NehalemPack4

TheHunter’sSexyWolf

Therearethingsawerewolfhuntershouldneverdo.One,fatherachildwithawerewolf,andtwo,fallinlovewithone.NoahThompson
hasgoneanddoneboth.Afteryearsofbeingahunter,heleavesthatlifebehindtoraisehishalf-human,half-werewolfson.

ItgoesagainstallNoahhasbeentrainedtobelieve,butSkylerRossumtearsdownthewallshe’sbuiltuparoundhisheart.Withhis
smolderinggoodlooksandkindnesstoachildthatisn’tevenhis,SkylerismorethanNoaheverthoughthedeservedbuteverythinghe
needs.

Skylerhasalwayswantedafamilyofhisown,andnowhe’sfoundhismatewhocomescompletewithachildthatSkylercancallhis
own.WhenNoah’spastcomesa-calling,it’suptoSkylertoprovetohismatehe’snotjustanotherprettyfaceandfightforthelife
they’vecreatedtogether.

Ge nre :

Alternative(M/MorF/F),Paranormal,Vampires/Werewolves

Le ng th:

39,659words

THEHUNTER’SSEXYWOLF

NehalemPack4

AJJarrett

EROTICROMANCE

MANLOVE

SirenPublishing,Inc.

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year-oldIknowandmakingiteasytocreatethecharacterofCarson.Iloveyou,littleman!

THEHUNTER’SSEXYWOLF

NehalemPack4

AJJARRETT

Copyright©2013

Prologue

FiveYearsAgo

“Youhavetotakehim,”thewomanpleadedtoNoah.Sheheldanewbornbabyclutchedtoher

heavingchest.

“I don’t have to do anything,” he said in a calm voice, doing his best to keep his eyes off the

sleepinginfantinherarms.

“Buthe’syours.Iswearit.”Tearsstreameddownthewoman’sfacemixingwiththeraindrops

thathadalreadydrenchedherhairandclothes.

“If what you say it true, he was conceived through deception on your part.” Noah pointed a

fingeratthewoman.

“Ihadtodoit.Myalphahadthreatenedmylife.Please,Noah.”
Noah’sjawclenchedtightatthegroggymemoryofthatnightninemonthsagoasitflashedin

frontofhiseyes.

Hesatinaquiet,darkbarnursingarumandCoke.Thecouncilhadpushedformorewolfhunts,

andbetweenhisdutytothecouncilandhisnine-to-fivejob,hisboneshadbeenachingwithweariness.

He took a swig from his drink, then motioned to the bartender that he’d be back in a minute.

Noahhitthehead,andwhenhehadfinishedheheadedbacktohisbarstool.Forabriefmomenthe
thoughtaboutjustturningtowardtheexit,butnothingwaitedforhimathome,andhereallywantedto
finishhisdrinkandmaybeorderanother.

“Heythere,stranger,”awomansittinginthestoolnexttohimpurred.Sheshylytuckedherhair

behindherear.

Noahlookedatherandsawthatforawomanshewasveryattractive.Longdarkhairthatshined

like hot fudge in the light. He could see how the blue in her eyes could be hypnotizing to any other
man.Herbodywaslongandlean,andthedresssheworebarelycoveredhertan,unblemishedskin.
Butnomatterhowgood-lookingshemightbe,itwaswastedonhim.

“Goodevening,miss.”Noahsatbackdownanddownedtherestofhisdrink.Thewomanscooted

herchaircloser,andhefeltherghostherfingersoverhisthigh.Hesighedinwardly.Thepoorwoman
didn’t have a chance. Noah liked his lovers with a little more equipment down south, mainly a nice
thickcock.

“Whatareyoudoingoutallbyyourself?”Thewomancontinuedtostrokehisthigh,gradually

movingherhandtowardhiscrotch.

“Miss,Iappreciatetheattention,butI’mreallynotinterested.”Hehopedhedidn’tsoundlikea

totaldick,buthedidn’twantthewomantowasteherenergyonhim,andhedidn’tfeellikehavingto
dealwithaniratefemalewhenshefoundouthewasasgayasthedaywaslong.

“Oh,we’llseeaboutthat,”shewhisperednexttohisear.
Noah’sbodytensed.Heneverheardhermoveclosertohim.Whenheopeneduphismouthtosay

something,anything,histonguefeltheavy.Awarm,fuzzyfeelingworkeditswayacrosshisbody,and
heswayedonhischair.

“What’swrongwithme?”Noahmumbled.
Thewomanwrappedherarmsaroundhisshoulders.Hethoughtsheseemedratherstrongfora

woman. He turned his head to look over at her. Heat radiated off her body in waves warming his
chilled skin. Her bright blues eyes shined down at him, and that was when he saw it. They began to

glow.

“Justrelax.Thiswillallbeoversoon.”
Thatwasthelastthingherememberedbeforewakingupinacheapmotelroomnakedwiththe

stenchofsexheavyintheairanddriedsemenonhiscock.

“I don’t care if you were forced,” Noah gritted out. “But this is your problem, not mine.” He

triedtoshutthedooronher.

“Noah,they’llkillhim,andyouknowit.”
Hepausedinshuttingthedoor.Besidesbeingtakenadvantageofbythiswomanandherpack,

shewasputtinghiminquitethepredicamentwiththisbaby.Hesatonthehunter ’scouncil,andifthey
caughtwindthatheimpregnatedoneoftheverybeaststheyhunted,they’dprobablykillhim.

“And you don’t think I’ll be killed if the council finds this out?” he shouted at the woman. He

nevergothername,nevercaredtoknowit.

“Notthecouncil.”Herbloodshoteyesboreintohis.“Mypack.WhenIwouldn’tagreetoturn

mysonovertothemoncehewasborn,theyputabountyonhishead.Canyoubelievethat?Hehadn’t
even taken his first breath, and he was marked for death.” She sobbed. “They wanted to use him to
blackmailyouintohelpingthemdestroythecouncil.”

“I’dneverdothat,”hesaidquickly.Nomatterwhathe’dneverbetraythecouncillikethat.
“Exactly.SoyouseewhyIneedyoutotakehim.I’malreadydead.Pleasedon’tsubjectourson

tothesamefate.”

Justthenthebabystretchedouthistinyarmsandyawned.Theblanketfellfromaroundhisface,

givingNoahhisfirstglimpseofhisson.Shiningblueeyeslookedupathim,andNoahcouldhave
swornthelittleguysmiledbackathim.

Noahtorehisgazefromthebaby.Hecoughedtoclearhisthroat.“HowcanIbecertainheis

mine?Wewereonlytogetherthatonce,andIdon’tevenrememberthat,thankstoyoudruggingme.”

“Ican’ttellyouhowsorryIamaboutthat.”Shegazeddownatthebabyinherarms.“ButIknow

withoutadoubtyou’rehisfatherbecauseagirlneverforgetsherfirst.”Shekissedthebabyonthe
forehead then looked back to Noah. “That’s how I know for certain you’re his father. So will you
pleasetakehim?IneedtoleadthepackasfarawayfromhereasIcan.”

The baby started to fuss, and on instinct Noah reached for him. The woman handed him over

andsmiledthroughhertears.Hecradledthebabytohischest,andthelittleboycooedupathim.

“PleasetellhimthatIlovedhimandthat’swhyIdidwhatIhadto,tokeephimsafe.”Sheedged

towardthedoor.

Fromwhatshejusttoldhimshewasjustasmuchavictimashim.Asmallpartofhimwantedto

helpher.“Wait!”Hetookasteptowardher.“Whydon’tyoustay,bothofyou?”Hecouldn’tbelieve
hejustofferedherthat.“Maybewecanfindawayaroundthis.”

“I appreciate that, Noah, but it’s too late for me.” She opened the door. “It’s all about keeping

Carsonsafe.”

“Carson.”Noahlikedthewaythenamesounded,strongandhonorable.Hewantedtomakesure

thislittlecreaturehadthebestofeverything.Thesoundofthedoorcreakingshuthadhimlookingat
thedoor.“Wait!Atleasttellmeyourname.”

“Haley,”shesaidwithasmilethenturnedaroundandrandownthedriveway,hoppedintoher

car,anddroveoff.

Thebabysmackedhislipstogether,makinglittlepoppingnoises.Noahsmileddownathisson.

Sayingsonhadbeenaloteasierthanhethoughtitwould,butthislittleboyfeltlikehebelongedto
him. Noah made a promise right then and there that he’d keep this little boy safe no matter what,

biologicalchildornot.

ChapterOne

PresentDay

“Hey,Skyler,”Viktorshoutedfromthehallway.
Skyler was in the kitchen and had no inclination to go running like some dog. He’d known

Viktor,alongwithDevonandJosef,sincehewastenyearsold.Theywereolderthanhim,butthey
treatedhimlikehebelonged.Theywerethebigbrothersheneverhad.

“Sky,whydidn’tyouanswer?I’vebeenholleringforyou.”Viktorrushedintothekitchen.
“WhereisitstatedthatIhavetocomerunningwhenyoucall?”Hecontinuedtowipedownthe

kitchencounters.

“Sorry,I’mjustinahurry,andIneedyourhelp.”
Skylertossedthedishragfromhishandintothesink.Heturnedwithhishandsonhipstostare

athisfriend.“Ofcourseyoudo.LikeIhavenothingbettertodothantorunyourerrands.”

He was being overly hard on the man, but Skyler had been suffering from a bad case of

frustration. The men he considered to be his family had all found their mates, including their kid
brotherwhowasn’tevenoflegalageyet.Talkaboutakicktotheballs.Grantedhemadefastfriends
withDevon’smate,Aiden,Viktor ’smate,Shane,andJosef’smate,Cole.Theywerealldisgustingly
happy.Skylerhatedtolettheuglygreenmonsterrearitsnastyhead,buthewantedwhattheyhad.Was
itreallysowrongtolongforthat?

“What crawled up your ass?” Viktor reached out a hand to feel Skyler ’s forehead. “Are you

sick?”

“No.”HebattedViktor ’sbighandaway.“I’mjustfrustrated.”
“Withwhat?”Viktorasked.Hiseyebrowsscrunchedupadorablyonhisforehead.
“You should really thank the man upstairs that you were blessed with good looks because

sometimes I wonder where your brain is.” At Viktor ’s confused look, Skyler sighed dramatically.
“Sexually.I’msexuallyfrustrated.Andallthesexgoingonaroundthishouseisdrivingmebonkers.”

“Oh.”Viktorshruggedandlookeddownatthepaperinhishand.“Anywaycanyougobythis

houseI’vebeenworkingon?Ileftmypaintswatchesthere,andIcan’trememberwhatcolorofblue
hewantedustouse.”Viktorhelduphishands,fingerslacedtogether.“Soplease,Ibegofyou.Will
youpleasegoandpickitupforme?”

Therewasn’tmuchSkylercouldsaynoto,andheneversaidnotohisfriends.Somethingthey

allknew.“Fine,I’llgo.”

“Sweet.” Viktor handed him the key to the house and told him where to look for the paint

samples.“Noonewillbetheresoyoujusthavetowalkinandwalkout.Simpleasthat.”

“Ifit’sthatsimple,thenwhyaren’tyougoing?”
“Well,whileJosefandColeareoffwastingtheirtimesearchingforamanwhodoesn’twantto

be found, I’ve had to take over the Anderson project. And to pile it on even thicker, Jensen has
droppedoutofsightsoIhavetodealwiththisnewarchitect,andhe’sarealpieceofwork.”

“OkayIgetit.I’lldoit.”Skylerfinishedputtingawaythedishesthenheadedoutthebackdoor

tohiscar.

He really didn’t mind helping out. It was true with Josef and Cole gone the Carsten and Son’s

constructioncompanyhadbeenextremelybusy.Cole’sbrother,Josh,tookoffaftertheirfatherhad
beenkilledbyapsychoticalphawhohadbeentryingtostealtheirlandandkidnappedCole,whois

alsoanomega,awell-sought-outprizetosomepacks.Whenhedidn’tgetthedesiredresult,heset
fire to Cole’s childhood home and took their father prisoner. Skyler had gone with the others to
rescueCole’sdad.Afightbrokeout,andCole’sfatherhadbeenshotbyaccidentanddied.

JoshandJakewereCole’stwinolderbrothers.Joshwasthemoredominantoneandtheclosest

totheirfather.AfterhisdeathJoshjusttookoff,notleavinganoteorevencallingtocheckin.Hewas
justgone.JosefandColeweregoingtogiveitafewmoredays,andiftheydidn’tfindJosh,thenthey
werejustgoingtocomebackhome.They’dletJoshcomebackonhisownwhenhewasready.

Cole’s other brother, Jake, was quiet but sweet as could be. He pretty much kept to himself

unlessSkylerortheothersforcedhimtocomeoutofhisshell.Buthewastryingtomakeaneffortto
fitin.Devonhadactuallyhiredhimtoworkfortheconstructioncompany,andjustafterfourweeks
Jakewasrunninghisownjobs.

Skyler often thought Josh leaving was the best thing that could have happened for Jake. Josh

alwaysdidthetalkinganddecisionmakingforbothofthem.WithhimgoneJakewasforcedtomake
hisownchoices.SkylerlikedthenewJake,andhethoughtsodidJake.Therewassomethingtobe
saidaboutbeingindependent.Itgaveapersonthefreedomtheyneededtosurviveinthisworld.

ThedrivetotheThompsonestateflewby.ThehousesatontheoutskirtsofNehalem,maybea

fifteen-minute drive from where he lived and probably only a ten-minute run if he cut through the
woods.Butshiftingintohiswolfformwasn’tverypracticalinthedaylight.

Skylerenjoyedtherusticsceneryashedrovedowntheroad.Theywereinthemidstofsummer,

and trees were full and leafy green, thanks to all the rain they had gotten this past month. If Skyler
were to close his eyes, he’d hear every sound Mother Nature made within the deepest depths of the
woods.Itcalledtohiswolf,andhisskinitchedtoshiftandrunasfarashisfourlegswouldcarry
him.

Lettingoutaheavysighandlettinghislowerlipstickoutinapout,hehithisblinkeranddrove

upthelongcobblestonedrive.Skylerletoutalowwhistle.Tobeabletoaffordadrivewaythatranat
leastahalfmileuptothehouse,constructedfromthedecorativerocks,theownerhadtoberich.

“Well wouldn’t it figure,” Skyler grumbled as the house came into view. The house was

gigantic.Itonlystoodtwostories,butitwaslong.Attachedtotheleftsideofthehousewasasix-car
garagethatlookedtobetwicethesizeofanaveragegaragestall.“Money,money,money,”Skyler
sangasheclimbedoutofhiscar.

The house had been constructed of stones in off-whites and tans. It reminded Skyler of a

modern-daycastle.Thehomeevenhadatoweronthefarrightside.HewonderedifRapunzelwould
letdownherhair.Skylerlaughedathisownjokeasheputthekeyinthelockandopenedthedoor.

If he thought the outside was impressive, the inside threw him into utter shock. Marble floors

coveredtheentryway,andthenadarkwoodranfarandwidefromwherethemarbleended.Thewalls
wereanicewarmbeige,verypleasingtotheeye,ortoSkyler ’seyes.Astaircaseranofftothesideof
thefrontentry.Thesamedeepshadeofwoodlinedtherailingandupperbalcony.

Artwork covered the walls facing the stairs. Skyler wasn’t an art critic, but they looked

expensive. Where the walls were painted a subdued color, these works of art were not. They were
doneinbrightblues,purples,greens,andamixtureofmultipleothercolorsthatwouldgrabpeople’s
attentionandmakethemstopandgawkatthemasterpiece.KindoflikewhatSkylerwasdoingnow.

Pulling his eyes away from the beauty of the home, Skyler made his way toward the kitchen,

where Viktor said he’d find the paint swatches. He rounded the corner, ignoring the absolute
gorgeousnessofthekitchen’sstainlesssteelappliancesandmarblecountertops.Sittingonthefarend
of the long island counter were the paint samples. He walked over to where they lay and snatched

themup.

“Hi.”
Skyler spun around, clutching his hands to his chest, gasping for breath. “Sweet Mary and

Joseph,kid.Youscaredthebejesusoutofme.”

Alittleboystoodinfrontofhimwithahugesmileonhisface.Thechildgiggledandbroughta

hand up to cover his mouth. His eyes twinkled in the natural light that streamed in through the
windows.Skylerthoughtthelittleboyadorableevenifhedidjustscaretheshitoutofhim.

“Heythere,littleman.”Skylerkneltdowninfrontoftheboy.“Areyouherebyyourself?”He

dartedhiseyesaroundlookingfortheparentthischildbelongedto.AccordingtoViktor,theowner
wouldn’tbehere,andyetherestoodakidwhodidn’tjustmiraculouslyappear.

“Yousmellgood.”ThekidmovedcloserandreachedouttotouchSkyler ’scheeks.
“Okay,thanks.”Hedidn’tknowwhatelsetosay.Itwasacompliment,afterall.
“Carson!”Skylerlookedupasamancamerunningthroughthekitchenarchway,lookingalittle

disheveled.“Thereyouare.”Heheldouthisarms,andthelittleboyrantohim,andthemanpicked
theboyuptorestonhiship.

Skylerstoodupandturnedhisgazefromthechildtothehandsomemanholdinghim.Hisheart

feltlikeitwouldstopbeatinginhischest.Skylertookaquickinventoryofthegodinfrontofhim.
Black hair with some gray mingled in was styled perfectly on his head. A five o’clock shadow
coveredhisstrongjawandfewslightwrinkleslinedthecornersofhiseyes.Helookedtobeolder,
butthatdidn’tdeterSkyler.

“Hellothere,youmustbefromCarstenandSon’s.”Themansmiledathim.
“Huh?”Theminutethemanopenedhismouthastrong,mystifyingscentcloudedaroundSkyler.

Hisnostrilsflaredslightlyashisbodytriedtotakemoreoftheexoticaromain.

“I said you must be with Carsten and Son’s.” The man’s eyes dropped to the swatches in his

hand.

“Oh,yeah,right.”Skylerslappedthebundleagainsthisotherpalm.Herockedbackandforthon

his feet and openly stared at the man. The smell of coconut and sunshine swirled under his nose,
teasing him. His cock twitched in his skinny jeans, and the already-tight material felt twice as
constricting.Hewantedtogotothemanandkisshimonhissoft-lookinglipsandlethimtakeaway
hisache.ThesmellofthismanandSkyler ’soutofcontrolsexualurgestowardhimonlymeantone
thing,theyweremates.

“Daddy,hesmellsgood.”
Thelittleboy’svoicewaslikeabucketoficewateronhisgrowinglibido.Skylerdroppedhis

handstocoverhishardeningdick.

The man laughed at his son. “I’m sure he does, Carson.” The man looked from his son to

Skyler.“I’msorry.Wherearemymanners?”Heheldoutthehandnotholdinghisson.“I’mNoah.”

Skylershooktheofferedhandandsparkstingleduphisarmatthecontact.Noahdidn’tseemto

noticehisdistress,andSkylercouldn’thavebeenmorethankfulforthat.Itwouldbehardenoughto
explainabonerletalonethewhole“we’remates”thing.

“Skyler.”Hepulledhishandback,squeezingittighttotryandhangontoNoah’swarmth.“And

yes,I’mherefromCarstenandSon’s.Viktorsentmeoverbecauseheforgotthepaintswatcheswhen
hewasheretheotherday.”Skylerheldupthepaintstrips.

“Oh,okay.”Noahsmiled.“Tobehonestwejustgotintoday.Ihadn’tevenlookedaroundatthe

currentremodelsViktorhasdoneforme.ButI’msureit’sallwonderful.”

“Ibettheyare.Viktorismeticulouswhenitcomestohiswork.”SkylerfidgetedunderNoah’s

stare.“I’msorryforjustbargingin.HadIknownyouwouldbehereIswearIwouldhaveknocked
first.”

“Don’tworryaboutit.LikeIsaid,weweren’tduetobehereforafewdays.Andbesides,you

don’tlooklikethedangeroussort.”

Skylerlaughedandslappedhishandagainsthisthigh.Ifthemanonlyknewallthewonderfully

awfulthingsrunningthroughhismind.Skylertookadeep,cleansingbreathandtriedtoignorethe
mating scent rolling off Noah in waves. “Well I better get going. Viktor will be wanting these.” He
walkedaroundNoahandCarson,givinghimselfawideberth.IfhegottooclosetoNoah,hemight
fallattheman’sfeetandneverleave.

“Surething.”Noahfollowedbehindhim.“Sorryagainifwefrightenedyou.”
“Don’t worry about it.” Skyler turned around once he reached the front door. “It was nice

meeting you.” He darted his eyes to Carson, who still wore a huge smile on his chubby little face.
“Andnicemeetingyou,Carson.”

Hewalkedasfastashecouldwithoutcomingoffasrude.Thisshouldhavebeenagreatday.He

justfoundhismate,andthemanwashot.ButeverytimehepicturedNoah,Carson’simagewasn’tfar
behindit.Themanmustbestraight.Skylerdidn’tseeaweddingring,butthatdidn’tmeananything.A
lot of people choose not to get married but lived as a married couple. There very well could be a
womaninNoah’slife.

Whenhereachedhiscar,heclimbedinsideandstartedtheengine.Hedroveoutcalmlywhenall

he wanted to do was push on the gas and leave a black streak marking the man’s nice and neat
driveway.ItwouldbelikehimleavinghismarkonNoah.

“You’resopathetic,”Skylerwhispered.Asingleteardroprandownhischeek,andheswipedit

away.

HiswolfhowledinsadnessthefurtherawayhedrovefromNoah.Itwantedtoclaimitsmate,

and Skyler totally felt his wolf’s pain, but now wasn’t the time. There were too many different
variablesheneededtofigureoutfirst.AndthefirstprioritywastofindoutifNoahpreferredwomen
overmenandhowtohandleitiftheformerwasthetruth.

ChapterTwo

Noah slowly closed the front door, watching as the young man walked to his car. Skyler. The

sweet purity of the name glided off his tongue. It made him hungry in a way he hadn’t been since
Carsoncameintohislife.Themanwasn’thisusualtype,buthecoulddefinitelymakeanexception
forthisguy.

Skyler wore a pair of slim-fitting denim jeans coupled with a lime green V-neck T-shirt. The

man’s taste in clothing was more daring than anything Noah would ever wear. He also thought the
sameaboutthewaySkylerstyledhisshortchestnut-brownhairinastylishlittleMohawk.Combined
withallthatwerethestuddedpiercingsineachear.Butallthatdidn’ttakeawayfromSkyler ’sdelicate
featuresandlight-blueeyes.Noahwonderifhewasnamedfortheshadeofskybluehiseyesglowed.

“Daddy,didyousmell’em?”Carsontuggedonhiscollar.“Daddy.”Carson’stonegrewmore

persistent.

“Yes, my son.” Noah carried Carson back to the kitchen and sat him at the kitchen table. He

walkedtothepantrytoseewhattheyhadinthewayoffood.

“Didya?”Carsonaskedagain,alookofskepticismonhisyoungface.
“Did I what, Carson?” Noah eyed the contents of the shelves, looking for something his son

wouldeat.

“Smellhim.Hesmeltlikehome.”
Noah grabbed the bag of Goldfish crackers, checked the expiration date, then plucked a bowl

fromthecabinetandpouredsomeforCarson.“Home?”Noahaskedashepoppedacrackerintohis
mouth.

“Yeah.Ilikedhim,Daddy.”Carsonstartedinonhiscrackers.
“Me,too,kiddo.Me,too,”Noahsaidabsentmindedlyashepulledoutadraweronthecabinet

andfoundpenandpaper.Heneededtomakeagrocerylist.Italsohelpedtakehismindoffthesexy
littlemaninquestion.

“Whenwillhecomeback?”
Noahlookedupfromhiswritingtoseetheconcernedlookonhisson’sface,andhedidn’tlike

itbuthehadtobehonest.“I’mnotsure,baby.”

“Then we should go to him.” Carson shoved a handful of crackers into his mouth. “I bet he

missesus,too.”

Henoddedhisheadathisson,notwantingtotellCarsonthatthey’dprobablyneverseetheman

ever again. Noah went back to his list making, and once again Skyler ’s smiling face stared back at
himeverytimeheclosedhiseyes.

FordinnerthatnightNoahfoundafrozenpizzainthefreezerandmadethatforsupper.After

givingCarsonhisbath,hetuckedhiminforthenight.HissonhadhimreadGoodnightMoonlikehe
hadhimdoeverynight,andNoahdiditwithasmile.WhenhewasdonehegaveCarsonakissand
turnedoffthelightandcrackedhisbedroomdoor.

Noahwalkedacrossthehalltohisbedroom.Heleftthedooropenashegotreadyforbed.He

took a quick shower and brushed his teeth. Noah pulled on some pajama bottoms, shut off the
bedroomlight,thencrawledintobed.

BesidesbeingbombardedwithimagesofSkyler,Noahcouldn’tshakethefactthathissonhad

commentedontheman’sscent.Itwasn’tunusualforpeopletosmellthesoapapersonusedortheir
cologne,butNoahdidn’tsmellathingcomingoffofSkyler,andhewonderedifSkylerfoundwhat

Carsonsaidweird.

OverthepastfiveyearsNoahhadcometolearnthewolfgenewasthemoredominant,andhis

son,evenwithbeinghalfhuman,wasawolfshifter.WhenCarsonhadjustturnedthree,Noahwentin
to check in on him and found a little wolf puppy with shiny brown fur sleeping in Carson’s bed.
ShockwasNoah’sfirstreaction,butthenherememberedthiswasstillhisson.

Carsonseemedtobedevelopingnormallyinregardstothehumanworld’sexpectations,andhe

fitinwiththeotherchildrenathisplaygroups.NoahonlyhadtotellCarsononcenottobringuphis
wolf-shiftingability.Hesimplyexplainedthatnoteveryonecoulddothatanditmightfrightensome
people. Carson understood his soft-spoken warning and never mentioned it to anyone but him. His
heightenedsenseshadhimreadingpeoplelikeanopenbook,andhecouldfeeltheirerratichuman
emotions.ThereweretimesCarsonwouldbringthingsupaboutotherpeopletohim,likeifsomeone
wasmadorsad.Noahthoughtitaremarkableabilitybutonethat,ifthehunter ’scouncilcaughtwind
ofit,wouldcosthimhisson.

Noahwasn’tstupid.Heknewthedaywouldcomethathe’dneedtobreakhistiestothecouncil.

Themenwhosatontheboardwerebigotsfromthewordgo. They’d never understand that his son
wasn’taravenousbeast.TherewasatimethatNoahthoughtthatwayaboutallwerewolves,andafter
whathappenedwithCarson’smotheritonlycementedthatfact.ThenCarsoncameintohislife,andhe
could never imagine his sweet little boy doing anything evil. Noah had come to terms with the fact
thatmaybeallwolvesweren’tbad,buttoadmitthattothecouncilwouldbeconsideredblasphemy.

Sighinginwardlyathisdismalthoughts,Noahrolledovertofacethedoor.Hiseyesadjustedto

thedarkness,andhecouldhearthesoftintakesofbreathhissonmade.Ithelpedlullhimtosleepat
nightforthepastfiveyears.

WhenCarsonwasjustababyhe’dkepthiscribinhisbedroom.BeinganewparentNoahgotup

everyhouronthehourjusttomakesurethelittleboywasstillbreathing.Thenannyhehadhiredsaid
thatwasnormalandheneededtogetagrip.WithNoahbeingadivorceattorneyheneededtogethis
sleep.Noahwasknownforthehigh-profilecaseshetookon,andnoonewantedalawyerwhowas
fallingasleeponthejob.

ButovertimethejobNoahsogreatlylovedbecametaxing.Itdisgustedhimtositbyandwatch

as two people who had been married for years picked each other apart. If there were children
involveditmadehimdoublyso.Childrenweretheinnocentvictimswhenamarriagedissolvedtoa
pileofash,andtypicallythechildrenweretheoneswhosufferedthemost.

Noah finally decided between work, the council, and being a single parent, something had to

give.Hetookanearlyretirementsohecouldfocusmoreonhisson.Helikedhisjobbecauseinthe
beginninghefounditchallengingandentertaining.Ithadneverbeenaboutthemoney.Besides,being
awell-sought-afterattorneyforthepasttenyearsgavehimanexceptionalincome,andheinheriteda
substantialinheritancewhenhisfatherpassedaway.Noahwassetforlife,andthataffordedhimthe
luxurytobeabletowatchhissongrowup.

Thentherewasthecouncil.Noahwipedawaythecoldsweatthatbrokeoutacrosshisforehead.

Outofallthetieshecouldhavecut,lettinggoofhisconnectiontothecouncilwasthehardestone.In
one aspect, he liked having the inside knowledge of what they were up to so he could help keep
Carsonsafe.Thentherewastheguilthefelteverytimeheheardofthekillsthehuntersmade.They
wouldwipeoutentirepacks,men,women,andchildren.EverysingletimeNoahhadtositthrough
thosegory,detailedconversations,hethoughtofhissonandwhatthey’ddotohimiftheyknew.

HefeltfortunatethatthecouncilneverquestionedCarson’spaternityorwherehisrealmother

was.Whentheyaskedhimaboutit,he’djustsayitwasaone-night-standtypedeal,andninemonths

later she showed up at his doorstep with a baby. They offered their condolences for being saddled
with a kid and words of encouragement for his situation. The president on the hunter ’s council,
Bryce,waslikeagrandfathertoCarson.ThereweretimesNoahwonderedwhattheoldermanwould
sayifheknewthetruth,butNoahwasn’twillingtogamblingwithCarson’slifetofindout.

Noah settled into the mattress and let his eyes fall shut. A faint howl in the distance had him

rollingtowardthewindow.

Five years ago he would have run to his weapons closet and gone hunting for the animal that

hadmadethosenoises,butnowthosesoundsdidn’tbotherhimanymore.Helearnedovertheyears
nottogoborrowingtrouble.WithCarsoninhislifeandlisteningtohislittleboyhowlintheyard
whenheplayedinwolfform,thesoundhadgrownonhim.ItwaslikeMotherNature’sownlullaby.

AshewaspulledintothedeepabyssofsleepimagesofCarsonandSkylerinaparkwithhim

dancedaroundhismind.Noahdidn’tseemuch,morelikeaflashofimages,buthecouldfeelit.They
feltlikeafamily.

****

ThatnightSkylerwentforamuch-neededrun.Hiswolftriedtoconvincehisrationalmindto

hightailitbacktoNoah’shouse.Butbeingthereasonablehumanbeingthathewas,heignoredthose
impulsesandranasfastashecouldintheotherdirection.TheCarstenpropertylinesonlywentso
far,butitwasenoughtosatisfyhiswolf.

Hot,sweaty,andtired,hemadehiswaybacktothehouse,passingthroughthekitchen.Hehadto

remembertothankAidenforclearingawaythedinnerdishes.Skylerhadbeensoantsyanditchingto
shifthebarelymadeitthroughdinnerwithoutgoingallwolfie.

Takingthestepsoneattimehelethismusclesunwind,andhecouldn’twaituntilhegotunder

the soothing warm spray of the showerhead. He always felt recharged after a hard run. Since he
wasn’thavingsex,exercisewashisonlyrelease.

Thehousewasquiet,andhemadeittohisroomunseen.Hepushedopenthedooranddropped

hisdirtyclothesinthehamperonthewaytohisbathroom.Skylerturnedthenozzlelettingthewater
getjustperfectbeforehesteppedinsidetheglassshowerstall.Steamfilledtheroom,andheturned
hisbacktofacethewater,enjoyingthewayitrusheddownthecreaseofhisspine.

The water tickled across his skin and sent a spark of arousal directly to his balls. His hand

drifted down, scraping across his abs, and then finally drifting down to his hardening cock. Goose
bumpsprickledalonghisskin,andhiscockjerkedinhishand.

Clenchinghiseyestight,hebroughtupNoah’sstrong,manlyfeatures.Squarejaw,straightnose,

and his full red lips made for nipping and sucking. His hand gave a tight tug upward on his cock,
twistinghiswristwhenhereachedthetop,brushinghispalmovertheleakingtip.

Skyler ’sbodytensedasheimaginedNoah’sbodybrushingupagainsthis.Hecouldpractically

feeltheheatrollingoffhismateinwaves.NoahcoveredhishandoverSkyler ’sandjerkedinearnest.

“Come for me, my love.” Noah’s voice whispered across his ear. The scrape of Noah’s facial

hairagainsthischeekcausedSkylertoshiver.“Showmeyouwantme.”

Skylerthrewhisheadbackandgruntedouthisrelease.Hiscreamshotinquicksplashesover

hishand.HisheartbeatarapidtempoastheghostvisionofNoahsmiledathimthenfadedawayin
thesteamoftheshower.

Thewaterwashedawayhislust,andSkyleryawnedwide.Hisbodyfeltlooseandrelaxed,and

hedecidedtobypasstheleisurelyshowerandgettobed.Hewashedhishairandbodyinrecordtime,

thenafterwardshetoweledoff,brushedhisteeth,thenslunkintobed.Heshimmiedunderthesheets
andgotcomfortable.

Hisblindswerepulledtightsonotevenasinglerayoflightfromthestarrynightskyslipped

intohisroom.Thedarknesswouldplaytricksonanormalhuman’seyesbutnothis.Hiswolfvision
allowedhimtoseeperfectlyinthepitchblacknessoftheroom.Hestaredupattheceilingandlethis
mindwanderbacktohismateandhiscute-as-a-buttonson.

Skyler couldn’t help feeling he walked into an already-made family with a handsome husband

andadoringson.GrantedhejustmetNoahandCarson,buthecouldtelltheywerejustperfectorat
leastperfectforhim.

Afamily.Hesmiledatjustthethoughtofhavingsomethingsopreciousinhislife.Nottotake

anythingawayfromlivingwithDevon,Viktor,Josef,Erik,andtheirmates.Theywereafamily,but
withNoahandCarsonthey’dbeallhis.Noahwouldbeforhimtoloveinthewayamatecouldlove
another. And having a child only made him more attracted to Noah. He could see the love and
adorationintheotherman’seyeswhenhelookedathisson.Skyleradmiredthat.

BeforelivingwiththeCarstenbrothers,Skylerdidliveinalovinghomewithhismotherand

father. When he had turned eighteen they moved to Florida, and he moved in with Devon and his
brothers.Hismomwantedtoretiresomewherewarm.ShegrewupintheMidwest,andthensheand
his dad relocated when Skyler was just a baby to upstate New York. She wanted to live somewhere
warm without the fear of a blizzard dropping a ton of snow on her. They hung around until he
graduatedfromhighschool,andSkylerwashappyforthatandevenmorethrilledtheylethimstay
behind when they moved. It had been three years since the death of the alpha and his wife and the
alpha’soldestson,Devon,tookover.Soheunderstoodwhyhisparentswereanxioustomove.They
stillworriedabouthimandcalledeveryweektocheckuponhim.

Hismomwasawolfshifterandhisdadahuman.They’dmetinKansasCitywhilehismother

hadbeenattendingnursingschoolandhisfatherwasapoliceofficer.Shehidherfurrysecretfrom
hisdaduntilhefiguredoutthatshelikedtogocampingwhenthemoonwashighinthesky.Notthat
wolveswereslavestothemooncycle,butherpackfollowedthatpractice.

From the stories his mom had told him, his dad took it really well. Shocked at first, but he

adaptedbecausehecouldn’tlivewithouther,andtheywerematesafterall.Shewouldalwayssaylove
madeapersondocrazythings,andherfallingforahumanhadtobethecraziestthingshehadever
done.Dadjustsaidhecouldn’tresisthismother ’sbeautifulheartandfellinlovethefirsttimehesaw
her.

Skyleralwaysthoughtloveatfirstsightwasacrockofshit,buthismothersaidwhenonefound

theirmatethatwasexactlywhatwouldhappen.ItwaslikebeinghitbyaMackTruckanddamnifshe
wasn’tright.

Skylerhadbeenponderingallnightonhowtobreakthewhole“we’remates”thingtoNoah,but

he still hadn’t come up with anything. Unlike what the dickhead hunters who were out to kill them
thought,theyweren’tbloodthirstymonsters.HejusthadtohopeNoahhadanopenmindwhenitcame
tothingshumansweretaughtdidn’texist.Andhealsodidn’twantNoahtothinkhewouldbeadanger
toCarson.SkylerfelttheinvisiblepulltoNoahbutalsotoCarson.Hewantedtobethatlittleboy’s
seconddaddy. Being gayhe thought he’dnever have children, andnever in amillions years did he
thinkhismatewouldhaveone.

A niggling doubt started to creep up his spine. Noah did have a kid. Maybe he was straight.

Maybethethoughtofbeingwithanothermanwoulddisgusthim.

Skylersurehopednotbecausehecouldn’tturnoffthesefeelingshehadstartedtodevelopfor

Noah.

Skylerpulledhisblanketupoverhisheadandrolledover.Heneededtogetsomesleepandnot

stressonthewholematething.Fatenevergotitwrong.Hejusthadtobepatientandletnaturetakeits
course.

ChapterThree

“Sky.”Shanewavedahandinfrontofhisface.“Hello!Isanyoneinthere?”
Skylercouldhearhisfriendtalking,buthecouldn’tfocus.HelovedShane,hereallydid,buthe

neededabreakfromtheViktor-and-Shaneshow.Fortheloveofgod,hegrewupwithViktor,andhe
knewforafactthemandidn’thangthefuckingmoon.

“Shoo,cat.Don’tbotherme.”Heswattedhisfriend’shandoutofhisface.
“HowmanytimeshaveItoldyoubitchestostopcallingmeacat?”Shanestoodwithhishands

onhishipsandhisfacepinchedwithmoreannoyancethananger.“I’matiger.GetitrightorI’llclaw
yourass.”Shanebroughtuponeofhishandsandbroughtinhisfingerimitatingatigerclawingat
somethingandheroared.AndbeingthatShanewasatigershifter,itactuallysoundedlikearoar.

SkylersatintheEarlyBeanCaféstaringathisfriendandhisindignantexpressionandcouldn’t

helpit.Laughterbubbledupinthebackofthroatandbustedoutofhismouthinahigh-pitchedsqueal.
SkylerandtheotherguysteasedShanemercilesslyabouthimbeingacatinahousefullofwolves.It
wasallingoodfun.Shanenevertookitseriously,buthealwaysgaveagoodshowingjusthowbad
hecouldbeandSkylerhadsomescarsonhisbackfromgrapplingaroundwiththetigerafterarunto
proveit.

“I’m just fucking with you.” Skyler batted his eyelashes at Shane. “You know I love you, you

littlepu—”

“Sayitandyoudie,”Shaneinterruptedandpointedafingerathim.
“Ladies,”theowneroftheEarlyBean,Margie,saidasshewalkedintothecafé.“Stopfighting

likeacoupleofteenagegirlsorI’llhavetogetoutthehose.”

SkylerandShanelookedateachother,bothsharingshockedexpressions.Whenshewasoutof

sight,safelyinthebackoffice,theybothbrokeoutinafitofgiggles.

ShanehadworkedforMargieforoversixmonths,andSkylerandtherestofthepackhungout

at the café a lot. Skyler often wondered if she suspected that they all weren’t entirely human. Well,
Aidenwas,buthewastheonlyone.

“Soseriously,”—Shanesobered—“what’seatingyou?You’remorespaceythanusual.”
CouldhetellShanehefoundhismate?Ohandthatsaidmatehadakid?Skylerchewedonthe

insideofhischeekwhilehedebatedwhattosay.Intheendhedecidedtoholdoff.Hedidn’tneedthe
guys at home teasing him or pressuring him to make a move on the possibly straight Noah
Thompson.

“I’mjusttired,”heanswered.
“You do look exhausted.” Shane wiped down the countertop. “And you’re not your normal

peppy,bitchyself.”HeleanedonthecountertowardSkyler.“Iwashighlydisappointedthismorning
youdidn’thaveahissyfitwhenyoucaughtAidengivingDevonablowjobinthekitchen.Iwasso
lookingforwardtoyourtheatrics.”

“Sorrytodisappoint.”Skylerchuckled.Heabouthadaheartattackwhenheroundedthecorner

andsawAidendownonhiskneesservicingDevon’smonstercock,rightinfrontofthekitchensink.
The kitchen was like Skyler ’s church. Everyone knew it was off limits to any sort of hanky panky
business,butthismorninghejustpushedpastthemandstartedmakingbreakfast.Theshockofhim
notfreakingoutperplexedDevonandAidensomuchsothatittookawayfromtheirmorningoral
fun.

“It’sokay.”Shanewentabouthisbusinessbehindthecounter.“Sowhatdoyouhaveplannedfor

today?”

“I need to go to the store.” He hopped down from his perch on the high barstool and landed

quietlyonhisfeet.“Groceryshoppingisatedioustaskbut,hey,someonehastodoit.”

“Well,havefun.”Shaneblewhimakissashewalkedoutthedoor,andSkylerreachedupinthe

airandgrabbedit,shootingasmiletowardtheman.

Skylergotintohiscaranddrovethefewblockstothegrocerystore.Hepulledouthislistand

setouttofillthecart.Hestartedinthedryfoodaislessotherefrigerateditemsdidn’tsitinhiscart
whilehewanderedaroundthestoreandgotwarm.Skylerwasjustcomingupthecerealaislewhenhe
heardafamiliargiggle.

Hestoodonhistiptoesandtriedtolooktotheothersideoftheshelvestoseeifhissuspicions

werecorrect.Hecouldn’tseeanything.Acurseofbeingshort.

You’rejusthearingthings.Getittogether,Sky.
“Skyler!”
Skyler was knocked off balance when two small, but very strong, arms wrapped themselves

aroundhislegs.Hecaughthimselfonthecartjustintime.Helookeddownandsmiled.“Mr.Carson.”
Hekneltdowneyelevelwiththelittleboy.“Where’syourdaddy?”

****

“Carson!”Noahjogged,pushingthecartinfrontofhim.Carsonhadbeenramblingonandon

aboutwhatpotatochipshewantedwhenhestopped,sniffedtheair,andtookoff.“Carson!”

HelookeddownthenextaisleandsawCarson,andevenwiththeotherman’sbacktohim,he

knewitwasSkyler.TheyoungmanwaskneelingdowntalkingtoCarsononhislevel,andhislittle
boysmiledandnoddedhisheadwildly.

“Carson.”Hepushedhiscartuptheaisletowardthem.“WhathaveItoldyouaboutrunningoff

likethat?”NoahranhishandthroughCarson’shair,rufflingthesoftstrands.

“I’m sorry, Daddy,” Carson said in a small voice. “But look who I found. I told you we’d see

himagain.”

NoahwatchedasSkylerstoodupandpickedCarsonupashedid.Hecuddledthelittleboyon

hiship.“Hey,Noah.”AsmallsmilecurledSkyler ’supperlipashestaredatNoah.“Andyourdadis
right.”HetappedafingeronCarson’snose,andhissongiggled.“Youshouldn’trunofflikethat.The
wholestrangerdangerthingissomeseriousbusiness,littleman.”

“Strangerdanger?”Noahstifledalaughathisson’sscrunchedupface.
“Yeah.Anyoneyoudon’tknowisastranger,”Skylerexplained.“Anddangerisallaroundus.

Whenthetwomixitcanmeanbadthingsforlittleboyswhodon’tlistenandrunofffromtheirdads.”

Carson’smouthfellopen,forminganO,andheclaspedhishandtohismouth.“Ididn’tmean

to.”CarsonrestedhischubbylittlehandsoneithersideofSkyler ’sface.“ButIwantedtoseeyou.”

“Ah, sweetie, I wanted to see you, too.” Skyler kissed Carson on the cheek, and Noah’s heart

melted. The man had no reason to show such kindness to Noah’s son, but he did. With every word
CarsonsaidSkylerpaidattentionliketherewasnootherplaceintheworldhe’dratherbe.

CarsongaveSkylerakissonhischeekinreturnandfolloweditupwithahug.Heburiedhis

face into the crook of Skyler ’s neck and Noah could hear the deep inhale of breaths his son took.
Skylerstiffenedbutdidn’tpullaway,andNoahcursedhisson’ssensitivenose.

Carsonwiggledhislegs,andSkylerputhimdown.Thelittleboy’sattentionwaspulledtoward

themultiplechoicesofcerealsinfrontofhim.

“I’msorryaboutallthis,”Noahsaid.“Hegetsexcitedandjusttakesoffsometimes.Verystrong

willed.”

“Oh it’s not a problem.” Skyler folded his thin arms over his chest. “Actually, seeing him

brightenedupmyday.”Skylershothimawink.

Noah had to force down a swallow to keep from drooling down his chin. The gesture was so

innocent,butNoahhadtoimagineeverythingthismandidcameacrossasflirtatious.Hecoughedto
clear his throat and pointed at Skyler ’s overflowing cart. “You must be doing a month’s worth of
shopping.”

“Nah.”Skylerturnedtohiscart.“Thisisonlyaweek’sworth.”
“How is that possible? You’re tiny!” Noah gave the man a once-over. Skyler looked like he

weighedabucktwentysoakingwet.Therewasnowayheatethismuchfoodinjustoneweek.

“Thanks!”Skylerbeamedanotherbrightsmileathim,exposingallhispearlywhiteteeth.“ButI

don’tlivealone.”

“Oh.” For some odd reason that bothered Noah more than it should have. He was attracted to

Skyler,buthehadnoclaimtothemanandcouldn’tbeupsetthatsuchagorgeousmanwasn’tsingle.

Hisdisappointmentmusthaveshownonhisface,andSkylerreachedouttotouchhisarm.
“No,notlikethat,”hereassuredNoah.“Ilivewithsomefriends.”Heheldhishandsupintheair.

“Strictly the platonic sort. In fact two of them have partners, and even if they didn’t they’re all like
brothers to me. I could never see them as anything more.” Skyler shuddered and made a gagging
noise.

Noah let out a relieved laugh. “That’s good to know.” Skyler stood there staring back at him.

Theybothjustgazedatoneanother,andNoahstartedtofeeluncomfortable.Heturnedtoseewhere
Carsonhadgottenoffto.“Well,I’llletyougetbacktoit.”

“Yeah,right.You,too.”SkylerwalkedovertoCarsonandgavehimahighfive.“Seeyoulater,

littleman.”

“Bye,Sky.”CarsonrushedtowardhimandrubbedhisnoseintoSky’ship.Skylerpattedthelittle

boyonthehead.

NoahreturnedSkyler ’swavethenwatchedasthemanturnedaroundandwalkeddowntheaisle.

HestifledagiggleasSkylerraisedanarmandsniffedhisarmpit.

Hiseyesdroppedandweregluedtothegentleswayoftheman’ships.Noah’seyesfollowedthe

subtlebounceofSkyler ’stightlittleassashewalkedaway.Thejeansheworewereskintight,andhe
noticedtherewasn’tanunderwearline.Godhelphim.Wearingtightjeanswithnounderwearshould
beillegal.Hisdickbegantostirinhispants.Morethananything,hewantedtoseeallthatpaleskin
nakedandunderneathhim.

“Daddy,Iwantthisone.”Carson’svoiceshockedhimoutofhismusingandkilledhiserection

like hitting the off button on a TV. “Okay, kiddo.” Noah grabbed the box from Carson’s hand and
tosseditintheshoppingcart.

Hefollowedalongbehindhissonasheeyedtheshelves,puttingthingsinthatheneededinthe

cartashepassedby.Carsonhoppedfromonethingtothenext,occasionallysmellingtheair.Afew
timesNoahhadtograbontoCarson’sshirttokeephimfromrunningoff.

“Kiddo,”—Noah pushed the cart off to the side and knelt down in front of his son—“I know

yourlittlenosecansmellextraordinarilywell,butyouneedtotryandnotletitshowsomuch.Ialso
knowyoulikeSkyler,butheprobablyisn’tusedtolittlekidssniffinghim.”

Carsonshookhishead.“But,Daddy,can’tyousmellhim,too?”
“No,pumpkin,Ican’t.”HehadexplainedtoCarsononseveraloccasionsthathewasn’tlikehis

son, but Carson didn’t want to accept it. He wanted his daddy to shift into a wolf and run with him.
NoahwouldhavegivenanythingtobelikehissonsoCarsondidn’tfeelsoalone.

“That’sterrible,Daddy.Becauseifyoudidyouwouldbehappy.”Carsonstartedwalkingback

downtheaisle.

Noahwatchedhissongoandwonderedwhatthehellthatwassupposedtomean.He’dbehappy?

Not wanting to decipher the ramblings of his five-year-old son in the middle of the supermarket,
NoahgrabbedthecartandfollowedbehindCarson.

Later,he’daskhislittleboywhathemeant.HewantedtogettoknowSkylermorethanhecared

to admit. The man was unlike any of the other men he had dated in the past. Where his style was
angledmoretobusinesscasual,Skyler ’swasalternative,maybealittlepunkmixedin.ButNoahliked
that Skyler had a style all his own. The tight clothes the younger man wore wreaked havoc on his
nerves,makinghisdickjumptolifeateverychance,butitfitSkyler.

Skylerlookedlikethetypeofmanwhospokehismindandlivedlifetoitsfullest.Thetypeof

personthatwouldbeagoodinfluenceonCarson.Noahwasasingleparentandcoddledhissontoo
muchoutoffearoflosinghim.SkylerlookedlikeafreespiritthatcouldteachCarsonhowtolive
outloudandexperienceallthelittlethingsinlifethatmadeitworthwhile.

AsNoahheadedtowardthecheckouthegotaglimpseofblackhairasSkylerdartedoutofthe

store.HeloadeduptheconveyerbeltandpickedCarsonupandsathiminthecart.

NoahwouldlovetopursuesomethingwithSkylerbecausetobehonest,thewaythemanflirted,

Noahknewhewasinterested,buthecouldn’triskit.Hissonwashisentireworld,andhedidn’tknow
howSkylerwouldhandlethatrealizationthatCarson’swasn’tlikeotherchildren.Ifthemanfreaked
outandranfromtheminterroritwouldputCarsonrightinthelineofdanger.Hunterswouldcome
for his son and for keeping the knowledge of the whereabouts of a wolf, they’d murder him. He’d
gladlydietoprotecthisson,butifheweregonewhowouldwatchafterCarson?

Gathering their bags, Noah headed to their car. He secured Carson in his booster seat then

loadedupthecarwiththebags.Onthewayhomehedecidedtojustburythefeelingshesortoffelt
towardSkyler.Hejustmettheman,andjustbecausehewasattractedtohimdidn’tmeanthey’dlive
happyeverafterifhediddateSkyler.It’dbeenfiveyearssincehehadsexlast.OnceCarsoncame
into his life the need for that evaporated. But now Skyler awakened all those desires he had buried.
NoahjusthadtofindawaytoignorethoseurgesandavoidSkyler.

ChapterFour

A week had passed since he’d seen Skyler. Carson kept asking when they would see the man

again.Noahmadeexcusesastowhytheycouldn’t.HetriedtokeepCarsonbusywiththingsaround
theirhouse,playinggames,swimminginthepool,andexploringtheirnewtown,buthisson’sshort
attentionspanworkedagainsthimateveryturn.

Finally Carson gave up asking to see Skyler and started in on wanting to shift and run. The

howling he had heard the very first night they stayed in the house caused some concern. He’d been
assuredbyamemberonthecouncilthathisareawassafe,andNoahbelievedhisfriend.Philliphada
sonofhisown,andthemantookhisjobonthecouncilseriously,butPhillipwasdifferentfromthe
otherhunters.Hedidn’thunttojustkill.Phillipwantedtoprotectothersfromthedangersofcrazed
wolves that killed just for killing. Over the past few months Phillip had expressed concerns to him
andwantedtoimplementchangesintheirmissionfromkillingallshifterstojusttheoneswhowere
knownmurders.Noahlikedtheidea,butheagreedwithPhillipthatproposingsuchanideamightbe
frowneduponandcausethemtobeoutedfromthecouncil.

“Carson,nottonight.”Noahhatedtosaynotohisson,buthistiredbonesscreamedforhimto

liedownandrelax.

“But,Daddy,Ineedto,”Carsonpleadedashepacedbackandforthinfrontoftheglassdoorsat

thebackofthehouse.ThewayhefidgetedandwhineditremindedNoahoftheurgencypeoplehad
whentheyneededtousethebathroom,andmaybeforshiftersitfeltlikethat,butNoahwasn’twilling
toriskCarson’ssafetyuntilheexploredthesurroundingwoodsfurther.

“Son,IunderstandbutIdon’tknowifit’ssafe.”Helookedoutthewindow,andthemoonhigh

aboveshinedbrightlyrainingdowngoldenlightinthebackyard.“Ineedtocheckthepropertybefore
yougooffrunningaround.Ialsoneedtoinstallafencetokeepotheranimalsout.”

“Fine!”Carsonshoutedandranoff.NoahheardthestompingofhisfeetasCarsonwentupthe

stairsandthentheslammingofhisbedroomdoor.

Noah didn’t like telling his son no, but he couldn’t chance putting Carson at risk. He avoided

tellinghissonabouthunters.ItwasselfishandfoolishnottoexplaintoCarsonthedangers,buthe
didn’t want to see the youthful light in his son’s eyes fade away to be replaced by fear. Carson was
youngandneededtobeabletoenjoyhischildhoodforjustalittlelonger.

Noahcleanedupthekitchenthenmovedtothelivingroomtotidyup.Hehadjustfinishedand

satdownwhenherealizedthatCarsonnevercamebackdownstairs.UsuallywhenCarsongotupset
with him he’d pout for a bit then come down and want a cuddle, but he hadn’t done that. In fact the
housewaseerilyquiet.

“Carson,” Noah called out as he took the stairs two at a time. No answer. His heart started to

poundinhischestandacoolsweatbeadedhishairline.“Carson.”Heturnedtheknobandopenedthe
doortoanemptybedroom.“No!”Noahshouted.Hesmackedhishandagainstthewallinanger.

In a mad rush he looked under the bed, in the closet, in the bathroom, but nothing. He turned

franticallyinacircle,butnothinghadchanged.Carsonwasgone.

Noah raced down the stairs, stumbling on the last step, but quickly righted himself. He went

straightforthebackdoor,threwitopen,andsteppedoutside.

Alightbreezecarriedalongthetrees,andthefreshscentofpollenandpinefilledhisnose.The

moonstillhunghighandlittheyardforhimandhelookedaroundforanysignsofCarson.

On the other side of the patio furniture, he found his son’s pajamas. He picked them up and

clutchedthemtohischest.HecalledoutagainforCarsonbutnoresponse.

He walked toward the back of the property where the cluster of trees grew and bordered his

yard. The ground squished underfoot, and he looked down. The ground was still moist from the
sprinklersystemwateringtheyardearlierintheevening.

Turningaround,Noahracedbacktothehouse.Hepulledopenadrawersendingitcrashingto

the floor in his haste. His eyes darted among the emptied contents until his eyes landed on the lone
flashlight.Itrolledtowardtheside,andhebenttosnatchitup.

Noah hurried back toward the yard and shined the bright light at the ground. Clearly visible

were little paw marks as they entered to woods. “Fuck!” Noah shouted. Without another thought he
startedforward,keepingthelighttrainedtotheground,trackinghisson.Thisbroughtbacksomany
memoriesofwhenhedidthisforthecouncil.Searchingoutentirepackstoputtodeathusedtostira
rushofadrenaline,butnowitmadehimwanttovomitwithdisdainforhispastactions.

“Carson,whenIfindyou,youaresogrounded,”Noahmumbledunderhisbreathashepushed

low-hangingtreelimbsoutofhisway.

Aloudearpiercinghowlrippedthroughthenight.Noahstoppedtolookallaroundhimtoseeif

hecouldmakeoutanymovingshadows.Hisbloodfrozeinhisveinsfromthesheerterrorhefeltfor
hisson.Carsonwassosmallanddefenseless.

Noahstartedtorun.Hehadtosavehislittleboy.

****

“Thanks for inviting me to dinner,” Phillip Stefano, Aiden’s dad, said. “And, Skyler, it was

amazingasalways.”

“Thanks!”Skylerlovedthepraise.Heknewhewasanexcellentcook,butitneverhurttogeta

littleacknowledgementeverynowandagain.

“I wish Mom would come visit or at least call me.” Aiden curled up into one of the lounge

chairsthatsatonthebackdeck.

Skylerfeltbadforhisfriend.Aiden’smotherstilldidn’tknowaboutheronlysonbeingmated

to a wolf, but that didn’t seem important when compared to the fact that her son was gay. Phillip
thoughtshewouldhavetakenthenewsbetterthanshehad,butshedidn’t.Insteadshetooktoavoiding
Aidenlikehehadtheplague.ItbrokeSkyler ’shearttoseehisfriendsufferforsomeoneelse’shatred.

“Son.” Phillip sat in the chair next to Aiden and entwined their fingers. “Give it time. She’ll

comearound.”

“Butwhatifshedoesn’t?”Aidenasked,tearswellinginhiseyes.
“ThenshewillneedtoleavebecauseIcan’tlivewithawomanwhowoulddenyouronlychild,”

Phillipsaidbluntly.“SheknowshowIfeelaboutallthis.Ifshecontinuestobeunreasonable,thenshe
needstomoveon.”

Skyler scooted his chair closer to the father and son. He couldn’t believe that Phillip would

actuallyleaveAiden’smomoverthat,butthenagaintherewasn’tmuchparentswouldn’tdofortheir
children.ButSkylerhadtothinkAiden’smomlovedhimenoughtogetoverherbullshitbigotry.

“Dad,don’t say that,”Aiden whispered. “Idon’t want this toaffect your lives.It just hurts that

shewouldjustcutmeoutlikethis.Istillloveher.”

“It’sherloss,babe.”DevonwalkedupbehindAidenandbentatthewaisttohughim.“You’re

perfectjustthewayyouare.”

“Iagree,”Skylerhappilychimedin.“Nowlet’sgetonwithourrun.”Hechangedthesubject,not

wantingtoseethesadnessonhisfriend’sfaceanymore.

“Isecondthat.”Aidenmouthedasilentthank-youtohim,andSkylergavehimaslightnod.
Thepackhaddecidedtoruntonightafterdinner.Philliphadbeenwantingtoseethemenintheir

wolfformssohe’dbeabletodecipherthemfromotherwolves.PlushewasdyingtoseeShaneshift.
Likethepack,Philliphadneverseenawhitetigerinpersonbefore.

Skyler, Viktor, Shane, Devon, Jake, and Erik moved to the yard and began removing their

clothes.Eachofthemshiftedattheirownpace.

Skylerletthesparksofelectricityrunoverhisskinashisshiftstarted.Hehadgottenusetothe

slightpainovertheyearsshiftingintohissecondformcaused,andnowhebarelyacknowledgedit.
Thefreedombeingawolfgrantedhimtookawayanydiscomforttheshiftmightcause.

Devonletoutaloudahowlandtookoffrunningnorth.Skylerandtheothersfollowedbehind

him.

Heenjoyedthestretchofhismusclesandpullinhisjointswhenheleapedintheairashisfeet

propelledhimforward.ThesoundsofthewildernesssangaspecialtunethatmadeSkylerfeelalive.

Devongaveasharpbark,andtheotherpackmembersbrokeoffintheirowndirections.Some

likedtorununtiltheirlegstiredandsomelikedtohunt.Skyler,nowhelikedtojogalongleisurely
thenplopdownandenjoythecoolgrassonhisfur.He’dlieoutunderthestarsandfeelatpeacewith
theworld.

Skylerdidexactlythat,buttheusualcalmnessdidn’tcome,andheknewwhotoblameforthat.

Noah.Hehadn’tseentheothermaninaweek,andSkylerhadbeentryingtocatchthemanunawares.
Atthestore,thecaféontheoffchancethemanlikedcoffeeshopcoffee,andalloverSilverCreek,
butnothing.Hisnosewouldtracktheman’sscent,butitwasfaintasifNoahhadjustleftwhereverhe
had been, and Skyler refused to go to the man’s house. That would be too weird to show up at his
doorstep,andSkylerhadtoomuchpridetolookthatdesperate.

Aftertheirlastencounteratthestore,hecouldtellNoahfoundhimattractive.Themanlooked

nervousaroundhimandalittlejumpyasheopenlycheckedSkylerout.Granted,hedidn’tthinkNoah
knewhewasbeingsoblatantaboutit,butSkylerwasn’tbotheredbyit.Itgavehimthego-aheadto
pursuetheman.

Skylergrowledlowandrestedafurrypawoverhiseyes.Herolledtohisbackandidlykicked

hislegsintheair.Yes,itwastantrum-likebehavior,butSkylerwantedtobewithhismate.Theman
shouldbewithhim,andheshouldbespendingtimewiththeirson.

Hispawfellawayfromhisfaceandhelookedtothesky.Carsonwasn’thisbiologicalchild,but

he felt a kinship to the little boy. The love he already had for Noah compared to what he had for
Carson.Hewantedtobeafamilywiththem.Carsonseemedtotallyonboardwiththat.Everytimethe
littleboysawhimhehuggedhim,andoddlyenoughthekidsniffedhimalot.Notentirelyoddbut
different. He never seen that type of behavior from a human child but, hey, he had to admit he did
smellprettydamngood.

Thesoundofsoftyelpsinthedistancehadhisearsperkingup.Skylerrolledtohissideandsat

up. The sounds got louder, and he looked in the direction they came from. Skyler saw something
small running right at him. The closer the furry object got the stronger its smell became. His head
cockedtotheside,andhiseyesthreatenedtobugout.

Carson!
The moon’s light cut through the trees and painted across the little wolf’s face. Even in wolf

formSkylerrecognizedthebright,clearblueofCarson’seyes.Histonguehungouttotheside,and
hebarkedexcitedlyashenearedSkyler.

Never in a million years would he have expected this. Wolf shifters emitted a scent that other

wolvescouldpickupon.ButnothingoutoftheordinaryevercamefromCarson.Hesmelthuman.

Skylerletoutasoftbark,andifpossibleCarsonranfaster.Oncehewascloseenough,Carson

launchedhimselfatSkyler.ThelittlefurballrubbedhisnoseintoSkyler ’schest,andSkylerbenthis
head down and brushed his long snout over the boy’s head. Carson jumped and nipped excitedly at
him,justlikeapuppywoulddo,andSkylerpawedatthelittlewolf,playingwithhim.

After a few minutes of entertaining the little guy, Skyler looked up to see if Noah was in the

distance,buthedidn’tseeanything.Alittleworried,Skylergaveasharpbarkandmotionedwithhis
headforCarsontofollowhim.Thepupfellintostepbehindhimandfollowedalong.

Astheywalkedtogetherintotheclearing,hesawthattherestofthepackhadreturned.Hecould

seeDevonandAidenholdinghandsandShanesittingonViktor ’slap,andangerboiledinhisgut.

IfCarsonwasawolfthenNoahknewaboutSkyler ’skind.Yetthemandidn’tsmelllikeawolf

andneitherdidhisson,sohehadtowonderwhatwasatplayhere.Itwasanirrationalanger,butifhis
mateknewaboutwerewolves,whydidn’theletonaboutanything?Skylerwouldhavebeenopento
listening because it seemed rather fucking perfect to have a mate who had a child who was a wolf
shifter.

The closer to the house he got he saw all eyes turn toward him and his little follower. Skyler

shiftedmidstepandlookeddownatCarson.

“Carson,it’sokay,shiftbackforme.”Hepettedthewolf’ssmallhead.“Iwanttointroduceyou

tomyfamily.”

Thepupwhined,hiseyesdartingbetweenSkylerandthenearingcrowdofmen.
“Don’tbeafraid.”HesmileddownatCarson.“I’dneverletanythingoranyoneharmyou.”
Thatseemedtowork,andwhereoncesatawolfnowassmallchild.“Sky!”Carsonjumpedinto

hisarms.“I’vemissedyou.”

“Dude,whereingod’snamedidyougetakid?”Viktorasked.
“Well,umm.”Helookedathisfriends,tryinghisbesttofindtherightwords,buttheywouldn’t

come.

“Carson!”
Skyler whirled around with Carson still in his arms to see Noah running at them. He had red

scratchmarksononecheek,mudcakedtohisknees,andhisbreathcameoutinheavypants.Theman
lookedlikehell,buthisfaceworeoneofshockandsurprise.

“Noah?”Phillipasked.
NoahstoppedinfrontofSkylerandcuppedhissoiledhandsaroundhisson’scheeks.Helooked

himover,andSkylerkeptquietwhilehedidso.

OnceNoahlookedsatisfiedthatCarsonwasokayheglancedupatPhillip.Hisfacescrunchedin

confusion,andSkylerknewtheywereinforalongnight.

ChapterFive

Thejourneytofindhissonhadbeenlongandgrueling,butonlytookhimaboutfifteenminutes.

He kept his flashlight in front of him as he ran through the forest. Small paw prints were speckled
hereandthereleadingthewayhissonhadgone.Butthefartherintothewoodshegotthemorepaw
printshestartedtosee.Bigonesthatwerewaytoobigtobeanatural-bornwolf’s.

Panichadhimrunningharder,searchingeveryshadowhesawforhisson.Hisheartbeatrapidly

in his ears, and he slipped on some loose dirt and rocks and fell down a short incline. He lost his
flashlightandhadtorelyonthemoontoguidehisway.Beingashewashumanitstillwasn’tenough,
buthecontinuedtorun,walk,andfallseveraltimeswhileinpursuitofhisson.

In the distance he heard the howls and sharp barks, and he did his best to move faster, but the

summerfoliagehinderedhisprogress.Hewasjustabouttolosehopewhenhesawabrightlightin
thedistance.Itlookedlikeaspotlightonewouldhaveatthebackoftheirpropertythatwouldlightup
whensomethingpassedthecensor.Rushingforward,Noahbrokethroughthetreesandsawagroup
ofmen.HerecognizedSkylerinstantlyandinhisarms,hisson.

“Phillip?” Noah asked as he looked to one of the only people on the hunter ’s council he

consideredatruefriend.Hestoodbeforehimsurroundedbyagroupofmen.Somepartiallyclothed
butsomenot.Theonesthatweren’twerehissonandSkyler.Asparkofjealousyflushedhisfaceas
herealizedeveryonewasgettingagoodlookattheman-he-was-attracted-to’snakedbody.Butwhat
shockedhimthemostwasseeingPhillip.

NoahlookedtoalltheunknownfacesstaringathimandsettledonPhillip’s.“Whatthehellis

goingonhere?”

“I’dliketoaskyouthesamething,”Philliprespondedback.
“Me?”Noahjammedafingerintohischest.
“Noah,calmdown.”Skylerlaidahandonhisarm.Thetouchcausedthemusclestoquiver,and

hepulledback.HepluckedCarsonfromtheotherman’sarms.

“NoIwillnotcalmdown,Skyler,”Noahsnapped.“Mysontookoffwithoutmeknowingit,and

Iwassickwithworry.ThenInearlykillmyselftraipsingthroughthewoodsinthedark.Andtotopit
offIrunintowhatI’massuming”—Noahpausedtocatchhisbreath—“isapackofwerewolveswith
myfriendstandingaroundlikethisisnobigdeal.SoexcusemeifI’mlittleoffkilterhere.”Hehated
to snap at anyone, especially Skyler, but he just had the fright of his life. When he couldn’t find
Carson,hisheartdamnnearstopped.Worrylikeheneverknewexistedrackedhisbody.

“I’msorryyouhadtofindoutlikethis,”Phillipansweredhim.Hewalkedupbetweentwomen.

Heplacedahandontheonewhoresembledhim.“Thisismyson,Aiden,andthisishismate,Devon.”
Hedroppedhisotherhandtorestonthelargerman’sshoulder.

“Mate?”Noahraisedhiseyebrows.“Asinhe’sawolf?”
“Yes.”PhilliptookastepclosertohimandlookeddownatCarson.“Justlikeyourson.Ihate

thewaythisallcameout.Iwashopingtointroduceyoutomyextendedfamilybeforesomethinglike
thishappened.”

“Youknewtheylivedhere?Thatapackofwolveslivedsoclosetomyhouse?”Hisfurytoward

hisfriendstartedtopulselikealivingentity.

“Yes,Idid,andIdiditbecauseItrustmysonandhismate.AndIknewtheycouldhelpyouwith

Carson.Heneedstobearoundsomeofhisownkind.”

Whathisfriendsaidmadesense,butstill,alittlewarningwouldhavebeennice.Helookedathis

sonthenbacktowardhisfellowhunter.Theonequestionthatshouldhavebeenscreamingathimat
Phillip’sfirstdeclarationfinallyjustpopped.“Howdidyouknow?”Heinstantlystartedtowonderif
itweresomethingCarsonhaddone,somelittlethingthathadtippedoffotherhuntersaswell.

“Not every child I’ve had the pleasure of meeting goes on and on about my scent. Granted at

first when I met Carson I didn’t put two and two together. It was before Aiden and Devon had met.
Thenafter being aroundthis group ofknuckleheads I started topick up onthe little details. Carson
movesratherfastforachild,andhesniffstheairalot.MostofthetimeIdon’tthinkheevenknows
he’sdoingit,butIdidandfigureditout.”AtNoah’ssharpinhaleofbreath,Philliphelduphishands.
“ButonlybecauseI’vebeenaroundwolves,sociallythatis,andIpickeduponsomeoftheirhabits.
HadIneverknownawerewolfpersonally,Iwouldn’thavehadaclue.”

“Ohthankgod!”Hesighedinrelief.
“Hi,I’mDevon.”Themanheldahandouttohim.NoahmovedCarsonontohisotherhipand

shooktheofferedhand.“I’malsothealpha,asPhilliplikestoputit,ofthisgroupofknuckleheads.”
DevongrinnedoveratPhillip.

“Son,IcallthemasIseethem.”Phillipchuckled.
“Son?”Noahpulledhishandbackandstaredatthefacesandhelandedononeherecognized.

“Viktor.”Hetookastepforward.“ViktorCarsten.”

“Yes,sir.”Viktorjammedhishandsintohispockets.“How’sthehouseworkingoutforyou?”
“Great.” He darted his eyes over to Devon and saw the resemblance. Brothers. “You’re the

Carstenfamily.YouownCarstenandSon’sConstruction.”HelookedbacktoPhillip.“Youplanned
allthisout.HowcouldyouhaveknownIwouldhavebeenokaywithallthis?”

Aslightnudgeinhisarmhadhimlookingdown.Skylerhadsteppedclosetohim,andwithout

knowingwhyhegrabbedtheman’shandandpushedhimbehindhim.Notwantingalltheothermen
lookingatSkyler ’sbarebody.

“Thisisn’tweirdoranything,”Skylermumbledfrombehindhim.
“Itookachance,andforCarson’ssakeiswhyIdidwhatIdid.Awolfneedstogrowuparound

other wolves so they know how to act in the human world and can adapt.” Phillip rubbed his chin.
“I’mactuallyalittledisappointedyouhadn’tsaidanythingtomeaboutCarson’scondition.I’vebeen
droppinghintslikecrazy,butneveroncedidyouintrustinme.”

“Iwasafraid.”Noahcouldhearthesadnessinhisownvoiceandhatedthatitmadehimseem

weak. “I didn’t know who I could trust, and the older Carson got, the harder all this became. I just
didn’tknowwhattodo.”

“Well, lucky for you, you have us.” Phillip reached out and pinched Carson’s cheek. His son

giggledandsquirmedinhisarms.“Letmeintroduceyoutoeveryone.ThisisShane.He’sViktor ’s
mate.”HepointedtoamanwhostoodwithanarmwrappedaroundViktor ’swaist.“He’salsoatiger
shifter. Then there’s Erik, he’s the youngest Carsten brother. And this young man is Jake.” Phillip
slappedhishandonatallandverystrong-lookingman’sback.“Hehastwobrothers,ColeandJosh,
andCole’smateisJosef.Theyaren’thererightnow.”Philliplookedamongthecircleandhiseyes
stopped on Skyler where Noah had pushed the man to stand behind him. “And it looks like you
alreadyknowSkyler.”

Noahtriedtoswallow,buthisthroathadgonedry.Alleyeswereonhim,Skyler,andCarson,

andhedidn’tmuchcareforit.

“He’smymate,”cameSkyler ’ssoftwhisper.
“Andthisjustkeepsgettingbetterandbetter.”ItwastheonenamedShanewhospoke.Asmilea

milewidegracedhisyoungface.

At Skyler ’s words, Noah slowly turned to face the man. “Mate?” This was a shock to say the

least,buthecouldn’thelpbutfeelalittleexcited.HegrinneddownatSkylerandtouchedhischeek
lightly.Noahknewwhatmatemeant,butcouldn’tdecideifthiswasgoodnewsorjustmorestressin
hislifehedidn’tneed.

Noahwasahunterwhohadachildwhowasawolf,andnowhefoundouthewasawolf’smate.

Ifthecouncileverfoundout,theywouldkillhimforsure.

SomethingmusthaveshowninhiseyesbecauseSkylerpulledawayfromhistouch.

****

“Whydon’twegoinside,”Skylersuggested.Withnightuponthemacoolbreezeblewinfrom

thedarkenedwoodsandputachillintheair.Hedidn’twantCarsontocatchachill.

“Ithinkthatwouldbeagreatidea.”Devonwavedeveryonetowardthehouse.
SkylersteppedaroundNoahandstartedtowalkwithhaste.Noahknewaboutwolves,andhewas

ahunternoless.Themanprobablykilledcountlessofinnocentwolves.

IthurttoknowhehadalreadyfalleninlovewithNoahandCarsonandwasn’tforsurewhere

he’dfitintoNoah’slife.

“Hey,waitup.”Noahreachedoutandgrabbedhisarm,butSkylerdodgedhisgraspandpulled

away.“Skyler!”

“No,notnow.”SkylerspunaroundreadytounleashhisfuryonthemanwhenhesawCarson’s

smilingface.Hetookadeepbreathandheldouthisarms.“Letmetakehim.Icangethimashirtto
wearsohedoesn’tgetcold.”

NoahlookedfromSkyler ’soutstretchedhandsbacktoCarson,andSkylersawtheuncertainty

onhismate’sface.Skylerwantedtoscreamatthelackoftrustfromtheotherman,butdidn’twantto
upsettheirson.

Son. He had no claim to the child, but it felt right. Noah was his fated mate, and Carson was

Noah’sson,sointheoryitmadethesmallchildhis,inaway.AndSkylersodesperatelywantedtobe
apartofthislittleboy’slife.

“Sky!”Carsonshoutedandpushedathisfather ’schesttogettohim.ReluctantlyNoahlethim

go.

“I’llseeyouinthelivingroom.”SkylertookoffwithCarsonsafeinhisarms.Nomatterhow

mad he was at Noah, he felt nothing but love for Carson. This small child was his son, at least he
hopedNoahwouldlethimfillthatroleinCarson’slife.“Comeon,littleguy,let’sgetyouaT-shirt.I
thinkIgotonewithStewiefromFamilyGuyonit.”

“FamilyGuy?”Carsonasked,lookingconfused.
Skylerstartedtolaugh.“It’safunnyshow,butprobablynotappropriateforlittlekids.”
“Oh.”CarsontuckedhisheadinclosetoSkyler ’sneckandyawned.“I’mtired.”
“I bet you are.” Skyler reached his room and sat Carson down on his bed. He pulled on some

jeansandgrabbedashirtforhimandoneforCarson.“Here,buddy,situp.”Carsonhadcurledintoa
ball on his bed and he had to help the little boy sit up. He maneuvered Carson’s little arms into the
shirt.“Let’sgoseeyourdaddy.”

Ashecamedownthestairs,hecouldheartheothermentalkinginthefrontlivingroom.When

he reached the bottom step, Noah looked up, and a smile graced his lips. Skyler pretended to be
unaffectedbyitasthemanwalkedtowardhimandreachedforhisson.Carsondidn’twanttogo,but
Skylertoldthelittleguyhewasn’tgoinganywhere,andthatseemedtopleasehim.

HetooktheseatnexttoNoahtokeepCarsonhappyandlookedaroundatthesilentcrowd.“So.”

Skyler motioned to Carson where he sat on his father ’s lap then to his mate. “How did this come
about? I mean we all know you’re not a wolf, so what’s the story?” Skyler was dying for some
answersandnooneelseseemedtowanttoaskthehardquestions.

“Umm…”NoahlookeddownatCarsonthenupathim.SkylersawthebobbingofhisAdam’s

apple as his throat worked, but no words came out. There was a pleading in his eyes, but Skyler
ignoredit.Hedidn’toweanythingtoNoah,andrightnowhehadtoknowwhatthedealwas.

“Hey,Carson,”Aidensaid.“Youhungry?”Carsonnoddedfrantically.Aidenstoodupandheld

outhishand.“Ibetwehavesomecookiesandmilkinthekitchen.”

“Thankyou,”NoahsaidtoAidenwhojustsmiledandgaveasmallnod.
SkylerwatchedhisfriendwalkawaywithCarson,andhefeltlikeaninsensitiveasshole.Carson

wasalittleboywhodidn’tknoworneedtoknowthesordiddetailsofhowhecameintotheworld,
andbyNoah’sstiffpostureitwasn’taconceptionbroughtaboutbylove.

“Carson’s mother was a wolf. Her name was Haley.” Noah raked a hand down his face, and

Skylersawthestresslinescreasedonhisface.“AfterahuntonenightIstoppedatabarIfrequented.
Nothingspecialjustalittleholeinthewall.I’dgothere,getadrink,andunwind.Onenightawoman
startedtochatmeup.ItoldherIwasn’tinterested.AfterIfinishedmydrinkIstoodtoleave.”Skyler
feltNoah’sbodygotaut.“ButwhenIstoodupitfeltliketheworldhadstartedtospinaroundlikea
merry-go-round,andmyvisionbecamefuzzy.Thewomanhelpedmetomyfeetandtoldmetorelax
thatitwouldbeoversoon.Iknewthenshewasn’tanyordinarywoman.Iwokeupthenextmorningin
ahotelroomnaked,anditwasobviousthatIhadhadsex.Ninemonthslatersheshowsupatmydoor
withCarson.”

Skylerdidn’tknowwhenhedidit,buthehadscootedcloserandheldoneofNoah’slargehands

betweenhissmallerones.Noahhadbeentakenadvantageof,buttheendresultgavehimtheirson.

“Ihatetoaskthis,butareyousurehe’syours?”Devonasked.
“Being as Carson isn’t fully human, I couldn’t take him to a human doctor. They’d see the

abnormalitiesinhisblood.Sono,Idon’thaveanymedicalproofthathe’smine,buthelooksjustlike
me.Hehashismother ’seyes,buttherestisallme.”Asmallsmilelituphismate’sface.“Evenifhe
weren’tmine,Istilllovehim,andthatwon’tchangeifIfindouthe’snotbiologicallymine.”

“And it shouldn’t,” Phillip agreed. “What was the motive behind this female wolf getting

pregnantwithyourchild?”

“When she brought Carson to my house, she said that her alpha wanted to use a hunter to get

informationaboutthecouncil.Andwhatbetterwaytoblackmailahunterintodoingwhatyouwant
thantothreatenhimwiththeexposureofawolfoffspring?”

Phillip nodded his understanding, and so did Skyler. He wasn’t on the council, but he could

imaginewhatthey’ddoifoneoftheirowninteractedwithwolves.

“WhenshediscoveredthealphawasgoingtokillCarsonwhenhedidn’tneedhimanymore,she

saidthebabyhaddiedinchildbirthandfled.”Skylergaspedatthethoughtofanyonehurtingthelittle
boy.Noahsqueezedhishand.“Shecametome,andatfirstIdidn’tbelieveher,butthen”—Noahgota
farawaylookinhiseyes—“Ilookedintohisbigblueeyes,anditdidn’tmatterifhewasmineornot.I
tookhimandofferedhertostayaswell,butsherefused.Shesaidthatheralphawassearchingfor
her,andshewouldn’tendangerCarsonbystayingaround,sosheleft.”

“Doyouknowwheresheisnow?”Skylerasked.
“She’sdead.”Noahturnedtohim,andSkylercouldseetheshineofunshedtearsfillinghiseyes.

“A few months after she showed up on my doorstep her body had been found. I was at council

headquarters when a call came in about a mutilated body. Nothing unusual. I went with a few other
hunters to investigate.” Noah’s voice grew hard. “It looked like Haley had been in the process of
shiftingwhenshehadbeenattacked.Theyrippedoutherthroatthentoreherapartlimbfromlimb.
Shelayinpieceslikesomegrotesquepuzzle.”

“Dear god,” Skyler whispered. What Noah described sounded horrible, and to know that had

happened to Carson’s mother. The little boy would never meet the woman who gave him life. The
womanwhosacrificedeverythingtokeephimsafe.

“Irememberthat.”Philliplookedlostinmemory.“Itshockedthecouncilthatwolveswouldturn

ontheirownlikethat.”

“Notallwolvesarelikethat.”Devonspokeup.
“No,son,they’renot.”PhilliplookedtowardhimandNoah.“Sowhat’syourplan,Noah?”
“Myhouseinthecityjustsold,andIfinallygoteverythingmovedintothenewhousehere.I

quitmyjobfivemonthsagoandputinmynoticeatthecouncil.Somyplanistoliveherewithmy
son.”

“Good plan,” Phillip said with a smile. “I’m staying on for the obvious reasons, and I’ll keep

youupdatedonwhatisgoingwiththecouncil.”

“Iappreciatethat,Phillip,andthankyouforplottingallthis.Tookmebysurpriseatfirst,butI

canseethelogicbehinditnow.”NoahlookedtoDevon.“Youdon’tmindhelpingtoteachmyson,do
you?”

“Ohgodno.”Devonletoutaheartylaugh.“Itwillbenicetohaveakidaround.Heandyouboth

arewelcomeatourhouseanytime.We’reallfamilyhere.”

Carsoncamerunningbackintotheroom,andNoahletgoofSkyler ’shandtoprophissonup

onhislap.Skylerfeltcoldandbereftwithouthismate’stouch.ApartofhimwonderedifNoahfelt
thesameloss.Skylerknewhewasbeingpetty,buthedidn’tknowwherehestoodwithNoah,andnow
wasn’tthetimetoironouttheirissues.

Lostinhisownthoughts,Skylerputonasmileandnoddedwhentheoccasioncalledforitasthe

otherstalkedaroundhim.

ChapterSix

About an hour later, with a sleeping Carson in his arms, Noah left the Carsten house. Phillip

gavethemanandchildaridebackhome.

Skylerexcusedhimselftothekitchenwhileeveryonesaidtheirgood-byes.Inthetimetheyspent

togetherthatnight,nothingbetweenthemhadbeenworkedout.Hewasbeingunreasonable,butdamn
ithewantedNoahtosaysomething,anything.Butasthefrontdoorshut,heknewnodeclarationsof
lovewouldcomethisnight,maybenotever.

“Goddamnit!”Skylerballedupthedishraginhishandandthrewitatthefarwall.Hefellback

againstthewallandsliddowntositonhisass.Hottearsburnedlikelavadownhischeeks.

HeshouldbeheadinghomewithNoahandCarson.HeshouldbewithNoahasacouple.Noah

shouldbeshowingsomesortofconnectiontohim,butthemandidn’tshowshit.No,weshouldtalk.
No,Iwantyouwithme.Noahdidn’tdoanythingthatwouldmakeSkylerthinkhewantedhim,andthat
brokehisheart.WithNoahbeinghumanmaybehedidn’tfeelthepullofbeingmated.Ifthatwerethe
case,Skylerhadtogetusedtobeingletdownandbeingalone.

“Soareyougoingtostayinhereandpoutallnightorareyougoingtomanupandgoafter

yourmate?”

Skyler wiped away his tears and looked up to see Viktor leaning against the entryway to the

kitchen.“Goaway,Vik.Youdon’tknowwhatyou’retalkingabout.”

“Sure I do.” Viktor walked over to him and sat down beside him. “I’m the king of being a

martyr.Sotakesomeadvicefrommystubbornass.Don’tletNoahpushyouaway,andtobehonestI
don’t think Noah is doing it on purpose, so cut him some slack. He’s afraid for his kid, and he’s
human. Humans aren’t real knowledgeable on the whole mate thing. You need to take a stand and
showyourmatethatyouarethereforhim.”

Skylermulledoverwhathisfriendsaid.IfViktorcouldgetoverhisshittobewithShane,then

Skyler,whowasofthesensitivesort,couldgetoverhis.ButwhatifNoahdidn’twanthiminhislife?

“Whatifthat’snotenough?”Skylerturnedhistear-stainedfaceuptoViktor.“Whatifhedoesn’t

wantCarsonaroundme?”

“Okay, now you’re just being stupid.” Viktor sighed with great annoyance. “I sat there tonight

watchingthetwoofyou.Thewayyousatnexttoeachlookingcomfortablelikeyouhadbeendoing
thatforyears.AndNoahnotwantingyouaroundCarson?Don’tbeanidiot.”HegaveSkyleraslight
nudgeinthearm,andSkylerrockedbackandforth.“Whenyoucamedownthestairswiththatlittle
boyinyourarms,Noah’sfacelitup.Hell,evenIcouldseetheloveoozingofftheguyashestaredat
you.There’snodoubtingit,Noahhasfeelingsforyou,butIthinkyouneedtomakethefirstmove.”

“Vik,Idon’tknow.”Skylershookhisheadfromsidetoside.Therewasn’tanythingelseinthe

worldthathewantedtodomorethangoandjumpintoNoah’sarmandkisshimuntilhislungsburst
from lack of oxygen. And then he wanted to wake up in his mate’s arms, surrounded by their love.
Thengetupandmakebreakfastwiththeirson.Itwasn’tthedreameverymanhad,butitwasSkyler ’s.
Hewantedafamily,andhewantedthatwithCarsonandNoah.

“Damnyou’resohardheaded.”ViktorstoodupandpulledSkylertohisfeet.“Nowputonyour

big-boy panties and go get your mate.” He gave him a one-armed hug. “You deserve to be happy,
Skyler.”

When Viktor let go Skyler pulled him back for a proper hug then pulled back. “Panties?” He

cockedaneyebrowandgrinned.

“Ohshutup.Likeyouwearunderwearanyway.Allthosetightjeansyoufancyleavenoroom

forundergarments.”

“You’venoticed,”Skylerteased.
“Ithinkeveryonehasnoticedincludingyourmate.Nowgoandgethim.”
Viktor wasn’t the most sensitive, in-touch-with-his-feelings kind of guy, but he tried, and he

helpedSkylertonight.“Thanks,Vik.”

Skylerwalkedoutthebackdoor,notlookingback,justkeptgoingforward.Thatwaswhathe

had to do because if he looked back to the comfort of his home, he’d turn around and run for the
safetyofhisbedroom.Thethoughtofrejectionstungdeep,andSkylerdidn’twanttowillinglydouse
himselfinit.EverythingdependedonNoah.ItwasoutofSkyler ’scontrol,andthatwasafeelinghe
wasn’tusedto.

Dropping his clothes with every step, Skyler, now naked, fell to all fours and let the change

come over him. He turned his neck from side to side, feeling the stretch and pull of his bones and
muscles lengthening. Hair sprouted out, covering him in a layer of soft brown and white fur. He
raisedhisheadtotheskyandletoutalongdrawn-outhowl,thentookoff.

Noah’s scent still hung in the air, and he followed it through the dark woods, jumping over

fallentreesandthethickshrubsthatgrewwild.Hewasonamission,andhehadtogettoNoahbefore
whatcouragehewieldeddriedup.

****

NoahputCarsontobedafterPhillipdroppedthemoff.Hetriedtoputpajamasonhisson,buthe

refusedtotakeofftheshirtSkylerhadgivenhim.

Carsonhadfallenasleepbeforeheevenshutthedoor.Walkingdownthehallway,Noahtookthe

stairs down to the first floor. He needed to check the doors one more time, and he wanted to pour
himselfadrink.Aftereverythingthathappenedheneededsomethingtohelpnumbhisfrayednerves.

The first sip of the amber-tinted scotch burned a trail down his throat. He sucked in a deep

breath, letting the cool air soothe the burn. He walked with glass in hand to the back door. Stars
showeredasoftfaintlightonhisbackyard.Theviewwaspleasingtotheeye,butsomethingseemed
missing.

When Carson took off he was distraught with worry, but when he saw him with Skyler all the

concernandstresswentaway.HeknewSkylerwouldprotectCarsonandcareforhim.Howheknew
withoutadoubtthathewould.

“Skyler,”hemumbledashetookanotherdrink.ThememoryofseeingSkylerstandinginthe

openyardcompletelynakedhadhisheartbeatingdoubletime.Hisslender,well-tonedbodysangto
Noah’s.HewantedtowraphimselfaroundSkylerandneverletgo.“Whatareyoudoingtome?”

Noahhadplentyofpastlovers,andnoneofthemevermadehimthinkofsettlingdown.Then

when Carson came into his life, finding his knight in shining armor became a nonexistent dream.
Howcouldheexplaintoanotherhumanthathissoncouldturnhimselfintoawolf?They’dthinkhe
wascrazyorcauseattentiontohimandhisson,sendinghunterstheirway.

But then he met Skyler. The man seemed to arouse his long-forgotten desires. For reasons he

couldn’t explain to his rational mind, he wanted to love Skyler. It felt natural and right. He had to
assumeithadsomethingtodowithhimandSkylerbeingmates,butNoahwashuman.Coulditreally
affecthimlikethis?

Ahowl rang outin the distance,and Noah looked up.He could seemovement in the darkness

andknewitwasSkyler.Heflungopenthedoorandwalkedoutontothebackpatio.Apairofbright
glinting eyes shined through the night, and in a flash those eyes turned human, and Skyler came
walkingoutofthetrees.

Hisbreathcaught.Skylerdidn’thaveonastitchofclothing.Thewhiteofhisskinglowedinthe

faint starlight like the stone of a statue. Noah’s fingers itched to trace every contoured line of the
man’sbody.

He could only stare as Skyler got closer. Skyler ’s jaw was set hard, and determination lit his

eyes.NoahonlyhadaminutetobracehimselfbeforeSkylerattacked.

****

ThecloserhegottoNoah’shouse,thestrongerhismate’ssmellbecame.Hisclawscurvedinto

the dirt and helped propel him forward. He was so close he could practically taste Noah’s scent. A
combinationofexpensivecologneandsweat.

Justashereachedtheedgeofthetreeline,hesawtheman.Noahstoodonhisdecorativestone

patiostaringoutintothedistancelikehehadbeenwaitingforhim.

Skyler stopped and met Noah’s eyes. He changed from wolf to human in a flash and walked

toward his mate. Seeing the desire in his mate’s eyes helped fuel his courage. Sexual tension
permeated the air so thickly Skyler couldn’t control himself and jumped into Noah’s arms like he
longedtodofromthemomenttheymet.

HebroughthismouthdownhardoverNoah’s,andthemansqueezedhimtightaroundthewaist.

Skyler tangled his fingers in Noah’s dark hair and wrapped his legs around his hips, grinding his
erectcockagainstNoah’s.

The night went silent with only the sounds of their heavy breathing and wild grunts. Noah’s

hands gripped him hard over his ass, and Skyler jerked, pushing harder into the welcome stiffness
behindtheman’szipper.

SkylershiftedandpusheduphigherinNoah’shold.Themanstumbledbackwardbutregained

his footing. Noah pulled back and gazed up into Skyler ’s eyes. He looked like he wanted to say
something,butSkylerputafingeroverhislipsandsmiled.Noahreturnedthesmileandsethimback
downonhisfeet.HeentwinedhisfingerswithSkyler ’sthenturnedaroundandheadedintothehouse.
Skylerfollowedsilentlybehindhim.

Noahledhimupthelongstaircaseanddownthehallway.WhentheyreachedhisroomSkyler

closedthedoorsoftlybehindhim.Noahstoodbeforehimlookinguncertain.Skylergrinnedevillyup
athimandbegantowalkhimbackwardtowardthebed.

Something flashed before Noah’s eyes, and the next thing Skyler knew he was on his back

covered by Noah’s hard hot body. Noah pushed at his thighs, and Skyler spread them wide, letting
Noahin.

Skyler scraped his nails down Noah’s back, unintentionally shredding the soft cotton. Noah

startedtolaugh,andSkyler ’scheeksflushedwithheat.

“Youcouldhavejustaskedmetotakeoffmyclothes.”Noahpushedupontohiselbowstolook

downathim.

“Where’sthefuninthat?”SkylersmiledthenpulledNoahbackdownontopofhim.Hepressed

histongueatNoah’slipsuntilheopened.Hedrankinhismate’stasteandfeltlightheaded.Neverhad
akissbeenmoreperfect.

Withhandsgropingandrushedfingers,theygotNoahoutofhisclothes.Hegotuptocollecta

tubeoflubefromhisensuiteandcamebacktothebed.Skylerwatchedashismatecamecloserto
himthenclimbeduponthebedlikeapredatorstalkingitsprey.Skylerdidn’tthinkitwaspossiblefor
ahumantolooksoanimalistic,buthe’dnevermetanyonelikeNoahbefore.

The man’s body had hard muscles corded around his torso, which traveled up his arms and

downhislegs.Noahhadabodyanymalewouldbejealoustohave.Hehiditunderhisloose-fitting
jeansandplainT-shirts,butSkylernowknewwhathadbeenlurkingunderthesurface.

SkylerdroppedhisgazetoadmirethehaircoveringNoah’schest.Hisnippleslaynestledunder

thefinedarkhair.Skylerreachedoutandranafingernailoveronepebbledpeak,andNoahsuckedin
asharpbreath.Hesmiledashewatchedhismate’sbodygotaut.

WithalowgrowlNoahknockedhishandawayandsettledbackbetweenSkyler ’slegs.Skyler

broughthisfeetuptorestonthebedandlethiskneesfallopen,exposinghisholeforhismate.The
kissingandtouchingwasgreatandall,butSkylerwantedmore,alotmore.

“Makelovetome,”Skylersaidinbetweenkisses.
Noah’s mouth stopped moving, and Skyler opened his eyes to stare at his mate. Did he say

somethingwrong?

Noah sat back and popped the cap on the small tube and coated his fingers in the clear gel.

Skyler watched with eager eyes. Noah grabbed his thick shaft and ran his hand up and down the
length.Skyler ’stonguecameoutandtracedacrosshislipsashewatchedNoahgetprepared.

SkylersatupandreachedforwardandgrabbedNoahbythewrist.Hepulledthehandtowardhis

eagerhole.Noahfollowedhisguidancewithoutquestion.SkylerletgoasNoahstartedtopainthis
wetfingersoverhisentrance.Hegaspedwhenonelargefingerbreachedhisopening.Hefellback
againstthemattress,hisheadlandingonthefluffypillows.

One finger became two, and Skyler pushed down, fucking himself on Noah’s fingers. Skyler

used his own fingers to pluck at his nipples, sending jolts of pleasure to his swollen cock. Sweat
coveredhisbody.Hecouldfeelhisreleaseclimbingtothesurfacewantingtobefree,buthesilenced
it.Skylerwantedthistolastaslongaspossible.

Noahpulledhisfingersfreeandedgedcloseronhisknees.HeguidedhiscockintoSkyler ’swet

hole.Skylerheldhisstareashismateslowlyenteredhisbodyforthefirsttime,anditwasbetterthan
anythingSkylerhadeverfeltbefore.

Skyler sucked in air as Noah’s fat cock eased forward. The slight sting it caused had his eyes

watering,butheforcedhismusclestorelaxandtookallNoahhadtogive.Oncefullyseated,Noah
came down to lie over him. Skyler wrapped his arms around Noah’s neck and kissed him. Noah
kissedhimbackandslowlystartedtopullandpushbackin.Skylermoanedandliftedhiships,trying
togetmoreofhismate’shardnessintohim.

Theirbodiesmovedasone,andNoahkepthisthrustatalightandevenpressure.Nothingtoo

hardoraggressive.Skylerenjoyedthatkindlovemaking,buthewantedmore.HewantedtoseeNoah
losecontrolandravishhisbodythewayhismateshouldwanttodo.

Skyler used his strength to pump his hips upward, slamming his ass against Noah’s groin,

forcinghiscocktohitdeeper.HedugtheheelsofhisfeetintothesidesofNoah’sassandpushed.He
feltlikeahorse-ridingcowboywhohadtonudgetheheelsofhisbootsintothehorse’ssidestogetit
torunfaster.

“Skyler,”Noahhissedbetweenhisteeth.
“I won’t break,” he gasped out as he moved faster, fucking himself on Noah’s cock while his

mate tried to hold still. “That’s the good thing about being mated to a wolf. We’re resilient.” He
grinned.“Icantakeanythingyoucandishout.”

“Oh,yeah?”Noahpushedhimselfuptositbackonhislegs.HisfingersdugintoSkyler ’ships

ashepulledhimdownthebed.“We’lljustseeaboutthat.”

Skylerhadneverbeenonetoturndownachallenge,andhewasn’tgoingtostartnow.Helaid

backandbracedhisarmsagainsttheheadboard.

Sweat dampened Noah’s hair, and his lips were pulled back as if he were snarling. His hips

pumpedforwardsohardaresoundingslapechoedintheroom.ThishadbeenwhatSkylerwanted.To
seehiswell-put-togethermateletgoandclaimhimwiththeferociousnessthatwentbeyondwhatany
wolfcouldpossiblygive.

Skyler started to fidget against the silky sheets. He brought a hand down to rub against his

hardness.Heneededtocome,andhiscockitchedtobetouched.

“Notyet.”Noahsmackedhishandawayandquickenedhisstrokes.Hecurledhisfingersunder

Skyler ’sassandlifted.

“SweetJesus!”Skylercriedoutatthenewangle.InthispositionNoah’sdickbrushedagainsthis

sweetspotwitheverymove.Hiseyesfellshut,andhegaspedforair.Hismindwasbeingblownapart
withsensation.

“Now!” Noah gripped Skyler ’s cock with confident, sure fingers. The calloused pads of his

palmaddedaroughnessthathitalltherightspots.

Astormsogreattwistedandturnedinhisballs,shootinghotwhitelightningoutthetipofhis

cock.Cumsplatteredontohischestinhotropes.Hisbodytensedaroundtheinvasioninhisass,and
heopenedhiseyeswhenNoahgrittedouthisnameashishot,stickysemenfilledupSkyler ’shole.A
lookofpureblisstransformedNoah’sfaceintoathingofbeauty.

Skylerfelthisteethstarttopokeouthislipastheyextendedfromhisgums.Inamovesofasthe

flipped Noah over on his back and straddled his lap, keeping Noah’s cock inside him. A look of
surpriseandalittlefearlitbehindNoah’seyes.

“I’msorry.”Skylershrunkback.Hemustlooklikeamonstertohismatewithhisteethexposed

likethis.

“No, don’t be.” Noah sat up and used his finger to turn Skyler ’s face back around. “I was

surprisedisall.I’veneverseenawolfsoupcloseandpersonallikethisbefore.”Hechuckled.Noah’s
eyesgrewserious.“Whatisitthatyouneed?”

“It’sawolfthing.”HetriedtoclimboffNoah’slap.“It’sstupidreally.”
“No,tellme.”Noahheldhimclose.
“Awolfmarkstheirmatebyplacingabiteuponthem.It’ssootherscanseethattheyarespoken

for.”AtNoah’swideeyesSkylerrushedtosay,“Butwedon’thavetodothat.”

“It’s not that.” Noah lifted one of Skyler ’s hands and kissed the palm, then brought the hand

downhisneck,thentraceditovertohisshoulder.“Canyoubitemehereandnotonmyneck?Idon’t
wantthecounciltogetsuspicious.”

“Really?You’llletmemarkyou?”Hisvoicecrackedashespoke.WasNoahbeingserious?
“Ofcourse.”Noahhuggedhimclosetohischest,andamoanescapedSkyler ’smouth.Hecould

feel Noah’s still-very-hard cock twitch within his body. “It’s the way of your people, and I like
knowingyouwillbelongtomeaswell.I’drathernotbiteyou,butIwouldliketosomedayputaring
onyourfinger.”Noah’seyesfell,andeveninthedarknessSkylercouldseetheblushcreepinguphis
mate’sneck.

“Marriage?”Skylersaidalittletooloud,andNoahstartled.“Youwanttomarryme?”
“Well yeah,” Noah said as if Skyler were touched in the head. “Being your mate is like being

marriedinthewaysofthewolf.Butforushumanswegetmarried.”

“Wellduh.”Skylerstartedtolaugh.“Mydadishuman.SoIknowwhatmarriagemeans.I’mjust

surprisedyou’resowillingtoofferthatsosoon.Weonlyjustmet.”Hedidn’twanttochangeNoah’s
mindoranything,buthehadtomakesureNoahreallywantedthis.

Noahkissedhimlightlyontheforehead.“Trustme,Ithinkit’ssuddenandalittlecrazy,too,but

IfeellikeIcan’tlivewithoutyou.Youfillmeupinsideinwaysthatnooneelsehasbefore.”

“Really?”Noahnodded.“WhataboutCarson?”
“WhataboutCarson?”Noah’sfacegrewhard.“We’reapackagedeal.”
“Ofcourse!”Skylerrushedtosay.“Iwanthiminmylife,butwillIjustbeafriendtohimorcan

Ibehisdad,too?”

“Youwanttobehisdad?”
“Yes.”HecuppedhishandsoverNoah’scheeks.“It’snotjustyouIfellinlovewith.Iwanttobe

in Carson’s life like every freaking day. I never thought I’d have kids, and now I do.” Skyler
nervouslynibbledonhislip.“Ifthat’sokaywithyou.”

Noahsquintedhiseyesandpursedhislipslikehewasthinkingaboutit.Skylercrossedhisarms

overhischestandnarrowedhiseyesathismate.“Doyoureallyhavetothinkaboutit?”Skylerasked.

“Nah,Ijustthinkyoulooksoadorablewhenyou’reflustered.”
“Youdick!”SkylertackledNoahtothebedandpinnedhisarmsoverhishead.
“Well,itappearsyoulovethatpartofmybody,soI’mokaywithyoucallingmethat.MaybeMr.

Dick would be better.” Skyler tickled at Noah’s sides, and his mate jerked and twisted, laughing the
wholetime.“Igive.”SkylerstoppedandputhishandsonNoah’schestthenrestedhischinonthem,
lookingdownathismate.

“Honestly,I’vealwayswantedCarsontohavetwoparentsjustincasesomethingweretohappen

to me.” Skyler ’s shock must have been visible. “It’s part of being a hunter. We don’t always come
home.”

“Areyoustillgoingtoleavethecouncil?”SkylerwantedNoahtoleavethehunter ’scouncil,but

likePhilliphemightdecidetostay.

“Yes. I just need to finish out the month, then I’m out for good,” Noah said with complete

finality.“Butbacktothewholeparentthing.FromwhatIunderstandwolvesmateforlife,soifyou
wantedtoornotyou’regoingtobeaparent,anditwouldseemCarsonalreadylovesyou.”

“Do you think he really does?” Skyler couldn’t control his excitement and unintentionally

startedtobounceonNoah’slap.”

“Babe.”NoahputhishandsonSkyler ’sshoulderstostophim.“Stopthatorwe’llneverfinish

thisconversation.”

“Oh,yeah,sorry.”Skylercouldfeelthehardnessinhisass,andhisowncockstartedtostir.
“Ithinkhereallydoes.”Noahrolledover,trappingSkylerunderneathhim.“SoIguesswe’rea

family.”

“Afamily.”Happinessspreadthroughouthischestandhefeltlighterthanair.“Ilikethesound

ofthat.”

“Me,too.”Noahstartedtomovehishipsinacircularmotion.Skylermoanedandsqueezedhis

thighsaroundNoah’slegs.“Nowlet’sstoptalkingandgetbacktothismatingbusiness.”

“Yes,sir,”SkylersaidbreathlesslyasNoahstartedtodriveharderintohisbody.
They made love face-to-face, kissing the whole time. When his teeth started to lengthen, he

accidentlyprickedNoah’slip.Hismatepulledbackandtiltedhisheadtotheside.Skylerkissedand
licked down the side of Noah’s neck then stopped when he reached the center part of Noah’s left
shoulder.Hepressedasoftkisstotheskinthenopenedhismouthandbitdown.Noahshoutedouthis

releaseasSkylertookinhiscrimsonflavor.

Noah’sexotictastecausedSkyler ’sorgasmtoslamthroughhim,shootingthrougheverynerve

inhisbodyashecameonNoah’shardchest.

WithgreateaseSkylerpulledhisteethfromNoah’sshoulder.Helickeduntilthebloodstopped

drippingout.HelookedupandmetNoah’ssedatedgaze.

“Iloveyou,Skyler.”
“Iloveyou,too.”Tearsmadehisvoicecrack.NoahpulledfreefromSkyler ’sbodyandrolled

themtolieontheirsides.Forthefirsttimeinhislifehefeltutterlycomplete.Lifewasperfect.

ChapterSeven

The next morning Skyler woke up to the soft warm rays of the sun streaming in through the

windowslashingacrosshisface.Hetriedtostretch,buthisarmswerepinnedtohissidesbyalarge
solidmassathisback.Asleepygrincreasedhisfaceasthepreviousnight’seventsdancedinvivid
images through his mind like the soft pitter-patter of raindrops falling on his face, gentle and
welcoming.

HelaythereinthecomfortofNoah’stenderembraceuntilhismatewokeup.Theylaystaringat

oneanother,nowordsneededtoexpressthefeelingofwonderandcontentmenttheyfelt.

The quiet solitude they built around them was disrupted by one very wide-awake little boy

lookingforbreakfast.

Noahloanedhimsomeclothestowear,andhefollowedthemandownstairstothekitchen.For

Skyler it was like walking into one of his fantasies. Carson sat at the high countertop watching
cartoons,andNoahreadthenewspaperonhislaptop,whileSkylermadebreakfast.Mostmen’sinner
desiresrevolvedaroundsomesortofkinkysexactsthathadthemtwistingtheirbodiesintosomesort
of unthinkable position, but not Skyler ’s. Sitting at home with his loving husband and sweet little
angelofasonwashisdreamcometrue.

AftertheyfinishedeatinghehelpedCarsongetdressed,thentheyallwentouttothebackyard.

SkylerpulledhischairclosetoNoah’sandrelaxedbacktowatchCarsonplayonhisswingset.The
littleguyclimbedupthesmalltowerandsliddownthetwistingslide.Hislaughtercarriedonthewind
andbroughtasmiletoSkyler ’sface.

“So,Skyler,whatdoyoudo?”Noahaskedhim.
“Doyoumeanlikeajob?”HeturnedhisgazeawayfromCarsontolookathismate.“Iactually

tooksomeculinaryclassesatthecollegeinSilverCreek,butIdidn’thaveanyinclinationtomoveto
alargecitytofurthermycareer.I’mnotfondofcitylife.”Skylershrugged.“NowIworkaroundthe
Carstenestate.Icookandcleanfortheguys.DevonpaysmeprobablymorethanIdeserve,butIlike
it.Iliketakingcareofpeople.”

“Icanseethat.”
SkylerreachedoutandrestedhishandoverNoah’s.“Soifyoudon’tmindmeasking,whatare

yougoingtodonowthatyou’veretiredfrombothyourjobs?”

“Good question.” Noah rubbed at his chin. “I planned to stay home with Carson until he starts

school,thenfromthereIdon’tknow.”

“Don’tyouneedajobtopayforallthis?”Skylerthoughthemightbebeingalittlenosyabout

hismate’sfinances,buthiscuriositywasgettingthebetterofhim.

“No, not really. I’m worth a lot of money, and this house”—Noah gestured toward the house

—“ispaidfor.”

Skyler ’seyespoppedopen,andhestaredwithhismouthgapingopen.“Seriously?”
Noahliftedhiscoffeemugtohismouth,smilingovertherim.“Yep,Ihaveenoughmoneyto

takecareofme,you,andCarsonandCarson’sgreat-great-great-great-grandkids.”

Skylershookhishead,tryingtoclearthecobwebsthisnewinformationhadcaused.Apparently

his mate was loaded. Skyler wasn’t poor, but he didn’t have money in his bank account of that
magnitude.

“Hey.”HejumpedwhenNoahcalledout.“Ididn’tmeantointimidateyouwiththat,butIwanted

youtoknow.Youdon’thavetoworkfortheCarsten’sanymoreifyoudon’twantto.”

“But I do,” he answered quickly. “I like it. I get to spend time with my friends, and I live for

cooking,andthoseboyscaneat.”

“Oh.”Noahpulledhishandawaysofast,asifSkyler ’stouchscoldedhisfingers.
“What’swrongwithyou?”Skylerturnedinhischairaroundtofacehismatehead-on.
“It’s nothing. I just assumed you’d want to live here with me and Carson. Last night we talked

aboutbeingafamily,butifyouwouldratherstayattheCarsten’sIguessthat’sfine.It’syourchoice.”
Hardnessclippedeachword.

“Skyler ’sgoingtolivewithus?”Carsonaskedasheranuptowardthem.
Noahdidn’tsayanything,justsatinhischairpouting.Skylerleanedacrossthetable,smilingat

Carson.“Yes,Carson,Iam.Isthatokaywithyou,buddy?”

“Yes!”Skyleropenedhisarmsandcaughtthelittleboywhenhejumpedintohisarms.
“No, thank you, little man.” Skyler held Carson tight. He glanced over to see Noah staring at

them.“Isthatokaywithyou?”

“Very.”NoahgotupandcameovertohimandCarson.
“I’llworkoutthedetailswithDevonandtheguys.Istillwanttohelpoutaroundtherebutnotas

much.Ineedtobehereformyguys,too.”

Noah knelt down beside Skyler ’s chair, resting a hand on Skyler ’s thigh. “If that’s really what

youwant.”

“OfcoursethisiswhatIwant.”HetiltedtothesideandkissedNoahonthecheek.“ButIdon’t

want to hear you complaining as you’re helping me pack all my stuff. I have a ton of clothes.” He
winkedathismate,andNoahstartedtolaugh.

The rest of the morning went off without a hitch. They drove over to the Carsten house since

theyhadtobringallofSkyler ’sstuffbackwiththem.Devonwasn’tsurprisedbythenews,saddened,
but not surprised. Skyler planned to come to the house every morning and do some light
housekeepingandpreparetheeveningmeal.Devonsaidhedidn’thavetodothat,butSkylerwanted
to.Itkepthimclosetohisfriendswhileallowinghimtobewithhisnewfamily.

As Skyler put the last box into the back of Noah’s large SUV, he stared up at the house he’d

calledhomeforthepastsevenyears.Itwasn’tagood-bye,justthestarttothenextchapterinhislife.

****

“Istillcan’tbelieveyoumovedout.”Skylerrolledhiseyes.“ImeanItotallygetit.Youfound

yourmate,andyouhaveCarsonnow,but,dude,Imissyou.”

AidenhadaccompaniedhimandCarsontotheparkinSilverCreekandhadbeenwhiningabout

notbeingabletoseehimasmuchthewholetime.Ithadonlybeenaweeksincehemovedout,butto
listentoAiden,itsoundedlikeithadbeenyears.

SkylergotupfromthesandboxwherehehadbeenplayingwithCarson.Hewenttositnextto

Aidenonthebenchthatborderedthepark.“Imissyou,too.”Hewrappedanarmaroundhisfriend’s
shouldersandhuggedhimclosetohisside.“But,sweetie,itisn’tlikeI’mthatfaraway.”

“I know, but I still miss watching TV with you late at night.” Aiden stuck out his lower lip,

lookingridiculouslycute.“WatchingTheVampireDiarieswithDevonjustisn’tthesame.Heasksway
toomanyquestions.”

Skylerstartedtolaugh.Hecouldn’tbelievebigandstrongalphaDevonwouldwatchateenage

dramashow,buthey,lovemadeapersondocrazythings.

“HowaboutCarsonandIspendthenighttomorrownight,andwecanhaveagirls’night.”

Inviting himself over was partly for selfish reasons. Noah had to head back to New York for

councilbusinessandhadbeengonefortwodays.Thebighouseseemedextraquietwithouttheman,
andatnightthehousemadecreakingandgroaningsoundsthatkeptSkylerupatnight.SinceNoah
hadbeengonehe’dbeenlettingCarsonsleepwithhim.Noahwouldprobablybepissedathimfrom
startingthatbadhabit,butSkylerhadgottenusedtosomeoneelsesleepinginthebedwithhim.

“Kindofscaryinthatbighouseallbyyourself,huh?”Aidenelbowedhiminhisside.
“Justalittlebit.”Hepinchedhisfingerstogether.
“Ihatetosayit,butI’mglad.”AidenwoundhisarmsaroundSkylerandsqueezedhimtight.“I

getmySkybackforthenight.”

“Yeah,yeah.”Skylerrolledhiseyesinfeignedannoyance,butheactuallymissedthechaosof

livinginahomewitheightothermen.Therewasalwayssomeonearoundtotalktoifhegotlonely.

AidenstartedtorambleonaboutJosefandColeandhowtheyhadcomebackhome.Themen

didn’t have any luck finding Cole’s brother, Josh. As Aiden droned on Skyler turned his attention
towardCarson.

Thesunshonebright,andheshieldedhiseyesfromtheharshglare.Carsonhadhisbacktohim

playinginthesand.Skylerstooduptogetabetterviewandnoticedadark-hairedmansatinfrontof
Carson,talkingtohisson.

“Skyler,youokay?”Aidenasked.
“Sure,” he said absentmindedly. “I’m just going to go check on Carson.” He started to walk

towardwhereCarsonsatplaying.Hecouldseetheman.Helookedyoung,andtalkedveryexcitedly
toCarson.

Justthenagustofwindblewacrosshisface,coolingthesweatclingingtohisbody.Adistinct

smell had him stumbling over his feet. A woodsy scent of fresh turned up earth. Wolf, his mind
screamed.Allhiswarningbellsstartedtogooff,andhisheartpoundedloudlyinhisears,tuningout
allothersounds.HerantheremainingdistancetoCarson.Thestrangerdidn’tlookthreatening,buta
wolfcouldwearsheep’sclothingandfooljustaboutanyone.

“Carson.” Skyler ’s voice sounded winded. The little boy turned around and smiled up at him.

Skyler bent down and helped Carson to his feet. He glanced over his shoulder to see Aiden had
followed him. “How would you like Aiden to take you over to the Early Bean and get you a
smoothie?Shanesaidhewantedyoustopbybeforeweleft.How’sthatsound?”Hiseyesdartedover
Carson’sshouldertolookatthestranger.

“Great.”Carsondustedhishandsagainsthisshirt.SkylerturnedhimtowardAiden,butCarson

spunaroundtofacetheotherman.“Itwasnicemeetingyou.”

“Itwasnicemeetingyou,Carson.”
There was a look in the other man’s eyes, joy or maybe relief, Skyler couldn’t place it.

Whateveritwashedidn’tlikeit.Whatgrownmanhungoutinaparkwithoutachildofhisowntobe
watching?

SkylertuggedonCarson’shandandledhimtowardAiden.AidengaveSkyleracuriouslook

butquicklymaskeditwithasmile.HeheldhishandouttoCarson,andthelittleboytookit,andthey
startedtowalkaway.Skylerwatchedthemleavethroughtheparkandthenacrossthestreet.They’dbe
safeatthecafé.WithShanebeingatigershifter,Skylerknewthemancouldprotectthelittleboy.

Oncetheyweresafelyatthecaféheturnedtofacetheman.Tohissurprisethemanstillsatthere

gazing after Carson. His eyes shined with what almost looked like tears, but Skyler couldn’t be
certain. Something seemed oddly familiar about the man. The bright shade of blue his eyes shown
touched a nerve with Skyler. Like maybe he’d seen this man before, but Skyler would have

rememberedsomeonewithsuchstrikingbeauty.

AsthemanpulledhimselftohisfeetSkylertookinthesharpcutofhisjawandtheheart-shaped

lips. He wore a pair of well-worn jeans and a plaid, short-sleeved, button-down shirt. His thick,
glossy,richbrownhairshinedinthesunlightgivingwaytostreaksoflighterbrownsandauburns.
Musclesbulgedoutfromthecuffsofhisshirtwhereitcutintohisbiceps.Evenhisjeansoutlinedthe
strengthinhislegs.

“Is he your son?” The sound of the man’s voice shook him from his visual assessment of the

stranger.

“Yes,”hesaidwithouthesitation.Skylercrossedhisarmsoverhischest.“Younewintown?I

don’teverrememberseeingyouaroundbefore.”

“ThatIam.”Themanheldouthishand.“MynameisHolden,andyouare?”WhenSkylerdidn’t

immediatelyreachouthishandtoshakehis,theman’sfacewentblank.

Skylertookastepcloser,keepinghisvoicelow.“Well,Holden,pleasetellmewhyawolfisata

parkchattingupachild?”

“Oh.”Holden’shandshrunkbackandfelltohisside.“Younoticed?”
“Prettyhardtomiss.”
“Ismelleditonthelittleboy,andIwasn’tsureaboutyouuntilyougotcloser.Imeannoharm.”

Holdenheldhishandsuppalmsout.“Iwaspassingbyandsawhimsittingbyhimself.AsawolfIfelt
itwasmydutytomakesurehehadn’tbeenabandonedorsomething.”

“Well he hasn’t,” Skyler snapped, angered by the implication. Something just didn’t feel right

about this whole situation. When wolves came into another pack’s territory it was considered a
common courtesy to introduce themselves to that alpha. That practice wasn’t as enforced as it had
beeninyearspast,butmostwolvesstillfollowedthoseoldlaws.

“LikeIsaid,Imeantnodisrespect.I’mnewintownandwasjustoutenjoyingthenicesummer

day.”

SkylerstaredatHolden,andthemandidn’tflinch.Hiskindblueeyesneverwaveredorshowed

any hostility toward Skyler for questioning him like some criminal. He appeared to be telling the
truth,butSkylerdidn’tfeelinclinedtosaythattoHolden.

“I’lljustbeonmyway.”Holdenstuckhishandsinhisbackpocketsandgaveawideberthashe

passedSkyler.

As Holden walked away, his shoulders hunched with his head down. The lone wolf looked

lonely. That could explain why he would stop and talk to a wolf child. Not thinking twice about it,
Skyler called out, “Holden!” The man quickly turned around, and Skyler walked over to him. “If
you’reinterestedinmeetingtheareaalpha,justgiveacalltoCarstenandSon’sConstructionandask
forDevon.”Skylershrugged.“Itcanbelonelyinanewtown,andourpackisagoodgroupofguys
ifyou’relookingtomakefriends.”

Holdenhadalookofsurpriseonhisface.“Thanks,Iappreciatethat.”Hepausedandquirkedan

eyebrowatSkyler.

“Oh,I’msorry.”Skylergavehimafriendlygrin.“I’mSkylerandwelcometoSilverCreek.”
“Well,Skyler,itwasnicemeetingyou.Andthanksfortheinformation.”
SkylernoddedhisheadandwatchedasHoldenwalkedaway.Beingawolfhelearnedearlyonto

keep a watchful eye on a possible threat, and he couldn’t shake the idea that Holden was hiding
something.Skylerwantedtogivehimthebenefitofadoubt,butwiththewayhehadbeentalkingto
Carson,Skylerdidn’twanttochanceit.IfHoldenintroducedhimselftoDevon,thenthatwouldgive
Skylersomepeaceofmind.

ChapterEight

NoahhatedbeingawayfromCarsonandSkyler,butheneededtocleanouthisofficeatcouncil

headquarters. The council had been such a large part of his life. He’d grown up within these very
walls.Hisfatherhadbeenahunterandsohadhisgrandfather.Eventhoughthosethesemenfought
hardtoextinguishtheverybeingsthatmadeuptheworldhissoncamefrom,Noahcouldn’thelpbut
bealittlesaddenedtosaygood-bye.Hischildhoodandhisadultlifehadbeenbuiltarounddestroying
themonstersthattookinnocentlivesforsport,butafterhavingCarsonandmeetingSkylerheknew
nowthosebeliefswerefalse.Thecouncilwasn’tinterestedinhearingwhatNoahhadlearned.They
werehell-bentonkillingeveryshiftertheyfound,andtherewasn’tathingNoahcoulddotochange
theirminds.

“Ican’tbelieveyou’releavingus,Noah.”Bryce,themaninchargeofthenortheasternregion

hunter ’s council, stood at his door. His steely gaze and aristocratic facial features could capture a
person’sattentionanddemandrespect.Hislong,leanbodycombinedwithhisthick,silkygrayhair
only added to his attractiveness, but it was his dominant, no-nonsense attitude that sparked Noah’s
attention,butalsomadehimfeartheman.

“Me either,” he answered honestly. Every time he thought about leaving he found a reason to

stay.

“Well,son,youcancomebackanytimeyouwant.”BrycereachedoutandgrabbedNoah’sarm,

givingitatightsqueeze.“AndIstillexpectyoutobringCarsonaround.He’slikeagrandsontome.
I’llmisshimmorethanI’llmissyou.”Brycewinkedathim.

“Of course I’ll bring him by.” Even as Noah said it he knew it was a lie. Bryce was a hunter

through and through and would turn on Carson the moment he found out the truth. “He’s going to
missyou,too.”

BrycetookaseatinoneoftheleatherchairsinfrontofNoah’sdesk.Noahproppedhishipup

onthedesk,halfsittinghalfstanding.“How’sthenewhouse?Youlikeitoutthereingod’scountry?”
Bryceteased.

Noah shook his head and chuckled. “Yes, very much so. I was a little hesitant at first, but it’s

beginningtogrowonme.”

Bryce had opened his mouth to say something when the office secretary beeped in on the

intercom.“Mr.Thompson,Ihaveacallholdingforyou.”

“Oh,it’sprobablyonthesaleofthehouse.”Noahreachedoverandgrabbedthephone.Heheld

upafinger,signalingtoBryceit’donlytakeaminute.“Hello,thisisMr.Thompson.HowcanIhelp
you?”

Nothing but silence met his ear then a shrill laugh. “How can you help me?” A distorted-

soundingvoicecamethroughtheline.

Noah’seyeswidened,andheturnedtofaceawayfromBryce.“Whoisthis?”Hekepthisvoice

evenbutfirm.

“Someonewhoknowsyouhavesomethingthatdoesn’tbelongtoyou.”Sweatbrokeoutalong

hisbackasthevoiceontheotherendcontinuedtotalk.“Alltheseyearsyouthoughtyouweresafe
butnotanymore.Iwanttheboy.”

“I’msorrytohearthat,”Noahsaid.HedidhisbestnottogiveanythingawaywithBrycesitting

three feet from him. If the council president found out about Carson, their lives would be in even
moredanger.“Butasitstandsthat’sjustnotpossible.”

He racked his brain, trying to place the voice but nothing stood out. Whoever had called him

musthaveknownabouthim,Haley,andCarson.Haleyhadbeendeadforfiveyears,andNoahhadn’t
heardapeepfromherpack.Butwhycallhimnow?

“We’llseeaboutthat.”Achillingclicksounded,andthelinewentdead.
Noahdidn’thavetobeageniustoknowitwassomeonefromHaley’spack,butwhowouldhave

known Carson had survived? Haley had said she told her alpha the baby had died. So how did they
findout?

“Noah,youallright?”Bryceasked.Noahturnedtoseeconcernintheolderman’seyes.“You

looklikeyou’veseenaghost.”

“Nah.” Noah recovered quickly and smiled. “The people who bought my house wanted to

negotiatesomemoreitemsinthecontract,butIrefused.They’realreadygettingonehellofadeal.”

“Okay.”Brycegavehimaworriedonce-overthenstoodup.Noahbreathedasighofreliefthat

themandidn’tquestionhimfurther.“Ifyouneedanythingjustgivemeaholler.Ithinkofyouasa
son,Noah.Don’tbeastranger.”

“Iwon’tbe,sir.”NoahchokedbackhissurprisewhenBrycepulledhimintoahug.
OnceBryceleft,Noahwentbacktohisdeskandfishedhiscellphonefromhisbag.Hepulled

upSkyler ’scontactinformationandhitsend.ItonlyrangoncebeforeSkylerpickedup.

“Heythere,sexy.”Skylerpurredintothephone.
“Hi.”Relieffloodedhischestathearinghislover ’svoice.“How’severythinggoing?”heasked.

Hekepthistonelight,notwantingtoworrySkyler.

“Good.I’mactuallygoingovertothecafé.AidenwalkedCarsonovertherewhileIpickedup

thetoyswebroughtwithustothepark.

“Soundslikefun.”Noahpaused,takingabreath.Hewantedtoaskifanythingoddhadhappened.

If Skyler noticed any strange people hanging around. If Haley’s pack knew about him and Carson,
therewasapossibilitytheyknewhehadmovedandthathewaswithSkyler.Thethoughtofthetwo
mostimportantpeopleinhislifebeingindangercrackedhiscontrol.“I’vegotsomegoodnews.I’m
cuttingmystayshortandcominghometonight.”

“Awesome.Carsonwillbegladtohearthat.”
“OnlyCarson?”Noahteasedevenashestartedtohustleabouthisoffice,tossingitemsintoan

emptybox.Whateverreportshehadn’tcompletedhe’djusttakewithhimandfaxbackintoBryce.

“Well, maybe I’ve missed you a little bit.” Noah could hear the smile in his lover ’s voice. “I

mightneedareminderofwhatI’vebeenmissing.”

“I guess when I get home I’ll have to give you a refresher.” He smiled when he heard Skyler

laughing.

“Soundslikeaplan.”
“Skyler,”hesaidinanearwhisper.“Iloveyou.”
“Iloveyou,too,baby.Nowhurryhome.”
Noahhitendonhisphoneandheldthedeviceinhishand.Hishandsshookslightlyashestared

blindlyinfrontofhim.IfHaley’spackhadfoundthemmaybeitwastimetomovefartherawaythan
he had. He didn’t want to, but he may not have a choice. Noah just had to hope Skyler would
understand.

****

SkylerfeltatwingeofguiltfornottellingNoahaboutHolden,buttherereallywasn’tanything

totell.Themanhadn’ttriedtotakeCarsonfromthepark,andHoldenhadstayedandexplainedhis
situation to Skyler. If the man had been up to evil motives, he would have taken off without a
backwardglance.

Lookingrightthenleft,SkylercrossedWildroseAvenueheadingtowardthecafé.Hepushedall

thoughtsofHoldenoutofhismind.Skylercouldn’twaittotellCarsonthatNoahwouldbecoming
homeearly.Noahhadonlybeengonefortwodays,buttheystillreallymissedhim.

Ashereachedthecaféhestoppedtostarethroughthefrontwindows.CarsonsatnexttoAiden

onahighstool,leaningoverthecounter,talkingtoShane.Skylerlovedthathisfriendshadbeenso
acceptingofCarsonandNoah.Notthathewasafraidtheywouldn’tbe,itjustmeantalottoseethem
so caring and loving toward his new family. Even rough and tough Viktor melted like butter when
Carsoncalledhimuncle.TheCarstenpacktrulywasexpandinginnumbers.

Skyler grinned from ear to ear as he pushed through the door. The bell overhead chimed

makinghispresenceknown.

Carsonspunaroundonhischairandsmiledsowideallhissmallwhiteteethcouldhaveblinded

him.“Daddy!”Carsonjumpeddownfromhischairandranovertohim.“YouhavetotrywhatShane
mademe.It’ssogood.”

Skylerstoodtheirstunnedlikeadeercaughtinacar ’sheadlights.ThiswasthefirsttimeCarson

hadevercalledhimdaddy.ThelittleboytypicallyjustcalledhimSkyler,butthis,thiswasawelcome
surprise.Hiseyesgrewmistywithemotions.

“Surething,buddy.”SkylerbentdownandpickedCarsonup.Thelittleguyhuggedhimaround

theneck,andSkylerheldhimtight.HelookeduptoseeAidenwipingathiseyeswithanapkinand
Shanestoodnoddinghisheadwithagentlesmileonhislips.ThesemenknewwhatitmeanttoSkyler
tohaveCarsoncallhimdaddy,andtheywerejustashappyforhimasSkylerwas.

HesatdownonthestoolCarsonhadvacatedandletCarsonsitonhislap.“Shane,getmydaddy

oneofthese.He’llloveit,”thelittleboyordered.

“Sure thing, Car-Car.” Shane rubbed his hand against Carson’s dark hair then turned to make

Skylerhisdrink.

“So,”Aidenspokeup,“everythingokayoutthere?”
SkylerkissedthetopofCarson’shead,smellingthesandandsunshineonhisskin.Beingwith

his son made every day so much better than the last. He looked over to his friend. “Yeah, just me
beingoverprotective.”

“Hey, in this world you can never be too cautious,” Shane said as he placed a pineapple

smoothieinfrontofhim.

“Hey,Carson,whydon’tyougocolormeapicture?”Hesettheboyonthegroundandwatched

as Cason ran over to the little table the owner Margie had set up for the small children that
accompaniedtheirparentstothecafé.

OncehesawthatCarsonwastotallyengrossedinhispictureheturnedbacktohisfriends.“That

guywhowastalkingtoCarson.HisnameisHolden.He’snewintown,andhe’sawolf.”

“Really?”Shaneleanedacrossthecounter.“What’shisstory,andwhythehellwashetalkingto

Carson?”

“That’swhatIaskedhim.HeclaimedthathesawCarsonsittingbyhimselfandcouldsmellhe

wasashifterandthoughtthathemighthavebeenabandoned.”

“Thatsoundslikealoadofcrap,”Shanesaid.
Skylershrugged.“Ithoughtso,too,atfirst,butIdon’tknow.There’ssomethingthatseemsso

familiarabouttheman.InanoddwayIfeellikeIcantrusthim.”Skylerputthestrawtohislipsand

tookadrinkofhissmoothie.Thecoolnessofthedrinkwethisparchedthroat.“TobesafeItoldhim
howtocontactDevon.Ifhe’ssincereinhismotives,thenhe’llintroducehimselftothealphaandall
willbegood.”

“Whatifhedoesn’t?”Aidenasked.Alookofworrywrinkledhisforehead.
“I don’t know, but I still don’t think he intends on harming Carson.” He looked over his

shouldertowardhisson,prayinghisinstinctsweredeadon.

“Don’tfreakoutjustyet,guys.”Shanesmackedhishandsonthecounter.Skylerturnedaround

to see his friend grinning like a wild man. “But seriously, how cute was it that Carson called you
daddy?”

“Iknow!”AidennudgedSkylerintheshoulder.“That’sflippingawesome.”
Skyler let his head drop to rest his chin against his chest. To hear Carson call him daddy was

betterthanwinningthelottery.Helookedupfinally,tearsinhiseyes.“Itis,isn’tit?Ihonestlydidn’t
knowhowhefeltaboutmeandNoah.Heneverseemedupset,buthenevercalledmedaddybefore.”
Hisvoicedhitched,andatearspilledfromhiseye.

“Okaythere,MissAmerica,calmdown,”Shaneteased.Skylerlaughed.“FromwhatI’veseen,

hell,allofushaveseen,thatlittleboyadoresyou.”

“Andsodoeshisdaddy,”Aidenchimedin.“Youguysmaketheperfectfamily.”
“You guys really think so?” Not that Skyler doubted what they said, but he liked having other

people’sperspectives.Theymightseesomethingthathehadn’t.

“Ofcoursewedo.Wecanseehowmuchyouallcareforoneanother,andweallcareaboutyou

guys.We’remorethanhappyforyou,”Shanesaid.

“I’mgladtohearyousaythat.”SkylerreachedoutandgrabbedAiden’shand.Hisfriendtilted

hisheadtolookathim.“Soyouwon’tbemadwhenItellyouNoahiscominghometonightsowe’ll
havetopostponeourgirls’night.”

“Ugh,” Aiden whined. “I’m sick of having to share you.” He pouted, but it was ruined by his

laughing.

“Daddy’s coming home?” Carson stood beside Skyler. He kept forgetting how good Carson

couldhear.Beingawolfmeantthelittleguycouldhearapindropinacrowdofscreamingpeople.

“Yes he is, mister.” Skyler picked Carson up under his arms and sat him on the countertop

facinghim.“Andhismissesyouaton.”

“Iknow,”Carsonsaidinamatter-of-facttone.
“Oh boy.” Shane let out a hoot. “He’s been hanging around you long enough to pick up your

sarcasticattitude.Aiden,we’reallintrouble.”

“Hey!”SkylerplayfullyshovedatShane’sarm.
“Whatwillwedowithtwooftheminourlives?”Aidenputahandtohisforeheadandclosed

hiseyes.“Ohthehorror.”

“Ohhush.You’rejustjealousyou’renotascoolasmeandmyson.”
“That’sright.”Carsoncrossedhisarmsoverhissmallchestandpursedhislips.
SkylerandhisfriendsstartedtolaughatCarson’sadorableness.Carsonhadn’tjustwiggledhis

wayintoSkyler ’sheart,butintoeveryoneelse’saswell.Everythingseemedtofallingintoplacefor
Skyler,andherefusedtothinkthatanythingcouldpossiblyevertakeallthisawayfromhim.

ChapterNine

The sun had set, and darkness blanketed the earth. Noah sighed in relief when the familiar

surroundings of home came into view. His house sat up on a small incline, and the porch lights
beckonedhimhome.Hepulledhiscarintothegaragebuthesitatedinclosingthedoor.Inthedistance
hecouldhearbarking.

Noahwalkedoutthegaragedoor,hittingthecodeontheway,shuttingthedoorandfollowed

theplayfulsoundsofbarkingcomingfromthebackyard.Hecamearoundthecornerandsawboth
SkylerandCarsoninwolfformrunningaroundthebackyard.Hisheartexpandedatthevisionbefore
him.

Skylerwouldgoleftthenfeintright,butslowenoughforCarsontocatchhim.Thelittlebrown

wolf pounced on the larger white-and-brown-shaded wolf. Small growls met his ears as Carson
tackledSkylertotheground.Stayingintheshadows,Noahwatched.Itwouldn’tbelongbeforethey
scentedhispresence.

He tried to imagine moving his family away from all this. The thought crushed him on the

inside.Carsonandhehadmadealifehereinsuchashorttime,andthiswasSkyler ’shome.

Thewolveshadgrownquiet,andNoahsquintedhiseyestogetabetterlook.Skylerlaypropped

uponhiselbowsandCarson’slittlewolfbodycurledintohisside.Themoonhunghighandroundin
thesky,drawingbothwolves’attentionupward.

Noah looked up at the glowing orb, and out here in the woods it looked like it hovered just

abovehishead.Itwasasifhecouldreachoutandtouchit.Nehalemwasfullofspectacularviewslike
this. The town sat nestled away from the big city, and nature surrounded them at every turn. The
environment allotted the perfect freedom for a wolf. They could run free without the fear of being
hunteddown.HowcouldhepossiblytakeCarsonawayfromthis?

Alow-pitchedbarkstirredhimfromhisworry.HelookedovertoseeSkyler ’swolffacestaring

athim.Hismouthhungopen,andhistonguelolledtotheside,andifitwerepossibleforawolfto
smile,NoahcouldhaveswornSkylerwas.HewoofedagainandmotionedwithhisheadforNoahto
comeforward.

Thesoundofhisfeetsnappingatwighadthelittlewolf’searsstandingonend.Hewatchedas

Carsonlookedoverhisshoulderthenhestoodup.

“Carson!”Noahcalledout.
Carsonstartedrunningtowardhim.TheairaroundCarsongrewfuzzy,theninaflashhislittle

boywasrunningontwolegsandjumpingintohisoutstretchedarms.

“Daddy,”Carsonmumbledagainsthisneckwhereheheldtight.“Imissedyou.”
“Imissedyou,too,pumpkin.”HerubbedhisnoseintoCarson’ssofthairtakinginthescentof

hislittleboyandneverwantinghimtogrowup.Timemovedtoofast,andthenextthinghe’dknow
CarsonwouldbegoingofftocollegeandleavinghimandSkylerbehindtostarthisownlife.

“Hey, baby.” He never heard Skyler come near him. Skyler reached up to kiss Noah’s cheek.

“Howwasthetrip?”

“Toolong,”heanswered.“Ihatedbeingawayfromyoutwo.”
SkylersmiledoneofhiskillersmilesthatcausedNoah’stoestocurl.Hepulledthesmallerman

tohisside.Skylerpulledawaytograbapairofshortshehadsittingonthetableandtuggedthemon,
to Noah’s disappointment, but Carson was with them, so now wasn’t the time for dirty thoughts.
CarsonwiggledtogetdownandwentovertoSkyler,andhehelpedCarsongethispajamason.

Oncetheybothweredressed,theyallsatoutunderthestarrysky,andNoahlistenedtowhathis

twoguyshadbeenuptosincehe’dbeengone.NoahlovedhowacceptingCarsonhadbeenofSkyler.
If people hadn’t known, they’d think Carson was Skyler ’s biological son. They looked similar in
appearance from their petite frames and dark-brown hair. They even had the same brilliant smile.
Noahlovedthemmorethananythinginthisworld.Theybothstolehisheartthemomenthelaideyes
onthem.

After a while Carson yawned and rubbed at his eyes. Skyler noticed first. “Okay, mister. Time

forbed.”

“Ah,Dad,I’mnotreadytogo.”
Noah was about to respond to his son when he realized Carson wasn’t talking to him but to

Skyler.

“Sweetie, the sooner you go to bed the sooner you’ll wake up and get to go see Shane at the

café.Remember?Hesaidhe’dshowyouhowtomakethosesmoothiesyoulovesomuch,andMargie
ismakingcinnamonrollsjustforyou.”

“Oh my gosh.” Carson smacked a hand on his forehead. “I almost forgot.” He turned to kiss

NoahonthecheekandhoppedoffhislapandreachedouttotakeSkyler ’shand.

“I’llberightback,baby,”SkylersaidashewalkedCarsontowardthebackdoor.
“Goodnight,Daddy,”Carsoncalledout.
“Good night, son.” Noah watched as Skyler walked Carson into the house to put him to bed.

Theyseemedsonaturalwitheachother.AndtohearCarsoncallSkylerdadshockedhimatfirst,but
helikedhearingCarsoncallhimthat.Noahhadwonderedhowhe’dfeelifCarsonstartedtodothat,
and he’d thought he’d be jealous as if Skyler was taking his spot, but that wasn’t the case. Carson
needed Skyler just like he needed him. He and Skyler were equal part parents to one precious little
boy,theirboy.

BeforetoolongSkylercamebackoutofthehouse.Noahwatchedasheslowlywalkedtoward

him,hishipsswayingfromsidetosidewitheachstephetook.HecametostoprightinfrontofNoah.
Heshuckedhisshortsandkickedthemaside.Noah’seyesfelltostareatthehardlengthjuttingout
fromthedarkpatchofcurlsatSkyler ’sbase.HishandsshookasheraisedthemtogripatSkyler ’s
hips. He missed his mate’s body and his loving touch. Whenever Skyler touched him, it was like a
milliontinyfeathersticklingacrosshisskin.

Noahleanedforwardandburiedhisheadinhislover ’ssmoothstomach.“God,howI’vemissed

you.”

He could feel Skyler ’s muscles bounce against his cheeks when he laughed. “I’ve got to say

you’renotaloneinthatboat.Ihatedyoubeinggone.”

Noahstoodup.HissuddenmovementhadSkylergaspinginsurprise.Noahmovedhishandsto

grip the tight firm globes of Skyler ’s ass. The man moved closer, rubbing his leaking cock into
Noah’sthigh.Skylertitledhisheadup,andNoah’seyesdartedrapidlybetweenSkyler ’s.He’dnever
metasexierman.EvenwhenSkylerwasn’ttrying,heoozedsexappealandsparkedNoah’sarousal
likeamothtoaflame.

SkylerthreadedhisfingersthroughNoah’shair.ThelightcaresssentchillsdownNoah’sspine.

He urged Skyler closer and dropped his head forward to cover Skyler ’s mouth with his. He gently
rubbedhislipsoverSkyler ’s,andhisloveropenedhismouthandlickedatNoah’slips.Noahthrust
histongueintothewetheavenofhismate’smouthandcouldtastefainttracesofpineapple,sosweet
andjuicy.

Hiscockpulsedbehindhiszipper,beggingtobeunleashed,butheignoredit.Noahwantedto

enjoy the pleasure of Skyler ’s body. Using his hands, Noah massaged Skyler ’s ass cheeks, pulling
themapartwithhisfingers.Skyler ’sbreathingquickened,andhepushedinclosertoNoah.Thebacks
ofNoah’skneeshittheedgeofthechair,andhefellonhisass.Thechairscreechedacrossthepatio
fromthesuddenmovement.Skylermadetoclimbontohislap,butNoahheldahanduptostophim.

“Turnaround.”Skylergavehimafunnylookbutdidashewastold.Noahranhisfingersfrom

the curve of Skyler ’s bottom and fanned them upward tracing each vertebra. A shiver ran along
Skyler ’s skin, and Noah could see gooseflesh flare over his skin. Noah sat forward, and when he
reachedthetopsofSkyler ’sshoulders,hepulledhimdowntositonhislap.

Skyler started to wiggle, and Noah sank his fingers hard into Skyler ’s thighs to stop him. He

was close to coming and didn’t want to shoot in his pants. No, he wanted to come inside his sexy
lover ’shotass.

“Don’tmove,”heraspedintoSkyler ’sear.Skylernodded,andNoahletgoofSkyler ’sthighand

lightlytouchedtheskin,soothingthesorenessitmayhavecaused.Hestrokedhisfingersupwardand
backdownalongSkyler ’squiveringabdomen.Skylerpantedandclawedatthearmrestofthechair.
NoahbroughthishanduptoSkyler ’smouthandwhisperedinhisear,“Lickmyhand.”

Fire danced in Skyler ’s eyes at the request. Making a show out of it, Skyler licked up Noah’s

palm,notbreakingeyecontact.NoahgrinnedathisloverandusedhisotherhandtotweakSkyler ’s
rightnipple.Atthefirstpinch,aheavygaspofairfannedagainsthishand,andSkyler ’seyesfellshut,
butheneverstoppedlicking.

Noah pulled his hand away and took his damp palm and wrapped his fingers around Skyler ’s

throbbing shaft. Skyler turned slightly on Noah’s lap to rest his forehead against Noah’s. Noah
watched as his partner ’s eyes clenched then how his mouth fell open on a soundless sigh. Noah
continued to tease Skyler ’s pole, using his own pre-cum to help glide his path. He pinched at the
spongyhead,andcleardropscollectedatthetipthenusedhisthumbtorubattheswollenridgewhere
theheadflared.

“Noah,”Skylerwhimpered.“Iwantyou.”
HecoveredSkyler ’smouthwithbruisingforceandkissedtheairfromhislover ’slungs.Noah

released his grip on Skyler ’s cock and pulled out of the kiss. “Let’s take this inside.” He combed
Skyler ’sflyawaybangsfromhisforehead.

“Why?”SkylerkissedthecornerofNoah’smouth.
“BecauseIwanttofuckyou,andwedon’thaveanystuffouthere.”Hethrusthishipsuptoget

hispointacross.

“Oh,butwedo.”NoahfollowedSkylergaze.
“Youbroughtsomedownwithyou,didn’tyou?”Noahcouldn’thelpbutgrin.
“I’m always prepared. That’s going to be my new motto.” Skyler stood up and leaned over to

snatch up his shorts. The action had his pale, smooth ass right in Noah’s face, exposing his hidden
center.WhenSkylermadetostandbackup,Noahputahandonhislowerback.“Noah?”

Noahdidn’tanswer.HejustleantforwardandkissedthesoftcheeksofSkyler ’sass.Helickeda

path to the crease then wiggled his tongue downward toward Skyler ’s dusty rose starburst. Noah
couldfeeleachmuscledgrooveunderhistongueandflattenedhistonguetobathethetinyholewith
hisspit.SkylergruntedandpushedhisassbackagainstNoah’sface.

He smiled and licked with more earnest. Skyler ’s legs began to shake. Noah tapped his foot

against the inside of Skyler ’s. Skyler spread his legs further, and Noah gripped tighter, pulling his
cheeks apart. The sweet smell of Skyler ’s own musk, and the yummy scent of his raspberry body
wash made Noah hungry. He darted his tongue forward, breaking against Skyler ’s strong barrier.

NoahgrowledagainstSkyler ’sskinashislovercriedout.

Withonemorewetcaress,Noahpulledaway.Heunfastenedhisjeansandshimmiedthemdown

hiships.Skyler ’sshakinghandheldoutthelube,andNoahtookit.Withsurequicknesshecoatedthe
cleargeloverhisstrainingcock.Skylerstartedtoturnaround,andNoahreachedwithhisslicked-up
handtostophim.

“Iwantyoutoridemeinreverse.”Hisvoicehadgrownrough.“Iwantyourasstomilkmeuntil

Icomesodeepinsideyourbodyyoucantasteit.Canyoudothat,Sky?”Itwasachallengeheknew
hisyoungloverwouldaccept.

Skyler nodded his head. He must have aroused Skyler to the point of not being able to speak.

Noah grinned like a man crazed with desire as he guided Skyler back to sit on his cock. A breath
hissedoutofSkylerattheinitialpenetration.SlowlySkylersatbackuntilNoahwasfullyseateddeep
inside.NoahcouldfeelSkyler ’sheartbeataroundhisshaft.Sowarmandsmooth,hisownpersonal
heaven.

Skyler sat back, resting his back against Noah’s chest. Noah licked the shell of his ear and

sucked on his earlobe. Skyler circled his hips, and Noah splayed his hands over Skyler ’s stomach.
TheirlovemakingwasslowandsensualasSkylermovedinlong,teasingstrokes,upanddownthen
upagain.NoahfelteverypullasSkyler ’sbodysuckedhimbackin.

Noahcouldfeelthecumboilinginhisballs,andhefeltlikehewouldburst.Hereachedaround

andgrabbedontoSkyler ’shardlengthasitbouncedwithhiseverymove.

“Oh,god,Noah!”
“I’m almost there, baby. Come for me.” Noah thrust his hips up hard, slapping against Skyler.

Helosthisbalance,andNoahusedhisotherhandtohelpsteadyhislover.

A muffled cry passed Skyler ’s lips followed by his warm cream covering Noah’s hand. The

inner spasms surrounding his cock tipped him over the edge, and he swore his balls shriveled up
fromtheforceofhisorgasm.

The wind blew a cool breeze over their sweating bodies. Skyler shook in his arms, and Noah

droppedakisstohisshoulder.“Let’sgoinside.Whatdoyousay?”Hewipedhiscum-coveredhand
onhispantleg.

“Ithinkthatsoundswonderful.”WitheaseSkylerstoodup,tookastepawayfromNoah,then

turnedtolookathim.“Ialsothinkashowersoundsgood,too.”

Noahcametohisfeetandpulleduphispants,tuckinghissofteningcockbackintohisjeans.“If

it’stogetherthenI’mtotallyokaywithashower.”

Skylerstartedtolaugh,andthewhimsicalsoundgrabbedNoahbythegut.HepulledSkylerto

himandgazeddownintohisdark-blueeyes.“Iloveyousomuch.”

“Iloveyou,too,baby.Nowcanwepleasegoinside?”
NoahnoddedandbenttopickupSkyler ’sshortsasthemanmadeabeelineforthebackdoor.

Once inside the house he locked the door and looked out over the backyard one more time.
Somethingglowedinthedistancejustattheborderintothewoods.Noahsquintedhiseyestogeta
better look. He thought he saw two glowing eyes staring back at him, but whatever it had been was
gonenow.

Noahshookitoffashisoveractiveimagination.Hewasspookedbythatcallhereceivedearlier

and brushed it off as his mind playing tricks on him. With one more look he turned around to go
upstairs.Hismatewaitedforhim,andhewalkedalittlefaster.

ChapterTen

“Whereareyouheading?”NoahaskedasSkylersetthephonedown.
“I promised Aiden a little girl time, so I’m going to head over there to spend some time with

him.”Skylergotupfromthecouchandwentintothekitchentosethisglassinthesink.

“Girls’night?”Noahchuckled.“Babe,Ihatetobreakittoyou,butyou’rebothmen.”
“Duh!”Herolledhiseyes.“That’swhatwecallitbecausewe’regoingtowatchepisodesofThe

VampireDiaries.Wepopsomepopcorn,getsomesoda,andvegoutonthecouchforafewhours.”

“Maybeyouareabunchofgirls.”Noahheldafingerintheair.“Itakethatback.Acoupleof

teenagegirls.Yeah,thatsoundsaboutright.”

“Hey!”SkylertossedthedishtowelatNoah’shead.“It’sagoodshow.Theguysinitare,ohmy

god,soyummy.”Hesmackedhislipstogether.SkylersmiledwhenNoahnarrowedhiseyesathim.

Noah walked over to him and wrapped his arms around Skyler ’s waist. “Now I’m not so sure

aboutlettingyougo.Ifyou’regoingtooglingsomerandomguys,thenIdon’tapproveofthisshow.”

“Oh, honey, they, in no way, shape, or form, compare to you.” Skyler brought his arms up to

circleNoah’sneck.

“Goodtoknow.”NoahkissedhimlightlyonthelipsthentookastepbackwhenSkylerpulled

free.“Areyoudrivingoverthere?”

“Nah.” Skyler slipped off his shoes by the back door. “I’m just going to shift and run. Less

time.”

“Icandriveyouifthat’stheissue.”Noahgrabbedhisarmjustashewasabouttoopenthedoor.
“Babe,Carsonhasalreadyhadhisbathandiswatchingamovieupinhisroom.Ifwegethimup

nowhewon’tgobacktosleepforhours,andheneedshisrest.”Hetriedtostepaway,butNoahstill
hadanirongriponhisarm.“What’swrongwithyou?”

Noahhadhisgazefixedonthebackyard.HeshookhisheadandlookeddownatSkylerasifhe

forgothestillhadaholdonhisarm.“Nothing.It’sjustthatitwillbedarksoon.”

“And?”
“Itcouldbedangerous,”Noahsaid.
“Babe.” Skyler giggled. “I’ve lived here for a long time, and I’m a werewolf. You should be

worriedaboutthethingsthatmightrunintome.”

Noahlookedbackoutatthe,yardandSkylercouldseethehesitationinthehardsetofhisjaw.

After a moment Noah turned to him with a smile. “I’m sorry, Sky. Of course you can take care of
yourself.Justpleasecallmewhenyougetthere,okay?”

“Okay.”Skylergavehimakissgood-bye.“I’llcallyouinabouttenminutes.”
Hewalkedoutsideandtookoffhisclothes.Theshiftcameoverhimandheshookhisbodyto

shakeoffthedizziness.HelookedbacktowhereNoahstoodinthedoorwayandgaveasharpbark
thentookoff.

Thesunhadstartedtoset,andtheskywaspaintedwithpinksandoranges.Skylerraninlong

leaps,lovingthefeelofthewindinhisfur.Beforeheknewit,hebrokethroughthethicktreesand
wascominguptotheCarstenhouse.Aidensatonthebackstepswaitingforhim.

“Abouttimeyougothere.Youmustbegettingslowinyouroldage.”Aidentossedhimapairof

sweatsandaT-shirtashenearedthesteps.

“You’re so funny, not!” He pulled on the pants. “It took so long because Noah was being all

weirdaboutmerunninghere.”Heyankedtheshirtdownoverhishead.

“Hedoesknowyou’reawolf,right?You’rethescarythingthatsupposedlylurksinthewoods

waiting to attack innocent people. I’d have to say that is totally you when you haven’t had your
coffee.”

“You do realize I was being sarcastic that time I told you you were funny,” Skyler said as he

followedAidenupthestepsandintothehouse.

“Iknow,butwhatcanIsayifthetruthhurtsyourfeelings?”
“HowisityouandIarefriends?”Skylerwalkedtothepantryandpulledoutamicrowavable

bagofpopcornandputitinthemicrowave.

“Becauseyouloveme.”Aidengotacoupleofdietsodasfromtherefrigerator.“Andyouwere

myfirstfriendwhenIcametolivehere.Webonded.”

SkylerrememberedwhenAidenfirstcametotheirhouse.Grantedhewasbeingheldprisoner,

but Skyler still wormed his way under Aiden’s defenses and they became friends. When he thought
aboutittheyweremorethanjustfriends,theywerebestfriends.“Wedid,didn’twe?”Aidenwrapped
andarmaroundhiswaistandhuggedhim.

“Yep.Nowlet’sgogetourfillofsomedrop-dead,sexy-assvampires.”
The timer beeped, and Skyler pulled out the popcorn and poured it into a big bowl. “I’m

onboardwiththat.”ThenherememberedhispromisetoNoah.“LetmecallNoahandlethimknowI
gotheresafely.”

****

Skylerfinallycalledhim,anditseemedlikeanhourhadpassedinsteadoffifteenminutes.He

madeittoAiden’swithoutanyproblemsandsaidhe’dbehomelater.

Afterhehungupthephone,hewentupstairstocheckonCarson.Thelittleboywasfastasleep

inhisbedwiththemoviestillplayingontheTV.HeflippedofftheDVDplayerandturnedofftheTV.
HepulledtheblanketsuparoundCarson’sbodyandkissedhimontheforeheadthenlefttheroom.
Eversincehegotthatcallatcouncilheadquartershe’dbeendoingthisalot,checkinguponCarson
andevenSkyler.

Hehadn’theardfromthemysteriouscallersince,buteverytimehisphonewentoff,hisheart

wouldraceandhispalmswouldsweat.WhoeverhadcalledNoahknewabouthissonandwantedhim.
NoahcouldfeelitinhisbonesthatitwasawolffromCarson’smotherpack.Itwastheonlylogical
answer.SomehowtheyfoundoutthatCarsonhadn’tdiedatbirthandwantedhimback.Theideaof
someone snatching his child would drive any parent crazy with worry, and Noah’s frazzled nerves
were working overtime. He didn’t just have Carson to worry about but Skyler, too. If Haley’s pack
killed her for not giving up her baby, there was nothing stopping them from killing Carson and
Skyler.

“Fuck!”Noahwenttokitchenandgotabeer.Hehatedconstantlylookingoverhisshoulder,and

hedespisedhimselffornottellingSkylerofthepossiblethreatagainsttheirson.

Noahtookasipofhisdrinkthenreturnedtothelivingroom.Hepulledouthislaptoptocheck

his e-mail. He was still doing some side work for his old law firm, nothing much, just helping the
manwhotookoverhisworkload.They’dbeencorrespondingthroughe-mails.

Thescreenlitup,andhetypedinhispassword.Hecleanedouthisinboxandreadthroughthe

importante-mails.OnefromHemsworthUniversitycaughthisattention.Asitturnedoutthepresident
of the school was good friends with one of the partners at the firm he used to work for. They had
recommendedhimforateachingpositionattheuniversity.Noahhadneverthoughtaboutteaching,

butthemorehethoughtaboutit,helikedtheidea.ItwasdefinitelysomethingtodiscusswithSkyler.

Hesatthelaptopdownonthecoffeetableandwenttogetanotherbeer.Whenhecameback,he

refreshedhisscreen,butnonewe-mailshadcomethrough.Hegrabbedtheremoteandflippedonthe
TV. His phone chirped indicating he had a text message. Noah set his beer down and keyed up the
screenonhisphone.HehalfhopeditwasSkylerwantinghimtocomeandpickhimupfromAiden’s
butnosuchluck.

“Thiscan’tbehappening,”hewhisperedasherereadthemessage.
Justwhenyouthinkyou’resafe,I’llbewaitingforyou.Sodon’tgettoocomfortable,Noah.Your

ignorancemightcostyoumorethanjustyourson.

Thephonefellfromhishandandclatteredtothefloor.Hisheartpoundedagainsthischestlike

apendulum,neverbreakingfromitsrhythm.

Notthinkingtwice,hepickedupthephoneandcalledtheonlypersonthatcouldhelphim.
“Hello.”
“Phillip,it’sNoah.Ineedyourhelp.”

****

TheyjuststartedanotherepisodewhenAidenturnedtohim.“Ialmostforgot.Thatguy,Holden,

hecameandsawDevon.”

Skylerturnedthevolumedownonthetelevision.“Really?WhatdidDevonsayabouttheguy?”
“Notmuchreally.”Aidenshrugged.“Wekindofgotdistracted.”Henibbledonhislowerlip.
“Iswearyoutwoarelikefuckingrabbits.”Heshookhisheadinannoyance.
“Ohreally?AreyoutryingtotellmeyouandNoaharen’tthesameway?”
Skylerstartedtolaugh.“Maybejustalittlebit.”
“That’swhatIthought.Hangon,I’llcallDevoninhereandyoucanaskhimyourself.”Aiden

shoutedthreetimesbeforeDevoncameintothelivingroom.

“Yes,dear.”HiseyesimmediatelywenttotheTVscreenandheshookhishead.“NowayamI

sittingthroughanymoreofthatteenageangstdramacrap.That’swhyyouhavefriends.”

“It’s not that, you dork.” Aiden pointed to Skyler. “Skyler has some questions about that man,

Holden,whocameoveryesterday.”

“Oh.”Relieffloodedthealpha’sface,andSkylerstifledalaugh.“Whatisityouwanttoknow?”

Devonleanedagainstthecouch,restingonhiselbows.

“Whatisyouroverallopinionofhim?”Skylerasked.IfDevondidn’tgetanyweirdvibesfrom

themanthenthatwasgoodenoughforhim.

“Heseemedniceenough.Wetalkedforaboutanhour.HecameherefromMaine.Iguesshisold

alphawasanicepieceofwork.Saidthemanmadehisownlawsgoverninghispack.Darkagestype
shit.”

“Howso?”Skylerasked.
“Well, for one, women didn’t have a say in anything. The alpha treated them like objects not

people.Hepromotedviolence,andifhumansgotinthewayhedidn’thaveanyqualmsaboutkilling
them.”

“Ohmygod,that’sawful,”Aidensaid,andSkylernoddedhisagreement.“Youshouldturnthat

bastardintomydad.”

“There’s no need. According to Holden the old alpha just vanished one day. No note saying

where he went and no calls since then. Holden said once the alpha was gone he packed up and left.

AndfromwhatHoldensaidhewasn’ttheonlyone.”

“Goodforthem.”Aidenlookedinfuriated.“I’mneversurprisedbythecrueltyweseeinothers,

andit’sgoodtoknowthesepeoplearenowfree.”

“So,Devon,doyoubelievehim?”SkylerneededtohearDevonsaythewords.
“I do. I’m pretty good at sensing when someone is lying, and this guy seemed legit. A little

lonelybutthat’sit.Whysointerested?”Devonasked.

“He’sthewolfIcaughttalkingtoCarsontheotherdayatthepark.”Skylerpuffedoutaheavy

sigh.“IguessI’mjustbeingparanoid.”

“You’vegotnothingtoworryabout.Heseemsprettyharmlesstome.Hedidmentionthathehad

anephewaboutthatagesomaybehewasjustalittlehomesick.”

“Couldbe,”Skyleragreed.
“Okay,ifthatwasallyougentlemenneededthenI’mofftobed.”Devonleanedoverandkissed

Aidenonthecheekthenlefttheroom.

“Youfeelbetternow?”AidenaskedhimwhenSkylerhadbeenquietfortoolong.
“Yeah,IjustfeelkindofbadfortreatingHoldenthewayIdid.”
“Don’t be. You’re a parent now. It’s what you do when you see a stranger talking to your kid.

Youfreakout.I’msureHoldenunderstandsthat.”Skylernoddedhishead.Itcouldhavebeenanyone,
andSkylerwouldhavereactedthesameway.“Good!Nowlet’sgetbacktoourshow.”

TwohourslaterSkylersaidgood-byetoAidenandheadedhome.Hedidn’tbothercallingNoah

becausehedidn’twanttohavetoarguewithhismateaboutnotcomingtopickhimup.Skylerwasa
grownmanwhocouldgethomeonhisown.Andhedidn’twantNoahwakinguptheirson.Heshifted
backtohiswolfformandrantowardthewoods.Ifitweren’tforhisimpeccablevisionhewouldhave
gottenlostintheblacknessofthewoods.Hetrottedalongataleisurelypace.Runningatnighthad
alwaysbeenoneofSkyler ’sfavoritethings.

Thesoundofalowgrowlstoppedhiminhistracks.Helookedaroundbutdidn’tseeanything.

Thenanotherlow,bone-chillinggrowlsoundedinthedistance.Thesmellofrainwasintheair,and
combined with the smells of several different breeds of wildlife in the woods, Skyler couldn’t pick
outanythingodd.Wolvesranfreeontheproperty,andonoccasionSkylerandsomeoftheotherpack
membershadseenthembutnotveryoften.Itwasasiftheaverage,garden-varietywolfcouldsense
theyweredifferentandkepttheirdistance.

Skylerwaitedforabriefmoment,buthedidn’thearanymoresounds.Hestartedtorunagain.

Hewasn’tfarfromhomeandpushedhislegsalittleharder.

Thefuronhisbackrosewhenthesoundsoftwigssnappingunderfootmethisears.Asheranhe

lookedoverhisshoulderbutstilldidn’tseeanything.Inthepastsevenyearshe’dneverbeenscared
to run alone in the woods, but now he was freaking out. The sounds grew louder as if they were
gettingcloser.Inthedistancehecouldseetheporchlighton.

Ashebrokethroughthetreesheshiftedbacktohishumanform.Hetypedinthesecuritycode,

andthebackdoorlockclickedopen.Heracedinsidethenshutthedoor,throwingthelockbackinto
place.Peeringoutthewindow,hestaredatthewoods.Intheshadowshecouldseesomethinglarge
pacingbackandforth,butwithhisfrazzlednerveshethoughtmaybehewasimaginingitall.After
hearingallthoseawfulthingsaboutHolden’spack,itmadehimjumpy.

“There’snothingoutthere,”Skylerwhisperedtohimself.
“Sky,isthatyou?”
Skyleryelpedandgrabbedathischest.Heschooledhisfeaturesastonotalarmhismatethathe

hadspookedhimself.Skylerwasbeingsilly.“Yes.”

Noah walked into the kitchen and looked past Skyler ’s head toward the backyard. “Have fun

tonight?”

“Yes,Idid.”SkylerwalkedovertohismateandwrappedhisarmsaroundNoah’swaist.“And

nowI’mreadyforbed.”WhenNoahdidn’trespondSkylerpinchedhisside.“EarthtoNoah!”

“Ohsorry,babe.”Noahlookeddownathim.“Yes,let’sgettobed.”
Skylerturnedtolookoutthedooronemoretimethenledthewayupthestairs.Thesunwould

be up in a few hours, and if he still felt all jumpy he’d tell Noah. But Skyler blamed his frazzled
nervesonNoah’soverprotectivebehaviorinthefirstplace.Skylerknewgooddarnandwellnothing
inthosewoodscouldpossiblyhurthim.

ChapterEleven

ThenextmorningSkylerwokeupfeelingrefreshed.Lastnight’smemoriesseemedridiculous

now.Hehadrunwildinthosewoodsamilliondifferenttimes,andtherewasnothingtofear.

Skyler tried to go back to sleep, but it was no use. He climbed out of bed leaving his mate

sleepingburiedunderthethickcomforter.Skylerthoughtitmadehismatelooklikealittleboywith
theblankettuckedincloseandwrappedaroundhisheadlikeascarf.

AfterlookinginonCarsonheheadeddownstairs.Sunlightshinedinthroughthebackwindows

andbrightenedtheroom.Thekitchenwasonewide-openspaceinthebackofthehouse.Largefloor-
to-ceilingwindowslinedthebackwall,andSkylerlovedtheview.Summervibrancymadeacolorful
backdropofgreensandblues.Thegrasswasanenergetickellygreen,andtheleavesofthetreesa
darkershade.Andnotacloudintheskymarredthebrilliantblue.

Skyler started to pull out pans and turned on the stove. He set about making ham and cheese

omelets,becauseCarsonlovedthemwhenhemadethemlastweek,andhe’ddoanythingtomakehis
sonhappy.Afterhepreparedtheomelets,hesetthemintheoventokeepwarmuntilhewokeuphis
men. Skyler pulled down three plates and walked toward the table that sat right in front of the
windows.

Ashelookedup,hiseyesnarrowedashesawsomethinglyingonthegroundatthebackdoor.

Skylerwalkedaroundthetableandwenttothedoor.Thecloserhegothesawasmall,furryfigure.It
didn’tmove,andapoolofdarkbrownsubstancespreadoutaroundthecreature.

“What the hell.” Skyler pulled open the door and squatted down to get a better look. “Holy

Jesus!”Hejumpedbacksofasthefellonhisass.

“Skyler?”Noahsaidasherushedtowardhim.“What’sthematter?”Concernlacedhistone.
Skyler,wobbly,gottohisfeet.“Noah,look.”WhenNoahreachedhisside,Skylerpointeddown

atthelimpformontheirbackdoorstep.

“Isthat…”Noah’swordstrailedoff.
“It looks like a puppy.” Skyler knelt down and reached out to nudge at its lifeless body. The

dog’sheadrolledtotheside,andSkylercouldseeagapingholewhereitsthroatshouldhavebeen.
Bloodyfleshwithjaggededgesflappedfromthewound.

“Skyler,getinthehouse.”Noahyankedhimawayfromthedeaddogandslammedthedoorand

twistedthelockwithbruteforce.Skylerwatchedashismatescannedthebackyard,hisheadtwitching
fromsidetoside.

“What are you doing?” Skyler felt an overwhelming sense of fear seep into his bones. Noah

didn’tanswer.Hisfacehadgrownwhiteasasheet,andhisbodyhadgonesostillhelookedlikea
statue.Skylerfollowedhisgazeoutthewindow,andhiseyesimmediatelylockedonwhathismate
wasstaringat.

OnthesideofCarson’swoodenplaysetwaswrittenoneword,Soon!
“Noah,”hesaidmorepersistentlyashetuggedatNoah’sshirtsleeve.“Noah!”
Thepalenessonhismate’sfacestartedtoflushintored,andhegrabbedSkylerbythewristand

started to walk him away from the back door. When Skyler resisted, Noah’s grip tightened, and he
pulledonhisarmsohardSkylerstumbled.

Getting his footing back under him, he ripped himself from his mate’s hold. “Goddamn it,

Noah!Whatthehellisgoingonhere?Whatdoessoonmean?”Hismindjumpedfromonepossibility
tothenext.HadthecouncilfoundoutaboutCarson?OrthatNoahmatedhimselftoawolf?Werethey

comingtokillthemall?

“Skyler.”NoahturnedtofacehimandgentlybroughthishandsuptoholdSkylerbyhisbiceps.

“Ineedyoutotrustmerightnow.Ipromisetotellyoueverything,butIneedtomakeacallfirst.We
needhelp.”

“Helpforwhat?”Hewantedtoknowwhatwasgoingon.Notjustforhisowncuriositybutfor

theirson’s.

“Daddy.”Carson’ssoft,sleepy-soundingvoicebrokethroughthesilence.
Noah’sfrightenedeyeswenttolookatCarsonthenbacktohim.“PleasetakeCarsonupstairs.I

promisetotellyoueverythingoncePhillipgetshere.”WhenSkylerhesitated,Noahbegged.“Please,
baby,dothisforme.”

SkylerstaredintoNoah’sterror-filledeyes.Heneverhadseenhismatelooksovulnerableor

afraid.Skylergavehimaquicknodthenheadedtowardtheirson.“Carson,buddy,whydon’twego
andfinishthatmovieyoufellasleepduringlastnight.”

“ButI’mhungry,”Carsonwhined.
“OncewegetthemoviestartedI’llbringbreakfastuptoyourroom.How’sthatsound?”
“But you said I can’t eat in my room. That I’d get it messy.” Carson repeated back his words

fromtheotherdaywhenthelittleboywantedtohavehisdessertinbed.

Skyler darted his eyes over to Noah who had his back to them and was on the phone talking

franticallytothepersonontheotherend.

Hekneltdowntomeethisson’squestioningeyes.“Today’sanexception.It’sSunday,andyou

deservetohavebreakfastinbed.”Nomatterhowmuchhewantedtostaythereandgetanswersfrom
his mate he could tell by the hard set of Noah’s shoulders and his frantic hand movements that
somethingwasseriouslywrong.Hehadtodoashismateaskedandgettheirsonupstairs.

“Okay.”Carsonsmiledathimandstartedtowardthestairs.Skylerfollowedalong,helplessto

doanythingelse.

****

“Phillip, they came to my house. Whoever the fuck they are, they’re threatening my family.”

Noahpacedbackandforthinfrontofthebackwindows.Everysooftenhisgazedroppedtothedead
puppyandhecouldn’thelpbutthinkofCarson.

“BrandonandIareonourway,”saidPhillip.“Don’ttouchanything.Iwanttoseeifwecanget

anycluesfromthescene.”

“I won’t. I’ve got Skyler upstairs watching Carson so he doesn’t see what has happened.” He

tookadeepbreath.“Ijustdon’tknowwhattodo.”

“Tryandrelax.I’llbethereshortly.”
“Thank you, Phillip.” The phone disconnected, and Noah stared across the yard, his gaze

seemedtoalwayscomebacktothedeadpuppyonhisdoorstep.Itwasjustanordinarydog,butthe
meaningheldsuchforcethatNoahcouldn’tignorethemessage.Whoeverwasstalkinghimwanted
Carson,andNoahhadafeelingitwasn’ttogiveCarsonanewhometolivein.Theywantedhisson
deadbutwhy?He’sjustalittleboywhodidn’tknowhowhehadbeenconceivedortheterriblefate
thathismotherhadmet.

Noahdidn’tknowmuchaboutwerewolfbehavior.Heworkedforthecouncil,andtheyhunted

them, but he never got to actually know any of them until he came to live in Nehalem. And all the
preconceived notions he had about them had been replaced. Skyler and his pack were just like

everyone else. They didn’t rape and pillage town after town or kill innocent humans for sport. He
wasn’tnaïvetothinkallwolvesweredecenthumanbeingslikeSkylerandhispack,butwhattypeof
monsterwouldwanttokilladefenselesschild?

Noah walked around the house checking all the doors and windows. He set the alarm as well.

When he finished checking the second floor he stopped by Carson’s room to check on Skyler and
their son. They both were lying on their stomach, resting their chins on their hands watching
cartoons.

Skylerlookedupathim,andNoahgavehismateasmallsmile.Hewantedsodesperatelytotell

Skylereverything.Togivethemanhelovedthechancetowalkawayifhewantedto,buthecouldn’t
makehimselfsaythewords.Hewasbeingacoward,andheknewit.

Hisphonestartedtovibrateinhispocket,andhesteppedawayfromthedoor.“Hello.”
“It’sme,”Phillipsaid.“Openyourgaragedoor,andI’llpullmycarinside.”
Noahhustleddownthestairs,throughthekitchen,andoutthesidedoor.Hepushedthebutton,

and the heavy door rolled up. Phillip pulled his large black SUV inside then turned off the engine.
Brandonclimbedoutthepassengerside,andNoahnoddedahellototheman.

“Anything else happen since we talked last?” Phillip asked as he came around the front of the

car.

“No.It’sbeenquiet.”
“Showuswherethepackagewasleft.”PhillippattedNoahontheshoulderashepassedby.
Noahshowedthemtothebackdoorwherethedoglay.Hedidn’thavetopointoutthewritingon

the swing set. The sun shined down like a spotlight highlighting the one word. The three of them
canvassedthebackyard,lookingforanyabnormalitythatmightbethere,butnothingjumpedoutto
catchtheeye.

“Maybe we should call Devon to see if he is willing to help.” Noah hated to suggest that, but

their human noses and eyes weren’t seeing anything. More than anything he didn’t want to drag
anyoneelseintothis,especiallythewolfpackthathadtakentheminandtreatedthemlikefamily,but
theyneededsomeonewithsupernaturalabilitiestohelpthem.

“That sounds like a good idea.” Phillip pulled at his phone and called the alpha. After a few

minuteshehungupthephone.“He’llbehereinafew.He’scomingupthroughthewoodsthatdivide
yourpropertiestoseeifhecanpickuponanything.”

Thetemperaturehadbeguntorise,andNoah’sshirtstuckinspotstohisdampskin.Heglanced

upatthebright-bluesky,andabirdflewoverhead.Thedaycarriedonasifnothingstrangehadeven
happened.Totheworldnothingofimportancehad,butforNoaheverythinghadchanged.Hewasata
placeinhislifewherehewashappy.He’dfoundamanhecouldgrowoldwith,sharehislifewith,
anotherparenttoenrichCarson’slifeandmakehissonabetterpersonandwolf.Andallthatmightbe
snubbedoutlikeacandleinthewind.

A loud bark sounded in the distance, and Noah turned to face the back of the yard. A golden-

shaded wolf broke through the thick crop of trees and, like he’d seen his son do a thousand times
before,theairaroundthewolfshimmered,andDevonkneltdownonthegroundwherethewolfhad
been.HestoodupandcaughttheshortsPhilliptossedtohim.

“Didyoufindanything?”Phillipasked.
“Ididactually.”Devonpulleduphispants,andNoahrushedovertohim.“There’squiteafew

flattened-downpatchesofgrassasifsomethinghasbeenpacingbackandforthrightbehindthisrow
oftrees.”Devonpointedtowardthetrees.“AndIdidpickuponascentthatisn’toneofours.It’sfaint,
butit’sthere.Whoeverwashereisn’therenow.”

“Damnit!”Noahkickedatthegroundwithhisfeet.
“Noah,comeon.Youneedtocalmdown.”Phillipwalkedovertohimandplacedhishandson

Noah’sshoulders.“We’llfindwhoeverisdoingthis.”

“Iknow,butthiswaitingbullshitisdrivingmecrazy.Ican’tkeepSkylerandCarsonlockedin

thehouseuntilthisisallresolved.”

“We’llfiguresomethingout.”Phillipgavehimapushtowardthebackdoor.
“Wheredoyoukeepyourtrashbags?”Brandonaskedoncetheywereinside.“I’mgoingtopick

upthisdogbeforeCarsonhasachancetoseeit.”

Noahwantedtopunchhimselffornotthinkingaboutthat.Hissonwouldhavebeenheartbroken

atthesightofthedeadpuppy.Noahpulledoutabagfromthepantryandthankedhisfriend.Devon
wentwithBrandontohoseoffthedoorstepandtowashofftheswingset.

Hestartedanotherpotofcoffeethentookaseatatthetable.Hisbonesachedandhefeltolder

thanhisthirty-sixyears.Feartrulyhadtheabilitytoageapersonwithinthematterofseconds.Fear
forhissonandfearforhismatebutnoneforhimself.He’dgladlyturnhimselfovertowhoeverit
wasthatwasthreateninghisfamily.NoahhadnoproblemgivinguphislifeifitmeantCarsonand
Skylerweresafe.

“HaveyoutoldSkyleryet?”Phillipasked.
NoahwatchedasBrandonandDevoncleanedupthebackyard.Heslowlyshookhisheadfrom

side to side. “Not yet.” He laughed, but there was no humor in it. “He’s a smart man. I’m sure he
knowssomethingisgoingon.Hell,hewokeuptoadeaddogonhisdoorstep.”

“Youneedtotellhim.Thisinvolveshimjustasmuchasitdoesyou.Plus,ifheknowshemight

bemorecooperativeandstayinthehousewithCarson.”

“Iknow,butIdon’twanthimtodecideallthisistoomuchandleaveme.”Noahsatupinhis

chair,restedhiselbowsonhiskneesandstaredatthefloor.“It’sselfish,butifhe’snotwithmehow
canIkeephimsafe?”

“I’d never leave you.” Noah turned to see Skyler standing in the entryway to the kitchen. His

eyeswerered,andhischintrembledasifhewereholdingbackhistears.

Noahstoodupandcrossedtheroominthreewidestrides.HewrappedSkylerinhisarmsand

heldhimsotighthefearedhe’dcrushhispetitemate.HehadtotellSkylerthetruth.

****

SkylerheardwhenPhillipandBrandonarrived.Thehousegrewquiet,andhewalkedacrossthe

hall to his bedroom to look out the window. He saw Noah, Phillip, and Brandon walking around
staringurgentlyattheground.AfewminuteslaterDevoncameoutofthewoodsandstartedtopoint
towardthetrees.Skylerwastoofaruptohearwhattheyweresaying.

“Daddy,whatareyoudoing?”Carsonasked.
“Nothing. I just came to get my iPad.” He picked the device up off his nightstand. “I thought

you’d like to play some games on it.” He knelt down in front of Carson, and he held out his little
hands.

“Yes!”Henoddedvigorously.
SkylersmiledandfollowedCarsonbackintohisroom.HepulledupAngryBirdsandshowed

hissonhowtoplaythegame.OnceCarsonwassettled,hetoldhimtostayputandhe’dbebackina
fewminutes.Carsonnodded,neverlookingupfromtheflashinglightsonthescreen.

Noah had asked him to stay upstairs, but enough was enough. He wanted to know what was

goingonandwhathadhismatesoafraid.SkylerknewsomethingwasbuggingNoahtheothernight
whenhekeptharpingonhimaboutgoingovertoAiden’s.Noahwantinghimtodrivemadeperfect
sensenow.Hewasworriedsomethingmightattackhiminthewoodsthatseparatedtheirproperties,
butthatwascrazy,wasn’tit?

“Oh,mygod.”Skylerstumbledtoastopatthefootofthestairs.Thesoundsandthefeelingof

beingfollowedhomeweren’tjusthisimagination.Someonehadbeeninthosewoodslastnightwith
him.HehadtotellNoah.

As he jogged down the hallway he could hear Noah talking to Phillip. His ears burned as his

mate spoke his name and how he was scared Skyler would leave him. He brought a hand up to his
chest.Apainspearedhimdeadintheheart.HecouldneverleaveNoahorCarson.Withoutthemhe
didn’twanttoexist.

“I’dneverleaveyou.”NoahrushedtohissideandwrappedSkylerinhisstrongembrace.Skyler

buriedhisfaceintohismate’schest,andthetearshe’dbeenholdingbackranfree,leavingwetmarks
onNoah’sgrayT-shirt.

Skyler pulled away. He sniffed and wiped his hand over his eyes. “Why would you say

something like that? Don’t you know how much I love you?” His voice took on a harsh tone. The
sadness he felt had been replaced by ire. How could Noah think such a thing? No matter how hard
thingsmightgethewasn’tonetotucktailandrunaway.

“I know that, baby, but—” Noah looked over to Phillip, and the other man slowly blinked his

eyesandnoddedhishead.“MyproblemsandthethingsI’vedoneinthepastshouldn’taffectyou.You
didn’tsignuptobeputatriskofbeingkilledbyacrazyperson.”

“Youtrulyarestupid,aren’tyou?”SkylerpushedatNoah’shardchest,andhismatetookastep

back.“Amatedoesn’tbailwhentimesgettough.Wedealwithittogetherasafamily.Thereisnoway
inhellyouaregettingridofme.”SkylercrossedhisarmsoverhischestandglaredupatNoah.

Noah’sstareboreintohim.Skylerfeltlikehewasunderneathamicroscope.Afteramomenta

smilespreadacrossNoah’slips.“I’dnevergetridofyou.Iloveyouwaytoomuchtoeverletyou
slipaway.”

“Good.” Skyler breathed out a sigh of relief. Noah pulled him close, and Skyler closed the

distanceseparatingthemtokisshismate’ssoftlips.

ThesoundofsomeoneclearingtheirthroatshookhimandNoahapart.Helookedovertosee

Phillipsmilingatthem.“Sorrytointerrupt,boys,butwehaveasituationhere.”

“Yes,”Skylersaid.“That’soneofthereasonsIcamedownhere.”HeglancedupatNoahbriefly

then focused back on to Phillip. “Last night when I came home it sort of felt like someone was
followingme.”

“Whathappened?”Noahasked.
“After Aiden and I finished watching our shows it was right around midnight. I headed home,

and the closer I got to our house I thought I heard some low-pitched howls and the sounds of
footstepsbehindme.”

“Whydidn’tyousayanythinglastnight?”Noahfistedhisfingersinhishair.“Youcouldhave

beenhurt.”

“IthoughtIwasbeingparanoid.YouweresoadamantaboutmedrivingtoAiden’s,andthenyou

wantedmetocallyouwhenIgotthere.IthoughtIwasjustfeedingoffofallyournervousenergyand
imagineditall.”

“Wellyouweren’t.”Phillipgotupfromhischairtopoursomecoffee.“Skyler,didyouhappen

tosmellanythingoutoftheordinarylastnightwhenallthishappened?”

Skyler racked his mind trying to remember any slight traces that rang a bell, but he came up

blank. He’d been too frightened, and the bitter smell of his fear drowned out everything else. He
shookhisheadno.

JustthenDevonandBrandonwalkedbackintothekitchen.
“Hey,Sky,”Devongreetedhim.“Troubleseemstoalwaysfindyou,huh?”
“Tellmeaboutit.”Skylerappreciatedhisfriendtryingtotakehismindofftheseriousnessof

thesituation.“Sowhatdowedonow?”heasked.

“Nowwewait,”Noahsaid.

ChapterTwelve

Waiting was never one of Skyler ’s strong suits. The day dwindled on without any new

developments.CarsonhadcomedownstairshoursagogoingonandonaboutthedamnAngryBirds
game. The kid had become obsessed. But that worked out well. It kept his son entertained and kept
SkylerandNoahfromhavingtoexplainsomeonewastryingtotakeCarsonawayfromthem.

DevondecidedtohangaroundjustincasetheyneededhimandputhisbrotherViktorincharge

in his absence. Aiden wanted to come over, but Devon refused. They had no idea what they were
dealingwith,andhedidn’twanthismateputinanydanger.

PhillipandBrandonhadmadearrangementstostayforafewdays.Skylerdidn’tminduntilhe

saw all the guns Brandon started to unpack. The man didn’t talk a whole lot, and coupled with his
steely looks, he kind of frightened Skyler. It wasn’t that he was grotesque to look at, but he had a
fiercenessinhiseyesthatsaidnottomesswithhim.Hehadcarriedalltheweaponsuptothespare
bedroom next to Skyler and Noah’s. He set up a sniper rifle to face the backyard. Brandon had a
feelingtheattackwouldcomefromthesoutheastsideofthehousebecauseofthecoveragethewoods
provided.

AroundfiveintheeveningSkyler ’sstomachbegantogrowl.Hehadn’teatenanythingallday,

andhisbodystartedtofeelweak.HegotupfromthecouchwhereNoahandtheotherssattalkingin
hushedtonesastonotalertCarson.Itwouldn’thavematterediftheywereshoutingthattheskywas
fallingbecauseCarsonhadhisnosegluedtotheiPadandbarelytooktimetoblink.

Hescannedthecontentsofthepantryandrefrigeratoranddecidedtomakelasagna.Itwouldbe

easytomakeandenoughtofeedeverybody.Hehadjustpulledoutapanwhenheheardacellphone
chime.HelookedoverandsawNoah’sphonescreenhadlitup.

“Honey,yougotatext,”Skylershoutedashegotthehamburgermeatfromthefridge.Asecond

laterNoahcamebarrelingaroundthecornerwithPhillip,Brandon,andDevonathisheels.

“Whatdoesitsay?”Phillipasked.
“Soon.” Noah’s voice sounded sullen and detached. It didn’t sound like the Noah Skyler had

falleninlovewith.“Weneedtogetthemoutofhere.”HelookedoveratSkyler.

“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”Skylerslammedtherefrigeratordoor.“I’mnotleavingyou.”
“Oh,yes,youare,”Noahordered.
“Theycangotomyhouse,”Devonsuggested.“ViktorandJosefarethere,plustheirmatesare

shifters,too.They’llbesafethere.”

ThemenstartedtotalkandignoredSkylereverytimehetriedtospeak.Histemperedflaredand

heshouted.“Hey!”Theyallturnedtolookathim.“StoptalkingaboutmelikeI’machild.Idohavea
choiceinthis,andI’mnotleavingmymate.”

“Skyler,youhaveto.”Skylerwasgearinguptoargue,butNoahplacedafingeragainsthislips.

“ThinkaboutCarson.”

If there was anything in the world that Skyler loved more than Noah it was that little boy. He

noddedhisheadinagreement.Therewasnoargumentthatcouldeverjustifyputtingtheirsonatrisk.

“Here’swhatwe’regoingtodo.”Phillipmappedoutaplan.TheyneededtogetCarsonoutof

thehouseunseen,soPhillipsuggestedhedrivethemovertoDevon’s.SkylerandCarsonwouldneed
to lie down in the back and stay covered up just in case the house was being watched. He’d drop
Skyler and Carson off and come back. Then they would sit and wait for who or what was going to
attackthem.

SkylerpackedanovernightbagforhimandCarson,ontheoffchancethisdraggedonforafew

moredays.Noahsaidtheydidn’tknowwhotheyweredealingwithandjustbecausethetextmessage
saidsoon,itdidn’tnecessarilymeanitwouldbethisnight.

Skyler watched as Noah said good-bye to Carson. He didn’t let on that anything was wrong.

When Carson asked why he had to lie down on the floor of Phillip’s car, Noah told him they were
surprising Aiden, and the little boy’s face lit up with excitement. Noah gave Carson one more hug
thenliftedhimupintotheSUV.

Noahturnedtofacehim,andSkyler ’sfaceflushedasherealizedthiscouldverywellbethelast

timehesawhismate.Badthingshappenedtogoodpeopleeveryday,andthiswasnodifferent.Noah
didn’tgoaskingforallthistohappentohim,buthedidtherightthingandwasraisinghissontobea
goodman.Tearsstartedtowellupinhiseyes,andhecouldn’tlookatNoah’sface.

“Hey,don’tlooklikethat.”NoahusedafingertoliftSkyler ’sfaceuptomeethis.“Everythingis

goingtobeokay.”

Skyler ’scheeksbegantospasm,andhischinstartedtotrembleashetriedtofightbackhistears,

but the storm raged out of his control. “You can’t promise that.” His voice came out broken and
distorted.

Noah opened his mouth as if he were going to say something, but only air passed his lips.

Skylercouldseetheholesintheconfidantfacadehismatetriedtobuilduparoundhim.

“Son.” Phillip leaned over the driver ’s seat to look out the passenger window. “I’ve seen this

manfightinnumerousbattles.”HepointedtoNoah.“Trustme.Hecanholdhisownagainstacrazed
werewolfanydayoftheweek.AndifnotwegotBrandonlookingoutforus.Theman’sgottwenty-
twenty vision and a mean streak a mile long. There isn’t anything getting past him. Now let’s get
going.”

SkylerturnedbacktoNoah,andallhecouldsaywas,“Iloveyou.”
“Iloveyou,too.”HehelpedSkylerintothecar,andbeforeheshutthedoorhesaid,“Keepour

sonsafe.”

SkylergavehismateatightsmileandletNoahshuthisdoor.HelaydownnexttoCarsononthe

floor. His son had gotten a little too comfortable and began to dose off before they even left the
house.

Phillip pulled out of the garage nice and easy, giving nothing away. The radio played, and he

couldhearPhilliphummingalong.Thedrivebetweenthetwohouseswasonlyaboutfifteenminutes,
andPhilliptookhistime.HeheardPhillipcallAidenandtoldhimtoopenthegaragedoor.

AidenstoodatthebackdoorwhenSkylergotoutofthecar.HehadtowakeCarsonupfromhis

shortnap,andthelittleguywasn’thappyaboutthat.

Phillip said a quick hello to his son then got back in his car. Aiden waited to open the garage

dooragainuntilSkylerandCarsonweresafelyinsidethehouse.

“Howarethingsgoingoverthere?”ViktoraskedassoonasSkylerwalkedintothelivingroom.
He held up a finger then pointed down to Carson. Viktor nodded his understanding. Skyler

pulled a few of Carson’s coloring books from his bag and laid them and a box of crayons on the
coffeetable.Carsongrumbledsomething,butSkylerdidn’thearit.Hejustbentdowntokissthelittle
boy’sheadthenwenttostandbyhisfriends.

“Sofartheyonlyreceivedthatonetext.”HerememberedseeingNoah’sfaceandhowhelooked

likeatotallydifferentpersonmorphedbyhisanger.Allthekindnessdrainedfromhisface,andhe
lookedlikehewasreadytogotowar.

“DoesNoahhaveanycluewhohethinksitmightbe?”Josefasked.

“Noah thinks it might be someone from Carson’s mom’s pack.” He glanced over at his son.

“He’snotsurewhoorhowtheyfoundthembutfeelsconfidentthatit’sthem.”

“That’smessedup.”Viktorgrimaced.“Thesemustbesomeprettyfucked-upwolvestotakeona

councilmember.HowdotheyknowNoahwon’tcallinawholearmyofhunters?”

“Because of Carson,” Skyler simply stated. “It’s like breaking every hunter ’s law to be

associated with werewolves, and Noah fathered a child with one, and he’s mated to me. So yeah,
whoeverthisishasplentyofleverageagainstmymate.”

“Daddy.”CarsonpulledatthehemofSkyler ’sjeanshorts.
“Yes,sweetie.”SkylerkneltdowninfrontofCarson.
“IwanttoplayontheiPad,”hedemanded.
Skylerstood up andwent over tohis bag. He searchedthrough the contentsand didn’t see the

deviceinside.Inhisrushtoleavehehadlefttheonethinghissonhadgrownattachedto.Shit! “Oh,
Carson,honey,Imusthaveleftitatthehouse.”

“ButIwantit.”Carsonstompedhislittlefootandhislipcurleddowninapout.
Helookedonemoretimetomakesurehedidn’thaveittuckedawaysomewhereinhisbag,but

foundnothing.Helookedovertohisfriends.“DoanyofyouhaveaniPadhecanplaywith?”

His friends shook their heads no. Skyler exhaled slowly. Carson was upset, and Skyler could

definitelyseeitinhispinchedface,buthecouldn’tcallNoahtobringitover.

“Carson,wedon’thaveone.I’msorry,baby.”
“ButIwantit!”Carsonstompedhisfootagain.
“I promise I’ll call Daddy later to bring it over, but until then why don’t you color me a

picture?”

Carsonlookedlikehewantedtoarguebutturnedaroundandwentbacktositonthecouch.
“Someone sure woke up on the wrong side of the bed.” Viktor motioned with his chin in

Carson’sdirection.“Doesheknowwhat’sgoingon?”

“Noandwe’dliketokeepitthatway,solet’sstoptalkingaboutit,please.”Skylerfeltexhausted,

and he was famished. Just thinking about food had set off a trigger, and his stomach growled real
loud.“What’sfordinner?I’mstarving.”Herubbedhishandoverhisstomach.

“Iorderedpizza,”Aidensaid.“Shane’sbringingithomeafterwork.”
“Great.”Skylertookaseatonthecouchandrelaxedback.Theydidn’torderpizzaoftenbecause

noneoftherestaurantsdeliveredasfaroutastheylived.

Viktor plopped down on the couch next to him. Before leaning back he rubbed his knuckles

lightlyoverCarson’shair.CarsonturnedandgrowledatViktorthenwentbacktohisdrawing.

“Damn,hehasatemperonhim.”ViktorleanedbacksmilingatCarson.
“He’sprobablyjusttiredandhungry,too,”Aidenoffered.“It’sbeenalongday.”
Skyler couldn’t agree more. What had started out as a relaxing Sunday with his family turned

outtobeabattletoprotecttheirson.

About an hour later Skyler heard a key in the door turning. Shane burst through the door

carryingapizzabox.SkylergotuptohelphimbutjerkedtoastopwhenhesawHoldenbehindhim
withtwomoreboxesinhishands.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”

“Oh,hegavemearidehome.”ShanewavedHoldeninside.“Ithinkthealternatorwentoutin

my truck and Holden saw me stranded at the pizza shop and was kind enough to give me a ride
home.”

“Babe,I’llgolookatittomorrowonceallthisissettled.”Viktorgavehismateakissandtook

thepizzaboxfromhim.

“HastherebeenanywordfromDevonorNoah?”Shaneasked.
“Notyet.”SkylertookthepizzafromHolden’sgrasp.
“What’sgoingon?”HoldengrabbedontoSkyler ’ssleeve.SkylerlookeddowntowhereHolden

hadaholdofhimandthenlookeduptohiseyes.“Sorry.”Holdenletgoandheldhishandsoutin
frontofhim.

Skylerhadn’tspokentoHoldensincethatdayatthepark,andthemanreallywascatchinghimat

abadtimerightnow.DevonandtheothersseemedtolikeHoldenwellenough,butSkylerstillhad
yettoformanopinionabouttheman.“It’spackbusiness,nothingtoconcernyourselfwith,”Skyler
informedhim.

“Ididn’tmeantopry.”Holdenlookedsincere,butSkylerdidn’tfeellikeconfidinghisproblems

toastranger.

“Daddy!”Carsonchosethatmomenttopopupfromwherehesatonthefloor.“Canwegetmy

iPadnow?”

Skyler handed the pizzas off to Aiden and went over to Carson. “I’m sorry, but no we can’t.”

Movementcaught his eye,and he sawHolden had stepped fartherinto the livingroom, his eyes on
Carson.

“Yo,Holden.”Viktorslappedthemanontheback.“Youwanttostayfordinner?”
Skyler watched as something passed over Holden’s face, but it was so quick he couldn’t put a

fingeronwhatitmeant.“No,Ihavetogetgoing.Niceseeingyouall.”AndwiththatHoldenleft.

Skyler stood there staring at the spot Holden had just vacated. The man’s piercing blues eyes

shinedwithsuchfamiliaritythatitbotheredSkyler.Déjàvuwastheonlythingthatcametomind,but
hewascertainhe’dnevermetHoldenbeforeaweekago.

“He’sagoodguy,Sky.”Viktornudgedhimintheshoulderwithhisown.“Onceyougettoknow

him,you’llsee.”

“Sure.”SkylergaveViktoratightsmilethenusheredhissonintothekitchen.
AftereveryonehadeatenSkylerandAidenstoodatthesinkwashingthedinnerdishes.Thetask

wassofamiliarandmundaneittookSkyler ’smindoffthedangerhismatewasin.Hehadn’theard
anythingfromNoahorDevon,andSkylerdidn’tlikethatonebit.Whatiftheyhadbeenambushed?
Whatiftheylaydeadordyingrightnow?Hisfingerstightenedtowhiteballsaroundthedishragin
hishands.

“You have to believe everything will be okay,” Aiden said as if he was reading Skyler ’s

thoughts.

“I know.” He thrust his hands back into the water, looking for another plate to wash. “But it’s

hardtosithereanddonothing.”

Aidenturnedtoresthishipagainstthecountertop.“You’renotdoingnothing.Youarekeeping

yoursonsafeandoutofharm’sway.Wedon’tknowwhat’sgoingonupthere,andI’mjustasfreaked
outasyouaboutDevon.ButIknowDevonwouldn’ttakeanycarelessrisksandneitherwouldyour
mateormyfather.Noahisahunter,andhehasexperienceonhisside.They’regoingtobefine.”

Skylercouldonlynodhishead.Heappreciatedhisfriendsayingallthat,butthatwaswhatAiden

hadtobelievetogethimthroughallthis.Skylerwasrealistic.Goddidn’tgiveoutanyguaranteesin
life,andhedidn’twanttobetooverconfidentonlytohaveitcomebacktobitehimintheass.

“Hey.”Shaneranintothekitchenoutofbreath.“HaveyoutwoseenCarson?”
SkylerdriedoffhishandsandturnedtolookatShane.“Whatareyoutalkingabout?He’swith

youandViktor.”

“Hesaidhehadtogotothebathroom,butthatwasfiveminutesago.WhenIwenttocheckon

himhewasn’tthere,andnowIcan’tfindhimanywhere.”

“I’msurehe’sheresomewhere.”Skylerpushedpasthisfriendandstartedsearchingthehouse.

Aidenhelpedhim,whileViktorandShanelookedupstairs.

“He’snotupstairs,andneitherisErik.”Viktorcamerushingbackintothelivingroom.“Iswear

I’mgoingtostrapmykidbrothertothebedorchainhimupinthegoddamnbasement.”

Skyler ’smindwasracingwithworryforCarson.Hedidn’thavetimetowonderwhereDevon

andViktor ’syoungerbrotherhadtakenoffto.Theteenagerhadbeendoingalotofthatlately,andhe
wasnearlyeighteenyearsold.Carsonwasjustalittleboy.

Where could he be? Skyler slowly started to turn in a circle. Carson’s words filled his ears.

Daddy, I want my iPad! He kept turning around and around, his breath rushing out of his lungs in
gaspingpants.Icefrozethebloodinhisveins.Hehadanauseatedfeelingheknewexactlywherehis
sonhadgone.

“Deargodno!”Skylerranforthebackdoor,threwitopen,andstrippedoutofhisclothesashe

went.

“Skyler.” He could faintly hear his friends calling out his name. Viktor cursed loudly, and the

pounding of footsteps followed him, but Skyler didn’t stop. He ran faster than he thought he could
possibly go. Only one thing mattered to him right now, and that was getting to Carson. If anything
happenedtohisson,he’dneverbeabletoforgivehimself.

Hedughisclawsharderintothepounded-downdirtandpushedhismusclestothepointofpain.

Carson,whereareyou?

****

NoahandPhillipsatinthedarklivingroomstaringoutthebackwindows.Everylittleflickerin

the night had them both popping up out of their seats. Tensions were running high, and Noah had
nibbledhisfingernailsdowntobloodystubs.

When Phillip got back from dropping off Skyler and Carson, he had them turned off all the

lights.Theywereusingheadsetstocommunicatewithoneanother.Brandontookpositionupstairsin
thesparebedroomwatchingthebackyard,andDevonsatinthefrontofficekeepingawatchonthe
frontyard.

“I’vegotmovementcomingthroughthetrees,”Brandonsaidovertheradio.
Noahstoodup,buthecouldn’tseeanything.Brandonsatoverlookingtheyardandhadanight-

visionscopeenablinghimtoseethingstheycouldn’t.

“Ifyougetashot,takeit,butdon’tshoottokill.Iwanttointerrogateitbeforeweputitdown,”

Noahsaidharshly.Hehadnofeelingsofsympathyorremorseforthisanimalbecauseitwasjustthat.
Arabidanimalthreateninginnocentlives.Anyonewouldagreethatitneededtodie.

Philliptooktoonesideofthewindows,andNoahontheother.Everythinghappenedallatonce

likeamovieinfast-forward.Hesawadarksmallballoffurbreakthroughthetrees,andhisheart
stopped.

“Don’tshoot!”heheardDevonshout.“Carsongotout.Hemightbeheadingthisway.”
AlargeblackshadowsprangtowardCarsonanddoverightoverhim.Oneshotrangout,and

the large beast fell limp to the ground. Carson stopped then turned to rush to the wolf’s side. Noah
threwopenthebackdoor,runningtowardhisson.

“Noah,waitaminute,”Phillipholleredafterhim.
“Carson.”Thesmallwolfturnedaroundandrantohim.Thelittleboyshiftedinaflash.

“Daddy, why did you shoot him?” Carson pointed down to where the wolf lay, but it wasn’t a

wolfanymorebutaman.

“Holden?” Devon asked. He knelt down and turned the man over to lie on his back. Blood

bubbledupfromasmallholeinhisstomach.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”

Holden’sfacewaspinchedinpain,andhegaspedforbreath.“Ihadtoprotecthim.”
“Brandon,holdyourfire,”Phillipsaidintohisheadset.“Idon’tthinkthisisourwolf.”Phillip

bent down on the other side of Holden. He turned the man over and pressed his hand against the
wound. “It’s a through-and-through shot. The bleeding isn’t too bad, so I feel safe saying Brandon
missedallmajororgans.I’mnotsurprisedsincewedidn’twanttokillthewolf.”

“Iappreciatethat.”Holden’swordscameoutalittleslurred.
“Let’sgethiminside.”NoahhuggedCarsonclosetohischest.DevonandPhilliphadstartedto

liftHoldenupoffthegroundwhentheyheardbarkingcomingfromthetrees.

“Tell Brandon to hold his fire,” Devon said. “When Aiden called he said that Skyler took off

lookingforCarson,andmybrotherfollowedhim.”

Just then Skyler, followed by a pure-white wolf, broke through the trees. The men shifted in

midstep,neverbreakingtheirstride.

“Carson!”SkylerrantowardthemandgrabbedtheirsonoutofNoah’sarmsandhuggedhim.

“Don’tyoueverdothattomeagain,youhearme?”

“ButIwantedmyiPad,”Carsonwhined.
“Let’s get in the house.” Noah scanned the yard. It had gone eerily quiet, and Noah had the

distinctfeelingtheywerebeingwatched,andhedidn’tlikeit.

“Waitaminute.”SkylerpulledawayfromNoahandlookedatthemanDevonandPhillipwere

helpingup.“IsthatHolden?”

“Sweetheart, save all your questions until we get inside.” Noah ushered Skyler into the house.

“Why don’t you and Carson go upstairs and put some clothes on?” He bent close to whisper in
Skyler ’sear.“Please,keepCarsonupthere.”Skylernoddedthenheadedforthestairs.

OnceinthehousethemenlaidHoldenonthecouch,andNoahflippedonthesidelamp.
“Weneedtostopthebleeding,”Phillipsaidashepulledafirstaidkitfromoneofhisbags.He

satnexttoHoldenandgottowork.“So,son,wanttotellmewhyyouwereoutinMr.Thompson’s
yard?”

NoahtookthechairnexttowhereHolden’sheadlay.ThemanflinchedinpainasPhillipworked

onhisside.

“BecauseIheardtherewastrouble.”Holdenhissedandclenchedhisteethtogether.“Iwasafraid

forCarson’ssafety.Icouldn’tletanythinghappentohim.”

“Why?”Noah’svoicehadahardedgetoitashestareddownattheman.“Whydoyoucarewhat

happenstomyson?”

“Because.”Holden’svoicehitched.“He’smynephew.”
“Excuse me?” Noah reached over and turned on another light, flooding the room with more

brightness. He took a better look at the man bleeding on his couch. His breath caught as he looked
intothesameblueseyesasCarson’sandthesameeyesasCarson’smother.

“Weallthoughtthebabyhaddied.That’swhatHaleyhadsaid,butwhenIheardaboutyouand

yourlittleboyIknewithadtobehim.IlostmysisterandIdidn’twanttolosetheonlyconnectionI
hadtoher.”

“Butwhy?”Noahasked.ThiswasCarson’suncle.Hehadtohaveknowledgewhytheysingled

himoutandwhynowtheywantedCarson.

“MypackhailsfromasmalltowninMaine,Atchison.Youledanattackonourpacksixyears

ago.”ThenamesoundedvaguelyfamiliartoNoah.“Alotofwolvesdied,andthat’swhenouralpha
puttogetheraplantohavemysisterseduceyou.Hewantedaccesstothecouncilsohecoulddestroy
it.WhenHaleybecamepregnanthemadeitknownthatoncehegotwhathewantedfromyou,he’d
killthebaby.Calledhimauselesshalf-breed,andHaleysaidshecouldn’tallowthattohappen,andI
agreedwithher.”

“Buthowdidyoufindthem?”PhillipaskedashewrappedupHolden’sside.
“One of our pack members had gone to New York on business, and she happened to see you

withalittleboywhoshesaidwasthespittingimageofHaley.Thealphawentmad.Hewasalreadya
ruthlessbastard,butitonlygotworse.Hewantedtosetupateamtogoandkidnapthelittleboy.Ileft
beforehecouldaskthatofme.IwenttoNewYorkandstakedoutwherethewolfhadseenyou.All
mywaitingfinallypaidoffwhenIsawyouandCarsoneatingbreakfastatthedineronSixthAvenue.”
AwistfulsmilespreadoverHolden’slipsasifhewaslostinhismemories.“Iknewinstantlythathe
wasmysister ’sson.HelookedsomuchlikeHaley.”

Noahsatthereandlistenedtowhatthismanhadtosay.HerememberedtheattackonHolden’s

pack.Afewwolveshadmassacredafamilycampinginthewoods,sothecouncildeemedthemfitfor
death.Noahledtheteamsenttodeliverjustice.Andatthetimehethoughttheyhadgottenthemall,but
hemusthavebeenwrong.Lookingbacknowheregrettedhisactions,buthecouldn’tchangethepast,
justmoveonfromit.

“If you didn’t mean us any harm, why didn’t you approach me?” Noah wasn’t for sure he

believed this story. The resemblance was uncanny, but just because Holden and Carson shared the
sameblooddidn’tmeantheywerefamily.

“Would you have believed me?” Holden tried to sit up but winced then fell back against the

couch.Noahdidn’trespondbecauseHoldenwasright,hewouldn’thave.“Ididn’tthinkso.”Holden
grittedoutthroughclenchedteeth.“ItookforgrantedyouwouldhavebeenhostilehadIcametoyou,
soIdidthenextbestthing.Iwatchedfromafar.Iwascontenttojustdothatfortherestofmylife,but
thenIgotacallfromafriendsayingthealphahadgoneoffthedeependandthemajorityofthepack
haddisbanded.Onlyatrustedfewstayedwithhim,andtheyplannedoncomingafteryouandtaking
Carson.SowhenIsawthatyouhadputherhouseonthemarketIwashopingyou’dmovefaraway.
ButIguessyoudidn’tgofarenough.”

ChapterThirteen

Skyler threw on some clothes and helped Carson get dressed. He found the iPad sitting on

Carson’sdresserandhandedtothelittleboy.HetookCarsonacrossthehall,andBrandonagreedto
watchoverthelittleguy.Brandonhadhisheadsetonsohewasabletoheareverythingthatwasgoing
ondownstairs.SkylersatCarsononthefloorontheoppositesideofthebedfacingawayfromthe
windows.Hewasalreadyplayinghisgameandseemedoblivioustoeverythingelsegoingonaround
him.

Skyler ran down the stairs two at a time. He came around the corner and could hear Holden

talkingandwhathadledthemanhere,tothem.

“That’s why you approached him at the park that day, wasn’t it?” Skyler stepped out from the

shadows.

Holdennoddedhishead.“Ihadnevergottenthatclosetohimbefore,andwhenIwalkedpasthe

saidhi,andthewayhelookedatme”—hegaspedforbreath,andtearsstartedtofallfromhiseyes
—“itwaslikeheknewme.ThewholetimemysisterwaspregnantwithCarsonItalkedtoherbelly.
Wewerealleachotherhad.LosingHaleyalmostkilledme.”

WhatHoldensaidsoundedsosad.Helovedhissistersomuch,andtheonlyfamilyhehadleft

wasCarson,butSkylerhadtoknowwhythemanstayedaftertheykilledhissister.Howcouldhebe
aroundthesavagesthatrippedherapart?

“Holden,NoahtoldmewhatyourpackdidtoHaley.Whydidyoustayafterthathappened?You

don’tseemlikeaheartlessmonster,butyetyoustayedwiththem.Why?”Skylerhadmovedcloserto
thecouch,andNoahreachedoutandheldhishand.

“I’mnotsure,fearmaybe.”Holdenwipedawaythetearsonhischeeks.
“Whatwereyousoafraidof?”Noahasked.
“Iknewifafathercoulddothattohisonlydaughter,therewasn’tanythingthatwouldkeephim

fromdoingthesametohisson.”

Skyler ’s knees began to shake, and his legs felt like jelly. Noah pulled him down to sit on his

lap.Hetriedtospeak,butnowordscameout.Hisjawjustfloppedupanddown,uselesstohim.

“Thealphaofyourpackisyourfather?”Phillipasked.Holdennoddedhishead.Hehadhiseyes

castdown,andSkylerthoughthedidsofromshame.

“Doyouknowwhathewantswithmyson?”NoahshiftedoutfromunderSkylerandmovedto

kneelinfrontofHolden.

“I’mnotsure.”Holdenshookhishead.“ButifIweretoguessitwouldbetofinishthejobhe

didn’tgetthechancetodobefore.EitherblackmailingyouorkillingCarson,takeyourpick.Iwasn’t
willingtogambleoneitheroption.”

Skylerclearedhisthroatandhadjustopenedhismouthwhenthelightsflickeredout.Helooked

towhereNoahkneltnexttoHoldenandwasjustabouttoaskwhathappenedtothepowerwhenthe
soundofglassbreakingcamefromupstairs.

“I’vebeenhit,”Brandon’smuffledvoicecameovertheradio.
“Ohmygod!”Skylerstoodup.“Carson’supthere.”Hestartedtoruntowardthehallwaywhen

loudshotsrangoutandglassshattered.Skylertoppledoverwhensomethingheavytackledhimtothe
ground.Hisbreathwhooshedoutofhimfromthepressureonhisback.

Whentheroomgrewquiet,SkylerlookedoverhisshouldertoseeNoahcoveringhimwithhis

body.NoahheldafingertohislipsindicatingtoSkylertobequiet.HemotionedforSkylertocrawl

behind the couch. Devon and Viktor had pulled Holden behind it already. He looked around but
couldn’tseePhillipanywhere.

“Oh,don’thide,”saidalowgravellyvoice.Skyler ’seyeswidened,andhelookedovertohis

mate. Noah just motioned for him to remain silent. “We’re all family here, aren’t we, son?” The
crunchingofglassunderfootechoedintheroom.

Skyler could feel sweat dripping down his back. His palms ached from clenching his fists so

tight his fingernails dug into the skin. More footsteps sounded across the room. The acidic taste of
panicburnedthebackofhisthroat.Theyweretrappedwithamadman.Andtheworstthingofitall
wasthatCarsonwasupstairswithaninjuredBrandon.SkylersilentlyprayedBrandonwasn’thurtthat
bad.Heneededsomeonetowatchoutforhisson.

“Noah.”Themansanghismate’snamewithacheerfultone.“Whydon’tyougoandfetchmy

grandsonforme?Wehavealotofcatchinguptodo.”

Skylerreachedoutahandtosteadyhimself.Hisstomachclosedinonitself,andhewantedto

wretchrightthereonthedarkwoodenfloor.

HejerkedinsurprisewhenNoahleanedoverandkissedhimonthelips.Hewhispered,“Ilove

you,” against Skyler ’s mouth then stood up. Skyler tried to clumsily climb to his feet, but Viktor
yanked him back down. His body grew cold and numb as he watched the man he loved walk away
fromhim.

****

“I’mhere,”Noahsaidoncehesteppedawayfromthecouch.Hedidn’thaveaplan,buthehadto

atleastleadthismanawayfromtheothers.“Sinceyouknowmyname,it’sonlyfairIknowyours.”
HescannedaroundhimforanysignsofPhillip,butthemanwasnowhereinsight.

“Hank,andIbelieveyoualreadymetmyson.Holden!”Hankcalledout.“Comeoutnow,son.I

knowyou’rehere.Facemelikeaman.”

NoahwantedtobitehistonguewhenheheardsomeshufflingthenlookedovertoseeHolden

pulling himself to his feet. “If being a man means I kill my own children and hunt down my
grandchildlikeananimal,thenIdon’twanttobeaman.”

Hankraisedtheguninhishand,aimingitatHolden’schest.Noahjumpedbetweenthetwowith

hishandsheldupinfrontofhim.“Pleasedon’t!JusttellmewhatIcando.”

“Itoldyou,hunter.”Hanksaidthewordlikeitwasacidonhistongue.“Iwanttheboyandmy

son.”

“I can’t do that.” Noah took a step back. “I won’t allow you to take either one of them. I’m a

hunter,andIprotectthosewhocan’tprotectthemselves.”

“That’s rich.” Hank started to laugh. “You call yourself a protector. Do you know how many

innocentwolvesyou’vekilledinyourlife,fifty,ahundred,maybeathousand?Pleasesaveyourhigh-
and-mightyactforsomeonewhowillbuyit.”HankaimedthegunatNoah’shead.“Nowifyouwon’t
turnovermygrandson,I’llkillyouandeveryoneelseinthishouseuntilIfindhim.”

Noahshookhisheadandlethishandsfalltohissides.Adarkshadowmovedacrossthekitchen.

The gleam of metal reflected in the moonlight. Phillip moved like a panther, light and stealthy, and
advanced on Hank. He had his gun raised, and just as Hank cocked the gun back, Phillip rushed
forward.Thetoeofhisshoemusthavekickedapieceofglassacrossthefloor,andthatwasallthe
warningHankneeded.Heturnedaround,andbeforehecouldgetashotoff,Phillipfired,hittingthe
wolfinthehand.Noahusedthemomenttorushatthemanandtookhimtotheground.

A loud howl shook the walls of the house, and four large wolves jumped through the broken

windows. One took Phillip to the ground. He heard Devon shout something, then the next thing he
knew,themenhadshiftedandwerefightingtheotherwolves.

“Stupidhuman!”Hankspataroundhiselongatedteeth.HepushedagainstNoah’schest,sending

himflyingacrosstheroom.WhenHankgottohisfeetheshiftedintoamassivegraywolfandsprang
towardhim.

Noahdidn’thavetimetomoveandtookthebruntoftheimpactonhischest.Hanksnappedhis

jaws at Noah’s throat, but he was able to keep the wolf an arm’s distance away. Claws dug into his
biceps,andhecouldfeelbloodseepdownhisarms.

SomethingfastbarreledintoHank’sside,andtheybothfelltotheground.Abrownwolfsunkits

teeth into the shoulder of the gray wolf. The gray wolf howled in pain and thrashed around on the
ground, but the brown wolf, who he recognized as Skyler, held steady. Noah climbed to his feet,
searchingforthegunhelostwhentheshootingbegan.Allaroundhimwolvessnappedandclawedat
oneanother.

Hisfootkickedsomethinghard,andhelookeddown.Aloudwhimpercamefrombehindhim,

andheturnedjustintimetoseeHankcomeathimagain.HefelltohisbackwithHank,withrenewed
forcepushingdownonhim.Sharpincisorssunkintohisforearm,andhecriedout.Hekeptonehand
buriedinthethickfuraroundthebeast’sneckandusedhisotherhandtosearchforanythingtouseas
aweapononthegroundbesidehim.

SmallwhimperingsoundscamefromwhereHankandSkylerhadbeenfighting.Hewantedto

go to his mate, but Hank was unrelenting. His hands clasped around something jagged and sharp.
Noah fisted his hand around it, the sharp edges digging into his palm, and swung downward. Hank
yelpedinshockandstaggeredtotheside.Anarrowpieceofglassstuckoutfromhisthroat.Blood
rushedout,coatingthegrayfurwithsuchadeepreditlookedblack.Hislegstwitchedfromsideto
side,butHankdidn’tmovetogetup.

AlonegunshotrangoutandhelookedovertoseePhillipstandingoveramotionlesswolf.The

manhadbloodstaininghisclothesandcoveringhisface.Phillip’sfacewashard,andhisarmheld
steadyasheshotoutanotherround.

Noah turned when he heard a human-sounding Skyler whimper. He rushed to his mate’s side.

Skylerhadbloodcoveringhismouth,butitwasn’this,itwasHank’s.

“Skyler,areyouokay?”HepulledSkyler ’supperbodyintohislap.
“Ithinkso.”Skylerwipedahandacrosshismouth,butitonlysmearedthebloodmore.“Butmy

leg hurts.” Skyler blindly reached down, and Noah followed the movement. He quickly grabbed
Skyler ’shandwhenhesawapieceofglassjuttingfromhismate’sthigh.“Whatisit?”Skyler ’seyes
wereroundedandfrightened.

“IthinkwhenHanktossedyouoffhimyoulandedonsomeglass.”HeknockedSkyler ’shand

away when he tried to reach for it again. “Don’t touch it.” Noah ripped a piece of his shirt off and
wrappedthefabricaroundthejaggededgethenyankedupward,removingtheglass.Skylercriedout
butrelaxedoncetheglasshadbeenremoved.

“Youtwookay?”Devonasked.ViktorandPhillipstoodbehindhim.Thethreeofthemlooked

like they just went through a tornado. Blood and sweat covered their bodies, and debris lay
haphazardlyallovertheroom.

“Yeah, we’re good.” Noah helped Skyler to his feet, and his mate leaned heavily into his side.

Thesoundofstompingfeetsoundedabovethem,andNoahhandedSkylerofftoViktor.“Carson.”

“Don’t worry. We got him.” Brandon, with the help of another man with Carson on his back,

camearoundthecornerintothelivingroom.

“Erik?”DevonandViktorsaidsimultaneously.
Erik was Devon and Viktor ’s younger brother. He also happened to be Brandon’s mate. In the

time Noah had known the Carsten’s he hadn’t seen much of Erik. The young man was always off
doingsomething.ButhehadtowonderhowErikendeduphereathishouse.

Noahignoredthebrothersastheystartedtotalkrapidly.Heranovertohissonandtookhim

fromErik.Carson,stillclutchinghisiPad,usedhisfreearmtogriphimaroundtheneck.

“Daddy,Iwassoscared.”Wetnesssplashedagainsthisneckashissoncried.“IthoughtI’dnever

seeyouagain,butBrandonpromisedmeIwould.”

Noahlookedovertothehunterandsawthebloodhadsoakedthroughhisshirtrightaroundhis

shoulder.BrandongavehimasharpnodandturnedbacktoErikandhisarguingbrothers.

“Carson,”Skylersaidashehobbledovertothem.NoahwrappedanarmaroundSkyler ’swaist

andpulledthemtogether.

“Daddy,you’rebleeding.”CarsonpointeddowntoSkyler ’sleg.
“Yeah,butI’llbefine.”Skylerlookedup,andNoahmethisgaze.“Thankstoyourotherdaddy.”
NoahbentdownandbrushedhislipsoverSkyler ’s.Carsonstartedtolaugh.Hesmiledagainst

Skyler lips. “Are you sure you want to be a part of all this?” he asked. “Crazy attacking wolves,
giggling,stubbornlittleboys?”

SkylerlookedfromNoahtoCarsonthanbacktoNoah.“Morethananything.”Skylersmiledso

widehiswhiteteethwerelikeaspotlightinthedarkness.

NoahdippeddownandkissedSkyleronemoretime,andallthechaossurroundingthemseem

tojustdisappear.Iftheycouldgetthroughthistheycouldgetthroughanything.

ChapterFourteen

FiveWeeksLater

“Ican’tbelieveourbabystartedkindergartentoday.”Skyler ’slowerlipstuckoutinapout.“I

misshimalready.”

“Oh my god.” Shane rolled his eyes. “Please say you two didn’t embarrass him when you

droppedhimoffatschool?”

“Ididn’t,”NoahsaidashesippedthecoffeeShanesatinfrontofhim.“Butthisonebawledlike

ababy.”

“Hey!”Skylerslappedathismate’sarm.Noahsmiledathimoverhiscoffeecup.
Thepastfiveweeksseemedtoflybyinaflashofmemories,somebadbutmainlygood.After

Hank and his wolves attacked, Noah, Phillip, Devon, and Viktor loaded up the dead bodies into the
backofPhillip’struckanddisposedofthem.Whenheaskedwhattheydid,Noahrefusedtotellhim.
Saidhedidn’twantSkylertaintedwiththosetypesofimages.

All things considering, they all fared pretty well. Brandon took a bullet in the shoulder. It

shatteredabone,andhehadtowearanarmsling.Hedidn’tlikeit,butheonlyhadtodealwithitfora
coupleofmoreweeks.

Devon and Viktor only suffered some minor scrapes and bruises, nothing serious. Phillip

sustainedabrokenwristfromhisstrugglewiththewolfhehadfought.Healsohadaclawmarkon
theleftsideofhisfacethatranfromhistempledowntohischin.

ThethingthatshockedSkylerthemostwaswhatErikhaddone.Erik,tonoone’ssurprise,had

beenfollowingBrandonaroundlikealittlelostpuppy.TheironyinthatstatementstillmadeSkyler
wanttogiggle,butitwasthetruth.ButitwasthankstoErikthatBrandonhadn’tbeenkilled.Hankhad
asnipersetdeepinthewoods,andthatmanhadbeenwatchingthemalldayandknewwhereBrandon
hadbeenstationed.Erikhadtakenthemanoutonceherealizedhewasanenemynotafriend.

Erik’s brothers had been surprised by Erik’s actions but not Skyler. There wasn’t anything

wolveswouldn’tdofortheirmates.

Holdenhadalsorecoveredfromhisgunshotwound.Philliphadbeenright,andtheshotwasa

clean through-and-through. After all Noah and Skyler had learned, they chose not to keep Carson
fromhisuncle.Noahdidn’thavealotoffamily,andSkylerhadbeenanonlychild,soHoldenwas
theonlybiologicaluncleCarsonwouldeverhave.

NoahhadaskedHoldentostaywiththem,andafteralittlearmturningfromSkylerandCarson,

Holdenrelentedandmovedin.HoldenwastheonlypersonthatcouldgiveCarsontheonethingheor
Noah couldn’t, and that was memories of Carson’s mother. Holden was a good storyteller, and he
lovedtotalkabouthissister.HoldenevengaveCarsonaphotographofhismother,anditsatonhis
nightstandrightnexttoapictureofhimandNoahtogetherwithCarsonsittingonSkyler ’slap.

“Oh,I’mgoingtobelate.”Noahgulpeddowntheremainderofhiscoffee.“Seeyouatlunch?”

heaskedSkyler.

NoahhadbeenofferedateachingpositionatHemsworthUniversitybeforeallthetroublewent

down with Hank and his pack. Once the repairs on the house were completed and life got back to
normal, Noah told Skyler about it. The college wanted him to teach a class that revolved around
family law. Being as Noah had been a divorce attorney, and his own degree provided him the
opportunitytoteachifhewantedto,SkyleragreedNoahwouldbeperfectforthejob.Itwascloseto

homeandwouldn’tconsumehislifelikepracticinglawfull-timehaddone.

“Ofcourse.”Skylerkissedhismateonthelips,tastingthebitterripenessofcoffee.“IthinkI’m

developingafetishforcollegeprofessors,”heteased.

“Youdon’tsay.”NoahmovedclosetoSkyler,forcinghimselfbetweenSkyler ’sthighs.
“Maybeyoucanshowmeyourofficelater.Icanpretendyou’retheoverbearingteacher,andI

canbethemisguidedstudent.”SkylerbattedhiseyelashesatNoah.

“Ican’tdecideifyourdirtymindfrightensmeorturnsmeon.”Noahkissedhimonemoretime.
“I’dhavetosayit’salittlebitofboth,”Skyleranswered.
“Whateveritisdon’teverchange.”NoahtookastepbackfromSkylerandsmoothedhishands

downthefrontofhisshirt.“YousureIlookokay?”

Skylerrolledhiseyes.“Forthemillionthtimeyoulookgorgeous.Thosestudentswon’tbeable

toconcentratewithyouteachingtheclass.”

Noah wore a pair of khaki slacks with a blue button-down shirt and a tweed sports jacket that

wasashadedarkerthanhispants.Hisblackhairhadbeenstyledbackoutofhisface.Somegraywas
pepperedhereandthereinthedarkstrands,anditonlymadehismatelookmoredistinguished.The
blueintheshirtmadehiseyessparkle,makinghimlookyoungerthanhisthirty-sixyears.

“HaveItoldyouhowmuchIloveyoulately?”Noahasked.
“Only every other minute.” Skyler smiled and blew his mate a kiss. Noah waved then headed

towardhiscar.

“Youguysmakemesick.”Shanemadeagaggingnoseandhadhisfingerinhismouthlikehe

wasgoingtovomit.

“Ohshutup!You’rejustjealous.”Hechuckled.
Shaneleanedacrossthecountertopandlookedoutthewindow.“OnlythingI’mjealousaboutis

Ineverhadateacherthathot.”Shanemadeahummingnose.“Skyler,Ihavetosayheisyummy,but
I’lltotallydenyitifyousayanythingtoViktor.”

“Oh,honey,mylipsaresealed.”Hesippedhistea.
“Look at you.” Shane smiled as he shook his head. “You’re so happy it’s coming off you in

waves.”

“I am. I really am.” All Skyler ever wanted was to have a family of his own, and his life was

completewithanadoringhusband,anadorableson,andgreatfriends.Whatmorecouldawolfask
for?

THEEND

WWW.AJJARRETT29.BLOGSPOT.COM

ABOUTTHEAUTHOR

AJ Jarrett currently lives in the Midwest with her husband and four children. A lover of M/M

romances,shehasstartedwritingherownstoriesforotherstoenjoy.Sheloveshercharacterstobe
antagonistic toward one another but ultimately find their happy ever after. She believes love can be
foundinthecraziestofplaces,andalittlehumoralongthewayneverhurt.Toher,there’snothing
sexierthantwomenfindingtheirsoulmateineachotherandfallinginlove.Whensheisn’tchasing
aroundherkids,shecanbefoundsittingonthecouchwithhertrustedlaptop,givinglifetothevoices
inherhead.

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