The Dragon's Mate (Elemental Dragons Book 1)

by Emilia Hartley

  “Is he dead?”

  “No. Just knocked out.”

  Mac’s brow furrowed. “Good. Alec, call it in.” The deputy disappeared. “Lower your weapon, Amara.”

  But she didn’t move. It wasn’t until she felt Nova’s hands on hers that she understood what was happening. Turning, she stared into his eyes.

  “It’s okay, baby,” he told her. “It’s over. You can let it go now.” Taking the gun from her, he put the safety on and handed it to Mac. “There now. It’s over.”

  With a sigh of relief, she fell into his arms, and let Nova wrap her up tight.

  Red and white lights lit the darkness on Amara’s street as they loaded Mitch into the ambulance. People lined the streets, wondering what was going on. Amara watched silently as the stretcher was secured and the doors were shut. She’d shot him in the shoulder. She was a good enough shot to know that she hadn’t hit anything vital, but he’d still lost a lot of blood waiting for the ambulance, which worried her.

  As scared as she’d been, she couldn’t get herself to hate him. The doctors said it was possible that something in his mind had just snapped one day. They also said it was possible that his obsessive tendencies had always been there and he’d just been good at covering them up. Whatever it was, he was the county sheriff’s problem now. She only hoped she never saw him again.

  “Are you okay?” Nova asked, wrapping an arm around her shoulder. Leaning into his touch, she nodded. “You gave me quite a scare back there,” he told her. “You have a habit of doing that a lot.”

  Despite herself, she laughed. “You have a habit of pissing off the bad guys who then come after me.”

  “This is true. Maybe we should both quit doing that, yeah? Deal?”

  Amara chuckled, standing on tip-toes to kiss him. “Deal. Nova?”

  “Yeah?”

  “Can we go get married now, please?”

  And even when the world seemed dark and turned upside down, she found that Nova could still make her feel safe. She couldn’t help but beam up at his grinning face. Nova lightly kissed her nose and held her tight. “Absolutely.”

  I hope you enjoyed books 1, 2 & 3 of my Mountain Wolves series! If you’d like to read book 4, you can check it out here: Complete Mountain Wolves Boxed Set

  Alpha Wolf Protector

  Alpha Wolf Series Book 1

  Emilia Hartley

  CHAPTER 1

  Not again.

  Cynthia eyed her grandmother with a measure of both love and contempt. Every day was the same routine; wake up, get water, make food, clean, get more water, cook, take care of her grandma, and think about Alex. At least, that was the regular day.

  “I need some water,” grandma said.

  And I need a break.

  Cynthia snatched the pail from beside the door and shoved her way outside. What she wouldn’t give for running water, or a flush toilet like they had in the farmhouse.

  Once the door was firmly shut behind her, she punched at the air furiously while the pail dangled on the crook of her arm. She loved her grandma but always struggled for whatever freedom she could get. She slipped into her unlaced boots that sat beside the door and tapped the toe to the ground to make sure they were on.

  Where the hell was Alex?

  Oh, right, he was off driving around recruiting other wolves to help them in their fight against the bear clans. Didn’t he say he was supposed to return today? Today is almost over and he was pushing the limits of Cynthia’s patience.

  “Great day again, eh Cyn?” her neighbor asked from his rocking chair.

  She remembered herself, coughing twice and stood to her full height.

  “Always,” she replied, Always.

  Cynthia started marching across the tiny town that had sprung up around the farmhouse. Ramshackle houses flanked the one large dirt road that ran the course from the paved street straight up to the farmhouse. A few of the wolves in the area had vehicles, but most didn’t even run, or if they did run they wouldn’t get far.

  A slight breeze blew toward the forest. The cold wind bit at her exposed skin, making her nipples perk up under her sundress. Her small fleshy mounds weren’t much to look at but they still got a lot of attention.

  A couple of the mutts lying around caught sight and she could tell their jeans were getting a little tighter. There were so many new horny boys around now since the clans merged just two months ago, she could have done without them. Still, let them watch, it’s not for them, these were for Alex. If he’d ever get back. In the meantime, she could take care of herself.

  “Hey Cynthia,” shouted one of the dumber ones.

  Just leave me alone.

  “Wanna go for a run later?” he asked with a smile.

  Yeah, but not with you.

  She pushed passed without saying a word and smiled through the frustrating nonsensical flirting. She’d found it easier to not say anything than try to say no. They’d get tired of talking and walk away most the time, but other times they couldn’t get it through their thick skulls.

  The good news for Cynthia was that the water pump didn’t have a line so she could finish her chore quickly and with minimal harassment. The bad news was that the idiot was still trying to flirt and wasn’t leaving her alone.

  “You know, I could take you for a ride in my-”

  “Listen … er” she tried to remember his name which sat on the tip of her tongue.

  “Billy,” he offered.

  “Billy,” she continued to work the water pump lever, which squeaked with each crank, “I already have a boyfriend so you’re barking up the wrong alley.”

  “Maybe I can provide something he can’t,” he said while he furrowed his brow.

  Fucking mutts. Cynthia returned to working the water pump so she could finish her task quickly and get back to her grandma. She turned her face away and rolled her eyes while trying her best to ignore his advances.

  “Guess I’ll just have to prove to your boyfriend why I’m the better man,” Billy suggested, starting to turn away.

  “Is that a threat?” Cynthia asked as she growled below her breath. She was starting to get visibly upset. First her grandmother orders her around and now this moron wants to act like an idiot? Not today. Today is the day Alex comes home.

  “It doesn’t have to be,” he offered, “you could get smart and just come with me.”

  Fuck it. Her body reacted without thought. She tackled Billy to the ground and punched with whatever strength she could muster. He threw his arms up to defend himself while she furiously attacked.

  The rhythmic thumping of an old truck engine echoed throughout the den. Cynthia sat straddled atop her bloodied foe and searched the road for the source of the sound.

  Her heart fluttered with excitement as the dingy, old, off-yellow truck rounded the corner and began its journey down the dirt path leading toward the farmhouse.

  In her distraction, Billy gained the upper hand.

  “You’re a lively, bitch,” he said, pushing her off and tackling her to the ground. Rocks stabbed into her back and mud from the wet grass around the water spigot matted into her hair. He smacked her upside the head, “If you wanna play hard then I’m always ready for you.”

  He grinded his hips into her open legs and she could feel his erection through his jeans. Gross. She broke one of her legs free and kneed him in the dick. He doubled over and let go of her immediately. She took the opportunity to run toward the truck that was pulling to a stop just a few yards away.

  Alex stood as a knight in shining armor. The setting sun cast a halo around him. His long sleeve shirt clunk tightly to his sinewy body which was starting to fill out with new muscle. His jeans sat loose and low on his sharp hips and his tight abs peeked out from above. He was barely out the passenger door when Cynthia tackled him to the ground.

  She straddled him tightly, her legs wrapped around his hips.

  “Whoa,” Alex said, falling into the dry dirt road, “is it my birthday?”


  He had such a genuine smile and it was by far one of his best features. His dimpled cheeks would highlight his skinny face and his vibrant green eyes were always warm and inviting. His normally short hair was starting to grow out just a little longer than he would have liked but Cynthia thought it gave him a rugged, disheveled look.

  “Help,” Cynthia whispered into his ear, motioning towards Billy with her head.

  Alex saw the bruised and battered wolf pulling himself up to his feet while still cupping at his crotch. Alex laughed quietly to himself.

  “Did you kick him in the nuts?” he asked.

  Cynthia widened her eyes and nodded slightly.

  “Did he deserve it?”

  “Absolutely,” she whispered. She pushed herself off Alex and stood over him with her arms around her waist. Her sun dress billowed in the wind, giving Alex a full view of what waited for him beneath. Her tiny black panties were already a little moist.

  Alex shot back to his feet and glared at Billy who was starting his way toward the duo.

  Kick his ass, Alex.

  “I’m still talking to you!” Billy shouted.

  “No, you’re talking to me,” Alex growled, “Cynthia is my girl.”

  Billy lowered his head and raised his fists, readying himself for a fight.

  Alex laughed and nonchalantly walked toward Billy.

  “You’re new around here, right?” Alex asked, “You should stop this before you get yourself hurt.”

  Billy threw a punch and Alex twisted to dodge but wasn’t fast enough. The punch hit him in the rib. Another fist soared and found Alex’s face. Alex clutched at this cheek but his eyes narrowed with rage. Alex balled up his fist and threw a punch that caught Billy just under the jaw.

  Billy reeled back, dazed from the strike, and fell to his back shaking his head.

  Serves him right. Cynthia threw her arms around her devoted protector while he clutched at his injured rib.

  “Guess I didn’t need to intervene after all,” Connor shouted from the farmhouse porch.

  “It wouldn’t have hurt,” Alex said as he spat out a tooth that landed beside his defeated foe.

  Cynthia gushed. Not only was Alex back but he’d saved her from another dumb mutt that couldn’t keep it in his pants. Her body pulsed with excitement. She wanted Alex more than anything else, and she wanted him right now.

  “Come on, Dinner’s ready. You should come too, Cynthia,” Connor added.

  Dammit, not now. She needed to jump on top of Alex and ride him until sunrise. Cynthia stood behind her man and kissed at his neck.

  “We could provide something else for you to eat,” she whispered in his ear.

  Alex gulped.

  “Come on son,” Alex’s father said, “let’s eat.”

  “I think I’m going to-”

  “Your sister put in the time to cook, and you’re going to eat it,” he added, cutting Alex off.

  Cynthia groaned. Her body was on fire and there was only one thing on her mind that could put her out.

  Alex sighed heavily which only meant one thing.

  “Let’s go, Cyn,” he said.

  Shit.

  When all eyes were off the duo, she grabbed at his crotch. His bulging package pressed against his belt and screamed for attention. He shuddered when she removed her hand.

  “Let’s get this over with quick,” she whispered in his ear. Cynthia started her way toward the farmhouse then stopped.

  Stupid.

  She smacked herself in the forehead before snatching the bucket of water from the pump and kicking Billy lightly in the side as she strode away. She knew Alex couldn’t take his eyes off her and she made sure he knew what he was missing. Her hips swayed and her dress belled back and forth. She bent over further than was necessary as she sat the pail by her own front door.

  “Water, grandma,” she said.

  Alex waited on the farmhouse porch and she stepped quickly to join him.

  “Dumb bitch,” she heard Billy groan from behind. Cynthia didn’t care. He was a loser. Plus, she was ready to make sure she would have her winner later.

  CHAPTER 2

  Okay, make this quick, eat fast then get back to the sexy woman who’s giving you the fuck me stare. Alex had to adjust his throbbing erection as he walked into the farmhouse. Cynthia was so damn sexy with her long, slender legs and her tiny but shapely butt. She loved to run and it showed on her body. No doubt she’d want to go for a ‘run’ after eating.

  “Alex!” Tess shouted from the kitchen table.

  “Hey sis,” Alex said, stepping into the kitchen, “how’s the family?”

  Cynthia stayed close by Alex clasping his hand tightly.

  “Barely started,” she replied, “but it’s getting there.” Tess patted her belly with pride.

  Alex was only recently made aware of his sister’s pregnancy. It still grossed him out to think of his sister having sex, even if her future husband Connor was the alpha of the pack. If anything that just made it more awkward.

  “Sit down and eat,” she said with a smile between bites.

  Connor took the seat beside Tess and loaded his plate with the casserole sitting in the middle of the table. The drab 70’s style green cabinets clashed with the paisley blue aluminum table. None of the chairs matched and most were in various states of disrepair. The linoleum floor squeaked as people walked across and it was covered with the ugliest floral pattern imaginable; you’d wonder who was fired after putting it into production. Across the table from Connor sat Marcus, Alex’s father.

  “As I was saying, they’ll be sending some warriors from their pack in the next couple days,” Marcus said.

  “Good!” Connor shouted, still filling his plate with an absurd amount of casserole, “You two did just great. That’s three packs now willing to stand up against the bear clans.”

  “Sit!” Tess urged.

  Two empty chairs remained. At least they were side by side. Alex pulled out the chair that appeared the least broken and offered it kindly to Cynthia who sat graciously, then joined her in the other chair.

  “I have your next destination,” Connor said.

  Another den?

  “The Cliff Walker den.”

  “I had a feeling you’d say that,” Marcus said, “They’re a proud warrior pack and most of them itch for a fight. I’m sure they’ll be hungry to join us.”

  “Great! You leave first thing tomorrow,” Connor said.

  What?!

  “We just got back,” Alex said.

  “And, you’ll just be leaving,” Connor barked.

  “I need some time-”

  “You’ll have tonight,” Connor said, cutting him off.

  He must be kidding. There’s no way he would push them out the door again so soon without a moment to really rest. Cynthia grabbed Alex’s hand under the table and held it close. It wasn’t fair; Connor got to spend as much time as he wanted with Tess, but Alex couldn’t spend more than one night with his girlfriend.

  “Find someone else,” Alex said, causing his chair to screech on the linoleum floor as he stood.

  “If you’re a part of this pack then you’ll do as you’re told. Or do I have to remind you who the alpha of this pack is?” Connor narrowed his eyes, staring straight through Alex.

  There was no way in hell he could have beat Connor in a head to head fight. He’d seen Connor take down two rampaging bear shifters by himself whereas Alex lost easily to just one. It didn’t help that Connor was almost twice Alex’s size.

  “Just do this one, Son. It should only be a couple more days,” his father said.

  Easy for you to say, you don’t have a sweet piece of ass like Cynthia to come back to. Alex was fighting the rage in his mind and losing. It took Cynthia’s gentle touch on his forearm to bring him back from saying something he might regret. He sighed heavily, letting the moment go, and returned to his chair which he pulled back under the table.

  “This is the last time,” Alex said.
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br />   “If I only have him for one night then I’m taking him right now,” Cynthia chimed in.

  Marcus laughed the hardest, spilling bites of food into his thick beard. Tess had a horrid look of realization while Connor paid no mind.

  “Get out of here,” his Dad said.

  Cynthia didn’t even wait for him to finish the sentence. She was yanking Alex to his feet. He toppled over the back of his chair, barely catching himself before falling. Cynthia pushed out of the room so quickly that Alex lost sight of her for a second as he returned the chair upright. With a quick smile and casual salute he left to join Cynthia by the door.

  “It’s a nice night for a run,” she whispered into his ear as she stuffed something into his pocket. She smiled wickedly, and with a wink she was outside.

  Alex unfurled the item she placed in his care, her panties. They were already wet and smelled of sex. Instant boner. He shoved them back in his pocket and rocketed out the door to see a silver and gray haired wolf sprinting toward the tree line. A billowy sun dress was caught by the wind, slowly finding its way toward the ground.

  He couldn’t tear his pants off fast enough.

  CHAPTER 3

  Her senses were alive. The smell of the trees filled her nostrils, and her hunger to mate filled her loins. She’d been waiting all day for this and if she only had one night then she was going to make it a night to remember.

  She darted past the rows of sharpened logs and makeshift pit traps set to stop the bears advance.

  “Wait!” she heard Alex shout behind her. But, wait she would not. If he needed to find her he could track her by scent with what she left in his pocket.

  She sprinted into the tree line, dashing over fallen logs and underbrush she ran past a thousand times. She breathed heavily with each footfall penetrating deeper and deeper into the thick wood. Her destination was the clearing where they first kissed. It was the same place they’d first had sex. And, it was the first place she knew to be safe from prying eyes.

  She heard Alex’s grunt as he shifted and begin following behind her. It made her heart quicken, feeling like it might beat straight out of her chest. She was always faster than him, though. She loved to run and was known as the fastest in the pack, a title which she wore with pride. Alex struggled to keep up.