Suffering & Salvation

Suffering & Salvation Celia Kyle & Kenzie James Published: January 2012

Published by Summerhouse Publishing. Copyright, Celia Kyle, Kenzie James. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This book contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws and Treaties. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from the author. Summerhouse Publishing http://summerhousepublishing.com Email [email protected] Editor Craig Kim Cover Artist Celia Kyle This is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents and dialogues in this book are of the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is completely coincidental. Smashwords Edition, License Notes This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Chapter One

They met over the gravy boat. Literally. Both sniffing and inhaling, getting closer and closer by the second…

Simi was cold and starving, and the chill air of winter seemed to sink right into her bones, no matter how many layers she’d piled on. Too bad going furry wasn’t exactly the answer to her problem. People might find it a bit disconcerting to see a golden cougar running around the streets of downtown. So she stayed upright in human form, trudging through the slushy snow, searching for a place to stay for the night. Temperatures were supposed to drop below zero, and she needed somewhere to hide. To eat. And when she least expected it, for once, God answered her prayers, her salvation emerging in the form of a conversation she overheard. Plodding past a burn barrel, two men were talking about Satisfied Women’s Shelter & Soup Kitchen, complaining they’d get a meal, but not much else. Spouting off that the director was a mean bitch that discriminated against men, saving all the available cots for the female kind. Simi didn’t have to understand the reasoning. Right now, she and the animal counterpart inside her, Cougar, needed a warm place to stay. And even if it was for just one night, Satisfied sounded like it could offer them a temporary safe haven from the bitter cold. For someone on the run, just like her. So beaten down, broken, brainwashed,

that it had taken near death for her to finally have the courage to leave, only to find she really had nowhere to go. At least, not far enough away from Malcolm. She knew he’d find her—it was just a matter of when. Should she risk it? Risk Malcolm finding her at the shelter? Until now, she’d shied away from those places, stayed under the radar so she wouldn’t be caught. When she’d run, she did it with the clothes on her back, her winter coat the only luxury she’d been able to take with her. Little money, no credit cards. Malcolm had everything under lock and key. Speaking of which, she was down to her last five dollar bill, and with her metabolism demanding more sustenance than she could scrounge from dumpsters, Simi’s stomach imposed its will and made the decision for her—to seek out the shelter. Cautiously making her way through the entrance to Satisfied, she knew it was a risk, but to her, a much needed and calculated one. Cold weather meant warm food, hopefully more food than she’d had in past couple of weeks. Cougar was restless, hungry, whining every day that it needed more, needed out…just needed something other than sleeping in the cold, digging through trash. Running on empty, the animal in her was tired of hiding. Standing in line to be served, Simi watched the man holding the gravy boat across from her, glad that Cougar had urged her to seek out the shelter in the first place. He was gorgeous in a rough way. A black five o’clock shadow covered the lower half of his face, the color matching his dark hair, its gentle waves just begging for her to run her fingers through the tresses. His eyes were a piercing green, like perfect emeralds glowing in the dim light of the dining room.

“Gravy, little one?” Simi jerked, unaware that she’d been staring, deep in thought for so long. She’d backed up the line while lost in her daydreaming. “Yes, please,” she whispered, the sound barely audible to even her own heightened sense of hearing, but nevertheless, she hoped the stranger had heard her. Cougar whimpered, anxious to eat, like a ravenous animal, wanting to devour the entire turkey she’d passed by. But Simi persevered. She’d be eating well enough for the evening. And if she were lucky, there might even be a bed or a corner she could occupy for the night. The volunteer ladled the steaming brown fluid over her turkey, mashed potatoes and stuffing, and with a humble nod, she whispered, “Thank you.” She moved down the line, taking a roll and silverware from other volunteers. Edging along behind fellow unfortunates like herself, she nearly dropped her tray when a soft touch landed on her jacketed arm. Mr. Five O’clock Shadow stood there, concern marring his features, brows pinched and lips drawn into a frown. “Hey, it’s okay. Just thought you might want to eat somewhere else. You know, away from here.” He pulled his hand away, ever-soslowly, holding his palms outward, as if to show he didn’t mean her any harm. “Easy.” The man dropped his voice as she had earlier. “It seems as if you’re not exactly comfortable around people, little one. Or should I call you…little cat?” She’d guessed right. Or scented, rather. She hadn’t given it a second thought, but she’d caught the hint of something while being served by him. Something earthy and

wild and free. Whatever he held within, it was pleased with his human counterpart. She too longed for a bit of happiness. If only she knew how… She nodded, trying her best to form a smile with her unwilling lips. “Come along, hon.” He turned away and she followed. Simi glanced back every so often, checking faces but recognizing none. Didn’t mean she hadn’t been followed. Didn’t mean any of the people in the room weren’t looking for her. Malcolm had spies. Everywhere. The volunteer reached a door and opened it, beckoning her to enter. She slid past him, not touching. Never touching. It was a rule. One of Malcolm’s many rules. She shook her head, dispelling the life she’d once known. With Malcolm, anything and everything had rules. Simi knew she needed to forget them now, if she ever wanted to give herself a chance at a fresh start. She slid into the chair in front of the massive desk occupying the office, then placed her tray on the smooth, wooden surface. The volunteer sat opposite Simi, and it just dawned on her that he had a tray of food as well. “I’m Brand.” She hugged herself. Would he want something for this kindness? Things were different on the streets…with a bartering system she’d yet to take part in. But the idea of trading her body…no…she just couldn’t see herself giving up the only thing that was hers. “Simone. But I go by Simi.” Because he’d called her Simone, as did the parents that never loved her.

“Simi. I like it.” Her knees bounced, hunger gnawing at her stomach. “Go ahead and eat, little one. Kitty has to be hungry. Don’t want her angry at me for keeping you from food.” He winked, a half-smile curving his lips, a gesture that instantly helped her warm up. He seemed lighthearted and kind. Fed her, understood her need to be secluded, but she was too tired and hungry to begin the process of reasoning with the hows and whys. At least, that was the way he seemed. But once she ate, if he tried to get over on her, she’d fight him. Cougar could take him. Simi could smell it distinctly now, the scent concentrated in the office: he was definitely wolf. She shoved a bite of a roll into her mouth. Blood sugar low, she knew the carbs would help raise it back up, ease the shaking. Next came a forkful of turkey. Cooked to perfection, it practically melted in her mouth. That or she was so starved she was imagining things. She moaned around the food, not caring how needy she sounded. Cougar purred as her stomach was filled with delicious food. “Kitty’s happy I take it?” His friendly expression was only outshined by his warm smile. It lit up his face, showing how handsome he truly was. It also seemed to make him appear less…foreign to her. “Cougar,” she mumbled around a mouthful of mashed potatoes. He nodded as he made a popping sound with his lips. “Cougar, then.”

Bite after bite went into her mouth, hunger pains easing with each passing second. She ate it all. The stuffing, mashed potatoes, bread, yams, turkey and gravy, until every bit of food on her plate had disappeared. She still wanted, but thankfully, the ache in her stomach she’d felt was fading now. Simi backed away from the table, huddling in the chair, knees drawn up to her chin. Cougar was pleased, if not completely happy. Cougar paced within, the feeling of longing projected to Simi. Strange, her animal wanted, but Simi couldn’t quite put her finger on what she wanted because Cougar wouldn’t just come out and say it. Brand pushed the other tray forward, swapping it for the now empty one. “Keep going. Cougar probably hasn’t had a decent meal in a while, huh?” He raised his eyebrow, as if daring her to lie. Cougar perked up, eyes wide and licking her chops. Ah, that was what her animal wanted. More food. The beast in her wasn’t quite done yet. “No, she hasn’t.” Simi wasn’t too proud to take the offering the man gave. The truth hurt, but little trumped hunger anymore. Even her pride. “Go ahead, then. When you’re full, maybe we can talk a bit? Find you someplace warm to sleep?” She wondered whether there was a hint of suggestion in the man’s tone. Cougar told her not to worry, but still, Simi was wary. She’d grown to trust in her nature, Cougar, from the moment she’d escaped, but Simi had been beaten for so long by Malcolm that she couldn’t help but be cautious.

In the end, she just nodded and proceeded to eat the food from the second tray, the one she knew was meant for him. That thought had her feeling some regret. “This is yours. You should eat.” She pushed the tray toward him only to have it nudged back. “No, I brought it for you. Wolfenstein is fine. We’re more than happy to provide for you, little cat—I mean, Cougar.” His face softened as he offered words of endearment, and in doing so, chipped a little more of her protective layer away. Cougar purred from within, rolling onto her back and baring her belly. Her initial surprise at Cougar’s trusting behavior was immediately replaced by laughter and a snort. “Wolfenstein?” She raised her eyebrows, unbelieving that a shifter would humiliate his counterpart so…cruelly. Funny, but cruel, nonetheless. “He likes being called Wolfie. Wolfie loved the video game.” “Really? Just Wolfie, and not you?” He laughed and rocked back in the chair, placing his hands behind his head, pulling his shirt tight against his chest…and when he did, she very nearly whimpered. His chest looked strong and well-developed. Strong. That word didn’t accurately describe what she felt coming from him. Fierce. Fierce fit better. She sensed he was a fighter. Outwardly gentle perhaps, but still a fighter deep down. “Okay, you got me. Wolfie and I enjoyed the game. But he liked it so much that he wouldn’t shut up about being named after it.” Brand shrugged. “So, Wolfenstein it was.” He leaned forward, index finger to his lips, whispering, “Shh…don’t tell my parents, though. They’d have a fit.”

“Why not?” He shuddered, but she took the action as a joke. “If they were to find out I named him something other than…well…Wolf, they’d be upset with me.” “Why—?” “’Cause they’re pretty old-fashioned.” Simi closed the distance between them and lowered her voice. “Your secret’s safe with me.” Only inches separating them, their scents mingled while they hovered over the desk. “I have a confession to make…I want to kiss you, little cat.” Cougar chuffed and purred from within, letting her know that she’d like to be kissed as well. “Cougar wants you to.” He tilted his head to the side, as if examining her. “What does Simi want?” She looked away, both unsure and apprehensive. Nervousness churned in her belly, turning her hearty dinner sour. Cougar growled at her. Her animal was upset, displeased with her indecision. Simi licked her lips and turned her attention back to Brand. “I-I don’t know. I just don’t know.” Brand brought a hand forward and rested it along her cheek, thumb rubbing circles over her skin. “So soft. When you know, you tell me, okay?” Simi couldn’t believe she didn’t even flinch at the stranger’s touch. She nodded and he leaned back. Releasing her, his fingers trailed ever-so-slowly over her skin as if

trying to savor their touch. Upon separating, a part of her wanted him to put his hand back, to feel the rub of skin against skin. Simi dropped her gaze, looking for anything to keep from staring at the handsome stranger across from her. Shifter like her, animal named Wolfie. She picked at the leftovers of her meal, but there wasn’t much remaining on the tray. “All done? Ready to find a place to sleep?” He rocked forward and rose from the chair—full of fluid grace and power. She followed suit, if a little slower, and absent of any grace at all. She stumbled, knees weak and threatening to give out. Brand rushed forward, grabbing her before she crumbled to the ground. He pulled her tight against him, pressing the front of his hard body against her, from shoulder to ankle. He truly was all muscle and power and strength. She relaxed into him, if for a fleeting moment, and enjoyed the feel of him. What it would be like to be held and protected and cherished by this strong, yet gentle man… Against her stomach a new hardness made itself known and she stiffened, her immediate reaction was to get away, to run. Even Cougar agreed, not remotely ready to be with a man in that way, just to be torn and battered and treated like garbage. He ran a hand down her back and palmed her head to his chest. “Shh, little cat, shh… I can’t deny we want you, but only if you’re willing. And if that’s never, then that is what it is, okay?”

Cougar settled, taking Brand’s words at face value, showing a trust that Simi didn’t quite share—at least, not yet. But she relaxed into his hold just the same. Maybe it was because she’d promised. The day she’d run, she’d promised Cougar to pay more attention to her, to trust in her instincts more than ever, for the two of them to work in unison, together as beast and human. Cougar hadn’t been wrong with Malcolm. Cougar had begged Simi to leave—perpetually at times—until a few weeks ago, when Simi had finally come to her senses and listened. She inhaled their scent, wolf and man’s, putting her guard down a little, purring with a hint of contentment. He stroked her back some more, just up and down, from shoulder to waist and back again, never going or pushing below that imaginary line. His hand cradled her head as if he would a child, soft, but protective. “You okay now?” “Yeah. I-I’m sorry for my behavior.” He squeezed a smidge tighter before releasing her. “Nothing to be sorry about, little one. Nothing at all.”

Chapter Two

Simi watched as Brand strode to the door and opened it, once again gesturing for her to precede him. Cougar made sure she watched his retreating butt with every step he took before accepting his offer. “Let’s get you settled in for the night.” She nodded, locking gazes with him for a moment before lowering her head. No! She didn’t have to look away anymore. Not with Malcolm out of the picture. He reached for her hand, taking his time like before, twining their fingers together in a loose hold before tugging her along. They went through the doorway and down a long hall, the sounds coming from the homeless crowd growing less and less with each step forward. He stopped in front of a door with no name or label to indicate what it hid. Brand ran a hand through his hair, frustration etched on his face as well as in the tensing of his muscular frame. “I don’t really have anywhere else to put you right now, Simi. I don’t want to put you in one of the main rooms. The noise…the overcrowding… I think that’ll drive Cougar and you crazy.” She hadn’t planned on getting any real sleep anyway. She only wished for a warm place. For one night. To perhaps feel…safe. Why is he being so nice to me? Singling me out?

With a sigh, he unlocked the door and opened it. She went in and absorbed what the space had to offer, trying not to think too much about the reasons for his overly kind gesture. Her mind raced, but she was too tired to be analyzing anything. The small room was sparsely furnished, with a large couch, TV and stand, and a small coffee table dominating most of the area. Through an open doorway near the corner closest to where Simi stood, she could make out a bed that had Cougar immediately thinking comfy and inviting. “It’s my apartment when I stay here. I’ll take the couch. You won’t have to worry about anything, little one, I swear it.” The words jumbled together, one into another, and she took a moment to decipher their meaning. She nodded. “Cougar likes it.” Simi turned around to face him, his body filling the doorway. “And I do too.” A couple of small steps brought her before him, then an easy shift of her muscles had the two of them hugging. Arms resting around his waist, she did her best to do what her body asked: to let go and relish this embrace of her own making. To not be the victim anymore. Stop overthinking and open her heart, just a crack, and show this kind stranger who the real Simi was. “Thank you.” Something touched the top of her head, lips or fingers or both, and though she and Cougar didn’t care which, Simi was proud of herself for not stopping Brand from doing it. He held her tighter against his solid frame, his erection pressing into her. She didn’t push into it, but she also didn’t shy away, either. And for her, not running away like a scaredy-cat felt like something of an accomplishment.

Brand released her and stepped back before turning her around and marching her farther into the room. “The bedroom’s through there. You can probably scrounge up something to sleep in. And I’ve got more food in the mini fridge. I’ve gotta go and help supervise for a little while, so just keep the door locked.” He turned her around again, this time to face him. “You scream for anything, and I’ll come to you, okay? No one has a key to this room but me, and I’ll yell through the door before I open it, all right?” She nodded, staring at his glittering eyes, imagining that his need to protect her was projecting from them. “Okay,” Simi replied. Brand moved his head in agreement. “Good. Eat, watch TV and get some rest. I shouldn’t be but a couple of hours.” He moved away from her and headed back toward the door. He stepped into the doorway, but before leaving, he turned back to her, and said, “Take care of yourself, little one. I can’t believe I’m saying this to you, but you’ve—” Brand sighed “—you’ve become…uh…important to me, and I’m not really sure why.” Then he suddenly left the small apartment, the soft click of the lock engaging trailing after his rushed departure. She hurried to the door, ear pressed against the thick wood, listening to his retreating footsteps—her sense of safety quickly dissipating the farther away he got. She double-checked the lock to make sure it really was secure. Confident that it was, she pushed away from the wood and twirled around to admire her new surroundings. Considering where she’d been for the past few weeks,

this was paradise. Heaven on Earth. She shuffled through the living room, hand trailing over the fabric of the worn couch. Even that seemed like it was a luxury. Simi padded into the bedroom and stopped in awe. And it wasn’t the bed that had her drooling where she stood. No, she and Cougar both rejoiced at the area connected to the bedroom. Holy crap, it was a bathroom. A great, glorious bathroom, complete with the most inviting garden tub. Cougar couldn’t swim in it, but she could at least bathe in some nice, hot water and splash around a little. Tearing her attention away from the prized tub, she took in the rest of what the apartment had to offer. There was a large dresser against one wall, and a washer and dryer stacked against another. By all appearances, Brand basically lived in an efficiency apartment at the shelter. She nibbled her lip, wondering if she could take advantage of the bath and washer and dryer. Mostly the really nice tub. One she hadn’t had the use of in quite some time, making her want to bathe that much more. Screw it. Strange place or not, she took what the man had said at face value and sprang into action. Simi dug through dresser drawers and found something to change into before starting a small load of laundry, and then blessedly went to the bathroom, but more importantly, the bathtub. She took a quick shower first, getting the grime of the streets off of her skin and out of her hair, scrubbing until the water ran clear. Simi’s hair was a deep gold, mimicking the color of Cougar’s fur, and now that she was clean, she could see hints of that shade returning as the marvelous feel of water cascaded over her.

With the dirt washed away, she filled the tub with hot water, steam wafting from the surface, tempting her. Cougar purred and paced and impatiently waited, delighted by the prospect of clean water gliding all over her skin and fur. Oh, yeah. Simi felt the same way. One foot at a time, she slipped into the heat, allowing it envelope her before letting Cougar out to play. Magic shimmered and danced around them, the glitter and sparkle of power, signifying the change, overtaking her human form. There was no distress…simply joy. Elated at being released after so much time in confinement, at being finally set free. Malcolm never let her shift. He didn’t allow her to do anything. Unless it was to please him. Oh, at the beginning of their relationship, it’d been different, she supposed. When she was young and impressionable, when he’d managed to convince her she was going to be his. And sadly, to her detriment, she’d accepted him…like a doe-eyed, little girl. Cougar’s instincts be damned. Hell, as if she’d even had the choice. Then came the hitting and the name calling and everything else no woman or animal should ever have to live to endure… She could only look back and thank god that though she was with him, the two had never formed that special bond of true mates. Never marked one another with the bite. Simi had dealt with all the punishment he could dish out. Until she’d hit her boiling point. It was either death by his or her hands, or leave and give themselves a second chance. She chose to fight.

Oh, but Cougar…poor Cougar hadn’t been out in so long. It wasn’t fair for her to be cooped up like that. Her animal was meant to be wild and free, not kept in a cage. Fur rippled through her skin and her body reshaped, taking her animal and bringing it forth, letting it have a bit of happiness in this sorrow-filled world of theirs. Simi’s consciousness melted away as Cougar’s sprang out into the open. Before long, Cougar had all the control, the power, and Simi let go, floating to the back of Cougar’s mind, watching her animal play and slap at the water. Cougar rolled over and over, slipping and sliding against the fiberglass tub, tail flinging droplets of liquid all over the bathroom floor. Simi laughed, indulging in her animal’s joy, not caring about the mess she’d be cleaning up later. Cougar was over the moon. It’d been years, if not their entire lifetime, since they’d been this genuinely happy. Because they weren’t under Pride’s rule…or the tyrannical control of that son of a bitch named Malcolm. Cougar listened to her thought, then went back to playing, dunking her head beneath the surface, only to come up and shake it free of the bathwater. Again and again Cougar did this, frolicking, milking it for all its worth. A noise. A shuffle. Something caught Cougar’s attention and the fear came roaring back. Cougar growled and hissed, sensing what Simi could not. Quietly, so quietly, Cougar left the tub, water dripping all over the floor, waves lapping at the edge of the tub in the wake of her exit. The cat crept forward, nose scenting, processing, cataloguing—everything. The air conditioner kicked on, and it

didn’t take long before the smells contained in the room wafted to her keen nose. Then it was there…she caught the scent, the source of the sound. “Well, my dear. It seems as though you’ve fucked up here, doesn’t it?” the voice she despised with all of her heart and soul preceded the man who now stood at the bathroom doorway. Cougar growled low, eyes narrowed, fangs bared. Malcolm. He’d found them, and now that he had, she wondered if he were there to kill them or to take them back to their hellhole. But how in the hell did he get in here? It really didn’t matter now, because the fact of the matter was…she knew this day would come. She also knew that if nothing else, Malcolm was a driven man. Fueled by rage and hate. So, did she really expect something like a door and a lock to keep her safe from him? Knowing their time on the run might be ending, Simi and Cougar both began to mourn. Grieve the lost chance to get to know the stranger with a kind heart. Brand. And what about Wolfie? Suddenly, Simi realized what she’d been pushing away all evening. The freedom of choice. And with that, she chose to fight, to stay where she was and be a slave no longer. She’d be damned if she was just going to roll over and submit. Or run away again, for that matter. Especially not for Malcolm. “You’ll have to be punished, bitch.” The derogatory name, the way he said it with such animosity, laced with unmatched bitterness, sent goose bumps rising along her skin. So unlike Brand. Not even close. Brand was gentle—his words were full of promise. Malcolm was nothing but a threat, like the devil incarnate, born of anger and hate.

Cougar pounced, using her weight to push through to the bedroom, shoving him flat on his ass. Bounding for the living room in search of more space to better fight, she squared off against Malcolm, claws digging into the cheap carpet, readying herself for combat, a battle to the death if need be. She’d do her damnedest…fight him tooth and claw. Cougar wanted to roll in Malcolm’s blood when he was dead, show everyone that she’d defeated this evil man, once and for all. Simi tried to reason with her, told her to focus, not wanting her to get too ahead of herself. “This way, is it, cunt?” The man smirked. And now Simi, who was supposed to be the rational one, wanted more than anything to rip his face off with her bare hands. Control shifting back to Cougar, their buried anger came boiling to the surface. And now, beast and human wanted not just to hurt him, but kill him for what he’d done to them. Malcolm jerked the tails of his shirt out of his jeans and tugged the pale blue button-down up and over his head, tossing it aside. He kicked his shoes off next, the snooty leather loafers she’d always hated. Animals weren’t meant to wear animals. Would he want to make a cougar rug out of her next? His pants and the rest soon followed, leaving him naked and exposed. Cougar braced for combat. Prepared herself to pounce, to rip him to shreds with her claws, to break his neck with her strong jaws. Cougar was free, and Malcolm didn’t have the control over her as he did over Simi. Cougar and she could be long gone before anyone would be the wiser. But what about Brand? She’d be on the road again, hungry and alone. Though, no longer afraid…and the man who defiled her no longer alive.

Malcolm couldn’t search for her—stalk her—if he were dead. Cougar had the urge to strike the man down. Hostility gnawing at her, driving her mad. Still, Simi wanted only to defeat, possibly maim, but not to end his life. Not for Malcolm, but for her and Simi, to stay and claim Brand for their own and make him theirs. After having listened to Simi’s reasoning, though it pained her to do so, deep down, in the recesses of Cougar’s mind, from where Simi voiced her concern, she reluctantly acquiesced, knowing they had to be better than him. That they wouldn’t stoop down to his level. Felt that fighting and winning was the only logical choice for the two of them. Then the glitter surrounded him, the mists of magic encircling his human body and forcing it to change its shape, to release and bring forth Malcolm’s beast. And become Bear. The shift was over in seconds, and the towering animal now stood where Malcolm’s human form had been. It roared at her, baring its teeth, dripping with saliva, eyes displaying the rage he harbored. It circled, growling deep, and she circled with him. Cougar accepted the challenge, taking slow, measured steps. She stayed low to the ground, claws digging into the cheap carpet, inching forward with caution in every step, making sure she had solid footing if the beast were to strike. When the animal struck. Bear lumbered through the room, pacing left to right on its large, clawed feet. Cougar stayed alert and ready as she mimicked his movements, waiting for Bear to

make one mistake, for the animal’s skill to be overtaken by its anger, enabling her to catch him off-guard. Unexpectedly, the solid door swung open, crashing against the wall before slowly easing back, stopped only by the presence of Brand’s large body there. Bear rolled up on his hind legs, posturing against the new threat. Cougar took this opening and pounced, razor-sharp claws slicing through fur, skin and bone. And she couldn’t help but relish the deafening roar of outrage and pain that radiated from her injured prey. She then quickly darted back on instinct, just out of the beast’s reach and steadied herself, waiting for the counterattack that was sure to come. Thick, dark, beautiful blood flowed freely from the wound she’d inflicted. Cougar growled at her accomplishment. Cougar could feel the protective rage and power pouring from Brand and his wolf, their still new, but unmistakable bond growing strong with each passing moment. From the corner of her eye, she caught Brand’s movements, limbs freeing themselves from cloth, his garments discarded and tossed to the wayside. No. This was her fight. Hers alone. Cougar wasn’t going to let Wolfie do what was destined to be hers. She needed to defeat Bear, show him she wasn’t the weak, frightened woman he used to know. No longer the subservient girl he could manipulate into thinking that she could never do any better than him.

Bear’s gaze was fixed on the shimmering ball of magic that was Brand, the wounded animal’s blood dripping and soaking the floor beneath him, flesh shredded from Cougar’s strike. Why isn’t he fighting back? Brand’s change complete, Wolfie stood there as if he were not only proud, but also angry. Thick, beautiful fur, black as night, covered him from snout to tail. The eyes she’d previously admired now glowed bright with hatred. Rage. Bear was squarely focused on the new threat, leaving himself open to an attack from Cougar, yet again. And so she didn’t hesitate, didn’t think, ran on pure instinct and adrenaline as she pounced on her overgrown prey, her sharp teeth cutting through Bear like butter, claws gaining purchase in his hide for another attack, piercing and driving as deep as she could, aiming to inflict the most damage to his internal organs as humanly—no—cougarly possible. Bear reared and roared, pain and anger combining into a sound she’d never heard uttered from another beast. He bucked and jerked, as if trying to send Cougar flying, but she wouldn’t relent. He’d hurt her so much in the past there was no way she was giving up that easily. Beaten her. Bloodied her to unconsciousness. Fucking raped her. Too many times for her to correctly remember. On the memory of being violated on countless occasions, flashing back to the disgusting, evil grins on his face after he was through assaulting her, Cougar suddenly became hysterical. And Simi knew there was nothing she could say to her to stop her animal from her frenzy. Fuck Bear. He was going to die. Today. Now. Simi felt Cougar’s rage mix with her own anger, and the hesitancy she’d felt before, on whether or not she’d end

Malcolm’s life, was all but forgotten now. Pure emotion reigned supreme. Cougar was an animal, after all. Wolfie snarled and darted at Bear’s legs, biting, injuring the poor excuse for a man, even further. First Wolfie, then Cougar, withdrew from the wounded beast. Blood coated the carpet, the flood of slippery fluid soaking into the fibers. Bear swayed on his feet for a few seconds, then dropped down to his four paws, rocking back and forth, sounding of utter anguish. Cougar felt no remorse as she attacked again, seeking death for Bear with her final strike. Leaping through the air, she opened her jaws, sinking her teeth hard and deep into the animal’s neck with all the pent-up rage boiling over for one, single purpose: to kill the bastard, the primary source of her Hell on Earth. She clamped down with crushing force, snapping his neck, ending his life in that instant. She waited, crouched over Bear, breathing heavy, the distinct tang of blood filling the air. She listened. No heartbeat. No life. The beast was dead, finally out of her life forever. No more running, no need to live afraid. It seemed that in the end he was more bark than bite, or Simi was tougher than she’d ever given herself credit for. Whatever it’d been, combined with unleashing Cougar from her cage, had all but sealed Bear’s fate. Though she never would’ve thought it, he had been no match for her. Hands. Gentle hands. They sifted through her fur, soft words murmuring near her ear, coaxing Cougar away from the killing edge, from all that rage, and back to humanity. “That’s it, little one. Let him go, come back to me. Shh…I’ve got you.”

Between one breath and the next, magic slammed through her beastly form. The change was painful, piercing bone and flesh, making every part of her body ache. This shift wasn’t the gentle breeze of earlier, but harsh and animalistic, spurred on by an utterly exhausted Cougar, shoving control over to Simi, demanding she take it back. Simi came to with herself being cradled in Brand’s arms, her naked body coated in Bear’s blood. Her gaze first landed on the dead man laying innocuously in front of the television, then to the apartment resting in shambles, to the door splintered from Brand’s forceful entrance and the furniture destroyed in the battle. She sighed deep as realization finally hit her. Malcolm, the bane of her existence, was gone, forever and ever, amen.

Chapter Three

“Come on, Simi. Let’s get you washed up and dressed. People are bound to be here soon. Just be quiet and let me do the talking, okay?” She nodded with a heavy sigh, unable to utter a meaningful word in her nervous and tired state. She’d done it. She’d killed him. And no, she didn’t regret it. Not even for a fleeting moment for the abuser and rapist who’d caused her unimaginable pain and suffering. Malcolm was gone, and she was alive and still here. With Brand comforting her, protecting her. Brand. A peace she’d never known settled over her and Cougar, their connection starting to solidify itself, the healing process having begun the very moment Malcolm was dead. Smiling, she stared down at Brand as he leaned over the tub, realizing with a start that they’d somehow moved to the bathroom. And that she was completely nude. Truth was, right now, she was too spent too care, too emotionally drained to give her compromising position a second thought. She noticed the shower was running…and she listened to the tiny beads of water beating against the tiled walls. “Step on in, Simi. Under the water, sweet. Let’s get that blood off of you.” In no particular order, exclamations, shouts and footsteps sounded from the living room, causing Brand to tense immediately. “Go on, hop in.”

He nudged her and she eased her weak legs into the tub, letting the water wash away the stink of Bear and Malcolm. Then Brand was gone, the sound of the door clicking shut following in his wake. She was truly clean now, the taint of her forgettable past spiraling into the drain, along with the blood and water. Hand propped against the wall in front of her, she heard voices drifting toward her, growing louder with each passing second. She turned off the faucet and snagged a towel from the rack, drying then wrapping herself up in the soft terrycloth. Simi stepped out from the tub, noticing the bloody footprints that now marred the floor. Her bloody footprints, mixed with the water Cougar had splashed before Malcolm’s untimely arrival. Even through the closed door the voices were closing in on her, with Brand’s being the loudest of them all. She somehow knew it would be okay, because he was there, handling everything for her. A hard knock, then the door opened and a stranger appeared. A police officer, but a stranger nonetheless. She skittered back a few steps before Cougar stopped her in her tracks, urging her to be strong. She’d killed Bear for chrissakes! She didn’t need to cower before anyone, let alone a simple man. Standing tall, Simi tilted her chin up, hugged the towel to her chest and tucked the flap in. He took a tiny, measured step back, eyes lowered. Simi and Cougar scented the air. Earth and wind and a fresh breeze floated over to them, and Simi knew she’d been wrong to assume that he was just a man. Because she sensed that a little hawk lived within this giant law enforcement officer.

He towered over her, filling the doorway even more than Brand had. “Ma’am, I’m Officer Parks…Gavin. Brand wanted me to check on you, see how you’re doin’.” She started her gaze from his feet up to his head, inspecting this hawk with a measured stare. But all Cougar wanted to do was come out and play, to chase, swat and nip at the little bird. Bad kitty. Now that her animal wasn’t caged any longer, Simi wondered how much trouble Cougar would get them into. “I’m fine.” Her voice was hoarse, the fierce growls from the fight having taken their toll on her. She cleared her throat, adding, “I’m much better now, thank you.” He nodded, his lips curling into a half-smile, not moving from his spot. “Sure. We’ll have everyone out shortly. Pack and Flock are going to work together on cleaning things up here.” Her father had always taught her to hate the two other groups of animals inhabiting the land, and though he never explained to her the reasons why, Simi also never asked, not wanting to spend any more time engaged in conversation with him than she had to. “What about…” She turned away, keeping an eye on him through the bathroom mirror, unsure of how to phrase the question. Thank goodness she didn’t have to. “Everything will be disposed of…taken care of…without a trace of what really happened here. The story will be that there was a break-in. Animals looking for food and Brand fighting them off…killing one of them. Something along those lines.”

She turned back, shocked at the mere mention of a cover-up. She hadn’t expected to be punished exactly, but she also hadn’t quite expected this, either. “But—” She had no idea why she was protesting. “Please. This is what Brand wants. So as far as I’m concerned, you’re not involved in this at all, ma’am.” “Oh,” she nibbled her lower lip, “I guess I just figured…” Though she’d been at Malcolm’s mercy for so many years, and her killing justified, there was no scenario where she could’ve pictured not having to face some kind of repercussions for her actions. Even though it was self-defense, she had to answer for what she did, didn’t she? On that thought, a familiar scent entered the small area, causing Cougar to perk up, then purring and rubbing from within. Brand was there, standing just behind the officer. Gavin, his name’s Gavin. The officer stepped aside, allowing Brand to pass and stand before her. He brushed her cheek, thumb stroking her damp skin. His attention was on her, but not on her. His gaze wandered, practically undressing her with his lustful stare. At least, whatever he was able to see of her toweled body. Finally, he pulled her into a tight hug, and asked, “You hurting anywhere?” “No. Not worth mentioning.” He harrumphed against the top of her head, and though he sounded aggravated, she ignored it. Because what mattered most was that he was with her, and that she was here, alive…still able to touch him. Simi wrapped her arms around his waist…and just

felt. Felt the rise and fall of his chest, the rapid beat of his heart, the whoosh of his heavy breathing. And he was hers. Forever and ever. He just didn’t know it yet. After having faced death together, there wasn’t a single part of her that considered this man a stranger. In fact, she knew Brand was someone special, someone who’d undoubtedly be an integral part of her life. Call her crazy, but she was more certain of this than anything else in her life. The sound of something rubbing, like the brush of polyester against polyester, and the distinct smell of synthetic material, let her know that someone else had entered. Simi turned her head and glanced at the figure approaching, narrowing her eyes at what she saw. A woman. Tall, blonde and thin, the police officer stood in the doorway, wearing a uniform that was just a little too tight for Simi’s taste. And there it was…she could sense it, even within this carnage and hell, the bitch’s desire for Brand. For the man who was to be her mate. Hers, goddamnit! She stepped around Brand, gritting her teeth, working her jaw. Protective as all get out, perhaps a bit insecure, Cougar let out a sound that was guttural more than anything, the most vocal her animal been in their thirty-five years together. Mine. The female officer jumped back, a quick inhale showing her true surprise. “I-II…” The woman stuttered, fear replacing desire within a few heartbeats. Simi scented her. Another wolf, one that was close to going into heat. No, no, no. Simi wasn’t going to let this bitch get anywhere near Brand.

Simi, with Cougar urging her on, took a step toward the other female, then another, stalking her. Just then, thick arms wrapped around her waist from behind and she froze, the fun of the hunt quickly leaving her like a deflating balloon. “Easy there, little cat. Easy.” He nuzzled just below her ear, nudging the wet tendrils of her hair aside to lick her skin. Calming, she tilted her head for him, encouraging his exploration, whimpering and squirming in his strong hold. Simi turned just her face, pressing her head against the side of his neck, and then opened her mouth, scratching her fangs against the delicate skin there. Simi licked him in that spot, then whispered, “You’re mine. My mate. Can you feel the bond forming between us? I can.” The body behind her, tall and lean, muscles covering every inch, stiffened. Followed by another stiffening of an altogether different sort. He cleared his throat, coughing. “Okay. Okay. Let’s get the mess sorted out so we can put all of this behind us.” She didn’t answer, just kept licking his skin, savoring the taste of her would-be mate. Cougar was in heaven and wasn’t ready to stop. Brand’s voice grew stern without any hint of true anger. “I mean it, Simi. Calm down.” She growled and pulled her face from his neck, with Simi slowly tugging control back from Cougar. Taking a deep breath, she turned her face away from him. “Fine.” “Better now? You scared those two away.” She glanced toward the doorway and nodded, pleased to find it empty.

“Good.” He released her, gave her a light pat on her ass, then added, “I’m going to bring you something to wear. Wait here, okay?” She growled, not at his spanking, but at the thought of the other woman flirting with him. The running, the fight to stay alive on the streets, coming to Satisfied, getting attacked by Malcolm…it was all starting to weigh down on her, causing her to behave more like beast than woman. She grabbed his arm as he brushed past her, holding him back, not wanting him to leave, the fear of him finding someone else suddenly lingering in her mind. She knew it was silly, but she couldn’t help it. “Mine?” she asked, whimpering. Cougar wanted reassurance and Simi was right there with her. “Shh…” Brand lifted her with ease and set her down on the countertop. “Now isn’t the time. But…damn if I’m not yours.” He leaned forward, a display of longing etched over the surface of his face, burying his head in the side of her neck, his teeth lightly scraping her skin. “Right there, Simi,” he groaned, “that’s where I’m going to mark you. When you’re ready, but not a moment before. Wolfie wants you, as do I. We both want to be yours.” His breath fanned over her skin when he sighed. “Now stay put,” he said with a teasing tone. A shiver ran down her spine, desire spiking high and racing through her veins. One more lick and then he pulled away. “I’ll be right back. Don’t go anywhere.” As if she would. She nodded and watched him leave, counting the moments until he returned.

The voices in the living room had quieted down. She heard Gavin and the blonde she’d scared the crap out of earlier speaking. Various noises, crinkling, shuffling, rustling, reached her ears along with a few grunts and groans. She imagined people moving Bear, removing him from the apartment so that the cleanup could start. Brand soon returned with a bundle of clothing in tow. She hopped off the counter and stood on tired, shaky legs. “Didn’t I ask you to stay put?” Simi blushed and looked away, playacting as if she were sorry, nodding. “I suppose this is what I have to look forward to? For forever?” She glanced at his face and saw that he was grinning ear to ear. “Yup,” she teased, trying to get a rise out of him. He leaned down and pressed his lips to her nose. “Did you hear me? I said forever.” She forced back her smile, then bit down on her lower lip so she wouldn’t give her excitement away. “Well, Ms. Headstrong…I’ll take it.” He yanked the towel away and dressed her with quick, efficient movements, pulling a shirt over her head, then helping her step into sweatpants. Thick, wool socks were placed on her feet before he wrapped her up in a large, winter jacket. “There, all bundled up.” Another kiss on the nose, and then he swept her into his arms, carrying her through the apartment as if she weighed nothing. “Where’re you taking me?”

“Shh…away from here. And before you ask, no. Everything’s being taken care of. Don’t you worry your pretty little head about any of this.” Simi kept her eyes averted as they moved through the small apartment. All she kept thinking about was how she’d caused the carnage, but damn if she ever wanted to see it again. Brand’s comforting words sifted through her heavy mind, but try as she might, she couldn’t help but wonder why strangers were so quick to help her. She buried her face against Brand’s chest when they stepped outside, the wind slicing through her clothing like a knife, chilling her to the core from one breath to the next. A few more steps and Simi was ensconced into an SUV, and the heater couldn’t blast hot air soon enough. She fastened her seatbelt, brought her knees up to her chest, then curled into a ball on the leather seat and pressed her forehead against the tops of her frigid legs. Brand stroked the back of her head. “Okay?” “Yeah.” She peeked out at him. “I feel like you’ll be asking me that for the rest of our lives. Thinking I’m broken…like I’ll never be done with gluing the pieces of me back together. And…and that you’ll be afraid of breaking me again.” His features softened, care and concern directed at her, but she didn’t know how she was supposed to respond. “Little one, you’ve been through a lot in your years and today is evidence of your hardship. It’s okay for a man to be worried. Especially if I’m your mate.” He rubbed his thumb along her lower lip, and when her tongue suddenly snaked out for a quick taste, she froze in utter shock at her premature action. This was clearly

not the time, but when Brand was just as quick to draw in a short breath, she relaxed a little, his response telling her exactly what she’d done to him. “If I didn’t know you were a cat, I’d call you minx.” He shifted the car into “drive” and pulled into traffic. “When I know for sure you’re in a good place, I’ll stop asking. I worry. Men do that.” “Especially mates.” Brand’s smile practically lit up the truck. “Right. Especially.” Simi rested her cheek against her knees, this time watching Brand as he navigated through the city streets, lights flickering past while they traveled to their destination. She didn’t pay much attention to where he was taking her, her safety now entrusted in the man at the wheel. The danger that had terrorized her was finally gone. Besides, she wasn’t alone anymore. Simi had Brand, Cougar had Wolf. Realization dawned as her eyes weighed heavy: it was only a matter of time before Brand would need some answers. Maybe not today or even tomorrow, but he would want to know what events had led up to the killing. *** When the vehicle stopped, she felt Brand gently shaking her awake. “Simi?” “Hmm?” She wondered how long she’d been asleep. “I’m going to pick you up and carry you in, okay?” She, nor Cougar, objected. Before long, her seatbelt unclicked and Simi reached for him, curling into his warm body to shield her from the cold. Brand kissed her forehead and pulled her close, strong arms easily supporting her. The SUV’s door shut, she snuggled into him, face

cradled against his neck, her cold nose breathing in the unique scent of her mate. Cougar let out a groggy purr and Simi agreed. In moments, a door opened and closed, locks clicked into place, and annoying beeps quieted from what she assumed was a security system. She sighed against Brand, all comfy and safe. His chest rumbled, vibrating against her as he spoke, but she was too tired to figure out what he said. Everything was crashing down around her, on her, the heavy weight of sleep too difficult to fight against. So exhausted that she was ready to give in. Then, Brand released her and she lost her hold, on reality, on her mate. She whimpered, fatigued muscles protesting her attempt to reach for him. “It’s okay, just settling you into bed.” Soft cotton covered her, wrapping her in its warmth. But when Brand’s hands weren’t there anymore, Cougar pushed at Simi’s mind, nudging her back awake. “No, don’t go.” “Hey, hey…shh. Just gonna get ready for bed. Can’t get in with you, not all grimy and bloody, little one. Give me ten minutes to wash off.” Ten minutes. She supposed she and Cougar could wait that long. Not a minute longer. Snuffling, she burrowed into the soft sheets that smelled of her mate. Simi crawled toward the other side of the bed, chasing his essence. She wrapped herself around a pillow, hugging it to her chest, burying her face against the smooth surface, sighing in contentment.

Time ticked by, though she wasn’t sure just how much, but it wasn’t long before the bed dipped, and a body, warm and hard, slipped in behind her. Earth and animal surrounding her, their body heat worked to increase the potency of their scents. Warmer and warmer she grew, until sweat formed along her skin. She huffed, “Hot…too hot.” Simi tossed her portion of the blanket off and wiggled out of her sweatpants, then her socks, followed by her shirt. She exhaled a breath of relief as she threw her clothing aside. Better. She pulled the covers back over her and inched closer to Brand. Thankful for having met him, Simi found comfort when she backed herself into his warm body, stopping when she felt his face buried against the back her neck. He rubbed his nose over her skin, inhaling, huffing, and then settled with a rumble. “Mine.” Yeah, she was his. And he was hers. The timing of their meeting had caught her completely off-guard, but she was too tired to make sense of anything that had transpired today, least of all the hows and whys of having found her mate so quickly and unexpectedly. If she weren’t so damn exhausted, Simi would like nothing more than to… Not now, but maybe later. No, most definitely later… Simi closed her eyes, and before she knew it, she was opening them to light streaming into the room, filling it with the sun’s golden glow.

Chapter Four

Blinking the sleep out of her eyes, she looked around the room, body still, cautious. She was alone in a bed that had Brand’s unique smells all over it. Only he wasn’t there with her. Sensing no threat, she sprang up, realizing her nakedness for the first time since she’d awoken, her memory foggy on how she’d lost her clothes the night before. Then she remembered. And it wasn’t for the reason she would’ve liked. She smiled, a feeling of contentment washing over her. Even though they hadn’t yet mated, she knew that Brand was hers. She couldn’t explain it, but she and Cougar trusted the man, implicitly. Actually, she could. He was not only kind and caring, but he’d protected her without question. Then there was her instinct, her gut feeling. Cougar’s intuition that told her everything about him was right, regardless of the short time spent together. Easing from bed, she padded to the window, absorbing the heat and marveling at the view before her. The backyard vast and its lawn manicured, the entire spread of land was surrounded by a high, concrete fence she presumed was well over eight feet tall. Beyond that protective barrier was a forest of trees, stretching tall and wide for as far as she could see. But what really caught her eye was a large pond, with plants and small trees lining its edge, and the inviting water within. Visually appealing, she was quite sure Cougar would freeze her ass off if she were to take a dip now. She sighed,

just imagining how beautiful the scenery would be in the spring, with those plants and trees in full bloom. No matter. Cougar still wanted to explore and run and play across the land. Maybe… But what if the house wasn’t Brand’s? She hated to assume, but he worked at the shelter, had a small apartment there, so how could he afford such a beautiful house built on this gorgeous piece of land? Well, she supposed the rest of the house was beautiful, if the look of the bedroom was to be any indication. Whoever the owner was, would they let her and Cougar play? Just a little? Did she need permission? She hated the way her mind worked sometimes, the way Malcolm had trained her to think. It bothered her to recall the past, but most of her life had revolved around Malcolm. Turning away from the window, she hurried through washing and dressing, anxious to explore. After what had transpired the previous night, she felt somewhat rejuvenated. Though, it bothered her to think that much of the change in her mood had to be attributed to finally being free of Malcolm. Wearing the same clothes Brand had dressed her in the day before, she made her way through the enormous house, walking silently on sock-clad feet. She followed the delicious scent of breakfast…of eggs, sausage, ham and bacon…dragging her along as if it were tied to her grumbling stomach. She trotted down the stairs, through a very formal dining room, then a corridor or two, until she pushed past a swinging door, and voilà, right into the kitchen. One that was roughly the size of Brand’s entire apartment at Satisfied. Maybe even bigger.

He looked up from his plate, smiled around a bite of food, then pushed away from the counter, reaching her before she could get to him. Whether this place was Brand’s or someone else’s, Simi was certain she was in over her head. This fancy, hoitytoity scene just wasn’t her. She’d be too afraid to touch anything. Malcolm had always yelled at her for being clumsy and uncoordinated. That she was so fucking stupid… No. She couldn’t keep thinking of him or his cruel words. He’s dead. She’d killed him. Gone forever. If only it were that easy. “Morning.” Brand planted a kiss on her forehead while he held her in a tight hug. “Ready to eat? I’ve got Gemmie making tons of food.” “Gemmie?” Simi rubbed her face against him, scenting him, warning others off. Gemmie and she silently acknowledged one another, trading nods and awkward smiles as they did so. Cougar could sense that the woman was a mated wolf, so she didn’t need to worry about her—as much. The animal in Simi was on full alert, and it seemed as if Cougar’s protective instinct was getting the better of them. “Mmm-hmm. I’m ready. Starved.” He touched the side of her face with the palm of his hand, and though she thoroughly enjoyed it, the hunger pains in her stomach were getting the better of her. Sniffing the air, the wonderful smells warming her, she wiggled away, adding, “’K. Food.” Her stomach grumbled and so did Cougar. He sighed. “Okay, food it is. Then maybe we’ll go outside for a little while?” Cougar perked up. “A run? Play? Hmm?” Though they’d only met, Brand seemed to have no trouble reading her.

“Yes, I believe Cougar would love to run and play, but I think the pond’s too cold to go in. Even for you,” Brand replied, moving the strands of hair out of her face, tucking them behind her ear. Simi and Cougar didn’t have to be told twice. She pulled out a stool and sat in front of the counter. She smiled her thanks to the bustling woman who placed a plate full of food before her. Eggs and lots and lots of meat. All hers and so much of it. Yum. Another plate quickly joined the first, this one with buttered biscuits and toast. Perfect breakfast for a starving cat. A large glass of apple juice followed a short bit later, with a stern look from a female wolf narrowing her eyes and giving orders. “Now, missy, you eat that. Every bit. There’s not enough meat on those bones, and Mr. Brand brought you in here half dead.” Gemmie shook her head at Simi and clicked her tongue. “Being his mate, you’re my responsibility now.” Gemmie sighed and glared at Brand. “She’s not gonna die from starvation. Not on my watch, you hear?” “Aw, Gemmie, come on…” Brand shook his head as if he were trying to defend himself. Simi relaxed a little, knowing she didn’t have to worry about this woman stealing her mate or her plate of food. On instinct, she pushed her stool back and stood, staring at the female wolf. “You’re wrong. Wrong. He’s taking good care of me. Protected me. Saved me from—” “Hey, hey, Cougar, Simi, she’s kidding. Just joking with me, okay?” He tugged on her hand, guiding her back to her seat.

Face pale, Gemmie came around the counter and wrapped her plump arms around Simi’s shoulders. “Oh, sweetie. Somebody did a number on you, huh? Don’t worry, Gemmie’ll take care of you. Just as I did for both of my wolves when their momma died. Now, I’ll just add a baby cougar to the mix. That’s all.” Gemmie pulled back and stared into Simi’s eyes. Whatever the woman saw in them seemed to satisfy her, and she hurried back around, returning to her cooking as she hummed along to what was playing on the radio. Brand nudged the plate toward her, then picked up his own fork and began digging in at the feast before him. Frowning, Simi picked up a piece of bacon and bit into it, savoring the salty flavor. “What’s with the sad face, little one?” he mumbled around a mouthful of eggs. She glared at him. “You keep pushing food at me.” He snorted. “That’s because you’re too skinny, for one reason, and two, hungry as all get out.” She opened her mouth to protest, but he cut her off. “Don’t deny it, Simi. You know it’s true. You haven’t eaten a decent meal in I don’t know how long. And no, I don’t count what you ate yesterday as a proper meal.” He focused on her, really looking at her as if he were searching her soul. “I want you and Cougar to feel safe and cared for here, Simi. Happy. Right now, I know that Gemmie’s cooking will do that for you. That letting Cougar out to play, having her run wild and free, will make you even happier. The rest…well…can wait.” He harrumphed, continuing, “Really getting to know one another will come in good time, which we’ll have a lot of, if I have any say about it.”

She thought he was going to say something else. About the subject that weighed heavily on her heart and shoulders: her miserable past. Sighing in relief for the time being when he didn’t, Simi picked up her fork and used it to cut out a piece of ham, then shoved it into her mouth. Delicious didn’t even come close to rightfully describing how good the succulent piece of meat tasted. Thanks, Gemmie. Appetite aside, he was right. She was underweight, and besides, filling her belly always made Cougar very happy. Simi wondered why it was so hard for her to accept the help he offered. But, she would. It went against her grain, but she knew she needed it. It would be nice for once…to feel full, safe and cared for…all at the same time. And the run outside wouldn’t be half bad either. It’d been years since Cougar last let her legs fly, eating up the ground with her powerful strides. Too bad it was so cold out, because she’d also fancy a swim. Then again, she could always splash around in the upstairs tub later. Not the same, but she could make it work. Bite after bite left her plate and went into her mouth, filling her stomach more and more as time flitted by. The apple juice soon disappeared, only to be replaced with another, by the ever-efficient Gemmie. Simi finished off all the meat first, then the eggs, before turning her attention on the biscuits. She glanced at Brand’s plate, noticing a slice of bacon just sitting there on the edge, calling out to her. Beckoning her…to…to eat it. Cougar wanted to snatch it from him. Simi thought better of it, and told her they should leave it be. But…but…the mouthwatering piece of bacon had Cougar’s name written all over it. Before she’d

finished mulling it over, Brand was easing the sliver of meat toward her with his fork, inching it along until it touched the edge of her plate. Smiling wide, Simi struck out with her hand, and before it could be reclaimed by her teasing man, she shoved it into her mouth, barely tasting the meat as it settled down into her soon-to-be gorged stomach. She knew by her animal’s action that Cougar was coming out of her shell, but nevertheless, Simi blushed, her embarrassment bordering on shame. Simi stared down at her empty plate, and offered, “Sorry.” Brand reached over, a finger beneath her chin forcing her to look up at him. “For what? For being hungry? For Cougar wanting something that I’m fortunate enough to provide for the both of you? Simi…all you have to do is ask and anything you want is yours. No need to inhale your food or protect yourself here. But you’ll learn that in time. Your past, your time on the streets were hard on you, I can see that. But you survived. That’s what matters now. You’re in good company here. I can’t say that enough. You have nothing to be afraid of.” She nodded and blinked, and with her food all but gone, Simi chewed at the inside of her lip. “Okay. I’ll do better. I’ll be—” “You’ll just be you, Simi. My beautiful cougar, my sweet mate. That’s all I’ll ever need.” She curled her lips up into a hesitant smile, the nervous gesture spreading to the bobbing of her knee as she weighed his kind words. Sifting through Cougar’s thoughts

on what those words meant to her partner in crime, Simi wanted to make sure they were both in agreement. Certain that they were, she replied, “Okay, Brand.” “Good. You still hungry? Thirsty?” Cougar whimpered, tail flicking, wanting to be set free to run and play. “Play now?” Simi held up her hand, thumb and index finger about an inch apart, then, “Just a little while?” He laughed, smile warming his handsome face, and ruffled her hair. “Absolutely, Coug, let’s go.” Brand pushed away from the counter, picked up their plates, then carried them to the sink. Simi moved to follow, snagging a rag hanging nearby. Cougar was impatient, but Simi tried to reason with her. Just a little longer to cleanup, and they’d be dashing out the door in no time. She bumped into Brand, their fronts pressing together when he turned around. He frowned, saying, “Outside’s thataway.” He pointed toward a door on the other side of the room. “Great. But I’d like to help you with the dishes first.” She’d always done the chores. Malcolm had seen to that. She cursed herself for thinking about anything that had to do with him. And yet, she continued to do so. Gemmie butted in, with impeccable timing in Cougar’s mind, and said, “No, no, sweetie. I handle taking care of y’all. You just go and have some fun, let Cougar stretch her legs.” The woman came toward her and leaned in close, mouth to Simi’s ear. “Pounce on him once or twice for me.” The woman pulled back and winked, and Simi

would be lying if she were to say that Gemmie wasn’t growing on her. Almost as quickly as Brand had. And the fact that Gemmie seemed to care so much for her mate, like a mother’s love for her son, well, only made it that much easier for Simi to take her kindness at face value. “Hey now. No turning my girl against me.” Brand’s face tightened, but it was easy to see that he was joking. Such an opposite to her ex. So refreshing. He snagged Simi’s hand and led her to the door, opening it for her as he’d done from the time that she’d been lucky enough to have met him. “Run free, Simi. Let Cougar have some fun for once. I’ve got, I mean, we’ve got, about thirty acres or so fenced in, with approximately another hundred outside.” Shock stole over her as she walked out onto the screened-in back patio. “This?” She waved her hand at the colorless, but manicured lawn, the surrounding forest, and the large house that she’d just stepped out of, then added, “You’re telling me that this is all yours?” He shook his head. “Ours. We’re mates, remember? We’ll get all the legalities sorted out this week. Need a little time for my lawyer to draw up the paperwork to add you to everything.” “What? Why? So soon? I don’t understand why you—” “Shh, little cat.” Brand sidled closer, nudging her with his hip. “Talk later, play now.” Cougar didn’t have to be told twice. Simi dashed across the grass, tossing clothing aside as she ran, the cold lawn squishing beneath her feet, giving and flattening

to the weight of every step she took. By the time the last of her clothing dropped from her fingertips, she was already in the middle of her shift, going down to all fours in moments, eating up the ground with her lengthy strides on the expansive yard. Woo-hoo! A yip behind her signaled Brand’s change, Wolfie following, but hanging back a bit to let her explore. Echoes of his paws pounding the earth along with hers made her realize that this was the happiest she’d been in a very long time. So much so that she never wanted to let the feeling go. When a large space appeared in the concrete barrier, she sprinted toward it, wondering who had opened it for her. Gemmie. Soon, Simi and Cougar were in the forest, the scent of earth and live wood assaulting her senses, the smell of other animals wafting to her nose. She loved it. They both did. This was so soothing…so healing. She took it all in, reveling in everything that nature had to offer, all as she inhaled deep and let Cougar run wild and free. Squirrels scattered through trees and Cougar was hard-pressed not to give chase. The hunter inside was getting the better of her. But she held back for now, because she was having so much fun, just taking it all in as her animal ran like she was meant to. She easily cleared a fallen log, stretching her legs, the wind burrowing beneath her coat and caressing her skin, cooling her with every step she took. Cougar ran and ran some more, freedom nipping at her paws, carefree and comfortable in her own fur for the first time in ages. Still, Wolfie stayed back, quiet but for his soft pants and the ruffling of underbrush. She bound into a small clearing and hid, anxious to see her mate’s wolf

when not under attack. It didn’t take long before he burst through, skidding to a stop and sitting on his haunches, tongue out and lolling. Wolfie was as beautiful and as large as she’d remembered, and she preferred the calm, happy wolf to the fierce one she saw when fighting Bear. Cougar purred as she approached, rubbing her muzzle against his, then along his neck. Marking him as hers, coating him in her scent. Wolfie did the same, familiarizing himself with her body and she allowed it, granting him the freedom to explore her to his heart’s content. He approached her rear and she flicked her tail to the side, watching as he eased his nose forward to sniff her delicate area. Wolfie’s presence from behind made Cougar want him now. Right now. In their shifted form. She chuffed and backed into him when he retreated. Wolfie retaliated with a nip to her haunch, but Cougar wouldn’t be denied. She presented again, showing him without words what she wanted to happen, what she needed from him. Cougar was more than ready, and definitely willing to mate with Wolfenstein. Wolfie growled low and pawed her rear, batting at her. She growled, and presented yet again. She. Would. Not. Be. Denied. Wolfie whimpered as he advanced carefully, not unlike his counterpart, moving with slow steps until his nose was between her hind legs. She purred in response, letting him know she wanted to be claimed by him.

His misgivings must’ve been eased, because he was now on top of her, entering her, flexing his hips against Cougar’s body. His teeth clamped down on the skin of her neck, fangs and teeth piercing her flesh, mingling his saliva with her blood. Furiously bucking his hips, Wolfie suddenly froze, swelled inside her, then emptied his seed. The sting upon his entry turned throbbing pain was yet another bit of evidence of their mating. Moments ticked past, their bodies locked together by the magic of nature, until he softened, enabling him to pull free. Wolfie immediately stuck his nose between her legs and she snapped at him, not wanting him to touch the swollen and aching part of her. He yipped and jumped back, circling her until he neared her head. She lowered hers, showing him she was sorry for her innate reaction, for pushing her new mate away. He approached at her submission, licking her ears and head, and she returned the favor, displaying her love with each pass of her tongue over his thick fur. Wolfie barked and hopped away, dashing a few feet before repeating the process, as if begging her to follow. And Cougar gladly did. This time, she let him take the lead, bounding through the forest, following their trail back toward the house, the cool wind blowing in their faces. Matching her stride for stride, Cougar growled when the scent of another wolf drifted into her nostrils. Male. Not shifted. Still man. She bounded ahead of Wolfie, cutting him off and forcing him to stop. Cougar growled lower still, pure menace imbued in the animalistic sound, keeping him still. Her tail flicked of its own accord, anger and protectiveness pushing her toward the

edge. Stranger wolf wouldn’t hurt her new mate. Cougar could and would submit, hurt, and even kill, if needed. She’d done it before and she could do it again—if she were left no choice. The crackle of leaves and twigs being broken reaching her acute ears caused her to immediately turn her attention to the man coming toward them. Teeth bared, back on her haunches, she was ready to pounce. Cougar dug her claws into the cold-hardened earth, just waiting for the man to make a wrong move. The stranger coming into full view made her muscles tense. A single flicker of aggression and she would rip his throat out. “Brand?” the unknown wolf called to her mate. Knew his name. But it could be a trick. She had to be alert. Malcolm had tricked her. Hurt her. Locked her up. More times than she cared to remember, and he’d been someone she knew. Cougar growled and advanced…cautiously. Thick fingers dug into the fur at her nape, grabbing skin and scruffing her, holding her back. She turned her head and nipped, teeth coming inches from the tender skin of her shifted mate restraining her. She jerked her head, mad as hell at Brand for keeping her from protecting them. Cougar against this wolf. Cougar would win. Cougar killed Bear. “Easy, Cougar. Just my brother. He’s not going to hurt me. Easy now.” Some of the tension faded, but nevertheless, she narrowed her eyes at the man, this wolf, Brand’s brother. She sniffed the air, separating the scents of her mate from this stranger. He smelled like her mate, but not as good, not as appealing.

Cougar finally relaxed and Brand released her. She turned and rubbed her muzzle against him, nearly toppling him with the force. He chuckled and hugged her neck before rolling to his feet from his kneeling position, hand stroking the top of her head while he addressed his brother. “Dean, this is Cougar, my Simi’s counterpart.” Not ready to shift back as her mate had, Cougar approached the other man, this Dean, sniffing the air as she went, searching for any sign of malice, but she found none. Cougar nudged his outstretched hand and allowed him to pet her, fingers gently combing her fur. “Nice to meet you, Cougar.” She turned, flicking her tail, showing him she wasn’t afraid of the new wolf, and returned to Brand’s side. Dean crossed his arms, staring at Brand. “Your Simi? Would this be the woman who caused all the trouble? The reason I’ve had to deal all morning with leaders of Pack and Flock? Not to mention, the humans? Hmm?” Cougar fixed her gaze on Dean. She wondered if Brand’s brother knew what really happened. When the other man’s met her stare, some of the color left his cheeks. With a sigh, he ran a hand through his hair, a gesture quite similar to Brand’s. “Okay, okay. I won’t pass judgment until I have the whole story. Can we go to the house? Talk through some of this?” “That work for you, Cougar?” Brand asked, beautiful in his naked glory. She sniffed, a bit annoyed, but in the end acquiesced, then nudged Brand’s leg.

Brand started forward and toward the house, his hand resting on her head, stroking her fur the entire way. The only time they weren’t touching was when he was gathering their clothing along the way. Even that seemed too long. Arriving at the patio door, Brand sent Dean on his way. “Go inside, we’ll meet you in the den.” Dean arched his brow. “Really?” “Yes, really. My mate, my rules. Regardless of your status, until she’s comfortable, she shifts with no one but me.” Brand’s brother tilted his head in an almost imperceptible nod of agreement before turning and leaving them to go into the house. Their house. Simi and Cougar had a place to call home again. A great one. Providing her with shelter and food and warmth, but most importantly, a kind and caring mate. One that was true and real, unlike anything she’d ever had with Malcolm. She swore, then and there, that she would never be a slave, not for anyone, ever again.

Chapter Five

Cougar relinquished her hold, reminding Simi to stay alert, to protect herself against the brother, this Dean, if need be. Cougar didn’t trust him, not entirely, just yet. But if their mate did, shouldn’t she? Brand held her clothes, staring at her naked body, taking every inch of her in. But his gaze was warm and gentle, full of love and affection. And he never pushed her. She liked that. And though she had mixed feelings about it, he was also giving her time. To heal, to learn to trust again. Hopefully, to love again. Both clothed and out of the cold, they padded through the house, hand in hand. He touched her constantly, not intimately, but just enough to remind her that he was there. They entered the den, a comfortable place with huge couches that invited her to take a long nap wrapped in Brand’s arms. An enormous flat screen television graced one wall, broadcasting the day’s news. Simi listened to the reporter talking about an escaped bear and such, the zoo official making promises to never let this happen again, protesters calling for change, and then…then an image of Dean’s face filled the screen. She made out the title “Mayor,” in bold, white lettering, against a blue background on the bottom of the screen, just below his shoulders.

The reason for Dean’s frustration from earlier sank in, and oddly enough, it sort of soothed Simi and Cougar. She understood why. Because he’d dealt with her mess, her kill, on a public and political level. She approached, sliding to the end of the couch closest to the chair that Dean occupied. “I’m sorry if I’ve caused you any trouble. He…” She bit her lip before she continued, “He left me with no choice. I defended myself. He would’ve…” Brand settled in next to her, arm around her waist and tugging her into his lap, pressing her head to his shoulder, his shirt absorbing her tears. “Easy, little one. Slow and easy. Tell us what happened. Dean is Alpha of Pack, so if you’re willing, I think he should know what happened.” “You haven’t told him?” “No, Simi. I wanted you to have the opportunity first.” She struggled, wanted out of his arms. It embarrassed her, shamed her and Cougar, how she’d allowed Malcolm to mistreat them for so long. Brand tightened his hold, not letting her flee. “I know, I know what you think, but it’s not true. It’s not your fault. I don’t know what that shifter did to you, but look, you survived it, whatever it was. That’s what matters the most.” “I also think that the dead body of that shifter in the shelter also matters just a little bit.” Dean’s sarcasm was hard to miss. Brand growled at his brother, a sound she’d only heard once before, when they’d fought Bear. Dean threw up his hands. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry. The stress of this reelection…damn it…everything’s just getting to me right now.” He sighed and slumped

into the chair. “This peanut gallery’s listening and will keep his mouth shut, okay, Simi?” She nodded and laid her head back on Brand’s shoulder, closing her eyes, letting memories that she’d buried long ago resurface, apologizing to Cougar before she pulled the images from their mind. “Bear’s name was Malcolm Hastings.” She furrowed her brows. “My parents introduced us when I was fourteen. He was sixteen then. I guess we flirted some, like kids often do. But before I knew it, my parents forced me to spend an inordinate amount of time with him. It wasn’t long after that he told me we were mates.” She smoothed her palm over Brand’s chest when Wolfie growled, soothing him. She frowned and breathed deep, adding, “My parents sent me off with him when I turned sixteen, I think. And then, I was moving in with him before I even knew what was really going on.” Her parents had literally shoved her out the door, clothes in tow, telling her she belonged to Malcolm now. That she wasn’t their problem anymore. That she was no longer wanted…or needed by them. Shock clearly displayed on his face, Dean asked, “They just told you to leave? At sixteen?” She nodded. “Yeah, I was told that I belonged to him, to Malcolm. That I was,” she glanced at Dean, “his property. Uh-huh. He would call me that. Said his parents had pretty much bought me for him. I didn’t understand, but the male members of Pride demanded I listened to my parents. It was my duty to do as I was told.” Simi shrugged, her neck and shoulders tense. “So, confused and scared, I felt I had no choice but to go

with him. At first he was kind, I guess…but then a year passed, and the yelling started. Then came the rules. Tons of them. One being I could never let Cougar out, ever. Made me do all the chores, cooking, cleaning…screamed at me for not doing it right and doing it too slow, that I was a worthless excuse for a mate. Wasn’t allowed to have a single friend…couldn’t have contact with anyone.” Brand stroked her back, helping to ease the kinks in her muscles. “Then came the hitting. He kept hitting and hitting and hitting. He didn’t have to have a reason…I was his property to do with as he pleased. Cougar tried to tell me that mates didn’t hit. That it was wrong. I tried to listen, I really tried…” “Shh. It is wrong, little cat. Very, very wrong,” her mate murmured in her ear, pressing a reassuring kiss to her temple. “One day, he nearly killed us. Beat us too much. Broken bones, collapsed lung, so much blood. He was so mad too…screamed at the top of his lungs that it was my fault he had to take us to the hospital. That I was weak and stupid.” Simi closed her eyes for a measured moment as her mind replayed the violent images from that frightful day. “When we got better, healed enough, Cougar said we had to run, hide, escape. That if we were to stay, he wouldn’t stop until we were dead. So for once in my lifetime, I listened to her and we ran as fast as we could. I was so scared, but Cougar was so strong.” Dean rubbed his face, palm scratching against the stubble on his cheek. “And then he found you at Satisfied.”

She nodded. “I don’t know how, and I guess it doesn’t matter much now, but he did find me. Came to finish what he’d started. But Cougar fought and killed him. And…I’m not sorry for it.” She jutted her chin. “Stubborn,” as Malcolm had called it, but he would never be able to call Simi that ever again. The alpha wolf leaned forward, the change in his demeanor distinct, power radiating from every pore. “And you shouldn’t be. I’m sorry I was upset earlier. You had every right to defend yourself. Your life.” Dean’s attention moved away from her and fell on Brand. “I’m calling it a valid kill. There’ll be no punishment handed down, but we should acknowledge her as a member of Pack at the Gathering tonight.” Simi shook her head. “I belong to Pride.” Alpha’s expression softened. “You’re with Brand now. So as far as I’m concerned, you’re with us. But it’s your choice. Should you choose to become a member of Pack, just know that we’ll stand behind you to the end.” In awe, she snapped her attention to Brand. “Really? Pride can’t take me back?” Dean snorted. “Would you want that? Where were they when it mattered the most? Look, Pack is strong, and we’ll be here for you…no matter what.” Alpha leaned forward, hand touching her leg to lure her focus. “Simi, how long were you with Malcolm? How old are you now?” She bunched her eyebrows, mind whirling, forgetting her age for a moment. “Thirty-five. So…way too long.” Alpha’s breath came forward in a gust, Cougar inhaling the scent, remembering it as the unique smell belonging to Pack’s supreme protector. His voice hoarse, he

whispered, “About nineteen years since your parents…” Dean didn’t finish the sentence, but by the distressed look on his face, Simi guessed he disapproved with their actions. “Yeah. Like I said, way too long.” Her mate’s arms tightened, holding her close. Dean rolled to his feet and held out his hand. She took it, allowing herself to be pulled to hers, and they embraced in a gentle hug. “Welcome to Pack, little sister.” Then and there, she felt accepted, cared for. A mantle of belonging settled over her. One that she’d never known when she’d been a part of Pride. Making her feel whole, cracks from years of abuse beginning to be filled, the healing started. Dean kissed her temple and released her back into Brand’s care. “I’ll see you two tonight at the house? At six.” Brand nodded. “Good. Flock’s attending.” Dean winked at her. “It seems you’ve made quite the impression on the leader’s son. They too have offered to be Simi’s protectors.” “Like hell.” Brand growled and she soothed him with soft touches, petting him. “I agree. We’ll let him know she’s now part of Pack.” Simi snuggled into Brand’s body, absorbing the warmth he had to offer. “One more thing,” Dean said, bringing his index finger up to his lips. “Yes?” Brand asked. “Not you—Simi. What lies did my brother tell you for you to be with him?” “Shut up. Leave before I have to hurt you,” Brand fired back. Simi laughed, smiling so wide her mouth hurt.

“I’m going, but not because I’m scared of you.” Staring at Brand, he added, “I have things to do and people much better looking than you to see. Bye, Simi, bye pain in my ass. See the two of you at my place.” Shaking his head at the retreating back of his brother, Brand asked, “Ready to get cleaned up, little cat? Get the run off our skin?” She rubbed her face against his chest. “Yes, please. Can Cougar have a bath?” Cougar poked her head up, blinking the sleep from her eyes. She’d been lulled to a nice little nap by Alpha, marveling in his power and protection. A purr filled Simi’s mind, followed shortly by the gentle stretch of muscles as the cat prepared itself for fun. “Of course. You never have to ask. This is your house, too. Anything within my power to give you is yours.” She released him in the blink of an eye, raced toward the stairs, smelling their combined scents in the air, running through corridors until she burst into the bedroom, stripping for the second time that day. Brand’s laughter sounded from behind, his pounding steps echoing throughout the quiet home. Their home. Simi froze as she reached the bed, another scent mingling with theirs. Gemmie’s. The bed was made, room tidied, a pile of clothes stacked on top of the large mattress. Assorted shoes were lined up on the floor, along the foot of the bed. Her gaze fell on the note sitting amidst it all. Simi reached for it, unfolding the crisp paper. I brought in a few things to get you started. I guessed your size, but if you need anything else, I’ll take you shopping and we can get you all sorted, little cougar. Gemmie.

A tear dropped from her eye onto the paper, blurring the ink. She wiped at the spot, wanting to save this gesture of kindness from someone she barely knew. Simi and Cougar would’ve never guessed that total strangers would ever treat them as well as this. Like they belonged. Like they mattered. Especially when her own kind never had. Laughing, Brand jogged into the room, only to fall silent. “Simi?” “She got me all these clothes.” She dropped to her knees, hugging a new leather pair of boots to her chest. “And so many shoes. Oh, Brand, I haven’t had new shoes in…” Simi couldn’t even remember, with Cougar shoving all of their painful memories to the back of their mind. Urging her to move on. Simi understood her animal’s message. The past was the past, and no matter what she did, she couldn’t change it. She only had the power to live for today, that she needed to move forward, make every day count. He knelt behind her, wrapping his arms around her chest, resting his head on her shoulder. “Yes, she did. And seeing the heels, there on the end, I imagine she may have picked up a dress for you as well.” Her head snapped up. “A dress?” She scrambled from the floor and hurried to the closet, giddy like a child on Christmas morning, searching out anything that might have her name written on it. She remembered having a dress when she was but a child, remembered feeling pretty, almost beautiful. Simi fingered the delicate material of each dress, shocked that there were five in all, each one more beautiful in its own way than the next. A dark turquoise babydoll dress caught her eye. With an empire waist and flowing skirt, she only hoped it could

conceal some of the weight she’d lost, and that the long sleeves would cover the lingering bruises from her stay on the streets. She pulled the hanger from the rack and held it in front of her. “Is this too much for the Gathering? Or not enough?” He strolled toward her, hips rolling with each step. Brand trapped the dress between them when he pulled her into his arms. “I think it’s perfect. You’ll look beautiful in that color.” She released what she held and cradled his face in her palms, pulling him close. On tiptoes, she brought their lips together in a soft caress, a gentle meeting of their mouths. She eased back a little, savoring his breath, before returning for more, licking his lower lip, gathering his essence and relishing his taste. Cougar purred her approval, wanting all of him, but Simi wasn’t quite ready for that, not yet. Though Wolfie and Cougar had mated, Brand and Simi had not. Cougar had always been the aggressor, but not Simi. Small steps…one foot in front of the other. Brand groaned and returned the favor, his tongue stroking hers, leaving more of his taste for her to lap up. She slipped her tongue into his open mouth, their deep kiss waking the passion buried so deep she forgot she ever had. He tightened his hold, pulling her closer. She moaned into his mouth, savoring this special moment with her mate. She traced his teeth with the tip of her tongue, the inside of his lower lip, and then nibbled the soft bit of flesh.

“A little more?” She didn’t know how much more, just more. The feelings, the gathering of pleasure, were different, new, but she liked it nonetheless. She’d never felt…so good before. “Just a little bit,” he agreed, invading her mouth, their tongues dueling one another, discovering, breath heavy with arousal and need, pressure mounting in the pit of her stomach and even stronger between her legs… One that she had no words to describe it…to do it justice. His desire was evident against her lower stomach, the material of clothing not acting as much of a barrier. Brand eased the kiss, bringing it back to light brushes and tiny tastes before ending it entirely, forehead resting against hers. She whimpered, easing forward again, not yet ready to end their make-out session. “Not so much, little one. My control is only so strong. And I doubt that you’re ready to go all the way, right?” Simi blushed and hid her face against his chest, shaking her head, wishing she was more like the animal in her. He tipped her chin up. “Hey, don’t be embarrassed. When you’re ready, but not a moment before. I’ll be waiting for you. Though…Wolfie feels better with having bonded with Cougar.” He leaned down and nuzzled her neck, and murmured in her ear, “He’s gloating, actually. He’s very happy with his little cat.” Cougar seemed delighted as well, constantly preening herself for when she’d see Wolfie again. A small whine, a sound she didn’t think she’d heard from Cougar before, filtered through her mind. Perhaps an expression of…envy? Want? An inquisitive arch

of her brow and she wiggled free, not wanting Brand’s touch to distract her train of thought. And then a single word pushed through the barrier between animal and human. Name? “Oh.” “Simi? What is it?” She wrinkled her nose. “Cougar wants a name. Like Wolfie. Wolfenstein. Wants something else besides Cougar. But I don’t know what else to call her. How did you come to give Wolfie his name again?” He watched her, eyes intent. “Remember? I told you we played the Wolfenstein games. A lot. He loved it so much. It just caught on, so I just started calling him that. And…it happened to stick.” “We don’t have that.” Her frown deepened. He picked up the dress and placed it back on the rack. “Come on, we can find something that’ll make her happy.” Brand sat her down in front of his computer, something much more sophisticated than she’d ever touched. But within moments, he had her surfing various baby name sites, digging through meanings and origins and picking names she could never have thought up on her own. He’d left her alone, saying that this was something only Cougar and she should share. He told her he’d be in the den, watching TV if she needed him.

Page after page she studied, losing time, looking and hunting for something that would make Cougar happy. Why wasn’t her cougar happy with, well, Cougar? Cougar growled at her smartass comment, and her search continued. Then Simi stumbled on it, one that meant “strong willed.” Cougar chuffed loud in her mind, purring and pacing, wanting. “Isa,” Simi said aloud, testing the name on her tongue, seeing how Cougar would react to the sound of her new name. Cougar replied almost immediately. Isa! Isa! Jumping up, she knocked over the chair, but didn’t stop to right it. “Brand!” Simi yelled for him, running from the room, anxious to announce the name they’d settled on. “Brand!” She raced down the steps and he met her at the bottom. She launched herself at him and he caught her around the waist easily, swinging her around. “I take it we found a name?” She kissed him, lips pressed hard together, and then pulled back. “We did! She chose Isa. It means strong willed.” He smiled. “She’d have to be to survive, to help you survive. It’s a perfect name and Wolfie is very pleased with her choice.” She hugged him tighter. “And she talked to me again. Oh, she’s so happy, Brand. She loves her name. And…she loves you.” She worried her lip, not yet ready to admit her own growing feelings for the man. Brand’s smile softened. “And Wolfie loves her.” He kissed her hard and fast before setting her on her feet. “Now let’s get that shower and change. The Gathering is

fast approaching. We won’t have time for a bath for Isa, though. I’m sorry, little cat. Just enough time to make ourselves presentable, then we have to get going.” Simi reached for him this time, the first instance of reaching for him, instead of him pulling her along. “It’s okay, she knows. She’s just so happy to have her very own name.” She and Isa both were. To finally be coming into their own, starting to leave the pain behind and begin anew. She tugged him up the stairs, leading the way, being dominant in a way that was completely foreign to her. Reaching the bedroom, she released his hand, suddenly nervous again, unsure. “Go ahead and shower first, Simi. I’ll just keep watching TV, and I’ll go after you.” She nodded and disappeared behind the door. The shower she took would be quick and efficient, a method to wash away sweat and nothing more. In minutes, she was clean and dry, wrapped in a towel and opening the door, allowing Brand entrance. She placed a hand on his arm when he approached, stopping him in the doorway and giving him a kiss on his lips. A small gesture perhaps, but it was a step in the right direction. Simi pulled the dress from the rack once again and slid it over her head, forgoing bra and panties just in case she needed to shift. She didn’t know these wolves. Didn’t trust, not yet. Hair still wet, she dabbed at it with a towel, soaking up as much moisture as she could. Cougar—Isa—didn’t like the loud noise of a blow-dryer, so she often went without.

Simi exited the closet and traipsed toward the dresser, smiling when she found a wide-tooth comb. Sifting through the tangles, she closed her eyes and enjoyed the calming action of running the plastic through her hair. “That is a beautiful sight.” He came up behind her, arms around her waist, erection pressing against the crack of her ass, but she didn’t flinch. She didn’t press back, either, but still, it was another step in the right direction. She opened her eyes and stepped out of his embrace, turning and drinking in his appearance. The muscles, the wet hair, the sparkling eyes of her mate. For once in her life, love was within a hand’s reach. Right there. She knew it. Beyond a shadow of a doubt. Before she lost her nerve, more spur of the moment than anything else, she blurted the words, “I love you.” “Yeah?” He didn’t move, so she closed the distance between them, hugging him, nodding against his still damp chest. “But I’m scared.” He ran a hand down her back, resting it on her hip. “I know, but you have nothing to be afraid of. Not with me. We’ll get through it, though. The healing. I promise.” Taking her lips in his, he then said, “I love you too, sweetie. Not just because of Wolfie and Isa, but because Brand loves Simi, okay?” “Yeah, okay.” He tightened his hold for a moment. “Good. Let me get dressed.” A questioning look marring his handsome face, he asked, “You know what?”

“No, what?” “We got so caught up in the day that we forgot to eat. It’s okay. I know Gemmie left us something in the fridge. I’m sure you’re as hungry as I am. Gotta hurry, though. Don’t want to be late when you’re the star.” Her stomach dropped—as nervousness, worry and now hunger gnawed her insides. She grabbed his hand before he could get out of reach. “Brand? I’m not wearing any panties. Or a bra.” He swallowed, Adam’s apple bobbing. His voice was hoarse and the bulge in his pants seemed to grow. “Because?” “I know it makes no sense, but what if I have to protect myself? And I have to shift quickly? I’m scared, Brand, and I know I don’t have to be anymore, but from where I’m standing, it’s easier said than done.” She was staring at the beige carpet by the time she was done with her confession. A single finger tipped her chin up. “It’s okay to be scared and worried. You don’t have a reason to be, but you have to learn that for yourself. If going half-naked to the Gathering makes you comfortable, then you do it.” “Brand!” Simi pushed her mate away, but she couldn’t stop her lips from forming into a smile at his jest. “I love it when you smile, I can’t help it.” A kiss followed, this one deeper, tongues tangling, arms securing, fronts pressing, and all she could do was whimper, not entirely sure what it was that was missing, but wanting it just the same.

He pulled away, a smug smile in place on his handsome face. “Just remember…you’re mine.” “And you’re mine.” “Absolutely.” She nodded, sighing deep. Okay, she could do this. She was allowed to worry and be cautious. Brand was giving her time, but she didn’t always need to be so defensive. She took another deep breath, giving herself a pep talk while Brand got dressed. Still too soon to fully let her guard down, for right now, Isa was in agreement. Better to be overcautious than to be dead. Now that Isa had been let out of her cage, there was no way she’d let anyone hurt them. *** Simi wished Gemmie was still there so she could thank her for the food, the clothes, her kindness, but she wasn’t there. Simi didn’t ask Brand where she was, but she was gone by the time they had returned from their run. She made a mental note to thank her later…for everything she’d done for a complete stranger. Having scarfed up their delicious dinner of leftover spaghetti and meatballs, Simi had helped Brand clean up, then she’d headed into the bathroom to look herself over one more time before they left. Satisfied she still looked presentable, Simi returned to her mate…waiting for her with the biggest smile on face. “Wow.” “I look okay?”

“Absolutely stunning.” Brand tucked in his polo shirt and zipped up his slacks before tying on a pair of boots. Good. Boots. She hated loafers. Malcolm had always worn loafers. Less to remind her of her ex, the better. “Ready?” he asked, adjusting the waistline of his pants. “You look pretty good yourself, little wolf.” She smiled. She was ready. Ready to start her new journey, and though apprehensive, Isa and she were looking forward to a life of freedom and change. “Yup. Let’s do this.” She approached him, slipping into her heels at the foot of the bed on the way, blowing past him and down the stairwell. “Careful, Simi!” Brand followed, but kept his distance. Giving her the space he must’ve thought she still needed. He grabbed a set of keys from the hook by the front entryway before opening the door and holding it for her to exit first. She stepped through and approached the SUV in the circular drive, and the closer she got, the more anxious she became. Once they were both inside, he turned the ignition, a worried look on his face. She placed her hand on his forearm as he shifted into gear. They were on their way to the Gathering. Her and her mate, Isa and Wolfie, driving now on the road to her second chance at life. “Don’t worry yourself, Brand. I’ll be okay. Promise. I’ll be okay.” Simi repeated those words, maybe trying to convince herself to believe in what she said. He snagged her hand and brought it to his lips. “Your wish is my command, little one. But I’m here for you. You’re not alone. Always remember that.” He set her

hand on his thigh and she kept it there, enjoying the flex of muscle beneath her palm as he drove them to their destination.

Chapter Six

Her attention just beginning to focus on the passing landscape, she was surprised to find them turning into a driveway only a few minutes after they’d left. “I thought…” “All the members of Pack live relatively close together. For obvious reasons.” “We could’ve walked.” He drew her hand to his lips again, brushing a kiss on her knuckles. “We could have. But I don’t want you to get sick, wet hair and all. Besides, I couldn’t take a chance in dirtying that pretty little dress of yours.” He winked and released her. The SUV parked, he asked her to wait so that he could get the door for her. She watched the joyful expression on his face as he circled around to her side, beaming from ear to ear as he opened the door for her. It was then that Simi realized just how much pleasure he seemed to derive in doing things for her. What a gentleman. What a catch. She felt lucky to have met such a kind, warmhearted man. Being good-looking with a hard body didn’t hurt, either. Not even the teensiest bit. Brand held her hand as she stepped down, ensuring she didn’t topple over. They walked a few steps to the front door and rang the bell. A tall woman soon appeared, blonde and looking as regal as anyone Simi had ever seen—dressed in a gorgeous silk gown with her hair upswept. Isa and Simi recognized her immediately as the police woman who’d been present at Brand’s apartment that unforgettable day.

The woman smiled, mouth going wide, face lighting up with joy. “Brand, it’s so good to see you.” Her voice was husky, oozing with arousal. “So good of you to come. I wasn’t sure you’d be here.” She stepped forward and reached out as if to touch him. “You know…with that stray staying with you.” Simi, not Isa, propelled forward, defense mechanism in overdrive, not letting any woman, let alone this pretentious bitch, touch what was hers. Simi snarled, stepping between them. As if the female wolf had just noticed her, the woman jumped back and squealed. “I’m that stray, you bitch. Back the hell off. Brand is with me.” Simi snarled again, louder this time, as Isa helped with the intimidation, lending a hand by extending and displaying her canines, shifting her fingers into claws. The female wolf dropped her gaze and Simi placed a razor-sharp claw beneath her chin, raising the woman’s face and pricking her with it, warning, “Am I understood?” The woman whimpered and closed her eyes, and Simi hoped the female wolf was smart enough to see just how close to death she was. Okay, death might be a bit extreme, but Isa didn’t appreciate the woman being a wolf-poacher. Wolfie was hers! Brand massaged the tense muscles of her neck, his lips a hairsbreadth from her ear. “Easy, Isa. It’s okay, I think she’s learned her lesson. I don’t think she’ll be trying that again.” He ran his hand along her arm, and her anger was quickly replaced by affection, a hint of arousal rising between her thighs as she tried to calm herself.

Adrenaline pumping through her veins, Brand pulled her shifted hand from the woman’s chin and back to her side. Heartbeat easing, she leaned against Brand, absorbing his calm. “Right, Margot?” The woman jerked her head in a short nod. “Right. So right. S-Sorry.” Good. Hearing Margot stutter made her feel good. Not very nice of her, but Isa was well pleased and Simi had to agree. So this is what it feels like to stand up for myself. Huh. I like it. Brand pulled her through the doorway, past the now shaking Margot, and once inside, Simi forced him to change direction, slipping into the first available room. “Brand, I’m sorry…” He placed a finger against her lips. “Don’t you dare apologize. We’re newly mated, little cat, and if any man were to approach you like that tonight, I’ll probably do the same. Besides, it was kinda hot.” He smiled and tugged her close, showing her just how hot he’d found the possessive display to be. “All better now?” “Perfect.” “Good, because we’re late.” He guided her toward the door and out into the hallway, following the flow of traffic to the back of the house. “We’re meeting in the Gathering room, and hopefully, there should be enough space to fit all of us.” She nodded, finding nothing meaningful to say, still replaying what’d happened, in her head. The crush of people made Isa nervous, made her want to nip at the wolves and birds that got too close to her. To stop touching her.

Finally there, Brand led her along the wall, staying as far away from the others as possible. He steered her up onto the dais and placed her in a seat to his right, the largest of the chairs resting to his left. That meant… She leaned over and whispered, “You’re Beta?” Only, it apparently came out a little louder than she’d anticipated. A snicker emerged from the crowd, followed by a loud, “Guess we know she’s not with you for your position, eh, Brand?” Everyone laughed, the sound rolling through the room in waves. Smiling wide, Dean jumped onto the dais and stood before his chair, raising his arms and calling for silence. “I call this Gather—” “We want our bitch back!” The roar emanated from the back of the room and the crowd shifted, bodies moving as the one who spoke, as well as his followers, shoved people aside as they approached. Snarls, growls, squawks followed the interlopers, until they all stood in front of the dais. Pride. Oh, good lord, they were here to take her back. Did they know what really happened to Bear? No, no, no, no! I’m never going back to that hellhole! Isa roared from within, standing up on hind legs and batting at the air, refusing to go, willing to do whatever she had to—to stay. They’d die before going back to Pride. Die fighting. She must’ve whimpered because Brand was right next to her, protecting her. His touch, his scent, easing her rising trepidation. “It’s okay. We’ll take care of this. Shh…stay calm, little cat.”

Simi jerked her head in a nod and evened out her breathing. Calm. She would try, for Brand. She narrowed her eyes and studied the members from Pride, their scents still familiar after all this time apart. Her father stood at the front, with his barrel chest, beer belly, rumpled hair and clothes, the stink of alcohol clinging to him. She could smell the stench even from this distance. He was a disgrace, not only to Pride, but to her as well. What an utter disappointment. Others were fanned out around him in the form of a semicircle, holding the crowd back. Her mother was there, looking broken, beaten, uncomfortable in her skin. Simi wanted to feel sorry for her, but Isa refused. “Wolf! I said I want my bitch back!” Her father practically foamed at the mouth, spittle forming in the corners. Dean tilted his head as if in acknowledgement. “So you said. However, we have nothing of yours. This is a gathering of Pack and Flock. Cougars are not welcome here at the Gathering. You are not welcome.” Alpha’s pronouncement was met with murmured approvals from the two groups gathered there, but scowls from Pride, her father roaring in defiance. “The whelp is right there,” he declared, pointing at Simi. Unfamiliar courage surfacing, Simi and Isa rose to their feet, meeting the challenge…with her mate by her side to give her the strength to do so. “I am not with Pride anymore. I am certainly not some property you can reclaim. I am with Pack now.” She took a step forward with each statement she boldly made, moving closer to the source of her agony, the root of so many years of pain and abuse she endured, spitting

on the ground as she came to a stop. Not very feminine, but something akin to anger came over her. Her father snarled and closed the distance between them, shedding clothes as he approached. Isa allowed for a partial shift, sensing no need for anything more to deal with her poor excuse of a father. Her fangs dropped, arms changing into razor-sharp harbingers of death. He came at her, but did so at his detriment. He had no idea what she was capable of. She was far removed from the helpless little girl she once was. She killed Bear…and she could kill her father just as well. Before the magic could fully overtake him, before the shift could protect him from a sudden attack, Simi caught him off-guard, wrapping her claw around his neck with lightning quickness. Tips first pricking skin, it pierced through the man’s flesh with ease. Isa’s power surged through her body, filled it with new resolve, making her stronger than the piece of shit that attacked her—his own daughter…and for what? For standing up for herself? He gurgled, grasping at her outstretched arm. “Simone,” he gasped through his pinched windpipe. “No, I’m Simi, counterpart to Isa, member of Pack. I am nothing to you, remember? And now, you are nothing to me.” She spat in his face. Rude perhaps, but it felt good to stand up to him. Growls and snarls from Pride echoed all around, its male members in obvious disagreement with her treatment of their leader.

“Silence,” she roared, the commanding sound coming from deep within. She squeezed tighter, ensuring she had her father’s attention. “Isa killed Bear. Snapped his neck in two. We’d been running for weeks. Had only finished our first meal in days. We were weak, helpless, tired. Even so, we killed Bear. What do you think we’ll do to you, now that we’re strong?” Simi tilted her head to the side. “Do you challenge me, father? For I will kill you. Isa will end your pitiful existence. After you’re dead, I will take your precious Pride and merge it with Pack.” Simi released him, tossing him aside as if he weighed nothing, Isa’s hatred fueling her own. He crawled to his knees, hands working to stem the flow of blood dripping from his neck. “Will you leave peacefully, or do you challenge?” She stood there, waiting. Almost hoping for the chance to destroy the man who had very nearly destroyed her. “Leave—” he coughed, blood splattering the smooth, granite floor. “I’ll leave.” She nodded and glanced at Dean, hoping he understood her plea. “Go ahead. Get out,” Dean called out. Alpha did understand. A few of the female members of Pride moved forward, joining their males. Dean began, “Cougars. Women. You have a choice. Return to Pride, or join us. We treat our women with respect and equality they deserve.” Simi and Isa held their arms wide, beckoning the women to see what they’d gain, the support and love that would flow through the women’s veins as surely as it flowed through their own.

Before anyone could respond, Gavin, Hawk, stepped forward. “Or Flock.” A blush stained his cheeks as his gaze wandered to one of the younger cougar females. Then, an older cougar on the other side of the semicircle came forward. “What about cubs?” An imperative ingrained in the desires of every cougar, born and bred. Cubs. To procreate, live and flourish. Brand encircled her in his arms, palms resting on her lower belly. “Cubs will not be a problem between wolf and cougar.” Simi gasped and turned her head to look at him. “I’m pregnant?” He smiled and kissed her nose. “Yes, we are.” “I thought I sensed something…but I wasn’t sure…” “We’ll discuss biology later, little cat.” Simi merged her hands with his. Cubs of her own. Bear had never gotten her pregnant, so she’d long ago pushed any thought of having one out of her mind. But now that she was, and with a man as loving as Brand, Simi was overcome with emotion. Tears began to brew when Isa purred and rolled, baring her belly, showing Simi an image of being pregnant with cubs. She fought to no avail as her eyes opened the floodgates. Some of the women edged away from her father, easing closer to Alpha and Beta, showing the decision they’d made. The young one, the one she thought Gavin had been staring at, sidled close to Pack’s alpha wolf. Simi remembered this one. Eama. Tears continued to flow as she tried desperately to recall what her little sister used to look like. Such a tiny little thing when Simi had lived with Pride. All grown up now.

Directing the question at Simi, her sister asked, “They won’t force me to be with someone? Have sex with anyone? Everyone?” Simi placed a hand over the left side of her chest. “On my heart of hearts. Never. Your choice, when you’re good and ready. Brand is my choice. And I am his. No one will ever tell you to do something you don’t want to. Not here, not with Pack.” She thumped her chest. “The love Isa and I feel…being free, being with the one we love, is something you will never experience with Pride.” “Who’s Isa?” “Cougar,” Simi clarified. “You named her?” Simi smiled, glimpsing the wonder that she and Isa had felt not so long ago. “We can. You can. If you desire. We should listen more to our hearts. To the cougar inside all of us. We have much to talk about, little sister.” Pride obviously divided, Dean stood before the Gathering. “Someone please escort our uninvited guests from here.” Alpha turned his attention to her father. “Never set foot on Pack lands again.” Gavin stepped forward. “Or Flock.” Her father sputtered. “B-But…but Flock controls most of the territory in this area. We’d have to move.” Hawk tilted his head as if in acknowledgement. “So be it.” Alpha turned his attention to Gavin. “I assume your father…”

Gavin nodded, eyes trained on Eama. “He will be. When he gets back, I’ll explain everything in detail to him. About what happened at the shelter…and what took place here today.” “All right, then. I want them out. Now.” Dean focused on the defecting group of cougars around Simi. “Welcome to my home. Whichever family you choose, Pack or Flock, you’ll be well taken care of. We promise you safety and respect.” The women shifted, feet scuffling, murmuring to one another, their uncertainly clearly evident. Simi caught snippets of their conversation, picking up on what worried them. She slid out of Brand’s arms and closed the gap between her and Dean, tugging his head down until she could whisper in his ear and convey their hesitancy. He nodded and pulled the attention of the Gathering back to himself. Clearing his throat, Alpha raised his voice. “Excuse me, please. I’d like both Pack and Flock to remember that Pride’s ways are different from our own. No matter what, though they’re new to us, we must treat these women as equals.” Gavin nodded as if in agreement, a wide, welcoming smile lighting up his face. “And I second it. And I know my father will as well.” Directing his attention to the newly recruited, Dean added, “And here and now we vow, in respect to your bodies ladies, your word is law, your desires are first and they will never be disobeyed. The father of your cubs, the men in your homes, will be there solely at your choice.” Simi breathed deep, her body tingling with the happiness she felt for her fellow cougars. Free women. So much hope shined in their eyes, their days of being passed

around like chattel coming to an end. A tear slipped down Eama’s cheek, the soft features and belief in the promise her little sister had just heard reminding Simi so much of herself before she’d met Malcolm. Simi kissed Dean’s cheek. “Thank you.” Brand growled low, but the entire room heard and burst into laughter. Even Simi joined in, reveling in the simple joy of being cherished and wanted like a free willed woman, a person of matter and worth…and not like a fucking possession. She hurried back to Brand’s arms and he swooped her up into a scorching kiss. One that Simi felt from her head to her toes, leaving her nearly breathless. “Mine,” Brand said, passion in his eyes. She stroked his cheek. “Always.” He nodded and released her, the women tugging her into their circle, chattering like a small group of birds. Before long, one woman yawned and then another, each showing the wear that her father’s rule of Pride had wrought. She waved her hand and got Dean’s attention. It was then that she noticed the Gathering had dispersed. She extricated herself from the women and approached her big brother. “Dean, I’m sorry we ruined your—” “Not at all, little sister. You showed your worthiness for Pack through your protection of what was important. And these women showed the same in choosing to leave Pride. Not an easy thing to do. Believe me, everyone, be it Pack or Flock, was proud to be here tonight. Can’t you hear the howls to the moon?”

She cocked her head, concentrating on the sounds coming from outside. There it was…the yips, howls and caws of happy animals…and all Simi could do was smile. They were her people now. Her family. She nodded, agreeing with him. “Good. Now, what can I do for you?” “They’re tired, Dean. They won’t say anything, they’ve been taught never to speak their mind.” “Of course, I can only imagine. Let’s get them settled for the evening, and tomorrow, we’ll start easing them into their new lives.” Simi looked at them, different, yet similar versions of herself only days ago. It would take time, and love, to bring back their smiles. She was sure Pack and Flock would help them find the peace they so deserved. “Okay. They have choices to make…” “And they’ll be given all the time they need. We’ll host a few get-togethers here, and also at Gavin’s father’s house. And hopefully, we’ll be able to make the transition easier on them.” She nibbled her lip. “Could they…could they switch?” Dean frowned at her. “I mean, if they choose Pack, but their mate is Flock…” Dean pressed a kiss to her forehead. “You were Pride, dear one. And now you’re with us. Doesn’t that answer your question?” A growl sounded in her ear and she leaned back into her mate’s embrace. “Yes, Dean, thank you.” She turned in Brand’s arms. “You growl entirely too much.”

He chuckled. “Says the woman who nearly tore Margot’s head off for almost touching me.” Simi sniffed, acting as if her feelings were hurt, pleading her case. “She was trying to take what was ours. It was all Isa’s fault.” Isa perked up, only to settle back down when Simi added, “No. Wolfie’s fault…and yours…for being so damn attractive.” “Very funny. Ready to go home?” “Yes, very.” “Good.” He tugged her behind him, stopping by the group of ladies on the way toward the door. Eama stepped away from the small crowd, nibbling her lower lip. So much like herself. Her sister shuffled over, worry etched in every line of her body. Simi anxiously waited for a younger version of her to approach. “S-Simi? Can I…um…can I stay with you? I haven’t chosen yet, but I’d feel…” Simi didn’t have to look to Brand for approval or his opinion. Not only because she was coming into her own, but because she knew Brand wanted her to be happy. So, without a second thought, Simi reached out for Eama and took her sister’s hand in hers, and replied, “Of course you can, dear. Brand and I would love to have you stay with us.” “I haven’t decided…”

“Take your time, sis. You’ve already made a really important choice for one day. And the right one, trust me.” Simi waved to get Dean’s attention, letting him know she was taking her sister home. The ride to the house was short and quiet, none of them rehashing the prior events of the evening. Simi could only guess her sister was hungry and exhausted, and thanks to Gemmie, she was glad they still had some food leftover in the fridge. Walking to the door with her sister by her side and Brand bringing up the rear, Simi was elated when Gemmie met them at the door. “Oh dear, oh dear. Another little cougar for me to take care of?” She gave Brand’s cheek a pinch. “I’m gonna beat you silly if you keep bringing people home, half-starved and scared out of their wits.” Like a whirlwind, Gemmie turned her attention to Eama. “Now, what’s your name, sweet?” Eama glanced at Simi and she gave her sister a reassuring nod and a smile. “Eama.” Her voice was so soft, so shy and innocent. “She’s my little sister, Gemmie.” “Of course, of course. I can see the resemblance. Poor thing. You must be hungry and tired.” The good-hearted woman wrapped an arm around her sister’s waist, dragging her to what Simi assumed was the kitchen. Simi waited for Brand to lock up, watching her sister’s retreating back. “Come along now, little one. We’ll get you fed and cleaned up. Oh, and I have the perfect room in mind for you. Looks out over the backyard, but it’s on the same floor as your sister’s room. And maybe tomorrow you can go for a run.” “Gemmie?”

Without breaking stride, and not turning back to look at her, the female wolf replied, “I know what you’re gonna say, hon.” “You do?” “Yes, I do. No need to thank me, dear. Being able to help you and your sister here, in any way, shape or form makes me feel needed again. And this old wolf, crazy as it sounds, loves it.” “Thank you,” Simi called out, but Gemmie and her sister were already out of view by the time she finished. “Thank you so much,” she added as her eyes began to swell. The older woman seemed to instinctively know just what she and her sister needed. She supposed any good mother would, any selfless person worth a damn. Like her mate, Brand. Simi stood in the entryway, staring off into space, willing herself to remember a single moment she’d shared with Eama. She couldn’t. Was Isa not letting her, or had it just been that long since… She felt Brand standing next to her now, but he was silent and still. “Do you think she’ll be okay?” Her voice was quiet, soft, filled with worry. “Yes. And I think that goes for you, too. Maybe the two of you reuniting, even after this long, will help both of you heal.” “I hope so. We have a lot of catching up to do. I can barely remember… I can’t for the life of me remember anything meaningful from the time we shared together.” He scooped her up and marched them toward the stairs. “Just give it time, my love. What matters is—”

She interrupted, “Is that she’s here with me now.” Her lips curled into a halfsmile as she believed the words she spoke. Simi wrapped her arms around his neck and relaxed into his strength. He carried them through the house and to their room, the large space being illuminated only by the moonlight. He released her and she slid down his body, feeling every ridge and line of his muscular frame. When her feet found solid footing, she laid her head against his chest, listening to the beat of his heart—one that she knew beat solely for her. Brand inched away from her, but she pulled him back, not wanting to lose touch with the man who already helped right so much wrong in her life. Isa paced from within, anxious to seal the bond they’d begun earlier that day. “Brand?” she whispered, the calmness of the memorable night seeming to deserve the respect. “Hmm?” “I’m ready.” She made sure her attention stayed focused on his eyes, wanting him to see the sincerity in hers, all as he heard the truth in her candid words. “You sure? So much has happened, Simi. Isa—” She shook her head. “No, Isa’s anxious, but she’s not pushing me. I want this.” “Oh, Simi. You stop me if I do something that frightens you, okay?” “Nothing you do could ever frighten me. I trust you with my life and the life of our cubs.”

Cubs, she still couldn’t believe she was having cubs. Mixed bundles of joy for her to love. Then and there, she swore she’d dedicate her life to always be the mother she never really had. And with Brand by her side, she would do her best to cherish them for the rest of her days.

Chapter Seven

Words suddenly stopped being necessary. Full, tender lips captured hers in a gentle kiss, a loving caress. She leaned into him, allowing Brand to take her weight, to do as he willed. Her trust in him was implicit and all consuming. Isa purred in agreement, tail flicking, shudders of excitement rippling along her fur from within. Brand moved slowly, his hands skimming the thin fabric of her dress. He stroked her abdomen, palms cupping the weight of her breasts. Her weak hold on her emotions coming undone, Simi trembled, breath coming out in a rush. The desire, the need, caused her breasts to ache, the juncture of her thighs to tingle in sheer anticipation. And that need of hers grew with every kiss, every touch he afforded her. “I want you, Brand.” Isa batted her eyelids, giving kitty kisses to the man about to claim them. He captured her lips again, his hands exploring her body with tender care, kneading her breasts, thumbs circling the hardened nubs through the outside of the dress she wore. She twined her arms around his neck, pressing her chest against his talented hands, pulling him closer, fusing them together. Tongues twined and tasted, and as she sucked on his, she reveled in his response, the pleasant mix of growl and groan that rumbled deep in his chest. She

explored on her own, touching and rubbing every part of him she could reach. Measuring his shoulders, squeezing his muscles, she discovered her mate anew. Brand pulled out of their kiss, nibbling and suckling his way across her jaw, then down her neck, causing her knees to buckle. He moved onto the juncture of her shoulder and neck, licking and biting, but not breaking skin. Isa purred and Simi squirmed in delight, that action shooting straight to her core. She whined, “Brand, oh, Brand.” “Like that?” He licked and then bit again, harder this time, claiming but not, at the same time. She wiggled in his embrace, needing something, but not knowing exactly what. It had never been like this with Malcolm. And to think, that asshole had been her first. Never any pleasure, sex with him had always hurt. Fast and painful, she’d hated every second of it. Brand moved slow, as if wanting to savor every inch of her body. Simi shifted her hands to his shirt, tugging and pulling it free of his slacks, spurred by the desire to taste and bite his skin. She yanked and pushed the fabric up his abdomen, getting stuck when she reached his arms. She growled low, hands moving fast to the V of the shirt instead, ready to rip it off of him and tear it to shreds if need be. Chuckling, Brand released her long enough to whip the polo over his head. Simi’s mouth watered, teeth aching to bite, Isa yearning to finish what they’d started. He bent down and quickly undid his boots and stepped out of them, then slipped his

socks off. Practically shooting up back to his feet, Brand stood still, and a few seconds passed before she realized he was waiting for her to make the next move. Understanding, Simi reached out, traced the bottom curve of one of his pecs, then followed the strong line until it disappeared beneath his arm. She chose a new line, this one bisecting his well-defined abdomen, the deep groove easing farther south, beneath the waist of his slacks. She wasn’t ready to go there, not yet. She stepped forward, both hands exploring, mouth kissing and licking, biting and suckling the skin of his firm chest. Brand groaned and cupped the back of her head, encouraging her. She flicked his nipple with her tongue, enjoying the growl she earned in response. Isa lent a hand by distending her fangs, scraping one across the nub, scratching the flesh, but not breaking it. His knees buckled, almost sending him crashing to the floor. “Enough of that, Simi. I won’t be able to make love to you if you keep doing that.” Smug. That was how she felt when she realized she could make him putty in her hands in an instant. He’d done the same to her, and she liked the fact that she held the same power as well. He dropped to his knees, gentle fingers skimming her calves and heading toward her feet. She lifted one foot so he could remove her shoe and then the other. He glided his palms up and along her legs, stopping at the hem of her dress. “Simi?” She’d be naked before him, but she had faith in her mate, so she nodded and replied, “Yes, please.”

He gripped the hem and rose, bringing the silky material with him, the softness against her skin causing another shudder of desire to pour through her veins. In what seemed like less than a heartbeat, she was totally exposed to Brand and Wolfie, body too thin in some places while sagging in others. The years with Malcolm hadn’t been kind to her, but Brand’s eyes didn’t judge, and he didn’t look away. Still, her immediate reaction had her arm moving to cover her breasts, her imperfect skin drooping in a way that had her averting her own eyes. “No, little cat. You’re beautiful. I can feel your strength just fighting to get out. Let go, Simi. Be proud of who you are…” Brand pressed his lips to hers, brushing their noses together. “Your body’s calling to mine…and Simi…I want to answer.” He edged her backward and she stopped when her thighs touched the duvet on the bed. “Lay back, little one.” She moved as directed, scooting onto the cool surface of the bed, enjoying the feel of softness against her bare skin. He stopped her when her ass rested on the edge, legs dangling over the side. Her instinct had her thighs closing tight, but he simply eased them apart, placing his body between her knees. “Just like that, Simi.” He lowered his head and bit her inner thigh, the pleasing pain forcing her back to arch, for Isa to purr in approval. She sucked in a breath, the strange, new feelings confusing her, and scaring and exciting her at the same time. “Brand?” “Easy. Just scenting my mate. Remember? In the clearing?”

She did. She remembered. He scented and nuzzled, then mounted. This…this felt too good to be wrong. As she derived pleasure from this special moment they shared, his tongue traced a line from her knee toward her…her pussy. Simi surprised herself by widening her legs, allowing him further access, aching for what he seemed willing to gift to her. He licked her. There. Oh, Wolfie hadn’t done that, hadn’t tasted her. “B-Brand?” “Let me eat your sweet pussy, just a little. So beautiful. Dear god.” “I’ve never…no one’s ever…” He smiled. Smug. He looked smug. Again. “Then I’ll be giving you a very special present, little cat. Just follow your body’s lead. Let it happen, okay? I’ll catch you.” Was she going to fall? He buried his head between her legs and sniffed her pussy. Just that word alone made her clench—the muscles she didn’t know she had were tightening in utter anticipation. Brand licked her again, up one side and then the other, moaning and groaning and growling with every swipe, telling her he enjoyed what he was doing just as much as she did. Then his hands came into play, spreading her nether lips, revealing everything to him. She wiggled and shifted, trying to close her legs again, embarrassed and feeling a bit dirty as she watched Brand pleasuring her with his tongue. She was so wet and aching for more—that it hurt so good. “Brand,” she hissed, writhing against the bed.

Body arched, fingers digging into the comforter, she cried out from deep within. Something was happening…and it felt so good and scary and wonderful she could barely contain herself. Every nerve in her body was more alive than they’d ever been. Her pussy throbbed in time with her heartbeat as each passing second sent the pleasure she felt soaring higher and higher. Steady pressure building between her legs, Simi bit down on her lip, hands active at her side, fisting the blanket with what little strength she had. “Close…so close.” Her breath came in harsh pants, her lungs burned and she couldn’t think. At this very moment, her mind only allowed for her to focus on Brand and what he was doing to pleasure her. He continued with a steady rhythm against her swelling pussy, tongue flicking over the same spot, over and over again. She couldn’t keep her hips still, and she felt the overwhelming urge to move. To be doing something to help her climax along. The pressure was nearing its boiling point, building nicely, her muscles tensing in preparation for her release. She wondered if she’d felt anything better than what he was doing to her with his mouth. “Brand,” she pleaded and begged, her body screaming at her that it was going to break any second now. He merely growled and increased the speed of his lapping, causing her to jolt, drowning her in so much ecstasy she thought she was going to die. She knotted her fingers in his hair, holding him there, bucking lightly against his mouth. And then it hit her hard, like a truck skidding down a snow-filled highway and crashing into the face of a mountain at a high rate of speed. She lost all control. Fingers

turning into claws, she held him still, the shattering of her body forcing her to grab onto something…anything. Because just like he’d said to her, Simi was quite certain that she was…falling. The building, the brick by brick assembly of her pleasure, now came tumbling down around her. She shuddered and froze, back arched, mouth gaping, gasping for breath while bits of heaven filtered through her veins. As all of her nerves lit up, words of joy, bliss and happiness sang along them. Isa howled in approval, tongue lolling as she rolled on her back, belly exposed. Simi had submitted wholly, giving Brand a part of her that she’d never given to Malcolm. Her love. Her body shook in her climax’s aftermath, pussy tightening and clenching, begging to be filled by her mate. She’d never, ever wanted that before, never craved it as she did now. But it wasn’t that hard of a thing to want with a man as perfect as Brand. He slowed the tempo of his moving tongue until he merely kissed her throbbing flesh. “Good?” “Oh…t-that was…amazing.” She propped herself up on her elbows and stared down her body at Brand. The cocky expression on his handsome face screamed of smugness. Then again, she figured he had right to be. “Want another?” She opened her eyes wide. “Again? Now?” He chuckled against her pussy and she jumped. “Oh.” She guessed so.

He rubbed his cheek against the tender skin, prickly hair causing new sensations to travel through her tingling frame. “Oh…that’s nice.” She dropped back onto the bed and covered her eyes. She didn’t know if she could live through another one…and so soon. Not with the aftershocks of the incredible orgasm still lingering in her system. “You do, don’t you, little cat?” “I’ve never felt one that strong before.” He stilled, breath fanning her moist pussy. “I’m glad that felt good for you.” She raised her head and glared at him. “You’re not being smug again, are you? Taking credit for making me come like that?” She didn’t wait for him to answer. Sighing, she continued, “To use your words, no, I’ve never felt so good before. Brand…I felt like I was flying.” She sat up enough to cross her legs in front of her, excitement taking center stage again. “Yeah. That’s what it was, Brand. I was flying. Like a hawk soaring over the sky… And it was simply…beautiful.” Brand crawled onto the bed and lay down, bringing her to curl around him. Head on his chest, she could hear his heart beating fast beneath her ear. She rubbed his abs, exploring her new man, wanting to get know every line in his skin, every curve of his muscles. “It was beautiful, Simi.” She circled a nipple with a single finger, spinning the nub round and round. It grew harder with every pass as Brand’s heart rate increased even more with each

second. She recognized the signs of pleasure he displayed from her own time under his ministrations. She shifted up. “You like that, don’t you?” Brand pulled her down for a kiss. “I do.” “What else?” she teased, smile forming with ease. He pulled her on top of him, his hardness throbbing against her belly. “Plenty.” “Will I like it?” A kiss was his first answer, soft and open-mouthed, tongue playfully flicking, but not entering. “If I do it right, yes. Always. And if I don’t, you can hit me and order me to keep trying until I get it right.” “All right…Brand?” “Yes, my love?” “I’m ready for more.” Brand pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. “I’d love for you to claim me. Make me yours. I want a mark. I want to make love to you, fill you, and then have you bite me.” He stroked the juncture of his neck and shoulder with his hand. “Right here.” Oh, Isa liked that idea. Other wolves, birds, creatures of every kind would know that Brand was hers. And hers alone. “Please?” She leaned forward, teeth scraping the skin, lightly abrading it, but not enough to break the surface.

Brand arched his hips beneath her, hardness pressing against her bare pussy, those telltale tingles shifting within her once more, his groan of pleasure echoing her own. Oh, she wanted that feeling again. But this time, she wanted him…inside her. She levered her body over him and scooted down, torso hovering over his groin. Propping herself on her knees, she unbuckled his belt and went to work on his underwear and slacks. He lay passive and she appreciated the gesture of trust. It was important for her to learn how to take back some of the control Malcolm had beaten out of her. Brand raised his hips, helping her shimmy the underwear and pants down his legs until they were off. She crawled up from his feet to his lower torso, eyes staring at the beautiful hardon between his muscular thighs. She ran a finger down the hardness and it twitched in response, causing her to giggle. “Hey, woman,” he growled. “No laughing at the man bits.” She cocked her head. “That’s what you call it?” “Hmm?” He rocked his hips. She stroked him from top to bottom with the palm of her hand, silk-covered steel shifting beneath her touch. “Man bits? Not very sexy, Brand.” She rubbed her finger over the slit at the tip of his erection where a milky drop had formed. She gathered it and brought it to her lips, tongue snaking out for a taste.

Isa perked up, stretching, sated from Brand’s attentions. “Mmm.” Simi and Isa liked it—it had a salty-sweetness to it with a hint of Wolfie. Their essence intrigued her, making her want to do to him what he’d done to her. She stared, licking her lips as she thought about taking him into her mouth for the first time. “I want to suck your man bits.” “You’re going to be the death of me.” He mumbled and chuckled, arm thrown across his face. “Cock, Simi. Or dick. How about prick?” She wrinkled her nose. “I take it you don’t like it when I call it that?” He didn’t respond, instead, he just lay there breathing heavy. Simi leaned forward and flicked her tongue across the small opening at the head of his cock, gathering more of his taste into her mouth. “Yummy.” She purred as the fluid spread over her taste buds. “Do that again.” It was a low, whispered order, but Isa knew he was just feeling the need. What she’d felt not long before. “Please, do that again, Simi.” Simi went back to lapping at his prick. Prick was a nice word, too, she guessed. She laved him, tip of her tongue circling the top, exploring the ridge beneath the head, breathing in the scent of his arousal. His body twitched with each touch, telling her without words that he was pleased with what she was doing. She pet him, gentle touches, circling him with her hand and stroking while she played, Isa loving his whimpers and pleas. She rose higher, staring down in wonder at his cock. She wanted to taste more of him. Lowering her face, she suckled the crown, seeing if she could draw more of his cum into her mouth.

Brand’s reaction was instantaneous. He lifted her head and flipped her over to land next to him, then he shifted so he hovered over her. “Too much, Simi. Too good. I want to spray my cum inside your sweet pussy. Yes?” She rubbed against him, skin against skin, moaning, “Yes.” “Come back here, then.” He rolled to his back like before and positioned her to kneel over him, legs on either side of his hips. “Just like that.” His cock hard and ready between them, she stared at Brand, waiting for him to say something. Toying with him. “Put me inside you, little cat. I want you so badly. Take your pleasure as you ride me. You have full control.” “I know,” she replied under her breath. Simi reached for him, understanding that he did in fact trust her. And also the importance for her to be empowered during their mating. Simi positioned his prick at her opening, then lowered herself onto him, taking his dick inside her. He filled and stretched her, touched nerves she didn’t know existed, brought the pleasure she’d experienced earlier, back to life. She kept lowering, taking more and more, until she rested against Brand’s hips, their bodies joined as one. “You feel so good inside of me.” “And my dick feels so good inside of you, sweet.” “Tell me what you want me to do.” “Fuck me, Simi. Ride me up and down.” He gripped her hips and guided her through the motions.

The tingles returned, springing up in her pussy, arms and legs. Her nipples tightened into hardened nubs and she rubbed them, hoping to ease the ache. Only…touching made them worse…and better at the same time. Pleasure and need combating one another, Simi struggled to think. “Beautiful. My Isa, my little cat.” His hands tightened on her hips and she followed his movements—rising and falling, letting gravity do its work. Her breath came in shallow pants, body fighting with itself, wanting to go on and be still at the same time. She raced toward release, letting the pleasure course through her, welcome and embrace her like it’d done before. Brand’s hands moved, but she didn’t care. Instead, she focused on the rhythm that would bring her to her second orgasm of the night. “Come.” She liked how that word just rolled off her tongue, but loved how the rawness of their action was turning her on even more. And then she felt his finger press against that tender spot between her lower lips. That special spot he’d licked and tasted, making her feel so damn good. She cried out, head dropping back, fingers pinching and plucking her nipples, body singing as she flew higher and higher as she moved up and down his length. “That’s it, Simi. Come on my cock.” He grunted and groaned, body tense beneath her, jerking with each rise and fall of her hips. She increased her pace, the flicking of Brand’s finger matching her own fervid movements, giving her more and more pleasure as she worked to snatch his away from him. Greedy, greedy little cat. Simi continued, shifting, sliding, caressing him with her inner walls, the pressure in her pussy mounting, getting ready to explode at any given moment.

Spasms caused her internal muscles to tighten around Brand, and the harder she worked at massaging and milking his cock, the higher and higher the blissful feeling sent her soaring. Isa and her, a cougar with wings, dancing on air. More and more he gave and she cherished it all, easing toward the sun, working toward her ultimate goal. And then… Then the position changed, Brand flipping them over, pushing her beneath him. The angle, the adjustment only furthered her pleasure, pushing her ever closer to the scorching heat. “Mine,” he growled, lowering his head to her shoulder, licking and biting the skin. Isa growled and snarled her agreement, distending her fangs. The pleasure hovered near, needing that simple, animalistic act to shove her over the edge. Simi lifted her head and sunk her fangs into Brand’s shoulder, blood coating her teeth and tongue, Wolfie and Brand infusing themselves with Isa and Simi for all of eternity. Teeth embed in flesh, she froze, scream of joy muffled against her mate’s skin. Brand thrust his hips furiously and then he did the same as she had, his teeth making their own mark on her. Body stiffening and stilling, the hot bath of his cum coated every bit of her inner walls. Isa rejoiced at the mating, savoring the closeness of their bodies, the mingling of their blood, tying them together in an unbreakable bond. Simi eased her fangs free of Brand’s flesh, lapping at the small rivulet of blood her withdrawal left in its wake, stemming the blood flow with her tongue against the

open wound. Her mate did the same, each of them still reveling in the aftermath of their once in a lifetime mating ritual. His cock was softening, but still inside, allowing her to savor the remaining moments of them being connected as one. His breathing eased and he rolled again, slipping free of her as he brought her to his side, tucking her head beneath his chin. She snuggled tight, wanting to be as close as she could to her mate, wishing they really could be one. Isa yawned, purring low, projecting the image of her pregnant with cubs, reminding Simi that there would be young soon—for them to look after. “Brand?” “Hmm?” “We’re having cubs.” She stroked her naked belly. Awed by the mere idea of becoming a mother. “Mmm-hmm. Yes, we are, little cat.” His fingers smoothed the skin of her back, leaving goose bumps in their wake. “I can’t believe it.” Wonder filled her voice. The very idea of motherhood. “I’m nervous, though.” “Shh. You’re not alone, Simi. I’ll be right there with you…by your side.” His voice was soft, quiet snuffles coming after the last word he spoke, letting her know he was already drifting into sleep. He looked sated, so happy and at peace. “But…” She nibbled her lip.

“No, buts. You’ll do just fine. Besides, Gemmie, Eama and I’ll be with you…every step of the way.” Breathing deep, he added, “You’re my mate, Simi. You will never be alone, ever again. I swear on it.” She lifted herself off of him and sat up, gaze fixed on his half-closed eyes. “I know, I know. You’re nothing like Malcolm…nothing like my parents. But still, I can’t just snap my fingers and wish it all away.” Breathing in a lungful of air through her nose and releasing it slowly through her mouth, she continued, “I just don’t want to be hurt again.” His eyes opened and he sat up, scooting his back against the headboard. Looking straight at her with a tight expression marring his otherwise handsome face, he said, “I will never mistreat you. I will do right by you and by our cubs. If I could, I would take all of your pain away, little cat.” “I love you, Brand. If anyone can help me shed the years of pain and suffering away, I know it’s you.” “And I love you, Simi, peculiarities and all.” “What? What’re you talking about?” “Panties or no panties, bra or no bra, I’ll still love you.” “Shut up, Wolfenstein.” Simi smiled. Not the smile of someone broken and beaten, pandering to her abuser. No. It was one of true happiness, of unconditional love and finally gaining acceptance… A simple expression that told of her escaping the clutches of suffering, and finding salvation in the arms of a wolf named Brand.

About the Authors

Celia Kyle would like to rule the world and become a ninja. As a fallback, she’s working on her writing career and giving readers stories that touch their hearts and *ahem* other places. Visit her at: http://celiakyle.com *** Kenzie enjoys writing, long walks on the beach, kisses at sunset, and eating lobster—not necessarily in that order. Living in South Florida gives Kenzie all of the above and then some, not to mention 80 degree winters, and death defying excitement—in the form of daily drives through city streets alongside fellow Floridians. With three cats and partner in life, coupled with the wonderful weather and beautiful scenery, Kenzie’s never short of inspiration. http://kenziejames.com