All she knew was that she was grateful.
Epilogue
To no one’s surprise, the three lovers were still in bed at nine the next morning, having slept for a grand total of thirty or so minutes since their return.
After a long, hilariously awkward bath during which all three had attempted to cram themselves into Emma’s diminutive tub, they’d spent the night reacquainting themselves with one another’s bodies.
Emma was just about to propose another go when the doorbell rang, temporarily delaying any prospect of setting a world record for most consecutive orgasms during a ménage à trois.
“I’ll get it,” she said, stretching her arms over her head as she moved towards the edge of the bed. “And after I do, I’ll have to think of actually showing up to work today. You two are a terrible influence, you know.”
“Work? Not bloody likely,” said Laird, grabbing her and pulling her naked body back against his, his hands cupping her bare breasts. He kissed her neck, drawing a laugh from her before turning to face Roth. “What do you think?” he asked. “Should I let her go?”
“I’d let her do anything she wants, mate. You’ve seen how strong she is now. You might suffer a compound fracture if you insist on holding her against her will.”
“Fair point.” Laird released her, his eyes venturing up and down her body as she leapt out of bed.
Emma threw her clothes on quickly, springing down the stairs while her lovers hunted for their own discarded garments, which lay in random piles scattered over her bedroom floor.
As she descended towards the foyer Emma sniffed the air, picking up a familiar scent. This time, she knew at least that she wasn’t about to be greeted by a couple of miscreants.
“Cillian with a C,” she said cheerfully as she swung the door open.
Indeed, Cillian was standing in the doorway, but so was another man. His tall frame was accentuated by a long wool coat with a prominent collar. Handsome with light-coloured eyes, he stared at Emma with an intensity that reminded her a little of Roth. Though he looked friendly enough, something in his demeanour sent an odd shiver of warning racing through her.
“Miss Emma Danforth?” said the stranger.
“Yes?” she replied. “Who are you?”
“My name is Brigg. I’m from Scotland Yard,” the man said. “I’d like to speak to you and your mates, if I may.”
“My…mates?” she asked, nervous to think that anyone who worked in law enforcement knew about her unusual arrangement with the two men. “There must be some sort of mistake,” she said, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Her eyes shifted over to Cillian as if to ask, What the fuck is going on here? Does he know?
“It’s all right,” Cillian said, reading her expression.
In that same moment, a series of rapid footsteps sounded behind Emma. Her lovers were running down the stairs, though right now she wished she could ask them to go back, to hide themselves until she understood what the strange visitor actually wanted.
“Cillian brought me here because I sought him out,” Brigg said, his eyes shifting to the figures who were now approaching. “Thing is, I’ve been looking for others of our kind for some time. It’s my wish to return to the Old Ways, you see.”
“The…Old Ways?” said Emma. “You mean you’re…”
The man shot her a look, his eyes flashing bright, almost blinding blue for a second before fading again. “I’m a Dire Wolf shifter, yes,” he said. “I suppose you might say that I’ve been waiting for your pack’s arrival for many years. I’m here to offer my help, as the days ahead will be difficult for all of us.”
“Difficult how?” It was Roth’s voice that spoke now, his hands moving to Emma’s shoulders as though to reassure her of his presence. “What news have you brought us?”
“For one thing, word has already gotten out about your arrest of the Grizzlies last night,” Brigg replied. “There is a group forming as we speak, claiming to be rebels set to fight against the Guild. They know a good deal about the Dragon shifters, and they know that the Dire Wolves are allied closely with them. They will come after you. Not just the Trekilling Pack, but all of you. Every Dire Wolf in London is at risk.”
“We need to get to the Guild,” said Laird. “We have to tell Lumen what’s happening.”
“Yes,” said Brigg. “But there’s something else you need to know, too.”
“Bloody hell,” Roth said. “I hesitate to ask what that is.”
Brigg took in a sharp breath before replying. “I’m sorry to be the one to tell you this, but Scotland Yard has recently formed an anti-shifter task force.”
“But,” said Emma, “that means…”
“That means,” said Roth, “that London’s human population knows we’re here. Our time in the shadows is at an end.”
“It’s true,” said Brigg, nodding. “But I do bring one piece of good news. They don’t know what I am, not yet. For now, at least, you have an ally inside the walls of Scotland Yard. An ally who would like to join your pack.”
* * *
The next book in the series is Dire Wolves of London.
Want more Dire Wolves?
Brigg and Cillian’s book, Dire Wolves of London (Dire Wolves Book 2), is coming March 11!
You can pre-order your copy here: Dire Wolves of London.
Also by Carina Wilder
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Carina’s Books:
The Dragon Guild Chronicles:
Dragon Hunter
Dragon Seeker
Dragon’s Lover
Dragon’s Curse
Dragon’s Bane
Dragon’s Kiss (A Prequel Novella)
Alpha’s Mate (Dire Wolves of London)
Dire Wolves of London (Dire Wolves Book 2)
The Alpha Seekers Series:
Sought by the Alphas
Seeking Her Mates
Illusions
Sorceress
The Plenty of Shift Choose Your Own Sequel Shifter Dating Series begins here:
Miri: Plenty of Shift, Book One
Naomi and Tyler, Book Two
Naomi and Quinn, Book Three
The Wolf Rock Shifters Series (these are complete stories and can be read out of order):
Wolf Rock Shifter Box Set
Winning the Alpha
Bearing Up In Wolf Rock
The Right to a Bear's Arms
To Lie With Lions
Alpha’s Hunt
The Single Ladies’ Travel Agency (Contemporary Romance)
Gettin’ Hard
Going Hard
Loving Hard
The Billionaires and Curves Serial:
Billionaires and Curves (Taken With You) Trilogy
Taken With You
Crazy About You
The Way to You
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Alpha’s Mate: Dire Wolves of London, Book One Page 16