Bound by Moonlight

A Total-E-Bound Publication

www.total-e-bound.com

Bound by Moonlight ISBN # 978-0-85715-132-2 ©Copyright Lexie Davis 2010 Cover Art by Lyn Taylor ©Copyright May 2010 Edited by Jess Bimberg Total-E-Bound Publishing This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Total-E-Bound Publishing. Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Total-E-Bound Publishing. Unauthorised or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution. The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork. Published in 2010 by Total-E-Bound Publishing, Think Tank, Ruston Way, Lincoln, LN6 7FL, United Kingdom.

Warning: This book contains sexually explicit content which is only suitable for mature readers. This story has been rated Total-e-burning.

Exotic Wolves

BOUND BY MOONLIGHT Lexie Davis

Dedication To Paul

Trademarks Acknowledgement The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmark mentioned in this work of fiction: Barbie:

Mattel

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Chapter One

It felt good to be free. Sasha sat at the bar and put in her order for a drink before she glanced around the smoky room. With Max now mated to Chloe, she decided she had to get out of that house. The lustful looks, the intense kisses, the hours spent in their room—it all made her physically sick. How could he not see how much Sasha loved him? Before he’d left to service the newbie, Sasha told him she’d wait for him. She wanted him to know she would be there after he cleared his head and came back to his pack. Janie’s death had taken a huge toll on him. He’d only been helping her during her first change and she turned on him, wanting his blood. Sasha had wanted to help him and he had run away. The bartender brought her the drink and she sipped it. When Max had come back, he’d been different. Immediately, Quinn had thrown him into another case of helping a new wolf through her transition—Chloe. And Max had fallen in love with her. Tears filled Sasha’s eyes as she nursed her broken heart. She couldn’t stand to be around them any longer. “Vodka tonic,” a guy said to her right. She glanced over at him and he smiled. “You new here?” She’d travelled nearly fifty miles from the Grey Wolves’ land with the hopes of never spotting one of her pack mates out and about. “Just passing through.” She sipped her drink. Where she planned on going was still up for debate. He pulled up the seat next to her and sat. “Where are you headed?” She sniffed at the air. In a bar full of humans, the scent of one lone wolf seeped through the room. A male wolf who definitely called to her inner female. She turned, glancing over her shoulder at room. There was nobody she knew, and the scent was definitely one she didn’t recognise. Who was he? What did he want? The man beside Sasha kept talking and she tuned him out, nodding occasionally. She considered herself a lone wolf now, a stray, and knew the dangers of being one. Which was why she decided to head to humanland. It was on rare occasions wolves associated with

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humans. She thought she’d be safe. But with a male lurking around, her fear spiked up a notch. “Uh, I do hate to interrupt you,” Sasha handed the bartender money and grabbed her jacket, “but I need to go.” She moved away from the bar, casually glancing around for someone out of place. She found nothing. Maybe her senses were messed up. Maybe she was used to being around males and she missed it. Dreamt it. Maybe she was losing her fucking mind. The possibility of the last one was probable. And it definitely explained why she was jittery. Taking a deep breath and forcing herself to calm down, she opened the door and stumbled into someone on the other side. Arms wrapped around her and held her in place while the wolf scent grew stronger. “Are you okay, miss?” She inhaled and pushed away from him. His eyes were a deep blue, capturing her and holding her immobile. She swallowed hard as her heart sped up. He had long black hair and tan skin. Stay calm. She glanced at his six-foot-two frame and took in the black leathers he wore. There was no doubt in her mind that the man standing before her was the wolf she’d sensed. He snapped his fingers in front of her eyes. “Hello? Can you hear me?” “Yes.” Her voice sounded raspy. She cleared her throat. “I’m fine. Sorry for running into you.” “That’s okay.” His gaze didn’t waver. “You need to be more careful though. A woman like you shouldn’t be around here at night, alone.” She nodded and backed away from him. “I’m going home.” Sasha moved past him and headed towards the nearby woods. She needed to go somewhere else. Somewhere even farther. Home wasn’t an option anymore.

**** Diego nursed a beer with his friends, thinking about the woman who’d run into him on his way into the bar. There were nearly fifty Black Wolves in the area, all quite deadly when it came to females. He knew they wouldn’t care if she was wolf or human, as long as they got

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their rocks off. And they liked to share their latest conquests, which usually resulted in death—or the female wishing she was dead. They were a brutal pack, and well, he was fortunate enough to be considered an ex-member. He glanced out the window, half listening to his human friends. He wasn’t like his former pack mates. He’d had his fair share of pack fun until he’d met Alison. A pang of hurt shot into his chest at the memory. They’d been chosen for each other and her parents had taken her away before the needing phase. After she left, he hadn’t returned to his pack. “What’s wrong with you?” Micah asked. “You look like you lost your best friend.” Diego straightened and drank the last of his beer. “Just thinking. So, what was this night out about?” “What else,” Jaden asked. “Rematch.” Diego chuckled. None of his friends could stand to lose, and every time they played pool, Diego beat them. “Why the rematch? I’ll just make you look foolish all over again.” Each of the men stood and grabbed their cue sticks. Jaden was the first to grab the chalk and made everyone else wait while he fixed the tip of his cue stick. Diego rolled his eyes as he set up the balls, deciding to give Jaden the first shot to break. Before he even poised his cue in the correct position, a man ran inside the bar screaming for help. “There’s a girl outside.” He huffed a breath. “She has bite marks all over her… She looks like she’s been attacked by wolves.” Diego stopped chalking his pool stick and lifted his head. He sniffed at the air and smelled fresh blood. He set the stick on the table and rushed outside along with a few others to see the woman, clothes ripped, bleeding on the ground outside. She’d definitely been mauled. Diego knelt beside her and felt for a pulse. His first thought was the body belonged to the woman who’d stumbled into him earlier. He studied the corpse and determined he was wrong. It was a different woman and an obvious sign from the pack. “She’s dead.” Diego glanced up at the bar owner, Evan. “Call the proper authorities. I’m going into the woods to see if there are any wolves around.” Evan glanced towards the woods. “Are you sure that’s safe? Maybe you should leave that up to animal control?” Evan had some cause for concern, Diego realised, but he brushed the bar owner’s questions off. Diego wanted to talk to Deacon, the pack’s Alpha. He walked into the woods,

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listening to the sounds of the night. Many wolves had travelled this way, he knew, and their scents lingered in the air. They’d have had to travel through here to deliver the body in front of the bar. He glanced back and made sure he was alone before he took off his clothes and shifted. Each time it felt the same. His skin turning to fur made him itch all over. He resisted the urge to howl as his bones morphed into that of a wolf’s skeleton. The pain of muscles stretching was something he’d rather do without but ultimately lived with. He didn’t shift often, didn’t have the need. Ever since he’d left his pack and became a stray, he mingled with the humans. Humans and wolves didn’t mix. He sniffed the air and followed the trail. He loved this part of the country—perfect temperature, complete peace. The night air was cool with a slight breeze blowing his fur. He sniffed the air and found the scent of a female mingling with at least ten male scents. He moved forward, picking out the female’s scent and following it. Why is a female roaming around with the males? Is she still alive? He moved on, deeper into the woods. Of all the nights for him to go on a hunt for Deacon, it had to be tonight. His friends knew he was in the woods. They’d start looking for him if he didn’t return soon. A noise to his left caught his attention. He stopped and sniffed the air. The female was still in the woods. He ran towards the smell and found her ahead of him with wide eyes. She wasn’t a black wolf, but a grey one. He approached cautiously. She didn’t move, keeping her eyes on him. Though it was stupid for him to do so, he decided to shift back to human form. He needed to speak with her, find out more about her. “You shouldn’t be out here alone.” He inhaled and caught a whiff of her scent. The full moon wasn’t for another week. Diego thought back to Alison. It’d been a long time since he’d had a true female wolf in his bed. “The Black Wolves just killed a woman and left her body outside for us to find. I’d hate for them to find you too.” She glanced to the side where a pile of clothes laid. How could she possibly be modest with him standing in front of her in the buff? He rolled his eyes and turned, giving her his back. “You’re not one of them?” she asked almost immediately. He stared into the night, listening to the crickets chirp.

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“I used to be.” The scents of the males were fading. “It was a long time ago.”He turned around, figuring she’d had enough time to dress. “Why are you here?” She struggled to put her boots on. “Look, I know now that this is your turf. I’m leaving in the morning.” He clutched her arm and forced her to look at him. “It’s dangerous for you to be here. Do you understand that?” She licked her lips and met his gaze. It was the same girl from before, the one who’d bumped into him. “I get it, okay. Let me go.” “Who’s your pack alpha?” “I’m a stray.” “You don’t look like one. Besides, strays don’t wander into other pack’s territory and expect to live. I’m also pretty sure every stray within the northern hemisphere knows where the Black Wolves are at every second of every day.” His grip tightened on her arm. “Who is your pack alpha?” “Quinn, of the Grey Wolves.” She cringed and struggled to get away from him. “I’m not going back.” “I don’t pity your leader for having to deal with a lippy little wolf that thinks she knows everything.” He led her towards the edge of the woods, stopping briefly to pull on his clothes. Unlike what he did for her in the woods, she stared boldly at him while he changed. Diego snorted and changed quickly. He planned on taking her back to her alpha and letting him deal with her. She didn’t belong here. She didn’t belong with him. “I’m going to go tell my friends that I didn’t find anything. Get in the red truck and stay.” She folded her arms over her chest. “I’m not going anywhere with you. I don’t even know you and you’re a Black Wolf. That would be completely stupid on my part.” “Being here, period, is completely stupid on your part. If I was a true Black Wolf, like the ones that killed that girl, I would have fucked you in the woods before I ever allowed you to put your clothes on.” He narrowed his eyes. “You’d better be here when I get back. You do not want me to come find you if you’re gone.” He left her there and headed into the bar.

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“Did you find anything?” Evan asked. “Nah. Wolves are around but they usually don’t come this close to people. Do you think someone found her elsewhere and dumped the body?” Diego knew what happened, but it was for their own protection that the humans remained clueless. “Well, I got me a shotgun back here if they plan on coming around anymore.” Evan held up his weapon and Diego nodded. “I have an early day tomorrow. I should be getting home.” “We haven’t finished our match,” Jaden piped up. “Does that mean you forfeit?” “That’d be the only way you’d win.” Diego chuckled and headed back outside to his truck. If his friends only knew what he truly was.

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Chapter Two

“Good to see you’re still here.” Sasha narrowed her eyes. “Where else am I going to go?” He shrugged and stuck the key in the ignition. “I’m sure a rebellious little thing like you’d find somewhere better, you know, since I scare you and all.” He was arrogant. A cocky, arrogant bastard. She sighed and glanced out the window as he pulled out of the parking lot. Too bad he was hot. All that perfect male physique was wasted on this guy. She glanced over and watched him drive. He was a Black Wolf too. Something about the danger of the scenario spiked her desire. For years, Quinn and his no-good brother preached on how little fledglings like her should stay away from the big, bad Black Wolves. And here she was in a vehicle with one, riding to God knows where. Not very smart on her part but intelligence had gone out the window the day she left home. She was tired of being the smart one and living a boring life. She wanted the danger, wanted the fun and surprises. Max would shoot her when he saw her. She knew it without a doubt. He was protective of his pack, but he didn’t give a shit about her romantically. No, he mated Chloe. “What’s on your mind?” She shook her head and turned towards the window. She didn’t need to tell a Black Wolf all her secrets. Her own pack didn’t know some of them… Well maybe Roni, but that was it. Roni was the Grey Wolves alpha female and Sasha’s twin sister. It was her job to know everything that went on. “Now you’re giving me the silent treatment?” He shifted in his seat. “That’s fine. But I do suggest you stop grinding your teeth. Makes it hard to rip through raw meat when you find a kill.” She snorted. “Why should I tell a Black Wolf my secrets? You’d just tell Deacon and my entire pack would be threatened.” He cleared his throat. “I told you I don’t belong with the Black Wolves. I left that lifestyle a long time ago.”

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“Oh, really? Why’s that? Sudden occurrence of morals?” He kept his eyes on the road. “Sort of, if you must know.” Sasha shook her head. “I don’t believe you. You will always be a Black Wolf. It runs through your veins.” “Not after I overheard my pack members planning to take my mate from me.” He turned onto the highway, heading towards the Grey Wolf sanctuary. “I was twenty-three. Young and rough around the edges. I lived the lifestyle because that’s all I was taught to do. Then Deacon planned on the entire pack helping Alison through her first change and the needing phase. I didn’t like it. We butted heads. Her parents took her away from the pack and joined a rescue sanctuary somewhere up north, far away from the Black Wolves. I don’t even know if she survived, but I knew I couldn’t stay with them.” Sasha listened to him talk, debating whether or not he spoke the truth. She wanted to believe his heartfelt story. He sounded sincere, but didn’t most men when telling lies? She wasn’t sure she trusted him enough to believe him. Black Wolves were conniving and manipulative. And from what she’d seen with the dead girl, very, very charming and persuasive. “I saw them attack the girl.” Sasha didn’t know why she admitted it aloud but she did. “One walked up to her and persuaded her to follow him into the woods. I don’t know what they did after that but the smell of blood scented the air.” “How did you keep them from coming after you?” Sasha went back to looking out the window. “I’m pretty good at being invisible.” They drove for a while without speaking. She didn’t want to go back to her pack’s house and she sure as hell didn’t want to face Max or, worse yet, Chloe. “The guy I wanted to mate fell in love with another wolf and decided to mate her before moving her into my pack’s house.” “Ouch,” Diego replied. “Is that why you ran away?” She nodded. “I couldn’t handle it anymore. They would hug and kiss and call each other those stupid endearments that make normal people want to gag. And he barely even noticed me. He was nice and caring when he needed to be, but he barely acknowledged my existence. It pissed me off.” “Why didn’t you mate him before the other girl?”

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“He left. He was the Grey Wolves alpha, but after the change of one of our members, he freaked out a bit. He went to Alaska and roamed around for a couple years as a wolf before coming back. Almost immediately, Quinn sent him on another assignment to assist a new fledgling with the change and needing, and that’s where Barbie came along. He fell in love and they mated. The end.” Diego glanced over at her and she rolled her eyes. “That’s quite a story.” Sasha grunted in response. Quinn had Roni. Max had Chloe. Hopper and Thunder had a plethora of women and what did she have? No one. Nothing even close. You’re invisible. Might as well get used to it. Diego pulled down a secluded drive that lead to the mansion the Grey Wolves lived in. Sasha’s stomach knotted. She wiped her sweaty hands on her thighs, though the action didn’t help much. “They’ll probably try to defend me.” Sasha glanced over at Diego. “You might just want to drop me off here and leave.” “Not happening.” He pulled the truck to a stop in front of the mansion. “You’ll just run away and endanger yourself again. I can handle my own against your pack members.” She took the opportunity to glance at his muscles and smiled. She just bet he could. “Where’s the trust?” He snorted. “Come on.” He climbed out of the driver’s seat and came around the front of the truck. Sasha followed behind him, taking her time as she inched towards the steps. She dreaded this moment. Diego rang the doorbell. “You only have four males on the premises?” “Four is enough.” The door open and two wolves pounced on Diego with Sasha shrieking in surprise. “Stop it. Let him go.” Max appeared in the doorway. Sasha clenched her teeth as she stared at him. A few seconds passed before Max called the wolves back and they disappeared into the woods. Diego sat up and huffed a breath. “This is so not my week.” “Why the hell did you do that?” She stormed up the stairs and got in Max’s face. “You are such a complete moron, you know that. A real two-timing jerk.”

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“Good to see you too, S. Glad you’re okay.” He glanced over at Diego. “What are you doing with a Black Wolf in my territory?” “Anything I damn well please.” She was too furious to even realise Diego had stood and dusted himself off. To him, she said, “I told you this was a bad idea.” “Get inside, Sasha.” Quinn came around the corner and stopped next to his twin brother. “You have no business associating with him.” “See why it’s better to be a stray? I not only have to deal with one asshole, but two.” She stomped inside and was immediately greeted by Roni. “Don’t. I’m in a foul mood and I just want to go to my bedroom and die.” Roni didn’t say anything. Sasha trudged to the steps and stopped when Chloe came around the corner. “Sasha! You’re back.” Sasha closed her eyes as Chloe wrapped her arms around her in an unwanted hug. Sasha pushed her away. “Yeah. I’m going up to my room.” Chloe glanced over at Roni. “She’s crabby.” Sasha bit her tongue. Instead of responding, she headed upstairs to her bedroom on the right. There was nothing like being in a familiar place with familiar things. Even if some of it did bring heartache and anger. She locked the door and pulled out a drawer in her dresser. After selecting a pair of shorts and a clean tank top, she changed and climbed into bed. She was in the puppy pound but at least she had her own space.

“Let me get this straight. You rescued Sasha from the Black Wolves, but you are a Black Wolf?” The one Sasha had called Max narrowed his eyes as scepticism washed over his features. “Something like that, yes.” Diego ran a hand across his face. “She wandered into Black Wolf territory, and since I’m a stray, I didn’t take her to Deacon.” “How gentlemanly of you.” Max motioned toward Diego’s truck. “She’s with us now so you can go, stray.” Diego narrowed his eyes. “Make sure she stays with you this time. I won’t rescue her again.”

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Diego went around his truck and climbed in. Sasha wasn’t his problem, but he didn’t like the arrogance coming from the guy she wanted to mate. He knew entering their turf that he wouldn’t be welcomed. His skin and hair gave away his heritage. He was a Black Wolf, and he’d never live it down. He drove into the night with virtually no place to go but home. He should probably try to figure out why Deacon was making a statement. He was obviously pissed off at someone. Why he had to take it out on humans was beyond anyone’s comprehension. Humans didn’t believe their kind existed and drawing attention to themselves wasn’t a wise idea. Diego sighed. Maybe that was Deacon’s point. He always enjoyed shifting before the unsuspecting humans to prove he did exist. To scare them enough so they would do whatever he wanted them to. And usually it worked. But how did Deacon not smell Sasha? Her scent lingered in the truck, reminding him of their short ride together. She smelt good and she had definitely branded herself in his memory. She’d opened up and gave him information about herself and he’d given a little piece about him. It’d been a long time since he’d told anyone about Alison, and for some reason, opening up to Sasha seemed a natural thing to do. He drove on, back to his quaint town. The reason he chose the place was for the serenity. He wanted a fairly safe location to live and the little town populated with nearly a thousand humans seemed perfect. So why was Deacon fucking it up? Diego pulled in his drive and killed the engine. Was it a message for him? Was Deacon wanting to fight over territory? Over title? Diego didn’t know. There were a million possibilities and any one could be true. He exited the truck and walked the short distance to his front door. Packs offered security and safety from other wolves, be they packs or strays. And hardly anyone messed with an alpha wolf. Deacon unfortunately was the alpha for the Black Wolves and everyone wanted his head on a silver platter. Diego stuck the key in the lock and opened the door. None of that mattered tonight. He wanted a shower and some sleep. It’d been years since he shifted and the time took a toll on his muscles. He flipped on the light and stopped. The room smelt different. Diego glanced to his left and spotted a single flame lighting the end of a cigarette. “It’s about time you got home,” Deacon said. “Where have you been?”

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Chapter Three

“Leave her alone.” Sasha hugged her pillow against her body as she listened to Chloe plead with Max. “She’s had a rough night and the last thing she needs is you yelling at her.” “She was with a fucking Black Wolf. I have a right to be upset!” Sasha counted down in her head, waiting for him to bust through her door. He did so in five seconds. She didn’t even bother turning to give him her attention. “How the hell could you be so stupid? You leaving the pack was bad enough, but hanging out with Black Wolves tops the fucking idiot scale. What the hell were you thinking?” “I wasn’t.” She lay on her side and stared at the wall. “Damn right you weren’t. What if he raped you or, worse yet, killed you? How the hell could you be so dumb? And then you bring him here, to where we live. He acted like he knew you. What did you tell him? Am I going to have to kill this guy before he reports back to his pack alpha?” She closed her eyes when she felt tears forming. “I didn’t tell him anything. And Deacon isn’t his pack alpha. He’s a stray.” “Or so he wants you to think.” Max paced the room, his footsteps sounding on the wooden floors. “I don’t get what’s wrong with you. It’s like you woke up one day without a fucking brain, or you simply refuse to use it.” That pushed her over. She sat up and threw her pillow at him. “You are what’s wrong with me.” He dodged the pillow and stared at her. “What have I done?” She stood and brushed past him. He wasn’t worth talking to. His hand clasped around her arm before she stepped into the hallway. She turned and pushed against him with all her might. “Let me go.” He released her and she stumbled away from him, turning and heading down the stairs. Each of her pack members looked at her like she was crazy but she didn’t care. “Sasha, he means well,” Roni said.

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“Where are you going?” Max asked, descending the stairs. “Anywhere but here.” Sasha met Roni’s eyes. “I don’t belong here.” Quinn stepped in front of her, blocking the way to the door. “If you go back to him, you can’t come back to us.” She moved past him and opened the door. Turning back she met her sister’s eyes and said, “Fuck you all.”

**** Diego swallowed hard, staring at his former pack alpha. “I’ve been out and about. What’s it to you?” Deacon blew smoke out into the room. “It’s been brought to my attention that there is a new female roaming the area. One of my boys says you know her. Who is she?” “I haven’t got the slightest clue. I don’t keep up with strays.” “Really?” Deacon puffed on his cigarette and lowered it from his mouth. “As memory serves you were the first one in line to fuck new strays. You telling me you didn’t fuck this female tonight?” Diego sighed. “My love life isn’t as exuberant as I’d like, so yeah. I’m telling you I didn’t fuck anyone tonight.” Deacon narrowed his eyes. “That’s good then.” Diego opened his front door. “I think we’re done here. Have a nice night, Deacon.” The other man smiled. “Of course.” He crossed the room and stopped in the doorway, in front of Diego. “Just so you know, the girl we had tonight was a warning. Should the stray come around our turf again, she’d end up in the same condition. Only next time we won't be so gentle. We’ll make sure she begs for death first.” Diego clenched the doorknob. He didn’t want to think about them harming Sasha. Yeah, she’d been incredibly stupid coming here without her pack members, but he didn’t want to see her hurt. He closed and locked the door. Her scent lingered around him, more of a figment than an actual smell. He couldn’t get her out of his head. He traipsed down the hall, heading to the shower. He was too old for this shit. Looking after women like a pack mate was not in his job description. He’d left the only pack he’d ever

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known over five years ago, and in all those years, he hadn’t shifted once. But Sasha entered the picture and he found himself shifting and looking out for her safety, needing to protect her. What the fuck was up with that? He stripped and turned the water on full blast. He had to call the Grey Wolves or—God help him—stop by to warn them of Deacon’s message. If Sasha went into one of her little rebellious notions, her life would be in danger. It was only a matter of time before Deacon found her, no matter how well she could mask her scent. The water felt great against his skin. He bathed and stepped out after turning the water off. Hopefully, after taking her back tonight, she’d stay put. He reached for the towel and wrapped it around his waist. But if a wolf truly wanted to be a stray, it would be. He left the bathroom and headed towards the bedroom. Something told him she wouldn’t stay put. He sighed. Maybe he shouldn’t have left so soon. A knock sounded at his door and Diego frowned. Deacon was the only one who knew where he lived and he never bothered to knock. He groaned. That had to mean it was a visitor, and since the only one who cared to visit happened to be the new stray, he could only imagine what she wanted. He opened the door and arched an eyebrow at Sasha. Sometime during his shower it started to rain and her clothes were completely soaked. Her eyes were puffy and red, like she’d been crying. “You’re like a bad penny, you know that?” He stepped to the side and permitted her entrance. “I don’t have anywhere else to go.” She stepped inside the foyer. He closed and locked the door. “Well, it’s not safe for you to be here.” “He yelled at me and I refuse to be treated that way!” Her fury was unmistakable. “That’s what alphas do when someone steps out of line.” He frowned. “How old are you?” “But he’s not my alpha! His twin brother is and he stood off to the side acting passive and annoying like he always does. He didn’t say one word until I decided I’d leave and then he told me not to come back.” “Can you blame him?” “Whose side are you on?”

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He sighed. “I’m not picking sides. Deacon stopped by tonight and threatened to kill you should you come on his turf again. Guess what? Anywhere Deacon is, is his turf. Your life is in danger and you need your pack to protect you. Go home.” Sasha stared at him. “He said he’d kill me? Good luck finding me.” “He’s better than you know.” She snorted. “He’s a pup in training when it comes to tracking.” Diego rolled his eyes. “Why are you here? How did you even get my address?” She shrugged. “I have my ways. I’m one of the best at tracking.” He gripped the towel around his waist and headed back towards the hallway. “If you say so. I need to change.” Diego entered his bedroom and sighed. The shower had done wonders to make him forget the night’s events, but with her showing up, smelling as good as she did, it was a worthless effort. She followed him, inserted herself into his life like she belonged, and he forced himself to resist her. He had to resist her because if he gave in, he didn’t know what he’d do. “Since we’re both strays now, does that mean we call the shots?” “Do you realise how annoying you are?” He pulled out a pair of boxers from his chest of drawers. “Oh, come on.” She sat on the side of his bed. “I haven’t left the mansion in nearly ten years.” He arched an eyebrow at her. “You’re shitting me, right?” She shook her head. “The men are the only ones that leave.” “That sounds drab.” “My point exactly.” Her gaze roamed to his crotch. Diego took a deep breath, praying the towel covered him properly. “I need to change. Can you wait in the living room?” “Why? I’ve seen what you’ve got.” She pulled him towards her and undid the towel. Her hand wrapped around his cock. Diego clenched his fists at his side, watching her. How long had it been since he’d felt a female’s touch? She leaned forward, flicking her tongue against the tip of his cock. He sucked in a breath. “Sasha.” The word came out through clenched teeth.

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The warmth of her mouth surrounded him and it felt like paradise. Her thumb pressed against the base of his cock, lightly stroking his balls. Her lips tightened around his cock as she took more of him in. Her small hand wrapped around the base of his shaft and began a slow stroke, moving with her lips. Diego sucked in a breath when her tongue caressed the underside of his cock. Pleasure shot down his spine. He’d been celibate for way too long. He cupped the back of her head, the soft tresses like silk against his fingers. She pulled back and stroked his entire length with her hand. Her eyes met and held his, and Diego didn’t try to move away. He leaned down to kiss her, pushing her back against the mattress. He simply didn’t care about right and wrong at the moment. Sasha felt right in his arms, right in his bed and that’s all that mattered. He slipped his hand beneath her shirt to feel her warm skin. It’d been way too long since he’d been inside a woman. She moaned into his mouth when he cupped her breast. Her hand continued to pump him. Diego knew he wouldn’t last long. They parted long enough to pull her shirt over her head. The faint light of the moon shone in the room, highlighting her body. Her nipples hardened beneath his gaze. “You act like you’ve never seen a female before, but I know that’s not true.” She pushed him to his back and removed her pants before straddling him. “I’m sure you’ve had many females being a Black Wolf.” He cupped her cheeks and brought her lips against his. He didn’t want to talk about past lovers. Sasha rubbed her pussy against him and Diego pulled his lips away. “Shit.” She giggled and reached between them. Gripping his dick, she positioned it at her entrance and sank down. He gripped her hips. She rocked above him, squeezing him with her muscles. He couldn’t let her take the control. It was his first time in several years. He needed to have the control. He flipped their positions and withdrew from her body. One long thrust after another had her panting and gasping. Sweat trickled between her breasts. He wanted to see her come. Had to, actually. It was need almost as powerful as his own desire. His cock filled her repeatedly in a slow rhythm that made her writhe on the mattress. “Harder,” she panted. “Fuck me harder.”

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He would, next time. He rolled her clit with his fingers, giving her the little push she needed. Her pussy tightened around him, drew him in deeper, as ripples of her pleasure washed over her. The sight alone damn near set him off. “Come.” She clutched his hips with her hands, digging her nails in the skin there. “God, please come now.” Diego pulled back and thrust hard, increasing the rhythm. She gasped. He angled her hips just right to thrust as deep as he could, filling her with every inch of his cock. And her sweet body welcomed him. He felt her tighten around him, drawing out what little control he had left. Her body began to milk his and he let go. She screamed into the night, digging her nails into his ass as she tugged him closer. The orgasm seemed to last forever and his arms refused to hold him up any longer. He covered her with his body, closing his eyes as he relaxed, surrounded by her warmth. She brushed his hair from her face. “You still want me to go?” He kissed her and rolled to her side. “You need to go back home, where you belong.” She sat up, looking for her clothes. “I don’t feel like I belong there.” He reached for her arm and brought her back against him. For the moment, they could enjoy each other’s warmth and company. He wrapped his arms around her and simply held her. “You’re not a stray, Sasha. You have a pack that loves you and cares for you. You may not see it because you’re mad but they do. They’re very protective of you.” He stroked her side. “You don’t know them. They’re protective of their name. I just happened to have their name.” She moved away from him, obviously disturbed with the thought of talking about her pack. He sighed. “Well, what do you want me to do, Sasha? I’ve got to deal with Deacon, who promised me he’d kill you if you came around here again. Your pack sounds like paradise compared to him. So what if they don’t like you, or you feel like you don’t belong? At least they’re there when you need them, which is more than I can say for any of my former pack members.”

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“Do you have any idea how I became a Grey Wolf? I wasn’t born one. My parents were white wolves from the Colorado area. Roni, my twin, decided we’d be better off without them because the pack was growing old and not reproducing much. She didn’t want their values to be associated with her so she ran off and I followed. She met Quinn and mated with him during her first change. The Grey Wolves only had the two males and they wanted some females to join the group so we decided that’s where we belonged.” She turned towards him, a disturbed look crossing her face as she thought about the past. “I always thought whoever saw me through my first change would be my mate if I survived. There was no one but Max and I thought it would be more. He took care of me and gave me everything I needed to survive, but he refused to give me himself.” She stood and wiped her tears. “So since I was the only unmated female of the group, the guys took turns servicing me during each full moon. I never meant anything more to them and it hurt.” Diego sat up and reached for her. “Come here and lay with me.” She glanced over her shoulder. “Why? Because of my sob story? No thanks.” He pulled her to him. “Not because of your ‘sob story’, as you put it. You and I have a lot in common. More than you think.” She settled against him. “You’re hardly a nobody.” He kissed her temple. “Neither are you.”

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Chapter Four

Sasha woke around noon the next day with Diego by her side. He smiled at her and leaned in to kiss her lips. “Why are you in a happy mood?” He chuckled. “You’re so sweet when you wake up. How will I ever resist that charm?” She slapped at his stomach and rolled over, closing her eyes again. She hadn’t slept much the previous night. She felt warm and secure in Diego’s bed but her mind wouldn’t shut off. He caressed her side, making it impossible to go back to sleep. She thought about the previous night and how the sex had been great. She’d once thought sex like that could only exist between a mated pair but she’d been wrong. He moved closer to her and reached around to cup her breast. “You want me to put you in a better mood?” Diego kissed that tender spot behind her ear and Sasha melted. She tried to pretend he didn’t affect her. “Not sure you can.” His lips trailed to her cheek and he whispered, “Is that a challenge?” Sasha’s entire body tingled. She glanced over her shoulder at him, her mood immediately changing. He kissed her shoulder as he rolled her nipple between his fingers. “Diego,” she found herself moaning. He looped his arm around her and dragged her beneath him, before taking the tip of her breast between his lips. His long hair fell around her, tickling her skin as his mouth worked her nipple into a stiff point. Sasha pushed his hair back and forced him to meet her eyes. He was beautiful, in every way. “I’m only going to tell you this once.” She leaned in for a kiss. “Slow is not an option. Stop teasing me.” He chuckled and nipped her lower lip with his teeth before kissing her. “I’m pretty sure you’ll take it any way I give it.”

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His lips moved to her neck as he settled between her legs. She wanted to believe she’d found a place to stay even if it was for just a brief time. With Diego, he made her feel that way, which was the only reason she’d come back to him. He could—and should have—killed her when they first met, but instead he took her home, wrestled with her pack mates, just to make sure she’d be okay. Then when she came back to him, he immediately wanted to protect her from Deacon. All of that made her want to believe something more could develop between them. Diego pulled back and looked at her with a frantic expression. “Shit.” He jumped up and stumbled to the dresser. “Deacon is outside right now with a few other males.” Sasha stood and grabbed her clothing. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll mask my scent.” She stared at him. “But he’ll be able to smell it on you.” Diego moved into the small bath and whispered, “Hide.” Sasha closed the bedroom door and dressed quickly before crawling beneath the bed. Using her powers, she masked her scent, virtually erasing it from the room. Her heart beat wildly as she waited, hearing Deacon barge in like he owned the place. “My boys said a dark-haired female came to your house last night. Where is she?” She could hear Deacon rummaging around Diego’s things. “And don’t lie to me.” “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Sasha heard a grunt and assumed Deacon was the cause. The bedroom door whooshed open and Sasha held her breath. She’d positioned her arms and legs on the rails so she didn’t appear to be beneath the bed if they looked. Deacon rummaged around, moving about the room. She counted four pairs of feet, meaning he’d brought two thugs with him. “You’d better not be lying to me, Diego. You won’t like the consequences.” Deacon left the room with his goons behind him. Sasha waited for the door to slam before she dropped to the ground. Diego came back to the bedroom. “Where are you?” She rolled out from under the bed. “He’s an arrogant ass.” She stared up at Diego who sported a busted lip. “What happened to you?” “Nothing.” He held out his hand and pulled her up. “You’re going home though.” She made a motion to protest, but he held his hand up. “You may feel like you don’t belong with

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your pack, but I can guarantee that you don’t belong here with me. After you shower and eat, I’ll drive you home.” He moved past her and grabbed a tie to pull back his hair. “Were you in love with Alison before her parents took her away?” He paused, keeping his eyes down. “Yeah.” He took a deep breath and turned, looking for something. “I thought she would be my mate. She wanted offspring immediately and I found myself wanting to give them to her. I understood, even then, what her parents were trying to do, but they wouldn’t let me see her. They moved into the refuge camp and I, as a Black Wolf, wasn’t allowed anywhere near.” Sasha knew he tried to disguise his hurt by keeping busy. “Did she not want to meet up with you? Run away together or something?” “She pretended she didn’t even know me.” He turned towards her. “Go take a shower. The faster you leave, the better off we’ll both be.” Sasha bit her lower lip. “What’s he going to do to you?” Diego sighed. “Nothing if you leave.” “Do you want me to go back home?” “Yes.” He didn’t hesitate. She nodded and left the room. The bathroom was across the hall, stocked complete with fresh towels. She entered and closed the door behind her. In her mind, she pictured how it would be. She’d go home, Quinn and Max would yell at her and absolutely nothing would change between them. She’d lose a chance at developing a relationship with a possible mate and be stuck in the rut she called her life. She undressed and thought about Diego. He knew heartbreak like she did. He knew what it was like to have that one person right there within reach yet a million miles away. At least he doesn’t have to watch his former love make out in front of him. Tears filled her eyes. She wanted something more. Everyone around her had something more and she had nothing. Diego knocked on the door and she sniffled, trying to wipe away the evidence of her tears. She cracked the door open and was greeted by Diego’s handsome face. “Don’t do this.” He pushed the door open so he could enter. Sasha turned away from him to start the shower. “Do what?”

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“The crying. Stop with the crying.” He closed and locked the door behind him. “I’m not crying.” She stepped inside the stall and revelled in the heat from the water. The water ran in her face and prevented him from seeing how big of a liar she was. Diego wasn’t fooled, though. He undressed and stepped in behind her. His hands were warm when they touched her, turning her to face him. She went willingly into his comfort and let him hold her. “It’s for the best. Maybe another time, another place, it could be different, but right now, you’ve got a pack and you have to go back to them.” His hand pressed against her ass while the other moved between her shoulder blades, holding her to him. She closed her eyes and relaxed against him. She didn’t know how long they stood there. Diego held her as long as she wanted, never once pushing her away. He kissed her cheek and ran his hands along her back. Sasha pulled away and turned, continuing with her shower. Diego reached for the soap and lathered it between his hands. He cupped her breasts and rolled her nipples before sliding his hands down her body. His lips pressed against her shoulder as his fingers slipped between her legs. “Diego.” She gripped his forearms. “Shh.” He slipped two fingers inside her. Diego pressed his crotch against her ass as his fingers pumped inside her pussy. Her emotions were a rattled mess, and somehow, Diego seemed to freeze everything with his touch and allow her to live in the moment. His other hand came around her to fondle her clit while his mouth worked every sensitive area along her neck and shoulders. Sasha came, dropping her head back against his shoulder. Diego’s teeth scraped against her shoulder while his fingers continued to pump inside. Her body felt elated. When the last ripple of pleasure stopped, she turned towards him and reached for the soap. “How do you mask your scent?” he asked. She smiled and gripped his cock. “It’s a secret.” “So I imagined.” He gripped the shower wall. “Tell me anyway.” “My mom came from a sorcery background. As generations were produced, her bloodline passed on a special power to its young. She was a tracker which made it hard for

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my sister and I to sneak out of the house.” Sasha smiled, recalling the many times their mother caught them. “Anyway, that was her gift. Mine is camouflage and Roni’s is healing.” She bent forward to flick his nipple with the tip of her tongue. His busted lip was practically healed and the slight grin on his face made her want to stay with him even more. He gave her freedom. His hands came to her shoulders as he leaned down to press a kiss to her mouth. “Turn around.” She did. The spray from the water hit her face lightly. Diego positioned her hands on the stall wall and pulled her ass out, consequently spreading her legs wider. He gripped her hips and pressed his cock against her opening, thrusting inside. An animalistic growl left his throat as he moved, taking her hard and fast like she wanted. “Say my name.” He rammed his cock inside her. “When you come…I want you to know it’s me you’re fucking.” She closed her eyes. “Please, Diego.” His hand came around, his fingers finding her clit. “Say it again. My name.” She nearly wept as the beginning of her orgasm came over her. Diego stroked that one spot inside her, repeatedly, giving her exactly what she needed. She screamed his name, her pussy clenching around him. It seemed to go on forever. Sometime later, Diego turned the water off and wrapped a towel around her limp body before ushering her out of the shower. He urged her to sit on the closed toilet seat while he reached for his own towel. A bubble of emotion—all the emotions she dealt with prior to her shower—rose to the surface and hit her like a brick wall. She tried to stifle a sob, bringing a hand to her lips. It wasn’t good enough though. Diego spotted her sudden emotion and was there within seconds, asking the one question she didn’t want to answer. “What’s wrong?” Diego knelt in front of her, concern on his face. He brushed her hair from her face. She wrapped her arms around his neck and held onto him. He sat in the floor and held her, stroking her back as she cried against him. She couldn’t tell him what she felt. In her mind, she was just doing with him the exact same thing she did with Max. She wanted more from her lovers than a simple fuck and run.

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She pulled away. Leaving Diego was for the best. She didn’t need to get too attached to something else she couldn’t have. She wiped her tears and gathered her clothes. The Grey Wolves could go to hell for all she cared. “I swear to you if there was another way, everything would be different.” “It doesn’t matter.” She pulled on her clothes, keeping her back to him. She steeled herself from feeling any emotions. She wouldn’t cry in front of him again. He pulled his hair back and secured it in a band. “For what it’s worth, I like you, Sasha.” She didn’t respond, instead leaving him standing in the bathroom alone.

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Chapter Five

Diego pulled in the Grey Wolves sanctuary for the second time around two, frowning when Sasha nearly jumped out before he came to a complete stop. She hadn’t bothered saying two words to him after her breakdown in the bathroom and he didn’t force her to talk. He knew how much she wanted to stay with him, for freedom and whatnot, because he wanted the same. He enjoyed her company, even if she was like a bad penny. He sighed and waited, watching as she climbed the steps in fury. Anger must be how she dealt with things when they didn’t go her way. He blew out a breath and rubbed a hand over his face. It was like falling for Alison all over again. While the two females weren’t anything alike, the situations were similar. There was something about Sasha that called to the wolf inside him. He’d never had that with Alison. He thought he had, but the connection with this particular Grey Wolf was completely different. What a fuck up. A pretty blonde answered the door and grabbed Sasha’s arm before she could stomp through. She spoke a bit, and he watched as Sasha’s reaction went from hatred to hurt. Diego undid his seatbelt and glanced around before stepping outside of the truck. “…they’ve gone to look for her,” the blonde said as he came within earshot. Sasha turned towards him. “Deacon’s got Roni.” The tears were back and he did the first thing that came to him. He pulled her to him. “What happened?” he asked the blonde. “She went into the woods to pick berries. She does it often, saying it calms her nerves. When she didn’t come back, Quinn, her mate, went to look for her and he said the woods were scented strong with the Black Wolves. They’ve gone to search.” “Fuck.” Diego rubbed Sasha’s back. “You need to go inside and lock the door. I know Deacon and where he likes to hide. I’ll look for her.” “It’s all my fault.” Sasha shook her head. “We’re twins and he’s looking for me but got her instead.”

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Diego heard a loud growl to his right. He barely had enough time to push Sasha out of the way before the wolf lunged, attacking. “Stop it!” Sasha screamed. She came towards them, grabbing the wolf’s ear and tugging. “Stop it, Quinn. He didn’t do anything. He’s not one of them!” “Sasha!” Max came around the corner. Diego needed just a little bit more room to shift. “Sasha, let him go.” Max grabbed her arms and pulled her away. Diego watched for a second as Max dragged her off, kicking and screaming. Quinn growled and snarled before lunging again, his jowls snapping for Diego’s neck. He couldn’t fight the mad wolf off in human form. His heart beat erratically as he struggled, fighting for the room he needed to change form. Another growl came to his left and Diego knew he couldn’t waste another minute. “Get off of him!” Sasha came running out again and stopped the second wolf within inches from biting him. “Max, help me.” Diego shifted and went full force at Quinn. In wolf form, he only had one objective. That was to survive. He bit at Quinn just as Quinn bit at him. Another wolf appeared and jumped on him from behind. He howled in pain as its teeth sank into his skin. “None of this is helping us find Roni. Deacon’s got her, not Diego. Take your anger out on him.” She kicked at Quinn. “Sasha, stop.” Max stepped in between them and pulled the wolves apart. Diego snapped his jowls a couple of times, catching air as Max pushed him back against the truck. The blonde was outside ushering Quinn away while Sasha shooed the other two wolves. Diego shifted back to human form and bit back a scream as pain shot through his side. Nudity didn’t matter, even though he regretted shredding his only set of clothing with him. “I thought I told you not to come back to our property.” Max had no remorse. He pushed Diego’s shoulders, oblivious to the other man’s pain. “Where is she?” “He doesn’t know, Max. He’s been with me. Deacon threatened us both this morning. It’s not Diego’s fault Roni’s gone. It’s mine.” Max narrowed his eyes at Diego as he spoke to Sasha. “Go in the house, Sasha.”

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“No.” She came to them and grabbed Max’s wrist. “He’s not the bad guy. If you’d stop playing childish games, he’d tell you he knows where Deacon hangs out. I have tracking skills. If you’d tell us what happened, we can find her.” Max finally pulled his gaze away and looked at her. “We can’t trust him.” “No, but you trust me. That should be enough,” she pleaded, tears filling her eyes. “It’s my fault she’s gone. Stop wasting our time and let us find her.” He blew out a breath. “Fine. Quinn refuses to shift back. He wants blood so I’ll have to talk to him. Keep lover boy here.” Max left and Sasha turned to Diego. “Are you okay? You have a pretty nasty bite in your side.” “Yeah. It hurts like a bitch.” He grunted as he moved his weight to his other foot. “I’m fine though.” He reached out and pulled her to him for a kiss. “We’ll find her, sweetie. I promise, we’ll find her and Deacon will regret all he’s ever done.” She pulled away. “I don’t want to think about it right now.” Max came around the house with Quinn, who was now dressed and in human form. He spoke to Diego, pointing his finger. “You’d better not screw this up or you’ll wish you’d never met me.” He nodded and the men invited him inside the Grey Wolf mansion.

**** After the men chatted about what to do, Diego looked over at Sasha and said, “You need to stay here.” “I can track. I’m going with you.” Diego grabbed her wrist and stopped her from moving. “Listen to me. Deacon wants you. You’d be better off here with Chloe.” “If Deacon wants me, then he can have me. He just has to let Roni go.” Sasha knew how bad it sounded, but she’d willing trade spots with her sister. If it meant that her sister got to live, she’d do anything. Diego’s gripped tightened on her wrist. “You need to listen to me.” Diego forced her to meet his eyes. “I can’t help anyone if I have to worry about you both. Stay put so I know you’re safe.”

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“I can’t,” Sasha whispered. “I can’t sit here and do nothing while she’s enduring God knows what.” “Sasha, I’m begging you. I need you to trust me.” “Let’s go,” Max said heading to the front door. Tears burned her eyes. She knew the reason she was so emotional was because the full moon was just around the corner. But she did trust Diego. She nodded and he let her wrist go. “We only have a few hours before the full moon. Hopefully, we’ll send Quinn and the others in the right direction before we have to come home to you and Chloe.” Diego glanced over his shoulder at the Grey Wolves. “That is if they don’t kill me first.” She fisted her hand in his shirt and pulled him to her. “Don’t joke about that.” She kissed him soundly before releasing him and pushing him away. She watched the five men leave without feeling any sense of comfort they’d being Roni back.

Diego didn’t have much to say to the Grey Wolves as they drove to Deacon’s compound. No matter how much Sasha pleaded, they didn’t like him anymore than he liked them. “Sasha keeps insisting you’re not one of them. How is that so?” one of the Grey Wolves asked. “Shut up, Hopper.” Quinn kept his voice low. “I left the pack over five years ago,” Diego answered, ignoring their leader. “Why?” Max asked. Diego focused on driving. “Deacon.” “What could he have possibly done to offend you?” Quinn sat in the front seat and turned slightly to face Diego. “He was the reason my former mate left the pack.” Diego didn’t want to get this personal with them but he really didn’t have much of a choice. “Her parents took her away to a refuge and she didn’t want to be associated with a Black Wolf. After that, I left the pack and lived as a stray.” Thinking about Alison wasn’t as hurtful anymore. Even with her attitude and her parents’ attitude back then. He didn’t let it grate on his nerves anymore, and most

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importantly, he didn’t continuously ask the question why. But the more he thought of her, the more he realised the similarities of that situation with the one he shared with Sasha. Her pack wouldn’t accept him just like Alison’s refuge wouldn’t accept him. Her pack wouldn’t let her leave and honestly, she’d be stupid to. The old saying ‘stuck between a rock and a hard place’ rang true. “So you lost your girl to this dickhead?” Quinn finally said. “Is that why you’re willing to help us find Roni?” Diego turned down another street, heading away from his small town and completely into Deacon’s territory. “I’m helping you find Roni because she’s Sasha’s sister. I’m doing it for her. That is the only reason.”

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Chapter Six

The full moon was hanging high in the sky and Sasha felt the first urge of the needing phase hit her strong. She worried about her sister. If she felt the need for sex, then she knew Roni was no different. She knew the Black Wolves would take advantage and God only knew what else. She sat in her room, staring out the window. After giving Chloe strict rules to leave her alone, she’d entered her sanctuary and locked the door behind her. She didn’t want to be around anyone. She didn’t want to… Movement caught her attention as she saw a pack of wolves approach. She stared, focusing on the leader, and gasped when she realised it was Deacon. With the men gone, she didn’t have any protection against the Black Wolf pack. She stood and ran across the room, unlocking the door and rushing out. Chloe was in downstairs when she’d left her and Sasha hurried down the staircase in an effort to find Max’s mate. “Chloe?” She hurried to the kitchen and the other female was nowhere to be found. “What do you want?” Sasha turned her head and saw Chloe standing in the doorway, Deacon on the other side. “Where’s Roni?” Sasha stood in the shadows, watching. The scent of the males radiated through the room, the pheromones calling to her inner female. How did Chloe stand there in their presence and be completely unaffected? “My boys are entertaining her.” “You are such an ass.” Sasha squeezed her legs shut, feeling the first rush of moisture. She wasn’t a bit attracted to any one of them. She took a deep breath, trying to fight off the need. She needed Diego. “Where is your leader?” Deacon asked, trying to glance inside the house. “Around.” Chloe blocked him. “Give us back Roni and I promise he won’t kill you.” Deacon gave a hearty laugh. “Quinn couldn’t kill me even if he tried. Oh, wait, he did try. I do believe it was in your honour.”

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She smiled and Sasha frowned. “My pack loves me. That’s what real packs do for one another.” “Stop wasting my time and get me your leader.” Deacon stepped closer. Chloe didn’t back away. “Unless he’s not here? Did your leader go off and leave you with no protection against the big, bad wolves?” He gave her a snarling grin that made Sasha’s skin crawl. Two females against a pack of six or seven Black Wolves was not anywhere near an even match. She wasn’t even sure both Chloe and she could take Deacon alone. They had no defence. With all their pack members looking for Roni, they had no defence against the mastermind of evil. “You aren’t as big as you think you are.” Chloe sighed, uninterested. “What do you want with Quinn?” “To propose a trade off. Our female for the bitch at Diego’s house. My pack informed me that they are twins.” Chloe laughed. “You mean you didn’t kidnap the right female? Whew, what geniuses you have working for you, Deacon.” Sasha watched his eyes narrow dangerously. Did Chloe enjoy playing with fire? Riling up Deacon wasn’t the wisest thing in the world. And without protection, they really didn’t need to piss him off. “Shut the fuck up and give me your leader, bitch.” “Who are you calling—” “I’m right here. You don’t need to talk to Quinn. I authorise the trade right now. My sister for me.” Sasha stepped forward, replaying in her mind all the information the Max taught her about the Black Wolves. “But you have to leave her here. I’m not going anywhere until Roni is on Grey Wolf property, with Chloe.” Deacon inhaled, his eyes dilating. She knew he smelt her pheromones. Not even her special powers could prevent it. And she wanted him. Not because of any sort of attraction between the two, but for the nature of their species. Females were drawn to any male during her needing phase. But if Chloe could control it, so could she. She had to. Roni’s life depended on it. “Okay. We have a deal.” Deacon grabbed her arm, squeezing hard. He snapped his fingers and two wolves threw Roni’s body at the foot of the front steps.

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Sasha cried out as Chloe ran to Roni. The curses coming from Chloe’s normally sweet mouth was all Sasha needed to know. Roni was dead and it was all her fault.

**** “He’s not here.” Diego frowned, sniffing the area. From the scents of the area, Deacon hadn’t been home for a while. Quinn grabbed Diego’s collar. “Are you messing with us?” A cell phone chirped and Max reached for his hip. Diego glanced from Quinn to Thunder to Hopper who all gathered around him, ready to unleash their inner beast. The things I do for females. “Why the hell would I mess with you? I told you I was doing this for Sasha.” He shoved Quinn away. “Honey, calm down.” Max held up a finger when Diego was about to speak. “What do you…he came by the house? When? Why?” Silence. “Oh, fuck.” Diego’s entire body went on alert. He knew before Max even said a word. They all knew. All five men headed to the truck with Diego driving. He couldn’t think straight. He knew Sasha would do anything to get her sister back. From everything he’d talked with her about to the way she reacted when she found out Roni was missing—he knew Deacon proposed an offer and Sasha was with him. “Why the fuck did I leave her alone?” he said it out loud. “I thought she’d be safe at the house.” Max hung up the phone. “Drive home, Diego. Chloe said we’re not going to like what happened and I need to make sure she’s all right.” He drove to the Grey Wolf sanctuary at a breakneck speed. He pulled to a stop and all five of them jumped out of the truck. Chloe was kneeling over a rank, bloody body, holding the head in her lap. She glanced up with tears streaking her cheeks. “He killed Roni and took Sasha.” Diego stared as Quinn knelt beside her and stroked his mate’s cheek. Max came to his mate and squatted beside her, pulling her close. Nobody said another word.

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Diego knew he should have seen it coming. Deacon didn’t care about anyone or anything around him. If it didn’t suit him anymore, he did away with it. From the looks of Roni’s body, he’d had his share of torturous fun. Quinn took his shirt off and wrapped it around Roni’s body. Max tried to get Chloe to move away but she wouldn’t. He kissed her head and sat beside her, holding her the best he could. “You guys go,” Max said. “I’m staying behind.” Quinn finished stripping from his clothes then met Diego’s eyes. “I want his blood.” He shifted into a wolf along with Hopper and Thunder. Diego stared at Roni and Chloe before meeting Max’s eyes. “Does Sasha know about her sister?” Chloe nodded, blubbering as she cried. “She traded places. She didn’t know Roni was dead until they dropped her body. I tried to help her, but there was nothing I could do.” Diego nodded and took off his shirt. His side had practically healed from Quinn’s bite earlier. He felt strong, and the need to find Sasha ran through him stronger than anything. And when he did find her, Deacon would be the one praying for death. Death, in fact, was the easiest part of living. “Bring her back, Diego. We all love her. Just…” Max rubbed Chloe’s arm, “bring her back.” The unspoken message was ‘dead or alive’. Diego nodded and shifted. His instinct kicked in immediately picking up Deacon’s scent. He hoped like hell Sasha didn’t try to mask hers. The other wolves waited for Diego to lead them. He would, and this time, his drive was stronger than ever. He snarled and took off towards the woods. Deacon couldn’t be too far.

**** Sasha cried, her entire body hurting. She was three hours into the needing phase and her body felt on fire. The men made lecherous comments but thankfully didn’t touch her. Knowing Deacon, he was probably getting a thrill out of watching her suffer. She wanted to shift. She had no chance against them if she did so she tried to remain in human form as long as she could.

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“Do you think lover boy will really come for you?” Deacon asked. She didn’t respond. Max had told her once that Black Wolves kidnap females during their first change and refuse to relieve them of the intense physical pain of needing. He said they waited until the female begged for relief then literally fucked them to death. Diego, please come for me. She didn’t know how much longer she could remain untouched. Her thighs were soaked, and the pheromones from the males around her only sent her needing body into overdrive. Tears came harder, flooding down her cheeks. “You ready for the touch of a man yet?” Deacon reached out to palm her breast. She smacked his hand away with as much strength as she had. “Don’t touch me. Don’t you ever think of touching me again.” One of the other wolves laughed. “She’s only been into needing for three hours, Deke. Give it a few more and she’d spread those thighs willingly. She’ll be begging for it.” I’d rather die. And she would. Sasha ignored the other males as they travelled through the woods. She didn’t have a clue to where they were going but she was their prisoner. She was shackled at her ankles and wrists, walking like a chained dog behind their leader. She wasn’t in the position to be assertive. “Uh-oh.” Deacon stopped and turned towards the source. “What?” “We’ve got company.” Sasha’s heart leapt. She angled her head, looking for any sign of the Grey Wolves. Deacon sniffed the air and narrowed his eyes at her. “Looks like lover boy decided to come after all.” He pushed her into the arms of his cronies. “You deal with her, while we take care of these losers.” Sasha screamed.

Diego was hot on the trail and heard a scream. He took off at full force towards the noise. The woods were completely dark with only the sounds of night creatures roaming about. An owl hooted at a distance. Diego wanted to believe Deacon and his crew were close. The scent was stronger. He and Quinn ran side by side, sniffing at the ground as they moved. Sasha’s scent came through the air and it reeked of pheromones. The beast within him wanted to howl.

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He pushed that thought away, knowing he needed to find her and make sure she was okay before he even thought about her needing. Quinn ran ahead and jumped on a wolf, beginning the fight. “Diego!” Sasha screamed. He glanced around, jumping over the four members of the pack, heading towards her voice. Two men held her naked, one trying his damndest to thrust inside her. Diego saw red. He jumped on the first, killing him within seconds. He turned to the other before the man could change and snapped his neck too. Diego shifted and knelt beside her, running his hands over her body, making sure she wasn’t hurt. “Are you okay?” She looped her arms over his head and refused to let go. Diego lifted her and moved farther into the woods, away from the Black Wolves. He couldn’t stop thinking about how great she felt in his arms. Chains bound her wrists and ankles, clanking with their movements. He stopped behind a large tree, completely hidden from the commotion. “I need you to go back to the house. Max is there with Chloe.” “Diego, I can’t do it.” She cried against him. “Every part of my body hurts.” His hands roamed over her again. “Did they hurt you?” “No.” She met his eyes. His cock hardened immediately. “I need you, Diego.” “Not here.” He kissed her lips. “Let me help your pack take care of these guys. Then, I promise I’ll take care of you.” She nodded. He sat her down and caressed her arms. “Are you sure they didn’t hurt you?” She nodded again. Tears filled her eyes. “They killed Roni.” He pulled her to him and kissed her cheek. “That’s why I need to help your pack out. Go home. As soon as these guys are dead, I promise I’ll be there. Just a few more minutes, okay?” She shifted, breaking the chains that bound her ankles and wrists. Diego made sure she had clearance to get away before he went back to fend off the Black Wolves. Quinn was snapping at Deacon while the others were taking on two Black Wolves at a time. He watched Sasha run off, wishing like crazy he could go with her. It was nearly three hours into the needing and she hadn’t mated once, that he knew of. He wasn’t sure how much longer she could wait untouched.

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Jumping at the wolf on Thunder’s back, Diego had no problem snapping its neck. He fought with the other one on Hopper and got him to leave the grey wolf alone. It was a never-ending bloodbath between good and bad, he realised in irony. The Black Wolves would always be around to cause trouble. Deacon shifted, staying low key as his cronies fought his battle for him. Quinn tried his damndest to get to the leader but his pack protected him, like good packs should. But Diego saw a way around them and took advantage. Jumping towards Deacon, Diego tackled him, his jowls pressing against the sensitive arteries of the Black Wolves leader’s neck. Within seconds, he would be dead.

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Chapter Seven

Sasha collapsed outside of the house, shifting back to human form. Sweat poured from her pores, wetting her skin. She crawled around the front, finding Max. “Max,” she cried. He lifted his head and spotted her, running to her immediately. He picked her up and carried her inside. “Chloe?” The other female came around the corner and cried in relief. “What happened?” “Get some towels from the bathroom and a wet wash cloth.” Max pulled a blanket off the back of the couch and laid her on it. “You don’t appear to be hurt. Is it the needing?” Sasha nodded. “How many hours has it been?” Chloe came back and handed him what he’d requested. “It’s been three hours and forty-five minutes since the full moon rose.” Sasha cried when Max touched the wash cloth to her skin. Every sensation was elevated, her skin feeling like fire. “Honey, I wish I could help you.” Chloe knelt beside Sasha smoothing her hair. “Is she going to be okay?” “If she gets a male.” He covered her body with the towel. “How do you do it?” Sasha moaned. She met Chloe’s eyes. “How are you not in pain right now?” Chloe glanced over at Max before returning her gaze to Sasha. “I’m pregnant.” Sasha groaned. Right now, she wished she was too. “When did Diego say he was coming back?” Max asked. “He did say he was coming back to service you, right?” Sasha squeezed her legs tighter. She didn’t know when he’d come back. His kiss still burned against her lips. She tasted him. Her body’s need spiked up a few degrees. She closed her eyes, reliving his scent. Her mind couldn’t stop replaying the actions of the previous night they’d spent together. Max wiped her face. “Honey, it’s going to be okay.”

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She tried to push her thoughts aside and relax. Sometime later, a door flew open and footsteps entered. “Where is she?” “Right here.” Max moved and Diego came to her, lifting her into his arms. “Bedroom?” She opened her eyes to see Max direct him upstairs. Diego held her tightly as he climbed the stairs. She pointed weakly to her room and he carried her inside, laying her on the bed. She moaned and Diego spread her legs, stepping between them. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him as he thrust inside her. She climaxed immediately with penetration alone. Sasha cried out as she shook in his arms, needing the release. He didn’t stop. Diego’s mouth never left hers as he continued to thrust inside her needy pussy. She clawed at his back. “I’m sorry it took me so long, baby.” He kissed her neck. She held onto him as he reached between their bodies to fondle her clit. “I should have been here when it started. I’m sorry you had to wait so long for me.” She came again, arching her back off the mattress. The need was nowhere near subsiding. She gripped the sheets at her side as he pulled out and thrust in hard, repeating the action several times before he finally came inside her. He leaned over her and kissed her before pulling away. Her hand trailed down his chest. “I need more.” “I know, sweetie.” He wiped his forehead on his arm. “But I need a shower before I crawl in your bed. Show me to the bathroom.” He held out his hand and she took it. He lifted her and she wrapped her arms and legs around his body. His lips came down against hers, holding her close. His cock pressed against her, ready for their next round. “Diego.” He walked her to the door and pressed her against it. He pulled back long enough to position his cock at her entrance. Holding her hands above her head, he thrust inside. Sasha gasped as his thick length filled her. He leaned down and lapped at one of her nipples, folding his fingers with hers as he pushed inside, repeatedly. Her back scraped against the

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unforgiving door, sure to leave marks. He switched to the other nipple, sucking it hard as he bumped his pelvis against her clit. That was all it took. She squeezed his hands, crying out as her pussy clenched around his dick. His mouth came down against hers, eating her cries as he continued to push inside her. Push, withdraw. Push, withdraw. She couldn’t get enough. He pulled back and stared into her eyes. “You okay now?” “I’m not in pain anymore if that’s what you mean.” She laid her chin on his shoulder. He smelt like blood and dirt. It brought her back to the reality of the situation, of what happened that night. “Okay. That’s good.” He brushed a hand against her hair. “Let me take a shower and we’ll crawl in bed for the rest of the night.” She nodded and he set her down. She led him to the hall bath and closed the door behind them. The last thing they needed was to be interrupted should the needing urge come about. Truth was, she didn’t know if she’d last that long. Her body was weak. Her energy was gone and she wanted sleep. She needed him more though. “Diego.” He reached for a towel. He was hard, she noticed, as he laid the towel on the vanity. He pulled her to him and lifted her onto the countertop. A small smile spread across his face as he leaned in to kiss her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and widened her legs for him to fit between them. “I wish we had candles or something.” His hands caressed her thighs. “To make it more romantic.” She felt tears in her eyes and blinked them away. “Candles aren’t important.” He brushed her hair away from her face. “No, but you are.” He touched the slick lips of her pussy. Her body was over–sensitised, but his touch felt too damn good to make him stop. He rubbed her nipple with his thumb and she sucked in a breath. A bolt of desire shot straight to her clit and one little flick of his thumb would have sent her over the edge. Diego leaned forward and took her other nipple into his mouth. Two fingers slipped inside her while his thumb continued to move side to side across her stiff nipple. She moaned and cupped the back of his head.

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He switched to her other nipple, sucking the stiff point lightly before dragging his tongue across the tip. One little touch in the right area and she’d be in heaven. “Diego.” She tried pulling his mouth up to meet hers. It didn’t work. She wrapped her legs around his waist and tugged him closer. His cock nudged her thigh and she whimpered. “Diego, stop teasing me.” He withdrew his hand and glanced up at her. “What’s the rush?” He cupped her ass and pulled her to the edge of the vanity. Sasha propped herself up and watched as he pressed his cock against her. “You’re beautiful like this. Legs spread, your pussy so pink and wet.” He rubbed the tip of his cock against her clit. “You’re right on the edge and you want to come, but I don’t want it to be over just yet.” She watched as he continued to tease her, rubbing his cock along her slit. “Diego.” He chuckled. He propped her legs on his shoulders and prodded her entrance with his cock. His large hands gripped her hips as he thrust inside. Sasha cried out. He held onto her thighs and rocked his pelvis, thrusting in small, short strokes. “Oh, God.” She clutched the counter. “Oh God, oh God, oh God.” His cock bumped against her G-spot repeatedly and she screamed her pleasure. Her eyes drifted closed as her entire body tensed, the orgasm coming hard and fast just like he took her. She could barely move when he finally pulled away and helped her to sit upright on the vanity. “I’ll take a quick shower and then we can go to bed.” She blinked a couple of times, watching him move about the bathroom, before realising he’d cut his hair. “Why did you cut your hair?” He turned the shower on and met her gaze. “Uh, Deacon cut off a good portion of it in battle. I figured I’d just shave the rest off and let it grow even. Why? You don’t like it?” She gave him a small smile. “I like you. It doesn’t matter what you look like.” Diego tilted his head. “You want to shower with me?” “I would but I’m tired.” Tears filled her eyes, a million emotions running through her at once. “I just want this night to be over.” He turned back to the shower and flipped it off. Sasha watched as he crossed the room to the tub and pulled the drain, before twisting the faucet on. He came to her and bent

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slightly to kiss her lips. “Are you sure Deacon or any of his buddies didn’t hurt you? When I came around the corner that one was pretty fucking close to raping you.” “Nothing happened.” She closed her eyes. That event wasn’t even close to being the worst part of the night. “To me, that is.” Diego brushed his fingers against her thigh. “What do you need me to do, sweetie? I know you’re hurting. I’m here. Just tell me what you need and I’ll give it to you.” She shook her head. “Nothing. I’m fine.” She stood on wobbly legs and crossed the room to climb in the tub. Sasha turned the water off and sank back against the side. Diego followed, not saying anymore. He sat in the tub, on the opposite side, studying her. “The last thing I said to my sister was ‘fuck you’.” Tears filled her eyes. “And that really sucks because it was her mate that I really meant that for. She didn’t do anything, but I stared at her when I said those nasty words.” The need came over her again at the most inopportune moment. Sasha shook as she tried to fight it. Nothing was sexy about the situation. Deacon planned it that way. She now understood why, though she felt stupid she didn’t see it before. The Black Wolves were so vile and malevolent that they were a dying race without any females belonging to their pack. So they used fledglings and women in need, but they didn’t stop. They literally fucked them to death, both for torture and amusement. “Please tell me you killed the sick bastard.” Diego reached for her arm and pulled her onto his lap. “You do not need to worry about Deacon ever again.” He kissed her forehead. Sasha didn’t know half the time if he was truly her lover or if he was like her other pack members, simply ‘servicing’ her. He never showed too much of his emotions but then again, neither did her pack mates. How would she know if he cared more about her than simply fucking her during the full moon? “Do you have feelings for me?” He stared at her. “Uh…” He averted his attention, grabbing the soap and busying himself with washing. “I don’t know.” She moved away from him. “That’s what I thought.” Sasha stepped out of the tub and reached for a towel.

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“What does that mean?” “Nothing.” She wrapped the towel around her. “I’ll be in my room. Don’t bother joining me when you’re done.” She left the room, closing the door behind her.

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Chapter Eight

Diego lathered his body with the soap. Fuck it all to hell. She asked him the one question he honestly didn’t have an answer for. Do I love her? He cared for her. Dammit. That started from the time she bumped into him and ran away. He housed her after her story of her relationship with Max. He saved her from the Black Wolves. The only thing he had to compare it to was his feelings for Alison. What do you feel for Sasha? He rinsed his body off and grabbed a clean towel. He knew she was mad at him but they weren’t even halfway through the full moon. Unless she chose one of her pack mates to service her, she would need him. He hoped with everything in his soul that she didn’t choose Thunder or Hopper, that she didn’t write him off like… He released the plug in the tub and headed out of the bathroom to her bedroom. Her door was locked and he knocked loudly on the wood. “Sasha, let me in.” “Go away.” “Open the door, Sasha.” He waited impatiently while she flipped the lock and cracked the door open. He pushed the door open and grabbed her. He kissed her, feeling words weren’t necessary at the moment. The towel still covered her body. Diego cupped her cheeks. He wanted so much more with her, but they couldn’t. Due to their heritage, they couldn’t merge and become mates. She pulled away, her expression filled with anger. “You’re just like them.” “Like who?” He closed the door and locked it. “Every male on the face of this earth.” She crawled in bed and curled on her side with her back to him. “Max, Thunder, Hopper—you’re all the same.” Diego knelt on the bed behind her, settling in. He wanted to touch her, to hold her and figure out how everything could be okay again. He wanted to kiss her and love her. He rubbed his forehead. “How are we all the same?”

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“You get off on women in their needing phase, and once it’s over, you’re out the door faster than the speed of light. None of you want commitment and when you do decide to commit, it’s to another female.” Diego inhaled her scent and his cock immediately hardened. The beginning was the strongest part of the needing, and with all that happened, he imagined the most emotional part as well. “And now Roni’s gone which really sucks. I want to be mad and angry that she acted the way she did. She should have stood up for me when Max yelled. Everyone listened to her and he would have backed off, but she didn’t. She knew I couldn’t stand being in the same house with them but she said it wasn’t her place. Then she went into the woods alone… God, I can’t help thinking she was attacked because of me. She never went into the woods alone because she always dragged me along with her. And with Deacon looking for me—it put her in harm’s way.” Sasha swiped her eyes. “I just want to hate everyone but the damn full moon is taking every bit of energy I have out of my body.” “It’s not your fault, Sasha.” Diego brushed his hand down her arm. “And I don’t get off on women’s needing phases. I haven’t been with a female wolf since I left the pack.” He sighed. “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t care for you. I wouldn’t have done any of the stuff I’ve done if I didn’t care.” She sat up and faced him. “What does that mean?” She glanced down at his crotch. “You have a hard-on. How the hell am I supposed to believe anything you say when your cock is hard?” He pulled her to him and held her. He kissed her temple. “You don’t have to believe me. You can hurt yourself more by believing I’m here for the sex because, as a Black Wolf, I love taking advantage of vulnerable females. That’s fine with me, if you choose to believe that. But it’s far from the truth.” “I just want to be alone,” she cried. He kissed her again. “You can’t, sweetie. You can make yourself suffer for as long as you want, but I’m not going anywhere. I’ll be here when you need me.” Sasha moved back to her side of the bed. He watched her curl around her pillows, hugging them to her body. Diego didn’t know how long she’d hold out, but he suspected it’d be until the very last moment. He watched her, giving her as much space as he could. Maybe

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he could talk with her pack when all of this was over. She wanted the commitment and he found himself willing to give it to her.

**** Five hours and Sasha was miserable. Diego stayed by her side, trying to convince her to end it all. She wanted it to end. The needing, the pain. She rolled to her back and reached for Diego’s hand. “How many more hours?” “Three.” Sweat wet her skin. Her pussy tightened, needing to be filled. “Shift.” Diego sat up. “What?” “Wolf form will end it all.” She tried to sit up and lacked the energy. It took her two tries before she finally was able to be upright. Diego stared at her. “You sure about this? You could get pregnant.” “I don’t care.” She stood to the side of the bed and closed her eyes, picturing the wolf within her. Her muscles stretched, her bones shifting as she transformed from human to wolf within seconds. She walked to the opposite side of the room and stared at Diego who still sat in human form on her bed. “Do I not get a say in whether or not we have kids?” She wagged her tail. No, he didn’t get a say. In their species, mating in wolf form was the only way they could procreate. And the break between sexual encounters during the needing phase increased. The need lessened, proving beneficial to all. He pushed the sheets back. “If you can give me a way for us to work and your pack will let us mate, it’ll be done in a heartbeat.” He opened the door and stared at her. “I do love you, Sasha. I don’t know why it has to be voiced but there it is. The only reason I’m here is for you and the only reason I’ll leave is if you want me to go.” Sasha blinked at his confession. He loved her? A few seconds ago he said he didn’t know… Either way, she felt elated. “Don’t look at me like that. You knew it all along. You just wanted me to admit it.” He swallowed hard. “I wasn’t sure if I was ready, but I am. I think you knew that too.”

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Sasha ran out, fully expecting him to chase her. He did. The house was silent, the others gone, as she made her way to the back. The night air felt good against her, the moon shining bright over her head. Diego tackled her from behind and mounted her immediately. His cock felt bigger, sliding inside her needy body. What the fuck was she doing? She wanted sex, craved it and needed it on every full moon. It was part of her nature as a shifter. But she wanted Diego specifically. That need she felt would never end. Did he really mean it when he said he’d mate me? She didn’t want pity. She’d had enough of that to last a lifetime and didn’t want it anymore. But how could she be sure? How could she be certain that the sex wasn’t going to his head, that he really wanted her the way she wanted him? He made her come again and again. Overhead clouds moved to cover the moon, opening up to allow rain to fall down on them. Sasha rolled away from Diego and shifted back, taking in the cool wet earth surrounding her. He lay beside her propped up on his arm, staring at her. “Do you really mean it?” “I wouldn’t say if I didn’t.” He kissed her shoulder. “One thing you should know about me is I don’t stroke egos. And normally, I’d walk away if you said you didn’t want me. But I want you. I’m not thrilled about being adopted into a pack, but I’ll survive if they’ll take me. I’ll survive if you take me.” Tears filled her eyes. He pulled her on top of his body. “I’m here. You don’t have to question it ever again. I’ll always be here for you, no matter what.” She kissed him and wrapped her arms around his neck. Droplets gathered along her back, sliding down her spine as they lay in the middle of the back yard. She loved him. It was a unique feeling, something she thought she felt for others, but in a completely different way. “I love you, Diego.” She pressed her cheek against his. “Thank you for taking care of Deacon for me.” He rolled her to her back, with him on top of her body. “The only reason I went after him was for you. Quinn didn’t like that too much, but I think he realised the seriousness of our relationship.” “So you really do care.” She smiled.

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“Of course I care. I was worried about you all fucking night long, after you bumped into me at the bar.” He brushed her hair back with his muddy finger. “You’re not a stray. No matter how much you think you don’t belong, you do. You belong right here with me.” “You keep saying that.” She clenched a handful of mud and smeared it across his cheek and down his neck. “Keep right on saying that.” She moved away from him as he slung the first handful at her, catching her thigh. It hurt but she laughed anyway. She flung a handful of mud at him, hitting his stomach before he came at her, scooping her into his arms. The rain made the backyard muddy so everywhere they walked they splashed it around. Diego carried her inside, stopping in the mud room for old towels. He wrapped one around her and pulled her into his arms. “I’m going to be mated to a meanie.” He kissed her forehead. She laughed. “You’re complaining already?” “No.” He kissed her again. “Never.” “The needing phase is almost over. What do you say we take a shower and fool around some before we get some sleep?” “Sure, but I need to talk to Max first. Go get the shower started and I’ll meet you. It’ll probably take forever to get all that mud out of your hair anyway so you won’t miss me that much.” She kissed him. He was definitely everything she wanted.

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Chapter Nine

Diego knocked on Max’s bedroom door and waited for him to answer. “Can I talk to you for a second?” Max glanced at Diego’s mud-covered body and arched an eyebrow. “I don’t even want to know.” He stepped out into the hallway, shutting the door behind him. “What’s up?” He glanced toward Sasha’s room. “I want to be Sasha’s mate.” Max met his eyes and stared for awhile, unspeaking. Diego didn’t know how to read the other male, nor did he know anything about him in general. He didn’t suspect they would be too welcoming. He was a male from another pack—their enemies—who’d become a stray. He was once a Black Wolf. Everything had been against him from the moment he’d met Sasha, yet somehow he really didn’t care. “Quinn told me you were the one that attacked Deacon in the woods.” Max crossed his arms over his chest. “He also told me you did it for Sasha, and no one else.” Diego couldn’t deny it. “I said it and meant it. Sasha is the only reason I agreed to help find Roni, and when I found out Deacon killed her, I wanted to see him pay.” “And you want to be part of our pack?” “Only because I want to be Sasha’s mate. I’m pretty sure you guys don’t want her to leave so the only other option is for me to join the Grey Wolves.” Diego propped his hands on his hips. “Fine. I’ll talk to Quinn. He’s …” Max glanced toward the stairs. “He’s dealing with the death of his mate. I have Hopper and Thunder roaming with him. He refuses to change back into human form.” Diego nodded. “How’s Sasha?” He glanced down at the mud covering his legs and feet. “She’s good. She misses her sister and regrets the last words spoken between them, but she’ll be okay.” Max nodded. “We’ll have a proper burial for Roni tomorrow. With all the needing and fighting tonight, I think it’s best we wait until morning.”

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Diego agreed. “Okay, I’ll see you then. Have a good night.” Diego headed to the bathroom and knocked on the door before entering. Just as he suspected Sasha stood in the shower working the clots of mud out of her hair. He tossed the towel and pushed the sliding glass door aside, stepping in. “You’re going to have to help me with this, or I’m going to have to cut my hair.”She huffed a breath and dropped her hands. “It’s your fault anyway.” He kissed her. She opened her mouth and his tongue slipped inside to taste her sweetness. She kissed him back, reminding him exactly why he loved her. Of how much he truly loved her. “I talked to Max. He’s going to speak with Quinn about me joining your pack.” She smiled. “Can you give up your bachelor lifestyle?” She pulled him closer and laid her cheek against his chest. “You’re joking right?” He pushed her away gently and reached for the shampoo. He lathered her hair and gently massaged her scalp. He leaned down and kissed her. “After I begged and pleaded, I practically had to kiss his ass, and you’re asking me if I can give it up?” She laughed. “You didn’t kiss anyone’s ass.” He backed her into the warm stream of water. “You sure about that?” “Very.” She wrapped her fingers around his cock. “You’re not an ass kisser.” “True. Max is a decent guy. He just wants you to be happy.” He leaned down to kiss her lips. “Is the needing over?” “It’ll never be over.” She gave him a saucy little smile. Diego shook his head. He continued washing her hair while she stroked him. Sasha dropped her head back and he took advantage of her exposed neck, kissing her in the one spot he knew made her melt. She shivered at the contact of his lips. He loved the feel of her in his arms, whether they were rolling around in the mud or making out in the shower. He loved her naked body sliding against his, and the slight little moan that left her lips when he brushed his lips to the pulse point in her neck. “I want you beneath me in a bed.” His teeth scraped down her neck. Sasha grabbed the soap and lathered her hands. Returning them to his cock, she pressed her lips against his chest and said, “Then I guess we’d better finish bathing.”

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He let her wash him, using her hands to wipe away the mud and suds. His cock was rock hard and Sasha took advantage. She kissed along his chest while her hand pumped him. “I could get used to this.” “Bed. Now.” Diego kissed her and reached around to turn off the faucet. “You’re trouble.” “Only the best kind.” He wrapped a towel around her, then himself before lifting her in his arms and carrying her to the bedroom. He could see her body’s fatigue but desire burned bright in her eyes. Pheromones scented the air around them, both his and hers. He leaned forward and pressed his lips against hers. He wanted her happy; it was the least she deserved. Her fingers scraped through his hair. “I like your hair longer.” She smiled at him. “It gives me something to hold on to when you make me come.” He shook his head and dropped her on the bed. “I thought you said it didn’t matter.” “It doesn’t.” She lay back against the pillows as he crawled towards her and settled between her legs. “But the whole teeth-grinding, hair-pulling thing goes hand in hand with longer hair.” He kissed her neck. “We’ll improvise until it grows out.” His hand slipped between their bodies and tugged her towel open. Her skin was warm, despite the cooler air around them and the wetness from the shower. He pushed the ends of the towel open and bent to take a nipple into his mouth. He couldn’t get enough of her. “Diego.” Her breathless sigh drew his attention to her. “Make love to me.” “I am.” He lifted his hips enough to remove the towel and positioned himself at her entrance, pushing forward. The heat from her pussy surrounded him, hot and wet. His fingers dug into her hips, holding still for a moment, feeling and enjoying what it felt like to simply be surrounded by her. She liked hard and fast and demanded most of the time that he take her that way. And he would. He’d give her anything she wanted. He pulled out and thrust in, starting a slow rhythm. Her back arched off the mattress and she cupped his ass to take him deeper. He moaned, feeling her pussy pulse around him. He nearly came from that alone. He closed his eyes in an effort to prolong their pleasure.

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Thunder clapped nearby and shook the room. He felt the slight bite of her nails in his skin. Each thrust was slow and deep, no matter how much she urged him to move faster. The moonlight shined in the window, highlighting her beautiful face. He couldn’t help but to lean down and steal a kiss from her rosy lips. “Come for me,” he whispered against her lips. She closed her eyes. “Harder.” He knew exactly what she needed. His lips surrounded her nipple while his hips thrust. He changed the angle of each long stroke so that his cock bumped every nerve within her tight pussy. She gasped. He found that one spot inside her and rubbed it with the tip of his cock, pushing her over into bliss. She screamed his name, clutching at his short hair. The notion sent him spiralling into his own euphoria.

**** Blood and dirt covered Roni’s face and body. The Black Wolves had taken her away from her home, from her family. Sasha stood on the front lawn and stared at her sister. They came into the world together, shared everything with each other. Roni’s limp frame didn’t move an inch. Her chest didn’t rise. They’d used her for their own twisted perversions and brought her back dead. Sasha stared, wondering what she should have done different. She’d had the power to prevent it. It should have been her lying there, lifeless, instead of her innocent sister. She watched as Roni’s eyes opened, her lips moving to say the words Sasha couldn’t voice. “You killed me. It’s your fault I’m died.” Sasha woke in a panic, screaming into the night. Blankets twisted around her body and legs as she tried to move away from the bed. Her chest wouldn’t expand to take in oxygen and she couldn’t stop screaming until she landed with a thump on the floor. Diego flipped on a light and peered over the edge of the bed. “Sasha?” Tears streamed down her cheeks as she tried to move away from him. “Don’t,” she screamed when he reached for her. She laid there, crying in a ball on the floor, until Diego came around the bed and covered her with her robe. She clutched at the carpet, closing her eyes as her emotions overtook her.

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“Shh.” He rubbed her back, trying to comfort her. The tears came harder. I shouldn’t have left. I shouldn’t have been so selfish. Diego tried to pull her closer to his body but she pulled away. Her stomach tightened into a knot. She pulled the robe on and settled in front of the window, legs against her chest. Nothing she ever did turned out right. Diego scooted the chair beside her bed closer to the window. “It was just a nightmare, baby. You’re okay now. Let me hold you.” She didn’t respond, instead laying her forehead against her knees. She cried openly, shaking with her sobs. If she had just stayed put, if she’d just listened instead of rebelled. Quinn must hate me. Fingers brushed against her leg. He tried again. “Tell me what I can do to help you, baby.” “Just leave me alone.” He sat there a moment, debating she supposed. She wasn’t mad at him. She was mad at the world. He removed his hand from her leg, and to her surprise, Diego stood and left the room. She didn’t feel any better without his presence. Roni was still dead. Deacon was responsible, and even though Diego killed him for her, it didn’t take away the pain. “Sasha?” At the sound of Max’s voice, Sasha raised her head. “Oh, honey.” He came to her and wrapped his arms around her. For a moment, he simply held her while she cried. Max knew her the best and knew how much she and Roni loved each other. He simply sat there while she leaned against him, using his strength to keep her up. Diego stepped closer, taking the seat he’d once occupied while Chloe stood across the room, near the door. “I’m sorry.” Sasha wiped her eyes and tried to pull away from Max’s arms. “There’s nothing to be sorry about.” Max kissed her forehead. “You have every right to cry.” “Yeah,” she said. Her eyes locked with Diego’s. “I didn’t mean to get you guys out of bed.” “Oh, don’t worry about that.” Chloe smiled. “Max and I were up. I’m making us breakfast. Would you like some?”

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“No, thanks.” Sasha glanced down at her toes. Chloe took that opportunity to excuse herself, to finish making their breakfast, Sasha supposed. “It’s not your fault,” Max said, rubbing her back. He always had a talent for reading her mind. Too bad he hadn’t understood her feelings when she’d thought she was in love with him. “Roni died because Deacon took her from the woods when she was picking berries. It has nothing to do with you.” “Deacon wanted me and instead got Roni. How is that not my fault?” Crying sucked. Her eyes ached, her nose ran, and she couldn’t breathe well. “Sasha, look at me.” He tilted her chin up. “Deacon is to blame for this and he’s dead because of it. I know it doesn’t bring Roni back but you blaming yourself isn’t going to help matters any.” “You told me not to go…” He sighed. “Yes, but I knew you’d go anyway. Your sister loved you, and your pack loves you. We knew you’d go back to Diego and we knew, if needed, we’d be there to rescue you when things went wrong. She’s not dead because you didn’t listen to me or Quinn. She’s dead because Deacon is a sadistic bastard and that has nothing to do with you.” Max wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “Besides, if you hadn’t have left, you wouldn’t have found Diego. I hear you like him enough to mate.” Diego smiled at her. How did he know she needed Max’s comfort? She was fairly certain her rejection hurt him. The fact that he sucked up his own feelings and pride and went to find Max spoke volumes. She grabbed Max’s wrist. She’d be fine. “I don’t think I’ve told you and Chloe congratulations yet.” “Congratulations for what?” Diego asked. “They’re going to have a baby.” Sasha pushed Max’s hand off her shoulder. “He’s going to be a daddy.” Max sighed. Sasha laughed and elbowed him in the ribs. “You’ll be a great father.” “Yeah.” He smiled. “Chloe found out two weeks ago. She’s going to get human treatment for prenatal care.” “You can do that?” Diego asked. He crossed his arms over his chest.

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“Sure. We’re not that different. The baby is born human. However, there is a higher mortality rate for shifters while giving birth, which is a bit scary. I don’t know.” He swiped a hand over his face. “It’s all new to me.” Sasha rubbed his back. “You’ll both be fine.” “Yeah.” He leaned over to kiss Sasha’s cheek. “So will you, Aunty Sasha. You and Diego get to babysit. ” Somehow, that made her feel better. She truly was happy for them. “Diego gets diaper duty.” Max chuckled and stood. “That I would pay good money to see.” After he left, Diego came to her, taking the other wolf’s spot. “I’m not even sure of how to put a diaper on.” Sasha caressed his bare thigh. “You’ll get the hang of it.” “You okay?” She met his eyes before wrapping her arms around him and holding him close. She probably scared him to death. “Now I am. Thank you.”

**** Diego held Sasha during Roni’s funeral. It was a simple service that only lasted a few minutes before they buried her on the edge of the property, in a cemetery marked specifically for their pack. Diego read the only other tombstone, finding it was that of a woman named Janie. He made a mental note to ask Chloe who that was, later. “Quinn hates me,” Sasha said once they were in the kitchen of the Grey Wolf mansion. “Quinn is grieving the loss of his mate.” Diego reached for a bowl of fruit out of the fridge and set it on the counter before her. “You need to eat.” “I’m not hungry.” She plopped down on the bar stool beside her. “I think I’m just going to go to bed.” Diego stared at her for a moment. Fatigue was evident but it didn’t outshine her pain. “We could eat in bed. Maybe have food sex. What do you say?” “I just want some sleep.” She scooted off the stool and headed for the stairs.

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He sighed and grabbed two bottles of water and the bowl of fruit. If he was starved, he knew she was too. He headed up the stairs and found Sasha digging through her chest of drawers. “We need to go to your house to move your stuff into the mansion.” She laid her pyjamas out on the bed. “I like my room, but if we need more space, Hopper’s room is bigger. I could probably talk him into switching.” Diego sat on the edge of the bed. “I love this room.” She stopped and met his eyes. “It’ll get better, right? The pain, the anger, the hurt. It’ll all go away eventually, right?” He paused, trying to follow her shift in conversation. “When you understand it wasn’t your fault and you couldn’t do anything different to change the outcome, yes, it will eventually get better.” She pulled her dress over her head. “You don’t think if I had stayed here and not gone back to your place, he would have left us alone?” “There are no guarantees. He may have for a while but something else would have drawn him to you. The Grey Wolves are the closest pack with in a fifty-mile radius that actually have female wolves. Deacon was jealous and something else would have brought him here if you hadn’t gone to my house that night. Something else would have made him get Roni or you or Chloe. It’s the way he operated. And he didn’t need an excuse.” Diego sat the water and the bowl of fruit on the bed. “There’s no way Deacon could have picked Roni over you. I didn’t have a chance to cover up your scent on my skin when he came into my house. He smelt you. I saw his nostrils flare and he punched me because I lied about it. And I know without a doubt when he found Roni, that he knew she wasn’t the wolf he was after. He was much smarter than he looked.” She stood before him in a black lace panty set and propped her hands on her hips. “There was no mix-up?” He pulled her to him, positioning her on his lap. “Deacon didn’t need a reason for anything he did. He didn’t need an excuse and he didn’t have feelings for the aftermath. He said all those things to you to spark a reaction in you. To make you hurt, like you’re hurting now.” Diego hugged her, rubbing her back. “But I promise you, he won’t hurt you again.”

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He hoped she believed him. Sasha pulled back and kissed him, tears streaming down her face. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.” “Hopefully, you won’t have to find out.” He smiled. She would be okay. He knew it. She nearly scared the shit out of him earlier when she woke from the nightmare in a panicked state. He couldn’t even touch her without rejection. But that was okay. She came to him now and he’d hold her and love her until she felt better, no matter how long it took. She glanced over at his collection of food from the kitchen. “We’re missing something with your food sex collection of goodies.” She climbed off him and grabbed her robe, heading out of the room. Diego waited for her to return and laughed when he saw what she brought back. “If we’re having food sex, we’re going to have it right. Take off your clothes.” She shook the chocolate syrup and popped the top, waiting. “I thought you were tired,” he said, though he complied with her orders. “I got a few hours sleep.” She shrugged. “I’ll be fine.” He tossed his clothes to the side, vowing to pick them up later. Afterward, he lay across the bed with his hands behind his head. “Food sex isn’t like a quickie. It’s long, leisurely licks in various places on your lover’s body. Could take hours. You sure you can last that long?” She grinned and squirted the gooey liquid in a line down the centre of his body. “Are you sure you can last that long?” “Touché.” Diego smiled. Sleep could wait for the both of them. “I guess we’ll see, won’t we?”

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Epilogue

At a distance, thunder cracked. Lightning flashed across the sky. He’d been roaming for hours, trying to make sense of what to do next. Diego assured him Deacon was dead, but his instinct told him better. His enemy was still alive, still breathing while his beloved lay cold in the ground. Quinn sniffed the air, finding it scented with blood. There were spots from their attacks covering the ground, yet when he went to where Deacon had laid…nothing. He’d seen with his own eyes as Diego took him down, bit his neck and inadvertently punctured his artery. Logically, Deacon shouldn’t be alive. Quinn lifted his head and searched the wooded area around him. The Black Wolves’ scents carried through the woods. Max told him he was paranoid. Maybe he was. Roni had been the love of his life and he wasn’t about to let that cold-hearted bastard live one more day while Quinn lived without her. They’d fought before, and Deacon backed down. After he’d gone after Chloe, he’d promised to leave them alone. The Grey Wolves had killed nearly half of Deacon’s pack and Quinn knew Deacon had been scared. Stupidly, Quinn had taken pity on him. He growled. He should have killed him when he had the chance. If he had, maybe Roni would still be here. Quinn thought back to her funeral. He’d shifted to human form long enough to sit through the fifteen-minute service and he’d barely lasted that long without breaking down. The pain was unbearable. He’d never thought he’d feel that kind of pain but staying in wolf form helped. Animals didn’t have human feelings, and in a way, it didn’t hurt as bad. He’d struggled to keep it together and had shifted as soon as the service was over. His need for vengeance spiked. He would get Deacon, if it was the last thing he ever did. Quinn snarled and took off into the woods, following the path while it was still saturated with the Black Wolves’ scents.

About the Author Lexie’s love for writing began when she wrote her first play in fourth grade. With a big imagination and love for creating worlds, she wrote several more scripts that have placed first in contests. She loves to read but didn’t pick up a romance novel until high school and fell in love with the genre. Now she writes steamy stories, with heartfelt characters, letting her imagination take her where it may go. Email: [email protected] Lexie loves to hear from readers. You can find her contact information, website and author biography at http://www.total-e-bound.com.

Also by Lexie Davis Darkfever: It’s Been Awhile Darkfever: The Sweetest Sin Exotic Wolves: Seduced by Moonlight Cupid’s Kisses: Dirty Cupid Rain Fell Down Amuse Me Picture Perfect Undeniable Exotica Going Down One Night Only Naughty Rendezvous Forever Yours Deceived

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