Captivated

Captivated Sterling Moon (in the same world as Enchanted) Colleen Love Published 2012 ISBN 978-1-59578-933-4 Published by Liquid Silver Books, imprint of Atlantic Bridge Publishing, 10509 Sedgegrass Dr, Indianapolis, Indiana 46235. Copyright © 2012, Colleen Love. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the author. Manufactured in the United States of America Liquid Silver Books http://LSbooks.com This is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents and dialogues in this book are of the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is completely coincidental.

Blurb The North Cascade Mountains harbor many mysteries, and one of them is Adrian Dillon: man, werewolf, and master of his domain. Manning the remote rescue cabin during the winter was his one ticket to unfettered freedom, until one day it comes to an abrupt halt. Studying wolves had always been Jessica Allen’s passion, not just for their preservation, but to find answers about herself and her bloodline. Opportunity and fate entangle, seeming to work against her until one man extends a helping hand. When deceit and betrayal rock Jessica and Adrian's world, can love forge a bond that is more than physical?

Chapter One Adrian Dillon stepped from the cozy warmth of the small rescue and fire-watch cabin and stood on the stoop made only large enough to accommodate his heavy boots. Taking in a slow, deep breath, he drew in the effervescent air and looked at the deep snow, weighing and pressing the world in around him. Still winter silence replaced the sounds of life that had accompanied summer. The dreary dank of the autumn world had been covered by the pristine white of winter. After letting his breath go in a puffed cloud, he took a sip of hot coffee. Using his bottom lip, he sucked the drops clinging to his closely cropped mustache. The deep drifts had changed the landscape so drastically, all within a matter of hours, and he loved it. Smirking with satisfaction, he turned and went back into the comfort of his cabin, closed the door, and sealed himself within the rustic one-room domicile. I made it just in time. Adrian’s keen senses had predicted this outcome and he was glad to be where he was, when he was. Toeing off his unlaced boots, he moved them against the door with the side of his foot. This small space was home away from home when he was on duty at the north end of the Cascades National Park. Most of his coworkers thought he was just a loner and was glad when he volunteered for duty. Many of them preferred not to be isolated in such a small place for such a long period of time. The truth of the matter was he liked it for several reasons, only one of which was the freedom it gave him to change from his human form to wolf, in peace, undiscovered. Being sure he was in the right place at the right time was always a careful undertaking for him. And being out here, alone and free, couldn’t get any better. Especially now that his sister, Faye, was happy and safe with Dalton, he didn’t have the stress of worrying over her. He liked Dalton, a lot, and wished them all the best. For a moment, he contemplated them as a couple. Sure, he loved women, but settling down certainly wasn’t the kind of life for him. He was pretty much a confirmed bachelor. Faye said he was too picky, but he just saw it as being careful. He’d been burned too badly before, and moving too quickly into a relationship was like jumping into a fire. You might be all right for a minute, but anything beyond that would do some damage. The words “forever” and “woman” didn’t even exist in his thought processes. Kneeling before the little woodstove, he poked the glowing coals with a stick and added another piece of wood. He stood, securing the heavy doors, then stirred the thick stew in the pan resting on its hot top, and licked the spoon. It’s nearly done. Sitting in the wooden folding chair, he placed his feet on the narrow bed lining the far wall and leaned back, feeling the back wall against his knuckles when he cradled his head. Adrian closed his eyes with a contented smile, taking a deep breath of the air tinged with spice from the stew and the scent of the fire, and sighed. This was, indeed, the good life.

After eating every last drop of his stew and sopping up the gravy with bread, he filled the pan with snow and placed it on the stovetop to melt so he could clean up his dishes and secure the fire. The change was close, very close. Twilight made him itch from deep within. The warm prickle mellowed, filling Adrian’s body. It grew warmer, heating and flooding until he felt as though molten blood coursed through his veins. Human consciousness shifted; wolf instinct with keen, razorsharp senses consumed him. Adrian was wolf. Looking back, he could see that the door to the little cabin was firmly closed. Everything human was locked beyond that entrance, though he did not recall physically doing so. The last thread of human awareness winked out, extinguished by lupine nature. Lowering his shaggy head, he sniffed the heavy, wet snow and picked up a distinct and welcome scent. His companion, Tuck, had arrived. Lifting his head, he pointed his nose to the newly crested Storm Moon and howled, singing a mournful melody. It wasn’t long before the forlorn song replied and a large, shaggy white wolf appeared from the near tree line. Tuck moved closer, his steps sounding crisp over the frozen snow as they started toward one another. His weight broke through the fragile crust and he sank up to his belly with every step. Bounding in long leaps, they met in the middle, sniffed at one another, and began to run in great strides, happy to be roaming together. Most of the early winter evening was spent chasing scents, and then hunting and eating their fill of fresh meat. The time of year and distance from humans gave them an unquestionable sense of security as they frolicked in the newly fallen snow. A sound made them stop—a peculiar sound that came from the human world. The two wolves looked around them, sniffing, and listened with twitching ears. The odd sound grew louder from the ridge below. An unnatural thundering pulsed toward the lone figures. The beast rose from the canyon, rising above the cliff, advancing quickly upon them. Instinct drove them to run away from the sound. The angle of its approach—from beneath them—had given the monster an unfair, silent advantage, and they had been foolish enough to think they were safe. Adrenaline surged as they bounded over the drifts, struggling long and hard over the wet, deep snow. A stinging bite from the beast, a yelp, and he fell. Run! Keep going! The mental impression sent Tuck forward and deeper into the woods. He felt Tuck’s hesitation over leaving his fallen brother; loyalty made him want to stay and fight. No. A vision flashed through his fading senses and sent Tuck running. His sight began to fade; his body stilled. He could hear what was being said, but was powerless to defend himself. Slender fingers tugged through his mane with rough strokes. “He’s the one. Bring him.” “What of the white one?” “He’s old,” the woman stated in a harsh tone. “Don’t waste your energy; leave him.” That voice; he knew that female voice and her scent had every cell in his body struggling against the drug keeping him motionless. He was powerless. **** Adrian shivered as human awareness rolled over him in cold waves. The heated

wolf, consuming him, was dissipating rapidly. Half conscious, he moved his hand down to pull a blanket over himself. Nothing. Instead his fingers met cold, thin wire and slid across the hard, textured plastic he lay on. He stilled his movements. Drugged confusion and panic drove him to stand up and flee, but only resulted in him hitting his head on a wire ceiling, slamming him back to the floor. He rubbed the sore spot on his scalp, trying desperately to focus his bleary eyes on the world around him. He staggered to his knees in the cramped quarters before he gave up and lay back down, naked and shivering. When he quieted again, curled as tight as he could, it was as if the world resumed its business. His head ached and nausea rolled through his gut. He remained motionless, letting it pass while he listened to the world around him, trying to identify where he might be. His keen hearing picked up a scuffle just beyond the closed door. Clamoring, desperate, and angry voices swirled around him, but he could not focus enough, nor did he have the strength to do anything about it. There was a fight commencing just beyond his realm of dim consciousness, and there was nothing he could do. Adrian could feel the tension, smell the anger and fear before a young woman screamed. The shrill was a distant echo and yet jolted his senses, sending lightning streaks through his body. Another feminine tone, stronger and deeper, joined the softer, breathier tone. He couldn’t make out the words, just the tones and sounds of distress before complete darkness blanked his mind. Adrian’s mind began shifting from wolf instinct to human awareness. As his body changed from lupine to human, pain cramped his muscles, making him powerless to protect himself. He was most vulnerable right now, and completely helpless until the sedative they had shot him with wore off. Rough hands dragged his limp carcass from the cage, bumping and jolting him. They lifted him onto a smooth, cold surface. Voices sounding foreign and distant jabbered around him as if coming through a long tunnel from some far-off land. Something was happening that felt very wrong—not that any of this was right—but instinct warned him this had moved to a new level. Restraints cinched him to the table. A sharp pinch bit into his forearm, the touch of human hands withdrew, and deafening silence engulfed him. He remained motionless for a few minutes before blinking his eyes open. He moved to rub them, but was stopped by thick restraints. A trickle of panic made him pull against the leather bonds, then pause before testing them with greater force. The silky, feminine chuckle stilled his movements. Adrian recognized that voice. “Alexia, is that you?” Adrian demanded. “Who else would you expect?” The mesmerizing alto sounded from behind his head. “Why are you doing this?” Shock slammed his impaired state into focus. Alexia chuckled again as she moved into his range of vision and casually checked the clear tubing connected to his extended arm. Alexia Moore was still the beautiful siren he had given his heart to all those years ago. But he had been young and foolish, and she had been his Achilles’ heel. Call it the frailties of youth. Time had bridged that gap and he had learned a hard lesson about trust. Women were dangerous and conniving; there hadn’t been one in his life since. “As if you need for me to explain that one.” Alexia turned her head and her icy gaze

met his as she crooked a manicured brow. The spill of silky platinum blonde locks fell over a slender shoulder to cover an unnaturally large breast as she straightened. Perfection. She had always demanded perfection. Alexia’s gaze moved over the equipment before settling on the steel table a few paces from his. A petite, pale arm was extended and strapped, just as his were. No movement or sound came from that table. “You didn’t!” Adrian bolted to defend himself and Alexia’s victim; the table holding him bucked under his force. Alexia turned and smiled in triumph. “I have! She is a perfect match in every way. How could I resist?” Her gaze raked over his naked body and a familiar smile tilted her lips, one he used to look forward to. The click of her stilettos over the tiled floor brought her back to his side. Her feral smile blossomed into something wicked. She grasped his erect cock, smoothing the unwanted, angry reaction. “So, I could have my way with you here too now, couldn’t I? Just for old time’s sake.” “Get your hands off me,” Adrian growled, forcing his mind to control his body’s response. “If I remember correctly, you need release of some sort to deal with your ability to change in comfort.” She continued her soft caress. Adrian closed his eyes, anger welling within and filling him. “I said stop! There is no way I will let you control me.” Alexia’s laugh was hard and cruel. “Beg for it, Adrian,” she purred. Release edged closer; pleasure ignited and his whole body stiffened as sweat began to prickle. “Never!” He raised his head, struggling against the restraints across his chest. “I will never beg you for anything,” he panted. The pressure grew as his balls tightened. Alexia knew full well what she was doing to him as his body teetered near the point of no return. “Fine. We’ll see about that,” Alexia stated simply, withdrawing her touch from his body. Adrian’s head thumped back against the table. So close; he had been so damn close to release it wasn’t even funny. Closing his eyes, he drew in deep, calming breaths, feeling his sweaty body involuntarily slide on the table’s smooth metal surface. Relief flooded through him when the restraints kept him from falling from its smooth, narrow surface. The tapping of heels over tile grew distant and then silenced. Alexia had left, her scent gone, and no one else was in the room save for the restrained woman. Raising his head as far as he could, he looked over to the other table. She had a thick band of tape over her mouth. Her eyes fluttered open and she tugged furiously at her bonds. The monitors attached to her began going wild and she flopped helplessly back onto the table, obviously exhausted and completely unaware he was watching her. “Hey,” Adrian called softly to her. She turned her face toward him. Piercing, tear-reddened eyes peered back at him; sedation glossed her baby-blue gaze. Wild raven hair wisped and spun around her face, contrasting with her milky skin. Despite her disheveled appearance, he could not deny her beauty, strength, or terror. “I’m going to try and figure a way out of here. Just hang on.” Adrian kept his voice

low. The blue of her eyes suddenly disappeared when they rolled upward and she began to convulse. She screamed through her nose. It was startling and, for a moment, he froze until the rise of adrenaline surged through his body in a molten wave. The world around him wavered and then went dark. **** Looking up and around him, he pushed up on the heaviness weighing him down. He struggled to the light, his feet slipping on a slick surface. Once free, he looked around and at himself. Tiny pink paws, long, naked pink feet and tail, white hair. Moving to the shining equipment, he could clearly see that he had shifted to a mouse. What the hell? How did I do this? What did it matter? He was free, but trapped on this tabletop. If only he could assume his human form. Again, heat washed through him like a bolt of fire and he heard himself squeak as the world wavered again. He blinked, looking down at himself. He was a man again, naked, sitting on the edge of the table, his bare feet dangling. It was as if some twisted wish granting had come true. He examined his hands, unsure of what had just happened. Awareness quickly drew him back to his surroundings and he looked around, weighing, assessing. He had a responsibility here. The young woman lay quiet now, as if she was unconscious. Whatever the sedative was they’d given her was probably working. He touched her hand and jumped back in surprise when a shock of energy passed between them. She didn’t appear to notice and remained motionless, eyes still closed. Touching her again, he felt her warmth envelop him in an unexpected, silky wave. With a fingertip, he lifted a strand of hair from her face. She was beautiful, and he wanted her on the most basic and primal level. Despite her vulnerable state, she drew him in. She possessed him in a way no other female had. Withdrawing his touch, he looked at her, feeling the relief of his senses return. She’s just a woman who needs my help. Carefully he removed the IV line and placed pressure on her hand where the needle had been. He lifted his finger and grimaced when the puncture mark had disappeared completely, as if it had never existed. Damn that Alexia! After unfastening the binding straps, he lifted her naked body. She jolted awake when their bare skin pressed together, her eyes wide with shock. Her mouth opened as if to cry out. “Shh,” he whispered, trying to ignore the desire she created in him. “I’m going to get us out of here.”

Chapter Two Pain and fury sliced through the weakness overwhelming her. The bonds holding her weren’t necessary now. She had neither strength, nor recourse to struggle. Through the haze fogging her mind, she tried desperately to recall what had happened. There had to be some shred of recollection as to why she was in this predicament. It was as if a gauze curtain shrouded everything, including her past memories. An unbearable heat fevered her body and she wished someone would turn it down and give her something to drink. A strong, virile scent drenched her senses, churning molten desire. The gentle slide of a heavy, calloused finger slid across her forehead, stirring a deep yearning within her subconscious mind. It was a dream. It had to be a dream. She could feel the strong warmth of a male hand pressing on her hand. If only she had a hero to pull her from this horrible nightmare she was trapped in! The pressure of the straps binding her suddenly lifted. Consciousness filtered through the veil clouding her mind. She began to wake from the drug-induced sleep. He was a god. He had to be. No handsome stranger in his right mind would be standing next to her naked, rescuing her as he was. It was as if he didn’t care either, and the way his muscles moved, strength defined his chiseled physique. This dream was too good to be true. Certainly she’d died and this was her angel come to take her to paradise. Slipping his arms beneath her knees and shoulders, he lifted her. Pain bit and contorted her muscles, making her gasp, threatening to take her blurred awareness away again. She was alive; the pain told her so. She was alive and she knew she had to fight to stay awake and save herself. Her mind spun to grasp reality, slipping on the unnatural force threatening to drag her under once again. The one thing she was able to grasp was the scent, and the body, of the man holding her. Cradling her gently to his chest, he soothed her with a voice like a lullaby. Lolling her head back, she squinted up and into sharp amber eyes, feeling herself struggle to focus on him. Forcing her limp arm up, she harshly peeled the tape from her mouth and dropped it onto the table. Grimacing, she worked her lips for a moment. She then let herself relax against the bare, thick strength of her rescuer. “Listen.” His voice rumbled through his chest wall. He spoke softly, close to her ear. “My name is Adrian Dillon. Can you tell me yours?” After swallowing to try to wet her parched throat, she let her head fall back against his biceps. “Jessica, I’m Jessica Allen,” she managed in a thin whisper. Adrian moved in the direction of the same door that Alexia had exited. “I don’t know where the hell I’m going, but we’ve got to get out of here.” Jessica coughed slightly. “No!” Her throat felt like fire. She shook her head. A sudden kick of adrenaline surged through her, clearing the veil shrouding her mind. “Where to, then?” Adrian stopped and turned, facing in the direction of several doors. Jessica simply pointed him in the right direction. It was all she could do. Adrian

moved quickly, his bare feet clapping over the shining floor, and thankfully, went through the correct door. Adrian gently laid her down on a low, wooden bench and she melted onto it. Jessica watched his lithe body move back to the door, closing her eyes after seeing him prop a chair under the doorknob. She could hear him and, more curiously, smell his alluring scent when he moved toward her in a couple of long strides. He crouched by her head, his energy and strength embracing her. She opened her eyes to peer into his haunting amber gaze. “We don’t have the hell of a lot of time before we’re discovered, and we need clothes before we can get out of here. Is there anything we can put on?” Jessica nodded and pointed over his head to a pile of neatly folded scrubs. She tried to clear her throat. “What happened? What is going on?” Adrian looked at her over his shoulder and took a pair of the bottoms down, pulling them on and tying the drawstrings before quickly throwing on a shirt. “You don’t know?” He took down a set and moved over to her. “Not really. My head feels really foggy and I-I can’t seem to recall anything of the last few hours.” “That’s because you’ve been sedated, and you’re probably in shock. We’ll have to catch up with this later. Can you sit up?” “I think so. I’m so sorry…” Jessica breathed, feeling unwanted tears sting her eyes. “Now’s not the time, sweetheart. We’ll have plenty of time to hash this out after we get out of here. Right now, we just need to move. Come on, sit up and let me help you get something on. Are you cold?” “No, I’m burning up. I feel like I have a fever.” “Damn,” Adrian breathed. Jessica did her best to help Adrian work her rubbery limbs into the flimsy scrubs. She gasped when sudden nausea welled up in her throat, and the tightening of her muscles made her want to scream. Clenching her teeth, she hobbled to the large, tall garbage can and let herself be sick. Sweat tickled over her skin, soaking the scrubs, making the fabric cling to her back. Leaning heavily on the bin, she closed her eyes and took long, deep breaths to regain her composure. She looked around, hoping to locate Adrian, but he was gone. Straightening a little taller on her wobbling legs, she moved around a column of lockers and saw him looking at the window frames. He seemed to be scrutinizing and following lines leading from the high, narrow windows to the security alarm. Next he moved to the single door leading outside with a large paddle across it reading Emergency Exit. Looking all around it, he seemed to determine that the alarm was armed as well. Jessica felt her mind clearing a little more, and things began clicking into order once again. “Damn,” he repeated. “She’s crazy paranoid enough that this old place is rigged like a prison.” Adrian snapped around and looked at her with a harsh expression, which softened when he recognized her. He kept silent, but took a deep breath and clenched his jaws. Jessica continued quietly. “She wants to keep everyone out.” “And us in,” Adrian mused. “That will probably be our only way out. When the time is right…” The doorknob jiggled and a shout from the other side sounded.

“Looks like our time is up. Come on, it doesn’t matter. Now is our only chance to get out of here in one piece.” In a couple of steps Adrian crossed the distance between them, threw her over his shoulder and charged for the door. Pressing the arm on the heavy door, the alarm burst to life, clanging loudly overhead. Adrian only opened the door enough for them to squeeze through, then closed it tightly behind them. Early morning cold air engulfed them in an icy grip. It was the best thing Jessica had felt in many hours. She felt the remainder of the drug’s effects slide away. Adrian set her down in the snow; her bare feet stung on the ice-packed walk. He dragged a heavy cement bench from alongside the building and blocked the emergency door. After picking her up, she lay over his shoulder again as he made a run for it. It only took a few moments for the grating sound of cement over cement to reach them. “Get them!” Alexia’s shrill scream rang out. “Don’t let them get away!” Jessica clung to Adrian’s body, pressing to his back, feeling the ripple of muscles working through his scrubs. The sharp crack of fired shots and the whizzing of darts resounded in her ears. Red tranquilizer darts littered the snow around them. Jessica had no idea how Adrian was getting through the deep snow as he was. Lifting up a little, she looked behind them and saw their pursuers getting closer, using Adrian’s broken trial to their advantage. Alexia stood on the walk, directing her assistants out after them. “You can’t let them escape!” “Hurry, hurry! They’re getting closer!” Jessica yelled. Adrian leaped and bounded through the waist-deep drifts like a deer. “Hurry, Adrian…” She choked on the rest of her words when the sting of a single dart found its mark and her world faded to black.

Chapter Three Adrian realized Jessica had been struck with a dart when her body grew heavy and limp. He struggled to keep his cool. Looking over his shoulder, he saw the frenzied staff scurry for more equipment. Adrian hurtled through the deep snow to his one saving grace—the forest. Once he passed into its shadowed depths, he paused for a moment to catch his breath and readjust his precious load. A fleeting thought passed through his mind and he remembered what had transpired in the lab. Can I shift again? What would be the best creature to be out here? He filtered through memories until settling on one. In a sudden burst, the sound of flimsy fabric rent the still air. He shifted and was staring down at his own long, hairy brown legs and shining, split black hooves. He felt Jessica across his broad back and was relieved to be a moose. The roar of motors was quickly approaching. Adrian began to run through the low growing shrub brush carpeting the stand of timber. **** He didn’t know how long he ran, but it felt like forever. His leg muscles and lungs burned from both the cold and exertion. But one thing was certain. Silence confirmed he had lost the men pursuing them, thanks to his extraordinary stamina and this unexplained ability. There was no doubt that Alexia’s men could have easily followed their trail in the unmarked snow, up to the point of where he had shifted. At least he had the advantage of his were-strength. As a bonus, it was beginning to snow and cover his tracks. He continued walking on his long, stilted legs, through the heavy scrub, for most of the day. A small cabin, tucked into the heavy forest, stood cold and dark in the late afternoon. Adrian was tired, his adrenaline and energy long burned away. It was an easy shift back to his human form, and he stood nude in the darkening chill. Jessica had been quiet and still, slung over his back, and he was glad to have somewhere to put her down out of the elements. He couldn’t risk continuing on. Jessica needed somewhere to rest until she recovered. It would be difficult for him, even with his Were-warmth, to remain in his human form in the freezing cold for a long period of time. Cautiously he observed the cabin from a distance before approaching. It didn’t look as if anyone was there, or had been for quite some time. He knocked on the door to be sure. No answer. Trying the door, he found it unlocked. He peered inside and scanned the nearly bare room. Someone’s vacation lodge had been left unsecured. He set Jessica’s limp body down on the sofa, which was positioned before the woodstove in the corner. After gathering up some wood scraps left in the wood box, he started a small fire. He stretched his fingers out before it to warm them and looked around the little cabin. Animated shadows danced and flickered around the small space, but from the look of things, the place had been abandoned for a while. After making sure Jessica looked comfortable, and reassuring himself she was still unconscious, he went outside and surveyed exactly where they were. The frigid breeze

cooled his overheated bare body as he looked around for more wood and breathed a sigh of relief when luck smiled on him. There. A small stack—not a lot, but enough to keep a fire going and hold them for a while. He loaded up his arms and quickly went back inside, closing the cold out with a soft click. As he rounded the back of the old sofa, Jessica began to stir. Adrian let the load of split wood roll from his arms into the box. The clatter jolted her awake. Gasping, she opened her eyes wide, looking around in dazed confusion until her glossed gaze settled on him. He could see she was trying to process what was going on. As if giving up, she closed her eyes again. “Are you all right?” Adrian asked. He was truly concerned, yet a touch fearful of what her answer would be. Jessica shook her head, keeping her eyes closed. Adrian’s heart fell. He approached her and knelt, leaning closer. “What is it?” He kept his tone soft. “Tell me what you need … what’s going on, so I can help.” Opening her eyes, she stared at him for a moment before touching her throat with her fingertips. “Water,” she whispered. “I’ll see what I can find.” He pushed away from the edge of the sofa and went to the open kitchen area. Opening the first cupboard, he found neatly stacked, mismatched dishes. The second cabinet was empty. The third, lower cupboard had pots and pans. There was no food or water. Adrian picked up a pot and a mug and went outside and filled them with snow. He handed her the snow-filled mug. “Sorry, it’s the best I can do for right now. I’m going to melt this on the stove top for something hot to drink. The cupboards are bare. So I’m afraid that’s all I have to offer. It’s not much, but at least it’s something.” Jessica rose up on one elbow and accepted the cup. “Thank you,” she said quietly. She took the snow into her mouth, closed her eyes, and sighed with relief. When she opened them, she held her hand out to him. Taking her hand, Adrian helped her sit up. Her energy moved over him, once again enveloping him in a warm wave. She jumped and gasped, pulling away from the initial contact, severing the sensation. Adrian offered his hand to her again, feeling the mixture of warmth, desire, and longing wash over him when she accepted. Jessica looked at him with confusion. “What have you done to me?” she breathed. “Nothing more than what you’ve done to me.” Adrian sat next to her. “More like what she has done to us!” Clenching his jaws, he swallowed down his rising temper and forced himself to look into Jessica’s pale blue eyes. Anger smoldered in their depths. “Just wait until I get my hands on her.” She moved to stand up and sat down again, blinking. Adrian placed his hand on her arm to steady her. “Why don’t you just sit still for a moment and tell me what happened. Or what you remember, at least.” “I just remember Alexia coming into the lab from the helicopter pad with the guys carrying a caged, sedated wolf.” Uncertain eyes flashed to his. Adrian swallowed down the feral reaction that threatened to burst forth. “Go on.” “It was very early in the morning and still dark. I was up to take care of some paperwork and she insisted on my help. Which I thought was odd; she usually did all of the physical work herself, with her guys.”

“Why is that?” “She said she was looking for something and didn’t want me in the way.” “So now you know what she was looking for.” “Yes. Now I know what she was looking for wasn’t just any wolf; it was you.” “So what happened next?” “It’s all such a blur…” Jessica rested her elbows on her knees, her face in her palms, and scrubbed her tired features. Adrian placed a comforting hand on her back, feeling a welt beneath his fingertips. It must have been where the dart struck her. “I remember Alexia looking at me and smiling. The two men grabbed me and I struggled to get away. She injected me with something and that’s about all I remember.” “Why were you with her to begin with?” “I was studying biology and she offered me a job as an assistant.” “Hmm. It’s not like Alexia to have an assistant. She likes all the glory for herself.” “Wait a minute, you know her?” Jessica’s brow furrowed. “On purpose?” “Sadly, yes.” Adrian withdrew from Jessica’s back and folded his hands his lap. Taking a deep breath, he let it out. “Yeah, I dated her a long time ago.” Jessica studied him for a moment, her expression smooth and unreadable, digesting, contemplating, until her left brow crooked upward and a knowing look came into her eyes. “Ah, I get it.” “No you don’t.” Adrian ran his fingers through his hair, rubbing his scalp. “That was a long, very long, time ago. I was young and stupid. She was older and manipulative. Anyway, I’m not making excuses or discussing my past with you.” He didn’t intend for his voice to be so hard, but the Change tickling in the back of his mind made him edgy. And having to confess his past sins to a near stranger wasn’t his idea of relaxing. He needed to keep himself busy, distracted, anything to avoid discussing past mistakes. Jessica’s groan shook him from his thoughts. Adrian replaced his hand on her back. “Are you okay?” “I don’t know. I’m not feeling very well.” Her attempted smile was more of a grimace. Adrian slid his palm over her back to comfort as he glanced out the window. The weight of her hand moved onto his thigh, squeezing to steady herself. Taking a deep breath, he focused on the scenery rather than where her hand was. The sun was setting and he could see the shadows of the forest floor blending with the gathering winter darkness. The lupine shift moved sensuously up his spine, heating his core, stiffening his body, quickening his heart, beckoning. His attention moved back to Jessica and she looked up to him. Her sharp gaze had grown electric and her grip on his thigh tightened. “Adrian…” she breathed. She parted her lips to say more, but nothing came. “It’s okay,” he murmured. “It will be okay.” It was happening to both of them. His own body began the process of Change, but he knew what to expect and welcomed the shiver of arousal, the awakening of his senses. Slipping to his knees in front of her, he faced her. “I’m here. I’m not going anywhere. We’ll get through this together. Don’t be afraid; nothing will hurt you, I promise.” Jessica moved closer to him, her hands slipping over his shoulders, drawing him nearer still. She fisted the fabric of his shirt. An unchecked wail escaped before she

lowered her head, gasping for breath as though she had been running for miles. Adrian knew he had to do something to help keep her calm. “Breathe slower, deeper breaths. You have to keep yourself calm, take slow deep breaths.” Jessica’s gaze was wild-eyed and terrified. “Come on, you can do this. Breathe with me.” He took a slow breath and let it go in the same timing, much the way he did when he hiked for long, high distances. After a few moments, Jessica followed his cadence. Her energy had quieted and she appeared to have more control of herself. She moved closer to him, leaning her head against his chest. Her slow breaths warmed his skin, making him want her more. Jessica’s innocent contact made his cock thicken and grow harder than it already was. Adrian shivered and his human side began to wrestle with the wild desire to claim her as his mate. Sweat prickled his skin. He could smell her, every part of her. The scent was an intoxicating perfume that permeated deep within him and embedded in his mind, a rare key that fit a lock he didn’t know existed. He clenched the stiff fabric of the scrub shirt she wore, grinding his teeth together. Jessica groaned and tilted her face to the ceiling, her piercing eyes concealed behind her closed lids. He could practically feel her pulse pound in her veins. Sweat slicked her skin, making her long hair stick to her face and throat. He could only think about tasting and touching her. Adrian swallowed, feeling his restraint thinning and realized his own pulse points were pounding. He traced his fingers over her face, around her hairline, moving the misguided strands from her features. Never had his hands trembled so much. Never had he wanted so deeply. The lupine side, clouding his mind, said she was his and he would care for her to the death. Just like his wolf brothers did with their mates. “There is a way, Jessica.” His breath came in short gasps when he spoke. “There is a way to ease into the Change to make it more comfortable for us both.” Jessica lowered her head, leveling her untamed eyes with his. Her sharp gaze penetrated, piercing his heart, tearing his soul. “I can ease you into it. I can help you.” She pressed her forehead to his, closing her eyes once again as she struggled with her breathing. Adrian forced his head back and away from hers, cradling her face in his palms. “Tell me what you need. Tell me what you want,” he whispered, willing to sacrifice what he desired for her sake. Jessica’s eyes snapped open, meeting his. “You.” She parted her thighs, pulling him, welcoming him, and encircled him with her legs. She wrapped her arms around his neck, drawing him closer still. “You’re what I want and what I need.” She pressed her lips against his. Adrian shivered.

Chapter Four Jessica stared into Adrian’s amber eyes, their cunning full of need and desire but softened by compassion and empathy. She stroked the soft beard covering his cheeks and jaw, searched his features for some kind self-centered betrayal. But of course she knew she would find none. He was Alexia’s victim just as she was. A wave of heat ignited within her core, magnifying something she thought she would never have to admit to. Need. Jessica had to admit she needed Adrian. Deep breath. No. She could do this on her own. She could make it, just as she had her whole life. The heat centering her core intensified, swelling her pussy. Arching her back, she fell backward as she smoothed her fingers over his bare skin. She felt the flex of his chest muscles, followed by his sharp hiss. But Adrian caught her, still locked between her legs, and followed her down onto the old sofa. His weight pinned her, pressing his erection against her sex. Jessica cried out, grinding herself against him. The thin fabric of the scrubs did little to hide what either of them wanted, needed. Adrian moved his hips against her, matching her motions, sliding his straining cock against her. “Tell me…” he growled, his voice deepening to something barely human. Adrian’s breath was warm on her face and throat, his scent overwhelming as another wave claimed her. Tightening her legs and grasping his buttocks, she screamed. “Oh my God, please help me! I need you, Adrian!” Jessica grasped at his bare back with her curled fingers. Adrian growled. The deep rumble from his chest made her look into his hypnotic gaze. Closing her eyes, she arched her back farther, offering her throat in trust and submission. Adrian growled again, his lips brushing her offering. The sensitive skin nettled with gooseflesh, and she gulped in a deep breath. Clutching at his hard body, she held him close, her fingers moving over bare flesh. His lips hovered over hers, golden eyes glowing in the near darkness. She whispered her plea again. “Adrian. Please help me.” Another molten wave ripped through her body, centering in her sex; she moved her hips against his waist. Her nails bit into him and she couldn’t stifle the scream that escaped. Sweat soaked her clothes, cooling her fevered skin. Adrian pulled away from her grasp and stepped free of her legs. “Don’t leave me!” Jessica gasped. “I’m not going anywhere.” Jessica lay still, closing her eyes as calm replaced the heat. She let herself rest for a moment to catch her breath. The feel of Adrian’s touch on her clavicle made her eyes open. With his forefinger, he easily tore the cloth open down the front of her body. She accepted his offered hand. As he pulled her up, he smoothed away the torn fabric of the thin scrubs she wore. The remnants fell into the pile around her ankles. He gathered them up and tossed them into the fire and the flames devoured them, leaving no trace of their presence. Adrian moved back to her, taking her in his arms. He slid his calloused hands over her soft skin as he drew her tighter to his body, pressing his erection against her

abdomen. Pain racked her body as her muscles cramped. She fell back, but Adrian caught her, guiding her fall, while leaving his body pressed to hers. “This isn’t as romantic as I’d like,” he said, his voice thick with desire and the pending change. “Just do it!” Jessica commanded, wrapping her legs around his waist. “Hurry!” She squirmed against him, taking his tip into her wet opening. Adrian’s thick shaft pushed deep into her swollen, silken core. Jessica screamed, her eyes wide as pleasure consumed her. Her nails bit into his soft flesh. Her back arched. She came. Adrian didn’t stop; he moved faster and she moved with him, against him, driving him until another orgasm ripped through her, stronger than the first. Adrian finally paused, breathless. Sweat trickled down his body; his golden eyes glowed more intense. “It’s getting closer. When we change, just stay close to me, understand?” * Jessica nodded, her electric blue gaze contrasting boldly with the flush of her skin and the ebony strands tangled around her features. He regretted he couldn’t take the time to make love to her, rather than this hurried mating frenzy they were forced into. He moved his hips, stroking his cock deep into her pussy, watching her eyes glaze and flutter closed as pleasure built another orgasm. She came easily, milking his erection tightly each time. He indulged in tasting her skin, sucking her nipples. She gave to him so freely, so naturally. He smoothed his hands over her breasts, down her belly, over her hips, then caressed her legs, reaching behind himself to unhook her ankles. Her eyes opened, meeting his in confusion. “Shh, it’s all right, sweetheart.” Adrian drew her leg around to the other side of his body, turning her, taking her from behind. She closed her legs, her muscles sandwiching his shaft. He drew in a deep breath and groaned, stroking a few times to take pleasure in the new position. He could feel the changes beginning to morph his body, his muscles and bones beginning to shift and change. He was running out of time as a man and would have to savor Jessica’s lush body later. Slipping his arm beneath her, he cradled her, turning her back to his chest. Stroking deep, the wolf instinct began to emerge, dominating what was man. He closed his eyes, embracing the change as pleasure washed over him. It was rare that he had the opportunity to share the change with a female, and he cherished the intimacy of it. Jessica growled long and deep. Opening his eyes, he knew they had changed to wolf before he looked. Adrian growled in response. Their bodies bound together. Instinctually he knew she was his mate, bonded to him forever. Turning her dark muzzle to him, she snapped her jaws before her body released his penis. Taking a few steps away from her, allowing space between them, they shook their coats out before he looked at her beautiful furry black face, centered with blue eyes. Instinct took over, sharpening his senses, clearing his mind. They were being hunted; he could feel it as if he held it in his hands. They had to get moving quickly. His mate watched his every move.

Satisfied she would follow him, he went for the door, stood on his hind legs, and opened the door. * She followed her mate out of the cabin and into the frigid night air and stopped. A slight breeze ruffled her fur, carrying many unique scents. The effervescent sharpness stung her nose, penetrated deep into her sinuses. Between the towering evergreen trees, pinpricks of light dotted the dark heavens. Her feet sank in the loose powder and she lowered her head, snuffing the snow, absorbing the world around her. A bump on her shoulder stilled her exploration. Her mate had nudged her to get her attention before he moved away from the cabin and into the forest. She moved to follow, instinct urging her to stay close. The large, round moon rose over the horizon, stirring urges she didn’t understand until her belly rumbled. Her mate stopped, looking back at her and she nearly ran into him. He nuzzled her before walking again. This time he followed a trail with his nose to the ground. She followed his lead, sniffing the ground, understanding. Dinner was at the end of this trail of small footsteps. After they had finished their small, shared meal, a curious thundering sound reached them. The pulsing pounded, shattering the serenity in a frightening way. Panic gripped her heart and her first instinct was to run in any direction. The bump of her mate’s nose directed her attention, and he quickly moved them into the heavy scrub, deeper into the security of the forest. He ducked when a circle of light pieced the darkness and she too, lay low, shivering with anxious expectation. The thundering and brightness moved on and they followed suit, keeping to the thick wooded area, hiding when it passed back again. They hurriedly continued throughout the night until he finally halted. Raising his nose to the air, a long, mournful wail bugled from his chest. Unable to stop herself, she sang alongside him, then followed his lead when he moved westward again. The return of the thundering stopped them periodically. They stood still in the dense scrub until the sound passed, and silence prompted them to run. They continued until they reached a small dwelling. A pink hue stained the dark night sky. The bright moon had sunk beneath the horizon and the stars faded. As the sun rose, an ache blossomed within her and wolf instinct faded to human awareness.

Chapter Five Adrian was relieved he’d changed before Jessica. He picked her up from the fresh snow where she had collapsed, holding her naked body close to his own. Using his foot, he smoothed over the telltale proof she had been there as a wolf before making his way through the knee-deep snowdrifts to his fire-watch cabin. He laid Jessica carefully on the bed and pulled the top blanket over her. Though she seemed unconscious, he could tell she was just resting. There wouldn’t be much time before she awoke. He wanted the cabin to be as comfortable as he could make it, so he began by building a fire to keep her warm. After arranging the kindling and tinder, he struck a match, lighting the dry ends of the moss. The flame sputtered reluctantly until he lightly blew on it, breathing life to the fire. With a sudden burst, the flames began licking and consuming the larger wood pieces. Satisfied, he backed away and placed a larger wedge of log in the little stove before closing the heavy, black door and securing it. Sitting on the bed next to Jessica, he placed his hand on her covered arm and gently shook her. His attempts to rouse her only resulted in stirring a groan as she pulled her blanket in tighter around herself and rolled away from him. Reclining onto his side, Adrian propped himself up on his elbow and tried again, leaning in close to her ear. “Jessica,” he whispered. She remained motionless. “Jessica.” This time his tone was a decibel louder. Still nothing. Adrian grinned and gave in to his desire to touch her. He stroked the back of a knuckle down her cheek, and she swatted at his hand. She blinked her eyes open and slowly turned to look up at him. Jessica screamed, gathering her blanket about herself and scrambling away until she was forced to stop against the solid wall. “Oh my God.” Stark terror reflected in her eyes. Caught by surprise, Adrian bit off a loud yelp. “What the hell?” “You! I thought this was all a bad dream and then I wake up and see you!” She let her head fall against the wall with an audible thump and closed her eyes. “Well honey, I know I’m no Prince Charming, but hey!” She opened her eyes and lifted her head, looking at him. “Not you, you! I mean this situation!” She looked around the dim room. “Where are we?” “A fire-watch and rescue cabin I’m posted at. I’m a watcher here in the Cascades during the winter months.” Jessica lifted her nose a little, sniffing. “Oh, I see.” She stared around the room, taking in her foreign surroundings. It was obvious her mind was processing and remembering. Adrian moved to a sitting position. “You look a little stunned. Are—” Jessica recoiled, pulling the blanket tighter around herself. “Don’t come any closer.” Adrian held a hand out. “But—” Jessica held her hand up, halting any progression he may have intended. “I am not the kind of girl who falls into bed with a man for a one-night stand. This is all your fault. If you hadn’t been caught—” “You know that isn’t true. I’m a victim just as much as you are. You’re not alone in this, you know. It’s not like I asked to be a part of this twisted little experiment.” Adrian paused his self-defense for a moment, looking at the cornered woman at the end of the

bed. “There’s more to this than you’re saying, isn’t there?” Jessica tightened her lips and looked away. “You know something, don’t you? Tell me.” He fought to keep his voice smooth when he really wanted to roar. Jessica cautiously glanced at him. “No.” She moved to stand up. “No! What kind of answer is ‘no’?” His agitation burst through the surface and he launched himself off the bed toward her attempted escape. He grasped her arm, turning her to face him. “I have the right to know! Part of me was stolen, if you can’t remember.” “No is no. Take your hands off me.” The obvious anger in her voice made him release her. Holding his palms up, he backed away. Jessica bolted for the door, opened it, and gasped when the frigid morning air struck her. She slammed it closed again, turning to face him with the blanket clutched to her breast. Adrian took a deep breath and let it out. The situation was too volatile and they were in very tight quarters. He had to let it go, but only for now. She had answers and he wanted them. She couldn’t go anywhere like she was. Even if she did, he’d find her. There was nothing to do but wait. Sitting on the bed, he felt a wave of fatigue wash over him. He was tired, so he stretched out on the bed and fell asleep as daylight began to brighten the room. **** The feeling of being watched drove sleep away, as his senses awoke one by one. A trickle of wet slid over his cheek, and heaviness pressed him down into the mattress. He realized he had changed and was wolf. Opening his eyes, he met the glare of an angry wolf. His angry she-wolf. Her lips curled back, exposing sharp, white teeth. When his eyes opened, she growled, her saliva stringing down toward, and against, his face again. He blinked as his mind drew her energy in, her scent and pheromones. She was in heat for only one last day. Instinct drove him to move against her. He twitched and she dived for his throat with her sharp lupine fangs. But he was just a little faster, turning, pulling, falling onto the floor. They both tumbled, rolling and snapping at one another until he had her pinned. She struggled for dominance, but he held her fast. Mounting, penetrating, and claiming. The she-wolf collapsed; her body fell limp on the cool, hard wood floor. She panted in her weakened state as she caught her breath and he moved over her, instinct driving him to protect, even as he claimed his mate. Bathing her face with his tongue, he felt her heated energy level drop to calm. After he released her, she stretched and whined before getting up and shaking out her fur. Moving out the open door, he paused, waiting for her. She followed closely, head down, with cautious energy as she passed from the room’s safety to the open and dangerous world. He began to hunt. The fresh scent of a rabbit came right under him almost immediately. Nose to the ground, he began to follow the trail. The two of them moved silently through the forest, becoming the very play of shadow and light. His light and her dark mixed seamlessly into the fabric of the forest as they padded along, falling on the creature, killing their first meal of the day. He shared the scant provisions with his mate. The second trail was that of a mouse and he decided to teach her how to hunt. Her

instincts were strong and cunning. She learned very quickly and was soon able to keep up with him. Toward morning light, he would say, she nearly outdid him. Nearly. They reached the end of the earth. The forest suddenly gave way to a dark canyon below. His mate stood next to him on the edge, peering down the sheer rock walls disappearing down into the shadow. A fur-ruffling breeze blew up from the bottom, filling his nostrils with the river’s scent from far below. It was cold and clean; he could hear larger game and smell them as they stopped to drink. They’d had enough for one night. As they began the trek back to the cabin, he began to notice how far they’d come. He hadn’t meant for them to wander such a great distance. Staying to the tree line, he began to run back toward the cabin, with her close behind him. At first he thought the pulsing was his heartbeat as they raced against time and Change, but it quickly grew louder and stronger and he came to realize exactly what it was. It hovered, following, tormenting them. His mate whined in terror as the flying beast pursued them, yet she followed his lead closely. The end of the tree line ahead and the sheer cliffs on either side forced them into the open, snow-covered meadow. He could actually see and smell the cabin just beyond. They were so close, and yet so far. He burst ahead, leaping through the snow drifts, running hard, and adrenaline pushed him forward. Safety lay ahead. Looking back, he saw his mate was not with him. She hesitated at the forest’s edge. The pulsing thunder halted its forward motion and he did the same. He heard a single shot fired, and watched the monster hovering over his fallen mate. In the newly cresting sunlight, he could see a single person moving quickly to pick her up while keeping fearful eyes on him. Instinct drove him back to protect her. Human reasoning told him the Change was rapidly approaching. He had to hurry. Growling, he bounded over the snow. He reached the forest line again as the captor dumped her changing form onto the floor of the helicopter and jumped aboard. The craft began to lift from the ground and he leaped with feral strength. Human fingers clutched the runner, and he was relieved. His weight unbalanced and tipped the helicopter as he pulled himself up. The pilot glanced back at him. “Get off! You’ll wreck us! Get down! Let go!” His assistant grasped the seat belt, moving his fingers to the clasp. Adrian lunged, pulling himself up and onto the teetering chopper. Grasping the back of both seats, he steadied himself before roping his arms around both men’s necks in a tight choke hold. The aircraft lurched, spun, and fell the short distance to the ground, sliding across the deep snow. As the helicopter propelled forward, a large mound of snow accumulated in front of the craft, eventually halting their progress. Both men hunched, unmoving, unconscious. For a brief moment there was silence. Adrian loosened his throttling grip slowly to be sure the men were out of commission. Jessica’s groan propelled him into motion again. She had fully changed to her human form and was waking. Adrian pulled the dart from her neck, then he scooped her nude body into his arms and held her close as he jumped into the deep snow. The cold bit his bare feet and legs, but he paid it no mind as he began to run in a leaping motion through the snowdrifts back to the forest’s shelter. Jessica began to squirm. Adrian stopped to catch his breath and looked down at her. Stunned confusion swam in her eyes and she clung to him. “What’s happening?” “We’ll chat later,” he huffed as he moved swiftly through the low forest scrub.

Adrian ran as quickly as he could through the snow. The cold winter air against his bare skin prodded him faster, though it didn’t hinder him. He was actually glad for the coolness as his blood pumped and heated his body. By the time he reached his cabin, he had broken a sweat that made Jessica shiver harder against him. Bursting through the door, he then kicked it shut with his heel and moved to the dying embers. Jessica’s closed lids opened, revealing blue eyes that nearly matched the shade of her trembling lips. She looked up at him, shivering violently. “S-s-so c-c-cold,” she whispered. Adrian crushed her against his body. “I know. I’m here.”

Chapter Six Jessica closed her eyes again, leaning against Adrian’s strength and warmth as he held her. Weakness and fatigue rolled over her as the chill slowly subsided from her bones. This thing thrust upon her consumed what she was, and who she was. What was she going to do? Unrestrained emotion bubbled to the surface and she let the tears go. The only thing she could do was trust this man holding her, literally supporting her. In just the short time she’d known him, that was all he had done. He’d rescued her, helped her, and even taught her. She had offered him nothing in return, not even when he asked; she had even gone so far as to bite him. She felt the sharp edge of shame cut into her already aching heart. Raising her eyes, she dared herself to face Adrian. She needed to look into his eyes when he was human to weigh and judge him, though in her heart, she already knew him by the way he’d acted over the last three days and nights. It was as she expected. Her gaze was lost in his warm depths, softened with compassion. Her tears trickled faster and she made every effort to stop them and be strong, show no emotion, but it was too late. Adrian had noticed it wasn’t just water on her face. Pulling her tighter to his bare body, he held her with one arm and moved the matted, wet clumps of hair partially obstructing her vision. His large, rough hand smoothed over her cheek, cradling her jaw before he wiped the tears away with a thumb. Adrian’s knuckle moved under her chin, lifting her gaze to his. “What is it?” Even his soothing voice irritated her. “Nothing.” She tried closing her eyes to block out his tenderness, and moved her chin away from his touch. “Everything,” she murmured, looking into his eyes again of her own accord. Adrian’s soft expression shifted; his eyes hardened a little from her simple admission. Moving her away from him, he looked her up and down. “You’re warm enough to move on your own now?” She followed his gaze over her nude body, to her softened nipples, no longer hard from the cold. “Good.” He answered his own question, the gentleness in his voice gone. He moved to the unmade bed and pulled the blanket back, he turned and looked at her. “Get in.” She couldn’t refuse and did as he ordered. “Move over, unless you want to be that close to me.” His feigned smile was a grimace. “That’s not it at all!” Adrian followed her lead, getting under the blanket, pulling it up and over his legs and waist. He leaned back against the pillows, crossing his arms over his bare chest, making the muscles flex. “Then please explain.” Closing her eyes, Jessica took a deep breath, tilting her head back, rolling her neck to release the tension before letting it go. She met Adrian’s gaze again. “This has all been a lot to take in. Within the last three days, I’ve gone through a complete metamorphosis of something I didn’t believe I would ever have to go through. And not only have I gone through it, I’ve been forced to go through it completely against my will.” Taking a deep breath again to control her emotions, she looked away from his intensity. “How would

you feel? To make it worse, I’ve had to rely on a complete stranger in, quite possibly, the most vulnerable state I’ve ever been in.” She met his constant stare again, intimate recollections flashing through her memory. “I don’t sleep around.” Adrian blinked in shock at her pointedness. “I didn’t think you did,” he responded quietly. His arms loosened a little, relaxing against his abdomen. “I get that you were Changed without permission, but my question is how? How could Alexia change you like that? You’re past puberty, the age when we go through our first Change. How is it that you’re different?” “I have the congenital predisposition, but have never gone through it. Until now.” “What?” “It’s in my DNA structure, but the Change had never happened.” “Why not? I’ve never heard of such a thing.” Jessica shrugged. “There are always exceptions to every rule.” “So what about your family? Do they all Change normally?” Pain knifed through her heart. She looked down at her hands in her lap and ran one fingernail under another. “My family is all gone now.” She forced herself to look into Adrian’s searching gaze. “I’m an only child. I was told that some kind of wild animal killed my parents while they were hiking. My grandmother raised me. I was very young and it was so long ago.” Adrian’s large hand covered both of hers in a blanket of warmth. He took one of them, intertwining his fingers with hers, comforting. His eyes glowed with razor sharpness. “I’m sorry,” he whispered. Jessica shrugged, breathing in deep to control the emotion, releasing it. “Can’t miss what you never knew.” “Still…” He paused for a moment, looking away before his gaze met hers again. “Can you tell me anything about the wild animal that attacked them, or anything about your family history? Maybe I can help you piece some of this together, and if I can’t, then my family probably can.” “No… Well a little.” She shook her head. “I was given an old journal kept by my grandmother. Apparently there was some kind of curse cast on these lovers by two bickering old ladies back in the seventeen hundreds. That’s all I know; the journal doesn’t give any real history.” Surprise took his expression and he sat up, studying her a little harder. “No, it can’t be.” His brow furrowed with scrutiny. “But yes, I can see it.” “See what?” Adrian blinked, smoothing his features. “You don’t know the whole story, then.” A wave of warmth washed over Jessica, making her heart pound. “It’s just a story, right?” “No. It’s the truth, I know because my grandmother, who is still living, was one of the original cursed lovers. The wild animal was a shape-shifter that my sister and Dalton destroyed only last month. Dalton…” He trailed off, and the thought process working through his mind reflected in his eyes. “Tell me who your parents are.” Uncertainty paled his features. “My mother’s name was Sarah Mingan, and my father Frederick Allen.” Adrian’s brow furrowed. “Their names aren’t familiar to me.” “Well, the diary only vaguely mentions the curse. It says, ‘a boy child was born first

and then a little girl, both fair and sweet.’” “So there was a little girl? The legend only mentions the boy.” Jessica looked at Adrian. His stunned expression made her relax a little. “So, you’ve never heard this before?” Adrian shook his head in tight, controlled movements. “No, there is no mention of a girl born at all. We all assumed there was only a boy born to Simon and Mary Mingan, and that was all.” “Apparently there was what grandmother called a ‘family plague.’ They decided that the family should be divided up for better chance of survival. Grandmother took the girl child, my mother, and left.” “Never to be seen or heard from again.” “I guess. That’s where the journal ends.” Adrian was still for a moment. “Tell me, what was your grandmother’s name?” Jessica shrugged. “Althea.” Adrian’s features froze for a heartbeat before he blinked rapidly. His lips parted to say something before closing again. Clearly he was shocked by her answer. “What, what is it?” She couldn’t help the concerned edge in her voice. “Althea is not your grandmother, Jessica,” he replied, his voice a mere whisper. “She was one of the old women involved in the curse casting.” Jessica felt stunned energy embrace her and constrict her chest. She gasped for breath. “It can’t be. She was the most loving woman—I just assumed she was my maternal grandmother…” Emotion prickled her tired senses. “Lucky for you, she was the one who tried to reverse the curse. She made it so we Change only when the moon is full for the three days, and also deflected some of the curse’s burden onto my family, who was Eloise’s charge.” “No…” Jessica let the tears fall. It just couldn’t be true. Adrian reached out to her, pulling her chilled body in to his warmth. “Come on, we’re going to get some rest. Being Were only keeps you strong during the Change. We are human now and need rest and warmth, or you’ll get sick.” He settled her down next to him, pulling the blanket over her shoulder. “I’m here to stay for you, promise.” “Okay.” Jessica agreed easily and leaned against him, feeling more tired than she had ever been in her life. Every ounce of energy she possessed was drained and she trembled from it. She was grateful to have Adrian’s strength to lean on. “I will pay you back someday, somehow,” she whispered and turned her back to him. Adrian chuckled. “Don’t even think about it, sweetheart.” He snuggled down in the middle of the bed, moving in close behind her. The heat from Adrian’s bare, aroused body spooning hers was divine. The moist warmth and his earthy scent surrounding them made her want more. It would be so easy to turn over, but she was so tired. She pressed her head deeper into the pillow trying to get her mind to relax, but the new knowledge of her family’s history had set her mind buzzing. On one hand, it was good knowing more of her past; on the other hand, it made her feel more vulnerable and alone than ever. As if in response to her thoughts, Adrian’s thick arm coiled around her middle, and held her under its heavy drape. His deep and even breathing told her that he was already asleep. Maybe she wasn’t so alone after all. Her heart warmed as she let sleep consume her.

**** Jessica awoke alone, feeling strangely at ease despite her troubling circumstances. Having Adrian in her corner tipped the scales her way, even if it was a little. Having someone to lean on and help her was more than comforting. Sitting up, she found a pile of warm clothes on the end of the bed with a note attached: For you. At the moment, it was just the perfect thing.

Chapter Seven Adrian looked up at Jessica when he came through the door with an armload of wood. The clothes he had given her hung loosely on her petite frame, and she smelled warm and sleepy. He smiled; an unfamiliar, and yet welcome feeling filled his heart. “Want some coffee?” He dumped the load into the box with a clatter, and picked up his own cup for a refill. “Yes, please.” Her voice hesitated a little when she glanced at him. Adrian moved to the open woodstove, poured her a cup of coffee from the percolator, and handed it to her. “Thanks.” Jessica’s eyes, full of uncertainty, locked to his. “Well, we need to discuss what our options are.” Adrian chuckled. “There aren’t many, but we do have at least a couple.” Jessica sipped her coffee and set the cup down with a surprised expression. “Wow, that’s strong coffee.” Adrian grinned. “Good stuff.” He was relieved to see her relax a little when she smiled back at him. He walked to the stove and began poking through the coals. “I don’t know what I could possibly offer, but tell me what you’ve come up with.” Adrian picked up another log to put in the small space he created, and then sat on the plain wood chair, tilting back. “Well, we’re at the high end of the park, so we could call in a chopper and be airlifted out. The problem is, there are some major storms on the way and the wind is already very strong. Air rescue will probably have to wait for—” “I hate to interrupt you, but did you just hear that radio report?” Adrian looked at her as they both fell silent. “…once again, the search for two people has been officially suspended due to worsening weather conditions. This is believed to be a kidnapping, so be on the alert. The victim is a woman, roughly five foot two, Caucasian, black hair, blue eyes. The suspect is male, six foot four, Caucasian, light brown hair, gold-colored eyes. He is a ranger and expected to be armed and dangerous. He is responsible for the injury of two recovered chopper pilots. Again, he is dangerous and at large. Do not approach him if spotted. Call for backup.” Adrian stood so fast his chair fell over backward. He made for the ancient radio’s mic and grasped it, pressing the trigger to speak his rebuttal to the officer in charge. He knew the man. He knew him well! “Hello, hello.” There was nothing. No contact at all. The radio was dead, except for the incoming warning. Adrian pressed and released the trigger rapidly; still nothing. “Fuck!” He threw the handpiece down. “Son of a bitch!” “What are we going to do?” Panic edged Jessica’s voice. Adrian stilled himself, mentally digging a little deeper into the message. His boys could get to them if they wanted to; they’d flown in worse weather. The helicopter crash site wasn’t that far from the cabin, and they knew exactly where Adrian was. But only his friend, who was the pilot and the voice on the mic, knew his little secret. “Nothing. Right now we’re not going to do a damn thing, simply because we can’t.” He gestured out the window, where fat, white flakes were falling in a curtain of white, blocking the view of

everything. “The upside of this is they won’t be doing anything, either. No one is going anywhere.” “You mean we’re trapped here?” Her blue eyes were round with fear. “That all depends on your point of view, I guess.” Sitting in the low chair, he tilted back, leaned against the wall, and propped his feet up on the bed. “What do you mean by that? How are we going to survive out here?” She looked baffled by his relaxed attitude. “Well, first of all, why don’t you just sit down there.” He indicated to the bed, moved his feet and put all four chair legs on the floor again with a loud thump. He met her gaze. “There is nothing to do, and nowhere to go.” Without taking her eyes from his, she complied. He leaned back in his chair again. “Well, let’s see, the main reason I come here is specifically to be alone, especially during the cold months. They need somebody here, and I can Change in peace and not have to worry about people. Now, I seem to have acquired this shifting issue as well. So tell me”—his eyes narrowed—“what do you know about that?” “Shifting?” Adrian looked at her, clenching his teeth, waiting. Her gaze never faltered; her innocent cerulean intensity bore back into his. “Shifting in werewolves often manifests as an incurable viral infection.” “What?” Her clinical answer threw him off his silent accusation. “No! That’s not what I meant at all. I want to know how you know about shifting.” “I’ve researched it.” Adrian let the legs of his chair hit the floor with a hollow thump, forcing himself not to scowl. “I wanted to know if you’ve ever shifted.” “No, I’ve never experienced any of this before.” “You’re a complete virgin, then.” “In a manner of speaking, yes, I’m still a virgin to all of this shape-shifting, werewolf changing, wild living!” Frustration and agitation hardened her voice. Adrian tore his gaze from her imploring eyes and combed his fingers through his wild hair, sweeping it from his face. “Then this is worse for you than I thought. I may have infected you with something that I didn’t even know I had.” Leaning close, he reached out to her, and took one of her small hands in his. “Know this.” He stroked her soft hand with his calloused one, and met her eyes once again. “I swear to you that I will help you. Now, I don’t promise much to people, but when I do, I keep it, and you will be one of the few.” “Thank you,” she said quietly. Her direct gaze softened and her lips curled into a smile. “I can’t think of a better teacher. She stroked his short beard with her fingertips. Adrian chuckled, capturing her tickling fingers. “We’ll see about that. You’re taking this awfully well.” Jessica shrugged. “It was something I was supposed to go through a long time ago. I was always afraid I’d have to do it alone, and the thought of that terrified me worse than this does.” “I see. You realize you probably have this shifter virus too, right?” “Well, yes. I can assume I do have it. She was transferring your DNA right into me.” She paused for a moment, tilted her head. “How did you come by it?”

Releasing her hands, he stood and walked the couple of paces to the window. “I’m not sure, honestly. This was my first time experiencing this as well. I honestly don’t know all that much about it.” Shoving his hands deep into his trouser pockets, he locked his elbows, turned and faced her. “I don’t know; this is where you have the advantage over me. You have at least studied this, and have book knowledge over my nothing.” “From what I’ve studied, it’s a bloodborne pathogen. You have to be in contact with an infected person’s blood.” “Dalton.” Adrian barely had to think about it. “He’s the only one in many years I’ve drawn blood on.” Jessica stood in front of him. Without a second thought he lifted his shirt and showed her the scars marking his chest and abdomen. “He got me too. I tried to kick his ass when he first started seeing my sister, Faye.” Jessica’s cool touch slid over the sensitive, newly healed skin and Adrian folded her fingers in his hands. “Noble.” “Or foolish. Either way, Faye was pretty pissed at me.” “Lucky her to have someone who cares. So many of us don’t.” “But now you do.” Taking a deep breath, Jessica let it go. “We’ll see about that.” “What do you mean?” Jessica smiled. “When PMS hits and I’m all hair, teeth, and attitude, I’m sure you’ll be gone in a flash.” Adrian wrapped his arms around her, drawing her close to his body. “You forget, I have a sister, a mother, and a grandmother, all of whom are Were. My father and I have been outnumbered by women in heat for a very long time.” “And that’s what you call it?” “Yes.” He held her tight, leaning down a little closer to her. “You won’t be doing this alone. Even after all this is over, and you decide you can’t stand me, you will still have knowledge of the Were-community, and our society will be there for you.” “What makes you think I’d get sick of you? Why do you say that?” Adrian let her go and moved to the fire, crouching low to inspect the glowing embers. He added more wood, brightening the coals when he blew on them. A sap bubble popped and ignited, encouraging the slow, lazy flames to curl around the rough bark. Satisfied that it would stay going, he turned to face Jessica. She stood behind him, watching, waiting for an answer. “I’m a loner. I’m happier being alone; I always have been.” “So you’re a rogue wolf without a pack. Sounds very lonely, Adrian Dillon.” The simple truth hit him hard. “No.” He furrowed his brow and scowled. “I have my family I can go to. I have my own wolf pack, a life.” Jessica’s eyes softened to something resembling pity when she looked at him. “True, but you’re a grown man without a mate, an adult wolf who wanders alone, a heart without a soul.” Damn it, her words filtered through the bullshit and hit the target as if she’d known him her whole life. But maybe now that she had part of him, she did know. Impossible. “I don’t think so. Since when did you become an expert on me?” Keeping his eyes on hers, he physically brushed passed her.

“Because I’m the same way.” Placing his hand on the doorknob, he felt a thread of relief at the solid object to grasp to regain his balance. “Just know you’ll be cared for, even after I’m gone.” Adrian stood outside the door on the tiny porch, his fists jammed in his pockets. Taking deep breaths of the frigid air, he felt his mood change as he looked out over the serenity surrounding him. He had to admit he was an ass. Jessica was new to this whole experience—a virgin—and he was snapping at her all because she was right. Taking another breath, he released it in a loud huff, which formed a thick cloud that blocked his vision. Turning away from his self-made fog bank, he twisted the knob again. Stepping inside the warmth, he moved to face Jessica, and quite possibly, his inner demons. Jessica stood with her back to the crackling fire. He softly shut the door behind him and captured her steady look for a moment before she took a deep breath and let her stare fall to the floor. It only took two long steps to cross the distance between them. He stood before her, inches from her, and yet she kept her head down, refusing to look at him. With his fingertips, he lifted her chin, and her crystal gaze bore into his, hard and cold as ice. “I didn’t mean to sound so harsh. I—” Adrian released her chin and scrubbed his fingers through his wild hair. “I don’t know what to say.” “Do you always run away from problems and challenges, and isolate yourself?” He dropped his hand, but held her unflinching gaze. “I never run from anything. I said I would see you through this mess and offer you a community that can give you support. I just don’t think I’m very good at giving that sort of thing. I’ve been alone for a long time. I’m not really a people person, is all.” Jessica took his hand. “Fair enough. I think we are more alike than you know. And now, since I’ve basically just blindsided you, I think it’s fair for you to speak your mind about me, whatever your assumptions may be.” Adrian felt his heart race not only from her simple touch, but more from her words. “I try to never assume anything. But I will tell you this. I really like you a lot. I don’t put my ass on the line for just anyone. I think you’re worth getting to know. You’re intelligent and very strong. Both traits I admire; well, and that you’re not exactly ugly helps too.” He grinned when a perplexed expression crossed her features. “Thanks, I think.” Adrian chuckled. “There’s more where that came from.” Jessica’s eyebrows shot up. “Seriously?” “Oh wait, this is one of those moments where my sister tells me to be nice and not act like myself. I’ll apologize now for all of my future misgivings.” Jessica laughed. “Well, I’ll admit that you’re not so ugly yourself.” Adrian felt his belly rumble more than he heard it. “I don’t know about you, but I’m really starting to get hungry.” Jessica gave him a worried look. “What are we going to eat? “Now stop worrying. I eat more than anyone on this planet. You don’t think I came out here unprepared, do you? They flew a special trip out here just to bring me provisions last week. It’s been so cold out, I dug a hole and now have a little freezer with plenty of meat.” “Oh, I see.” “I’m sorry that I don’t have much in the way of salads that I know you ladies like,

but I didn’t know you were going to come along and rock my world.” Adrian grinned. Jessica chuckled. “I can see why.” Adrian laughed at her barb as he pulled on his thick parka; after taking a seat in the chair, his boots were next. He tucked a large pot under his arm and placed his hand on the doorknob. “Now, don’t go anywhere.” He laughed out loud when the wind tried to suck the door from his grasp as he stepped out into the driving snowstorm. The cold drove him to hurry. Lifting the snow-covered plank covering the frozen hole, he picked up a thick brick of frozen-solid, wrapped meat, filled the pot with snow, and went quickly back to the porch. He stamped the loose powder off his boots and trousers, opened the door a small crack, and slid inside, shutting the door quickly. After toeing off his boots and peeling his parka off, he put the snow-filled pot on the stove and went to work preparing their dinner. “Now I just want you to take it easy. Right now there is nothing to do or worry about. It’s dark out and very stormy. Nothing can come in, and nothing can go out. We are just going to hole up here and when the weather clears enough we’ll be able to set things straight from my end.” He made eye contact with her long enough to see her relax a little over his reassuring words. “Matter of fact, I’m betting you’ll even have some fun.” Jessica’s relaxed expression melted into a smile, tainted with a little sadness. “I don’t know. We’ll see.” “You doubt me?” Jessica’s smile grew and her face morphed into a smirk. “Well, if you count being held hostage for assorted twisted, maniacal experiments and darted in the ass—twice now—fun, well yeah, we’re having a blast.” Adrian grinned. “See, now you’re being pessimistic.” “Oh yes, let’s not forget I’m now trapped here with Captain Wonderful.” “I only rank as a captain?” He stopped seasoning the meat sizzling in the cast-iron pan atop the stove, and looked up at her. Jessica’s smile radiated over her expression. “Sorry, then I dub thee Major Pain-Inthe-Ass.” He slammed down the shaker. “Now you’re just being mean.” Lying back on the bed, Jessica burst into a fit of giggles.

Chapter Eight Jessica broke into a full laugh when Adrian pounced on her. “I seem to recall at least two instances when you didn’t object to me.” The realization of what he was talking about stilled her laughter as the erotic flashes of his chiseled, sweating body pleasuring hers slid through her recollection. Freeing her trapped arms, she wrapped them around his neck, softly drawing him closer. Stroking her fingers over his lengthening stubble, she looked deep into his hypnotic, golden stare. “I certainly don’t object to you, as a matter of fact—” Her breath caught when his lips covered hers and his tongue slid deep. Relaxing into him, she curled her fingers in his tangled hair, smoothing her touch over his arms and back. Feeling him, touching him set her senses ablaze like she had never known before the Change, and she wanted him in nearly the same way. Her heart pounded; want changed quickly to need. She groped him wildly, slipping farther beneath him. She wrapped her legs around him and ground her pussy against his trapped, engorged cock. The thick, acrid smell of meat burning suddenly permeated their lust-clouded senses. Adrian leaped away from her. “Damn it! Dinner’s burning!” He roared as he tripped and stumbled over blankets that had fallen onto the floor. He crashed against the far wall to avoid landing on the hot stove and recoiled, turning singed meat over with his fingers. He stood there for a moment, stunned, blinking his senses back into order. Jessica got up from the bed and stood next to him. She placed a hand on his shoulder and slid her touch over his arm. “Are you all right?” “Yeah, I’m fine, but dinner may not be now, because I was an idiot.” He turned to face her. “Did I hurt you?” “No, I don’t think you were at all.” Looking into his eyes, she looked down to his juice-and spice-covered fingers. She licked one; then, taking the tip between her lips she sucked and looked back into his eyes. When his pupils dilated and his jaw clenched, she felt satisfaction wash through her. “We can’t do this, Jessica.” She grinned, wrapping her arms around his neck. “Why not?” She felt his free arm come around her waist. “Remember? I’m a loner. I can’t get involved.” Smoothing her touch down his chest, she threaded her fingers through his chest hair. “Right now you’re not. I heard what you said. I’m a big girl. I can handle this if it’s only temporary. The question is, can you?” “I don’t know. I’m not that kind of guy.” He released his balancing grip around her and stepped back, licking what she hadn’t from his fingers. “Why do you think I spend so much time out here alone?” Jessica stared at him, tilting her head. “And you think—” “I don’t think anything.” Adrian cut in, irritation very clear. Stepping back to the stove, he purposely kept his back to her. Jessica moved to the little window and watched fat, white flakes falling briskly outside. She felt Adrian before she saw his reflection in the glass. “See, I told you I was an ass. I just can’t get the emotional part of it straight.”

“You are an ass, I’ll agree. But the more time you spend alone, the worse it will get. Isolating yourself from everyone isn’t how you succeed. You’ve defeated yourself before you’ve even begun. Sure, you have a job that allows for that. But maybe they’ve just enabled you and your bad habit of running away.” Turning around, she faced him. “Do I have to kiss you again to shut you up?” “Not a chance. It’s going to take a little more to have that privilege next time.” “Let’s eat some dinner.” Adrian backed away and crossed the couple of steps to the stove. He handed her a plate and he took the bowl. They ate in relative silence and when they were finished, Adrian took their dishes and dropped them into the pot of hot, melted snow-water on the stove. “I’ll clean up. I want for you to get into bed and get some rest.” “Are you going all Mother Wolf on me? You’ve fed your little pup, now it’s time to tuck her in?” Jessica laughed at the mock irritation that creased Adrian’s brow. “And if I was, I’d turn you over my knee.” Heat flared through Jessica’s body as his wanton suggestion sent a delicious image through her mind. “What’s stopping you now?” “Now stop giving me a rough time. This is your first change; three days of running have me tired, so I know you must be exhausted.” “Where are you going to sleep?” Jessica couldn’t stifle the yawn, so she let it betray her. “With you on the bed, but later. I have some things to do first, so I want you to just snuggle in and rest, even if you aren’t sleeping.” It certainly wasn’t hard to follow Adrian’s request. Lying on her side, she quietly watched him move around the cabin until her lids closed and sleep claimed her. Jessica woke feeling much stronger. She lay in still silence for a moment, blinking herself awake. She did feel much better, almost like she was human again. The raging turmoil within her body seemed to be at rest and her old self was in control once more. The sun shining on the new snow brightened the room to a brilliant glow. Sounds coming from outside pricked her ears: a dog yelping and howling, followed by a man’s voice. Realization and fear nettled her nerves. She bolted up, throwing the blankets back, and bounded to the window to view what she thought would be horror. Dizziness swayed her when she peered out the clear pane to see Adrian laughing and playing in the snow with three large dogs. Closing her eyes in relief, she steadied herself a moment before turning away. There was a down parka and some oversized boots left for her to wear. She pulled them on and opened the door to go out. The cold bit into her exposed skin and the sunlight reflecting off the sparkling snow blinded her. Jessica put her head down and trudged through the rough, blue path left in the deep snow. Shading her eyes with an open palm, she looked in the direction of the happy sounds. A sudden blunt force impacted the front of her parka and she screamed when it ruptured and sprayed up into her face. Ear-shattering silence followed her reflex response. Taking a deep breath, she blinked the remains of the snow out of her eyes and wiped the frozen wet from her face, regaining her balance as she began to laugh. “Tuck, no!” Adrian’s words had her looking up again, just in time to see another blur of white come flying toward her. In an instant, she was on her back in the snow staring at the blue

sky above as a large white canine stood on her chest, looking pleased with himself. “Oh my God, Tuck, no! Get off of her!” Adrian nearly tripped and fell in his effort to reach her. Tuck looked up at him, his tongue lolling from his open mouth, seeking approval. Jessica couldn’t help the laugh as she grasped Tuck’s front legs, his weight pressing her deeper into the snow. Tuck looked down at her and jumped to move off. “You’re okay? I’m sorry about that. I didn’t see you until it was too late.” “Sure.” Jessica accepted his outstretched hand. “But remember, paybacks are a bitch.” Adrian grinned. “We’ll see about that.” He pulled her up and into him, his arm steadying her. His heat, scent, and energy engulfed her. She stared up at him for a heartbeat, catching his heavy gaze. Concern mixed with other emotions played over his features. Clenching his jaw, he flexed his arm and then released her to stand on her own. “I’m glad you’re okay.” He looked over to the offender. “This is Tuck and a couple of the others from my pack back home. He often jumps the fence and meets me out here. It’s a long run, isn’t it, boy?” Leaning down, Adrian scratched Tuck’s head, his fingers disappearing in the knuckle-deep scruff. “He was with me the night they captured me. I’m glad they let him go.” Tuck looked up at him with a soulful expression in his sharp eyes. “It looks like he came back with reinforcements. Good job, Tuck.” Adrian looked back to her. “I want to properly introduce you, so just be still and relax. I’m sure you know that wolves and dogs differ in some ways; this is one of them. He will either accept you, or not.” Tuck’s nose was already twitching as he scented the air between them. Adrian lifted his hand and Tuck moved boldly toward her. “And if he doesn’t?” Jessica kept her eyes on Adrian’s, ignoring Tuck’s snuffing. “If he didn’t accept, or like you, he would have already let us know.” “How?” “I’m sure there are any variety of ways. Usually he just stays away if someone is around he doesn’t like. But if he is forced to, he’ll stand his ground and protect what he claims as his own.” Tuck moved between them and Jessica scratched his broad head. “You’re a good boy, Tuck.” Adrian looked away. He stared over the horizon as if searching, cautiously waiting. His energy was primal strength that made even Tuck look up to him. The air between them crackled, and Jessica knew she wanted him more than ever. Tamping down the feeling, she followed his searching eyes. “What is it?” she breathed, barely wanting the sound of her voice to interrupt the unnatural quiet surrounding them. Squinting, he followed the horizon, listening, sensing, feeling their environment. “Something’s wrong, but then, none of this is right.” His sharp gaze softened when he looked at her. “I don’t want you to be afraid,” he murmured, sliding a gentle touch over her jaw. “But you have to be ready to fight in case they’re able to find us and come again. I may not have very refined manners, but I’ll kick the shit out of anyone if they hurt what’s mine.” “Am I yours?” His hand fell away. “In a manner of speaking, yes.”

“But you said—” “I know what I said. I owe them one for Tuck.” Jessica couldn’t stop the smile. “Ah, I see.” Adrian chuckled. “Do you now?” The sound of hard play by the other two wolves drew their attention to a rough-andtumble wrestling match. Both were caked with snow as they rolled and bantered with each other. Adrian started laughing and the jovial two bounded toward them, lunging in great strides until they almost reached him. They cleared the final distance with a mighty hurdle, knocking him to the ground. Adrian struggled to regain his composure, but was laughing too hard. Jessica found that she was laughing at them, and more, that Adrian was right. She was having fun. In another leap, the two wolf pups leaped off Adrian and moved to get away from him, but he was faster. Grabbing them both, he rolled with them, growling alongside them as they twisted and squirmed. When they finally managed to get away, he staggered to his feet, panting from the exertion. As if realizing they had left her out, the pups gathered themselves in an effort to indoctrinate her to their brand of fun. “Oh no!” Jessica laughed, expecting to be prone on the ground any second with the weight of two big pups burying her. Tuck moved in front of Jessica blocking her from the rambunctious duo, his tall back reaching her hip line. She had unconsciously buried her fingers in his deep, thick winter coat and was scratching his warm skin. A deep growl rumbled from his chest as he looked at them, his growl disapproving of their unruly behavior in seeking her attention. He licked his exposed teeth, showing he meant business. Jessica stopped her scratching and looked wide-eyed at Adrian. “Tuck…” Adrian’s jovial expression dropped, but his voice was smooth, soft, understanding. The two wolves stilled, and sat next to Adrian, looking up at him with hurt expressions, as if they hadn’t done anything wrong, and then looked away, embarrassed, and Tuck resumed his quiet posture once again. “What just happened?” Jessica could feel that something very important had taken place, but she was unsure of what, exactly. “Tuck has claimed you for his own and didn’t want these two getting near you. That’s why he’s rubbing against you. He’s scenting and making it very plain these two won’t be getting too friendly,” Adrian explained. “I’ve seen it happen before, but never thought it would happen with Old Man Tuck.” Tuck looked up, licking his lips ever so slightly. The old wolf’s golden eyes met hers, shifted to Adrian and back again, and her heart blossomed with warmth. She knew she had a trusted companion. Jessica moved her fingers through the longer, coarse scruff around his neck. “Adrian, do you think I can shift like you do?” “I’ve been wondering that myself.” He shrugged. “Guess there’s no better time than the present to see. Why don’t you try it?” “Out here? Now?” “Why not? Maybe then we can get something better to eat than what I destroy over

the fire.” Jessica laughed. “You didn’t destroy anything.” Looking up into his shining eyes, she sobered. “It would be a good idea to know, in case we have an emergency and need to get out fast and hide.” “I agree.” “How do I do it? What did you do?” “I was angry and stressed, so that may have added to it, but I just thought of what would work and, well, I Changed.” “That sounds like you need some kind of escalation of hormone, or something to start the process.” She wrinkled her nose. “Odd to say it, but I don’t feel stressed out here at all. It probably won’t work until I least expect it.” “Well, there might be something I can do to help you speed things up.” Jessica grinned. “And just what might that be?” As if she didn’t already know what he would be thinking of. “Close your eyes.” Jessica did as he asked, keeping her fingers entwined in Tuck’s mane. A sudden burst of cold burned her face, throat, and down her shirt. A bright flash of wolf flashed through her mind’s eye just before Jessica screamed. It was as if she was Were again, but besides her senses being razor sharp, her human awareness was still there, unlike being Were. She looked Tuck in the eye and just as sudden she blinked back to standing next to Adrian. Cold bit into her bare skin; she shivered against the wind, too stunned to move. “Perhaps we should go inside now.” Adrian scooped her and her clothes up and moved quickly toward the cabin.

Chapter Nine “I guess that incident answers that question.” Adrian set her down to secure the door. He turned to see Jessica quickly pulling on her clothes. “Are you all right?” “Yes.” She looked up at him. “Just stunned is all.” She paused. “Why did you do that?” Adrian chuckled. “I knew it would make you mad enough to shift if you could.” “Yeah, well…” The look in her eyes told him he was lucky something had happened. “It must have been a partial energy transference from Tuck that made it happen.” “What makes you say that?” “I certainly wasn’t thinking of anything when it happened. I had my hand on Tuck and then I saw a flash of a wolf and suddenly I was looking him in the eye. So, I’d say it was some kind of energy transfer.” “It could be.” “When was the first time you shifted?” “When I was strapped to that table, saw you and what we were being used for. I guess I got a little pissed off and just wished I could be something else. Little images of creatures started flashing through my head and then I was suddenly a mouse. I had no idea I could do that, but I did.” “So it sounds like mental imagery can do it too. Can you do it now?” “I doubt it. I was very angry when it happened, kind of like you were just now.” “So it sounds like being able to shift is triggered by adrenaline. Knowing what causes it helps, but being able to hold the shape is going to be a different story altogether. I’m sure the fight-or-flight reflex might help, but who’s to say that we won’t shift when we don’t want to?” “Like you said, if adrenaline is responsible for triggering the change, I’m sure it will hold as long as the endorphins are constant. If it comes down to us needing to shift to get out of here safely, then we will stay close to Tuck and the other two. They will keep us together as wolves. I think that would be the best critter to shift into; that’s safety in numbers.” A defiant look crossed Jessica’s features. “How about we become fleas and bite the hell out of them?” “Too risky. If they catch you, they’ll crush you and then you’re done.” “Fine, I’ll shift to a Tyrannosaurus and eat them.” Adrian laughed. “Honey, no.” Wrapping his arms around her, he pulled her in to his body, loving the feel of her feminine softness pressed to his. “Why not?” She molded to him, wrapping her arms around his shoulders. “They’ll give you indigestion that’ll never quit, and”—he brushed the loose strands of her wild hair away from her features—“you’re a very beautiful wolf.” Standing on tiptoe, she pulled him down a little closer to her. He felt the moist warmth of her breath against his lips. “Am I?” The blue of her irises receded when her pupils dilated. “Yes, and rare. A black wolf with blue eyes. It’s not very common.” He brushed his

lips over hers; feeling her give in to him, he took it deeper, loving the taste and feel of her against his body. Opening his eyes, he lifted his head, and she fluttered her eyes open. “I think it would have been a little nicer to get my pulse racing this way.” “Yes, well that would have ended weird.” “In theory, maybe, yes, unless you shifted too.” Adrian smiled when he looked deep into her need-filled eyes. “I would say it has other effects as well, maybe something similar to the Change.” “You mean does it make me horny as hell and want to rip you apart?” He laughed. “Well, if you want to put it that way, okay, yeah, I meant something similar to that. I was trying to be nice.” Adrian wasn’t sure if it was the sound or the reaction from the sound that caught his attention first. The stillness was marred by a large flock of tiny birds, seeming to scream as they flew overhead. Adrian and Jessica looked out the window, watching in concerned wonder. It was only a breath of time before the pulsing throb in the distance gave away the approaching helicopter. “So much for lunch,” Adrian grumbled. “Oh my God,” Jessica breathed. “Not now, not yet!” Her body stiffened and all the softness he had just enjoyed turned rigid with terror. Adrian turned her chin to face him again. “Jessica, keep yourself together. We knew it was going to happen. Better sooner than later. Let’s get outside and put those shifting talents to work before they are able to get too close.” “Okay.” Her voice trembled only a little. “I’m going to secure the stove and then we will open the door. I’ll Change first and then you can put your hand on me to follow, okay?” Jessica was silent, her eyes wide with fear and anger. Adrian grinned a little as he stepped around her. “That’s my girl.” “It’s not funny, Adrian. I’m sure she’s figured out we’re more than Were by now.” “Maybe.” He cinched the handles on the stove down, securing the hot embers within. He stood to turn and face her. “Okay, come on now.” The sight of her already changed to a large black wolf stilled him. “Well now, if you want to play like that…” He Changed, morphing comfortably to his wolf form. Jessica had already opened the door a little, and so they easily slid out the door. Tuck and the pups met them, excited to see them as wolves. Adrian growled and moved to the back of the little cabin, peering around to see how much time and space they had. Little to none was his best guess. They all lunged at top speed for the forest’s edge. Adrian forced himself to stay calm. The last thing he wanted was for the wolves to sense his anxiety, or worse, for Jessica to know. She was frightened; he could see it plain enough. He worried the others would react to her energy, but Tuck ran along, setting the pace, keeping them moving. The forest’s protection could only last so long. Soon it would give way to the steep open trails that hikers used in the warmer months. He knew the paths well, and was glad for the bond he had with his pack. They knew the trails as well as he did and so he let them have their way as they bounded across the terrain with relentless exuberance. The thundering chopper overhead seemed to drive them at an unforgiving pace as it searched

for them. Of course, the younger wolves’ excitement to be on the move didn’t help. He struggled to slow them and set a steady pace for all their sakes. He hoped to get to the cabin he had in mind, yet he had to be sure it was dark enough to cover them from the constant, watchful eyes above. They ran long and hard through the wintry forest. The pale afternoon light began fading, and the heavy canopy overhead stretched the shadows, securing their flight. The early darkness was a godsend. He worried about Jessica and he kept close to her, as did Tuck, on her other side. The younger pups plowed ahead, unknowingly breaking a trail to make their travel easier. It wouldn’t be much longer until they reached the hikers’ rescue cabin. He could smell it. Outside of the tree line, the shadows were long in places, but had otherwise consumed the forest, blanketing it in darkness. Snow began to float from the heavens in small, drifting flakes. Soon after, the sounds of the helicopter faded and disappeared. Fortunately the cabin wasn’t far off, and he was able to take them undetected right up to the covered porch. One of the perks of being Were was the ability to connect with other canines. He had the luxury of communicating his intent to stay at this cabin, and knew the pups would stay in the area he needed them to be in. After they rolled around, shook and stretched, they marked and claimed a spot of their own. But neither of them went out of sight of the porch, which Tuck had taken as his own. Standing on the porch, Adrian Changed, catching Jessica when she too dropped back to human form. He helped her into the cabin. His first objectives were to get them out of the weather and get a fire going. He held her close and looked around the place. It was very dark and cold. With his keen eyesight, he quickly assessed the small cabin. On the built-in plywood bed in the corner was a thin, gray-striped mattress and it held the one luxury he needed, a blanket. Releasing Jessica, he reached over and shook it out, wrapping its scratchy wool warmth around her. With shivering hands, she clutched it tighter to herself. He spotted a new box of matches and the dry firewood he had personally stashed there only weeks before, while on duty. “I’ll have a fire going in a minute.” “I’m fine now, thanks. It’s just very dark.” “Yeah, I know. Just stay still and you’ll be fine. The fire will bring some light here in a minute.” He moved toward the stove, using wolf vision that graced him all the time. “It’s amazing…” Her soft voice breathed in awe as she turned, following his movements. “What’s that?” Adrian kept working, though his attention stayed on her. “I can still see, even though it’s dark.” “Yeah, it lingers in some, stays permanent in others.” “What about you?” He opened the cast-iron doors by the coiled handles. “It’s permanent.” He wadded a bit of paper and placed it on the grate, adding kindling on top of it. “It’s like night vision goggles, but better.” Adrian chuckled, turning to see her gazing around the room in wide-eyed wonder. “Well, I’m going to go out and get some more wood. What’s in here isn’t going to last long and I want the heat to dry out what I bring in.” He moved to the door. “Just stay in here.”

“Okay.” She moved closer to the warmth, holding her hands over the feeble heat, which was just starting to grow. “But Adrian, wait!” Adrian stopped. “Yes, what is it?” “Um, you’re naked, you can’t go out like that. Here, take this.” She unwrapped the blanket and handed it to him. “No, you keep it. I’m only going out for a moment. My body temperature is a lot higher than yours is, and definitely a lot higher than the average human’s. I’ll be fine, promise.” He watched her for a moment before moving through the open door. The small woodpile lining the house beneath the eve was nearly covered with fallen snow. It took a moment to pad a path down and clean the stack off a bit. After filling the crook of his arm, he went back inside and let the load clatter into the wood box and went out for more. A swishing, crunching of snow snapped his concentration away from the task at hand. Whirling around, a tightly packed snowball struck him square in the chest. The cold explosion burst up and into his face. He couldn’t stop the yelp that escaped as he dropped the split logs he cradled in his arms. His blood and adrenaline surged. Then he saw the petite silhouette, folded at the waist to stifle muffled, contained laughter. He charged toward her, growling. She straightened just in time to be caught in a full-body impact, lifted and dropped to the ground with his weight pinning her to the thick snow. Jessica gasped for air, still laughing. “I told you payback was a bitch.” She giggled some more. “I’ll show you payback.” His lips on hers were hard and hungry. She wove her fingers into his hair, fisting, pulling. “Show me,” she whispered. Adrian levered himself up, taking her with him. Lifting her into his arms, he then snatched up the blanket and wrapped her in it. He trudged through the deep, unbroken snow to the cabin and stomped up the steps. Setting Jessica down, he wiped off his bare feet before following her inside. “You’re covered in snow. You should have stayed in here by the fire.” Dark spots of wet were replacing the white clumps clinging to the fabric. Adrian pulled her to the fire and stripped the blanket from her body in one pull, and steadied her when he threw it carelessly over the other empty chair next to her. Jessica shivered and Adrian couldn’t help but be concerned. “See, you’re cold and now you’re going to get sick.” He pulled her close to his warmth, pressing her bare body to his. “But I’m not cold,” she protested. Jessica slid her hands over his shoulders, the back of his neck, and into his hair, pulling his head down to her. He could feel the smile curve her lips when she pressed them to his. “No,” she whispered against his mouth. “I just want you. I need you, Adrian, just like you need me.” She shivered again when his hands slid over the smooth, silken plane of her back and over her bottom. He firmly kneaded her ass, pressing her body to his. She groaned, grasping his erect cock. Electricity pulsed through his body, taking him unaware, making him gasp. He drew in a deep breath, looking deep into the pale, hungry gaze meeting his. “Take me hard and fast.” Adrian felt his pulse quicken when his heart began to pound with anticipation of the request. “Hard and fast” was not what he had in mind. “No.” He didn’t mean for his voice to sound so rough.

Jessica blinked; the flutter of her eyelashes cleared some of the lust from her gaze. She made to step back a little. Adrian’s grasp on her tightened and he clenched his jaw, swallowing the thickness in his throat. “I don’t want to go fast; this isn’t a race. I want to make love to you nice and slow.” His lips slid over hers, making her grasp on him tighten. He slid his tongue between her lips. “I want to taste you.” Jessica shivered again. “I want to touch you everywhere.” He breathed against her skin, kissing her upturned features as his palms smoothed over her backside, his fingers finding her wet center. Jessica drew in a sharp breath, her closed eyes opened and looked into his. The desire returned to her gaze, followed by a slight tremble. “But I need…” “I know what you need, sweetheart.” He took the blanket draped by the fire and wrapped the near-dry warmth around her. He bent and placed his arm beneath her knees, scooping her into his arms. The plain bed was only a couple of paces from the crackling fire and he laid her there. She opened her arms, welcoming him into the blanket’s embrace. He moved next to her, pulling her closer to him. She slid her fingers through the curls on his chest, brushing over his hard nipples. Adrian kissed her, following her lead. He cupped her breast, thumbing the hard peak. She reclined farther onto her back, and he began to trail kisses down her body. Drawing her other nipple between his lips, he suckled while teasing the first. “Ah!” Jessica gasped. “I’m going to come without you even touching me!” Her hips moved as if to find him, and she dug her fingers into his flesh. Like hell! Sliding his palm over her quivering belly, he smoothed his fingers over her sex. She was swollen, wet, and more than ready. Adrian moved his lips over her abdomen and she clutched his hair, knowing. “Open your legs,” Adrian breathed over her pussy. Jessica obliged, doing as he commanded. Adrian slid a finger deep within, feeling the muscles grip and tighten around his welcome invasion. Jessica lifted her ass off the bed, her hips bucking. “Easy sweetheart.” He withdrew the finger, replacing it with two, massaging, pleasuring. He moved the petals of her sex, opening her labia. Using his thumb, he gently pressed her erect clitoris, making her cry out, then replaced his thumb with his mouth. He kissed her pussy, drawing her into his mouth, gently sucking, tonguing, loving her until she shattered. Her vagina pulsed and tightened. She cried out, her fingers tightening in his hair, her legs hugging his body. And then she relaxed, lying limp against the blanket. Adrian moved over her, letting his cock slide deep within. Her legs draped heavily, and her arms came around his neck as she recovered enough to roll to her back. She kissed him, not seeming to care that he smelled and tasted of her essence. It was, after all, her, and that appealed to him. He slid a hand beneath her, and drove hard. She shifted her hips beneath, moving with and against him. Her body tightened against him as he drove faster. She trembled as another orgasm built within. His balls tightened, he was so close. The pressure of the rising climax mounted and he shivered with Jessica. The tightening of her sheath around his cock milked him and he released, letting the powerful orgasm fold over him.

He loved Jessica. The realization hit him hard. He had never felt this way before. She did things to him that he didn’t understand. She possessed a quiet strength he admired and a passion he desired. She was everything he wasn’t. She was soft and gentle, yet he would bet on her if she ever had to fight for what was hers. He was hers, and he wondered if he could or would ever be more than just her rescuer, if she would ever fight for him, or if he was just some guy that fucked her out in the woods. Adrian pulled her close, smelling her hair, her scent, savoring what they shared. She slowly opened her eyes and kissed him with the tender passion that his mind had yet to grasp. It was more than just sex to her—he could feel it—and it made him hard again. Jessica grasped his erection, caressing its straining length with whispered softness. He didn’t need to tell her how sensitive it was after just making love to her. It was as if she felt it herself. Adrian closed his eyes, drawing in a cleansing breath. When he opened them, she was watching him with a fiery desire. She kissed down his chest, caressing his nipples with her tongue, then the hollow of his belly. “Jessica,” he breathed. The meaning between them was understood. She didn’t have to, but she wanted to. He gently placed his palms over the crown of her head, encouraging, hoping, anticipating. When her lips slid over his tip, his head dropped back. Her mouth drew him in deep, and down the narrow passage of her throat. His world faded to black and the only thing that existed was the pleasure his woman, his mate, gave him. He felt the feral growl tickle the back of his throat. She tightened her lips and moved up his length and back down again. Her tongue swirled and danced over his cock until he felt the end nearing. “I’m gonna come…” he warned, giving her the chance to stop, but she didn’t. She palmed his balls, caressing the sensitive flesh beyond. Her other hand drew his skin tighter, forming a cock ring with her thumb and forefinger. Her lips never stopped the agonizing torment that drove him to pleasure’s edge. Taking his hands from her head, he clutched the blanket beneath him, struggling not to thrust and drive deep into her throat. Gritting his teeth, he pressed his head back onto the unforgiving bed. With a roar, he came. Pleasure that bordered pain tore through him and she took him deep down her throat. For a moment, he lay very still, blinking; staring into the empty darkness. He closed his eyes, feeling his body twitch involuntarily. When he opened them, Jessica straddled him, peering down at him with an expression of pure mischief.

Chapter Ten “I don’t think you’re finished yet.” She giggled, lying atop his exhausted body. “I don’t think so either.” Adrian’s golden eyes gazed into hers. Jessica was pleased and surprised to find them still full of need and desire. “I thought you’d be finished with me by now,” she teased. “Never.” His voice was a low growl. “You’re my mate. I would never grow tired of you. Ever.” “Ever?” She shifted her thighs, sliding his thick cock into her pussy. She felt his heartbeat quicken beneath her palm. “You might kill me, but at least I’ll die a happy man.” The unexpected answer made her giggle again. She stretched out over the top of him, crossing her legs, tightening the grip her body had on his. Adrian clenched his teeth and grasped the cheeks of her ass. His eyes glowed with intensity. Jessica threaded her fingers through the hair on his chest, playing her fingers upward and into his beard, clenching it. She tickled her lips over his, tasting, inviting him. Adrian’s tongue licked along hers, mating, mimicking the motions of their lovemaking. Jessica traced along his chest, balancing, taking him deeper. As he smoothed his rough palms over her skin, she shivered and groaned. He captured a nipple between his lips, sucking and tickling with his tongue. The delicious scrape of his whiskers over sensitive skin made her groan. He took the other nipple, cradling the first. Pleasure streaked through her. Arching her back, she gave herself to him as the wave came crashing over her. He held her body to his, stroking and completing. Jessica collapsed onto his body and he rolled her beneath his weight, settling between her spread thighs. It seemed he barely broke the rhythm. She tried to remain quiet when the next orgasm mounted. The winds outside howled, just as she did beneath this man loving her. She came again. He slowed his relentless pace; kissing her with such tenderness it made her heart melt. She felt her soul, her spirit meld with his. Cradling his face between her palms, she gazed upon his features, knowing he was hers forever. Her body felt tired and sated when he came. They lay tangled, breathless, and complete. Jessica jolted awake. Something wasn’t right. She blinked, staring into the inky darkness. The fire had gone to embers, but the coals gave a little light. The wind raged through the trees, but other than that, it was silent. Unable to lie still, she decided to get up and put another log on the coals. She moved carefully from under Adrian’s sleepheavy arm and stepped onto the cold, hard floor. The movement outside the window caught her attention a slight second before the wolves began to bark. Tuck’s growl from the porch menaced and Adrian bolted awake with a startled gasp through his nose. “Shh,” Jessica cautioned him. “What is it?” Adrian whispered, moving from the bed to stand behind her. “I think there’s somebody out there.” “Where?” “Over there.” She pointed to the shadowed tree line where a figure had disappeared,

blending into the darker forest. A sudden yelp sounded from the porch: Tuck. “Shit!” He leaped to the door. Before he reached it, the portal crashed open, the simple latch splintering under the crushing blow from the other side. Adrian landed on the floor in a naked heap with the wind knocked from him. Jessica screamed. Frigid wind billowed in, swirling with snow. She bolted. “Get her!” A female voice commanded. “Restrain him!” Alexia. The swishing of nylon fabric animated the movement of bodies doing her bidding. Before Jessica could move farther, harsh hands restrained her. Jessica screamed louder. “Adrian, help me!” Her accoster picked her up bodily. Forgetting that she could shift, she kicked and bit at her attackers in an attempt to get free. Alexia’s laugh overpowered the bitter cold and sent tremors of terror through her body. “She really is an animal now. Isn’t she gorgeous?” A beam of light roved over Jessica, following Alexia’s moves. The woman reached out, touching her face, moving the lock of matted hair from her view. Using the person restraining her as leverage, Jessica kicked the woman hard in the gut. Alexia folded, and the room went silent and still. Jessica struggled harder, and was able to see Adrian held by four men with a fifth behind them, holding a gag restraint. Horror washed through her. They would kill him; she could feel it. Jessica’s attention shifted back to Alexia as she stood upright again. A sharp slap across her face stung tears from her eyes, making her nose run. Her ears rang and she tasted blood. She struggled harder yet, making her captor grunt. She felt another set of hands on her to assist in keeping her still. “You filthy little bitch!” Alexia glowered. “Enough time has been wasted here. Bring her. Dispose of him.” She nodded toward Adrian before she turned and went back outside. “No!” Jessica screamed, bucking against her captors. A sharp pinch in her leg rendered her still before darkness folded her into oblivion. **** Jessica opened her eyes. She could see, but her foggy mind couldn’t register where she was. She closed her eyes and let her other senses reach out and take over. The antiseptic scent hurt her nose. The beeping sound of a life-vitals monitor was unable to conceal the quietly approaching footsteps. Jessica felt herself engulfed by a familiar scent, now made stronger by her canine senses. It tickled her nose, making her want to sneeze. Moving to quell the reaction, she found her arm cut short by restraints. Trying again only proved the point that she was no longer free. “You don’t think I’d let you get away from me again, do you?” Alexia’s condescending voice sounded close to her ear. Jessica wanted to open her eyes and fight, but she didn’t have the strength yet. So she left her eyes closed and said nothing. “Go ahead and play possum. I know you can hear me.” More footsteps sounded and Alexia’s voice was smaller, though Jessica could still hear her talking to someone smelling of male pheromones. “She is still pretty heavily sedated. I need to wait until it wears off completely before gathering any blood samples. I want her completely clean when we begin testing.”

“Yes, ma’am.” “Don’t ‘yes ma’am’ me.” A sultry chuckle followed. “I would think after that detour a little while ago, you could be a little less formal with me.” Jessica shut them out. She had to think of a way to get out of here. She had to calm down enough to think, to try to shift. But she was so new to it all; she just couldn’t think straight. She wished Adrian was here to help her. Tears welled as her memory played back the last she’d seen of him. She hoped—no, he had to be alive and okay. He just had to.

Chapter Eleven Adrian fought hard against the five men restraining him. He barely felt the needle stab his neck. Adrenaline surged through his body, drawing on a heated wave. Anger raged as he watched Alexia strike Jessica. It was all he could take when he had to watch helplessly as her men took her like a hunted trophy. He felt his body begin to change. A strange metamorphosis similar to Changing, but this was faster and so much more intensified by the anger. Animal figures began moving through his mind. They moved as he struggled. They slid faster through his mind until the conscious world around him faded to black and the images blurred. His heated body was morphing, though he had no idea of the form he would assume. He heard the screams of terrified men followed by the roar of snow machines, and then silence. Shaking the drug’s fog from his mind, he stumbled to the gaping door. A gigantic, hairy hand and arm reached out to steady his body. Leaning against the wall, he looked at himself in the wan moonlight. He was very hairy and the floor was much farther away. If he didn’t duck, he would hit his head on the wall above the door. He was alive and conscious. He sniffed the air and frigid wind, the scent of terror thick upon the drifts. He charged out and after the men, running with lethal intent. The clearing wasn’t far off. He reached the frozen meadow just as the helicopter’s last door snapped shut and the engine began to whine. The propeller began to rotate slowly. They can’t get away! The knee-deep snowdrifts dragged at his legs. He stumbled, moving as fast as he could toward the airborne chopper. Leaping upward and reaching with both hands, his fingertips touched the runner and missed, but his other hand made contact, landing a grip on the frozen metal runner. His grasp held for only a moment before he slid off and fell back to the ground. A rain of darts followed, barely missing him, forcing him to retreat to the forest. As the chopper moved higher above the treetops, he ran to follow as it disappeared into the darkness. White-hot anger flooded his mind. The images flashed, flickering faster and faster as he ran, until he was suddenly airborne as well. He followed the sound, but not too closely as the currents it created made his virgin flight dangerous. His keen eyesight took note of every aerial landmark he could note from such a lofty distance. Their flight only lasted about fifteen minutes before the helicopter began to descend to a clearing, not far from what he knew was the lab. He landed in a tall pine tree and waited for the group to carry a struggling bundle toward the building. He had to shift again. Jumping down to the ground, he shifted into a field mouse. It had gotten him through once in this place; it would get him through again. He minded the trampling feet and moved into the shadows of the dimly lit hallway, following every move they made. It was the same room that both he and Jessica had once been in, so he had his bearings. Taking refuge under the machines, he watched as they restrained Jessica with rough hands. It was all he could do to remain in his mouse state. He wanted to shift to a lion and rip them all apart. Yet the satisfaction of doing so as a man would be better still. He waited.

“Everyone out!” Alexia commanded. “No one is allowed in here without me. I will not have this special project compromised further. Enough time has been wasted and now I have to still wait for the drugs to be out of her system. No one is to be in here without my approval, is that understood?” There were murmurs of agreement among the men in the room. “Now everyone out!” The ensuing silence indicated the men had done as they were commanded to do. But he knew Alexia was still there. “Let me go.” Jessica’s faint whisper reached his little mouse ears. “It won’t be that easy, my dear.” Alexia’s tone was patronizing. “You are mine now, and back home where you belong. I’m afraid you won’t be going anywhere for quite some time. Do as you’re told and this little venture could bring you fame and fortune.” “No.” Jessica’s whisper was a little stronger. “I will never do as you ask.” “Then you can be disposed of.” “No… Adrian…” “He’s gone. He’s dead if my boys did as they were told.” It was more than Adrian could handle. Stepping from beneath the machine, he moved close to Alexia and let his body Shift back into himself. Adrian gripped her from the back, hugging her close, covering her mouth with his hand. His feral side said he could snap her neck so easily and be done with her, but his human side said no. Surprised hope lit Jessica’s eyes. Alexia yelped as she struggled, hitting and kicking him. Adrian gripped both her arms behind her back and she scrabbled with her fingers, trying to grasp any part of his body she could. He moved her away from Jessica’s bedside and pressed her against the wall with his body to get a better restraining grip on her. There were IV lines draped over the nearest machine and Adrian grabbed them up, along with a roll of gauze to act as a gag. “If you so much as squeak, I’ll snap your neck. Is that understood?” Maybe he couldn’t actually do it, but it felt good to say. Alexia nodded her agreement as he moved his hand away. Alexia took a deep breath to scream, and Adrian shoved the whole wad of gauze against her lips, catching the giveaway shriek. Adrian chuckled. “See there? I almost trusted you again. That mistake won’t happen again.” Alexia tried to buck against him to struggle free, but Adrian held her tight, hand over her mouth, pressing her head against his shoulder to keep her off balance. Using the IV lines, he wrapped them around her wrists, binding her enough to keep her hands still. He spun her around to face him. Using the medical tape on the stainless steel table at his elbow, he taped her lips closed. “Why? Why have you done all of this?” Adrian shook his head. Her wild, glazed eyes began to leak tears. “Save the tears. I won’t be conned by you ever again.” Anger hardened her expression, though the tears still shimmered. “Have a seat. You won’t be going anywhere.” He guided her to a plain wooden chair and she sat when the edge hit the backs of her knees. Adrian used more of the clear tubing to secure her to the chair. While keeping his eyes on her, he felt his way back to

Jessica’s side. After quickly removing the Velcro restraints strapped across her body, he turned his back to Alexia. He could see the effects of the drugs had not worn off completely. Her vision seemed to swim, looking for something to focus on. Leaning in closer to her face, he stroked a stray ebony strand away. Her eyes locked on to his, blinking to focus. Recognition softened the lines stressing her features. “Adrian?” Whispered disbelief escaped her dry lips. “Yes, it’s me, sweetheart.” “But they told me you were … you were…” It was as though she couldn’t bear to say the word Alexia had so carelessly thrown at her. “But I’m not dead,” he reassured her, gently kissing her cheek. Jessica surprised him by wrapping her arms around his neck. “Don’t leave me again,” she murmured so close. “I won’t. I never have.” She kissed him, a sweet and soft slide of her mouth over his. It made his heart melt and he closed his eyes, feeling his strength infuse her. He could have lost himself entirely to her right there in their impossible circumstance, but a soft click snapped his senses back to where they were and why. He flinched, pulling away, his eyes snapping open, looking in Alexia’s direction. A wicked gleam sparkled in her eyes as she looked beyond him. Whirling around, he was met by one of Alexia’s lab assistants. “Alexia!” The cry of alarm had escaped as the man bolted for her. Adrian was faster. He vaulted over the table, knocking him against the very cabinet he had hidden under a little bit ago. The man cried out as he fell against it, sending expensive equipment crashing to the floor. Alexia squealed behind her bonds as she struggled to free herself. Three more large men poured into the room. In a fleeting glance, Adrian could see the look of satisfaction in Alexia’s eyes. She was sure of his defeat. Images began flickering through his mind’s eye. The king of beasts settled over him and he lunged, knocking the largest of the men to the floor. Adrian’s angry roar filled the room, causing chaos and panic as he kept his giant paws on the man’s chest, leaning, crushing. Insatiable hunger for fresh meat gnawed at his middle. He was tempted, so very tempted as the scent of fear baited him. But his human side kept the feral instinct in check. Besides, this was tainted flesh, poison for the eating. He lunged toward another of the scrambling men, barely catching his heel. The man tripped, fell, and slid into the far wall. Shifting again, he was an angry silverback gorilla. He pounded his chest, standing, lunging to the other two cornered men with his teeth bared. They screamed and ran for the other room, opening the door and slipping through only moments before he reached it. Getting his fingers in the crack before it slammed shut proved painful, but in his state, he didn’t care. He charged, then grabbed them and flung them both like lifeless rag dolls against the white cinder block wall. “Get him!” Alexia’s screech pierced. Moving back to the door, he sized up two more men, armed with assault rifles. The images flickered again and he shifted. He was large, very large. The men screamed in horrified disbelief, and one dropped his weapon in the scramble to get away. He bolted through the door; catching the armed one with a tusk, he threw him over his

head. He continued his rampage after the last man, grasped him in his bare—human— hands. The terrified man screamed and struggled in the snow facedown, not knowing what had him. Adrian was angry enough to kill. He flipped the man over and picked him up by the front of his coat. The pleasure of hitting the man with his fist satisfied him. Dropping him, he let the other fist experience the same satisfaction. The man’s nose broke beneath the crushing blow, his blood splattering. The sweet revenge was short-lived when Alexia’s haunting laugh cackled behind him. The metallic click of a bullet entering the chamber cracked across the silent, snowy landscape. The evil woman had Jessica in a choke hold in one arm, with the small handgun pointed at him. Breathless, Adrian stepped back from the bleeding man and lifted both hands in the air. “Don’t hurt her.” Adrian had to talk his way out of this somehow. He couldn’t stand the thought of Jessica being held hostage here by this insane woman. But he would do anything to keep her safe, even if it meant sacrificing himself. “I’ll do what you ask. Just let Jessica go.” Alexia laughed. “I don’t think you’re in any position to be making demands. Have you looked at yourself?” Adrian cast a fleeting glance downward to his bare body. Never had he felt more naked then at this moment. Jessica had at least been allowed the decency of scrubs. “No, I think I like this little arrangement better. I see a whole new potential with you. Try anything, and Jessica won’t stand a chance. Either way, I win. Nice.” Adrian knew she was heartless, but this was the final straw. He charged toward Alexia. “Adrian, no!” Jessica shrieked. “She won’t hurt you, Jessica. She needs you for whatever fucked-up plan she has. She won’t kill me because I’m going to get to her first.” Anger clouded his mind. He felt the Change boiling in his blood. The images began to flit through his vision. He could see the pistol extended toward his chest. He could hear Jessica’s muddled cries of protest as he began to run across the open field. A sudden weight clamped on to his back as strong arms coiled around his body. The weight dragged him down and into the snow. Adrian grunted as he struggled to regain his balance and stand while the broken-nosed man fought to keep him down. A thundering echoed overhead, pausing everything. For a heartbeat, no one moved as the helicopter lowered to the ground. Before the runners touched the snow, armed men in dark clothing and bulletproof vests jumped out of the wide-open door. They moved with ease through the deep snow, reaching them quickly. The man clutching Adrian released him and sank back to the ground. Adrian straightened when a man in a ski mask, armed with an assault rifle, stood over them. His first thought was Jessica. Looking in her direction, Alexia stood frozen, her shock obvious as her plans clearly began unraveling before her eyes. But she still kept the weapon trained on Adrian in a shaking hand, her eyes wide in disbelief. “State Game Warden, ma’am. Would you mind lowering your weapon and explaining what is going on here?” Adrian knew him. He knew them all. He kept his gaze locked with hers as she tightened her grip on Jessica’s neck. The barrel of her gun, which was still pointed at him, shook. “I am a scientist, researching

wolves.” It was a simple statement meant to blow them off. She had used it before. The officer slowly approached her. “Then would you mind explaining why you have a naked man out here at gunpoint, a woman in a headlock and all these men down and in need of medical attention?” “These two are Werewolves and I need them for proof that they exist. I’ve just discovered he is a shape-shifter, which likely means she is too.” She motioned with the gun. “I created her from him; he caused all of this destruction. Tell them, Adrian! I mean to start a breeding program. Think of the money! Maybe even a prize. Tell them, Adrian!” Adrian held his hands up, saying nothing while shaking his head. “Tell them!” she commanded, “or I’ll shoot you where you stand.” She flung Jessica away from her and held the wavering weapon with both hands, steadying it. “If you destroy me, I’ll destroy you.” Her eyes narrowed on her target. Him. “You won’t touch him, you crazy bitch.” Jessica grasped the barrel, pointing it to the ground just as Alexia pulled the trigger before anyone could react. The round discharged into the snow, leaving an ominous hole. The gun clattered to the porch when Jessica jumped on her, pummeling her with pent-up rage. Alexia began struggling, screeching. Adrian felt as if he had taken his first breath in ages. He truly was hers; she was fighting for him. All the heat rushed from his body and he began to shiver. The senior officer began directing everyone as he picked Jessica up and off Alexia. “Get this man some clothes, or a blanket at least. Get them inside!” He looked around with incredulous disbelief. “Get all of these men together.” He looked at Adrian as he wrapped himself in a blanket while he followed his senior into the building. “How many are there? Do you know?” “Six.” Once inside, Adrian surveyed the damage he had caused and remembered it all. “What caused you to come, sir?” “An expired permit to research wolves. You have some explaining to do.” He had some creative explaining to do.

Chapter Twelve It had been a week of recovery. Jessica had barely moved from Adrian’s bed as she nursed a cold she had caught. It was at his insistence that she rest in bed, and her delight when he would join her. After clearing everything up with his boss and caring for his pack, he would care for her, feed her, and most of all, love her. Jessica pulled the warm, fuzzy blanket tighter around her and snuggled deeper against Adrian’s warmth. The brush of Adrian’s finger down her spine made her shiver and stretch as she pressed flush against him. He rose up on one elbow and looked down at her with a smile. “How are you feeling this morning?” Adrian’s voice rumbled against her ear lying against his chest. She pulled away, leaning on an elbow. “Better than I have in a long time, thanks to you.” “Now don’t get started on that again. It was because of me that you’re in this mess now.” “No it isn’t,” Jessica retorted. “I was halfway there and you know it.” Adrian stared at her with tight lips. He knew she was right. Leaning in, she kissed the hollow of his throat. “Is that breakfast I smell?” she murmured against his skin, glad for the chance to change a sensitive subject. “Yep, it is.” He smoothed a hand over her back, holding her closer to his body. “We’ve also been invited to Faye and Dalton’s place. I figured you might like to get out a bit.” Jessica pulled back, looking into Adrian’s wolfish eyes, now soft and sensual. “That sounds wonderful. I’d love to see them again. Last time was such a blur.” “Yeah, I know. Only this time, there’s someone I’d like for you to meet, someone very special.” “Oh?” “My grandmother.” Heated surprise wavered through her. “Your grandmother?” Adrian grinned. “Yep, she says she has some very important and exciting news that affects all of us.” “But she must be over a hundred years old! How…” Adrian kissed her and chuckled. “Werewolf, remember? We live longer. A lot longer.” “Yes, well…” “Yeah, don’t worry about that. She’s pretty much like any other granny.” He sat up, pivoted, and stood. “What happens to her during the Change?” Adrian shrugged. “She pretty much stays inside, anymore. Why don’t we go downstairs and have some breakfast, and then we’ll go see her.” He took her hand, pulling her up from the bed. “You can ask her anything you want. She’s waiting to meet you.” “But I don’t have anything decent to wear!” Adrian gave her an exasperated look. “What?” He contained a chuckle. “She’s my

grandmother, not a queen! She’s been around me my whole life and rarely complained about what I was wearing.” “But…” “But since I knew this would be an issue, I had Faye pick you up some things.” He moved over by the dresser and picked up a bag from the chair sitting there. “She knows all those sizes and girl things that I have no idea about.” “Oh thank you!” She hugged him hard before taking the bag from his outstretched hand. “Now hurry up and get dressed. I’m going to go down and finish up everything. If I stay up here, neither one of us will be dressed.” He grinned at her. “Good plan.” Jessica smiled back, waiting for him to leave before pulling the articles from the bag. Faye had thought of everything and had chosen so well for her. After picking out what to wear, she gathered her things and went to the shower. Jessica barely had an appetite. The more she thought about meeting the matriarch werewolf, the more nervous she became. “I thought you were hungry.” “I am. Well, I was. Just nervous, I guess.” “Ah, I see. Well, why don’t we just go now? That way you’ll get it out of your system and see what’s going on over there?” “Well, don’t you think we should clean up first?” Adrian stood, piled their scraps onto one plate and stacked them together. He moved to the kitchen, placed the scraps into a bowl for the pack, and put the dishes in the sink. “They’re clean enough and aren’t going anywhere. Get your coat; let’s go.” **** “I’m not what you were expecting, am I?” Minerva Raymond’s keen observation of Jessica’s perusal startled her. “Mmm, no, ma’am,” Jessica breathed, hoping to keep the wonder of the little woman to herself. Breaking eye contact, she looked down at her fidgeting hands. “Good!” Her high-pitched giggle boarded on a cackle. “I love to hear that! It keeps people on their toes!” “Granny,” Faye chimed in. “Don’t tease her; she’s been through enough lately.” “Oh all right. I’m sorry, dear.” Her tone softened, but her eyes never lost the wicked gleam. Jessica smiled at her. “It’s okay, I’m fine.” It was too late; Jessica had taken an immediate liking to her. “Now,” Granny continued on, “for the reason we are all here. I’ll start by saying there are no secrets here in this family. We have survived all this time because we’ve had one another. We have a tight pack and that is key to survival in any circumstance.” Granny stood from the chair she had been sitting on, across from Jessica. Her slight stature barely changed, but she filled the room with her presence, commanding their attention and their silence. Turning to the table behind her, she retrieved a leather-bound book, and set it on the table before her. Jessica’s interest prickled. “My grandmother’s journal,” she gasped, “but how did you get it? I thought all of that was tangled up in the investigation.” Instinctively she reached for the precious journal, wanting to keep it in her possession and protect its

secrets as she always had. “Not so fast.” Minerva’s tone was soft, somber. Jessica slowly withdrew her hand. She felt Adrian’s comforting touch stroke her back. “I figured you would probably have the other one.” Confusion stole over her. “The other one?” Minerva’s smile was warm. “Yes, the other one. Tell me, Jessica, what do you know of your past, and of your family’s history?” Heat wavered through Jessica as all eyes rested on her, waiting. Taking a deep breath, she focused on the wise and sharp amber gaze before her. “I believe there was a curse. I was very young and my grandmother never spoke about it. The journal I have”— she struggled to fight tears as she realized one of the precious few things she had left of her elder was gone—“well, had, only talks about her life after my parents’ passing.” “Your journal will be returned to you after the investigation, I’m sure.” Jessica could only nod, feeling numb as she dropped her gaze from Minerva’s intense scrutiny. “Now, tell me a little about your grandmother.” Her prod was gentle, but expectant. “I was only about three or four years old when my grandmother came to live with me. She was close to my parents, especially my mother.” “Well, she was your mother’s mother, was she not?” Jessica hesitated. “I’m assuming so. My parents died when I was so young that I have no idea. She would never answer that question, or any other question surrounding her relationship to the family. She said she was Grandmamma Eloise and that was enough.” Minerva’s smile lit up her whole expression. “Ahh, that answers all of my questions.” “What‘s that?” “Your Grandmamma Eloise isn’t really, biologically, your grandmother…” Jessica felt slightly deflated. “Somehow I knew you were going to tell me that.” “In fact,” Minerva continued on as if she hadn’t heard her, “Eloise was something quite a bit more,” she stated, breathless, her cheeks growing pink from excitement. Minerva opened the book before her and carefully turned the yellowing pages, skimming through the contents until she reached the passage she was looking for. Turning the journal around, she pointed to a paragraph. “Read it out, please,” she instructed Jessica. The penmanship was definitely that of her Grandmamma Eloise. The script was small, tight, and lacy-looking. The way she supposed all calligraphy-type, old writing was. Smoothing her fingertips over the old lettering, she felt the relief with each pen stroke. It made her smile a little, remembering the elder matriarch as she began to read. “‘She is a grown woman now, and I must leave her to let her rear her own son. It is with heavy heart I accept her bidding to take her infant girl child and flee. Though it is of sound decision to ensure the survival of at least one child, it makes leaving no less easy.’” The room was silent again. “We had wondered if a child had survived all this time. I believe, based on the facts I know, and the evidence before me now, with your reaction and all, a child did survive. Your mother would have been that child. Your Grandmamma Eloise was the nanny who cared for your mother, and your grandmother. She was the one who buffeted the curse

my nanny cast all those years ago.” Her voice had softened as if a great burden had been lifted. “But how did you get this journal?” “Many, many years ago, she gave it to me for safekeeping. She knew there would always be a connection between our families and she wanted someone from our side to carry part of it as well. Someone who wasn’t hunted, as your side was. After Dalton’s parents’ passing, she lost contact because of her advanced age. She just couldn’t keep up anymore.” Realization snapped her attention to Dalton, and him to her. His crystal blue eyes met hers and she suddenly saw him in a different light, with a new possibility. She opened her mouth to say something, but closed it again, not sure what to say for a moment. The soft giggle made them both look to Minerva. “Yes, it’s true. How many wolves, or werewolves for that matter, do you know of with blue eyes? It is a very rare trait, one shared only through genetics. Dalton, you and Jessica are cousins. Jessica, your mother was a secret child, lost to us. Dalton is from the son your grandmother kept. While it is sad they have not lived to see this reunion, I believe in some way they are watching now, pleased that you have finally found one another and come together. You are no longer alone. You are family, within our family.” Jessica felt numb as shock and disbelief washed through her. She didn’t know what to say or do. She had been alone for so long, and now… A strong arm curled around her, pulling her away from Adrian. Blinking back to the present, she found herself folded in Dalton’s warmth. Tears welled in her eyes. She had a family, she had love, and she belonged. The End

About the Author: Colleen Love has always lived in her own fantasy world. Writing contemporary paranormal and fantasy romance came as a natural part of her existence. Even while playing as a child, her world was enchanted by the Fae. Whether it was exploring the wild wood around her home or wandering the vast Pacific beaches, life always seemed to hold her under its enchantment. Colleen's muse loves to be the creator of her own worlds with unusual and fantastic characters. She likes to explore and breathe new life into old legends and stories that have faded into time, or something beyond what is here and now, maybe something that may have existed at one time, but no one really knows for sure. Add in a few monsters, sprinkle in a bit of magic, a warrior, and a woman strong enough to counter the balance and there is the perfect story for her. Colleen loves to spend time with her family. She loves to garden and play in the dirt, work with horses and her other critters. She saves writing for rainy days; being from the Pacific Northwest, she writes a lot.