NehalemPack1

TheAlpha’sCaptive

HuntershavetakeneverythingfromDevonCarsten.First,theymurderedhisparents,andnowthey’vetakenhisbrother.Withnoother

optionsleft,Devondecidesaneyeforaneye,orinthiscaseabrotherforason,isthebestcourseofaction,andhetakesthesonofthe
manwhokidnappedhisbrother.Buthisplanblowsupinhisfacewhenherealizesthemaninquestionishismate.

AidenStefanoneverimaginedaweekendathomewouldstartoffwithhimbeingkidnappedbymenclaimingtobewerewolvesorthat

hewouldfallforone.NowhemustfindawaytoconvinceDevonwhattheyshareisworthfightingforandprovetohisfatherthatwolves
aren’tthemonstershebelievesthemtobe.Shouldn’tbetoohard,right?

AidenistheonlythingDevonhastobargainwith,butcanhegiveuphismatetosavehisbrother?

Genre:

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

Length:

31,195words

THEALPHA’SCAPTIVE

NehalemPack1

AJJarrett

EROTICROMANCE

MANLOVE

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THEALPHA’SCAPTIVE

NehalemPack1

AJJARRETT

Copyright©2013

ChapterOne

“Dad, I’m positive.” Aiden rolled his eyes even though his father couldn’t see the action. His

father’soverprotectivenesshadgrownquiteannoyingovertheyears.Hewasabouttoturntwentyand
hadbeenlivinginacollegedormforthepastyearandahalf.Aidenwasn’talittlekidanymore.“You
andMomgohaveagoodtimewithyourfriends.I’llbefine.Icanusethetimetostudy.”

“Son,it’snotaproblem.Wecanwaituntilyougethomebeforeweleave.YourmotherandIlove

spendingtimewithyounowthatwehardlyevergettoseeyouanymore.”

Aidenbithislip,tryingtotrompdowntheneedtoscreamintothephone.Helovedhisparents,he

reallydid,buttheyseriouslyneededtocutthecord.Eversincehewentofftocollegetheytriedtoguilt
himbackhomewithanythingtheycould.Hewastheironlychild,anditwasobvioustheywerehaving
empty-nestsyndrome.

“Dad,seriouslyIcouldusethequiettimetostudy.Oneofmyprofessorsgaveusanoutlineofthe

remainder of the semester’s reading material, and I’m going to use this long weekend break to get
ahead.”

He just finished midterm exams and had the next six days off. He sounded like a complete nerd.

Wellthat’swhathisfriendshadtoldhim.Aidendidn’tfeeltheneedtogogethammeredallinthename
of teenage fun just because he had a few days off from school. School was important, and he didn’t
wanttoflunkoutofcollege.Hisfatherhadtoworkhiswaythroughveterinarianschool,andbecauseof
his hard work, Aiden was able to attend college without collecting a load of debt. Plus Thanksgiving
wasinafewdays,andhe’dhavetodrivehomeforthat.Hethoughthemightaswellkilltwobirdswith
onestone.

“That’smyboy.Alwayshaveyoureyeontheprize.”Hecouldheartheprideinhisfather’svoice.“I

wishyouwerecomingwithus,butyouhaveagoodreasonnotto.Yourmotherwillbedisappointed,
butI’msureshe’llgetoverit.I’lljusttakehershoppingorsomething.”

Aidenchuckled.“Youbetterwatchit.Momwillgetpissedifshehearsyousayshecanbebought.”
“It’struethough.”Hisdadletoutalaugh.“WellIbetterletyougosoyoucandrive.Don’twantyou

togetintoanaccidentbecauseyouweren’tpayingattention.Oh,beforeIforgetPeterisgoingtostop
byandcheckinonyouwhilewe’regone.”

“Uh, Dad, you don’t have to have Peter come spy on me,” Aiden said with a fair amount of

annoyance.Peterwasafamilyfriendandtheclosestneighbortheyhadformiles.

“Comeon.It’llmakeyourmotherandIfeelbetter.”
“Fine.”AidenrelentedbecauseheknewnomatterwhathesaidPeterwouldstopby.
“We’llseeyouwhenwegetbackfromourtrip.Iloveyou,Aiden.”
“Iloveyou,too,Dad.TellMomIsaidhiandthatIloveher,too.”
Hisdadsaidhisgood-byesandhungupthephone.Aidenhithisblinkertogetontherampthatled

tothehighway.Hehadathree-hourdriveaheadofhimandnothingbuttheradioforcompany.Itdidn’t
botherhimthough.Aidenneverhadbeenoneofthosepeoplewhoneededatonofotherpeoplearound
tomakehimhappyorfeelcomfortable.Helikedspendingtimealonewherehedidn’tfeellikehehadto
entertainotherpeople.

Atschoolhisfriendslikedtopartyandgooutondates.Allthatwasfineanddandybutnothow

Aidenwantedtospendhistime.Firstoff,hisfriendsdatedgirls.MajorconflictforAidensincehewas
gay. It didn’t bother his friends or make them uncomfortable, but honestly going to clubs for straight
people didn’t offer him a lot of options. Sure he could ogle the hot guys milling around, but it was a

waste of time. At the end of the night all those hot guys would go home with any woman who was
willingtohavethem.

AnotherreasonforavoidingthealcoholichazemostcollegestudentsthoughtwastheirGod-given

rightwashisschooling.Schoolcamefirst.Goingtofootballgames,hangingoutwithfriendsandthe
occasional date were always good, but he was attending college to get his degree in psychology, not
become an overprivileged kid who partied too much. If he failed it would let his parents down, and
Aidenneverwantedtodothat.Hedidn’tneedtheirapproval,buthewantedit.

Thedrivepassedinahazeashetookthefamiliarexiststowardhishome.Hisparentshadboughta

houseinasmalltownbythenameofHolliswhenhewasinhighschool.Itwaslocatedinthecountry,a
fairdistanceawayfromthenearestcity,butabeautifulplacetolive.Hewantedpeaceandquiet,andit
surroundedhimhere.

Aidenturneddownthelongdrivewayandhitthebuttontoopenthegaragedoor.Heparkedhisjeep

insidethenwalkedaroundtothebacktograbhisbags.Shoulderingasmuchashecould,Aidennudged
thedoorthatledtothekitchenopen.Hestoppedbythelaundryroomonthewayanddroppedoffthree
bagsfullofdirtyclothes.

He looked down at the bags stuffed to the gills with his clothes. Letting out a heavy sigh, Aiden

started to sort the colors from the whites. It was times like this he wished his mother hadn’t gone on
vacation.Everytimehetriedtodohislaundryhe’ddyedorshrunksomething.Evenhismotherdidn’t
understandhowhecouldmesssomethingassimpleasdoinghislaundryup.

Withthefirstofmanyloadsspinninginthewash,Aidenwenttothekitchentogetsomethingtoeat.

Hedidn’trealizehowhungryhewasuntilhesmeltthewelcomingscentofhome,vanillaandchocolate.
Bythearomahecouldtellhismomhadmadeherfamouschocolatechipcookiesrecently.Andheknew
exactlywhereshehidthem,thefreezer.

“Jackpot!”Aidenpulledouthislootandplaceditonthecounterwhilehegotthestuffouttomakea

turkey sandwich. His parents knew in advance he wouldn’t be going with them so they made sure to
havethefridgestockedandthepantryfullofhisfavoritesnacks.Theyspoiledhimrotten,oneofthe
manyprivilegesofbeinganonlychild.

A few hours later after switching the last load of laundry and watching some mindless television,

Aidenwentupstairs.Hisroomwasthefarthestdownthehall.Itallowedhimsomeprivacyandgavehis
parentstheirownaswell.

Onceinhisroomheheadedstraighttothebathroom.Heopenedtheshowerdoorthenturnedthe

handle all the way to hot. Aiden took off his clothes and put them in the hamper. Once he was
completely naked, he climbed into the shower. The larger showerhead above released the water as if
comingfromawaterfall.Itcascadedinbigdropsoverhisheadanddownhischesttodrenchhistired
body.

Betweenthedriveandsittingonhisassforthepastfourhourshewasexhausted,tootiredtoeven

yankoneoffintheshowerwhichsaidalotofhistiredstate.Hewasstillateenageboywhocouldget
hard when the wind blew in the right diction, but not even his body was willing. Aiden’s cock hung
flaccidbetweenhisthighs.Itdidn’teventwitchwhenhescrubbedhislengthandballs.

Turning off the water he stepped out of the shower and toweled off. He grabbed a pair of pajama

bottomsfromhisdresserandfloppeddownonhisbed.Ashesnuggledunderthesoftbedding,Aiden’s
eyesdroopedshut,andtheblissfulnessofsleepclaimedhim.

****

Aidenjoltedupinbedwhenheheardaloudcrash.Helookedovertotheclockandsawthatitwas

only a little past midnight. His dad had said Peter would be coming by to check on him, and Aiden
assumed the older man stopped by to make sure everything was safe and sound and that Aiden had
arrivedhomeallright.

Mostpeoplemightbefrightenedbythis,butovertheyearshisfatherhadhisfriendscheckinon

himandhismotherifhewereoutoftownataveterinarianseminar.SoPetercomingbylateatnight
wasn’tthatunusual.

Aiden pushed aside his blankets and sat up. He figured it best to go and check on Peter. A slight

shiverrolleddownhisspineasthecoolairhithisbed-warmedbody.

Turningtheknobonhisdoorhesteppedintothehallway.Heheardanothersoundbutwasuncertain

ofwhatithadbeen.Italmostsoundedlikeagrowl.Aidengavehisheadagoodshake.Hisfamilydidn’t
haveadogandneitherdidPeter.Sleepinessmustbecausinghimtobehearingthings.

AsAidenmadehiswaydownthestairs,heflippedontheentrywaylight.Notpayingattention,he

walkedpasthisfather’sofficeandtrippedonsomething.Aidenlosthisbalanceandfelltothefloor.He
bracedtheimpactonhispalms.Thejoltsentastingingpainuphisarms.Pushinghimselfupandonto
hisknees,helookedbehindhimtoseewhathadcausedhisfall.

“Whatthehell?”Aidenscootedbackonhisbuttuntilhehitthefarwall.Peterlayonthefloorwith

agashabovehislefteyebrow.Ifitwasn’tfortheriseandfallofhischest,Aidenwouldhavethought
theothermandead.

Thesoundoffootstepscausedhisstomachtoroll.Paniccausedhispalmstosweatandhishandsto

shake.Bileroseinhisthroat,andhethoughthewouldbesickrightthereonthesofttaupecarpet.His
motherwouldbesopissedathimifheruinedit.

“Aw,lookwhatwehavehere.”
Aidenjumpedatthesoundofanunfamiliarvoiceandbumpedhisheadagainstthewall.Twovery

largemencameintoview.Onehadlongblondhair,andtheotherhadshortblackhair.Theblondone
eyedhimwithmalice,andAidencouldfeelhisbodytremble.

Theblondman’seyesjumpedtoAiden’sfacethentothewallthenbackagain.“You’vegottobe

fuckingkiddingme.”Heletoutawhoop.“Talkabouthittingthemotherfuckinglottery.”

TheystrodeslowlyovertoAiden.Hetriedgetaway,butthehardwallathisbackwouldn’tallowit.

Hewastrapped.

“Whatareyoutalkingabout,Viktor?”themanwiththeblackhairasked.
Viktor knelt down in front of Aiden. His thick legs looked like tree trunks this close up. Stubble

shadedViktor’sjaw,andhiscoldblueeyeslookedatAidenmenacingly.

WithoutlookingawayfromAiden,Viktorpointedtohisfather’soffice.
Aidendidn’thavetolooktoknowwhatthemanwasreferringto.Thispastsummerbeforeheleft

forschoolhismotherinsistedondoingafamilyportrait.Andthelargephotohungoverthefireplacein
hisfather’soffice.

“It looks like we got some leverage now.” Viktor looked over his shoulder. “Don’t you think,

Josef?”

AidenlookedoverViktor’sshoulderandwatchedasJoseflookedfromthepicturethenbacktohim.

“Well, Devon did say do what we had to do.” He shrugged his shoulders. “Maybe pretty boy here
knowswherethey’rekeepingErik.”

Aiden’s head darted between the two men. “I…I…” His jaw worked up and down, and his throat

tried to form words, but his terror blocked their path out of his mouth. He tried his best to swallow
aroundthedrylumpinhisthroat.“Idon’tknowwhatyouaretalkingabout.Who’sErik?”

ViktorlaughedharshlyandbentdownuntilhewasnosetonosewithAiden.“Likeyoudon’tknow.”

HegrabbedAidenaroundtheneckandstoodup,takingAidenwithhim.

Hisfeetdangledintheairasthemanheldhiminadeathgrip.Aidenclawedattheman’shand.He

couldn’tbreathe.Viktor’sfingersclampeddowntightonhiswindpipe,andthelackofoxygencaused
Aiden’svisiontobecomeblurred.

Who’sErik?Andwhoarethesemen?Aiden’sanalyticalmindtriedtocomprehendthesituation,but

hekeptdrawingablank.Probablyfromfearandthelackofairreachinghislungs.

“Hey,takeiteasythere,Viktor.”Josefsteppedupbesidehisfriend.“Ifyoukillhimwelosewhat

littlechancewehaveoffindingErik.PlusDevonwillkillyou.”

The grip on Aiden’s neck loosened, and his feet dropped back to the floor. Gulp after gulp of air

filledhislungs,pushingoutthefuzzinessfromlackofoxygen.Spotsdancedinhislineofvision.Aiden
rubbedathisneckasheglancedoutofthecornerofhiseyes,lettinghishairshieldhisface.Helivedin
thishouseforyears,butforthelifeofhimhecouldn’tthinkofthebestescaperoute.

“Goodpoint.Butweneedtogethimoutofherewithoutdrawinganyattention.”
Aiden was just about to ask what he meant when a meaty fist barreled toward his face. The last

thingherememberedwasprayinghisbloodwouldn’tstainhismother’scarpet.

ChapterTwo

Devonsatinhisofficewaitingforthecallfromhisbrother.Viktorhadalwaysbeenaloosecannon,

andDevonneverknewwhatbrandoftroublehisbrotherwouldgethimselfintonext.Bethatasitmay,
Viktorhadexcellenttrackingabilitieswhichmadehimausefulwolf.

Hisphonebegantovibrate,andhesnatcheditoffhisdesk.“Yeah?”
“Hey,Dev,”Josefsaidovertheline.“Wedidn’tfindErik,butwefoundaclosesecond.”
Devonsqueezedhisphonesotightthefragileplasticthreatenedtoshatterfromthepressure.Taking

adeepbreath,Devonspokeintothephone.“Whatdidyoufind?”

TwoweekspriorhisandViktor’syoungerbrotherErikhadbeenabducted.Devonrememberedthe

nightclearly.Itwasthenightofthefullmoonandthepackhadgatheredtorununderitssilverlightthat
rained down around them. His pack wasn’t large, but they liked to go out and run and do as their
animalisticnaturecalledfor.Theytypicallystucktothelandtheyowned,buteveryonceinawhilehe
likedtoventureoutandexploredifferentwoodedareas.Itgaveachangeofpacetowhattheywereused
to.

That’swhattheyweredoingwhentheyhadbeenattacked.Menindarkclothingsurroundedthem

andopenedfireonthepack.Devon,Viktor,andJosef,thethreestrongest,lungedforthemen,butthere
weretoomany.Whiletheywerefightingthemenoff,moremenattacked.Hebarked,givinganorder
forhislittlebrotherErik,andtheothertwopackmembers,SkylerandDominic,tohide.

Devontookabullettothestomachandwentdown.Thenextfewminutespassedinslowmotion.

He watched as Josef had been taken from behind and a large serrated knife sunk deep into his back.
ViktortriedtogotoJosef’srescuebutwasshotintheneckanddroppedtotheground.

He watched helplessly as his baby brother shifted from wolf to human and ran toward him. Erik

almostmadeitwhenahuntershothim,butnotwithabullet.No,theyusedatranquilizeronErik.Erik
lookedathimwithfrightened,roundedeyes,pleadingforDevontosavehim.

AsErikstartedtofalltotheground,twomencaughthimanddraggedhimaway.Devonpushedup

onhispawedfeetandstumbledforward,tryingtoreachErik.Butitwasnouse.Anothershotrangout,
andhefelltothegroundwithathud.

“Thehunter’sson.”
ThesoundofJosef’svoicebroughthimbacktothepresent,andhiseyeswidened.Itwasn’tErik,

but like Josef said, a close second. He could proposition a trade, Erik for the hunter’s kid. Maybe all
wasn’tlost.

Afterhecametothatnight,Devonandtheotherssearchedforclues.Anythingthatwouldleadthem

tofindingthemenwhotookErik.Lyingdiscardedonthegroundwasanunusedtranquilizerdart.On
thesmalldart,withitsvileliquid,anumberwasetchedintotheside.

Dominic, one of the wolves in Devon’s pack, was a computer nerd. Devon had learned over the

yearsDominiccouldhackintoanythingordoasearchtofindaperson’smostintimatesecrets.Andthat
blessedtalentledthemtoPhillipStefano.

PhillipStefanowasaveterinarianwhoobviouslyhuntedwerewolvesontheside.Hewasmarried

withonechildwhowasawayatcollege.Byallappearancesthemanlivedaniceandnormallife.

The thought of abducting the young Stefano had entered Aiden’s mind, but the time involved in

locating the kid, learning his routine, then snatching him seemed too time-consuming. And time was
something they didn’t have a lot of, so Josef and Viktor getting Phillip’s son was a gift he hadn’t
countedon.

“Howfaroutareyou?”Devonasked.
“I’dsayanotherhouratleast,butwithViktor’sdrivingmaybealittleless.”
DevonnoddedhisheadthenrememberedJosefcouldn’tseehim.“Okay,justbecareful.Don’tlet

myfoolbrotherdoanythingstupid.”Hedidn’tneedtoremindJosef.HealreadyknewViktorledwith
hisemotionsandnothisbrain.“Weneedthatkidalive.”

“Willdo,boss.”
Devon hung up the phone. He relaxed back into his chair as his mind ran through the countless

optionstheynowhadattheirdisposaltogetErikback.Itwasn’tinDevon’snaturetobeviolent,but
he’ddowhathehadtodotosavehislittlebrother.

So if this hunter’s kid ended up being collateral damage, so what? Hunters had taken everything

fromhim.Devonwouldbedamnedifhelosthisbrother,too.

Hunters were relentless in their pursuit to exterminate werewolves from the world. Devon

understoodsomewolvesweremonstersandkilledforsport,butsodidsomehumans,butDevondidn’t
goaroundmurderingthemindiscriminately.

“I won’t feel guilty about this,” Devon mumbled to himself. He wasn’t a monster or a killer, but

fuck, hunters took from them, so what did it matter if one of them lost a brat kid in the cross fire?
MaybeitwouldteachthemalessontoleaveDevonandhiskindalone.

Devonhadbeenthealphaofhispackforthepasttenyears,eversincehisparentshadbeenbrutally

murdered by hunters. His pulse began to race as he remembered that fateful night. He’d just turned
twenty,Viktornineteen,andErikwasjustapup,onlysixatthetime.

Hisfatherhadbeenthealpha.Hewasagreatleader.Allthewolvesintheirpackrespectedhimand

followed his lead without question. He’d earned their trust, and the pack never once had a problem.
Devonhadgrownupthinkingofthepackashisextendedfamily.

Beforeeverymoonlitrunhisfatherheldapackmeeting.Itwasthetimetodiscussanyimportant

issuesorconcernswithinthepack.Theyhadjustfinishedupwiththeirmeetingandwereheadingoffto
runandhuntinthedenseforest.Itwasnothingoutoftheordinary.DevonranwithViktorandJoseflike
he always did. They’d race, wrestle, and hunt together until dawn. Erik was still too small, and their
parentsforbidhimrunningwithhimorViktor.

When the first shot rang out, Devon swore his heart stopped. He looked to his brother and best

friendandraninthedirectionthesoundcamefrom.Anothershotechoedinthewoods,andDevondug
hisnailsharderintothecold,dampsoil,racingforallhewasworth.

Just as he neared where the sounds were the loudest, a little gray wolf came running toward him.

ErikbouncedrightintoDevon’sfrontlegs.Devonpickedhimupbythescruffofhisneckandsathim
downbetweenViktorandJosef.Viktorgrowledlow,tryingtotellDevontolethimcomebutheshook
hisheadno.IfsomethinghappenedtohimatleastErikhadonebrothertowatchoutforhim.

Devon crouched low to the ground and moved forward, scratching his belly with every step. Erik

runningalonemeantsomethingbadhadhappenedtohisparents.Hedippedevenlowerasheheardthe
soundsofmentalkingandlaughing.Thecloserhegothesawthreemen.Theystoodoverhisparents’
lifelesshumanbodies,whichsuggestedtheyhadshiftedprobablyinhopesofpleadingfortheirlives.
Devon watched as the hunters took pictures and high-fived one another and showed absolutely no
remorseforwhattheyhaddone.Theykilledthepack’salphaaswellastookamotherandfatheraway
fromtheirchildren.

OnesuggestedtheytakethebodiesbackfortestingandDevonlostit.Helungedforward,takingthe

menbysurprise.Histeethsunkdeepintothefleshyskinofoneman’sthigh,andhewrenchedhishead
totheside,takingonehellofchunkwhenhedid.

Achorusofhowlsrangout.Thesoundsofrunningvibratedthegroundastheotherpackmembers

floodedtheclearingwherehisparentslaydead.Thethreemenwereoutnumbered.Thehuntersgrabbed
their fallen comrade and edged out of the woods. As one carried the fallen hunter, the other walked
backward,cautiouslystaringatthewolvesuntiltheywerefarenoughaway.

Once the men were out of sight he looked around him. The pack surrounded him and let out

sorrowfulcriesastheylookedupontheirdeadalphaandhiswife.

Theimageofhisparents’deadandbloodiedbodieswouldbeforeverburnedintoDevon’smind.His

sweet and loving mother, his strong and honorable father had been taken from them and for what?
Devonstilldidn’tknowtheanswertothatquestion.Therewasnorhymeorreasonastowhyhunters
wereafterthem,theyjustwere.

It was that very moment that he’d become the alpha. No vote or fight for dominance had been

needed.Hewastheoldestsonofthedeceasedalpha.Itwashistitlebybirthright.Butafterthedeathof
hisparents,themajorityofthepackmembershehadgrownupwithdecidedtomoveaway.Hetriedto
tellthemhunterswereeverywhere,buttheyfeltiftheywereabletotakedowntheiralpha,theywereno
longersafeinthisparticulararea.Devonunderstood,butitdidn’teasethepainanyless.

Thump,thump,thump.
Devon looked up and saw Josef standing in the doorway. He scrubbed a hand down his face and

lookedathiswatch.Overanhourhadpassed.Timesuredidflywhenrememberingthingshe’drather
soonforget.

“Youokaythere,Dev?”Josef’sconcernedeyesroamedoverDevon’sface.
“Yeah,justtiredIguess.”Andhewas.Erikhadbeenmissingforaweeknow,andhefearedthathis

brotherhadbeenmurdered.Whyelsewouldtheytakeawolfifnottotorturethenkillit?

Thethoughtofsomeonetorturinghisbabybrothercausedhiseyestostingwithunshedtears.Erik

wastooyoungtoknowthatkindofhorror.He’dseenenoughinhischildhoodtolastalifetime.Erik
didn’tdeservethis.

“Understandable,man.”JosefcametostandinfrontofDevon’sdesk.“Wegotthekidchainedupin

thebarn.Hewasstartingtocometowhenwegothere.Wehadalreadyblindfoldedhimbeforeweleft,
andViktorputagaginhismouth.Ithoughtitbesttocomeandgetyoubeforeyourbrotherlosthisshit
andthere’snothinglefttobargainwith.”

Devonshotupfromhisdesk.“Fuck,Josef!”Heranpasthisfriendheadingforthebackdoor.“You

shouldn’thaveleftthemalone.Ithoughtyouweresmarterthanthat.”

“Iam.”Joseffollowedclosebehindhim.“ButIalsothoughtitmightloosenthekidupifhespent

someone-on-onetimewiththatcrazyfuckforafewminutes.”

That was a real possibility. Viktor wasn’t quite sane on good days, and he hadn’t been since Erik

wastaken.

Astheydrewclosertothebarnherecognizedhisbrother’svoice.Viktorwastauntingtheircaptive.
Devon pushed open the door and stood in the shadows. He watched as Viktor extended his claws

andtracedalineontheyoungman’scheekdowntohischest.Athinlineofbloodbeadedthemark.The
man whined and tried to back away, but it was no use. Viktor had bound his wrists with a length of
chainandloopeditaroundabeamintheceiling.Themanhadtostandonthetipsofhistoestokeephis
balance.

Apain-filledcrydrewDevon’sattentiontotheman’sface.Helookedyoung.Notmucholderthan

Erik’ssixteenyears,butitwashardtotellwithhiseyesshielded.Hislight-blondhairwasshortinthe
back,shaggyontop,andlaidlongaroundhisears.Rightnowthekid’shairstoodoutinalldirections
andafinecoatofsweatglistenedonhisbody.

Devondroppedhisgazetotakeintheman’sslenderbody.Hischestwasbare,andallheworewere

abaggypairofsleepingpants.Hewasn’trippedwithbulkymusclebutcordedwithlean,tightmuscles.
Hisstomachroseandfellfastandhighlightedhisabs.Devon’seyeswentevenlowertotakeinthetrim,
narrowwaist.Lettinghiseyestravelbackup,helookedupontheman’sface.Hisfeatureswerestriking
foraman,Devonthought.Hehadhighcheekbones,stillwithsomebabyfatroundingthemout.His
jawlinelookedalmostfeminine,softanddelicate,madeforgrippinglightlytobrushgentlekissesalong
hislips.

WhatthehellamIthinking?
Devon took a step forward then another. Viktor gripped the kid’s face hard enough to leave nail

marks. Tears spilled out from behind the length of material tied around his face. But then a vision of
Erikflashedbeforehismind,boundandgagged,beggingforhislife.Whateverhefelttowardthisman
vanished.

“Viktor, back off,” he ordered. Viktor narrowed his eyes but did as he was told. Devon stood

toweringovertheothermanandcouldsmelltheterrorcomingoffthekid.

StandingsoneartotheyoungStefano,Devonfeltalittledizzy.Underthereekoffearheidentified

apleasantandtantalizingscent.Asweet,alluringodorcausedhisnostrilstoflare,andhesuckedinthe
enticingaroma.ItremindedDevonofasummer’sdaybythebeach.Thewaythesunwarmedaperson’s
skinandthesaltinthewater.ThesmellthawedtheicearoundDevon’sheart,andhisbellyfilledwith
warmth.Itwasalmostintoxicating.Hewantedtobeclosertoit,closertoStefano’sson.Hiseyesfelt
heavy as he swayed closer to the bound man. Something about this man called to the beast inside
Devon.Itwantedtoprotectandcareforhim.

Buthemightbeoneofthem.
Devon cursed his subconscious for being right. After all this was Stefano’s son. The man had

gunned Devon and his pack down and took off with Erik. No telling what the son of a hunter was
capableof.

“I’mgoingtoremovethisfromaroundyourmouth.”Hetappedafingertotheman’staped-overlips

and inhaled sharply when a gust of hot, moist breath fanned across his finger. Devon gave himself a
mental shake. “Do not scream. We’re miles away for anyone to hear you, so you might as well save
yourbreath.”

Theyoungmannoddedhisunderstanding,andDevonremovedthegag.
“Thankyou,”cameasoftwhisper.
“You’rewelcome.”Beforeherealizedwhathewasdoing,Devonbrushedhisfingersthroughtheir

captive’s hair, pushing the strands off his forehead. He heard the man’s breath quicken. “What’s your
name?”

“Aiden,AidenStefano.”
“Hello,Aiden.MynameisDevon.”TheresemblancebetweenAidenandhisfatherwasundeniable.

He’dneverforgetthemanwhoshothisbabybrother.Aidenwasquiteabitsmallerthanhisfather,but
itwasStefano’ssonheldcaptiveonhisproperty.“I’mlookingtolocateyourfather.”

Aidenswallowedhard,causinghisAdam’sappletobobupanddown.“Whatdoyouwantwithmy

dad?”

TheuncertaintyandfearinAiden’svoicetuggedathissoul,buthetrudgedon.Devon’sattraction

fortheyoungerStefanocouldn’tgetinthewayoffindinghisbrother.

“I’mlookingforhimbecausehe’soneofthehuntersthattookmybrother.”Devoncouldn’tresist

andplacedhishandatthenapeofAiden’sneck.“Andyouwillmakeforagoodbargainingchiptoget
himback.”

ChapterThree

WhenAidencametohelayinthebackseatofalargeSUVwithbothhandstiedtightlytogetherand

ablindfoldoverhiseyes.Thesharpedgesofthechaindugintohiswristwheneverhetriedtowiggle
loose.Hecouldfeelthewarmtrickleofbloodrundownhisarm.

The dark fabric covering his eyes didn’t allow any light to seep through, but he could still hear.

Voicesfromthefrontseatkeptonatasteadyrhythm.Hiskidnappersdidn’tseemtonoticehe’dwoken
up,andAidenwantedtokeepitthatway.

Aidensqueezedhiseyestight,andtheactioncausedpaintoradiatearoundtheskinabovehisleft

eye. He remembered that Viktor punched him in the face, knocking him out while they were still at
Aiden’shouse.Sowherehewasnow,Aidenhadnoclue.

Whentheyreachedtheirdestinationthemendraggedhimoutofthecar.Hecouldn’tseeanything

anddidn’tknowwhatwashappeningorwhatwouldhappennext.Hismindinstantlyranthroughevery
horrificscenariohe’deverheardof.Nothinggoodevercamefrombeingkidnapped,boundandgagged,
andchainedup.

AidencouldheartheclinkingofmetalandthebiteofpainaroundhiswristasViktortightenedthe

chain.ThenextthingAidenknewhisarmswerewrenchedupintotheair.Histoesweretheonlything
keepinghimbalancedandhehadtostruggletokeepfromfalling.Aburningsensationranupthelength
ofhisarmsfromthestretchandhistoesbegantocramp.

TheonecalledJoseftoldViktortokeephishandstohimselfwhilehewentandgotDevon.Aiden

didn’tknowwhothisDevonguywasbutpreparedhimselffortheworst.He’dbeenkidnappedafterall.
The news reports told tales of tortured, raped, and murdered victims whose bodies were so badly
disfigurednoteventheirfamilycouldidentifythem.Soyeah,Aidenwaspetrified.

Once Josef left, Viktor asked him asinine questions that didn’t make any since. Stuff like did he

thinkhewasbetterthanawolf?Aidencouldn’trespondbecausethebigbrutestuffedahandkerchiefin
hismouththentiedatiearoundhishead.Viktormusthavethoughtthequestionrhetoricalanddidn’t
expectananswerbecausewiththegagaroundhismouthAidencouldn’tgiveone.

It didn’t matter. Aiden wouldn’t have known how to respond. Did he think he was better than a

wolf?Hedidn’tknow.Wolveswereanimals,andhewasahumansoonsomelevelyes.Butitwasn’t
important.Itwaslikecomparingapplestooranges.Theyweretwoentirelydifferentthings.

Hecouldn’tholdbackawhimperwhenViktortrailedsomethingsharpdownhisface.Thecutstung

ashisskinsplitopen.Hestartedtofightwithvigoragainstthebindingsonhiswristthatheldhimupin
theairlikeaslabofmeatinabutcher’sshop.

Tearsdampedhisblindfold,andsomeescapeddownhischeek.Thesaltydropsranfree,causingthe

markonhisfacetosting.Hefoughtthebindingsoncemore.Betweenthefearrakingthroughhisbody
andthepainshootingacrosshisface,Aidenwasfreakingthefuckout.Allhewantedtodowaswake
upbackinhisownbedtorealizethishorriblemesswasalljustanightmare.

ThesoundofadooropeningcausedAidentostillhismovements.Heavyfootfallsdrewcloser,and

Aiden’sheartratebegantospike.Hestrainedtoseethroughtheblackmaterialcoveringhiseyes,but
couldn’tmakeoutasinglething.Whoeverwaswalkingtowardhim,Aidenhadnowayofknowingif
thepersonwantedtoharmhimornot.Sincehewastieduplikeawildanimal,hehadtoassumethis
personwasathreat.

A booming voice spoke out. Aiden knew it wasn’t Viktor’s. Besides being a little rougher and

deeperthanViktor’s,whoeverthenewcomerwasheyelledatViktortostoptouchinghim.Forwhich

Aidenwasthankful.

The man’s masculine smell tickled at Aiden’s nose. Without the use of his eyes, his other senses

becameheightened.Hetookadeepbreath,andtheearthyaromaofacrispfallwindcombinedwiththe
bitter scent of coffee filled Aiden’s nostrils. The combination sparked a fissure of desire deep inside
him.

Thenthemantouchedhim,andAidennearlycameundone.Theroughpadsoftheman’sfingertips

scrapedacrossthesensitiveskinofhisneck.Goosebumpsprickledalonghisarms,andhewantedmore.
Hewastrusseduplikeapieceofmeatandbatteredandbruised,andallhecouldthinkaboutwasthat
hereallywantedtoseewhatthismanlookedlike.Werehiskindtouchesapreludetowhothemantruly
wasorwasthisalljustatricktolureAidenintoafalsesenseofsecurity?

Even without seeing the man there was just something about him that called to Aiden. The calm

voice and the gentle touches touched Aiden in a way that didn’t scream murderer. Sure Aiden was a
nineteen-year-old male in his sexual prime, but it was uncommon for him to be drawn to anyone,
especiallyinasituationlikethis.

The man removed his gag and introduced himself. Devon. A name Aiden didn’t think he’d ever

forget.ThewordsDevonspokerolledoffhistonguelikehoney,sweetandalluring.Evenwiththefear
pumping through Aiden’s veins, he found himself wanting the other man to hold him and make
everythingbetter.Totellhimhewasn’tinanydanger.

SocaughtupinthepresenceofDevon,Aidenmissedthequestionhewasasked.
“I’msorry,”Aidensqueakedout.
“Isaidyourfatherisoneofthemenresponsibleforkidnappingmybrother.Doyouhappentoknow

wheretheyarekeepinghim?”

Aidentriedtopiecetogetherwhathejustheard.Hunter?Hisdad?He’dneverseenorheardabout

hisfathergoinghuntingforanythingletaloneanotherhumanbeing.Devonmusthavehisinformation
wrongbecausewhathesaidwasabsurd.

“No,Idon’t.”Aidenshookhishead.“Idon’tevenknowwhatyou’retalkingabout.”
“Likehellyoudon’t.”AidenheardViktor’sharshvoicerightbeforeanotherblowlandedtotheside

of his head. He tried to fight against the dizziness, but it was pointless. His balanced slipped as he
succumbedtosleeponceagain.

****

Viktormovedtoofast,andDevonbarelyhadenoughtimetocatchAidenashelosthisbalanceand

dangledintheairfromtheblowhisbrotherdelivered.ThedeadweightwouldbetoomuchforAiden’s
boundarmstohold,andDevondidn’twanttheyoungmantobreakordislocatehisarms.

“Whatthefuckiswrongwithyou?”DevonhoistedAidenupinhisarmsandmotionedwithhischin

forJoseftocomehelphim.Josefreleasedthechainwrappedaroundtheoverheadbeam,freeingAiden.
DevongatheredAideninhisarmsandcradledhimclose.

AshepeereddownatAidenhecouldseethemarkshisbrotherhadbestowedontheircaptive.A

snarlbubbledinhisthroat,butheswalloweditdown.Aidenlookedinnocent,buthemaybejustlike
hisfather.

“What’s wrong with me?” Viktor advanced on him. “What’s wrong with you? This kid is our

prisoner.Hedoesn’tdeserveanymercyfromus.”

“Whatgoodishetousifyoukillhim?”DevonhandedanunconsciousAidenovertoJosef.“Chain

himupinthesmallroomoppositemine.I’llcheckonhimwhenIgetbacktothehouse.”

Josef nodded his understanding and took Aiden out of the room. Once they were gone Devon

rounded on his brother. Viktor’s face had become distorted with anger. Sweat beaded across Viktor’s
forehead, and his body began to tremble. Devon could sense his brother’s change was right at the
surface.

“Idon’tgiveashitifhedies!”Viktorshouted.
“WellIdo!”Devonadvancedonhisbrother,andViktortookastepback.“We’renotkillers.Killing

Aidenwilljustprovethehunters’pointthatwearewildanimalsinneedofbeingputdown.Isthatwhat
youwant,Brother?”Devon’svoicehadgrownlowashespoke.HispatiencewithViktorwasgrowing
thin.Devondidn’thaveanyproofyet,butAidencouldverywellbeaninnocentinallthis.

No!Stop!Youcan’tblameyourselfforAiden’spain.ThinkaboutErikandthepainhemustbegoing

through.

“Whocareswhattheythink?Theywon’tstopcomingafterus.Hunterskilledourparents.Maybe

killingthebratwillprovidemyneedforvengeance.”ViktorshovedatDevon’schest.

DevonchargedforwardandpinnedViktortothewall.“YoukillStefano’skid,wehavenothingto

trade.YoucouldverywellbesigningErik’sdeathwarrantifyouharmAiden.Doyougetthat?Does
yourfuckingbraincomprehendtheseverityofthissituation?”

Viktor’seyeswidenedandhestoppedtryingtofightDevon.“Gotit,”Viktorsaidthroughclenched

teeth.Hisbrothergavein,buthewasn’thappyaboutit.

Devon could relate but what other choice did they have? Plus, he couldn’t bring himself to hurt

Aiden.

Devon released his fist from Viktor’s coat and dusted his hands down the front. “Brother, I know

how worried you are, and so am I. But hurting our only chance to maybe get Erik back is
counterproductive.”

“Iknow,”Viktorgrowled.“I’mjustsickofsittingaroundandwaitingforsomethingtohappen.”
“Me, too.” Devon pulled his brother into a hug. “We’ll get him back, I promise.” It was an

unrealisticpromisetomake,butDevondidn’tneedViktorgoingallRamboonAidenagain.

Switchingsubjects,Devonasked,“SinceyouknockedouttheonlyonewhoknewwhereStefanois,

didyouhappentofindanythingatthehouseindicatingtowherehemightbe?”

“No,wedidn’t.Wefoundanotefromthekid’smothersayingthatshelovedhimandwouldseehim

inafewdays.”Viktorreleasedaheavysigh,andhisheadfellforward.“Sorry,Devon.”

“It’sokay.”DevonhuggedViktoronemoretime.“We’lljustcallDominicandhavehimlookinto

Stefano’sphonerecords.I’msurehecanworksomeofhishackermagictofindsomething.Don’tsweat
it.Ifhecan’tfindanything,Aidenwillwakeupsoonandhecananswerourquestions.Youjusthaveto
promisetonothurthimanymore.”DevonpulledawayfromViktorandheadedforthedoor.

YeshewantedViktortokeephishandsoffofAidenforfearhemightkillthemanbutalsobecause

Devonwasn’tcertainhecouldstandidlybyandwatchAidenbeharmed.Thethoughtfrightenedhim
just a tad. He’d just met Aiden, and the man was nothing to him. He should hate Aiden for what his
fatherhasdone,buthecouldn’tfinditinhimtosayitandmeanthewords.

HewasjustabouttocrossthethresholdwhenViktorspoke.“Icansmellitonyou.”
“Smellwhat?”Heturnedaround,facinghisbrotherandhisaccusations.
“Youthinkyou’rehidingit,butyoucan’tmaskthatscent.”
“Brother,stopspeakinginfuckingcode.”Devonfistedhishandsinanger.DeepdownDevonknew

whatscentViktorwasreferringtoandwhatitmeant,buthewaschoosingtoignoreit.Whycouldn’this
brother?“Spitoutwhateveritisthat’sonyourmind.”

ChapterFour

“Don’tplaycoywithme.”ViktornudgedhischintowardthedoorwhereAidenhadbeencarried

outofearlier.“Youguysstinkofit.”Viktorshookhishead.“He’syourfuckingmate.”

Devontookastepbacklikehe’dbeenpunched.Hisbrotherputvoicetowhathealreadyknew,but

it didn’t change anything. Aiden was their means to get Erik back, plain and simple. Keeping Aiden
wasn’tinthecards.

“You’rebeingridiculous,Viktor.”Devonshovedpasthisbrotherandheadedforthedoor.
“Areyoudenyingit?”ViktorgrabbedhisarmandDevonspunaroundtofacehisbrother.
Devon’sjawclenched,andhisteethgroundtogether.Hedidn’tliketobequestioned.Itwasanalpha

thing.Hisordersweretobefollowedwithoutquestionorhesitation,buthiswaywardbrotherfeltthe
needtoconstantlychallengehim.“No,areyouhappynow?”Heshookoffhisbrother’shold.

“No,I’mnot.Youcan’tmatehim,Brother.”Viktorgavehimapityinglook.“Iknowfindingyour

mateisasacredthing,butthisisn’tmeanttobe.Hisfatherwouldhuntusdownuntilwe’realldead.
Youcan’tbringthatonthepack.Youjustcan’t.”

“DoyounotthinkIalreadyknowthis?”Devonshouted.Hefeltlikehewasbeingsplitapartonthe

inside.LoyaltytofamilywasbattlingwiththeattractionhefeltforAiden.

Wolves were given one mate in their lifetime. It was a very special thing to them. It was the one

person that would love them no matter what and would stand by their side until the very end. Most
wolves, when they hit a certain age, started searching for their mate. It’s said that everything was
enhancedinawolfoncetheyfoundtheironetruemate.Foodtastedbetter,colorsseemedbrighter,the
sexwasearth-shatteringandunlikeanythingthey’deverexperiencedbefore.Basicallyheavenonearth.

Devonrememberedhowinlovehisparentshadbeenandlongedtohavethatkindofloveoneday.

Butasfatewouldhaveit,itwasn’tmeanttobe.Beingmatedtoahumanwasn’tunheardof.Infactalot
ofwolveshadhumanmates,butAidenwasnotonlyhumanbutahunter’sson.Devondidn’tseeany
wayaroundthatonesimplefact.

“Devon, I’m not questioning you, just reminding you of what’s at stake.” Viktor rested a hand on

Devon’sshoulder.“Whenthetimecomeswillyoubeabletogivehimup?”

The thought of never seeing Aiden again stung deep. Devon could feel his soul weep for what

wouldneverbe.

“OfcourseIwillbe,”Devonmanagedtosaywithastraightface.“Goodnight,Brother.”
Devonwalkedcalmlyoutofthebarn.Hisbodyachedfromthestressofthepastweek.They’dbeen

attackedandhislittlebrothertaken,andnowtheonlypersontheycouldusetohelpthemwaspassed
outinaroomnexttohis.Notjustanyonebutthemandestinedtobehismate.Butplanningforafuture
withthepetitecreaturewasawasteofDevon’senergybecauseitwouldneverhappen.Devonwould
havetosacrificehischanceathappinesstogetErikbackandtokeepthepacksafe.

Itwouldbejustanotherhardshiphe’dhavetobear.Devonhadgottengoodovertheyearsofhiding

hissadness.Thistimeshouldn’tbeanydifferent.

Devon reached the house and wrenched open the back door. He went straight to his office and

placed a call to Dominic. They needed to locate Phillip Stefano. Once they did they could play their
handandseejusthowmuchStefanolovedhisson.

Dominic said to give him an hour to see what he could do and he’d call Devon back with the

information. After hanging up the phone Devon turned his chair around to stare out at the night sky.
Stars twinkled and shed their light down to lighten the earth below. Living out in the country had its

benefitsbesidesprovidingcoverforthewolves.

In the city so many lights lined each street that it drowned out the beauty of the night sky. The

furtherinthecountryapersonwentthemoreintouchwithnaturetheycouldbecome.Thefreshair,full
andbrightlycoloredtrees,andopenspacetorunfree.Itwasbeautiful.

Wolves that chose to live in the city typically moved back within a year’s time. The call of open

spacestorunandMotherNaturetosurroundthempulledthembackhome.

Devon,hisbrothers,andhispackresidedinatowncalledNehalem.Itwasn’tsmall,butitwasn’t

largeeither.Nehalemwasidealforawolf.Itprovidedalotofwoodedareatorununderthemoonand
huntwithoutthefearofhunters.WellthatwaswhatDevonhadthoughtupuntilaweekago.

AfterhisparentsweremurderedDevonmovedtoNehalemhopingtogetawayfromthehuntersthat

hadattackedthem.ButDevoncouldn’tmovetoofaraway.Hisfatherownedaconstructioncompany,
andDevonwasn’twillingtoclosethebusinesshisfatherhadbuiltfromthegroundup.Plus,quiteafew
people relied on Carsten and Son’s Construction for their jobs. So Devon couldn’t just uproot
everythingandmovetoadifferentstate,andapartofDevondidn’twanttobetoofarawayfromhis
parents’gravesites.

Thenightofhisparents’murders,Devonwiththehelpofafewpackmembersstagedacaraccident

thatlookedlikeittookhisparents’lives.Theyputhisparentsintheircarandpusheditdownasteep
ravine and it ignited instantly. There couldn’t be any evidence or the hunters would track Devon, his
brothers,andthepackdown.Therehadtobenothingleft.

The next day Devon reported them missing, and a few days later the police found the car. The

sheriffsaiditlookedlikehisdadhadfallenasleepbehindthewheelandranthecarofftheroad.The
tearsthatDevonshedthatdaywerereal,notrehearsed,becauseitdidn’tmatterhowtheydied,justthat
theyweredeadandnevercomingback.

Devon slammed his hand down hard on his desktop. He didn’t want to have to move again. Erik

lovedNehalem.Hehadmadefriendsandwaslivinganormallifeallthingsconsidering.Thepoorkid
watched his parents get gunned down, and Devon wasn’t willing to take away the place Erik called
home.

Whyareyougettingsoworkedup?Hemightalreadybedead.
Thatinnervoicedpipedup,remindinghimthatDevondidn’tevenknowifErikwasstillalive.He

hopedandprayedbutdidn’thaveanysolidevidencetothecontrary.

“Pennyforyourthoughts?”
DevonsawJosef’sreflectioninthewindowandturnedtofacehisfriend.“Mythoughtsarewortha

hellofalotmorethanapenny.”

“Okay.”JosefsatinthechairinfrontofDevon’sdesk.“Howaboutyoujusttellmewhathasyouall

workedup.”WhenDevonopenedhismouthtospeakJosefhelduphishand.“Besidestheobvious.”

“Isn’tthatenough?”Devonasked.
“Yes,butIthoughtitmighthavesomethingtodowithourlittleprisonerupstairs.”Aknowinggrin

splitacrossJosef’sface.

Devon cursed low under his breath and shook his head. He should have known. “Do I smell that

bad?”

Josefstartedtolaugh.“It’snotabadsmellandifitweren’tforthestrongscentofyourarousalI

probablywouldneverhavenoticedit.”JosefsoberedandstaredDevonintheeyes.“Butwhatgaveit
awaywasthatkid’ssmellwentfromthebitterstenchoffeartofull-blownarousalonceyougotnear
him.”Heshruggedhisshoulders.“That’showIfigureditout.”

Aidenwashuman,andDevonwonderedifhecouldsmellit,too,orifthekidjustthoughtDevon

smeltreallygood.Asmilecurledhisupperlip.He’dloveforAidentolikehisscent.Maybeit’dlurethe
innocentlittlehumanrightintohisclutches.Thethingshe’dteachAiden.

“Yo,Dev.”JosefleantforwardacrossthedesktowaveahandinfrontofDevon’sface.
Devonblinkedhiseyes.“Huh?”
“Youwanthimdon’tyou?”Josefaskedbluntly.
He rubbed a hand across his jaw and tried to think of the best words to explain the situation but

cameupempty.

“You don’t have to answer that. I know this isn’t the ideal circumstances for a mating, and I also

knowweneedthiskidtogetErikbackbut…”

Devon held Josef’s stare as his words trailed off. But what? Nothing Devon did or wanted could

changewhathadhappenedandwhatwouldhappen.TherewasnofutureforhimandAiden.

“Butnothing,Josef.”Devonopenedhislaptopandpretendedtolookthroughhisemail.Heneededa

distraction.“He’sthesonofahunterandprobablywantsusalldeadjustlikehisdaddy.”

Devonwasn’tsurehebelievedthewordscomingoutofhisownmouth.Aidenlookedsoyoungand

naïve to the world. He also seemed confused from the questions Viktor had been asking him when
Devon walked into the room. Even with the blindfold covering Aiden’s eyes he looked genuinely
stunnedwhenheinformedthemanthathisfatherhadtakenErik.

“Maybebutmaybenot.”
HewasjustabouttorespondtoJosefwhensomeoneknockedonthedoor.“Comein.”
“Hey,Devon,”DominicsaidasherushedintoDevon’soffice.Hesethiscomputerbagintheempty

seatnexttoJosefandpulledouthislaptop.AsifjustnoticingJosefhesaid,“Josef.Sorryaboutthat.
Didn’tseeyousittingthere.”

“Noworries.”Josefshiftedinhisseat.“Whatdidyoufindout?”Josefaskedwhatwassittingonthe

tipofDevon’stongue.

Dominic pushed the chair closer to the desk and took a seat. He started to click away on his

keyboard,andDevonlookedtoJosef,whojustshookhishead.Dominicwasawhizonthecomputer,
andmostofthetimeDevonfeltlikeheneededaninstructionmanualtounderstandtheyoungwolf.

“Well,PhillipStefanoisataresortwithhiswife.”Heclickedsomemore.
“Whatresort?”Devonaskedashepulledoutapen,readyingtocopydowntheinformation.
“FourTrailsHotelandSpa.”Dominicletoutawhistle.“Fancyandexpensive.”
“I guess hunting wolves really pays out,” Devon said as he took down the information. “That’s a

couplehours’drive.”

“Doyouwanttogooutthere?”BythelookonJosef’sface,Devoncouldtellhedidn’tlikethatidea.
“Youdon’thaveto.”Dominicspokeup.“Igothisroomnumber.Youjusthavetocallthehoteland

askforhisroom.”

“Damnthat’samazing.”DevonwasimpressedwithDominic.
“Not really.” Dominic smiled wildly. “This”—he pointed down to his computer—“was a piece of

cake.Ijusttappedintothephonecompany’sserverandgothiscallrecordsthenIsearchedhisrecent
creditcardpurchases.”Dominicsatbackandputhisarmsbehindhishead.“Child’splayreally.”

“Remindmetoneverpissyouoff.”JosefscootedhischairawayfromDominic.
“Why?Youhaveanysecretsyou’retryingtohide,Josef?”Dominicteased.
Dominicwasasweetyoungwolf,butlooksweredeceiving.Givehimacomputerandhecouldfind

out anything he wanted about anyone. It was scary yet very productive in times like this, and Devon
couldn’thavebeenhappiertohavethecomputergeniusinhispack.

DevonpickeduphiscellphoneandpunchedinthenumberDominicgavehim.Whenitstartedto

ringhesnappedhisfingerstoquietJosefandDominic.Bothmenscootedtheirchairsclosertohisdesk
andrestedtheirelbowsonthehardwoodsurface.TheireyesburrowedholesintoDevon,andhefeltthe
sweatdripdownhisbackasthephonecontinuedtoring.

“FourTrailsHotelandSpa,whererelaxationcomestolife.HowmayIhelpyou?”
“Yes,IneedtobeconnectedtoPhillipStefano’sroomplease,”Devonsaidclearlyintothephone.
“Yes,sir.Gladtohaveassistedyoutonight.”
Devon heard a few clicks then the phone began to ring again. He looked at Josef and nodded his

head.

“Hello?”afemininevoiceanswered.
“Yes,I’mlookingforPhillipStefano.Isheavailable?”Devonkepthisvoicecalm.
“Sure,letmejustgethim.”Shegiggled.“He’sintherestroom.Justamoment.”
Devonwasn’twaitinglongbeforeagruffvoicecameacrosstheline.“Philliphere.”
“Hello,Mr.Stefano.”Hehadn’tplannedwhatexactlytosay,sohehadtowingit.“Youdon’tknow

mebutwehavesomeimportantthingstodiscuss.”

“Oh,really?AndwhatmightthatbeMr.…”Stefanotrailed,butDevondidn’thaveanyintentionsof

givingthemanhisname.

“Sorry,Idon’tgivehuntersmyname.Callitself-preservation.”Devondidn’tmeantojustdropthat

heknewStefanowasahunter,buthispatiencewaswearingthin.Thiswasn’tthetimetoplaygames.

SilencemetDevon’sear.Allhecouldhearwastheolderman’squickintakeofbreath.“Whoisthis?

Andhowdidyougethisnumber?”Thefriendlinesshadvanishedfromhistone.

“Who I am and how I got this number isn’t important. What is important is how you’re going to

rightthewrongyou’vecommitted.”

InthebackgroundDevoncouldhearStefanowhispersomething,thenheheardadoorshut.“Idon’t

knowhowyoulocatedme,butit’sabigmistakeonyourpart.I’vehaven’tcommittedanycrimes,so
thereisn’tadamnthingformetoright.”

Devon’s pulse began to race. Stefano spoke as if Devon was beneath him, and it pissed him off.

“Youtookmybrother,andIwanthimback.”

“Wedon’tnegotiatewithanimals,soyou’rewastingyourtime.”
“Maybeyouwouldifwehadsomethingyouwanted.”Devontappedhisfingertipsagainstthesolid

surfaceofhisdesk.Heneededtocalmdown.

“ThereisnothingyoucouldpossiblyhavethatI’deverwant.Soifthatisallyouneeded—”
“Areyousosureaboutthat?”DevoninterruptedStefano.“Maybeyououghttocallhomeandcheck

onAiden.”

WiththatDevonhungupthephone.Stefanoneededtoknowhewasserious.Aneyeforaneyeorin

thiscaseasonforabrother.

ChapterFive

“Well?”Josefasked.
Devonstillheldthephoneclutchedinhisfist.Hecouldfeelthehardplasticstarttobendfromthe

pressure.Notwantingtobreakhisphone,hesetitdown.

“I’m going to give him a few minutes. Let him call home and see that Aiden isn’t there.” Devon

lookedathiswatch.

“Devon,whenyoucallbackit’ssafetogivehimyourcellnumber,”Dominicsaidasheclickedon

hiskeyboard,neverlookingup.“I’mmodifyingthephonerecords,soifthehuntershaveanyonelike
meontheirstaffthey’lldrawablankiftheysearchthecall.AndI’vemadeyournumberanonymous.
Noteventhephonecompanywillbeabletopullitup.”

“Thanks,Dominic.”Devondidn’tknowhowthewolfdiditanddidn’tcare.Ifitkeptthemhidden

fromthehuntershewasallforwhateverDominicdidevenifwasillegal.

Devonlookedathiswatchandsawfiveminuteshadpassed.Hedialedthehotelonceandagainand

askedforStefano’sroom.

“What did you do with my son?” Devon could hear the barely contained control the man spoke

with.Stefanowasscared.

“Notsomuchfunwhentheshoeisontheotherfootnowisit?”Devonwishedhecouldseethefear

intheolderman’sfaceashemadethecalltofindouthissonwasn’tathome.Stefanowasn’ttheonly
hunter that took his brother, but he was the only one they could identify. And Stefano had leverage,
Aiden.

“Justgivemebackmyson.He’sinnocentinallthis.”
Devonwantedtolaugh.“Soismybrother.He’sjustakid.”
“He’sawolf,”Stefanowhisperedintothephone.“He’shardlyinnocent.”
“Howthefuckdoyouknow?”Devonshouted.Hewassickofthisman’sidioticclaims.Allwolves

weren’tblood-hungry,ravenousanimalsbooksandmoviesportrayed.

“Theboyisawolf,andonedayhe’llbecomeakiller.He’samonster.Youallare.”Stefanosaidthe

wordswithoutpause.Devoncouldtellthemantrulybelievedwhathesaid.

“Theonlymonsters,orasyouliketosaykillers,I’veeverseenarehunters,”Devonspat.“Theykill

withoutmercyandwithoutproof.Theytookmyparentsfrommewithoutcause.Iwillnotletyoutake
my little brother.” Devon flexed his free hand. His nails had lengthened to sharp points as his claws
emerged.Thechangewasrightunderthesurfacebutheneededtoreinitin.Hecouldn’ttalkinwolf
formandhewouldn’tgiveStefanothatsatisfaction.Devoncouldcontrolhiswolf.

StefanoremainedsilentforsolongDevonfearedthemanhadhungup.Aheavysighcarriedacross

theline.“Idon’tknowanythingaboutyourparents,andyourbrotherisbeingcontained.Thehunters’
councildoesn’tmakedeals.Ican’tgetyourbrotherback.”

TheairrushedoutofDevon’slungsinonequickswoosh.HehadfearedStefanowouldsaythat,but

hehadakeypiecetomotivatetheman.

“WellthanIguessyoudon’tgetyoursonback,”hesaidwithoutoneounceoffeeling.Hewouldn’t

hurtAiden,butStefanodidn’tknowthat.

“Please,”Stefanobegged.“I’llpayanyamount-justpleasegivemebackmyson.”
“Money?Areyoufuckingkiddingme?Thereisnoamountofmoneyyoucouldpossiblygiveme

thatwillmakemeforgetaboutmybrother.”Devonranhisclawsdownthecenterofhisdesk,scratching
thesurface.Themarksleftdeepgroovesinthecherrywood.“Ifyoueverwanttoseeyoursonagain,

you’llgetmemybrother.”

“I can’t!” Stefano shouted. His voice shook in panic. “Please don’t harm him. He’s all I’ve got.

Pleasedon’tkillhim.”

He had Stefano right where he wanted him, but he had to push a little more. Stefano claimed he

didn’thavetheabilitytoreleaseErik,butifDevonknewonethingaboutpeopleitwasthattheylied.
Rulesweremadetobebroken,andStefanojustneededtobeshovedintherightdirection.

“Ineversaidanythingaboutkillinghim.”Devonlaughedmenacinglyintothephone.“He’sapretty

little thing.” He darted his eyes to Josef, and his friend nodded. He agreed with Devon’s line of
thinking.“IthinkI’llkeephimformyownpersonaluses.I’mcurrentlywithoutalover,andAidenwill
fit the bill quite nicely, so sweet and innocent.” Devon smacked his lips together as if he could taste
Aiden’spurity.“Ibethe’savirgin.Whatdoyouthink?”

“Deargod,you’reananimal.”Stefano’svoicehardened.
“You already think I am. I might as well play the part,” Devon responded. “Listen, you have

somethingIwant,andIhavesomethingyouwant.I’llgiveyouthreedaystoreleasemybrother.And
whenyoudo,youcanhaveyoursonback.”

Stefanocursedintothephone.“LetmeseewhatIcando,butwhatifIcan’tfreeyourbrother?”
Devoncouldhearthedistressintheman’svoice.Stefanowasafraid,andheshouldbebecauseifhe

didn’tgetErikbackinonepiece,Devonhadeveryintentionofkillingeverysinglehunterinvolvedthen
goingaftertherest.Theywouldhaveinevitablysetfreethemonstertheyalreadythoughthewas.

“You seem like a smart man. I’m sure you will come through. If not, well I guess I get to keep

Aiden.”

“CanIhaveyourwordyouwon’ttouchhim.”
“Can you swear to me that my brother hasn’t been harmed?” Devon waited a long moment, but

Stefanodidn’tsayanything.“That’swhatIthought.Threedaysisallyouhave.”Devonrambledoffhis
cellnumber.“Whoknows,maybeyoursonwilllikebeingaroundawolf.”

Devonhungupthephone,notlettingStefanogetanotherwordin.Itwasbettertoleavethemanto

wonderwhatwasgoingon.He’dbemoremotivatedthatway.

“Sowhatdidhesay?”Josefasked.
HequicklyexplainedwhatStefanosaid.Theyhadthreedaystositontheirassesandwait.Dominic

promisedhe’dsearchalltherecordsonStefanoandseewherethepapertrailledhim.Hethoughtsome
oftheinformationmightleadtoErik.

“Doyouthinkhe’llbeabletofreeErik?”JosefaskedwhenDominiclefttheroom.
“Ihope.”Devonmovedhiscomputeraroundtocovertheclawmarksheleftonthedesk.
“Wellifnothingelseyoucangettoknowyourmate.”Josefshruggedhisshoulders.“It’snotalotof

timebutenoughtoseeifAidenmightsomedayfeelthatconnection.”

Devonrelaxedbackinhischair.WhathesaidtoStefanoaboutAidenwasjusttoscarethemaninto

helpinghimgethisbrotherback.Henevermeanttosexuallyabusetheyoungerman.Thatwasn’twho
Devon was, but he had to admit he’d loved the chance to learn the younger man’s body. To see what
arousedhim.ToseewhatwouldmakehimscreamoutDevon’snameinfull-blownecstasy.

“I don’t know about that, Josef.” If he got too attached to Aiden and then had to give him up, it

wouldbetoomuchforhimtobear.Asitwashe’dhavetolivewithoutAidenfortherestofhislife.
Whyaddmorepainontopofthat.IfhebysomemiraclefellinlovewithAidenitwouldbelikeripping
outhissoultoneverseehimagain.Asitwashisheartachedfromjustthethought.

“Devon, don’t be a dick.” Josef stood up from his chair. “You’re always worrying about other

peopleandwantingtomakesurethey’rehappy.Whataboutyou?”Josefleantoverthedeskandlooked

intoDevon’seyes.“Ithinkyouoweittoyourselftoseewhatmaycomeofthis.Whoknows,maybe
Aidenwillfallinlovewithyou.”

Devon just stared at his friend as he walked out of the office. What Josef said sounded great. To

explorehisattractiontoAidenwouldbewonderful,butthealternativewastoohighacosttopay.Aiden
wasthereonlyasawaytogetErikback,nothingmore.

Agitation wound him tight, and Devon jumped up from his chair. He needed to burn off some

energybeforehedidsomethingstupid.

Devonwalkedtothedoorinlargestrides,almostrunningwhenhereachedthefrontdoor.Heflung

it opened and leaped off the porch. His wolf rose to the surface, and his body began to change. The
clothesheworestretchedthenrippedfreeofhisbody.Hismusclesgrewandlengthened.Wherethere
oncewerehandswerethick,widepaws.Hairsproutedfromhisbodytocoverhiminwarmfur.

As his feet landed on the ground, the change was complete. Devon was in his wolf form and ran

withnodestinationinmind.Therewasnothingtostophim.Thesoundsofowlshootinginthedistance
alongwiththesoundofleavesandtwigscrunchingunderfootmadeDevonfeelfree.

Thecoolnightwindwhippedaroundhisbodyasheracedacrosstheland.Everythingfromthepast

week ran through his mind. Anger and fear had him pushing his feet harder into the ground, claws
diggingintothemoistsoil,propellinghimforward.Maybeifheranfastenoughhecouldoutrunallhis
troubles.

Devonfollowedthewell-wornpaththatledhimupthehillthatoverlookedhishouse.Hecameto

restandstareddownatthequiethome.Nothinginappearancestoodoutthatsaidwolveslivedinthat
homeorofthehardshipsthathadfollowedtheoccupants.

AllhislifeDevonfollowedhumanlaws.Hehidwhohewasfromsocietyanditstillwasn’tgood

enough.Huntershadfoundthemonceagain.Andtoaddtothatmisery,hefoundhismate.Amatethat
wouldneverbehis.

Devon sat on his haunches and tilted his head toward the midnight sky. He howled long and low.

Anyanimalinthedistancewouldhearhissadness.

Alightflickeredinthedistance.Devonlookedbacktowardhishouse.Hisroomwaspositionedin

thefrontofthehouseonthesecondlevel.AfterhisparentshadbeenkilledDevonhadbecomeparanoid
andwithgoodreason.Helikedtobewherehecouldseewhowascomingandgoingfromtheirestate.It
calmedhim.

Devon had excellent vision and could see into the window of the room that was next to his. He

couldmakeoutJosef’ssilhouetteashecheckedinonAiden.Aidenwasstillasleep.Devoncouldsee
hischestriseandfallinasteadyrhythm.

Alltoosoonthelightflickedout.Devon’sfeetitchedtorunbacktothehouseanduptothatroom.

Hiswolfwantedtoclaimwhatwashis,butDevon’shumanhalfstillheldback.Hetriedtoreasonwith
hiswolf,buthiswolfgrowleditsdispleasure.

Maybethere’saway.Hisinnervoicespokereason.Youdon’tknowifAidenislikehisfather.Maybe

he’sbeenwaitingallhislifetofindyou.

Devonfeltlikeafool,buthewasstartingtothinkhisconsciencewasmakingsense.WhatifAiden

fellinlovewithhim?Thenthatwouldchangeeverything.IfAidenstayedorleftit’dbebyhischoice,
notDevon’sorhisfather’s.

Turningawayfromthehouse,Devonmadehiswaydownthehillside.Hewalkedataneasytrot,in

norushtogetbackhomebecauseoncehearrivedheknewexactlywhathewouldbedoing.

ChapterSix

WhenDevonreachedtheedgeofthetreeline,heshiftedbacktohishumanbody.Hewalkedupthe

porchstepsandopenedthefrontdoor.Thehousewasdarkandquiet.Everyonehadturnedinforthe
night.

Devonheadedtowardthestairsandwalkedslowlyupthem.Hedidn’tstopuntilhereachedtheend

ofthehallway.Heturnedleftandstaredatthecloseddoor.

Theonlythingthatseparatedhimfromhismatewasapieceofwood.Nothingwasstoppinghim

fromseeingAiden,justhimself.

“Fuckit,”Devongrowled.He’dbeenstandingoutsideAiden’sroomlikeamoron.
Reaching out, Devon turned the knob and slipped inside. His eyes adjusted to the darkened room

instantly.Aidenlaypassedoutonthebedunawarethatanyonehadenteredtheroom.

Devon eased forward, careful not to make a sound. He knelt beside the bed and looked upon his

mate.Themoonwasn’tout,sotheonlylightcomingthroughthewindowilluminatedfromthestarsin
thesky.

Aiden’srightwristhadametalcuffarounditanditwasattachedtoalengthofchainfastenedtothe

iron bedpost. The chain weighed Aiden’s arm down. Josef left enough give so Aiden could reach the
bathroomshouldheneeditwhenhewokeup.

Edging closer, Devon ran his gaze from the cuffed wrist up Aiden’s arm. A blanket was tucked

around his waist leaving his nipples exposed for Devon’s pleasure. He ghosted a finger along the
circumferenceandwatchasthelittlenubpebbledfromhistouch.

Aidenshiftedandbroughthisfreehanduptorestonhisforehead.Thepositionpulledhismuscles

tight,andDevonateuptheview.AfewscratchesandbruisescoloredAiden’spaleskin,buttheywould
fade. Devon longed to lean forward and kiss all the marks away. He wanted to beat the crap out of
ViktorforharmingAiden.

AyawnstretchedAiden’smouth,andthesweetscentofhisbreathmetDevon’snoise.Hesuckedin

adeepbreath,wantingmorefromhissleepingmate.

DevonranthetipofhisfingerdownAiden’schestandtracedthebulgeoutlinethroughtheblanket.

HefeltAiden’scocktwitch,andAidenshiftedagain,releasingadesperatelittlemoan.

“Godhelpme,”DevonwhisperedashepushedawayfromAiden.Hispulseraced,andhisbaredick

protruded outward begging for relief. He had been so caught up in Aiden he hadn’t realized his cock
hadfilledandachedtocome.

Devonstoodupandheadedforthedoor.WithonemorelookoverhisshouldertomakesureAiden

wasstillasleep,Devonlefttheroom.Hewentstraighttohisroomanddidn’tstopuntilhewasinthe
bathroomandflippedontheshower.Thewaterraineddowninasteadystream.Oncesteamfoggedthe
glassdoor,Devonsteppedinside.

Thehotwatercascadeddownhisbody,easingtheachesandpainsinhismuscles.Hegrabbedhis

bodywashandsoapedup.Frothybubblesdrippeddownhisbodytopuddleathisfeet.

Lettingthewaterrinsehimclean,Devonleanedagainstthetiledwall.Thehardnessinhiscockhad

yettofade.Hisballswereheavywithseed,andDevonwouldn’tgetanysleepifhedidn’trelievethe
pressure.

Devonspreadhislegsandpositionedtheshowerheadtowherethewaterhithisfront,drenchinghis

groinarea.Devontookhisshaftinhandandtuggedatthevelvetyflesh.Thefirstpullfeltsublime.He’d
jackedoffalotovertheyears,butforsomereasonitfeltbetterthanallthosetimes,betterthansex.

HethoughtofAidenlyinginhisbed.Howsleepsoftenedtheman’sfeaturesevenmore.Theway

Aiden’seyelasheslaylongagainsthischeeksandhowhistonguesnakedouttowethispoutylips.

Theimageofthoserose-coloredlipswrappedaroundhiscockhadDevonjackinghishandfaster.

HepicturedAidendownonhiskneessuckinghimashehummedaroundhislength.

A swirling sensation swam in his gut, and Devon lost his control. His cum shot from his body,

sendingajoltofelectricitytoallhisnerveendings.Devonwatchedashiswhitecumgotwashedaway
fromtheshowerspray.

Devon sagged heavily against the wall and gulped for breath. God how he wished Aiden had just

reallysuckedhimoff.

Turningoffthewater,Devonsteppedoutoftheshoweranddriedoff.Hewrappedthetowelaround

hishipsandwenttothesinktobrushhisteeth.Devonswipedhishandoverthemirrorwipingawaythe
moisture.

The eyes reflecting back glowed with arousal. His wolf wanted out, and Devon wasn’t sure how

muchlongerhecouldcontainhisdesires.

****

Aidenyawnedandmovedtostretchouthisarms.Theyfeltcrampedandheneededtomove.When

hetriedtolifthisrightarmup,somethinghelditdown.Herolledtohissideandlookeddowntosee
whattheproblemwas.Hiseyeswidenedwhenhesawathickpieceofmetalwrappedaroundhiswrist,
andattachedtothatwasalongchain.

“Whatthehell?”Thesunhadstartedtorise,andthegoldenraysfloodedthroughthewindow,and

Aiden glanced around at the unfamiliar room. “Where am I?” His sleep-addled mind couldn’t
comprehendanythingatthemoment.

Aidensatupandkickedhislegsovertheedgeofthebed.Hetuggedonthechainandsawithad

some give. The need to relieve the pressure on his bladder had him up and off the bed. There was a
roomnexttothebedandAidenshuffledtowardit.Heheldthechainashemoved,notwantingtomake
atonofnoise.Forsomeoddreasonitseemedrude.

Heflippedonthelightandusedthefacilities.Afterwards,ashewashedhishands,helookedathis

reflection.Abruisedandbloodiedfacestaredbackathim,andheremembered.Hewasn’tathome.He
wasbeingheldprisoner.

“Ohmygod!”Aidenspunaround,worriedsomeonewouldjumpoutathim.Theactioncausedhis

chain to slap against the wall. The metal chinks scraped the wood doorframe as Aiden moved and
unintentionallypulleditwithhim.Inahastetograbthechain,Aidentrippedandlandedhardagainst
thewall,banginghishead.Painradiatedfromthelumpbloomingonthebackofhishead.

The sound of stomping feet sent a shiver up his spine. He remembered the men from last night.

Theyhurthimandbroughthimhere.Butwherewashere?

“Areyouokay?”amanaskedasherushedforward.
Out of instincts, Aiden scooted away as the man drew near. His vision was still blurry from the

knocktotheskull,butAidensquintedhiseyes,tryingtofocus.

Theman,well,themanwasgorgeous.Aidenthoughtitwascrazytothinksincehewasbeingheld

againsthiswill,butthemanwasstunning.Hehadshoulder-lengthdark-blondhairwithafewhighlights
mingledinthethickstrands.Themanonlyworeapairofsleepingpants,andhisbarechestwasonfull
displayforAidentolookhisfill.Hardmuscleswrappedaroundthestranger’sshoulders,windingdown
tohistaperedwaist.Aidendidn’tseeoneounceoffatanywhereonthisman’storso.

“Huh?”Aidenvaguelyheardwhatthemansaid.
“Iaskedifyouwereokay.”
Themanreachedhishandout,andAidenmovedoutofhisreach.Aidenlookedtomeettheman’s

eyes,andthemostcaptivatingbluehehadeverseenstaredbackathim.TheyweresimilartoViktor’s
butheldamaturityaboutthemthatViktor’slacked.

Afterafewmomentsthesoundoftheman’svoiceregisteredinAiden’smind.Itwasthemanfrom

last night, Devon. He had been blindfolded, but he remembered the rough timbre of Devon’s voice
whenhespoke.

AidenlethiseyestakeinthebeautyofDevon’sface.Hehadastraightnoseandasolid,chiseled

jawline.Devonhadthelooksofastatueonewouldseeatamuseum,almosttooperfecttobehuman.

Devonwasspeakingagain,butAidendidn’thearaword.HewaswatchingDevon’slipsmoveup

and down as he spoke. It must have become apparent he wasn’t listening because Devon rubbed his
handalonghischin.ThesoundofstubblescrapingacrossDevon’shandalmostseemedtoechointhe
closequarters.

Hisemotionswererunningwild,andhisdickdecidedtowakeupandshowitsappreciationforthe

sexyhunkinfrontofhim.

“Kid,areyouallright?Doyouneedanything?”WhenAidendidn’tanswer,themansnappedhis

fingersinfrontofhisface.“Canyouhearme?”

Aidenstartedtonodhishead,butthepainwasunbearable.Heliftedhishand,butthechaincaught,

andhishandfelltohisside.

“Icanhearyouperfectly,”Aidensnapped.
DevonreachedoutandbrushedhisknucklesdownthesideofAiden’sface.ThemomentDevon’s

handmadecontacttoAiden’sskin,hisfurystaredtofade.Asifbyitsownaccordhisheadleanedinto
Devon’slarge,warmhandasitcuppedthesideofhisface.Aidennuzzledagainstthestrong,firmhold.
HadthesituationbeendifferentAidencouldseehimselfwantingthisman,oratleastwantinghimmore
thanhedidnow.

“Soyou’refinethen?”Devoncontinuedtocaresshisskin.
ThekindnessinDevon’stonewasn’tconsistentwiththeactionsthatlandedhiminthishouse.He

didn’tcarehowhotthisguymightbe.Aidenwasaperson,notananimaltobechainedup.“NoI’mnot
allright.Lookatme.”Aidenusedhisfreehandtopointtothemetalcuffontheotherthentohisface.
“DoIlookokaytoyou?”

Hisemotionstookadifferentturnasangerinfusedhiswords.Hehadneverbeentheargumentative

sort,butthisjustwasn’thisday.

Devonverycarefullypulledhishandback.“Calmdown,Aiden,”themansaidcalmly.
“Are you insane?” Aiden shouted, and the sound echoed in the small bathroom. “You’ve got me

chainedupforgodknowswhat,andyouwantmetocalmdown.”Aidenhuffed.

“Wellyoumustbeallrightifyoucanrunyourmouthofflikethat.”Devonstoodupandheldouta

handforAidentotake.“Let’sgetyououtofhere.”

Aiden so desperately wanted to take the offered hand but didn’t dare. He felt an unexplainable

attraction to this man, and it didn’t make sense with the current state of things. Even now his cock
twitchedinhiscottonpajamabottomsasDevon’shardstarepinnedhimtothefloor.

Takingadeepbreath,Aidenpushedupfromthefloor.HewaiteduntilDevonexitedtherestroom

first.Aidendidn’twanttohavethemanathisbackjustincaseheattackedhim.

Aiden sat on the edge of the bed and he watched as Devon pulled a chair over to sit across from

him.Themanlookedtired,andAidendidn’tfeelthreatened,butthatcouldbebecauseofthebumpto

thehead.

“Aiden,doyourememberanythingfromlastnight?”Devonasked.
NowthatDevonmentionedit,hedid.Aidenlookedoffintospaceasthepreviousnight’seventsran

thoughhismind.TheonethinghisbrainsettledonwasthatDevonaccusedhisdadoftakingsomeone,
butthatwasabsurd.Hisfatherwasn’tabadperson.InfacthewasthebestmanAidenknew.Therewas
nowayhisdadwouldhurtanotherlivingsoul,never.

“You said my dad kidnapped your brother, but that’s impossible. My father would never do

somethinglikethat.”ThatwasallAidencouldthinktosay.Itwasthetruth.

“There are things about your father that you don’t know, Aiden. I’m not lying to you about this.

He’sdonesomebadthings.”

Aidenlaughed.“Right,likethis?”Hehelduphisarmindicatingthechain.
DevonlookedawayfromAiden’saccusingglare.“I’msorryaboutthat,butwecouldn’tchanceyou

tryingtoescape.Weneedyouinordertogetmybrotherback.Yourfatherisahunter,andhuntersdon’t
likemykind.”

“Yourkind?”
“Let’sjustsaywe’redifferent,youandI,andbecauseofthatyourfatherandhisfriendswanttokill

us.Andintheirprejudicetookmybabybrother.He’sjustakidwhodoesn’tdeservewhathashappened
tohim.”

“AndIdo?”Aidentotallylookedoverthedifferentremarkandtookadeepbreathandcountedto

ten.Ifanyonedidn’tdeservethissortoftreatmentitwashim.Hewassittingathomemindinghisown
businesswhenthisguy’sbrotherknockedhimoutandbroughthimtowhereverherewas.Plus,what
Devonspokeofwasnonsense.Hisdadwasaveterinarian.Hewouldbethelastpersontowanttohunt
downanimalsofanysort,letaloneanotherhuman.

“It’snotthesamething.”Devonbegantoargue.
“Justgetout!”Aidensaidbluntly.
“Excuseme?”ThelookonDevon’sfacewasalmostfunnyasifnooneeverspoketohimlikethat

before.

“Youheardme.I’mdonelisteningtothiscrazyshit.”WhenDevondidn’tmakeamovetoleave,he

shouted,“Getout!”

Devonstoodupsofastthechairtoppledbackwards.Hiseyesglowedaniceblue,butAidendidn’t

flinchinfear.Hejuststaredstraightahead.Hedidn’twantDevontoleave,buthehadheardenough.
FromwhatDevonhadsaidhedidn’tcareifAidenwashurting.Andwhyshouldhe?Aidendidn’tmean
anythingtothisman.WhenDevonlefttheroomAidencurledupintoaballandbegantocry.Hewasin
astrangeplaceandmorethanalittleterrified,butmostofallhefeltalonenowthatDevonhadleftthe
room.Itwasasifhe’dtakenallthewarmthandhappinessintheworldwithhimwhenthedoorshut
behindhim.

Nothingseemedtomakesense.AndAidenstartedtoworryabouthissanitybecauseallhewanted

todowasjumpoffthebedandrunafterDevon.

ChapterSeven

The sound of banging woke Devon up from a restless sleep. He leapt out of bed, grabbing some

pantsonthewayoutthedoor.ThesoundcamefromAiden’sroom.

Fearthatsomethinghadhappenedtohismatehadhimrunningtheshortdistance.Whenhegotto

Aiden’sroomtheyoungmanwassittingonthebathroomfloor,obviouslyinpain.

InthelightofthedaythediscolorationandcutsonAiden’sskinstoodoutinsharpcontrasttothe

palerofhisskintone.ThebrightpurpleonthesideofAiden’sfacewasaccompaniedbyacutabovehis
lefteye.ThebloodfromthatcutandthecutsViktorgavehimhaddriedarustybrownandwasflaking
offinspots.Aidenlookedamess.

WhenhetriedtohelpAiden,herefused.Thenwhentheystartedtalkingeverythinghesaidcame

outwrong.GrantedDevonwasconsumedwithworryforhisbrother,buthedidn’tbestowanyofthat
concernonhisfrightenedmatesohecouldn’tblameAidenforkickinghimoutofhisroom.

After last night and then this morning it was clear to Devon, Aiden didn’t have a clue about his

dad’slittlesidehobby,andthatmadethisjustthatmuchworse.Aidenlovedhisfatherandthoughthe
knewtheman,andDevonhatedtobetheonetotellhimeverythinghebelievedtobetruewasalie.

Devonputonsomeclothesthenlefthisroom.Hehadsomepaperworktogooverandhewelcomed

thedistraction.BetweenErikbeingtakenandfindinghismate,Devonwasreadytopulloutallhishair.

Ashecamedownthestairshewentstraightforhisoffice.Hecheckedhiscellandsawthatnocalls

had come in. He then placed another call to Skyler. Skyler was a wolf that lived with Devon and his
brothers.HekindofremindedDevonofawomanwithhisfemininecharm.Skylerlovedtotakecareof
people.HehadwhatJoseflikedtorefertoasamotheringinstinct.Andhelikedtocookandclean,so
win-winforthemall.

He asked Skyler to bring some breakfast up to Aiden. If anyone was less threatening then him or

Viktor,itwouldbeSkyler.

Afterhewasdonewiththathegottowork.Hehadnothingbuttimetokill,andbythewaythings

wentearlier,anychancetogettoknowAidenhadflownoutthewindow.

ItwasforthebestorsoDevonkepttellinghimself.

****

Alightknockonthedoorwasfollowedbyapersoncomingintohisroom.Aidencouldn’tmakeout

whoitwasbeingashiseyeswerenowswollenfromsheddingamilliontears.

“Oh,sweetie,don’tcry.”Thevoicewasalittlehigh-pitchedbutdefinitelymale.“Iknowthisisn’t

ideal,butIcanguaranteeyou,Devonwouldn’thurtahaironyourprettylittlehead.”

Aidenrolledovertoseeathinmanthatlookedabouthisheight.Themanhaddark-brownhair,cut

shortandstyledontopinaminiMohawk.Hehadrosycheeksandfriendlyskyblueeyesthatchased
awayanyapprehensionAidenmighthavehadtowardthisman.

“How can you know that?” It was an honest question. Just because this guy thought Devon was

harmlessdidn’tmeanhewas.

“Let’sjustsayhisbarkisbiggerthanhisbite.”Themanwaggledhiseyebrows.
AboilingpoolofjealousystirredinAiden’sgut.“Doeshebiteyouoften?”Itwasafoolishemotion

tohave.HehadnoclaimwhatsoevertoDevon.Butthatdidn’tstophisfistfromballingupattheimage
of Devon and this man being intimate. It was ludicrous to be territorial over a man who ordered his

kidnapping.

“Sweetie, get that angry look off your cute little mug. I have no interest in your man.” The man

giggledandbattedahandinAiden’sdirection.

Aidenshookhisheadandliftedaneyebrowattheman.“Whatthehellareyoutalkingabout?The

lastthingheisismyman.”Aidenhelduphiswrist.“Doyouseethis?He’sresponsibleforthis.My
manmyass.”

ThemancarriedatrayoverandsatitonthebedbesideAiden,completelyoblivioustowhatAiden

had just said. He removed the lid covering the plate, and the delicious aroma of pancakes and bacon
causedhisstomachtogrowl.Aidenhadn’trealizedhowhungryhewasuntilfoodhadbeenploppedin
frontofhisface.“Ohwherearemymanners.”Themanheldouthishand.“I’mSkyler,residentcook
andmaidforthispackofwolves.”

Hepouredsyruponthegolden,fluffypancakesandcutoffabite.Hiseyesfellshutasthesweetand

stickygoodnesstumbledacrosshistongue.

“Good,huh?”
“Very,”Aidensaidafterheswallowedthefoodinhismouth.
Skyler stayed silent while Aiden ate. He smiled and nodded with every groan that seeped out of

Aiden’smouthfromtheawesomefoodheconsumed.Itmustbefromhungerthatmadethefoodtasteso
good,buthewouldn’ttellSkylerthat.Hedidn’twanttohurttheotherman’sfeelings.

Whenhefinishedheusedthenapkintowipeoffhismouth.Skylerquicklypickedupthetrayand

setittotheside.

“WhywouldyoucallDevonmyman?”Nowthathisstomachwasfull,Aidenhopedtogetsome

answersoutofSkyler.

“Becausehe’syourmate,”Skylersaiditasifthatmadeperfectsense.
“Excuseme?”
“Ohshit.Youdon’tknow,doyou?”Skylerfloppedbackinhischairdramatically.“Well,Aiden,I

can’ttellyou,butIcantellyouthis.Devonwouldneverhurtyou,trustmeinthat.Givehimachance.
He’snotabadguy.”

Aidenhelduphisarmagainandpointedtothemetalcuff.“Hello!Doeseveryoneelsenotseethis

thing?”

“Ohthat.”Skylerrolledhiseyes.“Giveitsometime.Itwillgrowonyou.Itcanmakethebedroom

playquitefun.”HewinkedplayfullyatAiden.

“Are you damaged?” Aiden thought Skyler was a sweet guy and an amazing cook, but seriously?

ChainswouldneverbeAiden’sthingespeciallyafterthis.

“Iknowthisdoesn’tmakesensetoyourightnow.”Skylermovedtositnexttohimonthebed,and

Aidendidn’tpullbackwhenhegrabbedhishand.“Buttherearethingsyoudon’tknowabout,andI’m
sureDevoniskeepingitfromyouforyourowngoodevenathisownexpense.Youcanthinkwhatyou
will,buteverythingisn’talwaysasitseems.”

Skylerpattedhishandthenstoodup.Aidenjustsattheredumbfounded.Howcouldthisnotbewhat

itseemed?

“Aiden,”Skylersaidashereachedthedoor.Aidenarchedaneyebrowinacknowledgement.“Takea

morein-depthlookatyoursurroundings.You’reasmartboy,I’msureyou’llbeabletofigureitoutall
onyourown.”

BeforeAidencouldrespond,Skylerhadlefttheroom.Hebroughthiskneesuptoresthischinon.
Takeamorein-depthlookatyoursurroundings.
AidenponderedonwhatSkylerhadsaid.Hewasareasonableman,butwhatdidSkylerwanthim

tosee?Aidenglancedaroundtheroombutnothinglookedoutoftheordinary.

Theonlylogicalconclusionwasthateveryoneinthishousewasbat-shitcrazy.DevonandViktor

wereaccusinghisfatherofkidnappingtheirbrother,theychainedAidenup,andSkylerhadreferredto
DevonasbeingAiden’sman.Aidensummeditalluptothathehadbeenkidnappedbyabunchofloons
andnowresidedatcasadecrazy.

ThroughoutthedaySkylerreturnedtobringhimfoodandstayedtochatwithhim.Afterthefirst

fewtimesAidenstartedtolookforwardtoSkyler’svisits.Theyhelpedbreakupthemundanenessofhis
solitude.

Skylerwasoverlyflamboyantandsmarterthanheledon.HehadawittysenseofhumorandAiden

foundhimselflikingSkylermoreandmore.

WhenSkylerbroughtdinner,hestayedtohelpAidenmaneuverenoughtotakeashower.Heeven

broughtAidenafreshpairofsleepingpantsandathincottonT-shirt.Bythesizehecouldtelltheywere
pulledfromSkyler’sowncloset.

Aidenwasalittledisappointednooneelse,nooneelsebeingDevon,cametovisithim.Heenjoyed

spendingtimewithSkyler,buthewantedtoseeDevononemoretimeatleast.AidenfeltlikeDevon
was avoiding him, but who could blame him? Aiden hadn’t exactly been friendly to the man that
morning.

A sharp, loud howl pierced through the quiet night. Aiden jumped, and his chains jangled. Skyler

nonchalantlylookedtowardthewindow.

“Well,Ibetterbeoff.”Skylerputtheplatesbackonthetrayandhurriedtothedoor.“I’llseeyouin

themorning,Aid.”

SkylermovedsofastAidendidn’tgetthechancetosaygood-nightorthanksfordinner.
Anotherhowlsoundedoutside,andAidenhoppedoffthebed,dragginghischainbehindhimashe

movedtolookoutthewindow.Hegrabbedthewindowsilltosteadyhimself.Fivelargewolvesstoodin
theyard.Aiden’sbreathcameoutinquickshortpants.Terrorlikenothingheeverfeltbeforecoursed
throughhisveins.

Inallhislifehe’dneverseenawolfthatbig.Grantedhe’donlyseentheminbooksoratthezoo

fromadistance,butstillthesebeastslookedlikewolvesonsteroids.

“Deargod,”hemumbledtohimself.Thewolfwiththeblondfurlookeduptowardthewindowasif

itheardhim.Onlysecondshadpassed,butitfeltlikeaneternitythatAidenstoodthereheldcaptivated
inthewolf’ssteelystare.Somethingaboutthoseeyesseemedfamiliar.ItmadehimthinkofDevon.

Aidenshookhimselfoutofthetranceandtookasmallstepawayfromthewindow.Beinginthis

housemusthavemadehimsusceptibletotheirlunacybecausetherewasnowayhejustsawadogand
instantlythoughtofDevon.

Movingbacktothewindowhepeeredoutside,butthewolvesweregone.“Whatthefuck?”Aiden

plasteredhisforeheadtothecoolwindowpaneandlookedleftthenright.“IknowIsawthem.Where
didtheygo?”

Asifansweringhisquestion,awolfhowled.Aidenjerkedawayfromthewindow.Herubbedhis

hands up and down his arms, trying to chase away the chill. There was no way he saw what he did.
Wolves weren’t domesticated animals that searched out human companionship, yet there were five in
thefrontyard.

Aidenwalkedbacktothebedandshutoffthebedsidelamp.Helaydownandturnedtolookoutthe

window.Hismindstartedtowander.WhenthewolfhowledSkylergatheredhisthingsandrushedout
of the room. And now there wasn’t a sound at all in the house. No creaking stairs or running water,
nothing. Aiden didn’t have any visitors except Skyler all day, but he had heard other people moving

aroundthehouseandnowitwasabnormallyquiet.

Skyler’swordsdriftedthroughhistiredbrain,andnowAiden’scuriositywaspiqued.ThingsDevon

andSkylerhadsaid,inaweirdway,werestartingtomakesense,hunters,theirkind,mateandnowa
gangofwolvesinfrontofthehouse.MaybeDevonwasn’thuman.MaybeDevon,Skyler,andtherest
ofthemeninthishousewerewolves.

AndthenextthingyouknowyouwillbethinkingtheEasterbunnyisreal,too.
“I’mnotsayingIbelieveanything,”Aidenansweredhisinnervoice.Toevenentertainthenotion

thatthesemenmightbewolvesseemedridiculous.

Aiden tucked his chained hand under his pillow and got comfortable. If and when the other men

returnedhe’dwaituptoprovetohimselfthattheyweren’tanimals.

****

SometimelaterAidenwokeuptobarkingandafewdistanthowls.Heshotoutofbedandracedto

thewindow.Thelightwasoffsomanorbeastwouldn’tbeabletoseehim,buthecouldseethem.

MovementinthetreesthatranalongthefrontofthepropertycaughtAiden’seye.Hewatchedas

SkylerfollowedbyViktor,Josef,andsomeguyhe’dneverseenbeforeallfiledoutofthewoods.Now
Aidendidn’tfindthatpartodd.Itwasthattheycameoutofthewoodsbuck-assnakedthatAidenfound
peculiar.

Themenheadedtowardthehouse,butAiden’sattentionstayedontherowoftreesthemenhadjust

exited from. Aiden watched as a very naked Devon emerged from the shrubbery. He stood tall and
proud,andAidencouldn’thelplookingthemanupanddownashestoodthereinallhisglory.

Aiden fisted the drapes hanging at the side of the window. His eyes started at Devon’s feet and

workedtheirwayuphisthicklegsupoverhisexposedcockthenroamedoverhischiseledchest.Aiden
stoodtherelikeafoolashisdesireforthemanholdinghimcaptiveovercamehim.

Afairamountoftimehadpassed,andDevonnevermoved.Aidengatheredhisnerveandlookedup

towardtheman’seyes.Devonstoodtherestaringbackathim.Noexpressiononhisface.

Aidenreacheduptotouchthewindow,almostwavingtoDevon.ThenextthingAidenknew,Devon

wasmoving.Quick,widestrideswerecarryingthemantothehouseinrecordtime.

“Shit.”Aidenpushedawayfromtheglassandhoppeduponthebedandpulledthecomforterover

hishead.

Nowthathewasn’tlookingatthemostbeautifulmanhehadeverseen,hisbraindecidedtocatch

upwiththecurrentevents.Hesawfivewolvesintheyardandfivemencameoutofthewoodswhere
thewolveshadentered.

Hecouldn’trationalizewhathejustwitnessed,buttheeyesdidn’tlie.
The sound of the front door shutting had Aiden pulling the blanket tighter around his head and

clenchinghiseyestight.Devonwascomingforhim,andtheonlythingAidencouldthinkaboutwas
werewolves.

ChapterEight

Josefthoughtitwouldbeagoodideatogoforarun,soDevonagreed.Runninghelpedhimsortout

histhoughts,anditwouldalsohelphimburnoffallthatexcesssexualenergy.He’dlovetoexpenditon
hismate,butthatwasn’tgoingtohappen.Aidenmadeitprettyclearhedidn’twantanythingtodowith
him.ButDevoncouldn’tfaulthimthat.Beingheldagainsthiswillcouldcausethat.

Devonalsodidn’twanttotellAidentheywerematesbecauseifAidendidhavefeelingsforhim,

it’dbeharderfromhimtoletDevongowhenthetimecame.ItwasonlyfairtokeepAidenobliviousto
thatparticularknowledge.

SkylerhadstillbeenwithAidenwhentheygatheredintheyard,sohegaveoffonelonghowltoget

hisattention.OnceSkylerhadjoinedthemoninstinctDevonlookedlonginglytowardAiden’swindow.
Tohissurprisetheyoungmanstoodstaringback.WhenAidennoticedhimlooking,hesteppedoutof
sight.

Devondidn’tthinkanythingaboutAidenseeingtheminwolfform.Mosthumansdidn’tknowof

werewolves’ existence, so Devon assumed Aiden just thought he saw a pack of wolves. No big deal.
Theywereinthewoodsafterall.

Butwhentheyreturnedhecameoutofthewoodsinhumanformandsawadarkmassstandingin

Aiden’swindow.HestoodthereandwithhiskeeneyesightsawtheflickerfromAiden’seyes.Aiden
didn’truninfear,juststoodstillwhilelookinghimover.Itwasn’tuntilheheadedtowardthehousedid
Aidenmoveawayfromthewindow.

Hisfeetateupthedistanceuntilhereachedthehouseandtookthestairstwoatatimetogettohis

mate’sroom.WithAidensonearandchangingfromwolftohumancausedhislibidotoskyrocket.But
mostofallhewantedtocheckonAiden.Hedidjustwatchasfivegrownmenwalknakedoutofthe
woods.

Devon knocked lightly on the door but no answer. He knocked a little louder and still nothing.

“Aiden,”Devoncalledout.TherewasnowayAidenhadfallenasleepthatfast.

Hegentlyturnedtheknob,tryingtoappearasinnocentandnonthreateningaspossibleandstepped

intotheroom.Aballed-upfigurelayontheedgeofthebed,andDevonmovedtositnexttoAiden.

Hiscocktwitchedagainsthisthighfrombeingsoclosetohismate.Devonlookeddownandsaw

that he was still naked. With a silent curse he stood up and grabbed a towel from the bathroom. He
wrappeditaroundhiswaistandsatbackdown.

“Aiden.” Devon shook Aiden’s leg. “I know you’re still awake. I can hear your rapid heartbeat.”

Devonbithistongueonthatlastpart.Hedidn’tmeantogiveawayanyofhiswolfysecrets,butdamnit
hewantedhismatetoacknowledgehewasinthefuckingroom.

TheblanketslowlycamedowntoexposeAiden’seyes.Theywerethesizeofbaseballs.Helooked

afraid.“That’simpossible.”

Devon ran his hand through his hair and fisted a handful. What was he supposed to say? It was

impossibleforhumanslikeAidenbutnotforwerewolves.Thenormalhumanabilitiesdidn’tpertainto
him.

“Whatareyou?”Aidenwhisperedashescootedtositupagainsttheheadboard.
DevonstudiedAiden’srigidposture.HehadtowonderifSkylersaidanythingtoAidenaboutwhat

theywere.

“What do you mean?” Devon thought it best to feign ignorance. He didn’t want to give anything

away.

“Seriously?You’regoingtoplaydumb?”Aidentookadeepbreath,andDevonwatchedtheriseand

fallofhischestthroughhisthinT-shirt.“I’mnotstupid.Isawfive”—Aidenhelduphishandwithhis
fingersoutstretched—“wolvesoutsideearlierthenIsawfivenakedmencomeoutofthewoods.”Aiden
crossedhisarmsoverhischestandlookedhisnosedownatDevon.“Sotryagain.”

Fuck!AidenwassmarterthanDevonthought.Mosttimesthelogicalpartofahuman’sbraintried

torationalizewhattheyseeespeciallywhenit’snotnormal.Butinsteadofignoringthecoincidences,
Aidenputtwoandtwotogetherandnowwantedvalidationforhisdiscovery.

“Whatdoyouthinkisgoingonhere,Aiden?”Devonasked.
“Well.”Aiden’shandsbegantofidget,andhelookeduncertain.“Thisisgoingtosoundcompletely

crazybutIthinkyouareamanandawolf.”

Devonnoddedhishead.“Yes,Iam.”Nousedenyingitnow.Thecat,orinthiscasethewolf,was

outofthebag.“Areyouscaredofmenow?”Thatwasthemostimportantquestionforhimtoask.The
onlyreasonAidenwasherewastogetErikback,butsittingsocloseandtalkingabouttheirdifferences,
Devoncouldn’thelpbutwanttoseewhatthismeantforthemasacouple.

“No, I’m not.” Aiden chuckled. “Your brother? Yes. He scares the shit out of me, but you’re

different.”AidenpushedhiscoversawayandscootedtowardDevonuntilhekneeledinfrontofhim.
“Whyisthat?”

Aiden’s eyes darted between his, begging for answers. Answers Devon was too afraid to say out

loud.

“Pleasesaysomething,”Aidenpleaded.“It’stakingeverythingIhaveinmetonotfalltothefloor

andhaveafull-blownanxietyattack.I’mscaredbutnotwhenI’mwithyou.”AidengrabbedDevon’s
hand.“Whyisthat?”

ThewarmthcomingfromAiden’stightgripstoleDevon’sbreathaway.Tobeabletotouchhismate

feltexhilarating.Devondidn’twanttolietoAiden,butthealternativewouldcausemoreheartachefor
bothofthem.

Devon turned his hand palm up and grabbed onto Aiden’s hand. He closed his eyes then slowly

opened them, keeping his gaze downward. “There’s no reason. Maybe it’s because we’re attracted to
oneanother.”

“Soyouareattractedtome?”Awarm,invitingsmilecurvedAiden’slips.“So,Devon,doyoutake

allthemenyouareattractedtohostage?”

“OnlytheonesIwanttokeep.”DevonreachedoutandcuppedthesideofAiden’sface.Hiseyes

droppedtoAiden’ssoft,fulllips.Justonetaste,thatwasallheneeded.Slowlyheleanedforward,and
Aidenmethiminthemiddle.Devonmoanedatthecontact.Nothingeverfeltsoperfectormeanttobe.

AidennibbledteasinglyonDevon’sbottomlip,andhisinnerwolfgrowleditsapproval.Devontook

bothhandsandloopedthemaroundAiden’sneck,bringinghimevencloser.Histonguedpushedatthe
seamofAiden’slips,andtheyoungermanopenedinstantly.Devonlickedandsuckeduntilhetasted
every inch of Aiden’s mouth. It was heaven. Like honey and dark chocolate combined to make the
sweetestmixtureDevoncouldimagine.

Whatareyoudoing?Youcan’tdothistoyourself.Aiden’sdadwillcallyouintwodays.TogetErik

backyouwillhavetohandoverAiden.Don’tgettooattached.He’llbegonesoon.

Reluctantly, Devon pulled back. Aiden’s mouth was still parted and his eyes shut. Devon thought

themanlookedgorgeousinhiswantonstate,butnomatterhowmuchhewantedtocontinuethis,he
hadtostop.Itwasn’tfairtoAidenortohimselftobecomeaddictedtosomethingtheycouldn’thave.

“What’sthematter?”Aidenasked,confusionplayingacrosshisface.
“Nothing.”Devonstoodup.“Butit’slate,andwebothneedoursleep.”Hebentdownandkissed

Aidenontheforeheadthenhightaileditforthedoor.

Withthedoorshutsafelybehindhim,Devonrestedhisweightagainstit.Ittookallthecontrolhe

hadtowalkoutofthatroom.HewantedAidensobadly,andtheyoungermanseemedtowanthimjust
asmuch,evenwiththewholekidnappingandbeing-chained-upthinggoingon.Aidenkissedhimlike
hemeantit.Apersoncouldn’tfakethat.

“Niceboner.”
What?Devonlookeddown.Thetowelheworedidnothingtohidehisfull-blownerectiontenting

thematerial.

“Iseeyouaretakingmyadvice,”Josefsaidashestoodtherewithaknowinggrinonhisface.“So

howwasit?”

Devongrowledathisfriendasheheadedforhisroom.Hewassonothavingthisconversationright

now.

“Oh,comeon,Dev.Isitasgreatastheysay?Don’tholdoutonme.”JoseffollowedDevonintohis

roomoblivioustohisinternalstruggle.

Hedidn’tsayaword,justwentstraightintohisbathroomandtookashower.Afterhedriedoffand

steppedbackintohisroom,hesawJoseflaidoutonhisbedstaringattheceiling.“Whatthehell,man?
Getoutofmyroom.”

“Notuntilyoutellmewhathappened.”Josefsatupandswunghisfeetoffthebed.
Devonyankedopenhisdresserdrawerandpulledoutapairofboxers.“Nothinghappened.”
“Nothing?”Josef’seyebrowsarcheduptohishairline.“Icansmellthesexualblissintheair.It’s

likeafuckingaphrodisiac.I’mgettinghighoffitmyself.”Herubbedhiscockthroughhisjeans.“Ineed
togetlaid.”

Damnhisbestfriendandhissensitivenose.Devonsatdownonhisbed,restedhiselbowsonhis

kneesandhunghishead.“Aidenknowswhatweare.”

“And?”Josefpushed.
“Andwekissed.”Hisheartracedjustthinkingaboutit.
“Thenwhat’stheproblem?Heobviouslyacceptsitifheletyoukisshim.Sowhatgives?”
“Maybeit’sthefactthathisdadisahunterwhoishuntingusandhasmybabybrother.TogetErik

backIhavetoturnAidenovertohisfather.That’sthedeal.”Devonstoodandbegantopacethefloor.

“That’salltechnicalities.”Josefbattedahandintheair.“Itotallygetwhatyou’resaying,butmaybe

Aidenwantstobewithyou.Andifhedoes,daddydearestcan’tdoanythingaboutit.Aiden’sagrown
man.”

“We both know it’s not that simple. He’d hunt us down until we’re all dead just to keep his son

awayfromthemonstershethinksweare.Iwon’tputmybrothersorthepackatriskforthatmatter.
KeepingeveryonesafeoutweighswhatIwant.”Devonacceptedhisfate,butitdidn’tmeanhehadto
likeit.

“No one ever asked you to be a martyr. You’re punishing yourself to a life alone because you’re

afraidtotakeachance.Hunterscomeandgo,andthere’snothingtosaytheywon’tcomeafteruswith
orwithoutAidenbeingwithyou.”

Devonunderstoodhisfriend’slineofthinking,andheappreciatedit.Buthewasthealpha.Itwas

hisjobtokeepeveryoneelsesafe.

“Josef, I know you mean well, but this is the way it has to be.” He held up a hand when Josef

openedhismouthtoargue.“I’mreallytired,sopleasejustgo.”

Josefstoodupandwalkedtothedoor.Heturnedaroundlikehewantedtosaysomethingbutjust

sighedandlefttheroom.

DevonwisheditwasaseasyasJosefmadeitseem.Afterthatonekisshecravedanother.
Maybeagoodnight’ssleepwouldputhisfocusbackontrack.GettingErikhomesafeandsound

meanteverything.

ChapterNine

Aidentossed and turnedfor over twohours. He finally kickedhis blankets asideand lay with his

backonthebed.ThemorehethoughtabouthisencounterwithDevonthemorehegotupset.Theman
kissedtheveryairoutofhisbodythenleftlikeitdidn’tmeananything.AidencouldtellthatDevon
wantedhim.Hecouldseeitintheotherman’seyesandinthewayhetouchedhim.

Thiswholesituationwasfuckedup,andAidenknewit.Heshouldn’tbesoattractedtoDevon,butit

wasbeyondhimtodenyit.Ofcoursehewasupsethe’dbeenkidnapped,butafterlearningthatDevon
andhisfriendswerewolves,ithadhimthinkingtheyweren’tlyingabouthisdadtakingtheirbrother.

Aiden loved his father, but maybe he had been keeping things from him. And if he was Aiden

wasn’tsurehereallyknewhisfatheratall.

Not wanting to think about his father, Aiden pushed those thoughts aside and focused on Devon.

Theysharedonelittlekiss,andthemanflewoutofhisroomlikeitwasonfire.

Aidenwasn’tthemostexperiencedlover,buthecouldkiss.Thatwaspracticallytheonlythinghe

had done. He’d been hanging onto his virginity for nineteen long years. It was time to kiss that bitch
good-byeandwhatbetterwaythanwithanoldermanwhohadabodylikeagod.Plusit’dmakefora
goodstorytotellhisfriendswhenhegotbacktoschool,buthe’dleaveoutthewholewerewolfthing.
Hedidn’twantthemtothinkhimcrazy.

And it wasn’t just about sex. Aiden felt a connection to Devon. It was like an invisible string

tethering them together. He didn’t want to have sex with just anybody, but something told him with
Devonitwouldbeeverythinghe’dalwaysdreameditwouldbe.

HewantedDevontocomebacktohisroombuthowtodothat?Ifhebrokealamporscreamed,one

of the other men in the house could come and check on him. He didn’t want to see anyone else, just
Devon.

“Devon, I need you,” he said softly. He’d just have to wait until Devon came back on his own to

checkonhim.Feelingdefeated,Aidenbroughthisarmsuptoplaceunderhishead.“Iwouldlovetosee
what you look like as a wolf up close.” The last part he said as an afterthought. Aiden believed that
thesemenwerewolves,buthewouldn’tmindgettingactualvisualproof.

AfewminutespassedandthenAidenheardtheknobonhisdoorturn.
“You want to see my wolf?” Devon asked as he walked further into the room then turned on the

bedsidelamp.HedroppeddowntositnexttoAiden.

“Youheardthat?”Aidenhadwhisperedhiswords.HowdidDevonhearhimthroughthewall?
“Ofcourse.”Devonsmiledsowidethelightreflectedoffhisperfectteeth.“It’sawolfthing.”
“Goodtoknow.”Aidensatup.“Ifyoudon’tmind,yeah,I’dlovetoseeyouas”—Aidenwavedhis

handinfrontofDevon’sbody—“awolf.”

Devon gave him a small smile and stood up. His hands went to the waist of his pants, and Aiden

couldn’thelpbutstare.Devonhookedhisthumbsunderthewaistbandandpulledthemdownslowly.

All the air in Aiden’s lungs rushed out, and his lungs threatened to seize up. Devon’s cock hung

looselybetweenhislegsandswayedjustabitwhenhebentover.

“Fuckme,”Aidenmumbledthenlickedhislips.
“Ifyoukeeplookingatmelikethatit’sarealpossibility.”Devonlaughed.
Aidenfeltheatwarmitswayuphisneck.He’dbeencaughteyeingDevon’sgoods.
Devontookastepbackfromthebed.Theairaroundhimseemedfuzzyasifitwereshimmering.

Thenhewenttohisknees.Bonespoppingandheavybreathingfilledtheroom.

Itallhappenedsoquickly.AidenclimbedoffthebedandwenttoDevon’sside.Butbythetimehe

got close to Devon, he wasn’t there. In his place sat a large, blond-colored wolf. Devon’s thick fur
shinedlikespungold,andAiden’sfingersitchedtocombthroughit.

“Nofreakingway!”Okay,Devonadmittedtobeingawolf,buttoseeitwithhisowneyeswasa

total mind fuck. Being in the small room made Devon look even more enormous. If Devon were to
standuponhishindlegs,he’dbetallerthanAidenandlookedtoweighagoodtwohundredpounds
morethanhisonetwenty.

Devon inched closer to where Aiden stood. He nudged his nose against Aiden’s hand, and he

quicklyturnedhispalmuptoreceiveaswipefromDevon’stongue.Devonmovedhislargeheadtorub
intoAiden’sstomach,andAidencouldn’thelpbutreachdownandpetthetopofhishead.Devon’seyes
rolledshutasAidenscratchedbehindhisears.

The chain around his wrist started to pinch the delicate skin, and he winced and pulled his hands

backfromDevon.Thewolfgaveayelp,butAidenhelduphishand,indicatingtheredrawmarksfrom
havingtomovearoundattachedtohismetalcuff.

“Sorry,bigguy,butmywristiskillingme.”Devon’sbigwolfeyeslookedtoAiden’shand.“Think

youmightbeabletofreeme?IpromiseIwon’ttryandgetaway.”

InablinkofaneyeDevonbegantoturnbackintohishumanbody,andwhereawolfonceknelt

nowwasaman.Devonstoodup,andAidenlethisgazetravelupanddowntheman’snakedbody.His
eyessettledonthehardlengthhangingbetweenhisthighs.

“Iknowyouwon’t.”Devonwrappedhisfingersaroundthechainandpulled.Themetalbrokeaway

asifitwerepaperbeingtornapart.Devonbenthisheadandkissedalongtheangryredlineswrapped
aroundhiswrist.“I’msorrywehadtotakeyou,butIhadnootherchoice.”

AidenplacedafingerunderDevon’schinliftingupuntilthemanmethiseyes.“Idon’tblameyou.”

Aiden’s voice trailed off. Devon was a wolf and his father a hunter, and apparently he hunted these
beings and kidnapped them, but for what? Devon wasn’t some ravenous beast when in wolf form so
whywouldhisdadwastehistime?

“Thankyou.”Devonbrushedakissacrosshislips,andAidensighedintothemoistnessofDevon’s

mouth.Withhishandsfree,AidenwasfinallyabletowraphisarmsaroundDevon’sshoulders.Thekiss
deepened, and Devon tugged him closer. Aiden dug his fingers into the hard muscle lining Devon’s
shoulder,tryingtoclimbtheman.DevonworkedhisthighbetweenAiden’s,andhestartedtorubhis
hardnessonthefirmmuscle.

His orgasm played right beneath the surface of his skin. Sweat broke out across his face, and he

pushed harder against Devon’s leg. The rough, dry grind just added to his enjoyment. A bolt of
electricityshotthroughhisbodyandouthisdick.Gooeywarmthwettedthefrontofhispants,andhe
pantedforbreathashisbodytrembledoutofcontrol.

Aidentookseveraldeepbreaths.HeburiedhisheadintoDevon’schest,tooembarrassedtolookat

themanwhojustmadehimcomesohardhesawstars.

“Heywhat’swrong,hon?”Devontookastepback,tryingtogetAidentolookathim.
“I’mmortified,”Aidenmumbled.“I’veneverdoneanythinglikethisbefore,anditwasoverbefore

itevenbegan.”Hepouted,buthecouldn’thelpit.Hedidn’twantheandDevonweredoingtogetherto
end.

“You’veneverdonethisoranythingbefore?”Devonasked,hisfingerstighteningonAiden’sarms.
“Nothing.”AidenpeekedupatDevonthroughhisbangs.“I’vejustnevergotaroundtoyouknow.”

Hegesturedwithhishands,unabletovocalizehisthoughts.

“Sex.”AsmilelitupDevon’sfacelikeafirecracker.

“It’snotfunny.”AidensmackedatDevon’sbarechest.“It’sabigdealtome.IwantedtowaituntilI

metsomeonespecial.”

Devonplacedbothhandsonhisface,urgingAidentolookathim.“I’mgladyouwaitedforme.”
DevondroppedakisstoAiden’slips.Anyprotestthatheshouldhavebeenmakingfellsilent.All

toosoonDevonpulledawayfromhimandreacheddowntograbhishand.Heheldafingertohislips
thenledAidentowardthedoor.VeryquietlytheywalkednextdoortoDevon’sroom.Thelightwasoff
andAidenhadtorelyonDevonsohedidn’ttripandfall.

Once in the room Devon let go of his hand and spun around, gripping Aiden around the waist.

DevonslowlywalkedhimbackwarduntilthebackofAiden’slegshitthemattress.Theystumbledback
andfellontothesoftbed.AidencouldfeelhiscockstartingtostiragainasDevon’sheatedbodymoved
overhis.

One more searing kiss to his mouth then Devon moved lower, stopping to tease Aiden’s pebbled

nipples. Aiden gasped and squirmed at the contact. He never realized how sensitive his nipples were
before.Itwasasifadirectlineranfromhisnipplestohiscock,causingittofillandliehardagainsthis
stomach.

Aidenfistedhishandsintheblanketbyhishead,unsurewhattodo.HisbodywantedDevontotake

thatlusciousmouthloweruntilitwrappedaroundhisdick.Aidenhadnevergottenthisfarbefore,but
he’dseenenoughporntoknowwhatwouldhappenednext,andhewantedDevontokisshisthrobbing
shaft.

“DearGod,Devon,”Aidencriedout.
Devon chuckled against his stomach as he worked his way down. “For a virgin, you’re awfully

loud.”

Aiden didn’t respond, he just thrust his hips upward to rub his cock against any part of Devon’s

bodyhecouldfind.Devon’stonguetrailedawetlinedownhisstomachandtracedaroundhisnavel.He
placed open-mouth kisses along the waist of Aiden’s pants then sat back on his hunches. Aiden’s
abdomen quivered as Devon ran his fingertips across his stomach before he worked his fingers
underneath the material and pulled Aiden’s pants down. Devon stared at him with an evil grin on his
lipsasheyankedhispantstherestofthewayoff.

He felt exposed and moved to cover his erect cock. Devon pushed his hands away and moved to

hoveroverhim.“Don’thidefromme.”HekissedAiden’sneck.“YouhavethemoststunningbodyI’ve
everseen.”

“You’rejustsayingthat.”AidengaspedasDevonsuckedamarkonhisneck.Alltheairinhislungs

rushedoutwhenDevonloweredhisbodytolieontopofhis.Theheavy,hotlengthofhiscockburned
againsthisown.

“DoyoustillthinkI’mjusttryingtobenice?”Devoncircledhishipsforgoodmeasure,smearing

hispre-cumalongAiden’slength.

“Devon,”AidenmoanedashegrabbedforpurchaseonDevon’sshoulders.“Makelovetome.”
Aiden’sbodytensedasDevonranthebackofhisfingersdownthelengthofhiscockthenbeganto

teasetheskinbehindhisballs.Thiswasit.Forthefirsttimeinhislifehewasabouttoletanotherman
enterhisbody.Hewasexcited,butdoubtstartedtoplaguehismind.AidenwantedDevonintheworse
waybuthedidn’twanttobetossedasideafterwardsoronceDevongothisbrotherback.

“Wheredidyougo?”Devonasked.
“I…I…” Aiden couldn’t find the words to explain. He didn’t want to insult Devon by assuming

what they were about to do meant more than it really did. “I’m fine. Let’s just do this.” He ran his
fingersthroughDevon’shairandtuggedhimdown,kissinghimlongandhard.Aidenthrewcautionto

thewindandturnedhimselfcompletelyovertoDevon,heartandsoul.Hecouldalwayspickthepieces
ofhisbrokenheartupafterDevonlefthimbecauseeventuallyhewould.Devonneverpromisedhim
anythingbeyondtonight.

ChapterTen

Somethingdidn’tfeelright.Hislittleinnocentvirginwasrapinghismouthwithaggressiontypically

shownbyanexperiencedlover.Thiswasn’thisAiden.Hefeltfoolishsayingthatsincetheyjustmet,
buthisheartandsoulconnectedwithAiden’s.Thiswasmorethanjustcasualsex.

WithmuchregretDevonpulledawayfromAiden.“Wedon’thavetodothisifyoudon’twantto.”
Aiden’seyeswidened.“Idowantto.”Aidentriedtopullhimdownforanotherkiss.
DevonmovedoffofAiden’sbodytoliebesidehim.Hedidn’twantAidentodosomethinghemight

regretlater.

“Don’tyouwantme?”Aidenasked.DevoncouldseetheglistenoftearsastheyfilledAiden’seyes.
“Ofcourse,Iwantyou.”Devondidn’tliketoseedoubtinhismate’seyes.“Ijustdon’twantyouto

feellikeyouhaveto.”DevonranhisthumbunderoneofAiden’seyes,catchingthetearthatescaped.

“IknowIdon’t.Ilikeyou,Devon.Thecircumstancessurroundinghowwemetaren’tthebest.ButI

wantyou.”HeturnedawayfromDevon,andifitweren’tforhisexcellenthearing,Devonwouldhave
missedwhatAidensaidnext.“Formorethanjusttonight.”

No more words needed to be spoken. Devon rolled back on top of Aiden and claimed his kiss-

swollen lips. He used his knee to nudge Aiden’s thighs apart then settled between them. The skin-to-
skincontactpushedDevoncloserandclosertotheedge.Hecouldbarelyreininhisanimalisticneedto
claimAidenforhisown.Neverinhiswholelifehadhewantedsomeonesomuch.Tobeburiedsodeep
insideAidenthattheothermanwouldneverwanttobewithouthim.Hewantedtoshowhismatewhat
makinglovetrulywasandhowbeautifulitcouldbeandhowitwouldneverbethisgoodwithanyone
else.

Devon wasn’t a fool. When he made the trade with Aiden’s father, Aiden would go on to have

countless other relationships. The thought caused Devon to see red, and his kisses became more
forceful, and Aiden couldn’t keep up. He wasn’t upset with Aiden, no he was angry with all the
namelessfacesthatwouldgettoenjoysomethingonlymeantforhim.

Agrowlbubbledupoutofhisthroat,andhisteethstartedtolengthen.
“Ouch!”
DevonpulledbackwhenAidenshouted.Asmalltrickleofbloodrandownhismate’schin.Devon

lookedfromthebrightcrimsontohismate’sglassyeyes.Heleantforwardandlickedthebloodupwith
thetipofhistongue.AidenrelaxedbackonthebedandwrappedhisarmsaroundDevon’sshoulders
andhikedhislegsuptorestonDevon’ships.

Slowlyheeaseddownhislover’sbodyandteasedAiden’srose-colorednipplesuntiltheypebbled

intohardlittlepeaks.ThenhejourneyedbackdownAiden’sbodyuntilhewaseyelevelwithhismate’s
cock.Thethickveinyshaftreachedupwardtowardhisnavel.Itshinedanangryred.Theslitatthetip
glistened with his mate’s sweet juices. Devon ran his tongue from root to tip then circled his tongue
aroundthecrown,runningitalongtherigidmushroom-shapedhead.Hissenseswereonoverloadashe
drankinhismate’sdelicioustaste.

AsDevondevouredAiden’slengthdownhisthroat,hismatecriedoutandshookbeneathhim.It

thrilledDevonthathecausedsuchresponsesfromhismate.He’dstandupandbeatonhischestlikea
cavemanifheweren’tsoeagertogethishungrycockintohismate’sbody.

DevonaddedafingeralongAiden’scockashesuckedtheshaft.Gettinghisfingergoodandwet,he

usedthewetnesstopaintacrosstherippledskinofhismate’shole.Theskinquiveredathistouch,but
Devon didn’t stop. He circled the little treasure once more then gently eased his finger inside. Aiden

didn’tshoutforhimtostop,buthecouldfeelhismate’smusclesclampdownaroundhisfingertip.

LettingAiden’scockslideoutofhismouth,DevonkissedalongAiden’ship.“It’sokay,Aiden.Just

relax.Letmeinside.IswearI’llneverhurtyou.”

“Easyforyoutosay.”Aidenlaughednervously.“You’veprobablydonethismillionsoftimes.”His

wordscameoutsharplyasifAidenwerejealous.

“A few but not quite a million.” He kissed Aiden’s shaft. “I can guarantee you this, I’ve never

enjoyed anyone else nearly as much as I am you.” Aiden’s eyes shined, and a small smile worked its
wayacrosshisface.Devonheldhisstareashepushedhisfingerdeeper,breakingthroughthelastof
Aiden’sresistance.

He continued to cherish his mate’s cock and eased his finger in and out in a slow, easy rhythm.

Devon let the heated flesh slip from his mouth and used his free hand to push up on Aiden’s thighs.
Aidenbenthislegsandplacedbothfeetflatonthemattress.Devongroanedhisapprovalashestaredat
hismate’sholewithhisfingerwedgedinside.

Devon licked a path from the back of Aiden’s balls down to his mate’s tiny opening. He coated

Aiden’sentrancewithmorespitandpushedhistongueinalongsidehisfinger.Aidenjerkedandpulled
onthesheets.

Notwastinganotherminute,Devonaddedasecondfinger.Hepumpedtheminandoutandcurled

them on the down stroke, pegging Aiden’s prostate with each pass. Every time he grazed the little
bundleofnerves,hismatemoanedloudlyandpushedhishipsdownonDevon’sfingersseekingmore.
ToaddtothefrictionhepressedinathirdfingerandpushedagainstthesnugnessofAiden’smuscles.

Devonsatuponhisheelstogazedownathismate.Aiden’sskinwasflushedwitharousal,andhis

bodyhadafinecoatofsweatcoveringit.Hismatewassoclosetocoming,butDevoncouldn’thave
that.HewantedtobeinsideAidenbeforehismateletlooseforasecondtime.

“Aiden.” When Aiden didn’t respond, Devon spoke louder. “Aiden.” Aiden’s eyes blinked open.

“Howdoyoufeel?”

Aiden smiled at him. “Great.” His smile fell away, and he began to chew on his lower lips with

earnest.

“What’s the matter, hon?” Devon started to worry. Had he unknowingly caused Aiden some

discomfort?

“I’veneverfeltthiswaybefore.”Devonnodded.“It’sjustI—”Aidenlookedaway.“Iwantmore.”
Devonletoutthebreathhe’dbeenholding.“Tellmewhatyouwant.”Hewantedtohearhismate

sayhewantedDevontofuckhim.TothrustintohisbodyuntilAidencriedouthispleasure.Itmadehis
cocktwitchinanticipationjustthinkingaboutit.

Aidentookadeepbreathandpushedupontohiselbows,staringatDevon.“Iwantyouinsideme.”
Devon grinned wildly as he leaned forward and kissed Aiden full on the mouth. Aiden’s tongue

cameouttotanglewithhis.ThechangeinpositionhadhisfingerspiercingAiden’sholeinanewangle,
causingAidentogroanloudly.

Breakingthekiss,Devonpulledhisfingersfreeandreachedforthebedsidedrawer.Hecouldfeel

Aiden’sstareonhimbutdidn’tlookathismate.Hecouldn’taffordtolosehisfocus.

Devon fumbled around in the drawer until he found the tube of lube that lay tucked inside. He

snatcheditupandmovedbackbetweenAiden’sthighs.Aidenwatchedhimnervouslybutkeptquiet.
Devonsmiledandmadeadisplayofpoppingthecapoffanddrizzlingthecoolliquidoverhisfingers.
PressingthreefingersbackinsideAiden,Devonwatchedashismate’sbodywenttaut.Itonlylasteda
secondbeforeAidenlethislegsfallopen,givingDevonplentyofroomtoplay.

“I’mgoingtoloveyousogood.You’renevergoingtowanttoleavemybed.”DevonliftedAiden’s

legupwithhisfreehandandkissedtheinsideofhisankle.

Aidenstaredupathim,lustcoloringhischeeks.“Thenstoptalkinganddoit.”
The bold words didn’t surprise him at all. In the throes of passion Aiden became more self-

confident,andDevondidn’twanttobreakhismateofthathabit.Helovedamanwhoknewwhathe
wanted,andhehadthatinAiden.

Devon removed his fingers from Aiden and rubbed the excess lube onto his throbbing length.

Grabbing the base, Devon guided his cock forward to tease at Aiden’s fluttering hole. Aiden gasped
sharply and scooted up the bed a few inches. Devon’s eyebrows rose to his hairline on his forehead,
silentlyaskingAidenwhattheproblemwas.

“Isitgoingtohurt?”
“Alittlebitatfirstbutafterafewthrustsyouwillloveit,”heansweredhonestly.“It’sanicefull

feelingthatcausesyourhearttobeatharderwitheveryounceofpleasureyoufeel.”

“Really?”
“Really.”Devonwinkedathim.“AndaccordingtoyouI’msomekindofexpertonthismattersince

I’vebeddeda”—Devonpursedhislips—“whatwasityousaid,amillionlovers?”HetickledAiden’s
sideuntilhelaughed.

“Okay,Igive.”AidenstaredupatDevon.“I’mready,”Aidensaidbreathlessly.
DevonkissedAiden’slipssoftlyasherubbedthetipofhiscockoverAiden’stenselittlestar.Very

gently, Devon pushed forward until he popped inside and held still. He wanted to give Aiden time to
adjust.Aidengaspedbutdidn’tpullaway.DevonkeptkissinghimandstrokedhisfingersalongAiden’s
sidetryingtokeephimdistracted.

“Youokay?”DevonaskedashedroppedkissesoverAiden’sclosedeyes.
“Yeah.”Aidennoddedhisheadandwiggledhisbottomalittle.Hetookadeepbreath.“Icantake

more.”

ThankyouJesus!Devonsentupasilentthank-youtotheheavens.EveryunintentionalmoveAiden

madedrovehimcrazywithneed.Devonwantedtoslamforwarduntilhewasburiedtothehilt,buthe
couldn’tbeselfish.Hehadtogoslow.HistimewithAidenwaslimited,andwhenAidenlefthimhe
wantedhimtogowithnothingbutgoodmemoriesoftheirtimetogether.

ThinkingofneverseeingAidenagainmadeDevon’sheartacheintheworstway.Tearsburnedat

thebackofhiseyes.HestareddownatAiden,embeddingeverysmalldetailaboutthemantomemory
becauseonceAidenleftthatwouldbeallhehadleft.

“Devon,what’swrong?”
Devoncouldseetheconcernonhismate’syoungface.Hehadtomakememoriesthatwouldlasta

lifetimeforbothofthem.“Nothing,hon.Ijustlikelookingatyou.”

Aidensmiledupathim,andDevonleantforwardandkissedhim.Devonshiftedhishipsforward,

sinkingmoreofhishotsteelintoAiden’stightsheath.Aiden’smuscleprotestedforamomentbutthen
gaveway,suckingDevoninsidehissmolderingdepths.

Hiseyesthreatenedtocrossatthesweetpleasureracingthroughhisbody.Nothingeverfeltsoright

inhislife.Pullingoutslowly,hepushedbackinwithacontrolledthrust.HetookAidenniceandeasy,
fightinghisinstinctstoplowforwardhard,claimingAiden’sbodyandsoul.

AidenmoanedandgrabbedatDevon,beggingformore.Devoncameuponhiskneesandspedup

his movements. Sweat covered their bodies, making the slapping sounds of flesh against flesh
magnified. Devon reached behind Aiden’s knee and pulled his leg upward to rest on his forearm. He
dugdeeper,fillingeveryinchofhiscockintoAiden’sgreedybody.

“Inever…”Aiden’swordsfaltered.“Sogood.Youmakemefeelsogood.”

Devon pumped his hips faster and faster. His orgasm tickled at the surface. He reached between

theirslickenedbodiesandfistedAiden’spulsinglength.Aidenwhimperedloudlyasherockedintothe
touch.Devonmethimwitheverystroke.

“Comeforme,Aiden.Iwanttofeelyouallaroundme.”Devon’shandspedup,andhefeltAiden’s

cock swell in his fingers. Aiden cried out as wetness spit forth from his tip. The warm seed covered
Devon’shand,andthescentofhismate’scumsenthimspiralingoverthecliffintoafreefall.

Hisorgasmcarriedonandon.SemenpaintedAiden’sinnerwallswithsomuchgustothatitstarted

toleakoutaroundhisengorgedshaft,warmandwet.Aiden’sbodyshookunderneathhim,andDevon
easeddowntocoverAiden’sbodywithhisown.

After a few minutes, once Devon’s breathing had come under control, he rolled off of Aiden and

headedtothebathroomtocleanupandgetawashclothforAiden.Whenhecamebackintotheroom
Aidenwasstillinthesamespothe’dlefthimwithasmallsmilegracinghislips.

Devon chuckled as he knelt on the bed to wipe up the cooling cum off Aiden’s chest. “So was it

good?”heaskedteasingly.

“Yes,”Aidensaidonayawnashestretchedouthisarmsandlegs.“Ican’tbelieveIwaitedsolong

todothat.Itwasamazing.”

“GladI’veopenedupyoureyestowhatyou’vebeenmissingouton.”Devonthrewthedirtyclothto

theside.

“Hey.” Aiden sat up and pulled Devon down next to him. “It was only wonderful because it was

withyou.Idon’tthinkanyoneelsecouldcompare.”

DevonwrappedAideninhisarmsandlaydown,cuddlinghismate.“Nooneeverwill,Aiden.”
Devonswitchedoffthelightnexttothebedandpulledthecoversuptolieovertheirnakedbodies.

Thesexhadbeenamazing,butitwasthemanlyinginhisarmsthatmadeitworthwhile.Devondidn’t
haveanyideahowhewasgoingtolivewithoutthis,withoutAiden.

ChapterEleven

Sunlight crept in through the window and settled on Aiden’s face. Between the brightness and

warmth, he was pulled from the blissfulness of sleep. He hadn’t slept that well in months. A college
dormwasn’tconduciveforidealsleepingorrelaxation.ButlyinghereinDevon’sstrongarmshefelt
submergedinpurenirvana.Lifecouldn’tbeanybetter.

HesnuggledclosertoDevon.ThesoftcurlyhairscoveringDevon’schesttickledhisback,andhe

squirmedalittlemore,tryingtogetcomfortable.PuffsofairfannedagainsthisneckasDevonbeganto
laugh.

“Whatareyoudoing?”DevonkissedhiswayupAiden’sneckthensettledathisear,sucklingon

Aiden’searlobe.“You’rejustamoverandagrooverwhenyousleep.Youwereallovertheplacelast
night.”

“Isthatabadthing?”AidenturnedaroundtofaceDevon.
“Nope.”Devon pulled himcloser. “Personally, Iloved that you laidall over melast night. Like a

sheet.”

“Asheet?”Aidenasked.
“Well,you’resolight.Icouldn’tcompareyoutoablanket.”
“Hey!” Aiden swatted at Devon’s chest. “I’m not that small, mister.” He was, but he didn’t like

having to hear about it from Devon. He wanted to be perfect for this man, so perfect that Devon
wouldn’teverwanthimtoleave.

“Ohyou’replentybigwhereitcounts,hon,plentybig.”DevonslappedhishanddownonAiden’s

ass.

Aiden jolted in Devon’s arms and started to laugh. This feeling right now with Devon felt right.

Lyinginbedthemorningafterhavingthebestsexofhislifeandwakinguptothemostgorgeousman
he’deverlaideyesonwasindescribable.Aidenfeltcomplete.

Hisstomachstartedtogrowl,andheatinfusedhischeeksattheembarrassingnoise.
“Youhungry?”DevonaskedasherestedahandonAiden’sbarestomach.
“Alittle.”SinceDevonmentionedit,hecouldprobablyeatahorse,oratleastsomebreakfast.
“Howaboutwehopintheshowerthenheaddownstairsforsomebreakfast.Soundlikeaplan?”
Aiden’s cock started to perk up at the thought of seeing not only a naked Devon but a wet one.

Underthebrightlightsofthebathroomhe’dbeabletoseeeverynookandcrannyoftheman’sbody.
Nothinglefttotheimagination.

“Fuckyeah,” Aiden saideagerly. He jumpedoff the bed andran for thebathroom. “Race ya!” he

shoutedoverhisshoulderashisfeethitthefloor.

“Ohnoyoudon’t.”HecouldhearDevonchasingafterhim.
Aiden just stepped on the cool tiled floor of the bathroom when Devon snatched him around the

waist and swung him around. “Hasn’t anyone ever told you not to run from a wolf?” He nipped at
Aiden’sear.

“Neverhadtodealwithwolvesbefore.”AidengroanedasDevonbegantosuckthesensitiveskin

underhisearanddownhisneck.

“Somuchtoteachyou,hon.”
Devon, still holding Aiden around the waist, stepped into the shower and turned on the nozzle.

Water cascaded over their naked bodies. Devon set Aiden down, and he immediately turned into
Devon’sarms.Devongentlyswayedhimfromsidetoside.

“Ilikethis,”AidensaidintoDevon’schest.
“Me,too.”
AfterafewminutesDevonstartedtosoapuphishairthenAiden’s.HeletDevonwashhimfrom

headtotoeandrelishedallthesensualtouches.

Oncethoroughlywashedandtoweleddry,DevonloanedAidenaT-shirtandapairofsweatpants.

They were baggy and hung loose on his body, but he loved them. He could smell Devon in the soft
fabric.

Devondressedinapairoffadedjeansandashort-sleeveblackcottonshirt.Helookedcasualyet

drop-deadgorgeousallatthesametime.Devonhadanairofconfidencethatsurroundedhimandwhy
wouldn’the?Hewaseveryman’swetdream,strong,attractive,andproficientinthebedroom.

“Let’s go eat. I need to feed my hungry man.” Devon entwined their fingers and headed out the

door.

They just got to the foot of the stairs when Devon cursed silently then let go of Aiden’s hand.

“What’sthematter?”Hisbrowfurrowedinquestion.

“Ileftmycellphoneupstairs.”
“That’sfine.”Aidenturnedtoheadinthatdirection.“Wecangoandgetit.”
“No.”DevonpulledAidenbackaround.“Yougoonandheadtothekitchen.I’msureSkylerwillbe

up and around soon. It’s down the hall and to the left.” He planted a kiss on Aiden’s mouth. “Make
yourselfathome.I’llbethereinjustaminute.”

Devongavehimalightpushinthedirectionheindicatedthenturnedandwentbackupthestairs.

AidenlookedbacktowardDevononemoretimeandswallowedhardattheprospectsofbeingcaught
alonebyViktor.DevonlikedhimandsodidSkyler,buthecouldbetmoneyViktorwantedtostringhim
upbyhisthumbsandletthebuzzardspickhiseyesout.

Aidenslowlywalkeddownthehall.Hishandshadaslighttremor,andhisheadjerkedateverylittle

soundheheard.HewaspetrifiedtobewanderingaroundalonewithoutDevon.

Ashenearedthekitchenhepeekedaroundthecornerandsawthatitwasempty.Breathingasighof

reliefhewalkedinandwentstraightfortherefrigerator.Hegrabbedacartonofeggsandthegallonof
milkandsetitonthecounter.Heopenedcabinetsuntilhefoundapanandaspatulainoneofthetop
drawers.Onthestovesatthesaltandpeppershakers.

Aidengottoworkmakingscrambledeggs.Itwasonethinghecouldmakewithoutburning.Ashe

waited for the eggs to cook, he snooped around until he found a coffeemaker and a can of coffee
grounds.Hestartedthecoffeeandtookadeepbreathasthemouthwateringsmellfilledthekitchen.

He’djustturnedoffthestovewhenheheardfootstepscomingdownthehall.Aidenquicklydished

some eggs onto a plate, wanting to surprise Devon when he came into the room. With a plate in one
handandamugofcoffeeintheotherheturnedaround.

“Whatthefuck!”Viktorshouted.
Aiden’shandsbegantoshake,andhesettheplateandcupdownbeforehedroppedthem.Theone

personhewantedtoavoidstoodrightinfrontofhim.Shit!

“I—”Aidentriedtomakehisthroatwork,butnothingcameout.Hisjawsjustflappedinthewind.

Heabsentlyrubbedatthehealingscratchesaroundhiswrist.“Dev…”

“What’sgoingoninhere?”Devonappearedinthedoorway.Hemovedpasthisbrotherandcameto

Aiden’sside.

“Arewelettingourprisonerroamfreenow?”Viktorturnednarrowedeyesonhisbrother.“Ifthat

little shit escapes, we have nothing to bargain with. You might be blinded by a piece of ass, but I’m
not.”

Aiden’s fear subsided to be replaced by anger. How dare this man talk about him as if he wasn’t

evenintheroom?Andrefertohimasapieceofass,hellno.Lookingaroundhim,Aidengrabbedthe
firstthinghesaw,aforkandthrewitatViktor,hittinghimsquareinthechest.

Viktortookastepback,takenbysurprisebytheflyingutensil.Devongavehimacuriouslook.
“Excuse me, but I’m standing right here.” He slapped his hand down on the counter, the sound

echoingintheroom.“IhavenointentionsofleavingDevon,soyoudon’thavetoworryaboutchaining
meuplikesomedog.Also,Ihaveaname.It’sAiden.Startusingit.”

His heart beat out of control, but he wasn’t going to let Viktor intimidate him. Aiden felt pretty

confidentinthinkingDevonwouldn’tletanyoneharmhim.Butstill,hecouldbemistaken.

“Whatthehell?”Viktorstoodtherestunned.
Devontriedtochokebackhislaughter,butitsqueakedoutandAidenpunchedhiminthearm.
“Hey!” Devon held his hand up in surrender. “I didn’t say it.” He gestured to Viktor. “It was him

beingthedisrespectfulasshole.I’maninnocentbystander.”

“Still, you’re laughing.” Aiden crossed his arms over his chest. “And you took forever, and now

your breakfast is getting cold.” Now that he put Viktor in his place, he was pissed that the food he
preparedforDevonhadgonecold.

“Youmademebreakfast?”Devonasked.Aidennoddedhishead,andwhenDevontuggedhimto

hisside,hewentwillingly.“That’ssweet.Thanks.”Devonkissedhimonthetipofhisnose,andAiden
beamedunderthepraise.

“You’ve got to be shitting me.” Viktor ran a hand through his hair. “You’re acting like fucking

newlyweds.Notgood,Devon,notgood.”Withthosepartingwords,Viktorstormedoutofthekitchen.

AidenlookedupatDevonandwasjustabouttoaskhimwhatthatmeantwhenJosefcameintothe

kitchen.

“Hey,guys,”Josefsaidashemadehiswaytothecoffeepot.“Oheggs.Isthereanyleft?”
Aiden looked to Devon, but he wasn’t paying any attention. Devon stood there staring after his

brother.So,beingpolite,Aidenansweredtheotherman.“Sure.HavetheseandI’llmakesomemore.”
HepulledawayfromDevonandwentbacktothestove.

“Idon’twanttotakeyours.Icanmakemyown,”Josefoffered.
“No, it’s no trouble at all. I’d like to.” Aiden started to crack eggs into the pan. Devon’s silence

bothered him, and he needed something to take his mind off what Viktor had said and how his lover
reactedtoit.

“You sure?” Aiden smiled and nodded his head. “Cool. I could get used to having you around.”

Josefpattedhimonthebackthentookaseatatthehighcounter.

“Excuseme?”SkylersaunteredinglaringatJosef.
Aidenchuckledatthehurtlookontheotherman’sface.“Oh,Skyler,you’restillthenumber-one

cookaroundhere.Icouldneverreplaceyou.”

“Iknow,butIlovethecompliments.Keepthemcoming,sweetie.”Skylerkissedhimonthecheek

ashecametostandnexttoAiden.“Imustsay,I’mlovingthechain-freelook.”

“Me,too.”AidengrinnedoverhisshoulderatSkyler.“Gunmetaljustisn’tmycolor.”
“Noshit.AndIhavetosayallthatclatteringwasdrivingmecrazy.”Skylergottoworkpullingout

morepans.“Let’smakesomeFrenchtoasttogowiththeseeggs,shallwe?”

AidenworkedalongsideSkyler.TheybanteredbackandforthasDevonsatquietlyatthecounter

nexttoJosef.EverynowandagainAidenwouldlookathim,andDevonwouldsmile,buthecouldtell
somethingwasbotheringhim.Aidenjustwishedheknewwhatitwas.

****

Viktor’swordscutdeep.Hewasactinglikeanewlywed,andthatwasn’tright.Alreadyhe’dgrown

attachedtoAiden.Lettinghimgogotmoredifficultbythesecond.

“Yo,Devon?”Josefwavedahandinfrontofhisface.“Anycallsthismorning?”
Shakinghishead,Devonlookedtowardhisfriend.“No,notyet.”
“It’sstillearly.”Josefpouredsomesugarandmilkintohiscoffeemug.“Ibetwe’llhearsomething

bythisevening.”

“Yeah,you’reprobablyright.”HepickeduphisforkandstartedtoeattheeggsAidenmadeforhim.

Hechancedaglanceovertohismate,butAidenhadhisbacktohim.

Devon watched as Aiden moved around the kitchen as if he belonged there. He made more eggs

whileSkylermadeFrenchtoast.Theyjokedbackandforth,laughingattheplayfulinsultstheyhurled
atoneanother.Hehadbeenright.AidenandSkylerdidgetalongperfectly.

Devonfinishedtherestofhiscoffeeandputhisdishesinthesink.Heneededtoputsomedistance

betweenhimandAiden.

“Skyler,doyoumindhangingoutwithAiden?”Devonaskedashewalkedtowardthedoor.“I’ve

gotsomethingsinmyofficetoworkon.”

“Ofcoursenot.He’stheonlygoodconversationalistaroundhere,”Skyleranswered,notseemingto

noticeDevon’sdistress.

Aidenlookedupandgavehimaweaksmileandcurtnod.Devonwantedtoraceacrosstheroom

andkisshimgood-byebutheheldback.HehadtomakeiteasyforAidentobeabletowalkawayfrom
him.

Devon raced down to his office and slammed the door shut once inside. He had some non-pack-

relatedworktofinishup.Timeflewbyashewentthroughpapersandwroteupjobproposals.Henever
heardwhenViktorcameintotheroom.

“Anyword?”
Devonglancedupthenbackdowntothepaperslyingonhisdesk.“Nope,notapeep.It’sstillearly

yet,Brother.”

“Where’syourlittlepet?”Viktorsneered.
Devondroppedhispenandslowlyraisedhisheaduptomeethisbrother’sstare.Hisjawtickedas

heclenchedhisteethtightlytogether.“HisnameisAiden,andhe’snotmypet.”

“Nohe’ssomethingmuchworse.”Viktorsatforwardinhischair.“He’saproblem,andheneedsto

bedealtwith.”

“Excuseme? Tell mehow he’s aproblem.” Devon wanted tojump across hisdesk and punch his

brotherrightintheface,butthatwouldgethimnowhere.

“He’syourmate,andyouraffectionforhimiscloudingyourgoddamnjudgment.”Viktorstoodand

begantopacethefloor.“TheendgamehereisgettingErikback,notyougettinglaid.”

“Brother, watch your tone. You know Aiden is my mate, so this is about more than just fucking

him.”Hetrackedhisbrother’smovements,readyingtopounceiftheopportunityarose.

“Whatever,he’sjustanassforyoutofuckthatyouneedtobeabletosendonhismerryfucking

waywhenit’stime.”

That was it. Devon lunged across the table and pinned his brother to the wall. “You selfish,

inconsideratelittleshit.I’mgivinghimupforyou,Erik,andthepack.Sopleasestoptearingdownwhat
heandIaretooneanother.”HeheldhisforearmagainstViktor’sthroat.

“I’mdoingthistoyoukeepyoufocused.Allwe’vedoneistogetErikback.I’msorrythathe’syour

mate,butyouhavetobeabletolethimgo.”

Devon’s breathing sped up, and his teeth started to elongate, and his claws grew. “I will. When

Aiden’sfathercalls,I’llbemorethanwillingtotradehimforErik.Ihaven’tlostmyfocus,Brother.”
His voice was raw with emotion. What he wanted and what needed to be done were battling for
purchaseinhisbrainandtearinghisheartapart.

“AmIreallythateasytogiveup?”
ViktorandDevonbothturnedatAiden’ssad,whisperedwords.DevonreleasedhisholdonViktor

andtookasteptowardAiden.

“No,stop.”Aidenheldupahand.“IthoughtImeantsomethingtoyou,butIguessyouplayedme.

Youneverhadanyintentionsonbeingwithmeafterallthis.Youjustwantedyourbrotherback.You
usedme.”Aidenturnedandrandownthehallwayandoutthefrontdoor.

“Fuck!”Devonroaredashegavechase.Hereallymessedthingsupthistime.

ChapterTwelve

I’msuchanidiot.HowcouldIreallythinkamanlikeDevonwouldbeinterestedinsomeonelike

me?Ijustgavemyvirginitytoamanwhousedme.

Tearsspilleddownhischeeksashethrewopenthefrontdoorandtookoffrunning.Hedidn’thave

anyshoeson,andthedrygrassandbrokentwigsbitintohisfeetwitheverystep.Painshotuphislegas
hesteppedonajaggedrock,buthedidn’tstop.HeknewbeforelongDevonwouldcatchhim,buthe
didn’tplanonmakingiteasyfortheman.

Thesoundofheavyfootfallsandleavescrunchingunderfootsignaledhiscaptorwasgettingcloser.

Aidendugharderanddodgedalow-hanginglimb.Sometimesbeingshorthaditsadvantages.

“Aiden,”Devonshouted.
Aiden ignored him and kept running. His heart had just been shattered into a million pieces. The

manhe’dgrowntolovedidn’twanthim.Devonwasreadytohandhimbackovertohisfatherwithout
any hesitation. Yeah they just met, but he’d never felt like this before. The thought of living without
Devonseemedinconceivabletohim.

ThewindgotknockedoutofAidenasDevontackledhimfrombehind.Hehitthegroundhard,and

theyrolleddownasmallhill.Whentheystoppedmoving,AidenwounduponthebottomwithDevon
holdinghimdown.Hisbodyinstantlystartedtoreacttohavingthisbeautifulmanlyingontopofhim.

Takingadeepbreath,Devon’swildscentfilledhissenses.Hiscockachedtobetouched,andAiden

despisedhowhisbodybetrayedhim.Devondidn’twanthim,oratleastnotforlong-term,soheneeded
togetoverthissillyinfatuationnow.

“Getoffme!”AidenscreamedashefoughtDevon’shold.Hekickedhislegsandtriedtoflailhis

armsaboutbutDevonheldhimdownwithbruteforce.

“Aiden,stopfightingme,”Devonshouted.
“You’re a liar, and I fucking hate you.” His voice cracked with each word. “I thought I meant

somethingtoyou,butI’mnothing.Yougotwhatyouwanted,andnowyou’redonewithme.”Abitter
laughproceededAiden’snextwords.“I’mthestupidvirginwhofellinlovewiththefirstmantohave
me.I’mjustafool.”

****

Devon’sbreathhitchedatAiden’swords.Helovesme.Devoncouldn’thelpit.Hefellforwardand

capturedAiden’slipsinabruisingkiss.Aidenfoughthim,buthisresistancesoonslippedaway.Devon
bitatAiden’sbottomlipandseizedtheopportunitytoinvadehisdamp,lusciousmouthwhenhegasped
inpain.Thegaspfadedtoalongmoan,andAidenstartedtokisshimback.

Reaching down, Devon pulled at Aiden’s shirt and pushed it up his body to settle at his neck. He

didn’twanttobreakthekisstoremovetheshirt,buthewantedtofeelhismate’sbareskinonhis.

WhenAidentuggedathisarms,Devonlethimgo.Aiden’sfranticfingerswentforDevon’sshirt,

hikingituphischest.Theheatcomingofftheirexposedchestschasedawaythechillintheair.Devon
gotlostinthemoment,andbyAiden’sgrabbyhandsandcriesofneed,hewasn’talone.

Devon opened his mouth wide and sucked at the pulse point on Aiden’s neck. His teeth pressed

against the fragile skin, but he resisted the urge to bite down. Devon’s willpower to hold back was
chippingawaywitheverykissandeverytouchAidengiftedhimwith.

“God,Iwantyousofuckingbad.”DevonfumbledwithAiden’spants,andAidenliftedhishipsto

help assist Devon in pulling them down. Devon wrapped his fingers around Aiden’s hot, hard length
andsqueezedtight.

“Thendosomethingaboutit,”Aidenchallengedhim.
DevonbegantomovehishandupanddownonAiden’sshaft,twistinghispalmaroundthetipon

theupstroke.HewantedtofuckAidenbutdidn’tcomeprepared.Hespeduphishand.“Comeforme,
Aiden,” Devon ordered. He wanted to use Aiden’s cum as lube to make love to him with. Just the
thoughthadhisballssqueezingtight.

AidenfistedhishandsinDevon’sshirtandthrusthishipsupward,matchingDevon’srhythm.His

bodywentrigid,andAidenthrewhisheadbackandcriedout.Birdsinanearbytreesquawkedandtook
flight.

DevoncollectedthewarmliquidinonehandandyankedAidenupwiththeother.“Onyourknees,”

hegrowled.

HewatchedasadazedAidencompliedwithhisrequestandbentdownonallfours.Aiden’slegs

shookandDevonpressedhisfreehanddownonAiden’sshoulder.Aidenrestedhisheadonhisarms,
andthenewpositionhadhissweetassopenandondisplayforDevon’sviewing.

Devontuggedathiszipperandfreedhisstrainingcock.HerubbedAiden’scumonhislengthand

used the remains to shove two fingers into Aiden’s hole. Aiden arched his back and yelped at the
abruptness, but his muscles gave way without too much coaxing. His body remembered Devon. But
evenwiththathestillneededtotakecarewithhismate.

“I’msorry,baby,butIneedtobeinsideyou,”Devonapologizedashepulledhisfingersfreeand

lineduphiscock.Hepushedforward,notstoppinguntilhisballsrestedagainstAiden’sfirmass.

“Shutupandstartmoving.”Aidenleanedforward,lettingDevon’scockslipoutthenpushedback,

impalinghimselfonDevon’slength.

He could hardly believe the commanding words coming out of Aiden’s mouth. It drove him wild

with lust. Devon grabbed onto Aiden’s hips, digging his fingers into his sides and began rocking his
hipsforward.Aidentriedtospreadhislegsfurther,buthispantsweretrappedattheknees.Devonlet
hisclawsdescendandsplitthematerialdownthecenter.

Thesunshinedbrightabove,andthesmelloffallandsoiladdedtotheiranimalisticcoupling.Aiden

met Devon thrust for thrust, begging for more. Devon let go of Aiden’s hips and reached for his
shoulders.HepulledAidenupuntilhisbackrestedagainstDevon’schest.Heinhaleddeeplyrightatthe
baseofAiden’sneck,lovingthefresh,cleanscent.He’dnevertireofthisman.

“Soclose,”Aidenmumbled.
The desperate sound in Aiden’s voice spurred Devon on. He plowed into his mate with abandon,

givinghimjustwhatheaskedfor.DevonreachedforAiden’sprickandmovedhishandlightningfast,
pushingAidenclosertothefinishline.

“Yes, yes, yes, oh god yes!” Aiden’s body went stiff as he screamed to the heavens. Hot cream

explodedfromthetipofAiden’scockandlandedonthegroundinfrontofhim.

WatchinghismatecomesocompletelyundonemadeDevonhungerforatasteofhismate.Devon

wrapped both arms snug around Aiden’s chest as he rammed into him harder and harder. His orgasm
waswithinreach,butheneededsomethingelsetohelpitalong.

AidentiltedhisheadtothesideasifreadingDevon’smind.Devonlickedalongthepalefleshashis

teethgrew.Skimminghissharpcaninesoverthesoftskin,hestruck.HisteethpiercedAiden’sneckand
sankdeep,drinkinginAiden’slifeblood.

The taste was so divine Devon’s movement became frantic as he pumped his seed deep into his

mate’s body. Aiden whimpered as another orgasm was wrenched from his body. Aiden’s muscles

contractedinfastlittlespurts,teasingDevon’scockinthemostamazingway.Hecouldhaveswornhe
sawfireworksexplodebehindhiseyelids.

GentlylayingAidenontheground,Devonheldontight.HiseyesfelltothemarkonAiden’sneck.

Hewentanddidtheonethinghewasn’tsupposedto,andthatwastoclaimAidenforalltosee.The
gruesomebitemarkwouldhealandfade,butascarwouldforeverremain.Anyotherwerewolfwould
seeitandknowAidenbelongedtoanother.

No matter how loud Viktor’s voice echoed inside his head about all the reasons why this would

never work, Devon didn’t care. For one perfect moment he had everything he ever wanted and he
wouldn’tfeelguiltyaboutthatorcheatAidenoutofthismomenteither.

“Iloveyou,too.Ihopeyouknowthat,”Devonwhisperedsoftly.
Aiden shifted and turned to face him. The action caused Devon’s cock to slip free, and they both

groanedattheloss.“Thenwhydidyousayyoucouldletmego?”Aidencasthiseyesdownward.

Devon saw a small tear leak out the corner of Aiden’s left eye. “You mean everything to me,

Aiden.”HecuppedthesideofAiden’sfacewithhishand,urgingthemantolookup.“Butthatdoesn’t
changethefactthatyourfatherisahunterwhohuntsandkillsmykind.He’dnevergiveusamoment’s
peaceifIkeptyou.They’dtrackusuntiltheyfoundyou.Iwon’tsubjectyoutoalifeofrunning,andI
can’t put the pack at risk either. I’m trying to find a way around it.” Devon’s throat started to go dry
fromtheemotionclogginghiswindpipe.“You’remymate,andIdon’twanttolivewithoutyou.”

“Whatdoesthatmean?”Aiden’seyeswereredaroundtherim,andthewhitesofhiseyeshadturned

pink.

“It means we were destined to be together. We’re the other half of each other’s soul.” Devon

answered as best he could. Aiden wasn’t stupid and would be able to figure it out without having a
picturepaintedforhim.

“That’swhyIwantyousobadly.I’mnotalovesickidiotwhofellinlovewiththefirstguytosleep

with me.” Aiden almost sounded relieved, and Devon guessed that was better than anger or denial.
“You’reallmine.”

Devonchuckled.“Yes,andyou’remine.Wejusthaveonesmallproblem.”
“Mydad,”Aidenansweredforhim.
“Yes, and I don’t see any way around it. Your father and the other hunters have seen Erik in his

human form, and I’m guessing after tonight they’ll see ours. If the trade goes off as planned and the
huntersdon’tendupkillingus,we’regoingtohavetomove.AsmuchasIdon’twantto,Idon’tsee
any other way around it. Our human identities will be exposed, and the hunters will be relentless in
findingus.”Devonentwinedtheirfingers.“Idon’twantyoutohavetolivethatkindoflife,Aiden.”

“That’snotyourdecisiontomake,Devon.”
“Aiden,areyoureadytogiveupeverythingyou’veeverknowntomovetogodknowswherewith

me?”Devon’swordscameoutwithatadbitmoreforcethanheintended.ButhewantedAidentoknow
theriskandwhyDevonhadtosethimfree.

“IfitmeantIgottostaywithyou,thenyes.”AidensatupandkissedDevonfullonthemouth.It

lingeredonandon.Aidenhadcastaspelloverhim,heartandsoul.Everyminutetheyspenttogether
madeitharderandhardertosaygood-bye.

“Idon’tknowhoworhowlongit’lltake,butI’llfindawayforustobetogether.I’llneverlove

anyoneelsethewayIloveyou,andI’mnotabouttoletmyfathertakethatawayfromme.”

That gave Devon an idea. Maybe if enough time had passed they could reunite and be together.

After Aiden graduated from college, he could move anywhere he wanted without suspicion from his
father.

Devon quickly told Aiden his idea. That they would go ahead and make the exchange Erik for

Aidenasplannedthisnight.Devonsaidtheycouldstayintouchthroughemailsandtheircellphones.
He promised to get Aiden a cell phone his father couldn’t trace back to him. They would make this
work.Opportunitieswouldariseforthemtosneakofftogether,butthey’dhavetowaituntilthesmoke
clearedandAiden’sfatherwasn’thuntingforDevonandhispackanymore.

Theygotupandstraightenedtheirclothes.Aiden’spantshadbeentornapart,sohegotcreativeand

tiedthepantlegsaroundhiships.Helaughedatthemakeshiftskirthismateconstructed.

Walkinghandinhandtheymadetheirwaybacktothehouse.HecaughtaglimpseofAidenrunning

hisfingersagainstthebitemarkDevonhadleft.

“Sorryaboutthat.”Devonsaid.Thebitelookedalittleswollen,butithadstoppedbleeding.
“Sowe’relikemarried?”Aidengrinnedupathim.“I’mreallyyours.”
“Yes.”
Whentheycamethroughtheclearing,DevoncouldseeViktorandJosefsittingontheporch.Josef

justsmiledathimandAiden,butViktordidn’tseemasthrilled.Hescowledatthetwoofthemlikehe
wantedtospitintheirfaces.

“Hey,Devon.”Dominiccameoutofthehouse.
“Dominic.”Hegreetedthewolf.“Didyoufindanythingforme?”
“Sorry,man,Ididn’t.Stefano’sinformationdidn’tleadtoanythingthatmightpointtowherethey

areholdingErik.Sorry.”

“It’sokay.Itwasalongshot,right.”Devondidn’treallycountonDominicfindinganything,butit

didn’tstophimfromhoping.

“You fucking idiot. Do you know what you’ve done?” Viktor’s eyes landed on the bite mark on

Aiden’sneckandheslammedhishanddownontheporchrail.

Behind Viktor, Josef rolled his eyes. That was pretty much Devon’s feeling on the issue. Viktor

didn’tunderstandwhatDevonwasfeelingorunderstandthemagnitudeofwhathewasbeingforcedto
giveup.GettingErikbackwasthemostimportantthingbutitdidn’tmeanhehadtoloseAideninthe
processeither.

“Oh get over it.” Aiden’s outburst surprised them all. “What we’ve done doesn’t concern you.”

Aiden held up a finger when Viktor opened his mouth to speak. “We’re still going through with the
trade,andErikwillbecominghome.ButwhathappensbetweenmeandDevonisnoneofyourfucking
business.”

Devon’s mouth fell open as he watched his mate walk right up the porch and into the house. He

likedthisaggressive,take-chargesideofAiden.

Whenthedoorslammedshut,Devonlookedupathisbrother.Viktorlookedlikehe’dbeenpunched

intheheadanddidn’tknowwherehewasat.Nicetoseehisbrothertakenoffhisguard.

“Yeah, what he said,” Devon said as he ran up the steps to chase down his mate. Aiden’s little

displayofdominancehadcausedhiscocktoharden,andheneededhishot-temperedmatetoassuage
hisneed.

He called out Aiden’s name and heard the other man giggle as his feet slapped against the wood

floor. Devon took the steps two at time. He couldn’t wait to have the man he loved flat on his back,
again.

ChapterThirteen

Thecallcameinaroundnineo’clock.He,Devon,Josef,andViktorweresittinginthemainliving

roomwatchingtelevision.AfterhislittleoutbursttowardViktorthatafternoon,theyhadgottenalong
magically.ItwasasifViktorrespectedhimmore.Aidenneverknewhimstandingupforhimselfwould
garnersucharesponse.He’ddecidedhe’dhavetotryitmoreoften.

His father called and told Devon to meet them by the lake in Henderson Park. It was about a

hundredmilesfromDevon’shome.HisfatherreassuredDevonthatErikhadn’tbeenharmedotherthan
fromthatfirstnightwhentheyshothimwithatranquilizer.He’dbeeninthecareofanotherhunterby
thenameofBrandonandseemedtobeadjustingfairlywell.

WhenAiden’sfatherrequestedtospeaktohim,Devoncomplied.Aidentoldhisfatherhewasfine.

Hekepttheconversationshortandtothepoint.AidenwasstillangryabouthavingtoleaveDevonlater
thatnight,buthewasalsohurtthathisfatherhadkeptsomethingsohugefromhimalltheseyears.

Alittleoveranhourlater,DevonparkedtheSUVtheywereinandtheyallgotout.Cometofind

out,Erikandhewereclosetothesamesizeandhewasabletoborrowsomeoftheotherman’sclothes
andshoeswhichmadetraipsingaroundinthedarkwoodsbearable.

As they hiked through the darkened woods, he held tightly to Devon’s hand. Aiden wasn’t a

werewolf,andhiseyesightdidn’tfareaswellashisboyfriend’s.Hestumbledhereandthere,andifit
weren’tforDevon’shelpinghandorforViktorsteadyinghimfrombehind,hewouldhavefallenonhis
faceamilliontimesbynow.

A small clearing lay ahead. Light from the stars reflected off the water’s surface and cast a faint

glow in the clearing. Aiden looked around but didn’t see anyone. Viktor and Josef fanned off to the
sidesbutstayedwithinshoutingdistanceofhimandDevon.

Devonandtheothersturnedabruptlytotheright,andAidenfollowedsuit.Aboutfiveminuteslater

four men came trudging through the brush. One of the men was Aiden’s father, Phillip. He didn’t
recognizetheotherthreewiththedarkshadowsshieldingtheirfaces.

“Aiden,”hisfathersaidasherantowardhim.Hestoppedwhenhewaswithinafewfeet.Hiseyes

droppedtowhereAidenandDevonwereholdinghands.“What’sgoingon?”

“Nothing.”AidenquicklyletgoofDevon’shand.Hehadforgottenhe’dbeenholdingit.Thelast

thingheneededwashisfathertosuspectthatheandDevonweretogether.He’dneverletAidenleave
hissightifthatwerethecase.

“Erik?”ViktoraskedashecametostandontheothersideofAiden.
“I’mhere,”answeredasmallvoice.
Aidenlookedinthedirectionitcamefromandsawaverylargemanstandingalmostprotectivelyin

frontofErik.HefounditoddthatErikdidn’truntowardhisbrothers.Ifhunterswerekillersofwolves,
whywouldn’tErikbechompingatthebittogetawayfromthesemen?Theyoungwolfjuststoodthere.

“Ibroughthimaspromised,nowlet’sdothis,”Aiden’sfathersaidashereachedforhim.
“Waitaminute.”Aidentookastepawayfromhisfather.“What’stheguaranteeyouandtherestof

thesehunterswon’tcomeafterthem?”Henudgedhischintowardthemeninquestion.

“Son,Ipromise—”
“Phillip,don’tmakeapromiseyoucan’tkeep.”Themanstandingnexttohisfatherinterrupted.“I’d

hateforyoutolietoyourboy,butthesemonstersneedtobeputdown.”

“Mason,stopit,”hisfatherbarkedattheotherman.
“Youwantapieceofme,oldman?”Viktorsneeredashetookastepforward.

DevonmovedtoblockhisbrotherfromgettingnearMason.“Brother,let’snotgivetheseassholes

anymorereasonstocomeafterus.Let’sprovewe’renotthebeaststheyclaimustobe.”Viktorlooked
atDevonandgaveaquicknodofhishead.

“Aiden,weneverreportedwehadEriktocouncilheadquarters.Asfarastheyknowourhuntdidn’t

turnupanything.I’mamanofmyword.Iwillnotcomeafterthesemenagain.”

Hebelievedhisdad.Inallhislifehisfatherhadneverbeenuntruthfultohimuntilnow.Buttheson

inhimsaidtobelieveinhisdad.Nomatterwhathisfatherhaddone,hewasagoodman.Ifhesaidhe
wouldn’tcomeafterDevonandhispack,thenAidentrustedhisword.

“Okay.” Aiden looked over his shoulder and gave Devon a small smile then turned to go to his

father’sside.

Hewatched as Eriktouched Brandon’s forearm.The man just shookhis head andtold him to go.

Aidenthoughtthatseemedveryodd.HefiguredErikwouldbeexcitedtobereunitedwithhisbrothers,
butheseemedreluctanttoleavethehunter’sside.

Erikmadehiswaytowardhisbrothers,andAidenfelthiseyeswaterasthethreeembracedinahug.
DevonturnedtofaceAidenandtheothermen.“Thankyou.”
Hisfathernoddedhisheadandturnedtohim.“Son,let’sgetyouhome.”HegrabbedAidenbythe

armandstartedtousherhimintheoppositedirectionawayfromDevon.

His eyes burned, and his heart ached the farther he got from his mate. He could hear his father

talking,buthecouldn’tmakeoutthewords.

“Where’sMason?”Brandon’sloud,boomingvoicebrokethroughAiden’smusings.
“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”Hisdadturnedinacircle.
Aiden looked but couldn’t see the other man. Mason had been the one to say werewolves were

monstersandtheyneededtobeputdown.

“Oh god no.” Aiden took off running toward where he’d last seen Devon. His father called after

him,buthecouldn’tstop.Itdidn’ttakeageniustoknowwhereMasonhadgone.

The closer he got he could hear the good-natured sounds of Devon and the others laughing. The

soundofhisfootfallsandheavybreathingalertedthebrothersofhisapproach.

“Aiden,whathappened?”Devonracedtowardhim.“Where’syourfather?”
“Devon,run!”ThatwasallAidencouldgetoutbeforeashotrangout,breakingupthesolitudeof

thepeacefulnight.

AidenlaunchedhimselfatDevon,takingthebiggermantotheground.Heholleredfortheothersto

take cover. More gun shots pierced the dark night, but Aiden couldn’t tell where they were coming
from.

“Whatthehellisgoingon?”Devonaskedhim.
Aiden opened his mouth to speak but a harsh laugh silenced his answer. He looked up to see the

mannamedMasonstandingoverthem.

“Theothersgotawaybutkillinganalphawillworkforme.”MasonnudgedDevonwithhisboot.

“Getup!”

Devon tried to push Aiden off of him, but Aiden wouldn’t let go. “Why are you doing this? You

gaveyourwordyouwouldn’tcomeafterthem.”

“No,yourfathergavehisword.Ididn’tpromiseadamnthing.NowmoveitbeforeIshootbothof

you.”

Devon growled at the other man, and Aiden could feel the rage steaming off of him. The rapid

movementofDevon’smusclesundertheskinalertedAidenthathismatewantedtoshift.

“Don’tyoudarethreatenmymate.”Devon’swordscameoutgarbled.

“Mate? That’s interesting.” Mason turned the barrel of his gun to point at Aiden. “Maybe I’ll kill

himfirstjusttowatchyousuffer.”

A loud howl startled them, and a gray wolf came sprinting in their direction. Mason shifted his

stanceandpointedthegunatthechargingwolf.Devonshoutedandjumpedtohisfeet.JustasDevon
lungedforMason,asingleshotrangout.

AidenwatchedasMasonfelltohiskneesthencrumbledtolieinaheapontheground.
DevonpulledAidenintohisarmsandturnedinacircle,tryingtoseewherethenextattackmightbe

comingfrom.AidenwoundhisarmstightlyaroundDevon.Hehadneverbeensoterrifiedinhislife.
NoteventhenightViktorandJosefkidnappedhim.

RustlingfromthewoodshadDevonspinningaround.HeputhisbodybetweenAidenanddanger.

Aidenfoundthegestureveryselfless,andifwerepossiblehefellinlovewithDevonalittlemore.

Brandon emerged from the tree line. He dropped his gun to rest at his side. The gray wolf ran to

him,andBrandonkneltdowntogreettheexcitedwolf.“It’sokay,Erik.Iwouldneverletanyonehurt
you.”

Aidenheardthesoft-spokenwordsonlymeantforErik,andAidenwasn’ttheonlyone.
“Aiden!”Hisfathershoutedasherantowardhim.“Thankgodyou’reokay.”
Hisattentionrevertedbacktohisfatherasherushedforward.Devonstillheldhiminhisarms,and

Aidenrefusedtostepawayfromthemanheloved.Hewasn’tabouttolietohisfatherabouttheman
whohadstolenhisheart.

“Letgoofmyson.”Aiden’sdadpulledhisgunfromhisholsterandaimeditatDevon’schest.
AidenturnedandpressedhisbacktoDevon’sfront.“Dad,stopit.It’snotwhatyouthink.”
“Aiden, just step away from him. I’ll protect you.” His dad waved for him to come to his side.

Aidenwantedtorollhiseyesattheabsurdityofthesituation.

“Dad, I don’t need you to protect me from him.” Aiden looked up at Devon. “I love him, and he

lovesme.”

“Areyououtofyourmind?”hisfatherasked.Hisarmsdroppedtohissidesandtheguninhishand

felltotheground.

“No, and I’m insulted you would insinuate that I am.” Devon wrapped his arms around Aiden’s

waist,andAidenleanedbackintohisstrongembrace.

“Youjustmethimandundersomeprettypeculiarcircumstances.Ithinkyoustillmightbeinshock,

Son.”HisdadtriedtorationalizeAiden’sfeelings.

“Dad,I’mperfectlyfine.”AidenlookedupatDevonthenbacktohisdad.“ThisisDevon.He’smy

mate.Itissudden,butthat’swhathappenswhenmatesmeet.He’stheotherhalfofmysoul,andI’m
neverleavinghim.”Aidenthoughtitbesttolayitalloutatonce.Thiswasn’tsomethingthatwouldbe
upfordebateandnothinghisfathercouldsaywouldchangehismind.

As if in shock, his father plopped down on the ground. He ran his fingers through his hair as he

mumbled to himself. “What am I going to tell your mother? I already had to lie and say you went to
visitfriendsifshefindsoutthetruthshe’llkillme.”

AidenpulledawayfromDevonandwenttositnexttohisdad.Apartofhimfeltbadforhim,but

ultimately his dad had made his own bed and needed to lie in it. Aiden had been put in harm’s way
becauseofthesecretshisfatherkept,butintheenditdidn’tmatter.ThoseliesbroughthimandDevon
together.

“Noshewon’t,Dad,youcouldn’thavepreventedthis.”Aidenquicklyexplainedthematethingto

hisdad.Itdidn’tmatterifheandDevonmetaweekfromnoworfiveyearsfromnow,they’dstillend
uptogether.

“Sowhatareyougoingtodo?”hisdadaskedhim.
“Wellthatalldepends.”AidenlookedtoDevonthenbacktohisfather.“ItissafeforDevonandhis

packtostayhere?”

“I think it’s safe to say you guys can stay here. I’ll report back to council that we didn’t find any

evidenceofwerewolvesinthearea.ButIwon’tlietoyou.Huntersareeverywhere,andtheyarehardto
detect. So even if you moved all the way to the west coast, there’s no guarantee you’ll be safe from
hunters.Justbemorecautious,okay?”HisfatherlookedatDevonwhenhespoke.

“Wecandothat,sir.Thankyouagain.”DevonshookAiden’sfather’shand.
“Sincethat’sallclearedupI’mgoingtolookintocollegesaroundheresoIcanbeclosetoDevon.”
“You’ddothatforme?”DevonsatbesidehimandcradledoneofAiden’shandsbetweenhislarge

ones.

“Ofcourse,likeIsaid,I’ddoanythingforyou.”HemetDevonhalfwaywhenheleanedhishead

towardhis.Theysharedashortkiss.Rememberingtheyweren’talone,hepulledawayfromDevon.

“Sothisiswhatyouwant,Aiden?”hisdadasked.HedartedhiseyesbetweenAidenandDevon.
“Yes,itis,”heansweredhonestly.
“WellthenIguessIcan’tchangeyourmind.”HegrabbedforAiden’sfreehand.“Butifyouneed

anything,letmeknowandIstillexpectyoutocomeandvisit.Bothofyou,butlet’skeepthewhole
you’re-a-werewolfthingquietfor,Idon’tknow,afewyearsatleast.”

“Icandothat,sir.”Devon’stonewasrespectful.“Wedon’tlikeexposingoursecretunlesswehave

to.”

“Great.Nowthatwehavethatsettled”—hisdadpointedtowardBrandonandErik,whowasstillin

wolfform—“whattheheckisgoingonwiththosetwo?”

“They’re mates,” Devon answered before Aiden got the chance. He didn’t know for sure, but he

expectedasmuch.

Brandon sat on the ground with Erik lying across his lap. Brandon rubbed Erik’s stomach as the

wolfsnuggledcloser.

“Itmustbeafreakingepidemic.Atleastthatexplainswhyhewouldn’tletmerunanytestsonhim

or turn Erik over to headquarters.” His dad started to laugh. “Mason was furious, but Brandon kept
saying he still needed time to question the kid. The heads of the hunter’s council don’t like to be
botheredunlesswehaveconcreteevidence.SoIneverreportedthatwehadyourbrotherincustody.”

Atthementionoftheotherman’snameAiden’sgazelandedonMason’spronebody.Heclearedhis

throat.“SpeakingofMason,whatarewegoingtodoabouthim?”Hepointedafingerathim.

“I’mgoingtotellheadquartersthatMasonattackedme,andIshothiminself-defense.Brandonwill

backmeuponit.”Helookedintheotherman’sdirection.“Theydidn’tgetalongtoowell,soI’msure
thereisnolovelostwithMasonbeinggone.Andifwhatyoutwosayittrue,Brandononlydidwhat
wasinhisinstincts,andthatwastoprotectErik.”Hisdadletoutalowwhistle.“Damn,talkabouta
weirdfuckingnight.”

“Won’tyougetintotrouble?”Aidendidn’twanttoseehimgotojail.
“Ah, no.” His dad waved off his concern. “Mason was a hothead who got into trouble regularly.

Headquarterswon’thaveahardtimebelievinghefinallysnappedandturnedononeofus.Trustme.”

Theysattherealittlelongerandtalked.Hisdadexplainedhowhe’dbeenahuntersincehewasin

college.Whileoutlateonenightwithafriendtheywereblindsidedandattacked.Aiden’sdadsurvived,
buthisfrienddidn’t.Itwasn’tlikeinthemovieswhereifapersongotbittentheybecameawerewolf.A
werewolfhadtobeborn.

While in the hospital he had been approached by some men who told him what exactly attacked

him. Since Aiden’s dad was attending school to become a veterinarian, they thought he’d be useful.
Theywantedhimtoruntestsonthewolvestolearnthesecretsthatgavethesepeopletheabilitytoshift
intoanotherform.Andwhobettertoruntestsonawolfthanaveterinarian?

Aidencouldn’tbelievehisfatherneversaidanythingtohimbeforenow.Beingawerewolfhunter

seemedlikeaprettybigfreakingdeal,butlikemostparents,hisdadhadonlybeentryingtoprotecthim
fromtheterriblethingsintheworld.ButhisdadadmittedafterspendingtimewithErik,hestartedto
question his path in life. Just because some werewolves went feral and attacked humans at random
didn’tmeanthewholelotwasbad.Itcouldbesaidthesameforhumansociety.Therewasbothgood
andbad.Itdidn’tmatterthespecies.

Whenhisdadaskedaboutwhathisimmediateplanswere,Aidentoldhimhewantedtofinishout

theholidaybreakwithDevon.Whiletherehewouldexplorehiscollegechoicesthatwereinthearea.
Aiden admitted he didn’t want to be separated from his mate, and as long as he finished his college
education, he was happy. His dad agreed and promised to still pay his tuition. Devon offered, but
Aiden’s dad said as Aiden’s father it was his right to provide for his son’s education, and he was
honoredtodoso.

“Areyoureallygoingtobeokaywiththis?”Aidenaskedashestoodup.
“Honestly? I’m not sure. It’ll take some getting used to, but you’re my son. I’d do anything for

you.” He let his dad pull him into a hug. “Plus I think it’s time for me to retire from the hunting
business.Ican’tverywellgohuntingmysonandhisboyfriend,nowcanI?”

“Thankyou,Dad.”Hegaveonemoresqueezetohisdadthenlethimgo.
His dad called for Brandon, and the big man whispered something in Erik’s ear then followed

Aiden’sdadoutofthewoods.Theyleftthebodybutpromisedsomeoftheirmenwouldbebytocollect
itinafewhoursandforAidenandDevontobelonggonebythen.

Erikstayedinwolfformastheyheadedbacktowardtheircar.Hisheadhunglow,andAidencould

sense his sadness. The young wolf wanted to be with his mate, but with Brandon being a hunter, and
Erikbeingunderage,theyhadsomeobstaclestoovercomefirst.

Whentheyfinallymadeitbacktothehouse,everyonewenttotheirrooms.It’dbeenalongday,and

emotionshadbeenrunninghigh.

Aiden followed Devon up to his room, and once the door was shut, he stripped off his clothes.

Devon followed suit then pulled back the blankets, and they climbed underneath and cuddled close
together.

“Ican’tbelieveyoujumpedinfrontofabulletforme.”DevonranhisfingersthroughAiden’shair

andplayedwiththesoftstrands.

“Youwouldhavedonethesameforme.”AidenrubbedhischeekagainstDevon’schestwherehis

headrested.

“Yes,Iwouldhave.Ijustdidn’tknowyouwerethatstrong.Itwasquiteimpressive.”
Aidenpushedupontohiselbowandstareddownathislover.“Youjustrememberthatthenexttime

youtrytotrademeoff,”heteased.

Devon shifted and with his fast-as-lightening reflexes, rolled Aiden under him. “Never again.

You’restuckwithme.”

“Ilovethatsoundofthat.”AidenwrappedhisarmsaroundDevon’sneckandpulledthemandown

untiltheirlipstouched.

Aiden knew, as one kiss led into another then another that when he looked back on how he and

Devonmet,he’dhaveonehellofastorytotell.Asimpletwistoffatebroughtthemtogether,butlove
wouldkeepthemtogether.

THEEND

WWW.AJJARRETT29.BLOGSPOT.COM

ABOUTTHEAUTHOR

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

romances, she has started writing her own stories for others to enjoy. She loves her characters to be
antagonistic toward one another but ultimately find their happy ever after. She believes love can be
foundinthecraziestofplacesandalittlehumoralongthewayneverhurt.Toher,there’snothingsexier
thantwomenfindingtheirsoulmateandfallinginlove.Whensheisn’tchasingaroundherkids,she
canbefoundsittingonthecouchwithhertrustedlaptopgivinglifetothevoicesinherhead.

ForalltitlesbyAJJarrett,pleasevisit

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