Carnal Obedience

by Kate Hill

  Within days mass protests forced the Vampire Nation as well as pack leaders to sound the emergency alarms and summon all available authorities to keep control.

  There were even protests outside the palace, calling for the Renegade Wolves to be set free.

  Many of the tribal leaders as well as pack leaders had been called to meetings at Lady Altah’s palace. Steps toward reform were already underway for the Wingedpaw Pack as well as others who had been just as badly used by greedy or incompetent tribal and pack leaders.

  Jolie asked daily to meet with Ransom and Temple. Finally one evening she was summoned to the great hall and was surprised to see the renegades standing, chained, in the company of guards. Jolie’s heart leapt at the sight of them. For a time she’d been afraid for their lives but other than a few scrapes and bruises on Temple’s face, they looked tired but healthy enough.

  Their gazes fixed on her and a slight smile flickered across Ransom’s lips.

  Moments later, Lady Altah and her guardians entered the great hall.

  “You may leave us now,” Altah said to the guards surrounding the Renegade Wolves. “Please wait outside until you’re called.”

  The guards did what she asked, closing the door behind them.

  Ransom and Temple, handcuffed and shackled, stood boldly as Altah’s guardians approached them and guided them toward the high table.

  Altah took her place at the head of the table then motioned for everyone to sit.

  “You gentlemen have caused quite a stir,” Altah said, her dark eyes fixed on the Renegades. “And much trouble. However, you had good reason.”

  Ransom cocked an eyebrow in surprise but Temple’s expression remained cool and unreadable, except for his blue eyes that flashed with defiance.

  “Still you have committed crimes for which you must be held responsible,” Altah said.

  “The crime is allowing a Vampire to dictate our way of life,” Temple stated.

  Rex growled and Temple said, “Did I hear the whisper of a growl from what was once a wolf?”

  “If you can’t mind your manners, perhaps you should return to solitary until you’re ready to behave,” Kyros warned.

  Temple cast Kyros and Rex a scathing look. “I don’t converse with creatures neutered by a Vampire female.”

  The back of Rex’s hand cracked across Temple’s face. He spat a mouthful of blood on the table.

  “Wolfswine!” Rex growled.

  “How Vampiric of you,” Temple said. “Striking an enemy while he’s enchained.”

  “That is enough!” Altah stated, her gaze focused on Temple. “There are no enemies in this room, Mr. Symon. I have called you here to negotiate for the benefit of your people and mine.”

  Temple curled his lip, but Ransom said, “What did you have in mind, My Lady?”

  “I have assigned advisors to the tribal leader in charge of relations with your pack. Leader Sandro is being investigated and will possibly be replaced.”

  “What do you want from us?” Ransom asked.

  “I want you to speak to your people. You’ve been told about the uprisings of late?” Altah asked.

  “It’s about time,” Temple said. “Wolves need to start fighting for our rights.”

  “Not all wolves are in your situation,” Rex stated. “Any abuse going on is the responsibility of the pack leader.”

  Kyros began, “Complaints can be brought to the council --”

  “That might work for an upper class wolf like you, but what about the rest?” Ransom asked.

  “You can’t talk to these wolves,” Temple said to his partner. He cast another scathing glance at Rex and Kyros. “They’ve been living among Vampires so long they have no idea what it’s like for us.”

  “One more comment and your ass is going back in solitary,” Rex growled.

  “He’s right,” Kyros said quietly. “We have, in a way, lost touch.”

  “What?” both Rex and Ransom said in unison. Even Jolie was a bit shocked by Kyros’ words.

  Altah exchanged glances with Kyros and nodded slightly. “We have been very busy with affairs of state and placed my tribal leaders in charge of relations with many of the smaller packs. I can see that was a mistake on my part. One that will be rectified. The question now is how to accomplish that with as few uprisings and as little bloodshed as possible.”

  “The common wolves have made it clear they support you,” Kyros said to the Renegades. “However, we cannot allow them to believe that the only way to deal with us is through threats and thievery.”

  “You want us to tell them we were wrong?” Temple asked. “That we should all fall in line and trust you to do the right thing?”

  “It’s a start,” Kyros stated.

  “How can we know you’ll hold up your end of the bargain?” Ransom asked.

  “Forget it,” Temple said. “Stick me in solitary. Execute me. Do whatever it is you Vampires do with criminals but there’s no way in hell I’m going to make a public apology for doing what I believe was right. It’s easy for you to sit here in your palace talking about reform. Try living in a cave for a while.” He glanced at Rex. “Maybe you should. Remember what it’s like to be a wolf.”

  “Don’t give me that spirit of the common wolf crap,” Rex snarled. “I come from a family of knifers. You can’t get much more common than that, so I know all about what it’s like to be a lower class wolf. I chose to better myself through hard work. The legal way.”

  Knifers or knife-bearers were among the lowest form of werewolf. Neither hunters nor warriors, they skinned animals hunted by other members of their pack.

  “That’s fine if you’re allowed the privilege of honest work,” Ransom said, anger glinting beneath the calm surface of his eyes. “Want to talk about hard work? I’m a doctor and a scientist. So were my colleagues but they were put out of their jobs and sent to work in the mines because Vampires wanted their positions. Under the old pack leader, Temple was a pack guard, an expert in technological and physical defenses for the Wingedpaws. Then he was replaced by another who didn’t mind closing his eyes to our current leader’s depravity. I agree it’s best to work within the law, but not when the law itself is corrupt.”

  “But now you have the chance to change that,” Jolie said, her gaze switching from Ransom to Temple.

  “What happened to the members of our pack who were living in the cave?” Temple demanded. “We’ve been asking and have yet to get an answer.”

  “They’re still in the caves,” Altah told him. “We’ve sent them supplies. They sent them back.”

  “Because of you,” Jolie said, meeting Temple’s gaze. “Those pups could be sleeping with warm blankets. They could be receiving an education from volunteers and have enough food to eat this winter, but the rebels have refused until you and Ransom are freed.”

  “If you tell them to trust us, they will,” Altah said quietly. “And they can. I swear they will not be harmed and every effort will be made to see that they’re integrated back into the pack.”

  For several moments everyone fell silent, then Jolie asked, “My Lady, may I speak to Ransom and Temple alone?”

  She nodded and stood, motioning for the others to follow her out of the great hall. Rex and Kyros glanced warily toward Ransom and Temple. Not that Jolie blamed them.

  “We’ll be back in ten minutes,” Rex stated.

  Once they were alone, Jolie approached her wolves, slipped her arms around Ransom’s neck and kissed him. “I’ve missed you,” she whispered. “So much.”

  She took a cloth napkin from the table, turned to Temple and gently cleaned the blood from his face. “If I didn’t think it was right for you to work with Altah, I wouldn’t ask you to do it.”

  “I think she’s right, too,” Ransom said. “It’s better for the pack. At least, like she said, the pups will be out of that fucking cave.”

  “And back in chains among what used to be the Wingedpaw Pack,” Temple said, his expression hard.


  “Temple, this is the chance we’ve been waiting for,” Ransom said. “This is a chance to really help our pack.”

  “Isn’t this what you’ve wanted, Temple?” Jolie asked, taking his chin in her hand and trying to force him to look at her. He refused and jerked his face from her grasp. She continued, “Have you become corrupted by power as well? Is it more important that you lead a pack, even rebels, than see they get what they really need? Is this about justice or is it about people looking up to you?”

  Temple glared at her, his rage almost tangible. “How dare you? I would give my life for my pack. Submitting to Vampires isn’t what’s best for them, especially when we have no proof things will get any better. Lady Altah is a Vampire.”

  “But Rex and Kyros are not,” Jolie said.

  “They’re not in power. She is.”

  “Don’t be so sure. She cares about what they think and often goes by what they say,” Jolie told him. “Just like the rebels look to you as their leader but many of the important decisions are made by Ransom. Am I right?”

  Temple’s jaw tightened and he glanced away.

  “She’s right,” Ransom said. “I want to negotiate. I want our rebels to return to a normal life, but I’m your partner, Temple. I swore to stand with you no matter what. Even if that means accepting whatever punishment the Vampire Nation decides if we don’t agree to Lady Altah’s terms. I would rather die beside you than live without you.”

  If Jolie was the sort of woman to cry easily, she’d be bawling now. That was the most touching speech she’d ever heard and, she realized, it was true.

  “He’s right.” She dropped into a chair and sighed. “I’m with you guys, just like I said I’d be. If they’re going to punish you, then they’ll have to punish me, too. I’ll confess that I went with the two of you willingly. That I agree entirely with your cause.”

  “You’re serious?” Ransom asked, his eyes wide.

  “Yeah. Unfortunately I am.” She turned to Temple who was also staring at her, his brow furrowed and a questioning look in his eyes. “So what’s it going to be, Temple? Do we work with the Vampire Nation or do we go down fighting?”

  For several moments they sat in silence, Ransom and Jolie staring at Temple, waiting for his decision.

  “All right. We’ll negotiate,” he said.

  “Good. I’ll let the others know and there’s something else I want to talk to Lady Altah about.”

  * * *

  “You want to what?” Rex looked at Jolie as if she had just sprouted another head.

  “Exactly what I said. Ransom and Temple will convince the wolves to stop their protests and reassure them that you will do all in your power to rectify any problems with the Vampire Nation. They will also return the royal jewels and any other stolen items still in their possession. They will agree to pay a substantial fine to the Vampire Nation, to be paid over a reasonable amount of time. In return, we ask that you allow Temple to deliver a challenge to the leader of the Wingedpaw Pack.”

  “You want to make him a pack leader?” Kyros raised an eyebrow. “Though I agree he has some leadership qualities, he’s also a criminal. How can we justify supporting him in this endeavor?”

  “Because the current leader is corrupt. Because Temple will do what’s best for the people, including working closely with the Vampire Nation to clean up the mess that’s been made. And because the common wolves respect him and will follow wherever he leads.”

  “This is out of the question,” Rex said.

  “This is agreeable to me,” Altah stated. Her wolf guardians glanced at her sharply and she smiled at them. “Don’t look so surprised. It makes sense. This way everyone gets what they want, except for the leader of the Wingedpaws and any Vampires and wolves who have been taking advantage of the lower classes since the original treaty. But I warn you, Temple, you will find me as powerful an enemy as I am a friend. Should you ever again step outside the law --”

  “Leniency will be dead,” Rex said through gritted teeth.

  Temple narrowed his eyes at Rex. “I seriously don’t like you.”

  “The feeling is mutual,” Rex growled.

  “Do we have an agreement then?” Altah asked.

  “Yes,” Temple stated, then added, “My lady.”

  * * *

  After Temple and Ransom made a speech outside Altah’s Palace that included a direct challenge to the leader of the Wingedpaws, they were given rooms for the night. Lady Altah had suggested they remain at the palace until the leader of the Wingedpaws sent an answer to the challenge.

  While challenges were common in ancient times, it was rare for wolves to fight one another for power in the modern world.

  Later that night, when Jolie knocked on Ransom’s door, she wasn’t the least bit surprised when Temple answered. Her gaze met his. Words weren’t necessary as he took her hand and guided her to the bed where Ransom already lay naked atop the sheets. The black-haired wolf welcomed her with a warm embrace and a tender kiss.

  Jolie lay atop Ransom, closed her eyes and enjoyed the stroking of his hands on her back and the sweet, gentle probing of his tongue between her lips. Her tongue met his and they danced, stirring each other’s passion. Without breaking the kiss, Ransom rolled her onto her back. When their lips parted, he gazed into her eyes and gently stroked her face.

  He pushed himself onto his knees beside her and began unbuttoning her shirt. He parted the fabric and ran his hand over the curve of her belly. Then he caressed the tops of her full breasts that swelled above her black satin bra. His deft fingers opened the front clasp, freeing her breasts. They swelled with each excited breath as he rolled the nipples between his thumb and forefinger. He pinched the dark brown peaks, then leaned down and took one between his lips. He sucked and licked the taut nub then nibbled it gently. Jolie moaned softly and threaded her fingers through his thick black hair.

  While Ransom teased her breasts, Temple unfastened the buttons and fly of her trousers and tugged them off along with her shoes and socks, leaving only her black satin panties. Temple stroked her through the fabric. His fingertips rolled over her clit, the sensation of his caress over her sensitive satin-covered flesh sent her heart beating out of control.

  “Beautiful,” Temple breathed.

  Ransom edged aside so Temple could kneel between her legs. While Ransom continued sucking and licking her nipple, Temple covered her clit with his mouth. He licked her through the satin, dampening the fabric. Little shivers of passion raced through her. Though the sensations were delicious, she longed to feel Temple’s lips and tongue on her bare flesh. As if reading her mind, he slid off her panties, tossed them aside and began lapping her clit with the flat of his tongue. She moaned and thrashed when he used the tip of his tongue to tease her with relentless upward strokes.

  Ransom sucked her nipple while kneading her breast. Temple pushed himself to a kneeling position and guided her legs around his waist. He filled her with a long, slow thrust.

  Almost overcome by the pleasure of Temple’s thick, hard cock inside her, she gasped and arched her back.

  Ransom had moved aside to accommodate Temple, but now he repositioned himself beside her and continued sucking her stiff, aching nipple. Every lash of his tongue across the sensitive peak sent a rush of pleasure-pain through her, as did every thrust of Temple’s cock. While pumping into her, Temple fondled her clit, rolling his thumb over it in time with his pumping hips.

  “Oh!” Jolie moaned. “Oh, oh, please. Yes. Oh yes!”

  She came hard, her hips lifting and breasts thrusting against Ransom’s face. Temple pulled out his still hard cock and moved aside so Ransom could mount her. The lean, black-haired wolf covered her body with his and filled her slick pussy with a long, measured thrust. His hands braced on either side of her head, he began stroking in and out of her, rekindling her passion and driving her toward another orgasm.

  She looped her arms around Ransom’s neck and lifted her hips to his rhythm. It was funny how beaut
ifully yet differently these men made love. Ransom seduced her with tender strokes that made her feel cherished. Temple fucked possessively, overtaking her senses and stirring primitive lust inside her.

  She glanced at Temple who knelt beside them, his fiery gaze sweeping the coupling wolves. He curled his fist around his engorged shaft and stroked.

  Ransom pumped for a long time, speeding and slowing his movements to keep her on the edge of orgasm until his emotions overcame him and he thrust faster, harder, flinging her into a breath-stealing climax.

  The pulsations of her drenched pussy snapped his control and he came, his muscles tight and chest heaving. Jolie smoothed her hands over his sweat-slicked back and held him tightly as he surged into her. Then he lay, his face buried against her shoulder as he caught his breath.

  “Spent yet, my dear?” Temple whispered, his voice rough with passion.

  Jolie stirred, her body hot and aching pleasantly in the aftermath of passion. She gazed at Temple whose cock was bigger than ever, its beautiful bulbous head swollen and the little eye glistening with moisture. Once again desire shot through her.

  “Not quite,” she breathed.

  “Good.” Temple grunted and shoved Ransom off her. He mounted her quickly, his thrusts deep and sure. While he pumped, his gleaming blue eyes fixed on her, claiming her soul as his body took hers.

  “Tell me what you want,” he demanded.

  “What do you think?” she gasped, locking her legs around him and gripping his chiseled shoulders.

  “I want to hear it.”

  “I want you to keep fucking me. Hard. Fast. Yes, oh yes!” she moaned when his speed increased.

  He went on so long that she marveled at his self-control. Gods, when she came it was going to be almost unbearably intense.

  Temple’s breathing roughened as he teetered on the verge of climax. He covered her mouth in a deep kiss, his tongue lashing hers. Jolie’s hands roamed over him. She trailed her fingers up his spine and over his ribs. His sweat-dampened body drove into her so fast and hard that she knew it would be seconds before he came. She, too, was so, so close.

  Ransom’s hand dipped between them, gently pinching her nipple. She forced her eyes open and saw Ransom withdraw his hand, move behind Temple, and fondle his ass. Temple lunged hard, his head thrown back, his gorgeous throat pulsing and his eyes shut tight.