by Dia Cole
Liam and a handsome dark-skinned male tried to assist Gabriel whose legs had given out.
“Gabriel!” I cried rushing to his side.
“I did it,” he gasped. “I overcame the Beast’s compulsion…. If only I could have done it earlier…. For Isla.”
He wasn’t making any sense. Blood ran like crimson ribbons from the holes where his eyes should have been. He needs to shift. I tugged on the huge silver collar around his neck. “We need to take this off.”
Mira nudged me, her snout cold against my arm.
I turned to her. “Can you break this?”
In answer, she reached out and wrenched the collar apart. The metal pieces hit the floor with a clank.
Gabriel immediately shifted. His movements were so fast I barely registered his wolf form before he wore his human skin again. “Thank you,” he gasped, opening his regenerated eyes to look at Mira.
Mira’s tongue lolled out of her mouth, and for a moment she looked more like a dog than a monster.
“Can you help me out?” Liam asked, leaning down so Mira could reach his neck.
Mira snapped his silver collar too.
Liam shifted to his russet-colored wolf and back, letting out a heavy sigh when he'd healed. “Thank you, Mira.”
Despite her beastly form, Mira looked somewhat bashful as she ducked her shaggy head into my hair.
My heart squeezed with pride for how strong and courageous she’d been. If not for her and her butterfly hairpin, things could have gone very differently. Hoping what she’d seen today hadn’t scarred her for life, I rubbed the tuffs of her ears and coaxed her into her human form.
When she was a little girl once more, she wriggled out of my embrace and ran to her father. “Daddy!”
Nathan scooped her up and planted kisses over her face. “You were amazing, sunshine.”
“Very impressive, Miss Mira,” added Mason who’d taken his human form along with Ty. The two brothers knotted towels around their waists, a gesture I appreciated.
Ty nodded. “That was pretty spectacular, niece.” He grabbed another towel from the shelf and draped it over Mira.
Mira grinned. “Gabe told me to play dead. Then he told me to attack.”
I gave the dark-haired male a look of thanks, but Gabriel was too busy working with Liam to release Zayn from the cage he shared with Tasha’s corpse.
Once the guys ripped the door off, Zayn took the hand Gabriel offered him and stepped out. “Thank you.”
Gabriel shook his head. “I never thought I’d see the day when you turned on your master, Zayn.”
“I’m sorry it took so long to break the chains of my servitude.” Zayn looked from Gabriel to Mason. “I was conscripted to the Winterhaven Enforcers when I was just a babe… Tasha’s rule is all I’ve ever known.” He turned to give Nathan an apologetic look. “I’ll never forgive myself for standing by while Tasha abused you. Please know I would never allow any harm to come to Mira.”
That slightly increased my estimation of him, but I needed to know if Isaac and Lily had survived. “What about the two human children Tasha imprisoned? Are they okay?”
He nodded. “They are alive and well downstairs.”
“Thank God.” I let out a huge sigh of relief.
Zayn’s gaze shifted to Mason. “It was me who compelled Agnes to bring you to the humans when you were a babe. I hope your family treated you well.”
Mason strode over and put his arm around me. “Havana, Mira, and these males are my family.” He nodded at Nathan, Ty, Gabriel and Liam.
Nathan stayed where he was, but Ty, Gabriel, and Liam stepped closer.
They are my family too. I felt such overwhelming love and devotion from each of my mates, it brought tears to my eyes.
“Vana’s going to be my mommy,” Mira called out from Nathan’s arms.
“Shh, Mira.” Unnamed emotion flashed in Nathan’s eyes when he looked at me. “I’m sorry,” he mouthed.
My heart twisted and the tatters of our severed bond seemed to throb. Is there hope for us getting back together?
Zayn gave me a curious look. “Who are you exactly?”
Nathan stepped forward, coming to stand next to Mason. “Havana James is our Alpha, and the leader of the—” He gave me a quick look. “What do you want to call your faction?”
My mind went blank.
Without missing a beat he said smoothly, “—Sanctuary faction.”
Sanctuary faction. I liked the sound of that.
“In that case.” Zayn fell to his knees before me. “I pledge my life and service to you, Alpha of Sanctuary.”
Uncertain how to respond, I looked at Nathan. “Do I accept?”
He slowly nodded. “Zayn is one of the greatest strategists in the territory. However, I would advise compelling him not to betray you just to be safe.”
“No!” I raised my voice. “Know this, in my faction, no compulsion of any kind will be allowed from this moment forward. And I include myself in that.”
The Enforcers looked stunned and began speaking in hushed whispers to each other.
Gabriel reached out to touch my arm. “Princess, do not give up your power—”
I held up my hand to stop him. “Only pain can come from stripping others of their will.” I knew all too well how it felt to have my mind violated—my choices and memories taken from me.
Nathan and Ty exchanged an uncomfortable look.
Mason tightened his arm around me. “That’s very noble.”
“Thank you.” I’d been called a lot of things in my life, but that was a first. Maybe this whole Alpha thing was making me a better person… werewolf… whatever.
Zayn’s brows rose as if in surprise, then his lips curled upward. For a moment his resemblance to Mason was so uncanny, I blinked. Then the older male said, “You’re not at all like Tasha are you?”
“Hell, no.”
“Good. I’m yours to command, my Alpha.” Zayn kissed the floor by my foot.
“Okay,” I said, not sure if I was supposed to say something more regal sounding.
The handsome dark-skinned warrior knelt before me. “I’m Ambrose. I also pledge myself to you, my Alpha.” He pressed his lips to my toes.
I gasped. Wow. He was one sexy male.
“I accept,” I said, trying to tug the hem of Nathan’s shirt down to cover more of my thighs
He moved his lips to the top of my foot, and then grinned up at me. “I’m willing to do anything for my Alpha. Anything…”
“That’s enough,” Gabriel said, smacking him on the head.
An Enforcer named James shoved Ambrose out of the way and knelt in front of me. He was followed by dozens of others until every male in the room, including the Enforcers in the cages, had sworn themselves to me.
Overwhelmed by the adoration in my new followers’ eyes, I whispered to Mason, “Why are they doing this?”
“We have a primal instinct to serve and protect a single adult Alpha female. It’s in our DNA. With Tasha gone, these males now want to be part of your faction. They want you to lead them, love.”
Crap. That was a lot of responsibility for someone who hadn’t even finished high school. As my adrenaline faded, a bone weary exhaustion set in. My knees threatened to give out.
Mason tightened his arm around me, to keep me upright. “You need to rest.”
“I can carry her back to our room,” Liam said, reaching his arms out.
When I didn’t step into them, a worried look crossed his face. “Assuming you don’t mind me touching you.”
“Of course I don’t mind you touching me. I love you, big guy,” I reached my hand out, and he took it.
Liam gently folded his fingers around mine. “I’m sorry for being an ass back at the lodge.”
“Me too,” added Gabriel, a solemn look on his face.
I had to tease the male. “What are you saying exactly, Gabriel?”
Gabriel strode over and stared down at me. “I’m sorry, princes
s. I’m sorry for making decisions without consulting you. I’m sorry for being pig-headed and rude. I’m sorry for all the times I upset you in the past and all the times I will probably upset you in the future. Is that a good enough apology?”
“Yes,” I said, rising on my toes to kiss him.
His smoke and leather scent surrounded me as he pressed his warm lips to mine.
I moaned, rubbing my body against his.
Gabriel nibbled my lips, and I about lost my mind. If not for Mason clasping my right hand and Liam grabbing my left, I might have pushed Gabriel to the floor and mounted him. Clearly, my heat hadn’t completely gone away.
“Perhaps we should go somewhere more private, love?” Mason whispered into my ear.
Becoming aware of the dozens of very interested eyes on me, I nodded.
Mason must’ve said something privately to the others, because my mates snapped into action.
Liam pushed Ambrose, James, and Zayn out of our way. “Our Alpha is leaving.”
Zayn bowed to me. “Please summon me when you wish to discuss your plans for ruling Sanctuary and Winterhaven.”
Gabriel gave him a sour look. “What makes you think you’ll be involved in the decision making, old-timer?”
Zayn stiffened. “Tasha reinstated me to Head Enforcer when you betrayed her.”
Gabriel stepped into the male’s face. “I’m in charge and—”
I cleared my throat. “I’m in charge.”
Gabriel bowed low. “Of course, my Alpha.”
That’s more like it. Hiding my smile, I said, “Zayn, please brief Nathan, my Head Mate, and Gabriel, my Head Enforcer, on the current state of Sanctuary and Winterhaven. The two of them will provide me with a recap later.”
Nathan’s look of surprise and Gabriel’s look of frustration were priceless.
Nathan set Mira down. “I need to talk to Vana for a minute, sunshine.”
Mira wrapped her towel around her waist trying to copy Ty and Mason. “And I need to find my hairloom.”
“I know right where it is, Miss Mira,” Mason said, leading her away.
After exchanging an awkward look, Ty and Liam stepped away, giving Nathan and I a moment alone.
“Do you still want me?” Nathan asked, hope brightening his amber eyes.
Of course I wanted him. I was pissed as hell at how Nathan had treated me, but his willingness to risk everything to rescue me along with his readiness to sacrifice himself to the female who’d tormented him his entire life showed his true heart. I still loved him, but I wasn’t going to let him off that easily. “It means I may have a position for you.”
“Yeah,” he intoned. “And what are the job requirements?”
“We can discuss them at the Head Mate interview. Your bedroom in an hour. Don’t be late.”
A slow panty-melting grin spread over his face. “I won’t.” He turned to Zayn and began speaking to the older male in a low voice.
Gabriel cursed. “Working with Nathan will be pure torture.”
Or it could bring the two hardheaded males together. I hoped, anyway. “Not if you two work as a team.”
Gabriel mumbled something under his breath and stalked over to speak with Nathan and Zayn.
I noticed Ty standing by himself staring at the cage with Tasha’s body. Through our bond, I felt his mixed emotions—anger, relief, and sadness.
Even though his mother had treated him horribly, she was still his mother. Fighting back my fatigue, I walked over and put my hand around his waist. “Are you okay, Sugar Bear?”
He gave me a sad smile. “Mother wasn’t always a ruthless monster. But her death was long overdue. The world is safer now. We are safer now.” He squeezed my shoulder and glanced at Nathan, Gabriel, and Zayn. “Do you mind if I speak to Zayn about releasing the prisoners in Tasha’s dungeon?”
“Not at all. See that everyone is freed.” God only knew how many poor souls Tasha had imprisoned. “Please make sure the children downstairs are let go right away.” I wanted nothing more than to see them, but my head was spinning so badly I had to grit my teeth to stay standing.
After Ty moved away to join the others, I took a step and nearly fell. “I’ve got you, Beautiful,” Liam said, sweeping me into his arms.
I rested my head against his massive chest. “Thank you, big guy.”
“I’m not too big for you, am I?” Liam asked, carrying me out of the playroom. His face stayed neutral, but I could feel his anxiety through our bond.
I wrapped my arms around his neck. “Remember, I find tall men incredibly sexy. The bigger, the better.” I gave him my sultriest smile.
He grinned. “Really?”
I ran my hand down his stomach. “I can’t wait to discover all the upgrades to your equipment.” A yawn ruined my attempt at seduction.
He chuckled, striding into our bedroom. “Maybe after some rest.” He started to set me down on the bed, but I directed him toward the bathroom.
As much as I wanted to crawl between the sheets and sleep forever, I needed a shower in a bad way. I stank of chlorine and more sex than any person should have in an afternoon.
Liam gently set me down on the tile.
As soon as my toes hit the floor, I tore off Nathan’s shirt and darted into the massive shower. A quick crank of the faucet and hot water poured from the elegant rainfall showerheads mounted on the ceiling. Feeling blissfully relaxed, I grabbed a bar of fragrant soap from a nook in the wall and lathered it.
“I’ll be right out here when you need me,” Liam said, stepping out of the bathroom.
I closed my eyes, savoring the caress of the water and the fact that I was alone for the first time in hours. Some reflex had me dropping my hands to my belly. Well, not quite alone. Was it my imagination, or was my stomach a bit rounder? How fast did a Lykos baby grow? Or babies…
Crap. After all the sex I’d had with Mason and Ty, I probably had ten babies inside me. Refusing to dwell on that, I scrubbed my body from head to toe. “Sorry about all this craziness, little one. Life isn’t normally so wild.”
As I rinsed my hair, I continued talking. “I wish I could promise you things will calm down, but I’m not sure they will.” My mind went to all those Alpha male Enforcers. “How the heck am I supposed to lead all those warriors and run a Lykos faction by myself?”
“Not by yourself,” Nathan said, opening the shower door. “You’ll have me to help you.”
21
Havana
I started at the sight of the silver-haired male. “It hasn’t been an hour, has it?”
Nathan grinned. “I strive to be early to appointments.”
Feigning annoyance, I crossed my arms. “I told you to meet me in the bedroom.”
“Liam passed out on the bed. His snores are literally shaking the room.”
Trying to bite back my laugh, I peered around his shoulder. “Where’s Mira?”
“Mason and Ty took her downstairs to meet the human children. I told Mira not to show the humans her furry face, but since I can’t compel her anymore…” He shrugged.
I rolled my eyes. “There’s this thing that humans use to manage their children called discipline.”
“You try discipling her,” he said under his breath.
“Okay.” I smiled. Mira could be a handful, but it wasn’t anything some positive reinforcement and clear boundaries couldn’t address. “Where is Gabriel?”
“On the radio with Tina.” He held up his hand as if expecting my question. “All the humans at the resort, except for Marshall, are fine. We can bring them here tomorrow.”
“I would like that.”
“What else would you like?”
I licked my lips, feeling my fatigue leave me. “You. In here with me.”
Holding my stare, he yanked off the pants he’d been wearing. He was so damn sexy, any delusions I had of resisting his charm evaporated.
While I greedily drank in the sight of his gorgeous bronze skin, he stepped into the shower. �
�Ah, damn the fates that feels good.” He leaned over and grabbed the soap from my hands. “Tell me more about the Head Mate position.”
“The what?” My mind blanked as I watch him lather his hair, face, and chest. The soapsuds dripped down the taut abs of his stomach drawing my gaze to his growing erection. As my legs went rubbery, I took a step back and sat on the shower bench.
He reached between his legs and stroked the soap over his swollen cock. “What are the job requirements?”
I pursed my lips knowing I desperately needed to get control back of the situation. “Let’s see. The candidate must be smart, have a sense of humor, and be open to new things in and out of the bedroom.”
“Check,” he said, giving his swollen flesh a few mouth-watering pumps.
Holy crap. Watching him touch himself made my blood sizzle. “The candidate must be good with kids and open to having lots of them.” I rubbed my stomach.
“Check.” His eyes flared with heat. “Not only do I adore children, I find pregnant females incredibly alluring.”
Interesting. “Most important, the candidate must be willing to put up with my other mates with no terms or conditions.”
He lowered his gaze to the tile for a moment and then looked back at me. “I will learn to share.”
“Good. Finally, the candidate should be good with his hands and mouth.” I toyed with my nipples.
He went still, his eyes tracking my every movement. “Can I begin my duties now?”
“In the spirit of negotiation, shouldn’t you pledge yourself to me first?” I motioned him to kneel. I’d only been half kidding, but Nathan sank down on his knees in front of the bench.
He bowed low. “I pledge my life and soul to you, my Alpha.”
I sat in stunned silence, while the hot water beat down on the two of us. In the entirety of our relationship, Nathan had never taken a subservient role. To have him recognize me as his Alpha was huge. Something big had shifted between us.
When I said nothing after another minute, he looked up at me. “I’m yours if you still want me.” The uncertainty in his eyes spurred me into action.
I reached out and cupped his face. “I love you, Nathan. You’ve always been mine. You’ll always be mine.”