Peter and the Wolf Symbiotic Mates 2
Gale Stanley
Published by Silver Publishing Publisher of Erotic Romance
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Dedication
This book is for all those who love the spirit and mystery of the wolf. "Wolves may feature in our myths, our history, and our dreams, but they have their own future, their own loves, their own dreams to fulfill." -Anthony Miles
Peter and the Wolf
Gale Stanley
Chapter One The Arcadia wolf pack circled the vampire city and camouflaged themselves as best they could. The mixed forest of hardwoods and conifers that surrounded the Colony provided good cover, but the buzzards had the advantage of an aerial view of the landscape. A surprise assault had never been an option but no one had expected the vamps to mobilize so quickly. Rafe, the pack Alpha, expected to be inside the compound before the Kindred had time to organize, but it didn't go down that way. The number of vampire-hawks circling meant a challenging battle lay ahead. Talons and claws were no use against flyers but one shot in the heart could bring down a buzzard. Rafe had insisted a small contingent of expert marksmen carry guns to provide cover while those in wolf form jumped the wall to mount a ground attack against the turned vamps that couldn't fly. Tyler and the other shooters were spread too thin, their number too small. He was no strategist but even he could see they were outmatched. The first chill of unease crept up his spine and the hair rose on his body. He steeled his resolve, refusing to let a bunch of birds spook him. 6
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As the Lycans moved into position, the number of hawks overhead kept increasing. He couldn't help but admire the enemy. Unusual predators, impressive in size and beauty, like wolves in the sky. Long, low-pitched howls passed down the ranks. Tyler pulled his attention back to his surroundings and grumbled at the order to hold off the attack until the Alpha reassessed his strategy. Damn! So close. Now he fidgeted in his hidey-hole, frustration and anxiety burning his stomach. Were the others as anxious? The thick growth prevented him from seeing his pack-mates hiding nearby. Playing
cat
and
mouse
with
a
bunch
of
bloodsuckers didn't sit well with him. Unfamiliar scents in the forest reminded him how far from Arcadia he'd come and how little he knew about the Kindred. The hawks overhead blocked the moonlight, yet the buzzards did nothing. Long minutes passed and the absence of aggression from either side made Tyler wary. Maybe I should reassess my own plan. He suspected the vampires were playing a defensive game tonight. It was what he would do if he were harboring a traitor from the other side. A Lycan turncoat could be used to great advantage, especially an enforcer like Hunter
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who had intimate knowledge of wolf strategy and security. Damn you Hunter! What the fuck is going on? The Alpha says you're a traitor, lured to the dark side by the bloodsuckers. If he gets his hands on you, you'll be executed for collaborating with the enemy. Is Rafe right? I don't believe it. Not even a vampire allure could breach your
stubborn,
loyal-dog-to-a-fault,
hardheaded
personality. Tyler wasn't an enforcer, just a bartender at the Wolf Den. It might not be his place to second-guess the Alpha, but he refused to believe Hunter was anything but a loyal pack-mate. And he would prove it. He had to admit he wanted more than Hunter's friendship and gratitude. For months he'd been waiting while Hunter grieved the death of his mate, and Tyler was more than ready to step in and take her place. He'd be damned if he would let the vamps take his man. Tyler had a straightforward agenda, unlike the calculating creatures he pursued. He needed to get inside the Colony. Sneaking in was not an option. Neither was fighting his way in. Instead, he would let himself get captured, as he suspected Hunter had done. The vamps wouldn't kill him; he was too valuable alive. Once inside, he would find his friend. Between the two of them they'd
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make their way out and maybe take some vamps down along the way. AHROOOOOOO WOO WOOOahhhhh! An order to retreat! Maybe it was better this way. Tyler would give the pack time to move out before provoking the buzzards. A large hand clamped down on his arm. "Move it!" Kade, one of the Lycan enforcers, whispered close to his ear. "Can't you hear? Fall back. Retreat before you get yourself killed." Tyler growled low in warning. "Lay off. Go back to your post. This has nothing to do with you." "You're disobeying a direct order. The Alpha doesn't want to engage." "That's my business." "Suit yourself, asshole." Kade moved off. Tyler waited, giving the Lycans time to put distance between themselves and the Colony before he crawled out from the shallow depression behind a fallen tree trunk. He kept an eye on the flyers and when he had a clear shot, he aimed to incapacitate, not kill. Overhead, the winged predator grew steadily larger as it dived toward Tyler. The hawk's wing span had to be at least eight feet. His first instinct was to run. He squelched
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it. Isn't this what I wanted? Confrontation and capture. He stood his ground until he could make out the wing patterns on the underbody. He threw down his gun and put his hands up, as if in surrender. A noise like a canvas tent flapping in a high wind sounded above him, and then a fierce downdraft swept the top of his head. Before Tyler could take cover, the huge winged predator swooped low and sliced open his scalp. Dazed, he stumbled, and sank to his knees. Blood flowed freely from his wound, burning his eyes and obscuring his vision. The taste of it filled his mouth as it dripped down his face. He knew the scent would draw more of the enemy. The raptor hovered directly over him and he waved his arms, trying to keep it at bay. Reaching, he managed to grab a fistful of feathers and pulled himself up as the hawk started to shift to human form. Tyler tackled the bastard, and they both fell into the dirt. His wound had already started healing, but, stealing the advantage, the vampire rolled Tyler over and straddled him. His opponent's face, triumphant and hateful, leered down at him. The vamp closed in, black eyes glittering and fangs lengthening. The man's huge, aroused cock pressed
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against his groin. He lowered his head toward Tyler's throat. Shit! This wasn't part of the plan. "Stop!" The vamp, poised to bite him, was suddenly yanked away and tossed aside like a rag doll. A grim face loomed inches above Tyler's. Long, ash-blond hair brushed his cheeks and pale gray eyes, set in a striking male face, peered into his. Vampire? He thought all vamps were dark. The face disappeared from his view and two more strongarmed predators gripped him from either side. Instinctively, he started shifting. Then he remembered he wanted to be caught. He wriggled like a fish and kicked out to make it look good. The blond confronted the vamp who'd almost bit him. "Don't be stupid, Talon." "You don't give me orders, half-breed," The blackhaired vamp hissed. The blond shrugged. "Suit yourself. But the Master won't be happy if you bring back a drained, dead wolf." The two vamps stared each other down. A pissing contest between a Kindred and a turned human. Interesting. Tyler hadn't known dissension existed among the vampire ranks.
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Finally the dark vamp turned to the men holding Tyler. "Bind him and carry him back to the Parrish." A deep-rooted fear of being restrained took hold and he breathed deeply to still the anxiety growing inside him. It took every bit of willpower to keep from howling while his captors bound his wrists and ankles with rope. The faces above him were veiled by an encroaching fog as they carried him past the trees and into the clearing. The heavy iron gates of the Colony stronghold opened, and the little procession moved through them. His head lolled back and he tried to calm his racing heart as they moved deeper into the enemy's compound. A light wind blew off the mist and he narrowed his eyes to slits, trying to take in as much of his surroundings as he could. When it came time to escape he'd need all the intel he could gather. So this was the Parrish. He knew the vampire's dance club had once been an old church. From his viewpoint the building appeared huge and intimidating. A fine mist swirled around the steeple. Religious figures and gargoyles peered down at him from the roof and flying buttresses. By the time they reached the arched portal, more vampires surrounded him. If he'd had any thought of
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escape, he'd missed his chance. Two vamps opened double doors made of timber while the others carried Tyler inside. The heavy doors slammed shut behind him. The dim interior swallowed him up. The only illumination came from an alcove filled with many burning candles. It didn't matter, he could see as well in the dark as the Kindred. Panic welled in his throat when he caught sight of hawks circling overhead. But then he realized they weren't moving and breathed a sigh of relief. Stupid. Get a grip. It was a mural painted on the domed ceiling, at least twentyfive feet above him. He took a calming breath and tried to keep his wits about him. If he concentrated on the voices he might learn something. Gray-eyes cautioned his bearers to be careful, but the vamps dropped him on the marble floor of the narthex. Fresh pain shot from his head, down his neck, and between his shoulder blades. He groaned. Loud, angry voices made his temples throb. "You stupid wild-fowls. You'll kill him." "No human half-breed gives me orders." A few scuffling sounds and grunts, followed by dead silence. A cold, controlled voice cut through the stillness.
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"Enough." The new arrival overshadowed the others, who all nodded and stepped back. The Master Vamp? The tall, forbidding figure, dressed in black leather, approached Tyler and hunkered down for a closer look. Vampires weren't mind readers but this one's fierce, dark stare seemed to probe directly into Tyler's psyche. Goose-bumps erupted all over his naked body. With a great force of will, Tyler turned his head away. The vampire gripped his jaw and twisted his head back, forcing Tyler to look in his eyes once again. "Do you have a name, wolf?" Tyler spit in the vampire's face, pleased by the collective gasp from the vamps gathered around him. I'm not afraid of you, bloodsucker. The vampire wiped his face with the back of a hand and smiled grimly. "Make no mistake, wolf, you'll tell me everything I want to know in good time." The Master rose in one fluid movement and addressed the group. "Your carelessness might have killed him. He is no use to me dead." He turned to the blondhaired man. "You'll be suitably rewarded for this capture. Good work, Peter." "Thank you, Sire." The blond nodded respectfully.
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Just a slight tightening of the lips indicated the Master Vampire's loathing. "Like any dog, he needs to be trained. I'm putting him in your charge." "But—" The Sire silenced Peter with a look. "There are a number of benefits to crate training. It will keep him out of trouble and prevent destructive behavior. He's to be restrained downstairs. See to it. Then come to my office and I'll instruct you in the care and feeding of your new pet."
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Chapter Two The odor of rotten eggs tickled Peter's nostrils as he descended the stairway. Sulfur. He loathed the subterranean chambers—the stink, the cold stone, and the claustrophobic feeling of interment. Just check on your charge and you can rejoin the land of the living. Two stories underground, he stepped into a rectangular chamber. Fifteen feet in length, ten feet wide, and ten feet tall, it was constructed of expertly fitted masonry stones. The floor consisted of rotted wood planks over flagstones. An arched opening in the far wall provided access to a passageway leading to the underground springs. A heavy wood door with a small barred window had been set into the opposite wall. He crossed the room and peered inside. Many years ago, the small space had been constructed as a prison for heretics and witches. Now it served another purpose. A dog's crate is his castle. Surrounded by stone and a padlocked door, the naked wolf wasn't going anywhere. Despite that, Christophe, the Master Vampire and Peter's Sire, had insisted the animal be well restrained inside his cell. He'd been bound to the stone wall with padlocked manacles, his wrists secured to the 16
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wall above his head. Each ankle was chained as well. Overkill, but one didn't argue with the Master. Peter gave the wolf credit for his stoic posture. He had to be thirsty and hungry, and his bladder must be ready to burst, yet he seemed unaffected by his discomfort. Well, he couldn't keep it up forever. How the hell had he become Peter's responsibility? Some reward. If he had anticipated this outcome he might have let Talon drain the wolf. No. The Master's approval was compensation enough and there was more to it, as he had soon learned. Abbigale, the Colony's doctor, needed a subject for medical experimentation. His Sire hadn't couched it in those words, but essentially Peter and the wolf were to become guinea pigs. The Kindred population had decreased dramatically over the years and the women weren't reproducing. Evidently their hematologist had gotten hold of some Lycan blood and discovered it might be the answer to their problem. Now Peter was expected to share blood and body fluids with this Lycan. That meant sex. Peter had been disgusted at first, but he'd come to terms with it. The Master trusted him above all the others, and he assured Peter he wouldn't make him do this unless it was absolutely necessary. The very survival of the Kindred might hinge on
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his cooperation. If all went well, Abbi would gather enough data from these studies to begin trials with the women. Whatever. Peter owed his Sire big time. He owed him his very life. Years ago, he'd been attacked by a wild animal, his throat torn out and his life's blood seeping into the dirt around him. Christophe had found him dying from his injuries and blood loss, and given him the gift of eternal life. He'd woken up as a made vampire, remembering nothing of the attack. Christophe had told him he'd seen a wolf fleeing from the scene. At first Peter had wanted to die, but a thirst for revenge kept him going and eventually he embraced his new life. As a half-human, half-vampire, he couldn't shift to hawk form like the true-born Kindred, but he'd been made with the Master's blood, which made him stronger than the other turned humans. The Kindred resented the special place he held with the Master. They laughed at his blond hair and gray eyes, but not when the Master was around. And now Peter had a chance to pay his Sire back and secure his own place in the Colony. If only there was another way to do it. Peter fingered the blunt copper rivets mounted inside the leather force collar in his hand. If he had to fuck a wolf, at least he'd gotten lucky and caught a pretty one.
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Thick, long eyelashes fringed deep, amber-colored eyes above a narrow, finely formed nose and a beautifully shaped mouth. As long as the Lycan didn't shift, Peter could forget the beast inside him. Suddenly the heavy door seemed an unnecessary barrier between them. Peter's lovers, both vampires and humans, had always had little or no hair on their bodies. The wolf's dark hair, especially the trail going from his washboard abs to his pubes, was incredibly sexy. Peter's gaze followed it to the bush surrounding the wolf's flaccid cock. Even in its present state, his member was impressive. What would it look like erect? Well, he'd soon find out. He couldn't wait to see his new pet in the collar. Necessary, but also erotic. He felt his own dick twitch in response. A low, menacing growl escaped the cell, reminding him that a dog, not a lover, waited behind the bars.
****
Tyler's gaze flickered around the cell and lit on the eyes staring at him through the small window in the door. He rattled the chains over his head. "Why don't you come in here where I can see you, you fucking bloody leech?" The vamp that had come looking for trouble at the Wolf
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Den didn't get treated this badly. Well, what could you expect from Count Dracula and his minions? From outside, the lock rattled, and then the door creaked open. The blond entered and stood a few feet in front of him. "I'm glad to know you can talk. It'll make your training easier." A creepy feeling settled around him. Being confined was bad enough but all this talk of training unnerved him. What did they have planned for him? What had they put Hunter through already? "Are you ready to tell me your name?" Tyler's eyes flashed silent daggers of loathing through the vampire's heart, but he kept his mouth shut. The vampire shrugged. "I might have allowed you to keep your name—if I liked it, that is. But since you're being so stubborn, I'll choose a new name for you. " "You fucking arrogant prick! You can't change my name." The vampire smiled at him. "You're mine to do with as I please. A gift from my Sire." Tyler snarled and twisted in his bonds. "I like a bit of spunk in my animals. Makes life a lot more interesting." The vampire took a few steps closer and inspected him carefully. "I bet you'll clean up nice.
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Underneath the filth you're probably very pretty, Princess." He came closer still and caressed Tyler's cheek. "In fact, the name suits you. I think that's what I'll call you." "And I'll call you Buzzard. Oh, that's right, you can't fly. You're not actually one of the inner circle," Tyler spat. An ugly expression crossed the vampire's handsome face. "Careful, Princess. It was one of your kind that made me what I am. Be thankful that I prize my transformation, or I might kill you where you stand." "My kind doesn't prey on helpless humans. We leave that to you filthy leeches." "Your life depends on my good graces. Watch how you speak to me." "Fuck you!" "Later." The vampire sniffed and wrinkled his nose. "You call me filthy? Looks like you already soiled your space. I thought dogs didn't piss where they slept." He let out an exaggerated sigh. "We really need to start your training." Tyler's heart stuttered in response. Long years ago, when he was a curious cub, he'd run off on his own and got caught in a trap. The humans who came for him threw him into a steel cage and muzzled his snout like a dog. They underestimated his cunning and he managed to escape, but
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the fear of being locked up and bound remained. Powerlessness overtook him as the vampire fastened a dog collar around his neck. He didn't think he could feel more lost or humiliated until the tiny padlock clicked into place. His captor stepped back and admired the new restraint. "Just remember, Princess, from now on I control every aspect of your life. Think about it. You'll eat when I say you can. Sleep when I allow it. Piss when I tell you." Tyler growled and the vamp laughed. "That tough guy act won't get you far here." He inspected Tyler's body from head to toe. "There's a hot spring on the other side of this chamber. Think how great it would feel to sink under the water and clean off. And you must be hungry, thirsty. Give me what I want and I'll allow you some creature comfort in return." "What do you want, bloodsucker?" "That's exactly what I want. Blood. Your blood." Horrified, Tyler's mouth dropped open. "Then what are you waiting for? Just take it." "I expect you to give it freely—wherever and whenever I want it." "Never!" He'd laugh if his situation wasn't so dire. Did this perverse creature really think he'd give in so easily? Had Hunter?
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"So you don't want food, a bath?" "I want my freedom—and freedom for my friend." Peter narrowed his eyes. "Friend? What friend?" Ah, so they don't tell you everything. "Let me out of here and I'll tell you." "Do you think I'm stupid enough to believe you? There's nothing you can tell me that I want to know. Last chance, Princess. A little blood and you'll spend a more comfortable night." "I'll see you in hell first!" "You're already in hell, Princess. You just haven't realized it yet." You're wrong, vampire. I know exactly where I am. Tyler leaned his head back against the stone and groaned. It was going to be a long night.
****
Aidan didn't have to watch Hunter pace the lab to know he was upset. He could almost read the Lycan's mind. Some humans believed vampires could read minds but it wasn't true. He and Hunter connected in a special way. A way he never in a million years would have thought possible between a vampire and a wolf. Their bond grew
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stronger every time they shared blood. He'd never been so close to anyone; not even Abbi, his twin. It was thanks to Abbi that he and Hunter were together. Was it a blessing or a curse? At first, neither one of them had been happy about the arrangement, but now Aidan couldn't imagine life without the Lycan. It all started with Abbi's research. For years she'd studied the Kindred bloodlines, trying to figure out the connection, if any, to the infertility in their women. Her experiments had shown promising results. The research led her to believe iron deficiency anemia might be the cause of their problems. Several years ago, after massive infusions of human blood, a few of the females had become pregnant, only to suffer miscarriages a short time later. They were on the right track but they needed stronger corpuscles. Unlike the Kindred, the Lycans were mortal, but they possessed healing powers that gave them a long life span. Their senses were highly developed and they could shift at will. Abbi thought transfusions of Lupine blood might be the answer to the Kindred's survival. Getting samples of Lycan blood was imperative. Abbi knew the Lycans also had reproductive problems and their species might derive some benefit from her studies. She hoped the possibility of a cure would be too tempting
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for them to pass up. Had it only been a month since the fateful night Aidan went to the Lycan dance club to enlist the help of their Alpha? He'd been attacked almost as soon as he walked in the door. Hunter had broken up the fight and taken him aside for questioning. Aidan had information Hunter wanted: the identity of the man who'd killed Hunter's mate. Just as Aidan thought, the desire for revenge on his wife's murderer was too tempting for the Lycan to pass up. Hunter agreed to help him in exchange for the vampire's name. Only, it hadn't been a vampire who murdered his mate. It was one of Hunter's own people, but he'd exacted his revenge on the other Lycan all the same. Both he and Hunter had learned the hard way that things were not always black or white. Good and bad existed in every culture. Aidan and the Lycan became friends. Once they shared blood, everything changed. Abbi called it a stroke of luck. She believed the men had somehow reignited a bond between their species that had been lost through the years. Symbiosis. A close relationship between different biological species. In their case it was obligate, meaning both symbionts—he and Hunter—depended on each other for survival. They couldn't live without each other. It wasn't as romantic as it
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sounded. They would actually die without each other's blood. "Calm down, Hunter, and talk to me. Do you know what those howls meant?" "It was a command to retreat. The Lycans were here and for some reason the Alpha called them back." "Why would he do that?" Hunter shook his head. "Either my people were outmatched or Rafe thought security was too tight and decided against attacking, for now." Abbi came over to join them. "I'm glad you met with our Master, Hunter. If we'd kept your presence here a secret, he wouldn't have been prepared for an attack. Your Lycans might have used the advantage to scale the walls. Caught unawares, the Kindred might have suffered high losses." She hesitated at the look on his face. "I know that thought doesn't upset you, but Lycans would have been killed as well. Both sides would have lost good men." "I know you're right, Abbi, and contrary to what you think, I'm not anxious to see death on either side. Still, I can't help but worry about your Sire's motives. After learning what I have about my Alpha, I'm short on trust now." Aidan put his arms around the Lycan. "It's
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understandable. You were badly betrayed. Finding out your own leader ordered your mate to be murdered so he could pair you off with someone else…" Hunter kissed the vampire. "You're just jealous." "Over some teenage bimbo? You've got to be kidding." "You're right. She means nothing to me. You're my true mate. I know that now." "And don't you forget it." Aidan still couldn't believe the easy camaraderie that had developed between him and Hunter. Their easy banter was something he'd never shared with anyone else. It must be the blood—the Lycan blood that flowed through his veins, and the Kindred blood that flowed through Hunter's. Even though they were two different species, they were perfect for each other. Every day they became more like one, each acquiring more of the other's traits. He treasured the closeness they shared. But becoming more like a wolf… He wasn't sure if he liked that part of their relationship. This was not the future he'd envisioned for himself—a vampire-hawk mated to a Lycan. No one could have foreseen this. His life had changed dramatically and there was no going back.
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Although he and Hunter were sequestered from the rest of the Colony, he knew his brethren vampires would find out about their relationship sooner rather than later. How would they take it? Hunter might be changing, becoming more like the vampires, but he was still Lycan— a species that had always been an enemy to the Kindred. Aidan's people believed a Lycan would just as soon rip a vampire to shreds as look at him. Aidan couldn't expect his people to simply welcome Hunter with open arms. How could they ever accept him and Aidan as lovers, when sometimes even Aidan had trouble accepting the situation?
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Chapter Three Am I going to die here, in the lair of the beast? Or does a worse fate await me? Tyler lifted his head and gazed around his cell, wishing he knew the answer. After the visit by his new owner, he suspected death might be preferable. Fantasies of revenge got him through the long hours and somehow he'd managed a bit of fretful sleep. He'd thought it would be impossible, hanging from this stone wall as he was, but exhaustion overcame him, and his eyes closed of their own accord and his head dropped to his chest. Nightmares plagued him and jerked him awake time after time. Then he would remember, they weren't nightmares at all. This was his reality. Be careful what you ask for, you just might get it. He didn't understand his captors' strategy. By now he should have been questioned, as Hunter had questioned the vamp who intruded into their club. But when the blond named Peter had shown up, he'd neither questioned Tyler nor made demands. Instead, he'd asked for blood. Asked! Why didn't he just take what he wanted? Tyler thought he knew the answer and it scared him more than the chains that restrained him. The vamps 29
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wanted to break his will, make him a blood slave like the humans who served them. Maybe the humans were willing puppets, but Tyler would never become one of them. He'd die first. Unfortunately, Lycans didn't die easily. They were quick healers, and his sojourn with the vamps promised to be long and wretched. Well, he wouldn't make it easy for them. The chains and stone walls and packed earth floor of the cell closed in around him, and Tyler longed for the forest and fresh air. He couldn't think about that now—or his burning thirst. He'd long ago relieved his bladder. He'd had no choice. He only wished he'd saved it to piss on the blond. Now he cleared his mind of everything but his surroundings. He analyzed his space, hoping to find some way of escape. He'd gotten inside, which was where he needed to be—that was step one. Now if he just kept his wits about him and his eyes and ears open, he just might get out of this alive and get Hunter out as well. His friend was here somewhere and the first order of business was to find out where. His nose was no use to him in here. Not within stone walls too thick to smell anything but his own stink. He'd already tried to shift, but his bonds made it pointless. Man or wolf, he still remained shackled and the
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collar threatened to choke his expanding neck. Fuck, fuck, fuck. It never occurred to him that he might not be able to save himself by shifting. Apprehension crawled up his spine and his anguished howl echoed off the stones.
****
Peter, like most of the other vampires, usually slept during the day. His people could walk in the sun without any permanent damage, but their eyes were sensitive and open sunlight virtually blinded them. They were essentially night creatures, with pupils that dilated easily to allow them excellent vision in the dark. Their vampire eyes also dilated when they fed or became aroused. Sleep didn't come easy today. Peter spent several restless hours tossing and turning on his bed, thinking about the wolf and wanting to check on his new pet. He hadn't wished for the responsibility of the captive, an animal, maybe the very one that almost killed him years ago. The job was forced on him. But he could work it to his advantage. His Sire had shared privileged information with him, things he hadn't revealed to the other Kindred. Lycan blood might contain elements that would improve Kindred
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reproduction. Capturing this wolf was a real coup and would guarantee Peter a place in the Kindred hierarchy if he followed orders and all went as planned. On the other hand, the Lycan was extremely important to the Sire. If any harm came to the wolf, the blame would fall squarely on Peter's shoulders. But nothing bad would happen; he would make sure of that. As much as he hated the beast, this was his chance to prove himself as good as the born vamps. Better than the born. He would save his people and become a legend among the Kindred. The father of a new race. A Sire in his own right. Yet a vague unease tempered his elation. After yesterday's visit to the cell, something had changed. He'd felt a curious hunger when he was near the beast, a desire to feed from the wolf. And to feed him—from Peter's own veins. Unnatural though it might be, Peter even wondered what it would be like to have sex with the Lycan. The Sire expected it of him, but Peter had thought he'd have to force himself. Now, he found himself willing, even anxious, to perform the deed. Maybe it had to do with being the dominant in this relationship. When he coupled with other vampires, he always bottomed. He didn't have much choice as a halfbreed. Now he was the Master—and he liked it.
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He forced himself to stay in his rooms when he wanted to rush down to the basement. That would not be good for the wolf's training. His pet needed to suffer a bit more. Maybe then he'd be ready to submit. Peter could take his blood easily but the Sire made it clear the Lycan must be taught to obey. The training process might be easier if Peter knew what else Christophe had planned. He'd been told about the research and sharing of blood, but he suspected there was more to it. At five pm he could wait no longer. After pulling on a pair of old sweat pants, he made his way to the basement chamber and peered through the small barred window. How could the animal sleep? The cell reeked. Even so, he could appreciate the beauty of his new pet. Wolves were considered an inferior race—devourers of flesh. And they didn't have the mental capacity of the vampires. But they were masculine, exciting, and sexual. Maybe not all, but in his eyes this wolf was alluring. The wolf might not submit easily but he would submit eventually. Once his pet was cleaned up and trained, Peter might bring him up to his living quarters. He wouldn't mind having a dog to warm his bed. He unlocked the door and walked in. The wolf lifted his head, caught his eye. His lips drew back, revealing
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wicked canines, and he snarled. "I see a night's rest hasn't improved your temperament, Princess." There was no response other than ragged breathing and a ferocious stare. "Are you ready to trade, Princess? Give me what I want and I'll take you out of here. Feed you." "Fuck you." "That, too." "Go away. You'll get nothing from me." "You sound tired, Princess. Another day's rest and maybe you'll think differently tomorrow." "Not likely." "Your pet is stubborn, Peter." Peter spun around. The Master Vampire had appeared out of nowhere. Peter bowed his head in a sign of respect. "I assure you, he will learn to obey me. A few more days and—" "We don't have a few more days. I don't have time to waste. I've decided to speed up his training." "Whatever you think, Sire." "I think he needs to learn who the master is here. Perhaps a mark." Had he heard right? "A mark?" Only vampires
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were marked. And even Peter's mark was different than the true-born. Born vampires came into this world with the ability to shift into another form, that of the hawk. An image of their alter ego was tattooed on their right bicep. Peter and the other turned humans couldn't shift and weren't permitted to wear the hawk, but they were still marked. The half breeds were tattooed with a ring of fangs around the left bicep to show they were now vampires. Peter wore his mark proudly and didn't like the idea of a wolf marked in the same way. The Sire seemed to read his mind. "Oh, don't worry, not like yours, Peter. Something different. Something to show his new identity to the world." "What design pleases you, Sire? I'll have Ethan ink him immediately." "Over my dead body!" The wolf snarled. The Master Vampire ignored the wolf. "No, Peter," he said flatly. "I want something more permanent. I want him branded with a "K" on his face, so everyone will know he belongs to the Kindred now. " "No." The Lycan roared, twisting and thrashing violently to no avail. Shock iced Peter's spine. To disfigure a man's face that way didn't sit right with him. "Sire, give me another
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day." He couldn't help the pleading tone in his voice. "I know I can break him." "My plans have escalated." He turned to the wolf. "I could have killed you easily when you were captured, but I let you live because you have something that might be of use to me. I'm giving you your life and in return you will obey and submit. I expect your undying gratitude for this chance to serve a noble purpose for us. "I serve no one." Rage twisted the wolf's features and he strained harder against the chains. "This will be done at midnight. As your Master, Peter will mark you." The wolf's accusing gaze riveted on Peter and the blood drained from his face. Would Christophe listen to reason? Peter swallowed hard, his voice ragged. "Sire, please reconsider. I know I can train him without ruining his face." Christophe sighed. "You're much too soft, Peter." He turned back to the wolf. "You were captured by one of my finest warriors, but sometimes his human side clouds his judgment. Perhaps your blood will correct that. You followed a wolf once, now you will serve a vampire master." "Save yourself the time and kill me now. Nothing
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you do will make me serve a vampire." "You're wrong, wolf. You will be the one to transform Peter into a stronger vampire. I'm giving you a gift. You'll be famous, known far and wide as the Lycan who deserted his own kind to save the Kindred."
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Chapter Four Peter swallowed the bile rising in his throat. Anger he could deal with; anguish made his heart twist. Maybe his Sire was right and he needed to purge himself of his human emotions. He steeled his heart against the glazed look of despair on the Lycan's face. Christophe stepped outside the cell, turned, and beckoned him. "Come, Peter." "No. Wait." The tremor in the Lycan's voice stopped him in his tracks. "Please." Peter knew what that please must have cost him and he looked back at the Lycan with pity. The Master hissed impatiently. "Peter." There was nothing he could do. He looked from one to the other before turning away and following his Sire.
****
Tyler heard the door open and lifted his head. Peter and four other vamps entered the cell, filling the small space with their morbid presence. 38
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Peter had a leash in his hand and he held it in front of Tyler's face. "Time for your first lesson, Princess." "No!" Tyler snarled and bared his teeth. He would not be led around like some dumb mongrel. "It's just a leash, Princess. Learn to heel and I won't have to use it." A low growl rumbled up from his chest. If only he could get loose, he'd kill this son of a bitch. "I'm not going to hurt you." Peter nodded. Two of the vamps closed in on either side of Tyler while Peter hooked the leash to his collar. Tyler couldn't let this happen. To break him would be to break the Lycans' collective spirit. What had he done? Had he inadvertently handed the destruction of his people to the vampires on a silver platter? Blinded by hatred, Tyler swore he would get revenge one day. If he survived, he'd make them all pay. Bitter shame and humiliation filled him and he screamed with impotent rage. "You fucking bastard!" When he was released from the wall, he looked around wild-eyed, but he could see no avenue of escape. Short chains attached to his ankle restraints allowed him to walk, but only in short steps, and the manacles still restrained his hands. Peter hardly needed a leash to keep
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him in check, but if the vamp wanted to degrade him, he'd succeeded. The smell of smoke and sulfur poured from an open archway on the far side of the main chamber. Tyler didn't go willingly, dragging his feet and twisting his body until the demons dragged him through the portal. They proceeded a few yards down a corridor and entered another chamber, hell itself, hot and thick with smoke. Tyler was shoved to his knees and he looked around in horror. The source of the smoke was an iron brazier. The lid of the receptacle had been left open and white-hot flames erupted from the coals. The small furnace looked like a blacksmith's forge. Chains and irons dangled from the stone walls of the cell. He'd truly been cast into Hades. What crime had he committed to deserve this kind of punishment? "No!" Tyler screamed and tried to break away, but struggling did him no good. More vampires closed in. Someone yanked his head back, and another wedged a leather bit between his teeth. Then they stretched his writhing body out on the floor and secured his chains to bolts in the stone wall. One vampire stood at the brazier and held a branding iron in the fire. Powerless to help himself, Tyler
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watched the vampire in an agony of expectation. The devil pulled it out of the fire and peered at it. Shook his head and held it over the flames again. Tyler was forced to wait until the iron reached a temperature that would burn him cleanly. Tears filled his eyes and spilled over his cheeks. Right before he closed them he saw Peter looking down at him with an unreadable expression.
****
Peter straddled the wolf's hips. The Lycan's eyes had begged him not to do this. God knows he didn't want to. In his human life he would never hurt an animal, even one that bit or scratched him. After Christophe turned him, he'd refused to feed rather than make the humans suffer. But after a horrific week of starvation, he'd given in and drank from a willing donor, surprised when the man enjoyed it. He didn't want to give in tonight, but this was different. If he defied Christophe, he'd be branded as well. Then what use would he be? Still, he couldn't bring himself to disfigure the man's face. He freed his captive's left arm and two vampires held it steady. The Lycan's eyes were tightly shut and he'd stopped struggling.
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Forgive me. Someone handed him the brand. The iron glowed red and the "K" looked enormous. Peter gritted his teeth and touched the hot iron to the wolf's arm. The man's body bucked under him, but there was nowhere for him to go. Peter held the brand until he was sure it would leave a mark that wouldn't fade as it healed. He smelled the burning flesh, and felt the wolf's agony as if it were his own. Finally, he threw the brand aside and someone poured cold water on the unconscious wolf's arm. The flesh hissed and Peter recoiled. "Take him to the springs. I'll stay with him and make sure he's okay."
****
Tyler woke and the sting in his arm reminded him immediately of what had happened. It was over and he was marked, stamped forever as property of the Kindred. Whatever else lay in store for him couldn't be any worse than this. There were soft blankets under him and the smell of sulfur burned in his nostrils. He stretched and the increased pain in his arm forced a moan from deep in his throat. The blond vampire leaned over him with a worried look. "Are
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you all right?" Tyler's hands were manacled but unchained. He reached for Peter's long hair with his right hand and pulled the vampire's face close to his. "How do you think I am, Bloodsucker?" Peter hissed at him. "Do you think I want to be saddled with a Lycan freak? I did what I could. I saved your face." He pulled back and Tyler watched the long silky strands of hair slide through his fingers. "Don't expect me to thank you." But he was thankful, thankful Peter still had some human compassion; unlike the soulless monster who ruled the Kindred. He felt the truth of it. They were forced together by circumstance. If Peter was as angry and frustrated as he, maybe Tyler could enlist his help to escape. But to what end? There was nowhere for him to go, nowhere to hide. How long could he conceal the brand on his arm living with a pack that spent almost as much time out of their clothes as in them? He closed his eyes and sighed heavily. "Where am I?" "The thermal spring." It was little more than another stone room, but a bubbling pool warmed it and gave off the sulfuric smell. The water looked inviting. "It has medicinal qualities. Come on, Princess. You
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can do with a bath." "I can bathe myself, vampire." Tyler stood on shaky feet. He might have fallen but Peter appeared at his side and put an arm around him. Tyler pushed it aside and the vampire backed away. One ankle was attached to the wall by a long chain. Long enough to give him access to the pool. He steadied himself and walked to the edge. A stone ledge ran around the perimeter. He stepped down and stood on the bottom. The water reached to his hips; he sank below the surface and held his breath. Suddenly, strong arms pulled him up. He sputtered and swung his arms around wildly but the vampire held him in a strong embrace. "What the hell are you doing?" He shoved Peter away. "Keeping your sorry ass alive." Tyler laughed wryly. "I didn't think you cared." "I don't. But if you off yourself I'm as good as dead too." "Don't stress yourself, we're not that easy to kill. Even if I wanted to take my own life, my body would make it very difficult." Peter looked relieved but he stayed close. "Let me see your arm." Tyler snarled at the mention of his arm but he let
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Peter inspect the brand. "It's healing." Peter raised his head but couldn't look him in the eye. "Does it hurt?" "I'll live." What choice did he have? The physical pain was gone but inside he felt raw. Peter mumbled. "I'm sorry." An apology from a vampire? It threw Tyler for a loop. He had no idea how to respond. "No matter what you might think, I didn't want this any more than you did." "Right." Tyler sneered. "Because you vamps are so goodhearted." Peter held his tongue. He moved to the side of the pool but returned with soap and a soft cloth. "Let me bathe you." Tyler grabbed for the soap but Peter held it back. "You'll be allowed upstairs when you learn to obey." He snarled at the vampire. "Then I guess you'll be spending a lot of time down here with me." Stupid. Play his game or you'll never get out of here. Tyler grudgingly turned his back. "Suit yourself." Peter's strong hands on his back felt surprisingly good. He was gentle with Tyler's wound. When the vampire started to wash his hair, he didn't complain. He leaned his head back and let the vampire's long fingers massage his scalp. "No one has done that for me since I
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was a pup." Suddenly he stiffened, remembering those same hands had burned a mark of ownership on his arm. It scared him how easily the vampire could lure him into lowering his guard. He'd play along, but he must never forget this man was his enemy, every action calculated to draw Tyler further into his web of deceit. Peter leaned over his back; a warm breath fanned his neck. "I'm not a monster. We're all victims of circumstance, Princess." Tyler snarled over his shoulder. "Don't call me that. My name is Tyler." "Tyler." The vampire whispered in his ear and an involuntary shudder passed through Tyler's body. Sharp teeth nipped his neck and Peter's hand glided over his belly and lower. He jerked away. "Don't!" Peter laughed. "Your body betrays you." His chest tightened with alarm. The vampire was right. There was no denying the erection that throbbed between his legs. He cursed his traitorous body. "Don't fight it." The vampire's hard member pressed against the crease of his ass. "You know you want this." He did want it and it shamed him. The man was his hated enemy, a blood-drinker. "No!" He shoved Peter away
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and climbed out of the pool. Peter followed him out, came up behind him, and drew him close. "I need your blood, Tyler." Velvet lips brushed soft kisses along his neck. "I want you." Everything about his adversary sickened him, and yet he melted under Peter's hot mouth. Was he revolted by the vampire or disgusted with himself? He didn't know anymore. Nothing made sense in this alien world he now inhabited. Peter would take his blood eventually; why not just let go and give him what he wanted? He bent his head to give the vampire better access. Peter moaned and tightened his hold. "Tell me you want me, Tyler." "Just do it," he groaned. Peter licked a spot on his neck and pain blinded him as needle-sharp fangs pierced his flesh. Then intense pleasure, such as he'd never felt before, flooded his body. His eyes rolled back in his head and he came hard, spraying his belly and Peter's hand. He almost wished it would never end, but finally Peter withdrew and his rough tongue caressed Tyler's neck, making him shiver again. Suddenly Peter lifted his head and grew rigid behind him. Tyler raised his head and saw the Master Vampire's
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dark gaze fixed on Peter. "So Talon was right, you defied me and spared the wolf's face." Peter released Tyler, walked over to the foreboding figure, and stood silently in his murky shadow. Long seconds passed and suddenly a clawed hand shot out and struck Peter across the face, a swift, vicious blow that sent him to his knees. Tyler growled low in his chest and crouched, ready to spring at the Master. Only a sharp tug on his restraint kept him in place. Peter, one hand holding the chain attached at his ankle, raised the other to the bloody furrows on his face. Brows raised, the dark vampire watched with interest. "It seems your pet has become quite protective of you. Fascinating, this connection between a vampire and…" He waved an elegant hand at Tyler. "A dog." He stood over Peter, who remained on his knees trembling. "Obviously he's grateful for your leniency tonight. Don't indulge him again or I'll be forced to put him down." Tyler himself didn't understand the connection he felt for a man who'd burned him, a man he should hate with every fiber of his being. Surrounded by monsters in this hellhole, he'd let himself be swayed to the dark side by a pretty face and a few kind words.
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The Master turned to leave, then hesitated and turned back. "Take care of him, Peter. He appears a bit pale." A cruel smile creased his face. "If you drain him, it will be the death of you."
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Chapter Five Christophe's warning struck terror in Peter's heart. The Master Vampire would not accept disobedience from anyone, not even one he'd sired himself. He'd let the wolf get under his skin and incurred his Sire's wrath. A bloodlust unlike any other had sent him into a frenzy of need. The wolf's heartbeat in his ear and the tempting scent of Lycan blood had overwhelmed every other sense. Could his Sire be right? Maybe Lycan blood would be their salvation. And he, Peter, would be the Kindred's savior. But only if he kept tighter control on his emotions—and his pet. For a few minutes he'd let the balance of power shift and that would not do. The wolf was not his equal; he was a blood slave, not a blood-mate. He would do well to remember that. One careless slip and his pet could get the upper hand. He barely remembered feeding from the wolf— from Tyler. A good name, it suited the Lycan. He rolled it around on his tongue. His pet liked being called by his given name. It made him more compliant. Peter could use that to his advantage. Anything that made it easier to obtain the Lycan's cooperation would be helpful. If he handled this assignment properly and pleased his Sire, his position 50
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in the Kindred would be assured. The true–born vampires wouldn't dare mock him. But he had to tread carefully. If Christophe hadn't entered when he did, Peter might have drained his blood slave. Only then had he pulled back in horror, realizing he'd taken too much blood. He looked at Tyler lying on the blankets, so pale it scared him. The Lycan's long dark lashes fanned over his sunken cheeks, making his complexion look even grayer. What have I done? If he dies, the Master will take my life as well. Quickly, he tore a gash in his own vein with a fang and let the blood well. He pressed his wrist to the wolf's mouth so his vampire blood would drip down the Lycan's throat. Tyler's colorless skin turned blue and he started choking and coughing. Frantically, he tried to push Peter, away but he straddled the wolf's chest and forced him to drink. "Don't fight me on this, Tyler." At the mention of his name, the wolf calmed. The wild look in his eyes faded and he swallowed. Peter sighed in relief. "I took too much of your blood. I could have killed you. This will help. Already your color is returning." The Lycan sucked greedily from his wrist for another minute. Then his expression changed, as if he'd
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suddenly realized what he was doing. He pushed Peter away. "Enough." He turned his head. "You should have let me die. We'd both be better off." "Is that really what you want?" Peter gripped his jaw and twisted his face so the wolf had to look at him. "Death? A coward's way out?" Tyler's features twisted. "I know I don't want this. I'd rather die than live as a blood slave to a vampire." Peter hissed at him. "And you think I want this? When I saved your life in the woods, I did it so that my Sire could question you. I never thought it would tie me to you forever. My fate is sealed as surely as yours. Neither of us has any choice in this. But if feeding from you helps my people, then I'll do it willingly." "You'll get no more help from me. I'll see you burn in hell. All of you." Peter laughed. "You're delusional. There's nothing you can do to stop us. Who's going to help you? Your own pack turned away because they knew we were too strong to defeat. And now your Lycan blood flows in my veins. If all goes well it may yet help us reproduce and become stronger in numbers." "I'm a Lycan. No matter what you do to me, I'll always be Lycan. My people will come for me. Count on
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it." Peter shook his head. "Wake up, Princess. They're not coming back. That mark on your arm tells the world you belong to the Kindred. And you'll do exactly as I say." "And if I don't?" "I can still have your face marked. And I'll make sure everyone in Arcadia sees it. Do you still think your brethren would want you back?" Tyler went silent. He closed his eyes and turned his face away. A pang of remorse hit Peter. Why had he lashed out at the Lycan? He didn't mean it. "Do as I say and it will never happen. We can still make the best of this. Feeding can be a pleasurable experience. I can make it good for you, give you the most intense orgasms you've ever experienced. Admit it, you want me." "Now who's delusional? I have no desire for your kind." "Funny," Peter grinned at him. "I could have sworn you came when I fed. You respond to me beautifully." "Pure instinct. A bear could have touched me and gotten the same reaction." "So you're saying I don't arouse you?" "Not in the least."
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"Let's test that. Shall we?" Peter slid down Tyler's body and leaned over his chest. He took one nipple in his mouth and suckled it before giving the nub a gentle nip. The wolf grabbed his hair and pulled his head away. Peter grinned down at him. "Your nipples are so sensitive. I think I'd like to see them pierced." Peter thought that comment would get a rise out of the wolf and it did, but not the kind he expected. Tyler's cock grew hard under him. He ground his own erection into the wolf's belly and grinned wickedly. "You like the idea of wearing my rings." Tyler snarled and writhed under him. "You're crazy. Let me up." Peter ignored him. "Yes, silver I think. And maybe one around your cock." The wolf growled, but he stayed put and he stayed hard. "You're mine, Princess. Admit it." "My name is Tyler. You can't take that away from me." "I don't want to." Peter nuzzled his cheek. "I know who you are and when we're alone and I'm making love to you, I'll call you Tyler. But in front of the others, it's Princess. Just remember that and we'll be okay."
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Tyler looked up at him wide-eyed. What had he said to the wolf that shocked him? Oh, making love. Yeah, that kinda freaked him out as well. He thought he was going to say when I fuck you, but it came out all wrong. Shit. Somewhere along the way, he'd developed feelings for the wolf. When Tyler looked at him like that, Peter melted inside. He rubbed his nose over the wolf's cheek, taken by his scent, so fresh and clean after their bath. He kissed him. Not a bloody kiss, but a gentle one. It was nice— Tyler pushed him away. "What's the matter?" "Don't kiss me like that. I don't like it." "I think you're lying, Princess. I think you like it a lot." He kissed him again and the wolf grabbed his long wet hair and yanked on it, but not hard. Peter sensed desire in the wolf. Hell, he could smell it on him. But there was rage, too, and he didn't blame him one bit. He'd had everything taken from him. But it didn't have to be all bad. There was a real physical connection between them and it could make their time together enjoyable. "I like when you pull my hair. It just turns me on more." Peter ground his hips against the wolf to prove it. He licked Tyler's lips. "Kiss me back, Princess, while I decide if I should punish you or not."
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"Go to hell!" The wolf's anger only made him hotter. He needed compliance, but he didn't mind a little spirited jousting. He stretched his long legs out and covered Tyler's body with his. "Tyler, kiss me like you mean it, like you want me to make love to you."
****
Oh, he wanted it. Tyler wanted it bad. He imagined the vampire's long thick cock filling his channel, and his dick leaked. He was horny as hell and it was Peter he wanted covering him. But he'd never admit it. Tyler was in a desperate situation, albeit of his own making. Forced to do another's bidding, he struggled with a sense of having brought dishonor to his pack. The brand on his arm destroyed his self-esteem. The actual physical pain was nothing compared to the impact on his mental wellbeing. No longer a man in his own right, he was marked and owned by the Kindred. The vampires had stripped him of everything important in his life, tried to take away his identity as a Lycan. He'd never let the bloodsuckers remake him into one of the Kindred. Worst of all, the blond vampire was right. He did
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feel an attraction for Peter, one that went way beyond anything he'd ever felt for another male, even Hunter. He'd never thought of himself as a man who liked to be dominated but maybe he'd been fooling himself. He was versatile in bed but no one had ever dominated him to this extent—and a vampire no less. The fact that it aroused him just made him more ashamed. He told himself the vampire had hypnotized him somehow. He must have, because this physical hunger was too fucking strong to be natural lust. He had to do everything in his power to fight it. If Peter knew how badly he wanted him, it would just be one more thing the vamp could hold over him. "I'm going to fuck you, Tyler, and I don't want to have to call the team in here to hold you down when I do it. I want us to be alone when I'm inside you, I want to be able to kiss you and call you by your given name. I want you to feel free to say whatever you want." Oh fuck. Those words rolled off the vampire's tongue so easily. Lies, all of them, but they heated Tyler's blood to a slow boil. "I got nothing to say to you." With a great force of will, Tyler pushed Peter off and rolled onto his stomach. "Just do it." "I'd rather see your face when I'm fucking you."
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"And I'd rather not be reminded of who's fucking me." He might want Peter badly, but he had no intention of letting him know it. A minute passed and the vampire didn't make his move. What is he waiting for? This is crazy. Finally Tyler couldn't stand it another second. He rolled over. What the fuck! He was alone in the room.
****
Peter locked the heavy door that led to the basement and leaned back against it. His heart pounded against his ribs. He was so fucking hot he didn't know how he'd made it up the steps. He had to force himself to get up and leave the wolf. He didn't want to. Tyler made a pretty picture lying there, his firm ass ripe for the taking. But Peter didn't like taking someone who didn't want to be taken. He'd never done it before. Even the humans who gave up their blood and sex for the vampires did it willingly. He'd tried to remind himself that Tyler really did want it. Peter had smelled arousal all over him. The wolf's dick leaked like a faucet. But the man was suffering, confused, and not ready to face his feelings, and Peter didn't have it in him to make Tyler do anything else against
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his will. Despite the great show of mastery he put on for his pet, he understood the Lycan's feelings of unworthiness. The vampires were a cliquey bunch. They had their own prejudices against the turned vamps, and especially Peter, who bore the brunt of their ridicule. The true–borns hated the fact he'd been turned by the Master and was one of his favorites. What Tyler needed now was some privacy. Some time alone to process what was happening to him. The wolf had everything he needed downstairs—food, water, a soft place to sleep. Peter trusted him not to drown himself. The man had too much life in him. As much as Peter wanted to fuck Tyler right now, he would force himself to give the man his space. Peter conceded he might need a little space himself. His own mixed feelings about his pet troubled him.
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Chapter Six A loud pounding on Peter's door woke him from a troubled sleep. Two vampires stood outside his bedroom waiting to escort him to the Master's office. Dread washed over him. Did something happen to Tyler? He rarely got summoned in this manner. His room was one floor below his Sire's suite in the rectory attached to the Parrish. The Master liked to keep his children close. His heart pounded faster with each step he took. He should never have left Tyler on his own. The three men stopped in front of the blood-red door. Peter knocked once before entering. The others waited outside. The room, furnished in heavy wood and black leather, was dimly lit. A single candle burning on the desk illuminated the grim face regarding him. The air was thick with tension and Peter wasn't invited to sit. It didn't bode well. Christophe was still displeased and he felt sure something bad had happened to his wolf. He stood waiting, forcing himself to remain still and keeping his mouth shut. "You have a rebellious nature, Peter. It sets you apart from the others." His voice, clear and cold, dominated 60
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the room. "You must learn to use that quality to your advantage rather than to challenge me." So that's what this is about. My punishment isn't over yet. "Yes, Sire. I'm sorry." "You're my child, Peter. It hurts me to punish you, but children must be taught to obey. You must learn to overcome your human emotions." "I can control them, I know I can. Tell me what you want and I'll make it happen." "The wolf feels loyalty to you. You shared body fluids, sex?" "We shared blood." "Excellent." A smile lit his dour face. "I want you to stay with him. Move your things downstairs for now. " Alarm rippled up Peter's spine. "Downstairs? I thought I might move him upstairs." "Don't question me, Peter." He flinched as the Master slammed a palm on the desk and stood. "Your pet is an untrained animal and still dangerous. Would you keep him here in close proximity to your Sire and brethren?" "No. I'm sorry, Sire. I wasn't thinking." When would he learn to keep his mouth shut and do as he was told? The Master's dark glare unnerved him, and he
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steadied himself with the comforting thought that at least Tyler was uninjured. "Oh, you were thinking. Thinking of yourself, no doubt." The Master Vampire sat. His features softened slightly. "I realize the accommodations in the subterranean basement are lacking, but remember, you're doing this for your people. I'll provide whatever you need to make things more comfortable." A sinking feeling came over Peter. He'd expected to be spending a lot of time with his pet, but not in the dungeon-like atmosphere of the basement. "Do you understand?" "Yes." "Good. I'll send Abbi down to take blood samples. The testing will continue until she gets conclusive results. If the wolf's blood is not useful for our purpose then he'll no longer be your responsibility." He hadn't wanted this in the first place. Why wasn't he happier to hear those words? "And what would happen to the wolf?" "That's not your concern." "Death?" Peter's heart twisted. He knew his questions weren't welcomed but he had to know. The Master studied him intently. "That would be a
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waste. I would give him the thirst." "Turn a wolf into one of us?" "If he's no use as a blood slave, I'll make him into a warrior against his own kind. A need for blood will turn him into a loyal soldier for the Kindred. He'll never really be one of us. But he can be useful to us. In any case, I'm depending on you to make sure this goes well." "You can count on me, Sire." Peter bowed and took his leave. The Lycan would never be a Kindred soldier. Tyler would kill himself first. The thought troubled Peter. Pets had always been a big part of his human life. He'd grown attached to them. He must be feeling that same kind of attachment and protectiveness toward the wolf. He hoped their blood would mix well and he could keep Tyler safe. Is that what I really want? Surprisingly enough, he did. He took some clothes and a few belongings and went downstairs to his temporary—he hoped—quarters. The chamber was quiet and his stomach clenched until he detected the wolf's heartbeat. Relieved, he entered the thermal springs. Tyler was asleep, lying on his back on the blankets. Peter admired the beauty of his pet's body stretched out before him. Tyler was perfect. Peter sat next to him and the wolf stirred.
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Tyler sat up abruptly. His lips drew back revealing wicked canines, and he snarled. Peter put a hand on his thigh. "Relax, Princess. It's just me." Tyler stood and moved away. Peter followed. He came up behind him and embraced him. He bent his head to trace the wolf's brand with his tongue. Tyler shivered and Peter pulled him back hard against his chest. He was just following orders.
****
Tyler's hackles rose. He wanted to pull away, but hunger and arousal immobilized him. He shuddered as Peter's fingers brushed his nipples, pinching and rolling them into hard points of desire. One hand glided over his belly and lower, to stroke his shaft and cup his balls. Peter's hard cock slid between the cheeks of his ass and he ground back against him. His heart beat like a drum as Peter turned him around and got down on his knees. The vampire took his stiff cock into his mouth, and Tyler's knees buckled. He had to hold onto Peter's shoulders to steady himself. Peter sucked and licked and swallowed him deep. Crazed, he
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fucked the vampire's mouth in quick hard thrusts that brought him close to completion. "Oh, fuck," he groaned. "Suck me harder." Peter complied, and he slid his fingers through the vampire's long blond hair. Electricity sparked up his spine and his belly tightened, along with his balls. Peter sucked harder still and Tyler exploded, filling his throat with Lycan seed. At last the vampire released him, stood, and led him back to the blankets. Without a word they lay down together and Tyler pulled him close.
****
What had come over Peter to make him go to his knees at the feet of his blood slave and bring him to completion? He told himself it was to gain compliance from the wolf and complete their connection as his Sire wanted. But in truth, a desire to have the wolf in his mouth had come over him and he couldn't resist the temptation. And he had savored the taste of his pet. It made him forget what the man really was; a blood adversary and his inferior. Peter lay awake long after the wolf at his back fell
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asleep. Tyler had pulled him against his body, wrapping his arms around him and spooning him. The unfamiliar closeness was not unwelcome. The wolf was warm, and the hair on his body tickled Peter's back and his legs. His steady breaths fanned Peter's neck. He'd never thought about having a bedmate before but, struck by the comforting presence, he found the idea appealing. It was too bad things had to be like this. He and Tyler were natural enemies. If circumstances were different, he'd want to learn more about the Lycan. And maybe teach Tyler that vampires weren't the monsters he thought they were. But that would never happen. They could never be more than master and slave. "Peter." The husky female whisper cut through his thoughts and he bolted up, waking Tyler. "Abbi?" "Yes, it's me. Christophe sent me." "He told me you would come. Are you here to take blood?" "Yes, from both of you." Tyler sat up and stretched. He snarled and bared his teeth at Abbi "What's this all about?" She crouched down beside them. "My name is
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Abbi. I'm a doctor. I study blood—" "Not my blood!" "I have reason to believe your blood may help us reproduce." "And you expect me to help you increase your numbers. You must be mad." Peter hissed. "Watch it, Princess. You'll do exactly as she says." "No, he's right to feel the way he does. He was captured, chained here as a prisoner. He didn't come willingly like the other one." Openmouthed, the men stared at her. "The other one?" Peter asked. "What other one?" "Hunter," Tyler whispered. "Yes. Hunter. It's not widely known there's another wolf in the Colony. He hasn't been here long." "Where is he? I have to see him." Tyler's tone grated with agitation. Why hadn't the Sire told him about this? Peter turned to Abbi. "Was he also captured when the pack surrounded us?" "No. Earlier. And he came on his own." "I want to see him." Tyler demanded. "I'll see what I can do. A lot depends on the results
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of my tests. Just be patient. First, I need to ask you a few questions…" "Tyler. My name is Tyler." "Tyler." She turned to Peter. "Have you fed from him?" "We've fed each other." Peter responded. "It would have been better if I could have taken your blood first, but this will have to do. Give me your arm, Peter." She wrapped a tourniquet around his upper arm and felt for a vein, then filled two vials. Peter licked his arm while she labeled the tubes. "Now you, Tyler. I won't hurt you." His hackles rose and he drew back. "Tyler! Do as she says or I'll have you restrained." "Please. That won't be necessary." Abbi's voice was kind. "I promise I'll speak to the Master. I'll ask to have you moved to my lab. You'll be able to see Hunter. But it all hinges on your blood. I really need to run these tests." Tyler nodded assent. Abbi took his left arm and started to tie the tourniquet around it. "What's this?" Her breath caught in her throat. Nobody answered. "Peter?"
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"The Sire ordered it." "Why?" She looked stricken. "You know why. He was captured, a prisoner of war…" "And tortured?" She stared at the brand, then at the collar. "Collared?" Peter shrugged helplessly. She touched the back of Tyler's hand. "I'll get you something to put on it." Tyler shook his head. "I'm okay. It's almost healed." "I'm sorry for this," she said. "Give me your other arm." She kept up a steady stream of questions as she prepared to take Tyler's blood. "Have either of you had any symptoms after exchanging blood? Anything at all?" "Like what," Peter asked. "What's going on?" Abbi reached for an empty vial. "I'll know more after I run the tests. We'll talk again."
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Chapter Seven Tyler's calm façade didn't last long after Abbi left. He turned into a madman, pacing as far as his chain allowed. He insisted on seeing Hunter immediately and he wouldn't listen to reason. Peter told him over and over again to be patient, that he could trust Abbi. It didn't do much good and why should it? Tyler had been tortured, treated in a cruel, degrading manner at the hands of his captors. There was no reason for him to believe any of them. The wolf seemed most bothered by the fact his Lycan friend had come to the Colony of his own free will. Evidently their pack Alpha had accused Hunter of killing another Lycan and joining up with a vampire. He'd labeled Hunter a traitor. Tyler didn't believe it. He'd truly shocked Peter when he admitted letting himself be caught so he could help Hunter clear his name. That kind of friendship was unheard of among the Kindred. He respected Tyler for his unswerving loyalty to Hunter. Peter might own him now, but he knew the wolf would never stand by him in that way. He suspected the two Lycans must have been lovers, and the idea of his pet and this Hunter as a couple filled him with jealousy. He saw the Lycan traitor as a 70
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threat to his own connection with Tyler. Another facet of his humanity come back to haunt him? He didn't understand any of it. Vampires weren't territorial like the wolves. They shared partners and blood donors. Even mated pairs took other lovers without a second thought. The Kindred would shun him for having these thoughts about a Lycan, a man with a handsome façade that housed a dog. He needed to talk to Abbi, and he wanted to see this Hunter for himself. Tyler quieted when Peter told him he would go to the lab and talk to Abbi himself. He pulled on sweatpants and a T-shirt and made his way up the stone steps that led to the narthex of the Parrish. He attempted to open the heavy wood door at the top landing but it wouldn't budge. His heart thudded against his ribs. Surely his Sire wouldn't lock him in down there. He tried again and again, pounding on the door and yelling, with no response. Finally he had to admit he'd been imprisoned with the wolf. He sat on the top step and put his head in his hands. Was this Abbi's doing? Was he wrong to believe her? A cold dread crept over him and he knew exactly how Tyler must feel. He couldn't trust anyone.
****
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Abbi placed a drop of Peter's blood on one end of a slide and used another slide to smear it in a thin layer. She did the same with Tyler's blood. The procedure gave her a good zone of morphology, an area where the cells were spaced far enough apart to be examined microscopically. She fixed the slides by letting them sit for five minutes in 95% methyl alcohol and then stained them. There would be other, more involved tests, but this would give her enough information to tell Christophe what he wanted to know—whether or not Peter and Tyler were symbionts—two species in a relationship of mutual interdependence.
Red
and
white
blood
cells
had
unmistakable characteristics. If there were changes similar to those of Aidan and Hunter, she'd have an answer for the Master. Even though Abbi had her back to the lab and her focus entirely on the microscope, she knew Aidan had come up behind her. He was her twin, after all. The bond between them was almost telepathic, stretching far beyond the usual realm of a vampire's superior senses. She referred to
it
as
twin-tuition,
shared
feelings,
thoughts—
extrasensory perception. Aidan had the same awareness of her and now she saw that connection developing between
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her twin and Hunter. Even more amazing—she now had a new awareness of Hunter. It wasn't very strong and it didn't work both ways, which led her to believe she was picking up Hunter's psychic presence through Aidan. There was so much to learn. They were all treading on alien territory. "What do you see, Abbi?" Aidan didn't have to speak the words. She knew he wanted the results as much as the rest of them. "I'll run other tests but this is pretty conclusive. I see changes similar to the ones in your blood and Hunter's. I believe Peter and Tyler are symbiotic mates." Hunter spoke up as he approached. "I'd like to see Tyler." "I know you do. He wants to see you, too." She bit her lip. "I'm afraid I may have messed up." Aidan massaged her shoulders. "It's not your fault. The Master can be severe, even tyrannical at times." "What happened?" Hunter hadn't been told yet. He'd been upstairs in their living quarters when she came in with the blood samples. Aidan had been waiting anxiously and pounced on her at the door. "The Master stopped me before I left the Parrish. He wanted an update and he reminded me he needs results as quickly as possible. I couldn't help myself and jumped
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the gun. I told him Peter and Tyler would be better off here, where I could monitor them along with you." Should I tell him the rest? Hunter will be devastated. "Spit it out," Aidan said gently. "Hunter needs to know." "I'm so sorry. They collared him. Chained him in the basement." Her eyes filled as she looked up at Hunter's horrified face. "They branded him." Hunter pounded a fist on the counter. Abbi's vials jumped and one crashed on the floor. "I knew the bastard couldn't be trusted." Hunter's hackles rose. "I never should have warned him." "Hunter, you did the right thing. The research is more important than any of us." "I'm sorry, Abbi, but I won't let him get away with this." "There's nothing you can do. I watched him lock the entrance to the underground chambers. Right now I'm the only one who can get down there to see them. These test results guarantee me access." Abbi waved her paperwork in his face. "And they give me leverage with the Master. He needs me, Hunter. I'm the only one here studying our reproductive biology. He's counting on me to figure out how we can use this to
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increase our numbers. Let me handle it," Abbi pleaded with him. "I just need a little more time. Trust me, I'll get him to move Peter and Tyler here with us. But if you try something on your own, we could all be locked up."
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Chapter Eight The Wolf Den gave off an eerie vibe without the electronic dance music and the raucous presence of a bunch of randy wolves. The pack Alpha stood back by the pool table, lost in the shadows as well as his thoughts. His shifters, full of rowdy animal spirit, gave the place life. Well, they'd be in soon enough, anxious to partake in the drugs and liquor he provided. He did it for their own good. Every wolf needed a mate, even if it was just a bedmate for the night. A lone, frustrated wolf was likely to get into trouble—or cause it. With few women to go around, Rafe had made the club a place where his men could find a sex partner. Sometimes they even forged a more permanent relationship, but that didn't happen often. For the most part the club remained a haven for one night stands. Rafe rarely spent any time downstairs in the Wolf Den, preferring to stay in his office on the second floor. He didn't believe an Alpha should be buddy-buddy with his pack members. A leader had to act like a leader at all times if he expected to keep everybody in line. He watched Kade check over the liquor supply and get things ready for the crowd to come. He didn't look 76
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happy. Up front, the door opened and Marrok, gray and grizzled as a bear, walked in and looked around. The man wasn't here to dance. He'd requested a meeting with the Alpha. Rafe stayed put. He wanted to gauge Marrok's mood before they spoke. The man knew more about Rafe's business than anyone else in Arcadia, and he had to be handled carefully. Marrok had his choice of seats in the empty bar. He pulled up a stool, took one look at Kade in his red apron, and guffawed. "Well, don't you look pretty, Little Red Riding Hood." "Fuck you!" Kade untied the strings and threw the apron on the floor. "You drinking or just here to annoy me?" "Actually, he's here to see me." Rafe finally left the shadows and took a seat next to Marrok. "Sorry, Alpha," Kade apologized. "This is getting to me. I'm an Enforcer, not a bartender. I just don't like all this waiting around. The bloodsuckers have two of our men now. When are we going to go after them?" "We've had this discussion before, Kade. I'm not so sure I want to go after them. There was a time I thought we could get the jump on those bloodsuckers, but they were
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waiting for us. Hunter must have told them we were coming. The Colony was heavily fortified." His expression grew hard. "I didn't see any point in putting our men at risk for a traitor. Still don't." "What about Tyler?" Kade asked. "What about him? He disobeyed orders. Any man who does that deserves to get caught." Marrok growled. "I hate to see those leeches get anything over on us." His broad face clouded with rage. "We couldn't hold onto their man, but they got two of ours. I'm telling you I don't like it. Not one fucking bit." "They're not worth losing sleep over." Rafe tried to sound reassuring. Marrok's anger has to be calmed before he says too much. "Try telling my daughter that." Shit! This mating arrangement had come back to bite him in the ass. "Don't you worry. I know Grace had her heart set on mating with Hunter but we'll find her someone else." He looked over at Kade. "What about Red Riding Hood here?" Rafe laughed as Kade glanced back and snarled. His attempt to lighten the mood didn't work. Marrok didn't laugh either. Time to move this show upstairs. "Let's talk in my office. It's more comfortable." "Fine by me." Marrok hopped off his stool.
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Rafe slapped a palm on the bar. "Give me a bottle of scotch, barkeep. I need to replenish my stock." He took a bottle from Kade. "I don't want to be disturbed." "Sure thing, Alpha." Rafe led Marrok up to the second floor and into his private office. "Have a seat." He waved at a leather chair in front of his desk, then opened a liquor cabinet and took out two glasses. He sat at the desk and poured them each two fingers of scotch. "To better days." He drank his neat. "Okay, what's on your mind?" He refilled his glass and took another drink. "Grace. She's pregnant." Rafe sputtered and spit scotch on his desk. "The hell you say!" He sat straight up, a broad smile on his face. "This is great news!" Marrok's dour face didn't change expression. "Maybe." He downed his own scotch and slid the glass over to Rafe for a refill. "Who's the proud papa?" Rafe figured he already knew. "Hunter." "No surprise there. Did she come to you? Or did you overhear something?"
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"I caught her puking up her guts and she finally admitted he fucked her that night you brought him by the house to talk marriage." "Okay, so maybe I'm partially responsible but this is a good thing, Marrok. I'll make sure she's taken care of. She'll have the best of everything. How is she? Has she seen Doc yet?" "Yeah, Doc says she's fine. He's going to keep a close eye on her. We're not going to lose this baby. Not if I can help it. That's why I'm here." "Just tell me what she needs and I'll see to it." "Hunter. She wants Hunter." "He's a wanted killer. A traitor. Is that what you want for your daughter?" "No, but it's what she wants. It's what she needs. I know my daughter, she may have turned eighteen, but she still has a wild streak in her. A steady mate would keep her in line. Look, we both know Hunter had reason to kill Doyle. We're just as responsible as he is. You can turn this around, make him a hero and bring him back." "What the hell for? Grace will get over him." "She's wanted him since she was a kid. And he's a proven breeder. If Grace carries this baby full term she can have many more."
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"No ifs about it. She's going to have a healthy baby. I'll get her around the clock medical care. We're taking no chances—" "Damn it, Rafe! She threatened to abort it if Hunter doesn't come back." Fuck! "Calm her down, Marrok. Tell her I'll take care of it. I'll do everything I can to bring her man home." "For real? If I lie to her, there's no telling what she'll do." "I promise you I'll make this happen. And you better make sure she doesn't do anything stupid. Lock her up if you have to. I'm sure as hell not going to lose that baby."
****
Long after Marrok left, Rafe sat deep in thought. The best laid plans… He never thought it would come to this. Hunter had been his friend since boyhood, and a trusted pack member when Rafe became Alpha. He always followed orders. Well, mostly. The pack had been getting smaller; fewer and fewer pups were born. Rafe had some doctors studying their
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reproductive problems but so far they hadn't come up with shit. So he did his own studies, set up mating schedules for the males and she-wolves, selective breeding. Marrok's daughter had had her eye on Hunter since she was a kid. But Hunter was married to Tena then, had been for twenty years. Unfortunately she couldn't carry a pup to full term. If only Hunter had taken Grace as a second wife or a bedmate, they wouldn't be in this mess. But he'd refused. So, for the good of the pack, Rafe had gotten Doyle, a loyal pack member, to get rid of Tena and make it look like a vampire kill. Six months later, Hunter agreed to mate Grace. Then a vamp shows up with evidence that Tena was killed by a Lycan. Hunter goes crazy and offs Doyle, then hides out in the Colony. Rafe had sent the pack after him, mostly for show. If there had been a fight, he'd hoped his dead or alive order would get Hunter killed. Now it looked like he might have to change plans again and bring Hunter home. How the hell could he do it? Hunter would never trust him again. But surely a Lycan couldn't be happy living in a viper's nest like the Colony. He must long for his home and his own kind. And if he
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knew he had a child it could make all the difference. Rafe would wipe the slate clean. He'd tell the pack he'd been mistaken about Hunter, misled by the bloodsuckers. He'd offer Hunter his old position as lead enforcer, Grace as his mate, a child, and a place among his own kind again. How could he refuse? Fuck. Knowing Hunter the way he did, he'd be surprised if the man accepted. Maybe the better solution would be to kill Hunter and blame it on the vamps. He called downstairs and asked Kade to come up. "Yes, boss." "I've been thinking about what you said and you might be right. By our inaction we're showing the vamps we're weak. It might be time to go on the offensive. But first I think we should try to talk to Hunter."
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Chapter Nine Tyler felt sick, puking, gut-wrenching sick. Something crawled around inside his belly and before he could think about it, he was on his hands and knees and everything he'd eaten in the last twenty-four hours lay in a puddle on the floor. Spasms still wracked his stomach. He waited until they subsided before rolling over and playing dead. "Don't be such a big baby." Peter hovered over him. The comment was meant to be funny but the vampire's expression was anything but amused. Peter's long blond hair brushed Tyler's cheek. It prickled and he batted it away. His sweat pants and T-shirt had been discarded hours ago. The lightweight material scratched his skin. Anything that touched his flesh left a painful welt. "Go away." Tyler turned his head, mumbling. Worry made his gut cramp even more and he rolled to his side, groaning and hugging his stomach. Peter shook his arm. "Has anything like this happened to you before?" Never. Silent, he curled up in a fetal position. What the fuck is wrong with me? Lycans don't get sick. At least I 84
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don't. Peter stood and paced around the room. He picked up Tyler's discarded T-shirt and wet it in the mineral spring. Crouching down beside him, the vampire wiped his face. Tyler knew he meant to be gentle but the cloth left a trail of fire in its wake. He gritted his teeth and tried like hell not to scream. Peter must have seen his distress, because he threw the shirt across the room. "Oh, fuck! I'm sorry, baby." Baby? The affectionate name cut through Tyler's anguish and caught him by surprise. For a few seconds he forgot his agitation. Then the beast trying to claw its way out of his belly took over. As the pain seared through his gut, he hugged his body and rocked back and forth; it only made the gnawing hurt worse. Suddenly his back bowed and a spasm burst between his shoulder blades. His joints popped and cracked. Coarse fur sprouted on his torso. No! No! No! His lungs burned. His nostrils flared and he waited for a breath that didn't come. The room went black. Pinpoints of light filtered through a black haze. He became aware of a weight on his chest and when he sucked air, a tongue slipped into his mouth. He started choking.
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Peter's lips left his and his gray eyes bored into him. He pushed at the vampire's chest and struggled to speak, but only managed a hoarse bark. What the fuck are you doing? "Trying to save your life again, asshole." He stared up at Peter. The vampire looked as confused as he felt. He hadn't spoken out loud—or had he? Peter gave him some breathing room and he swallowed air gratefully, rubbing his sore throat. No collar! Peter averted his face and stood before Tyler could read his expression, but somehow he knew the vampire felt selfconscious and embarrassed. What the hell happened here? "You started changing and the collar cut off your air. You almost tore my throat out when I took it off." "So how did you keep your tongue intact?" He knew the words came out of his mouth, though they sounded more like a howl. "Don't really know. Somehow I got the collar off…" Peter shrugged. "Just held you and petted you a bit. The fur went away and you were your old ugly self again. I thought I'd better do a little rescue breathing." Tyler growled. "Are you sure that's all it was?" "What else? I have to drink your blood and fuck you, but that doesn't mean I want to smell your doggy
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breath and have you slurping me." "Fuck you, leech!" "Glad to see you're back to normal." "If you call normal feeling like I went three rounds with a kettle of hawks." Peter laughed, but when he walked back and sat next to Tyler, he sobered. "I'm sorry if I hurt you." He looked at the fading weals on Tyler's body. "I was a little rough." "My wolf was out of control. You did what you had to." "Feel any better?" "Everything hurts." Tyler hated sounding like a baby but he couldn't help whimpering like a pup. "Fuck!" Peter raised his hand and slammed it against the floor. "This is wrong. He has no right to lock us away like animals. I can't even call for help." "What's going on?" Abbi appeared as if in answer to a plea. She swept through the room like a mini-tornado. "Tyler's been sick for hours." "Tell me." "Cramps, nausea. He started to shift and almost strangled to death on that damn collar. He fought me like a werewolf until I managed to get it off him."
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Abbi already had a stethoscope to his heart. "Did he shift completely?" "No. I managed to calm him down." "How do you feel, Peter?" "Okay. Besides being hungry, that is. I almost ate Tyler's steak." "Didn't that seem strange? We live on blood." "Yeah, well, the steak was pretty bloody." He twisted a lock of hair around his hand. "Can you help him?" "No." Peter flinched and Abbi put a hand on his arm. "You're the only one who can help him." "Me?" "You need to feed. Both of you. Let me take your blood first." Tyler lifted his upper body, then leaned back on his elbows. "I'm not hungry." Peter shook his head. "Blood, baby. She's talking about blood." "Oh, no. No way." Abbi made quick work of taking Peter's blood. "I should have checked on you sooner. I wasn't expecting this yet." "You expected this? And you didn't warn us?" "I thought I'd have you out of here and in the lab
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before either of you developed side effects." Peter grabbed her arm. "Side effects? What's going on?" "It's your blood cells and Tyler's reacting to each other. You really need to be in the lab. I'll talk to the Master again." "Yeah? The last time you talked to him he locked me down here," Peter muttered. "I had no idea he would do that. You have to trust me, Peter. I only want to help you, both of you." "What choice do we have?" Tyler sat up and held out his arm. Abbi found a vein, slid the needle in, and they all watched the vial turn crimson. As it filled, the spot where the needle entered his vein swelled and turned an angry red. Tyler moaned and shut his eyes. "I have a right to know what's going on." Abbi withdrew the hypodermic and Peter leaned over to lick the raw spot on Tyler's arm. "I was ordered not to talk about my research, but things are different now and you deserve to know the truth. Components in your blood caused mutations in Peter's bone marrow. Cell production increased and other changes are taking place in his body. You're going through changes too,
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maybe a little faster than him." "I think you're crazy," Tyler muttered. "I've seen this before. In Aidan and Hunter. Without each other's blood, their cell production decreased and they became anemic and developed similar symptoms. Human blood doesn't sustain them anymore. They're living in a state of symbiosis." "What does it all mean, Dr. Frankenstein?" Tyler sneered. Any minute now he would wake up and discover it was all a bad dream. "Symbiosis is a close, long-term relationship between different biological species. In their case it's obligate, meaning that they depend on each other for survival. You and Peter are going through the same thing." "I don't believe it," Peter broke in. "I know it's a shock. Aidan and Hunter had the same reaction. But I believe our people shared a connection in the past and somehow it's reoccurring. It may be the answer to our reproductive problems." Peter rolled his eyes. "I gotta tell you this, Abbi. No matter what you believe, Tyler and I won't be reproducing." "Don't be an ass, Peter. I haven't done a sperm count on you yet but I have a feeling it's increased significantly." His lips twisted in a cynical smile. "So what? A
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turned human has never reproduced with a female vampire yet." "You're right. Christophe is hoping Lycan blood will change that. We'll find out when I'm ready to test a female." Tyler growled and bared his teeth at her. Her brow rose and a wide grin split her face. "Jealous, Tyler?" Peter's jaw dropped and he stared at the Lycan, strangely pleased by his reaction. At least he wasn't the only one feeling jealous. "Well, don't be. I know how to use a turkey baster." She gathered her supplies and moved away. "Enough! Feed. I promise you'll feel better. I intend to talk to the Master so you'll have a bit of privacy. Or do you need me to show you how it's done?" She looked from one to the other and smiled. "I thought not." She left them alone and they stared at each other like they were strangers. "Don't look at me like that." Tyler averted his eyes. "You're the one who took my blood and fed me yours. This is your fault." "I never thought it would bond us forever. And I still don't believe it. When Abbi runs more tests we'll find
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out it's all a big mistake." "Then why do I feel so fucking sick?" "I don't know, but I want to help you if I can." Peter came closer and straddled his lap, facing him. "Let's do this. It's worth a shot. If I make you feel better, than great. If not, well, you'll have a few more welts on your body." He moved in close, a leg on each side of Tyler, chest against chest. "I know I'm hurting you, but I'll make it better—I hope." Tyler's skin prickled—in a good way. He put his arms around the vampire's waist. Peter smiled and rocked his hips. Tyler scented the air, his nostrils flaring as he inhaled the vampire's musky male perfume. Peter's heart beat faster, another sign of his arousal. Tyler's breath grew ragged, and the rest of the room disappeared. Peter slit his own neck with a fingernail. The smell of blood overwhelmed the other scents in the air and Tyler stared at the drops, rubies against the vampire's pale skin. Peter put a hand on the nape of Tyler's neck and drew his head closer. Tyler's long, sandpaper tongue slipped out of its own accord. He licked the drops and the taste exploded in his mouth. Fuck yes! He sank his teeth into the soft flesh. Peter groaned. For a brief second Tyler thought he
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hurt him, but the vampire pressed his head firmly to his neck and whispered encouragement. Not that he needed it. He'd never tasted anything so fine. The blood filled the void in his gut and soothed his inner beast. He lost track of everything, couldn't tell where he left off and Peter began. That possessive streak fired through him again. No one else will be mating with Peter. When he'd drunk his fill he pulled back and rested his forehead against the vampire's. Peter grasped the sides of his head and leaned back to look at him. He grinned wolfishly. "Princess, what big teeth you have!" Tyler's brows drew together and he ran his tongue over his teeth. Holy shit! His canines had lengthened to sharply pointed fangs. Yet for some reason it didn't seem strange. "All the better to eat you with." "I'll hold you to that, lover. But first I need to taste your blood." Peter nuzzled his neck, kissed a sensitive spot behind his ear, and sucked on the lobe. Tyler's body tingled with pleasure, not pain. Peter's fangs pierced the spot where neck met shoulder, and it felt right, the joy of feeding a blood-mate almost as good as when he fed himself. Peter licked the marks on Tyler's neck and lifted his head. They sat quietly looking in each other's eyes for a
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few seconds. "I'm sorry," Peter whispered. "It may be too little too late, but I want you to know that. And I want you to know you can trust me. You can let go and be yourself and I'll never take advantage of you or hurt you." Tyler knew those words didn't come easy to Peter. Their relationship had changed dramatically, by necessity for sure. If they had met under different circumstances he might have chosen Peter of his own free will. But they hadn't met under other circumstances, and now Tyler wondered whether he could block out the memories of his captivity. They were branded on his brain as surely as the "K" on his arm. He was healed but changed forever by this vampire. He had a simple choice. Die or bond. Welcome to your new life, Lycan.
****
Peter had never been more sincere. He meant every word. Tyler's blood flowed through his body. He heard Tyler's voice in his head even when the words didn't come from his mouth. They were one and the same. When he looked at the Lycan, his knees quivered and a throbbing between his legs signaled arousal. His nipples tightened and goose-bumps sped up his arms.
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He hoped the wolf would feel the same for him some day. He'd do his best to make up for the hurt Tyler had suffered. Somehow he would prove his love and maybe it would be reciprocated. "I need you, baby." He wanted the Lycan's powerful body under his. Peter gently pushed him down on the blankets. Tyler didn't resist. He accepted Peter's butterfly kisses. The gentle persuasion turned to demanding insistence and Tyler parted his lips, giving entrance to Peter's tongue. Tyler pulled him closer and Peter responded eagerly, touching him wherever he could reach.
****
Tyler froze when Peter stroked the crease of his ass. Peter looked down, a question in his gray eyes. Tyler answered by moaning and pulling the vampire in for a deep kiss. Peter continued to stroke him in a soothing manner. One finger penetrated him, then another, stretching, teasing, making him groan and beg for more. The vampire withdrew his fingers. He pulled Tyler's hips onto his thighs, his legs over his shoulders, and slid his
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iron-hard erection into Tyler's channel. The penetration sent shudders through his body. Peter started to move and he grazed a sensitive spot inside him. Tyler's eyes rolled back in his head and he growled with need. "Harder. Damn it, Peter. Fuck me!" Peter obliged, then wrapped his hand around Tyler's cock and milked him. Release boiled up inside him. His back arched and he met Peter thrust for thrust. He wanted it to last forever, but the pleasure and the newness of their coupling brought him to a quick climax. Peter followed soon after and they collapsed in a tangle of arms and legs. Peter snuggled behind him and wrapped his arms around Tyler, cradling him with his warm body. You feel so good. Tyler tensed. "Did you say something?" Peter hugged him closer. "No." Love you. The vampire's embrace felt good, safe and protective. Love you, too! Tyler could hold his tongue, but not his thoughts.
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Chapter Ten Two vampires at the top of the steps blocked Abbi's way, filling the small alcove that sheltered the entrance to the subterranean chambers. She hissed and shoved her way past them. Hell hath no fury like a vampiress betrayed. Her anger increased steadily as she stormed across the narthex and through an exit. The vampires dogged her steps as she made her way to the rectory and Christophe's private office, her destination. Abbi felt used. This research was her baby. Started without Christophe's knowledge, it had progressed at a slow, manageable pace. That had all changed when Hunter entered the picture. The changes in his body meant he could never go back to Arcadia, and Christophe had to be told he was harboring a fugitive in the Colony. It didn't give him the right to take over and change the rules. She hated the idea of using a prisoner for medical research. Hunter and Aidan had been ignorant but willing participants. Peter and the wolf had no choice. And isolating them in the subterranean chambers was criminal. She pounded on the door to the Master's sanctuary. The vampires flanked her, each gripping an arm. The door opened silently and Christophe stood there, stone-faced. He 97
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snapped his fingers and the two vampires bowed their heads, released their hold on her, and backed away. They stood like silent sentries as the Master stepped aside to allow Abbi entrance. He seated himself behind an exquisite ornate desk while Abbi fought a losing battle to keep her composure. Approaching the desk, she slammed her palms on the surface in a fit of pique. A ceramic cup jumped and crimson drops stained the saucer. With white-hot fury, she stared into the vampire's brooding eyes. "You deceived me." The Master stood, towering over her, a ferocious scowl on his face. "You walk on dangerous territory, Abbigale. Watch your step before you lose your way." Keep your wits, Abbi. She took a deep breath and stepped back. The Master sat back down like a king on his throne and regarded her thoughtfully. "What's this all about?" "Tyler should have been brought to me immediately when he was captured." "Tyler?" She sighed impatiently. "The Lycan you're holding downstairs." "Ah." The Master nodded. "Peter's pet."
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"Peter's blood-mate." That brought a smile to his face. "Yes. I'm very pleased. I want to be kept informed of your study. Every step of the way." "I need to be informed as well. There will be no study if you keep Tyler and Peter locked in the basement. We almost lost him." The
vampire's
smile
disappeared.
"That's
unacceptable." "Tyler is changing faster than Hunter. He almost suffocated because he was collared. If Peter hadn't been there…" "But he is there. Confined, so I can be sure he'll take care of his pet." "Peter was uninformed. He didn't know he and Tyler needed to feed. Their red blood cells were starved for nourishment. Tyler could have died. I need to monitor them closely. I need them in the lab." Unmoved by her appeal, he shook his head adamantly. "It's not a good idea." He frowned and drummed his long nails on the desk. "So the sharing of blood is making them weaker, not stronger." "No. I believe they'll grow much stronger if they feed regularly, but this is all new territory and we're
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learning as we go. There could be other side effects and I can't handle them if I don't have better access to the men." It was imperative to change his mind. "There's one other thing." She hesitated for a heartbeat. "I'm ready to start trials on a female subject." Abbi crossed her fingers behind her back. She was nowhere near ready but if he thought she was, he might move the men to her facility. "Oh." The Master raised a brow. "Who did you have in mind?" "Me. I'm the perfect choice. But I need the men with me." "Hmm…" What was he thinking? The Master's not stupid. "What are you planning Abbi? I don't want you to mate with Peter, he's not a true-born, and Aidan is your twin." "I'm not ready to mate. I want to test the effects of Lycan blood on my own." "You plan to feed from the wolves?" "I can do direct transfusions from their veins to mine and back." "The men have already been infected with vampire blood. Don't you need a fresh specimen?" "That could take a long time."
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"Not necessarily. The Lycan Alpha wants the wolf dead or alive. I can offer him a trade." "No! You'll kill him—and Aidan, too, if they can't feed from each other. We need him." He glowered at her. "I have no intention of giving up the wolf. He's mine. But I will use him as bait. We'll catch another wolf, maybe more than one. You'll have an untainted blood-mate." The thought of trapping an unsuspecting Lycan sickened her, but what choice did she have? She couldn't risk Aidan's life—or the others. "The men still need to be moved. I'll have to feed and run more tests. I won't have time to go back and forth to check on Peter and Tyler…" "I see your point but I don't want the wolves together. There's always the chance they might try to escape." "I don't think so. Where would they go without their blood-mates?" "I'm not willing to take the chance. You need a bigger facility, a place where they can be separated. I'll find a suitable building. You'll have final approval, of course, and then we'll have your equipment moved." "And what of the men in the meantime?"
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"You'll check on them more frequently and I'll make sure Peter has a phone so he can contact you if there's a problem." Abbi shook her head vehemently. On this point she refused to give an inch. "I can't go forward unless I have control over my subjects." Christophe looked as if steam might erupt from his ears, but he said nothing for a few minutes. "Very well. The men will be moved to the lab while we renovate a larger building. You will be responsible for them, but I'll have guards stationed outside. I'll expect to be updated frequently." She breathed a sigh of relief. "Can I take them back with me?" "No. I'll have them brought over later. Send Talon in here when you leave." Dismissed. "Yes, Sire." Abbi nodded and left quietly.
****
Talon entered the office and nodded in respect to the Master Vampire. "You wanted to see me, Sire?" "Yes, I have a job for you and I need to take you
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into my confidence. Can I rely on your loyalty and discretion?" "Of course." "Good. Because if you reveal anything I tell you in the confines of this room, you will be punished by death. Of course, if you handle this successfully, you'll be well rewarded." "You can count on my complete silence. I won't disappoint you." "Good. Do you know why the Lycans are here?" "I've heard rumors of experiments. There's always speculation when someone new enters the compound." "It's true that Abbi is testing Lycan blood and it might prove beneficial to our reproductive problems, but that's only part of it. Two of our men have become bloodmates to the wolves. All of them are experiencing changes in their blood and their bodies. It's truly fascinating, but I confess to being perplexed as well. A bonding between a vampire and a dog, it's unheard of, especially a pairing with a True-born Kindred." He shook his head. "A wolf and a vampire-hawk. Each man becomes an abomination, but stronger together than apart. In point of fact, they can't live apart. They must feed from each other or die." Christophe enjoyed the shocked look on Talon's face. "Yes, they're true
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mates in every sense of the word, except, of course, their inability to reproduce together. So, although their blood and their seed may very well impregnate our women, I need to find another purpose for the men. Can you think of anything, Talon?" "I can." "Well, don't keep me waiting, Talon. You're a bright man, and one of the few born Kindred I have left under my command. I'm anxious to hear your thoughts on this." "The way I see it, Sire, a strong wolf with vampire blood running through his veins would be a formidable opponent against the Lycans. Of course, if he were to die in battle it would put his vampire blood-mate at risk. So until an alternate method of feeding is found for our men, we might use the wolf in another, safer capacity. He would still be an asset as a strategist, predicting the Lycans' moves and mapping Arcadia city for us." "Excellent!" A broad smile lit Christophe's face. "This Hunter has already provided me with useful information. The wolf's own Alpha had another Lycan kill his mate and then made it look as though a vampire had committed the murder. The Lycan leader is trying to turn public opinion against us and break the treaty. He has
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thrown down the gauntlet and I accept the challenge gladly, because fate has put the weapon of their destruction in our hands. We'll create an army in their likeness, one they will never defeat. And you, Talon, will be my second-incommand." A satisfied smile creased his face. "And perhaps the father of a genetically stronger vampire-hawk as well."
****
Tyler had manacles on his wrists and a collar around his neck, but he didn't care. Even the armed vampires flanking him and Peter didn't infuriate him. His surroundings were alien but he was outside at last and he was going to see Hunter. Dusk had fallen and the woodlands were alive with nocturnal creatures. The scent of damp earth and fresh, clean forest after a recent rain intoxicated him. How long had he been locked inside? Time had lost all meaning in the underground chambers. If only he could shift and run… All too soon, they reached a two-story brick building on the outskirts of the colony. Abbi greeted them at the door and he took one last look at the moon, wondering how long it would be before he saw it again.
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A dark vampire who looked very much like Abbi blocked his view of the man he'd been aching to see. Peter reached out for him, but Tyler shook him off; he only had eyes for Hunter. His Lycan friend turned and they stared at each other from across the room. Hunter's crooked smile lit up his chiseled face, but it didn't set off butterflies in Tyler's stomach like it used to. Tyler walked to him and they hugged like men do when they're friends. It didn't make his pulse race the way it did when Peter touched him. He took a step back. "Are you—" Hunter glanced at the dark vampire. "I want—" Tyler laughed. "You first." Hunter beckoned the vampire. "This is Aidan. My mate." Aidan squeezed Hunter's arm and held out a hand to Tyler. "Welcome." The word was tinged with a hint of sarcasm, but the smile looked genuine. Mate? Despite what he'd already heard, the words took him by surprise, but he couldn't deny his friend's affection for his mate. Hunter seemed to accept his situation, even take pleasure in it. Reluctantly, he took the vampire's hand. Peter came up behind him, and his arms came around Tyler possessively. "It won't be easy, us living
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together," Peter whispered in his ear. "But always remember, I've got your back." No, there was no easy road ahead, but he wouldn't travel it alone. In this safehold only, there were no vampires or Lycans, just men. Thrown into a bizarre world not of their making, they'd created a family, one where he'd be accepted and loved at face value. With Peter at his side, he could face the challenges ahead. He'd come here looking for his mate and he'd found him. Tyler smiled at Aidan and Hunter. "This is Peter. My mate."
The End
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About the Author: Born and raised in the City of Brotherly Love, Gale cut her teeth on True Story magazines and Mickey Spillane paperbacks. These were swiped from her mother and read undercover by flashlight. Her weird choices in reading material—whatever she could get her hands on—inspired a love of romance and the desire to write her own stories. Life took a detour and she raised a family while working as a surveyor and a CAD manager. Now she has the best job in the world, one she can do in her pj's. Her books may be smokin' hot, but at the heart of each story is a romance and each one is written with love. Gale loves to hear from her readers.
Email:
[email protected] Webpage: http://galestanley.net/ Blog: http://galestanley.blogspot.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/gale.stanley.author Twitter: http://twitter.com/galestanley
Also by Gale Stanley: Available from Silver Publishing: Silent Knights Love Bytes Sleepless Knights One Night in Bangkok (June 25) SYMBIOTIC MATES Hunter and the Hawk Peter and the Wolf Talon and the Falconer (July 23) THE GENTLEMEN'S CLUB Point of Beginning Some Like it Rough
Available at Siren-BookStrand: BLACK WOLF GORGE Call of the Wilds Mating Call Captive
Reviews for SILENT KNIGHTS say: "Previous experiences have taught both Andy and Paul that being in a relationship makes a person feel like less, not more. But together, the two men create a healthy partnership where they are not dominated, lied to or cheated on. While it is sweet to see the men laugh and play together, their heat burns up the sheets in several m/m sex scenes." —RT Book Reviews * "Overall, I enjoyed Silent Knights as a nice quick read, with which I spent a few hot hours on a cold night, while cuddled up in the corner of the couch with a warm blanket." —E-Romance Reviews * "…the fast paced romance between Paul and Andy was sweet, and I found myself really rooting for them to have a happy ending." —The Romance Reviews * "Overall, I really enjoyed this story and I look forward to reading more by this talented author." —Happily Ever After Reviews
Reviews for POINT OF BEGINNING say: "Point of Beginning is a fun romp that hit all my romance buttons. …sparks fly as these two dance around their attraction finally succumbing to their passions in a fantasy induced night arranged by the owner of The Gentlemen’s Club." —Dark Diva Reviews * "Looking for the perfect combo to spice up an ordinary day? Well Alex and Jack are here to fulfill all of your cravings. I love their chemistry, and their affection as much
as their desire is what really makes this story come alive, and I cannot wait to read more!" —Coffee Time Romance * "Ms. Stanley delivers a wonderful tale to enjoy on a sunny afternoon and I, for one, am anxious to see what else happens in the Gentlemen's Club. I look forward to exploring more from this author's backlist and can't wait to see what other gems she has in store for us in the future." —Love Romances and More * "I'm a fan of Gale Stanley's work. Her characters are always very believable. You become invested in their lives and want to see them get their happy ending. She also leaves the conflict unresolved until the end, which has you constantly guessing what will happen next. If you're looking for a good hearted romance with hard-headed characters, this is the story for you." —Whipped Cream Reviews * "Gale Stanley wrote a beautiful story of a man on the throes of discovering his sexuality and gathering the courage to know himself and his wants. Ms Stanley sure knows how to write great tension between the characters, making me read on with bated breath and anticipation. We know that Jack and Alex would get together somehow, but we don't know how, and each scene built on each man's longing and yearning until I was ready to burst. And when they come together—ooh la la—be ready to combust." —The Romance Reviews
