by Naomi Jones
Nathan stood up and looked out the window to see Regine roaming the garden holding Anik’s daughter, Zasha. Some of the other pups crowded around her to take a look at the youngest pack member. Regine smiled and kneeled down as all the cubs giggled in excitement. Nathan smiled warmly before making his way outside.
“Kids, look,” Regine said, pointing toward Bryce and Xack in wolf form approach.
“Ssshhh, the baby’s sleeping,” they all whispered. More pack members walked by and the pups told them to be quiet. Once Nathan and Dagger appeared the kids ran up to them.
“Uncle Nathan! Uncle Dagger!” one of the cubs screamed and ran up to them.
Nathan kept his stance rigid but the pups just hugged him even tighter. Dagger, however, embraced each one. Leaning down, he made them huddle closer.
“How about we go inside and get some popsicles?” The stampede that followed his question had both Regine and Nathan laughing…and moving aside. Nathan may not have known much about pups but he knew not to stand between a pup and sweets. As if a bunch of pups wasn’t enough, Dagger held his arms out for Zasha.
It was just the two of them in the garden now. Nathan’s intense stare made her body shake. He walked closer and held out his hand.
“Is everything all right?” Regine asked as she took it. It was hard to miss the seriousness in his eyes.
“We need to talk about your sister.”
“Naya? What about her?”
“It’s time she joins the pack,” Nathan said.
Regine knew Nathan probably expected an argument but she wasn’t giving him one. Nathan was still a no-nonsense Alpha, but in the privacy of their bedroom, he was gentle, talkative and happy. He was also fair. If he thought Naya needed to be here, there was a good reason for it.
“I couldn’t agree more. Fair warning: she hasn’t shifted since our mother died. I tried everything to convince her to start but nothing’s worked.”
“I wouldn’t worry about that. Dagger is a very good instructor. Naya will do well among the shifters.”
“Was there something else?” Regine asked before plastering a smirk on her face.
“I have a challenge for you.”
“About time. What is it?”
“Simple. You have to run with me. But this time we go a little farther out. All you have to do is keep up.”
“Okay, you’re on. What should I shift into?” Regine asked already feeling victory spread through her veins.
“Timber wolf. We leave now.” Nathan said walking down the path that led to the woods.
They quickly undressed but Regine paused to take in his wolf form. The average size of a wolf ranged from four and a half to six and a half feet from muzzle to tip of tail. Since Nathan was already six foot five and built like a football player his wolf form contradicted that average. From muzzle to the tip of his tail, Nathan was at least seven feet and stood at a height of four feet. His fur was a beautiful mixture of brown, black, and white made her heart melt. Regine slid her hand through the thick layers feeling his body adjust to the summer heat.
A soft groan left his throat as both of her hands worked their magic. Regine scratched behind the one ear she could reach before shifting into an identical version of Nathan. They started out with a simple walk through the woods. He picked up his pace and Regine followed.
Chapter Seven
Nathan waited by the door to his cabin and watched Regine walk in on shaky legs. He’d sprinted the last mile knowing she’d lose him. Nathan felt the shift in weather and picked up his pace but kept it comfortable for Regine. He’d seen her run with other pack members but never in wolf form until today. Though looking outwardly cool Nathan’s spine tingled with a prideful gaze upon his mate. This female made him weak in the knees.
She stood on the welcome mat and shifted into her human form. The smell of dirt, grass, and her natural scent made his cock stand to attention. Regine took the towel he offered and wrapped it around her body. Nathan stood in all his glory not caring since it was just them.
“I guess you win,” she said, finally catching her breath.
“Which means that you have to do what I tell you. First things first, it’s late and I’m hungry,” Nathan said in a cocky voice that caused Regine to snort. He heard her mumbling something about a rematch and figured he’d let her win the next one.
“Can I at least clean up first?”
“Of course. Bathroom is that way.” Nathan pointed toward the stairs. “And Regine, I expect you to return the way you came in.”
“But I wasn’t wearing anything.”
“Exactly.” Nathan said cracking a smile. “You can put on one of my T-shirts to cook if need be. But once you’re done, it comes off.”
Regine gave him a slight nod before leaving.
An hour later they sat down to a meal. Nathan ate his food silently enjoying every piece he put into his mouth. Regine definitely outdid herself. Her plate was almost as big but she was eating at a slower pace. Hiring a chef was on his to-do list but Nathan might just have to hire Regine instead. She had wormed her way into his heart. His stomach was quickly following.
He couldn’t believe she was his. She took the time to discover the man he truly was beneath the title of Alpha.
“How was your steak?” Nathan looked down at his empty plate before looking back at her.
“It was adequate.”
“Just adequate?”
“Yes. Looks like you’re going to have to come back here to improve on your culinary skills.”
Nathan watched Regine squint her eyes and smirked.
“Nathan, you better hope and pray I don’t win the next time we race out here. Because you’re going to suffer once I do.” Regine said before taking her last bite.
“I look forward to your form of punishment Mrs. Rome…” He began before catching himself. “I mean Ms. Hamilton.”
Nathan tried to correct his mistake before it slipped out. Marriage wasn’t a subject that popped into his mind. Being marked represented a stronger event than any traditional marriage ceremony. Nathan liked the idea of Regine having his name. Regine Romero did have a nice ring to it.
“I bet you do, Mr. Romero.”
She picked up her empty plate, ignoring his slip and walked over to the sink. Nathan could feel his body reacting to the sight of hers. Memories of how Regine’s toned legs wrapped around his waist made him tremble. A replay was definitely in store for tonight.
Nathan’s eyes traveled up her chocolate thighs to her perfectly round ass. The first time his hands touched it a towel had been in the way. Now there was just an open space that he planned to fill.
Regine sighed in contentment when Nathan’s hands slid from her shoulder to her arms. She could remember a time when Nathan wouldn’t dare come this close.
“Can I ask you something?” he whispered against her ear and she nodded before turning off the faucet. “Do you still think of me as that arrogant, self-centered Alpha you first met?”
She turned around to look Nathan in the eyes before responding. “I think you’re the best leader for this pack. And, like you said, being arrogant is one of your best qualities.”
Regine felt her nipples harden when he ran his fingers through her hair. “I never thought you were self-centered. Every decision you’ve made has been in the pack’s best interest. Including allowing me to come into the fold.”
Nathan caressed her face and Regine watched him look around the entire cabin. It was almost as if he was expecting someone to be listening to them. He went to say something, but quickly shut his mouth. Regine smiled and calmed Nathan’s nerves. “It’s okay. You don’t have to say anything. I can feel you, remember?”
A scowl reached his face before Nathan took a deep breath. “I’m glad you stayed with us. With me. I needed you to know that. I’ll probably never say it, but I need you to know I do.”
“I know, Nathan. And I’m not looking for you to say them. I need you to know that.” Regine brought her
lips toward his and they connected. Their kiss was slow but filled with the passion they ignited in each other. That passion increased when Nathan’s hands moved to her waist. He growled deep in his throat as his cock grew against her thigh.
Nathan nudged her backward until they were out of the kitchen. Regine felt herself being lifted and gently placed on the soft evergreen custom-colored alpaca rug.
“You know there’s a perfectly good couch we could lay on,” Regine said, and Nathan laughed.
“The couch is next.” His powerful voice vibrated against her lips and she giggled at how carefree he was at that moment.
Snaking her fingers around his tight muscles, Regine felt the mark she made. Regine touched it appreciatively and heard Nathan purr against her ear.
He growled low in his throat when she slid her tongue across the mark she’d made. Nathan’s entire body shook uncontrollably and she turned him so his back was against the rug. Regine moved lower as her tongue tasted every inch of his muscular torso. She stopped to gaze at the wolf tattoo on the lower left side. It was just the face but its eyes seemed to follow her every move. Regine kissed the beautiful work of art and watched it darken. She looked up just in time to see the eyes of his tattoo turn the same shade. She smiled before turning her attention back to his tattoo. “Watch this.” Regine moved her mouth to Nathan’s cock. She took him all the way in loving the growls he emitted.
His veins throbbed against her tongue and she stroked him faster. “Regine, slow down,” Nathan groaned, making her pace quicken. His entire body tensed up and pulled back. Nathan’s breathing was heavy as he attempted to regain some of his control. He went to push himself up but stopped when Regine crawled fully on top of him.
The proof of his arousal could be seen in Nathan’s obsidian eyes. Regine felt the moisture between her legs and moved lower until the tip of his cock teased her entrance. “Tell me what you want, Nathan,” Regine whispered as she eased her way down on to him.
His hands buried their way into her hair and even though highly aroused, he kept eye contact. “You, Regine. I want you.” Nathan grabbed her hips and slid her up and down on his throbbing erection.
She moved slowly watching his dark orbs glow like ebony diamonds on display. The intensity in his eyes grew with each second. He gripped her waist and thrust harder. She held onto his muscular shoulders, urging him onward. And on he went, driving into her deep and hard.
Feeling a limitless fire of pleasure blooming inside, Regine bucked above him. “Nathan,” she whispered before throwing her head back and riding out the intoxicating waves of pleasure. Nathan’s canines sinking into her shoulder wasn’t even noticeable until he flipped her over.
He howled deep in his throat and pumped wildly. Regine held onto him with all the strength she had left. Nathan’s entire body tensed as his release came with one last powerful thrust. Both of them were sweating and gasping for air desperately. The rug was all but ruined from his claws digging into it.
A smirk pulled at Nathan’s lips before he wiped the sweat beads off her forehead. She didn’t know what it was but he looked so ecstatic at having her all to himself. Maybe it was because they were alone. No one could knock on the door and interrupt them the way everyone had been doing since she moved in.
Nathan kissed her long and slow, which made it difficult for her to think. Not that she really wanted to at that moment. He moved onto his side and she turned with him. She closed her eyes in the safety of Nathan’s warm embrace and let his heartbeat lull her to sleep.
Chapter Eight
I’m getting old, Regine thought, as she listened to Naya singing a song by Nicki Minaj. Something about bees and traps. She shook her head and laughed quietly as her sister drove to the compound. They spent most of the day car shopping and ended up driving a new graphite-blue Nissan Murano LE® right off the lot. Now Regine was watching Naya sing and snap her fingers to the beat of the music.
Naya turned down the music. “Regine, guess what?”
“What?” Regine asked after getting hold of herself. Naya had grown up so much these past few years. She was the spitting image of their mother in both looks and perseverance. Naya always focused on her goals to the point of excluding all other things. In high school, counselors were concerned about Naya’s lack of social skills. Regine put their fears to rest by forcing her sister to join some after school clubs.
Unfortunately, that only lasted for a short time. Naya felt better studying than socializing. Boys weren’t even on the radar until Naya met Lex. There wasn’t a day that went by that Regine wondered how Lex got Naya out of her comfort zone.
“I applied for the molecular biology program. With any luck I might be able to work in the labs part time.”
“That’s great news. Everything’s falling into place for you. Mom would be so proud.”
“Do you think she’d be angry that I haven’t shifted since she died?”
“No. Mom would understand just like I did. Sometimes I think I pushed you so hard you no longer wanted to shift.”
“Truth be told, I miss shifting. After Mom died the images of all the animals disappeared. I used to be able to do it at the drop of a dime. What if I can’t anymore?” Naya asked, pulling up to the gate entrance. Two guards opened the gates and waved them through.
“Naya, you can and will do so again. The ability isn’t gone. It’s just dormant right now. And there are plenty of shifters here who are willing to wake those images up.
Naya wiped away a stray tear and turned off the ignition.
“Are you ready?” Regine asked. Her baby sister nodded with a smile.
They stepped out of the vehicle and Dagger and Nathan approached Regine made quick introductions but noticed the eye contact between their siblings.
“Nice to meet you.” Naya offered Dagger her hand. Dagger took it gently and placed a soft kiss on her palm. Regine knew he was looking for a male scent. Any male scent. Lex’s stench was all over Naya. Though slight, it was still there. Nathan, on the other hand, stood waiting for his brother to finish flirting.
“You have a mate.”
“Not exactly. He’s more like a boyfriend.” Naya looked at her hand in his. “Good Lord, your hands are humongous.”
Dagger placed her hand over his heart and smirked. “That’s not the only thing I have that’s humongous,” Dagger said flirtatiously.
Nathan quickly stepped between them forcing Dagger to let go of her hand. “Bring Naya inside so she can meet everyone. You’ll be the one training her on how to shift.” He moved closer so only his brother could hear. “Do not claim her.”
Dagger’s angry, mantis-green eyes almost made Nathan take a step back. It could be dangerous. Her body hasn’t taken animal form since she was twelve. You could kill her.
Dagger closed his eyes in defeat and sidestepped Nathan.
“Naya, my brother will bring you inside and introduce you to everyone. Welcome to the pack,” Nathan said, keeping his intro short and to the point.
“Okay.” She took the hand he offered and followed him inside. Nathan turned his attention back to Regine who was fighting not to smile.
“Dagger won’t claim Naya. At least not until her shifting abilities get back into gear.”
“He’d better hope her boyfriend is out of the picture as well,” Regine said as they followed them.
Dagger introduced Naya to everyone and then pulled a few to the side to explain about training. Nathan shook his head in mild interest at the pair. Regine, on the other hand, was grinning at them.
“I’ve never seen Naya this happy before,” Regine said.
“She’ll fit in well here. Let’s go inside,” Nathan tugged on Regine’s hand and she resisted slightly.
“Shouldn’t we…”
“Naya is with Dagger. Everyone’s out running and patrolling. The pups are sleeping. The expectant mothers have been tended to and you work tomorrow. Do I really need to say anything else?” Nathan asked.
He watch
ed understanding dawn in Regine’s eyes. They had the compound to themselves for the next few hours. No one would interrupt them.
“Just one more thing. I want a rematch back to the cabin on my next day off.”
Nathan’s smirk turned into a full-blown smile and Regine’s heart melted. “Deal. I hope you’re ready to do my bidding for the rest of our lives.”
“The rest of our lives, huh?”
“Yep.”
“Fine. And I hope you’re ready to say ‘yes, ma’am’ when I win, Nathan. Please lead on,” Regine said as she allowed him to take her to their bedroom.
Chapter Nine
Bryce’s nose perked up. The scent of jasmine filled the air. The stars gave him enough light to see the fallen leaves. She was close. He caught a whiff of her scent and veered off from the pack. Bryce inhaled and exhaled many times as her intoxicating fragrance bombarded him. He stopped suddenly, feeling a pair of eyes watch his every move.
He looked around with his keen eyesight. There were a lot of animals out tonight, but he was looking for one that didn’t fit the norm. Regine always said therian shifters had a tendency of turning into animals that don’t fit the habitat just to see if others caught on. He caught sight of a moving object on a tree in his peripheral vision and moved closer.
Bryce laughed lightly at the bird that was staring directly at him. “You’re a crafty one. It’s one thing to shift into a bird, but a harpy eagle, which is found almost exclusively in South America and they’re almost extinct. You obviously want to be discovered. The question is did you want me to be the one to find you.”
The eagle stared for a few moments before gliding down onto the leaves. Bryce took a few steps back to give her room to shift. He kept his guard up. The woman might intrigue him but he was no fool. She was a trespasser.
Bryce kept his facial expression emotionless as he stared at the bird taking human form. The white feathers turned into a human woman with toffee skin and a smile that would make any man’s cock grow hard instantly. Bryce was definitely no exception.