Inflaming Inno

Inflaming Inno Moon Pack, Book 9

Amber Kell

Published by Silver Publishing Publisher of Erotic Romance

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Your non-refundable purchase of this e-book allows you to only ONE LEGAL copy for your own personal reading on your own personal computer or device. You do not have resell or distribution rights without the prior written permission of both the publisher and the copyright owner of this book. This book cannot be copied in any format, sold, or otherwise transferred from your computer to another through upload to a file sharing peer to peer program, for free or for a fee, or as a prize in any contest. Such action is illegal and in violation of the South African Copyright Law. Distribution of this e-book, in whole or in part, online, offline, in print or in any way or any other method currently known or yet to be invented, is forbidden. If you do not want this book anymore, you must delete it from your computer. WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated and is punishable by imprisonment and a fine." Cover Artist: Reese Dante Editor: Monti Shalosky Inflaming Inno © 2011 Amber Kell ISBN # 9781920501464 Attention Readers: This book uses US English. All rights reserved. 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. The Licensed Art Material is being used for illustrative purposes only; any person depicted in the Licensed Art Material, is a model.

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Dedication

For Tonya who helped me come up with an "I" name.

Inflaming Inno

Amber Kell

Chapter One Inno Weston crouched behind the dumpster, his legs trembling as he squatted in a puddle reeking of urine and vomit. Not a scent he longed to bottle and spray on in the morning. But tonight, tonight he'd use it as camouflage until he was certain the mutants were gone. Hell, he'd roll in it if he didn't think it would infect his wound. Surely even psychotic wolf men couldn't smell him through the stench. He didn't know who they were when they first grabbed him, but after watching one man transform from a normal werekin to a frightening creature frozen in a grotesque half-wolf, half-human form he knew what he didn't want to happen to him. With slow, careful motions he patted his pocket not wanting to cause any noise or call attention to his location. Relief shook him when his fingers brushed across the unbroken vial of serum, the one reason he remained free and unharmed. His escape would've been for nothing if he'd shattered the container during his headlong dash across town. But so far he hadn't let Blake down by breaking his word or the vial. The mutant, Blake, assisted the scientist at the lab, but for reasons of his own took pity on Inno and paved the way for Inno to escape—if he promised to help get the 1

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formula across town. Inno didn't know what he'd have done if he had broken the vial. Returning to his cage in the lab wasn't an option. For his next trick, he had to find Alpha Silver and pass the sample along. When Blake had handed him the printed formula with the vial, Inno had sworn to take it to the Moon pack. Seconds from becoming a mutant, Inno gratefully snatched at the opportunity to help. He hoped Silver had the resources to examine the liquid and discover its secrets. From what Inno had heard, Silver had a large pack and Blake sounded confident the Alpha would help. Standing in the freezing alley, Inno's teeth chattered from cold and shock. If he didn't move soon he'd bleed out from his wounds. Clenching his jaw, he pulled himself farther into the shadows. He didn't have much fighting skill, a fact reinforced when a mutant almost disemboweled him when he ran to escape. His inner wolf urged him to shift so he could heal. Unfortunately, he didn't have the option of changing forms. He'd promised to get the vial to Alpha Silver, the only shifter who had enough power to possibly stop the mutations. He couldn't keep it protected if he went wolf and lost his clothing. "Come out, come out little wolf." 2

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The whispery voice sent fingers of fear down Inno's spine. He knew that voice. It belonged to the mutant who almost killed him. "You need to go back to the lab so you can become one of us. Stronger. Faster. Better." The man sounded like a commercial promoting the mutant formula. Inno could almost hear the disclaimer at the end, warning people about how the fabulous product sometimes led to insanity or even death. The lack of sensation in Inno's fingertips meant a bleeding finale might be a real option. He wouldn't need the mutation to achieve his life's end. A scream pierced the air and echoed across the deep alley. The noise terrified Inno even more than the previous whispers. Inno didn't want to meet anything tough enough to take out one mutant, much less several. Maybe if he stayed quiet the danger would pass. A shadow, at least twelve feet tall, filled the opposite wall of the alley as the sound of footsteps came closer. Inno pulled himself into a tight ball and closed his eyes to hide their shine. Please don't see me. Please don't see me. He flashed back to his childhood when he hid in the dark from the monster in his closet. Inno's heart hammered 3

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against his chest, his stomach churned, and for a moment he worried he might be adding to the volume of the puddle he huddled in. Unfortunately, just as he knew they would, the footsteps paused before him. "What do we have here?" A voice, richer than a river of chocolate, caressed his ears. Damn, he would die in this stupid alley and not keep his promise. When the speaker said nothing further but didn't move away, curiosity made Inno lift his head and open his eyes to face his doom. Anyone who said curiosity killed the cat hadn't met a wolf shifter. Gorgeous. The word whispered in his head as he examined his bringer of death. The man's skin glowed white and perfect with high cheekbones, a pointed chin, and a lush, kissable mouth. Even the red flames glowing in the depths of the stranger's dark eyes didn't take away from his attraction one bit. Inno shuddered and tried to get closer to the wall, to meld with it if possible. He needed to get away. To hide from this creature he instinctively knew would be much more dangerous than the mutants hunting him. The panicky urge to run shot through his body. He fought the urge to transform into his beast. He didn't have enough practice controlling the wolf anyway. 4

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Don't shift! Don't shift! He thought hard at his wolf half, fighting his inner animal. Struggling against the desire to pick a stronger form. "Hey, now. I'm not going to hurt you." **** Mikel smiled at the wolf shifter, trying not to scare the young man. He didn't know why the mutants were hunting the pretty little thing, but Mikel didn't want to frighten him any further. The wind shifted and the scent of blood reached his nose. Mikel's fangs dropped, his fingers lengthened and grew long claws, and he had to fight his own inner beast just as hard as the wolf shifter looked to be fighting off a transformation seconds before. "You're

wounded."

Mikel

accused,

worry

completely dissolving his usual polished manner. For some reason the thought of the delicate looking creature being injured terrified Mikel. The wolf shifter shook his head frantically, his dirty blond curls bouncing with the force of denial. "I-I'm fine." Mikel's beast retreated a bit as the smaller man's voice calmed him. "Are you really?" He got a nod. 5

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Despite the horrible alley stench and the gory remains of a mutant crusting beneath his nails, Mikel had never felt happier in his life. To the vampire's senses, the terrified wolf shifter glowed like a shining star in the dim light. Looking around, a sudden fear struck Mikel. A wolf shifter, alone and hunted by mutants, would be one small attack away from a dead shifter. "What's your name?" He kept his tone gentle not wanting to scare the smaller man. "Inno Weston." "I've never heard of the Weston pack." Wolves always used their pack name as their last name. "It's my mother's last name. I don't have a pack." Even with vampire hearing, Mikel barely made out the words. When they registered, Mikel's jaw dropped open. "How can you not have one? I thought all you shifters had packs? Surely you could join one?" He knew from his vampire friend Alesandro the importance for shifters to have a support system. Alesandro consulted with Anthony, Silver's Alpha Mate, on his hotel requirements for vamps and enjoyed telling Mikel about the tightly knit Moon Pack. Hell even that tiger, Dare, joined the wolves to be part of a pack and most felines were solitary. Why Mikel cared one way or 6

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another about a small wolf's packless status, he couldn't say, but his fear for the young man remained. The werekin shook his head. "I don't have a pack," he repeated again. The shifter didn't go into details and the stubborn tilt of the werekin's chin meant an explanation wouldn't be forthcoming. Mikel made a mental note to pursue this line of questioning in a more congenial environment. He had to get the injured man out of the disgusting alley and tucked away in Mikel's apartment before other mutants came hunting. "I'm Mikel Cruento. Why don't you come with me and I'll get you all patched up?" Inno shook his head. Mikel's patience vanished as the scent of blood became stronger. The waste of so much powerful shifter elixir drove him mad. Determined not to spend time trading niceties while the shifter bled to death, Mikel reached out, grabbed the smaller man and pulled him out of his shadowy corner. He tried to be careful but the little guy had more strength than Mikel expected. Inno snarled like a trapped animal, snapped his teeth, and glared with the glowing yellow eyes of a wolf. "I-I h-have to go," Inno's voice trembled. Even in the dark, the shifter's pallor would make a 7

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vampire appear sun-tanned. "Where are you going to go, little wolf? Come with me. I'll see to your wounds." He tried to keep his voice level, coaxing even, but the smell of the Inno's blood drove him insane. "I c-can't trust a vampire." Inno's teeth chattered and shock started setting in. "I'd generally agree with you, but I'm all you've got." Before he had time to advance his case, Inno's eyes rolled into the back of his head. Mikel caught the wolf as he passed out. "I guess I'll definitely have to take you home with me now." A surprising surge of pleasure rushed through him at the thought. Shaking his head at his foolishness, Mikel lifted Inno up into his arms. Shifters were generally densely built but with Mikel's supernatural strength Inno barely registered as having any weight at all. Mikel cast a spell of concealment as he walked. If anyone came looking for the small wolf man with haunted eyes there wouldn't be any witnesses to claim to have seen him. Using his vampire speed, it took little time to go from the shady side of town to the street where Mikel's posh townhouse stood. He came to an abrupt halt when he 8

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spotted a lean figure propped against his doorframe. Damn, he'd forgotten about Jager. He muttered a quick reveal spell so he could speak to the werekin. With the previous spell in place, anything he'd said would've sounded muffled and been disguised as traffic noise. "Guess our date is canceled if you're bringing other men home." The werekin's mouth curled in a wry smile that didn't quite reach the beautiful man's eyes. Oddly enough, Jager's classic features didn't appeal to Mikel as much as the pretty little wolf in his arms. Mikel shrugged. "Something came up." Jager nodded, looking more resigned than annoyed. "It often does." He started down the steps only to stop midway. Snapping his head back around he focused on Inno. "He's injured!" "I know that!" Mikel growled. "Why do you think I'm carrying him?" Jager shrugged. "I thought maybe you had turned romantic." Mikel gave a staccato laugh. "Yeah, because I'm known for my romance." "No, you're known for being a sexy asshole who happens to be good in bed. Where did you get the wolf?" Jager leaned forward to get a better look. Mikel instinctively shifted his burden away from 9

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the other man. He liked Jager, but he didn't like Jager close to his injured wolf. Mikel focused on the front door. A smile crossed his face when the lock clicked and the door swung open. His lock picking skills were an iffy talent. Even after all his years he wasn't always consistent in getting stubborn locks to give. "I found him in a stinky alley off Jefferson Street running away from mutants. I killed the one hunting him and the others ran off." "What were they doing there?" Jager lost his easy, teasing air. "There haven't been any reports of mutants in that location." He whipped out his cell phone, started dialing, and within seconds started talking. "It's Jager, I need to talk to Silver." There was a pause. "Then get me Anthony." Another pause. "Then who's in charge? Fine, I'll talk to Dillon." "Why don't you call your own Alpha?" Mikel found it odd Jager didn't contact his own leader before contacting another Alpha. Jager's lips curled. "He's more interested in his next full moon hunt. The last time I mentioned mutants he said Silver could take care of them since he had the biggest local pack. Plus he's got Anthony to back him up. I don't think my Alpha would lift a finger if he saw a mutant gnawing on one of his pack mate's bones." 10

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The disdain in Jager's voice made Mikel frown. The alpha must really be a piece of work to upset Jager. The gorgeous wolf worked as a model, was known for his easy going temperament. Mikel had a feeling Silver would soon add another wolf to his pack. He looked down at Inno. Maybe two. Jager informed someone in the Moon Pack about the mutant's location as Mikel carefully laid Inno on the couch. Turning on the lamp, Mikel got his first clear look of the werekin. Thick, platinum-blond hair in short curls covered Inno's head like an angelic cap. Blood soaked the entire front of the werekin's jacket, a bright splash against the muddy gray material. Leaning down he unzipped the lightweight material and started to peel it off. The shifter's eyes snapped open. "No. I need that. I have to get it to Silver." Inno whispered, urgently. Although he could barely open his eyes he clutched the jacket with surprising strength. Jager came forward. "Hey, there." He used a soothing tone. Mikel whipped around, blocking the other werekin from approaching the injured man. "Back off!" he snarled. Jager held his hands up in a pacifying gesture. "I'm only trying to help." "Do it farther away." Even though he considered 11

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Jager a friend, he couldn't stand the thought of anyone else touching Inno. "Do you think you can handle the blood?" Jager's eyes focused on Mikel's mouth as his fangs pricked his bottom lip. The urge to attack Jager rode Mikel hard but he resisted. Not only did he like the other werekin, he might need the other man to help fix the fragile shifter on the couch. The panic fluttering through Mikel's chest had nothing to do with a need to taste the shifter's blood and everything to do with the worry Inno's time would soon run out. "Yes, I can handle it." Inno's eyes drifted closed again and Mikel worried they might not ever re-open. "We need to get your clothes off and heal you." "Can't lose the vial," Inno whispered, still not opening his eyes. "Okay." Not certain what Inno was talking about, nevertheless Mikel searched through the blood-soaked material and found the glass vial. He set it carefully on the coffee table beside a piece of paper he found tucked in beside it. "Your vial is safe. Now let's get you naked." A faint smile twitched Inno's mouth. "I bet you say that to all the guys." "Yep, all the time. You are just one of the many 12

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bloody and battered shifters in line for my couch. Help me get you naked and I can heal you up and usher in the next one." Mikel tried to keep up the light banter as he assisted the shifter out of his clothing but his nerves rattled together when he saw the copious amount of blood staining the jacket. Inno groaned as Mikel gently lifted him up a bit to slide the garment out from under him. "Sorry babe. I'm trying to be careful." "Babe?" The air of disbelief made Mikel smile despite the seriousness of the wolf's injuries. "Sweetie?" Inno's soft snort changed to a gasp when the vampire pulled apart his shirt, popping the buttons off instead of bothering to unfasten them. Blood gushed from the open wound that covered most of his stomach and a good section of Inno's ribs. Someone had tried to disembowel the small werekin. For the first time in his life, Mikel almost threw up. Spots danced before his eyes as he opened his senses to the werekin. Blocking his surprising distress over an injured stranger, Mikel placed his hands on either side of the wound and pushed in his power, sucking in his breath as the werekin's excruciating pain rebounded back to him. He used more power. Electricity crackled as he pumped his 13

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magical ability to heal into the other man's wound. Inno gasped beneath his hands, the wound closing slower than Mikel liked. Taking a long, deep breath, Mikel compelled a third wave of power into the wound. "Pull back, Mikel. You're going to burn yourself out." Jager's panicked voice threatened to break Mikel's concentration. The werekin's fear and concern, while heartwarming, didn't help the situation. "No! I can't leave him suffering." In that moment nothing struck Mikel as more important than saving Inno. He knew the werekin suffered a mortal wound as the younger man's terror clawed at him leaving mental wounds almost as awful as the physical ones covering Inno's stomach. Closing his eyes he dredged up more energy than he'd ever used before. Inno must live! The thought became paramount in his mind. If asked, he couldn't explain why it felt so important to save this one wolf, but he knew nothing would stop him from saving Inno. "Mikel, pull back. You're going to kill yourself." Jager's pleading pulled him from his daze. "He can shift and finish healing." With a gasp, Mikel opened eyes he hadn't realized 14

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he'd closed, to see the gaping wound had sealed completely. Barely a scratch remained on the werekin's stomach. Mikel checked Inno's face and let out a sigh when he saw the werekin's eyes were clear and free of pain. Mikel closed his in relief. "Thank you." For the first time, Inno's voice—a clear alto—lacked the cloud of pain. Mikel opened his eyes to meet the werekin's gaze. "You're welcome." He'd never been so grateful to see a person healed in his life. He'd also never expended so much energy to heal someone before. "You should've let him shift," Jager scolded. "Jager, see yourself out. Inno and I are going to rest." "If you'd like, I could take him home with me. I've got the room and he might be more comfortable with another wolf. I'd take really good care of him." A wicked smile flashed across Jager's handsome features. Mikel's fangs descended at the thought. "Out!" He snapped. He ignored the unnecessary smirk Jager sent him. With a taunting laugh, the werekin spun on his heel and walked away. "See you later boys!" Whistling, he sauntered out of the townhouse. 15

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Jager lived to give Mikel a hard time. He didn't bother responding to the annoying shifter, or watch him leave. His entire focus centered on the werekin on his couch. The door closed with a soft snick. "Come on. I only have one bed but I'm willing to share it. I promise not to molest you in your sleep. We can go see the Moon pack tomorrow night." He'd never been so tired in his life. "I'm too exhausted to jump you anyway." All of the energy he'd fed into Inno had drained him of anything more than the ability to make it to his bed, and even that would take much more effort than usual. Inno shook his head. "I promised I'd take the vial to Silver. I have to go to the Moon pack now!" Mikel wanted to ask who Inno had made that promise to, but the werekin could barely keep his eyes open. Inno wouldn't be going anywhere if Mikel had anything to say about it. "It can wait. Silver is out of town anyway. You'll have to give it to Dillon or Thomas. Rest for the night and we can go see them tomorrow evening." He didn't know what was in the vial but the little shifter was tied up in knots over it. Mikel watched conflicting emotions cross Inno's face. The man's firm chin warned Mikel he'd have to be more persuasive. 16

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Mikel pressed some of his magic into the werekin. "Tomorrow." Inno's eyes drooped. "Promise?" His tone sounded like a little kid trying to get an adult to keep their word, wary and yet full of hope. "I promise," Mikel said. With another push of magic, the werekin closed his eyes and fell asleep where he lay on the couch. Mikel grabbed a washcloth and a bowl of water from the bathroom. With careful dabs he cleaned Inno the best he could. He dumped out the water and hung up the cloth to dry before returning to the injured werewolf. Although he could leave the werekin on the couch for the night, he chose not to. He wanted the smaller man snuggled next to him. Mikel lifted Inno in his arms and he carried the shifter into the bedroom. With careful hands he stripped the rest of the clothes off Inno and laid him on the bed. Removing his own clothes, he slid in beside the werekin. It struck him that he'd never really slept with another person before. Hopping in and out of beds and rushing home before the sun rose didn't leave a lot of time to cuddle. However, in his own home, he had plenty of opportunity to be near another person. He'd never taken advantage of that until now. 17

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Mikel scooted closer to the still form and snuggled into the heat. By nature, vampires were cool-blooded. To lie beside the overly hot body of a shifter warmed him in and out. Alesandro had picked a human? He didn't understand his friend's thinking. Werekin were the way to go. Snuggled up next to his own personal furnace, Mikel fell asleep.

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Chapter Two Mikel woke knowing something didn't feel right. The wolf. His wolf. With his eyes still blurred from deep sleep, Mikel reached out a hand and patted the spot beside him. The sheets were warm, but empty. No wolf. "Inno!" he shouted, his heart beating mercilessly against his ribs. "What?" A rumpled angel stumbled into the room with bleary eyes, wearing only an adorable frown and a pair of white underwear. "You were missing." Mikel swallowed, realizing his voice sounded deeper than usual. He tried again. "I didn't know where you were." Inno's look of annoyance vanished and he gave Mikel a shaky smile while blushing adorably. "I had to go the bathroom." "Come

here."

Mikel

couldn't

stop

the

possessiveness gripping him. Inno shuffled his feet as he approached the bed. Mikel smiled as his stomach tightened and its emptiness made itself known. "You have a choice. You can either bring me a bag of blood from the refrigerator or you can climb in bed and let me taste you." He saw indecision flash in the werekin's deep blue 19

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eyes. They glowed like brilliant sapphires in the dim light. "I do kind of owe you." Mikel smiled. "Yes, you do." Last night he'd been good and resisted taking a taste of the werekin, but with a new night and a completely healed shifter before him, Mikel's body took a fresh interest in his visitor. Inno gave him another shy smile, but a new determination filled his eyes. "You said you'd take me to the Moon Pack." "I will. But I'm hungry." He let a plaintive tone enter his voice until Inno looked worried. Inno crawled onto the bed, an animalistic motion that sparked Mikel's need. Opening his arms, he welcomed the werekin into his embrace. With most donors Mikel would work the seduction angle, but he didn't want to spook the skittish werekin. Instead, he tried for comfort. Snuggling Inno close, he nuzzled the werekin behind the ear and nibbled on his lobe. "I thought you were supposed to bite my neck," Inno muttered, wiggling deeper into Mikel's arms. "I will. Don't worry. There's no hurry. I'll still get you to the Moon pack tonight." Mikel couldn't resist scooting the cute man closer and rubbing against him. Inno stiffened. 20

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"Sorry, sweetie. Your scent is driving me nuts and you're so warm." Mikel couldn't get close enough to Inno. He suspected even if he was inside the other man, fucking him through the bed, it still wouldn't be quite close enough. Though he'd love to test the theory. Sliding down a bit, he lapped at Inno's neck, moaning at the flavor of the other man's flesh. The werekin made a strangled gasp, encouraging Mikel to lick the skin some more. Inno tasted so freaking good. Mikel's fangs slid down through his gums and he struggled against the urge to plunge them into the man below. He didn't want to cause Inno a moment of pain. Most donors came to vampires for the high of being bitten. Inno was doing him a favor and Mikel didn't want the smaller man to have a moment of regret. Careful as he'd never been before, Mikel bit into the werekin's neck. Blood immediately filled his mouth. Rich, luscious, and life giving, the temperature hotter than any he'd ever tasted before. Moaning, he sucked down the amazing flavor as his body jolted with the power of Inno's blood. After a few more swallows, he retracted his fangs. Buzzing from the energy of shifter plasma, he carefully made sure no sign of his bite remained by sealing the wound with his tongue. When the smaller man went to 21

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face the Moon pack, they would have no reason to tease Inno. Werekin were weird about being fed upon which was one of the reasons they rarely volunteered as donors. "Are you done?" Inno's strained tone made Mikel look down. The werekin's underwear strained beneath his thick erection. Mikel moaned with the need to own the other man, but he wouldn't take advantage in a moment of weakness. Inno wanted to see the Moon pack and Mikel promised to get him there. He hadn't broken a promise yet, and if Mikel screwed Inno like he wanted, they'd never see the pack. "Yes, I'm done." Mikel licked his lips, eager to get every last drop. It could possibly be the only time he'd taste a shifter. He'd never felt so powerful. Jager had never let him bite even during sex. Sex. Needing a change of topic, Mikel suggested. "Why don't you go take a shower? There are towels in the cabinet by the tub. I'll find you some clothes." "Thanks." Inno's husky tone made Mikel even harder. He forced himself to slide away from the shifter, an act more 22

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difficult than he'd expected. With another of his shy smiles, Inno slid out of bed and headed towards the bathroom. Mikel clenched his fists to prevent himself from grabbing the other man. As soon as Inno closed the door behind him, Mikel grabbed his pillow and tossed it across the room. "What the hell is wrong with me?" He kept his voice low not wanting to attract Inno's attention back into the room. No one had ever affected him like this one small werekin. Simmering with need, Mikel yanked off his underwear and wrapped his hand around his weeping cock. Visions of Inno standing in the shower with streams of water dripping down his sleek body filled Mikel's brain in startling detail. In his mind, water trailed down the werekin's cut abs and pale white skin. "Mmm, yes." He whispered to his imaginary Inno who obligingly grabbed his own staff and pumped it in time with Mikel's hand. Mikel moaned, increasing the speed and pressure around his cock. When his imaginary Inno came against the shower wall, Mikel quickly followed with the best orgasm of his life. And at five hundred years old, that was quite a feat. 23

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Grabbing some tissues by the bed, he wiped himself down in a cursory fashion. He'd take a shower as soon as Inno got out. Thinking of the werekin, he tumbled out of bed and went to the dresser where he pulled out a pair of sweats and a t-shirt that had shrunk in the wash. Not the most elegant wardrobe, but he could take Inno shopping after he dropped off his vial with the Moon Pack. After all, Inno didn't belong to the pack. He was only the delivery boy. Inno opened the door with only a towel wrapped low around his hips. Mikel's heart skipped a beat and his cock began a slow rise again. The werekin sniffed the air and flashed Mikel a knowing look. Damn that werekin superior sense of smell. Only Mikel's vampire status prevented him from blushing. "Here I found you some clothes. These will have to do until I can take you shopping." Inno shook his head. "You don't have to take me shopping. I can go home after I talk to the Moon Pack." Mikel's stomach flipped at the thought of the younger man being away from him. "Why were the mutants following you?" "I escaped." 24

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"They captured you?" Inno paled and looked away. "My sister turned me in. She's my half-sister and thought the mutants could help make me a better shifter. Someone sold her on the idea they had a super serum to help people shift. My mother was human and my father a werekin, so I've never been able to become a wolf before. They didn't tell her I wouldn't be able to shift back." Mikel admired the young werekin. Although betrayal and hurt lived in Inno's eyes, he didn't say a bad word against his sibling. "Did they take you from your home?" Inno looked at Mikel, but the sweet man's eyes didn't see him as he remembered the past. "They came in the middle of the day and grabbed me while I was sleeping. I'm the pastry chef for my sister's bakery so I work early in the morning and sleep in the afternoon. They knew when it was the best time to grab me." Tears shone in Inno's eyes. "She told them everything. Where I live. When I sleep. Where I keep my spare key." Inno's voice broke. "I heard them laughing about how easy I was to capture." Mikel stepped forward and wrapped the sad werekin in his arms. "Shhh. Since the mutants know where you live, it'd be best if you stayed with me a few weeks 25

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until they stop looking for you. The packs are more careful now about their own so they'll be upset at losing any viable candidate for mutation." Inno searched Mikel's face. "Why are you being so nice to me? You saved me from that mutant in the alley, healed me, and now you're giving me a place to stay. I'm sure after I give Moon Pack the vial, they'll find me a place to sleep. I didn't have a pack before because I couldn't shift. No point in having a wolf in the pack if he's not really a wolf." "Half wolf?" Inno nodded. "I'm sorry you can't shift." Mikel's heart broke a little for the small man. Inno gave a harsh laugh. "Oh, I can shift now. My captors gave me a shot to see if I was a viable candidate. Apparently they lost a bunch of wolves before and didn't want to make the same mistake again. They didn't give me the full serum, just enough to see if I would respond." Inno laughed again. "Now I can shift, but changing back is the problem. My sister, Claudia, got one thing right. I am a proper shifter now." The bitter tone of the werekin made Mikel's heart ache. He didn't know which was worse, being a half wolf incapable of changing, or a man who could now shift, but 26

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only after a painful betrayal. "You don't have to take care of me, you know. I've been taking care of myself for a long time now. My parents died when I was young. I raised Claudia from the time I was eighteen and she was twelve." The sharp sense of despair made more sense now. To be betrayed by a child you raised had to be the ultimate knife in the heart, and one of the reasons Mikel had never sired another vampire. Some responsibilities came with too much baggage. Mikel grabbed Inno, pulled him close, and inhaled his scent. Immediately Inno's body relaxed. The wolf inside Inno recognized Mikel as a dominant male. A man worthy of showing submission to. The urge to wrap the werekin in cotton wool and protect him from the world rode Mikel hard. Sliding his lips up and down the smaller man's neck, he reveled in the other man's scent. "Damn, you smell so fucking good." "Good enough to eat?" The amused tone of the werekin's voice and his relaxed stance in Mikel's arms told him the smaller man wasn't afraid. Mikel nipped playfully at Inno's neck before slapping him on the ass and forcing himself to move away. "Get dressed sweetie, I'm going to take a quick 27

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shower." He enjoyed the sight of Inno blushing in the middle of his bedroom as he walked into the bathroom. **** Inno's heart pounded as he watched the vampire leave the room. "Oh my fucking God," he moaned to the empty room. After his hand job in the shower he thought it would be a while before he could get it up again, but one smack on the ass by a luscious vampire and his erection returned with a vengeance. A quick search proved no underwear was in the stack of clothes the vampire provided. Either Mikel didn't wear any or he didn't want to share. Thinking about the sexy man, Inno would bet the vampire went commando. Dropping the towel, he glanced down at his happy body part and gave it a pat. "Not helping." With a sigh, he quickly slipped on the sweats and t-shirt trying not to think of how they'd fit across the fit vampire's body. The shirt hung loosely on Inno, but probably stretched across every sexy muscle on Mikel's frame. Inno groaned. He needed to get to the Moon pack, drop off the vial, share the information Blake gave him, and get the hell out of there. He didn't know what he would do 28

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afterwards, but he doubted it included hanging out with a sexy vampire. If Inno stuck around, he'd find himself the willing blood donor to the gorgeous vampire for as long as Mikel wanted to keep him. Inno needed to be strong and resist Mr Tall, Dark and Fangy. He might not know what his plans were for the future but they didn't include Mikel, no matter what his wolf half whimpered about. His beastly side thought nothing could be more fun than to stay by the vamp's side. Dumb animal had no sense of selfpreservation. He tied his shoes, and lost every thought in his head when the vampire came out of the bathroom, still damp from the shower. The evil man walked out wearing nothing, his erection bobbing ahead of him as if it were seeking out Inno like a divining rod. A low growl rumbled out of Inno's throat. "Is there a problem, wolf boy?" Unable to resist Mikel's taunting smile, Inno leaped at the vampire. Mikel laughed and let Inno take him down to the carpet. The vampire went easy on Inno, but he didn't care. He had to taste the man. He needed to discover the flavor of the sexy vampire currently driving him bat-shit insane. Now that Inno's beast had awakened, it wanted to keep the vampire as its own. 29

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Mine. A shiver went up Inno's spine as the creature growled its urgency to claim the vampire. Mate. Oh, hell no. Yes. His wolf howled inside and before Inno could stop the process, he shifted from human to wolf. Shaking off his clothing, the wolf licked up the side of Mikel's cheek. "Um, hello." The vampire lay calm beneath him. The wolf smelled the luscious scent of the relaxed creature beneath him. He let out a happy bark. "Mate." "I'm your mate?" Fear crept into the man's scent, making the wolf whimper. Mikel soothed. "Shh. Don't be upset. I'm just surprised. But that does explain a few things. How about you shift back and we'll go to the Moon pack. You can conclude your business with them then we can come back here and talk about our mating." His fingers rubbed sensuously over the werekin's head. Ear scratches made everything better. The wolf gave another happy yip before letting his human half back into control. 30

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Looking down at the vampire, Inno backpedaled. "I'm so sorry. I don't know what happened." He shook his head to clear it and scooted away. Mikel grabbed Inno's ankle before he could get very far. "Hey, don't panic. It'll be all right. Do you remember what I said?" Inno nodded. "Go to the Moon Pack and give them the vial. I'm not used to shifting. Before the mutants got hold of me I couldn't even access my wolf." Mikel squeezed his shoulder in a show of support. "Come on. I'm sure Jager told them to expect you this evening." Redressing quickly, Inno avoided Mikel's gaze until strong fingers gripped his chin and forced him to face the vampire. "Do not think you can avoid me, my sweet. I'm not giving you up to the pack. Your wolf knows we belong together." Inno blushed. He had nothing to say. What could he say after he'd jumped on the vampire and all but claimed him in wolf form? Instead, he nodded and let Mikel lead him into the living room. Spotting the vial he snatched it up along with the formula. Shit, why had he told Mikel they were mates? What did that mean anyway? While his wolf half had no problems bonding with a vampire, his human 31

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half balked at claiming anyone. "I've got a car waiting outside." Leaving the townhouse, Inno learned car equaled limousine in vampire terms. Inno gave Mikel a flustered look when he opened the limo door for him. Sliding inside, he jerked back when the window at the front of the limo slid down. A handsome man with bright blond hair and brown eyes looked back at them. "Where are we going?" Mikel made the introductions. "Inno, this is my driver, Jans. Jans, Inno." "Hi," Inno said with a wave, he received an abrupt nod in return. "Jans, we're going to the Moon Pack club." "Yes, sir." Inno looked up in time to see a chilling glare in the driver's eyes. Inno shrunk closer to Mikel, unconsciously seeking the vampire's protection. The driver smiled wickedly, like he could read Inno's mind then rolled the window back up. They made the limo ride in silence. Inno didn't know what the vampire thought about, but Inno worried about their mating. Could Mikel really be his mate? What would Inno do then? Although he'd never really considered 32

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the idea of a perfect mate before, he definitely wouldn't have a vampire on the list. Unable to shift until recently, Inno didn't have enough wolf instincts to actually know if they were mates. His wolf could be mistaken. He hoped someone at the pack house could answer his questions. It would be the first time he'd be among so many shifters. Tension settled in Inno's shoulders. "Hey, it'll be all right." Mikel snuggled him closer. With a sigh, Inno rested his head on the vampire's chest. All too soon the limo pulled to a stop and Inno's nerves crackled like firecrackers. "Easy." Mikel took Inno's hand, helped him out of the vehicle, and walked him up to an alley. "It's better to enter through the back. You don't need to be overwhelmed by the club." Inno wondered what kind of club the pack ran, but before he could ask any questions Mikel rushed him up to a solid shiny steel door and pounded on it with his fist. The door swung silently open and a large man with a scarred face looked down at them. "Hey, Mikel. Is this him?" "Yep. Henry this is Inno. Inno this is Henry Moon, the pack chef." "Nice to meet you." Henry gave him a polite nod before turning to 33

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Mikel. "Steven's with Dare. He's having his first treatment with Anthony's mother. Dillon, Farro and Thomas are here." "What happened to Dare?" Henry frowned. "I thought you'd heard. Some mutants attacked the club and Dare got blinded from some of the toxins they exploded inside the kitchen. Everyone else escaped harm." A flash of worry in Mikel's eyes revealed his concern for Dare. "Let me know if there's anything I can do. Where did Dillon and Thomas hide Ben?" "He's working on the books," Henry said with a smile. Wrapping an arm around Inno's waist, Mikel guided the man inside. "Ben is mated to Dillon and Thomas," he explained. "They're in charge right now." Inno caught a glimpse of amusement in the cook's eyes but he didn't know what to make of it. He stopped in his tracks as three powerful werekin stood up from the table they huddled around and turned to face him. Inno's heart raced as he gaped at the trio. Not one of them had a friendly expression on their face. Mikel's voice, warm as the summer sun, murmured in his ear. "It's all right, sweetie. They only want to see what you've brought them. No one is going to hurt you." 34

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Mikel's voice hardened. "Where are Silver and Anthony?" One of the three spoke up. "The Alphas went back to the fae realm to talk to the king. He's holding Anthony's father hostage." "And no one else went with them?" The werekin shook his head. "They thought the pair of them would attract less attention." "Inno, my sweet, this is Dillon, Thomas, and Farro." He pointed out each werekin in turn. Inno didn't think he'd have problems telling them apart. Thomas looked like a supermodel, Dillon had a rough bad boy thing going on, and Farro had a kind expression in his eyes as if he wanted to help Inno with whatever problem he brought to them. "Nice to meet you." It wasn't really. Packs made him nervous. He didn't know the proper protocol because his father had been tossed out of his extremely traditional pack when he married a human. Since his father never rejoined a pack before his death, Inno had no one to depend on when he'd been left alone with his human half-sister, Claudia. Keeping a wary eye on the other shifters, Inno pulled both the vial and paper out of his pocket. "A mutant named Blake sent me here to give you this. He said it's the formula you've been looking for." 35

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He held it out to Farro because he had the friendliest eyes. A weak determinant, but it was all he had to go on. "And what did you get for bringing this to us?" Dillon's eyes narrowed suspiciously as he looked at the offerings. "My freedom." "How did they get hold of you?" Thomas sniffed the air, his gaze piercing through Inno. Inno swallowed the lump in his throat. "My sister turned me in. She thought I could become a real wolf and finally be able to shift. They convinced her it was in my best interests." He quickly looked down to hide the onset of tears. Mikel rubbed his back in consolation. Farro accepted the vial and paper. "Thanks. We have a doctor we're working with to develop a vaccine. If we can develop an antidote then even if the scientist gets hold of a werekin the transition won't occur. Anthony has had good luck converting mutants back but he's only one person. We need a more preventative measure." Tension rolled off Inno at the delivery of the vial. He'd done his part and kept his word. Now he just had to figure out what to do with the rest of his life. He couldn't go back to his sister, not after she turned him in. Even if she did it with the best of intentions, betrayal was betrayal, 36

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pure motives or not. Thomas gave him a kind smile that made his wolf want to show his belly and take the lead from the stronger man. "You're welcome to stay here until Anthony and Silver return. I'm sure they'll have plenty of questions." **** Mikel pulled Inno away from the other wolves. He didn't like the direction the conversation had taken. "Inno will stay with me." The werekin relaxed against him, making Mikel feel ten feet tall. He thought Inno might deny him for a moment, the wolf inside could want to stay with others of its kind. Dillon frowned. "There's a full moon in two days and we'll be going to pack lands to run. He'd be more comfortable in the presence of other shifters." Although Mikel knew Dillon didn't try to be a jerk, he longed to rip out the other man's throat with an unnatural passion. "Inno will be more comfortable with me. He isn't used to being around so many wolves." Dillon looked at Inno for confirmation. "It's true. I've only recently been able to shift. I'm not comfortable in a pack structure." Mikel could almost see Farro's parental instincts 37

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kicking in. "Would you like to meet us for our run? You're certainly invited to come and see if you want to join a pack. Bringing us the formula would definitely put you on Silver's good side." Mikel could tell none of the wolves thought well of Inno staying with a vampire even one they knew. Inno bit his lower lip as he considered the offer. Lust shot through Mikel as he imagined all of the places he'd like that mouth. The five werekin in the room snapped their attention towards him. He flashed his fangs at the wolves. "Shut up." Farro stepped forward. "Would you like to stay with us, Inno? I don't want you to feel you have to stay with Mikel because you have no other choices." Mikel barely resisted the urge to rip out Farro's throat. Only the fact the other man had a son kept him from attacking. That and the fact that Farro's fae mate, Kylen, wouldn't rest until he annihilated Mikel in extremely painful ways. Before Inno could answer, Dakota, Henry's mate, rushed into the room holding a baby. The little creature was dressed in designer duds that probably cost more than Mikel's outfit and he didn't buy cheap. Catching sight of Mikel, the baby let out a screech of joy and flung himself out of Dakota's arms. Mikel closed his hands upon the 38

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infant before it dropped to the floor. What the hell? "He likes you," Dakota said with a smile. "Did he just fly?" Inno asked the question preying on Mikel's mind. "He's Anthony's child. His name's Trin," Henry said with a rueful smile. "Ahh." Mikel didn't know all of Anthony's powers but anyone with that much magical ability would produce an extraordinary child. "Who's the mother?" The question produced a round of shrugging. None of the wolves looked particularly interested about that unknown fact. Mikel decided it was probably best not to rock the boat. The baby's eyes glimmered gold with flecks of silver. As Mikel stared into their fathomless depths, he felt as if he were measured and passed the test. "Can I hold him?" Inno asked. Mikel looked over and saw the hopeful look in the other man's eyes. "Can he hold you?" Mikel asked the infant. It might be stupid to ask the baby, but he had a feeling people messed with a demi-god's son at their own risk. He took Trin's soft giggle as assent. Carefully supporting the child's head, he handed the happy child over to Inno's care. 39

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"Wow, aren't you beautiful!" Inno crooned to the baby. "You haven't met Anthony," Dakota said. "Is that my grandchild laughing?" A female's voice preceded the smell of a rich forest. Similar to Anthony's scent but different. Mikel stood straighter. He'd met Anthony's mother, Hallea, once before, and he held a great deal of respect for the forest witch. He stepped forward to greet her. Taking her hand he placed a kiss on the back of it. "A pleasure to see you again, Mrs Carrow." "How's my favorite smooth-talking vampire?" She asked with a wide smile. "Alesandro will be heartbroken to hear I'm your favorite." She laughed, a light tinkling sound like a babbling brook. Even a jaded vampire felt his spirits lift in the presence of such joy. "Somehow I think he'll recover." "How is Dare?" Thomas asked, stepping forward. A worried expression crossed the shifter's face. Mrs Carrow gave a shake of her head. "He's not healing." "You can't help him?" Mikel hoped they found a cure for the bartender. The big cat was one of his favorite 40

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shifters. "Come, sit, and tell us what happened," Farro motioned to the chairs around the table. With a hand on Inno's back Mikel guided the wolf over to the table. He resisted the urge to set Inno on his lap, to physically surround him on all sides and protect him from interlopers. Even though every werekin in the room had a mate, his territorial instincts didn't appear to care. Trin giggled and reached his chubby arms towards his grandmother. Mikel blinked and the baby went from Inno's arms to Mrs Carrow's. She quickly closed her arms to cradle the small baby who cooed up at her. "How does he do that?" he asked. "I think he's teleporting," she said casually, as if, of course, a small baby could magically transport himself from one place to another. Henry put a big plate of cinnamon rolls on the table and a cup of warmed blood before Mikel. "Thanks." He nodded to the chef. One thing about the Moon pack, they were a friendly bunch. At least to those they considered friends. Their enemies didn't live long enough to worry about the pack's hospitality. Several minutes later Mikel reached a new level of concern for the pack. He had no idea the fae had been 41

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added to the pack enemy list. Wasn't it bad enough they had a mad scientist and army of mutants against them? His hand involuntarily clutched at Inno. "Do you think King Linnel is in league with the scientist?" Thomas shrugged. "We don't know, but he wants something or he wouldn't kidnap Anthony's father. Between the mutant attacks and the fae king's plotting, we've had a hard year. Now the Alphas are gone to the fae realm and we have to figure out what to do without them." "And you let them go alone?" Mikel still didn't understand that particular train of thought. Without their Alphas to lead, the pack could be considered almost defenseless. To have them both gone effectively crippled their leadership. Looks passed back and forth among the pack members, before Dillon spoke. "Anthony thought too many bodies would make the king nervous. They thought they'd go there, grab Anthony's father, and be right back. It's taking longer than anticipated." A worried frown crossed Dillon's face. The pack didn't take their leaders' absence as lightly as they appeared. Anthony's mother held the baby closer. "The king has long held an obsession for Anthony. Only Silver will be able to see Anthony makes it through safely. The fact the 42

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king was able to capture Gallien troubles me, but pride has always been Gallien's downfall." Mikel had confidence the Alpha pair would return safely. Sometimes plans took longer than anticipated. At the moment, his concern focused on Dare. "Do you think Dare's blindness is temporary?" Mrs Carrow shrugged. "I don't know, he isn't responding to my power. I'm not sure why my forest magic won't work against it." A vague memory flashed through Mikel's brain. "Do you mind if I try something." "You think you can do something?" Thomas asked. Mikel nodded. "I'm not making any promises, but I'd like to do what I can. I've always liked Dare." Mikel didn't like too many people. He tolerated most of the Moon pack and respected the Alpha pair, but Dare turned out to be one of the few people Mikel genuinely liked. The big cat had a heart as large as the sky and he always made sure Mikel's blood cocktail was the perfect temperature. "Come with me." Mrs Carrow stood up and headed out of the kitchen. Inno rose to join him, but Mikel raised a hand to stop him. "Why don't you stay here and get to know the pack." Even though Mikel no intentions of letting Inno stay 43

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with the others, it would do him good to make friends. From what he'd learned from constant contact with the wolves, they did better, emotionally and physically, when they had others of their kind to ground them. Inno looked so nervous Mikel pressed a quick kiss to the werekin's lips before leaving the room.

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Chapter Three "Is Mikel your mate?" Dakota asked, sitting down beside Inno. Inno scooted uneasily away from the man who smelled more like wolf than any of the others. "Maybe. How do you really know?" He'd half-convinced himself he'd confused gratitude with a mate bond. "Your wolf tells you." Henry set a cup of coffee beside Inno and a plate with assorted pastries. "Do you want sugar or cream?" Inno shook his head. He didn't really like coffee but he didn't want to say anything to the kind man. He took a bite of a cinnamon roll. "Good. Could use a little more clove." He winced after he said the words. Used to evaluating recipes it was an automatic response. He didn't mean to insult the chef. Henry tilted his head at Inno. "You bake?" Inno nodded. "My sister and I own a bakery. I used to be the pastry chef." He gave a broken laugh. "I guess I won't be going back there. Not after she handed me over to the mutants." The betrayal still cut deep. "Why?" Farro leaned forward, listening, as if he really wanted to know. Looking around the table Inno saw concern on the 45

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other men's faces, as if they cared. Strange since they just met. "I'm only half wolf. Claudia thought if they injected me with the serum it would make me a stronger wolf and able to shift. I don't blame her, but I don't trust her any more either. I wouldn't be here if Blake didn't help me escape." Dakota nodded. "He helped me escape, too." "With so many getaways they're going to figure it out pretty soon," Dillon said. The other men nodded. Remembering how kind Blake had been, Inno hoped the mutant made it out safely. "So, is Mikel your mate?" Dakota didn't look like he would let his question drop. Inno reluctantly answered. "I think so. I mean my wolf thinks so. I-I don't have very good wolf instincts." Thomas nodded. "You should talk to Elliott. He had to change into a wolf before he was convinced Parker was his mate." Inno rubbed his arms. He didn't want to confess he'd already turned into a wolf and the beast wanted Mikel. "What is your specialty?" It took Inno a moment to realize the chef was curious about his cooking skill. "Most things with dough. 46

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The usual, pies, cakes, and I make really good donuts." A wide smile crossed the chef's stern face, making him look more approachable. "I could use some baking assistance. How are you with a quiche?" Inno shrugged. "I know a good recipe for a vegetarian one with mushrooms, peppers and fresh herbs." "I could start you out part time." Henry mentioned a salary Inno considered more than fair. "We could try you out for a few weeks and see if you like it here before going full time." No one else lined the streets offering him work and no matter what he decided to do with his future he would need money. Inno agreed. "I can start whenever you'd like." Henry looked towards the door Mikel exited through. "Why don't you call me when you talk to Mikel about hours? If you're staying with him, he might have ideas about when he'd like you to work." Inno wanted to argue that he was a grown man and could make his own decisions but realized the chef probably had a good point. **** They finally left him alone. Dare blinked and blinked and still nothing became clear. He took a deep breath but couldn't smell his mate or 47

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Anthony's mother or any of the other caretakers who wandered in and out of his room at all hours, hoping to give him the miracle cure. They didn't understand he might not be able to see them but he could smell their sorrow. Steven's despair beat at him through their bond even as his mate tried to hide the truth. They didn't think he'd see again. Pain filled his chest and he tried to think of what it would be like for his beautiful wolf to have to deal with a blind man for the rest of his life. Could he do that to Steven? What choice did he have? If he ended his own life, he would essentially be destroying the only man he loved. While shifters glorified the bond between mates they never discussed the downside, about what happened when one mate could no longer be the person they bonded with. No longer entirely whole. With a heavy sigh, he shifted to his tiger form. His bones snapped and rearranged as the fur spread across his skin. For the first time he didn't get to watch the stripes grow across his legs, a process he'd always enjoyed. He swished his tail, pleased when he heard it bang against the bed frame. Some things didn't change. Trusting his memory of the room, Dare jumped to the floor. With his 48

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sense of smell and careful steps, he made it through the doorway and down the hall. The ding of the elevator oriented him in the corridor. The roof called to him. Did he chance climbing on top of the tall building without his sense of sight? He wasn't named Dare for nothing, even if he didn't usually live up to the moniker. Letting out a growl, Dare prowled towards the stairwell. When he reached the door he stood on his back feet, pawed the latch until it clicked and pushed it open wide. With a happy snarl, he started up the steps. He'd lost track of how many times he'd climbed those stairs since he moved in with the pack, but this was one thing he didn't need his sight for. Another door and latch push and he hit the roof. The cool air brushed through his whiskers and he opened his mouth to taste the flavor of the breeze on his tongue. Dare walked by memory to his favorite sunning spot in the middle of the roof. With a happy sigh he flopped down. At least for this he didn't need sight. Napping in the warm sunshine was exactly the same as before he lost his vision. Pleased one of his simple pleasures remained, Dare closed his eyes and relaxed for the first time in days. He awakened to a stark fear. 49

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"Dare, where the fuck are you?" Steven's terrified voice ripped through his calm. "On the roof." The slamming of the metal door alerted him to his mate's arrival. "I was so fucking scared." Long arms wrapped around his neck in an awkward hug. Dare heard the rapid patter of his lover's heart. "I couldn't feel you and you were missing." Dare took a deep breath and transformed. His mate needed reassurance and he had to provide. "Sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. I was asleep." "I don't think you should be up here alone. You could've fallen off the roof." Dare pulled back, needing some distance between them. Steven didn't let him go far. "I'm blind, not an idiot. I was careful." "Sorry, sorry. I-I worry." The vulnerability in Steven's voice shocked him. He had never heard that level of fragility in his mate's voice before. "Shh. I know. I'm sorry. I'll try not to scare you again but if I'm going to be blind I need to be able to do things on my own." "Don't say that!" Steven shook him. "Don't ever say 50

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that! You're going to be cured." "Steven," Dare protested. "If Anthony's mother can't cure me…" "She'll try again. She'll try different stuff. Hell, Anthony is a demi-god. He can call in a favor or something." "No!" Dare kept his voice firm. He might hope Anthony could pull a supernatural rabbit out of a hat and fix his problems, but he wouldn't count on it, and he definitely didn't want Steven to pressure his best friend. "I'm not going to make Anthony call in some favor that will probably cost him way more than the worth of my sight. I can learn to cope. Maybe I'll get a guide dog." Steven laughed for him, but Dare could tell it took effort. "A dog for a cat." Dare leaned forward and let out a sigh when Steven drew him near. Steven cupped his head and placed the gentlest kisses Dare had ever known across his lips. "I'm only battered, not broken. You don't have to be so careful." "I almost lost you." Steven took a shaky breath. "I can't lose you. The world can burn down, but as long as I have you, everything is all right." 51

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Dare blinked back the moisture building in his useless eyes. "Come on my romantic one, take me home." Steven's smile against his lips filled Dare with joy, like liquid sunshine. He might not have his sight any more, but he could still make his mate smile. He'd talk to Anthony and Silver when they got back about what he could do for a career. Dare had no doubt his Alphas would think of something. They always had ideas. Not always good ones, but ideas. Steven entwined his fingers with Dare's and helped him to his feet. "Come on, love. Let's go so I can remind you you're still a man." Dare didn't feel less manly without his sight but he certainly wouldn't share that news with Steven. "Good idea." He only stumbled a few times on the way to their place. So much higher on two feet than four his sense of balance suffered, but he didn't think he did too badly. At least he didn't fall on his naked ass. The noise of Steven's keys turning in the lock made Dare smile. They recently moved to a larger unit in the building. Dare needed to call building maintenance and have another cat sensor installed. The last one worked so well at activating the door with his paw print. He snapped out of his musing, when Steven's 52

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muscled arm wrapped around him and pulled him gently into the room. "Stay there," Steven ordered. "You know cats of any kind don't really stay when commanded, that's more of a canine thing." A soft snort sounded to his left. "Sorry, I meant stay there my beloved mate, so I can lock the door and strip off all my clothes in anticipation of devouring you." Dare released a put upon sigh. "Well, why didn't you say so?" Steven laughed. Dare wanted to keep his lover laughing. Right now it was the only thing holding him together. It would be way too easy to spiral into depression, but he couldn't do that to his mate. For Steven Dare had to be strong. Any sign of the pain his blindness caused him would have to be suppressed until they either found a cure or he really learned to cope. He could almost hear Anthony lining up a therapist as soon as he got back. Poor Anthony, he would be very upset his mother couldn't cure Dare. "Are you still with me?" Steven's soft question pulled Dare from his thoughts. "Sorry. I was thinking." "Not of pleasant things?" Steven's touch on his cock 53

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brought it back to life. "Oh. I was hoping Anthony wasn't too angry with his mother about not being able to heal me." "Definitely no thinking about Anthony or his mother when I'm trying to seduce you." Dare smiled. "I don't think you have to try too hard." "No?" "No. There might be something wrong with my eyes but nothing is wrong with my heart or my libido. I'll want you even after we move into the afterlife to love each other there." "And you said I was the romantic one." Steven's kiss scorched Dare and reminded him that, yes indeed, nothing was wrong with the rest of his body. Moaning, he slid his fingers into Steven's hair. Without his sight he relied more on his sense of touch, smell and, oh, yes, taste. His mate tasted salty and sweet. Jerking back he lapped at Steven's lips. "You had those yogurt covered pretzels again didn't you?" "Yeah." "Hmm." Dare dove in for another taste. Silky strands of Steven's hair curled around Dare's fingers and while they kissed, the heat from the wolf shifter's body wrapped around him like a comforting hug. 54

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No matter if he lost his sight or any other ability, he'd always recognize the alluring scent of his mate. Steven smelled of heat, need, and the slight underlying scent of a canine. Dare's inner tiger purred at the thought. Most cats didn't like dogs, but Dare's tiger loved its wolf mate. Sliding his hand down, he wrapped his fingers around both of their erections. With a firm grip he pumped their shafts together in slow steady strokes lubricating his hand as he reached the tip with the dribbles of pre-cum. "Oh, yeah babe." Steven's husky moan ratcheted up Dare's excitement to almost unbearable levels. Dare kissed a path down his mate's neck until he reached the curve of Steven's shoulder. With a snarl he bit down, the tiger marking his territory. He might be blind, but no one better make any moves on his man, or he would show them what a pissed off man-eater looked like. With a cry, Steven spurted. The heated, thick liquid coated Dare's hand and the smell of his mate's release pushed Dare over the edge to join him. Moments later he released their quickly softening cocks. Steven gave him a quick kiss on the lips. "Come on. Let's take a shower before bed." Dare let his mate lead the way, hoping one day soon 55

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he'd either regain his sight or memorize the layout of their condo. He prayed for the former but was resigned to the latter.

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Chapter Four Mrs Carrow knocked. No response. "Hmmm, they might be busy." "I thought you said Dare was ill." Mikel knew Steven could be a bastard but the man adored his tiger and would cut off his own arm before causing him harm. "I said he was blind. Everything else has healed." "Oh." Mikel pounded on the door and sent out a psychic shout. The door yanked open and Steven appeared in a towel, dripping wet and scowling like he couldn't decide which one to kill first. "Steven dear, Mikel here thinks he can help Dare with his problem." The hope in Steven's eyes was painful to watch. "Vampire magic has healing properties and if Dare were to consume some of my blood it might help him heal," Mikel offered. Steven scowled. "Why would you do this? I barely know you." "Is that Mikel?" Dare's voice came from inside the condo. Sighing, Steven stepped back. "Let me guess. You adore my mate." 57

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Mikel couldn't help but laugh at the resigned tone in the shifter's voice. "Get that a lot, do you?" Steven rolled his eyes. "You have no idea." Stepping inside, Mikel almost cried at the blank look in the tiger shifter's eyes. Walking up to Dare Mikel took the werekin's hand between his own. "Hey, Dare." "How's it going blood drinker?" "Better for me than for you, I hear." Dare nodded. "My eyes don't work anymore." "Do they know why?" The shifter shrugged. "Not really. Something to do with a combination of the blast and the serum." "We just gave a sample of the serum to Farro. Hopefully you guys can use it to make an antidote. I've come to offer some of my healing power." Dare smiled. "I've heard of your powers and I don't think Steven would agree to that kind of healing." Mikel burst out laughing. "I was talking about my blood not my magic dick." "Mikel!" Mrs Carrow burst out. Shit. He'd forgotten Anthony's mother. "Sorry ma'am." He glanced over his shoulder, pleased to see she looked more amused than offended. "Oh, don't mind me, I was surprised. This is the first time I've heard you had a magical body part. Does that cute 58

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thing in the kitchen know about it?" Dare gripped Mikel's hand tighter. "Did you find your mate, Mikel?" "Yes, I think so. At least his wolf told me I did." "Then you did." Dare's tone allowed no room for argument. "If his wolf is positive then there is no doubt." Mikel didn't mention there might not be doubt on the wolf's part, but both Inno's human half and Mikel weren't sure. He could get behind testing out the mating bond though. "Anyway, I thought if you were willing to try ingesting some of my blood, it might heal some of the damage." Dare's silence filled the room for a moment and Mikel thought he might refuse. "I'm willing to try." The shifter finally said. "As long as Steven is next to me." Steven rushed forward and wrapped his arm around Dare. "Of course I'll be here. Where else would I be?" A valid question. No one who knew Steven and Dare would ever doubt the wolf shifter would stand by his man. There were a lot of combinations of couples and triples in the pack but the mating of a wolf and a tiger had always fascinated Mikel. Not only because of their 59

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disparate personalities, but by the pure devotion in Steven's eyes whenever Dare entered the room. He'd heard they had a rocky beginning but as with all good things, it was worth the extra work. Mikel couldn't even think of Dare without thinking of the tiger's mate beside him. The pair settled on the couch. "I'm going to bite my wrist. I want you to drink a little of the blood while I push some magic into you. I was able to heal Inno with mostly just my magic but I now think it was because we're mates." It hadn't occurred to him at the time, but he'd never been able to heal anyone else by his magic alone. "Are you ready?" Dare took an audible breath before nodding. Mikel concentrated and dropped his fangs. Slicing open his wrist with his tooth, he lifted it up to Dare's lips. Steven stroked the tiger shifter's head. "It's okay, darling." As soon as Dare's mouth touched his wrist Mikel shoved his magic into the tiger. Dare's grip tightened on Mikel's arm. Thinking on his mate, Mikel fed the other man more power. When he started to lose his energy, two arms wrapped around him from behind, surprising him. "Let him go," Inno's sweet voice demanded Mikel's obedience. 60

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a

deep

breath,

Mikel

snapped

the

connection. Dare lifted his head and Mikel's heart broke as he looked into the tiger shifter's sightless eyes. "I'm sorry." "Don't be." Dare gave him a sad smile. "I appreciate you trying." Steven gripped Dare's head and turned him. "It didn't work?" "No." "Well, Anthony will be back soon. He'll think of something, my son is very resourceful," Mrs Carrow said. The group all agreed, but even Mikel had to wonder what Anthony could do about Dare. If he could've cured the man he would've already done so. "I'm ready to go," Inno said. Mikel turned in Inno's arms and saw the stress on the small werekin's face. Being surrounded by so many shifters made Inno nervous. "Sure thing." He turned to Steven. "Sorry." Steven nodded. "Like Dare said. Thanks for trying." Mikel gave him a weak smile. He wished he could offer more hope, but because neither his, Anthony's, nor Mrs Carrow's magic worked, he doubted Dare would regain his sight. After bidding the men farewell and kissing Mrs Carrow's cheek, he headed back down to the kitchen. 61

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As they passed through the kitchen Henry called out to Inno. "I'll see you tomorrow." "I'll call you about the time." Henry nodded. Mikel waited until they were in the limo before he asked, "Why are you seeing the chef tomorrow?" **** Inno blinked at the harshness of Mikel's voice. "Because he hired me to be his pastry chef. I have a trial run tomorrow. I thought it would be a good job to get me back on my feet." "What is your sister going to do now if you aren't there to make the pastries for her?" "I guess she should've thought of that before she sent me to be wolfified." Claudia had his best interests at heart, but he couldn't forgive or even talk to her any time soon. The pain of betrayal hurt too deep. Mikel patted his thigh in sympathy. "The pain will fade and you'll remember the good times. Don't lose the relationship because you are mad at her." Inno shook his head. "I just can't talk to her right now. I mean she could've said something to me. Instead, she let those bastards kidnap me out of my own bed." Inno started shaking with remembered fear and renewed rage. 62

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"Hell, if I'd been a bad candidate they could've killed me." "I know, hon." Mikel wrapped his arm around Inno and pulled him close to the vampire's chest. Mikel seemed to like Inno best all snuggled up to his chest. Inno liked it, too, because the vampire smelled divine. "Mate," his inner wolf whispered. "Shut up," he whispered back. "I beg your pardon," Mikel said with a frown. Inno blushed. "Sorry, I was talking to myself." Laughing, Mikel rubbed his hand up and down Inno's side. The driver's window dropped down and the driver spoke to Mikel. "Back to your place?" Mikel nodded. "What time do you have to get up tomorrow?" he asked Inno. "I was thinking four, but I told Henry I'd call if that worked for you." "If it works for you then it's fine." Mikel shuddered slightly but didn't say anything more. "See that a driver is here at four tomorrow morning to take Inno to Silver's club. He's going to be their new pastry chef." Jans smiled but something in the man's eyes gave Inno a chill. He didn't trust Mikel's driver. He'd find another way 63

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to get to work tomorrow. "I can catch a cab or something. You don't have to bother anyone." Mikel let out a low growl. "You aren't going to be taken in a cab by a strange person. They could be anyone." Inno's wolf urged him to roll submissively and show his belly, but Inno hadn't survived this far in life by giving into anyone's demands. In the past ten years he'd raised his sister, got her through school, and opened a business. He hadn't accomplished any of those things by being anyone's bitch. "I'll get myself to work." Mikel cupped Inno's face. "I will rest better if I know you are safe." Game, set, and match. How could he fight against the concern in Mikel's eyes without being petty? "Fine." The worried look in the vampire's eyes vanished. "Thank you." Mikel's kiss erased Inno's worries even as his wolf instincts told him to watch the driver. His inner beast might trust Mikel but none of him trusted Jans. They made it from the limo to Mikel's living room with a nod to polite society, meaning Mikel had only ripped off Inno's shirt, but not his pants, when the vampire threw him over his shoulder and sprinted from vehicle to front door. 64

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"I can walk," Inno said, laughing. "Yeah, but why should you?" Mikel set Inno down on the ground by sliding Inno all the way down his body. "You love doing that, don't you?" Mikel gave him a wicked fang-tipped grin that almost had him coming right then. "What? Love the feel of every part of you touching me? What's not to enjoy?" "You with a shirt." Inno solved that problem by ripping open Mikel's shirt. He smiled at the sounds of the buttons pinging on the floor. "You know that was a handmade custom shirt." Inno looked into the vampire's eyes in a direct challenge. "Then you'd best get cheaper shirts in the future." Mikel chuckled. "I guess I'd better or increase my button allowance." "Yeah, or hire an on-call tailor for those emergency button reattachment surgeries." The vampire threw back his head and laughed. Inno used his lover's distraction to drop to his knees and unfasten the vampire's dress pants. Unfortunately before he got very far Mikel reached down and captured his hands. "Oh, no you don't." 65

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Inno wrestled with him a bit but the vamp's strength easily outmatched a small wolf. "What?" Inno asked frustrated. "What man doesn't want a blow job?" "One who wants inside your hot ass before we do anything else." Inno's cock hardened even further in his pants. "Oh, why didn't you say so? Strip!" "Bossy little thing, aren't you?" Mikel asked in amusement. "Calling a man little isn't the way to get into his pants. Surely you've learned that in your many years of experience." Mikel shook his head. "I can't remember the last time I was this happy, my sweet." Quickly divesting himself of clothes the vampire approached Inno with a tender expression in his dark eyes. "You bring joy into my tired existence. I've been so empty and I didn't even know it until I met you." Inno shivered when Mikel cupped his face. The loving way the vampire looked at him made the wolf squirm happily inside him. "Mate," Inno whispered, unable to stop the word from passing his lips. A word he'd held back for fear of binding himself to 66

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the other man at the worst time possible. Without a family, only a part-time job and newly shifting, Inno couldn't think of a situation less inclined to be a solid basis for a relationship. Unfortunately neither his wolf nor his heart agreed. At his whispered words Mikel picked him up. Inno quickly wrapped his bare legs around Mikel's waist, groaning at the hard cock prodding the crack of his ass. Mikel supported Inno's ass with one hand, the other plunged into Inno's hair as the vampire plundered his lips. The prick of a fang hurt for a moment before Mikel sucked at the wound and sent pulses of desire, like beats of his heart, throughout Inno's body. He wiggled and rubbed as much as he could against Mikel's hard abdomen but there was only so much friction he could get in his current position. "Bed!" he demanded. A soft laugh sounded against his lips, but he didn't care because the vampire began moving in the right direction, towards the bedroom. "Oof." Air rushed out of Inno's lungs as Mikel unceremoniously dropped him on the bed. He didn't get a minute to gather his breath either. A long, lean and naked vamp joined him on the mattress. "As delightful as you look spread out on my bed I'm 67

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more of a hands on kind of guy." Inno nodded. "I appreciate full body contact in my bed sports." Mikel lost his smile and his eyes took on a look so icy, chills slithered down Inno's spine like a slow moving cold front. "There will be no sport in anyone else's bed but mine. Is that understood?" Inno nodded. He'd agree to anything to get back the warm laughing lover of moments before. "Say it!" Mikel demanded. "I won't be in anyone's bed but yours." "Excellent." Mikel gave Inno a hard kiss as if he were trying to imprint Inno with his lips as a warning to others. Inno broke away to catch his breath. "Calm down, Mikel. I'm not going anywhere. My wolf says we're mates. You know what that means for werekin." Even as his heart pounded with the implications, he knew his wolf wouldn't stop its restless pacing if the vampire didn't calm down. The wolf wanted to soothe its mate. Mikel's tense body relaxed. "I do know." He gave Inno a softer kiss. "I also know you're fighting our bond." "Not so much fighting as wanting to put it off until I'm in a better position. No one wants to enter a relationship when they are at the lowest point of their lives." 68

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Mikel gave Inno a gentle shake. "There is no perfect time to start a life bond, my sweet. If there were, we'd all know exactly when we'd meet our other half. You and I met now so the fates must have thought this was the perfect time for us to get together." Mikel brushed his lips over Inno's shoulder. "Otherwise, I would've walked past that dark alley and not stopped to find the only one who can make my life complete. If I'm the one for you, then you must be the one for me. Everything will work out. You'll see. I happen to believe the fates were smiling at me when they sent me to you." A tender kiss on Inno's cheek struck him as more intimate than sex, a sign of affection rather than lust. Inno relaxed. Mikel had it right. When would've been the perfect time? Although he'd rather have met Mikel pretty much anywhere other than a dirty alley smelling of unspeakable things, it didn't mean it was the worst time ever, and Inno did have a job. He might be homeless, but Mikel didn't seem to mind sharing his bed. "Let me know if I become too clingy. You might be my mate but I've heard vampires don't do things the same as werekin. If you need your own space don't be afraid to say so." Mikel gave him an amused look. "Do I look like a man easily afraid?" 69

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Inno shook his head. "No, but some people find emotional fears greater than physical." "Bring it on, my little wolf. I've never been in fear of my heart as much as I am with you and yet I find myself quite content to throw it into the fray." Mikel tapped Inno's chest. "I know it's new to feel your wolf so strongly but trust its instincts. If your wolf claims me as its mate then we should respect its wishes." "Oh we should, should we?" Mikel nodded. "Ask the others and they'll tell you stories. Even vampires have heard the tales of werekin who deny their mates. It is worthy of campfire tales." The vampire's hands slid up and down Inno's body, until Inno squirmed on the bed, wriggling beneath the other man's touch. His breath started coming out in gasps and his cock hardened and leaked clear, sticky pre-cum as the air became saturated with Inno's desire. "You are so incredibly beautiful." Mikel's soft tone made Inno blush. "I'm just a man." Not even a particularly attractive one. Inno didn't scare away small children, but he always considered himself more ordinary than extraordinary. The look in Mikel's eyes said the other man didn't agree. Mikel smiled. "You're not just a man. You're my 70

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man." Before Inno could respond, even though he had no clue what to say, the vampire rolled off the bed and retrieved lube from the side table. "I'm not using a condom." Mikel's tone held no room for negotiation. "I always use a condom." Mikel smirked. "That's because you're used to diseased humans not classy vampires like me. I can't catch anything and neither can you, and if I don't infuse you with my scent I will become even more possessive. It's for your own safety that you let me fuck you bareback." Inno looked at the vampire in astonishment. "That line get you a lot of men?" Mikel laughed, then sobered. "Surprisingly I've never used it before." **** Mikel watched the werekin's wary eyes. The entire situation could either be a situation comedy or a tragedy, depending on Inno's faith in his wolf's choice of mate. A playboy vamp falling for a sweet werekin was the work of a twisted romance writer or an evil trio of fates. Silently, Mikel urged the werekin to trust him. He really did need to mark the man as completely his. It would settle the wildness inside, and warn other vamps and 71

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werekin to keep their fangs and claws away from his mate. Mikel might not be the toughest vamp in town, but he counted among the top three, strong enough to destroy any asshole who thought to touch his mate. After a long moment Inno nodded. "Okay." "Good. Hands and knees for prep and then on your back for fucking." "You romantic, you," Inno said with a snort before obediently rolling over. Mikel slapped him on the ass. "I'll buy you flowers afterward and let you be dinner." "Sweet talker," Inno said with another laugh. "That's what I thought, too." Mikel made a mental note to make sure and stock the kitchen with food proper for a werekin. He knew his fridge didn't have much in it at the moment. He'd have to call and have something delivered afterwards. He couldn't let his wolf starve. "Are you going to fuck me or admire my ass?" Mikel smacked Inno on the butt again. "Shush. No cursing, and you're ass is worth admiring." He smiled at the mark on his lover's skin. Mikel had tried out pretty much every form of sex in his long life and although whips and chains had never appealed, he wasn't against a little slap on his lover's ass. 72

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Turning Inno's ass a bright pink before fucking him sounded like a great idea for another day. Right now he didn't have the patience for a proper spanking, but he promised himself one day soon he'd have his lover begging and glowing like a lightning bug. Slicking up his fingers, he wet them thoroughly before pressing one digit inside Inno's tight hole. Once the first loosened it slightly, he pushed in a second. Spreading his fingers, he prepared his lover. "Ready, honey?" "Now!" Inno growled. Stepping back, Mikel flipped his lover onto his back and filled Inno with his cock, using slow and steady strokes. It took every ounce of self-control not to plunge into the other man, but he'd rip out his own fangs before he harmed his mate. A howl burst from the werekin's lips. Fuck that was sexy! Leaning over his lover, Inno's blue eyes glowed with amber rings around the irises like iced gold. "Fuck, you're beautiful." Mikel smiled. Inno's face blushed as bright as his ass cheeks would one day. Mikel chose that moment to change his angle and slide across Inno's prostrate and hit the perfect spot. He knew he hit the right area because Inno's fingers sprouted claws and he let out another howl. 73

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He waited until Inno shifted back to full human before continuing. Inno moaned. "S-sorry, sorry. I'm trying to keep control." "Shh, my sweet. In time you will learn control. We'll get to know your wolf together." Mikel kissed Inno, long and deep, intending to slow down the raging fire of need. Instead, it fanned the flames. Mikel's hips moved of their own accord, pegging his lover's prostate over and over. Inno moaned and tightened around him. Unable to go much longer, Mikel wrapped his fist around his lover's prick and pumped it in time with his hip motions. "Come!" Inno's heels dug into Mikel's back as the werekin arched his spine and poured his release all over Mikel's hand. Between the scent of his lover and the tight heat squeezing him, Mikel convulsed and spurted into the gorgeous werekin until he had nothing left to give. He caught his fall with his clean hand, trying not to crush his smaller mate. The scent, heat, and silky skin of the werekin beneath Mikel proved too much temptation and grabbing Inno's hair, he yanked back his lover's head and plunged his fangs into the wolf's vulnerable neck. 74

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"Mikel." Inno's whisper and the flavor of his blood sent waves of need through the vampire. Restraining himself from draining the delicious wolf took less effort than he'd expected. Many vampires fell to blood lust when claiming and sucking at the same time. Mikel's love for Inno controlled him far more than any rope or iron cuffs. "You are mine," he said against Inno's sweat soaked skin. "You will be mine forever." "'Kay," Inno said, sleepily. Mikel laughed and slipped out of his drowsy lover. "Come on pet, we have to take a shower." "We'll do it later." Inno blinked at him. "We'll do it now. I'm pretty sure I got cum in your hair." "Ewww. Let's shower." Laughing together they went off to shower.

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Chapter Five The sun hadn't risen when Inno snuck from the bed still occupied by his dreaming lover. At least he assumed Mikel dreamed. He made a mental note to ask later. Quickly dressing in his borrowed clothes, he left the room. "I need to get some clothes," he muttered. He wondered if he could make it back to his apartment and grab a suitcase full of clothing without Mikel pitching a fit. Of course his lover would make it look all classy, but his ire wouldn't be pleasant. Exiting the apartment, he locked the door with the key Mikel set aside for him and watched as the limo pulled up in front of the building in an almost soundless glide. Freaky really. After it came to a stop, Jans left the vehicle, and with a bow, opened the passenger door for Inno. "I'll just catch a bus or something." Inno's instincts crackled and screamed at him not to enter the limo. Bad things would happen. The scent of deceit hung heavy around the driver. Inno didn't know what it was about, but he wouldn't be the easy victim. He'd watched this in an afterschool kidnap special. "Don't be stupid. Mikel would never forgive me if you had to walk to a bus stop at this time of the morning." 76

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"He's not going to forgive you for kidnapping me either." Focusing on his inner wolf, Inno's forehead popped with sweat. Jans glared at Inno. "You can do this the easy way, or I can take you back to them dead. Either way, you aren't going to be around to bounce about in Mikel's bed." "You work with the mutants." He shouldn't be shocked, he knew he shouldn't, but still he kind of was. Jans sneered. "The better to get rid of you wolves so we can take over. If you kill each other, you leave all the territory to us." Inno could almost feel his wolf close to the surface. "Besides, we have your sister." Inno laughed. "You don't have my sister." Jans frowned. "Why would you say that?" "Because my sister is a champion black belt. She'd wipe the floor with your vampire asses." Inno reached for his inner wolf and yanked him to the surface. With a howl he shifted and raced down the streets. Stumbling, he shook off his clothes, finally freeing himself to run before the vampire captured him. Good thing it was so early in the morning, or the sight of a wolf running through the city might have scared some morning commuters. Keeping his nose close to ground he followed the scent of wolves. He vaguely 77

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remembered the direction they'd traveled in last night and he headed west. The squeal of tires told him Jans hadn't given up the idea of a dead werekin. Panting, Inno ran as memories of being followed by the mutants flashed in his head. He ran through the park dodging between trees and one insane early morning jogger, who deserved to be run over if he got up that early just to be healthy. Inno wasn't really a morning person, but pastries waited for no man or wolf. Footsteps running behind him warned Inno that Jans had left his limo refuge and, using vampire strength, could possibly catch up with him. Luckily, from what he knew about vamps, they had incredible speed but only in short bursts. If Inno stayed strong and steady he should be able to outrun one vamp. "He's coming across the park." Jans' voice cut through Inno's inner musings. Damn, he'd thought the man was alone. Swerving around a corner, Inno slammed into a body. Unfortunately it was a body he recognized. Blake! He saw the regret in the mutant's eyes right before a familiar pain hit his neck. Shit, he'd been darted. Closing his eyes, Inno focused on his mate and psychically screamed. "Mikel!!!" 78

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Then everything went black. **** Three miles away, Mikel jolted upright out of a sound sleep. Blinking, he saw his mate was gone. Panic struck him a moment before he realized Inno had probably just gone to work. Still, concern nibbled away at his senses. Picking his phone off the nightstand he dialed his driver. "Yes, Mikel," Jans answered. "Did you pick up Inno and get him to work?" "Don't worry, Mikel. I took care of Inno for you." "Thanks. I'll talk to you later." Relief had him returning the phone to the table and relaxing into the mattress. He must've had a bad dream due to his separation from Inno. His love would return when he finished his baking. Closing his eyes, Mikel went back to sleep. **** Hours later, after the sun had risen and set again, Mikel woke up. His bed was still empty and the sheets were cool beside him. "Inno!" He shouted. Surely his lover had worked and returned home by now. "Inno!" He called out again. 79

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Dread pooled in his stomach. Sitting up, he snatched the phone off the side table and quickly dialed Inno. The phone rang and rang until it rolled into voice mail. Now Mikel was definitely awake. He dialed Silver's office phone. "Thomas speaking." "Hey, Thomas, this is Mikel, could you send Inno home now. I know he's probably having fun with the wolves, but I woke up and I want him here." He'd have a long talk with Inno about being home when Mikel woke. Thomas cleared his throat, sending an ominous chill through Mikel. He knew it couldn't be good news. "Um, Mikel. We might have a problem. Inno never showed. Henry thought maybe you talked him out of it after he called last night." "What? No. I told him he could do it. What do you mean he never showed?" Fear gripped Mikel. "You know what I mean." Thomas' voice became guarded. "Are you saying he was supposed to show up?" "Yes, Jans said he took care of him." "Then you'd best take care of Jans, because somewhere between your driver and the pack house Inno disappeared. Do you need me to send someone to help you out?" 80

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Alesandro had taken his mate out of town and Mikel wasn't really close to any of the others. Vamps tended to stay apart except in work and business. "Yes please. I need him back." "I'll send Dakota and Farro. Since Dakota has more wolf than any of us, he might be able to find Inno the easiest." "Thanks, Thomas." Mikel's hand shook as it sank in that his mate was gone. Somewhere out there his sweet wolf was missing. "No problem." The werekin hung up before Mikel could say anything more. He didn't know what to say anyway. Only a friend of the pack, he didn't have any claim on their time. He did have claim on one person at least, one of friendship. Dialing quickly, he sighed in relief when it was picked up. "Shouldn't you be fucking your mate through the mattress by now?" Jager's amused voice came across the line like a calming balm. "Jag, I need you." "I'm on my way." Mikel hung up and went to get dressed.

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Chapter Six Jager arrived first. The model's hair was rumpled and he needed a shave but besides Inno, Mikel had never seen anyone so beautiful. Without a word he threw himself into his friend's arms. "Hey, what happened?" Jager hugged him tight before pulling back. "Where's Inno?" When Mikel didn't respond, Jager gave him a little shake. "Where's your mate?" "Wolf-napped, I suspect, by my driver. I haven't been able to get him on the phone." After he'd taken a shower, he'd calmed enough to realize he should've called Jans first. Not surprising the other vamp didn't answer. "Can you feel him? Sometimes mates can sense each other. I wouldn't know since I don't have a mate, but I've heard rumors." Mikel closed his eyes and tried to sense his lover. "Nothing." "Hmm, could be he's drugged. If he were dead you'd know." Jager squeezed Mikel's shoulder in a show of support. "Would I?" Mikel turned to meet the werewolf's eyes pleading for confirmation. 82

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Jag hugged him. "Yes, you would." "The Moon pack is sending Dakota and Farro." "Good. Farro is a good investigator and Dakota has the best nose I've ever seen. They'll be a good combination. Why do you think your driver kidnapped Inno?" Mikel shrugged. "Just a feeling the way he said he'd taken care of Inno. Shit, if I'd been more awake I could've rescued him. But no, I trusted Jans, and now who knows what they're doing to my wolf." The two men settled on the couch, brushing shoulders like old friends do. Although they'd had sex early in their acquaintance, they had moved on to being better friends than lovers. Mikel found it difficult to have a relationship with someone always looking for Mr Right, and Jag had a problem staying with someone he knew wasn't his mate. "We'll get him back," Jag assured him. "Alive. I need him back alive." Jag turned and looked him in the eyes. "We will bring back your wolf alive, even if I have to barter with Anthony to get passage on the River Styx from one of his relatives." Mikel smiled for the first time since finding Inno was missing. Jag was one of those rare people who, when they said they'd do anything for a friend, actually meant it. 83

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He had no doubt about Jag going to hell and back to bring Mikel his mate. "I'm sorry we weren't mates." Jag gave him a bittersweet smile. "I'm not. Inno suits you better than I ever could. Besides, I never let you bite me. It's a sure sign our relationship was doomed." Mikel nodded. "Definitely." A knock at the front door had them racing to the entrance. Mikel ripped it open and snatched a pair of pants out of Dakota's hand. "Where did you get these?" "Off your sidewalk along with your mate's phone." Dakota handed the phone over, unperturbed by Mikel's rudeness. "Any other sign of him?" Dakota shook his head. "The rest of his clothes but nothing else. There are some tire tracks that showed your driver pulled out too quickly into traffic. It supports your belief that Jans might have taken him." "So what do we do now?" Mikel couldn't believe those words came out of his mouth. He usually had a more take charge personality but his mate's disappearance threw him for a loop. "We follow your mate's scent." Mikel gave a snort of disbelief. "You think you can 84

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track a werekin on the city streets?" Dakota rolled his eyes. "I know I can." Without bothering to argue any further the man stripped down, exposing a fit body and the usual muscular abs of a werekin. No matter what some of his vampire friends said about shifters no one could deny that, as a species, they were a sexy bunch. "Henry would rip off your head if he saw you staring at his man," Jag teased. Mikel shook his head. "Just admiring. It's a natural instinct when another man strips in front of me. I don't want anyone but Inno." His cock hadn't even hardened with the pretty wolf man stripping before him. In a blink, the white haired man transformed to a polar-white wolf with the same piercing blue eyes. With most shifters, Mikel could see the human lurking inside. Dakota's eyes held no trace of humanity. "He gives himself totally to his wolf," Farro confirmed. "Unlike the rest of us, the wolf is his natural form. The only reason he stays as a man is because he loves Henry. If he had his way he'd always be a wolf." Mikel's respect for the white wolf grew. He couldn't begin to imagine what it would be like to give up an essential part of yourself in order to keep your mate. Luckily, he'd never have to worry about that. Once he 85

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found his mate again, Inno would never be allowed out of his sight. Dakota growled. Farro opened the door to let him out. The wolf took off as soon as he got outside. Mikel slammed the door behind them, mentally locking it as he left. Dakota raced down the street for several blocks until they reached the park. The wolf stopped on the west side and gave a bark. Farro paled and turned to Mikel. "This is where they captured him. There was a vampire and a mutant." Mikel's blood froze in his veins. What would they do with his sweet werekin? **** "Fucking bastard, you'll pay for that," Jans growled holding his bleeding cheek. "I told you to stay away from him, but you had to poke at the wolf," Blake said. "Oh shut up, stupid mutant. I only offered to help you because I wanted this fucker away from Mikel." "You do know Mikel will be aware you're the one who took his wolf? He's gonna kill you. Vampires don't like their toys taken away, and Mikel has a reputation as 86

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being tougher than most." Inno gave a taunting bark in agreement. He might be frightened and unsure of how the hell to escape, but he wouldn't make it easy on the vampire. Jans snorted. "If I thought he was only a toy, I wouldn't care. I've survived Mikel's toys before. He thinks this one is his mate." Blake stopped in place, the hand with the syringe frozen where it hovered over the wolf. "Mate?" "Yeah." Blake tossed the syringe onto the counter and punched Jans in the face. The vampire went down screaming. "How stupid are you! You don't take a mate! Ever!" Inno gave a bark of encouragement. He was all for beating the vampire. Stupid vampire! Jans stood up, his fangs popping out of his mouth. "What the hell is wrong with you?" "The serum doesn't work with mates. Once mated, the wolves' chemical composition is changed. You can't mutate a mated wolf." "Then I guess I'll have to kill him." Inno bared his teeth at the vamp. Jans lunged. He only got a few steps before there was a loud crack and he stopped dead. Blake had snapped 87

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the vampire's neck. With a scowl he tossed the bloodsucker to the side. Blake stared at Inno for a long moment. "I know I'm going to regret this, but the other mutants have gotten too suspicious anyway, after Dakota and now you. Can you get me to Anthony?" Inno barked. "I'll take that as a yes." Blake reached over and unlatched Inno's cage. "I hadn't planned on leaving so soon, but now that I am, I'll need an escort to the Moon pack. Anthony is the only one I know who can change people back." Inno had never met Anthony, so he would have to take Blake's word for it but he'd agree to just about anything if it got him back with his mate. If Mikel woke without him there, the vampire would be in a panic about now. Damn he should've bitten the man and completed their bond. If they'd finished bonding, he'd easily be able to communicate with the vampire. If nothing else, he wanted to warn Mikel about Jans, but that wouldn't be necessary now. Inno jumped out of the cage and landed on the cement floor with a thump. The warehouse they were in looked like a mad scientist's laboratory with several empty 88

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cages, a series of computers, and tons of vials filled with different colored liquids. After sampling both the serum and the drug-tipped darts, Inno would be happy to go quite a while without encountering another drug. "Follow me. I'll get us outside. You can show me where to go after that." The place had a deserted air about it as they walked through the maze of corridors. It couldn't be the same research facility they'd housed him at before. Where were all the noises, the other wolves? Where the hell was everyone? "I don't like this," Blake whispered. Apparently Inno hadn't been the only one to notice the absence of people. They turned the corner and ran into a man wearing a lab coat with a four mutants behind him. "Blake, I have to say I'm very disappointed in you." Lorus Korl frowned at the mutant as he spoke. Inno let out a growl, recognizing the scientist who initially injected him with the serum. The man scared Inno with his total lack of scent. The scientist literally smelled like nothing. Inno had never met anyone without any kind of fragrance before, and from the little bit he'd learned about Korl, he hoped to never meet someone like that again. 89

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"Really? I'm not so thrilled with you either, doctor." "I trusted you!" Lorus accused. "You're a psychopath," Blake shouted. "I'm trying to build a better soldier for fae kind. Bigger, stronger, and more powerful." "Soldiers! This is all about creating soldiers!" Blake's shout of disbelief echoed in the warehouse. "Fae are tired of losing their own over minor battles. They are looking for a better solution." Lorus made the statement sound like a perfectly reasonable explanation for ruining a species with questionable mutations. "So finding a new race to murder was the answer?" Inno growled. Damned fae. "Kill him." Korl ordered the silent mutants behind him. "Sorry, sir, but I resign." The mutant approached the scientist, a low growl rolling up his throat. "I didn't sign up to be anyone's pet." "Is that how you all feel?" Lorus asked. All the mutants nodded. "You'll regret that." Lorus pulled a clear ball out of his pocket. Inno only saw a glimpse of it between the other man's fingers as Loris gripped it tightly. "Home!" He shouted. A bright flash exploded across the room. When the 90

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light no longer burned his retinas Inno saw the scientist had vanished. The four mutants who had come with the scientist approached. Blake stepped in front of Inno. "You've been helping the wolves escape." Blake put his hands on his hips. "Yes. So?" "Why?" Genuine curiosity rang in his tone. "Because Lorus killed the rest of my pack." The other mutants looked at each other for a moment but none of them spoke against his goals. "What are you going to do now?" The apparent leader of the group asked. Inno cringed, hoping he hadn't put his faith in the wrong person. "I'm going to get this wolf home before his vampire mate comes and kills us all. And if Anthony agrees to change me back, I'll help him hunt down Lorus for his crimes against the werekin." The mutant leader looked at Inno nervously. "Who's his mate?" Blake smiled. "Mikel." The other mutants shifted uneasily. Inno almost wished he could smile in wolf form. They were confident in taking on other wolves but none of them wanted to 91

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tangle with Mikel. "Where are you planning to go?" Blake asked the group. The leader stepped forward. "I'm going to find other mutants and warn them of the fae's plans. We are the last ones here. The others were either killed or left to join a mutant group downtown. A mutant named Tren is their self-assigned leader. I don't know what they're going to do now that Lorus has vanished. Tren still wants to take over the wolf packs. I don't know if the fae will try and retrieve us or not, but I'm going to warn the others of their plans." "Some are going to want to fight," Blake warned. "Yeah, and some are going to resent being pawns." Inno watched the others turn and walk away, not exchanging any other words. Apparently they each had their assigned tasks. Inno wondered if they noticed they were already thinking like soldiers. Blake waited until they were out of sight before he spoke again. "Let's go, Inno." Inno trotted after the mutant. Opening the outer door a familiar scent made Inno let out a happy yip. Running past the mutant, Inno leaped at the intruder. With happy barks and yowls he proceeded to lick the laughing man beneath him. "Inno. Damn it, Inno. Get off me. I have to check 92

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that you're all right." "I'm pretty sure he's fine," another voice answered. Inno recognized Farro's voice and gave the man a happy yip. Another bark had Inno turning his head. A pure white wolf with ice blue eyes looked him over. He recognized Dakota, and gave the wolf a friendly bark. The other wolf curled his lip disapprovingly. Inno's tail hung down. "Oh let him be, Dakota. He doesn't know how frantic I've been." **** Mikel would let Inno lick and bark at him until the end of time if it meant his love was safe. "Baby, are you all right?" "Oh, for the Moon Mother's sake, the man is perfectly fine. I only drugged him a little and I got him out of there before anything happened." "Who are you?" "Blake. I'm the one who freed your mate." "You just admitted you drugged him, excuse me if I don't jump to believe your version of events." Mikel looked around. "What happened to Jans?" "I snapped the fucker's neck." Blake's anger brought a smile to Mikel's face. Relief rushed through him. He hadn't wanted to 93

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confront the man he'd once called friend. "Good." "I need to talk to Anthony. He owes me after I've helped him. That serum I sent with Inno was the last of the batch and Lorus isn't here to make any more. That doesn't mean he didn't pass on the formula though." The mutant's demands weren't unreasonable but Mikel didn't have the authority to agree to anything. Mikel turned to the other werekin. "Farro?" Farro nodded. "I'll call and have this place searched. We'll strip anything that might help us understand the formula better. Maybe we can come up with a cure for Dare." "Dare?" Blake asked. "We have a tiger who was blinded by contact with the serum." "Huh. I was a microbiologist before my mutation. I can take a look at him if you'd like." Farro shrugged. "If his mate allows it." "For a pack of mostly gay men, you have a large percentage of mated members," Blake said, surprised. "Yes, we do." Farro didn't say anything else and Mikel hid his laughing face. As far as he knew, none of the pack discussed their high mated numbers. In a society where the average mating percentage was two percent, the Moon pack had an 94

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impressive record. Jager approached. He'd been waiting in the limo for the all clear. Farro had wanted someone on the outside in case everything went wrong. "Who are you?" Blake's gravelly voice got deeper. "I'm Jager." He looked around and a smile lit his face when he saw Inno. "You're all right." Mikel smiled when his mate jogged over to Jager, jumped up, put his paws on Jager's shoulders and licked his cheek. "Eww, furball," Jager said, laughing. Mikel got up off the ground and went to join them. "Come on, mate. Let's get home. The wolves can clean up here. Need a ride home Jag?" Jager looked at Farro. "No I'll stay and make sure there isn't anyone left behind." "Okay." Mikel knew that Jager's shiny exterior hid a compassionate heart. "Call me, and I'll send the car for you." Jager nodded. "Will do." Mikel walked away, his wolf trotting at his heels.

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Epilogue Dare jolted up out of a dead sleep. "Steven!" "What! What love?" Steven's warm arms wrapped around Dare, calming his pounding heart. "We've got to get Kylen and the twins. Anthony's in trouble." "How do you know?" "Anthony's father told me. Ever since Gallien possessed me, he comes and goes in my head. I just had a dream about Anthony sitting on the fae throne next to King Linnel." Steven snorted. "Honey, Anthony would never become co-ruler of the fae. What would that do to Silver?" Dare couldn't argue with his mate's logic. "But what if it's because of Silver that Anthony's on the throne? How better to control a powerful man then to control the one he loves above all others?" "Shit." Steven slide out of bed. "I'm fucking tired of this crap. We're getting hit on all sides. Between the fae, the mutants, and the inaction of the other packs we've got no support. Now our Alphas need us and we can't do anything but sit on our thumbs and spin." Dare shook his head, wishing desperately he could see his mate's expression. "We need to get our fae because 96

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they are the only ones who can get us to the other side." "Us who? Because there's no way I'm letting you get involved in this." "And who is going to tell you what Gallien is saying if I'm the only one who can talk to him?" "We'll talk to Mrs Carrow." Steven's tone had an edge Dare recognized as his intractable voice. "She can't talk to him. They aren't mates. They can't speak telepathically or he would've already contacted her rather than a man he barely knows." Steven's body flopped back on the bed. Dare had won that round. "And what are you going to do once we get there? I can't have you in the middle of a fight." "I'll shift to my tiger form. They won't know I'm blind and I can follow your scent. I'll stay out of things when I hear battle. I can smell blood easier as a tiger than as a human." Steven sighed. "Fine. I'll call a meeting to figure out who needs to go with us besides the three fae. Did Gallien give any tips about what is going on?" Dare shook his head. "It was all visual." Ironic how the only place he could see happened to be in his head. "I knew they shouldn't have gone all alone." Steven let out a low growl. "But no, super demi-god and his Alpha 97

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side kick wouldn't listen." "Calm down, Steven. Getting upset won't solve anything. Let's hold the meeting and make a plan." Dare purred as his mate's fingers slid through his hair and soft lips sent heat through him. "I'm sorry Mikel couldn't cure you." The sadness in Steven's voice almost undid him. Dare stroked Steven's cheek. "Me too. But instead of trying to find obscure cures, maybe we need to focus on the fact I might actually never regain my sight." Another kiss followed his statement. "I have no problem with getting you a cane, or even a seeing-eye bunny, as long as you know I will never stop looking for a cure." "Bunny?" "It'll give you something to chase when you get bored." Dare laughed. "It might make a poor guide though." "Maybe." Steven nuzzled their noses together. "Come on, let's take our shower and then we can start making phone calls." "Deal." The End

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About the Author

Amber Kell is a dreamer who has been writing stories in her head for as long as she could remember. She lives in Texas with her husband, two sons, two cats and one very stupid dog. To learn more about her current books or works in progress, check out her blog at http://amberkell.wordpress.com. Her fans can also reach her at [email protected]. Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Amber-Kell/1772646395 Email: [email protected] Blog: http://amberkell.wordpress.com Twitter: http://twitter.com/amberkell

Also by Amber Kell:

Available at Silver Publishing: Xavier's Xmas The Thresl Chronicles: Soldier Mine The Larson Legacy: Trials of Tam Fanged Love: Saving Valor Nick's Tales: Vampire Wanted A WIZARD'S TOUCH Jaynell's Wolf Kevin's Alpha BLOOD, MOON AND SUN Blood Signs Samhain's Kiss DRAGONMEN Mate Hunt Mate Test Mate Dance Mate Healer (2012) HIDDEN MAGIC William's House Modeling Death MERCENARY LOVE Tempting Sin Testing Arthur (2012) MOON PACK Attracting Anthony Baiting Ben Courting Calvin Denying Dare

Enticing Elliott Finding Farro Getting Gabe Hunting Henry Inflaming Inno Available at Total-E-Bound Publishing: Catching Mr Right Protecting Francis Hellbourne Tyler's Cowboy Taking Care of Charlie SUPERNATURAL MATES SERIES From Pack to Pride A Prideful Mate A Prideless Man Nothing to do with Pride Available at Resplendence Publishing: Ash Swan (with Stephani Hecht) Available at OmniLit: Wooing Master Jones

Awards: Top 10 Best Selling Author ARe (All Romance ebooks)

Reviews: Literary Nymphs Reviews gives Jaynell's Wolf 5 Nymphs! Jaynell Marley arrives at Mayell Wizard Academy to complete his training. Jay had already had years of advanced private tutoring, therefore his school enrollment is more to honor his father's wishes. Joining his new dorm roommates for pizza, Jay literally bumps into werekin Thomas Sparks. A sniff at Jay's neck has Thomas proclaiming that Jay is his mate. Jaynell's Wolf is the first book in the Wizard's Touch series. The plot is well written plus vastly entertaining. The main characters are impressive, along with amusing secondary characters. Jaynell is a powerful wizard who wonders why his father insisted that Jay attend a school when it is clear Jay surpasses everyone in magical skills. However, Jay has an unpretentious personality. Thomas is a considerate protector, as long as others keep a respectful distance from Jay. The secondary characters include Gnomes, dragons, half elf, wolf pack in addition to a variety of wizards in training. I thoroughly enjoyed Jaynell's Wolf. Amber Kell has created a fantastic flight of the imagination that is laugh-out-loud hilarious, interwoven with heartwarming moments as well as rousing scenes of intimate passion. I look forward to the next addition to the Wizard's Touch series. **** Lisa at Joyfully Reviewed—"Blood Signs is captivating" "Deliciously dark at times and delightfully wicked as well, Blood Signs is pure entertainment… [T]he plot will hold you, the characters are engaging, and Blood Signs is hard to put down once you start. Blood Signs is captivating.