by L. L. Raand
Grumbling, she bolted up on the broad deck just as Sylvan, dressed in casual combat clothes, walked out.
“Problems?” Sylvan asked.
“No.”
If Sylvan heard the snarl in her tone, she didn’t show it. She strode to the edge of the porch and announced to the yard, “A gathering at sundown.”
Her voice carried effortlessly throughout the vast area. When the answering chorus died down, she turned to Zora. “We have Pack business to attend to tonight. I’d like you and your wolves to join us.”
“We’ll be honored.” Zora crossed her arms. “Have you and the council made a decision about my petition, Alpha Mir?”
“We have,” Sylvan said. “My Prima, imperator, and I will take a squadron of warriors to Cresthome to assist in apprehending your rogues.”
The elite guard, Zora had no doubt. Small in number, but more than enough to overpower a non-warrior Pack. Zora stilled. “That’s a very powerful force.”
Sylvan regarded her steadily, one brow slightly raised. “Worried, Alpha?”
“Would you be?”
Sylvan smiled. “I would consider the possibility of a hostile takeover, if I were you—the Alpha of the smaller Pack, in such proximity to a much larger one. If I didn’t know anything about that larger Pack.”
“But I do,” Zora said. “The Snowcrest and Timberwolf Packs have coexisted for a hundred years or more, and other than a few border skirmishes, we’ve lived peacefully.”
“There’s something else,” Sylvan said, gold gleaming in her eyes. “The Timberwolf Pack does not make war on other Packs.”
“I doubt that Bernardo’s Pack agrees with that,” Zora countered. She steeled herself for Sylvan’s attack, but she could not cower before another Alpha. Not even Sylvan Mir.
Sylvan snarled, but her claws remained sheathed. “Bernardo was a renegade, an Alpha who abused his Pack and his duty. Had I known the extent of his exploitations, I would’ve interceded much earlier, when I could still offer a peaceful transfer of power. But he brought war upon himself when he attacked my wolves.”
“If I did not trust you, Alpha Mir,” Zora said quietly, “I would not have put my Pack at risk by petitioning for your aid. But all trust is calculated, is it not?”
“To a point, yes,” Sylvan mused as she scanned her Compound, noting with satisfaction the calm, orderly activities. “But after a point, the test of trust must end, and allegiance given.”
“Alliance first,” Zora said, “then allegiance.”
Sylvan nodded. “My approach as well.”
“My wolves are loyal and brave and skillful,” Zora said, “but they are not warriors. Some have the inherent skill, but we need instructors.”
“I can provide you that, if your wolves are willing and truly as strong as you say.”
“I can field fifty recruits immediately,” Zora said. “And vouch for every one of them.”
“Then I will send you ten of our lieutenants to test them.”
Zora smiled. “The Snowcrest Weres stand ready to meet any challenge the Timberwolves may bring.”
“No Alpha would offer less.” Sylvan shook her head as Ash and the Timberwolf captain appeared out of the forest beyond the perimeter of the training yard, both disheveled and broadcasting sex. “Although we might see a challenge sooner than we expected. Your captain and one of my centuri are circling one another.”
“I am aware.” Zora sighed. “A complication I could do without.”
Sylvan laughed. “Agreed. But nature is one thing we can only channel, but never control. I have never known a wolf who’s chosen to be dissuaded.”
“But this would be far from simple.”
Sylvan shrugged. “Leading a Pack of Weres is never simple. The more your wolves interact with ours, the more of this we’re likely to see. It’s the nature of our beasts.”
Zora watched the pair saunter closer. “There are times we must be more than our wolves to survive.”
“It’s been my experience our wolves are often far wiser than us.”
Zora thought of Trent and the dangerous stirring of her wolf. “In this,” she said, “I will have to disagree.”
Chapter Eleven
“Jace,” the blond-haired blue-eyed male called as he loped across the Compound toward them.
Ash stiffened and growled under her breath. Another dominant Timberwolf, come to challenge or claim? Her Alpha and Alpha Mir watched from the building across the yard. If she tussled with this one, she’d probably end up with her Alpha’s teeth in her throat again. Her wolf bristled, uncaring. Too many Weres, too close to Jace.
Jace laughed. “You can stop grumbling. That’s my brother.”
“I remember him from Washington.” Ash watched the male warily. The glint in his eyes as he took her in belied his easy smile. This one was dangerous, for all his casual manner. “I didn’t know he was your brother.”
“Twin,” Jace said, her tone suddenly harsh. “And not for you.”
Ash smiled. “Why not? He’s unmated.”
Jace clamped a claw-tipped hand on her shoulder and leaned close. “You’re…”
“I’m what?” Ash murmured, her wolf still and waiting.
“Occupied,” Jace snarled.
Jonathan fell into step beside them. “The Alpha has called a gathering for sundown.”
“Do you know what it’s about?” Jace asked, keeping a hand on Ash. This one is not for you.
Jonathan shook his head, taking in her hold on Ash. He took a half step ahead and focused on the dark-haired Were who regarded him with suspicious eyes. Her clothes were shredded in places, her skin still flushed with sex. The pheromones rushing off her muscled frame tasted wild and primal. He shuddered, his wolf perking up his ears and baring his teeth. He’d enjoy tussling with this one. “We haven’t met. I am Jonathan, the dominant twin.”
“Ash, Captain of Alpha Zora Constantine’s guard.”
“Yeah, I got that. I caught the tail end of your tussle with my sister earlier. Looked like she was winning.” Jonathan grinned, testing how easily the female could be baited into a tussle. He hardened and let his wolf rise. Or a tangle.
Ash sidestepped and swung around to block Jonathan’s path. She bared her canines. “Are you planning to challenge me next?”
“Do you want me to?” Jonathan smirked. “I don’t usually share with my sister, but…”
Jace pushed between Ash and him, shouldering him back a step. “Jonathan, back off.”
“It’s not like you to leave a wolf wanting,” Jonathan mused, “but I’m happy to help.”
Jace snarled in his face and shoved him again. “You’re not funny.”
He met her gaze, smiled softly. “I don’t know, I’m kind of enjoying it. You look…a little frenzied.”
“Go away.”
Jonathan narrowed his eyes. Jace vibrated with barely restrained fury—her wolf prowled so close to the edge her pelt dusted her throat. Jonathan shrugged. “If you’re not done either, I suggest you do something about that before you start broadcasting to everyone in sight.”
“I’m fine,” Jace snapped.
“There are a dozen Weres waiting to answer your call.”
Ash growled. “Her call has already been answered.”
“Has it?” Jonathan shook his head. “Maybe not well enough.”
“Enough,” Ash snapped, grabbing him by the shirtfront. “I accept your chall—”
“Ash!” Zora Constantine landed a step away. Hands on her hips, she studied the three of them. Two nearly identical Weres, gorgeous in their youth and vigor, and her captain, strong and powerful. Pheromones poured from the trio, bombarding her with a mixture of sex and dominance. All three ready to tussle, and likely to leave wounds they could ill afford. She ignored the Timberwolf Weres and stared at her captain. “We are to attend a gathering tonight, and we leave in the morning for Cresthome. Get some food and then prepare the guard.”
Ash saluted. “As you will, Alpha.
”
Zora pivoted and strode away.
Ash glanced at Jace. “I must go.”
Jace nodded stiffly. She had her duty to attend to, but her wolf bristled at the idea of letting Ash go amid dozens of Weres. She watched Ash until she disappeared around the corner of the barracks.
“She’s as dominant as any of our centuri. Too bad she’s Snowcrest,” Jonathan mused.
Jace growled. “She is not for you to tease.”
“Oh?” His eyebrows rose innocently. “Why not.”
Jace’s jaw tightened. “As you said. She is Snowcrest.”
* * *
Ash ducked into one of the outdoor shower cubicles scattered around the Compound, stripped off her torn clothing, and pulled the chain to release the rainwater from the overhead cistern. Barely warmed by the day’s sun, the cool water sluiced over her, doing nothing to temper the heat raging in her blood. She braced both arms against the wooden slats and dropped her head. Alpha Mir’s warning had been clear—nothing more complicated than a brief tussle and an uncomplicated tangle, everyday occurrences in Were society, would be tolerated. No room for challenges for dominance or mating rights on the eve of a hunt. Ash agreed. She was here as a visitor. Her Alpha’s captain. Her only job was to see that the guards were ready to do their duty. She couldn’t afford to be distracted by need or anger or the other instincts Jace stirred in her.
Ash tilted her head back, eyes closed, sun glancing down through the open ceiling, bathing her face. Jace’s face flickered beneath her closed lids, her golden eyes glowing, her face hungry and knowing. Ash’s heart thrummed a drumbeat of desire and something unexpected. A gentle peace, unknown to her before this day. A feeling that only Pack had ever given her. Home.
Growling, she opened her eyes, shook her head clear of water and the unwanted imaginings that could never be. She would find no home with an out-Pack Were. Dizzy with the remnants of Jace’s pheromones coating her, storming through her blood, she shook with the memory of Jace beneath her, above her, filling her. Her shoulder throbbed, pain lancing deep into her chest. The unbroken skin, bruised and swollen, pulsed with expectation. She freed the chain from the hook on the wall and the water stopped flowing. Rivulets ran over her chest, down her abdomen, between her thighs, cleansing her skin, but the tingle of Jace’s essence remained. Snarling, she banged her way out of the cubicle, slamming the plank door closed behind her. A nearby shelf held clothes available to all, and she pulled on plain dark pants and a shirt. She stepped into her boots and strode toward the path leading to the barracks.
Jonathan slouched against the base of a tall pine near the rear corner of the building, his arms folded over his chest, his expression amused. “Feeling better?”
“I’m fine,” she said.
“You didn’t sound fine.” Jonathan lowered his brows as if deep in thought. “You sounded…unsettled.”
Ash closed the distance between them, her face close to his. “Do you intend to challenge me?”
He smiled, his smile so like Jace’s, his eyes like hers too, but without the heat that spilled over to close Ash’s throat and fill her belly with fire.
“I would,” Jonathan whispered, “if I thought that’s what it would take to get you to leave my sister alone.”
Ash’s canines punched out, pain tingling through her jaw as the bone grew heavier, longer. “You overstep, Wolf.”
His smile remained, but gold streaks slashed through his blue irises. “I don’t think so. A tangle”—he shrugged—“or two. Who cares? But it’s more than that, isn’t it? Your wolf wants her.”
“You know nothing of my wolf.”
“Really?”
He dropped his gaze down her body, then slowly climbed back to meet her eyes. Dominant to dominant. Wolf to wolf. “Your claws are showing. Your pelt is about to explode. Your wolf wants me by the throat. Why?”
“You’re in my way.”
“You’ll be gone in the morning,” he said.
“That’s right,” Ash said.
“So you won’t mind when my sister satisfies her wolf elsewhere, will you.”
Ash gripped him by the throat and shoved him against the tree, pinning him with her chest to his. Even though he was the larger, her fury fueled her strength. Her canines snapped millimeters from his neck. “She won’t.”
Jonathan drove his claws into her flanks, the pain nothing compared to her wolf’s blind fury.
An iron bar of muscle clamped around her throat and dragged her back.
“What are you doing?” Jace growled in Ash’s ear.
“He challenges,” Ash growled, her wolf ascending, the change bursting over her.
“Ash, no,” Jace snapped, pulling her back another few feet. “Stop. If you challenge, the Alpha will intercede. Stop.”
Ash shuddered, her wolf raging to be freed.
“Damn it, Jonathan,” Jace said. “What did you do?”
Jonathan shook himself, the white glimmer of his pelt rolling beneath his skin and slowly subsiding. “Nothing. We were just talking about tangling.”
Jace growled. “You tried to call her?”
Jonathan shook his head. “No. Just testing.”
Ash shuddered, and Jace pulled her tight, her arm angled across Ash’s chest. She pressed her body close to Ash’s, brushed her mouth over her temple. “It’s all right.”
“I’m done now.” Jonathan brushed by Ash. “You might actually be worthy.”
Ash snarled and thrashed in Jace’s grip. Jonathan’s laughter followed him as he disappeared into the Compound. Jace spun Ash around and backed her against the tree, holding her there by the shoulders. “What did he say to you?”
“To stay away from you.” Ash’s chest heaved with the effort to contain her wolf.
Jace’s arrogant grin returned, and she drew a finger along the edge of Ash’s jaw and down the center of her throat. “Do you want to? Stay away?”
“I want a tangle, when there’s time,” Ash said.
Jace kissed her. “A tangle then. Nothing more.”
Ash pressed her canines to Jace’s throat, felt her tremble in response. She bit just hard enough to leave a faint mark. Not large enough, not deep enough, to send the message she wanted all to see.
Jace’s breath hitched and her hips jerked. Her wolf called to Ash’s—primal and fierce.
“Agreed.” Ash summoned all her strength to pull away, to resist the call burning through her. “As you say. Nothing more.”
* * *
Drake perched on the end of the bed waiting for Sylvan to come out of the shower. When the door opened and Sylvan strode out naked, Drake took her time surveying the glory of her mate.
Sylvan stopped abruptly, her gaze narrowing. “You’re not dressed yet.”
“I noticed,” Drake said in a throaty murmur.
“Are you waiting for something?” Sylvan asked.
“Not any longer.” Drake leaned back. “I hope.”
Sylvan pounced, covering her as she flew back onto the bed. With a growl, she nipped at Drake’s throat, then her breast, then her belly. Drake pushed her fingers into Sylvan’s hair, raked her claws down her scalp, and gripped her shoulders.
“We don’t have much time,” Drake gasped.
Sylvan pushed her legs apart, the tips of her claws leaving faint marks on her flesh as she settled between her thighs. She licked her, gazed up, eyes the color of sunlight. “Always time. Always yours.”
“I love you,” Drake said.
Sylvan rubbed her cheek over Drake’s sex, kissed the prominence of her clitoris. “I love you. With my life.”
Drake lifted her hips, offered herself to Sylvan’s mouth. “I’m yours.”
Hungry for her, Sylvan stroked and teased and took her quickly.
“Always…so…good.” Drake arched and filled her, pulsing against Sylvan’s mouth.
Incensed by pheromones released by their joining, Sylvan reared up and straddled Drake’s thigh. Drake laughed and pushed her han
d between them, cupping Sylvan’s sex.
“In a hurry?”
Sylvan kissed her, rocking to her own sharp spasm of release. She shuddered, easing down on top of Drake. “Not anymore.”
Lazily, Drake stroked her hair and traced the muscles in her shoulders. “It’s almost sundown.”
“I know. And dawn will come soon thereafter.” Sylvan sighed and rolled over. “It is difficult to leave the young again so soon.”
“They will be well protected.”
Sylvan gripped her hand and met her gaze. “This might only be the first of many skirmishes. They will grow up in a Pack at war.”
“They will grow up strong and unafraid. As long as we’re together,” Drake said softly, “we’ll handle whatever comes. For however long it takes to keep our Pack safe.”
“I could not do this without you.”
Drake leaned over and kissed her. “You could, but you won’t ever have to.”
* * *
Zora emerged from her suite in a black silk shirt with sleeves rolled back to expose her forearms, sleek black trousers, and shining black boots. Formal attire for the gathering. Her power pressed into Ash’s bones.
Ash, Evan, and the other guards were in uniform—deep charcoal shirts and battle fatigues, ankle high boots laced over their cuffs. They wore no weapons—they needed none. Their bodies were their strength. Ash saluted. “Alpha.”
“Captain.” Zora swept past and led the way outside. Ash fell in at her left side, Evan on her right, and the two other guards drawing up behind. They strode out into the Compound just as the sun set beyond the ridge of trees that encircled the stockade fences. A great fire roared in the center of the Compound, and several hundred Weres gathered on the far side in a huge semicircle.
Ash’s wolf scented the air, her wolf eagerly seeking the one scent that pierced above all others. Jace was not present, and Ash clamped her jaws against the need to growl. She would find her soon.