The Mating Challenge

by Bonnie Vanak

  Throat muscles worked convulsively as she swallowed, her gaze whipsawing around the room. The sour stench of fear mingled with her arousal. Was she afraid of him?

  He followed her gaze and saw the worried expressions of her pack’s females.

  Something was wrong. Something not aimed at him or having sex.

  Pushing aside his own raging need, he focused on the little worry line on her brow. He laced his long, calloused fingers around her fine-boned wrist. “Hold on.”

  She looked away. Dismay filled him. Damn, he did not want her afraid of him.

  “What’s going on? Talk to me.”

  “Nothing that I can’t handle.”

  “Obviously it’s something you can’t handle. Something more than your people can handle.” Aiden nodded to the worried pack members milling about the ballroom.

  She nibbled her lower lip. He stared in fascination, tempted to trace its lush, plump curve with a finger. Aiden sensed an inner struggle.

  “Pride won’t get you anything but your people hurt. Or worse. If you need my help, say it.”

  “I have no right to request your help. You aren’t beholden to this pact. The contract hasn’t been signed yet.” Those incredible blue eyes glanced up at him. “Or consummated.”

  “Then let’s sign.”

  They moved to the inlaid table near the dais, upon which rested a white velum paper, a white feathered quill, a pot of ink, and a golden knife gleaming on a blue velvet pillow.

  The ceremonial blade.

  A formal, ancient tradition honored by all packs. Nikita obviously wanted to ensure this mating was legally binding.

  He slashed his wrist, dipped the quill into the blood and signed the velum.

  Face paling, but fully composed, Nikita took the knife, cut her finger, and did the same. Interesting. Females weren’t required to sign in blood. The virginal blood spilled on the mating bed sufficed.

  Aiden took her finger, kissed the cut she’d made. She trembled beneath the caress of his mouth. “As your tradition dictates, the mating ceremony takes place tomorrow beneath the first light of the moon. Now, tell me, where do you need us?”

  Nikita glanced at Roxanne, who frowned at her. “We can handle this,” the woman began.

  Nikita seemed to struggle with a decision and turned to him, ignoring the aide and her shocked gasp. “Beyond the fence, in the woods, a patrol sighted several gnomes moving into position.”

  “Most gnomes aren’t dangerous.”

  “These are. They’re dragon seekers.”

  Aiden went still, the sharp scent of fear in the ballroom seeping into his pores. He glanced around, then took her arm. “We need to talk in private. Your beta and mine, now, in your study.”

  Aiden nodded at a tall male in a black shirt. “And Garth.”

  She blinked. “Garth?”

  “He’s one of my best fighters. I want him to listen, offer advice.”

  The lavish study had an antique oak desk and a richly toned Oriental rug amid inlaid bookshelves. Nikita went to the windows and lifted the lace curtain, staring outside as he closed the double doors. Darius stood by his side, ready for action. Garth stood on Aiden’s left. The Lupine with his dark gold hair and his broken nose looked intent.

  And he kept looking at Roxanne, as if he liked what he saw. Aiden made a mental note to pair them together later.

  Nikita flicked a hand at the chair behind the desk. “Have a seat.”

  By law, this was his room now. All these years she had struggled to hold her people together, had ruled over them and now she had to concede that power to a male. Aiden glanced at her firmly compressed mouth.

  Nikita wasn’t happy about it. He expected as much. It wasn’t fair, but the laws of the Mating Challenge were clear—winner takes all. The contract had been signed, only the formal consummation remained. Taking a seat behind the huge desk would assert his position of command.

  Instead, he leaned against the door. Aiden didn’t want to strong arm his mate. He wanted her cooperation. Honey worked better than force.

  “Dragon seeking gnomes are cold-blooded. They haven’t been sighted in this area in decades. Why are they sniffing around your land?”

  Nikita let the curtain drop. “Maybe they heard how good my cooking is. I can whip up a mean snail soufflé.”

  A loud guffaw erupted from Darius, while Roxanne stopped her nervous pacing and offered a small smile. Aiden folded his arms across his chest.

  “I don’t doubt there are many things you do well. Talents I am certain I’ll enjoy discovering.” He let his gaze caress her body. “However, dragon seeking gnomes are more interested in treasure than food. The reason why they hunt dragons—”

  “Tell me something I don’t know, Mitchell.”

  The interruption was horribly rude, insulting a guest and the future alpha leader. Darius and Garth hissed disapproval while Roxanne gasped.

  Lifting an eyebrow, he let silence descend. He locked gazes with Nikita in the first battle of wills between the two alpha leaders. Aiden refused to let his gaze drop. He could do this all day. Burn time while whatever the hell was out there drew closer.

  And she realized it too, for she finally lowered her lashes.

  He didn’t smile or show triumph. Another male might, but Aiden knew how the sting of wounded pride hurt.

  He wanted to tame her to his hand, not break her spirit.

  “Gnomes attach themselves to powerful dragons to gain their treasure. The only thing drawing them from their underground caverns would be a promise of riches. Something far more valuable than a dragon’s hoard of gold.”

  Roxanne bit her lip, casting a worried glance at Nikita, who’d gone very, very still.

  Score.

  Whatever it was, they kept it secret. Richard didn’t know about it, nor did the other various packs scattered throughout the region. If any had, the pack alpha would’ve either taken the land away by declaring war, or simply have raped Nikita and claimed victory.

  Fury filled him at the thought of that proud, stubborn spirit broken and violently abused. He dragged in a deep breath. Did she realize how damn vulnerable she was?

  “Most gnomes are greedy, but cowardly,” he reasoned aloud. “But if they sense there are riches close, they can be vicious and attack.”

  Guilty looks exchanged between Nikita and Roxanne. Bingo. You win, Aiden.

  All his protective male instincts raged. Aiden fought the primal urge to lock her in the bedroom, toss away the key and fight this threat to her people until every single gnome lay bloodied and dead.

  Claws emerged from his fingertips. He raked one across the gleaming wood door, scoring deep gouges. Darius’ nostrils flared as he picked up his leader’s scent of male aggression. A low growl rumbled from his chest. Garth’s own claws descended as well.

  Aiden glanced at Garth. “Ideas?”

  “Cut them off from behind and circle around. As wolves we can take them down.”

  He liked Garth’s confidence. Aiden gestured to the window. “Show us where they are, Niki.” We’ll take care of it. He amended the thought, knowing her stubborn pride. “We’ll help you.”

  Nikita’s eyes widened. “How many of you?”

  “All of us.”

  Her jaw clenched hard enough to shatter rock. “You’re under no obligation to help us. The contract isn’t validated yet.”

  He gave a slow smile, filled with intent, and sheathed his claws. “It will be. Trust me, I have every intention of doing so. Many times over.”

  A delicate flush colored her cheeks, even as she withdrew the blade sheathed on her belt. “Let’s get to it, then. Gather your strongest men and meet us at the barn.”

  Chapter 4

  His strongest men numbered all 60 males who’d escorted their leader to the competition.

  For once, Nia was glad for the overkill. They would need it.

  The yellow sun hung overhead in a clear sky, though the temperatures remained brisk. A carpet of yellowed
grass spread out before them in the gentle slope of the valley stretching before them. A cold wind nipped her cheeks.

  Aiden and the males in his pack assembled before the red, empty barn. Every one of them stood over six feet, an army of muscled warriors ready for action.

  They all screamed testosterone. Aiden detached himself from the group, and headed for her, his gait strong and confident. Stalking her like the predator he was.

  How could she fool this powerful werewolf, who had desired her so much that he’d bought the note on her ranch and fought against strong alphas to have her?

  Desired her, and the females in her pack. Not loved her.

  She had to get them the hell off her land before the disease struck all these healthy male Lupines. Fishing her favorite knife out of the scabbard strapped to her thigh, Nia gripped it, feeling the edges of the hilt. It felt like an old friend holding her hand.

  Aiden scanned the grounds. “Where’s the rest of your guards? The males?”

  “My guards are out patrolling.”

  No lie, for the strongest of her guards were patrolling. He didn’t need to know they were all females.

  Guilt filled her. And now she had a pack of males on her land, land that could kill them. Damnit, why did Mitchell have to bring them all?

  Nia swept the knife tip in a wide arc, pointing at all the men. “Overkill much? Trying to impress me, Mitchell?”

  He frowned. “Why are you so edgy with me? You asked for my strongest men. All my men fit the bill. If they had been alpha and fought in the challenge, they might have beaten me.”

  “Too bad they didn’t.”

  “I said, might have. I would have won, no matter what.”

  “You’re pretty cocky and determined, huh Mitchell.”

  “When the prize is you, sweetheart, I can be very determined.” Aiden studied her body, the heat of his gaze like a visual caress. “Have I ever told you how sexy you look in leather?”

  She looked at his men, their loyalty to Aiden obvious. Next to her, Roxanne gave a real smile, adjusting the strap of her rifle on her shoulder and giving Garth a meaningful glance.

  A glance promising hot sex. Nia knew the woman’s frustrations. And the depth of her loyalty. Celibate, until her leader had chosen a mate.

  So long celibacy, nice to know you, Nia thought as she caught her beta making flirtatious eye contact with Garth.

  She did not see one familiar face among the Mitchell males. Her niece’s mate. “Where’s Jackson?”

  “I left him on the ranch to help run things while I’m gone.” Aiden gave her a thoughtful look. “And I wasn’t certain if you wanted him on your property for the challenge, seeing as you lost your niece to him. I know how much you love Lexie, and wanted her to stay with you.”

  Nia had formally adopted Lexie after her parents abandoned her for having a deformed foot. It had been a rough time for the entire pack, having lost their alpha to the disease. But having Lexie around, and trying to comfort the grieving, confused teen had assuaged Nia’s own grief, and proved to be a welcome distraction.

  “I love her, but I want her to be happy. Is Jackson making her happy, Mitchell?”

  He nodded. “Very much so.”

  Nia sighed. “Then I can’t ask for anything more. Let’s go.”

  Aiden slowed his pace, keeping a possessive hand on the small of her back as they set out for the thick forest at the ranch’s border.

  “So you brought only the single males, except for Darius,” she told him. “Are they here to support you or comfort you if you’d lost?”

  “They want to select mates from the females in your pack.”

  “And what if you had lost?”

  “They knew I would not.” He smiled.

  “You’re that sure of yourself.”

  “I want you that much.”

  Such frank talk rattled her. She gave him a curious glance. “Desperate to settle down, Mitchell? What happened? Werewolf Mingle or another online dating site didn’t work out?”

  “I didn’t want any other female,” he said softly, his gaze giving her another one of those long, appreciative looks. “I want what is due to me, what you owe me, Nikita.”

  “I owe you nothing.”

  “Except your virginity.” His dark gaze gleamed. “But I’m willing to wait until tomorrow night to claim my prize.”

  She bristled, her fingers curling tighter around the knife hilt. “I’m not a carnival toy you won by playing ring toss.”

  “I never said you were.” He stopped and clasped her shoulders, his expression intent. “You’re far too precious. But know this, Blakemore, when I see something I want, I stop at nothing to get it. From the moment I saw you riding Windstorm, your hair gleaming in the sun, laughing as you raced through the pasture, I wanted you.”

  She didn’t have Windstorm anymore. She’d sold the mare to help pay for the ranch’s bills. So much had changed since the day Aiden first saw her. Except his determination.

  “I knew I’d do anything to have you.”

  A shiver coursed down her spine. The wolf was more ruthless than she’d ever expected. Nia stared at him.

  He released her shoulders. “Please, put away the knife.”

  “I know how to use it.”

  “I’m sure you do.” He gave a rueful glance downward. “On all the right parts.”

  Nia gave a grudging laugh and sheathed the blade. She really liked this male. Would hate for him to succumb to the fate of the ranch’s other males. At that thought, she sobered. “After we’re done here, send your men home.”

  “No. I want them to get to know your females better. My men have become a little, ah, testy. They need to settle down. They need a woman’s touch around their homes.”

  “Barefoot and pregnant, waiting hand and foot on their men,” she muttered, resenting the idea.

  “Barefoot, yes.” A crooked grin touched his full mouth. “Pregnant, eventually. But my men are accustomed to fending for themselves.”

  “Uh huh. Next thing you know, you’ll be telling me they iron their own shirts and cook dinner.”

  “Of course. And bake cookies, too,” he teased.

  The ridiculous image of all those big, muscled males wearing aprons as they slid trays of cookies into the oven coaxed her to give the first real smile she’d felt in weeks.

  Somehow this wolf always made her smile and she truly enjoyed verbally sparring with them. Her expression went cold. She must keep him at arm’s length.

  Had she a choice, she’d have remained single, chaste and alone. Freedom proved too valuable to her, and she enjoyed making her own decisions. Perhaps too much.

  She’d been forced into this challenge because Aiden owned the note on her ranch. Nia had fought hard to maintain her ranch and her people in this untamed region of rugged country. But if her people were to survive once Niki found a cure for the disease, they needed mates. Strong males like the ones in the Mitchell pack. Emotion rose in her throat. Her own personal needs mattered little. The survival of the pack came first.

  But Aiden didn’t realize exactly what he was walking into at her ranch.

  The alpha’s dark gaze swept over the land, with its tangle of undergrowth and the overgrown pastures. Aiden had seen how her ranch had fallen into disrepair.

  And he’d seen she had no mature males in her pack, a fact she’d hidden until now.

  “What happened to all your men, Niki? Why did they die?”

  She’d told him that many of the males left after her father and brothers died because they refused to be ruled by a female alpha. The explanation had suited him, until now.

  “Die? Why do you ask?”

  He stopped and gave her a level look, his black brows drawing together in a scowl. “If the males left because they refused to take orders from a woman, they’d have taken their families as well. Their mates. Lupines mate for life.”

  Her stomach churned and her palms grew sweaty. “Some of them do. And now you’re questioning m
e on this?”

  “I had my doubts before. Now that this is my pack as well, I want answers.”

  Resentment filled her. How easily he took charge. And what about all my hard work? You would never see me as an equal, Mitchell. You’re too alpha.

  “Can we deal with one question at a time, Mitchell? Like the question of how we’re going to kill these gnomes?”

  At his nod, she kept walking, but Nia knew he wouldn’t let it slide. Aiden would needle her for hard answers she didn’t want to give.

  As they reached the forest’s edge, Aiden halted. His nostrils flared and a muscle ticked beneath the crispness of beard stubble shadowing his jaw. His hand shot out, stayed her.

  “That’s no gnome.”

  Fear congealed on her tongue as she tested the air. “Worse. Skin.”

  Gunfire cracked in the distance. Aiden’s jaw clenched. “Godsdamn it. Didn’t you have a mystic ward the land against two-legged trespassers?”

  Garth and Darius gave him an inscrutable look. Nia’s jaw tensed. She heard Roxanne draw in a shaky breath. The most powerful mystic in their pack had died more than two years ago, leaving their borders vulnerable.

  “Security Fail. New hashtag around these parts.” Nia pushed at a stray lock of hair. “These intruders kill wolves. Nothing stops them. They’re scared of only one thing.”

  Roxanne held up her rifle.

  “And this.” The knife slid into Nia’s palm. She twirled it, staring into the woods that had been in her family for generations. “I prefer my combat up close and personal.”

  True enough. How many times had she gone on midnight raids to clear these woods of threats?

  He seized her wrist. “Not that personal. Those are shotguns. They’ll turn you into mincemeat before you can draw close.”

  Aiden glanced at Darius and Garth. “Take Roxanne and the men, follow the trail of humans and deal with them. I’ll handle the gnomes. I want one for questioning, to find out why it’s invading this territory.”

  Fear touched her. If the little pipsqueak blabbed to Aiden, their secret no longer remained safe.

  She’d rather kill the gnomes herself.