AnEllora’sCaveRomanticaPublication

www.ellorascave.com

Howlin’

ISBN9781419913662

ALLRIGHTSRESERVED.

Howlin’Copyright©2007AllysonJames

EditedbyMaryAltman.

CoverartbySyneca.

ElectronicbookPublicationDecember2007

Thisbookmaynotbereproducedorusedinwholeorinpartbyanymeansexistingwithoutwritten
permissionfromthepublisher,Ellora’sCavePublishing,Inc.®1056HomeAvenue,AkronOH44310-
3502.

Thisbookisaworkoffictionandanyresemblancetopersons,livingordead,orplaces,eventsor
localesispurelycoincidental.Thecharactersareproductionsoftheauthors’imaginationandused
fictitiously.

HOWLIN’

AllysonJames

ChapterOne

AlainDupreewalkedstarknakedontohisbackporchtowatchthemoonrise.Thicktreesscreenedhim
fromhisneighbors,givinghimprivacyinthishousebuiltrightonthebankofOakCreek.Thislandhad
beenhisgrandfather’s,thenhisfather’sandnowAlain’s.

Themoonroseabovethetrees,roundandfull.ItssilverlighttracedshadowsonAlain’shard-muscled
chestandpickedoutthesharplinesoftheblacktattoosthatencircledhisbiceps.Hecouldfeelthe
vibrationsofthisplace—whattheNewAgerscalledvortexes.Ahighconcentrationofmagiclingered
here,nomatterwhatitwascalled,andittingledandsangthroughAlain’sblood.

Hesniffedthewind,tiltinghisheadback.Heknewtherewasanotherwerewolfoutthere,afemale,buthe
didn’tknowwhere.He’dsensedherwhenhearrivedbuthadn’tbeenabletopinherdown.Yet.

Buthe’ddoit.Heknewshewasouttheresomewhere—hecouldscentherontherisingbreeze.Timeto
findherandbreakthenews.

*****

PatriceSpencerwasalsonaked,inthebathroomofherdoublewidejustinsidethelineofYavapai
County.

I’mnotgoingtochangeintoawerewolf,shetoldherreflection.It’sridiculous.

Today,amancallinghimselfashamanshowedupatthepolicestation,askedtoseeher,thensaidhe’d
beensenttowarnher.Herparents,longdead,hadbeenwerewolvesandPatricewouldundergoherfirst
changethefullmoonaftersheturnedtwenty-five.

She’dturnedtwenty-fivetwoweeksago.

Shaman.Right.He’dsaidhisnamewasJacksonGray,couldn’thavebeenmorethanthirtyhimselfand
worejeansandanearth-coloredSedonat-shirt.Thet-shirtstretchedtightacrosshonedpecsandbroad
shoulders.Hehadlongblackhaircaughtinatail,andtheliquidbrowneyesofaNativeAmerican.

Hubbahubba.

He’dmadehimselfrightathomeinheroffice,loungingonahardchairlikeitwaspaddedwith
eiderdown.

“Hello,PatriceSpencer,”hesaidinasilkenvoice.“Guesswhat?”

She’dneverseenthemanbefore.SheknewmostoftheNativeAmericansinandaroundSedonaand
Cottonwood,butnothim.She’dhaverememberedhim.

Heleanedforwardandrestedsun-bronzedarmsonherdesk,hiseyessodarkshewantedtodrownin
them.

“What?”sheanswered.Anddoesitinvolveyouslatheringmewithmassageoil?

He’dsmileduntilshewantedtomeltintoapuddleandthenthosebrowneyestwinkledashe’dtold
Patriceshewasawerewolfandneededtogetusedtoit.

“Butdon’tworry,”hesaid,sittingback,athisease.“I’llbearoundtohelpyou.Thefirstchangeisthe
hardest,notbecauseyourbodyhastroublechangingtothewolfbutbecauseyouhavetointegrateitinto
yourlife.”Hetappedthesideofhishead.“It’sharduphere,butI’llbethereforyou.Youhavefriends,
Patrice.”

Thishadtobeajoke.Whydidoneofthemostgood-lookingmenshe’dseeninageshavetobeinsane?

She’dseeanothermanjustashandsometheotherday,butonlybriefly,andshehadn’tencounteredhim
again.Justherluck—shewentforyearswithoutarealdate,thenencounteredahunkandagorgeous,
crazyNativeAmericaninthesameweek.

“Wedohaveprogramstohelppeoplelikeyou,”shesaidtoJackson.“Theclerkcangiveyousomephone
numbers.I’msorry,butI’minthemiddleofaboutamillionreports.”

Jacksonstoodup.Herestedhisfistsonthedeskandleanedtoputhisfaceclosetohers.Withanyother
walk-in,she’dhavebeenonherfeettellinghimtobackoff.Insteadshesatandlethiswarmbreathtouch
herface,hissmileheather.

“Iwillseeyousoon,Patrice.”

Heleanedevencloser,flickedouthistonguetotouchherupperlip,thenturnedandsaunteredoutofthe
room.Shestifledagroan.Niceass.

Shesatinadazeforamoment,thenshotoutofherofficeafterhim.Jacksonwasnowhereinsight.

“Whowashe?”shedemandedastheclerkanddispatcherstaredather.“Anyoneknowhim?”

SusanGonzalez,thedispatcher,lookedpuzzled.“Whowaswho?”

“Themanwhojustwalkedoutofhere.”

Susanblinked,asdidtheclerk.“Noone’sbeeninhereallafternoon.Youfeelingallright?”

PatricegapedatthemasSusanandtheclerkexchangedaglance.Crazygringo.

Sheclosedhermouth.“Fine.”Shefledbackintoherofficeandclosedthedoor,tryingtoignoretheir
looks.

Shefinishedhershift,hermindeverywherebutonherjob,thendrovehome,keepingasharpeyeoutfor
anyonewholookedlikeJackson.Sheadmittedshe’dbeenprettytiredlately.Maybeshe’dfallenasleep
anddreamedhim.

Butasthesunwentdown,shefoundherselfmoreandmorenervous.Shewentintothebathroom,stripped
offherclothesandexaminedherselfinthemirror.Shedidn’tlookanydifferent.

NowayamIgoingtoturnintoawolf.

Sowhywasshestandingtherenakedinthebathroom,waitingtoseewhatwouldhappenwhenthemoon
cameup?

Andwhydidshecravesexsomuchallofthesudden?Sheslidherfingerstoherclit,sinkingfingertips
intothewetwarmthshefoundthere.Ahh.Shemovedhertouchinaslowcircle,watchinginthemirror,
eyeshalfclosing.Thehottinglefeltsogood.Shetiltedherheadbacktoenjoyit,theendsofhershorthair
ticklingthebaseofherneck.

Hernipplestightenedandlifted,andshecuppedherhandunderherbreast,thumbrollingacrossthe
areole.HerthoughtsmovedfirsttoJackson,thentoherbriefencounter—themanshe’dseencomingout
ofaconveniencestoreonTuesday.He’dbeentallandtight-bodied,andhisasshadbeenjustasfineas
Jackson’s.Shehadn’tbeenabletolookathimfully—there’dbeenonlyabrushofbodiesasheleftand
sheentered—butsherememberedtheass.

Theclerkinsidehadtoldhershe’djustnearlybumpedintoAlainDupree,comeoutherefrombackeast
becausehisfatherhadpassedawayandhe’dinheritedtheDupreeplaceinOakCreekCanyon.Alain.
Unusualname,butshelikedit.

ShethoughtaboutAlainDupree’scuteassnow,imaginingherselfsidlingupbehindhimandrubbing
herselfonit.ShealsothoughtaboutJacksonGray’seyes,howtheytwinkledwhenhesmiled.

Shemovedherfingermorequickly,backandforth,backandforth,assheimaginedthefrictionofhis
jeansonher.Toobadshehadn’tlookedupintimetoseetheotherman’sfacesoshecouldfantasizeabout
himturningaround,smiling,slidinghisfingersintoher.

Herthoughtswentwilderstill.SheenvisionedJacksonandtheothermanclimbingintoherSUVwithher
anddrivingoutontooneofthebackwasherboardroadswherenoonecame.She’dturnoffherpolice
radioandlockthedoorswhiletheyhelpedeachotherstripheroutofheruniformandlickheralltheway
down…

Patricegaspedandjerkedherfingersawayfromherbody.Whatwasshedoing?She’dneverinherlife
touchedherselfinamorethancursoryway,nevermasturbated.Herfriendsadvocateditasawayto
releasetensionandimpliedallhealthywomendidit,butPatricehadneverbeeninterested.Toobusyand
toostressedtothinkaboutit,probably.

Andnowshecravedsexlikeawomanonarestricteddietcravedcake.Shewanteditbadandwasready
tostandheremoaninginfrontofherownmirrortosateherself.

Exceptitwasn’tworking.Sheneededsex,realsex,alongcockslidinginsideherandmakingherscream.
Theurgetomateburnedthroughherbody,somuchthatsherockedbackandforth,archingasthougha
manheldherandthrustintoher.

Atight-bodiedmanwithagorgeousbacksideplusonewithblackhairandbeautifuleyes.

Thematingmadnessgrippedherandhervisionstartedtoblur.Shesawherbathroom,butinmuted
shades,asthoughshelookedthroughopaqueglass.Inthemirrorhereyeshadgoneroundandicy,very

differentfromherownsoftgreen.

Herbodyachedandstretched,hurtingbutnothurting,anorgasmovertakingher.Shegrowledwithit,
reachingherarmsaboveherheadandthendroppingtothefloor…

Onallfours…

Coveredwithfur…

*****

Milesaway,uptheOakCreekcanyon,JacksonGrayfoldedhisarmsoverhischestandleanedbackto
breathethescentofthenight.Hewasnakedalready,standingonthebankofthecreekbelowtheDupree
house,themoonlightonhisbody.

AlainDupreelingeredonhisbackporch,bracinghiscockwithhishand,lettingoutahalf-groanof
pleasureashisfingersglidedalongit.HeclosedhiseyesashestrokedhimselfandJackson’sowncock
roseinsympathy.

Jacksongavehimselfalittlestroke,lovingthepent-upfeelingofneed.Tonighthe’dstartbringingthese
twotogether,thewomaninpainandthemanwhoneededherhelp.Allinanight’sworkforademigod
likeJackson.

Meanwhile,heenjoyedwatchingAlainstrokehimself.Themanhadahonedbody,musclesthicklike
mostwerewolves’,hisstrengthclear.Backandforthhemovedhishand,asmallgruntescapinghismouth
asheclimaxed,catchinghisseedinatowelhe’dreadiedforthatpurpose.

“Verynice,”Jacksonsaid.

Alain’seyespoppedopen,silverandnearlyglowing.“Whothehellareyou?”

“Yournewbestfriend,”Jacksonsaid.“Readyforthechange?”

Alaintossedthetowelaside.“You’renotawerewolf.Yousmellwrong.”

Jacksongrinned.“Notwolf.Coyote.”

“Coyotesarevermin.”

Coyotesswarmedupanddownthesecanyons,intothemountainsabovethemanddownintothedeserts.
Theyhadlearnedtoadapttohumansandsowerenumerous,whilewolveshadallbutdiedout.

“Benicetome,wolf.Icansaveyourlife.”

HesensedAlain’sbodycomealert,thewolfinhimrising.“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”

“Yourdadwasagoodman.Hedidn’tdeservetodie.I’llhelpyoufindoutwhokilledhimandkeephim
fromdoingthesametoyou.”

Alain’sgrowlturnedintoafullsnarlashisbodyswirleddowntobecomeahugeblackwolf.He’dbeena
werewolfawhile,Jacksonsaw—hadgottencomfortablewiththebeastinhim.Hewassavageyet
controlled.

“Youknowthewerewolfhunterwhodidthis?”Alainasked.Hedidn’tspeakinwords,inEnglish,but
Jacksonspokewolfquitewell.

“Notyet.Ihavesomeideas.Ialsoknowtheshe-wolfisoutthereandsheneedsyou.”

Alaingrowledagain,hisfurbristling.HeleaptofftheporchandlandedsquareinfrontofJackson,his
headashighasJackson’schest.“Youknowalotaboutme.”

“I’vebeenwatchingyou.”Jacksonlethisglanceturnadmiring.“IlikewhatIsee.”

Alainmadeanoiseofdisgust,turnedawayandsplashedintothecreek.

Jacksonchanged.Adrenalinerushedthroughhisbody,hisalreadyformidablestrengthincreasingashe
quicklymorphedintohiscoyoteform.Hissenseofhearingandsmellsharpenedandhisvisionshowed
himconcaveimageswithedgesofsharpsilver,blackandwhite.Hesniffedthewind,enjoyingthetangy
scentsofthenightbeforehethrewbackhisheadandletoutacoyotehowl.

Heheardtheblackwolfsnarldeepintheshadowsofthetreesacrossthecreek.Jacksonchuckledto
himself.Vermin,washe?Thegodswouldlovethat.

Stilllaughing,hesplashedintothecreektofollowAlainatadiscreetdistance.Hewasgoingtoenjoy
this.

*****

Iamnotawolf.It’satrick.Ahallucination.

Aprettydamngoodhallucination.Patricewasrunningonallfours,herbodylitheandleanandstrong.
Shecouldseesmellsandhearsoundsbeyondthescopeofhumanears.

TheNovemberwindwascoldinherfur,butitexhilaratedher.Thedarknesswasnotdarkatalltoher;
shecouldseethingsshe’dnevernoticedbefore.Theneedforsexhadn’tlessened,either—ifanything,it
hadgrown,whichspurredhertorunandrun.

She’dslunkoutofherdoublewideanddownthestreettowhereitendedinadirtroad.Shetriedtokeep
tothickstandsoftreesbutSedonaandtheVillageofOakCreekhadbecomesodevelopedthatthetrees
tendedtovanishintobarepatchesoflandandparkinglots.Whatusedtobeaneasywalkintoacanyon
wasnowblockedbygatedtimeshareresorts.

ShefinallymadeherwaytotheOakCreekandstartedworkingherwayupstreamundertheoverhanging
trees.Thecreekledthroughthecenteroftownnow,buttrafficstayedhighonthebridge,andinthe
darknessshedoubtedanyonewouldseeherscuttlingthroughthebrush.Iftheydidthey’dthinkshewasa
largedogorcoyote.

Patricefelt…glorious.Asplashofwaterwasasloudasagunshot,thesmelloffishsharpandfresh,the

scentofgarbagefromdumpstersclosetothecreekoverwhelming.Assheranonupthecanyon,thehuman
smellsgraduallydissipated,thescentsofcedarandriverandredclaytakingtheirplace.

She’dhikedthesepathsmanytimes,butwhereherhumanbodywouldhavetiredandturnedback,her
wolfbodynavigatedquicklyandeasily.Whenspacebetweenhousesbecamegreater,shecrossedthe
shallowriver,lovingthecoolwaterinherhotfur.

Ontheothersideofthecreeksheshookherselfout,finallyunderstandingthejoydogstookinthatsimple
act.Amountainrosebeforeher,thecanyonleadinguptoopenwilderness.Shesensedrabbits,squirrels,
mountaingoats,snakeshidingfromthecoldintheirholes,birdshuddledforwarmthintreesandthefaint
andfarawayscentofalonewildcat.Anentireworldwaslaidoutforher,onesoclosetothefancyspas
ofSedona,yetsodifferent.

Shehadrunonafewmiles,lovingthefreedomofit,whensherealizedshewasn’talone.Everysense
prickled—sightandhearingandscent,andanothersensethatshejustthoughtofas“awareness”.

Underthetreesafewyardsaway,anothershadowkeptpacewithher.Shecouldn’ttellwhatitwas,butit
turnedwhensheturned,tookthepathsthatshetook.

Awolffeltfeardifferentlyfromahuman,Patricerealized.Nosilentmessageinherhead:I’mafraid.Just
aspikeinheradrenalin,anurgetorunasfastasshecouldatthesametimeherinstinctsreadiedherto
turnandfight.

Sheeffortlesslyclimbedarockypath,dodgingbeneathhanginglimbsoftwistedjuniperandpiñonpines.
Theshadowkeptpacewithherwithouttrouble.PatricehadlivedinandhikedaroundSedonafortwenty
yearsbutshe’dneverbeenuphere,neverinthiswildplaceunmarkedbyhumanpassage.Whoever
chasedherobviouslyhad,andhewasherdingherwherehewantedtogo.Timetoturnandconfronthim.

Shestopped,pushingherpawsintotheearthandswingingaroundsoabruptlythatwhateverfollowedher
pulledupshort.Shewatchedtheshadowsunderthetreesforafewheartbeats,thenalargeblackwolf
walkedslowlyoutofthedarknessandsatonhishaunchesafewfeetaway.

Shecouldhave“seen”himwithscentevenifthemoonhadnotbeensobright—hesmelledcleanand
muskyandverymale.Hewasmassive,highofshoulder,deepofchest,histhickblackfurshininginthe
moonlight.Eyesofsilverfixedonherandasmallgrowlissuedfromhismouth.Otherwiseheremained
still,watchingher.

Patricehadnoideawhattodo.She’drunalongway,warmingheralreadywarmbody,and
embarrassingly,shebegantopant.

“Mine,”hesaidwithfinality.

Hehadn’tactuallyspoken,norhadheprojectedintoherheadlikeavoiceoverinthemovies.Hiswolf
selfhadspoken,hisbodylanguageconveyingwhatitneededto.Shetriedtoanswer,butsheonlyknew
howtocommunicateinthehumanway,andshestartedtowhineandyip.

“Itisdifficultatfirst,”hesaid.“Giveintothewolf.Itknowswhattodo.”

Patricegrowledandsnarledwhiletheblackwolfsatandwatchedher.Shehadnoideawhohewasor

whyshe’dnotheardofahugeblackwolfsightedinthisarea.Thingslikethatgotreportedtothepolice,
alongwithanimalcontrol.Butnoonehadmentionedit.

Shelikedtheblackwolf’seyes,sopurelysilver,andshewonderedifhewasjustasgood-lookingwhen
hewasaman.Excitingthought.

Scarytoo.Shetookthemeasureofhisscent,heardthebreathmoveinandoutofhisnostrils,sensedhis
power.

“Yourwhat?”sheasked.

Heblinked.“What?”

“Yousaidmine.Yourwhat?”

Thewolfgrowled,smilegone,butshesensedhisglee.“Mymate,”heannouncedandstartedforher.

ChapterTwo

Shewasbeautifulasawolf—silver-furredandgreen-eyed—whoevershewas.Whentheywerehuman
again,Alainwouldnotbeabletokeephishandsoffher.Helookedforwardtoit.

“Yourmate?”shesaidincredulouslyinwolf.“YoumeanIhavetohavewolfsex?”

“Youwillbemymateinallways.”

“Ohreally?”shegrowled.“I’veonlybeenawolfforafewhours.Giveawomantimetoadjust,will
you?”

Alain’sbloodthrummed,everysensealivetoher.“Icangiveyoueverythingyouneed.”

“Tellmewhoyouare.”

“Surrendertome.We’lldoformalitieslater.”

Heleapt.Sheleaptfaster.Shesidesteppedhimsothatheskiddedinthedirtrightintothornyunderbrush.
Shewhirled,staredathiminastonishmentforamoment,thenyelpedandsprintedaway.

Alaintriedtodisentanglehimselftofollowherbutthethornscaughtdeepinhisfur.Hesworeandbit,
andbecameawareofathroatychucklenotfarfromhim.

Notthebeautifulgraywolf,butacoyote.Longandleanwithplentyofmuscle,thiscoyotehaddeep
browneyesratherthantheusualyellowisheyesofhiskind.

“Aw,ispoorwolf-kinsstuck?”heasked.

“Doyouhaveadeathwish?”Alainsnarled.“WhenIgetoutofhere,you’retoast.”

“Iknowwhosheis.”

Alainstopped.Helookedatthecoyote’ssharp-pointedface,swearingthattheanimalwasgrinning.“Tell
me.”

“Howbaddoyouwantmetohelpyou?”

Alaintrailedoffintoaseriesofgrowls.Thecoyote’soutlineshimmeredandchangeduntilhewassixfeet
andmoreoflean,tight,nakedmuscle.Hislongblackhairswungfreeasheleaneddownanddisentangled
Alain’sfur.

Alainbackedwellawayfromthebushesandmorphedintohishumanselfagain.“Allright,tellme,who
isshe?”

“Icanshowyou.Butnotrightnow.”

Alaingavehimaverywolf-likegrowl.“Listen,coyote,youcomearoundmyhouseclaimingyouknow
secrets,butyouhaven’tproventomeyouknowanything.Yousayyouknowwhathappenedtomyfather
—”

“Youknowthattoo.Hewaskilled.”

“Bywho?Tellme.”

Helosthissmile.“I’mnotsureyet.IneedproofbeforeIaccuseanyone.”

Alaintookasteptowardhim,readytoclosehishandsaroundtheman’sthroat,butthecoyote-mancaught
hishandandtwinedhisfingersthroughAlain’s.

“Comeonnow,wolf,Iwon’tsteeryouwrong.YouwantthatgirlandIwantyoutohaveher.Yourdad
wasagoodfriendtome.”

“Awolffriendswithacoyote?”

“Everyone’sfriendswithme,”hesaid.“YoucancallmeJackson.”

AlainstoodstillwhileJacksonreleasedhishand,circledbehindhimandslidstrongarmsaroundAlain’s
waist.“I’mnotjustanycoyote.”HeleaneddownandnibbledAlain’sshoulder,histeethsharp.“I’mthe
Coyote.Lookuptriballegends.Mostwhitepeopledon’tknowthem.”

“I’veheardofCoyote.Thetricksterwithmuchmagic.You’resayingthat’syou?”

“Intheflesh.”HeranhistonguefromAlain’sshouldertohisneckandAlainfelthisalreadyfrustrated
libidoresponding.Strange—ifanyothermanhadtouchedhimlikethat,shifterorno,Alainwouldhave
thrownhimtotheground.InsteadhelikedthewarmthofJackson’sarmsaroundhiswaistandhismouth
onhisskin.

Alainclosedhiseyes,lettinghiscockenjoyelongatingandstretching.“Who’sthewoman?Sheimplied
thiswasherfirstturning.”

Coyoteanswered,hisbreathwarm.“Allright,Ican’tstandthesuspense.She’sapoliceofficer.Cute
womanwhodrivesaroundinanSUV,hasagunandhandcuffs.”

Alain’seyespoppedopen.PatriceSpencerwasawerewolf?Hethoughtofherdarkbrownhair,herfine
greeneyes,thewayherbodyfilledoutheruniform,givingamanfantasiesaboutbeingarrestedand
frisked.Hehadn’tsensedanyhintofthewolfabouther,butadmittedlyhe’donlyseenherfromafar.Their
onlycloseencounterhadbeenattheconveniencestorewhenthey’dpassedinthedoorway.

She’dbrushedpasthimwithapolitesmileonherwayinside,probablynotknowinghisjeanshad
tightenedatthewayhereyesturnedupinthecorners.She’dsmelledgood,justoutoftheshower
probably,grabbingcoffeeonherwaytohermorningshift.

PatriceSpencer.Thingswerelookingup.

“I’llintroduceyou,”Jacksonoffered,hislipsonAlain’sneck.Hefeltabriefflickofpainonhisearlobe

asJacksonclosedhisteethonit.

Alainfoundhimselfbreathinghard,firstinanticipationofmeetingPatriceandsecondfromhowtheother
mantouchedhim.“When?Where?”

“Leaveittome.”

Jacksonwithdrewhistouch,steppingback.Alainwhirledaround,butthespacebehindhimwasempty.
Hethoughtheheardlingeringlaughter,thehintofacoyote’syipandthennothing.

*****

PatriceturnedtheSUVdownthecountyroadthenextmorningandmadeforthehouseattheend.Thomas
Dupreehadownedthishousebeforehe’ddied,andnowhisson,Alain,did.

ShethoughtofAlainfromtheirconveniencestoreencounter,theonethatmadeherfantasizeabouthimlast
night.Makingherroundsthismorning,she’dseenthefenceattheedgeofhispropertyhalfdownandthe
tracksofthetruckthatpresumablyhadcausedthedamagevisibleinthedirtoftheroad.

Itwasearly,justaftereight,andPatricefeltlikehell.Aftershe’drunfromtheblackwolf,fullyexpecting
himtochaseher,she’dgottenlostinameanderingwashandfolloweditalongwaybeforefindingagood
placetoclimbout.She’dgottenmuddy,herfurmattedandherpawssore.

Giveintothewolf,theblackwerewolfhadtoldher.Sure.

She’dmadeittoherbackporchanhourbeforesunriseandfeltherbodyshiftbackintothefamiliarform
ofPatrice.She’dshowered,wishingshecouldhavealongsoakinthetubinstead,fellacrossherbedand
crashedintosleep.

She’donlysleptabouttwentyminutesbeforethealarmremindedhershehadtobeatworkatsix-thirty.
Noteventhreecupsofcoffeestraightdownhelped.Shewasgroggyandnauseous,hereyesfeltlikeshe’d
fallenintoasandboxandsherefusedtoevenlookatherhair.

SheparkedthepoliceSUVinfrontofthehouseandstrolledtowardit.

Thehousehadbeenbuiltonastripoflandbetweentoweringcliffsandthecreek,reachablebythecounty
roadthatturnedoffthemainone.Ithadescapedencroachmentbydevelopmentbybeinghardtofindand
becausetheDupreesownedalotoflandarounditandstubbornlyrefusedtosell.

Thehousewaslongandrambling,withwidewindowstotakeintheviewthatwasthemainattractionof
Sedona.Patricefeltapangofenvy.HerdoublewideallowedhertoglimpsethebrightredbutteofBell
Rock,butonlyifshecranedhernecktherightway.Hereapersoncouldsitonthefrontverandaoreven
lookoutthelivingroomwindowandbesurroundedbybeauty.

Whenshereachedthefrontdoor,arushofawarenessflowedthroughherbody,atinglingsimilartowhat
sheexperiencedwhenshewasabouttograbaperp.Instinctivelyherhandwenttothebuttofherguninits
sideholster,butshedidn’tdrawit.

Shecouldn’tmakeherhandknockonthedoorandshehadnoideawhy.Shehadn’tcomeheretoarrest

AlainDupree—justtotellhimaboutabrokenfencesohecouldmakeaninsuranceclaim.She’d
investigatethesiteandreportit,andthey’dallbeonthelookoutforatruckwithasmashedleftfront
fender.SomanytouristsdrovethroughSedonaitwouldbehardtotrack,butitwaswinter,tourismdown
toatrickleduringtheweek,andtheymighthavemoreluck.Sowhy,ifthiswasacourtesycall,washer
heartinherthroatandherpalmssweating?

Asshestoodthere,knucklesupraisedandinposition,thedoorwasjerkedopenbyAlainDupree,
wearingnothingbutabathrobe.

Ohfuck.

Hewastallandbeautiful,hisbodyanartform,broadofshoulder,strongofchest.Black,wiryhairdusted
hispecs,whichshecouldseealmostallofintheVformedbythebathrobe.He’dlooselybeltedtherobe
atthewaistandshespiednowaistbandofanykindbelowthehardabsandtheindentationofhisnavel.

Whilethatwouldmakeanyred-bloodedwomansing,hiseyesarrestedhermostofall.AlainDupreehad
thickblackhairthattumbledinunrulywavestohisshoulders,asquarefaceandeyesofsilver-gray.

ThosesameeyeshadregardedhercalmlyunderthemoonlightinthewoodswestofSedona.Heswepthis
gazeoverherfromheadtofoot,recognizingher,knowingher.

“No,”shesaid,takingonestepback.“Oh,nowayinhell.”

Alain’sstronggripclosedoverherwristandhejerkedherinsidethehouse.

*****

Lord,shewasbeautiful.Alain’sentirebodysangwithit.Herdarkbrownhaircurledagainstherface,cut
short,flattenednowfromthehatthathadfallentothefloor.

Shesmelledallkindsofgood,liketheshampooherememberedfromwhenhe’dbrushedbyheratthe
conveniencestore,plusadrenalineandfearand,overthat,desire.Shewantedhim,whetheritwasthe
humaninherreactingtoahalf-nakedmanorthewolfhittingthematingcycleofthefullmoon.

“You’reanewwerewolf,”hesaid,pitchinghisvoicelow.“Whydidn’tanyoneinitiateyou?”

“Ididn’tknowforsureuntillastnight.”

“Youshouldhavebeeninitiated.”Hecaughtherotherwristandpressedhergentlyagainstthedoor,
unabletostophimself.“Itmusthavebeenhardforyou,goingitalone.”

“Mybodyseemedtoknowwhattodo.”

“Notentirely.Doyouwantmetoteachyou,Patrice?”

Herbodylanguagesaidyes,please.Hermouthsaid,“Teachmewhat?”

“Howtobethewolf.Howtogiveintotheneedtohunt,torun,tomate.”

“Matewithyou,presumably.”

“LastnightIclaimedyou.Ineedyou,Patrice.”Helethislipsjustgrazehers,feelingthepadofherlower
lipmoveunderhis.“Youneedtomatetoo.Youfeelit.”

Shesaidnothing,butherfingersstoletothefirstbuttonofheruniformshirt.Touchingitseemedtostartle
herandshelookeddownatherself,thebuttonundone.

“I’monduty.Ican’tdothisnow.”

“Whenareyoufinished?”

“Fourthisafternoon.”

“Good.”Hekissedheragain,lettinghismouthtrailalongthelineofherjaw.Damn,shetastednice.
“We’llhaveafewhoursbeforethesungoesdown.ComebackhereandI’llshowyoueverythingabout
beingthewolf.”

Sheslidherhandsuphischestandinsidethebathrobe.“Ishouldn’t.”Sheletoutherbreathagainsthis
neck,warmingit.“ButGodknowsIwantto.”

Helickedthecurveofherthroat.“Comebacktome,Patrice.”

Sherubbedherbodyagainsthis,lettingoutafaintsoundofdelight.“Ineeditsobad.WhydoIneeditso
bad?”

“It’sthechange.That’swhyyouneedtobeinitiatedandtaught.I’llmakethepaingoaway.”

Patricenoddedintohischest.“Please.”

“Thenbebackhereatfour-thirtytoday.I’llbewaiting.”

Helacedhisfingersbehindthenapeofherneckandtiltedherfaceupward.Thekissopenedhermouth,
histhumbonthecornerofherlipscoaxingthemtolethimin.Shekissedbackwithtongueandlipsand
entirebody.

Whenhefinallyreleasedher,sheleanedagainstthedoor,faceflushed,likeshecouldn’tmove.Hisbroad
handrestedagainstthewallbyherheadandsheturnedandkissedit.

Needroaredthroughhim.Hecouldn’tlethergo,notnow,notuntilhe’dtastedeveryinchofher.Four-
thirtywaseightandsomehoursaway.He’ddieofagonybeforethen.

Shelickedhiswrist,hertongueswirlingapatternofheat.Sheputhermouthtoitandsuckled,
instinctivelyknowingthepressurepointthatwouldlifthispoundingcockhigher.

She’dstayandhe’dtakeherdeeponthebedinthebackofthehouse,theonewhosewindowoverlooked
thecreek.He’dlieinbedalldaywithher,watchingtheshadowsplayonherskinandlisteningtotherush
oftheOakCreekinthebackground.

Outside,theradioinhertruckcrackled.Patricejumped,jerkingherselfawayfromAlain.

“Damnit.”Shescrubbedherface.“Thisiskillingme.HowamIgoingtodomyjob?”

“Meditation.”

“What?”Shelookedupathim,redlipsparted,andoh,hewantedtoslidehistonguebackinside.

“Meditate.Thinkofwindchimes,countbackwardinyourhead,focusonapattern,anything.”Heopened
thedoor,feelingregretandloss.“Andthenreturntome.Youneedme,Patrice.”

“Ido.”Sherubbedherhandoncebetweenherlegsandsighed.“Seeyouaftermyshift.”

Alainwatchedherwalkawayfromhim,offhisfrontporchtoclimbintothewaitingSUV.Heruniform
clungtoherass,makinghimwanttorunafterherandbendheroverthehoodofthedamntruck.

Butthiswasalsopartofbeingthewolf.Duringtheday,youhadtobehuman.Youhadtodoyourjoband
allthelittlethingsthatwentwithit.Surrenderingtothewolfwasnecessary,butitwasdangerous.
Balancewaswhatyouneeded,oryouendedupdead.

PatricestartedtheSUVandrolleditdownthedrivewayinaspurtofgravel.Alainwatcheduntilshe’d
turnedthecorner,thestrongArizonasunglintingoffthehood,thenhemadehimselfgobackinsideand
closethedoor.

Helettherobefallopenanddropfromhisarms.Hiscockstoodupthickandfull,toodamnneedytogo
downbyitself.Hegraspedit,pressinghisthumbagainstthebase.Helookedforwardtosatisfying
himselfadifferentwaylater,butfornowthiswouldhavetodo.

AlainheardafaintrustleofwindchimesandthenCoyoteJacksonwaswalkingbarefootthroughhisback
door.Themanwasshirtless,injeansonly.HewonderedbrieflywhereJacksonlivedduringtheday—a
cabin,ahouse,someholeintheground?Jacksonlookedshower-clean,hishairinaneatbraid,sothat
ruledouttheholeintheground.

Themanclosedthebackdoorandunzippedhisjeans,showingheworenothingbeneath.“Wantmetodo
that?”heoffered.

I’mnotgay,Alainwantedtosay.Butthisseemeddifferent—nottwomenwhowantedtopickoutcurtains
togetherbuttwomenwhounderstoodeachother’sneeds.

“Notnecessary.”Alain’svoicecameoutacrackedwhisper.

Jacksondroppedthepantsallthewayashecrossedtheroomtohim.Themanwasleanmuscle,notan
ounceoffatonhim.JacksonslidhisarmaroundAlain’sshouldersasAlaincontinuedtostrokehisown
cock.

Itdidn’ttakelongforAlaintocomeandoncehedid,heturnedhisheadandtookJackson’smouthina
deep,penetratingkiss.

ChapterThree

PatricedroveherSUValongthebackroadsofSedona,thendownthe89AtowardCottonwood.Itwas
herusualcircuit,patrollingbackroadstocheckuponbikersontheirwaytoarallyinJerome,theold
miningtownthathungonthesideofthemountainaboveClarkdale.Thebikerswerecampingalongthe
wayandafewgaveherinnocentwavesasshedroveby.

Shecheckedthecreekbottomstomakesurenooneharassedthesnowbirds,theover-sixtieswhodrove
theirRVsdownfromthenorthernUSandCanadainsearchofArizona’swintersun.Thesnowbirdsliked
tofindinexpensivelotsinwhichtopark,andsomeenjoyedroughingitalongthebeautyofthecreek.But
despitethehigh-pricerestaurantsandspasinnearbySedona,thiswasstillwildcountry,adesertmixed
withprotectedwetlands.Therewasdangeramongthebeauty—itwasn’tjustaprettybackdrop.

Patricedroverestlessly,hermindonlyhalfonthejob.Stupid—therewasdangerouthereforhertoo.But
themoreshetriedtobanishtheintensescentandwarmthofAlainDupree,thelesssuccessfulshewas.
Shewantedtheman,everyinchofhim.Shewantedtorubherselfagainsthim,tolickhim,totasteand
kisshim,tostriphisrobefromhimandrunhernailsandtongueallthewaydownhisbody.

ThankGodthereweren’talotofproblemstoday—acoupleoflosthikerscallingforassistancetwenty
yardsfromtheroadandarancherworriedaboutawildanimaloneofhishiredhelpthoughthe’dspotted
lastnight.

“Awolf,hesays,”themantoldher.Hehadtheyellow-brown,leatheryskinofanArizonanative,aman
who’dspenthisentirelifeunderthedesertsun.“Itoldhimitmusthavebeenacoyote.Ain’tnowolves
uphere.”

Patriceflushedasshepretendedtoagreewiththeman.No,nowolvesaroundtheSedona-OakCreek
area.PeoplehadtriedtoreintroducethemtosouthernArizonawithoutmuchsuccess.

NowolvesbutherselfandAlainDupree.Themantookherflushtobefromdrivingaroundinthetruckin
thesun,butPatrice’sbodyheatedupasshepulledaway.Itwasfour.Sheneededtocheckinatthestation
andsignout,andthenshe’dgoseeAlain.

Hertemperaturekeptinchingupward,herfacebreakingoutintoaheavysweat.Shemoppedherskinas
shefilledoutherreportsbackatthestationandcheckedherselfout,gettingevenhotterassheclimbed
intoherowncaranddroveaway.

ThiswasmorethanasimplereactiontoAlain,morethanthewarmingtrendonawinterday.Herbody
wasraging,herskinitchingandtingling,andherquimdrivinghercrazy.Asshedrovebackalongthe
highwaytowardSedona,shejammedherhandhardbetweenherlegs,lettingoutalittlemoanasshe
massagedherself.

ThetrafficwasbackedupinthetouristareaofSedona,thebusesloadingupday-tripperstotransport
thembackdowntoPhoenixoruptoWilliamsfortheGrandCanyontrip.Peoplewanderedacrossthe
highwaysinglyorinclumps,unawareofimpatientlocalstryingtogetpastthemtotheirhomes.

Patricebreathedasighassheshotouttheothersideofuptown,headingupthe89Aalongthecreek.Once
shecrossed,milesahead,shetookthedirtcountyroadbacktoAlain’sranch.Thefencewasstilldown—
she’dforgottentotellhim.

Shewasnearlytearingoffhershirtasshedashedupontotheporch.Heopenedthedoorwithoutaword
andhislipswerealloverhers,hishandspullinghershirtoffherbody,unclippingherbra.

“What’swrongwithme?”shegasped.

Alainhauledherupintohisarmsandcarriedherthroughthelargelivingroomtoanairybedroominthe
backthatoverlookedtheOakCreek.Thewaterrushingthroughthewidecreekbeddidlittletosootheher.
Hewaswearingabathrobeagain,thoughhe’dobviouslyshowered,andshefumbledwiththetiethatheld
itclosed.

“It’sthefirstchange,”hesaid,voicebreakinglikedrygravel.“Youshouldn’thavetofaceitalone.”

“Ichangedforthefirsttimelastnight.WhyamIstillfeelingit?”

“Thatwasthefirstphysicalchange.Youfelttheurges,didn’tyou?Tohunt,torun.Tomate.”

“Yes.”

“Youdidn’tsatethehungersandnowyourbodyisoverloadedwiththem.Icanhelpyouwiththat.”

Ifshe’dbeeninherrightmind,hisarrogancewouldhaveannoyedher,butsheneededhimsomuch.She
neededhishandsnakingbetweenherlegs,pressingtheachethatthrobbedthere.Shelovedhismouth
closingoverherbreast.

Sheuntiedtherobe’ssashandslidherhandtohisabdomen.Hisskinwasashotashers,heatpulsing
belowthesurface.Buthe’dtamedhishungersandcontrolledthem,whileshewasgoingcrazy.

Herhandmovedloweruntilittouchedthebaseofhiscock.Hiswiryhairtwistedaroundherfingers,the
skinsmoothandtight.Sheranherhandalongitslonglengthtothetipandhemadearawnoise.

“Fuckme,”shewhispered.“Alain,fuckme,please.”

She’dneverbeggedlikethatinherlife.Cometothinkofit,noneofthemenshe’deversleptwith—and
theyhadbeenfewandfarbetween—hadbeenworthbeggingfor.

Arrogantornot,AlainDupreewasworthalittlebegging.Hisbodycouldhauntherdreams.Shetugged
himtowardherwithherhandaroundhiscock,hisbodylandinghardandhotagainsthers.Heshruggedoff
therobeandrolledontoher,naked.

Alaintoreopenthebuttonofhershortsandyankedthemdownherlegs.Hebrokethebikinistringsofher
pantiesandthrewtherippedunderwearonthefloor.

“Opentome,”hecoaxed.Hishandstrokedwetness,herclitalreadyslickasitcouldbe.Shespreadher
legs,herfingersstillaroundhisstaff.Hehadtopryhergripfromhimtopositionhimselfbetweenher
thighsandpressthetipinside.

Patricenearlyscreamedwithit.Hewashardandhugebutshewantedhimsomuchthatshedidn’tcare.
Shegraspedhisbuttocksandpulledhimdownonher,andhegroanedasheslidallthewayinside.

Alainkissedherfiercely,thenheshuthiseyestight,hisfistsbunchedontheblanketbesideher,androde
herlikehehadn’thadsexinadecade.Thiswasnosweetgetting-to-know-yousex,butprimalurges
consumingbothofthem.Shethrustagainsthimashardashethrustintoher,hissweatdroppingontoher
skin.

Sheliftedherhips,pressinghard,hardtohim.Thebedthumpedandrockedundertheonslaughtandshe
didn’tcare.Letthefurniturebreak.Itwouldbeworthit.

Alainpumpedalmostmindlessly,hiseyesshut,buthewhisperedhernameintoherskin,hismouthfinding
herthroat.

“Patrice,youaresobeautiful.Andmine,allmine.”

Herbodywoundhertowardclimax,aheavenlyfeelashedroveintoher.Shewasstretchedandaching,
happyandneedyallatthesametime.Darkwavesofclimaxtookherandthenrecededandthenbuilt
again.

Alain’sthrustsbecameharder,hiserectioninsideherfullerashebeganhisownclimax.Patricecaughta
movementnearthewindowasAlaingroaned,andsheglancedovertoseeJacksonGraysittinginthe
openwindow.Heworenothingbutapairofjeansandhewascloseenoughthatshecouldseethebulge
thatpressedagainsthiszipper.

Shegasped,butitwaslostinAlain’scryofclimax.Jackson’sdarkeyesfixedonher,hishalf-smile
warm.Heputonebroadfingerintohismouthandlickedit,hiseyesgleaming.

JacksonwatchingherwithsuchintensitycoupledwithAlain’sfiercelovemakingmadeherclimaxhard.
Patricescreamedasblackwavesofitrolledoverher,herhipsshudderingagainstAlain’s.Herwhole
bodyclimaxed,herlegstightening,herheadspinning,herfistsballingagainstAlain’sback.

ShecriedAlain’sname.Jacksonchuckledsoftly,whichmadeAlainlookup.

PatriceexpectedAlaintoleapfromthebedorsnarlatJackson,buthedidn’t.Hemoanedthelastofhis
climax,thenheldPatriceassherodeoutthelastofhers.

Jacksonhoppedoffthewindowsillandsaunteredacrosstheroom.HeranhisfingersdownAlain’sback
andthencaressedPatrice’sface.Again,Alainsaidnothing,onlylookedupatthemaninquietacceptance.

Jackson’steethgleamed.“AnythingIcandotohelp?”

“Ithinkwe’vecoveredit,”Alainsaid,hisvoicehoarse.

“Maybe,butnowI’mturnedon.”Jackson’seyesweredark,pupilswide.Heunzippedhisjeansand
provedhewasn’twearingunderwearofanykind.“WhatI’dloveisbothofyoulickingme.”

Patriceknewsheshouldn’twantto.She’dbeenraisedtobelievethatsexwasfine,aslongasitwassafe
sexbetweenamanandawoman,andanengagementringshouldalreadybeshiningonherfinger.Times

hadchanged,butthoughPatricehadfantasizedaboutathreesome,she’dneverdared.

Ofcourse,she’dneverhadcrazedsexlikeshe’djusthadwithAlain.Itfeltright,lyinginAlain’sarms
withJacksonstandingnexttothem,hiscocktightandlongandlarge.Insideher,shefeltAlainharden
again.Herfantasythreesomeshadalwaysbeentworathervaguemenpleasuringher—she’dneverthought
ofthetwomenpleasuringeachother.ThevisionofJacksonandAlaintogetherandthenincludingher
madehergiddyandalmostcomeagain.

SheturnedherheadandlickedthelengthofJackson’scock.Hegroanedandlostholdofhiswaistband,
lettinghisjeansslithertothefloor.Alainwatchedher,hissilvereyesintentonhertongue.Slowly,as
thoughuncertain,heleanedforwardandlickedJacksonwithher.

HertongueandAlain’stangledaroundeachotherandJacksonletoutamoanofecstasy.Patricecaught
Alain’stonguedeliberatelyandtheykissedaroundthetipofJackson’scock.

AlainlaughedandPatriceechoedhim.ThentheybothwenttoworkonJackson,lickingtheirwayupand
downhim,lingeringathisballs,takingturnssuckinghistipintotheirmouths.Jacksontastedspicyand
darkandthewayhethrusthishipsatthemtoldherheenjoyeditasmuchastheydid.

“Nice,”hemurmured.HelacedhishandsinbothAlain’sandPatrice’shair,makingnoisesofapproval.

Theylickedandstrokedhim,AlainstilllargeandhardinsidePatrice,untilJacksongasped.“I’m
coming,”hesaid,thenhisseedwettheirtonguesandlips.PatricekissedAlain’smouth,lickingevery
dropoffhim.

Jacksonbackedaway,buthispantswerestillaroundhisanklesandhesatdownhardonthechairbehind
him.Helaughed,hisfacerelaxedwiththeafterglow,andPatricesmiledathim.

Alaingroaned,draggingPatrice’sattentiontohim.Hewasinsideher,hiscockopeningherwide,andhe
begantofuckheragain.Hebracedhimselfonhisfists,drivingfasterandfasteruntilPatricewas
screamingandhecameasecondtime.

Jacksonsentthemasmileofdelight.

“Thisisfun,”hesaidassheandAlainfellback,panting,tothebed.“Whatdoyouwanttodonext?”

*****

Patricewantedtorun.ThemoonhadrisenbythetimetheyleftthehousefortheporchandPatricefelther
bodyshimmerandstartthechange.

“No,”Alainsaidsharply.

Startled,Patriceshiftedbacktohuman.“What?Whynot?Iwantto.”

“Youmustlearntocontrolit.Youmustgiveintothewolfbutyoumustalsocommandit.Orelseoneday
youwillsurrenderandbecomethebeastcompletely.”

Patrice’sheartbegantopound.ItdidnotseemoddtoherthatshestoodonaporchoverlookingOak

Creekwithtwonakedmen,shenakedherself.She’djusthadgreatsexwithoneofthemenandenjoyed
helpinghimpleasureanotherman.Noneofthatseemedodd,whichmeantherworldviewhadseverely
changedsinceyesterday.

“YoumeanIwouldn’tbeabletoturnbackfrombeingthewolf?”

Alaingaveheragrimlook.“Oh,you’dturnback.Butyou’dstillbethewolf.ThehumanPatricewould
begoneandthebeastwouldtakeover.”

Shestaredathim.“Seriously?Hell.”

Jacksonnodded.“Inotherwords,youwouldn’tbeabletodriveyourtruckandwearyouruniform,or
eventhinklikeahumananymore.Ofcourse,you’dbeabletosmellcriminalslongbeforeanyoneelse
sawthem.Thepolicedepartmentcoulddevisesomesortofleash,Isuppose…”

“Veryfunny,”Patricesnapped.“Shit,whatifthathadhappenedlastnight?”

“That’swhyyouneedme.”

HerskinwarmedasAlainranhishandsupherarmsandcuppedherchin.“Itoldyouthatyouneeded
initiating.Ididn’tmeanjusthavingsex.YouneedtolearnaboutbeingthewolfandaboutbeingPatrice.”
Hetouchedherlipsandthenpressedabriefkisstothem.“Now.Thinkofthewolf—becomeit.Butdon’t
changeuntilyouareready.Decidetochangeatthecountoftwentyanddon’tchangeuntilthen.”

Patricedrewinherbreathandnodded.“IthinkIcandothat.”

Jacksonsmoothedbackalockofherhair,histouchgentle.“We’llberighthere.Don’tbeafraid.”

Hiswordsgaveherstrength.Patriceclosedhereyes,reachedoutwithhersensestothenightandstarted
tocountsilentlytotwenty.Shefeltthewolfriseupinher,thebeastwanting,needing,tocometothefore.
Sheclenchedherhandsandhelditback.

“That’sit.”Jackson’svoicecametoher,nowsmoothandcalm.Shefeltawaveofcaringfromhim.

“Waituntiltwenty,”Alain’smoregratingvoicesaid.“Waitforit.”

Sherelaxed,suddenlyunafraid.Jacksonwasthereonherleft,hiscoyotecockinesshidinganauraof
incrediblestrength.Alainonherright,hisbodytallandwarm,hisneedforherpalpable.

“Seventeen,eighteen,nineteen,twenty.”

Now.

Change.

Shefeltherselfshimmer,hersensessharpen,andshebecamewolf.

“Whatacutie,”Jacksonchuckled,andthenhewasnexttoher,nuzzlingherwithhispointedcoyotenose.

Alaingrowledsomethinginirritation,thentheblackwolfjoinedthemandtheywereoffintothenight.

ChapterFour

Thethreelopedupthehill,Alainexhilaratedfromthehuntandwhathadstartedtohappeninhishouse.
ThescentsofjuniperandwildflowersfilledhisnoseandsodidPatrice’sscentassheranbesidehim,
moonlightdancingonhersilverfur.Shewasbeautifulnomatterwhatformshewasin.

Jacksonranjustbehindthem,histreadnearlysilent.Ademigod,he’dsaid.Alainbelievedit,thinkingof
theman’ssleek,well-muscledbody.Thelightinhiseyesaidhefoundbothhumansandwerewolves
amusing,andhehadanuncannyabilityofknowingeverythingaboutAlainandPatrice.

Theyranwestoftown,theroadsgivingwaytowilderness,protectedfornowfromhumanencroachment.
TheyskirtedtheranchwhereamancalledDunstanraisedcattle,hearingtheuneasycallsofsteersouton
therange.Thecattlesensedthewolves,butPatriceandAlainleftthemalone.

Thethreeofthemroamedformiles,followingdrywashesandthenonesfilledwithwaterfromwinter
rains.Theyranuptheslopesofamountain,stoppingtorestonarockyoutcroppingthatgavethemaview
oftheentirevalleyandthebeautifulredbluffsofSedona.

“Whydidyoucomehere?”PatriceaskedAlainafterthey’dsatsilentlyawhile.Shewasslowlylearning
tocommunicateinthewayofthewolf,thoughafewwhinesescapedhermouth.

“Iinheritedthehouse.”Alainsatdown,lettingthewindrufflehisfur.“Whenmyfatherdied.”

“Whenyourfatherwaskilled,”Jacksoncorrectedhim.

Alainacknowledgedhimwithagravenod.“Whenhewaskilled.”

Patricegazedathimwithbeautifulgoldeneyes.“Killed?Ineverheardthat.That’sterrible.”Her
distressedyipsdiedawayandhereyesnarrowed.“Wait,whydidn’tIhearaboutit?Thepoliceshould
havebeenalloverthat.”

“Becauseeveryonethoughthediedofnaturalcauses,”Alainsaid.“Inhisbed,ofaheartattack.Buthe
didn’t.”

“Werewolfhunter,”Jacksonsaidshortly.

“Oh,Alain,I’msosorry.”Patricepaused,herfurstandinguponherback.“Awerewolfhunter?Here?”

“Yes,”Alainsaidgravely.“Iwasgoingtoaskyou,asapoliceofficer,tohelpmelookintohisdeath.”

“Awerewolfhunter,”Patricerepeated.“Whywouldhekillyourfatherwhenhewashuman?Whynot
hunthimwhenhewasawolf?”

“Ithinkhepoisonedmyfather.I’mnotsurehow.Itwasacoward’sway.Hedidn’tevenhavethegutsto
huntmyfatherdownandshoothim.”

PatricemovedclosertoAlain,rubbingherbodyagainsthis.“Howterrible.Youshouldhavereporteda

suspectedpoisoning,youknow.”

Shetriedtosoundsevere,butshedidn’tquitehavethewolfgrowldownyet.

“Andsaywhat?‘Mydad’sawerewolfandawerewolfhunterpoisonedhim?’”

“Iseeyourpoint.Howdoyouknowitwasthehunterwhodidit?Thatitwasn’taranchertryingtogetrid
ofcoyotesorsomething?”

“Becauseofthepoisonused,”Alainsaid.“Myfatherdidactuallydieofaheartattackbutitwasbecause
he’dbeengivensilverwhenhewasawolf.Thesymptomsallpointtoit.”

“Silverislethaltowerewolves,”Jacksonputin.

Patricelookedaroundnervously.“I’veheardthat.Ialwaysthoughtthosewerejuststories.”

Jacksonsnickered.“Welcometotherealworld.”

“Icanlookintoitatwork,”Patricesaid.“Findoutwhowasintheareaaroundthetimeofyourfather’s
death,anystrangerswhowerestrangerthanusual,thatkindofthing—”

Alainbrokein.“Itcouldeasilybesomeonewholivedherealready,someonewhowantedmyfatherdead.
I’vebeensniffingaround.”

Hemeantthatliterally.He’dsmelledsilverfaintlyinthebedonwhichhisfatherhaddied,evenafterthe
womanwho’dcleanedthehousehadwashedthesheets.Alainhadputthosesheetsasideandboughtall
newones,unabletobeareventhelingeringtraces.

Itangeredhimthatsomeoneinthisbeautifulplacehadbeensoevilthatheorshehaddosedhisfather
withsilverandthenwatchedhimdie.Alainwouldfindthispersonandtellhim—orher—exactlywhathe
thought.Exactretribution.Thatwasthewayofthewolf.

He’ddistressedPatrice.Sheleanedintohim,rubbinghermuzzlealonghis.Helikedherlong-legged
strength,whichshepossessedwhetherwolforhuman.Hewantedtoteachhersomuch,andhehadso
muchtoteachher.

HesensedJacksonwatchingthem,hisdarkeyesfilledwithknowledge.JacksonwasteachingAlain
thingsheneverknewexisted.SinceAlainhadmovedinhe’dhadthefeelingofbeingwatched,buthe’d
assumeditwasthehunter.NowherealizedithadbeenJackson,thecoyote’seyesonhiseverymove.

Hestillwasn’tsurewhattomakeofhisreactiontoJackson.IthadseemednaturaltojoinPatricein
lickingtheman’stightcock,enjoyingtheunfamiliarfeelofJackson’ssatinytipunderhistongue,thetaste
ofhisseed.AlainwonderedifthefactthatJacksonwaspartgodkepthimfromworryingwhyheliked
strokingandkissinganothermale.

Alainbrokehisthoughts.“Wanttorun?”heaskedPatrice.

Patricedartedawayfromhimsofastitwascomical.“Ohyes.”Shezoomedoffintotheunderbrushwith
theeagernessofapup,nevermindwatchingfordanger.

“Patrice,”hegrowled,andplungedafterher.

Jacksonbegantofollow,thenhedroppedbacktotheedgeofthetreesandsilentlysanktohishaunches.
Somethingsmelledwrong,evensinister.Hesatquietly,lettingthebreezedriftpasthisnose,analyzing
eachscent.Hesensedanger,brightandhot,overlayingtheexcitedscentsofPatriceandAlain.

ThecoyoteshimmeredandbecameJacksontheman.Helookedaroundwithgrave,darkeyes,notliking
whathefelt.Themindhesensedburnedwithangeroncolossallevels.

Jacksonputhishandsonhishipsandlookedaroundwithhumaneyes,buthumaneyeswerelimited.Did
hesenseanotherWere?No,thatwasn’tright.TheaurasofPatriceandAlainastheychasedoneanother
wereshotthroughwithrainbowlightswhilethisaurawasmuddygray.

Jacksonhimselfwasn’tWere—hewasdivine,oratleasthalf-divine,asthegodslikedtoremindhim.
Half-divinewithastrangeinterestinhumans,theyteasedhim.TowhichJacksonrepliedthathumansand
theirfoiblesweretonsmoreinterestingthangodswithnothingtodobutsitaroundandadmire
themselves.

Theylaughedathimbuttheyrespectedhim.HumansfearedCoyotesometimes,buthereallyhadtheirbest
interestsatheart.Anddemons—theywouldlearntofearhim.

Jacksongentlysenthissensestothewoodsaroundhim,tothesnakescurledtightlyinholesagainstthe
wintercold,torabbitshuddledtogetherforwarmth,toalonehawkroostinghighonthesideofthecliff.
Jacksontouchedhismind,earninganirritatedhawkequivalentofWhat?

“Letmeborrowyouamoment,myfriend,”Jacksonsenttohim.

Thehawksnarledafewthingsaboutbeingawakenedinthemiddleofagooddream,thenhespreadhis
wingsandglidedoutintothenight.

*****

PatriceandAlainendedupathishousebeforedawn.AlainmadePatricewaittochangeback,teaching
hertocontrolthemovementbetweenwolfandhuman.Withpractice,hesaidinhisrumblingvoice,she’d
beabletoshiftatwill,withoutthecrazedburningshefeltatthefullmoon.

Patricecompletedthechangeandstoodoncemorewithhimonhisbackporch,thewoodenboardscool
beneathherfeet.Sheputherarmsaroundhisnakedbody.“Iwon’tfeelalltheneed?”

Hesmiled,silvereyesfilledwithmirth.“Well,youcanhangontosomeofit.”Hishandswerewarmon
herback.“Thepartthatinvolvesme,anyway.”Hecoveredherlipswithhis,slidinghistongueinsideto
tasteeverycornerofhermouth.

Theymadeloveagaininhisbed,thistimeslowlyandgentlywithoutthefrenzyofearlierthatevening.
Patricefellasleepwithhisbodywarmandheavyonhersandwoketohimlyingfulllengthbesideher,his
armacrossherabdomen.

Heopenedhiseyesassheslidoutofbed.“Timeforwork,”shesaidwithreluctance.

Hissilvergazeheldhersintriumph.“Youdowhatyouhaveto.Mymate.”

Sheopenedhermouthtoretortbutthewarmthinhiseyes,thewickednessofhissmilesentshiversdown
herspine.He’dwellandtrulycaughther,butwhethershecouldstaycaughtremainedtobeseen.

Heshoweredwithher,whichslowedherdownasshegotlostinadmiringhowthewaterslickedbackhis
darkhairandbeadedonhislashes.Himwashingherbackinslow,sensualstrokeswhilehiserection
bumpedherbacksidedidn’thelpeither.

ShedrovedownthedirtroadfasterthansheshouldhaveandnearlyturnedtheSUVoverwhenshepeeled
outontothepavedhighway.Damnit,she’dforgottentotellhimaboutthefenceagain.Well,he’dhave
noticeditonhisownbynow.Funnyshe’dnotseenavehiclearoundthatmighthavedoneit.

She’dbetterslowdownanddrivesedatelyorpeoplewouldcallthestationandaskwhattheemergency
wasandherboss,afairbutsternman,wouldcallheronthecarpet.Shelikedherjob,despitethe
gruelinghours,andshedidn’twanttoloseitjustbecauseshesometimesturnedintoawolfandhadwild
sexwithanotherwolfandacoyote.Hell,turningintoawolfcouldbeanadvantage—shecouldbecome
herowndrug-sniffingdog.

WhatamItalkingabout?shechidedherselfassheslowedtodrivethroughtown.I’mexhaustedand
wiredatthesametime.I’vehadthebestsexofmylife,ranlikethewindinthemiddleofthenightand
learnedmoreinonedaythanintherestofmylifeputtogether.

Sheneededtopullittogethersoshecouldfunctionatwork.Shestraightenedhershouldersandtookdeep
breathsandconcentratedonherdriving.Butherthoughtsslidagainandagaintothegloriousfeelingofthe
nightairinherfurasshesprintedthroughthewoodswithAlaingrowlingatherheels.They’dlost
Jackson,whohadprobablygoneofftodocoyotethings,butthatwasallright.Sheknew,somehow,that
he’dbeback.

ThemoonhadburnishedAlain’sblackcoatwhenthey’drunintoopencountry.Whenhe’dsnarledather
tobecareful,she’dplayfullyjumpedonhim,andthey’dwrestledontheground.Thenthey’dmated,
animalwithanimal,shejustasstrongashewas.SherememberedAlain’steethinherneckwhenthepair
ofthemhadgivenintolust,buttherestofitwaskindofablur.

Wolfsex.Whoknew?

Patricereachedherhouse,changedquicklyintoheruniformanddroveasfastasshedaredtothestation.
Sheparkedthetruck,smoothingherstill-damphairassheleaptoutandwalkedquicklyinside.

Shewasfifteenminuteslate.Sheearnedherselfsomedisapprovingscowls,butsincePatricehadbeen
lateatotalofonceinfiveyears,noonesaidmuch.

Whileshetookcareofherusualduties,sheaskedforthefileonthedeathofThomasDupree.Thefile
wasthin—he’dbeenfounddeadinhisbedbyhisnext-doorneighbor,HowardWeiss.Apatrolcarhad
happenedtobecloseenoughtoanswerthecall,arrivingatthesametimeastheambulance.Dupreehad
beenpronounceddeadonthescene,andthecoroner’sreportconcludedhe’dhadaheartattack.Case
closed—neveropened,really.

ButwhatifAlainwasrightandhisfatherhadbeenpoisonedwithsilver?Sheknewthatifhe’dcomein
herelastweekclaiminghisfatherhadbeenpoisoned,she,alongwitheveryoneelse,wouldhavethought
himcrazy.Butshetrustedhisinstinctsnow,andJackson’stoo.

Evenanormalhumancouldbepoisonedwithsilver—highdosesofanymetalwerefatal,andherwolf
selfshivered.Sherememberedthesterlingsilverhermother’sbestfriendhadproudlydisplayedinher
diningroombackeast.Patricehadalwaysthoughtshedidn’tlikethesilverbecauseitwasclunkyand
ugly,butsherealizednowthatthewerewolfinherhadcringedfromitevenduringherchildhood.

Shetuckedthefileinherdeskdrawerandwentouttodriveherrounds.Anyonesickenoughtogivea
werewolfsilverwasdangerousandshehopedAlaintookcareofhimself.

*****

AlaindressedafterPatriceleft,feelingrestedandalmostsatisfied.Patricestillhaddoubtsaboutthem
beingtogether,butAlainhadnone.Shewassweettoagreetohelphimtrackdownhisfather’skiller,
thoughhewoulddosomeinvestigatingonhisown.

He’dalreadytalkedtotheneighborsandtracedhisfather’slastday.ThomasDupreehaddonesome
groceryshoppingatoneofthesupermarketsinwestSedonaandhadvisitedhisnearestneighbor,Howard
Weiss.HowardwasthesameageasAlain’sfatherandhadbeenfriendswithhimforthirtyyears.The
twohaddrunkafewbeersandtalked,thenThomashadgonehome.

AlainhadscentedHoward’sdistressandgriefoverlosinghisclosestfriend,butnotoneounceofguilt.
NorhadHowardknownwhatAlain’sfatherhaddoneoncehe’dgonehome—Howardwasnoteven
awarethatThomasDupreehadbeenawerewolf.

ThomasandhisfriendhadlikedtohanginCottonwood,atabarwheretouristsdidn’tgo.Alainwould
havetonosearoundthere,too,tofindoutwhoelsehadbeenincontactwithhisfather,tofindoutwho
hadknownhe’dbeenawerewolf.

“Youwon’tfindhimbysearchingthatway,”CoyoteJacksonsaidbehindhim.

Alaindidn’tevenjump.HewasgettingusedtoJackson’sabruptcomingsandgoings.Themanagainwore
jeansridinglowonhiships,historsobare,hisstraightblackhairhangingtohiswaist.

“Whynot?”Alainasked.

“Yourfather’shumanfriendsknownothingabouthisdeath.Theylikedhim,buttheydidn’tknowhewas
Were.Yourdadkeptthatabigsecret.”

Alaindidn’tevenfeeldismaythathiscockwasrising,gettinghardatthesightofJackson’sbodyandthe
memoryofthemaninhismouth.Itshouldbughimthatanothermanmadehimhorny,butitdidn’t.Patrice
madehimjustashorny,andhesuddenlywishedshewereheresotheycouldallthreetangletogetheron
thebed.

“Hefollowedyoulastnight,”Jacksonsaidcalmly.“Ifelthismadnessandhisrage.Hewantsyoudead
too.”

“Why?Whowashe?”

Jacksonlookedglum.“Idon’tknow.Iborrowedahawktospyforme—Icanonlyturnintoacoyote.I
spottedhim,butthenthehawksawastraygroundsquirrelandhisinstinctstookover.Doyouknowwhat
itfeelsliketoplummettothegroundatseventymilesanhour,hotforblood?Ilefthismindjustintime
butthehunterdisappeared.Maybeheheardmescream.”

“Doyouhaveanyideawhohewas?”

“Icouldn’tfindanythingwhenIsearchedthegroundwhereI’dseenhim.He’drunoff.Atleastyouand
Patriceweresafefortherestofthenight.I’llvisitPatricetodayandhavehercheckouttheplace.”

“Screwthat.Iwanttocheckitout.Takemethere.”

JacksonputastronghandonAlain’schest.“No.”

“No?Whynot?Thisguycouldhavekilledmyfather.Doyouhaveanyideawhatthatfeelslike?”

“Someidea,yes.Mymotherwasmortal,andshewasmurdered.Longstory.”

Alainstopped.“Oh,hey,sorry.ButthenyoudoknowwhatI’mgoingthrough.”

“Ido.IwantPatricebecauseshe’sanexperiencedcrimeinvestigator.Sheknowshowtonotdisturbthe
sceneandhowtogatherevidence.Weshoulddothisrightsotheguycanbearrestedandpayforwhathe
did.Itwasmurder.”

“Iknow.That’swhyIwantvengeance.”

Jacksonputhishandsonhisshoulders.Thetwomenstoodaboutthesameheight,browneyesstaringinto
silver.

“You’retooemotionalaboutit—withgoodreason.LetPatriceandmehandlethis.We’reangryforyou,
butwecanmakeitright.Vengeancesooftengoeswrong—takeitfromme.Hewillpay,Alain,don’t
worry.”

Jacksonspokereason,butAlainwastootornupinsidetobereasonable.“TalktoPatrice,butdon’tyou
daretakeherouttherewithoutme.Ineedthis.”

Jackson’stouchbecamesoothing.Heclosedtheremainingdistancebetweenthem,hisbodycoming
againstAlain’s.“Youneedjusticeandclosure.Youneedtobesafe.Youneedtotrustme.”

“Sure.”

Jackson’ssternexpressionmeltedintohisplayfulgrin.“YoucantrustCoyote.I’vegotyourbestinterests
atheart.”

HepressedhispalmflatagainstAlain’schest,underwhichAlain’sheartbeatfastandhard.Strong
fingersreleasedthebuttonsofAlain’sshirtandslidinsidetocaressbareskin.

Alainswallowedashisbodyheated.“You’retryingtodistractme.”

Coyote’sgrinbecameanincandescentsmile.“Maybe.Isitworking?”

ChapterFive

Hellyes,itwasworking.AlaincuppedhishandsaroundJackson’sassandpulledhimtighttohim.Their
mouthsfoundeachother,stronglipsandstrongtonguestanglinginakiss.

ItwassensualityAlainhadonlydreamedabout.Awoman’sbody—Patrice’sbody—wassoftand
beautifulanddelicious.Jackson’swashardandhonedandstrong.Alainwouldn’thavetoholdbackwith
him.

“Don’tholdback,”Jacksonechoedinalowvoice.“Dowhatyouwant.”

“Areyoureadingmymind?”Alainsaid,hislipsaninchfromJackson’s.

“Nah.Ijustknowwhatyou’rethinking.”

“I’mwonderingwhythehellIwantyousomuch.I’veneverbeeninterestedinmen.”

JacksonswipedAlain’slipswithhistongue.“I’mirresistible,that’swhy.”

“Oh,right,thatmustbeit.”

Jacksonlaughed,lowandthroaty.“Getyourclothesoffandwe’llplay.”

Theshirt,jeansandunderwearthatAlainhadjustpulledonendedupinapileonthefloor.Jacksongot
ridofhisjeans,theonlythingonhisbody,andtheyresumedthetongueplay,thetwoofthemstandingup
witharmsaroundeachother.

ThedifferencebetweenkissingJacksonandawomanwasthatJacksonhadaspicybitehe’dnevertasted
before,plusAlainhadneverhadhiscockrubbingagainstanotherman’s.Itfeltdamnwonderful,like
fuckingwithoutfucking.JacksonwasashardasAlain,hiscocktight.

“I’veneverdonethisbefore,”Alainmurmuredaroundkisses.

“That’sobvious.You’vegotaniceass.”

“Youdon’twanttofuckme,doyou?”Alaincouldn’tdecideiftheideaexcitedorworriedhim.

“OfcourseIwanttofuck.I’llteachyoutodome—thenI’llworkyouupgraduallytotakeme.”

Alaintookastepback,hiscocksoharditached.“Ihavesomecondomsinthebathroom.”

Jacksonshookhishead.“I’mademigod.Divine.Nodiseases,notmetoyouoryoutome.Thoughif
you’vegotlube,that’sgood.”

Alainmadehimselfwalkintothebathroomandcomebackoutwithatubeofgelhe’dboughtyesterdayin
Cottonwood,intendingonusingitwithPatrice.ButthenPatricehadcomeover,rippingoffherclothes
andhotterthanfire,andtheyhadn’tneededit.

IfAlaincamewhilethinkingabouthimandPatrice,hewouldn’tneeditwithJacksoneither,hereminded
himself.WhenhewalkedbackintothebedroomCoyotewasalreadyonthebed,lyingonhisback,his
thumbonthebaseofhiscock.

“Don’tbeafraid,”hesaid.

“I’mnot,”Alainsaid,holdingthetubeandwatchingtheothermanstrokehimself.

“Yesyouare.Butit’sonlyme.”

Iwantthis.Alaingotonthebed,restingonhisknees,thetubeofgelinhishand.Jacksonsmiledathim,a
slow,sensualsmilethatmadeAlain’sheartbeatfaster.

“Kneelhere,”Jacksonsaid,pattingtheblanket.“Betweenmylegs.”

AlainpositionedhimselfasdirectedwhileJacksonspreadhislegsandwrappedthemaroundAlain’s
hips.ThemoveletAlainseeallofJackson’sstafffrombasetotip,thedarkhaircurlingaroundhissac.

“Nice,”Alainsaid.

“Usethelube.”

Alainopenedthetubeandsmearedsomeonhishand,thenswipeditupthelengthofhisowncock.The
gelwascoldbutquicklywarmedashestroked.HehadthesuddenvisionofPatricedoingthisforhim,
slickinghimupasJacksonwaitedonhisback,thethreeofthemnaked.Heswallowedandclenchedhis
fist.

“Nowme.”

JacksonshowedAlainhowtolubehimandusehisfingerstostretchandrelaxhim,thingsAlainhadheard
aboutbutnevertried.ThenJacksonliftedhishipsuntilAlain’stipwasrightatJackson’sopening.

“Comeonin,”Jacksoninvitedhim,wrappinghislegsaroundAlain’swaist.“It’sjustlikefuckinga
woman.Exceptcompletelydifferent.”

“Yougotthatright.”

Alain’sbodybecameslickwithsweat,hisheartbeatinginexcitementandanticipation.Hegentlypushed
hiscockinsideandbothmengroanedwiththesensation.Alainhadneverdonethis,notevenwitha
woman,neverhavingknownonewhowasintoit.Hemovedgently,knowinghewasbig,fearinghe’dhurt
theotherman.

Jacksongrippedhiswrists,hisfacerelaxedinpleasure.“Goon,Icantakeit.I’magod.”

“Ademigod,”Alaincorrected,voicehoarse.“Onewholikessex.”

“Whynot?It’soneofthejoysgiventohumans—compensationfornotbeingimmortal.Somedemigods
pretendtoholdthemselvesaboveit,butIloveallkindsofsex,maleandfemale.Idon’thavetorestrict
myselftooneortheother.Ienjoyitall.”

“Luckyyou.”

Hiseyesdarkened.“Oh,Iamlucky.Youcan’thurtme,Alain.Iwantyoufillingme.”

Thatwasgood,becauseAlainwantedtofillhim.HelaidhishandsacrossJackson’shipsandthrustall
thewayin.

Alainstilledasastonishingsensationspouredoverhim.Heatandtightnessandincrediblejoy.Maybeit
wasJackson’ssemi-divinenessthatmadeAlainshoutwithecstasy.Hethrewhisheadback,feelingthe
endsofhishairticklinghisback,feelingJacksonsqueezehimhard.Jackson’sballsrubbedthebaseofhis
cockanddamnthatfeltgood.

“Strokeme,”hisloversaid.

AlaingraspedJackson’sstaff,hishandstillslickwithlube.Jackson’sgroanwasasheartfeltasAlain’s.

“That’sit,”Jacksonbreathed.“You’regood.”

“IonlyknowwhatI’dlike.”

“Youkeepondoingwhatyou’dlikeandI’llenjoyit.”

BothhandsaroundJackson’scocknow,hemovedhishipsalittletopumpinside.Jacksonlayback,his
blackhairspillingacrossthebed,hissculptedchest,washboardabsanddarkareolessexyashell.

“I’mfuckingaman,”Alainsaid,tryingtowraphisbrainaroundthewonderfulthingshefelt.

“Demigod.”

“Iloveit.”HestrokedandtwistedJackson’sbigcockinhishands,fondlingthetip,rubbingthesides.“I
thinkIloveyou.”

“Damn,Ihopeso.”

“I’mgoingtocome.”

JacksontightenedhisgriponAlain’sarms.“Notyet.Iwanttofeelyoualittlelonger.”

Maybeitwasthecoyote’sdivinepowers,butAlainfelthispulseslow,theurgetoclimaxrecedealittle.
Itstillfeltdamngood,butmanageablenowinsteadofafrenzy.

Helosttrackofhowlongtheylingeredthere,tangledtogether,JacksonencouraginghimasAlainfilled
himandfuckedhim.Itwasagood,longtime,bothmenrevelinginthepleasureofit.WhenAlaincameat
last,itwasthemostintenseorgasmofhislife.

TheshudderingandshakingwentonawhileandfinallyAlainpulledoutandfellheavilytothebednext
toJackson.HestrokedJackson’scockalittlelongerandsecondslater,Jacksonclimaxed.

Theylaytogether,bothsilent,asthebreezeoutsidejingledthewindchimesAlain’smotherhadlovedso

manyyearsago.Amockingbirdcalledfromsomewheredownthecreek,mixedwiththepeepingof
finchesinthebirchtrees.Jacksonkissedhim,lipssoftandwarm.

“YoulovePatrice,”Jacksonmurmured.

“It’sawolfthing,theneedtomate.Probablyonherparttoo.Wolvesmateforlife.”

“Soithadbetterbelove.Don’tworry,itwillbe.”

“IwishIknewwhatthehellyouweretalkingabout,”Alainsaid.“Ihaven’tbeenabletothinkstraight
sinceyouorPatriceshowedup.Ican’tbelieveIjustfuckedyou.”

Jackson’sdarkeyesfilledwithmirth.“Didyoulikeit?”

“Hellyes.”Alainthreadedhisfingersthroughtheman’ssilkyblackhair.“Ievenwanttodoitagain.ButI
wantPatrice.I’mconfusingmyself.”

“Noyou’renot.Youwantherbecauseshe’shotandyou’refallinginlovewithher,andyouwantme
becauseImakeyoursexualfantasiescometrue.She’syourlove;I’mthesextoy.”

AlainlethistouchrovedownJackson’sbody.“Ithinkit’smorethanthat.”

“Maybe.”Jacksonsatupandreachedforhisjeans.“Nextstop,Patrice.I’llgiveheryourlove.”

“You’releavingalready?Youhaven’tevenpromisedtocallmeyet.”

Jacksonlaughed.“IshouldhavegonerighttoPatrice,butyoudistractedme.”Heswipedhistongueover
Alain’smouth.“Afundistraction.”

“Willyoutellher?”

Jackson’seyeswidened.“Aboutthis?She’llknow.Hmm,butmaybeIcoulddemonstrate.She’syourmate
but…”

Alainthoughtaboutthat.“I’mbettingshewouldn’tbeabletoresistyouthesamewayIcouldn’t.Butif
there’sanyfucking,Iwanttobethere.”

“IthinkIcanarrangethat.”Jacksonleaneddown,brushedAlain’slipswithhisagain,thenrosefromthe
bedandglidedoutoftheroom.

Alainlaystillforamoment,likingthewarmthofthebedandthesatedfeelinginhisbody.Heyawnedand
gotoutofbed,startingtotellJacksonhecouldgivehimaliftintotown.Whenheenteredthelivingroom,
itwasempty.

“Jackson?”

Hehadn’theardthedooropenorclose.Hewalkedtothewindowandpeeredout,handsonhips.He
didn’tseeasoulintheyardoronthedrive,notall,dark-hairedmanfollowingthecreekpath.

Alainpulledbackintothemiddleofthelivingroom.“IwishIknewhowhedidthat.”

Heshookhisheadthenwenttodressandputhisownplansintoaction.

*****

Patriceclosedthethinfileshe’dlookedattwentytimes,nowiserastowhatreallyhappenedtoAlain’s
father.Thefileheldafewcursoryreportsandthecomputerfilesheldonlyscannedcopiesofthose.

SheknewJacksonhadenteredtheroombeforesheeventurnedfromthecomputer.Everysensewenton
alertasheleanedoverthedesk,hisbicepsworking,andsmileddownather.Shesmelledthescentof
sex,JacksonandAlainallmixedup,andshegrewwetandwarm.

“WhatwereyouandAlain—?”Shebrokeoff,herhandsstealingtocupherbreasts.“Istillcan’tcontrol
this.Maybeyoushouldgo.”

Hissmileforsomereasoncalmedsomeofthewildnessinsideher.“Later,sweetheart,I’llgiveyouevery
detail.RightnowyouneedtotakemeoutinthatSUVofyourssoIcanshowyousomething.”

Didsheaskforanexplanationorevenonegoodreasonwhysheshouldgowithhim?No,shejust
grabbedherkeys,signedherselfoutandledhimtothetruck.

*****

Alainlockedupthehouse,wonderingwhyJacksonhadn’twantedhimtogowithhimtoseePatrice.It
washisfatherdead,poisonedbysomeonewhoknewallaboutwerewolves.Jacksonhadseensomething
outinthecanyonslastnight—whythereluctancetotellAlainwhathe’dfound?

Theman’sseductionhadeffectivelystoppedAlaininhisproposedinvestigation.Why?SoAlain
wouldn’tbeupset,orforsomemoresinisterreason?Hefeltnothingsinisterfromthecoyote-manbutthat
didn’tmeanJacksoncouldn’tmaskhistruenature.Hewasademigodafterall.

Alaindidn’thavethepoliceconnectionsPatricedid,buthehadoneadvantage.Hisfatherhadbeenliked
andrespectedintown,andthelocalsacceptedAlainasoneofthem.Hewouldhaveaninonthegossip
andpiecetogetherwhattheyknew.

Afterheshoweredanddressed,hedecidedtocontinuehisplans,despiteJackson’sdiscouragement.He
wentbacktoseeHowardWeiss,hisfather’sfriend.

Howardwasawell-muscledmaninhissixtieswithgray-whitehair.Onashelfinthelivingroomwasa
photoAlainhadseenherelasttime,ofAlain’sfatherandHowardinhikinggear.

“Ineversawitcoming,”hesaidglumlyashehandedAlainabottleofbeer.“Therewasn’tanything
wrongwithTom’sheart.We’djustcomebackfromathree-dayhikethroughsomeslotcanyonsupinUtah.
Weclimbedallovertheplaceandtherewasn’tathingwrongwithhim.”

“Wasthereanythingdifferentabouthislastmonthsorthislastyear?”Alainasked.“Someonenewhanging
aroundhim?”

Howardlookedpuzzled,thenhelaughed.“TherewasGina.Hedidn’ttellyouabouther?Maybehewas
embarrassed,athisagefallinginlovewithawomantwentyyearsyoungerthanhewas.Ilikedher,
though.”

Alainwassurprised,butnotundulyshocked.Alain’smotherhaddiedwhenAlainhadbeenthreeand
he’dseenhisfatherdatebefore.Noneofthewomeneverlasted,buthisfatherhadneverbeensecretive
aboutit.

“Gina?”heprompted.

“GinaWood.Gorgeouslady,longblackhair,likedtohike.Ihaveapictureofheraroundsomewhere.”
Howardputhisbeerasideandgotuptorummageinadrawer.HehandedAlainaphotoofThomas
Dupreewithhisarmaroundadark-hairedwomaninherforties.ShewasprettyinanI-live-to-exercise
way.

“Toobadaboutwhathappened,”Howardsaid,sittingbackdown.Heshookhishead.“Itoldhimshewas
tooprettyforhim.”

“Whatdidhappen?Idon’tknowanythingaboutthis.”

“LikeIsaid,Tomwasembarrassed.Shedumpedhim.ShewentbacktoChicagoandnevercalled,never
wrote,nothing.Hetalkedaboutgoingupthereandfindingher,buthenevermadedefiniteplans.Hewas
tryingtosuckitup,butIknowithurt.”

“She’sfromChicago?Doyouhaveaphonenumberforher?”

“No,butyourdadprobablydidsomewhere.Unlesshetrashedeverythingthatremindedhimofher.”

Alainaskedafewmorequestionsandgraduallygotthewholestory.GinaWoodhadcomedownto
SedonafromChicagoforanextendedholiday.Shewasacopywriterwholikedtotakesportyvacations—
backpacking,rock-climbing,sailing.ShemetThomasDupree,theyhititoffandshemovedinwithhim.

Howardthoughttheyhadagoodthinggoingandwashappyforhisfriend,thenallofasudden,Ginaup
andleft.Oneday,whileThomaswasout,Ginapackedabagandtookoff,leavingalotofherthings
behind.Thomaswasbrokenhearted.Acoupleofweekslater,Thomasdied.Lifesuckedsometimes.

AlainleftHoward’shousebothangryandhopeful.Hewentbackhomeandscouredhisfather’shousefor
anymentionofGinaWood.

*****

TheSUVrattledoverwasherboardroads,bouncingsomuchthatPatriceandJacksoncouldn’ttalk.He’d
shoutadirectionandshe’ddoherbesttofollowit,butthatwasit.

Jacksondirectedhertodriveofftheroadontoasmall,drytrackthatendedatawash.Shestoppedthe
SUV,setthebrakeandshutofftheengine.

Shesatbacktocatchherbreath.“Thisisasfarasthisthingcango.”

“Notmuchfarther.Wecanwalk.”

Patriceslidoutofthedriver’sseat,depositingthekeysinherpocket.Jacksonstartedoffatajog,hislithe
formmovingdownthedrywashatabriskpace.Patricewasingoodenoughshapetokeepupwithhim
butshewaspantingandwheezingbythetimehestopped.

Jacksonwasn’tevenoutofbreath.“ThisiswhatIsaw.”

Patriceputherhandsonherhipsandsurveyedthearea.Junipertreesoverhungthewashfromasteephill,
butamongthemwasaman-builtblind—ahunter’sblind.Peopledidhuntdeerinthewild,butthisarea
wasstrictlyregulated,awildlifepreservewithnohuntingallowed.

“Someonewaswatchinglastnight,waitingforustoappear,”Jacksonsaid.

Patriceclimbeddownbehindtheblind.Nothinghadbeenleft,notanemptybeercanoracigarettestubor
atornpieceofclothingthatcouldhelpheridentifythehunter.AtleastPatricethewomancouldn’t,but
Patricethewolfmightbeableto.

Whenshecamebackup,shefoundJacksonnakedonthebank,hisclothesinaneatpile.Shestared,open-
mouthed,attheperfectionofhisbody.Themanwasgorgeous,almostasgoodasAlain.Sheremembered
tastinghiscock,hertongueandAlain’sswirlingaroundeachotherandaroundJackson,andsheblushed.

Hegrinnedather.“Comeon,stripdownandjoinme.”

“Icanchangeduringtheday?”

“Youcanchangeanytime.Youcontrolthewolf,Patrice.”

Patricewasn’tsureaboutthat.Sheonlyknewthateverytimethemoonshowedupthesedays,shegot
itchyandbitchyandincrediblyhorny.

Theonlyreliefwastochangetothewolf,runashardasshecouldandhavesexwithAlain.Noslow,
sweetlovemaking,buthard,heavy,pantingsexwithnotonebuttwomen.Twoweeksagoitneverwould
haveoccurredtohertodothethingsshe’ddonethepastfewnights,butnowitseemednaturalandright.

Atleasttheywerewaybackinthewildernesswithnocampingandnohikingtrails,noonetoseeher.She
kickedoffhershoesandstrippedoffheruniform,foldingeverythingandlayingitontopofJackson’s
clothes.

“Ican’tleavemygunandmyID,”sheargued,ignoringJackson’sappreciativegazeonherbody.“First
rule.Ilosemygun,Ilosemyjob.”

Jacksonshrugged,musclesrippling.“I’llstrapittoyourwolfbodyforyou.”

Patricestudiedhim,likinghistightbodyandlongblackhair.Blackhaircurledacrosshischestand
arrowedinalinethatpointeddownwardtohislong,thickcock.Abeautifulman,finelycrafted.

“Whattribeareyoufrom?”sheaskedhim.“I’vebeentryingtodecideifyou’reNavajoorYavapaior
evenApache,maybefromaroundPayson.”

“I’mfromalltribes,sweetheart,”Jacksonanswered.“Iprotectthemall.Evenyouwhities,thoughyou
don’talwaysseemeorbelieve.”

“Oh,Ibelieveinyou,”Patricesaidwholeheartedly.Shetookabreath,readyingherselfforthecrazy
feelingofthechange.“Ihaven’thadmuchpracticeatthis.Idon’tknowifIcancontrolityet.”

“Findthewolfinsideyou.LikeAlainsaid,youbecomeit,butyoucontrolit.Itispartofyou,butonlya
part.”

Easyforthemtosay.AlainwasalreadycomfortablewithhiswolfselfandJacksonwasademigod.They
didn’tfeelthetingling,wildurgesthatthreatenedtoripherapartifshegaveintothem—andtoripher
apartifshedidn’t.Ofcourse,mendidn’tunderstandPMSeither.

Sheclosedhereyes,likingthehot-coldcombinationofsunandwindonherskin,andlookedforthewolf.

ChapterSix

AlainfoundGinaWood’ssuitcasehalffullofclothesinacornerofhisfather’sgarage.Ithadbeenplaced
neatlyinastoragecabinet,asthoughhisfatherhadn’twantedtoseeGina’sthingsbutcouldn’tbring
himselftothrowthemaway.

AlainfoundapostcardofSedonastuffedintoapocketofthebag,alreadyaddressedbutneverstamped
andmailed.HeleanedagainstthecarandstaredatthephotoofCoffeePotrock,redandstarkagainsta
bluesky.

WhywouldthewomanwriteapostcardtosomeoneinChicagoifsheplannedtoleaverightaway?And
whyleavethepostcardbehind,plussouvenirshirtsofdifferentsizes,obviouslymeantasgifts?

ToleaveforChicago,Ginawouldneedacar,eithertomakethelongthree-daydriveortogodownthe
hilltoPhoenixtocatchaplane.Shehadn’tstolenorborrowedThomas’car,becauseitwashereunder
Alain’sbutt.

She’dhavetorent,whichmeantgettingaliftintoSedona,ormaybeallthewaytoPhoenix,andpeople
wouldrememberthat.They’drememberiftheysawheroutonthecountyroadhitchingtoo.Butaccording
toHoward,noonehadseenherleave.

AlainlookedagainatthephotoHowardhadgivenhimofthetwomensidebysideintheslotcanyon.
Whohadtakenthephoto—Gina?Slotcanyonswereremoteandhardtoreach—notalotoftouristswould
behappeningbytosnapapicture.Conclusion,Ginahadprobablygonewiththem.

HowardandThomashadbeenbestfriends,butwhatcoulddrivefriendsapart?Aprettywomanwho
likedtohikeandclimbasmuchastheydid?Perhapsinsteadofsharingher,likeJacksonandAlainwith
Patrice,thetwomenhadbecomerivals.

Cometothinkofit,Alain’smindwhispered,AlainandJacksonweren’tsharingPatrice.Patriceand
JacksonweresharingAlain.

Heshookoffthedistraction,grabbedthesuitcaseandcarriedeverythinginside.Itdidn’ttakelongonthe
Internettofindaphonenumberthatmatchedthenameandaddressonthepostcard,andthenAlainhada
veryinterestingconversationwithGinaWood’sbestfriendinChicago,awomannamedSandra.

No,Ginahadn’treturnedhome.She’dkeptintouch,promisingtobringgiftsfromoutthereintheWild
WestforSandra’skids.SandratoldhimGinahadmetamanandthoughtitmightbetherealthing.Better
thanthefirstmanGinahadmetoutthere,arealjerk.

Alainperkedup.Firstman?DidGinatellherhisname?

No,Sandrasaid.Shehadn’tmentionedit.

Alainhungupthephone,hisbodyburningwithfrustration.Thewolfinsidehimwantedtotearupthe
townuntilhefoundoutwhathappenedtothisGina,andwhatshehadtodowithhisfather’sdeath.The
coolersideofhimtoldhimtocallPatriceandtellherwhathe’ddiscovered.

ButPatricehadgoneout,thedispatcherinformedhim,andshewasn’tansweringherradio.Alainhungup,
hisfingerschangingtoclawsinfrontofhiseyes.

Herippedoffhisclothesastheblackwolftookover,thenhesprangfromthebackporchandsprinted
downthepath,headingwestacrossthecreek.

*****

“I’vesmelleditbefore,”Patricesaid,sittingonherwolf’shaunchesinthemiddleofthehunter’sblind.
“ButIcan’trememberwhere.”

SheandJacksonhadfollowedthescentforamileorsobeforelosingitatawashrunningthickwith
runoff.They’dreturnedtotheblindafterthattoseewhatelsetheymightturnup.

“Asawolf?”Jackson,thecoyote,askedher.

“No.Atleast,Idon’tthinkso.Thelastcoupledayshavebeenablur.”

“They’vebeeneventfulforyou.”

Thatwasanunderstatement.“DoIloveAlain?”sheasked,halftoherself.“Orisitjustthechange?I’ve
nevermetanyonelikehim.”Shethoughtofhissilvereyes,thewayhegentledhimselfforher,hisdeep,
wonderfulvoice.Ifshewasn’talreadyinlovewithhim,shecouldfallinlove.

“Youaremeanttobewithhim,”Jacksonsaid.“You’lllovehim.”

“You’resure,areyou?”

“OfcourseI’msure.I’mCoyote.IfIhavetohavesexwiththepairofyouuntilyou’rebonded,Iwill.”

“Whatasacrificeforyou.”

“It’satoughjob,butsomeone’sgottodoit.I’llfixthefencethough,that’snotrouble.”

“Thefence?”Patricestaredathim,piecesfallingintoplace.“YouknockeddownAlain’sfence?Why?”

“Soyou’dseeitanddriveouttotellhimaboutit.Icouldn’twaitforeverforyoutorunintoeachother
again.”

“You’vebeentryingtogetustogether?”

JacksonshiftedbackintohishumanformandPatrice,afteramoment’sconcentration,didtoo.Itwas
gettingeasier,thoughshestillhadtobraceherself.

Jacksonwenton,“LikeIsaid,youbelongtogether.Butyou’rebothindependentandbusy.I’vehadto
workfast.”

“YouwerewithAlainthisafternoon,”Patricesaid.“Whenyoucameintomyoffice,Ismelleditonyou,
bothofyoutogether.”Herquimtightened.“Younevertoldmewhatyouweredoing.”

“Iwillnow.”

Jacksontoldstoriesverywell.Hedescribedeverytouchandeverytastesharedbetweenhimselfand
Alainbetterthanthebesteroticnovel.Bythetimehefinished,endingwithAlainandhimkissingonthe
bed,Patricewasquiveringwithneed,herhandscuppingherbreasts,herquimhot.

Jacksoncametoher.Hegentlymovedherhandsandrubbedherswollenareolesforher,fingersrolling
thepointsuntiltheytingled.Shemovedagainsthim,likinghisstrengthandthesexysmellofhimandhis
dark,darkeyes.

Shegaspedwhenhegottohiskneesandputhismouthonherquim,histongueflickingoverherclit.The
frictionwaswonderful.ShewantedAlainbutshewantedthistoo,herfingersinJackson’sblackhair,his
mouthdoingincrediblethingsbetweenherlegs.

Shethrustherachingclitagainsthimashesuckledandnibbledandlicked,herbodytenseforevery
secondofenjoyment.Justwhenshethoughthe’dletherrelease,hebackedoff,awickedtwinkleinhis
eyes.Thenheputhismouthtoheragainuntilshescreamedtotheemptysky.

Finallyhestoodupandgrinnedather,wipinghismouthwithhisfingers.

“Whydidyoudothat?”sheasked,breathless.

“Youlookedlikeyouneededtorelax.Feelbetter?”

Shedid.Thehormonesthatragedthroughherfromthecallofthewolfhadbeensatedsomewhat.She
realizedhe’dwoundherupandbroughtherbackdowninordertohelpher.

“Thankyou,”shebreathed.

“Mypleasure,”herumbled.“Later,we’llgetwithAlainandputitalltogether.”

PatricehadasuddenvisionofherselfspreadonAlain’sbed,Jacksonsucklingherashehadjustnowand
Alainbehindhim,fillingJacksonasJacksonhaddescribed.Sheletoutafinal,frustratedmoanand
pressedherhandbetweenherlegs.

Jacksonkissedher,hislipsgentle,buthelookedpleasedwithhimself.

*****

Alainhuntedforawhile,followingthecanyons,sheerredcliffscoveredwithgnarledpiñonsrisingto
eithersideofhim.Afewmountaingoatsscrambledtogetoutofhisway,buthewasn’thuntingthem
today.

Afteratimehestoppedrunning,trottedtoahalt,thensankpantingtohishaunches.Jacksonwasprobably
right—heneededlogictosolvethispuzzle,notanger.HeneededPatrice.Inmorewaysthanone.

Fuckingherhadbeengood,openingemotionsthathe’dneveropenedbefore.He’dthoughtatfirstitwas
becauseshewashismate—naturallyhe’dfeelprotectiveandalsophysicallyneedyforher.

Hewasstartingtothinkitwasalittlemorethanthat.

Plushe’dhadsexwithaman.Well,Jacksonwasn’tjustaman.Hewasagod,whichmaybemadethings
different.

Whateveritwashadbeengood,andnotsomethinghewantedtokeepsecretfromPatrice.Hewantedher
toknowaboutit,hewantedhertojoinin.Damn,testosteronehadn’tragedthroughhisbodylikethissince
he’dbeeneighteen.

Hemadehiswaybackhome,crossedthecreekindeepshadowsandshiftedbackonceinside.Hehadto
takeacoldshoweranddrinkaboutagallonofwaterbeforehecalledPatrice.

*****

JacksonandPatricedressed,thenPatricedrovebackintotown,neitherofthemspeakingmuch.Jackson
whistledandlookedoutofthewindowatthescenerywhilePatriceconcentratedonkeepingtheSUVon
thenarrowroads.

Whentheyreachedthestationforty-fiveminuteslater,SusanGonzalezlookedupather.“Someonewas
tryingtoreachyou—saiditwasimportant.Iradioed,butyouwereoutofrange.”

“Iwasinvestigatinganillegalhunter’sblind,”Patriceexplainedquickly.“Youneedtosendsomeoneout
tothebigwashwestofVulteeArchRoadtoclearitup.Whowasit?”

“ThatAlainDupreewhomovedouttohisfather’splace.Hedidn’tleaveamessage.”

PatricedoveintoherofficetocallAlainback.

“IsJacksonwithyou?”heaskedbeforeheevensaidhello.

“Yes.Why?”

Alain’svoicewentlowandgruff.“Ineedyou.”

“I’mdoneatfour,”sheansweredbreathlessly.

“Ifoundoutafewthings.”Hepaused.“PlusI’mabouttoexplode.”

“Metoo.”Patricesankintoherofficechair,resistingtheurgetorubherselfwhereJacksonhadlickedher.
“Ican’twaittoseeyou.”

“Say,four-thirty?”

“I’llrushrightover.”Shemeantit.

“BringJackson.”

“Oh,youbetcha.”Shehesitatedamomentthensaid,“Hetoldme.Everything.”

Shecouldhearhisquickbreathing,herwerewolfsensessharpernow.Shecouldevenheartherapidthud-
thudofhispulseagainstthephone.“I’mglad,”hesaid.

Shewantedtotellhimhowmuchthestoryhadturnedheron,butshecouldn’triskSusanoverhearing.“So
amI.”

“Four-thirty,then.”

“I’llbethere.”

Theybothhungup.Patricesatbackandheavedalongsigh.

Shetriedtoburyherselfinthemountainofpapersonherdesk,butcaughtherselfeverytenminuteswith
herpalmpressinghardtothewarmthbetweenherlegs.

Thelust-crazedthoughtswouldn’tstop,evenwhenshewrotehermundanereportonthemarijuanacrop
she’dfoundalongawash.Theinnocent-looking,elderlywomanwho’dgrownitseemedsurprisedwhen
Patricewentouttoarresther.

Patriceshookherhead,finishedthelastreportatfouronthedotandhightaileditouttoherSUV.

Jacksonwaswaitingforher.

“Iwassniffingaroundwhileyouworked,”hesaidastheyheadedupthehighwaytowardAlain’sturnoff.

“Smellanything?”

Hegrinned.“Twohornywerewolves.Yourscentisallovertheplace.”

“Doesiteverstop?Thisawfulneed?”

“No.”Heleanedagainstthedoorandfoldedhisarms.“Butyoucanlearntocontrolit.Infact,youhave
to,oritwilleatyoualive.Alaincontrolsit,butbarely.Thetwoofyouaredrivingeachothercrazy.”

“Haveyoulearnedtocontrolit?”

“No.ButI’mnotWere.Thebenefitofbeingagod.”

“Aretheirdrawbacks?”sheasked.

Hesobered.“Yes.”

Shewaitedforhimtotellherwhat,butheremainedsilentfortherestofthejourneytoAlain’s.

*****

Alaintriedtositcalmlyinthelivingroomwhiletheytalkedaboutwhatthey’ddiscoveredtoday.He’d
builtafireinthefieldstonefireplace,theweatheratlastchillyenoughforit,andthewoodsmokesmelled
pleasant.

Itcouldn’tmaskPatrice’sscent,herlovelyfemalepheromones,whichinturncouldn’tmaskthescentof
Jacksonalloverher.Shewaslookingathimwithhungryeyesandheknewthatdespitehisshower,
Jackson’sscentwasprobablyonhimtoo.

“Ithinkwe’dbetterhavesex,”Jacksonsaidquietly.“Beforeyoutwoloseallcontrol.”

“Goodidea,”Patricesaidfervently.

ShestoodupandcametoAlain.Thedominanceofthemalewolftothefemaleflaredupinhimandhe
hadtomakehimselfstaystillandseewhatshewoulddo.

Whenshesatdownonhislap,hiswolfsidewantedtoputheronthefloorandripoffherclothes,butthe
Alainsideofhimstoppedit.Helikedthatshetouchedhimsogently,herfingersslidingunderhisshirt.

Hekissedher.Helovedthetasteofhermouth,theheatofit.He’dbeeninsuchafrenzybeforethathe
hadn’thadtimetosimplysavorher.

“That’sright,myfriends,”Jacksonsaidsoftly.“Enjoyeachother.”

Alainnippedherlipsandshelaughed.Jacksonslidontothesofabesidethem,hiswarmbulkleaningon
Alain.HekissedPatrice’smouthandAlain’stoo.

Alainunbuttonedandunzippedhispants.Patricegotagleaminhereye,andsheslidfromthesofatoher
knees.

Heexpectedhertopullhispantsopenandclosehersoftmoutharoundhiscock.Hebracedhimselfforit,
wantingit,thenopenedhiseyeswithasnapwhenheinsteadfeltcoldmetalaroundonewrist.

Patricegrinnedupathim.“Ibroughtmyhandcuffs.”

Realones,notpretendthingsfromanadultstore.Helookedatthesteelcuffaroundhisbroadwristand
thenattheothercuffaroundJackson’s.She’dhandcuffedthetwomentogether.

“Shit,”hewhispered.

Jacksonwaslaughingasheunfastenedandpulleddownhisownjeans.“Toldyoushewasfun.”

PatricepushedAlain’spantsopenandhelpedhimslidethewaistbandofhisunderwearoverhiships.
ThensheloweredherheadandlickedAlain’scock.

“Ohno,”Alainmoaned.HeliftedhisrighthandtotangleinPatrice’shair,butitwashamperedbythe
cuff.HelethiswristdropandJackson’shandlandedonhisthigh.

Patricesatbackonherheelsandopenlystaredatthetwolongcocksdisplayedforher.“Yum,”shesaid.

Alainshiftedhishipsalittle,seekinghermouth.Thiswaskillinghim.

Patricesmiled,eyesferal.ShebentoverJacksonthistimeandtookhiscockintohermouth,lipsmoving
asshesuckled.Thesightoftheotherman’scockpressingagainsthercheekfromtheinsidemadehim

wanttocomerightthere.

SheturnedbacktoAlain.HecouldsmellJackson’spheromones,themanhotterandhotterasPatrice
happilylickedandsuckledAlain’scock.

Hecouldn’tstanditanymore.HegotoffthesofafastbuthewasstilllockedtoJackson,whocameup
withhim.Alain’sjeansfellaroundhisankles,andPatricelookeddelighted.

“Don’tmove,”shesaid.“Standjustthere.”

AlainandJacksonwerefacingeachotheroverher.PatricelickedAlain’scock,thenturnedherheadand
lickedJackson’s.

“Ijustlovethisgirl,”Jacksonchuckled.

Shekneltbackonherheels.“Standclosertogether.”

Jacksonlaughedagain.“IthinkIknowwhatshewants.”

HeputhishandonAlain’sshoulder,andAlainputhishandsonJackson’s.Theyclaspedtheirlocked-
togetherhandsthenmoveduntilthetipsoftheircockstouched.Alainwasbreathinghard,thewolfinhim
tryingtorise.HecaressedJackson’stightshoulder,resistingtheurgetoleanoverandkisshim.

HefeltPatrice’stonguesnakefromhisballsallthewaydownhiscock,thenleavetocurlaroundJackson.

Ijustlovethisgirltoo.

Thebuildupinsidehimwasincredible.Hewasn’tinher—hell,hewasn’teventouchingher—butthe
intensityofwhatshedidtookhisbreathaway.Toosoonhestartedtocome.Adropofseedtrickledto
Jackson’scock,thenthewildwolfroseinsidehimandhechanged.

PatriceshriekedinsurpriseandjumpedbackwardasAlain’swolfselfrippedthroughhisclothes.His
blackwolfwashuge,dwarfingthelivingroom,buthispawwasslimenoughthathecouldpulloutofthe
cuff.

Tohiswolfvision,Patrice’sbodywasonlytheoutershellofher.Hesenseherwolfimprintedoverher,
andhewantedit—hismate.Heloweredhisheadtoher,lipspulledbackinasnarl.

“You’dbetterchange,”Jacksonsaid,catchingthedanglingcuff.

Patricenoddedandbegantopulloffherclothes.Tooslow.Alainseizedhershirtinhisteethandripped
it.

“Nicedoggy,”Patricesaid,wide-eyed.ShepattedAlain’shead.“Givemeasecond.”

ShetoedoffhershoesthenshimmiedoutofherjeansandunderwearwhileAlaintriedtocontainhimself.
Hesmelledthechangeaswellassawit,feelingtheelectricityofitalonghisfur.

Patriceshiftedrelativelyquickly—shewaslearning.Herbodyshudderedasitfoughttheshiftfora

moment,thenherfaceelongatedandsleekfurrippledoverher.Shewasanelegantsilverwolf,hergreen
eyeslikethepalestjade.

Mine.

Hesnarledbutheldhimselfbackfromdoingmorethannuzzlingher.Patricetooktheinitiative,brushing
herbodyalonghis,fillinghimwithherscent.Sherolledoverontoherbackandnippedplayfullyathis
throat.

Hiswolfandhislusttookover,andthingsgotalittleblurry.DimlyheheardJacksonsay,“I’llleaveyou
kidstoit.Wolvesdon’tsharetheirmates.”

Hehadthatright.Alaingrowledatthecoyoteuntilthemanwalkedoutthefrontdoor,chuckling.“Have
fun,now,”hethrewoverhisshoulder,thenhewasgone.

ChapterSeven

Theirwolfmatingwaswildandcrazed,thewholethingabitfuzzytoPatrice.

Abitfuzzy,shelaughedtoherselfasshewokeuponthebed.

Shewashumanagain,andnude,cuddledagainstAlain’sveryhumanback.Withoutturning,Alaingrasped
herhandandpulleditaroundhiswaist.

“Ibetweshedalot,”shesaid,feelingdeepcontentment.“Alloveryourlivingroomrug.”

“Ihaveavacuumcleaner.”

Shechuckled.“Yourneighborsmustwonderaboutallyourdoghair,whenyoudon’thaveadog.”

“Theneighborsdon’tcomeover,”hemurmured.“Atleastnotnow.Idon’tknowwhatmyfathertold
them.”

Ahintofsadnessbrokethroughhercontentment.ShewouldnotbeherewithhimifAlain’sfatherhadn’t
died.Shesqueezedhishand,sympathetictohisgrief.

“Hewaslonely,”shesaid.“Likeyou.Andme.”

“Wolvesarelonely.It’sthewaythingsare,untiltheyfindthatspecialmate.”

Patriceroseonherelbow.“Ithoughtwolvesraninpacks.Theyalwaysdoonnatureshowsanyway.”

“Thosearetruewolvesandthey’redyingout.Theynevergotusedtohumanslikecoyotesdid.”

“Poorthings.IremembertheexperimenttoreintroducewolvestosouthernArizonaawhileback.Within
afewyears,mostofthemweredead,manyshot.Theranchersjustdon’tlikethem—saytheyattackthe
cattle.”

“Werewolvesdon’t.Butwedon’talwaysbreedtrueandthat’showyoumakemorewerewolves,you
know—mating.It’snotthewerewolfbite.It’stoobadthatmythisn’treal,becausetherearesofewofus
anymore.”

“Maybethat’swhywecraveallthissex,”Patricesuggested.“Theneedtocontinuethespecies.”

Hemadeanoiseofamusement.“Maybe.”

“ThisGinaWoodisn’tawerewolf?”

“No.Herscentwashuman,notWere.I’mbettingmydadjustlikedher.Theysharedthesameinterests.”

“Andnowshe’smissing.”PatricestrokedthetattooonAlain’sarmwhileshethought.“Sheleftnotlong
beforeyourfatherwaskilled.Shemighthavemadeitlooklikeshe’dgone,thencamebackandkilled

him.”

“Thenwhynottakehersuitcases?”

“Tomakeitlooklikeshewasrunningawayfromhim?”Thatexplanationdidn’tseemsatisfactorytoher
detectiveinstincts.“Orelseshe’sdead,herbodywaitingtobefound.”

Alainturnedover.“Poorlady.”

“I’llfileareportonher,listherasamissingpersonandaskforasearch.Thecountysheriffwillget
involvedinthat—theyhavepossesthatwillrideoutintothedesert.”

Alaingrinned,silvereyesglinting.“Posses.Likethewildwest.”

“It’sstillthewildwestouthereinmanyways.Peoplecarrygunslegally—acophastowatchherback,
eveninasmalltown.”

“NowI’mheretowatchyourback.”

Warmfeelingfloodedher.“AndIcanwatchyours.”

Hekissedher,thekissofamanintheafterglowoflovemaking.Andmaybewantingtofollowupwith
more.

PatricehadanotherideahowtofindGinaWood,ifshecouldbefound,butshedecidedtheycouldtalk
aboutitlater.

*****

Jacksonreturnedwhenthesunwassinking,twilightslidingablanketofstarsoverSedona.Patriceloved
thenightsky,thedryairrevealingthousandsofstarsoverhead.Inthecities,lightpollutionswallowedall
butthebrighteststars—outheretheyclusteredthickandwhiteacrossthesky.

AlainandPatricewerebackonthesofa,kissing,whenJacksoncamein.Theyhadn’tdressed,butatthe
momentPatricefelttherestlesspullofthewolfratherthantheneedtomate.ShecouldsenseAlain’swolf
pullinghimtoo.

“Youmadeajokebeforeaboutmebeingasniffer-dogforthepolice,”shesaidtoJackson.

Jacksonsmiled.“That’strue.”

“IthoughtI’dtryitforreal.GetagoodscentofGina’sclothesandthentrackher.”

“Itriedtopickupherscentalreadytoday,”Alainsaid.“Iwentouthuntingwhileyouwereworking.”

Patriceblushed,rememberingwhatsheandJacksonhaddonewhile“working”.

“Iknow,butIknowspecificplacestostartlooking.Wegetalotofsmugglingacrossthedeserts,with
remotehousesusedasdrugpick-uppoints.Theywouldbegreatplacestohidesomeone,andIknow

wheremostofthemare.Pluswecanreturntothehunter’sblindJacksonfound,seewhatscentsare
there.”

“It’sworthashot.”Jacksonshrugged.

AsJacksonundressed,Patriceleftthecouchandwalkedontothefrontporch,feelingthewolfyearnfor
moonlight.BehindhersheheardJacksonandAlainmakingnoisesofapprovalatherbarebackside.

“We’dbettergethunting,”Jacksonsaid.“Orwe’llbehereallnight.”

Alainonlygrowledagain.

Patriceknewshe’dalreadybecomepartofthewolfbecauseaweekagoshe’dneverhavedreamedof
walkingoutsidenaked.EvenknowingAlain’splacewasremoteandshe’dhavetimetoduckbackinside
ifanyonecamedownthedrive,shewouldn’thavedoneit.Peoplejustdidn’tgooutsidenaked.

Nowitfeltnaturaltowalkoutunderthestarlitskyandstretchherarmsoverheadlikeshewasembracing
it.

Alain,nowthehugeblackwolf,trottedpasther.Sheconcentrated,changedandfollowedhim.

Alainledhertothegaragewherehe’dfoundGina’sthings.Jacksonremainedinhumanformlongenough
toopenthedoorforthem,thensortthroughGina’sclothesandletthemgetagoodsniff.Oncetheywere
outsideagain,hesankdownintohiscoyotebody.

“Let’srun,”hesaid.

Theycrossedthecreekandheadedthroughthejuniperandpines,thepungentscentscomforting.Patrice
easilyclimbedthefainttrails,keepingupwithJacksonandAlain.Hernewfoundstrengthamazedher.

Theyatlastemergedontoadesertmesa,aflat-toppedhillwithsteepsides.Thelong,narrowmesaran
formiles,aperfectplacefortwowolvesandacoyotetogoflatout.Inthedark,isolatedfromthetown,
theycouldletloose.

Patriceledthemdownintoanothercanyontoatiny,remotehousewhereshe’dmadedrugbustsbefore.
SheknewevenbeforetheywentinthatGinahadnotbeenthere.Theplacesmelledofdustanddesertion
—nohumanshadenteredtheplaceinmonths.

Shetookthemtoseveralmorehouseswiththesameresultbeforetheydoubledbackandfoundthe
hunter’sblind.Again,Patricesmelledonlyonehuman—male,shethought—andAlainconfirmedit.

“I’vesmelledthisbefore.”Alainsatonhishaunches,moonlightripplinginhisblackfur.Hiseyes,as
silverasthestars,narrowedashethought.“IthinkIrememberwhere.”Herose,shookhimself,thenled
themoff.

Theytrottedandlopedbacktowardcivilization,thenightcrispandrefreshing.Patriceranhardon
Alain’sheels,excitedthattheymighthavefoundalead.Jacksonbroughtuptherear,hummingandsinging
snatchesofsongs—allincoyote.Farawayacrossthehills,coyotesyippedinanswer.

Alainskirtedacountyroad,stayingintheshadowofjuniperandscrub.Patriceheardtheheartbeatsof
rabbitshuddledtogetherandtheswiftwingsofdovesthatflutteredoutoftheirway.

Alainleaptabarbedwirefence,easilyclearingit,thenturnedtowaitforthem.Patriceeyedthebarbsat
thetopofthefence,dubiousaboutherownjumpingskills.ShehesitateduntilJacksonnippedherrear,
thenshesprangoverwithasqueal.

Chortling,Jacksonlaunchedhimselfupandover,hisfourlegsspreadasthoughheflew.Heletoutahowl
ofgleeashetoucheddownandAlaingrowledhimtosilence.

“ThisistheCircleTranch,”Patricesaid,lookingaround.“OwnedbyamancalledDunstan.”

“Doesanyoneelseliveherebesideshim?”

“Idon’tthinkso,”Patricesaid.“ButIdon’tknowhowmanypeopleworkhere.Imostlygoplaceswhere
there’stroubleandI’veneverbeencalledouthere.”

Alainlookedthoughtfulanddidn’tanswer.

Theytrottedacrosstherangetowardtheoutbuildingstuckedinahollowofthegrasslands.Thecattle
wereontheothersideoftherollinghills,butPatrice’snewwolfsensessmelledandheardtheirworry.
Shewonderedifthey’dfeelbetterifshetoldthemshewasvegetarian.

Arizonadidn’thavehugebarnslikeintheMidwestbecausetheweatherwasneverseverelycold.Cattle
werefree-rangeorkeptinshadedpens.ButArizonaranchersdidhavesmallerbarnswheretheystored
hayplusshedsinwhichtokeepequipment.Alainsniffedhardaroundthese,hisnosenearlygluedtotheir
foundations.

“He’sbeenhere.”

Patricesmelledittoo,faintly,andJacksonagreed.ShealsosmelledGinaWood.Herhacklesrose
excitedly.“They’rehere.”

Alainsatdown,givingheraseverelook.“You’renewatthis.Thescentisfaint—allwecansayfor
certainisthattheywerehereatonetime.”

“Oh.”Patricepacedalongthewall,sniffing,tryingtostillherdisappointment.Herwolfwantedtofind
thekillerandgrabhimbythethroat.

Thethoughtmadeherstop.ThePatricesheknewwasaprotector,notakiller.Butknowingsomeonehad
deliberatelytakenAlain’sfatherfromhimmadeherangerrise.Wolveswerelonelybynatureandtolose
anothersoclose…SheknewithadbeenhorribleforAlain.

ShenuzzledAlain,whiningalittle,andstrokedherselfagainsthim.Henippedgentlyather.

Jacksonsatback,watchingasthoughknowingwhatPatricehadtoworkthrough.

“Weneedtogetinside,”Alainrumbled.

Hetrottedaroundtothefrontofthehaybarn,thenroseonhislegsandchangedtoAlaintheman.Hetried
thedoorandfounditlocked.Stillinhumanform,hewalkedaroundthehaybarn,thenmovedtotheshed.
Bothwerelockeduptight.

Patriceenjoyedthesensualwayhemoved,nakedandunashamed.ShenoticedJacksonwatchinghimtoo.

Alainputhishandsonhishipsandlookedatthehousealittlewayfromthebarn.Nolightsshoneinthe
windows,theoccupantseitherasleeporout.Droppingtoallfoursasawolfagain,heledthemacrossthe
dryscrub,movingassilentlyasaghost.

“Thescentisfainterhere,”hesaid.

Thethreeofthemhaltedintheshadowofalargejuniper,outofsightofthewindows.Arancherspotting
twowolvesandacoyoteinhisyardwouldcallanimalcontrol—orusehisownanimalcontrolinthe
formofashotgun.Regularbulletswouldn’tkillawolf,solegendssaid,butPatricehadnointerestin
seeinghowbadlyithurtbeforeherbodyhealed.

PatricecircledAlain,thenJackson,unabletokeepstill.“Arewegoingin?”

“Slowly,”Jacksonsaid,histonecalm.“Thismanmightbedangerous,orhemightbeinnocent.Both
scentsareold—bothpeoplemightbefaraway.”

“PatriceandIcaneasilybreakin,”Alainsaid.

Jacksonrolledhiscoyoteeyes.“Wolves.Nosenseofsubtlety.You’dbreakthelocksandleaveamess,
andthewholetownwouldbeinanuproar.Patricemightevenbecalledintoinvestigateherself.”

Patriceshookherself.“Wecan’tsitherewonderingifheknowsanythingaboutGinaorAlain’sfather.”

Jacksongrinned.“That’swhyyou’reluckyyouhaveawilycoyotewithyou.I’llcheckthehouse.”

Beforetheothertwocouldstophim,he’dcreptsoftlytotheporch.Heroseassilentassmoketohis
humanform,thentheshadowsswallowedhimandhewasgone.

Patriceblinked,wonderingifshe’dseenright.Shestillwasn’tusedtothewayheseemedtoappearand
disappearatwill.

SheleanedagainstAlain,takingcomfortinhisfurandhisbreathing.Themoonslidoutfrombehinda
cloud,andsheliftedherface,lovingthesilverlightthatfilledherwithpower.

“Nothingtoreport,”Jacksonsaidfrombesideher.

Patricejumpedandbarelystifledheryelp.“Iwishyouwouldn’tdothat.”

Alaingrowled,givingthecoyoteaputoutstare.“Whatdidyoufind?”

“Oneman,fastasleep.Dreamingdreamsoftheinnocent.Nowomanhidingorbeinghidden.”

“Theoutbuildingsthen?”Patriceasked.

Jacksonshookhishead.“Idon’tthinkso.There’salsoabig“sold”signonthefrontdrive.CouldbeMr.
Dunstanislonggone.”

Patricesatdown,frustrated.“Ithoughtitwassuchagoodlead.”

“Itstillmightbe,”Alainsaid.“It’saplacetostart,anyway.GinaWoodandwhoeverwasinthathunter’s
blindwerehere.Wecantrytopickupthescentandfollowitagain.”

“Thesleepingmanmightknowsomething,”Patricesuggested.“Ihaveaneasierwaytogetinandaskhim
thantearinguphishouse,though.I,friendlylocalpolicewoman,cancomeupheretomorrowtoinquire
aboutadisturbanceinthenight.”

“Whatdisturbance?”Alainasked.“Ifhe’snotinnocent,he’llbesuspiciousifheneverheardanything
aboutadisturbance.”

Hiswordsweredrownedbyasuddenhowl.Jacksonbrokefromthecoverofthetreesandbeganyipping
andhowlingandyowling.

“Whatthehell?”Alainbegan.

Thenervouscattleonthefarsideofthepasturestartedtopanic.Alightwentoninthehouse.

Jacksonkeptonmakingnoise,evenasAlainandPatriceranpasthim,Alainswearingunderhisbreath.

Jacksonsweptpastthematadeadrun,laughinglikeamaniac.“There’syourdisturbance.Thisisfun.”

Behindthem,ashotrangout.Itwentwide,butPatriceyelpedanddoubledherspeed.Sheclearedthe
barbedwirefencewithacoupleoffeettospareandscrambleddownintothewashontheotherside.

JacksonandAlaincaughtuptoher,thenAlainturnedonJacksonandsnarledlikethedominantwolfhe
was.Jacksonlookedbackathimwithagrin,histonguelolling.NothingsubmissiveaboutJackson.

“Coyotes,”Alainmutteredasheturnedandtrottedaway.

*****

Alaindidn’tlikePatricegoingouttotheDunstanplacealonethenextday,evenwithhergun.ButPatrice
convincedhimthatshe’dgetonbetterifshewentinherofficialcapacity,whichmeantciviliansdidn’tget
toridealong.

Thatdidn’tstopbothAlainandJacksonfromlurkingaroundtheperimeteroftheranchwhenshewas
there.ThetwoofthemkeptPatriceinsightasshetalkedtothemanontheporch.

Butwhiletheirconversationwaslong,therewasnotensioninit.Theyweretoofarawaytobeheard,
evenwithwerewolfhearing,butPatrice’sandtheman’sbodylanguagetoldhimthechatwaseasygoing.

Patricefinished,gavethemanafriendlywaveandclimbedbackintoherSUV.

Alittlewaydownthedirtroad,Patricepulledoverandopenedherdoor.Alaintrottedtoherandthrust

hisheadinside,restingitonherthightoenjoyherscent.PatricescratchedhisearswhileJackson
morphedtohishumanformandleanedagainsttheSUV.

“Dunstansoldtheranchlastmonthandmovedoutjustafewdaysago,”shesaid.“Hesoldeverything—
livestock,barnfullofhay,equipment.Thehouseitselfwasemptywhenthisman,Peterson,movedin.He
doesn’thaveanyideawhereDunstanmoved.”

“Dunstanisthekey,”Jacksonsaid.“HeeitherhasGinaWood,orhehadher,orshe’swithhim
voluntarily.Wecankeeptryingtotrackher,butnotiftheyleftinacarforanotherstate.It’snotlikethe
olddayswheneveryonewasonfoot.Somucheasiertochasepeopledownbackthen.”Hesighed.

“Inthesenewdays,wecanuseapapertrailinsteadofascenttrail,”Patricesaid.“Icantrytotrackhim
throughwhateverinfowehaveonhiscarorhisdriver’slicense,seeifhehasanykindofrecord.”She
lookedatJacksoncuriously.“Howlonghaveyoulivedouthere,anyway?”

Jacksonsmiled.“Oh,sinceforever.”

“YoucandoasimplerkindoftrackingwhileIgothroughrecords,”shesaid,returninghissmile.

“Anythingyouwant.”JacksonleanedintoherandAlainscentedhisdesireloudandclear.Itmadehis
mate-protectioninstinctkickinandhemorphedbacktohumanbeforehiswolfcouldattackJackson.

Patricelookedbackandforthattheirnakedbodies,pheromonespouringfromher.“Well,thisisevery
woman’sfantasy.Orshouldbe.”

“Youaretheonewiththehandcuffs,”Jacksonsaid.“WhichIrememberyouusedverynicelyyesterday.”

Patriceblushed.Alainfeltatwingeofenvythathewasn’tgoodatthelightbanterPatriceandJackson
seemedtodoeffortlessly.Hewasmorewolf-like,hisemotionsbasicandgut-level.

JacksonleanedclosertoPatrice,hisarmstealingaroundAlain’swaist.“Maybeyou’llhavetotakeus
intocustody.Maybesearchusforconcealedweapons.”

Alain’scockroseswiftlyandsteadily.Thisroadwasn’tallthatdeserted—someonecoulddrivepaston
themainroadanytime.Forsomereasonthismadehimevenharder.

Patrice’sradiocrackled,andthevoiceattheotherendstartedtalkingaboutanaccidentonHighway179.
Patriceshookherheadruefully.“Notpractical.I’monduty.”

Jacksonshrugged.“Laterthen.WhatfantasticplandidyouhaveinmindforustracingDunstan?”

Patricegrinnedathimasshereachedfortheradio.“Easy.Asktheneighbors.”

ChapterEight

PatriceassistedattheaccidentbetweenSedonaandtheVillage,whichfortunatelyleftnoonehurt.Many
carswereinvolved—thathighwayhadsomeofthemostbeautifulsceneryinthecountry,butwasalsoa
narrow,winding,two-laneroad.Oglingdriversoftenpaidtheprice.

Shereturnedalonetoheroffice,wonderinghowJacksonandAlainweregettingontalkingtoDunstan’s
neighbors.Theyhadn’tcalledandneitherofthemcarriedcellphones.Toomuchofapaintokeeptrackof
whentheywereonfourlegs,they’dtoldher.

ShedidlookupGeoffreyDunstan.Hedroveabig,whitepickupandhadrecentlysoldhisranchdownto
thelastnail.He’dtakenhisfurniture,whichimpliedhehadsomewheretotakeitto.

ShecouldfindnorecordinthecountydatabaseofDunstanbuyinganotherproperty,butGeoffDunstandid
haveabrother,Ben,whoownedahouseinJerome.Thecountyrecordssiteobliginglycoughedupthe
addressandsheprinteditout,foldeditandsliditintoherpocket.

Shehadotherworktodothatprecludedjumpingupanddrivingoutthererightthen,unfortunately.There
wasthefollow-upreporthercaptainwantedonthealtercationbetweenatouristfromNewJerseyandthe
manonwhoselandhe’dbeentrespassing.Thetouristthreatenedtosuewhenthelocalturnedagunon
him,buthe’dbeendiggingupcactionthelocal’slandtotransporthometoJersey.Thetouristhadbeen
astoundedthattherewassuchathinginArizonaas“cactus-napping,”andthatitwashighlyillegal.That
onehadbeentricky.

JeromewasoutsidePatrice’sjurisdictionanyway—she’dhavetocontactthepolicethereortheYavapai
Countysheriff’sofficetogetanykindofofficialwarrant.SedonalayjustinsidetheCoconinoCounty
line,whichmeantshe’dhavetocallordriveallthewaytoPrescotttogetYavapai’scooperation.

Easiertosniffaroundasawolf.ShedidleaveamessageatAlain’shouseaboutwhatshe’dfound—he
didn’tanswerorcallherback.

Ataboutthree,herphonerang,andJacksonwasontheotherend.

“Hiya,babe.”

Sheheardnoisebehindhim—musicandmen’svoices.“Whereareyou?”

“AbarinCottonwood.TheLastChance.Interestingname.”

Hersensesperked.“Whyareyouthere?Whathaveyoufoundout?”

“ThatDunstanlikedtohangouthere.SodidAlain’sdad.Theplotthickens.”

“Where’sAlain?Ishewithyou?”

“HeiskeepinganeyeonDunstan’sbrother’shouse.HelivesinJerome,inahousehalfwayupthe
mountain.”

“Iknow.Ilookeduptheaddress.Howdidyoufindit?”

“Talkingtotheneighbors.”Sheheardlaughterinhisvoiceandpicturedhim,standingtheretallandsleek,
hisliquiddarkeyesdancing.“Andyourphonemessagehelped.IwasgoingtocallyoubackbutAlain
hightaileditoutofthere.”

“Icancomeoutinabouthalfanhour,ifallgoeswell.Haveyoutalkedtohisbrother?”

“Hewasn’thome.I’mhereincaseeitherheorDunstancomesin.Thehouseistooclosetoneighborsfor
Alaintogoallwolfie,sowemighthavetowaituntildarktoinvestigate.”

“I’llbethereassoonasIcan.”

“Terrific.”Heloweredhisvoice.“Lookingforwardtoit.”

Hecouldmakeherwetintwosecondsflat.Herhandshookasshehungupthephone,herpheromones
raging.She’dneverinherlifehavedreamedoffallingfortwomenatthesametime—thatwassomething
youreadaboutinbooksyouhidfromyourmother.

Shecouldn’tactuallygetawayuntilafterfive,thoughshechafedatthedelay.Shechangedtohercivilian
clothesanddroveherowncarwestandsouthtowardCottonwoodandClarkdale,intothesinkingsun.
Shebroughthergunandbadgeandhandcuffs.

JeromeglitteredonthesideofthenearlysheermountainwestofClarkdale.Onceaminingtown,thena
ghosttown,JeromewasnowthehomeofartistsandNewAgers—andapparentlyGeoffDunstan’s
brother.

Cottonwoodlayatthecrossroadsofthe89Aandthe260thatledeasttothefreeway.Itwasa
workingman’stown,differentfromtheoverdevelopedopulenceofitsneighbor,Sedona.Modernretail
storeshadsprungupeverywhere,butbehindthemstilllaytheheartofasmalltown.

Patricefoundthebareasilyenough,onanarrowstreetnotfarfromthehighway.Jacksonloungednearthe
doorwaytalkingtoafewmeninsidelikethey’dbeenbuddiesforever.Jacksonhadawayofputting
peopleattheirease.

ThemenperkedupwithinterestwhenPatricewalkedin.Jacksonsmiledashewrappedafirmarm
aroundherwaistandledherabruptlyout.

“Alaincamedownherenothalfanhourago,”hesaidastheywenttohercar.“Hegotcloseenoughto
scentGinaWood.IsaidI’dstayandwaitforyou.”

Patriceunlockedthedoors.“Youtwoshouldreallygettocellphones.”

“Ispentallthoseyearswithoutthem.Can’tteachanoldcoyotenewtricks.”

“Balls.Whycouldn’tAlainscentherrightaway?Wecaughttheoldscenteasilyenoughattheranch.”

“Carbonmonoxide.”JacksonwrinkledhisnoseasPatricestartedthecarandpulledoutontotheroad.
“Citysmellsinterfere,chemicalsconfusethings.Besides,Alainhasn’tbeenabletoshiftorgetcloserto

thehouse.EveninJerome,Ithinkpeoplewouldnoticeamanstrippingoffhisclothesandchangingintoa
wolf.”

“Iseeyourpoint.”

ShedrovethroughCottonwoodandintoClarkdale,thentookturnedoffontheswitchbackroadthat
climbedthemountain.Thevalleyfloorfellaway,thehousesofthetownsbelowlightingforevening.

Clapboardhousespaintedyellow,blueandwhitehungfromcliffsabove,oncethehomesofprosperous
miners.Atthetopofthehill,thestreetsnolongerhuggedsheerdrops,buttheswitchbackscontinuedas
theywoundthroughthetown—therewasverylittlelevelgroundhere.

Jacksondirectedherdownanarrowstreetthatranbehinddarkbrickbuildings.Theothersideofthese
buildings,onceboardinghousesandbrothels,housedshopsandsmallcafes.Manyshutearlyinthe
evening—mosttouristsdescendedtoSedonaorwentoverthemountaintoptoPrescottforthenight.

Thesunhadslidbehindthehillsduringtheirdrive.Thedesertnightdarkenedquickly,twilightlasting
onlyashorttime.ThestarswereoutbythetimeJacksonpointedoutthenarrowalleythatledtothree
housesclosetogether,plusafourthhouseattheveryend.

Thelasthousewasnestledbetweentrees,thefarsideofitoverhangingasheerdrop.Deepshadowsfrom
cottonwoodtreesandthecliffaboveengulfeditindarkness.Patricecouldn’tseeAlain.

“Whereishe?”

“Idon’tlikethis,”Jacksonsaid.“Hetoldmehe’dwaituntilwewerealltogetherbeforehewentin.”

“It’sdarknowandifDunstandidkillhisfather,maybehiswolfwouldn’tlethimwait.”

“Inthatcase,we’dhearsomenoise.Dunstanscreaming,forexample.”

Jacksonsilentlygotoutofthecar.Patricejoinedhim,peeringattheendhouse.Onlyoneoftheother
housesseemedtobeoccupied,oratleastonlyoneshowedlights.ThetwoclosesttoDunstan’shouse
werequietanddark.

“Whatdidtheytellyouatthebar?”shewhispered.

“ThatDunstanandThomasDupreedranktogetheracoupleoftimes.Butthattheyweren’tfriendly.”

“WhataboutGina?”

“SheusedtocomeinwithThomasDupree,buttheyhaven’tseenherlately.Theythinkshedumped
Alain’sdad.”

Patricewatchedthehouseuneasilyforafewminutes.Shecouldn’tsenseAlainintheshadows,and
Jacksonwasrightaboutcarexhaustblockingscent.Apickuproaredontheswitchbackabovethem,its
metallicodordriftingdowntothem.

“Wehavetogetinthere.”

“Agreed.”

ThewolfinPatricewassnarlinganddancing,thoughshestoodquietstill.Instinctstoldhertoshift,to
fight,tokill.Themoonwasrisingandshefeltitswildpull.

Control.SherememberedAlain’sdeepvoicedirectinghertoholdthechangeuntilshewasready.Ifshe
wentboundinginwithoutknowingwhatwasgoingon,shemightharmAlainorGinaWood.OrDunstan
mightgetawayordiebeforeshecouldquestionhim.

Patricethecopneededtomakeaperpetratorpayforwhathe’ddone,bythebook.Patricethewolf
wantedtotearapartanyonewhohurthermate.Shehadtofindthebalancebetweenthetwoorsheknew
she’dbecomethebeastentirely.

Jacksonputhislipstoherear,inperfectcontrolofhimself.“Let’sstripdown,honey.We’llsniffaround
andseewhat’swhat.”

Intheblackestshadowsofthetrees,theytookofftheirclothesandpiledthemonadrypatchofground.A
catslidaroundthebaseofatreeandrubbeditselffirstaroundPatrice’sankles,thenaroundJackson’s.It
purredwhenittouchedJackson.

“Whyisn’titterrified?”Patriceasked.“Consideringwhatweare?”

Jackson’steethgleamedinthedark.“ItknowsIwon’thurtit.Nicekitty.”

Thecatsaunteredoff,apalesmudgeinthedarkness.

Patricebegantoshift.Herwolfwantedtoburstforth,growlingandsnarling,butsheclenchedherhands
andhelditin.Counttotwenty.ShiftwhenI’mready.

Shesteadiedherbreathing,drawingcalmfromthestillair,thecoolsmellofmud,thecrisplightofthe
stars.Attwentysheletoutherbreathandchangedintothewolf.

“Verynice,”Jacksonsaidbesideher,nowacoyote.

“Let’sfindAlain.”

“Quietly,”Jacksonmurmured.

PatricepickedupherhandcuffsandguninhermouthandfollowedCoyotetothehouse.AsawolfPatrice
couldsmellbetter,despitethedistractingcarandtruckexhaust.Shesmelledseveralscentsshehadatthe
CircleTranch,butstrongernow.GinaWood.GeoffreyDunstan.Andoverthat,theunmistakablescentof
Alain,hermate.

Shegrowledandstartedtolungeforward,butamouthclosedheavilyonhertail,stoppinghershort.

“Quietly,”Jacksonrepeated.

Patricedrewabreath,tryingtosmoothherhackles.Herfurfeltcharged,likeanytouchwouldspark.

Theycrepttothebackofthehouse.Anold-fashionedenclosedporchranthelengthofit,thedoorsclosed
andlocked.

Thewindowsoftheporchweredarkbuthadnocurtainsorshades.Theporchranalmosttothecliffwall
ononesideandfacedthedropontheother,sothatsomeonemightsitandenjoytheview.Noonecould
seeintothisplaceuntiltheygotveryclose,asPatriceandJacksonweredoing.

Jacksonshiftedsmoothlyintoamanandpeeredintothewindow,cuppinghishandsaroundhiseyes.
Patricedidn’tdaretrytoshift,sosherearedupandputherpawsonthesill.

Whatshesawmadeherrageflame.

Alainlayonthefloorofalivingroomwrappedinagleamingnet,hishandstiedbehindhisback.Patrice
couldsmellthesilverinthenet,andalsointhechainthatwoundthroughtheropesthatboundhishands.
Hewasnaked,thetouchofsilverprobablyhavingforcedhimbacktohumanform.

Twomenfacedhim,bothholdingshotguns.OnewasGeoffreyDunstan—sherecognizedhimfromseeing
himafewtimesinSedona.Theothermustbehisbrother,Ben.

“Youmakemesick,”Dunstanspat.“Werewolves.Worsethananimals.Atleasttheyactondumb
instinct.”

“WhatdidyoudowithGinaWood?”Alainasked.Patricewasalarmedhowfainthisvoicewas.

“Stupidwhore.Wantedtofuckananimalinsteadofamanwho’dbegoodtoher.”

“Maybeshefiguredoutyouwerecrazy,”Alainsaid.“Shewashappywithmydad—whycouldn’tyoulet
herbehappy?”

“Becauseshewasabeastwhore.Butit’seasytokillawerewolf.Alittlesilvermakesthemsickerthan
dogsandtheirhumanheartscan’ttakeit.”

Nokidding.Patricewantedtopukeatallthesilverintheroomanditwasn’teventouchingher.Alain’s
fatherhadgonethroughthis,barelymakingithomebeforehelaiddownanddied.

“MyfathercametoyoulookingforGina,didn’the?”Alainasked.

“Yep.Didn’tfindher.”

“Soyougotsilverintohissystemandhedied.Whatdidyouuse?”

“Aneedle.Silveroxide—quietandeasy.Tookawhile,butitgothim.Hecouldn’tdoanythingaboutit.”

Alainclenchedhishands.“Bastard.Youmurderedmyfather.”

“Ikilledvermin.Wolvesattacklivestockandstupidbleedingheartswanttoreintroducethemintothe
wild.Werewolvesaretentimesworse.I’mjustcullingthem,protectingmycattle.”

“Hewasmyfather.”

“Dumbanimal,”Dunstandisagreed,andhekickedAlaininthemouth.

Patricesnarledwithrage.Sheleapt,tearingstraightthroughthewindow’sglass,droppinghergunand
cuffstofreehermouth.Forasplitsecondthetwoarmedmengaped,thenDunstan’sbrotherfired.

ThesplitsecondletPatricediveandrolloutoftheway.ShetriedtoyankthesilvernetfromAlain,but
thetouchofitburnedher.Shekeptonrolling,thepaininherpawnauseating.

Whenshecameoutofherroll,shelandedonherfeetandforcedtheshiftbacktohuman.

“Police,”sheyelled.“You’reunderarrestforkidnappingandmurder.”

*****

Alainstaredupather,hisbeautifulmatewhostoodabovehim,nakedandfurious.Herlegswerenearhis
face,lovelylimbsthathewantedtolick.

Ifheweren’ttiedup,trappedinanetandsickonsilver.

Dunstanandhisbrotherbothstaredather.TheroaroftheshotgunmadeAlain’searsring,theacridsmell
ofpowderhangingheavy.Shotgunsweren’tmadeforlivingrooms.

GeoffreyDunstanstartedtolaugh.“Didyouhearthat,Ben?We’reunderarrest.”Hehadtoshout,because
he’ddeafenedhimselfalongwitheveryoneelse.

“Shecanarrestmeanytime,”Bensaid,tossingasidehisspentshotgun.“Cuffme,sweetie.”

Geoffreylosthissmile.“Don’t.She’soneofthefuckingwerewolves.AlittlebitofsilverandIcanbring
mycountuptothree.”

“Three,”Alainrasped.“Isthatall?Ithoughtyouwereamightywerewolfhunter.”

“ThreeinSedona,”Geoffgloated.“TotaloftenthroughouttheU.S.A.”

“Bastard,”herepeated.Heimaginedtheothershaddiedsimilarly,poisonedwithsilver,burningwithit
untiltheywerehappytodie.

Abovehim,hisgloriousPatricebeganreadingthemtheirrights.

Benlaughedagain.“Really?You’rearrestinguswithnogun,nobadge,nocuffs?Justyoursweetlittle
nakedass?”

ShegavehimalookofcontemptandAlain’sheartswelledwithpride.NomoreshyPatrice,buta
werewolfwhoknewherpower.

“I’mnotstupid.IcalledinbackupwhenIcameouthere.Saidyouprobablyhadamissingwomanuphere
againstherwill.Whereisshe?”

“Around,”Geoffreyshrugged.“Where’syourbackup?”

“Ontheirway.Iimaginesomeofyourneighborsmightalsoreportthesoundofagunshot.”

“Alotofhuntersuphere.”

“Inaneighborhood?”

“FuckingNewAgers,”Bengrowledunderhisbreath.“Andtheirfuckingcrystals.”

GeoffreyDunstanaimedhisshotgunatPatrice.“Thepolicearen’tcomingandyouknowit.Evenifthey
are,Istillhavetimetokillmeanothercouplewerewolves.”

Patricesnarledathim.Sheshiftedswiftlyintowolfformandbeforehecouldaimathernewheight,she
sprang.Thegunflewoutofhishandsandthunkedtothefloor,justoutofAlain’sreach.Thenethampered
him,thoughhecouldkickGeoffDunstanhardenoughtomakehimstumble.

BenDunstanwentforthefallenshotgun,butjustthenacoyoteflewoverAlainandlandedbetweenBen
andthegun.

Benstared.“Shit,anotherone.”

Jacksonwentforhisthroat.Alainrolledontohisside,tryingtoflipthenetoffhim.Patricecouldn’thelp,
becauseshewasfightingandcouldn’thavetouchedthedamnthinganyway.

PatricewassavagingDunstan.IttookAlainaminutetorealizeshewasn’ttryingtokillhim.Shewanted
tokeephimalivetoarresthim,topunishhimlegallyforwhathe’ddone.

Crazy,honor-boundPatrice.

Geoff’shandfloppedbychanceontothegun.Alainkickedhard,spinningtheweaponawayfromhim.Ben
Dunstanrolled,tryingtodislodgeJackson,andmanagedtogethishandsaroundthegun.

Itfired.

ChapterNine

Patricescreamed.

BenDunstancrawledoutfromunderJackson,whohadrevertedtohishumanform.Ben’sshirtwas
coveredinblood,buthestoodup,unhurt.

Bothbarrelshadgoneoff,Patricerealizedthroughthedeafeningnoise.StraightintoJackson,wholay
limpinapoolofhisownblood.

Buthecan’tdie,Patricethoughtdesperately.He’sagod.

Buthadn’thetoldherhismotherwashuman?Andthegunswereloadedwithsilvershot.

Benlookedalittlesurprised.Patricetookthatsurprisedmomenttoleaponhim.Onefuriousswipeofher
pawacrosshisheadandhefell,unconscious.

“Patrice,”Alainrasped.

GeoffDunstan,whohadbeenrollingonthefloor,headbloodyfromwherePatricehadbittenhim,
suddenlyslidasilverchainaroundPatrice’smiddle.

Herhowlshookthewalls.Ithurt,burnedlikenothingelseeverhad.ShesawAlainlookatherindespair,
strugglingagainsthisownbonds.

He’smymate,herwolfthoughtdesperately.Ineedtohelphim.

“Weneedtohelpeachother.”

ThevoicewasAlain’s—hiswolf’svoice.

Achingandweak,Patriceputoutherpaw.Shesawherselfchangingbacktohuman,thesilverchain
drainingherpower.Withthelastofherstrength,shetoreatthenet,jerkingitfromAlain’sbody.

Alainlookedpaleandsick,hiswristsstillbound.Heclosedhiseyes—hisbeautifulsilvereyes—and
Patricefelthimlookforthewolf.Shecollapsedtothecarpetasthechainheldherfast.

ThepowerthatsurgedwasfarweakerthanAlain’susualshift,buthisformgrewandchangedandgrew
somemoreuntilahugeblackwolfwasgettingtohisfeet,pawsshakingoffthebonds.

GeoffreyDunstantriedtograbthenet,buttoolate.Hiseyeswidenedashelookedupandupandupat
Alainasawolf.Alain’seyesblazedandhislipscurledbackinalongsnarl.

“Fuckingwerewolf,”Dunstanwhispered,thenAlainknockedhimasidewithoneblow.Hiswerewolf
clawsrakedtheman’sface,bloodspatteringtothecarpet.

“Don’tmesswithmymate,”hegrowled.

Dunstantriedtorun.Alainleaptonhimandborehimbacktotheground.ThechainslidfromPatrice’s
waist,easingthepain.StillshelaypantingandweakwhileAlainbroughthispawuptofinishDunstan
off.

“Wait,”shegasped.Patricecrawledtothehandcuffsshehaddroppedandclimbedpainfullytoherfeet,
scoopingupthecuffs.Alain,deepinsidehiswolf,growledasshetriedtopushhimawayfromDunstan.

“No,”shesaid.“I’marrestinghim.That’swhatpeopledo.”

Alainmethergazewithafurioussilverone.Theylookedateachotherforalongtime,Patricetryingto
projecthowmuchsheunderstoodwhatheneeded.

Alaingavealong,rumblinggrowlbutfinallybackedaway.

Dunstan,released,triedtogetupagain.Patricesummonedthelastofherstrength,putherfootonhisback
andslammedhimbackdown,clickingthecuffsaroundhiswrists.

Thiswasthepoliceofficerinher,notthewerewolf.Alainwantedhimdead—shewantedhiminprison.
Maybethiswasherwayofnotlettingthebeasttakeover.

Dunstansworeandtriedtowriggleawaybuthisinjuriesandthecuffsheldhimfast.Strong,steel,police-
issuehandcuffscouldputevenalargemaninPatrice’spower.

AlainloweredhismuzzletoDunstan’sface,teethbared.Dunstanbabbled,“Don’tmakemeawerewolf.
Please,don’tmakemeawerewolf.”

“Stupidasshole,”Alainrumbled.PatriceunderstoodhimbutDunstandidnot.

“That’snothowyoubecomeawerewolf,”Patricesaid.“That’sthemovies.”

Dunstan’seyeswidened.“Thenhowdoyou…Oh,God,youhavesexwiththem?”HeeyedPatricein
newterror.

“Iwouldn’tdreamofit,”shesaid.

Sheturnedaway,Alainpressinghardagainstherside.

Jacksonlayonthefloorbehindthem,coveredinblood.Patricekneltnexttohim,shakingallover,and
tookJackson’sheadinherlap.Alainloweredhisheadandnuzzledhim.

Theman’sbrowneyesflutteredopen.“Didwegethim?”herasped.

“Yes,”Patricewhispered.“Wegothim.”

AlainmorphedbackintohumanformandbrushedastrandofJackson’shairfromhisface.“Staystill,my
friend.”HelookedatPatrice.“Didyoureallycallinbackup?”

“No.ButIwill.AtleastIcarryacellphone.”

Herlastwordendedinasob.Alaintouchedherface,kissedhercheek.

Patricedrewabreath,pullingherselftogether.Thensheroseandleftthroughthebackporch,findingher
clothesandJackson’swherethey’dleftthem.Shedressedquicklyandmadeaphonecall,thencarried
Jackson’sclothesbackinside.

AlainhadJackson’sheadinhislap,Jackson’schestblackwithblood.

Dunstanwatchedthemfromhisplaceonthefloor.“Thatshotwaspackedwithsilver,”hesneered.“At
leastItookoutoneofyou.”

Jacksongrunted.Patricekneltbesidehim,tryingtokeephimstill,butJacksonliftedoneblood-streaked
finger.“Silveronlyworksagainstwerewolves,”hegrated.“I’macoyote.There’sadifference.”

“Doesn’tmatter,”Dunstansaid.“You’restilldead.”

“Idon’tthinkIamyet.”

AlainbrushedafingeroverJackson’slips.“Stoptalking.Saveyourstrength.”

“NotonlyamInotawerewolf,”Jacksonwenton.“I’malsonotaman.”

HegentlypushedAlain’shandawayandclimbedpainfullytohisfeet.Dunstanwatchedhim,open-
mouthed

JacksonlookeddownatDunstan.“You’reakiller,”hesaid,voiceweak.“Evenwhenyoukillthe
supernatural,itstillmakesyouamurderer.ButI’llbemerciful.I’llletthehumanpolicedealwithyou.”
Hisvoiceloweredtoanearwhisper.“Ifitweremeexactingjustice,you’dlearnwhatpaintrulywas.An
eternityofit.”Hetookhist-shirtfromPatrice’shands,stillwatchingDunstan.“Ifyoueverharmanother
livingbeing,Iwillexactjustice.Ipromiseyouthat.”

Dunstanatlastlookedworried.Hebelievedinpower,becausehe’dseenitinthewerewolves.Jackson’s
quietwordssoundedmoreterrifyingthananywerewolfsnarl.Hispowerwasimmense,anditradiated
fromhim.

Jacksonsuddenlydroppedtooneknee,spent.Helookedatthecrimson-stainedclothinhishandsand
shookhishead.“Aw,damn,”hesaid.“Ireallylikedthisshirt.”

*****

TheyfoundGinaWood,stillalive,dehydratedandhalfstarvedinanemptybedroomonthesecondfloor.
AnambulancecarriedhertoahospitalandthereshetoldPatriceherstory.

She’dmeetGeoffreyDunstanwhenshe’dfirstcomeouthere,butafteraweekorso,she’drealizedwhat
ajerkhewasandbrokeitoff.DunstanhadtakenherafewtimestotheLastChancebarandshe’dmet
ThomasDupreethere.They’dstartedgoingoutandshe’dlikedhim—alot.

OnenightwhenThomaswasout—probablybeinghiswolf,Patricethought—amanhadcalledherfrom
thebarclaimingtobeoneofThomas’friends,sayingthatThomaswantedtomeetherthere.Thomashad

donethatbeforeandshesawnoreasonnottobelievehim.

Butwhenshearrived,Geoffhadmetherintheparkinglot,shovedherintoacaranddrivenhertohis
ranch.He’dusedherasbaittolureThomastohimandthenkilledhimbyinjectinghimwithsomething.
GinahadthoughtGeoffwouldkillhertoo,butheravedthatheonlykilledwerewolves,nothumans.She
shouldthankhimforsavingherfromthebeast.Shewasterrified,thinkinghimcrazy.

Geoffhadkeptherlockedinashed,thenmovedhertohisbrother’shousejustbeforehesoldupallthe
land.HewastiredofSedona,hesaid.Toomanydevelopersdigginguptheplace.

Thomas’sneighbor,Howard,arrivedatthehospitaltopickGinaupwhenshewasdischargedafewdays
later.ShewentbacktoChicagoafterthat,Howardgoingwithhertohelphersettlein.She’dhugged
Alainandtoldhimhowmuchshe’dtreasuredhisfather.

Jacksonrecovered,hismagicrepairinghisbody,buthisacthadn’tbeenpainless.He’devadeddeath,but
he’dsuffered.Ithadn’tbeenaneasythingforhimtotaketheshottosaveAlainandPatrice.

“I’mdivine,”he’dexplainedtothem.“Orhalfdivine.Theonlyonewhocankillmeisagod.SoIalways
trynottopissthemoff.”

“Goodrule,”Alainsaid.

“Ihavemyownlegends—Idon’tshareahistorywithwerewolves.Thatmeanssilverdoesn’tslowme
down.”

“Don’trubitin,”Alaingrunted.

Alainhadtakendaystorecoverfrombeingweakenedbythesilvernetandchain.Patricestayedwithhim,
takingabriefleaveofabsencefromwork.Shewasweakandexhaustedeventhoughshehadn’ttouched
thesilveraslong,andknewsheneededarestalmostasmuchasAlaindid.

AweeklaterthethreeofthemsatonAlain’sbackporchsharingamealandbeer.Patricelikedthis,living
withAlain—eatingandsleepingwithhim,relaxingwithhim.

Theydidn’thavemuchsexwhiletheybothconvalesced,butasPatrice’sstrengthreturned,herwolf’s
bloodbegantoburnwithrenewedmatingfrenzy.

Jacksonsentheralazysmile.HehadhishandonAlain’sarm,runninghisfingersalongtheinsideofhis
wrist.“Youthinkshe’sready?”

Alain’seyesglinted.“Shemightbe.”

“Readyforwhat?”Patriceasked.Somethingdarkflutteredinsideher.Whatwereyoutwowhispering
abouttoday?”

Thewaytheygazedathermadehernervous.Thecoffeebrownandsilvereyesthatfixedonherwere
bothbeautifulintheirownway.Shehadthesuddenurgetorunfromthesemenandhavethemchaseher,
feelingexcitedanticipationofwhatthey’ddowhentheycaughther.

Alainsaidslowlyanddistinctly,“Clothes—off.”

Patrice’shandwenttothebuttonsofherblouse.“It’salmostdark.Whataboutthewolftakingover?”

“Youstillneedtolearntocontrolit.Thiswillbeperfect.Nowolf-turninguntilafter.”

“Afterwhat?”

Alain’seyesglinted.“You’llknow.”

Sheunbuttonedherblouse,theirgazesonherpalpable.Sheopenedherblouseundertheirscrutiny,then
tookoffherbra,hernipplestighteningasherimaginationwentwild.Whatwoulditbelikeiftheyboth…

Patricemovedtowherethetwomensatsidebysideontheporchswing.Thesunwasjustdown,thesky
streakedwithcrimsonandazureandorangeabovethesilhouettedtrees.Shestoppedinfrontofthem.

“Suckme,”shesaidsoftly.

Bothmensmiled.Jacksonleanedforwardandtookherrightnippleinhismouth,Alainslantingawicked
glanceupatherbeforeheclosedhismouthonherleft.

Oh,yes.Patricearchedastheirtonguesswirledhardandsweetonherbreasts.Shelacedherfingers
throughtheirhair,Jackson’slikesatin-silk,Alain’srougherandwirier.Bothsuckledandnibbleduntilshe
wassquirmingwithpleasure.

Alainhookedhisfingeraroundthewaistbandofhershorts.“Off,”hesaidintoherskin.

Withshakingfingers,Patriceunzippedhershorts.AlainandJacksonskimmedthemdownherlegs,then
herunderwear.

“She’snotallowedtowearclothestherestofthenight,”Jacksonsaid.

TheNovembereveningwascoolingrapidlybutPatrice’sbloodpoundedsohotitdidn’tmatter.Besides,
howcouldshebecoldwiththesetwomentowarmher?

“Feetapart,”Alainwhispered.

Sheobedientlymovedherlegsapart.Adamslidhisfingeralongherquim,andthenshefeltthestrong
touchofJacksonwithhis.Bothmenpushedfingersinsideher.

“Yes,”shemurmured.Theirmouthshotonherbreastscoupledwiththefrictionoftheirfingersmadeher
rockandmoan.Howluckyshewastohavetwobeautifulmenpleasuringher,menwholikedtobe
together.Notrivals,justfriends.

Jacksonslidofftheswingandwentdownononeknee.“Spreadyourlegs,”hesaid.“Wewanttofeast.”

Patrice’sheartpoundedinfastexcitement.ShepartedherlegsandbitbackacryasJacksonloweredhis
headandlickedher.Alain’sfingerswerestillinside,andshesqueezedthemhard.

“She’senjoyingit,”Alainmurmured.

“She’stasty.”Jackson’sbreathsearedherskin.“Joinme.”

HemovedoversoAlaincouldputhismouthonherandslidehistongueinside.Shegroanedandrocked
onherfeet.Thetwoofthemtookturnstastingher,drivinghercrazywithtonguesandfingers.

Theywouldn’tlethercome.Justwhenshereachedherbreakingpoint,Alainabruptlydrewaway.Hercry
offrustrationwaslostinhislaugh.

“Youhavetoreallywantit.”

“Idoreallywantit.IswearIdo.”

Jacksonlaughedashesoothedher,touchbringingherbackfromhernear-climax.“Shesoundssincere.
Whatdoyouwant,lovelyPatrice?”

“Tofuck,”shegasped.“Forbothofyoutofuckme.”

“Thatcanbearranged,”Jacksonsaid.

Alainwassilent.Shecouldsensethewolfinhim,restlessandneeding.Jacksonwouldalwaysbethe
joker,confidentandrelaxed,shiftingeasilyandquicklywheneverhewanted.Alainhadawildnessin
everythinghedid,thebeastinhimneverquitecontained.

JacksongottohisfeetandliftedPatriceinhisarms.Hecarriedherintothebedroom,Alainfollowing
slowly,asthoughtryingtocontainhimself.

Jacksonlaidheronthebed.Alain,hiseyesshiningsilver,strippedoffhisclothes.Patricelaybackonher
elbows,enjoyinghishardbodycomingintoviewandthelongcockthatliftedtoher.

Jacksonslidoutofhisjeansandclimbedonthebed.HekneltinthepillowsbehindPatriceandcradled
herheadinhislap.

Alainlookedatthemforalongtime,thewolfflickinginandoutofhiseyes.Finallyheclimbedover
Patrice,onallfours.HiseyesweresointensethatPatrice’sownwolfbegantomoveinsideher.She
wantedthechange.

“Notyet,”Jacksonsaidsoftly.“Notuntilyou’vebecomeourscompletely.”

Alainloweredhimselftoher.Heleaneddownandlickedherbreasts,histongueslowlytracingher
aureoles.JacksonrosetostraddlePatrice,andshehadaniceviewofhistightballsandcocksticking
straightout.

“Alain,”hesaidinalowvoice.

Alainraisedhishead.HestudiedJackson’scockhanginginfrontofhimamoment,thenclosedhislips
overit,takingitfullinhismouth.Patricegaped,herbodyheatingtoafrenzyasshewatchedAlainsuckle
him.Shewantedtoreachupandjointhem,butAlainhadherpinnedandallshecoulddowaswatch,

frustrated.

AlainswirledhistonguearoundJackson’stipandtheothermangroaned.

“Letme,”Patricebegged.“Please.”

JacksonkneltbackawayfromAlain,hiscocklongandthickandglistening.HeremainedoutofPatrice’s
reachandslantedAlainagleefullook.“Wantto?”

“Yes.”

Patricedidn’tknowwhathemeant,butshethoughtitwouldbefunfindingout.Alaingotoffthebed,
makingPatricewanttowhimperinthecold,buthereturnedsoonwithatubeoflubeandsometowels.

“Wewantyou,”Alainsaid.“Together.Canyoutakethat?”

Patricetheordinarywomanprobablycouldnothave.Whathesuggestedwasamazingand,weeksago,
hadnopartinherworld.Buteverythingthathadhappenedthelastcoupleofdayshadgivenherthe
strengthandthecourage.PatricehadbeenwillingtosacrificeherselfforAlain,andJacksonhadbeen
willingtosacrificehimselfforthemboth.

Shegottoherknees.

“WhatdoIhavetodo?”

Alainlaydownfulllength,hiscocklyinghardanddarkagainsthisabdomen.Hereachedforher,
signalingwithhisfingers.“Comehere,love.”

Patriceslidherlegoverhiships.Alainsmiledather,hiseyessparklingandwicked.“I’vealways
wantedtodothis.”

“Metoo,”JacksonsaidfrombehindPatrice.

Patricerealizedthishadbeeninherfantasiesfromthefirsttimeshe’dseenthem—thegorgeousAlainand
thedark-eyedJacksonsharingher.

Alainguidedherdownontohim,hiscockfillingherandstretchingher.Sheshivered,thengrewwarm,
herheadtiltingbacktorubhershorthairacrossherneck.Jackson’slargehandsrestedonherwaist,and
hekissedherthroat.

Alainrockedintoherafewtimes,makinghermoanwithpleasure.Heslidhishandsuptohershoulders
andgentlyeasedherdownsoshelayontopofhim.HeliftedhishipsalittleandPatricefeltJackson’s
warmthclosebehindher,thenthechill,slickfeelingoflube.Shemoanedagainashiswell-lubedfingers
touchedheranalstar,gentlyworkingit.

“Relaxforme,”Jacksonwhispered.“EnjoywhatI’mdoingtoyou.”

Patricelethermusclesgoslack,thenshefeltherbodywarmasJacksonslidafingerintoher.Itwasan
incrediblesensation,makingherfirsthotthencoldthenhotagain.Herfleshroseingoosebumps.

Jacksonplayedforawhile,lettinghergetusedtoit,addinganotherfinger.Patricegotlostinthefeelings,
Alainhardinsideher,Jacksonslowlylooseningher.Eventhewolfwassoothed,lovingwhattheydidto
her.

ShewassofargoneinsensationthatshealmostmisseditwhenJacksonwithdrewhisfingersandpressed
hislarge,smoothtiptotheopening.Shemadeanoiseofanticipationandhesmoothedhishanddownher
back.

“Shh.Stayrelaxed.”

Shewantedtoflyapart.AlaincuppedherfaceinhishandsasJacksoneasedhiswayinside,hiscock
pressingthewallshe’dwarmedandopened.

Maybethelubemadeitallright,maybeJacksonwasanexpertormaybethewolfinherletherdowhat
shewanted,butherbodylethertakeit.Suddenlyshewasfilledwithbothmen,Alainunderher,Jackson
behindher,hishandsonherhips.Shecouldfeelboththeircocksinsideher,movingforherpleasure.

Beautifulthought,themtogether,touchingthroughherbody.Shesquirmedalittle,enjoyingthesensation
astheyheldherbetweenthem.

“Iloveyou,”shewhispered.“Iloveyouboth.”

Alainstartedtomove,thenJackson.Patricescreamed.Ithurtandthenitdidn’t,Jackson’ssoothinghands
seemingtomagicallyremoveanypain.Shelearnedthatifsherelaxedalltheway,wideopenand
welcoming,therewasnohurtatall.

Nothingbutincrediblefeeling.Sheheardhervoiceringthroughtheroom,heardAlain’sgrowlof
satisfactionandJackson’shoarsebreathing,butsheseemeddisconnectedfromsound.Shewas
disconnectedfromeverythingexceptthehot,hardbodiesoftwomenaroundher.

Deeper,deepest.

Shedidn’tknowwhatshescreamed,butJacksonlaughedashefuckedherass.

Awaveofdarknessswirledoverher,hersensesfargoneindelight.DimlysheheardAlainsay,“I’m
coming,”thenfelthisscaldingseed.Jacksonmovedalittlelonger,thenhefilledher,hishipscomingto
restfirmlyagainsthers.

PatricecollapsedontopofAlain,Jacksonstillinsideher.Shemusthavefalleninstantlyasleep,because
whenshecametoherselfagain,shefoundherselflyinglimplyacrossAlain,hisarmsfirmlyaroundher.
Jacksonstretchedoutfulllengthbesidethem,smoothingPatrice’shair.

“Thatwasbeautiful,”Patricecrooned.

Jacksonlaughedhisthroatylaugh.Alaindidn’tsmileatall.Hetouchedherface,hiseyessoft.“Iloveyou
too,”hewhispered.

*****

Patriceeasilycontrolledherchangethistime.Alainwatchedwhileherhumanbodyshimmeredandshe
becamethebeautifulgraywolf.Whileheadmiredher,sheleaptfromtheporch,obviouslywantinghimto
chaseher.

Alainmorphedintotheblackwolfandchargedafterher.Hecaughtuptoherinapatchofmoonlight—he
knewshelethimcatchher—andtheymatedaswolves,doublyensuringtheirbond.

Helovedher.She’dwillinglyhelpedhimsearchforhisfather’skiller,andshe’dchargedinwithout
hesitationtosavehislife.Thesightofhercrashingthroughthewindowtosavehimhadbeenthesexiest
thinghe’deverseen.Thescariesttoo.He’dthoughthe’dbeenabouttowatchherdieforhim.

AndthenJacksonhadtakenthebulletsandsavedthemboth.Ithadhurthimbad,he’dsaid—hell,theman
shotme—thoughheseemedtobefullyrecoverednow.

Ourguardianangel,Alainthought,watchingthecoyotepantuptothemastheyrestedbythestream.

Alainchangedtohishumanformandstretched,andthenPatricewasrightbesidehim,ahumanonce
more.Theyheldhandsastheysplashedintothecreektorefreshthemselves,andfoundJacksoninman
formwaitingwhentheyemerged.Jacksonopenedhisarmstothemandtheysharedanembraceunderthe
lightofthefullmoon.

*****

PatricewokejustasdawnbrokeoverthemountainridgetotheeastofAlain’shouse.Alainlaystretched
outbesideher,onearmoverhishead,breathingdeeply.He’dfallenlikethataftertheirlastlovemaking
andhadn’tmoved.Neitherhadshe.

OfJackson,therewasnosign.Sheraisedherheadandlookedaround,butJacksonwasnowhereinsight
andhisclothesweregone.

Patriceslidoutofbed,wincingathersoremuscles.Sheneededtolearntotakeiteasy,althoughlastnight
hadbeenoneofthemostfunofherlife.

Shepulledonhershortsandblouseandpaddedoutfrontinherbarefeet.“Jackson?”shecalledsoftly.

Jacksonstoodonthefrontporchinnothingbuthisjeans,hisbarearmsstretchedtowardthesun,hisface
tiltedtocatchthemorninglight.Abreezemovedthroughthestillness,stirringafewshiningstrandsofhis
hair.Hewasabeautifulmanwithabeautifulbody,andPatrice’swolfselfwantedtosingwiththejoyof
it.

Withoutturningoropeninghiseyes,Jacksonsmiledandloweredhisarms.“Patrice.”

“You’releaving,aren’tyou?”Shewasn’tsurehowsheknewthat—shejustknew.

“YouandAlainaretogether.Myworkhereisdone.”

Sheslidherarmsaroundhiswaistandrestedherheadonhisback,hishairlikewarmsilk.

“Butyou’repartofus,thethreeofus.Don’tgo.”

Jacksongentlypriedlooseherhold,butheturnedandbrushedhisfingersoverhercheek.“Iwon’tgofar.
Promise.”

“You’reademigod,”Patricesaid,resigned.“Isupposeyouhavedemigodthingstodo.”

Hekissedherforehead,thenhislipstraveledtohersandlingeredawhile.“Coyote’sworkisneverdone.
ButI’llbeback,sweetheart.There’ssomuchmoreforustodo,somuchmoreforyoutolearn.”

Hissinfullookwaspromising.Patrice’sheartbeatfasterassherememberedthethreeofthemintangled
limbsonthebed,theincrediblefeelingofJacksonandAlaininsideheratthesametime.

“Ihopeso,”shesaidsincerely.

Helaughed,thesoundrumbling.“Byefornow,love.”

Hekissedheragain,thenturnedhisbackandwentdowntheporchstairs.

Patricesquintedagainstthemorningsunashesaunteredacrossthegravelinhisbarefeet.Abeamof
sunlightpouredoverhimandshethoughthisformshimmered.

Sheblinked,butonlyemptyairmethergaze,thequietmorningfilledwiththesoundsofdoves.She
thoughtsheheardthefaintyipofacoyoteinthebrush,butshecouldn’tbesure.

Alainwassittingcross-leggedonthebedwhenshewentbackinside.Hiseyesweresomber.“He’s
gone?”

Shenodded.“Hesaidhe’dbeback.Doyoubelievehim?”

Alainthoughtamoment.“Ido.Wefittogether—doyouknowwhatImean?”

“That’sagoodwayofputtingit.”Shepulledoffherclothesandjoinedhimonthebed.“Ithoughtwefit
verywell.”

Alaincuppedherface.“I’mnotgoodwithwords,notlikeJackson.Butsomethingthatwasemptyinme
filledagainthemomentIsawyou.Maybeitwasinstincttellingmeyouwereawerewolflikeme.Idon’t
know.”

“Itwasfate?”sheaskedteasingly,thoughherheartwarmed.

“Idon’tknowaboutfate.IonlyknowIsawyouandwantedyou.Ineededyouinmylife.Ichoseyou,
whetherornotfatehadanythingtodowithit.”Heheldheragainsthim.“AndI’mhopingyouchooseme.”

Shekissedhimsoftly.“OfcourseIdo.IsaidIlovedyou,andImeantit.Itwasn’tjustthethroesof
ecstasy.”

“Good.”Hepressedakisstoherhair.“BecauseIloveyoutoo.Wolvesmateforlife,youknow.”

“Iknow.AndI’mperfectlyhappyto.”

“Wecangetamarriagelicenseanddoeverythinglegalinthehumanwayifyouwant.”

Shesatupandstaredinmocksurprise.“Wasthataproposal?Aw,howsweet.”

“Don’tlaughatme.I’mtoomuchawolftobeuponweddingcustoms,butIknowwomenlikewhite
dressesandbigcakesandaroomfulofpeoplewebothbarelyknow.”

Shedidlaugh,loudandlong.“Asmallceremonywithafewfriendswillbefine.It’syouIwant.”

AlainstretchedoutandpulledPatriceontopofhim.Hisbodywaswarmandstrong,andshelovedit.
“Good.Wolvesdon’treallygofortuxes.”

“Isthereamarriageritualforwolves?Orwerewolves?Ihavethefeelingitdoesn’tinvolvewedding
cake.”

“Thereisone.”Alain’seyesdarkened,theblackofhispupilswallowingthesilver.“Ittakesaboutaday
andinvolvesabed—ifyouwantitinabed.”

Herbodywarmed,herbreastsgrowingheavy.“Ithoughtitwouldbesomethinglikethat.”

“Wanttostartnow?”Alain’ssmilewaswicked,hisvoicelow.

“Ihavethedayoff.”

“Good.”

Alainkissedher.Hislipsweretenderandwarm,thekissfulloflove.

Thenhegrowledandpinnedhertothebed.Shelaughedandarchedherbodyuptohis,lovinghowhe
couldswitchfromgentletoroughandbacksoquickly.

“Iloveyou,Alain.”

“Iloveyoutoo,Patrice.Mymate.”

*****

Outsidethebedroomwindow,thecoyotewatchedthemwithliquid,darkeyes.Thenheturnedandtrotted
offintothemists,chucklingtohimself.

AbouttheAuthor

AllysonJamesisyetonemorenameforawomanwhohasrackedupfourpseudonymsinthefirsttwo
yearsofhercareer.Sheoftencannotrememberwhatherrealnameisandhastobetappedontheshoulder
whenspokento.

Allysonbeganwritingatageeight(afive-pagestorythatactuallycontainedgoal,motivation,and
conflict).Shelearnedthetrickofstandinghermathbookuponherdesksoshecouldwritestoriesbehind
it.Shewrotelovestoriesbeforesheknewwhatromanceswere,dreamingofthedaywhenherbooks
wouldappearatlibrariesandbookstores.Atagethirty,shedecidedtostopdreaminganddoitforreal.
Shepublishedthefirstshortstorysheeversubmittedinanationalprintmagazine,whichgaveherthe
falseillusionthatgettingpublishedwaseasy.

Afteralongstruggleandinevitablerejections,sheatlastsoldaromancenovel,thentohersurprise
severalmysterynovels,moreromances,anderoticromancestoEllora’sCave,andbecameabestselling
author.Shewritesunderseveralpseudonyms,hasbeennominatedforandwonRomanticTimes
Reviewer’sChoiceawards,andhashadstarredreviewsinBooklistandTopPickreviewsinRomantic
Times.

Allysonmethersoulmateinfencingclass(thekindwithswords,notposts-and-rails).Shelookeddown
thelengthofhislong,throbbingrapierandfellmadlyinlove.

Allysonwelcomescommentsfromreaders.Youcanfindherwebsiteandemailaddressonherauthorbio
pageatwww.ellorascave.com.

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AlsobyAllysonJames

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TalesoftheShareem:Rees

TalesoftheShareem:Rio

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Cave.Whetheryouprefere-booksorpaperbacks,besuretovisitEConthewebat
www.ellorascave.comforaneroticreadingexperiencethatwillleaveyoubreathless.

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