The Wolf Who Loved Her

The Wolf Who Loved Her

Kasey Moone

Published by Phaze Books Also by Kasey Moone Her Snowbound Knight Bubble Bath Delight*

*Forthcoming

This is an explicit and erotic novel intended for the enjoyment of adult readers. Please keep out of the hands of children.

www.Phaze.com

The Wolf Who Loved Her Copyright © 2012 by Kasey Moone ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Edited by Sarah-Jane Lehoux Cover Art © 2012 by Sarah-Jane Lehoux First Edition June 2012 ISBN-13: 978-1-60659-681-4

Published by: Phaze Books An imprint of Mundania Press LLC 6457 Glenway Ave., #109 Cincinnati, OH 45211 All rights reserved under the International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. 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 permission in writing from the publisher, Mundania Press LLC, 6457 Glenway Avenue, #109, Cincinnati, Ohio 45211, [email protected]. This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. The publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party websites or their content. No part of this book may be scanned, uploaded or distributed via the Internet or any other means, electronic or print, without permission from Mundania Press LLC. Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. (http://www.fbi.gov/ipr/). Please purchase only authorized electronic or print editions and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted material. Your support of the author’s rights and livelihood is appreciated.

Chapter One Jonalle Watson grunted at the pressure. The book weighed a ton. Why did she always have to find the most difficult places to stash her large antique books? Shouldn’t they be lower? The Dewey Decimal System be damned! She was the owner of Magick Books, so she could place her books wherever she wanted, gosh-darn it. She nodded her head and lifted her chin. That’s right! She secured the book, walked down the ladder, reached for another in the cart, and headed back up the steps. It was going to take all night; this re-shelving business. And it was already only thirty minutes until closing time. She growled. It was a never-ending story. Tomorrow, she’d have to get up and start the tedious process all over again. That was her life: a series of predictable events that left her longing for excitement. Her friends were right. At twenty five, she was too young for spinsterhood. She needed to experience danger and adventure. She needed to kick her cautious life to the curve—for good. Joni craned her neck back and studied her store. She had tried to give her establishment a down to earth feel with warm beige and green color schemes, but now she wondered if it was all too much. Maybe she was trying too hard. She rolled her eyes at the morose thought. Pity parties ain’t your thing, honey. With one deep breath, she worked to gain her composure. Though she’d been open for a month in the quaint Milwaukee square, only a handful of business came her way. Mostly from teenagers who thought books about the supernatural were “rad.” Though she appreciated their business, she needed new clients. Preferably ones with full time jobs. Kid money would only get her so far. She flicked her micro braids out of her face. She just had to remain optimistic, is all. Business was bound to pick up. Staying positive was the only way out of this mess. The chiming of the front doorbell yanked her from her pep talk. “Be with you in a sec,” she yelled over her shoulder, wrestling with

another difficult book. On the verge of securing its location, she groaned when it toppled from her hands and fell to the floor with a loud thud. Her potty mouth reared its nasty head. “Fuck me!” Suddenly she felt eyes boring into her. Great. She just had to lose her cool in front of a customer. A potential paying customer. Real professional, Joni. She pasted a bright smile onto her face and turned around slowly. And blinked. And blinked again. Below her stood the most gorgeous man she’d ever seen. He stared up at her with mossy green eyes that looked shockingly bright against his smooth, pale skin. Shoulder-length, inky black hair curled at his temple. He had a chiseled jaw, with a purple bruise on the side as though he’d been in a recent fight, and sensual pink lips. Broad shoulders and tight biceps made up his tall lean body. He must’ve been at least 6’2. A giant, really. A leather bomber jacket, gray sweater, and dark jeans did little to hide his impressive package. He looked like one of those rock hard soldiers from the movies, except he was the real McCoy. Hubba hubba. Heat rose on her face...and between her legs. Joni moved her mouth in an attempt to form intelligent syllables, but her vocal chords were on strike. It was a first for her. The man continued to stare at her, waiting. She suddenly wished for tight bootylicious jeans and a cute top. Not the baggy corduroys and dingy sweater she sported. She looked like a child. “Hi,” she offered. “Sorry about that.” She watched the man retrieve the book. He handed it to her and grimaced. Didn’t he know how to crack a smile? He was wound up as tight as a clock. “Here.” “Um, thanks.” She pushed the book back in place and looked back at the hunk. He still eyed her with that emotionless expression. If he thought to intimidate her with his stoicism, he had another think coming! “Can I help you?” “You can come down the ladder for one,” he snapped. Joni sucked in a breath. So, he was going to be a nasty customer then. No problem. She had her share of difficult patrons. Lifting her chin, she glided down the ladder, attempting to illustrate her composure, but her foot got caught in the last rung. A screech escaped her as she fell. Strong arms enveloped her before the impact. She clung to bulging biceps, mortified at her clumsiness, as black stubble scratched her cheeks. The scent of cologne and cinnamon filled her senses, and something

else, something wild and earthy that made her sniff him like a cat in heat. The man smelled good. She righted herself quickly and looked into his light green eyes. Noticing for the first time that his nose was crooked, and that the purple bruise on his jaw was nastier up close, Joni stared, her hand hovering above the mark. “Did someone hurt you?” He said not a word. Just gazed at her, deathly silent. She stiffened. What was his deal? Was he upset about the fall? She was not going to apologize for her clumsiness. “Do you need ice?” “No.” He nodded towards the ladder. “Do you?” She grinned. “I’m okay. I fall all the time. What about ice for you?” “I’m fine.” “Sure about that?” “Yes.” “’Cause I keep First Aid behind my desk.” “I’m fine.” “’Cause it looks like—” “I heal fast.” She frowned. What an odd thing to say. “Well, thanks for catching me then,” she mumbled, eying the bruise, absently wondering who’d have the courage to plant this man with a punch. He looked dangerous, unpredictable, muscle-ripped to the core. Shit, he’d probably made a ham sandwich out of the other man. Her eyes locked with his. To keep from groaning, she swallowed. Hard. God, he was fine. Silence ensued. Confused as to what to say and do next, she stood there awkwardly, sequestered between the bookshelves. They were closer than she remembered. One step forward and she’d be pressed against him. He finally spoke. “I need a book.” Joni mentally slapped herself. Of course he needed a book. She could help him with that! “Which one?” “Contemporary Magic 101. Got it?” Joni put on her game face and tried to make a sell. “Yes, I have that. I have everything that deals with the art of magic and clairvoyance. Don’t be fooled by the size of this establishment. I keep all of the best books here, so if you ever—” “Get it.”

She snapped her mouth shut. The nerve of the jerk! So she rambled on when she was nervous, but who could blame her in this situation? And who did he think he was barking orders like he was Captain Hero? More like Captain Zero. Annoyed that she found the rude man irresistible, she sucked in a patient breath. Don’t let this statue of a man get under your skin, girl. You need to make a sell. You need to make a sell. She pointed towards the front. “Just wait up there, sir, and I’ll be right with you.” **** Ian McNeal hid his smile. Had he upset the frumpy woman? Too bad. He didn’t have the time or patience for talkative humans tonight. Not when his blood still churned from the recent fight. His lips curled. So many people in the city tried to test his fucking patience. Not just members of his pack, but random werebabes at clubs. The kind of wolves bent on earning a name for themselves by attacking an alpha. Eyes narrowed, he rubbed his jaw, tension stiffening his muscles. He was worked up. He needed release. Beneath hooded lids, his eyes drifted to the woman, taking in every detail. She was short and round, with boobs and an ass to die for. Skin the color of mahogany. Tiny, curly intricate braids that fell around her shoulders and her sweet oval face. A small mole sat above the corner of her lips. Pretty. Not drop dead gorgeous like the women he bedded in the past, but pretty enough, despite her muddy clothes and tedious talking. He sneered. She was human. And one thing was certain: he did not fuck humans. As if on their own accord, his eyes drifted back to the woman’s ass, giving him ample time to reconsider his thoughts. He thought about how she’d worried about his jaw, and grinned. Maybe he should’ve told her that he’d beaten the shit out of the other fella. Maybe that would have put her mind at ease. Shit, he thought, annoyed at his softness. Why concern himself? Human worries were of no importance to him. Suddenly the AC rattled, and a waft of her scent hit him like a drug. He took a steadying breath, tried to ignore her powerful aroma, but found it useless. His cock grew rock hard, his balls swelling to full capacity. My God, what was happening to him? Compared to his fellow lycans, he was the epitome of control. Calm,

cool, and detached. Always the level-headed one in the clan. But the thrill of the recent fight and the scent of the human woman was screwing up his concentration. He glared at the bookshelves. How long did it take to find a book? Minutes later she approached the front register, his book in tow. Up close, he stared at the pink gloss on her lips. They were good, kissable lips. Sensing his intense appraisal, she looked up. “That’ll be twelve bucks.” He tossed her a fifty. “Keep the change.” “Excuse me?” He tilted his head and slowly repeated his words. “Keep the change.” Her eyes narrowed and the vein in her neck ticked. The woman was no push-over. Inside, he smiled in appreciation then stared, wondering what she was going to say next. Most women jumped when a McNeal said jump, even those who knew nothing of his lineage, but this little human had guts. “That isn’t necessary, you know.” She snatched the money from the counter. “This isn’t a bar.” She deposited the cash in the register and waved the change in his face. Ignoring the money, he leaned in close and bit back a smile when her eyes widened. Unnerving her did wonders to his ego. No matter how hard she played, she wasn’t as immune to his presence as she pretended to be. Her arousal told him as much. Sniffing the air, he grunted and leaned in closer, thrilled by her scent. His cock lengthened, straining against the rough fabric of his jeans. He knew his eyes were shining a deep green, revealing the wolf inside, but he couldn’t seem to control himself. The woman called to him—on a primal level. The decision was made. He’d have to have her. Not tonight, but soon, after she warmed up to him. He’d have to go slow with this little chatterbox. Humans could be a squeamish species. Glancing at the name displayed on her tag, he took the book. “Thank you, Joni. I’ll see you soon.” “Whatever,” she mumbled just before he reached the door. At the reply, he turned and faced her once more, an amused look curving his lips. “Whatever isn’t the right word for what I imagine, sweetheart.” When her jaw dropped in shock, he opened the door and disappeared into the night.

Chapter Two Joni awoke with a crick in her neck, thinking about the enigmatic stranger from last night. Flipping her bed covers aside, she growled loudly. That’s it. She had to get laid. Soon. Maybe Trichelle could fix her up on a blind date. Her long time friend loved playing matchmaker. She yanked her braids up into a ponytail and shuffled towards the kitchen. After chugging down two cups of milk, she dressed and dragged herself downstairs to open up the shop, silently praying for new customers. At the foot of the stairs, she unlocked the double bolt doors and stepped directly into the store. Her breathing stuttered as she gazed, horrified. The place was trashed; fallen bookshelves, cracked display cases, serenity posters ripped in two. It was a scene straight out of a disaster movie. Staggering back against the wall, Joni took a calming breath, trying to make sense of the incident. Who’d do such a thing? Who’d be so hateful? She didn’t have any enemies. She was a nice sweet girl. These things didn’t happen to nice sweet girls! Blinking back tears, she stared at the crowbar wedged between the front door and panel, and at the muddy footprints on the floor mat. Her mind worked. Hadn’t she heard a hammering noise last night? Thinking it’d been the generator, she’d gone back to sleep. Joni cursed her stupidity then scanned the room, expecting a stranger to charge at any moment, but no one was there. Rubbing her red eyes, a hysterical laugh escaped her. What was she supposed to do now? Her whole livelihood was invested in the store. It wasn’t like she could run home to mommy and daddy at the first sign of trouble. A car accident had killed her parents years ago. She was alone in the world. She clutched her heart at the thought, and then moved through the sea of scattered books, dragging her scarf behind her. A minute in, her sadness quickly transformed into anger. The fucking bastard! She’d always been proud of her nonviolent beliefs, but at the sight of her poor store, she wanted to kick butt. Soothed by her anger, she reached for the cashbox behind the register,

the place where she kept her major funds, and breathed a great sigh of relief. Her resources were still intact...for now at least. Hours later, after she filed a report with the police, she found herself in the alley taking out the trash. The cops had gone through their familiar shtick of questions and advice. After ten minutes of their routine, she longed to get rid of them, but held back. What would be the use? It wouldn’t be fair to take her frustration out on the men in blue. She hauled the garbage to the dumpster, feeling lonely and depressed. Though it was a beautiful day, the strong afternoon light did little to lift her spirits. It only made her feel more forlorn and lost. She shielded her eyes against the blinding light, and let out a miserable sigh. “Joni, what now?” she mumbled under her breath. “I know.” She whirled around at the response to find a man sitting on a rail a few feet away. He stared at her, his pupils disturbingly white next to the red of his eyes. At the spooky sight, her instincts hitched. A drug addict. Oh Lord. Maybe he was going through withdrawal. “Hello, are you okay?” The man didn’t say anything, just looked his fill. “You’re a hot little bitch.” So, he was one of those crazy drug addicts. Nice. First the store—now this man? Was the entire world going up in flames? “A little fat, but hot,” said the man. “I like ’em with a little extra on the bones.” She weighed her options. The back door was out of her reach. It would only take her three minutes to make it to the main street. Maybe a few cops were still around. But she didn’t have three minutes. She didn’t even have one. Dammit, she should’ve taken those self defense classes with Trichelle last summer. What was the plan again? A kick to the chin, you will win; a kick to the dick will kill the hick. Breathing in deeply, she decided to be brave. “Look, back off, mister.” Suddenly the man was moving towards her, his arms outstretched, his mouth twisted in a cruel line. “Don’t be tricky, bitch. You’ve seen what I do when I’m angry.” Realization hit her like a ton of bricks. She flung an accusing finger in his direction. “You destroyed my store!” The man smiled, advancing. A sick feeling uncoiled from the pit of her stomach. If the psychopath was capable of doing that amount of damage

to her store, then he was capable of ripping her to shreds. If it hadn’t been for her apartment’s bolted double doors, he might’ve attacked her last night while she slept. Terrified, she scanned the area for help, but only saw empty carts and abandoned stairways. The large dumpster blocked her escape to the street. She was alone with this deranged man. “Look, it’s okay,” she started. “I never really liked the store anyways. I mean, books are so eighteenth century. Now it’s all about television and video games and online DVDs—” With a sneer, the man charged at her, making her trip over her feet. She tumbled to the ground. Her head hit the pavement with a loud thud. Stars exploded behind her eyes as her breathing skipped. A salty, warm liquid throbbed in her mouth. Blood. She’d bitten her tongue. One minute, the man was leering over her and the next, he was ripping her turtleneck to pieces, exposing her breast to the chilly Wisconsin air. “I’m going to enjoy this.” Her screams ricocheted through the alley. She could not die like this. She had so much to live for! “Shut up, fucking human whore.” Suddenly, a roar erupted in the alley. Joni turned her head and saw the biggest wolf she’d ever seen run down the narrow lane. It was the size of a small pony, with a midnight black coat and startling sea green eyes. Her heart hammered against her chest. A wolf? It belonged in a zoo—hell, in the Rocky Mountains—not out in the public. It was beyond intimidating, with its sharp fangs, huge paws, and ferocious growl. It could kill her with one perfectly placed bite. She cursed her predicament. If the man didn’t kill her, the beast surely would. She prayed like she’d never prayed before. “Oh God, oh God, oh God.” At the sound of her chant, the wolf met her gaze and stopped growling. It flashed a lopsided grin while its tongue wagged free. If she didn’t know any better, she’d say it was a friendly dog. But the thought was ripped from her mind as soon as it lunged forward, towards her attacker, aimed to kill. The wolf sunk its fangs into his ankles, causing the man to scramble off of her, howling in pain. But the beast was relentless. It wouldn’t stop. It chewed the man’s bone like it was feasting on a doggy treat. Joni rolled over to the side to give them room just as the wolf pounced upon the man’s other leg, sending him toppling to the ground. It stood on top of him, its paws on his chest, its snarl as deadly as a rattlesnake. Joni gagged at the sight of the man’s bloody face. When the beast sunk its canines into

her attacker’s neck, ripping his veins out with a bloody chunk, she knew it was all over. The man went still. Dead. He was dead. Her attacker was dead. She bit down on her lower lip in an effort to stop her growing panic. It was all too much. It was all too damn much! This had to be some sort of bad dream. Gigantic wolves did not kill men in broad daylight. Maybe in bad sci-fi movies, but not in real life. Not in Wisconsin! She raised herself up on her elbows. Even though her chest was still exposed, she had other things to worry about. Like protecting herself from the three hundred pound wolf, whose gaze shifted from the dead man to her breasts. Under its intense appraisal, a pool of liquid gathered between her legs. Her nipples quivered with awareness. Bewildered by her response, Joni clawed the filthy sidewalk in hopes of discovering a handy weapon, something to wound the animal while she made an escape. “Nice doggie. Be a good doggie, doggie.” The wolf inched closer, with its head down, as though it was trying not to frighten her. Then it leaned over her and licked her breasts. She swiped at its head, but it bounced away gracefully then returned for another lick. “Ick! Cut it out,” she yelped. “I thought you were a nice doggie.” Suddenly, the earth shifted. One minute a wolf was licking her, the next minute, a man. An aroused man. Her green eyed stranger! “I’m not a dog, sweetheart” he whispered. “I’m a wolf.” Joni fainted straightaway.

Chapter Three While Joni lay on her bed, passed out, Ian studied her small apartment, curious about the woman he’d just rescued. Piles of shoes huddled around a makeshift closet. A stove, countertop, and fridge were the only things that made up the kitchen, and a television and bookrack sat below a large arched window in her living room. It was a tiny space, unfit for a child, let alone a grown woman. He scowled and returned to the bed. Did she have no funds to purchase a larger place? Was she all alone up here? What if he hadn’t been walking by in the nick-of-time? What if she’d been raped and maimed? Fury flared in his chest. He tensed, staring at her sleeping form. She was going to wake up eventually. And he was going to have to explain his actions. He snarled aloud in frustration. Perhaps he’d handled the situation badly. Perhaps he shouldn’t have killed the little twerp in front of her, but how could he control himself at the sight of the man’s hands on her lovely flesh? It had been beyond his control. Not taking his eyes off her face, he reached down, and tucked a braid behind her ear. The plaits licked her dark skin, giving her a fresh, youthful look. His eyes traveled to the swell of her breasts beneath the comforter, where shreds of torn sweater peeked from the sheets. He had tried to cover her up to restrain his lecherous thoughts. Now, eying the sheets, he wished for the view. He wondered what would happen if he kissed her. Just a kiss, he reasoned. Something to keep his beast at bay. Didn’t he deserve it? Hadn’t he been craving this human all night? Visions of her dark skin and eyes taunting his control to no end? Encouraged by his lustful rationalizations, he lowered his head, and placed his mouth on hers. The feel of her plump lips made him groan in satisfaction. My God, what type of woman possessed lips like these? They were full and soft and skilled at sending him over the edge. You brought this on yourself, his wolf sneered. Without pause, he parted her mouth wider, eager to get a firmer grip. He longed to fling the sheets aside to feast on her breast. To thrust inside her to the hilt. To taste and feel the sweet tightness of her sex. He flattened his

hands on the bed post, and panted slightly, more turned on then he’d ever been in his life. At the sound, her eyes slowly opened and their gazes locked. He braced himself for her reaction, which was sure to be a loud shriek or a firm kick in the balls, but she only whispered “More,” in a honeyed voice that made his cock feel like a hot slab of stone. He yelped in appreciation. Touching both sides of her head, he arched her neck, and plunged deeper, exploring every ridge of her mouth. She was sweet; the soft velvet of her mouth a pleasure bolt to his senses. He could just hear his pack brothers now: Ianlick? Controlled by a woman? A human woman? Impossible. Fuck the pricks. With sweat-soaked skin, he lost himself in the kiss, listening to the shallow sounds of erratic breathing. When he felt the change start, felt his beast clawing at his human skin, he pried his lips away from hers and stood on shaky feet. Desire shone in her eyes. “This is a lovely dream,” she said, smiling up at him, sucking her swollen lips. Ian scowled, on the brink of shifting. The heady scent of her was pulling him over the edge, was transforming his rational mind into a wild, lust-craved animal. He clenched his fists, breathed, swallowed—until the beast submitted. Tamed. For now. “I love dreams,” she repeated. “Anything can happen in a dream.” Never one for lies, Ian broke the news to her hard. “This isn’t a dream, sweetheart. Everything you remember is true. The man. The wolf. Me.” Her eyes narrowed, still not convinced. “Come here, dream boy!” Ian would’ve laughed if he wasn’t so concerned that she had a possible concussion. Irritated that he didn’t think of it earlier, he kneeled beside her, placing his fingers in her braids, searching for bruises, carefully. When he touched a small bump just above her neck, she flinched and cursed, jolting back to reality. “Okay,” she said, breathing in a gulp of air. “This isn’t a dream. So, what, what is it then? Who are you?” “You have a nasty bump.” He walked to the fridge, took out a cold pack of peas, and returned to place the pack on her bump. “How does that feel?” “Fine,” she replied, a shrewd look on her face. “What’s your name?”

“Ian.” “Ian...you’re the one from last night, right?” “Correct.” “Now that we’re done with the freaking introductions, what is going on here?” He sat on the edge of the bed. “How do I explain,” he said more to himself than her, still befuddled by the kiss. Joni sat up higher, tugging the sheet along with her, trying to get her bearings. A part of her already knew what he was going to say. Hadn’t she read stories about werewolves and shape shifters her entire life in her old antique books? Books that had been passed down to her from ancestors that were rumored to be powerful witches. The stories had always rung true to her. Now everything seemed to fit. “Let me guess. You’re a werewolf?” He met her gaze and rose. “Yes.” She stared at his intimidating frame. He dripped elemental power, this man. He looked exactly like the wolf from the alley except in human form, from his curly black hair to his mesmerizing green eyes. Her gaze slid down his body, slowly, taking everything in. In the alley, he’d been naked, but now he was dressed in a dark shirt and jeans and, dammit to hell, he still looked like sex on a stick. Studying his big frame, she felt feverish, swollen and delicate, as though her entire body was on fire. Desperately, she willed her flesh to cooperate. She would not lose her cool in front of this man—er—werewolf. “Werewolves are only supposed to morph during full moons,” she responded, trying to stabilize her libido. “That’s a myth.” “Werewolves are supposed to be ruthless monsters, supposed to have no human instincts.” “Another myth.” “Werewolves are supposed to be afraid of the sunlight.” “That’s vampires, babe.” Clenching her jaws, she rolled her eyes, determined to see this through. “Werewolves are supposed to be humungous creatures with claw-like hands that stand on two feet like humans.” His eyebrow arched. “Who says?” “The movies.” He doubled over, laughing, hugging his stomach. “Hey! Cut it out, I’m trying to make a point here.”

“Which is?” “Which is that you can’t be what you say you are.” “Then how do you explain what happened in the passage, Joni? How do you explain my shift?” Stumped, she bit her lower lip and eyed him carefully. “Alright,” she huffed, “so you’re a werewolf. Why were you buck naked in the alley?” “I undress before I shift.” Her mouth formed a silent Oh. “You’re not going to shift right now are you?” “No.” “Good.” A vivid memory flashed in her mind. “Is that man really dead?” “Yes. Terrance is gone. I got rid of the body.” “Terrance? You knew that jerk?” “We were enemies.” “He destroyed my shop!” “I saw. I suppose it was to get back at me for beating the shit out of him the other night. More than likely, he followed me to your shop last night and decided to enact his revenge on you. I deeply apologize.” Joni connected the dots. “So, he gave you that shiner?” “Correct.” Always the pacifist, she glared at him. “Well, did you have to kill him?” Charge silence hung in the air. She squirmed. If his expression was any indication, he wasn’t too happy about the question. Minutes of silence passed. Finally, he opened his mouth to speak. “Yes. I had to kill him. I’d kill any perp who dare lay hands on you.” She swallowed. If he’d meant to be reassuring, he’d missed the mark. “You couldn’t have just kicked him in the nut-sac or something?” “Sweetheart, Terrance did not have the strength to shift just now because he was a werebabe. If he was older, he would have shifted and killed you on the spot. No doubt about it. I did what I did to save your life.” Grudgingly, she offered her gratitude. “Well, thanks, then.” “You’re welcome. See, I intend to look after you from now on.” “I can take care of myself!” “There may be others.” “Others?” “Terrance’s groupies. Two in particular. Thugs really. They’ll know of my involvement. Terrance may have told them about you before the attack. We can’t risk it. These thugs are unpredictable. They’re no werebabes. They can shift at will.”

“But I didn’t do anything to them!” “It doesn’t matter, sweetheart. These wolves play nasty. They have a bloodlust for revenge—no respect for alphas like me. They’re dangerous rogues.” Fear gripped her. “But I’m fine, really. They don’t know me.” “Trust me,” he said softly. “No one will harm what’s mine.” “Yours?” “Yes, mine.” “Look,” she started, wrapping her sheets around her frame, remembering how rude he’d been the first time they met. He was delusional if he thought she was going to let him walk over her just because he had a pretty face, just because he’d saved her from a drug-addict-werewolf-man-thing from hell. She rose from the bed. “I don’t do well with phrases like mine and yours. I belong to no one. I appreciate you saving my life and all, but I have a store to run, so if you’d excuse me, I’m going downstairs to clean up.” “You can’t. Not after what you’ve just endured.” “Look, mister, this is my store, and right now it needs some serious loving.” She eyed him down, reverting to her I ain’t gonna take no shit business woman attitude. “You are not going to go all Tarzan on me, fella, understand? Now move.” She tried to sidetrack him, but he grabbed her wrists, holding her still. “The others may be back. I know you’ve had a stressful day, but you must heed my warning.” Stress, she thought. The man didn’t know the half of it. Gently, he pulled her closer, his earthy scent rocking her senses, his green eyes flashing bright. At the feel of the big cock in his jeans, a shiver slid down her spine. He was so beautiful. So hard and lean and masculine. As if to prove it, he grinded the large flesh against her and wrapped his arms around her lower back. She clutched his biceps, and inwardly moaned. Her sex felt as heavy and deep as a drum. An arrogant grin enlivened his face. Joni stared. It was the first time she’d seen him smile and the brilliance of it almost did her in. “You’re mine to look after now.” “No,” she murmured, fighting in his grasp, fighting what seemed to be the inevitable—this man’s control over her body, over what frightened her the most—her heart.

Chapter Four After calling a few pack members to watch over Joni, Ian found himself running through the woods behind his large estate house. When he reached the edge of the clearing, he shifted into his wolf form and took off towards the trees. The area was closed off to outsiders so he had plenty of room to test the field. Before long, his pack members were running behind him, all in their wolf forms. He grinned at the sight. There was nothing more exhilarating than running on his land with his family close on his tail on a bright Wisconsin afternoon. When he arrived at the boulders, he shifted into his human form, comfortable in his nude state. They did the same. Slowly, he looked at his pack. Some were related to him by blood, but most were loners who’d joined up throughout the years. He didn’t blame them. As one of oldest packs in the Midwest area, the McNeals were a fiercely loyal bunch. Known to protect their own to the death. He loved them all. He met their gazes and told them about Joni and the thugs. “What do we care of this human?” asked Garth, one of his toughest enforcers. “She is of no importance to us.” “She is of importance to me.” “But you barely know this woman,” replied another. “Who’s to say that she won’t reveal our identity to the world?” “She won’t. She’s made a pledge. She respects our kind.” A low warning entered his voice. “You all must trust me.” “Why not bring her here to protect?” He growled. “She refuses to leave her blasted shop.” A rumble of laughter erupted in the circle. Ian sucked in a patient breath, already knowing the perpetuator. “Don’t tell us our great Alpha has finally found a mate. A human one at that.” Ian eyed Zachary, the wolf who loved to tease. Tousles of silver hair danced around the man’s face. “Never mind that.” “Come on, Ianlick, give us all of the raunchy details.” “Zachary.” Sending the man a pointed stare, he shifted his attention

back to the group. “Garth, form a search party. I want those lunatics found. Soon. The rest of you will keep an eye on Joni.” He gave them directions to her place. Sabrina, his blood sister, suddenly stepped into the clearing. “Is it true? Is she your mate?” “The hell if I know, Brina!” His pack laughed at his reaction. He wanted to ring every one of their bloody necks. “Could it be possible?” “Ian, with a human?” “Thought he’d get with that cute weregirl from Chicago.” “The one with the Jersey hair?” “No way!” Ian snarled dangerously. Even as head of his advertising company, where most of them worked, they still sought to tease him to no end. Usually he didn’t mind, but Joni’s recent attack made him edgier than normal. “Cease your talk,” he whispered, eyes flashing bright. “I am tired of listening to it. This woman needs our protection and we are going to give it to her.” They lowered their heads in submission. “Of course, Alpha, we were just having a laugh.” “You push me too far.” “We apologize, Alpha.” “Don’t do it again—not in this case.” They all nodded solemnly. Reassured that his pack understood the gravity of the situation, he shifted into his wolf form and raced back to the house, Joni on his mind. **** Days later, Joni peered at Ian through her bookstore window. He stood in the parking lot across the street, next to a sleek black convertible, watching her. He’d been guarding her shop for five days now, non-stop. After the incident, he’d hire a cleaning company to help her tidy the store, had ordered new books for her store online. He’d even installed top of the line security cameras and double pad-locked doors, even though she told him she wasn’t going to be able to pay him back. Arms crossed, she rolled her eyes. He was the kind of man who didn’t take no for an answer. When Trichelle stopped by a few days ago in the middle of the night,

he’d scared her half to death, lurking in the shadows like the boogeyman. Trichelle had been so stunned that she’d excused herself only to call later for details. “Girl, what’s with the bodyguard?” “It’s a long story.” “Well, you better get up on that because that man is fine.” “It’s not like that.” Joni had contemplated whether she should tell Trichelle the full story, but decided against it. Her friend didn’t handle conflict well. Telling her that werewolves existed would be an open invitation to the loony bin. “He’s just helping me out with the store right now.” Trichelle humphed. “Whatever helps you sleep at night.” Joni chuckled. “It’s the truth.” “Mmmhmm.” “Look, girl, I gotta go.” “Yeah, I know where you gotta go. Just remember to wear some silky underwear when ya’ll finally do it. Not those tired ass granny panties you love!” “Bye, Trichelle!” Thinking about her friend, Joni glared at Ian through the windowpane. Decked out in brown slacks and a matching jacket, he looked as handsome as always, with sexy wind-blown hair. A small grin curved his lips as she met his gaze. She stuck out her tongue, wanting to bait him in some small insignificant way. He winked. Feeling foolish, she returned to the front register and seriously contemplated throwing a book at his head. A part of her wanted to march over there to tell him to cut the private eye act, but another part, a stronger part, knew that wouldn’t be wise. After all, the alley incident had freaked her out, and she did feel safe around Ian. Plus, whenever he left, her body did weird things. Like throb with need— everywhere. Just the other night, she’d woken up feeling more horny than she’d ever felt in all of her twenty five years. Her handy vibrator, Big Mike, couldn’t even do the job. It was all his fault. Ian. Her werewolf bodyguard. She couldn’t fathom being separated from him for more than an hour; fuck, she grew nauseous at the mere thought. What was wrong with her? Over and over again, she replayed waking up with his lips on her mouth. What would it feel like to wake up to his cock inside of her? To have sex with the beast within? Her stomach muscles clenched at the thought. Shaken, she focused on decluttering her front desk just as a dark haired woman entered the store. “You must be Joni.”

“Have we met?” “No, but you know my brother Ian. I’m Sabrina McNeal.” “Oh, hi.” She shook the woman’s outstretched hand and tried to prevent her smile from faltering. “Nice to meet you.” “I just came to welcome you to the family, Joni.” “What?” The woman smiled. “Look, I don’t know what he’s told you, but it’s not like that. He helped me get out of a jam, and for that I’m thankful, but that is all that’s between us. Really. We don’t even like each other. He’s rude, bossy, and pigheaded. There’s nothing going on.” She clamped down on her lips, wishing she didn’t blather on when she was nervous. Sabrina just smirked. “Word of advice, when it’s time for a werewolf’s mating rites, give in. Holding back will only prolong the pain—for the both of you.” Mating rites? Joni held her breath. Something told her that she wasn’t going to like what she was about to hear. “My brother is beginning the first stage of mating, and you’re the only one who will be able to satisfy his demands.” “But I’m just a bookstore owner!” “No matter. I’m his sister, and family knows best. You’re his mate. Why else would he shift in front of you? His wolf felt comfortable shifting. His wolf recognized you as its mate. Plus, haven’t you noticed his overbearing protective streak of late?” Joni grinned. “Yeah, but he’s just bossy.” “This is beyond that. Ianlick is only protective of those he cares about. My brother values his privacy. He wouldn’t go to such lengths to keep a human safe if you didn’t matter.” Joni rolled her eyes. Enough was enough. “I appreciate you stopping by and warning me about these mating rites, but I guarantee you that nothing like that is going to happen between us. Believe me. We are from two completely different worlds. It...it...well, it ain’t going to happen, understand?” She let out a deep sigh, unsure of who she was trying to convince. The other woman leaned in close, her eyes flashing with laughter, a wry expression etched across her lips. “Give him a chance.” Before Joni could reply, the dark haired beauty turned and exited the

store. Joni propped her elbows on the booth, her braids flopping around her face, her bottom lip wedged between her teeth. Perfect. Now she had two matchmakers in her life. The woman could give Trichelle a run for her money. She sighed and checked out the last customer. It was already closing time. Feeling the urgent need to escape thoughts of Ian in the buff, she grabbed her coat and headed for the door to take a walk. Mating rites? Hadn’t she read something about the custom in one of her books, the one that specialized in supernatural traditions? The mating ritual involved one night of hot, butt naked sex. It was the equivalent of marriage for werewolves. Afterwards, both lovers were bound together for the rest of their lives, like soul mates. It was all very sexy in theory, but the thought of it in everyday use frightened her. She valued her freedom and independence. She did not want to be shackled up with some werewolf for the rest of her life, no matter how fine said werewolf was. A voice in her head laughed. Yes, you do. “Oh, shut up,” she mumbled. Heavy with thoughts, she studied her surroundings. She usually didn’t take walks after seven, but she needed fresh air to restore her equilibrium. Forcing a smile on her face, she walked past the florist and computer repair shop, down cracked sidewalks and over busted sewer pipes. All the while, she felt Ian’s presence behind her. Was he going to follow her the entire way? The stubborn man! What was it about him that made her blood boil? She slapped her thighs in frustration and kicked a stray bottle, sending it bouncing across the street. Maybe Sabrina was right. Maybe she should give in to him. Who was she to deny herself? Despite his bossiness and rudeness, he had a “good heart” as her momma used to say. She’d just have to explain that one night was all he was going to get. Period. She made her way down the hill that led to her favorite park. Then she cut through the woods and walked toward the small man-made bridge next to the pond. There, she sat on the cracked curve and waited. If she hadn’t been so still, she wouldn’t have heard his approach. “What are you doing here,” he whispered, somewhere behind her. She turned and sucked in a shocked breath. He was kneeling beside her, only a hair away. If she moved her head forward by just an inch, their lips would meet. As she stared at his mouth, heat suffused her skin. She felt lightheaded all of the sudden. “I wanted some fresh air.”

He squeezed the bridge of his nose. “Look, sweetheart, you can’t wander through the streets like you’re Red Riding Hood. Not when Terrance’s sidekicks are on the loose.” She couldn’t help herself. “And who are you supposed to be? The big bad wolf?” A grin tugged his lips. “Maybe.” Up close, she saw faint traces of the bruise. “Your bruise—you’re all better now.” “Almost...” She blushed, awkward silence passing between them. Why did he have to say that? Why the sexual innuendos? She was barely holding herself together as is. Remembering his sister’s words, she spoke. “Your sister stopped by.” “I saw,” he said, sitting behind her so that his long legs were spread out by her sides. “Do not concern yourself with anything my sister says. She has a flair for theatrics.” “Do you have a large family?” “Yes.” “Do they all live in Milwaukee?” “Yes,” he replied, pausing slightly, “Why?” “Just wondering if I’ve seen them in passing.” “They are here now. Watching.” Joni turned around, expecting to see packs of wolves lining the trees, something from the Twilight movies Trichelle made her watch, but all she saw was darkness. The light of the full moon did little to illuminate the dark forest. “Where are they?” “Everywhere. Every member of my pack has been watching you these past few days.” Rattled, she gazed at the shadows. “How many?” “Perhaps twenty to thirty males.” “Thirty freaking werewolves!” From the trees to her left, she heard a cluster of yelps, as though a group of animals were laughing. A blush crept up her neck. “But I haven’t seen anyone.” “They’re good at what they do.” Joni mulled that over. “And you’re the pack leader?” “Yes.” “Then why are you so afraid of Terrance’s sidekicks?” Another clatter of laughs came from the tree line. Whipping his head

around, Ian growled. The laughter ceased. He turned his attention back to her, his eyes glowing bright. “I am not afraid of those werenuts, sweetheart. For years they’ve been a fucking thorn in my side and I’m hell-bent on ridding the world of them once and for all. Especially now.” She shivered, chilled by the wafts of anger pouring from him. “You’re cold.” “I’m fine.” Her gaze returned to the tree line. “Do they look like you?” “Who?” “Your pack members.” “I don’t know, Joni,” he replied, exasperated. “It does not matter—” “I want to see them.” With a bemused expression, he snapped his fingers and five of the hunkiest men she’d ever seen sauntered from the darkness. All of them were tall and muscled, with powerful shoulders, bunching and rippling. One of them had shocking silver hair and piercing gray eyes. The other four had the same features of Ian; dark haired, pale-skinned, and green eyed, with wicked, devilish grins. Each wore jeans, t-shirts, and spiked black biker boots. They were walking images of sex and they all knew it. Her eyes bulged like saucers. Hell, she felt like she was on the Planet of the Hunks. “A pleasure to meet you,” said the silver haired one, taking her hand in his for a gallant kiss. Inside, Joni swooned. Damn, where had these boys been hiding all her life? Ian roared, pulling back her hand, eyeing the silver haired man dangerously. “Zachary, don’t test me tonight.” “Just being friendly, Ianlick.” “As friendly as a horse’s dick.” The men laughed. Ian glowered. “Get lost.” Joni pinched Ian’s thigh. “Forgive him,” she offered. “He’s just crabby tonight.” “Get lost,” he hissed again, wrapping his arms around her so that her head fit beneath his chin. Joni bit back a smile, amused by his jealously. “But we want to speak to your lovely mate,” answered the one called Zachary. “No,” she heard herself say. “I’m not his mate.”

The men swapped knowing looks but remained silent. “Joni—such a lovely name for such a lovely woman.” Ian snapped his fingers. “Leave.” Without a word, the men returned to the darkness of the woods. Joni was at a loss for words. “Wow, they’re really something, aren’t they?” At Ian’s ferocious sneer, she suppressed a chuckle. No need to rile him up. Suddenly, a cold wind came from the east and Ian’s hands were on her, traveling up and down her arms in an effort to warm her skin. The feel of them through the coarse fabric of her coat made her eyes close against waves of pleasure. It had been so long since a man had cared for her. Her last boyfriend, Marcus, a computer programmer from Chicago, had been an inconsiderate jerk, who’d claim she didn’t know how to satisfy a man in the bedroom. He’d left her with a slew of bills and a flat tire. She figured it was for the best, since his slimy hands and allergies never really did it for her. But Ian was different. He stirred something unfamiliar inside of her, something that made her want to be as bold and wild as her friends. At the realization, she began to chat nervously. “Ian?” “Yes?” “Did you ask people to visit my shop? Business has picked up lately.” She felt him shrug behind her. “I called a few friends.” Joni sighed. He called more than a few friends. “Besides, you need money.” She blanched. “What?” “You live in a mouse house.” “I do not!” “Okay,” he recanted, “but it is a bit small.” Joni huffed. It wasn’t that small. Some people might call it cozy. Some people had good taste. Some people should mind their own damn business! Besides, it was her only home now that her parents were gone. No family would swoop down and save the day. No famous witch ancestors. No matter how much she prayed. She glanced up at the twinkling stars. “I don’t need much.” Silence hung between them. Prolonged. Cloaking itself around them like an intimate lover. She wondered what he was thinking. Did he put stock in his sister’s beliefs of mates and rituals? Did he want to go that far with someone like her—goofy and frumpy Jonalle Watson from around the way?

A frigid breeze encircled them, causing her to shiver, but he continued his soothing strokes, heating her skin and frail nerves simultaneously. When his fingertips brushed the sides of her breast, she lost control. That was it. She’d had enough. She turned and grabbed his shoulders, not caring if an audience of hunky wolves had a full court view. She only cared about satisfying her need for him. She kissed him hard, whimpering like a satisfied cat, loving the way his tongue tangled with hers, the way her nipples puckered, and her pussy throbbed with anticipation. The kiss was rugged, wild, raw with need. Suddenly, he was lifting her up by her shoulders and she was leaning against his chest, rejoicing in his solidness. A sound of excited yelps came from the woods, heightening the thrill of kissing him in such a public place, in front of a ton of horny werewolves. She ran her fingers up and down his chest; he was all biceps and triceps, all ridges and angles. But his sweater was a barrier. She had to get rid of it. She yanked at the material, and buried her hands inside the warm wool. Tuffs of chest hair slivered between her fingers. His nipples were hard little pebbles. She moaned when his hands slid from her lower back to her ass. He squeezed her cheeks. “I’ve been wanting to do that all week,” he said in a husky voice. She arched her back, so he could grab a good handful. She knew men loved her behind. “You could’ve just asked.” A soft chuckle escaped him. “Duly noted.” Joni smiled when she brushed up against his hard cock, remembering its girth. “Babe,” he gasped. “We have an audience.” She heard herself say “who cares” and couldn’t quite believe she’d formed the words. At her response, he howled. Birds scattered. Squirrels leaped. Bushes swayed. Then, slowly, he turned and locked eyes with her. “Just told them to give us a little space, is all.” Thrilled by the primal, guttural sound, she jumped up and straddled his waist, determined to have him, determined to show him that despite her frumpy clothes and her rambling, she could still feel white hot passion like any other woman. That she could please his wolf. She smiled as his head bent forward to kiss her collarbone. Running her fingers through his curly hair, she lost herself in a haze of pure lust. He was so strong—so masculine. So much a fantasy come to life.

Effortlessly, he carried her below the nearby bridge. The place was desolate, abandoned. “Please,” she whispered, when he held her up against the graffiti wall. “Do something.” He growled. “Wait.” “Now.” His eyes glowed green. “Wait.” His voice had grown heavier, deeper, as though his beast was right below the surface. It did not frighten her. Only increased her hunger for him. She watched, transfixed, as his facial muscles grew harder, leaner yet wider, simultaneously. His nose became flat, resembling a dog’s, his forehead longer. He grew three good inches, towering over her, cinching her waist with humungous claw-like hands. Hair crept down his sideburns, and the curly hair she’d come to love, lengthened so that it flung below his shoulders in rolling waves. Muttering deep guttural sounds, he slowly became a cross between human and wolf, leering over her, panting wildly. “I’m sorry,” he growled. “It happens...only...when my arousal is strong.” Oh, he was hot. No doubt about it. And he was all hers. “Don’t apologize. Just tell me I was right.” Perplexed, he studied her. “About what?” “About wolves standing on two feet.” He shook with laughter. “You were right, babe. You were right.” Grabbing a fistful of his hair, she purred. “Thought so. Now give me some.” He chuckled, guessing her request. She watched as he pulled up her long ankle length skirt, pushed aside her tights and panties, and buried two long fingers inside of her, all the while holding her up with his arms. Her legs clung to his waist. “Oh God.” His fingers were a lightning bolt, massaging her sensitive folds over and over again, until she arched her hips up with need, silently guiding his mischievous ministrations. It felt so good. His touch. The firmness of it. The heat. She closed her eyes against the pleasure as he murmured something low and sexy in her ear. But she was too far gone to decipher his words. How could she in this state? She gripped his muscular shoulders, rubbed her face against his coarse hair, loving the prickly friction. His exploration grew deeper, churning her insides this way and that, spreading her juices like whipped cream. “Please,” she begged.

All of a sudden, he placed her on her shaky feet, kneeled down, parted her legs, and began to slurp up her arousal, all the while flicking her clit with his fingers. The feel of his mouth...the feel of his long tongue on her warm sex...she cried out in bliss. Her pussy, soaking wet, throbbed for release. She grabbed his shoulders to steady herself then shut her eyes as she felt his hot breath on the tender nerves of her clit. Her heart hammered. Her hands clenched. And her body split into a thousand little pieces as an intense climax overtook her. She came in a blinding white shock, the orgasm shaking her to her roots, until she was breathless, panting. When it was over, she slumped against the wall, legs wide, palms flat against the cement. She sucked in a great gulp of air. Minutes of silence passed as she tried to regain her bearings. Ian breathed heavily and stood. The taste of Joni’s sweet pussy blurred his concentration. Rubbing the outline of his rigid cock, he pulled her skirt down and smoothed out its wrinkles. Within minutes, he returned to his regular human form. “Let’s go,” he barked. “But—” “Come,” he guided her up the hill, “I cannot afford to let the others smell your scent. It may be beyond their control.” He led her through the park, unsure if he was speaking of the others, or himself.

Chapter Five Tipped off that Terrance’s thugs were near, Ian hustled her back to her place and left with the others to go on a werehunt. Joni pounded her bed pillow, imagining she was knocking Ian upside the head. He could have at least fucked her before he left, she thought, kicking up the covers to free her feet. He could’ve at least taken the edge off. She got up. Ate. Paced. Cursed the indifference of men and wolves. At half past midnight, she found her favorite spell book and read a few spells out loud. It was something she always did to calm her temper, something she found comfort in throughout the years, even though the spells never worked. Sure enough, ten minutes in, her body relaxed. She eventually fell asleep, images of Ian seared in her mind. Sometime in the middle of the night, she was awoken by a strange howl. Eyes heavy with sleep, she shuffled to the window and looked out. Her breathing rushed at the sight of a wolf. A big wolf. Ian. She’d know his midnight coat and sea green eyes anywhere. He sat beneath a lamp post, looking up at her. The eerie glow of the moonlight elongated the grace and power of his lithe body. Joni looked around. The streets were deserted; the drone from the nearby highway the only sounds. What was he doing out there? She remembered how fearful she’d been of him in the alley days ago. How desperate she’d been to escape. Now, she couldn’t get enough of the man. But why was he here? Why was he taunting her so late at night? Didn’t he know she needed him? Everything his sister had said had been the truth. She didn’t know what came over her next, but suddenly she was disrobing in front of him, unhooking her lace gown from off her shoulders so that it slid down her curvy body and pooled at her feet. She pushed her panties down to her ankles. She was utterly, totally naked in front of him, and the thought made her feel outrageously good. She looked out the window, where he still sat except now his body was tense; his awareness sharpened. Good, she thought, satisfied. Who was the big bad wolf now? With a triumphant laugh, she touched herself, gently at first, taking her time exploring the sensitive flesh around her nipples and the delicate swell of her stomach. Then she moved lower, deeper, towards her dark folds.

At the sound of Ian’s guttural howl, she continued her ministrations, wanting to punish him for not seeing to her needs. Gathering her juices, she smeared the cream around her clit, and then shoved two fingers inside her sex, mimicking his earlier movements. Arching her ass, her breathing hitched. Sweat prickled her skin. She closed her eyes against the spikes of pure pleasure. When she opened them a minute later and stared out into the street, he was gone. Furious, Joni cursed. She had no time to contemplate ripping into him because suddenly someone was pounding against her door. Screeching, she yanked her slip up and fumbled towards the landing. She peered down the stairwell that led to the bookstore. “Who is it?” “Open up.” Joni took a nervous step down. Ian. Had she pushed him too far? “What do you want?” “Open...up.” “Oh, now you have time for me, huh?” “Open...up.” “Whatcha gonna do if I don’t?” “Joni.” Amused that her actions had ticked him off, she grinned, and made her way down the stairwell as happy as a cat in cream. She opened the pad locked doors, ready to give him the tongue lashing he deserved, but barely had time to catch her breath. For he was holding her, closing the door behind them, and pushing her onto the stairwell. Still dressed in her lacy PJs, she screeched when he placed a big hand on the collar and ripped the delicate material to shreds. When she tried to cover up, he held her wrist gently above her, feasting on her nipples. “Ian,” she gasped, spirals of pleasure chilling her skin. He’d come for her. He’d needed her. She watched, transfixed, as he lapped her nipples feverishly, groaning throaty sounds that made her sex spasm with desire. He was fine, this man. From his tousled locks to his sculpted body, he was pure man, and he was hers. Her eyes slid down his physique, halting at the realization that he was naked. His thick, pink cock angled so high that it touched his lower belly. Lost in admiration, she stared for several blissful moments. Then she wrapped her fingers around the massive flesh just before he morphed and changed as he’d done in the park, his features growing longer, harsher, his

hair lengthening, his body more muscled. “Don’t test me,” he choked. She gripped his member harder, her temper flaring. A woman like her, horny as hell, didn’t do well with orders. With a strangled breath, he gathered her up and carried her up the stairs where he plopped her onto the bed. A laugh escaped her. “Can’t handle it, doggie?” A sexy grin was his only reply. Ian settled above his mate, trying to calm the beast. The sight of her naked flesh in the window had ruined his concentration. Didn’t she know the dangers of testing a wolf? After the disappointment of losing Terrance’s thugs in a club, he hadn’t been in the best of moods. Her brazen display had only set him off. Swearing, he studied the clouded look of desire on her face. She was his. His mate. His family’s suspicions had been true. How could he have denied it? “Joni, if we do this—” “I know, Ian.” “Are you sure?” “I want to be shackled up to you forever.” At the words, he wanted to pinch himself. Surely this had to be a dream. Surely this woman belonged to someone else. No, he thought with pride, she’s yours. He kissed her gently and wondered at it all. Then he positioned his cock close to her sex. “I’m sorry, love,” he whispered, glancing at the thick, gnarled veins of his engorged cock. “This will hurt a bit.” With a rough growl, he plunged inside of her, aiming for her sweet spot, sucking in a moan. God, she felt good. Her tightness suctioned his dick perfectly. It all felt too damned right. When a startled sound came from her, he kissed her forehead, murmured hushed sounds in her ear, knowing that if he didn’t take it easy, he’d be too much for her. Seated inside of her, he waited, sensing her need to adjust to his size. After a minute, she nudged him closer. Licked his ear in a silent request to continue. Happy to oblige, he worked his flesh deeper, closer, rejoicing in the feel of her sweet pussy and the small feminine sounds she made as she clawed his back. Then she squeezed his ass, urging him to go faster, harder. His beast could take no more. As if possessed, he pounded into her, to the hilt, eliciting a shocked gasp from her...then a long satisfied moan. Wildly encouraged, he jammed his cock high and deep, over and over again, hard

and fast, giving her what she asked. “Fuck,” he hissed, a sheen of sweat breaking out on his forehead. Her pussy was made for him. A perfect fit. Sucking a hardened nipple into his mouth, he groaned happily. The sheets slipped away. The bed croaked in warning. Absently, he wondered if the structure would hold his weight, and quickly realized he didn’t care. He was a goner. Fuck the bed. Fuck the room. Fuck the entire place. It could burn to hell for all he cared. He’d still be with his mate. He gulped for air as his beast purred in delight. Then stared at her, amazed. She was having sex with a brute creature, the wild thing that lived inside of him, and she was loving it. He split her dark folds with his big red cock, thrilled. Beyond words, Joni gripped Ian’s muscular shoulders. Her entire body focused on one thing: the shaft pounding her pussy. Just when she thought she could take no more, the man up’d and surprised her by giving her sensation after sensation. She bit his neck, loving the feel of his long thick dick inside of her. As hard as lead. She hooked her ankles around his back, egging him on, as shivers ran down her spine. Her muscles clenched in warning. Sucking in a shallow breath, she clung to him, nearing climax. Damn. He was punishing her. She should’ve known not to tease him. Suddenly a white hot tremor overtook her, carrying her to the best orgasm of her life. She jerked. Screamed. Gripped him desperately while her pussy muscles spiraled to new heights. A minute later, she fell back to earth, as light as a feather. At the same time, a curse, long and comprehensive, ripped from Ian’s throat as he jerked wildly and emptied jets of cum inside of her. It seemed to go on forever as a purple light hung around him like a halo. He finally collapsed to her side and gathered her in his arms. Curious, she reached down and touched her sex, marveling at the amount of sperm around her opening. “What on earth was that?” “Just a little something that comes with the package.” “Damn, you’re hot.” He smiled at the words, while she buried her face in the crook of his neck. Her mind whirled. Nice sweet girls like her did not have nasty, raunchy, butt-naked sex. Yeah they do, honey! At the thought, her body suddenly became feverish. She needed more. What was happening to her? With a soulful moan, she pulled a fistful of his hair. “Ian, I need...”

He hushed her with kiss. “It’s okay. I know.” She punched him in the arm. “I’ve been craving your ass the whole damn night! It ain’t fair!” He rained kisses on her face then placed her on top of him. “Ride,” was all he said before plunging her down onto his magnificent cock, already hard again. At the feel of the massive flesh stretching her, she grabbed his biceps and held on for the dear life. Sparks raced down her nerves as her breathing quickened. She switched angles, smashing her clit against his root, taking him deeper within her core, loving how his cock flexed inside of her. Heavens, it felt amazing. When her sex could take no more and clamped down in convulsions, another burst of hot cum exploded from his cock and trailed down her thighs. Joni closed her eyes, exhausted. My God, she loved him. No man would ever compare. She let him gather her rubbery bones into his arms. “Sleep,” he said softly. “You need your rest for round three.” Her eyes bulged. “Round three?” “Yes.” Damn the man. A girl could only take so much.

Chapter Six Early the next morning, Joni shuffled downstairs, careful not to wake Ian. After a passionate night of lovemaking, the man needed his beauty sleep. She chuckled, not quite believing she had the strength to get out of the bed. If anyone needed recovery time, it was her, not the wolf who loved her. Last time she checked, she was the weak human. Laughing at her thoughts, she walked through her bookstore and waited for the newspaper delivery man as was her routine every Sunday. As she walked through the aisles, she eyed her new inventory. Thanks to Ian, she’d be okay for another year, perhaps longer. A smile hovered across her lips. Sure, the man was bossy and arrogant at times, but he was also kind. And kindness was a plus in her book. She sighed, staring out the window. When she saw the newspaper vehicle pull into the loading dock, she unlocked the hatch to greet the man she’d befriended throughout the years, already deciding where she wanted to post the papers in her store. Heavy with thoughts, she did not notice that the man was not her familiar newspaper vendor. A large hand smashed against her mouth. “Got you now,” he hissed, whisking her away. **** Ian slammed his fists against the wall outside the bookstore and eyed his pack. Close to the edge, he shook with a violent temper, ready to kill. “You were supposed to be guarding the damn shop,” he spat, advancing slowly. One of them spoke without looking him in the eye. “We apologize, Alpha. A truck blocked the entrance. We think they might have used that as a cover-up.” Ian grimaced. All week they had watched her and in the span of a minute she was gone. Just like that. “A truck? My mate is in the hands of those werenuts because of a fucking truck?” His pack lowered their heads in submission.

Ian clenched his fists. If he hadn’t overslept, this wouldn’t have happened. How could he be so foolish? An image of Joni’s mauled body suddenly entered his mind. He’d only just found her. He would not lose her now. Not to demented thugs that had plagued him and his clan members for far too long. He sucked in a gulp of air and tried to rein his temper, remembering the dangers of shifting in public. But his beast howled and moaned for his mate, refusing to cooperate. On the verge of exploding, a calming voice announced itself. “I know where they took her, Alpha.” His head whipped around and locked gazes with Garth. Remembering that the man was one of his best trackers, he grabbed him by the collar, and snarled. “Where?” “I found this in the alley,” he replied, pulling out a small handkerchief. “It smells of your mate and someone else. Someone that I sniffed out a few nights ago when I was doing reconnaissance at River Oaks, a local cemetery two miles away. My gut tells me she’s there.” “You’re sure about this?” “Yes.” “Let’s go.” They leapt into their cars and drove a half a mile. When they neared the forest’s entry, they got out, stripped, and shifted into huge werewolves. Ian moved to the front of the pack and let out a howl as deep as his soul. Then he nodded towards the woods and took off, the others fast on his tail. **** The sound of laughter woke Joni from a drug induced sleep. She came to with a start; her head pounding with pain, her legs feeling like a ton of bricks. Slowly, her eyes adjusted to the bright morning light and surrounding area. At the realization that she was in a small cemetery, she muttered a curse. She hated cemeteries. Rows of crooked tombstones flanked her on both sides, while tall trees surrounded the small patch of land. The place was deeply secluded—a perfect place for murder. “You’re awake,” a man’s rough voice said somewhere behind her. “Good. It’s time to start.” Joni spun around so quickly her headache roared to life. She squeezed the sides of her temple and breathed out slowly, desperately trying to manage the pain. A strong putrid scent lingered on her lips, fogging her brain. What

had they given her? She swallowed hard and looked up. Two men sat on tombstones, twirling long knifes in their hands. Both had straight black hair, dark eyes, and canines the size of swords. They were dangerous. Rogues, Ian had called them, and they were looking at her like she was their plaything. Stay calm, girl. Stay calm. If she could deal with a trashed store, a deranged killer, and a hot werewolf in the span on a week, she could work her way out of this mess. The familiar voice inside of her laughed. You sure about that, honey? “You shouldn’t have taken me,” she said. “Ian and the others will kill you.” The larger of the two strolled towards her. She scooted away and collided into a tombstone. “Did we tell you to speak?” Affronted, she glared. “What did I ever do to you?” “We don’t like your mate.” Anger flared in her chest. “He’s never done anything to you.” “On the contrary, I mean to rid the Midwest of him and his self righteous pack for good.” “Look, if this is about Terrance—” “Shut up,” hissed the other man, his eyes glowing bright, a sign he’d be shifting soon. Propelled by her anger, Joni continued. “If this is about Terrance, Ian didn’t mean to kill anyone. It was an accident.” She grimaced. Even in her mind it sounded lame, but what was she supposed to say? “Don’t test us, human,” said the one advancing. “Not when we’re about to have fun.” A sick smile curved his lips. Fear crippled her. A werewolf wasn’t going to barge in and save the day like before. She was on her own, in the middle of nowhere. Trembling, she searched the grass for a weapon. Anything would do—a stick, a rock, anything! “But...but he’ll find me.” “Humans,” he snickered. “Your ability to remain hopeful would be admirable if it wasn’t so pathetic.” Fisting a clump of dirt, she flung it in his eyes then jumped up and made for the tree line. Somewhere behind her she heard laughter. “Good. We like to chase.” Her lungs burned and her legs ached as she ran through the woods. If they caught up with her...she didn’t want to think that far. Escaping was still a possibility. She just had to believe.

Leaping over tree trunks and ditches, she pumped her arms as a second wind came over her. Maybe there was a town nearby. Shit, right now a spooky abandoned house would do. A chainsaw murderer would be child’s play compared to these sickos. She ducked behind a tree, ignoring the lashes from the prickly branches. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. She was seriously screwed. Catching her breath, a moment of inspiration came to her. The book. The book about spells she’d read last night had mentioned something about punch spells. Sure, she was no witch. But hell, anything was worth a shot when psycho werewolves wanted to make a meal out of you. Besides, hadn’t her ancestors been powerful witches back in the day? Maybe she had some sort of recessive gene. Please let my ass have a recessive gene! Figuring it was worth a shot, Joni chanted the words she remembered from the spell just as a ferocious howl erupted in the air. The wolves were nearing. Any minute now, they’d sniff her out. Any minute now, she’d be dead. Trying to block out the howls and negative thoughts, she concentrated on the spell, concentrated as she had never concentrated before. As if on their own accord, her hands begin to glow a soft pink hue. The glow grew brighter. Stronger. What in the world? Suddenly her kidnapper was grabbing her from behind the tree, and pulling her up by the shoulders. Twisting like a pretzel, she let loose a soul shattering scream. It crackled in the air, sending goose bumps down her spine. One minute she was screaming, and the next minute she was on the ground. She twisted around and gasped at what she saw. A huge black wolf sat on top of a gray colored wolf, wrestling in his arms. Ian! He’d found her. Both of them were in their wolf bodies. Both beyond intimidating, with huge canines and deadly claws. Stunned, she watched the battle. With a head-butt, the wolf sent Ian flying across the woods. “Ian!” The sound of cracking bones exploded in the air when he landed at the base of a hollow tree. Others werewolves began to attack, but they met similar demises from both of Terrance’s thugs. Perplexed, Joni stared. What were these boys on? A super psycho werewolf killer drug? For Christ sake. She ran in front of Ian in an effort to protect him. He was still in his wolf’s body, and badly hurt. She locked gazes with his green eyes. “Leave,” she thought she heard him say. “No,” she yelled. “Not without you.” “Don’t be foolish, sweetheart.”

“Don’t be pigheaded!” She turned to face the werewolves who were advancing towards her. It was time for her to do some rescuing of her own. “Leave...us...alone!” With one flick of her hands, she sent a bolt of pink light in their direction which sent them tumbling down a hill of leaves. She stared at her fingers. Wiggled them. “Hell, yeah!” Just then, Ian leaped up and pounced on one of the stunned wolves, going for the jugular. His pack joined in and went for the other wolf. Within minutes, the deranged wolves were dead, and Ian was back in his human form, holding her in his arms. “I don’t know what I did,” she whispered. “My hands just took control.” “It’s okay now, sweetheart.” Ian sighed in relief that his mate was safe. The sight of her in that wolf’s clutches had rocked his sense. But she was okay now. My God, she was alive.

Chapter Seven The following week Joni murmured a spell that sent her books flying against the wall. “Good,” she mumbled. “Now everything’s in order.” She sat behind the cash register and sighed. The Dewey Decimal System be damned! She could place her books wherever she wanted with a simple snap of her hands. Being a witch did have its advantages. Who would’ve thought that she’d been a witch all these years and that it took a moment of crisis to bring her “juices,” as the witches she befriended so loved to call it, out of her? Forget selling books, she should write her own. The Amazing Adventures of Joni the Witch. With a smile splattered on her face, she turned and looked at Ian, who was reading a book in one of her comfy chairs. Would she ever grow tire of studying his handsome face? He was as gorgeous as ever and she was still her frumpy self. She shrugged. It didn’t matter. They were in love. He must have sensed her thoughts because he looked up and met her gaze. Without saying a word, he stood and gathered her into his arms. Joni buried her face in the crook of his neck, reveling in the feel of his warm body. For minutes, they lost themselves in a play of tongue and lips. She was on the verge of ripping his clothes off when the front door slammed open. Trichelle marched down the narrow aisle in all her sequined glory. A ton of jewelry hung from her neck. With scarlet red lips and an out of this world afro, she looked like a leggy Pam Grier. Her round eyes widened in surprise at the sight of them. “Jonalle Watson, where have you been? I’ve been trying to reach you for four damn days. Don’t tell me you’ve been shacked up with this dude all this time.” Joni wiggled her eyebrows. “Maybe.” “Girl, what has gotten into you? Was the dick that good?” Joni blanched at her friend’s bluntness. Sometimes her friend was a trip. “’Chelle, this is Ian, my mate.” “Your what? Okay, what is going on? Did you marry this man? Have

you lost your freaking mind?” “No. It’s a long story.” Trichelle crossed her arms. “I have time.” Joni told her friend the story of how she was attacked by a deranged wolf, fell in love with a real one, escaped hounds of hell, and discovered she was a witch. She skipped over a few details and extended the good parts. Trichelle leaned on the counter. “For real? I mean, I knew you were always strange—but a witch? So you could make a spell for shoes, right? Like wish for a hundred, no wait, a thousand pairs of shoes?” “Trichelle, no.” “What?” “No, Trichelle.” Ian and Joni laughed as Zachary walked in. As soon as he spotted Trichelle, a wicked smile curved his handsome face, a dimple springing to life in his left cheek. He ran a hand through his silver white hair, and scanned her from top to bottom, his beautiful gray eyes shining bright. It was lust at first sight. Used to the attention, Trichelle ignored him. “Oh, great,” murmured Joni. “Not these two.” “Let’s not worry about them,” whispered Ian, pulling her towards the upstairs landing. She grinned. “Ian, we have customers.” “They can wait.” “Where are you going?” Trichelle yelled. Over her shoulder, Joni flashed her friend a sympathetic look. “Sorry, girl, duty calls!” In the shadows of the hall, Ian licked her neck and squeezed her ass. Despite herself, she giggled. “What do you have planned?” “You’ll see,” he replied, lifting and carrying her up the stairs. Wrapped in his embrace, Joni stared at the man she’d come to love deeply, the man who’d kicked her cautious life to the curve for good. He’d taught her about the wonders of love, and for that she’d always be grateful to him. Noticing the lust in his eyes, she felt her skin shiver with anticipation. His wolf was close to the surface; his control unraveling bit by bit. They reached the apartment. She slid backwards onto the bed and arched an eyebrow in his direction. “Come here, doggie.” “I told you,” he growled, “I’m not a dog, sweetheart.”

that.

Joni answered his growl with one of her own. “Prove it.” With an arrogant grin, he molded his body against hers, and did just

About the Author Kasey Moone lives, works and writes in Atlanta, where she claims to be the biggest romance junkie within the city’s limits. When she’s not daydreaming, she’s watching paranormal TV shows, True Blood and The Twilight Zone being her favorite, and wondering who’s hotter: vampires or werewolves?  Her interracial and multicultural stories sizzle with strong, funny heroines and hot heroes!  Kasey enjoys hearing from readers through email at [email protected].