AmyA yawning snarl in front of me caused me to freeze. That wasn't the sound of a wolf or a man. Islowly lifted my eyes to see that I was sitting five feet away from huge grizzly... and he didn't lookhappy to see me...

The grizzly’s eyes narrowed to slits as he stood on his hind legs and aggressively brandished its huge,razor-sharp black claws. I stiffened in place as Herrod bolted in the opposite direction, throwinghuge clumps of snow behind him with each stride. I wanted to turn heels and follow the gelding, butmy eyes were locked with the grizzly's. His eyes were black and full of rage; I am sure mine showedabject fear as I stared into the black pits of death.

The bear came down from his standing position with a roar. The ground trembled slightly as the giantpaws blasted down upon the hard, packed snow. It began to lumber purposely towards me—jawsslack—tossing snow around it as it quickened his pace. My limbs unthawed as Trevor shot in front ofme, surprising the bear.

Trevor's large wolf form almost blocked the bear from my view – hair standing on end, lips pulledback, exposing his huge teeth, he looked like a wolf from a horror movie. The two animals snarled ateach other, and I took advantage of the moment to scramble backwards as far from the bear andTrevor as I could. Shit, shit, shit, shit! The words repeated in my head until they blended together ina haze of fear.

I was afraid the bear was going to trample right over Trevor to get to me as it started to advance in ablind rage. When the grizzly was only two feet away, Trevor let out a deafening snarl that sent the halfton brown bear stumbling backwards. For a brief moment, the bear stared with bewilderment asTrevor continued to growl protectively. Suddenly, the grizzly gave a sharp cry and ran like madaway from us. I watched it in amazement until it became a brown speck in the distance.

Trevor turned and in a few steps was crouched protectively over me. I threw my hands around hiswarm, fluffy neck and let some tears slide down my face. Giant breaths made his body shake againstme. Was he breathing hard from relief or fear? Both?

My fright began to dissipate until I remembered why I was in this situation. The spike of betrayalgrazed my heart, and I quickly moved away from Trevor.

“Get away from me.” I saw the hurt in his eyes but I didn’t care. My humanity had been taken fromme. If he thought that charm and saving me from a bear would fix things between us, he was deadwrong. I'd learned my lesson from the last time I forgave him. If I gave an inch he would take adamned mile.

I stood and dusted the snow off of my clothes. What a complete mess the beautiful day had turnedinto. God. I was going to be a fucking wolf now. I glared at Trevor one last moment and turnedaway, searching for Herrod along the tree line. The gelding had taken shelter by the river steppingnervously from side to side.

I marched towards the horse with snow crunching under my feet and didn’t look back at Trevor. Ifound it so easy to love him that morning... and he just destroyed my life with one heated moment.

How could he do such a selfish thing? Would things ever be the same again? A shiver of revulsioncoursed through my body as I contemplated this horrific wrong turn in my life.

TrevorI kept up easily with Herrod’s pace. Amy rode stiffly, taking great care not to look at me. I was sureshe was going to attempt to evade me by turning off of the trail into the thick cloak of forest, but shenever did. I knew it wasn't because she was attempting to be nice to me. God, how could I fuck upagain? She had finally accepted both me and my wolf form. She even admitted to feeling themating pull... and I had to lose control again and fucking mark her. My eyes stayed to the snow aswe trudged on.

When the compound came into view, Amy slowed Herrod to a walk. I sat on my haunches andwatched my beautiful woman move fluidly with the horse's movements. Would she ever touch andlove me again? Or was the love we had an hour ago to be our last?

“I'm safe at the compound now, so leave me alone,” Amy said, her voice laced with poison. Myinsides twisted painfully. I suddenly became nauseated and desperately needed to feel approval frommy mate. I stood and took a step closer, hoping my slow approach wouldn't be noticed by thebeautiful red-head.

“LEAVE ME THE FUCK ALONE!” she screamed with eyes full of fire. My ears flattened to my headand I sat back down in the snow, not meeting her gaze. Unsure of what else to do, I left her there onher horse and trudged shamefully back into the compound.

I didn’t bother to change back into human form. What was the point? I walked passed my packmembers with my head hanging low. I caught a few stares and concerned whispers, but I didn’t paythem any mind. They didn’t know the pain I was going through. I had her and lost her in one damnedday.

Henry was waiting for me at my cabin. He sat on the porch in one of the twisted aspen limbAdirondack chairs. He wore a distraught frown that reminded me strongly of Daniel.

I sat on a step and let the transformation take over me, turning from large beast to a broken man. Ifolded my arm over my knee and stared in the direction I scented Amy. She was still out there on herhorse.

“I messed up again,” I admitted with a shameful shake of my head. Aspen limbs groaned as Henryshifted in his seat.

“I know. I could feel your distress. Daniel had to talk me down and assure me it wasn’t the threat hehas been feeling. I was so… concerned. For a moment.” Henry’s voice was soft and soothing whileaccusatory at the same time.

“Why... do I keep doing this? I mean, I just got her to accept what I was...” I trailed off knowing howpathetic I must sound. Some alpha I was.

“It’s Amy. I know.” Henry placed his hand on my shoulder. “I can’t say I understand, because I don’t.I’ve never felt what you’ve been feeling. At least not to this extent.” The pressure he put on myshoulder increased. “Even though I sympathize, I don’t think keeping her imprisoned here is going tochange how she feels about you.”

“Are you saying I should let her go?” I turned to glare at him. My wolf side growled fiercely inside ofme. There was no way I was letting Amy go. We are mated!

“Yes. And no.” Henry returned my fierce stare. It was a bold move for him and it surprised me. “Youshould give her room, let her be free. Give her time and space to think about what you’ve done andhow she feels about you. I’m not telling you to abandon her. I’m telling you to give her time and bethere for her when she decides to be with you.”

My shoulders sagged as I ran my fingers through my hair. What else could I do? If I kept her here itwould be very hard to get her to forgive me. She'd feel trapped and resent me even more. Henry’slogic was sound even if I didn’t agree with it.

I exhaled heavily. “Fine. Get the helicopter ready. I’ll let her go back to her town for a while.”

Henry nodded and looked somewhat satisfied. I blinked. Why did that irritate me? Because she'syou're mate, not his. Why should he look satisfied?

“But,” I started, giving him a cutting glance and a smirk. “You’re going with her.” As the grinvanished from the blond man's face. Now I was satisfied.

AmySomething inside me, something that was me and wasn’t at the same time, longed for Trevor and hisembrace. Warmth coursed through my veins as I indulged in a steamy fantasy of makeup sex. Myanger at Trevor didn’t allow me to linger in that fantasy for long. Something was changing in me – Icould feel it. I had to push fear away... fear of the unknown. What did that bastard do to me?

After Trevor left, I got off of Herrod and inspected my neck, hoping with every ounce of my being thatTrevor had simply thought he had marked me in the throes of passion. A stinging wound just abovemy collar bone quickly dashed all my hopes. “You selfish prick,” I said vehemently to a Trevor thatwasn't there and mounted the gelding once more. I was going to be a wolf, whether I liked it or not.

I rode around the compound for the rest of the afternoon, keeping my eye out for any of Trevor’s packand another eye for Trevor himself.

The sound of Herrod's hooves crunching through the snow comforted me. Herrod had stayed true tome despite all the chaos of the last couple of days. The horse was growing uneasy as I felt myselfchanging. I couldn't blame him. Seeing, smelling and feeling your master change into a differentanimal must be very disconcerting. Did he feel as though I was turning into a predator? I patted hisneck in an attempt to sooth his nerves, but I needed it more than he did.

I noticed small things at first. My eyesight sharpened and I became aware of everything I wastouching—texture, temperature, density... Then I could pick out scents on the chilling northerlybreeze. The world seemed to be made up of scents so rich I couldn't begin to separate them, let alonename them. For a moment, I let myself be excited and interested at what was taking place in my bodybefore replacing the thoughts with anger.

The sun cast an odd orange glow to the snow around me as it made it's descent behind the trees andmountains. My stomach sank. As much as I wanted to, I didn’t feel strong enough to last the night outin the cold, dark wilderness. I couldn't imagine Herrod appreciating it either. I sighed. Great. Iturned Herrod towards the compound and gave him a gentle nudge to get him going. He nickeredsoftly, whether to comfort me or to scold me for the directions, I wasn’t sure. I needed to bescolded... for trusting the damned handsome billionaire anyway.

There were a few people still outside. It felt wrong to call them people, but it felt worse to think ofthem as something... different. Some gave me a sharp glare while others offered sympathetic smiles. Ifrowned and stared ahead. I didn’t want or need their damned sympathy. I doubted that any of themhad ever felt what I was feeling right now. I gave my heart to that man...

Even after hours of venting my feelings out on the frozen plains, I still had no idea how to handle whathappened. I felt like I was walking back to my prison and my jailor. If he didn't want to let me go justbecause I didn't understand what he was... I was sure he'd never let me leave now. My spinestiffened and I found it harder to breathe as Trevor’s cabin came into view.

Henry stood on the porch with his hands behind his back and watched my approach. He stood looselybut I could tell there was something off with him. Thankfully, Trevor was nowhere in sight. God, apart of me fiercely yearned for that asshole. Then it hit me, would I constantly be at war with myself?My body and mind struggling, both wanting and rejecting Trevor over and over again? I bit my lip and

sighed. Herrod snorted in response.

I made the horse stop a couple of feet away from Henry. He gave me a kind smile and steppedforward, offering a hand to help me down. I stared at it coldly before accepting it. He had nothing todo with Trevor's actions.

“Are you ready to leave?” he asked softly, his voice low as though afraid to wake a sleeping giant.

I blinked. “What?”

Henry smiled. “Are you ready to go back to your home?”

My mind suddenly erupted into another internal war. My mind sang just as fervently as my heart andbody cried at the thought of leaving Trevor. This is getting ridiculous! God, did I need a drink!

“Amy?” Henry watched me carefully, no doubt making mental notes for a report to Trevor.

I nodded quickly not letting my mouth open. Any sound that came from me would surely reveal myinternal conflict.

“Do you want to go?” he asked again.

I nodded. My head felt loose and ready to break away from my body with the amount of nodding Iwas doing. Tears rushed down my face. Henry took me tenderly by the arm and led me towards thesound of swooshing air.

TrevorMy heart felt like it was being ripped from my chest as I watched from the upstairs bedroom windowas Amy eagerly climbed into the sleek, black helicopter. My wolf side clawed at my mind, beggingme to go pull my mate from the aircraft. I frowned. I wanted to stay positive, knowing that Amywould need someone to coach her through being a wolf... but there was no guarantee that the personshe'd seek out would be me.

The helicopter slowly lifted into the air with a huge rush of wind, turned and vanished into the sunset. Amy was gone. I sat down on the bed and cradled my head in my hands. I knew the hardest part wassoon coming... I'd be able to feel her emotions. I dreaded feeling her happiness to be away from me.

AmyI fell asleep on the flight home, my head coming to rest on Henry's shoulder. When I woke, he was asridged as a board. I knew why he was tense and sat up.

“Sorry,” I muttered. My newly discovered wolf-self snarled at me because it was improper to be soclose to a man when I was mated to another. What the hell... I just leaned up on him! Get over it,wolf. I was conflicted enough without the wolf persona throwing its thoughts into the mix.

Henry took me to my doorstep.

“Herrod...?”

“I'll see that he's returned safe and secure to your stables,” the blond said with a smile.

I nodded blindly and attempted to smile. With that, I stumbled into my home. Pierre met me at thedoor, wagging his tail madly. He started to come towards me but stopped. He gave several loud sniffsand the stink eye. He could smell my change.

I stared back at him helplessly. “I didn’t do it on purpose.” Pierre didn't look convinced, but hecrawled towards me and rolled over so I could pet his belly. I limped to the bedroom, my bodyscreaming in protest. Every part of me felt like it was on fire with pain. I fell into my bed andwatched through tired swollen eyes as Pierre sat on the blankets near my feet. Although his bigbrown eyes met mine, they quickly darted away. He woofed softly as he tentatively scooted forwardto lick my hand.

“I'm glad to be home too, bud.” I rolled over and buried myself under the thick blankets and closedmy eyes. I wanted to hibernate for a year. Maybe then I could escape from the confusion that was mylife. I’d never really appreciated sleep until this moment.

As my body slowly sank into a deep, mini-coma like sleep, I was conscious of the changes within mybody caused by Trevor's bite. I can’t explain how I knew, maybe it was the flow of the dream and thestrange imagery, or perhaps it was the fear that kept me aware... the fear that I’d wake up and ripthrough the town like a monster.

Vibrant pink and yellow flowers grew at a rapid rate, withered to their black death, and then rose tolife again, this time even more vivid in color. Rivers rush down mountains, shaping rocks intosmooth stones over hundreds of years. The dream made no sense and yet made all the sense in theworld.

Animals bowed before me and the grizzly I encountered earlier approached me. Fear no longercoursed through my body, because I realized how strong I was as a wolf. I stood my ground as themonster approached. The grizzly sat beside me with a thud and drew me into a comforting embracewith its huge paws. I cried into the thick brown fur while he growled and chuffed into my hair in anobvious attempted to sooth me. It felt as if we stayed in that position for hours.

Trevor appeared in the dream. He pleaded with outstretched hands. When I reached out towards him,I saw my hands were paws with sharp nails. When I touched him, it caused him to bleed. I attemptedto pull away, horrified with what I’d done, but Trevor held me tightly.

“You'll kill me if you pull away,” he whispered against my hair. “Don't leave me, Amy.” My bodyshuddered in need for my mate. Our forms twisted and contorted as I wrapped myself around him.We melded together and I felt nothing but bliss.

When I woke, I could smell everything. I could smell a mouse in my east wall, Pierre's dog food inthe kitchen, my hidden chocolate bar in the nightstand, and Henry sitting out on the porch in the cold,dark night. Shit, was he still out there?

Slowly, I made my way to the front door and my eyes confirmed what my nose had told me. Henrywas outside, dosing lightly against the post. I sighed and went outside. Some hostess I was. I shookhis shoulder tenderly and he woke with an easy smile.

“Look, I know you’ve got awesome wolfy healing powers, but I’d feel a lot better if you sleptinside.”

Caution crossed his eyes. “Trevor wouldn’t like it.”

“Like what?”

“My being in his mate's house without him here.”

Is that so? My eyes narrowed. “So he'd like it if you slept on the freezing porch instead?”

Henry said nothing, but I did catch his smirk.

I crossed my arms feeling my anger boiling up again. “No. Nu-uh. That... person may be your alpha,but I’m his mate. You will sleep inside on my sofa. If you refuse because of his orders, or what youperceive might bring him discomfort, that will just be another thing to add on my list of crap to yell athim about.” I scowled as my eyes remained locked with Henry's. Surprise crossed his face. On theinside, I was grinning like an evil cat. Yeah, that's right. This is what Trevor has gotten himselfinto... a big girl with a bigger attitude.

Henry regained his composure and chuckled. “Can’t argue with that, milady.” He tipped an imaginaryhat and got up from the ground, favoring his back slightly. How long had he been in that position? Oh, I certainly would let Trevor hear about that.

“God, out here freezing your ass off and suffering... what good are you to the Alpha like that? Heshould have his head examined.” I said.

Henry smiled. “I'm fine, really. Besides, I just checked with him to be sure he was okay with mebeing in here without him.”

I closed my eyes tightly and sighed. I forgot about the alpha telepathy thing. “Tell him to kiss my asswhile you're at it.”

Henry sat down on the sofa and laughed.

“What?”

“I already know what he'd say to that.”

I raised an eyebrow and put a hand on my hip. “What's that?”

“Anytime.” Henry laughed more.

“He just told you that, didn't he?”

Henry nodded with a huge, shit-eating grin.

Wolves. I shook my head and went back to the bedroom. “Douche bag.”

****

Despite Henry’s insistence that I needed more rest, I went to my office. Henry trailed behind me butstopped outside of the office door. I watched as he lifted his nose to the air and closed his eyes as hetook a deep breath. He grinned at something and turned to me.

“I’m going to walk around. Call if you need me.” He was gone before I could ask what he wassmiling at and what he meant by ‘call’. I didn’t have his phone number, and I don’t think he meant thewolfy telepathy... unless the alpha's mate would get it too? Wolves. I walked into the office with asigh. Could this get any more confusing?

Amber, who was seated at her desk, looked up with surprise. “Wow. Good morning! I wasn’texpecting you to be back for a while.”

“Yeah, me too.” I gave her the best smile I could manage, but I knew it didn’t come off as warm as Iintended. Amber quirked her eyebrows, obviously wanting answers. I shook my head and slid behindmy desk. The stack of papers had grown while I was gone. I took a deep breath and I dove into them.Minutes of number crunching and data work stretched into hours.

Amber rapped on my desk and I jumped – my eyes locked with hers. She blinked at my quickreaction. It seems the change was even affecting my movements.

“Did you get extensions?” she asked fingering my hair. Had my hair grown that much since I wasgone? I frowned slightly. Probably part of the damned change.

“Yeah,” I lied with a shrug. “I was tired of waiting for my hair to grow out and I felt like a change. Istopped at a cheap little salon and had them put in when Trevor was busy.” I gave another innocentshrug hoping Amber would buy it.

“Huh, cool. They certainly don't look cheap, but this length looks good on you.” Amber dropped thetendril of hair and straightened up. “Anyway, you hungry? I’m in the mood for greasy Chinese food.”

My stomach growled in response, attempting to answer for me. “Food sounds amazing right now.” I'd eaten nearly everything in my fridge this morning while Henry watched with amusement. Heassured me that my hunger was normal after my body had worked so hard.

“Great!” Amber brightened. “Will your hot Calvin Klein model friend be joining us?” she askedlooking out the window.

“Who…?” I followed her pointing finger and saw Henry sitting outside on a stool he foundsomewhere, flipping through a paperback novel with a racy cover. My face flamed as I recognized thebook as mine.

I shrugged, trying to tame my blush. “Oh, Henry. Sure. He's a friend of Trevor's looking to buy some

land around here. Says he wants to live small town style.” God, what a lame cover. Amber didn'tseem to mind my lie though... she was too busy staring at Henry.

“You don't say... Cool. You get your stuff and meet me in the car. I'm going to invite Henry, showhim some small town hospitality.” Before I could stop her she confidently walked out the door andstood in front of Henry. He looked up and I watched as a strange expression rippled over his face. Great... what was she saying to him to make him look that way? Amber stood tall and confident asshe pointed to her car. His possessive expression made me grab my stuff and rush out the door beforeHenry could pull a Trevor and initiate some wolfy claim on her.

“Let’s go!” I said cheerily as I grabbed them both by the arm and propelled them towards the car. Islipped into the passenger seat before Henry could, and he gave me an annoyed look as he slippedinto the back seat behind Amber.

“Where are we going?” He asked—his stomach growling almost as loud as mine. I realized I hadn’tseen him eat at all this morning when he was feeding me.

“Chinese place. Disgusting but satisfying at the same time.” Amber said. Henry laughed and I caughtthem making eye contact in the rear view mirror. The ride to the restaurant was short and filled withAmber’s chatter. I rolled my eyes when I realized that Henry was hanging off of every word.

When we got to the restaurant, he made sure we were seated and comfortable before excusing himselfto the bathroom.

“I’ll be back before the waiter leaves.” He promised and was gone with a quick wave. Amberwatched him walk away with a huge smile on her face.

“He’s so nice!” she sighed as she turned back to me. She looked at me and seemed to snap out of herdaze. Her hands grasped mine. “So!?! What has been going on the last couple of days? Youdisappeared with your billionaire boyfriend and now you’re back in town with his best friend? Whatis up with that?”

“Well…” I wasn’t sure how to begin to tell her what had happened the last couple of days. I knew Icouldn’t tell her about Trevor or Henry being shifters. I had to leave that entirely out of theconversation. How did I explain everything without that? I sighed.

“I went to Trevor’s cabin and stayed with him. It was…it was great!” My heart and my wolf-selfcried at the lie. “It's just...”

“Did he…did he force you to do something you didn’t want to do?” Amber was squeezing my handsintensely and I could smell the concern and worry radiating off of her.

“Yes and no. The sex was consensual, and I really enjoyed that part.” I laughed and Amber relaxed alittle. “But he did force some… lifestyle choices on me. Actually, it wasn't him forcing, just himdoing.” I fought to maintain composure. I didn't want to have to explain more that I could. Ishrugged. “Anyway, afterwards he thought he could apologize and turn on the charm. I don’t knowwhat was going through his head, but you know how I am. Like I'd really forgive him with just a sexylittle smile. It's just... what he did was so... ” I withdrew my hands from Amber’s grasp and balledthem into fists. “I just don’t know what to do, Amber. I really, really like him. Maybe more. But Idon’t know how to forgive him for forcing this on me.”

She squinted. “And something tells me that you can't say anything more than that.”

I nodded and took a sip of my ice water, hoping it would calm my internal fire.

Amber was thoughtful and flipped through the menu without looking at it. She was staring at my hairand my nails and every now and again her eyes would dart up to meet mine and then look away.

“You've changed,” Amber finally locked eyes with me. “I can tell you like him. You may be sayinghis name in fury but something comes alive whenever you mention him. Talk to him. Let him knowwhat a douche bag he was for doing... whatever he did. See if you can work something out. But don’tturn your back on him, not yet anyway. I haven’t seen you this vibrant and radiant in a while.” Shetook my hand again. “Try and figure it out. But! Don’t stay if you know it’s getting dangerous for you.”

I didn’t have the heart to tell her it was probably past dangerous.

“Ok.” I gave her hand a squeeze and then let go to pick up my menu. Henry chose that moment to walkback to the table and take the seat next to Amber.

“Have you ladies decided?” Henry asked skimming over his own laminated menu. Amber and Ishrugged, and the three of us studied the text and photos intensely. Henry tapped a large picture offried shrimp and noodles. “That looks good,” he hummed delightedly. Amber laughed.

“It is but I hope you like spice!” she pointed at the flame icons next to the picture.

““How spicy is it? I only like my spice in small quantities.”

“It’s pretty mild for this place.” Amber said circling the two flames next the picture with her redpainted nails. “One flame is light, two is medium and three is hot. Four flames should be avoidedunless you hate your intestines.”

Henry laughed. The two locked eyes and stared at each other with smiles. Oh, for heaven's sake. Icleared my throat. Amber flushed red and looked down at her menu. A waitress with dusky brownskin slid up to our round table.

“You guys know what you want?” she asked politely. I expected her to stare and flirt with Henry likethe other women in the restaurant, but her eyes zoomed in on Amber and all of her buxom glory. Thewaitress gave her a special smile and leaned in close. Amber flushed but not more than usual. Thiswasn’t her first time getting hit on by a woman.

“Yes,” Henry said abruptly, obviously disturbed by the turn of events. “I’ll have this.” He tapped onthe shrimp picture. “And lemonade if you have any. My lady friend, Amber, will have…?” Hetouched Amber’s wrist briefly, making her face flame brightly.

“I’ll have…um…the fried fish plate. With noodles. Just water please.” Amber couldn’t look at thewaitress or Henry. I gave her a smile and shrugged. She deserved some attention after being such agood friend and taking care of everything while I was gone.

“Amy?” Henry asked.

“The egg drop soup and walnut shrimp with noodles. The pomegranate green tea sounds amazing aswell.” I gave the annoyed waitress my menu along with an apologetic smile. With a snort, the bronze

beauty walked away with our orders jotted hastily on her pad. She stopped at a lonely table where askinny girl sat with her nose in a thick book. I watch as the waitress gave her a smooth smile andmoved closer to hear her order. What the hell? Was it lust week? My thoughts instantly turned toTrevor. I clenched my jaw, willing his image to leave my mind.

The rest of lunch went by in a haze of greasy food and chatter from Amber and Henry. It had to be themost talkative and outgoing I’d ever seen Henry, and it had to be the calmest I’d ever seen Amber.There was an obvious connection between them. Not your normal 'love at first sight' crap either... Iknew it was the wolf-mate connection from my experience with Trevor. I was happy to see Amberhappy, but I was also afraid. Despite Henry's obvious good-looks and mild nature, I knew he was awolf. They acted on instinct.

When we were all overly full, Amber loaded us back into her car and dropped Henry and I off at myhome.

“See you guys later!” she called as she drove away - her long dishwater-blonde hair streaming out ofthe window. Henry and I waved until she was out of sight. Henry and I stood in awkward silencenear the steps to my porch. I wasn’t sure what to do. Amber’s words hit me then. 'You should talk'she had said. My body prickled at the thought of seeing him again and for the first time in twenty fourhours my mind agreed.

It was good hearing Amber's opinions, and I had to agree with her. Part of me was so angry with him,and the other part longed to be near him again. I needed to make up my mind once and for all; Icouldn't live with this... duality.

“Henry?”

“Mmm?” he was still staring at the spot where Amber’s car had disappeared around the corner.

“Can we go back?” I whispered. Was I really asking that? I wanted to go back, but I felt a littleashamed I caved so quickly. Henry gave me a large smile.

“Of course we can. The chopper is parked behind your barn.” I blinked in surprise. I hadn’t evennoticed. I wonder if the neighbors had seen it, and if they had, I wondered what they thought of menow. I’d been off on a couple of dates with a billionaire, and now his helicopter was in mybackyard.

“Don't tell Trevor, okay?”

“You got it.” Henry nodded and touched my elbow lightly. “Let’s pack some clothes for you thistime.”

“Agreed.” I laughed thinking of having to make do with Trevor’s large shirts before. This time Iwould bring some proper clothes. I smiled wickedly to myself. Perhaps I'll even pack some sexyunderthings... just in case things went well. A tingle pulsed through my body as I considered thepossibility of make-up sex with Trevor. My core tightened longingly for my mate. God, he was suchan amazing lover.

Pierre was waiting by the door when Henry and I walked inside. I could sense that Henry wanted tosay something but I pretended not to notice. As we were zipping my duffel bag, Henry turned to me—

his expression guarded.

“I’d like to see Amber again,” he confessed.

“She's your mate, isn't she?” I don't know why I was asking. His nod confirmed what I had alreadyfigured out on my own.

“Yeah,” he said with relief and a huge smitten grin.

Poor Amber. She had no idea what she was in for. I gave Henry a smile and a quick shoulder pat.

“You don't need my permission to see her, lover boy.”

TrevorDaniel was talking, but I just couldn't pay attention. All I could think about was Amy. This wasunacceptable behavior in an alpha, but what could I do? I'd let my mate leave my sight. Daniel wasgetting frustrated with me but, try as I may, his words went in one ear and out the other. We bothstopped at the same time and listened. The sound was soft at first and I thought I was imagining it. Itgrew steadily louder and my heart was in my throat. My helicopter.

I was out the door before Daniel could say a word. I rushed to the helicopter pad and waited. When Isensed her on board, joy hummed through my veins. She'd come back! Amy had returned.

Henry helped her out of the helicopter as I waited as patiently as I could. I had to force myself not totake her into my arms, tear off her clothes, and make love to her right there on the landing pad. Shewas back but that didn’t mean all was forgiven. Her return could simply mean she was sayingfarewell forever. I swallowed hard.

Henry cleared a path through the small crowd that had gathered. I caught a few concerned whispersand out of the corner of my eye I saw Scott. He looked hard and angry. I shot him a warning glare. Acouple of my pack shooed the crowd away with knowing looks, and the area was soon clear exceptfor Amy and I. The air thickened with tension around us as neither one of us said a word. I tried toread her expression, but her poker face revealed nothing. Our conversation could go either way –good or bad.

My wolf-self tried to soothe me but I ignored it. It had been wrong in the past and was to blame formost of the trouble I’d been having with Amy.

“So…” I began. “You’re back?”

“Maybe,” she said, clutching a worn blue duffel bag to her chest as though it was a shield. “Can wehead back to the cabin? I want to set this down somewhere…” she mumbled and trailed off. I gesturedawkwardly in invitation towards the cabin, my body felt bulky and unsure – different to my usual fluidand suave movements. She nodded and we walked slowly back to my home, side by side.

“You weren’t gone that long.” I observed, careful not to stare at her too much.

“Yes, I know. Amber said something that made me realize I needed to figure some things out.” Amysaid, her eyes darting to my face. Figure it out? That could be good or bad. My stomach twisted intoa knot as we entered the house.

Amy sat the duffle down on the sofa and stared at the worn leather for a moment or two as her eyesdarted around the room. Whatever she was going to say was hard for her. Shit. She gingerly satdown. I took a place at the other end of the sofa and waited.

“We have to talk…obviously,” she sighed. “I’m not happy at all with what you did. You are a totalasshole for not giving me a choice. You took my humanity. The very thing that makes me... me,” shesaid, staring at the edge of the coffee table.

I winced but nodded. “I deserve that. I deserve more than-”

Amy waved her hand and cut me off. “You do. I understand we’re mated or whatever, but that

doesn’t make me your property. You can’t change me or do anything with me or to me without mypermission! If this is going to work it needs to go both ways and not one. I don’t want to be a thing toyou.”

“I... you're not.” I said, taking her by the shoulders quicker than I meant to. “God, Amy, I could neverthink of you like that.”

She stiffened but didn't look at me. I let go of her arm quickly. “Sorry.”

“Even if you don’t mean it that way, your actions say otherwise. That needs to change.” She sniffed,looking down at her clasped hands.

“You're right. I've let my wolf-self dictate my actions and you've been the victim of my lack of self-control. I never meant it in a derogatory way. I just... I didn't want you to slip away.” I stared. Iwasn't sure what she was getting at, but a guy could hope.

Amy nodded and said nothing.

“Does that mean…you're not leaving me?” I didn’t dare believe it, but I hoped it so hard.

Amy finally looked me in the eyes and shook her head. “I've thought and thought about it. I wanted tohate you for what you did to me,” her angry eyes filled with tears as she spoke. “But I can't. And thatscares me, Trevor. It scares me because I'd have to tear out my heart to leave you.”

I gasped.

“I don't want to feel that way! I don't want to need you, but I do!”

I swept her into my arms and she sobbed. I didn't like to hear my mate cry... but she was cryingbecause she couldn't leave me. More beautiful tears had never been shed, at least in my eyes. I heldher tightly as the minutes ticked by. Finally, she settled down and nestled against my chest. Whatevermental block she was holding against me fell and I could feel her emotions. I sighed with relieffeeling her resolve.

“I need you too, Amy. You are my heart.”

When I felt joy sweep over her, I smiled. “But, like you said,” I pulled away slightly so I waslooking down into her clear beautiful eyes “we need to figure things out. First things first, we aregoing down to the old barn. I’m going to teach you how to change into your wolf.”

I chuckled as her eyes dilated in fear.

“Don't worry, it doesn't hurt. You'll be fine.” I assured her and kissed her gently.

AmyThe barn was indeed very, very old. The wood was stained and dirty; old farm equipment and storagebins populated every corner. I had changed into a comfortable old long sleeve t and jeans. Trevorhad stressed that I needed to be relaxed and willing to make the change or it would never happen.

“Now,” Trevor positioned me in the center of the barn then took a few steps back. “I want you toclear your head of everything else around you. You need to call out your wolf.”

“How do I do that?”

“I know you can feel her and you’ve probably been pushing her down these last several hours you’vehad her. To bring her up, you need to talk to her as though she is your equal. Use images that sheresponds to positively, such as running through a field. When she is right on the surface, you need toopen yourself and the two of you will connect, her physical form replacing yours.”

I laughed nervously. “OK.” I honestly didn’t understand most of what he said. Trevor backed upseveral feet and sat in the cool dirt. My arms hung loosely at my side, and my hair ticked my back. Iclosed my eyes.

I could feel my wolf in there somewhere, but Trevor was right. I'd been pushing it away. When Iviewed the wolf in me as a puppy, I felt bad. It was new to this earth, and I had scolded and yelled atit until it faded into the corner of my mind. God, what sort of fucked up dog would it be when I let itout? I sighed. I searched around my brain until I felt it hiding. I wasn't sure what to do next. It wasbizarre to share my mind with another creature. I thought of Trevor for a moment and that's when Ifelt the wolf move in the shadows. It likes it when I think of Trevor!

The more I thought about Trevor and imagined his face, the closer and closer it came to the surface.Finally, it was on the cusp of melding with me but wouldn’t budge further. It was as though it waswaiting for something. Although I showed it images of Trevor smiling, playing the guitar, ridingHerrod and even when he was talking to his pack, nothing worked. The wolf sent me an image thistime... but it wasn't like a regular image. It was asking me to do something and I gasped. I opened myeyes to see Trevor staring at me intensely. When our eyes locked he grinned.

“You’re doing well.” He encouraged in a loud whisper. “Keep going.”

“I have to say something first,” I said softly. “Trevor, Trevor, Trevor,” I murmured, shutting my eyesfor a brief moment before looking at him again. My heart was in my throat. “Trevor, I love you.”

My body felt like it turned into liquid gold. Time slowed as hair grew out and stuck to my body. Mytwo legged stance became a crouch, and then I was on all fours. Bones shifted and muscles grew butit wasn’t painful. I felt almost orgasmic as my body changed and molded into my new wolf self.Although it felt like a long and pleasurable experience, in reality, it had only lasted about a second. Istood tall and strong before Trevor, my wolf body full of strength I’d never known as a human.Trevor’s eyes clouded over as he crouched down and gently took my muzzle into his big hands.

“You are so beautiful,” he whispered into my ear. I shuddered and licked his face with one big swipe.My wolf greeted me from inside and I stretched luxuriously. I made several small laps around thebarn, stopping to smell a shovel or to try and figure out how to jump. Trevor laughed with amusement.

“To change back, just do the opposite and lull the wolf back under. Don’t be rough though, be gentle.”After my confession to Trevor, the wolf had forgiven me for pushing it away. Within the passage ofanother second, I was back in my own skin, encased in Trevor's warm embrace.

“Did I do well?” I asked.

“Better than perfect.” I glanced up at him and saw the raw hunger in his eyes. It was the same hungerthat I felt for him. I had thought that I was going to make him wait, but who was I kidding? I wanted itas much as he did.

I kissed him first, crushing his lips to mine. I slipped my tongue into his mouth, slowly exploring. Hegrowled and he pulled me closer, deepening my kiss. We fought playfully but passionately forcontrol, and I surprised him with my perseverance and strength. Since my change, power and self-confidence thrummed through my body. I intended on letting Trevor feel the positive aspects I wasgetting from the change. I pushed him down onto the ground and straddled his hips. His erectionpulsed tightly against his jeans and the apex of my thighs. I closed my eyes and sighed. Being withhim felt beyond right. Trevor stared up at me with hooded eyes, waiting for me to make the nextmove.

I slowly pulled my t-shirt off, taking care to stretch and twist against his hardness as I threw the topaway from us. My bra was black and lacy something I’d worn in hopes that he would see it. I pulledone strap off my shoulder and then the other. Leaning forward with my breasts touching his chest, Itook his hands and placed them on the clasp of my bra. He drew circles in my soft flesh with the tip ofhis fingernail while his other hand unsnapped the bra. The thin material fell away from my body softlyand he brought his hands around to cup my breasts. I bit my lip as he rolled his thumbs over mynipples.

“God, you're so beautiful,” he whispered gruffly. Trevor took my nipple between two fingers andsqueezed.

I threw back my head with a moan and moved my hips against his caged erection.

Trevor groaned in response. “Not fair,” he rasped. I leaned down so that my breasts were pressedagainst his chest and my lips were mere millimeters from his. I ran my tongue along his lips, butdidn’t slip in for a kiss even when he opened his mouth in need.

“This is sex, Trevor. Not chess.” I whispered harshly thrusting my body against his. “No rules, nofairness. We do what we want,” I purred against his lips as I ground against him. His hands grabbedmy waist.

“You’ve changed. I like it.” Trevor grinned wickedly and captured my mouth with a burning kiss,making my head swim. I was slick with need for him, and I pulled away. Trevor frownedmomentarily until he saw me shimmy out of my jeans. We became a mess of limbs as we tore ourremaining clothes off and threw them in every direction away from us. Before Trevor could takecontrol, I pushed him back down and climbed atop. The head of his thickness throbbed against me,teasing my wet folds with tiny pulses. I held him there moving slowly from side to side. He groaned,squeezing my waist, but I didn’t let him move me. This was my show.

Deciding he had taken enough torture, I slipped my hand down and grasped his shaft. Slowly, I guided

him into me. As I took all of him in, we sighed. I placed my hands on his shoulders and rocked backand forth slowly, enjoying being filled by my mate. I stilled and bit my lip with concentration as Iclenched and released him while he held my hips. Trevor sucked in a breath and growled.

“You're going to kill me.”

I pulled myself up until his head threatened to come free, held it there, and then came back down hardon him. A guttural cry tore out of Trevor and his eyes rolled in pleasure. My wolf howled in approvaland lent me her strength. Together we thrust up and down bringing Trevor to the edge then shyingaway, making him cry for me.

“Do you like that, my mate?” I whispered, grinding down on him. I felt so different. I no longerimagined I was a different woman. I was a different woman. I was strong and confident. I had reducedthe billionaire alpha shifter, Trevor Collins, into a pile of goo.

“Fuck yes,” he hissed.

“Good boy,” I smirked and gave him his release, squeezing his member as hard as I could. He camehot and thick, his essence traveling farther into my body than I thought possible. His release and thevictorious baying of my wolf brought me over the edge and I fell trembling and gasping onto Trevor’schest. He wrapped his arms around me and we lay together in the barn, dirty and tired from ourmakeup sex.

TrevorShe was so amazing. I could feel her nurturing self still in there and thriving, but her wolf had broughtout a fierce, strong side that turned me on like nothing else. Her eyes had glowed as she pushed medown and had her way with me. She had sat on top of me not giving me an inch to move, totally incontrol. We lay afterwards in a sweaty embrace. It felt like paradise having her in my arms. I wasabout to move and take her beautiful soft body again when Henry thought out to me.

We have bad news. Hurry. Henry’s tone was strained.

Coming. I promised, knowing better than to try and talk to him telepathically when he sounded sotense. I stared at the face of my beautiful mate as she dozed against my chest.

“Hey,” I nudged her softly. She blinked awake and gave me a quick kiss. I wanted to kiss her back,but I knew I wouldn't be able to stop with just a kiss. “There’s something wrong. I’m going to go findout what. You clean up and meet me there, OK?”

“OK.” Amy got up quickly gathering our clothes. She threw my pants towards me and I pulled them onas fast as I could. “What’s wrong?” she asked and I was about to step out of the barn.

“I don’t know, but it doesn’t sound good. Meet me as soon as you can,” I said. Despite the urgentmessage from Henry, my senses pleaded with me to stay. She looked gorgeous standing naked in frontof me, her clothes hanging loosely in her hands and her hair mussed. “Follow soon,” I said and forcedmyself out the door.

I sprinted towards my house where I knew Henry and Daniel were waiting. The house was cold anddark as though it was channeling Daniel’s pain. That didn't bode well. I found them in Daniel’s roomwith Daniel hunched over, head his hands. His face was contorted in pain and Henry looked at mehelplessly. I crouched down next to Daniel and gripped his shoulder.

“Daniel. What’s wrong?” I asked. He shook his head quickly several times.

“We got bad news, Trevor, and the bad feeling I’ve had has grown worse. So much worse.”

Fucking great. “What was the news?” I asked.

“It was a power play that brought down the Lunsford's alpha. It was supposed to be a duel for alphaposition, but they botched it up by having several wolves gang up on Clarke. That made it a murderinstead of a proper challenge, so Clarke’s alpha-ship didn’t transfer to the wolf who initially startedit. They ran when they realized what had happened. The rest of the pack is coming here. I don’t knowwhy, but maybe the murderers didn’t run away and are leading the pack here to challenge you for truealpha-ship. All I know is that the closer they get, the worse the feeling.” Daniel clutched his head andcurled up in a ball.

“Shit. We need to get ready then. Are you in pain?”

“It’s not so much pain as it is a horrible sense of impending doom.” Daniel chucked darkly throughsharp breaths. I looked to Henry for help but he shrugged, just as unsure.

“I think…” Daniel huffed in an attempt to regain strength. “I think you need to rest, Trevor. Be ready

for when the pack comes because there is going to be a fight.”

“Is there anything I can do for you?” I asked my hands gripping his shoulders. Daniel shook his head.

“I just…I…” he gritted his teeth in pain. “Fuck!”

“You need to rest.” I stood slowly looking at Henry again for help. He nodded “Stay here Daniel.We’ll figure this out.” I said. I grasped his arm. “I’m stronger this time.”

“I know.” Daniel looked up at me through the pain. “I believe in you.”

I stared at my brother. Pride swelled in my chest as I digested his belief in me. I took Henry by thearm and led him out of my brother’s room. Henry was shaking his head slowly, a grim expression onhis face.

“This isn’t good,” he muttered while running a hand through his thick blond hair. “I’m going to get theothers prepared, but Daniel is right. You need to rest up. You’ve been so worried about Amy lately,but you need to rest now she is here. You're going to need it.” Henry squeezed my shoulder then leftquickly, leaving me outside of my brother’s door. I sighed. Great.

“What’s going on?” Amy’s soft voice brought me out of my thoughts. She stood in her jeans and aclean t-shirt—her face etched with concern.

She moved forward and touched the door. “He's hurting.” My heart ached at the sight of her caringabout my brother’s pain.

“There is trouble coming. A pack lost its alpha and Daniel thinks the people who killed him areleading the pack here.”

She looked at me and back to Daniel's door. “Is he going to be OK?” she whispered.

“I…I don’t know. I hope once I take care of the problem that the dark cloud will leave him. But Idon’t know.” Amy placed her hand on my cheek transferring strength from her body to mine. I smiledin gratitude. “Henry is going to prepare everyone, and we’ve been charged with the most importanttask.” I took her hands in mine.

“What?”

“To rest.” Her eyes narrowed and I smiled. “If there is going to be a fight, I need to be strong andready to protect my pack. Now that you are my mate, that is also you’re duty.” Her face betrayed fearand I pulled her to my chest. “Don’t worry. You won’t be expected to fight, my little wolf.”

“I’m not afraid to fight,” she scoffed, but I still felt her worry. “I’m more concerned about you.”

“I’ll be fine. I promise I’ll teach you to fight later. For this though, you will be there to lend me yourstrength and the strength of your wolf, in case something happens. So you also need to be rest too.” Iexpected her to ask more questions but she smiled gently and kissed me. Her softness made my wolfsigh in contentment.

“Well,” she squeezed my hand and led me towards my bedroom. “The bed awaits.”

AmyI never wanted to let go of him. My wolf chuffed in agreement, and I moved closer to his side as weentered his room. I still felt warm and tingly from our hot bout of sex barely forty minutes ago. Trevorgave me a grin as though he knew what I was thinking about. I blushed and broke away from him. Ipulled off my jeans and threw off my shirt. I turned to jump onto the middle of the bed. I had neverimagined in a million years that I would be here, loved by this amazing man and finding myself. I wasstronger than ever. Even after the hurt and confusion, I was happier than I’d ever been. Amber wasright. I came alive around him.

Trevor watched me with a thoughtful expression as I tunneled under the blankets.

“What are you thinking about?” I asked.

“How much I love you,” he responded immediately. Liquid pooled quickly between my thighs withthe words. Trevor's nostrils flared and his eyes darkened with desire. God, he could smell myarousal! I patted the spot next to me on the bed and he smiled. He pulled off his dirt stained t-shirtand jeans and stood in his boxers. I watched him as he slid next to me with that knowing grin on hisface. I didn’t look away this time, instead I matched his grin and scooted closer. He pulled me into hisarms so that my face rested against his collarbone and I wrapped my arms around his waist. Themating tingle passed through us freely. I tipped my head up and pressed my lips against his pulsingjugular. He shifted closer and moaned.

“I love you, Trevor.” I whispered passionately against his jaw. “I love you so much it hurts. I neverthought I’d feel anything like this.”

“Neither did I. I thought I was going to be alone forever. I’m so happy I found you.” He captured mylips in a hungry kiss. He grew against my thigh as we fought with our mouths. He won this time andpulled himself on top of me.

“I thought you said we were supposed to rest.” I teased breathless from his kiss.

“Rest? What’s that?” he asked as he attacked the curve of my breast. He pulled off my bra impatientlyand tossed it behind him. My nipples pebbled as he breathed heavily over them. I hummed with need,arching my back hoping his warm, moist mouth would pleasure me. He didn’t disappoint. As helavished attention on my breasts, I let my hands travel down his back, tracing the images of mypleasure until my fingers came to rest on the hem of his boxers. I slid them down so they rested at thecrook of his knees and took his warm length into my hands. He moaned against my breast making meshiver with delight as I began to stroke his member.

Trevor retaliated by slipping his hand into my cotton panties to rest on my trembling clit. I didn’t givein to this threat and went on with my work. He was as hard as a stone and I liquefied at the thought ofhim burrowing his rock hard length inside of me. He groaned and I knew he was close. I workedfaster and his body became heavier against me, weakened by the pleasure I gave him. His fingerdrove hard into me and my body screamed with pleasure before adding a second and third. God,what he could do to me.

“How about you replace your fingers with something thicker,” I purred. Trevor didn’t waste a

second. My panties came off and I wrapped my legs around his waist eagerly. He moved his hips intoposition, but he didn’t enter me. He placed his hard length against my slick sex instead of inside. Iwondered what he was doing and was about to make a joke when he went and moved. I moaned ashis head rubbed against my clit.

“Not yet.” He laughed throatily and moved his hips again. I saw stars. He moved back and forth hardagainst my bundle of nerves until I was trembling and gasping in painful pleasure. His hands squeezedmy breasts pushing them together and pulling my hard pink nipples. I came to the edge of the cliff, buthe stopped just as I was about to fall. He laughed at me when I growled my displeasure. He slowlypushed his length deep inside of me. I shrieked in delight as he sank all the way to the hilt and hestilled, breathing hard to maintain control. The fact that I had this effect on him made my body hot andI started to move my hips. We soon found a rhythm together and I couldn’t tell where my body endedand his began. We were like one being.

“Amy,” he whispered, pushing hair from my cheek.

I opened my eyes as he thrust into me slowly.

“I need you to bite me.”

“What?” I asked with a pant.

Trevor stilled and kissed me softly. “I need you to bite me like I bit you. It will complete ourmating.”

Bite him? “Uh...”

“It won't hurt me, my love. In fact, it will feel good to both of us. It will make our connectionstronger.”

I stared into his blue eyes. Bite him? I mean, break his skin?

“Trust me?”

I balked. “When?”

He smiled. “You'll know when. Your wolf will tell you,” Trevor whispered and kissed me again. His thrusts increased in force as if I had consented to bite him.

Through the pleasure, I managed to speak to my wolf. I let it come close to the surface and enjoywhat we were sharing with our mate. When Trevor hardened further, signaling his pending release,the wolf pushed me forward. I bit down into Trevor's flesh, right above his collar bone. As soon asmy teeth sank in, he came with a howl that sent me over the edge. I gasped through my nose as thewave of pleasure crashed down on me and rolled mercilessly through my entire body. I slowly letloose of my hold on him and noticed there wasn't much damage to his skin. I kissed the area softlyand smiled. We stilled our movements and rolled so we were lying on our sides facing each other.Trevor didn’t pull out and I didn’t move to make him. I loved the way we laid connected. Together inspirit and body.

“Thank you for trusting me,” Trevor said softly.

I smiled. In the back of my mind, I felt his contentment.

The silence was comforting and we held each other as we drifted in and out of sleep. I would blinkand the next moment Trevor’s hand would be on my waist, then I’d blink again and he’d be snoringwith his hand on my thigh. I loved this crazy man. Soon, I fell into a sleep of my own and my dreamstook over.

****

Trevor woke me with soft kisses. I opened my eyes lazily to see him staring at me with bothexcitement and dread. It was the same kind of expression he had worn when he told me he had bittenme.

“What’s wrong?” I looked at him warily but didn’t pull away when he took my small hands into hislarger ones. He was quiet and looked at my hands, obviously torn about what to say.

“I told you I was going to change my ways and not force things upon you. I haven’t done anything onpurpose to harm you, nor have I knowingly done something to change your life.” He looked up.“Nevertheless, I seem to have done that yet again.” His expression was full of happiness and sorrowat the same time.

“What have you done now?” I asked. I mean, really, what more could he have done to me?

“I…I…Amy you’re…” he couldn’t seem to get it out. This strong confident man was faltering. Heseemed so afraid. Afraid he might lose me? His hand slowly moved down my chest, my stomach tomy abdomen, where he traced small circles with his fingertips. “You're pregnant with my child.” Trevor was unable to contain his gleeful smile any longer.

I blinked. I was pregnant?

“Oh my God.” The news didn’t hit me hard like when he told me he had changed me. Instead it camelike a soft warm wave. I pulled my hands from his slowly and looked down at my unremarkablestomach. I touched it tenderly and smiled. It wasn’t unremarkable. Inside of me grew a child. Mychild. Trevor’s child. Our child.

“You're afraid I'll leave because of that?” I laughed not looking up from my stomach. I was toosurprised, too filled with emotion to look at him. “This is good news.” I looked up just as he leanedover and took my lips. He kissed me long and deep. I came away breathless.

“I was so afraid… I was so afraid you’d be mad. Because I’d done something to change your life soseverely... and you would be angry.” I felt his fear leave him, replaced by joy.

“How did you know?”

“It’s a wolf thing.” Trevor grinned, his pain gone. “I can smell the chemistry of your body changing.Plus, wolf babies tend to develop a lot faster than human babies. You won't have to carry him or herfor nine months. Maybe three if you’re having an unusually long term.”

I laughed and rubbed my tummy. “You shouldn’t worry. I love you, Trevor. I’m so happy rightnow.” My emotions were starting to get the better of me, and I had to look down as the tears streameddown my face. Trevor tenderly pulled me into his arms and kissed my tears. We cuddled against each

other.

“This time we do need to rest.” Trevor laughed against my shoulder and I giggled. Sleep camequickly.

****

My cell phone woke me with its annoying buzz. I pried my eyes open with a growl and stared at myjeans. The left pocket lit up and screamed noise for several seconds. I glared at it as if my lookwould make it shut up. Amazingly it quieted. Satisfied, I rolled over and nestled against Trevor’sbare warm chest. Seconds later, the cell cried out for me to pick it up again. I wanted to ignore it, butI didn't want it to wake Trevor up.

I quickly hopped out of bed and grabbed it from the pocket. The caller ID read AMBER. I hesitated,unsure whether to answer it or not. I looked over to see Trevor staring wearily at me. He grinned.

“I’m going outside to take this call,” I said softly. “It’s Amber. There might be something wrong withat the office. I’ll be back soon,” I promised. He nodded and rolled over. I threw on one of Trevor’sgiant shirts and my jeans before slipping out of the room. I would have taken the call in the hallwaybut I could hear Daniel moaning in pain in the other room, so I sprinted to the back door.

“Yes?” I answered the phone as soon as the door had been closed securely behind me. Trevor and Ihad made love and slept through the night. The sun was now coming up. Trevor’s back door facedaway from the compound and east towards the rising sun. The sun's rays threaded between the aspenand conifers, looking similar to a crown of light. It was simply gorgeous.

“Amy?” Amber’s voice was high and panicked.

“Amber? What’s wrong?” I held the phone closer to my ear as though it would help the situation.Behind Amber's heavy breathing I could make out someone else breathing in the background. A moresteady and calm breath. “Amber is there someone with you?”

“Amy!” Amber’s voice was cut off and bile rose in my throat.

“Amber?!?!” I cried, out stepping off the porch as though I was going to run and find her.

“Hello, Amy.” The male voice was smooth, confident, and very familiar. Tingles shot up my spine asI realized with whom I was speaking.

“Scott.” I spat. I was very tempted to run inside and get Trevor, but Scott sensed my thoughts.

“Before you run off to the so-called alpha, you need to know something. If you breathe a word toTrevor about this conversation, your voluptuous friend will be making a trip. Six feet under. Trevorcan’t know about me…yet.” His voice was sharp and poisonous. I stood still rubbing my handstogether in worry.

“What do you want?”

“No doubt you’ve heard about the pack that lost its alpha. I was the one that orchestrated the wholething; unfortunately, my underlings went blood crazy and jumped in as I was about to make the kill. Ilost the alpha-ship because of them.” His voice was hard, and I shivered as I wondered what he had

done. “Trevor can claim the Lunsford pack by right, but I won't allow it. Of course, I’m not foolenough to challenge him to a fight for the role of alpha. However, I know he will do anything toprotect you. And I know you will do anything to protect your friend. So I propose a trade. I’ll let yourblonde friend go if you come take her place. I won’t harm you as long as Trevor fights me and takes afall.” He paused. “So Miss Amy, do we have a deal?”

I swallowed hard and glanced back at the house where Trevor slept. I knew if I told him, he would doeverything in his power to rescue Amber and kill Scott. I also know that he wouldn’t be fast enough. Iloved Trevor, but he had made mistakes in the past. Those mistakes that had cost him and his entirepack lives and loves.

“Well?” Scott drawled, obviously enjoying his little power play. “Just think, I could be helping youget away from Trevor before he officially mates you. I’ve seen the way you look at us. You don’twant to become a wolf. You think we’re monsters. And you might not be that far off the mark.” Myheart did a hopeful skip. For some reason, Scott didn’t know that Trevor had already mated with me.He didn’t know I was a wolf and, more importantly, he didn’t realize how strong I was. Maybe Icould take him...

“Yes. Anything for Amber,” I said making sure to inflect fear even though my wolf was howling forthe hunt. “How do I find you?”

“The river you were at the other day with Trevor. You’ll find me and your blonde friend there.” Hehung up the phone. I stared at my cell phone in disgust. What a slime ball. I couldn't believe I thoughthe was charming and funny when I first met him.

I concentrated hard and felt Trevor deep in his slumber. Good. I wouldn't have to make up someelaborate excuse. It was light enough outside that I could see the barn, which housed Herrod, wasvoid of people. I hadn’t stayed home long enough for Henry or Trevor to transport Herrod back to mystable. It was a good thing too; I needed him to take me to the creek. My wolf told me it could get methere faster, but I didn’t want to risk Scott seeing me as a wolf. If he smelled wolf on me he wouldwrite it off as Trevor, right? If Scott knew I could shift, my element of surprise would be scrapped.

I walked through the compound to the barn as quickly as I could while still looking casual. No oneseemed to be out yet, but I didn’t want to look suspicious just in case I did come across someone. If Iwas lucky, everything would be over before anyone noticed.

Herrod greeted me with a snort and stood patiently as I jumped onto his back. After another quicklook around the compound, I urged him into a canter. As soon as we were clear of the last compoundbuilding, I kicked Herrod into a gallop. My wolf laughed at the slow speed we were traveling, but itfelt exhilarating as the wind swept through my sleep mussed hair. Herrod shared in my excitementand gave a loud whinny.

Most of the snow had melted into patches of slush and mud, but thankfully it didn’t have an effect onHerrod. He was used to going through crazy places when I took him out. He liked the challengealmost as much as I did. I frowned. Now a new challenge awaited me. Hopefully I was up for it. Mywolf gave me strength and comfort. As long as she believed in me, I knew I could overcome.

I saw the creek up ahead but no figures in sight. Herrod came to a stop a couple yards away from therunning water. I carefully dismounted from his back and patted his strong neck as a thank you.

“Hello?” I called out. “Amber? Are you here? Scott! I came alone!” there was no answer. Frustrated,I walked to the bank of the river and stared at my distorted reflection. Scott was probably playinggames. My reflection frowned at me from her home in the swift clear water. Don’t mess this up. Amber’s counting on you. Don't lose your mate to the hands of a two-faced prick. My wolf agreedwholeheartedly.

Another ten minutes passed with no activity. I considered mounting Herrod and riding further downthe bank when I heard movement behind me. From the reaction of my wolf, I guessed it was somethinga normal person wouldn’t be able to hear. Despite the wolf's protest, I continued staring at the waterlike nothing had happened. The noise came closer and closer until I judged it safe to look back. Iwhipped around like a startled deer and saw Scott grinning widely several yards away. Amber stoodnext to him with a gag in her mouth and her hands tied. Tears had dried on her face and she lookedunhappy to see me. She didn’t know what I was capable of, so her fear was understandable.

“I’m here.” I made my voice shake and didn’t meet his eyes. My wolf disapproved of my submissionto him but I didn’t have time to argue with it. “P-please let Amber go. She can take my horse. Please!”I let a tear escape and run down my cheek. The sooner I could get Amber out of here, the sooner Icould take this douche bag down. My wolf agreed with that.

“Well, well.” Scott laughed, but I saw his eyes darting around the clearing. He was still wary.Although he wasn’t totally stupid, he came pretty close. “I’d love to, but she could go riding toTrevor.”

“She doesn’t even know which direction he lives in! She’s never seen where he lives!”

“I don’t know that.”

“You’ve never seen her there! You do know that!” I was angry with his evasiveness. He obviouslydidn’t want to let her go. “You promised! I could scream for Trevor right now. I’m sure he could hearme no matter how far I am away from him. You don’t have me yet!” I stepped back until I was upagainst Herrod. It was a lame attempt to get him to let Amber go. He had both of us right now. Myheart dropped as I realized it might have been his plan all along. I could go full wolf on him, but thenAmber would find out about shifters, and that was another mess I didn’t want to start right now.

Scott narrowed his eyes. He pushed Amber forward towards me. She stumbled but kept herself fromfalling. I watched Scott carefully as I reached for her and pulled her towards Herrod. I untied theropes around her wrists and pulled out her gag.

“No time.” I said before she could start talking. I pushed her up on the horse and slapped Herrod’srump before Scott could change his mind. Herrod gave an annoyed neigh but obeyed and ran offthrough the mud and slush.

“Now tie your hands.” Scott instructed me. I bent down and picked up the rope.

“How do you expect me to do that?” I sneered. He blinked in surprise. Fuck. I wasn’t supposed to letmy freaked-out façade slip until the last minute. Scott, the dummy he was, ignored it. With a fewlong strides, he was standing in front of me and tied my hands roughly. I whimpered for good measureand he smiled.

“Follow me.” he tugged harshly on the rope and led me away.

We walked for a while. As we walked, I didn't like the new feeling that slid into my thoughts...Trevor was worried. Dammit. Why did I have to feel his emotions now? I pushed the feelings out ofmy head. I would have this taken care of soon and Trevor wouldn’t have to worry.

“How do you expect Trevor to give you the alpha position? He could just kill you.”

“You're especially cocky today, Amy,” Scott said harshly. I was past caring. I was going to take himdown soon. “I’ll have one of my men hold you. If it looks like I’ll lose the fight or he does kill methen my man is to kill you. Simple as that.” The satisfaction in his voice grated at my calm exterior. Smug bastard didn’t know I was going unleash my wolf on him. She was baying for blood. I may notbe experienced in such things, but I knew if I let go she would do most of the work. I could feel hereagerness.

We came upon a small shack in a clearing. I could smell two other wolves, but I couldn’t see them. Itwasn’t until Scott and I were standing right next to the dilapidated building that they appeared in theirhuman form. I recognized one of them from the meeting when Trevor accepted Alpha again. His headwas bald and he looked like a military man. The second stood on the opposite end of the spectrumwith long hair and a scruffy beard. Very 1960’s hippie.

“Josh, hold her.” He tossed the hippie my rope and Josh yanked on it sadistically. I stumbled forwardand nearly tripped over a cantaloupe sized rock. I regained my footing and watched as Scott pulled acell phone out of his pocket. “Time to call the great alpha.” He laughed. He punched in a fewnumbers and pressed speakerphone. His expression was bored as though this was just anotherbusiness call.

“Scott?” Trevor’s voice came on over the speakerphone. He sounded suspicious, sleepy and annoyed.

“Alpha! I have great news!”

“Yeah?” the skepticism was dripping in Trevor’s voice.

“I solved the mystery of the Lunsford pack!” Scott paused to laugh then continued. “You see, I killedthe alpha. It would have gone well if not for my two knuckle headed cousins.” He glared at Josh andbaldy. “So now, unfortunately for you, the next alpha in the region is you. I need you to let me win thealpha duel so I can, well, become alpha.”

Trevor was silent for a moment. “Have you lost your fucking mind? Why the hell would I let you winan alpha duel?”

“Because I have Amy.”

Again Trevor was silent. “You'd better be fucking kidding.” Trevor’s voice dripped with rage. “Or Iwill rip your fucking head off.”

Scott shoved me.

“Trevor,” I said, trying to sound calm for my mate.

“YOU BASTARD! I'M GOING TO KILL YOU!” Trevor boomed over the phone.

“Please don't worry, I can handle this,” I added before Scott could say any more.

“What?” Scott and Trevor said in unison. I stared at Scott and called up my wolf.

“If you don’t get do…” Scott trailed off staring into my eyes. His confidence diminished into fear. Ismiled wide feeling my fangs growing. I let my wolf take over.

“Amy, DON'T!” Trevor yelled out over the tiny speaker.

This transformation was just as pleasurable, if not more so, than last time, but now I could feel thespeed in which I changed. The ropes that bound me burst and snapped Josh in the face. My wolfhowled, and I lunged towards baldy first. He stumbled back as my claws caught him in the head.Several deep gashes marred his face, but that didn’t deter him. He changed into a blond and brownwolf. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw hippie Josh transform into a shaggy brown wolf. Scott wasfrozen, the cell phone clutched tightly in his hand.

I dodged Josh’s attack. As I moved, I felt more like an observer than the one making the movements.My wolf was in charge, and I helped her from inside. My wolf gave a dangerous chuff and lunged atboth Baldy and Josh. The two wolves nervously stepped side to side. Perhaps being changed by analpha was what gave me so much power.

“Get her!” yelled Scott. “She is only a new wolf and a female at that! You can take her!” his wordswould have been more convincing if his voice hadn’t been so unsure. We are the Alpha’s mate mywolf told me. We can do anything. Baldy came at me at full speed. Josh hung back at first but beganto come towards me as well. My wolf jumped and swiped at baldy and we grazed his hind leg. Thesmell of blood made my wolf bolder as she taunted the two wolves that circled us. We lunged againand my claw connected to something soft that burst and gushed out over my fur. The large blond andbrown wolf reeled back howling in pain as his eyeball hung loose from his eye socket. I didn’t havelong to savor the victory as I turned just in time to roll out of the line of Josh’s attack.

We circled each other slowly, snarling. Josh jumped, intending to hit me in the side, but I was toofast. Our dance continued. He’d attack and I’d step to the side. I could sense Scott’s frustration risingas Josh’s fear rose. It was time to end this. I leaped to the side then turned and grabbed Josh by theneck. Josh went limp between my jaws and whined pleadingly. I froze inside of my wolf form. I’dnever taken a life before. My wolf left me no choice as I bit down hard enough to draw blood but notto kill. I was surprised when my wolf let go of him. Josh darted off passed the shed into somebrush. A small trail of blood followed him, and I watched satisfied as baldy limped after him, stillcrying about his lost eye.

I turned to glare at Scott. He had dropped the phone and was crouched down in the mud staring hardat me.

“And here I’d hoped you’d come to like me,” he sighed. “We could have been great together. Youwould have made a great alpha bitch for me.”

I snarled and bared my teeth. The nerve of the damned prick! I hoped the action spoke for itself.

“Fine,” Scott said with his jaw tight. He transformed into a tan and beige wolf with small eyes. Hiswolf growled at me trying to cow me into submission. It didn’t work. I began to circle him like avulture with a dying animal. Despite his strong front, I could smell his fear and weakness. He was noalpha. I lunged.

My fangs found his thigh as he tried to turn. He yelped but ripped out of my hold. His blood oozed outof his wound, but he seemed unfazed. My wolf laughed both inside and out. Scott snarled. My wolfwas strong but also arrogant. Scott was weaker but older and had more experience...

Scott whirled around and lunged for me. My wolf was taken aback and stumbled as she tried tododge. His sharp claws hit my soft underbelly and I felt my skin and muscle tear. This time, Scott wasthe one laughing as I stumbled backwards. The pain was blinding. He skulked closer, his head lowand his small eyes glittering with malice. He was going to kill me. I knew it and he knew it. The onething he didn’t know was that I was going to take him with me. I fought to control my wolf body. Iwas in control in the barn with Trevor, but that had been a peaceful setting and my wolf was calm.This was a battle to the death and my wolf fought to keep full control of our body. Against all odds, Isubdued her and found myself able to move my lean muscled, albeit mortally wounded, animal body.

I carefully judged the closing distance between me and Scott. He was getting closer but he wasn’t in ahurry. He was sure that he had me, the cocky bastard. Before he could make the kill, I shot forwardand closed my jaws around his throat. He thrashed about with his entire body and it took all of mywill to hold my jaws in place. My wolf lent me her power, but I stayed in control. My teeth brokethrough fur and then flesh. I tasted blood and Scott slowly stopped moving. I didn’t let go until I feltthe pulse between my teeth skip slowly and then stop altogether.

I let go of the monster’s throat and stepped over him. I didn’t make it more than two feet before Icollapsed. The wound from my belly was bleeding profusely. I would be dead soon. My thoughtsturned to Trevor and our baby. I had saved Trevor but failed our child.

TrevorAs soon as I heard the snarls of wolves on the other end of the phone, I dropped it and ran. My Amywas in trouble. She had only been a wolf for almost three days. Her wolf was strong but green. Itwould push Amy to fight and everything could go wrong. The transformation took my body as I randown through the compound. Heads turned to watch me and this time I didn’t ignore them, my family.I bayed long and loud for my pack, and they answered without hesitation. Paws hit the ground andtrailed me as I followed the scent of my beloved mate. My wolf thirsted for Scott’s blood.

Her scent led me to the riverside where I had changed her. The mud squished in between my pads andI had several of my pack leave to scout the river bank further down. I was going to move on butpaused by a large clump of grass surprised to smell Herrod and a female I didn’t quite recognize.

Henry! I called to him.

Yes?

Someone else was here… Henry came forward and sniffed the spot I’d been examining. His ears shotup and he looked around alarmed.

It’s Amber. Amy’s friend and assistant. He said surprised. I sensed his fear and anger rise up like atidal wave. I wished that I had time to shake my friends hand and finding his mate, but there was notime.

Amy left this morning to take a call from Amber. That must be how Scott had lured her out here. Ithought grimly. I caught Amy’s scent mingled with Scott’s and turned in its direction. Henry hesitatedand I knew what he wanted.

Go. Find Amber. Henry took off across the melting snow in the direction of Herrod and his frightenedrider.

My pack and I pressed on in the direction of Amy. The closer we got the stronger her scent became.The smell of blood filled my nostrils. Amy’s blood, Scott’s blood, and two others that were familiarbut their names did not come to mind. I ran. Please, God, make her be okay. A shack came in viewand a wave of death hit me. I bolted forward, afraid. I could feel Amy's panic.

I came upon Scott’s corpse first. His throat had been pierced and his fine fur was matted with blood. Ifound Amy a few feet away, wheezing for breath. Her eyes were wide with fear. I smelled blood butdidn’t see anything wrong until I stepped over her. My heart dropped when I saw her belly hangingopen. My knees trembled and Claire was at my side suddenly. She transformed and inspected Amycarefully.

“She can make it, if we get her back to the compound immediately,” she said to me. I was too numb tothink or do anything. All I could do was stare at my mate, my beautiful mate, as she lay bleeding allover the frozen ground. I had only known her for a few days, but she was my world. I loved thisbeautiful woman, and I was going to lose her. I shook my large wolf head to clear my thoughts.

Get the truck! I ordered. Several large wolves peeled away from the pack and raced back to thecompound. Find the other two! I called out. The rest of my pack put their noses to the ground and

followed the blood. The frenzy of the hunt was soon upon them. All that was left was Amy, Claire inher human form doing the best she could, and an old grey wolf who slowly limped up to us. Richardwas one of the oldest wolves in my pack and a skilled doctor. It took him longer than most totransform due to his age but he made it. Once he was back in his human body, he nudged Claire asideto inspect Amy himself.

“She will survive, my Alpha,” Richard said kindly. “But I cannot promise your child will.”

*****

I paced outside of the doctor’s operating room like a proud, expectant father. If only that was why Iwas there. My mate was badly injured and we could lose our baby. I was about to barge in whenClaire slid out through the heavy double doors and stopped me from entering.

“Just let Richard do his magic, Trevor,” she said firmly, placing a hand on my chest. I opened mymouth to argue, so she shook her head. “Stop. Going in there angry and tossing orders around won'thelp the situation.”

Was I expected to just sit around? This couldn't all be happening again!

“Just sit and I will go get you some food. We found Josh, but we couldn’t find his cousin.” Shepaused to gauge my reaction then went on. “How do you want us to deal with him?”

I sat down into one of the over-stuffed chairs in the doctor's small living room. “Mark him.” I saiddarkly. “Mark him and then banish him. Let all other packs plainly see that he is a traitor. If he eversteps foot on our land or even thinks about Amy, I will tear every bone from his body.”

“I’ll let Henry know. He’s trying to calm Amy’s friend, Amber, right now. Stay here.” She pressedfirmly on my shoulder, and walked out of the office. As if I'd leave. My head dropped into my hands.I felt like such a fool, believing my happiness would last.

Amy

I couldn’t quite tell where I was. There was a bright light above me, and my body felt numb. Eventhough I didn’t have a good grasp on my body, I had an overwhelming and disembodied sense of painthat hung around me like a dark cloud. Everything moved further out and went black.

****

I saw a kind leathery face. Where was Trevor?

****

My baby. Was my baby OK? Was I OK?

TrevorRichard came slowly out of his OR, pulling off rubber gloves as he walked towards me. I shot to myfeet, and my body protested at the sudden movement. I had been sitting in that god awful chair for afull day. I wasn’t moving until I got some solid news about Amy.

“Well?” I asked trying to keep my voice respectful. I wanted my mate.

“Trevor,” Richard placed his hand on my arm “She’s OK.” The tension left my body and I wouldhave fallen over if Richard had not been there to support me. Then the tension seized control again asI remembered what else I was worrying about.

“The baby?” I asked, afraid of the answer. Richard paused and looked at me seriously.

“We had a good scare at first. I thought the baby was gone, but that little one is definitely yours. Itpulled through. Stubborn as it's father and as strong as it's mother.” Again I sagged in relief. My matewas good. Our child was good.

“May I see Amy?” I asked. Richard nodded and gestured toward the door.

Amy was laying in a standard hospital bed, but the blanket tucked around her was crochet and fluffy.Thank you, Claire, I thought out to the kind woman, knowing the blanket came from her.

As I approached, Amy smiled weakly and held out her hand. I took it and leaned down to give her akiss.

“Dr. Richard told me the baby is ok.” The emotion in her voice touched me and I felt tears start towell up. I sniffed and had to turn away for a moment. When I turned back she was smiling. “It's okayto cry in front of me, bad-ass alpha billionaire.”

I chuckled and frowned. “You scared me so bad. That was a stupid thing for you to do.” I tried toscold her, but I was too relieved to see her.

“I couldn't let him hurt you,” Amy said. What a stubborn woman. No wonder I'd fallen in love withher.

“I love you so much, my mate.” I growled affectionately and kissed her hard. She smiled against mylips.

“Yes, I am your mate. And I love you.” Her words were simple but hit me hard. I found myselfkneeling beside her bed and holding her hand tightly.

“I want to make us official beyond the shifter world,” I said. Amy looked confused.

“Will you marry me?”

AmyThe moon was full and the stars winked at me as I looked out the window. Amber was fussing withmy veil but I didn’t pay attention to her chiding. I was looking at the moon and the promises it held. Inthe next hour, I would be married to the love of my life. A billionaire oil tycoon, alpha wolf shifter. I smiled. What I crazy life it would be.

I turned away from the window and inspected my reflection in the full length mirror Amber had Henrydrag in several days ago. My long strawberry-blonde hair was pinned up in a loose bun with whiteroses. I had on a simple yet elegant white lace gown that fell to the floor. The sleeves went to myelbows and I wore soft silk flats. The neckline swooped low to show my neck and the curve of mybreasts. The gown complimented my swollen stomach. I touched the bump tenderly. In another month,I would be a mother. I sighed happily.

“Are you ready?” Amber asked. She was dressed in a cyan blue gown and her blonde hair was doneup with roses as well.

“Of course,” I smiled. I took her arm and she led me out of the house and into the field behindTrevor’s cabin. Over the course of several days, our pack had vastly increased as members of theLundsford pack drifted over to join ours. As a thank you, they had crafted a large platform for theceremony. White chairs had been set up into rows, and at the end was an arch constructed of birchand aspen branches. Each chair was occupied by a member of the pack, and they were looking backeagerly at me. Each of them wore a huge smile.

Welcome. They said into my head. I hadn’t quite gotten used to the alpha bond, but I felt their love. Itwrapped me up and assured me all was well. They were my family now.

Thank you. I sent back to them.

Daniel and Henry stood side by side next to the twig arch. The air caught in my lungs as I spiedTrevor below the arch. He looked amazing in the smart, black tux. It was all I could do from runningdown the aisle and tackling him. I smiled as I felt his excitement and nervousness. At least I wasn'tthe only one.

Claire was dressed in the same blue gown as Amber. Her son had on a little black suit and wassolemnly holding a basket of flower petals.

“Ready?” Claire asked.

“Yes!” I laughed “You guys need to stop asking me that. I’m not going to go all Runaway Bride onTrevor.”

“I’m asking for you, not Trevor.” Claire gave my hand a squeeze. She turned and started to tell herson how to best fulfill his flower boy role. I glanced at Trevor again and my heat beat faster. I wantedto be up there with him now. The music started and Claire gently pushed her son down the aisle. Heslowly tossed the white rose petals in front of him. Many of the pack sighed audiblyand laughed at thecute little boy. I smiled as butterflies swirled in every fiber of my being.

Claire gave me one last pat on the arm and then followed her son. The music played on and Amber

followed Claire, giving me a small wave.

“See you up there. You look beautiful,” she said softly. Then she was gone down the aisle. It was myturn.

With a deep breath that filled my whole body, I stepped onto the stage. All eyes were on me as I mademy way to Trevor. I locked eyes with him and suddenly there was no one else in the world except formy mate and I. We were floating in the still, dark night; our night. The world came back as soon as Istood opposite Trevor. Amber, Claire, and her son stood behind me, lending me their love as thepriest began to speak.

He spoke the vows, traditional except for a few altered phrases that bound us together as mates bothas animal and human during the day or the night.

“Do you, Trevor Collins, take Amy Whitmore to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to holdas long as you both shall love?” the priest asked Trevor. I was startled at that particular change invows. Usually it was ‘as long as you both shall live’. I have to admit I liked this version better.

“I do.” Trevor said in his deep voice. The pack cheered and the priest waited patiently for them tocalm down. Then he turned to me.

“Do you, Amy Whitmore, take Trevor Collins to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and tohold as long as you both shall love?”

“I do.” I said. The pack erupted, going crazy in their seats. I blushed and Trevor grinned widely. Thepriest seemed a bit miffed but not surprised. He must deal with a lot of wolf shifter packs.

“With the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss thebride,”the priest instructed Trevor, but he needed little prompting. Trevor swept me up into his armsand kissed me with more passion than appropriate for a public event. I didn’t care. We kissed for along time amid the catcalls and whistles. Finally we let go and smiled at each other. We weremarried!

TrevorAfter a night of dancing and merriment, Amy and I packed the truck with camping supplies andequipment. Pierre sat in the seat, his expression bored as he watched us work.

“Are you sure you want to go camping for our honeymoon?” I asked skeptically. “Your husband is abillionaire, you know. We could go anywhere and do anything.”

“I know that!” Amy laughed as she placed a pair of metal hotdog sticks into the back. She was stillstrong and was stubborn. Whenever I tried to take something from her that I deemed too heavy for mywife, she evaded me easily. She was getting faster and more in tune with her senses and her wolfevery day. Her pregnancy didn’t slow down her progress, but she hadn’t changed back into a wolfsince her fight with Scott. She claimed she was afraid the transformation would be hard on the baby,but I knew better. Her stomach was getting bigger every day. Richard had offered to do anexamination and find out the gender, but we wanted it to be a surprise. Although I suspected that Amyalready knew, I didn’t push her. “I know that we can go anywhere in the world. But we can do thatanytime. I want our first trip to be simple and far from the ears of anyone.” She kissed me gentlybefore grabbing more supplies.

“Well, I can’t argue with that,” I said and we worked in harmony until everything was tied down andsecured. We said our goodbyes to the pack and especially to Henry and Amber. I didn't think Henryhad made a move yet, but I could tell the two were growing closer. I opened the door for my mate andwaited until she was situated and had fastened her seat belt before I closed the door. I was so happy,I felt like skipping to the driver's side. With the pack standing around the truck, I resisted the urge.

“Ready?” She asked me before I turned on the truck. I looked into her vibrant eyes. I knew she wasasking about more than the drive to the campsite. She was asking about us, our life, our mating, ourbaby, everything.

“Yes.” I answered without hesitation.

“Good.” She leaned over and pressed her lips against mine.

*****

If you like this series, you might like my The Vampire and the Owlseries: Sample

“Why don't you write about vampires?”

My breathing hitched as I looked at him. Oh, I have my reasons. I thought hard on how to word itand make it sound like I was expressing my creative opinion and not an experience I had. “I writeromance. There needs to be love, passion, and tenderness. Vampires wouldn't work for a romantic

lead. Everything I've read puts them on par with demons. They are damned, evil, and cruel,incapable of tenderness and love. It would be like a cat keeping a mouse... but only for a toy.”

Troy tensed. “I see.”

“Why? Are you a fan of those terrible things?”

He said nothing and stared off, deep in thought. I couldn't help to notice his forlorn expression.

“What is it?”

Finally, Troy turned back to me and sighed with resignation. His eyes were clouded with... anger andregret? He gently clasped his hands around my face and stared hard at me.

“Forget we had this conversation. When I let go of you, you won't remember this,” he orderedsorrowfully.

I gasped and quickly pulled my face free of his hands. My heart raced with increasing fear. “What...,”I started and jumped out of the bed. This had happened before... when Craig abused me for the firsttime. I never forgot that bastard's attempt to make me forget.

“Did you just... holy shit. You tried to compel me!” Troy's eyes grew wide as I backed against thewall.

Still naked, he slowly climbed off the mattress, his brows knitted together tightly in confusion. “Howdid you...”

“You're a vampire?” My voice was barely a whisper as I breathed hard. Please, God. Don't make ittrue. I trembled as I waited for the confirmation I didn't want.

Troy drew in a breath as he came to a realization. “You're a shifter. Jesus. That's how you blockedme.”

“Oh no!” Fear raced up my spine and my flight instinct grabbed me with both hands and shouted at meto leave. In a heart-beat, I was in the bathroom with the door locked. Fat tears of fright and heartbreak poured down my face as I stripped Troy's shirt over my head. As my body was wrenched withsobs, it wasn't an easy task.

“Sammy, please open the door. Let's talk about this, please?”

The anguish in his voice did nothing to calm my nerves and I sobbed harder. I opened the bathroomwindow and punched out the screen. I stepped back and took a deep breath, reaching for that magicpart of me that changed me into my other self. In a blink, I became a snowy owl. I jumped up off ofthe floor, flew out the open window and went home. Troy was a vampire and that was that. I couldn'tbe with another vampire...

*****

Part 1 and 2 of the Vampire and the Owl series, The Vampire'sAngel and The Vampire's Fear, now on Amazon!

Special thanks to:

Louise Woods—my fantastic, keen-eyed editor

Lara Smith—my creative cover designer

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This is a work of fiction. Names, places, businesses, characters and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or areused in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, actual events or locales is purely coincidental.