Taming Tamara

Night Runner Werewolves 4

Taming Tamara Tamara Westland is one lady werewolf who knows what she wants and won't stop until she gets it. And what she wants is hunky Night Runner werewolf Nick Rogers. But until she can stop the advances of her pack's alpha male, she's stuck between two worlds. Nick's hooked on the wild woman when Tamara runs him off the road and into the dirt. He's ready to claim her as his mate, but another werewolf has set his sights on her and isn't letting go. The two packs battle it out as Nick rushes to save Tamara from a life with the wrong man. If Nick doesn't get to Tamara in time, she'll become another werewolf's mate, leaving Nick alone for the rest of his life. Note: The heroine of each book will mate with the pack but will end up with one alpha hero. Each hero in the pack will take his own mate in subsequent books. Genre: Ménage a Trois/Quatre, Paranormal, Vampires/Werewolves Length: 25,034 words

TAMING TAMARA Night Runner Werewolves 4

Beverly Rae

LOVEXTREME

Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

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A SIREN PUBLISHING BOOK IMPRINT: LoveXtreme

TAMING TAMARA Copyright © 2012 by Beverly Rae E-book ISBN: 978-1-61926-681-0 First E-book Publication: June 2012 Cover design by Jinger Heaston All art and logo copyright © 2012 by Siren Publishing, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission. All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

PUBLISHER Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

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

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

TAMING TAMARA Night Runner Werewolves 4 BEVERLY RAE Copyright © 2012

Chapter One Tamara Westland smiled at her image in the mirror. Her auburn hair fell past her shoulders, framing her strong face, but it was the red streak along the right side of her hair that she liked the best. She skimmed her hands along her breasts, then studied her flat stomach and the smoothness of her mons. Her long legs led to rounded hips and a slender waist. Firm arms spoke of her strength just as her chin spoke of her stubborn nature. Her blue eyes, so much like her favorite man of her dreams, sparkled. Ready, she crawled into her bed, closed her eyes and called the men to her. The dream came quicker, easier each night, letting her stay in control. “You came again.” The luscious man with the spiked red hair and ocean-colored eyes appeared relieved. She gave him a silent greeting, her gaze slipping to the tattoo on his arm, a wolf howling at the moon. Five naked men stood by, their hungry eyes fixed on her nude body. They were all alike, yet so different. Each was a perfect example of manhood, their broad shoulders and toned abdomens taunting her. Slender waists led to the patches of curly hair below. She swallowed,

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taking in their cocks, their shafts every woman’s fantasy. Yet even more amazing than their incredible physicality was the wild mix of animal and man that permeated their bodies and flowed toward her. She inhaled, bringing in their scents. “Of course I did.” She swayed out of the mist, passed by them, touching one here, another there. The heat from their bodies wafted over her to tease every nerve. If she gave in to the desire coursing through her, she’d never make it to the huge blanket spread on the hay. The redhead glanced around, taking in the stalls filled with horses, the saddles resting on saddle racks, and the stacks of hay. “Where are we this time?” “Do you really care? You’re here and I’m here. That’s all that matters.” “Tell us your name.” The older one, the one with piercing blue eyes, asked as he had every night before. “My name isn’t important. Not yet.” She stepped onto the oversized blanket that would hold all of them and fell to her knees. The redheaded man, the one she wanted most, came to her side and tracked his hand through her hair. “If you won’t tell me your name, then I’ll tell you mine.” “I already know what I need to know about you.” She glanced at the others. “About all of you. But go ahead and tell me.” She hadn’t allowed them to say much on the previous nights, but now she was ready to listen. Not that words mattered. Only the connection between them was important. The one with the red hair touched the red streak highlighting her hair. “I’m Nick Rogers. I like the color.” “Red is for passion.” She glanced up, pointedly looking at his wild locks. “You must be very passionate.” “We are. I’m Max Matheson.” Of the Matheson Pack. She’d known that, too. But hearing the pack’s name sent chills down her spine.

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Max and another man one who looked like he could be his brother, came to her. “I’m Michael Matheson.” “You’re brothers?” she asked. Some things she didn’t know. “Cousins. But we’re all brothers under the skin.” She understood what Michael meant. How could she not? Nick nodded toward a dark-haired man with a slight hawk nose. He had a studious air about him. “That’s Ranlon Skylark.” Ranlon tipped his head, his dark intensity thrilling her. “Then there’s Jimmy Lingo and William Cage.” The two men nodded. Nick tipped his head, narrowing his eyes. “We’re ready to share you.” She’d heard about them just as she’d heard of Jimmy’s mate, Mandy, Max’s mate, Cally, and, of course, Sara, the alpha-female of the pack. Sharing one woman to bring her into the pack was the way of the Night Runner werewolves. They were different from any other pack she’d ever known. But the dream wasn’t reality. “Enough talk.” Max moved closer, his growing shaft pressing against her shoulder. She ignored him, preferring to make him wait. Michael, judging from the way he fondled his impressive cock, was more than ready. The other men closed in on her like the pack of wolves they were. They surrounded her, getting as near to her as they could. She looked at the six erect cocks and giggled. If only she had more hands. Or mouths. Or pussies. Ranlon went to his knees and grazed a hand down her right shoulder. Michael kneeled beside her and cupped one of her buttocks. Taking Nick’s shaft in her hand, she leaned forward and rubbed the tip against her face. He moaned, his grip on her hair tightening. She did the same with Max, loving the slight differences in texture of their cocks against her cheek. “Suck me.” Max pushed against her, urging her to take him into her mouth.

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She twirled her tongue around his cap then dragged him in. He inhaled, his cock twitching as she deep-throated him. William stepped back, giving the others more room as he took his shaft in his hand and started pumping. These were her men, hers to take. Yet one man was more important than the others. “Nick, do you like it like this?” She tightened her hold on Max’s shaft as she dragged her mouth from the base to the tip then released him. Letting him go, she wrapped her hand around Nick’s cock then took him inside her mouth. “You know I do.” Yes, she knew. She knew what all of them liked, but he was her main concern. Max grumbled and fell to his knees. He fondled her breast as he stroked himself. She closed her eyes, wanting to feel every touch, every kiss. Lust pounded into her, willing her to take them one at a time and all at once. She moaned, letting her breath wash over Nick’s shaft. Ranlon pushed his cock against her side as he reached around to cup her breast and pinch her nipple. The pain zipped through her, and she arched, encouraging him to tantalize her more. Hands roamed over her body, touching her in just the right spots. She mewled as a hand slipped between her legs. A finger pushed her folds apart and her pussy clenched. Wetness flowed between her legs and she shifted, parting her legs a little wider. Her body tensed as one man rubbed her clit and another spread her butt cheeks to shove a finger into her anus. She pumped Nick’s shaft faster then released him as another man took her other hand and wrapped it around his shaft. She smiled as she sensed movement. Someone lay down, putting his head between her legs. She gasped as he pulled her to him and nipped at her clit. Although she tried to stay on her knees, her legs weakened and she fell forward, her body stretching over the man’s.

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She slipped her hands along his body, found the huge cock and sucked it in. The hot, spicy taste told her it was Nick’s cock, and his groan proved that she’d guessed correctly. She opened her eyes, but saw only legs through the cascading fall of her hair. Tamara swept her tongue around his shaft, matching the strokes he gave her. Her body was alive, filled with need. Her stomach swirled with sexual butterflies and her pussy clenched, readying for her first orgasm. She didn’t want to, but she had to let go of him to cry her release. “Lie down.” She did as Max requested, falling away from a complaining Nick to lie on her back. One look at the expressions on their faces brought a smaller climax. Amber eyes blazed at her as she spread her long hair over the blanket, bent one knee and beckoned to them with outstretched arms. “Love the tattoo.” Nick pressed a palm against the tiny star tattoo below her belly button then slid his hand higher. Max took her other breast as Nick did while Michael skimmed his fingertips along her flat stomach. Ticklish, she trembled. Tamara motioned for Jimmy to settle between her legs. He was the youngest, with an engaging, boyish smile and dirty blond hair. William, the one who always kept quieter than the others, stayed where he was at the edge of the hay. He’d join in later as he always did. Nick and Max each took a taut nipple in their mouths and sucked at the same time. Michael took his shaft in his hand and watched as Ranlon kissed the crease of her leg. Jimmy slid his arms under her legs, pressed his face against her mons and inhaled. “Lick me. I want to feel your tongues on me.” She closed her eyes again. They obeyed her, thrilling her almost as much as the sensation of six different tongues pressing against her flesh did. They traced their tongues, their warm breaths across her skin, dipping into curves,

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teasing her belly button. Someone flicked his tongue around her earlobe, then tracked it along the curve of her shoulder, making her wish he would take a bite. Jimmy pushed her legs apart to whip his tongue along her inner thigh, down her leg and between her toes. Yet as difficult as it was to do, she concentrated, looking for her one special man. She shivered and sighed. Yes, she was right. She could distinguish his tongue from the others. She knew the feeling of Nick’s tongue better than she knew her own name. She moaned and reached out. The soft tip of Nick’s mushroomed cap pressed against her palm. Curving her hand, she captured it, the wetness of his pre-cum moistening her skin. She toyed with it, sensing him tense in anticipation. When at last she tightened her hand around his shaft, he groaned, sending warm breath over her breast. Jimmy pushed against her clit, dragging his tongue hard over the sensitive nub. “Easy, Jimmy. Don’t rush.” Michael’s voice was rough, edged with need. “Turn on your side.” Ranlon again. Almost every night he wanted the same. To enter her from behind. She shifted, taking Jimmy along with her as he rested his head against her leg and tugged the other leg over his shoulder. She opened her eyes to find Nick’s cock an inch from her face. In one swift motion, she drew him in then took Michael’s shaft in her hand. “Take it easy, baby.” Ranlon kissed her, sliding his tongue then his fingers in to loosen the tight rings. He worked her, preparing her for entry. Then, taking it slowly, he slid his cock inside her. “Do it, Jimmy, or move away and let me.” Max’s voice was rough, and she sensed he wouldn’t last much longer. He growled, then paused in his strokes, heralding his climax. “Not a chance.” Jimmy shifted position, pressed his cock against

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her pussy, then pushed inside. He went deep, thrusting into her hard and fast. Heat rushed through her, sending her soaring, and she held on. Pumping faster, she brought Michael to a quick climax. He roared his release and fell away. William took his place, leading her hand to his cock. She glanced up, needing to see the expression on Nick’s face, needing to know she pleased him as much as they pleased her. Yet she wanted more from him. For him. Her mind blurred as wave after wave of release whipped through her. She clung to the men, with her hands, with her pussy. Perspiration dotted Jimmy’s brow and, all at once, he tensed then howled his climax. Nick. As though he’d heard her thought, Nick shoved Jimmy out of the way and pushed into her. Ranlon pulled out a second before he exploded. He stumbled away, leaving only William and Nick with her. The two men held her, steadying her as Nick pushed into her. She covered William’s hand on her breast and quickened her pace. His chest muscles rippled with the strain of holding back his climax. She slid him into her mouth, loving the veins rubbing against the inside of her cheek. Sucking, releasing, then sucking again, she brought him to his pinnacle. He groaned and turned her loose to pull away. Just Nick now. “It’s just me and you now.” He widened his eyes and regarded her as though waiting for her to repeat her words. She did and saw a flash of joy cross his face. Fangs erupted from his gums and his eyes gleamed with lust. Pain stabbed her as claws burst from his fingertips. Nick growled at her. She smiled then twisted her head side to side as the biggest climax of all ripped upward from her pussy into her stomach. She shuddered, reaching for him as he fell forward. Running her hands over his back,

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she dug her fingernails into his rippling muscles and drew the last of his control away. He quivered, remaining silent as they climaxed together. “What are you doing?” Tamara froze, still clinging to Nick. The one voice she didn’t want to hear broke through the dream. No. Not now. The men stared at her, not hearing what she heard. She looked at each one and hoped they’d see the apology in her eyes. “I’m sorry. I have to go.” She was gone before they could protest. Nick jerked awake and sat up, his claws digging into the sheet. His heart pounded and sweat formed on his brow as the transformation slowed. “Damn. Another sheet ripped.” Sara would not be happy. Although the sun hadn’t risen yet, he threw the comforter off, swung his legs over the edge, and gripped the bed. Every morning for the past two weeks he’d awaken abruptly, his body gripped in the middle of a transformation, thrown out of a dream he couldn’t remember. And like on the previous days, he tried to recall the image hiding in his memory and failed. He was certain the dream included a woman, yet he couldn’t say what she looked like. He sniffed, then focused on a fragrance of lavender and tried to pull something from that one bit of information still clinging to him. He had no doubt the dream had something to do with his future mate and the other members of his pack agreed. Yet unlike Michael and Jimmy before him, he hadn’t sent the dream to her. Instead, she was the one in control. Not only did he sense that she was summoning him, he also had the impression that she’d used a dream similar to the one the Night Runner werewolves used. Had he and the others gone to her? Had

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they taken her, foretelling the initiation they held for all their future mates? To think he’d had dream sex with his future mate and couldn’t remember rattled his nerves. If only he could remember more details, he’d go to her and make her his. But his body knew, his body still reacted to her. What kind of woman had the power to send her werewolf mate a dream? He’d never heard of a human having such power. Instead, the pack took charge, bringing the female a dream. First, they’d welcome her with a dream, and then initiate her into their pack in a sharing sexual experience. Only then could she be mated to her one true mate. Nick strode to the window to gaze at the rising sun. Was his mate close by? Did she smell of lavender? He paused and listened as though he could hear her thoughts. But nothing came. Grumbling, he yanked on his clothes and hurried downstairs. He rounded the corner into the kitchen and skidded to a stop. Sara sat in the box window of the kitchen. She looked up, her gaze sinking into him, letting him know she’d heard him come awake. “Coffee’s ready if you want a cup.” He nodded his thanks, angling toward the counter where steam from a freshly brewed pot of coffee drifted into the air. He poured a cup then slid into a chair at the kitchen table. Sara had returned to gazing out the window. “You had the dream again.” It was more a statement than a question, yet he knew she waited for an answer. “Yeah. But it was different this time.” She turned, her eyebrow arched. “How so?” “I don’t know. I still can’t remember much. Just sensations and an impression of her. But I have the feeling that it came to a stop sooner than the rest. Like it got cut off before the end.” She took a sip, mulling over what he’d said. “Do you still think it’s your mate calling you?” “Again. I don’t know why, but yeah. I do. Is that even possible?” “Anything’s possible. You know that. But probable? I just don’t

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know.” “We’re in the dream, too, right?” Nick dodged Ranlon’s playful slap as he and the other Night Runners filed into the kitchen. Michael shot Sara a grin and Max kept his arm around Cally. Jimmy whispered in Mandy’s ear, making her giggle. William and Ranlon eased into the chairs next to Nick and waited as the couples took their seats. Michael strode past him toward Sara. “She must be strong if she can bring everyone into the dream.” Mandy scowled. “I’m not sure I like some woman dragging my mate into a sex dream.” “Providing it is a sex dream. We don’t know that for sure.” Jimmy laughed at her pout then hugged her close. “Remember, we’re not really there. We just add our powers to the mix for the dreams we send. We’re there and our power, our images participate. That’s all.” Mandy jerked away from him. “That’s all?” Jimmy stammered, but Michael jumped in to save him. “Our dreams are for the pack’s survival. It’s the way it’s always been. When we send a dream to a future mate, we remember her. And we get a sense of whether she’s right for the pack. She remembers our essence, but not our faces or names. Still, it’s different each time.” “But you’re talking about when you send the dream. Who knows how it is when she’s doing the sending?” Sara rose to get the coffeepot. Nick gazed at the large table. The pack kept getting bigger, longer tables and, if the dream was any indication, they’d need to make room for another chair. At least he hoped so. He was more than ready to settle down with his intended mate. Providing the pack accepted her. Ranlon took the cup Sara offered him then held his nose over the edge to take a whiff. “Sara, you make the best coffee.” He took a sip then scowled when it burned his tongue. “Shit. I always do that. So, Nick, are we in that dream or not?” Nick started to shake his head then didn’t. “I think so. But if I’m

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right, why don’t any of you have the dream, too?” “They aren’t the one she’s after. But then again, I’m only guessing.” Sara laid a palm on his cheek. She was their alpha-female and claimed all of them. “We’re dealing with uncharted territory here.” “Leave it to Nick to follow a different path.” Max dug around in the refrigerator, pulling out items as Michael asked for them. They were lucky, Nick thought. Max had Cally, Jimmy was with Mandy, and, although Sara, by way of being the alpha-female, had all of them, her strongest connection was with Michael. “Strange. I can’t remember a female ever calling to a Night Runner before.” Michael broke several eggs then stirred them around the pan. “Yeah, it’s weird. Could she be a werewolf? Or maybe a witch?” Jimmy bumped into Mandy and made a scary face. “Boy, I sure hope she’s not a witch.” Mandy giggled, then offered to help Cally make toast for the group. “I doubt she’s a witch. Besides, what’s her motive except to mate? Would a witch mate with a werewolf?” William leaned his chair back, resting on the rear legs. “Just doesn’t make sense.” “What do you think I should do, Sara?” Whenever he needed answers, Nick always turned to the pack. But in matters involving women, Sara was his go-to person. She took a moment, her gaze cast down. When she lifted her head, her big brown eyes shone with excitement. “Keep dreaming. When you meet her, you’ll know.” **** Tamara lay on the checkered blanket and sighed. Watching clouds was a simple pleasure she loved, but one she rarely got to do. Yet even as she tried to see different animals in each fluffy cloud, her

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mind strayed to Nick, shutting everything else out. She closed her eyes and brought his image to her mind’s eye. The man was red hot. She grinned. Red was the perfect color, and she loved that his hair was the same shade of red as the streak in hers. Tanned skin from many hours in the sun highlighted his cheekbones and made his crystal blue eyes stand out. His grin was infectious, and even now it made her smile. But his body. Oh, boy, his body. His broad shoulders could make any woman want to run her hands along them, down his muscled arms to skirt along the ripped abdomen. She swallowed, imagining the way his chest looked. She moaned as a hand slid along her thigh. Her heart picked up speed and her lips parted, thrilled at how real her imagination seemed. The hand paused then slipped between her legs. She spread her legs and gave into the pleasant sensation of pressure against her mons. “I knew you wanted me.” Her eyelids flew open to find Jackson Walker, the alpha-male of the Walker Pack, leering at her. “Get the hell away from me.” Tamara jumped to her feet then planted them apart, ready to run. A horse nickered nearby, and the aroma of hay filtered into her nostrils. “Calm down, Tam.” His gaze flicked to the blanket then back to her. “I couldn’t find you so I got worried.” “Bullshit. And don’t call me Tam. It’s bad enough that you interrupted me last night.” “And what the hell were you doing anyway?” Anger erupted over his angular features, creating lines to match the scar running along his right cheek, and was gone before she could challenge him on it. He was taller and bigger than most men, his strength almost as legendary as his cruelty. Narrowing his dark eyes, he raked a hand over his short-cropped brown hair. “You didn’t answer my question. What were you doing?” “It’s none of your business.”

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She crossed the barn, heading to the stall of her favorite horse, Dancer. Cooing at the nervous horse, she unlatched the stall gate, stepped inside and started brushing his long mane. Jackson rested his arms on the gate, his jaw set. So far he’d kept his anger in check, but she couldn’t count on him keeping it for much longer. Still, he had no right demanding answers. “Fine, I’ll let it pass for now. But I’m warning you. Don’t do it again. Whatever it was.” She ignored his heavy-handed attitude and centered her attention on Dancer. “Tamara, you know what I want.” She knew all right. She knew and didn’t care. “Like I’ve told you before. I’m not interested.” “I’ve chosen you. Any woman would be honored for me to pick her.” “Then do it. Choose any woman you want. Except me.” He made a sound that came close to a growl. Damn it. She shouldn’t have gotten into a stall. Now she was trapped if he decided to do anything. “You’re the one I want and I always get what I want.” Like they hadn’t had this conversation often enough. She took a deep breath and faced him. “I’m sorry about what happened with Sheila. She was a wonderful woman and I know you loved her a lot. Losing her in the car accident hit us all hard. But it doesn’t change things for me. I know who I’m supposed to be with, and it’s not you. You know you’re not supposed to choose someone else’s intended mate.” “Who? Who are you talking about?” She wouldn’t answer him. If she did, he’d move a mountain getting to Nick. There was no telling what he’d do to him once he found him. “Why don’t you choose Linda instead? She’s free, and I know she thinks you’re hot.” “Are you not listening to me, woman?”

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She gripped the brush tighter, trying to keep her temper in check. Damn, how she hated to be called woman. “I heard you, but I don’t think you’re hearing me. I don’t mean to hurt your feelings, but I don’t want you.” Jackson didn’t take the rejection any easier this time than he had all the other times she’d turned him down. Why couldn’t he just accept what was and move on? He opened the latch and swung the door wide. “How about we go out tonight? Or maybe even get together in your room?” She tried dodging him, but she wasn’t quick enough. Pushing her against the wall, he put his face close to hers. Lust flared his nostrils and heat gleamed in his eyes. “Let me go.” She was strong, but no match for him. Still, she had to make him see reason. She had to get away. “I’ll let you go when I’m ready and not—” “Tamara? Are you okay?” Jackson released her, backing away at the sound of Lauren’s voice. He slid into the corner of the stall. Tamara hurried out, latched the gate, and swung around to face Lauren. “Yeah, I’m fine.” She glanced back once then hooked her arm in Lauren’s. Jackson could jump the gate, but he’d still be pissed that she’d locked him inside. Breaking into a quick walk, she led Lauren out of the barn and toward the rented farm house. “He’s getting more insistent, isn’t he?” Laura whispered. She could see the worry in her friend’s green eyes and sensed her concern in the way the petite blonde kept up with her long strides instead of lagging behind as she usually did. “Yeah, but it won’t change a thing.” “I don’t know. He’s got a few of the others thinking he’s right.” “How can they side with him? They know that’s not our way. Hell, it’s not any pack’s way.” “Jackson doesn’t much care about other people’s rules. He’s determined to run the pack the way he sees fit. Even if it goes against

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everything we believe.” “Then he’s a jerk and someone needs to stand up to him.” Lauren grabbed her arm, pulling Tamara to a stop. “Are you sure Nick’s the one?” Tamara took her friend’s hands. “I’m as sure of him as I am of the sun rising in the morning.” “Then I hope it works out for you.” Lauren’s lower lip trembled. “I’m going to miss you, you know.” She hugged her, her gaze searching the area behind them. At least Jackson hadn’t followed them. Leaning away, she smiled, hoping to put Lauren at ease. “I’m not going to the moon, you know. We can see each other anytime we want.” “Promise?” Tamara laughed and crossed her heart. “Promise. Now tell me. Are any of the women on Jackson’s side?” “No.” “You don’t sound too confident.” “Well, you never know what Linda will do, but the rest of us are behind you.” At least she still had support. Without that, Jackson might end up getting his way. He ran the pack with an iron hand, putting his wants before all others’. “Would you like to go out and have some fun tonight?” Lauren jumped at the chance. “Sure. Where to?” “How about we ride into Gully Gap later and check out the night action?” “Why Gully Gap? Other towns have better bars.” Lauren slammed to a stop. “Oh, shit. Is that where he is?” Tamara couldn’t keep the smile from her face. “Why don’t we go and find out?”

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Chapter Two Nick leaned to the right to take the corner, pushing his luck to the limit. But as far as he was concerned no one riding a motorcycle should do anything less. And he needed the speed. Next to running with the pack, riding full throttle down the back roads near Lost Hills, Texas was the only way to clear his head. Even though he couldn’t recall details, the sense that the dream would change his life remained with him. But today was different. He’d been riding for over an hour, zipping onto highways then returning to the one-lane roads that cut straight lines into the landscape, yet he couldn’t get the dream out of his head. A girl—hell, a woman—was the key. He’d bet his last dollar on it. Giving up, he let his thoughts turn to the dream as he tried to imagine the woman. She had to be strong. At least mentally, but more than likely a female who could control dreams would also be physically strong. Heat that didn’t come from the hot summer afternoon or the motorcycle underneath him burst to life. Without ever meeting her, she turned him on. Who knew what would happen when they did meet? And if he had any say in the matter, they would meet sooner than later. Tumbleweeds and thickets of brush blurred as he sped by. Riding was as easy as the Change, an act he could perform without thinking, leaving him to focus on the mystery woman. Some way, somehow, he had to force her to show herself. Yet even the Night Runners, experts at dream manipulation, didn’t know how to make that happen. They were the one who sent dreams. Not the other way round.

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He groaned, the sound lost with the noise of the wind and motor. Putting the sun behind him, he turned toward Gully Gap and the club, Whiskey River, where he bartended. Maybe work would clear his mind for a few hours. He didn’t notice the other rider until she drew up next to him. He slowed, just enough to put her ahead of him, and checked out her shapely ass. She was round and firm in all the right places. She glanced back at him, but he couldn’t see her eyes through the tint of her helmet shield. Of course, she couldn’t see his wicked grin, either. If she had, she might’ve pulled the bike over and slapped it right off his face. He revved the motor and caught up with her. Riding side by side, she ignored him, acting as though he didn’t exist. He revved the motor again, trying to make her look at him again, but she kept her attention on the road. If she didn’t want to respond, then what else could a man do? He kept up with her, taking the time to appreciate the way her full breasts stretched the material of her white T-shirt. He sent a silent prayer skyward for rain. Just enough to wet her T-shirt and see the nipples that weren’t hidden by a bra. Damn, how he loved a woman who didn’t wear a bra. He slid his gaze lower, past the tanned stomach showing between the cropped shirt and her tight jeans, and he wondered if she went commando, too. Too bad her hair was hidden by her helmet. Almost as though she’d heard his thoughts, she whipped her head to the side. He would’ve sworn he could feel the heat from her glare. He motioned to the rest area ahead, asking her to pull over. She shook her head. Nick was not one to give up that easily. But he never got the chance to try again. In the next moment, she picked up speed and zoomed away. Was she trying to lose him? Or just playing with him? He got his answer when she looked back and motioned for him to follow.

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Hell, yeah, I’ll follow. He raced to catch up with her then positioned his bike next to hers. She twisted the accelerator, jumping ahead of him, only to slow down and let him catch up again. Game time was on. He flipped up his shield and shouted, “Are you wanting to race?” He doubted she heard him, but hoped she’d understand by reading his lips. A thrill swept into him when she nodded. “You’re on. How about on a count of”—Her laugh was crystal clear as she gunned her bike and burst ahead of him—“three?” Damn, she already had a good lead on him. Leaning forward, he opened up wide, sending his motorcycle hurtling forward. The two riders raced down the long stretch of road, both staring into the setting sun. Nick would take the lead then lose it, only to regain it. She dodged in front of him and he swerved to miss her. Only his skill as a rider kept him from hitting her. But the view from behind was worth it. The woman had a wild streak bordering on recklessness. He grinned, more determined than ever to meet her. Pulling alongside, he tried shouting again. Not that he really expected her to hear him, but he had to try. Anything to get the hellion on wheels to pull over. He didn’t even care if he lost the race. “Hey. How about taking this off road to a bar I know?” She glanced at him then hunkered down over her bike and took the speed to another level. He did the same, and the world around them whipped by so fast he almost couldn’t make out the street signs. Neck and neck they raced, one taking the lead, then the other. They went on for miles. With his attention on her, Nick didn’t notice the sign signaling the road going to one lane until it was too late. “Oh, crap!” She zipped in front of him, edging him out of the way and speeding down the single lane road. He pumped his brakes, trying to slow down. Pavement gave way to dirt and pebbles as he skidded off

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the road. The ride jostled him, rattling his teeth until at last, he lost control. He flew over the handlebars and into a dense thicket. “Shit!” Nick came to a landing, back flat against the sharp branches and staring up at the sky. He groaned, tried to move, and groaned again at the pain in his buttocks. Grabbing whatever he could, he hauled his body out of the thicket. His bike had stalled out several feet away. “Are you okay?” The melodic voice almost took his anger away. Almost. “What the hell, lady? Are you trying to kill me?” His anger dissipated as he turned toward her. At once, his body came alive, every nerve ending awakening, every sense going on high alert. Heat swelled his cock and he forced himself not to look down at his crotch. But this was more than attraction to a beautiful woman. No, this was as though his body was screaming at him that she was the one he’d waited for. The one in his dreams. He swallowed and took his helmet off. She tilted her head to the side, the setting sun making the red streaks in the helmet shine even brighter. The picture of a wolf howling at the moon, one resembling the tattoo on his arm, covered a small area on the left side of her helmet. “No one forced you to race, you know. Don’t blame me if you can’t handle your bike.” “Who are you?” She laughed again, surging lust so hard into him that he almost pounced on top of her. “I thought we’d already established that. I’m the one who beat your ass.” He took a step toward her, hiding his wince from the pain in his butt. Seeing her grip her clutch as though to take off, he altered his direction. He wouldn’t spook her off. Instead, he strode to his bike and righted it, thankful that it hadn’t sustained any damage other than a few scratches. Easy enough to repair. Unlike his ego. He searched the dark tint of her shield and

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wordlessly urged her to take her helmet off. “I can ride with the best of them. I just didn’t expect you to cut me off like that.” She shrugged. “What’re you bitching about? You don’t look like you’re hurt much. At least not physically.” He tried taking another step toward her and let his pain show in a calculated wince. Maybe a little sympathy would put her off guard. “Trust me. I didn’t get out of this without a scrape or two. Still, landing in a bush is a lot better than landing on a rock.” Her giggle was airy and light. And heady enough to drive a man crazy with desire. “Why are you holding your butt?” He jerked his hand away. “Never mind.” “Did you hurt your little tushy?” He arched an eyebrow. “If I say yes, will you kiss it and make it all better?” “You wish.” He took another step closer. “Yeah, I do. But I’d settle for you taking off your helmet.” “Not a chance.” If her goal was to tease him, then she was doing a great job. But what if said helmet was like the proverbial bag over the head? Could she be ugly? He skimmed his gaze along her body, taking in not only the luscious curves but the confident way she held herself. No. No woman like this could ever be homely. Not this woman. Not the woman destined to be his. “Gotta run, cowboy.” She opened up the clutch but kept the brake on. “Think about getting some motorcycle lessons.” Shit. He hadn’t had enough time to get to know her. Hell, he didn’t even know her name. “The name’s Nick. Nick Rogers. How about we try this again—” Before he could finish, she spun her bike around, sending dirt flying into the air and around him. He spat dirt out, wiped the grime from his face, and watched her ride into the sunset. Ride on, girl. But don’t think you’ve seen the last of me.

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**** Tamara burst through the door, a grin still on her face. Setting down her helmet, she opened the refrigerator door and grabbed the carton of orange juice. She chugged several gulps of the cool liquid then wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. Nick Rogers was even better than in real life than in her dreams. He exuded testosterone and machismo. She glanced out the window of the kitchen and studied the blue sky. His eyes were the same sky blue but with a dash of gold. When he’d looked at her, she’d almost hopped off her bike to drag him on top of her. Or put him behind her to ram into her butt. She took another swig, hoping to put out the fire in her stomach. The fire that Nick had put there when she’d gotten a good look at his toned physique. She doubted he had to work out to get those muscles. No doubt hard work on the Matheson Ranch had formed his body. And that hair. She lifted her hand to finger the red streak in her hair and wondered if his red was natural or bottle-made like hers. She’d find out soon. He was the one. The man she’d waited for, the man who would take her heart and keep it safe. “You’re the only woman I’ve ever seen drink out of the carton like a man.” She stiffened, the smile fading as she turned to face Jackson. “What’re you doing here?” He pretended confusion. “Where else would I be?” He skimmed his tongue over his lips, his steely gaze looking through her as though he could see the tiny star tattoo below her belly button. “I don’t care. Just as long as you’re not around me.” She turned her back to him again, knowing he would take offense and not caring. She almost dropped the carton when he slid his arms around her waist and tugged her to him. “Come on, baby. You know you want

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me.” His erect shaft pushed against her buttocks. She clenched her teeth to keep from striking out. But oh, how she’d loved to hit him where it counted! Instead she elbowed him in the ribs, squirmed out of his grip, and banged open the kitchen door leading to the living room and the foyer. He cursed and came after her. She could hear his feet pounding the stairs behind her as she hurried to the second floor and toward the sounds of the other women. She had to make it to the room at the end of the hallway. A second later she fell, catching herself before landing face first on the second story landing. Her breath rushed out of her as he flipped her onto her back and pinned her arms above her head. “Take it easy, baby.” Jackson placed his face close to hers and drew in a long breath. “You smell good. Even after riding the road.” She refused to struggle, refused to give him that pleasure. Instead, she shot him a look that would wither any other man’s balls. “Get off me. Right now.” His eyes glittered as he shook his head. “Now why would I do that? Why don’t you just accept it? We’re meant for each other.” “No. We’re not. You and Sheila were meant to be together.” He blinked, and in that moment she saw another side of him. With Sheila he’d been different. But the glimpse into his softer side was quickly replaced with a hard expression. “Sheila’s gone. You’re what I need now.” “You know this isn’t the way. I’m meant for another.” She gasped as he cupped her breast then pushed his thumb against her nipple. “Not anymore.” Fear inched its way into her, making her give in to the urge to fight him. But he was too strong. “You’re hurting me.” He nuzzled her neck and slid his tongue along her skin. “You’re mine. Just get used to it.” “Jackson Walker, release her.”

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Jackson and Tamara twisted toward the voice. Louise Preston, their matriarch, stood watching, her bony arms crossed, her feet wide apart. At eighty-five years of age and with a diminutive frame she wielded more power than most of the men. Long, silver hair was tied back, and sharp blue eyes shone from her wrinkled face. Five other women, three of Miss Louise’s granddaughters, stood behind her, their expressions younger versions of hers. “Miss Louise, you don’t need to get involved.” Nonetheless, Jackson pushed his weight off Tamara but still kept her wrists in his grip. “Don’t go telling me when I need to get involved or not, boy.” Relief flooded Tamara, and she wrenched out of his hold then scrambled to her feet. She hurried to stand beside the old lady. Jackson’s nostrils flared but he didn’t try to stop Tamara. “I’m just claiming what’s mine.” “What’s yours?” Miss Louise studied Tamara then cocked her head in question at him. “Does she look like a horse or a cow? Maybe a dog who will call you Master? Last I heard, the state of Texas didn’t allow a person to own another.” Jackson got to his feet and held up his palms. Softening his demeanor, he attempted to placate the old woman. “Now Miss Louise, you know it’s not like that.” Tamara hid a grin as the octogenarian hobbled over to Jackson, lifted her head high to look him in the eyes, and then poked a finger to his chest. “I know exactly what it’s like, you hound dog. No woman is under the control of any man in this house, least of all you. Now git before I take a switch to your behind.” Jackson glared at Miss Louise then added a snarl at Tamara. “Fine. I’ll let it go. For now. But mark my word, this isn’t over.” Miss Louise raised her hand and struck out, but he moved too fast for her. He loped down the stairs and out the front door. “Whew. Thank goodness you showed up when you did. I was about to lose it. Ow!”

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Gripping Tamara’s ear, Miss Louise pulled her into the closest bedroom and slammed the door in the other women’s faces. She turned her loose then fisted her hands on her hips. “Girl, what’s going on? I haven’t heard anything for days. Jackson’s not going to hold out much longer. Not to mention how’s he’s talking to the other men and getting them on his side. You’ve got to hurry this thing along. There’s only so much I can do.” Aside from Lauren, Miss Louise was the only one who knew about the dreams. “I’m working on it.” “Have you sent him any more dreams?” The old woman sat down in a rocker, her feet inches from the floor, but she still managed to get the chair rocking. “Yes. Plus, I saw him today.” Tamara knelt beside the chair, unable to suppress the joy filling her. “I heard he likes to ride, so I waited on one of the side roads he’s known to travel. When he went by, I caught up with him.” “Good. Very good. And what then?” The intensity in her blue eyes grew. “I challenged him to a race and won.” “Good.” Miss Louise’s chuckle sounded like a mix of breaking glass and a hyena’s laugh, but no one would deny its allure. She’d been a beautiful woman in her younger years who’d had more than her fair share of men lusting after her. “Did you let him see you? Did you tell him your name?” “No. I kept my helmet on and didn’t tell him anything.” “You did well, child. This is a break of tradition, you sending him the dreams. Not many would like the idea. So take it easy. But you have to get with him soon. Before it’s too late.” The mirth died from her eyes, replaced by determination. “I’ll help you as much as I can, but Jackson’s not going to give up.” “I know you will. Things aren’t going to go easy if Jackson has anything to say about it. Miss Louise, why is Jackson so intent on horning in on their territory anyway? Why bring bad blood between

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the packs?” Miss Louise sighed and shook her head. “There are other packs in the area, but they work well with the Night Runners which, as you know, won’t be the case with Jackson. I think that man just likes to cause trouble for trouble’s sake. That and he’s gunning for payback. We could settle almost anywhere else, but he’s got his mind set on this part of Texas where his father lived. His father got his whole pack kicked out for killing cattle.” “Did Nick’s pack make them leave?” “No. I don’t think they were around here yet. The ranchers ran Jackson’s father off, but Jackson doesn’t care who pays.” Tamara saw the worry on the old woman’s face and decided to change the subject back to Nick. “Lauren and I are going to the bar where Nick works. I’ll let him get farther tonight.” Miss Louise bent forward and took Tamara’s hand between hers. “Playing hard to get is good, and I’m all for it. But you have to play the game just right. Men are like fish. You hook them, reel them in, then give them a little more line to let them think they’re putting up a fight. Before long, they’ll be ready to jump into your net.” Tamara rose and placed a kiss on the sweet woman’s cheek. “Then I guess it’s time for me to go cut bait or go fishing for real.” **** Nick slung the damp towel over his shoulder and checked the front door of the bar. Ever since he’d raced with the curvaceous female biker he hadn’t been able to think of anything else. But hoping she’d just walk into his place of work? Fat chance. Most people preferred to drive a little farther to a bigger town or even take a weekend trip into Dallas rather than frequent the sleepy town of Gully Gap. But he liked the laid-back atmosphere. Usually. Still, he could imagine her walking through the door, her perfect, made-for-his-hands body dressed in the tight, midriff-baring T-shirt

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and made-for-her-body jeans, her helmet hooked under her arm. Yet her face was still a blur. “What’s up with you tonight? You’re more uptight than a preacher on his first trip to a cathouse.” Candace, Whiskey River’s owner-manager, took the glass he’d held in his hand for the past few minutes, rinsed it out, then placed it in the dishwasher. She paused then glanced at the customers. “You and the Matheson group aren’t stirring up any trouble, are you? I know how folks in Lost Hills feel about you guys, but these folks are more open to your kind. I wouldn’t want that to change.” Nick jerked his mind back to reality. “No. Nothing’s up. Everything’s been real calm on the ranch and in the surrounding towns. I’m just off tonight.” Candace Sholtz was one of the few humans who admitted knowing about the pack. Everyone else either didn’t believe the stories or chose to ignore them as long as the Night Runners didn’t cause any ruckus. She’d proven her friendship many times, including giving Nick a job as a bartender. Her green eyes zeroed in on him. Neon-blue hair curled around her oval face. “Still, you act like you’re expecting something to happen. I need to know if there is.” “Again. No. I’m fine. But if you’re worried about how I’m acting, I’ll down a shot to mellow me out.” Although bartenders could have as many as two free drinks while on their shift, she held up one finger. “Okay. But only one extra. I don’t want a repeat of last spring.” “Shoot. That was a one-time thing on my birthday, no less. It won’t happen again. At least not until my next birthday.” He shot her a crooked grin. “I like your hair.” “Way to change the subject.” She blew him a kiss. “But thanks. I think blue’s more my color than your shade of red. Besides, one hot redhead in this place is enough.” He twisted the towel then popped her on the butt as she hurried

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away. Although they’d dated a couple of years earlier, both had known it was only a temporary fun thing and nothing serious. The relationship had grown into a great friendship. Pouring a shot, he took a deep breath and downed it. Only an hour later and he was too busy to think about anything other than keeping up with the drink orders. “Dang, where did all these people come from? Not that I’m complaining, of course.” He looked up from popping the top off a bottle of beer to find Sally, the bar’s long-time waitress, wiping her brow. Her generous breasts caught his attention, but he brought his gaze to her face fast enough. As she’d told him often enough, she wore the low-cut blouses for the tips and not for his enjoyment. “I’m not either. I’m making good money tonight.” Nick caught the men at the counter checking her out. Or rather her breasts. “I bet you are.” “Then I’d better get back to it. Keep ’em coming, Nick.” “Will do.” An older man sitting at the end of the bar stared at Nick a little longer than most. But that wasn’t unusual. Sometimes curiosity got the better of the townspeople and they came in to take a look at one of the six men rumored to be werewolves. Nick didn’t mind. Let them look. They’d tire of watching him and leave soon enough. He busied himself behind the bar. “Could I get a pitcher of whatever’s on draft, please? And five glasses?” “You got it.” He grabbed a pitcher and pulled the lever, filling it with beer. Placing the pitcher and five mugs on a tray, he set it on the bar and lifted his gaze to the pretty blonde woman handing him money. He narrowed his eyes, took the cash, grazing his fingers along her skin, all while keeping his gaze on hers. The tingle of awareness ripped through him. She wasn’t human. But what was she?

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Werewolf? Yet with so many different types of supernatural creatures in the world, he couldn’t be sure. Her body was tight, ready to either flee or to stand her ground. He waited, accepting the unspoken challenge. At last, she blinked, showing her submission. “I don’t think I’ve seen you in here before. I’m Nick Rogers. I’m with the Matheson Ranch.” He didn’t bother extending his hand. She wouldn’t have taken it anyway. She darted her gaze to his then whipped it away again. No way would she dare stare at him again. To do so would be to invite either a fight or sex. “Is that a pick-up line or do you really want to know?” Her attempt to lighten her tone failed. Instead, she stiffened even more. He chuckled, hoping to put her at ease. “I really want to know. What’s the name?” “I, uh, we haven’t come in before now. In fact, we only came to the area a little over a week ago.” “Is that so? Why here? Why now?” He sensed a need to know whatever she was and who she was with. She looked at him, worry in her eyes. “I can’t say.” Can’t? Or won’t? He could push her, but didn’t. Michael and the rest would make it their business to find out. No need in hassling her. “Well, then, welcome.” To humans, he would’ve sounded sincere. But she caught his underlying tone and gave him a quick nod. She hefted the tray and blended in with the crowd. He stared after her, wondering how many others were with her. Four more? Or were there more scattered around the room? And if so, how many were male? He flipped open his phone to call Michael a second before a shout split the air.

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Chapter Three “Back off, bitch!” Linda Rison pushed out with one hand, shoving Tamara back against Lauren. Lauren grabbed her arms, holding her back, but Tamara wasn’t ready to fight. Instead, she held up her hands, palms out to the angry woman. “Look, Linda. You’re mad at the wrong person. As far as I’m concerned you can have Jackson.” Linda stepped forward, her eyes wild, her hair strewn across her face. “Yeah, right. Like you’re not wagging your butt at him every chance you get.” She’d had enough of this crap. Seemed like every time she turned around, either Jackson was trying to pin her down or Linda was accusing her of stealing her man. Why couldn’t they get it through their hard heads? She didn’t want him, and he’d never been Linda’s man to start with. Were they both delusional? But why did they have to trap her in the middle of their insanity? “I don’t know what you’ve heard, but I try to stay out of Jackson’s way as much as possible. Why don’t you offer yourself up in my place?” She cringed, realizing a moment too late that she’d said the wrong thing. “In your place?” Linda slapped her hand to her chest. “Like I’m some kind of second-place prize? Why, you low-down, dirty skank.” Tamara had enough time to throw her hands up to ward off Linda’s attack. Long, sharp fingernails, almost as deadly as claws, came at her, and she tried to twist away from the danger. Pain raked through her bare shoulder and she suddenly wished she hadn’t worn the off-the-shoulder blouse.

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She whirled toward Linda just in time to stop her second strike. Taking her wrists, she butted her chest against Linda’s, putting her face inches from the wild woman. “I don’t want Jackson, and I don’t want to fight you.” “You’re nothing but a two-bit whore trying to take my man.” Holy hell. Her man? “Get over it, girlfriend. He’s free for the taking. I’m not what’s keeping you two apart.” She groaned and pushed Linda away. “Don’t blame me because he doesn’t want your skinny ass.” Damn, I shouldn’t have gone there. Linda screeched, her words growing unintelligible, and flung her body at Tamara. Linda knocked the air from her, and together they hit the floor. Shouts, catcalls, and taunts raised the noise level as the bar crowd circled around them. Tamara dug her fist into Linda’s dark hair and yanked in the same instant Linda yanked on hers. Striking out, Tamara fought to land solid blows, hoping to loosen the woman’s grip and get away. Linda snatched at her clothing, and the awful sound of cloth tearing had Tamara glancing down at her blouse. But it wasn’t her clothes getting ripped apart. Lauren and another friend grabbed Linda wherever they could, including hanging onto her shirt. They yanked at her while another friend pried Linda’s fingers out of Tamara’s hair. “We’ve got her, Tamara. Let go of her hair.” Tamara released her hold, but Linda wasn’t letting go. “Get off me, bitch!” “Get her other arm, Steph.” Lauren tugged on one of Linda’s arms while Stephanie tugged on the other. More material ripped, exposing one of Linda’s breasts. The men around them went wild, hooting and hollering. Tamara kicked out, landing a hard blow to Linda’s midsection. She howled and loosened her hold on Tamara. Tamara rolled away and jumped to her feet.

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“What the hell is going on?” She turned toward the familiar voice, her hair hanging in her face. Nick stepped between the women, arms stretched out, palms out to stop them. He snarled, glancing from the group still struggling with Linda then back to Tamara. “It’s just a little disagreement between friends.” She took in his strong body, the way his Whiskey River T-shirt clung to his muscles. “If this is just a little disagreement between friends, I’d hate to see you in a throw-down with an enemy.” He narrowed his eyes, a searching glint in them. “I know you, don’t I?” Her gaze slid from his gorgeous, sky-blue eyes to his red hair. She twirled the red streak in hers around her finger. “I doubt it. I haven’t come in here before tonight.” “You whore. Let go of me!” Lauren and the other women still had hold of Linda. Lauren jerked her head to the side, telling Tamara to leave. As much as she wanted to stay, her friend had a point. Besides, she wasn’t ready to reveal her identity to Nick. No, she wanted to play with him a while longer. “I think I’d better leave.” He shook his head. “Why not let your outraged friend leave instead? From what I saw, she’s the troublemaker.” “You’re right. She is.” She studied him again, from the curve of his tight ass to his crotch, only realizing a moment later that she’d licked her lips. He noticed, a grin forming. “Stay.” She wanted to. Wanted to stay with him forever. Even now, even without touching, she could feel the heat stirring between her legs. The unseen connection, an almost physical entity, stretched between them. He sensed it, too, judging from his automatic step toward her and the hunger on his face. “Tamara, please. We can’t hold her much longer.” She tore her attention away from Nick’s solid, wide chest, away from the wolf tattoo on his arm, and back to Lauren. “Okay, okay. I’m

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going.” “No. Like I said, we can make her leave.” She winked at him, teasing him with another flick of her tongue over her moist lips. “Naw. I’m good.” Snatching up her helmet from their table, she spun on her heel and hurried toward the exit. **** Nick recognized the wolf logo on her helmet. No way would he let her get away again. He rushed after her, but she’d already gotten ahead of him as he pushed through the men moving closer to the other women. A flash of auburn hair caught his attention and a breeze wafted in through the open door. “Hold up!” But she was already gone into the darkness. He thrust the door open and ran into the parking lot. Searching, he scanned the area covered with cars and motorcycles. Where the hell was she? A woman’s laugh had him whirling to the right. He ran, hoping she’d keep laughing. Taking the corner of the building in a half slide, half run, he skidded to a stop. Tamara stood next to a motorcycle. The same one he’d raced against and lost. “Hey. Wait a sec.” Brilliant blue eyes, reminding him of his own, locked onto him. She stared, her helmet in the crook of her arm. “Why?” “Why?” He started toward her then stopped when she slung her leg over the bike and took her seat. “Why not?” “I’m busy.” The corners of her mouth tipped upward. “Too busy to talk about our race?” He inched forward, treating her like a timid doe. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He could see the lie on her face. “Yeah, you do. I recognize your bike.” He tilted his head to see the other side of her helmet clearer.

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“And that’s the only helmet I’ve ever seen with that particular wolf logo on it. Come on. Surely you remember driving me off the road.” Her laugh intoxicated him, sending lust rushing into his cock. “You mean when you lost control and skidded out? Have you taken any driving lessons yet?” He chuckled and strode toward her. She straightened up and started to put her helmet on. He grabbed her arm, not rough, but firm enough to stop her from covering up her beautiful face. He’d known she couldn’t be ugly, but she was so much more. She had a model’s cheekbones, full lips that other women paid good money to get, and a cute button of a nose that softened her angular face. Silky, auburn hair with a red streak framed her sensual features. “No. Don’t go.” She cocked her head to the side. “Can’t you hear her? Linda’s still raving. What if she comes outside? Do you want the fight to keep going?” Yes and no. If another fight kept her around, then yes. But he’d hate to see one scratch marring the dewy skin of her face. Dewy? Damn. When had he ever thought of skin as dewy? “No. But I think they’ll get things under control. If they don’t, Sally will bust all their chops.” “Don’t count on it. Those girls are scrappers. Big time. Especially Linda.” “You mean the one trying to tear your face off?” “She’s the one.” She traced a finger over his tattoo. “I see you’re into wolves.” “You could say that.” His skin tingled where she touched him, reminding him of the other woman buying the drinks, yet with more power, more allure pulling at his gut. “So it’s Tamara. I heard one of the others call you by name. Remember my name? Nick Rogers.” She feigned a confused expression but he knew she remembered. She was beautiful. Yet even more intriguing was the look of

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intelligence, independence, and downright sassiness. He’d never met a woman encompassing all three attributes. Attributes that turned him on. “So? Are you going to tell me your last name?” “Why do you care?” Serious attitude. Just like he liked in a woman. “Because I want to know who I’m talking to.” And who could be sending him the dream. “It’s Westland.” He grinned, pleased that she’d told him. “Tamara Westland. Pretty name. Where are you from, Tamara Westland?” “Nowhere. Everywhere. We’re new to the area.” “Who’s we?” He exhaled when she withdrew her hand, almost as though she’d taken some of his breath along with her. “My, uh, my family.” “So are those girls part of your family?” He tried again, his intuition telling him she was holding back the real information. But if she wanted to play games, then he didn’t mind. Just as long as she stayed. “In a way.” He leaned toward her, sliding his hand along her back and making her jump. He resisted a smile. “You don’t talk much, do you? Good. I think that’s an asset in a woman.” A flash of anger erupted in the blue depths. Depths he’d love to dive into and never return. He inhaled, taking in the intoxicating scent of lavender. The lavender fragrance mixed with an underlying exotic aroma he couldn’t quite place. A breeze picked up her hair, tumbling it around her bare shoulders. “Looks like Loony Linda got in a lick or two.” He touched her shoulder, tenderly, skirting around the four trails of blood. She followed his movement and quivered when his fingers lingered on her shoulder. “It’s just a few scratches. No biggie.” “Still, maybe you should come back inside and put some antiseptic on them. At least cover it with a bandage. There’s a med kit in the back office.” He could see her already, bent over the huge

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wooden desk, her juicy bottom ready for his shaft. She shrugged his hand off, yet he couldn’t shake the impression that she’d hated to do so. “No thanks. I really need to get going.” “Do you say that to all the guys? Or just me?” “What?” Her blue eyes clouded. “I don’t know what you mean.” “You have to get going. It’s the same thing you said when we first met.” “What can I say? I’m a busy woman.” He slid his hand along her arm, moving to the uninjured shoulder. “But this time I caught you and I might just keep you.” He couldn’t help himself. Touching her had lowered his resistance, and he had to feel her against his skin, his lips traveling over her smooth skin. “Do you dream, Tamara?” She blinked. “Everyone dreams.” “Do you send dreams?” Her eyes brightened, twinkling. “I don’t know what you mean.” Yeah, you do. You know exactly what I mean. “You say that a lot, too.” Suddenly, he gave into his urges. He’d said enough to put her on guard. Too much and she’d run. He leaned to the side as she turned her head and he brushed her hair away from her neck. Before she could react, he kissed the side of her neck. The short hairs at her hairline tickled his upper lip, but the exquisite texture of her skin almost drove him insane. She drew in a long breath then melted, her body easing against him. Skimming his tongue, he traced the line of her collarbone. Her eyes closed, her breathing quickened. The pulse in her neck beat faster. Nuzzling her, he fingered the top of her blouse, teasing her into arching her back while challenging himself not to take it farther. When she did, he lost his dare and slipped his hand under the silky material. She moaned softly and gripped his arms.

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The softness of the swell of her breast led to the firm nipple. He thumbed her hard bud and earned another moan. Her fingers dug into his shoulders, hurting him, but he’d withstand any amount of pain for the pleasure of her. “Come with me.” She didn’t answer, giving him hope and despair in the same moment. Letting out a sigh, she shook her head, but kept her eyes closed. He dipped his other hand lower, skirting down her spine to glide over the rise of her buttocks and grip one butt cheek. Pushing his leg between hers, he rubbed her with his thigh, urging her to reconsider. She moaned as he pulled her off the bike and pressed her body against his. She stood with her feet planted apart and he moved against her, his erection obvious and urgent. Lifting her, he placed her butt back on the seat and widened her legs. Yearning overpowered him, and he ached to take her, not caring who might walk by and see them. Deftly, he ran his hand over her pelvis and unzipped her jeans. One hand caressed her breast while the other slid over the thin back tee of her thong. She was angel and a temptress rolled into one. He kissed her, taking her tongue and dragging her spicy tastes inside his mouth. He shook, matching her trembling. “I want you. No. Hell, I need you.” She remained silent even as he dipped his head and lashed his tongue around her nipple. Sucking and nipping, he took her hardened bud. Her grip tightened on his shoulders, but he didn’t care, didn’t feel anything other than the sweetness of her nipple, the softness of her skin. “Whoa, baby.” Tamara jerked away from him and tugged her shirt up, then struggled to zip her jeans. He pivoted toward the women behind him, using his body to shield her.

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The blonde from the bar grinned. “I’m Lauren. Tamara’s friend. And who are you?” “I’m Nick Rogers.” He stuck out his hand in greeting, but Lauren didn’t take it. Linda, scowling yet under control, busily typed on her cell phone. The other women studied him like he was a microbe under a microscope. “Tamara, are you okay? We wondered where you’d gone.” “Looks like she’s more than okay, Lauren.” A dark-haired woman wiggled her eyebrows. “If we’d known you weren’t alone we would’ve stayed inside.” “And miss the show? Not a chance.” Lauren’s grin grew wider. Tamara moved to his side and touched his arm. The powerful current of a connection swept between them again, only stronger. “I’m fine.” Her gaze flitted to Linda, who still had her focus centered on her cell phone. “Great. Then how about we go back inside and get the party rolling again. Without another fight.” Lauren took Tamara’s hand and started to pull her along with her, keeping her body between Tamara and Linda. “Right, Linda?” “Unless she’d rather stay outside with Nick.” Lauren grinned. “Or Nick could join us.” “Ooh, yeah. Let him join us. For a little while anyway.” Everyone swiveled to Linda, their bodies stiffening, wary expressions on their faces. “What do you mean? What did you do?” Lauren’s voice dropped in pitch. Nick crossed his arms, enjoying the show even if he didn’t fully understand what was going on. Linda held up her phone. “I told Jackson you were here.” “What the fuck for?” Nick reached out for Tamara to help settle her nerves, but she knocked his hand away.

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“I figured he’d want to know that his darling Tam was getting it on with another guy. He’s on his way.” Tamara shot Linda a dark look then turned back to her bike. Nick’s stomach flipped over. “Who’s Jackson?” Tamara’s eyes blazed. She slipped her helmet over her head and started her motorcycle. “Now I’ve really got to get going.” He grabbed her, making her turn back to him. Lowering his tone, he whispered, “Come back tomorrow afternoon. Before the rush starts.” She glanced at her friends then gave him a quick nod. The women scattered, heading for their bikes as Tamara maneuvered out of the parking lot. Gunning it, she flew down the road. Nick watched as the rest followed her until he couldn’t see the lights of their bikes any longer. “I’d sure like to know where she’s always running off to.”

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Chapter Four The nine werewolves, six males and three females, ran as a unit, each loping alongside another, their group as tight as any jet fighter formation. The larger black one took the lead with a brown one keeping by his side. A golden wolf behind them nipped playfully at the heels of another werewolf, one similar to the leader. One werewolf pounded next to a small black female while the rest spread out to form the bottom of the triangular pattern. Their tongues lolled out of their mouths, exhaustion from the all-night run showing in their shortened strides. Pricking their ears forward, they searched for sounds of danger. Beautiful and free, they ran toward their home. Bursting through the front door, the pack surged into the foyer and skidded to a stop. They grumbled at their leader’s command to dress and come to a meeting before resting. Shifting, they hurried to dress then followed Michael into the living room. “Maybe it’s time for a little payback.” Michael paced to the large window in the front of the home and crossed his arms. The moon cast shadows around the yard, and stars, unhidden by the smog of a large city, sparkled in the sky. Sara moved to stand beside him but opted to place her back to the window. William headed for the wet bar and began pouring drinks for himself and Ranlon. Jimmy and Mandy, as usual, came in hand in hand then settled next to each other. Max and Cally cuddled on the couch while Nick plopped onto his favorite worn leather chair. “What are you getting at, Michael?” Ranlon downed his drink then let William pour him a refill. His dark gaze flicked to Nick then over the others.

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Michael pivoted and hooked one arm around Sara. She leaned against him and answered for him. “He means that we think it’s time for you to send her a dream.” William leaned on the bar. “Are you sure she’s the one? Since this dream thing is backward with her doing the sending, maybe your senses are off. Maybe she’s making a move on you without thinking about who you’re really intended to mate.” Nick snorted. “No way. I felt the connection the second we touched. Hell, I felt it before I even saw her face.” “You mean when she whooped your sorry ass and ran you off the road?” Jimmy nudged Mandy, chuckling even as he told her to control her giggles. Nick ignored him. He’d taken enough ribbing about the race. “All I have is her name. Is that enough to send her a dream?” Sara came to him and rested her hand on his shoulder. As always, the bond she shared with all the men zipped through him. She was the alpha-female, and as such, mated to the men until they found their one true mate. “Of course it is. Especially since you’ve already met.” “Should be easy enough.” Max took Cally’s hand and pressed a kiss to her palm. Easy? Nick wasn’t so sure. Tamara’s independent streak could pose a barrier to accessing her mind. Still, sending her a dream couldn’t hurt. If anything, it would strengthen their connection. “Should I go solo? Or with the pack?” Mandy and Cally exchanged a look before Mandy spoke. “I think a little of both would be good.” “How do you mean? Me and a few of the others?” Sara sat on the edge of his chair. “What I think Mandy means is that you should start with the men coming to her. As is our way, she’ll have to accept everyone and eventually go through the pack initiation so it’s best to prepare her like you all prepared Mandy and me.” Cally dipped her head. “I can never make up my mind if I missed out on not getting the dream or if I was lucky.”

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“Are you kidding me?” Max puffed out his chest. “Forget the dream. You were damned lucky I happened by Sadie’s when I did. Who knows what would’ve come of you if I hadn’t made you mine.” He adopted a terrible Mexican accent. “Baby, we didn’t need no stinkin’ dream.” Cally laughed and hugged him. “Whether I was lucky or not back then, I’m the luckiest woman now.” Mandy waved her hand, dismissing Cally’s claim. “That, girlfriend, is debatable. I’m the luckiest woman.” Sara gave her friends a smile. “We’re all pretty lucky. But back to the topic at hand. Send her one, Nick. Let her be on the receiving end for once. Show her you know what’s going on.” “Yeah.” Cally nodded. “But toward the last, make it just between the two of you. Let her get a glimpse of what it’ll be like to be mated to you.” Max played with a strand of Cally’s hair. “Listen to them, Nick. They know what they’re talking about.” “We’ll help.” Jimmy leaned forward on the couch. Rising, Nick squeezed Sara’s hand in thanks. “Okay. Let’s do this.” Taking the stairs two at a time, Nick hurried to his bedroom as the other men went to their beds. Locking the door behind him, he got into his bed, fully clothed, and closed his eyes. Relaxed, he breathed deeply and waited for the Night Runners to send him their power. They’d participate in the dream, realistic images of their real bodies. Later, in the initiation, would be the only time they would physically experience having sex with Tamara. A surge of the strong current that flowed between the members hit him and, if he’d been standing up, he would’ve crumpled to the floor. Instead, he took in another slower, longer breath and let their power seep into him. Closing his eyes, he pictured Tamara and willed his spirit to find hers.

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Tamara sensed him and she inhaled, his familiar scent tingling her nostrils. She sat up, yet instead of seeing her bedroom, a gray mist surrounded her bed. She waited, a lump caught in her throat. He was near. But he wasn’t alone. “Tamara.” Nick stepped out of the mist. His body glistened as though he’d just showered, the strong chest narrowing to the slender waist. The curly hair below sparkled almost as much as his eyes did. His cock was erect and ready. You came, she thought. His blue eyes darkened. “Of course I came. Isn’t that what you wanted all along? Why else would you send the dream?” She smiled, excitement building inside her and spoke out loud. “What do you think?” “I think you’re an impatient woman. I would’ve found you soon enough. But it wasn’t time.” Not the time? Then how had she managed to send her dream to him? “I don’t understand. If it’s not time yet, then my dream wouldn’t have worked.” “But the time was close.” He settled on the edge of her bed. She ached for him to touch her, but he kept his hands to himself. “How did you do it, Tamara? What are you that you can send dreams? Are you a werewolf? Maybe a witch? Or something else?” “Do I look like a witch? But yes, I’m something else.” He laughed at her joke. Five more men stepped out of the mist, each man’s body as muscled and sinfully sexy as the next. She smiled to welcome them. “Tell us what you are.” One of the dark-haired men, his gaze narrowed, took a step closer. Now she remembered them, knew their faces. Only when she was asleep and immersed in a dream could she do so. But she wasn’t ready to tell them everything. Hadn’t Miss Louise told her to keep the mystery going? “What I am doesn’t matter, Michael. What is important is that

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you’ve found me.” She captured Nick with her gaze and a sizzle of desire raked through her. “That Nick and I have found each other.” Ranlon rubbed a finger against his nose. “She’s right. For now, anyway. Let’s do what we came to do.” He smiled, his eyes changing until flecks of amber overcame the black. “Yes. Do what you came to do.” She shivered, heat coursing through her belly. The men moved to surround her, their eyes changing, filling with amber. Nick crawled onto the bed next to her and cupped her cheek. “I’m glad you sent the dream.” She took his hand and kissed his palm, letting him know how much she cared. She released it and he slid his fingers along her arm, caressing her as though she were a delicate flower. She lay back, spreading her arms above her head. “Touch me. I want to have your hands on me. I want to know the feel of each of you.” She closed her eyes and waited. The bed moved under her as they climbed on top. A hand skimmed her shoulder, moving in a slow, easy circle. Someone took her nipple between his fingers then rubbed the pebbled bud with his thumb. She moaned, concentrating on learning each man’s touch. Two hands, different in size, slid along her thighs and into the creases between her legs and torso. She gasped, surprised when a hand gripped her foot and started massaging her arch. Even that touch was sensual, striking a match to the embers of her yearning. Someone else stroked her hair and she sighed, loving his tender attention. “More.” Hands covered her now, massaging, stroking, squeezing. Moistness flooded her pussy and she spread her legs. Would no one touch her there? As soon as she’d had the thought, someone slipped a finger between her folds. She inhaled then giggled. Since when had she ever been ticklish there?

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The tension of the day fled her. She focused, guessing which hand belonged to which man. At last, she had to know and opened her eyes. “I know your touches. I can tell them apart.” “I want you to know more than just my touch.” Nick leaned over and pressed his mouth to hers. Gentle at first, he grew more insistent, pushing his tongue through her lips in search of hers. She wrapped her hands around his neck. “Let’s see if she can tell us apart in another way.” Nick pulled away from her. “What are you thinking, Ranlon?” Ranlon grabbed her ankles and pulled her, bringing her to the end of the bed. She laughed then sucked in her breath when he placed his hand over her mons. “Close your eyes, Tamara. See if you can tell which one is which.” How had they known she liked games? Especially sexual games? She did as he told her to and gripped the comforter. Again the bed moved as the men changed positions. Someone came behind her to sit her up, his hard chest rubbing her back as he reached around and cupped her breasts. She covered one of his hands with hers. Michael. “No, babe. You need to do something else with your hand.” Max took her hand and curved her fingers to form a cup. “Hold onto these.” Soft round balls filled her hand. She moved her fingers, playing with him. But play took a serious turn when another man took her legs then pushed his face against her pussy. Hot liquid surged outward from her core. Leaning against Michael, she spread her legs wider. She jerked as a mouth closed over her clit and sucked. The caresses continued, but now they added kisses. She arched, pushing against Michael and another man—William?—fondled her breasts. Nick took her face, urging her to turn her head for a kiss. He

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nibbled on her bottom lip even as Ranlon nibbled on her lower lips. She mewled, unable to resist reaching out to take Nick’s cock. Abruptly, Ranlon left her pussy and the chilly air of the mist sent shudders through her. “My turn.” Max’s voice was gruff, filled with lust, but she still recognized it. He moved close, his fingers opening her to him. He pleasured her, drinking from her then lashing her until she didn’t believe she could handle any more. She cried out, a joyful sound, as he latched onto her and drove her to her first orgasm. “Move, Max.” Jimmy eased between her legs and, without warning, darted his tongue inside her. She bucked and squeezed the shafts in her hands. “You’re not supposed to talk.” She laughed then moaned. “Forget the game, Tamara.” Nick’s whisper soothed her. “And remember those are delicate tools you’re holding.” Another climax whipped her as Jimmy blew on her skin. Hands slid over her body, delighting her in their exploration of her curves. “I can’t stand it much longer, guys.” The bed rose as William went to take his turn. He lay between her legs and added his touch to her throbbing clit. Each man was different. Each hand was textured in its own unique way. And each tongue was an instrument all its own. She remembered, taking in the way each man pushed, sucked and held her. If she had to, she could pick them out of a crowd of hundreds. William slicked his tongue along her folds. Heat, hotter than the sun of a hot Texas summer, blazed across her skin to boil the climax stirring within her. He paused only to take a breath then renewed his attack. She sensed their connection to her, a stronger bond than any she’d ever experienced. But above all else, she knew where her greatest bond lay. “Nick.” Her voice shook as she waited for him to take his turn between her legs. But she found she couldn’t wait. Even as Nick licked her, pulling

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her apart to drive his tongue into her, she wanted more. “Please. Fuck me.” He didn’t pause, didn’t question her. Instead he stood and tugged her legs around his waist. “Not yet, man. You need to go last.” Ranlon’s tone was thick with hunger. “It’s okay.” Michael, the only one who hadn’t had his time between her legs, chuckled. “Let him have her. Our time will come later.” Nick eased into her, groaning as her vaginal walls clamped around him. Opening her eyes, she met his amber gaze and reached for him. The muscles in his chest and arms moved with power. His toned abdomen rippled as he thrust in and out. He slid his hand over the star tattoo below her belly button as though he’d found a hidden treasure. Ranlon supported her back now as the others teased her with their hands, their lips, their tongues. But she was transfixed, needing, wanting Nick. Sweat clung to his brow. She held onto his treelike arms, her breaths matching his. The whirlwind inside her grew in intensity, spinning inside her to travel from her pussy to her head. Her mind went blank, every nerve, every sense taken over by Nick. His curved end struck her sweet spot. She cried out, an enormous climax tearing her apart and driving her into darkness. When she awoke she was alone and reaching for the man of her dreams. The sheets were torn from her bed, the comforter bunched at the end of the bed. She sat up to scan the room, yet she knew she’d find nothing. They’d leave no evidence. Dreams never did. **** She was pushing her luck. Glancing over her shoulder, Tamara

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once again checked the road. If Jackson got wind of where she’d gone, who’d she’d gone to meet, all hell would break loose. But when Nick had asked her to come back to the bar, she couldn’t have resisted if she’d wanted to. She pulled into the almost empty parking lot of the Whiskey River Bar, turned off her bike, and scanned the area around her, searching for any signs of Jackson. Taking off her helmet, she hooked it on her handlebars and strode toward the front door. Here I come, Nick. She stepped into the Whiskey River Bar and paused to let her eyes adjust to the dimmer light. The few customers who were already there glanced at her then went back to their drinks. If she hadn’t already sensed Nick’s presence, she would have found him quickly enough. He was already striding toward her, a wide grin on his face. She couldn’t help but grin back. “Hi.” He was close, in her personal space, but she didn’t mind one bit. Truth be told, she wanted him closer. “I’m glad you came.” Was it just her or was he having trouble breathing, too? “Me, too.” He turned and waved at a woman with wild blue hair. Jealousy hit her in the gut, and she had to struggle to keep from scowling. Nick tilted his head to the side and gave her a knowing look. “Candace is the owner-manager of the place. She’s my boss and my friend.” She lifted her shoulders, both to appear nonchalant and to ease the tension setting up shop in her neck. “Can we go outside and talk?” The less people who saw them together, the better. “Sure. My boss gave me the afternoon off.” The whole afternoon? She hadn’t expected that. Not that she wasn’t happy about it. She led the way outside where Nick took her hand and brought her around to the back of the bar. “I want to take you someplace.” She let him lead her as she glanced over her shoulder several

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times, checking again for any sign of Jackson. “I thought we already were someplace.” He chuckled and held back the underbrush to keep it from scraping her face. Pushing through a dense thicket, she came out the other side to a small clearing. A brook split the area in two. She stopped, taking in the way the sunlight filtered through the trees, lighting the water and making the stream glisten with sparks of silver. Birds chirped overhead and the sound of the running water put her at ease. “I always thought the phrase ‘babbling brook’ was just a saying. But it’s true. It really is babbling.” He helped her onto a large rock at the edge of the water then sat next to her. She inhaled at the flash of desire heating her with his body so close. Nick paused, sending her a look of blatant yearning. “If only we could understand what it’s saying. I wonder how many other couples have sat here, learning about each other?” Surprised, she studied his face to see if he was kidding. She could tell he wasn’t. “Why, Nick Rogers, you sound like a romantic.” “Hey, I’m in touch with my tender side.” He reconsidered what he’d said. “My tender side. Not my feminine side. There’s nothing girly about me.” She laughed and bumped his shoulder with hers. “Trust me. I know. But a strong man with a tender side? Now that’s something special.” “A good kind of special, I hope.” “Oh, most definitely a good kind of special.” He skimmed the back of his fingers along her cheek. “You don’t know how much I want to make love to you right now.” “Not as much as I want you to do it.” She closed her eyes and parted her lips, waiting for him to kiss her. “But I’m not going to.” She jerked away from him, the warmth of embarrassment flooding into her neck, then into her face. “Oh.” What else could she say?

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He cupped her chin, his glaze flitting to her mouth, then back to her eyes. “Don’t get the wrong idea. Every ounce of my being is telling me to throw you on the ground and take you. But there’s something I want even more.” “What’s that?” She whispered, almost unable to say anything. He dropped his hand, let out a long breath, then raked his hand over his red hair. “I’m not going to kiss you. It’s hard enough just touching you. But what I want is to learn more about you.” She’d had a lot of men compliment her and tell her how sexy she was. But she’d never had any man say anything more beautiful. “I’d like to get to know you better, too.” His blue eyes deepened as she scooted a few inches away from him. “Good idea. If I touch you again, I may not be able to stop myself.” She smiled, turning her to head to stare into the water. A fish swam by, its body a shiny streak. She loved that he wanted to get to know her better. But how much would she tell him? That she’d sent the dreams? She was almost certain he knew, but once she admitted to sending the dreams, she’d have to tell him about her pack. A pack moving into another’s territory was always a touchy situation at best. “So what do you want to know?” “Let’s start with the silly stuff. Like what’s your favorite color? What’s your favorite food? Do you vote Democrat or Republican?” “Hey, don’t you know you’re not supposed to ask about religion or politics? Do you want to start a fight?” She held her fists up and pretended to punch him. He dodged away from her jab. “Okay, then stick with the food and color.” “Good move. My favorite color is pink.” She made face at him. “Yeah, I know. Girly. But what can I say? I like pink. Hot pink.” “At least the hot part makes it a little better.” “My favorite food is a thick steak. Rare and oozing with blood.” He nodded. “Mine, too. The bloodier the better.”

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“And as for the other? I’m not religious, and I’m a GDI.” “What’s a GDI?” “That’s a God Damn Independent. I don’t vote party lines. I vote for the person running.” She ached to touch the wolf tattoo peeking out from under his sleeve. “I like your tattoo.” “I like yours, too.” He slid his gaze downward to her waist then back up. “And I like the wolf logo on your helmet.” She pulled her hair back. His gaze followed her movement and she sensed his growing need for her. A need that matched her own. She hoped he wouldn’t ask why she had the wolf logo. If he did, she’d have to lie. “Okay, on to more info. Like where you were born. Do you have any siblings? What are your parents like? You know. The general personal information.” The panic she’d felt a moment earlier faded. “Okay. I was born in Oklahoma and I don’t have any siblings. My parents died when I was two so I really don’t remember them much. My auntie raised me until I took off on my own at sixteen. Then I lived on the streets for a few years and did a lot of growing up.” “Damn. Sounds like you had a rough start. But that explains why you can handle yourself.” She wanted to tell him how Miss Louise had found her and given her the choice to join the Walker Pack, but now wasn’t the time. “It was hard, but I’m fine. I’ve been on my own since then. Until I hooked up with my best friend, Lauren. We, uh, live with each other.” “She was part of the group at the bar, right?” She darted her gaze away from his intense one. “Yeah. We’re more like sisters than friends. I’m close to the others, too. We’re all friends.” “Shit. With friends like that Linda girl…” He let her fill in the rest of the phrase. She laughed. “Yeah, she can go a little crazy at times.” Time to divert him away from her.

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“So how about you? We’ve covered your food and love of tattoos, but what about family?” Would he tell her about his pack? “Not much to tell. I never knew my dad. He left my mother when he found out she was pregnant with me.” “Oh, Nick. I’m so sorry.” She couldn’t resist touching him then, had to comfort him. The electric sexual surge whipped into her hand and, in seconds, raced through the rest of her body. He felt it, too, leaning closer a moment before jerking back. “Yeah, he was a jerk. But it’s all good now. I live on the Matheson Ranch.” He paused as though waiting for her to say something. When she didn’t, he moved on. “I live with a bunch of my friends. We’re kind of a pseudo family. We stick together, help each other. They’re more like my brothers and sisters.” She’d heard about the Night Runner Werewolves, of course. Jackson had told the entire pack about them before coming here. “Sounds great.” “It is. We all have our thing. Mine’s working as a bartender. Do you work?” “Off and on. When I can get work. I’m a photographer.” His smile sent shivers of a good kind down her spine. “Ah, so you’re a creative type. I’m lousy at anything creative, so I envy you.” “Yeah, well, don’t envy me too much. At least as a bartender you get a regular paycheck. Now everyone’s got a digital camera or a cell phone. Which means I’m not finding much work.” “Don’t worry about it. Once people see how good you are, business will pick up.” She laughed, surprised at how much his praise meant. “You haven’t even seen my work, so how would you know I’m any good?” He stared straight into her soul, his expression earnest. “I know because you’re you. Someone like you wouldn’t do something if you weren’t good at it.” Screw getting to know him. She wanted him so much her pussy throbbed in despair. “Nick.”

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She leaned toward him, her gaze locked on his lips. He did the same and the air charged with sexual energy. She needed his kiss, hungered for his kiss. A screeching sound startled them, breaking the spell. Tamara jumped to her feet and searched around her. Had Jackson found them?

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Chapter Five Nick took her hand and squeezed it. “Hey, calm down. It’s only a cat.” “A cat?” He tilted his head to a tree behind them. A calico cat perched on a high branch, its body hunkered close to the limb, its ears laid back. “Tamara, meet Sugar.” “Sugar?” Nick strode over to the tree and looked up, his hands fisted on his hips. “Sugar is Candace’s cat. For some reason, she likes climbing trees.” “Then what’s her problem?” The cat let out another screech, loud and high-pitched. “Here’s the thing. She likes to climb trees, but she stinks at getting out of them.” “Should we call the fire department?” She stepped back when the cat let out another wail. “We only have a volunteer fire department, and I doubt the guys would like being called away from their regular jobs to get a cat out of a tree.” Nick stood back and studied the tree. “But isn’t that what fire departments do?” “Naw. Besides, Sugar and I are old friends. Sometimes I’m not so sure she doesn’t do this as joke on me. Just give me a second.” Nick bent down and leapt, grabbing hold of a lower limb. No one other than a werewolf could have jumped that high. She watched, spellbound, as he climbed up to the branch Sugar clung to. The cat spat at Nick, then took a swipe at him and almost fell off.

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“Be careful, Nick.” “Don’t worry. I’ve done this a lot.” Nick edged out over the limb, inching closer to Sugar. Suddenly the cat leapt in the air. “Shit!” Nick lunged for the cat, caught her in midair, and lost his grip on the tree. He fell, flipping over once and landing on his back. Sugar screeched, twisted out of Nick’s grasp and scampered away. “Nick!” Tamara fell to his side. “Are you all right?” Nick opened his eyes and blew out a breath. He glanced around him and moved, wincing in pain. “Damn that cat. Next time I’ll just leave her to starve in the tree.” Tamara rolled her lips under to keep from laughing. “But are you hurt?” He sat up, clutching his lower back. “I’ll live.” Relieved, she went to kiss him, but the ring of her cell phone interrupted. “Hello?” “You need to get home right now.” Her heart sunk to her feet as she stood. “What’s up?” “Jackson’s looking for you.” “Okay. I’ll get there as fast as I can.” She let Nick get to his feet on his own. If she touched him, she might not be able to leave. “I’ve got to go.” His eyes flashed with irritation. “Why are you always telling me that?” “I’m sorry.” She turned to go, but he stopped her with one word. “Don’t.” Facing him, she saw the need, the ache she felt reflected in his eyes. “I have to.” “At least give me your number.” She shook her head, fearful to have him call her. What if Jackson overheard them? “Then meet me again. Track me down here. Or we can meet in Lost Hills. Wherever. Call the bar. Candace will know how to reach me.”

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She nodded then hurried away. Why did Jackson always get in her way? **** Nick checked his mirror again. But again, he saw nothing. He increased the speed of his motorcycle and tried to shake his disappointment. He’d hoped that Tamara would meet him on the road, maybe even challenge him to another race. But he was almost home from his quick trip into the small town of Lost Hills. He’d filled his gas tank faster than usual, even though the few townspeople he’d seen had given him a wide berth. Would he ever be able to walk into Lost Hills without sensing every set of eyes on him? Would he ever have a chance of working at the town’s one and only bar instead of driving out to Gully Gap where fewer people knew about the Night Runners? Surely the pack had been around long enough to earn the people’s trust by now. But if they had, he sure hadn’t sensed it. It didn’t matter. What mattered now was getting Tamara into the pack. After spending more time with her, just talking and watching her, he was more convinced than ever. She was his. His mind drifted, remembering the highlights glistening in her hair, the red streak showing her wild side. Even now his cock twitched as he imagined her blue eyes clouded in lust. He shifted in the seat, trying to find a more comfortable position for the growing hardness between his legs. The roar of several motorcycles yanked him out of his reverie. Twisting around to get a look, Nick’s stomach dropped as he took in the six motorcycles riding in a straight line behind him. He tried to identify them, but they didn’t have any gang name on their jackets and each of them was dressed only in black. Hell’s Angels they weren’t, but he had a bad feeling that they were a whole lot worse. He took a turn faster than he should have, wanting to put distance

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between him and the riders. They matched his speed, staying directly behind, never trying to get to his side or pass him. A nervous tingle tore up his spine, every werewolf sense coming to life. He was in danger. No doubt about it. They traveled on the lonely road for another mile. He was still too far from the ranch or any other place where he could seek refuge. Taking a gamble, he swerved to the right and headed down a dirt path leading through thickets and brush. Even with the sound of the bikes, he could hear their curses and shouts as some missed the exit. But they wouldn’t take long before they’d find the path again and come after him. He reached into his pocket and dug out his cell phone. One glance tightened his neck. Dead. “Damn it.” When would he learn to keep his cell phone charged? The noise of a rider revving his motor made him lean forward, pushing his speed as hard as he dared to go. He looked back and snarled at the gang hot on his heels. Breaking into a clearing, he gave the gas all he could. He bumped over the ground, the impact jarring him. But worse would happen if he stopped. Without warning, a motorcycle broke through the brush on the other side and almost ran into him. He cursed, jerked to the left and tried to stay upright, but speed and gravity weren’t his friends. He hit the ground on his shoulder, the air bursting from his lungs as his bike slid out from under him. Seconds later, two riders grabbed him and hauled him to his feet. “What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” Nick tore off his helmet, dropped it to his feet and struggled to keep the fangs from erupting. The biggest one of the group sauntered over to him. He took off his black helmet and handed it to one of the other men who had gathered around Nick. “That’s what I want to know.” Nick glared at the large man. If he wasn’t a linebacker, the Dallas

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Cowboys were missing out. A scar ran along his right cheek, and hatred burned in the dark eyes. “Do I know you?” Nick could almost hear William telling him to keep his cool, to try and talk his way out of a bad situation. He doubted reason would work with the snarling man in front of him, but he’d give it a try. “Nope. But we have a friend in common.” Nick pushed down the beast inside him that was urging him to rip the man’s throat out. “Is that so? Like who?” If a friend of his had anything to do with Mr. Snarly, he’d eat his helmet. “Tamara Westland.” The big guy’s eyes twinkled in evil glee at Nick’s surprise. “You have got to be kidding.” Nick glanced at the others, hoping to see the lie on their faces that he couldn’t see on their leader’s. “How do you know Tamara?” “Name’s Jackson Walker.” Jackson acted like the name should mean something to Nick. Nick shrugged. “And my name’s Nick Rogers. But that doesn’t answer my question. How do you know her?” “She’s my mate.” The punch to Nick’s stomach couldn’t have felt any worse if it had been an actual fist in his gut. “She’s your what?” “My mate.” “You’re telling me that she’s your mate? As in pack mate?” Things had just gone from bad to terrible. The beast inside him hunched, ready to strike at the opposing pack. “Maybe not yet. But she will be. She’s already part of our pack.” Tamara was a werewolf? Female werewolves could change packs if their intended mate wanted them to. But did Tamara want to leave her pack for him? “I’m guessing you want her. Am I right?” “She’s mine. We just haven’t made it official yet.” Jackson stepped closer, putting his face an inch from Nick’s. The stench of alcohol and cigarettes almost choked Nick.

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“Then she’s not taken.” Nick waved a hand in front of his face. “Damn, dude, take a breath mint or gargle, will ya?” He landed flat on his back before he even saw the fist coming. A kick to his side was followed by another, then another, until all he could do was curl up and protect his head. The werewolf side of him roared to life, clawing his insides, ready to fight. But he knew if he gave in and shifted, the pack would do the same. He was no match for six werewolves. Instead he’d live to fight another day. Jackson grabbed him by the hair and jerked his head up. He snarled into his face, his fangs showing. “Listen up, pussy. Leave Tamara alone. I know you were with her earlier, and if I hear about you sniffing around her again, I’m going to stomp you so far into the ground that they’ll find your body in China.” “Don’t you think that’s her choice?” “No. It’s not. I say what happens.” Jackson backhanded him. Blood filled his mouth. He turned onto his back and spit it out. But he wasn’t about to say nothing. “She’s my destined mate, man. You can’t change that.” “Just watch me.” “You’re full of shit, Jackson.” He rolled over, struggling to get on his feet. He’d fight for Tamara even if it meant losing his teeth. Or his life. The heart-wrenching sounds of metal bending ripped through him. He looked up and rage tore into him as one of the pack swung a baseball bat at his bike, time and time again. Nick tried to dodge the fist coming toward his head, but he couldn’t move fast enough. Pain seared through his head, and darkness threatened to take over. One of the other men chuckled then landed a hard blow to his left side. Nick gritted his teeth and swallowed back a groan. No way would he give them the satisfaction of hearing his agony. “What pack are you?” Pride showed on Jackson’s face. “This is my pack. The Walker

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Pack. We were here once when my father ruled things. Now we’re coming back and taking over. Tell that to the pups in your sorry pack.” Taking over? Like hell they would. But Nick had to make it home and let the others know first. No use in arguing the point now. As much as he wanted to beat the pulp out of Jackson, he had to play it smart. He’d get his revenge later. “Go fuck yourself.” Nick tried to sit up, but a swift kick to his ribs doubled him over. “Pass the message along, asshole. And remember. Tamara’s mine.” Laughter and snarls followed Jackson’s declaration as his pack mounted their bikes. Sending dirt flying around Nick, the pack drove back the way they’d come. “Aw, hell.” Nick lay on his back, his arms outstretched. The sun blinded him and he closed his eyes, needing the time to regroup. He stayed there, spitting blood and dirt from his mouth until, at last, strength returned to his body. He got to his knees, then his feet and stumbled toward his bike. “Shit.” His bike was wrecked. What hadn’t gotten torn up in his tumble had gotten beaten up by the pack. “Now that’s just plain cold.” **** Sara held a hand over face to shield her eyes and squinted at the figure hobbling toward their home. “Who’s that?” Cally and Mandy dropped their pruning shears and wiped the dirt from their knees, leaving the flowers they were planting. They, too, squinted at the figure. “It’s Nick and he’s hurt.” Instead of running toward him, Cally whirled around and dashed up the steps. She slammed the front door open and ran inside. “Max! Michael! Everyone get out here. Nick’s

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hurt!” Sara made it to Nick before Mandy and skidded to a stop. She bit her lower lip and tears stung her eyes. Blood soaked his shirt and dried on his face. “Oh, Nick. What happened?” She took his arm, letting him lean on her. Mandy took his other arm as they headed toward the pack stumbling out of the house. Michael and the others took over and half carried him to the porch bench. “What the hell happened to you?” Nick winced when Michael pulled up his torn shirt to look at his injuries. “Did you crash? Where’s your Harley?” Max, Ranlon, William and Jimmy surrounded them, their faces a mix of concern and confusion. Each one peppered questions at Nick, but he kept quiet until Cally returned with a glass of water. Nick downed the water and rested against the bench. “If everyone will shut up and give me a minute, I’ll tell you.” He took a few deep breaths. “We’re waiting, bro.” Michael motioned for Cally to take his glass. “From the way you look, I’d say you either ran into a bunch of wild hogs or a group of angry men.” Nick snorted then cringed, scrunching his features in pain. “Pigs may gouge a man in the ribs, but they don’t fuck up his ride.” Jimmy and Ranlon growled as William muttered curses. Max, Michael and the women stayed silent. “Do you know who they were? Have you ever seen them before?” Michael took Nick’s arm as Max took the other and pulled him to his feet. “Let’s get you inside so Sara can tend to your wounds.” “Maybe we should take him to the hospital.” Mandy’s big eyes filled with tears. “He could have internal injuries.” “And do what, babe, when he changes so he can heal faster? Say sorry? I thought we brought our werewolf to the vet?” Jimmy held up his palms at Mandy’s glower. “Never mind.” Sara held the door open then followed the men up the stairs to Nick’s bedroom. “Cally, can you get some warm water and cloths?

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And bring the antiseptic, too. I’ll do what I can, and then once he’s gotten some strength back, he can shift to heal.” “I’ll help you, Cally.” Mandy followed Cally to the kitchen. They stripped Nick of his clothes then put him on top of his bed, pulling the sheet to his waist. Cally came in with the First Aid kit as well as additional bandages with Mandy carrying a large bowl of warm water. Sara dipped a cloth into the water then gently pressed it to the wounds on his face. “Talk to us, Nick.” She didn’t want to push him, but knew Michael couldn’t wait much longer for answers. Whoever had beaten Nick would pay. Ranlon went to the wet bar at the other side of the room and came back with a shot of vodka. “Here. You need something stronger than water.” Nick chugged the drink, coughed, then groaned and held his arm over his bruised ribs. “I should’ve changed before now, but I didn’t want to get caught out in the daylight alone.” “Nick, spill.” Sara sensed he was taking his time. Didn’t he want to tell them? He glanced at her and nodded. “Another pack has moved into the area. Why or exactly where they are, I don’t know.” “Who’s pack? Where are they staying?” Michael’s tone dropped lower. “Didn’t they say why they attacked you?” “Their alpha is a big guy by the name of Jackson Walker. Walker Pack is their name. Like I already said, I don’t know where they’re staying.” Max paced back and forth at the edge of the bed. “So what’d they say? Packs don’t usually attack a lone wolf for no reason.” “How many were there?” William, as usual, leaned against the door, part of the pack, yet somehow always separate. “Slow down and let him talk.” Sara glared at the others then handed the bloodied cloth to Cally in exchange for a clean one. “They came after me because of Tamara.”

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Sara paused, her gaze shifting from his cheek to his eyes. “Why do they care about Tamara?” “The big guy, the alpha, has it in his head that she’s his mate. Or future mate.” Mandy shook her head, then looked to Jimmy. “But that’s not the way it works, right? Nick knows she’s his intended mate. So how can this Jackson guy claim her?” “He must’ve lost his mate.” Everyone pivoted to stare at William. He shrugged. “Either that or he’s given up trying to find her.” “Can he do that?” Cally put out her hand for Max. “Isn’t he breaking the rules?” Max gave her the smile he always reserved just for Cally. “It’s not like we can report him to the authorities. Packs police themselves.” “Sometimes it happens that way. Usually because a werewolf’s mate has died and he wants another. But he’s supposed to look for a female who has lost her own mate. Either that or a human that hasn’t found her mate and, more than likely, was never meant for another shifter.” William stuck his hands in his pockets. “This Jackson guy sounds like a real jerk.” Nick shot Cally a grin, but it lacked the usual easy warmth. “You can say that again.” “So Tamara’s already a werewolf in their pack. That could make things kind of messy.” Max broke away from Cally and started pacing again. “Does she want to leave their pack?” Sara pressed a cloth to his chest and wiped away caked blood. Nick avoided Sara’s gaze. “I haven’t told her what I am yet.” “That answers the question about the dreams. She’s a werewolf and knows you’re her future mate. Dude, she’s after you, and Jackson found out.” Jimmy chuckled. “Couldn’t you have gone for a nice human girl to change?” “The question now is what are we going to do about them? I don’t

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mind other packs in the area, but their alpha doesn’t sound like he’s good at sharing.” Michael sent Sara a pointed look. “He doesn’t like sharing territory or women.” “He’s not getting Tamara. Not if I have anything to say about it.” Sara felt Nick tense and stroked his arm. “If she wants to be with you, he can’t stop her.” “I wouldn’t count on that.” Michael’s eyes blazed. “Until we figure out how to handle this, Nick, stay away from her.” Sara saw the look of defiance on Nick’s face a second before he composed it and gave Michael a curt nod. She arched an eyebrow, letting him know she’d caught his reaction. “We’ll leave you alone now. Go ahead and shift so you can heal.”

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Chapter Six “Are you okay, Nick?” Figures Candace would notice. Nick dumped a case of beer on the floor and started stacking them in the cooler. “Yeah. Just a little banged up. It was a lot worse before I changed. But shifting fixed most of the damage.” “I thought you said there wasn’t any trouble brewing.” He stood up and looked her straight in the eye. He’d never lied to her before and he wasn’t about to start. Better to tell her now before customers started showing up. “I might’ve been wrong about that. Have you heard anything about another pack moving in?” She flipped a towel onto her shoulder. “Not a word. Why? What’s up?” “You know the girls that were in here the other night?” “You mean the ones that caused all the ruckus?” “Yeah. Well, I’m kind of involved with one of them.” She let out a low whistle. “Don’t tell me. She’s that girl that came in the other day, right? The one you took off work for?” “That’s the one.” Candace gave him a funny look. “Oh, shit. You’re hot for her.” “More than just hot.” “Really?” Her jaw dropped. “Nick Rogers, have you met your mate?” He didn’t answer, letting his grin say it all. “But what has that got to do with the other pack?” “I just found out that she’s one of theirs.” Candace rolled her eyes. “Aw, Nick. Tell me you’re not mixing

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with another pack’s female. Are you nuts?” “Wouldn’t be the first time someone called me that. But it doesn’t matter who she is or who she’s with. She’s the one.” “For real? Do you mean you sent one of those dreams to her?” “I did once, but actually it’s the other way round. She’s the one who’s been sending me the dreams. I should’ve guessed then that she was a shifter, but you never know. Still, I know it’s her whether she wants to admit it in the light of day or not. I can sense it.” Candace looked over his shoulder. “Talk about the devil herself.” Nick swung around, his heart skipping a beat. Tamara stood silhouetted in the door. He raised his hand in greeting and rounded the corner of the bar. “I’m glad you came back.” Yet instead of returning his greeting, she took a few steps into the bar, then turned back to the door. Jackson’s large form shadowed the door as he came to her side. More pack members, half of them men, half of them women, followed the two to a nearby table. Nick recognized the men as part of the group who’d attacked him. The wolf inside him growled and clawed to get free. Anger splintered his control and the tips of his fangs broke through his gums. He clenched his jaw, struggling to keep the beast from taking over. “Take it easy, Nick.” He gave Candace a quick nod. He stared at the group, scanning them quickly before coming to rest on Tamara. Sally eased by him, shot him a questioning look, then hurried to take the group’s order. He cleared his throat and headed back behind the bar. “Do they know this is where you work?” Candace kept her head down, her voice low. “Tamara did, of course. But one of the other girls could have told them about seeing me here the other night.” “Nick, if there’s any trouble, do me a favor and take it outside.” “I’m not going to start anything, but if they do, I’ll try to remember that.” Sally came to the bar, her notepad in hand. Her face was whiter

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than usual and her hands shook. “Those guys are seriously creeping me out. Especially the big guy. I feel like he’s going to chew me up and spit me out.” Jackson could do just that, but Nick wasn’t about to tell Sally. “What’s their order?” “A couple of pitchers of beer.” Nick poured the pitchers and set the glasses on the tray. “Do you want me to handle them?” Sally’s eyes brimmed with unshed tears. “Would you? I know it’s not your job, but I’m not sure I can deal with them.” “Nick. Don’t get any ideas.” Candace’s warning went unheeded. Instead, he picked up the tray and headed for Jackson’s table. Tamara saw him coming and her eyes grew wide. As he approached, every person turned to stare at him. “Here you go.” He sported a forced smile, one he figured they’d easily recognize as being as fake as a two dollar bill. He set the pitchers and glasses on the table, then scooped up their money and pivoted on his heel toward the bar. “Keep the change, fur ball.” Nick froze, the hair on his arms standing on end. Shooting Candace a look of apology, he turned toward Jackson. “I’m going to forget you called me that. And, by the way, you owe me.” Jackson narrowed his eyes. “What the hell for?” “For repairs to my motorcycle.” For a moment, he wasn’t sure if Jackson had heard him. But the big man’s booming laugh said he had. “Go fuck yourself, pussy.” A man could take only so much. Nick’s fist connected with Jackson’s chin before Jackson saw it coming. Jackson fell backward in his chair, hitting the back of his head on the floor. Nick jumped on top of Jackson, but he wasn’t on top for long. The rest of the pack grabbed him, hauling him off. He gave his beast

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enough freedom to add strength, but four pack members holding him was more than he could handle. They hauled him outside and threw him to the ground. Nick came to his feet, fangs breaking out. “Get away from him.” Tamara, flanked by Candace, burst out of the bar and hurried toward Nick. Jackson’s pack pushed them away and surrounded Nick. Jackson stumbled out of the bar, his face a mask of rage. “I guess this shithead didn’t get enough the other day. This time he’s not getting back up.” The pack closed in on Nick. He planted his feet apart, ready to go down fighting. “I wouldn’t count on that.” Jackson and his pack swung toward Michael. The Night Runners, including the women, stood their ground with Michael in the lead, his arms crossed and a snarl on his lips. “Fuck you, too.” Jackson shifted, tearing his clothes from his body. Roars and growls split the air as werewolves from both packs changed, not bothering to rip their clothes off first. Nick shifted then leapt at Jackson. Claws extended, he dug into the big werewolf’s back, sending them tumbling over the ground. Jackson snarled, white fangs dripping saliva, and sank his teeth into Nick’s shoulder. Pain seared through him, but he held on. He raked out, scraping fur and skin away from Jackson’s belly. They fell away from each other, each needing a second to regroup. The Night Runners held their own, each taking on one of the Walker Pack. Ranlon had his opponent pinned, his front paws holding the animal down. Max took off after a werewolf fleeing toward the parking lot while William and Jimmy cornered two other werewolves. Michael stood on his back legs like a bear and swiped his sharp claws across the muzzle of his attacker. Where was Tamara? Nick growled, readying for another leap at Jackson when two female werewolves broadsided him. He hit the

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ground hard, darkness momentarily blinding him. At last his head cleared and he got to his four feet, a snarl on his lips as he tried to find Jackson. But Jackson was gone, along with Tamara. Wild with worry, he spun around and saw the two females who’d attacked him running away. Roaring, he took off after them. He caught one of them by the back paw, spilling her face-first into the gravel of the parking lot. The other werewolf didn’t stop to see what had happened to her friend. He pinned the werewolf and put his jaws close to her jugular vein. Growling, he warned her not to move. She panted and stayed where she was, not trying to struggle against him. Nick shifted, keeping a firm grip on the werewolf. “Change back. Now.” She did as he requested, her naked human body trembling underneath him. “Please don’t hurt me.” “Where is she, Linda? Where’s Tamara?” Sounds of the battle were dying down, but he didn’t bother checking to see which pack had come out on top. Nothing mattered except Tamara. Linda shook her head. “I don’t know.” He let the animal inside take over again, just enough to show her his fangs. “Bullshit. Where does your pack stay?” Fear wafted off her, but he could see the stubbornness in her eyes. “Go to hell.” “Nick, the big guy took off with her.” Candace stood at the edge of the parking lot. “She didn’t go willingly.” So Jackson had forced Tamara to leave. But what would he do with her? Hell, to her? He focused his wrath on Linda. “I’m not going to ask you again. Where does your pack stay?” He couldn’t be certain, but he’d count on Jackson taking her back to the pack’s home. He bent lower, grazing the tips of his fangs over her neck. She uttered a strangled sound. “We’re over in the next county. In a home we rented that everyone calls the Williams’ old place.”

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Nick glanced toward the rest of his pack. He was right not to worry. The other pack huddled together against the wall of the bar while Max, Ranlon, William, Cally, and Jimmy stood guard. Michael, returned to human form, sauntered over to Nick with Sara and Mandy at his heels. “Damn, I enjoyed that. I haven’t had a good fight in a long time.” Nick turned Linda loose, and she scurried away, her eyes wide with fear. “Can you take things from here? I’ve got to find Tamara.” “Don’t you want some help? You don’t know how many more there are.” “No. I’m going to do this on my own. Just hold on to this group long enough to give me time.” Michael saluted Nick and grinned. “You taking a bike or going for a run?” “Fastest route from one point to another is how the crow flies. Roads would take too long, and I don’t want to get hauled over for riding in the buff.” “Speaking of which.” Candace started picking up clothes and tossing them to the shifters. “Get dressed as much as you can before someone sees you. Thankfully, Sally hightailed into the office before anyone changed.” Michael laughed and caught a torn shirt she’d tossed at him. “Then I guess you’d better get your ass in gear and get going, Nick.” Nick shifted, letting the Change take him. Back on all fours, he spun around and ran. **** Tamara fought against Jackson. But he was twice her size and mad as hell. “Turn me loose.” She tried to open the pickup’s door, but he grabbed her then slapped her. Her face stung where he’d hit her, and her sight grew dizzy. Blood trickled down her chin from the cut on her lip.

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“Stay put, bitch.” Rage burned in his eyes, his fangs covering his lips in his partial shift. “You can’t do this, Jackson. You can’t take me against my will.” The sound he made was part snort, part laugh. “Like hell I can’t. I don’t give a damn about anyone else. I’m going to make you mine.” Her heart pounded against her chest. How could he go against pack rules? “Miss Louise won’t let you.” “I don’t give a crap what that old bitch wants. I’m the alpha, and I say what goes.” He drove down the dirt road leading to their house then slammed the car to a stop in front of the barn. Tamara jerked the door open, fell out, and scrambled to her feet. But she wasn’t fast enough. She cried out as he snatched her by the hair and dragged her into the barn. “Jackson, please. Think about what you’re doing.” She pleaded, yet she knew it was useless. No one could stop him. He gripped her by the neck and rammed her back against the wall. Dancer and the other horses whinnied and stomped their feet, picking up on the danger. “I haven’t thought of anything else from the first moment you joined our pack. You were the hottest teenager I’ve ever seen and you’re even hotter now.” She beat against his chest but her strikes were nothing more than moths bumping against a light bulb. “Please don’t. We’re not meant to be together.” He pushed his body against her, thrusting his knee between her legs. “Shut up. You’re going to learn your place and keep your piehole closed.” “Turn her loose, boy.” Miss Louise stood a few feet behind them. Her long, gray hair was pulled back and she wore an old dress. Her wrinkles deepened as she scowled at Jackson. He growled but didn’t loosen his hold on Tamara. “Stay out of this, Miss Louise.” “You’re breaking pack law. Let her go right this instant.” The

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elderly woman moved closer, her hands fisted as though she planned to hit him. “Go back into the house, Miss Louise. I don’t want him to hurt you.” Tamara met the old lady’s gaze, sending her a silent plea to stay safe. But the old werewolf had other ideas. She shifted partway, her yellowed fangs erupting. She jumped at Jackson, landing on his back and howling. Jackson shouted and tossed her off him with one swift movement. Miss Louise fell back, landed on the hard barn floor, and didn’t move. Tamara cried out at the sound of bones breaking and struggled with new fervor against her attacker. “You asshole. You killed her.” Jackson stared at the unmoving body lying in the dirt and hay. “It wasn’t my fault. I told her to leave it alone.” For a moment, fear washed the anger from his face. “You killed her.” As much as she hated it, she couldn’t keep the tears from coming. Miss Louise was the only parent she’d known. She closed her eyes, the pain of losing the elderly lady more excruciating than any physical pain ever could be. A growl had her opening her eyes a second before Nick struck Jackson, knocking him to the side and freeing her. Nick, his red fur standing up, his ears laid back and his tail lowered, rolled on top of the shifting Jackson. She ran over to Miss Louise and fell to her side. “Miss Louise? Please, please don’t die. Miss Louise?” She pulled her into her lap and cradled the diminutive woman against her. Sobbing, she listened for the woman’s heartbeat but heard nothing. The sounds of two werewolves in battle raged around her. Wiping the dirt from Miss Louise’s face, she laid her gently to the ground. Nick and Jackson wrestled a few yards away. Blood soaked the ground and fur flew as they fought. Struggling to her feet, she hurried to the tools hanging on the wall, took the

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shovel, and turned back to the fighting werewolves. Holding it above her head, she waited for an opening then swung the shovel. Jackson rolled onto his back, placing Nick on top. The shovel hit him in the head, knocking him off Jackson. He laid still, his eyes closed. “No!” Jackson came at her, yanking the shovel away before she could take another swing. He tossed the shovel aside then knocked her to the ground. Shifting back to his human form, he lifted his head, his fangs still out and dripping, ready to drive them into her neck and claim her as his mate. She stared into his eyes, saw the lust and hate, then closed her eyes and prayed for a miracle. Jackson grunted then let go of her and fell to her side. She turned her head and stared into Jackson’s dead eyes. Nick, his human body covered with blood, dropped the shovel and rubbed the back of his head. “Damn it, Tamara. Your aim sucks.” “I’ll work on it.” “Please do.” He held out his hand for her and she took it, her tears falling for a different reason. He pulled her into his embrace and wrapped his strong arms around her.

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Chapter Seven Nick ran his hand over Tamara’s shoulder, along her arm, then around her waist. She pivoted to face him, took his hand, and led him to the large bed. She trembled, her excitement tingling through her. “If you need more time, we can wait. Everyone will understand what with Miss Louise’s funeral only last week.” He’d already told her the same thing several times. He’d give her whatever time she needed. After losing Miss Louise and her pack leaving the area, she’d had a lot to cope with in a short time. But the welcome she’d gotten from the Night Runners, the way they’d taken her into their home, had helped her through the difficult time. Cally, Mandy and Sara had spent time with her, comforting her and offering to make her favorite foods, listening to her stories about Miss Louise, and simply holding her when she needed to cry. In the short time they’d spent together, the women had shared their experiences with the Night Runner Werewolves, telling Tamara of their own initiations. Sara, being the alpha-female of the pack, had gone out of her way to make her feel accepted and loved. Sara had offered bits of wisdom, letting her know the bad and good of being part of their pack. Tamara had listened intently as Sara promised her that her position in the pack would be whatever she wanted it to be instead of having the alphas decide her life. She could still live her life as she saw fit as long as the pack, and especially Nick, were included as any family would be. Unlike the control Jackson had held over his pack, Sara had told her the rest of the pack members, both male and female, would encourage her to pursue any dreams she might have.

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Tamara couldn’t wait to join the pack. “I’m ready, Nick. I want to be part of your pack. I want to be your mate.” He took her close, his hard body calling to her. His shaft was already erect and ready to please her. Yet still he needed reassurance. “And you’re okay with how this is done? I know it’s different from other packs. But it’s how we’ve always brought a new female into our group. Once you’re through the initiation, once every member has shared in your love and created a bond with you, then it’ll just be you and me.” “I know. I understand.” She traced her finger along the ridge between his pecs. “You don’t have to, you know. No one’s forcing you. Whatever you say goes.” “Nick, I told you. I want to be a Night Runner. Just like Cally, Mandy, and Sara.” She gave him a coquettish smile. “Besides, the men are hot as hell.” “Hey, what’s going on here? I thought I was your man.” His tone was light, but she still recognized a note of concern in his voice. She placed her palm against his cheek, the prickly stubble teasing her skin. “They’re part of you. I love every part of you, including your pack. Besides, Sara explained everything and filled in the gaps. Sharing with them brings the entire pack together. It makes a connection between each member. A connection that can never be broken. It’s not about sex. It’s about the bonds we form with each other.” She’d been shocked when she’d first learned of the Night Runners and the way a new female member was brought into the pack. But that was before meeting them, before sending the dream to all of them to let them know she was ready to accept their ways. She understood the bond that the act formed and she couldn’t wait to get closer to them. “So are you finally ready to admit you sent the dreams?”

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She laughed. “Yeah. I didn’t want to earlier. After all, a girl has to retain a little mystery.” She crawled on top of the bed then pulled the sheet over her. Amber flecked his eyes, signaling the animal rising to the surface. “Call them, Nick.” Opening the door, he nodded to the male members of his pack. “She’s ready.” The men entered the room then took a place around the bed. Tamara’s heart beat faster as she studied the naked men coming toward her. She fisted the sheet in her hands, her nerves stiffening her spine. Suddenly, the dreams rushed back to her, filling her with their words, their touches, the way they’d treated her with respect and kindness. They were the opposite of Jackson Walker. Tears sprang to her eyes. If only Lauren had taken Nick’s offer to stay, then maybe she could’ve known how it felt to be loved and cared for. “And you’re sure about this?” Michael asked. “There’s no rush.” She couldn’t stop the giggle from bursting from her. Maybe she’d had her doubts before, but one look at the admiration on their faces swept the doubts away. She was where she truly belonged. “I want this, Michael.” She inhaled and the overwhelming scent of testosterone filled her nostrils. They were six examples of the perfect man. Not only their bodies, but their minds. The animal inside her roared to life, calling to the animals inside each of them. Lust ripped through her abdomen, tightening her pussy. Her heart filled her chest. She was Nick’s, and the Night Runners were hers. Just this once, she would have them. All of them. Nick sat next to her and lifted his hand to place a kiss against her palm. She smiled as Michael took a place next to her. “At least you don’t have to go through the Change.” Ranlon scooted toward her feet and rubbed her leg. “When did it happen for you? Who changed you?”

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She cast her eyes down, feeling the shame of that long ago time. “I don’t know his name. He attacked me when I was eighteen. He took me.” She lifted her gaze to Nick’s face and saw his anger. “In every way. When I came to, I knew I’d changed.” Jimmy kneeled next to the bed. “Was that when Miss Louise found you?” She smiled, remembering her friend she would never see again. “Yes. Like I told you the other night. I was lucky Miss Louise came across me. I was lost and alone on the streets of Dallas. She’s the one who took care of me and brought me into the pack.” “Too bad we didn’t find you first.” William leaned on the edge of the bed. “But it wasn’t the right time for you and Nick.” “I know you’ve had a rough time of it. Especially after Jackson joined the pack and took over.” “Michael, don’t mention that jerk’s name again.” Nick squeezed her hand and she squeezed back. “I think Michael’s point is that we can’t change what happened, but maybe we can make things better.” “You already have.” She wasn’t sure how and when, but she’d already grown to love them. “Then let’s give you even more.” They moved closer, their hands skimming over her body as she lay back. She let the sensation of their caresses wash away her thoughts. Her old life, her old pack, was gone, and her future held nothing but joy. She reached out, taking a cock in each hand, and gasped as they spread her legs. Their eyes changed, the amber flecks growing larger. Michael cupped her breast in the same moment Nick bent his head to take the other nipple into his mouth. Ranlon, Jimmy, and William continued to stroke her, murmuring tender words of affection. Max bent over her, teasing her folds with flicks of his tongue. She moaned, the sound changing into a growl when Max pushed her pussy lips apart and sucked on her clit.

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A fire flared to life inside her, driving her inner beast wild with desire. She wanted them, needed them to take her in every way. They had her heart and now they would have her body. Six pairs of hands touched her in intimate places, stroking her, pleasuring her. An orgasm rushed through her, and she cried out. One by one, they said her name, speaking in reverent tones, making her feel like a queen. But she wasn’t a queen. She was woman who wanted more than words of tenderness. She lifted her head and drew in Nick’s shaft. He tunneled his fingers through her hair and cupped her neck, holding her. She whipped her tongue around him, teasing his mushroomed tip only to deep-throat him in the next second. He growled, and she raked her teeth gently over the vein-lined cock. Michael licked and fondled both breasts, teasing her nipples until they ached. She took his cock in her other hand and stroked him. Max flattened his tongue against her and sucked harder, then nibbled at her tender nub. The whirlwind inside her spun out of control, driving her over the edge of another climax. “Change places with me, Max. I have to be the first.” She released Nick so he could take Max’s place and grinned before turning to take Michael’s shaft inside her mouth. Nick wrapped her legs around his waist and pressed the tip of his cock to her pussy. He shoved in and she gasped at the size of him. Ranlon pushed apart her pussy lips and rubbed her throbbing nub. “Take her, Nick. Make her yours.” William slid his tongue along her leg, tickling her as much as he excited her. Tamara groaned, her hand tightening around Max’s shaft. She arched, pushing back against each of Nick’s thrusts. Michael’s sweet pre-cum filled her mouth. Her pussy clenched, holding onto Nick’s shaft. Her pulse thundered in her ears and her breathing turned to panting. Nearing his climax, Nick pulled out and fell away. “Not yet. I’m

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going to be the first and the last.” He leaned against the bed post, his eyes almost solid amber, his chest heaving in the effort to maintain control. “I’m finished with watching.” Jimmy climbed on the bed to take Nick’s place. “Fine, but let’s share.” Ranlon pushed her over then bent to her ass. He licked her, preparing her for his entry as Jimmy slid next to her and wrapped her leg over his thigh. Michael groaned and pulled away. Together the men thrust into her and she threw her head back, her mouth parted. William slid his tongue along her back, leaving a chilly path until he reached her breasts and offered his dick to her. She took it just as Nick and Ranlon pushed into her. William nibbled on her neck. The four men pleasured her, using their mouths, their tongues and their cocks. She closed her eyes, her body tensing for another climax. The wave coursed through her in shudders as Jimmy and Ranlon held on, telling her how wonderful she was. Groaning almost at the same time, Jimmy and Ranlon pulled out, leaving her feeling empty. She moaned a complaint then gasped as Max lifted her with ease and settled her on his thighs. He drove into her, hard, hitting her sweet spot and sending another climax rushing through her. “Take it easy, man.” She couldn’t speak, could only nod her head to tell them she was all right. William pushed his hard chest against her back and cupped her breasts with his large hands. His thick cock pressed between her butt cheeks, and she could feel his movement as he stroked himself. She gripped Max’s shoulders, digging her nails in. She rode him, circling her hips to drive him deeper. Arching, she gave him her breasts. Max treasured each breast, moving from one to the other as though giving them both equal attention. When Max tensed, William pulled her away from him and helped

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her to her knees, bending her over. Holding his arm around her waist he pushed inside her. Her hair fell forward, the cool air from the air conditioner chilling the sweat of her body. William rammed against her time and again until he, too, pulled away from her. She dropped to the bed, flat on her stomach. “Leave us alone.” The men offered her their thanks and their loyalty as they obeyed Nick’s command and left the room. She peered through the shock of hair over her face and smiled as Nick lay down beside her. “Are you okay?” She shifted to her side. “I’m more than okay.” Every inch of her body hummed. Every ounce of her being lifted in delight. She was part of their pack, more than she’d ever been with her other pack. More, she was home. She stretched then pulled Nick to her. “Don’t you have something you need to finish?” “Damn straight I do.” He tugged her onto her back then slid his hands along her firm stomach, over the swell of one breast to take her face. His intense stare took her breath away. “You’re mine, Tamara, now and forever.” “And you’re mine.” She was committed to him, no matter what they future had in store. Yearning filled his face as he leaned over her, kissed a breast, and then pushed inside her. She locked her legs around him, wishing she’d never have to turn him loose. They took their time, languishing in the sweet flow of their movements. Caresses gave way to kisses. Kisses turned into nips. Soft words flowed into pledges of their love and devotion. He showed her how much he loved her by his touch, his lick, his need. She answered, giving him back what he gave her. They gripped each other like two people holding on for their lives and rode their releases together.

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Suddenly he tensed, his fangs growing, his amber eyes clouded. “Bite me, Nick. Make me yours.” Nick howled then sank his fangs into her. The bite, different from any other, shot the changing lifeblood through her. She was already a werewolf, but now she was his and he was hers. Her body shook along with his until at last, he fell to her. She laid her head against his shoulder, her body exhausted but her spirit renewed. “Tamara?” “Hmm?” He looked at her, studying her, then lunged out of bed. She sat up, surprised that he would leave so soon. “Hey, where are you going?” “Come on, woman. You’d better get your sweet ass moving. You’re running with the pack tonight.” He wiggled his eyebrows then dashed toward the bathroom. “Beat you to the shower.” “Like hell you will.” Scrambling out of bed, she rushed after him. She squealed as he jumped out from behind the bathroom door and caught her then pulled her into a hug. He nuzzled her neck, sending a renewed flash of desire between her legs. “Tamara?” She’d never tire of hearing him say her name. “Yeah?” “I wasn’t sure I would ever catch you.” She turned, needing to see his face but staying in his embrace. “Why not?” He swept a strand of hair from her face. “You were so wild, so untamed. The first time I saw you, when you were on your bike, you took my breath away.” She bit her lower lip to keep the tears from falling. “But you didn’t even see my face. I had my helmet on.” “It didn’t matter. I sensed who you were and couldn’t believe you

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were the one for me. But I was afraid I couldn’t tame you.” “Tame me? Like a wild animal?” “Well, aren’t you? Aren’t we all inside?” She laughed then pressed a quick kiss to his lips. “Never mind. But you shouldn’t have worried.” “No?” He grinned and held her tighter. “Why not?” “Because you tamed me with one look.”

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

Also by Beverly Rae Siren LoveXtreme Special Edition: Night Runner Werewolves 1: Howling for Sara Siren LoveXtreme Special Edition: Night Runner Werewolves 2: Chasing Cally Siren LoveXtreme Special Edition: Night Runner Werewolves 3: Saving Mandy

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