Suck It Up

Suck It Up A Grassroots Story

By Emma Hillman

Resplendence Publishing, LLC http://www.resplendencepublishing.com

Resplendence Publishing, LLC 2665 N Atlantic Avenue, #349 Daytona Beach, FL 32118 Suck it Up Copyright © 2011 Emma Hillman Edited by Michele Paulin and Juli Simonson Cover art by Les Byerley, www.les3photo8.com Electronic format ISBN: 978-1-60735-446-8 Warning: All rights reserved. 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. Electronic Release: December 2011 This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and occurrences are a product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, places or occurrences, is purely coincidental.

To Kelsey St. James for the inspiration.

Chapter One

Nathan, or Dr. Franks as everyone knew him, loved women. He loved everything about them, from their soft skin, to the way they smelled, to how their nails dug into his back when he made love to them. He’d always been a ladies’ man, enjoying the fact he was never on his own for long. Oh, he wasn’t planning on getting hitched any time soon, but now that he’d come back to the Pride, he knew he would have to curb his tendencies. As one of the Alpha’s sons, he had a reputation to uphold. As the only doctor left in the Pride, he had a clientele to build. It was a good thing he wasn’t as dominant as his two brothers, Jay and Andy. Whenever he treated someone, all it took was a smile and people knew they could trust him. He depended on that. Too bad, his new nurse hadn’t gotten the memo. “Kellie, what did I tell you yesterday?” He sighed, rubbing his forehead tiredly. “I know my job, Dr. McDreamy,” she muttered under her breath as she walked past him, grabbing the chart she’d left unattended on the counter. “Make sure you do,” he called out after her, watching her corkscrew curls bounce all over her head. She was so freaking aggravating. What did I do to deserve this? he asked himself for the hundredth time. He’d only taken over the town’s practice the previous Monday, but already, she was getting under his skin. It wasn’t that he didn’t like her. No, well, maybe. She had the potential to be a good nurse, but she had the worst temperament he’d ever seen. Everything he said, mostly constructive criticism or so he’d thought anyway, she slapped back in his face. He saw the way she looked at him, her dark brows forming a line as if she couldn’t stand the sight of him. She didn’t even know him! How could she hate him already? He knew she’d

been transferred from another Pride, the rumor going round being that they couldn’t deal with her anymore. Which made total sense to him. He wasn’t sure how long he’d be able to cope with her acting like this. He loved women, but Kellie might be the exception to this rule. It wasn’t that she looked bad either. She wasn’t his type, a bit too curvy and well, moody, for him, but… Shit! Why am I still thinking about her when I should be working? Shaking his head, he bent down to check who was next on the list when the front doors burst open and an agitated woman walked in. “Help me!” He was beside her in a second. “What’s wrong?” “My sister! I found her unconscious in the shower. She’s in my car. I should have called 9-1-1, but I live close so I—” He wasn’t listening any longer. “Kellie!” he shouted before sprinting outside. His gaze zeroed in on the car parked haphazardly in the middle of the street. He hurried to the passenger door and opened it. He knelt on the concrete, his eyes already examining the patient. “Miss? Can you hear me?” He took her pulse, relieved to find it steady if a little fast. He let his lion to the forefront of his mind, asking him to smell the woman so he could assess her. He leaned over her but couldn’t detect anything. She was breathing on her own. Her skin felt cold, but he was confident she would warm up once she was inside. His lion switched his tail and retreated, no longer interested in the unmated female. Taking this sign as his green light, Nate brought one arm around the woman’s shoulders, the other slipping beneath her thighs. She didn’t weigh much, he thought as he stood back up. His nurse was at the doors, keeping them open for him. He nodded at her, ordered her to follow him as he strode past, his attention entirely on what the issue might be. His brain scanning dozens of potential scenarios, he only noticed what the woman wore when he laid her on an examination table. And that was because his nurse took one look at their patient and groaned. What the hell? He turned toward her and frowned. “Kellie?” She didn’t even hear him, too focused on the woman’s…breasts? He followed her gaze and realized the patient had been covered by a towel and nothing else. She was now quite naked, and she had the most perfect tits he’d seen in a long while.

“Wow,” he mouthed then remembered he’d left her upset sister in the waiting room. “Let’s be professional, shall we, Kellie?” She froze for a second. “Hmm. Yes. Sure. Yes.” It didn’t take him long to notice the bump on the back of the woman’s head. She’d probably slipped in the shower and was now regaining consciousness. She blinked and moaned a little, trying to sit up before she fully registered where she was. When her eyes opened, she stiffened. “Who are you?” “Dr. Franks. You hit your head and might have a concussion. I’d advise you to stop moving until I’ve finished with my examination.” He smiled down at her, but she remained stiff. “Kellie?” he finally said, hoping his nurse would be able to reassure her. And she did, much more happily than he’d ever seen her talk to a patient before. He stood there, adding pertinent details to the woman’s chart, and he couldn’t help but be aware of his nurse’s lioness. The one who was so aroused it was starting to send out pheromones. Seriously? She had to do this here? Now? He was going to have to talk to her. Again. **** Trust her lioness to notice a patient’s naked body while she was at work. Argh! Kellie bit her lower lip and forced her animal deeper into her. Nails raked her from the inside out in retaliation. Breathing through her nose to counteract the pain, she straightened her fingers and hoped they wouldn’t shake too much. She pasted a bright smile on her face. “How are you feeling? Dr. Franks is nearly finished, and then I’ll get you something to wear.” The woman smiled back, faintly at first but with more strength as soon as McDreamy turned around to rummage through a drawer. “Thank you. What’s your name?” “Oh. Kellie.” “I’m Jane.” “Nice to meet you, Jane.” “You, too,” the woman replied, shifting a little, the paper covering the table rustling beneath her. Her breasts jiggled at the movement. The nipples were crinkled, probably from the cold room. They looked so good though, so inviting… Shut up! Kellie snarled inwardly at her lioness. I’m working here! But she looks so tempting. I want her.

Not now! “Everything okay?” Dr. Franks reappeared at her side, his gaze heavy on her. She could see in his eyes he’d noticed something was going on. Please don’t let him know what’s wrong with me. He was the Alpha’s son. If there was someone in this Pride who could guess, it’d be him. She knew it, had known ever since she’d started working here. She didn’t want to move towns again! Damn it! “Everything’s fine,” she finally answered, the lie rolling off her lips as easily as it always did. His shoulders tensed, and she knew she’d done the wrong thing. Again.

Chapter Two

It had been a long and extremely busy day at the practice, but it wasn’t over yet. He’d told Kellie to meet him in his office as soon as she was finished. Reclining in the leather armchair that had come with his new position, Nate stared at the ceiling and thought again about what’d happened that morning. He could still smell her arousal, as unbelievable as that was. Her mating scent had wrapped around him and still hadn’t let go. It’d been so bad he’d had to spend the day with his cock at half-mast inside his scrubs. Not a good look for his first week on the job! He gritted his teeth at the thought, and that’s how she found him when she stepped inside the room. Without having knocked first. Of course. “Sit down,” he snapped at her, watching her eyebrows rise at his tone. “You could say please, you know,” she mumbled but still obeyed. He frowned then realized he’d used his Alpha voice on her. Shit, I’m losing it! “My apologies. Please sit down, Kellie. I want us to discuss what happened with Miss Hollins this morning.” “Nothing happened,” came the instant response. He stared at her across his desk. “Don’t lie to me.” “I’m not…” She pursed her lips before shaking her head. “Why don’t I tell you what happened then? I was there after all. You saw a naked patient, someone who’d been unconscious might I add, and you started panting.” “I didn’t!” He ignored her interruption. “You became aroused. You were throwing out pheromones left and right, Kellie.” Her eyes widened. “You smelled it?”

He nodded, his gaze locking on hers. “I can still smell it. Your lioness is difficult to ignore.” “Tell me about it,” she muttered under her breath, before adding, her voice louder this time, “It won’t happen again.” “Are you gay?” The question threw her so much she just stared back at him in silence. He winced when he realized he could have been a bit nicer about it, a bit more PC while he was at it. “I’m not saying it’s a bad thing. I mean, each to their own and all, but if you’re going to react to naked women on my watch, I need to know.” No, that didn’t sound right either. “I’m not gay.” “Oh.” “I’m bisexual.” This time, it was his turn to be rendered silent. He’d always thought he was a man of the world; after all, he’d lived in the city for years and had been friends with shitloads of people. But one word from his nurse and he was speechless. “You are?” “Yup. Is that a problem?” “Of course not,” he heard himself respond. “Cool.” She looked down at her lap and started fingering the hem of her top. “Can I ask you something?” she added, her voice so low he barely heard her. “Sure. What is it?” Her head jerked up, and he noticed her cheeks were slightly red. Considering her skin was light mocha in color that was quite a feat. He found himself leaning toward her, wondering what she would ask him. “No. Nothing! Forget I said anything.” She rolled her chair back and started to stand. I don’t think so, he thought. “Sit down!” he barked. Her butt met the chair two seconds later. He really had to stop using his Alpha voice, but in the meantime he had her right where he wanted her. “You had a question, I believe.” “I don’t…” “Kellie, what did I say earlier about lying?”

She fidgeted on her seat, her hands clenching and unclenching on the armrests. “It can’t be that bad, surely,” he said, his voice as soft as he could make it. “If I tell you something, can it be under doctor-patient privileges?” He straightened. “Does that mean you want me to be your doctor? We work together. I can’t do that. You know that, Kellie.” “I can’t ask anyone else. Please, Doctor?” “Call me Nate,” he replied absentmindedly. As one of the Alpha’s sons, it was his role to help other Pride members. As a doctor however, he shouldn’t even be contemplating telling her yes. Damn it. He could never say no to a woman. Sighing, he nodded. “Shoot.” “I have a problem. With my lioness. She’s…very strong.” “And?” he asked when she didn’t continue. She took a deep breath. “I… What I said before isn’t exactly true. I’m bisexual but only because of my animal.” “What does that mean?” Because for the hell of him, he had no idea. “I like men. My lioness likes women.” He blinked. “Are you… I mean, what?” She smiled, an ironic kind of smile that twisted his insides. “I know. It sounds weird, but I can’t explain it any other way.” “Are you sure?” She nodded. “It’s driving me crazy. The duality, the fact she’s stronger than me. I’m worried I’ll snap, you know. I’ve been living with her ever since I hit puberty. I know her. I know how she thinks. She’s so strong that, if I don’t do something she wants, she hurts me.” “Hurts you?” What the hell? “It feels as if she slashes her nails into my insides, my gut. I…I don’t know how to explain it, but it hurts.” It sounded so much like what Alexa, his sister-in-law, had gone through it threw him for a little while. “So,” he cleared his throat, “what was your question?” “Can you help me get rid of it?” “Your lioness?” he gasped. She nodded. “You’re a pure, right?”

“Yes. My father’s not a lion though; he’s a jaguar.” That explained her dark coloring. Never mind that! “You’re a shifter, hon. Your lioness is there to stay.” “Oh.” She sighed, her head lowering as if she’d given up all hope. Damn it! He hated seeing her so sad. He might not like her much, but she was still his only staff member. Okay, so he hated seeing women cry, too. It was one of his weaknesses. “Maybe we can try to control her?” he heard himself say. He could have slapped himself he would have. Why the fuck did I say that? “Really? How?” Kellie moved to the edge of her seat, clasping his desk between tense fingers. “I’m not sure. I need to read up on it. Maybe do a little scientific experiment or two.” He had no idea what he was talking about, but she didn’t appear to notice. She bounded out of her chair and hurried to him, stumbling and nearly falling into his lap while she was at it. Her hair flying in every direction, she bent down and hugged him. That’s when he smelled it again. That alluring scent that emanated from her, the one that had been driving him crazy all day long. He was so screwed, he acknowledged as he returned her embrace.

Chapter Three

Who’d have thought McDreamy could be nice? No, scratch that. Who’d have thought he could be nice to her? Kellie tugged on the hooded sweater she’d pulled over her scrubs. He’d said they could start straight away, and so here she was, standing in front of his apartment as she waited for him to let her in. She had no idea what he’d do, but just the fact he’d listened to her and hadn’t made fun of her, hadn’t called her insane too, that had to count for something. She loved her animal, really she did. She just didn’t like her. She hated the way she made her feel, as if she were the weak point in the ensemble that comprised Kellie. Hell, she didn’t even mind that her lioness preferred women. She’d gotten used to it, had even had a few relationships over the years, first to appease her lioness then because she’d actually liked the women she’d picked. They’d all been amazingly beautiful, with soft, soft skin and nice little breasts. She sighed as the animal purred inside her at the memories. “I know,” Kellie muttered, wondering how long it would take Nate to realize she was here. Her fist lifted, but before she could knock again, the door jerked open. She gasped. “Oh.” He’d obviously been taking a shower. He stood there, only inches from her, with just a towel wrapped around his lean hips. Dark curls nearly hung into his eyes, droplets of water falling from his hair to his shoulders, his chest… Her gaze focused on those taut muscles covered by smooth, golden skin. She felt her mouth dry out, knew she was becoming aroused just because her lioness started grumbling inside her. It’s my turn, she reminded her.

And it was. They had a truce of sorts, the two of them. They alternated whenever they dated. The last time it’d been a very nice woman called Cathy. It’d just been a one-night stand, or rather a weekend-stand. They’d spent two days and nights in bed, learning each other’s bodies until they’d been hoarse from screaming. It’d been fun, sure, but she missed the harder touch of a man’s hands. “Kellie? Are you gonna come in or what? I’m cold here.” She blinked back to the present and followed him inside. “I’ll just go get changed,” he called out over his shoulder. She watched his ass clad in white cotton for as long as she could then focused on her surroundings. His apartment was big, probably because it covered the whole penthouse level. It was also the only high-rise in town, a wide, metallic tower that stood out amidst everyone else’s small houses. She knew the Alpha had offices in the building, but it was only now that she was inside for the first time that she really understood who Nate was. Gulping, she took in the luxurious interior, sparkling clean surfaces everywhere. Leather and dark wood were omnipresent, giving the condo a specifically male touch. She sniffed, loving the way she smelled him in every corner. Her lioness growled, reminding her she wasn’t too happy about her newfound liking for her boss. And she’d hated him so much at first. He’d kept telling her how to do her job. Seriously! Like she was five and needed directions, even though she’d been a nurse for the better part of the past decade. Snorting at the memories, she didn’t hear him step into the room. When his body nearly brushed her back however, she jumped so high that she nearly fell. “Ahh!” “Did I scare you? Sorry, Kellie. I thought you’d heard me.” She whirled around and nearly gasped aloud once again. He wore jeans that were so soft they looked molded to his thighs. They hung down a little, showing just a brief glimpse of his taut stomach when he started rubbing his hair with another towel. He’d put on a simple black tee, and it too clung to his muscled chest. She would have never thought he had such a killer body under the usual baggy scrubs he wore at work. “Have you eaten?” he asked, eyes peeking from underneath the cotton. He gave one final swipe over his wet curls and threw the towel to a corner of the sofa.

She shook her head no, unable to remember how to talk. Lust had crept inside her and was now holding her captive. It had been a long, long time she’d reacted to a man in such a way. Fur brushed inside her, seconds before nails bit into her. She clasped her mouth shut, letting her body take the pain, knowing it would be worse if she reacted. “Kellie? Are you okay? You haven’t said anything.” “I’m fine,” she replied through gritted teeth. “Yes to dinner then? I’m starved.” She blinked, understanding she’d missed part of the conversation while she’d been trying not to cry out in pain. “Huh, sure.” He motioned her to follow him, so she did and found herself in the largest kitchen she’d ever seen. If everything in the lounge sparkled, everything in here shined. She blinked, taken aback when she saw him take ingredients out of the fridge. Moments later, she was sitting on a high stool as instructed while he cooked them dinner. Un-freaking-believable, she thought. Who is this man? While he waited for the griddle pan to heat up, he turned around and cocked his head, his eyes assessing her. She braced herself then, but his next question shocked her so much she nearly fell off her seat. “Are you still aroused because of this morning?” “What?” she mouthed. “I can smell you from here, Kellie.” He could? Crap! She licked her lips, trying to buy time, wondering how on earth she’d respond to that. “Hmm…” Yeah, nothing hit her. “I need to know. Think of me as your doctor if you want; just answer the question.” Oh. Okay. She could do that, right? “No.” He frowned. “No what?” “It’s not because of this morning.” “So, your lioness isn’t aroused right now.” She shook her head and saw the moment the truth hit him. “If it’s not her, it’s you.” “Ye-yes.” “Why?”

“Why what?” Two could play that game, she reasoned as she wiped suddenly sweaty palms up and down her thighs. “Don’t, Kellie. If we’re going to do this, if you really want the situation to get better, you’re gonna have to play according to my rules.” “Fine.” She gulped. “It’s you.” “Me?” Nodding, she continued, “You opened the door half-naked! It’s not my fault I reacted.” His eyes darkened, his fingers clenching around the pan’s handle. “Are you telling me you like me?” “No. Yes. Argh!” She grabbed her head in both hands and lowered her face until her brow pressed against the counter’s cold tiles. “I should go,” she finally said aloud, turning to the right so she could slide off the stool. “Don’t.” He was beside her a second later, his palm clasping her arm to hold her still. “That’s good to know, Kellie. It’s one step in the right direction anyway.” “It is?” “Sure.” He hurried back to the stove and laid two steaks in the pan. The smell of fresh meat and butter rose in the air, and she found herself stepping closer. God, that sure smelled good. Maybe, she could stay and eat with him. After all, she’d just told him she’d gotten horny at the sight of his bare body, and he hadn’t even been repulsed! “Sit back down, babe. We’ll talk more once the food’s cooked.” She could do that. And so, she obeyed him and sat back down on her stool, her eyes nearly leaving him. She even ignored the way her lioness growled inside her, knowing it was better in the long run to let it go. It wouldn’t matter what her animal did anyway. It was her turn, damn it!

Chapter Four

“Has anyone else tried to help you with this before?” Nate asked, wondering how she’d managed to survive all those years with such a duality. She obviously had a strong personality to battle daily with her lioness like that. He watched her twirl a piece of meat in the blood left on her plate and bring it up to her mouth. Her tongue peeked out and licked a drop that clung stubbornly to the beef. Feeling himself harden, he forced his gaze away and waited for her to answer his question. What she said next wiped all thoughts of his erection from his mind. “Our Alpha did. Well, he tried to exorcise me, but it didn’t really work.” His mouth gaped open. They’d tried to exorcise her? What the hell? “What?” She shrugged, apparently not realizing what she’d just said. She just kept on eating, her face only showing her enjoyment of the meal he’d cooked for her. “He’s really religious. He couldn’t understand how I could be bisexual, so he called a priest and had me exorcised. He still hasn’t understood my lioness is the problem, not me. No one really…” She let her voice trail off and looked up. “Are you okay?” She was asking him if he was okay? “What—” He took a deep breath and tried again. “What was involved in this so-called exorcism?” Her gaze grew distant, almost as if she were reliving those events. “They tried quite a few things. Nothing worked.” “Like what?” he bit out, feeling his lion push forward. “Electrocution. Water therapy. Forcing me to stop shifting for a month. Anything they could think of, really.”

He didn’t stop to think. He slid off his stool and went to her. Forcing her to turn around, he brought her forward until she was encased in his arms. Until he felt her safe against him, her breath against the side of his neck. “I’m sorry,” he finally said, leaning his cheek against the top of her hair. She stood still in his embrace. When she finally looked up at him, he saw the moment she spotted the lion in his gaze. She retreated, her back hitting the counter behind her. He smiled, trying to reassure her. “I’m sorry they hurt you. An Alpha should have never done that to you.” “He didn’t know any better.” To see her excuse that pathetic SOB angered him so much his nails lengthened in reaction. “Don’t!” he snapped. That scared her even more. He could see the tension in the way she held herself, the submissive position she’d unconsciously adopted. She looked down at the floor, and he hated seeing her so cowed. That wasn’t the Kellie he knew! Inhaling deeply, in control once more, he took her chin between soft fingers and nudged her head up. Her eyes met his for a brief second before they dove back down. No, no, no. He wouldn’t let her be afraid. Not of him. Never of him. “Look at me, Kellie.” She shook her head. “Please.” That seemed to do the trick. Slowly, almost as if she thought he’d rescind the order, she looked up. He caught her gaze and held it, showing her his lion, letting her know they’d never hurt her. She let out a small “Oh.” He couldn’t help himself. He leaned down and took her mouth, comforting her in the only way he could. She froze for a second, and he thought he’d gone too far too fast. When she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him down further, he growled against her mouth. When she opened her lips to his insistent tongue, it was her time to purr in reaction. She groaned seconds later, and he congratulated himself on a job well done. It didn’t last long. His lion looked up and started pacing inside him, and that’s when he realized her groan had been one of pain. He pushed away and looked down at her. Her eyes were closed, her hands

forming fists at her sides. The moment she bit down hard on her lower lip, he knew her lioness was acting up. And it was his fault…

It’s my turn! Kellie roared inwardly, fighting her animal, wanting her to back the hell off. He’d been kissing her, and it’d felt so good to be held, to feel his lips on hers, his tongue, his hands… No! I don’t like him. I don’t fucking care! Kellie snapped back. We had a deal. You had your turn last month, now, it’s mine. And I. Want. Him. He wants to hurt me! No, he wants to help us. I don’t believe you. I don’t trust him. It’s not your decision, damn it! When would her lioness understand she was the one in control here, and not her? She was the human here, the one living in this world. Sure, whenever she shifted and let her lioness roam free, the animal could do whatever she wanted. But Kellie was still the one living this fucking life, wasn’t she? “Kellie?” Palms cupped her cheeks. She opened her eyes. “Yes?” “You were talking to her, weren’t you?” Nodding, she tried to evade his gaze, but he wasn’t making it easy. “I was trying to talk some sense into her.” “Did it work?” “No.” She sighed. “She’s got to remember we have a deal though. I mean, really!” “You made a deal with your lioness?” Shoot! “Huh, yes?” “What kind of deal?” “Well, you see, we kind of take turns.” “Take turns? Doing what?” She eyed him for a moment then blew out a breath. “You’re not going to let it go, are you?” A quick smile. “Nope.”

“That’s what I thought. Fine. We take turns dating.” “Meaning what? One time it’s her, another it’s yours?” “Yes and no. It’s always me. I mean, it’s not like she could date. She’s an animal, remember?” He rolled his eyes, clearly not amused. “But yes, it’s the same principle. Last time, she chose our playmate; this time it’s my turn.” “Woman then man, is that it?” “Yup.” She averted her gaze this time and nearly succeeded. “So, you picked me?” Shit! She decided to go on the offensive instead. “You’re the one who kissed me!” “I did,” he replied, his eyes steady. “Do you like having sex with women?” Breath whooshed out of her. “Do we really have to do this now?” “You’re the one who asked for my help,” he replied, mimicking her so well she was one second away from sticking her tongue out at him. “Damn it. Yes. Yes, I guess. It’s even nice sometimes. The women she picks are always the same though: petite, kind…submissive.” “Interesting,” he mused. “What about when you’re with men?” “What about it?” “Do you like it?” “Yes, of course, I do.” She frowned, wondering what he was on about. “And, what kind of men do you pick?” “Oh.” She blinked, thinking back to her last dates. She’d never managed to agree with her lioness on that score. Unwilling to fight anymore, just happy that she could be with a man after all, she’d chosen the ones her animal liked well enough. The men had been…okay. There’d been nothing exceptional about them, not their looks, not their temperaments or the way they were in bed. “Hell.” “What?” Nate asked straight away. “They were the same. Damn her! She made me choose them, and they were the same!” Kellie was so angry she could have roared! “Not a single dominant man, I take it?”

“No!” “I see. That makes a lot of sense actually. Okay, finish your plate. I want to try something afterwards.” And with that, he sat back down and started eating again as if nothing had happened. She eyed him warily, but the scent of meat was too strong to ignore. Gulping down the glass of wine he’d poured her, she ignored her animal pacing inside her and focused on the present instead. She had no idea what Nate had planned, but one thing was clear: she was going to do anything he wanted. No more nice Kellie. She was going to control her lioness or die trying!

Chapter Five

“She doesn’t like me, does she?” “No,” Kellie muttered, her face nearly mashed against his shirt. “If she hurts you, let me know, okay?” She nodded, the movement making her wayward curls brush his lips. The brief caress brought a smile to his face, one that didn’t last long however. The scientist in him had a fleeting idea, one he wanted to explore further, but for that to happen he’d have to push Kellie. And he knew, he just knew, her lioness would retaliate. He hated knowing that what he was going to do would hurt her. Something twisted inside him at the thought, and yet, he had no idea what else to do. Sighing, he leaned back against the sofa and felt her adjust her position. When he’d asked her to sit on his lap, she’d jerked as if shocked. She’d obeyed him though, making him wonder if she was responding to him as a man or him as an Alpha. Shaking his head, he fought the thoughts away and instead concentrated on the woman sitting astride him. She faced him with her thighs on either side of him, their apex so close to his erection he knew he’d have to hold onto his control if he wanted this to last. She was aroused; still, again, he didn’t know which. All he could do was smell that intoxicating scent and let it wrap around him, around them… God, but he couldn’t wait to get his hands on her. He cleared his throat and slid his hands up so they rested on her shoulders. She still didn’t look up, her breathing a bit more rapid against his chest. He let his palms drift down then up again. It wasn’t much of a caress; after all, she was still dressed, and it was just his hands on her arms. But her back arched a second later, a growl escaping her.

“Don’t let her hurt you,” he reminded Kellie, stopping his movements for an instant. “Focus on me instead. Ignore whatever she’s doing to you, saying to you. Focus on me and only me. Okay?” She nodded and leaned further into him. Her breasts pressed against his chest, his control fraying a little at the unintentional caress. She felt so damn good. He breathed out and fought his instinctive urge to claim her. It wasn’t her fault he hadn’t had sex in weeks. He probably hadn’t gone so long without since puberty. Moving back into his home Pride had been a bit of a shock to the system. He’d gotten used to having no one to answer to in the city, but here, between his father and his brothers, everyone else who knew him… Hell, he had no idea how he’d have a sex life. He didn’t want the women to think that now that he was back and had taken over the town’s practice, he would be on the lookout for a mate. Especially now that Jay was mated, making Nate next on the list. It wasn’t as if anyone thought Andy would ever marry. After all, as the Pride’s Enforcer, he wasn’t the best prospect even if he was one of the Alpha’s sons. Shit, why am I thinking of this now? Focusing on the lovely woman in his arms once more, Nathan decided to switch it up a bit. Letting his hands fall from her arms, he grabbed her hips and squeezed. She rocked back against him, and he nearly saw stars. “Fuck,” he mumbled between gritted teeth. His cock fought with his jeans, and neither was winning. The buttons dug into his skin, and he cursed himself inwardly for having foregone boxers. It hurt! “Are you okay?” Kellie asked, her eyes finding his. “I’m fine. How are you?” “It hurts.” “I know.” No, hold on. She hadn’t been talking about him or his erection! “She’s hurting you?” “Ye-yes.” Her eyes half-closed, she clasped her hands on his forearms. “What next?” “Huh…” Think, Franks! Think! “Nate?” “What is she doing?” he finally asked, his brain scrambling to get back on track. “Raking her nails, the usual. Can I kiss you?” He blinked. “What?”

“Can I kiss you?” she asked, just before she leveled herself up so she was on her knees. Her face was closer like this. Her lips, too. He watched as she licked them, preparing herself for his kiss maybe. Or maybe she was anxious. Who knew? “Are you sure? I don’t want you to get too hurt.” “I need to do this. We need to get past it, right?” “Right.” That made sense. Before he could contemplate it further, she leaned up just as he was lowering his head. Their mouths met and clung, their tongues coming out to play almost immediately. Her fingernails dug into his biceps, and she moaned, the sound full of longing and passion this time. Pleased with himself, Nate let his hands travel from her hips to her ass. He cupped her through her scrubs, the cotton not thick enough to hide what she wore underneath them. It had to be thong panties or nothing at all, he mused inwardly. He squeezed her cheeks, one in each hand, and would have happily kept on doing that for the rest of the evening had she not reared back suddenly…and fallen to the floor with a gasp. “Kellie!”

Her mind went dark. She moved onto her side and curled into a little ball, forcing her body smaller and smaller, hoping it would make the pain littler and littler. But it didn’t. Her lioness kept on tormenting her, angry that Kellie had chosen a man her animal couldn’t stand, angry that she was trying to control her. Because that was the issue here and something Kellie should have realized a long time ago. The lioness wanted to be in control. That was why everyone they’d ever had a relationship with had been further down on the food chain. She wanted to be Alpha, even if she wasn’t. She’s crazy; that’s what she is, Kellie thought just as nails pierced her insides. She screamed, her body becoming burning hot. “Shhh. I’ve got you, baby. I’ve got you.” Hands forced her to lie on her back, a heavy weight pressing her into the floor. “No!” “Shhh. Let me do this. I can help. Open yourself to me,” the man whispered in her ear.

He was lying on her. That’s what the weight was; his body, so big and masculine. She felt herself relax but then the pain started again. “Give it to me, Kellie. Come on!” She had no idea what he was talking about. Give what to him? Who is he? His scent wrapped around her, and she remembered him then. Nate. Nathan. Dr. McDreamy. He’d said he would help her, hadn’t he? “I…I can’t,” she mumbled. “Make it stop! Please, make it stop.” “I’m trying, baby. Open yourself to me, Kellie. Forget about the pain and focus on me. On my lion. Can you see him?” Her eyes were closed! Was he stupid or what? Before she could swear at him, she spotted the lion right in front of her. He had a blond mane and vivid, bronze eyes. He was looking at her, and his gaze trapped hers as soon as he saw her watching. He pounced, and she shrieked. But pain never came. No, everything changed in fact. The pain from her lioness drifted, almost as if it were being sucked out of her body. “What are you doing?” she asked, her eyes still closed, her inner-self focused on the tawny lion who was making her feel better. Because it had to be him. There was just no other explanation. “Nate?” She forced her eyes open and stared up at him. He’d gone rigid over her, his gaze almost completely copper. He’d gone lion for her, his control so evident it took her breath away. He was the Alpha’s son, and it showed. God, he’s magnificent, she thought as he took a deep breath and let it out slowly. When he moved a moment later, she realized she couldn’t feel pain any longer. It was gone. Her lioness was quiet for the first time in, well, ever. Enthused, Kellie threw her arms around her savior and squeezed. He groaned, the sound lost as he inched forward a little and found her mouth. She pulled back minutes later and snuggled into him. She felt his erection against her stomach, knew their embrace was having as much of an effect on him as it was on her, and just that realization made her want to kiss him some more. She barely knew him, but she didn’t care. He’d found a way to get rid of her lioness! No, she countered inwardly. Her animal was still here, she felt her somewhere deep inside her, but she was now, blessedly, finally quiet. “What did you do?” she asked, her voice sounding loud in the otherwise silent.

Nate drew up on his hands and stared down at her. Something flashed in his eyes, something she didn’t have time to decipher before he was kissing her again. And again. Until heat was all around them, her pussy clenching around an imaginary length, her clothes feeling far too constricting. “I need you!” she called out, dragging her hands under his tee. He shuddered in reaction, and she smiled, knowing what was going to happen next. Except, it didn’t. She watched, disbelieving, as he pushed away from her and stood up. He eyed her in silence for a moment before grabbing her hands in his and heaving her up. She swayed a little, but his arm curved around her back, holding her against his side. “It’s late. You should go home now, hon.” Kellie blinked. Say what? “You want me to leave?” “Believe me,” he replied, smiling ruefully. “I don’t want you to. I just think it best if you take some time to recover from what happened tonight.” He kept on talking, inexorably pushing her toward the front door, but Kellie wasn’t listening anymore. She’d fully expected to spend the night with him, and now, he was kissing her goodbye. Heat rose between them once again, and she clearly heard him groan, so why was he pushing her away from him? “Everything will be fine, sweetheart. Trust me.” The elevator’s doors closed then, hiding him from view. Kellie leaned back against the cold metallic wall and frowned. What had just happened?

Chapter Six

When a knock rapped on his front door the next morning, Nate didn’t have to look through the peephole to know who it was. Rubbing his eyes to wipe away any traces of sleep, he grabbed the handle and took a deep breath. Seconds later, his father was striding into his apartment, looking so wide awake Nate wondered if the man had ever gone to sleep in the first place. “You couldn’t wait, I take it,” Nathan asked as he closed the door and turned around, ready to face his Alpha. “What the hell did you do? You just came back, damn it!” “She was hurting!” he snapped back. Crossing his arms in front of his chest, he leaned against the back of the sofa and stared at his dad. “What did you want me to do? Let her cry out in pain and do nothing? I’m a doctor! Saving people is my life.” “There was no other option? Mating is an once-in-a-lifetime thing, Nathan.” “I know,” he growled back, wondering why in hell his father was treating him like a child all of a sudden. “Are you sure? Because I can’t smell her right now so I’m guessing she left. Did she even understand what you’d done?” He bit his lip, thought about it then finally shook his head. “No, and I’d rather you didn’t tell her.” “Why not? She has the right to know what you did to her.” “I saved her, okay? She’s a very confused young woman—” “Who’s now your mate!”

“Yes. And I’ll address that soon. Not now though. She’s learning to control her lioness, and she needs time.” “For pity’s sake, Nathan, what did you think would happen? You bonded with her. You used your Alpha powers, and for what?” “Dad, I’d appreciate it if you’d let me live my life as I see fit. This doesn’t concern you.” “You’re my son,” his Alpha answered, his voice terse. “You just mated with someone who’s just moved into our Pride, someone who hasn’t proved herself yet. You know why she was transferred from her home Pride—” Nate cut him off. “You don’t know what they did to her!” And so, as his father stood there with his face like granite, Nate repeated everything she’d told him the night before. Until even Alistair had to acknowledge she couldn’t have stayed there. It clearly wasn’t her fault her lioness was acting up. “But, son, you do realize what you’ve stumbled into. She’s got problems, and now, you’re mated to her.” “I know,” he bit back. “I’ll handle them. I’m a doctor, remember?” “This doesn’t have anything to do with it. If she can’t control her lioness, you’ll be spending an eternity with someone who prefers women! She’ll cheat on you, son, and why? Because you couldn’t stop yourself from saving the world?” With those parting words, Alistair left, the door closing behind him softly. And Nate was left on his own, his father’s comments ringing like a premonition in his ears. He thought back to the night before and how happy Kellie had looked. She’d kissed him until they’d both been panting, his cock so hard in his pants he’d wanted nothing more than to undress her and take her right there, on the floor. And yet he’d found the strength to stand up and pull her with him, telling her she should go home because it’d been a big night and she needed to relax and take it all in first. He’d told her they’d talk that morning at work and that everything would be okay. He hadn’t told her about the mating, but he knew she’d soon realize her body was calling out for his. He had no idea what her lioness would do next, but the mating bond would help him control her. Kellie would probably hate that she was at his mercy now, but it would mean less pain for her so she should like that. Right?

Cursing inwardly, he veered toward the bathroom. He needed a shower first then coffee. And then he’d be able, maybe, just maybe, to face the woman who was now destined to be his forever. His cock jerked, reminding him the mating frenzy would be upon them sooner rather than later. Hoping it would wait until they’d stopped working for the day, he stepped into the shower and closed his eyes under the warm spray. **** Something felt wrong, Kellie thought as she waited in the practice’s small break room. Coffee dripped into the pot, the smell making her salivate. She hadn’t had time to have breakfast that morning, too much in a hurry to get here and see Nate again. What’d happened the evening before had been completely unexpected. Oh, she’d known he wanted to help her, had even been encouraged by his kind words, but never had she imagined it’d actually work! She couldn’t feel her lioness even now, even though she’d been thinking of a half-naked Dr. McDreamy for the better part of an hour. He’d looked so good wearing only that towel. He’d felt even better pressed against her, his mouth on hers, his tongue battling with hers. Woo, hot flash! She waved a hand in front of her face. Something stirred inside her, and she froze. No, not again! But it didn’t feel like her lioness. Her palm braced on the wall, she closed her eyes and tried to focus on that strange feeling. “Are you okay, baby?” Arms wrapped around her from behind, pulling her tight against a hard male body. She smiled at Nathan’s question, so typically him. And yet, she didn’t answer straight away. The sensation was getting stronger. “Oh,” she gasped. “What’s wrong? Kellie? Is it your lioness again?” He turned her around, his hand cupping her jaw, his breath soft against her face. “Kellie? Look at me, honey, please.” Unable to disobey him, she opened her eyes and stared at his worried face. “I’m okay.” “Are you sure?” She nodded. “It’s just… There’s this weird sensation inside me. It doesn’t feel like her, but it’s still there. I don’t…I don’t know how to describe it.” He froze. “I see.”

“Do you know what it could be?” she asked, her body swaying a little. His hands found her hips, holding her against him for some blissful minutes. “Nate?” “Hmm?” He looked pensive, almost as if he was focusing on something else entirely. And yet, she felt his erection against her, his nails digging into her scrubs as if he was trying very hard not to touch her elsewhere. The thought made her insides clench, a groan leaving her parted lips. “Ohh.” “Kellie!” he muttered, telling her off when it so wasn’t her fault! “You started it. You’re the one pushing your erection…” He was out of the room before she could finish her sentence. “Nate?” **** He’d told her he’d heard someone at the door, and sure enough, a couple of patients had been waiting for them outside. Since then, they’d only talked to each other as doctor and nurse, not as…what, she mused, would-be lovers? “Kellie? Kellie!” She jerked back to the present, a flush blossoming on her cheeks. “Sorry! Yes, what?” “Miss Hollins is back. Can you please go to Room Two and wait with her? I’ll be there shortly.” “Sure.” She hurried to the examination room in question, her feet slowing down when she saw the lovely woman from the day before. She wore clothes this time, but quite clearly no bra. Her breasts swayed underneath her thin cotton T-shirt as she turned to greet Kellie, a smile on her face. “Hi! Kellie, right? I wanted to thank you for what you did yesterday.” Kellie stepped further into the room, the door closing behind her with a sharp noise. She started at the sound then walked forward resolutely. “Hi. And please, you don’t have to thank me. Dr. Franks and I were just doing our jobs.” “Oh.” The women blinked. “Still, you were very nice.” “Thanks. Hmm, how are you feeling now? Better?” “Yes. Yes.”

Kellie grabbed her chart and started asking her some questions, noting down details while her mind scrambled to ignore the woman’s pointed gaze. How much longer would Nate be? The atmosphere was seriously weird in here! “Can I ask you something?” Miss Hollins—Jane—asked. “Sure,” Kellie replied, her eyes trained on her notes. “I… This is going to sound weird, but I’m pretty sure you were checking me out yesterday, but today it’s gone. Was I really that out of it? I mean, I know I hate it here because I’m the only gay woman around and it’s starting to drive me crazy, but…” Her voice died out. “Shit,” Kellie cursed under her breath. “No. I mean, yes. It’s complicated.” “What is?” The woman leaned forward, placing her small hand on Kellie’s forearm. “Do you want to go have coffee so we can discuss it?” The door opened behind them, and that’s how Nate found them. From the irate look on his face, it was clear he’d heard that last sentence, too.

Chapter Seven

Nathan was so mad he could probably snap something in two with his bare hands. His lion pacing inside him, he stepped into the room and slammed the door behind him. He didn’t care that everyone could probably see how angry he was. All that mattered was that woman’s hand on his mate’s skin. It needed to come off, and fast! “Kellie,” he called out, the sound coming out as a low growl. She took a quick step back. The woman’s hand lowered until it rested on the examination table. “Yes, doctor?” Kellie replied. “Can you please see if someone else is waiting? Otherwise, I believe we’ll be able to close early for lunch.” Because if he didn’t have her soon, he was bound to explode. “Sure. No problem. I’ll go do that right now.” Without even saying goodbye to their patient, she hurried out of the room. When she was gone, he turned to face his patient and realized she was looking at him as if he were the devil. Or maybe, an opponent. Yes, that was it. Taking a deep breath, he squared his shoulders and took a few steps forward until he was towering over her. “How are you feeling today, Miss Hollins?” “I was fine until…” “Until?” he asked, his lion pressing forward, his voice taking that Alpha tone he usually hated. Today, he rejoiced in it. If she thought she could amuse herself with his mate, she was sadly mistaken. Kellie was his. Only his.

“Nothing. I…I should go.” She moved off the table and walked to the door, only to stop at the last possible minute. Staring at him over her shoulder, she asked, “She doesn’t know about the mating, does she?” He growled, the sound echoing around the room. She stilled, her lioness watching him from widened eyes. “If you say one word about this to her, one word, Miss Hollins…” He stopped before he actually threatened her. Considering his hands had sprung nails, she probably understood him perfectly well. Her voice low, her body pressed tight against the door, she nodded, acknowledging his position as a Pride dominant. “I won’t. Just…take care of her.” She hurried out of the room on those final words. “I will,” he answered, closing his hands once they were back to normal. “I will.” **** Kellie was sitting in the break room when Nate strode in after having locked the front doors. It was their lunch break, and she usually spent it alone in here while he went out to…do whatever he did during his time off. But this time, he’d told her to wait here, and so that what’s she’d done. She was anxious, worried about what’d happened with Jane, worried about what he might say. Her lioness was still conspicuously absent, and that felt wrong too somehow. God, can’t I ever be happy? she asked herself, shaking her head at her silly self. The door swayed closed, and she turned around, a smile appearing on her face at the sight of him. He didn’t stop, simply kept on walking until he was right in front of her. Then he leaned down, fisted his hand in her hair and took her mouth for a hard kiss. She gasped at the sudden caress. He didn’t give her time to get acclimated to him, simply grabbed her shoulders and pulled her up without asking her if that was all right. He plastered her body against his, his hands finding her ass, his hips anchoring hers. She moaned into his mouth, moaned even more when he pulled back and nipped her lower lip. “God. Nate!” “Keep calling out my name, baby,” he murmured as he let his head fall, his mouth finding the curve of her neck. He nuzzled her there, tonguing that one spot that made her shake all over.

She grabbed the back of his head and held on tight. Her back was arched, her legs widening so she could feel the hard length of him through her scrubs. He felt so big, so damn hot against her, too. Her insides pulsed again, reminding her how empty she’d been for so long. Hell, she couldn’t wait for him to thrust into her. He was going to fill her like no one ever had before… She just knew it. Two seconds later, she found herself sitting on the table. The coldness of the glass top hit her, and she gasped. Loudly. He’d pulled down her pants! “Nate!” He laughed but didn’t stop tugging at her clothes. Soon enough, her top was somewhere around her neck, her bra with it. It wasn’t exactly comfortable, but she couldn’t care less. Not when he was caressing her thighs with soft, soft palms. Not when he was lowering his head, all the better to flick his tongue over one nipple then the other. She hissed and threw her head back. “Ohh.” “Like that?” he murmured against her skin, taking one hardened nub between his lips. He sucked on it, the caress so good she felt her core dampen, so that when his fingers slid between her thighs he could feel how wet she was. How ready. He growled his appreciation, the deep rumble echoing in his chest. It made her grin, loving how lion he was. She’d never had sex with one of her kind. It thrilled that part inside her that wanted nothing more than to roll on her back and let him pet her. She shivered at the thought, and that’s when his thumb found her clit. Warmth flooded her. She closed her eyes and reveled in the sensation of his touch on her. He was gentle but persistent, caressing her until he found the one spot that made her react the most. And then, he worked at making her scream. One finger slid inside her, testing her resistance. He drew back and said, his voice so husky it brought goose bumps all over her body, “You’re so fucking wet, baby. I don’t think I can wait.” “Then don’t,” she replied, hooking her arms around his neck. She pulled him closer to her, letting the width of his torso push her thighs wider. He was still fully dressed, but it didn’t take him long to pull down his scrubs. He didn’t give her time to touch or even look at him. With a final slide of his fingers over her clit, he moved into position…and thrust into her.

Her head rolled back. Her nails dug into his nape. He was thick, thicker than she could ever remember having inside her. Her walls stretched to accommodate his invasion, her legs cramping at holding herself still. “Okay?” he whispered against her brow. She opened her eyes and stared up at him. He looked worried. She smiled and licked her lips. “You’re big,” was all she could think to say. He chuckled, the sound pleasing all on its own. “I am?” “Oh yeah,” she breathed out, feeling him nudge her cervix. “God.” “What if I do this?” he asked just before sliding out of her. She tightened her thighs around him, but he was stronger than her. So much stronger. Fingers dug into the soft skin of her hips as he rammed back into her, and a scream lodged in her throat. Her mouth opened, but nothing came out. Probably because he wasn’t finished. Oh no, he was far from over actually. As if his control had snapped, he took her over and over again. She held on to him and looked up, startled to see his gaze had turned golden. His lion’s staring down at me, she realized with a jerk. Her animal woke up inside her, intent on facing this new adversary. But he wasn’t the enemy, Kellie thought. She pushed her lioness back, but something—someone—got there first. Before she could guess what’d happened, Nate’s cock hit that spot inside her, the one that made her see stars. She gasped and grabbed onto his biceps. “More!” she called out. He didn’t disappoint. His hands forced her ass closer to the edge of the table, tilting her body into the position he wanted. When he thrust up again, his head brushed against her G-spot once more, the caress more pronounced this time. That was all it took. Fireworks exploded inside her, her walls tightening so much around his erection she heard him curse under his breath. One more push, and he was coming, too. Their groans merged above their heads and finally gave way to silence. It was only when he slumped on top of her that Kellie realized he’d forgotten a condom. She felt juices seeping down from where they were still joined, his and hers combined. Her heart sped up at the thought. “Nathan?” she started to say, his name ending up strangled when an unknown feeling hit her. She tensed.

He pulled back to stare down at her. “What’s wrong, Kellie?” Her eyes focused on him. He looked the same and yet different. Her lioness tried to rise inside her, but something stopped her. Another lion. She knew that lion. She’d met him before. He’d helped her before. But now, he was within her. No, she shook her head. He wasn’t inside her. He was linked to her. Irremediably, irrevocably linked with her. “What did you do?” she whispered, feeling her body subtly rearrange itself. She was still herself, yet she wasn’t. Fear slammed through her. “What did you do?” she yelled this time, pushing on his shoulders, watching as he flew backwards. She shivered at the loss of him, but she pushed the feeling down. He’d mated with her! How could he? “I can explain, Kellie.” He stood against the opposite wall. His gaze was steady even as he tugged up his pants, reminding her of what they’d just done. Her insides clenched, and she suddenly understood. They were in the middle of the mating frenzy. That was why she’d been so jittery all day. “I hate you!” He sighed, rubbing his forehead as if he wasn’t entirely sure what to say next. “Please, baby, I can explain. You were in so much pain last night; I didn’t know what else to do. My lion took over and bonded himself to yours. It was the only way to control your lioness.” “Was it? Was it really? Did I miss the moment when you asked for my opinion? Did I?” Her voice rose. “Kellie, please. Think about it.” “You mated with me!” “I did.” “Take it back, damn it!” She struggled to get off the table then remembered the state of her clothes. Quickly, she put them back into order. Once she was more or less under control, she took a step toward him. Only to find him standing right in front of her, his eyes dark. “I can’t undo the mating, Kellie.” “Try!” “Baby,” he said, clasping her shoulders as if to bring her closer. “Don’t baby me!” she snapped back, whirling around so he couldn’t touch her. “I never asked to be your mate, Doctor. I don’t want to, do you hear?”

“Kellie…” The doorbell rang, interrupting the moment. She looked down at her watch and noticed they should have opened the doors minutes earlier. They were late, and that was only because Mister here had thought it a good idea to screw her in the break room during their lunch hour. Swearing under her breath, she brushed past him and ignored his growl. “We have patients to see!” she called out over her shoulder, hoping he’d take the hint and act like a goddamn professional. She was mated. Her mind spun as she walked down the corridor. So, that was why her lioness had been so quiet, she added inwardly. It’d felt so good, too. Well, until she’d realized he’d duped her. Damn men!

Chapter Eight

Every single patient that came in that afternoon left as soon as they physically could. Watching another woman hurry down the sidewalk, Nate sighed. Tension was so high inside the practice he wasn’t sure how much longer he’d be able to keep his lion under control. Turning on his heels, he stepped back inside and froze to a stop. Kellie leaned on the counter, laughing at something a man had just said. His lion roared inside him, nails springing out of his fingers before he could take another step. “Out!” he growled. The two of them stilled. She was the first to react. “What?” He ignored her and focused instead on the man who’d been flirting with her. Somewhere inside him, he recognized Paul. He even liked the guy. He also knew Kellie had been throwing pheromones all over the place, thanks to the mating frenzy. But nothing could appease his lion, not when he was in such a state. He saw the moment Paul understood. The other man’s head jerked to the right. “I’ll go… Is there another exit?” Kellie pointed toward the back without a word. Paul nodded his thanks, and his gaze on Nate, took a few cautious steps down the corridor. Only when Nate didn’t move did he start hurrying, striding toward the back door as fast as he could. It was only when he heard the door slam shut that Nate took a breath. The respite didn’t last long. Kellie was suddenly in front of him, her palm hitting him square in the chest as she glared up at him. “What the hell was that for? He was here to be treated, not to be assaulted!” “I didn’t assault him. I just told him to leave.” “He was a patient!”

“He was flirting with my mate,” he replied, his voice terse, the lion taking over. “I am not your mate, damn it!” He snapped. There was just no other explanation. One second, they were facing each other; the next, he’d cornered her against the nearest wall. Her snarl was lost in his mouth. Grabbing her wrists in one hand, he pushed them over her head, pressing their bodies so close her breasts ended up crushed against his chest. He breathed in her scent, the intoxicating aroma whirling around him, pushing him on. His tongue tangled around hers, reminding her who he was and what he could do. She didn’t bite on it, and he took that as a success. Breaking the kiss, he brushed his mouth over the soft skin of her cheek, down the side of her neck, back up to bite her earlobe. She hissed. Smiling, he whispered, “You’re mine now, Kellie.” “No!” She rocked her hips, trying to dislodge him. Instead, all she did was rub herself against his rock-hard erection. “My mate. Mine,” he growled, his lion pushing to the forefront, intent on claiming the female that was his by right. His hand slid between their bodies, inside her pants. When his fingers slipped down her panties, he found her wet, so very wet he let out a groan. He tickled her clit, finding the side that was so much more sensitive, the one he’d noticed earlier. She gasped and wriggled against him. “Nate!” “Mine,” he repeated, pulling at the clothes that were in his way. Letting go of her hands, he grabbed her ass in both hands, slid her up the wall…then down his cock. She keened, the sound high and so breathtakingly beautiful he nearly lost it right there and then. **** “Fuck you!” Kellie fought the urge to hit him. He’d taken her against the wall, right in the middle of the waiting-room where anyone could have walked in; and now, he expected her to come live in his apartment. Who did he think he was? “You’re my mate!” “No.” She ground her teeth as she hooked her purse higher over her shoulder. Whirling around, she stalked off, intent on ignoring him and his crazy demands.

“Don’t make me push you, Kellie.” “Ha!” She didn’t stop walking. Hitting the back door, she watched it slam against the wall with a deep satisfaction. She beeped her car open and slid inside, her gaze avoiding the tall and very pissed off man who had come to a stand on the sidewalk. “You can’t avoid me forever, Mate. If you’re not at my condo by seven, I’ll come get you. Is that clear?” She rolled her eyes and put the car into Drive. If he thought he owned her now, he was seriously mistaken. She sped off, her mind on what had happened that day. She was mated. She couldn’t deny it, not with the way she was now reacting to him. Whenever he touched her, she became mindless; as if her soul became so lost in him she didn’t exist any longer. She hated and loved the feeling at the same time. It felt good to belong for the first time in her life, but she also couldn’t accept how he’d gone about it. He hadn’t even asked her! He’d been trying to save you from the pain inflicted by your lioness, her mind countered. He was a doctor; that’s what he did. She’d only been working with him for a bit more than a week, but she’d come to know him. He hated seeing people hurt. It went against everything he was. And yet, he’d used his Alpha voice on her, controlling her, dominating her… A frisson ran up her spine. She hated him! No, you don’t. Argh! She could feel her lioness inside her, content even though she shouldn’t be. Nate was so freaking male. How could her animal even like him? Nothing made sense any longer. Biting down hard on her lower lip, she focused on driving herself home in one piece and locking herself in her house for the coming night. She’d hide under the covers and force herself to think of something else. Someone else. Her insides pulsed, reminding her the mating frenzy was still upon her. But, she could deal with that, too. She had a drawer full of toys that were begging to be used. She was in control of her body and of her destiny… **** She hadn’t been home for five minutes when someone was knocking on the door. Exasperated, she flung it open. “For pity’s sake, Nate—Oh. Jane?”

The other woman smiled in welcome. “Hi. I was in the neighborhood and thought we could continue our conversation from this morning. After all, that awful man interrupted us.” Kellie blinked. Couldn’t the woman smell her? She’d been on her way to take a shower, wanting to wash his scent off her. He’d spilled himself inside her again, making her think for the first time of the possibility of having a baby. She’d always thought she’d never become a mother, not with her lioness so uncontrollable; but now, everything had changed. Her whole world had shifted, only because Dr. McDreamy had helped her. Her mate… Licking her lips, she took a step back, a gesture the blonde woman took as invitation. She brushed past her, her forearm touching her breast as she moved further into the house. Kellie groaned inwardly, wondering what Jane wanted. After all, Kellie had made it clear she wasn’t interested. Hadn’t she? Moments later, they were both sitting in the small kitchen as they waited for the coffee to finish dripping. Silence rose once the platitudes had been said, a silence that grew more and more uncomfortable. Kellie knew she should play the hostess and start talking again, but she had no idea what to say. She also wasn’t sure she wanted to have the other woman in her house. There was something strange in Jane’s gaze, something that made her lioness start pacing inside her. Considering the animal had wanted her only the previous day, that was odd. Very odd indeed. “You have such lovely hair,” Jane said, reaching out to brush one of the curls dangling in front of Kellie’s eyes. “Hmm, thank you?” The woman smiled. “Have you thought about what I said this morning?” Huh? Kellie winced. “I’m not sure what you mean.” “It’s that doctor, isn’t it? I know you want me, hon. I can feel it. You want me as much as I want you, but that man has forbidden it. Do not worry, though. I have a plan.” “You have?” “Yes.” Jane reached out again, but this time her fingers teased Kellie’s still-hard nipple. Kellie leaned back against her seat, breaking the contact. Her body yearned for her mate, her senses high-strung, her skin sensitized. One touch and she’d probably explode. But she didn’t want the touch to be Jane’s! “What are you doing?” “Don’t worry. I’ll be gentle.” Jane had such a sweet smile on her face, too. Her eyes, though, they were dark and glittery.

Kellie pushed her chair back and stood up. “I think you should go now, Jane.” “If you say so.” The other woman beamed as she made her way to the front door. She turned around once to say, “Goodbye, Mate.” Kellie stilled, not understanding, but Jane didn’t stop. Her car soon sped off, leaving Kellie feeling totally confused and not a little bit tired. Closing the door behind her, she decided it wouldn’t be a shower she was going to take. It would be a long, and seriously hot, bath. She deserved it!

Chapter Nine

“It’s eight o’clock.” Kellie flailed in the tub so much she nearly drank a mouthful of water. Pushing wet hair off her face, she blinked up and saw a huge mountain of a man towering over her. “What are you doing here? How did you get in?” He ignored her questions, but added, “I gave you an extra hour, Kellie, but you still didn’t turn up.” “I was taking a bath!” She waved her hands around her, as if to prove her point. Big mistake… His gaze sharpened as he took in her body, naked under the bubbles. The bond between them heated up, her walls clenching around an imaginary cock seconds later. He knelt beside the bath before she could tell him off again. One hand found her left breast, weighing it with obvious relish before his thumb straightened and hit her nipple. She hissed, making him chuckle. “A ‘lil excited, aren’t you, honey?” “Go away,” she said, but her voice didn’t carry any strength. It was as if something warm and soft was starting to envelop her, pulling her limbs down, making her arch her back. Fingers slipped down her softly rounded stomach, teasing her navel, sliding further down until they spread into the springs of hair just above her sex. And stopped. She groaned, rocking her hips up, hoping he’d take the hint. “What do you want, Kellie? Tell me,” he whispered, bending down to nuzzle her shoulder. A droplet of water clung to her skin, and he quickly licked it. Her nipples tightened in reaction, wanting that tongue on them. “God!” She widened her legs as far as she could, even hooking them around the tub’s ledge to make it easier for him.

“Where do you want me to touch you, baby?” he asked against her collarbone. He was so close, so close… “Please!” Damn it, she couldn’t believe she was begging him. “Here?” His other hand clasped her thigh, nails digging into her flesh. “No!” “Here?” he repeated, but this time his fingers dove between her legs. He didn’t pull his punches, one long digit sliding inside her, followed by another one and another one. “Ahh!” It hurt, and yet, it didn’t. She felt full like this, those three fingers starting a slow rhythm that echoed her heartbeat. “Nate?” “Yes, Mate?” She looked up at him. The second their gazes caught, something flared between them so bright she had to avert her eyes. The next thing she knew, she was dripping water everywhere as Nathan carried her out of the bathroom. He dropped her onto her bed and quickly shed his clothes, offering her the view she remembered from the night before. But this time, oh this time, he was completely naked. He was also rock-hard, his cock already leaking pre-cum. She licked her lips at the sight and made to reach for him, only to find herself flat on her back with him between her legs. He spread them wide, wide enough so he could move down until his face was suddenly right over her core. Her insides pulsed. Was he really going to… The question died in her mind at the feel of his tongue flicking her clit. He really was. She leaned back and grabbed the pillow behind her with both hands.

Her scent. God, her scent! She was so aroused, so fucking wet, all he could do was lap it all up and hope the taste would stay with him forever. He straightened his tongue and dipped it inside her, making his lion purr in pleasure. Her thighs tightened around his face, and he grinned. Putting his right arm over her midriff, he forced her hips down before taking it up a notch. He started by licking her slit slowly, tonguing her inner lips, flicking her clit quickly before dipping into her entrance once again. Once he had her begging for more, he answered her plea and took the hardened nub between his lips.

He sucked on it, even letting his teeth circle it for a while there. She moaned, groaned, hissed at him to make her come. He just kept on pleasuring her, his focus on her and her only. This was his mate, the one woman for him. Her hips thrust up, her scream echoing all around them. He didn’t stop, didn’t even blink. When juices seeped out of her, he lapped at them like the cat he was, growling his enjoyment. His lion answered in kind inside him, butting his head against his flanks to remind him he would have to take her soon. The male needed to claim his female, the one currently lying prone as if offering herself to them. Nate roared back, reminding the lion who was in charge. The idea had merit though… When she started trying to rock her hips again, he knew it was time. Moving up on his knees, he grabbed her and forced her to lie down on her stomach. She fidgeted, looking somewhat uncomfortable. Unable to stop himself, he slapped her ass and said, “On your hands and knees, honey.” She froze. Finally, she looked over her shoulder. “What?” “You heard me, Kellie.” “Hmm, are you sure?” He could feel his eyes take that bronze hue, his lion pushing to the forefront. He managed to rein it in, but barely. When he spoke up again, his voice had turned lower and huskier. “We are lions, Mate. This is what we do.” “Oh. Okay.” His human side noticed her hesitancy and asked, “Have you never tried that position before?” She shook her head no. “Oh.” He remembered what she’d told him about her previous relationships, realizing the men her lioness had picked wouldn’t have been dominant enough to take her in such a way. He’d be her first; the thought was thrilling on its own. His cock spasmed, semen gliding down. He fisted himself, pumping his erection a few times. A growl escaped him, and she turned around, catching him in the act. He watched her eyes widen, felt her arousal spike. Her scent deepened, and it was all he could do not to slam into her right there and then. Instead, he pushed her body into the position he wanted, making sure her ass was high in the air. Oh yeah… “Just like that,” he whispered, rubbing her cheeks with greedy hands.

His eyes traced her puckered rose, wondering what she’d do if he touched her there, if he dipped his finger inside her. No, she wasn’t ready for this yet, but one day… One day, he’d take her there. Oh yes, he would. “Ready, baby?” She nodded, her breasts swaying under her. He grinned, grabbed her hips in both hands, aligned himself…and pushed. She gasped but never told him to stop. No, instead she braced herself and let him fuck her to heaven and back. Just as a mate would. He closed his eyes at the thought and rejoiced in the feel of her, wondering why he hadn’t wanted such a bond before. For the first time in maybe forever, he was right at home. Deep inside his mate, with her screams ringing over their heads, and her walls clenching around his pistoning cock. Yes, he was home. **** Hours later, her body sticking to the sheet, Kellie looked at the ceiling and wondered what had happened to her life. Here she was, lying snuggled against a seriously hot male specimen who’d claimed her as mate, and her lioness was purring. Purring! “I don’t understand,” she mumbled, waking the man beside her. “What don’t you?” he asked, brushing her hair away from her face. She avoided his gaze and instead focused on his bristly cheek. Her hand rose, and before she could stop herself, her fingertips were playing with his stubble. It tickled, reminding her how it’d felt against the soft skin of her thighs. He’d probably marked her, she thought with unheardof glee. “Kellie?” She bit her lip. “Why isn’t my lioness protesting? She’s happy, but she hated you only yesterday! I don’t get it.” “Now that we’re mated, my lion controls her. Weirdly enough, it turns out she likes it.” Frowning, she finally looked at him. “I don’t understand.” He shrugged, moving so his head rested on his bent arms. “She’s dominant, but she apparently didn’t know she likes being dominated, too. All those women, all those men she picked, they were weak, weren’t they?” She nodded.

“She was afraid they’d control her otherwise. But now that he does, she’s realized it isn’t that bad.” “Huh?” “She likes it,” he added, his eyes twinkling. “As much as you liked me fucking you from behind…” “Hey!” She hit his shoulder, making him laugh. Seconds later, she was flat on her back and he on her. “Again?” she asked, feeling his cock lengthen and thicken against her thigh. “Yup. You seem to have that effect on me.” He slid down the bed until his face was level with her breasts. “Hey there,” he said as he eyed her reddened nipples. “Long time no see.” She sputtered, but he didn’t react. Instead, he bent down and pressed soft kisses all around her left areola, leaving her breathless as want and need collided inside her. Lust rose once again, so sharp she cried out. She gave herself to the sensations, to the man who’d claimed her. She had no choice after all. He was it.

Chapter Ten

“Are you sure about this?” Kellie asked, hesitating at the sight of the door in front of them. “It’s too early.” “No, it’s not. We’re mated.” Nate pushed her forward and rang the doorbell. They waited in silence, his hand never leaving the small of her back. They’d spent the weekend in bed, first at her house then at his condo. They’d tried every position under the sun, or so it felt like anyway. And now that it was Sunday evening, now that the mating frenzy had lessened enough for them to be quasi-normal, he’d thought it’d be a good idea to go visit his brother and his mate. She couldn’t believe he wanted to introduce her to his family already. They barely knew each other as it was! That’s not really true though, is it? her mind countered, making her frown. And that’s how she met her brother-in-law for the first time. He looked so much like Nathan she couldn’t help but gape at him. “You could be twins,” she heard herself mutter, much to their amusement. “Hi, I’m Jay. You must be Kellie.” She offered him her hand, thinking he’d shake it. Instead, he took it and slowly pulled her to him for a hug. She stiffened in his embrace, her lioness starting to pace inside her. A growl rang out, and she found herself tugged away from the other man. Nate’s arm wrapped around her waist, anchoring her against him. “How can you be jealous?” she hissed at him under her breath. “My lion is,” he replied, the look in his eyes turbulent. His brother just stood there with a smirk on his face. “And you thought I was bad when I mated with Alexa! Look at you.”

“Fuck off,” Nate growled back, pushing past his brother and entering the house without asking for permission. “Sis? We’re here!” Kellie followed, mostly because he’d grabbed her hand and wasn’t letting go. She looked at her surroundings in passing, appreciating the warm décor. It clearly was a house that burst with happiness. A blonde woman turned around when they stepped into the kitchen. A wide smile appeared on her face even as she wiped her hands on a towel. “Nate! And you brought your mate, too. Kellie, right? God, I’m so happy to meet you.” Kellie found herself engulfed in another hug, wondering if the whole family was touchyfeely. She imagined their Alpha doing the same and grimaced inwardly. He hadn’t appeared to like her the first time she’d met him the day she’d arrived in the Pride. He’d stared down at her with his arms crossed over his chest and a stern expression on his face. She hadn’t shaken in her boots, but it had been a near-miss. Her lioness had hated him on sight. “Baby?” She was brought back to the present by Nathan’s voice. Blinking, she blushed when she noticed they were all staring at her. “Sorry. I was…huh, lost in thought. Here,” she added, handing the other couple the bottle of wine she’d insisted on bringing. Nate had commented she didn’t need to, that they were family. He hadn’t seemed to understand they weren’t her family yet. She’d never met them, didn’t know if they’d even like each other. “I hope you like red wine.” “We do.” Jay smiled. “Thanks a lot.” He moved past them, clipping his younger brother on the back of his head as he did. “She’ll be teaching you manners next.” He laughed, avoiding Nate’s slap. “Children, behave!” Alexa called out before turning toward Kellie once again. “Come on, let’s leave them to it. I can’t wait to talk to you! Did you really mate only this week? Jay and I have been together only for a few months, you know.” She chatted on, motioning Kellie forward. They sat down on a huge sofa, and she felt herself start to relax. The other woman was obviously nice. She didn’t seem to care that Kellie was a new member of the Pride. She just appeared happy to have someone to talk to. “I’m so happy Nate found someone.” Alexa beamed. “He’s the nicest of them all, you know.” “Them?”

“The three brothers.” Kellie blinked. “You’re saying he’s nicer than Jay?” Did I really understand her correctly? Alexa laughed. “Sure. Jay’s the future Pride Alpha. He’s my mate, and I love him so much, but even I know, he can be difficult. Nate’s so easygoing in comparison. And don’t let me start on Andy. That one seriously needs a woman in his life. He’s the hardest man I’ve ever seen.” “I, huh, see.” She didn’t, but maybe, she would once she got to know them better. Right? “Nate’s not that nice though. He can be downright domineering at times.” “Really?” Kellie nodded. “They’re their father’s sons.” Alexa shrugged. “Comes with the territory, I guess.” From what she’d seen of Alistair, she could believe that. “Maybe, yes.” “What are you two talking about?” Jay appeared in the threshold carrying the nowopened bottle. His brother popped in at his side with two glasses in each hand. “Nothing,” his mate answered, her grin so wicked it was easy to see how in tune the two were. Kellie stared at Jay and Alexa and wondered if she and Nate would ever be like that. Somehow, she doubted it. They’d gotten mated before they could even have a relationship. Hell, they’d never even dated! It was so opposite to what she was used to, she couldn’t quite understand it. Sure, she liked him. She could probably love him, too. After all, he was everything a man should be: kind, clever, sexy, good with his hands… Something stirred inside her, making her wonder if they’d just dampened the mating frenzy over the past two days. God, please no, she thought. They needed to work together for the coming week, not have sex in every examination room! “I can smell you from here,” Nate whispered behind her. She whirled around, but he only winked at her as he handed her a glass full of ruby red liquid. Her eyes wide, she watched as he grabbed one for himself and sat down on the sofa’s arm, his leg brushing her shoulder. She gulped down some wine and tried to ignore the way her body wanted desperately to get closer to his. She could do this. She was only part-animal, damn it!

“Shit,” she muttered to herself when her thighs cramped. The doorbell rang, but she ignored it, too busy trying to keep herself under control. The evening from hell worsened when their Alpha strode into the room and stopped short when he saw her sitting there. His gaze went from her to his youngest son, then back to her again. The frown on his face said it all really. Kellie took another sip of her drink then another one for good measures. She was pretty sure she was going to need alcoholic courage soon.

Nathan didn’t move as his father stepped further into the room. He could see how unhappy his Alpha still was, but he didn’t care. It wasn’t his father’s life; it had nothing to do with him. It reminded Nate so much of when he’d told his dad he wanted to go to med school. He remembered the older man’s shock and outrage that one of his sons would want a career outside the Pride. Hell, he’d only accepted to come back here because of that. Once Dr. O’Shea had been incarcerated, the position of town doctor had been made available. It’d taken one look at his father for Nate to cave in. He’d thought he’d only stay in town long enough for them to find a replacement, but now, he was mated. And it changed everything. Or, did it? He frowned, wondering what Kellie would say if he told her they were moving to the city. She’d just transferred from her home Pride. She’d probably want to stay here, get her bearings, find people to befriend, etcetera. Shit, he thought. He was going to have to stay here, wasn’t he? “Dad.” He nodded as Alistair stopped right in front of them. Leaning to the left, he let his arm curve around Kellie’s shoulders and drew her closer to him. She was stiff, he soon realized. Could she be afraid of his father? He was her Alpha, sure, but she’d always seemed so strong. “I’d like to talk to your mate. Alone.” “No,” came Nate’s instant response. His lion sat up at attention inside him. This might be his father, their Alpha, but he wouldn’t let him hurt his woman. Ever. “I won’t harm her,” his dad bit back. “But I need to talk to her. Without you present, Nathan. Think with the head on your shoulders for once.” “Dad!” Jay growled.

“Stay out of this, son.” Alistair stared down at his new daughter-in-law. “Kellie? Shall we?” She shrugged off Nate’s arm and stood up, her eyes dark and her face flushed. She appeared ready to go to battle. Nathan opened his mouth, prepared to oppose his father once again, but she turned around and shook her head. He recognized the mulish look on her face and bit back a retort. He nodded. “Fine. Five minutes.” That was all he’d give them. His lion running rampant inside him, he watched his father escort his mate out of the room. Fury sparked inside him, and he wondered if five minutes wouldn’t be too long still…

Chapter Eleven

“One week in the Red Rock Pride, and you’re already mated to one of my sons.” Kellie looked up at the one person she had to obey at all times. She couldn’t help it; she gulped. “He mated with me, not the other way round.” “I know. That still doesn’t explain how you managed to snare him.” She felt her eyebrows rise at the insulting comment. “I didn’t snare him.” “Didn’t you? Can you explain how my son, a doctor, lost his head in the space of a few days and bonded his lion soul to a foreigner?” She saw red. “You accepted me into this Pride! You’re the one who said I could be transferred here.” “I did. But how could I have known you’d wreak so much havoc from the get-go?” Her hands tightened into fists at her sides, but she remained immobile. “I knew your past history. I knew how temperamental you were, how unruly, too. Your home Alpha had warned me after all.” She bit her lower lip so hard she tasted blood in her mouth. Her old Alpha had tortured her until her screams had echoed inside her dazed mind for days! “What? You don’t have anything to respond to that?” She shook her head. “You don’t know me. Everything I say, you won’t believe anyway.” “Is that how it was there?” She blinked and nodded. He seemed to wait for a response, so she simply said, “Yes.” “It’s not like that here, Kellie. I may be the Alpha, but I’m still fallible. We all are. My son is proof of that.” What the hell did that mean? “Tell me about your lioness and why she’s been so uncontrollable.” He leaned back against a console and waited for her to speak.

And so, because she knew she had nothing to lose, she told him everything. All the things she’d said to his son in confidence, she repeated to Alistair. She was pretty sure he’d never believe her anyway, but she was used to that coming from a Pride Alpha. They were always so full of themselves, so egomaniac, they didn’t care for the people they were supposed to protect. And God, had she learnt that the hard way. When her words dried out, he was still standing there, staring at her. “I believe you,” he finally said. She gasped. “What?” “I trust you really went through all that. It still doesn’t excuse what you did to my son.” “I didn’t do anything to him! He mated with me. He didn’t even ask me if I wanted to.” “How’s your lioness now?” The sudden question threw her. She shook her head, trying to clear it, trying to gain her feet in what could only be described as the weirdest conversation ever. “She’s…much better. Nate explained she actually likes being mated. Something about her only wanting to dominate before?” The Alpha nodded. “I’ve seen that in other lions before.” “Really?” she couldn’t help but ask. “Everyone else thought I was crazy!” “People will say that when they can’t understand something.” “Huh, right.” “Are you finished?” Nate appeared behind her, pushing her to the side so he could face his father. “Dad?” “I am. I’m still not happy with this, Nathan, but I’ll let it go. See that the practice keeps running smoothly, all right?” “It’s my job.” “I know. You wanted this, son, so now you’re going to have to deal with it.” Kellie watched the older man leave the room, the front door slamming shut only seconds later. Tension left her, and she started shaking. It didn’t stop when Nate’s arms wrapped around her. He tucked her against him, his palm cupping the back of her head. She snuggled into his embrace and closed her eyes, wondering what the hell had just happened. Something clearly had, but she was too out of sorts to figure it out.

“Let’s go home, honey. You need to rest. Tomorrow will be here soon enough.” He dropped a soft kiss on her hair and pulled away from her. They said their goodbyes to the other couple, Kellie avoiding their sharp glances as much as she could in the time it took her to step outside. They’d probably heard it all, knew her background now and all its sordid details. She cried out inwardly, wondering if she’d ever get to chat with Alexa again. She’d been so trusting earlier, so willing to accept her into this weird family of theirs. But now, it was all ruined. “Shh. Don’t worry, baby.” Nate’s focus was on the road, but he was still thinking of her. She forced a shaky smile and stared at the passing streets. Why had she moved here? Why? **** “No.” Her face a hardened mask, Kellie stared up at him. “It’d make more sense, hon.” “For you, maybe, but I just moved into this house, and I like it. I want to stay here.” He sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. “Come on, you know we should live together. That’s what mated couples do.” “You should have thought of that before you bonded us!” Anger sparked inside him. “Is it so fucking bad being mated with me? Is it?” She took a step back, almost as if he’d scared her. Fuck! “Never mind. Don’t be late tomorrow morning.” He slammed the front door shut behind him and strode to his car. He couldn’t believe she’d refused to move to his condo. It was so much more modern, and well, better. She lived in an old part of town, in one of those bungalows that were fashionable decades ago. It was cramped and only boasted one bedroom. Seriously, how could she prefer staying there to his state-of-the-art apartment? I really don’t get women sometimes, he commented inwardly as he sped off, his lion pacing inside him at the thought of spending the night away from his mate. He didn’t want to go back to his empty home, so instead he took the next right and found a parking space in front of Sam’s. Heads turned as he entered the bar, but he ignored them and grabbed a stool next to the one man he knew wouldn’t give him grief.

“Heard you got into it with Dad tonight,” his other older brother said, his eyes never leaving the TV screen opposite them. Nathan nodded at the bartender and waited for the beer to be plopped in front of him. He stared at the foam sliding down the glass and sighed. “I see the Pride’s rumor mill hasn’t changed.” “Nothing here ever changes; you know that,” Andy replied, his tone dark. As dark as the ever-present look on his face. “Are you okay, kid?” Nate rolled his eyes. He hadn’t been a kid for years, was only a few years younger than Andy for that matter, but the other man did whatever he wanted and always had. Nothing Nathan said would make him call him anything else. Considering his brother was also the Pride Enforcer, taller and wider than most men, he’d gotten too used to getting his way all the time. He was still Nate’s brother though, and Nathan knew he cared. Hence why he simply said, “I’ll be fine. I just need to work on her.” “On her or on Dad?” “Both, I guess,” he replied before taking a long gulp of his draft beer. The tangy taste was exactly what he needed. Oh, the alcohol would barely give him a buzz. As a dominant shifter, it’d take him at least a dozen beers to feel anything remotely like a hangover. And a weak one, at that. His lion paced inside him, the mating frenzy pushing at him. He wanted nothing more than to go back to her house. He’d tie her to the bed and have his way with her, make her see reason, push his cock so deep inside her he wouldn’t know where he began and she ended. “Fuck,” he muttered under his breath. “Drink your beer and leave, Nate. You’re going to get everyone in here in trouble if you don’t control yourself.” He growled. “I can’t control it, damn it! You know that. Hell, haven’t you been mated before?” Andy’s gaze wavered, and Nathan realized what he’d just said. “Shit. Sorry, bro, I didn’t mean it.” “It’s okay.” His brother turned back to the screen, his hands clenched around the edge of the bar.

He was good for nothing tonight, Nate thought. He’d even managed to hurt his immovable brother. Shaking his head at his own stupidity, he drained his glass and after a slap on Andy’s shoulder, made his way out. He sat in his car for long minutes, wondering what to do next. He should really go home, but he couldn’t seem to take himself there. His lion was now brushing against his insides, indicating clearly what he wanted him to do. Kellie. He had to go to her. He just had to. Hoping she was in a better mood than earlier, he turned the key in the ignition and put the car into Drive. Even if she wasn’t though, it didn’t matter. It was his prerogative to make her happy. She was his mate after all. He’d listen to her and work on being the man she needed. God, he had it bad.

Chapter Twelve

Kellie had just stepped into her bedroom when her lioness roared inside her. It’d been so long since she’d misbehaved, it took Kellie a little while to react. Too long, as it turned out. Something slammed into her back, propelling her forward. Her fall was broken by the bed, but by the time she’d bounced up then down, someone had managed to grab her hands. Her hair in her eyes, she struggled, writhed as much as she could, but a knee on her back held her down. “Get off me!” she growled, rocking her hips, trying to dislodge the intruder. “You don’t want that. I know you don’t. You want me, Kellie mine.” She stilled. A woman’s voice? Oh no. “Jane?” she ventured, earning herself a little chuckle. Someone patted her on the butt. “Yes, it’s me. I knew you would recognize me, baby. You were waiting for me, weren’t you? But don’t worry. I’m here now.” The woman slid down her back, but only to grab her legs and tie them. Before she could react, Kellie found herself with her hands and ankles cuffed to the bed posts. She pulled, but the thin plastic wires cut into her skin, making her gasp. Who’d have thought someone so small could overpower her? Shit! Kellie cursed inwardly. She’d gotten distracted, and now, she was lying there with no way of getting out. What the hell was Jane doing here? She’d behaved strangely before, true, but this was way worse. “What are you doing?” “I know a way of getting you rid of that bond, baby. Just let me do everything.” Crap! “What are you going to do? Is it going to hurt?” She forced her voice to shake. Not that she wasn’t scared, but Jane was nothing compared to the men in her home Pride. They’d tortured her for weeks on end, and she’d endured it all. She’d emerged stronger, too. Yes, she had. Her lioness growled in agreement inside her, giving her strength.

“It might, but I know how strong you are. I heard you earlier, Kellie dear. I was so proud of you when you told him you wouldn’t live with him. I knew then you really didn’t love him. He’s a man, after all. He’ll control you and tell you what to do with your life, but you don’t want that. You want me, don’t you?” Kellie froze, unsure of what to say. Should she play along? Would that help? She couldn’t count on anyone but herself, after all. She’d angered Nate tonight, so much so that he’d actually left without trying to talk it through. It hurt to know it had been her fault. She’d pushed him, and he’d left without a backward glance. Without even a kiss, or a promise to call her later. God, she was screwed up. “My lioness likes women,” she finally said, knowing the other woman would be able to smell the truth for what it was. “Does she? I’m sure you’re gorgeous in your animal form. I can’t wait to play with you,” Jane added in a breathy murmur. Hands grabbed Kellie’s hips from behind, only moments before they slid up under her shirt. She tensed and gritted her teeth, knowing she couldn’t act as if she hated the woman’s touch on her. She couldn’t anger her, couldn’t do anything but lie there and take it all. Closing her eyes, she tried to ignore the way Jane was opening the back clasp of her bra. Instead, Kellie concentrated on her memories of the night before. Nathan in her bed, a teasing smile on his lips as he bent his head and licked at her nipple. Harsh fingers slipped under her, a slight weight creeping up her body. Jane was making herself comfortable, half-lying on her as if she had every right to. No! Kellie thought with a curse. Think of Nathan instead. He was everything she’d never thought she’d find. He was the perfect mate. No, he wasn’t perfect, not really, but he was close. So why had she gone off on him earlier? He’d be here now, and none of this would have happened. “You’re mine,” Jane whispered in her right ear just as she twisted Kellie’s nipples, left then right. It hurt, but Kellie didn’t react. She forced herself to stay still. She was tied, and she knew, she just knew, the other woman planned on raping her. Maybe Jane really thought they were supposed to be together. Maybe she was delusional or plain crazy. That still didn’t make it right.

Nathan… Kellie began chanting his name inwardly. He was her mate. He’d made sure of that. Please God, don’t let him push her away once he learned what Jane had done. Please God, don’t let him hate her because she’d been too weak to fight Jane off. Please God, let him love her. She would just forget this night ever happened. She’d be the best mate Nate could ever have; even their Alpha would be proud of her. He would, she promised it. Nathan… **** Nate looked at his mate’s bedroom window and stilled to a stop when he noticed someone move past the curtains. That hadn’t been Kellie. He knew her body by heart now. There was someone else there, someone who wasn’t him. Someone who was in her room at night. Alone. With her. Pain slashed through him, as he stepped closer. His lion pushed to the forefront, roaring his displeasure when he breathed in the scent of an unmated female. He frowned. He knew that smell. He knew it. “That fucking woman!” He couldn’t believe Kellie would cheat on him so damn fast. They’d only been together for days, but she hadn’t been able to stop herself from sleeping with another woman? He knew he’d quieted her lioness, so she had no freaking excuse! Had she been lying all this time? Was everything a hoax? Maybe his dad had been right, and she’d cornered him into mating with her, landing one of the Alpha’s sons while she was at it. “I’ve been so fucking stupid,” he muttered under his breath. Anger already reddening his vision, he turned to leave then he thought he heard her call out his name. He froze and cocked his head to the side. Had he dreamed it? “I’m losing my mind now, too. Fuck!” Nathan. Nathan. Nathan. He whirled around, already moving closer to the window. Something was going on, and he intended to find out what. Now. Even if it meant walking in on them having sex. His lion hissed inside him, but he shut him up. His first priority was making sure his mate was fine. Sweat gliding down his back, he paused right outside the window and listened in. He couldn’t hear Kellie, but he could hear the other woman’s voice. It was too low for him to decipher what she was saying, but it didn’t stop him. Instead, it spurred him on. Rounding the

house, he pushed open the back door and hurried through the house, only pausing when he stood right outside the bedroom. A voice rang out, clearer than he’d heard before, “I’m going to make you forget all about him. You’ll be so full of me you won’t remember his name, or yours for that matter. I brought a bag of toys with me, Mate. I’m sure you’ll end up loving them as much as I do.” Nails sprang forth from his fingers, digging into the soft flesh of his palms. He bit back a gasp of pain and slowly straightened his hands. The other woman wasn’t finished however. “Have you ever been taken by a woman wearing a strap, baby? You’re gonna love it. I’ll take you hard because I know you like that. I saw you with him last night, you know.” She what? He took a step forward, so furious at the thought of her spying on them he nearly flew into the room. Instead, he forced himself to remain still, waiting to hear Kellie’s response. Except nothing came. She remained silent, as if she wasn’t even there. Could it be? Hoping the door wouldn’t squeak, he tapped it a little. It opened wider, his eyes instantly focusing on the other side of the room. What he saw made his heart palpitate. His mate was lying on her stomach, tied to the bed with her clothes in disarray. She was partially naked, her top pushed up and her jeans tugged down her thighs. Her ass was red, redder than it usually was, and he understood why when he saw that woman apply some kind of contraption to it. It sizzled and left a faint mark in his mate’s soft skin. What the fuck is going on? He took another step forward, hoping his former patient would be too enthused by their weird play she wouldn’t notice him creep into the room. Was Kellie into BDSM? Why hadn’t she told him? If she got a kick out of it, he’d have dominated her like that, too. He’d have given her everything, but no, she’d thrown it all away at the first opportunity. Nathan… He jerked at the sound of his name. Neither woman had moved on the bed however. His lion pushed himself forward and focused on the lioness he’d claimed. Hurt, he told his human side. She’s hurt. Do something!

He didn’t think. He sprung forward and slammed into the woman. She shrieked beneath him and immediately started batting at him with her hands. The tool she’d been holding fell on Kellie’s back, and this time, Kellie did call out. She screamed so high the whole room froze.

Chapter Thirteen

“Get it off! Get it off me! Oh God, it hurts. Please, make it stop. Make it stop!” There was so much pain in his mate’s voice that Nathan instantly reacted. He knew he needed to stop that woman first. His hands were already partially shifted, and so he simply grabbed her neck and squeezed. It didn’t take long for her eyes to close, and her body to become limp. He kicked her off the bed, and seconds later, the tool that had marred Kellie’s skin joined the woman on the floor. “Are you okay, baby? Kellie? Answer me!” He slashed the ties holding her down with his claws and retracted them before turning her around. He winced when she gasped in pain as soon as her back hit the coverlet. “Open your eyes for me. Let me see you,” he said as he lowered himself so he was lying beside her. “Please, honey. Let me see you’re okay.” Her eyelids fluttered open, her gaze swimming in tears. “Oh, baby.” He brushed tendrils of hair away from her sweaty forehead. “Nathan?” “I’m here,” he replied, bending his head to drop a soft kiss on her lips. “Where does it hurt?” “Back. Butt. It…burns.” Shit. Slowly, making sure not to hurt her any further, he pushed her onto her stomach and peered at the reddened skin. Welts had formed on the small of her back and ass, marking her, branding her. Rage unlike anything he’d felt before burst forth inside him. He slid off the bed and grabbed the other woman, shaking her with everything he had. He wanted her to wake up and face the music. He would hurt her as much as she’d hurt his mate. He would…

“Nate?” He looked down at Kellie, only coming back to himself when he noticed her wide, wide eyes. “What is it, baby?” “She’s not moving.” She’d paled even more, as impossible as that should have been. He blinked. “What?” “You…you killed her. I think.” He stared down at the woman hanging lifelessly in his arms. Kneeling down, he watched as her body flopped to the carpeted floor. He took her pulse and felt nothing. He checked her nose, but no air came forward. Her heartbeat was nonexistent, silence the only thing he could hear when he bent over her chest. He’d killed her. He’d spent his whole life saving people, had taken an oath as a doctor, and one second had changed everything he’d built for himself. He couldn’t even remember killing her. Sure, he’d used his claws, but he hadn’t been that forceful. Right? He’d been so worried about Kellie though, so angry that someone had dared hurt his mate… “Shit.” He closed the woman’s eyelids and hung down his head. “Nate?” He couldn’t stay here and wallow. He had to treat Kellie’s wounds before they got infected. He should really get up now and go to her, comfort her as best he could. He also needed to call his dad and ask him to come here. Their Alpha would need to know exactly what’d happened. Instead, he sat there and thought of the life he’d taken…and of the life he’d just lost. **** The pain had been too much for her, and Kellie had let go, letting her lioness take over, forcing the shift that would mean getting better. When fur started to cover the skin of her back, it hurt so much she cried out and fell into the dark abyss calling out her name. She came back to herself minutes or hours later, she wasn’t sure. All she knew was that her bedroom had been invaded by men while she’d been out of it. She blinked and turned around, the blanket that had been covering her sliding down. She quickly grasped it and held it to her bare chest as she observed her surroundings.

Nathan was sitting on the floor, his head in his hands, looking as if the world had collapsed around him. She wanted to reach for him, yearned to snuggle into his embrace and let the rest of them deal with whatever needed to be done. She watched as a tall, bald man knelt in front of him, kept on watching as he clasped his fingers around her mate’s shoulder. He said something, but they were too far for her to overhear their conversation. Almost as if he’d felt her gaze on him, the man turned and caught her staring. His eyes gave him away. This must be Andy, Nate’s other brother. He was taller than her mate, wider too, towering over every other man in the room. He looked as if he ate small children for breakfast, his lion so close to the surface she felt it from where she sat. She gulped when he stepped closer to the bed. “Are you okay?” he asked, his voice unbelievably soft. She nodded, not sure she could speak. “Nate said you’d been hurt.” “I…” She licked her lips. “I shifted.” “Is the pain gone now?” She nodded once again, and he smiled at her, almost as if he were trying to comfort her. That was nice of him, it was, but he wasn’t her mate. She needed Nathan. As soon as the thought hit, she found herself with her feet on the floor. She blinked, wondering how she’d gotten there. Someone pushed her back down, murmuring about her needing clothes first. That’s when she remembered she was naked underneath the thin blanket. That woman had touched her… No! Her lioness roared inside her, forcing her to think of something else. Our mate needs us. Something is wrong with him. “Wrong?” Kellie mouthed to herself, wondering what her animal was talking about. She looked around and wondered how she’d even manage to get dressed when there were still so many people in her house. Maybe she could ask someone to hand her some clothes? Or maybe she could avoid them all and slip into the bathroom? Their Alpha chose that moment to stride into the room. Tension rose in the air almost immediately, every single man staring down as he stopped at the foot of her bed. His gaze took it all in, from his son still prone against the wall, to the body on the floor, to Kellie hiding in plain sight. He went to her first, shocking her so much she had to ask him to repeat his question.

He growled, “How are you?” “Okay.” “Don’t lie to me!” Her lioness flattened her ears inside her, moving further away. “I…I need to go to Nate. He’s hurt.” Something flashed in his eyes. “I was asking about your physical condition, Kellie. Andy told me she tortured you with an electrical device.” She shivered at the reminder, hoping she’d never have to feel such pain ever again. Jane had kept talking about her sex toys, but that thing hadn’t been one. It’d been an instrument of torture, pure and simple. And by God, Kellie was tired of being tortured. What had she done to deserve this? Was her karma really that bad? “I asked you a question.” She looked up, realizing she hadn’t answered Alistair. Considering he was already close to the snapping point, she really should pay more attention to her Alpha. “Can I go to Nate first?” He nodded and stepped forward. She frowned. He was going to help her? “Here. Grab my hand,” he said, sitting on the edge of the bed. She did as ordered, unable to move away. As soon as she touched him however, the world seemed to right itself. She found herself leaning against him, her head falling onto his shoulder. His arm curved around her shoulders, tucking her closer. For the first time in hours, she felt alive. All thanks to her Alpha, the man who was supposed to hate her… She was even more grateful when he helped her stand up, wrapping the blanket around her so she didn’t flash anybody. With his hand around her waist, he led her to her mate who still hadn’t moved. “Nate?” she asked, leaning forward and nearly falling flat on her face. “Careful.” The Alpha pulled her back in the nick of time. “You’re still weak. Son?” They both looked down at the man sitting in front of them. Nathan had his face adverted, his palms hiding his eyes as if he didn’t want to look at the room. Kellie felt a sharp pang inside her chest. No longer numb, she felt emotions surge through their mated link. Fear, despair, shame. Shame? He’d saved her! “Nathan?” she tried again.

He moved then and she rejoiced…but it didn’t last long. He stood up and without looking at anyone in particular, said, “I need to leave.” And just like that he was gone. She watched his disappearing back and fought the urge to run after him. He needed some time to come to grasp with what he’d done. She would give him that, she promised herself. It didn’t stop her from crying out however when the link between them suddenly became muted. Nathan!

Chapter Fourteen

“I didn’t raise you like this.” Nathan heard his father’s words, but he didn’t care. Nothing mattered anymore. He’d killed someone. Had taken a life away with the strength of his claws, using his animal side as the savage he really was. “Get out,” he finally muttered when he realized Alistair was still there. “It’s been three days, son. I don’t care if you feel bad. I don’t even fucking care if you think you’ve committed some grand felony. All I see is my own flesh and blood wallowing in self-pity when all you did was save your mate.” “I killed someone!” he snapped, looking up so he could glare at his father. “I killed her!” “So fucking what?” his dad roared, the sound echoing throughout the otherwise silent condo. “She’d tortured your mate, the woman you’d chosen to spend your life with. She deserved to be hurt!” “But not to die, damn it. Not to die!” His voice croaked on the last word. “You chose to become a doctor, Nathan, and I let you do it. I could almost understand it too, but don’t you remember what I said at the time? That you’d have to choose between your chosen life and your own self? You’re a shifter, son. You might have passed for human all those years in the city, but you’re not human. You never will be.” Nate thought back to that fateful conversation and shook his head. “It still doesn’t excuse what I did.” “It doesn’t, but it explains it in a way. We don’t live according to human rules, son. You know if Jane had been captured alive, I’d have condemned her for what she did to Kellie. You know that. So, why are you hiding in here when your mate is alone and hurting?”

“Hurting?” He frowned. “I saw her shift. The marks were gone.” “She’s hurting inside. Think about what she had to go through, Nate. Be an Alpha for once. Can’t you see she needs you? You bonded with her for a reason!” his father added, whirling around a moment later. The front door slammed shut, declaring to all and sundry their Alpha had left the building. Nathan sat there, his eyes lost in the distance. He’d muted the mated link between him and Kellie as soon as he’d left her house that day, not wanting her to feel what he was going through. He hadn’t been proud, and it was worse today. He hadn’t been there to take care of her. She’d been hurt, and where had he been? Drinking beer at the town’s bar! Fuck but he hated himself. She deserved more than what he could give her. It still didn’t stop him from stumbling upward, staggering toward the bathroom and the shower he so desperately needed. Maybe, it would help clear his mind before he went to her. Maybe. **** Kellie had needed to keep herself busy, and so she’d taken over the practice. All by herself. The cases she couldn’t deal with, she’d redirected to the next town’s clinic, hoping the doctors there wouldn’t look too hard at the shifters’ charts. She couldn’t do anything else though. She was just a nurse, and their doctor was in hiding. It was close to seven p.m. when she finally walked down the corridor, hoping no one would be waiting up front and she’d be able to lock up for the night. A man stood in front of the reception desk, his back to her. Fear overwhelmed her, threatening to undo everything she’d worked on for the past days. Alistair had helped, too, visiting her as much as he could, sharing his strength like only an Alpha could. It’d have been better if it’d been her mate, but it was still better than nothing. The man turned, and she gasped. “Nate?” He stood there, unmoving, making her go to him. Once she was only inches from him, she stopped and looked up. “Are you okay?” He visibly shook. “I should be the one asking that,” he replied, his voice husky, almost as if he hadn’t used it in a long time. “I’m fine.” “Are you really?” She nodded. “It’s not perfect, but I’ve gotten past worse.”

He stared back at her for a long minute. Finally, he said, “I’m sorry.” Frowning, she reached out for him, her palm brushing the soft cotton of his shirt. “Why? You stopped her! I thought you’d gone, but you came back and you saved me, Nate.” “I was too late.” “No!” She shook her head. “You stopped her before she could do too much. I…I knew she was going to rape me, but she hadn’t gone that far yet.” He jerked back. “Ra-rape you?” he stammered. “She had toys,” she replied, hoping he wouldn’t ask her to elaborate. She really wanted to think of something else. “You saved me.” This time, before he could stop her, she leaned into him. He didn’t pull her closer, didn’t acknowledge her proximity in any way. Instead, he replied, his voice harsh, “I killed someone, Kellie.” “You did. And I’m so very grateful.” Fingers grasped her shoulders, pushing her back. “You don’t understand.” “I do.” She looked into his eyes. “I do. I’ve been through this before. It made me stronger, Nathan, don’t you see? And this time, this time, I have you. I have a mate and an Alpha and a family. A Pride. All these things I didn’t have before, I do now…because of you. Thanks to you.” “I—” He cut himself off, his forehead lined almost as if he were repeating her words inwardly and was trying to make sense of them. “I owe you my life, Nate. I owe you everything.” His eyes wide, he took a step back, but she didn’t let him go any further. She’d waited all these days for him, and now that he was here, she wanted him to stay. Forever. When she’d been tied to the bed, pain echoing through every corner of her body, only one thing had made her hold on. The thought of their future together. And as she stepped closer once more, she told him. “You saved me, Nathan. Don’t you see? You were my white knight, the one I thought I’d never have.” “I’m not… Damn it, Kellie!” She smiled for the first time in days, and it felt amazing. “You don’t understand. Even if you hadn’t arrived in time, I would have still recovered from this. You know why? Because I

was no longer in the room with her. Not in my mind anyway. I was thinking about you, about our future together. I was imagining little boys with your eyes and smile. I wanted that picture so badly I knew I had to hold on and survive.” “Little boys?” he repeated, his voice shaky. “Kellie?” She fidgeted under his intent gaze. “You do want children, right?” Something sparked in his eyes. His lips moved into the semblance of a smile, as if he couldn’t quite remember how to do it. ”I do.” “Oh God.” And suddenly, as if someone had cut the ties that had been holding her up since that fateful night, as if she’d needed to know he was better before she could live again, her body let go. She fell onto her knees. Pain lanced up her legs but she ignored it. Because in the next instant, he was on his knees in front of her. His hands slid down her back, pulling her forward. She fell into his embrace and rejoiced in the moment, in the complete rightness of it all. “I love you,” he murmured against her hair. Feeling tears trickle down her cheeks, she rubbed her face against his, marking him, scenting him as her lioness urged her to do. “I love you too,” she finally said. She closed her eyes and snuggled against him. Both remained silent. Both knew they didn’t need words. Not anymore…

About the Author

Emma Hillman never plans her stories. She just lets the characters have fun and hopes the ending will make sense. It usually does. Besides being a multi-published author of erotic romances, she works full-time and lives in Paris with a (nice) husband, a (cute) little girl, and two sweet but (very) loud pets. She also reads far too much as the postman (and her banker) could attest, but shhhh. For more information on her current and future releases, you can visit her blog at http://emmahillmanbooks.blogspot.com/ or chat with her on Twitter (@droptheglasses). She’d love to hear from you!

Want to read more from Emma Hillman? Also Available from Resplendence Publishing

Out of Control Scared she'd always be too human for the five shape-shifting lions who wanted to claim her as a mate, Jade left the Pride who’d adopted her as soon as she turned eighteen. Now she's back, and only just realizing how much her departure affected them all. They're so intent on seducing her, she's having trouble resisting. One, maybe she could have, but five sexy men eager to claim her? Surrounded by men who won't take no for an answer, and with the future of the Pride in jeopardy, Jade needs to decide who she can trust…starting with herself.

Rough It Up Grassroots Series, Book One Alexa has been a mixie, a half-breed lioness, her whole life and is used to taking care of herself. So when she meets fellow shifter, Jay, in an airport lounge and he notices she’s in heat, she’s taken aback when he offers his help. Even with the lioness inside her urging her to get to know this perfect pure specimen better, she shoots him down. Days later, she has to admit defeat. The mating urge is so strong, she’s slowly going crazy. Her lioness relentless, she gives in and calls him. When he arrives at her apartment, he finds her naked and willing. Too willing. Something is definitely wrong. He just hopes he’ll have time to find out what was done to her before it’s too late…

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Autumn Sacrifice by Bronwyn Green Phases: Book Ten When Brenna Alten returns home to attend her cousin’s wedding, she expects to reconnect with friends and family. She doesn’t anticipate hooking up with her adolescent crush Caleb Mahingan or his brothers. Despite a night of sizzling hot sex, Brenna believes this can’t turn into more, but Caleb has other plans for her. As Alpha of his small pack, he knows she's his mate and he doesn't intend to give her up without a fight.

The Temptress by Abigail Barnette As We Like It When a tree falls in Miranda Prospero’s yard, she has no idea what lies in store for her. Trapped at her father’s cottage on Mackinac Island with no job and no boyfriend, the last thing she’s looking for is a romance with the guy she rejected when they both were in high school. But Ariel, the meddling, horny spirit who has spent two-hundred years watching her from his barkcovered prison, has different plans for her. Greg Ferdinand spent his adolescence pining for Miranda. A success at business and a failure in love, he’s using his summer at his parents’ house to recover from a messy divorce. Seeing Miranda again turns him back into that insecure, nerdy kid desperate for her love. The timing couldn’t be more terrible, but Greg isn’t willing to let his chance to be with Miranda slip away. Despite the sexual sparks that fly between them, getting Greg and Miranda together will take a miracle, and Ariel is more than willing to be that miracle. Never has there been a matchmaker more devoted, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes, even if that means creating a tempest or two...

Twelve Nights by Mia Watts As We Like It Viola Leinmann is pissed when her twin, Sebastian, books a publicity event for a client twelve

days before it is scheduled to occur, then leaves town. What makes it worse is that the new, waytoo-mouthwatering-for-his-own-good boss doesn’t like working with women. But making sure her new company stays in the black is worth pretending to be her brother for a night. Jeff Sarto likes Sebastian’s style. He’s a go-getter who’s self-motivated and makes him laugh. He’s also the key to getting the office hottie to go out with him. And that’s what he wants, until he meets Sebastian’s sexy sister, Viola. A stolen kiss makes him forget every rule about mixing business with pleasure. But as the convention deadline winds down and his new friend Sebastian turns out to be Viola, can he forgive her for lying to him? Or has Jeff lost both his best friend and the girl to a hurtful prank?

Reawakening by Charlotte Stein Forever Dead Series, Book One June has spent the last two years of her life trying to avoid death at the hands of murderous psychopaths and ravening zombies. So when Jamie turns up on the scene, careless, still whole and promising her safety on a little paradise island, she isn’t quite sure she can trust him. Especially when he tells her that it’s just him, and his equally big, burly, handsome friend Blake. But Jamie and Blake are even better than her wildest dreams—sweet and funny and charming. And worst of all: sexy as hell. Though they're trying to be gentlemanly with her, all she can think about is how much she wants to get tangled up in them, and forget the nightmare the world has become. She's waiting for her reawakening—back to life and happiness and love. And they seem like just the right sort of men to wake her—body and soul.

Three Ways to Wicked by Melinda Barron Bestselling Author Krisily Carmichael needs a break from her life. Her horrid ex-boyfriend sold naked photos of her, and now she’s plastered all over the nation’s largest skin magazine. So when an advertisement for a rental cottage near Bath appears in her mailbox, she snatches up the offer. When she arrives at the remote English cottage, she finds a charming country home with a huge botanical garden…complete with four magical beings trapped inside. Victim of a wayward spell, the Sorcerer Uriel and his alchemist cousins, Bythos and Acolius, have spent centuries trapped inside their garden with an evil witch who wants their secrets. Krisily’s arrival sets off a string of events foretold to bring about the witch’s end. Unfortunately, they have to contend with the witch’s curse, which took one sense from each of the men.

But the four of them find a way to communicate, and they come together in a blaze of passion that helps them to destroy the witch and meet their destiny.

We Kill Dead Things by Sommer Marsden Zombie Exterminators Series, Book One Poppy thinks her life is weird working the food court at Parktowne mall, until in one brief moment of creeper killing, things change forever. Now she's a freelance zombie exterminator along with her long lusted after co-worker Garrity (her not-so-secret crush), a somewhat lusted after bad boy Cahill, and pretty gay boy Noah. When the four are hired to do a ballsy zombie clean up at St. Peter's Hospital, Poppy finds out just what's more scary than creepers: The Evoluminaries, a zealot cult who think zombies are part of God's chosen, who happen to end up thinking Poppy might make a mighty good zombie incubator. She finds herself finally sleeping with Garrity, being hunted by a crazy preacher man and stumbling over the fact that Cahill and Noah have become lovers somewhere in the chaos. And that's all on the job. Just another day in the life when you kill dead things...

Oriana and the Three Werebears by Tia Fanning Oriana Ricci has taken over the family business—flying cargo and rich tourists around Alaska’s barely inhabited Kodiak Archipelago. When her plane malfunctions and she’s forced to make an emergency landing, she finds herself stranded in the middle of a National Wildlife Refuge. With no civilization for miles and no hope of rescue, she thinks all is lost… Until she stumbles upon the entrance to an underground bunker. Jack, Jordan, and Jonathan McMathan own and operate a secret intelligence firm contracted by the US Government. Hidden away in an old Cold War spy station located the middle of the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, the brothers are not only able to do their top secret jobs safely without fear of discovery, but are better to protect their other, more personal secret: They have the ability to shift into Kodiak bears. Like a fairy tale gone bad, the brothers return home to find their lunch tasted—or eaten, their computer chairs adjusted—or broken, and a beautiful blonde sleeping in one of their beds. This situation poses a big problem for the brothers… Their location is now compromised. But more importantly, what are they to do with the lady?

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