Guardian of His Love

Wolves of West Texas 3

Guardian of His Love Derek Wolfson's afraid of being hurt like his college girlfriend wounded him. After rescuing Kelly Wolford, alias Smith, from the deadly Hawks gang, he can't forget her. Kelly's running from an arranged marriage. She's an independent woman and doesn't want to marry the guy her family expects her to marry. The only way she can avoid the arranged marriage is by proving to her family that she's seriously involved with Derek. When her brothers find her, she realizes her family won't give up on their choice. When she tells Derek her problem, he promises to protect her. She warns him there's bound to be a showdown between Derek and the man her family wants her to marry. It will involve proving by her family's pack-law traditions that no other man can love her like Derek can. The winner receives her hand in marriage. With the help of Jared Hunter, master seducer, can Derek prepare Kelly for every eventuality, or will he lose her? Note: This book contains forced seduction. Genre: Ménage a Trois/Quatre, Paranormal, Vampires/Werewolves Length: 30,123 words

GUARDIAN OF HIS LOVE Wolves of West Texas 3

Claire Adele

MENAGE AND MORE

Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

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A SIREN PUBLISHING BOOK IMPRINT: Ménage and More

GUARDIAN OF HIS LOVE Copyright © 2012 by Claire Adele E-book ISBN: 1-61926-294-0 First E-book Publication: February 2012 Cover design by Jinger Heaston All cover art and logo copyright © 2012 by Siren Publishing, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission. All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

PUBLISHER Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

Letter to Readers Dear Readers, If you have purchased this copy of Guardian of His Love by Claire Adele from BookStrand.com or its official distributors, thank you. Also, thank you for not sharing your copy of this book.

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

DEDICATION Guardian of His Love is dedicated to my readers. By reading my stories, you encourage me to keep writing. I can’t thank you enough. To my fellow writers and friends who have generously given me their time, wisdom, and knowledge of writing and publishing, thank you so much. Couldn’t do it without you.

GUARDIAN OF HIS LOVE Wolves of West Texas 3 CLAIRE ADELE Copyright © 2012

Chapter One “I’ve been hard ever since I looked in her blue eyes. What’s with that?” Derek Wolfson demanded of Juan Enriquez, his best friend. Derek couldn’t believe what had started out as a distracting evening with two women had ended with him hungry for Kelly Smith. Derek hoped Juan would give him a logical explanation for his physical reaction to Kelly. He’d shared a few women over the years with Juan, but Derek hadn’t experienced such a strong reaction since he’d fallen for his exsweetheart. He’d never forgotten how devastated he’d felt when she’d broken up with him their senior year in college. She’d been his life mate. At least he’d assumed so. He’d expected to be with her forever. Since she’d walked out on him, he’d never felt the same connection with a woman until now. He’d never expected to feel the same attraction ever again. “Sounds like you’ve lucked out, amigo. I say go with it.” “What if it doesn’t work out? What if the same shit happens again?” Juan smiled, one side of his mouth tilting up. “What if it doesn’t? I could see you were attracted to Kelly the night we fought the Hawks outside the Rescue Mission so she could escape from them.”

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“Hell, yeah. I wanted to protect her, make damn sure the Hawks didn’t get her.” “And when they dragged her off to their house of prostitution the next day?” “I wanted to get her out of there as fast as possible and destroy every last damn Hawk.” Juan shook his head. “I don’t think you have a choice, bud. Maybe it’s best for your heart if you see this through. You could find her to be an incredible lover and companion, like I have found Cindy.” Derek sighed. He wasn’t so sure he could risk his heart again. But for better or worse, he wanted to keep seeing Kelly. “Thanks, bro, for listening to me.” “I hope it helped.” Derek smiled at his friend. “You make a good sounding board.” Juan laughed. “Let’s head out. We still have a few Hawks to bring in.” Derek welcomed the challenge. His work as a private investigator with his cousin, Mike Wolfson, and his best friend, Juan, once again saved his sanity. He’d concentrate on their work this night and worry later about what to do where Kelly was concerned. It wouldn’t be easy. She was beautiful, with her long blonde mane of silky hair, shapely legs that went on forever, and those voluptuous breasts. She was so hot he wanted to have her naked beneath him, wanted to cup those breasts, taste her sweet tits, and sink into her wet heat over and over, after he drove her crazy. But he damn sure couldn’t handle going through what he’d experienced in college, ever again. **** Wolves howled as they ranged along the gully behind Darlene Lovejoy’s home. Kelly had managed to outrun her family for two years. Now her brothers had discovered her location. What blasted

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luck. She knew her three brothers’ individual howls. It was definitely her male siblings calling to her. Well, they could keep waiting for her to join them for all she cared. Hopefully Darlene would understand when Kelly told her she would be leaving, especially after Darlene had offered her employment helping her in her own home. It would have been the perfect way for Kelly to support herself and hide out from her family. She hated to go on the run again after finding a home with Darlene. With her brothers knowing where she was, she couldn’t afford to stay here another day. She’d pack up her things and leave in the morning. Hopefully, Darlene would understand and not be too upset. Being found by her brothers was so frustrating after she’d gone incognito, changed her last name, and gone so far as to stay in lonely places like the Rescue Mission. Yet somehow her brothers had located her. She’d prayed her family would forget about her. Obviously, they hadn’t. She could not face being mated for life with someone she didn’t love and felt no sexual attraction to. She wanted to live her life either with a mate she loved or live her life alone. How, in this modern day, could her family continue to abide by pack laws written generations ago. Her pack, Wolford, had for generations given their daughters and sons to the sons and daughters of the pack Wolfgang. Family stories handed down from one generation to another told how the two families had been close for many generations. The families had even traveled together on the same ship from the eastern border of France to Texas, before Texas was a state, in the early 1800s. But she did not want to follow their mating tradition when she wasn’t even drawn to the Wolfgang son both families expected her to marry. She couldn’t. She was a modern woman with a mind of her own. She intended to mate and live with a man she loved who attracted her sexually. Accepting anything less was not an option. She wouldn’t think about what she faced under the family pack laws if

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they caught her. After coming of age, she’d avoided any relationships with men. Her family didn’t know about the few one-night flings. Not one guy had really interested her until she’d met Derek Wolfson. He’d caught her attention that night in the parking area of the Rescue Mission when those fucking terrible Hawks had tried to drag her into their car. Revealed by car headlights, she’d noticed Derek was tall with broad shoulders and sandy-blond hair. He’d looked like a mythical avenging god, his topaz eyes shining golden in the flash of lights. She’d watched the fight through the side of the window drapes inside the Mission as Derek had fought the Hawks and sent them running. He’d fought magnificently. The day the Hawks had captured her and taken her to their disgusting house of prostitution, she’d escaped unharmed when Derek, with his friend Juan, had attacked the Hawks in the hall. After Derek had dinner with her that night at Darlene’s home, where Kelly had been offered shelter, she had known she wanted to get to know Derek better. Even though he’d had the opportunity, Derek was so respectful of her that he had yet to make a move on her. It was time for her to let him know she was interested in taking things further. She’d tell him tonight. Tomorrow, she must find a new place to hide from her brothers and their close friends, the Wolfgang boys. She had no doubts they had accompanied her brothers. Her family’s mating traditions revolted her. The marriage vows required witnesses. It wasn’t like normal society’s wedding witnesses, who only signed the marriage certificate. In her family’s weddings, the marriage certificate wasn’t signed by the witnesses until after the mating. Just the thought of family and close friends witnessing her mating with the man she cared for made her shudder with revulsion. She didn’t even know if she could mate with someone she loved under those conditions. She wondered what having sex with Derek would be like. If he

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made love with her, she would tell her brothers she was already pledged to another and no longer a virgin. That had to be enough to satisfy her brothers and the rest of her family. She hated to disappoint her parents, but she prayed they wouldn’t require more from her. If Derek eventually loved her, she doubted that he would go along with the strange family tradition of the mating ceremony with witnesses, much less what came before the mating ceremony. Shudders shook her at the thought of that. She wouldn’t tell him about either one of the pack laws unless she needed to. First, she needed for him to make love to her. Afterwards, if her brothers and family friends insisted on a meeting, they’d be able to tell by scent that she was mated. Although the traditional mating ceremony she faced at that point was hard to even think about, she hoped she wouldn’t be forced to mate with Rafe Wolfgang. Rafe was tall, darkly handsome, and built, but arrogant, aggressive as hell, and over-the-top alpha. Would Derek stand up to them if she needed his help? His care for her would be the proof. She wouldn’t think about any of that now. Right now, her problem was getting together with Derek tonight without her brothers knowing. She had a pretty good idea they’d been spying on her for a while. **** Derek glanced at Kelly. Sitting beside him in his Honda Civic, she looked comfortable and at ease, her long, jeans-clad legs stretched out in front of her. When Derek had left Darlene Lovejoy’s house the other night, he’d noticed the gleaming eyes of several wolves who slinked between the houses. He’d driven away from the house slowly and kept track of them. All three of the wolves had disappeared into the gully to the north,

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behind the gated neighborhood. They were too large for normal wolves in this part of the southwest, and he’d had a feeling they belonged to a pack of werewolves that had just moved into Desert Edge. He had no idea if they were involved with the Hawks. Until he knew who they were and what they were up to, he intended to keep his dates with Kelly private for her safety. She’d suffered enough stress with being kidnapped by the Hawks. For their date tonight, he’d borrowed the keys to Mike’s second home, located at the top of Crazy Cat Mountain. With the sheer cliffs below the bedrooms on the south side of Mike’s house, and the guards at the gated entrances to Mike’s property and the gated community, Derek figured he and Kelly would enjoy complete privacy. She’d pulled her silky hair back in a ponytail at her nape. Her light-brown knit top outlined her lush breasts. Sneakers covered her small feet. “My partner and cousin, Mike, was happy to give us the use of his house. He’s living with his new wife in her home right now. His home is well guarded and private. No one can break in without setting off alarms. Mike’s father had them put in years ago after he had the house built. There’s a fantastic view of the city lights from the main rooms.” “It sounds great. I’m looking forward to it.” She smiled at him. “Jared Hunter, the man who lives in the house and takes care of it for Mike, is off tonight. So we’ll have the place to ourselves.” He smiled at her, and she nodded. After parking in the garage and closing the door, he unlocked the door from the garage to the entryway of the house. He motioned for her to enter. Across from the entry, on the other side of the house, floor-to-ceiling windows gave a view of the city and mountains to the west and south. “Oh, my goodness. How beautiful. What a fantastic view.” She hurried across the room to the windows. A faint glow of sunlight rimmed the horizon beyond the

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mountains. Derek couldn’t resist the picture she made outlined against the dusky evening sky. He crossed the expanse of wood flooring and stepped close behind her, cupping his hands around her waist. Her flesh was both firm and giving. She felt incredible. Her hair held a faint scent of honeysuckle. When she leaned back against him with a soft humming sound in her throat, he lowered his head and kissed the curve where her graceful neck met her shoulder. “I could eat you up,” he said softly. “I wouldn’t mind. Go ahead,” she offered. “Dinner smells delicious, if you’re hungry for food. Mike’s houseman left us a meal in the oven evidently.” “Can it wait? Or are you hungry now?” “I’m hungry for you, Kelly. I’ve been dying to taste you since the first time I saw you. But I need to know what you want, because if we start this, I don’t think I can stop with just kisses and touches.” “I want whatever you want, Derek.” She turned to face him. “Kiss me.” Her invitation was all he needed. He covered her soft lips with his and devoured her. Her moan of pleasure spurred him on. Her delicate hands curved around his upper arms. His body trembled at her touch. He deepened the kiss, explored every part of her warm mouth, and tangled his tongue with hers. She moved her lips against his as she slipped her fingers up his shoulders to his nape and stroked through his hair and against his scalp. His already hard cock stiffened even more in response. “Kelly, tell me right now how far you want to take this, or I won’t be able to stop.” “I want you, too.” Her warm breath wafted over his lips. “I want you inside me.” “In that case, dinner can wait until later. Let’s find a bedroom.” Derek took Kelly’s hand in his and headed for the hallway to the bedrooms. Aware she hurried to keep up with his long strides, he

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passed the master bedroom and headed for the next bedroom. Every bedroom in this house was large and comfortable, with an adjoining private bath. Everything they could possibly want or need was provided for. Derek had stayed overnight in Mike’s house many times, although not with a date before tonight. And it looked like tonight promised to be everything he’d imagined. He opened the bedroom door and motioned for Kelly to enter. “Oh, wow, this is amazing. What a beautiful room. Are you sure it’s all right for us to be in here?” “Mike told me to make myself at home. So we can stay all night if you want.” He wrapped her in his arms and looked into her eyes for her acceptance. She smiled at him, her beautiful blue eyes warm and welcoming. She tilted her face up and he covered her lush lips with his. Slowly, he savored her. He needed to slow down. He wanted to make this as good for her as he could. She rubbed her soft pussy against his cock. He hadn’t expected her to be a virgin, but hell, she was fucking eager. “I want to see all of you,” he said as he slipped his hands beneath her knit top. Her skin was smooth as silk, and he skimmed his palms upward over her ribs and cupped her lush breasts. She pulled at the sides of her top and lifted it upward and off over her head. After unhooking her bra, she pulled each side back. Her breasts nestled into his warm hands. “Touch me, Derek.”

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Chapter Two Kelly wanted his mouth on her nipples. As he brushed his thumbs across her swollen tits, aching heat streaked to her pussy. “Please, Derek, I need you.” She watched him as he slowly lowered his head. He took one nipple into his mouth and sucked it deep into his wet warmth. She gasped as another bolt of aching heat struck her nether lips, making them pulse with need. Her knees gave, and she grasped his shoulders. “I’m falling, Derek.” He released her nipple, and with one hand pulled the bedspread off the bed to the floor. He swept her into his arms and lowered her to sit on the end of the high mattress covered by a white satin sheet. She’d need a footstool to get off the bed by herself. “Scoot back, hon,” he said, and slipped off her sneakers and socks. Next he unzipped her jeans. The touch of his hand inside her waistband took her breath. He pulled her jeans and panties off together. For all practical purposes, she was completely naked beneath his hungry stare, his topaz-colored eyes hot with hunger. He slid her bra straps off her shoulders and she shrugged out of them. “God, you’re beautiful.” He smiled at her. “I want to see you. Fair’s fair,” she said, her voice barely a whisper. She’d never had a man tell her she was beautiful before. She smiled at him. “Hurry.” Her pussy was already dripping wet, and she wanted him sliding deep inside her. She couldn’t take her eyes off him as he first shrugged out of his blue knit shirt, removed his sneakers and socks, and finally shucked

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his jeans and boxers. “You’re beautiful.” She wanted to slide her fingers over that broad expanse of chest sprinkled with dark hair. She was surprised it was so much darker than his short, sandy-colored mane. The line of soft fur tapered down between his washboard abs and lower until it disappeared behind his engorged cock in a thatch of dark, curly hair. His hard cock rose above his impressive balls. She started to reach to cup him but stopped and searched his gaze. His eyes seemed to burn with his intent to take her. “Scoot back, hon.” With her pussy heating from his words, she pushed against the sheets and managed to move a few inches farther toward the head of the bed. “That’s far enough. Stop. I want to taste you.” His order came as another purposeful growl, and he bent toward her. Oh, God. She wanted his mouth on every bit of her aching, swollen pussy. “Bend your knees, hon, and raise your feet onto the bed.” She hadn’t even realized her legs dangled off the end of the bed, she’d been so enthralled by the vision of him naked and more than ready to give her the pleasure she wanted from him. “Like this?” She could just barely keep her feet planted on the end of the bed. “That’s perfect,” he said as he gently grasped her ankles and moved her feet further apart. She knew he could see every bit of her damp private parts as he knelt on the floor and slid his hands beneath her hips. She held her breath as he lifted her hips and lowered his head. “You’re so pink and wet.” He nuzzled her curls and lapped at her labia with his warm tongue. Sensations gripped her pussy as he licked and nibbled her sensitive clit. A whimper escaped her. It was pure torture being stimulated by his mouth and tongue and teeth. “Derek!” she cried as

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her orgasm built, her body tensing, her back curving. “You’re lovely, honey, all wet and dripping with your juices,” he said, his voice smooth like dark velvet. “I want to eat your sweet pussy.” She moaned, helpless against his sensual assault. She could do nothing but feel every hot caress of his tormenting tongue. When his tongue speared inside her opening, she climaxed, her hips bucking. Even in the throes of her orgasm, she could feel his big hands gripping her thighs as he continued to tantalize her with his wicked tongue and teeth. “My God, Derek!” Pulses gradually lessened in strength until she was totally spent. She couldn’t move if she’d wanted to. She was his to do with as he wanted. He lifted her further toward the head of the bed until he climbed on the bed between her legs. “Spread your legs for me, sweetheart.” She did as he asked while he parted her thighs with his strong, warm hands. He rose above her, placing each hand on either side of her arms. “Wrap your legs around me,” he rasped. He positioned the smooth head of his cock at the opening of her channel and pushed inside her, stretching her. It had been a long time since she’d had sex. It had never been this good. But she was tight, and he was engorged and hard. She tilted her hips to ease his way. When he pushed in further, she took more of him and wrapped her legs around him. As he moved deeper, she wound her arms around his broad shoulders. He pulled out and slid deep again. A moan escaped her at the pure ecstasy of the fullness of his cock deep inside her vagina. “Derek, I need you.” He slipped a hand between their bodies and found her clit, circling the sensitive nub while he pushed inside her once again. Another climax rocked her. She bucked, taking him ever deeper. Closing her teeth on the muscled ridge of his shoulder, she tasted his damp skin.

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She licked him and closed her mouth over his salty flesh as she moved her hips beneath him, savoring the feel of his cock against sensitive places deep inside her. Her fingertips pressed into his damp, muscular back as her climax pulsed over and over. Suddenly, a moan more like a deep feral growl rose from his chest. She watched him as his head rose, his neck bowed back. His cum shot from his surging cock into her pussy, the warm fluid teasing her womb. Pumping over and over, the movement of his hard cock pleasured her even more. He lowered his head to rest in the curve of her shoulder. His warm, soft kisses caressed her damp flesh there. She wrapped him in her embrace with her legs around him tightly. “That was amazing,” she whispered. He pushed up from her, supporting his damp upper body with his forearms. He met her gaze and smiled. “You’re amazing. I wish we could stay like this all night.” He pressed gentle kisses over her face. He moved to his side and his cock slipped from her channel. She was dripping with her juices and his…cum. Oh God. She’d been so hot for him, she hadn’t checked to make sure he had protection. “Derek.” She eased out of his arms. “I need to slip into the bathroom.” She rolled to the side of the bed and slid off, hoping she didn’t leave a trail of moisture on the satin sheets. She hurried to the bathroom, found the light switch, and flipped it on. As she cleaned herself with a soft washcloth and dried with a towel, she prayed she was far along in the wrong time of the month to get pregnant. Not that she would mind being Derek’s mate and having his child…but she had no idea if he wanted her to be his mate. Why, oh why, hadn’t she told him her situation before she let him fuck her senseless? Because she hadn’t used one bit of sense yet where Derek was concerned. He was the bravest, most considerate, sexy guy she’d ever met. There was no help for it. She had to tell him about her situation. A soft knock on the bathroom door interrupted her worries. She opened the door.

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Derek stood there in all his glorious nakedness. “Are you all right?” “Yeah. I…we forgot to use protection.” “Yeah, I just realized that. I’m sorry. I didn’t forget on purpose. I forgot everything when—” “I know. Me too. I think it’s the wrong time of the month for me to get pregnant, though. So I don’t think we need to worry too much. I need to talk to you. I care for you more than any man I’ve ever known before.” “I care for you, too,” he said. “More than I’ve cared for any woman since my girlfriend broke up with me in college. I never thought I’d fall for anyone again like I’ve fallen for you. So if you do become pregnant, know that I’ll take care of you and the baby.” “Thanks. But like I said, I think we’re safe this time.” She smiled at him. “But from now on, let’s use protection, just to be sure.” “Absolutely,” he said, nodding in agreement. He opened a drawer next to the white marble sink. Lifting a box from the drawer, he said, “We have lots of protection right here.” She smiled at him. “I’m starving.” “Let’s dig into that dinner Mike’s houseman left for us. Do you want to take time to dress or grab a bathrobe?” “A bathrobe is fine with me,” she said. He took one from a hook on the wall near the shower and held it for her. She shrugged into it, and he brushed her hair aside and pressed his firm lips along the nape of her neck. Tingles shivered through her. She was helpless against his kisses. He slipped into a bathrobe and took hold of her hand. “Let’s eat.” She’d tell him about her brothers later. No sense in ruining their dinner. The meal was delicious. They enjoyed tender beef brisket and slices of homemade bread covered in butter. Cherry pie with whipped cream waited for later. After they put their dishes in the dishwasher, Derek drew her to

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join him on a big sofa near the floor-to-ceiling windows, where they could enjoy the stars. Now was a good time to tell Derek about her situation with her brothers. “Remember I said I needed to talk to you earlier?” He nodded. “What’s on your mind?” “I need to let you know that I’ve been running and hiding from my family for a couple of years. They’ve finally found me.” “Shit. What did they do to you?” “Nothing, yet.” How much should she reveal to him? She didn’t know, but she had to let him know part of it. “My brothers have arrived in town. They’ll want to take me home. My family has arranged a marriage for me to a family friend, but I don’t want to marry him.”

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Chapter Three “What the fuck?” Derek lurched from the sofa beside Kelly. “What the hell is this all about? We just had mind-blowing sex, and now you say you’re pledged in marriage to someone.” “It’s not like it sounds. I can explain.” He paced the floor in front of the couch. “Good, because I damn well want an explanation.” Here he’d taken a chance on letting his feelings get involved again, and it was already backfiring. Hell and damnation. “My family is a werewolf pack.” Derek stopped in his tracks and turned to search her face for the truth of her words. “Yes, I’m also a werewolf,” she said softly. “I watched you fight off the Hawks while I hid inside the Rescue Mission that night. You took my breath.” Derek ran his fingers through his hair, and a grunt of amazement escaped him. “Interesting. But that shouldn’t be a problem for us.” “No, it shouldn’t.” She shook her head slowly. “So, what’s the problem? Tell me.” He sat beside her on the couch and took her hands in his. She was a werewolf. Good God. “The problem is my family holds to old family traditions and pack laws.” “And?” “Our family, the Wolford pack, has been marrying members of the Wolfgang pack for generations. In my generation it’s no different. I’m the oldest daughter, and my family pledged me in marriage to the oldest son of the Wolfgangs. My family refuses to break with

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tradition. But I’m a modern woman with a mind of my own. I refuse to marry someone I don’t love, and I shouldn’t have to in this day and age. I want to marry the man that I’ll love someday. And now my brothers have found me, and I know they’ll insist on taking me home to be mated and wed.” “Kelly, you don’t have to go with them if you don’t want to. You don’t have to mate and marry someone you don’t love. I can help you.” “I don’t know how to avoid it unless I sneak away and go on the run again.” “You won’t have to. We’ll work this out. You can stay here in Mike’s guarded home while we figure this out.” “Are you sure that’s all right with Mike?” “I’m positive. I’ll let him know you’re going to be staying here. I‘ll stay here with you if you want me to.” “Yes. I want you to.” “Good. That’s what we’ll do.” He had to know if she’d had sex with this Wolfgang guy. Just the possibility made him want to rip the guy to pieces. “How close are you to this guy they want you to marry?” “I know him because we’re close in age and our families’ properties are side by side in central Texas. But I’ve never had sex with him. He doesn’t appeal to me at all. He’s the alpha of his siblings, and he’s aggressive and arrogant. I’ve never liked him much.” It didn’t sound like Derek had any competition from the guy. The problem must be with her family insisting she marry their family friends’ son. “Doesn’t your family know that it’s against the state law for cousins to marry?” “They keep pretty much to themselves. And as it turns out, Rafe and I are third cousins. There’s been fewer children born to first cousins over the years. The families take that into consideration when arranging marriages. They’ve been close friends for so many

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generations. The cattle-ranching business is a partnership between them. I don’t care anything about cattle ranching. I want to live in the city where things are happening. I want to live my own life.” “You will. I’ll see that you do. We’ll work something out with your family, but meanwhile you can stay here where you’ll be safe.” “I hope they’ll leave me in peace.” “Bet on it, sweetheart. Why don’t we get out of here and take a walk. You’re safe in this neighborhood.” “Sounds great. I’d better change into some clothes, though.” “We wouldn’t need any clothes if we shifted.” He raised his eyebrows in question. She stared at him and then smiled. “That would be nice. I haven’t shifted in ages. What if someone sees us, though?” “No one will notice. The people in this neighborhood drive into their garages at night and don’t come out until they drive back out the following morning. We can leave our robes over the chairs on the back patio.” “Lead the way. I’m ready.” She jumped up from the sofa. He stood and took her hand. “The door’s over here.” He led the way to the oversized doors between the great room and the kitchen. The doors opened onto the patio and backyard. He crossed the length of the patio into the shadows. “Leave your robe here.” After tossing his across the back of a lounge chair, he helped her out of her robe and draped it over the back of the chair as he indicated the gate in the rock wall. “There’s a path we can follow along the top of the foothill.” He took her hand and escorted her through the gate, which he opened and closed behind them. “When will we shift?” Her voice sounded eager. “Right now if you want. No one can see us behind this wall. “I’m ready. You go first.” He chuckled and grinned at her. “Ladies first. I insist.” He needed a strong emotional reaction in order to shift and figured the sight of

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her shifting would be just the thing. “Okay. The moonlight is beautiful on the desert. It makes me want to run.” She took off along the path heading north, away from the neighborhood. Derek watched, enthralled as the moon revealed her shapeshifting. She quickly morphed to a were form the actual shape of a wolf, her hair pale silver. She stopped running, her beautiful wolf shape and shining fur revealed to him as she turned. A smile on her wolf face, darker fur outlined her pale-blue eyes that gleamed in the moonlight. She was a sight to fire any wolf’s blood. Charges of electricity swept the length of Derek as he began to morph. Although his were shape was more human than wolf, he remained upright on two legs. His nails turned to claws, and his canine teeth elongated. A deep growl of desire escaped him as he took off at a run, following Kelly’s arousing form. She gave a little yelp of excitement and ran along the path in front of them, her white-haired plume of a tail wagging happily like a flag. Derek followed her, holding in his almost overpowering feral need to mate with her again. This was for Kelly’s freedom and pleasure in a nighttime run. She set the pace, and warmth filled Derek as he witnessed her joy. They soon turned onto a path that led higher to the steeper slopes of the mountain. Concerned they could run into one or more of the Mexican gray wolves in the area, Derek called to her to wait for him. “It’s best we stop here. I don’t want to meet up with the wildlife that lives in the mountains, wolves being part of the community.” “You mean real wolves, not werewolves?” “Yeah. Real Wolves.” He heard the foot pads of large animals approaching behind them at a swift pace. “Hell. What the fuck?” He remained in his wolf form in case danger threatened. “Oh, hell, it’s my brothers, and Rafe and his brothers. They must

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have been searching for me.” “Damnation,” Derek swore. “Do you want me to chase them off?” “No,” she said. “I’ll talk to my brother and tell him to leave me alone.” The wolf pack circled them. Derek watched, wary in case they tried to separate Kelly from him and drive her away in their custody. “What do you want, Beau?” Her brother walked up to her. “I need to talk to you in private.” He stared with obvious anger at Derek. “I’ll talk to only you.” She glared at Beau. The plume of her tail swished with angry flicks. Beau stalked up the path about ten feet away from Derek. “Kelly, you don’t have to,” Derek said softly to her. “I’ll be fine,” she said. “Wait here. This won’t take long.” With that, she walked slowly up the path and joined her brother. Derek’s sensitive wolf hearing picked up their conversation as the pack stood waiting, their eyes on Derek. He returned his attention to Kelly and her brother. “Quit growling, Beau,” she warned. His lips drew back in his wolf snarl. “I can scent that you’ve mated. You’ve broken family pack traditions. Everyone in our family feels they can no longer trust you. You now face a testing ceremony, first, to discover who you’ve mated with, and second, to decide whether your betrothed, Rafe Wolfgang, or your recent mate will win the testing ceremony. Care to tell me who you’ve recently mated with?” “That’s none of your business,” she snapped. “No need. I have a damned good idea who it is.” Beau looked straight at Derek. “I won’t submit to the testing ceremony.” Her tail flicked sharply. Beau gave a low growl. “You must prove your trustworthiness to your family by your submission to the testing, or else you face being thrown out of the pack.”

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Derek’s temper boiled at her brother’s threat. They had no right to treat her so badly. Kelly shook her head and her growl turned to a sharp bark of anger. She howled softly, once. Derek tensed, ready to leap at the first wolf who tried to touch her. “Kelly.” One of Rafe’s brothers barked near Derek. “How can you waste yourself on this joker? He isn’t even a proper werewolf. He looks more human than wolf when he shifts.” “Ty, he’s werewolf enough for me. Derek Wolfson has saved my life twice.” “Enough!” Beau ordered. She kept her eyes on the wolves surrounding Derek. “I’m an independent woman now.” She turned to face Beau. “I’ll let you know when I’m damned well ready to tell you, whether I’ll agree to the testing ceremony, or leave the family pack.” She bounded down the path, away from Beau, and rejoined Derek at his side. “Let’s go,” Derek said. He turned away from her pack, and she moved with him, right at his side. “You go ahead of me,” he said softly. She trotted along the path ahead of him, and he followed. He glanced back a couple of times to make sure Beau and the pack had not followed. When they reached the gate into Mike’s backyard, Derek called to her to wait. “Lets’ change before we enter the backyard.” “Good idea.” She morphed to her human form. Derek quickly took on his human shape. He opened the gate and she passed through, waiting for him while he locked the gate behind them. Now, how about some of that cherry pie and whipped cream?” “Sounds delish.” She smiled at him. He helped her into her robe, slipped on his own, and held out his hand to her. She put her hand in his and they headed for the kitchen and dessert.

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After they gathered eating utensils, napkins, and plates piled with cherry pie and whipped cream, they returned to the sofa. Derek turned the lights down low. “I’ll be right back.” He hurried to the bedroom and found the box of condoms in the bathroom. After stuffing a handful in the pocket of his robe, he hustled back to Kelly’s side. She’d already eaten a third of her pie and whipped cream. He smiled at that. With the sofa facing the story-and-a-half-high windows, they could stargaze while they ate their pie, and later while he sank his hard cock deep inside her hot pussy. Her soft sigh told him she was relaxing. The need to protect her blazed inside him. No one was going to force her to do anything she didn’t want to. He scooped up a little whipped cream on his index finger and dabbed it on her lush, firm lips. She gasped and looked at him in surprise right before she laughed. “Kiss me,” he said, smiling. She swiped some of the whipped cream up with her tongue. “Yum, that’s good even without the cherries.” He pulled her close with his free arm around her, lowered his head, and savored the last of the whipped cream left on her lips. “You missed some.” Releasing her, he finished his cherry pie but left some whipped cream on the side. She’d finished her pie as well. He took her plate and set both plates on the coffee table. He knew she was still upset and wanted to help her by losing herself in making love. “Want to experiment and see how far we can spread the last of the whipped cream?” He raised his eyebrows at her. She chuckled. “Sounds intriguing.” He offered her the plate of whipped cream. She dipped her finger in it and slowly spread it over his mouth. When she leaned up to lick it off, he kissed her. “Now you’ve done it,” she protested, laughing. “We’ll have to clean each other up.”

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“I guess we will.” He smiled at her. She chuckled and drew close again. As they licked at the cream on each other’s faces, she didn’t seem to notice when he loosened her bathrobe tie. When she drew away, he gathered another fingerful of cream. “I wonder how this would taste on your pretty pink tits?” While she waited, speechless, he parted the edges of her robe and placed the dollop of whipped cream on one turgid nipple. “Would you like me to clean that up?” “Yes,” she said, sounding breathless. “I think I would.” He leaned down and rubbed his lips over her whipped-creamcovered tit. He licked up the cream that smeared over her breast. He heard her gasp as he licked her nipple and drew it into his mouth. “Derek! That feels wonderful.” She arched her back. He gave equal attention to her other breast and trailed his tongue down her torso. “I think this little nubbin needs some whipped cream.” “Derek!” “Stretch out on the cushions, hon, so I can do this right.” He knelt on the floor as she lowered her head to the pillow at the end of the sofa, and he lifted her legs onto the cushions. Before Kelly could blink, he’d taken more whipped cream and spread it between her labia so the cool cream covered her sensitive clit. He lowered his head, and she tensed, waiting for his touch. He didn’t disappoint her but lapped at her clit and folds. She’d never experienced anything so titillating and decadent before. “I think we need a little more whipped cream farther down. But it’s a little hard to reach, hon. Spread your thighs and open for me, babe.” Oh, God. She was already aching and swollen from his touches. Her fluids already pooled at her opening. “Just a little more, sweet.” She couldn’t spread her legs any wider without bending her knees.

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Anxious for his touch, she raised her knees and spread her thighs wide. He caressed her opening with a finger covered in whipped cream. “Perfect,” he growled softly. She watched him as he lowered his head. At the first lick of his tongue across her sensitive opening, her body jerked, her hips rising off the cushion. “Oh, God. Derek.” He growled softly again as he cupped her hips in his big, warm hands and lapped at her. “There’s a little more right here.” He speared his tongue inside her pussy. “Oh!” she cried. “Derek, I need you.” She held her arms out to wrap around him while he stood and removed his robe. “Just a minute, hon. Let me get a condom.” He unwrapped one that he took from the pocket of his robe and quickly rolled it on his stiffened cock. She positioned her legs to give him room between her thighs. He lowered his body down carefully, settled his cock at her opening, and sank slowly inside her pussy. “Oh, that feels good.” She undulated her hips, taking him deeper. “You feel incredible,” he rasped, his voice barely a whisper. She knew he was as affected by their joining as she was. As he slid in and out, over and over, she gripped his butt cheeks hard in both hands and ground her pussy against him. He reached between their bellies and circled her clit, around and around, as they gazed into the heated depths of each other’s eyes. Then he lowered his head and closed his teeth over her nipple, gently squeezing. “Derek!” she cried out as her climax slammed through her. “Sweet Jesus,” he groaned just as his climax arched his body, his cock pumping, until he collapsed on top of her. Their contractions ebbed. Kelly relished his weight and continued to hold him, her arms and legs cocooning him.

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“God, I wish we could stay like this all night,” he groaned. “Me too,” she agreed. “Are you all right?” “Yes.” “I’m too heavy for you.” “No. You feel good.” After a little bit, he rose and untangled their bodies. He stood. “I’ll be right back.” He headed for the bathroom and Kelly stayed stretched out on the sofa. Feeling completely lethargic and content, she gazed at the stars and wondered where her relationship with Derek would take her. Was there a permanent place for her in his life? What would he do if this led to a pack-law test of their relationship? She didn’t want to think about that now. Tonight, and for as long as possible, she only wanted to enjoy being with Derek. He returned with a wet washcloth. “I thought you might want to wipe away any residue of the whipped cream.” She was still reclining on the sofa, her bathrobe open. “Good idea,” she said, and held up a hand for the cloth. “Let me. I can do it for you.” “Okay.” She’d never had a man wash her before. He stroked the soft cloth over her breasts. Her nipples pebbled again, her breasts turning pink from being rubbed. He moved down her body. “Spread your legs for me.” She did, and he wiped every surface carefully and gently. She was squirming beneath his touch again before he finished. “Derek,” she panted. “Maybe we ought to take this to the shower. What do you think? I’ll wash your back if you’ll wash mine.” He smiled at her. “Sounds great. Lead the way.” He helped her to her feet and brushed a kiss across her lips before taking her hand and heading for the bedroom and into the bathroom.

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After he turned on the shower, he helped her out of her robe and hung it on a hook. He placed his robe next to hers. There was a stack of clean white towels in the large basket outside the shower. The small basket on the white marble counter held clean white washcloths and packages of soap bars with a delicate fragrance of citrus. She’d have to check out some of the perfume in the silver tray on the other side of the counter. The tray held beautiful bottles of perfumes and colognes for both men and women. At the opposite end of the room stood an antique chest of drawers. A hand mirror rested in the center on top with a matching hairbrush and comb. That could be useful in the morning. A small mirror with an ornate frame stood next to the grooming set. Someone took good care of this house and saw that the guests would have everything they needed. She wouldn’t mind trying out the whirlpool tub next to the chest of drawers. The glass tiles that filled the window above it would give her privacy. Derek stepped into the shower before she did. “The water’s just right. Come on in.” He grinned at her. She stepped into the shower with him. The spray of water felt like a massage. “That feels wonderful.” He took hold of her shoulders and turned her to face away from him. She waited, listening to him lather his hands with the soap. His hands swept over her shoulders and glided down to the small of her back. “How’s that feel?” “Fabulous,” she sighed. His hands cupped her butt cheeks, his fingers sliding deep to her thighs and skimming up her crack. She shivered at the sensation. “You like that?” he rasped. “Yes.” He lathered his hands again and stepped closer to her until she could feel his hard cock press against the small of her back. His hands swept around her waist and up her ribs. He cupped and

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kneaded her breasts and tweaked her nipples. A sharp moan escaped her as aching heat swelled her labia. She rested her head against his chest. He continued to caress her and smoothed his hands slowly down her midriff, circled her belly button and dipped inside, and stroked over her mound to her pussy. She reached up with one hand to curl her fingers around the back of his neck for balance. His other arm wrapped around her waist and steadied her. “You all right, babe?” “Yes. Don’t stop.” His questing fingers delved deep through her swollen labia to her clit. He stroked, making her utter another moan of tense pleasure. He caressed her opening and pushed one finger inside her channel. “Derek,” she pleaded, almost there, anxious for more. “Brace your hands against the wall,” he directed. She did so, and he released her waist. “What are you doing?” She needed him inside her. “Hold on.” She heard the sound of a plastic top opening on a tube of something. “What’s that?” She couldn’t imagine what he was planning. “Lubricant. Almost ready. Stay right like you are.” His long fingers parted her butt cheeks and he wiped a cool liquid over her asshole. “Derek!” It was a shockingly surprising sensation. His finger circled over and over. “What are you going to do?” She’d never had anal sex before, or experienced the kind of sensation his fingers created. She braced for whatever he intended to do, trusting him not to hurt her. “Did you like that?” His voice was a soft rasp. “Yes,” she said. His fingers slid further along her slit, and it felt like two fingers pushed inside her pussy. He swirled his fingers, going deeper. “Oh, God. Derek.” She held her breath, completely in his control, desperate for him to give her the climax she craved.

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“Hon, I think we better dry off and get in bed.” “Why?” She was so close. “I want to take this to that comfortable bed.” He wiped a washcloth between her butt cheeks before she could move. He turned off the water and grabbed fresh bathrobes. Kelly’s whole body seemed to hum with heightened sensitivity. Her breasts and pussy were swollen, her nipples firm. He helped her into a fresh bathrobe. She pulled it around her, snuggling in the velvety feel of the terry cloth. He swept her into his arms. “Derek!” “I want to be inside you, hon.” He lowered her to the satin sheets on the bed. Parting her bathrobe, he helped her shrug out of it. He dropped his robe on the floor beside hers. She was damp and wet in places where the robe hadn’t touched. He eased onto the bed and knelt with his knees on either side of hers. Leaning down, he lapped the moisture in the valley between her breasts. She wanted him sliding in and out of her. He was making her wait. She reached to stroke his hard cock, trailing her fingers from the base to the head. His swift intake of breath told her she’d given him intense pleasure. She reached for his sac and he grabbed her wrist. “I’m not going to last if you do that, babe. I want to pleasure you.” She watched him as he moved lower. He slipped one leg between hers. “Spread your legs, hon.” She did as he asked and he moved his other leg to join the first one. His hips nestled within her thighs. As he lapped at the moisture in the creases where her thighs met her pussy, she followed his actions. Every tickling sensation intensified her need. He parted her folds and licked her clit, tormenting the nub with the tip of his warm tongue. Her thigh muscles clenched. She inhaled deeply and tilted her hips, undulating beneath his mouth. She wanted to spread her legs to open herself more completely to him. He rubbed a long finger across

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her dripping opening, spreading her fluids lower to her little hole. Once again he pleasured her there. “Derek….” “ Does that feel good?” “Yes,” she whispered, desperate. He smoothed his fingers along her crack and returned to her anus. “Raise your knees.” Eager for more intense pleasure, she raised her knees and moaned as he continued to circle and press against her tight hole. “Spread your legs more, hon.” She did as he asked, and he lowered his head and speared his tongue into her pussy. “Oh, God. Please, Derek, I can’t take much more.” But he didn’t stop. He didn’t release her. His tongue moved in and out of her opening, pushing her higher while his fingers never stopped caressing her. Her pussy was swollen and aching from his taunting tongue and fingers. “Derek, I’m going to come!” He drew away from her and grabbed a condom from the night table. Rolling it on, he lowered himself between her legs, positioned the head of his hard cock at her slick opening, and pushed slowly inside her. She tilted her hips to take more of him, spreading her thighs wider until his balls rubbed snug against her bottom. She wrapped her arms around him, and her fingers pressed into his muscles. He pulled out of her pussy and plunged back in all the way. Closing his mouth over her breast, he gently squeezed the nipple. “Derek!” She bucked and her back bowed. Her body shivered as her climax rocked her. Her pussy milked his surging cock. Her sensitized little hole added to her orgasm, her flesh aching and swollen with pleasure from his stroking. Slowly, the contractions eased. “Oh, my. I’ve never felt anything like that before.” He raised his head from her breast. “Was it good for you, babe?” “It was way more than good. That was amazing.” “It can be better than what you felt this time. I can give you even

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more pleasure if you want.” “How could it be better than that?” “It can be more intense with anal sex. But only if you’re willing. I won’t do anything that makes you uncomfortable. Think about it. For now, we need to sleep.” He trailed his fingers up and down her arm. “Will you give me a ride back to Darlene’s in the morning? I need to explain to her about why I’m leaving her home.” “Sure. Sounds like a good idea. I need to check in with Juan and see what needs to be done about the Hawks still on the loose. Afterwards, I’ll come pick you up. I don’t want your brothers to follow you. It won’t help you if they find you here in Mike’s house.” He gathered her in his arms and she rested her head on his chest.

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Chapter Four “Are you sure you’ll be safe with Derek?” Darlene frowned at Kelly. “Thank you for being concerned.” Kelly smiled at Darlene. “I’m confident I’ll be safe with him. I just need to avoid my brothers at all cost. I don’t want them to drag me home.” Kelly heard the doorbell ring. “I’ll be back in a minute. Stay right here. I want to know more about your brothers and their friends, and why you don’t want to go home.” Darlene gave her a look. Darlene left the bedroom where Kelly had gone to gather her few pieces of clothing. She’d need to return the change of clothing to Darlene eventually when she had the money to buy new clothes. The sound of Darlene’s irate voice came to her from the front door. What was going on? She’d better see if Darlene needed help. As she neared the front entrance, she heard the voice of her oldest brother, Beau, joined by the sound of a voice she’d hoped never to hear again. Rafe Wolfgang. “We’re looking for Kelly Wolford,” her brother said. She couldn’t join Darlene to back her up. They must not know yet that she and Darlene were visiting today. She had to keep them from finding out so they wouldn’t have a chance to follow her and Derek to Mike’s house. “I don’t know who you are or why you’re asking, but no one by the name of Kelly Wolford has ever been here, and if she had it would be none of your business.” Darlene’s voice rose in anger. “Goodbye.” Kelly hoped the guys would leave before Derek arrived to pick

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her up. The good thing was that Darlene would now have a good idea why Kelly was avoiding her brothers and family friends. She hoped Darlene didn’t provoke their tempers. It sounded like her brothers definitely expected to find her at Darlene’s, and they were really aggravated, especially Rafe, that Darlene put them off. “We know she’s been here,” Rafe said. “We’ve seen her here before.” He sounded furious. “You have no business talking to anyone in that tone of voice,” Darlene said, her tone sharp. “Now leave, all of you, or I’ll call the police.” Kelly heard the loud engine of a car race up the street. Tires screeched as it suddenly slowed in front of Darlene’s home. “Come on, Rafe,” her brother said. “And if I see any of you around this area again, I’ll call the police,” Darlene warned. The door closed with a bang. The sound of the sedan racing up to the end of the street reminded Kelly of the murderous Hawks’ gang. She’d hoped they’d disappeared. She waited for her friend in the bedroom. Darlene joined her there. “I can’t believe the nerve of those guys. They wouldn’t take no for an answer, especially that guy they called Rafe. But I finally convinced them they wouldn’t get anywhere with me. I’m assuming the guy doing the most talking when I opened the door was one of your brothers.” “Yeah, he’s my oldest brother.” “The one they called Rafe acted like his word was law. He acted like an over-the-top alpha male. Just the kind of man I can’t abide.” “Yeah, that would be my brother’s friend.” “I don’t blame you in the least for not wanting to go home, or anywhere, with those overbearing guys. So, is your last name Wolford?” “Yes. I’m Kelly Wolford. I used the name Smith to hide from

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them.” “What on earth happened to you that sent you running from your family?” “Nothing, so far.” When Darlene raised her eyebrows in question, Kelly explained. “My family is determined that I marry Rafe, and I don’t want to. I’m not in love with him. I want to marry someone I love and care for deeply.” “Why would your family be so determined? Is it about money?” “Sort of. Rafe’s family’s ranch and my family’s ranch are next door in central Texas. Our families have been close for generations.” Kelly wasn’t sure how much she should tell Darlene about her situation. “Well, you can always count on my support on that issue. My parents wanted me to marry a man who was their choice of rich businessmen.” “Did you marry him?” “No. I was not in love with him. I have a trust fund that affords me to live on my own. I don’t plan to marry until I find a man who loves me as much as I love him.” Kelly smiled and nodded in agreement. “Life is complicated enough,” Darlene continued, “when you don’t have a man beside you who loves and respects you. How much harder it would be with a man who didn’t care about anything but money. Or only cared about what he wanted.” “That’s what I tried to get my parents to understand. But they’re stuck in their old ways. When they wouldn’t listen to me, I left home. That was two years ago. Now my brothers have found me. I’m going to hide out at Derek’s friend’s house until my brothers and Rafe and his brothers give up looking for me. Derek assured me it was fine with his friend. I can’t stay here with you since my brothers suspect I’ve been here.” Kelly hugged her new friend. “Thanks for everything, Darlene. You’re the best.” “You know you’re always welcome here.”

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The doorbell rang. Darlene hurried to the door. “If that’s your brother and his friends again—” Kelly followed. “It may be Derek.” Darlene looked through the glass on either side of the door. “Looks like Derek,” she said brightly. “Come in.” Darlene held the door open for him. “My brothers were just here asking Darlene about me.” “Hell,” Derek swore. “They don’t like taking no for an answer,” Darlene explained. “And their friend, Rafe, is an asshole.” Derek took this in and looked at Kelly. She nodded in agreement with Darlene. “How will we keep them from following us to Mike’s house?” “We’ll lose them somewhere along the way. I know this town and the streets better than they do. Did you notice what kind of car they were driving?” Kelly looked at Darlene and shook her head. “That’s all right,” Derek said. “I’ll know if we’re being followed. Are you ready to head out?” “Yes,” Kelly said. “I’ll go grab my stuff.” After gathering her bundle and hugging Darlene goodbye, she hurried to Derek’s car in the driveway. He opened the door and went around and got in the driver’s side. “Buckle up, hon. This could turn into a wild ride.” She glanced at his serious face and grabbed for her seat belt, snapping it securely. As soon as Derek drove out of Darlene’s neighborhood, a big black extended-cab pickup truck pulled into the lane behind him. “Don’t look, but I think your brothers are right behind us. Do they drive a black pickup?” “Yes, sometimes. It’s the model with the extended cab.” “That’s probably it. I’ll head down the hill and try to lose them.”

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Derek headed for the main street and higher speed limits. He managed to stay well ahead of Kelly’s brothers, but he couldn’t lose them. He turned off toward Crazy Cat Mountain and got a break when oncoming traffic held up the pickup. Leaving the main road behind, he cut through the narrower neighborhood streets. “Hold on.” He turned back and forth through shorter blocks of homes and made it harder for the brothers to find them. “I think we’ve lost them. Just to be sure, I’m heading down the road to the arroyo. We can hide out in the high brush on one of the turnouts off that narrow road. It’s near the Desert Edge Tennis Club, but the people there won’t care much what we’re doing if they see us. From there we can watch the road above that leads to Crazy Cat for any sign of their truck.” “Whatever you think is best,” Kelly agreed. “I’m sure you know how to lose them.” She smiled at him. A warm feeling filled Derek at her words. She trusted him. That would work in their favor in his efforts to protect her. He angled the Civic off the neighborhood street and down the paved road into the bottom of the shallow arroyo. The road curved back and forth sharply. Bordered by brush and mesquite bushes that crowded both sides, the narrow street hid several secluded turnouts. Derek drove past the tennis club and the parking area packed with cars belonging to members. A short way south of the property, a turnout offered a perfect hideout. He turned the car off the main road and onto the pullout. Maneuvering the car, he parked it so they could watch the street that headed toward Crazy Cat, northeast of their present position. He kept the motor running just in case they needed to get out of there in a hurry. “They won’t be able to see my car here. But we’ll be able to see their truck up there on the other road by looking through the mesquite branches.” Kelly peered through the mesquite toward the neighborhood street above. “How long will we have to stay here?”

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“Not too long. If they caught sight of us, they’ll show up soon.” “Okay.” After about ten minutes, Derek decided they’d waited long enough. “Let’s see if we can spot them waiting down that street.” He drove the Civic out of the turnout and along a side road that gave access to the south side of the arroyo. Making a U-turn at the end of the street, he stopped the car and searched the upper road on the opposite side of the arroyo as far as he could see in both directions. Checking the side streets, he saw no sign of them. “I don’t see them, do you?” “No.” She continued to search as he watched her. “I think we’re in the clear for now. Let’s head for Mike’s place.” She met his gaze and smiled. “Sounds great.” Derek drove the Civic out of the arroyo and headed for the gate to Crazy Cat. The guard nodded to them and opened the electronic gate at the bottom of the hill. “Keep an eye open for them at the gate until we’re out of sight from it.” She twisted around in her seat to watch out the back window. Derek gave a sigh of relief when they rounded the first curve on the hill that hid them from view. The guard at the gate to Mike’s property let them through. Derek parked the car in the garage and closed the garage door behind them. He heard Kelly take a deep breath and release it slowly. “I think we’re safe, hon.” “I’m so relieved. It was a little tense there for a while.” “Not tense in a good way, hmm?” She looked at him and shook her head. “No, not in a good way.” He leaned close to her and kissed her sweet, full lips. “Time for lunch?” “I’m starved. I’d love some. I’ll have whatever you’re having.” “I’m hoping Jared left something for us.” They exited the car, locked it, and headed into the house.

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“I need to put these clothes in the bedroom and afterwards I’ll join you.” “I’ll be in the kitchen,” Derek said. **** When Kelly returned to the kitchen, Derek had put sandwiches on a plate on the bar along with napkins, utensils, and plates. She didn’t know how much she could eat. She worried her brothers would catch up to her soon. Her nerves suffered from her fears. She sat down on a barstool and Derek joined her. After taking a couple of bites of sandwich she put it down. “Don’t like the sandwich?” Derek asked. “It’s fine. I just don’t feel that hungry right now after all.” “What’s bothering you?” He reached out and stroked her arm with his big, warm hand. “I feel like my family is closing in on me. I don’t know what to do. If they get hold of me, they’ll force me to marry Rafe Wolfgang. They won’t waste any time.” “I won’t let them.” “You won’t be able to stop them.” “If they should manage to kidnap you from this secured home, I won’t be far behind. I’ll rescue you.” “You won’t get to me in time. All Rafe has to do is mate me in front of family witnesses, and afterwards, my family will insist on a wedding immediately.” “In order to protect you, I need to know everything you can tell me about your family’s traditions and what could happen. That way I‘ll know how to prevent it from happening.” “The only solution I can see possibly keeping Rafe from mating me is the family testing ceremony that involves two men who claim the right to wedding a woman.” Just the thought of such a ceremony made her sick with dread.

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“Kelly, the best way I can protect you is if I know all the rules of this ceremony. What is involved? How is one of the two claimants judged the winner?” “It’s a long process, sometimes lasting for hours. If there is a man involved who is not a member of the other family, he must wait while the man who is a member is given the first chance to try to bring the woman to a climax. There’s a time limit. If he doesn’t succeed then the other man is given a chance. A point goes to the man who succeeds.” Beside her, Derek took a deep breath and released it. She couldn’t look at him. The second part of the test was even more despicable to her. She didn’t even want to think about it, but she must if Derek was going to save her from a life with Rafe. “The second part of the test gives each of the two men an opportunity to convince the woman, through more sexual stimulation, to mate with him. The awful part, besides the woman having no choice, is that the woman will be physically restrained by witnesses to the ceremony. She can’t do anything to protect herself or keep the man she doesn’t want as a husband from stimulating her to the point that she cries out for him to mate her. The man who won the point in the first round has the right to go first in the second round.” “How can a man bring her to that point of need if she’s not willing?” “I’ve heard that some men have used devious ways to take away the woman’s unwillingness.” “Hell,” Derek swore under his breath. “Kelly, I know this is really hard for you. It makes me want to tear those guys to pieces, but I need to know all of it. Tell me,” he said softly. She took a deep breath. “If the man who is not a family friend is successful in the second test, the family friend is then given a third chance to stimulate the woman to the point of climax. The man she calls to during her climax is then given the right to mate her and declared her mate for life.”

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“Don’t worry, babe. We’ll work through every part of this ceremony. We’ll figure out how to win.” “What scares me about all this is how long can I withstand different kinds of stimulation, from both you and Rafe, before I cave?” She paused to bring her emotions under control. She shook from her fear. “We’ll leave nothing to chance, hon.” “I’ll have to withstand all three attempts by Rafe.” She looked at Derek, feeling desperate and helpless. “I won’t let Rafe have you. We won’t let him win.” “You’ll have to stimulate me more than Rafe does in order for me to ignore his three attempts while I’m restrained.” Derek cupped her face in his hands. “You will have your freedom to choose your life mate.” “If I can’t withstand Rafe’s attempts, then you must make me climax three times, and I must call out your name.” “Don’t worry, hon. We’ll start working on our defense today. The sooner the better. We’ll simulate the ceremony, work through every possible way Rafe could take advantage and how you and I will protect you, and beat Rafe at this testing ceremony. I’ll give you the strongest climaxes, so you won’t feel the need to climax when Rafe takes his turn.” “All right. But I want to experience that with you and practice beforehand, so I’m sure.” “That’s exactly what we’re going to do, hon. Do you know if there is any chance that both men can have a friend to help them bring the woman to climax?” “I don’t remember hearing anything about that. I suppose it’s possible.” “I’ll give that some thought. I can ask Mike’s houseman, Jared, to help out if it’s necessary. He has a book on fantastic sex. Rafe will probably ask one of his brothers to assist him if that’s allowed. We have to be prepared for anything. Are lubricants allowed?”

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“I don’t know,” she said, frustrated with the information she didn’t have. “Do you know if suppositories or dildos are allowed?” She shook her head. “No, I don’t know.” “That’s all right. We’ll hang out here and get prepared. Jared’s book may come in handy. We can both take a look through it.” He smiled at her, and she felt hope for the first time since her brothers had located her. This situation might turn out all right with Derek’s help.

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Chapter Five Derek found Jared’s book about sex in his bookcase. “Let’s take this into the bedroom and try some of the best sex that will work for the testing.” After they undressed, they sat on the bed with pillows piled behind their backs. Derek turned to the chapter with the title “Stimulation for Intense Orgasms.” “Let’s start here.” He glanced over the first few pages. “We’ve already done some of this.” He flipped another page. “Here’s something that Rafe may try with you.” The subtitle read, “How to Bring an Unresponsive Partner to Climax.” “Let’s check this out.” Kelly glanced down the page as he ran his index finger over the first few paragraphs that discussed an unresponsive man. He stopped in the middle of the second page. “Here we go.” He held the book closer to her. She took time to read every word. “Ready to turn the page?” She nodded. Her cheeks blazed. The suggestions in this book were definitely something she’d never tried before. “Hon, this method could really heighten sexual tension and bring on an amazing climax. Let’s give it a try. Ready?” “Yes,” she said, her voice a soft whisper to her own ears. “I need to know about all of this, and how my body responds to it.” Knowledge was her only defense. Rafe’s manipulations would be calculated. “Will you be standing during every round of the testing?” Derek asked. “Yes, as far as I’ve heard, that’s the way it’s done.”

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“All right.” He looked around the room. “We need some sort of doorway for you to hold onto for support.” “How about the walk-in closet?” she suggested. “That’ll work.” He walked to the closet with her and opened the door wide. She grasped the doorway with her hands. “Are you comfortable?” he asked. “Yes.” “Whatever I do, don’t let go of the doorway. As much as possible, this needs to simulate the way you’ll be supported by two guys during the testing.” “I won’t let go.” He curved his hands around her waist, lowered his head, and drew her nipple into his mouth. He sucked hard on it while he squeezed her other nipple with his fingers. When she gasped at the aching heat that targeted her pussy, he released her nipples and moved down her body. He knelt on the carpeted floor and delved his tongue between her folds to her clit. She moaned sharply at the sweet pleasure. He continued to lick and nibble her clit, increasing her sexual need, as he slid his fingers through her folds to her already-wet opening. He dipped one finger into her slick moisture and caressed her labia before sliding his finger inside her pussy to her most sensitive place. With his finger pressed against her sweet spot, he taunted her clit with his tongue and reached his other hand to cup and pinch her nipple. She cried out and bucked against his mouth as she climaxed, her pussy pulsing around his teasing finger. “Derek!” Her orgasm continued to pulse . He didn’t release her pleasure point until her pulses faded. “Don’t move, Kelly. Keep holding on to the doorway.” She panted as she caught her breath. “Now if Rafe had gone first and caressed you like that, giving you

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a strong climax, I would have had a chance next. In the second round, it could be me going first, and then Rafe. Let’s do it again and see if a second climax following the first one hits you as hard, or, if Rafe should go next, hopefully not as hard. We don’t want you screaming Rafe’s name like you just did mine.” He grinned at her. Kelly nodded in agreement. “Whoever goes second won’t have to do anything to bring on my fluids. My pussy will already be wet.” “That could give the guy following an advantage. All right, let’s see what happens now.” Derek trailed his tongue over her breasts and suckled and tweaked as he had before. A little moan escaped her. Heated aches surged to her pussy. He smiled at her, moved down her torso, and delved his hot tongue between her labia to her swollen clit. He nibbled and licked as he slid a finger along her slit, past her dripping-wet opening to her anus. He circled the tight flesh, wetting it with her fluids. After he released her breast from his tweaking fingers, he slid one finger inside her slick opening to her sweet spot. He rubbed her there while he continued to push against her tight hole with the fingers of his other hand. That wicked mouth licked and nibbled her clit. A sharp moan escaped her as she climaxed. She didn’t buck this time. Derek left her clit and pressed kisses over her thighs and her belly. “Your climax was gentler this time, I think. What do you think, hon?” “Yes,” she said, panting. “It was softer, not as strong. It didn’t rock me like the first time.” “And yet, I did pretty much the same thing, with a little more caressing.” “It felt great.” “That’s good,” he said, “because I think, just in case it’s allowed and Rafe takes advantage of it, we need to get you used to some sort of sex with the man behind you.” She swallowed. “All right, as long as you’re the one doing it.” “Don’t worry. I won’t hurt you. I’d never hurt you, babe. We’ll

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start out slow and easy.” “Okay.” He took her hands off the doorway. “I want to do this with you leaning over with your hands supporting you on the end of the bed. We know that if Rafe approached you this way, you’d still be supported by two guys bracing your arms. It won’t be exactly like it would be in the test, but close enough. Put your hands here and here.” He showed her to spread her hands apart for support. “Let me do all the stimulation. Try to relax as much as possible.” “Sounds good to me,” she said, smiling at him. He grabbed the tube of lubricant from the bathroom drawer and lubed his hard cock. She knew it was to make it easier for her. “If we’re allowed partners, Rafe could have his partner help with lubricating you.” “I hope he doesn’t have a partner and that doesn’t happen,” she said fervently. “But do you agree that you need to be prepared?” “Yes. I definitely want to be prepared for any trick Rafe could pull.” “We’ll be ready for everything we can think of,” he said. “Spread your legs a little, hon.” He positioned himself, kneeling on the floor between her legs. “Bend down a little more, hon.” She did so, and he parted her folds and slid his tongue along her slit from her opening to her clit. She gasped at the surprising sensation in this position. He licked her thoroughly, teasing her opening and then her clit. “Derek, I need more.” He stood, touched the opening to her pussy with his lubricated cock, and slowly slid deep inside. She gave a low, guttural moan. “That’s so good.” He pulled out and pushed in again. She felt her butt cheeks parted. He slipped his lubricated fingers over her tight hole. Her hips jerked at his touch. She almost pulled away from his

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cock. “I’m sorry, but that’s a little cool.” “No problem. Sorry I surprised you.” Nervous, she chuckled. His fingers circled her anus for a while and pressed against the center as his cock slid deep inside her opening. Her whole body tightened, in spite of her trying to stay relaxed. “It’s okay, hon. I’m only sliding my cock into your pussy. I’ll go slow. Tell me if it hurts or if taking you from the back is too overwhelming. We’ll find our way slowly.” He pulled out of her. His warm, firm lips nuzzled between her butt cheeks right below the small of her back. His warm tongue licked her there. She shivered at his touch. His devilish tongue had found a most sensitive place. One of his arms went around her. He taunted the delicate flesh of her clit with the fingers of one hand as the fingers of his other hand slid slowly over her tight ring. His tormenting touches to her pussy made it easier not to concentrate on what he was doing to her ass. He delved his fingers through her folds and circled her swollen clit over and over. He pressed kisses down her back. She shivered again. “Are you all right?” he asked. “Yes,” she assured him. His fingers slipped deeper along her labia and returned to her clit. She moaned with intense pleasure. He pushed deeper inside her pussy with his hard cock. He felt thicker and harder than usual. Her stretched opening burned a little, but she didn’t care, only wanting more of his caresses. “You’re so hot and wet, babe. Tell me when it feels good.” He slid his finger along her labia again, sliding through her slick fluids. She felt the pad of his finger stroke and press hard on her nubbin. Inside her pussy, he slid his cock along her sweet spot. Tension increased. “Derek! That feels incredible.” “I’m pressing my cock against your most sensitive place to bring you more pleasure. I’m glad it feels good.” “Do you have one of these sweet spots?”

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“Yeah,” he said softly. “Do you like sex from behind?” She should make sure they did this more often. “Sure. I’m game, if you want to give me anal pleasure.” Just then he slid his cock down hard on her sweet spot. Her body tightened, and she shivered from the pleasure. Her back bowed, and her climax kicked in. “That’s it, baby. Just feel.” Following an amazingly hard orgasm, little pulses continued to tease her. “Oh my. I never imagined.” “Now that you’re more relaxed, sweetheart, I can’t hold off any longer.” With that, he plunged inside her several times, and his cum spurted from his cock. She felt it, even though he wore a condom. The pumping of his cock brought more pulses from her own flesh. “I’m going to stimulate you some more, so don’t move,” he whispered. “Okay,” she said, wondering why he wanted to stimulate her more at this point. The finger he had in her labia slid slowly out, and she felt the pressure of his fingers pushing against her tight hole. Slowly, his fingers circled. The lubricant helped, and her anus and the flesh surrounding it ached in a good way. Halfway out of her pussy, his cock thickened and stretched her opening. She pushed back against his cock, needing him deep inside her pussy. Her flesh clenched, little pulses from her orgasm teasing. He continued circling her tight hole, and her entire cunt craved his caresses. His cock delved deep again and stopped. His fingers spread her folds. He lowered his head to her shoulder and brushed kisses over her dampened flesh. “Let’s see if your climax will be more or less intense this time,” he said, his voice a soft growl. As he continued to stroke her clit, her thighs clenched, her pussy ached, and her flesh shivered around his fingers. He chuckled as he tickled her labia and tweaked her swollen clit.

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She pushed back against him again, wanting him deeper. Her orgasm pulsed, and it wasn’t as strong this time, but it was still really good. When the pulses eased, she rested, lethargic, hardly able to stand, her legs trembling. She wanted to collapse on the satin sheets. “God, Derek. That was wonderful, but not as intense as before.” “Good to know. So your second climax is not as strong as the orgasm it follows. We’ll have to make sure that I get to go first after the first round.” “Yes, definitely.” He slowly slid his fingers from her swollen flesh. “If you’re not sore from being stretched this often, later we need to try a dildo, just so you know what it’s like, in case Rafe pulls that on you.” “I think we need to do whatever you think he might try to get away with. That way I’ll be prepared.” “Okay, babe. You’re right. Stay where you are while I get a washcloth.” He returned quickly and washed her slit carefully and gently dried her. She turned and flopped onto the end of the bed, pulling him down with her before he could leave. She hugged his damp shoulders and kissed him, delving her tongue into his mouth and slowly teasing every surface. Then she smiled at him. He lifted her higher up the bed and wrapped her in his arms, curving one long, muscled leg over hers. She wouldn’t mind staying like this for a while. The phone on the night table on Derek’s side of the bed rang loud and clear. Kelly jerked in Derek’s arms. “Easy, babe. I’ll see who it is.” “Hello?” Derek queried. “Hi, Jared. What’s up? Don’t worry, we’re staying right here. In fact, we could use your help. Okay. See you in a bit.”

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Chapter Six “What did he say?” Kelly asked. “He said there’s talk that a new pack has moved into this part of town. He urged us to stay in seclusion here at Mike’s. Jared will be back in a little while. If it’s all right with you, I want to ask him for his help.” “It’s all right with me. Whatever you think is best to help us win against Rafe.” “I care for you, hon. I don’t want to take a chance on Rafe winning and your family marrying you off to him. I intend to use every advantage we have. Jared could help us with his experience. If it’s all right with you, I think we should try an abbreviated sharing with Jared. We need to be prepared in case Rafe tries a sharing episode during the testing. I don’t want you to be surprised and upset by it if he should try it on you and you’ve never experienced sharing before.” “I trust you, Derek, and I’ll go along with whatever you think we should do.” “Why don’t you enjoy a little soak in the tub while I wait for Jared?” “That would be wonderful. I’ll see you afterward.” “Sounds good.” Derek rolled off his side of the bed as Kelly slid off her side. He couldn’t resist a quick kiss before leaving. She returned his kiss, tangling her silky tongue with his. He forced himself to pull away. “Until later, hon.” She smiled at him and headed for the bathroom. Derek admired her slender form before she closed the door. He slipped on his

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clothing and left the bedroom to wait in the kitchen for Jared, since it was the guy’s favorite place to hang out. Jared arrived soon, and Derek brought up his concerns for Kelly, explaining the situation and the testing ceremony while Jared put together a great meal for the three of them. Jared glanced up at Derek, breaking his concentration from sautéing mushrooms in the frying pan on the range. “You’ve prepared well for this testing ceremony by going through the chapter on the most intense sexual stimulation. It wouldn’t hurt to be ready for a sharing episode if that jerk, Rafe, decides to try it on her. She’ll handle it better if she’s experienced something like it beforehand. If she’s not ready for it, her own tension and worry could make things worse for her. I know you want the test to go as easy for her as possible. If you need me to help, I’m willing if she is. We can make it go smoothly for her so she won’t be nervous.” Derek munched on a breadstick. “I’ll take the front and have intercourse with her. You can stand behind her and pleasure her. She’s not ready for anal sex, so that’s out of the question.” “No problem. There are plenty of ways to increase her pleasure and sexual tension without anal sex involved. It could also work well with me in front and you taking her pussy from behind. The stimulation of her pussy can be more intense from that position. The important thing is to bring her to an amazing climax and keep Rafe from claiming her in marriage. Do you plan to marry her?” Jared’s question surprised Derek. He met his questioning gaze. “I care for her more than any woman I’ve known. It’s probably too soon to think about marriage, though.” “Protect your heart, bud. Talk to her. Find out how she feels about you. If you win the testing, her family will probably expect you to marry her. How does she feel about that? Does she want to be married to you?” “I don’t know. We haven’t gotten that far,” Derek said. “What if you feel the same way about each other and you don’t

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know it?” Jared asked. “What if she cares enough about me to want to marry me, and Rafe wins? God, I couldn’t handle that. I can’t let Rafe win.” “Sounds to me like you love her. Communication is really important to a close relationship. Talk to her before it’s too late.” Jared looked toward the doorway to the main living area as Kelly walked into the kitchen. “Were you guys talking about me?” she asked, her smile radiant. “Of course we were talking about you.” Derek grinned at her and pulled out a barstool for her at the island. “Guys are always talking about beautiful women.” “Ha,” she said, shaking her head. “It goes both ways.” She gave Derek an impish grin. He indicated the meal Jared had prepared. “Does this smell delish, or what?” She nodded in agreement and met Jared’s gaze. “It looks and smells fantastic. I’m starving.” Jared turned to a cabinet and took out several plates. “That’s what I like to hear.” He placed them on the island in front of Derek and Kelly. Opening a nearby drawer, he brought out silverware and napkins. Next, he set the dishes of food on hot pads in front of them. “Dig in, but leave me a little.” He grinned at Kelly. She smiled back at Jared as Derek reached for the platter holding the succulent hamburgers. He helped Kelly to the food and spooned sautéed mushrooms over her meat. “This all looks so good. Thanks, Jared.” She smiled at him again. “No problem. Anytime.” They all three set to devouring their meal. **** Kelly rested on the long sofa in the huge living area. She glanced through Jared’s amazingly detailed book on sex while Derek finished

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his shower. At last, she heard the water in the bathroom quit running. Derek would join her soon. At least she’d had time to read through the chapter on multiple partners by herself while he showered. If her cheeks had turned hot this time, he wasn’t there to comment on it and make her more embarrassed. Just reading about having sex with more than one partner was enough to make her pussy wet and swollen. She was all hot just thinking about doing it with Derek, not to mention having Jared involved as well. Soon she’d actually know how the physical part felt. She couldn’t believe she’d been driven by her brothers and Rafe to this desperation. Derek had left her for his shower right after he’d told her they needed to practice sex with Jared taking part this afternoon. She hadn’t been able to think about anything else since. Now she at least felt more prepared after reading the chapter on multiple partners. She doubted they’d do everything in this chapter. For one thing, there were only three of them. Some of these acts freakin’ amazed her. She’d no idea what was possible. Her mom had never talked to her about the things in this chapter. Kelly had never discussed this sort of thing with anyone before Derek. Did he take part in these orgies on a regular basis? “Hey, babe.” She turned to stare at Derek as he strode across the room to her. Her surprise must have shown on her face because his eyebrows lifted. He glanced at the book in her hands. “You’ve been readin’ up?” He smiled at her. She nodded. “I’ve been reading about multiple partners and sharing.” She lowered her legs from the sofa to make room beside her for Derek. He dropped onto the sofa and took the book from her hands. After glancing through the pages of the chapter she’d just read, he grinned at her. “Don’t worry. We don’t need all of this. There’s only so much

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three people can do at one time. Are you ready?” Whether she was or not, she needed to arm herself against Rafe with the knowledge and experience. “Yes. I’m ready.” “Good.” He took out his cell and dialed. “Jared? Yeah, we’re ready. Where shall we do this? Okay. Meet you there.” He ended the call and looked at her. “Jared suggested the bedroom next to ours.” He held out his hand. “Let’s go,” she said. “Let’s change into our bathrobes first.” “Okay,” she agreed, butterflies already in her stomach. They changed out of their clothes and slipped into their robes in the bathroom. Derek grabbed some things from the drawer under the bathroom counter, and they headed for the bedroom next to theirs. Derek opened the door for her to precede him. She walked into the room, her attention caught by a metal bar hanging from the ceiling by chains. More chains hung from each end of the bar. “What’s that?” Jared stood on the other side of the room. He also wore a white terry-cloth robe. He smiled at her. “Don’t be alarmed,” Derek said. “I agreed with Jared this needs to duplicate as close as possible the testing situation. The bar and chains will take the place of the guys who will hold your arms and support you during the testing. There are soft, padded rings on the end of the chains that will go around your wrists.” Kelly couldn’t keep from shivering at the implications. “If you’d rather not, it’s okay,” Derek said softly behind her. “No. I’m fine with it.” This contraption would give her some idea of how she would feel restrained by two men during the testing ceremony. Hopefully today would prepare her so she could handle anything with confidence. “Let’s do it.” She turned to look at Derek. “We can put our robes on the bed.” He shrugged out of his and took hers from her. A big bed took up most of the other half of the room. Covered in a honey-colored satin bedspread, it was piled high at the headboard

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with large pillows in the same fabric. She watched the play of Derek’s muscles and his tight ass while he crossed the room to toss their robes on the bed. Still in his robe, Jared took a place by the chains and waited for her. Derek placed his warm hand on the small of her back and walked with her to join Jared. He carefully opened one padded cuff and closed it around her wrist. “Stand in the middle under the bar, hon.” Derek helped her find the position. When he was satisfied, he lifted her hand, and Jared placed the other cuff on her other wrist. She felt sort of trapped. But this was nothing compared to how she would feel during the testing. It was best to get used to this now. Derek had been gentle with her, and Jared, as a friend of Derek’s, would be gentle, too. She had no idea if Rafe knew the meaning of gentle, so she needed to be prepared for the restraints at least. Derek moved close behind her and curved his warm hands around her waist. Jared moved in front of her, stark naked. She inhaled swiftly, surprised that Jared was in front of her. Whatever he and Derek had planned, she had to go along with it. She wouldn’t have any choice with Rafe and what he would do. Derek’s gentle kisses brushed over her shoulders, first one side then the other. His hands caressed her waist and slipped lower where he cupped her butt cheeks. He sent increasing waves of pleasure through her. Jared’s hands skimmed over her ribs and curved beneath her breasts. When he tweaked her nipples, her body reacted and sent a hot jolt to her pussy. She breathed deeply as her labia swelled. Warm fluid pooled at her opening. “Spread your legs, hon,” Derek directed from behind her. His hands returned to her butt cheeks, parting them and smoothing lubricant along her crack from her slickened opening to her anus. His fingers spread the lubricant and pleasured her at the same time, sliding through her slit and back to her little hole. He circled that tight flesh with the pads of his fingers.

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Jared lowered his head and took a nipple in his mouth, drawing hard, stroking it with his tongue. Even though Jared was a new sex partner, another heated surge swelled her labia and the opening to her channel. Fluid dripped from her opening and dampened her thighs. Tension grew with both men, creating incredible pleasure in her most sensitive flesh. How would she control her body and resist Rafe’s sexual caresses? Jared left her nipple and pressed a line of kisses down her midriff and over her belly to her folds. She tensed as he parted her folds with his fingers. His ravaging tongue delved deep to her sensitive clit. Her thighs shivered from the stimulation of a man who was a new acquaintance to her. Derek slid his thick, hard cock between her butt cheeks, pushing her body against Jared’s mouth. A moan of pleasure escaped her. Jared rose to his feet and latched his mouth onto her other nipple as his long fingers delved through her labia and circled her clit. Derek positioned the head of his cock at her needy opening and pushed inside her with one thrust. With her wrists held firmly in the padded cuffs, her body was held captive to their every touch. Their actions threatened to make her cry out, almost overwhelming her as Derek filled her with his cock. He rubbed the head against her sweet spot, drawing a sharp moan from her. Jared tormented her clit and her nipples. As Derek slid in and out over her most sensitive place, tension coiled to the breaking point inside her. Her back arched. Her knees buckled. She would have collapsed, but the padded cuffs held her up. She shuddered, and her orgasm slammed into her, rocking her. “Derek!” she cried as incredible ecstasy raced through her. They never stopped what they were doing, and her muscles continued convulsing deep inside, until finally, spent and replete, she felt gentle pulses tease her. She moaned, overcome with sensations, her body shaking. “My God. That was amazing.” She panted to catch her breath.

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Derek slid from her channel, giving her more pleasure. Jared stood up in front of her. Derek wrapped his arms around her. “Are you all right? We didn’t hurt you?” “No. You didn’t hurt me at all. That was so amazing. Now what?” “Now we continue just as you said we would in the testing ceremony, as if the man in second place takes his turn.” Derek loosened his hold on her, and he and Jared changed places. She looked at Derek’s face, searching for some clue as to what he planned next. “Did you bring a dildo?” he asked Jared. “It’s in the pocket of my robe,” Jared said. “The lube’s over there on the night table. Be sure you cover it real good.” Derek met Kelly’s questioning gaze. “We’re going to let you feel what a dildo is like. Just in case Rafe uses one in you during the testing. Don’t worry. We’ll be careful and won’t hurt you.” “Okay. What is it supposed to do to me?” She had no idea what a dildo was for. “It’s to caress you in a way your partner couldn’t give you pleasure if his cock was inside your pussy.” She nodded. “I see.” But she didn’t exactly understand how it would work. She hadn’t read that chapter in Jared’s book. Now she wished she had. “Ready?” Derek asked, looking at Jared. “Got it. You want to use it now?” “Yeah, this first time.” Derek dropped his serious gaze to hers. “I want to be real careful with you, sweetheart, until you’re used to it.” She took a deep breath to calm herself. “Okay,” she managed. Derek took the dildo from Jared and held it so she could look at it. It was shaped like a stiffened cock, only smaller. It had a thin cord attached to the opposite end from the head. He moved behind her. “Spread your legs, hon.” Jared stood in front of her, curved his big hands over her hips, and

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steadied her. She spread her legs apart as Derek knelt behind her. Jared’s hands skimmed over her hips and cupped her butt cheeks, parting them gently. Oh God. They were going to put that thing inside her. “Derek.” “It’s okay, hon. We’ll go slow and easy.” He massaged lubricant over her tight hole. She took a deep breath with his pleasurable caresses. Turning her upper body enough to see what he did, she watched as he positioned the dildo between her butt cheeks. She felt the touch of his warm finger pads on her tight opening, and then one finger pushed inside a little. “Relax those muscles, hon, if you can.” He kept his finger there until she relaxed her muscles. He added another finger, stretching her. He slid his fingers in and out, gently and slowly deeper. The sensation was arousing. Her pussy swelled, her fluids pooling at her vaginal opening. He withdrew his fingers from her tight hole. The cool touch of something harder than his fingers touched her sensitive ring. Using gentle pressure, he pushed it inside her softened ring. “Does that feel all right, babe?” She exhaled her breath. “It’s all right.” She took another quick breath. “It feels tight and big.” He applied more pressure, and the dildo slid deeper. “That’s as far as it’s going right now. It will stretch your tight little rosette, hon. In case Rafe does something like this to you, I want you to know what it’s like beforehand.” “Okay.” She felt so full, and her pussy reacted to the feeling by swelling more and aching in a good way. Derek removed his warm fingers from her lubed flesh. “Are you sure you’re all right?” She nodded. “Does it feel good?”

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“Yes. A little strange, and definitely different, but good.” Derek released a sigh of relief. “Okay.” “Now what?” she asked. “Now we can do this.” With those words, he traded places with Jared and knelt in front of her, grasped her butt cheeks in his warm hands, and nuzzled her swollen labia. He delved deep with his hot, wet tongue and teased her clit. “Oh!” she cried out as another bolt of pleasure hit her pussy. The dildo increased those warm, sensual aches. As Derek ruthlessly pleasured her clit, she felt Jared’s hands part her butt cheeks, his fingers sliding around her tight ring. She bucked with the increased pleasure. Moans escaped her as the sensations deepened with their caresses. Derek nibbled at her labia and clit. A tugging against her little hole made her pussy clench. She groaned with the pleasurable sensation. Jared manipulated the dildo and pressed the pads of his fingers in a circle around her stretched flesh, making her squeeze the dildo tight. Tension spiraled, stronger, tighter, and the climax took her. Her body undulated like a snapping whip. She heard Derek’s soft growl even as he continued to pleasure her with his tongue, and Jared gently tugged on the dildo with one hand while holding her steady with the other. “Oh, my God.” She was breathless and weak from the buildup and orgasm. “You all right, babe?” “Yes.” She could hardly get the word out. Jared slowly pushed the dildo a little deeper. What did they intend to do now? Derek stroked through her slippery folds to circle her still-pulsing pussy. Jared massaged her softened ring, soothing the stretched feeling with more cool lubricant. It all felt wonderful. More pulses rocked her. Derek pushed a finger slowly inside her pussy, making her moan.

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He swirled his long finger inside her channel, pressing gently against her rectal passage and the dildo still inside. “Does that feel good?” he asked. “Yes,” she said, breathless. He withdrew his finger and stood. Kissing her gently, he teased her with his tongue, licking her lips and every surface deep inside her mouth. She moaned from the sweet pleasure. “Wrap your legs around me, hon.” He cupped her butt cheeks and lifted her. She wrapped her legs around his waist. He positioned his stiff cock at her opening and slid deep inside her pussy. With the dildo still inside her, she felt so full. It was a new feeling. He moved ever so slowly, pumping into her channel. “Does that hurt anywhere?” he asked softly. “No, it feels so good,” she assured him. He moved deeper and finally delved all the way to her womb. She heard the low growl come from deep in his chest, and he climaxed, his cock pumping inside her, his neck arching back. As she watched Derek, the sensations, heightened by the full feeling of the dildo manipulated by Jared, triggered another orgasm in her. “Derek!” she cried in ecstasy. Slowly Derek’s climax ebbed, as did hers. He stood there quietly holding her, brushing kisses over the side of her face and throat. “You’re amazing, sweetheart.” “What you’ve given me is amazing,” she said. “Do you think you can handle one more?” She opened her eyes, looked up at Derek’s face, and met his serious gaze. “One more?” “We need to be prepared. During the actual testing, do they give the woman time to rest?” “Not that I’ve heard.” She shook her head. “Then let’s try one more position.” “All right,” she agreed. She thought she could keep standing for just one more time. How would she ever make it through the testing

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ceremony? How did any woman stand up to it? They must agree to the marriage to save themselves from total exhaustion. Carefully, he lowered her to her feet and held her still while Jared slowly and gently removed the dildo from her. Even that sensation built sexual heat in her pussy. “What we need to do this time, hon, is to have both Jared and me penetrate you at the same time, just so you know what it’s like. If it’s done during the testing, you’ll at least have previous experience and be ready for it.” She felt uneasy about this, but Derek was right. “Okay,” she agreed, with hesitation. He left her to replace his condom while Jared did the same. Derek returned from the bathroom with a washcloth and wiped her carefully between her legs and her butt cheeks. His cock was already stiff again. He put away the washcloth and brought the lubricant back. Kneeling in front of her, he squeezed out a generous amount of lube and spread the cool fluid along her slit, stroking her labia in the process and, finally, her tight hole. The opening to her pussy swelled again, her fluids pooling there. He circled her anus with more lube and massaged the tight ring until she moaned softly with the aching heat. He stood and moved behind her. Jared took Derek’s place in front of her and cupped her butt cheeks, parting them. Derek pressed the smooth head of his hard cock against the center of her tight ring. As he gripped her hips with his big hands, he pushed inside her little hole. Slowly he stretched her. His control amazed her. Jared released her butt cheeks and teased her labia with long, slow strokes. “You all right, babe?” “Yes,” she said softly, her voice shaking. “What does it feel like, hon?” “It feels stretched, and it burns a little.” “I’ll go slow. It should feel better soon.” He continued to push inside her.

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She closed her eyes. Jared caressed her breasts and nipples. Heat streamed to her pussy. She opened her eyes and looked up at him. “Relax all of your muscles below your waist,” Jared directed. “It will ease the stretching.” He continued to tease her breasts, stroking her slowly. As Jared distracted her, she made an effort to relax her muscles like he said to do. It helped. Derek pushed deeper, stretching her little hole, as he pressed kisses to her nape. She shivered. Delving his fingers through her folds, Jared slipped one long finger inside her pussy. “Don’t clench your muscles,” he said. She concentrated on relaxing as Derek pushed deeper still into her rectum. He pulled back out a little, and pleasant shivers shook her, making her moan. Jared eased his finger from her channel and stroked her labia. Derek’s cock slid deeper, until she felt his balls brush against her butt cheeks. “You feeling okay, hon?” “Yes, I’m okay.” “Tell us the second you feel uncomfortable, all right?” “I will.” Jared held her gaze with his and positioned the head of his hard cock at the opening of her pussy. He pushed gently inside. She took a swift breath at the feeling of fullness with both their big cocks inside her. The muscles in her thighs tensed to steady her as she pulled against the padded cuffs for balance. Jared curved his big hands around her waist as Derek held her hips, giving her more support. Then Derek withdrew his cock and pushed back in as Jared slipped slowly from her pussy. Back and forth they moved in and out. She didn’t think anything could titillate her sensitive flesh more. Jared reached between their hips with one hand and circled her clit with the pads of his fingers.

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The sensations of fullness and shivery friction heightened her sexual tension exquisitely. Her body shook, and her back arched. She screamed her climax. Derek growled his release, his pumping cock drawing out the orgasmic contractions inside her. Jared groaned as he climaxed deep in her pussy, his plunging cock teasing her vagina and prolonging her awesome ecstasy. She moaned, her head dropping back against Derek’s chest. She heard their soft growls as they also relaxed. “That was amazing, Kelly,” Jared said, his voice sounding awed. “You’re fuckin’ incredible, sweetheart,” Derek said softly as he brushed kisses along her throat and wrapped his arms around her beneath her breasts. The hair on his forearms teased her nipples. She sighed as more gentle pulses caressed her pussy. He gave her another kiss and loosened his hold, slowly pulling his softened cock from her. Even that felt good and made her pussy ache again with shivery pleasure. Exhausted and replete, she couldn’t believe her body could still respond. “How do you feel, hon?” “I feel completely satisfied. You and Jared are unbelievable.” “You’re the one who’s awesome. Your trust in us made it possible.” The chains and cuffs held her in place. She realized she’d gotten used to the restraints. The contraption had actually helped her a little. But now she only wanted to collapse somewhere and rest. As Derek pressed kisses along the side of her face and throat, she leaned her body against him and rested her head against his shoulder. Jared returned from the bathroom with a washcloth. He handed it to Derek. “I’ll open the cuffs,” Jared said. “Thanks,” Derek said. He kept one arm around her waist and wiped her carefully between her butt cheeks and thighs. Even the warm washcloth felt wonderful to her. As Jared freed each of her wrists, she continued to hold onto Derek for support.

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“I think she’s going to do all right in that testing ceremony,” Jared said. “She handled everything this afternoon just fine.” Derek nodded in agreement, his warm chin brushing against her temple. “Are we finished for today?” she asked, wishing she could fall asleep on the bed. “Yeah. I think we’ve covered the most important problems. What do you think, Jared?” “I agree. She’s experienced the most problematic situations. She’ll do great.” Jared handed Derek her robe. Derek helped her into her robe and swept her into his arms. “I think you could use a little nap, right?” “I’d love one,” she said, wrapping her arms around his neck and resting her cheek against his muscular chest. He carried her to their bedroom and lowered her onto the bed. His cell rang. He left her and crossed to the dresser where he’d placed his cell earlier. She could hardly keep her eyes open and couldn’t hear his reply to the caller. He ended the conversation and returned to her side, leaned down, and kissed her lips. She reached to hug him, and he stroked her arms. “I’ve got to go out for a while, babe. My partner, Juan, needs my help this evening. Jared will be here if you need anything. I know he’ll be fixing another excellent meal.” She smiled at him. “Don’t be too late. I don’t want to eat without you, but I might.” He chuckled. “I hope I don’t miss dinner, either. See you later, sweetheart.” He brushed his lips over hers and left her side. He was dressed and gone in only a few minutes, it seemed. She closed her eyes, completely lethargic, confident Derek would be careful.

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Chapter Seven Derek met Juan at the Desert Edge Investigations office near the downtown area. He joined Juan in his Honda Civic, and they headed to the Hawks’ mansion, where they’d fought the Hawks to free Kelly, as well as Juan’s sweetheart, Cindy, only recently. Juan filled him in on the way. “According to our sources, activity has been seen at night outside the mansion.” “One of their vehicles sped up that street right before I picked up Kelly from Darlene’s home. Nothing would please me more than to help you round up the remaining Hawks and send them to prison,” Derek said. They left the Civic outside the locked gate at the entrance to the neighborhood and vaulted the wrought-iron and rock wall. “I’ve been wanting to ask Darlene Lovejoy if she’s noticed anything unusual around the mansion during the daytime. But I don’t want to put her in danger by involving her.” Derek stared at the two people in Darlene’s front yard. “Hell and damnation,” he swore under his breath. “Looks like she’s busy planting with her gardener.” A wide-brimmed hat covered her short, dark hair. “Hope she doesn’t recognize us,” Juan said. “Maybe she won’t. Don’t look her way.” Derek looked up the street toward the mansion, and Juan did the same. They were almost past her house. “Derek Wolfson. Hello,” she said. “Oh well,” Derek murmured. “Darlene. How are you doing?” “Great! How nice to see you. How are you and Kelly getting along?”

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“Fine,” he said. “She’s doing real good.” Darlene looked at Juan. “Aren’t you Cynthia’s good friend, Juan Enriquez?” “Yes, ma’am.” “She thinks the world of you,” Darlene said. “She’s a very special lady,” Juan replied. “Won’t you come inside for some refreshments? It’s warm today,” she said. Derek glanced at Juan and said, “We’re actually in the neighborhood looking for more members of the gang that lived in the mansion up the street.” “Oh. Those horrible people,” she said. “Have you noticed any activity around there lately?” Derek asked. “Yes, as a matter of fact. I’ve noticed a black sedan with dark, tinted windows pull into the driveway of that house on occasion.” “Would you recognize the men in the car if you saw them again?” Juan asked. “No.” She shook her head. “The car windows are tinted real dark, and they drove to the side of the house. I couldn’t see whether they got out or not.” The rumble of a big vehicle drew their attention to the gate. An oversize black pickup stopped near the Civic. “I think we’ve seen that truck before,” Derek said, disgusted. “That’s all we need,” Juan said. Six men wearing blue jeans and dark knit shirts exited the truck and vaulted the fence. Darlene put one fisted hand at her waist and shook the index finger of her other hand at the group of guys. “Those are the men who came to my door recently asking for a girl named Kelly Wolford.” “They’re Kelly’s three brothers and their three friends,” Derek said. Darlene took a cell phone from her slacks’ pocket. “I’m calling the police.” She started punching keys on her cell.

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“What the hell?” Derek swore as one of the guys started running toward them. Derek hoped they wouldn’t have to fight Kelly’s brothers in Darlene’s front yard. As the guy who focused on Darlene stopped in front of her and grabbed her hand which held her cell, Derek and Juan grabbed hold of him. “Let go,” she bit out, her eyes full of fury as she held onto her cell. The angry guy released his hold. “You know where Kelly is.” “I told you I’d call the police if you came back.” From the sound of her voice, she was furious. Kelly’s brother, Beau, moved close to Derek’s side. “I want to talk to you.” Shit. No way could Derek avoid this confrontation any longer. “I’ll talk to you alone over there in private, or some other time.” He indicated the far side of the yard. “What’ll it be?” “Now,” Beau said. Derek headed for the far side of the front yard. “You want me?” Juan asked. “No. Stay with Darlene,” Derek said. When he reached a distance he thought would be private enough, he turned and faced Beau so that Beau had his back to the group around Darlene and Juan. No one would hear Beau but Derek, and they couldn’t read Beau’s lips. “What do you want to talk to me about?” “My sister Kelly.” “What about her?” His anger gave Beau’s face a cold look. “We know she’s mated with someone. I think she mated with you since she’s staying with you. If you’re the one she’s mated with, you’ll have to prove it if you value your honor.” “And just exactly what will prove that to you and your brothers?” Derek was losing patience with Beau and his brothers. Derek knew he and Kelly didn’t owe anyone an explanation or proof that they desired

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each other. “Our family requires a testing ceremony. If you can’t mate with her and bring her to climax during the testing, we’ll know we have to look for someone else. Her pledged mate is Rafe Wolfgang, the guy arguing with the woman who lives on this property.” “Why don’t you ask Kelly who she wants for her mate, instead?” Derek asked, his impatience growing. “We can’t take her word for it because she’s broken our pack traditions. Since she’s been staying in the same house with you, she has to prove to us her preference for you as a mate by showing us in a ritual mating, with proper witnesses to the fact, whether she accepted you. If you’re unable to arouse her sexually, it’ll be obvious.” “What if I arouse her? Will you let her go her own way?” “No. The family will require her to honor her responsibility to the family by mating and marrying the man pledged to her.” “What if she’s not interested in him as a mate?” “If he doesn’t arouse her as strongly as the man who challenges his right to her, she’ll be required to marry and mate her choice at a family gathering. Afterwards she’ll be considered legally wed.” “Why not let her go her own way?” Derek asked. “As her brother who cares about her welfare and what happens to her, I have to make sure she’s looked after. She’s mated now, and she could be pregnant. I can’t leave her to wander without a husband who will look out for her if she’s carrying a baby.” His words hit Derek like a hot fist to his midsection. He’d had unprotected sex with Kelly the first time they’d made love. It was irresponsible of him. She could be pregnant with his child. He wouldn’t leave her all alone or with Rafe, the man she didn’t want to live with. “I want Kelly to live the life she wants. I’ll accept the challenge and take part in the testing ceremony if that’s her desire. Do you have a protected place picked out for this ceremony?” “No,” Beau said. “We’re new to this part of Texas. Where would

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you suggest?” “For Kelly’s sake, it should be a place where she’ll be as comfortable as possible, and it should be indoors for privacy. I’ll let you know.” “Good.” Derek clenched his jaw. There was nothing “good” about this situation where Kelly’s freedom was concerned. “I want to know all your rules. Will each challenger be allowed a helper?” “Yeah. Rafe will choose one of his brothers. You can bring a friend that Kelly approves.” “What about sexual aids? Are we allowed lubricants, dildos, and suppositories?” The last one he mentioned worried Derek. It could give Rafe an unfair advantage. “You’re allowed all but the suppositories. No liquid enhancements are allowed.” Derek was relieved there would not be sexual stimulants such as suppositories allowed. Kelly would be comfortable about Jared helping in the ceremony. “What’s involved in the testing?” Beau had a serious look on his face. “The testing consists of three rounds. The one who scores the highest number of wins will be declared Kelly’s mate. A round is won by the man who stimulates Kelly the most, causing Kelly to call out his name when she reaches her climax.” “Who decides if she’s stimulated more by one of us?” “I’ll be the one who makes that decision, although my back will be to the actual mating. I’ll hear her voice and be able to tell.” Derek was glad that the rules seemed just as Kelly had said. “How do I know you’ll judge fairly?” Beau smiled. “I want Kelly to be happy.” “Anything else I should know?” “Two men will hold her arms to support her and keep her standing during the testing. That’s about it. I’ll be waiting to hear from you

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about a place for us all to meet for the testing,” Beau said. “I’ll be in touch soon,” Derek replied. He started walking back to Juan and Darlene. Her voice had carried to him during his conversation with Beau. She looked like she was madder than a hornet. As soon as Beau returned to the group, he assumed control of his brothers and friends. “Let’s head out. We’ll wait to hear from Derek for our next meeting with him.” They turned away from Darlene’s angry gaze. All except for Rafe, who held his ground, looking as angry as Darlene. “Come on, Rafe, let’s get,” Beau said. Rafe turned slowly until he had to break eye contact with Darlene. Derek and Juan watched Beau and his friends until they piled into the truck and drove down the street. “The nerve of that man,” Darlene said. “I have a feeling they’ll all be leaving this area soon and heading back to central Texas,” Derek assured her. “Good riddance. The sooner they’re gone the better. I sincerely hope they don’t darken my door again.” Derek smiled at her. “Thanks for putting up with them so I could talk to Beau about Kelly.” “I hope you told him to leave her alone and let her live her own life,” Darlene said. “I think things are going to work out all right for her. I’ll let you know how it goes. She’ll meet with her brother soon, and they’ll make some decisions.” “I hope he has her best interests in mind,” Darlene said. “After talking with him, I can say that he does.” “We need to check out the area around the mansion now and see what we can find,” Juan said. “Thanks again,” Derek said. “Come by for refreshments sometime,” Darlene said, smiling. “We will,” Derek promised.

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He and Juan walked up the street to the mansion. They walked around the outside and found evidence of recent footprints. “They’re definitely still around and using this place to meet,” Juan said. “Next time we meet up with them, we’ll hopefully put the last of them behind bars.” “Let’s head home, amigo.” “Sounds like a plan,” Derek said. **** Derek drove home from the Desert Edge Investigations office, worrying over a possible place for the testing ceremony. They couldn’t use Mike’s house, because Derek needed to keep Mike’s home as a private sanctuary for Kelly. He parked his Civic in the garage and entered Mike’s home. Before he looked for Kelly, he needed to find Jared and talk to him about a place for the testing. Jared was in the kitchen whipping up some kind of dessert. “Need to talk to you,” Derek said. Jared looked up from his concoction. “Hey, bud. What’s up?” Derek explained to him about his conversation with Beau and what he needed help with. “You can use my house. It’s private and at the end of a cul-de-sac on the foothill just south of Sierra Del Sol.” “That’s near Darlene’s neighborhood, as well as the Hawk’s mansion.” “Yeah. I have a big den that will easily hold everyone at the testing. There are several bathrooms if needed. And a nice guest bedroom. You and Kelly are welcome to stay there anytime.” “Thanks, your home sounds like the perfect answer,” Derek said. “I’ll let Kelly’s brother know. The sooner we get this testing over with, the better for Kelly.”

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“Tomorrow evening would be fine,” Jared said. “Good. I’ll tell Kelly and get in touch with Beau.” “I’ll get the room ready. I need to push the furniture back to make a clear space in the center for everyone.” “I appreciate it. I also need for you to be my helper during the testing. The rules that Kelly told me match what Beau said today. Lubricants and dildos are allowed, but not suppositories.” “Sounds good. I don’t think you’ll have any problems winning this test.” “Thanks, I’m counting on it. Do you know where Kelly is?” “After she had a nap and ate dinner, she took a hot bath and said she was turning in early. I thought she might like a little dessert if you rouse her from her sleep.” Jared grinned at Derek. “I’ll keep that in mind. Any dinner left?” “Yeah. There’s brisket in the fridge. You can warm it up in the microwave.” “Great. I’m starving,” Derek said. After Derek finished his meal and put his dishes in the dishwasher, he headed for the bedroom he and Kelly had shared. Kelly was sprawled on the bed under the sheet. The outline of her long, shapely legs drew his gaze. She needed her sleep, but he was tempted to stretch out next to her for just a little while. Carefully, he rolled onto the bed beside her. She moaned and opened her eyes. “Hi.” She smiled at him. “I didn’t mean to disturb you, hon, but I couldn’t resist you.” “I’m glad you’re back.” “Are you interested in the dessert Jared whipped up for us?” “I’d love some,” she said. “Where would you like it?” He grinned at her. She smiled back. “I’d love it on the sofa in front of the big windows.” “Sofa it is.” He pulled her to a sitting position. “Need a robe?” “My robe’s on the chair.”

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Derek grabbed the robe and helped her slip into it. He took her hand, and they headed for the kitchen. Jared had left already. Derek found the dessert in the fridge. Some kind of pie piled with whipped cream was waiting for them to devour it. He took bowls from the cabinet, and Kelly helped him dish it up. Armed with their dessert and cans of fruit drink, they left the kitchen for the great room. Derek waited while Kelly got comfortable on the sofa. He turned the lights down, and they could see the city lights and a few stars through the windows. “I love having dessert with you in this room,” she said softly. “I do, too,” he said. “Yum, key lime pie.” They each enjoyed their dessert in silence. Derek loved the nearness of Kelly as they leaned against one another. When Derek finished the last bite of his pie, he placed his bowl on the coffee table. Kelly put hers down, too, but she’d left a little in her bowl. “You didn’t finish your dessert,” he said. “I will soon.” She smiled at him like she had a secret. He reached an arm around her just as she opened her robe. “Oh, babe. What do you have in mind?” This looked promising. “I have an urge for some hot sex.” She smiled again and peeled her robe off her shoulders so that it dropped to the sofa around her thighs. “Whatever you have in mind is fine with me.” “Let’s get you out of your robe,” she said as she untied the belt and pushed the shoulders back. He shrugged out of the sleeves, eager for what she’d do next. He didn’t have to wait. She dipped her finger in the last of her whipped cream and spread it across his lips. Her little pink tongue wiped up most of it. He parted his lips and met her tongue, unable to stop himself from covering her mouth with his and delving deep inside her warm, silken mouth.

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She protested and he drew back. “Not so fast,” she said. Dipping her finger into the whipped cream again, she caressed his ear. He grinned, wondering what this would feel like. She surprised him by straddling his thighs and kneeling in front of him. She leaned forward. Her blonde hair drifted over his face and shoulders like a silk scarf. Her tantalizing little tongue licked his ear over and over, finally delving inside. “Kelly!” She chuckled softly and pulled away, smiling at him as she dipped her finger into her bowl for more whipped cream. Rising to her knees again, she spread the cream on his nipple. He inhaled at the sensation, breathing in the fragrance of her. She licked the last traces off her finger and leaned forward, licking across his nipple. She didn’t stop, her silky hair feathering over his chest and teasing his abs. Her teeth squeezed his nipple. A sharp groan escaped him, his stiffened cock bobbing and touching her warm belly. He wanted to slide inside her hot, slick pussy and take her hard and fast. “Kelly.” She teased his other nipple. Finally, she pulled away and reached to wipe up the last bit of cream from her bowl. Smiling at him like a little minx, she closed her fist around his raging erection and looked down. The tip of her tongue touched her upper lip as her finger wiped the cream across the head of his cock. “God, Kelly. You’re killing me.” “Just a little more and I’ll be done,” she said sweetly, and she scooted to his side, never letting go of his cock. She braced herself with her other hand on his thigh, way too close to his balls. Lowering her head, she licked the cream off his cock until it was bare. He cupped her butt cheeks and caressed her as she licked his cock from base to tip and took him between her warm lips. She stroked his cock with her wet little tongue, tormenting him until he feared he’d ejaculate. “Kelly, enough.” He lifted her up and settled her over his cock. She met his gaze, positioning the head of his cock at her slippery

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opening. She lowered her hips, taking him deep. He groaned with the caress of her hot pussy. Her inner walls felt like velvet. She braced her hands against his chest and lifted off him and then sank down over him again slowly. Her eyes were heavy lidded with her arousal. He reached between their bodies and delved through her slickened labia, found her clit, and pressed down, circling her swollen nub. She inhaled and closed her eyes. She rose again and sank back down over him, reaching back to fondle his balls. Her position showed off the pale globes of her full breasts and rosy tits to perfection. He cupped a breast with one hand and squeezed her nipple. She bucked hard. The motion drew his balls up. The incredible feeling at the base of his spine increased. He was coming. He circled her clit, stroking harder. “Kelly!” A feral roar rose from his chest. He climaxed, his cock pumping deep inside her pussy, over and over. “Derek,” she cried as her climax took her. The contractions in her pussy caressed his cock and drew out his climax. Her orgasm continued. She moaned, and her head dropped forward. Derek drew her gently down and wrapped his arm around her, brushing kisses along her throat and the side of her face. “You’re incredible, hon. I wish we could stay like this forever.” “That was amazing,” she said. “I’d love to be in your arms forever.” He couldn’t promise her forever unless he won the testing ceremony. She lifted her head from his chest, and he kissed her, delving deep and touching every inner surface of her sweet mouth. She moaned softly. He broke the kiss. “Kelly, we didn’t use a condom.”

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“I know,” she said softly. He held her tighter. They had tonight. **** Derek hadn’t been able to sleep last night. Now he paced Jared’s den. Kelly had retreated to the guest bedroom to rest. The sun had set. It was dark outside now. What if he lost Kelly to Rafe? How would he ever survive losing her? She’d never be happy with Rafe. Dear God, Rafe couldn’t win. Kelly was Derek’s life mate. He was convinced they were meant to be together. He knew it, and he hoped she did, too. He hadn’t felt this way about any other woman he’d ever met, including Sandra in college. He’d thought he was over women forever when Sandra had left him. Losing Sandra was nothing compared to what losing Kelly, the love of his life, would be like. He’d be lost without Kelly. Did she feel the same way about him? He didn’t know how he’d go on without her. “They’re here,” Jared said from the entrance to the den. A loud knocking at the front door confirmed it. Adrenaline kicked Derek in the stomach. It was time. This testing ceremony could decide how he and Kelly would live for the rest of their lives. Either without each other, or with each other, soul mates forever. Hell and damnation.

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Chapter Eight Jared ushered Beau and his cohorts into the den. Beau stared at Derek. “Where’s Kelly?” “Resting, I hope,” Derek said. “You’ve met Jared Hunter. This is his home. He will be my helper.” Beau gave Jared an appraising look. “All right. I’ll ask you to please bring Kelly to join us.” Derek slashed his hand through the air. “Not yet. First, let’s discuss how this testing ceremony will be set up.” “Sure,” Beau agreed. Derek glanced at Rafe. He frowned at Derek, obviously not happy with Derek’s demand. “How does this go down?” Derek asked. “What happens when Kelly’s brought in here?” Beau’s gaze never changed. Derek could tell Beau took this very seriously where his sister was concerned. Good. That meant Beau would watch for and stop anything underhanded that Rafe might try. “I have to warn you both that there’s been a change to the proceedings. If Jared will escort Kelly to his den, I’ll position her to stand between my brother, Colton, and Rafe’s brother, Dallas. I’ll take her hands and place them in our brother’s hands. They in turn will give her further support by cupping her arms. It’s best that she’s already undressed before entering this room.” Derek fisted his hands. The thought of her naked in front of these guys made his blood boil. He must control his inner beast for her sake. Nothing would be gained by him shifting to his werewolf form. He inhaled slowly and stared at Beau.

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“You basically know about the three rounds in the testing,” Beau said. “We know she’s mated with someone. We don’t know who she mated with. If you’re the one, my family has decided you must prove it before the testing ceremony with a successful mating with her, in which she climaxes. If you can’t mate with her now, because she won’t allow you to, we’ll know we have to look for someone else. We can’t take her word for it because she’s broken our pack traditions. She has to prove you’re the one in a ritual mating, with me as a witness, that she accepts you and climaxes. If you are unable to arouse her sexually, and give her an orgasm, I’ll know. My hearing is sharp.” Derek glanced at Rafe. The guy was furious. Obviously, he hadn’t been told of this beforehand. Derek had no doubts about arousing Kelly, unless this change in the ceremony upset her to the point that she couldn’t become aroused. The first time in front of all these guys, it could be hard for her to reach her climax. He’d hoped Rafe would have to go first. The best part about this change in plans was that Derek would ease her through the first mating. He had confidence he could do so. It just might take a little longer for her. “In addition,” Beau continued, “out of respect for Kelly, I want Rafe to wait in another room during Kelly’s first mating attempt with Derek. I’ll call Rafe back in when the first round of the testing is to take place. I think it would be best if both of you guys go undress while we bring Kelly in. I’ll call Derek in when we’re ready.” Derek glanced at Jared, who looked calm and confident. Derek left the room and located a bedroom to undress in. Rafe went past him to the next room. Derek noticed the last bedroom door was closed. Kelly waited there. He closed the door behind him. He listened for the door to close in the room next to his. Satisfied when he heard it, Derek began to undress. After tossing his clothes on a chair near the big four-poster bed, he paced in front of the tall chest of drawers. It seemed like it was taking forever to be called back.

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Finally, there was a knock on his door. He opened it and Jared strode inside the room. “Her brother has positioned her and he’s ready for you to come back. He said I should get ready for this as well. It’s good that he’s allowing you to have me there for your witness.” “Hell, I wish this was over. How is Kelly holding up?” Jared smiled. “She’s angry at her brother. She’ll be fine. She has gumption.” Derek raised his eyebrows at that. “Anger is a lot better than fear. That should help her become aroused this first time as well.” “She cares so much about you, bud. You won’t have any problems, and I’ll watch your back.” Jared had finished undressing. “Thanks, Jared. I appreciate it.” “No problem. Ready?” “Let’s go.” Derek left the bedroom and headed to the den, Jared right behind him. Derek wasn’t prepared for the sight that met him on entering the den. Kelly’s long blonde hair cascaded over her breasts, her small waist and slender legs pale and shimmering against the darkened background. Her arms stretched out to each side, held by a blindfolded guy on each side of her. Her brother Beau stood across the room with his back to her, and her brother Lucky stood behind her, facing the front entrance. Obviously, Beau intended to give his sister as much privacy as possible. Beau cleared his throat. “Derek, if you’ll take your place with Kelly, you can direct Jared to stand wherever you want him. But he may not assist you this time, except to hand you a condom. I’ll be the sole judge of your success or failure. I’ll know by what I hear, as I said before.” “In that case, Kelly and I will begin,” Derek said. As he strode to Kelly, a myriad of emotions crossed her face, from anger to worry, and finally trust. Derek smiled at her. “Jared, a condom, please.”

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Jared took one from a box on a nearby side table. Derek took it and rolled it onto his already-stiffened cock. He cupped the sides of her face and brushed his lips across hers. “You’re beautiful, hon.” “Derek,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “It’ll be all right. Don’t worry.” Caressing her throat and shoulders, he brushed kisses over her velvet skin, down her throat, and over her shoulders. He cupped her lush breasts and brushed his thumbs back and forth over her nipples until she whimpered softly. Her reaction encouraged him. He kept his touches gentle and light. He wanted to make her desperate for her release in order to ensure her climax when he entered her. He skimmed his fingers down her midriff and over her belly to feather over her pussy. She inhaled swiftly. “Derek.” He dipped a finger into her opening and spread her juices through her folds. Finding her clit, he circled the swollen little nubbin. “Do you like that, babe?” “Yes,” she hissed. “More, please.” He knelt in front of her and nuzzled her folds. He licked through her labia and with the tip of his tongue found her clit. Nibbling and licking, he teased her while he cupped her butt cheeks in his hands and teased her crack with a brush of his fingers. She bucked against him, and a sharp moan escaped her. The two guys on either side of her moved slightly to steady her. Derek couldn’t afford to be distracted by them. He stood, continuing to tease her most sensitive flesh, circling her clit with the fingers of one hand and sliding a finger of his other hand deep inside her hot, velvet pussy. She was wet and slick. She moaned again. “Wrap one leg around my hips, hon.” She did so, balancing with her other leg. He positioned the head of his hard cock at her dripping opening and slid slowly inside. He wrapped one arm around her waist to steady her as he slid out and pushed back inside her channel,

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hoping to find her sweet spot. Circling her swollen clit with his other hand, he pressed down on the little nub. “Yes,” she hissed again. He pulled out and slowly pushed deep inside her again, covered her nipple with his mouth, and squeezed her firm tit gently with his teeth just as she shuddered, her back arching. Again, he pulled out and pushed inside her, pressing against the inner walls of her pussy. “Derek!” she cried out. He’d found her sweet spot. He pressed down on her clit as he circled, and she climaxed. A cry escaped her as her muscles contracted around his cock. His low growl rose to a shout and he climaxed, his cock pumping deep inside her. More little cries came from her as his cock teased her pussy into contracting over and over, prolonging her orgasm. At last their bodies eased, and their pulses ebbed. “That was amazing, hon,” he murmured, hoping only she could hear him. “You’re amazing, Derek. Kiss me,” she whispered. He covered her mouth with his, tangling his tongue with hers. She moaned softly. He traced her lips with his tongue. “So sweet,” he whispered. Beau cleared his throat across the room. “You’ve passed this test. You can release each other.” Derek pulled out of her warm depths as he held her gaze. He smiled at her, and she smiled back, her eyes glittering with her pleasure. “I’ll wait until you return from discarding the condom before I tell Rafe to join us,” Beau said. Derek gave Kelly a quick kiss on her lips. “Be back in a minute.” He hurried to the bedroom and quickly discarded the condom in the bathroom that adjoined the bedroom where he’d left his clothes. Beau continued to face away from Kelly when Derek returned to her.

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“Derek, if you’ll take your place beside Jared, I’ll get Rafe and his brother, Tyler, who will assist him. The three of them returned quickly, and Beau took his place across the room with his back to Kelly. Derek suddenly felt sick. How could he watch Rafe take Kelly when she didn’t want him for a mate or husband? Derek owed it to Kelly to keep watch, though. If he loved her and wanted to be by her side forever, this was part of loving her. He steeled himself to watch without shape-shifting and shoving Rafe away from her in a fit of his own beast’s rage. Rafe stood before her and rolled on his condom. He was already hard, his erection jutting toward his waist. Thank God he wore a condom. He stroked his big hands over Kelly’s arms and shoulders and finally cradled her face with his hands. He bent slightly and brushed his lips across hers. Derek thought he detected a shiver pass through her body as she jerked. He couldn’t watch, but he knew he must. He shook his head in denial. The pressure of Jared’s hand gripping his shoulder offered him strength. Rafe moved down her body, caressing her with his hands and kissing her along the way. He knelt in front of her. Although Derek couldn’t see from his place well behind her, he knew that Rafe would tease her pussy to arouse her more. Rafe had to make her cry out his name if he was going to win this round. Rafe’s brother, Tyler, stood behind her and held her hips as Rafe continued his caresses. “Spread your legs, Kelly,” Rafe instructed. She did so. Rafe stood finally and positioned his cock at her opening. He pushed inside her and plunged in and out, one hand at her waist and the other obviously teasing her clit. It seemed like he continued doing the same thing way too long. Then Rafe bent and covered her breast with his mouth. Derek knew exactly when Kelly neared her climax. He watched

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her body shake and her back bow. A sharp moan escaped her. Rafe plunged deep one more time, and with a low growl, he climaxed, his arms wrapping around her. Derek watched, feeling sick inside, as she tilted her head back and turned her face away from Rafe. Derek was glad, but he knew that gesture would anger and frustrate a guy like Rafe, who wanted to dominate his women. Beau cleared his throat. He kept his back to them. “Rafe, you can leave the room to discard your condom. I’ll wait for you to return before continuing with the testing.” In less than a minute, it seemed, Rafe was back. “Kelly, if you’re ready, Derek can take his turn for this first round of the testing. “I’m ready,” she said, sounding dazed. “Derek, you can take your turn,” Beau said. Although she was obviously stressed, Derek had to make this count in his favor for her. He motioned for Jared to join him, both of them wearing fresh condoms. Derek stepped in front of her. He brushed his lips across hers and pressed kisses along the side of her face to her sensitive ear. Cupping her folds, he slid a finger inside her labia and stroked down her slit to caress her opening. He kissed her and tasted every part of her sweet, warm mouth while she tangled her tongue with his. A moan escaped her as Derek stroked her sensitive flesh.

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Chapter Nine Kelly lost herself in his kisses and touches. His long fingers soothed her pussy, delving deep. He spread her fluids through her sensitive labia and circled her clit. She wanted him as she’d wanted no other man. She moaned with the sweet aches in her swollen pussy. He left her pussy and parted her butt cheeks. Cool liquid spread along her crack. Jared was behind her. Suddenly she knew what Derek had in mind and she welcomed it. Jared’s finger caressed and massaged her tight hole as Derek nuzzled her folds while he parted her butt cheeks. Something larger than Jared’s fingers pressed against her little hole. Pressure there told her Jared would slide his cock inside soon. Derek positioned the head of his rock-hard cock at her opening and slid excruciatingly slowly deep inside her pussy. Jared pushed the head of his big cock inside her tight ring. She groaned at the stretching sensation. Jared moved slowly as Derek pulled out of her pussy and pushed back almost to her womb. He pulled out again as Jared slid deeper and then pulled almost out of her. Derek filled her pussy. They worked together so well. She felt so full. She was going to come. Derek took one nipple into his mouth, sucking hard and squeezing her nipple with his teeth. She bucked, her body shuddering, her back arching. Her climax slammed into her. “Derek!” she cried out. Her muscles contracted hard over and over. She felt so full. Derek climaxed with a low growl, his pumping cock causing more contractions in her pussy. She heard Jared growl behind her as he climaxed, and his cock pumped inside her.

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She moaned with the overwhelming pleasure. They stayed inside her as her pulses eased. Derek’s lips felt wonderful as he pressed kisses against her throat. Jared brushed his lips against her shoulder on the other side. She sighed with the comfort of their gentle embraces. “Are you okay?” Derek asked. “I’m fine,” she said, feeling happy and replete. Beau cleared his throat, darn him. “I declare Derek the winner of this round. You may discard your condom in the other room. We’ll wait for you to return before starting the second round.” Derek and Jared pulled their cocks gently out of her. Derek smiled at her and caressed her face before leaving her to take care of his condom. They returned quickly. “If you’re ready,” Beau said, “Derek has the right to go first in the second round.” Derek walked to her and kissed her. After that incredible climax they’d given her, what would he do to make her come as hard this time? Was it even possible? He kissed her deeply, and his hand stroked from her belly up to one breast. He rubbed his thumb over her nipple and sent a bolt of aching heat to her wet opening. Her pussy contracted. She moaned softly. Derek stroked one hand down her back, his fingers delving along her crack. He circled her sensitive hole, and she groaned with the dark pleasure. His other hand cupped her folds, and his fingers slid between her slick labia and squeezed her clit. She gasped, inhaling swiftly with the surge of heat. He delved two fingers into her opening, sliding deep inside her pussy. He stroked in and out. Then he withdrew his taunting fingers and positioned the head of his hard cock at her opening. He plunged inside, making her gasp from the intense surge of pleasure. Rubbing his cock in and out

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of her, he caressed her inner walls and found her sweet spot. Her body trembled, her back arching. He pressed hard and circled her clit as his other hand teased her anus, rimming the sensitive little hole. He didn’t let up as he caressed her sweet spot with his hard cock. Her climax built inexorably until he pushed her over the edge. “Derek!” she cried out loudly as her climax rocked her, her body bucking with the slamming contractions. Stars exploded around her as a keening moan rose from her throat, and a sharp cry escaped her. Derek climaxed. His pumping cock pleasured her as his growl rumbled from his chest. He held her snug in his arms and pressed warm kisses along her throat and over the sensitive flesh between her shoulder and breast. He raised his head and nuzzled her ear. “Are you all right?” he whispered against her ear. “Yes. I loved it,” she whispered softly so only he could hear her, she hoped. “Derek, you can discard your condom,” Beau said, his back still turned to her. She hated to let go of Derek but she must. This would all soon be over. Rafe didn’t have a chance of winning this round. Derek loosened his hold on her and left her briefly before returning and putting on a fresh condom. He would be ready for the third round if there was one. Please, let her brother call Derek the winner after Rafe took his turn with her. Derek gave her an encouraging look of confidence before he took his place somewhere behind her with Jared. “Rafe,” Beau began, “you can take your turn.” Rafe moved in front of her. She noticed he’d already rolled on his condom. His younger brother, Ty, took a place behind her. Rafe stared into her eyes as he gripped one of her hips and found her opening with the fingers of his other hand. He pushed a finger inside her pussy and drew it out, spreading more of her slick fluids through her folds and circling her still-swollen clit. He pressed down on her sensitive nub, rubbing back and forth.

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She felt Ty parting her butt cheeks, and cool lubricant spread around her tight little hole. Did he intend to take her anally? She hoped not. Ty pressed his fingers against her puckered ring, and she felt more cool lube applied there. As Rafe continued to circle her clit, he moved his other hand to cup her breast and squeeze her nipple. In spite of herself, sexual arousal streaked to her pussy. She swallowed her moan. Rafe gave a small smile, his eyes heavy lidded. He left her clit and leaned down a little as he reached past her pussy and pressed a hard object against her tight hole. Was it a dildo? Her eyes widened in surprise that Rafe had the imagination to use one on her. Would Ty manipulate it? Just the thought heated her face with embarrassment. It was too personal to her for two guys she’d grown up with to do that to her when she wasn’t emotionally involved with them. She wanted to call to Derek to stop this ridiculous attempt by Rafe to win the round, but she didn’t dare. She might ruin what she and Derek had already achieved in the testing. Rafe pushed the dildo inside her. At least Ty didn’t do it. A cool feeling spread inside her. That was different from when Derek and Jared used a dildo. There was a slight burning sensation. Rafe moved his fingers back to her opening and slid a finger deep inside her pussy. Her eyelids lowered as a pleasantly soothing sensation filled her. Rafe removed his finger from her channel and positioned the head of his cock. He plunged deep inside her. His motion felt good, and a soft moan escaped her. She felt so full with the dildo in her rectum and Rafe’s big hard cock in her pussy. He stroked through her folds and circled her sensitive clit. She bucked with his manipulations of her pussy. It felt increasingly pleasurable. She closed her eyes completely and concentrated on his caresses. Another moan escaped her. She was feeling tired, and her head was too heavy for her to hold up. She let her head drop forward. Rafe covered her nipple with his hot mouth, teasing and flicking with his tongue. She was going to come. His caresses built her

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pleasure. She groaned from the increasingly heated aches. Somewhere behind her, she heard Jared whispering to Derek. “He’s used a suppository on her,” Jared said. “She doesn’t know what’s happening.” Derek knew Jared was right. Derek had been watching Kelly, but he’d been too emotionally involved to understand what was happening to her. “Beau,” Derek shouted. “He’s used an aphrodisiac,” Jared shouted. Beau whirled to face them and focused on his sister. He crossed the room and put his arm around Kelly’s waist. She wavered on her feet as if she were drunk. It was all Derek could do to keep himself from dragging Rafe away from her. But Rafe’s cock was still inside Kelly, and sudden movement could hurt her. “Remove your dick from her and step away,” Beau ordered Rafe, sounding disgusted. Rafe pulled slowly out of her. Derek wondered if the idiot was still hoping she’d climax and call his name. Kelly didn’t make a sound. “Is she all right?” Derek demanded. “It was only a well-known sex enhancement. She’ll be fine,” Rafe said, sounding peeved. “Jared?” Derek questioned. “She’ll be all right. We need to get rid of the suppository, though. What kind is it, Rafe?” Rafe shrugged. “It’s a dildo-shaped suppository. It releases the drug slowly. There’s a little cord on it so you can pull it out.” “Damnation, Rafe,” Beau said angrily. “Does someone have more experience with this sort of thing than Rafe?” “I do,” Jared said. “I can remove the dildo if you’ll allow me to.”

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“Do it,” Beau said as he continued to hold his sister. “Rafe, you’ve disqualified yourself with this stunt. Derek, I declare you the winner of the testing ceremony.” Derek was almost overcome by his extreme elation. Kelly was his, if she wanted him. He moved close to her side and put his arm around her. Jared eased the dildo from her tight hole. “I’ll dispose of it,” he said as he gave Rafe a disgusted look. “You guys can let go of her arms but keep your blindfolds on,” Beau directed. “Derek, you can take her to the bedroom where she waited before the testing.” Derek swept Kelly into his arms and headed for the bedroom. She was almost limp, totally relaxed against his chest. Damn Rafe. Jared followed Derek. “She’ll be all right, Derek,” he said. “The drug should wear off in a little while.” Derek eased her onto the bed and kissed her gently. “We won, Kelly,” he murmured to her. She moaned softly and opened her eyes, smiling at him. She reached her arms up to hug him, and he wrapped her in his arms and held her tight. The loud rumble of a truck sounded outside. “What the hell,” Jared swore. He handed Derek a washcloth. “I’ll check it out while you take care of your lady.” He left the room.

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Chapter Ten Derek heard Jared’s heavy footsteps as he hurried to the front door. Kelly sighed and turned on her side, slipping her hands under the pillow. Derek gently wiped the evidence of the testing ceremony from between her legs and butt cheeks. She moaned again. Obviously, the aphrodisiac hadn’t worn off yet. Derek heard Jared’s footsteps as he came back down the hall. “You might want to check out what’s happening out front. The Hawks have discovered that you and Beau and his friends are here. The Hawks don’t want Beau and his pack in their territory. Rafe is mad and ready to take out his frustrations on the Hawks. This could be your chance to take down the Hawks. My cell is on the table if you need it to call the cops.” “Thanks, Jared. I’ll go see what the Hawks have in mind. Will you stay here and look after Kelly until I come back?” “Sure, I’ll be glad to. She should sleep for a while anyway.” “Thanks, bud.” Derek dressed in his jeans and knit shirt and headed for the front door. When he opened the door and locked it behind him, he heard angry voices raised against each other. He turned to see Beau and Rafe standing their ground with their brothers on either side. The Hawks made angry, obscene gestures at them. Derek joined Beau at his side. With a clear sky and a full moon, it was easy to make the Hawks out. “What’s going on?” Derek asked Beau. Beau glanced at Derek. “Those guys say they want you, and the

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rest of us can disappear from this part of Texas.” “What did you say to make them so mad?” Derek joked. “Me? Nothin’. It’s you they want. Hell if I’ll let scum like those guys threaten Kelly’s future husband.” “No way those bastards can take you while we’ve got your back,” Rafe said. Derek was surprised at Rafe’s words “I wouldn’t think you’d care, Rafe.” “Hell,” Rafe swore. “It looks like you’re going to marry into the family that owns the land next to mine. Don’t want any bad feelings between us.” With more than a half-dozen Hawks threatening them, Derek needed all the help he could get. “This could turn out bloody, guys. The Hawks consider this area their territory. I’m sure they don’t like the fact that your pack has been ranging through this part of town. We’ve been trying to get this whole gang put in prison. So far, it looks like we’ve only arrested about half of them. Get ready to shift at the first sign of aggression from the Hawks.” They didn’t have to wait long. The Hawks charged, shifting to their werewolf shapes as they ran. “Shift!” Derek ordered. Adrenaline shot through him. The oncoming battle brought out his beast. Pain streaked through his body as he morphed to the giant werewolf shape of his ancestors. He roared his battle cry. His entire body enlarged, and his canines elongated. His hands sported claws, razor sharp for slashing. Derek glanced quickly around him to see that Beau and Rafe and their brothers shape-shifted as well. They looked more like giant wolves than Derek and the Hawks did. Must be the difference in families. They bounded forward and met the Hawks’ charge. Horrible snarling sounds filled the night as the werewolves pummeled and slashed their enemies.

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Outdoor lights came on as people were disturbed by the noise of the battle. Soon, sirens screamed in the distance. Derek knew the police had been called by someone. He kicked and slashed at his raging opponent. Suddenly, one of the Hawks howled something, and they all disengaged and ran down the street. Derek raced after them, determined the Hawks wouldn’t get away this time. Beau and his pack followed close by. The Hawks raced into the foothills above. Derek and Beau’s pack raced after them. The Hawks turned when they reached the edge of town. Derek recognized the area as the foothill bordering the deep arroyo where the mansion was located. They were above the neighborhood at the end of the cul-de-sac. The Hawks could easily find shelter in the mansion. “Don’t let them get away,” Derek roared. Beau’s pack ran ahead of Derek. They cut off the Hawks from reaching the house. The fighting proved vicious and brutal. The Hawks fought for their freedom. Derek knew they would fight to the death to avoid arrest. Their loud snarling assaulted his acute hearing. Derek lost track of the others as he battled a raging opponent. Finally he was able to take the Hawk down with a slash to his midsection. He dove for the werewolf’s throat and held on until the Hawk stopped struggling. Derek stood and scoured the moonlit landscape for Beau’s pack. They were scattered along the edge of the arroyo. Derek ran to help the guy nearest him. The Hawk had Tyler beneath him. Derek slammed his body into the Hawk, knocking him off Ty’s body. Derek closed his massive jaws on the neck of the sprawled Hawk. He crouched on the goon’s back to hold him down until the Hawk quit moving. “Thanks, bro,” Ty said. “No problem,” Derek replied. Together, they scanned the top of the hill for others needing help.

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But the noise of the battle faded. Shapes rose from the desert floor, each one searching for others. “Count everyone,” Derek ordered. “Do you see six of your pack?” “I count four, five including myself,” Ty said. “Someone’s missing.” Derek started running for the closest werewolf standing. It was Beau. They had no time to lose if one of their pack was seriously injured. “We’re missing someone,” he told Beau. “Let’s form up and find out who.” The three of them ran to the others and discovered Rafe was missing. They needed to find him quick in case he was badly injured. Derek hoped Rafe hadn’t thrown caution aside and gotten himself killed. “Spread out. Some of you go uphill, and some go down. I’ll head into the arroyo and see if he’s down there.” “I’m coming with you,” Ty said. As they searched, and the blood lust wore off, they all shifted back to their human forms, their inner beasts quiet at last. Derek heard a soft moan. “Over there,” he told Ty. They made their way down the side of the arroyo. It was steep and rocky with limestone outcroppings. “Is that him?” Derek asked, pointing to a large, dark form on the ground at the bottom of the hill. Ty and Derek scrambled down the hill with small rocks knocked loose and rattling down in front of them. “Rafe,” Ty cried out as he reached his unmoving brother. “He’s out cold.” Derek felt for a slashed throat or belly but found no blood there. “He must have hit his head on a rock.” Derek continued to search for life-threatening injuries. Rafe had plenty of wounds all over him. In the bright moonlight, some looked more serious than others. “Let’s get him out of here. We’ll have to carry him up the hill.”

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With Ty’s help, Derek lifted Rafe over his shoulder. “Brace me, Ty, if I stumble.” They started up the steep slope. It was slow going. Derek was out of breath by the time they reached the top. “I know a lady who lives nearby. She may be able to help us with Rafe’s wounds before an ambulance can arrive. Hopefully, he won’t need an ambulance.” “Sounds good,” Ty said. Beau and the others joined Derek, and together, they headed for Darlene’s house. “Is she the lady who wouldn’t tell us where Kelly was?” Beau asked. “Yeah,” Derek said as he carried Rafe toward her back fence. “She’s a good friend to have,” Lucky said. “She’ll be pissed that we’re all naked, though,” Colton added. Derek hadn’t thought that far. “I’ll go to her back door and warn her while you all stay in the darker shadows.” At Darlene’s back wall, which was part of the continuous rock wall around the gated neighborhood, Derek paused for breath. “We need to lift Rafe over the wall. A couple of you climb over and Ty can help me transfer him to you.” The wall was only about five-and-a-half feet high, fortunately. No one around here wanted their views of the mountains obstructed by a high wall. Ty moved close beside Derek and helped him shift Rafe’s big body over the wall to Beau and the other guys. Dallas took Rafe over his shoulder. Derek and Ty vaulted the rock wall. Derek hurried ahead of the others, around a big swimming pool illumined by moonlight, and across a large covered patio to Darlene’s back door. There was no doorbell. He knocked loudly on the door. When he didn’t hear any sound inside the house, he knocked again. The curtain inside moved and Derek saw Darlene peeking around

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the edge of it. “Darlene, it’s Derek. I need your help. Sorry, I don’t have any clothes on.” She opened the door. She was wearing pajamas and a silk robe. “What’s going on?” she asked, curiosity in her voice. “We found a friend seriously injured in the arroyo. I thought you might be able to help us with his scrapes.” She peered at the guys surrounding Derek. “You all!” She didn’t sound happy. “Please, Darlene. We need your help. We’ve been in a gang fight. We don’t know if he needs an ambulance or not. If you have some bath towels, we could make ourselves decent.” “Come in,” she said. “Follow me. We’ll put him in the guest bedroom, and I’ll find some towels for you.” They all followed her through the den and down the hall. She opened the bedroom door and they followed her inside. “Wait until I remove the covers,” she said. She whisked off the bedspread and draped it over a nearby chair. Derek helped her with it as well as with the covers. When only the sheets were left, she motioned for the guys to lower Rafe to the bed. Rafe moaned but didn’t open his eyes. His brothers and friends made him as comfortable as they could on his back with a pillow under his head. “My God,” Darlene exclaimed. “What happened to him? This is the guy who gave me such an argument about Kelly.” “We’re not sure exactly how badly he’s hurt,” Derek said. “We were attacked by some of the goons who lived in the mansion up the street. We found Rafe at the bottom of the arroyo behind your house when the fight was over.” “I thought I heard a pack of dogs fighting out there,” she said, frowning. “Those guys are pretty animalistic,” Derek said. “Let me get some towels, and we’ll clean him up and see how badly he’s injured. He may need to go to the hospital if he doesn’t

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regain consciousness soon. He could have a bad head injury. You all need to wash up so you can help me bathe him.” All five guys glanced at each other. “The bathroom is right through that door. Go on now, and wash up while I get the washcloths and towels for you and your friend,” she directed. Surprised at how matter-of-fact she was, Derek led the way into the bathroom. With two sinks available, they all quickly washed their hands and returned to the bedroom. Darlene entered with her supplies. Securing one of the towels around his waist, Derek moved to the head of the bed to help her as she began gently wiping and cleaning the abrasions on Rafe’s head. Derek was impressed by how carefully Darlene cleaned Rafe’s wounds. Finally, she looked at Derek. “Would you lift his head so we can check the back?” Derek did so, while the other guys finished wrapping towels around themselves. “Ah. Here’s the problem. He has a big knot on the back. He must have hit his head hard when he fell.” “How bad is it?” Ty asked. “I don’t know,” she said softly. “We’ll put an ice bag on it and see if it goes down. If it doesn’t, we’ll call an ambulance.” She left the room and was back in a moment with a frozen bag of green peas. “This will help,” she said. Derek lifted Rafe’s head, and she put the frozen bag of peas beneath the big knot. Derek lowered Rafe’s head back to the pillow. “If you all will help, we’ll check for any other serious injuries and clean all his wounds.” The guys didn’t falter, and they gently cleaned all Rafe’s cuts and scrapes. Fortunately, Rafe didn’t have any cuts that needed stitching. When Rafe was washed and medicine had been applied to the worst cuts and scrapes, they left him to sleep with the guys keeping

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watch. “Can I talk to you?” Derek asked Darlene. “Certainly. Come with me while I put these washcloths and towels in the washing machine.” Derek helped carry the soiled washcloths and towels. After Darlene had them all in the washing machine and turned it on, she faced Derek. “What did you want to talk about?” “Can you let Rafe and his brothers and friends stay here while he recovers? He’ll probably be okay in a couple days.” “Certainly, they can stay here as long as they need, if they won’t argue with me about Kelly.” “I don’t think they’re going to have any more concerns about Kelly. I intend to ask Kelly to marry me soon.” “Oh, that’s wonderful. Congratulations.” “Thanks, Darlene, but I haven’t asked her yet. I just hope she says yes.” “I hope she does, too,” Darlene said warmly. “If you feel all right about the guys staying here, I need to call Kelly and Jared to see if they can come pick me up, and deliver the guys some clothes.” Darlene crossed to the kitchen counter. “Here’s my cell.” “Thanks for all your help, Darlene.” She hugged him. “I’m going to go check on Rafe and show the guys where they can sleep.” “Call me if you need anything.” Derek wrote his number on her pad of paper by the cell phone. “I will if I need to,” she assured him. “Great.” Derek punched in Jared’s number. Jared answered him and said that Kelly was fine and they’d drive over to pick him up right away. “I’ll wait out front for them. I’ll check in with you tomorrow if I don’t hear from you before.” Darlene smiled at him. “That will be fine. I may sleep in.”

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“Sounds good,” Derek said, and headed for the front door. He didn’t have to wait long before Jared arrived. He left the clothing with Darlene. Kelly was smiling and gave him a big hug. Together they headed back to Mike’s house. “What happened with the Hawks?” Jared asked. “We left them wounded at the edge of the arroyo,” Derek explained. “We couldn’t take time to secure them after we realized Rafe was missing. We found him and left him in Darlene’s care. She said she’d look after him, and the other guys could stay at her house, too, until Rafe recovered.” “Sounds like Rafe was lucky,” Jared said. “Yeah, he was. We’ll have to catch the Hawks next time and turn them over to the police.” “Hopefully that will be soon,” Jared said. Jared left them at Mike’s with the promise that he’d fix them a special dinner the next evening. Derek opened the door into the house and followed Kelly inside. He closed the door and slipped his arm around her. “How are you feeling, hon?” “I’m feeling wonderful now that you’re with me.” She smiled at him. “Can I get you anything to eat or drink?” he asked. “No, all I need right now is for you to hold me.” “All I want to do is hold you, sweetheart. But first I better shower and wash off the dust of that fight with the Hawks.” “A shower sounds nice. Care for some company?” she asked. “As long as the company is you, hon, I can’t resist.” She grinned at him, and they headed for the bedroom. They helped each other undress, and Derek turned on the shower. While waiting for the water to warm, Derek wrapped Kelly in his arms. “You were awesome during the testing ceremony. I’m so proud of you, hon.” “I had to make sure Rafe didn’t win,” she said. “You’re the only

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man I want to be with.” Derek hugged her tight. “You’re the only woman I want to be with.” “I think the water is warm,” she said, smiling at him. He reached out to feel it. “Just right.” She stepped into the shower and let the water stream down her shapely body. Derek was already hard again. He could never get enough of her. He stepped into the shower, and she traded places with him. He soaped his body all over briskly to remove any evidence of the battle with the Hawks. After he rinsed himself under the shower spray, he soaped his hands again. As Kelly skimmed her fingers over his chest, he slid his soapy hands over her throat and shoulders. “That feels so good, Derek. Don’t stop.” He soaped her all over, paying special attention to her beautiful breasts and her shapely butt cheeks. He bent down to wash her legs and thighs, finally reaching between to glide his fingers through her folds, past her opening to her crack and tight hole. She moaned deep in her throat. He rinsed her under the shower. “My turn,” she said, and soaped her hands. She caressed him all over and delved into his navel and between his butt cheeks. He shivered from her strokes. She cupped his balls and bobbled them with her delicate fingers as she grasped his cock near the base and smoothed her hand up and down his stiffened erection. He growled deep in his chest. “That feels so good, babe.” She grasped his arms and turned him around so the water washed away all the soap. “I think you’re done,” she said, grinning. “I think we’ve just gotten started,” he said and turned off the water. He stepped from the shower and grabbed her robe, helping her slip into it. He took his robe and wrapped it around himself and tied it. “Are you ready for bed? I am,” she said.

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“I’m ready for whatever you want to do, babe.” She headed for the bed, and he followed her, enjoying every graceful motion of her body. She crawled onto the big bed, heading for the middle of it. Derek caught her hips. “Stop right there, hon. You’re so beautiful, and you’ve got me so hard, I want to take you right now.” “Oh.” She stopped right there on her hands and knees. He lifted her robe up to reveal her butt cheeks. Draping the hem of her robe over her waist, he grasped her hips. “I want you so bad that I could eat your sweet pussy.” “I wouldn’t mind,” she said, twisting to smile at him. She wiggled her hips. Derek growled as he watched her, those pussy lips tempting him beyond his control. He bent down and grasped her thighs. “Spread your knees, hon.” She did so. Her folds parted. “You’re so rosy and wet.” He held her firmly and delved his tongue inside her dripping pussy. She gasped. He speared his tongue deeper. Withdrawing from her pussy, he heard her sharp moan. Her musky woman’s scent filled his nostrils. His cock stiffened even more. He licked her folds and delved through them to find her clit. He tweaked it with his tongue and sucked her flesh. She whimpered and wiggled her hips again. He worried she could be too sore from the testing ceremony. He slowly slid two fingers into her pussy. “Does that hurt?” “No. That feels wonderful. Take me, Derek. Fill me with your cock.” He positioned the head of his cock at her slick, warm opening and pushed inside her, sliding slowly in case she really was tender. When his hips hit her thighs, he pulled out slowly. “Oh God, Derek. That feels so good. Please, more.” He pulled out of her hot, wet velvet and slid home again. She moaned and shivered. Again he plunged in, balls deep. She shook, and her back arched. “Derek!” she cried out. He climaxed with her, pumping inside her pussy as her muscles

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contracted. Her hot pussy milked his cock until they both quieted. She collapsed on her stomach. Derek sank onto the bed beside her. He put a hand on her waist and caressed her. “That was incredible, sweetheart.” “It was unbelievable,” she said. “You’re amazing, Derek. I love you.” Her words thrilled him. Would she marry him? He had to know. “I love you, too, Kelly. I want to be with you forever. I never thought I’d ever love anyone again. And here I am, loving you more than anyone I’ve ever loved.” She turned on her side to face him, her lovely breasts rosy from their lovemaking. “Derek, I never thought I’d ever be free to marry someone I could love. You’ve made that possible. Because of you, I’m free to love you, the man who rescued me not just once but three times from a life lacking the promise of love. You’ve given me love and a life I look forward to with so much happiness.” “You’ve given me more love than I ever expected to have. You’re my life, sweetheart. You’re the guardian of my love.” She smiled at him. “You can trust me to always guard your love, Derek. I don’t ever want to be without you.” She stroked his chest. “Will you marry me, Kelly, and be my love for all time?” “Yes, I’ll marry you, Derek. I want to live with you forever.” He gathered her in his arms and kissed her deeply. She kissed him back, with sweeter love than he’d ever imagined.

THE END WWW.JEANMARIEHAMILTON.COM

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Claire Adele/Jeanmarie Hamilton is an award-winning author of western, historical, and shape-shifter romance. She finaled in the RWA Southern Heat Chapter Contest (2nd place historical) and the 2005 American Title Contest for historical romance. With a contemporary shape-shifter story, she finaled in the RWA 2006 Gothic Chapter Contest (2nd place contemporary paranormal) and the 2007 RWA Dixie First Chapter Contest (3rd place paranormal). She’s also an author in a western, historical anthology which is an EPIC Finalist for 2011. Also writing erotic romance as Jenette DuPris, Jeanmarie’s stories have received top ratings in reviews. When not writing, she enjoys oil painting, walks in the desert foothills, gardening, her family and pets, romantic movies, and reading a gripping romance. She’s currently working on her next story. Please stop by her web site at www.JeanmarieHamilton.com. She would love for you to join her newsletter.

Also by Claire Adele Siren Classic: Dangerous Persuasion Siren Classic: Wolves of West Texas 1: Guardian of Her Heart Ménage and More: Wolves of West Texas 2: Guardian of His Soul

For titles by Claire Adele writing as Jeanmarie Hamilton, please visit www.bookstrand.com/jeanmarie-hamilton

Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com