Trials of Tam

Trials of

Tam The Larson Legacy, Book #1

Amber Kell

Published by Silver Publishing Publisher of Erotic Romance

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Your non-refundable purchase of this e-book allows you to only ONE LEGAL copy for your own personal reading on your own personal computer or device. You do not have resell or distribution rights without the prior written permission of both the publisher and the copyright owner of this book. This book cannot be copied in any format, sold, or otherwise transferred from your computer to another through upload to a file sharing peer to peer program, for free or for a fee, or as a prize in any contest. Such action is illegal and in violation of the South African Copyright Law. Distribution of this e-book, in whole or in part, online, offline, in print or in any way or any other method currently known or yet to be invented, is forbidden. If you do not want this book anymore, you must delete it from your computer. WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated and is punishable by imprisonment and a fine." Cover Artist: Reese Dante Editor: Monti Shalosky Trials of Tam © 2011 Amber Kell ISBN # 9781920502195 Attention Readers: This book uses US English. All rights reserved. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission. All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental. The Licensed Art Material is being used for illustrative purposes only; any person depicted in the Licensed Art Material, is a model.

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Dedication For my blog fans who demanded this book be published as soon as possible.

The Trials of Tam

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Chapter One Tam Larson stood behind his brothers as they approached their new pack leader. At least the family hoped he'd be their leader. After a great deal of research, Tam's father had decided Alpha Valko Dachev would be a good match for them. A new job opportunity had moved the family across the state, making it imperative they find a new pack. Unaffiliated wolves were unhappy wolves and unwelcome on pack territory. The family needed to get in with a pack, soon, or they wouldn't have a place to hunt during the upcoming full moon. And Tam didn't think Seattle was ready for eight werewolves prancing through Pioneer Square all wolfed out. Although Tam didn't officially live with his family any more, the Alpha had demanded the presence of the entire Larson clan to determine if they could join. Apparently Alpha Valko had had an unpleasant experience before and now insisted on meeting the whole family to make sure there weren't any bad apples in the bunch. Tam hated taking time away from his studies. He needed to wrap up his thesis in order to receive his doctorate. His stress could be higher, but his advisor told him, confidentially, that as soon as Tam turned his thesis 1

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in, the doctorate committee would immediately sign off on it. After all, he'd brought millions to the college with his software inventions. Tam didn't know where he'd go next, but he didn't plan to stick around with his family. He loved each and every one of them, but he still hadn't told them he was gay. Tam wanted to explore his sexuality a bit more before confessing his preference for men over women. He doubted they would take it badly, but his brothers were big and he didn't want to have to fight over something that wasn't under his control. Especially if they shifted and Tam had to use his extra abilities to harm those he loved. Tam liked to avoid confrontation, unless, of course, the other person deserved a smack down. Fortunately, his computer skills were well regarded, which gave him several options. He'd already been contacted by six technology companies and his biggest decision would be to figure out which one would fit the best with his future goals. "Greetings, Larson family." The Alpha's deep voice rolled across the crowd and sent tingles all through Tam. Unwanted attraction ripped through him and he hadn't even seen the bastard yet. "Greetings, Alpha," Tam's father replied. As the patriarch he spoke for the entire family. 2

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Tam still couldn't see the Alpha from where he stood behind his huge brothers. As the last and smallest of his litter of six, Tam was the runt. He had always thought the moon goddess made up for it by giving him all the brains and his super wolf, an extra bit of genetics giving him the edge over shifters who on the surface were stronger than him. His back pocket vibrated. Damn. Luckily no eyes were on him. Hiding behind his brothers, Tam soundlessly pulled his cell phone out of his pocket and checked the screen. John Lesley's name popped up. Lesley was one of the men trying to recruit Tam for a job. Damn. He'd missed the call. The only downside to Lesley's job offer was it would keep him in Seattle. The position in Lesley's company, however, sounded perfect. "Important call?" a rich voice asked. "Job offer." Tam answered automatically. He froze as he realized who stood before him. Swallowing the nervous lump in his throat, Tam dropped the phone back into his cargo pants' pocket and looked up into a pair of feral green eyes. Energy poured off the large man who towered well over Tam's five-foot-ten frame. If they were both in bare feet, Tam knew he'd only come to the nape of the other man's neck. Black hair fell in riotous 3

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curls around the man's head and curled at the tips of his ears in a vivid contrast to his olive skin. Tam had no doubt of the identity of the other man. He oozed Alpha power, making introductions unnecessary. Tam's wolf yipped its interest, wanting to play with the bigger wolf. Stupid wolf had no sense of self-protection. Didn't it know the man before them wasn't a new playmate, but a potential adversary? Too bad the guy smelled so damn delicious. Unable to help himself, Tam leaned forward and took a long sniff, the smell of rich earth and piney forests coming off Valko's skin in puffs of tempting clouds. **** Valko's nose twitched from the amazing scent of the man in front of him. The smallest of the Larson family, research stated his IQ reached new heights in the genius category. Information from Valko's detective said there were several companies vying for Tam's talents. Looking into the other man's eyes, Valko could get lost in their brilliant blue depths. From his statistics, he'd been expecting a cocky asshole who looked down on others due to their lesser intellect. Instead, Valko found an unassuming young man with a slight build and a sweet 4

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demeanor who smelled like cherry blossoms. "Greetings, Alpha." Tam's smooth tenor settled in Valko's balls, making his cock harden in his pants. In the middle of the pack, beneath a glowing half moon, he longed to throw the other man down and fuck Tam until he howled. His wolf wanted to mark the younger man before the pack, declare Tam as his, and take on any challenger who thought to touch him. Valko's hands twitched until he finally gave in to the need to touch the other man. Reaching up, he cupped Tam's cheek. "If I accept your family, will you be in my pack?" He kept his voice neutral, not wanting to expose how much it meant to him to have the other man. An Alpha never showed weakness. An Alpha also would not give up what was his, and whether Tam knew it or not, the pretty wolf would belong to Valko. Tam shook his beautiful head, careful not to dislodge Valko's touch and offend the Alpha. "I don't think so, but I still have to pick a job. I'll move to whichever city my work takes me." The pack moved restlessly around Valko as they waited for his opinion. Normally, accepting a family was a quick process. You either let them in or, sensing something wrong, denied them membership. The Alpha didn't usually 5

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go through the members and touch them, or ask about their plans for the future, especially not the male members. Males were either accepted as part of a family unit or challenged and given a place in the pack that suited their abilities. "Are any of the job offers in this area?" Valko's heart slammed against his chest as he waited for Tam's response. He would be damned before he let this man leave the area, not after their first meeting. Valko needed time to… well, he wasn't sure what he would do with the other man. Valko had arranged to sign the treaty to mate with another pack, but he'd find something for Tam. Valko had to keep the man near. When Valko moved his hands away, his wolf growled at the separation. Tam gave a reluctant answer. "A—A couple." "Choose one of those local jobs, and I'll let your family into my pack." The thought of the other man possibly slipping through his fingers made Valko twitch. "And if I don't?" Ooh, Tam's beautiful eyes sparked with temper. Not wolf challenge, Valko would've smacked the smaller wolf down for testing his dominance. No, this man tested him in completely different ways. Ways the wolf inside Valko wanted to explore with Tam… naked. 6

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Valko gave Tam his best grin. The one that bared his teeth and had made more than one opponent blanch. "Then your family will have to find another pack." Amazement bloomed when, instead of cowering in fear, the smaller wolf looked at him like he was a particularly interesting puzzle. One to be taken apart, analyzed, and put back together again. For the first time, Valko felt at a disadvantage. As the Alpha of his pack since the tender age of twenty, no one had ever challenged him. Valko had the unpleasant feeling Tam could wrap him around his little finger without even trying. One slim graceful finger dared to touch Valko. He watched, mesmerized, as the younger man traced it down his bare chest. How had Tam stepped closer without him noticing, and even more importantly, why would his body shake from the sensation of one finger sliding along his skin? Tingles spread from the point of contact and Valko worried for a moment he might come from that one single touch. "So what you're saying is, if I don't take some piss ant job, you'll take away my family's right to hunt on your land and you'll refuse the addition of five strong fighters to your pack?" Valko noticed Tam didn't add himself to the group of strong fighters. "What about you? Don't you consider 7

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yourself a strong fighter?" Tam shrugged. "No. I don't like to fight. I get my way using other methods. I can fight if necessary, but I prefer other means." Damned if the little minx didn't lick his lips. Valko's body went into overdrive from the burning touch of the man's finger to the man's luscious scent filling his nostrils. "Honey, you continue to touch me and you can have anything you want." His voice dipped two octaves lower than normal and his body pumped out pheromones so quickly Valko was surprised they didn't make a mushroom cloud around him. Tam gave him a slow, sweet smile. "I'm still job shopping, but I'll consider myself a member of your pack until I pick a place to stay. How does that sound?" Valko nodded. At that moment, he'd agree to anything. After all, he was ninety-five percent certain the man before him was his mate and the other five percent didn't give a fuck. As long as he had Tam naked and beneath him soon, he'd let the man do anything except move away. "How long before you choose a final place?" "I have to finish my dissertation in three months. Until then I will stay with my parents." Valko smiled. Three months. More than enough 8

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time to persuade the younger man to stay with his new pack. Wolves were creatures of habit. Once they settled in, werekin rarely moved. The fact Mr Larson recently transferred told Valko the family wouldn't be in a rush to do it again. "Alpha Valko?" Valko turned to see Tam's father watching him with wary eyes. "Does this mean we can join your pack?" Valko glanced towards Tam. "Do we have a deal?" Tam gave a firm businesslike nod as if they were work associates, while Valko imagined throwing the man down on the ground and ripping off his clothing. "We have a deal, Alpha. I'll be here until the beginning of summer. After that, we'll see." "Welcome to my pack, Larson family." Valko smiled as they gave him a respectful head tilt. Tam offered his neck even as his bright, suspicious eyes watched Valko closely. Valko walked down the line, nodding to the other Larson family members and touching each of their necks in greeting. Tam's brothers glared but didn't speak. He knew they distrusted his motives towards their little brother but he didn't care. They might be big and tough, but he was lethal. 9

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He saved the last acceptance for Tam. Leaning down he released his fangs and bit down on the younger man's neck. The pack muttered around him, gossiping more than a bunch of old ladies at a quilting bee. He knew they were wondering what the hell he was up to. Biting a new pack mate as a welcome was only done for possible mates. Unable to help himself, Valko wrapped his arms around Tam before pulling his fangs out and licking the wound closed. "You can look for a new job as much as you want, my wolf, but I'm planning on keeping you." He shivered as Tam slid up his body and spoke directly into his ear, his hot breath bathing his skin. "Plan all you want, Alpha, but my will is my own." With those words, the sexy wolf stepped out of Valko's embrace and walked away. **** Tam saved his breakdown for when he returned to his parents' house. Remembering the look on Valko's face, Tam wondered again what the hell he had been thinking, playing with the Alpha like that? Not to mention coming out to his family by all but teasing the man to get him into 10

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bed. It was all kinds of wrong, but something in the Alpha's eyes had made him want to poke at the beast. Tam never could resist annoying others just for fun. Problem was, the Alpha didn't look annoyed; he looked hungry. It wasn't long before the expected knock on the door came. "Come in." Better to get it over with immediately than deal with it later. If his family were going to cast him out because he was gay he'd rather do it now than drag out the experience. He'd hidden his sexuality long enough. To Tam's surprise, his oldest brother entered, alone. Tam would look like Jack if he grew five inches, took lots of steroids, and pumped iron twenty-four hours a day. His brother grew that large naturally. "Can we talk?" Jack's blue eyes held more caution than Tam had ever seen on his brother's face. "Sure, come on in." He sat up in bed and scooted over to make room. The bed creaked a little after accepting Jack's bulk. "The family talked. I mean everyone but you of course." Tam smiled. Poor Jack, obviously the chosen sacrifice to try to discuss Tam's issues. God, he loved his family but they were really predictable sometimes. He could have guessed Jack would be the one they sent. He was the first born of the litter and the official head of this 11

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generation of Larson boys. "Really? What did you all talk about?" Probably wrong to torture his brother, but lifelong instincts were difficult to ignore. Jack sighed and rolled his eyes. "You know, about you being gay and not telling us. Mom's really upset and Dad's angry." Tam crossed his arms over his chest. "If they wanted to kick me out, they should've had the guts to come up here and tell me themselves." "What the fuck are you talking about?" Jack glared at him. "Mom's worried you're dating inappropriate humans, which is why you don't want to bring any of them home, and Dad's pissed the new Alpha is trying to blackmail you into letting him into your pants. Frankly, if it was a female and she looked at me that way, I'd be all for blackmail." Tam frowned. "They're not upset about me being gay?" Jack stared at him like he'd lost his mind. "Tam, at age seven you hacked into the city's police computer to realign its efficiency after your friend's bike was stolen. At ten, you got into the FBI database and listed your teacher as Most Wanted after she gave you a B on a test, and at fifteen you finished your first college degree. Being gay is 12

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probably the least strange thing you've ever confessed to and even then, we had to find out from the new Alpha of our pack because apparently you're his new favorite wolf." Jack patted Tam's back in what should've been a loving gesture, but instead stole the breath from his lungs. "Besides, if the asshole hurts you, we'll take care of him." Jack stood up. Tam could tell he was anxious to get out before any feelings were discussed. He would forever swear afterwards that the devil made him do it. "But don't you want to hear about all my gay encounters?" Jack's mouth dropped open like a landed fish gasping for air. "I mean now that we're all open about my sexuality, maybe we can exchange dating pointers. You can tell me how you woo women and I can tell you all about luring a man into a bathroom stall." The door almost cracked when Jack slammed it behind him. Falling backward on his bed, Tam laughed until his stomach hurt and his eyes started to water. His family was the best. ****

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Tam spent the next day on his computer trying to solve a problem that kept giving him an error. All of his calculations said it should work. The fact it didn't drove him absolutely batty. Scanning his work again, he still didn't see the mistake. He barely resisted the strong temptation to toss the computer against the wall just to hear the happy cracking sound. Unfortunately, after the last three, his father had made it clear Tam would have to pay for the next one. He had the money, but he didn't want to have to explain his fit of temper to his mom. A knock on his bedroom door drew a snarl. "What?" The door swung open and his mother popped her head in. In her hand was a plate of roast beef sandwiches and a glass of lemonade. "Sorry, Mom." He ran his fingers through his hair. "I'm having problems with my programs today." She shook her head. "Well, maybe if you step away from it for a bit you'll feel better. Why don't you have a bite and then go for a jog or something. Your father always thinks better when he's on the move." "That's a good idea." Tam smiled at his mother. "I do need to get some fresh air." He'd started his project early that morning and hadn't left the room for most of the day. His mother returned the smile. "Well, you did get 14

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your brains from my side of the family." Tam laughed. "I'll be sure not to share that with Father." After handing over the sandwiches and drinks she hovered in the doorway. He could practically hear her nerves bouncing about as she debated about saying something. "What?" She fidgeted with her fingers for a bit. "You'll be careful right?" "Jogging? I've been crossing the street for a while now." "No. I mean with men. There are some bad people out there. I always felt fortunate that I didn't have any girls because I didn't have to worry about all the scary males out there, but now I do." Tam's heart warmed as he watched his mother struggle between finding the right words and not upsetting her son. Standing up, he walked over and wrapped his arms around her. "I love that you're worried about me, but I can take care of myself. Besides I have pretty good instincts about staying away from bad men." She patted him on the back with her small hands. In a family of giants, she even made Tam feel big. "I know dear, I just worry. It's a mother's prerogative, you know. I worry about all of you boys." 15

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He smiled against her shoulder, love for her almost bursting his heart. "I know. I promise to be careful, and if any guy messes with me I'll call my big strong brothers to beat the crap out of him." "That's my boy." Stepping away, she gave him a sly look. "Our new Alpha seems like a nice man and interested in you." "You're not exactly subtle, Mother." "I don't have to be subtle, I gave birth to you. I know you're still trying to decide where to go, but it wouldn't hurt to see if the Alpha would be a good mate for you. He's strong, runs his own pack, and looks at you like he's found the wolf of his dreams. You could do worse." "I see it didn't take you long to adjust to me being gay." His mother shook her head. "Dear, I've always suspected you were gay. I was just waiting for you to realize and admit it. Now eat your sandwiches and go for a run. You'll feel so much better." With a final wave she left the room. Tam stood there for several minutes staring at the closed door. Maybe she was right after all. Maybe he did get his intelligence from her side of the family.

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Chapter Two Tam's palms grew moist as he rode the elevator to the first in a series of job interviews. He'd promised his mom he would accept meetings with companies closest to the family first. If none of the positions looked good, he'd spread out his application process. He didn't worry about getting a job, but finding the right one did concern him. If all didn't go well, he could always go into business for himself, but he'd rather not. Just the thought of building a business while working on his ideas at the same time exhausted him. John Lesley's company was the first of three places Tam would visit with over the next few days, though the guy had an odd quirk of only speaking with candidates at night. Rubbing his hands on his dress pants, Tam avoided looking at his reflection in the elevator doors. At this point he really didn't want to know if a hair was out of place. He certainly didn't want to fixate about it. The elevator doors opened to an elegant lobby decorated in thick lush carpet and furniture more worthy of a mansion than an office environment. A pretty girl sat behind the reception desk, her red hair a garish splash 17

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against the creamy walls behind her. Tam immediately liked her. She stood out in the monotone office environment and Tam respected people who knew who they were and didn't try to hide it. Tam approached, flashing a friendly smile. "Hello, I'm Tam Larson, here for an interview with Mr Lesley." Her eyes lit up at Tam's approach. She stood up, revealing a dark brown embroidered skirt suit with a black silk top. "Of course, if you'd follow me please." The room seemed hollow with no one but the two of them inside, like the rest of the world was sleeping. Tam had mixed feelings about how he wanted the interview to go. Initially his goal had been to move away from his family so he could explore his sexuality, but his family didn't appear to care about him liking men. It wouldn't hurt to have the safety net of his brothers while he started to date. No one would mess with him if they knew he had five brothers willing to beat the snot out of them, and if it scared dates off, then they weren't anyone Tam could respect anyway. He needed a mate strong enough to stand beside him when necessary. Tam might be small, but he showed his belly to no one. The receptionist led him into an office bigger than his parents' living room. Books covered the wall in tall, heavily filled shelves while overstuffed leather chairs 18

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dotted the enormous room. "Greetings, Mr Larson." The man's voice was smooth like good whiskey. Following the sound, Tam decided it matched its owner. A beautiful man, John Lesley had caramel hair and deep blue eyes. Tam took a deep whiff, a growl building in his throat as he detected the reason behind the other man's good looks. The receptionist fled and slammed the door behind her. "You're a vampire!" Tam's hackles raised a bit, the wolf inside him readying for battle. Shifters

and

vamps

didn't

make

agreeable

bedfellows, mostly because vampires wanted to suck them dry. Apparently wolf blood acted as an incredible aphrodisiac to vampire kind. "And you're a werewolf." Lesley's eyes glowed with pleasure. "They never mentioned that little fact. Amazing. Generally, your kind doesn't have the patience to do such detailed work." "What can I say, I'm a freak among my kind," Tam said, dryly. Fuck. A vampire. Do I really want to work for a vamp? 19

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The thought of working for a bloodsucker rattled around in his mind as he tried to see how he felt about this new development. His wolf growled a bit but didn't immediately want to attack the other man. Lesley stood and approached, every step slow and cautious, as if he worried Tam's wolf would snap its leash and attack. "I'm not a rabid dog, I don't attack without provocation." Tam blithely ignored the growling wolf inside him. He liked to think of himself as an ambassador to wolf kind. With his slim form and mild manner, most people never even suspected his wolf half. "I have to say from everything I read about you, I was expecting someone completely different. I wanted your skills before, but now I simply won't rest until I have you in my company." "Be prepared for disappointment." Tam didn't feel a keen urge to explain to his family why he'd taken leave of his senses and decided to work for a vampire. They might have taken his sexuality in stride, but they wouldn't appreciate him working for the undead. Tam's phone rang. The vampire laughed. "Please go ahead and answer." 20

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"Sorry about that." Tam reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone without taking his eyes off the other man. He stabbed the connect button with an impatient gesture without checking the readout. "Hello." Valko's voice came across the line, cold and hard. "I heard a ridiculous rumor that you went to interview with John Lesley on your own. Tell me I heard wrong!" "Nope, he's right here," Tam said in a calm voice. The fury in Valko's voice made the idea of working for a vampire start to grow in its appeal. "Get the fuck out of there. He's a vampire!" Valko shouted. Pushing the disconnect button, he gave the vampire a wide smile. "My Alpha sends his regards." Lesley threw back his head and laughed. "Oh, my dear wolf, we are going to be the greatest of friends." Tam shook his head at the amused vampire. "I'm glad you find me so funny, but I still haven't accepted your offer yet." The vampire indicated a chair in front of his desk while he perched lightly on one corner. "Come, sit down, and tell me why my company made your short list and what you are looking for in a place of employment. I've done my research. I know it's not a matter of us picking you, but 21

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who you choose, so I want to hear what will skew the odds in my favor." Lesley paused a moment to give Tam a mischievous smile. "I take it the Alpha is pursuing you?" Tam sighed. "Yeah, he accepted my family into the pack on the condition I choose a job in his territory. My father got a really good position and I don't want him to have to find another one because the Alpha is being a dick." Oops. He probably shouldn't use language like that in a job interview, but the vampire only gave him another smile like Tam amused the hell out of him. They talked back and forth for a while, discussing the positives and potential negatives with the company. Apparently the vampire would let him work whatever hours he wanted as long as his job was accomplished. The vampire settled back into his chair behind the enormous desk before throwing out extra enticements. "I can give you the added incentive of three days off for the full moon each month. Other employers might not know of your special status, but I like to take care of my own." Tam laughed. "I appreciate the offer but that won't be necessary." "Why not?" Lesley gave Tam a probing look. "I've 22

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never known a wolf that didn't need to burn off energy before the moon and sleep it off after." He had hoped not to have this conversation with a future employer because frankly, he didn't think they'd know he was a wolf. Despite anti-discrimination laws, some people still held prejudices against paranormal citizens. Having gone through his entire education without once letting on he was a wolf in a man's skin, he planned on keeping it that way. He knew for a fact his college didn't approve of werekin, he'd only gone there because they had a great computer degree and were close to where Tam's family lived before. Their prejudice became one of the reasons he didn't agree to accept the assistant professorship they'd offered him after graduation even before he learned about his father's new job. The vampire raised an eyebrow at Tam's reluctance to speak. "Come on, it can't be that bad. You can tell me. I promise not to share the info with the Alpha. It'll drive him crazy that I know something he doesn't." Tam rolled his eyes. "Maybe working for you wouldn't be the best idea." He hoped the other people he interviewed with wouldn't know about his shifter status. Tam didn't harbor any illusions about his future job prospects. He knew he'd do better if people continued thinking of him as a human. Wolves got the shit jobs. Even 23

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highly skilled wolves. "If you step out of here, I will call your other interviewers and tell them you're a shifter." "And I will call the paranormal employment board and have your ass handed to you over inciting discrimination. You know it's illegal to ask or give out information about a person's paranormal status." It didn't necessarily stop it from happening though. Lesley gave him a smooth smile. "It's your word against mine and I have a very long history with them." Tam returned the vampire's smile, flashing a bit of fang. "The head of the employment board is my cousin's husband. We're very close." "Crap." The vampire frowned at him. "You really are a sneaky, conniving little control freak, aren't you?" "Yep." Leaning back in the chair Tam nodded his agreement. The vampire sighed. "I think I might be in love." "You'll have to get in line." A low growl filled the room. The hair on the back of Tam's neck stood on end and tingles traveled up and down his spine before lodging in his balls. Damn, the man's sexy voice made Tam want to strip down and offer himself up like a virgin sacrifice. Except he could barely remember being a virgin and there 24

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would be no sacrifice involved. Tam turned in his seat to see Valko standing in the doorway. The Alpha stomped into the room with four beta wolves at his back. "Oh, look John, they've invaded your fortress. You'll have to give back the sacrificial virgin now." Tam glared at Valko and his sidekicks. The vampire laughed so much he almost fell out of his chair. When he could finally collect himself he gave Tam a sad, disappointed look. "I doubt you're a virgin, my dear." Tam batted his eyelashes. "Whatever are you planning to do with that big sword, oh scary vampire?" "Enough." Valko glared at Tam. A quick glance showed the other wolves were trying not to laugh. Tam clapped his hands to his chest. "My hero! You came just in time." "In time for what?" Valko crossed his arms over his chest. His glare would've been more effective if the corner of his mouth weren't twitching. Tam shrugged. "Whatever foul fate the vampire had in store for me." He turned to Lesley who shook his head. "I was thinking of a six figure job offer," he said in a dry tone. "You are not working for a vampire!" Valko 25

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growled. Tam normally wouldn't even think of accepting a job on the spur of the moment and with other possible offers waiting in the wings, but that little rebellious part he'd never been able to tame decided to make itself known. Turning to the vampire, Tam gave him a wide smile. "I'll take it." Lesley gave Valko a grin, exposing fangs he'd kept hidden before. "I don't know how to thank you, Alpha Valko. Without your interference, I'm sure it would've taken a lot longer to lure Tam into my evil clutches, but with your help he jumped right in." Valko grabbed Tam's arm and yanked him to his feet. For a brief suicidal moment Tam almost gave in to the urge to flatten the Alpha. The beauty of having so many bigger brothers was that he knew all the dirty tricks. However, with four of Valko's betas and a vampire watching, his wolf half knew better. You didn't humiliate your Alpha in front of others. Tam had no wish to damage the current power structure of Valko's pack; he only wanted to make sure his family had a place to belong. As the Alpha dragged him out of the room, Lesley shouted, "I'll courier the agreement to your house. See you next week." Tam waved goodbye and let Valko haul him out of 26

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the room. The silence in the elevator was deafening. "You aren't signing the contract." Tam looked at Valko in the elevator reflection. "What was our agreement?" "You can't take this job." Valko scowled at Tam's reflection in the mirrored door. "What was our agreement?" Tam snapped, his good humor gone. "For you to consider the jobs around here," Valko said, crossing his arms over his chest. "You're the Alpha of the pack and you said I only had to choose a job in the area to keep my family here. You do not get to pick it. Are we clear?" Valko opened his mouth to say something, but closed it with another glare from Tam. "You're right. I'll stand by my statement." At the Alpha's capitulation, Tam's anger left him as quickly as it came. It wasn't in his nature to hold a grudge. "Good." Silence descended again. Valko slid an arm around Tam's waist. He chose to ignore it. A difficult task since the Alpha's arm radiated comfort and heat. "Just out of curiosity, what would you have done if I'd insisted on picking your job?" 27

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Valko's tone held an indecipherable hint of something besides curiosity, but Tam couldn't figure out what it was. "Taken time, which I don't have, to find my father a different position and left your pack. An Alpha is only as good as his word. If you can't keep it, we don't stay." Tam made sure his expression conveyed how strongly he felt about that issue. He'd never leave his family in the clutches of a dishonorable Alpha. One of the betas spoke up. Tam thought he'd heard his name was Evan. "And you think your family would let the youngest and smallest member tell them what to do?" Tam normally let a statement like that slide off his back, but the constant posturing made him tired. The pack didn't need to know all his secrets, but he also wouldn't become their prey. "Do you remember Stamcorp?" The beta nodded. "They had that big scandal. Five of their buildings burned to the ground and the CEO was found guilty of embezzling millions and trying to defraud the insurance companies by claiming arson. Didn't he get like sixty years in prison or something?" "Life. He got life in prison." Tam smiled in satisfaction. 28

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"What did he do?" Valko asked, slowly removing his arm. The elevator dinged. Right before the doors opened Tam turned to face the other wolves. For the first time, he let the predator show in his eyes. "Let's just say he should never have threatened my father." Tam walked off the elevator quite pleased with his exit. Now that they knew one of his family's biggest secrets, by tomorrow everyone in the pack would know. In the Larson family, the smallest member was the most dangerous. **** "How did the job interview go?" At the sound of his youngest brother's voice, Tam looked up from his dissertation. "Hey, Lewis." "Hey, genius. Job interview? How did it go?" Lewis was the only person Tam let get away with talking to him like he was the dimmest bulb on the Christmas tree. "Oh, he offered me the job." "Yes." Lewis gave a fist pump before ruffling Tam's hair as if he were still five. 29

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"Stop that." Tam groused, smoothing it back. "Oh please, I'm sure you're still pretty enough for the Alpha. I bet he's excited you took a position close by. Did you call and tell him yet? Man, I thought he was going to shift and mount you right in front of the pack." Tam blushed. "Shut up, and no, he's not pleased." Lewis threw himself on Tam's bed, the only other place to sit since Tam was in the chair by his desk. "Why not? Does the job not pay enough for His Precious?" "I have no problem offing you." Tam gave his brother his best chilling smile. Lewis froze for a moment before shaking his head. "Stop that. I hate it when you go all creepy. Anyway, we both know I'm safe. I'm your favorite." He ended with a smug smile. Tam shrugged. "There are four more of you. I'm sure I wouldn't miss one." "Good job trying to distract me. Now confess. Why isn't Alpha Valko happy with your job choice?" Tam rolled his eyes. "Because it's with a vampire." "No shit!" Lewis sat straight up, his mouth hanging open. "Ooh, can I meet him? I've always wanted to meet a vamp." "And people wonder why I treat you like an overgrown puppy." Tam rolled his eyes at his brother's 30

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antics. "Pweese, pweese, oh cerebrally freakish brother of mine." Lewis batted his long eyelashes. Tam laughed. "I haven't gotten the official offer yet. It's on its way. If I take the job, I promise to introduce you." Lewis ran over and picked Tam up swinging him around in the tiny space of his room. "Yeah, I get to meet a vamp. I get to meet a vamp." "Put me down!" Tam demanded. "Or what?" "Or I'll hack into your bank account and make it look like you're funding terrorist organizations, before anonymously tipping off the FBI." Lewis dropped him. "You know, you could work on being nicer. That psycho genius thing will only get you so far in your plot to take over the world. Eventually you'll need back-up muscle and then where will you be?" On that parting shot, Lewis stomped out of Tam's room leaving him laughing. Shaking his head, he went back to his computer to finish off the last section of his thesis. His family members were all crazy, but he adored each and every one of them.

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Chapter Three Tam read over the contract three times before concluding he needed help. He might be a whiz with all things computer-ish, but legal mumbo jumbo made his head hurt. Sighing, he went in search of his brother Mac. He found him in the exercise room his parents had set aside so the family of restless wolves could burn off energy. "Mac, do you think I can get your girlfriend to look these over?" Tam waved his papers at Mac. His brother set down his weights that probably weighed more than Tam. "Look what over?" "A contract for work. I don't really get all the lawyer terms. I was hoping I could borrow your girlfriend." Mac had dated Amy Dale for the past two years. Although she was a little older than his brother, Tam couldn't think of a better match. Mac shook his head. "She broke up with me." "What!" Tam couldn't have been more shocked if flying pink elephants had appeared in the room. "Why?" He honestly hadn't seen that one coming. The last time he'd seen them together, Amy and Mac had looked blissfully happy. "She said I was too immature for her." 32

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"Why?" Mac shrugged. "I didn't fit into her fancy parties and her friends were boring. Not one of them could shift into another creature." Tam hid his smile even as his heart hurt for his brother. He could see the pain in Mac's eyes. "I'm sorry to hear that, especially after you moved with the family to be closer to her, too." His mind whirled as he thought of ways to get the pair back together. "Hey, she'd probably be happy to help you anyway. I mean, we're still friends and all. She doesn't hate me or nothing." Mac gave him a half-hearted smile. "Well, if you don't mind…" He gave his brother a wistful look. Mac gave him a pat on the back. "Of course not. We all want you to get a job you like." Tam used all his werewolf strength to stay upright beneath his brother's rough affection. "Thanks, Mac." He turned to go, but his brother's voice stopped him in his tracks. "Umm. Don't say anything to her, but could you check that she's okay. You know, happy and stuff." Tam didn't turn around. If Mac saw his expression, he'd know Tam was up to something. "Sure Mac. I'll be discreet." 33

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Yep. He was the soul of discretion. **** Tam borrowed his father's car and headed off to play matchmaker. Amy's office was in the heart of downtown. Tam swept past the secretary and into Amy's office without saying a word as he closed the door behind him. "Hey, Ames." He flashed his best smile. "Tam." She hung up the phone and gave him a wary glance. He knew there was a reason he liked her. "I was hoping you could do me a favor." She leaned back in her chair and looked at him over her gold-rimmed glasses. A sexy, smart woman Tam would've snatched up in a second if he didn't love men so much. "What kind of favor?" He set the envelope on the desk. "I know you're busy, and I hate to imply you owe me any favors because I did some stuff for you." Amy gave him a wry glance. "You mean because you found me an office, arranged care for my disabled mother, and helped me get clients." 34

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"Yeah, you know, stuff. But if you could look over that contract, I'd appreciate it." "Sure, Tam." Relief flashed across her face that he didn't bring up touchier subjects. Darn, he had thought she was smarter than that. Tam leaned back in the visitor seat, propped his elbow on the arm of the chair and his chin in his hand. "Mac told me the two of you split up. I was sorry to hear that." The pen she'd been spinning between her fingers stilled. "But I have to say your timing was really considerate." "W-Why would you say that?" She shot him a quick glance before going back to the contract. "Oh, you know, the whole joining a new pack thing. She-wolves love it when eligible men join the pack. They're already circling my brothers, and Mac has all those muscles. Women love that. Now that you broke up with him, he doesn't have to worry about resisting their advances." The peppery scent of anger reached Tam's nose. It took some effort to hide his smile as he continued, "Anyway, you're probably better off with a human who would enjoy all those business parties you have to attend. I know wolves aren't that easy to be with." Tam gave her a look of commiseration. "How's my contract look?" He 35

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waited a beat for her reaction; it didn't take long. "That bastard." Amy slammed down her pencil. "He wanted me to break up with him so he could chase some skanky she-wolf." She looked towards Tam as if for confirmation. "There has been a lot of talk about the sexy new wolves joining the pack." He didn't mention most of the gossip was about the Alpha sniffing around Tam, he didn't want to take away from the focus of the conversation. "Like I said, your timing was good." Amy jumped to her feet and started pacing her office in short angry stomps, her heels making a staccato sound against the wooden floor. "I bet he started that whole argument just so I would break up with him and he could look like the good guy." She spun to face Tam. "What did your mother say?" Tam's mother and Amy had always been close. Another reason she was the perfect match for his brother. "I haven't talked to Mom since Mac said you two broke up." "I bet he blamed the whole thing on me, and she'll take his side because he's her son." "I don't know, she's always been fond of you, she thought you and Mac would make beautiful babies together." He shrugged like the entire matter was beyond his understanding. "But now you don't have to worry about 36

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wolf babies. Half bloods are always shifters, you know, so that's one bullet you dodged." He gave a shudder that was only partially pretense because babies freaked him out a little. "And you'd have at least three at once." He pretended not to notice her wistful expression. He knew from Mac she was an only child who longed for a big family. He stood to go. "Thanks for helping me Ames, after your split with Mac and all you didn't have to. I can have someone come pick up the contract or arrange for a courier to grab it this evening." "No! I mean, no, I'll be happy to bring it by. I'd like to see your mother again." "Great! Thanks, I appreciate that." Tam walked over and gave her a quick hug. "I'll see you later then. In fact, why don't you come by for dinner. Mother loves to have guests. I'll tell her to make room for one more." Amy gave him a relieved smile. "Okay." Tam started to leave before turning back. "And look for anything in the contract that requires my blood." "Blood?" "Yeah, the boss is a vampire. I don't want to learn after I sign the contract that I have to let him bite me or something." Amy nodded. "I'll look it over really careful, Tam. See you at dinner." 37

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Tam patted himself on the back that he didn't break out laughing until he was in the elevator. **** His mother chuckled when he told her there was one more for dinner. "Tam, one of these days your scheming is going to catch up with you and someone isn't going to fall in line with your plans." The kitchen counters were piled high with fresh vegetables in various states of preparation. "Scheming, me?" Tam gave her his best innocent look. She shook her head. "That look hasn't worked since you were eight and convinced your baby sitter it would be all right to let six unsupervised boys go down the street by themselves and get ice cream." "We did go get ice cream." Tam objected. "Uh huh. Strange how the police had to come by and rescue that gunman who tried to rob the bank next door." Tam nodded, keeping his face solemn. "Probably on drugs the way he kept hallucinating about a pack of wolves." "Right, and weird how the bank gave you and your 38

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brothers each a college scholarship." "Trying to encourage the youth." Tam nodded. Grabbing a cherry tomato off the counter, he popped it into his mouth humming at the squirt of juice. "Very community minded of them." "Like I said, one of these days someone who isn't in our family is going to be wise to you, my dear boy, and not give in to your sneaky ways." She gave him a sly smile. "Maybe even Alpha Valko." Tam frowned at her. "He tried to tell me who to work for." He leaned against the counter and crossed his arms. "He's bossy, controlling, and… and bossy." "You already said that one." She washed some salad in a colander, flicking water at him as she rinsed. Tam wiped the drops off his face and smiled. "It's worth saying twice." "You mean he sees past your bullshit and wants you anyway?" Her knowing expression made him pout. Sometimes it sucked when your family knew you so well. "Amy will be here at seven. What are you making?" "Tacos." "Really?" Tam gave her a careful look. "Any particular reason?" He couldn't remember his mother making tacos before. 39

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"I wanted to try something new." "Uh huh." He continued to stare at her, waiting. It only took a moment before she broke. "Fine. I heard your dad telling someone he loves tacos, but I don't make them so he gets them at a taco cart by work." "Ah, and you don't want him cheating on you with some sexy tacos?" His mother blushed and smacked him on the arm. "Have you seen some of those taco carts?" She shuddered. "Unsanitary." "Want me to check it out? Make sure there aren't any hot women tempting your husband with their tacos?" She burst out laughing. "You'll understand better when you have that delicious Alpha as your mate." Tam shook his head. "He interrupted my interview to be an ass. I don't want someone who doesn't trust me to make my own decisions." His mother wrapped an arm around him and gave him a one-armed hug. "Sometimes people come across bossy because it's the only way they can show they care. What made him rush over and interrupt your interview?" "He didn't like the idea of me working for a vampire." His mother stiffened beside him. "A vampire?" "Nothing to worry about. He's more interested in 40

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poking at our Alpha than biting my neck. Amy's looking over my contract to make sure no blood is involved." "Good. She'll let you know if there's anything wrong." She released him and started shredding lettuce. "Anything I can help you with?" She shook her head. "Why don't you go warn Mac his ex-girlfriend is attending dinner?" Tam smiled wickedly. "Because that would take away the lovely element of surprise." **** Walking into the dining room, Tam received a brutal reminder about where he got his sneakiness from. A quick look at the expression on his mother's face and he had to get a stranglehold on his wolf so he didn't jump over the table and choke her. Evil woman. "Aren't you going to come join us?" Alpha Valko asked, his hot gaze stripping Tam until he had to fight the urge to see if he still wore clothing, by all rights they should've burned off beneath the Alpha's stare. "Mother didn't tell me you were coming." Tam tried to keep his tone as neutral as possible while inside his wolf was bounding about with excitement. Stupid creature didn't 41

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know to stay away from the gorgeous, smug Alpha. With slow, reluctant steps, he took the only open seat next to Valko. Amy sat next to Mac who gave Tam a pointed glare. Tam's spirits lifted at his brother's expression. At least he wouldn't be miserable alone. He flashed Mac a sweet smile that he knew would enrage his brother further, confident Mac wouldn't do anything in front of their new Alpha. Tam's parents carried in large platters of food from the kitchen to the dining room and placed them in the middle of the table. Spiced meats, chopped vegetables, shredded cheese and warm tortillas were set down after several trips. None of them offered to help. Their parents had worked out a fine system over the years and the kids just got in the way. "Tacos?" Mac asked, tilting his head as if he'd never seen them before. "Yes." Their mother's firm tone didn't encourage Mac to ask anything else. Tam hid his smile. There was silence for a bit as everyone piled food on their plates. "These are great, honey," Tam's father said. Tam completely lost it. He had to set down his taco as laughter shook his frame. 42

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"Are you all right?" Valko asked. His feral green eyes sparkled with amusement as he watched Tam laughing. Tam nodded, still shaking too hard to pick up his food. "Shut up, Tam," his mother said, throwing a napkin at him. "I… I didn't say a thing." Tam wiped his eyes with the heels of his hands to clear the moisture from them, still chuckling. "I can stop him," Valko vowed. Before Tam could speak, the Alpha grabbed him. Valko plunged one hand into Tam's hair and hooked his other arm around Tam's waist. Tam let out a squawk as he was yanked against the Alpha's hard, muscular body. The scent of hot male need overwhelmed his senses. Valko pressed his mouth against Tam's, sending an inferno of desire racing through Tam's body. "Mmm." "No sex at my dinner table!" Tam's mother shouted. Tam melted against Valko, letting the other man support his body. When the Alpha finally released him, it took Tam a moment to gather his wits. The man had literally scrambled 43

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his brains. "Now I know what it takes to make him stop scheming." Mac's deep voice cut through Tam's passionfilled haze. His brother looked entirely too smug, as did Valko. Tam decided the conversation needed a diversion. "Amy, did you find anything weird in my contract?" Valko stilled beside him. "You mean besides the obscene amount of money he's offering you?" "Yep." Tam smiled. Amy shook her head. "It's one of the best contracts I've ever seen. You can pick your own hours; work from home or at the office. Full health benefits and a vacation policy most people only dream about. The only must is you have to meet with him in person once a week to discuss any projects." "You are not going to work for a vampire." Valko's voice held the edge of a man used to getting his way. All sound stopped in the dining room. "Oh man, you did not just tell Tam not to do something, did you? And I thought you were the smart Alpha." Jack shook his head sadly at Valko. "He might have thought it over longer before but now…" "He'll sign it just to spite you," Mac finished. 44

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Valko snapped his head around to look at Tam. "Surely you're not that contrary?" Tam patted the Alpha on the back. "I know we've just met, but you really should listen to my family. They know me best." Picking up his taco, he quietly finished his meal. **** Valko ate his taco and wondered when and how he'd lost control of the situation. Used to being in charge, he found it shocking that Tam appeared completely indifferent to his authority. The younger man didn't treat Valko with disrespect, but rather like an equal—as if the wolf trapped inside the smaller man was an Alpha, while the human half remained more submissive. A man at war with himself. Valko only wanted to claim his mate and maybe put him in a bubble, wrapped in cotton, tucked in a vault. That wasn't too much to ask was it? Glancing over at Tam's defiant gaze, he had a feeling Tam would disagree. Valko wondered how he could outsmart a man smarter than everyone else? Glancing around at Tam's family, Valko saw they watched him with varying degrees of pity and amusement. They all recognized a man outmatched when 45

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they saw one. At least Tam's mother was on Valko's side. She wanted her baby to settle down with a strong wolf, but the rest of the family would be the trick. From his observation and research, Valko knew Tam's devotion to his family bordered fanatical. If Valko could win over the rest of them, he suspected Tam would fall into line. For the first time as an Alpha he would have to lure his prey to his side instead of hunting it down. Tam didn't respect bullies; the sweet looking man annihilated them before doing a happy dance on their ashes. Valko didn't want to be another Tam statistic. He wanted to be the one. The one Tam went to when he needed someone to rely on. Polishing off his food, he gave Mrs Larson an approving smile. "Those were very good Mrs Larson. I appreciate you inviting me to dinner." "Mary, please, Alpha Valko." He nodded. "Mary, then, and you can call me Valko in private." It wouldn't do for her to call him by his first name in a pack meeting. The others would consider it disrespectful. Only an Alpha's mate could call him by his first name without the title. Mary came and took his plate. 46

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Valko turned to Tam. "I've gotta go." Leaning down he placed a kiss on Tam's forehead, amused with the glare he received when he didn't go for Tam's mouth. Valko wasn't stupid, he knew Tam would resist his advances if Valko rushed him. The smaller man would enjoy turning Valko down. He made sure not to give him the opportunity. When Tam came to Valko of his own free will, then they would become mates. "You can call me Valko, honey," he said in a low voice. He knew the other wolves could hear him but out of courtesy they would pretend they didn't. "I have all kinds of things I want to call you," Tam said with a sweet smile. Valko laughed. Tam would keep him on his toes. Walking around the table, he exchanged handshakes with the rest of Tam's family making eye contact and enforcing his connection with each one. He kissed the back of Amy's hand, amused when both Mac and Tam growled. He gave her a wink when she blushed. "I'll see you all tomorrow night. We're doing a pack run." He didn't allow room for argument. If the Alpha called a run, everyone came. Without a valid excuse it was considered disrespectful to the Alpha. He waited a beat for a comment from Tam but a glance in his direction only got him a quirked eyebrow and a smirk. 47

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He blew Tam a kiss and walked out the door. On the way to his car he pulled out his phone and dialed the damned vampire who thought he was going to get his fangs into Tam. **** "He what?" Tam's fingers curled around the phone as he listened to his future boss talk about the call he'd received. Warm laughter rolled across the airwaves. "He was so adorable. Alpha Valko is gone on you. He turned all wolfy and threatened to tear out my fangs if I tried to bite you." "I'm so sorry." Tam rolled his eyes. He was going to hurt Valko, lots. "Don't be, it was really cute. I don't think I've ever seen a man so determined to save his lover's honor. It makes me long for the good old days." "In what good old days did a guy try to protect another guy's honor?" Tam asked. "Hmm… good point. Anyway I thought you should know what your big, bad Alpha is up to and I also called to see if you signed the contract yet?" "Not yet. My lawyer just looked it over. She said it's 48

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good but I really should conduct my other two interviews." A frustrated growl came through the phone. "Come on Tam, you know my offer is the best and you have the added bonus of torturing your Alpha by working for me." Tam laughed. "That does have its own appeal I have to admit." "And I just had an interesting project come down the pipeline." They spent the next few minutes discussing business before Tam got off the phone. He turned around. Mac stood in the doorway. Uh. Oh. "Amy just left. She left the contract behind and said to tell you the agreement is probably the best you'll find." "Okay. Thanks." Tam tried to judge his brother's mood, but for once Mac's eyes weren't giving him anything. He took a step back as Mac walked closer. He wasn't afraid of his brother. He knew Mac wouldn't do any permanent harm, but the temporary kind could hurt quite a bit. Something you learned quickly with so many brothers. Mac stopped about three feet away. Running his hand through his hair, Mac gave Tam a frustrated look. "I have to admit out of all the family I understand you the least." Tam shrugged, keeping a cautious eye on Mac. He'd 49

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wondered if anyone would be upset he was gay. Mac was the most conservative of the group, but Tam couldn't deny a twinge of disappointment in his brother. "I mean you've got an Alpha after your ass and you're willing to throw it away on a job. Hell, Tam, if Amy wanted me back I'd give up anything." Mac looked so forlorn Tam walked over and gave him a hug. "Sucker," Mac said. Digging his fingers into Tam's ribs, he evilly tickled the crap out of Tam. "No… stop." Tears streamed down Tam's face as Mac tripped him and pinned him easily to the floor with one hand while mercilessly continuing to tickle him with the other. "That's for inviting Amy and not telling me." "I-I'm sorry." Tam gasped trying to get oxygen into his lungs. "No you're not," Mac said, finally letting Tam go. Mac stood up and looked down at his brother with love in his eyes. "Besides, it worked out, she wants to date me again. What did you tell her?" Tam wiped his eyes with the palms of his hands. "I shouldn't tell you after that stunt." "But you will." Mac wiggled his fingers at his brother. 50

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"Fine." Tam held up his hand. Mac grabbed it to help him up. Tam expertly flipped Mac over his hip, pleased at the thud as his heavier brother landed in a heap on the floor. "Shit. I always forget about those martial art classes you like." Mac grumbled as he picked himself off the floor. "I told her you two broke up at a good time since the she-wolves loved to welcome new members of the pack." Mac laughed. "That was positively wicked. I love it. She said she wants to give us another chance." "That's great." Tam felt a rush of satisfaction that his plot had worked. "One of these days, Tam, you're going to find someone who doesn't fall in line then what are you going to do?" Tam thought it over carefully before giving his brother his honest answer. "Run."

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Chapter Four The evening consisted of a warm summer night with a hint of breeze, an almost full moon, and a fine burn of rage. Tam's family circled him in a loose formation blocking him from the Alpha, as if not seeing Valko would stop Tam from knowing where he was. How dare Valko call Tam's potential employer. Someone needed to be taught a lesson. Lewis flashed Tam a nervous look. "Tam, remember, we need this pack." "I remember." It wasn't like Tam planned on doing anything too horrible. He tended towards a more subtle approach. Unfortunately, it looked like the Alpha didn't understand subtle. Valko was more the hit with a sledgehammer and run kind of person. Tam smiled as different options flashed through his mind. Yes, that one would do! "Excuse me." Before his family could stop him Tam ducked between two of his brothers and started towards Valko. Letting his hips swing in a natural rhythm, Tam released the tight hold he kept on his inner wolf and let a bit of the animal come out to play. At the sight of Tam, the 52

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scent of arousal poured off Valko. With a wicked smile, Tam locked eyes and slowly peeled off his t-shirt. Tossing his shirt onto the grass, Tam stopped to kick off his sandals, one by one. Only an idiot wore socks to a shifter event. Tam didn't care how sexy you were, no one looked good only wearing socks. Glancing up, he saw Valko waited for the main event. Giving the Alpha a wicked smile Tam unsnapped his pants, slowly lowered his zipper, and shifted into a wolf. Leaping clear of his pants, Tam gave a taunting bark and ran off into the woods. A long howl followed him as he dodged through the trees. Silly Alpha. Tam didn't even bother to look behind him. He couldn't be caught. Tam wasn't particularly strong or fast as a human but he'd never met a wolf quicker than him, not to mention if Valko really pushed, he'd show the Alpha his other form. Tam had inherited the Larson Wolf, a powerful third shift wolf transformation, only gifted to one member of the family each generation. After running for miles in his smaller wolf form, Tam lay down on the grass for a nap. Fingers woke him, human fingers brushing against his bare skin. He knew Valko's scent well enough by now. Opening his eyes, he 53

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looked up into a pair of feral green eyes. "It took me hours to find you. I've never seen a wolf so fast before." Tam smiled. He hadn't planned on sleeping until morning but he felt great and his body was rising with the sun. The flash of desire in Valko's eyes told Tam all he had to do was ask and he could have a very happy morning. "You know you are going to be my mate," Valko said in a matter-of-fact tone. "Yes." Tam allowed for that much between them. When he'd shifted in Valko's company, his wolf form had almost forced him to go back to be with its mate. There was no doubt in Tam's mind they were going to be mates. The question was how quickly he'd give in to the gorgeous man smiling down at him. "You're going to drive me absolutely crazy before we're formally mated, aren't you?" Tam returned the smile. "If you're lucky." Valko crooked a brow. "Why if I'm lucky?" "Because if I'm not driving you crazy, I'm ignoring you. What would bother you more, a mate who's hard to get or one who's indifferent?" Tam should've burst into flames from the heat in Valko's eyes. "Honey, I'll take you any way I can get you." The big man crawled over Tam's body, his animalistic-half 54

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apparent in his slow, graceful movements. Valko spread his large, muscular frame across Tam's, pinning him to the ground. "C-can't breathe." "Shush," Valko said with a laugh. "I'm supporting my weight with my arms. I'm barely on you." Tam liked the Alpha's face when he smiled. It wasn't the normal expression for a man with the weight of the pack on his shoulders but it lit up his entire face and made him more approachable. Valko's hard length brushed against Tam. Tam groaned, moving beneath the larger man. Heat spiked up his spine as Tam tried to keep his hips still despite what the rest of his body wanted. His wolf urged him to tilt his head, expose his throat, and offer his submission. Tam gave in. The scent and feel of Valko filled his nose. A small whimper left his throat. His hips lifted to get closer. Tam needed to rub against the other man, desperately. He ached. Valko nipped at Tam's throat. "I figure the only way to keep you still is to physically lay on you." Tam smiled. "Hmm. I have to say I like this plan." Valko's body felt as if it belonged sliding over Tam. Valko's heated skin sent shivers of sensation over Tam's cooler flesh. Tam longed to taste Valko more than he had ever wanted anyone before. He didn't even try to evade 55

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Valko when his lips came down to cover Tam's. Yum. Valko's kiss was everything Tam could hope for. The attraction between them sizzled, a jolt of electricity passing from Valko's lips to Tam's. Why had he resisted this man? He couldn't pull enough thoughts together to remember. His wolf gave a happy yip at the contact against his mate. Moaning, Tam slid his fingers into Valko's hair and hauled him closer. For a big, rough man, Valko had the warmest, softest lips, like crushed velvet with a hint of scruff from his morning beard. No matter how many other men he kissed in his life, Tam knew he'd never forget this one. Valko wore a smug smile. "I knew we were meant to be together." The satisfaction in the Alpha's voice sent warning alerts through Tam's mind. He would've pushed Valko away, but his fingers wouldn't unclench from the Alpha's hair. At that moment, his body was smarter than his mind. Tam wanted to protest, he really did. Except Valko reached between them, wrapped his large hand around both of their erections, and proceeded to drive Tam out of his ever-loving mind. "Oh." Tam moaned, pressing his body closer to 56

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Valko's touch, as if he could meld into the man giving him exquisite pleasure. The feel of Valko's hands made Tam's toes curl and a tingle go up and down his spine. Gasping with pleasure, he sought Valko's mouth and his eyes slid closed, allowing him to concentrate on the taste and texture of the other man's lips against his. The rest of his life would be too short a time to completely relish the experience of belonging to Valko. However, Tam didn't feel any hurry to confess his conclusion to his future mate. Valko already acted too confident about his place in Tam's world. He needed a little shaking up. "Open." Valko's deep voice sank into his inner musings. Tam blinked. "What?" He could barely form words and Valko could still make demands. "I want you to know who's giving you pleasure." Tam wanted to give Valko a piece of his mind, but he couldn't muster the rage. Not while Valko's fingers pulled on his cock. "Yes, like that." Tam gasped as Valko used the perfect amount of pressure to stroke Tam's shaft. "Who do you belong to?" Valko's gravelly voice sank through Tam's fog of lust, and lifted a bit of the haze with his words. 57

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"Myself." He might be needy and on the edge of orgasm, but he wasn't stupid. Valko released Tam before growling. "No. You're mine!" Holding back a whimper, Tam summoned a burst of energy and flipped their bodies. "I think you have that wrong, Alpha. You are mine." He smirked down at Valko's surprised face. "You're stronger than you look." Valko gave him an appraising glance. "That female Alpha sniffing around might have to watch her back." Tam growled. "There better not be another anyone doing anything to you." He might not be wholly certain about his relationship with Valko, but Tam knew he better not hear of someone else sniffing around his man. Valko gave him a wide smile. "I wouldn't let anyone other than you touch me, baby. I already told the other pack the deal was off." Tam frowned at the baby comment but let it slide. Leaning down, he bit Valko's chest, pleased at the mark he left there. "Ow!" Valko said. "Gotta mark what's mine." Tam smirked at the Alpha before sliding down Valko's body. 58

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"You better not bite there!" Valko warned with a low growl. "Don't worry. I'd never hurt this beauty." The Alpha's cock rose to greet him. Tam licked the hardening member, lapping at the musky, bitter flavor. Mate! The wolf inside yipped with glee, ready to let the other man claim them. Tam swallowed Valko down, mentally cheering when the Alpha bucked beneath his mouth. Claws extending slightly through his nails, Tam pinned Valko down not letting him so much as wiggle as he sucked the Alpha into an orgasm. "Oh, fuck." Valko whimpered as Tam licked up any drops of liquid he missed. Tam leaned forward and lapped at Valko's lips, sharing the taste with the other man. Valko gave him a wicked smile. "You know you're just delaying the inevitable." "Am I?" Valko nodded. "I can wait until you're ready, but you'd best remember you're mine." Tam rolled his eyes. "Valko, you might be Alpha of the pack but you won't ever rule over me. Come find me when you want an equal." 59

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Giving his Alpha a bittersweet smile, Tam shifted into a wolf and ran away. **** "So, what are we going to do about the Alpha problem?" Mac asked over breakfast, the only one still at the table with Tam. Tam looked innocently at his brother. "What makes you think I'm going to do anything to him?" Mac snorted milk through his nose. "Shit. Warn me next time." Tam shook his head. "I'm not sure how I'm responsible for your poor milk manners." "Tam, you know the man is hot for you. If you don't want to keep him, let us know so we can find a new pack. If he turns into an abusive jerk, we'll take care of him—Alpha or not. Hell, I still remember that one asshole who punched you in high school." "Did he ever find his teeth?" Tam asked. It was the one time he'd let his brothers stand up for him. "Yeah, but his leg never healed right." Mac smiled with satisfaction. "So what's the game plan? And are we going to let the Alpha catch you in the end? I guess we all assumed you wanted the guy." Mac shrugged. 60

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Tam smiled. "Oh, I want him. But he's an arrogant bastard. As Alpha, I bet he's never had to work on a relationship in his life. If he wants me, he's going to have to put up a little more effort than hunting me down." Mac laughed. "Oh, this is going to be fun. What's up first?" "Working for the vampire." After examining the pros and cons, Tam had decided working for John Lesley would be the best opening move. "Are you sure that's a good idea?" A frown furrowed into Mac's forehead. "Vamps are dangerous." "You don't think I can handle a vampire?" Tam asked, surprised. He'd never known his brothers to think Tam couldn't deal with anything. Mac laughed. "Good point. Maybe I should send a note of condolence to your poor new boss ahead of time." Tam smacked his brother's arm. Mac pouted as he rubbed his biceps even though Tam knew he probably didn't even bruise his brother's rock hard muscle. Lewis bounced into the room and threw himself into the chair beside Tam. "So what's the plan for making Valko pay?" He said the words with such relish the other men laughed. "I'm going to accept Lesley's offer." "Can I go with you please, please? I want to meet 61

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the vamp!" Lewis gave Tam a pleading look with his green eyes. "I'll let you go for the contract acceptance, but you can't come with me to work every day. Don't you have an art class to go to?" Lewis shook his head. "It was cancelled due to bad karmic energy or something." "That's what you get for taking classes from an exhippie." Lewis shrugged. "He's brilliant, so he can get away with that crap. I'm really learning a lot." Tam shook his head. Lewis was the easiest going of the family. Not much bothered him, but when he lost his temper, look out. "As long as you're having fun." Tam had known early in life he'd have to take care of his brother, Lewis, because although he was an amazing artist few could live off their work. Tam had a trust fund set aside for each of his brothers in case something happened to him. He'd put a little extra into Lewis's account. Lewis rubbed his hands together. "So what are we doing besides taunting the big bad Alpha with the vampire? Are we putting him on the terrorist no fly list? Filling his house with frogs? Hiring the local voodoo doctor to curse him with bad luck? Ooh—" Lewis snapped his fingers. "How about we create a log with the IRS that looks like 62

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he's been evading his taxes for the past ten years?" Mac shook his head. "Don't be ridiculous, Lewis. You know Tam hates to repeat himself." Tam smiled. "I think our Alpha is worth a little extra effort." The brothers put their heads together and plotted. **** Tam sent the last of his thesis to his advisor and closed his laptop. Pleased he got everything in well ahead of schedule, his mind drifted to Valko. He and his brothers had devised some wicked ideas, how many he would actually use remained to be seen. He had a feeling he might be too fond of the Alpha to use any of his usual tricks. Maybe a lifetime of dealing with Tam would be enough of a punishment. Shaking his head at the memory of some of Lewis's contributions, Tam stood up to find something to wear. He wanted to make a good impression his first day on the job even if he suspected the vampire didn't care what he wore as long as Tam showed up. His cell phone rang. Reading his advisor's name on the display, he snatched it up. 63

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"Dr Metthow, how are you today, sir?" Tam felt his heart sink into his stomach when the older physicist didn't immediately return his greeting. "I'm afraid, Mr Larson, we have a problem. Accusations have been leveled towards you that we are unable to ignore." An icy chill went down Tam's back. "What sort of accusations?" Metthow cleared his throat. "It has been mentioned that you are a shapeshifter." Tam's throat went dry. "And?" Shit, who'd ratted him out? He'd known since the first day he'd set foot on campus he might eventually be exposed, but he'd pushed it to the back of his mind because of the school's reputation for computer science. Luckily he had a back-up plan ready. Tam didn't leave anything to chance… ever. "Do you deny it?" Tam had never brought the matter to anyone's attention because he knew some prejudices still were rampant towards shapeshifters. It might be against school policy to allow shifters but he wouldn't deny his heritage. "No sir, I won't deny it." A long pause filled the airwaves. "Then I'm afraid we'll have to remove you from the 64

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doctorate program, and revoke your master's degree." "What!" Panic gripped Tam's chest. "Why?" He thought they might reprimand him, but he never thought they'd revoke degrees he'd already earned. Metthow continued like he hadn't just brought Tam's world crashing down. "Policy dictates shapeshifters cannot attend school here. They are disruptive to the environment and are a danger to fellow students." Tam gripped his phone tightly. "I've attended school there for four years and have never been a problem." He didn't mention there were tons of other shapeshifters at the college. If they didn't know, he wasn't going to bring it up. Metthow cleared his throat. "That may be, but it is school policy. We will allow you to transfer your credits to another university." "How kind of you!" Tam said, not hiding the sarcasm in his voice. "And I'm sure you won't mind me taking my millions of dollars of inventions with me." "Oh, well, as to that, I'm afraid you'll have to leave those behind. They were created on school grounds with school resources." "How convenient for you." Tam let the other man hear the rage in his voice. "So, you are kicking me out, keeping all the money and my inventions, while denying the degrees I worked so hard for. Is that my 65

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understanding?" Did the university actually think they could get away with this? That Tam wouldn't have covered all his bases? "Well, um," Metthow stammered. "If you'd disclosed your shapeshifter status before…" "Yes, you're right. I see the shortsightedness of my birthright. I hope you're prepared for a lawsuit, Dr Metthow, because you haven't heard the last of this." Tam disconnected the phone call and threw his phone against the wall, pleased with the satisfying shatter. He didn't realize he was shaking with rage until warm arms wrapped around him from behind. Taking a deep breath, he let the scent of his mate soothe him. It further irritated him when his heart calmed and his nerves stopped jangling just from his proximity to the Alpha. "Who upset you, darling?" Valko's voice vibrated against Tam's back. "My advisor told me I'm disqualified because I'm a shifter." Tam barely held back the tears of anger he could feel building. Although he'd prepared for this eventuality, it still hurt to be tossed aside because of something he had no control over. With a gentleness he hadn't expected from the Alpha, Valko turned Tam around. 66

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Valko's grip tightened briefly before relaxing again. "So, what are you going to do to them?" Tam shook his head. "Sue them, I guess." Valko gave a short laugh. Pulling slightly away, he lifted Tam's chin. "Come on, you can do better than that. I've heard all about your diabolical mind." Tam shook his head. "I need to fix this for all shapeshifters,

not

just

exact

revenge.

It

is

pure

discrimination, and I earned those degrees." Valko pulled Tam back into his arms. "Let me know what you need me to do." For the first time Tam felt cherished in Valko's arms, even as he wondered why the Alpha was in his house. After a moment Tam pulled back the few inches Valko allowed. "What are you doing here?" Valko blushed. Tam couldn't have been more shocked if someone had hit him over the head. "Your mother wanted to read me the riot act over my treatment of you. She said I wasn't giving you enough time to adjust to being my mate." Tam broke out laughing, momentarily banishing the empty feeling he had over his conversation with his advisor. "Mom called you to the carpet?" "Yeah. Something about being cautious with her 67

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delicate flower before you decimated me." Valko ran a hand through his hair. "I don't think any other member of the pack would've dared talk to me like that." "Now you know where I get it from." Valko gave him a cautious smile. "I didn't mean to step over the line." Valko wrapped his hands around Tam's arms. "If you really don't want me, I won't force myself on you. I'm not that kind of Alpha." Valko leaned closer to Tam's ear, the shadow of his beard scraping against Tam's smoother skin, sending shivers of need down Tam's spine. "I could take what I wanted, but I'd rather have you hot and willing beneath me." Tam's body really liked that idea. Moaning, he rubbed against the bigger man. Why was he fighting Valko? Valko tilted Tam's head up. "Do you agree to be mine?" Tam opened his mouth to answer when his bedroom door slammed open. "What have we here?" a cheerful voice asked. "Unsupervised man in your bedroom, bro?" The mocking tone of his other brother made Tam grit his teeth. Tam groaned. Closing his eyes, he rested his head against Valko. What a time for Paul and Philip to return. Opening his eyes, he turned to glare at his two brothers. 68

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Paul and Philip were tall, dark, and born for mischief. Valko snarled, and Tam patted the Alpha's chest before asking, "How was your trip?" His brothers had gone back to their old house to finish clearing out everything for the new owners. "Sweet. We've got the remaining boxes out in the truck. We even found this." Tam had a bad feeling over Paul's smug expression even before he reflexively caught the item tossed at him. The familiar black binding brought up a blush. "What's that?" Valko's intrigued tone sent a jolt of panic through Tam. "Um, nothing." He quickly shoved it into his desk drawer. "It's his little black book. Tam doesn't always trust computer security, so he keeps the names of people in that book. It makes for interesting reading sometimes, though I don't know that I understand all the sketches." Paul smirked. "We learned a lot more than our innocent eyes could handle." "Oh, shut up!" Tam gave his brother a death glare. "I don't think you'll be needing that anymore." Valko growled. Tam shrugged. "It also has some key phrases that are passwords for various things. It isn't all about sex." 69

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Phil laughed. "Nice to see you again, Alpha. By the way, Mom said lunch is ready. I'm sure she'll expect you there." Still chuckling, the pair wandered off. Valko rubbed Tam's back. "Have you ever considered the pluses of being an only child?" **** Tam and Valko went down to the dining room. For the first time since their initial meeting, the entire family was in one place. Valko could feel all eyes on him as he entered and saw more than one quickly hidden smirk. Valko held back a sigh. In all his dreams about claiming a mate, none of them included conducting his courtship in front of such an involved family, especially one with so many boundary issues. Not one member of Tam's family would hesitate to call their Alpha to the carpet. Tam's mother had dressed him down with the finesse of a seasoned politician, though after getting to know the rest of her brood, he had no doubt she'd had lots of practice. Greetings of "afternoon, Alpha," filled the air as he entered. Shaking his head, he let Mrs Larson lead him to a seat beside Tam. Platters of meats, cheeses, potato salad, 70

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bread

made

the

rounds,

quickly

disappearing beneath eager hands and into hungry mouths. It wasn't until everyone finished eating that Valko realized his dilemma. Mr Valko tossed down his napkin and pierced Valko with blue eyes eerily like his mate's. "I'd like to talk to you about your plans for a mating bond with my son. If you don't mind joining me in the library?" Valko shifted restlessly in his seat beneath the older man's gaze. Despite the respect he had for Tam's father, nothing would stop him from claiming Tam—except Tam himself—but he wasn't going to start on the wrong foot with his future father-in-law. "Of course." With a weak smile to an amused Tam, he stood up and followed Mr Larson down the hall. They went into a small office but instead of sitting behind the desk, Mr Larson sat on the couch indicating Valko should take the leather chair. "I'm not going to warn you off my son," Mr Larson started. "I think you could be a stabilizing influence. One my son really needs. I wanted to warn you that Tam isn't like other people." Valko laughed. "I noticed." 71

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Mr Larson shook his head. "No, I don't think you understand. Tam isn't just ten times smarter than everyone else; he's twice as sensitive. He will struggle against the bond not because he doesn't want you, but because Tam takes his responsibility seriously. If he mates with you, you will be one more person he looks out for. Expect him to take over your life and bully you into doing what he thinks is best. Don't take that crap!" Mr Larson's voice crackled with a note of command that would make any Alpha proud. "Don't let him be in charge. Tam needs a strong but loving hand. If you want to keep him, you'll have to learn when to stand strong and when it is important to give. As an Alpha it's the giving part you'll have the biggest problem with. My son isn't a normal wolf." He pinned Valko with a look as if trying to silently convey a message he didn't dare speak aloud. Valko swallowed the lump of nerves building in his throat. He couldn't remember the last time a decision affected the course of his life so directly. If he couldn't win Tam, he wouldn't accept anyone. Even a female Alpha would make a poor substitute for his beautiful Tam. Looking into Mr Larson's eyes, Valko relaxed. He could do this. He could win his man. Now they just had to come up with a plan to deal with Tam's school that didn't involve his soon to be lover "accidentally" blowing up the 72

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campus.

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Chapter Five Tam's nerves were getting close to the breaking point. Professionally, his degrees were being revoked, and privately, Valko was driving him insane. He wavered between wanting to jump the guy or smack him upside the head for interfering. The complication of having a mate and not quite having a mate at the same time frustrated him. Part of Tam wanted to roll over and show the Alpha his belly, but the other, more stubborn, part wanted to make Valko work for his mating. How they dealt together now could determine their life together in the future. Giving in too much now could mean Valko would expect him to always give in, but the urge to let all his problems settle on the Alpha's large shoulders gnawed at him like a hungry beast. He almost didn't recognize this new needy version of himself. For a man who'd always made all his own decisions and often for his family, leaning on someone else was a strange and dangerously seductive idea. He had no doubt Valko would be more than willing to solve all his worries, but Tam was no damsel in distress. The more Tam thought over his problems with the school, the more he decided the issue wasn't his shifter 74

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genes, but that he'd be graduating soon. The school knew his time would end there and were determined not to lose the source of their funding. If they thought they could get away with stealing Tam's inventions, they were highly mistaken. Tam tapped a few more keystrokes into his computer. The backdoor entry he left in place would slowly erode his computer program off the school's servers in bits and patches. It would look as if a series of computer issues invaded the school's system and eventually shut down their server. The virus would continue to spread to Tam's advisor's computer, the rest of the committee and then eventually the dean. Unless they backed off on their stance, in which case he would put in his reversal program and restore their backups from where they were stashed. Valko walked into Tam's room without knocking. Does the man friggin' live here now? "What are you doing?" Valko asked, his curious gaze sweeping across Tam's computer screen. "Bringing

down

the

college's

computer

infrastructure." "Hmm." Valko rubbed Tam's shoulders with his big hands pulling a groan from his chest. "Are you sure that's the right approach?" "Well, I didn't blow up their computer lab. That was 75

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my first instinct." Valko laughed. "Your family knows you really well." "Did my father tell you I liked exploding things?" "He might have mentioned it. We could go after them legally, you know." Tam shook his head. "It would take too long and they would drag me through the courts and kick out all the other shifter students. I need to take a stand for all shifters and let the college board know if they ever try the same crap again, I will take them and their prejudiced asses down." "You're really sexy when you threaten people." Valko placed a soft kiss on Tam's neck. "Anything I can do to help?" "Not right now. I'll keep you posted. If they try to fight me, I'll let you know." Valko kissed Tam's head, a strangely tender gesture from a man with a tough reputation. **** It took them two days to call. Tam tried to keep the smile out of his voice as he saw the caller ID name. 76

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"Hello." "You think we won't sue you over this!" "Good afternoon, Dr Metthow. How are you today?" "I will have you thrown in jail," Tam's ex-advisor screeched. "I'm sorry, sir, but what are you talking about?" Tam tried to infuse innocence into his tone. No way in hell would he confess to anything. They might be recording this phone call for all he knew. "You know what I'm talking about, Mr Larson. Don't try that with me. Our entire database has crashed. Years of research vanished. The entire college had to be shut down for the afternoon and the system rebooted. Do you know how much information has been lost? All of your research is gone along with everyone else's." "I'm sorry to hear that, Dr Metthow, but I'm sure you can pull the backup and have everything restored. And, as you told me before, it isn't my research. It belongs to you, along with the degree you've stolen from me. Just so you know, I've registered a complaint with the shifter council. You should be hearing from them soon." Dr Metthow let out a snide snort. "We are a private college. There's nothing they can do about it." Tam looked at his nails. He really did need a 77

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manicure. "That's true, but several of the corporations who donate to your college might decide to pull their funds." "I doubt that!" Metthow crowed. "Our biggest company donator is LBL and they aren't going to stop donating for a bunch of fur balls." Tam let the insult slide off his back. Dr Metthow might be a big shot at the college, but in the real world he was a stepping-stone in Tam's way that needed to be crushed. "Maybe.

But

oddly

enough,

their

biggest

shareholder is John Lesley. My new boss." Silence filled the air. "You might want to let the dean know I expect my degrees certified and sent to me by the end of the week or you'll be scrambling to find new funds for your next fiscal year. Lesley told me he supports me one hundred percent and won't have any problem cutting off your cash flow." "But he can't do that!" Metthow sputtered. "Actually, he can. And he has an entire team of lawyers to back him up. Oh, and expect a few people tomorrow picketing your campus. I called the Werekin for Equal Rights people and they have you down for shifter rights violations. You might be correct legally, Dr Metthow, but public sentiment isn't on your side. Like I said, I'll expect my degrees by the end of the week." 78

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"What about our databases?" "As you said, they are your databases. You deal with them." Tam disconnected. Smiling he spun around in his computer chair. He skidded to a halt when he saw Valko standing in the doorway. "Hey." He kept his voice neutral even as his inner wolf jumped up and down at seeing his mate. Valko gave him an unreadable look. "World domination coming along nicely?" Tam smiled. "As well as can be expected when dealing with idiots. Do you live here now?" Valko smiled. "No, and neither do you." "Really?" Tam frowned. He doubted his parents would throw him out without at least a warning. Valko separated from the doorway and walked slowly over to Tam, giving him plenty of time to escape. Placing a hand on each armrest he leaned down and gave Tam a kiss so carnal his toes curled from the heat. Oh! Tam was panting by the time they separated and he could feel a flush cover his cheeks. "Come live with me. Mates belong together." Licking his lips, Tam tried to remember why he 79

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didn't want to live with the sexy man leaning over him who set his body on fire. "Okay," he said. **** Tam looked around the large bedroom and sat down with a thump. How did he get here? When did he lose the upper hand in this relationship? "You all right, Tam?" Lewis plopped down on the bed beside him. "I think we've got all your stuff moved in, you didn't have that much after all." "When did I agree to move in with Valko?" Lewis laughed. Falling backward onto the mattress he giggled, feet kicking in the air like a little kid. Annoyed, Tam gave him a shove. Lewis hit the floor with a thump. "Ouch." "Serves you right." Tam lay on the bed looking up at the ceiling. Lewis's head appeared above him. "What's wrong Tammy Whammy? Did the big bad Alpha scramble your brains?" "I will off you and then erase your existence from the universe." Lewis laughed. "Nah, Mom and Dad would still know." He settled beside Tam, lying comfortably against 80

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him. Tam sighed. "I thought I was in control and then all of a sudden all my stuff is over here, and I've agreed to formally accept Valko as my mate." "It was bound to happen. It's best to accept your fate and concentrate on making the rest of his life a living hell. You know what they say about keeping your enemy closer." "He's not exactly my enemy," Tam said dryly. "Sure he is, didn't you hear love is a battlefield?" Tam nudged his brother. "You should know, what happened with you and the vampire?" When Tam had brought his brother to the office to tell his boss about his college issues, John had taken one look at Lewis and told Tam not to worry and to wait for him in the receptionist area. Amused and certain his brother would be completely safe, he'd left them alone. Ten minutes later Lewis left the office with his clothes askew and racing like the hounds of hell were on his heels. Lewis stiffened beside him. "Nothing. I mean he kissed me but I'm not… you know." "Gay?" "Yeah. I don't care how good he smells, I'm looking for a female." "You think he's your mate?" 81

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Lewis shrugged. "I don't know. I'm not going back to your office though. He looked at me like I was a t-bone steak after a full moon hunt." Tam laughed. "To him, you probably are." "Hmm. Do you think he knows any female vamps?" Lewis avoided Tam's eyes as he looked at the ceiling. "If he does, I doubt he'll introduce you." Tam smirked, wondering how long his brother would avoid his obvious attraction to the vampire. "How long do you think before Valko marks you permanently?" Tam gave a snorting laugh at the obvious avoidance of the issue. "We have to have sex first." Lewis sat straight up. "You haven't had sex?" His look of shock sent Tam laughing again. Tam shook his head. "Not penetration. I wasn't ready before." "He must be damned sure you're his mate." Lewis's expression showed what he thought of their lack of sexual intercourse. "I am his. And if you get off of our bed, I'll take care of that little problem of not being truly bonded." He desired Valko with a passion he'd kept tamped down until now. Tam sat up. Valko stood in the doorway looking 82

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more gorgeous than any man had the right to. Wearing a tight red t-shirt and low-slung jeans that highlighted Valko's hard package, the sight made Tam's mouth water. "I'll take that as my cue to leave." Lewis jumped off the bed and placed smacking kiss on Tam's forehead. "I'd say don't do anything I wouldn't do, but then you wouldn't get mated." Laughing, Lewis sauntered out the door. "You have way too many relatives." Valko commented, closing the door and locking it. His eyes burned with lust as he stalked towards the bed. Tam watched Valko approach. A sense of calm went through him. This was the man he was supposed to be with. His mate. For the first time the truth of the words sank in. His mate! Tam had never really had something for himself before. Living in a large family everything was communal property. Valko wouldn't be. Valko was his. "I don't share," Tam announced. Valko stopped midstride, his look of confusion adorable. "Um, anything?" Tam laughed. "No, only you. I won't share you. If I find someone else in our bed they'd better have their will 83

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and testament handy, because their family will need it." Valko tilted his head as if trying to figure something out. "What about kids?" Tam frowned. "What about kids?" "When we have kids will they be allowed in our bed?" The oxygen must've just been sucked out of the room because Tam found it hard to breathe and his heart was beating too fast, or too loud, or too something. He gasped for air. "Breathe, honey, breathe." Valko wrapped his big hand around the back of Tam's neck and forced Tam's head down between his legs. "Calm love, you're having an anxiety attack." Stupid Alpha, Tam didn't get anxiety. Of course it would've been more believable if he could control his breathing. After a few minutes his head stopped spinning and the dratted spots before his eyes vanished. He signaled to Valko to let him up. "I'm okay," he gasped. He sat up to look into his mate's amused expression. "Don't say it!" He glared at Valko to get across his message. "Don't say what? That the brilliant Tam Larson is 84

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afraid of children?" Valko's teasing smile infuriated Tam. Tam punched Valko in the arm. "Ow." His mate's arm must be made out of steel. Valko kissed his fingers. "Poor thing. So you don't want kids?" "I didn't say that. I-I just never thought about it. Do you?" Tam's mind reeled with the idea of having children. He'd always liked children but never in his wildest imagination had he considered having his own before. A blush crossed Valko's cheeks. "Yeah. I've always wanted a family. Maybe not as big of a family as yours but a couple of kids would be nice." Tam laughed. "You don't always get to choose the amount." His mother could tell Valko all about the randomness of litter numbers. Valko shrugged. "Still, I'd like kids. If you don't, we should establish that now." Panic almost sent back Tam with his head between his knees. "Is it a deal breaker?" "What?" Valko frowned. "Will you leave me if I don't want to have kids?" Tam needed to have all their issues on the table before they formalized their bond. Valko shook his head. "I want kids. I need you." Relief rushed through Tam. Although he wasn't 85

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against having children, he didn't want to have conditions to their union. Cupping Tam's face between his hands, Valko gave him the gentlest kiss he'd ever received. Heat flared down Tam's body. He needed this man. All his concerns, all his frustrations vanished beneath the gentle touch of the tough Alpha. "I'm yours." He whispered against Valko's lips. Valko's hard mouth softened into a smile. "I know." **** As Valko kissed Tam, electricity sparked up his spine at the contact. The sensation of Tam's fine-boned hands gripping Valko's back, his soft lips brushing, devouring, made Valko harder than steel. He'd had lovers in the past he yearned for and eventually enjoyed, but Tam… he needed. He craved the slim shifter as if Valko were an addict and Tam his desired drug. Everything he'd ever wanted resided in the man he held in his arms. The soft, needy noises Tam made against his mouth drove Valko insane. He hoped Tam would decide to have children with him. He'd love to have little boys running around their house with Tam's brilliant blue eyes. He broke away to get oxygen. "Now that you've 86

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moved in, we should introduce you properly to the pack." Tam's eyes got wide. "But we did that when the family joined." Valko shook his head. "No. We introduced you as new members not as my mate." Tam nibbled his lip. "Do you think they'll object to a male mate?" "I don't care if they do or not. If they don't like it, they can find a new pack. I'm not giving you up." It was true, too. Valko didn't care what the others thought about his new mate. "If they give you any problems, let me know." Anyone who couldn't accept Tam didn't need to be a member of Valko's pack. Mates weren't randomly picked. They were matched by the fates. He'd give up his right arm before he gave up his mate. The man standing before him with his intelligent eyes and a stubborn streak a mile wide meant more to Valko than anyone. Tam laughed. "Aw, are you going to protect my honor?" Valko smiled down at his mate. "Honey, I know you have people lined up to protect you, but from now on I'm number one. If anyone gives you any problems, be they pack, your boss, or the asshole administrators at your 87

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college, I'm the one who gets to protect you. It's my job from now on." Tam smiled, making Valko's heart skip a beat. "My hero." Tam kissed Valko. Sparks of desire skittered up and down his back, causing him to tremble from the sensation. His mate's kisses packed a punch. He stripped off their clothing and exposed the slim muscular lines of his mate. Tam didn't have bulk but what he lacked in size he made up for in lean beauty. All his. Growling low, he nipped at Tam's neck, scraping his incisors across his mate's delicate skin. He wanted to devour the other man. Bury himself inside his mate and remain there until Tam agreed to be his for eternity. "I need you," he confessed. Tam's luminous smile lit up the room. "Good." Valko laughed. "Would it kill you to admit you need me?" "Possibly." Tam's blue eyes sparkled with mischief. Shaking his head, Valko leaned down and kissed his mate. Reaching beneath the pillow, he pulled out the container of lube and popped open the top. "Are you ready?" Nothing would happen if Tam had even a smidgen of doubt. 88

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Tam nodded, his pupils large with lust. With slow motions Valko circled his lover's puckered hole. Sliding in one finger, he stretched Tam carefully before adding another. With each increase he watched to make sure no discomfort crossed his mate's face. "I'm not fragile. Fuck me." Valko scowled. "We will never fuck. We will make love. We're mates, not fuck buddies." Tam sighed. "Then slide your sexy man rod inside me and show me some love." Valko laughed. Lining up his body, he pushed inside. Tam gave a low moan. The sound made Valko even harder. Tam wrapped his legs around Valko pushing all the way down. "Easy," Valko warned. "I don't want to hurt you." If looks could kill, Valko would've incinerated on the spot. "Grab the headboard." Tam slowly obeyed, his slender fingers wrapping around the wood. Gripping Tam's hips, Valko tilted his mate, adjusting his position for maximum pleasure. He slid in and out a few times until Tam screamed. "Found it." Confident he hit the right spot, Valko nailed his mate into the bed. 89

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"Oh, yeah, right there," Tam moaned. Valko pumped in and out of his lover until Tam screamed his release. Valko quickly followed before collapsing beside his mate. "Damn, I forgot to bite you." Tam giggled. Such a light-hearted sound from his normally controlled mate made Valko smile in response. Heart full, Valko wrapped an arm around his mate and pulled him close. Someone pounding on the bedroom door interrupted the peaceful moment. "Go away!" "There's a problem, Alpha," the voice at the door shouted. "Unless the house is burning down, I don't care." Valko was going to kill someone. "The Neverson pack has declared war on us." Valko stood up, strode over to the door, and ripped it open, not caring who saw him naked. Shifters saw each other unclothed all the time so he thought nothing of his nudity except for the fact he could feel Tam's gaze following him. Evan, one of his pack betas, stood on the doorstep his blond hair rumpled and his brown eyes dark with concern. As his beta usually looked carefree and impeccable, a chill cooled Valko's overly heated body. 90

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"Why? I sent a note to the pack that I'd found my mate." According to shifter law that should've been the end of the matter. Evan's eyes flicked to Tam and back. "Faith Neverson wanted you for a mate and she claims you made promises. She's not willing to let you back out. She has issued a challenge." "Bitch!" Valko had never given the other pack Alpha any hope they'd get together. To have her start a fight and risk injuring pack members told him she didn't deserve to be an Alpha's mate. "How does she want to do this?" Confident he could easily defeat the woman, the only reason he hadn't years ago was because he didn't want to deal with such a large territory. Evan shook his head. "She issued the challenge to your mate. She says he took her position, so it's him she's challenging." "Like hell!" No way would he allow his diabolical computer nerd to take on Neverson. She had almost as much muscle as Valko. Tam patted him on the shoulder. "Don't worry, Valko. I'll take care of this." Valko reached around, wrapping an arm across Tam's shoulders. "There's no way I'm letting you near that 91

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power-hungry, conniving bitch." Tam laughed. "I can take her. My other wolf form is quite a bit larger than my human form." Valko looked up and down Tam's delicate build. "I saw your wolf form and you're not much bigger than a regular wolf. I can't chance it. If she kills you, she gets the entire pack and my people fall under her domain." Tam stepped away from Valko's side. He felt a chill at the hard, icy look he received from the man who'd held him moments before. "Are you saying you don't trust me to take care of myself?" Shit. No way could this conversation go well. Valko took a deep breath. Evan jumped in, trying to save Valko's ass. "He doesn't want to panic the pack. The rest of us don't know you well enough to know your capabilities. If he announced our fate rested with you, it could bring Valko problems." Valko gave his beta a grateful look. Unfortunately, Tam looked less than impressed with his logic. "They need to learn to trust their Alpha's confidence in his mate. You trust me don't you, darling." Tam's tone indicated the wrong answer could have dire consequences. 92

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Valko swallowed the lump of panic in his throat before he lied through his teeth. "Yes. I trust you to take care of Neverson." Tam patted him on the arm. "Good. I'm going to get dressed then go and see my brothers. I have to get some things in order." He turned to Evan. "Make the arrangements. Call me when they are set." Valko resisted the urge to reach out and grab him. They watched as Tam went back into the bedroom without a backward glance. "Do you think he can do it?" Valko sighed. "I think if I don't let him, I'll lose him anyway." Evan nodded and gave him a soothing pat on the back. "I'll offer a gift to the goddess that we all get out of this alive." Valko waited until Tam had left to visit with his family before he gave in to the tears he'd held back. If he lost his mate, he'd lose everything.

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Chapter Six Lewis laughed himself silly. Tears streamed down his face as he gripped the table hard enough to prevent his tumble onto the floor. "I'm glad you find the entire thing amusing," Tam said dryly. "Oh, come on Tam, you have to admit it's funny." Mac snickered. Tam looked over around the table, Phil, Paul and Jack. No support there. They all watched him with various degrees of amusement. "It's not that funny." Jack grinned. "Come on, you've only shown him your regular wolf form, right?" Tam nodded. "So the guy's probably scared you're going to get your tiny ass killed." "My ass isn't tiny!" Tam gritted his teeth. Lewis gave him a considering look. "You're right. Valko is worried you'll get your big, fat ass killed." Tam threw a glass at him. Lewis smirked and caught it easily. "Why didn't you tell him?" Mac asked. "You 94

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could've calmed him about the entire thing." "He would've wanted me to show him." His brothers all nodded. If he showed Valko now, there wouldn't be enough energy in his system to pull up his third form and fight the female Alpha. "We could go take care of her then you wouldn't have to show your form." Phil offered, nudging Paul who nodded beside him. Tam smiled, knowing their offer was sincere. If he agreed, the pair would run off and kill the female Alpha, considering it a small price to protect the family. As much as they might taunt and tease amongst themselves, outsiders weren't welcome unless they were mates. If anything were to happen to Tam, the Larson family would protect Valko until the day he died. Tam gave his brothers a grateful smile. "As much as that idea appeals to me, he's going to see it eventually. The longer I hide it, the bigger the secret will be. I'd best get it over with." Mac gave him a bruising pat on the back in support. "If he can't handle it, then he's not strong enough to be your mate." Tam nodded. Only one werekin in each litter was granted the Larson legacy. The powerful form the Larson boys dubbed the super wolf when they were younger. Instead of the small delicate beast he usually assumed, the 95

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super wolf was easily three times the size of a normal wolf, almost bear-sized. Only a few times had Tam been forced into his special form. One that was as frightening to experience as it was too see. When transformed into a regular wolf, Tam felt the urges of a wolf to hunt down game and romp with his pack. As the super wolf, he was a killing machine. Prey got taken down with military precision, enemies decimated. In his third form, Tam was a bystander in the beast that took over his body. Originally created by a wizard who fell in love with one of Tam's ancestors and was determined to keep him safe at all costs, the super wolf magic passed down from generation to generation. Tam's uncle was the previous super wolf before he died in a plane crash. Tam was the last of the line. Now he just had to wait for Valko's call and hope his mate trusted him enough to let him battle the stupid bitch who thought to take over their territory and claim Tam's mate. Tam smiled at the new diplomas decorating his wall. They'd arrived by messenger that morning. The advisors had even thrown in top scholastic honors. Too bad it wouldn't save them from the lawsuit some of the other shifter students were organizing, backed by a mysterious donor. 96

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A big hand clamped down on his shoulder. "It's time. We're meeting on pack lands," Mac said. Tam took a deep breath. "Let's go." As he passed through the house his brothers fell in line behind him. The Larson family was going to take care of the interloper. **** Valko stood on one end of the battle circle. The mark was burned into the earth from years of Alpha and ranking fights between wolves. For the first time in his life, fear took over Valko's reason. How could he go on if Neverson killed his mate? The female Alpha gave him a smug smile across the circle. He resisted the urge to go rip out her throat, but it was close. A low growl rolled up his chest. His betas on either side grabbed his arms. "I'm not going to do anything." "Uh, huh," Evan said. "Not buying it," Dorian added. "Do you think she knows if she kills Tam I'm going to rip her fucking throat out?" Valko said conversationally. "If she wins, she's your wedded wife." Evan reminded him. "Accidents happen." Valko didn't bother to hide the malice in his voice. 97

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He didn't care about pack laws or even his Alpha status. If Tam died, Valko would eradicate her and any one else who got in his way. He felt his mate long before he saw him. It was almost like a wave of electricity went through the crowd as they parted to let the Larson family through. A pack is what they appeared like as they walked through the crowd. Tam led his brothers in the position usually reserved for the Alpha and something in the stance of Valko's sweet, delicate-looking man screamed danger. It was the sexiest thing Valko had ever seen. As pheromones pumped from his body, his betas released him. "I don't think it would change the challenge if you mounted him in the middle of the circle," Evan said in a dry tone. Valko let out a low growl. "But I would feel so much better." He'd expected to feel nervous energy burning from Tam and his brothers but all he felt was a sense of calm. None of Larsons appeared the least concerned that Tam would enter the ring with a woman who had at least three inches of height and thirty pounds of muscle over Tam's build. Despite Tam's confidence, Valko had seen his mate's wolf, and while adorable, the creature couldn't battle with 98

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an Alpha. Valko had bartered to have the battle end at serious injury and not death. Still, Valko found it odd that all of Tam's brothers looked as if they were coming for a nice run with the pack instead of to watch Tam fight. Even with the agreement, Valko wasn't completely confident Neverson wouldn't try to kill his mate. "Evening, mate." Tam flashed Valko a confident smile. Valko grabbed Tam by the waist and yanked him close. "Be careful. Feel free to forfeit if she wounds you too much. It's to the forfeit not to death." Tam frowned. "I don't like leaving enemies at my back." "I did this for you." The glare from his mate's eyes didn't dim. "I'm only forgiving you for that because you don't know about—" "Are we going to fight?" Neverson's voice cut through whatever Tam was going to say. "Or does your girly man need a kiss before battle?" Grabbing Valko's face between his hands, Tam went to his toes and plastered his mouth across Valko's. Even though he knew Tam kissed him just for spite that didn't stop the fire burning in his belly from the touch of his lover's lips. 99

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Tam rolled his eyes. "I'll be right back." "Be safe." Tam smiled. "Don't worry lover. I'm always careful." "He can take her, you know." Mac stood beside Valko, oozing confidence as Tam entered the ring. Neverson sneered at the smaller man. "If you're what the gods are choosing these days, their standards have lowered." Tam shrugged. "This wasn't my idea." Both combatants stripped down. Valko smiled at the sight of his beautiful mate's skin in the moonlight. "You know that's my brother, right?" Lewis spoke on Valko's other side. "It's kinda skeevy watching you watch my brother." "Don't look," Valko advised. Glancing over his shoulder, he saw his betas standing behind the Larsons. They shrugged. Valko shook his head. It would be a challenge keeping ahead of his mate's powerful family. He briefly wondered about the glowing report from the Alpha of Tam's last pack. At the time he'd thought the other man had really liked the Larsons, but after exposure to them he'd wondered if maybe their last Alpha had just been grateful they were leaving. 100

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He turned to Mac. "Where are your parents?" "Mom's cooking. She doesn't like to see blood and Tam's going to be hungry afterwards." "And your father?" "He can't attend a battle where his kids are involved. He'll want to step in and kill the challenger." "And the rest of you don't feel that way?" Mac shrugged. "We know Tam can take care of himself." Valko didn't understand the Larsons' attitude. The family was damn close. He'd seen them together and yet not one of them appeared the least bit concerned for their brother. "Holy crap!" The shout had Valko's attention jerk back to the field. Neverson's wolf was a big gray monster, almost as big as Valko's, but it was Tam's form that had the crowd shouting. Almost three times the size of the female, the pure white wolf towered over its contender. "Meet super wolf," Mac said in a low voice. "The scariest fucker in our family." "How? Why?" Valko couldn't make his voice work as he watched his mate saunter over to the female as if he was walking through the flowers. Opening his mouth, he let out an ear-splitting howl that had more than one pack 101

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member covering their ears. The smell of urine and feces filled the air as the female wolf lost control of her bowels. "She'll never live that down," Valko said in amusement. He realized now why the Larsons weren't concerned about their brother. For the first time since he'd heard the challenge, Valko relaxed. "Why didn't he tell me?" "He wanted you to trust him." Lewis gave Valko a slap on the back. "And you did. Welcome to the family." Tam let out a menacing growl, exposing a set of razor sharp teeth as long as Valko's fingers. With a yelp, Neverson turned and fled the ring. "Forfeit," Valko shouted. There were rumbles of disappointment from the crowd as Neverson's old pack bowed to Tam. "Oh look, Tammy has his own pack." Lewis smirked. The giant wolf snapped his head around and let out a growl. Lewis laughed. "I'd be careful if I were you," Valko advised. "Nah, my brother would never hurt one of us, no matter what his form." Valko watched in disbelief as the Larson brothers 102

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walked up to the giant wolf. In a flash the wolf shifted to Tam. When Tam swayed, Valko rushed forward and snatched Tam before his brothers could reach for him. Tam blinked up at him. "Sorry, shifting into that form always takes it out of me." Valko wanted to pepper his lover with questions but he could see Tam's exhaustion. "Let's get you dressed and out of here. You can deal with your new pack later." Tam frowned. "What pack? I don't have a pack." "You got Neverson's when she ran off." Tam shook his head. "Nope. You can have them. You're the Alpha. I don't have time for pack crap and since you're already doing it…" He gave Valko an innocent smile. Lewis coughed. "Sucker." Valko rolled his eyes. "We'll talk about it later. I hear your mother is cooking." Tam perked up. "She always makes my favorites after a fight." "Do you get into a lot of fights?" "I get into a lot of starts of fights." Tam smirked. "Oddly, they never do anything once I shift." "Weird, huh?" Mac laughed. Shaking his head, Valko let the Larsons lead them off the field. He knew he'd have to deal with pack business 103

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tomorrow, but tonight he'd enjoy his mate.

The End

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About the Author

Amber Kell is a dreamer who has been writing stories in her head for as long as she could remember. She lives in Texas with her husband, two sons, two cats and one very stupid dog. To learn more about her current books or works in progress, check out her blog at http://amberkell.wordpress.com. Her fans can also reach her at [email protected]. Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Amber-Kell/1772646395 Email: [email protected] Blog: http://amberkell.wordpress.com Twitter: http://twitter.com/amberkell

Also by Amber Kell Available at Silver Publishing: Xavier's Xmas Tempting Sin (2012) Tempting Sin 2: Testing Arthur (2012) A WIZARD'S TOUCH Jaynell's Wolf Kevin's Alpha Kellum's Wizard (coming soon) HIDDEN MAGIC William's House Modeling Death DRAGONMEN Mate Hunt Mate Test Mate Dance Mate Healer (2012) FAE A Guitarist in the Fae Queen's Court (coming soon) MOON PACK Attracting Anthony Baiting Ben Courting Calvin Denying Dare Enticing Elliott Finding Farro Getting Gabe Hunting Henry Inflaming Inno (coming soon) Judging Jager (coming soon)

HEART OF THE THRESL Soldier Mine BLOOD, MOON AND SUN Blood Signs Samhain's Kiss LARSON WOLVES Trials of Tam ** Please Note: All dates given are open to change **

Awards:

Top 10 Best Selling Author 2010 ARe (All Romance ebooks)

Reviews: Literary Nymphs Reviews gives Jaynell's Wolf 5 Nymphs! Jaynell Marley arrives at Mayell Wizard Academy to complete his training. Jay had already had years of advanced private tutoring, therefore his school enrollment is more to honor his father's wishes. Joining his new dorm roommates for pizza, Jay literally bumps into werekin Thomas Sparks. A sniff at Jay's neck has Thomas proclaiming that Jay is his mate. Jaynell's Wolf is the first book in the Wizard's Touch series. The plot is well written plus vastly entertaining. The main characters are impressive, along with amusing secondary characters. Jaynell is a powerful wizard who wonders why his father insisted that Jay attend a school when it is clear Jay surpasses everyone in magical skills. However, Jay has an unpretentious personality. Thomas is a considerate protector, as long as others keep a respectful distance from Jay. The secondary characters include Gnomes, dragons, half elf, wolf pack in addition to a variety of wizards in training. I thoroughly enjoyed Jaynell's Wolf. Amber Kell has created a fantastic flight of the imagination that is laugh-out-loud hilarious, interwoven with heartwarming moments as well as rousing scenes of intimate passion. I look forward to the next addition to the Wizard's Touch series. **** Lisa at Joyfully Reviewed — "Blood Signs is captivating" "Deliciously dark at times and delightfully wicked as well, Blood Signs is pure entertainment… [T]he plot will hold you, the characters are engaging, and Blood Signs is hard to put down once you start. Blood Signs is captivating.