Born Wild

by Nikki Jefford

  They’d held Garrick’s Sky Ceremony in the Forest of the Ancestors midday. Afterward, Ford left on his journey to meet up with the other den mates and tell them it was safe to return home.

  Justin followed Tabor reluctantly to the medical shed in the den and shifted into wolf form so Tabor could dig the bullet out of his chest. Sasha and Alec had held him down so he wouldn’t bite the half-shifter as he worked on him.

  Kallie couldn’t imagine what the hollow would do without Tabor. He’d stopped the fire and helped patch up his wounded packmates.

  There wasn’t a thing he could do for the human, however. Aden had walked into the den, cradling Sparrow’s frail body in his arms. She hadn’t woken.

  “She might never wake,” Tabor said. “Or if she does, she’ll most likely suffer from severe brain damage.”

  “It would be a mercy to kill her,” Sasha noted.

  Kallie agreed, but Aden insisted she be kept alive.

  “I will have to ask the wizards for help,” Tabor said.

  “Do it,” Aden said, his jaw set with determination.

  “I’ll accompany you,” Sasha said.

  Wolfrik insisted she perform the mating ritual before taking one step toward Balmar Heights. Sasha did so now with ease and grace, somehow managing to address the pack with hope in her voice.

  “Over the years, we have faced many dangers. We’ve suffered terrible losses. Most of you wouldn’t be here today if civilization hadn’t fallen. I do not revel in humanity’s fall, but I celebrate knowing each of you and calling you my packmates—my family. Our lives aren’t forever, but our pack will continue to grow, and we will protect it until our last breaths.” Sasha’s chest rose and fell as she let her words settle in. All of the shifters in the glade listened in silence. Old Jager sat hunched over on a stump beside Sasha, blinking back tears. Sasha squeezed his shoulder before continuing. “Today is a day of sadness, but it is also one of triumph.” Her voice lifted. She looked around the glade into the eyes of all her packmates. When they landed on Wolfrik’s, she smiled.

  There were no stirrings of jealousy inside Kallie, only gratitude. She recognized the look for what it was, relief and genuine happiness on behalf of a dear friend. “One of renewal and celebration,” Sasha continued. “Today it is my honor to announce the claiming between Wolfrik and Kallie.” Lowering her voice, she said, “The rest is up to you.” With a wink and a smile, she stepped back and joined Jager’s side.

  Kallie stared into Wolfrik’s eyes, her heart thumping against her chest. He grinned and leaned forward then bit her on the neck. Kallie bit him next. Polite clapping filled the glade right before Maureen called out, “Congratulations to the hollow’s newest mates: Kallie and Wolfrik! Now, who’s hungry?”

  Conversations started up as shifters got in line at the cauldron. As talk returned to the glade, giving it the feel of a normal evening, Kallie felt her shoulders relax. She was surprised when Sasha hugged her in a tight embrace. “Congratulations, Kallie. I will always be grateful to you for healing Wolfrik’s heart.”

  “He healed mine, too,” Kallie said, smiling at her mate.

  Sasha leaned in closer and lowered her voice. “I heard additional congratulations are in order.” She smiled down at Kallie’s belly.

  Kallie’s cheeks warmed with happiness.

  Sasha’s grin widened, and her eyes sparkled. She looked equally happy. “Then we will be new mothers together.”

  Kallie mouth opened. “You mean—?”

  Sasha nodded.

  “Oh my gosh, congratulations to you!” Kallie hugged Sasha. “And you,” she added, smiling at Tabor.

  A grin stretched up Tabor’s cheeks and lit up his green eyes. “Speaking of which, we need to get the two of you in line for supper,” the half-shifter said. His eyebrows jumped. “Make sure to get plenty of food and rest.”

  “Food, sure. As far as rest, speak for yourself,” Sasha answered playfully.

  Tabor huffed. “Just promise me you won’t go into labor in the middle of a council meeting.”

  Sasha’s eyes sparkled. “The council needs me.”

  “I need you.”

  “First we need to take that human to Balmar Heights. If she’s lucky, the journey to the mountain will kill her.” Sasha shook her head. “I don’t know what’s gotten into Aden.”

  Kallie and Wolfrik exchanged a glance but said nothing. Aden’s secret wasn’t theirs to share.

  “Big bleeding heart,” was all Wolfrik offered.

  Tabor nodded his agreement.

  “Why are you nodding? You love saving lives,” Sasha chided her mate.

  “Packmates,” Tabor said firmly, and this time Wolfrik grunted in agreement.

  “That’s not the only unfinished business,” Wolfrik said, his spine stiffening. “There are still wolf shifters caged in Hawk’s compound in the city. Males, females, and children.” His jaw tightened.

  Kallie’s heart clenched. What had happened to those shifters was tragic, but she didn’t want her mate to risk his life with humans ever again. They had their whole lives in front of them—a child on the way.

  Sasha frowned. “How many men do you think he left behind?”

  “Maybe a couple hundred.” Wolfrik shrugged.

  Sasha’s frown deepened. Tabor stepped closer to his mate and put a protective arm around her.

  “I know this is difficult to hear, but now is not the time,” Sasha said. “The den mates won’t return for at least ten days, and Tabor, Aden, and I will have to go on foot to bring the human to Balmar Heights. You’re still recovering.” She nodded at Wolfrik’s leg and hip. “I would only consider a rescue mission if we had the woman’s help. She grew up in the city. She knows it best—knows the layout, the men, and what kind of weapons and ammunition they have. We’re not risking any more of our pack members on unknowns. If the human wakes up, I’ll reconsider. Will you respect my decision?”

  Kallie held her breath, unable to read the stony expression on Wolfrik’s face.

  His chin jerked. “We won’t go into the city until Sparrow wakes up.”

  Sasha’s shoulders relaxed, and she gave a thin smile.

  “We’re next,” Tabor said, returning her attention to their spot in line at the cauldron.

  “Good, I’m starving,” Sasha said, turning her back to Wolfrik and Kallie.

  Wolfrik stared off into the trees, looking like his thoughts had run off like a herd of flighty deer. As soon as they reached the cauldron, he blinked and insisted Maureen hand over the serving spoon so he could prepare a bowl for his mate.

  Kallie flushed happily as he led her to a log and helped her sit before handing her a bowl filled to the brim with steaming stew. Between bites, she glanced up at the moon and prayed the human never woke up.

  Sasha, Tabor, and Aden set off for Balmar Heights at first light.

  Kallie heard their hushed voices early in the morning from the enclosure of her shelter. The door of the medical shed opened and closed shortly before the group’s departure. Wolfrik didn’t stir. She assumed he was asleep, but several minutes after the group left the den, he turned over on his side and faced her.

  “Freeing the other captives is something I have to do,” he said softly.

  “I know.” Kallie sighed.

  He reached out and tucked a wave of her hair behind her ear. “I don’t want you to worry. I won’t let anything or anyone keep me from you.”

  Kallie placed her hand on his cheek. “With love comes worry.”

  “When Sparrow wakes, I’ll take the half-wizard and werewolf with me. I’ll bring Elsie too. Two wizards—would that make you feel better?”

  Kallie drew her hand back and huffed. “I’d feel better if you didn’t go at all, and I can’t imagine Tabor will appreciate you volunteering his sister.”

  Wolfrik’s teeth gleamed
when he smiled in the dim light of the shelter. “What’s the use of powers if not used for a good cause? It would be like a wolf that never runs.”

  Kallie twisted her lips to one side and thought of everything Elsie had confided to her. The half-shifter’s time was running out. She’d love to have her friend back and help her in any way she could.

  “You should take Zackary with you—when you go to the city.”

  “Zackary?” Wolfrik’s brows furrowed. “Don’t tell me you and he ever boned. He helped me finish off Hawk, so I’d hate to have to remove any of his fingers.”

  Kallie scoffed and rolled her eyes. “No, nothing like that. Elsie likes him, and I’m sure she would appreciate a chance to get to know him better.”

  “Elsie and Zackary?” Wolfrik squinted at Kallie in the dark. “Now there’s an unlikely pair.”

  “Sort of like you and me,” Kallie returned. She reached out and ruffled her mate’s hair.

  Wolfrik chuckled and leaned back. “Fair enough. Let’s talk about something else. What do you want to name our baby?” His hand slid to her belly and stroked. Kallie shivered.

  “I was thinking Wolf.”

  Wolfrik’s hand stilled on her stomach right before a throaty laugh rumbled from his lips. “In case he forgets what he is?”

  Kallie smacked him playfully, grinning widely. “No, after you, of course.”

  “Wolf,” he repeated thoughtfully. “I like it. Sounds strong.”

  “Like a leader?” Kallie asked.

  Wolfrik’s eyes shone in the dark. “Like no one would ever mess with our boy. No one fucks with Wolf.”

  Kallie nodded. “No one,” she repeated.

  Wolfrik’s hand slipped between her legs, and Kallie’s breath hitched as his thumb began a firm, steady stroke. She arched her hips and spread her thighs, giving her mate full access.

  Mate.

  She loved calling him that. The sound of it in her head and on her lips would never get old.

  acknowledgements

  I fully expected Wolfrik to give me grief and cause trouble during the writing of this book. It was tempting to skip ahead to Elsie’s story rather than deal with Wolfrik’s emotional baggage. What I wasn’t expecting was to bond deeply with this wild, damaged wolf. Connecting with a character that way holds a kind of magical spell over the mind that’s rewarding beyond the final page, and for that, I am grateful.

  I want to thank the wonderful editors I work with: Jordan Rosenfeld (developmental editor), who sees the forest for the trees AND gets down to the nitty-gritty, line-by-line descriptions, sentence structures, character development, story arc, and emotions. Hollie Westring (copy editor), who is always a pleasure to work with, detail orientated, inquisitive, flexible, and willing to answer questions and do quick follow-ups. Kristina B. (proofreader) at Red Adept Editing for tidying up all that lingering grammatical stuff. And a special thank you to Roxanne Willis for lending her time and keen senses for a final proof check before the book went to formatting.

  Thank you, Naj, at Najla Qamber Designs for this steamy cover that represents Wolfrik so perfectly. Purple passion! I love it so much. And thank you to Nada Qamber for beautifying the paperback interior with birds. (Not only do they fly north, they fly all over the pages!) Nada’s interior designs are fun to show off at book events, and her formatting skills have saved me, and Seb, a lot of time and headaches.

  Speaking of Seb, je t’aime mon amour! You are my best friend. My mate. My forever. Thank you for never losing faith in me.

  To my beloved companion, Cosmo. There’s no critter I’d rather read, write, or walk with. Some dogs get grumpy in their senior years, but somehow, you’re even sweeter. So much of what I do is for you, little buddy!

  Special congratulations to my mom and her life mate, Gary, who, after fifteen years, officially made their claim on the summer solstice, the week before Born Wild’s publication. Mom, you are beautiful and one of the most generous, kindhearted souls on the planet. If the world went to shit, you’d be out there trying to feed everyone. I’m your biggest fan.

  To my treasured readers, author friends, and Team Ninja: Your support keeps me going. When it feels as though I’ve fallen into a pit of despair, you motivate me to claw my way out into the sunlight. I wish you all safe passage through the wilderness.

  And finally, thank you for purchasing this book and making it possible for me to afford these talented editors and designers! If you would like to see more of this series, please take a moment to submit a review and recommend the books to your reading friends. I can’t wait for you to find out what’s next for the Wolf Hollow shifters. In the meantime, look for the beauty, take good care, and run forever free.

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  SLAYING, MAGIC MAKING,

  AND RUNNING WILD . . .

  Discover your next fantasy fix with these riveting paranormal romance titles by Nikki Jefford:

  AURORA SKY: VAMPIRE HUNTER

  Night Stalker

  Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter

  Northern Bites

  Stakeout

  Evil Red

  Bad Blood

  Hunting Season

  Night of the Living Dante

  Whiteout

  True North

  SPELLBOUND TRILOGY

  Entangled

  Duplicity

  Enchantment

  Holiday Magic

  WOLF HOLLOW SHIFTERS

  Wolf Hollow

  Mating Games

  Born Wild

  about the author

  Nikki Jefford is a third-generation Alaskan now living in the Pacific Northwest with her French husband and their Westie, Cosmo. When she’s not reading or writing, she enjoys nature, hiking, and motorcycling. Nikki is the author of the Wolf Hollow Shifters series, the Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter series, and the Spellbound Trilogy.

  To find out more about her books and new releases, please visit her website: www.NikkiJefford.com.