Dream Lover

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Blood of Lycaon: Dream Lover

Blood of Lycaon: Dream Lover By Trista Bane

Trista Bane

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Blood of Lycaon: Dream Lover

Trista Bane

A Silk’s Vault Electronic Publication, in arrangement with author Trista Bane. Copyright © 2006 by Trista Bane Cover Design and Art by Carmel St. James, © Copyright 2006 Edited by Pauline Hom

Silk’s Vault Publishing www.silksvault.com

All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in part or whole, in any form or by any means, without permission from both the author and publisher. All characters, incidents, situations, institutions, governments and people are fictional and any similarity to characters or persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

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Prologue

Julius stole from his bed early that mild October morning to make the arrangements they had planned the night before. Elaine was still lying on his bed, naked beneath the sheets, her long golden hair fanned out around her. She smiled in her sleep and seemed to reach for him. Julius watched for a moment, commiting this picture to memory, before disappearing through the door of his tiny cabin. The sight of her in his mind’s eye blinded him from the beauty around him as he walked back up to the cabin. He was deaf to the lark’s song and blind to the glory of the setting sun, which left a red stain across the western horizon. He could still see her, lying on his bed, drenched in sunlight pouring through the open window. Her pale skin glistened in the golden light. She looked like an angel, a goddess. If Helen is the most beautiful woman in the world, Elaine is her nearest rival, thought Julius, as he approached the cabin. He knew she would be awake by now, but he still harbored the hope of seeing her asleep in the same position he left her in hours before. He opened the door wide, expecting to hear her warm, vibrant, young and welcoming voice, so vibrant and young. Immediately, his heart sank. “Elaine?” No answer. He looked in dismay at the deserted, now made, bed. She left a folded note on the bed. His name was written in her beautiful handwriting on the top. His hand shook as he carefully lifted the parchment from its resting place. Julius,

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My love, don’t be angry. I know you are against this, but I must tell Father. I must say goodbye to Mother. I know he will be angry that I have chosen you for my husband, but I also know that Father loves me. He wants me to be happy. When I tell him that Meleager can never make me happy, he will consent to our union. I’m sure of it, Darling. Love, Elaine

A sense of dread gripped him, where only hours before, he’d known true happiness for the first time in his life. Lord Lycaon would never accept the marriage of his noble daughter to a blacksmith. Even worse, her father had promised her hand to Lord Meleager. No one dared cross either man because both men were feared across the countryside. Their enemies seemed to live very short lives. It was rumored that Lord Lycaon had a terrible creature that yielded to his command and that those who dared cross Lycaon suffered a horrific death at the claws of this monster. No one had ever seen the beast and lived to tell the tale. The bodies of its victims were badly mutilated—slashed and gnawed—and sometimes unrecognizable by physical appearance, or so the rumors went. Julius didn’t believe the tales of the creature, but he did fear and respect Lord Lycaon. He did not want to stand in the other man’s wrath. Julius’ love affair with Lycaon’s daughter was not planned, nor could it be prevented—for he’d tried.

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Julius had spent months suffering a kind of torture deep within his soul. “I dreamt of you every night,” he had confessed to Elaine as she lay in his arms last night. “Um,” her angelic voice sang in his ears, “And you avoided me in the day.” The candle light danced on her skin before flickering and dying. The moon basked her in a silvery light and seemed to be shining only on them. “But you refused to be ignored.” Her devious grin at his words had made his muscles clench. He pulled her more tightly against his tawny muscular chest. “I couldn’t avoid you, but I thought friendship would be enough.” “Did you really?” She smiled up at him. The laugh lines around her eyes testified to a fact that Julius already knew she lived a very happy life. Her youthful vibrancy was part of what had attracted him to her. “From the moment I first saw you, I knew that friendship would never be enough.” Julius snapped out of his reverie and quickened his steps, pacing the wood floor of his tiny cabin. He longed to pull her back into his arms. Resisting Elaine had been pure torture, he thought as he approached the cabin, but I knew the moment I made love to her that it had all been worth it. Any pain suffered before, any pain yet to come. It had all been worth it. But, what of the pain of losing her? Can I take that kind of pain? Elaine had wanted to tell her father last night. ”No. Please stay.” He had wrapped his arms more firmly about her shoulders. “We’ll run away together, be married. We'll live a life we could never hope to live apart. We’ll have children. Grow old together. We can be happy.” Her father’s riches couldn’t buy her that. Could it? Or was that the true reason she’d left?

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Julius debated whether to go after her or wait here for her return. He feared that she’d decided that loving him had been a mistake. Maybe she would try to make her father happy and marry Meleager. All kinds of fears seized Julius, but the worst fear was that of never seeing Elaine again—never holding her in his arms again. Then, in an instant, a fiery hot sensation seized his heart, burning his chest and stomach. He knew she was in danger. He grabbed his dagger, which had been forged by his father twenty years before. Julius’ father was celebrated as the best blacksmith in the country. The dagger, his finest work, was made of pure silver, inlaid with gold. Engraved on the handle was a silver wolf. He strapped the dagger to his leg, walked outside, and looked out across the stream. The sun had set and stars were beginning to shine. It would take an hour to get to the Lycaon Estate by land, so he jumped into his paddleboat and rowed as swiftly as he could, praying he wouldn’t be too late. ***** After two hours of frantic search, Julius continued to scour the wooded acres beyond the Lycaon Estate. Her mother either had not seen her, or would not tell him where she was. Although his instinct told him she was not in the castle, he crept up to her bedchambers through the secret entrance she revealed to him a few days before. After satisfying himself that she was not there, he let his instincts guide him. Something seemed to draw him toward the west side of the estate and he followed. The moon was his only companion and source of light.

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The moon showed a clearing in the woods as he barely made out a figure lying in the middle of the small glen. The moonlight, which had basked her so beautifully in his eyes the night before, betrayed him now. The moonbeams revealed Elaine lying in a pool of blood, barely breathing. Though her body was badly mutilated, her beautiful face— anguished as it was—remained untouched by the claws and teeth of the beast. Julius dropped to his knees, lifted her head from the ground, and whispered, “Don’t leave me.” “Julius.” Her angelic voice sounded husky and strained. “I’m so sorry. It’s all my fault. You must leave! It’ll be after you.” “I’m not going anywhere without you,” Julius said, holding back tears. “It’s too late for me. Please, go!” She gripped his shirt in her hands, and stared into his eyes. Every word she spoke seemed to drain more and more of the life from her. “I love you, Julius.” Her breathing became deeper, raspier. “I…love…you…,” she gasped. Her eyes grew wide, and she seemed to stare passed him. She breathed deeply once more, and with her exhale, her hands fell from his shirt—her spirit left her body. “No! Elaine, please don’t go. I need you. I love you.” Julius cradled her in his lap, and rocked her back and forth. In his mind, he pictured her the way she’d looked last night in the moonlight. He pictured the life that they’d talked about—the children they would never have. He would never again be able to tell her he loved her. At this thought, he vowed, “Elaine, I will never love again.” But a voice in the wind seemed to whisper, “No.”

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“Never again,” he repeated. In his despair, Julius didn’t notice that he was being watched. He did not turn to see the yellow eyes glowing in the moonlight, fixed on him, waiting. He didn’t hear the low growls of the beast just beyond the trees. If anyone were on the grounds outside the Lycaon Estate that night, they would have heard the growls, the struggle, and Julius’ screams from the west side of the estate overlooking the beautiful Scamander River.

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Chapter One

Fifty years later… Elizabeth Byron’s arrival at Pyrrhathia whispered in the wind, awakening the sleeping village from its fifty year slumber. Her very presence electrified the air. Those who had not been lucky enough to have seen her when she descended the steps of her coach that early March morning, later swore that they felt an odd sensation within, announcing her presence. Those who had seen her had stood in awe, unable to move or to breathe. For the last Lycaon had returned home. Elizabeth was the last known heir of Lord Pyrrhus Lycaon, the founder of Pyrrhathia, a man whose name still inspired fear and awe throughout the village centuries later. Pyrrhus, given this island and the title of king by a great ancient ruler in honor of his prowess in war, had graciously rejected the title of king. Yet, the natives of the island still treated his heirs as if they were royalty. And Elizabeth would be no exception. According to legend, Pyrrhus had been a just and fair ruler—a reputation not true of his successors—so the village waited in silent anticipation to see what kind of leader Elizabeth would be. Elizabeth stood, squinting in the setting sun as she gazed at the village. The coach had unloaded her belongings and slowly pulled away, leaving the clip-clop of hooves on the hard clay the only sound in the afternoon air.

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A cold breeze whipped around her and she hugged herself, disregarding the sensation that others on the street shivered also, but not from the cold. As the gust lessened, she removed her bonnet and smoothed her long, disheveled hair—an action that caused a subtle gasp from onlookers. Little did she know how much she resembled Elaine Lycaon, the most beloved member of the Lycaon clan. “It appears you have admirers, Miss Byron,” a gentleman said, as he approached her. Tall and dressed in black, he bowed low to her in greeting. “Nonsense, milord,” she said, allowing him to kiss her white-gloved hand. “I have secured a room at the inn.” He motioned to the building behind him. “I hope you find it to your satisfaction.” With a brusque motion, she withdrew her hand and wrapped her shawl more firmly about her shoulders. “Ahh. So, this is why you insisted I meet you in town rather than at my uncle’s estate,” she said disapprovingly. “Aye, milady. The old castle is not yet fit to house a lady. No one, with the exception of the castellan, has inhabited that old castle for fifty years. Again, as your uncle’s lawyer, I must advise you to take the advice he set forth for you in his will, and sell the castle. I assure you, with the mystery surrounding that old place; you would surely receive any asking price.” He motioned for a hired boy to gather her few belongings. “If my uncle had truly wanted me to have the money rather than the estate, he should have sold it himself,” she said, defiantly. “Unless you are having my belongings gathered to take to the estate, I would prefer you leave them here.” She motioned for the boy to replace the items. “Milady, you know of the rumors associated with the castle. You’ve heard of the

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beast that roams the estate at night. Doesn’t it worry you in the least?” “Don’t be silly, milord. Those are simply wives tales. Nothing more.” She dismissed his scare tactics, with a wave of her delicate hand. “Milady, you…you are being unreasonable,” he protested. “At least let us go inside out of the cool afternoon air to discuss this matter. You must be tired and hungry from your long trip.” “Aye, but I have much to do before I rest this night, milord. If you are not going to help me, at least do not hinder me.” Before the handsome stranger could answer, the sound of an approaching carriage interrupted their conversation. It slowed before coming to a rest behind them. A man, taller than the lawyer, stepped from the carriage. His dirty blonde hair was pulled back at the nape of his neck and secured with a leather thong. His hazel eyes were darkened with unconcealed desire as they met her own then softened as he smiled warmly. Elizabeth allowed the man to take her white gloved hand and pull it to his lips. “Lady Byron, I am so very pleased to make your acquaintance. I am Lord Letion, but I insist you call me Luc.” She felt heat rose to her cheeks and smiled as her heart fluttered at the gesture. “How is it, Lord Letion, you come to know my name?” Through her lashes, she met his charming hazel eyes again. There was something about his eyes that unnerved her and should have ensured that her guard was up against him, but in her naiveté, she dismissed the warning. “This is but a small community, Lady Byron. Everyone knows your name…” “Excuse me, my Lord,” the lawyer interjected, “you must be the friend her Uncle

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Vincent told me of before he died. Maybe you could help me talk some sense into Lady Byron. She is ever insistent upon spending this night in the Lycaon castle.” “Nay, milady. You will be much more comfortable here at the inn,” Luc stated. “I will escort you to the estate in the morning if you wish.” “I appreciate you offer, milord, but I cannot accept. I must go tonight. I will not rest until I have toured my family’s home.” It was a bold request. As an orphan, Elizabeth was not used to insisting upon anything. Nor was she spoiled to the point that she must have her own way, having grown up without a home, a family, or friends. Her uncle, Vincent Lycaon, had whisked into her life six months ago and had assured her status as a lady. She was his last known heir, he had told her. Yet, he refused to answer any questions concerning her mother or grandparents. She longed to know who she was and if that castle contained any clues as to her heritage. She would not rest until she uncovered them. Luc searched her eyes and noted a sadness he had not expected to see there. “As you wish, milady,” he said to her before turning to the hired boy. “Place her belongings in my carriage. I will take her to her family’s castle.” Elizabeth beamed. “Thank you.” Defeated, the lawyer only shook his head then disappeared inside the inn. As Lord Letion helped Elizabeth into the carriage, he heard an old couple behind him talking. Out of curiosity, he concentrated on the sounds of their voices, using his preternatural senses to shut out other sounds. “Poor dear. Someone should warn her,” an old lady whispered.

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“She is going to end up just like Elaine did. Just like Elaine…” an old man mumbled. “He’s dangerous. Why can’t she see that?” “…beautiful body will be butchered. Just like Elaine…,” the old man continued as if the lady had not spoken. Luc smiled. “Excuse me one moment, milady,” he said to Elizabeth once she was safely inside his carriage. “I have a small matter in which to attend.” Luc walked over to the couple with the gait of a predator. He felt Elizabeth’s gaze upon him and for her benefit, he handed the man some money. The man, with trembling hand, reluctantly accepted the bills. “You two should be getting home,” Luc said politely. Then the voice changed, deepened into a warning, like a low growl. “The moon is already out,” he said, motioning toward the east. The couple’s gaze flicked to the horizon. The moon was full and bright against the darkening sky. The only hint of the sun was a red streak on the western horizon. When they returned their gaze to Lord Letion, his hazel eyes were now a menacing yellow. He bared his teeth and fangs at them and bid them a good night. The old couple rushed off toward their home. Closing his eyes, Luc forced the beast back in for the time being and turned toward his coach with a charming smile. Elizabeth smiled warmly in welcome. He had succeeded in convincing her that he had just done a good deed. ***** “Okay, Elizabeth, breathe,” she told herself aloud. But still, the shadows cast by

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the flickering candles on the wall made her jump. She’d never been one to be afraid of the dark and the things that go bump in the night normally couldn’t even wake her from her sound sleep. She was not, however, used to being in an old castle, which was barely inhabitable and the subject of many legends, none of which made her feel safer. The bedchambers she’d chosen to reside in, upon her first inspection of the castle, were in a part of the castle that had been locked up and off limits for years. Elizabeth gazed around the room she picked as her own. She’d spent the last few hours preparing it for her use tonight and was pleased with all of her hard work, though she was not nearly finished. Located above the fireplace in this room was a portrait of a beautiful woman with long blonde hair, which fell past her shoulders in ringlets. Her blue eyes were brilliant and seemed to dance. Her bright cheeks blushed, enhancing the wane color of her skin, which looked so soft and delicate, even in their painted form. She looked so beautiful, so happy. Her entire body seemed to be bathed in sunlight, and every inch of her appeared to be in perfect proportion. The nameplate beneath the portrait read Elaine Lycaon. Elizabeth had been completely awe-struck when she’d first seen the portrait. It was like looking in a mirror and seeing a side of herself she had never seen before. Elizabeth was mesmerized, not only by the similarities between herself and the woman in the picture, but also the differences. With their long, flowing blonde hair, light complexion, and deep blue eyes, they looked almost identical, with one large exception. The woman in the picture had eyes that danced and a smile so genuine, it took one’s breath away—Elizabeth knew she had neither of those qualities. A large wooden loom for weaving stood in the corner. Elizabeth stared at the

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loom, picturing Elaine sitting there, weaving happily, stealing thoughts of the man who put that look of ecstasy on her face. Elizabeth’s eyes darted back to the portrait and she found herself wondering who had made Elaine so happy. Elizabeth approached a set of double doors that opened out from her bedchambers to a narrow stone balcony. She opened them, wondering how many years it had been since someone last opened them, and stepped out onto the cold stone to admire the moon. The moon was beautiful and full. She swore that she’d never seen one so lovely. She stared as if attempting to commit its picture to memory. The heavenly white orb, with large silver ring around it, looked magnificent against the sky of dark blue, star-studded silk. Clouds drifted in front of the moon, but failed to hide her beauty. The tops of the trees were bathed in her silvery light. A slight breeze caused the branches to sway and dance. That same breeze whipped Elizabeth’s golden hair playfully and twirled her skirts, causing them to ripple and hug her legs at intervals. The last cloud seemed to disappear when the night air calmed, and she gazed again at the full moon. She had once believed that the moon held magical power over her and others. She wished she still believed that and could call out her heart’s desire to the moon tonight. What would she wish tonight? Only one thought came to mind. She wanted to know the man who made Elaine’s eyes shone with happiness and her cheeks blushed with desire. Perhaps if she’d ever known true friendship, true love, she would have wished for someone to make her own eyes dance, her own cheeks blush. Yet, never knowing what it was like to feel loved, she couldn’t imagine this for herself even in her childlike whimsical fantasies. In the distance she heard a howl and smiled to herself at the realization that she

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was not the only creature who admired the moon’s beauty tonight. Then she remembered the tales of the creature and quickly withdrew into her bedchambers. She placed two trembling hands on the panel of the doors and quickly pushed them shut. She was about to shut the window as well, then chided herself for being silly and left the windows open. She climbed into the soft feather bed, leaving the curtains open to allow the night’s breeze to wash over her body as she slept. She drifted off to sleep ***** She opened her eyes to see a man standing over her. Although she was startled, her eyes drifted shut again. Her heart rate increased a degree. She forced them to reopen, but they slid closed just as quickly. She felt beads of perspiration tickling her brow, but still could not keep her eyes open. Finally, she shoved herself up on her elbows and forced her eyes open. When her vision adjusted to the pale moonlight flooding in through the open doors, she realized it wasn’t a man; it was a wolf, or something wolf-like. Only, it spoke. Its voice was raspy at first, and it took a moment for her to realize what it had said. It had called her Elaine. Elizabeth blinked at this realization. And lowered herself back to the mattress. “No,” she heard herself say, but her voice seemed miles away. “I’m Elizabeth.” “Elizabeth?” the wolf repeated. Elizabeth heard the unmistakable pain in its voice. She realized that she should be scared senseless, but she wasn’t. She pitied the creature of her dreams and wondered why her idle brain had created him. “Apologies, milady. You look so much like her,” he said bending closer to her. “You sound so much like her.” He lifted a long lock of her golden hair from the bed in

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hands that were part-human, part something else. His long claws looked as if they could rip her to shreds, but his hands were gentle as he lifted the lock of hair and brought his face down into the palm of his hand. “You even smell like her.” The anguish in his voice at these last words sent her heart reeling. “Am I dreaming?” She asked the apparition, for she rationalized that he could not be anything else. “Yes,” he said, as gently as his raspy voice would allow. “Close your eyes and rest. I will leave you now.” “Don’t go,” she pleaded. “Are you not frightened of me?” Shock was evident in his voice. “Should I be?” she asked, rising up on her elbows again. “Yes! Me and anyone like me. We are dangerous.” He turned toward the opened window. “We? There are more of you?” she asked, thinking it odd to be having this conversation with a dream creature. “Many more. It would be better if you left Pyrrhathia and never came back.” He crouched as if ready to spring through the opened doors at any moment. “Wait!” she half-screamed, and when the creature turned to look at her, she added, “I can’t leave. I feel like I belong here. Wh…why are you here?” she asked timidly. “I guess I feel like I belong here, too,” he said, stealing a look at the portrait above the fireplace. Elizabeth’s eyes followed his sad gaze. It can’t be! she thought, and aloud she said, “Who are you?”

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“No one. Sleep. Forget about me,” he said simply, before leaping through the opened balcony doors. She watched his graceful body glide through the air. He did not land on the balcony at all, but flew over them. She sprang from the bed and ran to the balcony. The creature was nowhere to be seen. He had simply disappeared. ***** Julius shape-shifted into full wolfen form the minute his paws touched the ground. He paused to gaze up at her, knowing that the night and the woods would hide him from her eyes. His heart lurched as she leaned over the balcony searching for him. Desire slammed into his chest until it manifested itself as physical pain. It was a need so primal and feral that it overwhelmed him to the point of madness. The beast in him demanded he go to her and claim her as his mate. Julius refused to obey. He watched her retreat into the bedchambers, and then he ran, letting the wind rush through his fur, willing the sensation of running as a wolf to weaken the aching in his heart. For the first time in fifty years, he was glad he was a wolf. Tears wouldn’t fall from the eyes of the wolf. He ran and ran until he found himself on the hilltop behind his cabin, miles from the Lycaon estate. Once there, his eyes rested on a stone grave-marker, and the silver and gray wolf threw his head back and howled. Julius awoke sometime later in the glen to the west of the Lycaon castle. He was naked and covered in scratches from his flight through the woods. The wounds were quickly healing- all part of the curse. Physical wounds always healed quickly. Funny, he thought, I was trying to run from the past and apparently ran right to it. Here. She was right here and slipped away. Julius scrambled to his feet and ran a

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hand through his hair. He could almost see Elaine lying in a pool of her own blood, as well as feeling the teeth of the monster that attacked him and hearing the howls of the beast as his silver dagger pierced its side. He flinched at the memory. That werewolf had taken away his only love and his humanity in the same night. He turned to face the Lycaon castle. She had looked just like Elaine. Elizabeth? Who was she and what in the hell was she doing in Pyrrhathia? And why does she such have an effect on me? He paced the area back and forth trying to discover exactly what effect Elizabeth was having on him. Was it like having Elaine back? Or losing her all over again? Both, he finally decided. The tears that the wolf had held at bay finally broke. He sank to his knees. His grief was now reborn, and sooner or later he was going to have to face his pain. ***** When Elizabeth awoke the next morning, she barely remembered her dream and dismissed it as being induced by all the rumors associated with this place. She got up quickly and dressed, determined to make some major progress on the cleaning and repairs this place needed, especially the west tower. Dressed in an old cleaning dress, which up until a few months ago had been a part of her everyday attire, Elizabeth decided to start her quest in the Great Hall. She flushed guiltily when she remembered yesterday’s exchange with the castellan, who had objected to her opening and cleaning the other rooms in the castle. The great hall, located on the ground floor at the north end of the castle, was an impressive, magnificent room, with high ceiling, stone pillars, and glazed windows. A

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circular central hearth surrounded by tiles still occupied the center of the hall, but was never used. A fireplace had been put in since the castle was built several centuries before and was now used instead of the hearth. The walls were lined with swords, shields, spears, and crossbows. Two suits of armor stood by the entrance, as if guarding against enemy attackers. Along the wall opposite the entrance were two massive stone chairs on a slightly raised platform, presumably meant for the Lord and Lady of the castle. The handcarved stone benches in front of the raised platform were meant for guests. Since she felt extremely uncomfortable in the great hall, she wasted no time in cleaning and making a list of the few necessary repairs that this room would require before setting out for her search of the rest of the castle. She had been exploring the first room in the West Tower when she had heard a rapping at the castle door. Elizabeth’s swift feet carried her to the entrance hall, while her hands were busy trying to brush dust from her old cleaning dress and smooth her disheveled hair. She blushed when she opened one of the tall wooden doors and saw her very handsome gentleman caller. She still was not used to such company. She certainly was not ready to receive him. Lord Letion took her soft hand in his gloved hand and bowed. “I dare not kiss the hand of such a beautiful lady on a first visit; for fear that you think I am too bold.” “Thank you, milord, but I did not expect you to kiss my hand, as dirty as it is from all the work I am doing here. No apologies necessary,” she said and thought no more of the curious explanation. She was too embarrassed about her own appearance to raise any questions, or she would have noticed from the beginning that the gentleman did not want her to touch his skin, even for an instant.

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“Lady Byron, you are even more beautiful than I remembered,” Lord Letion said, smiling. Elizabeth blushed and said, “Thank you, milord, for the compliment, but I must admit, I am not used to such attention.” “No? Well, if I may be so bold, milady, might I suggest that you do get used to such attention. You are a beautiful woman, the most beautiful woman I’ve seen in Pyrrhathia in a long time, and you are a Lycaon. The last Lycaon. Your presence has caused quite a stir,” he said, his hazel eyes dancing beneath dark eyebrows. His thin lips pursed in a sexy half-smile. “The most beautiful? My lord, I must protest!” She felt her cheeks becoming a bright scarlet. “Nay, milady, protest not! I meant no disrespect. Nor did I mean to be too bold. I only speak the truth as I see it.” He bowed again. Elizabeth was at a loss of words. “Why are the people here so impressed that I am a Lycaon? Do they not know that I only recently discovered I was a Lycaon? Surely they know my father was not noble, that I grew up far from wealth and power, in an orphanage of all places.” She turned, hoping he would not see the heat that still burned in her cheeks at his unexpected compliments. “Aye, milady. I must report that the people seem to know quite a lot about you; however, that does not matter to many of them. You have Lycaon’s blood flowing through your veins. You have inherited this castle, which has for so long been an object of fear, respect, and awe.” He allowed his arms to spread wide and his eyes to dart around the castle as if he were in awe to be inside it himself.

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“Ah!” She laughed lightly. “I see. So you are really here to see the castle, not its mistress.” “Nay. I am more curious about the mistress than the castle, milady. That I can promise,” he said, appealing to her with his hazel eyes and charming grin. Elizabeth was excited about receiving her first visitor, even if the muscles in her stomach clenched from her nervousness. Luc seemed to notice her tension and attempted to relieve it by immediately asking to see the work she was doing to the castle. She took him to the room that she had begun cleaning, and was shocked when he began removing his black jacket and waistcoat and asked the castellan for a hammer to help make repairs. “No, milord, you mustn’t feel obligated, just because you came to visit,” Elizabeth objected. Here he bowed low to her, and with his hazel eyes twinkling wickedly beneath long, dark eyelashes, said, “My lady, you do offend me much. Your family and mine have been friends for centuries. I have heard stories of this grand castle since I was born. You do wrong me if you deny me the opportunity to help you make this castle as grand as I have always pictured it from the stories I have heard. Besides,” he added, closing the space between them, and bending his head so that his lips were beside her ear and she could feel his warm breath on her bare neck. “I have a whim to explore this castle and possibly re-forge the old friendship between the Lycaons and the Letions. You wouldn’t deny me that, would you?” The heat of his breath sent a shiver through her like an electrical impulse, which Elizabeth misinterpreted as passion mixed with the fear of the unknown. Later, she would know that it was a warning. At the time, however, she accepted his help, and the warning was lost.

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Luc offered two of his best servants to help Elizabeth while she was remodeling. Elizabeth had refused the help of his servants, but Luc insisted and sent for his servants immediately. Elizabeth felt a little dejected, but she did appreciate the help. And by midmorning, Elizabeth, Luc, and his servants were moving quickly from room to room, cleaning, repairing, and searching. Elizabeth was curious about her family, but the portraits and family heirlooms she saw in the castle raised more questions, rather than answering any. There were dozens of portraits of women, but very few of the men. In the library, Elizabeth studied a portrait of her great great-grandfather, Lord Vincent Lycaon, I. Her Uncle Vincent bore an uncanny likeness to his great-grandfather, whom he had apparently been named after. All of the men had dark hair and eyes and most sported full, dark beards. Many of the women had wavy, light brown hair. Although custom for married women was to wear hair pulled up in a tight bun, most of the women in these portraits let their long hair flow down their backs, uncovered. They all looked so beautiful and young. No wonder they were the envy of all the women in Pyrrhathia. They were in a room just down the hall from Elizabeth’s chosen bedchambers when Luc cut his hand on a piece of broken glass. “Oh! Milord, are you alright?” “Quite.” he said, turning so that she would not touch his bare hand. “It’s but a scratch, milady. Nothing to worry about. And, please, call me Luc.” Still, the color had drained from Elizabeth’s cheeks. “Please, at least let me wrap it.” Luc obediently followed her into her bedchambers, which was the closest room, and allowed her to carefully wrap his hand in a clean cloth. Luckily, she was too

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concerned about hurting him to touch his hand. One touch of the skin would have revealed secrets he did not want Elizabeth to know. For the time being, at least. When she finished and turned away to replace the clothing she had disarrayed back in the drawer, he breathed a sigh of relief. When she turned back around, he noticed her eyes landed involuntarily on the portrait of Elaine Lycaon. “She was beautiful, wasn’t she? All of the Lycaon women were beautiful, but none matched Elaine’s beauty...until now,” Luc’s dashing smile, as he added this compliment, was lost on her. She was still staring at the portrait, so he continued, “She died tragically about fifty years ago. Her parents and older brother mourned her death greatly. It is said that it was grief over her death that killed her parents only a few months later, first her mother, then her father. It is said that her brother, Alexandros, killed himself right after his parents’ deaths. Elizabeth had been his baby sister and rumors have it that they were extremely close. Were these her bedchambers?” “I think they must have been,” Elizabeth forced her eyes to move away from the portrait and back to Luc. “What else do you know about her?” “Only that she was destined to marry one of the Meleagers. She died just before her wedding day, though.” He crossed the room to stand closer to Elizabeth, but her eyes were already back on the portrait. “Oh, so, she was in love.” Her voice sounded misty and far away. “Yes, but, and I feel like a traitor for saying this because the Meleagers have always been our friends as well, but it is rumored that she did not love her intended

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fiancé. The marriage had been arranged by her father, but, according to the rumor-mill, her heart belonged to another.” “How fascinating.” Her smile when she said these words disappeared almost as instantly as it had appeared. Gazing again at the portrait, she asked, “How did she die?” “That, I do not know, milady.” Luc hid his boredom with the current topic with great difficulty. He wanted to leave the room, mostly because it proved a distraction. He wanted Elizabeth’s attention all to himself. “So your family has always been friends with the Lycaons and the Meleagers?” Elizabeth asked. “And the Zelotes, the Ambrosias, the Vanmaldrens, and others,” Luc sighed before continuing. “Our great-great-grandfathers or something fought together in a major war. According to legend, they fought so valiantly for the king that he gave General Lycaon these land—all of Pyrrhathia and the surrounding land– the whole island, really. That king made General Lycaon king of Pyrrhathia, which is named after him--Pyrrhus Lycaon. But Pyrrhus did not want to be king. He valued the men he fought alongside and brought them here to help him rule. The land was split evenly between the seven families, and he made them all Lords, himself included, so that they all ruled together. Eventually, their land was divided between their sons, and sons’ sons, but the original seven families still remain, and we are all still friends. More or less.” Noting that he finally had her complete attention, Luc smiled. “Oh, so I should automatically have friends in seven households?” Hope mixed with disbelief was evident in her tone. “For the most part, yes. At least seven. Our friendships have increased over time.

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Like myself, others will want to renew the friendship.” The apprehension in his voice was lost on the naive young Lycaon. Luc followed Elizabeth from her bedchambers into the next room she planned to open and explore. Time flew by in her company so that they were soon forced to give up their exploration because of the waning sunlight. Luc tried to appear attentive and charming, but his mind kept wandering. Try as he may, he could not seem to suppress the thought that had occurred to him in Elizabeth’s bedchambers. Others will want to renew the friendship with the last Lycaon. Others would seek her as their mate. Not only was she the last known carrier, but she was a Lycaon. Lord Lycaon had always been the alpha male of their pack, but he had no living male heirs. Whoever mated with Elizabeth would eventually become the alpha male. Yes, he would have rivals for Elizabeth. But Elizabeth Lycaon was a prize worth fighting for. “Please, allow my servants to stay with you tonight. There have been rumors associated with this place. Some say that they hear howling coming from the castle at night,” Luc pleaded as he bade her goodnight. Luc stood just outside on the second step of the opened wooden door which led to the entrance to the castle. Despite the fact that she was two steps above him, Elizabeth could barely see over his broad shoulder to his servants who were making ready the carriage. Purple streaked the sky, and night loomed just beyond the horizon. Already a few stars had come out to spy on the new owner of the Lycaon castle. “Nonsense. It’s just wives-tales and folklore. I’ll be fine. Besides, you promised to check on me first thing tomorrow, right?” Elizabeth’s smile was breathtaking. He

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couldn’t argue with her. “Of course, as you wish, Lady Byron. I will return first thing in the morning.” He smiled, placing his gloves back upon his hands. He took her hand in his and gazed into her eyes. She thought for an instant that he would kiss her, but he simply bowed and departed. The horse whinnied as Luc drew near but was calmed once Luc was in the carriage. Luc waved meekly through the carriage window before giving the command to leave. The driver skillfully handled the reigns, and within seconds, his coursers were trotting down the only path leading away from the Lycaon estate. ***** That night, when Elizabeth ventured out on the balcony adjoining Elaine’s bedchambers, she sensed that she was being watched. She searched the landscape until she saw a pair of yellow eyes peering from the row of trees just a few yards out from the castle. For some reason, she did not feel scared; something in the animal’s eyes told her that she was not in any danger. She called in her honey-sweet voice, “Come out. Let me see you.” As if he understood her, the beast emerged from the row of trees. The wolf was white and gray and very large. It was the most beautiful creature she had ever seen. He came close to the castle and sat obediently, looking up at her. His tale was wagging, like a dog’s will when he sees his master after a long separation. “Are you hungry?” she called to it. “Stay right there.” A few moments later, she returned to the window and threw out scraps of meat.

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The wolf looked at the meat to the wolf, then back at her. “Go on. Eat.” The wolf again obeyed. He ate the meat then sat down again, looking up at her. She thought perhaps he was still hungry and was about to go for more, but something in its eyes seemed to be asking her to speak again. “I’m all alone here,” she said to the animal. “You’re one of my first friends. If you come back tomorrow night, I promise I’ll save a little for you to eat. I can’t promise you much but a little food and some company.” The wolf lowered itself onto its stomach, crossed its forepaws, and looked up at her expectantly. She stayed out on the balcony, watching the animal and the moon for some time. As long as she stood there, talking to him, it did not move, but when she announced that it was time for her to go to bed, the wolf raised itself and walked slowly to the edge of the woods. He then turned, watched her retreat into her room, and disappeared into the darkness. Inside her bedchambers, Elizabeth extinguished all of the candles. The only light was from of the moon, and she welcomed it. She turned her head from the golden orb and stared for many moments at the portrait of Elaine above her fireplace. Her eyes outlined the curve of Elaine’s smile. She sighed as she wondered who had captured Elaine’s heart, causing her eyes to sparkle with a mixture of desire and delight. Whoever painted this portrait must have been a brilliant artist to be capable of capturing such expression in those eyes. Elaine seemed to have it all. She had had a mother, father, and siblings who loved her desperately. Elizabeth closed her eyes tightly, fighting back her tears. How could she miss parents she had never really known? Yet, she did. It felt as

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though the muscles in her stomach had knotted themselves into a fist-sized ball. She felt so empty inside and so lonely. But she refused to cry. Instead, she opted to imagine Elaine’s life. She pictured Elaine as beautiful and graceful. Nothing like herself. At least nothing like the side of herself that she could see when she looked in the mirror, even if others saw it. She drifted to sleep picturing Elaine dancing beneath the moonlight, laughing, and happy. She tried desperately to picture the man that Elaine must have been in love with. Her dreams took over where her fantasy had left off. “Elaine?” a deep masculine voice asked from behind her. It seemed to echo and come from miles away. The deep tenor voice was filled with a kind of melancholy that Elizabeth could relate to. Without seeing his face or knowing his name, she wanted to heal his sadness, his loneliness. And to let him heal hers. Looking around, she saw that she was standing in the moonlight in the courtyard beneath the balcony of her bedchambers. Looking down at herself, she saw that she was wearing the same dress Elaine had been wearing in her portrait. Smiling, she knew she was dreaming. She knew that she didn’t have to be her shy, reserved self. She turned to look at the owner of the deep voice that had sent tremors through her body. “No,” she said. “I’m Elizabeth.” “Elizabeth?” He stepped out of the shadows. Elizabeth gasped as she saw him. He was extremely tall with long, dark, wavy hair, which hung down his bare back in a queue. Except for one scar on his chest, and another just above his left eye, he had no visible imperfections. His bare, masculine chest

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heaved as he studied her. She longed to touch him. “Forgive me, Elizabeth,” he said with the same deep rumble. “You look just like her from behind. As a matter of fact,” he said, moving closer to her, “you look just like her from every angle. You sound like her. You smell like her,” He took a strand of her hair in his right hand and bent his face toward his palm to sniff the lock he had seized. Shrugging off the vague sense of deja vu, she swallowed the knot in her throat and reminded herself that it was just a dream. Her heartbeat quickened. Boldly, because it was a dream, she ran her hands down his rock hard chest and abdomen. “Oh, my,” she breathed aloud. The touch of his skin awakened a desire in her that had never been there before. Desire burned in her breasts and she longed for him to pull her into his arms. She could tell her touch awakened a desire in him too. She stared into his dark brown, stormy eyes, which was so full of emotion. Passion and pain swirled behind his eyes in a confused tempest, as each emotion fought for dominance. She studied his face. From his rugged features, she would guess his age around the mid-twenties, but his eyes looked much older. He had suffered for many years. Although it didn’t reflect in his face or his perfectly honed, muscular physique, she could see it in his eyes. If she had to guess, she would say that he had not laughed in many years. Yet, laugh lines around his eyes confessed that he’d been happy once. Very happy. “What am I doing here?” He seemed to be trying to avoid her gaze. “I wanted to see what Elaine’s lover looked like,” she said innocently, thinking it odd for him to ask that in a dream. She ran her hand up his chest, to his shoulder, and down his right arm, watching his muscles tense and flex in reaction to her touch.

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“Do you have any idea what you are doing to me?” His voice was a whirlwind of emotion. She longed to place her head on his chest and feel the rumble that husky voice must cause there. “I’m not even sure what I’m doing to me,” she said. “Can you tell me your name?” “You’re a carrier, aren’t you?” “A carrier? What’s a carrier?” She reluctantly pulled her eyes from her exploring hands to look questioningly into his dark eyes. “I should have known. Of course you’re a carrier. Elaine was. Of course, you would be too,” he said more to himself than to her. “Would you please explain that to me?” For the first time since the dream started, she was all business. He backed several steps away from her. Julius ran his hands through his hair, before webbing them together behind his head. Elizabeth closed the distance between them and repeated, “Can you explain that to me?” Ignoring her, he said to himself, “That’s how she pulled me into her dream.” A flash of yellow crossed his eyes, and he seemed to be remembering something very painful. “Elizabeth,” he said, pulling her closer to him, “listen to me. Watch out for yourself. You’re a carrier. That’s what got Elaine killed. They’ll be after you.” “Who will be after…” but before either of them could realize what was happening, he pulled her into his arms and covered her lips with his. Her shock subsided

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almost instantly. She moaned and allowed her soft body to melt against his much harder one. Julius felt her breasts press against his chest and let out a low growl as heat rushed through him, causing him to harden. It had been fifty years since he’d allowed his body this kind of reaction to a woman. He broke the kiss and looked down into her midnight eyes. She looked different than she had the night before. She looked happier. The sadness had melted from her eyes and he felt pride at knowing he had caused that. As her arms wrapped around his neck, he heard her words whisper inside his head, although she never moved her mouth. Could you love me the way you loved Elaine? Even in her dreams, she had not been bold enough to ask it aloud. Yet her abilities as a carrier had allowed her to send the message through his mind, as a whisper carried on the wings of the wind. He smiled at her. His heart yearned for her, yearned to love and be loved again. He bent and kissed her passionately, possessively. Then, he pulled away from her with a jerk. “No. I will never love anyone else again.” He shook her forcefully as he said the words. “Never again. Do you hear me, Elizabeth?” “Yes!” She burst into tears. In an instant, she disappeared and he was standing all alone. She had woken up. He looked up at the opened balcony door and could’ve sworn he heard her crying. He awoke in his own bed moments later. He felt his stomach burning from the pain he’d caused Elizabeth. She’d reached

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out to him in her dreams. Had called to him the way Elaine had once done. And he had hurt her. He longed to go to her, to comfort her and keep her safe. But no. He could never do that. He’d promised Elaine his heart would be hers forever. He could watch over Elizabeth and protect her from a distance, but he could never allow himself to love her. Why had he felt so compelled to pull her in his arms? To kiss her and allow his body this reaction? Because she reminds you of Elaine. Because you want to protect her from Elaine’s fate. His heart told him it was something more. She wasn’t like Elaine. Not really. They looked alike, but their similarities were merely physical. There’s something about her... No, his head screamed, shutting the door to his heart. My reaction is simply caused by the fact that I have not allowed another woman to touch me in so long. And she looks so much like Elaine. You’re wrong, his heart interjected. His head refused to hear it. Elizabeth wasn’t sure why she was crying. It’d just been a dream. She didn’t even know the name of the man she’d been dreaming about. She chided herself, called herself silly. Crazy. But she’d connected with this man in her dreams in a way that she had never connected with anyone before. Ever. She’d wanted him to love her. She had wanted to love him. Something told her that it was meant to be. She shook the feeling and forced herself to clear her thoughts. Finally, she drifted

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back to a fitful, restless sleep. ***** To Luc’s dismay, the following day Elizabeth seemed in a trance all morning,. No matter how witty or charming he tried to be, she didn’t respond. Although they worked side by side, she seemed miles away. Elizabeth left the large sitting room, to get a snack for both of them as Luc continued working. Before arriving, he’d pictured this morning totally different. He wondered what could’ve happened to distract her. As he worked, his thoughts concerning Elizabeth and his deep desire to pull her out of her distraction pulled him into a trance similar to hers. He didn’t hear her re-enter the bower. Elizabeth touched his shoulder to get his attention and he jumped, flinching away from her. He watched as her eyes seemed to flicker closed, then re-opened wide with fear. She looked questioningly at him, trying to shake the feeling that had come over her. He gulped, wondering what she had sensed, a feeling of dread washed over him, consuming him until he felt he would drown from lack of oxygen. Elizabeth felt tense and jittery around Luc the rest of the day. She tried to hide it, but he felt it. He hoped that his chances with the beautiful heir of Lycaon were not ruined. When he left the castle that night, he did not take her hand. He promised to return the next morning and she smiled half-heartedly and answered, “Thank you, milord. I would like that.” But he wasn’t sure that she meant it. He walked the short distance from the great doors to his carriage with his head bowed. When she closed the great doors, he turned and stared in the silent darkness for a few minutes before continuing on his path. What could he do to win her back?

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When she touched him, Elizabeth had seen the figure of Luc disappear. The figure of a wolf creature, like the one from her dream two nights before, crouched in its place for an instant. For some reason, she felt more scared of this creature than she had of the one in her dream. This creature was wild, fierce, and not one to be messed with. She laughed at herself and tried to shake off the image, the feeling of danger. But she couldn’t help sensing something dark and evil lurking just below the surface. The night was a hot one for that time of year, and Elizabeth was in one of the highest rooms in the west tower. Yet, her balcony doors and windows remained firmly closed that night.

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Chapter Two

If Luc had been in dismay about not having her attention the morning after the full moon, the next few days brought on an almost unbearable existence for him. He loathed having to share her attention with anyone and there wasn’t a day that went by that she didn’t have a dozen guests to her home, bearing gifts. Yet, as tough as that was for the youngest Letion, he had one harder blow to suffer before the week was out—he had a rival for her affections. On her fifth morning at the castle, Luc arrived early as usual, with his servants ready to help with whatever task the lady wanted to tackle that day. Just before he unloaded his carriage and rapped the knocker of the great doors; however, another carriage pulled in front of the doors of the famous Lycaon castle. The man who stepped from the carriage made Letion’s heart lurch. “Well, Will, this is a surprise.” Luc held out his hand to his old companion. “Is it?” William Meleager’s husky voice held a mischievous quality to it, but he seized Luc’s hand with an obvious air of good will. “Actually, I had expected you, but had hoped that the young Lycaon’s heart would be mine before you returned from France,” Luc said, matter-of-factly. “Now, I see that I’ll have to play against the master of the game in order to win.” William Meleager laughed deviously. “What does it matter who wins, so long as it is one of us, my friend?” He clapped Luc on the shoulder and stared expectantly at the castle. “If you honestly believed that, you might’ve given me a little longer with her

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before you turned up.” Luc turned to gather his supplies from the carriage. “You sound as if you’re worried about the affections of this Elizabeth.” Meleager’s voice was obviously probing for information. “Are you worried just because I am here, or has something happened to discourage you?” Luc pulled Meleager over to the side and confided, “She’s definitely a carrier, Will. She touched my shoulder and sensed something.” “You allowed her to touch your skin?” There was no masking the urgency in Meleager’s voice. “No. Her sense must be extremely strong because she touched my clothing. I’ve never seen one to get a sense without touching bare skin.” Luc whispered, in fear that Elizabeth might be able to hear if she were in the entrance hall. Meleager’s eyes danced and his smile broadened. Luc could almost see the wheels turning within Meleager’s head. He wondered if he should wave his white flag now or give Meleager a little of a fight before surrendering. “Is she as beautiful as they say?” Meleager stared at Luc through slanted eyes. Luc sighed. “Absolutely breathtaking, Will. If I didn’t know better, I would swear she was Elaine!” Luc studied Meleager as he bowed his head and lowered his eyes. A kind of sadness had come across his hard, rugged features. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize I had company,” Elizabeth said from the entryway. Luc noted how her eyes widened when she saw William Meleager step from behind Luc’s carriage. Meleager strolled up to her, took her bare hand in his gloved hand and, without taking his eyes from hers, he lifted her hand to his lips. He allowed his lips to brush her skin very briefly, and then said, “Forgive me for being so bold, Lady Byron. But I’ve

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never seen such beauty in all my days.” Luc watched from beside his carriage, thunderstruck. He couldn’t believe how bold Meleager was. How could he dare risk Elizabeth discovering their secret? He would put both of them in danger of losing her forever and they could not afford that. He watched Elizabeth’s eyes close briefly. She was visibly shaken. Her voice, too, was shaky and much more husky than her usual angelic voice as she said, “Gentlemen, won’t you please come inside?” Luc realized that she must have mistaken the flashes of energy she’d felt from the brief touch of Meleager’s lips upon her hand as excitement. Maybe even passion, Luc thought with a sigh. Meleager was many moons older than Luc and apparently much more confident in his abilities to charm and deceive. Elizabeth couldn’t shake the whirlwind that had breathed through her soul when William Meleager had kissed her hand. She was still somewhat shaken as she prepared three drinks for them once inside the grand sitting room. Try as she might, she couldn’t take her eyes from Meleager. After the storm inside her calmed somewhat, she began unconsciously comparing her two gentlemen callers. Luc was tall, handsome, and masculine. His long, straight blonde hair was always pulled neatly back, and his beard was always neatly trimmed. He always looked like a gentleman, even when he was dusting, hammering, and organizing. Yet, he never shrank from any duty. William was taller, more handsome and muscular than Luc. His jaw had a rugged quality. His voice was huskier, his hair and eyes darker, his lips fuller, and his laugh more alluring. He, too, looked like a gentleman, but there was a playfully mischievous quality to his nature. His dark eyes seemed to dance beneath his thick eyelashes. Although he

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didn’t look any older than Luc, he did have the carriage of one who was wiser. His eyes seemed to whisper, “I know something you don’t know.” He seemed to be taunting her, and she longed to know his secret. At sunset that afternoon, her callers both retreated into their prospective carriages and prepared to ride away. Luc appeared slightly dejected, but Elizabeth didn’t notice. It was Meleager who noticed, and smiled. He had the countenance of someone who had just won the first major battle toward a victory. They rode off in separate directions just as the sun set and Elizabeth was again left all alone, but not for long. The white and gray wolf appeared again, just as it had done every night since it had first appeared. When she told her friend of her visitor, it howled and then whined. The wolf’s whine sounded like a human’s cry. ***** Elizabeth was standing in the garden on the west side of the Lycaon estate looking out across the stream. The half moon peered out from behind thin clouds overhead and a dense fog enveloped her feet. She was wearing a very thin, silk nightdress and, she wondered vaguely, how she had gotten there when she heard his voice. She smiled. She was dreaming. “Is this going to become a habit?” He brushed her hair aside and nuzzled her neck from behind. “You don’t seem too upset to be here tonight.” She closed her eyes at the pinpricks that rushed over her skin in reaction to his lips brushing against her neck. When Julius saw her eyes half closed with desire. She bit her full bottom lip to keep herself from moaning aloud as he shuddered and drew away.

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“I’m glad you called me back, actually,” he said, turning her to face him. “I felt like hell for what I did to you last time.” “Why should you feel bad? It’s just a dream.” He smiled down at her, but said nothing. She didn’t realize the powers she had as a carrier. He hadn’t seen powers this strong since Elaine. He didn’t know why he couldn’t tell her about carriers. He rationalized that he wanted her to be able to live a normal life for as long as possible. If he’d realized that he really just wanted to be close to her but feel safe about doing it, he would’ve broken the connection and awoken from his dream in the instant. Deep down he thought that as long as she felt it was just a dream, her feelings were spared. It’s not real, he told himself as he kissed her parted lips gently. He loved the feel of her body against his and pulled her tighter to him. She moaned against his lips as he deepened their kiss. Her arms were around his neck, her hands running through his hair greedily. Their bodies were consumed in a single flame. They both wanted so much more. Reluctantly, he pulled away. “Why did you call me back tonight?” he asked. “I wasn’t aware that I did,” She ran her hands down his arms. His muscles tensed in response. “Oh, my,” she said, and his eyes rolled back in his head. “You really must stop saying that,” he said huskily. “Why?” she asked. “Because of this.” He pulled her back into his arms and allowed his hardness to press against her tight abdomen.

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Her gasp was cut short when he pressed his lips to hers. Guilt washed over him as he thought of Elaine, but he pushed it aside. It’s not real, he told himself. “Elizabeth?” His voice pleaded. “I want to touch you.” Her eyes clouded over briefly as she said, “Tell me your name, please.” “Why?” He ran his finger down the length of her neck. “So I can say it when you touch me.” She visibly swallowed. A low growl escaped his throat. No, he told himself. If she knows your name, it becomes real. But he couldn’t help himself. “Julius,” he said simply. “Julius,” she repeated. “Kiss me, Julius.” He obeyed. His kiss sent tiny shivers throughout her body. She longed for his touch. “Touch me, Julius.” She blushed at her own boldness, even though it was only a dream. He pulled away from her slightly and stared into her eyes. He slid four fingers beneath each thin silk strap on her shoulders and guided them off until they hang loosely about her arms. The heat of his fingers on her bare skin caused Elizabeth to shiver with anticipation. Julius then untied a ribbon that held the material bunched at the top, just above her breasts. Once the ribbon was untied, he slowly lowered the gown so that her breasts were exposed. She knew she must be pink all over. Never had she experienced something so erotic, not even in a dream. No man had ever seen her naked. She had to keep reminding herself that it wasn’t real. Julius stood back, admiring Elizabeth, then gave one tug at the silky material. It fell in a soft bunch at her feet, scattering for a brief second the light layer of fog hugging

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her ankles. She was naked except for a thin piece of white lace that served as her panties. He groaned as his erection grew even more. Her body was pink and flush. She was blushing as he allowed his gaze to sweep over her body hungrily. “Are you okay with this?” He pulled her to him. Her long golden curls bounced around her soft, pale shoulders and down her back as she nodded. He slid his hands down her back until his fingertips were barely touching the offending lace that kept him from seeing all of her. He slid his calloused hands around her hips, to her abdomen, and up to her chest. All the time, he watched her eyes. Seeing only desire there, he kissed her lips as he gently cupped her full, round, naked breasts in his rough hands. Instinctively he knew that his touch burned her to the core. He imagined that she would be growing moist and hot. He felt her tremble in his arms as if her knees were growing weak. “Tell me, Elizabeth. What is it that you want?” Her expression turned thoughtful at his question. Then she giggled and closed her eyes. Julius felt a tug at his stomach and closed his eyes as well. Instantly, they were swept away. Julius opened his eyes to see that she was lying on her back. Her hair, glistening in the moonlight, fanned out around her. He smiled. “This is much better.” “Don’t stop, Julius.” Her voice was pleading. Oh, dear Lord, he hadn’t expected this reaction to the sound of his name on her

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lips. His heart lurched. He wanted to hear her say his name like that again. He longed to bury himself deep inside of her and never let her go. It’s not real, he reminded himself. Caressing her breasts, he kissed her exposed neck. He felt her pulse beneath his lips and his incisors grew in response to her heat. Oh, how he longed to bite her, to make her his completely… “No!” he yelled, pulling away. “Julius? Please, wait.” The disappointment and pain in her voice shook him. “I’m sorry, Elizabeth. This isn’t right.” He quickly climbed out of her bed. “Why?” She hid the tears in her eyes from him, but those in her voice were unmistakable. “You can’t call me back to you anymore, Elizabeth. Do you understand? I’m dangerous.” There was obvious pain in his voice as well. “But, Julius, please,” she said, reaching one hand out to him. “Please, Beth.” No one had ever called her ‘Beth’ before. She would have loved the nickname if it hadn’t been said in such an anguished tone. “I’m not human,” he said. “I’m… I’m something else.” How could he tell her that he was a werewolf? How could he tell her that there were werewolves after her because she was a carrier? Most importantly, how could he presume to try to save her from those monsters when he wasn’t sure that he could save her from himself? His form faded from in front of her as he broke their connection. When she woke up, Elizabeth was lying naked on her bed. She was drenched in

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sweat and trembling, but she didn’t cry.

Trista Bane

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Chapter Three

Luc’s visits grew less and less frequent, but Elizabeth didn’t seem to notice. Perhaps he was admitting defeat. Over the next three months, Meleager helped Elizabeth with the castle. Although he was sure that it did not quite have the grandeur that it had when Lord Lycaon lived here, he was quite impressed with the old castle. Under Elizabeth’s care, it was beginning to come alive and once again inspire its visitors with the mixture of awe and fear it had once done so long ago. Meleager watched day after day as Elizabeth tried to make the place brighter, more cheerful looking by replacing the dark tapestries in the hallway with some she had found in Elaine’s bedchambers by moving the drapes from the windows to let daylight in, and by removing dust and cobwebs from the dark halls of the castle. Yet, Meleager was quite certain there was a darker side to this castle that had nothing to do with the walls, dust, cobwebs, or drapes. “You have worked enough; now it is time for play,” he said to the protesting Elizabeth one afternoon. “We shall go into town today and buy you a dinner gown as lovely as you are. Tonight, we dine.” Reluctantly, Elizabeth climbed into his carriage. He showed her a very wonderful afternoon, indulging her every whim. If she showed any interest at all in an item, he purchased it for her and had it delivered to his carriage. He kept his riding gloves on and frequently took her by the hand as they walked down the street. Elizabeth was so excited and happy; she could not have known that she was being watched.

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Luc Letion noticed, however. He walked up behind the tall brunette, and asked, “Oh, my dear Andrea, what ails you?” Soft brown curls bounced lightly as she turned a beautiful set of malicious hazel eyes on Luc. “You know very well what ails me, my lord. Why must you taunt me?” “You are no match for her, Andrea. She has his attention because she is a carrier. She can give him what he so desperately wants: children,” Luc whispered, as he cupped her face in his hand. She yielded to his touch, and pressed her body against his, yet her gaze remained fixed. “What he wants is me.” She let her lips brush his throat. “I am his first love. You know that wolves mate for life.” “That’s the rumor, anyway. But, you’re not a wolf. Of late, wolves are only faithful to their immortal mate. You were just his play-toy until she came of age.” Luc ran the fingertips of his left hand down her face before turning her head in Elizabeth’s direction. Elizabeth was staring into Meleager’s dark eyes, laughing; then she clutched his arm and allowed him to lead her to a little craft stand. Lightning seemed to flash in Andrea’s eyes. Luc knew she’d stopped at nothing to get Meleager back. Hearing Luc’s taunts and seeing Meleager with Elizabeth was too much for Andrea. She tried to beat Luc’s chest with her tiny fists. He caught her right wrist, then her left wrist in his large, strong hands and laughed huskily. “Why take your anger out on me? I made no promises to you.” “He made no promises to me.” She tossed her head in Meleager’s direction and whispered fiercely. “But he loves me; I know it.”

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“Well, then,” Luc continued to hold her wrists. He kissed her neck between words, his breath hot on her skin. “Why not remind him of his love for you?” “What do you have in mind?” Andrea peered deep into his brown eyes and smiled. He kissed her lips and released her hands. She ran her fingers through his hair, deepening the kiss. ***** At six o’clock that afternoon, as promised, Luc arrived in front of the beautiful Ambrosia Estate. The sun was setting behind the large estate and the silver moon could already be seen low in the sky. As per his orders, she descended the stone step dressed in her most seductive red gown. Her long brunette hair was swept up off her neck, revealing a long, soft, slender neck. Luc let his eyes roam over her and smiled, noting that the gown left little to the imagination, and smiled. He took her hand and helped her into the carriage. Luc presently found himself in a win-win situation. If his plan worked, he’d have another chance with Elizabeth. If it didn’t, he’d spend the evening with the next best thing, Andrea Ambrosia. Yet, as tempting as the beautiful Andrea was, Luc was sure that his plan would work. After all, it was the night before the full moon. Meleager would be vulnerable to all emotions tonight. “Are you sure they will be there tonight?” Andrea asked Luc as he seated himself next to her in his carriage. “Positive. I heard him telling Elizabeth about the party.” Luc tried not to sit too close to her or look at her, for he also was becoming very vulnerable to his emotions. He wasn’t sure how he’d get through the charade tonight.

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“Your breathing has changed, Luc. You’re going to have to get that under control before we get to the Zelotes’ estate.” Andrea’s lips were only an inch from his neck. Her breathing had changed as well. She’d been with Meleager long enough to know that certain phases of the moon caused changes in him. Apparently she liked these changes, liked being the one able to calm certain raging appetites within the beast. “My lovely Andrea, if you don’t want my driver to pull over this carriage so that I can ravage you by the roadside, you had better sit on the other side of the carriage. If I feel your lips on my skin once more before we reach the Zelotes’ estate, I will not be responsible for my actions.” His tone was matter-of-fact; all the playfulness of the day’s earlier exchanges gone from his voice. His skin was hot, beads of sweat dripped from his forehead and the finite hairs on his skin began to crawl. Andrea obediently took her place on the other side of the carriage, but her smile broadened and her eyes sparkled as she watched the effect she had on Luc. He tried to regain his control, but it was too late. “Arhhhh!” he growled, exasperated. “Stop the carriage, Jean.” Luc’s voice was deeper, raspier than normal. Before the carriage was completely stopped, he opened the door and stepped out of his carriage. If he’d dared turned to look at Andrea, he would’ve seen a look of disappointment on her beautiful face. He took off his waistcoat and threw it to the driver. He unbuttoned his white shirt to the waist and walked around, letting the cool air kiss his naked skin. He looked like a prizefighter preparing for a fight, but in reality, the battle was taking place within. Finally, the night air began to cool his skin. Andrea watched as his pace slowed. She couldn’t believe it. He was regaining

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control over it. She stepped from the carriage and positioned herself behind Luc. He sensed she was there and stopped pacing but did not turn. “Go away, Andrea,” he warned through gritted teeth. Jean watched as she pressed her breast against Luc’s back and wrapped her arms around him, her fingers massaging the hair on his chest and abdomen. When he saw Luc’s eyes close and his jaw clench, Jean quickly unleashed the horses from the carriage and led them away, leaving the two alone. “Why?” Luc managed, as he turned around lifting her from the ground, effortlessly, and laying her in the carriage. “Because I have been his lover for three years, and I now have desires that can only be fulfilled by a wolf. Because three months are way too long.” Her voice was barely a whisper, but Luc’s preternatural senses allowed him to catch every word. A low growl escaped his throat. As he pushed her skirts up over her head, the wind blew shut the door of the carriage. ***** “You seem angry,” Andrea said in a cheerful tone. Jean had returned with the horses, and they were once again on the way to Zelotes’ party. “Perhaps we should abandon this idea. He’ll know. He’ll take one look at you and me, and he’ll know. He will want nothing more to do with you.” Now that his desire had been quenched, he was able to see the consequence of his actions. He may have lost his last shot with Elizabeth. “We most certainly will not abandon this idea. I know what I’m doing. I know

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he’ll know. I want him to know. It serves him right, abandoning me for three months, while he chases after that… that,” “Do not say anything bad about Elizabeth.” From the tone of his voice, Andrea knew that he meant it, so she dropped the subject. Luc turned from her, and in a calmer voice, he said, “She’s not like you. She’s not like any woman I have ever met.” They sat in silence until they reached the estate. Luc knew that the chances of Meleager visiting Andrea now were slim. While a werewolf’s desires are strong, they can be overcome. Andrea had been Meleager’s mistress for three years. They’d both remained faithful until tonight. Meleager would see her as tainted now. He would most likely reject her as a mistress. Andrea seemed confident in winning his affections tonight. She was counting on Meleager’s jealousy to bring him to her door, and his desires to bring him back to her bed. After all, tomorrow night was a full moon. If she could just touch him, he’d be hers. For tonight, anyway. Their little roadside escapade had made them so late that most of the guests were finishing their elegant meal when Luc and Andrea arrived. Looking around the great hall, Andrea couldn’t help noticing the color and liveliness, the people laughing, music playing. Four long tables were set up on the main floor on either side of the ancient central hearth that had been lit for the night’s festivities. Normally, the central hearth was left without fire because it’d been deemed dangerous, and was now only lit on special occasions. Large oil lamps lined the walls and sconces held candles along the wall to light the room in much more brilliance than it normally held.

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The raised platform opposite the entrance to the great hall held a large table where Lord and Lady Zelotes, their family and closest friends sat. It was the only table that didn’t have stone benches, but rather the occupants sat in chairs. Unlike the other tables, only one side of this table was used so that the Lord and Lady could look directly upon their guests. Letting her eyes scan the table, Andrea saw Michael Zelotes, the only son and heir of the Zelotes estate seated to the right of his father. To his right were Lord and Lady Laomedon and Lord Admentor. To the left of Lady Zelotes, she spotted Will Meleager with Elizabeth. ***** Meleager saw them first. He looked from one to the other and the color of his eyes changed briefly. His jaw was set, his nostrils flared, and the color drained from his face. Andrea pretended not to notice. She ran her hand through Luc’s long hair and smiled up at him. The motion sent chills down Luc, but his gaze never left Meleager’s. Elizabeth saw Luc and smiled at him. Luc hesitated for a moment, and then guided his date to an empty area on the bench of the table at the far left of the room. She clung to him, letting her breasts brush his arm at intervals. Luc wasn’t the only one who noticed this. Elizabeth looked up at Meleager to see him staring at Luc and Andrea. His anger was obvious. “What is it, my lord?” she asked simply, looking from Meleager to Luc and back again. “I…,” he said searching for a lie. “I am appalled that they have the nerve to be so tardy to Lord Zelotes’ festivities. It shows his complete lack of responsibility and respect

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for Lysander Zelotes and his family. It is appalling and I am tempted to give Luc and his date a piece of my mind.” “No,” Elizabeth pleaded. “You must not cause a scene. I’m sure Luc had no intention of being late or of disrespecting your friend. You must calm yourself, milord.” Meleager looked at Elizabeth and smiled, nodding. “Of course, you’re right, milady. I will reserve my comments for another occasion. I wouldn’t want to dampen the festivities or cause a scene. Besides,” he said smiling at her, “I’m the envy of every man here tonight. I have the most beautiful date here. Do you see how they are all staring and jealous?” Indeed they were. There were many nobles in the room, and now that they had stopped dining, they seemed to all be staring at the great table and whispering among themselves. Elizabeth blushed after she saw person after person turn from her as she caught them staring. “Why are they staring at me?” she asked quietly, not wishing to be overheard. “Because you are the most beautiful woman here.” His devilish grin revealed a single dimple on his left cheek. “That’s not true.” Elizabeth lowered her head and leaned closer to Meleager. “Lord Letion’s date is one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen in my entire life.” Meleager’s eyes darkened before he remembered himself. He wanted desperately to tear Luc and Andrea to shreds here in front of everyone. Because of their powers, every male in the room knew about his affair with Lady Ambrosia. By now, most of them had

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undoubtedly already sensed her infidelity. Male wolves didn’t have the same powers as a female carrier, let alone a female wolf. However one power they did possess was the power to tell if a female had been with another man, mortal or immortal. They could pick a virgin out of a crowd of two hundred whores. They could tell if their mates, or if another wolf’s mate, was faithful. Every male in the room knew of Meleager’s shame. Luckily, he’d found his carrier and was sitting next to her. It was he who had abandoned Andrea, and they knew that too. They also could tell that Elizabeth was pure, untainted, and Will knew they all envied him. “Lady Ambrosia couldn’t hold a candle to your beauty. She looks too much like everyone else in Pyrrhathia. You must’ve noticed how rare your blonde hair and blue eyes are. Your pale skin, so soft and silky.” His voice lowered and become husky. She could hear the desire in his voice, and it sent chills through her body. Yet, it did not cause the burning need that her dreams of Julius had. She sighed. Although she thought about her dreams and about Julius constantly, she had not dared dream of him again since he warned her not to. She had tried in vain to remove him from her thoughts. She tried to feel for William Meleager what she was feeling for Julius. If she hadn’t known better, she would swear she was falling in love with a man who didn’t exist. “I would continue to enumerate on your beauty and your assets, but I’m afraid I would embarrass you, milady,” Meleager said, interrupting her thoughts. “My assets?” she asked. “Milord, are you trying to cause a scandal?” She teased, but still looked around to make sure no one had overheard. “No, milady. I’m just saying what every other man in here is thinking, but too

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afraid to say.” He winked at her. His smile was charming and irresistible. But there was something unnerving about him, especially this evening. She shrugged the feeling off as Lady Zelotes ordered the tables cleared from the hall to make room for other festivities. Immediately, people stood and gathered along the walls of the great hall. The guests’ chatter became louder as the excitement started to build. No one was sure what type of entertainment Lady Zelotes had planned, but she was renowned as the best hostess in Pyrrhathia. Looking around the room, Elizabeth noticed the male guests outnumbered the female guests nearly five to one. The female guests all had darker hair than Elizabeth’s. Most of them had auburn hair and dark eyes. Some, however, had straight black hair, as sleek as a raven’s. They all had darker skin. Now that the guests were standing, she could tell that most of the men were extremely tall, averaging from about 6’2” to 6’6” in height. Luc Letion was the shortest at about 5’11”. All of the men, including Luc, were in great physical condition as were most of the women. Most of the men had shed their outer coats and their tailored clothes clung to them in the right places to show varying degrees of muscular strength. Elizabeth blushed in spite of herself. She’d never been the type to surrender herself to physical beauty and that was a good thing tonight. If she did have an appetite for pure masculine strength, she would’ve found herself at a buffet. From the looks on the faces of most of the men as they watched her being led through the crowd on Meleager’s gloved hand, she would be able to sample as many of them as she wanted without having to ask. Lord Zelotes disappeared, leaving his wife in charge of their guests, but his son,

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Michael, followed Meleager and Elizabeth. Tapping Meleager on the shoulder, Michael cleared his throat. Meleager turned, and smiling, shook the man’s forearm. Michael was every bit as tall as Meleager, who stood about 6’5”, and perhaps a little more muscular in build. He was the only man in the room, with the exception of Luc, who had blonde hair. “I thought,” Michael said, smiling down at Elizabeth, “that you might introduce me to your companion, Will.” Meleager’s smile faded slightly, but he forced it to remain as he introduced Elizabeth. Elizabeth curtsied, her eyes not leaving Michael’s. “Byron?” Michael asked. “You are, no doubt, Vincent’s niece we have been hearing so much about?” Elizabeth smiled and nodded. “Might I borrow her for a moment, Will? I have some friends I would like Elizabeth to meet.” Michael’s smile broadened. Elizabeth didn’t notice the scowl on Meleager’s countenance. She was staring into the eyes of her new acquaintance. Something about him intrigued her. “Of course, only if that’s all right with you, milady,” he said bowing to her. She blushed and nodded before looking at Meleager. Crestfallen, Meleager nodded, and said in a low tone of voice, “Of course.” As Meleager watched his carrier being escorted from group to group around the room, someone else was watching from a secret chamber above the great hall. Lysander Zelotes smiled as he watched his son with Elizabeth. He allowed himself to imagine the two mated, having children. Lysander was desperate for another heir. All of his sons and daughters had been taken from him long ago. His youngest son was all that remained. His

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wife, Camilla, had been five centuries old when she bore him Michael. Michael’s birth had almost killed her, so rather than taking the chance of losing his mate, Lysander had rested all his hopes on Michael. “Lysander, old friend,” a familiar voice said in low tones from behind him. “I would never have dreamed I would see the day when you would throw a feast and not issue an invitation to me.” Lysander turned and smiled at his friend. “I knew not that you were back in Pyrrhathia, my lord. Excuse the oversight. However, I would not think it customary for a man to come to a feast when he is presumed dead.” Lysander gave a knowing look to his companion before shaking his forearm. “True, Lysander, true,” the other said, laughing. “How goes it?” He positioned himself so that he could look down on the party as well. “She is there, my lord.” Lysander pointed to Elizabeth. “With Michael.” “Lysander,” the other said, but was cut short by Lysander’s words. “Pardon, my lord, but just look at them. They are both so young. They could produce many carriers, many heirs. You said you would allow her to choose. Why not allow Michael to try for her hand? Give her a real choice? A choice between only two is no real choice at all,” Lysander reasoned. “Michael will have his carrier. He’s a baby yet, only fifty years old. Meleager and Luc have both been waiting for their carriers for nearly two centuries. You must be patient.” “Patience wears thin after six centuries. You know this, my lord. Why must my son suffer because no carrier in two centuries has wanted Meleager or Letion? If Luc

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could have held on to the Laomedon girl and Meleager could have held on to Elaine, they wouldn’t be in this predicament. If you ask me, they lost their shot at their carriers and it is time to let some of the younger generations have a chance at happiness,” Lysander said. “Never,” the other said, his voice becoming a low growl, “bring up Elaine in my presence again!” “Forgive me, milord.” The grief in Lysander’s eyes proved that he was. “We all miss Elaine. She was special, but mark my words, Lord, Meleager won’t be able to hold on to this one either.” “Elizabeth will have no choice but to marry. She can choose either Meleager or Letion, but she must choose one. I would rather she believe that she is making all decisions on her own, so Michael must not enter into the equation,” the other said. “You must send him back to Germany.” “But, milord,” Lysander protested. “He only just returned. That is the reason for our festivities. It’s his homecoming.” “In that case,” the other said defiantly, “you will be able to have another feast in a few months. Once Elizabeth has chosen between Meleager and Letion.” Lysander opened his mouth to protest again, but thought better of it. “Yes, milord, as you wish.” Below in the great hall, Meleager rejoined Elizabeth and Michael, bearing a goblet of wine for his date. Michael excused himself from them when he saw his father beckoning to him. Elizabeth watched Michael’s face as his father whispered something into his ear. He became furious, livid, and looked back at Elizabeth with yearning. He then retired from the festivities.

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Elizabeth watched him leave and felt a strong desire to comfort him. She had not touched his skin and did not know the darker side of him. She only knew that he was upset and in pain. While Michael had a dark side, his soul was nowhere near as black as the soul of the man standing next to her trying to take her mind off of Michael. Nor was it as dark as that of the man coming toward them. Meleager barely hid his snarl before Elizabeth turned to look at him. She had not seen Luc approaching. “Elizabeth, let me introduce you to my date, Andrea Ambrosia,” Luc said, smiling. The ladies exchanged hellos, but Meleager seemed anxious to have them leave. Even Elizabeth noticed the change in his mood. “We really must get together sometime, Elizabeth,” Andrea was saying. “I’m sure that we have a lot in common.” She allowed her gaze to fall on Meleager. “William, darling, how are you doing?” Meleager flushed. “Wonderful, Andrea. You seem to be doing quite well, too.” He looked pointedly at Luc. Luc gulped, but managed to maintain his grin. Luc and Andrea excused themselves after a few minutes to go to a bench just a few feet from where they were seated, which was, conveniently enough, situated so that Meleager was facing them. Meleager tried to return to the light-hearted conversation he was having with Elizabeth, trying to make his mood as cheerful as it had been a moment before. He thought of the ring in his pocket. Should he pop the question here, now, in front of those traitorous fools who tried to ruin his night? No. He had to get out of here. He wanted his proposal to be sincere, not staged for the benefit of Andrea.

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He couldn’t help watching the two in the corner. Andrea had slipped off her shoe and was rubbing Luc’s inner thigh with her tiny foot. Luc’s eyes flickered shut, then flashed open. He seemed to be warning her that she was taking the charade too far. He seemed to be losing control. Meleager saw beads of perspiration drop from Luc’s forehead and knew from experience the effect that Andrea’s touch can have the night before a full moon. He remembered the heat, and soon, it wasn’t a memory. Watching Luc’s reaction caused the same reaction in him. He looked at Elizabeth and smiled. He must regain control of his desires. Elizabeth would be his soon enough. She would soon be the one that he turned to the night before the full moon. That thought calmed him briefly. He could wait for her. She was more beautiful than Andrea, was now more pure than Andrea, and she could give him an heir. Andrea could not. Just then, a band of players came into the room. These men were actors who traveled together to put on their plays for lords and ladies and kings and queens at private parties. The guests at the parties loved it because the players often included members of the audience in their skits. The company of actors was made up of four men and two boys who played the roles of women. Lord and Lady Zelotes positioned themselves again on the raised platform in their large stone chairs with blue and gold cushions for their comfort. Lady Zelotes laughed as she watched the players do a comedic dance to get the attention of their audience. Lord Zelotes had a look of hatred on his face. Michael was no where to be seen. As the actors performed their dance, they began pulling members of the audience

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to the middle of the floor with them to dance. Elizabeth looked horrified as two of the actors pulled her to the floor, despite her protests. Meleager and Luc watched as they swirled and twirled her around the floor. For a while, all eyes were on her. She was beautiful and graceful. As they taught her their dance, the hall rang with her laughter. The older wolves gasped. Her angelic laughter was a sound they had not heard in eighty years. Not since Elaine’s laughter had been silenced. Elizabeth’s laughter brought sad smiles to the faces of all those who remembered Elaine and the way she laughed. Meleager noticed the similarities in their laughter and sighed, but couldn’t resist smiling at Elizabeth’s beautiful laughter that filled the room and touched everyone in it. He had heard Elaine laugh like that hundreds of times. It was then he realized he had never once heard Elizabeth laugh like that. Her laughter was usually conservative giggles, really. Not like this. Happy. Giddy. Elaine had been a happy person, in love with life. She had had hundreds of admirers, lots of family and friends, and was surrounded by love. Not so with Elizabeth. The unseen visitor hidden in a chamber high above the great hall noticed the similarities too. Like Meleager, he realized that he had never once heard Elizabeth laugh like that. Not once in the eighteen years that he’d been watching her from a distance. Although Meleager was impatient to leave, he would not spoil Elizabeth’s fun. He watched her as she watched the play unfold before them. It was a tale of a woman who was in love with one man, but being forced to marry another. Elizabeth’s heart went out to the woman. She couldn’t understand why it had taken the heroine so long to realize who she loved. By the time she did, it was too late. The wedding day was set. When the

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heroine realized how evil her future husband was, she tried to escape her fate, but failed and was married. They play ended with the heroine committing suicide rather than marrying the man of her dreams. At the play’s end, the actors brought Elizabeth to the stage and replaced the “woman’s” body with hers on the bench they used for a bier. Elizabeth lay as still as she could as the hero swept her in his arms and held her tightly to his chest. Elizabeth’s heartbeat quickened as the actor playing her lover cried into her hair and swore that his heart was hers forever more. “I will never love again,” he said to her. Tears stung her eyes as Elizabeth realized where she’d heard those words before. Julius had said them to her in a dream. He would never love her because his heart belongs forever more to Elaine. When the scene was over, the actors helped her up and presented her to the crowd for their applause. If her vision had not been blurred by unshed tears, she might’ve noticed that she received a standing ovation from every member of the audience except one. Andrea Ambrosia. When the players left, a bard was ushered in. With his lyre in hand, he sat upon a stool to sing of battles, fallen heroes, quests, and maidens. Although Elizabeth listened intently to the songs, Meleager found them much more boring than the play. Of course, the players had found Elizabeth just as intriguing as everyone else in the room, so that made the play more interesting for Meleager, who normally hated such nonsense. Now his attention was being drawn to the couple in the corner. Luc’s skin was red. His body tense; his suit did nothing to conceal his erection. People in the room were trying to ignore them, but many of the men felt the same way about bards as Meleager

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did, so they were easily distracted. Andrea was teasing Luc by draping her leg across his, running her long fingernails through his course hair, and blowing in his ear. Meleager fought to keep his incisors from lengthening, and he was glad that his gloves concealed his lengthening nails. “What is it, milord?” Elizabeth asked in a whisper, noticing that Meleager was tense and agitated. “It is hot in here. I think I need some air,” he said in an attempted whisper, but his voice was so husky that his whisper came out much louder than he’d intended. “Should we go now?” She ignored the stares of people around them. Elizabeth watched as Meleager made his way up to the platform in front of the Lord and Lady of the house and bowed to them. They returned the bow and he made his way back to her. Taking her hand in his glove, he led her to the entrance of the great hall. They left and the couple in the corner seemed not to notice; although, Meleager was fairly sure they did. Meleager and Elizabeth enjoyed a calm ride toward her house, but he had the driver stop the carriage just outside the Lycaon Estate, on a little road overlooking the Scamander River. He took out a blanket and spread it on the ground. “What’s all this, my lord?” Elizabeth questioned, with amusement in her voice. “I am not ready for the night to end, Lady Elizabeth. Will you join me for a few minutes?” He took her hand then led her to the blanket. She kicked off her sandals and sat up on her knees, looking curiously at Meleager as he pulled out a flask of wine. “How did you…?” She looked at him amazed. “I had my driver pick it up while we were dining. I wanted to surprise you.” He

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smiled at the look of bewilderment on her face. “You’ve already surprised me so much over the last few days, Will. This bracelet. This necklace. Picnics, beautiful dinners, roses, and now this.” Crimson red flushed in her cheeks. “No one has ever been so kind to me.” “You deserve to be spoiled and pampered, Elizabeth.” He handed her the goblet of wine. She sipped it, then said, “Will, you are really too much. You are the first unselfish person I have ever met. My uncle always told me that no one will give me anything without expecting something in return, but you…” “Wait a minute. Don’t treat me like I’m a saint. There is something I want from you.” Meleager took her goblet from her and set it aside. Taking her hands, he pulled her to her feet. He felt her hands tremble through his gloves. He knelt on one knee and took the ring from his pocket. “Elizabeth, darling, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?” Elizabeth’s heart pounded. She didn’t know why she said yes, but was happy she did. He slipped the ring on her finger; then holding her hands carefully in his, he rested his head on her abdomen. After several moments, he stood up, cupped her cheeks in his gloved hands, and kissed her lightly on the lips. “I love you, Elizabeth.” His voice was low, gentle. Any doubts raised by the touch of his lips were erased. She was happy and was more than content not to listen to her intuition. A pair of yellow eyes had been watching them in the distance. Neither of them

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noticed. When she said she would marry Meleager, the wolf turned and ran through the woods. Neither of them heard him, though Meleager would have heard him if his heart had not betrayed him by pounding so loudly in his ears. Now, as Meleager helped Elizabeth back into the carriage, he heard a wolf howl miles away and wondered briefly whose heart had been shattered when he and Elizabeth became engaged. He shrugged and smiled. It did not matter. He had won.

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Chapter Four

When Meleager left Elizabeth at the steps of the Lycaon castle, he had every intention of going straight home, forgetting about the scene between Andrea and Luc, and concentrating on his bride-to-be. Yet a feeling of betrayal came over him. How could she? He could hardly blame Luc. He knew Andrea’s charms and how persuasive she could be. Besides, he had stolen Elizabeth out from under Luc. No. As much as he wanted to blame it on Luc, Andrea was the one to blame for her infidelity. Rage had its grip on Meleager as his carriage came to a halt before Ambrosia manor. He thought of breaking down the door, but Andrea opened it expectantly, when he approached. Her white gown was transparent and, in the candlelight that spilled out from the vestibule, he could plainly see that she was naked underneath. He let his eyes slide down from her defiant brown eyes and pursed lips to her perky breasts. He could see the darkened area around her nipples, which hardened in response to his gaze. He let his eyes fall lower. It was the night before the full moon and his senses were especially acute. Although he stood several feet from her, he could hear her quickened heartbeat, feel her heat, and smell her arousal. Every muscle within him ached and every desire awakened. He tried to think of Elizabeth, his carrier, his fiancée. But Elizabeth’s memory was not enough to subdue the heat rising within him. Was it man or beast that wanted Andrea so badly right now? He didn’t know. Tonight, his senses guided him. He took several steps closer to her. His eyes flashed yellow with desire. Andrea’s

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chest shook with silent laughter. She shifted her stance. He recognized that stance. It was one of a victorious predator who had overcome its prey. Still, she was so seductive. He breathed in the air slowly and deliberately trying to catch the scent of her arousal again. He stopped in mid-stride, nostrils flared. He could smell Luc on her. He clenched his fist and deliberately looked away from her. After several heartbeats, he demanded, “How could you?” “I could ask you the same thing, Will.” She stepped toward him. She wasn’t used to being ignored. “You know my desires. You’ve left me here burning for you for three long months. How could you expect me to remain faithful to you, when you abandoned me for another woman? A woman you plan to marry. What am I supposed to do, Will, waste away waiting for you?” “You know my feelings will always lie with you, Andrea. I had every intention of picking up where we left off after I’d assured myself that I’ll have an heir and that Elizabeth will never know.” Ignoring his words, she took his hands, removed his gloves, and guided them to her hips. He resisted briefly, but then yielded. “In the meantime, you have your pretty little toy. How can you deny me mine?” she whispered fiercely. He drew back, turned and started to walk away. She ran in front of him and put her hands up to stop him. “Wait! Just tell me why. What does she have that I don’t have?” “Damn it, Andrea! You know that I would marry you and we’d be together forever if you were a carrier! I can’t turn you, and we can’t have children!” He yelled at her, as if yelling it would make her finally understand. “How do you know for sure that your Elizabeth is a carrier? My mother was a

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carrier and my father was mortal, just like her parents, and I don’t have the werewolf gene. How can you be sure that she has?” She said, half pleading for him to say that he wasn’t sure. If he wasn’t sure, she would have an argument. He sighed. “I know she is. She has the blood of Lycaon in her veins; she almost has to be a carrier. Besides, I’ve seen the proof in her.” He took Andrea by the hands. “I know that she is a carrier, just as I know you are not, Darling. Please believe me.” Her gaze lowered to the ground, but he lifted her chin and forced her to look him in the eyes. “I love you, Andrea, but I cannot and I will not continue to share your bed if you continue to share his.” She threw her arms around him, kissing him. He wrapped her in his own strong arms and yielding to his burning desires; he lifted her from the ground and carried her into the house. ***** A mile away at the Lycaon castle, Elizabeth was getting ready for bed. She was tense, anxious, and confused. Why had she said she would marry a man she’d only known for three months? Was she in love with him? The truth was, she really didn’t know how she felt about him. One thing she did know was that if someone had asked her this morning if she’d ever become Mrs. William Meleager, she would’ve laughed at such a ludicrous notion. She went to the balcony, just as she’d done every night since first arriving at the castle, and waited expectantly for what seemed like hours, but her wolf friend never showed. Finally, reluctantly, she went to bed. She was no longer thinking of Meleager; she was wondering what could’ve happened to the wolf. He’d been outside her window

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every night for the last three months, without fail. Why had he not shown tonight, on the night that she needed him the most? It was almost funny—she had just become engaged, and yet she’d never felt so alone. After tossing and turning most of the night away, Elizabeth finally drifted off to sleep sometime around three in the morning. She wasn’t asleep long, when she was awakened. She thought that she was dreaming, but then, it spoke. The man, or wolf-man, from her dream the first night in the castle, was back, standing over her. When he saw that she was awake, he turned toward the balcony doors, but she stopped him. “Wait! Who are you?” she asked. “What do you want?” “Do not fear me, Elizabeth. You have others to fear.” His voice was raspy, and he refused to face her. She stood and walked near him. “Don’t,” he warned. “It’s the night before the full moon.” She didn’t know for sure what that meant, but she understood that the moon had some kind of affect on him. Despite the light layer of fur that covered the beast’s body, she could see his muscles flexing underneath. He was tense, and every moment that he was in the same room as she, made him even tenser. “Why are you here?” she asked gently. “I can’t seem to resist this place, especially during certain cycles of the moon,” the creature answered matter-of-factly. His eyes scanned the bedchambers, resting momentarily on the portrait above the fireplace. The creature looked away, attempting to hide from her a wealth of sadness hiding behind his eyes, lurking deep within his soul,

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ready to emerge, to pounce. This sadness had become a more prominent part of him than the wolf-creature, whose form had captured and transformed his body. “You’ve been in this room before.” He nodded without turning to look at her. “You called me Elaine.” At this, he turned to face her, and heaved a great sigh. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know who you were, and you look so much like her, especially in the moonlight.” There was a sharp sadness in his voice, the likes of which she’d never heard before. His voice remained raspy, but still held so much pain. Elizabeth, out of a caring impulse that was natural to her, reached her hand out to him. “No!” He flinched away and turned again, ready to leave. “Please, don’t go.” She wasn’t scared of him, even though she knew she should be. She had a strong desire to help him, to wash away his sadness. To see the man beneath the beast. “Don’t go. Not yet.” Her pleading voice was barely audible to a normal man, but the wolf in him heard her loud and clear. Breathing deeply, he took in her scent. He could not smell fear, but something else. Sweeter. His body tensed in response. “I must. It was a mistake to come here tonight. I was just worried about you,” he confessed. “Why are you worried about me?” she asked, puzzled, but her eyes revealed that she was just as concerned about him. “Elizabeth, you are….you must be a carrier. That’s why they want you,” the beast said with a grown. He wanted her to understand the danger she was in, but couldn’t bring himself to tell her the whole truth himself. “What do you mean? What’s a carrier? Who wants me?” She felt a strange sense

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of deja vu as she remembered a similar conversation she’d had in a dream. “Read this.” He handed her a book. She took the book from his claw-like hands, briefly touching his forefinger with her finger. Her eyes flickered. She saw a beautiful woman covered in blood. The image was gone as quickly as it’d come, but it shook her greatly. A flood of pain had accompanied the image. What did it mean? She looked at him; he looked away. “Just, just be careful, Elizabeth,” he groaned and fled. He bound the balcony and was in the woods before she could say anything else. She stared after him for many minutes after he disappeared, then looked down at the book he’d given her. The faded black cover was worn and rough. It was a journal of some kind. She flipped through the pages from back to front. The pages were thin and the book looked as if someone had read through the book many times. She flipped to the first page and read the name of the journal’s owner: Elaine Lycaon. ***** Julius tossed and turned all night thinking about Elaine and Elizabeth. He couldn’t allow Elizabeth to share Elaine’s fate. But what could he do? If they knew she’d even spoken to him, they’d kill her. He comforted himself with the knowledge that they didn’t know he existed. He lay in the shadows and watched them without them even knowing he was there. He steered clear of the stronger female wolves. Camilla Zelotes, Ariadne Lycaon, but no one else could sense him near. He was safe. Maybe she would be too. She’d promised to marry Meleager. Why had she done such? But he knew. He’d been near the castle tonight and heard her laughter. Like the

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others, he’d equated it to Elaine’s and knew that it was rare for Elizabeth to laugh like that. He closed his eyes and remembered Elaine. Oh my God, but she was beautiful. Smart. Sexy. She had laughed often. Like his father before him, Julius had worked as a blacksmith in the forge at the Lycaon castle. He’d thought the place dull and dreary when he was a child. But one day, he heard her laughter ring out through the castle walls, and it seemed to bring a new life to the castle. When Elaine was happy, everyone in the castle was happy. And Elaine was almost always happy. Her father had doted on her; her mother spoiled her. Lady Lycaon was the first noble lady Julius had ever seen who actually raised her own children. Elaine and her siblings had had a nurse who loved them dearly, but more often than not, the children were with their mother. Julius smiled as he remembered the first time he’d seen Elaine. He and Elaine’s brother, Alexandros, were sword fighting with the first set of swords that Julius had made as his father’s apprentice. Alexandros parried Julius’ thrust just as Julius saw Elaine enter his peripheral vision. He turned in the direction of the laughing girl, unable to check the impulse to turn his head to study the beautiful sister of his opponent. Julius’ distraction allowed Alexandros to knock his blade from his hand. Julius didn’t even seem to remember the duel; much less realize that his only weapon had been knocked from his hand. She was barely fifteen but already had the body and carriage of a lady. Noting what caused Julius’ distraction, Alexandros stopped in mid stride, righted himself, and

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cleared his throat. “Julius,” he’d said, “this is my darling sister, Elaine. Elaine, this is Julius, the son of our blacksmith, Charles Garnier.” Elizabeth had curtsied to him as if he were a gentleman. He bowed, never taking his eyes from her. “Pleased to make your acquaintance, Mr. Garnier,” she’d said smiling. “Pleasure is all mine, milady.” He’d been breathless, speechless. Both Julius and Elaine had stood in silence, staring at one another. Alexandros had tried to break the silence by complementing Julius on his craftsmanship. “These are the finest blades I’ve ever had the privilege of jousting with. You are a fast learner.” “Thank you,” Julius had said, wrenching his eyes momentarily from his beautiful companion to acknowledge Alexandros, “but I know you lie. My father’s swords are a thousand times better than mine.” “Aye. Your father’s swords are excellent. No doubt about that, but yours are great too. You are a natural,” Alexandros complemented him. Julius bowed his thanks. It did feel great to be appreciated for his work. He’d hoped to one day become as good a craftsman as his father. Charles Garnier had then stepped out of the forge and called his son back to work. Julius had said his good-byes to his friend Alexandros and to Elaine, and returned to his work slowly. Now, on his bed, relating the memories of that long ago day, Julius took a moment to savor the memory of his father, so young and strong, standing there in the entryway to the forge. He had been tall, with dark hair that he kept pulled back much of the time, and dark troubled eyes. His father had been melancholy since the day Julius’ mother had died. Julius wasn’t old enough to remember his mother. He’d been but two

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when she’d been hunted down and killed. Julius had very few memories of his father with a smile upon his face. His father, like Elizabeth, had seemed always lonely and sad. Unshed tears sprang to Julius’ eyes as his mind traveled back fifty years, to a happier time, before Elaine had been taken from him, before his father had left him. Before Elizabeth. On the day Julius met Elaine, his father noted him watching her through the window as she played with her younger sister. Her laughter had seeped through Julius’ skin and touched his soul. His father must have noticed because he walked up behind his son. He was smiling in spite of himself at the girl’s laughter. “Don’t, son,” his father had said simply. “She is out of your league. Just as your mother was out of mine.” With these words, his smile had vanished and he returned to his work. Julius winced at this unwanted memory and, turning on his back, looked out the window at the nearly full moon. The memory of that day would always haunt him, he admitted with a sigh. He recalled the light in Alexandros’ eyes when he’d introduced his baby sister. Alexandros had adored Elaine, just as everyone had. She was loved by many. Happy. The castle was darker and drearier now than it’d ever been. Elizabeth lived there with a few mere servants. No family. Her laughter didn’t ring through the stuffy walls of the castle as Elaine’s had. She was alone. He knew from hearing her talk that she’d been alone since she was an infant.

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Orphaned. He knew why she’d chosen to accept Meleager’s proposal. She was tired of being alone. She wanted someone to love. Someone to love her. He knew that Meleager would never really love Elizabeth, but perhaps he would protect her from the others if they were to wed. She wouldn’t have his love, but maybe she would have children that would love her. Julius’ heart lurched. Could he let her marry that monster? Could he stand by and watch her be miserable once she realizes what he truly is? As a carrier, she would see every kill he’d ever made. Every sin he’d ever committed. He would turn her into a wolf against her will. He would force her to turn, and he would kill her if she ever tried to escape him. A part of Julius wanted to go back to the Lycaon castle, sneak in through the tunnels that led from the old forge to her closet, and steal Elizabeth in the night. He would tell her everything. Take her far away where she’d be safe. But, no. He couldn’t do that. She was in no immediate danger and, if he did that, he would be putting her in immediate danger. When he finally drifted to sleep, he dreamt of Elizabeth, and he wasn’t sure if it was his dream or hers. ***** Elizabeth sat crying on a small stone bench in the orchard of the Lycaon estate. She didn’t know how she’d come to be there, but she had a feeling she must be dreaming. She knew instinctively that Julius was there without looking up.

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“Why are you here?” she asked as Julius touched her shoulder. “Because you need me.” His voice sounded dreamy and far away. “I didn’t mean to call you here,” she said, remembering his words from the last dream. “I know. It’s okay. You can call me whenever you need me,” he said in the same melodic tone. “Thank you.” She offered a weak smile that shook him. He took her in his arms and held her tight. She was taller than most females. Actually, most carriers were taller and stronger than humans. Her head rested delicately on his shoulder and he was aware that her soft breasts were pressed against his chest. His body responded immediately, but he forced himself to fight it. It’s a dream, he thought. Why does she still have this affect on me? Why does the moon still have this affect on me? He held her in his arms, as her sobs begin to cease. He knew she was growing calm only because he was there. It was then that he realized that what he was feeling had more to do with her than it did with the moon. She felt his erection and moaned. “Why is it that my body reacts to you this way? I never have these desires when I’m awake. No one has ever made me burn like this, Julius,” she breathed against his neck. “Why do you call me, Elizabeth? Why not call for Meleager or Letion?” he asked in the same melodic tone. At the same time his lips darted over her skin impulsively, tasting her neck. She arched her back, pressing her body harder against his.

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“I don’t know.” Her voice quaked in reaction to his kisses. He could hear her heartbeat, smell her desire. The wolf in him groaned to have her; the man in him fought his desire with a fierceness he’d never known. “I guess no matter how much I try to deceive myself otherwise when I am awake; it is you I truly want. Make love to me, Julius,” she breathed against his chest as she trailed kisses down to his abdomen. “No, Beth.” He pulled her back to face him. “I want to be here for you, but you know what I said last time. I’m dangerous. I can’t love you, Beth.” Tears welled in her eyes again, but she shut them tightly and refused to let them fall. “I don’t want to hurt you, Beth. Really. Do you believe me?” he said gently, holding her tighter than before. He rubbed her back in an attempt to smooth the pain away. The pain he knew he’d caused. His abdomen clenched at the thought, but the only motion he made was to brush her long blonde hair from her face. She looked so much like Elaine, but she was so different. So fragile, really. How can you be dangerous? He heard her voice whisper inside his head. You’re the man of my dreams. He’d been watching her. Her lips had never moved. She’d made a deeper connection with him. She had shared her thoughts with him and had not even realized she’d done it. He didn’t break the connection this time. She whisked them away to her bed again, but this time, she didn’t expect him to make love to her. “You can leave if you want,” she said. Her eyes told him that she would not resist

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if he changed his mind about making love to her. No. She wanted him very much. He could hear it in her voice, in the rhythm of her heart. Smell it on her skin. Desire. He throbbed with his desire for her. “I don’t want to leave you, Beth.” His voice was husky and full of ache and need. “But I can’t take advantage of you either. Not even if it is a dream.” She nodded her understanding. He pulled her into his strong arms and adjusted her so that her head was cushioned on his chest and his right arm was around her. “I’ll hold you until you wake up.” She smiled at those words and nestled closer to him. She closed her eyes and rested. He lay there holding her, feeling her breathing, and stayed as he had promised. He did not break the connection. “Julius,” she said without opening her eyes. Her voice sounded childlike and vulnerable. “Are you a ghost?” “Nay, milady. I’m not a ghost.” His words rumbled through her as she lay upon his chest. “I’m something else.” “Mmmm,” she moaned, running her hand over his chest. His body grew hot and hard, but he still didn’t move. His mission tonight was to let her know she wasn’t alone. At least for a little while. She just needed to be held. It was he who needed more. Holding her while she rested was the toughest thing he ever had to do. His entire body burned with desire for her. His groin ached with need. She lay in his arms, wearing next to nothing. Though he couldn’t have her, he could hold her in his arms. Could feel her warm breath on his bare chest. Could feel the rhythmic beating of her heart, the heat of her body. Could watch the slow rise and fall of her breast. Take in her intoxicating

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scent. But he couldn’t have her. Couldn’t love her. Would never be able to make her his. Instinctively, he felt that she was about to wake and slowly pulled his arm from beneath her, allowing her head to lie lightly on a feather pillow. He studied her as she lay there, her golden hair fanned out around her. He bent his head and trailed hot kisses down her neck to the top of her breasts that were exposed because of the way her gown had shifted when she crawled into his arms. The sight of those pale, round curves had been torturing him all night. As she was waking, he felt the courage to take them in his hands just before she awoke. Elizabeth awoke, reaching for a man who wasn’t there. A man she’d never even met. One that probably didn’t really exist, but had still managed to set her body on fire and make her tremble with want and need. She took her breasts in her hands and sighed. No one had ever touched her like that, had ever made her feel like that. It had felt so real! But it wasn’t. It was a dream. She stood and adjusted her gown. Sighing, she picked up Elaine’s journal and began reading.

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Chapter Five

The moon had grown full three times since Meleager had proposed to Elizabeth, yet he was no closer to marrying her today than he’d been on that fateful night before the full moon three months ago. He cursed himself constantly for his weakness in turning to Andrea on the same night he’d proposed to Elizabeth. He only hoped that he could keep his secret until his wedding, whenever that may be! Meleager grew increasingly concerned about Elizabeth. She distanced herself from him, but whether she did so purposely or subconsciously, he didn’t know. Whenever he came to visit, she never heard him knock and he would walk in to see her reading some tattered old book. When she saw him, she would flush, quickly put the book in the safe, and apologize. Moments later, she would be in a daze. He’d expected her to be excitedly planning their wedding. He had told her to spare no expense, but every time he brought up the topic of setting a date, she abruptly changed the subject. Andrea was an even worse source of anxiety for Meleager lately. She’d insisted on becoming a part of Elizabeth’s life. After Zelotes’ feast, Andrea had started visiting Elizabeth every day, helping her with cleaning and repairs, giving her hints about decorating and fashion. If one didn’t know better, they’d swear that Andrea and Elizabeth were fast becoming the best of friends. Meleager felt guilty at the realization that the feelings of friendship were sincere on Elizabeth’s part. Not so on Andrea’s. Elizabeth seemed to warm to the prospect of a female friend more than she warmed to the prospect of a fiancé. It was then that Meleager remembered that she’d

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grown up without a mother or sister. He realized with pity and regret that it was natural for her to be vulnerable to sincere feelings for another female. Elizabeth was attempting to fill a void in her life by making a close companionship with Andrea. Like a vulture, Andrea took advantage of Elizabeth’s weakness and hovered ready to make her kill. What worried him even more was the feeling he got every time he looked at Andrea lately. He tried to deny the feeling, tried to play it off, but every time he looked at her, he knew. He was scared to confront her about it. His visits to the Ambrosia manor were less frequent now than they’d been before. He didn’t enjoy them. He visited Andrea to keep her off his back and out of Luc’s bed. But he was beginning to ask himself why he was so desperate to keep her from Luc’s bed. One morning, about three months after Meleager proposed, he brought Elizabeth flowers, earrings, and a picnic breakfast. As he’d hoped, the romantic gifts worked like a charm. As they sat down to breakfast that beautiful July morning, she smiled at him. “I heard that my aunt Elaine was engaged to one of your relatives before she died,” she said, out of the blue. Meleager had prepared himself for this. He knew how the people in the town would talk about their engagement. “Yes, my great uncle William Meleager,” he answered. She had a puzzled look on her face, so he explained, “He supposedly died of grief over her death. I was born on his birthday, so my parents named me after him.” “Oh.” But she didn’t look totally convinced. “Of course,” Meleager continued. “I don’t believe that he died of his grief.” “No?” She arched her left eyebrow, questioningly. Her lips were pursed in a tiny pout that made Meleager’s heart lurched despite himself.

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“Well, let me clarify that. I know that he loved your great aunt very much. They’d been destined for each other since their births. I do think that his death was grief-related, but not caused solely by his grief.” With a slight tilt of her head, she raised both eyebrows at this explanation, but said nothing. Meleager was not sure what to make of the ambiguous gesture. “You see, after she died, it was rumored that my uncle took to drinking, as well as other substances, to relieve the pain. I believe that is what caused my uncle’s death,” he finished with a sigh, pointedly looking away as if considering something very troubling. My, but he should have been an actor with the traveling group of troubadours that had entertained them at Zelotes’ feast on the night that he proposed. Yet, he denied himself the simple privilege of gloating with a sinister smile behind her back. He was not out of the woods yet. “Overdosed,” she said simply, looking away. It seemed as if she were about to believe him. “Yes. But saying that William Meleager died of his grief is a much more romantic notion than saying he overdosed on drugs and booze,” Meleager finished with a cross between a laugh and a sigh. Still playing the part, he only hoped that Elizabeth was still as naïve as she’d been the day she accepted his proposal. “Some of the people in town think that their love lives on through us because you are named after your uncle and I am Elaine’s look-alike.” She didn’t ask the question, “What do you think about that?” with words, but the look in her eyes certainly asked. He knew he must answer. Although, he felt like it was a trick question. “Elizabeth.” He took her soft, pale hand in his leather gloves. “While I do believe

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that we were destined for each other, I don’t believe that it is because my great-uncle and your great-aunt were engaged and never got to be together. However, if they could see us walk down the aisle, I’m sure they would be thrilled, nonetheless.” “Wow,” she whispered. Gently pulling her hand from his, she took the opportunity to look and admire her ring. How it sparkled in the sunlight, and for the first time in months, she was excited about walking down the aisle. “Now, are we ever going to set a date?” he asked bluntly. “I have been hinting for so long now.” He finally allowed himself a gloating smile, knowing that she would mistake it for happiness about their coming nuptials. He’d won yet another round. She was still his. Hopefully, before winter set in, she would always be his. His wife. His mate. “Oh, I’m sorry. I guess I have been a little pre-occupied. Of course we can set a date.” She took his gloved hand in hers. It dawned on her that she was rarely allowed to touch his skin. Maybe that’s why she felt so little passion towards her fiancé. “Great,” he said. “When?” “I’ve always wanted a spring wedding,” she answered after some reflection. “Spring is too far away, my love. How about a fall wedding?” “What’s the rush?” She had meant the question to sound like she were teasing him, but the concern in the question raised a red flag. Elizabeth is a carrier, Meleager told himself. She senses something. I must ease her mind, bring back the smile that faded when I told her spring was too far away. “I can’t wait to make you my wife. It pains me to have to leave you every night.” He’d already given her the roses, now he took the earrings from his pocket and gave them to her. “They match your bracelet and necklace,” he explained. “I thought you could wear

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the whole set on our wedding day.” “Oh!” It was several minutes before Elizabeth was speaking in complete sentences again. “Okay, Elizabeth, just say ‘yes’ or ‘no’,” he said, laughing at her speechlessness. “How about September?” September was too soon. Shaking her head, she said, “No.” “How about October?” he said, exasperated. “Do you think we could pull a wedding together by October?” she asked. “Of course.” He clasped both of her hands between his. “Just say ‘yes’!” “Yes.” Something ached and gnawed her stomach, but she ignored it. Later, she would know it was a warning. Today, she thought it was excitement. Before they could decide on a day in October, Andrea arrived. Meleager looked a little beyond the point of being annoyed. He’d purposely asked her not to show herself at the Lycaon estate today. When Andrea found them sitting in the garden outside, she flung herself in Elizabeth’s arms. She was crying. “Oh, Elizabeth! You are the only one I can turn to,” she cried, looking over Elizabeth’s shoulder at Meleager, who was staring at her with intense hatred burning in his yellowing eyes. As Andrea had planned, Elizabeth soon forgot about everything else, about her fiancée and the wedding, about setting a date, and turned her complete attention to her friend. “Shhhh. Oh, Andrea. What’s the matter?” she soothed, rubbing her back and

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rocking her back and forth. “I dare not tell you! You’ll hate me. You’ll judge me like everyone else,” Andrea wailed. Elizabeth rubbed her friend’s back, gently. Remembering how happy her friend had been just yesterday as she was combing Elizabeth’s hair and helping her pick out a dress to wear to the next party. Over the last few months, Elizabeth had become exceedingly fond of Andrea. They’d created crafts together and gone shopping together. Andrea had introduced Elizabeth to people she’d never met. There was hardly a moment of the day that went by when Meleager and Andrea wasn’t right with her. Elizabeth ached genuinely for her friend’s pain. She looked at Meleager with a questioning, pleading glance. He winced as he saw that her eyes sparkled with unshed tears. He winced even more at the knowledge that Elizabeth’s tears, unlike Andrea’s, were not fain. “No, darling. I would never judge you harshly. You’re my best friend. Why, you’re like my sister,” Elizabeth said. Meleager winced again. He could tell that she was sincere. He hated Andrea at that moment. “Oh, Elizabeth! Do you mean it? Do you really love me?” Andrea’s voice cracked. Although she strained to sound as sincere as Elizabeth, Meleager could hear the mocking tone in her voice. Elizabeth, naïve and trusting, never suspected that Andrea was anything less than sincere. “Of course I love you. Please, tell me what is wrong,” she pleaded. “I’ll do anything I can to help you. You have to know that.”

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“I… I’m pregnant” Andrea looked pointedly at Meleager as she said the words he dreaded to hear. His eyes widened, but he dared not rise up to the bait. Obviously, Andrea was attempting to get him to admit to something in front of Elizabeth. “Oh, no. Are you sure, Andrea?” Elizabeth asked. “Positive. I am three months pregnant.” Andrea’s eyes were still on Meleager. “Who’s the father?” Elizabeth asked. “I… I can’t tell. The father is in a relationship with another woman. He would never forgive me, and he would never leave her for me,” she answered, finally looking back at Elizabeth. “Oh, my God, Andrea. How could you get involved with such a snake?” she asked, apparently appalled. Meleager winced. Yes, that is what Elizabeth would think of him if the truth ever came out. And it would, eventually. He only hoped that she was his wife before that tidbit of information was leaked to her. “Please don’t chide at me, Elizabeth. I can’t help it. I love him.” Andrea stole another glance, full of meaning that Elizabeth missed, at Meleager. He looked away. “I’m sorry, darling. I didn’t mean it. But, what are you going to do?” Elizabeth asked, looking from Andrea to Meleager. A chill ran through her and her eyes glowed with suspicion, but only for a moment. She quickly pushed the thought aside. “I’m going to keep it, of course. If God is willing, I will bring a healthy baby into the world. If not, I will mourn my baby when that time comes. I will not be the reason my baby dies.” Every bit of Andrea’s explanation was meant for Meleager, but he did not look at her. Biting back his anger, he just sat and listened. His fists were clenched and his

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knuckles were white, but Elizabeth did not know this. Andrea did, however, and hoped that he would say or do something that would let his secret slip. If Elizabeth were to call off that wedding, Meleager would be all hers again. “Of course you won’t. We’ll get through this together. I’ll do whatever I can,” Elizabeth said, attempting to comfort Andrea. Words cannot describe how William Meleager was feeling at that moment. He did indeed feel like a snake. He’d known moments after the conception that Andrea was pregnant. Yet, he had denied that fact. He was still in denial. He should’ve known that his intuition would not lie to him. It was one of the few gifts of intuition that male wolves had. They knew instantly when their mate was carrying their child. It was yet another gift given them so that they wouldn’t have to question the faithfulness of their mates. Werewolves mated for life, unless corrupted by something evil, and when one was corrupted, his or her mate would know immediately. He’d known since the night he had proposed to Elizabeth three months ago, that Andrea was carrying his baby. His son. He felt the baby and knew the truth even before the mother had. Later in the evening, Andrea expressed the desire to go home and looked as if she were about to leave on foot. Meleager jumped at the opportunity to be alone with her and question her. “Darling,” he said to Elizabeth. “We can’t let Andrea walk home in her condition, as upset as she obviously is. I’ll take her home and return here in just a few minutes. Then,” he said, taking her hand, “we will finish our conversation. Be thinking about it while I’m away.” With that, he kissed her hand, lightly. It still had the same effect on her

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it had on the first day they met. He watched her flush and smiled. If he didn’t know better, he swore that he was beginning to have real feelings for Elizabeth. It’s that or I can’t wait to touch her skin without fear of her rejecting me. Once she is my wife, I can turn her. Then it won’t matter what she sees when she touches me. Once she is turned, she will accept me, he thought, as he helped Andrea in his carriage. He knew that the act of turning a mate into a wolf was one that bound the two wolves together forever. In their world, it was considered to be a stronger bond than conceiving a child together. She would remain his faithfully until her death once she was his. His bite would bind them together. Forever. Elizabeth watched the carriage until it was out of sight. She was worried about Andrea, and she had an extremely uneasy feeling about her baby. A feeling of dread had come over her when she touched Andrea’s stomach. That same feeling had come back when Meleager kissed her hand. She looked at her hand, rubbed where he’d kissed her, then turned to go inside. What could it mean? She went immediately to the safe where she kept Elaine’s journal when she had visitors. She felt uneasy lying to everybody, especially Meleager. Not that she had ever really lied to him or anyone else. She simply did not tell them what kind of book she was reading. She shrugged as she realized that no one had ever really asked. Elaine’s journal seemed like a book of riddles. She was desperate to solve them. She’d read the journal in its entirety twice and marked pages to go back to. She removed the black leather bound book from its place in the wall safe. It was yellow from age and some of the pages were falling out. Many of the pages were worn thin from having been

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read and reread. She wondered who’d read this journal so many times. Then she remembered how she had gotten the journal. Who was he? Why did he only come to her as the wolf? He’d given the journal to her in hopes that it would answer her questions, but it had only raised more. He’d said she was a carrier. What does that mean? A carrier of what? The journal had not answered that question. The only thing she knew for sure was that carriers, like Elaine, had special intuition, could sense things, and “see” things from the past as if they were happening now. She thought now of her conversation with Meleager. She thought about his words, “Elizabeth, while I do believe that we were destined for each other, I don’t believe that it is because my great-uncle and your great-aunt were engaged and never got to be together. However, if they could see us walk down the aisle, I’m sure they would be thrilled, nonetheless.” She smiled. She was glad that he didn’t think they should be together because of the coincidence of their family. Yet, she wondered if Elaine would be “thrilled” to see her walking down the aisle with William Meleager. She knew from the journal that Elaine was not in love with Meleager. She was being forced to marry him, but her heart belonged to one of her father’s servants. A blacksmith who worked in the forge adjoining the castle. Elaine called him Julius in her journal. Elizabeth sighed as she remembered her many dreams of Julius. Had she had the journal before the dreams began, she would think they were a figment of her overactive imagination. Yet, something about the dreams seemed more real after reading the passages about Julius in Elaine’s journal. He appeared in her dreams just as Elaine had

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described him. Elizabeth opened the journal and reread one of her favorite passages. It was the last entry that Elaine had written.

October 21 I am so in love, but I am so miserable. I spent last night with the most loving, kind, generous man. Only, our love is forbidden. Now I must choose, either spend my life with Julius far away from my home and my mother, or tell my father that I refuse to marry that Meleager. He’s horrible. I’ve seen it. Every time he touches my hand or kisses my cheek, I see what is in his soul, and it repulses me. What is worse is that he hides it so well. I woke up alone this morning. Julius had gone to make arrangements for us to leave as soon as possible. He hasn’t made it back yet. I must go. I must talk to father. I love Julius. I know father loves me. He would want me to be happy. If he still insists on my marriage to Meleager, I will leave with Julius. Julius will understand. He has no family, so it is easier for him to pick up and leave. I can’t. Not without

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being sure. Yet, it is much harder to leave this bed than I thought. I long to just stay here forever and forget about everyone except Julius. I’ve seen into his soul, and his is the most pure of anyone’s I’ve ever met. His love is genuine. He makes me happy. The attraction between us was instant, and it washed over both of us. Although we tried to control it, it was beyond our control. Julius fought it harder than I did. I begged and pleaded, until finally he gave in. He is risking his life to be with me, and now I must risk my life to be with him.

Chills raced through Elizabeth’s soul as she reread the last sentence. The impact of it had escaped her every time she’d read the passage. She had been caught up in the romance and missed its significance. She’d been reading the passage wishing that she were Elaine. Wishing that she had someone like Julius who could make her feel that way. Someone who loved her so much he was willing to risk his life for her. This time, however, she understood more than she ever really wanted to. Elaine did risk her life to be with Julius. Her love for him had cost her her life. Elizabeth had a hunch and was desperate to see if it was true. She ran to the library quickly and found the book that recorded the births and deaths of all of the members of the Lycaon family. She’d glimpsed at it before, but had not paid it much

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attention. She’d been so intent on cleaning and making the castle what she knew it could be. The book was covered in dust the first time she had seen it. It too was bound in black leather and the yellowed pages were stiff and made a crisp sound when opened. She opened the book to the second page. The chronicle of births, deaths, and marriages started with the birth of Vincent Lycaon and his sister, Ariadne Lycaon, but the year hadn’t been recorded. Vincent married his wife, Marianna Laomedon, on December 12, but no year was recorded. They had five children. Elaine was next to the youngest. Their eldest son, Glaucus, had married a Vanmaldren, Semele. Their eldest daughter, Rowena, had married a Zalite, Hektor. Their youngest son, Alexandros, had been promised to a woman named Sirena Letion, but died before the marriage could take place. Elaine had been promised to William Meleager at birth. All of the Lycaon children had been promised at birth. Elaine’s younger sister, Amelia, had been promised to Viktor Laomedon at birth, but he died before she came of age, so she was married to Jason Admentor instead. Elizabeth scanned the pages, her heart pounding until she found it. Elaine was to marry William Meleager on October 22, 1321. Elizabeth’s delicate fingers went unconsciously to her lips as she realized that Elaine died one day before her wedding day on October 21, 1321. She was sixteen years old. Without closing the chronicle of births, deaths, and marriages of the Lycaon family, she held up Elaine’s journal and looked at the last entry. It had been written on October 21, 1321. Elizabeth had been right. Elizabeth scanned other deaths and births. The records seemed to be well kept. Yet curiously, no one had recorded the deaths of Ariadne, Vincent, or Marianna in the

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book, although they were said to have died shortly after Elaine’s death. The names of Ariadne’s husband and two children had been scratched through with a dark black ink. Try as she might, Elizabeth couldn’t read the names of her relatives recorded there. Elizabeth almost cried when she saw her mother’s name. Rachel Elaine Lycaon, daughter of Marcus Lycaon and Elizabeth Zalite. Marcus was the son of Glaucus and Semele. No mention was made of her mother’s marriage to Matthew Byron. However, a name had been scratched from beside Rachel’s name. Elizabeth assumed that it’d been the name of Rachel’s intended fiancé. Elizabeth’s birth was recorded in the book. Beside her name was a question mark in the same slanted penmanship in which the names of the intended fiancés had been written. The words “LL or WM” appeared beside the question mark in the same handwriting. Her heart pounded in her ears. Did William know about this? Is that why he has been here every day since the day he returned from France? Elizabeth grew ill. Just exactly who was making her decisions for her? Did her uncle plan this? Was her coming here part of some master plan? She scanned the pages for her uncle’s birth, marriage and death. She trembled at the realization that Vincent Lycaon, II was not listed anywhere on the pages.

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Chapter Six

Meleager was silent almost the entire way to the Ambrosia manor. Andrea began to get nervous when he ordered the carriage to a halt. The driver understood without having to be told, that he should leave for a few minutes, and left with the horses. Once they were completely alone, Meleager turned on Andrea, his eyes, usually deep brown in color, were yellow and fierce. Andrea had never seen him so angry, not even the night that she was unfaithful. “What the hell are you trying to pull?” His voice was deep and raspy and his face was changing. Andrea knew she must do something to calm him down. She’d never seen him as a wolf and didn’t want to. “What do you mean? I’m not lying, Will. I am pregnant.” She took his hand and tried to place it on her abdomen. He pulled away. “Why haven’t you taken care of it? You know what’s going to happen!” He was no longer talking through gritted teeth, but his voice was still raspy. “Why did you tell Elizabeth? You know she will be able to touch you and tell who the father is if she ever figures out what to do with her sense.” “She won’t figure it out in time,” Andrea cooed. “Besides, she doesn’t trust it yet. She can’t prove it. She’s already promised you. She won’t dare break off the engagement. She’s too worried about her reputation.” “Being concerned about one’s reputation is a trait I find attractive in a woman,” he said, eyeing her. His face was slowly returning to normal. “Ouch. That one hurt, Will. I didn’t get myself pregnant, you know,” she retorted.

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“Three months, huh? Who’s the father?” Will had known the answer before he asked. He just wanted to hurt Andrea by reminding her of her infidelity. From the look on her countenance, it didn’t hurt her. She appeared to be amused. “Don’t play your games with me, Will. They won’t work. I know that werewolves have a sense that humans don’t have. I know that you knew I was pregnant the moment the baby was conceived, and I know that you must know it is yours,” she answered. “You don’t have that sense, Andrea. How do you know it is mine?” “I have seen the look on your face when I’m around. I saw your eyes linger on my stomach for long periods of time. I’ve also been around Luc. He’s clueless. It must be your baby, Will.” She took his hand and guided it gently toward her abdomen. Reluctantly, he allowed her to do so. “Why are you doing this? Why didn’t you get rid of it? You know he can’t survive. Why torture me and yourself? Why torture that baby? Do you have any idea what it will go through in your womb before it dies?” Tears were in his eyes. He silently begged her to have mercy on him. She had none. “How can you ask me to kill my child? If it must die, it will, but it will not be my fault. I love you, Will. How can you ask me to kill a child that we made together?” Tears were in her own eyes now, and she let them fall. “Do you think I will enjoy the death of my child? What kind of monster do you take me for?” He put his arms around her in an attempt to comfort her. “Okay. I won’t ask you to do it. I just… Andrea, I really don’t think you know what it will be like. I’ve seen it once before. I don’t want my own child to go through that. I don’t want you to go through that.”

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A real sense of sadness came over William Meleager as he left the Ambrosia estate. He didn’t understand what was coming over him. He was nervous and anxious for the first time in his life. He was upset about his mistress and their child, but also worried what this might do to Elizabeth if she ever found it. Even after I turn her, she may never forgive me for this, he thought sadly. He realized that once he was married to Elizabeth, he wouldn’t be able to be unfaithful to her, and that Andrea was becoming a real threat. He could not allow a mortal woman to stand in the way of his eternal happiness. Something would have to be done. Yet, he couldn’t allow himself to make any definite plans while Andrea was carrying his son. He felt sorry for Andrea. He knew that all she ever wanted was a child, his child. Now he had to watch her lose him. She would feel him growing and moving inside of her before he died. She would probably even get her hopes up that he’d live. His feelings were so mixed up where Andrea was concerned. He knew he have to be there for her when the baby died. He didn’t know how he would explain it to Elizabeth, but he knew he’d need to be alone with Andrea for a long time when their child was born. The baby, sensing its end would attempt to survive, the only way it knew how—He would turn. ***** After she watched Meleager’s carriage disappear in the distance, Andrea quickly dried her tears then reapplied her makeup. Luc walked up behind her. She saw him in the mirror and smiled, but did not turn to face him. Nor did she stop applying her lipstick. He caressed her shoulders and kissed her neck. “Does he know?” She smiled, her hazel eyes were dancing, but she didn’t answer.

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“Ahhh, and how did he take it?” Luc inquired. “He almost turned and ripped the baby out of me himself, I think.” She laughed ruthlessly. “But I won him over.” “Do you really believe this is going to work?” Luc turned her to face him. “You be sure to do your part and it will work. Look, I’m risking my reputation, my figure, and my life on this. It has got to work.” She stamped her foot, her brown curls bouncing as she did so. “Does Elizabeth know about the baby?” Luc released his grip on her shoulders and paced the room. “She knows, but she doesn’t seem to know that it is his. She doesn’t trust the sense yet. But don’t worry; I’ll make sure that she finds out.” Andrea turned back to her mirror and picked up a brush. Luc eyed her suspiciously. “Doesn’t it worry you in the least? About the baby, I mean.” “I have known for three years that I’d never be able to have Will’s baby. I have put up a barrier around my heart. This baby is a blessing. In its death, it will reunite its parents,” she said smugly. “You are ruthless,” Luc said grinning, but the smile wasn’t reflected in his hazel eyes. “Look, don’t get me wrong. I wish the baby could live, but I know it won’t. I didn’t ask to get pregnant. I didn’t try to get pregnant. William knew what he was doing. He knew what he was risking every time he made love to me.” She replaced the brush and turned to face him. “I’m just using it to my advantage, that’s all.”

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“Meleager thought that you’d be sensible enough to get rid of it if you ever got pregnant. I thought that’s what you’d do, anyway.” Luc remembered all too clearly that he also had sex with Andrea the night she got pregnant and silently thanked his lucky stars that he wasn’t the father. “I never told either of you that I’d be willing to do that. Anyway, what’s wrong with you? This baby is not only going to reunite me and William, but it will also clear the way for you and Elizabeth. That’s all you are worried about isn’t it?” She ran her fingers through his course, dark hair. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she kissed him. He moaned when she pressed her breasts against his chest. When she started to unbutton his shirt, he seized her hands and pulled away. “If you don’t stop now, I won’t be able to stop no matter how much you may want me to,” he whispered in her ear through gritted teeth. “What makes you so sure I will want you to stop?” She flashed a seductive, charming smile. “The fact that, baby or no, if you have sex with me again, you’ll lose Meleager forever.” He pushed her away. “And, like you said, you’re giving up your reputation, your figure, and risking your life for this. You don’t want to blow it on a one-night-stand.” “Who says it has to be a one-night-stand?” “I do.” He slid past her toward the door. She watched him slip out the backdoor, then called after him, “You’d be back!” “Probably,” he called without turning to look at her, “but not for the reasons you think.” And with that he wondered why Meleager couldn’t see Andrea for what she truly was. He couldn’t help thinking that, even with a sixth sense, some werewolves were

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Chapter Seven

When he returned, Meleager found Elizabeth wandering on the west side of the Lycaon estate. She’d found a clearing and was looking out across the Scamander River. He was a little unnerved by this, her choosing this particular area to explore today. She had spotted what she’d been looking for, in the distance, across a stream that draws off the Scamander River. The tiny, wooden cabin was not very far across the stream. However, it could barely be seen through the trees. When she sensed Meleager approaching her, she turned so that he wouldn’t notice what she had been staring at. She pretended that she’d been staring at a blue bird in a nearby tree. He walked up behind her, but resisted the urge to put his arms around her. He was afraid of what she might see. He could tell that her radar was up because of the baby and by whatever else that had been going on in her mind lately. Elizabeth sensed his hesitation and remembered Elaine’s journal. That’s why he won’t touch me. He’s afraid I’ll see into his soul, she thought. She turned to look in his eyes, searching for whatever it was he was hiding. She almost touched him, but couldn’t bring her hand to move. Whatever it was that he didn’t want her to know, she was afraid of it. She wasn’t sure she wanted to know. “What are you doing way out here?” he asked finally. “I’m just. . . exploring, I guess,” she said with a sigh. She hated lying to him. Keeping the journal from him was probably the first lie she told since she was three years old. She’d lied to the headmistress of her orphanage about eating the last piece of chocolate cake.

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The headmistress had laughed. She didn’t know why until about three years later when she reminded Elizabeth of the story and told her that she’d had chocolate from her head to her foot. She’d blushed and said, “So, you knew I was lying?” The headmistress had nodded and laughed harder. “Of course,” she’d said. “You can’t lie to me. Your eyes gave you away every time.” Remembering this now, she couldn’t look Meleager in the eyes. She knew she was a poor liar. She hated herself for feeling the need to lie to him. Meleager was more confused than ever now. He couldn’t understand exactly what was troubling Elizabeth, and she wasn’t too willing to let him in on her little secrets at the moment. He wouldn’t push too hard for now. However, he hoped he would know everything soon enough. “So, have you thought any more about a date?” Meleager stuffed his hands in his pockets. “What?” Elizabeth was apparently completely puzzled by his question. “A date, for the wedding.” Disappointment crossed his face. What in the world could make a girl completely forget about her wedding? “Oh, of course. I’m sorry. I guess I’m just a little pre-occupied about Andrea and everything.” It wasn’t totally a lie, nor was it totally the truth either. She was worried about Andrea. “I guess that answers my question,” he said. If Elizabeth had not been so absorbed in her thoughts, she would’ve seen a look of genuine sadness on Meleager’s face. She would’ve thought that it was something she’d done. In truth, the sadness had already been there, and he’d hoped that Elizabeth had good

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news about their wedding day to help pull him from his melancholy state. Meleager hoped that Elizabeth would allow him to marry her soon so that he could have another baby on the way. He hated the knowledge that his unborn son was destined to die. “What question?” she asked, not looking at him. “Elizabeth, I asked if you’d thought any more about a date for the wedding.” He felt completely dejected. Not only was she forgetting about their wedding, she was totally ignoring him now too. This wasn’t like her. She normally was the most attentive listener. “Oh. Of course I‘ve thought about a date for our wedding.” She turned her complete attention to him at last. He looked relieved. “Okay, I’m listening.” “October 21st,” she said, wistfully. “What? Why the 21st?” He was apparently very upset by her choice of dates. She had not known what she expected his reaction to be, but this wasn’t it. “Why not? It’s perfect.” “No. It’s not. My … someone I loved died on that day when I was younger, a child,” he lied. “I can’t get married on that day.” “Oh! I’m sorry darling. We don’t have to get married on that day,” she said quickly. “How about the 22nd?” “I… uh,” he stammered, but was too tired to come up with another lie. Sighing, he said, “That’s perfect, Elizabeth.” His voice was flat. It did not have the same excited tone in it that it normally did when he was talking about their wedding. “If that’s what you want.”

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A sadness not unlike the one he felt when he left Andrea’s estate came over him and permeated his countenance. Meleager, who was normally so in control, so strong, so confident and sure of himself, now looked like he was aging before her eyes. He looked as if he wasn’t sure about anything. Normally knowing exactly what to do and what to say, he was now at a complete loss, and it showed in his every movement. His eyes were downcast, and he was remembering something very painful. Elizabeth felt a pang of guilt washed over her at the genuine sadness that was in his eyes. What did any of this prove anyway? At best, his reaction to the dates was just proof that he knew what those dates meant to Elaine and his great uncle William. But it didn’t even truly prove that. “I’m sorry, Will. I don’t know what came over me. I am being insensitive. You pick a day that you’re comfortable with,” she said in what she hoped was a soothing voice. She wanted to reach out and touch him. To soothe away the pain on his face. Pain that she had caused. But she knew he wouldn’t let her touch him. Why she’d felt that he had somehow wronged her, she didn’t know. She was hurting him based on some kind of hunch, and a crazy hunch at that. Something deep inside her was warning her that she’d been betrayed. That he had betrayed her. Yet, that was a crazy notion. She shook her head trying to dismiss any remaining doubts she had about her fiancé. “No,” he answered. “The 22nd is great if that’s what you want. Start making the plans immediately, and spare no expense.” William felt ill all of a sudden. He wanted to leave now, even though it was a long time before sundown. He racked his brain for an excuse to leave, but then Elizabeth said, “Are you okay,

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Will? You look pale.” “I’m fine,” he lied. The look of disbelief on her face reminded him of the expression his mother always got when he’d taken cookies from the cookie jar and lied about it. That look that says, “Son, you’d better tell me the truth.” He smiled at the thought. He’d never thought of it before, but Elizabeth did remind him a great deal of his mother. “I just don’t feel too well all of a sudden,” he said honestly. “Oh, Will. I am so sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.” If guilt washed over her a moment before, it was turning to a flood just now. She was truly sorry that she brought up anything painful for William. He did look extremely ill, like he might be sick at any moment. This look was even worse than the look of utter sadness that covered his handsome face before. His eyebrows scrunched together, and his normally dark skin looked extremely pale in the afternoon sunlight. He seemed to be holding his breath before he finally spoke again. “No. It’s not your fault. You did nothing wrong. Please, don’t think that you did anything to upset me,” he said, wishing he could just leave. “Is there anything I can do?” She moved closer to him. He thought for a moment that she was going to wrap her arms around him. If she did that, everything would be lost. He saw her hesitate, then back away. “No, Elizabeth, really. I just need to go home, I think. I’ll feel better after some rest.” He knew when he said it that it would be a lie. He wouldn’t go home; although a moment ago, he’d had every intention of doing just that. No, he would set out towards home, but would soon find himself at Andrea’s. He felt guilty, but didn’t deny the fact to

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himself, nor did he try to talk himself out of going. Nor did he know why he felt the strong desire to go to Andrea’s. He tried to tell himself it was just because of the baby, but he knew better. There was something in his instincts that still told him that he belonged with Andrea. Werewolves mate for life. But Andrea wasn’t his mate. Elizabeth was, or at least she would be soon. He ran his hand through his hair, nervously. A part of him did wish that Andrea was a carrier and that they could be together. He wished his son could survive. “Okay, sure,” she answered. “You get all the rest you need. If there is anything I can do, send your man, and I’ll come to you. I promise.” As she looked in his eyes, she knew he wouldn’t send for her. His thoughts did not rest on her right now. They were elsewhere. She could tell that much, though couldn’t tell where. She was slowly beginning to realize that she knew very little about the man that she just promised to marry within three month’s time. They’d never shared a kiss, not a real kiss, like the one she shared with Julius in her dreams. He had never made her feel the way Julius could make her feel. They never really touched, nor of his personal life. He hadn’t even told her who had died on October 21st. She knew less about his family than she did about hers. “You’ll be the one I call if I need anything. I promise,” he lied. Oh, how he wished he could call her, confide in her, make love to her. Why did October have to be so far away? His words brought her back to reality. When she had thought of Julius, she’d absent-mindedly looked out across the stream again. She sighed in relief when she realized that Meleager’s gaze hadn’t followed hers.

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He left her standing right where he’d found her. He didn’t bother with the niceties of taking her hand and kissing it, nor did he try to kiss her cheek. He could tell that her sense was beginning to get stronger, and that it was much stronger during certain cycles of the moon. Tonight being a crucial night in the moon’s cycle, it was no wonder that she could sense things about him without touching his skin. He wasn’t going to risk even one brush of the skin. She stared after him until he was out of sight, wondering what’d come over her. She knew what she’d done was not like her. Why were her defenses up so much lately? Why did she find it hard to trust anyone, even her fiancé? She didn’t understand it. What she did understand was that she had to get answers, soon. She looked at the cabin across the stream. That looked like a good place to start.

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Chapter Eight

The cabin was old, but seemed to be well kept by whoever was taking care of it now. Elizabeth knew from the description of this place in Elaine’s journal that it must be Julius’ cabin. She touched the door and was surprised to see that it was unlocked. She pushed the door open slowly as the door creaked on its hinges and carefully stepped inside. “Hello?” she called, but no one answered. She looked around the tiny cabin. It appeared to be a single roomed cabin, with bed, chair, kitchen table, all situated within the one room. A door to the forge that adjoined the living quarters was located on the far wall. Something on the shelf above the fireplace caught her eye, and she crossed the room to it. It was a sketch of a woman that must’ve been Elaine, lying on a bed beneath the sheets, sound asleep. Elizabeth looked around the room and saw dozens of the same drawing. Some were many years old, yellowed and dingy. Others looked as if they could’ve been drawn yesterday. “Hello, Elizabeth,” a raspy voice said from behind her. She’d left the door wide open and hadn’t heard him come in behind her. Startled, she dropped the drawing she was holding and turned, startled. Her chest was heaving. He watched the rise and fall of her breasts for a moment, closed his eyes, and turned his head. Oh, good Lord! Why did she have to pick the night before the full moon to discover this place? “What are you doing here?” he asked finally, summoning all his strength to speak calmly. “I…I’m not sure. I wanted some answers, and thought that I could find them here.

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How do you know my name?” He didn’t look at her. She took the opportunity to get a good look at him. He had dark brown hair, long and wavy. It was pulled back neatly and flowed to the middle of his back. His white shirt was opened at the top, revealing a muscular chest lightly covered with hair. His shirt barely hid the roundness of his shoulders and arms. She thought that if she touched his arms, they would be rock hard. A girl could feel safe in those arms. His jaw was sharp and rugged and he had very handsome features. His eyes were a deep brown but were almost hidden beneath dark, thick eyelashes. She’d never seen a man so handsome. He was a perfect Adonis, she thought. She recognized him as the man from her dreams, but quickly dismissed the silly notion. He couldn’t be Julius. He didn’t look a day over twenty-five. “You shouldn’t have come here. That was a big mistake. It’s the night before the full moon,” he said, as if she should realize by that simple comment what a folly she had committed. “What does that mean, exactly?” She was beginning to get the feeling that she somehow knew this stranger, and not just from her dreams. “Elizabeth, you are a carrier. You’re engaged to one. Of course you know what that means,” he answered, exasperated. “No. I don’t know what it means. I believe you. I am a carrier, but whatever I’m carrying, I’m clueless about it. I’m engaged to one? One what? What are you talking about? Please help me understand.” She walked closer to him. She tried to touch his arm, but he backed away. “No,” he answered slowly. “That’s not my place.”

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“Please. I don’t know what I’m getting myself into. I’ll be married in three short months, and I don’t know how to stop it or slow it down. I don’t know how to find the answers I need,” she pleaded. “It’s not my place,” he repeated through gritted teeth. “Then whose place is it? Who is there that can tell me what I need to know?” She nearly screamed the words. She was panting and emotional. The mixed emotions of the whole day flooded over her in an instant—setting a wedding date, Andrea’s baby, the look on Meleager’s face when she mentioned the 21st, and the anguish she felt at having something within her grasp, yet not knowing what it was. Tears broke loose like a tidal wave, and she flung herself on his bed and cried. “Oh, God, Elizabeth, please don’t,” the stranger pleaded. “I can take anything except your tears.” She rose up, looked in his brown eyes, and knew he was telling the truth. She was hurting yet another person today, and she felt horrible about herself. What was even more unnerving was that his voice, his features, were exactly the same as the man in her dreams, but it wasn’t possible. Was it? “I’m sorry.” She dried her eyes and attempted to stand. She lost her balance and he caught her in his arms. Her eyes widened as she looked into his eyes, then they flickered shut. She screamed as if in some kind of anguish and fell limp against him. She had fainted. ***** When she came to, she was lying on his bed and he was across the room staring through the window. He didn’t look at her when she opened her eyes, just seemed to

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know that she was awake. “Are…are you okay?” His voice seemed constricted and his face looked as if he’d been crying. “Julius?” she asked. He looked at her and smiled, a weak sort of smile. “Now you know who I am, and what I am.” “Yes, I do. You are one of the most kind, caring individuals I have ever met,” she said defiantly. “I’m a monster,” he said, matter-of-factly. “No,” She wanted to cry. She knew the emotions stirring within his breasts. She knew what he’d been through the night he had been transformed into a werewolf. She felt all of his anguish, all of his pain, and the years of suffering in between. That was what had caused her to faint. She hadn’t been able take all of that pain at once. “You feel too much love and too much sorrow to be a monster.” The look on his face said he wasn’t convinced. She wondered if she’d ever be able to make him see himself from her eyes. “You don’t understand,” he said. “I understand more than you think I do.” There was a change taking place within her as she realized the power of her gift. She knew that this sense she discovered within herself didn’t work on humans as much as it did on werewolves, but that didn’t matter to her right now. “Then understand this,” he said through gritted teeth. “You need to be very careful that they don’t find out where you have been this afternoon. You also need to be very

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careful never to come back here again.” “But why?” she asked, blinking back tears. “What did I do, Julius?” He groaned at the sound of her voice calling his name with such a tone of anguish. He ran his hands through his hair and turned away. How could he make her understand without putting her life in danger? She walked cautiously behind him and touched his arm. “Julius, talk to me,” she pleaded. He took her hand in his and turning, he released it and let it fall back down to her side. She looked at him, puzzled. She looked hurt, as if she’d start crying again any moment. “Don’t,” Julius said gently. “It’s not what you think. You’re not used to your sense yet. You have a very powerful kind of,” he paused, searching for the right word, “of intuition. When you get used to it, you’ll become stronger. Then, you won’t have…uh, spells, like the one you had a moment ago.” He explained as cautiously as he could, not wanting to embarrass her or hurt her anymore than he already had. “Julius, you act as if I am in some kind of danger. You know something, something about me, and I think I have the right to know.” She pulled herself erect. Not only did her posture make her look stronger, more confident, but her voice was also stronger, more confident, and more demanding. Julius smiled at the change in her. He sighed, defeated. “Ask me a question. If I think I can answer it without putting your life in danger, I will.” “Who is ‘after’ me?” she demanded, searching his eyes for an answer. “Nope, sorry. Can’t tell you that one,” he said in a playful, husky tone. His eyes

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danced gleefully and his lips curled up in a very charming way. “Ask another.” He leaned against the wall of the cabin and crossed his arms over his strong chest. She felt the sudden desire to run her hands across his chest as she’d done in her dreams, but no. She couldn’t allow him to distract her like that, and she couldn’t let him know that she’d dreamt about him so many times in the past. She flushed at the memory of her sensuous dreams about him and forced herself to look away from him. Forcing herself to concentrate on the fact that he was refusing to help her rather than on the devilishly charming grin that had planted itself across his face. “Okay, why are they ‘after’ me?” She struggled to maintain some type of control. She was ready to yell at him at the top of her lungs. “Nope, sorry. Not that one either,” he answered in the same tone. “But, don’t worry. You’ll figure that one out for yourself soon enough. Ask another.” “Alright, fine,” she yelled. “Then what the hell is going on with me? What is this intuition? Why have I got it? What good is it if I can’t use it to make you tell me what the hell is going on?” She was panting and frustrated . She’d never acted like this before. She’d never yelled at anyone. And, to the best of her memory, she had never used the word, “hell” before in her life. Yet, as angry as she was and as exasperated as she was, she felt great. She felt truly alive for the first time in her life. She flung her chin up in defiance, daring him to refuse to answer her. “Ah! That one I could answer, but the answers are already within you. If you look deeply enough, you will find those answers,” he said, still smiling. This was the first time in a long time he had smiled. The first time in nearly fifty years. He didn’t pause to

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remember the last time he’d had this much fun. It would have brought back painful memories of what he’d lost. “And just what is that supposed to mean?” She threw her hands up and began pacing around the room. “Okay, Elizabeth.” He pulled her to a halt in front of him, then quickly released his grasp. “What is the sense? What do you think it is?” “It allows me to sense something about a person or about their past whenever I touch their skin.” Her voice was no longer confident. Her tone made the statement sound much more like a question than an answer. Julius nodded. “Go on.” She looked at him, puzzled. “You’re on the right track. Keep going,” he encouraged her. This time her voice was a little more confident. “It also allows me to see images. Things that person has seen before.” “What else?” His voice wasn’t much more than a whisper. She closed her eyes and remembered what had happened to her just before she’d fainted. She opened them again, and looking deep into his eyes, she said, “I can see into someone’s soul. I can actually feel what that person is feeling or has felt in the past. I can discover their true character.” At this, Julius turned away, flushed. “I’m sorry, Julius.” She feared that he thought she was invading his privacy. No wonder he didn’t want her to touch him. Perhaps this is the reason nobody had ever let her get really close to them. She thought back to the night she’d gone to Zelotes’ party. Everyone had worn

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gloves when they touched her. No one had allowed her to touch their bare skin. She’d never touched her own fiancé’s bare skin. She thought back further. Luc had never allowed her to touch his skin. Her uncle had never allowed her to touch him. She couldn’t remember one single person who’d ever allowed her to hug them or touch them. Now she knew why no one wanted to get too close to her. He looked at her and saw the pain in her eyes. He felt that the pain wasn’t just caused by him. The source of the pain went much deeper. “Male wolves don’t have that sense, Elizabeth.” He took her hand. “So, I don’t know exactly why you’re so hurt right now. But if you feel guilty about your gift, don’t.” He withdrew his hand. She knew it wasn’t from fear of her searching him for things he didn’t want her to know. He only pulled away because he was genuinely concerned that she’d make herself sick. She seemed to be draining his pain and, from the look on her face, she had enough of her own. They sat silently for a moment; then she said, “You said that male wolves don’t have that sense. I know, I don’t know how I know, but I know that this sense doesn’t work on humans as well as it works on you. On, on, well, werewolves. What does that mean? And don’t tell me that you can’t answer that question.” “Okay,” he sighed. “I’ll help, but you have to come up with the answers on your own. What do you think a carrier is?” “Arrrh! If I knew that, I wouldn’t be asking you.” She started pacing the room again. In desperation, in despair, and in aggravation. He stepped in front of her, laying his hands gently on her shoulders. Again, her eyes flickered shut, then opened. He withdrew his grasp of her, partly for her, and partly because his body was reacting to the warmth of

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her skin. “No. That’s not true. The truth is if you knew for sure you wouldn’t be asking me, but you have a hunch. What is it?” Despite her raised emotions, he remained completely calm. She was grateful. She didn’t know how she’d respond to a person acting towards her as she was acting towards him. She knew she should be grateful that he was helping her, but she found it hard not to be aggravated at his elusiveness. Calming herself, she shook her head, indicating that she didn’t truly believe what she was saying, but she said, “I’m not sure. It has something to do with werewolves, though. I am,” she hesitated, closing her eyes. “Yes, Elizabeth. Believe,” he whispered. As she talked she walked across the room and sat at a small desk in the corner. She wasn’t looking at the desk, to Julius’ relief. She was turned in the chair, facing him. “Elaine was a carrier. I don’t know what that means, exactly, but I realize that it must be something that has been passed onto me from my mother. I am a descendant of a werewolf and some of the gifts and powers of the wolf has been passed on to me.” Again, it sounded like a question. The only answer Julius gave her was, “You’re closer to the truth than you think, Beth.” Elizabeth raised her eyebrows at the nickname. She realized that she’d only been called the nickname one other time. She liked the name, but it confused her that he would use the same nickname that …. Dismissing the thought as ludicrous, she smiled. Her smile had an effect on him that he knew it would have even if today wasn’t the day before the full moon. He looked

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outside. “It’s getting late,” he said. “How did you get here?” “I walked,” she answered. “You walked? All the way from the Lycaon Estate?” he asked, astonished. He was almost flattered. Elaine had never walked that distance through the woods. She’d only ridden her horse to his cabin a few times. Don’t get carried away. She didn’t even know who you were, he silently reminded himself. “Come on. I’ll take you in my boat. It’s faster. You need to be home before sundown,” he said. “Julius,” she said, timidly. “I really can’t come back here?” “Elizabeth…” Fearing his next words, she turned around. When she did, she saw a drawing on the desk that she hadn’t seen before. She picked it up and examined it. Julius gulped and walked to the desk to remove another drawing from it. He let that drawing slide behind the desk. Elizabeth looked over the drawing. It was a picture of her standing at her balcony talking to a silver and gray wolf. “Did you draw this?” she finally asked, for lack of something better to say. He nodded. “Is… is it me?” He nodded again. “Why?” He looked away. She knew that he’d never give her the answer she wanted anyway, so she dropped that subject. “Can I have this?” she finally asked. He looked up at her, half in surprise, but he also looked reluctant to give her the drawing. “It’s not finished.”

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“It’s perfect,” she said, looking at it again. “You really like it?” he asked, staring into her deep blue eyes. “Oh, yes. I love it.” She looked back at the picture she held in her hand and studied it for a moment. She felt genuinely flattered. The picture of her was flawless, perfect. She was quite sure that she did not look as good in the moonlight as he had made her appear in the picture. How could he have drawn this without her knowing he was there? “I will give you this picture if you give me a couple of days to finish it, and,” he paused, almost scared of what her reaction might be. “And, what?” She looked up from the drawing to study his rugged, handsome face. “And, if it’s alright with you, I’d like to draw another for myself, but if you object, I’ll understand,” he said finally. “Of course, I understand that you would want to keep a copy for yourself. It’s a beautiful drawing. You could put it in your portfolio. It’s only natural that you’d want to keep something you have worked so hard for.” She smiled graciously. “By all means, make another one for yourself.” “It’s not just the artwork I’d miss if I gave you my only copy of your picture,” he said honestly, finally allowing his eyes to gaze into hers. “And the only reason it is so beautiful is that I had a beautiful subject to sketch.” “Ahhh. Thank you. I’m honored.” Deep inside her she wished that the picture signified more than it did, but she would never allow herself to believe that Julius could ever love her. She remembered his words from the dream, “never again.”

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Then she remembered his memories. He had indeed said those words to Elaine as she lay dying. Elizabeth shivered all over. His memory had become hers. She could see Elaine in his arms, bleeding. Dying. Pleading with him to run. She could hear the low growl of the wolf in the background and feeling it attacking him. She shuddered again, shaking herself, releasing the memories momentarily. She regained control of herself before she turned to face him. “You’re not offended then?” he asked, relieved. He had not been looking at her, so he had not seen the change in her. She sighed in relief. She didn’t want to hurt him by reminding him of his past. Of Elaine. She did not want to hurt him by allowing him to know how affected she’d been by his memories. “Not at all.” She replaced the picture on the table where it‘d been lying when she spotted it. “Now, we really must get going if I’m going to have you home before dark.” A hint of worry was in his voice. “What, am I on a curfew now?” she asked playfully. “On the night before the full moon, Elizabeth, you are always on a curfew.” He took her hands and stared meaningfully into her eyes. “Promise me you’ll stick to it,” he demanded. “Okay,” she said, frightened, in spite of herself. “I promise.” He escorted her through the door, and the picture that he’d let fall to the floor was safe from her scrutiny once again. He felt a flood of relief that she hadn’t spotted that drawing. Like the one she had picked up, it was a drawing of Elizabeth, not Elaine. Only

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it was a little more personal than the previous one had been. Julius had been drawing pictures of Elaine for years, but recently, when he sat down to sketch, he ended up sketching Elizabeth rather than Elaine. He wasn’t sure why all of these images of Elizabeth kept popping in his head, but he felt uncomfortable about them. He felt guilty for Elaine’s sake. And, now, he felt guilty for Elizabeth’s sake too. He could just imagine the look of contempt and fear on her face if she’d seen the other drawing of herself. It was a picture he’d captured in his mind’s eye a couple of weeks before and committed to memory. He’d seen her, lying in her bed. The curtains were open; her sheets were kicked off because of the heat of the night. From the look of the sheets and her gown, she’d had a restless night of sleep. When he saw her, however, she lay peacefully. Her shoulders were both touching her pillow, although the left shoulder was slightly raised. Her body turned at the waist so that from the hips down, she was lying on her side. Her gown was now pulled slightly above waist level from all the tossing and turning, revealing her intimates. Her soft legs were crossed at the ankle. He had longed to run his hand down them and touch her fair flesh in real life. He wondered if she’d feel as good as she did in the dreams. This was the image of Elizabeth captured in the picture now lying on the floor beneath his desk. He vowed to burn it when he got back home to avoid such a close call in the future, yet if he really looked inside himself, he knew that he would never be able to burn the drawing. Even if he did, the image of her lying thus would be set in his mind forever.

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Chapter Nine

It was nearly impossible for Julius to keep his mind focused. His boat was extremely small, which put him almost face to face with Elizabeth. Their knees were almost touching. The breeze, while it was just enough to make the water choppy and make him work harder at paddling the boat, was not enough to cool down the burning sensation happening all over his skin. Even though he tried not to stare at her, his eyes seemed to be fixed on her delicate face, her beautiful eyes that seemed to be dancing as she watched the landscape drift slowly past. While Julius found himself in complete agony, Elizabeth was enjoying herself immensely. If Julius had to guess, he swore that this was the first time she’d ever been in a boat. She was watching the oars separating the water, the white bubbles that appeared around the boat as it cut the water in two. She finally allowed herself to do what she wanted to do since she got in the boat. She let her fingertips drop into the water to feel the water rushing through her fingers. The water was cool and invigorating. She closed her eyes, as if closing out all other senses but touch. Julius thought for a second that she would jump in to feel the water rush around her whole body. She finally opened her eyes and withdrew her hand from the water, shaking off the excess water over the boat’s edge. Then she spotted something and laughed, pointing to it. Julius allowed his gaze to follow her slender arm up to her graceful fingertips, then finally to what she was pointing at in the dark blue sky. A large black bird was screeching and two smaller birds were chasing after it. They were taking turns dive-bombing the larger bird. Julius laughed too, not so much at the birds as at the sound of Elizabeth’s laughter. His laugh was foreign to

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him, and he realized that this, while not completely a happy afternoon, was the happiest he’d been in decades. “They are mates,” Julius said, referring to the two smaller birds, “probably protecting their nest.” Elizabeth watched the birds, smiling, as they chased away their enemy. Then she watched other creatures, butterflies, squirrels, rabbits, along the shore. Everywhere she looked she would find these creatures in twos. Mates. They seemed content living their lives in the wild, two by two.

Elizabeth sighed. Would she be as content with Meleager? It was all she’d ever wanted. Someone to share her life with. But now, she wasn’t so sure that she’d made the right choice. Still, she couldn’t resist smiling at the animals along the shore. Realizing Elizabeth’s apparent love for nature, Julius looked at the sky. The sun was in the west, but hadn’t yet begun to set. Perhaps he did have time. Elizabeth noticed the boat changed course, and looked at him, eyebrows raised, asking the question she dared not ask aloud. He smiled and said, “I just want to show you something. We have a little time.” She smiled in return, a little relieved. She didn’t want the afternoon to end yet. She was afraid that she’d never see Julius again once they said goodbye tonight. He seemed very intent on keeping his distance from her. This side trip, however, gave her a little ray of hope that this might not be goodbye after all. He pulled the boat up to a bank. “Don’t turn around just yet,” he told her as he anchored the boat by tying it to the nearest tree. He made his way carefully back in front

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of her, and beckoned her to stand. He held out his hand to help her steady her stance in the boat. Then he covered her eyes with his hand and turned her so that her back was touching his chest, her head was against his shoulder. She would’ve stayed like that forever, but he released his hand and let her gaze across the landscape. She gasped at what she saw. Thousands of golden daffodils stretched out along the bank and up the hill, as far as she could see. “Come,” He took her hand and helped her descend from the boat. They walked in silence for a few minutes, admiring the beauty of the place, the stream, the trees, and the flowers. Elizabeth had never seen a place so beautiful. “They’re wild,” he told her after a few minutes. “They are more beautiful this year than they usually are, too. By now, they are usually wilted and dying, but this is the mildest summer we have had in a long time.” “They’re beautiful,” she managed to say, staring first at the flowers, then at him. He walked closer to her. “I had hoped you would like them.” He stared into her eyes. “I love them.” She gazed at him through dark, thick lashed and smiled up at him. Rain droplets dripped onto her cheek as she looked up at the sky, laughing and holding her hand out in an attempt to catch the cool droplets in her hand. He was amazed that she could find such happiness out of ordinary things. This was a definite change to the woman that had entered his cabin earlier in the afternoon. He smiled at her as the rain came pouring down, cool against their skin. He grabbed her hand. “Come on,” he said, running with her. She yielded to him willingly, following him as fast as her sandaled feet would carry her. Finally reaching a large tree, he pulled her

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under it to shield her from the rain. She was still laughing when they stopped beneath the old sycamore tree. She was drenched, her white dress clinging to her body. This is the first time in my life that I have not felt lonely, she thought to herself. Julius heard her voice inside his head saying those words as if she’d said them aloud. He knew that sometimes a female carrier could project her thoughts to another person, but only if her gift is extremely strong. Yet, he’d never heard of one being able to project her thoughts onto someone without touching that person. Julius was almost certain that that was exactly what had just happened. And what’s more, she did it without even realizing she did it, without even consciously trying. Subconsciously, she must’ve wanted him to know how she felt. Deep down inside of himself, Julius wanted to know more. Without thinking and without hesitating, he kissed her lips. He supposed that he intended it to only be a brief brush of her lips with his, but when his lips touched hers, that wasn’t enough. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her to him, pressing her body hard against his. She moaned and put her arms around his neck, clinging tightly to him. She felt even better in his arms now than she had in the dreams, and he was hungry for her. He trailed hot kisses down her neck and she felt as if she were in her dreams. Her breasts heaved with anticipation. Her body grew hot and moist. He backed away from her and gazed into her deep blue eyes, an ocean of mixed emotions. She looked as hungry for him as he was for her, as she ran her fingertips down under his opened shirt down his chest.

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“Oh, my!” she breathed, closing her eyes to savor the feel of him. He sounded breathless as he said, “You really must stop saying that. You know what it does to me.” Her eyes grew wide at the realization. “It was real?” she whispered. Her voice sounded more husky than usual. Guilt rushed over Julius as he realized that she knew. He was about to pull away from her. However, she pulled him to her, pressing her breasts against his chest, and said, “You’ve seen me naked.” Her body was flushed pink with embarrassment, but the visual image that her words had evoked caused the beast to stir within him. Heat rose within her, both because of the embarrassment of knowing that their dreams together were real, and because of the desire she was now feeling for him. He felt her heat. He smelled her desire. He wanted her. His body needed her. Heaven help him, it was the night before the full moon. Her body went limp against his as she yielded herself to his kiss. She moaned with desire, causing his body to react more fervidly than before. His mind conjured up an image of her naked, lying on the grass among the daffodils. He could take her right here. Could make her his. He might not have been able to stop himself if the image of Elaine dying in his arms, hadn’t flashed across his mind’s eye, erasing the more seductive image of Elizabeth that he had conjured. He remembered the words he had told her after she had gone, “Elaine, I will never love again.” He pulled away from Elizabeth. “I’m sorry.” He turned away from her.

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“It’s okay. You’re in a lot of pain. I realize that,” she soothed, touching his arm. She had seen the images stirring inside of him and it pained her to know that he was in pain. She wanted so much to help him, but wasn’t sure if she’d ever be able to. She felt responsible for his pain. She was sure that she was the reason his memories came flooding back so vividly. She looked just like Elaine. She had recognized the similarities in the two pictures in his mind. The picture of her, lying naked, among the daffodils. She was on the ground, her golden hair spilled out around her. It had made her ache with want. He pulled her into his arms and the image changed. Her face and her hair were the same, but she was no longer completely naked. She was covered in blood, her gown ripped to shreds and crimson with the warm blood forming a pool around her. He would never be able to forget as long as she was there. Should she let him walk out of her life forever? Could she let him? She needed him. What’s more, she felt deep inside of herself that he needed her as well. “I, uh, I was actually apologizing for kissing you. I shouldn’t have done that. I don’t know what came over me,” he said after a brief silence, turning his head to look at her over his shoulder and offering her as much of a smile as he could. His former mood, the one that had been haunting him for fifty years, was back. It was only then that he realized that since Elizabeth had arrived at the Lycaon castle, his mood had been slowly changing. It was as if she had given him a part of himself back. At least temporarily. “Oh.” She sounded very disappointed. He wished he could read her as she could

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read him. Had she wanted him to kiss her? Was she disappointed at his apology? Was she upset that he regretted it? “After all,” he explained, “you are engaged. I should not have been so bold.” He had hoped the explanation would take away the look of pain on her face. She looked as if she were about to cry. He didn’t want to be the reason for her tears. Again. She flushed. From the moment they had stepped out of the boat, she’d forgotten all about William Meleager, about her engagement, and about October. He saw her look sadly at her wedding band. Forgetting his resolve to keep his distance from her, he crossed over to her and cupped her face in his hand, lifting her eyes to his. Her eyes sparkled with unshed tears and he was sure that he was not the cause of them this time. “If you don’t want to marry him, why are you?” he asked. He didn’t know why he felt personally insulted that she was marrying Meleager. It wasn’t as if Julius had courted her, had asked her to marry him, and she had chosen Meleager over him. Then he remembered his vow to Elaine and knew that he’d never ask Elizabeth to marry him. He sighed. “I don’t know.” She looked away from his questioning gaze. “I don’t know why I said ‘yes’. I don’t think I want to marry him, but I don’t have a good reason to back out now. I don’t love him, but how many people really marry for love anyway? I don’t even know what love is. The only glimpses of love I have…” she trailed off. She didn’t want to admit these things to him. “Are those you have seen from touching me,” he finished for her. “It’s okay, Elizabeth. I loved Elaine with all my heart.” A look of astonishment had crossed his face and, from the look on hers, he could tell that she didn’t pick up on the cause. He walked

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away from her so that she wouldn’t sense it in him. He couldn’t believe that he’d spoken of his love for Elaine in the past tense. He did still love Elaine, right? Why couldn’t he bring himself to say that to Elizabeth? He turned and looked at her, still standing right where he’d left her beneath the tree. Rain was sprinkling down on him as he watched her. He longed to go to her, to wrap his arms around her, to kiss her again, and….Oh, so much more. ***** The sun was just beginning to set as they climbed in the boat and headed back to the Lycaon castle. Elizabeth seemed sad and lonely again, and Julius hated himself for that. He was at a loss of what to do, or say … or feel. He was hurt, sincerely hurt, that Elizabeth was marrying Meleager. Yet, he felt so guilty for that pain. How could he ask her to give up a fiancé for him? Meleager was offering her something that Julius would never be able to give her. A husband. Children. Perhaps even love? He rowed in silence, as Elizabeth watched him. She desperately wished he would say something. Anything. She closed her eyes, trying to tune her feelings out. She listened to the swish of the water against the boat and to the chirps of birds soaring overhead. She thought she could hear Julius’ heart beating. Her shoulders slumped in disappointment when she felt the boat glide onto the bank. She knew she was almost home. Knew that she was going to watch him walk out of her life. She also knew that she couldn’t let that happen.

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It may be selfish to wish him in her life. It may be foolish and dangerous. But now that she knew he was real, how could she let him go? As he turned to leave just in front of the castle, Elizabeth caught his wrist. “Please, Julius, just tell me this isn’t goodbye,” she pleaded. “I…I could use a friend right now.” “I know,” he said. “But there are things you don’t know, Beth. It’s dangerous for us to be seen together.” “We don’t have to be seen,” she said quickly. “If you really think it is dangerous for us to be seen together, we’ll not be seen. I won’t tell anyone. Just, please, don’t abandon me. I have the feeling that you need me as much as I need you.” She had said this last sentence without planning it, without thinking, and it shocked her as much as it shocked him that she had said it. Did she regret it? She didn’t know. It was the truth. She needed him. She felt that he needed her. Should he know that? Should she have let him know how much she needed him? How fair is it to him? To her? To her fiancé? He opened his mouth to protest, but couldn’t. Deep inside, he knew she was right. He wanted to spend every waking minute of his life with her. A thought crossed his mind, but he shook his head. He told himself that the only reason he wanted to be near her was that she reminded him so much of Elaine. And, yet, I haven’t thought about Elaine near as much since Elizabeth arrived, he admitted to himself. And when she has crossed my mind, it is because I’m afraid that Elizabeth might share the same fate. No. He couldn’t allow himself to feel this. He finally answered, as gently as possible, “I can’t allow my feelings to be the reason to put you in any danger.” “In that case,” she said firmly, “let my feelings be the reason you put me in

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danger. Please, I could use a friend.” For a brief second, he‘d entertained the idea that she had stronger feelings than friendship for him. He felt himself grow hot, but dismissed the thought instantly. Why hope that Elizabeth had feelings for him when there was no hope of them ever being together? “Elizabeth,” he said, pleading with her to see things from his perspective. “If you only knew the danger you would be in…” “I would still want to see you again.” Her blue eyes pierced him. She was much more confident, much stronger than she’d been when she had fainted in his arms only hours before. “Nay. I don’t think you would. It wouldn’t be wise if you did.” He shook his head. He was becoming more and more exasperated. “If you’re so sure, tell me about the danger I would be in. Then, if knowing about the danger, I still chose to see you, you must promise to come back,” she answered finally. “Okay. You win. I’ll be back. I promise, but you must promise not to come to my cabin any more,” he said with a sigh. “Okay. I promise that if you return here often, I won’t come to your cabin anymore.” Then smiling deviously, she added, “Unless it is absolutely necessary.” “Fair enough,” he said. The sun had completely disappeared on the horizon, leaving only a purple streak in its stead. “For now, I must go.” Taking her hand, he kissed it gently, and then turned to descend the steps that lead to the entrance of the Lycaon castle. Without warning, her hand rested gently on his strong shoulder. He felt it shaking

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as he gripped it in his hand and turned to face her. The pain in her eyes cut through his entire being and his breath caught in his throat. “Why does it bother you so when I touch you, my lord?” she asked over a lump in her throat. Her voice, so young and vibrant earlier, sounded old and harsh now as if decades had passed. He attempted to smile, but the smile faded before it ever appeared. “Honestly?” he asked. She nodded, swallowing. “It is the night before the full moon,” he said simply. “What does that mean?” She raised her voice slightly. My, but she was tired of riddles. “Well, milady,” he said, grinning in spite of himself at what he imagined her reaction to be. “The moon has a certain,” he paused, searching for the right word. “Effect on…well, on nearly everything beneath her. The ocean’s tide is even subject to change with her change of moods. Almost every creature feels the moon’s power, especially during certain cycles. But, I guess, we feel it more.” “Werewolves, you mean?” “And carriers,” he added, nodding. “Okay, so the moon causes a change in you. Is that it?” Her eyes squinted in order that she may see him better in the darkening daylight. “You might say that.” His skin burned from her touch and from his desire for more. “I’m not afraid of you when you’re a wolf, Julius.” She reached for him again. “You should be,” he said simply, backing away, just out of her reach. “But that’s not the type of change I’m talking about.”

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She arched an eyebrow at this explanation, but said nothing. “Well, Beth. You see,” he cleared his throat before he continued. “The moon enhances certain…um, desires.” “Oh!” Her body reddened and she looked away. “I, uh, didn’t mean to embarrass you. I just,” he stammered. “It’s okay, Julius.” She cupped his cheek in her soft palm. “I understand.” He clutched her hand and whispered, “Apparently, you don’t. If you don’t stop touching me, I won’t be able to control my actions.” She could feel his skin growing hot with every touch of her fingertips, but couldn’t stop herself. Her own body was reacting to his heat in a way she’d never experienced before. She didn’t want him to leave, and the thought of him being out of control excited her in a way that she didn’t quite understand. Julius’ head was swimming in a shapeless abyss. There was no connection, no time, no space. Only he and Elizabeth. He wasn’t sure who initiated their kiss, but he was sure what it was doing to him. Her thoughts echoed through his mind. Is it the moon that’s setting my body on fire, or is it you? she asked him silently. He groaned, trying to reconnect with something within the world. He wasn’t sure where he found his will to release her. It took more strength of mind and body than did Hercules’ labors, but he released her. She was panting, her eyes questioning with a very intent gaze. He looked away from her, as much to escape that gaze as to avoid watching the rise and fall of her breasts beneath her rain-soaked white gown. He turned again to leave.

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“Julius?” she said in a panicked whispered that reminded him of a frightened child. “Don’t, Elizabeth.” His voice was husky but not harsh. He was pleading with her to understand. “I’m sorry, milady,” he said in a much more formal tone than he had used moments before. “Forgive me for being so bold, but, as I said, the moon does something to me. You have no account to feel guilty, milady. It was entirely my fault.” He said all of this without looking at her and continued his descent. At the bottom of the steps, he turned and waited for her to go inside and close the doors. That action was vaguely familiar to Elizabeth somehow and she sighed as she watched him climb back into his boat from a small window of the entry hall. A strange feeling gnawed at her as she watched him leave her. She didn’t feel guilty, although she was quite sure that she should. She had a fiancé, but wanted more than anything else in the world to spend tonight in the arms of a man she’d only met a few hours ago. Strange, she mused as the boat became smaller on the horizon, she had only just met him, but felt as if she knew him better than she knew her own fiancé.

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Chapter Ten

When Meleager showed up at Elizabeth’s the following morning, Elizabeth was up, dressed, and refreshed after a wonderful night’s rest. She’d decided the night before that she was going to make the best of her situation with Meleager and be a loving, doting bride. Her happiness this morning was from this new-found resolve. She’d settled into a melancholy state just after Julius left her the night before. She had wanted to feel close to him, so she reread Elaine’s journal. When she put it down, she resigned herself to the inevitable. Julius would never love her. His heart belonged, and rightfully so, to Elaine. If she allowed herself any more whimsical fantasies of happilyever-after with Julius, she’d only end up hurt. What’s worse, she would hurt Meleager and possibly even Julius in the process. So, she’d gone to bed with a profound determination to make the best life possible with the cards fate had dealt her. She had also decided that she’d use her sense to get to the bottom of whatever Julius seemed so intent on warning her about. She wasn’t scared, as he seemed to think that she should be. She felt empowered by her newfound gift and intended to make the best of it. First, she decided that it was time to find out a little more about the man that she’d promised to spend the rest of her life with. “After all,” she had told herself, “we’re going to have to touch eventually.” “Good morning, Darling. Come in,” she said pleasantly, as she opened the large door of the entrance hall. The dress she’d chosen for this morning was one that Meleager had insisted on purchasing for her in the town, but one that she had not worn yet for fear that it was too revealing.

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Meleager’s eyes never left her as she moved gracefully aside to allow him entrance into her home. He felt almost foolish, like a schoolboy, at being so astonished at the sight of her. She cleared her throat and he forced his eyes to focus on her face rather than her body. The dress he had picked out and purchased for her was a bright crimson and fitted tightly at the waist and hip before flaring out with its many layered skirts. The bosom was scandalously low cut. Not many women in Pyrrhathia had the figure for this dress, but Elizabeth looked astonishing. Smiling at his reaction, she led him to her favorite room in the castle, a sitting room with large glazed windows that allowed just the right amount of sunlight to flood the room. There she sat close to him, trying to be attentive to his every need. She prepared a snack, a drink, and expressed the desire to have him as comfortable as possible. Meanwhile, he had no appetite, and was more than slightly aware of the fact that his most pressing need could not be fulfilled, by her, until October 22nd. “You look tired.” She approached his chair from behind. Before he was aware how close she was, she ran her hands through his long, dark hair. He seized her arms in his gloved hands, and turned to look in her eyes. She didn’t seem shaken like she normally did when she touched him. She looked as if she were trying to solve a puzzle with many pieces missing. Her blue eyes were sharp, piercing and searching. The image that she’d seen when she touched Meleager was that of Andrea and her ever-rounding belly. Meleager knew what she must’ve seen. Usually, when a carrier only touches the skin for a moment, she only gets an image of what the person was thinking of last. When Elizabeth had said he looked tired, he’d thought of the reason that had caused him to lose

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a lot of sleep lately, and to lose control last night. “You,” Elizabeth said, searching his eyes, “must be as worried about Andrea as I am. Do you have any idea who the father is?” She saw instantly that he did. Just as he was about to say that he didn’t have a clue, she whispered, “You do.” “Well,” he lied. “Only a hunch, but I can’t tell you. It would cause a few people a lot of pain.” Elizabeth could tell that the last part was true, but she was just as sure that the part about it being only a hunch was a lie. She let the subject drop, but he could tell that she was still thinking of it. They talked of other things and worked together on another room in the castle. Elizabeth still hadn’t opened and cleaned all of the rooms. The rooms in the east tower were almost completed to her satisfaction by now, but some of the ones in the south tower had never been opened. Meleager was visibly shaken by his earlier encounter with his fiancé. As he left the castle, he decided then that something must be done to keep her from finding out anything before the wedding. He knew that she would know everything on the night of the wedding, but if she found out before, there wouldn’t be a wedding. “I must have her!” he said aloud as his carriage passed through the gates to the Lycaon estate. “To the Ambrosia estate,” he told his driver. The first thing he’d have to do is keep Andrea and Elizabeth away from one another. He didn’t ring the bell when he reached the estate. He barged into the castle and straight into the sitting room where Andrea and her grandmother were sitting. Andrea’s grandmother, Aneisa Ambrosia, was a werewolf, yet her carrier senses were not as powerful as most female wolves. She looked as if she were about forty, although she was

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closer to being four centuries than four decades old. “Pardon me, Lady Ambrosia. I need a word with your granddaughter,” he said, looking at Andrea. “Of course, Lord Meleager. As you wish. I will be up stairs.” She bowed obediently to him and left the room. “We’ve got a problem,” he told Andrea. “If you are concerned with that little bitch of yours, she’s your problem, not mine.” She didn’t look at him as she spoke. “Oh, she’s your problem, all right. Because if she finds out that I am the father of that baby, you’ll pay for it.” He was standing over her; his hands were on either side of her, pinning her beneath him without touching her. Fear was in her eyes and she began to shake. “What do you mean, William?” She was obviously attempting to keep her voice strong. “You mean you’ll…” “Don’t think I won’t just because you’re carrying my child,” he answered. “People do not stand in my way and get away with it, Andrea. You of all people know that to be a fact.” “Actually,” she sounded genuinely hurt as she spoke, “I didn’t think it was the baby that kept you from considering that, Will. I thought it was your feelings for me. What has changed?” The look on Will’s face softened somewhat. He remembered the joy he’d shared with Andrea before Elizabeth arrived. He missed that, but knew that he could never have that back with Andrea. His desires for an heir outweighed his desires for her by far. He couldn’t wait any longer. He had waited too long already.

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“Look, Andrea,” he said gently. “Please, just stay away from her.” He crossed the room and ran his hands through his hair. “I’m sorry for threatening you. You know I didn’t mean it. But, if you love me, you won’t let her know about us. I don’t love her, Andrea. You’re the one I love. The only one I love. You know that. But I do need her. Don’t blow this for me, Andrea, please.” Meleager was visibly torn between his love for Andrea and his desire to marry the last Lycaon. It was not only that she could give him children, but also that she was the only remaining heir of the clan’s alpha male. His marriage to Elizabeth would ensure his place as alpha male when their leader was dead. “Will, you know I’d never purposely do anything to stand in your way with Elizabeth,” she lied. Her eyes were veiled beneath thick eyelashes and her lips pursed in an innocent pout. “But I can’t possibly stay away from her now. She and I have become close. She would suspect something. You wouldn’t want that, now, would you?” “I would much rather that she suspect something than to know it for sure. As long as it’s just a suspicion, she won’t back out on our plans. Once she knows for sure, I’ve lost her forever,” he answered. “And why would that be so bad?” She ran her fingertips down the front of his open shirt. “Will, I know you want an heir, but if Elizabeth married Luc and they have a daughter, it won’t be but another twenty years before you’ll have your heir. In twenty years, you will only appear about six months older from human standards. I don’t mind that you want an heir. I don’t even mind that you want another lover,” she lied in a sweet honeyed voice. “I just wish you could wait until I was older, or…well, or dead. You’ll have at least three more centuries after I’m gone to find someone and have your heir. Why does it have to be now, when my time with you is so short anyway?”

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“I’ve longed for an heir, a wife, and a companion for more than fifty years, Andrea. You just don’t know what that is like. I lost Elaine. She was taken from me only a day before our wedding. I won’t lose Elizabeth, too. One way or another, she will bear me my children, and you will either stand by silently and watch, or….” He didn’t dare tell her the rest of her fate. He didn’t have to. She knew full well what he meant, and she burst into tears. She was truly frightened, but if he’d had the sense that female carriers have, he would’ve known the tears were faked. Andrea didn’t have the sense that carriers did, but she did know exactly what to do when it came to getting what she wanted from men. Right now she wanted pity, and she wanted to bide some time. She knew he was close to sending her away for a very long time, maybe forever. She was pretty sure he had no intention of renewing their relationship once he was married. How could he do that? One touch of his skin and his wife would know. She knew that her relationship with William Meleager was fast becoming history, but she wanted to make it last as long as she could. She still clung to the hope that Elizabeth would find out about the baby and break off the engagement before October 22nd. The look on his face now, however, told her that if Elizabeth did break off the engagement and William had any idea that she’d planned it, had caused it, she would not only lose him forever, but her life would also be in danger. William Meleager could be a dangerous man when crossed. She didn’t want to be the one to cross him; however, she wasn’t really keen on the idea of letting another woman have him. Andrea’s philosophy of late was “if I can’t have him, no one can.” She’d vowed that she would do whatever it took to end their engagement. She was going to have to find a different way of doing it

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now, that’s all. “Tears won’t work now, Andrea,” he said with harsh, hoarse tones, yet his eyes revealed that her tears had shaken his resolve. A little. “I can’t take back what I said. I meant every word. You have to stay out of my way with Elizabeth.” “Okay,” she said with a whimper, drying her tears. “I will stay out away from her, if you will spend more time with me. I’m talking, every day you’re over here, Will. Nothing else will work.” “What the hell are you saying, Andrea?” “You know exactly what I’m saying,” she countered, her voice and her will becoming stronger, firmer. “The only time I see you anymore is when you are with her. Do you think I enjoy watching the two of you together? No. You know how much I love you, and so you must know how much it pains me.” Will thought of the night he’d seen Andrea with Luc. He knew exactly how she felt. “Will,” she said, more gently now. “I only go to Elizabeth’s to see you. Eliminate my need to go there to see you, and I will keep my distance.” “And just how am I supposed to explain to my fiancée why I am coming over here to see you?” He expanded the distance between them. “You don’t. You tell her you have unexpected business, and make it appear that you are out of town a lot, or working a lot. You said yourself her radar is up. You don’t need to risk unnecessary contact until you’re wedding, anyway.” She hoped that her reasoning would convince him. “Okay,” he said, sadly. “You’re right. If that’s what it is going to ensure my

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chances with Elizabeth, so be it.” Andrea knew that she should probably feel sad that the only reason he decided to spend more time with her was to save his relationship with Elizabeth, but she felt no hint of sadness whatever. She gloated, secretly, at the fact that she was winning. “You’ll be here everyday, then?” He nodded without looking at her. “You promise, Will? You’re not just playing games with me?” she pressed. “Nay. I’m not playing games. If that’s what it will take to keep Elizabeth from finding out about that baby, that’s what I’ll do.” He stalked angrily towards the door and added, “But, for now, I am going home. Goodbye, Andrea.” No sooner was he gone than Luc entered from the back. “Was that who I think it was?” Andrea answered with a devious grin. “To what do you owe this pleasure?” Luc asked, coming to a halt before where she still sat on her settee. “From that satisfied look on your beautiful face, I am assuming that it is something good.” “Let’s just say you better be careful about your visits, for a while, at least.” She tilted her head to the side and peered up at him from beneath dark eyelashes. Her lips were pressed together creating a sort of pouty smile. Luc thought she looked more beautiful now than she’d ever looked. “Oh. That’s what the look of satisfaction is for. You’ve somehow coerced him into spending more time with you.” Andrea’s smile broadened at these words and she stood, putting her arms around his neck and throwing her head back. “You sound disappointed,” she said playfully.

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“Maybe I am a little disappointed, but remember, you’re not the prize I’m after.” He removed her arms from around his neck. “Elizabeth is my prize, once you clear the way for me to win her.” The look of dejection on Andrea’s face wasn’t her usual fake pout to get attention. She was starting to really have a problem with Luc or Meleager having Elizabeth, it seemed. Luc peered deep into her eyes with his own dark eyes. “What is your problem lately, Andrea?” “I hate her!” She lifted her handheld mirror from her vanity and hurled it against the opposite wall, shattering it. Shards of glass danced around them and tinkled like a wind-chime as Andrea screamed, “I hate her! I hate her! I hate her!” Andrea stamped her feet, and lifted another breakable from the table to hurl at the wall. “Get a grip, Andrea.” Luc took her by both arms. “Nay!” She jerked her arms from him, pulling free. “I won’t. I hate her, and I wish she were dead.” “Andrea, stop it. Now,” he warned, shaking her until her head darted back like a rag-doll’s. “What the hell is your problem?” “Look, she may be a carrier, but she’s not perfect, you know. I honestly don’t know why both of you foam at the mouth every time you lay eyes on her. It’s not fair. I want to be a werewolf. I want to live for centuries and have Meleager’s children. She doesn’t know anything about him, not really. She doesn’t know who he really is, who you really are, and when she does know, she won’t accept you, either of you. And I have to watch him marry her. I have to watch her have his children, and know that she’ll be by his side, having his children, and learning his secrets for centuries after I and my child are

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dead and gone. I’d kill her if I weren’t afraid…” But she didn’t get to finish this statement. As soon as she had said the words, “I’d kill her,” Luc had his hand around her throat. He lifted her from the ground with only his right hand, pinning her high against the wall. “You will do no such thing.” His voice had changed, so had his face. It was redder, longer. His jaws were more jagged and his nose was snarled. His nostrils flared as he spoke. “If I ever hear you make another threat like that, no matter how idle, I’ll kill you. Do you understand?” Her face was red and was beginning to darken from lack of oxygen. She was flailing her hands, hitting his arms lightly, begging silently for him to release her. When he asked the question, she nodded her understanding. He shoved her hard against the wall as one last threat before releasing her. She gasped immediately and air filled her lungs, which ached from the pressure of so much air at once. She doubled over, gagging and coughing, then looked at him through menacing eyes, but said nothing. Her temples throbbed, her throat ached, and her lips were numb. She closed her eyelids over her aching eyes, but it seemed to make her head throb harder. She waited for an apology. He gave her none. When she was breathing normally again, he turned and walked to the door. At the door, he turned back and said coldly, “Elizabeth is the last known carrier. Threatening her life is threatening to take away our only chance at what we most desperately want—an heir. Mankind is not the only species who desires to leave behind a part of themselves when they die. I want a son. Since you can’t give me that, you’re

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disposable. Keep that in mind before opening your mouth like that again.” With that, he disappeared.

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Chapter Eleven

The next day, Meleager made arrangements to have Andrea transferred to a room in the village. He didn’t want her in the country so close to Elizabeth. He told Elizabeth that he’d heard that she had gone to stay with an aunt because she needed to be closer to a doctor. Elizabeth seemed to accept this excuse, after a moment of contemplation. Her sense was definitely getting stronger. She was beginning to be able to tell when he was lying to her. It was then he knew that Andrea would have to disappear after the baby…well, when the baby was no longer an issue. Unlike Andrea, who had indeed steeled her heart against this type of pain, or any kind of true emotion whatever, Meleager’s heart did grieve for his child, his son. He’d sensed right away that it was a boy and had known from the beginning that his son was destined to die. Whatever other atrocities he was guilty of, Meleager did love his baby. But there would be other sons, and daughters, as long as his wedding occurred as scheduled. Meleager was able to forget his ill-fated son and concentrate on all those that he would have with Elizabeth. At least, he could forget his son when he wasn’t around Andrea, since she insisted on him being with her everyday. Days passed between the times that he would see Elizabeth. Those days were filled with misery for him. He wasn’t so much miserable because he couldn’t be with Elizabeth. He was more miserable because he had to be with Andrea and be constantly reminded about their child. Andrea grew rounder with each passing day. It wasn’t long after she’d made her

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announcement at Elizabeth’s that her baby began to move within her. She forced Meleager to feel the movement, which did not even seem to make her sad. After he felt the movement, however, Meleager had to leave the room. She either didn’t realize or didn’t care about the amount of pain she was causing him. He was beginning to think that the latter was true. He was even beginning to suspect that she somewhat enjoyed the torture she was causing him to experience. Was she trying to make this harder on him than it already was? Luc visited Andrea infrequently whenever Meleager wasn’t around, but he never touched her anymore. If she tried to put her arms around him, he pushed her away, glaring at her. She’d lost her hold on him and seemed desperate to have it back. He was just as desperate not to be caught in her web again. He made it crystal clear that the only reason he was visiting her was to be near when she began to miscarry. She slowly began to accept this and stopped throwing flirtatious glances and teasing innuendoes in his direction. She resolved herself to her role as his path to Elizabeth’s bed and redoubled her effort to win Meleager’s affection. She eventually convinced herself that she didn’t care where Luc’s affections lie and that she didn’t want his attentions or embraces anyway. She may have convinced herself, but she never really convinced Luc. Both Meleager and Luc kept a closer watch on Andrea around the time of the full moon. They knew that the baby’s reaction to the changes in the moon would cause her body to reject it. It was inevitable and was only a matter of time. They were right. On the night before the full moon three months after she’d revealed her pregnancy, Andrea’s screams were heard ringing through the village. Meleager ran

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straight to her. Luc remained out of sight until Meleager disappeared into her lodgings, then waited outside the door for someone to come out, panic stricken, gossiping to anyone who would listen about what was happening inside. He didn’t have to wait long and once he had his confirmation, he set out towards the Lycaon Estate. ***** Elizabeth had a sense of foreboding as Luc led her to the tiny cottage in the village in which Andrea lay in labor. Andrea, though she was exhausted, glimpsed Luc’s reflection in her bedroom mirror. Earlier in the month, she and Luc had set up four mirrors throughout the house which were positioned just so that when he walked in through the door in the sitting room, she’d be able to see him from her bed, due to the relay of reflections. She’d been waiting for this sign all night. “Oh, Will!” she moaned loudly, apparently in a great deal of anguish and sorrow. “Oh, Will, our poor baby. Do something,” she yelled. It had worked. Elizabeth had heard and was drawing closer to the bed chambers. Luc feigned as though he were trying to stop her, but she pulled away. She made her way slowly, listening intently. “Shhh! Andrea. Don’t lose your head. Someone may hear you,” Meleager whispered, unaware that his fiancée was in the next room. “What are you worried about? Are you telling me that you’re more worried that your precious Elizabeth may find out that you got me pregnant on the very night you proposed to her, than about our baby here, Will? Our baby is dying and you’re thinking of her!” she yelled loud enough for someone walking outside the cottage to hear her loud and clear. She hadn’t the need to yell so loud. Elizabeth heard. By this time, Elizabeth was standing in the doorway. Meleager didn’t see her.

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“Andrea,” he said fiercely. “You know I’m concerned about our baby, but you also know that she can’t find out.” “She already has,” Elizabeth said from the doorway. She was shaking as she turned and walked, head held high, back through the hall and toward the exit. “Elizabeth! Wait!” Meleager called, racing after her. She stopped, but without turning around, she said, “Your baby needs you here, Mr. Meleager. We shall talk tomorrow.” “Elizabeth, please,” he managed. At this his eyes rested on Luc. Luc saw the flash of yellow momentarily cross Meleager’s eyes. He gulped, then with a slightly shaky composure attempted to assist Elizabeth. “Will.” She turned to face him. “I would think so much less of you if you abandoned your child and your… and Andrea right tonight. Now is not the time.” Andrea screamed as if she were in agony. Elizabeth’s bright blue eyes darted toward the direction of the screams. Meleager winced when she looked back at him. “She needs you now more than I do, Will. Go.” Elizabeth’s blue eyes were cold, unfeeling, and without tears. As he watched her disappeared with Luc through the door, he asked himself what he’d just done. He moved to the window and watched the two climb into Luc’s carriage. He watched the carriage until it disappeared into the dark night. He looked up at the sky. The moon was splendid and almost full, but was partially hidden behind a dark cloud. A storm was brewing outside that seemed to match the one brewing within Meleager. Andrea screamed again. This time it didn’t even sound fake to his ears, but he didn’t rush to her side. His skin was hot, the hair on his arms and chest seemed to be squirming within his skin, and he feared what he would do to her if he entered the room

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just then. He stood for an hour in that spot, without moving, staring in the direction he’d last seen the carriage. A battle waged within him. Between man and wolf, between the present and the future, and between mercy and murder. He knew he must wait for his son to be born, but then… At last, Andrea’s screams jolted him back into reality. She cried out, “Ahhh! Will, help. Please. He’s trying to kill me, Will.” Meleager rushed to her side then, not for her sake, but for the sake of his child. He could only imagine the agony his child was in right now. The pain of transforming is nearly unbearable for an adult wolf, and this baby’s heart had only been beating for a few months. He’d never even seen the light of day, nor had he ever been able to appreciate the beauty of the moon that was now controlling his destiny. Sweat plastered Andrea’s hair to her face, her feet were planted firmly in the mattress of the bed, her shoulders were planted firmly into her pillow, and her back was arched as he came into the room. She was screaming, griping the sides of the bed, and Will knew that his son was near his end. Will watched in horror as the violent movements from inside Andrea’s stomach, which could be seen clearly from across the room, told the horrible tale of the baby’s moments of agony as he was attempting to change. “Andrea,” Meleager said gently, “you have to calm down. He can’t come out when you’re struggling like that. He’s already started to turn. If he doesn’t come out soon, he’ll be twice the size of a normal baby, and you’ll die trying to give birth to him.” His voice sounded foreign to him and he couldn’t believe he was being so patient, so calm, while his son was in such agony. But he had to remain calm. For his son. Andrea was beyond listening. Meleager physically pushed her back against the

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bed and arched her legs. Bracing himself for the worst, he looked to see if the baby was crowning. He was. Meleager watched as the dark, moist hair on his son’s head began to grow before his very eyes. Human hair mingling, dancing with wolf hair. “Andrea,” he said in a panic. “You have to push. You have to push now before it’s too late!” “I can’t, Will! I can’t have this baby. I’m going to die with him,” she said, through the first real tears she had shed in her life. “You have to push, Andrea. The pain’s only going to be worse if he changes. He’s going to get out one way or another. Do you understand what I am saying to you?” Andrea shook her head. She didn’t understand at all. She only understood that it hurt more than anything had ever hurt before or would ever hurt again. “Andrea. He doesn’t understand that you’re his mother. He only knows that you are causing him pain. He will try to get out when he turns, Andrea. He will fight his way out. Teeth, claws, whatever it takes,” he explained hurriedly. The look of horror now on Andrea’s countenance showed her understanding. “Push, Andrea!” “Good, Andrea!” he encouraged. “His head’s almost out. Keep pushing.” Meleager watched as the baby’s beautiful face began to change. He heard his son’s bones pop. “Hurry, Andrea.” As the baby’s face emerged from the opening, its mouth began to change. The cry that escaped his lips was instantaneously transformed into the half-cry, half-howl of a wounded animal. A tear escaped Meleager’s yellowing eyes as he repeated, “Push, Andrea. Hurry!” His voice was husky, inhuman.

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Andrea screamed again and Meleager could see why. The baby had gotten his hand up around his neck, and with half-formed claws, he was trying to scramble his way out. The violent movement of Andrea’s abdomen proved that the baby was using halfformed claws to try to push his way out with his hind legs as well. “Come on, Andrea. You have to help him. Push!” She doubled over, pushing with all of her might. Meleager grabbed the shoulders of the baby, which were already half covered with fur, as soon as he could see them and pulled. One more push, and he was free of the womb, but the baby, premature, and exhausted from his struggle and his pain, was jerking, fighting for his life. His breathing was deep and raspy. Meleager, knowing there was nothing he could do to ease the pain, sought to ease at least the torturing heat, and submersed the baby, cradled in his massive arm, in a tub of cool water that he had prepared earlier. After a moment, the baby’s skin began to cool and his jerking movements slowed. He began to transform back into the beautiful baby that Meleager had only gotten a glimpse of moments before. The baby stopped crying and opened his eyes. The first and last thing the baby saw was his father’s tearstained face. The baby closed his eyes tightly again and began to cry, the broken cry of a newborn infant. Eventually, he drifted into a deep sleep. The baby’s breathing slowed with every passing moment. Meleager watched his baby boy’s chest rise and fall, and finally, it fell and didn’t rise again. Meleager, with a single tear falling from his eyes, dried his baby and wrapped him in a blanket. “Will, can I see him?” Andrea asked at last. She was exhausted, but she wanted to get the sympathy she felt she deserved from her baby’s father.

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Without looking at her, he said, “You don’t deserve to see him.” With that, he walked through the door and disappeared with their son.

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Chapter Twelve

Elizabeth sat in silence all the way home. She didn’t notice the storm brewing ahead and didn’t feel the light drops of rain hitting her. Her heart was grieving as much for friendship lost as for her lost fiancé. She sat staring into the dark night, remembering days past when she, Andrea, and Meleager would be working together, talking together, and planning together. She had laughed when Andrea was happy and cried when Andrea was sad. She remembered the intensity of her own emotions as she and Luc had made the trip into the village. She’d been scared for her friend, had mourned for her friend, and had felt such sorrow as one might feel for a sister in the same situation. She had, without knowing who the father was, hated the father of Andrea’s child for leaving her in such a situation. Now she knew the truth. Andrea’s friendship had been false from the beginning. The entire time Andrea was pretending to be her friend, she’d been contemplating how to hurt her most. She recognized the falseness in Andrea’s voice this afternoon. She knew the scene had been staged for her benefit. Why else would Andrea have to mention which night she’d gotten pregnant? Elizabeth shuddered as she remembered the contempt in Andrea’s voice when she’d spoken of Elizabeth. What did I do to make her hate me so much? What did I do to deserve the kind of pain she put me through tonight? She asked herself. Then she realized the truth. She did nothing, except became the woman that Meleager wanted to marry. Andrea would’ve hated her no matter what she did. Elizabeth knew that Andrea must be in extreme agony, both physically and

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emotionally, because she was losing her baby, but she couldn’t bring herself to feel any pity for her. Then her thoughts turned from Andrea to Meleager, and she wondered, “Why?” If he had another woman that was totally in love with him and totally committed to him, the way Andrea had always said she was when she mentioned the baby’s father, with a sly glance at Meleager, why did he want to marry Elizabeth? Why not marry Andrea? Then she remembered a phrase from Elaine’s diary: “Meleager doesn’t love me. He only wants me because I can give him a child.” Elaine had written these words a few weeks before her death. “Andrea’s not a carrier,” she whispered, realization spilling through her veins, warming her, burning her. Luc started. “What did you say?” “Oh, sorry,” Elizabeth told him. “Nothing.” The look on Luc’s face told her more than he meant it to. Without even needing to touch his skin, Elizabeth had a flash of Luc and Andrea laughing together. Her eyes flickered shut, and when she opened them, her fiery glare could’ve burned through him. Although she said nothing, Luc knew that she knew something. Her sense was becoming stronger every day. Elizabeth soon came to realize that Luc had plotted with Andrea to bring her there tonight. He’d known what she would hear and had known the pain he’d cause, but he brought her there anyway. Luc attempted to say that he was sorry for everything she’d heard. She said nothing, but her stare told him that she thought he should be apologizing for much more

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than that. At this point, he knew that even if he did apologize to her for everything that he’d been guilty of since the moment they met, she wouldn’t accept his apology. Still, he felt he had to do something to get in good with Elizabeth. Otherwise, he would have done all of this for nothing. “Listen, Elizabeth, I guess I should be honest with you,” he said in a low voice, as if he were ashamed of himself. She raised her eyebrows, an indication that she was impressed that he wanted to be honest with her, and said, “I’m listening.” Actually, Elizabeth wanted Luc to say something that she could be angry with. It was taking all of her energy not to cry. Anger would help her control the anguish she was feeling at the moment. She’d been betrayed by everyone that she loved tonight. Her friends. “I knew about Meleager and Andrea. I didn’t want to tell you before because I didn’t want to hurt you. I know I shouldn’t have brought you there tonight, but I had no idea Meleager would be there,” he lied. “Oh. You knew. I can feel it. You not only knew that he was there, but you also knew what she was going to say,” she said with confidence. Then a puzzled look appeared on her face, and she asked, “Mirrors? What do mirrors mean to you, Luc?” A look of astonishment crossed his face. She knew her power and trusted it. Not only that, she no longer needed to touch his skin to read some of his thoughts. He’d never seen a carrier this powerful. It frightened him, but at the same time, it excited him. She’d be the strongest carrier in the clan. She would produce the strongest heirs. He longed to make her his. “Elizabeth, what all do you know?” he asked, his voice threatening to fail him

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over the lump swelling in his throat. “Why? Do you want to be careful which lies to tell me? I can save you some time there. Don’t tell me anymore. Stop the carriage. Let me out right here. I can make it home myself and I’d rather not see you anymore. Do you understand?” She had forgotten her promise to Julius to be home before dark on the night before the full moon. “I will not let you out here. If you want me to leave and never come back once I see that you are safe within your doors, well, that’s fine. But I won’t leave you stranded here in the dark, in the rain, the night before the full moon.” “And just what do I have to fear that is not in this carriage?” Her stare let him know that she now knew what he was. “You don’t have to fear me, Elizabeth. I need you too much to hurt you. However, there are others… One, in particular, who might hurt you tonight.” “Meleager, you mean?” she asked. He nodded. She was almost sure that he was trying to poison her even more against him. She didn’t think she needed to fear Meleager anymore than she needed to fear Luc. That was not much comfort, however, because she did fear Luc at this moment. But she damn well didn’t want to show it. “He needs me for the same reason you do, Luc,” she answered, cleverly. “If he’s really the only thing you are worried about, let me go.” Then something occurred to her. He wasn’t just concerned about Meleager. He was also concerned about Julius. Why? How did he know about Julius? “Who is he?” She didn’t have to clarify her question. Luc could tell that she’d seen his thought. “He’s dangerous. He’s not one of us, so I don’t know what to think about him. He

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was a mistake. Turned. Someone, I’m not sure who, turned him when he killed Elaine,” he said. She could tell that he believed what he said. She didn’t believe his story, but she knew that he did believe it. No! Julius couldn’t be responsible for Elaine’s death, could he?

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Chapter Thirteen

Luc didn’t try to stay when they reached her doors. He helped her from the carriage, and said, “I know you hate me right now, but I beg you to give me another chance. After all, I’m not the one who cheated on you.” “You betrayed me all the same, Luc. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to forgive you.” She refused to look at him. “I know. I’m sorry. You’ve every right to hate me, but if there is ever any way I can make it up to you…” The look in her eyes caused him to cut his statement short. He knew that unless someone intervened on his behalf, she’d never be his. He was formulating a plan as his carriage raced from the estate. Elizabeth turned and looked at the dark, gloomy castle, and knew that she didn’t want to go in there. She felt even more alone inside the castle. So, she walked along the castle walls until she came to a stone bench. Had she not come to the bench in that moment, she probably would have collapsed. She felt her knees grow weak and sank onto the bench, damp from the recent shower. Thunder crackled overhead, but the storm had not yet reached the Lycaon estate. Finally, she allowed the tears that had been penned up all night to fall. She buried her head in her hands and cried. She didn’t notice the rain start to fall around her. An animal whined at her feet and she peered over her fingertips, startled. It was her silver and gray wolf friend, finally back again. She’d never been so close to it, but she was still unafraid. He seemed worried about her. He wanted to help her. When she tried to pet him, the wolf dodged her hand and backed up slowly. He

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kept his distance while Elizabeth told him everything that was troubling her. She told him about Andrea, Meleager, their baby, and Luc. Then she told him, “What troubles me even more is that Luc believes that Julius killed Elaine. Not that I believe him. I know the pain that Elaine’s death caused. Only, I wish I could see Julius once more. I need to know for sure. Everyone I’ve trusted has betrayed me. I just… I wish I could see him now.” The wolf, sensing the amount of pain she was in, walked cautiously to her and laid his head in her lap. She touched the wolf’s head, and knew. “Julius,” she whispered. The sound of his name caused an involuntary reaction within him. He began the transformation from animal, to hybrid, to human. When he realized that he was kneeling, naked, with his head in Elizabeth’s lap, he stood to run, but she grabbed his arm. Throwing her arms around him, she pleaded, “Don’t go, Julius, not yet. I’m all alone.” Her head was buried in his chest, her tears warm against him. He reluctantly allowed his hand to smooth her golden hair, now wet from the cool shower. The other he wrapped around her waist. He felt awkward, standing there naked, holding Elizabeth, but he was afraid of feeling much more than awkward. It was, after all, the night before the full moon. Even if the moon was hiding behind a dark cloud. “Um, Elizabeth,” he said, cautiously. “I need to get dressed and we don’t need to stand outside tonight. There’s no telling what’s watching us.” He released his hold on her. She blushed as she let her eyes run the full length of his body. Then she turned, flushed. He grinned at her reaction, but turned and started to walk away. “Nay, milord. Come inside. I’ll find you a robe or something.” She grasped his right wrist firmly in her right hand. “Please.”

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“I can’t, Beth,” he said, not turning. “You don’t fully comprehend what we feel the night before a full moon.” “If it’s anything like I’m feeling right now, I can imagine.” She refused to release him from her grasp. At this unexpected reply, he was forced to face her. He searched her midnight eyes for her meaning and found desire. She’d meant it exactly the way it sounded. He sighed and forced himself to turn away from her. “That’s just another reason for me to go.” His back stiffened, straightening. “Oh.” She sounded dejected, hurt, and confused. “Okay.” “Beth.” Julius turned and cupped her face in his hands. Turning her face to him, he added, “It’s not what you think. I…I have so many feelings swirling around in me right now. But I can’t let myself be alone with you during certain cycles of the moon. If…Look at me, Beth.” He gently turned her chin up toward him, “if we end up in each other’s arms any other night, so be it. Not on the night before the full moon, though. And not when the moon is full. I don’t want that to be our excuse. I want no regrets. Understand?” She nodded. Her eyes were full of tears, but she didn’t allow them to fall. He was touching her, so she knew that part of the reason he couldn’t be with her tonight was Elaine. “Oh, God, Elizabeth. How do I explain her to you?” he said in agony. “Just tell me you had nothing to do with her death,” she said, remembering Luc’s words, “and I’ll be happy.” “You must know I didn’t do it. I loved her. I swear I didn’t do it” If she hadn’t poured her heart out to him, while he was the wolf, If she had not said she believed he

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didn’t do it, and If she hadn’t confided that she’d been betrayed by everyone she’d trusted lately, he would’ve been furious at her for asking. Now, however, he knew she needed to hear the words and touch his skin, just to be sure. He desperately wanted her to know that he wasn’t like the other wolves. That he would not betray her the way Andrea, Meleager, and Luc had. “I know you’re not like them,” she said. “And I know you didn’t kill her. I know now that you’ve never harmed another human, except the wolf that tried to kill you. The one who changed you. You stabbed him in the chest to save your own life.” She seemed to sense that a change had come over him. He was beginning to compare himself with the others. He still thought of himself as a monster. “You’re not like them.” She placed her arms around him and rested her head on his chest. For an instant, he saw himself through her eyes. She willed it and he saw it. He saw that she trusted him, and no one else. He saw, too, that her heart was racing for him. He wanted to believe that meant she loved him. Yet, he cursed himself for feeling that way. He knew he could never allow himself to return those feelings. His heart belonged to Elaine. Yet, if he didn’t know better, he’d swear he was falling in love with her. With Elizabeth. “I love you,” She hadn’t said the words aloud. She had said simply thought them. He pulled away from her. She looked up at him. The love in her eyes was apparent. He couldn’t resist her anymore. He kissed her and was lost for endless moments, that ended way too soon for both of them. He pulled away from her, and said, “I…I’m sorry, Beth. I have to go.”

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“Why?” Tears glittered in her eyes. “I’ll be back. I have to think about this, and I can’t think around you. My mind is in a fog.” It was the truth. She lowered her gaze in an attempt not to let him see the pain on her face. He ran his finger down her cheek and under her chin, lifting her face to his. “I promise I’ll be back.” His voice was husky. She nodded; a tear escaped her eyes, which she closed tightly to hold the rest back. He released her. When she opened her eyes, he was gone.

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Chapter Fourteen

She made her way silently through the castle, holding only one candle. Once in her bedchambers, she didn’t bother lighting any other candles. More out of habit than purpose, she placed the candle in a sconce on the wall. Then she began to undress. Her whole body felt numb and she needed to get out of all those layers of wet clothes. Mechanically, she washed from her basin as she thought of Julius, Andrea, and Meleager, and wished bitterly that she’d sold her uncle’s home, and never come here. Now, her heart was broken over her loss of a friend, her pride was badly bruised over her disappointed engagement, and her heart would never recover from falling in love with a man who could never love her back. “What was I thinking, falling for someone who was already in love with someone else,” she said aloud, sinking onto her bed. “I was never in love with Andrea, Elizabeth,” Meleager said from a dark corner. Elizabeth jumped. She was simultaneously shocked, angry, and frightened. “What are you doing here?” She attempted to sound strong, while trying to cover her nakedness with her splayed hands. “I’m here to set things right with you, Elizabeth, and to take you away and make you my bride.” His melancholy tone scared her immensely. Meleager was not quite himself, at least not like any part of himself that he had ever allowed her to see. There was a determination in his voice that she’d never heard before. It was the voice of a mad man, and one that said he should not be crossed. “How can you possibly think I’d even consider marrying you after tonight?” she

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asked, appalled, and angry. She hoped that her voice did not quake from the fear she was beginning to feel. “Forget it, Lord Meleager. It’s over!” She stood up, wrapped a pale blue robe around her body and attempted to walk past him. But he grabbed her hand, spun her facing him, and grabbed her other hand. His hands were still gloved. He was still hiding something more. “What are you doing?” She tried to control her fear, or at least hide it. “And what are you still hiding from me that you have to wear those gloves?” “You think you’ve got it all figured out, huh?” He took both wrists in one hand. He raised his free hand to his lips and bit the fingertip of it, then gently removed his glove. He knew what she’d see if he touched her, but he did it anyway. He wanted her to see. The moment his hand touched her face, she let out a stifled cry. He only touched her for a second. He knew much more than that and the image would be too powerful; she would faint. She dropped to her knees, sobbing uncontrollably, and he let her, still holding her wrists in his large, powerful, gloved hand. After some time, she managed to open her eyes. Pity replaced the hatred that was there before. “That poor baby.” Tears still streamed down her cheeks, glittering in the candlelight. Lightning clashed outside and thunder rolled immediately afterward. Hard rain pounded the glass door, leading out to the balcony. It was the night before the full moon, yet the moon that shatters the resolve of all werewolves, refused to show her face. She refused to watch what her children would do tonight. Elizabeth’s whole frame shook with sorrow for the infant she’d just watched being born, in so much pain, trying to survive. She’d watched Meleager caring for his

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son, had felt what Meleager had felt when his son opened his eyes wide and saw his father—the only person he would ever see in this world, before closing his eyes again, never again to open them. She witnessed the baby’s breathing slowed, then stop. She felt him take his last breath as if it’d been her arms holding him, rather than Meleager’s. Meleager released her. It occurred to him then that Andrea had never shed a tear for their child, but Elizabeth was crying uncontrollably for him, despite the fact that his parents had both betrayed her. Meleager decided to try to capitalize on her sincere grief. “I had to watch my son die tonight, Elizabeth. I know that should mean nothing to you. I know that you’ve every right to hate me. But, please, you’re the only one who can help me. You’ve got to know how badly I want a child, lots of children. Children are denied to me unless I find a carrier. Please help me. I need a baby. You know the pain that his death caused me, but you don’t know how much more the knowledge that I’ll never see another child born to me is. Please, don’t deny me. You know I’ll never cheat on you. You’d know it the minute I did.” He got down on his knees, next to her. “Please say you will marry me, Elizabeth.” It was then that Elizabeth noticed the redness around his eyes. He’d been crying most of the night, and was on the verge of crying again. She sighed. “Will, I feel for you; I really do. But I can’t marry you. I can’t do that to either of us. I don’t love you.” His laugh at this remark was a mix between a sinister, wicked laugh, and a sad, melancholy one. This laugh scared Elizabeth more than anything she’d seen or heard so far tonight. “Honestly, Elizabeth. I’d think you would know that while I’d like for you to love me, that really doesn’t matter as long as you’ll give me children and be faithful. That’s all

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I ask from you.” He sounded more and more like he was trying to control something within him that was almost beyond control. “Nay, I won’t marry you. I refuse.” She pulled herself free from his grip. As she attempted to move past him, he flung her on the bed, and placed himself on top of her. The movements were swift, those of a predator capturing his prey. “I will have my baby one way or another.” He attempted to free her from her dressing robes. She struggled to free herself, fighting, clawing, but to no avail. He was determined that she would be his. Tonight. She cried out. “Just relax,” he said through a sinister snarl. Then, as if someone had divined that he should leave her alone, he got up, straightening her clothes as he went. Elizabeth’s eyes were shut tight, trying to block out what was happening to her, so it took her several seconds to realize that his weight was gone. Meleager cleared his throat, “My lord, I can explain.” Elizabeth opened her eyes as she heard the voice of her uncle, Vincent Lycaon. “No need to explain, son. I know all.” He indicated Luc behind him. Despite his efforts to control himself in front of Lycaon, Meleager growled at the traitor standing directly behind his master. “Calm yourself, Meleager,” Lycaon warned. He then turned his attentions to Elizabeth. “Elizabeth, my darling, are you okay?” Tears streamed down her cheeks, but she didn’t answer. Her uncle had betrayed her just as everyone else in the room had. Grief shook her spirit.

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Julius, her soul whispered, but she quickly quieted it. He wouldn’t be able to help her now. “I’m sorry to deceive you, my dear. I know it was a dreadful thing to do, faking my own death and all, but it was a necessary evil to get you to move here,” he explained as if his motives should be obvious, and therefore, forgiven. Remembering how she’d earlier regretted moving here, she forced herself to speak. “Why?” Her throat was sore, and her voice was raspy. “Why was it so important to get me to move here?” “Why, for them, of course. You’re the last carrier. I’m assuming, by now, that you know what that means?” She nodded, so he continued, crossing the distance to sit in a hand-carved wooden chair at her bedside. “I don’t really care which of them you marry, Elizabeth, but you must choose one. I thought that they could do this by themselves. That, unlike my other heirs, you’d make the right choice out of your own free will and be happy. Apparently, I do have to do everything myself.” He eyed Meleager, then Luc, before returning his gaze to her. He looked fatherly, devoted, and yet menacing. “I’m sorry, Uncle Vincent. I refuse to be a pawn in your game. I won’t marry either of these men.” She pushed herself from the bed and attempted to show her resolve by standing as she spoke to her uncle. Her legs were shaky, her knees weak, from her scare a few moments earlier with Meleager. “Oh, yes, you will.” He did not have to stand to prove he was the authority in this room. “And, you can call me great-grandfather.” He watched her face change as she realized the full impact of his words. He seemed to take a perverse sort of pleasure in revealing the truth about himself in this way.

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“You,” she said, visibly shaken now, “you’re Lord Lycaon. Elaine’s father.” He nodded. “And, your mother was my granddaughter. And you’re the last known carrier. Too many carriers have decided over the past few centuries to marry outside of our pack. We are a dying race. I’ve promised you to my friends. I won’t go back on my promise. You will be locked up here in my castle until you’ve made your decision. If, after one week, you still refuse to marry either of these men, they’ll both have you, for breeding purposes. If you marry either of them, the one you chose to marry will be loving and faithful for eternity, and you will both live long, glorious lives, giving me grandchildren to be proud of.” She opened her mouth to protest, to beg him to have pity on her. She was, after all, his flesh and blood. How could he treat her this way? But she knew from the look upon his countenance he’d be unwavering in his decision. She had been raised to breed grandchildren for him and to be the eternal mate to one of the men who were currently standing inside her bedchambers, eyeing her. The look on their faces at that point let her know that, while each hoped to have her all for himself, each would also be willing to share her. She’d be forced to produce children for both of them, in turn. She began crying as she realized that it would be much better for her to marry one of them than to remain locked up here breeding their children, not knowing which one would show up for his turn night after night. She could not lead that kind of life. Just as repulsive, however, was the thought of spending the rest of her life being married to a monster. She’d seen deep enough into each man to know what his true character was like. She despised them both. She’d rather die. As if he had read her thoughts, Lycaon said, “If you attempt to kill yourself, I’ll

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turn you myself, and you will then fulfill whatever destiny I deem necessary.” All of the feigned kindness that was in his voice earlier was gone. Her uncle, uh, grandfather, could be ruthless. She didn’t want to cross him. She stopped crying as she attempted to resign herself to her fate. She drew her dressing gown tightly around her, stood erect, and said in a strong, authoritative voice, “I have a very unpleasant,” she paused after this word, eyeing both of her suitors in turn, “and difficult decision to make.” Lifting her head high, she said, “So, I’d like to be alone right now to mull it over. I’ll let you know when I make my decision.” “Do as she wishes, gentlemen. I’ll be sure that you know once your bride has decided. When that time comes, we’ll spare not a moment. You will be married immediately,” Lycaon said. Both men bowed slightly, and then left the room. “Come with me,” Lord Lycaon told Elizabeth. “Why? Where?” she asked, astonished. “You don’t expect me to let you stay here to attempt an escape, do you? I did that once before. She escaped. It cost her her life. I can’t allow that to happen again, now can I?” Lycaon answered, resorting back to his pleasant tone. Oh, God! He was talking about Elaine. Elizabeth was his chance to do things right. He was not likely to make any mistakes where she was concerned. She’d be forced to marry one of the men within a week. “You’re locking me away?” she asked disbelievingly, trying desperately to cling to some kind of hope. Hope? What hope? She saw no chance for herself.

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This can’t be real! He nodded. “It’s not so bad, really. The dungeons are quite nice, actually, with a few provisions. Where do you think I’ve been these many months? I had to keep an eye on you. You don’t think I’d possibly leave for months without knowing what was going on?” “You were here? All this time?” “Well, not all of the time, of course. I had to get out at night some. Follow me.” She obeyed the command, seeing nothing else for her to do. She followed him into the antechamber of her rooms. He opened a door she’d never known was there and led her into a dark, dank tunnel that descended downward in a long spiral. The place was wide, as if it had been made for a large man. Or a wolf, Elizabeth thought. Their walk took what seemed like an hour, until finally they came to a passage that led in two directions. Lycaon motioned for Elizabeth to follow him down the passage to the right. “What’s that direction?” Her voice echoed off the stone walls. She pointed to the left. She asked more out of the desire to hear someone’s voice than out of curiosity. “That’s the forge. Many years ago, I employed a full-time black smith to make weapons and other necessary items for the castle,” he explained. Julius, she thought again. Does he know about the entrance? Could he possibly use it to free her? No. His coming here would simply put himself in danger. She’d seen the way the other wolves bowed to Vincent’s command. Vincent was powerful. And, he controlled

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the entire Lycaon clan. Even if he made it out with her, they would track her to the end of the world. They’d kill Julius, and force her to come back. She shuddered at the thought. They walked in silence for many more paces. The damp stone floor was cold to Elizabeth’s bare feet. The stone was jagged in places making the trek much more difficult, but she tried to keep a steady pace. She didn’t want to be alone down here. Yet, she knew that all too soon, she would be alone down here. Again, to break the silence, she asked, “Why would you need someone here full time to make weapons? And why would you need a tunnel leading to the forge?” “In case of an attack, dear. I was afraid that enemies would find out what we are and would come hunting us,” he answered. “And did they ever?” “Some tried,” he said. “But they could never seize my fortress. The only way they could get us was if they caught us out hunting.” There was sadness in his voice when he spoke that she’d never heard before. “Is that why there are so few of you?” He turned and faced her, peering over the candle. The light of the candle gave an eerie illumination to his face. Her heart began to pound, but he seemed not to notice the effect his appearance had on her. “Yes. People have always feared us and have hunted us nearly to extinction. However, the only thing that has really hurt our race is not being able to breed. Few carriers were born in the century that Elaine was born. If she’d remained faithful to her promise to marry Meleager, all would have been well.” “So Will is the same William Meleager that Elaine was engaged to?” she asked.

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“You’ll know all you need to know about your fiancé soon enough. Unless, of course, you choose to marry Luc Letion instead. That is, of course, up to you.” He made it sound like he was allowing her some luxury in permitting her to choose which of the men to marry. Some choice, she thought. The first time she attempted to resist Lord Lycaon, or to try to persuade him to let her go was when they finally reached the room in the dungeon. “Please, don’t leave me here by myself. I don’t want to be alone.” She started to hyperventilate. “You’ll be fine,” he said. “You will be well provided for. Your clothes will be brought down and food will be brought twice a day. We want you to stay healthy for the sake of my future grandchildren.” He flashed her a sinister smile. “Oh,” he added, “Don’t you get any ideas about trying to escape. There are thousands of tunnels beneath this castle, and while one or two lead out, most will lead you right to me. I am trying to be generous, but my generosity has its limitations. You’re my blood and my heir. You shall be treated as such, so long as you obey me.” “Then why can’t I stay in my bedchambers up stairs? I won’t leave. Where would I go?” she asked, pleading. “Darling, you still don’t seem to understand. You are only here until your wedding night. As soon as you’re married and your husband has, well…as soon as the two of you have reached an understanding, you’ll be as free as the rest of us. Your last night here in this dungeon would be the day you make your decision about which gentleman to marry.” She flinched at his words. She had always hated feeling alone, but she hated the thought of being married to Luc or Meleager much more. She resigned herself to stay in the

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dungeon, at least for now. She knew that it was crazy to harbor any hopes about her future. The only thing she could do about it was to postpone it as long as she could. “Wait.” It was not just one last attempt to persuade him not to leave her alone yet. Rather, it was an attempt to find out how flexible her unc…um, great-grandfather’s resolve to marry her to Meleager or Letion really was. “You said you don’t care which werewolf I marry. What if I marry another werewolf? Had his children? Produced your heirs that way?” She was, of course, thinking of Julius, even though she knew he’d never consent to their union. Perhaps, she would have another choice, though. “If you’re thinking of young Michael Zelotes, the answer is no,” he said. “I am fond of Michael, don’t misunderstand, but he is young. He has little respect for his elders. He wants too much power. Meleager or Letion. Those are your choices. Your only choices.” The door closed behind Lord Lycaon with a very pronounced bang. She heard the metal lock shift into its place from the outside. That was it. She was alone. She looked at her surroundings for the first time. Lycaon had left her a lit candle and many more were around the room. She lit a few of them, deciding that she’d better save them. If Lycaon was trying to use this horrible place to make her choose sooner, he wouldn’t want to make it very comfortable, so he probably wouldn’t furnish any more candles once these were gone. After several hours, though she was fighting sleep, she began to nod. She extinguished all but one candle and lay down on the cot next to the wall. The cot was extremely tiny and very uncomfortable compared to her bed upstairs, but it was welcomed as tired as she was. Tears sprang to her eyes almost the instant she closed

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them. She’d held them back for too long. There was no stopping them now. Yet, she promised herself all the while, that if she ever stopped crying this time, she would never shed another tear out of fear or loneliness. Eventually her tears subsided and sleep caressed her. She didn’t dream of the dungeon, or Lycaon, or Meleager, or Luc. She did not dream of Andrea or of being betrayed by two of the only people in the world that she trusted. She didn’t dream of her life after the dungeon. With sleep, all unpleasant things left her mind, and she dreamed of Julius, of the stream, and of yellow daffodils. For a few moments of bliss, she was not alone. ***** “What are we doing here?” he asked from behind. She smiled. She hadn’t intended to call him to her, but she desperately needed someone she could trust. She still didn’t trust her dream world and was intent on enjoying the few moments of escape that her dream could afford her. So she did not, as she should’ve done, tell Julius of her imprisonment or of the decision she was being forced to make. She gave herself up to the dream completely. “I needed to relive this moment. I needed to escape.” She drew closer to him and placed her arms about his neck. Julius assumed she meant that she needed to escape from the horrible circumstances he’d already heard of, so he didn’t ask any questions. He could tell by the look on her face that something was deeply troubling her and he wanted to let her escape with him in her dreams for as long as possible. Even if he couldn’t be there for her

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physically, perhaps he could be there for her and help her through this night. Her lips covered his, taking him by surprise. Her lips were soft and inviting and it caused the beast within him to stir, having already been awakened earlier in the afternoon. Elizabeth knew she was dreaming and heard the sound of footsteps outside the walls of the dungeon, but somehow she was still standing in the field of daffodils with Julius. She knew she’d be awakened any moment now, so she pulled away from him. “Julius.” The anxiety on her face could not be mistaken. “I need your help,” she said hurriedly, for she had heard the loud click of the dungeon’s lock. “What, Beth? What’s wrong?” He reached for her, but she was gone. She had awakened, leaving him standing by himself in the field of daffodils. The door of the dungeon banged closed and she opened her eyes. A beautiful woman stood in the dimly lit room. She laughed when Elizabeth rubbed her eyes, thinking that she was still dreaming. “No, I’m not a dream. I’m real,” the woman said kindly. Elizabeth looked closer at her unexpected guest. The woman appeared to be in her late forties; she had laugh lines that testified to a very happy existence. Her skin was pale, but very soft and smooth. Despite the look of concern on her face, she looked happy. Could this mystery woman be Elizabeth’s only ally? Elizabeth shook her head. She was afraid to trust anyone. Why should this stranger be any different from any of the others? “Who are you?” Elizabeth seemed groggy and still wasn’t quite sure that she wasn’t dreaming. “I am your aunt, Ariadne. Well, I’m your aunt twice removed, let’s not put anyone of those ‘greats’ in the front, shall we? They no longer mean wonderful when tacked on to

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a person’s title. They just mean old now,” she said, still smiling. “But, you’re not old enough to be…” Elizabeth started, but trailed off. “Sure, I am,” Ariadne laughed. “I’m six hundred years old, dear.” Elizabeth gasped. Now she knew she must be dreaming. “That’s impossible.” “Damn it. I told Vincent that raising you away from us was a bad idea. Now you’ve no idea who you are, what power lies dormant inside of you, or what your destiny is. That’s why I’m here. Vincent does not know I’m here. For all he knows, I’m still in France. He’s not the only one who can keep secrets, though,” she said, smiling. “Okay, dear, what questions do you have for me?” Elizabeth sat up eagerly. Finally! She just might get some answers. “I have so many; I don’t know where to begin. What are werewolves? How did the Lycaons come to be wolves? What am I? What’s going to happen to me?” She would’ve kept asking questions had Ariadne not stopped her. “Woe there, deary, not so fast. One question at a time. That first one is a hard one. What are werewolves and how did the Lycaons become wolves?” She paused to consider the question, walking gracefully across the room, her elegant gown trailing behind her. Finally, she sank slowly onto a cushioned chair, the only piece of furniture in the room besides the bed, a small table, and a bath basin. “At one time,” Ariadne began in a soft, pleasing voice, “werewolves were a great race of men. We were protectors of men. We were even worshipped as gods at one time.” At the questioning look on Elizabeth’s countenance, she explained, “We were worshipped, not because we were feared, but because we were the ideals that man could not become. Unfortunately, even the truly good can be corrupted into becoming evil and

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eventually things changed. Many of the men, who at one time only wanted to be the intellectual superiors to humans, soon began to desire another kind of power. Power, pride, greed, and women. Aren’t those the four evils that corrupt most men?” Ariadne gazed across the room and appeared as if she were in another world. Finally, she spoke again, “My great-grandfather, Pyrrhus Lycaon, was the first werewolf. He was involved in a great war, but he and his men were cut off from the rest of their army. They were starving and cold, and an illness killed most of them. In the end, only nine men were living and five women.” “Women?” The prospect of taking women to war was foreign to Elizabeth. It seemed barbaric to take women to war. “Slaves from the cities they’d conquered,” Ariadne explained. “I’m not proud of that, but it was a common practice in those days.” “These men and women, then, were completely unaffected by the disease?” Elizabeth asked. “Not entirely. They became very ill, one by one, but somehow, they all pulled through it,” she explained. “And that’s how they became wolves?” The incredulity in Elizabeth’s voice was unmistakable. “No. They didn’t become wolves until later. They were starving during the time of the illness and Pyrrhus, though also ill himself, was determined to find them food. He was their only hope of survival being the only one of them who had the strength left to string a bow. He took his bow and quiver, which still hangs in the great hall, and made his way slowly through the woods. He killed a few small animals, but knew that wasn’t enough.

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Darkness came on, but he stayed in the woods. He lost his way. A few hours before dawn, the others heard a scream. Pyrrhus was being attacked. They ran in the direction of the screams, but before they could arrive, they heard an animal howl in pain. When they reached my great-grandfather, he was lying still. A wolf, apparently dead, lay on top of him. The others approached cautiously. One of the women, sick from fever and scared for Pyrrhus, fainted. That woman would become my great-grandmother.” Ariadne lowered her eyes, remembering a different age, a different time, and loved ones gone. “What happened to Pyrrhus?” Elizabeth asked after a time. “Did the bite change him?” “Others have been bitten by wolves and survived, without turning into a wolf themselves. I think it was a combination of things—the illness, the bite, and the ritual,” Ariadne said. “Ritual?” Elizabeth’s eyebrows wrinkled in confusion. “Well, Pyrrhus believed that it was a miracle that he survived and the wolf did not. The wolf was stronger than he was, especially during a time of illness. So, out of respect of the animal, in some strange hunting ritual, Pyrrhus Lycaon drank the blood of the animal he killed. The other men joined him in this ritual, hoping, some say, to gain the animal’s strength so that they may recover from their illness. The women were appalled at the behavior and did not drink the blood of the wolf.” Ariadne paused, smiled, then continued. “Some say that’s why women are not born werewolves. They are born carriers and must be bitten,” she said in answer to Elizabeth’s unasked question. Elizabeth smiled at the realization that Ariadne must have read her mind. She was beginning to truly like Ariadne, beginning to trust her.

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“Were all the men turned when they drank the blood?” Elizabeth asked. “No. They all began to slowly recover within days, so that it looked as if they might live. The women, of course, did not, even though they did eat the meat of the wolf,” Ariadne explained. “Two weeks later, the night before the first full moon, Pyrrhus became overcome with desire. He took his slave, my great-grandmother, into his tent. A while later, the others heard her scream from within the tent. She stumbled from the tent, half-naked, crying and holding her neck. When the women approached her and pulled her hand away from her neck, she was bleeding terribly. Pyrrhus stumbled from his tent, blood trailing down his bare chest. When he spotted the crowd, he rushed them, scattering them. He gathered my great-grandmother, her name was Charis, in his arms. She struggled against him, but he pulled her to him, holding her tightly, whispering words too soft for the others to hear. He’d apparently bitten her out of a moment of uncontrolled passion. It was pure instinct and he vowed never to harm her again.” Ariadne took a deep breath and sighed. “The bite apparently had an unexpected benefit, for by the following morning, Charis was completely recovered, although the three other women were not. That night was the first full moon. Pyrrhus’ body was overcome with convulsions. Charis, needless to say, was overcome with fear. Pyrrhus ran into the woods and didn’t return until the following morning. When he did return, however, he was carrying enough meat to feed them all well for several days. They all wondered why he’d returned to them naked, but none dared to ask.” “Charis didn’t turn, then?” Elizabeth asked. “Not at first. It was too soon. However by the next full moon, she was a fullfledged werewolf. It was then that Pyrrhus knew. The others, while they no longer had the

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fever, were still extremely weak. He and Charis were stronger than ever before, faster, keener. They could hear things the others couldn’t. They could see things, especially at night, which the others couldn’t. When they were hurt, their wounds healed almost immediately. Pyrrhus’ men began to beg him for his secret. They longed to live. They were loyal men, and close friends. Pyrrhus made each one promise to forever keep his secret, and they agreed. He turned each man, one by one. He couldn’t turn them all at once. Turning someone pulls a lot of strength from a werewolf. He began with the men who were married to the other four female slaves. He knew that if the women were not turned soon, they’d die. Pyrrhus was already getting the werewolf instinct, and werewolves mate for life. Turning a female should be left up to the lover, Pyrrhus thought.” Elizabeth was puzzled. She wanted to know if werewolves mate for life, then why was Meleager involved with Andrea while attempting to marry her. As if Elizabeth had asked the question aloud, Ariadne said, “As I have said, even the truly good can be corrupted. Meleager still has the instinct to mate for life. He’s chosen to go against that instinct for mating purposes.” “So, his heart will always belong to Andrea,” Elizabeth stated. “No. I think the death of his son has killed his love for Andrea. He now realizes the only reason she allowed that child to grow in her womb was to destroy his chances with you,” she answered. “Okay, so Pyrrhus turned all of the men into wolves, and they turned the women,” Ariadne nodded, smiling inwardly at the ill-disguised attempt to change the subject. It was obvious that Elizabeth was uncomfortable talking about Meleager. “How did they

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know that all the women were carriers?” Elizabeth asked. “Instinct, I suppose. That’s how they know now, for the most part. However, it is said that they were not carriers until their bodies had to fight that disease. Their bodies had just recently had to go through a change in order to fight the illness. In that way, some misguided individuals see werewolfism as a disease, a sort of disability. I say it’s simply survival of the strongest. In that time, they believed that the wolf was sent to them by Artemis, the goddess of the hunt. They said she sent the wolf as a cure of the disease, a cure of all illnesses. None of our clan, of course, still believes this. However, I believe what happened to them was a miracle.” “What happened to them?” Elizabeth asked. “You must have some idea what happened to them. It is happening to yourself. They developed this power, a sort of sixth sense,” Ariadne explained. “That allowed them to see inside a person. To know all the secrets that a person harbors deep within themselves,” Elizabeth finished for her. “And, at least for the stronger carriers, they can also communicate to others with the same sense. However, most carriers are denied this luxury. Many female werewolves do not have this sense. Of the first carriers, Charis was the only one to fully develop this sense and be able to control it, use it at will,” Ariadne said. “And her descendants are the only carriers who have this power,” Elizabeth guessed. Ariadne smiled. “Very good, Elizabeth. You’re beginning to catch on.” “Where did they go after they overcame the illness? What became of them?” Elizabeth seemed eager to hear how werewolves came to be.

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“They stayed together, as much as possible, and rejoined the war efforts. Pyrrhus, the strongest of the group, led his men and many others to many victories. For his war efforts, the king, his name and lineage have been lost to us over time, made my greatgrandfather a King and awarded him this land and the lands surrounding it. Pyrrhus allotted much of the land to many of his men, denounced the title of King and ruled alongside his friends. After earning their loyalty, Pyrrhus attempted to change several of his men before learning what we now know—most mortals cannot be turned. They must be carriers of a certain gene that allows the bloods of the two animals to merge, rather than attack each other. If they merge, wolf and man become one. If not, the war for domination taking place within the body eventually kills him even if his wounds are not mortal,” Ariadne said. “War for domination?” Again, Elizabeth was puzzled. “Yes. You see, both species, man and wolf, are territorial. The wolf shows this instinct by marking his territory. Man shows this instinct by putting up fences. The blood works much in the same way. When the blood of the wolf enters into the blood of man, the man’s body rejects it and he eventually dies,” Ariadne explained. “Okay, so, for some reason, these fourteen people that survived this illness either developed this ability to accept the blood of the wolf, or,” Elizabeth began. “Or,” Ariadne interrupted, “as strange and unbelievable as it may sound, they may have been born with the ability, and it was the ability to accept and change new elements that allowed them to survive the disease as long as they did.” “Okay, you said that Pyrrhus was an excellent warrior who led his people to many victories, earning the respect of the king, right?” Ariadne nodded in answer, and

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Elizabeth continued, “How did he win battles, as a man, or wolf.” “Mostly as a man,” Ariadne began. “A werewolf, even in his human form, is stronger, faster, and braver than most men. However, all werewolves have the survival instinct, and when necessary to survive, they’ll change to protect themselves.” A strange look came across Ariadne’s countenance and she stood, glided across the floor toward the door. “Wait, I have more questions,” Elizabeth begged. “I’m sorry, dear, I must be going. I will return,” she answered strangely. “Just tell me this, werewolves can be either man, wolf, or,” she began. “Or half-man, half-wolf, a hybrid of the two, yes. When in hybrid form, his speech is husky, deeper, raspier, and when in the form of a wolf, he cannot speak.” She studied Elizabeth for a moment more, then said, “Oh, and they always have the mentality they have when they’re in their human form. Never does the animal in them take complete control; however, their emotions, all of them, are stronger than a human’s, and crimes of passion are more common than even among men,” she said, assuming she was answering Elizabeth’s question. In her haste to leave, she didn’t take the time to let her sense guide her. “But, Ariadne,” Elizabeth said, as Ariadne opened the door. “What happens to a werewolf when he is in wolf form and someone calls his name?” Ariadne looked shocked. She hadn’t expected Elizabeth to know this. “Why?” “Never mind.” Elizabeth was unwilling to share her experiences with Julius with Ariadne. Although she trusted Ariadne, some things must still be kept secret, even from those you trust.

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Ariadne could tell that Elizabeth wasn’t going to answer her, so she sighed and said, "Because a werewolf’s name forces him to identify with his human side, he changes back into a human when his name is called, especially if he is taken off guard. This is information that we don’t like to get out among the public, however, and I’m not sure I like the idea of you knowing it before you are turned.” With that, Ariadne disappeared, closing the door and locking it behind her. What had she meant by that last remark? Before I am turned? Elizabeth thought, astonished. What did Ariadne know that Elizabeth did not? Moments later, Elizabeth heard steps on the stone outside. Someone was approaching. Is that why Ariadne left in such a hurry? Was her sense that clear? ***** The sun was beginning to peer over the hills in the east when Julius emerged from his cabin the following morning. Twice during the night, he thought he heard Elizabeth call to him. But, how could that be? She was so far away. He almost sensed that she was in danger. But then there was their shared dream. She was lonely. But was there something more? Julius shed his clothing, and as was his custom, hid them in his cellar. He stood there, summoning the wolf. His change was instantaneous. He wasn’t in the hybrid form that he used to visit Elizabeth in her room. He was in wolf form. His pelt was like silver and white silk. He ran. With the speed and agility of the wolf, he ran. To escape his worries, to escape his desires. Normally it worked. Today it did not.

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Chapter Fifteen

“You have a visitor,” were Vincent’s only words to his great-granddaughter. He stepped aside and allowed Andrea entrance to the dungeon. Vincent allowed his eyes to fall slowly over her body before he said, “When you are ready to leave, pull this cord. Either I or one of my servants will come to release you.” With that, he backed slowly through the door. “Elizabeth, dear, I came as soon as I heard. Are you okay?” Andrea attempted to take Elizabeth by the hand. “Back off, Andrea,” were Elizabeth’s only words to her former friend. “You’ve every right to be angry with me, Elizabeth. I deserve everything you say to me. So, go ahead. Say everything you want. You can even hit me, if you want. I won’t stop you, and I won’t fight back.” Andrea’s voice was irritatingly sweet. As bad as Elizabeth wanted to cram her fist down Andrea’s throat for saying such horrid things in such a sweet tone of voice, for doing such horrid things with such a sweet smile, and for hiding her true character behind such sweet lies of friendship, Elizabeth restrained herself. “You may as well ring that bell, Andrea. I don’t know why you’re really here, and I don’t want to know. All I know is that I don’t want to hear a damn thing you have to say,” Elizabeth said through gritted teeth. Andrea hadn’t been around to notice the change in Elizabeth. She was still judging her on her behavior from weeks past, before Meleager had relocated her to the house in Pyhrrathia. Chances are, however, she wouldn’t have noticed the change had she

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been around. For even now, she didn’t notice Elizabeth’s fists clenching tighter and tighter as Andrea moved near her. Andrea tried to earn Elizabeth’s sympathy with the following words: “I would’ve come sooner, but for the death of my baby. My poor son never had a chance. Lost to me before he was ever born.” “Come off it, Andrea. I don’t even have to touch you to know you’ve no sympathy for your lost child. Meleager, I feel sorry for. You, I do not. And don’t pretend you didn’t know when you conceived him that he’d never be born.” Elizabeth tried desperately to restrain herself.. Andrea backed away. “Look, Elizabeth. I may have lied about a lot of things, but my feelings about my baby, about Will, and about you were never faked. You’re one of the most honest, caring people I know, and I am sorry that Will and I lied to you about our love. It was just to protect you. That’s all. I know he deceived you about his feelings for you. But, I never did. You were like a sister to me. I really mean that.” Andrea had the same innocent look covering her countenance, as if attempting to conceal her true nature. “You’re full of shit, Andrea. You need to leave now,” Elizabeth said through gritted teeth. Andrea could tell that she was getting nowhere with Elizabeth. Sighing, Andrea said, “Okay. If you can’t believe that, maybe you can believe this. I love Will. He loves me. We can’t have children, which is why he turned to you. He desperately wants children, as do I, but I don’t want to lose him to you. I don’t want to live my life without him, and you don’t want to live your life with someone who’s already found his mate.” “This is not news to me, Andrea,” Elizabeth said. “Why are you here?”

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“I’m here to beg you to make the right choice. Marry Luc. He’s free to love you. He’s not yet found his mate, and you must’ve noticed the way he looks at you,” she reasoned. Elizabeth didn’t want to marry Will Meleager or Luc Letion, but right now, if she was forced to make her choice, she felt that she would probably choose Meleager out of spite. She hated Andrea with a passion at this moment. Andrea saw a change in Elizabeth’s eyes. For a second, just a split second, she could’ve sworn that she saw Elizabeth’s eyes yellow. But that was impossible. Elizabeth hadn’t been turned yet. The wolf was still dormant in her. She dismissed it as the darkness of the dungeon. Andrea looked around the dungeon, at the eerie gleam the candle lights flickering on the walls and on Elizabeth’s stern face, and wanted to leave. She was about to pull the cord, but then thought of Elizabeth spending the rest of her life in Meleager’s arms and decided to try just once more. “Come on, Elizabeth. Listen to reason. You can never love him. Why take him from me? After the way he betrayed you, me, his baby? Why on earth would you think of marrying the man?” she asked. “I could ask you those same questions. Why are you here begging for someone who betrayed you? Especially when you must know that he is lost to you forever.” Elizabeth smiled at the look on her former friend’s face. “What in the hell is that supposed to mean?” Andrea let her lady-like manner and her sugary sweet voice falter at last. “Did you honestly think that your emotional appeals would do anything here?”

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Elizabeth asked. “I didn’t know,” she said, the sweet voice returning. “I know that Will’s mother will be making an appeal for him with Vincent, so I thought I’d make an appeal for Luc with you. I hoped that our once wonderful friendship and the love I have for you and Will would mean something to you.” “Absolutely nothing. You’ve come closer to shoving me into his arms than keeping me from them.” Elizabeth’s her smile became more mischievous as she mocked Andrea’s sugary sweet tone of voice. “You bitch,” Andrea hissed, abandoning all pretexts, “You are just like Elaine, aren’t you?” “What in the hell do you mean by that?” Elizabeth stepped closer to Andrea. Andrea held her head up defiantly. “All of you Lycaon women are the same. You’re all whores. From Elaine all the way down to your mother and you.” Andrea didn’t have time to finish her explanation. Before she could blink, she was on the floor, holding her jaw. “You bitch,” Andrea cried. Elizabeth rubbed her knuckles and smiled despite the pain. “Leave, Andrea,” she warned. “That felt too good to tempt me. I don’t doubt that I’d do it again.” Without a word, Andrea scrambled to her feet. The shock had worn off and she was beginning to cry from the pain and probably from the humiliation as well. As Elizabeth watched the door close and heard the guard lock the door, she mused at how she had touched Andrea and still couldn’t understand her. She’d sensed none of the normal emotions she thought a woman should have. There was no love for Meleager,

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no love for her child, no love for her mother. No love at all. The only emotions she sensed were possessiveness, jealousy, lust, pride, and revenge. There was a touch of sadness over losing Will, but the sadness was over her bruised pride. Andrea was definitely used to getting exactly what she wanted. Elizabeth was glad that Andrea had lost Meleager. She knew that she could never marry Meleager and she wasn’t sure that he wouldn’t go back to Andrea once all hopes with Elizabeth were dashed, but she was glad that Andrea had lost for once in her life. Everyone needs to be humbled at least once in their life.

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Chapter Sixteen

Once again Elizabeth felt lonely. Sadly, she had become accustomed to that from all the years she had been alone. She lay on a tiny cot, day after day. Vincent brought her food twice a day. Each time he would smile maliciously and ask if she’d made up her mind, reminding her that, soon, he would do that for her, and turned gracefully to leave. Each day she ate less and less of her food. Vincent was concerned, but said nothing. He assumed that she was attempting to make herself ill so that she couldn’t have a child right away. He knew saying anything would only strengthen her resolve if that were the case and let her be. The truth was, she was simply too melancholy to eat. She allowed her mind to drift, to take her away from her dark, musty, slimy habitat out into the open. She could close her eyes and wander the hillside without any fear; she could close her eyes and see the daffodils, the lake, the trees and feel the breeze. She could close her eyes and be with Julius. Vincent only interrupted her reverie when he brought food. She looked at him grudgingly for bringing her out of her fantasies, which were not fantasies actually but memories, the happiest she’d ever had. Oh, how she wished she could go back, forget everything she knew, forget Meleager, Andrea, Luc, and Vincent, and just be with the only friend she had—Julius—her only friend in what she’d come to see as a world of enemies. It didn’t dawn on Elizabeth that she was falling in love with Julius. Had the realization occurred to her, she probably would’ve fought her feelings because she knew

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that his heart could never belong to her. As it was, thinking of him was her only escape, her only strength, or so she thought. Elizabeth was in her usual trance when Vincent came with her food about four days after her encounter with Andrea. He said nothing this time, just set the tray on the table and left, locking the door carefully behind him. Elizabeth became aware that she listened for the sound of that lock, hoping on a subconscious level that he would make a mistake and carelessly leave it unlocked one day. She sat on the edge of the cot, squinting her eyes to peer through the darkness. She didn’t know exactly what she was looking for, but somewhere in this madness there must be an answer, a way out. She‘d given up hoping that she’d wake up from her nightmare and found it all a dream. Finding Julius standing above her, ready to take her away from her prison. She came slowly to the realization that no one was coming for her, her nightmare was only too real. In a few days, she’d be forced to choose between two evils and live her life in a worse hell than this. As hopeless as it sounded, she had to find a way out. Her candles were becoming fewer and she hadn’t bothered examining her surroundings when she was first placed here. She had, she admitted to herself, been too frightened. She could hear the rats scurrying in the corners of the dungeon and she preferred to stay in her territory and let them have theirs. Instinctively, they stayed out of the dim light provided by the candle, so she had moved it closer to her cot to prevent them from being too tempted to crawl over her as she slept. She picked up the candle and moved around the room slowly. It didn’t help, she could only make out shapes, and, since there was very little

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furniture in the room, those weren’t many. She sat down on her cot and set the candle down a little too carelessly, causing the wax to smother the flame. Plunged into darkness, she pulled her knees to her chest, wrapped her arms around her legs, and cried. “Oh, Julius, I’m so alone!” she whispered. When all her tears were spent, she lifted her head, wiped her tears, and stared into the darkness. Her strength returned to her in a rush as her eyes focused in the darkness. She could see! She could see better now than she had before with the candle, with two or three candles. Every object, even the rats in the corner, had a green hue, but she could make them out very clearly. She’d never experienced something so incredible before. She sat and listened as her ears began to distinguish movement in the tunnels leading to the dungeon. Someone was coming. Her heart pounded in her ears. She was afraid. Very afraid, but not of whoever was coming down the hallway. She was afraid of what was happening to her. Both her sight and her hearing were intensely better. She couldn’t explain it. She just wanted to hide it. As the dungeon door was being unlocked, she lay down swiftly, silently, and pretended to sleep. “Oh, you poor dear!” Ariadne said. “Let me light your candle for you. How long have you been in the dark?” “I… I don’t know,” Elizabeth lied. “Time slips away endlessly in here. It was still lit when Vincent brought the food down.” She motioned to the tray as Ariadne lit the candle. It was only then that Elizabeth let her eyes open completely. “Oh,” Ariadne sounded startled, causing Elizabeth’s pulse to elevate slightly. Had

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she noticed? “My dear.” Ariadne lowered herself gracefully onto a cushioned chair. “You look dreadful! And it’s no wonder. You haven’t eaten. When’s the last time you had anything to eat?” Elizabeth shrugged. She couldn’t say for sure. She really didn’t know. “I will not have this.” Ariadne’s voice was demanding. “You must eat something.” “I…I have lots of questions for you.” Elizabeth ignored the tray Ariadne placed in front of her. “I won’t answer anything until you’ve eaten something,” Ariadne said. “You must stay healthy, dear.” Elizabeth complied, grudgingly. When she vowed that she couldn’t handle another bite, Ariadne moved the tray back to the table. She then sank back down onto the cushioned chair, satisfied. “Why do female carriers have a sense that males do not?” was Elizabeth’s first question. “I’m not sure. Father believed that Apollo fell in love with the women of our race, sensing them strong, yet vulnerable, so he gave them the ability of sight. Only he didn’t give them the ability to see into the future, as he’d done with many of the mortals he had fallen in love with. I guess he learned his lesson after Cassandra, Priam’s daughter, betrayed him. Anyway, we sometimes see the past through the eyes of the person that lived that past when we touch them. Mostly, we see into the soul of others like ourselves. Apollo was afraid that the men-wolves would one day harm or exert power over the shewolves, so he gave the women this tool to help them choose a suitable mate,” Ariadne

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said. “So, I should use my gift to decide whom to marry?” Ariadne went pale. “Of course, dear,” she said after a moment. “It can help you there. I, myself, however, have seen into Meleager’s soul. He would never harm you or your children. He wants children more than anything in the world. He’d never cheat on you, although you feel he betrayed you once. And if he did, you’d know by a simple touch. You’d be happy with him.” Elizabeth squinted her eyes and examined Ariadne closely. “I don’t want to talk about the choice I am being forced to make, if you don’t mind,” she said finally. Why is Ariadne so intent to have me choose Meleager? Elizabeth wondered. Ariadne swallowed, then forced a smile across her face. “Of course, dear. As you wish.” “Okay, you said that in the beginning, werewolves were essentially good, even more so than most humans. You said that some were corrupted. How? What happened?” “That is a long tale, dear,” Ariadne warned. Elizabeth looked around her, and shrugged, “I don’t have anywhere to be.” “Okay, but my time here is limited. I’ll give you a shortened version,” she said with a sigh. “What do you think usually corrupts men?” Ariadne asked. Elizabeth sat back against the rock wall next to her cot. “I don’t know.” She shrugged. “Money, power, sex?” “Yes, dear. All of the above. It started with my father. He was the first to be corrupted.” When she saw the look on Elizabeth’s face, she added, “Oh, I am not proud of it, believe me. It was a woman, Chryseis Ambrosia.”

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“Ambrosia?” Elizabeth’s interests peaked, and she sat up straighter, hugging her knees to her chest. Ariadne winked. “There’s not been but about an eighth of the Ambrosia women to be born carriers since then. She must’ve pissed Apollo off good.” Elizabeth could tell that Ariadne still harbored harsh feelings toward the woman that had, according to her, corrupted her father. Chryseis was married to Marcelus Admentor, but she wasn’t content. She wanted to be the wife of the alpha male, which in the eyes of our pack, is like being a queen. The alpha male, of course, was…” “Your father, a Lycaon,” Elizabeth offered. Ariadne nodded, “Yes. A Lycaon male has always been the alpha, ever since the days of Pyrrhus. Chryseis knew the money, the power, all rested with him. She set out to seduce him.” “But you said that wolves mate for life?” Elizabeth questioned. “Normally, yes. To take a second mate is to go against every instinct a wolf has, but if his hunger, greed, and lust are stronger than his instinct, he can be corrupted,” Ariadne said. “And when would be the perfect time to seduce a werewolf?” “The night before the full moon.” Elizabeth said after a moment’s reflection. Then she thought of Julius. He hadn’t taken her. He’d resisted. “Was your father won that easily?” “No. Don’t get me wrong. It wasn’t a simple seduction. Chryseis killed my mother. I didn’t find out for sure until years later. She wouldn’t let me near her. Wouldn’t let me touch her. With my mother out of the picture, she played the role of the concerned

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friend, and bid her time. It took years for her to get close enough to my father to seduce him. To make him forget his wife, his mate, even for a minute. One night, about two years after her death, she made her move. On the night before the full moon, when he was most vulnerable. He felt guilty, extremely guilty, for my mother’s sake, and for his friend’s sake, but he had little choice. He killed Marcelus the next night. The minute Marcelus saw Chryseis, he knew what she had done. Father had to kill Marcelus to save Chryseis, to save himself. He stayed with her out of a sense of honor, and made her his wife. Eventually, she began whispering to him about power and control. She asked him why werewolves hunt sheep and cattle when we could hunt people. He rejected these thoughts, at first, but she persisted. We could have more power and more money if we hunted people, made them scared of us. They are, after all, beneath us. She appealed to his bestial side. In the end, she won.” Ariadne finished her tale with a sigh, and then looked at Elizabeth. “So your father began to hunt people, became a murder at the beckoning of a woman?” Ariadne nodded and smiled, “You’d be amazed what a woman can cause a man to do. Some can make them betray their families, their homes, their instincts and beliefs, and never know why.” They sat in silence for a moment, while Elizabeth thought this over. Could Meleager be a victim of Andrea’s the way Ariadne’s father had been a victim of Chryseis? She shook her head. He knew damn well what he was doing. She realized after a moment that she was gritting her teeth to the point that her jaw hurt, and forced herself to relax. She unclenched her fists, noticing that her nails had pierced her skin without her

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knowing, and she was bleeding. She hid her hands from Ariadne and flushed. She didn’t love Meleager! Why did the memory of him and Andrea rip her heart so? He’d betrayed her. It was as simple as that. She would never have broken her promise to him. She learned too late that she didn’t want to marry him, could never love him, yet she had every intention of fulfilling her promise and being a loving, faithful wife. Forever. He hadn’t been faithful to her for twenty-four hours, according to Andrea. He got her pregnant the night they’d become engaged. She clenched her eyes tight. Tears burned behind her eyelids, but she fought to keep them there. He didn’t deserve her tears. She forced herself to think about other things. She had other questions for Ariadne. What were they? She blinked, opened her eyes to see Ariadne looking at her curiously, with a smile on her face. “Okay,” Elizabeth said, sitting up. The rock against her back was beginning to be more than she could bear. “You said that women are born carriers. Not wolves. They have no trace of the wolf. They can be turned, but …” “Wait,” Ariadne interrupted. “They are born carriers, yes. But, it’s not what you think. The wolf is there, only it’s dormant. It must be awakened, either by bite or…” Ariadne paused, and looked at Elizabeth curiously. “My dear! You’re falling in love.” “What?” Elizabeth asked, startled. She huddled against the wall, away from Ariadne as she reached for her. Seeing that she didn’t want to be touched, didn’t want the truth to be known, Ariadne let her hand fall. Ariadne settled in her chair again. “You’re falling in love with a wolf,” she pronounced joyously. Elizabeth’s jaw dropped, but she said nothing. Her heart called out the name, but

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she refused to say the name in her mind. Her heart danced with the song of his name, and with the fear of her causing his discovery, of putting him in any danger. “I beg your pardon?” Elizabeth asked. Just what exactly did Ariadne know? “When a carrier finds her mate,” Ariadne explained, “it awakens the wolf inside her. You have better hearing and vision now, don’t you?” Elizabeth’s eyes widened with fear in answer to her question, but no words would escape her throat as it tightened, threatening to suffocate her from the inside. She couldn’t breathe. “Oh, don’t worry, dear. It can’t surface until he bites you,” Ariadne assured her. “But your senses will be stronger now. All of them. Every emotion will be enhanced. I presume that’s why you cannot eat.” Ariadne was practically jumping up and down in her seat. This behavior was completely out of character for her and was becoming quite annoying to Elizabeth. “How can you be so happy about this?” Elizabeth did not attempt to hide the annoyed tone in her voice. “It’s a happy thing when one falls in love, dear,” Ariadne said joyously. “Not for me,” Elizabeth sighed. “I can never have his heart. It belongs to someone else.” Elizabeth closed her eyes. “I assure you, dear, that Will most certainly does not love Andrea.” Ariadne attempted to take Elizabeth’s hands as she spoke. Elizabeth shied away. She didn’t bother correcting Ariadne. It was refreshing to see that someone could be genuinely happy at a time like this. “Okay, so a female carrier must be bitten by a male carrier in order to turn wolf,”

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Elizabeth said, hoping to change the subject. “Only carriers can be turned?” Ariadne nodded. She thought of Julius. Of the night that he was turned. “Is it possible for a human male to be a carrier. To be turned?” “Of course, but it is quite rare. If, as your mother did, dear, a carrier decides to marry a human rather than a wolf, and they have a child, whether male or female, the child will probably be a carrier. If a male carrier is bitten by a male werewolf, he can be turned, but that is just unheard of, of course,” she explained. Elizabeth arched her eyebrows at the explanation, especially at the words, ‘bitten by a male werewolf.’ What exactly did that mean? Elizabeth cleared her throat and asked, “What happens if a female wolf bites someone?” “Oh!” Ariadne gasped. “No. A she-wolf never, never, bites. It is forbidden,” Ariadne said, “But if a male wolf bites a non-carrier, that person usually dies by the next full moon.” “Forbidden? Why?” Elizabeth demanded. She could feel her incisors lengthening even as she thought of biting into someone’s neck. “I really don’t know,” But the look in her eyes told Elizabeth a different story. “I guess that lets the men feel in control and dominant.” Elizabeth could tell that she was lying, but didn’t know why.

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Chapter Seventeen

Guilt burned inside Julius’ chest. He’d suffered through five sleepless nights since he had seen Elizabeth. The full moon came and went and his whole body still ached for her. He lied to himself. Told himself it was the moon. It was because she looked so much like Elaine. It was because he hadn’t made love to a woman in fifty years. Now he knew it wasn’t true. He’d broken his vow to Elaine. He had fallen in love with another woman. He felt her. He knew there was a connection. He’d known for days that she was sad and lonely. That’s all she told him. She was sad and lonely. Yet, his guilt for Elaine refused to let him go to her. Today, he felt an ache in his stomach. He knew there was something wrong. He must go to Elizabeth. But there was something else he had to do first. He walked swiftly up the hill toward the small graveyard that contained all of Julius’ family. Elaine’s grave was there. He had feared that Lycaon would destroy her body because of her betrayal, so he’d brought her here. Every day, until about a month ago, he’d brought flowers to this grave and prayed. Lately, his guilt about Elizabeth made it impossible to visit Elaine. He sat the daffodils down on her grave and sank to his knees. Tears flowed freely. He hadn’t cried for her in over a decade. The tears he held in lease so long were unleashed by his guilt. “I’m so sorry, Elaine.” He couldn’t bring himself to say why. Couldn’t confess to the woman he loved that he loves someone else. “Don’t apologize for what you are feeling Julius,” her voice was distant, angelic.

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He looked up, blinking away tears, and looked around. She stood behind him, smiling. She was beautiful. He reached for her, but couldn’t touch her. “Elaine?” His voice was a whisper. “Don’t, Julius. Don’t get wrapped up in me again. I’ve been here. Always. By your side. But after your promise, I couldn’t let you know I was here. You would not have moved on if you knew I was here.” Her angelic voice was full of anguish for the pain she’d witnessed him feel in silence. “But I never left your side.” “Is that what you think I have done? Moved on?” His stomach burned with guilt and the need for her to know that he did not forsake his love for her. “Julius. You love her. That’s what I have waited for. I didn’t want you to be alone because of me. You deserve much better than that.” She appeared to be trying to reach out to him the only way she could now. Through his heart, his reason. “I don’t understand,” Julius said. “I lied to you.” “No. You didn’t. I never wanted you to keep that promise. You wanted to keep it, so I made it impossible to. I sent her to you. I knew she needed you. I knew you needed her. You two can be happy, but only together. There is no other way.” She smiled angelically. “I have to move on now.” “No. Wait. Don’t go. I’ve missed you so much.” Fresh tears threatened to fall. His voice grew hoarse as his throat constricted. “Elizabeth needs you now. My niece is in trouble, and I am counting on you to help her,” Elaine explained. “I’ve missed you, too, Julius. Please, let me move on. Love again, and I’ll be happy.” “I can’t. I don’t deserve her. I’m a monster. You know what I am. I’m no better

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than that thing that killed you,” Julius screamed, hating himself. The emotions he had held in check, flooded over now. “You’re no monster. Being a wolf doesn’t change you. You’re still the man I fell in love with. You’re the man Elizabeth is now in love with.”. Her calming, angelic voice never changed. Soothing. A lullaby whispering on the wind. “You hated the idea of marrying a wolf. You called him a monster.” Julius’ gaze questioned her through unshed tears. “I hated the idea of marrying Meleager. He is a monster. I wouldn’t want to marry him if he weren’t a wolf. You. You I would have converted for,” she said. “No. I could never make you what I am. I would die first.” He balled his fist up as if to fight the wolf inside him. To fight his instinct. “Yes. You would’ve made me a wolf, and I wouldn’t want it any other way. The wolf was inside me. If my mate were a wolf, I would desire to be changed. You know this. Deep down inside, you know this,” she explained calmly. “She’ll want to be turned?” Julius said, already knowing the answer. “I can’t be with her. She deserves better than this.” “It’s too late for that. She’s already in love with you. The wolf in her is awakened. Besides, right now, she is being forced to choose between Meleager and Letion. Father has her in his dungeon. She’s not coming out until she has married and mated with a wolf. If she refuses to marry, she’ll be used to breed, by both men, maybe others, and will never come out. She will not be able to raise her own children,” she said matter-of-factly. His blood ran cold. “What do I do?” He rose from the ground without dusting the dirt from his knees.

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“You must go to her tonight. Father will feed at midnight. You should have about two hours once he leaves to get her out. They will hunt you. They will know her scent. If she is to survive, if you are to survive, you must turn her,” Elaine stated. “No. I can take care of her. I won’t turn her. I won’t force her to become what I have become,” he said. “You must,” Elaine said. “No.” She smiled. “You’re as stubborn as I remember. I see that I cannot win this battle. She who has your heart will have to win this battle for me.” “I still love you,” he said in a hoarse whisper, suddenly saddened by her words. “I know you do. I know I will always have a place in your heart, and that’s enough. Go to her. She needs you now and you need her,” she said, selflessly. He turned and walked down the hill the way he’d come. Elaine sobbed silently, feeling bitterly the loss of what might have been. When he turned to take one last glance at his beloved, she was gone. He wasn’t sure, but he thought he heard the words, “I love you,” whispered on the wind.

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Chapter Eighteen

Elizabeth didn’t know how long she’d been asleep. She didn’t know if it was day or night. She was only aware that she heard footsteps coming down the same spiral staircase she had descended down ages ago. Whoever was coming down the stairs, was not Vincent. The footstep was too light. It wasn’t Ariadne either. Too heavy to be hers. Elizabeth’s heart pounded. She could hear it in her ears. Instinctively and without even realizing it, she used her preternatural scenes to dull the sound of her own heartbeat, and to regulate her heart so that despite her fear, her heart beat normally. She calmed herself and regulated her breathing as she lay back on the cot. She decided to pretend to be asleep. If someone were coming to attack her, she would catch him off-guard. She heard the customary clicks, clunks, and creaks as the dungeon lock was shifted and the door swung wide. He didn’t try to hide his presence as he sauntered across the room and stood over her. She could feel his abnormal breathing, the heat radiating from his body. She knew what he wanted, what he planned to do, and now, because of her heightened sense of smell. She knew who he was. Luc Letion. “Open your eyes, Elizabeth. I know you’re awake” His voice was slurred, but he wasn’t intoxicated. He was wild, allowing the animal side to take control of him. Elizabeth opened her eyes, expecting to see him in the hybrid form. She was shocked to see him in his human form. He laughed, as if he could read her thoughts. “It’s so much more fun to have sex as a human, my dear.” He allowed his gaze to slide down her body. He couldn’t look without touching. He placed his hands on her legs just below the hem of her nightdress. “I

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have waited a long time for this. I won’t wait any longer. Tell me that you choose me, and I’ll leave you alone. Otherwise, I will have you tonight.” In her panic, she looked around the room for something to defend herself. She looked past him and, to her surprise, he’d left the door of the dungeon wide open. She took her eyes off it quickly, not wanting to bring his attention to his folly, lest he correct the mistake, cutting off her only chance for freedom. His laugh was cold and sinister. She looked at him. He wasn’t watching her face as she had feared. He was totally focused on her body. He watched intently the rise and fall of her breasts. Without warning, his hands left her legs and were on her breasts, fumbling and crushing. In a heartbeat, he ripped the gown, exposing her pale, round breasts. She fought the urge to recoil as his soiled hands groped her breasts. He’d been hunting. He had come to her after a hunt. She looked inside his memory and learned that he’d killed someone tonight. A beautiful young woman. Poor. A peasant. He’d enjoyed it, and he had fantasized about biting Elizabeth and taking her blood even as he held down his victim and drank her dry, ravaging her body with his teeth. Elizabeth could smell her on him. She wanted to cry out. To scream. To die. She kept her wits about her, however. She realized then that the reason she hadn’t seen the woman when he first touched her was because he was no longer thinking about the woman. She no longer mattered—at all. Human life mattered naught to him. All he was thinking about right now was making Elizabeth his. “I’m so glad you came tonight,” she lied. “I am going absolutely stir crazy for company, and I’ve missed you so much.”

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It worked. He pulled back slightly to try to read her face. She was so grateful that males didn’t have the same sixth sense that females had. He’d be able to tell she was lying immediately if he could see inside her head the way she just did his. She could tell that he wanted so much to believe her, so she seized the moment to add, “I’ve been so lonely here. No one speaks to me.” Her tears were real and seemed to touch him. “Say you’ll marry me, Elizabeth. I’ll take you from here. You will never be alone again, I promise. We’ll spend eternity together. Have children. I will take care of you, and I’d never cheat on you the way Meleager did.” Part of her wanted to point out that he, too, had slept with Andrea. She saw that when she read his mind a moment before. She saw many other images which were more frightening. Her stomach churned at the thought of spending the rest of her life sharing his bed and knowing his deeds. Yet, she managed to smile, charmingly, up at him. She didn’t make any hasty moves. Her goal was to get him to move away from her to give her an opportunity to strike. Already the beast inside her was ready for a fight, crouching, and waiting for the opportunity to defend itself against this monster. Luckily for her, he was too intoxicated on his own lust and needs to notice the momentary change in her eyes, the flash of yellow that would give away her secret. That she was in love with a wolf and that her love had awakened the beast within her, the other part of her that she hadn’t even known was there. “You wouldn’t cheat on me, would you?” She purposely touched his skin to make him think that she was trying to read him. He smiled. She was actually giving him a chance!

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“Never.” She read him. He meant it. If she would marry him, he had every intention of remaining faithful. Of course, she thought, the best intentions can be foiled by men’s lust, greed, and power. “That means a lot to me.” It wasn’t a lie. “You know I have a very difficult decision to make. A faithful mate. I guess that is all I can hope for now, since there is no possible way to marry for love.” She lowered her eyelashes in a flirty manner. The tone of her voice told him that she wanted him to tell her that was not so. He could love her; he did love her. He liked the way things were going. He sat up, not touching her. She must believe what he was about to tell her, and he knew that it wasn’t the truth. He must not be touching her as he lied to her. “Elizabeth.” He ran his hand through his long, coarse hair. “Why can’t you marry for love? You know that Meleager’s feelings for you aren’t real. He told you he loved you and he lied. I won’t do that to you. I can only promise you that I have not found my mate yet. I’ll love my mate. Our marriage may not begin on love, but it most certainly will be a part of our marriage. I know I will love you. I already have strong feelings for you, and once you’re my mate, once I have your blood in my veins, I know I’ll love you.” As he talked, he moved further away. He still wasn’t as confident in himself as Meleager and was afraid she’d be able to sense that he was lying. He knew her sense was strong. She may not need to touch him to tell he was lying. The last thing he wanted her to know right now was that he only wanted to beat Meleager. Just this once, he wanted to beat him. Meleager wanted to get married, to have children. Luc didn’t particularly care about either prospect. He liked the single life. He

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liked bedding down unsuspecting maids just before he fed from them. It gave him a high unlike any other. Yet, he’d been pushed all his life to find a carrier, get married, and have children. He knew that Meleager had been waiting for a decade longer than he had for a mate. He also knew that Meleager desperately wanted children, especially after what had happened with Andrea’s baby. All his life, Will Meleager had everything he himself had wanted. He was smart, charismatic, charming, and rich. He could have any girl from the village he wanted, but he wanted none of them because they were not carriers. Just this once, he wanted Meleager to envy him. Just this once, he wanted to have everything that Meleager wanted while Meleager sat and watched from the sidelines. He had not realized when he started pacing. He hadn’t realized that he was in a frenzy, and was not watching Elizabeth. She sat up, armed herself with the only weapon available in the room, the lighted candle, stood while his back was turned and eased toward the door. He turned, just as she reached it, and tried to grab her. She threw the hot wax from the large candle in his face and burned his hands as they groped to find her. His scream was menacing and echoed down the tunnels. She managed to get away. She’d had the good sense to close the door, but couldn’t lock it because he was pushing against it with all his might. To her horror, his screams turned to growls. She ran as hard as she could, hoping that she would have an advantage over the blinded wolf. She was wrong. He was right behind her. She picked up her pace. Adrenaline fueled her, but it wasn’t enough. She didn’t have the strength or speed of the wolf. She screamed loudly. Somehow, she knew that if

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she reached the end of the tunnel, she would be okay. Julius. Her heart called to him, and she knew he heard, but he’d never make it in time. The wolf was on her. He knocked her down, his hot claws searing her skin. She felt her hot blood trickle in a long wide path down her back. She was fighting him with every bit of strength she had. He turned her over her. “I will have you. I will make you mine,” the wolf growled, laughing sinisterly. Reaching up, she grabbed his face and scratched, her nails leaving a deep trench down his face, but not nearly so deep and painful as the ones he’d left down her once beautiful back. His blood trickled to her cheek, and she winced, turning her head away from the beast; a scared moan escaped her lips. It reminded her of her reaction to nightmares as a child. It reminded Luc of something much different. Luc forced her to turn and look at him. Fear shook Elizabeth’s whole body as she watched the scratches heal before her very eyes. Seconds later, it appeared as though they’d never been there. Laughing, the wolf bent over her and licked the blood splatter from her cheek. Without warning, the wolf, snarling his twisted smile, grabbed her face, positioned her so that her neck was exposed and lowered his head. She felt his hot, foul breath on her neck. Felt his teeth pinch her skin. Her heart was beating so heavily in her ears that she didn’t hear the low, threatening growl at first. She felt the wolf’s mouth leave her skin. Felt his weight lift from her body, but kept her eyes clinched tight. She didn’t know what was happening, but she expected an onslaught. It was then the growls grew louder, she felt something move over her body and

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opened her eyes. Another wolf was flying through the air toward Luc. Julius! Her heart soared, yet she dared not say the name out loud. A human could not defeat a wolf in hand to hand combat, instinctively she knew this. She also knew that the sound of his name would change Julius’ form. She flushed as she remembered how she had learned that information. She shook the visual image of his naked body from her mind reluctantly, and pushed herself up. Her ankle had been twisted badly when Luc had tackled her, so she pulled herself to the damp, stone wall of the tunnel and held her breath. She winced in pain as she tried to stand. She was weak from lack of food and loss of blood. She could still feel her own blood trailing heatedly down her back. The scratches were deep, and she could see a puddle of blood on the concrete where she had just been lying. Julius had knocked Luc on his back by now. Luc was ripping at him, trying to fight back, trying to bite him, but Julius was the stronger of the two. Luc’s screams rocked Elizabeth. She couldn’t watch. With her acute preternatural senses, she heard the sound of teeth on bone, the sound of flesh ripping and blood running. One last rip and the screams were silenced. Elizabeth, instinctively using her newfound night vision, looked toward the direction of the fight, hoping to find Julius untouched. He was panting, blood dripped down his face and into his mangled wolf’s hair on his chest. He had many scratches that were only beginning to heal. Her eyes fell on Luc. He was rapidly changing from his wolf form back to that of a man. His eyes stared blankly at the tunnel wall opposite her. His neck was ripped open, blood gushing from it. His body twitched lightly until the wolf was completely gone, then stilled.

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Elizabeth’s eyes rolled back in her head, and she slumped against the wall. When she awake some time later, she found herself in the arms of a wolf, being carried through the night to some “safe” destination. She parted her lips and was about to speak as Julius said, “Shhh. Don’t try to speak. You’ve lost a lot of blood. And, whatever you do, do not call my name. We need the speed of the wolf tonight, and I need to be on my toes.” It was only then that she realized he was running at a speed a human was incapable of even without her to weigh him down. She hadn’t noticed before because his motions were as swift, as effortless, as if he were walking. It was only then that Elizabeth realized that in order to survive her flight, she would have to have the strength, the power, and the abilities of the werewolf. Especially, she thought, wincing at the pain she felt in her back and in her leg, the ability to regenerate damaged tissue. “Bite me,” she pleaded. Her voice was raspy and weak. “No. I can take care of you, Elizabeth,” Julius assured her. “I will not make you live the cursed life of the wolf.” “It’s not a cursed life unless I choose it to be. It’s my choice. Bite me.” Her words were barely audible, but he heard them echo in his head. Please, her voice pleaded from inside his mind. Despite her efforts to remain awake, she drifted again into unconsciousness.

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Chapter Nineteen

Elizabeth awoke again, wincing in pain. When she jerked, sucking in a deep breath through her clenched teeth, Julius apologized. She was lying on her side in his bed, facing the wall. She was completely naked, but covered from the waist down with a thin white sheet. The bloody handprints had been washed from her breasts and her thighs, and now he was attempting to cleanse and treat the wounds on her back. She flushed, causing her whole upper body to turn a pale pink. Julius was still in the form of the wolf. The realization of this caused a mischievous grin to surface across her beautiful face. Julius’ dark eyebrows arched in response to her smile, but before he’d a chance to question her, she called his name. Instantly, she saw her beast transformed. The hair covering his body subsided, revealing a smooth, tanned, chiseled upper torso. Her eyes grew foggy, and despite his protests, and her great pain, she turned to her other side to face him. His eyes wondered disobediently to her bare breasts, before he cleared his throat and turned his head. He immediately began searching for something to cover his body with, but she grabbed his wrists. “Don’t,” she pleaded. His skin grew hot with her touch, his breathing more ragged. His eyes wandered over her sweat-glistened body. She’d propped herself up on her left elbow, resting her right hand lightly on the sheet that covered her hip. Her blonde hair fanned out around her shoulders in long, touchable curls. One lock of her hair spread over her right shoulder, hiding one full pale breast so that her nipple was playing peek-a-boo through the golden

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locks. Her flesh burned and tingled as his eyes drifted slowly over her body. When his eyes fell on her hips and she saw the disappointment in his eyes at not being able to see all of her, her right hand slowly began drawing the sheet, exposing her ankles… calves… knees… and finally, exposing for his viewing pleasure, her hips. His eyes lingered on the soft curls just above her closed thighs. Her breathing changed, becoming deeper, slower. Her breasts rose and fell slowly as she fought to regulate her breathing, her heartbeat, but to no avail. She reached her right hand out for him, and he took it allowing her to pull him to her. “You do want me,” she said, reading him. “And,” A glimpse of hope and happiness crossed her face, before fading. She dared not hope that he loved her. She knew she’d want his heart after they made love. She’d need his love, but for now, her physical need was all that mattered. She should protect her heart, she knew. Yet, all she could think about was the newly awakened sensations in her body—the heat, the throbbing, the wetness. Her breasts ached for his touch. She placed the hand she guided on her breast, and when his hand tightened around her, she moaned. Never had she known such pleasure existed. She allowed her gaze to inspect his hard, chiseled body. When she found the evidence of his desire, she gulped, frightened. She knew instinctively that he’d bring so much pain, but the heat, the throbbing inside her wouldn’t subside. Her stomach muscles, as well as other muscles, contracted. Yes, he would bring so much pain, but also so much pleasure. She moaned as his lips found hers. Careful of her wounds, he brought himself

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down over her. His hands left her breasts, and the sound that escaped her lips was one of sheer disappointment. One hand slid down her flat stomach to her hips while the other cupped her beautiful face. He trailed kisses down one side of her neck, slowly. His hand followed, sending chills through her. She shivered visibly and he laughed, cupping her breast with his hand while his tongue found her nipple. Her muscles contracted again and she arched her back as she moaned aloud. “Are you sure you want this?” He peered up at her as his hand caressed her breasts, first one, and then the other. “I’ve never wanted anything more in my life,” she gasped between moans. “Please don’t stop.” A tear escaped her eye, but it wasn’t one of sorrow, nor of physical pain. It was caused by the pain, that strong, dull ache, of her desire. Ariadne had been right. Emotions, all emotions, were more intense. Her desire was more intense than she imagined it could ever be for a non-carrier. Julius’ face sobered. He took his hands from her hips and her breasts. Raising himself up so he could peer in her eyes, he put his arms around her, kissed her lips, and held her close. “What will this mean for us?” he asked in a hoarse whisper. “What do you want it to mean for us?” she asked, panic in her voice; desire in her eyes. “It doesn’t have to mean anything if you don’t want it to.” She hoped he hadn’t changed his mind. Her body burned for his touch. At the same time, her heart feared what he would say. “I want it to. If we do this now, it can’t be the last time. Marry me. Be my mate, my wife. I will protect you always,” he said. “Can you truly accept me? Who I am? What I am?”

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“Of course! Julius, I love you. Every part of you,” she said. “Of course I will marry you.” “Oh, God, Elizabeth. She said you loved me, but I couldn’t allow myself to believe it. I’m a monster. I hated myself for falling in love with you,” he said without taking a breath. “You’re in love with me?” she asked, not needing to ask who “she” was. “Can’t you tell? You’re touching me,” he pointed out. “I didn’t dare trust my sense on this one. No one’s ever loved me before.” Tears of happiness streamed down her face. He kissed them away and waited until she was ready. When she wrapped her right leg around his hip and pressed her body against him, he smiled. Kissing her lips passionately, possessively, and holding her close with his right arm, he allowed his left hand to explore her—his mate for life. His caresses became more urgent. Then he slowed, realizing that despite his frenzied desires he was going to need to be gentle with her. He wanted her first time to be as pleasurable as possible, so he concentrated on her needs, knowing that his too would be sated. “You know,” he teased, “It is dangerous to choose a beast who has kept his passion pinned up for fifty years to give your virginity to.” “I hadn’t thought of that.” She pretended to change her mind and get out of bed. He pulled her back in his arms. “Too late now,” he informed her, gently prying her thighs apart to search the tight, moist, pink utopia they so anxiously guarded. Her thighs quivered at the touch. He stroked her gently, causing her to moan. She was not conscious of her nails digging into his strong, muscular arms as he inserted the tip of his

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finger. She hissed softly in pain. “Relax,” he coaxed. “We’ll go as slow as you need to. I love you.” Slowly, she released her grip on his arms, and the muscles in her thighs relaxed. She blinked back tears and said, “Oh, Julius, I love you, too.” He stroked her lightly, waiting for her to relax. When her muscles were no longer tense, and she moaned from pleasure, he lifted himself over her and entered her slowly, kissing her, stroking her. He took her slowly, allowing her body to adjust to his thickness. He trembled with desire and felt her did the same, but he was careful not to hurt her any more than he could help. Something in her growled low. Something inside her was coming alive. Then, her pain gave way to pleasure, and she ran her hands down the small of his back to caress his buttocks, relished the feel of his cheeks clenching as he shoved his shaft deeper inside her trembling body. Keeping her fingers on his smooth, muscular rear and sliding her thumbs to his hips, she guided him into her, controlling the rhythm of their love and lifting her hips as she did so to meet his thrusts. His mind went numb, and he lost himself in her, giving as much as she could take, hearing her moan and feeling her quiver. He closed his eyes and let himself experienced the sensations he hadn’t felt in way too long. After an undeterminable amount of time, he felt her hands fall from his hips and moaned in disappointment. He’d thoroughly enjoyed having her hands pulling him deeper inside of her, had relished in her unquenchable desire for him. She was still lifting her hips to meet his thrusts, but not as forcefully as before. She seemed weakened. Reluctantly, he thrust inside of her and did not move. Opening his eyes, he peered

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into her face. She was pale and the skin around her lips was a terrible shade of blue. Fearfully, he tried to pull himself off of her, but she wrapped her legs around his hips, and said, weakly, “Where are you going?” Her midnight eyes gazed at him through her eyelashes. She looked sleepy, in a daze. Without answering her, he lifted her shoulders from the mattress and looked at her back. “Beth,” his whisper was raspy and rugged, “Your back is bleeding again. We have opened the wounds.” “Don’t stop,” she pleaded, new tears forming in her eyes. “What do you want me to do?” he asked, gently. He knew he should stop, but didn’t have the strength of will to pull out of her or to deny her pleading. “Make me yours,” she demanded. “Completely,” she added, arching her brows. His body caught her full meaning before he did, and his incisors began to lengthen. At the same time, his hardness throbbed inside of her, and she moaned in response. Thrusting her hips into him and pulling him back to her, she kissed his neck, licking and sucking lightly, then exposed her neck to him. He felt her pulse throbbing beneath his lips and parted them, tasting her warm skin with his tongue. She felt four pinpricks where his teeth touched her skin, but he fought the urge to bite. “You know what you ask me to do?” He asked, attempting to pull away. His human side was repulsed by what the beast in him desired above everything else. She held his head to her neck. “Bite me, Julius.” Her voice rumbled against his lips. “Bite me, or I shall faint.” He hesitated for a moment or two. She thrust her hips into him and he responded

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by shoving his manhood deep inside of her, over and over, faster and faster, until he was almost over the edge. His eyes changed; his teeth grew even more. Finally, unable to fight his instincts, he bit into her hot skin, letting the warm fluid fill his mouth, tasting her. Her hot blood rushed to him as he sucked and maintaining his rhythm. She felt her blood pulse through every vein in her body, felt her muscles clinched in the most appropriate, pleasing places. Her warm blood rushing past his lips caused Julius to climax. As his muscles contracted, his spasms were matched by her spasms. He felt himself explode deep inside her heat before he realized that she was climaxing. Thrusting deep inside, he wrapped his arms around her and held her tight until her body relaxed. He looked at her just in time to see the yellow fading from her eyes, leaving her beautiful clear blue eyes instead. She looked at him lovingly; then, her eyes fluttered close. She had fainted. ***** Minutes passed like hours as he waited for Elizabeth to wake. When her eyes finally opened, he didn’t see them. He’d buried his face in his hands and was thinking over and over again, What have I done? You’ve made me complete, her voice whispered to him from inside his head. His head jerked up and he stared at her, obviously relieved. He seemed to have aged so much in only a matter of minutes. “I didn’t mean to…,” he began. “Julius, there was no other way. You saved me,” she interrupted. His eyes grew wide with fear. “What do you mean?” She smiled. It was the first time she had ever heard such emotion in his voice.

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“I was dying, Julius,” she said, gently. “You saved me.” She sat up in the bed and noticed for the first time that she’d been cleaned, the blood washed from her back, the sheets changed, and he had put one of his shirts on her. She was naked except for the white shirt. She stood slowly, still a little weak, and went to where he sat. Standing between his legs, she took his hands and placed them on her hips then pulled his head to rest on her breasts. He pulled her closer to him, wrapping his arms tightly around her waist, and held her there for a long time. She ran her hands through his hair soothingly and waited. Finally, he looked up at her and said, “I thought I had killed you.” “No,” she said in a soothing, angelic voice. “I’m sorry you thought that, but I am fine. Better, in fact, than I’ve ever been. Don’t you see, Julius? This is the way it was meant to be. Neither of us will ever have to be alone again.” With these last words, she stepped back, unbuttoned the shirt she was wearing, turned and let it drop past her shoulders. “You’ve healed me.” It was the truth. All of the lacerations were gone. He stood up, pulled her to him, and kissed her back. She let the shirt fall to her feet. He cupped her breasts, kissing her neck, and pressed his hardness against the small of her back. She moaned and her knees grew even weaker. She melted against his body, the heat of her own body threatening to overcome her. After only moments, she gasped in shock and panic. She bent at the waist. He slid his hands down her hips. She was positioned so that his erection lay just on top of her pale, round bottom. His body shook with anticipation. Her body was shaking, too, and it wasn’t until she straightened, putting the shirt back on hurriedly, and turned to him that

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he realized they weren’t shaking for the same reasons. “We’ve got to go,” she said in a panicked whisper. “What? Why?” he asked, dejectedly. His disappointment was hardly hidden, but still escaped Elizabeth’s attention momentarily. “Vincent is home. They’ll find Luc’s body in a few minutes and come looking for us,” she said shakily. “Don’t worry. I will take care of you,” he assured her. The look on her face told him that she wasn’t convinced. “There are too many, Julius. There are four with him now. When they find Luc, they will probably notify others. They’ll want revenge for his death. They will use me to get to you. I can’t fight them yet. I have to have three weeks. We have to lay low until the next full moon.” She attempted to pull him through the door. He realized what she was saying was true. He was confident that he could defend her against Vincent and Meleager, but he couldn’t fight five powerful werewolves at the same time. Vincent and his friends would hunt as a pack. Julius had watched, without being detected, the actions of the pack over the last fifty years. Few seemed to be aware that he existed, which made his movements easier to cover. Many of Lycaon’s pack had scattered over the last decade as carriers in Pyrrhathia became fewer and fewer. They’d begun to travel in hopes of finding female carriers elsewhere. Some were in England, others in France, Germany, Rome, and Greece. Julius was relieved not to have the entire pack to go up against, and hoped fiercely that they would call all of them back for the hunt. Would they consider Luc’s loss that valuable?

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No, he said to himself. Luc wasn’t that important. He was a runt, one of the weakest of the clan. Elizabeth, on the other hand,was extremely valuable. For her, they would stop at nothing. He shuddered as he realized he may just have to go up against the entire Lycaon clan. His eyes fell on her then. He smiled. For her, he would stop at nothing. “Okay, you win,” he said to her. “But you can’t go dressed like that. I’d have to beat off more than werewolves if you go out like that. I’ll have to fight off every man who sees you.” She laughed lightly. “What do you suggest?” His face fell. He didn’t know how she’d react when he showed her. He swallowed the lump in his throat. “What’s wrong?” she asked, eyeing him. “Well.” He ran his hand through his hair. “I have something you could wear. I just don’t know how you’ll feel about wearing it.” She stared at him, puzzled for a moment, and then sighed. “I don’t mind wearing Elaine’s dress, Julius. I know you love her, and I’m okay with that.” Her powers were becoming so strong that she didn’t have to touch him to read his thoughts. She knew he’d been in the Lycaon house hundreds of times since Elaine’s death. Knew he’d taken some of her belongings to remember her. She knew he would always love Elaine. All she could hope for was a piece of his heart. Her only fear was that he wouldn’t be able to give her that. Closing the distance between them, he took her in his arms. “I love you,” he said firmly. “I guess a part of me will always love Elaine, but what we have is different. I love

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you. Don’t ever question that.” She smiled, put her arms around him, and kissed him. “I love you, too.” He took her hand and pulled her over to a trunk that sat at the foot of his bed. He opened it and took out a very beautiful, well cared for, dress. It looked as if it’d been made for Elizabeth. She touched the fabric admiringly. “It’s beautiful,” she sighed. As if he understood what she was feeling, he took her hand, “You only have to wear it until we can stop and get you something else. I love you for you. Yes, you look a lot like Elaine, but that’s not why I love you. I love you for you,” he repeated. “I know,” she said simply. “I felt it when you made love to me. You never once thought of Elaine.” “Quick,” he said. “Put it on. I need to get you out of here before they catch on to your scent.” Then, realizing that her sense has become stronger since he bit her, he asked, “Have they found Luc yet?” She shook her head, as she unbuttoned the shirt. “I don’t think so,” she answered. “Vincent still feels too exhilarated from the hunt.” She slipped the shirt off her shoulders and he gulped. Looking away from her naked body to stay focused, he asked, “Why are you able to feel what Vincent feels?” “I don’t know,” she answered. “I think I’ve always been able to feel it when he’s close. That’s why I’m now kicking myself for believing he was dead. I felt him many times in the castle. I dismissed it as being silly because it had once been his home. It’s stronger now.” “Do you think he can feel you the way you feel him?” “No,” she answered, pulling the dress on. “I think it’s similar to the sense we get

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by touching people. Women have it; men don’t. He’s never shown me any indication that he senses things about me that way.” “Good,” he said. “That gives us the advantage.”

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Chapter Twenty

Expertly, Julius meticulously covered their tracks as they journeyed away from his cabin and their hunters. As a result, they reached their destination in four days when it should’ve only taken three. However, he knew that none of the wolves in Pyrrhathia could track very well. Their best trackers were tracking carriers of their own, so they should have no unexpected visitors for a couple of weeks, or so he thought. The cabin they came to on their fourth night of flight had once belonged to his father. It was a stormy night, and he was exhausted from the journey, the rough terrain, and the weather, but he still refused rest and the peaceful solace of Elizabeth’s arms. His father’s forge adjoined the cabin. His father had spent many years working for Lycaon, but had refused to tear down his own forge. Julius inspected the place, finding all of the tools where his father had left them, though quite rusted from the years of nonuse. He fired the forge, set about cleaning his tools, and looking for metals to melt down with which to forge his weapons. When his enemies came for his mate, he’d be prepared. He remembered his father showing him a secret compartment beneath the floors. It was locked as he remembered, but. . . Yes, the key was still hidden where his father had showed him. It was then he found it. Silver. The entire compartment was filled to the brim with silver. Enough to forge dozens of swords, spikes, and blades. His mind drifted back to the day his father had given him the silver dagger. He’d made him promise to keep it with him at night, especially around the time of a full moon.

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He ran his hand along the bulge at his ankle. He’d kept his promise to his father. Then his mind drifted to the fearful night almost fifty years ago. The moon had been full the first time he had ever used his dagger to defend himself. The dagger had pierced the wolf that attacked him through the side. The werewolf had howled in pain and ran, but had seemed more weakened than he’d seen a wolf since. He’d seen wolves stabbed, shot with arrows, but never have they left their prey. Never have they walked away staggering as that wolf had. Silver was the key to their destruction. His father had known this. Quickly, he began his work, thankful for the first time in his life that his father had shared with him his trade. ***** Elizabeth awoke hours later to the powerful clunk, clunk of metal against metal as the anvil came down again and again forcing the metal to take the shape of a lethal weapon. Flinching and involuntarily closing her eyes at every loud metallic thud, she made her way carefully across the cold stone floor. Opening the door, she watched him work, still flinching at the sound. Sunlight flooded in from the open windows and the heat of the forge enveloped her. She stood in the doorway, silently watching her mate while he worked. His bare back was to her, his long hair pulled back with a leather thong. She watched his muscles flex and ripple as he pulled the hefty hammer up over his head and relentlessly brought it crashing down on the defenseless metal. Her eyes traced his broad shoulders, muscular biceps, and toned back that narrowed at the waist where his pants

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concealed his voluptuous derriere, and his strong, hard thighs and calves. As she watched the hammer come up again and shuddered as it came down hard against its target, she realized that even if he hadn’t been turned into a werewolf, his body would be perfection incarnate because of his profession. Oh! How she longed to touch his shoulders, his back, those arms. To feel those flexed, perfectly honed muscles against her soft fingertips. To feel his power and his strength. He felt her gaze on him and turned, letting the hammer fall to his side. Her breath caught in her throat as she saw the hunger in his eyes. He stood there, watching her as she watched him. She let her eyes roam down his chest. His sculpted, chiseled abs. The bulge his pants were too tight to conceal. She ached for him. His eyes scanned her body. When they had arrived at the cabin the night before, she’d taken off Elaine’s dress, which was dusty and soiled from the trip, and washed it in the river while he prepared the forge. The dress hung by the open window in the kitchen area of the cabin, and one of his shirts now hang loosely on her, unbuttoned enough to show a glimpse of the round fullness of her pale breasts. Although it should be turning colder, the nights were still hot and she was almost as drenched in sweat from her few hours rest as he was from his hours of labor. As a result, the white shirt clung to her and was just wet enough to show a hint of the color of her nipples, which contrasted sharply against her pale breasts. Her nipples tightened even more as she sensed him staring. His body throbbed, demanding that he take possession of her once again. He pushed against his swollen shaft with the palm of his hand, letting out a low growl. Her reaction rocked him. Her eyes half-closed, her head tilted back, and her breasts rose and

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fell rapidly. Her half-parted lips begged for possession. Three long strides and he was across the room wrapping his arms around her. He moaned against her lips as she wrapped her legs around his waist, and her tight, wet curls revealed what he had suspected. She wore nothing underneath the shirt. Placing his hands on her bare bottom, he stepped slowly to the nearest wall. Thrusting her against the wall, he deepened his kiss, then brought his leg up to steady her while he struggled to release himself from his constricting clothing. Sliding her hands down his tight chest and abdomen, she helped him push aside his clothing and took his hardness in her hands. She clenched him tightly and stroked the length of him, making him groan. She smiled, biting her lower lip as she did so, as his eyes rolled back in his head. He was shaking with need. So was she. With her hand still around his shaft, she arched her back and guided him into her warmth, inch by throbbing inch. She screamed when he thrust himself completely inside her, a mixture of pleasure and pain. She clung to him desperately as he pressed her harder against the wall. His thrusts came fasts and furious. Her body ached and throbbed and responded to his every touch, every stroke. Every thrust. She screamed when she came, her legs tightening around his waist, pulling him deeper inside her. Heat poured through her. Her muscles contracted around him as she rocked against him, prolonging her climax. He waited for her to finish; then wrapping his arms around her waist, he walked her over to the bed. Lying down, he positioned her on top of him. She cried out as his

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length reclaimed her, and he moaned as he felt how hot, silky, and wet her orgasm had made her. Grabbing her hips, he pulled her down, thrusting his hips upward until his shaft was completely buried in her heat. He’d intended to use his hands to guide her hips up and down over his body, but she grabbed his hands and placed them on her breasts. He kneaded her gently and she moaned, moving over him, slowly at first. Coming down on him hard, she placed her hands on his chest for leverage, and then positioned her right leg so that her foot was flat on the mattress. Still clinging to his chest, she positioned her other leg the same way. With her legs spread wide, she began to ride him hard and fast. The shocked expression on his face made her smile a mischievous sort of grin. She’d been reading his thoughts and wanted desperately to fulfill this fantasy for him. She had no idea how wonderful it’d made her feel. Her movements faster and harder than ever before, she brought herself to the point of climax. Sensing his was only seconds away, she waited. They came together in a unified, earth-shattering orgasm that left them both panting and sated. She collapsed in his arms and he drifted to sleep listening to the sound of her heartbeat. ***** Julius had wanted to go with Elizabeth into the nearby village to get food and necessities, but she had insisted she would be fine. She knew he had more work to do and wanted it done before she got back. She wanted him to herself tonight to relive the ecstasy of the morning. Reluctantly, he’d given in and let her go. He then attempted to focus on his work, but with the sun setting, he was cursing himself and could no longer even pretend to work. He watched the horizon, hoping to see her silhouetted against the setting sun.

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His fear for her gripped him to the point that he couldn’t breathe. He hadn’t noticed when the birds stopped chirping. Hadn’t heard the telltale sounds of movement in the forest just behind the cabin. The pounding of his heart in his ears had totally drowned out the low, sinister growl behind him. The werewolf bound towards him, teeth bared, ready for attack. Just as he saw the wolf and attempted to move, the wolf pounced on him. With a thud, the wolf knocked him flat on his back. Acting on pure instinct, he brought his legs up and flipped the wolf off him. Arching his back, he jumped to his feet, changing as he did. As he grew, his clothes began to rip from his body. Grabbing the shredding articles of clothing, he ripped them off. The other wolf was on its feet, crouching low, ready to attack again. Wishing his father’s knife was strapped to his leg rather than on the kitchen table, he took a fighter’s stance, ready for the attack. “No.” He heard Elizabeth’s voice too late. She stepped between the wolves, her yellow eyes glaring. The other wolf’s stance changed instantly, and the menacing glare in his eyes softened into a look of confusion and pain. The wolf walked to her in slow, cautious strides. “Elaine?” he said, touching her hair. “No.” she answered. “I’m Elizabeth.” “Elizabeth?” Furious, Julius attempted to push Elizabeth aside, ready to attack the wolf. Julius didn’t know if he was more furious at being attacked from behind or at this wolf towering

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over Elizabeth, bending over her with a strand of her hair in his hands, sniffing it while staring deep in her eyes. But Elizabeth didn’t let him push her aside. As he wheeled her to his side, she touched his chest as if to hold him back and said, “Wait, Julius,” purposely using his name. “Damnit, Elizabeth!” He took his human form against his will. “Julius Garnier?” The other wolf stared at Julius. Then, anger flashed once again across his face. His voice became deeper, raspier, and harsher. “Why did you kill Luc Letion?” Forgetting Elizabeth, the wolf stepped toward Julius, his menacing glare returning. “Because Luc was attacking me.” Elizabeth stepped between Julius and the other wolf. The wolf looked down at her with a questioning glare. She thought she saw understanding and compassion there, but couldn’t be sure. “He was attempting to rape and bite her,” Julius explained. “Julius saved me, Alexandros.” She watched triumphantly as the wolf changed into his human form. He was every bit as tall, dark, and handsome as Julius. His sweatmoistened dark, wavy hair clung to his rugged face. His muscles were tight, tense, and his stance, like Julius’, proclaimed that he was ready to fight. She blushed as she realized that he was as well-endowed as Julius and quickly averted her glance. After all, this was her great, great uncle. Even if he did look like a twenty-five year old god. “How did you?” he asked, but stopped himself. “You’re a Lycaon aren’t you?”

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His hazel eyes studied . She nodded. “And so are you,” she said, with the ease and confidence as if she’d known him her whole life. “That’s why you look so much like her,” he said sadly, thinking of his sister. His eyes once again glazed over in pain. She nodded. “You sound like her,” he said, more to himself than to her. “Hell, you even smell like her.” He took her hair in his hand again. Julius tensed beside her. He knew they were related, but jealousy consumed him. “Forgive me.” Alexandros stepped away. “Please, don’t be offended. My baby sister was the only light in a life of darkness for me. Seeing you, . . .” His voice trailed off. Alexandros paced for countless seconds before he stopped before Julius. “Julius. Forgive me, brother.” He held out his hand. They clasped each other’s forearm like warriors, but refrained from embracing each other in friendship. Elizabeth smiled realizing how awkward that would’ve been for the two, considering they were both in the buff. Her eyes were dancing mischievously. “What happened with Letion?” His eyes dark accused Julius. “Why is he so important to you?” Julius asked in confusion. “He was a weak and sneaky bastard.” “He was the runt of the pack. For centuries, we’ve guarded the runt of the pack with our lives,” Alexandros said. “Out of honor, I need to know what happened.” Elizabeth closed the distance between herself and Alexandros. Brushing away a

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long, dark strand of hair, she placed her fingers at his temples. Julius’ hands balled up into fists at his side, but she sensed his anxiety. She understood his worries completely. She was standing toe-to-toe with a tall naked stranger. Any other day, this would seem unusual. “Relax, my love,” her angelic voice whispered in his head. “I’m only showing him how Luc died.” Immediately, his fists relaxed, and he watched his former friend. Alexandros’ eyes yellowed and then closed. His head tilted back, and he began to shake. Alexandros could see it as if it were happening now. No. Not just see it, but feel it too. These were Elizabeth’s memories. He felt her disgust at being pawed by Luc and having to witness his recent kill. Felt her terror as Luc turned into a wolf and chased her down the long dungeon corridors. Felt the pain of her lacerations. Watched as Julius killed Luc. Elizabeth removed her hands from his forehead and stepped back. Tears welled in Alexandros’ dark brown eyes and he cleared his throat. Looking at Elizabeth, he said, “He was going to rape you. In the form of a wolf. That’s forbidden. That’s… That’s…” but he couldn’t find the words to describe how horrible Luc’s actions had been. Alexandros’ eyes yellowed. He looked as if he were about to change back into his wolf form. His fists were clenched; his body tense and ready to fight. Elizabeth and Julius watched as Alexandros battled the beast within. After endless seconds, Alexandros regained control and turned his gaze on Julius. “Thank you for saving my niece,” Alexandros said with a sigh. “It was my pleasure, actually.” Julius smiled at Elizabeth. Then his face sobered and his voice turned sad. “I’m just sorry I couldn’t save your sister.”

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“You couldn’t have saved her if you tried, Garnier. He would’ve killed you too,” Alexandros explained. “Do you know who . . .?” Julius’ question was interrupted by the look on Alexandros’ face. His eyes grew darker, more menacing than they’d been when he was attempting to avenge Luc. “No, but my father knows. He protects the one who did it.” Alexandros spoke through gritted teeth. “Is that why you disappeared?” Julius asked. “It was rumored you were dead.” “I let my family believe I was dead because I couldn’t take it anymore. I didn’t want to be responsible for my father’s death, and I knew I’d kill him if I stayed. Especially after mother died. The circumstances of her death are suspicious. I believe she knew. With her powers as a carrier, she had to know. Her powers are stronger than any woman’s I’ve ever seen. Until now,” he said, looking at Elizabeth. “Yours are even stronger than Elaine’s.” “Wait a minute,” Alexandros exclaimed after a moment. “You’re in love. And, you’ve been turned.” He looked knowingly at Julius. Julius pulled Elizabeth to him possessively. “I see,” Alexandros said, smiling. “I wonder if I might have some clothes and some time alone with you, Julius?” “No.” Elizabeth said. “You have a problem with my having Julius’ clothes?” Alexandros arched a questioning eyebrow. “No,” she said, completely unabashed. “I have a problem with you two being alone together after you tried to kill each other.”

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“Wolf’s coming out already, huh?” he asked Julius, tipping his head toward Elizabeth. “Oh, yeah.” Julius rolled his eyes and shook his head. “I beg your pardon.” Elizabeth threw her hands to her hips, and arched one eyebrow sharply. Anger was written across her face. Julius and Alexandros gave each other a knowing look and, ignoring her indignation, they turned toward the cabin that’d been Julius’ boyhood home. Elizabeth refused to be dismissed. “Wait just a minute. You two have some explaining to do.” “Can we get dressed first?” Julius asked, not stopping. “Not if it means being by yourselves, no.” She followed them in fast determined strides, kicking the layers of skirts out of her way as she did. She followed them inside and watched as Julius tossed clothing at his friend and pulled out more for himself. She stood with her arms crossed across her chest stamping her small foot as the two men laughed and talked like they were old friends. “Just a minute ago you two were ready to kill each other,” she reminded them. “Relax, Beth. We’re fine,” Julius assured her. “How do you know each other, and why did he call you brother?” she demanded, now that they were finally paying attention to her again. “I called him brother,” Alexandros interrupted, “because I had accepted him as my brother-in-law.” “But he wasn’t your brother-in-law.” Confusion replaced the anger that had been etched across her face.

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“He would’ve been the day she died. She told me of their engagement. I could tell how happy she was because of him. I approved of their marriage. I told her,” he said, turning to Julius, “not to tell father. I told her to keep to your plans to leave Pyrrhathia. She didn’t listen. I’m sorry.” He turned back to face Elizabeth, whose arms were no longer crossed, but hanging loosely at her sides while her head bowed. “I called him brother because that’s what we call our brother-in-laws, as well as our closest friends. When the two of you marry, if it doesn’t offend you, I’ll call you sister.” She raised her head and smiled. “I’d be honored.” But then fear spread across her face. “Oh, God, Alexandros. You tracked us here in half the time we expected. They must be right behind you.” “No,” he said simply. “They don’t even know I’m alive. The night I heard of Luc’s death was the first night in almost fifty years that I’d been back to the Lycaon estate. They had already set out in search of you. From the looks of their tracks, I’d say they had no clue how to find you.” “But,” Elizabeth protested. “Beth,” Julius interrupted. “Alex is the best tracker the Lycaon clan has ever had. The best I’ve ever seen. If he says we have time, we have time. Don’t worry.” “Now.” Alexandros pulled on the shirt Julius had tossed him. “Can I borrow Julius for a few minutes?” Elizabeth hesitated, looking from one to the other of them. She didn’t trust them not to fight. Realizing there was no other way to get her consent, Alexandros cast a look at Julius. Julius nodded in response and both held out their hand to her. Smiling, she took both hands in hers and closed her eyes. After a moment, she released her grip. Confident

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of their intentions, she nodded her consent and watched from the doorway as the walked into the moonlit night. Julius turned to look at her from a few feet from the doorway and said, “Don’t worry. We will be where we can see the cabin. I won’t leave you unguarded.” “And just who needs protecting?” She felt safe with Julius. Fighting the urge to run to him, throw her legs around him, and relive the episode of earlier that day, she waved and said, “I’ll be fine.”

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Chapter Twenty-One

“It’s no wonder you fell in love with her,” Alexandros said to Julius as they walked along the river’s side. “She is incredible. So much like Elaine.” “She is incredible, but it’s not her resemblance to Elaine I’m in love with.” Alexandros raised an eyebrow indicating that he didn’t quite believe Julius’ words. “It was her physical likeness to Elaine that drew me to her at first, yes. I can’t deny that. But she is quite different, really.” “How so?” Alexandros sat on a stump Julius’ father had once used for chopping wood in the winter. Even when he was sitting down, with his arms crossed over his chest, engaged in conversation, Alexandros looked powerful. A force to be reckoned with, Julius was glad he wouldn’t have to fight the only male heir of Lycaon. “Her life has made her different. You remember Elaine. Her laughter echoed through Lycaon castle, changing the somber mood. Her smiling face made that old dark castle seem bright. She was happy. Truly happy,” Julius explained. “She was. Except when father told her she was to marry William Meleager,” Alexandros agreed. “But Elizabeth seems truly happy. I’m waiting to see the difference.” “She wasn’t always. I came to her every night as a wolf and she told me of what it was like growing up without a mother, father, siblings, friends. She told me I was her first friend. Do you believe it? A wolf. She thought I was a wolf, an animal. She fed me like she would’ve fed a stray dog, but considered me her only friend.” Julius sighed at the memory. “Elaine was always surrounded by family and friends who cared about her. Loved

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her,” Alexandros agreed sadly. “Me, our sisters, mother. Even father doted on her. Everyone knew she was his favorite.” he mused. “It’s so sad for Elizabeth to grow up without any of that.” Then looking up at Julius, he said, “So that’s why you couldn’t stay away from Elizabeth.” Julius nodded. “I knew I shouldn’t, but I thought that if she continued to think that I was an animal, everything would be okay. I’d be a little bit of company for her on lonely nights inside that dark, cold castle, and she’d help me to always remember Elaine.” “But?” Alexandros prompted. “But.” Julius allowed a tiny smile to appear at the corner of his lips. “The more she said, the deeper I fell. I found myself wanting to shelter her from the cruelty she’d experienced at the hands of your father. To shelter her from Meleager and Letion, who, like leaches, swarmed her the moment they knew she was there. I wanted to take that sad edge out of her voice and replace it with laughter. Her love of nature. Her wonder at the stars, the moon. Everything seemed to awe her. Everything about her seemed to amaze me. It wasn’t long before I was returning to the Lycaon castle and Elaine wasn’t on my mind. I went into Elaine’s room, but never thought of her. I fell asleep and dreamed, and my dreams were no longer about Elaine. I no longer saw her mangled body in my nightmares. I had new nightmares. They featured Elizabeth being attacked by Meleager or Letion, raped, killed. One day, I looked at a drawing of Elaine and realized that I hadn’t thought about her all day. Guilt ripped at my heart and I swore that I wouldn’t return to the Lycaon estate, but I couldn’t stay away.” A sad look crossed Alexandros’ face, and Julius could tell that he wasn’t mourning for his sister. Julius knew that Alexandros still hadn’t found his mate and

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envied Julius. Julius had found love not once, but twice. True love. "Don’t ever feel guilty about loving someone, Julius. It’s the only thing that makes us whole.” How ironic that Alexandros’ words were so close to his sister’s. He started to tell him about his encounter with his sister’s spirit, but refrained. Alexandros’d had enough shocks for one night. “I know. Believe me. After having love ripped from me so cruelly once, I know how precious it is and what it means.” Then casting a meaningful look at Alexandros, he added, “I can’t let them take her, Alex.” Alexandros squared his shoulders, straightening his powerful torso. He looked as if he were ready to fight that instant. “Neither can I, Julius. When they come for her, we’ll be ready.” “We?” Julius said, hopefully. Alexandros nodded. “From the look of their tracks, there are upwards from twenty werewolves scouring the countryside as we speak. You’re going to need my help.” “Are you sure about this, Alex?” Julius asked. “It’s going to be dangerous. You’ll be going up against your family, your friends. Your father.” The smirk that crossed Alexandros’ face sent chills through Julius. He was extremely grateful that Alexandros was his ally and not his adversary. After seeing that menacing look in his eyes, Julius realized that he’d rather go up against fifty other werewolves than go up against Alexandros. He pitied any wolf that stood his wrath, yet only an hour ago, he’d been willing to step between Alexandros and Elizabeth. He would stand in any wolf’s wrath to protect Elizabeth, and he was sure he’d win. Still, it was reassuring that Alexandros was determined to stand by his side in

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battle. Of all the wolves in Lycaon’s pack, Alexandros was the strongest and bravest in battle. He was second only to his father. “I know exactly who I’ll be up against,” Alexandros said, his smirk spreading across his face. “Why do you think I’ve volunteered? It’s about damn time that confrontation took place, don’t you think?” ***** At Alexandros’ request, Julius gave him a tour of the forge. Elizabeth heard them in the forge, but fought the urge to peek in on them. It seemed as if those two were keeping secrets from her already. Didn’t they know better than to try to keep secrets from a female wolf? She knew they were only keeping things from her to protect her, but still it was infuriating. She sat silently, listening and waiting. With her newly developed preternatural senses, she could hear numerous animals scurrying outside, the soft breeze whistling through the trees, and the sounds of Julius’ and Alexandros’ voices. She knew that if she used her senses to tune out the other sounds, she’d be able to make out what they were saying, but fought the urge to eavesdrop and lay back on the bed. She almost dozed off when she heard the sound of metal on metal. It wasn’t the sound she had heard this morning. She could tell that the sound wasn’t coming from the forge. “Oh, good Lord, they’re sword fighting.” Panic shook her as she ran to the door. She ran through the cool night air, using her gift of nocturnal vision to guide her through the trees as she followed the sounds of blade on blade. When she reached them, Julius was laughing as he knocked Alexandros’ sword from him. Running to get between them, she fell down the slight incline of the hill she’d

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been standing on. The men stopped their duel to rush to her side. “Elizabeth,” they called at the same time. “What are you doing running through the woods in those shoes?” Julius chided. “And at night!” Alexandros rebuked. “What were you two doing? Trying to kill each other again?” she asked, infuriated, as they reached her. They laughed together. “We weren’t fighting, Beth. We were practicing. Dueling. We’re both a little rusty.” “Swords?” she asked. “I thought werewolves fought with their bare hands. Like barbarians. Like you two were doing earlier.” She refused to let them help her up. She pushed herself up from the ground and dusted off her skirts. Ignoring her last remark, Julius smiled. “Yes! Swords. But these aren’t just any swords, Sweeting. They’re silver.” Julius took pride in showing her the swords. So this was what he’d been making earlier. “Silver?” Her tone softened as she touched the blade of the sword he held out for her inspection. “Can that kill a werewolf?” “If a wolf’s skin is pierced with silver, the wound will never heal,” Alexandros explained. “Enough silver and the wolf is dead.” “Why?” She studied the blade more intently. “Mother always said it was because Pyrrhus had used a silver sword on the wolf he killed the night he became the first werewolf,” Alexandros explained. “To know for sure, I don’t.”

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Elizabeth’s eyes darkened. “Why in the hell are you practicing with silver swords? You could get hurt. Killed!” Julius and Alexandros exchanged worried looks. They were shocked that Elizabeth would use such language towards them. Julius took her hand in his to comfort her. “Beth,” he said gently. “What’s really wrong?” “I feel him, Julius. There are about twenty-five of them with him,” she whispered. “He’s confident in his numbers, and he’s sent for a skilled tracker. He should be joining them in two-three days. After that, it won’t take long for them to get here.” His abdomen tightened at the fear in her eyes that was echoed in her voice. He pulled her into his arms, placing her head on his hard chest. “I won’t let them hurt you.” “It’s not me I’m worried about, Julius.” How was it that she continued to pull at his heartstrings? Just when he thought he couldn’t love her more, he fell a little deeper. Realizing that her ankle was smarting from the fall, Julius lifted her into his arms and carried her back to the cabin. Alexandros picked up Julius’ abandoned sword and followed suit. “Julius,” she said stubbornly, “I can walk. You don’t have to carry me.” “Oh, yes. I do.” He kissed her until he felt her relax in his arms. When he broke the kiss, she laid her head lovingly on his shoulder. Closing her eyes, she was only aware of the breeze on her face, the beating of his heart, and the strong arms around her.

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Chapter Twenty-Two

Julius and Alexandros spent the next seven days preparing for their battle. Julius forged weapons; Alexandros dug pits, filled them with dozens of long, menacing silver stakes, and concealed them so well that Julius nearly fell in one. The day after Alexandros’ arrival, Elizabeth demanded to be taught swordfighting techniques. Julius had refused, insisting that he’d protect her at all costs and that she should be far from the battle. Alexandros had taken her side. He reasoned that Elizabeth should know how to take care of herself in case something should happen to the two of them. He also hinted that they could use all the help they could get. In the end, Julius gave in to Elizabeth’s demands and began teaching her to sword fight. She was a natural. Her hand was steady; her eyes were quick, and her blows often hard enough to knock him backwards. Despite his concern for her, his stomach burned with pride at her mastery of the skills he taught her. Still, he knew that she should be far away from the battle. He could see her love for action as he was teaching her to fight. He knew she’d have to be involved, but didn’t want to risk one of the enemy werewolves getting his hands on her. When he expressed his fear for her, she of course protested. He placed his right hand on her beautiful lips to silence her. She hated when he did that! She could never stand her ground when he touched her and she felt his love for her. Not to mention it was the day before the full moon and her hormones were out of balance. She couldn’t tell at any given time whether she wanted to yell at him or straddle

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him and ride him fast and hard. Her flesh burned with desire. Her emotions were out of whack. So, this is what it is like for a werewolf the day before the full moon. He took her by the hand gently. A surge went through her and she could tell that the same war was waging inside of him. For some reason, he was resisting his emotions and attempting to focus on the battle waging. Elizabeth could feel that the enemy was not far away. Vincent was frustrated, which probably meant that his tracker had temporarily lost their scent, but that had happened twice before, and they’d rediscovered the trail in a matter of hours. Julius led her to the forge and handed her a wooden bow. “Can you string it?” She met the challenge with a smile. Her eyes flashed yellow. She bent the wooden bow and strung it effortlessly. His eyebrow arched, his lips dipped at the corners. “Impressive.” He picked up the quiver and took her through the doors of the forge to the target he’d set up. “Stand there.” She did as he told her and he walked up behind her. “Take an arrow out of the quiver.” Pressing himself against her back, he helped her line up the arrow and aim at the target. She could feel his breath on her neck, his hard erection against the small of her back. She began to shake. “Focus,” he whispered against her throat, and it was then she realized that he was trying to distract her on purpose. He was testing her strength and will. She shook off her emotions, her desires, and squared her shoulders. She steadied her knees that had just a moment ago threatened to fail her. She aimed, took in a deep breath, and released the arrow. It whistled through the air and hit just above the target’s

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center. “Good.” He had the same look on his face he’d had when he said the word impressive. “Try again.” He backed away from her. She bent at the waist, and he remembered the last time she’d done that. His eyes rolled back slightly, but he shook it off and watched as she straightened and positioned the arrow. She pulled it tight, lined it up, and shot. The arrow zipped through the air and hit the target with a thud. It landed just below the last arrow. “Again,” he said. She shot several times, each time within a fraction of an inch from the target’s center. He waited for her to tire, but her arm was as steady the last time she shot as it’d been the first time she shot. She turned and looked at him, her gaze questioning. Hopeful. She so wanted to truly impress him. She wanted to show him that she could take care of herself. He smiled and took her in the arms. “You’re great. You’re a natural. With your new-found strength, you’re more accurate after a long period of time than a mortal man who’s been shooting for years.” She smiled up at him and he longed to kiss her parted lips. Reluctantly, he pulled away from her. “Listen,” he said, “You know how to use the sword if they get too close to you, but I don’t want that to happen. When the time comes that we must fight, I want to be able to focus on the fight and not on who is touching you.” She opened her mouth to protest, but he silenced her by placing his finger gently

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on her lips again. Her eyes flickered close at the surge of heat his touch sent through her body. “I know you can take care of yourself, Beth,” he said gently. “That’s not the point. I’d have to stop fighting and come over and break the fingers of any werewolf who put his hands on you. It’s better if I don’t have to do that.” She smiled at his joke but knew that he probably meant it; he’d spend every minute of the fight protecting her if she were involved. That could leave him vulnerable to attack. His mind must be on his opponent, not on her. “Okay,” she said sullenly, “What do you suggest?” “I want you there.” He indicated a stand in the top of a very tall tree. “With these.” He handed her the bow and quiver. “And dozens of these,” he added handing her an arrow with a special tip. Silver. She smiled and nodded her consent. She would allow herself to be ordered around by him, just this once, her eyes indicated. “Listen,” he said. “There are some things you need to know. About wolves, I mean.” Her gaze changed. She was interested. Very. “These,” he said, indicating the arrow with the silver tip, “will only kill a wolf if it pierces his heart. Aim at the heart whenever possible. Otherwise, aim at the eyes or thighs to slow them down.” She nodded to let him know that she understood her importance. She would be standing above the action. With her nocturnal vision, she’d be able to see every wolf even if the fight occurred, as they expected it would, at night. She’d be able to help protect

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Julius and Alexandros, which is all she really wanted to do. “How else can a werewolf be killed?” She swallowed a lump in her throat. The idea of her mate and her uncle being in danger was suddenly becoming very real. In the back of her mind, she could sense Vincent. Were his trackers on their scent again? Vincent’s mood was changing. What could it mean? She shook it off and tried to concentrate on Julius. He let out a slow breath, wishing he didn’t have to tell her all of this. “If they lose too much blood. If they suffer too much damage to a major organ, especially the heart or the lungs. They can suffocate; they need oxygen just as much as any other mammal.” “That’s why you went for Luc’s throat,” she said in an awed tone. Running his hand through his hair, “Yes. I ripped out his air passage.” She looked shocked, horrified. He remembered the look of terror on her face when Luc was attacking her. He would have bitten her, raped her, and maybe even murdered her. “I’d do it again, Beth,” he said softly. “Anybody touches you, I’ll kill him.” She gulped. “How did you know he wouldn’t regenerate?” Her voice seemed a little shaky, but she was attempting to stay focused. His smirk frightened her. “You rip it out, it don’t grow back.” Her mind was racing. She wanted to know more, ask more questions. She needed to find out anything she could about werewolves. She wanted to use the information to help Julius and Alexandros. He stepped in front of her, their bodies barely touching and gripped her shoulders tightly. “I know you want to watch out for us, but you must watch out for yourself too,”

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he said. “Werewolves can climb like cats.” He indicated the tree. “Alexandros built the stand so that it wraps around the tree. No matter where they are, you should have a shot, but be careful. He designed three opened spaces in the floor. They’re large enough for you to climb through, even in the form of a wolf, if you must come down from the tree in a hurry. But we’d rather you use them to have a clear shot at any wolf attempting to climb the tree. Don’t hesitate if they start to climb. Shoot them anywhere in the head. It should be enough to make them fall from the tree, or at least scream out to alert us so we can help you.” She started to protest that she wouldn’t need any help, but at the warning look in his face, she thought better of it. “Promise me, Beth.” He tightened his grip. “I promise, Julius.” Her voice was soft and yielding. He groaned at the realization that her body would be too. “Promise me that no matter what happens, you won’t come down from that tree unless you find yourself trapped up there with one of those hounds from hell.” His eyes were full of fear. And unbridled desire. She parted her lips to promise, but thought better of it. “I can’t make that promise. You know it would be a lie. If you’re in trouble, I’ll have to come down. I’ll have to help you.” “Damnit, Elizabeth.” He turned around and ran his hands exasperatedly through his hair. The setting sun cast a red hue over his body as she watched him. Through his tight shirt, she could tell how tense he was and wanted so much to

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relieve his tension. He was worried, for Alexandros, for himself, but mostly for her. He’d been thinking more and more about Elaine the last couple of days. About her death. About how he couldn’t bear to lose Elizabeth that way. She could feel it every time he looked at her. She stepped lightly behind him, and gingerly ran her hands up his back to his shoulders. Massaging lightly at first, then harder. Her hands, massaging his shoulders and back, did nothing to ease his tension. Indeed, it made him very tense, his muscles throughout his body tightened, contracted, and he gritted his teeth at his need. His body grew hot; a chill ran down his spine, causing him to draw a deep breath that his body rejected. He felt suffocated. Panting, he turned to her. She’d felt his heat through his shirt and her body began to respond. Placing his arms around her, he pressed his erection against her tight abdomen and, through their clothing, she could feel the heat there too, pulsing through his veins and causing him to swell and throb. His eyes’ color had changed. He looked hungry, eager, anddangerous. She wanted him desperately. Although the day was cool, sweat was beginning to bead across his forehead. The heat was burning him. burning them both. She gasped as he took her lower lip between his teeth and bit it playfully, causing her breasts to ache, her nipples to grow tighter. He kissed her hard, leaving her breathless, her lips swollen, when he finally broke the kiss. He ran his rough thumb across her lip. “Haven’t I warned you about the night before the full moon?” He had indeed, but nothing could’ve prepared her for this. The heat was

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unbearable. She swore she could feel every ounce of blood as it rushed through her body. Every finite hair on her arm and the back of her hand was standing in attention, causing her burning skin to tingle all over. Every brush of his skin against hers made her legs quiver. Her body ached for his touch. She could feel her hard, fast pulse throbbing between her legs as her hot blood rushed through her. She felt weak and strong at the same time. She wanted to beg him to take her, but the words caught in her constricted throat as tears burned in her eyes. Never had she known such need. “You’ll learn,” Julius said, his voice raspy and deep, full of needs of his own, “to avoid me on the day before the full moon.” “No,” she contradicted him, swallowing a lump in her throat. “We’ll just learn to free up that day every month and spend the whole day in bed, using each other until we’re raw and red.” She was shocked that her own voice was as husky as his. Pressing her breasts against his chest and staring up into his yellow eyes, she whispered, “Help me into the house and out of this hot dress, Julius. It’s killing me.” A low growl escaped his throat as he pressed his lips to her, lifting her off the ground as he did. Trying to ignore how hard it was to walk with his normally lose pants cutting into his swollen groin, he made his way back into the house. Impatient and shaking with need, he ripped the dress from her breasts. Kissing her eagerly and grasping her full round breasts, he growled against her lips, at how hot they were to the touch. Trailing kisses hurriedly down her neck, his mouth found a dark, hard nipple and sucked it between his teeth. She moaned as he darted his tongue over her nipple while kneading her other breast with his fingertips. He

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wouldn’t have believed it was possible, but his erection grew harder as he wondered if other parts of her body would feel as hot on his tongue as her breasts did. Reading his thoughts, she moaned, “Oh, yes, please find out.” Her pleading sent a tremor through his body straight into the head of his erection. A low moan emerged from his throat as he laid her, a little forcefully, on the bed and ripped what remained of the dress from her flesh. Unable to remain constricted anymore, he removed his shirt in one smooth jerk. He then clawed clumsily at the button on his pants before successfully removing them. The breeze from the window swept through, kissing their naked bodies, momentarily offering some relief to their burning flesh. Both moaned in unison. Pushing her thighs apart, Julius lowered himself between her legs. He spread her with his fingertips and gazed at her soft pink flesh. A clear fluid glistened on her skin, testifying to her desire for him. He couldn’t wait. He had to taste her. His tongue was on her and she arched her back, moaning loudly. She tugged his dark hair gently as he buried his face in her heat. His tongue assaulted her, darting in and out, licking, swirling, stroking.. Burning and throbbing, she moved herself against his tongue, matching his rhythm. When she came, she cried out, clutching his head to her body. When her climax had finished, despite the aching of his own body, he didn’t withdraw. His tongue continued its assault on her despite her pleadings to stop. “I can’t take it, Julius,” she gasped. “Ahhh,” she squealed. Her thighs were shaking against his face. “Please, Julius.” Despite her ‘pleadings,’however, she held him to her. “I think I’m going to explode.” Inserting a finger inside her, he lifted his head momentarily. “I want you to

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explode.” His tongue darting over her in short, quick strokes making her arch her back and scream out before collapsing against the bed, sated and spent. Spreading her with his fingertips, he watched her tremble and shake in the afterglow of her orgasm. Her trembling began to subside as he began to stroke her gently with the pad of his fingertip. When she started moving against him, he raised himself to his knees, lifted her hips from the bed and wrapped her legs around his waist. She tilted her head back and gasped as he thrust himself inside of her. Biting her lip to hold back her screams, she grasped the wooden headboard for leverage. Her shoulders were pressed into the mattress and her breasts bounced with each powerful thrust. With his hands on her hips, he pulled her to him to meet his thrusts. Several small screams escaped her as he drove himself deeper and harder inside her. “Does it hurt?” he asked, unable to stop his thrusts. “Yes!” she squealed. Her hands gripped his arms; her fingernails bit into him. Her eyes were closed tight, and she winced with each forceful drive. “Do you want me to stop?” He attempted to pull away. “No.” Her voice was deep and husky as she shoved her hips into him and trapped him inside her with her legs. She opened her eyes then. They were a dark yellow. Beautiful. Sexy. They showed how hungry she was for him. How wild he was making her. “Don’t you dare stop.” Her words made his muscles contract. He growled as his eyes rowed back momentarily. When he looked back down at her a second later, determination was written on his face. In several smooth, graceful, forceful motions, he lifted her legs to rest on his shoulders and leaned forward until her knees were on her chest. His thrusts came fast and

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hard. Her body quaked; her legs trembled against him. Her hands on his arms gripped, stroked, and rubbed his honed muscles. Her nails tore into him, ripping flesh. Her short screams were caught in her throat. Her breathing quickened between her panting and moaning. The throbs against his erection told him she was coming. Before he could brace himself, his climax brought him shuddering deep into her to collapse in her arms. His head on her bare breasts, he savored the peaceful feeling for as long as he could, determined not to think about the pack of wild werewolves headed their way. Listening to the sound of her breathing, her heart beating, he let himself drift asleep. When he awoke, he didn’t know if he’d been laying there for seconds, minutes, or hours. Drowsily, he looked up at her with half opened eyes. God, she was beautiful. He was about to gently roll off her when something surged inside him. Heat filled his stomach and tickled him from inside. Joy spread across his face before being replaced by utter fear. How could he protect them? Placing his head on her temporarily flat stomach, he closed his eyes and saw cells splitting, growing. He saw what was happening inside her body. He saw his daughter.

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Chapter Twenty-Three

Alexandros walked into the cabin ready to tell Julius all about the pits he’d been digging and the traps he’d set on the east side of the cabin, when he stopped himself. Elizabeth lay in Julius’ arms asleep. Both were covered with a sheet and were clearly naked. Alexandros blushed as he remembered that it was the night before the full moon. Thank God his strength had been spent digging trenches. It didn’t give his body time to react to the conditions of the moon. Julius opened his eyes to see a sad Alexandros turning to leave the cabin. Without saying a word, he gently pulled his arm from beneath Elizabeth’s head, smiled at her reaching for him even in her sleep, and quietly slipped on his pants. He found Alexandros sitting on the chopping block on the west side of the cabin. “Hey, man,” Alexandros said, when his friend put his hand on his shoulder. “Sorry about that.” “It’s okay, Alex. I’m just glad you’re here,” Julius said, solemnly. “And, don’t worry. She’s out there. You’ll find her one day.” Alexandros looked at him, a mixture of shock and bewilderment on his face. How did Julius know what was on his mind? Alexandros shrugged his shoulders and sighed. “You don’t know how lucky you are, Julius. Hold on to her tight, and don’t ever let go.” “I plan on doing just that,” Julius said. “And I do realize how lucky I am. I just don’t know how to keep her safe.” “We’ll worry about that together.” Julius could tell he was trying to focus on the

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fight ahead rather than the void in his heart, but it was impossible. Julius pitied Alexandros. He knew the loss Alexandros had suffered. He knew how much Alexandros had loved his mother and his sister. Especially his sister, Elaine. Silently, he wished he would’ve known Alexandros was still alive. They could’ve grieved her together. Most men would consider Alexandros a very lucky man. He was independently wealthy, was singularly tall, strong, and handsome. His entire demeanor required respect. He’d lived for centuries, but didn’t look a day over twenty-five, and he would live for centuries more to come. He had everything. Everything except someone to share it with. “I wish I could help you as much as you’re helping me,” Julius said earnestly. “There’s no help to be found for me,” Alexandros replied. “I’ve searched everywhere. I’ve even tried to love humans, non-carriers, but I can’t. I want a woman who can understand the wolf in me. Who needs me to awaken the wolf in her. A woman who can . . . ,” his voice trailed off leaving the statement unfinished. “Who can give you children.” Julius thought of his own baby and how he’d wanted a child for so long. Alexandros nodded. “It’s what most men want, I guess. Children. Someone to pass on their name to. Their secrets to. Their stories to. Someone to remember them. A little part of themselves to carry on when they’re gone.” Julius smiled in spite of himself and nodded. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.” “It’s kind of ironic, if you think about it though,” Alexandros said. “That’s exactly why Elizabeth is so important to that herd of brainless cattle heading this way as we speak.” Julius smile faded. “Promise me, Alex. Promise me that you won’t let them touch

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her if they get me” His voice was demanding. Forceful. Desperate. “Don’t worry,” Alexandros said quietly. “They’ll have to kill me before I allow them to take my niece and her baby away.” “How did you know about that?” Julius whispered, looking anxiously back to the cabin. “It’s written all over your face, man. Does she know?” He motioned to the cabin with a tilt of his head. “I don’t think so,” Julius answered. “And I’d like to keep it that way for now. I don’t want her worrying too much before the battle. And I can just see her trying to pull some stupid stunt to save me if she knew she was carrying my baby.” Alexandros nodded. “Whatever you think. You’re the boss.” He didn’t bother to point out that Elizabeth would probably try to pull some stupid stunt to save him regardless of the circumstances. He could see Julius was desperate to protect her somehow and right now, this was the only thing Julius felt in control of. He’d tell her when the time was right. “Sure she won’t read it on you?” Julius shrugged. “I don’t know. She doesn’t seem to be picking up on as much since she’s so worried about Vincent and his drooling, fanged lackeys. If I don’t let her touch me…maybe.” Alexandros’ next words were silenced by a loud bang as the cabin door swung wide, hitting the wall. Elizabeth was panting when she reached Julius. “They’ve been on the move all night. The moon has exhilarated them. They’re not even a day away.” Julius and Alexandros exchanged looks. “How many are there?” Alexandros asked.

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“They’re close to thirty, I think. And they have weapons.” Her voice was barely above a whisper. “Their weapons are not silver,” Julius said. “I’ve been inside the weapon room hundreds of times since Elaine…Well, in the last fifty years. I made most of the weapons there, and those I didn’t make, my father did.” Alexandros nodded. “Father didn’t want silver weapons in the house for fear that another wolf would use them to overthrow him. I guess he never thought he’d have to go up against wolves in battle.” Alexandros’ melancholy expression faded into one of pure hatred. Of the three, he was definitely the one ready for battle. Julius was fighting to protect Elizabeth. Elizabeth was fighting to protect herself and Julius. Alexandros was fighting for revenge. Elizabeth and Julius exchanged worried looks. Whatever Vincent had done, it was enough for a son to hate his father. Worse. Alexandros wished his father dead. And he wanted to be the one to do it.

Julius and Alexandros decided to make Elizabeth get some rest. “They won’t attack until tomorrow night,” Alexandros said. “Not until the full moon.” Reluctantly, Elizabeth went to bed, but tossed and turned for nearly two hours before falling asleep. Julius insisted that Alexandros get some rest for a few hours, vowing to stand watch. Alexandros agreed on the condition that they take turns standing watch. Thus, the night was passed.

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Julius left Elizabeth’s arms at dawn to find Alexandros chopping wood. All the traps were set. Everything was ready. Nothing to do now, but wait. Waiting, however, was not Alexandros’ cup of tea. Never had been. He was a seasoned warrior. Ready for battle. He was ready to face his enemy. Julius called out, “Save your energy for the battle, old friend.” Alexandros turned and glared at Julius. His eyes yellow, his fangs bared, he hissed, “I want my father’s head!” With that, he brought the ax up over his head, but instead of bringing it back down on the chopping board, he launched it at the nearest tree, some four or five yards away. The ax whizzed through the air and hit the tree with a loud clunk, splitting it down the middle. Again, Julius breathed a prayer of thanks that Alexandros was on his side. “Okay,” he gulped. “I get the feeling your not quite telling me everything.” Julius attempted to sound casual, yet he knew he failed miserably. Alexandros was one werewolf he wasn’t ashamed of being afraid of. Alexandros’ glare almost caused him to exit stage left, but, just when Julius was sure that Alexandros wasn’t going to tell him anything, Alex’s eyes changed and he slumped down onto the chopping block. “He allowed everyone I’ve ever loved to be taken from me,” Alexandros said. “I am miserable because of him.” “Why do I get the feeling that this is not just about your mother and Elaine?” Julius asked gently, not wanting to insight the anger he had just seen again. Alexandros sighed. “Do you remember Selena?” “Erikson?” Julius asked, curiously. “Yeah.” Selena Erikson had lived in

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Pyrrhathia for only a year when Elaine died. She’d been beautiful. Not nearly so beautiful as Elaine, but with her long brown hair, dark brown eyes and nearly perfect figure, she’d attracted a lot of attention. She disappeared shortly after Elaine and her mother’s death. Alexandros had disappeared about the same time. Julius had never connected the two. Until now. “She was smart, beautiful. She was everything I’d ever wanted.” The pain in Alex’s voice was evident. “She was a carrier?” Julius didn’t know anything about Selena except that she was not a member of any of the seven families that made up Lycaon’s pack. “Yes.” When he noticed the bewildered look on Julius’ face, he added, “There is one other pack that we know of in Europe. They move around quite a lot because the humans hunt them. Father had always forbidden his children to have relationships outside the pack. He said it would cause dissention among his own men and weaken his control over them. He always feared being overthrown by the Meleagers or the Zelotes. Especially the Meleagers. Most especially after one of his sisters married into their family.” Julius nodded his understanding. “So when you told your father you loved her, he…” But Alexandros cut him off. “No. You don’t know the half of it. He gave her to his pack. When I found her, she was ripped to shreds. Had been raped by dozens of wolves. Not men, Julius. Wolves. It is forbidden to have sex as a wolf.” Alexandros stood in agitation and brought his fists down hard on the chopping block. When he lifted his fists, two indentions had appeared where none had been before. His hands were bleeding,

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but the damaged tissue quickly started to regenerate. He didn’t seem to notice the blood and give no indication that he felt any pain. He continued his story, his eyes yellowing. The animal in him was becoming more fierce. “She was just alive enough to use her powers as a carrier to transfer some of her memories to me. My father had stood over her, laughing. When she died, she was pregnant. With a Lycaon. With my brother.” “Good God!” Julius said. “What kept you from killing him?” “She begged me not to. I’d promised her I wouldn’t. Instead, I had a messenger bring him my necklace. The one with the Lycaon symbol on it. And tell him I was dead. Suicide. I’ve wished everyday for the past fifty years that I had not made that promise. Now I see that I shouldn’t have kept it. He killed Elizabeth’s mother, and look what almost happened to her. I have lost enough family to that monster. Selena would understand. I hope.” His voice had rumbled in hatred a second before, but suddenly turned to sadness. He’d found his carrier. And lost her. And it was Vincent Lycaon’s fault. “Why didn’t you turn her, Alex? I saw the look of approval on your face when you knew that I had turned Elizabeth. You don’t have the reservations about it that I had.” “I was a fool. I was trying to fight my feelings for her because of my father’s wishes. I loved her, but I didn’t make her mine. That was my mistake.” Regret percolated with every word. Julius remembered the night he and Alexandros fought. “That’s why you reacted the way you did when you discovered why I killed Luc?”

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Alexandros nodded. “I realized that my father had set it up so that Elizabeth would have to endure the same fate as Selena. I didn’t know about Elizabeth, Julius. I swear I didn’t. If I’d known I would’ve staked him in his sleep years ago. I’m so sorry.” “It’s not your fault, Alex. Relax. Just help me protect them. I ask no more.” Julius slapped Alexandros’ hard shoulder in a gesture of camaraderie. “You have my word.” Alex returned the gesture. Julius’ face fell, and Alexandros could tell that he was thinking about his daughter. About Elizabeth. And about Elaine. Like Alexandros, Julius had suffered the loss of his mate for over fifty years. Alexandros knew that Julius wouldn’t be able to endure the pain if he lost Elizabeth. Especially now that they were about to become a family. Just then, Elizabeth emerged from the cabin. She was wearing pants. One of Julius’ white shirts and a pair of boy’s shoes completed the ensemble. Her hair was pulled back in a queue. She looked strong and refreshed. Ready for battle. And…happy. She was positively glowing. Realizing something was wrong, she sprinted quickly to the two men. Julius had on the black leather gloves he used when working in the forge. “Julius, my love. What’s wrong?” she asked in terror as she raised her hand, attempting to touch his wrinkled brow. He caught her hand in his gloved hand and backed away. “Not now, Elizabeth.” His tone was harsher than he’d intended it to be. “Julius?” She allowed her hand to drop back to her side. “What are you hiding from me?”

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He sighed. “Elizabeth, please. I’m just worried. You know this. You don’t have to touch my skin to know this.” “There’s more. You’re keeping something from me. Something important. I can feel it.” Please talk to me, she heard his voice whisper inside his head. “No. Stay out. Just this once. You have to let me keep my feelings to myself,” he said, again more harshly than he meant to. He had to keep her from finding out about their baby. Elizabeth struggled to blink back the tears now threatening to flood over. Something had changed in him. She could feel that his love was divided now. He had new fears. She’d sensed it earlier in the day. She’d hoped his fears were for Alexandros. Now she sensed that it wasn’t. Julius was confident in Alexandros. If anyone could beat thirty werewolves single-handedly, it would be Alexandros Lycaon. Fear gripped her. Shook her. Was she loosing her mate? Alexandros saw the uncertainty in her eyes and attempted to change the subject. “How close are they, Beth?” Trying to ignore the fear that her mate had very strong feelings for someone else, she closed her eyes and pictured Vincent. “He’s elated. They think they know where we are. They are resting today and preparing for battle. They’re overconfident in their numbers, but at the same time, they’re underestimating our defenses. They think Julius and I are alone and unprepared for battle.” “Perhaps that gives us an edge,” Alexandros said. “We can only hope.” With one last sorrowful look at Elizabeth, Julius turned away. Elizabeth watched him leave and then turned a questioning gaze on Alexandros.

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“What did I do?” she asked desperately. “Nothing, Beth. It’s war. All of our defenses are up. He just wants to protect you. That’s all.” But when she attempted to touch his hand in a grateful gesture, he too shied away from her. “You know something more, don’t you?” she said sadly. “Aye, milady. I won’t try to lie to you. You’d see right through it. I do know something. A secret, but it would only worry you more. Julius will disclose all to you when the time is right. Before battle is not the right time. I agree with him on this one.” Alexandros strolled away. Something writhed within her and she half-stumbled, half-ran to the tree line. She got to her knees, hugging a tree and let herself be sick. War, she could handle. Dying tonight at the hands of her enemy, she could handle. Losing her mate to another lover— that, she couldn’t handle. Tears streamed down her checks as she heaved over and over again. Every time she pictured Julius loving someone else, she grew ill. Every time she pictured him making someone else feel the way he’d made her feel, she heaved again. After a time, she stood up again. Her knees were weak and her stomach was aching from the spasms. Sweat glistened on her brow. What now? A shaky hand brushed her unruly hair back from her clammy forehead. She made it back into the cabin and collapsed onto the bed she had shared with her mate for two weeks. Blinking back new tears that burned her eyes and threatened to pour over, she lay down. After a while, she heard the familiar chink, chink of metal on metal. She closed her eyes and pictured her lover standing in the forge, with his back to her.

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The beast within her stirred, pushing back the tears that threatened to consume her. He is your mate, the beast whispered to her. Fight for him. Yes! She would fight for him. She was willing to fight thirty werewolves to keep him safe. And, yes. She was willing to battle another woman for his heart.

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Chapter Twenty-Four

The setting sun cast a red hue over the land. Elizabeth’s muscles felt tight and tense. She knew that the wolf pack was on the move. The moon made an early appearance and was staring down on them in anticipation. She could feel something shift in her when she looked at her first full moon since Julius had wakened the wolf inside her. “Fight it,” Alexandros whispered in her ear from behind her. She hadn’t even realized he was there. “The moon commands you to turn, but you can fight it for a little while. The first time you turn, adrenaline will surge inside you for about an hour; then you’ll weaken. You may need the strength and speed of the wolf if you get into trouble, but hold on to your human form as long as you can.” Swallowing the lump in her throat, she nodded. She didn’t want to fight it. Every nerve in her body tingled with anticipation. The beast inside her was awake and ready to come out to play. But she would do whatever it took to help Julius and Alexandros, so she did as he said. It took all her concentration to keep her human form. She wondered if she’d be able to shoot an arrow when the time came. “It’ll get easier as the moon rises more into the sky. She’s just testing your strength of will now,” he said simply. She raised her eyebrow at his use of personification and wondered if he believed in Artemis, the moon goddess, like the older werewolves. “Also,” Julius advised, “Let us handle the fighting as long as you can. They won’t look for you unless they have killed or captured us. Don’t give away your position until

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you have to.” She nodded wordlessly, still concentrating on keeping her human form. “They know they’re close,” she whispered to both Julius and Alexandros. The sun had set completely, leaving only four streaks of red across the darkening night sky. “If they knew for sure where we were, they’d surround us, but they have no choice but to meet us head on. They’re coming from the south.” “How close are they?” Julius asked, anxiously. Alexandros’ face was like stone as he listened. He knew that his father was close and his blood boiled. He could see the memory he’d inherited from Selena clearly in his mind’s eye—his father laughing over his chosen mate as she was being raped repeatedly by wolves. His jaw was set, clenched. His fists opened and closed, causing veins in his wrists to pop out at intervals as his knuckles popped in protest. Elizabeth watched him for a fraction of a second and then turned to Julius to answer his question. “Five, maybe ten minutes away. Just over that hill.” She pointed to the high hill about half a mile south of them. “They’re moving fast, but not running. They are preserving their strength for battle. Some have turned already, but most haven’t. Vincent hasn’t turned yet. He’s not in the front of the pack. Instead, he’s allowing Meleager to lead them.” “Dear old dad.” Alexandros said sarcastically. “It’s just like him to stand back and let others fight for him. He’d always have me lead the pack in the days before,” his voice trailed off mid-sentence, before he turned to the other two and said, “He likes to know who and what he is up against before battle. He observes his adversaries before fighting them.”

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“Look, Alex,” Julius said, “Stay focused. You’ll get your shot at him, but you have to stay alive to do it. Slice your way through them right to him, if you have to, but kill as many as you can along the way. No doubt they have orders to protect him at any cost.” Alexandros nodded, but Julius wasn’t sure of him. A man full of this much hatred might lose his head in battle, when he needed his wits the most. With that thought, he looked at Elizabeth. Julius realized that he wasn’t sure of himself either. Alexandros’ mind may be on dismembering his father, but Julius’ would definitely be on protecting his mate. So, just as he was about to tell Alexandros to worry about nothing but the blade, claws, and teeth of the wolf he was facing, he stopped himself. That would be impossible for them both. Darkness fell, completely extinguishing all light except the glitter of the stars and the laughing face of the moon. If Artemis was up there tonight, she must be really enjoying this. How about a little help then, Huntress? Elizabeth thought as she climbed the rope ladder leading to the tree stand from which she would shoot her silver arrows. Pulling the rope ladder up, she positioned herself facing the south. Dozens of quivers full of arrows had been set up for her and hung so that they were easily accessible from anywhere in the stand. Her eyes adjusted to the darkness casting a green hue over the landscape. As the first of the wolves appeared over the hill, she heard Alexandros’ whisper float up to her on the breeze. “Listen to what I say, Beth, not what I do.” She watched as he turned into the tall, menacing half-man, half-wolf she’d seen the night she met him. Her pulse quickened. Not from fear. From desire. She wanted so

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badly to let her own wolf out, but she remembered his words. He didn’t want her to turn yet. He was an older wolf. Stronger. Being a wolf wouldn’t weaken him after an hour. Not even after many hours. When Vincent appeared on the horizon, she realized why Alex had turned. His father thought he was dead. He wanted to keep it that way for a while. She could tell Julius and Alexandros apart when they were in their hybrid forms, but only up close. Alex was counting on his father not knowing who he was until he was too close to turn back. Julius and Alexandros had been purposely “marking their territory” in a circle about a mile in diameter around the cabin to confuse their adversary so they couldn’t catch their scent right away. This made it easy for them to hide from the large pack of wolves. Elizabeth watched, holding her breath, as the front line all turned into wolves, ripping their clothes and letting out a tremendous growl as they did so. Hair covered the sleek bodies, bones popped as their faces changed into those of animals; long claws replaced fingernails. Many werewolves began running, sniffing the air madly, trying to discover the locations of their prey. Meleager, however, stayed slightly behind the rest of the front line. Did he sense a trap? Or did he, like Vincent, want to save his own hairy hide and let the others die for him, giving himself time to analyze his enemy and come up with a game plan? Looking at Julius in panic, she saw him catch her gaze, wink, then transform into the wolf without a sound. He must be incredibly strong to endure the pain of transformation without screaming out, she thought. She looked down to see that Alexandros, too was watching Julius. A look of

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respect sobering his angry face. The wolf pack was coming closer. At a dead run now, their green silhouettes blurred into mere streaks across the land. Alexandros watched Julius across the distance for the signal. He got it in a single nod of the wolf’s head. Both wolves let out a howl. The howls coming from two different directions confused most of the wolves. Two of the more experienced wolves turned and began charging the area from which Julius’ howl had emerged; another three followed them. Another wolf led three others into the direction of Alexandros’ call. Other wolves from the second and third line followed, but three remained at a leisurely pace behind the others. Julius recognized these three as William Meleager, Michael Zelotes, and Vincent Lycaon. Julius had watched the pack enough to know that Meleager, Zelotes, and Lycaon were far from cowards. But their real strength in battle is their intelligence. And ruthlessness. They alone did not underestimate their opponents. Nor did they mind sacrificing certain members of their pack to learn more of their nemesis’ game plan, it would appear. And that’s just what happened. They watched as three of their pack fell into the stake-filled trench that Julius had been standing behind. These three were impaled immediately on the silver. Four more, seeing what was happening, but unable to stop their momentum fell in on top of them. At the same time, four fell into Alexandros’ trench. Elizabeth watched as two died instantly and the other two were twitching, attempting to claw their way out of the cold ground before another, unable to stop his momentum, fell in on top of them finishing them off.

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As they died, the wolves in the trenches transformed into men again. Elizabeth watched in horror as four wolves scrambled from the trench in front of Julius. He was ready for them, though. As the first one reached the top, he brought his sword across his throat. The wolf fell and began changing as two others emerged simultaneously. In one swift, fluid movement, Julius sliced through one and stabbed the other. At the same time, Alexandros took care of the one climbing out of the trench in front of him. Just in time, he dodged the sword of one that had just jumped the wide ditch without much effort. The last remaining wolf was struggling to climb out of Julius’ trench when two other wolves jumped it. Unable to stay out of the battle anymore, Elizabeth drew a silver arrow, steadied her breathing and attempted to steady her shaking hand. It was so much harder to aim when Julius was in trouble than it’d been in practice. She waited for her shot, held her breath, and released the arrow. It hit its target just as the wolf was about to land in front of Julius. Her arrow hit a little high, but knocked the wolf out of the air into the pit, where a silver stake finished him off. Without blinking, Julius stabbed the other wolf. It was if he’d known which wolf she was about to shoot because his attention was focused entirely on the one farther from him. As soon as his sword sliced through that one, his attention was on another wolf that had just emerged from the pit. But three other wolves had jumped Alexandros’ pit and were attacking him simultaneously. The tallest one attempted to stab Alexandros in the chest, but Alex moved just in time. Still the sword caught his arm while another was drawing. Elizabeth

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gasped, but didn’t hesitate. She drew on the wolf that was about to stab him and shot. Instantly, he fell as the arrow pierced his heart. The werewolf, who’d been sporting a sleek black pelt, was twitching as he hit the cold ground and immediately began transforming back into a man. Yesss! She had managed to kill one with a clean shot! The wound on Alexandros’ arm was already beginning to regenerate as he engaged a wolf in a duel. Elizabeth understood that he considered this wolf to be the biggest threat, but she still worried about the other. With a glance to Julius, who was easily fighting off a smaller wolf, she drew and evened the odds for Alexandros. The wolf fell instantly. Another clean shot. Heat filled Elizabeth’s stomach as a sense of dread washed over her. She heard a low menacing growl coming from beneath her. She positioned herself over an opening in the stand and, seeing the wolf hurriedly climbing the tree, she aimed a silver arrow at him. She let it fly just as the wolf was reaching the opening. Because the wolf was so close, the arrow hit the eye of her pursuer. The wolf howled out as it fell from the tree. Julius and Alexandros both turned toward the sound and were attacked by the wolves they were fighting. Julius managed to grab his father’s dagger and stab his attacker in the throat. As he jumped up, he whirled to make sure that Elizabeth was okay. Her wolf was lying dead at the base of the tree, and already in the transformation process. Using her preternatural speed, Elizabeth had let fly another arrow as the wolf was falling. A second arrow had pierced its heart before it ever hit the ground. The wolf that had attacked Alexandros was clawing at his chest and attempting to

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bite him. Using his wolf’s legs, Alex kicked the other wolf off him. As the wolf flew through the air, Alexandros retrieved his fallen sword and raced after his would-be attacker with the speed of the wolf. In an instant, the other wolf was slain. Julius realized that something just wasn’t right as another wolf attacked him. Wolves hunt in packs. They attack in packs. Why were these wolves fighting him and Alexandros one on one? He heard a wolf cry out as Alexandros killed his attacker. Seconds later, Julius’ sword hit its mark, and his wolf fell dying. It was then that he realized why they were attacking them one on one. They were distracting Julius and Alexandros so that three other wolves could get at Elizabeth. Julius’ heart began to pound in his ears as he saw the three wolves climbing the tree. Elizabeth was drawn and ready to strike one, but he was sure that she wouldn’t be able to get all three. He shook off his next attacker as he raced toward the tree. But the wolf was relentless. It tackled him from behind and was clawing at his back. One wolf fell from the tree, an arrow punched up to the feathers through his throat, when Julius called out from the pain. Julius cursed himself as his wolf fell from him, screaming in agony. Elizabeth had shot his attacker even though she was being pursued. Elizabeth managed to let one more arrow fly, knocking another wolf from her tree, but Julius saw that the third had made it through the opening and was coming up behind her. Julius jumped up and, almost without thinking, he stabbed his howling attacker on the run. As he made it to the tree and was about to climb it, he felt claws on his leg. The claws shredded and burned. He howled and was about to turn with his sword when he

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realized that Alexandros was by his side. He stabbed the wolf, which was lying on the ground at the base of the tree. It was the last wolf that Elizabeth had shot. She’d hit it well enough to knock it from the tree, but not kill it. Alexandros turned to fight off two more wolves, allowing Julius to climb the tree. Elizabeth turned to find her face to…well, face to chest with a werewolf. He was too close for her to draw on. Seeing her realization, the wolf began to laugh, a low deep growl of a laugh that sent chills through her spine. The wolf advanced on her and she tried to step away. Instantly, she was pinned between the wolf and the tree. Elizabeth’s sword was just out of her reach and she tried getting away from him, but it was no use. His hot breath smothered her. Julius emerged from the opening. She saw him as she was just about to give in to panic. Realizing that he couldn’t stab the wolf without endangering Elizabeth, he said in his husky wolf’s voice, “Hey, Jackass. Get your own carrier. That one’s mine.” The taunt was enough to distract the wolf. The wolf caught Elizabeth’s left arm as he turned to face Julius. Elizabeth smiled as she realized that he’d allowed her enough slack to reach her sword. The wolf was watching Julius intently as Julius approached the two. He never saw the sword in Elizabeth’s hand. She steadied her stance and rammed the sword through the wolf. Julius stepped back as he saw the sharp end of the silver sword he’d given Elizabeth plunge through the hairy chest of the beast. The injured wolf began to fall immediately. To Elizabeth’s dismay, his grip on her tightened rather than loosened. He was crashing through the wooden guardrails, and he was taking her with him!

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“Julius!” Her feet began to slide along the wooden planks. Julius’ eyes grew wide with fear, but he brought his sword up and crashing down on the wolf’s arm. The silver sliced through the arm of the beast, and he tumbled from the tree with a howl. But it was too late. Elizabeth followed the beast over the edge. She grabbed desperately at a part of the rail that had not yet fallen. The rail creaked and threatened to break apart. Julius reached the side and grabbed Elizabeth’s left hand just as the rail in her right hand gave way and went crashing to the ground. Julius pulled her back up effortlessly and clutched her to his hairy chest. Had her heart not been pounding so hard from her near fall, she would’ve felt that his concern for her was also concern for their baby. If Elizabeth had fallen, her bones may have been broken, but she probably would’ve survived. Not so for their child. The child she still knew nothing about. On the ground, he noticed three wolves threatening to out-best Alexandros. He released Elizabeth and jumped from the stand. Elizabeth watched as Julius’ wolf soared through the air to land on all fours at the bottom. Growling menacingly, he launched himself through the air and attacked one of the wolves. Filled with anger at what almost had happened to his mate and child, he killed the wolf the way he’d killed Luc Letion. He ripped his throat open with his teeth. Just as the wolf died, another feeling of panic seared through Elizabeth’s stomach. She looked in the direction the threat was coming from before she could ever see the wolf there. Instantly, the wolf pounced, knocking Julius from the other wolf. Julius and the second wolf tumbled over and over again across the land, getting further and further from

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the tree. Elizabeth wouldn't be able to get a shot! The appearance of the new wolf shocked the other wolves as well, and they stopped their fray to watch the two wolves tumble, curiously. Alexandros saw Elizabeth jump from the tree, changing in mid-air. He was shocked. He had never seen a wolf do that. Especially not on their first change! The first change usually overwhelms a wolf so that they fall twitching to the ground. The other wolves turned to see Elizabeth land, bearing her teeth and snarling. They stepped out of her way and farther from Alexandros. Elizabeth recognized the two wolves as Meleager and Vincent. Meleager and Vincent’s wolves exchanged worried looks. Elizabeth hadn’t only changed in mid-air, but she’d skipped the hybrid form, opting instead for the more powerful, faster form of the full-fledged wolf. She was the only pure white wolf they’d seen in centuries, and they watched her in awe as she sailed through the air toward Julius and his attacker. The other wolf had Julius pinned and was attempting to bite him. Elizabeth’s heart raced. NO! Julius was fighting the wolf off, but it was starting to get the better of him. Its teeth were getting closer and closer to his neck. Elizabeth pounced, knocking the wolf from Julius. At the same time she sank her teeth into its hairy back. The wolf howled in realization. When the two finally stopped tumbling, all the wolves watched as Julius’ attacker twitched, foaming at the mouth, but Elizabeth didn’t stop biting it. She was ripping its back open like a dog will a feather

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pillow, shaking her head as she tore the flesh. Elizabeth’s wolf sat back on its hind legs, baring her fangs, as she watched the wolf turn to its human form. She wasn’t the only one shocked to see a naked and torn Ariadne lying before her. Looking up to see that four other wolves had joined Meleager and Vincent, and were waiting for the command to attack, Elizabeth turned to her hybrid form momentarily. “Mother?” Will’s cry was heart wrenching, but Elizabeth only smiled coldly. So this was why Ariadne had wanted Elizabeth to give Meleager a chance. She wanted grandchildren. She looked at the dead body before her and realized something else. This is why it is forbidden for a female wolf to bite. Closing her eyes, she saw Elaine’s murder and the wolf who committed it. She turned to Alexandros and said, “This is the wolf your father was protecting. She killed your sister.” Looking at Julius, she said, “She killed Elaine. I saw it as she was dying.” “Aunt Ariadne?” Alexandros said in disbelief. “You were protecting your sister?” he asked his father, his voice growing dark and menacing. “No!” Meleager said in disbelief. “She would never kill Elaine. She would never kill my fiancé.” “She did indeed, Will,” Vincent said. “Elaine was opposed to marrying her cousin. She refused the match and found another love. When your mother found out about Elaine’s infidelity, she killed her. You could hardly blame her. Elaine betrayed us all.” “Another love?” Will asked.

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Vincent indicated Julius. Will’s eyes clouded with anger. Julius had taken Elaine fifty years ago and took Elizabeth now. He must die. “Kill him,” Meleager told the four wolves standing behind him. Before the wolves could pounce, Elizabeth changed from the hybrid form back into that of the white wolf. She bound past the two smaller wolves and tackled one of the larger ones, knocking him to the ground. She sunk her wolf’s teeth into him, just once and left him twitching while she raced toward the other. “Run!” Vincent told them. “She knows her power now. She’ll kill us all!” She reached the second wolf and sank her teeth into his heel as the Vincent’s words rang through the air. He fell to the ground, twitching and dying, as she turned facing the other wolves, blood-stained teeth bared. Her eyes were glittering, and she actually seemed to be smiling. They were in a full run, right behind Meleager. Vincent turned and was about to run, when his son, Alexandros, caught him unawares. “Not so fast.” Alexandros sunk his sword deep into the older wolf’s abdomen. “Son?” Vincent pleaded. His voice was hoarse. The strength had gone out of him. “No. I’m no son of yours.” Alex pulled his sword back through the wound. Vincent brought his sword up to attack Alexandros, but just as it was brought slicing down Alex’s chest, Alex knocked Vincent’s sword from his hand with his own sword. Then, in one swift movement, Alex had the old wolf by the shoulders, turning him. When Vincent’s back was against Alex’s chest, Alexandros brought his sword racking across his throat. Clutching his throat, the great Lord Lycaon dropped to his knees, and then fell to his back, arms splayed.

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Having fully regenerated, Julius was now chasing after Elizabeth, who was chasing the only three survivors of Lycaon’s hunting party. He caught up with her in the woods. Her pace had slowed considerably. She’d been a wolf for an hour, and, as Alexandros had predicted, her strength was beginning to wane. “Give it up, Beth,” he said. “They won’t be back tonight.” He then turned from his hybrid form into that of a wolf. It was the first time in his life he’d been able to run beside his mate in the form of the wolf. To run, at night, with the wind blowing through his silver and grey fur was one of his favorite pastimes. He couldn’t believe that he’d never felt a loss at not being able to share that moment with a mate. Now, however, he realized just what he’d been missing. Reluctantly, Elizabeth allowed him to lead her back to the cabin where Alexandros waited, staring down at the body of his father. Elizabeth’s white fur was still stained with Ariadne’s blood when she lay down beside Alexandros and whined. It was then that she laughed inwardly. She’d tried to speak to him, but couldn’t speak in her wolf form. She shrugged, crossed her paws and lay her head down. The gray and white wolf came up beside her, collapsed at her side, and licked her face. She was smiling at them through her tears as she took her human form. In her weakened state, she couldn’t say the things she so desperately needed to say. Nor could she hide her tears from them. She lay there, naked, pale, blood-stained and vulnerable. “Julius,” Alexandros said, causing Julius to transform into his human state involuntarily. He wasn’t angry, however. “What is it, Alex?” His voice sounded strained.

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“Where did you say you stabbed the wolf that turned you?” Alexandros asked him. “In the left side. Why?” he asked without really needing to. Before Alexandros could answer, Julius was standing over Vincent’s body. There was a wound in his left side. It’d apparently been bandaged before he’d taken on his wolf form. Now, however, it was open and bare. True to the legend, it’d never healed. His father’s silver dagger had left its mark. “I’m sorry, brother,” Alex said. “I know that you think being a werewolf is a curse. I’m sorry my father forced it on you.” “Most humans don’t turn when bitten by a wolf. Why did Julius turn?” Elizabeth still lay on her side, not looking at her great-grandfather’s body, at her uncle, or at her mate. “I was a carrier,” Julius said softly. “My mother had been a carrier in another pack of wolves. She’d decided to marry outside the pack. She got away, but they tracked her when I was just a baby. They killed her. It was then that my father went to work for Lycaon. He knew that Lycaon could protect us from the enemy pack.” “Selena’s pack,” Alexandros said, sadly. “The Lycaon clan had always fought with that pack. Father just used protecting you and your father as an excuse to wage war. An excuse to go into enemy territory. I’m sure, though, that he didn’t realize that you were a carrier. Carriers are often attracted to one another.” “Like Elaine and me?” Julius asked. “I’m not trying to diminish your feelings for each other, but, yeah, like Elaine and you. I know what you had was real. Just as what Selena and I had was real,” he said with

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a sigh. Elizabeth was crying silently. What she felt for Julius was real. She couldn’t lose her mate. Her sobs shook her body. Julius saw her form shaking and terror seized him. He put his arms around her and asked in a hurried whisper, “Are you alright? Are you hurt?” She closed her eyes to read him. Oh, God! Please let him still love her! She searched his desires and concerns, but couldn’t read him in her exhausted state. She turned to face him. “What happens to us now, Julius?” Her midnight eyes were an ocean of anguish. “What do you mean? We talked about this. You marry me. I protect you at all costs,” he said. “But…” her voice trailed off as she searched for the right words. “But your heart belongs to another.” “How can you deny my love for you?” he asked, taken aback. “I don’t deny it, but I feel that you have love for someone else. I’ll fight for you, milord. I’ll do whatever it takes to be with you,” she answered. Julius sent a confused, helpless look toward Alexandros, who shook his head and laughed. “I think it is time for me to leave you two alone for a few minutes.” “Alex?” Julius pleaded in despair. “Help me out a little here, huh?” “Julius, man, just tell her who your heart belongs to,” he said smiling. “My heart belongs to her,” he said, exasperated. Alexandros shook his head again and laughed. “There is another,” he said gently. “Just show her who you’ve been so concerned about. Show her who you have loved since

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the moment you knew of her existence. Show her the other girl you’ve been protecting.” Realization lit up like a taper behind Julius’ eyes. Alexandros winked, and then walked silently into the darkness. Julius turned to Elizabeth, and without saying a word, he took her hand in his. He placed his other hand on her naked abdomen and closed his eyes. She didn’t realize what she was seeing at first, but then his emotions told her what it was. Her daughter’s heartbeat! “A baby?” she whispered in disbelief. He nodded, tears in his eyes. “I’ve been so worried for the both of you. I didn’t want to tell you before the battle. You had enough to worry about. And…” his voice trailed off. “And?” she prompted. “And I was afraid that you’d put yourself in jeopardy to save me if you knew we were going to have a baby. You wouldn’t want to lose your baby’s father,” he said. “No more than I wanted to lose my mate,” she pointed out. “Yeah, I realize that it was faulty reasoning, but at the time, it seemed the right thing to do. I know now that I just caused you added worry. Yet…” he allowed his voice to trail off, unsure if he should admit his next thought or not. Then realizing that she’d simply read it on him if he didn’t, he added, “I guess I sort of liked keeping her a secret for a little while. You know, my little secret.” “I thought I was losing you.” Elizabeth’s voice was trembling. “I felt your love for her.” “You’ll never lose me, my love,” he said smiling. “Neither of you.” He laid his

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head gently on her abdomen. She ran her fingers through his hair and held him there for a few minutes. He raised himself from her, kissed her abdomen lightly, and lifted her into his arms. “We must get back home and wash up, my love. We are both naked, dirty, and drenched in blood. You need to rest in your condition.” “I’ve only been pregnant for twenty-four hours. Do you have to use that terminology?” she asked, exasperated. She attempted to free herself from his arms and walk on her own. “I wasn’t referring to your pregnancy, my love,” he said gently refusing to let her down. “I was referring to the fact that tonight was your first full moon as a werewolf. You must be exhausted.” “Oh.” She allowed her head to lie against his chest. “I am,” she admitted. “Don’t worry, darling. It gets easier. One day, you’ll like running with the wolves.” He stroked her blonde hair from her face with one hand, while gently cradling her to his chest, and carried her across the landscape. She smiled at the realization that for the first time in fifty years, Julius had no reservations about being a werewolf. He’d come to terms with the two forces inside of himself. Accepted the wolf within him, just as he accepted the wolf within her. Her heart sang with joy.

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Epilogue

Nine months later… Maria Mien, an old friend of Alexandros’, had ordered Julius from the room over an hour ago, and he stood pacing the corridor of Alexandros’ mansion in Rome. It wasn’t as luxurious as the Lycaon fortress had been, but it was much nicer and better protected than Julius’ father’s forge. Alexandros had insisted on moving them there, at least until after the baby was born. Julius didn’t like the idea of living on Alexandros’ hospitality, but very much liked the idea of Elizabeth being here. He reluctantly agreed that it was the best thing for all of them. Julius was glad that Alexandros was there to help protect Elizabeth. Alexandros was glad that he had an “insider” into the doings of the Lycaon pack. According to Elizabeth, Meleager and Zelotes had summoned the rest of the Lycaon pack from all across Europe. Meleager and Zelotes were attempting to lead the pack as a unified force, but their constant struggle for control was getting the better of them. As Ariadne’s son and Vincent’s closest “living relative,” few questioned William Meleager’s rightful place as the alpha male of the pack. One who did question Meleager’s authority was Michael Zelotes. Zelotes had his own followers who wanted to see him become alpha male of the pack, but since Meleager had passed onto him from his mother, the blood of Lycaon flowing through his veins, they kept their loyalty to Zelotes hidden. None besides Meleager knew that Alexandros was alive, and he used their ignorance to his advantage. Perhaps if Alexandros could contact some of the pack, he’d have allies from within the pack. Some, no doubt, would choose him as their leader and

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follow him to Rome. But after fifty years, he wasn’t sure which ones of his father’s clan he could trust. Yet, if Alexandros was going to have any chance of winning the war that was waging, he would need to find allies. This would possibly mean aligning with another pack. Would another pack take them in? It is quite possible that leaders of the other packs were like his father and believed that packs shouldn’t intermix. Which meant that they would as soon kill Alexandros as help him. Of course, when the time for war did come, he’d have Julius to watch his back, but if the Lycaon pack was truly united, that meant there were hundreds out there, seeking out Alexandros. They wanted blood for blood from the traitor that killed their leader. Julius was awakened from his thoughts by the sound of Elizabeth’s scream, piercing the silence from the next room. He rushed at the door, but Maria’s calm voice called, “Not yet, Mr. Garnier. She’s okay. Not yet.” Julius paced the floor anxiously and ran his hands through his dark hair. Maria had run him out of the room when Elizabeth had gotten agitated earlier. Elizabeth’s eyes had changed from their usual dark blue to a pale yellow, her incisors had lengthened into fangs, and her nails had turned to claws as she growled the words, “Julius Garnier! If you ever even think about touching me again, I’ll rip you to shreds.” “Know what?” Alexandros had said, “I think she meant that.” Julius had looked at Alexandros expecting to find a smile, but he wasn’t joking. His eyes were wide, and he attempted to swallow a lump in his throat as he gave Julius an “I’m glad it’s you and not me” smile. A moment later, Elizabeth had howled again, and Maria announced that the baby

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was breach. She’d ordered both men out of the bedroom. Julius had protested, but Maria explained that Mrs. Elizabeth was too agitated, and that he was part of the reason for that agitation. In the end, he’d given up and left the room, hoping he was doing the right thing for his wife and child. His wife. Julius thought back to their wedding day. He’d married her, in spite of the danger from the Lycaon clan, in the field of daffodils. The wind had tossed her hair, kicked at her white, flowing skirts, and made the daffodils dance. Alexandros had been there to share in their happiness. Their daughter was but a tiny bulge beneath Elizabeth’s dress then, and Elizabeth was so beautiful. Happy. But now she was in pain and he felt utterly helpless. At least when the werewolf had her pinned in the stand at the top of the tree, he could do something. He hated feeling this way. Evening sunlight spilled into the room as the door opened. Alexandros was back. He, too, had felt completely helpless, so he did the only thing he knew he could do. He went to the store and bought every pink thing he could find for his new niece. Julius smiled as he saw the bags. “Oh,” Alexandros said sadly. “No baby yet?” He’d hoped the baby would be here when he got back. “Nope.” Julius ran his hands through his hair again. “I think I’ll be bald or gray by the time she decides to get here.” A sharp cry pierced the silence. It was a baby’s cry. Julius and Alexandros exchanged looks then raced each other for the door. As they were about to reach the door, it opened from the inside, and they both slid across the floor to a halt at Maria’s sharp

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gaze. “You two gentleman will have to wait a moment while I clean the baby, and neither of you will touch her until you’ve washed.” She gave each a stern look before closing the door in their faces. Julius gave Alexandros an exasperated look. Alexandros smiled peevishly and nodded, “I know, brother, but she is the best midwife in the country.” Julius nodded as he heard the healthy cry from the next room. His wife and daughter had received the best possible care. That’s all that mattered. After exchanging another knowing look, Julius and Alex raced each other to the wash basin like two schoolboys. Laughing, they washed, throwing water on each other. They were happy, and the tension had been lifted. For now, at least. The door to the bedroom opened, silencing their laughs. Maria stood smiling at them, “You may come in now, Mr. Garnier. Mr. Lycaon, Mrs. Elizabeth wants to see you too.” Elizabeth’s wet hair clung to her pale face. She looked tired and in pain, but happy. She was sitting up in bed holding a pink bundle of blankets. Julius walked slowly, gingerly, to her bedside and whispered, “Is it safe?” Elizabeth gave him a puzzled look. “You’re not going to rip me to shreds now, are you?” he asked timidly. “Not today,” she said smiling. “I love you, Julius.” “An hour ago, you hated me.” He attempted to push back the blankets in order to see his daughter for the first time. “That was an hour ago.” She shifted the baby in her arms, and pulled the blankets

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away from her face. “Meet Amelia Elaine Garnier.” A cool breeze swept through the room. Julius and Alexandros exchanged looks as they noticed that the window wasn’t open. Chills walked down their spines. “Yes,” Elizabeth said without warning. “She is here, and she is happy for us.” Tears formed in Julius’ eyes as he realized that Elaine had swept through to show her love for their child and her acceptance of the name Elizabeth had chosen for her. When he lifted his daughter in his arms, those tears would no longer be dammed up. But they were tears of joy. He’d longed for so long for a child. For a wife. A family to share his life with. After many minutes of holding his daughter and committing every line on her pink little face to memory, he said, “I think she looks just like her mother.” Noting the look of longing in Alexandros’ eyes, Julius reluctantly handed Amelia to him. “She definitely has your hair though.” Alexandros ran a hand through her thick, dark, wavy hair. “No, it’s too short to be my hair,” Julius teased. Alexandros held his niece a few minutes longer before she started turning her head toward him, opening her mouth like a bird. “Uh,” he said smiling. “I think she wants her mommy now.” Elizabeth laughed and took her. Alexandros went to the window as Elizabeth prepared to breastfeed Amelia. He heard Amelia crying in demand, then the cry stop abruptly. He thought he actually heard the baby say, “Ummm.” When he was sure that Elizabeth had had time to cover herself, he turned around. Julius was sitting beside Elizabeth with his arm around her. He was holding the blanket away from the baby so that he could watch the baby but still give his wife her

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privacy. Julius’ face was lit up so brightly. Elizabeth was looking at the baby lovingly, while letting her husband support her weight against his chest. They looked like the perfect, happy family. Alexandros was happy. Yet, an ache was growing inside his heart. A void. He excused himself to allow the family their time together. Sensing his pain, Julius pulled away from Elizabeth. “I am so lucky.” When she looked into his eyes, he pulled her to him, being careful of his daughter, and kissed her soft lips. She moaned softly and melted into him. He could tell she was exhausted and knew what she’d undergone for him and his baby. “Ummm,” she said, pulling away, “for me too. She was worth every minute of it.” She smiled down at her daughter. “I know what he’s going through.” Julius’ gaze fell on the door that Alexandros had just exited through. Elizabeth’s smile faded. “I know you do,” she said softly. “Don’t worry, though. I have a feeling that he will find his mate soon.” Julius backed away and peered into her eyes. “How soon?” “I’ll never tell.” Her blue eyes dancing playfully. Julius pulled Elizabeth back into his arms. “You have given me everything I’ve ever wanted.” He kissed her forehead. “And you’ve given me almost everything I’ve ever wanted,” she said, smiling. “Oh? And what is it that I haven’t given you that you want?” “A baby boy.” She eyed her daughter adoringly. “Oh. I think I can handle that,” he said. “And if not, I’ll enjoy trying.” He was thinking of the night in his cabin. The night he’d turned her. He was

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thinking of how she’d bent in front of him. Of his erection resting on her bottom, between her cheeks. And of her standing up and putting her shirt back on, dashing his hopes. She smiled up at him, blushing. He knew she was reading his mind. “Don’t ever do that again,” he said. “Let me make it up to you.” She nuzzled his neck. “Mmmm,” he sighed. “You can’t. Werewolves regenerate fast, but it’s still too soon, my love.” He indicated his daughter before planting a chaste kiss on her forehead. “Let me pull you into my dreams,” she whispered seductively, planting in his mind the memories of their past shared dreams. “Arrrrrh,” he said in agitation. “You know it’s the night before the full moon, right?” She giggled and wrapped her free arm around him. Oh, yeah. She knew.