Wolf Betrayed

by Carrie Ann Ryan

  “Let him,” Shane bit out, his lips covered in blood. “I trust him.”

  Charlotte put Shane’s head on her lap and whispered soothing words. “Shift into your wolf quickly, Bram. We don’t have a lot of time.”

  Walker blew out a breath. “I knew you were stronger than you let on but are you sure?”

  Bram met the other man’s eyes. “I’m sure.”

  And with that, Bram quickly stripped and pulled on the cord that connected him with his wolf. His body twisted and turned, his bones breaking, moving into new positions. Normally, it would take him a good five minutes to complete the shift, but he didn’t have that kind of time, and his wolf seemed to understand that.

  Once wolf, he padded over to Shane and met the other man’s gaze.

  Shane smiled, though it was weak. “Never saw you in your wolf form. Kind of like it.” Bram huffed and looked over at Charlotte. She pushed at Shane’s shoulders, pinning down his arms, even as she nodded.

  Walker held onto Shane’s legs, and Bram leapt.

  He didn’t know why he knew this, but he knew he didn’t need to bite him as hard or as much as he would have if Shane had been fully human. It was almost as if the moon goddess herself were speaking to him. He bit into Shane’s side and then his thigh. Only two bites, but they would be enough.

  He honestly didn’t know why he understood that. It wasn’t as if Bram ever truly gave in to fate, especially after what had happened with Charlotte the first time, but he couldn’t help but give in now.

  Shane thrashed but didn’t scream. In fact, after the two bites when Bram moved back, Shane seemed to calm. He looked over at Bram, met his gaze, and blinked.

  Bram wanted to shift back to speak but froze when Shane arched his back and let out a rough shout. Charlotte immediately moved back, as did Walker. The three of them watched as Shane slowly shifted from man to wolf.

  While Bram was a dark black wolf, and Charlotte was a slightly lighter one with touches of red in her fur, Shane proved to be a milk chocolate brown. His fur was sweat-slick, and his eyes huge with fear, but he was whole.

  “Oh, thank the goddess,” Charlotte whispered. She crawled forward, her hands out to him. “Shane, it’s me. Are you okay?”

  Shane stared at her for a moment before trying to nod. Only in wolf form, it wasn’t so easy so he looked a bit awkward. It didn’t matter though. Shane was alive. He was wolf. And from the look in Walker’s eyes, he was still Pack.

  Things had changed once again, but Bram would never regret what he’d had to do.

  Shane was wolf.

  Finally.

  ****

  Shane felt as if he were a baby giraffe learning to walk for the first time. His legs weren’t moving the way they should, and he kept falling flat on his face. He couldn’t quite put into words the amount of pain he’d been in before, but right then, he knew that whatever had been done had been for this.

  He was a wolf. A freaking shifter. And now that he was in this form, he could sense the bonds the others had mentioned. Before it had been like there was a film over them, hiding them, stopping them from being what he thought they should be. But now he was slowly waking up from the murkiness.

  Hell, he could even sense Charlotte and Bram more now than he had before. And if he was feeling what they were feeling, he had no idea how they could have held themselves back from him and each other for as long as they had.

  They held a true strength. One that he might one day learn himself.

  Bram was already shifted, and Charlotte had moved off to the side to do her shift, as well. He was happy with that because he wasn’t sure he could handle her nakedness right now, or allow anyone else to see her either. He didn’t know where all this possessiveness came from, but he had a feeling if he didn’t rein it in, Charlotte would kick his ass. She was no weak wolf.

  While Shane tried to get his bearings, his body still weak and his senses on overload, Gideon jogged toward them.

  “You bit him?” he asked Bram, who had shifted back to human. Shane knew it took a tremendous amount of energy to do two full shifts back-to-back as Bram had done, and he had no idea how Bram was still awake, let alone standing guard over Charlotte as she shifted.

  “It was the only way.” The words came out as a rough growl, and Shane frowned. He slowly toddled his way over to Bram’s side, leaning his new body along Bram’s legs.

  Bram looked down, his brows high, and ran a hand over Shane’s head. The feeling of Bram’s fingers through his fur was intoxicating. He leaned harder but moved his gaze toward Gideon. He didn’t know if Bram was supposed to do what he’d done, and from the way Walker had freaked, it had been unusual for sure. Bram had saved his life, though, and he was Shane’s mate, something he was still getting used to. He didn’t want Bram to be in trouble for what had happened.

  Gideon held up his hands. “I’m glad you were able to do it. Our Packs are changing, Bram. There are stronger wolves out there now than there were before. Kade and I knew that and have been prepared for this. I don’t think anyone is at your level yet where they can change other wolves, but they could be soon. And when that happens, our laws will have to evolve much like you guys are. It’s okay. I promise. Kade and I knew you were stronger than you let on. Just breathe.”

  Bram seemed to relax, and Shane tried to catch the undercurrents of the conversation but failed. It was all a little too much on his system right then.

  Gideon looked down at Shane. “You’re still Talon, and one hell of a big wolf. Welcome to the Pack.” He grinned then, and Shane met the other man’s eyes before lowering them. His wolf didn’t want to antagonize, and Shane knew he’d have to learn more about this new version of himself day by day.

  “I didn’t know if Bram biting you would bring you into the Redwoods or not, but I had a feeling you’d stay Talon. You were brought in differently than any other member here, and I have a feeling no matter what happens, you’ll always be Talon.”

  Shane tilted his head.

  “That means when the mating bond takes place, and the Alphas are ready, Charlotte and I will be Talons, not Redwoods anymore,” Bram explained. “But that’s something we can talk about later. For now, just get used to your new wolf, okay?”

  Hell. Apparently, the way he’d become a wolf was going to screw everyone over. Gideon didn’t seem worried about it, but he had a feeling the Alpha was well trained in hiding what he was thinking. There were things going on around him that he didn’t understand, but Shane knew he’d have to figure it out soon.

  Gideon knelt down so he was at eye-level with Shane. “I need you to shift back soon. You’re too new as a wolf to stay in this form for long. And because most wolves don’t change immediately after a bite like that, you’re still on a different path than the others. I don’t want you to tire yourself out to the point of pain because you’re so immersed in your new self. So change back. I know Charlotte needs to run and will do so, but then the three of you can rest.”

  “I’ll make sure he’s safe,” Bram said. “I’ll lead him through the change if you need to go.”

  Gideon raised a brow as he stood. “I see.” The Alpha studied Bram, and Shane wasn’t sure he liked it. “If you become Talon, you might be my lieutenant from the strength of your wolf. Are you ready for something like that.”

  Bram raised his chin. “We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.”

  “Sounds like a plan. Call me if you need me, but I have a feeling Shane will be just fine.” He looked down and smiled. “Isn’t that right, soldier?” And with that, Gideon trotted off toward another grouping of wolves that needed their Alpha.

  Before Shane could try and figure out how to communicate, Charlotte moved toward them. While she was gorgeous in her human form, her wolf form was just as stunning. Shane wanted to rub against her and mark her as his, but he had a feeling tonight wasn’t the night to do that.

  Bram smiled at her, his grin wide, and Shane almost took a step back at the sheer emotion on
his face. It was true that these two had known each other far longer than Shane, but one day, he hoped he could find that connection, as well.

  He honestly didn’t know how he’d ended up thinking about a future with the two of them, but now that he had, he knew he just needed to dive in full force. There was no use looking back and being fearful when others were counting on you.

  “I’ll stay here while he shifts back if you want to go for a run.”

  Charlotte gave a slight nod before walking up to Shane’s side. She slid her body against his before nipping at his ear. Before he could figure out how to respond, she rubbed along Bram’s legs and licked his fingers when he reached out to pet her.

  Then she ran off, and Shane was left staring at her as she disappeared.

  Bram let out a rough chuckle. “She has a way of doing that.” They both stared after her for a bit longer before Bram finally moved. “Let’s get you back to your human form while we wait for her. It’s been a long night.”

  Shane wasn’t sure he was in the mood to go through all that pain again to shift back, but he was in no shape to argue.

  “I want you to look deep inside and try to find the piece of yourself connected to your wolf. Once you find that cord, pull on it. Imagine yourself as human, and let the change come over you. Don’t fight it.”

  Shane wasn’t sure he understood Bram’s words, but he followed his instructions anyway. After all, Bram had saved his life more than once, and Shane would do anything to repay him. Even something as simple as just listening.

  The cord connecting him to his wolf was a dark strand he’d never seen before, never felt before. He tugged on it, and the primal part of him that made him want to growl and bite tugged back. Shane wasn’t sure what to do next, but Bram put his hand on Shane’s back.

  “I want to talk to the man who will be my mate. Let that happen.”

  With that idea in his mind, his wolf changed course. They both wanted to talk to Bram apparently. He pictured himself as human, and let out a howl as his body began to shift back.

  Sweaty, sore, and exhausted, Shane lay in the grass, naked as the day he was born. Bram laughed when as he sat next to him, equally naked.

  “You look ready to nap, but I figured you’d probably want to sleep at home.”

  Shane rolled over and leaned on his arm. “Charlotte should be back soon, right?”

  Bram nodded. “And I think the two of us will stay with you tonight, if that’s okay?”

  The look in the other man’s eyes made Shane’s dick harden, and he swallowed, though his mouth was dry.

  Before Shane could think of what to say, Charlotte trotted up. She looked between the two of them, her eyes filled with knowing, and moved to a grouping of bushes to shift back.

  Shane wasn’t sure what would happen once they got back to his place, but he knew that everything would be different afterward. His wolf wanted them, and he had a feeling his human half wanted them even more.

  He’d never thought to find someone—or more than one someone—to be with for the long haul, but he wasn’t human any longer. Whatever was inside him, this new soul, this new wolf, wanted these two. And now he knew that whatever danger he faced, whatever war came at them, he would be stronger, they would be stronger as one.

  He stood on shaky legs as Charlotte came out of the bushes, her simple dress covering her curves. He would strip that off her later, he knew.

  “Are you ready to go home?” he asked, his voice like gravel.

  Charlotte stood right in front of him and cupped his face. “I’m ready.”

  He wrapped his arm around her waist and tugged her close before crushing his mouth to hers. She tasted of power and sweetness, and he wanted her mouth all over him.

  When he pulled away, Bram was there, kissing him even harder. Shane finally caught a breath when Bram and Charlotte kissed each other, but the sight didn’t stop the rapid beat of his heart.

  They were going to do this.

  He was wolf. He was Talon.

  And soon…soon, he’d have mates.

  A far cry from the human soldier he’d been before all of this, but he knew this was where he was supposed to be. Where he was meant to be all along.

  Finally.

  BRANDON

  Brandon fell to his knees, his body shaking. He hadn’t gone on the hunt tonight for this very reason, and yet it seemed he still hadn’t been able to fully cope with the ever-changing bonds of his Pack.

  He was the Omega. The one wolf who should be able to handle the emotions and tensions of a Pack of shifters. A Pack that had gone through hell but had clawed its way back to health and life.

  Yet he couldn’t do it.

  His body shuddered, and he emptied the contents of his stomach on his hardwood floor. Sweat covered his body, and he knew he was too weak to shift into wolf form at the moment. His Pack needed him to be healthy. To be whole.

  But he wasn’t.

  And now there was a new member of his Pack, a new bond that was different than the others. But for some reason, Brandon didn’t think this bond would break them. No, the new wolf, this former human who had sacrificed everything for them, could be the one thing that could protect them.

  Brandon just had to pray he would live long enough to see it.

  His wolf needed a mate.

  His darkness needed a light.

  And with each passing day, each new emotion that tugged at his soul, each new worry and fear over a war they might not win, he knew his battle might be lost.

  Shane might be able to save the Pack’s future, but Brandon wasn’t sure anything would be strong enough to save him.

  Things were changing, and Brandon couldn’t keep up.

  And a Pack without an Omega wasn’t a Pack that could survive.

  I need a mate, he said to himself once again.

  Only he wasn’t sure he knew where to look.

  Chapter Eleven

  Charlotte’s heart was going to beat straight out of her chest. She’d run as wolf alongside others of her kind, her four paws pounding the ground. Those she’d run with hadn’t been Pack, but if she followed the path laid in front of her, they soon would be.

  Outside the four walls of Shane’s home, a war was brewing. Humans knew of the wolves’ existence. Some wanted their heads, others to study what made wolves bleed. Some were fascinated by shifters, fanatics dangerously obsessed, forming passels of groupies and fans that Charlotte would never understand. None of the Packs ignored them, but those who begged to be changed or wanted a shifter in their bed weren’t what her people were concentrating on at the moment. No, they were more focused on their own government. The same government that was divided about what to do with the “shifter problem.” Some wanted to tag and collar them. Others wanted to study them.

  Senators like McMaster wanted to call them animals, strip away their rights and privileges as humans and citizens.

  Men like Montag took their greed and cruelty to the next level and created life and death in their labs.

  The war was brewing. The battles outside their doors escalating.

  But right now, this wasn’t about that.

  This was about the three people, the three wolves, in this room, and what they were about to do. There was no fighting the attraction any longer. No begging for the pull to dissipate.

  They would make love as one and bite into each other’s shoulders to form mating marks.

  And if the moon goddess shined on them, they would create a mating bond.

  It was a little too much for Charlotte to absorb…so she didn’t try.

  Tonight, she would just feel.

  Tomorrow she could worry.

  And pray for more tomorrows.

  Shane cupped her face, and she looked up at him. “You’re in your head again,” he murmured. “What are you thinking about?”

  She leaned into his hand, enjoying the way his eyes darkened. “About everything.”

  “That’s a lot to have on your mind,” Bram s
aid from behind her. He put his hands on her hips, and she sucked in a breath. Both men were so much larger than she was, so freaking big height and width-wise with their breadth of muscle. Yet she knew they would never hurt her.

  Perhaps not physically, she thought.

  But emotionally? She couldn’t help but be fearful of that break she’d endured with Bram.

  Not again.

  She would not break again.

  “I was actually trying to get everything out of my mind.”

  “Everything?” Shane teased, his thumb brushing along her cheek.

  She wrapped her arms around his waist, pulling him close. His rock-hard erection pressed firmly against her belly as Bram’s did the same to her lower back.

  “Not everything,” she breathed. “Not everything.”

  “I never knew I could want someone this much,” Shane said softly, his lips a bare inch from hers. “How can I want you, want Bram, as much as I do, and yet know nothing about you?”

  “You know the important things,” she said as she arched her neck for Bram’s lips. She shivered in their hold. She’d had her best friend’s lips on her before, but it had been nothing like this. Their mating before had been happiness, friendship, and promise. Now…there was trepidation that mixed with the heat and chemistry that came with not one, but two men who wanted her.

  Who needed her.

  Who she, in turn, craved, as well.

  “You’ll know more after tonight, and more in the days to come,” she added. Her hands slid up Shane’s back, his body sweat-slick from the change, but hard, ready.

  “You have the softest skin,” Shane murmured. “Doesn’t she, Bram?”

  Bram’s hand slid up underneath the bottom of her tank to cup her breast. His thumb brushed her nipple and her inner walls clenched, wet, ready…for them both. He rocked into her, and she arched for him. The action pushed her breasts into Shane’s chest as well as Bram’s hand.

  She kept her eyes open, watching the way Shane’s darkened and that little ring of yellow around his eyes began to glow. That came with either intense arousal or his wolf coming to the surface. Right then, she had a feeling it was a little bit of both. With any other wolf, in any other way of creating a new shifter, what Shane was doing right now wouldn’t have been possible. He shouldn’t have been able to shift so soon after a bite, shouldn’t have been able to feel the intense pull towards her and Bram as he was. He also shouldn’t have the control he did to hold her so close and not pound her against a wall with such intensity that they’d be a pile of limbs in the end.