Pursued by a Werewolf (Mystic Isle, Book 4)

by Blake, Selena

  “There’s an inscription on the back,” she said.

  He flipped it over and studied the words there.

  Avery & Hunter Forever

  He’d never considered himself the weepy type but in that moment, he felt tears in his eyes.

  “I love you, Hunter. Now and as long as we’re given. However long our forever is. I’ve known it for a long time, been struggling with myself and my feelings. Wanting you even though I kept telling myself it could never work out, that you’d hurt me. And it was all to try to keep you at a distance. An arm’s length away. But that was the problem. From the moment we met, I never really wanted you an arm’s length away. I wanted you right next to me, holding my hand, holding me in your arms, keeping me safe, making me laugh.”

  She looked over at the banister covered in locks. “I wanted to kiss you that night we stood on this bridge. I wanted to seal our souls together. I wanted to make you mine and for you to make me yours. I wanted a lock on this fence that declared we’d be together. It just took me a while to realize that I couldn’t have a future if I didn’t let go of the past. If I didn’t move on and stop torturing myself. Stop punishing myself. I think somewhere in the back of my mind I thought that flings would keep me safe. But it was an illusion. A diversion. You’re not a diversion and what I feel for you, what I’ve felt for you since that moment you first reached for my hand, it’s hardly an illusion--”

  He cupped her cheek in his hand and brushed his lips across hers. “I know. I’m glad you know. So glad.”

  “Want to put that on the fence over there?”

  She smiled up at him, her eyes sparkling in the moonlight. Damn, she’d never looked more beautiful. It was true what they said. Love transformed a woman into a goddess. But it also transformed a man.

  “Absolutely.”

  They hooked the lock over a blank space on the fence and together, clicked it shut. When they straightened she reached into her cleavage and then held up a small silver key.

  Eyes locked with his, she tossed the key into the water below. “Forever is a wonderfully long time.”

  THE END

  A NOTE FROM SELENA BLAKE

  Dear Reader,

  I hope that you’re sighing right about now. Avery’s found her match and I couldn’t be happier. This was a hard book to write. There was a time where I didn’t think it’d ever hit shelves.

  But Avery’s story needed telling and Hunter needed his mate. Compared to the pain of Avery’s past, I really had nothing to complain about and now that it’s finished, I’m anxious to share their story with the world. I truly believe in forever, second chances and risking your heart.

  Since I know you don’t want to miss any upcoming book news I keep my website updated regularly and you can frequently find me chatting with readers on my blog. Sometimes I let my assistant give away books on Fridays, so stop by. Visit at http://www.selena-blake.com.

  And if you’re in the market for free books, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Joining gets you instant access to my Members Only lounge and every good WolfCub knows that the Members Only Lounge is where it’s at. That exclusive key gets you into the Wolfpack. And there are currently five (yes, 5!) free reads waiting for you. Ready to sign up? http://site.selena-blake.com/members/

  I truly hope you enjoyed Pursued By A Werewolf. But even if you didn’t, I’d still appreciate a review. I read each and every one and I learn from them so that each book is better than the last. If you’re not sure where to leave a review, here are a few suggestions. Why not start at the site where you purchased your copy? I’m active on Goodreads and review books there myself. Look me up. There’s also Shelfari and LibraryThing. If you have a blog, that’d be a great place too.

  If you’re on Facebook, look me up. I’m at http://www.facebook.com/authorSelenaBlake.

  And if you’re on twitter, you’ll find me there too. https://twitter.com/selenablake

  As always, I love hearing from my readers. You can write to me at Selena@selena-blake.com.

  Happy Reading,

  Selena

  P.S. Get this book signed at http://www.authorgraph.com.

  ***

  Looking for more werewolfy goodness? Check out Selena’s bestselling Stormy Weather series, starting with Book One.

  THE CAJUN’S CAPTIVE

  Chapter One

  June

  The low rumble of thunder drew Sebastian Deveraux's gaze to the East window where he could see the mighty Mississippi and its churning dark waters. The morning's slow drizzle reached a downpour crescendo. He sighed, knowing that the hurricane looming in the Gulf of Mexico would wreak havoc with his shipping business. At least for the next few weeks.

  The wet weather and dropping barometer made his joints ache. He knew he should at least call the office to make sure his second in command had things under control, but he was having a hard time convincing his body to get out of bed. As the Alpha, it was his job to protect his pack and take care of their needs. And that took money. In another few years, it would be time to sell Deveraux Shipping and fade into the woodwork.

  Humans would get suspicious if the CEO of a shipping empire never seemed to age. He was feeling ancient today. And lonely to boot.

  In his wolf form, he rose up on all fours and stretched before heading to his closet. The original floors of the old plantation house were cool against his paws. He'd loved the wide pine planks on sight and hadn't wanted to do anything more than seal them and toss down a soft rug or two.

  Inside his closet, he transformed into his human self, his muscles and bones stretching and compacting until he straightened to his full six feet four inches. He leaned his head to the right and heard, as much as felt, his neck pop. Today's muggy weather called for jeans and a T-shirt.

  He was zipping his favorite pair of Levi's when the scent of gumbo wafted under his nose. He sniffed the air appreciatively. One of his brothers must be heating up last night’s leftovers for breakfast. Like any red-blooded man or beast, he loved to eat. Loved meat, loved anything that set his taste buds on fire and made his mouth water.

  Dieu, he missed France. Missed the food, craved the bread, a sip of French wine straight from the vineyard. But he could never go back. He clenched his jaw at the flood of memories that rushed forth.

  Slipping a T-shirt over his head, he strode to the kitchen and found Andre stirring the gumbo in a heavy cast iron pot. They nodded at each other in greeting.

  “Coffee's on,” Andre said, his deep voice sleepy and rough.

  “Merci. Jules up yet?”

  “Non. Think any more about what he said, mon frere?”

  Sebastian had thought of little else. He hadn't gotten more than a few hours of sleep last night. Jules, and the rest of their small pack, wanted a secure future and everything that went with it. Mates, kids. Sebastian wanted the same thing. But that security came with a price. As wealthy as he was, it didn't matter when he wasn't mated.

  Being mated was a sign of security, one he longed to give his brothers and cousins. A complete Alpha pair. It would signify their future.

  But when he thought of his other half, the woman who’d stand at his side, it wasn’t a she-wolf he pictured. And when he thought of his pups, they didn’t have dark hair like he and his brothers. They were angelic blonds with piercing blue eyes and infectious smiles.

  Impossible. He mentally shook the thoughts away.

  “I can't just pick up a mate at the market,” Sebastian said. He'd said as much last night.

  Andre watched him with dark eyes. The same eyes that all the Deveraux men were blessed with: dark as night, filled with stormy emotions and a sense of cunning found only in a true predator.

  “Forgive me, brother, but I don't think dating bimbos and celebrities is going to help in your search.”

  “I didn't realize I was searching,” Sebastian said. He took a sip of the strong black elixir that promised to jolt him awake. The hot liquid hit his tongue and scalded its way down his throat.


  Truth was, there was only one woman he'd ever wanted as a mate. But she obviously wasn't destined to be his other half, his Luna. The weight of his responsibility pressed down heavily on his shoulders. He knew he should step aside and let Andre become the Alpha, but nothing was that simple. There was no stepping aside for wolves. Everything had to be fought and won. And Sebastian had no intention of fighting his own brother.

  After a long pause, Andre muttered, “We all wanted her, you know.”

  “She was never yours to have,” Sebastian snapped. Andre didn't look surprised or hurt at the outburst; he simply flicked his gaze to the floor, but Sebastian apologized anyway.

  “You should go after her,” his brother ventured.

  “It wasn't meant to be.”

  “Are you still buying into that stars aligning crap? Mon Dieu. Enough already, mon frere. If you want her, you must go get her. Make her listen to reason. Find out why she ran. Bring her back and make her yours.” Andre's voice rang with emotion. He almost sounded like he, himself, had been in love. Painfully, completely... and lost her. “Tie her up if you have to.”

  The mention of tying her up sent fire through his system. There was so much he needed to explain to her. But she wasn’t likely to want to hear him.

  He’d make her listen. Perhaps if he proved that he wasn’t the same man, that they—weren’t the same men…

  He stared at Andre for a long moment. “Maybe you’re right.” Swallowing his pride was tough, but the alternative was bleak. Pointless. He’d been living it for far too long.

  “I know I am,” Andre countered, not unkindly. “And she’s worth it. Whatever you have to do to get her back.”

  Sebastian nodded. He’d always known that. So why had he waited so long?

  Before he could answer that question, a sharp sound outside caught his attention. Not thunder, nor rain. Something else. A low growl sounded from the hallway.

  “Jules is up,” Sebastian said and headed toward the sound. Even though he saw nothing out of place, he knew that the walls around his estate didn't keep out reporters, tourists, and the occasional woman, desperate for a wealthy husband. His sharper wolf senses took over as he slipped into his bedroom and looked around. It was just as he'd left it. He saw nothing but rain through the window, but his keen ears could hear someone breathing. He exited his room and moved toward the front of the house. His brother, Jules—still in furry form—was in the large foyer.

  “You take the back,” Sebastian told him and headed for the front door.

  The wide front porch wrapped all the way around the house and he quickly made his way to far side that ran the length of his bedroom. The rain beat on the roof above his head, drowning out his footsteps.

  The blonde peering into his bedroom window never heard him approach.

  “Can I help you?” he asked mildly when he was within pouncing distance. Shrieking, she whirled to face him, backing up at the same time. Her hands came up to balance herself, but it was too late. He made no move to rescue her even though he could have. Her momentum toppled her over the railing and into the soggy grass below. She landed flat on her back.

  From the edge of the porch, he stared down at her not feeling the least bit sorry for startling her. What did a man have to do to get privacy?

  Her wheat colored hair covered her face and the rain slowly soaked her clothes. She seemed too startled to move. Finally, she eased up on her elbows. Her breasts heaved and fell as if she might start crying. The last thing he wanted was a crying woman. Or a lawsuit.

  “You all right?”

  With a perfectly polished hand, she flicked her hair out of her face and glared up at him. The blue eyes that locked with his couldn't have surprised him more if there'd been eight of them.

  Amanda St. James. Alive and in his yard.

  Couldn't be. He narrowed his gaze and took in her features. Same cute pixie nose. Same rosy, heart-shaped mouth he'd longed to kiss. Same delicious curves that his hands itched to caress.

  Suddenly he was transported a decade ago when they'd all been hanging out on a hot summer day. It had been August. Suffocatingly humid. Then Amanda had grabbed the hose and proceeded to drench him and his brothers to the bone. Her kissable mouth had laughed and smiled as they'd chased her. When they'd finally caught her, turning the hose on her, the water had plastered her clothes to her sweet young body.

  It had taken all his willpower not to carry her off that very afternoon. To kiss her all over—from that adorable nose, to those delicious berry pink lips, to her hot pink toenails.

  The clap of thunder brought him back to the present. His eyes didn't fool him. He sniffed the air and her scent filled his lungs. She smelled so sweet, so familiar, and so wonderful that he almost closed his eyes to savor it. Instead, he took in her pitiful form. She looked like a drowned cat. He watched as the rain molded her shirt to her breasts. Either from cold or, heaven help him, desire, her nipples beaded beneath the fabric and stood out like pebbles.

  He clenched his fists. Long dormant need surged upward startling him with its intensity. Its rawness. He hadn't seen or heard from her in nine long years but he’d never stopped wanting her. It was the reason he dated a long stream of women, never settling down. He’d never felt this kind of urgency with anyone else. Although he'd tried to wipe away her memory, none of them could compare to Manda. His Manda.

  But her presence now reminded him of how she'd fled all those years ago. She'd gone off to Yankee country for school. Then she'd gone on to work for one of the biggest broadcast companies in the country. Never looked back. Never called. Simply fled. Ran from him.

  His inner beast had been too proud to let him chase. Had been sure she'd come back in a week or two. Weeks had turned into years and now almost a decade. Now the beast growled deep inside, for the years he'd lost, for making him want her so, making him wait. It lay coiled, anxious and ready to spring to life and take what it wanted.

  He crossed his arms over his chest, trying to keep the dangerous animal inside on a tight leash.

  “Well, well, well. If it isn't Amanda St. James.”

  MEET SELENA BLAKE

  An action movie buff with a penchant for all things supernatural and sexy, New York Times bestselling author Selena Blake combines her love for adventure, travel and romance into steamy paranormal romance. Selena’s books have been called “a steamy escape” and have appeared on bestseller lists, been nominated for awards, and won contests. When she’s not writing you can find her by the pool soaking up some sun, day dreaming about new characters, and watching the cabana boy (aka her muse), Derek. Fan mail keeps her going when the diet soda wears off so write to her at Selena@selena-blake.com

  Visit her online at http://www.selena-blake.com or if you’re on Facebook, become a fan at http://www.facebook.com/authorSelenaBlake

  SELENA’S OTHER BOOKS

  Kindle Readers, you can sign up to receive notifications from amazon when I release a new book. All it takes is one click. Visit my author page on amazon and click on the link near the top of the right hand column. http://amzn.to/1kgZvZO

  Series: Girls’ Night Trilogy

  Ask for It (erotic contemporary romance novel)

  Series: Mystic Isle

  Fangs, Fur & Mistletoe (erotic paranormal romance novella)

  A Werewolf to Call Her Own (erotic paranormal romance novella)

  Games Demons Play (erotic paranormal romance novella)

  Series: Stormy Weather

  The Cajun’s Captive (erotic paranormal romance novella)

  Bitten in the Bayou (paranormal romance novella, ménage)

  Seduced by a Cajun Werewolf (formerly Bound & Determined, erotic paranormal romance, long novella)

  Mated to a Cajun Werewolf (erotic paranormal romance, long novella)

  Stranded with a Cajun Werewolf (erotic paranormal romance novel)

  A Cajun Werewolf Christmas (paranormal romance short story)

  Anthologies

  Stormy Weather an
thology (5-in-1)

  Stormy Weather Collector’s Edition (5-in-1, plus interviews, deleted scenes and more)

  Double The Pleasure (2-in-1, ménage edition)

  Surprising Darcy (short contemporary erotica ménage)

  Just a Little Taste (short contemporary erotica)

  Ready & Willing (erotic paranormal romance novel)

  Series: Deep Space Encounters

  Reclaiming Isis

  Rescuing Natacha

  Azula’s Rebellion

  DEDICATION

  To my amazing beta readers Zita, Jodie, Cilicia, Angie, and Pam. And to everyone who wanted to read Avery’s story.

  LEGALESE

  Payment of the download fee for this ebook grants the purchaser the non-exclusive, non-transferable right to download and read this file, and to maintain a private backup copy of the file for the purchaser’s personal use ONLY.

  All rights reserved.

  Copyright ©2013 Ecila Media Corp.

  This book is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, places or events is purely coincidental. Characters, events, and organizations within this work are products of the author's imagination and are used fictitiously unless otherwise stated above and do not imply endorsement.

  Table of Contents

  Pursued By A Werewolf

  Prologue

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven