Chasing Cally

Night Runner Werewolves 2

Chasing Cally Doing the Coyote Ugly routine at Sadie’s Wild Riders Saloon isn’t helping Cally Sheridan’s dream of writing songs for a living, but she isn’t giving up, not like she’s given up on her biggest dream, the one she hides deep in her heart. Finding the right man to love and a home filled with a family is an impossible goal, so why keep dreaming about a fantasy that won’t come true? Max Matheson wants a night out to knock back a few brews and watch pretty women dance on top of a bar. But when he sees Cally belt out a song and shake her tight little tush, he knows he’s found his mate. Trouble, however, follows the beautiful blonde wherever she goes. Taking Cally into the pack is one thing, but playing her knight in shining fur may be harder than he thinks. Note: The heroine of each book will mate with the pack but will end up with one alpha hero. Each hero in the pack will take his own mate in subsequent books. Note: There is no sexual relationship or touching for titillation between or among the men.

Genre: Ménage a Trois/Quatre, Paranormal, Vampires/Werewolves Length: 28,700 words

CHASING CALLY Night Runner Werewolves 2

Beverly Rae

LOVEXTREME

Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

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A SIREN PUBLISHING BOOK IMPRINT: LoveXtreme

CHASING CALLY Copyright © 2012 by Beverly Rae E-book ISBN: 1-61926-392-0 First E-book Publication: March 2012 Cover design by Jinger Heaston All art and logo copyright © 2012 by Siren Publishing, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission. All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

PUBLISHER Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

Letter to Readers Dear Readers, If you have purchased this copy of Chasing Cally by Beverly Rae from BookStrand.com or its official distributors, thank you. Also, thank you for not sharing your copy of this book.

Regarding E-book Piracy This book is copyrighted intellectual property. No other individual or group has resale rights, auction rights, membership rights, sharing rights, or any kind of rights to sell or to give away a copy of this book. The author and the publisher work very hard to bring our paying readers high-quality reading entertainment. This is Beverly Rae’s livelihood. It’s fair and simple. Please respect Ms. Rae’s right to earn a living from her work. Amanda Hilton, Publisher www.SirenPublishing.com www.BookStrand.com

CHASING CALLY Night Runner Werewolves 2 BEVERLY RAE Copyright © 2012

Chapter One Cally Sheridan jerked up her head, tossing back her long, golden locks, the practiced sultry look already in place as she faced the men standing closest to the bar. Keeping with the dance routine, she rotated her hips, turning in a circle as the music vibrated the bar under her boots. Excitement pumped through her veins, invigorating her as much as the first time she’d danced at the Sadie’s Wild Riders Saloon. Her friend, Roxy Priston, shot her a grin and led the line of six girls doing the Texas two-step down the mahogany bar. The other four girls, all veterans of the saloon, whooped and shouted, keeping the energy of the customers high. The girls were her family, more family than she’d ever known or ever hoped to have. The dream of a big family with sisters, brothers, then a husband and children was just a dream and nothing more. The dance came easily to Cally, who had rehearsed it often. She liked being on stage and enjoyed showing off her sexy figure. But the nights she yearned for the most were the open-mike nights when she could sing. Taking the microphone from Harriet, the bartender, Cally took a deep breath and started belting out the song she’d penned only a month earlier. Her voice carried above the crowd’s cheers, ringing out true, and

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the calls of the mostly male customers told her she sounded great. One day, with luck and perseverance, she’d hear her songs on the radio. Maybe even sung by someone as wonderful as Taylor Swift or Martina McBride. Writing songs was more her passion than singing, but until Taylor’s manager called and asked to let Taylor record one of her songs, she’d sing them herself. The dancers-slash-waitresses kept time along with her and flirted with the men and women who came to see them perform. They twirled then executed difficult dance steps and shook a little T and A. Nothing too raunchy, but nothing too sweet, either. The song ended on a high note that demonstrated her amazing vocal range. Applause broke out interspersed with admiring whistles and calls for an encore. Cally waved and gave them a sexy, I’m-soglad-you-liked-it smile then hurried off the bar to take her turn pouring drinks. “You sounded great, Cally.” Cally threw a towel on her shoulder and nodded at a man who’d just given her his drink order then turned toward her friend. “Thanks, Roxy. You looked great out there, too.” “Yeah, I can hold my own with the dancing but, girl, you’ve got the pipes.” Roxy’s straight, black hair highlighted the brown tone of her skin. “If I could sing like you, I’d head over to Nashville and forget all about Dallas.” “Haven’t you heard? Dallas is the new Nashville.” Roxy’s snort was one of the most unladylike sounds Cally had ever heard. But watching Roxy’s facial expression as she did it always made Cally laugh. “Uh-huh. Whatever. But at the very least you should be headlining at one of the clubs in the Big D.” “I just might do that some day. After all, Dallas isn’t that far away.” Cally popped the lid off a beer bottle and waited for the customer to pay. Along with a nice tip, of course. The women at the club were always supportive. More supportive

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than her parents had been when they’d kicked her out of the house once they’d heard she’d quit college to work at Sadie’s. As an only child, she was their greatest failure. “But until I do, I have to make a living and working here keeps a roof over my head. Plus, I like the people I work with. At least, most of them.” Roxy caught her joking dig and bumped her hip against hers. “You just better remember us little people once you make it in the big time.” “Will do. I’ll even let you stay on my ranch while I create more top hits for the best singers.” “Aw, shoot. You should write and sing. Why give someone else your songs?” “I don’t want to tour around the world and never settle down. I’d rather live on a sprawling ranch and write every day. Let other people get the fame for singing my songs. As long as I share in the fortune, I’m good.” “Okay, but I still think you’re nuts not to do both.” Cally accepted a large tip from another man who hadn’t taken his eyes off her since she’d gotten off the bar. That wasn’t unusual, but the way he watched her, like a cat about to pounce on a mouse, left her uneasy. Please don’t let him be one of those guys. She resisted her normal urge to smile as a thank-you for the tip, hoping to dissuade more interest. Instead, she turned her back and put the twenty in the large jar under the bar. Once the club closed up for the night, the girls would divide the tips equally. The fact that she made more in tips than the other girls didn’t bother her. As long as everyone worked hard, they all benefited. Rachel Wilkins, a newbie with the group, eased next to Cally who kept busy wiping down the counter. “Hey, did you see those guys in the corner? Holy shit. Talk about hot.” She fanned her hand and blew

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out a breath. Rachel was barely legal and boy crazy, which made Cally want to shake her and wake her up to the harsh reality of their business. “No, but I probably know their type. Let me guess. They came together in a group, sat in the dark corner out of the way, and ran a tab. Then one or more of them decided he’s fallen in love and asks the waitress to sit down and talk. Am I close?” Rachel’s mouth fell open. “How’d you know? Especially about the talking part?” Cally put her hand on the young girl’s shoulder. “I know because it happens every night. Not the same group of men, but there’s always a group. Take a lesson from me. Serve them their drinks, smile politely, but never sit down.” “Why not?” “Because it’s hard as hell to get back up and away from them. Our job is to treat the customers well, entertain them with our shows, but that’s all. Not to give special attention to just a few. Attention they’ll misinterpret as something more. Do you get what I mean?” Rachel tilted her head, a confused expression marring the porcelain skin. Cally sighed and waited, hoping the girl had more brain cells than she’d originally given her credit for. At last, realization dawned in the fog-filled, hazel eyes. “Oh. You’re kidding, right? If a girl sits and talks to them for a few minutes, that means she’s ready to do more? Like take money to…you know what? Eew. What do they think we are? Hos?” “Sometimes.” She rubbed the girl’s arm. “Look, I’m not saying you can’t hook up with someone you meet at work. I’ve done it before and I’ll do it again. But be choosey. Make sure they understand it’s your choice and you decide what will or won’t happen.” “But, Cally, they asked for you.” Rachel shrugged. “One guy said he wanted to tell you how great your voice is.” Hell’s bells. Now what? “Okay, come with me and let me show you how to handle this type of situation.”

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Cally motioned for Roxy to take over for her then led Rachel toward a group of five men sitting around one of the tables in the far corner of the bar. One of them grinned at her, his dark eyes sparkling in what could almost be considered a baby face. Thick, black hair curled around his earlobes. He leaned back in his chair, stretching his long, lean, muscled body, and studied her, making her heat up in hidden areas of her body. She started to smile, then caught herself and adopted a pleasant yet professional appearance. Damn, girl. Listen to your own advice. The men were all tens, if not elevens by any woman’s standard of hotness. She could see why Rachel was tempted to spend time with them. Still, she’d found out the hard way to keep business in the bar and take the fun outside. A tug on her arm had her stumbling in the opposite direction. “Hey!” “You’re going the wrong way. The guys I’m talking about are over there.” Cally followed Rachel’s direction. Sure enough, another group of men were seated at a table against the far wall. She scanned the six men and sighed. Not only were they not half as sexy as the other guys, she could already sense the arrogance radiating off them. “Damn.” She kept her smile, albeit one that held no hint of sincerity, and walked over to the table, careful to keep enough distance between her and the nearest man. She’d gotten pulled on top of a customer’s lap more times than she wanted to remember. “Hi, guys. Rachel told me you wanted to talk to me.” Her quick appraisal was dead on. One smacked a wad of money onto the table while the others almost drooled as they took her in, lingering far too long on her breasts. Subtle they aren’t. “We sure did, sugar. Name’s Burke and I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your singing. Shania Twain ain’t got nothing on you.

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How about pulling up a chair and setting a spell?” Just because you grew up in Texas doesn’t mean you have to sound like a cowboy straight out of the movies, does it? Yet Cally kept her question to herself. “Thanks. I’m glad you liked it. But I’m sorry. I can’t sit down. First of all, there’s not an empty seat.” “Aw, sugar, you can sit on my lap. For free, too.” Burke scooted his chair back and patted his leg as the others guffawed at his joke. Aw, sugar, my ass. This guy reminds me of a gorilla in a man’s suit. She powered on, ignoring his comment. “In the second place, our boss doesn’t like us to spend time with one group. We’ve got a lot of customers to take care of. So, excuse me, but I need to work for a living, you know.” The man seated on her other side tried to take her hand, but she deftly hooked her thumbs in the pockets of her short denim skirt. “We’re customers, too. Besides, I’m sure old Sadie won’t mind once she knows we’ll pay you for your time.” She almost grinned at the image of Sadie whacking the man upside his head for calling her old. Granted, she’d just celebrated her seventy-fifth birthday, but anyone who knew Sadie knew she was in better shape, both mentally and physically, than most women half her age. “Again, thanks, but no thanks. The other girls and I get paid to dance, sing, and sling brew. Nothing else.” She pivoted on her heel, letting their comments roll off her as she tugged Rachel along with her. “See how it’s handled?” “Yeah. You were amazing. How can I thank you for keeping me from screwing up?” “No need. We’re in this together. But, if you really want to thank me—” Cally hugged the girl to her. “Oh, I do. I do.” “Great. I haven’t had a break in over two hours. How about covering for me behind the bar while I freshen up my makeup?” “You got it, Cally. Take as long as you want.” Rachel almost

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skipped over to the bar. Wow. To think two years ago I was that naïve. Cally hurried down the long hallway leading to the ladies’ restroom. She had her hand on the doorknob when a low whistle had her whirling around. Aw, crap. This isn’t good. She turned the knob, hoping to get inside before Burke got too close. Burke, however, was quick on his feet, quicker than any man his size had a right to be. He bolted next to her, flattening his hand on the door. “What’s your hurry, sugar?” She closed her eyes, gathered her resolve, then turned to confront him. Beer stench and bad breath hit her, almost choking her. “What does it look like I’m doing? Now, if you’ll kindly take your paw off the door…” She glared pointedly at his hand, then into his bloodshot eyes. “Why so hostile, sugar?” He started to run the backs of his fingers over her cheek, but she jerked away. “I’m trying to get to know you.” She squared off at him, determined not to let her jangled nerves get the best of her. “Okay, then here’s one thing you need to learn about me. I don’t like you. Now back the hell off.” His smile faded, replaced by an angry scowl. He clutched her wrist and yanked her hand off the knob. Before she could utter a curse, he pushed her back against the door. Putting his face an inch from hers, he whispered in her ear. “Now you listen, you little bitch. I watched you wiggle your ass and tease every man in this place. You’re nothing but a slut. I’m going to take you outside and let you suck my dick. When you’re done, you’re going to smile sweetly and thank me for letting you do it.” Cally’s heart pounded in her chest and she struggled to speak, hoping her voice wouldn’t quiver. “If you do, I’ll bite it off, chew it up, and spit it in the trash where it belongs.” He snarled, shoving his hand under her skirt. Stunned, Cally froze

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then tried to push his hand away. She called out, but he covered her mouth, stifling her scream. “Spread your legs. I going to see how wet you are.” He drew in a long, slow breath, his nostrils widening. “Shoo-wee, I can already smell your sweet pussy.” Cally struggled, but he wedged his body against hers and grabbed her crotch. She tried to cry out, but again he muffled her shout with his large hand. Yanking her thong aside, he plunged his finger between her folds. “Damn, but you’re tight. I can’t wait to get my dick inside you.” For a second, she thought he’d backed off, but he’d only taken his hand away to undo his jeans. She tried to fight him, but he was too strong for her to do anything more than wiggle. He pushed up her skirt, a wicked gleam in his eyes as he took her leg and forced her to open for him. Cally closed her eyes and prayed someone would come down the hall. Please. Someone, help me. Burke’s shout made her open her eyes to find him flying away, his body slamming against the opposite wall. Burke shook his head as though clearing his mind, then growled out a curse and hurled himself at her rescuer. The dark-eyed, sexy man from the other table planted his feet, took one swing, and knocked Burke back against the wall again. “Cool it, man, before I knock you off your feet for good.” Burke, however, didn’t listen to his advice and launched another attack. The man once more thrust the brute back, this time taking him to the floor. Her rescuer set a foot in the middle of the big man’s stomach and gazed down at him with a serene expression. “Let me up!” Burke hollered then groaned as a crowd started to form at the neck of the hallway. “I’ll be happy to. But you have to do something for me first.” He turned toward Cally. The angry glint in his eyes betrayed his casual tone. “Are you all right?”

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Cally nodded, unable to resist letting her gaze slide over him. He had broad shoulders, a trim waist, and a body any man would envy. His denim shirt and jeans along with worn boots fit him perfectly. Oh, my God. I’ve found a real, live hero. A real, live, hunky-ashell hero. “Yeah. I’m fine. As long as he keeps his hands off me and never comes back in this bar.” “You got it. I’m Max Matheson, by the way.” “I’m Cally Sheridan.” Matheson. Where had she heard that name before? He leaned over and slapped Burke on the cheek. “Did you get that, asshole? The lady doesn’t want you anywhere near her. Plus, I think you’ve lost your drinking privileges.” He took Burke by his shirt collar, hauled him to his feet, then pointed at Cally. “Now say you’re sorry to the lady.” Burke grumbled something between a curse and a grudging apology, but Max wasn’t letting the jerk off so easily. “What’d you say? Because I couldn’t hear a damn thing and I have really good hearing. Speak up, lame brain.” By then Burke noticed his friends skulking on the sidelines. “Hey, guys. Come on. We can take him.” Max shifted to see the men discussing whether or not to join the fray. “Doesn’t look like your buddies are up for a fight. But if they are, I have a few friends of my own who would love to have some fun.” He tipped his head at the other group of men who stood, arms crossed, with grins on their faces. Seeing Max’s friends, Burke’s buddies slipped back through the crowd, leaving Burke to fend for himself. “Dang, man, your friends suck big time. They lit out like the pack of losers they are. Which means you’re going to have to make this decision by yourself. So what’s it going to be? Are you going to give the lady a sincere, honest-to-God apology? Or do I break your nose?” Burke’s bravado deflated faster than a balloon in a room full of needles. “I’m sorry.”

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“Uh-uh. That’s not good enough.” Cally gritted her teeth, glad her nerves were steady again. Max tossed her a grin then shook Burke again. “She says it’s not enough.” Turning to her, he added, “What would you like him to do? Lick your shoes maybe? You name it, and I’m sure my new friend will be happy to do it. Right, Burke?” Cally shook her head and stepped closer. “I wouldn’t want his spit on anything of mine.” Without warning, she brought her knee up, cramming it into Burke’s crotch. Burke went down, groaning and cupping his hands between his legs. “Urggh. Get her away from me.” “Cally, honey, is there a problem?” Sadie stood at the front of the onlookers, her trusty baseball bat cradled in her arms. “Nope. At least, not any longer.” Sadie scrutinized the men then gave a brisk nod. “Okay, then. But if things change, you’ll give me holler, right?” “Yes, ma’am.” Cally gave her friend and boss a quick salute. Max laughed and signaled to one of his friends. “Hey, Ranlon. How about taking this bag of garbage and dumping it outside?” The tall, lean man sauntered forward and yanked a still-moaning Burke onto his feet. “No problem. Then the rest of us are heading back to the ranch.” His dark gaze slid to Cally. “Unless anyone has a better idea.” Cally recognized a come-on when she heard it. She let a real smile slide over her lips. “I just might.” Ranlon’s eyebrows shot up. “Maybe like a party at your place?” “Damn, man, you’re hitting on her? After what happened with this creep?” Max shoved his friend. “Like I said, take him outside.” “No harm in asking, is there?” Pushing a stumbling Burke ahead of him, Ranlon forced Burke out of the hallway, taking the crowd along with them. Cally laughed and waited for everyone to leave before making her decision. Not that it had been a difficult one to make. “I would like to

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thank you for coming to my rescue.” For the first time in her life, she felt like a damsel in distress who’d found her Prince Charming. But the strangest thing was that she liked the feeling a lot. A whole lot. “You don’t have to. I was glad to help.” Max’s perusal of her made her nerves quiver in a good way. “Still, if you’d like to stick around until I get off, you could come to my house for a drink.” “I can get a drink here.” She suppressed a giggle and played along. “Yeah, you’re right. So I guess you’re saying no?” “No way. In fact, I think I’d better make sure you get home all right.” He stepped closer. His chest brushed against her arm, sending shivers through her. “I wouldn’t want anything else to happen to you.” She parted her lips and let her tongue peek out before skimming it from one side of her mouth to the other. Heat simmered in the air between them. Heat that had nothing to do with the hot Texas summer. “I get off in a couple of hours, if you want to come back then.” She inhaled as he mimicked her, parting his lips to show a little of his tongue. “Are you going to sing again?” Her heart thumped erratically and she found it hard to breathe. “Maybe.” “Then I’ll stick around. I wouldn’t want to miss your show.” He tilted his head, his intense study of her weakening her legs. She reached out to place her palm on his chest. Was he as excited as she was? The pounding of his heart said so. “I’ll see you then.” Stepping around him, she strolled down the hallway, careful to make her hips swing with just the right amount of sway. Watch me, Max Matheson. Watch and want.

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Chapter Two “I’m Cally Sheridan and this is Roxy Priston.” Max and the other four men pushed back their chairs and got to their feet. Each one greeted the two women then stayed standing. “Wow. Real, live gentlemen.” Roxy’s tone was filled with awe and she stood a little taller, her breasts perking up with the movement. “Manners are hard to come by in this place, so we really appreciate it when it happens.” Cally slipped her arm in Max’s. “What can we say? We believe women should be treated with respect.” Max unhooked her arm to slip his around her waist then made quick introductions. Ranlon, the one who’d dragged Burke from the bar, was lean, with strong, black eyes and a slight hawk nose that only added to his interesting features. Nick was younger than Ranlon, with spiked, red hair and bright blue eyes like Roxy’s. The edge of a wolf tattoo peeked out from under his T-shirt. He grinned a lot, making Cally want to grin back. The other two men, Jimmy and William, were the youngest- and oldest-looking ones of the group. Jimmy reminded her of a young Brad Pitt while William’s piercing eyes assessed her, making her feel as though he was sizing her up. She wondered if she’d passed his inspection. “So? What would you guys like to do?” Max looked to Cally, but Roxy jumped in, taking the lead as she often did. Her long, black hair flowed around her shoulders as she grabbed Ranlon’s arm. “How would you guys like to come back to my place? Drinks are on the house there.” Leave it to Roxy to get straight to the point.

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Cally caught a movement at the end of the bar and saw Rachel watching the scene, her brows dipping toward her nose. Crap. I bet she’s confused. First I tell her to watch mixing business with pleasure and then I’m heading back to Roxy’s with not one, but five men. But I did tell her hooking up can be okay. She shook her head and made a point to talk to Rachel tomorrow. She’d make time to give the young girl an explanation. “Sounds good to me,” Max leaned closer to her, giving her the impression that he was sending a message to the rest of them. Like he was claiming her as his. She dipped her head and shot a pleased look at Roxy. “Great.” Roxy grabbed Ranlon’s hand and scribbled her address along with her phone number on his palm. “We’ll meet you there, okay?” “Sounds good. Let’s get going.” Jimmy’s big grin covered most of his face and his exuberance was catching. Together, they exited Sadie’s and stepped out into the warm summer night. Roxy waved to the others then climbed into her bright red Beetle. She was laying down skid marks before Cally had even made it to her trusty old Honda Civic. The men clambered into two pickups with Ranlon at the wheel of one and William at the other. Ranlon honked his horn then drove after Roxy with Nick and Jimmy with him. “I think Ranlon’s in a hurry to get with Roxy.” She reached up to brush a wayward hair from her face. Max waited for her to unlock her car door then opened it for her and rested his hand on the top of the window. She slid into the driver’s seat and tossed her purse on the passenger’s side. “Do you think they’ll get together tonight?” She liked watching his face, the way his emotions played out across his features as he thought about what he’d say before he said it. “Yeah. Sure.” He paused, then rested both arms on the rolleddown window. “But nothing will happen that you or Roxy don’t want

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to happen. Still, you should know. If anything does happen, the guys…they’re used to sharing. If you get my meaning.” “You mean they’d expect Roxy and me…with all of you?” She swallowed, suddenly unsure of herself. Sure, she’d had her fair share of threesomes involving two men, but she’d never had group sex. She struggled, her emotions going haywire until, at last, she recognized the overwhelming sensation. She was excited as hell. “Again, if you two aren’t cool with this, then I’ll let them know in no uncertain terms. But I’d better do it before they get to Roxy’s. I’d hate to let them think you two are down with this and then yank it out from under them. But like I said, it’s up to you and your friend. Nobody’s going to force either of you.” She calmed at his promise, sensing he spoke the truth. The sprinkling of hair on his chest glistened with perspiration from the clammy evening. His black hair fell forward to cover his cheeks and amber flecks glistened in his eyes. “In any case, I’d like to get to know you better. Either tonight with the others around or by ourselves. It’s your call.” He reached in and covered the hand she’d placed on the steering wheel. At the first touch of his hand, the decision was made. A sizzle rushed along her arm, seizing her breath, and swirling the butterflies in her stomach. His hand rested on hers as he waited for her answer, but it was his touch that stole her voice. For a moment, she caught an image of something more, some inner essence lying beneath the man. Yet instead of fearing what might be hidden behind the dark, mesmerizing eyes and sexy curve of his mouth, she found a desire to learn his secret. He’d helped her once and, without understanding why, she knew he’d never hurt her. “I’ll call Roxy and clue her in on the way over. Until then, I can’t speak for her, but as for me? I’m in.” She released a breath and let the thrill of what lay ahead take over. She turned the key in the ignition, the wetness already heating between her legs. Each man oozed animal magnetism in his own way,

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but Max was different. He was more. And she was damn sure going to find out how much more. “Hey. Are we doing this or what?” William leaned out the window of his truck. Max pushed away from the car and held up a hand, signaling him to wait. “Hang on.” Turning back to her, he asked, “See you in a bit?” “Yeah. See you there.” He pivoted on his heel and strode over to the pickup, then turned to wave at her before hopping into the cab. Cally put the car in drive, maneuvered out of the parking lot, then steered onto the two-lane highway. She glanced into the rearview mirror. William pulled the red pickup in position behind her to follow her to Roxy’s place. “Oh, my God. What have I gotten myself into?” Her nerves started tingling a second before she glanced into the mirror again and saw her image smiling back. **** Max watched as Cally’s car weaved in and out of traffic. “I don’t think she’s used to doing a group.” William kept the truck behind her car, cussing now and then when another car cut between their vehicles. “Not many women are.” “Yeah. But she seems up for it. She’s calling Roxy to make sure she knows.” “We could’ve tried to get more of the girls to come along. To have a real party.” Max shook his head. “I know. But too many people, especially too many women, clog the connection.” He closed his eyes, picturing Cally the way he’d first seen her. Her long, wavy, blonde hair captured his attention as it moved along her back, teasing the rise of her hips as she danced. Her voice was a fine instrument all by itself and he could see the passion in her

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big brown eyes as she held the audience enthralled. Her body was perfect with big enough breasts to fill out his hands without wasting the rest, and a bottom that called for a love spanking. Her skin shimmered under the lights and he wondered if she’d sprinkled glitter on her body. But it was her face, oval and yet so womanly, that bewitched him. He’d had no choice but to follow her when she’d headed down the hallway toward the ladies’ restroom. When he’d seen the brutish man attacking her, he’d almost lost his mind to rage. William glanced sideways at him. “So you think she’s the one for you?” “I do.” He couldn’t have explained how he knew, and William wouldn’t ask. As a Night Runner, a werewolf just knew whenever he came in contact with his future mate. “Do you think Sara will like her?” “Not sure since she’s the first to be considered. I hope so for your sake.” Sara was the queen of the pack, the alpha-female who was mated to all the pack males. She’d entered their lives a little over a year earlier, and since then, the men rarely made major decisions without her input. As the alpha-female, she would have a say in accepting—or not accepting—any female into their pack. “She might not like what Cally does for a living.” William was right. Coming from a background as a teacher, Sara had adapted well to their lifestyle and their belief in every male mating with her, but she still had some pretty conservative ideas. “Maybe we should tell Sara that Cally’s a singer and leave it at that.” William chuckled. “If you want to risk your neck, then go ahead. But not me. I’m not about to hide anything from her. Somehow, some way, she’ll find out and then there’ll be hell to pay.” As usual, his pack brother’s advice was dead-on. “Well, we’re jumping the gun anyway. I’m not even sure she’s the one yet.” William’s silence said it all. They both knew a werewolf’s ability to recognize their future mate never erred. Why should he be the first

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to get it wrong? Cally’s car pulled into a gravel driveway of a one-story, modest home and stopped behind Roxy’s Beetle. Although the home was small and the surrounding neighborhood not the best, he could tell Roxy took pride in her home. The house looked as though it had a new coat of paint and the well-tended garden boasted a kaleidoscope of colorful flowers. William parked on the street, positioning the truck behind Ranlon’s pickup. William turned off the motor then turned to Max, his expression serious. “I guess we’re about to find out.” **** “Do you think we’re a couple of sluts?” Roxy set several beer bottles on the kitchen counter then dove back into the refrigerator for more. “No. I mean guys do this kind of thing all the time, right? Why are we sluts for wanting to have fun like they do?” Cally scooped up one of the beers and twisted the top off. “Okay, maybe it’s a little wild, but I don’t care. This is one of my fantasies and I’m not going to miss the chance to let it play out.” Roxy helped herself to a beer, took a swig, then saluted her with her beer raised high. “Damn straight. Here’s to womankind. Hear us roar.” The question bugging Cally since they’d met the men had to come out. “Where do I know the name Matheson from?” Roxy took another drag, then sputtered her drink. “Oh, hell. Matheson. It just hit me.” “What is it? Please don’t tell me he’s a drunk or an ex-con.” Roxy shook her head, but it didn’t make Cally feel any better. “No. But maybe worse. You’ve heard the stories about the men who live on the Matheson ranch, haven’t you? About them being werewolves?”

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Now it was Cally’s turn to sputter her drink. “They’re those guys?” She glanced through the screen door at the men gathering in the yard. “Oh, come on. You don’t really believe the stories, do you? That’s just a bunch of bull the locals use to scare kids.” Roxy managed a weak smile. “Yeah, of course it is.” She snorted. “I don’t believe that crap.” Her gaze zeroed in on Cally. “Do you?” “Of course not. We’re grown women. Not kids.” “Besides, even if the stories are true, it’s kind of hot, don’t you think?” Roxy bit her bottom lip. “Kind of like the sexy werewolves in the movies.” Cally laughed, the tension easing from her neck. “What’s next? A vampire?” “Can we come in or are you two planning on having a party on your own?” Cally whirled to face the group of men standing on the other side of Roxy’s screen door. “Now where would the fun be in that?” “Talk about a woman after my own heart.” Max shoved open the door and led the way inside. Cally slid her gaze over them, admiring how each was just as handsome as the next. She stopped her appraisal to give Max more of a look. Even among the sexy group, he was the one who made her heart skip a beat. Damn, but he’s hot. She licked her lips, admiring his body. He was solidly built, not in a too-much-muscle bodybuilder kind of way, but in an easy way that said he didn’t have to work out to keep his body ripped. She always liked men with dark hair and eyes, men who exuded a subtle dangerous vibe, but he took that dangerous edge to a whole different level. Every time he glanced at her, her pussy tightened in anticipation. Could the danger she sensed be real? She tossed the thought away, the memory of Max coming to her rescue taking its place. She took another swallow of her drink and made the decision to concentrate her attentions on him. “Help yourselves to the beer,

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guys.” Roxy swayed over to offer Ranlon a drink. “Yeah, please do. Sorry I don’t have anything stronger.” Ranlon smiled his thanks to Roxy, then slid his arm around her waist. The intense look he gave Roxy mimicked the way Max looked at her. “This will do fine.” Max snagged a bottle then sauntered over to Cally. “Wanna sit?” She followed him to the large two-part sectional couch that spanned two walls and sat beside him. Close beside him. Heat radiated from him in waves and she squirmed in her seat, once more feeling the tug between her legs. Beads of perspiration crawled down her spine. “Roxy, do you have the air conditioner on?” Roxy laughed at whatever Ranlon had just told her. “It’s on full blast.” She wiggled her eyebrows at Cally. “It is hot in here, but not from the weather.” “You can say that again.” Nick plunked down on the other side of Cally. “I really liked your singing.” “She writes the songs she sings, too.” Cally shot Roxy a glare, but she had to admit she liked it when her friend bragged about her work. “Really? You’re very talented.” Max settled in closer to her. “Thanks.” She blushed, not from the compliment, but from Max gliding his hand along her leg. Sizzling under his touch, she closed her eyes and imagined his hand moving farther up and to the right. She let her legs fall apart, just wide enough for his hand to fit in case he kept moving it closer. Jimmy found Roxy’s iPod station and started fiddling with the settings as William took a beer, then leaned against the far wall. “Hey, how about we get some tunes going?” In seconds, Jimmy had music blaring from the speakers. Roxy took Ranlon by the hand and started gyrating next to him. He kept rhythm with the song and moved with her, his body close to

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hers as she shimmied her breasts. Jimmy joined in to dance behind her, his bulging crotch close to her bottom. “Come on. Let’s join the fun.” Nick set his bottle on the side table then grabbed Cally by the arm and tugged her onto her feet. Resting his hands on her hips, he swayed with the music, enticing her to dance. “I liked your dancing, too.” She smiled at Nick, enjoying the way he moved. Reaching up, she ruffled his red hair. “I don’t usually like red hair, but I like yours.” “Yeah? So does it matter that my red came from a bottle?” She twirled, letting the beat of the music flow into her. “Nope. Not a bit.” Again, she twirled, this time ending up with her back to Nick. She grinned as Max jumped up and started dancing in front of her. Everyone but William danced around the small room and managed on purpose to bump into the girls. Roxy and Cally laughed, enjoying the attention. Still, Cally remained close to Max, unable to stray from him. Just as she wanted him to, he grabbed her hand and pulled her to him. He rested his palms on her hips and moved with her to the beat of the music. “Do you guys live at the Matheson ranch?” Max blinked, giving her the impression that she’d caught him off guard. “So I guess you’ve heard of the place?” “Sure.” She studied his emotionless face and felt her stomach tighten. Why beat around the bush? “Are the stories true?” He stopped moving for a moment, but it was enough to signal an alarm in her head. “What do you think?” Her breathing quickened. “I think I believe what I see with my own eyes and not what a bunch of old men gossip about at the barbershop.” His laugh eased her worry and lightened the mood. “I think you’re a smart woman.” He met her gaze almost as though he wanted to dive into her soul. “And a very beautiful one.”

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“I’m glad you think I’m both smart and beautiful.” She tipped her chin, her sight settling on the muscles of his hard chest no shirt could fully hide. “Why’s that?” “You how the saying goes. Beauty fades, but stupid stays.” She smiled, loving the way his laugh made her feel. She could live a lifetime hearing his laugh. They talked, their dance becoming more about wanting to be with each other than with keeping rhythm to the beat. They spoke in light tones, exchanging bits of information. He loved pepperoni pizza while she craved the veggie kind. He cheered for the Texas Longhorns football team while she was a closet Oklahoma Sooners fan. He liked rock and roll more than country— with the exception of her songs—and she vowed to convert him, promising one day to take him to the Grand Ole Opry. She loved his dark eyes, the lines around them, and the way he tilted his head whenever he didn’t understand her answer. Laying her head on his chest, she listened to his heartbeat and sighed as he caressed her back. At last Cally had to stop, begging off to take a break and grab another drink. William had taken Nick’s spot on the couch and kept a silent vigil on the antics of the others, and she joined him, hoping Max would follow. “Don’t you like to dance?” Cally chugged half her beer, the pleasant buzz spreading over her. “Not much.” William’s gaze settled on her. “I like other things a lot more.” She played the innocent, even batting her eyes. “Oh. What other things?” The corners of his mouth tilted up. “Sex. I like sex, and I’m sure I’d love sex with you and your friend.” “You don’t mince words, do you?” “Do you want me to?”

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Max eased to the other side of her. “Is this guy bothering you?” She could’ve said a lot of things including thanking him again for rescuing her from Burke’s clutches. But the beer warmed her stomach and lightened her head enough for her to take the brave step. “Not as much as you bother me.” Max jerked back, confusion etched in his brow. “Sorry? I’m bothering you?” She handed William her bottle and shifted toward Max. “Yeah, you are. But in a good way.” She pressed a palm to his chest and almost cried out with joy at the hardness underneath her skin. He crushed his mouth to hers, taking her breath away. Sliding his hands down her back, he tugged her T-shirt out of her skirt, unhooked her bra in one smooth motion, and tossed them to the floor. “Holy shit.” Cally started to cover her naked breasts, but Max stopped her. “You can say that again, William. Holy shit is right.” His features softened. “You’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.” Once again, she blushed. Since when do I blush so much? She opened her mouth to thank him, but was interrupted by Roxy’s squeal. Ranlon picked up her friend then flung her onto the other section of the couch. He yanked off her shirt then followed it with her jeans. Latching onto her nipple, Ranlon worked his clothes off. “They sure hit it off.” “I think it may be more than just hitting it off.” “Really, Max?” She turned back to Max to find him disrobing. His rock-hard body took her breath away. She’d never seen eight-pack abs before, much less a chest as strong and mountain-like as his. Wide shoulders emphasized his slender waist and muscles defined arms twice the size of hers. He was, without a doubt, the sexiest man she’d ever seen. His dark eyes blazed with flecks of amber. “Yeah. But that’s for Ranlon to decide.” Nick and Jimmy stood to the side, each of them tugging their

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boots, jeans, and shirts off to let them fall to the floor. Their bodies equaled Max’s, but he held a vibrancy, an essence that the others lacked. If she believed in fairy tales, Max would be her naked knight out of shining armor. She ached to touch them, to run her tongue over each tight muscle, to skim her palm over the tender parts of the men. A lump formed in her throat, and she wondered if she’d gotten in over her head. Especially when her gaze slid to their erect cocks. Roxy moaned as Ranlon slid between her legs and Cally experienced an even stronger tug of her pussy. She lay back, her attention focused on Max’s face as he slid her skirt and thong off in one smooth motion. Going to his knees on the floor, he pulled her to him. Cally gasped as Max pushed her legs apart and brought his face to her pussy. Spirals of lust spread outward from her core as he lapped her already flowing juices. Her body jerked and she gripped her breasts, fondling them as she wished he would do. Nick pushed her hands away and bent his head to take her nipple into his mouth. He sucked, mimicking the way Max sucked on her clit. She cried out, but her cry was lost under Jimmy’s mouth. She closed her eyes, letting the sensations their mouths gave her spread throughout her body. Nick lashed his tongue around her taut nub, pinching her whenever he lifted his mouth. Max groaned and rested her legs on his shoulders. Jimmy’s tongue played with hers then he brought it into his mouth. She whimpered, opened her eyes, and reached out for Jimmy’s impressive cock. He broke off the kiss and got on the back of the couch, then offered her his prize. “Take it, baby. Yeah. That’s it. Wrap your tongue around me.” She did as he asked, starting at the base, then skimming her tongue along the purple-veined length to the top of the mushroomed tip. He tunneled his fingers into her hair and closed his eyes, moving his hips to help her drag him in, then out, then in again.

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Cally glanced over at Roxy. Her friend arched her back as she moved to her hands and knees and crouched over Ranlon. She drew in Ranlon’s cock in the same moment William thrust into her bottom. Max nipped at Cally, bringing her attention back to him. His hair tickled the inside of her thighs, and his amber-flecked eyes sought hers. She smiled then cupped Jimmy’s balls as she dragged him in again and made the muscles in his hard abdomen flex. Nick cupped her other breast and rubbed his thumb over her nipple. She reached out and took his shaft. The first orgasm ripped through her, sending her whirling, and she shouted a sound that was part pain and part joy. She stroked both steellike shafts as Max renewed his tongue-lashing of her clit. She tightened, her body preparing for another release. It swept over her, riding her to the edge again and throwing her off. She shuddered, the black behind her eyes flickering with sparks of life. Harder she pulled on their shafts. Wider she spread her legs, offering herself to Max. She cried out at the same moment Roxy screamed her climax. Max left her clit and she opened her eyes, intent on begging him to keep eating her. Instead, she paused, her pulse echoing in her ears, to watch him lift away from her. Was he finished with her? Would he take his turn with Roxy? She wanted to ask him, to coax him to stay, but the way he ground his teeth told her he wasn’t going anywhere. Offering her his hands, he waited for her to take them then tugged her away from his friends. Nick and Jimmy sat back without argument and waited for whatever Max had in mind. Max brought her to her feet, held her close, then whispered in her ear. “Ride me, baby. Ride me and hold on so you don’t get bucked off.” If she hadn’t already been wet, she would’ve come at his words. Unable to speak, she nodded and let him sit on the couch. He lay back, moving his pelvis to the edge of the sofa, then helped her on top to sink slowly onto his cock. She inhaled, loving the feel of him, the

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way her vaginal walls enclosed around him and held on. Easy at first, he pushed into her and groaned, his intense gaze scorching her. She circled her bottom, taking all of him until she was sure he’d struck the end. “Harder,” she murmured. He gritted his teeth and did as she asked. She gripped his hard pecs for support as he drove into her. Her hair bounced along her shoulders and her breasts jiggled. Max took her hips, keeping her steady. Nick pushed against her back then slid his hands around to fondle her breasts. “Hang on.” He swiped his tongue along her shoulder, leaving a chilly path as the cool air followed in his wake. Jimmy edged closer, his amber-flecked eyes clouded with lust. Slipping his hand between them, he played with her clit, rubbing her, pinching her as he took his shaft and began stroking himself. “Cally.” Cally threw back her head then turned to look at Roxy. Roxy rode on top of William with Ranlon licking her bottom. Cally gave her the only response she could. She smiled then gaped at Max as he slapped her on the butt cheek. “Ride me harder, Cally.” His look of desire thrilled her almost as much as the feel of him inside her. Mewing, she held on as another climax thundered into her, shaking her. Although the air was cool, perspiration beaded along his brow as he tensed, paused, then rammed into her again. He growled, the sound reverberating around her like a physical entity surrounding her with its presence. “I had to be the first Night Runner to take you.” Max took her tit in his hand then lifted to drag his tongue over her aching bud. “I want you to remember that. Remember I was the first.” Night Runner? Was that what the townspeople called the men? She tried to remember, but lost the thought as Max’s stomach muscles tightened, foreshadowing his thrust. He grabbed her breasts, squeezing them in a painful yet sexy way, and let out a groan as he

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climaxed. Nick tugged her off Max then bent her over the couch. Max moved to the side to let Jimmy sit. With a wicked laugh, Cally took Jimmy’s shaft and dragged him inside her mouth. In the same moment, Nick stuck two fingers into the crease between her butt cheeks. Surprised, she jerked then moaned as Nick added a wet substance around the tender rings and into her anus. His fingers went in easier this time and he pumped them, finger-fucking her as she worked Jimmy’s cock. Max took a breast and fondled it. “Your tits are just the right size. Not too much and not too little.” She dropped her gaze to his shaft. “You’re ready again? Already?” “What can I say? I’ve got a lot of stamina.” Max grinned. Nick positioned his cock at her opening then thrust inside. She gasped then tossed her hair to the side to take Jimmy deeper into her mouth. Was Max watching? She wanted him to watch, wanted him to get turned on as she gave herself to the others. Afterwards, she’d want him back. Roxy’s moans drew her attention away briefly to see her friend, her hair tossed back, her hands clutching her breasts, cry out her climax. Her body shuddered, then grew lax as she fell on top of William. But Cally wasn’t finished. She wanted more of Max. She reached out for him. “Change.” For a moment, he didn’t seem to understand her. “Change?” “Change places with Nick.” He tucked his head, almost hiding a smile. Nick slammed into her harder then whipped out his cock and grabbed the blanket off the arm of the couch. He stumbled away, groaning as he climaxed. She let out a yelp as Max pulled her onto the couch. His warm breath tickled her ear as he laid her on her side and positioned his

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cock at her bottom. “We wouldn’t want to leave poor Jimmy out, would we?” “Thanks, bro.” Jimmy slid into place then pressed his cock against her pussy. As though by an unspoken signal, the men pushed into her at the same instant, one from behind, one from the front. Feeling two cocks inside her sent her into orgasm and she cried out as her muscles tightened around their shafts. With one hand from each man holding a breast, she panted, working both of them. Her skin tingled from their touches, her mind blanked from too many sensations. Her body, however, welcomed them, opening to them then bringing them into her heart. She clutched Jimmy’s hair and clasped her hand over Max’s as her orgasm exploded, tearing her apart.

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Chapter Three “Come on, you pussies. The women didn’t take this long to get cleaned up. Get moving.” Leave it to Nick, the one who spent the most time preening, to egg the others to hurry up. Max stepped around the men crowded into Roxy’s small bathroom and gave William the chance to stick his hands under the faucet. William caught Max’s attention, his brows lifted in a question. “Well?” Max, feeling more satisfied than he’d ever been, cocked one eyebrow back at his pack mate. “I swear I almost lost it. When she told me to change, I could feel the tips of my fangs breaking through. I don’t have any doubt now. She’s the one.” Nick, Jimmy, and Ranlon remained silent, exchanging mixed looks of envy and joy. Although they still waited for their mates, they were happy Max had found his. “What about you, Ranlon? You and Roxy seem to have something.” Ranlon shook his head at Max, his brow furrowed. “Yes and no. I get a vibe from her, but I feel like something’s missing. Like she could be my future mate, but isn’t. I don’t know how to explain it.” The men remained silent, thinking about what he’d said. Finally, Jimmy broke the quiet. “You always were a weird one, Ranlon.” Jimmy dodged Ranlon’s quick swipe and hurried out of the bathroom. “Now all you have to do, Max, is convince Cally.” Nick ran a hand through his red hair and shoved Ranlon aside so he could study his reflection in the mirror.

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“That and tell her what you are.” William growled as Nick attempted to push him aside and failed. “Yeah. I can’t wait to help her go through the first transformation. You know. After Sara and Michael give the go-ahead, of course.” Max glanced down the narrow hallway to where the girls waited for them in the living room. “But there’s time enough. And as far as Sara goes, I’m sure she’ll like her.” “I hope so, man.” Nick shoved his shoulder, pushing Max farther into the hallway. “If not, you’re screwed.” He lifted his hand, his index finger pointing up, and made a funny face. “Oh, wait. You just were.” Max laughed along with the joke then, following the rest of them, headed back to the girls. His body ached for Cally all over again, confirming what he already knew. She was his mate. Cally and Roxy stood by the front door, their heads together as they talked in low tones. If he shifted, he could hear what they were saying, but that seemed like an invasion of privacy. Her doe-like eyes latched onto him, sending a message to his shaft. God, how he wanted her. He gave her a grin he hoped would melt her knees. I wonder if I can convince her to let me come home with her and have her to myself. Tonight, tomorrow morning, and from now on. “I’ve got to get home.” Cally took Roxy’s hand. “I’ll see you tomorrow, right?” “You bet. Back at the club and dancing another night away.” Roxy gave her a hug then stepped out of the way. Cally inclined her head toward the men. “Uh, I had fun. Maybe I’ll see you guys at the club again?” “You can count on it. Right, Max?” Nick elbowed Max. “Why don’t you walk Cally to her car while the rest of us help Roxy straighten up?” “Straighten up? We didn’t really make much of a mess. So I don’t think—” Awareness struck Roxy, who shut her mouth faster than a

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trap over a mouse. “Oh, yeah. Sure. How about everyone grab a bottle or two to dump in the recycle bin?” She winked at Cally, then at Max. “Goodnight. I hope we see you again real soon.” Roxy and the other men moved away, leaving Max alone with Cally. Feeling like a schoolboy on his first date, he opened the door for her. She stepped into the darkness, the sweltering weather giving off a mere fraction of the heat the lust-filled fire burning in his abdomen gave him. He followed her, picking up his pace so he could walk beside her. “Kind of a strange night, huh?” He grimaced and hoped she wouldn’t take his question the wrong way. “Yeah. Kind of.” She hurried to her car then beeped the locks open. “Listen, I hope you don’t think I do this kind of thing all the time. Or that it’s a regular thing with the girls at Sadie’s.” Her oval face shone like a pretty moon in the darkness. Long eyelashes highlighted her beautiful eyes while the slight warm breeze floated her hair around her head like a halo around an angel. “Of course I don’t. Sometimes a person just has to listen to their gut and go with what feels right. This felt right to you, didn’t it?” Damn, please let her say yes. Her pink mouth called to him and it took everything in his power to keep from kissing her. But he had to hear her answer first. “Yeah, it did. Especially…” She let her sentence trail off. Especially what? Especially since I was part of it? He wanted to ask but didn’t want to push. Take your time. Don’t scare her off. “Would you like me to see you home?” She seemed startled at his question. “Oh. Uh, no thanks. I’m good. In fact, I’d better be getting on.” She put her hands on his shoulders and he almost lost control. But throwing her to the ground wouldn’t work. Not yet, anyway. Instead, he stood still and waited. Her kiss, so different than any he’d ever had, brushed his lips. He clenched his fists, holding back his urge to grab the back of her neck

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and crush his mouth to hers. Yet when her tongue skimmed between his lips, he couldn’t restrain himself any more than he could’ve kept the moon from rising. Taking her by the neck, he wrapped his arm around her waist and brought her to him. The kiss was hard, needy, and, for a moment, he feared he was too rough. But his worry faded when she kissed him back with equal fervor. She took hold of the loops in his jeans and yanked him against her. Their tongues mingled as he drank in her taste. She was sweet and spicy at the same time, reminding him of the night wind against his wolf face as the pack raced under a moonlit sky. She moaned, and he answered with one of his. She’s the one. My mate. My forever. Her palms pushing against his chest brought him back to the here and now. “Thanks again for saving me from that jerk earlier, but I really do have to go.” I’ll always be there for you. Now and until I die. “It’s okay. Maybe we can get together another night?” He could already envision her as part of the pack, a Night Runner keeping stride beside him as they ran over the plains. “Maybe.” She kissed him again, this time a mere peck on his cheek, then slid into her car. He stepped back as she revved the motor and pulled out of the driveway, leaving a cloud of gravel dust behind. He sensed William’s approach sooner than he heard his footsteps. “What happened?” “Like she said. She had to get home.” Max peered into the darkness, watching until he could no longer see the red glow of her car’s taillights. I’ll see you soon, Cally. **** Max slipped his arm around Cally and settled into his usual spot on Roxy’s couch. The heat between them was greater than ever, but

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he gritted his teeth and concentrated on keeping his promise. Cally leaned her head on his shoulder, her gaze on the old black-and-white movie playing on the television set. Although he would like to take Cally on a real date, somewhere away from Lost Hills, she always asked to go to Roxy’s after her shift. Roxy would chat a little then disappear, leaving the couple alone. As hard as it was—hell, as hard as he was—he’d promised himself to keep their time together sex-free, wanting to spend the time learning as much about her as possible. Of course, kissing and cuddling wasn’t really sex but even doing too much of that made it difficult. Still, he’d enjoyed the past week sitting with her on Roxy’s couch, talking about everything under the sun while watching the old movies she loved. “I’m glad we could get together again.” Her gaze met his. “I’m glad you came back into the bar.” She giggled. “In fact, I’m glad you came back every night this week.” “Where else would I go? Good beer, good music, and a great woman. I’d be a fool not to come back.” She snuggled against him and the corners of his mouth curved upward into satisfied smile. Her attention returned to the movie. The leading man and woman embraced, professing their undying love. “Max, do you believe two people can fall in love at first sight?” He pressed a kiss to her cheek. “Definitely.” She pushed away from him, her bright eyes shining. “You do?” “I do. I’ve seen it before. Like with my parents. They took one look at each other and knew. They were inseparable from that minute on.” A softness came over her face. “Wow. Did they get married? Did they stay together?” “They did. They were ma—uh, married in less than two weeks and were together for fifty years until my dad died.” She put a hand on his chest, a now familiar gesture that made him feel strong. “I’m sorry about your father. But fifty years? I can only

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hope.” He lifted her chin, needing a kiss. Their lips touched, sparking the flame inside him and he could sense an answering flame in her. Skimming his tongue along her mouth, he didn’t dare push his tongue inside. If he did, he wouldn’t be able to stop. They broke apart, each breathless. “Are you saying you don’t believe in love at first sight?” She turned her head away to glance at the television and he held his breath. How could she not believe now that they’d met? “I didn’t. But now? I think I might.” He let out a long breath. At least he’d gotten over one obstacle. “Are you still planning on leaving town?” His heart clenched at the thought. Yet if she did, he’d follow her. “Where did you hear that?” “Ranlon heard it from Roxy. She said you wanted to go into Dallas and get a job. To start selling your songs and maybe singing them, too. Is that true?” If she did, would she want him to come along? If she could see inside him, she’d see him offering his heart for her to either keep safe forever or to shatter into a million pieces. “Oh, that. Yeah. I’m thinking about it.” She settled against him again and he found he could breathe a little easier. “I’d love to make a living as a songwriter more than as a singer. Singers are on the road too much.” “What’s wrong with being on the road?” “Nothing, I guess. If you like that kind of life. But I want a family, a home. I like places like Lost Hills. You know, small towns where people know you.” He winced. Sometimes people knew too much. “How come I never see you in town, anyway? Or any of the other guys?” “We prefer to stay on the ranch. You know, what with all the chores and stuff. When we want to have fun, we usually go into Dallas or another city.”

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“And now Sadie’s.” “Yeah. Which was lucky for me. Otherwise, I’d never have met you.” She tugged playfully at his ear. “And Roxy wouldn’t have met Ranlon.” Ranlon had dated Roxy a few times, thinking she might be his future mate, but he’d never gotten past the impression that something important was missing from their connection. Max hoped Cally would drop the subject of their friends. Better not to get involved until Ranlon sorted out his feelings. “Although one of my friends said she saw Jimmy in town the other day. But he only stayed for a few minutes. She said he looked really nervous the whole time he was there. Then he left like he couldn’t get out of town fast enough.” He shrugged off her curiosity. “Beats me. I don’t keep track of the other guys.” He squeezed her closer. “I hope you get your wish about being a songwriter. From what I’ve heard, I don’t think you’ll have much trouble.” She gave him one of her smiles that made him feel warm all over. The kind of smile a man would fight heaven and hell for. “Really? Thanks. I appreciate it.” She played with a strand of his hair. “Let’s hope you’re right.” “I will be. And I’ll do everything I can to help you.” She tilted her head to the side. “You mean that, don’t you?” “Of course I do.” “But why? You hardly know me.” “I know you well enough to know I care for you.” Tears welled in her eyes and she leaned against him, curling her body next to his. They settled into a comfortable silence, letting their bodies, the familiar way they held each other say more than words ever could. He was happy, pleased things were going so well. But what would she say once he’d told her about the pack? Would that change her

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mind about settling down? After all, the pack wasn’t a traditional kind of family. “Cally?” He needed answers. “Hmm?” “Why don’t we ever go to your place? I mean, Roxy’s home is nice, but I’d like to see where you live.” She stiffened, then moved away, ruining the moment they’d shared. “I like it here better.” “But why?” He grinned, hoping humor would help ease the tension. “You’re not hiding a husband in the attic, are you?” She didn’t laugh or even smile. “I just like it better here, that’s all.” He wasn’t ready for the irritation flooding him. “You already said that. But I want to know why. Do you live in a dump? Because if you do, I don’t care. Are you a lousy housekeeper or a hoarder? If so, no problem.” She rested her back against the arm of the couch and crossed her arms. “No on all counts.” Crap. He should’ve kept his cool and given her more time. But he couldn’t stop the question from flying out of his mouth. “Then what is it?” “It is none of your business.” She stood and picked up her purse. “I think it’s time for me to get home.” He’d pushed her too far and would have to try again another night. Rising, he followed her to his pickup and drove her back to her car in Sadie’s parking lot. She gave him a quick kiss good-bye, hurried to her car, and pulled out of the parking lot. He frowned and let his truck’s engine idle. “What the hell are you hiding, Cally?” **** Max sauntered into Sadie’s, whistling one of Cally’s songs. He

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slid onto his favorite bar stool and set the box filled with a dozen long-stemmed roses on the counter. “How’re you doing tonight, Max?” Fay slid a rag over the counter in front of him, wiping away the remnants of peanut shells. “The usual?” “Sure thing.” He lifted his gaze to the mirror behind her and scanned the crowd. “She’s here, right?” “Yep. She’s helping Sadie right now, but she’ll be back in a bit.” Fay set the bottle of beer in front of him, then rested her elbows on the counter. “Are you two getting together again tonight?” Her gaze drifted to the long box. “Are those flowers?” He grinned, opting to answer her first question. “I’m hoping I can see her tonight.” After the way their last time together had ended, he wasn’t so sure. Hopefully, the flowers would help smooth her feathers. Fay touched his hand. “She’s a lucky girl. I wish I had guy like you.” He slid his hand away from hers. Not that he really thought she was hitting on him, but he didn’t want anyone getting the wrong impression. “You will.” She took the hint and picked up the empty nut bowl. “Let’s hope you’re right.” She took another longing look at the flower box and moved away to fill a customer’s order. He took a swig. Why wouldn’t Cally invite him to her house? He swiveled around on the barstool, beer in hand. He wasn’t worried. He’d find out soon enough. Until then, he was content just being with her. He tapped his foot to the music and scanned the interior of Sadie’s, skimming over the other waitresses until he found her. Her sunshine-colored hair glistened under the lights of the bar as she spoke to a customer and wrote down his order. The shorts she wore accented her shapely bottom, and the green, sparkling top clung to her curves.

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Damn, but she’s beautiful. I’m one lucky man. Not every werewolf’s intended mate was attractive. Good looks weren’t necessary. If they were meant to be together, they’d believe each other desirable no matter what their appearance. For a moment he wondered if it might be better if Cally weren’t so hot. Maybe then the men wouldn’t ogle her so much. A low growl rumbled in his throat. Take it easy. She doesn’t know what you are. Much less what’s to come. He shifted in his seat and gestured to Fay to pour him another cold one. “Hey, stranger. Back already?” Even the sound of her voice made his shaft jerk to life. Turning toward her, he rested his back against the bar and grinned. “Yep. I wanted to hear you sing again.” “Oh, I’m sorry. I’m not scheduled to sing tonight.” Her brown eyes saddened. “I’m doing only one dance routine, too. Most of the time I’m waiting on tables.” “Seems to me they should use the best they’ve got. Your talent’s wasted schlepping beers instead of entertaining.” She brightened at his compliment. “You’re sweet to say so, but it’s okay. This way all the girls get their time in the spotlight.” “Girls? What girls? I don’t see anyone but you.” He almost grimaced at the cheesy line even though he’d spoken the truth. Cally giggled and laid her hand on his shoulder. He jerked at the shock her touch gave him and noticed she’d done the same. They were true mates, no doubt about it. “Are those for me?” Her gaze slid to the box. “Who else?” He offered them to her. “I wanted to make up for hassling you about going to your place.” She pulled the red bow and opened the box. After sniffing the roses, she handed the flowers to Fay, asking her to put them safely under the bar. “No, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have reacted so badly.” “Then we’re good?” “Yeah. We’re good.”

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“Great. Then if you’re not doing anything after work, would you like to grab a cup of coffee at the diner?” He hated going into Lost Hills, but maybe if she got used to going somewhere other than Roxy’s she’d loosen up and take him to her home. Sheesh, I feel like a lovesick kid. Lovesick, sure. But a kid? Hell no. No kid ever had thoughts like mine. He lingered on her breasts before sliding his gaze down then back up. She leaned closer to feather a kiss on his cheek. “I’d like to. Really. But I, uh, I can’t.” He couldn’t have felt worse if she’d kneed him in the balls. “Got a hot date or something?” he joked. “Kind of.” What? She couldn’t be serious. Not after the week they’d shared. His mind stalled, unable to think straight. “Are you kidding?” She darted her gaze to the side as though checking the crowd. “I’m sorry. I just can’t make it tonight.” Music signaled the start of a dance routine. “There’s my cue. I’ll catch you later, okay?” Letting her hand glide down his shoulder, she hurried away. “Catch me later? What the hell does that mean?” Max gnawed on his lower lip. What the hell was wrong? Had she lied when she’d said she’d forgiven him for pushing her to go to her place? Granted, they’d never agreed to be exclusive, even if he’d assumed as much. He stewed for a moment, breathing deeper to control the tightness creeping up his spine. The animal inside growled, itching to claw its way out and take her. But he had to take it easy. After all, he had no claim on her. Yet. Cally rushed behind the counter, stepped onto a stool, then hopped on top of the bar. Three other girls joined her and formed a line. Together, they tapped their boots and put their backs to the audience. The crowd whistled and cheered, encouraging the girls. Max sat back, crossed his arms, and tried to stuff down the unfamiliar feeling of envy. Finding his intended mate was one thing.

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Having to watch a room full of strangers lust after her was way too hard. Still, he couldn’t deny it. She was something to watch. Cally and the girls bent over, their heads between their legs, their smiles alluring and enticing. Whipping her head up, she spun around and bumped her hip out then pretended to shoot everyone with an imaginary pistol. Blowing pretend smoke from her fingertip, she sauntered down the mahogany top of the bar, going through the routine with ease. Max smiled whenever she glanced his way, but he wasn’t sure if she smiled back at him or if it was just part of the show. Her long, tanned legs made his mouth water. Maybe it wouldn’t happen tonight, but he’d have her legs wrapped around him soon. Either that or he’d die of frustration. The song ended, and Cally and the girls waved their thanks to the crowd. Max watched her, enjoying the way her full breasts filled out her shirt as she gracefully slipped to the floor. Instead of coming toward him, however, she headed toward the restrooms. He had to talk to her again. Maybe he could convince her to change her plans and come out with him instead. Tossing money down to pay for his drinks, he strode toward the hallway. “Hey, Cally.” She spun around, surprise lifting her eyebrows. Scanning the area around her, she joked, “We need to stop meeting like this.” “At least this time you don’t have a jerk bothering you.” She laughed, the sound twinkling like chimes blowing in the wind. “True, and thanks to you, I can powder my nose in safety.” He eased near her, then pressed a palm to her cheek. “I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed spending time with you this week. And I don’t mean just your singing.” He grinned and inched nearer. “Yeah. I did, too.” “I really want to see you again tonight.” He hoped she could see his desire, his yearning for more than mere sex. If not, he’d have to prove it to her.

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The tip of her tongue peeked out from between her pink lips. “I’d like to, but I’ve got something else to do.” “Then blow off whatever it is and come with me.” “I can’t. I made a commitment.” “What do you mean? What kind of commitment?” She couldn’t get involved with anyone else. Not now that he’d finally found her. She hesitated then stiffened. “I don’t think it’s any of your business.” “Why are you always saying that? Besides, it is now.” He tried, but he couldn’t keep his irritation out of his tone. “You’ve got a date, right?” She moved away from him, shooting him a wary look. “Who said anything about a—” She stopped, then let out a huge exasperated breath. “Maybe you need to leave.” He ground out his words, angry that the conversation had gone so far off track. “Fine. I’ll leave. But not before I do this.” He grazed his palm along her cheek to cup her neck then tugged her to him. She gasped in the same second his mouth covered hers, depriving her of releasing her breath. The gasp thrust out her breasts, pushing them against him. He moaned into her and bit her lower lip as she inhaled. She flattened her hands against his chest and pushed, but not hard. He smiled into the kiss, knowing that if she’d wanted him to stop she would’ve pushed harder. She tasted sweet. Her body warmed him as though he’d suffered through a snowstorm and had only now realized he’d been chilled to the bone. She shuddered as he slipped his tongue into her mouth and tracked his fingers through her hair at the nape of her neck. Cupping her breast, he skimmed his thumb over her peaked nipple and she whimpered. Sucking on his tongue, she lifted a leg and wrapped it around his. He grabbed her butt cheek, his fingertips sneaking under the shorts to feel the soft skin. The curve of her bottom enticed him to move farther, and he did until he discovered

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her crack. She was hot, so hot the heat was oozing into his jeans to torment his cock. Breaking the kiss, he traced a path to her neck with his tongue. God, she’s so soft. So warm. He slid his tongue along her shoulder and the tips of his fangs broke through his gums, urging him to bite her and make her his. It’s too soon. Slow down. Although he managed to retract his fangs, he couldn’t leave her. Instead, he hoisted her up, holding her with one hand under her bottom as he pushed aside the tight material of her shorts to find her without panties. Moaning, he pushed aside the folds of her pussy lips. She threw her head to the side, once more tempting him to bite her. “In the closet.” Had he heard her right? His mind was too clouded with lust to know for sure. “What?” “There. The second door on the right. It’s the supply closet.” She panted her words, her eyes glazed over. Growling his need, he set her on her feet, dragged her to the door, opened it, and yanked her inside. Shelves filled the small room and a dusty light swinging from its cord cast a dim haze. She shimmed out of her shorts as he unbuckled and shucked his jeans to the floor. Not bothering to remove either of their shirts, he pushed her shirt up her chest, tugged her bra out of the way, and filled his mouth with her breast. “Fuck me.” Her voice was harsh, filled with yearning as he lifted her again and draped her legs around him. Pausing, he gazed into her eyes, saw the answer he sought there, and plunged into her. She cried out then slapped a hand over her mouth to cut off her sound. She’s tight. Even tighter than I remember. The beast inside him went crazy, clawing to be set free, but he

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didn’t give in to the urge to go wild. As much as he ached to sink his teeth into her smooth skin, claiming her as his, he resisted. He wouldn’t take her by force. Not now. Not ever. **** Oh, my God. He’s huge. Her thoughts buzzed like bees flying around a honeycomb. A few made sense. Others were emotions incapable of forming into words. He stirred so many feelings within her, new and old, familiar and mystifying. She’d never known any man like him, had never sensed such a strong connection with anyone before him. He sucked on her tit and she let him hold her as she put her back against the shelf. Rocking back and forth, she tried to keep up with him, but he moved faster, harder than she ever could. Instead, she gave up and held on, giving way to the climax tearing her apart. Again, she muffled her cry, this time against his shoulder. But he wasn’t finished with her yet. Gripping her bottom, he pushed a finger into her butthole and thrust into her pussy. She moaned, unable to cover the sound as the two sides of her seemed to meet deep inside her abdomen. Another orgasm ripped into her, making her tremble. All at once, Max stopped and, for one horrifying moment, she thought someone had found them. He lifted his head to search her, his dark eyes flashing with bits of amber. Suddenly he tensed, laid his head on her shoulder, then rammed into her, knocking the back of her head against the shelf. She held on to him as his body jerked, wave after wave moving the hard muscles of his back and arms. He growled as he came, the sound reverberating on her skin. They stayed, her legs still wrapped around him, their breaths harsh sounding in the quiet of the room. At last, he set her down then brushed a stray lock of her hair away from her face.

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“Come home with me.” She stared at him, unsure she’d heard him right. His words were filled with a huskiness and she wondered if he meant more than his words implied. He’d spoken almost as though he’d asked her to come home with him forever. And God help her, she wanted to. But she wouldn’t give into the fantasy. She’d made a promise and she wouldn’t break that promise. Too much was at stake. “I told you. I can’t.” He looked at her as though she’d lost her mind. Or he’d lost his. “You’re kidding, right? How can you go on a date”—he spat out the word—“after this?” She hated not telling him, but the fewer people who knew, the better. If she had to let him think she had a date, then she’d do it. “This has nothing to do with it.” Tugging on her shorts, she straightened her clothes and waited until he’d finished doing the same. He ground his teeth together, making the muscles in his jaw twitch. “Like hell it doesn’t.” “Max, you’re being an asshole.” She didn’t wait for his response, pushing open the door and checking the hallway before stepping out. He clutched her arm, twisting her around. “Let me go.” He stared at his hand as though he hadn’t realized he’d grabbed her. “Cally, I didn’t mean to—” “Go home.” She spun around before he could say anything else and ran down the hallway. **** Max sat in his pickup and glanced at the clock on the dashboard for the hundredth time. Only five minutes left and the club would close for the night. What he’d do then, he wasn’t sure, but he knew one thing. Cally was right. He’d acted like a jerk. Nix that. He’d acted

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like a jealous jerk. He had to make it up to her. Had to apologize before he could come back tomorrow and try again. Not that he’d get any rest. Hell, he didn’t think he’d ever sleep until she was his. My mate. I finally found my mate, and what’d I go and do? I pissed her off. Why didn’t anyone tell me taking a mate would be so hard? Cally stepped out of the bar, her face lit up in laughter as she waved good-bye to Roxy. Max started to go to her, but she’d already made it to her car and was pulling out of the driveway. He growled, angry at himself for not waiting beside her car. Unable to think of anything else to do, he followed her, hoping she’d give him a chance to talk to her before her date picked her up. Her date. Damn. But what if she went on her date anyway? If so, he’d have to run all night to release the tension. Damn it all to hell and back. Ten minutes later, he stopped his truck several yards down from where she’d parked. She walked up the walkway leading to the cozy, two-story, yellow cottage, stopping a moment to smell one of the many roses lining the way to the welcoming front porch. Shifting enough to enhance his hearing, he could hear her mumbling to herself as she dug in her purse for her keys. Now’s my chance. I just hope she doesn’t think I’m stalking her. Granted, I kind of am, but not in the way she’ll think. He swung his legs out of the truck and landed on the ground. Here goes nothing. Or everything. The front door of her home opened, spilling out a young child. The little girl’s blonde hair streamed behind her as she dashed toward Cally. Max froze, his mind going blank. Cally hugged the girl then stroked her hair. “Hey, sweetie-pie, what are you doing up so late?” Her words were meant to be stern, but the joy in her voice overshadowed the chastisement. “I couldn’t wait. I had to tell you.”

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Max narrowed his eyes, letting his shifter sight take over. Big brown eyes, so much like Cally’s, widened as the girl hopped up and down with excitement. Cally matched the girl’s exuberance, took her hand, then led her up the steps to the front door. “Don’t tell me Zach Timmons likes you!” The little girl squealed and nodded until Max thought her head might fall off. “Oh, my gosh. I told Missy that I liked Zach at lunch, then Missy told Sally, and she told Willy.” “And did Willy tell Zach? What did Zach say?” “Well, Zach told Willy who told Sally who told Missy who told me that he did like me. Plus, he’s going to invite me to his birthday party next week.” “Wow, that’s wonderful, Brittany. How about we grab a little ice cream and you can tell me all about it?” “Goodie.” The little girl skipped into the house. Cally stopped at the door and, almost as though she sensed him, she turned and scanned her front yard. Worry knitted her brows, making his heart ache. What was her look about? Why was she worried? Did it have something to do with him? Max ran a hand over his face. Had he made yet another mistake? He couldn’t just walk up and knock on her door now. Could he? He climbed back into his pickup and leaned his forearms on the wheel. Cally has a kid. Of all the barriers he’d imagined between them, her having a child wasn’t one of them. But it was a problem. Not that he didn’t want kids—he did and a lot of them—but no werewolf had ever brought another man’s child, a human child, into the pack. At least not without major trouble. “Crap. When am I going to catch a break?” Michael, the alpha of the pack, had brought Sara, the alpha-

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female, into the pack and that hadn’t been easy. First, he’d lured her to them with dreams and then, once she’d seen them shift into werewolves, she’d fled straight into the arms of a killer werebear. Right now, however, he’d gladly face down a killer than deal with a mate bringing along a child. He needed advice. Turning on the motor, he started to pull away from the curb when another car whisked by him, almost scraping the side of the truck. “Hey! Watch where you’re going!” The older, rust-covered Mustang slammed to a stop, blocking Cally’s car in her driveway. Max frowned as a big, burly brute of a man hurled his body out of the car and dashed down the walkway toward the house. He reached the door and pounded on it. “That bitch of mine better get her ass out of there or I’m going to break down the fucking door.” When nothing happened, he kicked the door twice then yelled more obscenities. “Aw, hell. This can’t be good.” Max flung his door open.

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Chapter Four Cally jumped at the loud bang on the door, her breath catching in her throat. “Oh, God.” Lena Horton, Brittany’s mother, reached for the child, and hugged her close. The girl, her eyes wide with fright, clung to her mother, a frightened whimper escaping her. Shouts mixed with more pounding, making nearby windows rattle. “It’s him.” Lena’s voice squeaked. Cally’s adrenaline ramped into high gear, and she brought a finger to her lips. “Shush. Whisper.” “But how did he find us?” Lena’s hand trembled as she brought her palm to her chest. “I didn’t tell anyone where we went.” Cally shook her head, her mind whirring, trying to figure out what to do. Should they make a mad dash to her car? Or run out the back way? “Neither did I. Someone must’ve seen us talking the other day when I ran into you at the Women’s Aid Society.” She loved volunteering at the counseling office, but the stories she heard often left her in tears. Lena was an old friend from high school, so she’d offered to take her and her daughter in for safekeeping. “What are we going to do?” Lena tugged at her hair, a habit that surfaced whenever she was afraid. “I know one thing we’re not going to do. We won’t let him haul you two back home.” As frightened as she was, Cally resolved not to let Carl, Lena’s husband, hurt her friend again. “Hurry to the back room and lock the door.” She tossed Lena her cell phone. “And call the sheriff.”

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“But what about you?” “Don’t worry about me.” Cally took her friend by the shoulders and pushed her toward the small kitchen and the back room beyond. “I’ll be fine. But whatever you do, whatever you hear, you don’t come out until I tell you everything’s all right. Got it?” Lena took Brittany’s hand and tugged her along with her. She paused, then turned back. “Cally?” “Yeah?” She reached behind the old upright piano her grandmother had left her and plucked the baseball bat out of hiding. Thank you, Sadie, for my bat. “I’m so sorry.” A tear tracked down Lena’s face, her stringy blonde hair and sad gray eyes sending a twinge of pity into Cally’s heart. “You have nothing to be sorry about. Now get going.” Cally whirled around as another barrage of pounding shook the door. Taking a big breath, she stalked over to the door and flattened her palms against it. “Who the hell are you?” No way would she let on that she already knew. Her own safety as well as Lena’s and her child’s depended on her lying. “Lena Horton, get your scrawny ass out here right this minute.” Carl’s words were slurred with alcohol. “If you don’t, I’m going to fuckin’ kill you, bitch.” “This isn’t Lena Horton’s place. I’m Cally Sheridan, and I’m calling the sheriff if you don’t get off my property.” She hoped Lena had already called, but maybe, if she was lucky, the threat of calling the sheriff would be enough to make Carl leave. “I know she’s in there.” A louder bang brought a mind-sickening crack as her door shuddered under Carl’s assault. Peeking out the small window running the length of the door, she saw Carl rear back, ready to kick. She scrambled out of the way a second before the door burst open and Carl charged in. Raising the bat in front of her, she planted her feet and stood her ground. “Carl Horton, get the hell out of here.”

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He searched her small home with bloodshot eyes. “Not until I get my kid and my woman.” “I told you. They aren’t here.” She straightened as tall as she could, trying to look more intimidating, encouraged that her voice wasn’t shaking as much as her knees. “Now leave.” He laughed, a cruel sound. “What’re you going to do if I don’t?” A sneer lifted the corner of his mouth. “I don’t see no phone. How’re you gonna call for help?” “She doesn’t have to. Help is already here.” Max stood in her doorway, his thumbs hooked in the pockets of his jeans. He seemed calm, almost serene as he took in the broken door and the hulk of a man. Relief washed over her. “Thank God,” she whispered. He moved so fast she wasn’t sure she hadn’t imagined it. In less than a second, Max had Carl by the throat, holding him off the ground. The big man’s feet dangled in the air and his arms flailed. Soon, however, the brute struck out, hitting Max in the head. Growling, Max tossed Carl away from him. The man landed on the floor, causing the lamp on a nearby table to fall and crash into pieces. Carl, stunned at first, managed to lumber to his feet and snatch the bat from Cally’s hands. “Watch out!” But her warning wasn’t needed as Max blocked Carl’s swing, then grabbed the bat and yanked it away. “Do you want to play ball?” Grinning, Max swung and landed a home run on Carl’s crotch. “Argh!” Carl crumpled to the floor again, cupping his hands over his crotch and wailing in pain. Max twirled the bat like a baton. “What? Already finished playing, big guy?” Carl kept one hand over his crotch and covered his head with the other. “No. No more.” The sound of a siren, then footsteps coming toward the house had Max and Cally turning toward the front door. Tim Bingham, the

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town’s newly appointed sheriff, his hand on the holster of his gun, slid to a stop and took in the carnage. “What happened here?” Carl moaned, then rolled to his other side. Cally took the bat from Max and laid it against the piano. “This idiot broke down my door, then threatened to hurt me.” “She’s got my wife and daughter holed up in here, sheriff.” Tim buckled the strap back over his gun. “Is that true, Cally?” She didn’t want to lie to the sheriff, but she couldn’t let Carl know the truth. Instead, she stared into Tim’s eyes and hoped he’d understand her silent message. “Now why would they be here?” Tim studied her then nodded. “Uh-huh.” Turning to Max, he cocked his head to the side, disdain written on his face. “What’s your part in this? And are any of the others involved?” Max stepped closer to Cally. “I’m just a good citizen helping out a woman in need.” “Uh-huh.” Tim blew out a breath, reached over, and hauled Carl to his feet. “I tell you what. I’m going to take old Carl here down to the lockup and let him sleep it off. If you want to press charges, Cally, you’ll have to come down and talk to Judge Wilson in the morning.” Cally bit her lip and wondered if she should press charges. Spending a few days behind bars would do Carl some good. But she knew his best friend, a lawyer, would have him out on bail before she even left the courthouse. Then what? Carl would be angrier than ever. “I’ll let it go this time. But I’m going to put the bill for my new door on his tab at the hardware store.” “Okay. It’s your choice. But if you change your mind, let me know.” Tim nodded his head and, keeping a firm grip on the big man, headed him toward the door. Suddenly, he pivoted around to glare at Max. “As for you, I think you’d better get on back to the ranch where you belong.” Cally watched their interaction, getting the sense that the sheriff knew more than he said. Max didn’t respond and instead bent to pick up the broken lamp. Taking the hint, the sheriff muttered a curse

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under his breath and pushed Carl outside. She watched Max as he cleaned up, mesmerized by the simple flexing of his arms. Granted he was as hot and sexy as any man she’d ever seen, but why did her stomach flip over every time she got close? He held an indefinable attraction for her, like chocolate to a lovestarved housewife. Her mouth dried up in the same second wetness dampened her panties. She wanted to reach out to him, to snag him by his satiny, black hair and yank his mouth to hers. Her knees still shook, but no longer from fear. Max Matheson was the sun her cold body needed, the water her parched soul yearned for. “Why is it men always end up on the floor holding their junk whenever you’re around?” He chuckled. “Hey, you’re the one you put the whammy on the first guy. I guess we just tend to think alike.” I hope so. She licked her lips, ready for the kiss she longed for. “I’ll get a man over here to fix your door. Don’t worry about it.” She let out a long slow breath and knelt beside him, helping to pick up the pieces of the lamp. “How?” He looked at her, his dark eyes flecked with amber, making her wonder how his eyes could change. “How what? How will he fix your door?” “No. How did you know I was in trouble?” She inhaled, trying not to be obvious about it but hoping to get closer to smell his unique, wild scent. He smelled like sunny days, windy nights all layered with an exotic cover of barely controlled danger. Yet unlike Carl, his edge of danger made her feel safe. He stood then carried the broken shards to a nearby trash can. Turning, he grinned at her, the ghost of a mischievous little boy oozing from his demeanor. “Oh, you know. I just happened to be in the area.” She dumped her bits of broken porcelain into the trash after his. “Uh-huh. And this ranch of yours? Is my house on the way there?” “Could be.” He pulled her close, and she didn’t resist. “If you take

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the long way around town, past Sadie’s, and a few miles out into the plains.” Damn, but she loved how he skimmed his hand along her arm. One touch and she was a human torch. “So you’re showing up to save the day again wasn’t a coincidence, was it?” He darted his gaze away from hers, sighed, then came back with a serious expression. “Okay, I’ll confess. I followed you home from Sadie’s.” She leaned away from him, surprised but not upset. “You’re stalking me?” Why that didn’t bother her and, in fact, thrilled her, she didn’t know. He grimaced then cupped her face, his thumbs caressing her cheeks. “Damn, I was worried you’d think so. But no. Well, I mean yes, I did follow you, but I’m not a stalker.” “Your actions say otherwise.” She wanted to tease him, not just verbally, but physically, too. She arched an eyebrow. “I think maybe you need to tell me what’s on your mind. Am I right?” His grin was back to melt her knees again. “You are.” Again, his grin died too soon. He changes emotions faster than a magician can pull a rabbit out of his hat. “Then get on with it.” “I wanted to apologize to you.” “You mean for the way you acted at the bar?” Not that it mattered any longer. After all, who could stay mad at a hero? “Yeah. I was”—he shifted on his feet—“jealous.” She’d assumed as much, but decided to drag it out of him. “You were jealous? Of what?” He brushed her hair back, his expression open, even vulnerable. “I was jealous of you going out with another guy.” “I never said I had a date.” He jerked back, intent on studying her as though he wasn’t sure what she’d said. “But you said you had to leave. You said you had a commitment that you wouldn’t break to be with me.” “Uh-huh. So?”

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“Are you telling me you didn’t have a date?” She laughed, then shook her head. “No. I didn’t. You assumed that’s what I meant.” “Then what gives? What commitment did you have that you couldn’t break?” She pushed away, a blush flaring heat to her face. “Oh, my God. How could I forget?” Whirling around, she dashed through the kitchen to the closed door on the other side of the tiny room with Max on her heels. “Cally, what’s wrong?” She didn’t bother to answer, instead knocking on the door. “Lena? Lena, it’s okay. Carl’s gone. You can come out now.” As the door opened, she spun on her heel and made a face at him. “I can’t believe I forgot they were in here.” He slid his gaze between her and the door, a knowing expression filling his face. “So this is why I couldn’t come here. You were protecting someone. Shit, Cally, I wish you’d told me. I could’ve helped.” “You did.” A timid Lena and teary-eyed Brittany peeked into the kitchen then stopped as they spotted him. “No, no. It’s okay.” Cally took Lena’s hand and urged her to come out. “This is Max. He won’t hurt you, and Carl is gone.” Lena moaned, letting go of her child and slumping forward. Max caught her seconds before she would’ve hit the floor. Brittany clung to Cally and they followed him as he carried Lena to the sofa in the living room. Gently, he laid Lena down then moved aside to let Cally sit next to her. Lena’s eyes fluttered opened and she gasped then sat up. “Take it easy. You’re safe.” Cally smoothed back her hair. “I told you. I won’t let Carl hurt you again.” “Neither will I.” Cally shot Max a look of gratitude before reaching out to him. “In

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case I didn’t make myself clear, I’m glad you were around to help us.” “Don’t mention it.” Max took a seat in the armchair next to them and rested his elbows on his knees. Surprising everyone, Brittany eased onto his lap and leaned her head against his chest. Cally’s throat tightened. If ever a man deserved to be a father, Max was it. The way he gathered the child into his arms made her yearn to see him holding a child of their own. Stunned at her thought, she blinked and returned her attention to Lena. “Is there anywhere you could go that Carl won’t find you? He doesn’t know for certain you’re here, but I’m afraid he might return.” The poor woman’s bottom lip quivered. “We don’t have anyone. My parents died a long time ago, and besides, Carl controls what little money we have. I don’t have a penny to my name.” She tried to sit up, but Cally eased her back down. “Don’t worry about anything. I’ll take care of you.” “We’ll take care of you.” The now-familiar rush of desire swept through her as she and Lena shifted to face Max. “You don’t have to do anything more.” Yet, she hoped, she prayed he would. “Don’t worry about it.” Max hugged Brittany, resting a protective arm around the small girl. “If you ladies are willing, I’d like to take you home with me. All three of you.” Her first instinct was to say yes, to jump into his arms and kiss him. But she’d been on her own a long time and wasn’t used to men helping her. “I don’t know what to say.” “Say you’ll come. You’ll be my guests. And don’t worry. The other guys won’t mind.” Lena shot Cally a frightened look. “The other guys? Who are you talking about?” “My friends. The ones Cally met the other night at Sadie’s. Oh, and there’s Michael and Sara, too.” Lena grew rigid. “You’re talking about the Matheson Ranch. I

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know that place. And you’re…you’re one of them?” “One of them?” What did she mean? What was going on? Surely Lena didn’t believe the stories. Max shrugged. “Don’t believe everything you hear. We run cattle and have a few quarter horses along with each of us doing our own thing.” She had to admit it. After Carl’s appearance tonight, she was nervous about staying in her home. Until Lena could make a clean break and a new life without her abusive husband, she wouldn’t know what to expect. “What do you say, Lena? It’s your call.” She glanced at Max. “But I know Max is a stand-up kind of guy, and if he vouches for the others, then that’s good enough for me.” Max leaned forward, careful not to wake the sleeping girl in his arms. “I can promise you that you’ll be safe. Think about it. You’ll have six men to guard you and a room of your own to share with Brittany. Plus, Sara’s an awesome cook.” Lena remained silent, her gaze traveling to Max, then the broken door, and back to Cally. “All right. But just until we can figure out where else we can go.” Max’s grin sparked one of her own as Cally nodded her consent. “It’s settled then. Lena, you stay put and rest while I throw some things into a suitcase. I know what to pack for you and Brittany.” She stood, feeling much stronger and safer than she had in many years. Passing by the armchair, she squeezed Max’s shoulder and whispered a heartfelt thank-you. **** “You did what?” Michael Matheson, the alpha-male of the Night Runner pack, scowled at Max. “What the hell were you thinking?” “Aw, cut him a break, will ya? He’s in love.” William rested a hand on Michael’s shoulder then kept walking past him to the

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window. Nick, Ranlon, and Jimmy attempted to get a peek at the two women and little girl huddled under the porch light, waiting for Max to return and usher them inside. “Or at least head over heels in lust.” Ranlon thumped the youngest member of the pack in the head. “Knock it off, Jimmy. One day you’re going to find your mate and end up doing stupid shit, too. Like bringing a kid into a house full of werewolves.” “Have you told Cally what you are? What we are?” Michael studied the women. “I heard about Cally. But the other woman’s not Roxy, is she?” Max had tried coming up with a good speech filled with convincing reasons on the drive to the ranch with the women following behind in Cally’s car. Brittany had insisted on riding with him, which both confused and unnerved him. Little girls weren’t like women, and he had no clue how to handle them. But his shortcomings didn’t seem to bother the eight-year-old. “No, she’s not. Her name’s Lena Horton—” “Aw, hell. She’s not Carl Horton’s wife, is she?” Michael glared at him, lifting his lips in a human version of a wolf’s snarl. “Shit, man. Don’t you know not to interfere between a husband and his wife?” Max tried to keep his irritation in check, but a bit of it managed to leak out anyway. “I didn’t have much of a choice. Carl came after his wife and kid. What was I supposed to do? Let him break down Cally’s door and do nothing about it? Should I have let him knock Cally aside and drag his wife out of the house kicking and screaming?” He neglected to mention Lena’s nonappearance during Carl’s attack. No need to cloud the issue with details. “Of course he couldn’t. Max, you did the right thing.” The six men abruptly stood at attention. Sara, the alpha-female, entered the room, an apron tied around her waist. She ruled the pack alongside Michael and, in some ways, held even more influence. All

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the men had shared her bed when she was first brought into the pack almost a year earlier. Since then, she’d grown into her role as a leader and could make them do as she liked. “Sara, you don’t know everything.” Michael’s voice softened, the hardness of his features morphing into the tender look he always gave her. “I don’t need to know everything.” She glanced out the window. “I’ve heard what people say about Carl Horton, and I wouldn’t make a rat live with the man. If his wife has finally taken off and is trying to keep her little girl from seeing more of her father’s awful side, then we’re going to help her.” Max sent Sara a look of thanks and tried not to stand too close to the frustrated Michael. “Fine. What do you want to do with them?” Max imagined he could hear Michael grind his teeth together. “Lena and her girl can have the guest room at the end of the hallway.” Her gaze fell on Max, rushing heat into his neck under her perusal. “As for Cally, she can choose for herself. If she wants to boot Max out of his room to sleep on the couch, or let him stay with her, then so be it. Now, let’s go welcome our guests.” Michael held up his hand, stopping all of them, including Sara. “First things first. While they’re here, no shifting in the daytime.” The men grumbled, but Michael quieted them by holding up his hand and making a fist, the signal for immediate silence. “I’m not saying we won’t have our nightly run.” He cleared his throat and continued. “Because I have a feeling we’re going to need the release more than usual. But not as a full pack. Max and one other will have to stay behind to make sure Carl doesn’t make an unexpected appearance while we’re gone.” Max nodded, willing to make the sacrifice. The others remained silent, giving their unspoken agreement. “Oh, and one more thing.” “What the fuck now, Sara?” Jimmy rolled his eyes.

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She tweaked his arm. “No foul language around the little girl or I’ll tie your tail in a knot.”

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Chapter Five After Sara had shown Lena and Brittany to their room, Cally went with Max to a bedroom located at the end of a long corridor. The bedroom was decorated sparsely with only a few pieces of furniture. An enormous bed dominated one wall. “Wow, that is one big bed.” Max placed her suitcase at the side of the dresser. “Yeah, we had them special made.” “You mean all the beds are like this?” “They are. Which is why Lena and Brittany will have no problem sharing a room. Plus, each bedroom has its own bathroom.” He shrugged. “What can I say? We may be ranchers at work, but we enjoy the finer things in life, too. At least as far as comfort goes.” She walked into the gold-gilded bathroom and froze when she saw the huge bathtub. “I know this is Texas, but is everything big in this house? Six people could fit in there.” “More.” More? And how many of the “more” were women? “I thought you said you’d never had any women in your bed? I guess you weren’t counting your Jacuzzi, huh? Or the enormous rain shower, either.” “I’ve never had a woman in either of them. But every bedroom has the same bed, shower, and tub and I have been in the other ones.” With lots of women? She started to ask, but stopped, aware she had no right to make any claims on him. He stepped behind her and rested his chin on her shoulder. “So what would like? Are you going to share my bed with me? Or are you going to kick me out into the cold?”

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She giggled, unable to resist his charm. “I hardly think sleeping on the sofa downstairs is kicking you out into the cold.” “Anywhere I sleep is cold without you in my bed.” Not only could the man make her ache for him with his touch, he could do the same with his words. “Somehow I don’t think you’ve had to sleep alone much.” He nuzzled against her ear. “That’s where you’d be wrong. I may have had my share of women, but I’ve never shared my bed with any of them. You’ll be the first.” She pivoted to face him, needing to see if he was sincere. The truth shone in the way he looked at her. “Then how can I possibly kick you out of your own room?” He squeezed her tight, cupping her breast. “Want to try the mattress?” As much as she longed for him, she wanted something else more. “Would you mind if I take a bath first? All I can think of right now is soaking in hot water.” “Sure, I understand. It’s been a long night for you.” The fatigue she’d fought off suddenly hit her. But she wasn’t too tired to ignore her other needs. “How about scrubbing my back for me?” He grinned and started shedding his clothes. She laughed at his enthusiasm, tugged her shirt over her head, then turned on the faucet. The hot water steamed into the air, fogging up the full-length mirror on the opposite wall. Max surprised her by lighting the candles surrounding the tub and flicking off the light. “Are you sure you haven’t had anyone in here before?” “What? You mean the candles? Hey, can’t a man enjoy a little ambiance, too?” Max found her breasts again and worked his body closer. His eagerness had awakened his cock that pressed against her butt crack. She moaned into his caress, enjoyed the sensations his body always gave her, then stepped into the half-filled bathtub. Max joined her,

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sliding behind her and running his palms over her back to massage her shoulders. She fell back against the hard pole pushing on her buttocks and the rock-solid chest. “Oh, that feels so good.” “I intend to make you feel good all over.” He slid one hand over her collarbone to cup her breast, kneading her already hard nipple with his thumb. She moaned and closed her eyes, letting the pleasure wash away her fatigue. Max punched the button on the side of the tub and started the whirlpool jets. Streams of soothing water shot out to massage her legs. But the jets’ massage couldn’t compare to Max’s. “You two want some company?” Cally’s eyes flew open as she jerked away from Max and crossed her arms to cover her breasts. Ranlon and William stood in the doorway, their hungry eyes taking her in. William held a bottle of wine while Ranlon carried four goblets. Max circled his arms around her. “Hi, guys.” She glanced at him over her shoulder, the question coming to her eyes before it came to her lips. “Uh, were you expecting visitors?” “Always expect the unexpected in our home.” Ranlon’s black eyes twinkled with amusement. “William and I were wondering if we might join you. After all, we didn’t get to know you much the last time we were together. At Roxy’s place.” She should’ve told them to get lost, knew it was the right thing to do, especially with her feelings for Max growing stronger, but she didn’t want to. Ranlon and William were sexy men, almost as hot as Max and, after what had happened at Roxy’s, she couldn’t help but wonder what they’d be like in bed. Yet instead of answering, she bit her lip and wrestled with what to say. Thankfully, Max helped her out. “If you want them to join us, it’s okay with me. We share in this house.”

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She glanced at him again, but his expression didn’t contradict his consent. “But I don’t get it. At the bar, you didn’t like it when you thought I had a date. So how are you all right with them joining in?” He paused then cupped her chin to stare into her eyes. “This is different. These guys, all of us here at the ranch, are close. As close as any men can be. You going on a date with a man who wasn’t one of us, made me feel…less. It’s hard to explain, and again, this is your choice.” She reached up to clasp him behind the head. The gesture brought her breasts out of the water. Ranlon and William dropped their gazes, their lust written on their faces. “Okay. But I wouldn’t want Lena and, of course, Brittany to notice anything.” Ranlon set the glasses on the edge of the tub, then unbuttoned his shirt. “Don’t worry. Sara checked on them a minute ago and said they were out like a light. I guess they’re pretty worn out.” “Shit. Maybe we should’ve asked. Are you sure you’re up for this? You’re not too tired?” William’s baby blues studied her and he paused in his undressing. “I was tired. But not now.” Heat that didn’t come from the hot water warmed her between her legs. Just thinking about the three gorgeous men giving her pleasure gave her renewed energy. A nude and very aroused Ranlon stepped into the tub, his large body causing the water to rise higher as he sank next to her. William joined them, slipping to the other side of her. He turned off the faucet then placed his back against one of the tub’s jets. “Sit on me, baby.” Max murmured in her ear. The tingle of desire rushed through her, and she did as he requested, letting him lift her onto his lap. His shaft slid into her, easier than she would’ve expected and as though her body had been made for his. Ranlon bent to take a nipple in his mouth while William slicked his tongue over the swell of her other breast, licking the water from

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her skin. She gripped Ranlon’s dark hair, wetting it, then grabbed his hand and placed it between her legs. William groaned and watched his friend part her pussy lips. “Damn, she’s beautiful,” William whispered. “And tight.” Ranlon stroked her, finding the perfect spot to rub. “You have no idea.” Max rocked back and forth, his motion making waves to splash around their bodies. Holding her under her arms, he lifted her then let her body drop toward his as he thrust his hips upward. The walls of her anus strained against his huge cock, trying to hold on to him, then losing him as he pulled out, only to regain him when he lowered her again. She swore she could feel the tip of him hitting her, driving deeper until she was certain he’d meet Ranlon’s fingers. The orgasm broke free, shaking her from her core outward, and she tightened her grip on Ranlon’s hair. William took her breast and moved his hand over her stomach. The muscles in his back rippled and she yearned to caress them. When she did, she wasn’t disappointed. Granite-like steel covered with the smooth flesh of skin slid under her palm. “Come on, Max. Give her to me.” William’s harsh voice matched the tension in his features. “I need her to take a ride on me.” Max helped her position herself on top of William, facing the blue-eyed man. He stared at her and pushed his shaft inside her. She dug her fingernails into his shoulders, reveling in the sensation of tightening her pussy muscles around his hard pole. He let out a breath then kissed her neck, sucking the beads of perspiration away. Cally circled her hips, loving the way he undulated with her. A hand found the crevice in her buttocks and traced a path to her butthole. She laid her head back, her damp hair making rivulets down her body. Max, his eyes glowing with an amber edge, came to her side and ran a finger between her pussy folds. “Ride him, Cally. Show him what you can do to a man.” Taking

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her by the chin, Max turned her face toward him and crushed his lips to hers. He swept his tongue into her mouth, playing and teasing her, daring her to suck him inside. She did, drawing on the exotic taste that was Max. He rubbed her aching nub, keeping rhythm with William’s thrusts and making her clamp around William’s cock even harder. Splinters of exhilarating pains roared outward from her as another climax threw her head forward, her wet hair falling in front of her face. She watched as one man’s hand pleasured her nub and the other’s shaft drove into her time and again. Ranlon got to his knees, sloshing water over the edges of the tub. “Open up for me. Bend forward so I can take you from behind.” She couldn’t have denied him if she’d wanted to. Leaning closer to the reclining William, she pushed her breasts out and he sucked her tit into his mouth. Ranlon separated her cheeks then eased inside her. Max’s breath came in short pants, his eyes glowing a strange yellow color. Vaguely she wondered how his eyes could change color, then saw that William’s had done the same. But all she could do was to hold on, her body and not her mind needing all her concentration. Having Ranlon shove into her from behind while William pushed into her from the front left her breathless. She clamped her hand over Max’s, holding him between her legs. Without his approval, she never would’ve given herself to the other two men. Not now. Not since her feelings for Max had grown so fast. Holding on to William, she closed her eyes and let the ride run wild. Her heart pounded, the blood pumping in her ears, every nerve sensitive to every touch, every breath, every drop of moisture. Sounds like she’d never made before came from her and she urged the men to go deeper and rub harder. Max nibbled on her shoulder then dragged his teeth along her chest to nip the swell of her breast. The action, so simply sensual, rushed yet another orgasm through her. Her body shuddered until she crumbled onto William.

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“Carry her to the bed.” William eased her off him as Max climbed out of the tub. Wrapping her in a soft white towel, Max lifted her from the tub and cradled her in his arms. “You okay, baby?” Her eyes closed, she smiled and mewed, the only answer she could give. Her hand played with the sprinkling of dark hair between his pecs and she dragged in his scent. Had a man ever smelled the way he did? Could another man smell as masculine? Max laid her on top of the bed and pulled the towel from her. She opened her eyes, reaching out for him. Her eyes went wide at the five nude men standing around the bed. She jerked to a sitting position. “Take it easy, Cally. Like before, if you don’t want this, we won’t force you.” Max looked at the others to confirm what he’d said. Jimmy, a wide grin splitting his face, sat down. “I hope you say okay. I’ve been dying to get my hands on you again.” “Ignore the way he says things.” Nick, his broad shoulders highlighting a chest almost as wide, stepped closer then took a place on her right side. Ranlon and William strolled out of the bathroom, drying their bodies with more towels. She darted a look at the impressive cocks she’d enjoyed only minutes before then surveyed the others’ erect shafts. Each man was a work of art, a Herculean statue come to life. Michael joined them, pausing in the doorway. “Cally?” He didn’t need to voice the entire question, but she had one of her own for Max. Without even speaking his name, she sought his approval again. “This is what I want and need, Cally.” Max looked at his friends. “For now.” She swallowed hard then opened her arms wide to welcome them into the bed. Max fell on top of her, making her squeal, and kissed her hard. His gaze swept down into her soul, ridding her of any doubts. With a wicked grin, he tracked his tongue down her body, between her breasts, over her quivering stomach to the crease between her leg

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and torso. She opened to him, spreading her legs apart as he dipped his head to drink from her. “Damn, man, don’t wear her out.” Jimmy lay down, skimming his hand along the outside of her leg to follow it with his tongue. He kept up his journey by sliding his hand under her butt to fondle her cheek. Ranlon took her hand in his and feathered a kiss to her palm. The gesture, so tender, sent shivers through her, especially when he continued to run his tongue along her arm then over to her breast. Nick latched onto her other nipple and she moaned at the sensation of two tongues on her tits. Three tongues. “Oooh, Max. Yeah, please.” Max flattened his tongue against her clit then covered her with his mouth and sucked. Heat flew out from her pussy to spread to her arms and legs. He nibbled, sucked, then flattened his tongue against her, each move different from the one before. The sounds of him satisfying his need made her cry out, delighting in his enjoyment. She shook and reached out for anything to keep her from flying away. Michael surprised her by straddling her, taking her breasts from Ranlon and Nick, then pressing his cock between them. Nick and Ranlon complained but then helped hold her breasts against Michael’s shaft, allowing him to tweak her nipples. Pleasurable stings sparked through her and she reached out again. Nick slid closer, offering her his engorged cock. She wrapped her hands around it, pumped it twice, then couldn’t resist the urge to pull him inside her mouth. He groaned then plunged his fingers into her hair. Ranlon urged her to take his shaft, yet she cupped his balls instead. He worked his cock and used his other hand to hold onto the headboard. A myriad of sensations racked her, first in nips of pain, then in waves of delight. She had never felt as much lust, joy, and need as she did with the men. But more, she’d never felt more like a woman. William, who still stood by watching, groaned and pushed at Max. “You from the front, man, and me from the back.”

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Max turned her until Jimmy protested then moved off the bed. “I’m next, man.” On his side, Max lifted her leg over his as William moved behind her. Her pussy throbbed, and she ached for Max to hurry. He drove into her, clutching her butt cheek to keep her with him. William smoothed a gel over and around the tender rings of her anus then slid in, groaning as he did. Cally gazed into Ranlon’s face, took him, and pulled on his shaft. Michael moved his hips back and forth, his eyes closed, his breathing labored. Tensing, he fell away from her, rolling to his feet and heading for the bathroom. Jimmy laughed then took Michael’s place. Freeing Ranlon to take his cock in his own hand, Cally encased Jimmy’s shaft between her breasts, then took hold and worked her breasts in opposite directions. Only minutes later, Jimmy moaned and clutched her breasts together. “Oh, man, no. I’m going to come too soon.” Cally flicked her tongue over his mushroomed tip. Just as she’d expected, he tensed, moaned, and held a pillow to his crotch. His body jerked in waves of climax, the muscles in his stomach rolling like an earthquake. Nick pushed William’s arm. “Move. Change places.” But it was too late for William. He shoved back, stiffened for a moment, then bent forward, his release shock-waving through him as he covered himself. Seeing William climax sent another rush of orgasms, large then small, pummeling her body. She closed her eyes, blackness threatening to overtake her. Nick opened her from behind and eased himself inside her, making her open her eyes. His mouth parted as she captured him, enveloping him. His moan vibrated into her. Together, Max and Nick took her, ramming into her at the same time, with the same amount of force. They were like bookends, catching her between them and holding her prisoner. Again and again

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they plunged into her, their fingers digging in her flesh as she held onto Ranlon, driving him to a tortuously wonderful end. Please, don’t let this ever stop. Yet, in the back of her mind, Cally needed to have Max alone. Max was the only one who stood out for her. He was her hero and now he was her man. She gasped, not from the delights the men gave her, but from her sudden realization. I love him. Nick and Ranlon came at the same time then fell away. She moved away from Max then took one look at his confused face and laughed as she fell on top of him. Gripping his chest, she dug her fingers into his skin and slipped his cock inside her. He grinned back and pumped into her. Their gazes met, holding each of them closer than mere flesh ever could. The others left the room without a word, leaving them alone. “Cally, stay with me.” “I already am.” He cupped her breasts, his eyes filled with a strange combination of tenderness and lust. “No. I mean stay with me. Now and forever.” Her heart leapt, swelling with a joy she’d never had before. Yet instead of using her voice to answer, she leaned over and placed a sweet kiss on his lips. He wrapped his strong arms around her and together they moved, until as one, they cried their releases. **** Cally rolled over and slid her hand along Max’s arm. He lay on his side, snoring softly. She stretched, luxuriating in the joy of waking up next to him. How long had it been since she’d stayed overnight with a man? Having sex was one thing, but staying over was another. Staying over meant there was more between them than just a wild romp in the sack. Her thoughts drifted back to the night before. Who would’ve

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thought she’d take several men into bed? Although she’d had wild sex before, last night was different. She’d felt special to all the men, but especially to Max. They’d made love to her, each in their own unique way, almost as though welcoming her into an exclusive club. She pressed the tips of her fingers to her mouth to stifle a giggle. She couldn’t help but think that her life had changed for the better. Not wanting to wake Max—after all, he’d worked hard last night, waking her up several times to make love—she slipped from under the covers and pulled on yesterday’s shirt. Thinking of a hot shower had her tiptoeing toward the bathroom when a sound outside drew her attention to the window. Drawing the curtains aside to peek out, she gazed down into the yard behind the house and gasped. Five wolves milled around in a circle, some with their tails wagging back and forth, a couple of them tussling in a playful fight. Most of them were black, with a golden one and a red one standing out from the crowd. Why are they by the house? What would a pack of wolves want here? Do wolves attack people in their homes? Brittany. Oh, my God, please don’t let her be outside. She scanned the yard, her pulse racing. Thankfully, no one else was around. Her stomach rolled over as she pulled the curtains wider to get a better look. “Hell’s bells. Where did they come from?” At that moment, a large black wolf lifted his head and stared straight at her. His amber eyes narrowed and he swished his tail. “Max! Wake up, Max. Hurry!” Max mumbled under his breath, then fell back asleep and started snoring again. She spun away from the window, launching herself on top of the slumbering man. “Max, get up!” “Hey! What the hell?” He squinted at her, his eyes dazed with sleep. She threw off the bed covers, her mind registering his erect and ready shaft, then tugged on his arm. “You have to see this. A pack of

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wolves is right outside in the yard. Come on. We have to warn everyone. Especially Lena and Brittany.” He narrowed his eyes, reminding her of the way the black wolf had looked at her. “Slow down and keep your head. You say a pack of wolves is outside?” “Yes. Move it.” She hopped off the bed, pulling on his arm and taking him along with her. “Hang on, hang on.” “We have to hurry.” She made it to the window and flung the curtains wider. The yard was empty. Pressing her nose to the windowpane, she searched as far as she could see but saw nothing. “Baby, are you sure you weren’t dreaming?” She glared at him. “I was wide awake.” He slipped an arm around her and leaned his chin on her shoulder. “I don’t see anything. Much less a pack of wolves.” “They were out there, I swear it. A black one, a golden one, and a red one.” “A red wolf? They aren’t usually in these parts since they were almost wiped out. There’s some in North Carolina, but here?” He held up his hands, palms out. “Okay, okay. Don’t get your dander up. I’m just saying.” “And I’m just saying I know what I saw and I saw a pack of wolves. Whether you believe me or not, we have to warn the others.” Max released her and stood gazing out at the yard. “Well, they’re gone now. I don’t see any reason to get everyone stirred up, but I’ll mention it when I head downstairs.” She let him turn her around and pull her into his arms. She was sure what she’d seen wasn’t a dream, but since the animals were gone, she’d go along with his suggestion. “Unless, of course, you’d rather I join you in a shower.” His eyes sparkled with a lustful gleam, one she found hard to resist. “Wait until

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you get a load of what that showerhead can do.” “Any other time, I would. But could you please go and tell everyone? I’ll get cleaned up and come down as fast as I can.” She shot him a pointed look. “You know. In case they don’t believe you.” He ran a hand over his face. “I’m going to pay for not believing you right away, aren’t I?” Although still irritated, she couldn’t stay angry at him for long. “Not if you go and warn them for me.” He skimmed his lips over hers, the kiss soon growing harder, more urgent. He nibbled on her lower lip, sending flashes of desire blazing through her. Uttering a groan, he broke away. “I’d better leave now or I’ll keep you in this room for the rest of the day.” She didn’t have to say anything. He caught the agreement in her eyes. “Yeah, I know. Sounds good and I promise we’ll do that one day. But today, I have to take care of work.” He kissed her again, this time breaking apart sooner. With a low growl, he turned and strode toward the door. **** “Did you see them?” Sara turned away from the kitchen window, and for a moment, Cally thought she saw her expression change, closing up as though hiding her thoughts. “See who?” Sara ran a wet cloth over the counter, her gaze dropping. “The wolves.” Sara sighed and leaned against the counter. “Max told us you’d seen a pack outside.” She had to ask, had to know where she stood. “You believe me, don’t you?” Sara’s expression morphed again to a look of understanding. “Of

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course I do. Why would you make it up?” She started cleaning again. “I’ve seen a wolf or two at times, mainly at night. But never a pack and never in the morning. But that doesn’t mean it can’t happen.” “Where are Max and the other men?” Cally’s gaze drifted to the empty yard. “Did they go outside to check the area?” “They had their business to attend to, but I’m sure they gave the yard a once-over. Your wolves are probably long gone by now.” My wolves? “Did the boys make you feel welcomed last night?” Cally hesitated, thrown by the abrupt change in the conversation. “The bed was very…comfortable.” “I’m glad.” Sara motioned for Cally to take a chair at the large round kitchen table and poured her a cup of coffee. “Sugar or milk?” “No, thanks. Black is good.” Nerves still rattled, she glanced out the window one last time just to make sure. “So you slept well?” Had Sara put more emphasis on the word slept? Or was her imagination making her hear what wasn’t really there? “Yes, thanks.” Change the subject. “Are Lena and Brittany awake yet?” “Not yet. I don’t expect to see them up and around until noon. I’m surprised you’re already up. What with the night you had.” Cally inhaled a sharp breath. Did she know what had taken place? Sara moved with the ease of a woman in command of her kitchen. She set the cup in front of Cally and gave her a quick smile. “The boys usually fend for themselves for breakfast, but I’d be happy to whip up some eggs and toast, if you’re hungry.” She longed to ask Sara how she came into a house of men, but didn’t want to overstep. Still, after last night, she couldn’t resist. “I hope you don’t think I’m sticking my nose in where it doesn’t belong, but can I ask? How did you come to live here? Are you a relative?” Sara sat in the chair across from her and warmed her hands on her mug. “You want to know how I ended up living in a house full of

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men, right?” She was perceptive as well as beautiful. Her chestnut hair glistened under the morning sunlight streaming through the window and her brown eyes sparkled with a happy gleam. “I’m not very subtle, am I?” Sara’s light laugh fit the sunny room. “You might say I’m related to all the men. But Michael and I have a special relationship.” Cally almost choked on her coffee. Michael and Sara? But he hadn’t said anything to her last night. If she’d known…She paused and reflected, keeping her focus on her mug. “I didn’t know about you and Michael.” “How could you have known? It was late when you arrived and we didn’t have time to talk.” She tipped her head, catching Cally’s attention. “Whatever happened is okay. Trust me.” “Then you know?” “Of course I know. Michael told me. There aren’t any secrets between us.” She knows and she’s fine with what happened. Wow. Relieved, Cally still couldn’t help but feel a little sheepish. “It all just seems so…” “Sinful?” Sara took a sip of her coffee. “Decadent is more like it.” Should she tell the truth? “And exciting.” “Girl, you have no idea how exciting it can get around here.” She reached for one of the sugar packets sitting in a bowl, tore it open, and poured it into her coffee. “Tell me. What do you think about Max?” Cally couldn’t look at her, not before she sorted out the right words. “I like him.” “You like him?” Would Sara believe she had stronger feelings for him after what had taken place last night? “Yeah, I do.” “A lot?” She squirmed in her seat. But then she couldn’t think of any way

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to avoid the question. Instead, she met Sara’s gaze straight on and told her the truth. “I like Max more than I’ve ever liked any man. I like him a lot. You could say I more than like him.” “I’m glad. He’s a good man. They all are. But he’s the best man for you. Just like Michael’s the best one for me.” Her gut clenched and she had to ask. She’d never gotten involved with another woman’s man, and if Max hadn’t allowed it, she wouldn’t have let Michael in her bed. “God, Sara, I’m sorry. I didn’t know. I know you said it’s okay, but…” Sara reached out to cover her hand. “Don’t worry. Michael in your bed…Well, if I was with any other man, I’d say he cheated on me. But these men are different, special. A woman has to make the decision to accept things the way they are, the way they’ve always been with their kind. Besides, he only came to your bed because he needed to.” She stood and poured herself another cup. “Has Max talked to you about us?” “What do you mean?” “Ah, I guess he hasn’t. Then I don’t want to say anything more. It’s Max’s place to tell you. But know this. If you can accept him for who and what he is, then you’ll gain more than you can ever imagine.” Cally studied Sara, not as a competitor, but as a possible friend. Perhaps even a sister. Questions buzzed in her head and she struggled to put them into words. But it was the pounding on the front door that broke the silence between them. “Lena Horton, this is your husband. I ain’t gonna stand by no more and let you stay in a house with a bunch of men. Especially not with these fuckin’ animals.” Cally jumped to her feet. “Hell’s bells. It’s Carl.”

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Chapter Six Sara rushed through the living room to a window and peeked through the blinds. “Looks like Carl’s managed to find a few friends to help him out.” Cally hurried to her side and saw Carl holding a shotgun. Four men stood behind him carrying weapons ranging from axes to rifles. “I’ll call the sheriff.” Sara clamped onto her arm. “No. He’ll never get here in time anyway. Besides, Michael and the men can handle them.” “But they have guns.” “This is my fault.” The women turned to find Lena standing at the foot of the stairs. Her wide, gray eyes brimmed with tears, and she tugged on her stringy hair. “No. You can’t blame yourself for whatever Carl does. You and Brittany don’t deserve to be mistreated.” Cally glanced behind the terrified woman at the empty stairs. “Where’s Brittany?” “She’s still in bed and sleeping soundly. I turned up the volume of the radio on the nightstand to cover the sounds of Carl’s shouts. Thank God it takes a lot to wake her.” “Good.” Sara moved to take Lena by the shoulders. “The only thing you need to do is take care of your little girl. We’ll handle Carl and his thugs. I want you to go back upstairs, close the curtains, and not look outside. No matter what you hear. Will you do that for me?” Lena nodded, her mouth working but no sounds came out. “Good. Now get back up there. If Brittany wakes up, get her dressed, then turn up the radio as loud as it will go and pretend you’re

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having a dance party.” Goose bumps covered Cally’s arms. Sara’s harsh tone left no doubt. Bad things were about to happen. Once Lena was gone, Sara strode over and opened the front door. She stopped when she noticed Cally following her and blocked the way outside. “Maybe you should go upstairs with Lena. She might need your help.” A glance over Sara’s shoulder told Cally where her help was needed the most. Carl and his buddies stood, feet planted apart, scowling at Max and his friends. “This is where I need to be and this is where I’m staying. Don’t try to stop me.” Admiration filled Sara’s face. “Good.” She turned and stepped out onto the porch. “Is there a problem, Carl Horton?” Max’s dark gaze skimmed from Sara to Cally. A smile lifted the corners of his mouth before he turned back to Carl. “You know damn well what the problem is. You people are holdin’ my wife and kid hostage.” Carl’s slurred words were filled with hatred. The men around him seemed as unsteady on their feet as he did. Michael chuckled then winked at Sara. “We aren’t holding anyone hostage. If anyone has ever held Lena hostage, it’s you. Maybe if you weren’t drunk all the time, you’d realize as much.” Max took a step forward. “She’s finally fed up with you and she wants out. She needed a place to stay and we gave it to her. Now back off and go home to sleep it off before someone gets hurt.” Carl’s scowl deepened. “You got no right keepin’ me from her. Send her out now and we won’t have no trouble.” His friends grumbled their agreement. “Let me put this in a way you can understand.” Max took another step closer. “It ain’t fuckin’ happenin’.” Carl lifted his shotgun and his friends raised their weapons. “Are you ready to die, motherfucker?” “Aw, man, you know shooting us won’t do any good.” Ranlon

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crossed his arms, glanced at Max who gave him a nod. “Unless, of course, you have silver bullets in those guns. Do you have silver bullets, Carl?” Silver bullets? Had she heard him right? Why would the men need silver bullets? Any kind of bullet would kill them. “Yeah, Carl, do you? Because you know those other weapons aren’t going to hurt us much, either. In fact, it’ll just piss us off.” Nick slid his hand through his red hair, his voice deepening to a growl. “Trust me, bro. You don’t want to piss us off.” Max shook his head and took another step closer, putting him within striking distance of the big man. “How about this? If Lena wants to come home, then we won’t stop her. But if she doesn’t, then we’re not going to let you drag her out of here against her will.” “I ain’t standin’ for no more of this crap.” Carl cocked the hammer back on his gun and aimed it directly at Max. “I know what you shits are, and ain’t no one goin’ to blame me for takin’ the devil’s spawn outta this world.” Cally’s heart leapt to her throat. Please, God. Don’t let him shoot. But what she saw before her drove her worries away. She froze, not believing what her eyes told her. Max’s shirt ripped apart, tearing down the middle of his back. His hair grew shorter, his body stockier as he and the other men tore their clothes from their changing bodies. Black hair grew in the place where skin once was, and the cracking of bones splintered the air. Cally couldn’t move or speak. Turning toward her, Max’s face was no longer the handsome face she’d caressed last night. His dark eyes were gone, replaced by amber ones. A muzzle formed, elongating the mouth. Sharp, dagger-like fangs erupted, and he pulled his lips back then fell to the ground on all fours. As though time lost meaning for her, the men she’d made love to the night before had disappeared, replaced by wolves. A strangled cry broke from her lips. These are the wolves I saw. And now Max is one of them.

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Sara’s hand on her arm jolted her out of her trance a second before the first shot rang out. The wolves charged the men, knocking them to the ground. Shouts mixed with growls as they struggled, but the men were no match for the large wolves. Max dug his claws into Carl’s arm and held on. Carl screamed, losing his grip on his gun. The other wolves easily subdued the drunken men, standing over them, their weapons out of reach or broken in two. The battle was over before it had barely begun. “Cally, look at me.” But she couldn’t take her eyes off Max to answer Sara’s call. Although she was frightened, stunned at what she’d seen, a part of her marveled at him. Even as a wolf he was gorgeous. Sara shook her arm. “Cally. Look at me.” She blinked then found Sara’s eyes, needing to find a hold on reality. “I don’t believe…But it’s true. I see them. They’re…” “Come inside.” She couldn’t think, could only follow directions. Letting Sara seat her on the sofa, she stared at the front door, expecting the pack of wolves to charge into the house at any moment. Even in shock, she couldn’t hide another emotion sneaking into her consciousness. Her teeth chattered, not all from fear, but from excitement. “Tell me I didn’t see what I saw.” Sara sat next to her, an intent expression tightening her features. “But you did. Believe your eyes because what you saw was real. I’m sorry I lied earlier, but I couldn’t say anything until Max told you. The wolves you saw this morning were our men.” She shook her head. What else could she do? Believe in the unbelievable? “No. Men can’t turn into wolves.” She laughed, a sarcastic, mirthless sound. “I’m going crazy, aren’t I?” “No, you’re not.” Max, returned to his human form, stood in the doorway. She leapt up from the couch and dashed toward the stairs, but Max caught her on the first step. He clutched her arm, whirling her around

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to confront him. “This isn’t the way I wanted to tell you about us.” She yanked her arm away and took the stairs two at a time. But Max stayed on her heels, reaching her bedroom door a moment behind her. “Cally, give me a chance to explain.” His chest pushed against her back and, as always, his touch sent flames of heat whipping through her. But she couldn’t give in. Not after what she’d seen. “Stay away from me.” She burst inside, turned to slam the door in his face, but he pushed against it. Hurrying to the other side of the room, she put her back against the wall and tried to think. Max, the man she’d come to cherish, looked at her. His dark eyes held sadness, his hair was mussed. Written on his face, his love, his desire for her couldn’t be denied. “Please let me talk to you.” She didn’t know what to do. Her brain told her to run, to jump out the window, but her heart told her she had to stay, had to hear him out. Otherwise, she’d regret it for the rest of her life. “If I was smart, I’d get the hell out of here.” “Yeah, you’re probably right. But if you hadn’t felt the connection we have between each other, you wouldn’t have given me the time of day in the first place.” He took a step closer but stopped when she shivered. “Don’t try to tell me I didn’t see what I saw.” Her gaze dropped lower, his cock poised and ready. “And cover up. I can’t talk to you while you’re butt naked.” A slight smile formed on his lips but was gone before he’d finished wrapping the blanket resting on the end of the bed around his waist. “What you saw was real. That’s the way we are.” “You changed into wolves.” “Not wolves. Werewolves.” “So the wolves I saw this morning…” “Yeah. Those werewolves were Michael and the others coming in from a run last night. We’re Night Runner werewolves and this is our

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pack.” She had to sit before her legs gave out. The fear flowed out of her as she sat on the bed then nodded, giving him permission to sit beside her. “Werewolves. I still can’t get over it. So the stories, the rumors? They’re true?” “They are. Look, I know it’s hard to take in.” He slipped a hand down her back to comfort her. “Then you lied to me.” He set his jaw. “I did and I’m sorry. But would you have believed me last night? This morning? Without seeing us shift?” “Shift?” Her head hurt from trying to understand. “It’s called shape-shifting. Shifting is when we change into our werewolf forms.” “Oh.” At a loss for words, she tried to sort through the many questions running through her mind and couldn’t. Instead, she let him pull her closer. Above all else, she needed to feel his warmth. “Is Sara a werewolf, too? A shape-shifter?” “She wasn’t when she first met us. But later, once she decided to be part of the pack, Michael bit her and made her one of us.” She’d thought her life had changed by meeting Max, but she’d had no idea just how much. “And she’s happy?” “Yeah, she’s very happy.” He took her chin, making her look into his dark eyes still flecked with amber. “I want you to join us. We want you to become part of the pack.” She inhaled, her heart pounding at the idea. “We? Then all of you have discussed this?” What would her life be like as a werewolf? She studied him. He wanted her enough to make her one of them? Did she want him as much? The answer came swiftly. Yes. She wanted him more than she’d ever thought possible. In the short time they’d known each other, he’d grown to be a part of her. A part she couldn’t live without. Even if it meant she had to change. “Then we’d be mated? Is that what you call it?”

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“Yes, but you have to understand how the pack works. We’re different from other packs.” Her eyes widened. “There are other packs?” He chuckled then kissed her cheek. “There are hundreds in America alone. Even more in other parts of the world.” “How are you different?” “The pack has to approve of new members, especially any new female members. Sara was our first and she’s our alpha-female. All of us share her until we find our own mate.” “Will you still have sex with Sara even if I agree to stay with you?” Could she handle Max being sexually involved with another woman? Yet hadn’t Michael done the same thing with her? “She’s the alpha-female and because she is, we’ll always be drawn to her even after we take our own individual mate.” He took her hand and squeezed. “But we don’t have to have sex with her after we find our own mate. Cally, I don’t want to be with anyone except you.” “But what about Michael? I thought he was with Sara.” The connection between Michael and Sara was strong. She’d sensed it as soon as he’d winked at her. “You’re talking about what happened last night. That was different.” He took a deep breath and let it out in a shudder. “I’ve handled this wrong. I should’ve explained first, but I was afraid I’d scare you off. What happened last night was your initiation.” “My initiation? You mean, into the pack? You did that without telling me what was happening?” “The pack had to know if they could accept you first before I could tell you about me, about us. I couldn’t ask you until after. But you’re not pack yet. Not until I bite you and you change.” He twisted toward her to take both her hands. “When one of us finds a mate, we bring her home to meet the rest of the pack. If they approve—by being with you in bed—then we find out what Sara thinks. After all, the females have to get along with the alpha-female. If she approves,

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then you can go through the transformation.” Cally let what he’d told her sink in. “If Sara says yes—” “Which she already has.” “Okay. So now that Sara has said yes, does that mean I’m mated to the others, too?” As wonderful as last night had been, she wanted Max for hers alone. “No. You’re my mate and no one else’s. Providing you want to stay now that you’ve heard everything.” She stood and moved to the window. Carl and his friends were nowhere to be seen. Returned to their human forms and dressed, Ranlon and Jimmy worked on an older car, and she could hear them arguing about who should get under the car to change the oil. William and Nick played cards at a small table while Michael chased Sara around the yard. Her giggles turned into squeals once he caught her and dragged her to the ground. “Cally? What do you think? Can you see yourself as part of our pack? Can you see spending the rest of your life with us? With me?” Could she? Not only would her life change, adding so many people to it, but her physical body would change, too. The alternative, continuing to live alone and work at Sadie’s, would leave the same hole in her heart that she’d longed to fill. “What about my dream of becoming a songwriter? I don’t want to give that up.” “I’d never make you stop doing what you love. If that means working at Sadie’s or selling your songs, then I’ll stand behind you no matter what. All of us will.” “But what if I have to travel?” “If I can go with you, I will. If not? Then I’ll be waiting for you when you come home. All of us in the pack support each other, Cally. We’re a family and we want each of us to live the best life they can.” She had never believed she’d find anyone like Max. How could she let him go now? “But it would just be us, right? You and me, and no others?”

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“Except during initiations. Whenever one of the other guys brings a mate home, I’ll have to join in just like Michael had to join in. It’s the way we are, the way our ancestors were and the way our children will be. But I will never love anyone more than I love you. Can you understand? Can you accept the way it is?” She shook her head. “Honestly, I don’t know.” She saw the hopeful light in his eyes die and couldn’t stand how much her heart hurt to see it. “But I want to try.” He was on his feet and wrapping his arms around her. “Are you sure? Never mind. Don’t answer that. I wouldn’t want you to change your mind.” Picking her up, he swung her around, making her laugh, then set her back on her feet. His kiss lifted her into the air again as he enclosed her in his strong arms. Sliding his tongue inside her mouth, he moaned, his breath flowing into hers. He tasted strong, sexy, and wild, a bundle of maleness she knew she’d never find again if she searched for a lifetime. Max was the man she’d longed for, the man she’d dreamed of, the man she hadn’t believed existed. No way would she lose him now. She dragged in a breath, her mind light-headed from the kiss, her body trembling in anticipation. “Tell me what’s it’s like. Does it hurt? I heard bones breaking when you…shifted. Is it horrible?” Max brought her back to the bed and laid her against the comforter. “It does hurt, especially the first few times. But the pain gets less the more you shift. Have you noticed how our eyes turn color?” “I did and I wanted to ask, but…” “When we shift, our eyesight changes, too. Instead of seeing the colors of the world, you’ll see everything in amber. But it’s okay, because you see so much more, even at night.” He nuzzled into her neck, nibbled at her earlobe. “And the runs. God, the times we run at night make up for the pain. You’ll feel the air in your fur, the ground sifting between your claws, and hear sounds you’ve never heard

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before.” “Is it really that wonderful?” She helped him pull her shirt off. “It is. I can’t wait for you to experience everything with me.” He swept his tongue over her nipple. “I can’t wait for us to have sex after you change. The sex is amazing, better than any human can ever experience.” She turned her head to the side, luxuriating in the feel of his tongue as he traced patterns over her breasts. Undoing her jeans, he slipped them off her, pushing his after hers. “What about children?” She planted her palms on his shoulders. “Can we have children?” Did she dare hope that her greatest dream could come true? “Yeah, we can. In fact, male werewolves are born, not brought into the pack as adults.” He cushioned her head between his palms. “I’d love to have kids. Lots of them. How about you?” “I’d like as many as I can have.” She pressed her lips to his wrist. “Then it’s not a problem. You just have to remember not to change while you’re pregnant. The fetus can’t handle the transformation.” “Which means, I guess, that I won’t get to go on any runs after I’m preggers?” She frowned. “That stinks, but I guess it’s worth it.” Max lifted up on his elbows. “Wait a second. We’re talking like you’ve made your decision, but you never really answered other than saying you’ll try. So I’ll ask again. Will you stay with me? Will you become one of the pack?” She searched the eyes of the man she’d fallen in love with and realized she’d never had any other answer to give. “Where it counts? I’m already yours.” She kissed him quick. “Change me, Max.”

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Chapter Seven Max couldn’t believe his ears. She wanted to join them, wanted to stay with him. He’d found his mate and was about to connect her to him forever. Putting his lips to hers, he kissed her, reverently, cherishing the first kiss of the rest of their lives. She didn’t kiss him back, instead letting him take charge. Her breath smelled as sweet as any flower and her lips were as soft as a baby’s bottom. “I love you, Cally.” He had to say the words, had to speak them out loud for her to hear. She closed her eyes and drew him to her. An expectant glow made her features seem otherworldly like an angel fallen from heaven and into his arms. Her skin shone as well and he hesitated, delaying the delicious moment when he would touch her. When at last he did, she mewed then wrapped her arms around his neck. Their bodies meshed together, her hills curving into his valleys, like a human puzzle. Lifting her legs, he repositioned her on the bed and slid his palm along the smooth skin of her thigh. “I want to taste you.” She watched him, eagerness written in the way she bit her lower lip, the way she kept her gaze fixed on him. Kissing a path lower, he played his tongue along the crease between leg and mons then growled. She jerked at the sound, but he knew it was only time before she’d welcome his growls. Spreading her, he drew in a long breath, inhaling the scent of womanhood, a sweetness so different from her breath, yet even more intoxicating. He kissed her folds, teasing her, loving how reactive she was. But a man could only stand so much.

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Using his fingers, he parted her, took in the pinkness, and flicked the tip of his tongue over her clit. She cried out and reached for him, but he darted away. She wouldn’t hurry him. Not when he was so close to tasting her nectar. He tempted her more, licking her with a quick sweep then bringing his mouth down to cover her nub. Wetness flushed from her, giving him more to take in, and he did so. He nibbled, then sucked, then nibbled more as she bucked under his hands. Adding his finger had her sitting halfway up, but his mouth on her clit took the strength from her, making her lie back again. Sliding his finger inside her, he finger-fucked her, licking, nibbling, and biting her until she called out his name. He ran his hands over the swell of her stomach, over her ribcage to cup her breasts. She clamped her hands on top of his. He thumbed her nipples, his gaze set upon them from his position between her legs. She was more than he remembered now that she was his. Lifting from her, he wiped her juice from his mouth then crawled up her body, taking quick bites along the way. Quick bites that would soon turn into one agonizing bite to bring her into the pack. He nipped at her breast, fondling the other. She traveled her hands over his shoulders and slinked her legs around his waist. Grinning wickedly, she pulled him closer, locking them together. “I love you, too.” No one had ever said anything better. The animal inside him clawed, wanting to get out, needing to take its mate. But he held on. Knowing the changing bite would bring her pain, he wanted to give her pleasure first. Bringing his cock to her, he slid inside, reveling in the glorious sensation of her vaginal walls opening then closing around him. She moaned then tightened her legs even more. Taking her nipple in his mouth, he pushed to the end of her core, seeing just how far he could go. She arched, offering him more of her breast and pushed her pelvis against his. Unable to restrain himself

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any longer, he pulled back out then plunged into her. Together they cried out, together they clung to each other, and together they thrust. Taking her with him, he rolled, pulling her on top. She clutched her breasts then ran her hands up her chest, along the sleek slope of her neck, and into her hair. A look of pure ecstasy filled her face, and that alone almost sent him over the edge. Circling her hips, she dared him not to come, and he gritted his teeth against the release so near. She fell forward, draping her hair over his body, the smooth texture reminding him of the silkiness between her legs. “Make me yours, Max.” Rising, he kept her on his lap and his shaft inside her. Her breath came in short pants, music to his grunts. Brushing her hair back from her shoulders, he gazed into her trusting brown eyes and sent her an unspoken question. The answer he saw made his heart take flight and the wolf inside him dance with joy. Shifting just enough to bring out his fangs, he paused again, letting her see them. She didn’t flinch. Instead, she tilted her head to the side, offering her exposed neck. Laying back his head, he shifted part way and howled, heralding his mate’s arrival to the world. Then, tightening his grip, he rammed into her, going farther than before. He howled again before sinking his fangs into her and held on. Her scream reverberated around the room. **** Cally fought against the darkness and sought the light she could sense more than feel. “She’s coming around.” Is that Sara? “Here’s the drink, Max.” Max is here. She sighed, the memory of their lovemaking giving

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her encouragement to waken. But the darkness wanted her to stay. “Cally, baby. Wake up. You need to wake up now.” She wanted to do what Max said. Wanted to do whatever would make him happy. She pushed, struggling to open her eyes. Blurry images surrounded her and voices mixed with others. “That’s it. Here. Drink this.” She let him put the cup to her lips then tried to twist away. “Urgh. It’s awful.” The stench of the liquid, so vile and pungent, made her eyes tear up. She blinked, bringing the blurry images into focus. The pack stood around her bed, their expressions varying from worry to grins. Sara sat on one side of her, her hand patting her arm while Max sat on her other side, holding the cup. She clutched the comforter and pulled it under her chin. “I know the drink tastes like dirty feet, but it does the trick. You need to drink it to regain your energy.” Sara smiled at her then gave Max a harder look. “If we’d known ahead of time this was about to happen, we would’ve prepared.” “Like I’ve said a hundred times already, I’m sorry. But what was I supposed to do? Give her time to change her mind? Hell, no.” Max offered her a sip again and, at the urging of everyone, she drank. “Can I at least get something good to eat after drinking this crap?” Jimmy slapped Nick on the back. “Sure thing. We’re on it. Right, Nick?” Nick nodded and followed Jimmy out of the room. Ranlon wiped his mouth. “You sure taste good, Cally. Welcome to the pack.” She frowned, unsure how to interpret his words, but Max came to the rescue. “After I bit you, you passed out. Most people do. To help you heal, we get you to drink this potion, but we also lick your wounds. The saliva helps heal the wound much faster than it would heal on its own.” “All of you licked it?” Michael motioned to Sara and the others to leave. “Max can explain everything. We’ll get out of your way and let you two talk.

Chasing Cally

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Call us if you need anything.” “Wait.” Cally glanced around her. “What happened to Lena and Brittany?” “Oh. I can’t believe we didn’t tell you.” Sara’s face brightened. “While you were resting, I managed to get hold of her sister who lives in a nearby town and she offered to take them in. Michael and the boys took her there and made sure they had some men from a neighboring pack to watch over them. But after the beat down Carl got today, I don’t think he’ll give her any more trouble.” Cally squeezed Max’s hand and sent them a weak smile. “Thank you for helping her. And me.” Max placed a kiss on her forehead. “What else would we do? You’re one of us now.” Cally waited until the others had left the room then pulled Max down for another kiss. One not on her forehead. She cupped him behind the neck, teasing him by touching the tip of her tongue to his lips. Taking her by the wrist, he placed her palm on his chest. His eyes gleamed with amber flecks and his heart pounded under her hand. “You need to rest.” She arched an eyebrow. “Are you saying you don’t want me?” “Of course I want you. But I have to let you heal first. Then, when you’re ready, we’ll take a moonlight run and make love under the stars.” Cally crossed her arms, hugging herself, and adopted a playful expression. “You might have to chase me down, you know.” His wicked grin sent a smoldering heat between her legs. “Trust me, baby. I’ll catch you.”

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Beverly Rae's witty, sexy, action-packed romances give readers the ultimate reading experience. As a multi-published author, Beverly is always working on her next book, taking the “usual” and twisting it into the “unusual.”

Also by Beverly Rae Siren LoveXtreme Special Edition: Night Runner Werewolves 1: Howling for Sara

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