Breathless Press

Calgary, Alberta

www.breathlesspress.com

“Are you sure, Diona?”

Diona smiled, seeing Nikos in the man before her, his son in every way. “I’m sure. I made this puzzle box so you could give it to your True Mate as a First Mating gift.”

“At my age, I can pick and choose what I wish my family to have. This”—she pointed to the box—”was made for you long before you even knew you had a True Mate.”

He looked at Diona, understanding in his eyes. He nodded in acceptance.

“Good.” She smiled at him warmly. “And when your time as Alpha draws to a close, this box will go to the next Alpha for the same purpose as I’m giving it to you. Understand?”

He nodded again, his expression showing a bit of confusion, but as the Pack’s most powerful seer, Diona had her reason’s for Rynn to accept the puzzle box. He wouldn’t question her motives. All would be revealed in due time.

“Off with you, then.” She waved him away. “Your True Mate is probably wondering where you are.”

He chuckled, used to her abrupt manner. “Yes, ma’am.” He turned to leave.

“And Rynn?”

He paused. “Yes?”

“I expect many babies from you and your True Mate.”

He winked at her. “Anything for you, Diona.”

She snorted at his playfulness, shooing him out her door. He is so like his father, she thought, hobbling over to her hide recliner on the hard-packed dirt floor.

After she eased her old bones down, she took a last look around her home, knowing it wouldn’t be long before she too ended like Nikos and his True Mate, Tala. Both gone now, but not forgotten. She had made sure of that.

She must have dozed because when next she looked, Neena stood in front of her, a crazed look in her sky-blue eyes.

“Are you ready, old woman?” Neena sneered.

“I always knew this day would come. Knew it the moment I saw you,” she replied, not afraid to die. Her work on this plane of existence was done.

“Knew I would win, did you?”

Diona smiled wanly. “So you think you have won?” She shook her head. “No, Neena, you haven’t won. Only postponed the inevitable.”

Neena growled, taking a menacing step. “What are you talking about, old crone? I’ve killed everyone who knew about your prophecy. Even that bitch Tala. Though losing Nikos was hard, Tala still had to die. And I’ve made sure both torques will never be found. Now you’re the only one left. Once you’re gone, I’ll take the Pack like I was always meant to.”

Diona shook her head again, this time with great sadness. “You were never meant to lead the Pack, Neena. Your greed and jealousy have clouded your mind.”

“No, old woman.” She grabbed Diona with one hand, brandishing a pure silver knife in the other. “It’s you who has the clouded mind. Spouting your lies, turning Nikos against me. If it wasn’t for you, we could have ruled it all.”

“You’ll never win. No matter what you do or where you go. The Pack will never accept you as their leader.” Diona tried one last time to make her understand.

Neena clutched the knife tighter, raising it to strike. “The Pack will accept me. They will, for I am the strongest, the most powerful. I’m the one who was born to lead. Me!” Then she plunged the knife into Diona’s chest. “Only you won’t be around to see me rule.”

“Nor…will you.” Diona gasped, her own silver blade stuck deep in Neena’s side. Her last attempt to save her Pack and ensure their safety. At least for now.

As she left the shell of her body behind, Diona hovered above the scene of her murder, watching and waiting. What she witnessed sent a flash of fear through her soul. She knew it was going to happen, had known, but never did she count on such hatred, such cold malice. That kind of emotion would grow, and unless it was stopped, her people would never survive.

Neena looked down at the blade piercing her flesh, letting Diona’s lifeless body fall to the floor.

“No,” she whispered, her lifeblood draining away as the silver from the blade prevented her wound from closing. Its poison spread fast. “No!”

She pulled the blade out and let it clatter to the floor, then fell to her knees. “You think you have defeated me.” She laughed, coughing up blood. “No, old woman, never. For this I vow on my own blood—I’ll return until I get what is mine, even if it takes me eternity.” A chill wind blew into the room. “Nikos and the Pack are mine. You hear me. Mine!”

A wave of pain sliced through her, clutching where the blade struck deep. Blood poured from her body, soaking the dirt floor, taking her life with it. As the last breath left her, one word escaped. “Nikos.”

“Hey, Sasha, a few of us are going to that new club tonight. You want to go?”

Sasha stood by her car in the parking lot, paycheck in hand, glad the workweek was done. “I’m not sure. Can I call you later and let you know?”

Haley just grinned. “That’s fine. But try to call before eight. We’d like to get there before the Friday night rush.”

“I will.”

Haley waved as she got to her own car and drove off. Sasha left as well, stopping by the bank, then went straight home. Once there, she lay around for a bit, unwinding after the hellish week at her job. But for some reason, she couldn’t relax. Even the long soak in a hot bubble bath didn’t help. Maybe she did need a night out with her friends. Decision made, she called Haley and rifled through her closet looking for something to wear.

As she was a slightly overweight woman with average features, there wasn’t too much to choose from in her wardrobe for a crazy night clubbing with the girls. She was more of a jeans-and-top girl, but two weeks ago, something caught her eye at the local boutique and begged to be bought. Who was she to turn down such a plea? Now she had the perfect excuse to wear it. She called it The Dress, and for the amount of money she paid for it, it deserved the honorific. A beautiful dark emerald-green satin, it shimmered with iridescence in the light. The bodice had five spaghetti straps tied in an intricate knot from front to back and a built-in bra that stopped under her breasts, then dropped down to just above her knees like scarves sewn together. Sexy yet elegant. She wasn’t model thin, but the dress hid the bad and showcased the good.

She wore it with her favorite jewelry. A pencil-thin gold torque with small wolf heads at each end that had emeralds for eyes, and a matching bracelet. She didn’t wear the set much, because she didn’t have too many outfits that went all that well with a torque. But The Dress was the perfect accompaniment. Then she put on a little makeup and her emerald stud earrings, slipped on her favorite high-heeled sandals of clear Lucite, and grabbed a small clutch purse for the essentials: license, fifty in cash, one credit card, lipstick, and a compact.

When she reached the club, a line snaked out the door. The place was jumping. She parked in the back of the parking lot and hiked to the front of the line where her friends stood. They didn’t have to wait long, thank goodness. They showed their IDs to the bouncer, and then went through a short hallway, where they heard muted music. They paused before a black door with Welcome painted on it, and Sasha made sure she brought up the rear. Entering last prepared her for the onslaught of loud music when the doors opened.

Their first look of the place revealed nothing unusual. Two stories, with pool tables upstairs and a massive dance floor occupying most of the ground floor. A few tables and chairs were scattered around the edges of the dance floor, and a bar ran the length of the building.

Sasha and her friends made their way to the bar and ordered the usual: a mudslide for Sasha and beer for everybody else. She wasn’t much of a drinker, and she figured if she had only one, it might as well be something she liked. Mudslides were her favorite.

Mudslide in hand, she barely took two steps away from the bar when a hand on her arm stopped her. She turned to check out the idiot who dared touch her, ready to verbally smack him, but gorgeous blue eyes in an equally gorgeous face struck her speechless.

“Excuse me, but would you care to dance?” the Adonis asked in a deep voice as the music changed to a slow song.

All she could do was nod. Never had she seen a man like this outside of a pinup calendar. A man never made her lose her power of speech either, but there was always a first time for everything.

He took her drink and placed it on the bar, then smiled at her as he grasped her hand, lacing his fingers through hers. She actually blushed. A thirty-five-year-old woman blushing because a man ten years her junior laced his fingers through hers. She almost didn’t go with him because of that. But then he smiled again. Her brain shut down, and she followed like a lost puppy.

He guided her to the center of the dance floor and put his warm hand on her waist, gently pulling her toward him, smiling down on her the whole time. His other hand was still entwined with hers as he raised it to his chest and kept it there. Slowly, he rocked her to the music. She barely heard the song, her senses filled with the man holding her, the clean smell of him, the hard warmth of him, the steady sound of his breathing. She couldn’t help herself as she laid her head on his chest, listening to the sound of his heart beating. His chin rested on top of her head, and he nuzzled her hair. She didn’t want the song to end. She wanted to go on like that forever.

“I think our song has ended,” his velvet voice whispered in her ear.

“Hmmm?” She smiled as she opened her eyes. Somehow they had closed without her knowledge. Now she looked around at the crowded dance floor pulsating with gyrating bodies, all moving to a fast beat.

“Oh! Uh, sorry,” she stammered, blushing to the roots of her hair. Again.

“Don’t be. I’m not.” He led her off the dance floor. And not a single person jostled them as they left. Neat trick, that.

“Thank you for the dance,” she said after they reached the bar and her now undrinkable mudslide. She left it there for the bartender to take away and then struck out her hand to shake with her dance partner.

He took her hand, brought it to his lips, and lightly kissed her knuckles.

“The pleasure was all mine, I assure you,” he replied, getting another blush out of her.

Jeez, I have to stop that, or my face is going to burst into flames.

“Can I get you another drink?” He smiled as she took her hand back. “I seem to have ruined your previous one.”

Even one drink was too much around this guy. “No, thanks. I’m not much of a drinker. It’s usually just the one, and only if I’m in the mood for it.”

“Ah, very good, then. John, two Evians, please.”

The guy was smooth; she’d give him that. But she knew she had to put the brakes on. No way was she about to get picked up in a bar. Even by this Adonis. At well over six feet, blond, blue eyed, and with the body of a Greek god—no, she wasn’t about to get picked up. She wasn’t that type of woman, nor had she ever been. So she had to let this guy know before he started his little game in earnest. She didn’t like dishonest games.

“Shall we sit down?” He motioned to a side table away from the dance floor.

“Sure.” She led the way, practically feeling his gaze travel from her head to her feet. It made her a little nervous. After her lack of brains out there on the dance floor, she should feel that way.

She nodded to a corner table in plain view of the front entrance and side exit. She had always felt safer knowing the location of the exits. “This okay?”

“Just fine.” He waited for her to sit first, and then did likewise.

He opened the water and handed it to her, doing the same for himself. He touched her bottle with his, saluting her, then took a drink. She did the same.

“I guess introductions are in order. I’m Gabriel DuMont.” He reached across the table to shake her hand.

“Sasha Edwards.” She took it briefly before letting go. “And before the game even gets started, I need to tell you that talking is all you’re going to get. I’m not into one-night stands, and I’ve never been picked up in a bar. I’m not the casual sex sort, nor am I an easy mark. You’re hot, one of the hottest men I’ve ever met, but that doesn’t mean I’ll be leaving here with you tonight.” She sipped her water, watching his face for a reaction to her “no nookie” speech.

Gabriel smiled, chuckling softly, his eyes dancing in merriment. “Well, I guess my seduction plans are nixed.”

Taking another sip of water, she raised an eyebrow at his joke.

He laughed. “Sorry, just kidding. I’ll save the seduction for another night.” Then winked at her.

Her face flamed a little, but the cool water helped. Jeez, what is it about this guy? The last time she blushed like this she was sixteen, when one of the Johnson boys flashed her. She needed to get her wits back, fast.

“Riiight.” Besides, this guy was way out of her league. And she knew it. Still, it made her feel good, despite her wariness. Guys like this did not ask her to dance. Hell, guys like this never even looked at her. Why did this guy notice her? Even her “no nookie” speech didn’t run him off. In fact, he seemed more laid back now that everything was out in the open. Curious, indeed.

He chuckled again and nodded at her, conceding defeat.

“So, Sasha, what topics shall we discuss now that you’ve shot down my chances at anything more?” His eyes were steady on hers as he took a sip from his bottle.

Ah, here we go. She knew that tone. His precious ego had gotten bruised, and he was trying to hide behind nonchalance and amusement. No way would she fall for that. Her ex, Nathan, had been an expert at it. She was so not in the mood for this. She came here to have a good time, not baby some young stud and his hurt pride.

Sasha set her bottle on the table and got up. “Thanks for the dance and the water.” She turned and headed for the women’s bathroom.

A familiar hand on her arm stopped her before she could make it.

“Wait, please.” His tone contrite.

Looking at him, she could see that please had rarely been used in his vocabulary. Confident, gorgeous young men like him probably didn’t have to say please. Most women would throw themselves at him at the first opportunity. She wasn’t most women, so she stood there silently, an eyebrow raised in question.

“I’m sorry about that, but you kind of caught me off guard. I…um…I’m not, uh…”

“Don’t get turned down much, do you?” she supplied for him.

“You’re the first,” he admitted, those full lips turned down in a deep frown.

“Really?”

“Yeah.”

“Don’t worry about it, sweetie. The night’s still young, and there are plenty of other women here.” She touched his arm in consolation and then turned to leave again.

“Wait!” He laid his hand over hers and stopped her again. “Let’s start over?”

She eyed him with suspicion.

He gave her a little half smile. “Please?”

“I’m not sure. Games are not my thing, and I hate playing them. That’s why I was up front with you before.”

“Okay, I respect that. No games, promise.” His hand raised in a solemn oath.

She looked at him, weighing her options, then thought, Why not? Most men wouldn’t have even stopped her after she got up to leave, yet he had. It might be nice to sit down and have a decent, honest conversation with a guy.

“All right.”

That earned her a bright smile as Gabriel steered her back to their table, waiting until she sat down before he took his seat.

She reached for her water and took a sip, wondering what he wanted to say. She didn’t have to wait long.

“You’re not like most of the women I meet.” He looked at her with clear speculation, his blue eyes also showing curiosity.

“Jeez, I hope not.” She laughed.

“Why is that?”

He seemed genuinely perplexed that she wasn’t falling head over feet to get in his bed. “You honestly want me to answer that?”

“Of course. If I’m lacking somehow, I need to remedy it and fast.” He grinned.

“Okay. I… How old are you, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“I don’t. I’m twenty-four.”

Shaking her head, she couldn’t help but think that his admission almost made her feel like a cradle robber. Almost.

“What? Don’t tell me you’re older. I won’t believe it.”

She snorted. “Honey, please. I’m eleven years your senior, and the lights in here aren’t that dim.”

Blue eyes blinked at her, Gabriel obviously doing the math. “Believe me when I say I have excellent vision, dim lights or not, and no way do you look eleven years older than me.”

Bless him for not saying my age out loud. That gave him points in his favor.

“You’re sweet, but I know what I look like in the mirror. Anyway, to answer your question.” She moved on, not wanting to discuss her age. He let the subject drop. Smart and hot, what were the odds?

“I’ve been on the dating scene awhile now and hate it, honestly. When I was in my early twenties, I played the game with the best of ‘em. But after a few years of playing and getting burned, it got old. So did I. Then I realized I wanted more—more than some guy hitting on me and buttering me up just to get me in the sack. I deserve better. So, that’s when I decided it was better to let the guy know right off that I wasn’t some easy lay trolling for one-nighters. It’s probably why I’m still single, but it’s better than the alternative.”

“And what’s that?”

“A trail of boyfriends and a bruised heart, a lousy outlook on love and tattered self-esteem. I refuse to do that to myself. Seen it too many times to end up that way.” She took another sip of her water.

Gabriel nodded, clearly seeing the logic and maybe understanding her point of view.

“Hmm, hearing it put that way, I can see why you would rather go with the direct approach. Saves time and gives the guy an easy out. But what about you? Surely there have been a few men in your life.”

That conversation set the tone for the rest of the night as they talked and laughed and hit on subjects old and new. She told him about her ex; he told her about a few of the young women it was his misfortune to date. They talked about their jobs—he was in security and computers. His boss had bought a house in the mountains and wanted to make sure the place had everything installed and on-line before he moved in. They talked until her friends decided to leave, and then talked more. When the house lights came on, they both knew it was time to go.

“I guess that’s our cue.” He rose from his seat and offered her a hand.

She took it with a smile. “I guess so.”

“Come, I’ll walk you to your car.”

“All right.”

“I actually had a good time tonight.” He followed her out the entrance.

“You sound shocked.” She pulled her car keys out her clutch bag as they walked through the parking lot to her car. Hers was one of only a few left in the lot.

“Yes and no. It’s…well…I don’t usually have these kinds of lengthy discussions with women. I liked it.”

“Glad I could oblige.” She smiled, about to put her key in the lock. One of these days she’d replace her lost remote.

“I would like-” He stiffened at her side, his eyes darting around the parking lot.

“What? What is it?” She felt a chill skitter down her spine as he continued to cast furtive looks into the darkness, tension radiating from him.

“Slowly get in your car and lock the doors. Now.” His tone was soft, but with steel, his eyes trained on a spot directly in front of them.

Sasha looked in the same direction, seeing nothing at first, but then a big black shape slunk out of the shadows. “That’s just a dog, Gabriel, nothing to be scared of. Just raise your voice, and he’ll run off.”

He turned and grabbed her shoulders. “Just do what I said, Sasha! Now, dammit!”

She blinked in shock, then stammered, “Oh, okay.”

She never got the chance to unlock the door, much less open it, before something heavy slammed her against the car, stunning her. She hit the pavement hard, seeing stars, the breath knocked out of her. Where Gabriel was, she didn’t know. She was too busy trying to get air back into her lungs when a feeling like razor blades cut into her right shoulder. She screamed at the pain, raising her left arm to get whatever it was off her. The right arm was useless.

“Let her go!” Gabriel bellowed with rage.

Fist raised, Sasha continued to pummel her attacker with fear-born strength as she felt herself being dragged across the pebble strewn lot, twisting her body and kicking her legs to get free. Feeling blood running down her right arm and back, she struggled harder, though she knew in a corner of her pain-filled brain that if she lost too much blood, getting free would be moot. Then a sudden jarring sent pain radiating through her whole body, making her cry out again. Whatever had been dragging her had let go. She was free, but not out of the woods yet.

“James, what are you doing here?” she heard Gabriel ask, though why he was asking an animal, she couldn’t quite figure out.

“They told me where to go.”

Wait. Who else is here?

The mysterious voice was rough and low, with a gravel quality to it, like the worst smoker’s voice Sasha had ever heard. “They said she was the one that I needed to take her, bring her over.”

“You’re not making any sense, James.” Gabriel’s voice turned soft, placating. “You need to leave, all right? You shouldn’t be here. It’s too dangerous for you.”

“No! She’s the one. She must be taken! They said so. They said so!”

The sounds of a scuffle and low, angry growling echoed on the night breeze, but from where Sasha was lying, sight was useless. Moving seemed the wrong thing to do, but she wanted to see her attacker and make sure Gabriel was all right. After several tries, she turned slowly and painfully toward the sound of Gabriel’s voice. Her gut clenched at the sight that greeted her. Gabriel and a huge dog circled each other, the dog snarling and snapping, saliva dripping off huge, sharp teeth. His owner was out of sight, but he must have been the one that Gabriel was talking to.

“Don’t do this, James, please.” Gabriel stepped back quickly when the dog snapped at his hand. “I don’t want to have to kill you.”

“No! She has to be brought over!” the dog snarled. “They told me she was the one that I have to take her. I have to make her one of us. You can’t interfere. You can’t!”

Dogs don’t talk. The blood loss was making her hallucinate.

“You know it’s automatic death to attack a human, James. Roan will make sure you’re put down. Do you want to die like that?”

The dog stopped, his green eyes glowing at Gabriel. That massive head then cocked to the side, like he understood exactly what was being said, as if he had a moment of clarity amid the insanity. Then, in a flash, it was gone, and the dog leaped. Gabriel caught the dog by its muzzle and snapped its neck with a savage twist.

Sasha must have made a sound, because Gabriel looked at her like he forgot she was there.

“Oh, God! Sasha!” He rushed to her side. “Just lie back. I’m going to call for help.”

Gabriel pulled his shirt off and placed it over her wound to stanch the blood flow. Then he reached into his pocket, pulling out a cell phone, and started dialing for help. If she hadn’t felt so bad, Sasha would have admired his glorious chest, but at this point, all she wanted was to stop the pain. Her whole body shook with it.

Once Gabriel finished his call, he turned back to her.

“Is he…?” Her teeth were chattering, thwarting her efforts to speak. She was so cold.

“Yes, he’s dead.” Gabriel tied the shirt more securely around her shoulder, causing her to hiss in pain. “I’m so sorry, Sasha. This never should have happened.”

Sasha wasn’t sure what happened next. She only remembered a vague flurry of activity, then screaming and nearly blacking out when she was moved. Even the voices around her sounded distant—a long way off. She was unable to pinpoint any one sound or voice.

“Will she make it?”

“I don’t know, Gabe. She’s in shock and lost a lot of blood.”

“Just don’t let her die, Flynn.”

“Granddad wasn’t your fault. What with the visions and voices steadily getting worse even with the new meds, we all knew he was becoming increasingly unstable. But we never thought-”

“I know. We were all hoping he would get better with the new meds, especially Roan.”

“Well, there’s nothing we can do for him now except take him home.” There was a pause from the voice called Flynn. “You do know that if she survives, and that’s a big if, seeing as no one has ever survived one of these attacks, her life will change in more ways than one?”

Another lengthy pause.

“Makes it hard to wish one way or the other, doesn’t it?” Flynn’s voice sounded sad.

After that, Sasha gave up trying to stay lucid. Everything hurt, and she knew the pain wouldn’t follow her into sleep. Besides, she had no idea what they were talking about, and she felt too bad to try to figure it out. She let the blackness take her.

Time meant little as she drifted in and out of consciousness. She had a couple of lucid moments, just flashes really, but in those flashes, she saw a face. Not Gabriel, though she sensed him nearby. No, it was a face she associated with the deep voice she had heard. The one predicting that she wouldn’t make it.

She’d never been a quitter, and she didn’t want to die. To be perfectly honest, she wanted to see if the man she had seen briefly really was as fine as she thought he was. Plus, she wanted to prove him wrong by making a speedy recovery. Too bad her body had other ideas. Between the chills racking her torn frame and the raging fever threatening to burn her to a crisp, she was surprised she’d made it at all.

Then, there were the dreams. She was never sure if they were from the fever, trauma induced, or both, but they felt so real, as if she was a part of them. And they were so clear, more like a movie than a dream.

She was in a forest, every sense alive with the myriad smells around her. She could see so clearly that even the veins of the leaves were clear. But her sense of height seemed off somehow. She felt lower to the ground than she should have been, though it was not upsetting. Then she smelled something on the wind, something she’d never smelled before. As she waited to identify it, a wolf stepped out from behind a tree. He was light blond in color. Did wolves come in blond? His eyes were a brilliant blue, and he was easily the size of a Great Dane. He wagged his tail when he saw her, as though welcoming a friend.

Her heart should have been beating frantically in fear; instead, it beat in joy. She was happy to see him, like she’d found someone she lost. Then the scene changed, and she was running, surrounded by a pack of wolves in every imaginable color: black and blond, red and brown, white and gray, and all colors in between. But she wasn’t scared. She was free, like her heart and soul flying to the heavens with joy and peace. She’d never felt such exhilaration and contentment before. She wanted to run with the Pack forever. She could tell the others felt the same, each of them rubbing and nuzzling her without breaking stride.

When they finally slowed to take a break, she was breathless and parched. She sauntered over to a nearby stream to get a quick drink. The big blond male drew near. He looked happy to see her, but now it was something more. She saw it in his light eyes. Lust, want, need. And what was even stranger was her response. She wanted him too—on a level that was nearly frightening.

Suddenly, a white mist enveloped him, the mist’s glow blinding. Then just as quickly, the mist was gone, and a man stood where the wolf once was. He was extremely tall with white-blond hair past his shoulders, high cheekbones, and a square jaw. He was also nude, his incredible body every woman’s fantasy from a wide muscled chest and ripped abs, to a trim waist and granite thighs. And his cock—just the thought of what that impressive appendage could do made Sasha wetter than she could ever recall being.

“I’ve been waiting for you, Sasha.” At the sound of his deep voice, her body resonated with need.

But she didn’t understand. How could that gorgeous man have been waiting for her? She was nobody. Hell, she wasn’t even in the same league.

He smiled, his light eyes twinkling. “You were always such a doubtful creature.” Then he closed the distance between them until he was able to reach down and touch her head. “And a very sensual one as well.”

She looked up at him, shaking her head.

“Still doubtful, I see.” He chuckled, holding his hand out to her. “Come. The night is ours, and I have been too long without you.”

At first, Sasha wasn’t sure she should. This man was a stranger, no matter that she felt she knew him. Then there was the large matter of having just watched him change from a wolf to a man. It was beautiful, but it should have had her running and screaming in the opposite direction, and she hadn’t. Instead, she only watched, transfixed by the beauty of it, by the beauty of him.

“All will be well, love. Trust me.”

She did trust him, knowing it was a dream, yet feeling the reality of it. Without thought, she placed her hand in his— not a paw like she feared.

He grasped her hand, pulling her against his warm body, embracing her. He sighed and leaned down to nuzzle behind her ear. “So good to have you in my arms again.”

Sasha’s brow scrunched in confusion. “What…?”

“Shh.” He placed a finger on her lips. “No words, please. Just let me love you. It’s been so long.” His fingers slid over her cheek and down her throat to her collarbone, then back to her throat.

Sasha closed her eyes at the wonderful feel of his touch. When she opened them, she found his lips only a hairbreadth from hers, his eyes entreating.

“Please.”

She looked into his light eyes; saw the need reflected there—a need that oddly enough mirrored her own. Then she smiled at him and nodded her consent. Before she could blink, his lips devoured hers, his tongue thrusting inside to plunder her mouth.

Sasha couldn’t help the moan that escaped. Nor could she help the fire he started low in her middle as his lips left her mouth to follow a trail down her throat to her collarbone. That must not have been enough for him, because he picked her up and carried her to a small clearing where a bed of soft grass and flowers awaited them. There he gently lowered her, following her down and covering her body with his, her hips cradling him snugly, his hot erection fitting against her wet folds.

He looked into her eyes; his hand caressed her cheek. He was so beautiful; he nearly took her breath away. She reached up to touch him to make sure he was real.

He smiled at her. “You are the beautiful one, Sasha. You always have been. Let me show you.” Leaning down, he took her lips again, this time with such gentleness her eyes teared up.

When he was finally satisfied with her lips, he broke away and trailed kisses over her chin and neck, down her chest to the tops of her breasts. There he stopped to admire the bounty before him.

Sasha squirmed, thrusting her breasts up, burning with need for his touch.

He sensed her need in the sweet-musk scent of her arousal. He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply, taking her scent into his lungs.

“So sweet,” he growled, palming a breast, using his thumb and forefinger to pinch the nipple.

Sasha whimpered, pleasure zinging straight to her center. She felt the juices leaking from her core, smelled the scent of it as it blended with his. It made her ache for him even more.

He leaned over her breast, his breath hot on her nipple. Sasha stiffened in anticipation. She didn’t have to wait long before his tongue swiped over it, eliciting another moan from her. When he finally took the swollen tip into his mouth and suckled, Sasha arched her back, her arms going around him to bring him closer.

His muscles bunched under her hands as he moved from one swollen bud to the other. She felt his mouth and lips as he suckled, the sharp sting of his teeth as he bit down, then his tongue as he soothed the bite. His hands smoothed down her body, kneading her flesh, caressing it. His rock-hard cock poked into her wet folds, so near her core that she wanted to weep.

She moved her hips, bringing his cock closer, the head of it poised at her entrance. He stiffened in response, stopped the assault on her senses.

He looked down at her, his handsome face tight with restraint, his eyes blazing.

“Please,” she moaned, wanting nothing more than for him to take her, to bring her to screaming release.

His lips found hers again in a searing kiss, pushing his throbbing cock ever closer.

“I want to taste you, to bring you release in my mouth, but I can’t wait. I can’t wait any longer.” Then he plunged into her welcoming heat.

Sasha moaned as he moved in and out of her. His hips maintained a steady rhythm while one hand stayed anchored at her side and the other roamed her body. His fingers left a trail of fire as they skimmed her breasts, pinched a nipple, and then moved over her stomach and lower, finally resting on her mound, one long finger lightly tapping on her swollen clit.

“Oh, God,” she groaned, throwing her head back in pure pleasure.

“So beautiful.” His finger continued its assault, his hips keeping a steady in and out motion.

Sasha wasn’t sure how much more she could stand. She was trembling, on the verge of orgasm, her body covered in a fine sheen of sweat.

“Please,” she whimpered, knowing all she needed was a slight push to send her over the edge.

He gave her that push and more. Removing his fingers, he wrapped her legs around his waist and slammed into her, his tight control now gone.

Sasha climaxed, screaming her release and shattering into a million pieces. Dimly, she heard her lover’s roar as he found his own release.

She must have blacked out, for when she opened her eyes, she found herself held in strong arms, the scent of their lovemaking perfuming the air. She looked at her lover’s handsome face, a small smile curving his lips even in slumber. She smiled at the sight and then stood, the nearby stream calling her name. After her earlier run, then incredible sex, she was parched.

She padded down to the water’s edge, about to take a drink when something made her look back. Sasha gasped in shock. Instead of seeing her lover lying there, she saw the blond wolf. She looked around, trying to find the man as she caught her reflection in the water. Only she didn’t see herself, but a wolf with reddish-brown fur and her eyes—eyes that glowed green with a ring of blue flame. She quickly backed up, tripping over her paws. That was when she tried to scream, only it didn’t come out that way. A howl escaped—a mournful howl.

Looking over the blood tests one last time, Flynn noticed that they were finally normal. Well, normal considering what she now was and how close she had come to dying. He was still surprised that she didn’t die. By all rights, she should have. An attack from one of their oldest Pack members was a guaranteed death sentence. But the real surprise happened once she stabilized. She was his True Mate. What were the odds? Hell, he was still trying to wrap his mind around it.

Out of all the Mated couples in the Pack, only eight were True Mates. Very few ever experienced it. Now here he was, True Mated to a human turned by a Pack Elder. Their race was a well-kept secret from humans for many reasons. Now they had to tell this woman what she now was. Tell her that what she thought a horror movie monster was, in fact, very real.

He reached into the drawer of the desk he was sitting behind and pulled out her clutch purse. Gabe had the forethought to grab it, thank God, or they would never have learned who she was until she awoke. He then pulled out her driver’s license. Sasha Edwards was her name. A beautiful name for a very beautiful woman. Just gazing at her features was enough to make him hard as a rock. Unfortunately, keeping a hard-on was going to be his lot for the foreseeable future. And after he explained everything, Flynn felt sure that any physical relations he’d had in mind would not be happening.

Putting the license back with a deep sigh, he laid his head back on the chair. How the hell was he going to explain about her new nature and the fact that she now had a True Mate to boot?

That thought was put on hold when a knock sounded at the office door.

“Come.”

His twin brother and Pack Alpha, Roan, strolled in, taking a seat in front of the desk.

“Any change?”

“No.” Flynn shook his head. “She’s still in the coma.”

Roan nodded. “How are you doing?”

Flynn had to chuckle at that. “At this moment, like my skin is crawling and my dick is about to explode.”

“Sorry about your dick, but you know you can’t be separated from her that long,” he admonished.

“It’s only been an hour or so. The feelings haven’t gotten that bad, and I know when I should get back to her.”

“Did Garret tell you anything else?”

“Only that if we stayed separated for an extended length of time, I’ll feel a lot more than my skin crawling. The permanent hard-on is a bonus.” He snorted, not feeling very lucky about that. And jacking off didn’t help. It made it worse, like his body knew it wasn’t getting what it needed and from the right source.

He let out a deep sigh, more than thoughts of his True Mate tumbling around in his brain. So far, he had kept his time away from Sasha minimal, but he still had a practice to run. Thank God his partners understood. They were taking up his slack. Not to mention the task of l informing his mother her father had been put down because the voices in his head told him to attack a human. She took it better than he thought she would, all of them knowing that he would need to be put down eventually. Still, it was hard. Losing a family member like that was bad enough, but the circumstance just made it worse. “You’re still in shock, aren’t you?”

Flynn gave his brother a penetrating look, then let out another sigh and stood, pacing the room.

“What do you think? I mean, I’ve searched my whole life for a Mate. Now, she just happens to fall in my lap. And not just my Mate, but my True Mate. I…I…” He took a deep breath and let it out slow. “I’m scared, Roan. Scared that she won’t be able to handle all this.”

Roan got up and came to him, putting both hands on Flynn’s shoulders. “She has survived the bite of an Elder, a feat no female has ever managed to accomplish. And from the conversations both of us have had with Gabe, she is strong willed. Don’t borrow trouble, my brother.”

“I know, I know.” He smiled wanly and returned to his seat. “It’s not like I’m trying to borrow trouble or be negative, but I’ve read all the accounts, Roan. Humans just can’t handle what they don’t understand. And while I’ve cornered Gabe at every opportunity to learn more about my True Mate, her strong will and even stronger personality won’t help if she doesn’t accept her new life or me. And the fact it was our grandfather that attacked her because of his delusions certainly won’t help either.”

Roan leveled a look at him. “Well, whether she accepts or not, the deed has been done. She cannot be allowed to return to her old life, nor will she be able to live apart from you. Your bond prevents that from being even a possibility. So all we’re left with is making her transition as easily as possible and giving her time to adjust. As for Grandfather, we’ll explain and hope she understands.” He held up a hand when Flynn would have spoken. “I’m more than aware of your fears, brother. Were I in your shoes, I would have them as well. Relying on Gabe’s interpretation of his time with her isn’t exactly the best way to approach her either. But guessing what her reaction will be doesn’t solve anything. Until she wakes from the coma, we won’t really know anything.”

Thinking about it, Flynn rubbed a hand over his face. His brother was right, of course. Guessing that she would react negatively wasn’t going to help matters. For all any of them knew, she could embrace her new life and live happily. It was against the odds, but it could happen.

“Sorry, I know that all this is just conjecture until she wakes, but I can’t help but worry.”

Roan nodded. “Understandable, and taking such long breaks from her side probably hasn’t helped either.”

Flynn chuckled. “Yeah, that too.” He shook his head ruefully. “Look at me—I’m your Beta, and I’m acting like some weak pup.”

“We both know you have never been weak, even when you were a pup.” He grinned. “You’re just worried is all, and it’s natural. Hell, I’d be concerned if you weren’t. Don’t be so hard on yourself. This kind of situation would make anyone act out of character.”

He was right. Again. The ass.

“You’re welcome.” He smirked.

Shaking his head with laughter, Flynn was about to tell him where he could go when he heard the scream. Like a flash, he felt Sasha’s fear. He was out of his seat and up the stairs before he could think. His Mate needed him.

The screaming woke her. It didn’t register that she was the one doing the screaming until she felt a pair of strong arms surrounding her, trying to soothe her.

“Shh, it’s all right. Calm down, baby. You’re okay.”

The gentle voice settled her enough to recognize Gabriel as the one holding her. She could tell by his smell, not by his cologne or aftershave, but by the smell of him, his skin, his hair, even his breath.

That freaked her out a little, yet it was soothing at the same time. Strange but true. A part of her wanted to trip out, yet another felt like it was something natural and okay.

“Sasha, are you all right?” Gabriel asked, pulling back to look her over.

“I’m not sure, to tell you the truth,” she croaked, her throat a little scratchy from the screaming.

Gabriel reached over to get her a glass of water off the nightstand, and she got a good look at where she was. It wasn’t a hospital room, that was for sure. More like one of those rooms you saw on television, with all the windows making it light and airy. It was large too. More than enough space for the massive sleigh bed she lay in and all the matching furniture: nightstands, chest of drawers, armoire, and an overstuffed chair in the corner. She could also tell that this was a man’s room. No cutesy stuff, just the bare minimum.

“Here, but drink slowly.” He helped her sit up, then handed her the tumbler.

She took a couple of small sips, letting the cool water soothe her parched throat. “Ah, that’s good.” She took a few sips more.

“Better?” He propped some pillows behind her so she could recline in comfort.

“Much.” She lay back, closing her eyes for a minute to get her bearings. It didn’t help much. She had questions and needed answers. “What happened, Gabriel?” Opening her eyes, she caught his pained expression.

“You don’t know how sorry I am that this happened, Sasha. I mean, if there was any way that I could undo it, I would.”

She could smell his apprehension. She didn’t know how she knew that, but she knew that what she smelled coming from Gabriel was fear. But fear of what? That was the question, wasn’t it?

“Look, all I want are answers, okay? And if that scares you, then I’m sorry. But someone is going to tell me what’s going on.”

Gabriel got up from the bed, shock registering on his face. He started to pace with agitation. “I’m sorry, Sasha, but I’m not supposed to tell you anything.”

“What?”

“I mean Flynn and Roan are the ones who could better explain everything,” he said hastily.

This was so not the man she met at the bar. He’d been so sure of himself there. Here he seemed less in control, submissive even.

“And how the hell would they know anything? Were they there? Are they the ones who fought off that big dog?” She hated being kept in the dark about things.

“I’m sorry, Sasha. I really am.” Gabriel’s expression showed just how sorry he was. But something had caught her attention, or rather her nose. Something familiar, yet she knew she had never smelled it before.

“Sasha, are you all right?”

She vaguely heard Gabriel speak, all her senses trained on the bedroom door. That was where the smell was coming from, something sweet, like mountain air and fresh cut grass.

She had a sense of moving, because Gabriel was at her side, trying to get her back under the covers. She snarled at him, batting his hand away. Then she climbed over the covers, slowly making her way to the footboard.

“This is not good,” she heard Gabriel mutter, backing toward the window.

Sasha had no clue what was going on inside her. Whoever was attached to that smell was hers. He belonged to her. As crazy as it sounded, she felt it with every part of her being. Hers. Her mate.

The bedroom door opened, and the world’s sexiest man walked in.

“Gabriel, I thought I told you to let me know the minute she woke up,” Sexy Man demanded.

“Uh, Flynn, I think we might have a situation here.” Gabriel’s voice was laced with concern.

So this was Flynn. Ah, yummy, Sasha thought as he turned to stare at her. His nostrils flared as she gave him a slow and lengthy perusal. And he was yummy, indeed. Tall—about six-four, maybe two hundred and ten pounds—and built. Sasha saw the muscles outlined under his black T-shirt and black jeans. His hair was a dark mahogany, kind of shaggy, like he needed to get it cut, but still sexy. His eyes were the gray-blue of a glacier, set inside classical features, with high cheekbones and a slightly bent Roman nose. Good, sexy, but in no way perfect. And there was something else as well, something familiar, like she had met him before. But that was impossible.

Her head started to spin as soon as she stood. Gabriel made a move to help her, but Flynn growled, warning him off. Sasha used the footboard to hold her up until the dizziness passed, then made her way slowly to where Flynn stood. They never took their eyes off each other.

He focused on her completely and from the intent look in his eyes, she knew he appreciated what he was seeing. His gaze burned over every curve of her body.

She took a big inhale of his scent deep into her lungs, closing her eyes to savor it. She must have swayed because she felt warm, strong hands steady her. She looked up into his eyes and saw shock, bewilderment, but mostly lust and need. It was a heady sensation to see such naked want in this gorgeous man’s eyes. She responded by taking his hands off her shoulders, placing them at his sides, then placing her hands on his chest. Walking around his taut body, she let her hands and fingers linger over him.

Those light eyes closed, his handsome face showing just how much as she continued. Great Lord, but he was magnificent. All hard muscle bunching and rippling under her hands. She wanted to rip his clothes off and lick every inch. He must have sensed her need, because he growled, gathering her into his arms to nuzzle her hair, his hands moving over her back to her butt. His erection bulged from the front of his jeans. He pulled her tighter, rubbing that bulge between her thighs, eliciting a whimper from her. God, how she wanted this man! Now!

“Flynn!” She dimly heard someone yell.

Sasha whipped her head around too fast, and she saw stars. She was falling, but strong arms lifted her and carried her back to the bed, gently laying her down.

“Really, Flynn, I thought your bedside manner was way better than that.”

“Shut up, Roan,” Flynn snapped, settling her more comfortably.

Sasha heard the other man chuckle. All she wanted to do was crawl under the covers and hide. She knew her face was flaming; hell, her entire body was. God, what in the world had come over her? I practically threw myself at some strange man. Gorgeous, but still a stranger. Then another stranger flashed into her mind, his nude body glistening with sweat. She tried to hold the image in her head, but like mist in the sun, it was gone.

She put her head in her hands and groaned.

“Are you all right?” Flynn asked, sitting beside her on the bed.

Jeez, how could she look him in the eye after her shameless display?

Flynn took both her hands, concern in his voice. “Sasha?”

“I am so embarrassed.” Might as well get it out. She was never one for prevarication.

That earned her a soft chuckle. “It’s only natural, dear.”

She looked up into a face and eyes identical to Flynn’s. “Not natural to me.”

“Now might be a good time for explanations,” Flynn advised. He still had hold of her hands and was rubbing his thumb in small circles over her knuckles.

“If you feel she is up to it, very well, then,” Roan agreed. “You know Gabriel, of course.” He nodded at Gabriel, who was still standing by the window, silent with anxiety, his face strained with concern. Though concern for whom, Sasha wasn’t sure. She noticed how his eyes kept darting from her to Flynn and back to her.

“Yes, we’ve met. He saved me.” The statement caused a sudden rise in tension from the three men. She could also smell their nervousness. It wasn’t comforting.

“I’m Roan LeGeur.” He smiled, giving a slight bow.

Okay, she could take the hint. He wasn’t going to be rushed. That was fine. But she wasn’t going to wait all day. She was due an explanation, and she was going to get it. All of it.

“And the gentleman at your side is my brother, Flynn, as you have no doubt surmised.”

They were twins; it wasn’t like she was blind.

“Nice to meet all of you.” Just couldn’t ignore a Southern upbringing. No matter the situation, always be polite.

“Before we go into detail, what exactly do you remember of the night you were attacked?” Roan asked, his countenance taking on a serious expression now that the pleasantries had been exchanged.

“Well, I had danced and talked most of the night with Gabriel. We had a really good time, and he offered to walk me to my car after we closed the club down.” Oddly, she felt Flynn stiffen at her side, felt his rising anger. “After we got to my car, I noticed how Gabriel seemed nervous. Then, this big dog came out of nowhere and attacked us. I got bit. Gabriel fought the dog and killed it. After that, I vaguely recall snatches of conversation and faces.”

She refused to tell them about the dog talking or her dreams. They didn’t need to know about blood loss hallucinations and fever-induced visions. If she told them she’d heard or dreamed, they’d cart her off to the nearest loony bin.

Though for the life of her, she couldn’t remember the entire dream. The attack, yes, and in vivid detail, but the dream, no. And she knew there was more to it, but it was just out of reach, like shadows at the back of her mind. Well, no big deal; she wasn’t going to tell them about it anyway, so what was the point?

“Of all the irresponsible things to do!” Flynn exploded, standing, then making a move toward Gabriel.

Sasha blinked, so lost in her own thoughts she hadn’t noticed Flynn’s anger. But now she smelled the rage coming off him in waves, and there was no mistaking the deep growl in his voice as he hurled obscenities at Gabriel.

Roan blocked Flynn’s path, gently laying a hand on his shoulder. “Calm down, brother. Gabriel didn’t know. He couldn’t have known. The process wasn’t complete.”

“Pardon? What process? And why is Flynn so pissed?” She saw Gabriel’s fear, could smell it, her thoughts of talking dogs and dreams and shadows forgotten.

Flynn turned to look at her, and she could have sworn she saw his eyes glowing, but he blinked and the glow was gone. Must have been a trick of the light, she thought with a blink of her own eyes, making sure they were working properly.

“Sorry. You’re right, you’re right.” Flynn stood still, taking deep breaths to calm his rage. “Sorry Gabe, I don’t know what came over me.”

“Don’t worry about it, man.” Gabriel waved him off, speaking for the first time since all this had started.

Flynn gave a curt nod and returned to the bed, sitting beside her once more. He picked up both her hands again, looking at her rather sheepishly. “Sorry about that. I’m not one to let my anger get the better of me, but this has been a trying time for me.”

A trying time for him? She had been through a dog attack and been here Lord knew how long, and he had the nerve to say he’d been through a trying time? “That’s it. I have had it with all the mystery BS.” She yanked her hands away and crossed her arms. “I want to know what the hell is going on, and I want to know now. You hear me? Now.”

Sasha wasn’t hysterical; she was pissed. She had been sitting here waiting for an explanation, and all she had gotten was a runaround. No more. They were going to tell her where she was, how long she had been here, and what was going on. And not necessarily in that order.

“I can see that you’re determined.” Roan sighed.

Flynn looked at her, then at Roan. After seeing Roan motion him over, Flynn took the chair in the corner, sitting on the edge and running his hands through his hair in frustration.

He was so sexy. Stop that. You wanted answers. Now wasn’t the time for lustful thoughts. Maybe later.

“As you can see, this is not a hospital,” Roan began. “When we saw how bad your injuries were, we had you flown here.”

“Flown? Why in the world didn’t you take me to a hospital? And where is here?”

Roan held up a hand, silencing her. “Please. You wanted an explanation, and now I’m giving it to you. If you have questions, please wait until after I’ve finished.”.

“Okay, I guess I deserved that. But I don’t like not knowing. It makes me impatient.”

“Understandable under the circumstances. Here is my home in Montana. When you were stabilized enough, I had a helicopter pick you up and bring you to my private jet, where you were worked on until better facilities could be made available. Flynn is a doctor with his own practice, so I knew you would be in good hands.”

Sasha looked at Flynn, giving him a smile of thanks. He smiled back, accepting her thank-you. He still looked on edge, though. Must be tired. I know I get cranky when I don’t get at least eight full hours.

Roan’s voice snapped her back to attention.

“Now, as for the attack, that wasn’t a dog. He was a Lupus. My and Flynn’s grandfather, as a matter of fact.”

“Huh?” She frowned with confusion.

“A Lupus. What humans refer to as a werewolf.”

She glanced at Roan, then looked over at Gabriel and Flynn, coming back to Roan. None of the men appeared to be too shocked by Roan’s statement. In fact, all three looked at her rather expectantly.

“Oookay. I think it’s time I left now.” She started to rise from the bed.

“Remain where you are,” Roan ordered in a steely tone.

Sasha narrowed her eyes. “Excuse me?”

“You wanted to know, and now I’m telling you.”

“Give me a break, will ya? I wanted to know what was going on. Not some story about werewolves.” These guys must really think she was stupid.

“It’s no story, I assure you. The Lupus are quite real. Your attack by our grandfather was real.”

“The dog was a werewolf—excuse me, Lupus—named James, who just happened to be your grandfather?”

“I can see where you would have doubts.”

Sasha snorted, wondering how such gorgeous men could be complete crackpots. It was a shame really. They displayed varying expressions of anxiety. She wasn’t buying it, despite her nose telling her these men were quite serious. That revelation was pushed to the back of her mind. Smelling emotions wasn’t something a normal person did, and she was more normal than anyone she knew. She also knew she had to get out of here and away from these three nut jobs.

Moving her legs to try to make her escape, she noticed that something didn’t feel right. Her legs were bare under the covers. Then she looked down at what she was wearing. She had on a man’s PJ top. Big enough to fall to her knees, the sleeves of it were rolled up to her elbows. She was also totally naked under the top. Her face flamed again, but Roan just stared at her, waiting.

“All right, enough. The joke is over, and I really don’t think this is funny. Just get my clothes, call me a cab, and I’ll be out of your hair in no time.”

“How do you feel, Sasha?”

The question stopped her in midrise. “What do you mean?”

“Just answer the question. Are you tired, sore? Does your shoulder pain you in any way?” He stared at her, somehow knowing why she hadn’t noticed these things sooner. And she should have.

She sat on the bed, doing an internal exam. Surprisingly, nothing hurt; nothing ached. She wasn’t tired. Then, she looked under the top at her right shoulder, feeling no pain, but afraid of what she might find. Her fears were unfounded. All she saw were a few raised pink areas and healthy skin. No tears, no stitches, no wound.

She touched the area to make sure it was all right. Her eyes didn’t lie. It was like she never had a mark at all.

“You required numerous stitches inside and out to repair the damage to your shoulder. Your collarbone had been broken in two places and you also had a dislocated shoulder. You lost nearly two pints of blood and almost died twice before we got you here. You had a raging fever for three days before slipping into a coma. You have been here for two and a half weeks.”

Sasha sat there staring into space, trying to absorb all that Roan had told her. It was impossible, yet she knew she had been attacked. She had felt the pain of those teeth, the agony of her collarbone snapping like a twig. Felt her shoulder being torn from its socket. She had experienced all that, yet here she was, totally healed in two weeks.

“How?” she croaked, afraid to hear the answer.

“When my grandfather bit you, he transferred a very potent virus, the Lupus Strain, into your bloodstream. It attacks the DNA, altering it, giving us the ability to change shape and heal almost any wound inflicted on us. Though, as you saw, breaking the neck or the brain stem is one of the few ways, besides pure silver and fire, we can die. Otherwise, we age at an infinitesimal rate.”

She nodded absently, continuing to stare at nothing. “Why me?”

Roan sighed deeply. “Unfortunately, Grandfather had been unstable for years. He was on medication, but at his advanced age, it wasn’t helping. Not really that uncommon for our small group of Elders. For some, the older they get, the more they revert, relying on instinct rather than intellect. In the case of our grandfather, his delusions pushed him to seek you out.”

Sasha sat up straighter, although she still didn’t look at any of them. Maybe if she didn’t acknowledge them, it couldn’t be true. It couldn’t be real. “I don’t understand. What do you mean seek me out?”

“We’re not sure. Like I said, he was extremely delusional, hearing voices and such.” Roan’s voice had a sad tone to it. “ But regardless of the cause, you’re extremely lucky. Many attacked by an Elder don’t survive. The virus inside them is so powerful by then that it kills the body of their victim instead of altering it.”

Feeling numb and as if her whole world was crashing around her, Sasha tried to absorb what Roan had said. The idea was unimaginable. But she had to concede the fact that she was here and alive, unharmed. That thought still didn’t make her feel comfortable. Nor did the fact that from what Roan said, she should have died just like the others. And something told her there were more surprises to come. She really hated surprises. They tended to not be good ones in her world.

“How many have survived?”

“You are the third.”

Sasha looked up at him then, his handsome face impassive, light eyes filled with understanding and not a little regret. But she had a feeling there was more to it than that, raising a brow in question.

“And the first female to make it.”

She laid her head in her hands again, her whole body starting to shake with reaction as the reality of her situation finally sank in. “This is all too much. I can’t accept this. I just can’t.”

“You don’t have to worry about anything, Sasha. We’ll help in any way we can. You have my word,” Roan said. Even though she had just met the man, Sasha had a sense he didn’t give his word lightly. If he made a promise, he would keep it.

She looked up again, a thought suddenly coming to her. She just realized how many times Roan had used the word “we” in their little chat. And if she had just survived a Lupus bite, then that meant…

“Oh my God!” She gasped, her gaze darting frantically at all three men.

“Welcome to my Pack, Sasha Edwards.” Roan smiled at her just before blackness edged her vision and swallowed her whole.

Consciousness returned slowly to Sasha. She heard raised voices around her and felt a cold compress on her forehead.

“That was just brilliant, Roan. Could you have been any blunter? She just survived the attack and bite of an eight-hundred-year-old Lupus. Her body is still recovering. She doesn’t need any more shocks like that.”

“I think she is much stronger than she seems, my brother. And like you said, she has survived. No female in our entire history has ever lived after an attack from one so old,” Roan countered.

“I hate to be the killjoy here, guys, but there is more than just her surviving that concerns me,” Gabe interrupted. “She has yet to go through the First Transformation process, and that is bound to be a great strain on her.”

“We’re in unfamiliar territory here,” Flynn stated, taking over Gabe’s thought. “The First Transformation is always painful, but seeing as Sasha has the virus from an eight-hundred-year-old Lupus, well, the process could be worse. Or…”

“It could kill her,” Roan finished with a huff.

“And if she dies…” Gabe began.

“If I die, then what?” She opened her eyes to the grim faces around her.

If they were going to talk about her like that, she wanted to be a part of it and not a spectator. She wasn’t sure how she was going to handle the answer they gave her. Lord knew the question was scary enough. She had just beaten back Death; she really didn’t want to take him on again.

Three pairs of eyes leveled on her, all showing varying emotions. The most of which was concern as to how to tell her and her reaction to that news.

“Might as well spill it, boys. As you now know, I don’t like mysteries.” She yanked the compress off her forehead and laid it on the bedside table as she sat up.

Roan started to speak up, but Flynn stopped him by laying a hand on his shoulder. “Not this time, brother. This is my responsibility.”

Roan nodded in understanding as he and Gabe stepped back to allow them privacy.

Sasha really didn’t like the look of this. Something major was about to be dropped on her. And boy, did she need an aspirin.

Flynn sat down on the bed beside her like earlier. She could tell that he wanted to take her hands and touch her but wasn’t sure she would let him. So he kept his hands braced on his knees.

“Do you remember your reaction before I stepped into the room?” Flynn asked.

Sasha felt heat flare in her cheeks. God, she really hated to blush. And at her age.

“I see you do.” He chuckled softly. “How about your reaction after I stepped into the room?”

“Could you get to the point here? My face is going to catch fire,” she grumbled.

“It’s all right. Like Roan said, your reaction was perfectly natural and nothing to be ashamed of.”

“Have women sniff and paw at you all the time, do you?” A burning jealousy swept through her at the thought of any woman touching him. Whoa, that was a crazy thought out of left field.

“No, only my True Mate.” He smiled, gently cupping her cheek.

She blinked at that. “Beg your pardon?”

“My True Mate. You, Sasha Edwards.”

She scrambled to the other side of the bed, out of Flynn’s reach. Her heart raced; her breath came in short gasps. She felt as if she was having a panic attack.

“Okay, now I know you’re nuts. ‘Cause there is no way you and I could be mated, married, or whatever.”

“Why are you so scared? After all you’ve been told, being my True Mate makes you bolt?” His voice held surprise at her reaction.

“You’re damn right, it does,” she snapped, starting to shake again.

“Good Lord, why?”

Sasha heard his shocked tone, saw his eyes widen as he added, “My people search their entire lives for a True Mate, and very few ever find them. I feel blessed.”

“You’re joking, right? I mean look at me. I’m plain and average, not the type of woman most men would even notice. And you look like some GQ model with a body to match.”

Gabe and Roan snorted with laughter.

“Could you guys give me a moment, please? I need to set my True Mate straight on a few things.”

Sasha stilled at that, Flynn never taking his eyes off her.

“Sure. When you’re finished, come downstairs. Dinner should be ready, and I know Sasha will be hungry.” Roan strolled to the door with Gabe in tow. “Good luck, brother.” The men walked out the door, closing it behind them.

“Look, you’re sweet for saying that about the Mate thing, but I don’t really believe it. And I’m adult enough to say I’m attracted to you.” It was really a waste to try to deny it now, especially with Flynn smiling knowingly. “Okay, more than attracted, but I find what you’re saying a bit hard to swallow.”

Flynn chuckled ruefully and shook his head. “Sasha, you are one of the most luscious women I have ever seen. And even if you weren’t my True Mate, I would still want you.”

She hung her head, trying to hold back the tears. “Please, please don’t do this,” she whispered, so afraid to believe him, yet wanting to her very soul for what he said to be true. Even after just meeting him, she wanted Flynn. Probably more than she should.

“He really did more than just hurt you, didn’t he?”

She raised her head with surprise. The concern in his voice was evident, the look in his eyes knowing.

Sasha didn’t know what to say or how to react to his correct assumption. She so did not want to explain her ex and his little games at her expense. That was in the past, and she wanted it to stay there.

“I knew who you were the minute your body went into the coma,” he began, a look of complete joy on his face. “That’s how I knew you were going to make it. The body goes dormant so the virus can alter the DNA. After that, I cornered Gabe every chance I got so he could tell me everything the two of you talked about. I wanted to know everything so I could put you at ease, then get to know you better.” His face took on a menacing look with his next words. “But I never expected this. That some worthless piece of shit would make you feel unworthy of a man like me. Makes me so angry, I would love to rip his head off and shove it up his ass.”

She saw the truth of his words in his glacier eyes. “You really mean that, don’t you?”

He smiled at her. “There’s one thing you’ll learn about the Lupus—we don’t lie. We can’t. You can smell it just like any other emotion.” Then his eyes turned molten, like twin blue flames. “And believe me when I say that right this minute, I want you so bad, my teeth ache.”

Sasha gasped, smelling the truth, just like he said. She also smelled his arousal, like a sweet musk, and saw it bulging at the front of his jeans.

Closing her eyes, she breathed deep, taking his scent into her lungs like before. Her whole body tingled and tightened with wanting him, her nipples hardening into stiff peaks. She felt dampness starting between her thighs.

She opened her eyes, finding him right in front of her as he sat down on the edge of the bed.

“You have to make the first move, sweetheart.”

She could see his body shaking slightly, see the need on his handsome face, and hear it in his velvety voice.

“Why?” she rasped, more aroused than she could ever remember being. And Flynn had yet to even touch her. Boy, was she in trouble.

“It’s the way of our kind. When True Mates find each other, it’s the female’s choice of when and where. She makes the first move and sets the pace for the First Mating. It goes back in our history to the first True Mates. To prove how much he really wanted his Mate, the Alpha male let the female control their First Mating. It was a great show of respect and trust on the Alpha’s part and let his Mate know she was held in high esteem. Now it’s not just a ritual of sorts, but ingrained into our very beings. Because you’re my True Mate, I could no sooner start our First Mating than I could turn the tides or raise the sun.”

Sitting down beside him, she had varying emotions on the subject. She wanted him, of course. Hell, what sane woman wouldn’t? And he most definitely wanted her. The front of his jeans was proof positive of that. But as much as she was aroused by him, she couldn’t make love to a man she just met. True Mate or not.

“I’m not sure I can right now, Flynn. I mean, this is all so new to me, you know? One minute I find out I’m a Lupus, and the next I’m your True Mate. Though you still haven’t given me all the particulars or told me what Roan was talking about.”

She hated to disappoint the man. God knew she hated it.

“Not to mention the fact we just met. I just wouldn’t feel comfortable making love with you when I don’t know you very well. Sorry.”

He grinned, not a trace of anger or disappointment in his eyes. “Ah, sweetheart, don’t be.” He reached out and placed his warm palm against her cheek. She leaned into it, wanting this small contact. “Makes me want you even more because you want to get to know me, not just my body.” He grinned with mischief twinkling in his eyes.

She blushed, feeling heat suffuse her face. “I really do hate to blush. Makes me feel like a naive teenager.”

“A teenager you are not. You are all woman.” His voice was husky with arousal. “And I do hope that kissing you is all right, because if I don’t have a taste of you soon, I think I just might expire here on the spot.”

“Really?” A small kiss wouldn’t go against her rules. “Well, we can’t have you expiring. I don’t think Roan would ever forgive me.”

“Probably not.” He smiled.

She placed her hands on his chest, feeling the hard muscles there, the strength contained under her fingers. Then she ran them up to his neck as she leaned up toward his mouth. She had to pull him down to meet her, but he didn’t seem to mind. In fact, he was more than willing. She thought she would feel awkward about making the first move on a guy, but with Flynn, it felt right. Natural even to just lean in, softly brush her lips on his, then run her tongue over the seam as he parted them. They were so soft, like warm silk. That wasn’t enough. She had to taste him. She slanted her mouth over his lips and plunged her tongue inside to duel with his. He moaned, and she almost lost what little sanity she had left and took him right then and there. God knows she wanted to. Her whole body was on fire with want, with need. But she couldn’t. Her sense of self wouldn’t let her no matter how much she wanted him. Being the good girl really sucked sometimes.

She slowly broke the kiss, hearing both of them breathing hard, as if they had just run a mile-long race. Flynn laid on his back, putting an arm over his eyes, still breathing heavily, the evidence of his arousal threatening to bust from his jeans.

“Jesus.” He panted, his body visibly trembling, face strained with need. “Never have I wanted a female so much.”

“My sentiments exactly.” She wanted this man so badly she was shaking inside and out. She got off the bed and went to the nightstand where the tumbler of water still sat. She almost downed the whole thing in one gulp, trying to get herself under control.

“I never knew, never realized,” Flynn said in awe, calm enough now to sit up and look at her.

She saw how difficult it was for him to manage the feat with his still raging hard-on, saw how he squirmed to find a more comfortable position.

“You’ve never had this kind of reaction to any male before, have you?”

No matter how much she might deny it, he would smell the lie. But then, why lie? She’d always been honest, at least with herself. Besides, there was just something about this man that drew her in.

“Sasha?”

“I’ve always thought that these kinds of feelings were for other people or were found in romance novels, you know? Not for someone ordinary like me.” She paused, taking a breath and letting it out, giving herself time to choose her next words.

“But?”

“But right now, a romance novel couldn’t do justice to what I just experienced.” She smiled tentatively, her face heating a bit.

He laughed softly. “Yeah, I know what you mean. And that was just a kiss. Making love to you will probably fry my brain and my body.”

Her heart raced at the thought. Her and Flynn, naked. “Jeez.” She raised a hand to her forehead, knowing she had to get a grip.

Flynn laughed again. Hell, he could likely smell how she felt. The same as him—in heat and bad. She had to change the subject. She took a few deep breaths and started focusing on the pertinent questions.

“What exactly are True Mates? I’ve heard of Mates but not true ones.” There, that should help. She hoped.

From the grin on his face and gleam in his eyes, she guessed Flynn knew her plan. Thoughtful and sexy.

“You know that wolves mate for life?” At her nod, he added, “Well, so do the Lupus. But on a much greater level.”

“How so?” she asked as he motioned her over to join him on the bed again. She really wasn’t sure about that, but she decided to trust him and sat down.

“We bond on not only a physical level but a mental one as well.”

“Mental? What, like mind reading or something?” She hoped not. No matter whom she was attracted to or attached to, her thoughts were her own.

“No, no, nothing like that. It’s more as if we’re highly attuned to each other. And after the First Mating, it will be even greater.”

“In what way?” As long as it wasn’t mind reading, she guessed she could live with it.

“We’ll be able to feel each other’s emotions. To know when the other needs help or is injured. We’ll even know the minute you become pregnant.”

She blushed, and he laughed softly. “And the bond gets stronger the longer we’re together.”

She looked at him suddenly, the light dawning. “That’s what Gabe meant about my dying. If I go, you go.” She jumped up and began to pace furiously. “Great, just great! I’m the only person in the whole world this could happen to.”

“Relax, sweetheart. Everything will be fine. I promise.”

“Are you insane?” She rounded on him. “I heard what you guys said. Because James was so old, my changing, transforming, whatever, could be a death sentence. Taking you with me.”

Flynn sprang from the bed and grabbed her shoulders, giving her a small shake. “You are not going to die, you hear me? I haven’t waited my whole life to find you, just to have you snatched away before we even get a chance. I won’t accept that. I won’t.”

The hug was what did it. She wasn’t a crier, never had been. But she had been on such an emotional roller coaster ride she couldn’t take anymore. She broke down. Flynn picked her up and carried her to the chair in the corner. She needed comforting right now. He settled her on his lap and, rocking her gently, he murmured nonsense words to soothe her. That just made her cry harder. She almost told him no man had ever held her while she cried, much less tried to soothe her.

“Better now?” he asked after her tears had turned to sniffles. She didn’t hiccup, thank goodness. The crying was bad enough.

“I think so,” she replied a bit stuffily because of her now clogged nose.

Crying never solved anything and usually made the situation worse. Not only because of the clogged nose, but also the blotchy face and the red, swollen eyes. I must look a mess!

Flynn stroked her back, his other hand wiping away her tears. Even after a good cry, she was still the most beautiful female he had ever seen. Her cheeks flushed, nose pink, lips pouty. He wanted her so much.

He kissed the tip of her nose, then her lips, her luminous eyes widening in astonished arousal.

“Flynn…”

“Don’t deny me this, Sasha. Please. I only want to touch you. Give you comfort. Give you pleasure.”

She gave him a wide-eyed look. “I thought I was the one who had to make the first move.”

He smiled as his hand went from her cheek to her collarbone and then skimmed the tops of her breasts under the pajama top. “Only if we were to mate. This isn’t our First Mating. This is me giving you pleasure.” He settled her more comfortably in his lap, her back to his front, so he could have better access to all her sweet spots.

“Oh.” She laid her head on his shoulder, allowing him full access to her body. He smiled at her gasp when his hand dipped under her top to palm a breast.

“Mmm,” she moaned.

Flynn caressed her breast, the large, firm globe plumping in his hand, the nipple standing erect and begging for attention. He couldn’t refuse, pinching it between his thumb and forefinger. Sasha moaned in his ear, her hot breath blowing over his lobe and down his neck. He pinched a little harder, making her squirm on his lap. When he looked at her, her eyes were closed with pleasure, her breathing coming in short pants. He leaned over and nuzzled her neck, taking his hand away from her breast so he could unbutton her top. She whimpered a protest.

“Shh, my sweet,” he soothed. “I’ve just begun.” He unbuttoned the last button and looked down at the treasure in his arms.

She was like her scent. Her skin was soft as an apple blossom and flushed a rosy hue with her arousal. Her breasts were large, just the way he liked them, and her waist was trim with a flat tummy and flared hips. Her legs were shapely with delicate feet and the cutest toes he had ever seen. But what drew him the most was her mound, covered with a thatch of dark auburn curls.

He used his thighs to part her legs wide so he could get a better look. What he saw made him growl. Her pretty pink pussy was glistening with her need, the lips swollen, her clit peeking out and begging for his touch. He couldn’t deny her or resist as he slowly ran his hand down the front of her body, stopping at her breasts to pluck and play, then lower over her stomach, feeling her body tremble. When he reached the top of her mound, he stopped, taking the scent of her into his lungs.

“Flynn,” Sasha moaned, turning her face into his neck and kissing him there.

He groaned, pausing only long enough to savor her lips on his skin, then slowly pushed his index finger passed her wet folds and into her core.

Sasha’s back arched and she spread her legs even wider as first one finger, then two slowly pumped in and out of her wet heat. Then his thumb found her clit, making her cry out in ecstasy.

Never in his life had Flynn been with such a responsive female. One touch, and she was dripping with need, her beautiful body ready for him. The smell of her sweet musk, the feel of her hot, wet core was almost enough to make him come in his pants. Her hips rocking back and forth over his hard cock certainly didn’t help, but all that mattered was Sasha. Her joy, her happiness, her pleasure.

He leaned in close to her lips, seeing her eyes take on a slight glow, her expressive face strained with her impending orgasm.

He kissed her lips, sipping at them gently. “Let go, baby.” He pumped into her harder, his thumb flicking over her clit faster. “Let go.”

With those words, Sasha shattered, keening into Flynn’s mouth as her orgasm broke free.

Flynn kept his fingers still as he pressed harder on her G-spot, feeling her vaginal walls contract and her hips pump down on his cock. When her tongue thrust into his mouth, he too came, shouting his release.

They sat there for a few minutes, getting their breathing back to normal before Flynn fixed Sasha’s top.

“Feel better?” he asked as he nuzzled her neck.

She sighed with satiation. “Mmm, wonderful.”

“Good.”

She sighed again, then sat up and brushed her hair back. “I’m a mess.”

Flynn grunted in response, his cock still semi-erect. Having his True Mate come apart in his arms was the most sensual experience he’d had in quite a while. He couldn’t wait to experience more with his responsive Mate.

The bathroom was located through a doorway beside one of the nightstands. Sasha had seen it earlier but thought it was a closet. Easily as big as her living room, it was better equipped than her bathroom and could have housed a pro football team.

After sitting her on a counter with two sinks, Flynn walked across the room to start her shower. She looked around, wiping her nose on the back of her hand. Yeah, she knew how gross that was, but the TP was on the other side of the room, on its own stand beside a commode and what she assumed was a bidet. The only reason she recognized that was because her older sister’s brother-in-law, an interior designer, had one installed in a client’s home.

Further inspection showed a huge sunken garden tub complete with whirlpool jets. The his-and-hers sinks had matching medicine cabinets, and the shower stall was big enough for a rock band, with glass walls etched in a forest motif.

The floor was covered with big slabs of multihued brown tile that resembled stone. The walls were done in a light cream with prints of mountains and forests placed artfully here and there. The counter she was sitting on was done like the floor, but in a lighter shade. There was also a linen closet for the towels and other supplies. But what she really liked about the room were the plants. A few large octagonal windows let in enough light for the six large plants arranged around the room.

“You like it?” Flynn asked.

“It’s beautiful. After seeing the bedroom, you’d never know this room was here,” she replied, looking around again.

“I know. Before I put the tile and countertops in, there really wasn’t much difference between this bathroom and the others in the house.”

She blinked in bewilderment. “You put in the tile?”

“Of course.” He smiled, seeing her confusion. “Before I became a doctor, I used to work construction. In fact, I helped build this house with my father and Roan.”

“Wait a minute.” A sudden realization hit her. “This is your bathroom?”

“It is.” He grinned.

“Which means that’s your bedroom?” She pointed out the door.

“Where else would my True Mate be?”

Where else indeed? “I thought I was in a guest room or something.”

“No. Once I realized who you were, I had you moved here. Plus, it made taking care of you easier since I sleep here as well.”

“Oh.” What more could she say to that?

“Now, come on. The water’s just right, so you step on in,” he instructed, picking her up off the counter and putting her on her feet. “While you’re washing up, I’ll get you some clothes. Then we can go down to dinner.” Before leaving, he bent down to give her a gentle kiss.

Sasha returned the kiss, wrapping her arms around his neck and holding him close. So much for being the good girl and waiting. She was still going to wait to make love to him, though. But no one said she couldn’t get a taste beforehand.

When Flynn broke the kiss, he stepped back. Sasha sensed he was reluctant to leave. Cupping her cheek, he said, “I’ll be back in a few.”

“Okay.” She smiled as he turned to leave, giving her some privacy. “And Flynn?” He stopped with a hand on the doorknob. “Thanks. For everything.” Heat seeped into her cheeks.

He smiled, giving her a wink. “Towels are in the linen closet. Take your time.” Then he left, closing the door behind him.

Flynn stood there, his back to the door, trying not to think about Sasha in his shower, the water sluicing down that delectable body, her hands soaping every inch of those generous curves.

“Get a grip, LeGuer,” he told himself, the feel of her in his arms still making his body burn. Remembering the feel of her sweet pussy and how she cried out in his arms with her orgasm made his wet jeans terribly uncomfortable.

He brought his fingers to his nose, taking her scent deep into his lungs. His eyes closed on a deep groan. If he didn’t have her again soon, he might go mad. Though just thinking about what she might do to him during the First Mating was enough to drive him to his knees.

He left before he did anything stupid, like march into the bathroom and beg Sasha to take pity on him and make him hers.

He went to the adjoining guest room for a shower and change of clothes. And if he jacked off while he was washing, well, maybe that would help to take the edge off his need. Stepping into the shower stall, her scent still in his nose, he had the feeling no matter how many times he jacked off, his need would never be sated. Even after she finally made him hers.

In the bathroom, Sasha grinned. Then she stripped off the PJ top and walked over to the shower stall. The water was perfect. Hot and steamy, just the way she liked it. Maybe there was something to this True Mate thing. Her mind replayed the feel of Flynn’s talented fingers and how easily he’d brought her to orgasm. Best not to reflect about that right now, though. All she wanted was to let the hot water soothe her a bit, then wash her hair and body. Everything else could wait till later, even though her body still thrummed with satisfaction.

After washing up she turned off the water and got out. She then went to the linen closet, pulling out two towels, noticing she wasn’t the least bit cold. She usually was after she got wet. The room must be heated or something, she thought. She wrapped the towel around her sarong-style because she had no clothes and absolutely refused to put that pajama top back on. Lord knew how long she had slept in it. But first of all, she wanted to see what her crying jag had done, so she stepped up to a mirror. It wasn’t too foggy, but she wiped it off anyway to see clearly. What she saw was her, but not her. So shocked at the reflection staring back at her, she didn’t hear Flynn come in.

“Sasha?”

She yelped in fright. “Jeez, Flynn, you scared the crap out of me.” His mahogany hair was still damp.

“Sorry.” He chuckled. “Didn’t mean to startle you. Feel better? I brought you some clothes.”

“Thanks,” she replied, looking back in the mirror, trying to figure out what had changed about her looks, because something was definitely off.

“Something wrong, sweetheart?” He stood beside her after laying out her clothes on the counter.

“I look different somehow.” She looked back in the mirror turning her face left and right.

“What do you mean?” His voice sounded a little off.

She ignored him as she looked closer. “I don’t know.” And then that was when she noticed it, or the lack thereof. “My tiny wrinkles are gone. Even the chicken pox scar on my temple and the scar over my right eyebrow. Everything is smooth.”

“Ah, well, that’s the virus at work. Not only does it alter the DNA, but it also renews and repairs on a cellular level. That’s why we age so slowly.”

“Oh, I just didn’t expect…I mean…” If her face was changed this much, then how did the rest of her look? She had to know. “Are those the clothes?” she asked, trying to nonchalantly get him out the door.

His eyes twinkled with amusement, the humor in their depths stating that he knew she wanted him to leave. “Yeah, the sizes should be close, but if not, we’ll find some that are.”

“Thanks.”

He went out the door, chuckling as he closed it.

She looked over the clothes briefly to see what he’d brought, wanting to see the changes to her body and scared to. But after laying everything out, she noticed that the jeans and shirt seemed a little small; she could put it off no longer. So, she faced the full-length mirror on the back of the bathroom door. She bent over and took the towel off, dropping it to the floor, then ran her fingers through the damp tresses; she flipped it back as she stood up.

Looking in the mirror, she could see that her hair was thicker, fuller, and shinier. It also had more of a red tint to it, like dark undertones. She couldn’t get this color out of a bottle if she went to every salon in the free world.

“Wow!”

Now the big moment, she thought, giving her hair one last look. She closed her eyes and let the towel drop.

“Okay, just breathe.” She slowly opened her eyes. What she saw made her gape in shock.

“That is not me,” she whispered, covering her mouth in astonishment.

She had always been a bit thick. Not fat or chunky, but not as thin as she wanted to be. The mirror showed her otherwise.

From top to bottom, she had the body she had always wanted but could never achieve no matter how many diets or exercise plans she went on. Genetics wouldn’t allow it. But then, she had different genetics now, didn’t she?

If she doubted all she had been told earlier, the trim waist, flat tummy, lean hips, and nice butt brought it all into perspective. Even her skin was smoother, the paleness now a light cream. And her eyes. The green seemed brighter, with the band of blue around it darker. Seeing was definitely believing.

“What a trip.” Her voice was full of wonder as she continued to look in the mirror.

After taking a last look at the new, improved her again, she got dressed. And everything fit perfectly. She took another glance in the mirror again, fluffed her hair, and then walked out to meet Flynn.

“Nice,” Flynn said, eyeing her all over. “And here I thought you looked good wearing my pajama top. And the towel.”

Her cheeks pinked at that. “Yes, well, I feel good, but weird at the same time.”

“How’s that?”

“This isn’t the me I left home with.” She smiled ruefully.

He walked over and took her hand in his. “Don’t worry. Everything will be okay. And if you get to feeling uneasy about it again, just look at it as a new improved diet plan with guaranteed results.”

She laughed a little shakily at that.

“Come on.” He tugged her hand. “Everyone is waiting downstairs.”

They walked out the bedroom still holding hands, down two sets of stairs to the bottom floor. Flynn led her through a swinging door on their left to a dining room. It was a good-sized room with a dark walnut table for twelve and matching china hutch and sideboard with various potted palms scattered around. Gabe, Roan, a boy about twelve, and two women—one blond and one redhead—were waiting for them when they arrived. The table was set for a feast.

“Well, don’t just stand there, Flynn. Introduce your True Mate,” the red-haired woman said with a smile.

“Of course.” Flynn’s pale eyes were alight with happiness as he looked at Sasha.

She smiled back, not sure what to think of that look and what it could mean.

“You know Gabe and have already met Roan.”

The two stood up. Roan inclined his head formally, and Gabe smiled. The first true smile she had seen from him since she awoke. She returned it and then caught a whiff of something, a subtle undercurrent, but wasn’t sure what it was. And since she was new to this smell thing, she let it go, thinking it was nothing as Flynn continued the introductions and Gabe and Roan sat.

“The little scamp beside Gabe is our brother, Dillon.” He pointed to the boy, though she had already guessed who he might be. The boy’s hair was a bit redder, but she couldn’t mistake those eyes.

“Are you really Flynn’s True Mate?” Dillon asked.

Out of the mouths of babes, she thought as everyone looked at her expectantly. “Well, I guess I am.” She was beginning to feel it was true now that she had admitted it out loud.

“Cool.” He smiled with awe.

Flynn and the others chuckled at Dillon’s response. “And the beautiful redhead is my mother, Charlaine LeGuer.”

“Call me Charlie, my dear.” Flynn’s mother rose, came around the table, and, pausing in front of Sasha, gave her a big hug.

The woman didn’t look any older than Sasha and still had a figure after having three sons. She hadn’t given them their eyes, though. Hers were a clear green.

“Haven’t you forgotten somebody?” the blond asked. Sasha could smell the woman’s anger and something else. Lust?

“What is she doing here, Roan?” Flynn looked extremely pissed.

“Why, I…” she started to say, only to have Flynn cut her off.

“I didn’t ask you. I asked Roan.” Flynn gave her a cold, steely glare that shut her up.

“She came in the guise of wanting to meet Sasha. And since it wasn’t a total lie, I allowed her to stay so the rest of her little ruse could play out,” Roan answered.

“Now, that’s just not fair, Roan. I only wanted to see if it was true about Flynn having a True Mate.” The woman pursed her red lips into a mock pout.

She was a beauty; Sasha would give her that. Tall, shapely, with porcelain skin and big, luminous blue eyes. But hers was a cold beauty. Sasha could see it on her face, in those eyes. She was trouble with a capital T.

“Drop the act, Jenna. Nobody here is buying it,” Flynn snapped.

“Funny, you always did.” Yep, that was where the lust was coming from.

“I may not be Alpha anymore, young lady, but this is still my home. If you can’t behave, then you will leave,” Charlie informed her with authority.

Jenna glared at Charlie but acquiesced. “Fine.” She looked daggers at Sasha. “Jenna Reynolds. Alpha female of this Pack.”

“Pleasure,” Sasha replied, taking a seat beside Flynn. “Let me guess, an ex-girlfriend of yours?” She leaned over and whispered to Flynn as she got out her napkin and placed it on her lap.

“Fortunately for me, yes. We stopped seeing each other over two years ago,” he whispered back as he too got his napkin.

And yet the poor girl just couldn’t take the hint. Too bad she wanted to air all this dirt during dinner, Sasha thought. She had enough to deal without a cracked ex.

“Don’t worry.” He patted her leg, “I don’t think she’s dumb enough to start anything right now.”

“I hate to tell you this, Flynn, but her being here already has, and she knows it.”

Flynn simply nodded, but Sasha knew he was seething with anger. She felt it swirling through their bond, the smell of it sharp in her nose.

Dinner proceeded as most do. Only the undercurrents at the table weren’t what you would find at a normal dinner, nor were the expressions. Gabe and Flynn were annoyed. Dillon was wary, probably because he had no idea what was going on. Charlie was just plain ticked. And Roan was blank. Just blank. He seemed calm on the outside, yet there was a note of apprehension in him. Curiouser and curiouser. Then the other shoe dropped, just like Sasha knew it would.

“So, Sasha, I can tell that you and Flynn haven’t had your First Mating yet. When’s the big event?” Jenna asked casually, putting a piece of chicken in her mouth. Obviously, the woman could smell something had happened between the two, but not what. Around the table, the reactions were varied—Charlie gasped in shock; Gabe and Dillon dropped their forks at the same time. Flynn and Roan stared at Jenna as if she had lost her mind. As for Sasha, she was prepared somewhat. She knew Jenna would come off with something that had a little shock value. That was her reason for being there—well, other than Flynn. As his ex, she probably wanted to check out who his new girl was. Maybe even try to get him back if she played her cards right. Flynn’s response to her being here pretty much nixed that idea. Didn’t seem to stop her though. Who knew even the Lupus could get catty?

“I really don’t think that’s any of your business, Jenna,” Sasha replied calmly and politely, taking another bite of her meal.

“You were warned, Jenna.” Charlie almost growled with anger.

“That’s all right, Charlie.” Sasha spoke up, laying down her fork and wiping her mouth. She knew she wouldn’t get to eat till Jenna had her say. Might as well be now. “Roan has the right idea. Jenna isn’t here for a big welcome. Might as well let her get to it then we can finish this delicious meal you made.” She felt six pairs of eyes on her. “What? She’s obviously got something to get off her chest. So let her do it before the food gets cold. And besides, I’m starving. Much rather hear her now before I get full than after. Less chance of indigestion that way.” She winked at Dillon, earning a bright smile from him. Yep, he’s going to be a heartbreaker.

Gabe spoke up, clearly trying to hold back a laugh. “She’s got a point, Roan.”

They could all see Roan weighing his options. “Very well.” He sighed, and then a cold light came into his ice-blue eyes. “But know this, Jenna. You may be Alpha female of this Pack, but that is nothing when compared with me. I won’t tolerate this kind of pettiness, especially around my family. This will be your only warning.”

Sasha could smell the power behind those words, could actually feel it. Jenna could too, if her ashen face was any indicator. Nothing like a thinly veiled threat to set the tone. She nodded in understanding.

“Good. Proceed. Sasha needs her nourishment.” The command was terse but effective.

Jenna stood, placing her napkin on the table beside her plate. Which Sasha thought was a good sign, because now she wouldn’t have far to go when asked to leave. She would already be up.

“As some of you know, I had hoped to be more than just Alpha female of this Pack. I had hoped to be Flynn’s Mate,” she began.

“For God’s sake! Do we have to rehash all of this again?” Flynn asked with exasperation. “Why can’t you get it through your thick skull? I don’t want you anymore and never will.”

“Let her finish, son. The sooner she’s done, the sooner we can eat,” Charlie said, equally exasperated.

Flynn threw his hands in the air in disgust and then leaned back in his chair, definitely not happy. But then, who would be? His ex and his True Mate were in the same room. Not exactly the best way to start a relationship.

Jenna continued. “But we had some problems, and I freely admit I caused some of them.” Flynn snorted at that. “So after we separated, I decided to give Flynn the time and space he needed, hoping we could work things out and move on. Only I wasn’t quick enough. You came into the picture,” she practically snarled, turning hate-filled eyes on Sasha.

Sad, really sad, Sasha thought with disgust.

“If it was just the matter of a simple girlfriend, I could have run you off like all the others.” Everyone gasped in shock at that revelation, too stunned to comment. “But you are no mere girlfriend. Oh, no. You’re his fucking True Mate. I mean, what are the odds?” She laughed without humor.

The odds for Flynn or me? Sasha wondered.

“I had planned to pop back in his life, throw a little seduction on him, and bingo, we’re back together again.”

She was clearly delusional. Wasn’t very nice either. In fact, the idea of this crazy bitch touching Flynn made Sasha’s blood boil.

“Just like old times, ya know?” She smiled dreamily while looking at Flynn. “In bed, in the shower, under the stars after a run with the Pack.”

“Dillon, go to the kitchen,” Charlie interrupted. Sasha didn’t think it was appropriate for Dillon, or anybody else, to hear this, either.

“Aw, Mom,” he whined, getting up reluctantly. “Just when it was getting good.”

“Now!”

“That’s enough, Jenna!” Flynn demanded after Dillon was safely in the kitchen, his anger starting to show. His body was taut with it.

“Oh, I don’t think so. You see, she has no idea what it’s like to have a man like you between her legs. But I do.” She smiled in feral glee, her eyes starting to glow. “It’s one of the main thoughts that kept me going after our breakup.”

Sasha looked around the table to see the reactions to Jenna’s blatant and graphic talk, but oddly enough, no one seemed to find it offensive. Everyone seemed more annoyed at her shameless display than anything else. And the fact her eyes were glowing didn’t really freak Sasha out as much as she thought it would. Hmm, odd or just too many shocks in one day?

“Spare me. From what I heard, it didn’t take you long to replace me. In fact, you were with Craig Gordon a week after I told you it was over.” He waved her off.

“How do you know that?” she spat, the smell of her anger getting stronger.

“Give it up, Jenna, all right? We were just using each other, and you know it.”

“No, no! We’re supposed to be together!” she screeched, not letting go of her fantasy no matter that Sasha was meant for Flynn.

Flynn snorted in derision at that. “We were never supposed to be together, Jenna. It was all sex. Nothing more, and nothing less. Hell, it wasn’t even good sex.”

“No! You’re mine, Flynn, always have been!”

By this time, Sasha was just plain pissed. Jenna claiming him like that sent her over the edge.

“Uh, guys? I think we might have a slight problem here.” Gabe’s voice sounded uneasy as he saw and no doubt smelled her anger.

The only ones who bothered to listen were Roan and Charlie. Flynn and Jenna seemed oblivious. Unfortunately, that just made things worse.

“He’s mine,” Sasha growled, standing up slowly. She could feel power flowing through her, fueled by anger. It was subtle and nothing like she had felt from Roan or Jenna, but it was there, bringing home the fact that she was different now. And she wasn’t scared of this power. She reveled in it, as if it were a natural part of her.

Sasha’s declaration shut everyone up. Well, except for stupid Jenna. She just made matters worse by opening her mouth again.

“You! If it wasn’t for you, we’d be together now!”

“I told you, he’s mine,” Sasha stated calmly but with steel.

“He’ll never be yours!” Jenna spat and then leaped.

It’s true what all the combat experts say. You really can see if someone’s going to make a move on you by watching the eyes and torso. Sasha’s new sense of smell helped too. Seemed impending violence had its own scent.

When Jenna sprung forward, Sasha was ready. Over the table she went, and right into Sasha’s waiting hands. She put her right hand around Jenna’s throat and her left one on her stomach. Sasha turned, using Jenna’s momentum to help slam her against the wall behind them where Sasha pinned her, both feet off the floor. Lupus reflexes at their very best. Cool!

“Holy shit!” Gabe exclaimed.

“My God!” Charlie gasped.

“Jesus!” Flynn shouted. “Are you totally insane, Jenna?”

“Release me, or I will cut out your eyes,” Jenna snarled at Sasha, her arms starting to rise. Her eyes were now twin flames of hate. Sasha felt sure her own were also flaming. Lord knew she was hot enough.

“Touch me, and I’ll snap your neck like a twig,” Sasha warned her, squeezing hard enough to get her point across. “And believe me, after the stunt you just pulled, I have no qualms about doing it.” Jenna put her arms down.

Sasha had never considered herself a violent person, but she could and would defend herself if needed. With three other siblings and one of those a brother, she learned a good bit about self-defense. Having a good knock-down-drag-out in the front yard did wonders for keeping the long-term peace. At least, it did with her family.

“All right, Sasha, you can release her now. She won’t try anything else,” Roan told her, stepping up beside her.

“You sure?” She didn’t take her eyes off Jenna, more than ready to snap the bitch’s neck. She was that angry.

“Quite sure.”

“Well, all right. But if she tries anything else, all bets are off.” She released Jenna and let her fall unceremoniously to the floor.

“Of that, I have no doubt,” Roan replied, grabbing Jenna’s arm and hauling her none to gently to her feet.

Sasha stepped over to Flynn, who grabbed her and hugged her. “Are you all right?” He buried his face in her neck and breathed deeply, no doubt taking in her scent to calm his racing heart. Sasha felt that he was actually scared for her. And oddly aroused, as evidenced by the bulge poking her in the stomach. Seeing her handle Jenna so easily was apparently a major turn-on for him. Knowing that made her feel good.

“Yeah, I’m fine. She didn’t lay a hand on me. I caught her before she could,” she assured him, starting to tremble as her adrenaline faded.

Flynn pulled back, keeping her at his side, his fear for her quickly replaced by a burning rage. “Of all the crack-brained stunts to pull, Jenna! I should kill you myself and be done with it!” “I’m fine, Flynn. Jenna didn’t hurt me,” Sasha repeated, trying to calm him down.

“She tried to, and that’s the point.” He snarled at Jenna, his eyes turning to icy fire, every muscle tensed and ready to attack should Jenna try to do anything else.

“Didn’t look as if she was trying too hard after Sasha pinned her to the wall like a bug.” Gabe snorted with laughter.

Charlie spoke up. “This is no laughing matter, Gabe. Jenna has committed a serious offense here. She has attacked Flynn’s True Mate. And with harmful intent.”

By this time, everyone was on their feet. You just couldn’t sit when you had such an excellent floorshow.

“Yeah, well, somehow I get the feeling that’s not how Jenna here expected things to go down.” Sasha looked Jenna in the eye, daring her to deny it. “Am I right?”

“You were supposed to attack me so I could issue Challenge,” she spat out.

“I thought there was a reason she was goading me. Though what this Challenge is, I have no clue.” She looked to Flynn for an answer and saw his face suffused with rage.

Gabe shook his head. “That’s low, Jenna, even for you.”

“You wanted to Challenge Sasha? My True Mate?” Flynn roared.

Oh boy, this is not good, Sasha thought, feeling the rage-fueled power from Flynn and seeing that he was trying to restrain himself from seriously hurting Jenna.

“Calm down, brother. Now’s not the time to lose tempers,” Roan soothed, though Sasha could sense he too was more than pissed at Jenna’s admission.

“Sasha has just awakened from the coma, Roan. She hasn’t even gone through the First Transformation yet,” Charlie said, worry etched on her lovely face.

“I am aware of that, Mother.”

“Okay, what’s this challenge thing?” Sasha asked. “Though I can see by all your faces it’s not good.” Flynn was the first to answer. “A Challenge is issued when a rival female wants to be Alpha or the resident Alpha senses a threat from a new rival and wants to dispense with her first. Not kill, but dominate to show who is stronger. Which means a trial by combat.”

Well, that certainly cleared a few things up, but Sasha still had a bad feeling about this. “Okay, but I don’t want to be Alpha. I just defended myself. It wasn’t a Challenge.”

“It wouldn’t have been, only you threatened me. That’s a Challenge in itself,” Jenna crowed with delight. “I formally issue Challenge!”

“I’ll kill her myself!” Flynn roared in rage, making a move toward Jenna.

Thank goodness Roan was faster; otherwise Jenna would have been a dead Lupa.

“No, Flynn. Killing her will only complicate matters more,” Roan said as he grabbed Flynn around the shoulders.

“Sasha doesn’t deserve this, Roan. She’s been through enough as it is.” Flynn’s voice was tight with restrained violence, his eyes glowing with it.

“I know this, brother. But don’t worry; I have things well in hand.”

“Well in hand? You let her come here—” Flynn stopped in mid-sentence, shock registering on his face. “You knew, didn’t you? You knew she would try this, and yet you let her come anyway?” The look on Flynn’s face said he couldn’t believe his brother would let that harpy in their house, let alone do this.

“I suspected as much, yes.”

“Then why? Why would you let this happen knowing Sasha and I are True Mates?” Flynn stepped back from Roan, his expression showing a sense of betrayal.

“Have you no faith in me, brother?” Roan smiled, his glacier-blue eyes twinkling with mischief.

“What are you up to?” Sasha asked as she walked over to Flynn and took his hand, knowing Roan must have had a plan after Jenna showed up.

“All in good time,” he said mysteriously.

“Now, Roan…” she started to say.

“Yes, I am quite aware of your aversion to mysteries. But trust me, this won’t take long.” He looked meaningfully at Flynn and her.

“Don’t think you can weasel her way out of this, Roan. Challenge has been issued. I know my rights under Pack Law,” Jenna stated.

“Rights, my ass.” Gabe snorted sarcastically. “She issued Challenge on a non-transformed Lupus. That makes the Challenge null.”

“I don’t think that matters, Gabe. I’m quite sure she’s vindictive enough to wait till Sasha has gone through the First Transformation, then issue Challenge again,” Charlie said with disgust.

“So what do they do? Let her get away with this?” Gabe asked, clearly upset. He wasn’t the only one. Flynn still looked pissed enough to commit an act of violence on someone. His eyes had yet to lose their glow, and his frown was nowhere near close to turning upside down.

“I think all of you, including Jenna, are overlooking something,” Roan said, looking at Sasha strangely.

“Okay, I’ll bite. What are we all overlooking?” Sasha wished Roan would get to the point. Her stomach needed food. Being threatened and Challenged worked up an appetite.

“How many Lupus, male or female, have ever fended off an attack from an Alpha before going through the First Transformation?” The question was rhetorical, seeing as no one knew the answer.

“None I have ever heard of,” Gabe replied, looking to the others for an answer.

“Only the occasional rumor, but nothing concrete,” Flynn answered, the look on his face saying clearly he wasn’t sure where this was leading.

Roan looked about the room again. When no one else spoke up, he answered, “The answer is three, and Sasha makes four.”

“Okay. Now I’m confused. What exactly does that mean?” Gabe asked.

Flynn looked at Roan again, his eyes widening a bit. “I think I have an idea, but Roan could probably explain it better.” Sasha could see he wasn’t happy about what he had deduced.

“The reason those three and Sasha were able to accomplish this feat is because of power. We all know some Lupus gain more after the First Transformation, and some stay the same. An Alpha would, of course, gain considerably more power after the First Transformation,” Roan finished, his eyes never leaving Sasha’s face.

As hints went, it was subtle. Not.

“Her? An Alpha?” Jenna laughed with derision. “Absurd.”

“She tossed your ass, didn’t she?” Gabe countered, getting a scathing look in return.

“Enough!” Flynn shouted, his patience at an end. “I don’t think I like your plan, Roan. It’s too dangerous.”

“Uh, since I’m the one being discussed, could someone let me in on the plan?” Sasha’s patience wasn’t exactly intact at this point either.

“Your actions tonight were those of a true Alpha. After the First Transformation, you’ll be more than capable of winning Jenna’s Challenge and her position,” Roan explained.

Oh, is that all, she thought. I just kick her butt and take her place? No problem. That is if she survived the First Transformation. Then she wouldn’t have to worry about fighting the Alpha bitch. She’d be dead and Flynn along with her. Jeez, some days it just didn’t pay to come out of a coma.

“Sasha?” Flynn touched her shoulder, worry clouding his beautiful eyes. “You don’t have to accept the Challenge. We’ll find a way to beat Jenna at her own game without you getting hurt.”

“That’s a nice thought, but you know as well as I do she won’t stop. One way or the other, it will come down to us fighting. She’ll see to that.”

Flynn pulled her into a fierce embrace. “I don’t want you hurt. Even after the small amount of time we’ve spent together, the thought of anyone trying to hurt you makes me crazy.” He nuzzled her neck.

“Me, too. Which is why I have to do this.” She pulled back to look in his eyes. “I’m not a coward, Flynn. I don’t like to fight, but I won’t run from one either.”

Flynn nodded in understanding. And she was right about Jenna. She wouldn’t stop. She’d keep dogging Sasha’s heels until she relented or Jenna caught her off guard. No way was she going to let that happen. So she would accept Jenna’s Challenge. And since these types of things had terms, Sasha was going to issue hers. All would be in her favor, of course, but then, why not? She didn’t know the rules, and Jenna had counted on that when she Challenged her. Too bad her terms would disabuse Jenna of that notion.

She turned around in Flynn’s arms, looking at Jenna, then at Roan.

“You going to run or fight?” Jenna sneered.

Sasha ignored her jab; Jenna would be feeling hers soon enough. “I assume there are terms to these Challenges?”

“Of course. Do you have any?” Roan asked.

“I do.”

“They are?”

“I’ll accept Jenna’s Challenge, but under the terms that I go through the First Transformation first and I have two weeks after to prepare and acclimate myself to my new life.”

“What?” Jenna shouted. “She can’t do that!”

“Ha, outwitted again.” Gabe laughed.

“You forget, Jenna, you may be the one to issue the Challenge, but its Sasha’s right to set the terms. Take ‘em or leave ‘em,” Flynn said curtly.

She could tell he wasn’t thrilled about her decision, but they both knew their backs were against the wall. Sasha’s terms gave them more planning and breathing space. That is, if she didn’t die from the First Transformation. “You’re just afraid to fight me. This is all a ploy to get me to back out,” Jenna spat.

“No ploy. I’m just too smart to play the game by your rules,” Sasha told her.

“The choice is yours, Jenna. You accept the terms or withdraw the Challenge,” Roan advised.

Sasha could see Jenna weighing her options by the play of emotions on her face. She wasn’t sure of Sasha now, not after she showed herself capable of defending her person. Sasha was the unknown factor in an equation Jenna had worked out in her favor. Sasha’s actions had changed the variables, and her transformation could change them even more. She didn’t like that, but Sasha knew her kind. Greedy, grasping, never happy no matter how much they had. Always wanting what others had and thinking the world and everyone in it owed them a better life. And it didn’t matter if they never lifted a finger to help others just as long as they got what they wanted. Oh yeah, Sasha knew her kind. She also knew if she didn’t stop Jenna now, she would keep coming back. No way was she going to allow that. She had to win. She had to become Alpha.

“I accept your terms,” she replied stiffly. “I’ll call later and let you know where to meet.”

“No.” Roan stopped her at the swinging door.

Jenna turned to look at Roan with annoyance. “What do you mean, no? I issued the Challenge. I choose the place.”

“If this were a normal Challenge, then I would say yes, but it’s not.”

“What do you mean?”

“You came to my home, with full knowledge that Sasha and Flynn were True Mates and what you were going to do regardless of that fact. Plus, you knew Sasha hadn’t gone through the First Transformation yet. That’s a serious breach of Pack Law. Punishable at my discretion because the offense occurred in my home, and I am Alpha of this Pack.”

“Yet you let the Challenge stand. Why?” Jenna asked suspiciously, starting to look nervous for the first time.

“Because you have abused your position by taking this action, among others. And because I know that Sasha can win.”

“She’s not Alpha yet, Roan. She still has to fight me and win to get it. I’m not that easy to beat.”

“You’re not Alpha, either.”

Everyone gasped at that bomb, Jenna most of all. Boy, Roan sure could drop ‘em, Sasha thought.

“You can’t do that! I earned the right to be Alpha in fair combat. You can’t take that away from me!”

That was when Sasha sensed the power flowing from Roan. Saw his eyes starting to glow like a silver-blue flame. Jenna had pushed him too far.

“I can and have,” he growled low. “You gave up your right as Alpha when you issued Challenge with full knowledge of a True Mate and non-transformed Lupus. And to exacerbate matters, you did it not in defense of your position, but because of it. You are not fit to be Alpha and are therefore stripped of the title and position. When Sasha wins, she can accept the title, or it can be up for grabs for the next in line. The trials will begin upon this decision. You are not allowed to compete for the title again. Ever.”

Jenna’s eyes stated to glow with hatred, and it was directed right at Sasha. “This is all your doing!”

“Don’t pin this on me. This is your fault, not mine.” Sasha couldn’t help but grin a little at the other woman’s misfortune. She brought it all on herself but wasn’t woman enough to own up to it.

“You think you have won? Well, not yet. You still have to face me, and I will show no mercy, you useless bitch.”

“I do hope that’s not the best you can come up with. I mean, I’ve been called worse and by a lot better than you.” Sasha laughed.

Jenna snarled at her but was too smart to make a move. Sasha wasn’t the only one in the room who would stop her. And the others, Flynn in particular, seemed more than willing should that happen. In fact, they seemed to be hoping she would.

“I will give you the place and the day of the Challenge. But before that happens, you are confined to your home,” Roan told her.

“But…” Jenna started to say.

“No, Jenna. I want no early attempts or misunderstandings. You will follow all the rules of the Challenge and the terms to the letter. If you make any attempts to do otherwise, the Challenge will be null.” Roan strode toward Jenna, stopped in front of her. “Then you will deal with me. Do you understand?”

Jenna’s face drained of color as she nodded tersely.

“Say the words,” he commanded with a menacing growl.

She shot a hate-filled look at Sasha and then looked at Roan. “I understand,” she bit out.

“Good.” He went back to his chair at the table. “I’ll be sending two of my personal guards by later to make sure you follow my orders. Now leave.” Sitting down, he took his napkin and placed it in his lap.

Jenna glared at Sasha one last time, then stormed out the swinging door. When they heard the front door slam and a car tear out the drive, they knew she was gone. Too bad they would have to meet again.

“Wow. I’m not part of your Pack one day, and already trouble has found me. Must be a record.” Sasha chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. She got a lukewarm response.

“Not your fault, Sasha. She’s been trouble since her First Transformation.” Charlie sighed as they all took their seats at the table again. “Just like her mother, too. Always wanting what she couldn’t have.”

Sasha nodded with understanding. “Kind of a bad family trait. Though I guess there are worse ones.”

“True.” She smiled. “Now come on, then. The dinner isn’t a total loss. Most everything is still warm, and if it isn’t, it can be heated up.” She gestured for them all to start eating.

“Mom! Can I come out now? It’s boring in here,” Dillon shouted through the kitchen door. “And I’m hungry.”

“Well, that about says it all, doesn’t it?” Charlie laughed.

“Come on out, scamp, before you starve,” Flynn said as a bit of red hair poked out the door.

“Cool!” He smiled, making a break for his chair, then looking around in confusion. “Where’s Jenna? You beat her up? Was it gross?” he asked Sasha with boyish glee. He may have been in the kitchen, but he was a Lupus, and they had great hearing.

“All right, that’s enough,” Charlie intervened. “That’s none of your concern, young man, so eat.” She gave him a gimlet eye, brooking no argument.

“Okay,” he said dejectedly.

“Don’t worry, champ.” Gabe leaned over to whisper, “I’ll fill you in later.” “Yes!” Dillon exclaimed.

“Gabriel,” Charlie warned.

“Condensed, of course,” he promised.

Everyone laughed, bringing the mood around the table on a lighter side. And the food was still good. Which was why Sasha was glad Roan waited till she was almost done before he brought up a topic better left alone.

“I talked to your mother today,” he said casually, taking a sip of his drink.

“That was thoughtful, Roan. The poor woman has probably been worried sick,” Charlie replied.

“Well, yes and no.”

“What’s that supposed to mean? Surely you didn’t have any trouble smoothing things over, did you?” Flynn asked, clearly curious as he looked at Sasha for an answer.

“Actually, she was very decent about the whole thing.” Roan frowned.

“Then what’s the problem?” Flynn glanced at Roan, seeing his obvious displeasure, then looked at Sasha. She kept her face as blank as she could, no doubt making Flynn wonder what was so upsetting that she would have this reaction at the mention of her family.

“It was her utter lack of concern for Sasha’s welfare that bothered me,” Roan answered, his glower deepening.

“Surely you must have heard her wrong, Roan.” Charlie frowned, her tone saying clearly that she was unable to believe otherwise. Too bad Sasha had to disabuse her of that notion.

She took a deep breath. “He didn’t hear wrong, Charlie,” she said, seeing shock register on her face. Then she turned to Roan. “Let me guess, when you told her I had been injured, or whatever, her concern lasted just long enough to hear I was okay. And then she tried everything in the book to get off the line with you.”

“Exactly, but with a variation.”

“What was that?” Although she somehow knew.

“She wanted to know when you would be coming home, because her prescriptions had almost run out.”

“Ah yes, my monthly donation to the Goddess of Pharmacology is due. Can’t be late with that.” Her reply was heavy with sarcasm.

She leaned back in her chair, rubbing her temples. She so did not want to tell these nice people about her family. It was like reopening a bad wound. But she knew she had to. Otherwise, her mother would be calling here every day, demanding she come home so Sasha could pay for her drugs. Sasha’s health was unimportant compared to her mother getting her next fix.

“You all right, sweetheart?” Flynn wrapped a comforting arm around her shoulders at seeing her distress.

“Well, I was, but this can’t be helped, and you need to know about my family.” She placed her hand over Flynn’s.

“You don’t have to tell us anything, Sasha. We can all see you’re upset about this,” Charlie said with concern.

Sasha smiled wanly in thanks. “Not upset, Charlie. Just resigned. And used to it.”

She pushed her plate away, what was left of her appetite fleeing on swift wings due to hearing about her mother. Too bad. The grilled chicken was great.

“It wasn’t always like this,” she began, thinking of happier days when her father was still alive. “We were poor but well enough above the poverty line to get by. And with four kids to feed and clothe, well, there were a lot of rough times. But we made do. Mom went to work after we all got school age, so that helped out. And we were close, all of us, even though my brother was outnumbered. There are three of us girls. Alexandria is the oldest, then me, my brother Bobby, and then Elaine, the baby.” She smiled in recollection and then frowned. “But times change, and you get older, have greater responsibility. You see, my father was a workaholic and didn’t take very good care of himself. His health only got worse as the years passed until finally, one day, he went to the emergency room for an asthma attack only to have it end in a coma.” She heard Charlie tsking in sympathy. “I won’t go into details about the whole thing, only tell you it was hospital negligence and leave it at that.”

“Was this during a breathing treatment?” Flynn asked, the doctor kicking in.

“Yes.”

“His air passages must have closed up,” he told everyone. “Where was the RN during all this?”

“She had stepped out of the room for something.”

“Ah. I take it she found him nonresponsive when she returned?”

Sasha nodded woodenly. “He was clinically dead for almost seven minutes before they could bring him back. Then he slipped into a coma for almost four months. When he came out of it, he wasn’t the same.”

“There was some damage to the brain, wasn’t there?” he asked with sympathy. His knowledge no doubt painted a grim picture of what her father had suffered. Sasha and her family as well. He would be right. It was grim indeed.

She took a deep breath, seeing it all again. “Yes. His long-term memory was damaged, so he had to learn everything over. Remembering his family, walking, talking, eating, and even going to the bathroom.” She swallowed hard, trying not to cry. “It’s hard seeing a man you thought could do anything brought to that state.”

“His rehabilitation must have been long and hard. For all of you.” Flynn rubbed her shoulder in comfort.

She touched his hand. “Yes. Fortunately, we were all grown. Alex and I dropped out of school to help Mom. Bobby took off because he couldn’t stand to see Dad like that. But all of us agreed Elaine would graduate and go to college. She started classes the week after we brought Dad home.”

“That had to have been a job. He probably needed round-the-clock care after the ordeal he went through,” Roan surmised.

She nodded. “Mom had to quit work to care for him. We all did the best we could to help, and Social Security paid for most of his meds, but a few months later, Alex had found a man. She wanted a life of her own, and I didn’t blame her. So after she got married, that left just me to help my mom. Elaine was in college, and my brother was still MIA.”

“How old were you?” Gabe asked.

She thought about it for a minute. “Twenty-one, almost twenty-two, I think.”

“So young to have such responsibility,” Roan commented.

“Someone had to do it.” She shrugged. “Anyway, a couple years later, my dad’s health started getting worse. The coma, brain damage, and constant meds had taken their toll, and his body was just wearing out. He wanted to be with his family before he died.”

“He knew he didn’t have long, didn’t he?” Gabe asked with sympathy.

“Yes, he knew. And he wanted all his family around when the time came. So, we called my uncle, my mom’s brother-in-law, and we all moved to North Carolina where both my mom and dad’s family lived. Elaine had flunked out of college by this time, and my brother had started to show up occasionally. He thought the job scene would be better there, so they both came along. My uncle helped get us a place and everything.” Her mind went back to those rough days. “He only stayed in our new place two days before he was rushed to the hospital. He died that night under sedation. It was peaceful and like he wanted.”

“Oh Sasha, I’m so sorry,” Charlie said, tears in her voice.

Sasha smiled wanly at her. “Don’t be, Charlie, because I was a lot happier for him after he died than before. No one deserves to live like that.”

“Well said, my dear.” Roan nodded.

She cleared her throat, continuing on. “Anyway, after my dad died, the family sort of went to hell in a handbasket. Elaine and I were working, Mom was going out, and my brother was into the drug scene—all this a couple months after my dad’s death. Things got worse after my mom came home with some man. I mean, I didn’t begrudge her her happiness, but the least she could have done was wait a while, ya know?” Sasha remembered how pissed she was at the time. “My dad wasn’t even gone three months when she brought the guy to our house.”

“That must have gone well,” Flynn’s tone conveying that he understood how Sasha felt must have felt.

Sasha snorted at that. “She wound up marrying the scumbag a few years later.”

“I take it you don’t like your mother’s husband?” Roan surmised.

She laughed at that. “Hate would be a better word. And I’m the only one who feels that way. Everyone else enjoys having him around.”

“What happened, baby?” Flynn asked her softly.

“A year before they got married, he propositioned me, saying he and my mom had an open relationship and he had been fantasizing about having us together in a threesome.” Sasha shuddered at the memory. “I was disgusted, of course, and told him. I also told my mom.” She paused, taking a deep breath. Even after all this time, the betrayal still hurt. “She blamed his lapse on me. Said it was my fault, that I was teasing him and just trying to take him away from her. I was devastated, to say the least.”

“Jeez,” Gabe softly exclaimed.

“I cannot believe a mother would do that to her own child,” Charlie said with shock.

“Humans.” Roan just shook his head.

Flynn brought her hand to his lips and gently kissed her knuckles, his light eyes saying he understood her pain. She gave him a small smile, accepting his sympathy. Dillon, poor kid, just listened; he really didn’t know or probably understand much, but he smiled at Sasha, seeing that she was a little sad. It helped.

She took another deep breath and continued. “Like I said, everyone else likes having him around. But then, he sort of bought their attention. Helping Elaine get a car, getting my brother countless jobs, finding Alex and her family a larger house near my mom because Alex’s husband got transferred to a new job. The list goes on, but I never wanted to have anything to do with the man. And none of them could understand why I won’t forgive and forget. But it’s hard for them to really get it when my mom or my sisters and brother invite the man to family gatherings. I’m reminded every time I see him.”

“Must be hard to forgive when the others take it so lightly,” Roan commented, hitting on her feelings exactly.

“Yes.” Then she laughed sarcastically. “But everything is civil and normal. Like we’re all one big happy family. Only we’re not. Haven’t been since before my dad died. Hell.” She laughed again. “The only time I see my family is at holidays or the occasional birthday party for my nieces and nephews. Other than that, they keep the calls geared toward wanting something. My mom—her prescriptions or a few dollars here and there. My brother is the same. And my sisters always want a free babysitter, at the last minute, of course. Not that I don’t love being with my nieces and nephews, but I do have my own life, such as it is. But it’s mine, and I’ve done pretty well without any help at all.”

“And now, to add to all that, you’re part of a Lupus Pack, with a True Mate and an upcoming Challenge with the ex-female Alpha,” Roan stated. “I think a lesser person would have just given up and rolled over. Yet you haven’t.”

She smiled ruefully. “I’ve never been a quitter, and I never wanted to give up on my family even after they gave up long ago.” She shrugged. “But I have my memories of the good times. They should be enough.”

“That doesn’t have to be enough, Sasha. You can make new memories. With us. We’re your family now.” Flynn squeezed her shoulder, still holding her close through her tale of family woe.

“He’s right, my dear. You’re not just a part of my Pack, but a part of my family. A part of this family and all that entails.” Roan smiled.

“I don’t understand.” Nor did she dare to believe.

“We’re True Mates, Sasha, which is more binding than any marriage. It also means you’re a member of this family. Another daughter to my mother and another sister to Roan, Dillon, and Angel. My older sister,” he explained when he saw her confused look at the girl’s name.

“Flynn’s right. We’re family now, and you belong here, with us, my daughter,” Charlie said as her eyes started to tear up.

“I…I don’t know what to say.” She was starting to get a little choked up herself.

“You don’t have to say anything. Just accept it as fact. You’re a LeGuer now.” Roan smiled at her with joy.

Seeing everyone else sharing smiles pushed her over the edge, and she broke down for the second time that day. Must be getting close to my period. I’m not usually this weepy.

“Come on, boys. You can help me clear the table so these two can have a moment,” Charlie ordered, gathering dishes as the other three followed suit.

Sasha was too busy blubbering to pay attention or to hear what Dillon said as he walked into the kitchen with the others. Flynn told her later what was said.

“Is Sasha really my new sister?” Dillon asked Roan, seeing him and his mother nod. “Cool! A sister who can kick butt! And an Alpha, too. Wait till I tell the guys at school.”

Roan looked at Dillon, as the others did since surprise seemed to be the order of the day. “How do you know she’s an Alpha, Dillon?” he asked.

“’Cause she smells like one. Not as strong as you, Roan—almost like Jenna, but more fruity. Apples, I think?” he answered, his little brow scrunched with thought. “You think she’ll smell like you soon, Roan?”

Roan smiled in reply. “I’ve no doubt, scamp, no doubt at all.” He ruffled Dillon’s hair with affection.

“Awesome! A brother and a sister for an Alpha,” Dillon said in awe, going through the kitchen door with his share of the dishes.

Roan looked over at Flynn, watching his brother comfort Sasha. “Yes, very awesome, indeed,” he replied and then followed the others with more dishes.

By the time the table was cleared, her crying had stopped, and she was a mess. Again. Luckily, she had her napkin from dinner. It sopped up the tears Flynn’s shirt had missed.

“Sorry about that.” Sasha blew her nose with as much delicacy as she could, which was impossible, of course. She thought she sounded like a sick goose. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I hardly ever cry, especially around others,” she said, secretly wishing they were alone so Flynn could comfort her like he did earlier.

“I think you’re entitled. You’ve been through the ringer today. Anyone else would have probably lost it.” Flynn smiled, touching her cheek. His expression said he too wished they were alone.

“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” She smiled back, feeling those words clear to her soul.

“Amen,” Charlie agreed, carrying a cake through the kitchen door.

The others followed behind with Roan carrying a loaded tea tray, Dillon a pie, and Gabe brought up the rear with a coffeepot.

“No truer words have been spoken, my dear,” Roan replied, setting the tea tray down on the table. The others did the same. “And appropriate, given the situation.”

She guessed she could take that saying literally now, couldn’t she? It had been her private litany for years when things got rough. Who knew it would come true someday? Irony at its best. And I guess that’s me in a nutshell.

“Who’s up for dessert?” Charlie took dessert plates and forks off the tea tray. “I’ve got German chocolate cake and cherry pie. Nothing like sugar to ease the nerves.”

“Just a small slice of cake for me, Charlie,” Sasha said. “Now that I actually have a figure, I want to keep it that way.”

She handed Sasha the plate with a larger slice than she had asked for, smiling merrily. “Don’t worry about the weight and figure anymore, hon. DNA isn’t the only thing that’s changed in your system.”

She took the plate, along with a cup of coffee from Gabe, a question written clearly on her face.

Seeing her confusion, Charlie asked Roan if Sasha had been informed, in detail, about her new life as a Lupus as well as apologizing for her father’s attack. From what Roan had explained, the man hadn’t been in his right mind so really couldn’t be held responsible for his actions. Besides, she was alive, and that was all that mattered. Charlie gave her a teary smile of gratitude.

“I had hoped to rectify the matter over dinner, only Jenna had other plans. But now is as good a time as any for it.” Roan nodded, taking a bite of his cake.

Sounded good to Sasha, too. She was getting kind of tired of all the little surprises being hurled her way out of nowhere. Hard to keep up with the score if you hadn’t played the game before.

“Great! After the day I’ve had, I could use a crash course in Lupus 101,” she said, chocolate cake melting in her mouth. Ah, sweet chocolate. What more could she say?

“You’re definitely with the right company for answers.” Gabe grinned, a piece of cake and pie on his plate.

“Well, then, class is in session,” Flynn stated, a big wedge of pie already starting to disappear off his plate. “To begin with, Lupus are born, not made.”

“That’s right,” Roan said, picking up Flynn’s thread. “Long ago in our history, Lupus ran wild, attacking humans. Turning some, killing others. The humans took offense, naturally, and tried to wipe us out.”

“Damn near succeeded, too,” Flynn continued. “The Alpha at that time knew he had to do something to keep our race from being slaughtered. So he gathered his remaining Pack, moved to another country, and started over.”

“There, he wrote down a set of laws for the Pack to adhere to. Then getting a blood oath from every member of the Pack, which bound them to their promise till death, they began a new way of life.”

“Over the years, some laws have been changed, others done away with. It happens when the world around you changes. But one law has never changed. Attacking a human means automatic execution. No questions asked. No excuses. And because we have followed this law to the letter, the Pack has never been safer,” Flynn explained, finished with his pie then took a sip of his coffee.

“But it does happen,” Sasha replied. “I wouldn’t be here otherwise.”

“Not often, no,” Roan agreed. “Like every race, we also have the occasional deviant. Or in your case, unbalanced Elder. But our justice is harsh and a lot swifter. We couldn’t do otherwise. Our safety hinges on secrecy. If one of the Pack started leaving a trail of bodies, questions would arise, and we would eventually be found out. Then hunted down.”

“Man destroys what he fears.” She repeated a phrase Roan had said earlier.

He nodded in acknowledgment, saluting her with his coffee cup.

“That or worse.” Gabe shuddered visibly.

They all knew what the worse meant. Capture and experimentation. That was a nightmare better left in the dark.

Time to change the subject. Little ears, she thought, thinking of Dillon. “Okay, that’s some history. Now how about some biology? I got a very brief outline earlier.”

“Flynn, you’re the doctor. You can explain that better than the rest of us,” Charlie said with pride as she poured another cup of tea.

“All right,” he agreed. “I told you about the virus and how it alters your DNA and renews and repairs your body on a cellular level.”

She nodded, taking a sip of her coffee.

“Well, the virus also enhances all five senses and gives you much greater strength, as you no doubt discovered.” He smiled, clearly remembering Jenna pinned to the wall.

“Yeah. I kind of figured that one out for myself.” She chuckled along with everyone else.

“What’s so funny?” Dillon asked, chocolate smudged at the corner of his mouth.

“I’ll tell you later.” Gabe winked.

“Gotcha.” Dillon winked back conspiratorially.

That got another round of laughter from everyone again.

“And to touch on what Mother said earlier about the cake, you now have a higher metabolism as well.”

“Of course, all that will magnify after your First Transformation,” Roan said, voicing aloud the one thing she wanted to know more about.

“You guys touched briefly on that as well.”

Flynn frowned, a look of worry passing across his handsome face. He clearly didn’t want to worry her about what might happen. But the not knowing was worse than the truth.

“I have to know what to expect, Flynn. Going through this blind would be worse than knowing. At least this way, I can try to prepare.” She took his hand and laced their fingers together. His touch was such a comfort. Which was kind of scary really. They hardly knew each other.

“I know. I just…” He took a deep breath. “I just don’t want anything to go wrong.”

“Have faith, brother. She has already shown us how strong willed she is. I should think the First Transformation a small feat compared to what she has already been through,” Roan assured them, trying to offer comfort with his firm belief in her.

“That’s right, son. She’ll be fine,” Charlie concurred.

Gabe and Dillon nodded in agreement.

“Okay.” Sasha let her breath whoosh out. “What are the beginning signs, and what am I to expect?” She hoped all the movies about how a werewolf changed were greatly exaggerated.

Flynn sighed in resignation. “All Lupus have their First Transformation at the height of the full moon. There have been exceptions to this rule, but that’s rare.”

So the myths were right on that one.

“The beginning signs are edginess and a need to be outdoors. Tingling in the hands and feet are also common. As your time draws nearer, usually on that day, your skin will itch slightly, and all your senses will be heightened. You’ll be ravenously hungry because your body knows what’s going to happen, so it needs plenty of energy to complete the process.”

“It’s a good idea to eat a lot a few days before. The more fuel your body has, the less drained you feel afterward,” Gabe added.

Everyone nodded in agreement.

“The process for first timers last no more than fifteen minutes, depending on the Lupus, though it definitely feels longer.” Flynn smiled ruefully.

“What’s the process like, Flynn?” she asked softly.

Sasha knew he was going around the actual answer, but she couldn’t let him skirt it anymore. She had to know.

He looked at her with pain-filled eyes, wanting desperately to spare her the truth. His handsome face was pinched with worry.

“Tell me, Flynn.” She placed her hand on his arm.

He took another deep breath and then plunged ahead. “The first time is always painful. Your body has never altered its form before. Everything is used to being one way. The transformation changes that by reshaping your entire being. Bone, muscle, tendons, skin, even organs. Then adding to that with fur, four legs, and a long muzzle filled with sharp teeth, and a tail.”

“So I can expect it to hurt. Is that what you’re saying?”

“No, what I’m saying is that for you, it could be worse,” he replied stiffly, clearly upset at the thought of her hurting that much.

“Because of James’s age.”

“Yes.”

“And you’re not sure how much worse, because ones like me don’t usually survive.”

“Yes,” he choked out.

“Well, then. I guess I’ll just have to prepare myself for the worst and eat as much as I can, huh?” she said glibly, winking at Dillon. He seemed to be the only one not totally upset. That helped ease her nerves a bit. A tiny bit.

“She’s right, Flynn. We really won’t know until the time arrives,” Gabe said, trying to sound hopeful.

“He’s got a point, son. And she’ll have all of us there to help, so she won’t be alone with this,” Charlie agreed, also trying to instill a note of confidence into this deep discussion.

No one voiced aloud about how the worst might happen, though, and how to deal with it. Sasha didn’t want to dwell on the worst-case scenario, so she let it go. No need to jinx things now. Lord knew she had enough on her plate to deal with as it was.

“So, when’s the next full moon?” She was almost afraid to ask.

“In four days,” Roan answered.

“Great. Plenty of time to prepare,” she said, trying to sound cheerful.

“Sasha—” Flynn started to say something, but she cut him off.

“Flynn, please. I need all the positive thinking I can get right now, okay? You’re the doctor. Use that skill to help.” She squeezed his arm in reassurance.

He brought her knuckles to his lips. “I’ll give you every skill I possess,” he murmured huskily, effectively ending their discussion of her upcoming change.

She snatched her hand back, still feeling his warm lips. “Cut that out.” She blushed.

“Goodness, will you look at the time?” Charlie chimed in, eliciting a laugh from everyone. “Dillon, you have school tomorrow, and it’s way past your bedtime.”

“But Mom, I want to hear more about my new sister,” he whined with a huge yawn.

“No buts, young man,” Charlie admonished sternly. “Your new sister isn’t going anywhere, so you’ll have plenty of time to get to know her better. Now come here and give me a hug, then off with you.”

“All right,” he huffed and went to hug his mother, getting a peck on the cheek in return.

Gabe stood as well. “I’ll take him up, Charlie. Seems I promised to tell him something.” He smiled after hearing a big whoop of joy come from Dillon.

“Yes!” His smile was wide as he ran around the table to hug Roan. Seemed he was awake now.

“Night, scamp.” Roan returned the hug, ruffling his brother’s hair.

He then ran to Flynn, getting another hug. “Night, pal.”

Dillon went to the door, then stopped and turned, like he forgot something. That’s when he smiled brightly and hurled himself at Sasha, almost knocking her out of her chair.

“Ooomph!” She grunted at the impact, wrapping her arms around his wiry little body to prevent them both from toppling.

“Night, Sasha. I’m glad you’re my sister,” he said, sniffing her. “Mmm, apples. Just like I thought.” Then he leaped away and was gone in a blink.

Gabe was close on his heels, laughing on the way out. “Be back shortly.”

“Seems you’ve made more than one conquest tonight, Sasha.” Charlie grinned, getting the dishes cleared away.

“What was with the sniffing and apples thing?” She laughed, still a bit stunned.

That was when Flynn and Roan told her what Dillon had said earlier and also about Alphas and smells. She wasn’t really sure about the Alpha thing, so she let it go. That thought was better left alone for the moment. She did want to learn more about her senses, though, and smell seemed to be a good, safe place to start.

“So everyone has a certain smell, right?”

“Right. Matter of fact, we can try it now,” Flynn said. “What do you pick up from Mother?”

She stopped getting the last of the dishes, even though Sasha did offer to help, and stood still as Sasha sniffed the air from her direction.

“Vanilla, like sugar cookies.”

“Very good,” Roan praised. “What about Flynn?”

That was easy. “Clean air and fresh-mowed grass.”

“Right on. Now what do you get from Roan?” Flynn asked.

Sasha sniffed, not really picking up any particular scent from him, just getting a wave of power, like a warm electrical current that made her senses tingle. She closed her eyes and concentrated, inhaling deeply. There, a faint whiff of pine floating under the currents of power.

“Pine, though almost undetectable, and power.” She opened her eyes to the shocked faces of Charlie and Flynn.

“Excellent.” Roan beamed, obviously pleased and looking not all that surprised.

She looked at Flynn in confusion, not having a clue as to what was going on. “What? What’s wrong?”

“That’s some nose you have there,” he replied with a chuckle, his expression saying he was proud.

“I’ll say. I can’t usually smell Roan like that unless I’m in wolf form. And even then, I have to be beside him,” Charlie added.

“Oh, well, I almost didn’t catch the scent at all. It’s very faint,” she explained.

“That’s because he’s the Alpha. Great power and all that,” Flynn joked with a smile lighting his pale eyes.

Roan ignored him. “It goes back to the beginning of our race when the Alpha would mask his scent from his enemies with pure power. It was virtually undetectable if you didn’t know what to smell for.”

“Very effective camouflage.” She nodded, impressed. “Can you smell him?” she asked Flynn.

“I’ve always been able to. Though when we were kids, I always thought he smelled like dirt.”

“That’s because you were smelling yourself. He was always rolling around in the dirt, grass, and leaves, just about anything,” Roan countered, directing that last bit to Sasha.

“Now I know who the older twin is.”

“And just how would you know that?” Flynn asked with a mock haughty tone.

“My sister Alex is only a year older than me, and she acts just like Roan. With that superior, she-never-got-dirty-as-a-kid attitude.”

“Right on target about that one.” Flynn laughed. “Growing up, it was virtually impossible to tell us apart unless you smelled us. Or until we went outside. Then it was easy.”

“And I have the cleaning bills to prove it, too.” Charlie sighed and shook her head like a woman greatly put upon, getting a round of laughter in response.

“I’ve met several pairs of twins, but never any so different from each other. You two may look alike, but that’s where the similarity ends.”

“That was my father’s doing,” Roan began to explain. “All twins, even identical ones like Flynn and I, have their own personality traits, but my father also wanted each of us to be our own person. To not rely too heavily on each other.”

“He knew Roan would someday be Pack Alpha, and as such, started to train Roan early,” Flynn added. “But he did not keep us separated. He knew we shared a bond; all twins do. But like Roan said, he wanted us to be an individual, to pursue our own interests. It’s made both of us stronger and an asset to the Pack.”

Sasha nodded in understanding. “But why didn’t he train you both? Twin Alphas would have been quite a feat.”

“It would have been quite a disaster.” Roan chuckled.

“Why?”

“Being Alpha is a solitary position for the male. Sharing that power would be too much conflict. No two Alphas rule the same,” Flynn explained. “Besides, I never wanted the position anyway, and Father knew it.”

“I remember going on runs after our First Transformation, just the three of us, deep in the woods. Father would tell me all the things I needed to know, then tell Flynn that no matter what he decided to do with his life, I would still need someone to trust, someone I could count on. That all good Alphas needed a second in command, a Beta. And Father was right. After I became Alpha, Flynn became my Beta.”

“And because we both have pursued different paths, it’s ultimately helped the Pack.” Flynn nodded in agreement.

“Your father sounds like a great man. I would love to meet him.” Just then wondering why she hadn’t before now and why he wasn’t present at dinner.

The three of them looked at each other, sad expressions on their faces, Charlie most of all.

“Their father was killed in a plane crash a few weeks after Dillon was born.” Charlie’s voice was thick, her grief still a palpable thing.

“I’m so sorry to hear that.” Sasha knew exactly how they all felt. She and her father may have not seen eye to eye on a lot of things—being the daughter of an old-fashioned father had its problems—but she had loved him dearly and still missed him in her life.

Charlie smiled wanly. “Thank you, hon. It was hard at first, not having my Mate. But then I thought we shared almost two hundred years together, he gave me four wonderful children and more than a lifetime of memories. I felt blessed to have had the time we were given. And we’ll be together again one day.” A dreamy yet sad smile reached her eyes.

“Two hundred years.” Sasha couldn’t contemplate being with someone even half that long. “That’s quite a while.” Then a thought came to her. “Just how old are you two?” The question directed at Roan and Flynn.

“They’re positively ancient.” Gabe snickered, coming back into the dining room.

Roan and Flynn snorted at that. “So says the guy who is only three years younger than us,” Flynn stated with a grin.

“And that would make you…?” she prompted.

Roan paused with a slight smile. “A hundred and fifteen next April the fourth.”

“Wow!” Her eyes widened, looking at the three of them and not really sure what to say. She wasn’t scared; it was just not what she expected. But then, this whole day hadn’t been.

Flynn took her hand, rubbing the knuckles in reassurance. His smile and touch helped, but they both knew she was going to need some time to absorb all this before she had too many more shocks. Even she had her limits. Her open mind would start to get a bit too full, too fast.

“Everything okay with Dillon? No problems?” Charlie asked Gabe, the look on her face telling Sasha that she understood her discomfort and that was why she asked about Dillon. Sasha smiled in gratitude.

“Nah. After he got ready for bed, I told him the condensed version of what happened between Sasha and Jenna.” He looked at her and chuckled. “You’re his new hero, by the way. Right up there with Wolverine of the X-Men, Roan, The Punisher, and Flynn.”

“Second after Wolverine. You must be slipping.” Flynn grinned at Roan, a twinkle of mischief in his light eyes.

“Mmmph,” Roan grunted, not rising to the bait.

“Oh, and Roan? He asked if he could be there for Sasha’s transformation. In fact, he seemed quite agitated about it until I promised to talk to you.”

Roan, Flynn, and Charlie all exchanged an odd look.

“What? Why would he ask to be there? I’m not sure I want a child to see me go through that.” She wasn’t really sure she wanted any of them to see it.

“Tell her, Mother,” Roan said.

“I guess I should, especially if he asked to be there.”

“Tell her what?” Sasha was a little confused. It was a feeling she was getting used to. Unfortunately.

“Dillon is…special,” she hedged.

“In what way?” Sasha hoped the boy wasn’t sick or anything like that.

“Oh, nothing like you would think,” she assured hastily, seeing the look on Sasha’s face. “He’s perfectly healthy. No, he has a certain trait that a few Lupus are gifted with every now and then. Unfortunately, he wasn’t supposed to develop this gift until after his First Transformation.” She took a deep breath. “You see, Dillon has unique…talents.”

“Like?” Sasha prompted, having a feeling she knew where this was going.

“Like, he’ll get a feeling sometimes about things that are going on or going to happen or about certain individuals. Or he’ll know when someone’s about to call or come by.”

“So, you’re saying that he’s what? Psychic?”

“Not in the true sense of the word, no. He’s just highly sensitive.”

Sasha thought about that for a second. “Hmm, must be unnerving sometimes to have a child your son’s age say things like that.” Lord knew she would find it strange, but then, she was smack in the middle of strange so she really couldn’t throw stones.

“Yes and no. There have been quite a few sensitives in the Pack over the course of our history. My father was one, the effects of which caused his mental state to break down with age; so was Gabe’s grandmother, but never one so young. I’m just afraid that after his First Transformation, it could get stronger.” Charlie’s expression was one of concern and a little fear. Normal, Sasha supposed. For Charlie and Dillon, James’ attack certainly brought that fact closer to home than they all wanted as well.

“Then that’s what he meant by me being Alpha. He really could smell it.” Sasha thought about what Flynn had told her earlier.

“Yes. And if he feels that strongly about being at your First Transformation, for whatever reason, then I’m afraid he’ll have to attend,” Roan said.

Sasha shook her head. “I don’t know, Roan. I’m still trying to come to terms with all this. I really don’t think I’ll feel comfortable with your baby brother watching.”

“He’s twelve and very smart for his age, but we don’t have to worry about it now. We still have four”—he looked at his watch—”make that three and a half days to prepare. That’s plenty of time to decide.”

Sasha didn’t say anything, just shrugged. They would see.

Gabe yawned, then got up and turned to leave. “Well, I for one am not going to worry about it tonight. I’m for bed.”

“Me, too.” Charlie nodded. “You kids don’t stay up too much longer. Sasha needs her rest.” She gave each of her sons a hug, then Sasha. “Good night, daughter.”

“Good night,” Sasha replied. She couldn’t call her Mother yet, but it did feel right to think it so.

Charlie smiled knowingly at Sasha, then left as well.

“She’s right. Sasha does need rest,” Roan agreed. “She’s done more in a day than most do in a month.”

“You know, I am tired, but not how you would think. More like being tired from a day of accomplishments. Which is kind of funny ‘cause I haven’t really done anything.” She chuckled as they too got up and left the dining room.

“On the contrary, you’ve accomplished a great deal,” Flynn pointed out as they walked through the foyer and up the stairs. “You’re alive, for one. The biggest accomplishment most can make in your situation.”

“You’ve also had to hear and deal with a lot of new things that have a great impact on your life now,” Roan added.

“In that case, I guess I should be passed out by now.” She laughed softly so as not to wake anyone when they got to the hallway, the bedrooms nearby.

Roan walked up to her, taking her hand and patting it. “I’ve every confidence in you, my dear. You’ll be a great asset to the Pack and an even greater one to my brother.” He lifted her hand to his lips and lightly kissed her knuckles, said good night, then left to find his bed.

She was speechless. Flynn wasn’t.

“Mmm, must be that apple scent of yours.” He chuckled, ushering her into his room, then closing the door.

“What do you mean?” She was a bit unnerved about being alone with Flynn. In his room. With the bed so close. Alone.

“Let’s just say that Roan is your typical lone wolf. Comes with being Alpha. He doesn’t let his guard down often, especially around women. You’re one of the few.”

“Oh.” That’s about all she could say.

“Makes me glad you’re my True Mate. Otherwise we could have been competing for you,” Flynn said with a mischievous grin.

“Now, Flynn, I hope you know I would never dare to come between brothers. That wouldn’t be right.” She felt a little shocked Flynn would bring it up and more than a bit uncomfortable about the conversation. Being alone with Flynn wasn’t helping, either. Since getting to know him these past few hours, sharing a great kiss, and experiencing a mind-blowing orgasm from his talented fingers, she wanted him more than she thought possible. All he had to do was smile at her, and she was creaming in her panties. But it was scary because she really didn’t know him. Nor was she used to these intense feelings he had brought out in her.

“Don’t worry. It wouldn’t be anything like that. No coming to blows or anything. We’re too close for that. No, when we were younger, it used to be a game between us. If we found a female we both wanted, then we agreed the best man would win. No sore loser. Very civilized.”

“Uh-huh. So who won the most?”

“It was usually a draw until Roan became Alpha.” Then he paused, about to say something else, but looked like he thought better of it.

Sasha could only imagine what he was thinking, but being twins, and gorgeous ones at that, well, there was only one conclusion. Yep, they probably shared said female. Not unusual, but right now, not something she wanted to dwell on. Her own thoughts were too full with one twin at the moment. Both would probably send her over the edge. And Flynn’s scent was already doing things to her body she really didn’t need right then as her thoughts zeroed in on what they shared earlier in this room.

She sat down on the edge of the bed, feeling the day catch up with her. Flynn sat in the corner chair, most likely trying to put her at ease. It really didn’t help. Her nerves were stretched pretty tight. She needed to keep the conversation going, so she asked, “Why then? Why after he became Alpha?”

“As you could probably guess, it was the power and prestige. But being Alpha is a demanding job. Taking care of the Pack and its assets is a big task. Not really much time for a social life or relationship.”

“But he has had a few since becoming Alpha.”

“Yeah, very few.” He chuckled. “Not many females like being a second thought. Although to tell you the truth, I just think he hasn’t found the right one yet.”

“You mean like a True Mate?”

“I wish.” He snorted. “Out of the sixty or so Mated couples, there are only eight True Mates. We make nine.” He smiled sadly. “But realistically, I just want him to find the right one and be happy.”

“Who knows?” She shrugged. “Maybe being twins won’t just be in your looks alone, and he’ll luck out and find a True Mate too.” She was getting nervous because their little talk was coming to an end.

“Maybe,” he reluctantly agreed. “You don’t have to be scared of me, Sasha. I won’t bite.” He smiled, knowing where her thoughts had been going the entire time. Though he really didn’t have to guess—he could see and smell her nervousness. And the deer-in-the-headlights look was an even bigger clue.

She huffed out a breath. “I know. It’s just that I wasn’t expecting us to sleep together. Not on our first night.” She blushed.

Flynn got out of the chair, walking the few feet toward her, then knelt and took her hands. “I meant what I said earlier—you’re the one who has to make the first move. And as much as I want—hell, crave—making love to you, we both know you aren’t ready yet. I won’t push that or you. Okay?” He smiled at her.

“Okay.” She let out the breath that she unknowingly was holding. She was still nervous, though not as bad. “I’m just not used to sharing a bed with a man, you know? My relationships have been few and far between.”

“Don’t worry. You need sleep and rest tonight. You’re still recovering and not just physically.” He kissed her hands, before standing and crossing to the dresser. “ I like to sleep free. But we’re getting to know each other, so I’ll wear the bottoms and you take the top.” “I don’t want to put you out, Flynn. If you’re not comfortable with clothes on, I can find another room.” She started to rise.

“Nonsense. You belong right here.” He gave her the top. “Besides, it’s a small price to pay to have you here. Not to mention being away from you for any length of time makes me uncomfortable.” She took the top, hugging it to her chest for comfort. “I’m really sorry, Flynn.”

He looked at her with a bit of surprise on his face. “For what?”

“For turning your life upside down.”

“Upside down?” He touched her cheek. “Oh, sweetheart, you’ve made my life whole, for the first time. I mean, I never knew what I was missing before I met you. And now that I know, there’s no way I could ever go back. I wouldn’t want to.” His voice was soft but full of conviction.

She nuzzled his hand, enjoying its warmth. “I feel like I’ve known you my whole life, but I haven’t. It’s all so confusing.” She frowned, pulling back. “We have time. Now go change in the bathroom and I’ll change out here. I can feel your exhaustion, and it worries me.”

“Yes, Doctor.”

It didn’t take her long to switch her clothes for the PJ top. But she still stalled. It kept going through her mind she was about to climb in the same bed as Flynn. No sex, but still sleep in the same bed. Lord, give me strength, she prayed as she stepped out the door and saw Flynn bare-chested. She almost choked on her own tongue seeing all that male muscle on display. Thank God he wasn’t naked; she would have gone into cardiac arrest. And to think she was about to sleep next to this man. It was enough to make her bolt back to the bathroom. But she was no coward. She could do this. Though if he touched her, she wasn’t sure she’d be able to control herself. Hell, even she had her limits. And seeing Flynn half naked was definitely her limit.

“Ready?”

“Yeah.” She smiled nervously, trying to take her eyes off all that hard-muscled, tanned skin. It was near impossible, but she tried, without success. Hey, she wasn’t a saint. And from what she could see, he was tan all over. She was doomed.

“Go ahead and hop in, and I’ll get the lights.”

“Okay.” She climbed in, pulling the covers up to her chin. Then the room was plunged into total darkness. A few seconds later, she felt Flynn get into his side of the bed. She could feel his heat under the covers, hear his breathing, his heartbeat. She was really feeling edgy now and a little aroused. Well, okay, a lot aroused. But come on, the man was fine and was in bed with her. She’d be crazy or dead not to feel anything.

“Relax, Sasha. You need to sleep.”

“I know.” She huffed out a breath and tried to calm her racing pulse. “I’m sorry.”

“No need to be sorry. Turnover on your side.”

“What for?”

He laughed softly. “Don’t worry. I’m not going to ravish you. I can’t, remember?” The covers rustled as he moved closer to her. “You need to relax, and a soothing massage is just the thing to help you get some sleep.”

“ I guess that’s all right.” Though she really wasn’t sure that touching would be a good idea. His scent and nearness had her wound pretty tight as it was. That is, until she felt his warm hands soothe her knotted muscles. After that, she let his hands work out her tension. It was just enough to help her sleep. Too bad that damn dream came again, only this time, she remembered seeing a man. He was blond, with Flynn’s face and eyes. He smiled sadly at her, like he had lost something precious, and then changed before her eyes into the blond wolf she recalled running with. And when the Pack emerged from the forest, wanting her to join them, Sasha was uncertain. She had been here before, knew what she would see when she looked down at herself. She was right, for there were four paws where two legs should have been. When she tried to yell in fright, it came out as a high-pitched whine. She didn’t wake up screaming, but it was close.

“Jeez, not again,” she moaned, sitting up abruptly.

“What is it? What’s wrong?” Flynn had his arm wrapped around her waist, so she accidentally woke him when she sat up.

She couldn’t say anything; her heart was still racing as the remnants of the dream left her. She closed her eyes and leaned back against the headboard, trying to calm down.

“You all right?” He sat up with her and brushed sweat-soaked hair out of her face.

“Yeah, I think so. Just a dream.” She breathed deeply, knowing she was going to have to tell him about it. “It’s the same one I had before I woke from the coma.”

“What about?” He gathered her close, trying to comfort her. At this point, she really didn’t care about how little they knew of each other. She wanted the comfort. She drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly, opening her eyes. “I’m running with a pack of wolves. Only, at this time, I don’t know that I am one. Then I take a drink from a stream and see my reflection. A great red wolf with glowing eyes is staring back at me.” She shivered a little at the memory.

Flynn squeezed her a bit tighter in reassurance. “Ah.”

“Yeah. The first time scared the crap out of me. This time wasn’t as bad, just unnerving. I mean, I knew what was going to happen, how I was going to look, only…I don’t know.”

“This is all still new to you. And the dreams are natural. We all have them before our First Transformation. They let us know our time is near and help us prepare.” He rubbed her arm in comfort.

A part of her understood that, but was still a little unnerved about it. It was one thing to be told she was going to turn four-legged and furry. Quite another to dream about it and see herself that way.

“Don’t worry. You’re fine,” he soothed, snuggling her closer.

She had her head on his chest, feeling his heat, the smoothness of his skin. His muscles bunched and tightened with every breath he took. She could even feel his chest vibrate as he spoke, hear his heart beating. It felt so right, so natural, to be held in his arms. To touch him, feel his strength. She wanted that. She needed it. Needed him.

“Flynn?” She moved her hand slowly up the column of his neck, feeling the hard muscles along the way. Once her hand was around his neck, she pulled down, wanting his lips on hers.

“Sasha?”

She kissed him lightly, feeling his breath whoosh out. “I need this, Flynn. Can you understand that?”

He looked in her eyes, his own need burning brightly, “Are you sure?”

“This is about the only thing I’ve been sure of in a long time.” She smiled at him, running her thumb over his lower lip. It was soft as satin.

He shuddered at her touch. “All right. But you’re the one in charge this first time. You have to make all the moves. I can’t until you tell me to.”

That was all the encouragement she needed. Then she kissed him, thrusting her tongue in his mouth to duel with his. She heard him groan, and that made her even bolder, running her hands through his silky hair, nibbling at his lips. They were so warm and pliant, she could have made a feast off his lips, but she had other areas to explore. Like his neck and that gorgeous chest she had wanted to fondle last night. She broke off the kiss and followed her hands down. Nipping and licking his neck, she ran her tongue over the bites, and all the while, her hands were making their way south over a finely muscled chest.

She climbed on top of him, his erection between her thighs. They both moaned when she sat down on it. He was so hard and wetness from her own arousal dampened the front of his bottoms. She could smell her musk as well as his. It made her near crazy. Flynn laid there, muscles straining to touch. She refused him permission. She needed the control of his body. To know she was the one making him groan with need, writhe beneath her with want. Want of her. Such a heady feeling, and she reveled in it. In him.

“Oh God, Sasha.” He growled the words as she leaned down to take a nipple in her mouth, suckling it. His body arched and strained with the pleasure of it.

After giving the proper attention to the other nipple, she made her way down to his stomach. It was ripped with muscle and jerking at her little nips and licks. When she got to the waistband of his bottoms, running her tongue over the top and her hands under to touch skin, Flynn threw his head back and growled low and deep with desire. She ripped the bottoms off and tossed them away. Then after seeing how hard his cock was, it was her turn to growl low and deep. He wasn’t too long, thank God, but he was wide. She had to touch him, run her hands up and down that rigid width. He was soft, like velvet over steel, all smooth and hard. Her hands almost didn’t fit around him. She wanted to taste him, take him in her mouth, and run her tongue up and down and around that hard shaft.

Flynn was panting, his breaths coming harsh and fast. Sasha looked up at him to see eyes blazing with lust, cheeks flushed with arousal. He was so beautiful, so primal.

“Sasha.” Her name came out as a plea, his expression one of pleasurable suffering. She leaned down to nuzzle his crown.

“God.” He gasped.

She couldn’t help being pleased at that response. She wanted him totally under her thrall. Since she woke up, circumstances had spun out of her control. This, taking her Mate, was just one way she could get that control back.

She continued to rub her cheek along his rigid length, feeling the heat, the scent of his arousal strong in her nose. This wasn’t enough, though. She needed to taste him, to run her tongue up and down his satiny hardness. Sticking her tongue out, she locked eyes with Flynn, slowly moving forward.

“Please.”

The minute she tasted him, she knew he was hers. He growled her name as she ran her tongue up the underside of his cock, following a rigid vein right to the head, where she suckled him, adding the right amount of pressure. She groaned from the sheer bliss of his taste and smell. Seeing Flynn’s hands bunching the sheets for control made her bolder with her suckling. She didn’t want him in control. She wanted him frenzied, like her. She sucked harder as she went down and grabbed his balls, rolling them in her hand.

“Oh God, Sasha! Please!” The veins of his neck stood out, his mouth open as he gasped for breath against her sensual assault.

She stopped, giving him a last lick as she rose up and took her top off. Then she straddled him, guiding his cock to her folds and rubbing it back and forth.

“Please,” he moaned, just as gone as she was, his whole body quivering. His skin was covered in a fine sheen of sweat. His face was strained, and his eyes were glowing with ice blue-colored flames. He was the most beautiful man Sasha had ever seen. And he was all hers.

She kept rubbing him to spread her wetness as she bent over to lick his chest and make her way to a nipple. And just before she took it in her mouth, she plunged down on him, taking his cock deep. His back bowed, and he grabbed hold of the headboard, shouting her name.

He filled her as no other ever had. Every way she moved, she felt him, her body practically humming from the sheer bliss of it.

“Touch me, Flynn. Please, touch me.” Now that she had gotten her fill of dominating him, she needed his hands on her. He rose up to put them in a sitting position.

It was obviously the command he had been waiting for as he put his hands everywhere. Her back, her ass, shoulders, breasts, squeezing her nipples. It was heaven being surrounded by him, his heat thrusting in and out of her wet core.

“Oh, yes.” She groaned, pumping her hips as he pinched a nipple. “In your mouth—put it in your mouth.”

He needed no other prompting, quickly putting her nipple in his mouth to suckle while the other stayed in his hand.

“Flynn.” She moaned, her hips pistoning faster. “Kiss me. I want you to kiss me when I come.” He took her lips as she pushed him back on the mattress.

She rode him hard then, grinding and pumping, feeling the orgasm start at her toes and work its way up. That made her pump faster, sliding up and down as his cock hit every nerve. The pleasure struck her like a bolt of lightning, bringing her screaming into his mouth as wave after wave of ecstasy ripped through her. When it was almost over, she felt Flynn stiffen, felt his semen shoot inside her. That triggered another orgasm for her as he roared his release.

She collapsed on top of him as tiny aftershocks rocked their bodies.

“Jeez, I was right,” he said when he was able to talk. “You fried me.”

She laughed, feeling content and whole for the first time. He remained inside her, still firm. She moved her hips a little, enjoying the feeling. He grunted in response, running both hands through her sweat-soaked hair. It never did get a chance to dry. It was worth it, though..

She sat up a bit and looked down at him, seeing her sense of peace reflected in his eyes. “Flynn—”

“Shh.” He put a finger to her lips. “You’re mine now, Sasha Edwards, just like I am yours. Nothing will change that. Ever.”

She nodded in agreement, feeling the truth of that statement to her very soul, smiling with joy. Then she leaned down and kissed him, long and deep. So good. He felt so good.

Before she knew what he was about, he flipped her over on her back, still inside her, harder than before.

“I never thought I could ever have the woman in charge the first time.” He smiled, pulling out a little and then going back in. She whimpered, wanting more. “Didn’t think I would feel right about it.” He repeated the move. “But after finding you and imagining what you would do the first time…” They both groaned when he ground his pelvis against hers, feeling his balls against her ass. “It nearly drove me mad with lust.”

She ran her hands over his muscled back and down to squeeze his ass. It was nice and firm, a good handful. Flynn kissed her neck, making his way down toward her breasts.

“I’m going to do everything to you that you did to me. Make you crazy with want, push you over the edge, then free-fall with you.”

“If you keep talking and thrusting like that, I’ll be freefalling without you.”

Flynn laughed throatily because she must have said that out loud. But then he pulled out, much to her dismay.

“Don’t worry, I always finish what I start,” he promised, kissing and licking his way down her body, not missing a thing.

She had a good idea where he was going, and she wanted it. Almost as bad as having him inside her, thrusting and pumping.

When he got to her mound, he took a deep breath, taking their mingled scents deep into his lungs. “Mine,” he growled, giving her a slow, leisurely lick.

She whimpered again, wanting more.

The taste was pure ambrosia, the combination of them both sending his senses reeling as he lapped at her core using the flat of his tongue.

“All mine.” He inserted a finger as he started to lick and nibble, then suckle on her clit.

Sasha’s back arched, Flynn’s name torn from her throat on a gasp. She was trembling with the need for completion, those beautiful dual-colored eyes near black with her arousal. She was his fantasy brought to life, and he wanted to brand this moment, this first time, into his memory. Bring it out to compare with the others they were going to have. Would she make the same sounds? Writhe and shake beneath him? Moan his name? He couldn’t wait to find out.

“Not yet, sweetheart. We go together,” he stated in between licks and his finger moving in and out.

Oh, she was so sweet. Her natural juices were like the finest nectar, her scent rushing to his head. He wanted to keep tasting her, savor her, but his body had other ideas. Like riding her deep and hard until they both screamed with the joy of it.

By the time he was done tasting her, she was begging the same way she had him begging earlier. Though Flynn was just as near the edge as she was. Rising up, then spreading her legs and slamming home, was a great clue. She didn’t seem to mind. It was what they had been craving from the start. This joining, this wild coming together of their bodies and hearts.

He held her feet wide apart, watching his cock slowly going in and out of her. Her folds caressed him, sucking him back with every outward pull. It was like her body wanted him to stay inside her. He would love nothing more.

“Oh, Flynn. Please.” Her head was arched back, eyes closed with sweet rapture.

If he wasn’t totally gone by that time, hearing her begging so sweetly pushed him over the edge. He gathered her close and started slamming into her. She met every thrust with one of her own, their flesh slapping together and their ragged breathing the only sounds in the room. Then Flynn felt it, that tightening in his balls that signaled his imminent orgasm, their hearts beating in time as it drew ever near.

They reached the summit at the same time. Flynn yelled her name as she screamed into his neck, both hanging on to each other for dear life. Then Flynn looked into her eyes, the glow in them fading, and knew, without a doubt, that this woman was the reason he existed. He would spend the rest of his life being eternally grateful for the honor.

They lay there a while, getting their breathing and hearts back under control, tiny spasms still fluttering through them. Sasha felt a little empty when he pulled out, but then he gathered her in his arms and held her.

“I’ve no words for what I just experienced. And every one I think up just seems woefully inadequate.” He kissed her forehead and hugged her tightly against his side.

She squeezed back, laying a kiss on his chest, her head fitting naturally on his shoulder. “Will it be like this every time?” she asked drowsily, more than content to sleep in his arms.

Flynn chuckled at that. “If so, we’ll be worn out within the month.”

“Mmm.”

She was almost out when she heard Flynn say, “Sleep, my love. I’ll be here when you awake.” She felt his lips touch hers; then she was out, surrounded by Flynn’s arms and cocooned in velvet blackness.

“You have chosen,” said a familiar voice behind her.

Sasha turned to see the blond man. He had Flynn’s face. “I have.”

He nodded. “It is as it should be.” Then he smiled sadly. “We will not meet on this plane again, sweet Sasha. Nor will you remember our time together.”

She blushed at the wicked grin he gave her, remembering what they shared in the clearing. “Why?”

“Because you have a Mate and because I have been selfish. And because you deserve to have the life that was denied you so long ago. You have a destiny that I can’t be part of any longer, no matter how I wish it otherwise.” “Will we ever meet again?” She too was sad but didn’t really understand why.

“One day,” he replied, turning to leave. “One day.” Then he vanished into the forest.

When Sasha was alone again, the Pack returned, rejoicing about her choice and wanting to celebrate with a run. So she just went with it instead of panicking. It was great. She felt so free, so alive. Running with the Pack was exhilarating. She almost didn’t want to wake. But Flynn was waiting, her True Mate. She felt the truth of that now, whereas she didn’t before. However it worked, they were Mated now, and she was meant to be with him. He was hers, and she was his.

It was probably his absence that woke her. She could smell him and their recent lovemaking, but he wasn’t in the room. She got up and put on the pajama top that had been tossed on the corner chair, then went to the bathroom to look for Flynn. He wasn’t there either.

“Must have gone downstairs for something,” she murmured out loud.

She wasn’t panicked that he had left her, but she did feel odd. Like she had lost or misplaced something important but knew it was near. Must have been what Flynn had told her about yesterday. She just wondered how long they could be apart before this feeling set in, how long it lasted, and how bad it would get if apart for too long. It wasn’t uncomfortable now, just annoying.

“Good, you’re up.”

Sasha had been so lost in her own thoughts she didn’t hear him come in.

He was dressed in a white tank, black running shorts, and sneakers. He was also dripping sweat.

“Working out?” Her voice came out husky, arousal hitting her hard at seeing him, his body glistening with sweat.

“Just my usual run.” He smiled, breathing in deeply, no doubt smelling her need. “I always go in the mornings, but I got more than distracted this morning.” He grinned, lust darkening his eyes.

She wanted him. Now. “I was about to take a shower. You obviously need one,” she stated, knowing what she wanted. “Why don’t we share?”

That was no sooner out of Sasha’s mouth when Flynn strode across the room, picked her up about the waist, and carried her to the bathroom, where they stripped each other in record time. When they were both naked, he carried her into the shower stall, and closed the door. The water was cold at first, but Sasha didn’t care. She was hot for Flynn.

Their mouths were fused when he pushed them under the now warm spray. Sasha could feel the water running down her body as their tongues dueled and their hands touched everywhere. His jutting cock hit her stomach. She wanted it lower.

“I want you. Now!” He turned her around and thrust home in her slick, wet heat. “You feel so good,” he groaned, sinking to the hilt.

Sasha gasped with shock and pleasure as Flynn pounded into her. She stood up a little, turning her head for a kiss. She got it with an upward thrust that had her moaning into his mouth. He then pinched a nipple with one hand while the other found her clit. She came within seconds, keening into his mouth. Flynn followed right after, slamming home with a satisfied grunt.

“Mmm.” She leaned back into his solid strength, feeling boneless and heavenly.