“Your woman.” She panted. Another orgasm edged closer.
“My mate.”
He bit down on her shoulder, pushing her headlong into a surge of bliss.
She dug her nails into the tree bark and shook through the powerful ripple of pleasure racking her core.
His body stiffened at her back, his thrusts turned frenzied, wild. He did a final hard slam into her and roared. His cock expanded and filled her with his cum. She was glad he was holding her body flush to his by her waist, or she’d have fallen to a boneless puddle on the grass.
“Oh. Wow.”
His cock continued to jerk in her pussy while he licked at her shoulder. He caressed up to her breasts and pinched her nipples in his grasp. Her pussy throbbed for more.
“How in the world do you do that to me?” She moaned.
He propelled back and slid forward with deliberate gentle drives. He kissed her back, down her spine and slipped out of her. “Let’s go home.”
She turned to face him. His sexy smile made her heart flip. Hell, if this continued, she’d never get out of bed. Not that they needed a bed it seemed.
“I want to make love to you and kiss every inch of your skin until I’m the only scent you wear.”
Well fuck. She was good with that. After another mind-melting kiss, he helped her put on the T-shirt, ensuring the material didn’t show off any of her privates, before picking her up in his arms again.
* * *
A soft knock at her office door made her glance up from the computer screen to the entrance. Technically it was still Ryder’s office, but he’d been so Gung-ho about her doing the accounting, he’d had a desk and computer put in for her within a day.
Theo stood at her door, his smile wide. “There’s someone here to see you. She asked if you could come out to the bar and talk to her.”
She stood, wondering who it could be, and went into the main section of the bar. Mandy sat in a booth, her posture rigid and her hands folded on the table.
“Hey!” Raine smiled. “I’ve been calling you, but you haven’t been answering me. Is everything okay?” She frowned when she noticed Mandy’s glassy eyes.
“Oh, Raine!” She slid out of the booth and threw her arms around her neck. “I’m so sorry!”
Mandy started sobbing in her arms. Raine felt her pain as if it were her own. “Why are you so upset?”
“Joe.” She choked on the word through her tears.
“What about him?” She’d yet to tell Mandy about her sick ex-boyfriend.
“I found some files in a drawer. They were about his shifter project and how you were a perfect test subject.” Her voice shook as she spoke. “I went to the police and the Sheriff said he’d been killed in some kind of sting operation. He was doing illegal testing this entire time.” She hiccupped. “I feel so guilty.”
“Oh, Mandy. It’s okay. You didn’t know Joe would do that kind of stuff.” She patted her distressed friend on the back. “Heck, I would’ve never guessed him to be doing those kinds of experiments.”
Mandy shook her head and sniffled. She stepped back, glancing at her with tortured eyes. “You don’t understand. This is all my fault. I often spoke about you having no one to look out for you. If only I had paid more attention to his obsessive talk about shifters, maybe I would’ve realized what he was up to. Instead, I just ignored him as being in one of his annoying geeky moments.”
“Stop it. Nobody could’ve known that.” She hugged her and motioned her into the booth she’d vacated. “Now sit down and tell me what you’ve been up to.”
Ryder listened to Mandy and Raine discuss how Joe had been working with other scientists across the country. Some rich benefactors had funded their research, and while Joe was one of the main researchers, he wasn’t alone, nor was that facility the only place he worked his experiments.
“What do you want us to do?” Theo asked, towel in hand, cleaning glasses from behind the bar.
“Not sure yet. Have you seen Quinn?” He glanced around the bar in hopes his cousin had made an appearance.
“He stepped outside for a moment.”
Ryder glanced through the front windows, looking for his troubled cousin outside. “How does he look to you?”
Theo sighed, stopped cleaning the glass in his hand, and winced. “Confused as hell and ready to bolt.”
At that moment, Quinn entered the bar, his gaze moved swiftly to where Mandy and Raine sat. Meeting Ryder’s scrutinizing stare, he clenched his jaw, and marched to the bar.
“How are you doing?” Ryder couldn’t help the concern he felt for his cousin. He saw the haunting stress in his eyes.
“Fine.”
“I’m sorry about James.” They still hadn’t found James’ body, but if Quinn’s memory was correct, his friend had been killed when they were first captured.
Quinn gave a sharp nod. His chin length blond hair look disheveled, as if he’d been running his fingers through the strands in frustration.
“I can’t stay here, Ryder.” He shifted to look at Mandy and Raine again, his face filled with torture. “I’m so confused. I feel like I should be protecting her, but that’s your job as her mate.”
Quinn picked up the glass of beer Theo had placed in front of him and gulped. “This is all kinds of fucked up. Your blood was used to change her.”
“I’m no alpha. Your mate is stronger than most of the born alphas out there.” Quinn frowned.
Ryder scrubbed a hand over the back of his neck. “Quinn, you were experimented on. So was she. Neither of you will be normal again. Well, not our kind of normal.”
Theo pushed a glass back and away from the edge of the counter. “She doesn’t just have your DNA. She had a host of other drugs that made her who she is now.”
“Where will you go?” He could scent Quinn’s confusion and pain. It was best to give him the time and space he needed to clear his head.
“South. I can’t be here. I love Jessa, and I feel like a fucking idiot for how that went down.”
Ryder didn’t ask him about the situation with Jessa. He knew whatever happened, Pete probably had a hand in it.
“Don’t let her keep you away.” Theo leaned over the bar to join in the conversation.
“I won’t. I’ll be back. She knows things aren’t over.”
Ryder’s lip quirked at the possessive way Quinn spoke. Jessa might have thought they were done, but she’d soon find out mates weren’t a personal choice, but a choice by the heart.
“Ryder…” He heard the soft calling over the laughter and boisterous atmosphere in the bar.
He glanced around, looking for Raine, but didn’t see her anywhere.
“Come here, my hunky shifter.” Her seductive voice sent lust straight to his cock. Hardened him to steel. Fuck looking. He inhaled, bypassing the beer and different animals to focus on her scent. Like a dog going after a bone, he stood, his gaze locked on the door to their office.
Theo chuckled. “I see who’s in charge here.”
“Shut up Theo.” He growled, rushing to his office, and her arms.
“Oh yeah, looks to me like she tamed two wolves at once.” Theo laughed. His raucous chuckle followed Ryder into his office.
“There you are.” Raine gripped his shirt, dragged him into the office, and pushed his back against the closed door.
“Here I am, my love.”
Her brilliant smile made his heart beat faster.
“I love you.” She whispered. Her eyes filled with emotion.
He caressed her jaw, slid down to her neck, and trailed his fingers over her mate bite. “I love you too. You are the most important person in my life.”
“Really?” She twined her fingers behind his neck and smiled wickedly at him. “Well, the most important person in your life wants you to make love to her.”
He chuckled and nuzzled her lips. “Whatever you want, sweetheart. Whatever you want.”
* * *
The End
~ About the
Author ~
Want to know about me? Milly Taiden (aka April Angel) was born in the prettiest part of the Caribbean known as the Dominican Republic. She grew up between New York, Florida and Massachusetts. Currently, she resides in New York City with her husband, bossy young son and their little dog Speedy.
She’s addicted to shopping for shoes, chocolate (but who isn’t?) and Dunkin Donuts coffee.
A bookworm when she can get her hands on a good story, she loves reading all Mina Carter, Cynthia Sax and Dianne Duvall among others.
Find out more about Milly Taiden here:
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.millytaiden.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/fansofmillytaidenaprilangel
Facebook Friend Page: http://www.facebook.com/milly.taiden
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/millytaiden
~ Acknowledgements ~
This book is for some very special people I love:
Julie Duran-Fernandez ~ My sister and unwavering arm of support for the first read through. Thanks for always being there for me. Even when I get on your last nerve and you want to not pick up the phone (I know you have those days!) you still answer me. I can’t begin to tell you how much you mean to me. Thank you.
Heidi Hutchinson~ You are just the world’s most amazing mother, cover artist goddess (don’t fight me on this), unbelievably talented writer, friend, wife, rocking photographer, and such a beautiful human being I seriously don’t know how you became friends with crazy old me. Oh, well. You can’t take it back. You’re my bestie and I’ll kick your butt if you dump me! You rock and you know I love you.
Iris Montalvo Pross ~ The Master Pimp of my street team. Did not think my stalking you for months would work and you’d become such an amazing friend. Thank you for all the work you have put into all my books and helping get the Milly/April name out there. I don’t have the words to thank you. They would be too small for your commitment. But I’ll try anyway, thank you for making the Sexy Biter Book Pimps rock! I love you!
Sheri Spell ~ Your help and assistance when I need it are invaluable. I can’t begin to thank you for taking the time to proof for me even when you are overwhelmed, exhausted and busy with your own life. The appreciation I feel for your help will never be able to be measured. I love you Closet Smut Freak!
Jennifer Wedmore ~ What can I say but you rock, Smut Mama! You started the entire group and I’m in awe. You have helped lead the group and have assisted me so much! Even when you are clearly busy with a life and family, you’ve allowed me to take over and become a priority at times. I can’t begin to tell you what that means to me. I love you!
Barbie Hicks ~ The Smut Connoiseur is the name and smut is her game. Can I just say I love you for being BAD, but I also love you for being awesome! You’re an amazing friend. You take on authors and help push them forward. You have a packed schedule and you still find the time for me and the others. Thanks for all your hard work in helping get Milly’s and April’s books out there. I love you.
Michelle Wilson ~ The Mistress of Smut. Can I just say I love you woman! You are absolutely awesome with all the help and last minute reviewing you do of my books even when I know you have a TON of stuff going on. I can’t thank you enough for being so helpful. Thanks for being on my team and know you are very appreciated!
~ I also want to thank the following people for their unwavering support and continued commitment in encouraging me to succeed ~
The Sexy Biters Book Pimps ~ you girls are amazing!
Jennifer James (you so rock woman!), Lindsay Avalon, Amalfis Liz, Michelle Wilson, Diamond Bermudez, Alexia Bermudez, Yolinda Ventura, David Morel, Anthony Fernandez, Leda Verber, Emely De La Cruz, Maritza Hernandez, DeAnna Pratt, Jeannette Medina, Jennifer van Gunten, and a host of others that know who they are.
Thank you. I love you all.
~ Look for these titles from Milly Taiden ~
Now Available
Wolf Fever Alpha Project
Sharp Change Black Meadows Pack Book One
Caged Heat Black Meadows Pack Book Two
“Mate Event” Halloween Heat III
Fate’s Wish
Wynter’s Captive
Coming Soon
Scent of a Mate
Gisele’s Song
Dangerous Protector Federal Paranormal Unit Book 2
As April Angel
Stranded Temptation
Party Crasher
Hero’s Pride
The Sizzling Encounters Series
Mr. Buff
Wicked Valentine
Coming Soon
Lucky Break Sizzling Encounters Book Three
~ Keep Reading for a BONUS short by Milly Taiden writing as April Angel ~
A Hero’s Pride
A Hero’s Pride
April Angel
Chapter One
Kayla glanced at the open email on her laptop screen. It was a message from her best friend about the blind date she’d arranged for her. Why, oh why did she say yes to getting set up? And with some guy that was the buddy of her best friend’s boyfriend no less. She’d met a few of his friends, and they were more the player type. Not her style at all. Then there were all the times her mother had attempted to fix her up. The experiences left her wary of the word “date.” She knew better than to allow herself to be talked into dates, especially with her bad luck when it came to men. But in a moment of weakness, she’d agreed.
Dammit.
There was no backing out at this point. Her date, Ryan Mitchell, would make the effort to meet her halfway. According to Sue, her best friend and perpetual matchmaker, Ryan was undergoing some kind of physical therapy. He was going down to Florida for some medical tests anyway. It gave them the opportunity to meet there before she headed over to her parent’s private island off the Florida Coast, Isla Dorada—The Golden Island.
Beads of nervous sweat trickled down her back at the thought of what was coming. She glanced around her cabin and sighed. All the girls were still asleep. Their last day at the sleep-away camp had been a mixture of happiness and sadness. Kayla eyed the luggage lined up by each bunk. Tomorrow they were scheduled to leave, and she wouldn’t see them again until the following summer.
Her shoulders slumped. Maybe she should rethink this whole blind-date thing. Her phone vibrated in the pocket of her shorts. She stood and walked out of the cabin before taking the call.
“Hey, mommy.”
“Kayla, really? ‘Hey, mommy.’ What are you, twelve?”
Well she felt twelve. She’d been sleeping in a cabin with five twelve-year-olds. So maybe the childishness of the girls had rubbed off on her.
“What’s up mom?”
Her mother hated every one of the volunteer activities Kayla did. The daughter of a well-respected and wealthy Spanish family did not roll around on the ground with kids for weeks during the summer. If it were up to her mother, she’d be off in the French Riviera meeting a suitable man. The man would no doubt be one of her father’s best friend’s sons and some dull character to boot. Or, if her mother had her way, she’d be organizing charity balls. Nothing as mundane as playing in the woods with a bunch of little girls.
“Kayla, tell me you’re done with your little…summer project.”
If it were up to her mother, Daniella Santomas, Kayla would have had a completely different life. But even though they didn’t approve of some of her decisions, her parents were still there for her.
“Maybe I’ll stay here and live in the wild with the girls, mom. That should be fun.”
She loved adding wood to the fire.
The sound of her mother’s exasperated inhale came across the line.
“You know sometimes I think you say things just to see my reaction.”
No, really?
“Anyhow, I’m calling to ask if you’re still going to do it?”
It had been her mother who called Sue and begged her to set up Kayla with someone. According
to Sue, her mom had insisted that Kayla meet a new man before her birthday to bring her luck. Sue had laughed when she’d described the conversation to Kayla. Her mother had given poor Sue so many requirements that Sue had told Kayla’s mom she was better off buying Kayla a dog—something her mom had not found amusing.
Kayla shook her head. “Yes, I am.” She didn’t divulge any of the details of her planned date. So far all she’d set up was dinner at the hotel they were both staying at overnight, not in the same suite of course, unless things progressed in that direction out of their own accord. Sue had said Ryan was a nice guy who was ready to start dating after a major life change while in the military. So Kayla hoped he would be a good fit for her new dating motto: No More Frogs.
“Well, I know this is a good start. And if nothing comes of it, I hope you’ll consider seeing one of the men your father and I have been trying to get you to meet.” Her mother sounded hopeful. Time to burst that bubble.
“I don’t think so Mom. We’ve discussed this before, and I’m not changing my mind.”
She’d gone ahead with the extreme blind date idea because she was a divorced woman. She’d had the worst luck choosing her own men since then. None of the frogs, and there had been plenty of them, had been worth her time. The truth was that she’d promised herself that for her next birthday, the big 3-0, she’d start things off on a clean slate. And what better way to wipe the slate clean than to have the first date of her new age with a nice, hunky man someone else had chosen for her?
“You’re not getting any younger, Kaylani Gabriella!” Ah shit. Her mom had used her full name. Things were about to get ugly. Her mother’s sharp intake of breath was followed by her usual rant. “Let me tell you that by the time I was your age, I had already married your father, had you and your brother, and was the CEO of my own company. I have tried so hard to help you meet the right men…”
Kayla let her mother speak, completely ignoring what she said. Instead she looked around the campsite. She’d miss the girls and the other counselors. She’d been volunteering at the camp for a few years, and the day the girls left always got to her.
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