The Alpha's Mate (8 Sexy, Powerful Shifters and Their Fated Mates)

by Lynn Red

  Even so, Lucas and the doctor had both been blindfolded when they’d been taken to the village. And while the doctor was free to come and go as he pleased, Clara was told that Lucas needed to have a guard around him full-time—both for his protection and the clan’s.

  On the third day, Clara threw back the covers and yelled for Kellan to come. He skidded into the room, a comically alarmed expression on his face as he looked wildly around the room.

  “What? What is it? Are you hurt? Is something wrong?”

  “Not at all,” Clara quipped as she swung her legs over the side of the bed. “I’m just tired of languishing in this bed. I’ve been breathing the same air for days. I need a bath and some sunshine.”

  Kellan hesitated. “The doctor hasn’t said—”

  Clara grinned at him, yanking down her shoulder. The wound was completely gone, no trace of it left. “The doctor isn’t used to dealing with patients who have shifter blood in them. I’ve humored him long enough. I need out, now.”

  Kellan finally relented with a helpless grin and a light chuckle. “As you wish. I’ll be right back.”

  Ten minutes later there was a large, wooden tub filled with steaming water, waiting for her. “You’re awfully demanding,” he teased as he helped her up from the bed.

  He released her, and she hesitated, looking at the tub. “Is something wrong?”

  She looked away. “My shoulder is still a bit stiff. I... I think I’m going to need some help.”

  “Oh. Well, I think I can manage that.”

  Clara shivered as Kellan moved behind her, and then helped pull her nightgown over her head. She wore nothing beneath it except the bandages on her shoulder, so she felt his fingers skim her skin as he undressed her, and heard his sharp, in drawn breath. Her heart wasn’t quite steady as his fingers trailed down her back.

  When he didn’t say anything, she lowered herself into the tub unsteadily, then picked up the bar of soap and lathered her body. The water felt absolutely heavenly, the heat soaking into her muscles and releasing the tension in them. She would have been able to relax completely if she weren’t hyperaware that Kellan was still in the room, and that his eyes were still very much on her.

  She leaned forward, exposing her back, and he immediately took the soap and cloth from her before kneeling next to the tub. His hands were warm and strong as he cleaned her gently, but she could feel the slight tremble in his fingers, and knew he was holding onto his control by a thread. Her own breathing was unsteady, and she gripped the edge of the tub tightly.

  “These past few days... have been very difficult,” Kellan murmured, replacing his hands with his lips. “I was scared out of my mind when the doctor was stitching up your wound, talking about infection and fevers. I’d forgotten humans were so fragile.”

  “I...” It was hard for her to think when he was trailing light kisses across the back of her neck. “I’m sorry to have frightened you so. But just so you are aware, I would have done it again in a heartbeat.” She straightened as his lips moved up to her neck, and shivered as she turned to face him. “I really do love you so, Kellan.”

  “I know you do. I know when you’re lying, remember?” He chuckled, a deep rumble, bending his head again, kissing his way down to her chin.

  His lips met hers gently, searching, seeking, and she welcomed him without question, without reservation. There were no words needed between them—the time had come, and despite all they’d been through—or perhaps because of it—they both knew they were ready.

  He lifted her carefully from the tub, carried her to the bed, and then stripped off his clothes before joining her. Clara sighed with pleasure at the feeling of his warm, hard body pressed against hers—he was being very careful not to put all his weight on her, and yet still allowing her to feel him. She kissed him again, long and slow, and he used his fingers to tease her body into readiness, to forget about anything but him, and the pleasure that awaited.

  “So beautiful” he growled, kissing his way down to one rose-colored nipple, circling it with his tongue, feeling it grow hard at his touch.

  Clara shuddered, arching her back. Kellan moved to the other breast, kissing a soft line to that nipple, flicking it carefully with his hot, wet tongue, pulling it fully into his mouth. His fingers kneaded her thighs, barely skimming over her warmth as he continued to caress her with his tongue ,the softness of her skin brushing against his lips and cheek.

  “Please, Kellan,” she gasped, having peaked twice already beneath his skillful fingers. “I want to feel you...inside of me.”

  He nuzzled her neck, then nipped gently. “Are you sure?” His voice was rough.

  “Yes.”

  As they joined for the first time, Clara felt as though her mind was opening up to something completely new. Kellan seemed to invade all her senses, so that she saw nothing else but him. He became larger than life, filling her entire field of vision, and it was as if the rest of the world had fallen away. She saw him running through sunlit fields with her; holding her hand tightly as she went through childbirth; then swinging a child through the air that had his green eyes and her long, blond hair. Her heart swelled with the sheer enormity of it all; of her love for him and the endless possibilities of their future together.

  There was something about Clara, a feeling that calmed him even as she excited him more than any woman ever had. No woman had ever made him feel so much, so soon. On some level...hell, on many levels, this unnerved him.

  But he wanted more and he wanted it now; his body was taking the lead, impatient to move this forward. She looked up at him, her eyes going wide for just a moment, before they darkened, mirroring his desire.

  He kissed her hard, the gentleness gone, claiming her lips, his tongue plundering her accepting mouth. She met him fully, her kiss as insistent as his, her tongue thrust into his mouth.

  Her hands came up to his chest, her arms wrapping around his neck, fingers winding through his hair. He wanted to touch every part of her, to crush her against his body, feel the soft fullness of her breasts against his chest, his cock against her stomach, her ass in his hands.

  His lips found her breasts again, the longing still there, but his desire to take her stronger now. Moving over her, he settled between her legs. She wrapped them around his waist, pulling him down to her. Her eyes were locked with his; he could read the passion and arousal in those green depths.

  From the look of wonder passing across Kellan’s face, she could tell that he was going through a similar experience, and she realized that it must be the bond completing—their souls and hearts binding together so that they were one.

  He watched her eyes widen, her lips part as she exhaled, as he thrust himself fully into her. For the moment this was enough, holding her, looking down at her, sheathed in her body.

  But the ache he felt, the desire for more was stronger. Kellan pulled back before thrusting hard once again, feeling her body respond to his, her hips rising to meet him, pushing back, accepting and then asking for more.

  It wasn’t long before they were locked in a primal dance. Kellan was surprised by her sudden aggression; her hands were everywhere, raking over his back, clutching his hips, her lips seeking his mouth, desperate for more.

  Pulling away, he held himself above her, bracing himself on his knees, pushing her legs further apart. He wanted to watch her face, watch himself as he slid into her, to see how much pleasure he could give her, how much love he could show her.

  “I will never stop loving you...” Kellan’s eyes were riveted on her, his movements slow and gentle, as he eased himself into her.

  Her eyes rose to his. “Kellan...” She swallowed, closing her eyes. A flush rose in her cheeks and he stilled himself. He wasn’t sure if he’d done something wrong, if she was suddenly scared, wanted to stop...he didn’t quite understand.

  With her eyes still closed, she spoke, her voice just above a whisper. “I’ve never felt...so wanted.”

  Kellan waited, aching to mo
ve, afraid he had scared her. She opened her eyes, her gaze locked with his, passion flaring in her eyes.

  “Don’t stop.”

  And he didn’t, until he took them both to the edge. Clara cried out first, arching up beneath him, her hands clutching at his shoulders and back. He held himself above her, watching her face as she twisted, muscles taut. There was a moment where he felt her contract around him, pulling him deeper. The sensation of feeling her orgasm almost pushed him over the edge, but he wanted to wait, wanted to let her enjoy herself before taking his own pleasure.

  Clara had never felt so completely loved or cherished in her life, and clung to him tightly, not wanting the moment to end. But eventually it did, with a burst that left them breathless and shattered, followed by a warm, comforting glow.

  “I never want to be away from you again,” she whispered, her eyes searching his.

  “You never have to be.” He replied, his voice low, a smile on his lips. “I’ll be by your side for the rest of your life.”

  * * *

  Many of the villagers stopped to greet her and ask her how she was, and Clara’s heart was warmed by the fact that they all looked at her with quiet respect in their eyes—even the ones who used to look at her with complete distain.

  She was even happier when she ran into Lucas, who was enjoying the fresh air, accompanied by a guard. Kellan had been unhappy about letting her near him, but she managed to talk him down, assuring him that Lucas had never once tried to harm her before.

  “I’m glad you are well, Clara,” Lucas said earnestly, taking her hands in his. He dropped them quickly at the look on Kellan’s face. “I was out of my mind for the first two days, especially since they wouldn’t let me see you—but at least I know you are in good hands, with the doctor and... him.” He passed another cautious look to Kellan.

  “It’s alright, Lucas,” Clara assured him. “I know that you were just trying to do what you saw as the right thing.”

  He nodded. “It’s been... interesting, living here these past few days, and getting to know these people. I’m ashamed I ever thought the way that I have. I was wrong about them.” He lowered his eyes.

  Clara patted him on the arm. “When I first found my way here I was quite misled in my feelings about them as well. I was certain they would see me as nothing more than a quick meal.” She tossed a grin at Kellan.

  “I generally prefer deer to human meat.” Kellan replied, chuckling.

  Lucas laughed, his warmth shining through. “So... this is the man you’ve chosen, is it? And you both are happy?”

  Kellan gently placed a possessive arm around Clara’s shoulder, who quickly nodded. “We are. And I’m even happier that I can still keep your friendship, Lucas.”

  They talked for a bit about how the negotiations were going; how several of the other elders had been taken to the village to help Lucas hash out terms—though unlike him, they were returned at the end of every day. He said that after tomorrow he would be allowed to return to the farm.

  “Oh, and before I forget, Dr. Mason sent word to me that your aunt has made a full recovery,” he told her with a broad smile. “She is wondering when the two of you will come to visit.”

  Clara stood for a moment in shock. “Is... is that really true?”

  “It is.”

  “Oh, that’s wonderful!” She tossed her arms around Lucas for a quick hug, and then spun around to face Kellan. “Can we visit her, please? I was so worried about her. I was afraid she wasn’t going to make it.”

  He smiled down at her tenderly. “Of course we can. We will go see her tomorrow.”

  They said their goodbyes to Lucas, and Kellan ushered Clara back home, even though she wasn’t at all tired. She didn’t have the heart to be angry with him for being so over-protective—she was still filled with the afterglow of the mating, and her spirits were further lifted after her conversation with Lucas.

  “You seem much more relaxed,” Kellan commented once they were inside.

  Clara nodded. “I feel like a great weight has been lifted from my shoulders. At the beginning of all this I was worrying so much about what I was going to have to give up no matter what choice I made. But now, at the end, I’m able to keep my family, my friends, and my mate. What more could I ask for? It has turned out better than I could ever have imagined.”

  Kellan smiled, pulling her into his arms. She nuzzled against his chest, breathing in the complex scent of his aftershave, clean soap and the underlying scent of Kellan himself, rich and warm and utterly masculine.

  He held her gently, his lips on hers, and for a moment all thoughts left her mind. When he broke the kiss, she sighed, running her hands over Kellan’s face, tracing the contours of his lips with her fingertips as he kissed them softly before leaning in to whisper in her ear.

  “Miracles usually do.”

  About the Author: Adriana Hunter

  New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author Adriana Hunter writes contemporary and paranormal romance stories that feature irresistibly powerful alpha heroes and beautifully curvy heroines.

  Connect with Adriana on her website at http://www.AdrianaHunter.com and subscribe to her official newsletter at http://www.SpicyTales.com for details on upcoming books!

  Facebook: http://facebook.com/AuthorAdrianaHunter

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  When Lainey Matthews receives a frantic call from her brother who is being held hostage in a foreign country, she will stop at nothing to rescue him even if that means contacting a dangerous mercenary with a shady past.

  But when Lainey comes face to face with Gideon Wolfe, the only man who is willing to help her, it doesn't take long before she is left to wonder whether she might be the one that needs saving...from him.

  Wolf Fight by Marian Tee

  Prologue

  One Year after “The Werewolf Prince and I”

  Norman Bailey was afraid. He was also jealous and angry. He may be the bodyguard to Princess Adelardi, but that was how he felt. Worse, the more time he spent with the princess, the more Norman hated her.

  In front of him, the princess continued to carefully clean off the blood from her mask. It looked like it was made of human skin. Just looking at the mask made Norman want to throw up. Of course, he knew the princess hadn’t killed anyone for it. The truth was, he had been with her when the princess knocked on one of their farmers’ door and was given a dead goat.

  Norman shuddered, remembering the glassy look in the goat’s eyes as the princess laid it on the ground and knelt next to it. After praying over the carcass, the princess had calmly taken its skin to sew herself a mask. She had even used thread that was the color of blood.

  When she was done, the princess had looked at him over her shoulder. In a cheerful voice, the princess had asked, “Do you want to try it out?”

  Norman had fainted dead away in response.

  That night was all Norman needed to know the truth. Calys Adelardi was truly The Human Monster. Like everyone, he had heard the rumors about her. They said she was so crazy and strong she could kill panthers thrice her size. And with her bare hands, too!

  Norman used to laugh at the stories. But then he became the princess’ bodyguard, and he learned the truth. The stories didn’t even come close. It just didn’t.

  If only he had been the one adopted by Venetto Adelardi, Norman thought jealously. He would not cause his bodyguards trouble. He would act the way royalty should act. And he would definitely not pretend to be a male shifter in order to fight at The Den.

  And here they were, six days now and counting, Norman thought sadly. If the pack found out about the princess’ secret activities at night, they would surely kill him and it would be all her fault!

  He had pleaded and cried for her to stop this madness. He had even threatened to kill himself. But the princess had only looked at him with her scary, all-knowing blue eyes. And then she said in her sweet voice,
“You must understand, Norman. We will all be dead if I do not do this. I have to do this for the good of the pack.”

  And that was that. Princess Calys might be a tiny thing, but she was also a tiny stubborn thing.

  “Norman?”

  The princess’ delicate-sounding voice made Norman jump in his seat. Making sure none of his real feelings showed on his face, he said, “Yes, princess?”

  She was standing in front of the mirror now, a small girl with a very shapely body. Her boyishly cut hair only made the princess look more feminine. Her big blue eyes were terrifyingly innocent. Norman always did his best not to look into those eyes when talking to the princess. It was very hard to lie to those eyes.

  The princess was no beauty, but he had seen how she kept turning heads wherever they went. Norman couldn't really understand her appeal. Maybe it was because she was unique. She looked so delicate and yet she was also ridiculously strong. Like a Hulk Barbie.

  “I have good news to share,” the princess was telling Norman as she laid her mask, now clean, on the table. Her costume, freshly washed and ironed, was next to it.

  The smile on the princess’ face made Norman uneasy. “What is it, princess?”

  The princess clapped her hands in childish delight. “I’ve just learned something wonderful. My request to fight in the heavyweight class has been approved.”

  Norman whitened. Heavyweight? Wasn’t that the strongest fighting class here? Wasn’t it made up of the deadliest shifters in The Den? And she, at barely five feet, was thrilled to go against them?

  The princess was gushing, “Isn’t that wonderful? I thought I’d be stuck with choosing my future consort from a group of baby-faced shifters who think capoeira is a kind of pasta.” The thought had the princess rolling her eyes. “But now! Oh, I’ll get to see the real warriors! I get to fight with them, and—-oh my God! Norman? Norman? Are you all right?”