by G. K. DeRosa
Ransom’s dark eyes filled my vision, that arrogant smirk on his lips. He was cute and fun, and the first guy to give me attention I was apparently starved for. Could I see myself as his mate? No. But there was nothing wrong with a little fun until he found his fated wolfy partner.
Truth was, I still hadn’t cashed in my V card. Crazy, at almost twenty, I knew. After that almost time with Hunter, I didn’t have it in me. Cass had even forced me on a few dates that year, but nothing had ever felt right. Not like it had with him.
I shoved back the depressing thoughts, vowing to keep my brain and heart free and clear of Dragon Boy tonight. Weaving through the streets, the flash of moonlight caught my eye overhead. A full silver moon gazed down at me, bathing my skin in pale bluish light. My wolf stirred inside, her big head nudging at my core.
“Come on out, girl,” I whispered. “Whenever you’re ready…” Despite Aristaeus’s warnings, with the moon out and my inhibitions dulled by copious amounts of alcohol, I longed to let her free. She scratched at my skin, lingering just below the surface.
I glanced down at my dress, and a pang of regret raced through. It was a new gift from Cass, and I didn’t want to destroy it if I actually managed to turn. Dipping behind a hedge off the main street, I tugged the little sundress over my head and hung it over a neighboring tree branch. In my matching bra and panties in the shadow of the thick bushes, I willed my wolf out.
Nothing.
I stood there, half-naked staring up at the moon like an idiot. Come on, oh great and powerful Luna, help me out here!
A sharp whine spun my attention back to the main avenue. I huddled behind the hedge and peered through the foliage. Narrowing my eyes, I focused on the russet wolf stalking toward me.
No effing way! My nostrils flared, catching onto the familiar scent. It was the same wolf that attacked me after the club. And here I was in my most vulnerable form. A twinge of panic streaked through me as he neared. Stay calm. You’re a freaking werewolf, Sierra. You can take him on. He ran from you last time, remember?
My wolf stirred, a swirl of energy awakening within my core. “Any day now, girl…” I dropped down on all fours, focusing my thoughts on the sliver of power.
A deep howl echoed behind me, and I spun around. Dammit. Another one. This wolf was gray and huge, just like the red one.
“Come on, wolfy, come out already!” I shouted to myself.
Their growls echoed on either side of me, the click clack of their nails along the asphalt ratcheting up my pulse. They couldn’t eat me, right? I was one of their own. Then Ransom’s words flashed across my subconscious. Beasts. Wolves were all beasts. And right now, I was the prey.
I eyed my dress slung over the branch of the tree a yard away and muttered a curse. I had to get my wolf out. I’d have to come back for it. I kicked my wedges off, and thanking the gods I’d worn cute underwear, took off.
As soon as I emerged from my hiding spot, the howls intensified, the sound of approaching claws clicking faster. Even in my human form I’d grown speedier, more nimble, but I was no match for the wolves on four legs. I raced down a quiet street, cursing myself for not allowing Ransom to walk me home. I’d been worried he’d try something when he got me to my room. Which now seemed ridiculous. I would’ve much rather delt with his unwanted advances than these two bloodthirsty mongrels.
I pumped my arms as fast as I could, the streets blurring by me. Thank the gods for high school track. Was I even going the right way? I scanned the tree line for the university, for the rolling hills behind it. Instead, a looming fortress in the rock appeared. Ugh. How had I ended up at Silverstalker Lair?
Vander’s words suddenly whooshed through my mind. If anything bad really does happen, don’t hesitate to contact him. Him being the beta whose home I was currently running toward. I pushed the errant thought aside, refusing to reach out to Aristaeus like a damsel in distress. He’d said my wolf was strong, and it was about time to prove it.
Digging my heels into the stone floor, I slammed to a halt and whirled around. My two lupine assailants nearly barreled right into me. “What the hell do you want?” I growled, my wolf’s gravelly voice surfacing. “I know you can understand me!” The first time I’d been attacked I wasn’t sure, but now after having undergone the transformation, I knew a shifter’s human cognitive senses were well intact even in animal form.
The huge russet wolf crept closer, the pools of inky black staring me down. Don’t show fear. Never show fear. The dark scrawling of my Hunter’s words wriggled across my mind. He had no idea how true his sentiments had ended up being. The beast’s jaw widened, showcasing rows of pointy teeth. He snarled, and his buddy moved up alongside him.
Heat ignited in my core, and creepy crawlers puckered my skin, like thousands of spiders dancing along my flesh. I hazarded a glance down and fur began to sprout over my arms. Yes! It was finally happening.
I tensed, awaiting the pain that came next. The bones breaking, muscles stretching. I shuddered at the intense memories. My head spinning from the grisly thoughts, I lost focus. My arm shot up barely in time as the russet wolf lunged.
Fangs ripped into my forearm and searing pain lanced through my flesh. I let out a scream and kicked at the wolf’s exposed belly. I barely made contact. He was standing on his hind legs, jaw clamped tight around my arm.
Darkness seeped into the corners of my vision, but I focused on the pain, the teeth grinding against my bone as I tried to wriggle free. I kicked my leg out again, wishing I’d been wearing my pointy stilettos. My bare feet were doing nothing against the wolf’s tough hide.
The beast viciously shook his head and every joint in my arm screamed in agony. Was he trying to rip my freakin’ arm off? I’d had about enough of this crap. Balling my free hand into a tight fist, I pulled back and slammed my knuckles right between his black, soulless eyes. Bones crunched and another wave of darkness curtained my vision. I let out a yelp as my mangled fingers hung limp before me.
But I’d surprised him. The wolfy bastard loosened his hold on my arm, blinking. I staggered back, and a black shadow darted between us. What the--? Cradling my hand against my chest, and my mangled arm hanging at my side, I focused on the immense snarling black creature positioned between me and the russet wolf. Only now could I make out the other wolf, the gray one, hanging back a few yards. Watching.
A spinetingling roar rent the air, and goosebumps exploded across my flesh. My attacker took a step back, his head hung low. It was too late. The onyx wolf lunged, his sleek fur gleaming beneath the moonlight. His massive maw closed around the back of the russet wolf’s neck. With one hard shake, he tossed him into the air. The wolf sailed across the street, legs flailing, and landed with a thud on the stone sidewalk. Bones snapped, and the lump of fur remained still.
A swell of nausea bubbled up, and I dropped down on all fours. My joints jerked, muscles stretching and snapping. My torn flesh ripped open, the bone in my forearm bursting free. I squeezed my eyes shut and ground my already elongating jaw. Bones cracked, limbs lengthened, and I collapsed to the floor. A sharp howl erupted from my clenched teeth as the transformation completed.
I panted, my lungs desperate for air. Clawing at the ground, I forced myself up. A pair of burning golden eyes lanced into me.
Are you okay? Aristaeus’s voice boomed across my throbbing skull.
I should’ve been surprised, but I wasn’t. Somehow, I knew he and the black wolf were one in the same. No, I finally answered. I scanned his enormous wolf, that glossy obsidian fur, the strained muscles of his chest and my heart staggered, then skipped a beat. My wolf hummed, an odd purring sound vibrating my torso. The eerie purple glow of my white wolf illuminated the dark passageway.
Wolf-Aristaeus neared, his hackles raised. My girl was big, but he towered over us. That overwhelming beta power pressed into me, the thick power pushing the air in around me. My wolf stood taller and shoved her chest out.
The black wolf huffed out a breath and lowered
himself to his haunches. Cocking his head, he eyed me—her—no, us. Are you hurt?
I glanced down at my furry glowing forearm, then my paw. A small gash remained on my front leg, but my wolfish fingers seemed fine. I could’ve sworn they were broken. How could my wolf heal so quickly? I think I’m okay. I dropped my fighting stance and sat on the cold stone. Who was that? I scanned the streets for the wolves and found only the russet one’s body. The gray bastard must have run off while I shifted.
I don’t know, but I’m about to find out. He lowered his big head and nudged me in the shoulder.
I stood and followed him to the motionless form across the street. Wolf-Aristaeus sniffed the animal, and his nostrils flared. I can’t scent his pack. No affiliation whatsoever, a lone wolf.
Are you sure? He’s the one who attacked me the night Vander found me.
Are you sure?
My wolfy head bobbed up and down. I’d never forget him. Why would he attack me? I couldn’t help but think it had something to do with my weird incandescent hue.
Lone wolves are dangerous, which is why I’ve been so adamant about determining your pack.
Had he been? I hadn’t heard a thing from him in almost a week. I figured he’d forgotten all about me.
Of course I didn’t forget about you, he growled in my head.
Hey! Stop eavesdropping on my thoughts. I wasn’t sure if wolves could blush, but heat raced across my furry cheeks.
I can’t help it. You’re practically yelling in my head.
Dammit. I needed to skip further ahead in my Werewolf 101 textbook. His dark lips curled into what I swear was a smile. Listening again! How about the other wolf?
I couldn’t catch his scent, I was a little preoccupied by yo—the one attacking you. He lowered his head and nudged my cheek. His wet nose crept across my fur, burrowing into my neck. A chill raced up my spine, and goose bumps puckered my skin as he breathed me in.
What was he doing?
My wolf leaned closer, that chuffing, purring sound vibrating my chest. A cord wrapped around my heart, lacing tighter and tighter until I could barely breathe. Wolf-Aristaeus continued to sniff me, his nose burrowing deeper in my fur. A sharp bite forced a yelp from my wolfy lips, and I jerked back.
Did you just bite me?
His amber eyes widened, two pools of gold buried within a profound onyx night sky. I—I didn’t mean to.
Mate. Mate. Mate. The words ricocheted through my skull like a maddening ping pong ball.
What the what? I cried out internally. Do you hear that?
The black wolf slowly shook his head. Let’s run. I don’t want anyone to see you like this.
Seriously? I just got attacked by two wolves, and I think I may have a concussion. And are we still not going to talk about the fact that my wolf is purple and glows?
Run! His overpowering beta magic slammed into me, and my legs started moving. Muttering curses in my head, I did my very best to broadcast them in his direction. He took off toward the woods, and I had no choice but to follow. Why had my she-wolf suddenly decided to listen to him?
As the thick forest closed in around us, all my niggling thoughts disappeared. The intoxicating scents of the woods flooded my mind and ignited my wolfy senses. I sped up to run beside Aristaeus. His cedarwood and vanilla musky fragrance washed over me. A long-buried memory sprang to the surface. My Hunter.
That scent. How had I never noticed it before?
I dug my claws into the earthen floor and jerked to a halt. My mind spun, memories rushing through my head, a carousel of images on fast forward. Hunter! Stop.
The humongous black wolf halted, his ears pinned back and tail erect. He didn’t turn, kept his stubborn head facing forward.
It’s you.
Chapter Twenty-One
Ten Months Ago, AKA The Fourth Time I Met Dragon Boy
Livid. All day, fury had roiled inside me, burning hotter with every passing second. It had been a year. An entire effin’ year since I’d seen Hunter, despite his promises that he would visit me sooner.
I stomped back and forth at the entrance of the masquerade ball, wearing a t-shirt and jeans. No ballgown, no mask, nothing. This year, I would talk to Hunter and put an end to this. It was my final year at the academy, and if all went according to plan, I’d be back in the human world in a little over nine months’ time.
I was tired of waiting for him. Exhausted by loving a ghost. Weary and broken from having my heart shattered again and again.
The groan of the ballroom doors jerked my attention to the entrance. Cass poked her head out. Her emerald-green Mardi Gras mask glittered beneath the chandelier, the festive wear a sharp contrast to the scowl carved into her face. “You’re seriously leaving me in here all by myself?”
I scoffed. “You’re with Eli!”
“I’m not with him. We didn’t come together or anything.”
“Cass, please.” I took my best friend’s hands and squeezed. “It’s our last masquerade ball, and I want you to have fun. Enjoy it for both of us.”
She pouted, her pink lips puckering. “I can’t have fun when I know you’re out here miserable.”
“It’s okay. I’ll be fine, I promise.” I’d already been miserable enough for months. Then the sadness had morphed into anger, and now full-blown fury. I knew Hunter would be here tonight. I could feel it in my bones. He’d have some lame excuse like always, and I’d believe him because I was stupid like that. But no, not this time. He wouldn’t seduce me with those smoldering golden irises, that heart stopping smile. I was done with him.
Unless he explained himself. And unmasked himself. And came clean about everything.
“You promise you’ll come and get me if Hunter doesn’t show?”
I nodded quickly. “I swear.”
“You sure you don’t want me to wait with you until he gets here?”
“No. Please, just go dance with Eli. Or any of the other witches, warlocks and wizards you have wrapped around your cute little pinky finger.”
She smiled and squeezed my hands one more time before releasing me. “Be strong when he gets here, Sierra. Don’t let him get away with it this time.”
“I won’t.” I meant it this time too. It was likely the last time I’d see him, and I’d made my peace with that too, but I wouldn’t let him disappear again without speaking my mind.
The doors closed behind her, and I continued my pacing. As I marched, I replayed our time together. How was it possible that those memories were both the worst and best times of my life? Thinking of Hunter filled me with equal parts overwhelming happiness and bottomless misery. It was so effed up. I’d wasted three years of my life pining over this guy. I’d nearly slept with him for gods’ sake. It must have been the mate bond.
“Sierra.” The rumbly voice awakened my lifeless heart.
I spun toward Hunter, tears already pooling in my eyes. The golden dragon mask was on. How the devil had he gotten past me?
“You are so beautiful…” He walked toward me, his hand extended, lips parted. The wonder and awe in his voice was worse than a punch in the gut. “Your face, I’ve dreamt about it at least a dozen times, imagined what you’d look like—” He cut himself off and tucked his hand into his pants’ pocket.
I steeled my nerves, shoving down the tumultuous sensations rolling over me at the sight of him. “You promised,” I said, anger now lacing my tone.
“I know.” His eyes cast down, and he stopped a few feet in front of me. “Something happened. The day after the masquerade ball.”
“Of course it did. Something always does.” I wrapped my arms across my chest, the only armor I had against his advance.
His lips set in a grim line, the twinkle in his golden irises subdued. Darkness eclipsing the sun. “We need to talk.” He ticked his head toward the courtyard—our courtyard, where it had all begun three long years ago.
I stomped ahead of him. The slap of my sneakers on the stone floor echoed the frantic beats of my he
art. He trailed behind me, only a few steps to my right but his presence loomed over me, his cedar scent tickling my nostrils. I’d recognize his manly fragrance anywhere. It haunted me.
I barreled through the glass door, anxious to breathe air not tainted with his intoxicating scent. The balmy night enveloped me, lazy moonbeams caressing my skin and the fury ebbed. As I continued toward the center of the stone walkway, my thoughts flickered back to the night Hunter found me sprawled on the lawn. I’d been so upset, devastated because of a high school mean girl. Her torments continued, but now they meant little. Nothing more than a pesky fly. I’d grown up in three years. Changed. Except for when it came to Hunter. With him, I was still the shy, insecure sixteen-year-old. Not anymore.
I spun around to face him and met that damned dragon mask. What I wouldn’t give to rip that stupid thing off. “Okay, we’re here. Let’s talk.”
Hunter skirted the limestone fountain, the bubbling water gurgling in the middle of the courtyard. He paced in front of it for a few passes before lowering himself onto the ledge. “Please, sit,” he finally said.
“I’m fine standing.” I clasped my arms tighter against my chest.
He gazed up at me, and a storm brewed within the deep golden depths. “I never meant to hurt you. It was the last thing I wanted to do. I made a mistake coming here all those years ago, and I repeated it every time I returned. Because I was weak. Because I was selfish.”
Damn right.
“I knew I couldn’t be honest with you from the start, and I should’ve just let you go. But I couldn’t.” A flash of emotion surged across his irises before giving way to a blank stare. The light flickered and dulled. “I thought we were mates, but I was wrong.”