Pack Law
Fated Mate: Book 6
Shannon Duane
Copyright © 2014 by: Shannon Duane
Cover Design by: Laura Shinn
Shannon Duane
Don’t miss the other books in Shannon’s Fated Mate series:
Book 1 – An Alpha’s Trust
Book 2 – A Second Chance
Book 3 – A Pack Family
Book 4 – Mate Magic
Book 5 – Surviving the Pack
Book 6 – Pack Law
Watch for Book 7 -- coming soon!
Irish Boys Series
Book 1 – Carrick’s Caress
Book 2 – Liam’s Danger
Watch for book 3 –coming soon
License Notes:
This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. It may not be copied or reproduced in any manner without express written permission of the author. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy or copies. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
Pack Law is a work of fiction. Though some of the cities and towns actually exist they are used in a fictitious manner for purposes of this work. All characters are works of fiction and any names or characteristics similar to any person past, present or future are coincidental.
Dedicated to:
This book ran a little longer than the others; why you ask? I’ve had a rough few months where I’ve had to stop and start this book several times. Thank you so much for all of you who took the time to send me a message and not only help me out of a funk, but appreciate that I am a self-published author (no professional editing team-sad, I know) and forgive my mistakes.
Laura, the cover is awesome as usual.
In particular this book is dedicated to DT, LD, LE, SCB, RM, AK, DT, SW, JC and YC. Yes, these are your initials. Thank you for your positive feedback and support.
One more person, DD my personal team Shanzo supporter; thanks ma, for not only your love and support but for enclosing my edited books in an envelope, sealed and wrapped with a rubber band. It always makes me feel drug-dealerish. Allowing my teenager to ask, what iz in z package?
To view more of Shannon’s writing, please visit:
http://shannonduane.yolasite.com.
http://www.facebook.com/shannon.duane.98?ref=tn_tnmn
or email me [email protected]
Prologue
As Blake’s cell phone rang he let it go to voicemail; he’d blame it on bad service later. Who really expected him to get service in bum fuck Alaska anyway? He was super excited to have the opportunity to become a leader; he simply didn’t want to have to leave his family. His whole family had alpha tendencies, but they all lived in an area where there were great leaders. Why would they challenge for leadership of a pack that already had an excellent leader?
As he sat in the café he’d come to every day for the last month he wondered if he’d even find the elusive Alaskan pack of wolves, let alone lead them as alpha. Since Katarina ran from their pack they’d changed meeting locations several times; he’d picked up faint scents of previous territory markings but they were all old.
Blake sat back drinking his coffee and pondering his life when a female walked in. Not just any female but a bitch. She stood tall and proud like a regal wolf with her shoulders back and nose in the air. A tiny man walked behind her, shoulders hunched with a hoodie in place covering his face and head, appearing miserable. He didn’t spare the man a second glance but he could feel his heart rate accelerate; let the chase begin.
Walking four paces behind Morena as she was told to, Delilah kept her head down and her gaze averted. Keeping her senses open and keen to danger she’d be able to tell when Tidus came back to claim Morena. She’d been appointed as Morena’s ‘assistant’ ever since she fought Tidus in an alpha challenge, attempting to take him down, permanently. She’d have succeeded too if it weren’t for kiss ass Morena and her stuck up friends that poisoned her before the challenge. She knew the only reason Tidus didn’t kill her was because he wanted to make an example of her.
Thinking about the past got her nowhere so she looked to the future; constantly planning, watching and learning. Someday she’d take Tidus down. Not envisioning revenge, but freedom, consumed her days and nights.
“I’d like a skinny vanilla latte with soy milk, don’t skimp on the foam either.” Morena turned towards Delilah, “Did you want something, hon?” Without waiting for an answer she responded in her high pitched fake happy voice, “No, okay.”
The annoying tone she used on everyone really grated on Delilah’s nerves. One day she’d like to punch her in the throat and prevent her from speaking entirely; it’s not like she ever had anything nice to say.
After countless hours shopping and now the latte, Delilah hoped they’d be heading home. Unfortunately, Morena felt like more torture was needed.
Morena’s smile was pure wickedness. “Let’s stop by the Lusty Busty for some new Lingerie on the way home. You can help me pick out some silky outfits.”
Following the maddening woman and her friend was easy. All Blake had to do was keep his ears open to the irritating sound of the female wolf that thought her shit didn’t stink. He hesitated momentarily when they walked into a lingerie store named the Lusty Busty, but ended up going in to make sure they didn’t slip out the back. He was sure that the surly fellow traveling with princess knew he was following but he never engaged and the fellow didn’t appear worried, occasionally pulling his hoodie closer to his face.
As princess less than lusty-busty, as he liked to refer to her, was trying on lingerie Blake waited by the panty section. He didn’t want to appear creepy so he held a few items up as if he was looking for a girlfriend. He really just wanted the uptight chick to lead him back to her pack so he could start running the show. How long did it take to try on underthings?
Thirty minutes later Blake took a seat by the changing room and vowed he would never judge a woman by her under garb. It usually didn’t matter because it went under clothes and if your man saw it, it was usually hitting the floor scant moments later. His cell phone rang again and he tried to ignore his alpha but old habits die hard.
Clicking the answer button he uttered, “Yo.”
“Mr. Blake?”
Sitting up straight in his chair he recognized Trevor’s voice. The alpha’s adopted son was loved by everyone. He was also able to see the future and he constantly dropped hints at the future. It drove Blake crazy but his mother insisted, as not to ‘alter the fates.’ Pft, as if. “Call me Blake, little man. What’s shakin’ bacon?”
Trevor sighed, “I miss you. Alaska is very far and mama says I can’t come see you yet.”
Smiling, “Yeah, it’s a long way away. Not to mention it’s cold and lonely.”
“You still haven’t found her…Uh, the pack? I swear I got the timing right.”
Worry began to form in Blake’s mind, “I’m on the trail now. I just spotted a female wolf and I’m following her. I hope to find ‘em soon.”
Trevor chuckled, “Isn’t she pretty? I think she has the bestest aura ever. I’ve never seen anything so pure, except babies and me.”
Blake eyed the woman verbally assaulting the cashier and hoped Trevor wasn’t talking about her. As the woman’s tone became higher the small man behind her simply slipped money on the counter and grabbed the bags without looking up or removing his hood.
Obviously, Trevor’s aura meter was a bit off today. “Whatever you say, Trevor, I have to go now because I’m following the pack’s trail.”
“Okay, Mr. Blake. Just promise me one thing.”
“Yeah.”
“Not everyone in the Alaska pack is bad. Look
deeper.”
Blake pinched the bridge of his nose and let out an exasperated breath. “Trevor, you know I love you but I’m in Alaska alone and I really need you to be clear; none of this ‘figure it out on your own’ stuff. Alright?’
“Okay, but I told mama I wouldn’t get involved so don’t tell, k?”
“Okay.” Blake really wanted to reach through the phone and smack the kid upside his head.
“She’s a girl. The one you been chasing. Just be nice to her.”
Blake’s chuckle turned into a full blown laugh by the time he responded. “I kinda figured she was a girl since I’m in a bra and panty store. But thanks kid.”
Trevor mumbled something that sounded suspiciously like, freakin’ adults, before he blurted, “Not that one,” And hung up.
Blake pulled his phone from his ear and shook his head. Crazy kid. Slipping his cell phone into his pocket he caught a whiff of the most amazing scent; warm apple pie. So out of context for a bra and panty store in the wilds of Alaska, but a welcome scent none the less.
Blake was watching his prey as they walked out of the store and down the street. For a moment he was so caught up in the lingering scent as well as controlling his drool that he ran right into the man traveling with princess bitch. Blake reached down to steady him after he heard a grunt, in shock that his hands were tingling where they made contact with slim womanly shoulders.
Surprisingly, the scent became stronger and as the man’s hood fell. Blake saw that, instead of a small man, he was standing in front of a petite woman. Her hair was a beautiful coffee brown with shimmering caramel highlights and chocolate eyes that were able to reach deep into his soul. Her slender fingers reached up pushed his hands off her as she secured her hood, closing off his view of her soft wavy locks.
Ah, so that’s what Trevor meant. Blake took in great deep breaths as he inhaled the scent that would call to him for the rest of his days. Mate.
Chapter 1
Delilah quickened her pace unaware of the possible danger behind her. She’d known she was being followed but she didn’t know why. Having not heard anything from Katarina since she left made her nervous. Morena was next to her completely oblivious to her surroundings sipping her latte and looking at her freshly painted nails.
Pulling out her cell phone, discretely, behind the endless swishing frilly bags she was carrying for Morena, and not knowing who else to notify, she shot a quick text to her father: being followed-wolf. Big bloke, advise.
Seconds later her phone buzzed with an incoming message, Scent? One of Tidus’s?
Taking a moment to think of how to word her response she sifted the bags to her other arm. They were starting to cut into her wrist and cause her hand to go numb. Coming to a conclusion she replied, Not a trace of bitter. Smells clean. Unknown link to Tidus. In reality her follower smelled divine; cookies and security.
Once again her father came through in seconds: Come home, he’ll follow.
Delilah still didn’t know this man’s purpose for being in Alaska, but her family would be ready if he decided to pursue her. Most likely he was visiting some distant human relation. Seeing Morena he probably couldn’t resist her beauty. Hating to admit that Morena, her tormenter, was beautiful on the outside she couldn’t deny it. She was tall and slender with long blond hair. Yes, her hair was dyed and her attitude sucked, but she was visually gorgeous.
Delilah knew she looked like a boy, short with mousy brown hair; lacking a certain exotic sensuality that came naturally to the other wolves. But she was honest and hardworking which should count for something. Currently, she was known as a minion that catered to Morena’s needs while Tidus was away. She was looking forward to the day that she took back her independence, casting out the rotten members in the pack and freeing her people once again. The only thing she waited on was Tidus’s return so she could challenge him again.
Feeling more like the fool he was Blake followed the pair and took note of how the regal appearing one attempted to appear superior, casting haughty looks at the little woman with her. The one he couldn’t stop looking at; with fine delicate bones and an even finer tush. Now that he knew the he, was actually a she, he took note of her as a female and he couldn’t keep his eyes off her. The baggy pants she wore should have hidden her toned legs but every time the breezed blew the well-worn fabric against her legs he caught the faint lines of musculature. Her shoulders would have been tiny for a male but knowing she was a woman he couldn’t help but imagine peeling off her hoodie and seeing the definition of muscle in her arms.
His cock stirred for perhaps the first time since his arrival to Alaska. It was a wonder he didn’t pop the zipper on his jeans. Goose flesh popped up on his arms and he peered over at his mate and watched as she slyly sent a message on her phone. Did she think she was being sneaky? He saw the pulse at her neck pound and he feared his presence was frightening her.
Hanging back he almost released his beast involuntarily when princess bitch spun around, connecting her open palm against his mates cheek.
What the fuck?
Shrill screeching began as the woman kicked her booted foot out and knocked his mate down. Bags went flying and the wind was clearly knocked from her lungs as she wheezed attempting to get in much needed air.
Blake was running toward the pair before he gave it a second thought. Jumping over bags he placed a firm but gentle hand on princess-zilla. “Is everything okay, ma’am?”
Allowing her to run her gaze over his body like he was a prized racehorse her eyes finally came back to his face. He’d never felt dirty before but her gawking made him uncomfortable.
She held out her hand to him palm down like she expected a kiss from a prince, he cocked his eyebrow. Yep, it’s a hand, welcome to being a human.
Lips peeling back to reveal straight white teeth she held her hand in front of his mouth and announced. “Hi there, handsome, I’m Morena.”
She inhaled deeply probably just scenting he was a shifter and letting out a shocked ‘oh’ in surprise. Good, let her be thrown off.
Regarding him and how she should continue the introduction she lowered her voice and whispered, “Do you have word of Tidus? Has he come back for me?”
Blake didn’t let his astonishment show. Was it possible for the pack to have no knowledge of their previous alpha’s death? Giving her a generic answer so she wouldn’t scent the lie he proceeded with extreme caution. “My name is Blake and I’ve been sent because I have an announcement for the pack, we need to make haste in getting back, sugar. It’s, uh…important.”
With squinty eyes she stomped her foot and demanded, “You’ll let me know first.”
Blake sent her his most charming smile and let his beast’s power out to provoke her fear. “I don’t think so, sugar.” He reached down, picking up the bags that were littering the sidewalk and shoved them her way, “Lead on, soldier.”
Stepping back he saw that his mate was still on her ass on the cold sidewalk so he reached down, picking her up, patting her backside of imaginary dirt and placed her to his side. “And you are?”
She had to close her mouth and swallow a few times before she could shake off her outrage. Fuck! Her mate is one of Tidus’s new lackeys. Hell no, she’d refuse him and challenge Tidus to the death before she accepted this. Brushing her hair back and re-placing her hood she finally confirmed, “No one important.”
Walking away, turning her back on him probably wasn’t a good idea but her wits had taken a temporary hiatus. Feeling his firm but gentle grip on her upper arm and hearing his slightly humored laugh caused her anger to surface. She managed a growl before ripping her arm away and sauntering off.
Morena hollered behind her, “Delilah, wait. You have to take the bags.
Blake felt himself grin, “Ah, sweet Delilah.”
Sweet probably wasn’t the best word for his feisty mate. She put off fuck you vibes so loud he could feel his ball shriveling. Maybe he made a mistake and she wasn’t his fated. He could
hear his old alpha harping on him, One day she’ll come and you won’t be able to get her scent out of your head. You’ll live and breathe for being in her presence.
Well…She’s pretty and she smells phenomenal, but she’s kinda scary. He kept sneaking peaks at her while the annoying princess’s shrill voice resonated in his poor aching eardrums. Not once did she look back at him. He wondered if she made walking in front of dangerous creatures a habit.
Attempting to be polite he turned toward the menace and asked, “Could you please stop talking. My ears hurt.”
Morena made a strangled gasping noise while his little mate’s shoulders shook with what he knew was silent laughter.
Morena put her manicured hands on her hips. “Well, I don’t think I like you very much and when Tidus gets back I’m sure I’ll tell him you were rude.” She leaned in and whispered while running a slender finger over the muscles of his chest. “He has a short temper so maybe you should think about being more considerate, Mister.”
Blake had to swallow back the bile that was quickly attempting to surface at her touch. He didn’t take a step back because that would imply weakness so he stepped past her octopus hands and rushed to pull alongside his petite mate. “Come here often, darlin’?”
Her voice sounded gravelly with strain. “Alaska or the sidewalk?”
Chuckling Blake reached over and slid the hood off her head baring a smooth pale cheek. “Alaska. Do you live here? Is this your pack territory? Or are you visiting family? Friends?”
Knowing he’d be associated with Tidus he wasn’t surprised when she shook her head. “Leave me be. I don’t want to be trifled with.” Replacing her hood only gave her the illusion of a barrier.
Pack Law (Fated Mate) Page 1