Shadow Mate

by Caryn Moya Block

  “Sergei Sokolov is the winner and new Alpha of the Argent Pack,” Allie proclaimed. The crowd cheered.

  “Not just yet,” Chuck said, walking out of the crowd. He held a pistol pointed at Sergei’s chest. “I challenge the Alpha for the pack.”

  Sergei’s arms tightened around Lindy. Then he stood and placed her behind him. She wrapped her arms around his waist from behind. He couldn’t smell Chuck at all, his scent disguised by hunter’s spray.

  “Put the gun down and shift if you want to challenge,” Sergei said.

  “I don’t think so. That was very impressive, the way you recovered from Silas’s shot. I bet you can’t do it again, and I won’t aim for the hip. I’ll aim for your heart. Move away from him, Lindy. We’ll have time to play before I send you into the next world after your mate.”

  “Go on, Lindy,” Sergei whispered to her. The Shadow Walkers would keep her safe.

  “I’m not leaving you!” Lindy’s arms tightened around his waist and she laid her head on his back.

  “Very touching. No matter, grieving women make a lousy lay.” Chuck raised his gun.

  A red-feathered dart suddenly stuck in his neck. Chuck reached up and plucked it out. “What the hell is this?”

  “It’s your end, Chuck.” Gwen stood a few feet away, the mini-crossbow in her hand. “You will never harm another person.”

  “You think a dart is going to…” Chuck stiffened. The gun dropped from his hand. He fell to the ground.

  Gwen turned and disappeared into the crowd. Artur and Mischa rushed the body. Allie tried to calm the audience before once more naming Sergei the winner.

  Sergei picked Lindy up and carried her to the Alpha tent where he sat with her on his lap. It surprised him to see how clenched she held one fist. He slowly unfurled her fingers to find his Christmas gift in the palm of her hand. He frowned when he noticed how the wood bit into her skin. He lifted her hand to his mouth and licked at the blood from the small cuts. Lindy gave him a watery smile.

  Jenny Lee hurried into the tent. “The pack money,” she panted. “Silas and Chuck stole it. I just got a message from the security firm at the bank that they were recognized on the security camera feed. They used the money to buy Chuck’s new truck, among other things.” The pack members within hearing distance began to growl.

  Artur walked in. He wiped a hand over his brow. “Silas and Chuck are dead. They both wore hunter’s spray, which is how we missed them. Good thing Lindy caught the smell of the guns. The darts Gwen used must be poisoned. I hope nobody gets on her bad side,” Artur grumbled.

  “Where is Gwen? Where did she go? She saved you, and then both of us,” Lindy asked looking around. “She freaked out when I told her the mating bond connected us in such a way that I couldn’t live without you. Then she joined the link and helped heal your wound.” Sergei noticed Lindy didn’t move from his lap and smiled. Maybe she could handle his beast after all.

  “What do we do with the bodies?” Sergei asked Allie who entered the tent after them. “I assume we want to keep this from the local police.”

  “Actually,” Allie said. “Two of the sheriff officers are lycan. In this case, we’ll dispose of the bodies at the mortuary in Billings. They have a crematorium.”

  “What do we do with them until then?” Artur asked growling.

  “There’re several cells set up in the Beta’s basement. I guess the house would be yours now, Artur,” Allie said. “I can take you there after the Alpha makes his acceptance speech if you like.”

  Mischa ran up to the tent. “Something’s wrong with Gwen. She’s afraid.”

  Hugh appeared out of the shadows holding his cell phone in his hand. “I’ve got external alarms going off at Isanti’s home. We’ve got trouble.”

  “What?” Lindy asked rising. Raven and the other Shadow Walkers appeared out of the shadows. Sergei grabbed his clothes.

  “Gwen’s at Isanti’s. She says there’s a team of men setting a trap for Lindy. We’re going now,” Raven said. “I should’ve left more men to guard the ranch.”

  “I’m coming with you!” Lindy stepped forward.

  “Oh, dear,” Allie said. “The Alpha female should show her support during the acceptance speech.”

  “I’m the reason my sister is in danger,” Lindy said. Sergei could feel her determination to save Gwen. His mate was becoming Alpha very quickly.

  “Announce that we’re having a family emergency, Allie, and that pack members should return to the Alpha’s den tonight at eight. I’ll make a speech then,” Sergei directed. Allie looked at her watch and nodded. “Travis take care of the bodies. Ah, there you are,” Sergei said to Matfei, Sonya, and Gavriil as they ran into the tent. “Gavriil, stay here with Sonya and Allie. We should return shortly and meet you at the Alpha’s den. Matfei you’re with us. Let’s go.”

  Lindy reached for his hand and they once more stepped into the Shadow Dimension.

  §

  Lindy clutched Sergei’s arm. What if the men hurt Gwen? Why was someone determined to kill her? The marines knew about the chips and removed them. Whoever was behind the plan should be running for cover. This felt personal, but she didn’t know anyone who would want to kill her.

  Raven pulled everyone into a link as they arrived on the front porch of Isanti’s house. “Gwen says there’re four men inside and at least two outside.” Dasan and Hugh headed away from the house with Matfei following. “She said they’re acting like a military unit, very professional. One man mentioned a general at the Pentagon sending the orders.”

  “Not the same general who offered Lindy a job?” Sergei asked.

  Raven walked through the front door like it didn’t exist. Since they were in a different dimension, it really didn’t exist in Shadow. Lindy followed Raven, still clutching Sergei’s arm. Mischa followed behind them, with Joe guarding the rear.

  “I can’t believe that. We’ve known General Holland for years. He’s a trusted friend of the Nuni Nagi.”

  So, we capture the leader of this group and make him talk,” Joe said as they moved through walls and stood in Shadow surrounding the two men in the front room.

  They could hear someone in the kitchen and Joe moved to intercept him. Mischa growled and went to stand behind Gwen where she sat duct taped to a chair. Lindy moved to join him. It would be her job to open Shadow so Mischa could pull Gwen in. Raven and Sergei would handle the two guards.

  “On my signal. Remember we still have a fourth man somewhere. Keep it quiet,” Raven said.

  Lindy knelt next to the chair where a natural Shadow would exist. She prepared to open a portal.

  “Now,” Raven sent.

  Lindy pushed her hands out of the dimension and then pulled them apart. Mischa reached for Gwen and pulled her, chair and all into the Shadow Dimension. The duct tape disintegrated and Mischa pulled Gwen into his arms and kissed her.

  Lindy turned to see Sergei leaning over a man on the floor while Raven removed a dart from the other. Raven motioned Sergei back into Shadow. Sergei picked up the unconscious man and slung him over his shoulder to carry him through the portal. They made it inside Shadow when noise was heard upstairs. Joe appeared next to Sergei and took the soldier from him.

  “I’ll take this man to headquarters for questioning and send a clean-up team.” Joe disappeared.

  Raven moved through Shadow up the stairs. Lindy went to Sergei and took his hand. What were they going to do about this? Was it safe for her to be Alpha female of the pack? Maybe they should go back to Siberia. She shivered from thinking about the cold she’d have to live with.

  “You think too much,” Sergei sent into her thoughts as his lips brushed her cheek. “The pack will keep you safe.”

  “Ouch! What is burning me?” Mischa asked, pulling his shirt away from his chest. A wolf paw was burned into his skin.

  Lindy looked at Gwen. Her mouth hung open and her face looked shocked. Lindy smiled. She’d already noticed the mating bond growing between them; it
wasn’t a surprise that Shadow marked him as Gwen’s mate.

  Gwen shook her head. “I can’t do this right now.” She disappeared.

  “Gwen!” Mischa cried out.

  Lindy put her hand on his arm. “Give her a little time. You’ve come as a shock.”

  “The mating bond. She’ll grieve. Please take me to her.” Mischa frantically searched the dark misty landscape for Gwen.

  “I’m sorry. I don’t know where she is. I’ll tell you as soon as she contacts me.” Mischa nodded looking miserable. Lindy felt sorry for him.

  “The last man is down. The house is clear,” Raven sent.

  Lindy reopened a portal to Earth and stepped into the living room of her father’s house.

  Chapter Thirteen

  “You look beautiful,” Gwen said.

  Lindy looked in the mirror and frowned. She hated the blue contacts and cutting her long dark hair into a bob. She didn’t mind the blond dye, but found that it was a myth that blondes had more fun.

  “I hate wearing a disguise to my own wedding.”

  “It’s just until Raven finds out who is behind all this. We want you to be safe.”

  “I am safe. Sergei sees to that. Besides, that general from the Pentagon is dead.”

  “Yes, but General Holland thinks the man may have faked his fatal heart attack.”

  “What?” Lindy was not happy hearing this. “Why hasn’t someone told me?”

  “General Holland contacted Raven this morning. I told him to keep it quiet until after the wedding. You don’t need any more stress today, Lindy. There is a ton of security in place to make sure you and your mate are safe wherever you go.”

  Lindy sighed. “What about you? Will you be returning to London after the ceremony?”

  “Of course. I wish the tea job would’ve worked out, but I actually like my new profession in private security. I’m good at it and glad the English Alpha gave me the opportunity. It helps that his wife is American and all human. They’re both helping me to come to terms with being part lycan.”

  “What about Mischa? Your absence is killing him. He’s gotten thinner and so sad. You’ve got to do something, Gwen.”

  “I don’t want to talk about it. Today is your day. Come on, I’m sure Sergei is waiting.”

  Lindy nodded. She’d let it drop for now, especially since Mischa was flying to London after the ceremony. Gwen needed to face the fact she possessed a mate. Gwen handed her a bunch of roses and Lindy picked up her skirt to walk down the stairs at her father’s house.

  She paused at the top looking down. The Christmas tree still blinked in the corner. Gwen and the women of the pack strung greenery up the banister for the ceremony. So many memories assailed her, tears sprung to her eyes. This was her last time staying in the house she grew up in. Sergei and the pack finished fixing up the inside of the Alpha’s den and tonight she would sleep in her new home.

  She blinked and then focused on the man who waited for her, standing by her father in his full ceremonial regalia. It was a new year and she began a new life. She ran her hand down the soft deerskin suede of the dress her mother and grandmother had worn. Pleasure filled her with the knowledge that her ancestors looked out for her, as her tribe and the lycan pack did now. The porcupine quills that patterned the shoulders and neckline were beginning to fade in color. Her family’s love would never fade away.

  Sergei looked beautiful in the suede shirt she embroidered for him with a pattern of a running wolf to memorialize his journey to save her in Moscow. Raven provided the buckskin pants and boots and stood proudly waiting to walk her down the short aisle. Artur, Mischa, and Gavriil as single men stood as groomsmen.

  Music started and everyone stood. Kylie tossed rose petals on the floor as she walked up to her place. Gwen went next, keeping her eyes down, she refused to look at Mischa. Lindy sighed.

  The music changed and it was now her turn. She walked down the stairs and took Raven’s arm. Sergei couldn’t take his eyes off her. She smiled, feeling his love overflowing into the mating bond. When Raven handed her to Sergei she blinked, surprised she’d become lost in her mate’s eyes, surrounded by his love. They both turned to the shaman, her father.

  “Great Spirit, ruler of all that is and ever shall be, we ask that you bless this couple as they come to promise their devotion to you and to each other.”

  §

  Sergei felt torn with wanting to growl at his sister-in-law and howl his happiness at marrying his mate. Lindy looked lovely in her native ceremonial dress, though he missed her long locks to bury his hands in. Still, he understood the need to keep her safe until they knew who else was behind the attacks. Since she could disappear into Shadow at a moment’s notice that wasn’t hard to do.

  The music changed and Lindy walked toward him. He couldn’t take his eyes off her. All his worries disappeared as she came closer. Love filled him and overflowed. She was his life, the very breath he took. Raven placed her hand in Sergei’s. He was hard pressed not to pull her into his arms. They turned to Isanti for the ceremony. The shaman began, and then it was over. Sergei blinked, a part of him remembering every detail of the ceremony, and another part feeling dazed and euphoric. It was done. They were legally married.

  “You may kiss your bride,” Isanti instructed. “I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Sokolov, Alphas of the Argent Pack.”

  Cheers rang out as people clapped. Music started. Sergei knew they were supposed to walk down the aisle and drive to the Alpha’s den for the reception. He just couldn’t make himself stop kissing Lindy.

  “Come on, bro. You can kiss her all through the reception,” Gavriil complained.

  Lindy giggled, breaking their kiss, and stepped back.

  “Shall we go, Mrs. Sokolov?” Sergei asked.

  “As long as you’re always by my side, wolf man.”

  § § §

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  Coming Soon

  Fiery Magic

  Book Three of the Witch Guardian Romance Series

  Haytham Luften is an Air Witch Guardian supporting his team members while fighting Blood Cult members and the Marwolaeth possessed. He never expected to be gifted with a Destined One, or to hear his uncle, head of the Air House, threaten to renounce him if he dared claim the one woman who could share his magic.

  Candace Kindle grew up on stories of “destined love” and sharing her magic with one special person. But with the Marwolaeth attacking, true love will have to wait for another day. Following her brother’s advice she walks through a dimensional portal to take shelter with her mother and finds herself a slave in a land ruled by Dragons. There’s only one person who can save her, the Destined One she walked away from.

  Trapped In Shadow

  Book Four in the Shadow Walker Tribe Romance Series

  Stacey Johnson is all about secrets. She’s an operative for the government and kills people on command. Love has no place in her life. Even when she dreams about Hugh Thunder Hoof, the one man who makes her wish for a different lifestyle. With him she can believe that happy endings are possible.

  Hugh Thunder Hoof, Shadow Walker, left the service after being injured. Now he walks with a slight limp. The one thing he still craves from that crazy lifestyle is his last partner, Stacey Johnson. When she shows up in his life five years later, he thinks he’ll finally get his wish. But Stacey isn’t going to make it easy on him and once again when the mission is finished she disappears. Only this time, he’s going after her.

  Also by Caryn Moya Block

  The Siberian Volkov Romance Series

  Alpha’s Mate

  A Siberian Werewolf in London

  My Mate’s Embrace

  My Magic Mate

  A Siberian Werewolf in Paris

  A Siberian Werewolf Christmas

  Wolfe’s Mate

  Beta’s Mate

  The Gift of My Mate />
  My Perfect Mate

  Shadow Mate

  The Witch Guardian Romance Series

  Destined Magic

  Aerial Magic

  Coming Soon

  Fiery Magic

  The Shadow Walker Tribe Romance Series

  Shadow of My Heart

  Love in the Shadows

  Black and Shadow

  Cross-Over Novel – Shadow Mate

  Coming Soon

  Trapped in Shadow

  About the Author

  Caryn Moya Block burst onto the paranormal romance scene with her debut e-book Alpha’s Mate in January of 2012, which won the “Global Ebook Award for 2012” in contemporary romance. She was also named one of the “Top 50 Indie Authors for April 2012” from E-Reader Reviews. A Siberian Werewolf in Paris was chosen as a finalist in the 2014 RomCon.com Readers’ Choice Awards in the paranormal category.

  Caryn has continued to write, giving her readers three different series to choose from, The Shadow Walkers Romance Series, The Witch Guardian Romance Series, and the very popular, Siberian Volkov Pack Romance Series.

  Caryn loves romantic movies and stories that end “Happily Ever After.” She is an avid reader and writer who lives in the Virginia Piedmont. Her pack consists of her husband of more than thirty years, two grown sons, two beautiful daughters-in-law, and two granddaughters, as well as a cat, a turtle, and four Shetland sheepdogs. She suffers from “Multiple Sheltie Syndrome,” because one is never enough. After seeing her first ghost when she was three, she has been intrigued with the paranormal. She would love to hear from you at: CarynMoyaBlock@gmail.com

  Or sign up for her newsletter at: http://carynmoyablock.com/sign-up-for-my-newsletter/