Hers (Snowy Mountain Wolves)
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HERS
Snowy Mountain Wolves
Book One
Christin Lovell
HERS
Snowy Mountain Wolves
Copyright © 2013 by Christin M Lovell
Cover Image © pawelsierakowski
Cover Image © TheModernCanvas
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This book may not be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission from the author. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights.
All characters and storylines are the property of the author and your support and respect is appreciated. The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.
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Snowy Mountain Wolves
Book One: Hers
Book Two: coming soon.
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Snowy Mountain Wolves Playlist
(What I listened to while writing this series.)
1. Avicii – Wake Me Up
2. Zedd – Stay the Night
3. The Neighbourhood – Sweater Weather
4. NONONO – Pumpin Blood
5. Chris Young – Who I Am With You
6. Taylor Swift – Everything Has Changed
7. Selena Gomez – Slow Down
8. Sara Bareillis – Brave
9. Lorde – Team
10. Bastille – Pompeii
11. Parmalee – Carolina
12. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis – Same Love
13. Daughtry – Waiting for Superman
14. Kat Graham – Power
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HERS
Plus size Kate is on the run from a one-date-turned-one-year stalking terror…until her car breaks down in Snowy Mountain, South Carolina.
Sassy Ellie May gave up on finding her mate a while ago, settling on being the third wheel in her alpha’s sexual escapades. Scenting her mate changes everything, including what she’s willing to share.
Meeting Kate, Ellie is certain of two things going in: her mate is straight as a doornail and full of secrets. The largest secret comes from neither of them though.
Warning to Reader: This book contains bed rocking content and a cliffhanger. Book 2 is expected to release in October 2013.
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— 1 —
Ellie
“Are all lesbians as hot as you, El?” he quipped.
I glared across the table, cutting my eyes at my sometimes-annoying alpha. “Are all muscle heads as callous as you, Jer?”
His dark eyes crinkled at the corners, revealing his thirty-something age, as he cracked a smile. “Fair enough.”
I curled my lips into a snarl, scrunching my nose. “Not really. You’ve got a lot of women in this Podunk town to choose from. I’ve got all of none. I wouldn’t exactly call that fair.”
“True.” He took a sip of his black coffee. “Why don’t you go rally some new residents?” He wagged his brows.
I rolled my eyes, dismissing his half-ass suggestion. Like it’s so damn easy. “Top off the fact that you’re alpha and I’m beta and that’s more unfair.” Damn. When did I become so cynical?
His lips turned down. He set his cup down and faced me head on. “You can fight me for it.”
I pursed my lips, considering him. It was tempting, but truth was, I respected Jerry; he did a good job running this town. I couldn’t let him know that though. “I don’t want to embarrass my best friend.”
He snickered. “That confident you can take me?”
“That confident I can kick your ass.” I jutted my chin out towards him, confirming my words.
He threw his hands up, meeting my gaze head on with an amused smile lifting his lips. “Whenever your wolf is ready.”
My wolf picked up her head, perking her ears. Despite the topic, she was calm. Her serenity told me now wasn’t the time. We were content for the moment. Lonely, but content.
— 2 —
Kate
As I walked into the corner coffeehouse, I scanned the interior. It was normal human behavior to scout out a space upon entry, at least when you had a stalker like me you did.
I glanced over the tables, gaining a quick glimmer at each face to ensure he wasn’t there. There was a group of elderly women laughing over cups of coffee. Two older gentlemen sat at separate tables reading the local newspaper. The retired citizens made the younger, in comparison, couple stand out all the more.
My second scan was all curiosity. The town was small and quaint, much like the coffee shop. The main street my car decided to crap out on was full of old world charm. My heart warmed seeing the same feel carry into the business.
My eyes passed over the older patrons, most of them with a friendly face, until I returned to the somewhat youthful couple – oh my!
I quickly turned away from their intense stares and scuttled forward. They were scrutinizing me, analyzing every piece of me. Even with my back to them as I ambled towards the counter, I felt their eyes – soft, sky blue and deep, oak brown - boring into me. It was more than unnerving. I felt like every secret in my past was about to be exposed, like these strangers were peeling away every layer of me every second they continued their tense observation.
I tried to push their presence to the back of my mind as the woman behind the counter greeted me, but I couldn’t. I had to rigorously fight the urge to look their way.
“Well, hello, dear. I haven’t seen your face before. You new in town?” Lines feathered the woman’s face as she smiled invitingly.
“Um, just passing through. I hope to be back on the road by tomorrow.”
Her smile didn’t budge as she nodded her head in understanding. “Welcome to our humble town.”
“Thank you.” I averted my focus to the counter, studying the wear on the butcher-block surface. It’d seen better days, yet somehow, added to the warmth of the place.
“I hope we make a good impression on you; this town could always use another vital citizen.”
I gave her a small smile, uncertain how to respond to her oddly phrased declaration.
As if sensing my discomfort, she brushed past it. “What would you like, honey?”
“A sweetened iced coffee, extra cream please.”
“Coming right up.” She immediately got to work creating my drink.
I shifted my carryall purse to the counter and unzipped the large pocket, fishing out my wallet.
The woman returned with my drink and set it before me. She lifted her finger to punch the order into the register when a female yelled, “I’ve got it, Ruth.”
I followed Ruth’s knowing, slightly smug, grin to the pretty couple that’d been visually dissecting me. The male appeared only slightly less tense now. His broad shoulders flexed, drawing my focus to his large muscles. His grip tightened on his cup. I was certain he was going to break it.
A chill ran down my spine, warming in my womb, as I met his dark gaze. My heart began to beat faster, harder as I stared into his eyes. I swore bright honey striations flickered within his depths, like a strobe light.
His lips inched upwards at the corners, alluding to his arrogance. Sadly, he was sexy and he knew it. His brown hair, symmetrical features and pouty lips gave him a reason to be.
“Figures,” the female griped.
My attention traveled to his female companion. She seemed angry that I’d taken notice of him…until I met her gaze. She literally stole my breath.
My heart beat a little quicker as I got lost in her. She was beautiful, the opposite of me. Her legs seemed a mile long; voluminous,
long, blonde hair fell around her shoulders, framing her face. Full pink lips amplified the sultriness wafting off her. Blue eyes, crystal clear, with tiny striations of gold bore into my flat brown ones.
I swallowed hard, taken aback when the woman gave me a cheeky grin and a wink.
I opened my mouth to speak, but immediately closed it, feeling myself already beginning to stutter. She was gorgeous. Roughed up skinny jeans hugged her svelte frame. Perky breasts that weren’t too big or too small filled her blue polo shirt, highlighting the stitched logo on the left that told me she worked for the local sheriff’s department. It was her hot pink, pointed-toe heels that set off the outfit and seemed to reveal who I was really dealing with: a hot, saucy woman who knew what she wanted and knew exactly how to get it. She was the kind of woman I always envied, the kind I always strived to become.
Realizing I was moving into the rude territory by staring openly so long, I shook myself mentally into focus. “Um, I don’t mind paying for it,” I stumbled, still lost in the woman’s gaze.
“Trust me, honey, you won’t be paying today. Just enjoy your drink and our town.” Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Ruth walk away, busying herself with wiping down the counter.
I knew I was being rude now, but I couldn’t stop gaping at the woman. I couldn’t explain my reaction. I’d never been attracted to women, but, oddly, there was something about this one. She captivated me; she challenged me.
Registering movement beside her, and recognizing my own irreprehensible, intense gawking, I gave the woman a nervous smile. “Thank you.”
She beamed, her cheeks arching perfectly. “Anytime, sweet cheeks.”
I had to force myself to turn away from her. I slid my purse on to my arm and grabbed my already melting iced coffee. Carefully, I tore the paper off the straw and slipped it into my drink.
Embarrassment swelled, tightening my chest. I felt foolish for practically falling over myself in front of this woman. She was so self-confident, mesmerizing…and sexy. They both were. It was too easy to feel inferior.
I felt my cheeks heat. There was no way I could sit in here and drink my beverage now. Gathering my drink, I avoided looking in their direction on my way out. I took a shaky breath outside. I was overcome by emotions I didn’t recognize.
What is wrong with me?
I wasn’t myself. This wasn’t me. I wasn’t an intense person, but there was nothing light about what I’d just experienced.
As quickly as possible, I put some distance between the shop and me. A cool breeze kissed my exposed flesh. I was grateful that this town actually had four distinct seasons and a September I could enjoy. I was running. Deep down I knew though. I wasn’t in front of her, but I wouldn’t soon forget her. She was burned into my mind in a way no other person before her was.
A shiver chased through me as a pair of brown, then blue, eyes flashed in my mind. Strike that. They were both engrained as if they were an epic part of my life and I just didn’t know it yet. This was bordering déjà vu in a way. To say they made a lasting impression was an understatement.
— 3 —
Ellie
“She’s cute.” I felt Jerry’s gaze on me, but I was focused on my mate.
Through the window I watched her extra curvy figure disappear down the road. My wolf damn near shredded my insides, pissed that I was letting her go. Instinct had me leaping up and following her, but I could tell she was spooked and needed space. I sensed her confusion, and fear.
Turning my attention to Jer, I growled. “Cute? Did you see the ass on her? She’s fucking delectable.”
His eyes blazed. An awkward moment passed before he snickered. “I didn’t want you jumping me for saying the truth about your territory.”
I nibbled my bottom lip, barely containing a smile. “My territory, huh?”
I easily recalled her generous curves. Everywhere I looked was stunning, feminine softness. Black capri leggings showed thighs that would hug me tight while I fucked her with a strap on; they pressed together, guarding her sweet pussy. An oversized grey tee that hung off one shoulder hid most of her upper body, but couldn’t slim down her breasts. She had a healthy handful I couldn’t wait to suck on.
Fuck. My hands tingled just thinking about caressing her.
Dark brown hair was haphazardly knotted at the top of her head with so many strays that were just beckoning for me to sweep them behind her ear. Once there, it would be easy to cup her round cheeks, gaze straight into her chocolate brown eyes and kiss her sweet lips, boldly daring her to close her eyes and lose herself in my touch.
My wolf dropped down, lashing me with her tail in a bitch fit. She viciously roared; her anger vibrated my lungs. She hated that I had a conscience sometimes.
I hated that I had a conscience sometimes.
“Don’t even think about it.” Ferocity lit his tone as he narrowed his eyes on me.
“What?” I snapped.
“She needs time.”
I clenched my teeth, barely avoiding grinding them. “I know.” I crossed my arms over my chest, over breasts that were suddenly aching. I crossed my legs, squeezing my thighs together, attempting to avoid further misery. Being horny with no mate totally sucked.
His muscles temporarily bunched. “I know you. You were about to ignore your own advice.”
I sighed. “Don’t we have some kind of criminal activity to police?”
Jerry finally relaxed into a laugh. “Nope. Even if we did, misery loves company. It’s not often I see Miss Ellie May with her panties literally in a bunch.”
I shoved out of my chair, refusing to deal with his high-handedness. “Asshole,” I called over my shoulder as I walked to the counter. This only drew more laughs from him.
I yanked a wad of cash out of my pocket and placed a few bills on the counter. “Ring up the iced coffee, Ruth.”
The older woman eyed me conspicuously as she approached. “A please might get you further.”
I released a breath. “Sorry. Please.”
Her eyes lit with amusement; the gold in her grey irises told me her wolf was equally entertained. “It’s alright, dear. I remember how it was when I met my Harry.” She whistled. “That was some mighty intense stuff there. I don’t think we came up for air for a good month.”
“Yeah, well, it’s a bit more complicated for me. I got a straight, human girl just passing through.”
Ruth punched in the order and handed me the change. “I saw the way she looked at you, Ellie. You’ll get her, honey.”
I wrinkled my nose. “Eventually doesn’t satisfy now.”
“But it still satisfies something.”
I shrugged, stuffing the money back in my pocket. “True. Have a good one, Ruth.”
“You too, dear.”
Moseying back to the table, I grabbed my empty cup and tossed it in the nearest trashcan. “Let’s go, old man.”
“Old man? I’m only two years older than you.” Jerry followed suit, tossing his Styrofoam cup in the same disposal bin.
I gave him a cheeky grin. “And yet, I look so much better than you.” I beamed, shoving out the front door.
He quickly caught up. “Beauty is all about perception.”
“Humph. Well, in that case, you’re an ogre, and I’m Barbie…because I prefer girls and all.” I winked sideways at him.
He grinned my way; Jerry knew how to take my shit. I had an abrasive sense of humor. While he delivered a few blows from time to time, for the most part, he just let me run my mouth. He understood me, and my twisted lust for verbal quips. No one knew me better than Jerry.
He nudged me with his elbow. “Half the men, and half the wolves, would have fought for you if you weren’t.”
I entwined my arms around his left, encasing his massive bicep. “I love it when you kiss my ass.”
“You’re a piece of work, you know that?”
I laughed, breaking away from him to get in the cruiser. “I know.”
He shook his head in dismay
as he slid behind the wheel. “That poor girl has no idea she’s about to be hit by an El Bomb.”
My heart warmed at the thought of her alone. “And as my mate, she’ll come to love every fucking minute of it.”
“Too bad you can’t actually fuck her.”
“Oh, I’m gonna fuck those curves.”
He grew serious for a moment, his brows dipping inwards, his lips pursing tightly as he gazed out the windshield. “I know it’s none of my business, but have you considered the fact that you can’t mark your mate’s womb, so she won’t technically be your mate?”
My wolf roared inside me, snapping at my ribs. “Oh, I’ll mark that womb. I’m sure I can find something to mark it with inside this crusty cunt.”
His features twisted; his expression became indiscernible. He scrubbed his jaw, expelling a harsh breath. He shoved the keys in the ignition and started the car. His concern for me was beginning to transfer.
I patted his shoulder. “Thanks for the concern, Jer, but you know I always get what I want.”
He cocked a brow as he glanced back at me. “Not always,” he boldly stated.
“Ninety-nine-point-nine percent of the time I do. And I’ll be damned if claiming my mate falls into that point-zero-one percent.” I stuck my nose up, determination setting my expression.
His serious aura broke. He chuckled, a smile beginning to curl his lips at the edges. Checking out the side mirror, he pulled out onto the road. Shaking his head in amusement, he muttered, “You’re definitely a piece of work, El.”
“Crack the windows, big dog,” I said, gazing out as he slowly maneuvered through our small town.
“I don’t smell that bad.” Playful Jerry was back.
I rolled my eyes. “What was it that Darcy said at the diner a few days ago?” I pursed my lips, feigning contemplation. “Oh yeah! You smell like a mutt down south.”
“Yeah, well, I won’t say what she smelled like.”
I laughed. “Now you just sound like a bitter old man, Jer.”
“Bitter, yeah, but smelly, no.”
“I wouldn’t know.”