“Why don’t you two love birds get dressed and head downstairs. Clare will be here soon, and we can figure out what to do with Romeo over there.” Aunt Martina pointed at Gunny.
He rolled his eyes. “Whatever. I’m not going to work. I’ll be available nearby if anyone needs me. Just call my cell.”
“What if Clare says you should stay?” Hallie asked.
“I need a backup plan. Always. You’ll learn that about me,” he said.
“Sounds fair. What do you think, Martina?” Hallie said.
“All bases are covered and it’ll make Mr. Alpha over there happy,” Martina said. “Win-win. Downstairs. Pronto. I’m hungry.”
“I brought you some soft sweats. Thought your regular clothes might be too painful to wear. These’ll be a little big, but that’s better than too small.” Gunny pointed to the folded items on the dresser.
“I have questions. But, since I didn’t know my birth parents, I have no idea whether this is normal for our family or whether I’m weird,” Hallie said.
“You might be half shifter and half human,” Gunny said. “Their shifter form usually matures slower than a full-breed shifter.”
“I’m shocked I’m not freaking out,” Hallie said.
“Yeah, me too. I figured you’d be hysterical,” he said.
Hallie shook her head. “Nothing about my biology surprises me anymore. My bloodwork has a different normal than everyone else’s. And, I’ve been spiking a temperature of around 102 around every four weeks. I also thought I had the flu the last time this happened.”
“Sounds normal. Let’s get you fed and we’ll come up with a plan for your first shift,” Gunny said.
“You can call in sick to work—I’ll go get dressed in the bathroom.”
Gunny kissed Hallie as she left the room.
He hit Jannae Brown’s number after pulling up her contact information.
“Let me guess. You’re calling out today because Hallie started her shift a little early.”
“You’re a damn mind-reader.”
“Nah. I just know you pretty well and with your mate going through her first shift, I just figured you’d be gone today.”
“If Martina and Hallie had their way, I’d be working.”
“Smart women,” Jannae said. “Okay, I’ll see you tomorrow, then.”
“Wait. Can I use the locker room for tonight?” Gunny asked.
“I don’t see why not. No one will be in the building.”
“Thanks. I owe you,” Gunny said.
“Think nothing of it. You guys are Pack.” Jannae disconnected the call.
His phone rang and he answered without checking the caller.
“I heard you’re going to be out today. New friend hasn’t shifted before? You need to hold her hand or something?” Katherine Elliott asked.
“None of your business. And, stay away from us.” Gunny was adamant about Kat leaving him alone.
“If you don’t run with me tonight, I’ll make sure something goes terribly wrong when your mate attempts to shift back to human. In case you haven’t been paying attention, I have the means to make something like that happen.” Katherine snarled out each word.
“Not if she doesn’t leave my side,” Gunny said, before he hung up.
KE: I’m not your friend-with-benefits. You care about me. You’re all confused about that halfbreed. She doesn’t deserve you and I’ll make sure you don’t have to worry about her anymore.
Gunny closed the message. Fuck her. I’ll talk to Clare and there will be Pack on guard duty.
His plan had been solid until he approached Clare.
“Can’t help you. Sorry.”
“Clare Mayer. What the fuck are you saying?” Aunt Martina said.
“I can’t help Gunny and Hallie. We don’t get involved in disagreements between lovers—or former lovers.” Clare sighed. “I warned you that girl was bat-shit crazy.”
“She’s stalking Hallie—or maybe, me. She keeps sending me pictures of us together with cryptic warnings.”
“Find somewhere to hole up for tonight. Before the next full moon, we’ll have to get this situation worked out between the two of you. It looks better if you actually try to negotiate,” Clare said. “Because we certainly don’t want Mike to have to take a look at this. He’ll give you the heavy-handed beat-down for disrespecting a woman.”
Hallie walked, barefoot, into the kitchen. “What’s going on? Why are you guys fighting?”
“Katherine Elliott,” all three said in unison.
“What’s she done now?” Hallie asked.
“She’s stalking either you or me, and she’s threatened you. I’m not going anywhere today where you’re not by my side,” Gunny said as he pulled Hallie to his chest. He held her tightly and breathed in the scent of her shampoo.
Hallie was agitated and paced like a caged animal—which, she kind-of was.
“You’re making me tired, girl. Take a load off and watch Young and the Restless with me.” Aunt Martina tried to distract Hallie, but it didn’t work.
“I feel like finding Miss-Prissy-Pants-Katherine-Elliott and snapping her neck with my teeth. She has no right to threaten me or Gunny. What a bitch.”
“When it comes to Pack, bitch can be a compliment.” Aunt Martina cackled with glee.
Hallie stilled. “Wait.” She whipped her head around until Gunny was in her sights. “Your parents promised you to that Gisella Wagner in Germany and you were fucking Katherine Elliott? That makes you a bit of a man-whore, if you ask me.”
Martina and Clare turned away from the young couple, but their shoulders shook with probably laughter.
“I told my parents I’ve found my mate. I’m not bonding with Gisella. It’s been over a year since Kat and I did anything. She’s too high-maintenance for me. And, clingy.” Gunny wrapped his arms around Hallie and whispered, “You are all I need. I knew it the first time I saw you.”
An inhuman wail broke from Hallie’s vocal cords and her knees buckled. Writhing on the floor, she cried, begged Gunny to make it stop.
“It’s starting,” Aunt Martina said.
“Obviously,” Gunny snapped.
The cracking and grinding and snapping made Hallie want to vomit.
The pain? She’d never felt anything like it. And, never wanted to feel it again.
The feeling of something crawling beneath her skin intensified and fur began poking through her skin—which felt like it was on fire.
“Hallie. Look at me. Focus on my voice,” Gunny said.
She tried to look at him, but the involuntary writhing as bones lengthened and tendons and ligaments snapped and re-knitted made it nearly impossible.
“Oh, baby.” Gunny gathered her in his arms.
The pain receded a bit.
Martina tucked a blanket around her and opened the door. She ran to Gunny’s SUV and opened the back door.
Gunny sat her on the seat and ensured her limbs were inside the vehicle. “We’re going to a bunker in the woods. I’ll be able to keep you safe there, even after my own change.”
Clare climbed into the passenger seat and Martina in the back. She cradled Hallie’s head in her lap and stroked her hair.
The touch felt good.
Gunny started the SUV and then they were moving on smooth pavement for a while. Until they turned off.
“What the hell? Are you hitting every bump on purpose? It hurts.” Hallie’s shrieks subsided when Clare reached into the back and put her hand on Hallie’s shoulder.
“Beautiful girl, it’ll only be this bad the first time. You’ll know next time when it’s coming and will have time to prepare.”
The matriarch’s voice was like music to Hallie’s ears. She exhaled and slowly inhaled, willing herself to relax and let the change happen.
Next thing she knew, the car had stopped and Gunny stroked her back.
“Mmm,” she’d thought, but it came out more like a groan of satisfaction.
“I’m goi
ng to carry you into the bunker. Clare and Aunt Martina are going to wait outside for a few other members of the pack to arrive—they’ll protect us.” Gunny slid his arms beneath her and she threw her arms toward his neck.
Her hands were grotesque. Ending in thick, black, dagger-like nails, her fingers were covered with a dense layer of fur. Leather covered her palm and the pad of each digit. They look like paws.
“A-rooooo,” she said. My hands are fucking paws—you weren’t bullshitting.
Her tongue felt too long and ribbon-like. She tried to swipe it over her teeth but managed to lick the side of Gunny’s face.
He smiled and laughed. “I love you, too.”
After that, Hallie snuggled into Gunny and let the transformation happen.
She didn’t know whether she’d dreamed everything, but as the rising sun’s rays warmed her naked body, she remembered how tender Gunny had been, as well as watching him change.
It had been beautiful—graceful. Not the excruciating experience she’d had.
But, the change back hadn’t been nearly as bad.
Gunny held her, wrapped around her body. He shared his warmth and snored softly in her ear. This is perfect.
A face appeared in the window. Katherine Elliott?
Hallie nudged Gunny in the ribs. His attention immediately zeroed in on the perceived threat.
“She can’t get in. The windows are bullet-proof plexiglass and the door is steel.” He nuzzled into her again and stroked her hip.
“Is there a blanket? I don’t want her looking at me naked.”
He flipped a silky covering over them, ensuring Hallie was covered.
She sighed and relaxed.
When she woke, Martina and Clare were there—Gunny was still wrapped around her and whispering to them.
Hallie smelled eggs and bacon. Her stomach growled.
“Was that you or your stomach?” Gunny asked.
“My stomach. I can smell the bacon and eggs. Where are they?” she said.
“In the car,” Martina replied.
“Must be permeating your clothes, then,” Hallie said.
“Honey, we picked up take-out from the diner. It’s your sense of smell. You’ll learn that your senses are intensified—especially in the days leading up to and immediately after a shift.” Clare crouched next to her. “How do you feel?”
“Hungry. Thirsty. Like I could run a marathon.”
Gunny kissed her neck. “It won’t always be like that—when we run in the woods, you might be tired the next day.”
“This is why you wanted to run the other night. You had extra energy like this.” Hallie could feel her muscles vibrating, longing to release the pent-up energy.
“Probably. Although, it’s different for everyone.”
“We’ll navigate this together. You have me, Aunt Martina, and the whole Mayer Pack to support you. And, even if you find another that calls to your wolf, it’s okay. I want you to be happy.” Gunny squeezed her and kissed her neck again.
“I don’t think we’ll have to worry about anything. I finally feel like I belong somewhere—and my wolf is content when I’m with you.” She turned and kissed Gunny, letting every bit of trepidation she’d had at the beginning of her shift wash away.
About the Author
Deelylah Mullin has been penning tales since she could hold a pen. Er, crayon. After a wonderful experience in Fourth Grade Writers’ Club, she continued to pursue creative endeavors.
Throughout her academic career, creative writing was always a focus. As well as music. There’s gotta be a reason she got a bachelor’s degree in music, right?
While she has always written, her stories have evolved over time. When she was young, she was inspired by Madeline L’Engle and moved on to Stephen King and Robin Cook. Today, her stories are full of romance and a happily-ever-after. Even if they may be slightly weird, creepy, or sappy sweet along the way.
Deelylah has found her own happily-ever-after with Mr. Vampbard. He’s truly her knight in shining armor. Between them, they have six children…who are pretty much all grown up. Joining the brood are an adventurous son-in-law and darling daughter-in-law as well as a grandson, two grandkitties, and a grandbaby on-the-way.
Connect with Deelylah
Facebook Profile: www.facebook.com/deelylah
Facebook Author Page: www.facebook.com/AuthorDeelylah
Facebook Reader Group (with Paige Prince):
www.facebook.com/groups/happily.ever.after.romance.syndicate
Twitter: www.twitter.com/VampBard
Instagram: http://www.instagram/vampbard
Visit Deelylah’s website for more goodness including newsletter sign-up, random blog posts, and book discounts!
www.deelylah.com
Also by Deelylah Mullin
The Teacher’s Lounge Series
Available digitally in anthologies published by Romance Collections—www.romancecollections.com
An Apple for the Teacher
Batik with the Biker
Daytona Devotion
Distilled: a Love Brothers-inspired story
Take a Dive
On Tour
Manhattan Melody
Mercy General—a co-authored series with Paige Prince
Spark
Flamekeeper
Flamekeeper Book 1
Helen Scott
About the Story
When Ava wakes up in the hospital, she knows her life will never be the same. The fire that destroyed her apartment and almost took her life was only the beginning, especially when four sexy-as-sin men save her from an attacker but only leave her with more questions than answers…
The princes of clan Igni must find and retrieve the next flamekeeper. If they cannot find her it will mean the extinction of their clan. But they are not the only ones searching. If a rival clan finds the flamekeeper first they could take her as their own—and losing her would be a devastating blow to the Igni clan, preventing them from saving what remains of their power. None of them were expecting a woman as fierce as Ava though, and they’ll do everything they can to make sure she survives.
Can they convince Ava before another clan claims her? Or will she doom them to watch their people wither and die? The one thing the princes know for sure is nothing burns hotter than dragon fire…
Acknowledgments
I would like to thank you most of all, as the reader, for giving me a chance to entertain you and invite you into my world. Thank you so much. I hope you enjoyed it!
Thank you to Amanda Munson for suggesting the awesome band name of Forsaking Midnight!
A big thank you to my cover designer, Natasha Snow, for helping me bring these books to life, and to my editor, Courtney Umphress, for making sure that the readers get the best possible version of the book.
Thank you to my family for helping me pursue my dream and putting up with my wandering mind.
Last, but not least, thank you to my husband for pushing me to share my stories with the world. Thanks for putting up with me every day, babe. You’re amazing!
Chapter One
Ava
I lifted my eyelids, or tried to, but my body didn’t respond; at least, not right away. My mouth felt drier than the Sahara. Slowly, my senses came alive, and I heard the steady beep indicating a heart monitor, as well as doctors being paged over an intercom. For a moment, I wondered if I’d fallen asleep on the couch and some cheesy hospital TV show had come on. When no dialogue started, I began to panic, and heat raced through my veins. I tried to remember what had happened, but came up blank. The last thing I remembered was Scarlett being over and the two of us watching bad romantic comedies together, laughing about how implausible everything was.
Footsteps echoed in the hallway and paused nearby. My heart raced, and I finally pried my eyes open. A hospital room surrounded me. The pale cream of the walls and the striped curtain around my bed dominated my vision. What the hell happened to put me in a hospital?
An I
V was in my arm and sensors stuck to my chest, but other than that, I was free to move around, and after discreetly looking at myself, I could tell I wasn’t injured in any significant way. I started to test the functionality of my body. My toes wiggled under the thin blanket, and my fingers could grasp the silver bar on both sides of my bed. Reluctantly, I pressed the call button for the nurse and lay back in bed, staring at the pockmarked tiled ceiling.
A few minutes later, a nurse came into the room, peering around the curtain as though she expected to find me asleep and would have the opportunity to leave as soon as she confirmed it. When we made eye contact, her own eyes widened.
“Oh, you’re awake!” Her voice was soothing, but the surprise in her tone was startling nonetheless.
I tried to ask politely for water, but my voice caught on the last word.
“Sure thing, hon. I’ll be right back with the water, and I’ll let the doctor know you’re awake,” she said as she briefly made a note of some of the numbers on the screen.
I must have fallen asleep, because the next thing I knew, a doctor at the end of my bed was talking to me, and a plastic cup of water sat on the small side table next to me.
“Well, Ms. Martelli, you are a very lucky woman.”
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