Wolf Tainted Union: The Complete Collection - 6-Book Bundle (Books 1-6) - A Paranormal Werewolf Shifter Romance
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“No.” Iris shook her head. “I need to do this alone.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.” Iris wrapped herself in her own shawl and stepped out of the door but she paused before closing it after her, looking across to Caspian. “I don’t want to blame you for my mother’s death; I know you were only acting to save Allegra.”
“I was.” Caspian nodded.
“And I thank you for that…for saving her.” She turned and smiled at her friend. “I just wish there had been another way. A way where less lives would have been lost.”
“Me, too,” Caspian admitted.
Iris closed the door and left to practice magic in the safety of the village, leaving the young couple alone.
***
“I never meant to hurt her mother,” Caspian said regretfully as he stared into the fire.
“I know.” Allegra gently placed her hand on top of his and gave it a reassuring squeeze. “And she knows that.”
“But what if she has a point? What if our land is torn apart by war and it’s all my fault?”
“It’s not your fault, Caspian. The blame lies with the elders of my coven. If they’d been willing to just set me free to follow my own destiny, then no blood would have been shed. Instead they wanted to burn me alive for daring to defy them. They are monsters!”
“Aren’t I a monster, too?” Caspian asked sadly.
“No!” Allegra cried, moving her hands to cup his handsome face. He regarded her with dark, sad eyes.
“You’re my hero,” she told him. “You’re no monster.”
“I just wish I could control it.” He glanced sadly at his hands. “Older wolves, they can turn when they choose. I can’t do that. My emotions lead me too much.”
“You’ll learn to control it in time.”
“I hope so.” Caspian made a fist, remembering how it felt for his hand to morph into a paw.
***
Theo checked in on the wolves who had been wounded during the battle against the Shadow Lord. Thankfully their wounds were only superficial and already healing well, thanks to the wolf blood in their veins.
Even though they had been victorious, Theo didn’t feel in the mood for celebrating. The younger wolves were jubilant about the triumph, preparing a feast for the night where they would toast the moon and consume their weight in cooked meat. But Theo couldn’t share in their joy. He remained tense. He kept wondering what the witches would do next in their quest for vengeance. He was certain that rather than be deterred by the fall of their Shadow Lord, it would only serve to further spur them in to action. The witch elders were cruel, and they didn’t believe in forgiveness, not even for their own kind. He couldn’t expect them to show mercy to werewolves.
The day was cold despite the presence of the sun and so a great fire was being prepared in the center of the town for the pack to gather around and rejoice. Theo didn’t try and stop their revelry. He know how important it was to the pack’s moral. He’d let them drink, dance and have fun. Talk of war could wait until the following day. They’d earned some respite from the stress that constantly gnawed at his own mind.
As Theo wandered through his town, he kept inhaling the air, checking for any slight changes that could indicate impending danger. But the air remained damp and pure. If the witches were coming for them, it wouldn’t be upon this night. He felt himself relax just slightly, but not enough to enter into the party with his kin. He’d watch on as he always did, from a distance, constantly keeping a vigilant eye out to ensure the protection of his pack.
***
Although Caspian looked troubled, he also looked impossibly handsome. Allegra remembered how amazing it had felt when they were together in the woods. Their kiss, the sex, it had all been so intense. Each time she closed her eyes at night, she relived those erotic moments, desperate to relive them. And here they were alone at last.
Carefully Allegra released her hands from Caspian’s face and moved toward him, her lips brushing softly upon his neck. With her tongue, she playfully licked his salty skin, willing him to want her as much as she wanted him.
“Allegra.” He sounded disinterested, but he didn’t push her away, so she persisted. She began to nibble upon his ear, which made Caspian groan. He sat on a rug by the fire and as she continued to nibble upon his ear, he grabbed her up in his strong arms and pulled her onto his lap so that she was facing him.
He took a moment to take in her beauty. Her hair was as bright as the fire that flickered behind it, illuminating her like the goddess she was to him. Then he pulled her to him, and they started to kiss passionately.
Caspian hungrily explored her mouth with his tongue, savoring how she tasted. As the kiss intensified, Allegra pressed her body tightly against him as he ran his hands down her back, groaning. She could feel through her clothes just how badly he wanted her, which turned her on.
When they parted from the kiss, breathing heavily, Caspian was almost completely aroused. He pulled at Allegra’s dress, releasing the buttons that bound her bodice. There was a corset beneath, which he tore apart, splitting the fabric and ruining the garment but neither of them cared.
Her perfect, perky breasts were now exposed to him, and Caspian eyed them with delight. They were two wonderful pale orbs that he began to caress with his hands as Allegra squirmed with delight in his lap. Leaning forward, Caspian placed his lips upon her nipple.
“Ahh,” Allegra gasped in delight as she became moist and eager for him.
Caspian licked and sucked on her nipple as it became hard in her mouth. She writhed against him, desperate for him to be inside her.
“Take me,” she ordered breathlessly in his ear. “Take me now.”
He released her from his grip so that she could hurriedly remove her lower garments. She moved to get back on his lap but he shook his head.
“And the rest,” he instructed seductively.
Grinning flirtatiously, Allegra removed all of her clothes so that she was completely naked. As Caspian watched her undress, he took off his trousers.
He scanned her bare body with his eyes and felt his dick become rock hard. She was flawless.
“Do you want me?” Allegra asked, her voice velvety smooth.
“Come here!” Caspian ordered, and she resumed her position on his lap. This time when he drew her close, his hands upon her back, he slipped inside of her and Allegra gasped with glee.
As they sat by the light of the fire, she began to ride him. Slowly at first, savoring the sensation, but as they became more consumed by desire her movements became more frantic.
“Oh God.” Caspian buried himself in her fire-red hair as she rode him hard, making his whole body pulsate with urgent desire. She felt tight and perfect around his shaft, teasing him closer to climax with every movement she made.
Just as he was about to come, Caspian grabbed her by the buttocks and lifted her off him, placing her on the floor by the fire. He was soon on top of her, entering her once more. Allegra held him tightly to her as they continued to make love. Their bodies now shone with a faint sheen of fresh perspiration.
“Oh, Caspian,” she called as he pressed against her inner G-spot. “I’m going to come.” She shuddered beneath him.
“Come for me,” he ordered into her ear, his breath hot.
He continued to penetrate her, and Allegra came, her toes curling as her body twitched with satisfaction. She looked deeply into Caspian’s eyes and pulled herself up to kiss him. The kiss was short but intense. When they pulled apart, they were both panting from the exertion and from the heat of the fire.
When Caspian pulled up, Allegra seized the opportunity to wriggle out from under him.
“Where are you going?” he asked, trying to grab at her. He didn’t need to wait long for an explanation. Allegra positioned herself on all fours and looked back at him with a sexy spark in her eyes.
Caspian didn’t need further invitation. He drew up behind her, grabbing her hips and pulling her to him as
he guided his dick inside her and made love to her doggy style.
He penetrated her deeply, and Allegra cried out in delight as he thrust in and out of her, grunting and sweating.
Caspian loved seeing the curve of her pristine back as he fucked her. He released one hand to playfully smack her plump rear. As he continued to ride her, he relished how her breasts jiggled with the movements. Allegra was so unbelievably sexy. He wanted to make the sex last as long as possible but he was so close to climaxing.
“Oooh,” Allegra moaned in pleasure, and he couldn’t contain himself any longer. He came in one urgent, satisfying moment, filling her with all that he had.
Exhausted, they both lay back on the rug, the room now hot and unbearable around them.
“Amazing!” she eventually concluded.
“Yes,” Caspian agreed breathlessly. “It was! Iris should go out to practice magic more often!”
As her breathing slowed, Allegra turned on her side and lovingly stroked Caspian’s bare chest. “I’m just glad you’re okay. I was so worried about you earlier.”
“You don’t have to worry,” he told her, turning to look her in the eye. “I’ll always come back to you, Allegra. I love you.”
“I love you, too.” Allegra leaned forward and softly kissed his lips. Despite the warmth of the room, she drew herself up into his arms and they remained there, locked together in a loving embrace.
***
As dawn arrived over the Vale of Glendora, the witch elders gathered around the stone well in the center of town. Whilst younger members of the coven still slept, they skulked around in the early light like ghosts.
Agatha waited until all of the elders had gathered before speaking. Her long gray hair was plaited behind her and curled at her feet.
“So did you reach a decision?” Marion asked, her words rasping through her uneven teeth.
“I spent many hours in meditation,” Agatha addressed not only Marion but all of the gathered group. “I asked our ancestors for guidance. I impeached them to offer us their wisdom.”
“And what did they say?” a warlock demanded eagerly. “Did they tell you how to vanquish the wolves?”
The air around the group became electric with anticipation. Agatha savored the mounting suspense. She’d always had a flair for being dramatic. It helped her be a strong, enigmatic leader for the coven.
“Tell us!” Marion implored her leader. “Tell us what the ancestors said!”
“Their words came to me as though within a dream,” Agatha began. “They spoke of darkness and of turning tides.”
“But did they tell you how we are to defeat the wolves?” another witch cried impatiently.
“Yes!” another agreed. “Did they tell you how to do it? Without the Shadow Lord, we’re helpless.”
“No, we are not,” Agatha snapped, her voice as hard and sharp as a steel blade. “The ancestors spoke to me and they gave me many answers.”
“But did they tell you how to defeat the wolves?” a warlock cried desperately.
Agatha’s eyes darkened and a wicked smile pulled on her old thin lips. “Yes,” she confirmed as the air around them plummeted a few degrees, making the hair on the napes of their necks stand to attention. “Yes, they did.”
TO BE CONTINUED IN BOOK FIVE: Forgotten Faces Ignite New Places - Volume 5
***
Forgotten Faces Ignite New Places
***
Synopsis
A witch with a familiar face arrives within the wolf village to lend her support to their cause. Uma’s return signals a turning of the tide as other exiled witches venture out of hiding to fight with the wolves and teach Allegra and Iris powerful dark magic.
Yet as the wolves grow stronger, so do the witches of the coven as the elders prepare to fight, whatever the cost.
***
Allegra sat on a tree stump at the end of the wolf village, admiring how the dawn light filtered down through the trees and printed patterns upon the ground. The world always seemed so still so close to the dawn.
Apart from the chorus of birds who announced the new day, everything else was quiet, still clinging to the restful nature of the night.
Wolves who had been out during the dark hours had now returned home to rest. There was a peaceful serenity to the village that Allegra had rarely known within her coven. She sat on the stump and inhaled the crisp, clean morning air and closed her eyes, letting her senses take it all in.
Suddenly she smelt something peculiar. She inhaled deeply and realized it was a familiar scent. Panicked, she instantly snapped her eyes open. A witch was close.
Turning around, she quickly located the source of the scent. From the tree line emerged a woman, slightly taller than herself, who had dark straight hair that stopped at her shoulders and dark inquisitive eyes that regarded Allegra with keen interest.
As the figure stepped into the light, Allegra straightened and got off the stump, suddenly feeling defensive.
“Don’t come any closer!” she warned, holding up her hand, not that it would do any good. She didn’t know any protection spells strong enough to hold an attacker at bay, at least not yet.
The advancing figure stopped and tilted her head to the left, smiling slightly.
“You’ve grown so much,” the dark-haired woman commented with warmth in her voice.
Allegra’s mouth fell open as her hand lowered. It couldn’t be. “Uma?” she gasped in disbelief.
“Yes, little sister, it’s me.” Uma ran over and embraced Allegra in her arms.
Still not trusting what she saw, Allegra let her hold her close, her mind racing with questions. “But I thought you were dead,” she finally said as they parted.
“I know,” Uma said sadly. “That’s what they wanted you to think.”
“Who? The elders? Uma, where have you been? Why didn’t you contact me?”
“There is so much I need to tell you,” Uma declared, her voice now serious.
“You can tell us both,” Iris instructed as she rounded a corner and approached them. Lately, she was never far from Allegra, constantly keeping a watchful eye over her friend, anxious that the witches might return at any moment to finish what they started with her punishment.
“Iris? Is that you?” Uma squinted as she looked at the tall, slender blonde who had been so much shorter and less graceful when she’d left the village.
“Let’s go inside,” Allegra suggested. “We can talk safely there.”
***
Caspian sat on the stairs, allowing the three women to crowd around the fireplace and talk, but he kept a keen eye over them, distrusting of Uma’s sudden return.
“I can’t believe you’re with a werewolf!” Uma exclaimed when they were introduced. “I mean, I’d heard it had happened but it’s actually true!”
Caspian glared angrily. He wasn’t a prize to be admired.
“I just can’t believe you’re here!” Allegra voiced giddily. For so many years she’d wanted to connect with her sister, to see her again, just to know she was alright and alive.
“But how are you here?” Iris asked. “Didn’t the elders burn you, as they tried to burn Allegra?”
“They tried, yes.” Uma sighed, remembering that fateful night years ago when she was forced to sever all ties with her coven. “I refused to partake in the choosing ceremony. I just felt like I wanted to choose my own partner, let my heart guide me, not some old witch with an agenda. I thought they’d be accepting of my decision and just cast me out. I was mistaken.”
“So what happened?” Allegra asked anxiously, leaning forward.
“They tried to burn me at the stake, just as they did you. Only I’d been practicing dark magic. I had been for a few months, in preparation for if they didn’t let me leave before the choosing. I used magic to loosen my ropes and then to push them back and I fled. They could have easily overpowered me, but they didn’t dare use dark magic themselves in front of everyone.”
“I don’t reme
mber that,” Allegra mused, frowning as she searched for a memory that didn’t exist. “I just remember waking up one morning and mother saying you were gone. She didn’t even really explain. She mentioned dark magic and that I wasn’t to speak about you anymore. It was awful.”
“Of course you don’t remember.” Uma averted her gaze and looked in to the flames that greedily ate the wood beneath them. “The elders placed a spell upon the youths of the coven, blocking their memories. When you awoke the next day, you remembered nothing and I was just inexplicably gone. They will have done the same since you left.”
“So what, they regularly burn people at the stake and we just…forget?” Iris asked incredulously.
“Exactly.” Uma nodded grimly. “It’s how they retain their power. If the rest of the coven knew just how wicked the elders were, they’d never follow them. And the magic I practice, it isn’t dark. It’s merely assertive, enabling me to protect myself. The elders want to banish all magic that could be used to usurp them.”
Allegra pulled her arms around herself in horror as she took it all in. It sickened her to wonder how many times she’d witnessed a fellow witch be burnt alive for what she believed in. And to have those memories fogged from her own mind was just wrong, robbing her of something that she should have owned.
“But surely to fog the minds of others is dark magic?” Iris deduced.
“Indeed.” A sad smile pulled on Uma’s lips. “That’s why they look as withered as they do. They are actually several hundred years old but they use dark magic to keep themselves looking somewhere human. Their true forms are much more withered and decayed by the darkness.”