Goddess of the Circle [The Men of Five-0 #5] (Siren Publishing LoveXtreme Forever)

by Dixie Lynn Dwyer

  “Would you like to sit down?” Chance asked this time.

  She glanced toward Chance. Surrounded by such gods and maintaining a blasé reaction was difficult to say the least.

  “I would like for you to get on with what it is you need to talk about. We have things to do and it’s late,” she stated.

  They all stared at her with such intensity. She felt something very deep inside of her. An almost overwhelming awareness of their strength and power. It should have pissed her off, made her feel like fighting them, but there were five of them. She didn’t need someone to tell her that pissing these wolves off would be a mistake.

  She sighed in annoyance then moved toward the set of couches, as if there really wasn’t much of a choice. Her legs felt kind of wobbly. She felt unsteady with them staring at her. She sat down, crossed her legs, placed her hands clasped on her lap, and stared ahead at the bare marble fireplace. She didn’t care what they told her. This was not their home. No home ever felt so cold and unlived in.

  Behind her she could hear Gideon speaking with Saxton and Tango. Before she could turn around to see where they were headed, Edric, Mano, and Chance joined her. Mano took a seat on the ottoman in front of her legs. He scooted forward and she had to move her crossed legs to the right to make room for him. Their knees touched and she gasped at the electric shock she felt. Simultaneously, Chance took a seat on her right and Edric on her left.

  The cushions sunk lower and every part of her body came alive. She swallowed hard as she held Mano’s gaze. Her heart was racing, her palms were sweaty and her pussy felt as if it throbbed to be touched. With each breath she took, her breasts became sensitive and she closed her eyes and tried not to rub them.

  “It’s normal, Melena. Everything you’re feeling is completely normal,” Chance whispered, his mouth was inches from her ear. She popped her eyes open and stretched to the left only to bump into Edric’s shoulder. He smiled at her.

  “Please, just relax and let it happen.”

  She shook her head. No words could leave her lips. She was shocked at what they were doing to her. Her body must still be on edge after those men back there tried to take her. Who were they and who did they work for? Was it Filleto or the count?

  Mano placed his hands over hers and she straightened her body as she tried to pull her hands from his. He didn’t allow it as he smiled so sweetly it made her heart soar with appreciation for the man’s fine looks and natural charm, never mind his strength.

  Edric placed his hand on her thigh and she jumped.

  “Easy, baby. We don’t want to scare you.”

  She tried to speak, yet nothing came out. She swallowed, feeling her dry throat. This was so not like her. Stuck in a small, enclosed space with three wolf men with incredible, hot bodies and immense masculinity and she folded so easily?

  “Please, you’re scaring me. You’re too much, too close. Please.”

  Chance placed his hand against her cheek and turned her toward him.

  His hand was huge. She felt her body quiver. It was a mix of anticipation, excitement, and uncertainty.

  She stared up into his dark, ocean-blue eyes and was mesmerized by the flecks of black and the emotion she saw. It made her pause in awe and gave him the opportunity he intended.

  “I am going to kiss you. I’ve waited, but patience isn’t possible with a woman as gorgeous and appealing as you.”

  His words sent a bolt of pride through her body and as his lips moved closer, his warm breath collided with her mouth and she breathed him in. Closing her eyes, something inside her accepted him and then his lips touched hers.

  It was their first kiss and she memorized everything about it. Chance was filled with muscles, even along his jaw, neck, and shoulders, yet his lips were not hard and cold. They were somewhere between soft and firm, commanding and experienced.

  When his tongue pressed through her parted teeth, deepening the casual kiss into a more sexual one, she reached up and placed her hand over his much larger hand.

  It was then that the reality of his size, their sizes, intimidated her.

  Chance must have felt her begin to pull away because he deepened the kiss, projecting his dominance, and then slowly released her lips as he cupped her face between his hands.

  “Hot damn, woman, you taste amazing.”

  “I can’t wait to take a taste, too.”

  It was then that she remembered the audience. Her cheeks warmed as she lowered her eyes and cleared her throat.

  “I want to go.” She stood up. She nearly lost her balance but Mano stood with her and placed his hands on her waist. This close, toe to toe, she stared up, with her head nearly tilted back to her shoulders and was in awe.

  “Holy crap, you’re big.”

  He smiled and she felt the palms of his hands cup her backside and pull her against him.

  Their bodies collided. She inhaled a sharp breath.

  Her pussy leaked and she tightened her thighs.

  She pressed her hands against his chest and was shocked at the feel of steel beneath her fingertips. He was hard, solid, and very good-looking. His hair was not as short as Chance’s and Edric’s. Nor was it as long as Gideon’s. He also had a look in his eyes that made her feminine instincts kick in. Mano was a charmer.

  She tried to step back and he used one hand to keep her in place and against him, and the other slowly, gently moved up her hip, her arm and to her head, leaving goose bumps along the path.

  He tilted her face up toward him, his hands huge against her skin.

  “One kiss, to hold me over.”

  She felt her throat tighten up. My God, these men were outrageous. How the hell could any sane woman keep them at bay? Even the most experienced woman would find resisting them impossible. She wasn’t experienced. She was a virgin and a bookworm when it came to imagining love stories and sexual encounters. Her heart raced and she felt the need to bolt and then Edric placed his hands on her hips from behind as Mano kissed her softly on the lips. The dual touch and feeling of being surrounded by such large, sexually powerful men shocked her. She was lost in Mano’s kiss, in Edric’s caresses along her hips and then up her ribs. As Edric’s fingers grazed just below the swell of her breasts, Mano plunged his tongue deep within her mouth and devoured her moans.

  Melena was overwhelmed with sensations and emotions. Her breasts tingled and her mind chanted for Edric to touch her breasts, fondle them, and do something to them. She was shocked and stopped herself from making a huge mistake. Both men sensed her pulling away and Mano eased his mouth from hers, kissing her lips, then her cheeks before smiling down at her. Edric squeezed her back against his chest and whispered against her cheek.

  “You smell incredible. I can’t wait to taste you, mate.” His warm lips touched her cheeks and mouth as the realization of his statement hit her hard. Mate? Taste me?

  She pulled from them, wiped away their kisses with the sleeve of her blouse, then clenched her teeth.

  * * * *

  “Who is she really?” Gideon asked Saxton and Tango. His brother Chordeo stood by the open doorway with his arms crossed in front of his massive chest.

  Saxton knew that he and his friend Tango were big men and big wolves, but they were almost dwarves compared to Dolberg Pack. Now two of the largest, Gideon and Chordeo, stood before them.

  “I’m sorry, Gideon, but her true identity must remain hidden. It is what the gods have determined.”

  Gideon released a long sigh. His dark eyes squinted and he appeared angry. Saxton’s wolf was on guard. He didn’t want to fight him or his brothers. He needed to buy Melena some time.

  He looked toward the doorway. His concern over Melena being alone with Dolberg Pack brothers was obvious.

  “She is our mate. We will protect her. There is no need for your concern.”

  “You’re wrong, Gideon. Melena does not want to accept you or your brothers as her mates.”

  Gideon crossed his arms and stood in a confident stance. He
appeared smug.

  “She doesn’t have a choice. It is her destiny,” Gideon replied.

  “She is our destiny,” Chordeo added.

  Saxton glanced at Tango and Tango widened his eyes but appeared as if their fight was useless.

  “I can only tell you a little bit for now, Gideon. Her safety is mine and Tango’s priority. Filletto, the count, and Coriano Morago must not get their hands on her. If they realize who her family is and what bloodline she is from, it could mean the beginning to an end for were law as we know it.”

  Gideon uncrossed his arms and stared at Saxton. “We are part of a special organization besides SWAT Team Seven.”

  “We know. As I am sure you recall, Tango and I were part of the Secret Order at one time.”

  “What changed that?” Chordeo asked, and he sounded both disappointed and distrusting.

  “Melena happened. We were asked to step down from our positions and provide protection for Melena and training. We have been doing that for over a decade.”

  “Who is she?” Gideon asked again.

  Saxton stared at him.

  “I cannot tell you right now.”

  “You know she is our mate. There is nothing you can do to stop us from marking her and completing the mating bond,” he stated firmly.

  “Our brothers are helping to ease her fear right now,” Chordeo said with confidence.

  Saxton looked at Tango who started to head toward the doorway. Gideon and Chordeo stood in his path.

  “We need to know who she is so we can protect her as you two have. We confiscated the knife she used to defend herself against Phillip. We can get prints off of that and run them,” Gideon stated.

  Saxton felt his gut clench.

  “You won’t want to do that. You will regret letting her identity go public too soon. I beg of you to trust us,” Saxton said.

  “Trust you? When you obviously don’t even trust the fact that we are her intended mates?” Chordeo added.

  “It won’t matter if she is killed. You disclosing her identity will cause that,” Tango added.

  Saxton held Gideon’s gaze. The wolf was smart and he would follow his gut.

  “We will give you space but we need to keep in contact with her. She is ours and now that our wolves know that our mate exists, we will need her by our side sooner than later.”

  “Understood, Gideon. I will give you all our contact information. Let us finish doing the job we were asked to do. But also know that Melena is quite stubborn.”

  “I am certain we can handle our mate,” Gideon replied.

  “We’ll soon see, Gideon. It’s time for us to leave and Melena is coming with us.”

  Gideon allowed them to exit the room first with Chordeo leading the way back to the living room.

  * * * *

  “Stay away from me. I will not be controlled, manipulated, or used by wolves. Never.”

  “Melena?”

  The sound of Saxton’s voiced filled the room. She turned and he was there, taking her hand, and pulling her close to him. Edric, Mano, and Chance growled low.

  “Easy, brothers. He is not a threat,” Gideon said then joined them in the small confines of the living room.

  “I want to leave. Right now,” Melena said.

  “We will. We’ll explain everything tonight,” Saxton said.

  “She’s leaving?” Edric asked, sounding disappointed. Melena felt the tinge of guilt then reminded herself that she wasn’t a possession. She had a job, an agenda, and these men were not going to control her and keep her as their prisoner.

  “They have work to do and things to discuss with Melena. We’ll meet up tomorrow,” Gideon said as Saxton and Tango nodded their heads toward Gideon.

  She stared at Gideon, the obvious leader of this group of Alpha wolves. He was definitely leader material in every aspect of the word. He also looked kind of untamed with his wavy hair and constant serious expression. The other wolves she had met over the years showed similar facial expressions of arrogance and superiority. Gideon, however, made it seem natural and respectable. She also hadn’t had a reaction to any other wolves in the way she did with Gideon and his brothers. When Gideon stared at her, she felt a tingling sensation travel through her body. It was almost as if she felt him trying to read her mind or learn her, by observation.

  She stared right back at him until Saxton took her hand. “Melena, we should go.”

  Melena, Saxton, and Tango began to walk from the house. As they exited and headed down the driveway past the SUV, she wondered why they weren’t driving them back, then realized that Saxton and Tango still wanted their safe house to remain unknown.

  In the back of her mind she thought about Julius. As a warm sensation traveled from her wrist and along the skin of her upper arm, she pulled it against her chest and glanced around the darkness. Is he here? Is he watching me?

  She looked over her shoulder at the Dolberg brothers. The small army of massive men lifted their chins into the air then appeared menacing and uptight. She looked to Saxton and Tango for answers but Saxton gave her hand a small tug and pulled her along the pathway and down the street.

  She knew that Julius was there. But why?

  Chapter 10

  Saxton wanted to come clean. He wanted to explain who her father really was and his importance to the circle and to all were. He felt guilty at the moment because he and Tango had in fact lied to her. As Brothers of Were, they pledged eternal loyalty to the circle, the were authority, and all its members, and they pledged an allegiance to their continued leadership and control. The circle ensured that every were respected the laws of the Founding Fathers. Through his connections to the circle, he became aware recently of individuals who were abusing their power to better themselves and not the were community overall. Too many children and future leaders were becoming casualties of unnecessary battles. But more recently, he received information an hour ago about the Morago organization. Coriano Morago recently purchased a large parcel of land near Waikiki, Hawaii. It included land surrounding Melena’s family estate that was left behind when she fled. It hadn’t been for sale. Saxton was told by higher-ups that the land would be maintained and kept for Melena’s hopeful return one day.

  Warnerbe Pierce was supposed to be one of the good guys, but apparently, he wasn’t. Saxton placed Warnerbe in charge of safeguarding that land years ago. It appeared as if greed altered Warnerbe’s loyalty to Saxton and Tango.

  Saxton’s cell phone rang and as he looked at the display screen he nearly gasped.

  “Hello?”

  “Hello, Saxton,” Samantha said, and he smiled.

  “How is the family?”

  “Very well, thank you. And you? How are Tango and Melena?”

  He leaned back into his chair and released a sigh.

  “Taking in the fact that you just called me out of the blue, I am certain you have some idea about what is happening.”

  She chuckled. “You know me so well, Saxton. I understand that Melena is becoming restless. Her determination to develop a true Security Ring around the circle is commendable.”

  “You don’t sound as enthusiastic as you were three years ago, Sam.”

  “Ah, three years ago I was new at this position of mine. The more information that is revealed to me the more chaotic my life becomes. You’ve done such a great job with Melena. My grandfather told me of her struggles and how her family was murdered. You and Tango have protected her thus far.”

  “Thus far? It sounds like she may be in danger.”

  “Oh, you know I cannot give up too much information. However, you do know how I operate. If I can be of any assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Or perhaps Dani. She and your cousins could be quite helpful.”

  “Now this is sounding interesting. So there is definitely something illegal going on with the count?”

  “I didn’t say a word. But, what else has been happening?”

  He told Sam about the party Melena attended and abo
ut the Dolberg brothers and about Julius.

  “My goodness, this is way more than what I expected. Have they mated yet? The five wolves and the vampire?”

  “What? You think that Julius is her mate as well?”

  Sam chuckled. “Don’t freak out, Saxton. These things do happen. Look at Dani and Vanderlan. It happens and usually for a reason. Melena is special. That is why her father protected her and trained her the way he did. Zeikele had a feeling that someone might come to destroy him and his family because of his knowledge.”

  “What was it that Zeikele had knowledge of that Morago didn’t want exposed?” Saxton asked.

  “I believe it had something to do with some sort of were treasure. Unfortunately I do not know any more than you do. It is that secretive. It could be the Book of the Founding Fathers. All I can tell you is that Melena needs protection. If the gods have chosen Julius and Dolberg Pack, then it is going to get intense before it calms. I spoke with someone with insight. They believe Melena to be the one we have all been searching for to ensure the protection and sanctity of the circle. If this is true, then she holds the power within her to find a way to clean out those who do not belong as members and to rebuild the circle along with myself, Dani, and Ava.”

  “Holy crap. Why should I even let her out of my sight then? Why expose her to someone like Morago, Divanni, or Filletto getting their hands on her? I mean when Morago finds out that Zeikele’s daughter survived the massacre, then what?”

  “She will need Julius and Dolberg Pack. They know from experience what it is like to lose someone close to them. They also have seen firsthand the destruction and lack of empathy of life, as Melena experienced herself. All of the changes that have been occurring over the last decade have been for this. She needs to succeed in making the necessary changes and weed out the bad ones. Once her true identity is revealed, then many of our enemies will try to stop her from succeeding.”

  “Her true identity? You mean being Zeikele’s daughter?”

  “I mean being Goddess of the circle.”