead scrunched together as he thought. Finally, after a few moments, he shook his head. “No. Everyone loves him. Our coven has prospered under Prince Zacarius’s reign more than it has in centuries. I can’t think of anyone that would want to hurt him.” “What about me? I was supposed to drink that wine right along with Zacarius. Besides the whole werewolf thing, could there be any other reason to try to kill me?” “If someone knew you two mated, yes.” Devlin shook his head. “We didn’t mate until after that.” “Did you tell anyone before you mated?” Keeley tossed in. Okay, that was where their problem came in. Devlin didn’t have a clue. Zacarius could have told everyone and Devlin wouldn’t know. The man had already been poisoned and recovered by the time they mated. “I didn’t tell anyone, but Zacarius might have,” he finally replied. Alfred shook his head. “No, I would have been the first one he told, and he never did.” That made Devlin feel even worse. Apparently Zacarius hadn’t told anyone that they mated. Either because he didn’t care or he didn’t want anyone to know. Devlin wasn’t sure what to make of that. “Do you think your mate is up to answering some questions?” Keeley asked. “He might be able to give us a better picture of who is after him.” Devlin nodded. “That would probably be a good idea. I’ll go check on him and see if he’s up to it.” He headed back to his bedroom, rubbing his sweaty palms on his jeans. He didn’t know what to say to Zacarius. It was obvious even to Devlin that they matched physically. It was out of bed that they seemed to have an issue. Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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If they could get past that, Devlin knew that they would make a formidable duo. Getting past it was what seemed to be the problem. Devlin still didn’t trust him not to lie, but that paled in comparison to his culpability in Zacarius’s condition. Zacarius couldn’t live without him. Devlin’s transgression threatened Zacarius’s life. Zacarius’s lying was just frustrating. Which seemed worse? Devlin knew that his was. Zacarius had every right not to want to have anything to do with him. Devlin hoped his mate would be more forgiving than him. Opening the bedroom door, he walked to the side of the bed. He hated to disturb Zacarius. He needed his rest, but Devlin needed answers that only Zacarius could give. He reached down to grab Zacarius’s shoulder and shake him, but his hand just sank into the blankets. Devlin frowned. He grabbed the edge of the blanket and pulled it back then the rest if the to find the bed empty. His mind a haze of confusion, Devlin glanced around the room. Everything was where it should be. Nothing seemed out of place…except the open double doors. Devlin jumped to his feet and raced to the doors. Opening them up, hoping to see Zacarius’s handsome face, Devlin was shocked to see nothing except the woods out behind his house. There seemed to be no signs of a struggle, no break in, no sign of anything. Not even Zacarius. Devlin closed the doors and raced back to the kitchen where Alfred and Keeley stood. “Zacarius is gone.” “Gone?” Keeley asked. “He’s gone, missing, whatever. He’s not here,” Devlin said snapped. “I went back in the bedroom and his blankets were all piled on the bed, but he wasn’t there. The patio doors were open, but there’s no sign of him.” “Could someone have taken him, sir?”

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“I don’t know,” Devlin replied. He paced around the kitchen, pushing his hand through his hair. “I mean, I suppose someone could have come in and taken him, but we would have scented them, right?” He stopped and glanced over at Keeley and Alfred. “Right?” Keeley quickly nodded. Alfred just shrugged his shoulders. “I wouldn’t know, sir. I’m not a shifter.” “That means Zacarius left here on his own,” Devlin whispered. The conversation from earlier played over in his mind. Zacarius said he would rather be dead than be mated. Devlin thought he was just angry. He never imagined his mate might be serious. “We need to call Reece.” Devlin glanced at Keeley and nodded, thankful someone was using their head. He couldn’t seem to stop thinking about what Zacarius’s words. Did his mate really hate him so much he would rather be dead than be with him? Wait! He said that he didn’t hate Devlin, just the opposite in fact. The opposite of hate was love, wasn’t it? But if Zacarius loved him why would he leave? Devlin rubbed his hand over his face as heartache filled him. He knew the answer. Zacarius left because he felt didn’t have any other choice. Devlin did everything possible, even outright saying the words, to tell Zacarius they could never have a relationship. The man didn’t have a reason to stay and he had enough pride to not beg. Devlin felt like the world’s biggest idiot. The more and more he thought about it, the more he knew this whole situation lay entirely on his shoulders. He needed to find Zacarius before he got into more trouble than he was already in. “I’m going to go look for Zacarius,” Devlin said. “Call Reece then Daniel and let them both know what’s going on. I have my cell phone on me. If you find my mate, call me.” “But what’s going on, Dev?” Keeley cried out as Devlin head for his bedroom. “What do I tell them?” Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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Devlin paused. He glanced over his shoulder at Keeley. “Tell them that my vampire mate is lost out in a valley full of werewolves without protection.” **** Zacarius felt cold, bone deep cold. He couldn’t remember ever being this cold, and he’d spent a decade in Siberia. This felt colder. He wrapped his arms around himself, running his hands up and down his forearms to warm then. It didn’t help. Nothing seemed to help. His vision started going blurry some time ago and now he saw large dots move about. If he remembered anything he’d been warned about as a child, lack of blood would soon lead to total blindness and then he’d be truly screwed. There were also some other effects from lack of blood, like the loss of his senses. Eventually it would get hard to move his arms and legs, and he would get very tired, wanting to lie down and sleep. If he slept, though, he’d never wake up. That, of course, was assuming he didn’t go feral and attack someone. Granted, he could only drink Devlin’s blood now, but his hunter instincts would still compel him to seek out a blood source anyway. And wouldn’t that just be peachy? Now that he was mated to Devlin, taking blood from anyone except his mate would drive him insane and he’d have to be put down for the safety of everyone around him. His life just kept getting more interesting with every second. He was in the middle of a valley full of werewolves and in danger of attacking one of them. He’d make a lot of friends that way. To top everything off, he was lost. He didn’t know where he was, or where he headed. He could be walking toward the edge of the Wolf Creek Pack’s territory or right into the middle of it. Every way he looked at it he was fucked. Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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“Hey,” said a voice from behind him, making Zacarius jump, “are you okay? Do you need some help?” Zacarius swung around to see a young, sandy blond-haired man standing behind him. He backed away slowly, not sure of what danger he might be. He sniffed at the air, but his sense of smell diminished with the rest of his senses. “My name’s Ethan,” the young said, “Ethan Brown. Can I help you?” Zacarius shook his head. “You don’t look very good. Do you want to sit down? Do you need some water or something?” With each word, Ethan slowly moved closer until he stood almost right in front of Zacarius. “I’m a vampire.” Zacarius expected the young man to be frightened or to at least step back from him. He didn’t. He smiled and held out his hand. “That’s cool,” Ethan said. “I’m a werewolf.” Zacarius frowned. Ethan wasn’t reacting the way he thought a werewolf would act. He wasn’t cowering in fear. He wasn’t shifting, growling and snarling. He wasn’t even running and screaming that a vampire was in the valley. “Are you sure you wouldn’t like to sit down and have some water?” Ethan asked. “You look like you’re about to fall down on your feet.” “No, no, I need to go,” Zacarius said as he backed away from the Ethan again. “I need to get home.” He turned and started walking. He needed to get away from this guy before he did something really stupid. He knew he was going down. He didn’t want to take anyone with him. Ethan wasn’t having it though. Zacarius groaned as the guy fell in to step beside him, his hands shoved in his pockets. “So, where’s home?” Ethan asked. “A long ways from here.”

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“Yeah, I kind of figured that one,” Ethan said. “What with you being a vampire and all.” Zacarius couldn’t help but chuckle. The guy seemed to be unflappable. “I’m not from around here either,” Ethan said. “Just moved here in fact.” Zacarius didn’t say anything. If he kept quiet, maybe the guy would get the hint and go away. When ignoring Ethan didn’t work, Zacarius stopped and turned to stare at him. “Are you going to stop following me?” Ethan frowned. “Did you want me to?” Okay, add world’s biggest heel to his list of offenses. “No, I guess not. I’m just not sure hanging out with me will endear you to the neighbors.” Ethan snorted. “Like I care about impressing the neighbors. Like I said, I just moved here. I don’t know anyone except my old alpha, Reece, his mate, Keeley, and Devlin.” Zacarius’s breath caught in his throat. “You know Devlin?” “Sure, he was the beta of my old pack,” Ethan said. “We needed to move here when a bunch of people in our pack got killed.” He shrugged. “It’s okay, but I miss home.” Ethan was one of Devlin’s old pack mates. He had to be. Which made Zacarius’s sister responsible for Ethan having to move. “You do remember that I’m a vampire, right?” Ethan nodded. “And you’re not afraid of me?” “Are you going to hurt me?” Ethan asked. “Not on purpose, but you need to know that the woman that killed most of your pack was my sister.” Zacarius peered closely at Ethan. “Doesn’t that bother you?” “Well,” Ethan said, “I figure if you didn’t kill me on sight then you’re not going to. As for your sister killing the members of my

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pack, that was her, not you. No one should be held responsible for the actions of others.” Zacarius gaped. “Are you always this understanding?” Ethan shrugged. “Sure, why wouldn’t I be?” “Because no one thinks like you do.” “Maybe they should,” Ethan responded. “No one should be held accountable for the actions of others. We can’t control what others do. We can only be responsible for our own actions.” Zacarius felt like he was talking to someone far older than himself. Ethan’s words were those of a very wise man and they made Zacarius feel three years old. It also made him feel lower than dirt because his actions thus far were far from honorable. Not only did he set out to seduce Devlin from the very beginning, he made sure the man didn’t have a choice. Once he found out they were mates, he still hadn’t given Devlin a choice. What did that say about him and his actions? True, he hadn’t forced Devlin, but Zacarius made damn sure he agreed. He hadn’t taken into account any objections Devlin might have. He simply hadn’t cared. He saw, he wanted, he took. He was a jackass! Suddenly, arms wrapped around him and Ethan helped him over to a small wooden bench. “You’re not looking so good there, my friend.” “I’m not feeling so good.” Ethan dropped his hands and sat back in the bench a little. “Want to talk about it,” he asked. “I’m a great listener.” Zacarius shrugged. He wasn’t sure what to say exactly. He had the world’s most precious gift in his grasp and tossed it away because he acted like a pompous ass. “You know Devlin?” “Sure.”

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“He’s my mate.” Zacarius liked the possessive way those words felt on his lips. It gave him a connection to his mate, even if he would never be able to full realize that connection. “That’s pretty cool,” Ethan said. “I’m still looking for my mate.” “You’ll find him.” “You think?” Ethan sounded hopeful. “How could you not?” Zacarius chuckled. “Whoever your mate is, he has to be looking for you, too.” “I’d like to think so,” Ethan replied then he giggled. “I hope he’s hot!” “Just don’t lie to him, Ethan,” Zacarius said. “It’s a lot more trouble than it’s worth.” “Is that what happened?” Ethan asked. “Why you’re not with Devlin?” Zacarius nodded, but it took effort. He could feel himself getting tired. “Yeah, it was stupid. I didn’t really mean to do it, but it happened anyway and now Devlin doesn’t want anything to do with me. Can’t say I blame him. Who wants a mate that lies?” “Have you tried talking to him? Sometimes communication can go a long way toward righting wrongs.” Zacarius felt his face redden with just a bit of color. “Devlin and I don’t tend to do a lot of talking when we’re around each other.” “Maybe you should try,” Ethan encouraged. Zacarius shook his head before leaning it back against the bench seat. “Doesn’t matter anymore,” he whispered, more fight going out of him until just the tiniest bit remained, the tiny bit that belonged to Devlin. “Hey, dude,” Ethan said. Zacarius felt someone slap the side of his face, but he felt too tired to care who or why it was done. “Dude, come on, wake up.” “Just going to sleep for awhile, Ethan,” Zacarius whispered. “Tell…tell Dev I’m sorry.”

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“You can tell him yourself, dude,” Ethan said. “Come on, you can have some of my blood. Vampires like werewolf blood, don’t they?” Ethan chuckled. “Of course they do, your sister proved that. Come on, open your mouth.” Zacarius felt Ethan press his wrist against his mouth. He pushed it away. “Can’t, mated, can only take from Dev now.” “Well shit!” Zacarius found that funny. He started to laugh. The whole situation amused him. He survived longer than most vampires only to be brought down by his own stupidity and the one person meant to be his. It just seemed too funny. “Oh no, dude, no losing your mind here,” Ethan said, laughing just a bit. “One of us going nuts is enough.” Zacarius rolled his head. Ethan was just too cute. He really hoped he found his mate, and a good one at that. Ethan deserved it. “Ah, dude,” Ethan whispered. Zacarius cracked open his eyes at the worried tone in Ethan’s voice. “There’s some guys headed this way, and I don’t recognize them. They don’t look very friendly to me.” Zacarius turned his head to see a rather gruesome looking bunch headed their direction. For the first time in a very long time, fear filled him. They were vampires, just like him. He could sense it. And they weren’t here to ask directions. “Go, Ethan, get away while you can.” “I’m not going to leave you here,” Ethan protested. “Besides, they might just be lost or something. You need to stop being so suspicious, dude.” Zacarius grabbed Ethan’s shirt and gave him a little shake. “They’re vampires, Ethan, and they are not lost. They’re here for me. Now, go.” Zacarius gathered the last of his waning energy together. He could feel adrenaline giving him an extra push. He needed to distract the

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vampires long enough for Ethan to get away. After that, they could have him. He stood to his feet and straightened his jacket lapels, smoothed down his hair, before turning to face the vampires. He purposely placed himself between the vampires no doubt here to kill him and Ethan. He would not be responsible for the sweet young man being injured. “Find a little furry pet, Zacarius?” the first vampire snarled. Zacarius took him to be the leader of the group of five men. “I do not recall giving you leave to address me as such,” Zacarius replied in his haughtiest voice. “I am Prince Zacarius to you.” “Not by the time we’re done with you,” the man replied. The group laughed. “You’re a prince,” Ethan asked, clearly astonished. “Dude!” “Ethan, go, now!” “Oh no, let the little fur ball stay.” Zacarius glared at the vampire. “You will not touch him. Ethan is under my protection.” The man held up his hands and shook them. “Oh, I’m so scared. Is the big bad vampire prince going to bite me?” “He may not,” growled a deep voice from behind Zacarius. It set the hairs at the nape of his neck on end and made his heart jump up with joy. “But I might.”

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Chapter 7 A look of shock covered Zacarius’s face. It was tinged with just a bit of relief and something Devlin wanted to attribute to joy. It made the fear Devlin felt since finding his mate facing off against a band of thugs fade away. That didn’t mean he didn’t want to put Zacarius over his knee and spank the crap out of him. He had every intention of doing just that the moment he got his mate’s ass out of trouble. “Ethan, go find Daniel,” Devlin said, without taking his eyes off the men that started to spread out in front of him. “Tell him we need him.” “I’m right here, Devlin.” Devlin turned to see Daniel and several other men standing behind him. He recognized some of them as men from the pack, others he did not. Devlin nodded and turned his attention back to his mate. “Zacarius,” he said, his voice brooking no refusal, “come here.” Zacarius instantly crossed the ground between them until he stood inches from him. Devlin grabbed his arm and pulled him closer. He stroked his hand down Zacarius’s face. He still looked too pale for Devlin’s liking. “I need a minute, Daniel,” he said without looking away from the amethyst colored eyes gazing up at him in apprehension. “Take all the time you need, Devlin,” Daniel replied. “I think I’ll just go have a little chat with our guests.” Devlin didn’t waste any time. He grabbed Zacarius’s arm and pulled him to the edge of the small clearing. He put himself between

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his mate and the crowd. What they needed to do was too intimate for others to see. “You need to drink, Zacarius.” Zacarius shook his head, dropping his eyes to stare at Devlin’s chest. Devlin lifted his chin, bringing his eyes back up. “For me, my prince?” Zacarius stared at him for several tense moments. Devlin felt sure he would refuse. “Please?” he whispered again. Zacarius wrapped an arm around Devlin’s neck and pulled him into a kiss. Devlin shuddered. It seemed like forever since he kissed his prince. He could taste the Zacarius, smell him, feel his mate’s body pressed against his. The world around them faded away until only Devlin and Zacarius remained. No vampires, no werewolves, no princes or people out to get them, just the two of them, two mates together where they should be. When sharp teeth sank into his neck, Devlin couldn’t keep from crying out. Each delicious pull of life blood from his body by Zacarius was paradise. Devlin could feel it through every nerve. It felt like every time Zacarius sucked on his neck and took another swallow that he sucked on Devlin’s cock. Devlin knew he would come any moment. He didn’t care if a bunch of wolves and vampires saw him, heard him. He was going to explode. Devlin growled. He wrapped his arms tight around his mate, his hands landing on the man’s ass and pulling him up against his body. He didn’t feel Zacarius move until his hand wrapped around his cock, which suddenly seemed to be outside of his pants. One good stroke of his cock, one strong swallow of Zacarius’s lips, and Devlin ignited. He buried his face in Zacarius’s hair to muzzle his deep groan as he filled his mate’s hand with his release. No matter how many times

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Zacarius took blood from him, it always seemed pleasurable beyond anything Devlin ever felt. He couldn’t understand why more people didn’t like donating blood to vampires. It was a mind blowing experience, one Devlin was lucky enough to be able to experience for the rest of his life. Assuming his mate agreed. Zacarius finally withdrew his teeth and leaned back just enough to bring his hand up, licking Devlin’s spunk from his fingers. Devlin groaned. His eyes half closed as desire licked its way back into his body. Devlin grabbed Zacarius’s head and pulled him in for another kiss. He could taste himself on Zacarius’s tongue. Mixed with the natural taste of his mate, it was a heady combination. Devlin knew this wasn’t the time or place to renew their relationship, but he could feel Zacarius’s hardness pressing against him. Devlin kissed his way to Zacarius’s neck, whispering against his skin. “I want to claim you as my mate again, Zac, to know that you belong to me and we’re both aware of what is going on. If you don’t want it, you need to stop me now.” His heart thundered in his chest when Zacarius tilted his head to the side, giving Devlin clear access to his vulnerable throat. “My beautiful prince,” Devlin whispered then bit into the side of Zacarius’s neck. Hot, sweet blood splashed across his tongue, filling his mouth. Devlin didn’t want to take too much. Zacarius needed as much as he could get. He just needed to take enough to reassert his claim on Zacarius. In the meantime, he could give back a little of the pleasure Zacarius gave him. He reached down and palmed the hard length behind Zacarius’s tight leather pants and squeezed. Zacarius whimpered, his hips pumping against Devlin’s hand. Knowing he took enough, Devlin licked the wound clean then started nibbling along the corded muscles of Zacarius’s neck. He Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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grinned when the prince shuddered in his arms. He could hear Zacarius’s rapid breathing, feel the man’s hands clench in his hair. “If you come for me, my prince,” Devlin murmured, “I promise to fuck you after I paddle your sweet ass for leaving.” Zacarius shuddered again. “And don’t think being a prince is going to save you,” Devlin continued. “I will paddle your ass for leaving. I’m going to make your ass glow. Maybe I’ll even put a plug in your tight little hole while I spank you.” Devlin could feel the way his words affected Zacarius. The prince’s breathing increased. His body convulsed. His hands dug deep gauges into Devlin’s shoulders. Who knew his prince had such a kinky nature to him? “Now, come for me, Zac, or I won’t fuck you when I’m done smacking your ass.” Zacarius leaned forward and bit right through the fabric of Devlin’s shirt as he cried out, emptying himself all over Devlin’s hand and his leather pants. Devlin stroked his mate several more times as Zacarius shook in his arms. When Zacarius finally lifted his head he looked dazed. Devlin grinned. He thought it was a good look on his mate. And Zacarius was his mate. There was no wiggle room or way to pretend otherwise. They both agreed to it. Granted, they would need to talk later and work out the finer points of their relationship, but they were now mated. Anyone, werewolf or vampire, who sniffed them would scent the telltale signs of their mating…and a few other things. Devlin looked right into Zacarius’s eyes and raised his hand, licking his mate’s release from his fingers. Zacarius’s eyes widened. The breath in his throat seemed to hitch just a bit as the pupils in his eyes dilated. “You really think you’re going to spank me?” Zacarius asked. Devlin smirked. “I know I’m going to spank you.” Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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“You and what army?” “Honey, I don’t need an army,” Devlin replied. He reached down and zipped himself back up before looking at Zacarius again. “Not only are you going to willingly bend over the bed and let me do it, you’re going to be begging me for more.” Zacarius’s head snapped back. His eyebrow arched. The look on his face that said he thought Devlin was nuts. Devlin just chuckled and wrapped and arm around Zacarius’s waist to lead him back to the middle of the clearing. “First, we need to deal with a little problem we are having with some unwanted guests, then we can go have some fun.” Zacarius glanced past Devlin to the five vampires facing off against several men. He shook his head. “Dev, I don’t know any of those men,” he said. “They’re not from my coven, and I’ve never seen them before.” Devlin looked over at the men. “That’s interesting.” “Interesting?” Zacarius exclaimed. “That’s all you have?” “You don’t find it interesting?” Devlin asked. “Devlin, there’s a group of vampires in Wolf Creek, most likely here to kill me, and you find it interesting?” Devlin chuckled. “Yep.” “You’re crazy.” “Probably.” Zacarius shook his head, looking extremely confused. Devlin gave his mate credit, the moment they stepped toward the group of people standing several feet away from them, his face cleared, and he seemed almost bored. Only Devlin could feel his fright, his apprehension, which made him wonder about their connection. He knew they essentially claimed each other in their own ways. And, as a werewolf, he would be able to scent his mate’s emotions. He just didn’t know why he felt them, too. Another thing he’d have to discuss with Zacarius when they were alone. Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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“Just what business do you have with my mate?” Devlin asked the moment they stepped up beside Daniel and the other shifters. He could hear the audible inhale of shock from those around him. Surprise! “Your mate?” one of the vampires exclaimed. “You’ve mated with a shifter, Zacarius?” “I do believe I mentioned you may only refer to me as Prince Zacarius.” The vampire snorted. “You’ll be wishing you spoke a little nicer to me in a few minutes.” “Do you still believe you can attack me and get away with it?” Zacarius asked. He moved his arms out wide, gesturing to those around them. “You’re in the middle of a valley of werewolves. Where do you think you’re going to go?” “Like they’re going to try and stop us,” the vampire sneered. “They’re shifters. They don’t care about the happening between vampires. I’m sure they’ll be glad to have us all out of their little valley.” Devlin held up his hand, one finger pointed up. “Normally that would be true, but like I said before, this time the vampire in question is my mate, and I will protect him with my life.” Devlin heard Zacarius’s small gasp from beside him. It was the first time he verbally claimed the prince as his mate. He knew it threw Zacarius. It threw him. It also gave him a sense of satisfaction to speak the words. Zacarius belonged to him. “He’s a vampire, a bloodsucker,” the man said. “I’d think you’d be happy to be rid of him.” Devlin crossed his arms over his chest and shrugged. “I’ve kind of grown attached to the little biter.” The vampire stared at Devlin for several long moments, the silence between them thick and dangerous. Devlin muscles tensed as he readied himself to defend his mate, and he would, to his dying breath. That was how things were between mates. Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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“Are you sure this is the path you wish to take, shifter?” “It’s the only path I can take,” Devlin replied without hesitation. “Your alpha may feel differently about that when he knows it will bring the wrath of my coven down on him and his pack.” Devlin worried about that. He never discussed with Daniel the fact that he mated with a vampire. He didn’t know what Daniel’s reaction would be but as the alpha began to speak, he realized his fears were groundless. “Prince Zacarius has mated with one of my pack,” Daniel said. “That makes the prince our kin. We protect kin.” Zacarius nudged him, and Devlin glanced down. “Is he serious?” Zacarius whispered. “I’m pretty sure he is.” “Why?” Devlin chuckled. Zacarius sounded baffled. “Werewolves do that, Zac.” “Look,” the vampire said, bringing back Devlin’s attention, “we just want the vamp. We’ll leave your valley nice and peaceful like. Just hand him over.” “I’m afraid I can’t do that,” Daniel replied. Devlin growled and grabbed Zacarius’s arm, pushing Zacarius slightly behind him. He wasn’t about to let anyone take his mate. “You don’t want to start a war with us, fur face,” the vampire shouted, shaking a finger at Daniel. “You won’t like the outcome.” “Are you threatening me?” Daniel asked, his voice still calm despite the claws extending from his fingers. He tapped them absently against his arms. “I don’t take very well to threats, especially in my valley.” “Give us the vamp and there won’t be any threats,” the man replied. “We’ll leave nice and peaceful like, never bother you again.” Devlin smothered his laugh behind his hand as Daniel seemed to consider the idea. His alpha rubbed his chin thoughtfully then shook his head. Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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“No, that just doesn’t work for me,” Daniel said. “I have a better idea. Why don’t you just turn around and leave my valley before I let my boys loose on you.” He pointed to the men standing around behind him. Devlin wasn’t surprised when the vampire’s hands clenched with anger. Daniel seemed so calm about the whole situation. They could have been discussing the weather or something as mundane. It had to drive the vampire crazy. “This isn’t going to go well for you, shifter,” the vamp warned. “I’m prepared for that,” Daniel replied. “You’ve been warned.” “Duly noted.” Devlin bit his lip. Daniel pissed the vampire off like no one’s business. Devlin could practically see the burn of rage coming out of the vampire’s ears. He wanted nothing more than to rip Daniel’s head off but he was outnumbered. The vampire cast one more scathing glare at Zacarius before turning to leave, gesturing to the other vampires. Devlin pulled his mate closer. He saw the retribution in the man’s eyes. He knew if they got Zacarius alone, his mate would be dead. Devlin needed to figure out two things. One, how to keep his mate alive and two, he needed to find out why someone wanted him dead. Devlin wasn’t foolish enough to believe those vampires came here just because. Someone sent them. He needed to find out who. “Follow them and make sure they leave the valley,” Daniel said, gesturing to Ben and Reece, the two pack enforcers. Devlin grimaced when Daniel turned his gaze to him. It always made him nervous when Daniel Nash looked at him. The alpha could be very intimidating. “Would you explain to me what in the hell is going on, and why I have vampires in my valley?” Daniel asked. “You might want to start with why you never informed that you mated a vampire.”

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“It wasn’t his fault,” Zacarius said, stepping forward. “I’m sure he meant no disrespect, alpha.” Daniel’s eyebrow arched. Inwardly, Devlin was thrilled. Zacarius defended him against his alpha. If that wasn’t a classic sign of a mating, Devlin didn’t know what was. If they hadn’t been surrounded by other werewolves at that moment, Devlin would have hugged his mate. Instead, he grabbed Zacarius’s hand and pulled him closer to his side. “I apologize, alpha,” Devlin quickly said. “As Zacarius said, I did not mean any disrespect. We have some issues that we need to work out, and until now, we did not embrace our mating as we should have from the very beginning.” “It was my fault,” Zacarius offered up. “I lied to Devlin and—” Devlin shook his head. “You didn’t mean to.” “Dev,” Zacarius whispered, looking up at him with a sense of wonder on his face. His hand pressed against Devlin’s chest. Devlin smiled, rubbing Zacarius’s hand with his own. “My offense was much worse than yours, Zac.” Zacarius frowned, looking confused. “Wha—” “You told me that you could only take sustenance from me once we mated. I knew that and I still left you.” Devlin swallowed past the cold lump of fear in his throat. “You could have died.” Devlin blinked back a few tears pooling in his eyes when Zacarius reached up and stroked his cheek. “You wouldn’t have let me die, my darling.” Devlin felt warmed by the confidence his mate had in him. It made him feel ten feet tall and bullet proof. Being mated to a vampire, well, being mated to Zacarius was turning out to be nothing like he expected. He no longer cared that Zacarius was a vampire. It just wasn’t an issue. He just cared about keeping him safe and out of harm’s way. He particularly looked forward to feeding his mate again, then again and again. Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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Nothing on earth prepared him for the intimate act of providing for his mate, certainly not the myths and rumors he heard throughout the years. It was supposed to be painful and degrading. Devlin found it everything but. He gloried in it. “Well, now that you’ve worked out whatever problems you may have concerning your mating, do you think you might fill me in on what the hell just happened here?” Daniel asked, bringing Devlin’s attention back to his alpha and away from his mate. “Someone is trying to kill my mate,” Devlin said simply. “I kind of got that, Devlin,” Daniel replied. “What I want to know is why.” “We don’t know. They tried to poison him two weeks ago when we met.” Devlin shrugged. “At the time, I thought they were trying to kill me. I was in coven territory, sleeping with the prince of the coven. It just made sense.” “And now?” “While I am sure whoever is doing this would love the opportunity to take out a shifter, I believe their main goal is to kill Zacarius.” Daniel nodded. He regarded Devin and Zacarius for many tension-filled moments. Devlin was still a member of Daniel’s pack. He needed to follow the man’s orders, even when it came to his mate. He didn’t know what Daniel would say or do. He hadn’t known him that long. “So, tell me about your mating,” Daniel finally said. “I assume you’ve been mated for a while now. Did you think it wasn’t important to inform me that one of my pack members mated a vampire?” “I, uh…” Devlin stammered, unsure of what exactly to tell his alpha. “Alpha Nash, please,” Zacarius said, “it wasn’t Devlin’s fault. I lied to him and we argued. He left. I’m sure he thought never to see me again. If I hadn’t become ill and my manservant brought me here, we probably never would have.” Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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Devlin knew that was false. As angry as he had been with Zacarius he would not have been able to go on forever without his mate. The draw was too intense, too burning. He would have eventually gone back for Zacarius. “No, that’s not true, Zac,” Devlin said. “I would have come back eventually. I just needed to get past—” “My lying to you?” Zacarius finished for him. Devlin knew the bit of color flushing his mate’s cheeks wasn’t because Zacarius fed recently but rather from his own embarrassment and shame over lying. “I don’t mean to pry, but,” Daniel began then he stopped speaking, chuckling slightly. “Okay, I do mean to pry. You keep saying Zacarius lied to you. How did he lie?” Zacarius’s face flushed again, his head dropping. “I didn’t tell Devlin we were mates when I found out. Instead, I forced him to shift and claim me.” He lifted his head to stare at the alpha. “I didn’t give him a choice.” Devlin frowned when Daniel burst out laughing. He didn’t see anything amusing about the situation. “You actually think there’s a choice?” Daniel asked. “We’re given one mate. Whether you told Devlin you were mates or not, he would have had no choice but to claim you. That’s just the way it is, prince.” “I still should have told him,” Zacarius insisted. Daniel nodded. “True, you should have. Mates should never hold anything back from each other. My years married to MaryAnn have shown me that. It will always come back to bite you in the ass, one way or another.” Zacarius nodded. “I know that now.” “Remember it,” Daniel directed. Zacarius nodded, glancing up at Devlin. “I don’t think I will ever forget it.” “So, can I assume that you two have worked everything out?”

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“We still have a few small issues to discuss, but Zacarius is my mate and I won’t be giving him up,” Devlin said. “You shouldn’t have to,” Daniel replied. “A mate is a mate, no matter who they are.” “It doesn’t bother you that I’m a vampire?” Zacarius asked, clearly surprised. Daniel chuckled. “It’s unusual, but no. Human, shifter, vampire, it doesn’t matter. Fate chooses our mates, prince, not us. I’ve always believed that we should embrace the one chosen for us no matter what.” “How will the rest of your pack feel about this?” Zacarius asked. “I’m old enough to remember the war, alpha. People were lost on both sides. That hatred still lives.” “I imagine there will be some hostility, but eventually everyone will come to accept you.” “You sound very confident.” “I know my pack,” Daniel replied. “We all respect the bond between mates. Prove that you’re someone worthy of Devlin, and I doubt anyone will question your mating.” “Easier said than done, alpha,” Zacarius replied. “My coven is already scandalized that I slept with a shifter and they don’t even know we’re mated.” “Do you think it will be an issue?” Daniel asked. “Will Devlin’s life be in danger if he goes back to your coven?” “There’s always a danger, alpha,” Zacarius replied. “You know that. But, much as you said, once Devlin proves his worth, they will accept him.” “Zacarius is a good man, Daniel,” Devlin added, wanting his alpha to understand that he did not mate a man he couldn’t respect. “I have no doubt that he will be worthy.” Daniel grinned. “Well said, Devlin.” Devlin felt his face flush. He felt Zacarius squeeze his hand.

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Daniel reached out and shook Zacarius’s hand. “Welcome to Wolf Creek Pack, Prince Zacarius.”

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Chapter 8 “Do you think he really meant that?” “Who? What?” Devlin asked, glancing over at Zacarius as they walked back to his house. “Your alpha,” Zacarius replied. “Did he really mean it when he accepted me into your pack?” “Yes,” Devlin replied without hesitation. “Why?” Zacarius wondered out loud. The alpha’s acceptance seemed all too easy. Devlin chuckled. “Because you’re my mate.” “And that’s all it takes?” “We take mating very seriously, Zac,” Devlin said. “You should have figured that out by now. My reaction alone should have shown you that.” Zacarius snorted. “Your reaction showed me what an idiot I was to lie to you. Believe me, it will never happen again. I don’t care what the situation is, I’ll always tell you the truth. I can promise you that.” “And I promise not to leave you again under any circumstances.” Zacarius stopped when Devlin yanked on his arm, turning toward him. He briefly worried that Devlin still thought he lied until Devlin cupped his hands around Zacarius’s face. “I’m sorry, Zac,” Devlin said softly. “I was angry, but I didn’t have a right to endanger your life the way I did. It will never happen again, no matter how angry I may get. I will always be there for you.” Zacarius’s breath hitched in his throat. “You think you’re going to get that angry with me again?”

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“I have no doubt about it.” Devlin smiled. “We’re both very stubborn people, Zac. We both like to get our own way. There is no doubt in my mind that we will argue and fight. But as long as we remember that we’re a team, we can work anything out.” The sensual grin that came over Devlin’s face sent a shot of lust straight to Zacarius’s cock, hardening him to steel in a matter of seconds. “Besides, make up sex is half the fun.” Zacarius’s fingers clenched against the fabric of Devlin’s shirt as he pulled Zacarius close. He knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that Devlin Morgan would have him wrapped around his finger faster than anyone Zacarius ever knew. Devlin didn’t have to say anything or even touch him. Just being in Devlin’s presence made Zacarius feel like he could accomplish anything. When Devlin did touch him, however, Zacarius felt like he could fly. “Didn’t you mention something about punishing me?” Zacarius hissed as Devlin’s tongue raked up the side of his neck. Devlin chuckled. “Told you that you’d be begging.” “I’m not begging,” Zacarius said. “I’m reminding.” Zacarius’s knees shook when Devlin’s teeth nipped the side of his throat. “Have you ever heard of the full moon mating, my prince?” “N—no.” “Every full moon, a shifter has a need to reclaim his mate,” Devlin whispered. “I will hunger for you, burn. I’ll bite through steel bars to get to you. I will hunt you down and when I find you, and I will find you, I’ll fuck you so hard that you won’t be able to walk.” “Oh fuck.” Zacarius could feel his knees weakening. He didn’t know how much longer they would hold him up. Devlin’s words turned him to mush and sent lust blazing through his body. “I’ll be in my third shape, the one I was in when I claimed you for the first time,” Devlin continued. “Every mate knows to be ready on

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the full moon because we can’t stop from taking our mates, claiming them. I won’t even be able to come until I claim you.” “Dev,” Zacarius croaked, the picture Devlin drew for him filled him with a desire for the full moon to arrive as soon as it could. He needed to feel Devlin claim him more than he needed his next breath. “Would you like that, my prince?” Devlin asked. “Would you like me to claim you on the full moon?” “Now, Dev,” Zacarius begged, arching his neck back. “Please, now.” Devlin’s only answer was to sink his canines into Zacarius’s neck, drawing a deep groan from him. Zacarius shuddered. The intensity of his emotions overwhelmed him. Devlin claimed him again, and this time, they both were fully aware of what happened. It felt different than when Devlin claimed in the clearing a while ago. Then, Devlin claimed him because they needed to. Zacarius’s life basically depended on it. This time, though, Devlin did it simply because Zacarius asked for it. Hell, he begged for it. “I need you, my darling,” Zacarius whispered when Devlin raised his head to look at him. He groaned when Devlin licked away a droplet of blood on his lip. Zacarius couldn’t believe how incredibly hot it looked. Devlin started to lean his head back so that Zacarius could drink from him again. Zacarius stopped him by shaking his head. While he never wanted to give up the chance to feed from his mate, that wasn’t what he wanted right now. He needed Devlin in a different way. “No, my darling Dev,” Zacarius said. He pushed his aching erection against Devlin. “I need you.” Devlin grinned, the look in his eyes almost feral. “Then you shall have me, my prince,” He said before he flipped Zacarius around to face the tree. Zacarius bemoaned the loss of his black leather pants as Devlin ripped them to shreds, but they were a small price to pay for the

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incredible feeling of Devlin gripping his ass cheeks and pulling them apart. “Oh, oh, Dev,” Zacarius groaned. Devlin’s tongue stroked across Zacarius’s puckered hole several times before pushing in, stretching him. Zacarius could feel each swipe all the way to his toes. Zacarius’s hands curled around the trunk of the tree as a finger pushed in beside Devlin’s tongue. He’d experienced a lot of things in his long life but no one had ever used their tongue on him before. His cock throbbed. His hands curled into claws and dug into the bark of the tree. The feeling was glorious. A loud cry of protest tore from Zacarius’s mouth when Devlin pulled away until he was flipped around. The look on Devlin’s face burned into him, intense, filled with desire just for Zacarius. It excited Zacarius as nothing else could. The burn in Zacarius’s tight muscles as Devlin thrust into him equaled that in his back as Devlin pushed him up against a nearby tree. Zacarius found Devlin’s force exhilarating and he was more than willing to endure anything for the exquisite feeling of his mate pounding into him. Zacarius wrapped his legs around Devlin’s back and his arms around Devlin’s neck. He leaned his head back to look at his mate and realized that this would be the first time that they made love while in normal form. Devlin hadn’t shifted and Zacarius didn’t need to feed. “Look at me, my darling.” The lust-filled look in Devlin’s eyes made the breath catch in Zacarius’s throat. He saw a ravenous need in his mate, so much need that it made him tremble with his own desires. Devlin really did want him. Zacarius wondered if the mating bond made Devlin want him so fiercely. The glowing look in Devlin’s eyes said differently. It said Devlin wanted him despite the mating bond. “My beautiful darling,” Zacarius whispered, awed by the reverent look on his mate’s face. He caressed the side of Devlin’s face. “You Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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won’t regret claiming me, Devlin, I promise. I’ll never lie to you again.” Devlin nodded. “Still going to paddle your ass when we get home,” Devlin growled. Zacarius blinked. Why did the thought of Devin’s large hand coming down on his ass make his cock jump? He had some seriously fucked up ideas growing in his head. He was a prince. He should be the one doing the spanking. “Tell me more,” Zacarius ordered. Devlin grinned. “I’m going to strip all your clothes off.” Zacarius groaned. “You’re going to lie down across my lap, your gorgeous ass right in front of me, and I’m going to spank you, watch your perfect little ass glow all nice and pink for me.” Zacarius groaned again. His cock leaked all over Devlin’s abdomen. His ass clenched around the cock thrusting into him. Every time Devlin thrust into him, it rubbed his cock against soft trail of hair on Devlin’s abdomen. “Dev,” Zacarius cried out, the pressure building in his body. “Then I’m going to fuck you, Zac,” Devlin growled. “I might even shift when I do it.” The image of Devlin shifting while taking him sent Zacarius over the edge. He whimpered. The pressure in his cock burst into a fiery ball of cream-filled lust. His body tensed, his muscles tightening around the thickness pounding into him. Devlin roared and filled him with his own release. Zacarius whimpered when Devlin pulled from him, carefully lowering his shaking legs to the ground. His ass ached. His back had deep scratches in it. And Zacarius never felt more satisfied in his life. “Are you okay, honey?” Devlin asked, brushing the long hair back from Zacarius’s face. Zacarius could only grin and nod his head. He didn’t have enough energy to reply verbally. He felt wiped out, his body relaxed, his mind Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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melted. He just wanted to go home, curl into Devlin’s arms, and sleep. He looked down when Devlin chuckled. “It’s going to be mighty interesting getting you home without flashing the entire neighborhood.” Zacarius flushed. “You could always give me your shirt,” he suggested. “And hide that gorgeous ass of yours?” Devlin chuckled again. “Now, why would I want to do that?” “So the whole neighborhood doesn’t see my naked ass?” “But it’s such a perfect little ass.” “Devlin,” Zacarius growled. “It is not seemly for the prince of a vampire coven to have his ass hanging out for everyone to see.” Devlin laughed as he pulled his cotton shirt over his head. He grabbed the edges of the neckline and pulled, tearing the material until it was wide enough to fit over Zacarius’s hips. Zacarius grimaced as he took the shirt and stepped into it. “Great, now I’m wearing a skirt.” “You can still go naked.” Zacarius glared at Devlin. “Not funny, fur ball.” “Think of it this way, my prince,” Devlin said as he bent down and lifted Zacarius over his shoulder. As he began walking, he slid one hand up the back of Zacarius’s legs until it slid under the material of his shirt and across his ass. “Much better access this way.” Devlin would slowly drive him out of his mind, Zacarius just knew it. Devlin started walking. Every step pressed Zacarius’s cock between his stomach and Devlin’s shoulder. When Devlin stroked his finger down between his ass cheeks, Zacarius shivered, unable to keep his cry of need at bay. He came just minutes ago, and he felt ready to come again any moment. The two fingers pressing into his already stretched hole said he would probably come a lot more in the years to come. Zacarius had a feeling Devlin had a large sexual appetite. Zacarius prayed that was true. Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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“Like that, honey?” Zacarius growled. Two could play this game. He reached down and pushed his hand under the waist band of Devlin’s jeans. He wiggled his fingers a bit until they pushed against Devlin’s hole, grinning when he heard his mate’s quick intake of breath. “Payback’s a bitch, my darling,” Zacarius drawled into Devlin’s ear. Devlin growled and pushed in a third finger. Zacarius did the same but lost his rhythm when Devlin curled his fingers and brushed them over his sweet spot. Stars exploded behind his eyes. He couldn’t concentrate on anything but the exquisite feeling of Devlin’s fingers inside of his ass. “Don’t stop now, my prince,” Devlin said, his voice sounding husky and strained. “Things just started getting interesting.” Zacarius shuddered but moved his fingers in Devlin’s ass again. “That’s it,” Devlin growled. “Now, hold on, my prince. It’s going to be a bumpy ride.” Zacarius didn’t know what Devlin meant until the man started jogging. He quickly learned that his mate was an evil, evil man. Each movement bounced him against Devlin’s muscular form, pressing his cock between them and shoving Devlin’s fingers deep inside of him. He didn’t know how long Devlin ran, or how much ground he covered before suddenly coming to a stop. Before Zacarius could protest, he was pulled down from Devlin’s shoulder and laid down on a bed. The fingers inside him never stopped moving. Devlin leered down at him. “It’s time for your punishment, my prince.” Zacarius’s eyes widened. He whimpered when Devlin pulled his fingers away. It soon turned to a yelp of surprise when he was lifted and pushed down across Devlin’s lap, his ass in the air. The shirt around his hips was quickly ripped away.

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The first swat shocked him speechless. He didn’t think Devlin had been serious. The second swat made Zacarius wiggle madly, trying to avoid the large hand coming down on his tender ass. “Devlin!” Zacarius cried out as he tried to get away. Devlin just continued to bring his hand down over and over again. Zacarius suddenly knew Devlin wasn’t playing around anymore. Anger rolled off of him in thick waves. Zacarius was lifted up and crushed against Devlin’s body. He was held so tight he could hardly breathe. His ass burned, his lungs gasped for air. But the fear coming from Devlin garnered his attention. “Devlin,” Zacarius whispered. He tried to push away from his mate so he could look into his face but Devlin wasn’t having any of it. He just held on tighter. “Dev, look at me.” Zacarius struggled against Devlin. He tried to get him to loosen his hold and look at him. Devlin fought him, holding him close as he buried his head in Zacarius’s neck and avoiding his gaze. Finally, Zacarius sighed, resigned to talking to the top of Devlin’s head. “Devlin, this isn’t going to work if you won’t talk to me.” Devlin shook his head. Zacarius barely smothered his laugh. The stubbornness of his mate showed through in his refusal to compromise at that moment. Zacarius knew there would be a lot Devlin would compromise on, this wasn’t it. He could still feel Devlin’s hardness pressed against his stomach, but he knew that sex was the farthest thing from his mate’s mind at the moment. Something else entirely took over and it needed to be dealt with before they could continue. “Want to tell me why you’re so pissed off?” Zacarius murmured against Devlin’s head. Devlin barely shook his head, but it was enough. “Why not?” Devlin shrugged.

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Zacarius rolled his eyes. They weren’t going to get anywhere at this rate. Something obviously upset Devlin, but the man refused to discuss it. Maybe they hadn’t been together long enough for Devlin to feel comfortable discussing things with him. It had only been an hour or so since they openly claimed each other. They needed more time to get to know each other. Zacarius could only hope they could get to that point in their relationship. He knew it wouldn’t happen overnight or even in a few days. Trust took time. “Do you think we could get under the covers then?” Zacarius asked. “My ass is hanging out and I’m getting a little cold.” Devlin chuckled, making Zacarius smile. He still refused to meet Zacarius’s eyes as Devlin carried him to the bed and tucked him under the covers. Zacarius settled back against the pillows and held out his hands. Devlin quickly undressed and climbed into the bed, curling up next to him. He laid his head down on Zacarius’s chest and wrapped one arm his waist and one leg thrown over his. Zacarius just pulled him close. “Rest, my darling,” he whispered against Devlin’s hair. “We’ll figure it out later.” **** Devlin heard Zacarius’s heartbeat slow as he fell into sleep. He knew his mate needed the rest. So much had happened to him in the two weeks of their acquaintance. Sometimes Devlin feared it would be too much and Zacarius would leave him as he did before. That thought alone kept Devlin from making love to Zacarius again. He wanted nothing more. The intensity that seemed to flare between them every time they touched surprised him. No one ever affected him the way his mate did. Devlin merely needed to scent Zacarius and arousal swept through him like a Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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wildfire. He couldn’t believe he almost lost this, almost given up his mate. He couldn’t believe he had been that stupid. Zacarius snuggled down closer to him, and Devlin knew he needed to reexamine his priorities. A little bit of lying by omission seems small compared to not having his mate for the rest of his life. Devlin pulled the blankets tighter around himself, then Zacarius, before closing his own eyes. The surprising warmth of his mate lulled him into a drowsiness, , thoughts of his future with Zacarius playing over in his head as he fell into a deep peaceful sleep. **** Devlin could feel Zacarius moving next to him before he even opened his eyes. His mate seemed restless. His heart beat fast enough that Devlin knew Zacarius no longer slept. Still, his body wouldn’t stop wiggling. Devlin reached around and smacked him on the ass. “Knock it off. You’re waking me up.” “Well, forgive the fuck out of me!” Zacarius snapped. Devlin cracked his eyes open to see Zacarius leaning back again the pillows, his arms crossed over his chest and a grim frown on his face. Devlin sighed and scooted himself up to sit next to his mate. “You’re not a morning person, are you?” Zacarius’s eyebrow arched. “I’m a vampire, Devlin. Do I seem like a morning person to you?” “You seem like a bitch right now, but I’ve been known to be wrong before.” “Bitches are dogs, my darling,” Zacarius said, waving his hand at Devlin. “That would be more your style.” “My, you are grouchy this morning, aren’t you?” “I’m not grouchy!” Zacarius snapped. “I’m stuck in some backwater hole, surrounded by people that more than likely want me

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dead, and someone is trying to kill me. Excuse me if I’m having a bad fucking day!” Devlin rolled his eyes. He adored Zacarius, really he did, but this attitude of his so early in the morning just would not do. Devlin had no intention of starting his day this way. Devlin grabbed Zacarius and scooted to the edge of the bed, pulling the prince over his lap. “You need an attitude adjustment,” Devlin explained as he started swatting Zacarius’s ass. “I have no intention of waking up every morning to your prissy mood.” Zacarius screamed out his obvious outrage. Devlin simply held him down and continued to smack his ass until Zacarius’s shouts turned to quiet little whimpers. Finally, he stopped. He rubbed his hand over the flaming red cheeks then turned Zacarius over and cradled him in his arms. “Want to tell me what’s really going on, honey?” Devlin whispered against Zacarius head. “No,” Zacarius murmured. Devlin tilted Zacarius’s head back so he could look into his amethyst colored eyes. “I think you do, or you wouldn’t have been so grouchy this morning. You obviously wanted my attention, well, now you have it.” Zacarius’s eyes widened. “You think I wanted you to spank me?” “Yes, I do,” Devlin replied. “I think you need me to be the one in charge for the moment. I also think that you’re feeling very unsettled right now. You pretty much don’t know which way is up, and you’re pushing to see how I will react.” Devlin winked at Zacarius. “Now you know.” “I am a man, you know.” “Honey, I am very well aware of the fact that you’re a man,” Devlin said. “There’s no way around that. You’re also someone that is used to being in control at all times, of having everyone around you jump at your every word.”

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Devlin reached down and grabbed Zacarius’s reddened ass, giving it a good squeeze. Zacarius winced, looking as if the touch pained him. Devlin knew differently. Zacarius’s cock twitched and began to fill. “I think I am the perfect mate for you,” Devlin continued. “I won’t take your shit and I could really care less that you are the prince of your coven. I also have no problem putting you in your place when you need it.” Devlin moved them back to the bed, lying Zacarius down before covering his mate’s body with his own. “Most importantly, with me you don’t have to be in control. I’m strong enough for both of us, and I’ll always be here to support you, no matter what.” Zacarius’s brow wrinkled. “Is it really that simple, Devlin?” “It is if you want it to be,” Devlin replied. “We’re both very stubborn men, used to being on top of things,” Devlin wiggled his hips against Zacarius’s, “in more ways than one, but I think we work well together.” “You can’t keep spanking me, you know,” Zacarius argued even as he spread his legs to settle Devlin more closely against him. “I am the prince of my coven.” “Like I said, honey, that doesn’t mean a thing to me. As far as I’m concerned, you are not Prince Zacarius. You are simply my Zac, my mate. That’s all that matters to me. And if I think your ass needs to be reddened, that’s what I’m going to do.” Zacarius cocked his head to one side, a confused look on his face. “You really don’t care about my status as prince of my coven?” “Nope,” Devlin said. “As far as I’m concerned our relationship is simply that of mates.” “You’re serious.” It was more a statement than a question. “Don’t get me wrong, Zac. I’ll never disrespect you in public or anything, but I also won’t have you commanding me to do things either. You’re my mate, not my mother, my father, or my alpha.” “Wha—what if I have to?” Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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“Because of coven or pack stuff, you mean?” Zacarius nodded. “Well, I guess maybe that would be different, but understand that if I feel the need to question you, I will. Not in front of others, mind you, but I will question you.” “Fair enough.” “Glad you think so, oh royal one.” Zacarius smirked. He wrapped his legs around Devlin’s waist, their cocks rubbing together. “So, if I commanded you to fuck me right now, you’d have to question me about it first?” “That’s one command I’m always willing to follow, my prince. No questions asked.” Devlin grabbed Zacarius and rolled them both over until the other man straddled his waist. He tilted his head back in invitation. Zacarius growled and struck, his teeth sinking deep into Devlin’s neck. Devlin winced at the sudden shock of pain. The rest of his body seemed to have no problem with what Zacarius did. It perked right up and pulsed frantically for attention. Devlin growled when his mate was gracious enough to give him attention by reaching down and wrapping his hand around both of their cocks. Devlin clutched at Zacarius’s hips. He drove his cock up through Zacarius’s hand. He groaned as Zacarius took life giving essence from him. Devlin didn’t know how it happened, but now he equated blood drinking with desire. The mere hint of Zacarius’s teeth and Devlin became aroused. He felt pretty sure he would continue to think that way for the rest of his life. With Zacarius’s hand stroking him and the feeling of the prince’s rapid breathing moving against his body, Devlin knew his stamina took a vacation. The scent of sex filled the air around them, flowing over them. Zacarius lifted his head with just enough time to capture Devlin’s lips before he filled the space between them with his hot seed. The hot Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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creamy liquid gave lubrication to Devlin’s thrusts. With a loud roar he flew over the edge of release to join his mate in ecstasy. Devlin grunted when Zacarius collapsed down on his chest. He wrapped his arms around his mate, tucking his head under his chin. A feeling of peaceful satisfaction filled him, one he only remembered having when close to his mate. “Sleep, my prince,” Devlin murmured. “We’ll go home later.”

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Chapter 9 Zacarius reached over and grabbed Devlin’s hand as the large vehicle they were in came to a stop. “Are you ready for this?” “Probably not, but let’s give it a shot anyway.” Devlin chuckled. “If nothing else it’s bound to be entertaining.” “We could go back to your pack and live there.” Even as Zacarius said the words, he knew they weren’t true. He was the ruling prince of his coven. His place was here, even if he didn’t want it to be. “We could live on the moon, too,” Devlin said. “You’ll still be the prince of your coven.” “Spoil sport.” Devlin laughed as he climbed from the vehicle. Zacarius shook his head and climbed out, moving around the front of the vehicle to join his mate. He could see members of his coven coming out the large double doors of his mansion. Many curious looks came their way. Some people even frowned from Zacarius to Devlin. A couple of people’s lips curled in distaste. Zacarius knew it wouldn’t be easy for them to accept a werewolf into the coven, but he held out hope that it wouldn’t be impossible. The last two weeks spent with Devlin at Wolf Creek told Zacarius he would never let his mate go, and that meant Devlin would stay no matter how the other members of the coven felt. Zacarius knew he would give up the coven before he gave Devlin up. Taking a deep breath, Zacarius grabbed Devlin’s hand and started for the crowd gathering on the front steps. He sincerely hoped Devlin knew what they faced and was prepared for the possible fallout. It would be a doozy. Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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“Prince Zacarius,” one man said quietly as he bowed his head, “welcome home.” “Thank you, Stefan.” “Did you have a successful trip?” Zacarius glanced over at Devlin and smiled. “Yes, I think you could say that my trip was very successful.” Zacarius chuckled at the bewildered look on Stefan’s face. He could feel Stefan’s confusion. Alfred told the coven that Zacarius needed to attend a meeting about keeping the peace with the werewolves. Apparently, Stefan believed that was where he had been. “Stefan, please assemble the coven members present in the grand hall,” Zacarius directed. “I have news I wish to share.” “Very good, Prince Zacarius,” Stefan replied, hurrying off to do as Zacarius ordered. Devlin’s quiet chuckle drew his attention. Zacarius glanced at him again, an eyebrow raised. “Yes?” “Must be good to be king.” “Prince, my darling, prince,” Zacarius said. He’d never really thought about it. Since his birth he had been educated and trained to be the ruler of his coven. He knew nothing else, but maybe he had become too complacent about the position he held, took it too much for granted. After five hundred years of being privileged, it was hard to remember that he only had his position because of his birth order. Adrianna could have easily been first born. She was still considered royalty but not leadership. That always confused Zacarius. Being born first did not make someone a good ruler. Compassion, understanding, and wisdom did, plus a whole lot of experience. He never understood why people thought he would be a good ruler just because he was born first. Zacarius always believed covens should choose the leader out of the best of them but no one would listen to him. Everyone seemed

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adamant that the first born ruled, no matter how much he protested. Eventually, he just got used to it. “So, prince, what now?” Devlin asked. “Now we take you inside and introduce you as my royal consort.” “Well, that should be cheery.” Zacarius rolled his eyes. Devlin had a unique sense of humor that Zacarius only recently discovered. The funniest things seemed to amuse him. Zacarius couldn’t remember laughing as much as he did in the last couple of weeks. He’d done a lot of things in the last two weeks that he never remembered doing before. Devlin seemed to be at the center of it all. The man fascinated Zacarius, the way he thought, the way he looked, and the way Devlin did just about anything. The sex was out of this world, but it was more than that. Zacarius truly enjoyed the time spent with Devlin. He seemed intelligent, well read, and willing to listen to both sides of an argument. He’d make a good consort. Zacarius looked forward to having Devlin at his side as they ruled the coven together. Granted, Devlin’s position would be that of royal consort, but when alone, Zacarius would have Devlin as his equal. “Ready, my darling?” Devlin shrugged as if he didn’t care but Zacarius detected a twinkle in his eyes that said he was about to say something to totally unsettle Zacarius’s world. He could hardly wait. “If I’m not, will you take me upstairs and hold me while I find my courage to face your coven?” Zacarius’s lips twisted as he tried to retain his laughter behind them. Devlin was one of the most courageous men he knew. He didn’t have to find his courage. It was naturally inbred in the werewolf. “How about a blow job when we’re done instead?” Zacarius asked. Devlin’s eyebrows shot up but his eyes gleamed with interest. “Me or you?” Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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“Why not both?” Zacarius winked at Devlin. “Besides, I haven’t eaten since we left Wolf Creek. I’m hungry. We could kill two birds with one bite, so to speak.” Devlin’s skin flushed. The muscles in his jaw tightened. He looked ready to pounce. “Fuck the damn birds,” Devlin gasped. “You’re going to kill me, and before anyone in your coven has a chance to.” Zacarius growled. “If anyone touches a hair on your head they’ll have to answer to me.” Devlin patted Zacarius’s chest. “Calm yourself, my prince. I’m a lot heartier than you think. It would take an awful lot to take me out.” Zacarius reached up and pushed a stray tendril of brown hair back from Devlin’s cheek. “Be that as it may be, I don’t even like thinking about it, my darling. I’ve waited too many years to find my mate to lose you anytime soon.” “You’re not going to lose me, my prince.” He reached out, lacing his fingers with Zacarius. “Now, don’t you have a consort to introduce to your coven? ‘Cause I have a blow job coming and I’d like to get to it.” Seeing the amusement in his eyes, Zacarius laughed. Devlin grinned. Zacarius knew Devlin didn’t understand the captivating picture he made. The sunlight hit his brown hair just right, giving it a soft glow. His face softened with his laughter. His copper eyes sparkled. This was how Zacarius always wanted to see his mate, happy and carefree. Devlin’s mere presence gave him joy and he promised himself he’d never take it for granted. He’d been given a cherished gift and almost lost it. Zacarius wouldn’t waste this second chance. Zacarius tugged on Devlin’s hand and pulled him into the mansion. He tried to see the place through Devlin’s eyes and realized that his mate walked into a world he didn’t have any experience with. Besides the fact that Zacarius lived in a huge fifteen bedroom mansion with several other vampires, the place must seem almost Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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gaudy to Devlin. Priceless works of art hung on the walls. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling. Vampires in various top of the line designer evening wear strolled here and there, assuming they weren’t lounging on gold gilded furniture that date back centuries. Devlin wore faded black jeans and a black cotton shirt. Zacarius glanced down at his own outfit. He wore his usual garb of black leather pants, a white frilly shirt, and a knee-length black overcoat. His boots, made of the finest leather, cost more than most people spent on rent. Zacarius grimaced. He could admit it. He was just a tad bit spoiled. He liked the finer things in life like fancy custom-made clothing, servants to clean his house and keep it running, and the fawning of his subjects. It was good to be prince. It also suddenly made him feel useless and lazy. Besides his diplomatic duties and the running of his coven, Zacarius doubted he ever put in a hard day’s work. He could feel the calluses on the hand that gripped his, telling him that Devlin knew nothing but hard work. Maybe he needed to take his coven into the new world? Maybe the time had come for them to stop depending on their genetics and years of investments and actually start working for a living. It was something to think about at least. Zacarius wanted his mate to look upon him with pride. He wanted to look his mate in the eyes and know he could do so with self respect and a self-assurance that he earned the things he had. That didn’t mean he would give up the luxuries that came with being the prince of his coven. There were too many benefits that he wanted to share with his mate, and maybe spoil him a little. Devlin deserved it. “This place is really big, Zac,” Devlin said as they walked down a long hallway. “It’s going to take me a month just to figure it all out without getting lost.” “You want me to assign someone to lead you around?” “You can do that?” Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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Zacarius grinned, glancing over at his mate. “My darling, there isn’t much I can’t do.” Devlin quickly shook his head. “No, I don’t think so. I’ll sniff my way around if I have to. I don’t relish the idea of being led around.” “Especially if it’s a bloodsucker doing the leading?” Devlin’s face flushed. Zacarius patted his hand. He knew it would take more than a couple of weeks to lessen centuries of animosity between vampires and werewolves. At least Devlin seemed willing to try. Zacarius wasn’t so sure he could say the same about his coven. Stopping outside the large red double doors that led to the great hall, Zacarius turned to face Devlin. He cupped his mate’s face with both of his hands and leaned up to place a small kiss on Devlin’s lips. “We’re about to go inside and introduce you to my coven as my consort.” Devlin’s forehead wrinkled. “I know.” “I want you to know that the feelings of my coven are not my own.” Devlin grinned. “Are you trying to tell me the other kids on the playground may not want to play with me?” “That is a distinct possibility, my darling.” “I don’t care, Zac,” Devlin replied. “I’m not here for them. I’m here for you. I could really care less what they think of me. It has nothing to do with what is between you and me. I only care what you think.” Zacarius’s eyes widened just a bit. While it wasn’t a declaration of undying love, it was one of the nicest things anyone ever said to him. It made him feel all warm and fuzzy inside. It also made him very aroused. Zacarius frowned, cursing the fact that he needed to take Devlin into the great hall instead of upstairs to their bedroom where he could ravish his mate. A meet and greet party was not what he wanted right then, unless it included just the two of them. Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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“Let’s get this done so I can take you upstairs and show you how this kid plays on the playground.” Devlin’s eyes glowed and he growled, sending a shiver of delight up Zacarius’s back. He grinned and turned to open the double doors leading into the great hall, one hand reaching back to take his mate’s hand. The noise level in the great hall fell nearly silent the moment the doors opened. Zacarius glanced around, noting the presence of most of his coven. There weren’t actually that many of them, maybe a hundred members in the entire coven. They hid their numbers well. And every member present stared at Devlin with distain and mistrust. Zacarius knew his coven wouldn’t take his news easily, but he hoped it wouldn’t be impossible to integrate his mate into the coven. His mate wasn’t leaving. Zacarius walked up to the small stage area set off to one side and pulled Devlin up beside him. The waves of hostility aimed at the stage would have staggered a weaker man. Instead, Zacarius drew himself up to his full height and cast a haughty look out over the crowd. “I’ve asked you here to inform you of a bit of news,” Zacarius said. “I want it noted that I am doing this as a courtesy to you. I am in no way required to inform you. I’m doing this because I care about the wellbeing of my coven.” Zacarius paused for a moment, his eyes meeting as many of the ones looking back at him as possible. “However, that being said, this will not be up for debate. Devlin Morgan, formerly of the Wolf Creek Pack, is my mate. As such, he is now my royal consort and will be treated accordingly.” The gasps, horrified hissing, and outright cries of denial he expected. What Zacarius didn’t expect were the few people that started laughing. He really didn’t think the situation was all that amusing. “Surely you jest, Prince Zacarius,” someone in the crowd called out. “We can’t allow a shifter into our coven. It’s just not done.” Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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Zacarius opened his mouth to reply but the arguments from the crowd drowned him out. He felt his anger beginning to build in the tension in his shoulders. Zacarius took several deep breaths trying to calm himself. It wouldn’t do for the prince of the coven to lose his temper. A small squeeze to his hand brought Zacarius’s attention to his mate. He glanced over at him to see an amused glint in Devlin’s eyes. “I could always shift and eat them.” Zacarius bit his lip to keep from laughing. His mate just made the situation humorous for him. “I do not believe that would solve our problems in the long run, my darling, no matter what the immediate benefits are.” Zacarius turned back to the crowd and held his hand up until silence reigned in the room once more. “As I have said, this is not up for debate. Devlin and I have already mated. It is done. There will be no more discussion about it.” His lips pressed together at the angry glares his coven gave him. He knew this wasn’t going to be easy, but he refused to back down. Devlin was his mate and nothing would change that now, even if he wanted it to, which he didn’t. “I expect Devlin to be treated with all the respect due a royal consort. Any transgression against him will be a transgression against me and will be dealt with appropriately. Is that understood?” Eventually, everyone nodded, some bowing respectfully but most just nodded. Zacarius knew it would take time for his coven to accept Devlin. No one wanted to be in a place where they had no friends, surrounded by enemies at every turn. He just hoped his mate would stick around long enough for them to get through it all. Zacarius grabbed Devlin’s hand once again, prepared to pull him off the stage an out of the room when a voice from the back of the room caught his attention. He turned and looked when a thin strawberry blond haired man pushed his way to the front of the crowd.

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Zacarius recognized him right away. Stefan looked anxious but as if he wanted to say something and he didn’t quite know how to. His eyes kept moving wildly about the room. “Go ahead, Stefan.” Stefan cheeks flushed. His eyes fell to the floor for a moment before looking back up at him. Zacarius knew he was horribly shy, but the desperation in his eyes screamed loud and clear. Zacarius released his mate’s hand and stepped down from the stage to stand in front of Stefan. He rested his hand on Stefan’s shoulder to give the man courage. “It’s okay, Stefan. Say what you want to say.” “Do you think there might be more mates among the shifters?” Stefan asked as his eyes strayed past Zacarius to land on Devlin then glance around the room again. Zacarius smirked. “I have no doubt, Stefan.” He gestured over to Devlin. “I found my mate there, didn’t I?” Stefan’s smiled wavered then grew larger. “Yeah.” “Maybe I should discuss some sort of get together with the alpha of Wolf Creek Pack to see if we have any other mates among us?” He glanced over his shoulder to Devlin. “What do you think, my darling?” Devlin crossed his arms over his chest and regarded the blond haired man. He looked intimidating, scary. Zacarius frowned, ready to tell his mate to go easy on Stefan. It took the guy a lot of courage to stand up in front of his entire coven and ask that question. Then Devlin stepped down from the stage and stood next to Zacarius. His arm settled around Zacarius’s shoulders and a smile crossed his lips as he gazed down at Stefan. “I believe that is a wonderful idea,” Devlin said. “Thank you for suggesting it, Stefan.” “Oh, but I didn’t—” Stefan stammered, his face flushing. “Don’t sell yourself short, Stefan,” Devlin said. “I’m sure that Zacarius appreciates those in his coven that have enough courage to

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come forward and ask the question everyone is thinking but no one wants to ask. I commend you on your bravery.” “I’m not brave.” “Nonsense,” Devlin replied. “I’m sure you’ve never seen a shifter this close, have you, Stefan?” “N—no.” “And yet you stepped forward anyway?” Devlin slowly reached over and patted Stefan’s shoulder. “Even in a werewolf pack that would be considered brave.” Stefan’s faced flushed more, but this time it was accompanied by a large grin at Devlin’s praise. Zacarius felt pride flow through him, both at Stefan’s bravery in the face of his fear and at the way Devlin handled it. His mate would make a great addition to his coven. “In fact,” Devlin went on, “I can think of a few shifters I think you would like. I would be happy to introduce them to you. Ben is a deputy sheriff in Wolf Creek. He’s also our pack enforcer. Marc is a long time friend of my brother, Chase. And Tommy, my alpha’s son, works as a bartender at our local pub. I’d trust any of these men with my life, Stefan. I’d trust them with my mate’s life, too.” Zacarius watched Stefan’s brow furrow as if confused. “And you’d willingly introduce them to me even though I’m a vampire and they’re shifters?” “Of course,” Devlin replied. “If there’s a chance someone from this coven could be the mate of someone from my pack, I’m duty bound to introduce you. A mate is a mate, Stefan, no matter who or what they are.”

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Chapter 10 Devlin watched his mate carefully as they walked into his new quarters. Zacarius had been quiet since they left the great hall. Devlin didn’t know if it was something he said or something he didn’t say. Maybe it was his actions? Devlin didn’t have a clue what vampire etiquette required of him. He went with his instincts and touched Zacarius when he felt the need to, but maybe that went against the coven code. “Zac?” “Yes, my darling?” Zacarius asked without turning around. “Is there some way I’m supposed to act?” he asked. “Some rule of conduct I’m supposed to follow?” That did get Zacarius’s attention. He turned, a look of surprise on his face. “Well, there are coven functions we’ll have to attend, of course. And as my consort, you will be expected to be at my side. Other than that I expect that you’ll act just the way you always have.” “Then I’m allowed to touch you whenever I want?” The grin on Zacarius’s face was as sensual as the sway of his hips as he walked across the room to stand in front of Devlin. “I insist upon it,” Zacarius said. Devlin melted right there and then. His cock filled, his body ached, and all the blood feeding his brain drained into his groin. The sexy grin on his mate’s face fueled his desire, lighting a flame Devlin didn’t have a single wish to put out. “Zacarius,” Devlin hissed. Zacarius didn’t say a word. He just molded his body to Devlin’s, chest pressed against chest, thigh against thigh, and cock against cock. Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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Devlin groaned. Just like that he felt ready to tear Zacarius’s clothes off and fuck him into the wall. “I haven’t taken you yet, my darling,” Zacarius whispered, his voice filled with promise. “I haven’t felt your tight body wrap around me as I thrust into you, my body filling yours over and over again.” Yep, Zacarius would kill him before anyone in the coven could. Just like that, a few sexy words spoken in a soft whisper, and Devlin became Zacarius’s slave. He’d do anything for his mate. “Yes,” Devlin murmured. “Please, my prince.” Devlin pulled at Zacarius’s clothing even as he leaned down to devour his luscious lips. Kissing the man practically doubled as a religious experience. Zacarius didn’t just kiss. He stroked with his tongue, nibbled with his lips, made Devlin’s knees tremble every time. The moment his hands encountered naked flesh, Devlin started exploring. He’d covered Zacarius’s naked body more times than he could count in the last few weeks, but each time felt like the first time. There seemed to always be a new spot to discover, a new moan to be heard, a new way to love on his mate. Devlin swung Zacarius into his arms and carried him into the bedroom. His mate wasn’t that much smaller than him, but it made Devlin feel good to know he was strong enough to carry Zacarius, strong enough to get a soft chuckle of surprise. He carefully laid Zacarius out on the bed then stepped back to strip his own clothes off. Devlin could feel Zacarius’s eyes devouring him. The scent of his mate’s arousal filled the air, making Devlin quicken his pace. Dropping the last of his clothing on the floor, Devlin moved to the end of the bed and began crawling up the mattress toward Zacarius. Reaching Zacarius’s body, Devlin started kissing and licking, nibbling, whatever naked flesh he could reach. Zacarius squirming beneath him as he slowly kissed his way up the man’s inner thigh, his nose nudging Zacarius’s ball sac. He lightly Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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traced a path over the silky skin. An agonized groan from his mate made Devlin’s heart rate speed up. Devlin delighted in Zacarius’s cries. Knowing he brought pleasure to his mate gave him more satisfaction than an actual orgasm, and that surprised Devlin. Not since his first time did he expect to find anything that felt as good as sex. Knowing he could experience both great sex and giving as much pleasure as possible to his mate at the same time spurred Devlin on. He leaned up and took the head of Zacarius’s cock into his mouth, nearly gagging when Zacarius suddenly bucked, sending his cock deep into Devlin’s mouth. Devlin grabbed Zacarius’s hips, anchoring him to the bed before diving back down on his cock. He paid special attention to the underside of the mushroomed head and the small slit on top, knowing that it would drive Zacarius wild. In the two weeks since they accepted their mating, there wasn’t a day that went by they didn’t make love. In that time, Devlin mapped every inch of Zacarius’s body with his tongue and his hands. He knew what made his mate scream in ecstasy, and he delighted in each sound. “Fuck!” Zacarius groaned. “You’re so damn good at that.” Devlin grinned and sucked the entire shaft into his mouth. Zacarius’s hands suddenly gripped his hair, pulling at his head. “Stop, stop!” Zacarius cried out. “If you keep that up I won’t get to come inside of you.” Devlin let Zacarius’s cock pop out of his mouth and glanced up at him. His face looked flushed, pinched. “I’m too close, Devlin.” Devlin nodded and climbed up Zacarius’s body to straddle him. “How do you want me, sexy?” Zacarius’s hands smoothed over his chest. Devlin groaned, his eyes closing when Zacarius’s fingers tugged at his sensitive nipples. The soft touch nearly sent him over the edge. Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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“Come up here,” Zacarius said as he patted Devlin’s ass. “Let me get at that gorgeous cock of yours.” Eager to comply, Devlin scooted up Zacarius’s body until his cock brushed against the man’s lips. Wet heat enveloped Devlin as Zacarius swallowed him down. Devlin groaned, unable to resist thrusting forward just a bit. He leaned forward and gripped the edge of the headboard to keep himself upright. His legs felt weak. They trembled with each swipe of Zacarius’s tongue, each suck of his lips. Zacarius mastered the blow job, much to Devlin’s delight. He knew just when to suck, when to lick, and when to apply just the right amount of pressure to drive Devlin out of his mind. The occasional scrape of canine teeth along his shaft, threatening to sink in and draw out life giving blood, only heightened Devlin’s arousal. Part of him hoped Zacarius would bite. The pleasure Devlin derived from it unparalleled anything he could ever remember doing. Another part of Devlin hoped Zacarius didn’t bite. Devlin knew he wouldn’t be able to stave off his orgasm if Zacarius bit him. The pleasure felt too intense. And he wanted to feel his mate fuck him. Devlin almost collapsed on his mate when he felt two lubed fingers push inside of his ass. He caught himself by digging his fingers into the headboard and locking his knees into place. But it was close. “Zac,” Devlin cried out, “hurry. I can’t—” “Soon, my darling, soon,” Zacarius replied as he pulled his mouth from around Devlin’s aching flesh and pushed another finger deep inside of him. It wasn’t nearly soon enough for Devlin. His body felt so sensitized that he could feel each drop of sweat dripping down his body and the very air flowing across his naked skin. If something didn’t happen soon, Devlin would lose his mind. “Scoot down, my darling,” Zacarius directed, smacking Devlin’s ass. Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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Devlin quickly scooted back down until he felt Zacarius’s cock butt against his balls. His breath caught in his throat. Devlin had been having sex for a lot of years, but no man ever fucked him before. Devlin swallowed past the lump in his throat. He felt nervous but not enough to stop Zacarius. He wanted to feel his mate take him. He needed it. Devlin grabbed Zacarius’s cock and placed it at his entrance, slowly sinking down until he felt his ass settle against his mate. Devlin closed his eyes briefly, the feeling of Zacarius deep inside of him almost overwhelming. The man hadn’t even started to move and already Devlin knew this would be something he wanted to do often. Opening his eyes, Devlin glanced down at Zacarius. His eyes were closed, his features tight as he gritted his jaw. Devlin knew he did everything he could not to move when every instinct in his body told him to. If he hadn’t already started falling in love with his mate, Devlin knew he would have at that moment. Something so simple as not moving, giving Devlin the time he needed to adjust to Zacarius’s cock in his ass. It meant the world to Devlin and showed how much his mate actually cared about him. That caring went both ways. Devlin wanted to care for Zacarius just as much. He needed to more than he needed his next breath. With that thought in mind, Devlin moved, lifting his hips and slowly bringing them down again. Zacarius’s eyes flew open. His jaw dropped. Devlin felt the man’s fingers grip his hips as he started to move faster. Even with Zacarius’s eyes wide and wild with need, Devlin wanted more. He leaned down and licked the skin around Zacarius’s collarbone. Zacarius squirmed beneath him. He panted, small whimpers breaking free from him. Devlin moved his lips up to Zacarius’s neck. “I’m going to bite you, Zac,” Devlin whispered into his mate’s ear. A deep body shudder came from below him. Devlin placed his Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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hands on the mattress on each side of Zacarius’s head. He moved his hips faster, impaling himself on the rigid cock in his ass over and over again. “Grab my cock, Zac,” Devlin murmured. “Take me with you.” Eager hands immediately wrapped around Devlin’s cock and stroked him to the rhythm of his hips. Devlin thought he might pass out. The pleasure of Zacarius’s touch overwhelmed him. He knew just when to squeeze tighter, just when to rub his thumb over the small slit in the top of Devlin’s cock. Devlin reared back, his eyes meeting violet eyes looking back up at him with desperation in their purple depths. “Now, my prince.” Zacarius tilted his head back, his eyes falling closed. Devlin leaned down and licked the skin his teeth were about to puncture. Sweet, sexy, gorgeous. Everything Devlin ever wanted in a mate, right there just for him. Devlin heard Zacarius cry out as he sank his canines into the soft skin between his mate’s neck and shoulder. Hot, sweet blood swept over his tongue, lighting his senses on fire. Flames of desire swept through him, burning him up. A loud cry from Zacarius, the feeling of the man’s release filling him, was all Devlin needed to send falling over the edge of his orgasm right along with his mate. Devlin pulled his teeth free of Zacarius’s flesh. He tossed his head back and roared out his pleasure as he came, ropes of pearly wetness hitting his stomach and chest. His chest heaving, lights sparking in his eyes, Devlin dropped his head down to lean against Zacarius’s. He could feel each small pulse of the man’s cock in his ass. He tightened his inner muscles, dragging every last drop of seed from Zacarius. A soft gasp came from his mate. Devlin growled deep in his throat. If that wasn’t the sexiest thing he ever heard, he didn’t know what was.

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Devlin reached up and stroked the side of Zacarius’s flushed and sweaty face until the man opened his eyes. He smiled down at him. “You are, without a doubt, the sexiest damn thing I have ever seen in my life.” Devlin didn’t think it possible, but Zacarius’s face flushed even more. His eyes darted down for a moment before moving back up to meet Devlin’s. Devlin frowned at the apprehensive look on Zacarius’s face. “Zac?” “Does it bother you that I’m not a shifter?” Zacarius asked after a moment. Devlin chuckled. “You can ask me that with your dick buried in my ass?” “Devlin,” Zacarius said, smacking him on the arm, “I’m serious.” “So am I,” Devlin replied. “The only thing that bothers me is that it took me so long to find you and that I almost lost you. I don’t care if you’re a vampire, a shifter, or a human. You’re mine, and that’s all that matters.” “You’re sure?” Devlin grinned. “Zac, you’re the only one that has ever fucked me. Do you honestly think I would let you do that if I had any misgivings about our mating?” Zacarius’s eyes widened, his mouth dropped open. “You’re serious.” Devlin nodded. “Not only am I perfectly serious, but now that I’ve experienced what that gorgeous cock of yours can do, I’m hoping for a repeat performance.” Devlin glanced down at the point where they still joined together. He could feel Zacarius hardening inside of him. He grinned as he looked back up. “I do believe I’m about to see that repeat performance now.” Zacarius’s face turned red, but the sexy little grin on his lips told Devlin that he was more than happy to give him a repeat of some of Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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the best sex of Devlin’s life. Devlin leaned down and brushed his lips over his mate’s. “Now, how did we start things out last time?” **** Devlin smirked as another vampire quickly moved away from him. It happened for days now. Every time Devlin went anywhere, the vampires in the area disappeared or moved several feet away from him. If he didn’t know better, he’d think they were afraid to catch something from him. And if his self-confidence wasn’t so strong, he might be feeling a little let down. Luckily, Zacarius kept him going enough that Devlin didn’t much care what the members of the coven thought. Stefan seemed to be the one person that wasn’t afraid of him. The man almost became a pest, and would have if Devlin didn’t enjoy his company so much. He was a funny little guy with a ton of questions. “So, once a month you go into the full moon mating thing?” “Yep.” “Does it hurt?” Stefan asked. Devlin shrugged. “Not really. Shifting always hurts the first few times it happens, but once we mate we’ve usually shifted for years, so by then, no, it doesn’t hurt.” “But it hurts the first few times you shift?” “Sure,” Devlin replied as they walked out of the two large main doors. “Our bodies aren’t used to shifting. That takes awhile to adjust.” “Can you choose not to shift?” “Now I can. As a teenager I was pretty much ruled by the phases of the moon. Now, I’m older and more experienced. I can shift when I choose to.”

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“That is so cool.” Stefan practically bounced in place. He seemed so excited. “I wish I could shift. Being a vampire sucks.” “Bad pun, Stefan, very bad pun,” Devlin said even though he chuckled at the words and the soft flush that filled Stefan’s cheeks. “But I’m sure that being a vampire isn’t all that bad.” “It isn’t as cool as being a werewolf, that’s for sure.” “Why not? Zacarius certainly seems to be happy being a vampire.” “Well sure, but he’s the prince.” Stefan grimaced. “No one would ever do anything to him, but I’m not first born like Prince Zacarius is. I’m not even second born. I have to do what my stepbrothers say.” Devlin frowned. He wasn’t sure he liked where this conversation headed. “Why do you have to do what your stepbrothers say, Stefan?” he asked, trying to sound unobvious about his curiosity. “You’re an adult, old enough to do what you want.” “Because my stepfather set it up that way.” “Your stepfather? You actually have a stepfather?” Stefan nodded. “My father died during the Great War. My mother remarried. Prince Von Byrne was just my stepfather. His children, my stepbrothers, were in line as his heirs.” “So?” Devlin didn’t understand. What did it matter if Stefan’s stepbrothers were due to inherit whatever from his stepfather? What exactly did that have to do with Stefan not wanting to be a vampire? Stefan rolled his eyes. “Don’t you know anything?” Stefan asked. “Until I find my mate or both my brothers die, I am their responsibility. I have to do what they say. They could even choose to not let me ever leave the house, in which case I would never find my mate.” “Really? They can do that?” “Well, sure. Both of my parents are dead so my brothers take care of me. We take family responsibility very seriously. Don’t shifters?” “Certainly we do, but once you’re an adult you’re in charge of your own life.” Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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Stefan snorted, a sound that Devlin hadn’t heard out of his mouth before. “Not here. It doesn’t matter how old you are. If you’re not royalty, you have to do what your older relatives say until you find your mate.” Devlin chuckled. “Then I guess we’d better find your mate for you, huh?” Stefan smiled, nodding his head eagerly. Devlin started to pat him on the back when Stefan suddenly stiffened and stepped away from him. At first, Devlin thought it was something he did until he noticed Stefan’s gaze going beyond him. Devlin turned slowly knowing someone, a vampire, stood behind him. He was a tall man, almost as tall as Devlin, but thin as most vampires seemed to be. His choice of outfits made even Zacarius’s princely clothes seem cheap. The tight black leather pants seemed similar, but that’s where it ended. The man wore a tight gold shimmering shirt and a floor length black leather duster. He topped the entire outfit off with black boots and several gold rings on his hands. He looked gaudy as hell. Devlin refused to be intimidated. He stepped in front of Stefan and crossed his arms over his chest as he stared the guy down. The man leaned forward just a bit and sniffed the air, his nose wrinkling as if disgusted by what he smelled. The hairs on the back of Devlin’s neck stood up. He knew something was about to go down. He could smell threat rolling off the man in waves. “Can I help you with something?” “A werewolf? Here?” The man’s canines dropped down. His claws extended. He hissed at Devlin. “You’re on forbidden lands, dog. Shouldn’t you run home to all your other flea-bitten mongrels?” Devlin refused to be bated. He merely arched an eyebrow and waited. In his experience, the quickest way to piss someone off was not to react to them. He was right. The vampire lunged at him, his clawed hands wrapping around Devlin’s throat.

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Devlin knew the man could kill him with one swipe of his razor sharp claws. He didn’t move. He didn’t even blink. He just waited. If it came down to it, Devlin was confident enough in his abilities to protect himself. He’d given his promise to Zacarius, though, to try and get along with the members of the coven. He’d give it his best shot. However, if it came down to a choice between his life and the vampire’s, he’d protect himself. “You dare to lay a hand on my royal consort?” a loud anger-filled voice snapped from behind Devlin. “Prince Zacarius?” the vampire with his hands around Devlin’s throat asked. He glanced past Devlin to Zacarius then back again. “Your royal consort? But—” Zacarius and Stefan stood behind him so Devlin felt pretty sure he was the only one that saw the barely controlled rage in the man’s eyes. The fingers around Devlin’s throat tightened briefly and Devlin saw his death in the vampire’s eyes. He knew, given half a chance, the man would kill him without hesitation. “Desmond!” Zacarius shouted. “You will release my mate this second.” Desmond slowly removed his hand from Devlin’s throat. The snarl he gave Devlin left his face by the time he looked over at Zacarius. He started to step toward the prince, but Devlin moved for the first time, stepping between them. He bared his teeth and growled. “Touch my mate and his anger will be the last of your worries.” The smirk Desmond gave him raised the hackles on Devlin’s neck. He didn’t like it one bit, and he liked Desmond even less. “I would never harm my prince,” Desmond said. He cast Zacarius a look that Devlin could only interpret as fond. “Zacarius and I are old, old friends. Isn’t that right, Zacarius?” Devlin felt Zacarius press a hand against his back. He could only think the man needed to lessen whatever verbal blow he was about to hear. He took a deep breath and braced himself. Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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“Once upon a time we were old friends, Desmond,” Zacarius replied. “That was over a hundred years ago and long forgotten. And now that I have mated, it will also never be again.” “I’m hurt that you could forget our association so fast, Zacarius,” Desmond said, one hand pressing against his chest. “After all we meant to each other.” Devlin wanted to roll his eyes, but he wasn’t about to take them off Desmond. He could barely keep from jumping across the few steps separating them and attacking the man. He had to clench his fists, digging his nails into the palms of his hand just to keep them at his side. “We didn’t mean that much to each other, Desmond. We had a brief affair that was over a long time ago. I have Devlin now and we’re mated. End of story. Now, you can either deal with that or you can leave the coven because Devlin stays.” “You would make me leave our coven because of this…this dog?” Desmond snarled. “After all we’ve meant to each other?” Zacarius leapt forward before Devlin could stop him, striking Desmond across the face. Desmond fell back, his hand coming up to cover the four long scratches on his face, blood seeping through his fingers from the wounds. “Never speak of my mate like that again,” Zacarius snapped. “He’s worth a hundred of you, and I would sooner see you die then make my mate leave.” Devlin was impressed. Zacarius was a force to be reckoned with when angry. Still, it wouldn’t do for the blood sucker to think he needed his mate to stand up for him. He also needed to make it perfectly clear to Desmond just who Zacarius belonged to. He stepped forward and wrapped an arm around Zacarius, pulling his body back to rest against him. Zacarius’s hands came up and held onto Devlin’s arm. A pained look crossed Desmond’s face when he saw how easy Zacarius leaned into Devlin’s arms.

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Devlin let his claws extend. He gently rubbed the back of his hand down Zacarius’s cheek as he glared across at Desmond. “As Zacarius has stated, whatever was between you ended a long time ago. He belongs to me now, and he will until our dying day.” Desmond’s lips thinned. Devlin could swear that his features changed as anger overcame him, but when Devlin blinked Desmond looked normal again. Devlin shuddered as a chill of foreboding shot down his spine. Desmond bowed. “So be it.”

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Chapter 11 Zacarius sat back in his chair and watched Devlin move about the room. He stopped here and there to talk to people but mostly he kept mingling. He’d worried that the people of his coven wouldn’t be able to accept his mate. Except for a few hold outs, most everyone seemed to welcome him. It hadn’t been easy. Devlin received a lot of crap from the people in the coven. He seemed to take it in stride, but Zacarius wondered. No one wanted to live in a place where everyone made them feel unwanted. Zacarius tried to fill in the gaps, making sure Devlin knew he was wanted, but a guy needed friends beyond his mate. Devlin’s friendship with Stefan seemed to be going pretty well. They seemed to have a lot to talk about. Now that Stefan’s brother, Desmond, had ordered him home, Zacarius hoped that Devlin would make other friends. “Your wine, Prince Zacarius.” Zacarius turned and smiled at Alfred, taking the glass of wine. He started to bring it to his lips when a glare from across the room caught his attention. Zacarius heaved a sigh and set his glass down on the table next to him. Devlin insisted on sampling everything he ate or drank before it passed his lips. True, someone tried to poison him, but Zacarius still hadn’t been able to figure out who did it. He trusted the people in his coven. At least, he wanted to. These people were his family. He grew up around them. He watched them grow up. He celebrated with them when a child was Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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born, mourned with them when a loved one passed. He protected them and was protected by them in return. He didn’t want to entertain the possibility that one of them might be out to kill him. It just didn’t bare thinking about. It made his heart ache, not because someone wanted him dead. That just pissed him off. But because someone he thought of as family wanted him dead. Absently, Zacarius reached for his glass of wine again, jumping a little when it was pulled out of his hand. He titled his head back to find Devlin standing behind him, taking a small sip of the wine. Devlin grimaced and handed it back. Zacarius chuckled as he took a sip. Devlin hated wine but he insisted every single time Zacarius drank some that he taste test it first. He felt pretty sure Devlin wished he drank beer. “Enjoying yourself, my darling?” Zacarius asked as he watched Devlin move around to sit on the arm of his chair. “You do know that I scratch my balls and drink beer, right?” “Uh, yes,” Zacarius answered, not quite sure where that question lead to. Devlin chuckled and nodded out towards the crowd. “So do they.” Zacarius dropped his head into one hand. “Oh damn, what did you do?” “Nothing, I swear.” Zacarius wasn’t sure he believed his mate. There seemed to be too much amusement in his voice. He was about to delve deeper into this mystery when one of the coven members stepped forward. “Your highness,” the man said, nodding respectfully. Devlin glanced over at Zacarius and rolled his eyes. “Might I borrow your royal consort for a moment?” “I think that would depend on him,” Zacarius answered. “Maybe you should address the question to Devlin?” “Yes, of course,” the man said quickly. “I do apologize.” Zacarius nodded, waving his hand.

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“Your highness,” the man said, addressing Devlin this time. “I wondered if—” “Marcus, what did I tell you about that highness stuff?” “Uh, yes, Devlin.” Marcus’s face flushed. Zacarius wondered if he might pass out where he stood. “Devlin, I wondered if you could show us those shot things you mentioned earlier?” “I’d be happy to, Marcus.” Zacarius glanced up at his mate when Devlin leaned toward him. He received a small kiss on his lips before Devlin hopped up and walked away with Marcus. “Now, do you have a bottle of good whiskey?” Zacarius frowned, confused by what just happened until Devlin’s words began to sink in. Shot thing? Whiskey? Oh hell! He jumped to his feet and ran after his mate, finding him in the kitchen surrounded by vampires. Sitting on the countertop in front of him where several small glasses filled with a dark amber liquid. As Zacarius watched, Devlin picked up one of the glasses and placed it against his lips, tossing his head back. He swallowed down all of the liquid in one shot before slamming the glass back down on the table. He coughed a few times, pounding on his chest. “Damn, that tasted good. Burns a little though.” Devlin grinned as he looked over at Marcus. “Now, you try it.” Zacarius watched, stunned, as Marcus repeated Devlin’s actions, right down to the coughing and slamming the glass on the countertop. Fuck! Devlin was teaching his vampires how to drink shots. The coven would never be the same again. “You know, Devlin,” he said as he stepped forward, “it takes a lot of alcohol to get a vampire drunk. Our metabolism burns it off too quickly.” Zacarius reached into the fridge and pulled out a bag of blood. “Now, if you were to add a little of this to the whiskey…” Devlin’s eyes twinkled as he cut the tip off the bag off and poured some of the blood into a shot glass then added some whiskey. He handed the glass over. “Please, proceed.” Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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Zacarius grinned, taking the challenge his mate gave him. He put the glass to his lips and quickly tilted his head back, swallowing down every drop of liquid. His eyes watered as he placed the glass back on the counter instead of slamming it down. The room remained silent around them as Zacarius looked up at his mate. He knew everyone waited for his reaction to what Devlin did. Zacarius grinned. “It would taste a whole lot better if it was your blood, but I don’t like my werewolf blood mixed with whiskey. I prefer scotch.” “Well hell, hand me the scotch bottle, honey, and I’ll see what I can do for you.” Devlin chuckled. Zacarius quickly took the scotch bottle someone handed him then gave it to Devlin. He knew his mate was up to something. There was too much sparkle in his copper eyes for him to be thinking innocent thoughts. He watched as Devlin poured a large glass of scotch. He expected Devlin to add some of the blood to the glass so he was surprised when his mate drank the entire contents of the glass down. A moment later all became clear as Devlin sliced a small cut in his wrist then held his arm out. There was a definite smirk on the man’s face as he spoke. “You were saying?” Zacarius refused to be outdone by his mate, especially in front of his coven. He grabbed Devlin’s wrist and brought it to his mouth, slowly licking away the blood. A mixture of tastes blasted across his tongue and Zacarius decided that this was the only true way to get drunk. He glanced up at Devlin, noting the arousal burning on the man’s face. “Are you sure you won’t drink any wine?” Devlin swallowed so hard that Zacarius was sure everyone in the room heard him. “You might be able to convince me.” ****

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Zacarius’s head was going to explode. He felt sure of it. His vision blurred and his head pounded. His mouth tasted like a dirty ashtray. He groaned then quickly grabbed his head as the sound vibrated in his head like a chain saw. Oh, no, wait, that was Devlin snoring next to him. Zacarius rolled out of bed and made his way to the bathroom as best he could on legs that shook and feet that didn’t seem to want to work right. He went to the bathroom then washed his hands. Splashing water on his face seemed to help revive him a little. His head still hurt, but at least the spots left. Of course, once he looked in the mirror Zacarius wished they would come back. He looked like hell. Zacarius couldn’t remember ever getting as drunk as he got last night. He just hadn’t been able to resist the taste of Devlin’s blood mixed with scotch, whiskey, or the wine he’d been able to convince Devlin to drink. The man tasted too good. Zacarius could only hope his mate’s head hurt as much as his did. It wasn’t a nice thing to think, but Devlin deserved it. The man knew exactly what would happen when he drank the scotch and offered himself up as a mixer. And Zacarius had been dumb enough to fall for it, and lucky enough, too. He had to admit that the entire experience had been a blast. For the first time since he could remember, members of his coven seemed laid back and friendly instead of treating him like the untouchable royal. Shaking his head, Zacarius walked back into the bedroom where Devlin still slept. Even after tying one on and being an alcohol and blood mixer Devlin still looked gorgeous. His hand curled under his cheeks, his legs spread wide. Zacarius wished he could take it as an invitation, but knew Devlin just slept like someone who drank himself into a stupor. Maybe if he got them some food and coffee, lots and lots of coffee, things would begin to look up.

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With that thought in mind, Zacarius called down to the kitchen and ordered a large carafe of coffee and breakfast for both him and Devlin. While he waited for the food to arrive he jumped in the shower and got cleaned up. Twenty minutes later Zacarius answered the door, freshly washed, dressed, and feeling a whole hell of a lot better. He directed for the food to be put on the table then went to wake his sleeping mate. “Dev, my darling,” Zacarius crooned as he sat down on the side of the bed and shook him. “It’s time to wake up, Devlin, my darling.” “Mmmm,” Devlin said as he reached his hand out and patted the empty side of the bed where Zacarius usually slept. His head came up, his eyes popping open as he searched around for Zacarius. “Over here, my darling.” Zacarius chuckled. Devlin’s head swung around, a large grin covering his lips. Zacarius grunted. He had a feeling his mate wasn’t suffering in quite the same way he did. He was seriously way too cheery. “Good morning, my prince,” Devlin said as his hand moved over to stroke Zacarius’s thigh. Zacarius could see the aroused twinkle shining in his copper eyes. Zacarius frowned. “I hate you.” “Wha—” The look of surprise on Devlin’s face was priceless. Zacarius leaned down and kissed his mate. Despite the pounding in his head he still enjoyed the feeling of Devlin’s lips against his, the small swipe of the man’s tongue. “You purposely got me drunk last night,” Zacarius complained after lifting his head. He narrowed his eyes. “You knew I couldn’t resist tasting you.” Devlin grinned, looking totally unrepentant. “Yeah, but the sex was great.” Devlin’s hand brushed against the growing hardness in Zacarius’s pants. “You, my prince, have quite the kinky streak in you when your inhibitions are lowered.”

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Zacarius quickly racked his brain trying to figure out what Devlin was talking about. He felt his face flush when he spotted the handcuffs clamped around the headboard and remembered exactly how they felt on his wrists while Devlin tied him to the bed. Devlin was right though, the sex was phenomenal. Zacarius rubbed his hand over his nipple as he remembered something about hot candle wax. He doubted he would see any physical marks as he tended to heal rather fast, but he didn’t think that the memory of Devlin dripping little drops of candle wax on his skin would ever fade. “I am not kinky. I was tied down to the bed,” Zacarius said as he stood to his feet. He gave Devlin his most regal look. “I had no control over what you did to me after that.” “Oh please,” Devlin snorted, tossing the blankets back and sitting up on the side of the bed. “You begged me last night.” “I never beg.” Devlin chuckled. “Just keep telling yourself that, my prince.” Zacarius rolled his eyes, but he couldn’t keep a grin from crossing his lips. He had no doubt whatsoever that Devlin could make him beg again and would. The only thing that kept him from complaining too much was the knowledge that he could do the same to Devlin. “Go take a quick shower and get dressed, my darling,” Zacarius said as he headed for the bedroom door. “I ordered breakfast and lots of hot, black coffee. I’ll be waiting for you in the other room.” Devlin stuck his tongue out before walking into the bathroom. Zacarius chuckled and walked into the main room. He saw breakfast set up on the small table by the window and made his way over to sit down. He lifted one of the domed lids, frowning when he found nothing under it. He found the same under the other three domes. What in the hell was going on? Zacarius distinctly remembered ordering breakfast. Why would anyone bring him a bunch of dishes

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with no food? He lifted the lid on the coffee carafe and found it just as empty as the food domes. Zacarius tried to not be too demanding with his staff but he expected better service than this. Getting to his feet, he walked over to the phone and dialed the kitchen. A voice he didn’t recognize answered on the other end. “Who is this?” Zacarius demanded. “You’re in danger, Prince Zacarius,” the voice warned. “They’re coming for you.” “What?” Zacarius exclaimed. “Who? What are you talking about? Who is this?” “It’s Stefan,” the voice cried out desperately. “I couldn’t stop them, Prince Zacarius. I’m sorry. I tried.” “Stop who?” Before Stefan could answer, the door behind Zacarius flew open and crashed against the wall. He swung around, stunned at the sight of several armed men filling his room until fear and anger took over. Zacarius dropped the phone and leapt across the room toward the bedroom where his unaware mate still showered, his only thought to keep Devlin safe. Before he could even reach the door, they jumped him. Zacarius grunted as they forced him down to the floor, his arms pinned behind him. “Devlin!” Zacarius shouted at the top of his lungs. Pain shot through his face as a hard punch landed on his cheek. Zacarius shook it off and glared at the man who hit him. He recognized him as one of the vampires that accosted him at Wolf Creek. “You’re going to die,” Zacarius snarled. “You know this don’t you?” The man jerked on Zacarius’s arm until he winced then chuckled. “You’re not in any position to be making threats, prince.” “You’re still going to die,” Zacarius promised, “if not from my hand then by my mate’s.”

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“Ah yes, your mate,” said a voice from behind him. “Just where is your royal consort?” Zacarius was jerked to his feet and spun around to face the voice. His jaw dropped when he found himself facing Desmond Von Byrne, his former lover. Zacarius’s former lover dressed as he usually did, looking gaudy as hell as he sat in a chair by the fireplace. He seemed to be contemplating his fingernails, looking bored. “Desmond?” Zacarius asked. “What is the meaning of this? Untie me immediately.” In a blink of an eye, Desmond shot up from his seat and raced across the space between them, his hand smacking Zacarius across the face with enough force that his ears rang. Zacarius glanced back at him, his tongue licking away a drop of blood in the corner of his mouth. Desmond pointed a finger at him, his face scrunched up and red as he snarled. “You no longer have the right to tell me what to do, Zacarius.” “I am the prince of this coven, Desmond,” Zacarius reminded the man. “And you could have ruled at my side if you hadn’t brought that flea-bitten dog into this coven,” Desmond replied. He twirled around and stormed across the room, mumbling under his breath. It was at that point that Zacarius began to suspect that Desmond might be crazy. Desmond paced back and forth, stopping to glare across the room at Zacarius. “I would have given you anything. You even could have kept that mongrel as a pet if you wanted. But, no! You betrayed me.” “I didn’t betray shit!” Zacarius snapped. “He’s my mate.” “I’m your mate!” Zacarius’s mouth dropped open in shock as he gaped at Desmond. “I’ve always been your mate. I was there the day you were born. They said you would be mine, that we would rule together. I saved your neck when they executed your father. They wanted you put to Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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death right along with him, but I begged my father for your life. Me! I saved you, not that damn shifter.” Desmond waved his hand wildly in the air, his agitation clear for everyone to see. “And this is how you repay me? By bringing a dog into the coven?” “I don’t owe you anything, Desmond.” “You owe me your allegiance!” Desmond shouted. “You can go fuck yourself,” Zacarius said as he felt his anger override his self-preservation. He knew instantly that it might be the wrong thing to say. The rage that came over Desmond’s face made him wish he could take the words back. Desmond crossed the room and gripped Zacarius’s face in his hand, squeezing just enough that Zacarius winced from the pain. Zacarius clenched his fists to keep from giving in to the need to cry out. He wouldn’t give Desmond the satisfaction. “Oh, there’s going to be some fucking going on,” Desmond sneered. “I’m going to fuck you and make your precious werewolf watch.” Desmond’s eyes took on an eerie light. “Then I’m going to skin him while he’s still breathing and make him into a rug for the front of my fireplace.” “You won’t touch a hair on his head,” Zacarius snapped. His heart beat increased to a rapid pace as real fear filled him for the first time since Desmond and his men entered his quarters. “I’ll kill you first.” “You don’t rule here anymore, prince.” Desmond laughed harshly. “I do.” “This is my coven, and you can’t take it from me no matter how much bullshit spews out of your mouth.” “You’re coven?” Desmond laughed again. “How do you think I got in here so easily? Your coven let me in. They welcomed me in. They want that damn dog out of here just as much as I do.” “He’s not a dog!” “He’s a mongrel,” Desmond snarled. He dropped Zacarius’s jaw to pace around the room again. “My father had it right when he said werewolves needed to be eradicated from the earth. They’re nothing Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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but flea-bitten monsters that walk on two legs, well, part of the time anyway. The rest of the time they’re ruled by the moon.” “Your father was an idiot!” Zacarius snapped right back. “Shifters have just as much right to be here as we do. We’re no better than them and they’re no better than us. At least they don’t try to take out their leaders without a fair and honest challenge. They don’t try to stab them in the back or—” “Or poison them?” Desmond asked. “Oh yes, my dear, I did hear about that. Sadly, that wasn’t from my hand. I wish I had thought of it, but that wasn’t me.” “If it wasn’t you then who was it?” “I’m afraid that was my poor stepbrother, Stefan’s fault.” Desmond shrugged. “The kid never really did good at anything, but he might have gotten that right if that damn shifter drank wine. I’m sure he never meant to hurt you. He just wanted to take the shifter out of the picture.” Zacarius thought of the friendship that Devlin and Stefan seemed to have built up over the last couple of weeks and immediately doubted Desmond’s words. He also didn’t think that Stefan had the balls to try and poison someone. “You’re lying.” “Am I?” Desmond chuckled. He waved his hand at one of the men in the room. “Bring my little stepbrother in here. Let’s let Zacarius hear it from his mouth.” One of the men in the room ran out, the door slamming closed behind him. Zacarius glanced back at Desmond. The man really had lost his mind. Zacarius didn’t see how he thought he would take over the coven even if he died. He hoped his coven wouldn’t stand for it, but he began to wonder. “You won’t be able to take over this coven even if you do kill me.” “Oh, I have no intention of killing you, my dear.” Desmond grinned. “That would take all of the fun out of making you pay for Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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what you’ve done. No, you’re going to live a very long time so that you can savor what I have in store for you.” Zacarius really didn’t like the way that sounded. He started to struggle, extending his claws and trying to cut through the cords tying his hands behind his back. At the same time he kicked out at the men holding him in place. Hands grabbed at him. Zacarius bit at them, sinking his teeth into soft flesh. A hard blow to the back of his head sent pain pounding through his head. Zacarius dropped to his knees, not able to hold himself up anymore. He felt his arms being held out to his sides. Someone gripped his long hair and yanked his head back. Zacarius opened his eyes to see Desmond standing over the top of him, glaring down at him with venom in his eyes. “You will pay for this right along with every other transgression you’ve committed, Zacarius,” Desmond snapped through gritted teeth. Zacarius grinned when he saw the dark purple mark on Desmond’s jaw. He’d at least gotten in one good hit. “Like I said, Desmond, go fuck yourself.” “How about we go get your little consort and see how he likes it when I fuck you? Or maybe I should fuck him instead? You seem to be willing to do anything to keep him safe. Can he be that good?” Desmond pointed toward the bedroom doors. “Go get the dog.” Zacarius panicked, fear for his mate overriding every sensible thing he could have done. He tried to struggle but the men holding him in place kept him from moving. Tears pooled in the corner of his eyes as he realized he had no way to save Devlin. He would have to watch Desmond attack his mate then most likely kill him. Or Devlin would have to watch Desmond attack him. Either way, something precious and special would be destroyed. It was at that heartbreaking moment that Zacarius realized his feelings for Devlin went beyond that of their mating. He’d known

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from very early on that he cared about the shifter, but he never knew until now that he loved Devlin. And he’d never get the chance to tell him. Something inside of Zacarius broke in that instant. Something else began to grow, a rage so hot it nearly blocked out the light, nearly. A glimmer of his love for Devlin still nestled in his heart. “Devlin!” Zacarius roared as he tried to gain his feet, his rage spurring him on. The men cried out in pain as Zacarius fought for his and Devlin’s survival with every last ounce of energy he had. Zacarius got to his feet, and yanked his arms free just as he heard a loud crash from behind him. He whirled around, momentarily shocked to see Devlin racing into the room in full werewolf form. His jaw lengthened, his canines dripped with the blood of the man that Desmond sent to get him. His claws extended, swiping out at whoever got close enough for him to reach. Ferocious growls came from Devlin’s mouth. Zacarius wasn’t sure he ever saw anything so magnificent in his life. Devlin looked glorious! Watching Devlin battle, Zacarius suddenly felt like they might have a chance. Joy filled him as he renewed his fight, striking out at the closest vampire to him. Man after man fell at Zacarius’s feet in piles of blood and broken bodies. He still fought on, aiming his way toward his mate. When a hand landed on his shoulder, he swung around, teeth bared and claws ready to strike until he saw Devlin looking down at him. Zacarius took just a moment to reach up and wipe a small smear of blood from Devlin’s cheek before turning back to face those left in the room. His heart caught in his throat when he found himself staring down the barrel of a very large gun in the hand of Desmond. “You didn’t think it would be that easy did you?” Desmond sneered. “I will have my coven.” “It’s not your coven, Desmond,” Zacarius said. “It’s never been your coven.”

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“It is my coven.” Desmond smirked and waved his gun a little. “Well, it will be as soon as I get rid of the two of you.” Zacarius felt Devlin grab him around the waist, slowly pushing him back behind his larger body. Zacarius dug in his feet. He refused to hide behind his mate while their lives were in danger. He wouldn’t stay safe at the expense of his mate’s life. “You’ll never be rid of me or my kind, Desmond,” Zacarius said. “There are too many of us that believe the Great War was wrong. The mating between shifters and vampires is not wrong. It’s just as natural as the mating between vampires and humans or anyone else.” “It is wrong!” Desmond smirked. “Vampires should only mate with vampires. We need to keep the bloodlines pure.” “Pure?” Zacarius scoffed. “I doubt there’s a single one of us that is pure. We mated with shifters and humans for centuries. None of us are pure anymore.” “I am pure!” Desmond shouted, raising his arm in the air as if trying to make a point. “I have never sullied myself with creatures beneath me, not like you have. You are unclean and need to be removed from existence before you corrupt others.” “So, you’re going to kill me for the good of the coven or because I spurned you and turned my affections to a shifter?” “We would still be together if not for this…this thing!” “You do remember that we broke up over a hundred years ago, right?” Desmond’s face turned red. “You are mine!” “I was never yours. We fucked around for awhile, but we both know it never would have lasted. I could never be with anyone that believes anyone else is beneath them just because they’re different. Your father was an idiot.” Zacarius pushed himself in front of Devlin as Desmond leveled the gun at him. He grabbed his mate’s hand and gave it a squeeze, trying to express his feelings through that small touch as he closed his eyes and braced himself for the feeling of a bullet entering his body. Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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The loud retort of a gun going off echoed though the room. There was a loud cry of pain and distress. When Zacarius realized that the cry hadn’t come from him, he opened his eyes. Hs first concern was that a bullet hit Devlin, but he hadn’t moved from behind Zacarius. If anything, he moved closer, his arms wrapping around Zacarius’s waist. Zacarius dug his fingers into the arm around his waist. He took just a second to savor the knowledge that they both still lived before looking across the room to where Desmond now lay on the floor, a large kitchen knife sticking out of his bloody back. Stefan hovered over him, blood covering the hand over his mouth. He glanced up, his eyes stricken as he held up his hand. “I didn’t—I didn’t mean to—I couldn’t let him—” Zacarius quickly moved away from Devlin to Stefan, wrapping an arm around the man’s heaving shoulders. He gently patted his head. “Ssshhh, Stefan. It’s okay. You did the right thing. He would have killed me and Devlin.” “I know,” Stefan whispered. “I tried to warn you on the phone, but I—” Before Stefan could finish his statement the door to the room crashed open and Alfred came running in, several men coming in after him. He seemed to take in the scene in a split second, issuing orders for the room to be cleared and the dead bodies be removed. Zacarius walked Stefan over to the couch and sank down beside him. He held out his hand to his mate, entreating Devlin to join him.

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Chapter 12 Devlin heaved a relieved sigh and crossed the room to take his mate’s hand. It took several deep breaths for his heart rate to return to normal, though. He couldn’t believe they had both been so close to dying. He couldn’t believe he almost lost the most important person in his life. When Zacarius shouted for him as he got out of the shower, Devlin thought his heart would stop beating in his chest. It was the most agonizing sound he ever heard. The man that entered their private bedroom died before Devlin even knew what happened. His only concern had been to get to his mate. Crashing into the room and finding Zacarius fighting for his life sent him into pure rage. Nothing mattered except getting to his mate and keeping him safe, not even his own life. Devlin would have gladly given that up the keep Zacarius safe. He’d known for some time that he loved Zacarius. He’d been too afraid to tell him in case his feelings weren’t returned. Considering what they just faced, his fears seemed paltry now. Devlin squatted down in front of Zacarius and cupped his hands around the man’s face. He leaned in and gave him a small kiss before leaning back to look at him again. Devlin smiled. He felt tears pool in the corner of his eyes. “I love you, Zac.” Zacarius’s eyes widened. For a moment, Devlin thought Zacarius might reject his declaration, until a wide smile played over his lips and blood red tears dripped from his eyes. Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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“I love you too, my darling.” Devlin heard a small sniffle from beside Zacarius. It was only then that he remembered they had an audience. He looked at Stefan, reaching over to pat his leg. “Thank you for saving us, Stefan. I will forever be in your debt.” “You might not say that when you find out that Stefan is the one that poisoned me,” Zacarius commented. “What?” Devlin braced himself for another fight until he remembered who exactly Zacarius talked about. He hadn’t known Stefan long, but he doubted the vampire had a mean bone in his body. “You mean it worked?” Stefan asked, sounding astonished. Devlin gaped at him. “Stefan, your prince almost died.” Stefan’s eyes widened and his face paled. “Oh, but he wasn’t supposed to be hurt. I just meant to kill Devlin.” “So, you did mean to kill me?” Devlin asked. Stefan’s face flushed. He shrugged, his eyes dropping down to the floor. “Well, that was before I really knew you.” “Stefan, why would you try to kill me?” Devlin couldn’t remember ever having done something to warrant that kind of hatred. “You’re a shifter.” Stefan looked back up at Devlin. “I thought you would hurt Prince Zacarius, and I couldn’t let you do that. He’s what holds us all together. We need him.” “Stefan!” Devlin exclaimed. “You tried to poison me and almost killed Zacarius. How can you justify that?” “I didn’t know you then. I really thought you’d hurt him or us. You have to understand, Devlin, I grew up hearing what monsters shifters were. Prince Laurent Von Byrne was my stepfather. He started the Great War. No one ever said any different.” “You know differently now, don’t you?” Zacarius asked. “Yes,” Stefan replied, his face flushing again. “I really am sorry. I thought I did the right thing. I thought I was protecting my prince.” “While I appreciate the concern, you do understand that all the crap your stepfather spewed was not true, right?” Devlin asked. Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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“Shifters are no different than vampires or humans. We all want the same things out of life, to get ahead, find someone we care about, and live a happy life.” “Yes. It took me awhile, but I figured that out.” Stefan glanced down at his hands. “I really am sorry.” “Promise me you will never do it again?” Zacarius asked. “I’d never hurt Devlin now,” Stefan quickly said, looking up. “I swear.” “I want you to promise me that you’ll never try to poison anyone again.” “Oh yeah, that, too.” Devlin chuckled. “I think we need to get you mated off before you cause any more trouble.” Stefan didn’t seem to find that amusing. If anything, he face fell a little more. Devlin grabbed his hand. “Stefan, I was only joking. You are always welcome here.” “Oh, I know. It’s just, well, now that Desmond is gone I have to go home and deal with my other stepbrother, Oliver, and he’s even worse than Desmond.” “He’s a purist?” Zacarius asked. “No, he could care less about purifying the races. He just thinks he should be a prince, and he lets everyone around him know it. He treats the servants like crap and throws lavish parties for his friends. If I don’t do what he says, he gets mean.” “Has he ever hit you?” Devlin asked, his jaw clenching at the idea that anyone could harm this gentle man. Stefan shrugged. “He isn’t around much with Desmond being first born and all, but now that Desmond is gone I suspect he’ll be coming home.” “You tell him that if he lays a hand on you, he’ll have to deal with me,” Devlin said. “You’re the personal friend of the royal consort, and he’d better not forget that. I have connections you know. I’m on pretty good terms with the prince.”

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Stefan snapped his mouth shut, but not before a small giggle escaped his lips. Devlin smiled at him and patted his leg again. “Okay, I want you to go downstairs and let Alfred know that we need some food. In a couple of days after everything has settled down I’ll contact the alpha of my pack and arrange a mate gathering. Maybe we’ll be lucky and someone will sweep you off your feet.” Stefan seemed much happier as he jumped to his feet and hurried from the room. Devlin waited until the door shut behind Stefan before getting up to grab his mate and lift him into his arms. Zacarius didn’t make a sound as Devlin carried him into the bathroom and slowly undressed him. Devlin undressed himself, which wasn’t hard considering he only wore a pair of jeans then pulled Zacarius into the shower with him. It took just a moment for the water to heat up. During that time, Devlin wrapped his arms around Zacarius and pulled him close, just standing with his mate in his arms as the water sprayed over the both of them. The emotions sweeping through threatened to overwhelm him. Devlin blinked several times to clear the tears from his eyes. He buried his face against Zacarius’s long black hair and took several deep breaths. That only brought the sweet scent of his mate into him. Devlin suddenly needed to feel his mate. He needed to know they were both alive and okay, that Zacarius needed him as much as Devlin needed Zacarius. Devlin gripped Zacarius’s hair and pulled his head back until he could see into his shocked eyes. He offered no apology, no words of remorse, just leaned down and captured Zacarius’s lips with a savage intensity. His tongue traced the soft fullness of Zacarius’s lips before delving inside to explore. It was ferocious, passionate , and spurred on Devlin’s desire. He caressed the silky skin beneath his hands as he

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moved them down to Zacarius’s ass, lifting him up and pressing him against the shower wall. Zacarius’s hands gripped his head while his legs wrapped around Devlin’s waist. Devlin balanced him with one arm and grabbed the waterproof lube off the shower shelf with the other. He quickly coated his fingers then dropped the lube. Grabbing at Zacarius again, Devlin lifted him a little higher, his lips breaking contact with Zacarius’s mouth. Zacarius’s head fell against the shower wall as Devlin gently pressed one finger into the man’s ass. “More, Devlin, more,” Zacarius cried out as he rode Devlin’s finger, his hips moving wildly against Devlin. Devlin watched his mate’s face as he added another one, carefully stretching the man for his possession. Devlin felt like his body was half fire, half ice. His cock ached, throbbing its impatience. He hungered for the feel of his mate, for the taste of Zacarius on his lips. Not able to hold himself back until Zacarius was ready, Devlin sank his teeth into the skin over his mate’s heart. He heard a loud cry above him as sweet, hot blood flooded his mouth. He tried to concentrate on adding a third finger to Zacarius’s ass, but the man squirmed so much he almost dropped him. Devlin pulled his teeth free and licked the small sound closed before gazing up at Zacarius. “Zac, baby, please say you’re ready,” Devlin begged, sagging against the man when he nodded. “Yes, yes, take me now, Dev.” Devlin gratefully pulled his fingers free and replaced them with his cock. He grabbed Zacarius’s hips and pushed home in one hard thrust. The hands wrapped in his hair tightened and Zacarius cried out. “Harder, my darling, fuck me harder,” Zacarius demanded. “Fuck me into the damn wall!”

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Devlin was more than happy to oblige his prince. Without any warning to his mate, he began a powerful rhythm, thrusting so deeply into Zacarius that he felt his balls slap against the man’s ass cheeks. Anchoring Zacarius to the wall with his hands, he pulled out until just the head of his cock remained inside Zacarius’s tight grip before thrusting in again. The pleasure he felt was pure and explosive, driving him to the pinnacle with moments. “Zac, please,” Devlin begged again, unable to put into words what he needed, but Zacarius seemed to know. Time slowed to a crawl as Zacarius smiled and gently caressed the side of Devlin’s face. “Always, my love,” Zacarius whispered. Devlin’s eyes drifted closed as Zacarius leaned down and sank his long canine teeth into his throat. The world spun and careened on its axis before exploding into a downpour of fiery sensation. Devlin’s fingers clenched, his breath stuttering in his throat and he roared out his ecstasy as he filled Zacarius with his seed. Zacarius’s soft cry and the tightening of his muscles as he filled the space between them with his own release filled Devlin with even more satisfaction than his own orgasm. He leaned against Zacarius, his head resting over his mate’s heart, as he waited for the world to stop spinning. Devlin could hear the rapid thud of Zacarius’s heart. He listened until it slowed to its normal pace then slowly pulled free. He loathed releasing his mate, but the water started to go from hot to warm. He knew they had just moments before it would go cold. Grabbing the washrag and body wash, Devlin quickly scrubbed them both clean then rinsed them off. He turned off the water and stepped from the shower onto the bathmat. He grabbed a towel and wrapped it around Zacarius. He grabbed a second towel and dried his mate off before drying himself. Dropping the towels in the hamper, Devlin picked Zacarius up again and carried him back into the bedroom. He carefully laid his

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precious bundle down on the bed, following to stretch out beside Zacarius. Zacarius curled into him, one arm thrown over his waist, a leg draped over his. His head tucked under Devlin’s chin. Devlin in turn wrapped his arms around his mate and held him as close as possible. Silence reigned in the room for several moments. Devlin didn’t want to break it, afraid that it would shatter the peace they seemed to have found in the shower. He had no idea why Zacarius didn’t say anything until he heard the man’s soft snore. Devlin chuckled, grabbed the blanket and pulled it over the both of them. He smiled as he settled back against the pillows. Life with his blood prince didn’t seem to be that bad.

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Chapter 13 Zacarius glanced up when Devlin plopped down in the chair across the desk from him. He raised an eyebrow, noticing the large brown package cradled in his mate’s lap and the frown on his face. “What’s in the package, my darling?” Devlin shrugged. “I have no idea. Reece and Keeley sent it.” “So, open it already.” “It’s not addressed to me, my prince,” Devlin said as he set the package on the table. “It’s addressed to you.” “Really?” Zacarius grabbed the package and started unwrapping it, wondering why Reece and Keeley would send something to him and not to Devlin. He liked them, but they were closer friends to his mate than to him. “Have you heard anything from Stefan since he went back to his brother’s?” Zacarius shook his head. “No, and I’m starting to get a little worried. It’s been three months since Stefan left, and there hasn’t been a single word. I would have thought he’d at least call or something.” “Do you think something has happened to him?” Zacarius stopped pulling the brown wrapping off of the package to glance over at his mate. “Honestly? I don’t know. I’m concerned that we haven’t heard from Stefan, but it’s not that unusual if there’s a death in the family.” “Well, it’s not like Stefan and his brother are in mourning over Desmond’s death. The man was a monster.” Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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“True, but that doesn’t exclude all that is involved when someone of Desmond’s stature dies. There’s the whole inheritance thing to think of, and when you have a vampire involved, that can be quite the load in itself.” “I guess.” Zacarius chuckled at the pout on Devlin’s lips. He did love his mate, but Devlin could be very intense where the people he cared about were concerned. It was one of the many things he loved about him, but just one of many. Devlin was everything he could have ever hoped for or dreamed of in a mate. He showed his love and caring in everything he did from getting breakfast for Zacarius before he woke to protecting him at every turn. Zacarius couldn’t be happier. The last three months had been an eye-opening experience for Zacarius and his coven. More and more shifters came by to visit, immersing his coven in shifters left and right. For the most part, his coven came to accept and even welcome them. A few held out but Zacarius felt that they would come around in time. And they had plenty of that. Zacarius went back to unwrapping his package, casting curious eyes at Devlin. “I did send out a memo that all unmated coven members were required to attend the mate gathering with your pack next week. I’m sure that Stefan will be there.” “You think?” Devlin asked, looking more interested. “It was an order from their prince.” Zacarius grinned. “They have to attend.” Devlin chuckled and leaned forward as Zacarius pulled off the last of the wrapping. Zacarius pushed the wrapping aside and lifted the lid, staring down at his gift in shock. “Well?” Devlin asked. “What is it?” “A bottle of scotch.” He glanced up at Devlin, confused. “Why would Reece and Keeley send me a bottle of scotch?” Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].

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Devlin stood up and grabbed the bottle. He pulled the top free and took a long deep swallow, coughing and pounding on his chest. He set the bottle back on the desk then bit into his wrist causing a small puncture wound. Devlin grinned and held his bleeding wrist out to Zacarius. “Why do you think, my prince?”

THE END WWW.STORMYGLENN.COM

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Stormy believes the only thing sexier than a man in cowboy boots is two, or three men in cowboy boots. She also believes in love at first sight, soul mates, true love, and happy endings. Stormy lives in the great Northwest region of the USA, with her gorgeous husband and soul mate, six very active teenagers, two boxer/collie puppies, two old biddy cats, and three fish. You can usually find her cuddled in bed with a book in her hand and a puppy in her lap, or on her laptop, creating the next sexy man for one of her stories. Stormy welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website at www.stormyglenn.com.

Also by Stormy Glenn Wolf Creek Pack 1: Full Moon Mating Wolf Creek Pack 2: Just A Taste Of Me Wolf Creek Pack 3: Tasty Treats: Volume 3, Man to Man Tri-Omega Mates 1: Secret Desires Tri-Omega Mates 2: Forbidden Desires Tri-Omega Mates 3: Hidden Desires Tri-Omega Mates 4: Stolen Desires Lover's of Alpha Squad 1: Mari’s Men Lover's of Alpha Squad 2: The Doctor’s Patience Lover's of Alpha Squad 3: Julia’s Knight Lover's of Alpha Squad 4: Three of a Kind Love’s Legacy 1: Cowboy Legacy Sweet Treats Mr. Wonderful The Katzman’s Mate Sequel to The Katzman's Mate: Dream Mate My Lupine Lover The Master’s Pet Wolf Queen His Gentle Touch Available at BOOKSTRAND.COM

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Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

Ebook piracy is stealing. It is a federal offense. Report ebook piracy to [email protected].