Cat's Pride

Cat’s Pride Benji ran away from Stellan three years ago when he discovered that they were mates. Not because he didn't want the alpha as his mate but because Stellan refused. But now Benji's in trouble and his sexy mate may be the only thing that can save him. Stellan wanted Benji the moment he met him, but Benji didn't have the mating scent. Reluctantly, Stellan agreed to mate with someone else. When he receives a desperate phone call telling him that Benji is in trouble, he wants to ignore it but he can't. Despite everything, he still has feelings for Benji. Kody is a rogue lion working for the council enforcing their rules. When he receives a call from Alpha Stellan to go check on Benji, a man that disappeared three years ago, Kody agrees. What he finds when he arrives is a mess so terrible he has nothing left to do but call in the alpha, especially when Kody learns that both Benji and Stellan are his mates. Genre: Alternative (M/M or F/F), Ménage a Trois/Quatre, Paranormal Length: 35,696 words

CAT’S PRIDE

Stormy Glenn

MENAGE AMOUR MANLOVE

Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

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A SIREN PUBLISHING BOOK IMPRINT: Ménage Amour ManLove

CAT’S PRIDE Copyright © 2011 by Stormy Glenn E-book ISBN: 1-61926-014-X First E-book Publication: November 2011 Cover design by Jinger Heaston All cover art and logo copyright © 2011 by Siren Publishing, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission. All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

PUBLISHER Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

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CAT’S PRIDE STORMY GLENN Copyright © 2011

Chapter 1 Benjamin Bastet groaned as he pushed himself off the kitchen floor and sat up. He leaned back against the cupboard and pushed his blood-matted hair back from his face as he tried to assess the damage—and there seemed to be a lot of damage. Every inch of his body ached. He didn’t think he had any broken bones—at least not this time—but that didn’t mean he was okay. He could feel the bruises that covered his body throbbing painfully and knew it would take days for him to recover. Benji was getting really tired of being a punching bag for anyone who wanted to blow off a little steam. This hadn’t been the first time he’d had the crap beat out of him, and he doubted it would be the last. He was just beginning to wonder what the point was anymore. What would be the point of healing if they were just going to keep coming back for more? Benji didn’t go out and try to hurt other people. He never even said anything bad about anyone. Benji minded his own business. He worked hard and tried very hard to be a good person. He also believed in karma. What went around came around. He was just starting to think karma didn’t believe in him. First, his parents had been killed when he was a small child. Then he had been raised by the alpha of a pride that distained him for being a bit

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different. Hell, the alpha downright hated him and avoided him as much as possible. He lived on the fringe of his pride, never being truly accepted. Benji had learned to live with that. He didn’t like it, but he had to pick and choose his battles. But when a stranger challenged the old alpha and took over as the new alpha, Benji had thought things would be different. He thought that karma had finally smiled down upon him. God, had he been wrong. Not only had absolutely nothing changed, but they had grown worse. The new alpha was Benji’s mate. Benji knew it, and Stellan Mihos knew it as well. Stellan just wanted nothing to do with Benji. And Benji might have been able to live with that, to stay on the edges of the pride and watch his mate from afar. He’d even done that for months, just watching and waiting and hoping. And then Stellan brought home his fiancé. Benji had run after that. He couldn’t stick around and watch his mate marry someone else. He wished Stellan all the happiness in the world. He just wouldn’t stick around to see it blossom when it wasn’t him his mate was giving all of his affection to. That may have seemed childish to a lot of people, but Benji didn’t care at that point. He had run as far and as fast as he could until he found a place to settle down. He’d paid for the place, using the last of his inheritance from his parents. It might have been a ramshackle farm miles from the nearest town, but it was his. A place he could come to, where he didn’t have to worry about anyone accepting him. A place where he could close the front door and leave the world behind. Unless that world smashed in the front door. So, there he sat on his kitchen floor, once again a bloody aching mess. If he could shift, Benji would have taught the town bullies what it meant to mess with a lion-shifter, but even that had been denied him. Benji had never been able to shift, not even when he hit puberty, like the rest of the pride.

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Maybe he was broken, as everyone believed him to be. Benji just didn’t know anymore. He ticked off in his head all of the things wrong in his life. He had strange-ass dreams. He couldn’t shift. His pride and mate didn’t want him. And he was the whipping boy for anyone with a grudge. What was the point? Really? Benji sighed and slowly rolled to his hands and knees. As carefully as he could, Benji pushed himself to his feet. He grabbed onto the counter when he swayed just a bit. He knew he had been hit in the head more than a few times. His head was throbbing, and his vision was blurred. Benji was pretty sure he remembered a boot kicking him in the face at one point. He could have been wrong. Everything kind of jumbled together after a certain point. Once he felt like he could move without falling over, Benji made his way down the hallway to his bedroom, using his hand on the wall as a crutch to steady him as he walked. He carefully stripped his torn and bloody clothes off and tossed them into the dirty clothes hamper once he made it to his bedroom. After turning on the shower, he waited for the water to heat before slowly stepping in, carefully avoiding looking at himself in the bathroom mirror. He didn’t want to know what he looked like at the moment. He didn’t want the reminder of what his life had come to. Benji gently washed himself from head to toe, wincing whenever the washcloth in his hand moved over a particularly sore spot. Most of him was sore, but some areas were worse than others. Benji tried to tell himself he had been lucky this time. There were no broken bones. There had been more than one in the past. Even now, he walked with a limp from a broken leg that never healed properly. It wasn’t like he could go to the local hospital and get medical care. He was a shifter. He had to heal on his own. Most of his kind healed when they shifted. Because he couldn’t shift, Benji couldn’t heal properly. He had to heal like humans did. He couldn’t even shift to protect himself. He had no claws, no sharp

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teeth, not even the speed of a lion. For all intents and purposes, he was human. Except, he wasn’t. Benji turned off the shower and climbed out. After drying off, he turned to finally look at himself in the bathroom mirror. Benji grimaced. He looked like shit. Big purple bruises and abrasions marred most of his body. One side of his face was swollen. Benji thought maybe his cheekbone was fractured, but he couldn’t be sure without an X-ray, and it wasn’t possible to get one. He’d just have to suffer through until it healed. Until then, eating was going to be a very interesting feat. Every time he opened his mouth, pain flashed through his head like a spike. Thank the gods none of his teeth had come loose. Luckily, this time there were no open wounds. Nothing needed to be stitched together. Benji hated stitching up the little cuts that had been made in his skin the last time he’d been beaten. Besides the fact that it was just creepy to sew himself up, he had no medication to deaden the pain. He just had to suffer through it and pray nothing got infected. Benji tossed his used towel into the laundry hamper then walked back into his bedroom. He went directly to his dresser and pulled out a clean pair of jeans and a simple white cotton shirt then started dressing. As much as he would have liked to just stay in bed and sleep, he refused to allow himself to wallow in his grief. He had obligations, responsibilities that he needed to take care of. Lying down to give into the anguish that seemed to always be a part of him nowadays would be like giving up. And he just wasn’t there yet. Benji knew he would be soon, though. A person, even a lionshifter, could only take so much before there didn’t seem to be any point of going on. Karma didn’t care about him. No one did.

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Benji sat on the side of the bed and pushed his feet into his shoes. Once they were tied, he stood up, closing his eyes for a moment when pain swamped him. He drew in a few deep breaths then opened his eyes again and walked back into the living room. He stopped when he reached the main room of his small farmhouse. The living room was trashed—again. He got it that the local meatheads felt the need to beat him up every couple of months, but he just did not understand why they felt the need to destroy everything he owned. It was getting to the point that he never bought anything new just because he didn’t have the money to keep replacing things. He was the king of yard sales. Benji sighed again and went into the kitchen to grab some garbage bags. He knew exactly how long it would take for him to clean his living room. He’d done this more than once. He didn’t even bother locking his front door anymore. They’d just kick it in, and doors were damn expensive. The debris seemed to be everywhere. The coffee mug that he had just purchased was lying in shattered pieces all over the main room, along with what Benji could have sworn was a kitchen chair. He wiped at his eyes as he picked up the very few belongings he had gained and placed the broken pieces into the trash bag. By the time Benji was done cleaning up the living room, he was sweating profusely. Every damn inch of his body ached even more than it did after his shower. Once again, he wished he could just go to bed but knew he couldn’t. Benji carried the destroyed furniture outside to the ever-growing pile next to the barn and then went inside to take care of the animals he housed there. He smiled when Danby, his caramel-colored pigmy goat, bleated and ran over to him. He sat down on the floor of the barn and hugged the small goat to his chest. “Hey, girl, how are you doing?” Benji asked as he rubbed his face against Danby’s coarse fur. He soaked in all the comfort the goat was trying to give him. “Did those bad men scare you?”

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Danby bleated again and gave his shoulder a slight head butt. Benji hugged the goat for a moment more then climbed to his feet. Danby followed him as he went to the tack room and got a bucket of grain for her. Benji fed the goat then went to the other end of the barn to feed the chickens. He gathered the eggs from the chickens, grateful that he hadn’t done so earlier. Basco and his goons usually took whatever supplies Benji currently had on hand when they came out from town to beat the crap out of him. Benji had gone without a meal because of that more than once. When all of the animals had been fed and watered, Benji went back to the house. He put the eggs away and cleaned up the kitchen then climbed the stairs to his loft. He didn’t know why, but Basco and his buddies never went up into the loft. Benji was happy about that, as his art studio was in the loft. He just didn’t understand why they left his loft alone. Maybe they didn’t know it was there. He sat down in his chair and grabbed his paints. There was a painting on the easel that he’d been working on for the last few days, and he wanted to get it done. He had three other completed paintings. Once he had five in all, he could take them into town to the local gallery to sell. Benji started painting, blending together different hues of golden yellow and deep red to make the sunset he desired. He loved painting. It was the one thing in his life that brought him true peace. It helped take his mind away from his problems and let him dream of a life he wished he had. It helped that his paintings brought him money as well. If Benji had his way, he wouldn’t ever sell a single one. Each painting that left him took a little piece of his soul away. But goat’s milk and eggs didn’t pay the bills or keep food on the table. He had to make a living any way that he could. As much as he hated it, selling his paintings was his main source of income.

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Benji lost track of time, getting drawn into the sunset painting he was working on. When the morning light started streaming through the windows, he suddenly realized he had been painting for hours. His body was stiff, not only from sitting for so long but because of the injuries to his body. The painting was almost done. What he had painted in the last few hours needed to dry before he could move on to the grass and trees he wanted to add to the scene. Benji cleaned up his paints and brushes then set everything down. He took one last look at the painting, nodding to himself in satisfaction. He liked what he had done. It was a good painting. Benji went back downstairs and made himself some toast and tea. He knew his stomach couldn’t handle anything heavier. He’d taken one too many punches to the gut to keep anything really solid down. Once he’d eaten something, he turned off all the lights and walked back into his bedroom. It was morning, and he knew he should be up and about, but Benji was so tired he could barely see straight. He slowly undressed then climbed into bed. His eyes closed the second his head hit the pillow. Benji squeezed them tight when tears began to burn in them. Now was not the time to start crying. It never did him any good in the past. It wouldn’t do him any good now. The only thing that would happen would be a migraine. An added pain that he didn’t need. There was no sense in wishing for things he couldn’t have. It wasn’t a bad life. He was his own boss, and the farm was paid off. It was all his. He had his painting and his animals. And except for the times when he was beaten to a pulp and had to heal, most people left him alone. His life was what it was. ****

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Benji groaned as every muscle in his body protested. He opened his eyes and rolled over onto his side. This was one of the worst parts of waking up, when his body had gone stiff. He felt like a steamroller had tried to pave over him. He lay there in bed for a moment, waiting for his body to adjust enough that he could breathe normally, then rolled until his feet touched the floor. As much as he would like to stay in bed, today was his day to go into town and sell his eggs and goat’s milk to the local grocer. He also needed to pick up some supplies to replace the ones Basco had taken. Benji dressed slowly. Every movement was an excruciating pain. Moving just didn’t seem like a good idea. Unfortunately, he didn’t have a choice. Those eggs and the milk wouldn’t walk themselves to town, and Mr. Granger, the owner of the general store, depended on him for them. There was a small percentage of his customers that sought the farm fresh eggs and goat’s milk that Benji’s animals produced like it was the finest caviar in the world. Mr. Granger got a good price for the items, and so did Benji. Even if he didn’t understand it, it helped pay his bills. Benji loaded the small wooden crates of eggs into the back of his old truck, along with the bottles of goat’s milk he’d gotten from Danby over the last two days. He climbed into the cab and prayed it would start when he turned the key. The truck was older than him, but it was all he could afford. And he wouldn’t know how to fix it if his life depended on it. When the truck started up, Benji blew out a sigh of relief. He so didn’t need it breaking down right now. He might not go into town very often, but he needed the money the eggs and milk would bring him. Besides, he’d feel really bad if he let Mr. Granger down. The trip into town took just over an hour. Benji’s farm really was way out in the countryside. He was nearly fifty miles from civilization, if you could call the small town of Potter’s Creek

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civilization. There were less than a thousand citizens in the entire area. Benji pulled up in front of the small country grocery store and turned off the truck. He climbed out and shoved his keys into his pocket then reached for the eggs. He carried them inside the store and set them on the counter. A quick glance around told him that no one was in the store besides Mr. Granger, who was on the other side of the room, putting away stock. “I’ll be right with you,” Mr. Granger called out. “It’s just me, Mr. Granger,” Benji replied. He liked Mr. Granger. The older man and his wife were always kind to him. “I’ve brought in some more eggs and milk. The eggs are on the counter. I just have to run out and get the milk.” “Okay, Benji, I’ll be right there. I just need to finish putting this stock away.” Benji frowned. “Do you need any help, Mr. Granger?” “Naw, son.” Mr. Granger chuckled from across the store. “The exercise is good for these old bones of mine.” Benji chuckled as he walked back out to his truck. Mr. and Mrs. Granger were a bit older, but they were not ancient, as Mr. Granger always tried to make out. Benji wasn’t positive exactly how old they were, but he knew they had grandchildren that lived here in town. He grabbed the milk and carried it back into the store. By the time he stepped inside, Mr. Granger was behind the counter counting eggs. Benji got paid two dollars for every dozen eggs he brought in plus another three dollars for every gallon of goat’s milk. If he brought in homemade goat’s cheese or fresh vegetables, he made even more. He tried to argue with Mr. Granger once or twice that it was too much, but the man wasn’t having any of it. He said he charged almost ten dollars a dozen for his eggs, and they sold like hotcakes. After awhile, Benji gave up arguing. Again, he had to pick and choose his battles.

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“I have three gallons of milk for you today, Mr. Granger.” “Any cheese today, Benji?” Mr. Granger asked without looking up. Benji swallowed hard. “Not today, Mr. Ganger.” He dropped his head and tried not to feel sorry for himself. Basco and his buddies had stolen the three pounds of cheese he had been waiting to bring to Mr. Granger. They would have made him enough money to replace almost all of his stolen supplies. “Well, maybe next ti—holy hell, Benji, what happened to you?” Benji shrugged, averting his eyes, wishing Mr. Granger would change the subject. “Was it Basco again?” Benji sighed and nodded his head. Mr. Granger and Benji suspected most of the townspeople knew about Basco’s trips out to his farm. They just looked the other way and pretended it wasn’t happening. They didn’t want to get involved. Benji could understand that. Basco was a very mean, very large man. Still, it would have been nice if at least someone cared. Mr. Granger cared, and Benji knew it, but there was nothing that the older man could do about it. They were both well aware that Basco would kill Mr. Granger if he ever interfered. “Benji, maybe if you go to the sheriff…” Benji shook his head so quickly that pain shot up his back. He grunted quietly and rubbed the back of his neck as he looked up at the shopkeeper. “You know that won’t do any good, Mr. Granger. Basco is the sheriff’s brother, and the sheriff never does anything when Basco gets drunk.” “But this is wrong, Benji,” Mr. Granger said. “You have the right not to live in fear of that man.” “Don’t we all?” Benji snorted. “Well…do you need anything, Benji?” Mr. Granger asked. “Why don’t you come in back and let Mrs. Granger take a look at you?”

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Benji tried to smile through the tears that were forming in his eyes at Mr. Granger’s kindness. It might be the one thing that undid him after everything he’d been through. “I’m okay, Mr. Granger, thanks. I took care of everything last night after they left.” “Do you need anything else?” the man asked. “Did Basco take everything again?” Benji cringed but nodded. He didn’t know Mr. Granger knew about that part. He was embarrassed that the older gentleman did. “I was lucky this time,” he said. “I hadn’t gathered the eggs yet, and the milk was on the back porch instead of in the pantry. Unfortunately, he did get the cheese I had made.” “What else did he get, Benji?” “Everything.” Benji pressed his lips together right after the word left his mouth. He was becoming too emotional, and that just led to trouble. “Look, Mr. Granger, I thank you for your concern, but if you could just tally up what I brought in, I’d appreciate it. I need to get some supplies and get back home. Danby and the chickens are out at the farm all by themselves, and I need to get home to feed them before dark.” “Benji—” “Please, Mr. Granger?” Mr. Granger was silent for a moment, looking as though he were struggling with some sort of decision. But then he finally nodded. “All right, Benji, if that’s what you want.” Benji’s head gave a slight tilt in affirmation. It wasn’t really what he wanted, but it’s what he had to do. If Mr. Granger became involved in his issues, Basco would go after the kindly shopkeeper, and Benji couldn’t have that. Mr. and Mrs. Granger were one of the few in town that were nice to him. He would be devastated if anything happened to them because of him. Benji got the credit slip from Mr. Granger then moved about the small store, gathering what items he could afford to buy with what he had made. He grabbed a small box of tea off the shelf and looked at it

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hungrily. He loved tea, and he was almost out, but the box he wanted was expensive. If he bought it, he would have to put some stuff back, stuff he couldn’t afford to go without. Benji sighed with resignation and set the box back on the shelf. He took his other items up to the counter and watched as Mr. Granger tallied them up, subtracting what he had bought from what he had earned. He was left with two dollars and some change. It was barely enough to get him some gas to get home. “Thanks, Mr. Granger,” Benji said as he lifted the bag of groceries up in his arms. It was a small bag. “I’ll see you next week.” “You take care now, Benji,” Mr. Granger called out as Benji walked toward the door. “If you need anything, you come and see me. The missus and I will see that you get what you need.” Benji nodded, but he knew he wouldn’t go to the couple even if he did need something. That would be like waving a red flag in front of Basco’s face. The man hated him with a passion and had warned most of the town folks not to have anything to do with Benji. Most of them heeded Basco’s warning. Mr. Granger and his son, the art gallery owner, were some of the few who did not. Benji climbed into his truck and started it up. As he backed out of his parking spot, he saw Basco and his brother, the sheriff, standing on the opposite side of the road, just watching him. Benji swallowed hard and kept right on driving.

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Chapter 2 “Stellan, there’s a Mr. Granger on the phone for you,” Neumus said as he stuck his head into the doorway of the study. “He says it’s important.” Stellan Mihos nodded to Neumus, who was also his brother and second-in-command, and reached for the phone. “Hello, Mr. Granger, what can I do for you?” “Stellan Mihos?” “Yes,” Stellan replied. His eyebrows drew together in confusion. He didn’t think he knew Mr. Granger. Why would the man be calling him? “Mr. Mihos, my name is Allan Granger. My wife and I live in a small town called Potter’s Creek. It’s about three hundred miles from you.” “I know where Potter’s Creek is.” Stellan leaned forward in his chair and rested his elbows on the top of his desk. The conversation was just getting more confusing. “There’s a small pride there, right? Just about ten members?” “Yes, yes, that’s the place. We’re a very small pride, Mr. Mihos, mostly women and children. My son and I are the only two males in our pride.” “Are you having troubles of some sort, Mr. Granger?” It was the only reason Stellan could think of for another pride to call him. His was one of the strongest in the entire state. They often got calls when other prides needed help. “It’s not my pride specifically, Mr. Mihos, but a lone shifter in the area.”

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“Are there some sort of attacks going on?” “Wha—oh, no, the shifter isn’t attacking anyone. He would never do that. He’s just not the type.” “Is he encroaching on your territory?” “No, he lives probably fifty miles outside of town. He’s never tried to take over our territory or even asked to join our pride.” “I’m not sure how I can help you then, Mr. Granger. I have no jurisdiction over rogue shifters. You know that. As long as he’s not attacking anyone, there isn’t much I can do.” “It’s not me that needs the help, Mr. Mihos, it’s Benji.” “Benji?” Stellan’s heart gave an extra beat as he swallowed hard. “Benjamin Bastet.” Stellan stiffened. His hand tightened around the phone. His heart thundered in his chest. He hadn’t heard that name in nearly three years. He hadn’t thought he’d ever hear it again, and he certainly didn’t like the way it made his stomach clench. “I’m afraid I have another phone call, Mr. Granger,” Stellan said through gritted teeth. “I’ll have to get back to you. Have a good day.” Stellan sat there and stared at the phone after hanging it up. Hearing Benji’s name again after all of this time made the hairs on his arms stand on end. He felt a mixture of relief that he finally knew where Benji had run off to, and anger that Benji had run at all. Stellan knew it wasn’t possible for them to be mated, but Benji was still a part of his pride. Stellan felt a responsibility toward the man for that simple fact. When one of his pride was in trouble, it was his duty as alpha to help them. And he would have in this situation if the man had been anyone but Benji. “What did Mr. Granger want?” Neumus asked as he walked into the study and shut the door behind him. Stellan pressed his hands together and rested his fingertips against his lips for a moment as he watched Neumus sit down in the chair across the desk from him. Once Neumus was settled, Stellan dropped his hands down to the desk and folded his fingers together.

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“He called about Benji.” Neumus’s eyebrows shot up as he sat forward. “Benji?” Stellan nodded. “It seems that Benji is in Potter’s Creek.” “He joined the Potter’s Creek Pride?” Neumus asked, frowning. “That’s a pretty small pride, isn’t it?” “It is, but no, Benji is not part of the pride there. He’s a lone shifter right now.” “Damn!” Stellan understood his brother’s alarm. Lone shifters caused problems, not only for humans but also for other prides. They had a reputation of attacking people indiscriminately. Many had to be hunted down and eliminated for the good of everyone. “Mr. Granger says Benji is in trouble.” “Oh?” One of Neumus’s eyebrows shot up. He settled back in his chair once again. “How so?” “I didn’t ask.” Stellan felt his face flush when Neumus’s jaw dropped open. “You didn’t ask?” Neumus snapped, anger darkening his features. “Why the hell not? The man is your mate. He’s been missing for almost three years. You suddenly get a phone call telling you he’s in trouble, and you don’t ask what it is?” “He is not my mate.” Stellan growled as his fist slammed down on the desk. “The hell he’s not!” Neumus shouted right back. He suddenly jumped to his feet, pointing his finger at Stellan. “You might think you can bury your head in the sand and pretend like you’re oblivious, but you know Benji is your mate. You’re just too stupid to claim him.” “Neumus!” Neumus stalked to the door, stopping to turn around and glare across the room. Stellan was stunned by the anger and pain in Neumus’s eyes. He knew his brother never agreed with his choice not

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to claim Benji. He just never thought his brother was this angry over the situation. “You’ve found your mate, Stellan, and you threw him away like he didn’t matter. You discarded the gift that fate gave you like he was a piece of trash to be thrown out.” Stellan almost recoiled when his brother looked him up and down, his upper lip curling back as he sneered. “You don’t deserve him.” Stellan visibly jumped when Neumus walked out of the study and slammed the door behind him. He couldn’t remember the last time he had seen his brother that angry, if ever. It was clear that Neumus was livid. Stellan rubbed his hands down his face then dropped them back on the desk. After a moment of staring at nothing, Stellan reached into the top drawer of his desk and pulled out the small photograph he kept hidden away under a stack of papers. His fingers started to shake as he held the picture between them and stared down at Benji. The picture was old and faded, taken long before Benji had ever left the pride. It was the only thing that proved Benji even existed. When Benji left, he took all of his belongings with him. Stellan had only found the picture by accident. It had been hidden between the pages of a book in what was now Stellan’s office. Stellan guessed from the picture that it had been taken just before he arrived in the pride. Why someone thought to hide it in a book, he would never know. No matter how much he wished it might be otherwise, Benji was not his mate. Stellan was getting tired of people trying to convince him otherwise—first Benji and now Neumus. If Benji had been his mate, Stellan would have claimed him within moments of meeting him. He would have known if Benji was his mate. He would have scented it. Sadly, Stellan hadn’t. Benji had no scent at all. Stellan was the alpha of his pride. If he knew Benji was his mate, he would have given up being alpha to claim his mate in a heartbeat.

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But he knew he had to have someone that was strong at his side to help him rule the pride. Benji was anything but strong. He couldn’t even shift, and that was a huge clue that they were not mates. No one would accept an alpha mate that couldn’t shift. Stellan sighed deeply and put the picture back into the desk drawer. No matter how much he wished it were otherwise, Benji was not his mate, and he needed to deal with that fact. He should probably burn the picture instead of hiding it away to look at when he was lonely. He just couldn’t bring himself to do it. Stellan dropped his head back on his chair and stared up at the ceiling. This was a huge mess. It had been a huge mess when Benji disappeared three years ago, too. At the time, Stellan had been confused as to why the entire pride just seemed relieved that Benji was gone. None of them had even offered to help search for the man. After nearly a year of actively searching for Benji, Stellan had started to give up. He still put feelers out now and then, called a few old contacts and such. But by and large, he had given up the search for Benji. He had even begun to wonder if the man was dead. Guess the phone call had answered that question. Benji was very much alive and, apparently, living in Potter’s Creek. Stellan frowned and reached for his phone, dialing a number he knew by heart. He hated the need deep down inside of him that he had to find out exactly what was going on with Benji, but he couldn’t deny it. “Kody, it’s Stellan Mihos,” he said when he heard someone pick up. Kody never answered when Stellan called until he announced who he was. Kody didn’t like talking to strangers. He barely liked talking to Stellan, and they were friends. Sort of. They had never met in person, but they had done a lot of business together. Maybe they could be called acquaintances. “I have a special job for you.” Stellan grinned when Kody grunted in true Kody fashion. “There’s a man named Allan Granger down in Potter’s Creek. He says Benjamin Bastet is living outside of town and

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that he’s in some sort of trouble. I’d like you to go down there and find out what’s going on.” “Do I approach the subject?” Stellan rolled his eyes at Kody’s description of Benji. “Only if you need to. I just want to know that he’s okay. That’s it.” “Done.” Stellan stared at the phone for a moment after Kody hung up on him. He’d never understand that man. Kody was an enigma, a lionshifter that refused to belong to any pride. He didn’t even like visiting them and only did so when his job required it. It was almost as if Kody hated lion-shifters. Kody had never talked about his past or anything personal, so it was hard to tell. After putting the phone down in its cradle, Stellan stood to his feet and walked out of his study. He needed to go find Neumus and tell him that he had sent someone to find out what sort of trouble Benji was in. Maybe then his brother would get the hell off his back. And maybe not. Neumus barely acknowledged Stellan when he walked into the den. He just continued to tip his glass back and drink the amber liquid Stellan knew was alcohol. Stellan heaved a sigh and sat down on a barstool next to his brother. “I called Kody.” “Bully for you,” Neumus grumbled. “Neumus!” “What do you want me to say, Stellan?” Neumus snapped. “Congrats? Good for you? Fuck that!” Neumus slammed his glass down on the bar top, liquid sloshing over the rim and spilling onto the counter. “You should be down there rescuing Benji, not sending someone else. Hell, this situation shouldn’t have come up at all. You never should have let Benji leave in the first place.” “I didn’t let him do anything.” Stellan growled through clenched teeth. “He did that all on his own.” He was tired of hearing how he had let Benji go. He hadn’t done a damn thing. Benji just disappeared

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one night. What the fuck was Stellan supposed to do about that? He had searched for the little guy. What more did Neumus want from him? “Only after you threw Stella in his face.” “I didn’t throw Stella in his face, Neumus.” “The hell you didn’t!” Neumus turned to look at Stellan, his eyes narrowed but filled with anger. “You knew Benji was your mate, and you still brought Stella home and announced to everyone that she was going to be your mate and rule by your side. And you wonder why he left?” Stellan gripped the bar top as he climbed to his feet. “How many times do I have to tell you? Benji is not my mate. He doesn’t smell like mate. He can’t shift. And he sure as hell isn’t strong enough to rule by my side. A stiff wind would blow him over.” Neumus blinked for a moment, the anger on his face being replaced by confusion. “What do you mean he doesn’t smell like mate?” “That’s just it,” Stellan retorted. “Benji does not smell like mate. I thought he was my mate when I first arrived. I was drawn to him more than I have been to any person that I have ever met, but then I tried to smell him. To me, he doesn’t have any scent at all.” “Seriously?” Stellan rolled his eyes. “Yes, seriously. Why do you think I haven’t claimed him? If he had smelled like mate, I would have claimed him within minutes of meeting him. Hell, I still want him, but he is not my mate.” “That’s why you brought Stella home?” “Stella was willing to mate with me and give me children even though we both knew we weren’t mates.” “That worked out so well for you,” Neumus snickered. “Yeah, well, if I had known she would end up mating one of my brothers, I never would have introduced her to Salome.”

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“Yes, you would have.” Neumus chuckled and reached for his drink. He took a small sip then set the glass back down on the countertop. “You’re thrilled having Stella as your sister-in-law, and even more thrilled that she found her mate in our baby brother.” Stellan smiled. “Yeah, I guess I am.” He was, honestly. His brother Salome was as happy as he could possibly be, and Stella adored him. Stellan couldn’t be happier for the couple. He also couldn’t be more jealous. He wanted to find his mate and settle down like Salome and Stella had. He wanted the closeness that he could see between the two of them. He wanted someone to come home and cuddle with after a long, hard day of leading the pride. He wanted his mate. “So, you called in the big guns, huh?” Stellan nodded at his brother’s question. “I’m just as worried about Benji as you are. If he’s in some sort of trouble, I want to know about it. Kody will look into it and get back to me, let me know what’s going on.” “You just better hope he doesn’t decide to get involved if something is going on. Kody is not known for his subtlety.” Stellan grimaced. “Maybe I should call him.” “Or you could just go down there and meet up with him.” “I really don’t think that is a good idea,” Stellan said, even if he thought the opposite. He wanted to go down and rescue Benji and be his hero. God, he was such a fucking sap. “Kody can handle this. He’ll call me if he needs help.” “I still think this is the wrong decision, Stellan,” Neumus said as he stepped forward to pat Stellan’s shoulder. “But I’ll abide by it if this is truly what you want.” “It’s what needs to happen. I can’t make Benji into my mate just because I want him. He needs to find his real mate just like I need to.” “Yeah, and I need to apologize.” Neumus’s face was a little flushed when Stellan glanced over at him. He looked a little sheepish,

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too. “I really am sorry, brother. I fully believed that Benji was your mate.” Stellan cocked his head to one side, curiosity filling him. “Why is that?” Neumus shrugged. “He smells like alpha mate to me.” Stellan blinked. “What?” “Just what I said.” Neumus shrugged. “I don’t know how he smells to you, but he smells like the alpha’s mate to me. He also has this way about him that makes me want to turn my head and bare my neck to him. I’ve always been taught that that meant alpha.” “Shit!” Stellan growled as he rubbed the back of his neck and took a few steps away from his brother. The green monster of jealousy was strangling him. “Maybe he is an alpha’s mate, just not mine.” “That might explain why you are so drawn to him.” Stellan swallowed hard. He didn’t want to admit to anyone that Benji might belong to someone else. While he might not be able to claim Benji, that didn’t mean he wanted anyone else to have him either. The thought of Benji being claimed by someone else set Stellan’s teeth on edge. It made him want to punch something. Hard. “It might.” Stellan growled as he tried to keep his temper under control. Shifting right now would not do him any good. Benji could never be his. “But it doesn’t do away with the fact that Benjamin Bastet is not my mate.”

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Chapter 3 Benji groaned as he opened the door of his truck and slid from the seat. He had bruises on top of bruises. He doubted there was a single spot on his body that wasn’t black-and-blue. Basco had really done a job on him this time. For a while there, Benji wasn’t sure if he was going to live or die. Unfortunately, he lived. He grabbed what eggs he had been able to find after Basco left this time, which weren’t many, and carried them into the store. The three gallons of goat’s milk he had been planning on bringing to the store had been dumped all over his kitchen. Today, he just had eggs. “Morning, Mr. Granger,” Benji called out as he stepped inside the store. He glanced around to check who was inside as he made his way to the front counter. When he didn’t hear Mr. Granger’s immediate answer, Benji started to grow concerned. The old man always called out to him when he arrived. Besides, Mr. Granger would never leave the store unattended. “Mr. Granger?” Benji called out as he started searching the store. A cold chill ran down Benji’s spine when he spotted several cans of corn spread out all over the floor of one aisle. Mr. Granger was very serious about keeping his store in immaculate condition. He never would have allowed stock to by lying around on the floor. Benji quickly glanced from side to side as he slowly walked over to the cans. He reached down and picked one up, almost surprised when it didn’t bite him or something. This was just eerie. There was definitely something wrong here.

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He swallowed hard then started walking toward the back of the store. Benji had once helped Mrs. Granger carry some boxes upstairs, so he knew that Mr. and Mrs. Granger lived above the store and the stairs leading to their apartment were in the back of the store. Benji blanched when he saw a spot of blood on the edge of the stairs leading up the Grangers’ apartment. He pressed his hand against his chest as he tried to keep his breathing under control. He was starting to panic, and he knew it. Benji thought about going to get the sheriff for about two seconds then decided that was probably the stupidest move he could have possibly made. The sheriff would most likely just blame whatever happened on him. Benji also thought about booking it out the front door and running for his life, pretending that he didn’t know something was out of place. But the Grangers were some of the few people in town that had been nice to him. He had to know if they were safe or not, although he suspected not. The blood on the stairs was a big clue. Benji slowly made his way up the stairs, praying that they wouldn’t creak. If there was someone upstairs, he didn’t want them to know he was coming before he had a chance to hide, run, or defend himself. He was still leaning toward running. Benji reached the top of the stairs without making a sound. Just as he did, he started to hear voices coming from farther inside the apartment. He followed the sound of the voices until he reached an archway. He knew the voices were just beyond the archway. Holding his breath and praying for courage that he didn’t feel, Benji raised the can of corn in his hand as a weapon and peeked around the corner. The air in Benji’s lungs flew out in a relieved whoosh when he saw Mr. and Mrs. Granger sitting at their dining room table. Mrs. Granger was applying a bandage to Mr. Granger’s head as she chewed him out about hiring help around the store. “Hey, I don’t mean to interrupt but—”

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Benji nearly swallowed his tongue when Mrs. Granger swung around and growled low in her throat. Her face shifted slightly, fangs appearing in her mouth just as claws grew out of her fingertips. Benji blinked for a moment as he stared at the older woman. “You’re a shifter?” “Holy hell, Benji, what are you doing up here?” Mrs. Granger asked as her features shifted back, and she pressed a now clawless hand against her chest. “You scared the living daylights out of me.” “I’m sorry,” Benji said, not missing the fact that Mrs. Granger ignored his question. Maybe they didn’t want him to know they were shifters. “I came in to drop off some eggs, but no one was downstairs. When I started looking around I saw the cans toppled over in the aisle and then found blood on the stairs. I just wanted to make sure that everything was okay.” “Oh dear,” Mrs. Granger said as she gestured to her husband. “Everything is fine, Benji. Allan got hit in the head when the cans fell over. I was just dressing his cut when you came in.” “Oh, that’s probably why I found blood on the stairs then.” Mrs. Granger nodded. “Head wounds bleed like the dickens.” Benji set the can of corn down on the counter and started backing toward the door. “So, um, I’m going to go wait downstairs.” “I’ll be right down, Benji,” Mr. Granger said. Benji smiled weakly then turned and hurried back down the stairs as fast as he could move in his current state. He could hear the Granger’s start arguing in hushed tones before he even reached the bottom of the stairs. Despair started filling Benji’s heart. He knew what they were arguing about. It was him. It was always him. No one wanted him in their pride. It was probably why Mrs. Granger didn’t answer his question about being a shifter. If he knew, he might want to join her pride, and she probably didn’t want that. Benji knew he was being maudlin. He just couldn’t seem to help it. Benji felt like he was finally getting to the end of his rope. Basco

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and his buddies had been back twice in the same week. It used to be every few months, then once a month, then every couple of weeks. Now it was every few days. Benji didn’t think he could take another visit from the monsters. Especially not now that Basco had been making other remarks about what he wanted to do to Benji besides beat him. Benji would prefer to be beaten. Hell, he’d rather be dead than experience the perverse things Basco said he wanted to do. Maybe he just needed to finally get it through his head that Potter’s Creek wasn’t the place for him. Benji was starting to wonder if there was a place for him. But there had to be some place that was better than sticking around here, waiting for Basco to jump him again…or worse. Benji glanced at the eggs for a moment. There were less than a dozen. He wouldn’t get much for them. As much as he needed the money, he didn’t feel like waiting around. It was early in the morning. No doubt, Basco was somewhere sleeping off his latest drinking binge. If Benji went home now and packed everything up, he could be out of town by noon. He could be out of the county by the time Basco woke, and maybe out of the state before the man even learned he was gone. His decision made, Benji left the eggs on the counter with a small note telling Mr. Granger to put them on his account then headed for the door. Just as he stepped out the door, he barreled into a rather tall man dressed all in black. “Oh, I’m sorry,” Benji quickly said as he stepped back. “Where are you off to in such a hurry?” the man asked in a deep, rich timbre. Benji smiled the same weak smile he had given the Grangers. He scooted around the man until his back was pressed up against his truck. He so did not like strangers, especially someone this massive. “I didn’t mean to run into you. Again, I apologize.”

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As quickly as his feet would carry him, Benji backed around the side of his truck and opened the door. Before he could climb in, a very large hand landed on Benji’s shoulder. Benji shrieked then swung around and started hitting. He smacked the man with the palms of his hands with all his might. “Hey!” the man shouted as he pinned Benji’s arms behind his back. “Knock that fucking shit off. I’m not going to hurt you.” “Then let me go.” Benji was shocked when he was immediately released. He cringed and leaned back when the strange man lifted a hand and ghosted it over the side of his face. “Who did this to you, little one?” Benji shook his head. He didn’t know this man. He wasn’t about to admit that Basco and his band of merry men came to visit him all the time and handed him his ass. For one, Benji didn’t know if this man was a friend of Basco’s. For two, for some reason he couldn’t fathom, Benji didn’t want to appear weak in front of this man. “I fell,” Benji whispered the lie. The stranger’s dark eyebrows shot up. “You fell?” Benji quickly nodded then wished he hadn’t when pain shot up his neck and his head started to throb. It didn’t help that the man started laughing, and Benji was pretty sure it was at his expense. Maybe he was friends with Basco after all. “I really need to go,” Benji said. “My animals need feeding.” “Your animals?” Benji nodded and slowly slid into the seat of his truck. He closed his eyes for a moment, a deep shudder racking his entire body. When he opened them again, he could feel tears of desperation gathering in his eyes. “Please, let me go,” he whispered to the stranger. Much to Benji’s surprise, the man stepped back far enough that he was able to close the door, which he did, locking it as fast as he could. Benji started up his truck, gave the stranger one last look, then backed out his parking spot and headed home.

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Tears started streaming down Benji’s cheeks before he reached the outskirts of town and continued to fall until he pulled into his driveway. He pulled the truck around to the side of the house and parked it close to the barn. He went into the house and packed up everything he could think of that he would need. There wasn’t much, just three boxes of personal items and a single box of nonperishable groceries. What refrigerated items he had, Benji put into a cooler. He packed this all in the truck then went out to the barn to get his goat and chickens. Benji was just closing up the hitch on the back of his truck when he heard a vehicle coming up the driveway. Abject terror filled him as he ran toward the front of the house to see if it was Basco and his goons. He was so close to getting away. He rested his hands against the side of the house as he watched a unfamiliar car pull up in front of his home. When the door opened and the stranger from town climbed out, Benji flattened himself against the side of the house and prayed that he hadn’t been spotted. He jumped when he heard the door of the car slam and then footsteps walked in his direction. “I can hear your heart beating, Benji.” Benji yelped and ran as fast as his sore body would let him. He didn’t even get within fifty feet of his truck before an arm wrapped around his waist and lifted him off the ground. Benji screamed as loud as he could as he struggled to get away. “Knock it the fuck off before I tie you up.” Benji froze. His thoughts swirled chaotically. He was going to die. He just knew it. Benji slumped against the large man that held him. Part of him was almost relieved that the end had finally come. The other part, the part that scampered to stay alive, was angry. “I’m not going to hurt you, Benji.” The man growled in his ear. “I told you that in town, and I meant it.” Benji pressed his lips together, refusing to say anything. “I’m going to set you down, Benji.”

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Benji felt his feet touch the ground. “If you run, I will chase you, and I will catch you. I’m much stronger than you. And I can run much faster than you can. Don’t give me reason to.” Benji shook his head then nodded it. He wasn’t quite sure how to answer the man. But he was grateful when the arms surrounding him slowly loosened. As soon as they dropped away, Benji jumped forward, putting several feet between him and the stranger. As he spun around to confront the stranger, Benji’s injured leg twisted. He cried out as he started to fall to the ground. He didn’t know whether to be grateful or not when the stranger leapt forward and caught him. “You don’t seem to be very steady on your feet, Benji.” “Who are you?” Benji asked as he tilted his head back and looked up into the man’s dark-brown eyes. “You may call me Kody.” “Why are you here?” Benji asked. “I can smell what you are.” “I’m here to make sure you are safe.” Benji frowned. “Why?” “Word got to my employer that you were in trouble. He asked me to come check on you.” “Your employer?” “Stellan Mihos.” Benji’s heart seized in his throat. Air in his lungs was just a memory. His eyes fluttered for a moment then rolled back into his head. Then nothing. **** Kody rolled his eyes as the little man in front of him passed out. He swung Benji up into his arms and carried him back into the house. Going from room to room to find a place to lay Benji down, he was

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surprised to see how shabby the place looked and how stripped of everything it was. Kody finally found the bare mattress in the back bedroom. He laid Benji down on the bed then reached down to loosen Benji’s pants. When he pulled his shirt loose, Kody caught sight of something that made him grit his teeth to keep from swearing up a blue streak. He slowly lifted Benji’s shirt further up his chest until it was around his neck. Benji was black-and-blue from one end to the other. He couldn’t even see a hint of pale pink skin. Everything was bruised. Kody gently pulled Benji’s shirt back down then pulled his shoes off. By the time Kody stomped back to the main room, he was livid. Someone had worked Benji over so hard he was surprised the man was still alive. If he ever discovered who it was, he’d make sure that they looked just the same. He leaned against the kitchen counter and pulled out his cell phone, dialing Stellan’s phone number. Kody tapped his fingers on the countertop as he waited for Stellan to answer. It didn’t take more than a few seconds, which meant the man was waiting for his phone call. “Kody?” “Tell me about Benjamin Bastet.” “What about him?” “I want to know everything.” “Kody, what’s going on?” Stellan asked. “Is Benji okay?” “No, he is not fucking okay!” Kody snapped. “Someone has been beating the shit out of Benjamin. He’s been so badly abused I’m surprised that he’s alive.” “Fuck!” “Now, tell me about him.” Kody didn’t want to examine the deep need he had to learn every damn thing about Benji that he could. He had never met anyone in his life as strong as the little man. Most people in his position would have

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folded long ago, but not Benji. According to the Grangers, Benji just kept going and going, no matter what happened to him. “What exactly do you want to know?” “Everything,” Kody replied. He clenched his fists. What he really wanted to do was wrap them around Stellan’s throat for leaving Benji so defenseless. “You can start with how he ended up in Potter’s Creek with no pride to protect him.” Stellan sighed deeply before speaking. “As you know, Benji disappeared from the pride about three years ago. One day he was there. The next day he was just gone. Until a few days ago, I haven’t heard a word about him. It was like he simply disappeared. “Did he leave of his own free will, or was he taken?” “Everything points to him leaving on his own.” Kody frowned as he racked his memories. Something was niggling at him, but he couldn't quite figure out what. “Wasn’t that about the time you brought Stella home and she married your brother?” Stellan sighed deeply. “It was, but I brought Stella home to marry me, not my brother. I had no idea that they were mates. As soon as I did, I stepped aside and wished them well.” “Do you have any idea why Benji left?” “I do.” Kody waited…and waited. Stellan didn’t say anything. “Stellan?” “Benji believes that we are mates. I think he left because I refused to claim him and brought Stella home to marry instead.” “Are you?” “No, we’re not. Benji doesn’t have the mating scent for me.” “And?” Kody scoffed. “And?” Stellan sounded shocked. “And what? I was attracted to him when we arrived at his pride. I thought for a moment that we might have been mates, but he didn’t have a mating scent for me. I felt no need to claim him after sniffing him.”

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“You are such a fucking sanctimonious asshole, Stellan. How you ever ended up becoming alpha of your own pride I will never know.” “What?” “The mate of the alpha does not have a scent before being claimed, nor can they shift. It keeps other alphas from trying to claim them before their true mates find them.” Kody was in no way surprised when his words were met by silence. He imagined they were quite a surprise for the alpha. “Stellan?” “You’re lying.” “No, I’m not. The ability to shift and the mate scent only comes in after their true mate has claimed them. It’s nature’s way of keeping them safe. The sure way for an alpha to know he’s met his mate is the lack of scent.” “Fuck, Kody, do you know what this means?” Stellan asked after a moment. “It means you’re an asshole.” Kody snapped his cell phone closed. He had no doubt that Stellan would be on his way down to Potter’s Creek within the hour.

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Chapter 4 Stellan restlessly drummed his fingers on his knee as he watched out the window of the large SUV he was riding in. There was another SUV behind him and one in front, both filled with his pride soldiers. All of the SUVs were black, and all of them were driving at a high rate of speed. Stellan wanted to reach Potter’s Creek as fast as possible. He needed to see Benji and make sure that the man was okay, and then he needed to start groveling. And he had a shitload of groveling to do. He had been so wrong, and that mistake had cost so much that he knew he would never be able to make up for it. At first, he had doubted Kody’s words, even while his heart pounded in his chest with hope. A phone call to the mated alpha of another pride had confirmed Kody’s statement and sent Stellan’s heart sinking into his feet. Benji was his mate. That thrilled Stellan down to his toes and scared him shitless at the same time. He had so totally fucked up with Benji that he wasn’t even sure he had the right to ask for forgiveness. He certainly didn’t have the right to ask Benji to be his mate, not now. He needed to make sure that Benji was safe first then he would go about trying to convince his mate to give him a second chance. “We’re here, Stellan.” Stellan looked up then glanced over at his brother, Neumus. “What?” Neumus pointed out the window. “We’re here. This is the address the Grangers gave me for Benji. We’re just pulling into the driveway now.”

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Stellan’s heart started to beat faster as he felt the SUV slow down then turn onto a narrow dirt road. He didn’t care about the empty fields they passed as they went up the driveway, only the glowing lights in the farmhouse at the end. He had his hand on the door handle before the SUV even came to a complete stop. He started to open the door when Neumus grabbed his arm. Stellan turned and growled, baring his teeth. “Let me go!” “Let us scout the area first.” “No!” Stellan ripped his arm out of his brother’s grasp and opened the door. He wasn’t in the least bit surprised when Neumus growled and climbed out right after him. Moments later, they were both surrounded by armed guards. Stellan saw the front door open up as he walked up the front steps. Kody’s massive form filled the doorway. There was a slight smirk on his face as if he knew Stellan would show up. Stellan smirked right back. Kody knew what would happen when he dropped his little bombshell. “Where is he?” Stellan asked. “Sleeping.” “I want to see him.” “No.” Stellan’s eyes widened. “No?” Not many people were brave enough to tell him no. “No,” Kody replied smoothly as he crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against one side of the doorframe. “Benji’s been badly abused, and he needs his rest. You can see him in the morning, but only if he wants to see you.” “That’s not acceptable, Kody. I want to see him right now.” “Not happening, Alpha.” Kody made a small gesture with his hand to the guards standing at the bottom of the steps. “And none of your little boy toys will be able to convince me otherwise.”

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“Uh, maybe I can convince you otherwise,” someone said as they climbed up the steps behind Stellan. The man crossed the porch and held out his hand to Kody. “I’m a pride doctor. Alpha Mihos asked me to come look at his young man.” “His young man, huh?” Kody arched an eyebrow at Stellan. “That remains to be seen.” “May I see the patient?” “Fine, but the first person to stick their head inside this house without my permission loses it.” Kody slammed his claws into the wall next to the doorframe and pulled them through the wood like it was butter. Once his point had been made, he walked inside the farmhouse after the doctor and slammed the door shut. “Well, now what?” Neumus asked. Stellan shrugged. “I guess we wait.” Stellan turned around and sat down on the steps. He could see a few of his guards looking at him curiously, and he knew why. He was literally taking this sitting down, and didn’t that suck? He couldn’t remember the last time someone else dictated his actions. It didn’t sit well with him. Benji being abused didn’t sit well with him either. “Neumus, I want you to take a couple of guards into town and talk to that Granger guy. I want to know what has been going on around here.” “I’m on it.” Neumus leapt to his feet and gestured to a couple of the guards then climbed into one of the black SUVs. The guards climbed in right behind him, and a moment later, the SUV pulled out and headed back down the driveway. Stellan sighed deeply and clasped his hands together, letting them dangle between his bent knees. This sucked on so many levels. For years he had desired Benji but thought they could never be together because they were not mates. Now, he knew they were mates, and they still couldn’t be together. Benji was lying injured inside the house where Stellan

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couldn’t take care of him or protect him. If that didn’t suck, he didn’t know what did. “Hey, boss?” one of the guards said as he walked up to Stellan. “There’s a goat and some chickens in the back of a truck over here on the side of the house. They look like they need to get out of there. What would you like us to do with them?” Stellan blinked. “A goat?” The man nodded. Stellan stood up and walked around the side of the house, curiosity eating at him. Sure enough, there was a goat and some chickens in the back of an old rusted truck. The goat was bleating for all it was worth, the chickens fluttering around it. “Boss?” “Yeah?” Stellan called out, unable to tear his gaze away from the goat. He wasn’t sure he had ever seen one in real life before. “There’s a barn right over there. Do you want us to put them in there?” “Yeah, I suppose. I’m not really up on my goat etiquette.” The guard chuckled lightly. “My ma and pa have a farm where I grew up. I know what to do with them.” Stellan smiled and turned to the man. “Good, then you’re in charge of caring for Benji’s animals until he can figure out what he wants to do with them because frankly, I don’t have a clue.” “I’ll take care of it, sir.” Stellan watched the guard secure his gun then open the hatch on the covered bed of the truck. He started talking softly to the goat, coaxing him closer. When the goat stepped up to him, the guard lifted the goat out of the truck and set him on the ground then started leading him toward the barn. Stellan leapt forward and secured the hatch when the chickens started clucking and running for the exit. He knew as little about chickens as he did goats, but he wasn’t about to let one escape, not when they belonged to Benji.

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Once the hatch was closed, Stellan walked back around the side of the house to the front porch. He had just started to sit down again when the door opened. Stellan jumped up and spun around. Impatience ripped through him when Kody just stared at him for the longest moment. “Well?” Stellan snapped. “How is he?” “You’d better come inside, Stellan,” Kody said. “The doc wants to talk to you.” Stellan’s stomach clenched as dread filled him. “Is he—” Kody shook his head. “No, he’s alive, but he’s in pretty bad condition. That’s what the doc wants to talk to you about.” Stellan swallowed hard then slowly walked up the steps. When Kody stepped back, Stellan walked into the farmhouse. He felt like he was walking to his doom. If something happened to Benji to take him away again, Stellan didn’t know what he would do. He quickly scanned the sparsely furnished room as he walked in, frowning deeply then scowling. “This is where Benji has been living?” Stellan was shocked. The room could barely be described as a shack. It looked like someone was in the middle of peeling the old faded wallpaper off the wooden walls. The wood trim around the doorframes had been stripped and was dull. And the floors looked like they had once had carpet on them. Now, they were just bare strips of faded wood. The sparse furniture, what there was of it, barely consisted of a wooden crate and a wobbly table that looked like it was ready to crash to the ground at any moment. The single lamp in the room looked like it had been glued back together after being dug out of a trashcan. “I know he had an inheritance from his parents,” Stellan said. “How did he come to live like this?” “I’m afraid that is something you will have to ask Benji.” Kody grimaced as he waved his hands around the room. “It looked like this when I arrived.”

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“This is wrong, Kody.” Kody’s eyes narrowed as he crossed his arms over his chest. Anger burned in his dark-brown eyes. “There are a lot of things wrong here, Stellan. Somehow, I think Benji’s living conditions are at the bottom of the list.” “The hell they ar—” “Gentlemen.” Stellan swung around to see the doctor he had brought with him standing behind him. He tried to school his features so the doctor wouldn’t be intimidated by the rage flowing through him. Right now, he needed the man. “How is Benji?” he asked as calmly as he could. “He’s—” The doctor pressed his lips together as he rubbed the bridge of his nose. After a moment, the doctor looked up at Stellan. “You are his mate, correct?” “I am.” “You have not claimed him.” Stellan frowned. The doctor’s words sounded more like a statement than a question. “There have been…” Stellan shrugged. “Issues.” “Yes, well, it has impeded his recovery. Without the ability to shift, he is healing as if he was human, and he is not healing well.” “What does that mean?” “Your mate has sustained a multitude of injuries over a long period of time. I am unsure of exactly what happened to him and will be until I can speak with him. However, I do know that someone has worked him over quite well, and on more than one occasion.” Stellan growled low in his throat. He could have no more prevented his claws from extending than he could have stopped breathing. “Someone has been beating him?” “You didn’t hear a word I said when I called, did you?” Kody snapped as he slapped his hands onto his hips. His face darkened as if he wanted to deck Stellan.

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“I heard you!” Stellan heaved a sigh and turned toward the windows at the front of the house. He rubbed the back of his neck, trying to relieve some of the tension building in his muscles. He was close to attacking someone, anyone. His nerves were frayed. “I just had my mind on the rest of the things you said.” “I’m still a little confused about how you didn’t know about the mate smell,” Kody said. “Everyone knows that.” “I didn’t know, okay?” Stellan growled as he swung around and glared at Kody. “I wasn’t raised in a pride like you were. I had no one to teach me these things. I’ve kind of learned all of this shit as I went along.” Stellan turned to look at the doctor as the man stepped forward. “You don’t know about the mate smell?” the doctor asked. “I think it would be easier to say I didn’t know about the lack of smell in the alpha’s mate,” Stellan replied. “That’s why I never claimed Benji. When I met him, I wanted him, but he didn’t have a smell like I would have thought my mate would have. I thought that meant we weren’t mates, so I never pursued him.” “But alpha mates don’t have a smell to their mate,” the doctor insisted. “That’s how the alpha knows when he has met his mate.” “Well”—Stellan snorted—“I know that now. I didn’t back then.” “I see.” The doctor looked nervous as he wrung his hands together. “Do you now believe that Benjamin is your mate?” “Yes.” Stellan nodded sadly. He could feel the misery of having denied his mate for the last three years building up inside of him like a disease. “I talked with Kody and another mated alpha I’m friends with. They explained it all to me.” “Well, that does change things a bit.” “It does?” Stellan’s eyebrows shot up. “How?” “You need to claim him.” Stellan felt his face drain of blood. “I can’t,” he whispered. A moment later he grabbed the back of his head when someone smacked

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him, grunting then turning to glare at Kody. “What in the hell did you do that for?” “Because you just refused to claim your mate.” “I didn’t refuse to claim him,” Stellan snapped as he rubbed his head some more. Kody hadn’t hit him easily. “I refused to claim him while he doesn’t have a say in it. I’m not the only person involved in this, you know. Benji should have a say in it.” Kody looked sheepish for a moment. “Oh, well, that’s different.” The doctor cleared his throat, looking very nervous when Stellan turned to look at him. “Alpha, I’m afraid we’ve moved beyond that point. If you don’t claim Benjamin, he may not survive. He needs to shift and heal his injuries. With the amount of damage his body has sustained, it may be the only way to completely heal him.” “It’s that bad?” Stellan whispered as his stomach started to clench and roll. He thought he might throw up. “I’m afraid it is, Alpha.” “But…don’t we need to…” Stellan waved his hand helplessly in the air. This so wasn’t a conversation Stellan wanted to have with a complete stranger. “You know.” “While it is true that the bond would be stronger in the beginning if you were to bite your mate during intercourse, there are other ways to establish a bond. But be forewarned, there might be complications with this particular path.” “Complications?” Stellan’s heart plummeted to his feet. “What sort of complications?” “I am unsure of how controlled Benjamin will be when he wakes. As he has never shifted before, I do not know if he will be able to control his cat. Benjamin will also feel the need to stake his claim on you.” The doctor’s eyebrow arched as he looked Stellan up and down. “I doubt you will come out of it unscathed.” “Will he?” “Benjamin?” the doctor asked.

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Stellan nodded. Benji was his only concern at this point. He couldn’t care less about everything else. They could deal with things as they came, as long as Benji was whole and healthy. “Benjamin should be fine once he shifts. If the bond between you two is established, he should be even better. A mated cat is always stronger than an unmated one, especially the mate of an alpha. He will draw on your strength just as you will draw on his.” “How do we do this then?” Stellan asked quickly. “I need to take some of your blood.”

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Chapter 5 Benji’s entire body jerked. His insides felt like they were being shredded apart. He wasn’t sure what was happening, but if Basco had come to finish him off, he was having fun with it, because Benji’s entire body was twisting in pain. “Should his first shift be this painful?” someone asked with apparent fear and worry in their voice. Benji couldn’t focus on that right now. He had to find a way to make this stop. He opened his lips to cry out, but no sound spilt from them. Benji could feel his entire body covered in a layer of sweat as he struggle to breathe. “Help him!” Benji’s jaw tightened to the point of excruciating pain as his upper torso jerked him around. Finally, a bloodcurdling scream tore from his lips, telling whomever it was that they were inflicting the maximum amount of pain. He didn’t want to feel any more pain. Benji was so tired of being hurt, of trying to heal or stitching himself back together. Just let it end. Please let it end. “I’ve never known someone to experience such a brutal shifting,” another voice worriedly said. “Something must have gone wrong.” “Ya think?” someone snapped. Benji caught the word shift. He wasn’t sure what they were talking about. He’d never been able to transform into his cat. They had to be mistaken. Benji opened his mouth to tell the voices this, but another pain-filled scream came out instead.

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His chest hurt not only from whatever they were doing to him, but also from struggling to make his lungs work. Why was he so cursed that some people felt it their mission in life to inflict pain on him? What had he ever done that was so wrong that karma wanted him to pay in the most brutal way possible? “Benji, can you hear me?” Benji had to be dying. He knew that voice, and there was no way Stellan was here. The alpha would have nothing to do with him. These had to be his last moments, and Benji was only wishing he could spend them with his mate. His teeth smashed together when he felt his bones crunching. His mind started to shut down and Benji began to fade into the darkness. This was it. He was dying. “He’s crashing!” someone shouted. Benji felt his heart sputter, and then someone was smashing his chest in. No, wait. They were performing CPR. But why? If they were beating him so badly, why would they try and save him? To make sure he lived so they could beat him again? Anger the likes of which Benji had never felt before ripped through him. He lashed out before he could even think about what he was doing. It was as if his body had a mind of its own. It was kicking into defensive mode. “Get back!” Benji leapt from the bed, backing against the wall as he bared his canines. His head reeled when he realized he had canines. How? How did he shift? Benji wanted to laugh with joy, but his lion was too busy growling and swinging his paws. “Benji, knock it the fuck off!” Benji recognized the stranger from town yelling at him. He wanted to tell the guy that it wasn’t him but his lion. Benji seemed to have no control over what was going on. He opened his mouth to say just that, but a roar came out instead. “He’s fucking huge!”

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His head snapped around to see Stellan standing there with a shocked look on his face. What the hell was the alpha doing here? Was he really standing there making fun of Benji? It was bad enough he brought someone else home to mate, but now he here making fun of Benji’s lion? He couldn’t take it anymore. Years of anguish and frustration broke loose inside of him as he leapt toward Stellan. “Whoa!” Before Benji could give Stellan a piece of his mind with his paw, the alpha shifted, bringing Benji down in one fell swoop, pinning him under the massive lion. Benji almost peed himself as Stellan gave a warning growl and then used his large tongue to lick a path up Benji’s face. What the hell was the man doing? He was mated to someone else. He shouldn’t be licking Benji. It wasn’t that he didn’t like the affection, but Stellan had refused him. Why should he allow the alpha to lick him? Benji growled and tried to scamper away, but the large lion held him in place with his huge paws. Benji whimpered, but it came out as more of a guttural whine. Damn, this lion shit was hard. He racked his brain and tried to think of how a lion would sound, but the only thing that came to him was roaring and purring. He wasn’t fucking purring. Benji went with roaring instead then swiped out at Stellan with his paw. So much pain was racking his body that he didn’t care if the big alpha male got angry with him. Maybe he’d be lucky and Stellan would kill him. “Benji!” Kody snapped. “I said knock it the fuck off.” Benji swung around to look at Kody just as the most tantalizing scent he had ever smelled, well, the second most tantalizing scent, filled his nostrils. This time he did whimper, and then he tried to crawl closer. He wanted more of that scent. Benji frowned and turned to look up at the lion still hovering over the top of him. He was getting the same alluring scent from Stellan

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but a bit different. Stellan smelled strong, powerful. Kody smelled earthy, masculine. His strength was subtler. Benji always believed that strength had a scent, and Stellan was covered in it, but there was something more, something that made Benji want to roll onto his back and show off his belly, then lick Stellan from one end to the other. He wanted to take all of Stellan’s worries away. Kody’s deep masculine scent made Benji want to roll over on his back as well, but instead of wanting to show his submissiveness with Kody, he just wanted to roll all over him and be covered in his deep, rich masculine scent. Benji’s head whipped back and forth between the two men as a dawning realization filled him. Stellan was his mate, but Kody was his mate as well. Fuck! He had two mates, and he doubted Kody wanted him any more than Stellan did. Benji roared, and this time when he tried to get away from Stellan, he didn’t pull back on his strength so he wouldn’t hurt his mate. He just wanted to get away. He used every ounce of strength he had to fight his way free. “Shit!” someone yelled. “He’s going feral.” The lion above Benji suddenly leapt free and started pacing back and forth several feet away. Benji scooted himself into a corner and crouched down, trying desperately to keep everyone in sight. He didn’t know what in the hell was going, but he was in terrible pain, confused, and he very much wanted to be comforted. He just didn’t think any one of the three men staring at him in horror would be willing to do what he needed. Benji turned his head and leaned it against the wall as he closed his eyes. He could no longer look at the two men that fate decided were his. Fate could be a wickedly cruel bitch when she wanted to be. Benji knew fate could be heartless sometimes, but even this didn’t seem fair.

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Benji wasn’t sure if it was luck or not, but the pain racking his body started to force thoughts of his mates from his head. His muscles seemed to be trying to seize up, all of them. Benji slipped from a squat to his ass. He was having trouble keeping his head up. Everything hurt. Benji roared again because begging for the pain to end wasn’t possible right then. No words would form in his mouth. And he so just wanted it all to end. “Benji?” Benji turned his head to see Kody hunkering down in front of him. The large man wasn’t making any move toward him, just squatting there. He wanted to move into Kody’s arms and rub himself all over the man, but the hesitation in Kody’s dark-brown eyes kept him where he was. “Benji,” Kody spoke softly, “I need you to shift back. Can you do that for me?” Benji wanted to punch the guy. He didn’t know how he had shifted in the first place. How in the hell was he supposed to shift back? Magic? If Benji could have figured out how to use his tongue, he would have stuck it out at Kody. Instead, he just let his head drop back against the wall again. This so totally sucked. Benji had been waiting his entire life to shift, wondering for most of it if he ever would. And now, now he had, and he didn’t have a clue how to shift back. Maybe he was meant to spend the first part of his life as a human and the rest of it as a cat. They could put him in a circus, and he could do tricks to amuse people. Wouldn’t that be a fucking blast of joy? “He’s not fully shifting.” Benji grimaced when he recognized Stellan’s voice. This would be the one time in his entire life when he heard the concern in his mate’s voice. It figured it would come when he was being ripped apart from the inside out. “I can see that, Stellan,” Kody replied.

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**** Kody had a feeling he knew what was going on. But his first priority was making Benji comfortable. “Get out.” “Excuse me?” Stellan said incredulously. “You heard me. I want everyone out of the room. Benji feels trapped, cornered. With only one person in the room, he’ll calm down and maybe finish shifting.” He heard the alpha grunt, shuffle his feet around, and then let out a deep sigh. “I’m getting really tired of you bossing me around.” Kody turned back to Benji and gave him a conspiratorial smile and then winked at the half-shifted lion. Benji’s head lifted from the wall, and Kody could have sworn he saw a smile in the lion’s eyes. “Fine, but I’ll be on the other side of that door.” Stellan pointed to the bedroom door as he glanced at the doctor. “Let’s go.” “But—” “We’ll give this a try. If it doesn’t work, then we’ll figure something else out.” The doctor looked hesitant but left with Stellan. Kody turned back to Benji. “Better?” The lion laid his head on the floor, staring up at Kody with big, soulful eyes. Kody took a chance and moved in a little closer. The lion’s head popped right back up, and then he flipped to his back, twisting around as if he were in pain. “How can I help, Benji? You have to find a way to tell me.” It hurt Kody’s heart to see the lion in so much pain, and he was only half shifted. There were parts of Benji that were still human, like his left leg and his hip area. One hand had claws, the other hand had fingers. The human hand pointed at Kody.

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“What? Me? What can I do?” Kody inched in closer still. When he got to within two feet of Benji, he nearly fell on his ass. The sweetest scent in the world crashed over him, stealing his breath from his lungs. “Mine!” he growled. Benji rolled back to his belly, panting heavily. Kody closed the distance, running his hand over Benji’s fur. “You know, don’t you?” The lion looked up at him pitifully. Kody curled a knuckle under Benji’s chin, staring into his emerald-green eyes. “You need my blood to complete your shift, don’t you?” The lion roared, pulling his head away from Kody’s grip. “Don’t you take that tone with me, Benji. I’m your mate, and I will do whatever it takes to help you.” The cat gave another roar, a little quieter than the last. “I’m going to get the doctor. He’s going to draw my blood and then inject you with it.” The lion backed farther into the corner, baring his sharp teeth. “Yeah, well. Deal with it. I won’t have you in pain and in a state of half shift.” Kody got to his feet and crossed the room, opening the door. “Can I see you a minute, Doc?” He held his hand up when Stellan tried to follow the doctor in. “Not yet.” Stellan pointed a finger at him as he growled. “My patience is wearing thin, Kody.” “Whatever.” “Hearing you loud and clear.” He closed the door after the doctor entered. “What can I do for him?” Kody rolled his sleeve back, sticking his arm out at the doctor. “Take my blood and give it to Benji.” “But that is only for mates,” the doctor said. Kody waited. Finally the doctor’s eyes rounded as understanding dawned in them. “That’s why he’s having a difficult time.” “Let’s get on with this.”

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The doctor nodded then hurried to a small black satchel sitting on the chair by the bed. He came back a moment later with a brand-new syringe and an alcohol swab. When Kody raised an eyebrow, the doctor shrugged. “I know we’re not supposed to be able to spread disease, but you can never be too careful. I’ve seen some nasty stuff in my time.” Kody nodded. A moment later he was wincing when the doctor stuck the needle part of the syringe into his arm and withdrew a vial of blood. “Not so good with that bedside manner, are you, Doc?” The doctor smirked up at Kody. “You try treating cats that weigh several hundred pounds, and see how you do.” Kody chuckled. “Point taken.” The doctor withdrew the needle and placed a cotton ball with some tape over the small needle hole before turning to look at Benji’s huddled form in the corner. “I’m not sure he’s going to take this from me. He’s pretty far gone right now. Even now he sees me as a threat.” Kody swung around to stare at Benji. The cat’s ears were pressed back low over his head as he growled menacingly at the doctor. Okay, Benji was pissed. Kody held out his hand. “Give me the syringe, Doc.” Once the doctor handed it over, Kody slowly moved toward Benji. The closer he got, the more Benji seemed to try and back himself into the corner. He hated that he had to do this when Benji wasn’t fit to give his opinion, but Benji wasn’t fit, damn it. “Benji, I refuse to let you suffer any longer.” Kody held up the syringe full of blood. “Now, we can do this one of two ways. You can let me inject you with this, finish your shift, and heal your wounds. Or I can hold you down and inject you. Either way, you are getting this injection.” Benji growled and narrowed his eyes. Kody braced himself for the fight he could see coming. He didn’t want to force Benji to accept him or his blood but—Kody grinned when Benji pushed his paw out far enough for him to reach it.

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“Good man.” Kody had no idea what he was doing. He glanced over his shoulder at the doctor. “Talk me through this, Doc. I’ve never given an injection before.” “It would be best if you could get the needle into the fleshy part of his neck. If not there, then the thigh. You need to get it into his circulatory system systemically through the blood stream. It’s the best route. Find a large vein or artery and shove the needle in then press the stopper.” Kody kept a close watch on Benji as he slowly crept forward. Even half-shifted, Benji could be dangerous. He was also the biggest damn lion Kody had ever seen, and he had seen a lot in his time. “Okay, Benji, this might hurt a bit, but I’m pretty sure it’s nothing compared to what you’re going through right now.” Kody spoke slowly but continued to talk as he grabbed a bit of skin around the nape of Benji’s neck, found the large vein, and stuck the needle in. “I can’t wait to see what you look like once you’ve fully shifted, Benji. You’ve got to be the biggest damn lion I’ve ever seen. I’ll bet you’ll be just as gorgeous in lion form as you are in human form.” Kody grinned when Benji turned his head and blinked up at him. “Yes, I think you’re gorgeous. Granted, it was kind of hard to tell with all the bruises covering your body, but I saw your eyes, and they are beautiful.” As soon as the syringe was empty, Kody pulled it free and handed it back to the doctor. He stared down at his mate in wonder. The fight seemed to have gone out of Benji. He just lay there on the floor panting heavily. Kody’s heart felt like it was breaking in two as he watched spasms of pain cross his mate’s features. His mate. Kody never thought he would find his mate. He was basically a rogue lion. The only reason he hadn’t been hunted down and exterminated was because the lion council decided to use him as an enforcer instead. His rogue status helped him stay away from others

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but kept him close enough to the edges of lion society to get the job done. And here lay one of his mates. Kody wasn’t sure how he felt about Stellan being the other one, but right now his full focus was on Benji and making sure he came through this process alive and whole. Benji growled, and then the rest of his body shifted into a lion. Kody grinned. He was stunning. “Look at you, Benji. You’re simply magnificent.” Benji shook his head around, his mane flying about. Kody reached out and ran his hand over his mate’s shiny coat. His fingers sunk deep as he gave the golden fur a slight tug. “You are a big one.” Benji backed away slightly, mistrust apparent in his eyes. Kody was getting really tired of this. He hadn’t done anything but show Benji his kinder side, something Kody rarely, if ever, let come out. “Now I want you to shift back.” Benji grunted and then his head swung back and forth. “Don’t get lippy with me, Benji. Now shift. Just think of your human form. Concentrate.” After a few minutes, Benji was standing before him in his human form, naked and covering his groin. His entire body was shaking as Benji stared at the ground. “I was right. You’re gorgeous in both forms.” Benji’s human form was so much smaller than the average height of a man, but his lion form was huge. Kody stayed rooted to the spot as he reached a hand out. “Come here, mate.” Benji’s head snapped up, his eyes narrowing. Fuck, Kody’s cock got hard just seeing the fire in his small mate’s eyes. It fascinated him how short and meek Benji appeared, yet how large and strong he was on the inside. He’d seen larger, fiercer men crumble under what Benji had lived through. The man was an enigma. “Why should I trust you? I don’t even know you.” “True, but have I done anything to give you an indication that I’m out to harm you?” Kody asked as he let his hand fall to his side.

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Benji snorted. “No, but doesn’t it always start out that way?” Kody found it hard to concentrate with a gloriously naked mate standing in front of him. He cleared his throat and then lifted his hand again. “Come to me, Benjamin.” Benji bit his bottom lip as he took a tentative step forward. Kody sighed. Getting Benji to trust him was going to be harder than the time he had to take down three feral lions at the same time. Wasn’t that always the case?

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Chapter 6 Benji wanted to trust Kody, he really did. Something about Kody called to him on a level that went right down to his soul. But he had felt the same way about Stellan, and look where that had gotten him. Would Kody leave him, too? Stellan had left without even looking back. Maybe it was him. Maybe there was something lacking in him that prevented his mates from wanting him. He couldn’t even hope that they would want him now that he could shift. He was too fuckedup. “You’ve helped me shift,” Benji said as he stopped a few paces away from Kody, “and while I appreciate that, I think it’s time for you to leave.” “I would be more than happy to go wherever you want to, mate,” Kody replied, “but I’m not going without you.” Benji cocked his head to one side, curious and confused all at the same time. “Why?” Kody’s mouth dropped open for a moment then snapped shut. “Because you’re my mate.” “And?” “And that means we stay together.” “Why?” Benji asked again because he just didn’t get it. “What part of mates don’t you understand, Benji?” “Pretty much all of it.” He thought he knew what mates were all about, until he met his, and then he knew he was wrong. “I am not Stellan.” Kody growled.

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Benji could feel himself start to shake as his mate’s name was mentioned. He glanced at the closed bedroom door. “He’s here, isn’t he? I wasn’t dreaming that.” “No, Stellan is really here.” “Why?” Benji glanced back at Kody. For the life of him, he couldn’t figure out why Stellan was here. Hell, he couldn’t figure out why Kody was here, or the doctor. He just didn’t understand any of this. Benji opened his mouth to tell Kody he needed to leave again when a wall of heat hit him so hard he almost dropped to his knees. Benji felt like he was being burned alive. He cried out and started clawing at his skin. “Oh god, he’s going into heat!” “What?” Kody shouted as he jumped to his feet. “He’s in heat,” the doctor said as he ran toward his satchel. “Everyone goes into heat after they mate. But usually they go through their transition before then. Not only is Benji a late bloomer, but he has two mates. It’s twice as bad. The blood transfusions are forcing the heat on him.” “Twice as bad?” Kody echoed. “What do I do?” “Keep him from clawing his skin off. I’ll give him a tranquilizer. It might keep him out of it long enough to go through his heat without hurting himself or anyone else.” Benji started shaking his head as the doctor walked toward him with another syringe in his hand. He had had enough of being knocked out and unaware of his surroundings. He didn’t want to do it again. When the doctor reached out to him, Benji shifted his hand into claws and swiped at the man. The doctor jumped back, dropping the syringe. The sound of it shattering on the floor filled the room. “That wasn’t very smart, young man,” the doctor snapped. “That was my last syringe.”

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Benji didn’t care. He didn’t want another shot. He didn’t want— god, he hurt. The pain was coming back, but it was different this time. It wasn’t a deep aching pain but more like someone was flaying his skin from his bones. Benji dropped to his knees as a particular hot wave of heat hit him. He cried out when he felt Kody’s hands grab him. The skin directly under Kody’s hand cooled as if the man was a wash of cold water. Benji groaned and moved closer to Kody. Once again he felt the need to rub himself all over the man, but this time, he wanted to do it to get some relief from the burning ache in his body. The fact that the man smelled like heaven was just a bonus. “Fuck, he’s burning up!” Kody exclaimed when he rubbed his hands over Benji’s body. “Doc, you have to do something.” “At this point, I’m afraid it’s up to his mates.” “What? Why?” “He’s in heat, Kody,” the doctor said. “The only way to alleviate his conditions is for his mates to claim him.” That thought made Benji tremble, but he wasn’t so sure that it came from fear. Kody was a handsome man and his mate. Shouldn’t he have the right to want him? Benji gave into his need and started rubbing himself against Kody. He sighed deeply. It felt so damn good. “Doc, I don’t know if I can—” Benji growled and rolled over to straddle Kody before he could finish that thought. He wasn’t going to be denied by a second mate. He wasn’t! Benji started ripping at Kody’s clothes, trying to get to bare skin. “Damn, Benji,” Kody said as he scrambled back, “slow down.” Benji didn’t want to slow down. He wanted to be claimed. He got it that Kody would leave afterwards. But just once, he wanted to feel like he mattered to one of his mates, like he was wanted. “I’m going to give you two a little time alone,” the doctor said as he backed out of the room.

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“Doc!” Kody shouted. “Wait, what—” Benji growled again and pounced, taking Kody down to the floor. He suddenly felt invigorated, powerful. Adrenaline ran through his veins, giving him strength he had never felt before. “Mine!” “Whoa, Benji, slow down.” “No!” Benji groaned as he pulled Kody’s shredded shirt off his body. There was so much naked skin. He leaned down and pressed his nose right in the middle of Kody’s chest and drew in a deep breath. Heaven! “I want.” “Benji, you’re going through a tough time right now. The blood has forced a heat on you. You don’t know what you’re asking.” Benji’s head snapped up. Why was Kody fighting him so much? “Don’t you want me?” “God, yes, I want you. I’ll always want you. But I refuse to take you when I don’t know if that’s what you really want. I won’t force you!” Benji cocked his head to one side in wonder. “That’s the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me.” Benji leaned down and pressed his lips against Kody’s. He wanted to be claimed, to feel what he had been missing all of these years. When Kody didn’t kiss him back or even open his mouth, Benji’s heart sank. Kody really didn’t want him. He leaned back, turning his face away, and started to climb off of Kody. “Wait, Benji.” Benji paused, but he refused to look at Kody. He didn’t want the man to see the tears of disappointment building up in his eyes. Why didn’t his mates want him? What was wrong with him? “Look at me, Benji.” Benji shook his head. “Please?”

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Benji slowly turned his head to look down at his mate. “Is this what you want, Benji?” Kody asked. “What you really want?” Benji swallowed hard then nodded. “I’m not Stellan, Benji. I won’t let you go. Ever! Once you’re mine, I’ll be keeping you.” Benji swallowed again. He knew Kody meant his words right now, but he also knew they weren’t true. Once Kody had what he wanted, he’d leave. Benji wouldn’t blame Kody. There had to be something wrong with him that made him unacceptable. He knew that. He just once wanted to feel like he mattered to someone. Benji leaned down to kiss Kody again. This time, Kody not only opened his mouth, but his arms wrapped around Benji’s shoulders, pulling him closer. Benji cried out in ecstasy as their chests met, skin against skin. The contact felt glorious, cooling Benji’s skin but starting a fire inside of him that he was pretty sure only Kody could put out. “Please,” Benji begged as he moved against Kody. “I have you, baby.” Kody rolled them over then sat up. He lifted Benji in his arms then stood and carried him to the bed in the corner of the room. Benji couldn’t take his eyes off of Kody as he watched the man dispose of the last of his clothing then climb up onto the bed. “You’re so handsome,” Benji whispered. His face flushed when he realized that Kody had heard him. “You think so, huh?” Kody grinned. Benji nodded. “As handsome as Stellan?” Benji frowned. “I don’t know. I’ve never seen Stellan naked.” Kody’s eyebrows shot up. “You haven’t?” Benji shook his head. “Have you ever—” Kody’s eyes went to Benji’s cock.

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Benji’s face flushed again as he shook his head again. He didn’t understand the wide grin that crossed Kody’s face at his admission. The man seemed thrilled with his virginal status. Benji hated it. It meant no one had ever wanted him. “Oh, mate,” Kody said as he climbed onto the bed and began crawling up between Benji’s legs, “I’m going to take such good care of you.” The lump building in Benji’s throat made it hard to talk. “Okay,” he whispered. Benji couldn’t tear his eyes away from what Kody was doing if it meant dying in the next ten minutes. The sight of the man’s mouth hovering over his hard cock was mesmerizing. When Kody’s tongue came out and licked across the top of his cock, Benji cried out, his head dropping back against the pillows. The hard suction he felt a moment later made Benji’s head snap right back up. His jaw dropped open as he watched Kody swallow his cock down all of the way to the bottom. “No one’s ever—I’ve never—you—” Benji gulped, unable to say more or make sense of anything except the feeling of Kody’s mouth moving up and down on his aching cock. Had he ever felt anything so good in his life? Lost in sensation, Benji blinked rapidly when Kody moved up onto his knees and reached around behind him. Kody’s lips never left Benji’s cock. Benji frowned and tried to see what Kody was doing. He had an idea but— “What are you doing?” Kody grinned around the erection in his mouth and wiggled his eyebrows. Benji’s eyes widened at the implication. “You’re—but I’ve never—” Benji groaned as more heat rushed through him, only this time, it didn’t hurt. In fact, it felt wonderful, warming Benji from the inside out. “Kody,” he groaned. He’d never had someone love on him, and he was afraid he’d disappoint Kody. He was also afraid that he would come in the next few moments. His cock felt like it was about to explode. “I can’t hold out.”

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Benji groaned when Kody’s hand suddenly squeezed the base of his cock and the man’s lips slipped off of his engorged flesh. “Oh, you’re going to last, baby, at least long enough for me to feel this beauty in my ass.” Benji blinked in surprise. “You don’t want to fuck me?” “I very much want to make love to you, but I also want to feel my mate’s cock in my ass.” Benji’s eyebrows shot up. “You’d let me top you?” Kody’s head snapped back. “Benji, we’re mates. There is no topping or bottoming between us. We do what feels good, and right now, I’m seriously hoping that your cock feels good.” “I’ve never—” Benji’s face heated. Kody grinned. “That’s what makes it even better. I get to be your first.” Benji was pretty sure that Kody was going to be his only, but he wasn’t about to mention that right now. He wanted to feel the man way too much to bring that up. “What do I need to do?” “Just lie there. I’ll do all the work.” Kody moved up until he straddled Benji’s hips. “If I get too heavy, let me know.” Benji nodded quickly. His eyes widened as he watched Kody lift up then slowly lower himself down. A full-body shudder ripped through Benji as his cock pushed into Kody’s warm heat. He clenched his hands in the sheets to keep from reaching for the man. He was just supposed to lie there and let Kody do the work, but it was so hard not to move. “Damn, I was right.” Kody groaned as his head fell back on his shoulders. “You feel fucking fantastic.” Benji blinked in surprise when Kody suddenly leaned over him, resting his arms on either side of Benji’s head. “Are you ready for this, baby?” Benji nodded. He knew a moment later when Kody began to move that he wasn’t. He had no clue it would feel this good or that he would want this so much. When Kody’s mouth began to lick a path

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across his chest, Benji couldn’t prevent himself from reaching up and sinking his hands into the man’s thick dark-brown hair. “So full, baby,” Kody murmured against Benji’s skin. “Feels so good.” Benji nodded, beyond speech. He felt like he was one big ball of sensation. “Gonna love fucking you next time.” Benji nodded again. “Are you going to claim me, Benji?” Kody whispered as he tilted his head to one side. Benji’s eyes landed on the rapid pulse beating in Kody’s throat. He licked his lips nervously. He knew what it meant if he bit Kody. They would be bound together forever, never to be apart. Their souls would merge, becoming one. “Are you sure?” Benji asked as he found his voice. This was a huge step. He wouldn’t do it if Kody wasn’t sure, no matter how much he wanted it. Once he claimed Kody, the man couldn’t deny that they were mates. They would need each other to survive. Kody was smiling as he turned his head to look down at him. “I’m sure, Benji.” Benji prayed that Kody didn’t grow to hate him as he took the man at his words and struck, sinking his teeth into Kody’s throat. Sweet, hot blood spilled over into his mouth. Benji heard Kody cry out above him just as his release exploded inside of him. Ecstasy unlike anything he had ever felt swept through Benji as he felt something inside of him snap into place. For the first time in his life, Benji felt accepted, needed. He felt wanted. A sudden warmth filled his entire body, and then he could feel Kody, not only physically but emotionally and mentally. He felt everything. “Kody!” Benji cried out as he was thrown into another mindblowing orgasm, this one even stronger than the first one. It started at his toes and rolled up his body to the top of his head, filling every cell in his body until he didn’t know where he ended and Kody began. It

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continued to grow and grow until Benji’s vision dimmed, and then he felt nothing but bliss…then nothing at all. **** “What in the hell are they doing in there?” Stellan snapped as he stared at the closed door standing between him and his mate. When the doctor didn’t answer, Stellan turned to glare at him. “Well?” “I…uh…” The doctor cleared his throat, looking a bit flushed as his eyes darted away. “I believe that Kody is claiming Benji.” “What?” Stellan shouted as rage filled him. Benji belonged to him, damn it! Stellan growled as he stormed over to the door and threw it open so hard it slammed against the wall. A haze of red began to fill his head as he spotted the two naked figures entwined on the bed together. The scent of cum hanging heavily in the air told Stellan exactly what the two men had been doing. “What have you done to my mate?” he snapped. Kody’s head snapped around, his canines bared as he growled at Stellan. “Mine!” The fucking lion had lost his damn mind. Stellan shifted, charging into the bedroom just as Kody leaped from the bed, shifting as well into his lion form. They clashed, both large lions hitting the floor as they tussled. Stellan swatted at Kody. Kody bit his hind leg. Stellan pulled free of Kody’s jaws as he spun around and charged again. Fur flew as teeth gnashed. “Stop!” Benji yelled from the bed. “Stop, please.” Stellan kept fighting. Seeing his naked mate on all fours, dangling close to the edge of the bed only reminded him how Kody had taken what was his. He roared and then pinned the other lion down, clamping his teeth around Kody’s neck. He began to apply pressure when he felt a weight on his back.

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Benji was pulling at his mane, yanking it hard. “Get off of him, now!” Stellan was torn between killing Kody and making sure his mate was all right. He couldn’t stand to look at the smaller man right now, knowing that he had allowed Kody to violate him. Stellan pressed harder into the other lion’s neck until something covered his eyes. “He’s my mate! Get off of him.” Stellan froze. What on earth was Benji talking about? He was Benji’s mate! Stellan released Kody, slowly backing away. Benji slid from his back and raced over to Kody, dropping to his knees as he ran his hands over the other lion’s fur. Stellan was confused as hell. He shifted, watching his mate administer to another. “Benji?” “You fool! Kody is my mate, and you just tried to kill him. Haven’t you caused enough pain in my life? Why would you take away the one person who actually wants me?” Stellan bristled at Benji’s harsh words. He took a step closer, inhaling deeply. His heart thundered in his chest when he realized he couldn’t smell either man. The only scent hanging in the air was that of sex and blood. Holy fuck! Stellan dropped to his knees beside Kody, checking him over for injury. “I didn’t know.” Benji’s head whipped around. His eyes narrowed. “You say that a lot.” Stellan was put into his place by his smaller mate. What could he really say? His mate was right, and he was oh so wrong. “I didn’t know that you weren’t supposed to hold a scent until we mated. I swear, Benji. I thought…” Stellan let his words trail off when Kody groaned and his eyes started to flutter. Something deep in Stellan’s chest shuddered and cracked as he watch Benji cradle Kody’s head in his lap. Benji’s hands were gentle as he brushed the dark-brown hair back from Kody’s face. That

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should have been him lying in Benji’s lap, and if he hadn’t fucked up so badly, it might have been. Stellan scooted away from the pair until he backed into the edge of the bed. He leaned back against it and pulled his knees up to his chest. It hurt to see his two mates huddled together when he knew he couldn’t be a part of it. There was no way in hell either of them would accept him now. “Is he okay?” Benji’s head snapped up. “What the fuck do you care?” “Benji.” “Don’t Benji me.” Benji growled. “You didn’t want me. Fine, I get that. But Kody does want me, and now you’ve tried to take him from me. Why do you hate me so much?” “I don’t hate you, Benji.” “You could have fooled me.” Stellan sighed. He just couldn’t win. He was damned if he did and damned if he didn’t. “I swear I didn’t know we were mates, Benji, not until a couple of days ago when Kody told me.” “How could you not know?” “Because I wasn’t raised in a pride like you.” Benji blinked for a moment. “You weren’t raised in a pride?” “No, my brothers and I were raised human. Oh, our adopted parents knew what we were, but we weren’t involved with any pride. Our pride was wiped out during the purge, including our birth parents. We were adopted by a human couple that was friends with my parents.” “Why didn’t another pride take you in?” “We were in hiding.” Benji’s eyes narrowed. “Why?” “We were betrayed to the hunters. My father was alpha just as I am now, and someone wanted to wipe out my family line. When our pride was attacked, my father rushed us into hiding and told us to not

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let anyone know where we were until we reached adulthood, that someone had it out for our specific family line.” “That’s horrible,” Benji whispered. Stellan shrugged. It was what it was. “When we became adults and were able to shift, my brothers and I started hunting for the man that had betrayed us. We found him. I killed him and took over his pride.” Benji’s eyes rounded. “The old alpha was the one that turned you over to the hunters?” Stellan nodded. “He wanted to be alpha.” Benji glanced down at Kody, continuing to stroke his hands gently over the man’s face. “I tried to tell you we were mates.” Stellan winced. “I know.” Tears streaked down Benji’s face when he looked up. “Why didn’t you believe me?” “Because I didn’t know, Benji. I swear I didn’t. I thought I would know my mate by scent. That it would hit me and I would just know. Except—” “I didn’t have a scent,” Benji finished for him. “No.” “Do I have one now?” Stellan swallowed hard. “No,” he whispered. Stellan wished to god Benji and Kody did. Then maybe he wouldn’t be in this mess.

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Chapter 7 Kody rolled to his side, wondering why he had willingly let Stellan overtake him. He knew he could give the alpha a run for his money, but something inside of him told him to relent. Mmm, now he maybe knew why. Benji’s hand stroked his mane, making Kody’s entire body tingle. Kody listened to the two converse as a purr rumbled through him. Had anything ever felt so peaceful in his life before? “You like that?” Benji asked as he looked down at Kody. Kody gave another purr as he licked his small mate’s hand. He could lie here all afternoon and get petted by the gorgeous man that fascinated the hell out of him. Kody had never let his guard down before. Now this small male had him hooked. “Will you shift?” Benji asked as he kissed Kody’s nose. He really didn’t want to. He was enjoying himself way too much. But since his mate had asked so nicely, Kody allowed the change to come over him. “I was enjoying myself.” Kody stuck his lower lip out in a pout. Benji smiled, and it seemed like the entire room lit up. Kody cupped his mate’s face, running his thumb over Benji’s cheek. “You’re gorgeous.” Benji giggled. “You said that already. “ “I’ll say it a hundred more times until you believe me.” Kody heard a grunt from behind him and turned to glance over at Stellan. He was still pissed at the man. Not for the fight, but for the way Stellan had treated Benji, making the man flee his very home.

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Kody wasn’t sure he could be so forgiving. Benji hadn’t forgiven Stellan yet, but Kody could see his small mate wavering. “Are you okay?” Stellan asked, his voice shaky. “No,” Kody answered. “I’m furious at the way you treated our mate. You don’t deserve him.” “Kody,” Benji reprimanded him softly. Kody didn’t want to hear it. Stellan was dead wrong. Even if he didn’t think Benji was his mate, he didn’t have to bring someone home and flaunt that person in front of Benji. If it were him that was treated that way, he would have kicked Stellan’s ass a long time ago. But it was Benji. The weak man with a strong heart and a spine of steel that made Kody want to get to know him better. Kody scooted back to lean against the wall then lifted Benji onto his lap. He could see Stellan’s lips tighten at the gesture, but too fucking bad. Kody was Benji’s mate just as much as Stellan was, and he could hold his mate if he wanted to. “I don’t know if you heard, but Stellan was telling me about why he couldn’t scent me as his mate,” Benji said. “Was he?” Kody asked, watching Stellan carefully. If the large alpha made a single wrong move, Kody would be all over his ass. “And just what did he have to say for what he did?” Benji shrugged. “Did he say he was sorry?” Kody knew Stellan hadn’t when he saw the man wince. Kody could feel a growl growing in his chest as his temper grew. “No, but—” “You didn’t even say you were sorry?” Kody snapped. “There hasn’t been time,” Stellan shouted right back. “There’s always time to say you’re sorry.” “Kody—” “Enough!” Kody blinked in surprise when Benji shouted then jumped off his lap and started pacing between him and Stellan. He glanced over at

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Stellan to see if the other man knew what was going on. Stellan just shrugged. “Benji?” “You know what,” Benji said as he suddenly stopped and slapped his hands onto his hips, “I’m not going to do this naked. Someone needs to go get my bags out of the truck so I can get dressed.” “Why are your bags in the truck, baby?” Kody asked as he slowly pushed himself to his feet. “Because I was leaving.” “You were leaving?” Kody glanced at Stellan again, but the man seemed just as clueless as he was. “Why were you leaving, Benji?” Benji frowned then swung around. “I don’t want to talk about it.” “Benji—” “Fine, if you won’t go get my clothes, I will.” Kody’s jaw dropped open as Benji grabbed the sheet off the bed, wrapped it around his hips, and then sashayed right out of the room. He stared after the little man for a moment, confused right down to his toes, then looked over at Stellan. “Do you have any idea what that was all about?” “Not a fucking clue.” Kody watched Stellan climb to his feet, trying to ignore how gorgeous the man was when he was still angry with him. He wanted to pound Stellan into the floor. And then he wanted to pound him into the mattress. Stellan was hot! “Are you going to attack me again?” Stellan asked, a wary look on his face. “No!” “Then why are you looking at me like that?” Kody felt his face heat as he quickly looked anywhere but at Stellan. He was confused by his conflicting feelings and didn’t want Stellan to see it in his eyes. Until he could sort all of this out, he needed to keep a distance between them.

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They both jumped when they heard Benji scream. Kody and Stellan ran for the door, flew down the steps, and rushed out of the front door. What the hell? **** Stellan growled when he spotted a pickup truck in the driveway with half a dozen men glaring angrily at his guards. He wasn’t too sure what was going on, but he didn’t like the fact that Benji was cowering behind his men. And in a sheet, no less. “What the hell is going on?” Stellan asked as he stepped off the porch and headed toward his guards. “They say they came to help Benji move,” one of the guards answered. Stellan looked over at his mate to see Benji’s entire body shaking. Stellan’s temper shot through the roof. Somehow, Stellan had a feeling that these men had something to do with the condition Benji was in. Before he could have the men pulled from the truck, the driver reversed and drove out of the dirt driveway, hitting the main road and taking off at breakneck speed. Yeah, Stellan didn’t think they wanted to stick around. He approached his shivering mate, wondering if Benji would allow him to give comfort. Stellan had fucked up, and he knew it, but he wasn’t just going to stand by while his mate had a nervous breakdown. “Benji? Who were those men?” Okay, maybe not the best choice of words to go with, but they were all Stellan had at the moment. He didn’t know what else to say. Benji turned to Stellan, his eyes wide as he looked as though he wasn’t aware anyone was around him. “Why? Why do they keep

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coming back for me?” Benji whispered as his knuckles turned white, holding the sheet in place. “I don’t get it. What have I done for them to hate me so much?” “Are those the men who hurt you, Benji?” Stellan asked gently as he warily approached Benji. His mate looked like he was about to snap any second. This wasn’t good. Stellan wanted to get his mates back to his pride where they could be protected. He knew Kody didn’t need it as much as Benji did, but the alpha in Stellan demanded he care for those unable to protect themselves. The mate in him demanded that he never allow anything to happen to either man ever again. He wanted both of them back at his pride. “Benji?” Kody asked as he jumped from the porch and headed their way. Stellan wanted to protest Kody interfering right now. He wanted to be the one to rescue their mate and somehow redeem himself in some small way. “I have this,” he said to Kody over his shoulder. Kody ignored Stellan and walked right past him to swing Benji up into his arms. He cradled Benji to his chest for a moment and then walked him right back into the house. Stellan stood there in the front yard, growling. He turned to his men, narrowing his eyes at every last one of them. “Find those bastards in that truck. I want to have a personal chat with them.” Stellan spun on his heel and walked into the house, not waiting for an answer. He knew his men would obey him without question, even if his mates would not. Stellan found Kody and Benji back in the bedroom, Kody gently rocking Benji tightly to his chest. Benji was shaking so hard Stellan was afraid the little man would shake apart. Stellan eyed the two men, his mates, and felt jealousy flood his system so hard he had to clench his fists to keep from smashing them into something. They were mates, both of them, so why did he feel like such a fucking outsider?

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He was starting to get tired of being the bad guy. So, he didn’t know alpha mates didn’t have a smell, and he didn’t acknowledge Benji as his mate. Sue him. He was new at the whole belonging to a pride thing. He didn’t deserve the cold shoulder he was getting. Stellan growled deep in his throat, spun around, and stormed out of the room. If his mates wanted to treat him like an outsider, so be it. He didn’t need mates. Besides, mates made an alpha weak, and he couldn’t afford to be weak. He had an entire pride depending on him. **** “I don’t think he’s very happy right now,” Benji murmured as he nuzzled his head under Kody’s chin. “And?” Kody snorted. Benji leaned back so he could look up into Kody’s face. “And he’s our mate. It’s our duty to make him happy.” Kody blinked down at Benji for a moment, his mouth dropping open. “You’re not serious.” “Uh…” Benji frowned. “Yes, I am.” “Benji, after everything he’s done to you, how can you—” Benji quickly reached up and placed his fingers over Kody’s mouth. “Stop. I do not need you constantly reminding what Stellan did. It’s not like I will ever forget. And before you ask, no, I have not forgiven him—yet. But that does not mean it won’t eventually happen. Stellan has a lot of groveling to do before then.” “You’re going to forgive him?” “Of course I am,” Benji said. “And so are you, and you know it, so give up this big-tough-man act and go find out if he’s okay.” “It’s not an act.” Kody growled. Benji rolled his eyes and climbed off of Kody’s lap. He waved his hand toward the door. “Go, and bring me back my clothes. I’m getting damn tired of running around in a sheet.” “I’m not.” Kody chuckled. “You look good in a sheet, baby.”

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“Go!” Benji pointed his finger at the door this time. Kody and Stellan would eventually learn who was the boss in this relationship, and it wasn’t them. Now that Benji had both men, he had every intention of molding their lives into the one he had dreamed of—even if the original dream had only included him and Stellan. There was always room for another mate in his heart. Kody started for the door then stopped and turned. “Benji, can I ask you something?” Benji’s eyebrows shot up. “Of course,” he said. “You can ask me anything. That doesn’t mean I’ll reply or give you the answer you want, but you can always ask.” “Why are you so willing to forgive Stellan after everything that has happened to you?” “He had nothing to do with what happened to me. Stellan is not responsible for the actions of a few boneheads.” Benji crossed his arms over his chest as much as he could while holding on to the sheet wrapped around him. “Am I mad at him? Yes. Did it hurt? Yes. Does it still hurt? Yes. But am I going to let him go because he fucked up? No.” Kody’s dark-brown eyebrows drew together and dipped down low over his eyes as he frowned. “I don’t understand you,” he said quietly. “How can you forgive him after what he’s done?” “What exactly has he done, Kody? Tell me.” “He refused to acknowledge that you were mates,” Kody snapped as his face darkened and his hands clenched. “He let you be abused when he should have been protecting you.” “First of all, he did not let me be abused. Even if we weren’t mates, he would have protected me if he knew what was happening. You know it, and I know it. Stellan is a good alpha. Secondly, he refused me because he truly did not believe we were mates. You know that. Hell, you had to explain it to him. How can I be angry at him because he didn’t know?” Kody’s eyes narrowed. “You love him, don’t you?”

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Benji swallowed hard. “Yes.” “Is there room for me in this great love you have for Stellan,” Kody snapped, “or am I just an afterthought?” Benji’s mouth dropped open as Kody spun on his heels and stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him. He just stood there in stunned silence, trying to figure out what in the hell had just happened. Kody was obviously angry at him, but damned if Benji could figure out why. He wasn’t going to lie to Kody about his feelings for Stellan, but those feelings didn’t mean he didn’t care for Kody, too. He imagined with time, he would come to love Kody just as much as he loved Stellan. There just hadn’t been time. Benji walked over and sat down on the side of the bed. He had no idea why both of his mates were angry with him, and he knew they were. They had both stormed out of the room, leaving him all alone. Maybe that was a clue. Stellan didn’t seem to like him being with Kody, and Kody didn’t want him with Stellan. Benji inhaled sharply as he realized that maybe that was the problem. They were jealous. “Oh god,” Benji whispered as tears sprang to his eyes. It was him. He was the problem. Again. Both of his mates had gotten angry when he was in the picture. It was like they didn’t want him there, that they just wanted each other. Benji pushed his hand through his hair as he glanced around the room. He needed to get the hell out of here before he lost it. He had made a fool of himself three years ago in front of Stellan when it was obvious the man didn’t want him, and here he was doing the exact same thing with Kody. No wonder Stellan had never said he was sorry. He had nothing he was sorry for. He really didn’t want him, even now that he knew they were mates. He wanted Kody. It made a weird sort of sense to Benji. Kody was so strong and powerful. He was the type of man that needed to stand at the side of an alpha.

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Benji couldn’t even protect himself from a bunch of town bullies. Stellan wouldn’t want him to stand at his side. He’d be the laughing stock of the pride. And Kody, he wouldn’t want to have to constantly rescue Benji. It would get old after awhile. Benji jumped when the bedroom door suddenly opened and a stranger walked in. He started to shake until he spotted the bags the man was carrying. They were his bags from the truck. “I was told to bring you your stuff.” The man’s upper lip curled for a moment as he looked Benji up and down, and then he turned and walked right back out of the room, shutting the door behind him. Benji stared at the door in shock. The man hadn’t even knocked. He just barged in, said he was supposed to bring the bags in, and left. Not another word, not an apology for barging in. Nothing. It was like he thought Benji was the scum beneath his feet. Benji’s shoulders slumped. He hated this shit. He had enough of it when he was growing up. He refused to live it now that he was an adult. It was one of the reasons he had left the pride, just not the main one. Benji jumped up from the bed and grabbed his bags. He carried them over to the bed and dropped them down then opened them and started searching for clean clothes. After finding what he needed, Benji zipped the bags back up and set them by the door where he could easily get to them. He grabbed the clothes he had chosen to wear and carried them into the bathroom. Benji’s shower was quick. He just needed to wash the scent of sex off his body. When he left, he didn’t want to take anything with him that wasn’t his, and that included Kody’s scent. He didn’t need the reminder that he wasn’t wanted. Benji didn’t think he’d ever forget. He climbed from the shower, dried off, and then quickly got dressed. Benji knew everything he owned was still in the truck, so there was nothing keeping him here. He grabbed his bags and carried them out of the bedroom, heading straight for the front door.

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Benji could feel curious eyes watching him as he walked through the house and out the front door. Even more eyes watched him step down from the porch and make his way to the side of the house where his truck was located. He put his bags in the cab of the truck then went around to the back to check on Danby and the chickens. His heart started beating faster when he opened the back of the truck and found it empty. Frantic with fear, Benji glanced around until his eyes landed on the barn. He took off running, praying with everything in him that his little family was still alive and unhurt. Throwing open the door to the barn, Benji skidded to a stop when he saw a man sitting on the floor of the barn, feeding Danby an apple. The chickens were scattered around him, pecking at the ground. “Oh, hey, you must be Benji,” the man said as he looked up. He laughed softly when Danby butted against him. “This guy is so cute. And he’s very well mannered. He hasn’t tried to knock me over once.” Hmm, now how was he going to get his goat and chickens and run?

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Chapter 8 Kody found Stellan behind the house, talking with one of his men. He waited until the alpha was finished before approaching him. “You’ve got some nerve.” Stellan turned to him, crossing his arms over his chest as he waited for Kody to finish. Kody leaned against the house, stuffing his hands behind his back as he raked Stellan with his eyes. “I don’t see why Benji should forgive you. Even if you didn’t think he was your mate, you shouldn’t have flaunted someone in front of him.” Stellan sighed as he placed his hands on his hips, staring off into the back pasture. “How many ways can I say I didn’t know? Don’t you think I have beaten myself up every which way from Sunday? I know it doesn’t mean anything to you.” Stellan gave Kody his back. Kody’s jaw twisted as he clenched it, looking at his mate’s back. He kicked his foot back, resting the heel against the house as he turned his head, looking away. What could he say? Stellan was going to continue to harp on the fact that he didn’t know, and Kody was going to continue to blame him for what happened to Benji when all of this could have been avoided. “You know,” Stellan started and then paused. Kody waited. “I’m walking through this blindly, just as the two of you are. But the thing is, you have each other. I have no one.” Stellan walked away, heading around the side of the house. Kody watched him walk away. If Stellan thought he was going to run after him, the alpha had another thing coming. He started to walk after Stellan to give the man a piece of his mind, when he heard a truck start up.

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Kody had a sinking feeling as he pushed away from the house. He took off around the corner to see Benji’s truck barreling down the driveway. Kody growled, shifted, and then took off after his little mate. His paws hit the earth at a rapid pace as he outraced the vehicle. When Kody got far enough ahead, he spun around, blocking Benji’s exit. His mate had to either stop or run him over. He was praying Benji stopped. Kody saw Benji’s eyes widen as he hit the brakes, the ass end of the truck fishtailing and throwing dust from the road up into the air. Kody stalked around the truck, seeing his mate watch him from behind the wheel with wide eyes. He shifted back to human form and tore the door open. “Mind telling me where the hell you think you’re going.” Benji jutted his jaw out, wearing a look of defiance. “Away from my mates. I know when I’m not wanted.” Kody growled, pulling Benji from the truck. Benji smacked at him, trying to twist his arm free. Kody wrapped his arms around his combative mate. “Stop struggling and talk to me, Benji.” “Why?” Benji snapped. “I see it written all over the walls. I was just too stupid to look at it.” Kody was confused as hell. He pulled Benji into his arms, making his mate look at him. “What writing?” Benji turned his head, refusing to look at Kody. “You don’t want me.” Kody was floored. He stared at Benji, slacked-jawed. “I let you claim me. What part of that did you misconstrue as not wanting you?” “Liar! You’re mad at me. Stellan’s mad at me. If you take me out of the equation, then you two should be very happy together.” Kody flipped the problem over in his mind, examined it from every angle, and couldn’t see it adding up to Benji’s conclusion. “You have no idea what you’re talking about, Benji.” Benji’s eyes hardened, and his lips pressed tightly together. Kody knew almost instantly that he had used the wrong words. He curled

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his hand around the back of Benji’s head and grabbed a handful of straw-blond hair, yanking Benji’s head back as gently as he could, but he wanted Benji’s attention. “I have no doubt that given a chance, Stellan and I can be reasonably happy. We’re mates. But we will never be complete without you, Benji. You are our mate, too, and we need you just as much as we need each other.” Had he just said that? Kody blinked in surprised. Since when did he get all mushy? When wonder shined in Benji’s emerald-green eyes as he quickly dipped his head, Kody was glad he had said it—just confused. Not because he didn’t mean it but because he had said it. He so wasn’t the sappy type. “Now, I don’t know how you got it into your head that Stellan and I don’t want you, but I’ll take you over my knee the next time you try and leave us like that. Is that understood?” Benji’s head snapped up. There was a glint of something in his mate’s eyes that made Kody swallow hard. “You and what fucking army?” Benji snapped as he planted his hands on Kody’s chest and pushed. Oh damn! Kody knew he was being reprimanded by his mate, but it was so fucking hot seeing the fire in Benji’s eyes, especially considering what the guy had been through. Maybe Benji was finally starting to fight back. Kody couldn’t help but wonder which one was Benji’s true personality. Was he the scared, beaten little man he had first met or the sexy spitfire in his arms? Both brought something out in Kody that he wasn’t sure he was ready to examine. But whatever is was, it pulled at Kody and kept him fascinated. The scared Benji made Kody want to slay all of his demons and protect him from the world. The little spitfire made Kody want to bend Benji over the seat of his truck and fuck him until he couldn’t walk.

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He couldn’t decide which one to go with. Maybe Stellan could help him figure it out. Kody grabbed Benji and tossed the little man over his shoulder. He slammed the door on Benji’s truck then started back up the driveway to the house, Benji kicking and screaming the entire way. When Kody reached the front steps, he turned and pointed to the closest soldier. “You, go get Benji’s truck.” He growled when the man just stood there and stared at him. “Don’t think I won’t beat you into submission if I have to.” “You are not my alpha,” the soldier sneered. Kody rolled his eyes. He didn't have time for this shit. “Stellan, you want to help me out here?” “Do as he says,” Stellan said from the top of the porch steps. “We’re gonna have to talk about that,” Kody said as he climbed the steps, “but first I’d like to speak with you inside.” Kody walked past Stellan into the house. He carried Benji directly into the bedroom and dropped him on the bed. “Hey!” “Enough out of you, Benji.” Kody pointed a warning finger at the defiant man. Kody swung around and stormed toward the door, reaching it just as Stellan walked through. Kody grabbed him by his shirt collar and slammed him into the wall next to the door. Before Stellan could get over his shock and respond, Kody leaned in and claimed the man’s mouth in a kiss that made him rock-hard in seconds. He ran his tongue across Stellan’s lips until they parted, then delved inside to explore and conquer. He was tired of pussyfooting around where his mates were concerned. They were his mates. It was time for him to set down some rules. Alpha be damned. Starting with the fact that both men belonged to him. Panting heavily, Kody lifted his head after a few moments. He stared at Stellan for several seconds, Stellan’s smoky-blue eyes

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staring back at him, dazed and filled with passion. Kody liked that look on the alpha. “Benji needs to learn the consequences of leaving his mates,” Kody said. “Now, are you going to spank him, or am I?” Stellan’s dark eyebrows dropped down as he frowned. “I’m not going to spank Benji.” Kody tilted his head slightly as he considered the vehemence he heard in Stellan’s voice. The man sounded outraged, but his eyes gave a different story. They spoke of interest. “Maybe you need a spanking then.” Stellan’s eyes widened. Kody caught a glint of heat building in Stellan’s eyes before the man pushed him away. Well, wasn’t that interesting? “No one spanks me,” Stellan snapped. “I’m the alpha.” “Like I give a shit.” Kody snickered. He stepped back and crossed his arms over his chest as he looked at Stellan. The man so desperately needed to be spanked he was practically vibrating. “I don’t belong to your pride, Alpha. I don’t answer to you.” Stellan stood to his full height, which was still a few inches shorter than Kody. “I’m still an alpha.” “And I’m still an alpha mate.” Kody knew in a fight he could take Stellan. He just didn’t want to. Beating Stellan in a fight meant taking over his pride. Kody would rather have his canines pulled with a pair of rusty pliers in a dirty van that was parked in a back alley. Getting Stellan hot under the collar was another story. Kody needed Stellan’s help to get Benji into shape, but first he needed to prove to Stellan that he wasn’t all that. Being alpha came with an ego the size of the moon. Kody needed to take Stellan down a peg or two then console him as only a mate could. Pissing him off was a sure way to do that. “I’m finally starting to see why you never claimed Benji,” Kody said. Inwardly he winced at what he was about to say, but he needed Stellan riled up. “You’re too chickenshit to claim your mate.”

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“Kody!” Benji exclaimed from behind him, shock apparent in his voice. “You don’t know what in the hell you’re talking about,” Stellan snarled. “He’s five-foot nothing, and you can’t even claim him. You don’t have a chance in hell of ever claiming me.” Kody purposely put a sneer on his face as he looked Stellan up and down. “No wonder Benji left your ass.” Stellan roared with outrage. Kody could see it in the red rage filling his mate’s face. He braced himself and caught Stellan in his arms when the man leapt across the room and attacked him. They both went down, hitting the hard floor with a loud crash. As they were rolling around on the floor, both of them fighting for top position, Kody heard Benji go running out of the room screaming for help. Well, shit. That was going to ruin all of Kody’s plans. As quickly as he could, Kody rolled Stellan onto his back and straddled him, holding his arms up over his head. Stellan’s eyes were huge as he stilled, staring up at Kody in astonishment. “I am stronger than you, Stellan. I will always be stronger than you. However, I have no designs on your position. I have never wanted to be alpha in my life. Being alpha mate is another story all together. Now, you can either take my strength and use it to your advantage or you can continue to fight me. The choice is yours.” Stellan blinked. Kody wondered if the man actually understood what he had said. Before Kody could ask him, he heard several sets of footsteps running into the house. Kody instantly rolled him and Stellan over until it looked like his mate had him pinned to the floor. Just as the door burst open, Kody winked up at Stellan. Stellan reared back and stared down at Kody for several seconds before turning to glare at the soldiers that had run into the room. “What?” “We’re sorry, Alpha,” one of the soldiers said, “but Benji said you and Kody were fighting.”

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“And?” “We came in to help.” “Do I look like I need help?” The soldier glanced at where Stellan’s hands were wrapped around Kody’s wrists, holding them down to the floor. His eyes snapped over to Stellan before lowering submissively. “No, sir!” “Then get the hell out.” Soldiers scrambled toward the door so fast that they practically tripped over each other to escape. The second the door slammed shut behind them, Stellan looked back down at Kody. Confusion was written all over his face. “Why did you do that?” Stellan asked. “You had me dead to rights.” “Because this is between us. It has nothing to do with them.” “But you beat me,” Stellan protested. “And, more than likely, I’ll beat you again. Both of us are too stubborn not to fight in the future, and I will never lie down like a rug under your feet. But I won’t ever do it in front of your pride.” “Why not?” “It’s my responsibility to support you no matter what, not make you appear weaker than me. You run the pride, not me. I don’t want it.” Stellan’s eyes narrowed. “What do you want?” Kody grinned. “Glad you asked.” He grabbed Stellan by the collar again and pulled him down until their lips smashed together. He loved how Stellan responded to him, at first stunned, and then kissing him back like he needed it more than he needed his next breath. “Fuck me,” Kody demanded when they finally came up for air a few moments later. His body shuddered at the idea of being claimed by his alpha. “Claim me.” Stellan’s eyes blazed, filling with lust. “Take your clothes off.” “Make me.”

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The heat burning in Stellan’s eyes ramped up a notch, turning his smoky-blue eyes darker. He reached down and grabbed the front of Kody’s shirt and ripped it in two. Kody was thrilled—and more turned on than he could remember being, well, since Benji. When Stellan went for the zipper of his jeans, Kody tore at his mate’s shirt. Turnabout was fair play. If he had to be naked, so did Stellan. And he wanted skin now. “Faster, Stellan.” Stellan growled and flicked his claws out. Kody arched an eyebrow. Stellan grinned and made a perfect slice through Kody’s jeans, so close to his skin that Kody felt the displaced air move over the fine hairs of his body. Kody raised his hand in front of Stellan and flicked out his claws. He was totally into tit-for-tat. “Careful there, kitty,” Stellan said. “You slice anything important off and this will be the shortest claiming in history.” “Wouldn’t dream of it.” Kody was very careful as he sliced through Stellan’s jeans then pulled the shredded material away from the alpha’s legs. When their bodies finally came together, they both sighed deeply. For Kody, he felt like he was coming home. He wondered if that was why Stellan had sighed as well. Kody pushed up and rolled them over before Stellan could protest. Kody almost laughed at the astonishment on Stellan’s face. He didn’t think he would ever get over pinning his mate to the floor. He planned on doing it as often as he could—as long as they were alone…and naked. “I’m letting you claim me because you’re my mate, and I want to feel your cock in my ass, but don’t take it as a weakness on my part. I like giving and receiving, and I plan on doing both, with both of my mates.” Kody watched Stellan’s eyes widen. That was his cue to prove one more thing to his stubborn mate. He grabbed Stellan and flipped him over onto his stomach. Before the alpha could protest, he brought his hand down on Stellan’s ass then leaned down close to Stellan’s ear.

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“I also plan on paddling this tight little ass one of these days.” Kody licked a line over the curve of Stellan’s ear, his heart speeding up when Stellan shuddered. “And if you’re really lucky, mate, I’ll do it while I’m fucking you.” “Kody,” Stellan groaned. “Yes, mate?” Stellan turned his red face to the side so he could look up at Kody. “We need lube. Front pocket of my jeans.” Kody’s eyebrows shot up. “You carry lube in your pocket?” That didn’t sit well with him. He could feel jealousy start to fill him. “Why?” he growled. “Duh, I thought I was coming down here to claim my mate.” “You are.” “I thought I was coming down here to claim my other mate, but you’ve already done that.” “No, I haven’t.” Stellan blinked then wiggled until he could roll over. “Yes, you did.” “No.” Kody shook his head. “Benji claimed me. I haven’t claimed him yet.” “Why not?” Kody could feel his face flush as he glanced away. An instant later, he felt Stellan’s hand cup the side of his face, turning his head back. “Kody?” Stellan said quietly, which was probably a good thing and maybe why he was such a good alpha. If Stellan had demanded an answer, Kody would have told him to go to hell. Knowing how to read someone was a good trait in an alpha. “Tell me, please.” Kody shrugged. “That seemed like something you should do.” “I should do? I don’t understand.” Kody huffed quietly. “Benji’s a virgin. I got his first time fucking someone else. I figured you should get his first time being fucked.”

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He shrugged. “Assuming he’s still talking to us and not running away again.” “But you do plan on claiming him, right?” “Oh, hell yeah, just as soon as you do. Then I’m going to claim you.” “Kody, I’m not sure I’m ready for that.” Stellan’s forehead creased as he glanced down at Kody’s chest. Kody wondered if Stellan knew he was stroking him or if it was subconscious. It was like Stellan was trying to soothe him. “I’ve never bottomed before.” “No sweat, mate. Until Benji, I’ve never bottomed before either.” Stellan’s eyes snapped up to Kody’s. “And now?” “And now I’ll gladly do it again.” Stellan’s eyebrows shot up. “That good?” “Oh, hell, yeah.” “Then get the damn lube!” Kody laughed as he climbed off of Stellan and crawled over to the shreds of denim that used to be a pair of jeans. He flipped the material around until he found a pocket then dug into it until his fingers closed around a small tube of lube. Holding it up, he shook his head. “We’re gonna have to get a bigger bottle. This will never do, not with three of us.” “I’ll send one of the soldiers into town after we’re done.” Kody’s head snapped around. “The hell you will. Your soldiers don’t need to know anything about our sex life.” “And you don’t think they know exactly what we’re doing in here?” Stellan snorted. “If they don’t now, they will soon enough.” “Do you want to continue to talk about it or do you want to fuck me?” Stellan pressed his lips together and held out his hand. Kody grinned and slapped the lube into his mate’s hand then climbed onto the bed, sticking his ass into the air. He really didn’t want to talk about what the soldiers might or might know. There were just some things that shouldn’t be for public knowledge.

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All thoughts of the soldiers shot out of Kody’s mind when he felt Stellan’s hands on his ass. He held his breath as each cheek was caressed. Squirming was a definite possibility. “Stellan,” Kody groaned when the man continued to avoid touching him where he really wanted to be touched. “Is this what my big kitty wants?” Stellan asked as he pushed one finger into Kody’s ass. “Yes!” “You’re very tight, Kody. This may take a little extra stretching.” “To–told you, no one has fucked me except Benji.” “Good to know.” Kody’s eyes nearly crossed when Stellan inserted another finger. When he had been with Benji, he’d done the stretching. It brought on a totally different feeling to have someone do it for him. “Fuck, that feels good.” “Yeah?” “Oh hell yeah.” Kody dropped his head into his arms. By the time Stellan pushed in another finger a few minutes later, Kody was clenching the sheets and biting the pillow beneath him. He finally understood the words pillow biter. He was firmly a card-carrying member of that club, and he’d shout it from the rooftops just as soon as he could breathe again. “Stay still, babe. No time for foreplay. This is going to be fast and dirty.” “I like fast and dirty.” Kody groaned as Stellan’s hard cock slowly slid into his ass. It burned more than he remembered, but the pleasure behind that burn brought tears to Kody’s eyes. “Move, damn it,” Kody shouted as he pushed back, impaling himself on Stellan’s cock. “Oh fuck,” Stellan groaned, his fingers digging into Kody’s hips. “I wish you hadn’t done that.” Kody started to turn and look over his shoulder to ask what the man meant when Stellan just suddenly went wild, pounding into him

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with such force that Kody actually had to dig his hands into the bed to keep from being pushed up into the wall. “You really shouldn’t have done that, Kody.” “See–seems to be w–working to me.” Kody reached under his body and wrapped his fingers around his cock, stroking himself furiously. The double sensation of having Stellan in his ass and his hand wrapped around his cock was mindblowing. “Ste–Stellan, close,” Kody panted. “Not yet, you’re not.” Stellan growled as he wrapped an arm around Kody’s chest and pulled him backwards until they were pressed together. “I still have to claim you.” Kody decided he would think about it later why he screamed like a girl when Stellan’s canines sank into the skin between his shoulder and throat. He’d have to. He was too busy drowning in a sea of ecstasy as he shot all over the bed. Kody could swear that the roar Stellan let out shook the windows. It was gratifying knowing he could make the alpha sound like that. It was disconcerting to know Stellan made him scream like a girl—and embarrassing as hell. He groaned when Stellan pulled out of him and collapsed down on the bed beside him. But he felt better when Stellan grabbed him and pulled him close to his chest. Kody smiled and laid his head down on the pillow next to Stellan. “So,” Stellan drawled lazily, “you’ve been claimed.” Kody chuckled. “Is this what you two have been doing in here this entire time? Fucking?” Kody’s head snapped up and he glanced over Stellan’s shoulder to see Benji standing in the doorway. He could tell his mate was fuming. His eyes were narrowed into little slits of emerald-green on his pale face.

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“Well, I can certainly see that you two don’t need me,” Benji snapped before spinning around and stomping out of the room. Stellan arched an eyebrow as he stared down at Kody. “He really does need his ass paddled, doesn’t he?” “Ya think?” “Come on,” Stellan said as he patted Kody on the hip then rolled to the side of the bed. “Let’s go find our wayward mate. You can hold him down while I paddle his ass.” Kody grinned as he scooted to the edge of the bed, sitting next to Stellan. He stared down at the remains of their clothing in dismay. “Uh, we may have a problem.” “What?” “Someone has to get our bags so we can get dressed.” “There’s an upside to being the alpha.” Stellan winked as he climbed to his feet and started toward the door. He pulled the door open and pointed to one of the guards standing right outside. “Go get my bag out of the SUV and Kody’s bag out of his truck. And don’t take forever.” “Yes, sir.” Stellan closed the door and turned, leaning back against it. “And that’s how it’s done.”

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Chapter 9 Stellan wasn’t smiling twenty minutes later when he discovered Benji was missing. As a matter of fact, he was scowling. Kody was worried. Concerned. Hell, he was fucking livid. He didn’t understand why Benji kept running away from him. It seemed like every time he turned around, Benji was taking off. It was becoming a routine that Stellan planned on breaking. Just as soon as he found his smaller mate. He wondered if he should stop trying to analyze the situation so much and take it at face value. Maybe Benji kept running because he didn’t want to be mates. Maybe it had nothing to do with his not knowing they were mates due to the lack of scent. Stellan had never really stopped to consider this. Kody had a delicious scent now, and it drove Stellan up a wall every time he stepped near the man. It was the most arousing thing he had ever smelled in his life. Stellan couldn’t help but wonder if Benji would smell just as good—assuming he could find his errant mate. “I want you to divide up into two search groups,” Stellan said as he faced his men. “One group needs to go into town and search for Benji. The other group needs to search out here. I’ll also need someone to stay behind just in case he comes back.” “Alpha, I don’t mean to be impertinent, but why don’t we just sniff him out?” one of the soldiers asked. “Wouldn’t that be easier than breaking into groups and searching for him?” Stellan rubbed the bridge of his nose. “Because Benji doesn’t have a scent.”

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The gasps Stellan heard from several of his soldiers were telling. He knew not all of his soldiers had been polite to Benji, and he had meant to talk to them about their attitude. There just hadn’t been time. He was too busy trying to claim his mate. Or in the very least stop him from getting so mad at Stellan. “He’s your mate?” one of the soldiers asked incredulously. “He is.” Stellan waved his hand to the man standing beside him. “As is Kody. Unfortunately, we have not yet been able to complete the mating, so Benji has no scent yet. So, we’ll have to search for him by sight not scent.” “I’ll lead the group into town,” Kody said. Stellan nodded. “I’ll take the one here.” The group of soldiers immediately broke into two separate groups. Kody and the soldiers in his group headed off for town. Stellan turned and searched for the soldier that had taken care of Benji’s animals. “Banyan, I’d like you to stay here at the house, keep an eye on Benji’s animals. If he comes back this way, call me or Kody on our cell.” Banyan nodded and took off for the barn. Stellan turned to the rest of the group and nodded. As one, they fanned out and started searching the area surrounding Benji’s farmhouse and barn. Stellan searched the entire inside of the house, surprised when he found the remains of an art studio in the loft above the living room. There wasn’t much there now except for some paint splattered on the floor and walls and some empty canvas frames leaning against one wall. Stellan didn’t know if the small space was Benji’s art area or if the area looked that way when he bought the place. It was just another thing he didn’t know about his mate. It only added to the long list he already had. He could only hope they were able to find Benji so he would have a chance to learn every damn little thing about the man that there was to learn. Stellan felt like shooting himself in the foot for not claiming

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Benji when he had the chance. He should have followed his instincts instead of his head. His head obviously wasn’t screwed on straight. The longer it took to find Benji, the more frantic Stellan started to feel. He remembered feeling pretty much the same when Benji had disappeared the last time, and now he knew why. While he might not have consciously known Benji was his mate, his subconscious had, and his lion was pissed. Stellan had always preferred the level headedness he excelled at. He could see the ins and outs of any situation at a glance, strategize in ways that always brought him out on top, and he never looked back on any decision he made. Until now. Besides the fact that he hated the level headedness that made him decide not to claim Benji three years ago, at the moment it seemed to have left him high and dry. His mind kept jumping from one horrible scenario to another, always with Benji being in some sort of danger. He couldn’t settle on any one single horrible thought. Stellan felt like he was being pulled in twenty different directions. He wanted to be with Kody, to draw on the man’s natural strength. He wanted to be with Benji, to soak in that man’s natural sweet nature. He just wanted to be with his mates—both of them. “Alpha.” Stellan swung around to see one of his soldiers standing behind him. He frowned, vaguely remembering something about this particular soldier giving Kody a hard time. This was one of the guys Stellan needed to talk to. Just not right now. Finding Benji came first. “Yes?” “There’s been movement on the far side of the barn near the tree line.” Stellan shifted and took off running as fast as his paws would carry him toward the woods. He could hear the soldier running behind him, but the faster Stellan ran, the more space grew between them.

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When Stellan reached the edge of the trees, he slowed down and started looking around, listening with his ears. Lions had excellent eyesight. Even if his sense of smell where Benji was concerned was shot to hell, he might be able to hear him. He could see footprints on the ground. As he looked at each one, each twig overturned and each blade of grass pressed down into the dirt, Stellan began to suspect that there had been a struggle of some sort. At least, he thought it was a struggle. The more he looked, the more confused Stellan became. There were several broken twigs. Large areas of grass had been smashed into the ground. There were even a few overturned rocks. Stellan’s natural ability to study almost any situation and draw the correct conclusion kicked in, and he knew this was a setup. Whoever made the disturbance in the small area had meant it to look like a struggle. But it wasn’t. Stellan turned to shift and tell his soldier to run for safety when he felt a sudden throbbing pain in his shoulder. He caught the flash of red imbedded in his flesh right before his legs gave out and he crashed to the ground. Stellan blinked. His head started swimming as a deep dizziness filled him. He rolled his head back to look up when a shadow passed over him, frowning when he saw his soldier standing over him, a dart gun held in his hand. “He’s on his way out,” the soldier said as he handed the dart gun over to someone standing on the other side of Stellan. “He’ll shift back to human form once he’s unconscious.” “What about in his lion form?” the stranger asked. Stellan was too weak to turn and see who it was, but he swore to himself he’d chew off their nuts the second he could see straight. He’d start with his very own soldier. “He shouldn’t be any trouble. He’s as dumb as a box of rocks in lion form, complete animal.”

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Stellan blinked dazedly. That wasn’t true. He was just as sentient in lion form as he was in human form. The soldier knew that. He had to. “And you’re sure the other one will come after him?” Stellan tried to growl, but it came out as more of a whimper. “I’m positive,” the soldier sneered. “They’re mates.” Stellan wanted to scream and rail at the soldier for betraying him, for betraying Kody and Benji. But he was having trouble keeping his eyes open. They started to flutter closed just as the stranger bent over him. Stellan caught just a glimpse of straw-blond hair before he slipped away. **** Benji had never been so happy to have no scent as he was when he watched one of Stellan’s soldiers shoot his mate and then Stellan took a dirt nap. He had been about to announce his presence when the soldier ran up behind Stellan, pulled some sort of gun, and shot a redfeather-tipped dart into Stellan. He’d been holding his breath ever since, praying that he wouldn’t be discovered. He knew the soldier couldn’t smell him, but that didn’t mean the man couldn’t hear him. Benji knew he had to be totally silent—at least until the soldier left. And then Benji had every intention of following Basco to wherever he planned on taking Stellan. How Basco ever got involved with one of Stellan’s soldiers Benji would never know. But the fact that Basco was going to die for taking his mate away was certain. Benji would rip out his throat himself. “I have to get back before they notice that I’m gone,” the soldier said. “You’re sure he’ll slip back to human form when he’s unconscious?”

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“It may take a little while for his body to figure out he’s unconscious rather than just asleep, but yeah, he should. We can stay in lion form when we’re simply asleep, but we always revert to our human form when we’re unconscious.” Benji frowned as he stared down at the soldier. He didn’t know the man at all. He’d only met him a couple of times, and those times that he did have to be around him, he discovered he didn’t like that man. But even Benji knew the man was lying. Benji just couldn’t figure out why he was lying. The moment the soldier slipped away, Benji scurried down the tree he was sitting in. He hid behind some bushes and watched as Basco and a couple of his friends carried Stellan off into the woods. As soon as he thought it was safe, Benji followed after them, using every skill he knew or had learned over the years to keep himself from being detected, even if it was in human form at the time. Stellan’s life was at stake here. Benji may have issues with the man, serious issues, but Stellan was still his mate. And Benji would gladly give his life to keep Stellan safe. No matter how angry he was at the guy, he still cared for him. He just wished that caring went both ways. It tore at Benji’s heart to know that Stellan and Kody had found each other and he still remained unclaimed by both of them. The bits of blood that the doctor had injected him with had started the claiming, but Benji knew it wouldn’t be completed until he was fully claimed by both men—and they didn’t seem inclined to claim him. Benji padded quietly through the underbrush, wishing with everything in him that Kody was by his side. The large lion would know exactly how to rescue Stellan. Benji didn’t have a clue other than following them to wherever they were taking Stellan. If he knew that then he had a chance of going for help. Benji’s heart sank when he saw Basco and his goons carry Stellan to a waiting truck. He was fast, but he wasn’t fast enough to keep up

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with a truck. He paced back and forth just inside the shadows of the trees. He had to figure something out, or they were going to get away. Benji came up with an idea. It was crazy, but it just might work. He didn’t think Basco had any idea who, or what, he was. If he could convince them that he was only human, maybe they would take him along with Stellan, and Benji could get them both free somehow. Well, it was an idea anyway. It was better than standing there watching his mate get taken away. Benji stepped behind a large oak tree. He shifted back into his human form then took several deep breaths before turning and stepping out from behind the tree. The scream that tried to fly through Benji’s lips was muffled under the hand that suddenly clamped over his mouth. Benji struggled until he felt a tongue lick over the side of his face. He stilled. Benji would know that tongue anywhere. Benji drove his elbow back into Kody’s stomach for scaring him. Kody grunted almost silently then licked the side of his face again. Benji felt another hand wrap around his waist and then he was lifted off the ground and carried farther back into the shadows to where several soldiers were waiting, some in human form, others in lion form. “What in the hell do you think you were doing?” Kody growled quietly when he set Benji down on the ground. Benji swung around and glared up at Kody, his hands on his hips. “I was trying to save our mate. What in the hell are you doing?” “Trying to save you!” “I don’t need saving.” Benji pointed back to the truck. “Stellan does. He’s been shot with a dart gun. He’s unconscious and unable to protect himself. And believe me when I say I know exactly how cruel Basco can be.” A growl vibrated up Kody’s chest and escaped his throat as his eyes snapped around to look through the woods, fury marring his face. “That was Basco?”

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“Yes, and if we don’t get Stellan away from him, there may not be anything to rescue.” “Basco was the same guy that went after you, wasn’t he?” “Yes, now can we go?” Benji stomped his foot in frustration. “They’re getting away.” “I want you to go back to the house,” Kody said. “We can—” “Oh hell no,” Benji snapped. “You can either let me come along now or wait for me to catch up later, because I will be following you.” “Benji!” Benji crossed his arms. “Deal with it.” Kody’s eyes narrowed as he waggled a large finger at Benji. “You are so getting a spanking when we get home.” “Fine, spank me, but after we go rescue Stellan.” Kody rolled his eyes and reached for him. Benji let out a very undignified yelp as he was yanked along beside Kody and practically dragged through the woods. When they reached the edge of the tree line, Benji was pushed down to the ground with Kody hovering over the top of him. Benji leaned over and bit his mate in the thigh to let him know how he felt about being shoved around. He bit his lip to keep from grunting when Kody lightly cuffed him on the back of the head. But at least Kody got the idea and sat back, pulling Benji into a sitting position between his thighs so he could see what was going on as well. Benji knew, after all of this was over and everyone was safe, he needed to have a long talk with his mates about treating him like a doll. There was a little too much carrying, pushing, and shoving going on for his liking. He wasn’t a toy. Benji frowned when Kody motioned to a couple of the soldiers and they moved off into the forest toward the house. He wasn’t up on the latest battle strategies, but wouldn’t a group of them have a better chance at saving Stellan than just a few?

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“Stay here, Benji,” Kody whispered into his ear. “Please.” Benji debated it for about half a second then nodded his agreement. Kody had asked nicely. He felt Kody kiss the side of his neck, and then he was set on the ground once again. Kody was gone before he could turn around and ask him where he was going. Benji almost swallowed his tongue when he turned back around and saw Kody making his way toward where Basco and his friends were. He wasn’t even trying to hide, just walked right out into the small clearing like their mate wasn’t unconscious in the back of Basco’s truck. His heart thundered in his chest as he knelt there on the ground and watched through the bushes as Kody confronted Basco. Benji could feel his claws threatening to extend at the danger both of his mates were in. He never knew it would be this hard to control his lion. “You’re trespassing,” Kody said. “You have two minutes to let Stellan go and get the hell off this property.” “Or what?” Basco shouted. Benji swore he saw Basco look Kody up and down then puff out his chest to make himself look bigger. He almost laughed. “Or I will kill you, and believe me, I’m already considering it.” Basco threw his head back and laughed, but Benji could hear the nervous twitch hidden in the laughter. He wasn’t a violent man, but now he wanted to see Basco get his comeuppance. “I’d like to see you try,” Basco taunted as he looked over at his friends, feigned bravery making the man snort and roll his eyes as if Kody were a mere irritation. Benji held his breath as Kody took a step forward, his claws extending as Stellan’s soldiers emerged from the woods. His heart thundered in his chest when he saw Stellan start to lift his head, giving it a little shake. He quickly glanced back at the soldiers and Basco. Had they seen Stellan move? Did they know he was coming around? Benji’s stomach started to roll as the tension in the air grew thicker. He didn’t

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know what to do. Should he warn Kody or keep silent? Which decision would save his mates, and which would doom them?

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Chapter 10 Stellan groaned as everything started to come back into focus. His head felt like a lead weight was sitting on it, but his faculties were intact enough to know something was happening around him. A growl ripped from his chest when he heard Kody’s voice. “He’s coming around!” someone yelled. Stellan didn’t know who it was, but the fucker was going to pay for what they had done to him. He kicked his leg out, swiping the closest man’s legs from under him as he rolled, coming to a crouch. “Get him!” Stellan shot up, swiping his hand out, claws extended as Kody joined him. They had their backs to one another as they fought the men who had taken Stellan. Stellan cocked his arm back and punched the guy leaping toward him. Stellan and Kody both jumped from the back of the truck, giving themselves more room to spread out and take these fuckers down. His head snapped around when he saw flashing lights heading their way. He didn’t care about the local sheriff. The man who had planned on using him against his mates was going to pay. “No!” Benji shouted as he ran from behind a tree. “The sheriff is Basco’s brother!” Stellan and Kody growled as they backed away. Stellan didn’t want the law involved, but if the sheriff proved to be an ass as well, he’d take him down and suffer the consequences. He wasn’t going to let anyone use his mates. The man Stellan assumed was Basco smiled at him menacingly. “It’s over now. There’s no way out of this for any of you.”

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Stellan’s arm shot out, stopping Kody from going after the smug bastard and killing him. Kody growled but stayed back. Stellan could almost feel his mate vibrating with the need to take Basco out. The sheriff’s car pulled to a stop a few feet away from the truck and then a human got out, looking pompous and just as smug as Basco had. “What’s going on here, boys?” “That man assaulted me. I was just hanging out with my buddies when these men starting harassing us,” Basco lied through his tooth. Stellan’s hands curled into fists, feeling the need to pulverize the guy. This was all a farce, and everyone knew it. He was an alpha for fuck’s sake. He’d done nothing wrong and wasn’t going to let this human do a damn thing to him, his mates, or any of his soldiers. It was his responsibility to protect them. “Is that right?” The sheriff looked from his brother to Stellan. “Now why would you do something like that?” “He’s lying!” Benji shouted as he came racing to Kody’s and Stellan’s side. “You know he’s lying.” “I didn’t ask you!” the sheriff shouted at Benji. “Watch how you speak to him.” Kody’s warning was low, and the threat was evident in his words. The sheriff expanded his chest, hitching up his pants as he eyed Kody. “I think I need to run you in for disturbing the peace and interfering in a police matter.” Stellan sidestepped Kody, placing his body in front of his mate’s. He could hear the protest behind him, but Stellan wasn’t going to let the sheriff anywhere near his mate. “We’ll leave the area peacefully.” It ate at his gut to say the words, but Stellan wasn’t going to have his mate arrested. “It’s too late for that,” the sheriff said as he pulled his gun from its holster, aiming it at Stellan’s chest. “I’ll add resisting arrest to those charges. Now I want all three of you to walk to my car nice and slow.”

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Stellan could see the smile on Basco’s face as he stood his ground. “What exactly is all of this about, Sheriff?” The man shook his head as he kept his gun aimed at Stellan. “I’m not dumb enough to spill the beans. You won’t get a confession out of me.” “That little fucker is too stupid to live!” Basco shouted. “Shut up, Basco,” the sheriff warned. “No. I’m tired of pretending. The little fairy needs to be taught a lesson. All of these lions do.” “I said shut the fuck up!” Basco narrowed his eyes at his brother and then snapped his head around to Stellan. “You were sold to the highest bidder.” “Enough!” The sheriff stormed over to his brother, openhandedly smacking him in the face. Basco looked livid as he spit blood onto the grass. “Why? They’re too dumb anyways. They may look big and menacing, but one of their own said they were dumber than a box of rocks.” “Who did you sell us to?” Stellan asked Basco. Since the man had flapping gums, he was the surest bet to get some answers from. “I’m warning you,” the sheriff said between gritted teeth. “They won’t be around much longer anyway. What’s the harm?” Basco asked as he looked at the sheriff with contempt. “Who?” Stellan pressed. “Brock.” Basco said the name with glee, as if revealing a wellkept secret. Stellan roared at the name. Brock was the son of the alpha he had challenged and killed. Stellan was seething as he stood there with a gun pointed to his chest. He wanted to kill the son of a bitch. “Damn it, Basco!” the sheriff shouted, narrowing his eyes at his brother. That’s all the distraction Stellan needed. He shifted as he leapt, trusting that Kody and his guards would have his back. “Get him off of me!” the sheriff shouted as he fell to the ground, a full-grown lion on his chest.

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Stellan wanted to kill the man. He wanted blood for what happened to Benji, and he wanted this man dead for making a deal with his enemy. He mouthed the sheriff’s neck, keeping him in place as another set of swirling lights headed their way. “Get him!” one of his soldiers shouted as Basco jumped from the back of the truck and took off running on foot. Stellan had no doubt that Kody would run Basco into the ground. He watched as the state trooper pulled up next to the sheriff’s car and then got out. Stellan almost smiled as he watched his buddy Holloway saunter over. “What do we have here?” Stellan released the sheriff as he shifted, spitting the vile taste of the bigoted man from his mouth. He turned to Holloway, giving his old friend a handshake. “A dirty sheriff.” “Lies!” the sheriff shouted from the ground, rubbing his throat with his hand. “I want him arrested for attacking a law-enforcement officer!” “I wouldn’t be too hasty with your wants, Ronald,” Holloway said as he glanced around the area. “I have a feeling there’s more to the story than meets the eye.” Stellan mentally sighed when both his mates joined him at his side. He felt Kody’s hand entwine with his as Benji tentatively laid his hand in Stellan’s. “There is more. The sheriff turned a blind eye while his brother beat Benji for years. The sheriff also sold me and my mates to Brock, the son of the man who killed my parents.” Holloway whistled low as he shook his head. Stellan felt his jaw clench as he thought about what the man had tried to do to him and his mates. Thankfully Holloway was a shifter himself, understanding what it meant to even find one’s mate. The state trooper knew the ramifications of trying to take a bonded mate away. Although Stellan and Kody had yet to claim their smaller mate, the consequences were still the same.

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“How did Brock and Ronald even know one another?” Holloway asked Basco, who was currently being held down by one of Stellan’s soldiers. “Basco!” the sheriff shouted, his face strained as he glared at his brother. “Fuck you, Ronald! I should have been the one who was paid to kill the queer and hand over the lion. You fucked it up for both of us! We could have been set for life!” Basco started screaming obscenities at his brother. Stellan could only shake his head. He was witnessing firsthand what greed and hatred did to a family. Their family was fractured now. All because of the blackness that lived where their hearts should have been. “I’ve heard enough,” Holloway said in disgust. “I’ll take Ronald and Basco in. I don’t see Ronald resuming his duties.” Stellan gripped his mates’ hands tighter. Benji had gotten some kind of justice out of this. Not what Stellan would have preferred, but it was justice nonetheless. The three watched as another cop car pulled up. Basco’s hoodlum friends were loaded into the back of the car while Holloway shoved Ronald and Basco into the back of his. “I’ll need a statement,” Holloway said as he walked back to the three. “You’ll have one.” Stellan nodded. **** Kody watched as the police cars pulled away. He turned toward Stellan, his eyes scanning Stellan for any visible bruising. “Are you okay?” Stellan narrowed his eyes at Kody, dropping his voice to a whisper. “You may be stronger, but I am still the alpha.” Kody laughed as he wrapped his arms around Stellan, rocking back on his heels. “You are going to give me hell, aren’t you?”

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Kody kissed Stellan’s temple before releasing him. He turned to Benji who was standing there looking lost. “And you are getting a spanking, mister. If you ever take off like that again, I’ll tie you to our bed and never let you go.” Benji blushed as he looked between the two. “Promise?” “Promise what, Benji?” Stellan asked. “To spank you?” Benji shook his head as his face turned even redder. “To never let me go.” Kody wrapped his arms around his mate’s body and lifted him from the ground. “Never, babe. You’re stuck with us.” Stellan chuckled as he leaned forward, whispering loud enough in Benji’s ear for Kody to hear. “Scary thought, isn’t it?” Benji shook his head as Kody put him back on his feet. “No, it’s not scary. It’s a dream come true.” Kody grabbed Benji’s hand as they walked back toward Benji’s house. “Remember, Benji, you’re the one who said it, not me.” Once they reached the house, Kody released Benji. “Go check on your animals.” Benji ran off toward the barn. As soon as he was out of sight, Kody turned toward Stellan. “We have the soldier who betrayed you. He’s in the living room.” Stellan growled, turned, and stormed into Benji’s house, Kody hot on his heels. The alpha stopped right in front of Banyan. Kody stood back, crossing his arms over his chest as he leaned against the wall. He wouldn’t interfere with Stellan when he was being the alpha. That was Stellan’s job. Kody wasn’t out to embarrass Stellan by showing his strength. He kept that quiet unless it was needed. No, this was what Stellan was born for. “Why?” Stellan growled. Banyan shook his head, lowering his eyes to the floor. “I fucked up, Alpha.”

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“You don’t get to call him that!” Benji shouted as he walked through the front door. He turned to briefly glare at Kody. “Nice trick, Kody. Don’t do it again.” Kody held his hands up. He was busted about sending Benji off on an errand while Stellan conducted business, and he knew it. There was no way he was taking on the pistol. He wasn’t that stupid. “Benji,” Stellan said their mate’s name calmly. “Can you stand over there with Kody?” Benji’s lip curled back as he stared at Banyan. “I’ll be standing over there, but I’m watching you. One false move, and I’ll slice your nuts off with his claws.” “Benji!” Stellan said in shock, but Kody couldn’t see the amused twinkle in the alpha’s eyes. “Whatever. If he disrespects you, he disrespects me. And Benji isn’t going to be disrespected anymore. Which reminds me, we need to talk.” Benji pointed between the three of them. Kody wasn’t looking forward to that conversation. He tucked his hands behind him as he resumed his stance. Benji walked over to where Kody was, slapped him in the chest, and then practically curled himself around Kody’s body. “Mine.” Kody chuckled. “Yours.” “Can I finish now?” Stellan asked the two. “Yes, you may,” Benji said as he glared at Banyan. “Remember what I said.” Stellan shook his head and turned back to the traitorous soldier. “Talk before I kill you.” “I thought Brock had the right vision. I thought his ideas were what would make this pride stronger. I grew up with him, knew his father. But…” the soldier trailed off as he continued to stare at the floor. “Go on,” Stellan said.

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“But then I saw how you were with your mates, that they really do care about you. I saw that you really were a man who cared about his people. I started seeing things in a different light.” “Bullshit,” Benji interjected. “Tell the truth before I bitch slap you.” “Benji!” Stellan once looked at Benji with a slack jaw. “What? Like you weren’t thinking the same thing.” “Okay, who are you, and where is my timid little mate?” Kody asked as he quirked a brow. “Please. He hit the road. Once I shifted, the real Benji came out. Get used to it,” Benji said with a snort as he crossed his arms over his slim chest. “Now, tell the truth!” he shouted at Banyan. “I am,” Banyan said between gritted teeth. Stellan straightened to his full height, clasping his hands behind his back as he stared down at Banyan. “Since you have told me the truth—” “Bull—” Kody slapped a hand over Benji’s mouth before he could finish, nodding at Stellan to continue. Stellan growled but continued. “Since you told me the truth, I won’t kill you. But that’s as far as my leniency will extend. Your disloyalty is something this pride will not tolerate. Banyan Matthews, you are hereby banished from my pride. You have twenty-four hours to collect your belongings and get out of my town.” “But—” Stellan held his hand up and then leaned in close. “Don’t take my leniency as weakness. Argue with me, and I’ll kill you right here, right now. On a personal level, I should kill you for putting my mates in danger. Get the fuck out of here before I change my mind.” Banyan’s face paled as he nodded. The soldier who was standing behind Banyan yanked him up by his arm, leading him out of the house. “Fuck, he’s hot,” Benji groaned.

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Kody chuckled as he shook his head. “I take it you’ve forgiven him?” “Maybe.” Kody knew Benji would forgive Stellan. At least long enough to take care of that hard cock behind Benji’s jeans. They had a long road ahead of them, but at least the three were talking now. Everything else would come in time.

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Chapter 11 Benji sat back on his knees as he stared between the two most gorgeous men he had ever had the privilege of laying his eyes on. And they were lying there totally on display for Benji's hungry eyes. Damn! “Come on, Benji. How hard is it to choose?” Kody whined as he lay there with a very hard cock that seemed to be dripping rivers of pre-cum. Benji held up a hand, trying his best to keep a stern face. “Something like this needs serious consideration.” And Benji was stalling as well. He was a bit nervous to say the least and was giving his brain time to try and work things out. “How hard is it to decide who you want to fuck you and who you want to suck off?” Stellan asked with just as much of a whine in his voice. Okay, Benji was getting incredibly aroused from this as well. He never in his life had two handsome men begging him, and he wanted this moment to last a little longer. He bit his bottom lip as he smiled at Kody. “I want to suck you.” “Hot damn!” Kody scooted down the bed, holding the base of his cock as Benji crawled between his mate’s legs. He yelped when Kody grabbed him under his arms and pulled him up his body. “I want a kiss first.” Benji smiled as he straddled Kody, skimming his lips over Kody’s and then opening fully for his mate to take charge. He didn’t mind being the less-powerful one in bed. There was too much delicious

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male surrounding him for Benji to argue about a damn thing—now out of bed, that was a different story. He moaned into Kody’s mouth as he inhaled swiftly, Stellan inserting a well-lubed finger into his ass. Benji stiffened for a moment, but Kody cupped his face, smiling into the kiss. “Relax, babe.” Benji nodded, groaning when Kody reached between them and grabbed his cock, giving it a squeeze. Benji thrust his hips, curling his fingers into Kody’s hair as Stellan added a second finger. He felt a dry hand rub up and down his back as Stellan scissored his fingers, stretching Benji for a long-awaited claiming. He shuddered as Stellan grazed his prostate. He humped Kody’s hand, wanting to feel that unbelievable pleasure again. “Hmm, I think Benji is enjoying this,” Stellan said as his voice dipped to a low and deep tone. Hell yeah he was enjoying it. Benji wanted more. He pushed back onto Stellan’s fingers, the years of loneliness being replaced by two men who Benji knew would do anything for him. He knew Stellan was telling the truth when he said he didn’t know. It still hurt to think about it, but he was working through that. One day at a time. Benji accidently bit Kody’s bottom lip when Stellan added yet another finger. “Do that again babe,” Kody whispered. Benji was shocked that Kody liked that, but he got over it quickly as he lightly nipped at Kody’s lip again. His fingers dug deeply into Kody’s chest as he felt something much larger than Stellan’s fingers enter him. “Fuck, Benji,” Stellan groaned as his hands spanned over Benji’s back. Kody broke the kiss, running his hands over Benji’s cheek before Stellan pulled him back far enough to where he was looking directly at Kody’s hardened shaft. Kody ran his hand over Benji’s head, encouraging him to take the large cock into his mouth.

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Benji swallowed and then parted his lips, moaning as the taste of Kody exploded across his lips. He drank in the pre-cum, drawing it out as his tongue swirled around the head, trying his best to get every drop that he could. His fingers uncurled and then curled in again as Stellan’s cock slid in and out of his ass. He never thought to feel such wild pleasure in his life. He was glad it was his mate who took his virginity, but damn, this should have happened sooner! Kody spread his legs farther apart as Benji tried his best to take the large cock deeper into his mouth. Stellan thrust a little harder and faster, gripping Benji’s hips to the point that he knew he’d have bruises come morning. “You feel so good, Benji,” Stellan crooned from behind him. “So damn good.” Benji grabbed the base of Kody’s cock harder as Stellan showed him just how good he thought Benji felt. He glanced up to see Kody watching him, his lips parted and his eyes hooded with lust. Benji grinned and sucked Kody harder. His mate’s eyes widened and then narrowed as his hips bucked. Benji groaned as Stellan reached beneath him and starting stroking Benji’s cock. The dual sensation was Benji’s undoing. He jerked and bucked as his cock exploded. Stellan quickly pulled Benji up, his large chest hitting Benji’s back as he bit into Benji’s shoulder, growling as he came, and finally claiming him. Benji shouted louder as his cock erupted once again. He looked down to see Kody jerking not only his own cock, but Benji’s as well. Before Benji could catch his breath, Stellan pulled free and rolled to his back, taking Benji’s still-hard shaft into his mouth as Kody scooted behind him, entering his already stretched ass, pounding into him relentlessly. Benji cried out, the sensation becoming too much as a barrage of emotions swarmed through him. Kody sank his canines into the other

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shoulder, whimpering around the wound as he filled Benji’s ass with his hot seed. Benji was officially wiped out. Stellan licked him clean and then helped Kody gently lower him as he yawned. His mates curled up on either side of him, sandwiching him in and making him feel as though he was in the safest place in the world. “I love you, Benji,” Stellan confessed from behind him, as if afraid to say the words. Benji knew he had given Stellan a hard time. The man deserved it, but he didn’t want his mate afraid to say the words he had longed to hear for so many years. He reached a hand behind him, cupping Stellan’s face as he twisted his upper body for a kiss. “I love you, too.” Kody cleared his throat, looking a bit sheepish. “I love you, too.” Benji smiled at Kody. The man had helped him, along with Stellan, become a stronger man. They showed him he could be who he was with no fear of repercussions. Benji knew his days of being someone’s outlet were over and had two strong men to stand on either side of him to let him know it. “I love you, Kody.” He leaned forward and kissed Kody before curling up and falling fast asleep. **** Benji stood in the main room of the home that he shared with Kody and Stellan. He glanced around at the pride that had made him feel like an outcast his entire life. It wasn’t his idea to have all of these people here, but Stellan had said he wanted to show his mates off. Like these people needed reminding of who he was and how they had treated him. If it were up to Benji, he’d move to a distant location where only Kody and Stellan existed. But Stellan was the alpha for this screwed-up pride. If he wanted to be with his mate, he had to deal with these people, no matter how

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much he hated it. Benji grinned, knowing that Kody would run off with him in a heartbeat. Not that Benji begrudged Stellan his position and responsibility, he just didn’t like being around all of these people. Stellan walked into the room. Power emanated from the strong man as he nodded at this person and that, being very polite. God, Stellan could be so damn polite sometimes. It made Benji just want to run over and ruffle his hair. “Are you ready?” Kody asked from his side. “No,” Benji confessed the truth. This was supposed to be for Stellan and Kody, but the alpha had wanted the pride to join them. In lion form, Benji had nerves of steel, never letting anyone treat him like crap. In his human form, his stomach was tied in knots and threatening to rebel as he stared at the pride. He swallowed when he saw the same damn woman come into the room that Stellan had brought home to be his mate. All of the sudden Benji couldn’t breathe. He had to get out of there. Why was Stellan’s fiancée here? Stellan had mated him and Kody. There should be no reason whatsoever for her to be here in his house! “Benji?” Kody called out as he chased after him. Benji needed air. He had to get away. What was supposed to be a special night was turning into his worst nightmare. He stopped on the side of the house, one hand on the side of house and the other on his chest. He couldn’t breathe. “Benji?” Kody called once again. Benji wiped the tears from his eyes, wondering how Stellan could do this to not only him but to Kody as well. He felt like his world was falling apart all around him. This couldn’t be. This had to be a mistake. “Benji. What’s wrong, baby?” Kody asked as he knelt in front of Benji, a worried look in his eyes.

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“Her,” Benji said as the tears fell down his cheeks. Hadn’t he been through enough? Why couldn’t karma fucking smile down on him for once? Benji could feel a shift coming over him. He had to calm down. Even though she was here, the last thing he wanted to do was embarrass Stellan in front of his pride. “Who, love?” Kody asked as he looked over his shoulder. Benji could feel his entire body shaking as Kody reached out and pulled him into his arms. Benji didn’t want to be here. He wanted Kody to take him away from the nightmare waiting inside the house. “S–Stellan’s fiancée.” Benji could barely get the words out. They tasted bitter on his lips. Kody’s eyes narrowed as he pulled back, staring down at Benji. “What about her? Did she say something to you?” So it was true! How could Kody be so calm when they were on the verge of losing their mate? He pushed at Kody’s chest, but the lion didn’t budge. Benji growled. He hated that his mates were so much stronger than him while in human form. They used their strength to keep him in line. It was wrong! “Let me go!” Benji snapped as he struggled to get away. “Stop it, or I’m going to spank you. Now tell me what has you so upset.” “Y–You. How can you be so calm? I want to tear her eyes out!” Benji pushed once again against his mate’s chest. Kody pinned Benji’s arms behind his back as he cupped Benji’s face. “You’re not making any sense, baby. Talk to me. Tell me exactly what happened.” “How can his fiancée be here? He’s mated to us. She can’t have him!” Benji felt his claws shoot out from his fingernails. He was ready to tear the entire house apart. Stellan and Kody were his! Benji’s anger mounted when Kody’s head fell back, laughter vibrating the man’s broad chest. Benji reached out and slapped his mate’s arm. How could he be laughing? Was karma trying to drive the knife further into his breaking heart?

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“I’m glad you find it so funny,” Benji snapped as he managed to push Kody away this time. He started backing away, thoughts of shifting and running as far as he could forming in his head. “What’s going on?” Stellan asked as he came around the side of the house. He took one look at Benji, and Benji could see rage fill his mate’s face. “What’s wrong, Benji?” Benji rolled his eyes. Did no one have a lick of sense but him? He stood, fisting his hands at his sides as he glared at Stellan. “If you even think about leaving us, I’ll cut your balls off! I didn’t wait all this time to lose you again.” Stellan’s head snapped back as his jaw dropped. “I haven’t a clue what you’re talking about, mate. Why would I leave you? What gave you that idea?” “Her!” Benji pointed at Stellan’s fiancée as she, along with the other guests, came out into the backyard, witnessing his meltdown. Fucking peachy! “Is something wrong, Stellan?” Stella asked as she approached his mate. “I’m not sure, Stella.” Stellan’s hands landed on his hips as he continued to glare at Benji like this situation was his fault. “Can you take everyone inside while I figure out what’s going on?” Stella the witch smiled at Stellan, giving him a nod as she eyed Benji cautiously. Benji had an urge to stick his tongue out at her. It may be childish, but who the fuck cared? The woman was trying to take his mate away from him. “Now, tell me what this is all about,” Stellan said as he turned his attention back to Benji. Benji kicked Kody, who was still chuckling as he lay sprawled out on the lawn. “You drove me away once by bringing her home, and now you have the nerve to do it again? Why don’t you just stab me in the heart? It would hurt less!”

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Stellan studied him for a moment, and then his face lit up, his eyes starting to twinkle as he stared at Benji. A smile was even starting to cross his lips. “No, mate. You have it all wrong.” “Don’t you mate me, you…you…gigolo!” Benji growled when Kody laughed even harder. He kicked Kody’s boot again. Men! “No, baby,” Stellan said as he reached for Benji’s hand. Benji quickly pulled away. There wasn’t going to be any sweet-talking his way out of this one for Stellan. “Benji, listen,” Stellan pleaded. “It’s not like that.” “Then what exactly is it like?” Benji slapped his hands onto his hips. “Tell me, Stellan. Because I’m five seconds away from shifting and ripping her pretty blonde hair out of her scalp.” “Vicious,” Kody said with pride in his voice. Benji did stick his tongue out at his mate as he turned to Stellan. “She turned out to be my brother’s mate. Stella is a sweet woman, but she’s married to my brother. She’s even expecting their first child.” Benji raised his finger to argue until Stellan’s words sunk in. He could feel his face and neck heating up. Hell, even his ears were burning with embarrassment. He couldn’t be blamed for his reaction, but to know he went off the deep end for no reason made him bite his bottom lip as he looked down at Kody. Tears filled his eyes as he stood there with mud on his face. “Really?” “That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you,” Stellan said as he pulled Benji into his strong arms. “I was a fool once and nearly lost you. Do you think I would do anything to jeopardize what we have again?” Benji rubbed the back of his neck as he stared at Stellan’s chest. It was impossible at that moment to actually look his mate in the face. “It could have been true. If someone had bothered to tell me, I wouldn’t be standing here ready to crawl under a rock.”

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Stellan tucked a knuckle under Benji’s chin, making him look up. “You have nothing to be embarrassed about. If I hadn’t been an ass in the first place and brought her home, none of this would have happened. Do you forgive me?” Benji looked into his mate’s handsome face, knowing he would forgive Stellan. He sighed when Kody pressed his chest into Benji’s back. There was no place on earth he’d rather be than between the two men that loved him. **** Kody walked Benji back into the main room. Everyone was staring at them curiously, but Kody didn’t give a fuck. His baby was having a meltdown, and Kody was there for him. The rest of the pride could kiss his ass. Of course, he wasn’t going to say that out loud. Although he loved tussling with Stellan, he really didn’t want his mate mad at him. Kody rolled his eyes. Fucking politics. “Okay, Benji. Show everyone how talented you are.” Kody kissed his smaller mate on the lips before taking a step back. “This is your night to shine.” Benji looked at Kody and Stellan nervously before opening the doors that led into the dining room. The room had been cleared out for Benji’s show. Kody glanced around nervously as the pride walked into the showroom filled with his mate’s paintings. If one person said the wrong thing, Kody was going to take them out back and kick their sorry ass. Kody could see the longing in Benji’s eyes. His smaller mate had told him that every time he painted a canvas and then sold it, he felt like a piece of him was leaving. And with a dozen paintings in the room for sale, Benji must feel a bit sad. There was a painting in the corner of the room that was covered. It piqued Kody’s curiosity.

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Benji pointed at it. “That one’s not for sale.” He grabbed Kody and Stellan’s hand as he walked them across the room. “I have something for our home.” Kody clapped his hands together and then rubbed them. “Oh goody, presents.” Stellan grinned as he released Benji’s hand. “Show us, love.” Kody was anxious to see exactly what his mate had done. His hand shot out, grabbing Stellan’s shoulder as Benji pulled the cover from over the painting. It was absolutely beautiful. “Benji,” he whispered. “Do you like it?” Benji asked nervously. “God, yes,” Stellan said as he and Kody stepped closer. Benji had painted a picture of himself, along with Kody and Stellan. All three were laughing, trying their best to bake a cake in the kitchen. There was flour everywhere, and all three looked a mess, but it was the laughter in Benji’s eyes that drew Kody in. Had he ever seen a more precious sight? “Is that for sale?” someone asked as they approached the three. Kody wanted to shove the man away and run with his mates upstairs to show them just how much they meant to him. “I’m sorry, but this one is priceless,” Kody said as he winked at Benji. “It’s not for sale.” **** Stellan looked over the letter that Kody had handed him. He didn’t like the news that a rogue wolf killed Brock. That should have been his pleasure. He sat the letter from Holloway on his desk as he leaned back. He felt peace settle over him that the man would never bother them again, but not even Brock’s death brought a sense of justice to him. What that lion and his father had done had changed his life

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forever, but two good things had come out of it, and they were waiting on him to join them for a country ride. Stellan pushed away from the desk as he looked once again at the last passage of the letter. Mr. Granger had been elected to be town sheriff. Stellan was glad someone who would take the job seriously had been chosen. Basco and his brother were being prosecuted for their numerous crimes. That would make Benji happy. All seemed right with the world. It wasn’t perfect. Benji still needled him once in awhile about his bad decision, but Stellan knew it would just take time for the man to forget or at least totally forgive Stellan’s mistake. In the meantime, he just needed to continue to reassure Benji of how much he was loved. Kody, on the other hand, liked to push Stellan’s boundaries about as far as they would go. Stellan knew it couldn’t be easy for a rogue enforcer to conform and become the mate of an alpha. He tried to give Kody all the space he could, but sometimes being the alpha meant keeping him reined in. Stellan was just grateful that he had his mates at his side. He would take them any way that he could get them. He smiled as he walked out of the office, closing the door behind him before going in search of the two reasons his heart beat. His mates.

THE END WWW.STORMYGLENN.COM

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Stormy believes the only thing sexier than a man in cowboy boots is two or three men in cowboy boots. She also believes in love at first sight, soul Mates, true love, and happy endings. Stormy lives in the great Northwest region of the USA, with her gorgeous husband and soul Mate, six very active teenagers, two boxer/collie puppies, one old biddy cat, and one fish. You can usually find her cuddled in bed with a book in her hand and a puppy in her lap, or on her laptop, creating the next sexy man for one of her stories. Stormy welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website at www.stormyglenn.com

Also by Stormy Glenn Siren Classic ManLove: Wolf Creek Pack 1: Full Moon Mating Siren Classic ManLove: Wolf Creek Pack 2: Just A Taste Of Me Ménage Amour ManLove: Wolf Creek Pack 3: Tasty Treats: Volume 3, Man to Man Siren Classic ManLove: Wolf Creek Pack 4: Blood Prince Siren Classic ManLove: Wolf Creek Pack 5: Love, Always, Promise Ménage Amour ManLove: Wolf Creek Pack 6: Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf? Siren Classic ManLove: Wolf Creek Pack 7: Pretty Baby Siren Classic ManLove: Wolf Creek Pack 8: Blood Contract

For all other titles, please visit www.bookstrand.com/stormy-glenn

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