Wicked Wolf

by Carrie Ann Ryan

  He nodded then had started to turn away when she gripped his arm. He held back his snarl and looked down at her pale hand on his darker skin.

  “What?”

  “Since we’re both here, how about we start on the cooperation for the Pack?”

  He frowned and pulled from her touch. “What do you mean?”

  She shifted from foot to foot, and he frowned. The two other times he’d met her she’d been self-assured and not so fidgety. Something had happened between the last time and now, but he had no idea what. Nor was he sure he wanted to know in the first place.

  “How about you and I go on a perimeter run and then end up at the Talon den?”

  He widened his eyes. “Seriously?”

  She nodded. “Yes. Those two things were on top of our list to begin with, and since we’re the leaders of the council, it makes sense that we’d do a trial run. I’m not saying we become friends and have me stay the night or anything.” She blushed, and he blinked. Wherever her thoughts had gone, she hadn’t meant for them to.

  He knew he should say no and wait to do something along those lines later, but for some reason, he didn’t want to. It was a damned good idea, and he had a feeling that if they’d had the meeting today, they’d have ended up doing this exact thing anyway. He and Gina had to be the first people to try out cooperating. They were in the leadership roles, and if they couldn’t get along with one another, they weren’t doing their jobs.

  The fact that he knew he’d been an asshole with her didn’t sit well with him, but he needed to keep acting like one. If he didn’t, he’d let his wolf have control and do something stupid—like pull her closer so he could inhale her sweet scent.

  He didn’t trust her, he told himself.

  She was a witch. Those powers had shattered his soul and had almost killed him and his son. He would never trust her, even if his wolf wanted to—and the Pack needed him to.

  Instead of listening to that, though, he nodded. “Fine. We’ll run as wolves so we have better senses. You got a problem with that?”

  She shook her head. “That’s what I wanted to do anyway. I have a backpack my uncle Josh made that fits me in my wolf form. I can get in and out of it without human hands. I’ll put our clothes in it. That way we don’t have to leave them here to pick up later.”

  He nodded and held back a frown. He’d wanted them to run as wolves without the preliminaries so he wouldn’t have to speak to her and get to know her. He needed the space between them. But now he knew he’d see her without her clothes. Probably not the best move for a man who wanted to get a woman out of his head.

  He followed her to the side of the building where she’d stashed her bag.

  “Strip down and give me your clothes. I’ll pack them up and then shift.”

  He raised a brow at her tone and watched her ears redden. Wolves weren’t supposed to care about nudity since they had to shift naked. It was supposed to be casual. They wore clothes inside the den common areas for the children, but usually, they weren’t modest.

  The fact that the both of them were reacting to each other’s presence didn’t bode well.

  He turned away from her and stripped off his shirt then toed off his shoes. He took a deep breath then shucked off his pants and boxer briefs. He heard the wisp of fabric behind him and knew she was doing the same. His wolf nudged at him, and he held back a curse. The thought of her naked behind him wasn’t doing him any favors, and now his cock was hard against his belly.

  Shifting with a hard-on was not pleasant.

  He sighed then folded his clothes in a pile. Damn it. He wasn’t some young pup who had never seen a naked woman before. It shouldn’t matter that she wasn’t wearing clothes. They were wolves.

  He picked up his clothes and turned around.

  Dear. Goddess.

  She was perfect. All thick curves and muscles mixed into one. Her nipples were dark and erect. Her breasts were larger than his palms although, in clothes, she didn’t look as though she had all those curves. Her belly was smooth and looked soft, bitable, and flared out to sexy, grip-worthy hips. He pulled his gaze up to her face before he caught sight of her pussy. Once he did, he knew he’d be in trouble.

  He didn’t even like her, yet his eyes feasted on her.

  He handed her his clothes as she kept her wide eyes on his face. He could smell her arousal, taste it on his tongue, and he knew he needed to get out of there fast.

  With a grunt, he turned to his side then knelt on all fours. The change from human to wolf and then back was not easy. It took minutes instead of a flash of light and fuzzy feeling, like some would choose to believe. Those minutes dragged on in agony as bones broke, ligaments tore, and fur sprouted from his skin. The stronger the wolf, the shorter time it took to change, but that didn’t make it any less painful.

  His face elongated, and his body hunched. They weren’t the werewolves from the old movies. No, they were true wolves. Some might be slightly bigger than the wild ones humans had almost killed off, but not most.

  By the time he finished shifting, he was tired, yet edgy at the same time. He needed a good run and knew that the perimeter check with Gina would get that done. He turned toward Gina and saw she was almost done shifting, her body panting with the exertion. She was even more dominant that he’d thought if she was so close to him in terms of timing.

  When she was done, she shook her body then wiggled into her backpack. He couldn’t help but notice the grace of her wolf. Strength and a sense of fragility entwined together to make a truly magnificent shifter.

  While he was a dark gray wolf with only one white foot, she was chocolate brown with a solid white stripe on her nose. She also kept her blue eyes from her human form, but that solid ring of yellow around her irises told him her wolf was close to the surface.

  He gave her a nod then started to turn. They couldn’t talk in this form so they had to use body movements to communicate. Gina yipped at him—wolves didn’t bark—and he stopped. She came up to him and sniffed around him, sticking her nose along his neck. He stood still, knowing from the look in her eyes before she’d gotten closer that this was her wolf, not her human half, that needed to do this.

  She wasn’t a submissive wolf, but he was a clear dominant that she’d never seen before in wolf form. Her wolf needed some kind of reassurance, whether it be scent or something else, so she could move on.

  Quinn might not trust her because of her witch half—and also, if he was honest with himself, because of his attraction to her—but he couldn’t let a lower ranked wolf down. He growled softly then nipped at the back of her neck. She let out a sigh then lowered her head.

  He let his fangs gently press into her fur then let go. Her wolf met his gaze then did a little nod.

  With that over, he turned back toward his den then started off at a run. He heard Gina’s paws hit the ground behind him. He wasn’t going at full speed, so he knew she could keep up. She was going to be the Enforcer of her Pack, so she wasn’t weak or slow.

  They kept at it for a good thirty minutes, scenting around the perimeter to ensure there wasn’t anything out of place. He watched the way she came up to his side, her nose on the ground when they paused, and the way her ears were always perked, on alert.

  She was a good scout, a gorgeous wolf.

  Maybe if he could ever learn to trust another person again, he might like her.

  That, though, wouldn’t be happening.

  They made their way back to the edge of the den and stopped. He gave her a look, and if a wolf could roll their eyes and look exasperated, he was pretty sure Gina’s wolf did. She wiggled back out of her backpack and unzipped it with her teeth. She’d apparently done this before. He usually just left his clothes wherever he shifted since he shifted in his home or out in the fields for the wolf hunt. If he shifted outside those two places, it was for a reason, and he didn’t much care about clothes.

  He let his body shift back, wincing at the pain. They’d both need food once t
hey got to his place, or they’d be too tired to walk through the den when they were done. Plus, with her being an outside wolf, he didn’t want her weakened in case another wolf had an issue.

  His place?

  Well, that hadn’t been in the cards, but now he didn’t know where else to bring her. Hell. So much for avoiding her at all costs.

  He shifted back and then pulled on his clothes and shoes without looking at her. He’d already crossed that boundary before and wouldn’t be doing it again.

  When he felt her come to his side, he looked down at the top of her head. She wasn’t short, but since he was so large, she seemed tiny next to him.

  “We’re going to my place to eat so you can build up your energy. Then you and I can walk around the den and go with the plan.”

  “Sounds good to me,” she said, her voice breathless.

  They both needed to get out of there. Fast.

  She followed him through the edge of the forest to the den. He cursed when he remembered how she was going to get through the wards.

  “Grab my hand,” he bit out. “I can get you through the wards since you’re invited in with me.”

  He didn’t look at her but sucked in a breath when her soft palm slid into his. His wolf growled and threw his body against him, begging for her. Holy crap, it was only her hand, and yet his wolf was going berserk.

  He clenched his jaw then walked through the wards, pulling Gina with him. She sucked in a breath but kept moving. He knew the wards were pushing at her, but not as hard as it would have been if she hadn’t been holding on to his hand. The magic had to willingly let an outside wolf or person in. The fact that he was inviting her, even reluctantly, told the wards to let her through.

  “Oh boy,” she said once they got through. He looked back at her and frowned.

  “You okay?” he asked despite himself.

  She smiled at him and nodded. “Yep. It’s weird to go through wards that aren’t part of the Redwoods. It was familiar since I could sense the witch and wolf magic that goes into them, but different enough that it was kind of a thrill.”

  At the word witch, he shut down. He pulled his hand away and turned toward his home. He shouldn’t have brought her here. He shouldn’t have led her to his home. She should be back in her precious den with her witch powers and away from him.

  Instead, he was bringing the beast into his den.

  What the hell had he been thinking?

  He heard her scurry behind him, but he kept going, ignoring the looks of his fellow Packmates. Some growled at her; others nodded and waved. It was to be expected. The Packs had been as friendly as they were for fifteen years. Some had probably met Gina before. Others wouldn’t know who she was but saw a wolf they didn’t know in their den. The fact that she was with Quinn didn’t matter when he wasn’t actually near enough to her to show that he could protect her and the den.

  He knew he was screwing this up, but he’d deal with it after he ate.

  He walked up to his door and cursed.

  “Jesse,” he whispered as his son opened the door.

  “Dad! You’re home.”

  Quinn leaned down and picked up his little boy, inhaling his soft scent. “What are you doing here, Jesse?”

  Walker came out from behind him, his brows raised. “Jesse had a tough day at school so he wanted to nap here instead of at Ryder’s place. Since I was around, I stayed so Ryder could get some work done. You going to get out of the way so Gina can come inside?”

  “Gina?” Jesse asked and looked over Quinn’s shoulder fully. “Hi. I’m Jesse.” The little boy smiled, and Quinn wanted to growl and hide his son. He knew it made no sense.

  He knew Gina wasn’t the witch that hurt his son.

  He just couldn’t get that prejudice out of his head.

  He was a goddamn bastard.

  Quinn set Jesse down then moved out of the way so Gina could walk in. “Jesse, this is Gina. She’s a Redwood who’s working with me.”

  Gina got down at Jesse’s level so they were eye to eye. “Hi, Jesse. It’s nice to meet you.”

  Jesse grinned and leaned into Quinn’s leg. “Hi. You’re pretty.”

  Quinn closed his eyes and held back a groan. Like father, like son. Though from the way Gina had smiled at his son, Jesse was doing better than him.

  Not that Quinn wanted to do any better. Nope. He was going to feed her then do his job so he could get her out of there. He opened his eyes and stared at the two of them, knowing he probably should split them up before something happened.

  “Thank you, Jesse. You’re handsome, yourself.”

  Jesse smiled big and leaned toward Gina. “Daddy says he’s the master of the universe. Are you the master too since you’re on the council?”

  Gina blinked, then raised her brow at Quinn.

  Quinn did his best not to shuffle his feet like some teenage pup.

  “He says he’s the master of the universe?” she asked, laughter in her voice.

  Jesse nodded. “Uh huh. I have to say it or he won’t quit tickling me.”

  Gina snorted then. “I see. So that means you only say it under duress.”

  Jesse’s eyes widened and then he shook his head. “But he is the master of the universe.”

  “Sure, honey. I believe you.”

  “You should. I know things.”

  “Really? So, how old are you that you know so many things?”

  Gina stood but leaned against the couch so Jesse could feel better. She put herself out of an aggressive position so the pup would feel safe. Clearly she’d been around kids before.

  “I’m five.” Jesse yawned.

  “Five? Already? You’re growing up fast.”

  Quinn swallowed hard at the reminder and cleared his throat. “Okay, buddy, you need to get some sleep if you’re yawning.”

  Gina frowned and looked outside at the sun in the sky. She didn’t understand, and Quinn wasn’t sure he wanted to enlighten her.

  “I can put Jesse to bed,” Walker said, his voice soft. “Good to see you, Gina. I figure you and Quinn here are ready to get some food and be on your way. I know what you’re trying to accomplish, and I think it will do some good.”

  He said his good-byes, and Quinn hugged his son. Jesse even hugged Gina before heading back to his room. Jesse didn’t have many females in his life—only Gideon’s sister, Brynn, really—so it was odd to see him attach himself to Gina so quickly.

  “Food?” Quinn asked, knowing he sounded like an idiot.

  Gina gave him an odd look then nodded. “Okay. Then we walk around the den like idiots and try to show people that we’re friends?”

  Quinn turned and frowned. “Excuse me?”

  Gina gave him a sad smile. “I know you don’t want me here. I know you didn’t want to touch my hand to get me through the wards. Hell, Quinn, you even stiffened when Jesse came by. I mean, did you really think I was going to hurt your son? I don’t know why you hated me on sight, but there’s something we need to talk about.”

  He growled, wanting her out of his house, away from him before he did something stupid, like apologize.

  “There’s nothing we need to talk about.”

  “Yes, yes there is, you idiot.”

  “Get out, Gina. We can do this another time. Or better yet, you and Lorenzo can.”

  She shook her head. “You feel it, don’t you?”

  “Feel what?” He ran a hand over his head and clenched his jaw. When he met her gaze, the tears in them surprised him.

  “We’re mates, Quinn.”

  He let out a breath and took a step back. His head whirled, and he tried to swallow. “What?”

  No. Hell no. This couldn’t be happening.

  She shook her head, a single tear sliding down her cheek. She gave a small laugh, only it sounded hollow.

  “Maybe you didn’t know. My wolf though? She wants you as her own. I know the Talons and Redwoods haven’t mated since the treaty, but apparently fate changed her mind.”


  He didn’t know what to say. What to think. What the hell? He wasn’t supposed to have another mate. He’d already had a mate. One that left him, broke him, and almost killed him and his son.

  Instead of thinking, he said the first thing that came to mind.

  “Fuck fate.”

  Her eyes widened, and she took a step back as though he’d slapped her. “Fuck fate?” she whispered.

  “Fuck it. You don’t get it, Gina. I don’t care what fate says because I’m not mating again. I already had one. I’m not doing it again.”

  Tears filled her eyes, but she nodded. “I…I get it. When my uncle Adam lost his mate, he refused to mate Bay. It was only an accident they were mated in the first place.”

  He shook his head. “I’m not like your uncle Adam. His mate died. I know the story. My mate? She’s alive, Gina.”

  She scrunched her face. “How can that be?”

  He let out a hollow laugh. “How? Because that stupid bitch went to a goddamn witch and broke our mating bond. She also almost killed our son in the process.”

  “Oh, Quinn, I’m so sorry.” Tears were flowing freely now, but he ignored them.

  “Jesse is hanging by a thread, and there’s nothing I can do about it. You think I want another mate when I already had my chance? I lost it because she found greener pastures or some shit. She chose that life over what she had and broke my soul. I don’t want another freaking mate, let alone a witch I will never trust.”

  She froze, her face going deathly pale.

  “So go and find yourself another mate if that’s what you want. You know you’ll find another since apparently fate is a fickle bitch. But I don’t want a mate. Not now. And if I did, it wouldn’t be you, a witch. A witch was the reason my bond was broken, and I could never trust you. You’re the epitome of everything I hate.”

  As soon as he said it, he wanted to take it back.

  He didn’t hate Gina.

  He hated the women who had hurt him.

  Yet he’d put five years of hate in those words, and now he had to deal with the look on her face.

  “Gina…”

  She held up her hand. “You said enough.” Her voice was low, devoid of any emotion. Her cheeks were dry but red. “I’m going to leave. I can get out of the wards through the front entrance without having an anchor. The guards there know I’m here by now and will know that I’m leaving. I’ll see you at the next meeting.”