BROKENMATE
Sheridan Pack, 2
BethD.Carter
Copyright©2024
ChapterOne
“OnlytenmilestoSheridan,”herAuntRubymurmured
Anais rolledher headalongthe headresttostare outthe frontwindshield.Duringthe entire trip,as theyhadsteadily travelednorth,thechanginglandscapefascinatedher TheRockyMountainshadenthralledherassoonasshesawtheminthe distance,the lushfoliage as foreignas analienworld.Havinggrownupinthe ChihuahuanDesertofNew Mexico,she was usedtoaflatpanoramacoveredindustandsand Creosotebushes,ocotilloplants,andsaguarocactihadlongagoadaptedto themercilesssunburningtheterrain.
She discovered she preferred the cooler air of the North. Loved the fragrance of rain lingering in the atmosphere. Loved beingfree of the dust devils that plagued muchof the Southwest As a natural blonde, she was better equipped for ColoradothanNewMexico.
“Youreallythinkhecanhelpme?”sheaskedsoftly “Absolutely.He’stheonlypersonIknow ofwhonotonlysurvivedwolfsbanepoisoning,butmanagedtoreclaimhis Alphastatus”
“Somethingotherthanbedriddenismygoal.”
Her auntgave a harrumph,causingAnais togrin.She lovednothingmore thanteasingher belovedaunt.She was the onlyfamilyleft,andtherewasnothingshecoulddotorepaythatloveandacceptance Exceptgetbetter,ofcourse
Anais had survived the initial exposure to wolfsbane, and she was damnluckyshe’d onlyingested a fractionofthe toxicplant Ifshehadn’ttrippedoverdiscardedshoes,shewouldn’tbeinthecarabouttofindthealphaoftheSheridanPack andconvincehimtohelpherrecoverfaster.
“Maybe we canaskfor asylum,” she murmured.“There’s abouta snowball’s chance inhell I’ll returntomyfather’s pack.”
“FromwhatIlearnedaboutAlphaJericho,he’sfairandcompassionate.He’salsobelovedbyhispeople.”
“Hesoundstoogoodtobetrue”
“Iguesswe’llsoonfindout.”
ThetownofSheridancharmedherimmediately Cutelittlecottageslookingliketheywereoutofatravelbrochurefor Switzerland.Peoplewalkedleisurelyupanddownthesidewalkswherepottedplantshungfromtheold-fashionedstreetlamps. Infact,manybuildingswereofthetypical Swissdesigncharacterizedbyclean,asymmetrical lines,widelyprojectingroofs, andfacadesrichlydecoratedwithwoodenbalconiesandcarvedornaments.
NotrafficlightshungoverMainStreet.Instead,eachintersectionconsistedofaroundabout.Mostofthestoresoneach side ofthe road catered to the tourismtrade Inthe center ofitall, a diner seemed to be the hub, and her stomachletouta rumbletoremindhershehadn’teatensincedinnerthenightbefore.
“Soundslikeyoucouldeatsomething,”Rubyobserved “Oh,yes,”Anaissaid.“Somethinglight,atleast.Idon’twanttothrowupmyfoodlikelasttime.”
Eversinceherpoisoning,foodhadbeendifficulttokeepdown.She’dcometodiscoverthateatingsmallmealsspread overthedaywasbetterthananythingheavyinonesitting
Rubyfollowedoneofthecarouselsandpulledintothediner’sparkinglot.TheyfoundahandicappedslotandAnais placedtheplacardaroundtherearviewmirror Heraunthurriedovertohelphergetoutofthecarthengrabbedthecrutches The doctor had suggested a wheelchair, but Anais had absolutely refused. It was bad enough her legs weren’t working properly,andsherefusedtobethepoorpitifulwomanunabletoevengotothebathroombyherself Besides,alltheresearch she’ddonesaidtheonlywaytobuildmuscletonewastoexercise.
Anais placed her weight on the forearm pads and carefully maneuvered around the car and into the diner. Ruby followed closely behind The dining room was packed The din of voices was one of laughter and happiness, and it immediatelysettledhersoul.Asenseofbelongingfellintoplace,andforthefirsttimeinoverayear,eversincethenightmare hadbegun,Anaisfeltsafe
Rubyplacedacomfortinghandonhershoulder,andtheylookedatoneanother.Evenherauntfeltit.Rubynoddedto herandsmiled Shereachedupandwipedawaythelonetearstreakingdownhercheek
“Hello.Areyouallright?”
Anaisturnedaroundandsawoneoftheservers,andthewoman’sconcernedgazepulsedwithpower.Sheknewatonce thatthiswomanhadtobetheLunaofthepack Kneeling,however,wasimpossiblewithherdebilitation,soshebowedaslow asshecouldget.
“Stop,”thewomansaid,lookingaround “We’remostlyshifters,buttherearesomehumansaround It’sthebeginningof touristseason.”
“It’sanhonor,Luna,”Rubysaid.“MynieceandIhumblyaskforpermissiontostayinSheridan.”
“Please,mynameisPayton,andyoubotharewelcomewithopenarms.”Shegesturedtoanearbytable.“Haveaseat. Coffee?”
“Um,sure,”Anaisreplied.“Thankyou.”
WhilePaytonmovedquicklytowardthebeveragebar,RubyhelpedAnaistosit.Theforearmcrutcheswerepropped againstthetable
“ThisturnedoutbetterthanIcouldimagine,”Anaissaid.“Hopefully,theLunacangetusanintroductiontothealpha.” “Sheseemsfriendly,atleast Iwasexpectingalittlemoreresistance”
Rubyeyedherapprehensively,asifAnaiswasgoingtobreakdownandcry,orcowerinshame.However,she’dcome toofartogiveup She’d survived toomuchtoletalittlefearconsumeher Paytoncamebackwithtwocoffeesandtwomenus Insteadofleavingthemandwalkingaway,theLunasatdownwiththem.
“Areyoupassingthrough,ordidyoucometoSheridanforareason?” Rubyshifted,butAnaismettheLuna’sgazestraightforward
“IcameherehopingtotalktoAlphaJericho,”sherepliedsoftly.“Iheardhecuredhimselffromwolfsbanepoisoning.” Paytonglancedatthecrutches,andthendownatAnais’slegs “You?” “Yes.”
Understandingsoftenedhergaze “Howlong?”
“Littleoverayear.”
“We’vebeensearchingforacure,”Rubysaid.ShecoveredAnais’shands.“Myniecehasovercomesomuch,andI’m veryproudofherforsurvivingtheinitialfever ButIdon’twanthertogoonlivinghalfalife Notafterwhatshe’sendured”
“Itsoundslikeyouhavequitethestory,”Paytonsaid,compassioninhertone.“I’msuremyhusbandcouldhelp.Where areyoustaying?”
“Wejustgotintotown,”Rubyreplied.“Ifyoucanrecommendanicehotel,we’dappreciateit.”
Paytoncockedherhead.“Imayhaveabettersolution.” “Oh?”
“Our packlodge has rooms available. They’re for whenAlphas and Lunas come visiting, onlywe haven’t had any visitorsforawhile You’remorethanwelcometostaythere” “Um,Idon’tthinkweshouldimpose…”
“Nonsense,”Paytonreplied “Youarepreciselywhyit’sthere Forfriends,whentheycomevisit” Anaisgaveapointedlookatheraunt.Rubysmiledandnodded.“Ifyou’resure,thenweaccept.”
Paytonsmiled.“I’llcallJerichotocometalktoyouandescortyoutothelodge.”
Thewords tookaloadoffAnais’s shoulders.Partofher fearedthatAlphaJerichowas amyth.Thathis journeyand recoveryover wolfsbaneasimplehoax.Theideahadlingeredfearfullyinthebackofher mind,becauseifitwas madeup, wheredidthatleaveher?Anyhopesheharboredwouldshrivelup,yetitdidn’tstopherfromseekingthetruth Iftherewasa waytogetherlegsback,shehadtoexhausteverypossibility.
“Thankyou,Luna,”shesaid,tearsclosetothesurface Shetookadeepbreath “Ican’ttellyouhowmuchthismeansto me.”
Paytonpattedheronthearm.“Now,whatwouldyouliketoeat?”
Abouttwentyminuteslater,awaveofpowerrolledoverher,andAnaisturnedtoseeaheavilymuscledmancrossthe dinerthresholdandheadtowardLunaPayton Shesmiledupathimandhebenttokissher Theytalkedforamomentbeforethe alphaturnedtolookather.HenoddedatPayton,linkedfingerswithher,andthenheadedovertohertable.
“Hello,”hegreeted
Themanwashuge,andalittleintimidating,butallshesensedfromhimwassympatheticunderstanding.
“H-hello,”shewhispered,thenclearedherthroat.Shebowedherheadandbaredherneckindeference.“Thankyoufor meetingwithus”
“Ofcourse,”hesaid,smiling.“Mindifwesit?”
“Please,”Rubysaidquickly
“I’mJericho,”hesaidastheysat.“Mymatesaidyoucameheretotalktomeaboutwolfsbanepoisoning.” Rubytookadeepbreath “Well,heregoesnothing Myniecewasdeliberatelypoisonedalittleoverayearago” “Doyouknowfromwho?”heasked. Herauntlookedather,asifaskingforpermission,andAnaisnodded. “Itwashersister” Paytongasped.
“Your sister?”heasked,incompletedisbelief “Didshenotknowtherepercussions?” “Sheknewexactlywhatshewasdoing,”Rubymuttered.“Spoiledlittlecuntiswhatsheis.” “AuntRuby!”Anaisadmonished.
“We’reallthinkingit,Ijustsaidit.”Sheshrugged.“Iblamemybrotherforthis.Anabsolutelyhorriblemanandalpha, whothinkstheonlyplaceforafemaleistobeseenandnotheard.”
“What’shisname?”Jerichoasked. “RenfieldArnauld.”
Hiseyebrowsrose “Iknowofhim I’veheard ”Hisvoicefaded,clearlynotsurehowtodescribehim “It’s okay,” Ruby supplied dryly. “You’ve heard he’s not honorable? A good man? A good alpha? Yeah, all that describesmybrother Myothernieceisfollowingverywellinhisfootsteps Aregularchipofftheoldassholeblock” “Auntie,” Anais whispered. She looked at Jericho withmortification. “Alpha Jericho doesn’t need to know all our familydrama”
“Heneedstoknowwhathappened,”Ruthargued.“Youwerebetrayedinthemosthorrificofways.”Sheturnedbackto Jericho.“Aswe’veestablished,ourex-alphawasn’tthegreatestofmen.Afteryearsofwarringwitharivalpack,hewantedto establishapeacetreaty,andofferedupAnaisasthesacrificiallamb Shewastomarrytheotheralpha’sson” “Abarbaricpractice,”Jerichomuttered.
“Butyouweren’tmates,wereyou?”Paytonasked “No,”Anaisreplied.“Itwasanarrangementandnothingmore.”
“WhatnoneofusknewwasthatGaia,Anais’ssister,washavinganaffairwiththepseudofiancé,”Rubysaid Payton’seyeswidened.Itwasclearshewasputtingthepiecesinplace.“ShepoisonedAnaisbecauseofjealousy?” Silence fell over the table, and Anais hated the pitying looks directed at her. “Stop. Please. It doesn’t matter what happened,orwhodidthistome Ijustwanttobefixed”
Jerichoslowlynodded.“Haveyoufeltyourwolflately?”
Sheshookherhead “NotsincethedayIwaspoisoned” “Isee,” he said,as ifhe reallydidunderstand.“Thesecrettogettingyour legs back,is toreconnectwithyour wolf. Rightnow,shefeelsbetrayed.She’slickingherwounds,afraidtotrustevenyou.” “HowcouldshethinkI’ddothistomyself?Toher?”
“She’sananimal,”heexplained.“She’srunningoninstinct.Iwon’tsugarcoatthis,Anais.Theroadtorecoveryisgoing tobeaverylongprocess Ittookmeyearstoevenwalkagain” Herbrowfurrowed.“Icanhandleit.”
“Areyousure?”
Determinationburnedthroughher.“Imaybeweak.Imaybepackless.Butthatonlymakesmemorefocused.”
Aslowgrinappearedonhisface.“Wecanworkwiththat.”
ChapterTwo
Ledgerdeftlymovedthecranethatliftedlogsfromthepileofstackedtimbertothehalf-filledtrailerthatwouldlugthe load to the processing plant. From there, the lumber would be milled down into flat boards and shipped to Jericho’s constructioncompanyinColorado Theworkkepthismindbusyandhisbodyfit Hewasn’tthetypeofmanwholikedsitting behindadeskandpushingpapers.ThatwasmorefittedtoJericho’stemperament,whichwasgreatfor analpha,andLedger washappyhewasn’tone
Thewalkie-talkiebeepedandhegrabbedittoanswer.“Yeah?”
“Callforyou,”thedispatcherannounced.“It’sJericho.”
“TellhimI’llcallhimrightback,assoonasIfinishthispile”
“Willdo.”
Afewminuteslater,hesecuredthecraneandwatchedthetrailerrumbleaway Ledgerhoppedfromthecabandintoa golfcart,drivingitacrossthelumberyardwheretheofficetrailerresided.HegrabbedhiscellphoneandcalledJericho.
“I’vebeentryingtoreachyou,”Jerichosaid,notbotheringtogiveagreeting “Leftmycellintheoffice,”heexplained.“What’sup?” “IthinkIneedyouhere.”
“InSheridan?”
“Yeah.We’restartingthenewhousesandIcan’tsupervise.”
Thatwas completelyunlike his alpha Jericho liked to keep his thumb onall projects Evenwhenhe was sick, he’d demandedupdatesandranthebudget.“What’sgoingon?”
“Two refugee wolves arrived,” he replied. “An older woman and her niece, who survived wolfsbane poisoning, althoughitfuckedupherlegs.”
“Jesus,”hesaid “Howyoung?”
“Twenties,Ithink.Kindahardtodeterminesinceshe’srecovering.”
“Doessheknowwhodidit?”
“Hersister.”
Shockfilledhim.“Wow.That’sfuckedup.”
“Yep.I’mgonnatrymydamndesttohelpher,butit’sgoingtobealongroadforher.”
“Poorthing,”Ledgermurmured.“IthinkRogerwouldbethebestmantomanagetheyardhere.”
“Iagree,”Jerichosaid “Howlongwillittakeyoutogethere?”
“I’lltalkwithRogerassoonasIhangup,soIshouldbeabletostartdrivingfirstthinginthemorning.” “Thanks,Ledger Seeyousoon”
Ledgerhungupandgrabbedhiswalkie-talkie.“Roger,canyoucometothetrailer?”
Hewokeupearly,brewedcoffee,andpoureditintoatravelmug
Hepackedafewchangesofclothing,lockedup,and hoppedintohistruck.HehadnoideahowlongJerichowouldneedhim,butifheneededmoreclothinghe’djustbuymore. Itwasanineteen-hourdrive,andthatdidn’tincludebathroombreaksandstoppingforfood HearrivedinSheridanin theearlymorningthenextday,tootiredtodomuchofanythingexceptpullintoJerichoandPayton’sdriveway,climbintothe backofthecab,andfallasleep
Aknockonhiswidowrousedhim.Rubbinghiseyes,hesatupandsawJerichowaveathim.Openingthedoor,hegot outandstretched,thenyawnedashescratchedhisbeard.
“Youcould’veknocked,”Jerichosaiddryly “Youdidn’thavetosleepinyourtruck”
“Eh,”hemutteredandpointedtothemugJerichoheld.“Icouldusesomeofthat,though.” “Comeon”
Hefollowedhisalphaupthestairsandintothehouse.Thedeliciousscentoffresh-brewedcoffeeandbaconmadehim salivate Paytonstoodatthestovecookingbreakfast,andheslidontoabarstoolattheisland
“Hello,Luna,”hesaid.
“Stop,”Paytonordered,pointingathimwithaspatula.“Wedon’tusehonorificsinsideourhome.”
“Youdon’t call himKinginthe bedroom? Hm?” he asked, pitchinghis voice low inaneffort to be seductive, but Paytononlylookedathimlikehewasanidiot.
“You’reanidiot,”sheclarified
Jerichoslappedthebackofhisheadashewalkedbybeforekissinghiswifeontopofherhead.Helaidalargefolder downonthe marble countertopandLedger openedit.Inside were manydifferentfloor plans for single-familyhomes.When JerichohadbeenreinstatedasAlpha,they’dhadininfluxoffamiliesrequestingtojointhepack.Somehadmovedawaywhen the old alpha, Bennett Warren, had assumed the position. Others were in same-sex relationships that some packs found
abnormal.Jerichoneverturnedanyoneaway,butthatnowleftthemwiththeneedformoreplacestolive.Flippingthroughthe blueprints,Ledgermadementalnotesonthebuildingspecs.
“Wantmetodriveoverthesiteandtakestock?”
“Yeah,that’llbegreat.I’dalreadytoldRomeyouwerecoming.” Ledgernodded “DoIstayatthepackhouselikebefore?”
“Ifyou’dlike,”Jerichosaid,bitingintoastripofcrispybacon.“You’llhaveneighbors,though.It’swhereAnaisand herauntarestaying I’mgoingtoutilizethebasementgymtohelphergetstronger”
“That’sfine,”Ledgerreplied,smilinghisthankstoPaytonforputtingscrambledeggsonhisplate.“I’mgoingtohave longworkdaysanyway.”
Foramoment,theonlysoundswerethescrapingofutensilsagainstceramic Whenhewasfinished,heroseandstuck thedirtyplateandforkintothedishwasher.Thenhefilledhiscupandsatbackdownattheislandtoenjoyhiscoffee.
Jericho’scell wentoffandhefrowneddownatitfor amomentbeforeconnectingthecall “Yes?Ishestable?Okay, calmdown.I’llbethereasquicklyasIcan.”Hestoodupandslippedhisphoneintohispocket.
“What’sgoingon?”Paytonasked
“Silasisshowingsignsofhistransition.”
“Poorkid,”shemurmured.“He’slikewhat?Fifteen?
“Yeah Waytoosoonforhimtomeethiswolf,soIhavetostopit”Hebentoverandkissedhergentlyonthelips “I mightbelatecominghome.”
“That’sfineanddandy,butI’mcomingwithyou”
Jerichofrowned.“It’sgoingtobeboring.”
“Silas’smomandsistersaregoingtobeanervouswreck,”Paytonsaidsoftly.“They’ll needadistraction,andthat’s somethingIcanprovide.”
Jerichocuppedherface.“YouareawonderfulLunatothepack.”HeglancedovertoLedger.“Youarrivedjustintime totakeoverasprojectmanager”
“Don’tworryaboutanything,”heassured.“I’vegotitcovered.” “Letmegetyouthekeytothepackhouse,”hesaidandturned,disappearingintothebackofthehouse “Ialsohaveafavortoask,”Paytonsaid.
“Anything.”
Shesmiled.“RubyandAnaisaremeetingmeatthediner.SinceIcan’tmakeit,canyouescortthemtothepackhouse? I’vehaditcleanedforthemtostaythere.”
“Ofcourse,”hereplied
“Thanks.I’llcallRubyandletherknowyou’llbethere.”
Jerichocamebackandheldoutakeyandanindexcard “Thealarmcodeisonthecard”
Ledger pulledouthis phone andsnappeda picture ofthe code.“As soonas Iescortthe twoladies tothe house,I’ll headovertotheconstructionsite.”
Jerichoheldouthishand,andLedgergraspedit “Again,thankyou”
Ledger bowed his head and tilted to the side, exposinghis neckina signofdeference. Jericho placed a hand onhis shoulder,andLedgerstraightened
“Haveyouthoughtovermyoffertomakeyoubetatothepack?”
“Um Yeah,butIdon’treallyknow Imean,it’sagreathonorbutamIreallytherightmanforthejob?”
“Ledger,we’vebeenfriendsforyears.YouhelpedmewhenIthoughtmydayswerenumbered.Thereisn’tanyoneI’d trustmorewithmylifeandmypeople.”
WhenJerichohadshownupatthelumberyardyearsago,he’dbeenabrokenman,devastatedbywolfsbanepoisoning Throughtheyearsashehealed,Ledgerhadrunthebusinessaswellashelpinghisalpharegainhisstrengththroughexercise, diet,andmeditation HelovedJericholikeabrother Consideredhimonethegreatestalphashe’deverknown Whatelsecouldhesaybut,“Yeah,okay.”
Thiswasn’thisfirsttriptoSheridan,Colorado,andhelovedthecrispmountainair Thescentsoftheforest Asawolf, hevaluedthefreedomtoroamunderthefullmoon,sohehadnoproblempackingupandmovinghere.
JerichosmiledwhilePaytonstoodontiptoetokisshischeek.
“Thenas your firstorder ofbusiness as packbeta,dowhatshesays”Jerichopointedtohis wife “She’s far scarier thanIam.”
Shepunchedhisarm,andJerichoflinchedlikeshe’dpunchedhimwithasteelfist Sherolledhereyesandmarchedout ofthekitchen.
“You’regonnapayforthat,”Ledgerwarned.
Jerichosmiledandwinked.“That’swhatI’mhopingfor.”
Ledger headed upstairs to quicklyshower and change clothes. After he dressed and slipped his walletinto his back
pocketandgrabbedhiskeys,hehoppedintohistrucktomakehiswaytothediner.MainStreetwasbusysincetouristseason wasbeginning.Lotsofpeoplelikedtohikethetrailsupintothenearbymountainrange.
He finallyparked inthe diner’s parkinglot and headed inside As soonas he opened the door, the smell of cloves surroundedhim.Itremindedhimofbakingpiesinthefall.Ofhome.Suddenly,hiswolfwokeupandpushedforward,wanting torollaroundinthescent Heplacedahandoverhischest,asifthatwouldholdhisbeastback,andmentallytoldhiswolfto settle.
Mate!
Theworderuptedinhishead.
She’s here!Find her!Our mate
Helookedaroundandmetthegazeofayoungwoman Pale-blondehairdyedpinkandwideblueeyes Anelfinface with delicate features. She was breathtaking. His wolf once more surged forward, and he had to talk his animal down. Everythingblurredaroundhisvision,exceptforher,asaninstinctstrongerthananythingguidedhimforward Witheachstep hetooktowardthewoman,hereyesgrewevenwider,ifthatwaspossible.
“You’rehere,”hesaidinanely “Iam,”shesaidabitbreathlessly.
Hedidn’tknow whatexactlytosay.He’dnevermethismatebefore.Obviously.Ofcourse,hehadn’t.Healsodidn’t knowhowtoact,soheendedupbumblingthroughthemoment
“Doyou,uh,doyouknowwhoIam?”
Atfirst,sheshookherhead,andpainhithisheart Shebitherlip Then,veryslowly,asifitwasforcedfromher,she nodded.Hiswolfhowledinjoy.Hecouldn’ttakehiseyesoffher,anditlookedlikethesameforher.Everythingfadedaround themandallhewantedtodowaspickherupanddrivehertohishome.Toprotecther.Feedher.Loveher.Theolderwoman nexttoherclearedherthroat,andittookeverythinginhispowertomovehisgazeoffhismate.
“Hello,”thewomansaid,holdingoutherhand.“I’mRuby,andthisismyniece,Anais.”
“I’mLedger Klayman,”hereplied Somethingtuggedonhismemoryandhehadtodraghisattentionfromtheperfect womaninfrontofhimtothearmcrutchesleaningagainstthetable.Withhorror,herealizedhismatehadbeentheonebetrayed byherfamily,poisoned,andforcedtofleeherhome Itangeredhimthatsomeonecouldtreatthistranscendentwomaninsucha horriblemanner.
Theolderwomanatthetableclearedherthroat,andheblinked,seeingthatseveralpeoplestaredathimwithcuriosity.
Heclearedhisthroat,tryinghardtopushasidetheanger atseeinghismatehurt.“I’m,uh,thenew betatothepack.” Immediately,bothwomenbowedtheirheads.“Please.Youbothdon’tstandonceremonytome.Iamtheonehumbled.”
Theolderwomangavehimasmile “LunaPaytoncalledandtoldmeyouweregreetingus”
“It’s a pleasure to meetyou,” he said. He looked atAnais, and couldn’tmove his gaze offher. She was a beaconof pure,beautifullight “Thealphaaskedmetoopenthelodgeforyousincethecleaningcrewhasfinished”
“Thankyou,”Rubysaid.
“MayIsit?”
“Ofcourse,”Rubysaid,gesturingtooneoftheemptyseats
HepulledoutachairandscootedasclosetoAnaisaspossible.“Didyouhavealongtrip?”
“Um,we’refromNewMexico,”shesaid Hiswolfrolledoveratthesoftcadenceofhervoice,andhisgazefocused onherplumplips.Wonderingwhatthey’dlooklikewrappedaroundhiscock.
Stop that!She’s not ready for me to pounce on her like a sex-starved teenager Butman,didhewantto.
“I’veneverbeenthere.”
“You’renotmissingmuch,”Rubymuttered “It’sdry,dusty,andhotallthedamntime I’mactuallygladmybrotherlost hisdamnmindsoIcouldgetawayfromthathellhole.”
Ledgerlookedatthecrutches “Whathappenedtoyouisunforgivable”
“Iknow.Ithinkmysisterlovedmeonce,backwhenwewerechildren.”Anaisbowedherheadandclosedhereyes. “Doesn’tmakeleavinganylesspainful Ifeellikeacowardforrunningaway”
He laid his hand over hers. “Self-preservationis never wrong. Sometimes we’re forced to make hard decisions to protectourselves.”
Slowly,shepulledherhandawayandlaiditdownonherlap “Idon’twanttotalkaboutit”
He wished she would, but he wasn’t going to push. There was so much to learn about one another and they had a lifetime Firstthingsfirst Sheneededtoheal,notjustherphysicalbodybuthermentaloneaswell “Haveyoubothfinishedeating?”heasked.HalfofAnais’splatestillhaduntouchedfood. “Yes,”Rubysaid.
HeleanedclosertoAnais.“Youshouldeatmoretokeepupyourstrength.”
“I’mnotthathungry.Ihaven’teatenmuchsince…”shetrailedoffthenshrugged.
Heknewwhatshewasgoingtosay. Since being poisoned. “Itwasreallygoodbutmyeyeswerebiggerthanmystomach.”
Hedidn’tbuyit “Wanttoboxitup?”
Anaisshookherhead.Ledgerdid not likehowlittlesheate.Hiswolfdidn’tlikeiteither.Oneofhisjobsashermate wastomakesureshewasfed,buthewouldn’tpushhertoomuchfornow
“Thenwhydon’tItakeyoutothepacklodgesoyoucangetsettled?”
Rubynoddedandrose,andsawEsmerelda,thediner’sowner,comingtheirway Heturnedinhischairtosmileather, holdingouthisarms.Sheswattedhishandsaway.
“Don’tyoubetryingtoseduceme,LedgerKlayman,”shewarned,waggingafingerunderhisnose.
Hechuckled “Esmerelda,thisisRubyandAnais They’renewtothepack”
“Oh,wehaven’ttalkedtoAlphaJerichoaboutthat,”Rubysaidwithashakeofherhead. “Noneed,”hesaid “Thedecisionwasalreadymade You’refamilytotheSheridanPack” TherewasanoticeablerelaxingofRuby’sshoulders,asifaweighthadslidoffthem.Anaishadatremblingsmile. Hereturnedit “Esmerelda,canIhavetheircheck?”
“Youdon’thavetopayforus,”Anaissaid.
“Iknow,butit’sasmalltokentowelcomeyoutoyournewhome.”
Sheblinked,andasheenoftearsmadethesapphiredepthsofhereyesglisten “Thankyou” Hewasn’tsureifshewasthankinghimforthemealortheacceptance.Itmadehisheartwobblewithemotion.
“Nocheck,”Esmereldasaid “Paytonalreadytookcareofit”
Rubyopenedhermouthasiftoargue,butthencloseditjustasquickly.Shenoddedingratitude. Helookedatthecrutches.“Doyouneedmetocarryyou,Anais?”
Horrordawnedinherblueeyes.“No.Absolutelynot.Infact,whydon’twemeetyououtside?” “Iwanttohelpyou.”
Shesuckedinaquickbreathandsomethingdarkpassedthroughhersky-blueeyes Herecognizedshameandfear,and hiswolfpacedinagitation.“Myauntcanhelpme.”
HelookedatRuby,andthenEsmerelda “DoyoumindifIhaveamomentwithAnais?” “Uh,sure.I’lljustgo,um,standoutside.”
EsmereldapattedAnaisontheshoulder.“Welcometothepack.”
Whentheybothleft,Ledgerheldouthishandtohismate.Anaisglancedatitandthenraisedhereyebrows.Thenshe glancedaroundthediner.
“Nothere,”shewhispered Heleanedclosertoher.“YouknowwhoIam,right?”
Shedidn’treply,onlystaredoutthediner’swindowatheraunt,whonowpacedinfrontofacar “Anais.”Sheturnedthoseluminouseyeshisway.“DoyouknowwhoIam?” Slowly,shenodded.
“Thentakemyhand”
Sheshookherhead.“Idon’tthinkIshould.Peoplewillgetthewrongimpression.”
Heandhiswolfdidn’tlikeherrejection,andhecouldunderstandwhyshewantedtodenytheirconnection Theywere fatedmates,destinedtobetogether andloveoneanother.Somewolves never discover their mates,sofor themtofindeach otheralreadybeattheodds
“Allright,”heconceded,lettinghishanddrop.“Atleastletmehelpyoustand.”
“Youdon’thavetopityme,”shemumbled.
He frowned “Anais, Idon’tpityyou Thatis one emotionIwon’tever feel for you Iwantto help you To be there whenyouneedme.Youdon’thavetoknowmetoknowthat.”
Shetookadeepbreath,thennodded “Okay”
Hestoodandthenstretchedouthishandoncemore.Shelookedfromituptohisface,tookadeepbreath,andslidher muchsmallerhandintohis Ashetugged,shehalf-roseandhisotherarmimmediatelywrappedaroundherwaisttosteadyher His wolf prowled against his consciousness, as if wantingout. Probablyto meet Anais and rub his scent into her skin. He didn’tblamehiswolf.Hekindofwantedtorubagainsthertoo.Didn’tmattertheywereinaverypublicplacewiththeeyes andtheearsofthepackwatchingthem
Anaisreachedoverandgrabbedhercrutchesandhekepthersteadyassheslippedherarmsintothecuffs.Hedidn’t wanttoletgoofher,buthehadnootherexcusetoholdher,sohetookastepbackandfollowedheroutside Hewasconscious ofpeoplestaringather,andthepitydarkeningtheir gazes.Ledger realizedthis was whatshehated whatshe didn’twant fromhim.Hemadesuretokeephisexpressionneutralastheymadetheirwaypastpeopleandoutthedoor.
“Ifyouladieswouldliketofollowme,I’lltakeyoutothelodge.”
“Thankyou,BetaLedger,”Rubysaid.
His gaze lingered onAnais and he wished he could drive her to the lodge, but he recognized she was still feeling vulnerable around him. He waited until they settled into their car before heading to his truck. Then he led them to their temporaryhome
“Anais,whatwasthatallabout?”
Heraunt’sworriedtonebrokethroughtheshockofwhatjusthappened.Hermate.Here.Shedreamedherwholelifeof findingtheonemanmeanttobehers,justasshewasmeanttobehis ExcepthewasthebetaoftheSheridanPack,andshewas broken.
“Ithinkhemaybemymate,”sheansweredsoftly,achingly,asherhearthurt
Ruby’sfacelitup.“That’swonderful!It’sablessingtofindyourmate.Andhe’sveryhandsome.Beingmatedtoabeta meansyourfatherwillneverbeabletodragyouback.Yourloyaltylieswithyourmate.”
“Inever worried aboutmyfather wantingme back,” she said “Ino longer matter tohimsince Gaia has fulfilled the rolehewantedfromme.”
“IwishIcoulddisputethat,butIcan’t”
Anaisnodded.“It’sallright.I’vealreadyacceptedthatI’munwanted.”
Rubygrabbedher hand,givingita squeeze “Youare not unwanted Iwantyou,andfromthe lookonBeta Ledger’s face,hewantsyoutoo.”
Overwhelmingsadnesspunchedthroughherheart,andshehadtoblinkbacktears.“Hedoesn’tunderstandtheextentof mydisability”
“Ithinkhedoes.Hisalphawentthroughthesamething,remember?Besides,you’regoingtogetbetter,andyou’llmake afinemateforhim”
“Itcouldtakeyearsformetorecover.Heneedsamatewho’swhole.Whocangivehimstrongsons.Whocanrunnext tohimduringthefullmoon.”Sheshookherhead.“AndIcan’tdoanyofthat.”
Rubyreplacedherhandonthewheel.“Iwon’tlistentoyouputyourselfdown.Hesawthecrutches,Anais.Heknows whattheymean,andIcanguaranteeyourightnow,hedoesn’tcarebecausehe’sbeengrantedasyourmoon-fatedmatebythe HighLunaherself”
Anaisturnedherheadtostareouthersidewindow.“Shemadeamistake.”
Theysaidnothingfurther ThoughtstumbledthroughAnais’smind,allhavingtodowithLedger Herlogicalsidetold hershehadtofigureouthow tosethimfree.Therewasnowayshewasgoingtosaddlehimwithamatewhowasn’tworth much.
Herheart,however,beatwithadifferentstory.Ittoldhertoembracehim,body,mind,andsoul.
The packlodge came into view, a beautiful stone and woodenstructure builtona hill, witha sweepingview ofthe valleybelow The large, castle-like structure, tucked amongthe greenforest, tookher breathaway Itwas nothinglike New Mexico, the cool weather a gift. Nothingexisted backhome buta blazingsunthatbaked the ground. Runningduringthe full moonhad beenhotand somewhatpainful onpaws Colorado was everythingher old home wasn’t The lushfoliage and the smellofwaterintheair,calledtohersoul.Likeshewasmeanttobethere.
PerhapstheHighLuna hadn’t madeamistake.
Once Ruby had parked, Ledger hurried to her door to help her out Anais had thought she couldn’t be any more embarrassed,butthatwas beforehereachedintothecar andpickedher up.Cradlingher likeshewas abride,heaskedher aunttograbhercrutchesandfollowhim
“You’retense,”hesaid.“I’mnotgoingtodropyou.”
“Ineverthoughtyouwould” “Relax.”
Sheturnedherhead. Could I get more pathetic?
“Youcanputmedown,”shesaid “Ilikecarryingyou.”
She letouta long-sufferingsigh Once theyreached the foyer ofthe lodge, he waited for her auntto arrive withthe crutches.He watchedAnais carefullysohe couldhelpquicklyifshe neededit,butshe expertlyplacedthemonher arms to helpherwalk
“Ifyou’dliketoshowustoourroom,wewon’tkeepyouformuchlonger.”
“Notsurehowyou’rekeepingmebecauseIlivehere,too.”
“What?”
“Justmovedin.We’reneighbors.”
HestudiedherbutAnaiscouldn’tmeethisgaze Whatwasshegoingtodo?Hecouldn’tbesaddledwithawomanlike her.Adefectivewolf.Shemightgetbetter,orshemightnot.
“Downthehallwayontherightisthekitchen.Downstairsisagym.Wehavearecreationroom,aminitheater,andlots ofprivacy.”
Hesmiled,butwhenshecouldn’treturnit,turnedtoheraunt.
“Ruby,”hesaid,“canyougiveusanothermoment?”
“Sure,”herauntsaid.“I’lljustgoandgetthe,uh,well,whateverI’mgoingtoget.”
Sheturnedandpracticallyranaway,leavingherallalonewithhermate Theonemanshe’dbeenwaitingallherlife for.Onlynow,hearrivedtoolate.
“Pleaselookatme,Anais”
Itwasn’tarequest.Hergazeslidoverhisperfectfeatures,hisbeautifulsmile.Thickdarkhair.Piercingbrowneyes.A neatlytrimmedbeardshadedthelowerhalfofhisface,butitdidn’tdetractfromhishandsomeness Quitetheopposite,infact Itgavehimawild,untamedlook.
“Yousaidyouknowwhatwearetooneanother.We’refatedmates.”
Withherheartinherthroat,shenodded
“Thentalktome,Anais.What’sgoingthroughyourmind?”
“Inever thoughtI’dfindyou,” she said,thicktears threateningtochoke her up “As a child,Ialways hoped,butyou knowtheodds.”
“Ido”
“Whenmyfatherorderedmetomarrytobrokerpeace,IagreedbecauseIthoughtI’dneverfindyou.”
“Butyoudid.”
“Ifoundyoutoolate”
“Whywouldyousaythat?”
“Justlookatme,Ledger”Shedidn’tgesturetoherbody,butsheknewheunderstood “Youdon’twanttobestuckwith someonelikeme.”
“Someonelikeyou?”Hetiltedhishead.“Idon’tunderstand.”
“Don’tbedense.”Sheblewoutahuff.“I’mcrippled,Ledger.I’mbroken.”
“Don’tsaythataboutyourself,youhearme?Don’teverputyourselfdown.Youwillgetbetter,butevenifyoudon’t,I willstillwantyou”
“Stop,”shesaid,shakingherhead.“Whatyoudidoutthereinthecar,youknow,liftingme?Youmighthavetodothat fortherestofourlives”
“Allright,”hesaid.“So,I’lldothatforofourlives together. ”
“Iwouldn’tbeabletocarryachild.”
“Ifthat’sthepriceIpayforhavingyou,Ihappilygiveupunconceivedchildren.” Sheshookherhead.“Iwon’tletyou.”
“Youwon’tletme?Anais,listen Fatedmatesareforever Youknowthis Iwillneverforsakeyou Iwillneverstepout onyou.Iwillneverwantsomeoneelse.”
“Youdon’tunderstand!”sheyelled “God!Whyareyoumakingthissomuchharderthanithastobe?Fine Ifyouwon’t saythewords,thenIwill.I,AnaisMacKenzieArnauld,rej ”
“Don’tyoufuckingdarefinishthatdamnsentence!”heroared,cuttingoffherwords.“Youwillneverthinkthemagain, doyouhearme?”
“I’mtryingtosaveyou!”
“Byrejectingme?Youdoknowthatifyouutterthosewords,you’llcondemnbothofustoanunhappyfuture” “Youcanstillfindawomantolove,”sheargued.“Stillhavechildren.”
“Iwouldneversubjugateawomantoamarriagebuiltonlies Andthat’swhatI’dbeliving,Anais Alie Iwouldnever loveher.Iwouldnevercondemnhertoalovelessmarriage.So,youwillnotrejectme,doyouhear?”
Atthatmoment,Rubywalkedbackintotheroom.“Anais,listentohim.”
Twoagainstone Howcouldshepossiblywintheargument?So,shenodded,acceptinghisclaim
Atleast,fornow.
ChapterFour
Later thatnight,Ledger wenttothehomeofyoungSilas For closetoanhour,hehelpedasmuchashecould,which mainly consisted of himmaking coffee and ordering Chinese food for the family. When the teenager fell into an exhausted sleep,hewalkedovertoJericho
“Hey,gotaminute?”heaskedinalowvoice.
“Ofcourse,”Jerichoreplied,runningahanddownhisface “What’sup?” Ledgerlookedaroundtomakesuretheyweren’tbeingoverheard.“Anais.” Oneeyebrowwentup.“Whatabouther?”
Ledgerrubbedthebackofhisneck “She’smymoon-fatedmate” “Whatthe…?Ididnotseethatcoming!Congrats.”
“Yeah,I’mpleasedbutshe,uh,seemslessenthused Calledherselfbroken”Hesighed “Almostrejectedme” “Well,howdoyoufeelaboutherproblem?”
“Youmeanherlegs?Idon’tgiveafuckaboutthat She’smymate,Jericho” Jerichohelduphishands.“Igetit,butIcanalsounderstandwhyshesaidthat.Wolfsbanepoisoningreallymesseswith your mind.Makes youfeel vulnerable.Small.Now she’s notonlydealingwiththat,butwiththe truthher ownfamilydidn’t valueher Thathersisterwantedherdead Andinhermind,hermate,whichisyou,hasseenheratherworst”
Ledgershiftedthroughhisknowledgeofwolfsbane,tryingtorememberwhatJerichodidtoovercomehisboutwithit. “Howdoesshegetbetter?”
“Shehastoreconnectwithherwolf,”Jerichoanswered.“Meditation.Exercise.Focustraining.Youknowthat.” “Iwanttoworkwithher.”
“You’remorethanwelcometositinwiththesessions ” “No,”heinterrupted.“Imean, I wanttobetheonetohelpher.” “Areyousure?”
“SheiswhoI’vebeenwaitingfor,sonooneelsecanhelpherbutme.”Heleanedforward.“Mywolfdoesn’twantany othermale’shandsonher”
“Allright,”Jerichosaid.“I’lldrawupaschedulethat’llbesthelpher.Butifyouneedme,I’llbethere.”
“Thanks,”Ledgermurmuredashestood.
“Hopefully,it’llgiveyoutimetogettoknoweachother.”
“Metoo,”hereplied.
Herosetoleave,butJerichocalledouttohalthim
“Ledger.Thisisgoingtobeverydifficult,notonlyforherbutforyouaswell.You’regoingtowatchhersuffer,soyou mustbepreparedforthat”
“Iunderstand,”Ledgersaidquietly.“Thanks.”
Anaiswasexhausted Herbodytiredeasily,evenwithouttheslightestbitofstrain Shelaiddowntotakeanap,leaving Ruby to unpack. They had separate rooms, and although she loved her aunt dearly, Anais was thankful for the privacy. Sometimes,shewantedtocryatnight,andsherefusedtodothatinfrontofRuby
Inthelateafternoon,sheawoke,needingtousethebathroom.Shepushedherselfupwithherhandsandreachedforthe crutches, maneuveringher bodyto slip themonand pushherself off the bed She made her waycarefullyto the bathroom, leaningagainstthe counter so she could slip her panties down. Peeingtooka lotofeffortand bythe time she finished and washed her hands, she was in desperate need for another nap. She left the bathroom, intending to lay down, but her aunt steppedintotheroom
“Ihavedinnerready,”shesaid.“Soupfromthediner.”
Atthementionoffood,herstomachgavealittlerumble “Oh,okay”
Rubyturnedandexitedthebedroom,andAnaisslowlyfollowedouttothesmallsittingroom.Onceshegottotheround table,bowlsofsoupwerelaidout,alongwithcrackersandabottleofwater Anaiscarefullysatdown,slippingoffherarm crutchestoeat.
“AlphaJerichocalled,”Rubysaid,breakingsomecrackersupinhersoup.“You’llstarttherapytomorrowmorning.”
“Allright,”Anaisreplied
“And,uh,BetaLedgerwillbeworkingwithyou.”
Anais’sspoonclatteredloudlyasshedroppedit “What?No,AlphaJerichowastheonewhocuredhimself He’sthe onethatneedstofixme.”
“IguessBetaLedgerwasthere,helpinghimeverystepoftheway.So,heisqualified.”
“But…but…”
“Anais,”herauntsaidsternly.“Iloveyou.Isupportyou.Butheisyourmoon-fatedmate,andhehaschosentonotonly
acceptyou,buttohelpyouthroughthisjourney.Hewillstandbyyouasyouheal.” Therewasnothingtosaytothat.Anaiswantedtoargue,butsheknewnothingwouldchangeRuby’smind.So,sheate hersoupandthenafterward,shewentbacktobed
Ateighto’clockthenextmorning,afirmknocksoundedonthedoor Anaisjumpedandalittlecoffeesloshedoverthe rimofhermugontoherleg.Grimacing,shesetitdownandgrabbedatissuetowipeuptheliquid.Thensheslippedherarms intothecrutchesandmadeherwaytothefrontdoor
“Who’sthere?”shecalledthroughthedoor.
“It’sme Ledger”
Sheknewhewasgoingtohelphergetherwolfback.Onceshedidthat,herbodywouldheal.Takingadeep,calming breath,sheopenedthedoor.Ledgerstoodtherewithhandsinhispockets,andatenderlookcameintohisgaze.
“Areyouready?”heasked “Yeah.”
Hehelduphisarmwhereablanketwasdraped “We’regoingtomeditate”
Slowly,sheexitedherroom,closedthedoorbehindher,andfollowedhimthroughthelargepackhouse.Themeeting roomwasdarkandall thechairswerepushedtotheside Shethoughtthiswastheirdestination,andwassurprisedwhenhe headed toward the backand opened the heavydoors. Sunlightspilled inside, illuminatingLedger. He led and she followed, acrossalargedeckthatoverlookedabeautiful field.Greengrasslayneatlymowed.Dandelionsandwhitecloverdottedthe peripherallandscape Theairwasfreshandcrispasshebreatheddeeply Asenseofpeaceandwonderflitteredthroughher, andbelongingsettledintohersoul.She’dneverbeenhappyinNewMexico.Hadneverconnectedtothelandasawolfshould. Yethere,inaplacethatwasnotherpack,shediscoveredhome
Andthatincludedthemaninfrontofher.
TheHighLunaclearlyworkedinmysteriousways.Ifitwasn’tforbeingpoisoned,shewouldneverhaveknownwhat itfeltliketobearoundthemandestinedfor her.Instead,shewould’vebeenmarriedofftoahorriblemantopreventawar. Relieffloodedthroughher.She’dwashedherhandsofherfamilyandpack,exceptforRubywhohadalliedherselfwithAnais.
“Doyouwantmetohelpyoudownthestairs?”
Thequestionjoltedher outofher rumination.Sheblinkedandrealizedshehadpausedatthetopofaseries ofsteps leadingtothemeadow
“Oh,”shesaid,tryingtogetherbearings.“Icandoit.”
Carefully, she made her waydowneachstep, treatingitlike some type ofobstacle course. Bythe time she touched downontothespringygrass,shefeltlikesheshouldgetagoldmedal.
“Goodjob,”Ledgersaid.
“Don’tplacate me,” she huffed, tryingto catchher breath Whydid a setofstairs feel like she’d runa hundred-mile marathon?Hermusclesquiveredandsweatdrippeddownthesidesofherface,andshehadn’tevenstartedhertherapy! “I’mnot,”hesaidevenly “Youare.”
“Come,”hesaid,ignoringhersnappishtone.“We’regoingtothemiddleofthemeadow.”
He didn’tlookbackas he left, expectingher to follow She did, butthe terrainwas a little uneven Everyonce ina while,hercrutcheswouldsinkintoasoftspotintheearth,andshe’dstumble.Muchtoherrelief,shedidn’tfall.Thelastthing shewantedwasforLedgertofeelevenmoresorryforher
Whenhereachedthecenter,heunfoldedtheblanketandlaiditdown.Hesatandwaited,watchingassheslowlymade herwaytohim Bythetimeshejoinedhim,shewasreadytocollapse “Walkingover soil and grass is reallydifferentthanconcrete and flooring,” she muttered. “Abouta thousand times I thoughtI’dfall.”
“Butyoudidn’t”
She huffed, notwantingto give himanytype ofsatisfaction. Rightnow, he was her tormentor so inher mind itwas perfectlyreasonabletobeangryathim “Sitdown,Anais,”heordered.
Carefully,shedidasinstructed,pullingherarmoutofonecrutchtoleanontheotherassheusedittosit
“It’swarmouthere,”shesaidasshefannedherself.
Hesmirkedbeforeclearinghis throat.“All right,let’s getstarted.Thewaytohealingyour bodyis toreconnectwith yourwolf OurdualityisablessingfromtheHighLunabecausethewolfistheprotectorofoursouls Rightnow,yourwolfis hiding.Shefeelsbetrayed.So,tolureherout,we’llstartwithmeditation.Lookdeepinside,findyourwolf.Listentoher.”
Anaistookadeepbreath AlphaJerichohadmentionedthisandasenseofexcitementfilledher Shewantedsobadly tobewholeagain.
“Sitstraight,”hesaidsoftly.“Closeyoureyes.Breathedeeply.”
She did as he commanded, fillingher lungs throughher nose, and lettingthe air outslowlyfromher mouth. Several timesshedidthis,untilhermusclesrelaxed.
“Good,” he continued. “Mentallyscanyour bodyand take notice ofall the sensations coursingthroughyouand over yourskin.”
Slowly, she became aware of a tightness in her calves Of a bead of sweat running down her back How the sun warmedhercheeksandthesoftwindruffledthehaironhernape.
“Searchinward,”hemurmured “Findyourcenter Beawareofyourthought”
Her thoughts were filled withhim. Withhis words that sluiced over her skin. Fromthe moment she had met him, a changehadstartedtakingoverherthoughts Theyweren’tcenteredaroundhowunfairlifehadbeentoher Instead,herwoe-ismeattitudeshiftedtothinkabouthim.Howstronghewas,howhandsome.Ifshehadbeenanormalgirl,shewouldalreadybe infatuated.Now,however,sheonlyfeltsorryforherself.
“Ifyourmindiswandering,focusonyourbreathing”
Witheffortshereinedinherwaywardwoolgathering.Breathinginandout,sheconcentratedontryingtofindherwolf. Growingup,ashifterwasalwaysawareoftheiranimal Whilethewolfsbanealmostkilledher,notbeingabletofeelherwolf waswhatreallybrokeherheart.
“Letgoofyouranger”
Nothappeninganytimesoon.
“Forgiveyoursister.”
“No!”sheyelled,snappingoutofthedeepmeditationshehadbeendriftingin “Anais,”hesaidinaconsolatorytone.
“Whatyouaskisimpossible Iwillneverforgiveher,”shewhispered,chokingbacktears “Sheruinedme” Heslippedhisarmsaroundher,hugginghertightly.“Shedidn’truinyou.Youarestrongerthanthat.”
The dambroke. For over a year she refused to feel sorryfor herself. Refused to cry. Nothingwas accomplished by givingintopainandsorrow.Butnowthatshecried,itwouldn’tstop.Greatheavingsobswrackedherbodyassheburiedher faceinLedger’schest.Hesimplyheldher,runningahandoverherhair,andgivingherthestrengthtofaceherbrokenheart.
“It’sokay I’vegotyou,”heassured “Letitout Letoutallthepoisonthat’sstillinyourmind”
Longmomentslater,hercryingsloweduntilitceasedaltogetherandshelayagainsthim,completelyspent.
“Ithinkthat’senoughmeditationfortoday,”hesaid “Let’sgotothegymsoIcanmassageyourlegs”
Sheliftedherheadandwipedathercheeks.“Massagemylegs?Isthatnecessary?”
“Don’tyouwantmyhandsonyou?”
“DidyoumassageAlphaJericho?”
“Jealous?”
Shegaveanoncommittalshrug
“Yes,”hereplied.“IdidbecauseJerichocouldn’twalkatall.”
Anaisgasped “Oh Ididn’tknow”
Hegaveagrimnod.“Hewasbitter,ofcourse.Evensuicidal.”
“Ihadnoidea.I’venever…evenatmylowestpoint,Iwouldneverresorttothat.”
“That’sgoodtoknow,”hesaid “Afterthatmoment,IvowedtosaveJerichobyanymeanspossible He’snotjustmy alpha,he’smybestfriend.”
“I’mgladhehadyou”
Hesmoothedsomehairoffhercheek,toplaceitbehindherear.“Youhavemetoo.”
Herheartgallopedinherchest “ThenIamlucky”
He smiled. “It took a lot of trial and error for Jericho, but one of the things he thought helped hima lot was the massages.”
“All right, then” He stood and scooped her up in his arms She slipped her arms around his neck “I can use my crutchestowalk.”
“Nope,thisistheonlytimeyou’llallowmetoholdyou Justthinkofmeasyourwalking,talkingescort”
Anaistiltedherhead.“You’reprovidinganescortservice?”
Hegaveaharrumph “Thinkyou’reclever,don’tyou?”
“You’retheonethatusedtheword‘escort’.”
Ledgerplacedakissonhercheek.“Smilingtransformsyou,Anais.Youshoulddoiteveryday.”
Hetookherdownintothebasementwhereafullgymwaited Hecarefullyplacedheronamassagebed,andwithhis fingertips slowlytraced her features. Her heart thumped excitedlyunder his touch. Whenhe reached her calves, he slowly startedtomassagethedamagedlimbs Atfirst,thedeeptissuemassagehurt,butslowlytheknotsunwound
“We’lldothiseveryday,”heannounced.“Eventually,we’llworkuptoexercising.We’llneedtobuildupyourstrength toshowyourwolfyouarehealed.”
“Allright,”shesaid,abitbreathless.Truthbetold,shequiteenjoyedhavinghishandsonherbody.“Massagemeall youwant.”
Thedaysfellintoapattern,goingthroughthesameroutine Afteraweek,Ledgeraddedinsomelightstrengthtraining He helped her use her legs, forcingthe atrophied muscles to work. Everyevening, Anais would sitona chair under the hot sprayofthe shower, tryingto hold backtears Everythinghurt All her muscles, includingher pride Still no whisper ofher wolf.
Theweeksflewbyassheconcentratedonhealing HerauntpreparedfoodinthepackhousekitchenandLedgerusually atewiththem.Somenightsthey’dwatchtelevisiontogether,orplayedcards.Hewasneverfarfromherside.
Oncethesecondmonthrolledaround,frustrationsettledin.Everydayshefailedtoconnectwithherwolfwasanother dayshefeltlikeafailure,andshesunkfurtherintothefearthatitwashopeless HoweverAlphaJerichohadhealed,itdidn’t seemtobeworkingforher.
FiveweeksaftersheandRubyhadarrivedinSheridan,Anaiswasreadytothrowinthetowel WhenLedgercameto collecther inthe morning,she couldn’tevensummonthe energytoopenthe door.He knockedandknocked,andall she did wasrollontohersideandpretendshedidn’thearathing
Whenthe knocks ceased,she figuredhe’dgivenup.Notthatshe couldblame him.He was saddledwitha worthless mate. Perhaps she was too broken to fix. The door clicked open and she tensed. Then the bed dipped as Ledger’s smell envelopedher Hespoonedher,buryinghisfaceinthebackofherneckandpulledherintohisbody
“Whyareyoustillinbed?”heasked.
“WhyshouldIgetup?”sheasked Tearssuddenlysprangintohereyes “IthoughtI’dseesometypeofimprovementby now.”
“Thesethingstaketime.”
Shetookadeepbreath.“Iknow.I’mjustfeelingsorryformyself,Iguess.”
“It’sokaytotakeadayandwallowinself-pity.”
“Thanksformakingmefeelevenworse”
“Howaboutwejuststayinbedtoday?”
“Okay”
“Withoneexception.Tomorrow,yougetbackonthehorseandweworkevenharder.”
Hewassopatient.Socaring.“Okay.”
Surroundedbyhiswarmth,sheclosedhereyesandfellbacktosleep.Whenshewokeupagain,shewasawareoftwo things.One,Ledgerwasstillwrappedaroundherandtwo,shehadtopee.Hatingtowakehimupbuthavingnootherchoice, shemoved
Heinstantlysatup.“Youallright?”
“Yeah,justhavetopee”
Ledgermovedawayandbeforeshecouldsayanythingelse,hesweptherintohisarms.
“Whatareyoudoing?”shesqueaked.
“Takingyoutothebathroom” “Icanwalk!”
“Iknow Butwe’regoingrightbacktobedandresting It’sjustyouandmetoday Oh,andpizza” “Fine,butyou’renotwatchingmepee.”
Hesatherontheclosedcommode “Nogoldenshowers Gotit”
She rolled her eyes. He exited the roomand she quicklydid her business thenhobbled over to the sinkto washher hands.Assoonasthefaucetturnedoff,hewasback,scoopingherintohisarmsoncemoreandlayingdownwithher.
Ledgerproppedhimselfuponanelbow,cradlinghisfaceinhishand,ashestareddownather
“You’re so beautiful,” he murmured. With his fingertips he brushed her hair behind her ear. “The High Luna truly blessedme”
Shegrabbedhiswrist.“I’msorryIwasfeelingsorryformyself.”
“It’sokay,babe We’reallentitledtodothateverynowandthen Justrememberwhywefall” “Why?”
“Sowelearntogetbackup.”
Thenhebentandkissedher
Amillionbutterfliestookflightasdesireslammedintohersoul.Neverhadsheexperiencedtheraw,beautifulpowerof akiss Hewasherfirst Probablyherlast Takingherupintotheheavensandcastingheroutonaseaofpassion
Whentheycameupforair,theystaredatoneanother.Hisfingertipslightlybrushedoverherlips,overhercheek,down herthroat.Hisfingerstraileddownherbody,andherstomachmusclesrippledinprotestuntil hisfingersbrushedacrossher pantiescoveringherpussy.
“Oh,baby,you’rehotandwet,”hemurmuredagainsthermouth.
Herubbedoverherslit.Thecotton-coveredfingerrubbedlittlecirclesoverherclit. Shemoanedandherhipsjerked up,bumpingagainsthim.
“OhmyGod,”shebreathedsoftly “Please,Ledger” “Damn,Ilovehearingmynameonyourlips.”
Notwantingto leta momentlonger go bywithouttastingher, he scooted downher bodyuntil he stared atthe white pantiescoveringherpussy Withhisheightenedsenseofsmell,herarousalmadehimsalivate Hepulledoneedgetotheside andsawAnais’sglisteningwetlips,withherlittleclitpeekingfromunderitshood.
“Ah,sweetheart,”hemurmuredwithaweinhisvoice. “That’sfuckinghotashell.” Usingtwofingers,hespreadher labiaandthenproceededtolickher Frombottomtotop,againandagain,until she squirmedunderhim,pantingherneed.Hedidn’tletupandsoonhewasawardedwhenherbodybegantoshakeandthenher pussywallsclampeddown Hercreamranoverhistongue,herflavorsharpandtangy,andhewasfuckingaddicted
Hewassohardhehurt.Itwouldn’ttakehimmuchtocome,justsomestimulation.Hegroundhimselfdownonthebed, findingtherightspottoletthefrictionbringhimover Withacry,heexploded,hiscumshootingoutandsoakinghisjeanslike adamnschoolboy.Yet,hecouldn’tseemtocare.Oncehegothisbreathingundercontrol,hescootedupuntilherestedhishead onherstomach.
“Thatwas ”
“Amazing,”hefinished.
“Yeah,”shesaidlanguidly,runningherfingersthroughhishair “Amazing” “NowI’vegotcuminmyjeans.I’mgoingtohavetogochangethemsoIdon’tchafe.”
Shegiggled.“Willyoubeback?”
Hepickedupherhandandkissedtheknuckles.“You’renotgettingridofmethateasily.I’llbebackintenminutesor so.Iwanttojumpintheshower.”
“Takeyourtime,”shesaid Herose,bentover,andkissedheronhermouth.Thenhestraightenedandlefther.
WhileshelaytherethinkingaboutLedger,anunexpectedtinglingsensationstartedupherspine Nothinguncomfortable atfirst,butitslowlygrewinintensity.Untilitfeltlikeathousandlittleneedlespokingherskin.Shewiggled,tryingtomakethe pins-and-needlesfeelinggoaway,butnomatterwhat,itdidn’tabate
Thenintenseheatexplodedalongeverynerveinherbodyandalittlemoanofpainescaped.Red-hotembersradiated fromher neckand downher back, fanningthrougheverycell, leavingher pantingwithagony Was she dying? Tears leaked fromhereyes,rollingdownhertemplesasshestaredupattheceiling.
Then,justassuddenlyasithaderupted,thesensationwasgone.
Anais tried to suck in a deep breath, but her chest felt heavy She lay there trying to take stock of what had just happened,andthat’swhenherwolfmadeasmallnudgeagainsthermind.Itwassounexpected,sobeautiful,thatshecriedout withjoyandsatup Shewaited,hopingitwouldhappenagain,butherwolfdidn’tstirasecondtime However,itdidn’tmatter becauseshe’d felt her.Itwasjustthebaresttapagainsthersubconscious,butithadbeenthere.Afteroverayearofsilence, herwolfhadfinallygivenahintthatshewasstillinside
Anaiswaitedforanotherjolt,butwhatevermagichadjump-startedherwolfhadclearlypassed.Therewasnowayshe imaginedanything.Wasit…haditbeen…thesex?Itcertainlyseemedso,becauseshedidn’tbelieveincoincidence.Shehad workedtirelesslyontryingtoreconnectwithherwolf,andnotonelittlepeep Butasecondafteroralsexherwolfdecidedto situpandgiveherahead-butt.
WhenLedgerrejoinedherafewminuteslater,shewavedhimoverfrantically “What?”heasked.
“Ifeltmywolf!”
Heblinked,andaskedagain,“What?”
“Igotthisweirdheatupanddownmyspineandthenshebumpedherheadagainstmymind!”
Ledgerjoinedheronthebed “That’samazing!”
Shegrabbedhishand.“Ithinkitwasthesex.”
“Thesex?”
Shenodded.“Ithinkweshouldhavemoreofit.”
“Moresex?Well,I’mnotgoingtosayno.”
“Doyouthinkit’sthematingbond?”
“It’spossible.Ididn’texperiencethatwithJericho.”
“He’snotyourmate”
“True.Itwasyearsbeforehefelthiswolfagain.”
Shegasped “Youweregoingtokeepatthiswithmeforyears?”
“Ofcourse.You’remymate.Wehaven’tknowneachotherlong,andourfeelingsrightnowaresettlingintoplace,but theywillgrowdeeperaswegothroughlifetogether.”Herolledhisfingersoverhercheek.“Myprioritywill always beyou. Evenifthisjourneydoestakesyears”
Herbreathingspedup.“I’venever…ah…doneanything.”
Heatflaredinhiseyes “Doyouwanttodosomething?”
“Yes,”shebreathed.“IjustneverfeltlikeIshoulddosomethingwithsomeonewhowasn’tmymate.”
Heleanedforwardandbrushedhisnoseagainsthercheek “I,um,I’msorryI’mnotavirgin”
Shetiltedherhead.“Ifigured.”
“Itwould’vebeenfineifyouweren’teither.”
“Doyoureallymeanthat?”
Hesighed.“Yes.Andno.Iwould’vebeenjealousashell,butIdon’tbelieveinadoublestandard.So,it’sokayforyou tobejealous,ifyouwish”
“Thethoughtofyouwithanotherfemaleislikenailsonachalkboard,buttruthfullyI’mgladoneofusknowswhatto do”
Hechuckled.“Therewon’tbeanyoneelse.Justyou,mybeautifulmate,fortherestofourlives.”
She tooka deep breath, tryingto calmher nerves. Hesitantly, she reached for the edge ofher t-shirt, debatingifshe shouldtakeitoff Nervesthreatenedtogetthebestofher Perhapssheshouldjustpeelitoffwithaquicktugandgetoverher timidity.She’dneverhadamanlookatherlikeshewasatastytreathewantedtodevour.Withherheartpounding,andbefore she changed her mind, she did exactlythat, bringingitover her head withoutlookingathim The cool air made her nipples pebble.Heusedafingertoliftherhead.
“Youdon’tneedtobeshy.”
“Ican’thelpit.”
Herubbedhisknucklesdownhercheekgently,theslightcaresssendingajoltofexcitementlickingoverherskin.The
atmospherebetweenthemcrackledwithelectricity,andheslidhishandacrossthebackofhernecktobringherclose.
Their lips met. Softatfirst, a tantalizingtaste thatslowlyincreased inintensity. Her mouthopened ona gasp and he instantlytookadvantage Heplungedhistongueintoher mouth,brushingagainsther owninanintoxicatingcaress Shelifted herhandstoplaceonhisshoulders,andanyshynesssheheldinstantlydisappearedasshemeltedintothekiss.
Ledger devouredher ashegentlypressedher backward,ontothemattress Hemaneuveredher legs apartandsettled betweenherthighs.Onekissbledintothenext,untilshewasdeliriouswithneed.
“Ledger,”shemoaned
“Sofuckingbeautiful,”hesaidinaguttural tone.Hepressedhispelvisintoher,hisdesireforhermorethanevident. Thenhekisseddownher body,stoppingtosuckoneachnippleuntil theturgidpeaksached.Hegrabbedoneofher legsand broughtitoverhiship Pressingfurtherintoher Drivinghermadwithwant
Justwhenshethoughtitcouldn’tfeelanybetter,hepushedhismiddlefingerintoherwhilehisthumbpressedagainst herclit Fuckingherwithhisfingers,herhipsinstinctivelyfoundtherhythmtomimichishand Anaiswentupinflames,crying assheconvulsedinpleasure.
“Yourcuntisgrippingmyfingerssotight,”herasped “Areyoureadyforme?”
“Yes!”shecried.“Please.”
“Holdontome,”heordered.Sheobeyedasheroseaboveher.Onearmbracedbesideherhead,theotherslidaround toherass
Thepositionthrustherhipsupandshefeltlikeasacrificialoffering.Herheartthunderedinherchestbecausesheknew thiswasit Themomenthe’dpossessher,bindingtheirsoulstogether Tosayshewasscaredwasanunderstatement Didall womenfearthismonumentalshiftintheirworld?
“Eyesonme,”hemurmured.“Don’tstoplookingatme.”
She did as he commanded. His hard cock nudged the apex of her thighs, sliding up and down in her slickness. Searching,probing,hardsteelencasedinhotsilk.Shewasequalpartsscaredandexcited.Hungryformoreyetfearfulofthe painsheknewwascoming
Andthen,Ledgerpushed.Stretchingherpussyuntilitburned.Tearsspranginhereyes,andhepaused,thankfullyletting heradjust Hewasn’tasmallmananywhere,especiallyhiscock “Takeadeepbreath,”Ledgermurmured. “It’llfade.”
“Ithurts,”shegasped.
“Iknow.I’msorry,baby.Relaxyourmuscles.That’sit,justbreathe.”
Anais did as he said, little bylittle lettingher bodyrelaxand accept the huge shaft that filled her. The paineased somewhat,butshewasstillalittleuncomfortable
Slowly,Ledgerpulledout,onlytopushbackinagain.
“Oh,”shemoaned “Wait Please”
Hestilledagain.
“You’resobeautiful,didyouknowthat?”heasked,placingasoftkissonherlips.Heranhisfingersdownherchestto herbreast Hecuppeditandranathumboverthetautnipple “Oh!Thatfeelsgood.”
He rolledthe little budbetweenhis fingers,tuggingituntil the slightbite ofpaintookher mindoffwhere theywere joined.
“DidyouknowyoustolemybreathawaythemomentIsawyou?”
Sheshookherhead.“Liar.”
“I’mnot.”Hepinchedher nippleagain,andshemoanedwithsalaciouslust.“Your eyessparkleinthesunlight,andI plantorunmyfingersthroughyourhairfortherestofmylife Youandme,Anais,sidebyside”
Oncemore,hepulledoutonlytoimmediatelyslidegentlybackin.
“That’sit,baby,”Ledgersaid “Youfeelsogood”
“Itdoesn’thurtanymore,butit’sstillalittleweird.”
Herockedintoherashestaredintohereyes,whichwasalevelofintimacyshehadn’texpected Itmeantsomuchto herthathetookhistimeanddidn’trushher.Invitinghertocomeonthejourneywithhiminsteadofpoundingawaytofindhis ownsatisfaction.Hesettledonarhythmshecouldhandle.
“Areyoustillwithme?”
“Yes,”shebreathed.
“I’mgoingtogoalittlefaster” “Okay.”
He picked up the pace, and itsurprised her thatshe started to getturned onagain. Anais decided to move withhim, pushingherhipsupwardtomeethis.Heatflaredinhisdarkeyes,andalowgrowlcamefromdeepwithinhischest.
“Youfeellikeheavenaroundmydick,”hemoaned.
Shelearnedquickly,surgingwithhimateachthrust.Littlebylittle,heincreasedhistempo,untilallthatreverberated throughthebedroomweremoansandgasps.
“I’mgoingtocome,baby Canyoucomewithme?”
“I-Idon’tknow.”
“Touchyourself”
Surprisefloodedthroughher.“What?”
“Touchyourself Playwiththatprettylittleclit” Slowly,shereachedbetweenthem,findingher sensitivebundleofnerves.Shewasn’tastranger toself-pleasure,but doingitinfrontofhimfeltstrange.
“Areyoumakingyourselffeelgood?”
“Yes.”
“Areyoumymate?”
“Yes!”
“Thenwatchmecome,baby,andthenIwanttowatchyou”
Shenodded.
“Ah,fuck!”
Hestiffenedaboveher,thecordedmusclesonthesidesofhisneckstandingoutinsharprelief JustasLedgerreleased insideher,hisfangsdescended.Hiswolfturnedhisdarkeyestoabeautifulamber,thenheplungedhisfangsintothecrookof herneck,markingherashismate
Thatwaswhatthrewherovertheprecipice.Herbodywentridgedasblisssurgedthroughherwholebody.Shewanted tomarkhim,likehemarkedher,butherwolfremainedstubbornlyabsent.
“It’sokay,baby,”hemurmured,placingakissonhertemple.“Wehavetherestofourlives.”
Onemomentshewassoundasleep,thenextshewasjoltedawakefromasearingburningsensation Fireradiatedfrom the top of her spine, traveling down, engulfing every nerve in agony. This was worse than before. It was instant and debilitating,leavingherunabletomove Leavinghertofeellikeshewasdying “Anais!”
Vaguelysheheardhernamebeingcalled,overandover,butshewasbeyondabletorespond Thehitchingofherbreath stoleherwords.Tearsleakedfromhereyesasshewrithedintorment.Whatwaswrongwithher?Whydidshehurtsomuch? “Dying…”shemanagedtogasp.
“No,youare not dying,”Ledgersnarled “Youhearme,Anais?Youarenotallowedtodie”
There was no wayshe could talkanymore to answer him. How longshe laid inlimbo, she couldn’ttell. Her world boileddowntosurviving,takingonepainfulbreathafterthenext ShewanteddesperatelytoaskLedgerforhelp,butthewords wouldn’t come. What did come up was vomit. All over herself, all over him. She couldn’t even drudge up an ounce of embarrassment Whatdiditmattersinceshewassureshewouldn’thaveafuture “Anais,”adeepvoicecommanded.“I’mgoingtohelpyou,doyouhear?”
Shethoughtmaybethepersonwas AlphaJericho,butshecouldn’tbesure.Shewas rapidlylosingtheabilitytostay conscious Allshewantedtodowasslipintodarknesstoescapethepain “Anais!”
Notevenhearinghermatehelped “Youshouldleave,Ledger,”Jerichosaid. “I’mnotleavingher.”
“Thendon’tinterrupt.Hearme?” “Yes,Alpha.”
Theworldswaminandoutoffocus
“Anais,”Jerichocommanded.“Openyoureyesandlookatme.Letmehelpyou.”
Itwastorturetodoashesaid,butshewasforcedtoobeythepowerofhisalphawolf Hereyelidspeeledbackand theirgazeslocked.
“Don’tbeafraid,littlewolf.You’resafenow.You’llneverbebetrayedagain.It’stimetocomeoutandmakeyouand yourhumanwhole.”
Hekeptrepeatingthewords,overandover.Tryingtosootheher.Tohealher.Slowly,thepainbegantodissipate.Asif hesomehow pulledoutsomeofwhatshewas experiencing,drawingitfromher andintohim Theburningmoveddownher spineandradiatedoutward,threadingthroughthemusclesofherlegs.Hertormentdidn’tcompletelygoaway,butenoughso shecouldthinkrationally
“L-Ledger?”
“I’mhere,”hesaidandslidhishandintohers.
“Don’tleaveme”
“Iwon’t,”hevowed.“I’llneverleaveyou.”
AlphaJerichocontinuedtopushhisalphaforceintoher Shedidn’tknow how longtheystayedlikethat,butatsome point,shewasabletorelaxandsleep.Herdreamswereofawolfprowlingthroughthenight.Abeautifulsilveranimalwith streaksofdarkgreyrunningthroughthefur Shetrottedcloserandthensatdown,cockingitsheadasifaskingAnaiswhatwas thematter.
Shetookastepcloser,holdingherhandout.Tryingtobeasnonthreateningaspossible.Thiswasherwolf,anditwas clear theyweretwoindividual entities Theyneededtomergeoncemore,beoneunit,becauseshifterscouldn’tlivewithout theiranimal.Ifherwolfdecidedtostayapart,thenshefaceddeath.Thenherwolfstoodupandstretched,thetonguehanging outofher mouth Slowly, the magnificentbeastpadded over to her hand, and gave a sniff Anais knew this was the moment she’dbeenwaitingfor.Herheartthunderedasshementallybeggedherwolftocomeback.Tostophiding.Tomakethemwhole oncemore
Thenheranimalgaveherhandalick,andablindinglightjoltedherawake.
Anaisblinkedhereyes,andstaredupattheceiling.Thepainwasgone,andherwolfbumpedhappilyinhermind.
“Hey”
SheturnedherheadandsawLedger.Helaynexttoher,elbowonthebedandproppinghisheadup.Hestaredather, concernonhisface Shereachedupandranherfingersthroughhisbeard
“Doyouhaveanypain?”
“No,”shereplied.
Reliefchasedawaythefear.
“I’mglad.”
“Was…wasAlphaJerichohere?OrdidIdreamhim?”
“Youbetternotbedreamingofanymanexceptme,”heteased.“Yes,hewashere.IcalledhimbecauseIwasscared.” “Scared?You?”
“IwasscaredIwaslosingyou,”headmitted.“Alphapowertotherescue.” “Ishestillhere?”
“No.Heleftonceyoufellasleep.”
Sheranahandoverherface “Whattimeisit?”
“Latemorning.Yourauntwasby,checkingonyou.Ithinkshewentoutandboughtdoughnuts.” “I’mnothungry.”
“Youneedtokeepyourstrengthup”
Sheslowlysatup.“Iwanttogetstartedontheday.”
Ledgeralsosatupandplacedhishandonhershoulder “Youshouldresttoday ” “No,”shesaidadamantly.“Ithinktoday’stheday.Mywolffinallycametome.”
Ledgerclosedhiseyes,reliefevidentineverylineofhisface “ThanktheHighLuna Itwaskillingmetoseeyoufight sohard,knowingIcouldn’tdoadamnthingtohelpyou.”
“Butyoudidhelpme,”shewhispered.“Youmademewanttokeepfighting.”
Hebrushedthehair offher forehead “I’msofuckingproudofyou,baby All right,today’s theday Needhelpinthe bathroom?”
Sheshookherhead “No,andhopefully,Iwon’tneedcrutchesfortoomuchlonger”
He leaned close and kissed her lightlyonthe mouth. He rose and broughther the crutches and she used themto rise fromthe bed.She knew inher heartandsoul her days ofusingthe damnthings were numbered.He kissedher ontopofher headandthenmovedtowardthedoor.Anaisroseandhobbledintothebathroomtopee.Afterwashingherhandsandbrushing herteeth,sheusedacombtotameherwildhair.
Herreflectionshowedabrightnesstohereyesthathadbeenmissingforalongtime Ithadbeenalongtimesinceshe feltanythingbutdespair,butexcitementfloodedthrougheverycellinherbody.Whensheleftthebathroom,Rubywaitedinthe armchairbythewindow
“Yourmatesaidyouhadadreamofyourwolf?”
“Yes,”shereplied,smiling.
Ruby clapped her hands together. “I’ve been praying so hard every single day and finally my prayers have been answered.”
Anaiswipedatearfromthecornerofhereye “Happytears,”sheassuredheraunt “Wannahelpmedress?Ihavetogo meditate.”
Ledger glancedupatthe skyandsenta mental thankyoutothe HighLuna.He hadtostepouttobringhis emotions back under control. He’d been so afraid for Anais. So afraid she’d give up. Now, she had hope. Her determination had returned
Shemadeherwaycarefullyoverthemeadowtojoinhimontheblanket.Hewantedtohelpher,butshegaveashaketo herhead Allhecoulddowaswatchasshetookhertimeandsatdown
“Ready?”
“Yes”
“Allright,closeyoureyes.Takeadeepbreath.Relaxandfocusonfindingyourserenity.”
Shebreathedinthroughhernoseandoutthroughhermouth.Hemimicked,breathingwithher.
“Icanfeelher,”Anaismurmured “She’spacing Anxioustobeletloose”
“That’sgood,”hesaid.“That’sthewaytoheal.”
AlowgrowlrumbledthroughAnais,andheopenedhiseyestoseeherskinrippleasfursprouted Thesoundofbones crackingechoedaroundthem.OneminutehewatchedAnais,thenextabeautifulgreywolfstoodinherplace.Thefurwasan ombreofsilvertosmoky,withpawsandamuzzleofwhite
“You’rebeautiful,”hesaid,holdingouthishand.
Anaiswalkedovertobumpherheadagainsthim,andLedgerranhisfingersthroughthesoftpelt.Thewolftiltedher headforamomentbeforesheturnedandtookoffrunning
“Anais!”hecalled.“Wait!Comeback!”
Heranimaldidn’tstop,andamomentlater,shedisappearedintotheforest
ChapterNine
Ledgerimmediatelystartedafterher,tearingthroughhisclothesasheshiftedintohiswolf Chasingafterherwasone ofthehappiestmomentsofhislife.Sheledhimdeeperintotheforest,boundingovertheterrainwithhertonguehangingout. He could easilyovertake her, but that wasn’t what this was about It was about her finallybeingfree Finally she was healed.
Happinesssurgedthroughhimashewatchedherjumpoverafelledtree,followingherastheybothracedtowardthe stream. She turned and ran along the bank, finding a spot where she could jump off a boulder right into the slow-moving current.Healsojumpedanddoggie-paddledaroundher.Shesplashedaroundbeforeheadingtotheoppositebank,whereshe shookoffallthewater
Theyenteredaclearingandshespunaround,yippingathim.Shewantedtoplaysohezoomeduptoherandchasedher around,nippingalittleatherhindquarters Sheracedaroundtheclearing,tryingtojumponhim Ifshecouldlaugh,heknew she’dbegiggling.
Thensuddenly,shetransformedbackintoherskin Hewentthroughhisownshiftmid-jump,twistingatthelastminute sohewouldn’thurther.Theylayontheirbacks,panting.Laughterboomingbetweenthem.Turningtheirheadstolookatone another.He’dseennothingmorebeautifulthanherhappiness.
“Iran,”shepanted Purejoyradiatedfromher “Isaw.”
Sheglanceddownatherbody“Mylegsarehealed” “Iknow.”
“Ihavedreamedofthisdayforsolong,andyougaveittome,Ledger.” “Oh,baby,thisisallyou.”
Sheheldupherhandcrookedherfingerathim.“Comehere.”
Lustrolledthroughhim Hesatup,runningahanduphersilky-smoothskin “Youaresofuckinggorgeous”
Hepushedherthighsapart.Herprettypinkpussyglistenedwithherarousalandhismouthwateredforataste.Placing akissontheinsideofherknee,hesettledbetweenherlegs,slidinghishandaroundtograbholdofherass Heliftedherupto lickfrombottomto top, flickinghis tongue across her clit. She gave a sharp gasp and her thighs quivered, so he carried on suckingandnibbling.Tryingtodriveherascrazyasshedidhim.Strokingthroughherwetfolds,hepushedafingerintoher, thesweettasteofherpussylingeringonhistongue.Soonshewrithedunderhimandgaveaseriesoflongbreathycries.Higher andhighershemoaneduntilhefeltaflutterinherpussyrightbeforehercumfloodedhismouth.
Shewasthesweetestambrosiahe’devertasted
Stillshakingfromherorgasm,Anaisfistedhishairuntilhelookedupather.Athousandsilentwordsstretchedbetween them,andhereadherdesireasplainasday Kneelingup,hegrabbedherhipsandflippedherover Withoutanyprompting,she pressedherchesttothegroundandstuckherassup,presentingherselfformating.Heknewthiswasasignthatshewasgoing intoheat.
More turned onthathe’d ever beenbefore, he nudged her legs wider and fithimselfsnugagainsther bottom Taking holdofhiscock,heranitupanddownherdrippingslit.Thenwithamightypush,heburiedhimselfdeepinsideher.Tight,wet blisswrappedaroundhisdick,andhiseyesrolledbackinhishead
“That’sit,baby,”hemoaned.“Youtookmycocksowell.Nothinghaseverfeltasheavenlyasyou.”
Grippingher hips, he started rocking Inand out he pushed, givinga moanas his thrusts became harder His tempo speedingupashefeltthetelltaletingleinhisballs.Hereachedaroundtorubherclit,wantinghertoshatterfirst.Sheletouta breathycryasshecame,clampingdownonhiscock.Afewhardthrustslaterheleanedoverherbackasheshothisloaddeep insideher
Longmomentslater,whenhegothisbreathingbackunder control,hepulledout.Holdingher still,hewatchedashis cumleakedoutofherpussy Possessivenessgrippedhim Thenhelaiddownbesideherandbaredhisneck Anaisranhernose overhisskin,scentinghim,andthenasharpbitelethimknowshehadjustclaimedhim.
ChapterTen
Ledger held her hand as they walked toward the diner A sign on the door announced it was closed for a special occasion,andshepulledupontheirclaspedhandstohalthim.Helookeddownatherwithaquestiononhisface.Shepointed tothenotification
“It’sshut.”
Hesmiled “Iknow It’sclosedforyou We’recelebrating” “What?Oh,no.”Shebitherbottomlip,apprehensive.
Ledgerliftedtheirhandstokissherknuckles.“It’sjustourfamilyandfriends.Theywanttosharetheirhappinesswith us”
Shekneweveryonewashappyforher,anddidn’twanttotakethatawayfromthem.“Okay.”
Heproceededtowalkintothedinerfirstandassoonasshecrossedthethreshold,aroundofjoyfulnoisesandclaps erupted.HeatfloodedhercheeksbutshebeamedasLunaPaytonrushedovertohugher.
“I’msohappy!”shesaidandthenlookedatLedger “Youworkedamiracle”
Hehelduphishands.“Thiswasallher.”
“Tothink,”JerichosaidasheheldouthishandtoLedger,“Icould’vesavedmyselfalotofheartacheifI’djustcome backtoSheridanandmatedPaytonrightaway”
Shesmackedhisstomachandheletoutahumorousgrunt.
LedgerlaughedandshookJericho’shand “Right?”
Thewordsshotasparkofinterestthroughher.“Iwonderhowmanyotherwolveshavesurvivedwolfsbanepoisoning.” “I’dbeinterestedinthataswell,”Jerichosaid.
RubyandEsmereldacameforwardtohugher.Therewereafewotherpeopleshedidn’tknowthatsmiledandwaved ather, and she returned the greetings. Small sandwiches, dishes ofcoleslaw, potato salad, a fruitsalad, and finger-foods. It waslikeapicnichadbeensetupinsidethediner,andslowly,Anaisrelaxedtoenjoybeingwithhernewfriends
Suddenly, a low growl erupted fromJericho and he stepped toward the door. Ledger stiffened and joined the alpha. Anaislookedatheraunt,whotalkedwithPayton,andshrugged
Thedoorwasthrownopenandinsteppedherfather.Immediately,RubypulledAnaisbehindher,asifprotectingher. Outofthecornerofhereye,shesawPaytonpullouthercellphoneandsendatext.
“Youdon’thavepermissiontobeonmypacklands,”Jerichogrowled.
“I’mhereformydaughter,”RenfieldArnauldannounced.Hespottedherandlookedherupanddown.Itmadeherfeel likesheneededtotakeathousandshowerstoridherselfofhisvenom “You’rehealed”
“Yousoundsurprised,”Anaissaid.Sherefusedtolethimscareheranymoreandsteppedfrombehindheraunt. “How?”
Shedecidednottoanswerthat.“YoucaninformGaiaherbetrayaldidn’tendlikeshehoped.”
RenfieldbaredhisfangstoherandLedgertookathreateningstepcloser,alowgrowlechoedthroughthediner.
HisgazelatchedontoRuby “Ah,mytraitoroussisterhidingwhat’smine”
“Iamnotyours!”AngercoursedthroughAnais.Howdarethismantrytoactlikesheowedhimanything.“Ihaveanew pack,filledwithpeoplewholoveme”
“You’remydaughter!”
“You still have a daughter at home,” she said “Go back to that little duplicitous bitch and forget all about me I renounceyouasmyalphaandasmyfather.”
“Inevergaveyoutwopermissiontoleave,whichmeansbothofyoustillbelongtome.”
Ledgersteppedforward “I’mAnais’smate Andmatestrumpassholefathers”
“Youarenotwelcomeonmyland,”Jerichosaid.Hisalphapowerwassofierceitblanketedtheentireroom.“Ifyou don’tleaveimmediately,Iwilltakeitasasignofaggression,andmyomegas,whoareoutsidesurroundingyourentourage,are readytoendthefightrightnow.”
Renfield startled and turned around to lookoutthe diner’s windows Justas Jericho had said, her father’s menheld theirhandsupasthesentriestotheSheridanPackkeptthemundercontrol.
“Youcanfuckoffpeacefullyandneverreturn,”Jerichosaid.“Orthemaggotscanfeastonyourcarcass.”
Renfield Arnauld tooka threateningstep toward Jericho, but he could not hold a candle to the muchyounger, much strongeralpha.Jericho’sclawscameout,asdidLedger’s,andbothtookamenacingsteptowardherspermdonor.Anaisnever thoughtshe’dseeherfatherscared,butshecouldscenthisfear Itgaveherawonderfulsenseofjustice
Thesolidarityofthepackfilledherheart.“Youcan’thurtmeanymore.”
Renfieldlookedaround,asneer onhis face.“Icametobringyouhome,butIseeyou’vebeencompletelycorrupted. You’renodaughterofmineanymore.”
Anaissmiled.“ThanktheHighLuna.Now,getthefuckoffmypacklands.”
