Guardian of Her Heart

Guardian of Her Heart Tormented private investigator Mike Wolfson has a killer to catch. Hidden family secrets, includi...

Author: Adele Claire

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Guardian of Her Heart Tormented private investigator Mike Wolfson has a killer to catch. Hidden family secrets, including his shape-shifter side, alienate him from the one woman he's always wanted. Stunning child crisis center director Melissa Haven is threatened by the evil underworld of his greatest enemy. Mike must protect her from kidnappers without revealing his dark reality. Melissa's always believed Mike's wealth and her middle class status kept them apart. Finally together, they can no longer deny their feelings. Daring and determined, she welcomes his tempting caresses as hidden passions ignite. She never expected to share hot erotic pleasures with Mike. As Mike protects the woman he's always loved from mortal danger, can he reveal his heart-wrenching secret, or will the truth lose her love forever? Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, Shape-shifter Length: 21,124 words

GUARDIAN OF HER HEART

Claire Adele

EROTIC ROMANCE

Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

ABOUT THE E-BOOK YOU HAVE PURCHASED: Your non-refundable purchase of this e-book allows you to only ONE LEGAL copy for your own personal reading on your own personal computer or device. You do not have resell or distribution rights without the prior written permission of both the publisher and the copyright owner of this book. This book cannot be copied in any format, sold, or otherwise transferred from your computer to another through upload to a file sharing peer to peer program, for free or for a fee, or as a prize in any contest. Such action is illegal and in violation of the U.S. Copyright Law. Distribution of this e-book, in whole or in part, online, offline, in print or in any way or any other method currently known or yet to be invented, is forbidden. If you do not want this book anymore, you must delete it from your computer. WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. If you find a Siren-BookStrand e-book being sold or shared illegally, please let us know at [email protected]

A SIREN PUBLISHING BOOK IMPRINT: Erotic Romance GUARDIAN OF HER HEART Copyright © 2011 by Claire Adele E-book ISBN: 1-61034-159-9 First E-book Publication: February 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

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

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

DEDICATION To my friend Jane Leopold Quinn who answers most of my questions.

GUARDIAN OF HER HEART CLAIRE ADELE Copyright © 2011

Chapter One Desert Edge, Texas “What the hell?” Mike Wolfson stared at the end of the block where Melissa Haven’s blue van had been stopped by another vehicle. Three guys in dark clothing ran from a black sedan and dragged Melissa from her car. Her dark hair whipped around her face. Rage exploded inside Mike. He slammed the gas pedal of his Jag, hit the brakes behind the attackers, and skidded to a stop. “Let her go,” he shouted. Fury and fear for Melissa raced through Mike at her frantic protests. How dare they treat her like that? The feral hunter within threatened to escape. Mike ran the short distance between them. He forced down the urge to shift to his werewolf form, the violent urge to kill her attackers. That would shock Melissa more than being assaulted by these hoods. He couldn’t keep the killing instinct or the claws from forming. With a few lightning-swift kicks and slashing chops to their heads, he convinced the thugs to release her and sent them running to their vehicle. His claws disappeared. He forced the animalistic urge down. “Are

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you all right?” He grasped Melissa’s shoulders. “Yes…I’m all right.” She sounded out of breath. “Just a little shook up.” She combed her fingers through her hair. “One of those men is the father of a young boy at the Haven. The boy’s mother sought refuge there for both her son and herself.” “Nice guy.” Mike looked her over for cuts. Her beautiful face was clear. The delicate flesh of her slender neck showed red marks left by one of those idiots’ clutching hands. Her full breasts rose beneath her light blue shirt with each gasp of her breath. He wanted to hug her close, cup her breasts, and bring one nipple to his mouth. He wanted to kiss her, protect her, make her his for all time. The beast inside him needed controlling. It was past time to tell her he cared for her more than anyone he’d ever known. She was his sole life mate. His to love and protect, though he’d never told her. He’d known for years but had kept it to himself. “He’s already found the shelter and given me and the security guard an earful today,” Melissa continued. “The mother said her son’s father, her ex-husband, had beaten her and threatened to take their son away from her.” Mike put a protective arm around Melissa’s shoulders. She fit him perfectly, and he gathered her close. At the sound of Desert Edge Investigations partners Juan Enriquez and Derek Wolfson burning rubber as they sped after the gang members, Mike glanced their way. His friend and cousin had been following him home from their business office for a beer. He’d check with them later. He’d better warn her. “Melissa, those three thugs are members of a south side gang. They’re suspected of robbing neighborhood stores and, worse, trafficking in slavery and prostitution of women and possibly children.” She looked up at him. Her full lips gasped open. “Oh, how horrible for those poor people.” Her voice shook. “I was lucky

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tonight. Thanks for being here when I needed help.” Mike felt her slender body tremble. He wanted to comfort her. Be by her side forever. Her scent of lilacs and warm woman surrounded him, filling him. “I’ll follow you home if you feel like driving. If not, I’ll have Juan and Derek come back and get your van later.” “No, I can drive, but I’d appreciate you coming with me.” After helping his longtime friend into her car, Mike drove behind her to her nearby home. He pulled up in the driveway and escorted her inside. Tonight, he needed to tell her, somehow, that he wanted to take care of her and stay by her side from now on. “Will you have something to eat? I planned to bake some frozen lasagna.” He met her clear, blue-eyed gaze. “Sounds great.” “Good. I’ll put it in the oven.” His boot heels sharp on the wooden floor between area rugs, Mike crossed the living room of the Craftsman-style cottage. Melissa had bought the house cheap and renovated it herself. She’d made the old place warm and inviting with burgundy curtains to match the oriental rugs he’d helped her carry home from a garage sale. Her house was small but cozy compared to the cold, sprawling place he lived in on Crazy Cat Mountain. He took the frozen dish from her and placed it in the oven. She set the temp and timer. “Want a glass of wine?” she asked. “Sure.” He wanted her. Wanted to make love to her, kiss her soft, full lips, caress her until she wanted him like he wanted her. He longed to cup her sweet, rounded hips in his hands and sink deep inside her. She handed him the bottle from the pantry, and he removed the cork while she took down a couple wine goblets. Her breasts pressed against her shirt. He imagined her breasts bare, pressed against his naked chest. When she placed the glasses on the counter near him, she bumped


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against his side. Mike caught her with one hand at her slender waist and steadied her as he poured. He detected her slight shiver. He had a feeling she wasn’t as okay as she pretended to be. “If you don’t mind, I’m going to get a quick shower.” She smiled at him. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.” Tito’s assault had obviously left her feeling like she needed a shower. Mike didn’t blame her. It would help her deal with it to wash off the memory of their hands on her. He sipped his wine and wandered into the dining room, taking in the changes she’d made here and there. The addition of candles on the table and various shelves was a nice idea. Candlelight could make for a romantic setting. She returned quickly in a new shirt and jeans. She looked refreshed, too. “Let’s sit in here while dinner cooks,” she said and led the way to the living room. She settled in the middle of the couch and crossed her long legs. He welcomed the chance to sit next to her. He could imagine those legs without jeans, naked and wrapped around him. His cock became rigid with his desire. He cleared his throat. Later, Wolfson, if you’re very lucky. “Even though I don’t want to and I expect you don’t either, we need to talk about this guy and his goons who attacked you.” He wiped one hand over his eyes. “You’ll need better security at the shelter. I don’t like the thought of him showing up again.” “I can’t afford another security guard at the shelter, but I’ll ask the one I have to walk with me to my car in the evening when I leave.” Her eyes revealed her trust in Mike. Her lips curved up in a warm smile. He wished he could hold her heart-shaped face with his hands and kiss her freckled nose, her full lips. Feel those lips on him. “Good. That’ll help, but until we catch those guys, you need to have someone follow you home. I’ll do that. Juan and Derek have

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been investigating this gang for over a year. If you’ll call the police to make a report about what happened tonight, it’ll help them build a case. The sooner we put these guys in jail, the better.” She slowly snuggled up to Mike’s side. “I recognized the father of the boy as a troublemaker from our high school days. It’s been a while.” “I remember him, too,” Mike said and urged Melissa closer to him. His cock stiffened more with his need for her. “In high school, he thought it was fun to pick on kids who were smaller or younger than he was. Now, he uses women to make money.” Mike clenched his jaw. He should have taken Tito down tonight. He shouldn’t have let him get away. She smoothed her soft fingers over his hand. “The little boy’s mother signed their last name as Gonzalez.” “Yeah. Tito Gonzalez.” A rogue werewolf with a dangerous pack. “He owns an apartment building near downtown. He and his gang live there. The police have a detective checking out the place, but so far, from what I’ve heard, he hasn’t found any conclusive evidence to prove human trafficking. The apartment is handy for prostitution, under the guise of a massage parlor, as well as meetings with those looking for free illegal labor. Maybe the boy’s mother can give you some info that would help with the case.” “I’ll see if she wants to talk about him, but I’m not going to badger her. She came to the shelter for rest and protection. I won’t cause her more distress.” Mike smiled at the protective tone of Melissa’s voice. “I won’t ask you to. If she closes up, let it go. We’ll find some other way to arrest these guys.” Anger and determination made his blood boil. The thought of Melissa being hurt by Tito and his gang tempted the dangerous side of Mike with the urge to tear their throats out. Melissa was the most beautiful, generous woman he’d ever known. Her dark hair fell in waves around her delicate face. He


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pushed a tendril back as he gazed into her blue eyes. Her familiar, sweet scent tempted the primal force raging through his veins. He must control it now and always. She would run from him if she knew he was more than human. The drive to mate with Melissa grew stronger. His cock rose higher with his need for her. She’d been his close friend since high school. He wished she could love him forever. He ached to make her his woman, to make love to her, thrust deep, again and again. Become one with her. If she knew what he was capable of, he doubted she’d be sitting beside him now. Melissa was the only woman he would ever love. He loved her so much it hurt deep in his chest. He feared he was destined to live alone. Now and always. In the meantime, he’d protect her with his life. Tito’s gang didn’t stand a chance against him if it came to physical violence. The problem was to keep Melissa safe from them when she was alone and vulnerable. He could have lost her tonight. Thank God he’d driven right behind her. Knowing her spirit and determination, she wouldn’t want a full time bodyguard hanging around. He’d keep a close eye on her, and if he had to be somewhere for a business meeting, he’d ask Derek or Juan to take over. If she refused to be his life mate, Mike intended to keep her safe, wherever she was. How would he tell her what he’d become? **** Melissa took another sip of wine. It warmed her insides but couldn’t stop the shudders that shook her at the memory of those thugs manhandling her. What if Mike hadn’t been there? She rested her head on his broad shoulder, so thankful he’d come to her rescue. His warm palm smoothed up and down her arm. “If you hadn’t stopped him tonight, would Tito have sold me for a

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prostitute?” “Don’t think about what might have happened. The fact is we chased Tito and his friends off.” Melissa turned to gaze at Mike. She studied his confident expression. His sexy, midnight-black hair needed combing after his lightning-fast action to save her. She wanted to delve her fingers through those strands. His white, western style cotton shirt accentuated his broad shoulders. He finished off his wine in one long swallow. She took another sip of her own and put their glasses on the coffee table. Her hands trembled, and the glasses clinked together. Mike pulled her back against his side. The touch of his firm hands at her waist caused a physical need to ache inside her. She shivered, the sensation of his caress soothing the shock of being bruised by those hoodlums. “I wish I’d punched those guys for taking hold of me. I fought them as hard as I could. I thought if I could get loose, I’d grab my cell and call the police. I should’ve kicked harder.” “I know you wanted to.” His deep baritone voice sounded soft as velvet. He took her hand in his. Melissa felt angry tears burn her eyes. “I wish I had more courage. I was afraid for you when you came to help me. What if they’d had knives? I couldn’t stand it if they’d hurt you.” “Don’t worry. They wouldn’t stand a chance against me. I was only concerned about you. I can’t handle the thought of you getting hurt.” The memory of Mike’s lightning-fast punches and her fear for him caused her tears of angry frustration to overflow. At the touch of Mike’s thumb wiping them from her cheeks, she met his concerned gaze. The heat in his topaz eyes drew a guilty sensation of need from her belly. Did Mike care for her as much as she cared about him? She’d always been drawn to Mike more than any of the other guys she’d known. He had always been there for her, working on projects


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with her. Over the years, they’d become close friends. They’d shared the good times and some of the bad times. He’d held her with such gentleness and protection earlier when she’d been assaulted by Tito. Mike’s strong, protective arms wrapped around her had made her feel safe. She’d felt at home in his embrace. Would he kiss her now? She would love to feel his lips on hers. She wanted to kiss him and know how that felt. Suddenly, she knew that either their relationship had changed this evening or she’d become aware of the truth. The truth that she wanted Mike so much—since high school, when he’d hung out in a different crowd—that now, she was willing to take a chance on making love with him. He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed her fingertips. Did he feel it, too? Whatever had happened between them to make her aware of this daring on her part? It didn’t matter. She wanted him to kiss her. Now. As he leaned nearer, she tilted her head and offered her parted lips. When he paused, she feared he’d move away. She lifted a hand to pull him closer. “You have the most lush lips.” He smiled at her, his eyes darkening. “Makes me want to devour them.” He brushed his warm lips over hers so softly, like the touch of a feather. Her heart skipped a beat. She shivered, and her toes curled. Not even one of the few guys she’d dated over the years had affected her so. No one else had filled her with such need and desire. She wanted to wrap her arms and legs around Mike and crawl on top of him. Instead, she tasted his upper lip with the tip of her tongue. His kiss turned fierce. His warm lips spread her lips apart. He licked over every surface within and her lips as well. This was a taste of what could happen between them. Lust swelled between her thighs, she felt hot all over, and she moaned with pleasure. He deepened the kiss. His arms wrapped around her, making her feel wanted, protected, and cherished. She savored his taste mixed

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with wine. His masculine scent, mingled with the faint trace of citrus, drew her. She gripped his shoulders and moaned. This was where she belonged, in Mike’s arms, kissing him. If only he felt the same way. Did he care for her like she did for him? She’d waited so long. After the terror of being attacked by the very men she wanted to protect others from, finally sharing a kiss with Mike helped her forget everything but his touch. His kiss was hot and wet. Thorough. Following his lead, she explored every surface of his mouth. When he broke the kiss, she waited, breathless, her eyes closed, afraid that was all they’d share. But he brushed kisses along her cheek to her ear, fanning the flames of fire and need. His warm breath tickled and sent shivers all over her. She breathed in sharply. She wanted to taste him once more. He hugged her close. “I could eat you, you’re so sweet,” he whispered. She chuckled. “I wouldn’t mind.” She pressed a kiss to the side of his face. His skin was hot, his five o’clock shadow rough against her lips. She slipped her arms around his lean waist and imagined him kissing his way between her breasts, taking a nipple into that hot mouth. Heat rose, and she felt wet against her panties. For years, she’d wanted Mike to look at her as more than a friend. She’d waited patiently, hoping he’d show her she meant more to him. Tonight, when she could have lost everything, he’d been there for her. Maybe the intense emotions of the evening had brought about this physical need between them. Maybe it was a release of nerves. Whatever, she didn’t care. She only cared that they were together at last. She wanted him to make love to her before he returned to his lonely place up on the hill. Her long wait was finally to be rewarded, and it felt right, like she’d always known it would. The fragrance of Italian spices wafted to her from the kitchen. Judging from the time that had passed since they’d settled on the couch, the timer should ring in about half an hour. Would it be enough time to savor Mike’s kisses? She’d take as much of him as she


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could get, right now, timer be damned. “Mike.” She nibbled his prickly jaw and brushed her mouth over his, inviting him to kiss her again. He lowered his head and trailed a path of pure temptation down her throat. “Don’t stop, Mike.” Her voice rasped in a shaky whisper. He groaned, almost a growl, as his strong arms closed tighter around her. His body trembled. His response left her awestruck. His teeth grazed her throat. With his warm, wet tongue, he licked the depression at the base of her neck and trailed upward. She leaned back, offering him more. He watched her. His eyes burned with an almost feral intensity. Her own desire increased under his heated gaze. Fascination consumed her as he unbuttoned her cotton blouse and unhooked her bra. He bared her to his gaze. She wanted him to touch her. “You’re beautiful,” he said, his eyes darker now with desire. He lowered his head. His firm lips brushed kisses along the valley between her breasts. She held her breath in anticipation of what he would do next. He nuzzled the fabric aside, pressed his warm lips against the curve of a breast. When he licked the nipple, she gasped. He caused rivers of sensations to course through her, drew her nipple into his mouth, and sucked hard. The flesh surrounding her clit ached with need. She closed her eyes and moaned. At the touch of his fingers on her jeans waistband, she jerked to awareness. If he was going to undress her, maybe she should turn off the lights. “The lights…” “How about I turn the light down,” he suggested, his voice low and raspy. He reached for the lamp on the table beside him and turned the light low. “Is that better?” “That’s good,” she choked, and sucked in a breath as his nimble fingers blazed tantalizing heat across her waist, unzipped her jeans, and smoothed beneath her panties. With the first touch of his fingers on the sensitive flesh between her thighs, her body arched.

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“You like that?” he asked, while he caressed her. “Yes.” She could hardly form the word as warmth swept over her face and wet heat pooled between her legs. A delicious contraction made her want to squeeze her knees together. He parted her already slick folds and slid his fingers around her needy opening. Oh, my. Gripping his arms even as she longed to grip the bulge in his pants, she moved one hand to unbutton his jeans. He shifted lower on the cushions. Now, she had better access. His stroking, teasing fingers never left her most needy flesh, and her breaths came faster. She smoothed her fingers over the fabric covering his rock-hard erection. His chest filled with a swift breath at the stroke of her fingertips. She pulled down the waist of his black boxer shorts and touched his exposed shaft. He took another swift breath. His skin was tight and satin smooth beneath her exploring hand. She marveled at the textures, the curly hair of his groin and the smooth skin of his penis. The sculpted head. Running her index finger over the satin skin, she felt the drop of moisture at the tip and spread it over the smooth surface. A soft rumble came from deep in his chest. He liked that. She curled her fingers around the width of his hard length, squeezing gently. He jerked against her palm. “I want you inside me,” she whispered. He moaned deeply again. She stroked up and down his rigid erection until he lifted her to straddle his thighs. “Let me,” he said, and lowered her, slipped his hand between her thighs and slid one long finger slowly deep inside her wet opening. She gave a sharp moan, her back arching with the surge of desire he sent through her like lightning. He took her hand from his stiffened length and held her fingers to his warm, damp chest. “I want to give you pleasure, but I won’t last if you keep that up.” He grinned. The fullness of his touch stroking sensitive places within her distracted her. He’d never looked more devilishly handsome. Oh, my


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God. She didn’t mind letting him take control, but she wanted to explore his bare chest while he pleasured her. She took hold of his shirt and unbuttoned it. He wore nothing underneath, and she sucked in a breath at the sight. “I want your shirt off.” “Yes, ma’am.” He quickly complied. She’d seen his chest before many times, working on high school projects together and on outings to local swimming pools. But he was leaner now, his chest and washboard abs awe-inspiring with a sheen of dampness. The sight increased the pleasure he created. His tormenting fingers built exquisite need in her. All shyness gone, she moved her hips in time with his strokes as she ran her palms and fingers over the contours of his abs, learning the shape and firmness. Finally, she reached his muscled chest, sprinkled with black hair. She flicked his nipples and lowered her head to lick one and then the other, tasting the salty dampness, feeling his fiery heat. Her inner muscles contracted around the erotic sensations of his delving finger, and she gasped. He gave a deep sound of satisfaction just before he eased deeper inside her with two fingers, stretching her. “Mike! I want…” Her body pulsed, wanting to be filled. He took hold of her shoulder and pushed her flat on the sofa cushions. Feeling as if her whole world tilted, she waited to see what he had in mind next. He wiggled her jeans and panties down over her hips and legs. The brush of fabric added to her craving. Close to sensual overload, she was bare to his devouring gaze, and she felt only a little self-conscious. “I want to taste you,” he rasped. Daring to accept his outrageous desire, she shivered as she waited, mostly naked, her shirt and bra parted to reveal her breasts. He eased his fingers from her, knelt on the rug, and smoothed his hands up and down her calves. He removed her shoes and slid her jeans over her feet. Gliding his hands up her thighs and back down to her knees, he spread her legs. The intensity in his eyes took her breath. She should

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feel naughty or embarrassed, shouldn’t she? Except she wanted only to share her body with him and let him explore her as she longed to explore more of him. Filled with desire and a strong need for him to be inside her, she held her breath and watched him as he parted her swollen flesh with his long fingers and lowered his head. A whimper escaped her, and she reached for him, tangling her fingers into his thick hair, intending to pull him away but more desperate to let him do what he wanted. Tension increased through her as he pressed kisses to her most sensitive skin and licked her swollen flesh with one long stroke of his warm tongue. Her body tightened, and she thought she’d come as his lips and tongue moved down again ever closer to her wet opening. Instead, she shivered while he devoured her. When his tongue delved deep inside her, she curled her fingers in his scalp. A keening cry escaped her, and her body arched. He didn’t stop but drove her ever higher. “Mike!” Her climax took her with more power than she’d ever known. Ecstasy soared, light flashing around her as orgasmic contractions rocked her. Slowly, the exquisite throbbing eased to teasing pulses.


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Chapter Two My God. How did that happen? She panted and strove to regain her breath. When her body quieted, she opened her eyes. Mike watched her, a smile lifting the corners of his mouth. His beautiful eyes sparkled with warm satisfaction. A soft growl came from deep in his chest. He rejoined her on the couch, leaning down to embrace her. Sated and lethargic, she gave him a trembling smile. “You’re incredible,” he said. “You’re awesome.” He kissed a trail from her breasts to her belly and left her speechless. He pushed her to an animalistic hunger. She’d never known such feelings before…and she wanted more. The damp heat of his body merged with hers. His chest hair tickled her nipples. The hard length of his arousal pressed against her belly. Shouldn’t she give him the same release? He captured her lips and ravaged her mouth with a searing kiss. Tangling her tongue with his, she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and pulled him closer. She loved the press of his body on top of her and folded her legs around his hips. His kiss made her moan with pleasure. A noise came from the kitchen. It kept buzzing. Damn, what was that? Mike broke the kiss. “Is that the timer?” “Oh…yes.” “Stay here. I’ll get it.” As he rose to his feet, he slid from the hug of her limbs. He straightened his boxers and jeans as he crossed the

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room, the heels of his boots ringing against the wood floor. Melissa remained on her back. She sprawled naked. Instantly, she sat up and reached for her clothing on the rug by the couch. The timer clicked off, and the oven door squeaked open and closed. “Looks delicious,” Mike called from the kitchen. Melissa pulled on her panties and dragged on her jeans before he came back and found her still half clothed. **** Mike stood in the doorway of the kitchen, one hand on each side of the door frame, and stared at Melissa. The wolf in him threatened to destroy his control and take her with no gentleness. Her tousled hair framed her lovely face. She zipped her jeans, and the motions pushed her lush, naked breasts together, her dusky rose nipples erect and seductive. She hadn’t hooked her bra or buttoned her shirt yet. Driven by the beast within, he wanted her now. He crossed the room, his strides resounding sharply on the floor. He intended to have one more kiss, one more taste of her satin skin, before she served up dinner. She glanced at him and brought the edges of her shirt together. “Don’t,” Mike said, his voice a soft rasp. She bit her lower lip and released the shirt’s edges. “I thought you’d want to eat now.” She had that right. He wanted to devour her. “It won’t hurt to let it cool a bit. It’s still boiling hot.” In two strides, he reached her, pulled her into his arms, and covered her mouth with his. He tangled his tongue with hers, delving deep as he cupped and stroked one full, warm breast. His cock was still raging and tight. He wanted to take her hard and fast, bury himself deep inside her. The animal in him wanted to dominate. But the human side wouldn’t take a chance on hurting her or getting her pregnant. Not when she didn’t know what he’d become. Ruthless, feral, half wolf,


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half human. And if she did know that about him, she’d probably scream and chase him the hell away. Never let him come near her again. But what if she would let him love her? She was the most giving woman he’d ever known. The kindest, most considerate. Her touch on his bare skin had been pure heaven. When she’d taken his cock in her hand, touching and caressing, he’d thought he’d come right then. The wolf in him wanted to mate with her and keep her by his side for all time. The human side feared that wasn’t possible. She moaned as he rubbed his thumb over a firm nipple. He broke the kiss and trailed his lips down her soft throat. Releasing her breast, he pushed her shirt and bra strap off her shoulder. He embraced her gently as he pressed kisses along her shoulder. Her sweet scent intoxicated him. She arched her neck back, her long hair draping like silk over his arm. He licked the dampened skin between her breasts. He loved her taste and could never get enough of her. Her hand rubbed his cock. Damn. He was close to losing it. He reached down and unbuttoned his jeans. Opening his shorts, he led her hand to his bare flesh and curled her fingers around his eager cock once again. While she stroked up and down the length of him, he lowered his head to suck her nipples, first one then the other, flicking each peak with the tip of his tongue. Her quick, short breaths matched his. Tentative, slender fingers delved lower and fondled his balls. Fuck. He was losing control. “Melissa.” He groaned as he strained to keep the ravaging beast at bay. “Yes?” she whispered. Her eyes were wide and her lips swollen. She parted them for another kiss. He’d never felt so tempted. Could he make love to her without hurting her? She was delicate and inexperienced. He needed to be gentle, but could he be? He wanted to make love with Melissa, but he wouldn’t. Not tonight. Maybe never. Kissing her softly, he took a half

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step back. It had been a long while since he’d had sex, and not ever with a woman he loved. He’d cared for Melissa for as long as he’d known her. He didn’t want to mess up. He glided his hands up her ribs to her breasts, and she gave a little moan. Kneeling in front of her, he pressed kisses down her body to her waist and dipped his tongue in her navel. When she chuckled, he looked up to see her smile. “I think we better eat before dinner is cold,” she said. He pressed his lips and tongue to her clit through her panties. She gasped, and her fingers squeezed his shoulders. With a resigned moan, he pressed another kiss to her then rose to his feet. He helped her straighten her clothing. Taking her hips in his hands, he pulled her against his cock. Just one more kiss. He watched her pleasure-filled gaze as she gently pressed her hands against his chest, moving him back a step. Her eyes darkened even more as she looked him over slowly. “Would you prefer eating in here or at the kitchen table?” she asked. Her words taunted him. “Are you on the menu?” His cell phone rang where he’d left it on the coffee table. He grabbed it up and hit the call button. “Yeah.” “Hey, Mike,” Derek answered. “Afraid we lost those guys in the streets below Rim. We’ve searched, but that car is nowhere to be found. What do you want us to do?” “Hell, call it a night,” Mike said, disappointment plain in his voice. “We have a plan we want to discuss with you,” Derek said. “Call us when you’re free.” “See you tomorrow.” Mike ended the call and shoved the cell into his jeans pocket. He buttoned up his jeans and turned to Melissa. She’d buttoned her shirt. He slipped his hand around her waist. “Let’s eat.”


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“Was that Derek?” she asked. “Yeah. They lost the car in the streets near downtown.” She grimaced. “I’m going to stay here with you tonight. You shouldn’t be alone.” “Thank you. I’ll feel safer.” “Good. I’m starving.” As she spooned the lasagna onto the plates, he buttoned his shirt and tucked it in. She handed him a plate filled with the fragrant pasta. He placed it on the kitchen table, held her chair for her, and joined her. **** Mike awoke to the sound of Melissa’s cries. He lurched up from the bed and remembered she was right beside him. Turning to her, he spoke softly. “Melissa.” She quieted. “Mike?” “I’m here.” She groped for him. Mike put his hand at her waist and pulled her close. As he wrapped an arm around her, she rested her head on his shoulder. Tendrils of her silken hair feathered over his chest. She groaned. “I had a bad dream about those guys catching me. I couldn’t get away and I ran and ran. Their hands were like claws reaching for me.” She shuddered. She didn’t realize how close to the truth her dream had come. Mike snuggled her closer. “It was only a bad dream. No one’s going to hurt you. I’ll stay right here with you.” “I’m afraid to go back to sleep. I don’t want to dream about them again.” Her hand smoothed over his waist and moved upward to stroke his chest. Already high and engorged, Mike’s cock responded in earnest. She was too much temptation. The damn condom was in his wallet across the room. “Melissa…”

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“Kiss me, Mike. Please, give me something nice to think about.” He smiled at the sleepy sound of her voice. Turning on his side, he lowered his head and brushed his lips across hers. Her hand smoothed over his shoulder and her fingers slipped through his hair. Her touch enchanted him. He deepened the kiss. She moaned softly and draped one leg over his. His cock leaped. Her warm scent teased him. If he didn’t get control of this situation, he’d lose it and sink clear to his balls inside her, condom or not. He gently pushed her down on her back. Placing soft kisses over her face, he brushed his fingers over her breasts. Her nipples firmed as she sighed softly. Her hand on the back of his head urged him closer. Kissing him hard, her lips and tongue sparred with his. He chuckled softly. She was a tiger when she wanted something. She broke the kiss. “What’s so funny?” “You.” He chuckled harder. “When you’re after something, you go for it.” “I want to make wild love with you. Maybe then I’ll forget the nightmare.” Mike swallowed hard at the vision she offered—wild, reckless lovemaking. His wolf side wanted to break the human bonds of responsibility and thrust deep in her. Fill her with his straining cock over and over until the animalistic need was sated. But the human in him couldn’t let that happen to this gentle creature he protected. “You’d better sleep. I’m here.” **** The clock radio blasted Melissa out of her dream. She sat up and took in the rumpled sheets thrown back on the opposite side of the bed. The noise of pots clanging in the cupboards came from the kitchen. Mike must be making breakfast. What a sweetheart. She rose and headed for the bathroom. After a quick shower, she dressed in her jeans and a cotton, short-sleeved shirt, normal everyday


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wear for her work at the center. “Good morning.” She entered the kitchen. Mike’s back was to her as he flipped eggs in the frying pan. Bacon drained on a paper towel. The table was set for two. “Morning.” He sounded wide awake and ready for the day. “You want orange juice and coffee?” Melissa inhaled the fragrance of perfectly brewed coffee. “Yes, both. I’ll get them. How about you?” “Yeah, both.” She set the glasses on the table and filled a couple mugs with coffee. Placing the coffeepot back on the coffeemaker, she moved closer to Mike to see how the eggs were doing. He wrapped his free arm around her and pulled her close for a quick kiss. “Did you get some sleep?” he asked. “Yes, I slept fine.” He gave her a sexy smile. Turning back to the eggs, he gathered up the frying pan and served the eggs and bacon. She took a seat and he joined her. They ate in silence. Melissa looked him over while his food held his attention. He looked great in the morning. Wouldn’t it be nice if they could both take the day off? His cell phone rang. “Yeah. Just a minute.” Mike looked at her, a question on his face. “Derek wants to know if he and Juan can come talk to us about the guys who attacked you. He wants to discuss our plan of action.” Although the prospect wasn’t a pleasant one, the problem needed to be taken care of. “Yes, that’s fine.” They’d cleared the dishes when the doorbell rang. Mike answered the door. Melissa took a deep, steadying breath and followed. They all took seats in the living room. She waited for the men to say what was on their minds. Tall, lanky Derek swiped his fingers through the sandy-colored hair that reached his jawline. He wore a blue plaid shirt, jeans, and

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boots. “We have a plan to catch those guys. We want to run it by you two. If you don’t like it, we’ll figure out something else.” Melissa nodded and waited for him to continue as she glanced at their friend Juan. He was of medium build and height, and his long black hair reached his shoulders, but today, he had it secured with a piece of leather lacing. He wore a black, short-sleeved knit shirt, jeans, and boots. Derek glanced at Juan. “We think Tito Gonzalez will try again.” “His son and wife are staying at the shelter,” she offered. He’s furious with me for preventing him from dragging them home with him. As far as I’m concerned, they can stay until they find a better situation.” Derek nodded. “What we want to do is hang near the shelter and keep an eye out for Tito. If you’ll go about your usual schedule, we’re sure he’ll show up again soon. When he does, we’ll nab him.” “I don’t like it,” Mike protested. “It puts Melissa in too much danger. Why not keep an eye on the shelter and send out a bulletin to everyone to look for their car? Let the police take care of it.” “We think our way will work faster.” “I agree,” Melissa said. “The sooner he’s off the streets, the better for his wife and son and everyone else. I’ll be safe at the shelter with my security guard and Angie watching the security cameras. After all, he didn’t try to kidnap me there.” Mike shook his head. “There’s no telling what he’ll do next. But if that’s what you want,”—he gave Melissa a questioning look—“that’s what we’ll do. But I insist on staying close to you.” “Just so you don’t scare him off,” Juan said. “I’ll do my damnedest to stay hidden,” Mike assured them. Derek rose from his seat. “Good, then we have a plan. It’ll be best if you go about your normal routine, Melissa.” “That won’t be a problem,” she said. Mike gave a sound of doubt. Melissa couldn’t help it if Mike didn’t like it. She couldn’t allow


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Tito Gonzalez to threaten the crisis center. **** Mike pulled out of his driveway on the hill to pick up Melissa. He could see the front lawn of Melissa’s Haven, her child crisis center, a few blocks away. Derek and Juan sat in their car, watching from across the street. After they’d arrived that afternoon to take their turn watching, Mike left the shelter to change clothes and catch up on his business. He had plenty of clients, but always in the back of his mind was the desperate need to know who supplied his mother the drugs and the overdose that caused her death. He’d find the damned monster responsible for selling her drugs and see him convicted for maximum prison time. From now on, he’d follow Melissa home every night and stay with her. No sense in taking chances. He parked the Jag a block from the shelter. Walking toward the front door, he signaled to Derek and Juan across the street. Juan’s dark green Grand Prix rumbled to life, and they took off. Mike’s cell rang. He took it from his jeans pocket. “Yeah?” “Didn’t see hide nor hair of Tito or his friends,” Derek said. “Thanks. I’ll keep tabs now and take a walk around the area.” “Be careful.” “Aren’t I always?” Mike closed the cell and put it back in his pocket. Darkness had settled in. He headed for the front door and knocked. Angie Silva, Melissa’s assistant, answered the door and let him in. “How’s it going?” “Good,” Angie said. “No problems today, so far. I’ll get Melissa for you.” Mike nodded. Angie headed toward the hallway, her black mane contrasting sharply with her pale skin, white shirt, and light blue jeans. Angie had a cool head, and he trusted her to contact Juan and

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Derek in an emergency if she couldn’t reach him. Mike glanced around the small, cheerfully painted front room that served as a waiting area for parents dropping off kids when necessary or picking them up when possible. He knew that some kids went home with one or the other of their parents on the weekends, and for that reason, Friday evenings could be the most difficult time at the shelter. The need for a child crisis center just showed how love died after a while in many marriages because of fighting. Just like his parents’ marriage. Sometimes the verbal fights turned dangerous with physical abuse from one or both partners. He’d caught his father hitting his mother more than once. With no moms or dads in the waiting room this evening, those living at the shelter remained quiet. Angie would help them make dinner and see that everyone, including the women there, headed for their beds early. Since Angie also slept at the shelter, she was a godsend for Melissa. Melissa breezed into the bright waiting room, a confident look on her face. “Hi,” Mike said, smiling at her. “I hear everything’s quiet so far.” “Yes, no problems today,” she said. “Good. Are you ready to head home?” “Give me a few more minutes to make sure everything is in order, and I’ll be ready.” “I’m going to have a look outside. Wait for me in here, okay?” “Sure.” “You’re keeping the doors locked, right?” She gave him a disgusted smile. “Of course. Don’t we always?” “Just checking.” Mike stepped outside. Senses alert, he took in his surroundings. Jogging toward the side of the center, he headed around the back and along the opposite side street to the front. Everything looked normal. The familiar hum of an engine raised the hair on the back of his


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neck. That sound belonged to the sedan Tito’s friend drove last night. Mike ducked behind the thick shrubs hugging the front of the building. In the shadows behind the bushes, he shape-shifted to his wolf form. Every molecule in his body vibrated with electricity in the zing of change. Maybe a brush with a wolf would discourage those guys from coming around. The car stopped, and the sound of doors closing indicated Tito had at least one pack member with him. Their footsteps sounded on the sidewalk leading to the door. Mike sprang in front of Tito. At his surprised yell, his friend ran back to the car, slamming the door shut. Mike sensed chilling danger. “Why are you hanging around here?” Growling with menace, he slashed at Tito’s arms and legs. Tito spun, stumbled, regained his footing and ducked inside the car. His friend gunned the motor, and they sped away. Mike turned as the door of the shelter opened. Lunging for the shadows at the side of the house, he narrowly avoided being discovered. He shifted back to his human form. After checking to see his clothing was straight, he strode to the front door.

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Chapter Three “I thought I heard an argument out here,” Melissa said. Mike nodded. He hated lying to her, but he couldn’t tell her the truth. Not yet. “Tito showed. Before I could snag him, a big dog chased him into his car. He and his friend took off. Wait inside. I’ll call Derek.” Melissa nodded and closed the door behind her. Mike made the call. “Derek, they stopped by just now but took off before I could do anything. They’re headin’ downtown. See if you can spot ’em.” Mike put away his cell and went inside. Melissa waited alone in the front room. “So, what happened?” “Nothing much. They’re gone now, but you need a bodyguard as well as your security man twenty-four-seven. Where is he?” “Paul? I asked him to make sure the back door was locked.” “Good, but you need someone up front at the same time.” “All right. How about you? I feel safer with you here anyway.” Mike feared spending that much time near Melissa would be torture. He ached to make her his. How could he keep his needs under control if he was around her every day and night? He couldn’t refuse her. “If you’re sure you want me?” Hell. He faced pure torture. “I have a cousin who makes a great bodyguard.” She shook her head. “No, I’d rather you took the job. That is, if you have time.” He smiled at her. “I have time. That’s no problem.” The problem was he couldn’t keep his hands off her. Wanted to bury himself deep


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in her slick heat. **** Melissa switched on the dishwasher. With Mike helping, it hadn’t taken any time to clean up the kitchen after dinner. She turned and smiled at him. Light playing in his eyes, he smiled back. He was the sexiest guy she’d ever known. She wanted him to make love to her, now. Why was that all she could think about when he was around? She knew his lovemaking would be beyond anything she’d experienced before. He’d already proven it by making her feel things she’d never felt with other men she’d kissed. This time, she wanted him inside her. He probably kept a condom in his wallet. His wallet was still in his jeans pocket, and his jeans hugged the tightest, sexiest butt. With that thought, her face heated. She looked into his topaz eyes and recognized the stark hunger there. He wanted her, too. She slid her hands around his hips and squeezed his firm butt. “Mike…” With his arms wrapped around her, he growled deep in his chest. Lowering his head, he looked into her eyes until their lips met. At the soft brush of his warm lips over hers, Melissa closed her eyes and hummed with pleasure. He reached to turn off the light. She was glad since she didn’t want her neighbors watching through the kitchen window. She breathed in, and his scent made her head spin. His kiss becoming more passion filled, he hugged her closer. Suddenly, he broke the kiss and swept her off her feet and into his arms. “Where would you like to go?” he asked. Melissa circled his neck with her arms and considered his question. Did it matter? “I don’t have any particular place in mind. How about you?” “Let’s start in the bedroom.” He headed down the hall to her

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room. The way he held her, so effortlessly, Melissa felt light as a feather. He set her on her feet in front of her dresser and stepped behind her. She watched him in the dresser mirror as he pulled his knit shirt off, baring his magnificent chest and torso. She couldn’t wait to run her hands over his golden skin. Should she unbutton her blouse? He swiped a hand through his black hair and rested his hands on her shoulders. “Do you want me to help you?” The thought of him undressing her sent a rush of aching desire to spread deep in her belly. “Yes.” He moved close enough behind her that his erection nudged between her hips. She hissed in a breath at the erotic sensation. His capable hands pulled her blouse from her jeans and unbuttoned the lower buttons. The touch of his fingers over her stomach made her shiver. She glanced in the mirror. His naked, broad shoulders and tapering torso framed her body. He worked his way up her blouse until all the buttons were undone. Parting the edges, he unhooked her bra. She shuddered as his fingers grazed the valley between her breasts. His hands spread open the garments and cupped her breasts, tweaking and flicking her nipples. The flesh between her thighs heated, and she leaned her head on his shoulder. Beneath lowered lashes, she watched him in the mirror as he dipped his head and nuzzled her neck. He peeled her blouse and bra straps off her shoulders and brushed his mouth over her skin, licking before his teeth squeezed gently. She trembled. He looked dangerous, as though he would devour her. He tossed her clothing on the floor. His warm hands returned to her shoulders. One hand stroked upward along the sensitive skin of her neck. She tilted her head, and his lips trailed kisses over the side of her face while his gentle fingers teased her throat. She gasped as his other hand slid beneath her jeans and brushed over her swollen flesh.


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When his hands suddenly left her, she wondered if her legs would hold her. She opened her eyes as he removed her shoes and eased her jeans down. After she stepped from them, he tossed her jeans to the floor. He stood and turned her. Gathering her close, he ravished her mouth with his. She moaned in pleasure. He deepened the kiss even more while she tangled her tongue with his. Groping for his waistband, she unbuttoned his jeans and pushed them down his hips with his boxers. He broke the kiss, stepped back, pulled off his boots, and shucked his clothes. He left them on the floor. Wrapping her in his arms, he held her so close she could feel every heated inch of his sculpted body. Skin to skin felt incredible. The length of his erection pressed into her stomach. Suddenly, he broke the embrace and turned her as he moved behind her, his hands sweeping over her breasts and lower. His fingers parted her swollen folds, titillating her flesh. “You’re so beautiful,” he whispered, pressing kisses to the side of her face. Melissa turned her head to kiss him as she reached back with her hands and gripped his butt cheeks. He gave a sharp moan, his erection jerking against her bottom. The erotic sensation increased her aching need. His long fingers gently probed, stoking the heated tension building inside her. When he slowly slid one finger within her slick sheath, she cried out and bucked. “Hold on to the edge of the dresser,” he commanded, his tone thready, urgent. She glanced at him in the mirror. He stared at her, his eyes dark and hooded. She did as he said just as his other hand cupped her breast. His deft fingers teased the puckered nipple with intense pleasure that shot pulses to her wet opening. God, this was heaven. Suddenly, he left her. Weak from sensations, she turned, wondering what he intended. He grabbed his jeans and removed a condom from his wallet. Anticipation stopped her breath. Dropping everything else, he tore open the wrapping and rolled the condom

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over his erection. “Spread your legs for me, baby,” he urged, moving close behind her again. She did as he asked, feeling open and vulnerable before him. Would her legs hold her? She didn’t think they would. His hands grasped her hips. She was wet and aching, hungry for him. Waiting for his touch, desire heightened in her. He separated her sensitive folds with one hand, the other holding her snug against him. He circled her clit, his fingers first gentle and then more forceful. She gasped with pleasure. His mouth closed over the curve of her shoulder, his teeth gently squeezing. The head of his erection caressed the opening of her sheath. She held her breath, savoring the sweet sensation. The engorged head of his penis stretched her, entered her, slid slowly inside. A sound of pure enjoyment came from him. She pressed her lips together as he thrust slowly, deeply, filling her all the way to her womb. Heavens, it felt so right. His heart pounded against her back, his body strong and masterful. His warm breath caressed her. The hand that held her cupped her between her thighs, building the fire. His fingers stroked her swollen clit. She shivered and her back arched. He slid partway out of her and thrust deeper, his muscular thighs, damp and hot, rubbing hers. “Come for me, honey,” he rasped, his breath warm against her ear, cool against her sweat-dampened throat. She swallowed a shriek of intense pleasure as he filled her with the thick length of his cock and stroked an extremely sensitive place inside. He pulled out and thrust again. Pressure built. “Mike. Yes!” Her orgasm rocked her. She bucked with the force of it. He held her tight against him and surged inside her, never leaving her as her climax stroked around him with uncontrolled pulses. He thrust once more. She moaned, shaking. “That’s incredible.”


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Mike held her, caressing her as his own pleasure grew unbelievably. She turned her head and kissed his wet brow. The gentle lick of her tongue and her hot, slick sheath squeezing his cock catapulted him to the heavens. He shouted in pleasure, his body arching over her as he spent himself deep inside her wet velvet. His body continued to pump. He wasn’t finished before he felt the contractions of Melissa’s body as she came again with a cry of delight. Her second climax added to his intense pleasure. “My God, you’re incredible,” he rasped. He wrapped her in his arms and pulled her snug along his body. She turned her face toward his. Tilting her head, she offered her lips for the most satisfying kiss he’d ever known. He hugged her, sharing soft, tender kisses until his body relaxed in sweetest paradise. He’d never felt at one with anyone before. Melissa was a beautiful treasure. He would guard her with his life. Whatever it took. He slipped from her slick vagina. “Stay right there for a second.” He removed the condom and dispensed it. He lifted her into his arms, backed to the bed, and sat down with her in his lap. She smiled at him, looking dreamy and satisfied. “That was the most amazing sex I’ve ever experienced,” she breathed. “You were fantastic.” “You were pretty amazing yourself,” he said. He dipped his head to lick and then suckle one soft nipple. She writhed against him, her hand gliding over his shoulder. It wouldn’t take much to turn her on again. He released her nipple and moved to kiss her sweet lips. She half turned, one leg bending at the knee as she stretched up his torso. With her legs parted, he slipped one hand between her thighs, his fingers stroking through her swollen, wet folds. She breathed in sharply. He slid a finger deep inside her sheath. She bucked and whimpered. It was time to take her to bed.

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Chapter Four Melissa didn’t look forward to the coming conversation with Paul, her security guard at the crisis center. She looked up from the paperwork on her desk as he filled the doorway. “You wanted to talk to me?” he asked. “Morning, Paul. I want to let you know that I’ve asked Mike Wolfson to help out with security for a while.” “Why? I don’t need any help.” His tone was surly and defensive, just as she’d expected. “Don’t you think I can do my job?” “That’s not the issue. You’re doing a great job. But since one of our mothers and her son have been threatened bodily by the boy’s father, I decided it would be smart to have an additional security guard.” “I’ve seen the way Mike works. He’s a violent man. Not the sort of person you want protecting the kids and grownups here.” “I trust Mike to do the job. If it comes to my attention that he causes a problem, I’ll attend to it.” She nodded to Paul. “That’s all, thank you.” He muttered to himself as he turned and left her office. She had to admit she had a little concern about Mike. The security guard might be right. The way Mike dispatched Tito and his friends the first time she needed help was amazing. She’d never seen anyone move so fast. Thank goodness he did, or she might have been kidnapped. If Mike didn’t agree to do things her way at the crisis center, she’d be forced to ask him to quit. That would be really hard to do. She had to believe he wasn’t volatile like Paul said. She’d hate to have to end


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her relationship with Mike. Maybe it might be a good idea to slow things down between them. Things had moved so fast. Last night, he’d taken her to bed and made love to her again. She’d let him have his way with her, and she’d felt no shyness or embarrassment, reclining naked, her thighs spread wide for him. He’d brought her to orgasmic rapture once again. Just thinking about it made her ache for him. If he walked into her office right now, she’d lock the door and seduce him into giving her pleasure here on the desk. They’d rushed from good friends to intense sexual intimacy with lightning speed. She should take a step back. How could she? She didn’t want to. The crisis center must come first. With her rocketing relationship with Mike, she might overlook something or someone in need. She couldn’t live with herself if she let down or failed someone who needed protection from battling parents…or even one dangerous parent. She could definitely use some additional security help right now. Mike had agreed to fill that need. Hopefully, it would work out the best for everyone. **** Mike flopped onto Melissa’s couch after helping her with the dishes from dinner. He could hear her quiet activity in her bedroom. Was she changing into something more comfortable? A vision of her wearing a short, see-through top and bikini panties sent lust surging. He had no problems making love to her, but fear of failing Melissa and her charges preyed on him. He’d always felt lacking, sort of an outsider. That came from the chaotic home he’d been raised in, rather than a well-rounded family like Melissa had. Tormented by his father, who hid the physical form of his werewolf nature but not his abusive temperament.

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Mike had failed to protect his mother. He’d failed her in every way. Would he fail Melissa, too? He’d become a private eye to prove himself and to protect others. Also to prove his self-worth, if he were truthful. He hadn’t been there when his mother needed him. He feared what would happen if he continued to spend his days and nights with Melissa. If at some point, they had to call it quits, he’d leave with half of himself missing. She made him feel whole for the first time in his life. In the low light of dusk, she crossed to him from the hallway, her bare feet padding softly, and joined him on the couch. She wore a soft cotton T-shirt with straps and hip-hugging jeans. She snuggled close against his side. Seeing her sweet smile, he couldn’t resist kissing her. Her lips were warm and pliant. Her scent of warm woman and lilacs affected him like a strong aphrodisiac. “Make love to me,” she whispered. He couldn’t resist. His kisses turned passionate. He was going to have to tell her soon what kind of life he’d come from. It would be up to her afterward whether she wanted to continue their relationship or not. He feared she’d run in disgust from him if she knew his mother had been an alcoholic or if he told her about his mother’s death. Melissa had no idea he was after the Hawks’ leader because of his mother’s death caused by a possible drug overdose. He’d hate for her to find out about his parents’ terrible relationship, too. If she did know everything, would she turn her back on him? Derek and Juan were the only ones close to him who knew, and both of them were also suspicious of Tito Gonzalez. Melissa’s lush lips caressed his jaw before nibbling his ear. Her hands unfastened his shirt and pulled his thoughts to focus on her teasing fingers sliding his shirt away from his chest. Before he could embrace her and ravish her lush lips, she moved down his chest, following the dark line of hair. She touched the tip of her tongue below the first pair of abs. Outlining each one with her


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warm, wet tongue, she moved lower over the ridges. His cock rose high and hardened, his balls fully engaged. God, he was close to coming already. She tasted every inch of him, stopped at his waistband, and unfastened his jeans. Melissa wanted to see all of him, touch all of him, taste him. She glanced up and met the hunger revealed in his eyes. After pulling down his boxer shorts, she gazed in admiration and smiled. With one finger, she continued to trace the silken, dark line to the blanket of hair below framing the base of his shaft. It leaped at her touch. She searched his face. His eyes were dark, half closed, and watching her. He must burn with need like she had from his touch before. As she closed her fingers around his cock, his eyes closed, and his nostrils flared with his deep breath. Her own body reacted and ached to have him inside her. Not yet. First, she wanted to pleasure him. What did he like? She held his rigid penis close to the base and circled the engorged head with her index finger. A drop of cum had beaded. She smoothed it over the tip with her thumb. Meeting his eyes, she licked her thumb. A dark, almost feral promise of pleasure smoldered in his half-closed eyes, as if he wanted to devour her. Daring his passion, she lowered her head, parted her lips, and kissed the sculpted helmet of his rock-hard cock. “God, babe.” He breathed deeply and closed his eyes. Her lips slipped easily over him, and she took him into her mouth, tasting and teasing with her tongue, learning the contours and ridges. Swirling her tongue around him, she smoothed her hand beneath his balls, weighing them with her fingertips. He groaned. “Melissa, I’m going to come. Wait. Stop. I want to be inside you.” Melissa removed her mouth from him and lifted her hand from his sac. He grabbed a condom from his jeans pocket and shucked his boots

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and clothing. She unzipped her jeans and pushed them along with her panties down her legs. He bent and removed them from her feet. “Straddle me, hon,” he rasped. She knelt on the couch with his raging erection between her legs. He supported her, holding her with his hands at her waist as she positioned the head of his hard shaft at her slick opening. Lowering her body, she took all of him deep inside. He filled her to perfection. “Take off your top.” She made quick work of her top and bra. “Move forward. I want to taste you.” She leaned forward until her breasts were within reach of his mouth. The movement tantalized her as he pressed inside her. He licked one nipple and drew it into his mouth, sucking hard. A moan escaped her at the pleasure. She supported herself with her hands on his muscular shoulders. He released the nipple and tasted the other one, giving both the same attention. When he cupped her breasts and circled her nipples with his thumbs, she moved forward, sliding her sheath up and down his cock. It felt amazing. He raised his hips and pushed deeper inside her. She could feel him caressing every surface. Her body tensed. Her muscles tightened. She shook with the force as her climax ignited. Her neck arched as wave after wave of contractions cradled her in ecstasy. When she returned to her senses, Mike growled deep in his chest, his muscles hardened with his climax. She felt him pumping inside, her body pulsing around him in response. She sighed, replete, and dropped forward to rest on his damp chest. He wrapped his arms around her and hugged her. “I wish we could do this nonstop.” She chuckled and pressed her lips to his strong neck as she rested her head on his shoulder, happy to stay right there.


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**** The following day at the crisis center, Mike stood inside the front entry watching as Melissa walked with Mrs. Catalina Martinez, one of the mothers, and her young son to their expensive-looking Lexus. She was a pretty woman but had big problems with her husband. A black sedan drove by and caught his attention. The sedan made a U-turn and slowed as it neared the center. Mike stepped outside and started toward Melissa, who stood beside the woman and child. The black sedan stopped, and a man opened the passenger door and ran toward the women. “Hey,” Mike shouted and raced for them. Melissa started to take the lady’s arm and reached for the boy. “Get back inside!” Melissa grabbed the woman’s son and hurried toward the building. Mike tackled the man who had caught the woman. She went down with them flat onto the strip of grass next to the curb. Mike wanted only to free her. He slammed his fist against the man’s wrist, and he let go of her. She scrambled away and ran for the building. Mike fought with the man, hoping to hold him for the police. Another ruffian rushed from the sedan. He kicked Mike in the side. His breath whooshed from him. He grunted and rolled to avoid the next punishing blow. Another one like that and he could morph to his werewolf form. Not here. Not now, with no warning to Melissa. Paul yelled from across the lawn near the entry. When his assailants left him, Mike looked up. Too late to stop them now. They jumped in the car, and it took off down the street. He turned to see if the women and boy were safe. Paul reached him. “You all right? Need an ambulance? You took a few hard kicks to your ribs. Anything broken?” “I don’t think so.” Mike got to his feet and took a deep breath. His

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ribs were sore, but not like they would be if they were cracked or broken. He brushed himself off and ran toward the center. “We’d better call the cops,” Paul said. “Hell, yeah. We need to make a report.” But first, he had a few questions of his own for the woman. The gang was definitely after Mrs. Martinez instead of Melissa this time. There had to be more than one reason why. He and Paul entered the building and found Melissa with the shaken woman and her son waiting in the office. “I’ve called the police,” Melissa said. “Good,” Mike said softly and looked at the young mother with her son at her side. “May I talk to you alone about what just happened? We could talk right out here in the hallway.” Fear evident in her eyes, the woman looked to Melissa for assurance. Melissa smiled at her and then turned to the young boy. “I’ll stay with Raymond, and we can keep each other company, can’t we?” Serious and quiet, he nodded in agreement but watched his mom as she preceded Mike into the hall. She stopped about two steps from the office door. Mike would keep this short and to the point. The police would arrive any second. “Why do you think those men wanted you?” “It must be because they know me through my husband. But I don’t know why they would try to kidnap me.” “How did you and your husband meet them?” He watched her eyes for any evasive reaction but saw none. “In the past, my husband has invited them to our house for parties or for dinner. I didn’t know he owed them money, but they came to the house recently and I overheard them arguing. They raised their voices.” “What did they argue about?” he asked. She shook her head, looking dismayed. “They demanded money and my husband told them he didn’t have it right now. That’s when


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they beat my husband. I yelled at them to stop and they left the house and drove away. Now, here they are today trying to kidnap me and my son when I came here for help. Will the police catch them and put them in jail?” “I hope so.” Mike’s parents had hosted parties where the guests included questionable people with ties to drug dealing. It sounded like this woman’s husband might be in deep shit. Mike escorted the woman back inside the office. Melissa gazed at him. He had a feeling she had questions of her own for him. “I need to talk to you, Mike.” He nodded. “As soon as the police leave.”

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Chapter Five Later, after a shower and dinner at Melissa’s, Mike waited in the living room for her to join him. The police had come to the crisis center and taken down all the information Mike, Melissa, and Mrs. Martinez could give them. Mike didn’t plan to wait for the police to protect Melissa and those at the crisis center. He had his own plan. He also needed to tell Melissa about his life with his parents, their questionable acquaintances, and his failure to protect his mom. He looked up as she came in from the hallway. She wore a soft, sleeveless knit top, that left her delicious middle bare, and hip-hugger jeans. Nothing on her shapely feet. “How are your bruises?” Her eyes revealed her concern. “Are you sure you don’t need to go to the emergency room for treatment?” Mike shook his head. “Nothing’s broken. I have some pretty ugly bruises forming, and I’m sore, but that’s all. I’ll be better when you sit beside me.” She smiled at him and sat on the sofa, careful not to lean against his side. He put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. “I need to tell you something that I’ve been holding in for a long time. After talking to the woman who was attacked at the crisis center today, I think it’s important for you to know.” “Mrs. Martinez.” Melissa’s eyes were wide and questioning as she looked at him. “Something she said is worrying you?” “Yeah.” He took a deep breath and let it out.


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“She told me about the men coming to their home and beating up her husband over some money. She said her husband had previously invited the same men to their house for parties and dinners on occasion. Her story reminded me of my parents and my life with them.” “How so?” Melissa gazed at him patiently. He found it hard to put into words. He had to start somewhere. “My parents fought with each other. They put a good face on things for friends and guests at parties. But I saw them fighting more often than I thought was normal. More intensely than most couples, I’ve always suspected. They didn’t have disagreements like people have at times. They had ugly, loud battles.” He paused and took another deep breath. This was so damn hard to talk about with Melissa. Would she run from him after she knew? If she did, he’d never be able to tell her about the family curse. There was only one way to find out. “My mother kept to her bedroom with the curtains closed against the sunlight. My father was a rich man, as you probably know.” She nodded, and he continued. “He knew how to make money. It was a game he loved more than anything or anyone. He wasn’t around home much. Even so, I discovered he was also physically abusive to my mother.” He stopped and searched Melissa’s face for her reaction. Was she horrified? He hadn’t even told her the worst about his parents yet. He should have been there to protect his mother when she needed help. Would he be able to protect Melissa? Melissa took his hand in hers and squeezed. The tremors in his grip touched her. Hot tears threatened to fill her eyes. She glanced down and blinked frantically to clear her vision. Tears wouldn’t help Mike. “I understand that some people can’t find a way to get along. Some couples aren’t willing to form a middle ground. There are partners who won’t give even a little to make the other one happy. But your life doesn’t have to be that way.”

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She wanted desperately to help Mike with his ghosts, but there was only so much she could do to help if he wouldn’t tell her everything. She sensed there was more to his story. He cleared his throat. “What drives you to run the crisis center week after week with angry parents always around and giving you a hard time as well?” Maybe it would help him if she told him about her friend’s sad life at home. “My best friend in school was beaten by her father and also emotionally battered by parental fighting. I often asked her to spend the night at my home so she could avoid her parents’ fights. Especially on weekends, the battles were constant.” She paused when Mike groaned. “How did things turn out for her?” “She ran away from home in high school. I haven’t heard from her except once when she called to tell me she was staying with relatives in another state. I’ve really missed her.” She smiled with regret. “That must have been the pits to lose touch with your friend.” “I wish I could have helped her more. I didn’t want that to happen to other children, so now, I do all I can to provide shelter and a safe place for them.” Melissa rubbed her fingers over Mike’s bruised hand. “I wish I could help you come to terms with your parents’ actions.” “You have no idea.” She couldn’t know, having grown up in a loving home. “You never knew what a sorry situation I lived in.” “Oh, I’ve heard about some pretty bad situations.” She gave him a wry smile. He should tell her more about what his parents were like and how they battled. “I always felt helpless that I couldn’t make things better at home between my parents. Some nights turned to horror when my parents fought. As I grew older, the fighting became worse.” “I’m so sorry,” Melissa whispered.


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“One night, when my mother started screaming, I opened her bedroom door and found her fighting my father in her bed.” “Oh, Mike! How horrible.” “She acted as if she were in a dazed stupor. My father slapped her. When I tried to stop him, furious, he left the rumpled bed. Mom rolled away and tried to cover herself with the sheet. Her cheeks were wet with tears.” Mike’s voice came as a soft rasp. Melissa gazed at him and shook her head, frowning in sympathy. “My father told me to get out. I refused to leave until he left. The following morning, he made a business trip on the first flight out of town. I went to school as usual. When I came home, my mom was once again in a drunken daze.” He couldn’t hide his frustration. “Mike, your experience isn’t uncommon. I’ve had children relate similar things to me. It wasn’t your responsibility to keep your parents from fighting. They should have sought professional help for their marriage problems on their own.” When she put her palm on the side of his face, he looked at her bleakly and continued. “My father insisted on having big parties, and Mom did her best to be his hostess. One of the questionable men became friends with her. That concerned me at the time, but she wouldn’t listen to my objections. I’m sure now that the man was a drug dealer and had turned Mom on to hard drugs.” “What makes you think that?” “At a swimming party hosted by my parents, complete with mariachis, I met the drug dealer’s children, who were also invited. Their son was my age and attended the same high school as we did. He offered me drugs, which I refused.” Relief swamped Melissa. “Thank goodness you didn’t buy into it.” “Living with a mother who was either drunk or high day and night, I had no desire to become like her—live the life she lived, a slave to drugs. I couldn’t convince her to stop, and I couldn’t convince her to get help. I failed her. I wasn’t there to prevent her

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death.” “Look at me, Mike.” He turned and met her gaze. “I know you’re not responsible. Your parents should have found help for their problems. They knew that help was available. It was their choice not to seek it and not your fault.” She stroked his arm. “Can you tell me what happened?” He looked across the room. “While I was at college, away from town and my parents, my father called one day to tell me my mom had died. By the time I got there, arrangements had been made at the funeral home. I suspected her body had been worn out from alcohol and drugs. She was probably out of it when she fell from the balcony to the rocks below. It killed her. Could I have saved her? That question still haunts me. I fear that I’ll fail to help someone else in danger.” “There was nothing you could have done to prevent your mother’s death. I know that. She needed a physician’s care.” “Yes, she did, but still, maybe if I’d been there, I could have done something.” Melissa shook her head. “In my experience with the crisis center, I don’t think you could have stopped her.” He took a deep breath. “My father died the following year in a car accident caused by a blinding dust storm.” “How awful,” Melissa said. “My father’s lawyer explained to me that I was sole beneficiary of my father’s business dealings. I knew from my classes at college about how the business should be handled. I hired a business manager and set about forming my own business as a private investigator.” When she considered the loving home she’d come from, compared to the heartbreak Mike suffered growing up and losing his parents, the difference in their social positions monetarily didn’t mean anything. Mike could very well become abusive because of his upbringing with an abusive father. She would never let herself be trapped in that


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kind of situation. She wrapped her arms around Mike’s shoulders and kissed him on the cheek. He turned to her. “Make love with me,” he rasped, and devoured her lips, ravaging her mouth. His arms pulled her close in a bear hug. She welcomed him. She loved him. Probably always had. Would he break her heart? Would she be forced to leave him? “I want you in bed, right now.” He rose from the couch and scooped her into his arms. She delved her fingers through his hair, kissed his jaw and neck as he carried her. Mike had to get control of his inner beast before he took her without care. He lowered her to the foot of the bed. “I want your clothes off.” He reached to help her lift her shirt off. She wore nothing underneath. Her beautiful breasts tempted him. He licked first one nipple and then the other. Lust raged through him. He suckled each turgid, rosy tit. With reluctance he straightened and lifted her to her feet. “Let’s get these off.” She reached for her waistband as he unzipped her jeans and pushed them down her long, beautiful legs. He shook with need. “Hold on to my shoulders.” After removing her jeans from her ankles and feet, he removed his own clothing, tossing each piece on the floor as she walked to the side of the bed. “Come here.” He pointed to a spot right in front of him. “I want you right here.” She looked at him with raised eyebrows. “There’s not much room there.” “There’s plenty of room for what I have in mind.” She returned to the foot of the bed, her eyes wide. “Sit.” She sat on the edge. “Scoot back a bit.” He grabbed the pillows and put them behind her for her head. “Now, ease back.” She did as he said, and the sight

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of her rose-colored nipples surrounded by pale globes was beautiful. “Now what?” She sounded breathless and a little unsure. He dropped to his knees in front of her. “I want your legs resting on my shoulders.” When she didn’t protest, he lifted her legs, one at a time, and draped them over his shoulders. “ Perfect.” As he lowered his head and tasted her, she gasped. He licked and nibbled. Parted her swollen folds and sucked her clit. “Mike!” Her fingers delved through his hair and clutched. He nuzzled and kissed her flesh and delved his tongue into her opening. Stroked her slick, sensitive pussy as he speared in and out of her, mimicking the motions of his cock. She bucked against him. “Oh. Mike!” He dipped one finger inside her and spread her moisture through her folds. She writhed beneath his touch. Slipping his finger inside her again, he stroked along her slit and lower. She grasped his hair. “Mike!” He chuckled. “Like that?” “I need you inside me.” She reached for him. He gave her one more long lick from her wet opening through the pink, swollen folds to her clit. He lifted her legs from his shoulders and placed her feet on the edge of the bed. Need ravaged him as he gazed at her wet pussy. “You’re beautiful, babe.” He positioned the head of his stiff cock at her opening and pushed inside. “Oh,” she moaned. He thrust slowly until she took all of him, his aroused balls snug against her. He groaned with the pleasure. “Please,” she whispered. He looked down at her. She gripped the bed clothing in her fists. Her hips tilted up, moving against him, taunting him. He pulled out most of the way and slid back inside. In and out, again and again. At the sound of her sharp whimper, he reached between them and rubbed her clit.


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She gave a keening cry and arched her back. “Mike!” she cried. She convulsed around him. Her contractions and the tension in his body triggered his climax. “Yes,” he shouted, his cock pumping over and over. Finally, his body quieted. He heard her soft panting breaths beneath his own. “Sweet lord, Melissa. That was amazing. I’ve never experienced such mind-blowing sex, ever.” She reclined limp and lethargic, smiling at him. “That was wonderful. You have my permission to do that anytime you want.” She grinned at him. His body slowly relaxed. He looked down and gently pulled out of her opening. His cock was wet and relaxed. Wet and—bare. Shit. He’d forgotten to use a condom. “God, Melissa. I’m sorry.” “What?” She rose up as he unfolded her legs from the edge of the bed. “I forgot to use a condom. I can’t believe I did that. How could I be so careless? I’m sorry.” “It’s okay. Really. I’m on the pill, and I’m sure it’s fine.” He wasn’t convinced. He’d heard of women getting pregnant even though they were on the pill. What if she got pregnant? Melissa was his woman. He’d take care of her and protect her. If she was pregnant, he’d love the child as much as she would and protect them both, now and in the future.

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Chapter Six Over the next few days, Mike continued to help out at the crisis center while he kept an eye on Melissa. He’d become a private eye because that made him feel worthwhile. He had already started accomplishing his goal of protecting others. But he hadn’t been there for his mom. He didn’t want to fail anyone else who needed him. Fear that he wouldn’t do enough to protect Melissa, the woman he loved, haunted him like a dark specter. He was almost finished picking out clean bedding from the supply room in back for a recently arrived mother and child when he heard raised voices. He tossed the bedding on a table and raced down the hallway. When he reached the front office, he discovered Melissa’s assistant making her way to a chair. She rubbed the side of her face. He didn’t see Melissa. His heart slammed in his chest. “What happened? Are you all right? Where’s Melissa?” Fear filled Angie’s eyes when she glanced at him. “Hurry! Outside!” She pointed to the front entry. He raced through the entry and down the front sidewalk. Tito Gonzalez had Melissa halfway to a dark sedan even though she fought him like a wildcat. Mike caught up to them and grabbed the gang leader by the back of the neck. “Let her go,” he shouted. His grip convinced the scum. Tito released his hold on Melissa. She stumbled away and ran back inside the center. Good girl. Mike wanted to crush the criminal’s throat. Too bad he could only


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hold him for the police. The dirt-bag struggled against his hold. “You’re nothing but a puny little rich boy.” “Shut your mouth before I do it for you,” Mike growled. Tito continued to struggle. “Your mother prostituted her body for drugs!” “Damn you! Shut the fuck up!” Pain stabbed Mike’s heart. “Your crackhead dad didn’t buy ’em for her. How do you think she got her fix?” Fury threatened Mike’s control. “You’re responsible for her death.” He slammed the drug dealer against the cement walk. “Fuck you! She killed herself when your dad kept her from gettin’ drugs. I know. The drugs were delivered to the house by one of my gang.” Mike reeled from the shock of the criminal’s words. “You have no proof.” Suddenly, Tito pulled a knife. “When my man made his last visit to your home to deliver her drugs, she was already dead. Not even the fire department rescue squad could revive her.” “Damn you to hell!” Mike grabbed Tito’s wrist and slammed it against the cement. The knife clattered from Tito’s hand. Tito screamed and grabbed his wrist. It was probably broken. Mike wanted to beat him to a pulp. The compulsion to change raced through him like an electrical charge. His body burned with the fury of the beast as he shifted. “Mike!” Melissa yelled from the Haven’s doorway. The car’s motor roared. He looked up as a wolf form jumped from the car and sprang at him. Mike scrambled from Tito and met the dark-furred werewolf, bared fangs closing in a choke hold on the animal’s neck. There was nothing he could do now. Melissa would know. The vision of him changing would horrify her forever. He’d have to let

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Tito go this time. The werewolf morphed to his human form. Mike released him. The bleeding thug dragged Tito to his feet and hurried into the car, hauling the gang leader along. They slammed the door and sped down the street as Mike returned to his human form. Although shaken from what he’d been told about his parents, Mike noted the license plate number on the front of the vehicle. He’d get Tito next time. Mike turned toward the Haven’s front entry. Melissa no longer stood there. He raced inside the center. Was she all right? How much had she seen? He found her waiting inside the entry. “How badly did he hurt you?” Panting, he fought for air, desperate for her to be all right. “I’m fine. Just a little bruise on my arm. I was afraid they’d kill you. I still don’t believe what I saw. Your body changed as you held Tito down. Unless I’ve completely lost it and I‘m seeing things, you took on the shape of a wolf.” “You haven’t lost it.” What he’d dreaded had to be faced now. “I should have told you before. I’m sorry I didn’t. I never meant for you to see that I’m a shape shifter, a wolf, just like my father. It doesn’t happen often, but tonight I couldn’t prevent it.” She stared at him, her beautiful eyes wide and revealing her shock. He released the breath he held and shook his head. “I’m going after them and bringing them in.” She started to reach for his arm, but didn’t touch him. “I plan to follow them on my own to their apartment building and meet the police there. The police will provide protection. Women and children are probably being held there. I need to help them.” “Melissa, please don’t. Go home. I’m taking Tito and his gang down now.” “No. I don’t want you hurt, or worse. The police should handle this. Then they can rescue the innocent victims at last.”


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Mike paused at her words. Maybe she wouldn’t hate him. He also didn’t want to make things worse for anyone held captive by Tito. “All right. I’ll call the police.” First, he needed to send a heads up to Derek. When his cousin answered, Mike said, “I need you to follow the gang leader and his two cronies.” “We’re on it,” Derek said and hung up. Mike called the police and continued to stand watch at the Haven until they arrived. Melissa met the two men at the front door and brought them inside the office. Soon, Mike heard the Grand Prix pull up and saw Derek and Juan get out. He signaled them. They joined him near the entry. He explained what happened. “Yeah, Melissa called us,” Derek said. “We were on the way when you gave us a buzz.” “Is Angie okay?” Juan asked. “Yeah, she’s doin’ all right, but she got slapped by one of the hoods.” Mike stepped aside as Juan rushed inside the building to find Angie. He turned back to Derek. “Did you see where those bastards went?” “Here’s the address.” He handed Mike a piece of paper with the street and number. “It’s Tito’s three-story apartment building on the northwest corner of Blackmore and Sunset.” Mike nodded. “I need you to take Melissa home and see that she stays there. She saw me shape-shift.” “Shit.” Derek stared at him. “I couldn’t control it this time,” Mike said. Juan rejoined Mike and Derek. “Angie insists she’s all right.” “Good. Let’s go.” Mike and Juan drove to the apartment building near downtown where Derek and Juan had followed the gang members earlier. Mike would surprise the hell out of the fuckin’ Hawks with their hands dirty in plenty of damning evidence.

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**** Melissa answered all the questions the police had for her. They’d just left on their way to the Hawks’ apartment. Please, God, let them rescue the women and any children held captive. She turned to Mike’s cousin, who had stayed by her side and offered pertinent information to the police. “Where’s Mike?” “Mike’s gone after the Hawks.” “By himself?” Oh, no. He shouldn’t confront them on his own. “Mike will explain everything when he gets back,” Derek said. “Don’t worry, he can handle things. He’s not alone. He has Juan with him.” “What if the police go to the wrong address? If you don’t go with me, I’ll go by myself.” “Mike doesn’t want you involved. He’s worried about your safety and wants me to keep you here.” “Too bad. It won’t hurt Mike to learn that I don’t have to be treated like I’m breakable. I’m capable of doing things on my own. I’ll go by myself if you don’t want to come with me.” “Shit. Mike will have my ass for this. Let’s go.” Melissa drove her van, breaking the speed limits. Derek directed her toward the street corner where the gang’s apartment was located. **** Mike stormed through the entry of the apartment building with Juan close behind him. Ignoring the surprised woman at the desk in the front parlor, Mike strode down the empty hall with Juan. Behind the first door Mike opened, a man lay on a table with a sheet barely covering him. He had his hands on a skimpily clad woman standing beside the table. She gave a little shriek and backed away. “Aye! Madre de Dios!”


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she cried, and crossed herself. The man slid off the table to his feet and turned his back to them as he rushed for his clothing on a chair nearby. The young woman’s surprised cry must have warned everyone in the building. They had no time to lose. Mike hurried down the hallway and opened every door, searching for Tito. Each room wreaked of cheap perfume and contained a man in some stage of coming on to another young woman. It was disturbing that the women and patrons ignored the shriek of the woman in the first room Mike had entered. This massage setting was a typical front for prostitution. Each client immediately scampered for his clothing. Soon, men, hastily dressed, ran out the door at the opposite end of the building. Mike knew it led to a parking lot where the patrons obviously left their cars during their visits. Women, dressed in skimpy clothing and high heels, ran from the massage rooms and down the hall in the opposite direction. They rounded a corner and disappeared. That must lead to their bedroom area. There were no stairs at this end of the hallway. Tito had to be on one of the floors above. Mike pulled his cell from its casing on his belt. He’d better alert the police for more man power. **** Melissa parked across the street and ran for the open doorway of the apartment building. Hurrying through the entry, she walked inside the front office. Where was Mike? Where were the police? They should have been here by now. A rumble of heavy footsteps sounded from the floor above. A shrill siren wailed nearby. Derek took hold of her arm. “You’re gettin’ out of here before all hell breaks loose.” “No. I’m going to see if the kidnapped women and children need

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help.” She couldn’t abide the thought of leaving for her own safety if the women and children were in harm’s way. “I have to make sure they’re all right. Their lives could be threatened if there’s gunfire. I can’t fail them.” She removed his hand from her arm and hurried across the office and through a doorway that led to a long, shadowed hall. “Argh!” She heard Derek cry out and turned as he fell to the floor. He didn’t move. A dark form grabbed her arm. Tito! In the dim light, his dark eyes revealed wild fear and desperation. He hauled her behind him into a bedroom. She yanked against his hold. She couldn’t get free and he wouldn’t let go, his grip on her arm painful. He locked the door and barred it. Panic threatened to take her. There must be such bars for all the room doors. The overwhelming smell of cheap perfume made her feel nauseated and claustrophobic. She scrambled to stay on her feet as Tito yanked her across the room to a door in the corner. He threw it open and revealed a narrow stairway. If he took her up those stairs, she’d be in bigger trouble than she was now. She yanked against his grip. He jerked her after him. “You want to come with me on your feet or on your back?” he demanded, his voice a rasping snarl. His dark eyes glittered, cold and merciless. He pulled her behind him up several flights to a metal door. There was no landing. He unlocked the door with a key on a jangling chain of keys he took from his pocket. The door opened outward. Sunlight streamed in. She squinted her eyes against the glare. He jerked her outside onto the roof and locked the door. The apartment building had several stories. There was no way she could jump without seriously or possibly critically injuring herself from the fall…if she did manage to jerk free from Tito.


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She wished Mike would find her this moment. Even though his shape-shifting had shocked her, she needed him to rescue her, now.

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Chapter Seven Mike ran back along the second-story hallway and down the stairs with Juan on his heels. A man’s cry had come from below. Derek sat on the main floor near the bottom of the stairs, rubbing his head. “What happened? You okay?” Mike knelt at his cousin’s side. “I’ll be fine. Just saw stars for a moment when someone hit me from behind.” “What are you doing here? I needed you to stay with Melissa at the center.” “I tried, but you know how hardheaded she can be. She insisted we come here and help rescue the women and children. She threatened to come by herself if I didn’t go along with her.” “Shit. Where is she?” Derek looked around. “Whoever hit me must have taken her.” “Fuck. Tito must have her.” The door to the room beside them was closed. Mike had left it open when the occupants had run out. He tried the doorknob. Locked. Maybe Tito took Melissa in there. “Let’s break this open.” Sirens shrilled loudly outside. He and Juan kicked the door repeatedly until the bottom panel splintered. He groped inside for the lock and found the bar across the door. He tossed it off and opened the door. Across the room was another door. He hadn’t thought much about it before. Where did it lead? He ran for it and opened it to reveal a narrow stairway leading upward. Tito must have taken Melissa up those stairs.


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“God, I hope we find Melissa fast.” He started up the stairs, his heart pounding with fear for her. If that bastard hurt her, Mike would rip him apart with his bare hands. They reached a metal door. He tried the handle but it was locked. “Hell.” He didn’t have time to fool with the metal door. “The fire escape.” He brushed past his partners and raced back down the stairs and through the building to the outside fire escape. He glanced up and saw Tito running across a metal bridge from this building to the top of the apartment house next door. He pulled Melissa along behind him. Mike raced for the fire escape of the other building. When he reached it, he started up. His heart plummeted at the sight that met him. Tito stood at the top of the fire escape, Melissa in front of him for protection. Tito started down and stopped after a few steps. “Try to stop me and she dies,” he shouted. He moved slowly to the first landing. Mike glanced at the parking area. A Hummer, stripped of chrome and painted a dull black with dark-tinted windows, waited there. He had to stop Tito before he locked Melissa inside it. When Mike started up the first flight, Tito yelled, “Get out of my way or I’ll push her over the side.” Mike met Melissa’s gaze. She was scared. Horrified and sickened, Mike remembered how his mother had been found in the rocks at the base of their home on the mountain. She’d fallen several stories and the impact had killed her. He couldn’t let that happen to Melissa. He stepped off the fire escape. “All right. I’m out of your way. Release her. She has no part in this.” Tito looked crazed. How could Mike get her out of this? He had to find a way. A policeman appeared above them on the roof of the first building. “Stop right there! Release the woman and drop your weapon.” Tito twisted around and looked up.

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In that split second, Mike bounded up the metal stairs. “Melissa, get down,” he shouted. The clang of metal sounded like death charging down on them. He kept his gaze on her as he rounded the first landing. “Mike!” She struggled against the gangster’s hold. Tito snarled with an animalistic rage and shoved her over the metal railing. “No!” Mike yelled. His heart slammed in his chest. His legs seemed to move in slow motion. Melissa screamed. The nightmare of losing his mother threatened him. Melissa grabbed for a handhold. As he raced to stop her fall, her hands hit metal and finally gripped two metal railings. She cried out as her body stopped in midair and hit the metal railing supports. He had to get to her before she fell. “Hold on!” He bounded up the second flight. She dangled, holding on to the rusty metal. He reached over the railing and grasped her arms. A painful jab in his side made him freeze. Tito’s gun. Goddamn it. “Don’t move,” Tito rasped. “Put the weapon down and your hands up,” the policeman above ordered. At the same moment, Mike heard a gun go off. He waited for pain to slice through him. Instead, Tito’s gun scraped down Mike’s side as Tito dropped in a heap on the landing. Mike glanced at him. The policeman’s shot had gone through the outlaw’s neck at the base of his skull. Tito was finished. “Mike! Are you all right?” Melissa cried. “Yeah. I’ve got you.” Mike pulled her up and helped her onto the safety of the iron stairs. He wrapped her in his arms. They both shook. “Are you all right?” he whispered, his face buried in her silken hair against the side of her warm neck. “Yes. I’m fine now. I’m sorry. I almost got you killed.” “Me? No,” he exclaimed. “I was scared to death he’d kill you for


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spite. Thank God you’re safe.” He continued to hold her. He would hate for her to see what had happened to Tito. Several policemen joined them. “You two okay?” one asked. “Yes,” they said together. Mike looked into Melissa’s beautiful eyes and kissed her soft lips. He needed to get her away from here before she noticed the change in Tito’s body. With one arm around her, he helped her down the top flight of stairs. It was pure luck and some great skill that allowed the cop to fire that shot. It kept Tito from shooting Mike and killing Melissa in the process. They were both lucky to be alive. Juan joined them on the next flight of stairs. “Do you two need me for anything else?” “No,” Mike said. “I imagine the police will want some sort of report from us right away.” “If I’m not needed, I’m going to check on the Haven and everyone there.” It was obvious Juan was anxious to check on Melissa’s assistant, Angie, who had captured his heart. Mike hugged Melissa. “I wish I never had to let go of you ever again.” She hugged him back and brushed his lips across her velvet cheek. **** The last police report was finished. Mike couldn’t wait to exit the Police Department and take Melissa home. He needed to know if she’d let him hold her in his arms all night-or ever again. Right now, he needed to get her out of this place before another cop commented on the wolf-like features of Tito’s face after he’d been shot dead. Mike had watched her reaction to the cop’s remark. She’d obviously heard him but hadn’t asked about it. He needed to tell her about the secret he’d kept all his life, but not

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in the police station. He helped her into his Jag and joined her. “How are you holding up with all this?” “I’m fine. Just a little tired.” “You sure you don’t need to see a doctor about bruises and pulled muscles? Just to be sure.” “No. I’ll probably feel it more tomorrow, but I only have a couple strained muscles in my arms and shoulders. I’ll be back to normal by tomorrow.” Mike glanced at her, looking for signs of fatigue and depression. “I hated for you to see that place. The condition of the rooms where the women were kept. It must have been jarring to you.” Hopefully, she wasn’t suffering from the shock of the brutal violence Tito dished out. That could take longer to get over and be as emotionally damaging as physical injury. “I’m used to hearing stories about fights, sometimes physical abuse, between parents at the crisis center. I’m so relieved there were no children kept there and that all the women held by the gang are now being cared for by the appropriate agencies. They said their families had been contacted as well. It won’t be an easy thing for them to come to terms with or for their families either. I hope their loved ones welcome them home with open arms and give them the support they’ll need to overcome the horrible experience. What about you? Are you handling all of this?” “Yeah, as long as you’re safe. I’m glad Tito can’t hurt anyone else. He told me before, things about my mom and dad that I never knew.” He shook his head. “He even told me that my mother bought drugs from him.” “Oh, Mike.” Melissa curved her hand over his arm. She’d always known something was different with Mike. A haunted look in his eyes and his quiet fierceness kept her wondering all these years what he suffered from. Even so, something about him had always drawn her to him. She was relieved to know what he’d already told her about his life, but evidently, there was much more.


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She couldn’t fix this for him. She’d have to let him come to terms with it himself. She wanted to know about the shape-shifting. His inner strength pulled her like a magnet. When she thought of the violence he had taken part in, she couldn’t overlook it. “I would never let myself be caught up in an abusive relationship,” she said softly. He turned the car into her driveway and shut off the ignition. Closing his hand over hers, he said, “I want to tell you something. First, you’ve always been the light in my life. I would never treat you, or anyone, the way my father treated my mother. “I need you, Melissa. I’m not whole without you. I hope you want to stay beside me as we work toward our mutual goals of helping and protecting others.” “I love you, Mike. That hasn’t changed. I’m here for you.” “I love you so much it hurts, Melissa. But I’ll understand if you don’t want to see me ever again now that you know about my father and my mom. There’s something else I need to explain to you.” “What is it?” “Do you remember the remark made by the cop about Tito after he was killed?” “He said Tito’s face resembled a wolf’s.” She gazed at Mike, her eyes wide. “Well,” Mike began and paused, groping for the right words. “Tito was also a shape-shifter.” “Both of you?” Her voice held doubt. He wasn’t surprised. “Yeah, wolf-like. Some would have called him and his gang a pack. Like a wolf pack.” “I’d never believed in shape-shifters until I saw you change. I’d always thought that was just a myth.” “It’s not. It’s true. I know that because my father was a werewolf, just like his father, and so am I.” “Oh.” Her voice sounded shaky. “You’re definitely not making all this up.”

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“No. Sad to say, I’m not.” “It’s hard to believe.” How could he convince her? “Do you remember the big black dog that charged me while I held Tito down on the sidewalk in front of Haven?” “Yes. I was scared he’d attack you.” “He’s a werewolf. One of Tito’s gang. Actually, Tito’s pack.” He watched her as she digested that. She nodded. “The dog disappeared when Tito’s other pal helped Tito into the car.” She paused a moment. “Where did the dog go?” “The werewolf morphed back into the guy who helped Tito into the car. I tried to block the sight from you.” “You succeeded. I didn’t see where the ‘dog’ went. How often do you change into a werewolf?” “Not often.” “When?” “I morphed to my werewolf side recently at the Haven when Tito dropped by one evening as we were getting ready to leave.” “What happened?” Her eyes held a fascinated look of belief now. “He had second thoughts and left in a hurry.” She considered this for a minute. “Why did you change then?” “It was a power play to discourage Tito from coming around the crisis center.” “Are there other situations where you’d change into a werewolf?” “I try hard not to shift unless I have a really good reason. Protecting you is the strongest reason I have.” “Oh? It sounds like you usually only change when someone needs protecting.” He shook his head. “That’s about the only good thing about this curse.” She gave him a sympathetic smile. “I think it’s a good thing if you use your amazing ability to protect others. What else should I know about it?”


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“Other than morphing, I fight a battle at times against my baser animal instincts and urges.” “Such as…?” Her eyebrows lifted. “When I want to make love to you. I’m afraid I would get carried away and love you in ways that you might not be comfortable with.” “I think I’d like you to show me what you mean by that.” Did she mean what it sounded like she was saying? “Are you saying you can accept me, knowing what I am?” “You’ve never done anything to frighten or hurt me. You’ve done everything you can to protect me and the children at the Haven.” “I was so afraid I’d lose you, but I had to tell you.” “Mike.” She smiled at him. Her eyes filled with tears. “I’ve loved you for as long as I’ve known you, and I love you even more now.” He leaned close and hugged her tight. “I assume you’re staying here tonight?” she asked. “Try to get rid of me.” She gave a warm chuckle. “Let’s clean up and have dinner. Would you like some lasagna?” She moved to open the car door. “Sounds perfect,” he said and put his arm around her as they walked inside. She drew him into her bedroom. When she peeled off her clothing and dropped it in a pile on the floor, he did the same. She turned on the water, and Mike followed her lovely, curvaceous body into the shower. Stepping beneath the stream of water, she moaned softly as it poured over her from head to toe. Mike ached with need as he watched her graceful form, water caressing every part of her. He wanted to slide his hands all over her, right now. “Your turn,” she said and traded places with him as she grabbed the soap.

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Chapter Eight Mike moved under the shower spray and let the water wash away the filth of Tito Gonzalez. He ducked from beneath the water and wiped it from his face. Now, he could see Melissa clearly again. She soaped her neck and arms, rubbing briskly. “Let me.” He held out his hand, and she placed the lilac-scented soap on his palm. He was hungry to touch her. Lathering his hands, he put the bar in its soap dish and moved closer to Melissa. He stroked his soapy hands over her shoulders and back, pressed her close to him, and bent to take one of her perfect nipples between his lips. He kissed, nibbled, and took the firm peak deep into his mouth, drawing hard. “Oh, that feels good.” She slid her fingers through his hair, caressing his scalp. He grabbed the washrag from the towel rack and rinsed the soap from her. Covering her other nipple with his mouth, he tasted and flicked as he slid one finger through the wet folds between her thighs and found her slick opening. The arousing sound of her gasp urged him on. He licked and sucked her hardened nipple while he stroked and circled her sensitive flesh. Her opening was wet with her juices. Slowly, he slid one finger into her hot, velvet sheath. A moan from her rewarded him as she bucked against his hand. He slid two fingers inside her. “Mike,” she cried. He withdrew from her and grabbed the soap. Her breasts moved


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up and down as she panted. Lathering his hands, he soaped her beautiful breasts and belly, squatted down to soap each leg from thigh to toes. “That’s heavenly,” she said. He stood and moved her so the shower rinsed the soap from her while he switched places. With more soapy lather, he smoothed his palms over her back and lower to her sweet bottom. He trailed his fingertips from her waist down to the crease between her butt cheeks and lower. “Oh, my.” She shuddered. “Brace yourself.” Slowly, he delved one finger along her crease. She shivered again, and he prepared to catch her if her knees buckled. “Spread your legs, babe.” With a sharp moan, she did as he said. Parting her sweet, rounded cheeks, he slid his finger between and touched her opening. She was slick with her arousal. He returned to her clit and trailed his finger through her folds. Her legs shook. “Mike, I’m going to fall.” He stood and wrapped his arms around her waist. “Not as long as I catch you.” She moaned and leaned her head against his chest. “Let’s dry off.” He rinsed her and reached to turn off the water. He grabbed the nearest towel and started drying her. With brisk movements, he had her dry in no time, ending with her shapely legs and feet. Before he rose from his squatting position in front of her, he grasped her hips and pulled her close. He delved between her folds to her swollen clit. He licked and circled, and when she moaned, he kissed her there and drew back. “I’ll be out as soon as I dry off.” “I’ll be waiting for you.” She moved sensuously, even if a little unsteadily, from the bathroom to her bedroom. Mike toweled off fast and tossed the towel to the floor before following.

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At the sight that met him, he stopped in his tracks. She reclined naked on her bed with the pillows piled beneath her head and upper body. “Would you like to join me?” She bent her knee, slid the leg nearest him into an angle resting on the covers, and reached to trail her fingers over her thigh. She was open to him. Mike stood staring, mesmerized as she slowly brushed her fingertips along the crease between her thigh and her swollen, pink flesh. He swallowed, wanted desperately to taste her. She was the most erotic vision he’d ever seen. His cock hardened more as her fingers moved to her folds. He couldn’t take his gaze from her hand. She was pure temptation. With one slender finger delving into her opening, she moved her hand up and down, sliding her fingertip around her clit. Sweet lord, he could eat her up. “I’m ready for you,” she said softly. “I want you inside me, now.” Mike released a tortured groan and climbed on the bed between her legs. He closed his hand around hers and licked her fingers, taking each one deep in his mouth and sucking. “Mike.” Melissa hadn’t expected him to do that. The feeling of his warm, wet mouth sucking and his tongue pleasuring her was amazing. She wanted to spread her legs right now and ask him to kiss her there again. Her legs parted wider, seemingly on their own. He placed her hand on her waist, pushing her thighs even wider. He speared into her wet opening with his tongue. “Mike!” She involuntarily clamped her thighs against his head. At his soft chuckle, she gasped and spread her legs wider for him. His wicked tongue swiped through her folds, once, twice. He flicked her clit with the tip of his tongue and her hips bucked again. His mouth closed over her clit, suckled, and nibbled. She was close to coming. Overwhelmed by his caresses, her body tensed.


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He left her needy flesh. She opened her eyes at the touch of his penis at her opening. The smooth head rubbed and pushed gently inside. She watched Mike’s face, his eyes dark with hunger and desire. She shifted her hips to take him inside, the sensation exquisite as his hard cock slid deeper. She took all of him, his tightened balls snug against her bottom. “Are you all right?” He stretched over her until his weight pressed her against the bedding. “I’m not too heavy for you?” “More than all right. Heavens, you feel wonderful, on top and inside me.” She smiled at him. She didn’t think she could love him more than she did right then. She wrapped her legs around him. He started to move, sliding slowly in and out of her. She moved with him, tilting her hips and loving the hot sensations. She stroked his sculpted back, the valley between the layers of muscle. Smoothed her fingertips along the curves of his back and over his butt cheeks. She slipped her fingers along the crack. He inhaled deeply and lowered his head to kiss her. Their tongues tangled and stroked. She tilted her hips to pleasure him as he pleasured her. Tension built as he slipped one hand between their bodies. Her back arched. She shuddered as her climax peaked and she skyrocketed with her orgasm. Through the waves of otherworldly ecstasy, she heard Mike’s harsh moan deep in his chest as he climaxed, his cock pumping his seed inside her, spurting against her womb, and bringing her more pleasure. His climax added to hers in strength, drawing the sweet release out until they were both left replete. She loved the feeling of Mike’s weight on top of her. With her arms wrapped around his broad shoulders, she slipped her fingers through his hair. Little pulses continued inside her. “I’d love to stay like this all night.” “Me, too.” He sighed against her neck where his head rested in the crook of her shoulder. “Are you okay?” He raised his head and met her gaze.

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“I’m more than okay. I feel wonderful.” “I love you.” “I’ll never stop loving you.” She brushed her lips over his and hugged him tight. “I’ll love you for all eternity.” He smiled at her and kissed her again.


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Chapter Nine The gang leader who enslaved and forced women into prostitution was gone. But his pack was still out there. Mike hoped there’d be no further trouble at the Haven from the Hawks. However, he intended to continue to take an active part there. Security was only part of it. He craved being near Melissa and enjoyed helping out in any way she needed him, even helping the kids keep the game room in some semblance of order. Tito’s wife and son seemed to be dealing as well as could be expected with Tito’s death. Mrs. Gonzalez brought her son by the Haven to play with the new friends he’d made there among the kids his age. Mrs. Gonzalez and Mrs. Martinez helped out with keeping supplies available for the playroom and the kitchen. Derek and Juan would let him know when they required his help on a case. Their private investigations business was in good hands. He entered Melissa’s office and closed the door behind him. She sat at her desk but rose and walked around it to lean against the front. She gave him a saucy look. “Do you know that, according to Paul, word has spread like wildfire that Melissa Haven’s child crisis center is watched twenty-four-seven by a lethal guard?” “No, I hadn’t heard that. Who’s the lethal guard?” “You are.” She smiled at him with a teasing light in her eyes. He smiled back at her. “I don’t mind being the Haven’s lethal guardian. Can’t hurt. Although it does give me more to do.” “Just so you leave enough time for us.” She reached her hands out to him. “First and foremost, you’ll always be the tender guardian of my heart.”

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He took her hands in his. “I think I can handle that.” Mike kissed her hands and took her in his arms. He brushed his lips over hers and kissed her long and deeply as she wrapped her arms around him.

THE END www.JeanmarieHamilton.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Claire Adele/Jeanmarie Hamilton is an award winning author of western historical and shape shifter romance. Also an author of erotic romance, she’s working on her next story in The Wolves of West Texas series, and an erotic western historical novel, Dangerous Persuasion. When not writing, she enjoys her family and pets, oil painting, walks in the desert foothills, gardening, romantic movies, and reading a gripping romance. Please stop by her web site at www.JeanmarieHamilton.com. She would love for you to join her newsletter.

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Guardian of Her Heart

Guardian of Her Heart

Guardian of Her Heart