by Anita Cox
No Quarter
Lycan Chronicles
Book 3
ANITA COX
Copyright © 2015 Anita Cox
All rights reserved. by Syn Publishing, LLC., 2015.
No part of this novel may be copied, reproduced, photocopied, or transmitted in any form or by any electronic, mechanical, recording, or retrieval system, nor by any other means, including recording or by any information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission of the publisher or author, except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the production of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely and completely coincidental.
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Printed in the United States of America.
Visit us on line at www.SynPublishing.com
ISBN-13: 978-1-942632-16-0
ISBN-10: 1-942632-16-9
Chapter One
Nala Baker took her job as the first female Alpha seriously. A responsibility which required she be sharp physically as well as mentally. She bent at the waist, touching her toes, feeling her muscles stretching. After standing straight, she grabbed the front of her ankle and stretched her leg behind her, then repeated with her other leg before she set off down the trail, first at a slow jog.
The early morning light peered through the trees, shooting golden beams on the path before her. The cool morning air brushed against her face, cooling her body which heated up quickly during runs. Morning dew sparkled in the light, causing her face to twitch into a smile. The forest was waking. The sweet earthy aroma amplified by the dew was sweet in her nose.
It was only a matter of time before some male showed up and challenged her for her spot. It could be a member of her own pack. When they did, they’d pay for that mistake. She swore the day she took the life of her last abusive male Alpha, she’d never have a man in charge of her life again. She’d die first.
As each foot took its turn pounding against the forest floor, her heart thundered in her chest. Her thighs began to burn as she picked up the pace. She claimed the forest in her mind, obsessed over every small detail of pack business. The farmers’ production began to increase with a few suggestions by Tiffany, a pack member who was attending McGovern University, the first university exclusively for supernatural students.
Things were going well. Her arranged marriage to Colin was still stiff. They’d held hands, exchanged pleasantries and had even taken to quick pecks on the cheek when greeting or departing each other. They’d yet to take their relationship any further. It was an internal struggle for them both. Colin, still grieving his late wife and child, and Nala, a victim of heinous acts of her former Alpha hadn’t been ready to consummate the relationship.
But she wanted more than a friendly business arrangement. Though she’d never admit it to anyone else, she mourned that special bond she’d never had. She wanted to enjoy sex again. She’d have to be vulnerable to her mate, yet seem completely invulnerable to everyone else. That was a riddle she’d yet to solve.
Reaching her favorite tree, with a nice level branch, she leaped up and grabbed it with both hands. She pulled herself up, lifting her chin above the branch, then lowering herself until her arms were fully extended. She repeated the movement twenty-four more times, reveling in the burn that rippled through her biceps and shoulders before she’d drop back to the ground and commence her run.
Five more minutes and she’d reach the main house. Slowing her pace slightly, she considered Jake. Colin’s half-brother and look-alike had been selected as her Beta. It was a less than popular decision for the women, who came with her from the Scottsboro pack, but she had to blend the two packs together and Jake was a nice bridge between the old regime and the new. He was also effective and loyal, two qualities Nala held in high regard.
She finally reached the main house and stopped, taking a moment to gain her composure before entering the house, which was always buzzing with Lycans first thing in the morning. Closing her eyes, she tilted her face toward the sun, reveling in the warmth of the rays licking at her skin.
“I, uh, brought you a glass of water.”
She opened her eyes and watched as Colin approached holding a glass of water in his hand. She found him handsome the first time they’d met. When he was nervous, he’d trip on his tongue or run his fingers through his thick wavy blond locks.
“That was thoughtful. Thank you.” With a smile she took the glass out of his hand and took a long drink, thankful to have the cool water running down her throat, which was hot and dry from her run. He always seemed to attempt to take care of her in some manner, just like bringing her a glass of water after her morning run.
“Breakfast is almost ready.” He stared at her for two seconds more than was comfortable before turning on his heel and heading back into the house.
Would the awkwardness ever go away?
Releasing a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding, she followed him into the house. Maybe she should make the first move. Maybe she should plan an intimate dinner. Maybe…she didn’t know what the hell she was doing.
She took her usual seat at the head of the table with Colin, with his golden hair, blue eyes and dark skin sitting to her right. Jake sat to her left. The two men often exchanged uncomfortable glances with each other and while it ate at Nala, not knowing what was behind the exchange, she couldn't bring herself to ask her mate if there was a problem. Maybe it was because Colin was the former Alpha of the Belfast pack and his current position as her advisor was in conflict with her having a Beta whose job it was to be her right hand man. Perhaps it was sibling rivalry. Whatever it was made her squirm in her chair. The tension was nearly palpable.
She sipped at her coffee as she considered them. After settling on turning a blind eye, she cut into her Country Fried Steak, appreciating the wonderful food she enjoyed instead of the slop she’d been fed in the not-so-distant past. Dipping a biscuit into the gravy she glanced around and watched her pack mates as they smiled and conversed over breakfast. The only place there didn’t seem to be harmony was her little corner of the table, with the mate she’d yet to bond and his half-brother.
Wendy Baker, Colin’s sister, had requested the Belfast pack to take the little people in. They needed protection so -they didn’t have to live like rodents and in return, they would work around the pack contributing in any way they could. It seemed like a fair arrangement. Tiny houses were built among the Lycan houses. Two dozen little homes butted up to larger ones that offered protection from the elements.
In return, farmers had help milking cows, feeding chickens, and collecting eggs. The Gnomes had an enormous garden they tended with herbs and vegetables that they distributed among the pack. Some of them had taken to child care, or HVAC work, running or repairing duct work in what would be cramped attic space to a Lycan. Two of the Gnomes were experts and locating, cutting and polishing jewels and had taken to selling extravagant jewelry, mostly to the Vampires, who were fond of such baubles. Though Nala had been wary of taking on what she thought would be an extra responsibility, so far the relationship had been quite symbiotic.
Zoltar, Wendy’s new mate and the Centaur King, and his men had begun manufacturing small automobiles for the Gnomes so that they could get around more easily. Little jeep-like vehicles with fat tires to maneuver among rocks and branches carried the little people all over the property.
“I was thinking,” she started, in an effort to break the tension, “maybe we can put some crushed stone paths down for the Gnomes’ cars. I know their little cars get them around but it has to be a bump
y ride around this terrain.”
Jake pulled out a small pad of paper he kept in his front pocket and jotted it down. “I’ll get some quotes.” He tucked the paper back into the pocket and continued eating.
It took every ounce of control for her not to roll her eyes. “Colin, I was thinking about going into town today. Would you care to join me?” She placed her fork on her plate and folded her hands in her lap. When she turned to him she found him beaming at her, his smile wide.
“I’d like that very much.”
Her heart fluttered. She returned his smile. “By the time I’m cleaned up and finish some paperwork, it’ll be nearly lunch. Maybe we can have lunch in town?”
He slid his hand across the table and placed his hand on hers, giving a gentle squeeze. “That sounds perfect.” Scooting back from the table, he dropped his napkin on his chair and left the dining room.
She watched the back of him as he left, his head held a little higher than when he brought her the water. He even seemed to have a bit of a spring in his step.
Returning her focus back to the table, she caught the end of Jake rolling his eyes.
“Something on your mind?” She crossed her arms over her chest and narrowed her eyes.
“Not a thing.” He jerked his chair back and tossed his fork down on his plate before making his own quick departure.
Men.
“Thank you for the breakfast, Trace.” She smiled at Tracy, her most trusted female companion and who she’d intended to be her Beta before coming to the Belfast pack. Tracy had handled it well, insisting on her desire for peace being greater than any need for position. She now managed the house, which was a far cry from Beta duties. She hated seeing her friend stuck in a traditional domestic role, but Tracy never complained, be it pride, or the appreciation of a domestic role rather than a lifetime in captivity.
After excusing herself she made her way to room. She kicked off her shoes and walked into the bathroom, peeling off her clothes. She turned on the shower and stepped in, closing her eyes as the water poured over her. She had to think of a reason to go into town. It was a spur of the moment decision to spend some time with her mate. But now, she needed an excuse. What would they do once they arrived? Where, exactly, would they go?
She tried to concoct a plan as she lathered her hair with soap. Nothing came to mind at first. Jake took care of ordering supplies. Tracy had always made sure they were well stocked with feminine products. She could use some clothes. She hadn’t come with much and what little she had was wearing thin. The Alpha shouldn’t dress like a bum, but would Colin be bored out of his mind shopping for clothes?
Of course he would, he was a man.
She sighed. It was the only excuse she could devise.
After a quick conditioning of her hair and a good scrub she was rinsed and drying off.
“Uh, Nala?” Colin called through the door.
Her heart jumped into her throat. He hadn’t seen her naked yet and this was not how she wanted it to go. “I’ll be out in a moment.” She called out, throwing her robe on and cinching it closed.
“Oh, hi.” He looked away when she opened the door. “I just…uh…was wondering…Um…You didn’t say what we were doing in town. Do I need to get the truck ready?”
She felt a smirk forming on her face as she tried to hide her amusement. “Colin?”
He looked at her. “I don’t want you to think, you know, that I was trying to catch you in the shower or anything. I came to get my wallet and heard you in there.”
She let go of a chuckle. “It’s okay. We don’t need the truck. I actually need some clothes and we always have everyone around here watching us so closely. I thought it might be nice for us to spend some time together while not being under a microscope. I hope clothes shopping won’t be too much of a drag for you.”
Holding his chin a little higher, he said, “I happen to have excellent taste in women’s apparel. I was considering getting a new pair of heels myself.”
She nearly gasped when he winked at her. He’d only done it a few times before. He’d always seemed to flirt with her when she least expected it, but never really when she did.
“Well, not in red. It would clash with your eyes.”
His throaty laugh made her heart ache. He really needed to laugh more. When he smiled it made his eyes squint a little at the sides. He had a sweet boyish look to him when he laughed. It was endearing and very rare, at least in her experience.
Glancing down at his feet, he kicked at the floor. “Okay then. I’ll just go. See you in a bit.” Before she could do or say anything else, he made a quick exit.
She walked over to the bed and sat on the edge. Her heat was coming soon and she certainly didn’t want their first time to be during a heat. With a heavy heart she walked into her closet to dressed, her eyes falling to the note she found that morning hidden under her coffee cup. It’s pasted lettering warning her; enjoy your power while you can female alpha…it’s about to end!
Chapter Two
Nala finished the paperwork on the newest pack arrival, a new pup. The FOSE, or Federation of Supernatural Entities, had created a registry to track and manage the supernaturals so there wouldn’t be any more lost souls among them. It was a great idea, but it came with forms she had to fill out on her computer. Then the pack Alpha and the pack doctor both had to scan their thumb print along with the baby’s foot.
She put the registry number into the scanner and headed downstairs. She looked around until she found Tracy folding laundry. The woman’s hair was so bright red it reminded Nala of fire. “Want to take a walk with me? I have to go register the new pup before going into town with Colin.”
Tracy nodded and tossed the last towel into the basket. “Absolutely.”
Neither of them spoke a word until they were outside and away from the others. Even though the two packs had merged, they still felt a little on the outside and felt more comfortable speaking alone.
“Want to tell me what’s eating you?” Tracy asked as she nudged Nala with her shoulder.
She should have confided in her mate…or her Beta. But the tension between them would only worsen if she threw concern in the mix. “There was a note left in my room.”
Tracy glanced at her before turning her attention back to the path. “A note?”
After a deep breath, she nodded. “The threatening kind.”
“Well I’m not surprised. We figured this would happen. Lycan men don’t like women in charge. What does Colin say?” Tracy tucked her hands in her pockets as their pace slowed to a stroll.
“I haven’t told him yet. It could be nothing. Right? Just a jealous youngster who thought they were in line for the throne?” She knew that wasn’t the case. Her worst case scenario was about to unfold.
A small grin spread across her friend’s lips. Was that her friend finding solace that she still trusted her more than her own mate or her second in command?
Tracy tossed her hair over her shoulder. “Anything else bothering you?”
Oh God yes…Do I tell her? “My heat is coming. Two weeks tops, if I’m lucky.” Her face burned hot, embarrassed about the personal nature of her problem. “Emotionally, I’m not sure I’m ready.”
“For pups?” Tracy furrowed her brow.
Nala looked at her fiery red hair bounce and sway as she walked. “Oh, no. Not…well, no not yet. I mean to be intimate.”
“Are you fucking mental?” Tracy stopped walking. She crossed her arms over her chest.
She turned to face her. “That’s not the supportive speech I was expecting from you of all people.”
“Nala! Do you realize you’re the only member form our old pack to even have a date much less a mate. They all tiptoe around us like we’re lepers. Hell, we’d all like to have a little consensual sex now that we’re able. And you have a hot mate and you don’t want to have sex with him?”
Her shoulders fell. “We haven’t…you don’t understand. We haven’t gotten there yet.”<
br />
“Why the hell not?”
She felt her jaw fall slack. “What do you mean? Because of what we went through. Because, he’s been in mourning. Because we’re both a hot mess. Because it was an arranged marriage.” Her friend’s reaction was a betrayal. She wanted comfort. She wanted understanding. Hell, even some advice would help. Tracy’s shock and seeming jealousy didn’t bode well.
“Nala, honey… we’re all a mess. Us—them, we just have to move forward. If we don’t, Jagger wins. He destroyed us. We can’t let that happen. What happened to the kick-ass-take-charge Alpha we all adore? Because this,” she wagged her finger up and down toward Nala, “this is lame. This is weak. It’s your sex life. It’s your marriage. Take charge of it.” After shaking her head, she put her hands on her hips. “I followed you into battle. I watched two of my sisters get murdered and still followed you into battle. If you can’t take charge of your own life, how are you supposed to take charge of the rest of us?” Her voice pitched at the end, accentuating her level of exacerbation.
Feeling her nails digging into her palms, she measured up her closest confidant. Her words may have been cold, but that’s why she adored Tracy—the woman never held back. She always said exactly what she was thinking.
“It’s possible I forgot how to have a healthy relationship.” After a large sigh, she stomped off toward the doctor’s quarters. “I’ll figure it out. Thanks for the pep talk.”
“Anytime!” Tracy yelled out from behind her.
If she didn’t feel pathetic before her little chat, she certainly did after. The thought of her pack sisters’ envy hadn’t crossed her mind.
Maryann, the doctor, greeted her at the door. “So nice to see you, Nala.”
She forced a smile on her face, though she suspected Maryann could sense her tension. “Came to greet our newest arrival.”
“Right this way,” she held her arm out toward the hall.