Captured Moon

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Cobblestone Press www.cobblestone-press.com Copyright ©2008 by Loribelle Hunt First published in 2008 NOTICE: This work is copyrighted. It is licensed only for use by the original purchaser. Making copies of this work or distributing it to any unauthorized person by any means, including without limit email, floppy disk, file transfer, paper print out, or any other method constitutes a violation of International copyright law and subjects the violator to severe fines or imprisonment.

CONTENTS Dedication Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Author Bio ****


This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. Captured Moon Copyright© 2008 Loribelle Hunt ISBN: 978-1-60088-271-5 Cover Artist: Sable Grey Editor: Barbara Louise All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews. Cobblestone Press, LLC www.cobblestone-press.com

Dedication For my husband, the best of all men. [Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter One Abby tugged on the short hem of the red dress. This was such a stupid idea. She didn't have a clue how Marilyn and Maggie talked her into it. Wait. Yes, she did. She was a pushover, that's how. If the money went anywhere other than the Werewolf Council's Widows and Orphans Fund, she would have a found a way to refuse. But how could she, who'd experienced that loss as an adult, turn away from the pups? Then again, she was getting ready to walk half-naked across a stage and go on a date with the highest bidder. There had to be a better way to raise money. Charity auction, my ass. More like an excuse to get the regulars half-naked on stage. All right, so maybe it wasn't quite that bad. All her important parts were covered. Sort of. The borrowed dress was skintight, designed more for Maggie's sleeker, taller frame than Abby's short, curvy one. It barely covered her butt, and she was in serious danger of falling out of the push-up, low-cut bodice. Despite the fact it covered more skin than her bathing suit, the dress felt indecent, self-indulgent. Sexy as hell, and she didn'tdo sexy. "Just to make things more interesting,” the emcee's voice carried through the thin wall separating the


bar's stage and dressing room, “the ladies in tonight's auction will be anonymous!" The crowd roared. Anonymous? Just freaking great. Oh wait, that was a good thing, wasn't it? Less embarrassing if something did actually pop out of the dress. "Oh, fun,” Marilyn crowed as a waitress walked down the line of women handing out masks. Abby held her hand out for hers and received a red mask with glitter around the eyes and cheeks and red devil horns sticking up from the top. She guessed it was a devil mask left over from last year's Mardi Gras party. Didn't things just keep getting better? She glared at her friends. "If it sounds like so much fun, why am I doing this and not you?” she grumbled. "Because you, my dear, are the one living like a nun. And with all these hot, single werewolves around, too.” Maggie tisked and Abby rolled her eyes. She'd learned one thing married to a werepanther—shifter sex was overrated. With a stern look, Maggie took the mask, stretched the elastic band around Abby's head, and slid it in place. Maggie grinned. “Perfect." "Shall we get started, gentlemen?” The emcee spoke to the crowd out front. “We have ten ladies tonight who volunteered for our yearly charity drive. Same rules as last year. The winner gets one date. Where you go from there is up to you." The crowd laughed, while Abby groaned. Bill needed a new shtick. They'd been coming to the Half Moon for years. Hell, since Marilyn and Maggie's family owned it, Abby had practically grown up here. Every year, a few days before the summer solstice, the bar held this auction for charity, alternating sexes each year. Just her luck this was the women's year. And Bill the emcee-slash-bartender used the same line every freaking year. It grated on her already shredded nerves, and she took a deep breath, digging her fingernails into her palms. The auction started. At the end of the line, she settled in for a long wait, turning to talk with her friends. Work had been the week from hell, and other than a few minutes here and there, she hadn't spoken to either of them in days. They were both gone, no doubt to get front row center seats for her upcoming humiliation. The women in line in front of her tittered excitedly as the bidding outside went up. Eventually, it ended at two hundred dollars. Abby's eyebrows rose, and butterflies took flight in her stomach. That was much higher than usual. The next woman walked out, and the line slithered forward. She tuned out the bidding, instead concentrating on how to get Marilyn and Maggie back for putting her up to this. The sisters had been her best friends for years. God knew, they had a good enough excuse. Abby was the only one of the three who'd never participated in the Solstice Auction before. Being married had been a great excuse not to. But now, approaching the first anniversary of her divorce, they'd insisted it was her turn. She hoped Alex and his new wife, Tina, weren't out there. The woman was so sweet she made Abby's teeth ache, and she just knew Tina had to be overcompensating for the situation. She wondered if Alex's philandering werepanther ways had been curtailed by this new wife he'd insisted so apologetically was his true mate or if he was up to his usual antics. She shook the curiosity off. He wasn't her problem anymore. Sighing, she turned her attention back to a less rancorous subject. Maggie and Marilyn. They were her


friends, and they were worried about her. She got that, sure. But to put herself on display? It was so unlike her. They didn't buy her insistence that she was over The Jerk because she didn't date much. Why bother when there were only two men who revved her motor? And even if they were interested—which they weren't—they were off-limits, right? One did not date one's best friends’ brother. Brothers. Twins. Werewolves, of course. God, she couldn't believe her own libido. A familiar awareness coursed through her just thinking about them. Rule and Lawe made her want wicked, sinful things. Things she'd never wanted with any man, much less two. It seemed so taboo, forbidden, especially considering she'd thought of them as her own brothers for years. There were other considerations, though. Deep fears. Good reasons not to explore the passion she was sure could ignite between the three of them. That kind of thing tended to lead to mate bonds and the last thing she wanted was to be mated to a Panhandle werewolf. Or two. Sighing, she pushed those worries from her mind. It wasn't like they'd showed that kind of interest. She focused on the open doorway leading to the stage. The waitress at the entrance was hissing at her. Time to go on. She wondered how she was supposed to stroll across the stage without literally showing her ass. After walking out, it took her a moment to get her bearings. She'd never seen the bar from this angle. "A yummy morsel, don't you think, gentlemen?” Bill asked the crowd. “And I have to say, she's just as lovely under the mask. Now, where should we start the bidding? Fifty? Do I have any takers?" She shot him a horrified look. Was he crazy? No one was going to pay fifty dollars to go on a date with her! To her amazement, someone took the offer, then someone else countered. Before she knew it, the total wasone hundred and fifty. She assumed that was the limit until she heard one of the dark, honeyed voices that fueled her dreams and fantasies up the bidding again. Rule's voice sent shivers down her spine. She longed to hear it in the darkest depths of night against her ear, whispering of the decadent things he was going to do to her and filled with the tenderness she ached to receive from him. Because as physically alluring as she found him, she wanted more. She wanted the steadiness, the strength of character, the caring and gentleness he'd shown her during the last year as she'd struggled to accept her divorce and the loss of her family. But she only wanted a few nights. She wanted to be able to walk away. She tried to ignore a taunting internal voice.Yeah, right. Just a few nights. After her parents’ deaths a little over a year ago, she'd taken the plunge and filed for divorce. Why she'd ever imagined a werepanther would be the same faithful, loving family man her werewolf father was escaped her. He was a cat, after all. The loss of her parents had been horrific, but it had also been a wakeup call. She'd moved out within the week and started the long process of licking her wounds. Alex hadn't fought for her. No, instead he heaved a sigh of relief and confessed he'd found someone else, someone he insisted was his mate even though, in her experience, werepanthers didn't believe in life mates. That was a week of changes. Maggie and Marilyn, who'd left for college and only returned for summer visits, moved back to Florida, and within a few, days the twins had come home too to take over their family's bar. They were all together again. Sort of.


The twins switched responsibilities. Every couple of months, one would take over the bar, and the other would leave. She had no idea where they'd disappear to or what they did while they were gone. They'd both been gone for a few weeks in December, returning just in time for Christmas. They'd worked out some kind of part-time arrangement with the Hunters, but Marilyn had told her earlier in the evening that Lawe would be back soon and they were both done. Retiring. Her pussy clenched at the thought of his return, and she tried to ignore the memories that rose. Lawe was something else entirely. Wild. Untamed. They'd grown close a few months ago, and she'd almost felt pursued as if he were hunting her, as if he were going to take that next step and ask her out. Or take her to bed. Then he'd backed off, and Rule had come home to take over. Maybe Lawe had sensed her desires and disapproved. Or just didn't reciprocate. And now Rule was bidding on her. Why? She searched the crowd for him and groaned when she saw him standing at the rear of the bar. Unfortunately, it wasn't a sound of pleasure, not even the small enjoyment she got scoping Rule out anonymously behind the mask, because standing next to him were Lawe and her ex, Alex. She ignored Alex and concentrated on the twins. They looked so much alike, most people couldn't tell them apart. Tall and fit, with matching green eyes and long dark hair, they turned heads. In personality, they were polar opposites. Where Rule was calm and collected, Lawe was a force of nature, always volatile and in motion. Now, his brows were drawn down in a scowl, and he glared daggers at his brother before turning to gaze at her. The look didn't soften when aimed in her direction. He recognized her. Did he not approve of his brother's interest? Like this fiasco wasn't bad enough, they both had to witness it? With impatience, she waited for Bill to call an end to the bidding—she wanted to escape and fast—but before he could, the bid was upped again. The voice that called out one hundred seventy sent shivers up her a spine, and not in a good way. Ripping her gaze from the twins, she turned to the corner booth where Gage, the Alpha, held court. His lips turned up in the slightest smile and he lifted his beer to her in salute. Her stomach flip-flopped. What the hell was he up to? The last thing she wanted was to come to the attention of the Panhandle Alpha. No way, no how. Thank you very much. She whipped back around to Rule and Lawe. One of them had damned well better raise the bid. She was tempted to do it herself, but didn't dare do anything that might embarrass Gage. He ruled the pack with an iron fist. As an unmated female associated with it, she was allowed a certain amount of latitude. But publicly opposing him ... She shuddered. She didn't want to know how he'd respond. Thankfully, Rule countered with two hundred. Gage held his gaze a long moment, nodded once, and let the bidding end. Bill explained that all the women would return to the stage to unmask. They would start with the first entrant, who would find her date in the crowd so they could make plans and move on through the line, but Abby barely heard him. She waited her turn, calmer now that the danger of Gage winning was over, watching Rule and Lawe. They were identical, yet so different. Finally, she looked at Alex. He was beautiful in his own way. Tall and lean. But he'd never exuded the raw energy, the strength of the twins. Not to her, at least. She'd definitely gotten the short end of the deal when she'd married Alex.Young and stupid, I guess.


But that was too simplistic. True, but not the whole story. At eighteen, she was fresh out of school and anxious for some independence from her overprotective parents, anxious to be clear of the pack before someone decided to claim her and any chance for freedom she had went up in smoke. College had been just the thing, but the world was bigger than she'd believed, and she missed the small but tight werewolf community she'd grown up in. Then she'd met Alex. He filled up the lonely spaces. Alex had been determined to have her, and since he was a cat, not a wolf, she hadn't been afraid of becoming involved with him. If it didn't work out, she'd be able to walk away. Before she knew it, she was quitting school and getting married. That's where the young and stupid part came in. And okay, a heaping dose of lonely. But that didn't last long since they moved to her hometown, Panama City, after the wedding, where she was once again surrounded by her pack. Having just finished business school, he'd decided he needed a wife. Ever the fool, she'd convinced herself he loved her while he molded her into the uptight, reserved wife he wanted. She'd gone to him a virgin, and it wasn't long before he'd convinced her she was frigid. They hardly ever had sex after the first couple of years. She knew better now, though. He'd never made much effort to discover otherwise, and the first thing she'd done when they separated was find a lover. She'd needed to know and was pleased to report, nope, not frigid. But the casual sex thing was not for her. She'd proven to herself she could have a sexually fulfilling relationship, but she'd also figured out real quick she needed emotional involvement, too. She yearned for the deep kind of love her parents had shared, even if the idea of being with a werewolf filled her with dread. Mom had been sweet and smart and funny and completely dependent on her werewolf mate. Abby struggled to let the memories go, to let the worry go. She'd grown up pack. If there was a mate for her, she'd know by now. After Alex, she wasn't convinced she'd ever really be able to trust any man, shifter or human, with her heart. And yet, despite the years of sexual deprivation, she would have stayed with Alex. She hadn't known better after all, and she took her marriage vows very seriously. Who didn't? It was the other women that did it. That small kernel of self-respect she'd had left rebelled loudly at continuing to live with an adulterer. She'd been working her way around to divorce for a long time, but her parents’ passing was the final nudge. Her woolgathering came to a hasty end when she realized the ninth woman was leaving the stage. She was up. Abby met Rule's gaze across the smoky bar, calm, steady and unreadable. She wondered if he knew whom he'd won a date with. It was his family's bar, but she'd never seen him participate in these things before. Surely, he knew. When Bill gave the signal, she reached for the bottom edges of the mask, lifting it up, not breaking eye contact until she was forced to. There was only a split second break. When she looked back into Rule's eyes, his expression hadn't changed at all.So, did he know it was me, or is his poker face that good? She'd played cards with him several times and knew it was. Which begged the question: why? Did he know it was her? Did he think she was someone else? She didn't dare hope he was interested. She was positive he wasn't, and imagining otherwise wouldn't do anything but open her up to a world of hurt. God, what was she thinking? She didn't want to get emotionally involved. She had to be able to leave. She walked down the short makeshift steps and worked her way carefully through the crowd. The heels


she wore were not only much higher than her usual but slick on the bottoms. She had a mortifying vision of herself slipping right onto her ass in front of everyone. Finally, she was through the crowd, and the brothers were only a few feet away with her ex hovering nearby. Their heads were bent together, dark hair blending so one was indistinguishable from the other. Alex looked up at her with an expression of such fury, she forgot to look where she was stepping. She felt her right foot go out from under her and waited for the crash. It didn't come. Instead, she got a different kind of jolt when Rule stepped forward, taking her by the elbow. Momentum toppled her closer, and she grabbed his shoulders for support. Shocked at his touch, embarrassment over her near mishap warred with irritation at the amusement that flared in his eyes. She steadied herself and pulled away, but he kept a hand on her arm. It felt proprietary, like a claiming. And Alex didn't like it one bit. He stepped forward aggressively, practically growling at Rule. "Get your hands off my wife." Astounded, Abby blinked, snapping her gaping mouth shut. He'd never been jealous, hadn't seemed to care about her one way or the other over the last few years. Was this just a territorial side of the werepanther she'd never seen before? Rule chuckled, a low sound that more resembled a purr than a laugh, but it was Lawe who replied. "She's not your wife anymore, Alex.” He looked over and held her gaze. Her heart stopped beating at the smoldering heat she saw in them. "You always wanted her,” Alex answered in a low voice. What? No way. They'd always treated her like a little sister, like they treated Marilyn and Maggie. "Take her, then. She's all yours. She can't begin to give you what you want, anyway.” Alex's laugh was a bitter scrape against her nerves. “Maybe that's the appeal. You always liked ‘em trainable. She's not, you know. Frigid as the day is long." Her face flooding with embarrassment, she grabbed Rule's arm before he could lunge at her ex. "Don't,” she choked out and glanced around them. People were beginning to take notice of the argument. “It's not worth it." It also wasn't true, but she wasn't about to havethat conversation with any of them. Right now, she just wanted to melt into the floor. Since that obviously wasn't an option, she'd settle for getting out of here and barricading herself inside her apartment with a pint of Rocky Road.Definitely a plan with merit. "Sure thing, sweetheart.” Rule gave her a brief smile then jerked his head at Alex. “Office. Now." When he didn't release her arm, she was afraid she was going to get dragged into the middle of a feud. Then Marilyn and Maggie redeemed themselves in a major way. Giggling, they tottered over tipsily, pulling her away over Rule's weak protests. Abby wasn't fooled for a minute. Marilyn's eyes were clear in sharp contrast to her wobbly body language, and Maggie rarely drank. Abby turned to look over her shoulder and caught all three men scowling in her direction before they turned to the office and slammed the door shut behind them. She released a sigh of pure relief. Time to


make her escape. "Are you okay, hon?” Marilyn asked, glaring at her brothers’ backs. "What was that about?” Maggie added. "I have no idea,” she huffed. “Could we just get out of here?" She needed time to digest what had happened tonight. It took some fast-talking, but she convinced the girls to drop her off at home alone. Claiming fatigue, crankiness, and the need for a hot soak, she promised to call in the morning. She settled for a quick shower. Dressed in her favorite old robe, a short satin number that slid over her skin whenever she moved, she grabbed the ice cream out of the freezer, and walked to the desk secluded in one corner of the living room. Turning on her laptop, she dug into the ice cream while the computer signed on. Licking the bottom of the spoon, she used the touchpad to open her email program and watched while it downloaded. Right off, she saw an email from a prominent review site. Her stomach knotted with anxiety. Writing had started as a hobby. Now it was a dirty little secret. She wasn't in a big hurry for anyone to discover she was writing and selling erotic romance, but she sure hoped one day she could make a good enough living at it to quit the dreaded waitressing job. She'd probably have to come clean then. Maybe she could just move. The idea had appeal. Just disappear. Start all over in a new town, with new friends and create a new life. Invent a new Abby. As interesting as the idea was, she dismissed it as quickly as it came. She loved her friends, but the real reason was she'd miss Rule and Lawe desperately. If she'd learned one thing in the last year, it was that it was better to deal with the heartaches life dealt out than live alone or in avoidance. She'd spent years doing the avoidance thing. No more. So when the time came to fess up to her secret life, she'd find a way to do it. She pushed those worries away and concentrated on the computer screen, exhaling a sigh of relief, a slow smile spreading across her face.A fresh new voice in erotic romance ... These were the kind of reviews she liked. She saved the email—she'd add a quote to her website later—and hurried through the rest of her inbox. When she'd flagged everything that needed her attention for later, she closed the program and opened the document that contained her latest book. Frowning, she scrolled down to reread the last few pages she'd written. It wasn't working for her. She backspaced through a few paragraphs, then rested her fingers on the keys, waiting for inspiration to strike. After staring at the flashing cursor and the white space she'd added since she sat down for several minutes, she ground her teeth and stood, rolling the kinks out of her shoulders. Maybe a break would help. She picked up the ice cream carton and was carrying it back to the kitchen when her doorbell rang. Annoyance surged through her. Assuming it was Marilyn or Maggie come back to badger her about the scene with Rule, Lawe, and Alex, she didn't even look in the peephole before snatching the handle and jerking the door open.Oh shit . Big mistake. Rule leaned casually against the jam, his arms crossed over his broad chest, scowling down at her. [Back to Table of Contents]


Chapter Two "Do you always answer the door after midnight in your robe?" His voice was gruffer than he intended.Great, dumb ass. After that scene with Alex, she really didn't need him berating her. The werepanther needed a major lesson in manners. He didn't even want to contemplate what Gage had been about, bidding against him. Then, he'd practically had to tie Lawe down to get her alone. What a mess. She didn't know that they were her mates, since they hadn't even realized it until after she'd married that dumb ass. The best day of his life had been hearing she'd filed for divorce. He and Lawe had rushed home to find her broken and hurting and decided to wait, to let her heal. It had been hell not claiming her, and they'd taken to switching off time at home. Each stayed as long as he could stand it, then called in reinforcements. Now all bets were off. His nostrils flared as he took in her scent, and his gaze swept over her body.His woman. Damn, the robe didn't hide much, and what it did his imagination easily filled in. She was like a vision standing there. Barely pushing 5'4", she was proportioned perfectly, from full, high breasts to her narrow waist and flared hips. She had an ass that drove him crazy. He'd heard her complain to his sisters a few days ago that she needed to lose weight. He'd have to put a stop to that. She glared at him through soulful brown eyes, auburn hair falling down around her shoulders, and he had to stuff his hands in his pockets to keep from reaching for her. "I thought you were Maggie or Marilyn." That did it. He growled, the sound welling up from deep in his chest. Attitude justified. She hadn't even looked through the damned peephole! He'd been worried about his reception. Now, he plain didn't care. Rule had loved her for years. Most of them were the same way he loved his little sisters. The last five years had been hell. Knowing she should be his, knowing she'd married someone else. If he hadn't known she loved Alex, if he hadn't known how determined she was to make it work, he would have claimed her anyway. It had been bad enough when she'd been married to the werepanther, but how he'd managed to keep his distance the last year, he had no idea. Every date, the lover several months ago—God that had nearly killed him. It had taken all his restraint not to beat that guy to a pulp and promise a hell of a lot worse if he didn't keep his hands off Abby. He didn't want to consider how things might have ended if it had been Lawe at home and not him. His brother more than likely would have given into the impulse. He'd only managed the restraint because, God knew, she needed it. That idiot Alex had been killing her spirit for years. When she'd finally come to her senses and left him, she'd needed to spread her wings, find herself again. And now, when he and Lawe were ready to make their move, Alex was all of a sudden worried about her? He hadn't worried about Abby when they'd got divorced. Instead, he'd made a point of asking the twins to watch out for her, knowing she was practically family. Now, he was under the impression he needed to protect his ex from them. Rule snorted. Well, they'd reached an agreement of sorts. After seeing her in that dress tonight, after allowing herself to be auctioned off, Rule knew he couldn't


wait any longer. A man, a werewolf, could only take so much. It didn't matter ifshe didn't know she was his.He knew it. Damned if he'd let anyone else sample her again. "Rule?” She snapped her fingers waving a hand in front of his face. “You zoned out." His gaze zeroed in on the cleavage left exposed by the gaping neck of the robe. Oh yeah. Time to get on with the sampling. Lifting his eyes to meet hers, he took a deep breath, filling his lungs with the lavender scent of her soap, with the sweet tangy scent under it that was all Abby. He felt overheated, constrained in his clothes, ready to get naked and inside her at the earliest possibility. Answering heat flared in her eyes. "Invite me in,” he whispered. His throat was suddenly raw. Dry like a man starving for a long cool sip of water, and she was his freshwater spring. "I don't think that's such a good idea." He smiled. Still playing the off-limits almost sister. He lifted his hand to her face, rubbed the pad of his thumb across her full bottom lip. A slow smile spread across his face. It would be such a joy to make her scream in ecstasy. He'd waited so long to hear that sound. Too damned long. "I think it's a very good idea." He lowered his hand to his side and she gasped, reaching out to lift it back up. His knuckles were raw. When her gaze flashed back to his face, he saw her eyes widen as she noticed the bruise beginning to purple his jaw and the scrape under his chin. "Oh, my God.” She pulled him inside the apartment, slamming the door shut. “What did y'all do?" He grinned. Her Southern accent always came out when she was upset. She didn't like it, but he thought it was cute. "It's okay, sweetheart. We're brothers. It's not the first fight, and trust me, it won't be the last." Her mouth gaped. “Lawe?" She'd been expecting Alex. He snorted. Like he'd risk his knuckles over that fool? She tapped her foot when he didn't respond. “So y'all are reverting now? From thirty to five in a matter of minutes?" He ignored her sarcastic tone. Lawe would have gone crazy over it, and he was going to be the opposite of his brother in all things. Besides, he didn't want to see her fragile, newfound self-confidence slipping. He sure as hell didn't want to be the one who caused it. He shrugged. “Alex sets our teeth on edge. We needed to work off some steam." Not exactly true, but she didn't need to hear Lawe was ready to rush right over and claim her. She snorted, moving farther into the room and taking a seat right on the edge of her sofa. Her hands twisted in her lap, then she crossed her arms over her chest before jumping to her feet.


"I should go put some clothes on." "Don't bother on my account." He was pretty sure she was naked under that robe, and nude meant easy access. She was already moving, but paused at the entrance to the hallway. Looking over her shoulder, she frowned, turning halfway to face him. He held his breath. The action exposed a long smooth thigh and the gentle inside swell of one breast. His heart slammed in his chest. "You're acting ... weird tonight. The auction, your brother and Alex, showing up here. And what the hell was Gage up to? I don't get it." She shook her head as he walked over to her, stepping close enough to feel the rise and fall of her chest without pressing her against the wall. She tilted her head back to meet his gaze. "Don't worry about Gage.” The Alpha had just done that to force him and Lawe to make a move. He didn't like being manipulated by his Alpha, but he didn't know the man well enough to risk ignoring it. He didn't want to go into any of that with Abby right now, anyway. “Maybe I've decided to quit pretending that I don't want you." Her eyes widened. “You want me?" He nodded. "I don't believe it." Her breath quickened, the pulse in her neck beating rapidly, and he watched the emotions flash across her face. Surprise. Acceptance. Lust followed by a pretty pink blush that spread from her face to her chest. A chest that from his current angle was completely exposed. If he stepped back a foot she'd still be covered, but he couldn't make himself do it. Fuck, no. If he did that, some sense of sanity might return to him, she might kick him out, any number of things could go wrong. If that was going to happen he had to have one taste, just one tiny taste, to tide him over. Hell, he understood her. Lived and breathed her. This was a woman who deserved to be wooed, needed to be courted in the old-fashioned ways. She trusted him, but it was a different kind of trust entirely that he wanted from her. The things he wanted to do to her ... well, they didn't belong in a casual sexual encounter. He knew Lawe felt the same way. He groaned thinking about it, his cock swelling painfully. Abby spread across his bed. Abby tied to his bed. Oh, yeah. That was a plan of action he could get behind. But not tonight. Tonight was about gentle, sweet loving, teaching her she wasn't deficient in any way and showing her she wasn't responsible for Alex's shortcomings. But then she reached between them, her hand brushing against his dick and nearly sending him through the stratosphere. She untied the knotted belt around her waist and blew his plans all to hell. Right here, man. Right against this wall.His wolf howled in agreement.No, no, no, idiot. He wasn't blowing five years’ worth of control for a five minute bang against a wall. He gritted his teeth and stepped back, but then made the mistake that sealed their fate and looked down at her. Leaning against the wall,


her breasts were pert, the robe hung open at her sides. She was—praise God—naked underneath it. He wasn't gentle when he pushed her to the wall, grinding his hips against hers, growling when she squirmed. Grabbing her hands, he meshed her fingers with his and pinned them next to her face, claimed her mouth. He caught her pouty lower lip between his teeth and she moaned, darting her tongue over them. Then his tongue was in her mouth. Firm, insistent, forceful, taking them where he wanted to go. Her chest rose and fell against his. He felt her hard nipples through the thin cotton of his shirt, knew she was turned on. Maybe not as much as him, but definitely moving in the right direction. When she started to rock with him, her pelvis moving in tandem with his, it was too much. Something inside him, some well of control, shattered. The wolf gained supremacy. He released her wrists and with a shaking hand reached for the snap on his jeans. He struggled with it a minute while she pulled down the zipper. Once free, he shoved them down his hips, not even bothering to take them off, afraid he'd explode if he took the time. He gripped her hips, slid her up the wall while stepping between her legs. "Wait,” she whispered, and he groaned. Damn. “We need a condom." He chuckled, a ragged, thready sound. Ever practical. That was his Abby. He maneuvered his wallet out of his back pocket, flipped it open and pulled out the foil-covered packet, but part of him rebelled. This was his mate. He didn't get diseases to pass on, and he didn't need to protect her from pregnancy. God, the thought of her carrying his pup was almost his undoing. He heaved a deep breath, took in her scent. He couldn't bear the thought of entering her covered. "You aren't fertile, and you know I'm clean." She met his gaze a long minute and finally nodded. It was all the invitation he needed. He dropped the wallet and thrust into her. He froze, assaulted by sensation. Wet, warm, tight. Pleasure. Pure, unadulterated heaven. He'd been so stupid to wait this long. This was where he belonged—wrapped in her embrace, wrapping her in his. Abby laid her head against his chest, one ear pressed flat over his heart. What did she think of that crazy, staccato rhythm? Did she realize that was all her, that he'd never felt this wildness before? She shifted, lowering herself farther down his cock so he was fully inside her. "Nice as this is,” she whispered, and he heard the smile in her voice, “I think there's more to it." Hell, yeah. Reminding himself to be careful, he withdrew from her slowly, wanting to drag the sensation out. Her cunt clenched around him as if protesting the movement, and he didn't make it halfway before thrusting back in. There was no gradual build up, no finesse, not even any skill. Just him slamming in and out of Abby, his hands gripping her hips hard enough to bruise, his upper body pushing her hard against the wall. The only thing that saved him from complete embarrassment was the little sounds she made. Alternating between breathy gasps and kitten-like mewls, they pushed him. Drove him higher. When she came, her pussy convulsed around his cock, her nails raked long scratches down his arms, and she cried out his name. It was all he needed to follow her over the edge, and his teeth, his canines extending, found the slender


column of her throat. He broke the skin even though he knew he should wait for Lawe, should wait to discuss it with her. Not caring that he didn't. His only real regret was that she wasn't in her heat. What better way to claim a mate than to fill her belly with your child? The primitive urge surprised him. He'd always been careful, had never wanted to share a woman with a child. Never thought he would want to. But the idea of Abby having his baby didn't fill him with fear. As he pictured her belly growing round with their child, intense want filled him. It almost sent him to the floor, but he sagged against her and the wall, instead. She'd be sexy as hell pregnant, rosy and glowing and happy. He couldn't believe he was thinking it, imagining it. When he'd realized she was his mate, she'd been married to someone else, and he'd given up hope of having a family of his own. Now things were changing, shifting. She pushed against his shoulders. He moved, leaning his shoulder against the wall next to her. A bead of blood trickled down her neck. He leaned over and caught it. Her skin was salty and tangy, and he regretted not having taken the time to explore it. When he looked up at her she was blushing, her bottom lip caught between her teeth. She pushed away from the wall, tugged the robe closed and tried to walk around him and down the hall. Concerned—and maybe a little alarmed—he grabbed her by the waist and pulled her against him. He held her still with one arm while tilting her face up with his other, making her meet his gaze. "What's wrong, sweetheart?" "We shouldn't have done this,” she whispered. Her hand flew to her neck, and a horrified look crossed her face. “Youbit me, Rule." He fought his anger, tried to put it where it really belonged. Damn Alex for marrying her before he and Lawe could make their claim and then making her miserable. But some of it bled over to her. There was no way she'd faked that orgasm, no way she could deny how her body responded to him. Even now, hard nipples pressed to his chest and her pulse jumped in her neck. "I did, and why not?" Her laugh was soft, bitter. “Gee, I don't know. Maybe because you're like a brother? Because you're supposed to be my friend?" And maybe he'd completely misinterpreted her emotions. "Do you still love Alex?” he asked quietly. His wolf snarled. Did he really want to know the answer to that? Snorting, she jerked out of his arms. The loss of her warmth was a cold, twisting rip in his chest. He shouldn't have asked. She lifted her hand to her neck and stared with dismay at the drop of blood on her fingertips. She'd grown up pack. She knew what it meant. "Unbreakable,” she whispered. “What will Lawe think?" He experienced a mind-blowing moment of jealousy over his twin. Did she want Lawe more than him? Did she not want Lawe at all? In the end, did it matter? "No. I don't love Alex.” She paused, looking at him with a mixture of confusion and anger. “Don't you


think this is weird?" Was it? "Maybe. A little.” He reached for her hand, slowly drawing her back into the circle of his arms. “We want each other. You can't fake that. Don't fight it, Abby. I've claimed you, and you know it can't be undone. Go with it. See where it leads." She sighed. He knew she was going to say no, and he couldn't accept that. He wanted her to come to him willingly, but had made it impossible for her to do so. Distracting her would be better than bulldozing over her. Releasing her, he took a step back to remove the rest of his clothes. He held his hand out. "Let's get cleaned up. We'll work everything out as we go." She stared at it a long moment before sliding her gaze up to his face. He exhaled a pent up breath when she set her hand on his and nodded. Leading her down the hall, he sent a fast word of thanks heavenward. That he was familiar enough to know where he was going. That she wasn't kicking him out yet. He walked through her bedroom into the spacious master bathroom, bypassing the garden tub. It was much smaller than his Jacuzzi, and he'd always wondered if two people would fit in there. Some other time they might give it a try. Tonight, he opened the shower doors and turned on the water, adjusting the knobs until the spray was warm. He backed in, pulling her with him. It was tight, but that suited him fine. Her silence was starting to freak him out a little, and her eyes were troubled. He wanted to know what was going on in her head but was afraid to ask. She twisted her hair into a knot, securing it in place with a clip she took from a shelf in the wall. She didn't protest when he picked up the soap and washcloth and began to bathe her. Starting with her feet, he worked up slowly, learning the curves, the dips, the freckles and scars of her body. Sighing, she leaned one shoulder against the wall. It was a long exhalation, contented, relaxed. The water cooled too soon. He led her out of the stall and dried her off with one of her fluffy white towels. Then he followed her into the bedroom. Her nervousness was back, and she went straight for the closet. "Don't,” he ordered, struggling to keep the growl out of his voice and turning down the quilt on her bed. She faced him, arms crossed over her breasts, surprise clear on her face. “I can't stay much longer. I have to close the bar. Lie down with me a few minutes." He lifted a hand in invitation. A few minutes to hold her before he had to go. He just needed a little time to savor her body next to his. "Please, Abby. It's a simple thing to ask." She hesitated so long he was sure she would say no. "I ... okay.” Her reluctance was like a knife in the gut. He sat on the bed, sliding over so she could join him. She lay down, leaving several inches that felt like feet between them. He pulled the blankets up and reached for her, positioning her next to him under his shoulder. She was left with no choice but to lay her head on his chest. Her breath whispered across him,


and his body tightened in response, blood surging once again to his cock. Her hand hovered in the air a moment, as if she was unsure where to put it, and finally settled on his stomach. A few inches down, and she'd send him into orbit. Again. He smiled. "This is good, don't you think?" She tilted her head back to look at him, a tentative smile on her lips. For a second, he was struck by a sense of unreality. She was so beautiful, and she was finally in his arms. His mate. "Yes.” She laughed softly. “But I'm not sure how I got here. What are we doing, Rule? What are you doing?" "We're starting something. A new life." She shifted closer, her thigh coming to rest against his. He looked at the bedside clock and groaned. Not enough time to make love to her again. He rolled out from under her, lowering her to the bed. "I've got to get back." "Okay." "I want to see you tomorrow." She shook her head. “I'm working doubles the next two days. By the time I get home, I'll be dead to the world." He sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. “You're not trying to avoid me are you? It won't work. The bond, you know." She grinned. “Would you let me? Even if I could resist it?" "No way.” He leaned over her, bracing his hands next to her head, and kissed her. It was hard and possessive—and short. Anything more, and he'd never make it back to the bar in time to close. "I'll see you soon." "All right." Rule slipped out of the room, pausing in the hall to pull on his clothes and shoes. He was walking through the living room to the front door when a flash in the corner of his eye caught his attention. Looking for the source, he saw her laptop sitting open on the desk. He knew he shouldn't, knew he was being too nosy, but the bright screen drew him. What had she been doing when he arrived? He hadn't even realized she had a computer. He thought he knew everything about her. He leaned over the desk and saw a Word document was open. He smiled. She was writing. He started to stand, but a few words snagged his attention.Cock? Pussy? What the hell was this? He read more and had to squeeze his eyes shut a minute before going on. A threesome. It wasn't like any porn he'd ever read. There was way too much story, too much emotional depth to it. He'd never read any books with such explicit sex, either. It was hot. That it was Abby's made it hotter. He switched the view to print, noted the title and a name in the header. She must be using a pen name.


He had to agree with that. As sexy as it was, some idiots would no doubt confuse her with what she wrote. Hearing shuffling behind him he spun around. She'd put the robe back on. Her arms hung at her sides, hands clenched into fists. Glaring, she moved around him to snap the lid closed on the computer. "I didn't hear you leave." "I was going.” He smiled. “Your work caught my attention." "That's private. And none of your business." "None of my business?” He didn't even try to keep the anger out of his voice, and she winced. Guilt stabbed him. She was his mate.Don't act like Alex, you jackass. "I've waited a long time for you, Abby,” he whispered, cupping her face in his palms. “There aren't going to be any secrets between us." "Is that right?” she asked, her voice arctic cold. Breaking free of him, she walked to the door holding it open. “I think I'll be deciding the course of my future. Not you. Not Lawe or Alex. Not anyone else. And right now? I want you to leave." His gaze zeroed on her face. She was good and pissed. He thought there was more to it than his snooping on her computer, too, but she obviously wasn't going to listen to him now. Maybe in a couple of days—after two exhausting days at the restaurant and fighting the bond—she'd be more willing to talk. "Fine.” He stepped close to her and was rewarded by a hitch of her breathing, a hot flare in her eyes. Not as unaffected as she'd like to be. “But this is not over, Abby. This is just a reprieve." He stepped into the hall, and she slammed the door behind him. He couldn't help but grin. There was no way she would have done that to her ex. Clearly, the beaten down woman of a few years ago was gone. Frigid didn't come close to describing that temper. He wasn't leaving with what he wanted—her heart—but had a feeling the chase was going to be amazing. [Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter Three Abby was so angry, she shook, and when the knock came on the door, she flung it open without pause, without thinking. Ready to lay into Rule, to cuss loud and long about him invading her privacy. But it wasn't Rule outside her door. It was Lawe. And instead of waiting for an invitation he sauntered in, swinging the door shut behind him. He lifted his head and sniffed the air. She knew he smelled sex, smelled her and Rule, and a part of her cringed afraid of his reaction. But he smiled, a slow, sultry curve of his lips that made her stomach drop. Dangerous. More than his brother, probably. "About damned time,” he muttered, and before she could ask what the hell he meant by that, he grabbed her, pulling her into his arms and crushing her lips under his.


She whimpered. While Rule was the sweet Southern Comfort that cocooned her in gentle, sexy warmth, Lawe was an Absolut firestorm that dared her to jump over the edge. She'd been crazy to imagine she could ever handle a man like this. He let her come up for air, and she clung to his shoulders, her fingers digging deep in an effort to hold herself upright. Did he sense her distress or share it? He swept her up in his arms and marched down the hall, familiar with it for the same reason Rule was. They'd helped her move in, dealt with the little problems that plagued renters. Clogged drains, dripping faucets. Except now his intent was obviously not to deal with one of the little annoyances in her life. He entered her bedroom and let her slide down his body. Slowly, so that every inch of her brushed against him before her feet touched the floor. His erection dragged over her thighs and pelvis to rest against her belly. Startled, she looked up to meet his gaze, found it hot and possessive. If she'd doubted his interest before, his intention was sure as hell clear now. He bent his head to her neck while pulling the tie on her robe apart. It fell open, and though he didn't look up, his hands explored, claimed. His fingers closed over her nipple, and she stopped breathing, sagged into his embrace. He held her up with one arm wrapped around her waist and one around her breast. Then the light, gentle kiss on her neck turned to something more, something carnal and erotic. He tugged the sensitive skin between his teeth, sucking, biting. The combination of his hard cock pressing against her, the sharp pinch on her nipple, and the lips against her throat that she knew meant he intended to claim her, pushed her over the edge. Her body shook, trembled with an orgasm it hadn't earned, and his teeth sank deep into the skin on the opposite side of her neck that his brother had marked. Before her mind could come back together, he was turning her around, pushing her over so her hands braced against the mattress and her ass stuck up in the air. Then he thrust into her. She barely registered the rasp of his jeans against her upper thighs, the grip of his fingers around her hips, before she was coming again. Flying apart at the seams and afraid she'd never come back together again. His pace was fast and steady, his arms bracketing hers while his teeth bit down on her nape and held her in place. Her body trembled under the submissive position. She'd fantasized, but never really believed she'd like it. Oh hell. She liked it so much she felt herself spinning apart, coming again. She gulped a sob, not sure how much she could take, and considered begging. "Lawe. I don't think I can take much more." He plunged deep, stopped, and lifted his head to whisper in her ear. “I think you can take it, baby. I think you can take me." This time the sob was audible, a loud gulp as she shook her head. It was too much. He was too overwhelming. His intensity directed at her shook her to the bone. Even knowing that, his withdrawal made her want to cry and protest. Bur he only moved her, his strong arms repositioning her on the bed so she lay flat on her back in the middle. Then his long length was pressing against her, his thighs forcing hers apart. Right. Like he really had to try? He entered her more slowly this time, holding her gaze the whole time. "Abby,” he whispered. “I've waited so long for you." "Have you?” She lifted her hands to cup his face. “Why?"


The shake of his head was so subtle she almost missed it. “By the time we realized, you'd married someone else. And since you loved him, were determined to work it out, we stayed away. We hated it, but we weren't going to interfere. It was a matter of honor. You were a married woman." His regret with that decision was obvious, but it made her heart melt. They'd stayed away until her divorce, and then she'd needed time. Needed to figure out who she was and who wasn't for her and to find the strength to live with what she was. But could she trust it? Trust mate bonds with werewolves after being married to a werepanther? It didn't seem likely, but time would tell. **** Abby's eyes were in a state beyond dry, gritty and hurting as if she'd rubbed them in sand. With only one hour left of her shift, she was trying to get all the busy work done so she could clock out as soon as her last table left. Since she didn't currently have one, she might even get out early. The last two days had been long and hellish. Back to back doubles on her feet at the restaurant was not her idea of a good time. But she'd traded a few shifts here and there, in effect volunteering for the doubles. In exchange, she had the next three days off. She'd had a plan when she'd arranged this schedule. Survive these two days, sleep for ten hours, then enjoy three glorious days off to write. She could already see that was going to be a problem. Ten hours just wasn't going to cut it. She'd lost more than that tossing, turning, and worrying about Rule and Lawe the last couple of nights. The bond had made it so much worse. She craved them with a desperation she never would have believed possible. She hadn't seen either of them, but they'd called, leaving messages on her cell and home voice mail. Messages to see how she was doing, messages to see if she needed anything, messages asking if she ever planned to answer their messages, and finally messages demanding she at least call and let them know she was still alive. She'd eventually sent a text message because she wasn't ready to hear either of their voices. She was afraid their next step was to just show up. It was easier to justify avoiding Lawe. The memory of how he'd taken her was burned in her mind. Demanding, dominant. So very, very alpha. Given half a chance, he'd try to take over her life. Almost every male in the pack did the same with their mates, and she wasn't prepared to become dependent or needy ever again. Then there was Rule. She'd answered his first couple of phone calls, but he wasn't any better than Lawe. He wanted to see her. First, he'd tried talking her around, cajoling sweet words that made her melt. When that hadn't worked, he'd turned to hot demands, telling her the things he wanted to do to her, with her. The things he expected her to do to him. Finally, she just stopped answering her phone, but the calls didn't stop, the text messages didn't stop. From both of them. Short, but explicit and carnal. A few brief words here and there that had her so revved up, she was sure she'd come if one of them growled the command in her ear. She had no idea what to do about them. She'd spent the time bouncing between hopeful, guilt-ridden, confused, and angry. Stir, shake, repeat. Maybe she could deal with the confusion easy enough—sit them down, let them convince her. But she couldn't help remembering the story she'd heard of a falsely claimed mate in Appalachia. Couldn't help remembering the werepanther who'd promised her forever, too. And then there was the way all of the women she knew mated to werewolves were treated publicly.


Like possessions. Cherished possessions, but still. It made her uneasy and made her wonder about Rule and Lawe. Would they be different? Did they want her for her or something else? Was it just the sex, which she admitted was incredible? But they could get that anywhere, couldn't they? An unexpected surge of jealousy arose. Not anymore, they couldn't. She was still pretty angry about being bonded without even being asked, but she'd be damned if she'd get into another relationship with an unfaithful party. Did they both want her? Rule had picked her, but what drove Lawe? Agreement or was it simply the bond? She wished there were werewolf twins in the pack to observe. She'd never imagined being claimed by twins, wasn't sure how that kind of thing worked long term. Like for the rest of her life. She'd wanted them, fantasized about them, sure. But never like this. It was Rule she could possibly envision something permanent with. Lawe's intensity scared her a little. But she couldn't deny it also excited her. Was she crazy? What would people think? She was still learning to live with other people's disapproval of her. All her so-called friends and acquaintances had left her high and dry after the divorce. Well, except Maggie and Marilyn. She groaned. She'd been ignoring their calls, too. She'd been working or trying to sleep or write to take her mind off the twins and what they'd done. That was another problem, wasn't it? She'd been furious when she'd seen Rule reading her manuscript. It hadn't taken long for that to turn to mortification, though. He hadn't been just reading any old scene. Oh no, he was reading the kinkiest scene in the book. She was so embarrassed and full of questions. Did he think she was deviant? Did he think they were fantasies or based on experience? Did he think badly of her for them? His reputation had never hinted he might be a prude, quite the opposite, actually. But until two nights ago, he'd treated her like a sister who needed watching over. How had that old attitude merged with his new knowledge? There was one sure way to find out. She was reluctant to move forward for all the reasons she'd been going over—and over again—in her head, but mostly because of fear. Fear he'd reject her. Fear he'd think she was a freak. And who knew what Lawe would think? After having sex with Rule the other night, she didn't think she could handle either of those options. It may not have been perfect, but it was raw and passionate and the best orgasm she'd ever had. She'd been shocked at herself when she'd opened her robe for him, without considering the consequences of the action. She'd wanted him so long, the opportunity was there, and she hadn't been about to pass it up. Then there was Lawe. Sighing, she closed her eyes, mortification creeping in a blush down her throat. It had seemed so natural to give into his demands. Her body had sure as hell thought so. She wanted a lot more of it, too, of both of them, but when all was said and done, she might be too chicken to go after it. She was angry for a lot of reasons, but that just about topped the list. She was jerked from her thoughts when Tony, the night manager, walked over to where she was running a sweeper across the floor. "Why don't you take off, Abby? You're about done here, and we're pretty slow tonight." "Okay. Thanks."


"No problem.” He smiled. “I see your friends just came in. Bring me your cash out, and you're free to go." She nodded, repressing a groan when she looked towards the front door. She really didn't need this now. Making eye contact with them, she nodded to a secluded table in the back. Walking to one of the restaurant's computers, she typed in her access code and entered the sequence that totaled her sales. She took the printout and joined Maggie and Marilyn. "Sorry I haven't called y'all back.” She winced at the heavy drawl she'd worked so hard to lose. “The last couple of days have been crazy." Maggie made soothing sounds while she started sorting credit card receipts, but Marilyn watched her silently, speculation and something Abby couldn't put a finger on in her eyes. She experienced a moment of anxiety. They were up to something. She consulted the printout and started counting out the cash she owed the house tonight. "That's fine,” Marilyn answered. “We'll forgive you. If you come have a drink with us." A drink could only mean one place, but there was no way she was up to facing Rule or Lawe right now. "Oh God. Not tonight,” she pleaded. “I'm wiped out. Let's do it tomorrow." "Nope. Tomorrow you'll have some other excuse. Tonight, we already have you in our clutches.” Maggie grinned. “Besides, we never got to hear what that scene was with Lawe and Rule and The Jerk the other night." "Don't forget Gage,” Marilyn muttered. Something in her tone alerted Abby, and she studied her friend. Was she involved with Gage? If she was, she'd hidden it well. Despite the urge to grill Marilyn on that matter, Abby was ready to do whatever it took to beg off. Interrogation was a two way street with Maggie and Marilyn, but one look at their faces, and she knew it wasn't going to work. Damn. "So?” Marilyn prompted. “Rule and Lawe? What was that all about? Not to mention Alex." She shook her head. “Nothing. Just boys being boys, you know." Maggie looked ready to accept that. Marilyn wasn't about to. "Looked like an impressive display of jealousy from Alex to me." "Why would he be jealous?” Her brows drew together in a frown. She'd thought so too at the time, but for the life of her couldn't figure out why. He hadn't wanted her for a long time. "You and Rule together?” Marilyn shrugged. “And Lawe. They're twins, after all." Desire raced through Abby's body. She'd had them both but not together. What would that be like? Not that she was discussing it with their sisters. "There is no ‘me and Rule’ together. Or Lawe.” Her body heated up as the image came to mind.


Together with Rule and Lawe, naked, was something she could definitely get behind. "Oh please,” Marilyn said. “They've been panting after you for years. You just never noticed." God, could that be true? They'd said as much, but she was afraid to believe it. That still didn't answer her questions about the future. How they'd make it work, how she'd handle Lawe's dominance. How she'd reconcile herself to a subservient role in the pack. No matter what the answers were, she couldn't rush into anything. She'd made that mistake once. It didn't help that Rule was enough like his brother to make her wary. She knew that easygoing, gentle face he showed the world was a façade. He was a Hunter. Probably just as demanding and temperamental as Lawe. He just hid it better. "Are you done here?” Maggie asked, nodding at the neat stacks on the table. Abby gathered them up. “Yeah. Let me turn this in and clock out." It only took a few minutes, and they were on the way. Marilyn insisted they all go in her car. Abby watched her chances of getting out of the evening go up in smoke. When they got inside the Half Moon, her friends pulled her to the side right inside the door. They stood in a small circle next to the door that concealed the stairs leading to the twins’ upstairs apartment. Knowing for sure she'd been tricked then, she crossed her arms over her chest. They read her well. "Look, just go up. Say hi. Hear them out,” Marilyn said. She tensed with alarm. They were both up there? How the hell could she resist that? "They've been going crazy, Abby. Give them a chance." "I can't believe this. You dragged me over here for Rule and Lawe? What's in for y'all?” she added a little snidely. Marilyn shrugged. “Maybe we get to see our friend get a little of the happiness she deserves. Not to mention our brothers. But you could avoid it. You're good at that, after all, avoiding anything that might hurt in the long run." "There aren't any guarantees in life,” Maggie added, her tone was wistful. “But they are all about you. I think they love you. It would be a real shame not to find out." Loved her? Dropping her arms to her sides, she stared at the door. Did she dare risk her heart if they, or one of them, didn't?Oh, the hell with this . Pissed at her wishy-washiness and acknowledging she could no longer fight the bond, she opened the door and went up the stairs. There was a small landing at the top with another door. Taking a deep breath, she lifted her hand and knocked. The door swung open with the contact, and she peeked inside. "Rule? Lawe?" "Hey,” Rule called. “Back here. Come on in." She came all the way inside, shutting the door behind her. She loved their place. She walked into a huge living room. The kitchen was on her left, separated from the space only by a long bar. Two hallways led


off from opposite sides. One went to the guest suite and the other to the main part of the apartment. Dropping her purse and coat on one of the stools, she turned to face the opposite wall. An expanse of floor to ceiling windows stretched the entire wall of the apartment from the living room all the way back to the master bedroom. On a clear summer night like tonight, the lights of the city sparkled, but they couldn't compare to the black sea of stars overhead, bright and crisp and oddly cold. It was beautiful. She could imagine snuggling up on their couch with a glass of wine and watching it for hours. Actually, that particular vision may have found its way, in one variation or other, into a book or two. "Abby? You didn't leave, did you?" Sighing, she turned away from the night sky and entered the long hallway with trepidation. What did he have planned? Whatever it was, she was walking into it blind. The hall was dimly lit, and she was relieved to see the master bedroom door, straight ahead of her at the end, was closed. That left the office, two bedrooms, and a bathroom. She expected to find him in the office, the first door on the right, but it was closed. It wasn't until she reached the end of the hall that she found him, in the room between the master and office. "Wow,” she said when she entered. “You've been busy." He'd filled it with bookcases and a magnificent, huge, mahogany desk. The night glittered in front of her, and it was hard to focus on the room. Forcing her gaze away, she concentrated on the former guestroom. Books lined many of the upper and middle shelves, but several were empty around the bottom. Something every bibliophile needed—room to expand the collection. A couple of brightly-colored spines caught her attention. They were familiar. Noticing the stack of broken-down boxes near the windows, she stepped the rest of the way into the room. These were her books. When she'd moved out of the house she'd shared with Alex, she'd had to box them up, and Rule had offered her part of their storage room. "A writer needs an office, don't you think?" She brushed away a rush of tears. It was such a sweet thing to do for her. It meant he understood how important it was to her, right? "Hey.” He walked over to her and rubbed at the moisture on her cheeks. He joked, “I don't think it's that big a deal." She laughed, and it sounded watery to her ears. “You made me an office." "Yeah.” He stepped back looking nervous, pointing out the room's amenities. “I left a blank space over here on the wall. In case you wanted some kind of board for notes. A corkboard or one of those whiteboards you can erase." She looked at the place he indicated behind the desk and thought it was a good spot. She could easily turn around, consult anything she put there. "And maybe a low-back sofa in front of the window over there,” he said, pointing to the opposite corner, grinning. “There's a view of the park. Should be a good place to daydream." Smiling, she could imagine doing just that.


"It's wonderful, Rule. Thank you,” she said softly. “But how's this supposed to work, exactly? My having an office in y'all's house?" Right next to your bedroom, where I'm sure to go crazy. He stuck his hands in his pockets, thumbs hooked through the belt loops. She recognized it as his ‘reasoning pose.’ It came out when he wanted to sway someone to his side without alienating them. She arched her eyebrows. This should be interesting. She almost relaxed enough to smile. This was a familiar side, a Rule she recognized. The office signified something important. She wasn't sure what, yet, but it couldn't be bad. "Well, I think to take maximum advantage of the office, you'd have to move in." Her heart lurched at the thought. Part excitement, part terror. He was moving way too fast. The front door opened and slammed shut. Heavy footsteps came down the hall. She knew that stride and looked up in time to meet Lawe's gaze. Stepping into the room, he nodded at her, glancing around. "Finished it, I see,” he said to Rule. So it was a joint plan? "You knew about this?” she asked, willing to bet her bank account Lawe knew all about her writing too, and what it was. She felt heat rush to her face. He stepped close to her, lifted his hand to slide his fingers down the side of neck to rub his thumb over the mark he'd left on her. Liquid heat rushed to her pussy, and his nostrils flared. Damn him, he knew exactly what was going on inside her body. He grinned, wrapping his fingers around her nape when she tried to pull away. "Of course I knew, honey. Mates don't keep secrets from each other. And yours are over." What the hell did he mean by that? That he would try to stop her writing, or that he didn't plan on letting her keep it private anymore? There was an office chair next to the desk, and she sank into it. Lawe came over, squatting down on his heels in front her, taking his hands in hers. Rule made a sound of displeasure, and Lawe grinned. "He thinks I'm pushing you too hard." "Ya think?" His eyes flashed at the sarcasm and she tried to pull away. When that didn't work, she changed the subject. "I'm not going to stop writing." He cocked an eyebrow. “I expect a lot of things from you, honey, but that's not one of them." His eyes shone, promising a sexual completion she'd never imagined. He overwhelmed her senses and hadn't even touched her yet.


"I don't think I can handle this,” she croaked out, wishing he'd back off and give her some breathing room, even though a part of her needed him closer. She looked over Lawe's shoulder and caught her breath when her gaze met Rule's. She'd find no help there. His eyes snared her, freezing her in place. They were hard, possessive, told her in no uncertain terms he wasn't about to abandon his claim over her. Lawe glanced behind him then back to her. He chuckled. "You thought he would be easier to manage, didn't you, Abby?” His eyes sparkled with humor, but there was an edge of menace in his voice. “Sorry, but there are no pussycats here." "No. I see that,” she answered softly. She felt trapped, surrounded. Her heart pounded so hard, it was a wonder it didn't fly from her chest. He laid his palm over the straining organ. “Easy, honey. You know we'd never hurt you. We've helped take care of you for years. God. I could go gray remembering the trouble we used to keep you and Marilyn and Maggie out of." Her eyes narrowed. They hadn't beenthat bad, and she was an adult now. She didn't need a keeper. She felt as if a prison cell door had just slammed closed and struggled not to hyperventilate. Mate to a Panhandle pack werewolf. She may not need a guard, but she'd just acquired two whether she liked it or not. "I hope your daughters give you a run for your money,” she muttered. She had no doubt they would, knowing how overprotective werewolves were of their female children. Rule barked a laugh. “Careful what you wish for, sweetheart. Those are your girls you're talking about." She groaned. Damn. She'd walked right into that one. But the banter had achieved its goal, and her pulse slowed, coming to a more regular rhythm. She forced the worries to the back of her mind and relaxed back into the chair, eyeing them both as Lawe stood and moved to stand by his brother. Her stomach growled, reminding her she'd skipped every meal that day. Did dinner come with the new office? Rule shook his head. “Skip dinner?" "And breakfast and lunch." Lawe's chest rumbled in a low growl. “You need a keeper." He pulled her up and tugged her toward the kitchen before she could protest, but silently she fumed. She did not need them to act as wardens. That was exactly what she wanted to avoid. "We saved you something just in case.” Rule pulled a covered plate from the refrigerator and put it in the microwave. She reached past him and got a beer. She wasn't much of a drinker, but after the last two days, she figured she'd earned one. Rounding the counter, she pulled out a stool and noticed something missing. "What happened to my purse? I left it right here." "I put it up,” Lawe said matter-of-factly. “You aren't going anywhere, so you don't need it."


She stared at him, the words barely processing as the microwave hummed. When it dinged, Rule set the plate before her and picked up her beer, twisting the lid off before handing it back to her. "You might want that." He nodded at the bottle she gripped in her hand. She took a long pull from the beer. "Why? What are y'all up to?" They exchanged a long look, and she knew the answer was going to really piss her off. "Consider yourself kidnapped,” Rule said. "Captive,” Lawe added. "Captured,” Rule countered with a grin. She stared at them a minute, anger warring with dismayed curiosity. How long did they intend to execute this little plan? And would she be able to resist the pull she felt towards them? Or should she just go with it and enjoy it? Sliding off the stool, she walked to the door and twisted the handle. Relief washed through her until she tugged on it. The door didn't budge. They'd locked the deadbolt, and she didn't have the key. Anger finally won. She whirled to face them, both still leaning casually against the counter. "This isn't funny." Rule sighed and straightened. “No. But you didn't give us much choice." "I didn't know I'd been claimed by a couple of hostage takers. What's the price for my freedom?” she asked sarcastically, enjoying the way his eyes narrowed at the barb. The spark of anger was quickly replaced by the cold expression she more often associated with Lawe not Rule. Okay. Maybe not the best thing to say. She sighed. This was an impossible situation, but somehow she'd have to learn to live with their rash decisions. "You shouldn't have bit me. I should have had a choice." "You would have said no,” Lawe answered. She avoided his gaze unable to argue that. She probably would have. At first, at least. But what was the big damned hurry? Couldn't they have told her what they wanted and given her some time to get used to the idea? "I don't think it would have been too much to ask for a little time to adjust." He shrugged. “Adjust now. You're off work for the next three days. We'll switch back and forth in the bar so someone's always with you. You're not leaving this apartment until then." She stared. This couldn't be happening. But even as her anger simmered, her interest grew. Three days. She knew there would be incredible sex, but what else? Would they give her a few hours alone to work on her book?


"Sit down and eat, Abby." She finally let go of the doorknob and walked to the counter and her abandoned stool. She took slow steps, cautious as she watched them, filled with questions she was afraid to voice. She sat and picked up her fork, decided to just dive in. "I need my laptop." "We'll get it,” Lawe answered. "And clothes." He snorted. “No, you don't." Glaring, she chewed a piece of roast and swallowed. “I'm not walking around naked for three days." Lawe crossed his arms over his impressive chest. She wanted to see it again. Lick him, nibble at him, kiss a trail farther south. Did reality live up to memory?No, no, Abby. Mind out of the gutter. "This isn't a negotiation." She smiled sweetly. That's exactly what it was, and they all knew it. Lawe scowled. “Fine. Clothes, too." Rule coughed and winked at her. She knew he'd tried to cover a laugh, and she was glad to see the Rule she was more familiar with back. The one who joked and laughed with her, who made her feel like everything was going to be okay. She went back to her dinner, listening while they discussed their various businesses and interjecting an idea here and there. She was surprised when Rule picked up the plate and carried it to the sink. Ten minutes ago, she wouldn't have believed she'd be able to force down a whole plate of food. Then she heard the jingle of keys and watched Lawe walk to the door. "Let's go.” He frowned, and his voice was grumpy. Had he given up on captivity already? “Your computer?" She jumped up, eager to get her things. Surprised she wanted to return. Her emotions were all over the place. She was beginning to feel like a ping-pong ball. Lawe waited at the door and held his hand out when she was close. She laid her fingers across his and his hand closed, tugging her into the shelter of his arm. He nuzzled her neck, his breath soft and hot against her skin, firing her blood. Her hips shifted to meet his as if they had a mind of their own. She gasped when he held her waist still and pressed his erection against her belly. Lifting his head, he met her gaze. "Later, honey,” he whispered, promised, and then released her to lead her out the door. [Back to Table of Contents]


Chapter Four Lawe kept his hand on the small of her back, right above her perfect ass, until he helped her into his truck. He saw her buckled and the door locked behind her before he rounded the truck, almost sprinting to the driver's side. He breathed a sigh of relief when he put the vehicle in gear. She couldn't escape for the moment. After she'd kicked him out Wednesday night, he'd gone back to the apartment and paced while Rule leaned over the computer in his office. Every time he'd tried to bring up their mate, Rule had hushed him, intent on the damned screen. Finally, he'd leaned back in the chair, wearing a grin that Lawe knew meant trouble for someone. Rule had stood, waving him over. “Read this,” he'd insisted. And when Lawe balked, knowing it would be impossible to sit long enough to read a few lines much less pages, Rule had insisted. “Abby wrote it." So he'd forced himself to sit. To read. And he'd walked around with a damned hard-on for two very long days. He'd wanted to go back and get her right away, move her into their place, and try every damned one of the things she'd written. He scowled. If Alex had done even a fifth of the things in that book with her, Lawe would rip the cat apart piece by piece and smile while he did it. He glanced at Abby. She stared out the side window and didn't turn to meet his gaze. Lost in his own thoughts, he tried to focus on the road. Rule had stopped him from going to Abby, insisting they could wait a couple days and after two days of fighting the mate bond, she'd be more than willing to come to them. Well, she wasn't so damned willing, but at least she didn't seem to be fighting. Plus, it had given them time to plan. They'd gone online, bought her other books, and it became obvious she'd been interested in them for a long time. Her heroes looked like them, and usually there were two of them, almost always twins. The heroines had a disturbing stubborn, independent streak. He liked Abby's spirit, but he wasn't as easygoing as Rule. He didn't want her getting the idea this was going to be some kind of human relationship like her marriage to the cat. She'd grown up pack. By the laws of their people, she'd already been claimed, and she understood what that meant. So why was she fighting the bond? Like Rule, he blamed it on Alex. The werepanther had known she wasn't his mate and married her anyway. Thank God, he hadn't bound her. Their only option then would have been to kill him, and Lawe doubted Abby would ever forgive that. He pulled into a parking spot in front of her apartment. After helping her out, he kept a hand on her elbow as he led her to the door, her keys digging into his palm. He unlocked the door and followed her in, his gaze sweeping the small area as she went to her room. He wondered what she'd want to move in with them, doubted it was much. The furniture was a collection of mismatched pieces loaned to her when she'd moved in, mostly from his friends and family. They were the kinds of odds and ends that tended to get passed around. He sat on the couch and stretched his legs out in front of him, waiting while she packed. Leaning his head back, he closed his eyes and grinned. Maybe he should go help. There was no telling what sexy things she might have hidden in a drawer somewhere. He knew one thing he wanted her to bring for sure though, and stood and walked to her door. He leaned against the frame, smiling as she stood over a pile of clothes on the bed muttering to herself. "You might as well bring it all."


Her head jerked up, hand flying to her chest. “Jesus. Don't sneak up on my like that." He cocked on eyebrow. “Who was sneaking? I was just standing here watching you bitch and complain to yourself." "I wasn't complaining.” She scowled. “I was trying to figure out what I might need." He grinned. “Make sure you bring that short robe. The slinky one. I don't think you'll need anything other than that." She rolled her eyes, but a grin tugged at the corners of her lips. She turned back to the pile and started sorting things into piles. He took the opportunity to admire her backside. She'd stripped out of her work clothes and put on a tank top and pair of sweat pants that hung low on her hips. They emphasized the round curve of her ass, and he had to fist his hands to keep from reaching for her. Every time she bent down his cock swelled harder. It was a miracle he didn't burst, but he sure as hell wasn't a saint. She was on borrowed time. He growled before he lunged for her, and she whirled around surprise on her face, lighting her eyes. His kiss wasn't gentle. It was pure dominance, a silent order for submission. He half expected a struggle, but she surprised him, molding her body against his. Her curves pressed close. Sweet. Enticing. His wolf howled for its mate, and Lawe didn't even try to fight it. He held her still with one arm around her waist and tugged her pants off with the other hand, lifting her to pull them free of her feet. In two strides, he had her against the wall. Ripping her panties off, he tested her readiness, pushing one finger inside her pussy and finding her wet and welcoming. Thank God, because there was no restraint in him after two days of enforced celibacy. He unsnapped and unzipped his jeans, first toeing off his shoes, shoving the jeans off, and then lifting her higher against the wall. He entered her in a quick thrust, trying hard to rein in his lust, his need, a little. He didn't want to hurt her if he got carried away. She clamped around him when he was fully inside her, her pussy wet and hot. He groaned. He was in real danger of losing all control. Looking around he spotted an armless chair on the opposite side of the bed. He straightened, made sure her legs were wrapped securely around his waist, and walked to the chair. With each step her body shifted, his cock moving a little deeper followed by a small retreat. By the time he sat, only seconds later, he was gritting his teeth against the urge to just take her to the floor and pound out his frustration. He got comfortable. Let her lower her legs so her feet rested on the floor on either side of them. He put his hands on her hips and leaned his head back to meet her gaze. "Remember when we were kids, and I taught you how to ride a horse?" She nodded. Moistened her lips with the tip of her tongue. His cock jerked in response to the sight. "This time you ride me,” he said in a hoarse whisper. Her smile was slow to come and sultry. She nodded, lifting herself so his cock slid out in a long, slow glide until only the head was left in her pussy's embrace. He fought the need to grab her hips and force her back down. She knew it, too, the vixen. Her grin turned cocky as she slowly lowered herself.


And Rule was worried about damaging her fragile self-confidence. Lawe almost snorted, but he was too busy forcing himself to be still, to letting her have control of the situation. To watching as she again smoothly, slowly lifted herself and repeated the torturous, slow slide back down the length of his cock. What had started out as an experiment to slow things down in an effort not to get carried away and hurt her turned into something else entirely. He lifted one hand from her hip and pulled the band holding her hair in place free. It swung around her shoulders, over her breasts. Teasing the nipples. He stretched up to catch one in his mouth and was rewarded by her low groan as he sucked the tip between his teeth. She continued her slow, sinuous ride up and down his cock. He was in hell, but she clearly liked it, and that was enough for now. He forced the wolf down, reluctantly released her nipple, and leaned back to watch. She'd thrown her head back, and her hair tickled his thighs. Her eyes were closed, her face relaxed and sweet and smiling as she worked him. Her breathing, fast and deep, forced her breasts up and down in a rhythm at odds with the movements of her body. Something very far from simple lust wormed its way through his heart, and suddenly, letting her have this slow gentle exploration felt a little dangerous. He wanted to fuck her, needed to fuck her, and then let the wolf run. He'd have to speak to Rule about changing their plans. A weekend in the country sounded damned good at this point. The local park wasn't going to cut it. Abby wasn't sure what changed, but it changed fast. One minute, she was slowly riding Lawe on the chair and loving every minute of it, and the next she was flat on her back on the floor. Not that she didn't love every minute of that, too, but she'd felt something almost like a communion before, and this was all about proving who had control. It wasn't her. He thrust hard and fast, building a driving rhythm while reaching a hand between their bodies and flicking a finger over her clitoris. The orgasm she'd been trying so hard to hold back earlier, trying to draw the pleasure out, rushed through her. She came with a cry, shuddered as she rode out the climax, and he came, too. He slumped over her, pushing her firmly to the floor, and she drew soft circles on his back with her fingertips while she tried to catch her breath and slow her racing heart. He'd let her have control for bit. Been considerate and sweet and restrained. She'd liked that. It had given her hope. What changed? Made him take over like that? She turned her head so she could look at him. His eyes were closed, his jaw clenched hard, and she knew it wouldn't do her any good to ask. She sighed and shoved at his shoulders. He grunted and cracked one eye open. "What?" "Let me up,” she grumbled. He opened the other eye. “Why?" Why? Was he serious? Anger made her head pound. This was why she didn't want a mate. Much less two. "Because I want up?” she said sarcastically. “Because I don't like being crushed into the floor? Carpet burn? Any of those work for you?" She shoved at him again, and this time he rolled away. She stood stiffly, groaned when she felt the wetness between her legs and stepped into the bathroom. When it looked like he might follow, she slammed the door shut and locked it. She leaned back against the door and resisted the urge to bang her


head. It had been tempting for a moment, this weekend with them. But in the end, it would never work out. Her father had been dominant but not overly controlling, never had to monitor her mother's every move. She knew plenty of werewolf couples where that was the norm. Rule and Lawe would never allow her any freedom, any independence. They'd expect to have command over her life. She squeezed her eyes shut.Damn, damn, damn. Why hadn't they waited? Why couldn't they have waited to mark her? There was no way to break that bond, she knew. And living with it, but separate? Freaking near impossible. She stood and walked to the shower, turning both handles so water blasted out. When it warmed, she stepped in and reached for the soap. Closed her eyes. Stay or leave, her heart would break. The question was which of those women would she be able to face in the mirror? The one who stayed because the bond was too hard to fight, or the one who needed more than a bond that demanded nothing but sexual dominance and gratification? She didn't even notice the tears until Lawe stepped in. She'd forgotten how proficient he was at picking locks. He brushed his thumbs over her cheeks, washing them away. He watched her face carefully, searching for answers she didn't offer, but made no comment. "I spoke to Rule. Small change of plans." Her heart skipped a beat, and she ruthlessly repressed a surge of hope. She didn't think there was a chance in hell they were going to give her time to think things over. "What change?" She stepped away and leaned her head back under the water to rinse the shampoo from her hair. His eyes darkened, gaze growing hooded with lust before she realized how she'd exposed herself. He didn't pounce, though. She wasn't sure if she was relieved or disappointed. "We're going to drive out to the farm for the weekend. So get a move on it.” He pulled her out of the spray and stepped under it himself, reaching for the soap sitting on a high shelf. “He's going to meet us out there." She exited the shower, then the room. Dried and dressed. She didn't even think about what she was doing. She grabbed the bag of clothes, her laptop bag, and Lawe's keys. The shower was still running when she stepped out the front door. **** "What the fuck do mean, she's gone?" Lawe sighed and dragged his hand over his face before he answered into the phone. “She took my keys while I was in the shower, and she isn't answering her cell phone." Rule growled. “What did you do, Lawe?" The hackles on the back of his neck stood up. Like he'd hurt their mate? Intentionally run her off? “Nothing that serious. She's running scared, and it isn't because of us."


As usual, his brother was easily able to follow the direction of his thoughts. “She wouldn't have gone to Alex, and beating the shit out of him, while satisfying, won't help." "Fuck." Rule laughed, but it was bitter rather than amused. “Yeah. Something like that.” Silence stretched for a minute before he continued. “Where would she go?" Lawe groaned. Like he would know? He'd done nothing but misjudge her for weeks. They both had. Especially the last few days. They'd figured the bond would be enough to bring her to them, that it would be enough for her to overcome the mistrust she'd learned to have in men. They'd obviously been wrong. "I don't know,” he answered softly. “Maybe we should call Marilyn and Maggie." Rule snorted. “Oh yeah. After we talked them into helping get her to the apartment, how do we explain losing her? You know they're going to blame us. And I for one, brother, am not afraid to admit I don't want to go there with the women in the family right now. Mom is going to freak out." Lawe held the phone away from his ear and thumped his head against the wall. He hadn't even thought of that. Like the situation wasn't bad enough? Actually ... Their mother had always treated Abby like another daughter, and after her parents’ deaths had all but adopted her. "You think she went to Mom and Dad's? I mean, if she's looking for someplace she feels safe..." The line was quiet a full minute. “Maybe. I'll pick you up, and we'll go see." They could call, but why give her warning they were coming? If she was even there. Their parents were at the townhouse this weekend, but it wasn't the only possibility. The family shared a farm about forty miles north of town, but no one was there now. They'd planned on having it to themselves. There were also some cabins shared by the pack in the mountains of north Georgia bordering the lands belonging to the Appalachian pack. He couldn't remember the last time he'd gone there, much less Abby. No, his bet was his parents’ or sisters’ houses or maybe the farm. Several hours later, it was clear no matter how much they searched that she hadn't been at any of those places. They were back in their apartment, and the sun was inching its way over the horizon when the phone rang. He jumped for it, hoping it was Abby, but the name in the caller ID display made him pause before answering. "Who is it?” Lawe asked. "Abel Williamson." The phone kept ringing, and Lawe cocked an eyebrow. Abel and Cain Williamson were twins from the Appalachian pack. Rule and Lawe met them the previous Christmas in their home territory while hunting a rogue who was targeting mated identical twins. “Better answer it." Rule flicked it open and pressed the key to turn on the speaker phone. He set it on the kitchen counter so Lawe could step close enough to hear also. “Hey, Abel. What's up?" "Rule.” Sound shuffled in the background as if Abel was moving around and trying to be quiet. “I have


something of yours here.” He laughed softly. “And I get the distinct impression she'd be pissed if she knew I was calling." Rule exhaled a sigh of relief. At least they knew where she was, and that she was safe. “Distract her. We're on the way." "Don't take your time,” Abel answered dryly then sighed. “No, I don't mean that. She and Delilah have been thick as thieves since she got here. I think she needs answers.” He paused. “The kind of answers none of us can give her. One werewolf mate is a lot to deal with. But two? That's a whole other game." Lawe clamped his throat around the growl, around the urge to tell the other were to stay out of their business. Abby had gone to the only place she could to see firsthand how a woman handled being mated to twins. He couldn't fault her that or blame Abel for providing a safe haven. The were must have sensed his frustration. He spoke quietly. "Bring a bag, man. Stay a few days. We have plenty of room. It'll do you all good. Nothing like a vacation when you're starting out, right? Think of it as a honeymoon." He wanted to refuse. Rule was watching him closely, and he knew Abby needed this, but mostly his wolf remembered the joy of running through those mountains, so he agreed. Selfishly, but maybe they all would need to be a little selfish to make the relationship work. To make it real. Guilt and remorse stabbed him. Was that why she took off? They'd been so busy thinking of themselves, they hadn't considered the individuals involved? He knew he was guilty of that. "We will. See you in a few hours. And Abel? Don't tell her we're coming." "Sure thing,” he answered before hanging up without a good bye. Lawe flipped the phone closed and met his twin's gaze. “So she went to Cain and Abel's. To meet Delilah." Rule stood frozen for a moment, then nodded. “She wants to know how this works." "I think so. Yeah.” Lawe grinned. He knew they were both thinking the same thing. Rule returned the smile. “She won't be expecting us." "Not so soon, no." "That could work to our advantage." Lawe chuckled. “Never thought I'd be the one to say this, but careful, brother. Slow down. She ran because she felt overwhelmed." Rule shrugged. “What could be more normal, casual even, than her mates joining her? She'll have whatever buffer she thinks she needs, but she won't be able to avoid us." [Back to Table of Contents]


Chapter Five Rule drove since he'd caught a couple hours sleep during the night while Lawe prowled the apartment waiting for Abby to call. There'd been so much to do before they could leave—find their assistant manager and cover the bar for the next few days, write down the week's liquor order for her, fill their parents in, go to the bank—that it was well after noon before they left Panama City. He was glad to finally be on the road. Abel called while Lawe snored in the passenger seat. "Abel." "Rule.” There was a slight hesitation in Abel's voice, a question. He'd called Lawe's phone and wasn't sure who he'd got. "Yeah. This is Rule. She okay?" "Fine." "Good. She doesn't know we're coming?" "No. That's why I called actually. When will you be here?" "Eight or nine hours. There were a lot of things to take care of here first." "Fine. Jackson offered her the old Wilkes cabin while she's here. It's half way between our house and the big house. Just restored. It'll be late when you get in, so come here and we'll show you where it is." "I remember it,” he said dryly. He recalled a disaster of a house. “I hope the restoration's been finished." Abel laughed. “It has. You'll like it. Stop by here for the key." "Will do. See y'all tonight." He flipped the phone closed and stared at the road, calculating the driving distance in his head. It would dark when they got there. Nine or ten p.m. Would she be in bed when they arrived? She was a night owl, but the last few days had been exhausting for all of them. He wanted nothing more than to curl up with her and sleep for twelve hours. They switched positions in Montgomery and Rule tried to get some sleep while Lawe drove. Didn't do him much good. The closer they got, the more keyed up he got. When they finally turned onto the road leading up the mountain, he was ready to burst from his skin. They parked at Cain and Abel's. Cain came out and silently handed them the keys. Grabbing duffle bags from the back, they set off. The cabin had no road access. It was a short walk. Lawe took the key and walked up the few steps to the door. Twisted it in the lock and pushed the door open. Rule followed him inside. The house was dark and quiet. They found her in the only bedroom, curled under a light quilt in a deep sleep.


Rule sat next to her and brushed her hair off her face. Held a lock between his fingers and gently rubbed it. He wanted to shake her awake, vent his worry and demand explanations. He knew what the marriage to Alex has cost her, knew she was afraid to trust and risk her heart. Just as she knew what a mate bond meant to a werewolf. He frowned. Of course she didn't really know what it meant tothem . He heard a rustle of clothes and looked to up to saw Lawe stripping. Instead of getting into bed, he stepped towards the door. Rule didn't ask but cocked his head in question. "I need to run,” he said softly. Rule nodded and stood. He did too. After removing his clothes, he dropped them onto one of the two big plush armchairs in the room. With a last long look at Abby, he followed his twin into the hall. It was only a few feet long and led into a big living room, which opened to an airy kitchen. He paused to lock the front door and chuckled before the kitchen door. There was a swinging doggie door at the bottom that could be latched on the inside. Lawe shrugged, pulled the lock open and shifted. Rule followed him through, bounded off the rear porch and resisted the urge to howl. Instead, he ran. Lawe returned to the house long before exhaustion overcame Rule. He didn't shift when he reentered the cabin, just padded softly after her scent down the hall. Lawe was in bed, his arm wrapped around Abby's waist and holding her pressed close. If it had been possible, the wolf would have sighed. He'd have to wait for his own turn. Thwarted in what he most wanted, he jumped up on the bed, curled up at the bottom, and settled for sleep. **** She left with no purpose, no destination, in mind. North. Just north. Confusion had driven her out, but eventually the anger set in. At Alex. Herself. Rule and Lawe. Still she drove. Always north. As if the truck knew, even if she didn't, where she was going. She finally realized when she hit Chattanooga where that was and took the road east that led into the lands of the Appalachian pack and one threesome in particular. The last time she'd been here was a school holiday with one of her college roommates. She remembered the winding road that led to the Alpha's home, and Lawe had told her about the Williamson twins, that their house was on the same turn off a half-mile down the mountain. And of course, everyone knew they'd found their mate at Christmas. It was considered a good omen to bond on a Christmas full moon. The story had spread fast. The reason for the relentless drive north crystallized in her mind. She needed to know how this worked. How a woman could learn to trust, even love, two men. How she coped with double the dominance. Abby arrived early in the morning after a night of no sleep, unsure of how she would to explain her presence. Explanations were unnecessary as it turned out. She turned the ignition off and twisted to step down from the truck only to find herself lifted out by one of the most gorgeous men she'd ever seen. He had white blond hair that brushed his shoulders. He set her feet on the ground and took a quick step back, then was joined by his brother. The other twin could only be differentiated by his military-short hair. The one with long hair spoke first. "Where are Rule and Lawe? I can't believe they let you travel this far alone."


There was censure in his voice. Her stomach somersaulted. Of course, they'd pick up the twins’ scents on her, notice the bite marks on her neck. She bit her lip, wondering how to proceed, but was again saved the trouble. "Why don't you guys let her come in? No point in carrying on in the front yard." She looked past them to see a hugely pregnant woman standing on the front porch, arms crossed over her chest, glaring at the twins. They both froze for half a second then smiled at the woman waiting for them and let Abby enter the house. She followed through a big living area and into the kitchen where the woman went to the stove and carefully flipped several strips of bacon over. She smiled over her shoulder. "I'm Delilah, by the way. The Neanderthals are Cain and Abel." "Delilah.” There was a warning in the long-haired one's voice, but Delilah only laughed and blew him a kiss. The one with the buzz cut had disappeared. She'd bet a week's tips he'd gone to call Rule and Lawe. She ignored the frisson of unease the thought invoked. They couldn't blame her for going to the best place to get answers to her questions could they? They'd been the ones who'd refused to wait, after all. So she spent a pleasant day with Delilah, but found herself reluctant to discuss why she'd come. Delilah seemed to understand that, was content to let the conversation meander or fall silent. One of the twins was always close. She'd finally discovered which was which. Abel, the one with the buzz cut, disappeared for part of the afternoon. Delilah had explained he was the pack Enforcer and was with the Alpha part of most days. Cain was always close. He made her nervous at first. Quiet and intense. He reminded her a little of Rule. He rarely spoke, but his gaze was never far from Delilah. By dinnertime, she was fighting to keep her eyes open, and Abel took her to the guest cabin. She hadn't slept for over twenty-four hours and that after a very difficult few days. She found herself wishing she could curl up in bed with Rule and Lawe and tried to banish the thought. She was a little surprised they hadn't shown up yet. Maybe she'd been wrong, and Abel hadn't called them? She sighed. She'd better do it, but she couldn't face the reprimands and disapproval she knew she'd get tonight. She'd do it in the morning. She woke with a band around her middle. It took a minute to shake off the sleep and register where she was and what it was. She wondered how she was going to get up without waking him. Careful not to nudge him, she looked over shoulder into Lawe's watchful gaze. So much for sneaking out of the room. Refusing to get drawn into a situation she couldn't control so early in the morning, she looked away and saw the wolf at the bottom of the bed. As soon as she met his eyes, he changed forms, shifting from a big black wolf into Rule. She released the breath she'd been holding. She'd grown up with werewolves, but the wonder of seeing them transform never faded. She felt lust rising, filling the air between the three of them and wasn't sure what she wanted, if anything, to do about it. She'd run from her apartment the night before—she was woman enough to admit that—without having a clear idea of why. Who was she afraid to trust? Them? Or herself? She hadn't found the answers she needed during the intervening time. "You've been a bad girl, Abigail,” Rule whispered in her ear.


No one called her Abigail anymore. She'd managed to the ditch the old-fashioned name during grade school. She liked his using it, though, and what did it say about her that the implied threat in his tone turned her on? He released his hold on her enough that she could roll over onto her back and stare up into his face. She couldn't read anything in his expression. Rule crawled up the bed to lay at her other side. She stared at the ceiling. Tried not to watch, not to be so aware of both of them while she sorted out her confused thoughts. Rule lifted a hand and traced her collarbone. She couldn't stop a flinch at the touch, at the familiarity and fire that jolted through her. "So tense,” he said softly. “If this little vacation of yours isn't relaxing, we might as well take you home now, sweetheart." She jerked her head to the side to meet his gaze. Vacation. As if she'd said she needed a few days away, and they'd agreed. Except the part where they insisted on joining her and she'd left without mentioning the plan. Still, it was better than being called on running out on them or lectured on the dangers of entering another pack's territory without permission. She'd fully expected to get both those lectures. Lawe ran his fingertips up the inside of her arm, and she shivered. He grinned at his twin. "I have just the thing." Before she could speculate or protest, he was out of the bed and lifting her into his arms. She was curious when he left the room, and alarmed when he opened the back door. It might have appeared so, but the cabin was not isolated. She didn't want to flash anyone who happened by. Half the deck was open, and he turned left into an enclosed area. She smiled when she saw the hot tub. He and Rule uncovered it and turned on the jets. Soon, it was bubbling and warm, and she stepped over the edge to sit on a center seat. She leaned her head back to rest against the padded rim and closed her eyes with a deep sigh. Perfect. She heard them enter, too, but neither sat next to her. She cracked one eye open and saw them lounging back on seats in front of her. Rule's grin was lazy and sexy. Lawe was not betrayed by any expression on his face, but his eyes were hot and intense. His default expression. It seemed she wasn't in too much trouble. Smiling, she leaned her head back and closed her eyes again. Silence stretched for several minutes. "Anytime you're ready to explain, honey. Don't hold back.” Lawe. He had a right to an explanation of course. She had left him in her shower. "I needed space to think, and you weren't giving it to me,” she answered without moving or opening her eyes. One of them grabbed her ankle and pulled her forward under the water. She came up sputtering and glared at them. "What the hell was that for?" "That non answer,” Rule said. “If your problem is with us, then it doesn't make much sense to run away where you can't ask us questions. Does it?"


She pressed her lips together. She didn't want to touch that. "And if your problem is more with yourself, running away from us is shooting yourself in the foot. No one wants to help you through that more than we do." Shit. She repressed a sigh. She might as well get it over with. “I always thought I wanted what my mother had. And I did. I do." "But?” Lawe asking questions now. There was no diplomatic way to answer that. She shrugged. What the hell? “My father didn't try to run her life. Didn't try to control her. He loved her,” she ended softly on a sigh. Damn, she missed them. Rule's grip on her ankle loosened, and she pulled free moving back to the bench she'd been sitting on. Reluctantly, she looked up and met first his gaze then Lawe's. Rule was thoughtful. Lawe was pissed. She winced at the tirade she knew was coming from him, but she could in no way anticipate what or when it would happen. That temper she knew, though. He'd never had a problem holding back when he was angry or irritated with her. "Let me get this straight,” he said, the words forced out between clenched teeth. “You ran because you don't think we love you? Is that it, Abby?" She ground her molars and glared. She'd rebuilt herself, rebuilt her self-esteem, started on the path to knowing herself again. She wasn't the same girl, and he was not Alex. No. He could hurt her much more than her ex-husband ever dreamed of. And suddenly, she did want this to work. He wasn't Alex. he wouldn't hurt her if there were any way to avoid it. She took a deep breath and tried to work out how to explain it. "Have you ever watched the couples in the pack? I mean, really watched them?" Neither answered just waited for her to explain. She shrugged. Tried to sound more blasé than she'd ever feel. "It's clear that some of them are together only because of the bond. They don't like each other. They sure as hell don't love each other. And then there are the werewolves who've ... given that nature too much free rein. The ones who don't try to temper the dominance, the need to control. That's more standard practice than exception to the rule, too." Still neither spoke. "I don't want that.” She sighed before softly continuing. “I had some freedom unmated. I could go where I wanted and say what I wanted. They'll expect me to be docile, dependent. I tried that. I didn't like it." "It isn't what our parents have, either, Abby. You have to concede there isn't a docile bone in Mom's body,” Lawe finally said. Softly, all edge of menace underlying his voice gone now. She nodded agreement. Smiled a little. She couldn't see their mother putting up with total control, but even she knew when to stop pushing, and she was very careful not to assert herself too much at pack


gatherings. "Your mother gets away with a lot more than any other females in the pack. Comes with being mated to the Enforcer, I'd imagine." Even the single females connected to the pack, grown daughters mostly, were careful not to overstep the limits Gage placed on them. Was that Abby's problem? She hadn't discovered any boundaries yet? There were limits to every relationship, and this one was outside her powers of observation. The situation was only further complicated by the pack's customs. That's why she'd come here. Some of those limits she had no control over. Their current Alpha had very clear ideas on a woman's place. Ideas that were shared by most of the males in the pack. But in her personal relationships, she refused to be treated like an object, like a possession. Rule got out of the hot tub and disappeared inside the house. He returned a few seconds later with three glasses and a bottle of orange juice. He set them on the edge and climbed back into the water, poured glasses and passed them around. He took a long drink from his glass. "So what have you learned about how this works? That's why you came here right?" She sipped the juice. “They love her,” she said softly. “It's almost overwhelming to watch. I've never seen a were relationship so intense." "Really?” Lawe asked with a sexy, crooked grin. “I think you aren't looking closely enough, honey." She couldn't respond to that. Her heart, something that felt like hope, had lodged itself in her throat. He held the glass up and rolled it side to side so it caught and reflected the sun. "Do you know when I realized I loved you? Andnot as a little sister, Abby." Was he serious? She shook her head. There was no way she could speak. "The first time you came home from college. Married to that damned cat." "Me too,” Rule said. She broke Lawe's gaze and switched her attention to Rule. “I don't think the bond could exist for us without love, Abby. Maybe it could have in the beginning, but we've known you too long for that not to develop." "Helps when they actually say it though, doesn't it, Abby?" Delilah stepped into view and grinned at the twins before quickly turning her back to look at Abby. She winked. “Cain and Abel would have a fit if I looked, but can I just say, you go, girl? Very nice." Abby couldn't help but laugh as the twins blanched, and Cain and Abel stepped into view. She made sure she was under water up to her chin. No point in riling up Rule or Lawe, but the other twins were careful not to look in her direction. She laughed. The situation was bordering ridiculous. "Think you could go get us some towels?” Rule asked sarcastically. “Then we could probably feed everyone breakfast." Abel disappeared into the house and returned with three fluffy towels. Then the three newcomers went


into the house to wait. Abby stepped out and grabbed one, wrapping it around herself before hurrying off to look for clothes. No one was standing in the living room when she entered the door and went down the hall. They must have decided to wait in the kitchen. She picked up her bag and went into the bathroom. Her hair was a limp, wet mess from the dunking she'd had, and she spent a few minutes drying and detangling it. When that was done and she was dressed, she exited to find the room empty. The twins had left their wet towels on the armchairs. Sighing, she picked them and carried them to the bathroom, hanging them over the shower rod before she finally left for the kitchen. When she walked in, Delilah was alone, humming and standing in front of the stove. She stirred a bowl of eggs with a whisk, and the air smelled of sizzling bacon. "Did they all abandon us?” Abby joked. Delilah turned with a smile, one hand over her substantial belly. “Not for long, I'm sure." With her words, Rule, Lawe, and Cain came in the back door. Cain glared at Delilah, but Abby could tell there was no ill feeling behind it. "Sit, woman. Now." "Can I finish breakfast first?” she asked with a grumpiness Abby thought wasn't all fake. She bit her bottom lip to hide a smile and stepped up to the stove. "You sit down,” she said softly. “We'll finish." Rule walked over, pausing just a moment to nuzzle her neck and sending sparks through her body. He found a platter in a cabinet and lifted out slices of bacon while she poured the beaten eggs into a waiting skillet. Lawe carried plates to the table, and Cain got silverware. By the time the table was set, the eggs were finished. Scrambled, light, and fluffy. She scooped them onto another platter, and Rule took it from her hands to put in the middle of the table. They ate in silence, each carrying their plate to the sink to rinse it clean as they finished. She and Delilah were last. Abby was loading the stack of plates in the dishwasher when she noticed the other woman grow pale. Cain also noticed and stood up. "Delilah?" "It's nothing.” She smiled wanly. “They're just livelier than usual this morning." She returned to her chair, and he knelt in front of her, pressing a kiss against her belly then turning his ear as if listening to it. Abby felt as if she was witnessing a very private moment, but couldn't force herself to look away. Finally, he grinned up at Delilah. "They're ready to come out and play." "Five weeks too soon. They'll have to wait." He laughed. “Boys are impatient. What can I say?" She gave him an odd look. “I keep telling y'all. Girls. Twin girls."


He stood and smiled indulgently. “And we keep telling you. First born on our line are always twin boys. Not girls, twins or otherwise." Delilah shrugged. “You'll see.” Then she narrowed her eyes. “We'll ask for an ultrasound at the doctor's today. I think y'all may need to prepare yourselves in advance for this." He stood slowly, scowling and paling a little. “Why are you so certain?" She smiled a little. “They told me, Cain,” she said so softly Abby almost didn't catch the words. They made no sense to her, but Cain was visibly taken aback. Before anyone could question her further, Delilah cocked her head to one side. “They're coming." Cain was instantly alert and on his feet. “Who?" Delilah rolled her eyes. “Abel. And Jackson, Summer, Billy, and Chloe." Abby had come here with no expectation of meeting the Alpha and Beta and was nervous about doing so now, but she needn't have worried. Abel came in, but the others hung back a little. He stopped in front of Delilah, and smiling, took her hands and pulled her from the chair. "What's all this talk of girls?" She rolled her eyes. “I don't understand why this is so hard for you two to accept." "Because the first born of our line is always twin boys. Werewolves." She shrugged. “Who's to say they won't be werewolves? But they will definitely be girls." "There are no female werewolves." Delilah cocked an eyebrow. “Yet. Evolution ring a bell?" All the men in the room paled. Why was the idea of a female werewolf so disturbing? Abby would ask Rule and Lawe later. At the moment, she was more concerned with blending into the wallpaper. "Right,” Abel finally answered into the silence. “Let's get to that doctor's appointment." The threesome left with quick goodbyes, still arguing about the sex of the unborn twins. Jackson, Billy, and their mates stepped fully into the kitchen. Jackson was laughing softly. "What?” Billy asked, one eyebrow cocked in curiosity. "I can't wait to see Abel and Cain dealing with twin girls." Billy snorted. “They're near damned near impossible to deal with now. Don't jinx us, Jackson." Jackson's amusement wasn't deflated in the least at Billy's remarks. “I think you'll get the worst of that." Jackson's mate rolled her eyes and jabbed him in the ribs with her elbow. If she hadn't had so many


years of practicing keeping her thoughts to herself in presence of werewolves, Abby would have winced in anticipation of a snarl that never came. Instead, he rubbed his side, smiling at his mate ruefully. He leaned close and whispered something in Summer's ear and she blushed. Abby noticed Chloe hiding a smile behind her hand. Jackson straightened with a cat that ate the canary grin and stepped out the back door. His Beta followed but paused in the doorway. "Rule, Lawe." He jerked his head to indicate the back porch, and the twins followed him out. They shut the door behind them before her panic fully set in. Shit. It was bad enough she'd entered another pack's territory alone, but she'd also done it without permission. For Rule and Lawe to do so was dangerous. Back home the Alpha would deal harshly with them. What would happen here? She twisted her hands together. She shouldn't have come, should have realized they'd have no choice but to follow. Soft fingers rested on her forearm, and she turned her head to force a smile for Chloe. She'd met the other woman in the Panhandle last year and was pleased to see the worry and heartache erased from her eyes. Chloe smiled and tugged her towards the table where Summer had already taken a seat. "Relax,” Chloe said. “Jackson is a different kind of Alpha than you're used to. This is a different kind of pack entirely." Abby frowned. “How so?" "They're still dominant and want to control everything around them—" "Don't forget obnoxious and stubborn,” Summer interrupted. "Of course. How could I forget?” Chloe grinned before continuing. “But you'll find the dynamic a little different here. There's respect for one thing. And give and take." She was talking about mated pairs. Abby had noticed that herself watching Cain, Abel, and Delilah. That kind of relationship was typical in this pack? Did it extend to the way the Alpha treated those in the pack? She stared at the door they'd exited. "Did I cause them serious trouble coming here?" Summer laughed. “Not unless you count the sharp side of Jackson's tongue." Abby scowled. There seemed to be a lot being left unsaid. “What the hell is going on, then?" Summer and Chloe exchanged a long look. "I'm sure he's on to the recruitment speech by now." Recruitment? They wanted to bring Rule and Lawe here? What the hell for? What would that mean for her? For their family? She couldn't force that many words from her suddenly parched throat. "Why?" Summer shrugged. “Cain and Abel got to know them when they were here, and they liked them. Jackson and Billy are always looking out for good talent."


She shook her head. She still didn't get it. Chloe must have seen the confusion on her face, and she took up where Summer had left off. "They're—Jackson and Billy mostly—building a modern pack here. A new kind of pack. They want progressive-thinking weres who aren't hung up on tradition and the old ways." "Ah. Unlike our pack.” She'd never thought of Rule and Lawe as being particularly traditional. Hell, if they were, after a sound spanking, they'd have dragged her home kicking and screaming by now. She frowned at the odd twist events had taken. She'd left because she was afraid they'd take her over, and to a certain extent, maybe they would. They were too possessive, too territorial to give her total freedom. But it was a mistake to lump them into the same crowd as many of the males in their pack. They didn't want a tame pet. If they had, they wouldn't have stayed away the last few days, would never have let her get this far. She crossed her arms over her chest and walked to the window next to the door. Staring out, she sighed. She'd let fear of something new cloud her judgment. A voice cleared behind her, and she whirled around. She'd forgotten she wasn't alone. "What will they decide?” Summer asked. Abby was surprised she'd been asked the question. She had no idea. Why would she? She shook her head once. “I don't know." "Would you object if they said yes?" Surprised again. She studied the women before answering. She wasn't used to being around a pack where a woman's opinion was solicited or appreciated. It would be a nice change, and she had to ruthlessly force down a surge of excitement. Surely Rule and Lawe wouldn't take the offer. Wouldn't leave their family and business to relocate to an unknown place and pack. "I don't know,” she answered cautiously. “I don't know anything about this place, about the people here. And we have friends and family in Florida. Jobs. They have a business." Summer nodded, and Abby heard the door open behind her. “Many things to consider. then." Abby turned to watch the four men reenter the cabin. “Yes. Many things,” she whispered. The two couples said good-bye and left. Abby returned to her seat at the table and waited. Would one of the twins bring up the job offer? Would they ask her opinion? Or was this to be an arbitrary decision she was given no choice in? Lawe opened the back door and looked around, nodding to Rule before stepping out of sight. He smiled and held a hand out to her. "Let's go. We were disturbed earlier." Disturbed? Ah. The hot tub. It was midmorning now, the sun already warming the cool morning air. "Little warm now, don't you think?” she asked but let him lead her out to the deck. His grin was devious. “Don't worry. You won't be in long."


He helped her out of her clothes and held her hand as she stepped in. Lawe was waiting and pulled her down onto his lap while Rule disappeared back inside. His cock was hard and throbbing against her backside, and she sucked in a shaky breath. What did they have planned? He draped her legs over his, then spread his thighs, forcing her to do the same. Rule returned in time to watch the maneuver. She felt exposed. Vulnerable. And incredibly turned on. Lawe lifted her arms behind his head, lacing her fingers together, and slowly ran his fingers down the sensitive undersides of her arms. "Don't move,” he whispered. She could only nod in response, his actions and Rule's avaricious gaze making speech impossible. Lawe moved his hands to her waist, lightly stroking upwards until he cupped her breasts, one in each hand. His fingers reached to close over her nipples. Leaning her head back, she thrust towards him and groaned as he pinched and kneaded. She felt the sensation straight through her body to her pussy and pushed her hips against his. As if waiting for that signal, Rule finally stepped into the hot tub and knelt in front of her. He set his hands on her knees and slowly pushed them down the inside of her thighs, rubbing light circles with his thumbs as he went. It seemed to take forever before he reached her pussy and she panted with want as he spread the lips and flicked a finger over her clit. She held her breath and bucked against his hand, now desperate in her need to come. "We should make you suffer, sweetheart. Deny your need the way you've denied ours the last few days,” he said softly. She almost cried out her frustration. They couldn't. They wouldn't. Right? One look at his face and she could see he was seriously considering it, though. "Rule. Please." "Please what, sweetheart? You can ask for anything." That he wouldn't necessarily give it went unspoken. She closed her eyes as he again barely and briefly touched her clitoris, and her body arched into it against her will. Lawe continued to tease her nipples. It was almost too much to bear. Suddenly, she realized they were going to make her beg as punishment for running away, and she was going to do it. "Please make me come, Rule. Fuck me." "Just Rule? You disappoint me, honey,” Lawe said as Rule pushed two fingers into her cunt. She gasped as he scraped over sensitive nerve endings. It took her a moment to find her voice as they both worked her. She felt an orgasm building through her and prayed they wouldn't stop. "No, both of you,” she finally panted. “I want both of you." She groaned her disappointed when Rule withdrew his fingers but held a shocked breath seconds later when he pushed one against her ass. It slid in slowly, and her body rejected the invasion until he began to rub her clit with his thumb. The aborted orgasm began to build again. As she relaxed, Rule eased another


finger into her and began a slow thrust in and out. Once she adjusted to the different feeling, she found she liked it and started rocking to his rhythm. She threw her head back and bit her bottom lip. She was on the verge of orgasm when they stopped. She could have cried. Lifting her head, she watched through half closed eyes as Rule stood and held a hand out to her. "Come on, sweetheart. Out you get." She stood on shaky legs, and he lifted her up leading her to a wide deck chair with the back fully reclined. He lay down and pulled her on top of him, thrusting into her pussy in one smooth swift move. She gasped and looked over to the hot tub and Lawe. He watched through hooded eyes for a few seconds before stepping out. His cock jutted out proudly before him as he approached, and she couldn't take her eyes off it as Rule moved under her. She moistened her lips when Lawe stopped in front of her. Lifting her hand, she wrapped her fingers around the shaft, stroking experimentally, and watched fascinated as a drop of pre-cum appeared on the tip. She leaned forward and licked it off. He grunted, thrusting forward and she took the head into her mouth, suckling and running her tongue over the slit on the end. He slid in and out of her mouth several times, and she was surprised at how much she liked it, how her pussy grew slicker with each thrust. Too soon, he pulled away and moved behind her. It wasn't until she heard a squirt like that from a lotion bottle that she realized what they had in mind. When she felt his fingers probing her ass, she had her first real moment of misgiving. She'd fantasized, even written, about having two men at once. But did that actually work in real life? She met Rule's gaze, and he smiled. "Relax, sweetheart. Relax." She nodded, tried to take his advice but tensed as Lawe joined a second finger with the first, slowly stretching her rear entrance. It took a moment to adjust but after she did, she welcomed the fullness, the even strokes in and out, and began to work her body against his. The sensation was unlike anything in her experience, and it didn't take long before she was straining toward orgasm again. As if he knew how close she was and that there was no way they were stopping it a third time, Lawe withdrew his fingers. She heard the tube again, felt the wetness of lube rubbed against her rear opening and then the head of his cock pushing against it, entering her. She gasped, the burning invasion at first unwelcome, but quickly adjusted. He took his time, rocking deeper in small increments until finally he was fully inside her. They were both inside her. She bit her lip, afraid to move, afraid to breathe. Afraid she'd scream out at the exquisite combination of pain and pleasure. She knew as soon as one of them moved, she'd come, and she waited breathlessly, knowing it would be the best orgasm of her life. She wasn't disappointed. Rule moved first, withdrawing slowly and as he thrust back into her cunt, Lawe pulled back from her ass. He slid back in as Rule withdrew. Then she was screaming as she came, the feeling too much, her body on fire. Awash in sensation, she wasn't even aware of their moving, their coming. She thought she might have passed out. It was much later before she could string two thoughts together. Fresh from the shower, she wandered into the kitchen, wondering if there was anything she could pull together for lunch. Rule and Lawe were waiting for her. They both looked serious and withdrawn. She didn't expect the tender concern that welled up when she saw them and went in, took a seat.


"What's wrong?” she asked hoping like hell there wasn't bad news from home. She'd had her limit of bad news for about a decade. "We've been invited to lunch at the big house.” The corner of Rule's mouth turned up in a half smile. “That's what they call the Alpha's house here." "Okay.” Her answer was wary. Why was that such a concern? Rule and Lawe exchanged a long look. "They'll want a response to their offer,” Rule continued. She forced herself to betray no expression, no prior knowledge. Even when she'd simply been their younger sisters’ best friend, she hadn't been invited to express an opinion on important business or pack matters. This certainly qualified as one of them. Lawe growled. "Summer told you about this." She nodded. No point in denying it. "And?” Lawe asked. His tone was challenging. “Don't you have an opinion? A preference?" She leaned back and studied them, wondered if there came a point early on in a new mate bond where the limits of dominance were established. Wondered if now was the point she had to assert some independence or forever forfeit it. She shrugged. "I'm ... intrigued of course. I'd like to see how these couples interact day to day, you know? If what they say is true, if this pack really is that different...” She let the thought trail off and stared over their shoulders. She thought she'd like a pack like that. The best of both worlds. But... "But?" She looked down and twisted her fingers together. “The Gulf is home. Maggie and Marilyn are there. Your parents. Your business. I wouldn't want y'all to sacrifice those things because I might be more comfortable here. Besides, all the packs are changing, aren't they? Slowly but surely." Lawe gave her a thoughtful look. “Our Alpha is young. He's got another twenty years probably. Things aren't likely to change soon in the Panhandle." Funny that the one she thought of as being volatile and unpredictable pointed out the most logical reality. She knew her life would probably be more difficult if they stayed in Florida, but maybe her struggles there would make others easier in years to come. She was careful to show no preference on her face or in her tone, but she knew now she'd rather stay home with them and work from the inside to modernize the pack than abandon it. "What do y'all want to do?" Rule shook his head. “We're asking you." She shrugged. “I already answered. It's an interesting place. I'd like to spend some time seeing how things work here, but ... I'd miss the beach. I'd miss the lowlands. The marshes.” She laughed. “I really hate snow."


They were both silent for a few minutes, and she wondered if she'd given the wrong answer. If they wanted to stay here. Finally, Lawe grinned and squeezed her hand. "Good,” he said. An exhalation that sounded like relief to her. “Good. We'll stay a few days, but Monday, you start house-hunting." "What? Why me? Y'all have a house." "We only stayed in the apartment because you lived in town, Abby. And the farm is too far out to have to drive in every day. Marilyn's lease is up in a couple of months, and she'll take over the apartment. So you don't have a lot of time." "So you're gonna let me pick your new house?” She knew she sounded skeptical, but she was still new at this. Rule shrugged. “Your new house. We could pick, but we'd miss something you want, I'm sure. Our only requirement is being near woods and a big kitchen. We werewolvesdo tend to congregate in kitchens.” He smiled. "There are other requirements,” Lawe said. “We need an office. Abby needs an office. Lots of bedrooms." She cocked an eyebrow. “Sounds expensive." "We can afford it,” Rule said. Lawe scowled. “There are limits.” He sighed when his brother grinned. “We'll worry about it later." It was such a mundane conversation, the kind of thing any husband and wife would have. A rush of emotion, love, filled her, formed a lump in her throat. She concentrated on swallowing, on sounding normal when she spoke. "So now what?" "Lunch,” Rule replied, and she answered with what she knew was a sultry smile. Standing, she watched as their eyes brightened, heated. She reached for the bottom edge of her T-shirt and pulled it off, slowly letting it drop the floor next to her chair. "I think I'd like dessert first." She played with the snap on her jeans while she waited for one of them to respond. Lawe stood, growled. "Bedroom, woman. Now. Before I fuck you on the kitchen table." Rule joined Lawe. “Distinct possibility. Move, Abby." Laughing, she left the room. “God, I love y'all,” she whispered, knowing they'd easily pick up the soft words. Lawe caught her in the living room and lifted her over his shoulder in a fireman's hold. “We know,” he


said. He carried her to the bedroom where they damned near made her forget her own name, but never how much she was loved. The End [Back to Table of Contents]

Author Bio As a native of the South, is it any wonder Loribelle has a love of storytelling? She started writing seriously as a teenager and finished her first manuscript, a mystery, when she was nineteen. After a few bumps along the way and stints as an Army MP, a waitress, a book store manager, a student, and a wedding photographer, she turned to writing full time. Now she divides her time between a husband, three kids, writing, and a part-time photography gig. She is also a member of Romance Writers of America and Passionate Ink. **** VISIT COBBLESTONE PRESS, LLC WWW.COBBLESTONE-PRESS.COM ROMANTIC FANTASIES FOR EVERY READER! MAINSTREAM, SENSUAL, AND EROTIC ROMANCE LIT, PDF, HTML, AND MOBI FORMATS AVAILABLE

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